Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 25-05-2023

President Ali urges responsible use of social media amid national tragedy

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Top SEE PAGE 2 SEE PAGE 3 SEE PAGE 5 SEE PAGE 14

Electoral Reform: Several aspects of EU priority recommendations implemented

Guyana aims to double coconut production by 2025

York hospitals assisting with treatment of Mahdia fire survivors SEE PAGE 13 SEE PAGE 12

President, Dr Irfaan Ali, members of his cabinet and the diplomatic community on Wednesday visited Mahdia, Region Eight, for a flower-laying ceremony for the children who lost their lives in the secondary school’s dormitory fire on Sunday (Office of the President photos)

President Ali urges responsible use of social media amid national tragedy - calls for national unity, compassion

IN a heartfelt address to the nation early Wednesday morning, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali called for the responsible use of social media during this period of national mourning and for support to be shown the families and children affected by the devastating Mahdia school dormitory fire.

With a sombre tone, President Ali acknowledged the power of social media as a tool for communication, but stressed the importance of adhering to guidelines and rules.

“I am urging all Guyanese to desist from self-analysis, from reviewing timelines in the stories of all these girls, and from analysing the life story of all of these girls at this time. There is a time and place for everything. Let us focus on using social media for motivational quotes, prayers, inspirational songs, uplifting messages and not an opportunity to theories and come up with (your) own

theories on these beautiful children’s lives,” the Head of State said.

He urged national responsibility and respect for the families, teachers, and the community.

President Ali emphasised that this was a time to prioritise the well-being of the affected families and children over personal opinions.

“Yes, we are a very opinionated society. We all have opinions on what is right and wrong and what should and should not be done, but as I said before, myself and government, as far as possible, will fulfil the wishes and desires of the children and their families," President Ali said.

He added, "This is a time for national responsibility, collective responsibility, and seeking your help and assistance in ensuring that we use social media in a responsible way," as he assured the nation that his government is committed to consulting with the families and involving them

in decision-making processes.

The President called for unity and emphasised prioritising the families, children, teachers, and the community above personal opinions and desires.

He implored the nation to demonstrate compassion and respect through uplifting messages, motivational quotes, prayers, and inspirational songs.

"Let us put our opinions and desires for once in the backseat and put these families and these children in the front seat as the priority of our nation at this time," President Ali urged.

Highlighting the challenges faced by the affected families, President Ali reminded the nation of the remote locations and limited resources in the hinterland villages where many of them reside.

He stressed the importance of supporting them in their communities and respecting their views and opinions.

"Many of them have lost a major part of their families. They have different circumstances to go back to. We want to support them in those circumstances," the President emphasised.

President Ali assured the nation that the government is committed to fulfilling the wishes and desires of the affected children and their families, working closely with them to understand their needs and provide the necessary support.

He also shared that the Weill Cornell MedicineBurn Center, through the support of Mount Sinai Laboratory in New York, will support the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation to provide specialised medical supplies and attention to those in need.

"This is not a short-term agenda; it will be months and even years ahead of support that we must give them as a people," President Ali declared, stressing the long-term commitment required to aid the affected families.

The President expressed gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and support from the nation, acknowledging its tremendous impact on the

affected families.

He recognised that the children and their families would return to distant, isolated villages, where neighbourly support and communication services are scarce.

"We have this collective responsibility to show our love and support to these families, these children, and these communities," he urged.

President Ali concluded his address by assuring the nation that the government, the people, and the entire country would stand by the affected families for as long as it takes.

He reiterated the need

for unity and compassion during this trying time, urging everyone to prioritise the well-being and wishes of the families affected by the tragedy.

On Tuesday evening, a National Candlelight Vigil was held at the Umana Yana in Georgetown, drawing together survivors recently discharged from the hospital and their beloved family members.

The event honoured and commemorated those who had experienced harrowing ordeals, offering solace and support in the face of their shared struggles.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali with one of the victims of the tragic fire at the vigil on Tuesday

Better salaries, more benefits guaranteed for all workers

- President Ali affirms; says more opportunities for work being created in all sectors

By Trina Williams

NUMEROUS persons in Guyana are opting for temporary employment despite multiple long-term job openings here. This is due to the fact that people no longer place much value on work; thus, it is crucial to rekindle their understanding of these ideas.

This was according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali while delivering his address at the Twelfth Subregional ILO Meeting of Caribbean Labour Ministers opening at the Guyana Marriot Hotel on Tuesday.

“Social justice is not about creating the framework for existing workers alone. It is about how globally we are intaking collective responsibility for the workforce now and in the future,” the President said, adding that climate financ-

ing, concessional financing, grants and even food security are facing significant hits.

Moreover, President Ali then asked the dignitaries how the Caribbean community could combat these challenges. He stated: “Many of them [the citizens] prefer to be temporary workers because we have built a culture in the region that needs to change.”

He said, "Recruiters and I can give you their experience here in Guyana. If you drive around, you will see vacancies everywhere for people by construction companies. Every day we have projects held up because they cannot find people.

Government implementation is affected, private sector delivery is affected…”

Stressing that the labour framework within the Caribbean region needs to be changed, the President said

that Guyana has already taken steps to make this happen. He voiced that the Government of Guyana is working towards making tertiary education free, expanding the technical vocational education training and building an international hospitality centre training institute.

He said, “We [the Government of Guyana] are now providing the facilities and the technology for all our teachers to become trained teachers in the next three years. Every single teacher in Guyana will be a trained teacher. Tremendous investment, but necessary investment. We are building a framework of benefits and salary that allow us to retain our workers.”

He then went on to remark: “As the world faces its own labour challenge, we in the Caribbean find

ourselves in a position that we are investing for those who can pay higher,” adding that the Caribbean, as a result of the pandemic, has now become a “recruitment ground,” even though many of the nations invest their public resources to train their citizens.

“I see every single day special migration programmes and policies developed to target the highly skilled workers of our region. We cannot afford the type of salaries that will keep them,” he disclosed.

The President then posed the question of how social justice interplays with all of this, to which he told the audience: “Social justice is not only about the country's responsibility, it's about the world's responsibility. It's about the responsibility of the citizens to themselves.”

- plans in place to deploy more women into workforce

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan

Ali says eliminating the stereotype that women are just caregivers is on top of Guyana’s agenda and should be for the entire Caribbean.

In Guyana, the government is empowering women by supporting and providing them with the resources they need to start their businesses and by fostering an amiable and conducive work environment for them.

Also, women are also being granted the opportunity to undergo Information and Communications Technology (ICT) training.

The President made these remarks while delivering his address at Tuesday's opening of the 12th Subregional ILO Meeting of Caribbean Labour Ministers at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

According to him: “We are aggressively building out call centres shells in every single region and

seeking international players to come in and to use those skills to create employment,” adding that these are being constructed as a means of enticing businesses, which will, in turn, employ thousands of women who are not currently in the workforce, boost household incomes, and increase disposable money.

He also emphasised the need for specific questions

to be addressed, such as how the Caribbean community should use its platform to develop a shared opportunity through innovation and technology, employ women in the workforce, and increase household incomes.

The President noted that the Caribbean region “has the capacity and capability in providing a platform through which we can offer

global education services in key areas like tourism.”

Furthermore, touching on the importance of not only strengthening democratic institutions, but also the rule of law, the Head of State said that these components are key in enabling people to live in a free, open, and democratic society, one driven by the free expression of the will of the people.

On the other hand, in providing a futuristic Guyana, he said: “We're building sports facilities, smart hubs, Internet hubs in the vast hinterland of our country, so that people, every single person, will have access to education and training opportunities.”

Apart from this, immense work is being placed into the ‘25 by 2025’ goal and in ensuring food security, the G overnment of Guyana is investing in young people and women to be part of this agenda.

According to the President: "These con-

ferences must not be bound only by externalities. These conferences must be shaped by your own realities. We must pose the questions, and we must advance our agenda in the region. In this region, we, too, have priorities. We, too, have an agenda. We, too, have citizens. We, too, have realities. We, too, have circumstances,” he asserted, explaining that it is time for the Caribbean to utilize these forums to advance their priorities and causes.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali delivering his feature address (Delano Williams Photo)

Eliminating stereotype of women as caregivers a top priority

$62M health post for Eteringbang, Region Seven

ETERINGBANG, Re-

gion Seven residents will soon benefit from improved access to healthcare services with the construction of a community health post.

The health post will be constructed at an estimated cost of $62 million, and bids for the facility's construction are now open.

This is in keeping with the government’s mandate to ensure equitable access to healthcare services countrywide.

Contractors must submit bids with a valid Compliance Certificate from the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Compliance Certificate from the General Manager of the National Insurance Scheme, a valid VAT certificate (if applicable), and business registration.

Bids must be submitted and deposited at the

National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Ministry of Finance, Main and Urquhart Streets, Georgetown, no later than Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

The government allocated over $667 million in budget 2023 to further develop Region Seven in the areas of health, education, water service, and infrastructure.

Several health facilities are expected to be upgraded in the region as well.

A new state-of-the-art hospital will also be con-

Tourism Development: Colin Edwards receives Hall of Fame Lifetime Award

COLIN Edwards of Rock View Lodge has received the Hall of Fame Lifetime Award for contributing to tourism development in the Rupununi and Guyana.

The award was presented to Edwards at the recent Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) President’s Awards Dinner and Auction.

structed in the township of Bartica. Meanwhile, residents of Chesney, along the Corentyne Coast; Gangaram, East Canje and Mara, East Bank Berbice, Region Six will benefit from improved access to healthcare services with the construction of three new health centres.

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony speaking at an event recently noted that these facilities will complement the existing three health centres in the region.

The government remains dedicated to improving healthcare services for citizens nationwide.

THAG’s President, Harrinand Persaud, explained that the award is given to an individual, icon, group of two or more people, or a company for aiding in enhancing Guyana’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

The individual must have made a substantial and sustained contribution to leadership and service in the country’s hospitality and tourism industry and have been involved for ten or more years.

Edwards has owned and operated the Rock View Lodge and the Oasis at Annai, Region Nine, serving the industry for over three decades.

Upon receiving the

award, Edwards thanked his colleagues for their continued support.

“I want to thank our dear president for his vision for tourism in Guyana. We have an incredible future once we get it right, and with the support of the public sector [and] the private sector will help to make it happen. I cannot fail to thank my family and friends for all their support,” Edwards said.

He expressed his vision for sustainable community and economic activities.

“Our people have to survive and they survive on catching wildlife, bleeding balata, and lum-

bering. We, in our humble way, love sharing our happiness and hospitality with our guests,” Edwards added.

Other members of the association were also awarded including Kenneth Shivdyal for Best Tour Guide, Cara Lodge for Hotel of the Year, and Wilderness Explorers for tour operator of the year.

The ceremony also recognised the achievements of individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the tourism industry in Guyana.

Colin Edwards of Rock View Lodge receives his Hall of Fame Lifetime Award

Several aspects of EU priority recommendations implemented

By Tamica Garnett

AMENDMENTS to Representation of the People Act (ROPA), the National Registration Act, and the tabling of the Data Protection Bill have represented significant work on some of the critical priority areas in the electoral reform recommendations that was made in the Final Report by the European Observation Mission that appraised Guyana’s 2020 Regional and General Elections.

However, much work remains to be done on campaign financing limitations and disclosure, use of state assets, and equity in the state media coverage.

This is according to a group of electoral experts from the European Union (EU) currently in Guyana assessing progress made on the 26 recommendations made in the Final Report.

Chief of Mission of the group is a member of the European Parliament, Javier Nart, while the team also includes Team Leader-Electoral Analyst, Alexander Matus and Legal Expert, Anne Malborough.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, Matus noted that, by early July, the delegation is expected to publish a detailed final report on their assessment of the progress made on implementing the 26 recommendations. However, he was keen to note that some of the recommendations cannot be implemented at this time.

“The mission will publish the final report in about one month’s time [after completing the assessment]. In the final report, we will have a detailed assessment of all 26 recommendations, which will be categorised into several categories such as ‘fully implemented’, ‘partially implemented’, ‘activity ongoing’, there would be another category for ‘too early in the elections cycle to determine’ because there are some recommendations which can only be assessed shortly before elections period itself. You cannot assess it at such an early time,” Matus related.

Of the 26 recommendations listed in the 2020 final report, eight were classified as priority areas. Of these

eight, significant progress has been made in four of the areas, with two being fully implemented through provisions in amendments made last year to ROPA and the NRA.

“One dealt with the clear tabulation. This has been taken care of by one of the provisions in the ROPA [which outlines] very clear written procedures on how to tabulate the results of the elections from step one to the final announcement of the results,” Matus related.

“Second priority recommendation called for increased transparency in the result process, namely to publish the Statement of Polls as soon as possible on GEOCM website, which has also been addressed because the new law requires the Returning Officers to immediately on receipt of the SOPs make them publicly available on the GECOM website. These are two priority recommendations which are addressed in full.”

Other recommendations which have been partially addressed include increasing the continuous voter registration aspect.

“This is being addressed by the National Registration Amendment Act which extends the period during which people can register for the first time or make changes. According to the new provision, GECOM of-

uncertainty; as such the report said that there is a need to “review and consolidate the fragmented election legislation to strengthen legal clarity and certainty”.

Malborough shared that, in conversations with the government, it was noted that moves are actually being made to address this.

(IACAC).

For Nart, he believes that better regulations on campaign financing should be a high priority, with emphasis on spending limitations and donor clarity.

“What comes with financing is accountability.

It is very very important.

The team trod with caution on controversial elections matters such as the use of biometrics for voting, and how the country should deal with the voters’ list, particularly concerning the need for provisions for Guyanese who are overseas to still be able to register and vote.

fices are open to the public ten months per year,” Matus said.

“The other recommendation where we see some progress is the recommendation suggesting the adoption of the Data Protection Act. And we are aware that the Data Protection Bill was recently tabled by the government in the National Assembly, and there is a call for comments and submissions to comment on the law.”

Legal Expert, Anne Malborough, noted that another area where the government is also making moves to address recommendations is the consolidation of the election laws.

In the EU final report, the second recommendation, and first priority recommendation, noted that the fragmented nature of laws surrounding elections in Guyana created significant inconsistencies and legal

“We were told that the project is now underway by the government. There is a project underway to consolidate the law. A professional company is trying to group together the laws so that they are harmononised,” Malborough shared.

However, both Malborough and Nart noted the need for provisions from global conventions to be incorporated into domestic legislation, which was the first recommendation made in the 2020 report. This includes provisions from the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), International Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and their Families (ICRMW), United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Inter-American Convention against Corruption

When a party goes to election and have no limit of spending it is like running against a rabbit, against someone on feet. Who is going to win? Of course, the rabbit. We have to have an equal playing field, so the spending has to have a limit,” Nart conveyed.

“Also important is who is giving this money. Companies and society are based on business and business means profit. When financing is dark, you don't know who is financing. And {without limitations] the level is you can spend as much as you can. Accountability and limiting the spending, this is absolutely capital to have a quality in elections day.”

Nart also cautioned against the abuse of state assets for matters relating to the political party and better media monitoring.

“You cannot work anything without good faith, political will and trust. The decisions that have to be taken it’s not for anyone to say how much can I get from this, but how much inclusiveness and stability we can get from our camaraderie,” Nart noted.

Wednesday’s press conference came one day after the team would’ve had had a round table discussion with 30 stakeholders. The team would have been in Guyana since May 7 carrying out surveys and investigations and is expected to remain in Guyana for another 10 days.

The team has been meeting with members of the governing political party as well as the main political opposition, Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), civil society and other related stakeholders.

The EU Experts, Chief of Mission and Member of the European Parliament, Javier Nart (centre), Team Leader-Electoral Analyst, Alexander Matus (right) and Legal Expert, Anne Malborough (Adrian Narine photo)

A Global Responsibility

SOCIAL justice remains an elusive goal for many nations, particularly those in the developing world where economic disparities, systemic inequalities, and marginalisation of vulnerable populations persist.

As a global community, it is crucial that we recognise the urgent need to prioritise social justice in developing countries.

By doing so, we can foster equitable societies that uphold human dignity, empower marginalised communities, and pave the way for sustainable development.

Developed nations have a significant role to play in this endeavour, and their

contributions are vital for driving positive change on a global scale.

In his address at the Twelfth Subregional International Labour Organisation (ILO) Meeting of Caribbean Labour Ministers at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on Tuesday, President, Dr Irfaan Ali said that 53 per cent or four billion persons in the global population are not covered in a socialprotection programme.

“Studies have shown that one per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) investment of socialprotection 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.

Developed nations bear a moral obligation to support social-justice efforts in developing coun-

tries. Their greater access to resources, technology, and expertise places them in a unique position to make a meaningful impact.

Developed nations can allocate a significant portion of their foreign-aid budgets to support programmes and initiatives aimed at promoting social justice. By providing financial assistance, they can help bridge the resource gap and enable developing countries to invest in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation.

Those nations also possess valuable expertise in areas such as governance, law enforcement, healthcare, and education.

They can actively engage in knowledge-transfer programmes, training initiatives, and capacity-building exercises to empower individuals and institutions in developing countries. This would enhance their ability to address social injustice effectively.

Further, the developed world could engage in partnerships and collaborations with international organizations, NGOs, and civil society groups working towards social justice in developing countries. They can also advocate for policy changes that address systemic inequalities and promote human rights, both domestically and internationally,

among many other things. The pursuit of social justice, however, is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all nations, particularly developed countries.

By prioritising social justice in developing countries, we can create a more equitable world that upholds the rights and dignity of all individuals. Developed nations must recognise their role in fostering positive change and take concrete action to support social-justice initiatives.

Let us embrace this responsibility and work together to create a brighter, more just future for all.

Judges/magistrates’ rulings are not exempt from scrutiny, criticisms

Dear Editor,

The recent criticisms by Guyana’s Attorney General Hon. Anil Nandlall and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo regarding a magistrate’s and a judge’s ruling in two separate public interest cases, respectively, have re-ignited a debate on whether it is acceptable to criticise judges/magistrates’ rulings, and even the trial process.

It is my considered view that judges/magistrates’ rulings should be subject to scrutiny and criticisms, but must be devoid of disparaging or

distasteful remarks about the judicial officers.

Concerning whether it is right or wrong to criticise the court’s rulings, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, SC recently rebuked Dr Jagdeo for criticising the decision of Justice Sandil Kissoon who ruled that Exxon’s affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) “is in breach of its permit, which requires “unlimited” insurance protection in the event of an oil spill.”

Noting that Mr. Ralph Ramkarran had also criticised the NCM related ruling of the Caribbean Court

of Justice in September 2019, Dr Jagdeo wondered if Mr. Ramkarran has made a U-turn!

Mr. Ramkarran wrote:

“Its (CCJ) “timid and ineffectual” decision has intensified the constitutional chaos in Guyana. High Court cases are now being brought for orders and declarations that the CCJ ought to have made.”

He continued: “Criticising judges and courts in far sharper language than mine, is quite an accepted activity in normal countries.”

Disappointed with Judge Kissoon’s ruling, Dr

Jagdeo expressed the view that the judiciary is treading in murky waters by directing a regulatory agency on how to do its job, and setting a timeframe on when it should complete certain orders.

There appears to be some tension between the judiciary and the executive, and this is based partly on differing ideological approaches to analysing issues.

There is the School of Judicial Restraint (where judges should only interpret the law, decipher legislators’ intentions, and not make laws). The other

is the School of Judicial Activism (where judges go beyond offering interpretations and tend to make laws).

Mr. Nandlall was accused by the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) for criticising the ruling of a magistrate in a case involving the former Finance Minister Mr. Winston Jordan, who allegedly sold a Georgetown (Waterfront) state property valued at US$40 million for US$100,000.

Mr. Nandlall states: “I resolutely maintain that I am entitled to express such a view, and that the same

falls within the bounds of permissible criticism countenanced by law.”

He cited Lord Atkin who in 1936 posited: “But whether the authority and position of an individual judge or the due administration of justice is concerned, no wrong is committed by any member of the public who exercises the ordinary right of criticising in good faith in private or public; the public act done in the seat of justice...... Justice is not a cloistered virtue...”

Mr. Nandlall and Dr Jagdeo, two key government policymakers, ex -

A message of sympathy, love and compassion for Mahdia fire victims

Dear Editor, I write to express my deep sense of shock, sorrow, and grief over the loss of lives in that terrible tragedy at Mahdia. Those affected by this tragedy are in my thoughts and prayers.

I am deeply saddened by the deliber-

ately set fire that took the lives of 19 children and injured several other students. The disaster has also disrupted lives in the entire community, if not the entire nation.

It is incomprehensible that innocent youngsters could be the victims of such a senseless arson.

I extend love and

compassion to all who have suffered from this very sad and disturbing event. I join the government and others in mourning the dead, and praying for the recovery of the burnt victims and those psychologically affected. I thank the government for rendering all assistance to

Judges/magistrates’ rulings...

FROM PAGE 6

ercised their free speech right in two matters of significant public interest.

They know that a cardinal principle of democracy is freedom of expression/ speech, subject to restrictions such as invasion of privacy, public safety, national security, obscenity, hate speech, and slander/ defamation, but they must exercise their fiduciary right to protect and defend the state’s interests.

The Guyana constitution, Article 146 (1) affords them this right. “Except with his or her own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her freedom of expression....” Article 146 (1).

Nowhere in the Guyana constitution do judges/ magistrates’ rulings fall into the restrictive categories.

In the bastion of democracy, the US, any citizen, scholar, or the media can criticise judicial proceedings at any stage in the process, including rulings.

The power of free speech is captured in the first Amendment to the US constitution: "Congress shall make no law… abridging the freedom of speech."

In Guyana, freedom of expression/speech relative to the judiciary has been partly restricted by the non-constitutional “sub judice” rule (by which a citizen or the media are not allowed to criticise the process of a trial). Not -

withstanding, executive policymakers have shown a willingness to exercise their free speech rights and criticise judges/magistrates’ rulings.

Some of us still treat the judiciary as a divine-like institution to be viewed with “awe.” This is a colonial relic and should be devoid of its “sacrosanct’ nature.

Citizens, the media, and policymakers asserting their free speech right, do in no way undermine the judiciary’s work or detract from its role in the administration of justice.

Furthermore, all the branches of government, including the judiciary, should not stifle citizens’ freedom of expression/ speech and demonstrate that sovereignty indeed belongs to the people.

The evolution of the administration of justice has been impacted by the growing need for fair play, transparency, and accountability as well as new forms of social and economic relations.

The rule of law must, therefore, be relevant and aligned to changing social reality and national development needs. We cannot make old laws and customs the foundation for a new social development any more than the old laws and customs created the old social conditions.

Sincerely,

Dr Tara Singh

the victims and their families.

While feeling and expressing grief and sorrow, there is also anger within me that keys to open escape doors were not easily accessible for emergency situations like fires or flooding.

Lives could have been spared had the caretakers been more responsible in their handling of this kind of emergency, and if there

were dress rehearsals or drills of what to do during such calamities. There were several fires recently in several parts of Guyana; lives were lost.

The country should have learned from them. Caretakers should have been better prepared for fire disasters as well as other emergencies. A fire or a natural disaster can happen anytime and anywhere.

Fire drills should be

a regular occurrence at all dwellings for students, etc…, as is routinely done in developed countries. I really hope much is learnt from this latest tragedy.

The government should immediately hold drills at all government buildings including schools and tertiary institutions on how to escape fires and other disasters.

Yours truly, Vishnu

Bisram

Candlelight vigil held at Leonora to mourn country’s significant loss

Dear Editor,

As an entire nation mourns for the Mahdia tragedy, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali led a candlelight vigil in Georgetown to pay homage to the young ones who lost their lives tragically.

Similar exercises were conducted in other parts of the country, and Region Three was no different.

The D1 Division Community Policing was not to be left out and they organised a similar event in the President’s village, Leonora. Hundreds turned out to

join Region Three police, the members from various CPGs, officers from the RDC, NDCs and CDCs, and other invited guests.

A number of speakers, including the RDC Vice Chairman, Omesh Satyadeo; Chris Ganesh, Chairman for the D1 Division; community

activist, Jai Lall and others, addressed the large crowd and expressed their love, sympathies and condolences to the members of the bereaved families and those who also survived.

Well known national Indian singer, Gautam Persaud rendered a soul searching

Mohamed Rafi song in a tribute.

Present was Ms. Edwards, a relative of one of the victims. She expressed her thanks for all of the President’s initiatives for providing help and assistance at this moment of need and for all his comforting reassurances.

She also thanked the organisers for arranging the vigil. It was a touching moment as many openly shed tears as they lit their candles.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall.

Henry Jeffrey brings Naipaul and Fanon alive for the wrong reasons

Dear Editor,

In a recent letter in Kaieteur News (5/21/2023), Dr. Henry Jeffrey fired off a long and emotional outburst about oppression, a performance that in my view, brings to life V.S. Naipaul’s essay on

power (in the Overcrowded Barracoon). It also begs the psychoanalytic work of Frantz Fanon.

Although the piece begins by invoking Aristotle, there is little evidence of “political science” in it. Instead, readers are subjected to a litany

of predictable talking points associated with that electoral deadbeat, the WPA.

Instead of Aristotle, the one-time ardent supporter of the PPP, should have more properly begun his remonstrations with Tacuma Ogunseye. It should also be noted that

Fanon had rejected Aristotle as useful in the analysis of colonial domination.

V.S. Naipaul was critical of Afro-Caribbean political rhetoric because of the tendency towards style and performance. Grand performance that is! Performance such as the speeches delivered by L.F.S. Burnham.

Like Mr. Burnham, the letter under consideration here is built around idiomatic expressions of historical suffering, all the while ignoring the author’s own highly active participation in government, the latter now offered up as a sacrificial lamb.

I have always insisted that slavery was more than an economic crime. It was also a crime against humanity, and worse, a crime that denied humanity. It was a systematically organised and executed machinery of racial power that obliterated peoples, communities, selves, and a great deal of the future.

Yes, I agree. But one must also be mindful of Frantz Fanon’s warning, if indeed that is what it was. Fanon wrote: “I will not make myself the man of the past. I do not want to sing the past to the detriment of my present and my future” (Black Skin: White Masks, 1952).

Fanon, the revolutionary psychiatrist, obviously knew well the temptations of power he had found in many, an aspiring leader. And one way or another, all of us in this land need to talk about Fanon’s construction of personal identity outside of the guarantee of absolution embodied in narratives of oppression.

He put it thus – “in no way does my basic vocation have to be drawn from the past of peoples of color” (1952, 201).

These must have been incredibly difficult words for Fanon. These were words that

must have allowed him to break free from a consciousness, a state of mind, which had “hemmed” him in for so long. It would be wrong to universalise Fanon’s own “deliverance.”

But unlike Fanon’s courageous exit from the past in service of his own renewal, the letter under consideration here is a perfect illustration of a refusal to take history in your own hands. Instead, history is simply a permanent alibi, always available, always there to be used and abused whenever the occasion demands it.

The following quotation from that letter highlights how past oppression (through colonisation and slavery) is used symbolically in the present, to serve the politics of the present.

Here is the quote: “[t] he colonialists may have felt the moral compulsion to behave secretly but today, more entrenched than ever in our ethnic quarrel, the PPP has thrown such caution to the wind: ‘good life’ for all is a forlorn hope.”

And again “[i]t is most unlikely that nearly 200 years after the abolition of slavery, the successors of those free men will in any substantial number allow the PPP’s blatant attempt at vote buying to cause them to relinquish that freedom that was so dearly won.”

Well, Dr Jeffrey himself did more than vote for the PPP/C. He was a PPP/C man for 16 years! He ran more than one ministry and had the power to bring about change.

The social forces that he now supports had state power for five years recently and if they were successful at their grand rigging attempt they would still been there. Before 1992, the ones that Dr Jeffrey claims are oppressed, had state power for 28 years.

In other words, the comrades that are being represented as oppressed had power for 33 years, and when they didn’t, they had Dr. Henry Jeffrey in office, at the highest level, for 16 years. I doubt that 200 years after slavery, Afro-Guyanese in Georgetown would not see the utter absurdity offered to them.

There is a lot in the letter about the distribution of contracts. Two things are important here. Firstly, no one should be surprised that there is a shortage of Afro-Guyanese contractors. The shortage is in part due to intellectuals in that community, and especially from the WPA and the old PNC, which have for decades raged against business.

They associate business with exploitation of economic accumulation. They tell young people that business is evil that they should instead aim for a decent job in the public service, or the professions.

Secondly, it is necessary here to repeat what I said to Mr. Nigel Hughes in a previous letter. If you know of any cases of discrimination against Afro-Guyanese contractors then take the matter to court.

We have a good judicial system and relief can be sought. I would further like to know what Dr Jeffrey did during his 16 years in high office to solve any of the problems he think exists. For those who do not know, Dr Jeffrey’s performance was such that he was no longer entertained in the Jagdeo administration.

I close with some words from Naipaul that seem relevant to the letter I have engaged – “Opportunism or borrowed jargon may [be used to] define phantom enemies…”

Sincerely

Dr. Randolph Persaud

Gov’t eyes end of July for replacement of ‘span nine’

BY THE end of July, the government is considering the replacement of Span Nine’ of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) which will cost an estimated

$1.2 billion.

On Wednesday, DHB’s General Manager, Wayne Watson told the Department of Public Information (DPI), that the recommended re -

placement time for Span Nine based on the tide is between July 24 and 29. Watson noted that the final approval from the ministerial level is still pending.

Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase announces service recruitment drive for local businesses

THE Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Inc. (VEHSI) will have a service recruitment drive this Saturday at the Lenora Secondary School at 13:00 hours, according to the Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), Halim Khan.

VEHSI, he said is seeking locally registered entities that can offer services such as meals catering, CCTV setup and operations, water taxi and shuttle, bulk tank fuel services, legal, office supplies, industrial pumps, pest control, rigging and lifting, heavy-duty equipment transportation, engineering, grass cutting and landscaping, among a long list of other needed services.

Khan said interested companies or individuals are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) along with

contact person’s information, organisation structure, physical business address, past work experience of similar nature and references, vat registration (where applicable), certificate of incorporation (or equivalent) and tax identification number certificate.

“Potential vendors who wish to participate are required to submit all documentation to the email address pm@nrguyana.com while the email title needs to

contain the reference name and the number of services that can be offered. The due date for EOI Submission is May 29, 2023,” Khan noted.

VEHSI is a joint venture between NRG Holdings Inc. a Guyanese consortium of majority locally-owned businesses — Hadi’s World Incorporated, National Hardware Guyana Limited, ZRN Investments Incorporated, and Jan De Nul Group for the development of Vreed-enHoop Shore base Inc.

Port Vreed-en-Hoop, Khan said will be Guyana's first modem, deep water, multi-purpose port in Foreshore Plantation, West Bank Demerara. The port is expected to have a significant positive economic impact on the lives of community residents and Guyana.

However, preparations are well underway, with all other necessary components in place and the loading process already in progress.

Further, Watson is urging commuters and residents to support this endeavour, while awaiting official approval.

“We are going to be asking the commuters to support this venture

for us to take out the old span, so the bridge could be a little more operational in terms of retraction, and also the width of the channel will be restored to its original dimension,” he said.

The successful execution of this project requires co-operation and understanding from citizens as it may cause temporary disruptions

in regular commuting patterns.

Meanwhile, the replacement of Span Nine will improve the bridge’s retractability, thereby ensuring smoother navigation for vessels passing through.

The logistics for the replacement project is also being meticulously planned to ensure a smooth transition, as the groundwork is being laid for the forthcoming construction phase as trucks unload the necessary materials onto the storage area.

The government recognises the significance of efficient execution and is committed to minimising any disruptions caused during this critical stage.

R3PSInc Head, Halim Khan

General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, Wayne Watson

Thank you Clive Thomas for now joining me!

TO those names that I have left out, I apologise because I did not know about your stance. To date only five persons (outside of governmental circles) have publicly condemned the advocacy of some politically driven, unpatriotic minds that want Guyana to reject oil production because they say the fossil fuel industry is not climate friendly.

The first person to do so is civil society activist Jonathan Yearwood. His stance took the form of a direct rejection of the call by Dr Janet Bulkan who contacted the OAS on the issue. Gerry Gouveia said on the Gildarie-Freddie Kissoon Show that the word asinine is too soft a word to describe such advocacy. Kit Nascimento on a different occasion, on the same show, used the word, “absurd.”

The other two personali-

ties are financial analyst Joel Bhagwandin and Professor Randolph Persaud, presidential adviser. In a forthcoming column, I will take up a horrible complaint Dr Persaud told to me yesterday (Tuesday) about his mistreatment by the private media.

In my take on the people who have called for the cessation of oil production, I have used class analysis to assess where they are coming from. Last Monday in this newspaper, I resorted to class analysis once more in looking at the class prejudice on this stratum. I will take the argument to its logical conclusion in my Sunday column.

In the November 13 issue of the Stabroek News, a letter appeared demanding that the government discontinue oil production. The signatures used the word, ‘immediate.”

A total of 45 persons signed the missive. The

list included the two Vieira sisters, Danuta and Vanda Radzig, the Red Thread organization, the Amerindian People’s Association and a few other persons whose anti-Indian and anti-PPP biases are well known.

I haven’t done the research, so I don’t know if Red Thread and the Amerindian People’s Association did a poll among women and Amerindians to ascertain if Guyana should immediately cease oil production

Out of those 45 signatures, 12 were persons who migrated a long time ago from Guyana with a few being Guyanese, but never lived in Guyana. All of the 12 currently live in countries where the economy is intricately connected with the oil industry.

These are the 12 persons:

1 – Dr Janet Bulkan serves the University of Brit-

ish Columbia.

2- Dr Alissa Trotz serves the University of Toronto

3- Dr Nigel Westmaas serves Hamilton College in New York

4- Dr Maya Trotz serves the University of South Florida

5 - Isabelle DeCaires lives in her homeland of the UK where her son plays cricket in the county championship for Middlesex.

6 – Abyssinian Carto is of Rastafari orientation and lives in New York. He left Guyana a very long time ago.

7- Dr Cary Gildarie lives in New York. He left Guyana years now.

8 – Terry Roopnaraine lives in his homeland of the UK. He may be nearing his 50s.

9 – Pauline Melville moved to the UK since the early 1950s.

10 – Alma O’Connell lives in Canada

11 – Christina Samaroo moved to New York in 2008

12 – Luke Daniels lives

Frederick Kissoon

in the UK

I am not going to mention children and family members who live in the developed world. Finally, Clive Thomas had added his voice in denunciation of what he says are members of the middle class who want Guyana to come out of oil production.

You have to listen to Professor Thomas. He sounded like me in his denunciation of the middle class for the use of narrow class interests. It was an acerbic rejection of the middle class position on the oil industry.

Here are two words he used to describe the attitude of people who want Guyana to stop oil production –“crass inhumanity.” He based his contempt of these people and the class to which they belong on three points.

(1)-The income from the oil industry is crucial for the elimination of poverty and

the eradication of poverty should be uppermost in the minds of all Guyanese. (2)The middle class cannot call for the removal of the oil industry when the lives of the middle class are replete with resources that come from the oil industry. (3) You cannot ask Guyana alone to save the environment.

I listened and watched Thomas making his points and I was relieved that at last I have someone on my side that is not a supporter of the government denouncing the wild, foolish, wealthy, unpatriotic fools that want Guyana to leave oil production. It is still beyond imagination to think that Guyana can produce such minds. My email is fredkissoon@ yahoo.com. Email me and I will send you the interview with Thomas. See tomorrow.

High Court jumper found guilty of choking woman — acquitted on rape charge

Warren George, the bodybuilder in the viral video caught jumping from over the courthouse bannister in a daring escape- was found not guilty of rape on Wednesday.

However, the jury found him guilty of choking the victim during the assault. He will be sentenced on June 26 for this crime.

George was on trial before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court.

He had denied the two charges, which alleged that, on June 12, 2020, he allegedly raped and assaulted the 22-year-old, causing actual bodily harm to her.

The jury returned with their verdicts on Wednesday afternoon after deliberating for two hours.

According to reports, George and the victim are ex-lovers and lived together. On the day in question,

the victim went to George’s home for her belongings.

However, a confrontation allegedly ensued after the man saw someone named “My Love” calling the woman’s cell phone.

The State case is that George choked the woman and then proceeded to rape her for almost two hours inside the home. However, George denied raping the woman and claimed that the sex was

consensual.

Earlier this month, George went viral after escaping police custody at the court under the guise of using the washroom.

During the court hearing on May 16, George requested to use the restroom and was accompanied by a police officer. However, upon his return, overwhelmed by nervousness, he impulsively jumped off the court’s corridor to the ground floor, successfully escaping from custody.

To everyone’s surprise, George voluntarily returned to court the following day, explaining his actions were a mistake.

Considering the gravity of the situation, Justice Singh decided to revoke George’s bail, and he was remanded into custody.

Warren George

Women’s Progressive Organisation marks 70 years of existence

The following is a statement issued by the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) on its 70th anniversary:

SEVENTY years ago on May 27, 1953, the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) was formed, catering to the socio-economic and political needs of women, while Guyana was still under colonial rule.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) was successful in its struggle for Universal Adult Suffrage, whereby Guyanese were allowed to vote for the government of their choice on April 27, 1953, irrespective of their education or economic status.

According to veteran trade unionist and one of the four founding members of the PPP, Ashton Chase, in his publication titled “133 Days towards Freedom in Guyana: “This day will remain evergreen in the memory of many of us. On this day, several thousands of Guianese quietly, but resolutely, struck a fierce blow at the forces of imperialism.

“In a clear and decisive manner, the people expressed confidence in the People’s Progressive Party. They elected us, because of the militant stand which our party has taken on matters affecting the working class. Our party was strong and its unity unshakeable. We had brought together for the first time politically, the two major racial groups in this country, the people of Indian and African origins. Above all, we presented a dynamic programme.”

Another important factor is that in August 1944, Mrs Janet Jagan had taken up issues of women in a letter to the Daily Argosy in which she called on women to come forward and participate in the affairs of the country, which led to the formation of the Women’s Political and Economic Organisation in 1946, the precursor of the WPO.

It was no surprise that three women were elected to the Legislative Council in 1953 when the PPP won 18 out of 24 seats. Even more significant was that one of the three women, Mrs Janet Jagan, was elected Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Council, the first woman

in the world to hold such a position at that time.

One month after that decisive electoral victory in 1953, the WPO was formed on May 27 by Jessica Huntley, Jane Philips Gay, Janet Jagan and Ms Auckland.

Its mission statement was: “The WPO stands for a better educated woman who can bring up her children in surroundings of security; it stands for the raising of our living standards and it stands for peace and friendship among the peoples of the world and for the ultimate liberation of our women from colonialism and poverty.”

The journey of the WPO has been fraught with many challenges, in which our leaders had to endure imprisonment, their civil liberties taken away, they faced persecution and harassment but that did not deter them from the mission they undertook.

Some 70 years ago, three women were elected to the Legislative Council and 70 years later, 38 per cent of women are members of the National Assembly of Guyana. We have come a far way and we remain hopeful that the commitment taken in the Sustainable Development Goal #7 will be attained by 2030, when 50/50 will become a reality.

In this regard, the WPO wishes to acknowledge our leaders, both present and past, from the two major parties who have recognised the necessity of involving women as partners in the development trajectory of our country. More so, the 2001 revised constitution included one third of women on the list of candidates of any party contesting elections in Guyana.

We wish to thank our past and present leaders and membership of the WPO for their sterling contributions and volunteerism in undertaking tasks without expecting rewards.

As we observe the 70th anniversary of the WPO, we do so against a backdrop of Guyana having once been described as one of the most highly indebted and poorest countries in the region, now at the cusp of unprecedented growth and development with the finding of oil and gas.

The hopes and aspirations of our young and dynamic nationalist leaders in the past were not in vain. Our nation will rise even higher, where all Guyanese will be able to say with pride that we are “One People,

One Nation, One Destiny.”

The “One Guyana” vision as coined by our President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, will become a reality and as Guyanese, we must all work harder to make this a reality. There is enough

space to accommodate the tapestry of colours.

Let us accelerate the journey of peace, progress and prosperity for all the people of our beautiful motherland. May WPO continue to grow and pro-

vide leadership to the next generation of girls and women who aspires to reach the sky.”

Brazilian dwarf coconut seeds: Third high-yielding batch unveiled

- Guyana aims to double coconut production by 2025

By Cindy Parkinson

THE Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Wednesday, unveiled the third set of Brazilian high-yielding Green Dwarf Coconut Seeds.

The 40-foot container, which consisted of 13,000 seed nuts, arrived in Guyana from Brazil and was received by the manager of Hope Estate, Rick Roopchand, last weekend.

The Agriculture Minister led a team comprised of the Manager of Hope Estate, Ricky Roopchand, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural

special Green Dwarf from Brazil, but, at that time, I said that we would look at the possibility of bringing some more high-value crops like these coconuts to our country this year. In our budget plan, we had airmarked $12M for the purchase of these nuts."

The Minister continued, “Today I am very pleased that we have received 13,000 of the Green Dwarf high-value coconut from Brazil. With the 2000 that we would have received last year, we would have had 24 farmers, and we intend to increase the variety around the country. This will help us tremendously; we will roll out this programme

promised to put a lot of effort and emphasis on the coconut industry.

He continued, "At that time, I projected to increase coconut by a thousand acres annually; however, today I am pleased that to date, in less than three years in government, we have seen over five thousand acres of increase. That figure shows a tremendous improvement in our industry."

The government and minister hope that, by the end of 2025, they can double the amount and take it to roughly 10,000 acres, increasing to almost 2,000 acres annually.

According to the Min -

to the minister, will act for the dual purpose of developing the areas with the planting of coconuts as well as stopping erosion.

The Minister noted that thus far, he has received a report from the manager of Hope Estate, Ricky Roopchand, which he will discuss with Dr Jagdeo. He also hopes that when the Indian specialists are in the country, they will visit the suggested places.

Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Jagnarine Singh, a representative from the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), Jhaman Kundun, and the Chairman of Hope Estate, Rabindranath Persaud.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Mustapha said that the $12M intervention is a component of Hope Estate’s capital programme for 2023, which he said also falls within the Ministry of Agriculture's (MOA) initiative to develop Guyana’s coconut sector.

According to the Minister, the new variety of coconut was introduced last December with a grant from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the European Union (EU), along with the help of CARDI.

Minister Mustapha said, “Last December, we would have received 2000 of this

in all the regions across the country. We will engage between 275 and 300 farmers who will benefit and help us increase the variety by multiplying it so that we can create a coconut industry in our country. So far, we have also seen a number of new farmers that are coming on board to join the industry, and that makes us happy.”

In terms of exports, Minister Mustapha said coconut is the third highest revenue earner. The minister added that Guyana's government intends to make the coconut sector a “major industry” for the country.

Mustapha further stated that, on his last visit to India, he met with some specialists there, and they would be coming to Guyana "shortly" to help develop the coconut industry. The minister also reminded the public that when he became the Minister of Agriculture in 2020, he

ister, Hope Coconut Estate and NAREI have been working towards locating land around the country. He also explained that they had a "policy direction" from the Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, to focus more on the riverbanks. This, according

Finally, Minister Mustapha said, "I know for a fact that His Excellency President Irfan Ali is taking the lead on agriculture in CARICOM. Guyana is moving this process forward, and this is only part of the area. The other areas are in the new and high-value crops, such as corn and soya, broccoli, cauliflower, fresh-cut roses, and a number of other crops. We have also seen an increase in traditional crops,

and I am very pleased that Guysuco has reached its target for the first time in the last five years. This is a good sign, and I want to reiterate that when I said that in the national assembly in the budget debate, I said that the factory at Rose Hall will be reopened. I am very pleased that we are on target, and hopefully before the commencement of the second crop, Rose Hall will be in operation and we will have more grinding factors so that we can make the target at the end of this year of 60,000 tons."

While there, the minister had a light moment with some eager and excited pupils of the Hope Estate Primary School. Minister Mustapha encouraged them to listen to their teachers and take their work seriously so that they could one day become the Minister of Agriculture.

He also spoke on the importance of the coconut fiber machine and how it will positively impact agriculture and the environment across Guyana. In addition to the one at the Hope Estate, two more are on their way to Guyana.

The general manager, Ricky Roopchand, told this publication that "this 3-year variety has the potential to produce between 250 and 300 nuts per plant per year. As a result, it is ranked as a high-yielding variety. There will be a programme that we will implement, and it will be closely monitored by Hope Estate and NAREI. It should also be noted that over the past two years, Guyana's coconut industry has expanded, and this trend is expected to continue as more farmers get on board with the cultivation of coconuts."

(From left in grey), CARDI representative, Jhaman Kundun; Chief Executive Officer of NAREI, Jagnarine Singh; manager of Hope Estate, Ricky Roopchand (white cap); the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha; and the Chairman of Hope Estate, Rabindranath Persaud, with employees of Hope Estate along with some farmers

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, explaining the importance of the coconut fiber machine in agriculture across Guyana

The Minister of Agriculture and the pupils of Hope Estate Primary School

Mahdia Tragedy: CARICOM Heads pledge support to Guyana

CARICOM Heads of Government, in a statement, Wednesday, pledged support to Guyana in the aftermath of the Mahdia Fire that claimed the lives of 19 youths.

“CARICOM Heads of Government have noted the horrific re -

ports of the deaths of 19 young people in a fire in a school dormitory in Mahdia, Guyana. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who have been affected, both directly and indirectly, by this horrific event. Our thoughts and prayers

are with the Mahdia community and all of Guyana as you mourn the deaths of beloved relatives and friends.

We also pray for the recovery of those children who are now under medical care. We applaud the bravery of personnel from the

Guyanese fire, police and medical teams, as well as public-spirited Guyanese, who responded and helped to save lives,” CARICOM stated.

The Conference of Heads of Government stands in solidarity with the Government

and People of Guyana, and the Member States have mobilised human and other resources to support the

recovery process. “We stand ready to offer additional support as needed.”

Top New York hospitals assisting with treatment of Mahdia fire survivors

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) will receive specialised supplies from the Division of Trauma, Burns, Critical and Acute Care within the Weill Cornell Hospital, through the support of New York’s Mount Sinai Health System, to ensure the best care is given to the Mahdia fire survivors.

“I have committed to

these children and their families that whatever it takes for those who require medical attention now, we will do it…We are going to be by their side as a government and as a people, as long as it takes,” President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said during a live broadcast on Wednesday morning.

The president also urged Guyanese to utilise whatever spaces are available to demonstrate their

collective love and support for the families, children, and communities in their time of need.

He reminded them to be responsible and respectful in their handling of the situation at this time.

President Ali, on Tuesday, announced that Mount Sinai will play an instrumental role in the identification of those victims who were unfortunately burned beyond recognition

in the fire at the Mahdia dormitory, Region Eight. The DNA samples will be taken from the unidentified 13 victims and sent to Mount Sinai, as the hospital’s New York laboratory delivers the swiftest results.

Barbadian Forensic Pathologist, Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul arrived in Guyana early Tuesday to assist in the process.

(DPI)

Psychological experts stress importance of holistic support for Mahdia fire victims

- Advocate long-term healing process

By Cassandra Khan

DR. Desmond Khan, a philosopher, psychologist, and social worker from Canada, along with Dr. Joanne Spence, a psychologist from Trinidad, have stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to helping those impacted by the Mahdia tragedy.

“We have recognized that 19 children lost their lives in Mahdia at the dormitory, and

the whole country is mourning at this time; the parents of those children, even the parents of those who have survived, are still mourning,”

Dr. Spence said.

She explained that adopting a holistic approach is crucial to addressing the situation, as it has affected everyone involved.

“Individually in terms of families and friends and then the nation; people in Trinidad, people in different countries are grieved by the whole situation,” she said in an exclusive interview with

the Guyana Chronicle.

Dr. Spence emphasised that it is essential to provide support not only to the children and parents but also to the entire family unit, as well as first responders and fire service officers, as they have also been deeply affected by the traumatic event.

“People have compound trauma, and I think those persons who are involved, the first responders, they particularly who have been dealing with incident after incident and then just going back to work, we have to understand the importance of preparing them for this type of trauma,” she related.

Meanwhile, psychologist and social worker Dr. Desmond Khan stated that when he read one of the many news articles it was noted that "the mother who left her fiveyear-old son to rescue some of the girls in the dormitory, would be viewed as a hero, but, what many do not focus on is when it is all over, what is left."

He continued: “What will be the result of something like this? There would be things like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and trauma, and that will not only affect family members and survivors; it will affect everyone that has been involved and also, that will bring to the surface those who had previously experienced trauma but never dealt with it, never got closure, never got the right treatment, so one trauma can trigger a next trauma if it is not dealt with.”

Dr. Khan said that he is confident that the Guyana government has mechanisms in place to help persons, but even so, they are open to providing support during this time.

Further, he explained that, unfortunately, this trauma will not just be a “one week thing” that people get over in one week or even a year or two.

“That doesn’t happen like that. When you have loss and when it is tragic like this, it doesn’t disappear after a year or two; we have heard that so many times, but this will be something that will affect persons for a long time,” he said.

Dr. Khan added that people would need help concerning how to process the situation, how to deal with it, how to bring closure and how to move on.

The two psychologists were brought into Guyana

under the patronages of the of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc) and its Head Halim Khan.

Seven of the 19 girls who were air-dashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital after they were injured in the horrific fire at the Mahdia Secondary School female dormitory in Region Eight were discharged on Wednesday.

The seven girls are in good condition and all of them are receiving counselling. Nine girls were brought to the city on Monday and 10 more arrived on Tuesday. One of them received a limb-saving surgery required due to the burns she sustained and another girl is in critical but stable condition.

A total of 12 girls are currently admitted at the hospital. The parents of some of the girls were also brought to the city to comfort their children at this time.

The devastating fire started after 23:00 hrs. on Sunday night and continued into the wee hours of Monday morning. Authorities have confirmed that 18 girls and one boy died in the fire. The girls were students, while the boy, five, was the son of the caretakers of the dormitory. Investigators also found that another student maliciously set the fire.

According to the Guyana Fire Service, the building had 26 windows and five doors. Unfortunately, 56 students had difficulty escaping due to the heavily grilled windows and locked doors. The house mother held the keys to all the doors.

With great urgency, she made her way to open the doors. In the end, firefighters were able to rescue 38 students by breaking holes in the northeastern wall of the building.

The school provided accommodation for girls from various villages including Mahdia, Campbelltown, Micobie, El Paso, and others located in the North Pakaraimas region of Region Eight.

A mental health team made up of representatives from different government ministries and agencies is now available to provide support to students, parents, and others impacted by the distressing fire incident.

Trinidadian Psychologist, Dr. Joanne Spence

Canadian Philosopher, Psychologist, and Social Worker, Dr. Desmond Khan

Region Two pays homage to young Mahdia fire victims

By Indrawattie Natram

POLICE in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) on Wednesday hosted an interfaith service in memory of victims of the Mahdia tragedy which occurred at the female school dormitory in Region Eight.

The moving ceremony was held in the compound of the Anna Regina police headquarters. The interfaith ceremony was held to mourn the tragic deaths of 18 school girls and a fiveyear-old boy who were killed when a fire maliciously set by a student ripped through the form of Mahdia Secondary School Sunday night into Monday morning.

The programme featured prayers from the three main religionsChristian, Hindu, and Muslim – and featured songs, scripture reading and messages from Pastor Mohamed Alli, Pandit Chandrasekhar Sharma, and Brother Zamel Mohamed.

Meanwhile, Head of the Fire Department in Region Two, Andrew Holder, in giving brief remarks, said the responsibility of a firefighter is to save lives. Holder said that he is saddened that the firefighters who were supposed to be the heroes of the incident could not be.

“What a gruesome picture; imagine having your child in that burning building and could not help. I bring words of sentiment and condolences to the grieving relatives. I am imploring that fire safety is everyone's business,” Holder said.

He said that the fire department continues to conduct fire safety throughout the country,

and as such, residents need to play their part by ensuring that they perform necessary safety measures in their homes.

“Take a personal responsibility to report any instances of fire safety breaches to the fire department. Do not worry about what people are saying, but you will be aiding towards saving people’s life,” Holder said.

Divisional Police Commander Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran said the tragedy has thrown the entire country into deep mourning. He said that the entire situation was sad, and the rank of the Guyana Police Force in Region Two extended condolences to the families and friends of the children who lost their lives.

He said that the interfaith service was organised to give comfort to the families and that members of the joint service have a tedious task every day to “step out their houses to protect the nation and maintain peace.”

The Superintendent continued: “It is not easy for the families; it’s a very uncomfortable situation. We are very thankful that those that were injured are okay. It’s really sad for our country; we have an important role, even our religious leaders that when we are serving we are serving with pleasure.”

Religious leaders from the three main religions emphasised the need for spiritual healing for the families who lost their children. They said it’s a time for Guyanese to stand together and support the families in whatever way.

Members of the Joint Services gathered for the interfaith service

- religious leaders say spiritual healing is needed

SRDC calls for improved safety standards in hinterland dormitories

- mourns loss of lives in Mahdia Fire

THE South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) has expressed deep sadness about the unfortunate and tragic fire in the female dormitory in Mahdia, Region Eight.

Below is a statement from the South Rupununi District Council Executive

Body: We mourn the loss of the 19 young, aspiring lives who had left the comfort of their homes to pursue high school education. We pray that their souls are granted eternal peace. This unfortunate event has brought awareness to one of the many issues af-

fecting the education system in the hinterland areas, the dormitories. We are deeply concerned with the current situation.

We therefore urge everyone to support and advocate for dormitories with proper infrastructure and safety procedures for our children

seeking education. Numerous concerns have been made regarding the dormitories, including the availability of healthy and sufficient food, access to fresh and clean water, electricity, security, proper utilities and furniture, layout and design of the buildings, and overall living

arrangement of the students.

We urgently ask that a thorough investigation of all the dormitories be immediately carried out and take prompt remedial action to improve the situation. Specifically, we would like to recommend that:

1) The occupational, health and safety standards be vastly improved with emergency plans and equipment in place.

2) Replace all steel grills with less hazardous construction materials.

3) Improve sleeping conditions for students.

4) For every dormitory a welfare officer be stationed to provide the necessary support to the students.

5) Increase the number of caretakers at the dorms and carry out training so that they can adequately carry out their duties.

6) Appropriate and adequate food supply for students.

7) An enhanced team be established to monitor the dormitories across the hinterland.

We commend the gov -

ernment and other civil society agencies and organisations for their prompt actions and all the support provided. In order to prevent the loss of any more beautiful lives, we request that these systems be improved based on expert knowledge and not merely on convenience. We offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends for your loss. We wish you comfort in the memories of your loved ones and want you to know that we stand with you. We wish the survivors and their families a speedy recovery and know that Guyana is behind you, supporting you.

Rest in eternal peace

Bibi Rita Fiona Jeffery, Sabrina John, Loreen Evans, Belnisa Evans, Mary Dandrade, Martha Dandrade, Omefia Edwi, Natalie Bellarmine, Andrea Roberts, Lorita Williams, Nickleen Robinson, Sherena Daniels, Eulanda Carter, Lisa Roberts, Cleoma Simon, Tracil Thomas, Adonijah Jerome, Delecia Edwards, Arianna Edwards.

THE following statement was issued by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies in response to the tragic fire in Guyana on Sunday, May 20, 2023:

“The entire regional University of the West Indies grieves with the government and people of Guyana on the recent loss of 19 young lives in a fire at the Mahdia Secondary School, located in the Potaro-Siparuni region, west of the Essequibo River.

It is a tragedy that pierces the hearts of people worldwide who, perhaps for

the first time, are learning of the indigenous peoples who live, work, and love there.

Even as we offer our sincerest condolences and wish the injured and other survivors strength and courage to endure in the weeks, months and years ahead, we at The UWI stand ready to provide practical support to the Government of Guyana as they treat with affected families and students who must deal with the immense physical and emotional trauma that they have so grievously suffered.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday May 25, 2023)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) CSK & Gujurat Titans

(2) Lucknow Super Giants & Mumbai Indians

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who won Qualifier 1 in this season’s IPL?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

Pimlico Race 1 Fashionista Race 2 Manolita Race 3 Hellman Race 4 Buckin Great Race 5 Uncle Ernie Race 6 Super Accelerate Race 7 Doctor Jeff Race 8 Mercury Ten

IRISH RACING TIPS

13:00 hrs Jeremys Flame

13:30 hrs Caesar Rock

14:00 hrs Winnie Woodnutt

14:30 hrs Some Dove

15:00 hrs Full Noise

15:30 hrs The Abbey

West Indies A vs Bangladesh A…

McKenzie, Carty centuries put West Indies in driver’s seat

CMC – Left-hander Kirk

McKenzie passed fifty for the fourth time in five innings but narrowly missed out on three figures , as West Indies A carved out a small lead on day two of the second four - day “Test” here Wednesday.

Replying to Bangladesh

A’s 237, the Caribbean side ended the day at Sylhet Academy Ground on 268 for six – a lead of 31 runs

The 22-year-old McKenzie once again led West Indies A, top-scoring with an attacking 91 which came from only 122 balls and included nine fours and three sixes

Keacy Carty also got among the runs with 68 but perished with the close beckoning , while Alick Athanaze chipped in with 45 and Raymon Reifer, 37.

Earlier , fast bowler

Akeem Jordan claimed five for 45 as the hosts lost their last five wickets for 62 runs after resuming the morning on 175 for five

Shahadat Hossain , unbeaten overnight on 25 , carried the fight for his side with a top score of 73, which came from 124 deliveries and included 10 fours and two sixes

However, he lost overnight partner Nayeem Hasan after the 23 - year - old had added only five to his 12 at the start , as three wickets tumbled for 13 runs in the space of 35 deliveries – Jordan striking twice

Tottering on 199 for eight, Shahadat inspired a 34-run, ninth wicket stand with Tanvir Islam (4) to revive the innings, before fast bowler Jair McAllister and Jordan picked up the last two wickets.

In reply , West Indies

A suffered an early setback when Test left-hander Tagenarine Chanderpaul missed a defensive stroke to a good length delivery on leg stump , and was adjudged lbw to seamer Khaled Ahmed for four with 16 runs on the board

On 26 for one at lunch with McKenzie unbeaten on

Bowling: Khaled Ahmed 15-1-46-1 (nb3), Tanzim Hasan Sakib 12-1-41-0, Nayeem Hasan 17-0-80-1, Saif Hassan 7-0-37-2, Tanvir Islam 19-7-45-1, Afif

Position: West Indies A lead by 31 runs with four first innings wickets intact.

18, West Indies A flourished on the resumption as McKenzie and Reifer stretched their second wicket stand to 116

Reifer faced 78 deliveries and counted two fours and two sixes but his dismissal , clipping left - arm spinner Tanvir Islam to short mid-wicket, led to a slide which saw three wickets go down for seven runs in quick time

McKenzie was one of the casualties , holing out down the ground off off - spinner Saif Hassan (2-37). In his four previous innings, the Jamaican had knocks of 50, 0, 221 and 86.

In need of a revival at 139 for four , West Indies got it through Carty who anchored two critical stands, putting on 79 for the fifth wicket with Athanaze and

48 for the sixth with captain Joshua Da Silva, who was unbeaten on nine at the close

The left - handed Athanaze struck eight fours in a 60 - ball knock before falling lbw to off-spinner Nayeem Hasan while Carty faced 111 balls counted five fours and two sixes before going run out in the day ’ s penultimate over.

Left-hander Kirk McKenzie

Permaul, Sinclair in for injured Motie

Cricket West Indies (CWI) Senior Men’s Selection Panel today announced changes to the West Indies “A” Team squad currently in Bangladesh and the West Indies ODI squad to play in the UAE and Sharjah.

For the ongoing “A” Team Series in Bangladesh, left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul will travel to Sylhet as cover for fellow left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the three-match series with a lower back-injury.

Motie will travel to Dubai ahead of the West Indies’ three-match OneDay International (ODI) Series against the United Arab Emirates at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. He will not play but will receive treatment from the medical staff with the aim of being available for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe which start on 18th June.

Off-spinner Kevin Sinclair, who is presently in Bangladesh with the “A” Team, will replace Motie in the 15-member ODI squad for the series in Sharjah.

Experienced batter, Johnson Charles has also been called into the ODI squad as a replacement for Devon Thomas. Thomas has been provisionally suspended from playing cricket due to charges brought by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit under the Anti-Corruption codes.

Lead Selector, The Most Hon. Dr. Desmond Haynes said: “We were forced to make some changes to the squads, and this has presented opportunities for players to come in. Sinclair has been in good form all year and has taken that to the ‘A Team’ series in Bangladesh. Permaul and Charles are experienced players, and they will be able to quickly adapt to the conditions and fit into the

environment in Sylhet and Sharjah.”

Haynes added: “Motie is a key part of our plans for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, so we are hopeful he will make a full recovery for that tournament. The decision was taken to have him remain with the squad in Sharjah so he will be closely monitored and receive the best treatment available.”

UPDATED SQUADS

West Indies “A” Squad vs Bangladesh “A”

Joshua DaSilva (Captain), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Akeem Jordan, Brandon King, Jair McAllister, Zachary McCaskie, Kirk

GAPLF mourns the loss of Nigel Phillips

McKenzie, Anderson Phillip, Raymon Reifer, Kevin Sinclair, Veersammy Permaul (cover for Gudakesh Motie)

West Indies ODI Squad vs United Arab Emirates

Shai Hope (captain), Brandon King (vice-captain), Alick Athanaze, Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Dominic Drakes, Kavem Hodge, Akeem Jordan, Keemo Paul, Raymon Reifer, Kevin Sinclair, Odean Smith

MATCH SCHEDULE

West Indies “A” Team vs Bangladesh “A” Team

16-19 May: 1st “Test” at Sylhet International Stadium

– Match drawn

23-26 May: 2nd “Test” at Sylhet International Stadium

2 – ongoing

30th May to 2nd June: 3rd “Test” at Sylhet International Stadium United Arab Emirates

4th June: 1st ODI at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE

6th June: 2nd ODI at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE

9th June: 3rd ODI at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE.

GABA fund-raiser and games day bounce off tomorrow at Burnham Court

The Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) will be having a fund-raiser and games day tomorrow, Independence Day, at the Burnham Basketball Court on Middle and Carmichael Streets. The day will feature a raffle draw and two under-23 basketball games.

The event will be sponsored by STUFF GY and entertainment will be provided by Hennessy. This fund-raiser is being held to raise funds for the upcoming ‘GABA Basketball Premier League’.

Jump ball for the Inde-

The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) and the fraternity were yesterday plunged into a state of mourning with the sudden passing of one of its fierce competitors, Nigel Phillips.

The Berbice-based strongman, who has been involved in the sport since 2007, and was both a weightlifter and powerlifter in his early career, transitioned yesterday following a brief period of hospitalisation with one of the worst forms of pneumonia.

He was preparing for this Sunday’s GAPLF Intermediate and Master’s championships up to Friday morning last, but was admitted to a private hospital the said afternoon and never made it out.

entire career and he has always been a cool competitor but fierce in his own way. His loss would no doubt be felt, especially by his immediate family and gym colleagues with whom he was very close in Berbice. The fact that he was still training, even though not well, for Sunday’s competition, speaks to his discipline and fierce competitive spirit.

So, on behalf of the GAPLF, its members, and gyms, I’d like to extend sincere condolences to his wife, Shennie, children Hadiyah and Atiq, relatives, gym family, and friends.”

Following is the list of national records currently standing as achieved by the late Nigel Phillips.

CategoryRecord

pendence Day exhibition matches is 17:30hrs and will feature Nets against UG Trojans in the first match while West Dem D-Up Rising Stars will post up against Bounty Colts at 19:30hrs. The upcoming GABA Premier League will feature 14 teams namely, Ravens, Colts, Kobras, Pacesetters, UG Trojans, West Demerara D-Up Rising Stars, Kwakwani Untouchables, Guyana Defence Force, South Ruimveldt Mambas, Plaisance Guardians, Nets, Pepsi Sonics, Black Caimans and Eagles.

Even though he never got a chance to represent Guyana, mainly due to finances, Nigel Phillips competed with the best of his time, including Carlos Petterson-Grifith, and is the holder of a number of national records.

GAPLF president, Franklin Wilson, said that Phillips’ passing is indeed a blow to the powerlifting fraternity, but God knows best.

“I’ve known Nigel for his

105kg ClassicOpen Squat 265kgM1 Squat 262.5kgM1 Bench 142.5kgM1

Total 652.5kg105kg

EquippedM1 Squat 290kgM1 bench 192.5kgM1 deadlift 232.5kgM1 total 715kg93kg Classic M1 Squat 262.6kgM1 bench 142.5kgM1 total 652.5kg93kg Equipped Open Bench 190kgM1 Squat 287.5kgM1 Bench 190kgM1 Deadlift

247.5kgM1 total 725kg

Kevin Sinclair

Nigel Phillips competing at the Raw Nationals in 2016, placing 2nd at Critchlow Labour College to Carlos Petterson-Grifith in the 93ks Class.

Jermaine Slater, President of GABA

Hockey board announces men’s CAC team

THE Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) has selected a 16-member men’s team to represent Guyana at the Central American & Caribbean Games, scheduledJune 26th to July 6th, this year

Although El Salvador is the main host of the games, the hockey aspect of the multi - sport event is being staged in the Dominican Republic since they have just constructed a new water based artificial turf to host the next CAC Games in 2026 The team will be looking to better their fourthplace finish at the last CAC Games in 2018, when they narrowly lost 1-0 to eventual Gold Medalist, Cuba, in the semi-finals

The team will be relying heavily on the experience of the only five surviving players from that 2018 team: Robert France, Jamarj Assanah, Andrew Stewart, Kareem McKenzie and Meshach Sargeant. However, the team will be bolstered by five outstanding youngsters fresh from representing Guyana at the Junior Pan American Championships in April this year . Shaquon Favorite, Shakeem Fausette, Simeon Moore , Oshazay

Savory and Tahrea Garnett will add a youthful spark of energy and pace to balance the experience and composure of the seniors.

Team Guyana ’ s first match will be against the group B top seed, Trinidad & Tobago on June 28th, followed by the Dominican Republic on June 30th before facing the defending gold medalist, Cuba on July 2nd They will have to finish in the top two to progress to the semi-final against either the winner or runner - up from group A , which includes Mexico, Barbados, Jamaica and El Salvador

Speaking on his expectations of the team , Head Coach Robert Fernandes

said , “ It will be a tough task to get out of the group, although we placed above both Barbados and Jamaica at the last CAC Games, we are now ranked below them because of our inactivity on the international stage since 2018 So, that’s how we were placed in group B with two of the top three finishers from the last CAC Games I think the boys are up for the challenge though Although we ’ re missing some key players through injury, I think this group has the ability to better our 2018 performance if we play to our potential.”

The team will be managed by former national captain Marisha Fernandes , with Robert

Amateur fights confirmed for ‘Return of the Scorpio’ Pro/Am card

IN a release to the media, the promoters of the highly anticipated ‘Return of the Scorpio’ Pro/Am Boxing Extravaganza, scheduled for June 3rd at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, have announced that the amateur fights have been officially finalised.

The matches are as follows: Akeelah Vancooten vs Tafina Barker [51-54kg]; Isaiah Joyce (PPBG) vs Jamal Jones (VBG) [57-60kg]; Dexter Ray (Police) vs Shaquain James (FYF) [60-67kg]; Alesha Jackman (Guyana) vs Britney MacFarlane (Jamaica) [63-69kg]; and Abiola Jackman (Guyana) vs Lee Ann Boodram (Trinidad and Tobago) [81+kg].

The respective Jamaican and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) contingents are penciled to arrive on June 1st, ahead of the June 2nd weigh-in and pre-match press conference

Fernandes and John Abrahams fulfilling coaching duties and former national Rugby captain , Theodore Henry , functioning as physical trainer/physio.

NATIONAL MEN’S TEAM

Paul D ’ Andrade , Andrew Stewart, Dominic Alleyne, Edmond Chinian, Jael Gaskin, Jamarj Assanah, Kareem McKenzie , Meshach Sargeant , Orland Semple , Oshazay Savory , Robert France, Shakeem Fausette, Shaquon Favorite, Simeon Moore, Tahrea Garnett and Troy Hodge Standby Players – David Williams , Jason - Ray Khalil, Shomere Garnett and Vladimir Woodroffe.

Golden Jaguars set for two training camps ahead of Gold Cup

GUYANA’S senior men’s national team; the Golden Jaguars, will take part in two training camps in Jamaica and the United States ahead of the Concacaf Gold Cup Prelims in June.

Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz and the local squad are set to depart Guyana tomorrow for Jamaica where they will join the overseas-based players for an intensive training camp until June 5.

The team will then leave the Caribbean nation for a second camp in Miami which concludes on June 15.

The Golden Jaguars will play their first match against Grenada on Saturday, June 17 at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The 2023 Gold Cup Prelims

are being held between June 16 - 20, and this is Guyana’s second appearance in the regional competition.

In an interview at a recent KFC Elite League

match, Head Coach Shabazz acknowledged that Grenada is a formidable team, but quickly added that he is making adjustments in order to strength-

en his side for the much-anticipated match

“We are very aware that Grenada is a different challenge.

This is a tier one team that was playing the big dogs recently, they have a lot of players coming out of England. We’re trying to bring in one or two players to strengthen the squad, yet keep the chemistry and the camaraderie and the discipline that we had in the last quarter so yes we’re constantly looking to tweet things to improve.”

The Golden Jaguars qualified for the Concacaf Gold Cup Prelims following a second-place finish in Group C of League B in the 2022–23 Concacaf Nations League.

Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) president, Steve Ninvalle, said, “The amateur section has been officially confirmed and promises several exciting salvos, especially those of the international flavour This fight card provides a synergistic approach to development, as

amateur fighters, several of whom will be experiencing such a novel atmosphere, and professional pugilists can share the same ecosystem despite the obvious differences in their career paths. That is the immediate tangible benefit of such a fight card.”

He further said, “While any form of deferment can be deemed as an unfortunate episode, the additional wait has only added to the anticipation and excitement of the fight card It has provided an avenue for increased marketing and publicity; an element of importance that should not be understated or underestimated More importantly, it has also provided an opportunity for an increased training window for our combatants which only add to and aid in their performance on the night.”

The Fight Night was re-scheduled from its initial date of May 21st due to Colombian pugilists Ronald Ramos and Luis Carillo failing to attain the requisite travel documentation to Guyana This was confirmed by the organisers, Briso Promotions.

All tickets purchased remain valid for the re-scheduled date at the same venue Tickets can still be purchased at the sole location of Hot & Spicy Creole Corner The prizes are: VVIP $10,000, VIP $6000, Ringside $3000, and Stand $1000

The ‘Return of the Scorpio’ Pro/Am Card is regarded by many experts as the largest fight card in more than a decade and is expected to surpass the overall quality of the critically praised Patrick Forde Memorial Championships, which is the yardstick for a local boxing event

The five exciting professional bouts will be headlined and co-headlined by Elton Dharry and Dexter ‘De Kid’ Marques respectively

Dharry will make his return to the squared-circle against Ramos in an eight-round Bantamweight fixture whilst Marques will engage Carrillo in an eight-round Super Bantamweight encounter.

From left: Abiola Jackman, Steve Ninvalle and Alesha Jackman

Golden Jaguars in training

Flashback to 2018 when Guyana finished fourth

Permaul, Sinclair in for injured Motie

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) Senior

Men’s Selection Panel today announced changes to the West Indies “A” Team squad currently in Bangladesh and the West Indies ODI squad to play in the UAE and Sharjah.

For the ongoing “A” Team Series in Bangladesh, left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul will travel to Sylhet as cover for fellow left - arm spinner Gudakesh Motie , who has been ruled out of the remainder of the three-match series with a lower back-injury

Motie will travel to Dubai ahead of the West Indies’ three-match One-Day International (ODI) Series against the United Arab Emirates at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium He will not play but will receive treatment from the medical staff with the aim of being available for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe which start on 18th June

Off- spinner Kevin Sinclair, who is

presently in Bangladesh with the “ A ” Team, will replace Motie in the 15-member ODI squad for the series in Sharjah

Experienced batter, Johnson Charles has also been called into the ODI squad as a replacement for Devon Thomas Thomas has been provisionally suspended from playing cricket due to charges brought by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit under the Anti-Corruption codes

Lead Selector , The Most Hon . Dr . Desmond Haynes said: “We were forced to make some changes to the squads, and this has presented opportunities for players to come in Sinclair has been in good form all year and has taken that to the ‘A Team’ series in Bangladesh Permaul and Charles are experienced players, and they will be able to quickly adapt to the conditions and fit into the environment in Sylhet and Sharjah.”

Haynes added: “Motie is a key part

of our plans for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, so we are hopeful he will make a full recovery for that tournament

The decision was taken to have him remain with the squad in Sharjah so he will be closely monitored and receive the best treatment available.”

UPDATED SQUADS

West Indies “A” Squad vs Bangladesh “A”

Joshua DaSilva ( Captain ), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Akeem Jordan, Brandon King, Jair McAllister, Zachary McCaskie, Kirk McKenzie, Anderson Phillip, Raymon Reifer, Kevin Sinclair , Veersammy Permaul (cover for Gudakesh Motie)

West Indies ODI Squad vs United Arab Emirates

Shai Hope ( captain ), Brandon

West Indies A vs Bangladesh A…

King (vice-captain), Alick Athanaze, Shamarh Brooks , Yannic Cariah , Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Dominic Drakes, Kavem Hodge, Akeem Jordan, Keemo Paul, Raymon Reifer, Kevin Sinclair, Odean Smith

MATCH SCHEDULE

West Indies “A” Team vs Bangladesh “A” Team

16-19 May : 1st “ Test ” at Sylhet

International Stadium – Match drawn

23-26 May: 2nd “Test” at Sylhet

International Stadium 2 – ongoing

30th May to 2nd June: 3rd “Test” at Sylhet International Stadium United Arab Emirates

4th June: 1st ODI at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE

6th June : 2nd ODI at Sharjah

Cricket Stadium, UAE

9th June : 3rd ODI at Sharjah

Cricket Stadium, UAE

McKenzie, Carty centuries put West Indies in driver’s seat

Veerasammy Permaul

Kevin Sinclair Gudakesh Motie

Left-hander Kirk McKenzie