Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 26-05-2023

OAS gives gov’t high score for its democratic pursuits

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fire

COI to be launched into tragic incident at Mahdia

- President Ali announces, says unity will help Guyanese to heal

- specialised counselling, foreign treatment for persons with severe burns, President Ali says

compensation for families affected by Mahdia

‘They can count on our unconditional support’

- Jagdeo affirms in wake of tragic Mahdia fire

Four prison officers among six persons remanded over ‘Smallie’ escape APNU councillor charged for insulting Chase-Green

Vendors, residents complain of APNU+AFC-controlled City Hall incompetence

Full compensation for families affected by Mahdia fire

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specialised counselling, foreign treatment for persons with severe burns, President Ali says

GUYANA has made a request to several international health organisations for specialised trauma counselling for the victims and other children affected by the horrific Mahdia Secondary School ‘dorm’ fire that claimed the lives of 19 children.

This is according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a press briefing in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), where Guyana’s 57th Independence Anniversary celebrations were converted to a Night of Reflection.

“Teams comprising psychologists and counsellors are working around-the-clock with children, parents and teachers in Mahdia. As a result of this, we have identified proactive risks,” the President said.

Seven persons who might be affected by the trauma have already been medevacked to Georgetown for further evaluation.

According to the Head of State, requests have been made to Mount Sinai, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Northwell Health and several other international healthcare providers for support.

“We are hoping that these specialised counsellors will come to support our local team in the community and in the schools, and to support the families during this difficult time.

“We are working in the interest of these children and families; we are working to bring comfort to them,” Dr. Ali said.

Meanwhile, the President hinted that a full Commission of Inquiry (CoI) could be established to prevent the reoccurrence of such a tragedy, since questions have been raised about the building’s safety.

While acknowledging the calls for compensation to the families, President Ali

reiterated that short, medium, and longterm support will be provided to those affected.

In the wee hours of Monday morning, Guyana was plunged into mourning after a fire, which authorities have since determined was maliciously set, ravaged a secondary school’s girls’ dormitory in Mahdia, killing 18 girls and one boy, and leaving several injured.

Several of the survivors were airlifted to the capital city for emergency care, and up to press time, two of the girls remained in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Pubic Hospital Corporation (GPHC), and are being considered for advanced treatment in either Texas, USA or Cuba.

Seven girls were also admitted to the Pediatric High Dependency Unit (PHDU) of the GPHC. An emergency team that has been set up to respond

to the tragedy has assessed and treated 29 girls, 20 of whom have been discharged.

Families of the injured girls have since

been flown out of the hinterland community to be with their children.

Teams of medical and mental health

professionals remain in the region, as the nation at large continues to grapple with the gruesome tragedy.

Specialised counsellors to work with students, teachers affected by Mahdia tragedy – President Ali

EMPHASISING that the return to normalcy is top priority, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Thursday disclosed that specialised counsellors will be brought in to talk with students and teachers affected by

the horrific fire at Mahdia which claimed the lives of 19 children and left several others hospitalised.

The President was at the time speaking at a press conference during which he provided an update on the

government’s efforts thus far.

“We are also putting in a system where Mount Sinai [Hospital in New York] and these other organisations will have specialised counsellors that will be working in the school for a couple of weeks to talk with the children, motivate the children, and bring back some sort of normalcy in their lives. That is the priority for us and the entire school at this point," he said.

Considering the level

of trauma in the Mahdia community presently, President Ali explained that the Mahdia Secondary School has not returned to normal operation. Eighteen of the dead children attended that institution.

He assured the public that Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, is working "assiduously" to make alternative arrangements for those who are currently writing CXC examinations.

He also said that Minister Manickchand has been working "around the clock" with teachers, children, and the officials at CXC to see what measures can be put in place, given the current situation.

Minister Manickchand is expected to provide an update on the progress made.

President Ali also explained that Mahdia and the surrounding communities where those who perished and were injured are from, are very close-knit and united.

According to the President, many families in those communities are tied to one another and live as one and would therefore share each other’s pain.

Given that closeness, he said the tragedy is having a greater effect on the residents

of those communities.

All the necessary services have been extended to those communities so that the residents can also be a part of the healing process.

The Region Eight community and the rest of the nation were left shattered on Sunday when news of the fire broke. The dormitory which housed female students from several far-flung communities in the region was completely destroyed by fire. By day-break on Monday, 19 deaths – 18 students and the caretaker’s five-year-old son, were confirmed. More than a dozen students were transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Some have since been released. It was disclosed that two of those still hospitalised are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and their condition is listed as critical.

The Guyana Fire Service has determined that the fire was maliciously set.

Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, told the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday that the police investigation has been completed and the file is currently with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

Several other loopholes outside of EU recommendations addressed

THE government has implemented a slew of measures in the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, which was not initially part of the final report of the European Union Observer Mission.

Speaking on Thursday at Freedom House, General Secretary (GS) of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo informed media operatives that approximately 50 gaps were identified in the ROPA legislation which the government moved to address in the amended act.

In 2020, the EU deployed an observation team to Guyana to witness the March 2, 2020 elections. The mission made 26 recommenda-

tions, which are intended to strengthen the electoral process in Guyana and prevent a recurrence of the March 2, 2020 events.

“They [EU Mission] only recommended that we deal mainly with the declaration and how we treated statements of poll, but there are several other things that we thought, that Lowenfield [former Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield] used to create uncertainties in the electoral process and we were determined to fix those,” Dr Jagdeo highlighted.

These included removing discrete powers from the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) to establish polling stations in various locations.

With the new law, several factors should be examined before polling stations are established; these include the number of electors on the list for that polling place, the size of the polling place, and the availability of internal and external space in the polling place to accommodate electors lining up at reasonable

distances apart.

“If you have more than 400 persons, then you can’t have a single polling place. We have removed that. You would recall on the East Coast, in a major area like Foulis, thousands of voters, there was no polling place in the recommendation, they had to go all the way

into the next village, Paradise to vote,” he explained. Additionally, the new law mandates a manual to be developed to be published in various newspapers to highlight the roles of the returning officers and presiding officers.

“You would recall that the presiding officers were told what document should go in the box and what should be returned to GECOM … In the manual, it will identify all of the documents that have to be in the box; this will be published three months before elections, so there will be no doubt as to what has to be in the box.” the GS further explained. These and other measures have been inserted in the new ROPA law.

CoI into Mahdia fire critical to finding comprehensive solutions

- Shuman says; welcomes President Ali’s talk of this, commitment to compensate families affected by Mahdia fire

The following is the full statement from Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party, Lenox Shuman:

I WISH to extend my most sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who perished in the tragic blaze at the dorm in Mahdia and to the survivors. There is no greater tragedy than to have your child leave this world before you.

Such a tragic loss hits the heart of the nation and most notably, the Indigenous community to the extent that there is a blanket of malaise over the nation. The outpouring of support nationally and internationally has

been tremendous and welcomed.

I am grateful that His Excellency President Ali has committed to launching a CoI into the events of the Mahdia tragedy and has also committed to providing compensation to the affected families.

It is my sincere belief that this support is multifaceted and comprehensive.

While there is nothing that one can do to reverse the tragic events nor their effects, these are critical and important first steps to understanding the is -

sues and finding comprehensive solutions to ensure these things never occur in the future of this nation.

I wish to commend His Excellency in dedicating three days of national mourning for this tragic loss to our indigenous families, communities and nation.

I ask the public to please respect the families’ right to privacy, give them room to grieve and room to give their little loves their last rites respectfully.

It is only after the conclusion of the CoI as is committed by His Excellency that we will see our way through this.

On the issue of campaign financing, Dr Jagdeo reminded the media that it was the PPP/C that vowed to pass campaign-financing laws in its 2020 Manifesto, way before the EU’s recommendations. After extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, the National Assembly last year passed the ROPA (Amendment) Bill which seeks to enhance, modernise and reform the democratic quality and architecture of Guyana’s electoral process. (DPI)

- Jagdeo says this was pointed out to visiting EU Observer Mission

General Secretary of the PPP/C, Bharrat Jagdeo

Lenox Shuman

A Moment of Reflection

AS Guyana commemorates its 57th Independence Anniversary, the nation finds itself in a bittersweet moment.

The joy and pride associated with this milestone are overshadowed by the devastating loss of 19 precious young lives in a tragic fire incident in Mahdia. This heartbreaking event has pierced the hearts of Guyanese people, leaving them to reflect on their unity, resilience, and commitment to building a better future.

Amidst the grief, Guyana must now navigate the path towards healing, while simultane-

ously driving its economic development forward.

The loss of 19 vibrant youths in the Mahdia fire has left an indelible mark on the nation's collective consciousness. These promising young lives held the potential to shape Guyana's future, and their untimely demise has left a void that can never be filled. It is a time of immense grief for the families affected, and our thoughts and prayers go out to them during this difficult period.

In the face of such tragedy, it is essential for Guyana to come together as a nation to support and console those directly

impacted. Unity must be the guiding principle as communities rally around the families, offering them the necessary emotional and practical support. This healing process will require compassion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring the affected families receive the care they need.

Furthermore, the tragedy in Mahdia should serve as a wake-up call for enhanced safety regulations and fire-prevention measures. The government and relevant authorities must thoroughly investigate the incident, identify any

shortcomings, and take concrete steps to prevent such calamities in the future.

Guyana's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens should be strengthened, reaffirming the importance of safeguarding lives above all else.

While grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy, Guyana must also remain focused on its economic development goals.

The country's remarkable progress in recent years, particularly in the oil-and-gas sector, has placed it on the cusp of transformational growth. It is crucial to remem -

ber that economic development can play a significant role in healing wounds and uplifting communities.

The government's commitment to a diversified and sustainable economy must not waver. Investments in education, infrastructure, healthcare, and other essential sectors are key to ensuring inclusive growth and opportunities for all Guyanese citizens.

By prioritising job creation, entrepreneurship, and skills development, Guyana can provide a platform for its people to thrive and rebuild their lives in the

aftermath of tragedy.

Guyana's journey towards healing and continued economic development requires collaboration and support from both domestic and international stakeholders.

The international community is already standing in solidarity with Guyana during this challenging time, offering assistance, expertise, and resources where possible. More partnerships, however, could help accelerate the country's recovery and ensure that the tragic loss in Mahdia does not derail its progress.

All conscious-minded Guyanese will support, stand with families of Mahdia victims

Dear Editor, IT is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I express sincere condolences to the immediate families, relatives, friends and the community of Mahdia as a collective on the tragic death of 19 young students who were trapped in a dormitory fire.

As a community, as a nation, we are all in shock, as we join with you in grief over this devastating event.

No amount of platitudes and expressed compassion will ever be enough to comprehend the grief and pain you, the families, are experiencing during this difficult

time.

But despite our inabilities, we offer our deepest sympathy and love to the families who have lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy.

We truly understand that nothing can ease the pain of losing a loved one, and you will need time to heal and come to grips with this reality. But we want to assure you that our community and all conscious minded Guyanese are here to support and stand with you during this difficult time.

We offer our thoughts and prayers to those who are grieving, and ask that you do

not hesitate to lean on us for support.

As we process this tragedy, we all must also take proactive steps to ensure that this never happens again.

The government and community leaders must take swift action to prevent future incidents from occurring in any part of the country. I believe some of the following measures can help prevent tragedies like this.

It is my humble view that regular inspections to such facilities are needed. The government and private officials must ensure that regular inspections of dormitories and other buildings

are conducted to detect any potential hazards.

Additionally, installation of fire alarms and sprinklers: It is critical that we install fire alarms and sprinklers in all student dormitories. These early warning systems are essential in preventing fire disasters.

The promotion of fire safety education should be promoted in all learning institutions with a focus on educating students on how to safely exit a building on fire and how to use electronic appliances and other hazardous materials.

The grilling of dormitories windows and doors

should be prohibited. Those buildings are usually in fenced compounds. Those fences should be upgraded with barbed wires, security cameras around the building, and a security hut with a monitor to observe the surrounding area.

Further, increase public awareness to report fire incidents. Members of the public should be encouraged to report fire incidents immediately to prevent a minor fire incident from becoming a catastrophe.

Fire extinguishers should be placed in all buildings where people congregate.

Those proposed ideas

along with much more that others will share, can help guarantee the safety of our children.

We encourage everyone in the community to work together to ensure that our environment is safe for all of us to live, work, and study.

We assure you that we will continue to make representation and take all necessary steps to prevent future tragedies as we mourn the loss of our dear students.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, students, and the community affected by this tragedy.

Sincerely,

Jermaine Figueira MP

How much more grief, heartbreak can we endure before we abide by civilised regulations?

Dear Editor, THE fire at Mahdia was a national tragedy that tainted the year 2023 and the history of Guyana. This deadly blaze, headlined by CNN, BBC, Al-Jazeera, The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, allowed millions if not billions to see such a tragic disaster.

It is a tragedy that shocked the entire nation. It traumatised families and has shaken many around the globe. The grilled building that caught fire in the wee hours of Monday morning claimed the lives of 19 children.

There are no words of comfort I can say to the mothers, relatives and friends of the children who perished.

I cannot lift your pain from your shoulders nor mend your broken hearts. The pain in my heart and the tears in my eyes are certainly no match for the depth of immense heartache and hopelessness you are feeling.

The death and loss of a child is known as the “ultimate tragedy.” Along with the usual symptoms and stages of grief, many issues

make parental bereavement particularly difficult to resolve.

And this grief over the loss of a child can be exacerbated and complicated by feelings of injustice — the understandable feeling that this loss should never have happened.

Grief is normal to experience; we will all lose someone that we love in our lifetime. We all go through the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

To the relatives and loved ones, I mourn with you. Guyana mourns with you. To the citizens, we should refrain from political overtures. We should not participate in petty politics and misconstrued discussions.

We should all share empathy and sympathy and grieve the loss of our children. We should think of the privacy and safety of the Mahdia children and be mindful and respectful of the pain their loved ones are going through. It is unimaginable, indescribable and impossible to fathom the pain of losing a child.

When we lose our chil-

dren, we do not just lose them at the stage they were when they passed. We lose them at every stage missed, and our hearts will forever ache with that knowledge. There is a whole crock of crap that says grief follows a method. It stays neatly in lines, clean, tame, and strategic. There is nothing normal, neat, clean, or tame when a child dies before a parent.

Though malicious and unlawful, we should never threaten the life of a child and her parents. The mere fact that she admitted shows the immense guilt and pain that she is feeling. We should seek empathy and understanding that sometimes mistakes are made and such consequences results in events that spring out of control.

Arson aside, a building equipped with fire safety measures and a strong safety system, would allow for prevented or minimal fire risk.

As a society, we should all learn from this national disaster and take into consideration our lack of civility, decency and development.

The fire at Mahdia has been something fueling for decades. It has been a common cultural crisis that has

The cost of freedom

Dear Editor, FREEDOM does not come free and dominion is never holistically free with liberty. Guyana is celebrating her 57th anniversary since becoming an independent country on May 26, 1966.

Dr. Cheddi Jagan, leader of the PPP Party and Mr. Forbes Burnham, leader of the PNC Party brokered the treaty for British Guiana’s independence from England, after a constitutional conference in London.

All clamored for the taste of freedom from the shackles of sovereignty, slavery and indenture-ship, but it did come at a price.

Burnham’s split from the PPP Party to form the PNC Party in 1953 caused a continuity of voting along racial lines. There was even conversation to split Guyana so that the Indians and Afro-Guyanese will live separately.

India gained her independence in 1947 from England but at the cost of the country being separated as India and Pakistan, as the Muslims

feared being marginalised by the Hindus, forming two separate nations.

Winston Churchill once declared: “I have not become the King’s First Minister in order to preside over the liquidation of the British Empire.”

The rift between the Hindus and Muslims still persists.

Pakistan evidentially suffered a partition also due to the government indifferences in recognising a mother tongue language acceptance and its biased governance.

East Pakistan gained its independence from Pakistan in 1971 after a bitter battle fought due to economic and political marginalisation. Bangladesh became a nation as a result.

Rwanda gained its independence in 1962 from Belgium with the Hutu’s dominating power. What followed afterwards was one of the bloodiest genocides in which over 600,000 Tutsi’s were massacred by the Hutus and some 400,000 were displaced, fleeing for the safety of their lives. South Africa, a former

been replicated generation after generation. We need to resolve this for the betterment of our children.

We would sit in a speeding and overcrowded minibus without speaking up. We board speed boats without life jackets. Road safety is absent in Guyana. It baffles me that at every turn, you would come across a motorcyclist without a helmet.

We would hop on a motorbike or bicycle and invite family and loved ones without any form of protection to meet their demise. We construct buildings and infrastructure with little to no work safety in place. We litter and pollute without a care or concern.

How many more of our loved ones do we have to bury before we can implement basic laws to protect our nation? How much more grief and heartbreak can one endure before we abide by civilised regulations?

If our society implemented and abided by sensible and civilised standards, then the chances of those innocent little kids perishing in a building locked from the outside with no means of escape in the face of an

emergency would have been prevented or avoided.

It is 2023, and we as a nation ought to adhere to the fire safety and prevention regulations. We must ensure that buildings in Guyana has fire safety implantation, smoke alarms and fire alert mechanisms with functioning fire extinguishers or fire blankets and accessible fire escapes and exits; we must also implement regular fire safety training in our homes, businesses and places of social gatherings.

A good fire-safe building depends on three complementary systems to decrease the danger of death and other risks.

They are a detection system to warn inmates of a fire, a contaminant system to restrict or limit the spread or extent of a fire, and an automatic suppression system to limit or control the fire until extinguished. All buildings should demonstrate and implement regular fire training and drills.

At every few meters, a fire plan should be depicted in buildings for people to study and learn in the event of a fire. It should never be considered a norm for build-

ings to be grilled for safety reasons without a disaster escape plan instilled and implemented.

Our President, Prime Minister and Minister of Education have demonstrated compassionate leadership in this difficult and tragic situation. Our hearts bleed for the Mahdia losses.

To the loved ones, do not let anyone tell you how to grieve, do not let hurtful words destroy you further, and do not blame yourselves for what happened. Things happen for a reason, we may never understand God’s wisdom, but we must trust his plans.

I wish I had words to lighten your agony. I hope our prayers can comfort you. Grief does not end. Out of a broken, beating heart comes endless love as it ebbs and flows through the constant cycles of grief. Sometimes gentle, sometimes heavy. The reminders are always there. The love is always there. After all, a mother never stops loving the child she carried. Sleep well angels.

Yours truly, Nazar Mohamed Businessman

colony, cut off all ties from Great Britain and became an independent nation in 1961, declaring itself a republic.

The Black majority enjoyed few rights under the white minority and the nation struggled as an apartheid state. Not until Nelson Mandela was released from a maximum security prison after spending 27 years, was a multiracial and multiparty election held. In 1994, Nelson Mandela was elected as president and only then was true freedom realised.

Haiti gained her independence from France in 1804 after the first slave rebellion took place. The slaves initiated the revolution in 1791 and 100,000 of the 500,000 Africans were killed along with 24,000 of the 40,000 whites.

With the success of freedom, Haiti had to repay reparation to France at a cost of 150 million francs for the loss of her slaves and the slave colony. The island has deteriorated as the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere due to

foreign intervention and debt, political instability and natural disasters. In 1974, the spice island, Grenada, gained her independence from the United Kingdom.

The transition was plagued with violence, strikes, controversies and political instability which led to a bloodless coup, to be followed later by a US invasion. The island was also rattled with money laundering and a hurricane which wreaked havoc in the agriculture industry.

Many have paid the price for freedom at an expensive cost. Sacrifice has always been the backbone to build strength and capacity so that the seeds so wn by our ancestors will bear fruition for generations to come to enjoy. Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell acknowledged, “Yet still, we push forward, because, like our fore-parents, we understand that no one can speak to our causes, or fight our battles for us, better than we can.”

Although countries in the Caribbean bond under the CARICOM umbrella, there has been a severe struggle to knit as a whole and move forward as an independent

body. The politics and economics of culture difference has continued to shackle West Indians and to individualise ethnic disparity with a degree of complexity.

The thought of marginalisation is relished and conceived as real and not as an illusion by some political leaders. This element of propaganda is conveniently misused in order to inflict fear into political contingency in order to retain or maintain control.

Guyana’s independence date has been marred with controversies, contentions and contradictions. It fails to quell the memory of a bitter past and also serves as a reminder of dictatorship. Various factions refuse to participate in any form of celebration because of the aforementioned dilemma. Guyana has struggled with many political leaders bent on being destructive rather than constructive.

Since August 2020, this new PPP/C administration has set a trail blazer path to forge a rapid developmental trajectory for the country, despite insurgents and evil forces attempting to sabotage this ambitious adventure

which relishes and spells only success.

Nelson Mandela once declared, “It always seems impossible until it's done.”

“Many people in this country have paid the price before me and many will pay the price after me.” “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

“Money won't create success, the freedom to make it will.”

The will to survive is contingent on determination, resilience and application. A new generation is now trending and trading with the reality of practicality, flexibility and rationality.

The young people will not be conned, fooled or be misled by selfish politicians, but rather, be guided with the tools of knowledge, judgement and self-analysis.

Too many have suffered, too much have been destroyed and too much time has been lost. The cost of freedom does not come cheap. It is time to recoup and treasure this independence. Happy independence Guyana.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall.

Finally, after 57 years, we are getting there

TODAY is 57 years since we have achieved Independence. I am in my 35th year of doing newspaper columns for consecutive years since 1988. I have written, for long periods, for the Catholic Standard, Stabroek News, and the Kaieteur News. I did a series of columns for the Guyana Chronicle on the Buxton insanity. Now I am doing a daily column for the Guyana Chronicle.

I have spent around 55 years in social activism, human rights crusades, and political activities. I have spent 26 consecutive years teaching at the University of Guyana. So, 55 plus 35, plus 26 years of experience in different modalities have given me phenomenal insight into the country I have spent all my life in.

Except for post-graduate training abroad, and a short stint with the Maurice Bishop Government in Grenada, I have lived all my life on the soil named Guyana; I have not left that soil, even for a day, since a visit to

Miami for eye treatment in 2020. Before you utter foolishness or asininities about my life, that hospitalisation was courtesy of my then editor of the Catholic Standard, Jesuit priest, Father Andrew Morrison.

Back then, I could not afford it, and now I still cannot afford hospitalisation in the USA. So, I know my country, given the shape of my praxis. I know the hardships this land has endured.

I saw its moments of insanities, destitutions, tragedies and nightmares. I have lived through all of that.

I have endured, like countless of Guyanese, the Ancient Civilization in a modern age. I agree with Kit Nascimento when he said that the riches of Guyana have come too late for some of us. I definitely count myself as a member of that age of chagrin, where hopes died and dreams vanished.

The memories of an ancient Guyana are literally endless. Some will always stick in your mind. I will

only offer two samples because of space. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Clement Rohee had invented in the ministry’s bottom flat, the Foreign Service Institute.

I had a student in my class at UG who was the administrative officer of the institute. His name was Imtyaz Mohamed. Imtyaz would give me paper to print handouts for my students. The university had no money for anything in those times; it was through Imtyaz that my students got handouts for a number of years.

The second memory was the scarcity of any place of entertainment in those days. Many Friday nights, a group of us, after lectures, would go down town to have a lime. We couldn’t find any suitable place. One night, we stopped to drink coconut water at King and Wellington Streets.

A homeless man was enraged at us for reasons we didn’t know. So, he picked up a coconut shell and pelted it at the head of one of UG’s famous lec-

turers, Theo Morris. Theo barely ducked the nuclear missile. Then the guy went for another shell, and all of us became faster than Usain Bolt.

That was life in Guyana back then. The economist of the 1960s, W. W. Rustow in his famous book, “The Stages of Economic Growth”, had divided the process of economic development of all societies into five stages: (1) The traditional society, (2) the preconditions for takeoff, (3) the takeoff, (4) the drive to maturity, and (5) the age of high mass consumption.

In May 2023, Guyana is at the stage of successful fulfillment. We have discovered oil. Oil has made the developed world post-modern societies.

Oil has allowed the US and Europe to shape their economies into phenomenal machines. Finally, the Guyanese population can now earn what they have long been denied – money to achieve the last stage of Rustow’s model.

And we are getting there. The Minister of Natural Resources said that if we think Guyana has earned billions of dollars from oil production, the income will be amazing from 2025 onwards.

Yes, I have seen the nightmares Guyanese have lived with from the 1970s onwards. The things we are now getting from being an oil-producing economy we sincerely deserve. The government has announced 12 more hospitals, new schools are being built,

and our infrastructure is expanding beyond imagination.

Years ago, I visited a school on the West Bank of Demerara. What I saw was simply incredible. The school yard was like a jungle. There was hardly any school furniture, and there were no toilet facilities. Those were images of the past.

Guyana is an oil-producing nation; we all should welcome the fantastic income from it. We all should participate in using the oil revenues to make Guyana what it should have long been – a great country with great people and great resources. Independence 2023 is a moment that we should build on.

Civilian recounts daring attempt to save Mahdia fire victims

PARTIALLY clothed and awakened by shrilling screams, nearby resident, Parkinson John, rushed to the Mahdia Secondary School female dormitory to rescue the victims who were trapped by the massive fire.

In a video that has recently surfaced on Facebook, John opened up and spoke about what that dreadful Sunday night was like for the residents of Mahdia, especially first responders like him.

Within the video, the man said that while he

was initially awakened by loud screams, he said that they gradually turned into cries. John then alerted his wife about the sounds coming from the dorms since he was worried.

Although not properly clothed, without any hesitation, the man said: “I run down the stairs and straight up to the dorms.”

John remarked that when he arrived at the scene, he saw the security guard already making efforts and after he sped past the guard, he just started to pick up the trapped children, in order

Four prison officers among six persons remanded over ‘smallie’ escape

FOUR prison officers are among six persons who were remanded to prison on Thursday for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to aid the escape of death row inmate and convicted mass murderer, Mark Royden Williams called "Smallie.”

The prison officers are head of security of the Mazaruni Prison, Alexander Hopkinson; Omar Whitherspoon; Conroy Hosannah, and Oldfield Romulus.

Meanwhile, a female visitor, Frangeliz Jugandry Flores Perez of Alexander Street, Kitty and a businessman, Rajmohan Autar called “Chico” were also charged.

It is alleged that on May 19, the sextet conspired with each other and persons unknown to assist with the escape of Williams.

The defendants appeared before Magistrate Crystal Lambert at the Bartica Magistrate's Court. They were not required to plead to the charge and were remanded

to rescue them.

He added that as he was traversing back and forth, he could hear the screams and cries from all directions.

“But [with] the height of the screaming.... some start screaming close to me, so I start [to] just grab,” he remarked, saying that the only thing on his mind was to get the children to safety.

He added: “I get on no pants, no shirt, I [was] just going,” and he was even stumbling throughout the ordeal.

John also recounted that while he was car-

- says his only focus was getting the children to safety

rying the last victim, he began to feel weak and dropped her, but he said that as he was about to leave, he told himself to go back, and when he returned in his frail state, he pushed through and brought the child to safety.

Additionally, he said that attempts were made to break the grills but it was futile so he told the other helpers: “I going back in the fire again,” after he heard another victim screaming at the top of her lungs to be rescued.

“It ain’t easy hearing

somebody screaming for help,” John expressed while recounting the horrific incident.

Meanwhile, police investigations so far into Sunday night’s deadly Mahdia fire, which claimed the lives of 19 persons, have revealed that a female student is suspected to have set the fire because her cellular phone was taken away by the dorm’s mother and a teacher.

At the time of the fire, there were 57 female students in the dormitory, a one-flat concrete building mea-

suring about 100 feet by 40 feet, with several windows, all grilled, and five doors.

to prison until June 26. Hopkinson was represented by attorney-at-law Bernard DaSilva. A reward of $10 million is currently being offered for any information that can lead to the recapture of Williams.

Persons with any information can contact the police on telephone numbers: 225-6940, 225-8196, 2252317, 227-1149 or the nearest police station.

Williams, known as “Smallie,” escaped from the Mazaruni Prison at around 14:30 hrs with the assistance of heavily armed men in a speedboat.

According to the Prison Service, Williams was returning to the Sibley Hall prison on an ATV and was in shackles after receiving a visit from a female, when the escorting ranks came under gunfire. It is alleged that the ranks dismounted their ATV and returned fire at the assailants.

It is further alleged by the Prison Service that one

First responder, Parkinson John (Photo from PNC/R Facebook page)

‘They can count on our unconditional support’

- Jagdeo affirms in wake of tragic Mahdia fire

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday reiterated the government’s uncondi-

tional support for the students and families affected by the horrific fire at the Mahdia Secondary School female dormitory, where 19

youths died.

During his weekly press conference at Freedom House, Jagdeo expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families

Four prison officers...

FROM PAGE 9

of the boat occupants came to shore and continued to discharge several rounds towards the prison officers. Williams, who was in foot chains, managed to run towards the riverbank and jumped into the river, the Prison Service claimed.

The gunmen assisted him into the speedboat which headed upstream past Itaballi Landing, while prison guards and police undertook pursuit. No prison officer was injured during the ordeal.

In February 2017, Williams was sentenced to death when a jury found him guilty of eight counts of murder in relation to the 2008 Bartica massacre, in which a dozen persons, including three police officers were shot dead.

Several months later, in July 2017, Williams escaped from the prison at Camp Street, Georgetown during a riot. It is believed that he was the mastermind.

However, he was nabbed on October 9,

2017, at Weldaad, West Coast Berbice (WCB), while travelling in a public minibus.

In 2013, Williams was acquitted after a 12-member jury found him not guilty of the charges against him in relation to the 2008 Lusignan massacre, which claimed the lives of 11 persons, including five children.

Last year, he was sentenced to death for the 2008 murder of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officer Ivor Williams.

who lost their loved ones in the fire, and called for continued prayers for the other students who have been hospitalised due to the ordeal.

“This devastating loss has taken away the joy from so many families, and I want them to know that they can count on our unconditional support, now and in the future,” he pledged, adding:

“It’s going to be a long period before we can overcome this, because the loss of even a single young life is a tragedy, much less the loss of so many of our young people, with their hopes and aspirations. I just cannot imagine how those parents and families are feeling at this point in time; we’ve seen the expression of the grief in a very visible manner.”

Noting that there is a

time and place for everything, the General Secretary called on persons not to use the tragedy for political mileage, since this would be disrespectful.

“I would like to urge against those who have been so disrespectful as to try to politicise this national tragedy.

To capitalise on people’s

grief is unconscionable, and any attempt to do so should be condemned by the entire public. Whatever the manifestation, whether by insinuation or by just openly trying to politicise people’s grief, we must condemn it,” Jagdeo said.

PPP/C General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

$15M worth of high-value crops produced in first quarter of 2023

- further investments to be made, establishment of new facilities on the cards

WITH ongoing investments in the agriculture sector, Guyana has produced some $15 million in high-value crops in the first quarter of 2023.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chroni-

cle, said those crops which included broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and other leafy vegetables were produced under the Youth Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship programme.

The programme which was launched by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali back in January 2022, saw the construction of several shades houses and the introduction of hydroponics and vertical agriculture to produce high-value crops.

Broccoli, cauliflower and carrot form a large part of the country’s food-import bill, with data suggesting that consumption of the vegetables is increasing with each passing year.

This newspaper had previously reported that, in 2018, the import value for carrot, broccoli and cauliflower was $1.583 billion, while in 2019 and 2021 the import value stood at $1.962 billion and $2.626 billion, respectively.

Meanwhile, to further boost the production of high-valued crops in the country, plans are moving apace for the roll out of a US$15 million hydroponics facility.

This initiative is a partnership between Israel-based hydroponics company, KARLIGO Inc., and the Government of Guyana.

Mustapha said that the

first shipment of supplies arrived in Guyana and by the end of next month, production could commence.

“The hydroponics that the Israeli company want to start, all their materials and equipment are in the country. We are now helping them to prepare the land to add crush and run to it. The water is connected, the light is connected and the electricity is connected. By the end of next month, they will be able to set up everything there,” Mustapha said.

Approximately US$15,750,000 is being invested by the company to execute the project which will involve a three-phase hydroponic production system based on nutrient film techniques and soilless production systems.

In the first phase of the project, the company will construct a 2,000 square-metre state-of-theart hydroponic system, and install a cold room, packaging facility, harvesting equipment, irrigation controllers, fertiliser mixers, water recycling system, and emergency water storage.

Phase two will see the construction and installation of an advanced greenhouse system. Meanwhile, Phase three will see the construction of a regional distribution centre to

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

$15M worth of high-value crops produced in first...

FROM PAGE 12

store, process and package vegetables for local and international markets.

December last, Mustapha had said that KARLIGO Inc., is one of several investors who had expressed interest in constructing a hydroponic project in Guyana.

The company was engaged by the government since October 2022 about developing the project and later a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the company and the ministry to execute the project.

With the company’s expertise, the produce is expected to meet all the necessary United States Department of Agriculture and European Food Safety Authority standards and regulations, paving the way for regional and

international export opportunities.

Hydroponics is a technology used to grow plants in fertiliser solution containing varying amounts of nitrogen,

phosphorus, and potassium. Simply put, it is the technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil.

Crops being grown in a hydroponic garden

Vendors, residents complain of APNU+AFC-controlled City Hall incompetence

MORE residents have come forward to express dissatisfaction with the way in which the A Partnership for National Unity + Alli-

ance For Change (APNU+AFC)-controlled City Hall is managing Georgetown.

Those cries and concerns were made re -

cently through a series of trending videos. An older woman in one of the videos expressed the utmost disgust with the condition of the George-

Garbage in Georgetown town seawall.

Highlighting that City Hall has been controlled by the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R)/APNU for a number of years, the woman said: “They [PNC] were there for so [many] years and if this is not improving, I feel someone else should take over.”

She went on to say: “All these bottles and plastic bags and stuff like that is here on this seawall, this morning [and] it looks very horrible. We need a change from City Hall because this is not good enough for us, as Guyanese.”

Calling out the City Hall management for their empty promises, a man in another video said that Le Repentir Cemetery is a mess, labelling it “a jungle” because of the overgrowth of bush, weeds and long grass.

According to him: “The last council promised to get it [the cemetery] clean and we haven't seen it clean up to now.”

Further, a vendor at the East Ruimveldt Market expressed disappointment with the poor performance by City Hall. Apart from the piles of garbage outside of the market, the woman said it is a similar state inside.

She further said that despite vendors paying fees to City Hall every month, the deplorable state of the market is not only disrespectful, but

it is also unacceptable and shows their incompetence.

“We think that it is time we get a change,” a resident of Lodge said in a different snippet.

He remarked that despite the community paying their taxes on time, they still have to go into their own pockets to maintain their community in many ways, such as cleaning the parapets and drains, among other things.

Local Government Elections are scheduled for June 12. The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) will be contesting all Local Authority Areas (LAAs) and hopes to increase its representation in Georgetown at the level of the City Council, which is currently controlled by the PNC-led APNU+AFC.

According to reports, at the last Local Government Elections in 2018, APNU won a total of 21 seats, while the PPP/C gained seven seats and the Alliance For Change (AFC) was allotted two.

After serving some five years as Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine has decided against contesting in the upcoming Local Government Elections, noting that he has already given the job his “best shot.”

Narine was elected to the post of mayor in 2018 and throughout his tenure faced immense backlash over a wide array of issues surrounding management of the city.

Three Mahdia fire victims still receiving intensive care

- Mental Health team to continue working with victims, others in coming months, Health Ministry affirms

THREE patients who were medevacked to Georgetown for treatment following the devastating fire at the Mahdia Secondary School’s female dormitory are being treated in the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

This is according to the Ministry of Health, which confirmed in a release on Thursday that 12 girls are still under the care of the GPHC.

Three of those girls were admitted to the ICU, and nine are in the Paediatric High Dependence Unit. While two are still critical in the ICU, the ministry said the others are listed as stable.

“Their conditions are improving, and discharges for some are possible in the shortest possible time,” the GPHC said in its statement.

Additionally, after President Dr. Irfaan Ali arrived in Mahdia on Wednesday, he requested that 11 children who had

gone home without seeing a doctor be medically assessed.

Those children arrived in Georgetown on Wednesday afternoon, and were assessed by a special team in the Emergency Room of GPHC.

Further, the ministry related that there is an enhanced medical team present in Mahdia, which includes the Ministry of Health’s Director of Primary and Family Healthcare Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton, who is coordinating the medical response in Mahdia and other villages in the region that were affected by the tragedy.

Additionally, officials at the ministry said that the enhanced medical team, which was there since Monday, will remain in place at Mahdia and do follow-up visits over the next three months. At the end of those three months, a review is expected to be conducted to ensure an enhanced capacity is present in the town.

PSYCHOSOCIAL

SUPPORT

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry said that since the incident, mental health teams were dispatched to Mahdia, and comprise a child psychiatrist, one child psychologist, three adult psychiatrists, two general psychologists, six social workers, mental health assistants, and two mental health-trained family physicians.

“This team, from Day One, prioritised all children who were in the ‘dorms’ at the time of the fire, including parents, guardians and teachers. They were all evaluated and offered psychoso -

Berbice Bar Association extends support to families of Mahdia fire victims

The following is the full statement from the Berbice Bar Association on the tragic incident at Mahdia:

“ON Monday last, May 22, 2023, we all awoke to the shocking news of the fire that took place at the dormitory at the secondary school in Mahdia, and the unfortunate loss of 19 innocent lives as a result of that fire.

The executive and members of the Berbice Bar Association hereby express our heartfelt sympa-

thies and condolences to the parents, siblings, other relatives, friends, and of those who perished in the fire, and also to the entire Mahdia community at this time of immeasurable loss and grief.

While we still can yet scarcely wrap our minds around the magnitude of grief that the relatives of those who died are experiencing, we want you to know that we feel your pain and that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We will never forget

this tragic and seemingly senseless incident.

We call on all Guyanese to join our hearts together in moments of prayers and reflection, and to forever resolve to do all that we can to make our surroundings as safe as we possibly can and to think “safety” as a way of life.

We wish a speedy and complete recovery to everyone who were injured in the fire, and may the souls of those who perished rest in eternal peace.”

cial support,” the ministry said.

On Day Two, the 14 children who were hospitalised in Mahdia and their parents were evaluated, including the parents of the children who died in the fire.

This psychosocial assistance was further extended to first responders,

auxiliary staff in direct contact with the fire, and other support staff.

According to the Ministry: “Thus far, in Mahdia and Region Eight villages, the Ministry’s Mental Health teams have worked with 260 persons, including 126 children. The team will continue to work in Mahdia and Region Eight

villages continuously over the next three months.” Following this period, the response will be reviewed, and a strong mental health team will be maintained in the region permanently. It was noted that all parents and children are under continuous support from this team.

APNU councillor charged for insulting Chase-Green

A PARTNERSHIP for National Unity (APNU) City Hall Councillor, Dexter Forte is on $10,000 bail for insulting People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Candidate and former Mayor of Georgetown Patricia Chase-Green.

Forte, of Festival City, Georgetown, on Wednesday appeared before Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Particulars of the charge allege that Forte, on April 14, 2023, at

Georgetown, called Chase-Green a name other than her name with the intent to insult her.

Forte was released on $10,000 bail, and the case was adjourned until June 14, 2023.

In April, a former member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Trichria Richards, who is now running as a candidate for the PPP/C, had cause to make a report against Forte for harassment.

Richards had told the media that she will not be fazed by bullyism, vile threats and harassment that she has been receiving from members

of the main political opposition.

However, tired of the continuous harassment from Forte, Richards said she had made an official report to the police about the individual’s behaviour towards her.

Richards and ChaseGreen had crossed the political floor over a desire for “unity, progress and a One Guyana”.

The crossover of Chase-Green and other prominent figures has been seen as a major blow to the Opposition, which has since resorted to a campaign to discredit their former members’ credibility.

Foreign investors eye Guyana’s brackish water shrimp industry

EVERGREEN Egypt

United, a leading company in the field of fish farming, fish farms, and

ish water shrimp in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), which is expected to further increase Guy-

date, we’ve been able to construct 133 ponds, and this has contributed to us exceeding initial produc-

marine fisheries has signalled its interest in Guyana.

According to information provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, the company is hoping to set up operations here through the establishment of fish and shrimp hatcheries, a fish and shrimp-feeding plant and production factory, as well as a research and development laboratory.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, on Tuesday met with a team of investors from the company as part of ongoing discussions.

According to the ministry, Minister Mustapha said that Guyana is advancing the production of brackish water shrimp, as well as embarking on cage culture.

The ministry has commenced the groundwork for the rearing of brack-

ana’s production levels.

Earlier this month, the Guyana Chronicle had reported that farmers were able to produce 182.89 tonnes (182,890 kilograms) of brackish water shrimp in the first quarter, earning over $274 million.

This, compared to the corresponding period in 2022, showed a 50 per cent increase in the activity. Some 37 farms in Region Six (East Berbice -Corentyne) have been developed, comprising a total of 133 ponds.

In a previous report, Minister Mustapha had said: “In July 2021, farmers were producing just about 10,000 kilograms monthly; just about 120,000 kilograms annually. We announced that this was the direction we wanted to take, and that farmers would be given the support to expand. To

tion figures.”

In an effort to boost productivity, the Government of Guyana has partnered with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to conduct a study and gather information for the piloting and implementation of a strategy to enhance shrimp production in Guyana and several other Caribbean States.

Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture received three manuals that were developed collaboratively by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the World Wildlife Fund–Guianas (WWF-Guianas), and its Fisheries Department. One of the manuals will be used to guide brackish water shrimp production in Guyana.

Shrimp farmers from Region Six

OAS gives gov’t high score for its democratic pursuits

GUYANA has received high commendation from the Organisation of American States (OAS) for its remarkable efforts in fighting for the rights of its people.

OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro paid the compliment on Thursday, during an engagement with Guyana’s Civil Society at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston.

The Secretary-General said Guyana has always been making headway for its people, which often aids in the further unification of the country.

“Guyana has proven itself to be a great defender of democracy. Equally as important, Guyana continues to be a defender of human rights, especially Indigenous People’s rights, and Afro-descendant’s rights, recognising to build a nation of unity, all people must be given equitable access to opportunities,” Almagro underscored.

He said that Guyana has been one of the countries to instill crucial principles to always protect its people.

“It’s government has continued to reaffirm the principles set out on the US Charter, which em -

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance

Gail Teixeira

phasises the protection and fundamental rights of an individual, without distinction, to race, nationality, creed or sex,” the Secretary General said.

Acknowledging that the government has been going above and beyond for its people, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira said the achievement would not have been possible without the OAS’ support.

“We are deeply appreciative of the Organisation of American States, the electoral observer mission heads, former Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding, and for the very forthright principled position of the OAS permanent councillor and

yourself in defending and protecting, the democracy of Guyana,” Minister Teixeira emphasised.

The government has committed to electoral and legislative reforms, contributing to the drive for democracy.

As such, efforts to promote transparency and accountability include the passage of the Representation of the People Act (ROPA) and the tabling of the National Registration (Amendment) Act.

Additionally, the establishment of the Constitutional Reform Commission is representative of the government’s pledge to the maintenance of local democracy.

Police sergeant who, allegedly, stole pistol gets $100,000 bail

POLICE sergeant, Relando Sandy, on Thursday, found himself on the wrong side of the law, when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a firearm from the Guyana Police Force.

Sandy, 36, of Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara appeared before Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and denied that, between 23rd and 24th January 2023, at Rab-

bit Walk, Georgetown, he stole a glock 17 9mm pistol, which belonged to the Government of Guyana.

His attorney, Patrice Henry, made an application for bail on the grounds that his client was not a flight risk and was ready to clear his name.

With no objection from the prosecutor, the Chief Magistrate released Sandy on $100,000 bail. The matter was adjourned until June 13. Police sergeant, Relando Sandy

OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic:

Our resilience, indomitable spirit will rise above all challenges

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends greetings to all Guyanese, both here and in the diaspora on the occasion of Guyana’s 57th independence anniversary.

The 57 years since the Golden Arrowhead was first hoisted in May 1966, was not without its challenges. Our nation and

its people were tested at various points, but on every occasion, despite the severity of what confronted us, our resilience and indomitable spirit will to rise to those challenges and forge ahead, prevailed.

Once again, we are challenged as a people to be brave in the face of tragedy following the

death of 19 innocent souls in the devastating fire at Mahdia. We join all of Guyana and the rest of the world in mourning this tragic loss, and express our condolences to the affected

families.

We also pray for a speedy recovery for all those who remain hospitalised and pledge our full support towards ensuring no effort is spared towards this end.

As our nation struggles to come to grips with the enormity of the moment, it is especially important that as Guyanese we uplift each other, and offer hope and support.

In observing another milestone in our independence, our Party urges reflection on the valiant efforts of those who made

untold sacrifices during the struggles for self-rule. Those sacrifices must continue to be valued and remain a source to imbue us all with pride and patriotism.

We must also remain cognisant of our nation’s vast potential which, through prudent management, can create the brighter future we all desire. Let us continue to remain hopeful so that our challenges can be overcome.

Happy Independence to all Guyanese!

The People’s National Congress Reform:

Our hearts are filled with anxieties, fears, anguish after the recent tragedy

Today, on the 57th anniversary of our country’s independence, we wish we could say Happy Independence Day to our fellow Guyanese. Unfortunately, recent crises and tragedies have filled our collective and individual hearts with anxieties, fears, and anguish.

We mark this 57th Independence Anniversary with greater national unhappiness and self-doubt and with diminishing national self-esteem and pride. We, as a people, today recognise more than ever that massive oil wealth means little if

there is no empathy and compassion - if it cannot connect to our struggles, frustrations, and despair.

As a Party, we firmly believe Guyana can and must do better. We have built our vision on our conviction that prosperity can be guaranteed to all citizens, that good governance can prevail, and that national happiness and self-confidence can abound.

But these transformations will not occur automatically. They must be envisioned, planned, and implemented with zeal for the benefit of all persons. As the national crisis deepens, citizens must, more than before, use their voices and their votes to demand and get the changes they desire and deserve for their families, communities, and country.

On this Independence Anniversary, therefore, it is fitting to wish all our fellow Guyanese a better future. We pledge to work on your behalf towards achieving it.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union: A time for reflection

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) extends warm wishes to all Guyanese at home and abroad on the occasion of our country’s 57th Independence Anniversary.

The shedding of our colonial chains now nearly six decades ago marked a monumental achievement for our country and its people. Moving from one coloniser to the next over several centuries contextualises the significance of independence.

We of the GAWU recollect that the struggle for political freedom began in earnest following the silent pledge of Dr Cheddi Jagan as he witnessed the outpouring of grief at the funeral of the Enmore

Martyrs. That struggle ignited that consciousness of the Guyanese people to secure their self-determination and to be released from the bondages of colonialism. We believe as we observe Independence Day, we must pay tribute to all those who advanced the struggle for independence and an end of colonialism in Guyana. Our observances this year are subdued as we still reel from the tragedy at Mahdia a few days ago. The GAWU and its thousands of members across the country are saddened by the tragic loss of nineteen (19) young Guyanese. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family, friends, and the

communities as this trying time. We pray for their strength and solace in this difficult period and offer our fullest solidarity.

Though the times are certainly difficult we are heartened by the collective response of the Guyanese people. The outpouring of support from all corners of the country is yet another reminder that despite our differences we stand together in support of each other in times of difficulty and challenge.

As we celebrate our independence, we take heart that our people remain united and together. We must lament too those who, at this difficult time, have sought to pursue divisiveness, undoubtedly towards narrow selfish

ends. At time of tragedy there is need to put petty partisan behaviour aside as we seek as a country and people to heal.

The GAWU remains proud of our independence and looks forward to upward and greater development in the coming times. Indeed, we remain in exciting times, but we need to assure that the boats of all Guyanese rise together and equitably. As we reflect on the journey leading up to independence and after an enduring message remains that as One Guyana we can overcome any challenge, succeed in difficult times and attain new and higher goals.

Happy Independence Day from GAWU!

The Chairman, Commissioners and staff of the Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC), shares the grief the Guyanese nation is experiencing as a result of the Mahdia Dormitory fire and at this time of our country’s 57th Independence Anniversary.

Following the loss that night, families, Mahdia, neighbouring communities and our country are deprived of 19 of its very young, bringing unimaginable pain and grief.

Cognisant of the tragedy, the ERC is pleased that the traditional celebrations associated with Independence have been redesigned to a night of reflection in keeping with the somber atmosphere that has engulfed the nation.

The Commission is encouraged by the signs of compassion, maturity and spirit of brotherhood displayed by all during this horrific tragedy.

The ERC wishes to also recognise and commend the show of unity and outpouring of support that manifested through expressions of empathy demonstrated by concerned citizens from all sides demonstrating that, as a nation, we can unite for a common cause.

The Commission reiterates on this Independence Anniversary that its prayers are with the grieving families and friends who are currently suffering unimaginable trauma from their recent loss.

Let’s embrace solemnly this Independence Anniversary in peace and hope!

The Ethnic Relations Commission: We are encouraged by the signs of compassion, maturity and spirit of brotherhood

Lunchtime hobby in school helps kick-start youth’s dancehall career -song

DANCEHALL artiste Trevon George, who goes by the stage name ‘Mafi,’ has been making strides in the entertainment industry overseas with his song ‘Real People,’ which has gotten recognition on one of the top radio stations in the United States of America where he is now based.

The 25-year-old, born and raised at One Mile, Linden, moved to the Essequibo Coast where he spent some time before migrating to the US in 2016.

Music for him started in secondary school.

“I wasn’t really serious about it; it was just like a lunchtime hobby when we would gather and everybody would clash. Sometimes we would have two teams clashing on one-on-one,” he reflected in an interview with Buzz.

But in 2019 he began taking it seriously, going to the studio and actually recording music and uploading it to his Youtube platform.

“I like being in the industry because I enjoy making music for my fans; I enjoy seeing how people appreciate and accept my music. That just gives me the drive and makes me want to continue pushing and doing what I am doing,” he expressed about

is a big hit on US radio

his time in the industry so far.

One of his biggest accomplishments is his song ‘Real People.’

“That song was pretty much taking over….it was playing on the number one radio station in the US, which is Hot 97, and I feel like that was a very big accomplishment for me. I had never heard a Guyanese artiste’s song play on the radio station, so for me, it was a big achievement because it’s not too often that you see stuff like that happen.”

Trevon’s goal is to be able to help young artistes like himself, especially those who are into dancehall music.

“My goal is to open the doors and set the way for the

next generation of artistes and put Guyana in the mainstream world where we are known for dancehall music.”

Guyana, he said, is one of the countries with some of the most “precious talent and it is only time before they start getting the recognition that they deserve.”

As a word of advice, he is encouraging every young dancehall artistes in Guyana to keep putting in the work.

“People are going to criticise; you can’t run from that. Just don’t listen to what people have to say.”

He would also like to let his fans know that he has been “working overtime for them” on lots of new music.

Dancehall artiste Trevon ‘Mafi’ George

Trevon’s music career had its origin in secondary school

‘Powerful routine’, gorgeous gowns secured win for mother-daughter duo

WHEN Natasha Brandt-Johnson and her daughter Jadiamond Johnson decided to compete in this year’s Mother and Daughter Pageant, they knew that they had to bring their ‘A’ game. They worked hard and after delivering a “powerful” performance on the night of the pageant, they were declared the winners of the senior category.

The Buzz recently had a chance to speak to the 41-year-old mother and her 19-year-old daughter about their pageant experience.

According to them, the pageant was everything they expected it to be and they enjoyed every aspect of the experience including meeting and interacting with the other mothers and daughters.

Modelling together on stage was new to them and according to Natasha, her daughter has dreamt of becoming a model.

“I guess just walking the stage gives her this hype and all the boost and confidence to go into the pageant that she's applying for right now,” she said.

Natasha recalled that on the night of the pageant there was a lot of crowd support.

She said persons were cheering them on from the time they stepped on the stage.

“Persons were screaming and when you looked in the audience, it was not only the persons who represented you who were cheering for you…the whole cultural centre, they were backing us. I think that was amazing,” she added.

According to Natasha, in the days leading up to the pageant, they decided not to showcase their entire routine during the practice sessions.

“One Sunday, we gave them a glimpse of what we were doing [on pageant night],” she said adding that they thought it was best to keep parts of their routine under wraps until pageant night.

Asked about the royal blue gowns that they wore, Natasha said that a lot of thought went into it.

“We studied pageantry and how a queen will look and we came up with the colour.”

She praised the designer Naomi Murray for putting together the final look.

“We knew it was the year of the pearl, so we didn't want to do too much because we thought everybody would've come with pearls. She was the one that said we’re just going to put in a pearl where needed,” she related.

The excited mother said that the win was not a shock to her.

“I think because everyone told us that we got it, it was not a surprise because when we looked around and we saw our dresses, we knew we won and we knew that we had a powerful routine that nobody could have touched.”

Jadiamond who is a sixth form student at The Bishops’ High School likes to dance and sing in her spare time. She has applied

to educational institutions abroad and is now looking for scholarships that could help to finance those studies.

Natasha is a teacher at the Saint Pius Primary School and her hobbies include dancing and meeting new people. Jadiamond is the eldest of her three children. (Faith Greene)

Natasha and Jadiamond impressed the audience with a well-put-together routine on pageant night (Delano Williams photo)

Halle Bailey soaks up good vibes for Ariel role in 'Little Mermaid'

AS the second Black Disney princess in history, Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel in the new "The Little Mermaid" movie, says she has been moved by videos of Black children and parents delighted by her history-making role.

nd then there was the video that hit closer to home, sent by her mother, of her grandparents viewing the film's trailer and her grandfather crying as he watched it on repeat.

"Special moments like that make me feel like I'm in the

right place because they have been through so much," Bailey told Reuters. "My grandmother remembers seeing her family members in the cotton fields."

When the 23-year-old American singer was cast as Ariel, it was a moment of both celebration and struggle, as she became the target of a racist backlash on social media.

Bailey chose to embrace her historical casting by reading the book "The Little Mermaid: Make a Splash" to children at the White House in April and

soaking up the good vibes from her little fans' videos.

"I just focus on the positivity and the beautiful reactions from these babies and realise the greater meaning and purpose in all of this is for them to be able to see themselves and know that they're worthy," the "Grown-ish" actor said.

The movie splashes into theaters today.

Based on the animated 1989 film and the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale of the same name, the new movie directed by

Rob Marshall follows the mermaid Ariel, who makes a deal with a cruel sea witch, Ursula, in which Ariel trades her voice to become human and reunite with Prince Eric after rescuing him from a shipwreck.

The cast includes Jonah Hauer-King as Eric, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula and Javier Bardem as King Triton. Among the voice actors, Daveed Diggs plays the crab Sebastian, Awkwafina is the diving bird Scuttle, and Jacob Tremblay is the fish Flounder.

With encouragement from loved ones, Bailey dove into her role, literally, by taking mermaid lessons.

"I had these amazing syn- chronized swimming coaches," she said. "They would come over to my house every Sunday and they would just teach me how to swim."

Acting veteran McCarthy also embraced the opportunity to play Ursula, a character she felt attached to long ago.

"I absolutely remember thinking Ursula is my gal," McCarthy said, recalling the

original animated film she first saw at the movie theater when she was 20 years old. McCarthy appreciated being able to explore Ursula's fears and loneliness.

"I think you start to kind of develop this full three-dimensional version of who she really was and I really quite fell for her," she said. (Reuters)

'Queen of rock 'n' roll' Tina Turner dies at 83

TINA Turner, the American-born singer who left a hardscrabble farming community and abusive relationship to become one of the top recording artistes of all time, died on Wednesday at the age of 83.

She died peacefully after a long illness in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland, her representative said.

Turner began her career in the 1950s during the early years of rock 'n' roll and evolved into an MTV phenomenon.

In the video for her chart-topping song "What's Love Got to Do with It," in which she called love a "second-hand emotion," Turner epitomized 1980s style as she strutted through New York City streets with her spiky blond hair, wearing a cropped jean jacket, mini skirt and stiletto heels.

With her taste for musical experimentation and bluntly worded ballads, Turner gelled perfectly with a 1980s pop landscape in which music fans valued electronically produced sounds and scorned hippie-era idealism.

Sometimes nicknamed the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll," Turner won six of her eight Grammy Awards in the 1980s. In that decade she landed a dozen songs in the Top 40, including "Typical Male," "The Best," "Private Dancer" and "Better Be Good to Me." Her 1988 show in Rio de Janeiro drew 180,000 people, which remains one of the largest concert audiences for any single performer.

By then, Turner had been free from her marriage to guitarist Ike Turner for a decade.

The superstar was forthcoming about the abuse she suffered from her former husband during their marital and musical partnership in the 1960s and 1970s. She described bruised eyes, busted lips, a broken jaw and other injuries that repeatedly sent her to the emergency room.

"Tina's story is not one of

victimhood but one of incredible triumph," singer Janet Jackson wrote about Turner, in a Rolling Stone issue that placed Turner at No. 63 on a list of the top 100 artistes of all time.

"She's transformed herself into an international sensationan elegant powerhouse," Jackson said.

In 1985, Turner gave a fictional turn to her reputation as a survivor. She played the ruthless leader of an outpost in a nuclear wasteland, acting opposite Mel Gibson in the third installment in the Mad Max franchise, "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome."

Most of Turner's hit songs were written by others, but she enlivened them with a voice that New York Times music critic Jon Pareles called "one of the more peculiar instruments in pop."

"It's three-tiered, with a nasal low register, a yowling, cutting middle range and a high register so startlingly clear it sounds like a falsetto," Pareles wrote in a 1987 concert review.

Actor Angela Bassett, who was nominated for an Academy Award for playing Turner in the 1993 film "What's Love Got to Do with It," said she was "humbled to have helped show her to the world."

"She gave us her whole self," Bassett said in a statement. "Tina Turner is a gift that will always be 'simply the best.'"

Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones said he was saddened by Turner's death, calling her "inspiring, warm, funny and generous."

"She helped me so much when I was young and I will never forget her," Jagger said.

Canadian singer Bryan Adams, who paired with Turner on the 1985 single, "It's Only Love," said "the world just lost one hell of a powerhouse of a woman."

U.S. President Joe Biden described Turner as a "once-in-a-generation talent" and

Cast member Halle Bailey attends the premiere of the film "The Little Mermaid" in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on May 8, 2023 (REUTERS/Mario Anzuonitress photo)

'Queen of rock...

From page 28

said her "personal strength was remarkable."

"Overcoming adversity, and even abuse, she built a career for the ages and a life and legacy that were entirely hers," Biden said in a statement.

'ONE-HORSE TOWN'

Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in the rural Tennessee community of Nutbush, which she described in her 1973 song "Nutbush City Limits" as a "quiet little old community, a one-horse town."

Her father worked as an overseer on a farm and her mother left the family when the singer was 11 years old, according to the singer's 2018 memoir "My Love Story." As a teenager, she moved to St. Louis to rejoin her mom.

Ike Turner discovered her when she was 17 when she grabbed the mic to sing at his club show in St. Louis in 1957.

The band leader later recorded a hit song, "A Fool In Love," with his protégé and gave her the stage name Tina Turner, before the two married in Tijuana, Mexico.

Tina employed her strong voice and strenuously rehearsed dance routines as lead vocalist in an ensemble called the Ike and Tina Turner Revue. She collaborated with members of rock royalty, including The Who and Phil Spector, in the 1960s and 1970s and appeared on the cover of issue two of Rolling Stone magazine in 1967.

Ike and Tina Turner bounced between record labels, owing much of their commercial success to a relentless touring schedule. Their biggest hit was a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Proud Mary."

Turner left her husband one night in 1976 on a tour stop in Dallas, after he pummeled her during a car ride and she struck back, according to her memoir. Their divorce was finalized in 1978.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted Ike and Tina Turner in 1991, calling them "one of the most formidable live acts in history." Ike Turner died in 2007.

EUROPE BOUND

After leaving her husband, Turner spent years struggling to regain the limelight, releasing solo albums and singles that flopped and gigging at corporate conferences.

In 1980, she met new manager Roger Davies, an Australian music executive who went on to manage her for three decades. That led to a solo No. 1 - "What's Love Got to Do With It" - and then in 1984 her album "Private Dancer" landed her at the top of the charts.

"Private Dancer" went on to become Turner's biggest album, the capstone of a career in which she sold more than 200 million records in total.

In 1985, Turner met German music executive Erwin Bach, who became her longterm partner, and in 1988 she moved to London, beginning a decades-long residency in Europe. She released two studio albums in the 1990s that sold well, especially in Europe, recorded the theme song for 1995 Bond movie "GoldenEye," and staged a successful world tour in 2008 and 2009.

After that, she retired from show business. She married

Bach, relinquishing her U.S. citizenship and becoming a citizen of Switzerland.

She battled a number of health problems after retiring and in 2018 she faced a family tragedy, when her oldest son, Craig, took his life at age 59 in Los Angeles. Her younger son Ronnie died in December 2022.

Her name continues to draw audiences years after her retirement. Musical stage show "TINA: The Tina Turner Musical," with Adrienne Warren initially acting and singing the star's life story, was a hit first in London's West End in 2018, and later on Broadway, and is still running. And in 2021 HBO released a documentary about her life, "Tina."

She is survived by Bach and two sons of Ike's that she adopted. (Reuters)

U.S. singer Tina Turner performs at the O2 Arena in London on March 3, 2009

(REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth photo)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday May 26, 2023)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) CSK

(2) Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who scored most runs in the preliminary phase of IPL 2023?

(2) What was the highest individual score in the preliminary rounds?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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West Indies Women’s Twenty20 Blaze…

Campbelle anchors Guyana’s innings to beat Jamacia

CMC – A run-a-ball, even, unbeaten 50 from West Indies Women’s batsman Shemaine Campbelle anchored Guyana to an eight-wicket win against defending champions Jamaica in the West Indies Women’s Twenty20 Blaze on Thursday.

Campbelle struck five fours from 49 balls and shared an unbroken third wicket stand of exactly 100 with international teammate Shakibi Ganjnabi, and the Guyanese successfully chased 110 in the opening match of the triple-header at Warner Park.

Gajnabi supported with 37 not out from 46 balls and formalised the result with 12 balls remaining when she pulled a delivery from off-spinner Vanessa Watts into mid-wicket for a single to give Guyana their third win of the tournament.

Pacer Celina Whyte took two for 11 from her allotted four overs – removing Sheneta Grimmond for six and fellow opener Katana Mentore for two – but Campbelle and Gajnabi snuffed out the embers of a fightback from the Jamaicans with their solid batting.

The Guyanese provisionally move to the top of the table on 12 points,

and await the outcome of the contest between Oneday champions Barbados and leaders Windward Islands, starting at 7 p.m. East Caribbean Time, to determine if they hold onto that place.

Jamaica remained stuck on eight points and were no match for the Guyanese, and virtually fluffed their hopes of retaining the title following another weak batting performance.

Former West Indies Women’s captain Stafanie Taylor led the way again with 48 off 49 balls that included five fours and one six, but the Jamaicans could only muster 109 for six from their allocation of 20 overs after they won the toss and chose to bat.

Taylor added 55 for the second wicket with Keneshia Ferron and put on 32 for the third wicket with international teammate Natasha McLean, but their effort was never going to be enough to seriously challenge Guyana.

McLean made 27 and Ferron got 20.

International pacer Cherry-Ann Fraser was the pick of the Guyanese bowlers with three for 18 from three overs.

Meanwhile, Trinidad & Tobago beat Leeward

Islands by six wickets in their fourth-round match.

Scores:

LEEWARD ISLANDS

120 for five off 20 overs (Divya Saxena 37, Jahzara Claxton 36, Amanda Edwards 26;

Kirbyina Alexander 2-15, Anisa Mohammed 2-21).

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 121 for four off

17.4 overs (Shunelle Sawh 26, Britney Cooper 21 not out, Shalini Samaroo 20).

PPP/C Linden ‘One-Guyana’ beach football continues tonight

Charter six helps Swag win big; Super Stars and Coomacka females win

In a display of ruthless efficiency, Deon Charter shot his way to

six goals as his team, Swag Entertainment, swept to a 7-2 win over Universal Ballers on the third night of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Linden ‘One-Guy-

ana’ Beach Football tournament.

Fresh from winning the Guinness Greatest of the Street football a few weeks ago, Swag Entertainment last Sun-

day advanced to the next round of play.

The tournament will feature $1M in cash incentives as the grand prize.

On a night of swift

action in the male championship and two matches to kick start the female tournament of this promotion, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, took time out to be among the many spectators who showed up.

The opening game ended with victory for DC Ballers who won 5-3 against Main Street Ballers.

Nicholas Garnett netted a hat-trick of goals for the DC side with Manny Dow and Kwesi Quintin getting the other goals while for Main Street, Tyrese Samuels scored all three goals.

In that lopsided loss to Swag Entertainment, Amanykie Mayers was responsible for the two goals registered by Universal Ballers.

In the third game, Kara Kara United edged past Alya Construction 4-3 on penalties after both teams were tied up 4-4 after regulation and overtime periods of play.

In the regulation play, Teral Kingston shot a brace with Antoine Yansen and Delon Grant scoring the other two goals for Kara Kara. Scoring the goals from Alya Construction were doubles by Odida Briggs and Ricardo Estwick.

In the first women’s game after a 2-2 draw in regulation play, Super Stars overcame Aroiama 2-1 from the penalty spot.

Earlier, in regulation time, Sherrylyn Kingston got two for the Super stars and Cindy Alexander the other two for the Aroiama team.

Gunners then moved past Golden Stars as Devanka Tappin and Rodension Tudor got the goals for the winners.

In the final female game, Coomacka scored an impressive 2-0 win over Pakuri with Jade Simmons getting both goals for the Coomacka Mines team.

Female football action

RHTY&SC extends congratulations to Sinclair on West Indies call-up

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) has congratulated Guyanese spinner, Kevin Sinclair.

In a social media post, the club, via its facebook page, said, “The Executives and Members of the

RHTYSC would like to extend congratulations to Kevin Sinclair on being selected to represent the West Indies ODI team.”

The post continued “We wish you all the best and keep the RHTYSC flag flying high.”

The right handed off-break bowler, who is presently in Bangladesh with the “A” Team, will replace the injured Gudakesh Motie in the 15-member ODI squad for the series in Sharjah.

Manchester United book Champions League spot

(BBC) - Manchester United booked their Champions League place with a game to spare thanks to a comfortable win over a dismal Chelsea side at Old Trafford.

Casemiro headed the hosts in front, with Anthony Martial sweeping in Jadon Sancho’s pass from close range to double their advantage.

Bruno Fernandes added United’s third from the penalty spot after being fouled by Wesley Fofana.

And another Fofana error saw Marcus Rashford score a fourth before Joao Felix’s late consolation for the Blues, who suffered their eighth defeat in 10 games under Frank Lampard and their 16th overall in a desperate campaign.

The result meant United consigned old rivals Liverpool to Europa League football next season.

It was not all good news for the home side though as Brazilian winger Antony was taken off on a stretcher in tears after suffering a lower leg injury in an innoc-

uous challenge with Trevoh Chalobah - with the FA Cup final against Manchester City less than two weeks away.

Manager Erik ten Hag said: “”I can tell you that it’s serious but we have to wait minimum 24 hours and then we know probably more about the status of his injury.”

For Chelsea, their sorry season - their worst in almost two decades - cannot come to an end quickly enough, although their fans have at least retained their sense of humour as they sang “we’ve scored a goal” as they celebrated Felix’s effort.

Easy night but work ahead for United Ten Hag made it clear in his programme notes that he wanted the Champions League place made secure immediately rather than let the situation drag on to create a tense finale against Fulham at the weekend.

It never looked likely they would fail to get the point they needed once Casemiro had been allowed

to meet Christian Eriksen’s free-kick unchallenged in a crowded penalty area to give the hosts a sixth-minute lead.

The Brazilian midfielder was the key component of a glorious second for the hosts, when he played a chipped, no-look pass beyond the Chelsea defence that allowed Sancho to present Martial with a tap-in.

Fernandes took the spotkick himself after he had been fouled in the box 17 minutes from time, having also hit the bar and had another penalty claim turned down.

Nothing encapsulated the hapless nature of Chelsea’s season more than United’s fourth as somehow, in taking their own goal kick, the visitors presented the ball to Fernandes, who squared for Rashford to finish at the second attempt after Kepa Arrizabalaga had kept out his initial effort. At that point, United were heading for their biggest win of the season and Chelsea their worst defeat.

Guyanese spinner, Kevin Sinclair

GDA seeks sponsorship for World Cup of Darts in Germany

By Sean Devers

After winning the Men’s doubles in the 2023 Latin American and Caribbean World Cup of Darts qualifiers Event earlier this month in San Jose, Costa Rica, Guyanese Sudesh Fitzgerald and veteran Norman Madhoo have qualified for the Professional Darts Corporation World Cup of Darts in Germany from June 15-18. The experienced Guyanese pair beat Andres Montero and Diego Orozco of Costa Rica on Saturday night in the male’s doubles category.

However, their participation at the World Cup is in limbo due to lack of funds.

The GDA is appealing to the government and Corporate Guyana for sponsorship of the $1.7M needed for their participation in the most prestigious Darts tournament in the world.

The pair of Madhoo, a former National Champion for over a decade, and Fitzgerald, who is the current national champion since 2018, will aim to put Guyana on the Map in the sport of Darts.

According to the GDA, the Association has approached the

Director of Sport and a few other businesses for sponsorship but they are awaiting a response.

Those desirous of contributing can contact the Association’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Edward Richmond, on telephone number 592600-4694.

Meanwhile, the GDA joined the many others in sending their condolences to the families and friends on the victims of the Mahdia Secondary School fire as the nation mourns with Mahdia.

KFC Elite League resumes this weekend after National mourning

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has announced the rescheduling of KFC Elite League matches this week, in adherence to President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s call for three days of National mourning owing to the Mahdia School dormitory fire which claimed 19 young, Guyanese lives.

As such, double headers that were scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday of this week have now been shifted to Saturday and Sunday.

Round 2 games intended for Tuesday featuring a Western Tigers FC and Buxton United FC clash and a battle between the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC and Den Ams-

tel FC will now be played on Saturday May, 27th.

Meanwhile, the Ann’s Grove vs Fruta Conquerors and Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC vs Victoria Kings games will now be played on Sunday, May 28th. Action on both days is set for the GFF’s National Training Centre, NTC, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD)

at 17:00hrs and 19:00hrs respectively, on both days.

Other changes to the league fixtures will see Milerock and defending champions Fruta Conquerors locking horns on Saturday June 3rd at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, instead of Saturday, May 27th. In addition, GPF FC and Milerock will go toe-

to-toe on Thursday June 8th at Eve Leary, instead of Saturday, June 3rd.

Santos FC currently leads the league, with two wins from two rounds. Santos and Milerock FC opened the second round of League action on Sunday last, when the former overcame the Linden-based team 3-0.

While Santos leads

the points table, Western Tigers FC are in the second position with 3 points and a +10 goal difference. They are followed by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC, Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC, and the Buxton United FC, who all have three points, with goal differences of +4, +2 and +2 respectively.

Norman Mahdoo (2nd left) and Sudesh Fitzgerald are flanked by Darts officials after they qualified for the World Cup of Darts in Germany

Trophy Stall on board with GAPLF for Intermediate/Masters Championships

The Trophy Stall has once again stepped up to assist the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) as the body prepares to host the 2023 edition of its Intermediates and Masters Championships.

Yesterday, Mr. Ramesh Sunich, Manager of The Trophy Stall, made a donation of trophies that will be presented to the respective overall male and female winners in the Intermediate and Masters, Classic, and equipped segments of the competition.

Making the presentation on behalf of Sunich and the Trophy Stall was graphic artist, Ms. Tanya Crossman, to GAPLF president Franklin Wilson and Organising Secretary / Public Relations Officer, Denroy Livan.

Ms. Crossman shared that Trophy Stall has been a good friend of powerlifting for a very long time and will continue to be a good partner as this is their way of fulfilling their corporate responsibility.

She also said that the development of

athletes is important and recognising their efforts by rewarding them can go a long way in motivating them to do even better.

Livan, who responded on behalf of the Federation, thanked Mr. Sunich and Trophy Stall for sticking with the body despite the change of executive over the years. He echoed Ms. Crossman’s sentiments that rewarding athletes go a long way in motivating them as their efforts are recognised.

Petra announces Upper Mazaruni Inter-village football

- MVP Sport, trophy Stall on board

The Petra Organisation, with support from Trophy Stall and MVP Sports, have collaborated to host the inaugural edition of the Upper Mazaruni Inter-Village U-18 Football Championship, set to start on June 18th.

The competing teams are: Kaikan/Arau, Paruima, Waramadong, Kamarang, Kako, and Jewalla.

Each of the competing teams will receive one football, while the co-ordinating committee collected four balls and eight corner flags.

The tournament will be played at the Edwin United Sports ground with the DC Caesar Fox School serving as the co-ordinating committee.

Neil Henrito, co-ordinator of the competition, stated that the school decided to stage the event because it is difficult to acquire sponsorship given the cost associated with participating in competitions.

Henrito further said that he is pleased to have the Petra Organization onboard as they are at the forefront of the

development of youth football especially at the school level.

Meanwhile, the Petra Organisation Co-Director, Troy Mendonca, stated, “We are happy to be associated with the event. We have developed a relationship with school over the years and I am happy to see they took the initiative to have a competition of this nature played within their realm.”

He further said that entity will provide any necessary support and wish them all the best for a successful tournament.

The six villages will be competing in an initial group stage format before the final on June 25th.

Ms. Tanya Crossman of the Trophy Stall, flanked by GAPLF’s Franklin Wilson (left) and Denroy Livan, displays some of the trophies

Petra Co-Director, Troy Mendonca

West Indies A vs Bangladesh A Sinclair toils but Bangladesh increase lead to 166

CMC – Purposeful bowling from Kevin Sinclair failed to slow down hosts

Bangladesh “A” on Thursday, and they built on three half-centuries to take a 166-run lead into the final day of the second “Test” against West Indies “A”.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles off-spinner led the bowling for the Caribbean side with three for 76 from 23 overs, but opener Shadman Islam hit 74; wicketkeeper-batsman Irfan Sukkur supported with 64 not out, and Shahadat Hossain made 64.

Bangladesh ended the third day at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on 274 for six in their second innings.

This unfolded after the visitors were bowled out before lunch for 345 in their first innings to gain a lead of 108 with pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib striking in successive overs to mop up the remaining wickets and end with four for 59 from 19.1 overs.

West Indies “A” captain Joshua Da Silva was not out on 47, and Sinclair made 32 before he was one of Tanzim’s victims in a

destructive spell in which the Caribbean side lost their last four wickets for 16 in the span of 36 balls.

The visitors failed to get a wicket in three overs before Bangladesh “A” reached seven without loss at lunch, but they began to make headway after the interval and the home team were 118 for three at tea.

Left-arm pacer Raymon

Reifer struck in the first half-hour after lunch when he got opener Zakir Hasan caught behind for 13, and there was further success before the afternoon refreshment break when first innings bowling hero Akeem Jordan got Saif Hassan caught at gully for 16.

West Indies “A” met a roadblock when Mohammad Naim came to the crease and

spent about an hour with Shadman, putting on 51 for third wicket before he was bowled for 28, playing on a delivery from Sinclair in the final 10 minutes before tea.

After the break, the Caribbean side faced more resistance from the hosts when Shadman, whose three-hour innings included 10 fours from 127 balls, came together with Shahadat and shared

KFC Elite League resumes this weekend after

68 for the fourth wicket to enable the Bangladeshis to formally past the deficit before he was lbw to Jordan.

Sinclair, bowling around the wicket, followed up with the scalp of opposing captain Afif Hossain caught at slip for four, and he later got an lbw decision against Shahadat, whose 110-minute stay included seven fours from 68 balls, and the home

team were 209 for six.

In the final hour, West Indies “A” came up against a rampant Irfan and he smashed 11 fours from 85 balls to extend the Bangladesh “A” lead and dominate an unbroken seventh wicket stand of 65 with Nayeem Hasan, not out on 14.

Earlier, West Indies “A” resumed from their overnight total of 268 for six, and Sinclair and Da Silva comfortably carried them past the 300 mark in a stand of 63 for the seventh wicket.

But once Sinclair was bowled, playing defensively forward to a delivery from Tanzim that moved away late, the rest of the batting crumbled.

Jordan drove loosely at Tanzim and was caught at second slip for two, Anderson Phillip was bowled for four when he lost his leg-stump to the pacer, and Jair McAllister was caught at mid-on for a two-ball duck to bring the innings to a close.

The three-match series between the two sides is level 0-0 after the first “Test” ended in a draw last Friday at the same venue.

Joshua Da Silva