Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 26-06-2023

Hard work, positive message led to resounding success

–– every promise will be fulfilled, Dr Jagdeo reaffirms

By Cassandra Khan

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr Bharrat

Jagdeo on Sunday said that the hard work of supporters , candidates and party members led to the party’s resounding

success at the June 2, 2023 Local Government Elections (LGEs).

Jagdeo, during his address to supporters at the Everest Cricket Ground , said: “It was a combination of hard work and a positive message that led to this resounding success that we

experienced.”

He said that the PPP/C is the party of the future, as they do not vilify in their campaigns but hold campaigns of positive messages for the people of Guyana, unlike the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

“We don’t have to vilify people in our campaign, the entire APNU campaign was a campaign of negativity and vilification Ours was a campaign of positive messages for the people of this country and the communities in which we want to serve,” Dr Jagdeo said

Noting that the PPP / C was able to make progress in areas which were strongly supportive of APNU, he said that he wanted to pay tribute to the hard work of those who worked in the city and especially those who were formerly a part of the APNU “ People came to us , they worked very hard On some of the successes we had, it was because of that and I want to say tonight that those who came to us from Georgetown and many other [not tradition-

ally supported areas], you became part of our family and you ’ re here to stay ,” he related

The General Secretary said that the people of Guyana will see that every single promise made by the PPP / C party on the campaign trail will be fulfilled

Dr Jagdeo said too that

they are working towards an even a bigger victory in 2025 at the General Elections, and in the 2026 LGEs

He related that in his experience as opposition leader, many people who voted for APNU in 2015 said that the day the campaign ended and the coalition got into

the government, they never saw them again

However , he related that the PPP/C’s campaigns have ended and they are back with citizens, and they intend to stay with them every day on the ground

He said that the PPP/C is focused on development for all of Guyana

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony; Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton and others at the public meeting at Everest (Japheth Savory photos)

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill engaging supporters at the public meeting at Everest

World economy at critical juncture in inflation fight, central-bank body warns

THE world’s central bank umbrella body , the Bank for International Settlements ( BIS ), called , on Sunday, for more interest rate hikes , warning the world economy was now at

a crucial point as countries struggle to rein in inflation

Despite the relentless rise in rates over the last 18 months , inflation in many top economies remains stubbornly high, while the jump

in borrowing costs triggered the most serious banking collapses since the financial crisis 15 years ago

“The global economy is at a critical juncture Stern challenges must be addressed,” Agustin Carstens, BIS general manager , said in the organisation’s annual report published on Sunday

“The time to obsessively pursue short term growth is past Monetary policy must now restore price stability. Fiscal policy must consolidate.”

Claudio Borio, the head of BIS’s monetary and economics unit , added there was a risk an “inflationary psychology ” was now setting in , although the bigger-than-expected rate hikes in Britain and Norway last week showed central banks were pushing “to get the job done” in terms of tackling the problem

Their challenges are unique by post-World War Two standards though It is the first time that, across much of the world, a surge in inflation has co - existed with widespread financial vulnerabilities

The longer inflation remains elevated, the stronger and prolonged the required policy tightening , the BIS report said, warning that the possibility of further problems in the banking sector was now “material”.

If interest rates get to mid-1990s levels the overall debt service burden for top economies would , all else being equal, be the highest in history, Borio said

“I think central banks will get inflation under control. That is their job – to restore price stability,” he told Reuters

“The question is what will the cost be.”

BANKING CRISES

The Swiss - based BIS held its annual meeting in recent days, where top central bankers discussed the turbulent last few months.

March and April saw a failure of a number of U S regional banks including Silicon Valley Bank and then the emergency rescue of Credit Suisse in the BIS ’ s own backyard

Historically , about 15 per cent of rate hike cycles trigger severe stress in the banking system , the BIS report showed, although the frequency rises considerably if interest rates are going up , inflation is surging or house prices have been rising sharply

It can even be as high as 40 per cent if the private debt-to-GDP ratio is in the top quartile of the historical distribution at the time of the first rate hike

“Very high debt levels, a remarkable global inflation surge , and the strong pandemic-era increase in house prices check all these boxes,” the BIS said

It estimated too that the cost of supporting aging populations will grow by approx-

imately four per cent and five per cent of GDP in advanced (AEs) and emerging market economies (EMEs) respectively over the next 20 years

Absent belt - tightening by governments, that would push debt above 200 per cent and 150 per cent of GDP by 2050 in AEs and EMEs and could be even higher if economic growth rates wane

Part of the report published already last week also laid out a “game changing” blueprint for an evolved financial system where central bank digital currencies and tokenised banking assets speed up and smarten up transactions and global trade

Commenting further on the economic picture , Carstens , former head of Mexico’s central bank, said the emphasis was now on policymakers to act

“Unrealistic expectations that have emerged since the Great Financial Crisis and COVID-19 pandemic about the degree and persistence of monetary and fiscal support need to be corrected,”

he said

The BIS thinks an economic “ soft , or soft - ish ” landing - where rates rise

without triggering recessions or major banking crashes - is still possible, but accepts it is a difficult situation

Analysts at Bank of America have calculated there have been a whopping 470 interest rate rises globally over the past two years compared with 1,202 cuts since the financial crash

The U S Federal Reserve has lifted its rates 500 basis points from near zero , the European Central Bank has hiked the euro zone’s by 400 bps and many developing world economies have done far more

The question remains what more will be needed, especially with signs that companies are taking the opportunity to boost profits and workers are now demanding higher wages to prevent a further erosion of their living standards

“

The easy gains have now been reaped and the last mile is going to be more difficult,” Borio said, referring to challenges central bankers now face reeling inflation back to safe levels.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if there were more surprises.” (Reuters)

A man shops next to Clubcard price branding inside a branch of a Tesco Extra Supermarket in London, Britain, February 10, 2022. (REUTERS/Paul Childs/File Photo)

Albouystown residents grateful for ‘safe, comfortable, beautiful’ Independence Boulevard

THE landscape of Albouystown has been significantly transformed through critical investments by the government to enhance the Independence Boulevard.

Impressed by the works, residents of the community and even those from neighbouring communities have commended the government for the multimillion-dollar works that have been done to enhance the landscape

“ Safe ”, “ comfortable ” and “ beautiful ”, were just a few of the many adjectives used by residents to describe the beautification project, which is also playing a major role in easing traffic woes

The 1.8-kilometer project, which runs from Saffon Street to Cemetery Road , involves building a threelane carriageway with concrete drains and culverts, as well as a three-meter-wide asphalt path with lighting, a garden, and benches

Albouystown resident , Cheryl Lewis lauded the construction of the boulevard , noting that what was once an area covered with mud, grass and other liabilities is now a hub for

recreational activities

According to her: “This is a good thing they [ the government ] do ; I would never lie.”

Another resident , Beyonce Bovell sang nothing but praises about the Boulevard, describing it as “simply beautiful”.

She further said that because it is spacious, and has many lights: “We feel more safe walking here.”

Addressing how the Independence Boulevard is creating a recreational space for the children, Sonita Nadaolo remarked: “It’s comfortable for the children; I’m really happy for what happened here in Albouystown.”

La Penitence resident

Karen Beaten, despite being joyous about the beautification project, stressed that her fellow citizens must be held accountable for maintaining the infrastructure Additionally , Ome Harris , another Albouystown resident, said:

“I like what PPP [The People’s Progressive Party] do ‘cause they are the first set of people that come and do this for we.”

“ I must commend the government for this ; it ’ s

a great initiative , and it ’ s very comforting for the environment. We do enjoy the recreational activities that go on here,” were also some of the sentiments expressed by Albouystown resident , Chadacia Williams

The Independence Boulevard project is a manifestation of the government’s dedication to infrastructural improvements and urban development, as part of ensuring that Guyanese lives are bettered in line with the “One Guyana” vision

There is also a promenade, where persons could take advantage of a brightly illuminated space, cozy benches, and thoughtfully positioned trash cans, all of which contribute to the area’s clean and environmentally-friendly atmosphere

Attempts To Arrest Development

IT may sound funny that any citizen of Guyana would want to go down in history as trying to arrest the nation’s forward development thrust, but this is no joke, as there are in fact those who will actually seek triumphant plumage for what would elsewhere be seen as bordering on treason.

The latest shining example is of a lawyer described in the world press as being dedicated, for an entire decade, to preventing Guyana from developing oil to strengthen its economic base , trying hard and long, high and low, to do everything possible, in and out of courts, pulling every proverbial and actual trick in the book to block Guyana’s progressive development of its energy base at every turn

Simply propelled by a selfish and insulting view that fellow Guyanese don’t have what it takes to learn from others ’ mistakes and be creative in application of local standards to international protocols, the intent is to stop or delay progress at any and every turn,

never mind anything else

Never mind that such positions defy the conclusive reality that anyone assessing Guyana’s handling of its emerging energy base in the past decade can come to after examining the periods 2015 to 2020 and 2020 to 2023, those pursuing a blind path still continue stumbling along the way, their aimless aspirations leading them along all the way

But it’s important to note that among those leading that forward march to nowhere are well - read yet mindless in pursuit of opposing, even now, the incremental and careful approach this administration has been taking to ensure that Guyana trots a sure and safe path in developing its energy base and using its oil-and-gas revenues to feed other aspects of human and national development for all Guyanese

Such characters remain wilfully blind to the fact that this administration has been creative in its handling of energy matters and wedding oil-andgas revenues to national development,

as with the sale of carbon credits and induce equally wilful amnesia when it comes to the government’s insistence that companies hand back exploration areas they’re not exploring They find and offer every argument, no matter how ridiculous, to actually support those who claim the energy companies somehow own the government and dictate its policies, opposing all projects, plans and pronouncements on flimsy scatter-shot legal technicalities, firing at will with the hope that a pellet will hit an ant somewhere But the reality is that while there will always be such persons in every society, they also always happen to represent a tiny minority holding on to similar dyed-in-the-wool views in a changing world and a fast-changing Guyana

Fortunately for Guyana, however, such intended stumbling blocks are treated instead as hurdles in a marathon that the government’s team is not only very experienced at overcoming, but has also shown, time and again, that

while swimming in new waters, they also wade well

The democracy that returned to Guyana in 1992 with the free and fair election of the first PPP/C administration has been nurtured over the three decades since and Guyanese have at every election since returned government of their choice, this trend extending to Local Government Elections (LGEs), whereby voters vote for continuity at local levels of what they’ve experienced at the national level since August 2020

The ruling PPP and this PPP / C administration – the latter more than any other in the 21st Century – has managed the nation’s new oil wealth with the skill and care that take everything into consideration to ensure that the oil and gas continue to flow and revenues continue to grow – and that’s a fact those seeking to arrest Guyana’s development will simply have to swallow, with the announcement just this week that Guyana is on track to be South America’s wealthiest nation!

UN: We must work together to rein in ‘toxic and destructive’ hate speech

WITH hate spreading lightning fast on social media and ‘mega spreaders’ using divisive rhetoric to inspire thousands, the United Nations is calling for concerted global efforts to combat hate speech.

Hate speech reinforces discrimination and stigma and is most often aimed at women, refugees and migrants, and minorities If left unchecked, it can even harm peace and development, as it lays the ground for conflicts and tensions , wide scale human rights violations

To turn back the rising tide of hate, the United Nations is marking the International Day for Countering Hate Speech by calling on everyone to work together to build a more respectful and civil world, and for effective action to end this toxic and destructive phenomenon

RESPONSES MUST PROTECT

FREE SPEECH

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also warns that misguided and

ambiguous responses to hate speech – including blanket bans and internet shutdowns – may also violate human rights by restricting freedom of speech and expression

Similarly, the top UN human rights official, Volker Türk, says that the spread of hate speech-related laws being misused against journalists and human rights defenders is almost as viral as the spread of hate speech itself

In his message on the Day, he stressed that broad laws – that license States to

censor speech they find uncomfortable and to threaten or detain those who question Government policy or criticize officials – violate rights and endanger essential public debate

“Rather than criminalising protected speech, we need States and companies to take urgent steps to address incitement to hatred and violence,” Mr. Türk says.

‘AMPLIFY VOICES THAT CUT THROUGH THE HATE’

But we are far from powerless in the face of hate speech, says Mr. Guterres, stressing that “we can and must raise awareness about its dangers, and work to prevent and end it in all its forms.”

He cites the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech as the Organization ’ s comprehensive framework for tackling the causes and impacts of hate speech, and notes that the world body’s offices and teams around the world are confronting hate speech by implementing local action plans, based

on this strategy

“The United Nations is consulting governments, technology companies and others on a voluntary Code of Conduct for information integrity on digital platforms, aimed at reducing the spread of mis- and dis -information and hate speech, while protecting freedom of expression,” he adds

Mr Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, calls for a range of actions – from education initiatives and investing in digital literacy programmes to listening to those most effective by hate speech and holding companies to their human rights obligations

“More also needs to be done to address mega-spreaders – those officials and influencers whose voices have profound impact and whose examples inspire thousands of others,” Mr Türk said , adding : “ We must build networks and amplify voices that can cut through the hate.” (UN News)

Editor Navendra Seoraj

Burnham and the MCC: Notes on class antagonism

THE last article in my series on the Mulattto/ Creole middle class (MCC) in historical perspective in Guyana was on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

In that piece, titled “Race and class suicide in Guyana,” I described the marital breakdown between Forbes Burnham and the MMC but many points were left out because of space.

I will add some brief notes on the breakdown between Burnham and the MCC then move on to the relentless courage of the MCC to stay in power to preserve their class hegemony, through the invention of Walter Rodney and the WPA and the AFC. I hope space permits such a discussion. If not there will be a follow-up.

The MCC saw itself as a pivotal base on which Burnham’s power rested but that was an illusion. The MCC felt that it was its crucial role together with the Portuguese commercial class and their party, the United Force and through a collaborating relation with the UK and the US that made Burnham’s accession to power possible.

It was an illusion because Burnham’s party, the PNC, and the party’s extensive hold over rural and urban Africans plus enormous support from the trade unions that made the PNC’s access to power possible.

From the start of the relationship trouble was brewing because the PNC was suspicious of the MCC and the MCC made sure that it was represented in power and indeed it was. The MCC demanded favourable state positions and got it.

It was Burnham’s devastation of the United

Force, the PNC’s intensive penetration of the entire public sector, extensive nationalization and the fall-out between Burnham and the cultural icon of the MCC, Martin Carter that brought about the schism. Carter became the rallying point for the MCC.

It is interesting to note that though Mrs. Janet Jagan had admired Carter, the PPP never got close to Carter even though Carter became vocally anti-Burnham.

This was because Carter himself stayed away from socialising with the PPP because he was psychologically limited by his racial psyche. Carter and his friends, particularly the Westmaas family, were the essential embodiment of the character of the MCC.

Enough has not been written about Carter’s politics and class position. And Guyana’s historiography has been too kind to him. Both Carter and Walter Rodney need iconoclastic treatment from Guyana’s historians. See my column of Tuesday, June 13, titled, “An iconoclastic essay on Rodney’s death anniversary.”

In that article, I took a look at Rodney’s embedment in the company of the MCC, the identical position that Carter embraced. Anyway, back to Burnham and his treatment of the MCC personnel in his government.

By 1974 with the saturation of dark-skinned African Guyanese in the nationalized sector, the MCC no longer wanted to work with Burnham because they felt that Burnham defected from the politics of the 1940s and 1950s.

The MCC felt that Guyana now had a black dictatorship. There is an interesting reflection in Yesu Persaud’s autobi -

ography in which he described how PNC apparatchiks were placed at the management levels in each nationalised entity. Persaud described how these apparatchiks were interfering with the professional public sector.

It was these kinds of transformations that were worrying to the MC because they saw before their very eyes their diminution of power. Burnham had Freudian irritations about the MCC. He knew they were elitist, that they think in superior terms and felt that they were an entitled lot. Burnham deliberately set about to undermine the MCC.

First he degutted the United Force, secondly, he retained a school of MCC members in the state, but without real authority. The most prominent of these names were the Dolphin sisters, the Pilgrim brothers, Arthur J. Seymour, among others.

Thirdly, he subtly sidelined the MCC personalities that were in the leadership of the United Force and that came over to him after the United Force and its leader Peter D’Aguiar were ousted from government after the rigged 1968 general elections.

By the time Burnham invented the External Trade Bureau (ETB) through which all trade between Guyana and the world had to pass and created the doctrine of paramountcy of the party, the MCC had become the sworn enemy of Burnham and his government.

Only two members of the MCC decided that the PNC was Guyana’s permanent government and this reality should be faced. So they sought a survivalist relationship with Burnham.

One was the compa-

ny, Singers Sewing Machine that was administered by the Wishirt family and Bunny Fer-

nandes, the patriarch of John Fernandes Ltd. Space has run out. In the next installment, I will

get right into the MCC’s invention of the WPA and AFC.

Businesses must embrace digital transformation

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, has said that the Government of Guyana is fully committed to creating an enabling environment for investments in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s position during the Guyana Telephone

and Telegraph Company’s (GTT)’s celebration of its fibre services now being accessible to 150,000 homes and businesses across Guyana,

Acknowledging that this development forms part of GTT’s commitment to create fibre access to more than 75 per cent of the country by 2024, Phillips said that this milestone rep-

- leverage ICT for enhanced productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness, Prime Minister Phillips says

resents progress, connectivity and a brighter future for the nation.

“Our government is cognisant of the growing value of ICT, particularly in a post pandemic era, which necessitates adapting to the widespread use of ICT in delivering goods and services,” Prime Minister Phillips said.

He related that this level of connectivity

calls for a collective effort from the government, private sector actors, telecommunication providers, and other key stakeholders to innovate, to ensure that ICT is harnessed for the benefit of all, enabling persons to thrive in a more connected and technologically advanced world.

“The private sector has a critical role in driving innovation, and technological advancements. Businesses must embrace digital transformation [and] equip the workforce with the necessary skills to leverage ICTs for enhanced productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness,” the Prime Minister said.

He related that GTT has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to bridging the digital divide that the government is also addressing by empowering individuals, families, and communities to tap into the vast technological

foundation for revolution in connectivity.

He said that despite challenges, under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Damian Blackburn, they recognised the need to change the approach and prioritise fibre deployment for customers.

“The demand for faster speeds was rapidly increasing, especially in the post COVID world. Our customers no longer had just one PC in their homes. They had multiple devices for work, study, and entertainment,” Coomar said.

opportunities.

Prime Minister Phillips said too that a liberalised telecommunication sector creates the opportunity for greater competitiveness among service providers.

“It has the opportunity for new and improved telecommunication services coupled with lower rates and enhanced quality of services. We look forward to even more households benefitting from the power of connectivity,” he said.

He also made mention of the highly anticipated and game changing local number portability services, which will allow customers to retain their numbers regardless of their provider from July.

Fibre Programme Manager at GTT, Vinood Radge Coomar, related that the company was the pioneer in bringing fibre technology to the market in Guyana and setting the

In order to meet those evolving needs, they invested millions of United States Dollars (USD), to ensure the best possible experience for existing customers as well as to purchase equipment and more materials, hire labour, test devices, and connect customers.

In under 18 months, GTT was able to reengineer the approach to roll out fibre, doubling the coverage of homes and business in Guyana.

“Buffering will be a thing of the past as our customers now enjoy seamless experiences in voice, streaming, gaming, video, camera and automation services. But this is just the beginning of a long term relationship with our customers,” Coomar said.

He related that GTT’s success story and deployment model are now being recognised and referenced by many other telecommunication operators in the region. He said that they will continue to expand their fibre network, to reach more communities

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips

Petroleum Activities Bill will supplement low-carbon efforts

- Dr Jagdeo affirms

By Trina Williams

THE government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, recently released the new and modernised Petroleum Activities Bill, which has attracted positive reviews because of its wide scope compared to the outdated Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act (1986).

Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference at the Office of the President on Thursday, expounded on a number of specifications within the draft Bill, including the carbon storage section and how it relates to Guyana’s net-zero emissions’ goal.

According to Dr Jagdeo, while there are some globally extreme views on what is the solution to achieving net-zero emissions, the Government of Guyana has proposed a number of measures to accomplish it such as reducing fossil fuel production and introducing new technologies.

He related: “Now, globally, people are saying it will come from a combination

of things. We believe that you have some extremist views, but our view is that you would achieve net zero through a combination of measures.”

Since fossil fuels are still needed to operate a number of fields, such as the cosmetic industry, one cannot discontinue production. The compromise, according to Dr Jagdeo, is to lower fossil fuel production to meet the net-zero objective while continuing to produce oil to support certain industries.

"One is to reduce fossil fuel production globally from 100 million barrels per day to maybe 25 million barrels by 2050. That is consistent with the IEA estimate, because they would still need oil for a number of things, including the cosmetic industry and a whole range of [things]. So, that's one of the measures,” the Vice-President remarked.

Additionally, Dr. Jagdeo made an argument for the use of renewable energy, which is outlined in Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030.

Notably, Guyana is already making great

progress to wean away heavy reliance on fossil fuels by putting renew-

owing to technology, the new Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units are 25 per cent less carbon intensive,

capture. The Petroleum Activities Bill states that the minister may grant rights for prospecting for and exploration of underground

ready asked to study carbon capture and storage. So, our laws now can allow people or direct them. The minister can di-

able energy projects in place all around the nation in both the public and private sectors.

Additionally, regarding the use of revolutionary technology, Dr Jagdeo said: “So, technology is now being developed that you can directly extract CO2 from the atmosphere.”

He further explained: “Carbon capture and storage has been studied as one of the ways where when the methane or the CO2 comes out, you capture, reinject and seal it, so it doesn't come into the atmosphere through new technology.”

In the oil and gas,

when compared to the previous vessels.

Oil giant ExxonMobil has also already asked to study carbon

carbon dioxide storage sites under such terms and conditions prescribed by regulation.

“...Exxon has al -

rect them to do some of these things in the future. The old law would not allow that,” Dr Jagdeo said.

Bids open for rehabilitation of Sophia Care Centre

THE comfort, safety

of children are top priorities for the government, so the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has officially opened bids for contractors to rehabilitate the Sophia Care Centre.

According to the Invitation for Bids (IFB) issued by the ministry and published by several print and online media platforms, reputable contractors are being sought to restore the entity.

Bids for the project are to be submitted by July 13, 2023, at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office.

Bidders must submit one hard copy and one electronic copy of the tenders, sealed in separate envelopes and labelled accordingly.

According to the IFB, a complete and signed bid securing declaration form is required if the bid price is less than $ 3 million.

It was also said that suppliers and contractors of all types must be registered in the register of bidders at least seven days before taking part in any procurement proceedings at the link located on the NPTA's website.

Interested bidders may uplift the bidding documents from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Accounts Department, from 09:00 to 15:00 hrs, Monday through Friday.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security was allotted $40.4 billion in Budget 2023.

The Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, announced during his presentation of the government’s fiscal plan to the National Assembly, that the government remains steadfast and committed to the health, well-being, and welfare of the country’s citizens.

“Our government expanded the Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme from 2,170 beneficiaries in 2021 to 6,193 in 2022… provision is made in 2023 for the continuation of this programme, targetting an additional 6,000 women,” Dr. Singh said.

To further support women and men while at work, 444 essen -

tial workers received $15,000 per month for three months for childcare services, and 60 day-care facilities benefitted from the disbursement of a oneoff $50,000 for the improvement of their facilities in 2022.

In 2023, $100 million has been budgeted for the construction of day and night-care centres to benefit women and men in need of child-care services while at work.

Key interventions in 2023 include the development of gender focal points to advocate against gender inequality; the introduction of a Gender Equality Seal Programme to advance gender mainstreaming in the workplace; the launch of a Share Responsibility at Home Campaign to reverse and eliminate persistent gender stereotyping, negative cultural attitudes and other practices which discriminate against women; and training of 2,500 national and community leaders on gender and social inclusion and development of gender mainstreaming into decision-making processes.

and security

‘Sleeping policeman’s’ $5M appeal against ministerial adviser thrown out

the appeal. The appeal was based on similar facts to the initial High Court action.

Consequently, the Full Court dismissed

the appeal and ordered Gilbert to pay costs of $250,000 to Gill. This upholds the ruling made by Justice Younge.

THE Full Court has dismissed an appeal filed by former Police Constable Kelon Gilbert, after determining the case lacked evidence.

The appeal was against the decision made by High Court Judge, Damone Younge, who dismissed Gilbert's lawsuit against Harry Gill, who serves as an adviser to a government minister.

The grounds for dismissal included the lawsuit's failure to provide reasonable grounds for the claim and its lack of legal viability.

In his lawsuit, Gilbert sought damages exceeding $5 million, alleging that Gill intentionally caused him emotional distress while he was on duty at his assigned station on April 21, 2022

The incident leading to the lawsuit originated from a video posted on social media, which showed Gilbert, then a Police Constable, sleeping with a high-powered weapon on his lap during his supposed duty of guarding the residence of Gill.

Gilbert, who was rep-

resented by lawyer Eusi Anderson, had initially demanded a public apology and compensation from Gill, but when these demands were not met he proceeded with the lawsuit.

During the trial, Gill's attorneys, Sanjeev Datadin, Donavon Rangiah, and Tiffini Barton, argued that Gilbert's claims did not provide a valid basis for legal remedies and relief.

They further contended that the lawsuit was an abuse of the court's process, as Gilbert should not benefit from his own wrongful actions or the consequences.

Trial Judge Damone Younge ruled in favour of Gill, dismissing Gilbert's claim and awarding costs of $100,000 to Gill. Gilbert subsequently appealed this ruling to the Full Court.

On Monday, June 5, 2023, Justices Nareshwar Harnanan and Sandil Kissoon of the Full Court agreed with Gill's lawyers, stating that Gilbert had failed to present any supporting evidence for

Attorney-at-law, Sanjeev Datadin

Ministerial Adviser, Harry Gill

Investments in modern educational resources a ‘game changer’ for future generation

By Cindy Parkinson

EDUCATORS, parents, and students have expressed appreciation to President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and Minister of Education Priya Manickchand for continuously following through with their pledges to provide learning facilities that are outfitted with cutting - edge amenities , as part of efforts to improve the quality of education being given to the nation’s children.

Speaking exclusively with the Sunday Chronicle, the acting headteacher of the newly constructed $585 million state-of-theart Abram Zuil Secondary School , Sir Jerome Rampersaud, recently said: “ With every secondary school being built in Guyana, it is our belief, as educators, that the government is moving a step closer to achieving universal sec -

abs, but now we have got the best modern secondary school in the country; the Caribbean And like the president said, we are in the top ten per cent of the world, and we are extremely grateful for that Even though our school wasn ’ t the best in terms of its physical appearance, I am proud to say that we have always delivered excellently at CXC. Now, with this modern facility, we are given every tool that is needed So, I know that we have to deliver , and we will My teachers and students are motivated , and ready to work , come September.”

Rampersaud, in noting that he believes that he can speak for all teachers across Guyana , said that it has been a while since educators in Guyana felt as though they were being seen and heard, and, most importantly, treated with respect for what they do

ments in modern resources for children will be a “ game changer ” for the future generation , since he believes that they will be in “ a better position ” to decide on a more solid career path

“Our aim at Abram Zuil Secondary,” he said, “is to ensure that our children leave school well equipped with the knowledge and skills to sustain themselves in life, and I know that my fellow teachers want the same for their children as well And with our President ’ s leadership , we are inspired to go the extra mile for our children.”

Seeing what President Ali , Minister Manickchand , and the government have done for us in Region Two and all the other educational facilities throughout Guyana is admirable, and we are thankful to them When our children are safe and happy in school, we, the parents, feel that as well By investing in our children’s education, it means that we are investing in a brighter Guyana.”

Christani took the opportunity to appeal to the private sector to contribute to the construction of a secure shed on the outskirts of the school, so that the

–– says Region Two educator

ondary education, which is why we are confident that it would be achieved by 2027 under the competent leadership of President Ali and his government “ We at Abram Zuil Secondary have worked under extreme conditions for decades As a student of this school myself , I could remember our days of having limited non - learning materials , and our classrooms in ben-

“I know that my teachers, and teachers all over this country, feel important, and that is because we are given recognition by our president and our minister, Priya Manickchand We are motivated, and we are happy to come to work And so are the parents and children who are more exposed to a wider variety of subject areas,” he added Sir Rampersaud emphasised that the invest -

BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD

Also speaking with this publication was the chairperson for the Abram Zuil Secondary Parent Teacher Association ( PTA ), Roxanne Christani, who said: “My husband, daughter, and I are past students of this school , so I know firsthand of our struggles that we were faced with, being in the old structure.

Nevertheless , the school has always delivered, despite lacking some of the basic learning materials

students can take shelter while they are waiting for transportation

“I know that we have gotten a lot , and we are grateful , but I am also asking if it is possible for the government to provide us on the Essequibo Coast with two big buses , so that our students who are coming from Supenaam and Charity can feel more comfortable and safer in getting to school ,” she said, adding: “Whatever I am asking for, is not only for Abram Zuil School, but I wish for the same generosity to be extended to the other schools in Guyana

as well.”

An Abram Zuil Secondary student , Safeena Dowling said that they are grateful for their new school , and are also excited to resume classes in the new structure in September

“Since sharing a building with another school and having to be there only for a half-day session, the time was always limited for us, so we are all excited to be coming into our new school in September. We have a facility that is equipped with every modern facility , and we are also getting an elevator for those who are challenged

and may find it difficult to use the stairs What else can we ask for? We, the students , would like to say thank you to President Ali and Minister Priya for giving us a modern school, and we want them to know that we will work towards maintaining this facility “ I would like to tell my fellow students across Guyana to let us make full use of the opportunities that we are given right now in our schools. Let us make ourselves proud , our community proud, and of course our country proud We can do it if we put our minds to it,” she added.

Acting headteacher of Abram Zuil Secondary School Sir Jerome Rampersaud

Chairperson of the Abram Zuil Secondary Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Roxanne Christani

Safeena Dowling (second left) and other students of Abram Zuil Secondary performing at the official opening of the new building

GPHC successfully treats ‘extremely rare’ medical condition

- neurosurgery team removes ‘human tail’ from 10-day-old boy

THE unique presentation of a pathology such as the ‘human tail’ is not only rare to Guyana but also the world. According to a press release, this is a rare congenital anomaly which mostly presents immediately after birth or in early childhood, and there are less than 60 cases documented in medical literature of caudal appendage or the human tail.

The human tail is usually considered as a marker of underlying pathology of peculiar spinal dysraphism.

The reported presentations of spinal dysraphism includes spina bifida occulta, meningocele, and spinal lipoma or tethered spinal cord. However, the etiological basis of the human tail is not clear yet.

On June 18, 2023, a medical team at the

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) led by Chief Neurosurgeon, Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi, successfully performed a

procedure to remove the tail and reconstruct the spinal canal of a 10-day-old boy; this is a sophisticated technique

which also required the protection of the patient’s spinal nerves. The infant has since been discharged from the hospital.

The 10-day-old baby was born with a tail which is basically a continuation of the spine/spinal nerve elements. The successful removal of this appendage will allow the child to develop normally, the hospital said.

“While a human baby having a caudal appendage resembling a tail generates an unusual amount of interest, excitement, and anxiety, often, parents may be concerned about the social stigma, superstition or shame that may befall their young child when integrated into society.

“Due to its extremely rare presentation, the occurrence of the human tail is a phenomenon of great interest to

The 10-day-old baby was born with a tail which is basically a continuation of the spine/spinal nerve elements

both the lay and medical community,” GPHC said.

As a tertiary medical institution with a commitment to medical education and re-

search, neurosurgery, the hospital will be presenting this case to the global medical community for documentation and review.

‘Teen’ dies in accident at Bush Lot

A TEENAGER of Lima Sands, Region

Two, lost his life tragically on Sunday morning, when he reportedly lost control of the car he was driving and crashed into an electrical pole along the Bush Lot Public Road.

Dead is Mario Adams, whose car subsequently caught fire after crashing into the electrical pole.

Adams was accompanied by three persons, who were taken out of the vehicle by

public-spirited persons.

Two of the occu -

pants were identified as 32-year-old Troy Ross of La Belle Alliance, and 21-year-old Dean Cortman of Lima Sands, while the other person fled the scene.

The occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, were taken to the Suddie Hospital where they were examined by doctors on duty. Adams was, however, pronounced dead on arrival. Ross and Cortman were admitted to the hospital and were being treated for injuries they suffered.

“We heard the loud impact and then rush out and the guys was lying helplessly… we tried helping them,” a resident said.

A medical team at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) led by Chief Neurosurgeon, Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi, successfully performed a procedure to remove the tail and reconstruct the spinal canal of a 10-day-old boy

Dead: Mario Adams

The mangled remains of the car

‘The time to seize business opportunities is now’

Minister Walrond urges local entrepreneurs

WITH an influx of golden investments into Guyana’s economy, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, has urged local entrepreneurs to take advantage of the remarkable opportunities coming their way

Minister Walrond made the robust plea as she delivered the keynote address at the second edition of the ‘Econome [sic] Business Conference and Mixer’, at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston

“We must send a resounding message that the time is now The time to invest is now, the time to seize business opportunities is now, the time to explore collaboration is now and the time to strike deals is now,” the minister emphasised

She said with the numerous ongoing developments, the country has witnessed its economy growing at a phenomenal rate

According to the minister: “More than one billion US dollars has already been deposited into our Natural Resources Fund (NRF). Our non-oil economy is expected to grow at a rate approaching 10 per cent, which is more than itself the overall global average.”

With the strategic leadership and interventions by the government in all sectors,

Minister Walrond emphasised that these efforts are being made for the citizens, who will reap the benefits and enjoy a country of constant advancement

“This forum which brings young people into contact with outstanding entrepreneurs

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond speaking at the second edition of Econome Business Conference and Mixer

and leaders in business has the potential to contribute much to that enabling environment,” she said

The minister believes these sessions can bolster tourism in the country, as well as create networking opportunities for young

entrepreneurs

Founder of Econome , Matthew Gaul , said the forum aims to help seasoned and upcoming businesspersons improve and start up their enterprises

Gaul wants to contribute towards building a strong community of entrepreneurs to add to Guyana’s business achievements

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke to several business owners who expressed their gratitude for the conference

“My business is just two years old, so the conference will help me to grow and reach my full potential I’m looking forward to learning something new,” Sakenah Fraser said

Jermaine Hall ensured he did not miss this year’s session He said he has always been intrigued by guidance from experienced persons

“There are a lot of minds that I want to get into, and so networking is one of the major mediums in my business,” an elated Hall noted

“I can be able to meet new persons and I can have new opportunities here,” another budding entrepreneur, Yannice Abrams, told the DPI.

MINISTER of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai and her team visited Micobie in Region Eight on Saturday at the invitation of the villagers to address development issues within the community

The minister listened to several concerns from residents affected by the tragic Mahdia fire that claimed the lives of 20 children in May and pledged continued support.

“The government has not departed from this incident, and it is engaging at the highest level,” Minister Sukhai affirmed

This is in addition to the counselling services being provided to the survivors and families by the Ministry of Health

Minister Sukhai also visited the families of three students from El Paso who survived the deadly fire Discussions were also held to advance development within the communities

The council and villagers were advised to work in partnership to bring benefits to the community with a special focus on women and youths

Minister Sukhai indicated the village

council and residents should meet to address the completion of their village’s sustainable plans which will outline the development priorities

Concerns were raised about temporary systems to accommodate students who are unable to attend classes due to the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory being destroyed

The Minister assured that the matter was being discussed with consultations among the sectors and the residents will soon be provided with a solution

Meanwhile, the minister handed over two sewing machines to Community Service Officers (CSOs) to support them in establishing micro businesses in garment construction

Additionally , bags of rice were also handed over to the Micobie Village Council benefitting approximately 180 households in that village

During the visit, an ATV was delivered to the Chairman of the settlement of Wailiang/ Kurobrong, Region Eight.

Founder of Econome, Matthew Gaul

‘The gov’t has not departed from this incident’

Mahdia tragedy…

–– Minister Sukhai says matter still being examined at the highest level

Guyana, France look to strengthen trade, diplomatic, business links

- Minister Singh, French officials discuss potential areas for enhanced co-operation

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on Friday, held bilateral meetings with officials from the French Ministry of the Economy.

This followed the minister’s attendance at the “Global Summit for a new Global Financial Pact,” which was convened in Paris by French President, Emmanuel Macron.

Minister Singh’s interactions with the French Government officials covered a range of issues including deeper government-to-government relations, as part of the Government of Guyana’s overall strategy to expand relations with stakeholders within the European

Union.

The minister and the French officials also discussed improving private sector opportunities for French companies in Guyana, as well as partnerships between the two governments on climate action and biodiversity.

They discussed Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy and President Macron’s emphasis on the global agenda to preserve rainforests and biodiversity.

In brief remarks after the meetings, Dr Singh said: “I emphasised that Guyana is open for business and that we welcome high quality private investment and private companies from all countries. I outlined our pro-business policies and

highlighted that one of the biggest private sector employees in Guyana – Teleperformance – is French.

“We agreed that diplomatic, trade and business links between our countries can continue to deepen and strengthen – especially now that Guyana is an increasingly visible participant in global marketplaces.”

His meeting followed a recent mission to Guyana by several French companies. Dr. Singh commended the efforts of French officials who have been working to strengthen such business interactions as well as broader bilateral relations.

CANU officers arrested after allegedly stealing diamonds from detained Surinamese

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh

TWO Custom Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officers, Annick Hossanah and Jamine Goddard, were, on Sunday, arrested after allegedly stealing diamonds from a Surinamese national who was detained.

According to a press release, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is searching for an alleged buyer, who purchased some of the stolen diamonds from one of the CANU ranks.

The precious minerals were stolen from a Surinamese who was initially detained by CANU ranks for posses-

sion of an illegal firearm.

Two diamonds were swallowed by Goddard, who was taken to the hospital where he excreted them, while the other suspect admitted that he sold his loot to another individual. They both are in custody assisting with investigations.

Head of the CANU, James Singh, in a release, said that it was not the kind of news they should be waking up to, ever.

He stressed that the actions of those two officers do not reflect that of the organisation.

“You can bring fame or

shame to yourself, your family, and your unit. These officers made their choices, their actions do not reflect that of our organisation.

“CANU remains committed to carrying out its mandate and combating drug trafficking and any other crimes within Guyana, even within our Unit.

I wish to thank the Guyana Police Force’s CID for bringing this embarrassing incident to a close and I trust that the Courts will ensure justice is done,” Singh related.

Jamine Goddard Annick Hossanah

ENGLISH

16:00

IRISH

08:30 hrs

09:05 hrs Green Falcon

09:40 hrs

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AMERICAN RACING TIPS

FINGER LAKES

Race 1 Saratoga Red

Race 2 Ruler Of The Night

Race 3 Behind The Couch Race 4 The Honourable Eye

Race 5 Navy Pier Race 6 Geared Up Race 7 Winston’s Chance

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday June 26, 2023)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Archie MacLaren-22 Tests

(2) Allan Border-29 Tests

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What is the highest opening stand by an English pair in Tests versus AUST to date?

(2) What is the highest opening partnership by an Australian pair against ENG to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier… Ireland go down to Sri Lanka

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Ireland won the toss, made a double-strike in the ninth over of Sri Lanka's innings, and took 6 for 44 in their last six overs. But so comprehensively did Sri Lanka win the other portions of this match, that they trounced Ireland by 133 runs, bowling them out for 192 after they had made 325.

This means that Sri Lanka sail through into the Super Six stage of the World Cup Qualifier, along with Scotland and Oman from their group. Sri Lanka will carry forward their points from their big win against Oman. They play Scotland on Tuesday and the winner of that match will pick up two more points for the next round.

Ireland, meanwhile, have been knocked out of contention for the ODI World Cup. They still have one match to play, against UAE, but both those sides have already been ruled out.

For Sri Lanka, Wanin -

du Hasaranga got his third five-wicket haul in as many matches, while Dimuth Karunaratne brought up his maiden ODI hundred, having made four successive

half-centuries in the lead-up. Both players' places in Sri Lanka's top XI were not secure. While Hasaranga is a T20I star, he had not quite translated that into ODI glo-

ry. Karunaratne, meanwhile, had been Sri Lanka's most consistent Test batter of the last five years but had not excelled in white-ball cricket. This recent run of

half-centuries and now this run-a-ball 103 will make Karunaratne a more serious World Cup prospect, while Hasaranga's 5 for 79 puts him at 16 wickets in the tournament - easily the top wicket-taker.

Karunaratne's contribution was arguably more instrumental to the victory. After Barry McCarthy took two wickets in two balls in the ninth over, Karunaratne and Sadeera Samarawickrama built a 168-run stand. This partnership - in which the batters largely picked up risk-free singles and twos and pounced on the loose deliveries, particularly those that were short - forged Sri Lanka's victory. Samarawickrama was dropped on 66, at mid-on, and he went on to make 82 off 86 balls.

Karunaratne and Samarawickrama came together in the ninth over; when they were parted in the 36th, with 216 on the board, a score of more than 300 seemed inevitable. Their attack, which

has not conceded 200 so far in the tournament, will go into the Super Six stage as perhaps the best on show. Even if it had been too little too late - so thoroughly did Karunaratne and Samarawickrama dominate the middle overs - Ireland's late charge with the ball did dent Sri Lanka. They could have made 20 more, Dasun Shanaka said in the after-innings interview, but the lower order was dismissed cheaply.

The top order, though, had got Sri Lanka through once again, and the bowling was dominant enough to make short work of the Ireland chase. Ireland were 57 for 3 in the 11th over, 116 for 6 by the 20th, and essentially never had the measure of the chase.

Aside from Hasaranga's five, Maheesh Theekshana got two wickets, and Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara and Shanaka took one each. Curtis Campher topscored for Ireland with 39.

McMullen ton, Greaves five-for set up Scotland’s big win

(ESPNCRICINFO)

Brandon McMullen's name sounds quite similar to Brendon

McCullum's. On Sunday morning, in what seemed like a Bazball effort in Bulawayo, McMullen also played quite like McCullum, switching gears from being 9 off 21 balls at one stage to finishing with 136 from 121. That took Scotland to 320 in 50 overs after they had managed just 47 in the first 13. In reply, Oman too took their time: they got 16 in the first five overs, but their run rate went past three again only at the end of 19 overs. They eventually fell short by 76 runs.

The win confirmed Scotland's progress to the Super Sixes, and Oman too qualified despite the loss after Sri Lanka beat Ireland earlier in the day. However, Oman - having

-

lost to Sri Lanka as well - will not be carrying any points to the next stage, with points only against

big one as the winner will carry two extra points into the Super Six round.

Scotland's new-ball

lines and lengths to never let Oman off the hook. But Oman's batters had never really attempted to

But the fact that they had so much to do was all down to McMullen and his captain Richie Berrington. They added 138 off 122 deliveries for the third wicket, during which Oman's hopes of restricting Scotland to a manageable total had all but evaporated despite the sedate start. When Berrington fell for 60 in the 39th over, the score was 220 already.

fellow qualifying teams from the same group considered. That also means Scotland's next game, against Sri Lanka, is a

bowlers Chris Sole, Adrian Neill and McMullen himself were spot on to start with as they bowled tight, Test-match-like

attack until then either, so much so that the first signs of intent from them came only after the first drinks break.

The partnership was dominated by McMullen, who brought up his maiden ODI hundred off 92 balls. He piled up runs all across - whether it meant swinging for the leg side or pumping boundaries down the ground. The innings even included a funky, Suryakumar Yadav-inspired scoop for four over short fine leg, attempting which had McMullen lose his balance and fall on his back.

Scotland lost their last

seven wickets for 77 in a rush for rapid runs, four of which went to Bilal Khan, who eventually finished with 5 for 55. But in return, Oman's batters never really backed up his efforts. The only time when Oman looked to be having a say with the bat was during the seventh-wicket stand of 105 between Naseem Khushi and Shoaib Khan. They provided some late entertainment in a union that lasted for 83 deliveries, with Khushi cracking a half-century. He smashed 69 off 53 balls, thus only delaying the inevitable.

As for Scotland, apart from making it to the Super Sixes, they had another positive in the form of a five-wicket haul from legspinner Chris Greaves, who took all of the last five Oman wickets to fall.

Dimuth Karunaratne brought up his maiden ODI hundred • ICC via Getty Images

Chris Greaves was among the wickets•ICC/Getty Images

England’s hopes dented by late wickets

(BBC) - England's hopes of victory in the one-off Ashes Test were dented by the loss of five late wickets on day four.

The hosts slipped from 55-0 to 73-4 in pursuit of 268 at Trent Bridge, with Australia's Ash Gardner taking three wickets.

England were 116-5 at stumps, with 152 still required in what would be the highest run chase in women's Test history.

An inspired bowling performance earlier saw Australia all out for 257 - Sophie Ecclestone starring with 5-63 to give her a 10-wicket match haul.

Victory in the Test match is worth four points, which would be shared should it end in an unlikely draw.

Openers Emma Lamb and first-innings double centurion Tammy Beaumont took the attack to Australia

before they were dismissed in consecutive overs - Beaumont caught at slip off spinner Gardner and Lamb lbw to Tahlia McGrath.

Nat Sciver-Brunt was caught going for an ambitious slog sweep before captain Heather Knight was pinned lbw by a delivery that kept low from Gardner.

Sophia Dunkley and Test debutant Danni Wyatt combined for a 37-run partnership but the former was caught behind off Kim Garth for 16 with three overs remaining in the day, swinging the game firmly in Australia's favour.

Earlier, Australia resumed on 82-0 after England's poor start with the ball late on day three, but made amends through Ecclestone's brilliance combined with an inspired turnaround by the pace attack.

A fired-up Lauren Fil -

er took two wickets before lunch, including Ellyse Perry for the second time in the match, before Australia's

middle order lost three wickets for three runs after lunch.

Captain Alyssa Healy thwarted England's attack

with a battling half-century but Ecclestone struck with the last two wickets.

England still have batting to come and will commit to their aggressive approach but are faced with Australia's three spinners on a worn pitch which is starting to turn and offer uneven bounce.

Indefatigable Ecclestone gives England hope

After a mammoth 46over spell in Australia's first innings, there was concern over its impact on Ecclestone later in the game.

But with a second five-wicket haul in the space of three days the left-arm spinner proved there was nothing to worry about after all.

She toiled away with nagging accuracy and cunning variations for a further 30.5 overs, with each valuable wicket giving her a little more spark and energy to

continue.

As Darcie Brown's review for lbw was unsuccessful for Australia's last wicket - Ecclestone's fifth - the spinner charged across Trent Bridge's outfield, soaking in the applause and hugs from her team-mates.

Credit also to Kate Cross, who took two wickets with a dislocated thumb after dropping a catch, and Filer, whose raw pace once again proved a key point of difference at Knight's disposal.

Australia played defensively and with little clarity as they unexpectedly collapsed from 151-2 to 257 all out.

But despite England and Ecclestone's brilliance, the hosts' loose bowling the previous evening, which gifted Australia a 92-run lead, could ultimately prove decisive.

Jamaica draw with USA in opening Gold Cup fixture Griner to start in WNBA All-Star Game

CMC – Aston Villa star, Leon Bailey, missed a crucial penalty before late substitute, Brandon Vázquez, netted a sensa-

goalkeeper Andre Blake from six yards out only six minutes after coming off the bench, to ensure the hosts took a share of the

things unravelled at the end.

“We kind of knew it would be intense. I think we could have done a lot of things better than we did but, in general, we should be happy and respectful for this point,” said Jamaican head coach, Heimir Hallgrimsson.

“We said before this game we would respect a point and it’s a group, so to have a point against the best team in the group – the highest ranked team in the group – is always a good start.

vancing on the left, the 24-year-old watching as his low left-footed drive was safely held.

However, it was Jamaica who took the surprise lead when Everton’s Demerai Gray whipped a cross into the box and Lowe eluded his marker to head his third international goal past Matthew Turner.

Aidan Morris’s high boot into the midriff of Kevon Lambert then left Jamaica with a penalty, only for Turner to easily snaffle Bailey’s spot kick diving low to his left.

(BBC) - American Brittney Griner has been selected as a starter in the WNBA All-Star Game just six months after being released from prison in Russia.

Griner, 32, spent 10 months in Russian custody for possessing cannabis oil before being released in a high-profile prisoner exchange in December.

She has played nine times for the Phoenix Mercury in 2023, having missed the entire 2022 season.

Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

It is the ninth time that Griner has been selected as an All-Star, including last year when she was named as an honorary player by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist made her competitive return as the Mercury lost 94-71 against the Los Angeles Sparks in May and she was greeted by vice-president Kamala Harris before the game.

tional equaliser, as Jamaica Reggae Boyz had their hopes of a win dashed in a disappointing 1-1 draw with reigning champions, United States, in the opening game of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

With time ticking away at Soldier Field here late Saturday night, the 24-year-old Vázquez smashed a loose ball past

points. Jamaica led on 13 minutes through Damion Lowe’s close range header but then squandered an excellent opportunity to double their lead when Bailey missed from the spot in the 29th minute.

Up 1-0 at the break, Jamaica were forced to defend their lead stoutly in the second half, before

“You don’t need to win the match if you qualify from the group so of course we’re not happy with conceding at the end of the game but considering everything – even though it’s a little bit hard now – we should respect a point and at least take it as a positive, rather than a negative.”

Blake was forced into a save as early as the eighth minute when Jesús Ferreira’s cross from the right found Alan Soñora ad -

United States then laid siege to Jamaica’s goal and the Caribbean side’s defence appeared to be holding out until the dying minutes of the contest.

With Jamaica defending desperately, Ferreira put a cross into the box which ricocheted off the leg of Wolves full back Dexter Lembikisa, eluded Lowe’s lunge and fell to Vázquez who buried the resulting volley.

The All-Star Game takes place in Las Vegas on 15 July.

Griner had been playing in the Russian Premier League when she was arrested at a Moscow airport in February 2022. She pleaded guilty to the charges, was sentenced to nine years in prison and sent to a penal colony.

Her release was granted after the US government struck a deal with Russia in exchange for notorious

Griner leads the way for average blocks per game in the WNBA this season with figures of 2.4, despite missing three games with a hip injury.

The Phoenix Mercury are bottom of the standings with just two wins from 12 fixtures and head coach Vanessa Nygaard was sacked on Sunday with assistant coach Nikki Blue placed in temporary charge for the remainder of the campaign.

Nat Sciver-Brunt walks off for a duck•Jun 25, 2023•Getty Images

Jamaica’s Damion Lowe celebrates his third international goal on Saturday night

West Indies fined for slow over rate

(Sportsmax) - AS if to run salt into the already gaping wound of an embarrassing 35-run loss to Zimbabwe in the ICC World Cup qualifier on Saturday, the West Indies have been fined 60 per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate.

Muhammad Javed of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees imposed the

sanctions after the West Indies were ruled to be three overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 per cent of their match fee for every over their

side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

Captain Shai Hope pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Sam Nogajski and Ravindra Wimalasari, third umpire Roland Black and fourth umpire Allahudien Palekar levelled the charge.

Yin wins Women’s PGA Championship

(BBC) - China's Ruoning Yin held her nerve to sink a 72ndhole birdie and win the Women's PGA Championship.

The 20-year-old was level with Japan's Yuka Saso on seven under heading to the par-five 18th on Sunday.

Yin calmly rolled in a fourth birdie of her final round to seal a first major title in New Jersey.

She shot 67 to finish eighth under (276) overall, with Saso a shot back in second after she carded a fi-

nal-round 66.

“I knew I had to make birdie on that hole to win a championship, and I am glad I did it,” said Yin.

“I only missed six greens in four days, I think, so my course tracking was pretty good.”

Ireland's Leona Maguire started the day with a one-shot lead, but dropped down the leaderboard to finish in a share of 11th, four shots behind Yin.

A birdie on the 17th gave Northern Ireland's Stephanie Meadow

brief hope; she needed an eagle on the last to force a play-off, but could only manage a par, and finished in a tie for third on six under.

Former amateur star Rose Zhang won the Mizuho Americas Open on her professional debut earlier this month, and was a shot off the lead after six birdies in her first 14 holes on Sunday. However, the 20-year-old bogeyed the 16th, and finished in a tie for eighth on five under.

Sammy calls West indies catching ‘painful’...

that we are working on.

“I inherited this team. They have some old habits they have to get rid of but I’ll continue to press on that line that what we could become is a much better fielding team, and we have what it takes in there.

“It’s just the attitude and the mindset to fielding has to be the same, like it is towards batting and bowling.”

Speedster, Alzarri Joseph found himself as the unfortunate recipient of his side’s negligence, with three chances going down off his bowling when Raza and Burl were let off.

He finished with two for 42, but Sammy said the fielders had a duty to provide better support to bowlers who were creating chances.

“We had some honest conversations in that dress-

ing room after the game. I personally had to put an arm over Alzarri’s [shoulder] half-way through the innings because it’s painful,” Sammy said.

“I’ve challenged my bowlers to put the ball in certain areas to create chances. And wickets are often hard to come around but … we as fielders owe it to our fast bowlers – any bowler – when they are executing plans and

creating chances, it’s the fielders duty to make sure we grab [them].

“Poor Alzarri! I think I counted eight dropped catches off him this season; that’s eight wickets more he could’ve had. That’s disappointing.

“I put my hands around his shoulder and urged him to continue because that’s what we have to do.”

He added: “We are a

team, we’re showing exactly where we’re at in the world; that’s why we are in the qualifiers, and certain things will have to change – [they are] going to change moving forward.”

“We need men who are on the same page as myself and the captain [and who are going in] the direction we want to go and it’s a complete circle.

“If we want to go up the

rankings and up the ladder in ODI cricket, certain things must change and our attitude towards fielding is one of the main ones that has to change.”

West Indies are third in Group A on four points from victories over United States and Nepal, and face the Netherlands in their next outing on Monday.

The West Indies have been fined 60 per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against Zimbabwe

Ruoning Yin only turned professional three years ago

Sammy calls West indies catching ‘painful’ after Zimbabwe loss

CMC – Head coach Darren Sammy on Sunday described West Indies’ catching as “painful”, and warned players their attitude to fielding in training needed to improve, if they were to make any serious inroads in One-Day Internationals.

The Caribbean side grassed as many as five chances during Saturday’s

shock 35-run defeat to Zimbabwe in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers, leaving their campaign to reach the showpiece in India later this year in some peril.

“It’s painful. The saying goes, ‘catches win matches’,” Sammy told reporters.

“From the time I started playing cricket, one of the first phrases I heard from a coach was that catches win

matches, and as a fielding group, it’s the only time when you play where you will be out in the middle as a team.

“When you bat, you’ve got two guys representing you, but when you’re on the field, you create an energy. Fielding is an attitude, and that’s the message we have been drilling in.

“We were winning games

[in this tournament]; even the previous two games we won. We dropped I think eight catches as well, and it was only a matter of time where it would [come back] to bite us.”

West Indies twice put down Sikandar Raza before he reached 10, and he went on to top-score with 68 off 58 deliveries, and they also dropped Ryan Burl on 39,

allowing him to lash 50 off 57 balls.

Sent in, the hosts rallied to 268 all-out with a ball remaining in the innings, and the reduced West Indies to 233 in the 45th over.

“Leaving the Caribbean, we always knew Zimbabwe was going to be the ‘it’ game of the tournament, and in any format of the game, when you keep dropping the oppo-

sition’s best batsmen, sooner or later you’re going to pay for it, and we did that,” said Sammy.

“I’m still trying to put my hands on why international cricketers are dropping so many catches and whether we have to do more, but I think it stems from the attitude in training towards fielding and it’s something

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Akeal Hosein appeals for a wicket•Jun 24, 2023•Getty Images