Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 26-07-2023

Work progressing smoothly on Four Points Marriott Hotel

SCHEDULED to open its doors in the third quarter of 2024, the 172room Four Points by Sheraton–Marriott Hotel being constructed at Houston is 30 per cent complete.

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that the construction phase of the project includes the creation of a pool and construction of a super structure for the hotel

The company undertaking this project , Caribbean Green Building Inc., envisages increased economic activities and opportunities with the new four-lane road

“The site is strategically located in downtown Georgetown , 15 minutes from the Ogle International Airport on the eastside lane of a new road bypass between Eccles and Mandela Avenue

“Once completed, the hotel will feature a restaurant, two bars, an outdoor pool , as well as 16,000 square feet of meeting space and 25,000 square feet of retail area ,” the company added in its project scope

The project is led by Tama Investments LLC and has an estimated cost of US$33.3 million which will be financed by 50 per cent debt/ equity, in-

cluding an approximate US$12 million senior loan with a 12-year tenor from IDB Invest

The hotel ’ s operator will be EuroBuilding Hotel Group, an established hotel operator with several properties around the region

Four Points represents

an upper-midscale brand within the Marriott International umbrella and will seek EDGE Certification, highlighting many sustainability features.

Additionally , there will be integrated walk-in showers, 55-inch flat-panel televisions and in-room refrigerators

When outside of their rooms , guests will be able to relax in the lobby, which will be focused on an elevated evening experience with special seating options to work or relax

An extension of the lobby, the Bistro Terrace, will feature a community fire pit and upgraded outdoor seating area

Apart from those features, there are also plans to establish spacious meeting spaces and a convention centre to meet market demands There are also plans to have 1,000 square feet of space for cardio , stretching and strength activities ; this would be supplemented by an outdoor pool and tennis court

Within a month of the government being in office, expressions of interest were sent out for internationally branded hotels to be built in the country

Since then, there have

already been sod-turning exercises and ongoing construction for a number of new hotels , with two having taken place close to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The aim, according to local authorities, is to have at least 2,000 hotel rooms available for visitors and to accompany the anticipated growth in the local economy President , Dr Irfaan Ali, had said that moving forward and embracing this potential growth and development would require a transition, not just physically, but also in the way people act , think , celebrate Guyana and conduct business

“We have to transition to create the transformation we want. It is not only physical, it is the human transformation, the way of thinking, acting, celebration of country, the way we do business and [our] organisational culture

“It has to be incorporated into every aspect of our lives and every level of service has to be transformed It should be something to take us to optimisation ,” President Ali had said in a previous report

Ongoing construction of the hotel’s pool (Adrian Narine photo)

The installation of the Four Points by Sheraton–Marriott Hotel super structure currently taking place (Adrian Narine photo)

Span-replacement works ahead of schedule

Minister Edghill says; smooth traffic flow reported at water taxi facilities

By Cassandra Khan

WORKS on the Demerara Harbour Bridge ’ s ( DHB ) Span Nine are ahead of schedule , according to the Minister of Public Works , Juan Edghill , during an update on Tuesday.

The DHB was expected to be closed for three days from 11:59 hours on July 24, 2023 to 11:59 hours on July 27 , 2023 ; however, the bridge might

Minister Edghill said too that since the bridge was already scheduled to close, they are making use of the time by doing internal rehabilitation works that were set to be completed at a later date

Meanwhile, the minister visited the three alternative river crossings to ensure that the operations were smooth all over

He said that the Maritime Administration Department ( MARAD ),

made all three crossings operational. These are the Stabroek to Vreed - enHoop, the Demerara Harbour Bridge to the other end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, and Grove to Wales, crossings

In an invited comment at Wales, Minister Edghill said the facility was built by the DHB just to facilitate the works ongoing at the bridge, and it will continue to be used in a safe way by people in the area

He related that a number of persons are on the ground to provide assistance and to ensure passengers’ safety when travelling

Feedback given to Minister Edghill on the traveling operations was that it was smooth , no mob- like behaviour, people were orderly, co-operative and patient; for this, he thanked the people of Guyana

“ So , today [ Tuesday ]

started off in a very good way and we want to keep it like that,” Minister Edghill said

He said that currently, they have about 78 boats which are operational at the three crossings , giving them the capacity to transport between 5,000 to 7,000 persons per hour across, whether from East to West or West to East

“One of the boats carry about 30 to 32 passengers on average and it

takes about 10 minutes per crossing,” he said

Additionally, in order to avoid buildups , overcrowding or overcharging, they have hired, apart from the regular monitors through MARAD, an additional 30 monitors to monitor activities at the crossings

Further , Minister Edghill said that they have not received reports

open at an earlier time

“ We have already been able to detach the old span nine and the new span nine is in place and they are working to get it aligned At this time we are ahead of schedule ,”

Minister Edghill said

He related that due to the calmness of the water, the contractor and General Manager of the bridge took advantage of the favourable tide and did works, putting them ahead of schedule

“[Works] were scheduled at 6am and they did it at around 4:30 hours this morning [Tuesday] so that has given us an advantage,” he related.

Passengers arriving at the Stabroek stelling on Tuesday morning (Japheth Savory photos)

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, inspecting the newly built infrastructure at the Wales crossing

Span replacement works ...

of any incidents of robbery, injury, or hassling.

SPECIAL ATTENTION

He said that special attention is being given to assist women with babies, pregnant mothers , senior citizens , and people who are traveling from overseas with suitcases.

“Systems are in place and it is running very smoothly and I am extremely grateful for that ,” Minister Edghill said.

Director General of MARAD, Stephen Thomas, said that they were given the task of ensuring a seamless flow of traffic, full safety, no overcharging of fares and orderliness , and everything has since gone according to plan

The Guyana Chronicle also spoke to residents of the West Bank and Coast of

Demerara, who were travelling over by boat from the Vreed - en - Hoop stelling, to the Stabroek stelling Everyone reported that it was a smooth experience, as any other day

Sharon Hardeo, a resident of Dairy, said that she was nervous about traveling over by boat because she thought it would have been challenging to get over; however, she said that it was easy to use the boat

Avenalla (only name given), said that she was thankful to the Ministry of Public Works for the systems they have put in place to ensure seamless operations at the crossings

A Tuschen resident, Mahase (only name given), related that the travelling was as normal as any other day

“I see a lot of improvements like they make this

shed here (at the Stabroek stelling) and they make the one over there ( Vreed - enHoop stelling) to accommodate the passengers so that they wouldn’t get wet when they enter the boat and I feel great about it,” he related

Another resident of Crane , Clive ( only name given) said that it was normal and smooth

“To me it was a normal thing, it ain’t nothing different really, it was just a normal thing you just have to know how to deal with people, I ain’t really see no overcrowding or anybody making any comments as yet . It was smooth ,” he said.

Works ongoing to replace Span Nine of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (Ministry of Public Works photo)

Ecuador declares state of emergency amid violent clashes

ECUADOR'S President Guillermo Lasso, on Monday, declared a state of emergency and night curfews in three coastal provinces, amid a wave of violence over the weekend in the Andean country that left at least eight people dead.

Lasso declared the state of emergency in the provinces of Mana-

bi and Los Rios and in the city of Duran, near Guayaquil, after Agustin Intriago, the mayor of coastal city Manta, was shot dead on Sunday.

It also comes on the back of riots over the weekend in the prison Penitenciaria del Litoral, in Guayaquil, involving clashes between gangs inside the prison.

Lasso has frequently resorted to declaring states of emergency as Ecuador struggles with prison riots and waves of violence throughout the country.

"We cannot deny that organised crime has permeated the state, political organisations and society itself, it is a problem that has been brewing for more than

a decade," Lasso said after a security cabinet meeting.

The state of emergency will last for 60 days in the provinces, while the curfew will vary during that period, the government said.

The murder of Manta's mayor is under investigation, Lasso said.

Sunday's riots left at least six inmates dead

and 11 injured, according to the SNAI prison authority.

Prisoners also took 96 guards as hostages in jails in Cotopaxi, Azuay, Cañar, El Oro and Napo, and are continuing a hunger strike that began on Sunday in 13 Ecuadorean prisons, without disclosing reasons for the strikes.

The prison system

in the South American country has faced structural problems for decades, but jail violence has soared since 2021, killing at least 400 people in frequent confrontations, which have drawn the concern of the United Nations and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. (Reuters)

Brazil to begin taxing sports betting, aiming to boost revenues

BRAZIL'S government issued an executive order on Tuesday to initiate taxation on sports betting, in line with a measure announced by President

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's economic team to increase revenues.

The measure takes immediate effect but must be voted on by Congress within four months to remain valid.

Under the new regulation, companies will be subject to an 18 per cent tax on so-called Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR).

According to the proposal, national or foreign legal entities established in the country and meeting the requirements set forth by the

Finance Ministry may apply for authorisation to operate fixed-odds betting lotteries.

In 2018, Brazil passed a law allowing online fixed-odds betting for the first time, permitting bookmakers to offer odds on the outcomes of sports events.

However, the necessary sector regulation was never implemented.

Finance Minister Fernando Haddad stated in March that the measure was necessary as online gambling companies were not paying any taxes while profiting immensely from their operations in the country.

Haddad recently estimated the government would raise about 2 billion reais ($423 mil -

lion) with the measure in 2024, saying the estimate was conservative.

Internet sports betting firms, including Bet365, Betano, and Betfair, have been expanding globally and strengthening their presence in Brazil by sponsoring major soccer clubs. (Reuters)

A Culture of Roses

GUYANA ’ s development is multi - faceted and multi - dimensional What the country is now experiencing is holistic development, one that touches the lives of all Guyanese not only in terms of their material well-being but also from a cultural and aesthetic standpoint

The massive infrastructural programmes are changing the physical landscape of the country in tangible ways. This is particularly evident in the construction sector with a plethora of new buildings and road networks

But there are other developments that may not be that obvious but are certainly aesthetically enhancing They do impact on the quality of life of Guyanese, even though in ways that could be considered modest

Take for example President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s One Guyana ‘Cut Rose’ Project. The project is

picking up momentum with roughly 400 roses being produced each week according to the Agriculture ministry.

According to the Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, the production of roses is likely to double by February next year And even though the numbers may appear modest, the project has already impacted on job creation and income generation, especially for single-parent families

The ‘Cut Rose’ project however goes beyond employment opportunities. According to the Agriculture Minister , the production of local roses would significantly reduce the demand for imported roses and hence less pressure on our foreign exchange reserve

The fact is that our local roses are as beautiful as any grown in any part of the world and are much more adaptable to our climatic conditions

Indeed, there is nothing more refreshing than waking up and being greeted by a bunch of fresh roses.

Indeed, Guyanese today are much more aesthetically conscious and are investing more of their time and resources in the beautification of their home environments This culture of flowers is indeed gaining prominence and augers well from a spiritual and aesthetic perspective

All of this fits nicely in the national beautification project initiated by First Lady Arya Ali. Thanks to the First Lady, the face of Guyana is changing with the construction of several parks and recreational facilities in all regions of Guyana Among these are the Kingston Seawall project which is already taking shape and expected to be completed in a matter of a few weeks

Similar enhancement projects were

also constructed in Corriverton, New Amsterdam and Tuschen , bringing much joy to children and citizens on the whole Massive beautification works are also underway in the Albouystown community which is a major transformational project aimed at uplifting the lives of residents

These projects, according to President Ali, are designed to transform lives and communities while at the same time adding value, creating prosperity and improving living standards and livelihoods.

Man, it is said, cannot live by bread alone

It is this thinking that has influenced the One Guyana vision as envisioned by President Ali, aimed at creating an enabling and people - friendly environment , one in which each and every Guyanese can enjoy life to the fullest.

Glenn Lall’s populism wouldn’t deliver the goods

Dear Editor,

I HAVE followed with interest the commentary by Kaieteur News publisher Mr. Glenn Lall I stated before that Mr Lall is a talented “stage performer.” I am, however, concerned that his ideas have become too Bolivarian to be credible

By this, I mean that Glenn Lall’s political ideology is a replica of the failed ideology and policies of Hugo Chavez of Venezuela Chavez was an economic and political/ideological populist, and Mr Lall’s performances very much resemble those of Colonel Chavez

Populism has three primary features First, populism is based on the politics of mobilisation rather than the politics of aggregation Mobilisation is driven by a so-called charismatic leader who tells the masses that the elites cannot represent their interests

This person calls on the masses to believe that he (or she) has special insights and superior knowledge about economics, politics, and everything else in public life This so-called charismatic leader claims to represent “the people” against the elites in government and business, and against foreign investors He often assumes the air of a saviour of biblical proportions.

Secondly, populists usually promise the world to the middle class and especially to the poor Hugo Chavez, for instance, promised to

double the wages of the working class (which he did upon taking office).

I do not know if Glenn Lall has promised to double wages, but his populist ideology is totally lined up with doing so

Within years, as with the case of Venezuela , the wages become meaningless due to inflation, mismanagement, and because of even more promises laced with unsustainable government giveaways

Thirdly, populists such as Chavez engage in aggressive attacks on foreign capital Mr Lall is now the most noted anti-foreign investor/investment advocate not only in Guyana, but in the entire Global South

The foreign investor is painted as an economic devil bent on carrying out the most unspeakable crimes against citizens Demonic images of immense suffering are conjured up by the populist, who then simultaneously casts himself as the Blessed One who has descended to save the nation

Here is a quote from an article on Mr Lall’s position on foreign investors in Guyana – “In his latest commentary, Lall articulated the distressing reality that each passing day sees Guyanese being “ raped and robbed ” of their natural treasures” (KN, 7/25/2023).

“Raped and robbed”! What could be eviler than that?

Hugo Chavez had chased out the foreign investors both through institutional means

(meaning government policies), and through his hateful rhetoric against foreign investors Words matter Between 2000 and 2002, US$15 billion in private capital fled Venezuela What the Guyanese people should know is that although Venezuela has 27 times more proven oil reserves than Guyana, (and 34 times more the population), it has less foreign direct investment than us In fact, in 2021 there was net capital outflow from Venezuela to the tune of RB -761,333,000

Mr Lall’s anti foreign capital position is more extreme than that of President Maduro

The Venezuelans do admit foreign investments from China Not so for Glenn Lall, who is against Chinese economic activities in Guyana

The following was reported in yesterday’s Kaieteur News – “[t]he thought of witnessing hundreds of Chinese individuals shipping out pontoons, laden with resources, while the nation’s citizens struggle to secure a proper meal stirs a righteous indignation in Lall’s soul” (KN, 7/25/2023).

Populism is a popular thing with those who do not know better Who won’t want their wages to be doubled or tripled in a day? Yet too many of the world’s poor fall for this voodoo economics Make no mistake that wages should go up

Economic inequality is real, and workers have the right to pursue their economic interests with the greatest intensity and resolve

What is not in their best interest, however, is to listen to promises that sound too good to be true They usually are

If you do not trust my interpretation of populism , then please avail yourself of a definition provided in the Washington Post by

A M Rondón

“The recipe for populism is universal Find a wound common to many, find someone to blame for it, and make up a good story to tell Mix it all together Tell the wounded you know how they feel That you found the bad guys Label them: the minorities, the politicians, the businesspeople Caricature them

“As vermin, evil masterminds, haters and losers, you name it. Then paint yourself as the saviour. Capture the people’s imagination. Forget about policies and plans, just enrapture them with a tale. One that starts with anger and ends in vengeance. A vengeance they can participate in” (A.M. Rondón, Washington Post, 1/27/2017).

In a follow-up article I will explain how populism as a political strategy works. This is a debate that must be had, and I hope Mr. Glenn Lall will engage in it for the betterment of the country. In the meantime, I must say that Glenn Lall’s populism won’t deliver the goods.

Sincerely, Dr.

Randolph Persaud

Editor Navendra Seoraj

President Macron and my unapologetic, patriotic feelings

I AM not a supporter of President Macron, an elite, French conservative leader I prefer leftist leaders such as President “Lula” in Brazil, who along with my own President and Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados are my favourites in the world

I respect and admire the South African President It is high time South Africa becomes a bigger force in world politics. It is a huge anti-imperialist presence on the globe

Last week, Macron made a fuss about an appointment in the European Commission that carries prodigious power and authority in the commission When I read about his feelings, I thought about my own passion on who should hold top jobs in Guyana

From the time I became a UG lecturer in 1986 and I saw what we lecturers had to work with at Guyana’s premier educational institution, I dedicated myself to the cause of Guyanese who live here must come first in the choice of work before any other human on Planet Earth , including foreign - based Guyanese

Macron reacted furiously when he heard that one of the top jobs in the government of the European Union was assigned to an American citizen Now, remember that the European Commission is the government of the EU where it has the power to make appointments without input from the 27 individual nations For example, it is the commission not the individual 27 countries that assign ambassadors to the EU embassies around the world

After Britain pulled out of the EU it refused to grant full ambassadorial status to the

EU envoy to London, arguing ambassadors come from sovereign countries The Guyana Government took this position before the UK did that, and did not grant full ambassadorial status to the EU envoy here on Croal Street

I am not sure if over the years that has changed I am not aware if the EU envoys to the countries of the world have full ambassadorial accreditation Now what is interesting to note is that a host government can complain to a foreign government about its ambassador, but it cannot do that in the case of EU envoys

The point I am making is that the EU commission is a government by itself and makes important appointments to EU bodies without having to have the approval of the 27 member-states. The rallying cry in the British campaign to leave the EU by the Brexiters was that Britain had to subject itself to bureaucrats who were not elected and not subject to any government

This is where Macron came in Macron was livid when the news broke that the chief economist in the commission would be an American An angry Macron asked one question and made one observation

He queried why in a bloc of 450 million people, the commission couldn’t find a European scholar He said that the White House would never have a foreign national in such a sensitive role He opined that China would not go that route either

The American pick has since declined the offer, but Macron’s objection has highlighted the question of patriotism and service to one’s country From the time I became

a UG lecturer and a newspaper columnist, I adumbrated freely my preference for all state vacancies to be filled by Guyanese who stayed here , showed patriotism and gave decades of service

When the APNU+AFC came into power, I did not accept a foreign-based Guyanese at GRA, UG, and Go-Invest among other state institutions

Over the decades , I questioned why should we overlook qualified Guyanese who worked for meagre salaries, were recipients of low pay, and victims of hard times and offer pivotal positions to those who gave the majority of their lives to other countries?

I will always remember the interview a Guyanese expatriate gave the Stabroek News when he was appointed Vice-Chancellor of UG in 2016 He described the experience he gained living over 30 years outside of Guy-

ana But there were people equally qualified to be UG Vice-Chancellor who lived all their lives in their own country

If we choose expatriate Guyanese over locally based ones, then because of the colossal advantages the foreign-based Guyanese enjoy, the locals will never get the placement One tsunamic example should suffice

If you teach at UG, money for research and funding for travel and writing books are almost non-existent The Guyanese who lives in a developed country and teaches at the university there will always have, comparatively, a more impressive curriculum vitae because money for research and travel from universities in developed countries are always there

We have an oil economy now, and preferences must be given to those who stayed in Guyana, persevered and endured.

Over 620 inmates equipped with new technical, vocational skills

after completing various training programmes

A TOTAL of 620 inmates across the country have completed training in a number of technical and vocational skills, in keeping with the Guyana Prison Service’s aim of promoting smooth reintegration into society.

During an interview with the Department of Public Information, Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliott said these training programmes are integral and aimed at equipping inmates with practical skills that will help them to gain employment upon their release

Inmates are exposed to a variety of hard and soft skills, such as family reconciliation, anger management, psychology, carpentry, joinery, masonry and agricultural production Training in technical or hard skills generally last three months, while the durations for soft skills training vary depending on the manner in which it is facilitated

The Prison Service is actively engaging institutions such as the Government Technical Institute (GTI), Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC), and New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) to offer accredited training in technical areas

“ We also have officers who are attending those institutions They can offer that skill set by training prisoners We want our programmes to be accredited in keeping with those regional and international accreditation standards, and that is why we are seeking to partner with our local counterparts so that it can enhance the skillset of the prisoners By September, they should be onboard in this aspect,” he said

Meanwhile, Elliott noted that, as the prison service transitions from penal to correctional, focus is being placed on forging partnerships with the private sector to offer inmates the opportunity to

meet the growing demand for labour

“We have prisoners who are currently labouring within the private sector, where we provide services to contractors, such as through the block - making exercise ongoing at Timehri and Lusignan prisons We also have persons working at various construction sites and that in itself reduced the cost for the contractors Further , when contractors are given a contract to work within the prison, it is compulsory that they use prison labour to build the inmate’s core competence and to ensure that they earn while they are in prison,” he said

The 2023 budget had allocated $100 million to facilitate the training of 1,500 inmates to prepare them for life outside of prison

This amount also accommodates the training of prison officers in prison management

The aim is to train 439 prison officers this year in prison management , to ensure that the Prison Service is staffed with qualified and competent officers, with the necessary skills to allow them to effectively navigate the

environment Elliot stressed, “It is important to look at local , regional, and international best practices, and compare what we are doing in keeping with those best practices We have to look at those conventions

that Guyana has signed on to and see which areas we are lacking so the necessary training can be incorporated For example, it is mandatory that all ranks be exposed to human rights training.”

Health Ministry signs new healthcare cooperation agreement with Cuba

THE Ministry of Health, last Friday, signed a new healthcare co-operation agreement with its counterparts in Cuba,

which is set to foster better relations in the health sector.

Guyana has had relations with Cuba in the health sector

for quite some time, as specialists in the health field would regularly come to Guyana.

Director General at the

Ministry of Health, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, in an invited comment to the Guyana, said that the last time the agreement with Cuba was looked at was over 10 years ago.

He added that as a result of that, from 2012 to earlier this year, doctors, nurses and other specialists who would work in Guyana through the existing arrangement, had no adjustment in salaries.

“What we did was to sign an MoU basically bringing their salary up to what the Guyanese are getting, and reconfirming all the other agreements that we had, for them providing specialists and providing what we need,” Dr Mahadeo said.

This increase in salary could result in more Cuban health care providers coming to Guyana to offer their services.

Over the last year, according to Dr Mahadeo, based on Guyana’s needs, the country brought in more nurses in spe-

cialist areas.

He added that this year, officials have requested an additional 100 nurses to come in along with the usual specialists.

With the rapid expansion and upgrades taking place in Guyana’s healthcare sector, he said that the signing of this agreement comes at a good time, as there is a need for increased human resource capacity.

Earlier this month, President, Dr Irfaan Ali announced that the government was in talks to source nurses from Cuba to fill the existing shortage here.

At that time, he indicated that one of the major issues in Guyana and the Caribbean at large is the migration of nurses to other countries.

Meanwhile, at the end of 2022, the President, in keeping with the government’s promise to adjust the lower salary scales, announced significant increases in salaries for several categories of healthcare workers.

The increase that was announced catered for some $1.5 billion more in annualised disposable income for over 5,000 workers in the health sector.

Officials from the Ministry of Health and Cuba following the signing of the agreement

Aggressive programme in place to address upsurge in dengue fever cases

Dr Ramsammy affirms

By Shamar Meusa

WITH the recent spike in cases of dengue fever in Guyana, the Ministry of Health has launched a robust and aggressive programme to keep the situation under control

This was according to Adviser to the Minister of Health , Dr Leslie Ramsammy , who , in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, said that there is also a spike in these cases worldwide.

Over the last few weeks, health authorities have seen an increased number of persons com-

ing down with dengue fever— a mosquito-borne infection

He said : “ There is a spike in cases of dengue that is similar to the spikes in countries around the region such as Brazil, Venezuela and across the Caribbean.”

Dr Ramsammy told this newspaper that authorities here have been testing for dengue as there is the capacity to do so

He said that there are rapid tests in the system and these types of tests are being conducted across all 10 regions

“We have accelerated

testing, so we’re testing more people now, whereas before we only tested people we suspect might have dengue, we’re now testing in general people who might have fever

Adviser to the Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy across the country ,” Dr Ramsammy said

Along with this accelerated testing regime, he said that the Health Ministry will soon begin testing for the serotypes so as to ascertain which of the four types of dengue fever may be circulating here

In addition to this, he

said that with increased cases , public health authorities, Regional Democratic Councils, municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils will have to expand their vector - control measures such as fogging

While he said that in recent months , fogging has been taking place in Georgetown , he added that more frequent rounds of fogging must take place across the country

Dr Ramsammy added that the Health Ministry has

intensified its awareness programme, as advisories are being sent out regularly, and hotspots are being identified so that rapid-response teams can be sent, out among other things “ So there is a robust and aggressive programme in place,” he said

In the past week , it has been reported that over 300 cases of dengue fever were recorded , with a majority of the cases being recorded in Regions Two, Three, Four and Five.

Bed and breakfast facilities have until July 31 to register with GTA

ahead of Cricket Carnival

AS the Cricket Carnival season approaches, bed and breakfast establishments that wish to get registered with the Guyana Tourism Authority ( GTA ) have a deadline of Monday, July 31 to do so.

Manager of Training and Licensing at the GTA, Tamika Inglis, during an interview with the Department of Public Information on Tuesday said there has been good feedback from the bed and breakfast programme which started several years ago

“

So far , so good We have about 21 properties that have been approved, that is, we would have done the inspections, gone through the entire process with them and

they are good to go and that is like a capacity of about 156 rooms so far,” Inglis noted

In order for properties to be given conditional approval to host persons for the cricket carnival season, certain criteria have to be met

Inglis said teams would visit the properties to ensure standards are met

“Ensuring that your property is clean and presentable, that every room has a bed, you have the basic amenities, fridge, stove, things of that nature , that you have fire extinguisher within the property and have signages as it relates to no smoking, have a smoke detector, things of that nature, we ensure that persons would have had on

their property [ sic ] before we go through with that approval.”

Shortly, a survey will be launched to gather detailed feedback on how the initiative is progressing

Inglis added that , “ We want to ensure that one you are trained in hospitality or customer service, so we have a delivering-quality-service training that we usually do, so we will be providing persons with that training as well as first aid and CPR.”

The Bed and Breakfast initiative aims to improve the country’s accommodation capacity for the Caribbean Premier League and Cricket Carnival season . (DPI)

Guyanese studying in India selected for forum in Saudi Arabia

GUYANESE student Te -

jyas Dasa Singh , who is studying in India at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) in Mumbai under the ICCR Scholarship for his Masters Degree in Engineering, has been selected for a fully-funded UNESCO World Heritage Young Professionals Forum, set to be hosted by the Ministry of Culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between September 2 and 13, 2023.

According to a press release from the High Commission of India, Singh has been working continuously for the last year on heritage conservation and preservation via consolidative treatments , compatibility , and performance of these treatments on various types of heritage construction materials such as fired claybrick and stone samples were also assessed His work could guide decision makers in charge of preserving structures, more so heritage structures , and those who wish to use consolidants to make proper selection of consolidative treatments based on the severity of deterioration, property of the materials , and what is required to be done

In June 2023 , Singh ’ s paper, currently under review with a reputable journal ,

was recognised and accepted by the IABSE International Conference in New Delhi for a presentation , in September, 2023 Now, it has been selected for the UNESCO Forum

Singh has conveyed that he will be proudly representing Guyana at the forum and will be giving a presentation on Guyana ’ s own local natural heritage, the Kaieteur National Park , which he believes deserves to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the future

During a telephonic interaction with the High Commissioner of India to

Guyana , Dr KJ Srinivasa , he expressed gratitude to the High Commission , IIT Bombay and ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) for the opportunity to study and conduct research at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions and for the recognition of his achievement by IIT Bombay and the UNESCO Forum

Dr Srinivasa congratulated Singh and urged him to keep the Guyana flag flying high and also to represent the land of his ancestors – India at the forum.

Tejyas Singh with his IIT Bombay supervisor

US SOUTHCOM Commander to discuss defence partnership with Guyana, CARICOM partners

–– during visit here amidst ongoing Tradewinds

THE United States ( US ) Army General , Laura Richardson, commander of the US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), is in Guyana from July 25-27 to meet with the

Guyana Defence Force (GDF), US Embassy, and Caribbean Community ( CARICOM ) leaders to discuss the US defence partnership with Guyana and CARICOM partners.

General Richardson is returning to Guyana nearly a year after her first visit to the country in August 2022, and comes as Guyana hosts Exercise Tradewinds, a Caribbean-focused mul-

exercise

tinational exercise aimed at increasing the region ’ s security capacity, strengthening partnerships among participating defence and public-security forces, fostering international co-oper-

ation, and promoting human rights

According to a press release from the US Embassy, during her stay, the General is scheduled to meet with Brigadier Omar Khan, GDF Chief of Staff; CARICOM Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett and Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, and will observe Tradewinds events and participate in its closing ceremony

General Richardson last met with Brigadier Khan in June during the Caribbean Nations Security Conference in Montego Bay , Jamaica, where Caribbean

leaders gathered for talks on climate change and cyber defence

The US and Guyana enjoy a longstanding security partnership marked by strong collaboration between SOUTHCOM and the GDF that is focused on disaster preparedness ; humanitarian assistance ; maritime security ; human rights ; professional development; furthering the integration of women in peace , defence, and public-security missions and countering transnational criminal organisations.

US Army General Laura Richardson, commander of US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)

Dominican Republic delegation in Guyana to explore investment opportunities

A TEAM of officials from the Dominican Republic is in Guyana to explore additional areas for investment and collaboration between the two countries.

Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud met with the team at Ramphal House, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation , on Tuesday , when he reaffirmed the government ’s dedication to fostering greater collaboration with the Dominican Republic

“ This is a historical moment, and we want to make full use in bringing our people together and looking at the vast opportunities that exist for cooperation , both in the government - to - government aspect and in the private sector,” he said

The team comprises Hugo Francisco Rivera Fernández, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs and International Cooperation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs ); Ramón Pérez Peralta , Vice Minister of Internal Commerce (Ministry of Industry and Commerce); Pablo Portes, Economic Advisor to the President , Tulio Rodri -

guez; Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Food and Energy Security with Guyana , Ariel Gautreaux ; Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs , Gia Forastieri ; Advisor to the Vice Ministry of Economic Affairs (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Julio César Estevez; Director to the Northwest region ( Ministry of Agriculture ), and Cristino Durán , Director of Rice and Corn (Ministry of Agriculture).

This delegation’s visit is expected to set the stage for President , Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s upcoming visit to the country.

Meanwhile , Vice Minister Fernández outlined the commitment of the Dominican Republic government to strengthening ties with Guyana in a number of areas, in forging a sustainable partnership

“We have complementary economies , and we look forward to working together for the future ,” he stated

The delegation has a robust two - day agenda that sees engagements with a number of agen -

cies, in advancing fruitful discussion for strengthened collaboration.

President Ali is set to lead a high-level team of government and private sector representatives and officials to the Dominican

Republic from August 8–9, 2023

In June, Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic , paid a visit to Guyana and , engaged in discussions with President Ali, focused on enhancing

bilateral relations , signalling a commitment to pursue greater collaboration in areas of energy, agriculture, tourism, trade, ICT, infrastructure, and industry

The DR President ’ s visit to Guyana also saw

the signing of bilateral agreements on political consultation , air services, and energy cooperation Guyana and the Dominican Republic established bilateral ties in October 1970.

Contractor flagged for slow pace of work on Conversation Tree-Dennis Street project

A LETTER of poor performance was issued to Kallco Guyana Inc ., the contracting company executing works on the second leg of the Conversation Tree to Dennis Street project in Georgetown.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill , made the disclosure following an inspection of ongoing works on Tuesday.

The minister’s visit to the area is in response to concerns raised by residents of Campbellville and Bel-Air

Speaking with the media following his inspection, the Public Works Minister expressed his dissatisfaction with the pace of works on the project and noted that this will be dealt with at an administrative level.

The project was split into two lots: Lot Eight A of the project is being executed by S Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc., to the tune of $1,066, 358,738, while Lot Eight B was awarded to Trinidad company, Kallco Guyana Inc., to the tune of $830,293,458

The minister noted that works appear to be moving apace on Lot Eight A of the project, and the contractors were advised to double up on the work to ensure that this progress continues

However , he said that very little progress is being made on the second leg of the project Approximately 65 per cent of the time has elapsed, with only 25 per cent of the work completed

were brought up and the minister instructed the contractors to have these addressed immediately . Minister Edghill stressed the importance of contractors communicating with residents while executing works

“

I have asked to meet with the Community Liaison Officer on this project This is her job, to be able to ensure that the community issues are

addressed So, while the contractor is busy working, there is somebody who is dealing with the residents and their concerns,” the minister stated

The project is expected to be completed by November 5, 2023

The project begins at the Conversation Tree corridor and is approximately 1.9 kilometres from the East Coast Demerara highway and will

connect to Dennis Street It will also be linked to Sheriff Street from the Dennis Street corridor.

Works on this project will also entail the construction of a four-lane carriageway from the East Coast highway to Delhi Street

It includes a double-lane carriageway on the reserve west of Delhi Street for northbound traffic and will also see

the implementation of concrete revetments between the East Coast Demerara highway and the railway embankment, and concrete drains on both sides of the proposed roadway between the railway embankment and Delhi Street

The construction of two large concrete bridges to establish a connection to Dennis Street is also part of the works.

“I’ve instructed that Kallco meet me at my office next Monday, for us to be able to determine if this project continues with them, or we will terminate Both contractors need to up their game This project needs to be finished We are flagging it, especially this section being done by Kallco, as a case of concern, and we have to address it administratively,” he emphasised

Clear instructions will be given to these contractors to ensure that citizens are not unnecessarily inconvenienced

Issues relating to stagnant water breeding mosquitos

Ongoing works on the Conversation Tree to Dennis Street project

Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill engaging contractors on the project site

US$190M Linden to Mabura Road vital for improving lives, hinterland logistics

FOLLOWING a recent report in the local media, the Ministry of Natural Resources takes this opportunity to clarify the importance of the US$190 million Linden to Mabura Road.

This project stands alongside scores of others as part of the Government of Guy-

between Guyana and Brazil

One of the primary advantages of this road is the drastic improvement it offers to logistics in the hinterland

Transporting goods and resources between Linden and Mabura continues to be a laborious and costly process With the road’s completion,

heritage

Beyond its economic significance , the Linden to Mabura Road significantly impacts the lives of residents and other commuters The road provides crucial connectivity to communities that were previously isolated, fostering social integration and

ana ’ s commitment to improving connectivity across the length and breadth of our country

The Linden to Mabura Road is an integral part of the broader Georgetown to Lethem corridor development initiative It is planned to extend for a distance of 121 kilometres , featuring a spacious 7.2 metres wide carriageway.

For the convenience and safety of cyclists and pedestrians , a dedicated lane measuring two metres wide will be included Additionally, the road will have 10 bus stops thoughtfully equipped with ramps to accommodate persons with disabilities

As part of the project , several bridges and culverts will undergo replacement , and a total of 123 lights will be installed along the route to enhance visibility and safety By enhancing connectivity, this road is expected to facilitate improved trade and ground transportation

it will allow for the efficient movement of goods, making it easier for businesses to operate, reducing transportation costs and promoting economic growth in the hinterland region

Further to this , the improved logistics will also facilitate the exploration and development of our natural resources in the hinterland The availability of a reliable transportation corridor enhances the accessibility of mining and forestry operations , contributing to increased economic opportunities in these industries, while ensuring sustainable resource-management practices

The road also plays a pivotal role in enhancing tourism in the region. Guyana’s unique hinterland biodiversity can now be more easily explored by tourists and researchers, providing a potential boost to ecotourism and supporting the preservation of our rich natural

improving access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and other public amenities . Access to these services can lead to a better quality of life and increased opportunities for education and skill development

This road project also brings about increased safety and security within the hinterland The improved infrastructure allows for quicker response times in emergencies and facilitates the movement of law - enforcement personnel and emergency services, making these remote areas safer for residents and visitors alike

It is for the foregoing benefits , amongst others , that the ministry reaffirms its conviction that the Linden to Mabura Road project is a vital and beneficial project The government remains committed to furthering infrastructural projects that promote sustainable growth and development across our nation.

Below is the full statement from the Ministry of Natural Resources on the benefits of the new Linden to Mabura Road:

Following a recent report in the local media, the Ministry of Natural Resources takes this opportunity to clarify the importance of the US$190 million Linden to Mabura Road

Contractors moving apace to complete work on Eccles ‘dumpsite road’

WORKS on the Eccles dumpsite road are progressing rapidly. The final layer of asphalt was observed being placed in order to complete works on a section of the road, on Tuesday. This road is part of one of the main connectivities for the Ogle, East Coast Demerara to Eccles, EBD roads being executed through the Public Works Ministry (Adrian Narine photos)

Global food systems --UN chief says; urges transformation

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday highlighted the need to address global hunger, promote

cooperation between businesses and governments, and mitigate the damaging impact of continuing climate change on food

production.

Addressing the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment, in Rome, Mr. Guterres said that in a world

of plenty, “it is outrageous that people continue to suffer and die from hunger.”

BROKEN SYSTEM

“Global food systems are broken - and billions of people are paying the price.”

According to UN estimates, over 780 million people experience hunger, almost one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted and nearly three billion people cannot afford healthy diets.

Developing countries face additional challenges, as limited resources and debt burdens prevent them from investing fully in food systems which can produce nutritious food across the social spectrum.

Unsustainable food production, packaging and consumption are also contributing to the climate crisis, accounting for a third of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, 70 per cent of the world’s freshwater usage, and driving biodiversity loss.

GRAIN DEAL COLLAPSE HITS VULNERABLE

The recent termination of the Black Sea Initiative by Russia has further exacerbated the situation, Mr. Guterres said.

It enabled the export of millions of metric tons

of food from Ukrainian ports, and together with the UN’s parallel accord with Russia on export of food and fertilizer, had been vital for global food security and price stability.

“With the termination of the Black Sea Initiative, the most vulnerable will pay the highest price,” he added, emphasising that both Russia and Ukraine are crucial to global food security, urging Moscow to reverse course.

The UN chief said he remains committed to enabling unimpeded access to global markets for food and fertilisers from both countries, “and to deliver the food security that every person deserves.”

THREE KEY AREAS FOR ACTION

In his address, the UN chief cited three key areas for action, starting with “massive” investment in sustainable food systems.

“Starving food systems of investment means, quite literally, starving people,” he said, calling on governments to respond to UN’s call for an SDG Stimulus, amounting to at least $500 billion annually to support long-term financing for all countries in need.

systems ‘broken’ in how people produce, consume food

pants from over 160 countries to review progress on the commitments made at the first Food Systems Summit in 2021, and identify suc -

cesses, as well as continuing bottlenecks while refocusing priorities.

It includes a series of high-level events, di-

alogues and side events related to transforming agri-food systems on topics such as food waste, climate change,

healthy diets, partnerships, science and technology, indigenous people’s knowledge, and transportation.

Second, Mr. Guterres called on governments and businesses to collaborate and “put people over profit” in building food systems.

This involves exploring new ways to increase the availability of fresh, healthy food for all individuals, keeping food markets open, and removing trade barriers and export restrictions, he said.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

With food systems playing a key role in reducing carbon emissions and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the Secretary-General called for food systems that reduce the carbon footprint of food processing, packaging, and transportation.

Harnessing new technologies to reduce the unsustainable use of land, water, and other resources in food production and agriculture is vital, he said, urging “stronger and faster action” to tackle the climate crisis and commit to reaching net-zero emissions by 2040 for developed countries and 2050 for emerging economies.

Also speaking at the opening, Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highlighted the importance of assessing progress in agri-food systems transformation towards reaching the 17 SDGs, agreed by all the world’s nations in 2015.

He noted the progress in identifying solutions agrifood systems can provide for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, including more sustainable farming, efficient water management, responsible packaging, reforestation and reduced food waste.

Mr. Qu added that these depended on transforming global agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.

“In the face of increasing uncertainties and multiple crises, we need to urgently undertake this transformation to fulfil the high expectations we have from our agri-food systems,” he said.

THE SUMMIT

From 24 to 26 July, the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment will convene over 2,000 partici-

FAO launches action plan for ambitious climate strategy

plan aims to help accelerate climate action across all FAO areas of work

THE Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has launched an Action Plan designed to support the implementation of its ambitious Strategy on Climate Change 2022-2031.

The Strategy , which was endorsed in June 2022 by FAO’s executive body, the Council , envisages agri-foodsystems as sustainable, inclusive, resilient and adaptive to climate change

Global agri - foodsystems, which encompass the production of food and nonfood agricultural products, as well as their storage , transportation , processing , distribution, marketing, disposal and consumption, are currently responsible for about a third of total green-

“FAO’s Strategy on Climate Change is our response to the worldwide challenge of tackling the impacts of the climate crisis, while aiming to address a broad range of interlinked challenges , including biodiversity loss, desertification, land and environmental degradation, the need for accessible, affordable renewable energy, and food and water security ,” said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu

He added: “This Action Plan will help implement agri-foodsystem solutions to climate change from across all FAO areas of work , ensuring we are working as one FAO.”

THREE PILLARS

The Action Plan is

ly determined contributions (NDCs).

The FAO is active in this area with its Scaling up Climate Ambition on Land Use and Agriculture through nationally determined contributions and National Adaptation Plans ( SCALA ) programme, which is currently active in 12 countries spread across Africa, Asia and Latin America

For instance, in Nepal, a country with limited institutional capacity for addressing issues associated with climate change , the SCALA Programme is bringing added value and technical expertise in achieving the country ’ s goals for more resilient agriculture systems and sustainable agriculture and land use practices

house gas emissions

They are also one of the major victims of the climate crisis But agri-foodsystems also offer many solutions for confronting the climate crisis, from building resilience and adaptation to mitigation and sequestration

The strategy aims to scale up the visibility, uptake and investment in these solution by contributing to adaptive, resilient low-emission economies “while providing sufficient, safe and nutritious foods for healthy diets, as well as other agricultural products and services, for present and future generations, leaving no one behind

Crucially, it recognises that the time to act is now

To guarantee the successful and timely implementation of the Strategy , FAO has developed an Action Plan based on discussions with its FAO Members , so as to ensure that it reflects their needs and priorities as closely as possible

based on three pillars: 1) advocacy at global and regional levels ; 2 ) policy support at country level; 3) the scaling-up of climate action on the ground with local actors and vulnerable populations.

As far as the first pillar is concerned, FAO is already stepping up its advocacy efforts in global fora For example , FAO was recognised as a strategic partner of the COP27 Presidency, supported the agricultural track of the climate negotiations and hosted a Food and Agriculture pavilion for the first time at the Climate Change Conference held in Sharm el-Sheikh in November 2022 This momentum and collaboration is set to continue with the Presidency of the United Arab Emirates

In terms of policy support to FAO Members, the Plan aims to intensify support in the elaboration and implementation of climate commitments, in particular the National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and national-

The third pillar seeks to bring about a stronger involvement by local stakeholders , with a particular focus on vulnerable groups, such as women and Indigenous People, towards the identification, co-development, and adoption of good practices that will ensure a greater food security , better livelihoods, as well as address climate change , biodiversity loss, and land degradation

One example of where FAO is working on this is through its Strengthening Agricultural Adaptation ( SAGA ) projects , which aims to reinforce adaptation planning for food security and nutrition in two Francophone countries particularly vulnerable to climate change: Haiti and Senegal

The plan associates a series of concrete outputs to all the outcomes and pillars that were endorsed in the Strategy and covers the period 2022-2025, allowing for a mid-term review of its implementation. (FAO)

FAO’s climate strategy envisages agri-food systems as sustainable, inclusive, resilient and adaptive to climate change

Travel recovery to boost global economy — says IMF

THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) increased its forecast of how much the global economy will grow this year to three per cent.

The 0.2 per cent improvement from April's forecast was partly driven by increased post-pandemic travel.

A strong jobs market and services sector was also included in the predicted uptick.

But soaring consumer prices and higher interest rates remained risks in developed nations, the IMF said.

China's delicate economic recovery was also amongst the biggest risks on the horizon.

The IMF's chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas told the BBC that the recovery from the pandemic is still having an impact.

He said in the first three months of 2023, there was a "strong resilience" in the demand for services, going out, and travel and tourism.

"Those countries [that] are tourist destinations have done relatively well. Those countries [that] are more manufacturing hubs have done maybe a little bit less strongly," Mr. Gourinchas added.

The latest numbers from the International Air Transport Association show that in May global air traffic continued its recovery, reaching 96.1 per cent of pre-covid levels.

However, the IMF says there is limited room for further recovery in tourism dependent economies in southern Europe, some of which have been badly damaged by wildfires.

So-called emerging economies such as China and India are set to see the fastest growth this year as advanced economies including Europe and the United States grow at a slower pace.

The United Kingdom has had one of the biggest upgrades in growth since the last forecasts in April, with

the IMF reconfirming May's expectation of growth of 0.4 per cent, rather than a decline of 0.3 per cent.

The IMF said this reflected falling "stronger-than-expected consumption and investment from the confidence effects of falling energy prices", and "lower post-Brexit uncertainty".

However it leaves UK's growth as the second slowest in the G7 group of major economies with only Germany faring worse, with a 0.3 per cent contraction expected.

The Eurozone's biggest economy is already in recession because higher prices have led consumers to cut back on spending.

Mr. Gourinchas encouraged central banks to do what they could to continue bringing down soaring consumer prices, known as inflation.

The US Federal Reserve, Bank of England and European Central Bank are all still some way off hitting their two per cent inflation targets.

Banks have been raising interest rates to make borrowing more expensive, and to cool down the economy. It has led to interest rates being at their highest since before the 2008 global financial crisis.

The US central bank and the European Central Bank are both widely expected to increase the cost of borrowing again this week.

There is continued uncertainty as a result of the ongoing debt problems in China's property market as the country's nervous recovery from the pandemic continues.

The fate of China, the war in Ukraine, inflation and the higher cost of borrowing money are some of the biggest challenges facing the global economy, the IMF cautions.

It says that although the outlook for the global economy is looking more positive, it remains below the 3.8 per cent average seen in pre-pandemic 2000 and 2019. (BBC)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday July 26, 2023)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) QPO, Trinidad, 1971 (7 wickets) (2) Kolkatta, 1974/75 (85 runs)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who is the first WI to crack a double century in a Test against India?

(2) Who is the first Indian to hit a double hundred against the WI?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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Norway fighting to stay in Women’s World Cup after draw against Switzerland

FORMER winners Norway are fighting to stay in the Women's World Cup after a draw against Switzerland left them bottom of Group A with one game to go.

After being on the receiving end of a shock defeat by co-hosts New Zealand on the opening day, Hege Riise's side needed to respond but failed to score for the second straight game.

They lost star player Ada Hegerberg, who was named on the team sheet, moments before kick-off, the six-time Champions League winner walking down the tunnel amid reports she suffered a groin injury in the warm-up in Hamilton.

This was after Caroline Graham Hansen, another huge talent, did not make the starting line-up.

Norway had their chances, with captain Maren Mjelde blazing over from close range before a header by Sophie Haug - Hegerberg's replacement - was clawed away by Switzerland keeper Gaelle Thalmann.

Switzerland, 2-0 winners over the Philippines in their first match, had chances of their own on a wet surface.

Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic fired narrowly over after creating space, while Nadine Riesen's awkward cross was just about kept out by keeper Aurora Mikalsen.

At the other end, Haug forced another fine save from Thalmann in the second half before substitute Graham Hansen had an attempt turned behind on a hugely frustrating night for Norway who

could not make the breakthrough.

Norway must defeat the Philippines in their final group game in Auckland on Sunday (08:00 BST) to stand any chance of going through.

At the same time Switzerland, who top the group with four points, play New Zealand in Dunedin.

Norway in danger of early exit

Norway came into this tournament tipped as one of the dark horses to go deep, yet the two-time European

India to host Australia for an ODI series ahead of the World Cup

INDIA have announced their schedule for the upcoming 2023-24 season, with a three-match ODI series against the Aussies ahead of the home World Cup.

BCCI have announced the schedule for India's home season 2023-24 with a total of 16 International matches, comprising 5 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 8 T20Is.

Australia are set to play in India either side of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup with the three-match ODI series to be played as preparation for the marquee fifty-overs tournament.

After the World Cup, India will play a five-match T20I series against Australia, beginning on 23rd November in Vizag and concluding on 3rd December in Hyder-

abad.

Early January will see India host England in a fivematch Test series as part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle with matches in Hyderabad, Vizag, Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamsala. The first Test begins from January 25.

Between the two series against the heavyweights, India will also host Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series at the start of the New Year with an eye towards the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 later in the year.

India home season 202324 schedule

v Australia (ODIs)

1st ODI: Sept 22,

1:30 PM IST, Mohali

2nd ODI: Sept 24,

1:30 PM IST, Indore

3rd ODI: Sept 27, 1:30 PM

champions find themselves in danger of making an early exit.

Riise's side breezed through qualifying, winning nine of their 10 matches, but, as happened at Euro 2022, they have struggled when it really matters.

While they were disjointed and uninspiring against New Zealand at Eden Park, they at least posed more of an attacking threat against Switzerland as they carved out 12 chances without getting the all-important goal.

There were surprised looks from many Norway

fans at the Waikato Stadium when Hegerberg walked down the tunnel moments before the game was due to start.

The Lyon forward and prolific scorer had taken part in the warm-up and emerged on to the pitch ready for the game.

Solid Swiss well placed to advance

With one group game to go, Switzerland are well placed to make the last 16 after a hard-working performance.

They only reached the World Cup after a play-off

win over Wales after finishing runners-up to Italy in qualifying.

But they will be confident of getting the job done against New Zealand and reaching the knockout stages for a second time.

There were question marks whether Lia Walti would be ready for the start of the tournament after suffering a serious injury playing for Arsenal in May.

Walti has looked lively in both games and helped her team make a solid start in New Zealand.(BBC Sport)

IST, Rajkot

v Australia (T20Is)

1st T20I: Nov 23,

7:00 PM IST, Vizag

2nd T20I: Nov 26, 7:00

PM IST UST, Trivandrum

3rd T20I: Nov 28, 7:00

PM IST, Guwahati

4th T20I: Dec 1, 7:00

PM IST, Nagpur

5th T20I: Dec 3, 7:00 PM

IST, Hyderabad

Asia Cup 2023 schedule announced

v Afghanistan

1st T20I: Jan 11, Mohali

2nd T20I: Jan 14, Indore

3rd T20I: Jan 17, Bengaluru

v England

1st Test: Jan

25-29, Hyderabad

2nd Test: Feb 2-6, Vizag

3rd Test: Feb 15-19, Rajkot

4th Test: Feb 23-27, Ranchi

5th Test: Mar 7-11, Dharamsala

Norway’s World Cup is in peril after Swiss draw an injury to Hegerberg

Pakistan take lead before rain ends second day's play after 10 overs

ONLY ten overs were possible on the second day of the second Test in Colombo before huge downpours rolled through the SSC and washed out the day's play.

In that time, Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam added 33 runs to the overnight score without any major challenges to their wickets. This meant Pakistan moved 12 runs into the lead, with eight wickets still in hand.

By mid-morning, the ground was totally coveredsignificant rain had fallen on the boundary areas especially - as the ground staff rushed to get the covers in place. And then showers rolled through

the venue well into the afternoon. (Scores: Stumps Pakistan 178 for 2 (Shafique 87*, Masood 51, Babar 28*, Asitha 2-51) lead Sri Lanka

166 by 12 runs

(Scores: Stumps Pakistan 178 for 2 (Shafique 87*, Masood 51, Babar 28*, Asitha 2-51) lead Sri Lanka

166 by 12 runs

Given the amount of rain to have fallen on the ground before the covers came on, and the time it would take to even remove the coversthere were pools of water on them - the decision was made to call off play at around 3.15pm.

Before the rain, though, Pakistan pressed their advantage, and both Shafique and Babar seemed to be playing

themselves into rhythm. Babar in particular was tentative early on against Pra-

bath Jayasuriya, who bowled 17 dot deliveries to start his day. But eventually, Babar

began to take risks against the left-arm spinner. In Jayasuriya's fourth over of the day, Babar flitted down the track to slam him high over the extra-cover boundary.

At the other end, the runs came more freely off the seamers. Shafique had hit the first boundary of the day with a controlled hook against Dilshan Madushanka, and later, Babar struck Asitha Fernando for two off-side boundaries in an over, though one of them may have been unintentional.

That six off Jayasuriya is the stroke that brought Pakistan level with Sri Lanka's score. The rains arrived soon after.(Cricinfo)

Derbyshire sign former Pakistan bowler Mohammad Amir for 2024 season

DERBYSHIRE have signed former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir as an overseas player for the first half of next season.

Amir will play in the first half of the County Championship campaign in 2024 and the T20 Blast group stages.

The 31-year-old will reunite with Derbyshire head of cricket and former Pakistan national coach Mickey Arthur.

"Mohammad is a world-renowned fast bowler and someone who I am delighted to bring to Derbyshire," said Arthur.

"I know all about his quality - he has been a big-

game player throughout his career and that's something I've seen first-hand."

Amir took 259 international wickets in 147 matches for Pakistan across all formats, including 119 Test dismissals, and was a key member of the side which won the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy under Arthur.

He retired from international cricket in 2020.

The paceman has County Championship experience with Essex as well as a shorter stay with Gloucestershire, and has also played in The Hundred for London Spirit.

Overall, Amir has claimed 266 first-class wick-

ets at an average of just 22.63, and 287 T20 scalps across the globe at 22.28.

"I've enjoyed my experiences of county cricket in the past and joining up with Mickey, who I've had so much success with internationally, is something I'm looking forward to," he said.

"The County Championship is so special and I've always enjoyed playing first-class cricket in England. I've spoken to Mickey about the quality in the squad and I want to put in the performances to help Derbyshire challenge in red and white-ball cricket next summer.(BBC Sport).

Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam drove Pakistan into the lead • AFP/Getty Images

Mohammad Amir played in the inaugural edition of The Hundred in 2021

Aussies on song as Perry, Garth star in big Ireland win

ELLYSE Perry fell just shy of a third one-day international century and Georgia Wareham took a career-best haul as Australia cruised to a 153-run victory over Ireland in Dublin.

Perry’s 91 laid the foundation and Ashleigh Gardner hit a rapid 65 off 39 as Australia posted an imposing 7-321 at Clontarf Cricket Club.

Kim Garth was given a warm reception as she took the new ball against her former side before leg-spinner Wareham picked up 3-33 as Ireland were bowled out for 168 in 38.2 overs.

Ireland first drop Amy Hunter provided the resistance for the hosts with a 66-ball 50, but after she fell the hefty target proved well beyond the hosts as they lost 5-38, their task made more difficult when wicketkeeper-batter Mary Waldron was unable to bat due to a calf issue

Australia had an injury concern of their own when Perry did not take the field in the second innings having suffered soreness in her left knee during her 99ball knock, but the allrounder was moving freely after the game and will be assessed ahead of Friday’s final one-dayer.

"It was nice to get out there and just put a good performance

out there," Alyssa Healy said after the match.

"That's what we've been asking for for the last six weeks and we haven't done it consistently.

"It was nice to see everyone have a proper crack today and do really well.

After Perry and Gardner’s efforts left Ireland needing a world record chase, fittingly it was former local Garth who got the first breakthrough against her old team.

One of the biggest cheers of the day was reserved for the ex-Ireland quick when she took the new ball, but she quickly

spelled trouble for the hosts when she had opener Leah Paul trapped lbw in the sixth over.

The right-arm quick proved a handful for her ex-teammates, finishing with 1-9 from her six overs including two maidens.

"She did fantastic," Healy said of Garth.

"She could have bowled 10 on the trot there.

"It's great to see her back here, she is smiling so much. To see her enjoy her cricket, it's really special to see."

After the first one-dayer was washed out without a ball bowled on Sunday, the sun was

shining on Tuesday morning as Ireland captain Laura Delany won the toss and sent Australia in to bat first.

The hosts struck early; Phoebe Litchfield was dropped on naught but only added another two runs before she was caught off the bowling of Prendergast.

Georgina Dempsey (4-54) had the hosts up and about when she bowled Alyssa Healy (24) then had McGrath (0) chopping on a ball later, leaving Australia wobbling at 3-58.

Beth Mooney (49) saw off the hat-trick delivery and steadied alongside Perry but fell one run short of a half-century when she was bowled by Cara Murray, breaking their 106-run stand

Perry’s own charge towards a century was ended when she was caught on 91, giving Dempsey a third, but Gardner kept up the hosts’ momentum, smacking a trio of sixes as she brought up a half-century off 32 balls.

Australia will look to seal a 2-0 series victory and end their seven-week tour on a high note when the third and final one-dayer is played at the same venue on Friday. (Cricket.com.au)

County Championship: Somerset fight back after collapse against Surrey

TOM Lawes ran through the top order as First Division leaders Surrey bowled out Somerset for 170 after losing the toss on the opening day of the County Championship match at Taunton.

The home side were dismissed in 56.3 overs, with 20-year-old seamer Lawes sending back three of the top four on his way to figures of 4-41 as Tom Kohler-Cadmore top scored with 59.

By stumps, Surrey had replied with 138-4, Tom Latham leading the way with 67 not out and fellow New Zealand Test player Matt Henry marking the last appearance of a prolific spell in red and white ball cricket for Somerset by taking 3-26.

A day dominated by seam bowling began with Somerset's total on 12 when Tom Lammonby clipped a Dan Worrall half-volley off his legs straight to Jamie Smith at mid-wicket.

Crawley says a drawn Ashes series against Australia would be 'fair'

first Test at Edgbaston by two wickets and won by 43 runs at Lord's before England fought back with a three-wicket victory at Headingley.

Speaking after the match was rained off at Old Trafford, Crawley said: "We're disappointed - we've played a lot of good cricket in this game.

"We wanted to win, we were in a good position to win, and two days of rain cost us. But that's how it is.

ENGLAND deserve to draw the Ashes by winning the fifth and final Test, says opener Zak Crawley.The 25-year-old hit 189 in the rain-ruined fourth Test at Old Trafford, which saw Australia retain the Ashes.

Australia lead the series 2-1 heading into the fifth Test at The Oval.

"Two-two would be fair," said Crawley. "They had the better of us at Lord's, Edgbaston could have gone either way, we probably deserved this one, and Headingley could have gone either way."

England could not force a result at Old Trafford as the best part of two days were lost to rain.

after the interval when Rew got a top edge aiming to pull a short ball from Jordan Clark and skied a simple catch to Foakes.

Kasey Aldridge helped Kohler-Cadmore add 47 for the sixth wicket, contributing 18 before edging Overton, back on his old stamping ground, to Latham in the slips.

"We'll play the same way and know we can make a big score. That's the beauty of a five-Test series: you get a look at them, work out tactics and nuances.

"I've never played a fivematch series before this one." Crawley helped to set up England's hopes of victory in Manchester with a thrilling century, which included 21 fours and three sixes, his 189 coming off just 182 balls.

Tom Abell flicked at a leg side delivery from Lawes and feathered a catch through to wicketkeeper Ben Foakes to make it 32-2 and with only nine runs added, Sean Dickson, on 25, fended at a delivery from Lawes and edged to Latham at second slip.

Kohler-Cadmore hit off-spinner Will Jacks back over his head for six - but it was a rare moment of cheer for Somerset supporters in a 2,000 crowd.

George Bartlett became a

third victim for Lawes, caught by Jacks at third slip and it might have been worse for the hosts but for the same fielder spilling a sharp chance, diving to his left, to give Kohler-Cadmore a life on 22, Jamie Overton being the unlucky bowler.

With his side in trouble, James Rew took 32 balls to get off the mark and was unbeaten on four at lunch, which was taken at 85-4, Kohler-Cadmore having moved to 32.

Hopes of a substantial stand between the pair ended soon

Kohler-Cadmore's innings ended in disappointing fashion when he aimed a big shot at a wide delivery from Lawes and dragged the ball onto his stumps. The former Yorkshire player had faced 101 balls, striking seven fours and a six.

Craig Overton glanced his first ball from twin brother Jamie to fine leg for four, provoking two unfriendly short balls, the second of which he gloved through to the immaculate Foakes.

Henry managed a few belligerent blows before falling for 16 and tea was taken when Ben Green was bowled by a full ball from Worrall.

After the hosts piled up a rapid 592 all out, Australia were 214-5 in their second innings - still 61 runs behind.

Australia edged the

Somerset had batted poorly, but they managed an early breakthrough in the final session when, without a run on the board, Surrey skipper Rory Burns edged a defensive shot off Henry to Craig Overton at second slip.

The same combination accounted for Dom Sibley with the total on 15, Overton holding another straightforward chance off Henry, who was maintaining an exemplary line and length.

Smith narrowly avoided the same fate when, on four, he edged just short of Overton, as Henry finished a superb opening spell with 2-16.

Momentum changed when Smith hit boundaries off four successive balls from Overton, who had switched to the River End. Batting started to look

The Kent right-hander has defied pre-series criticism to average 55 against Australia this summer."I feel I'm as good a player as I have ever been," said Crawley. "I feel good about my game, I'm pleased with how I'm playing - I've just got to build on it."I have a bit more experience now, things to fall back on in different conditions, so yeah, I feel I can kick on now."(BBC Sport).

comfortable under cloudless skies as Latham helped put together a half-century stand in 67 balls.

It was a surprise when Green broke through in the opening over of his first Championship appearance of the season. Having proved a golden arm in the Blast, the medium-pacer had Smith caught at mid-wicket by Lammonby, stretching out his left arm.

Henry's return to the attack saw him strike again with his third ball, Foakes nicking to wicketkeeper Rew to make it 95-4.

Latham, on 43, survived a chance to Dickson at third slip off Overton and the experienced Kiwi left-hander went on to an 83-ball 50, well supported by Jacks as Surrey closed just 32 runs behind. (BBC Sport)

Ellyse Perry anchored Australia with her 91 // (Cricket Ireland)

Zak Crawley slammed 189 for England in the rain ruined fourth Test at Old Trafford

Tom Lawes has now taken 26 wickets in seven Championship games this season

Ricky Ponting delivers latest verdict on Bazball

AFTER four thrilling Ashes Tests, Australia legend Ricky Ponting has delivered his updated verdict on Bazball, saying while the approach was “entertaining” England haven’t always been “smart” in how they execute.

Australia retained the Ashes with an unassailable 2-1 series lead on Sunday after the Manchester Test was drawn following a washed-out fifth day.

It was a blow for England who were primed to draw level in the series, having fought back from 2-0 down.

However, England came in for criticism earlier in the series, after captain Ben Stokes’ decision to declare despite being on top on the first day in the first Test Edgbaston, leading to Australia finding a way back to win the Test. Their aggressive approach to Australia’s short-ball tactic in the Lord’s Test, when they conceded a lead of 91 in the first innings, was also criticised.

Ponting, speaking on The ICC Review the day after the fourth Test, said England should have played smart cricket in those crucial moments.

“Some of those decisions – the Edgbaston declaration, Lord's first innings batting – I think they got a little bit carried away with it then,” he told The ICC Review.

“One thing that hasn't probably been spoken enough about

though is … they have spoken about the right time and the right place to play that brand of cricket and they want to have aggressive cricketers and attacking cricketers, but they want to have smart cricketers as well.

“I think a couple of times they just probably haven't been as smart as they could have been. Day two at Manchester was just unbelievable cricket.

Zak Crawley, 189 off 182 balls, and Joe Root, almost a run-aball, what'd he make, 80-odd. It was some of the most entertaining and demoralising Test match cricket that I've probably ever seen.

“And that's why it's nice to be a part of, but at the end of the day, they're 2-1 down, they can't win the series, and as much as they've dominated, say they've

dominated certain parts of the game, it still hasn't been good enough to get their nose in front of the series.”

Ponting said he has enjoyed being part of the series in his role as a broadcaster with Sky, and drew parallels with the epic 2005 Ashes series.

“It's being spoken about like the 2005 series, and we know the 2005 had a huge impact on the way Test cricket was watched and probably played all around the world after that series,” he said.

“England can be very proud of what they're trying to achieve and what they're trying to do. You know, so many kids at the ground, so many kids enjoying Test cricket, families there enjoying it – people that are not necessarily huge Test match fans

Nandu, five for one, stuns defending champs Naseeb CC

are sending messages through to everyone talking about how good it's been to watch this sort of style of play.”

Stokes, the England captain, said after the drawn fourth Test that, despite the loss his side would be spoken about in later years for their approach to the game. Ponting, however, thought differently.

“They probably will be spoken about, but I mean, even if they don't win, this is the other thing – with one Test match to go, if Australia win and they beat England 3-1, I'm sure more people are going to be speaking about that result rather than some of the individual performances from England,” he said.

“At the end of the day –maybe it's just me, maybe I'm too competitive – [but there is a balance] between being outand-out entertainers and not worrying about the result, and at different times adjusting their game and thinking more about winning and losing.

“And if they did that, with the talent they've got on the side, they can win a lot more games. I think that (Manchester Test) was only their first drawn game in 17 Test matches. So they have played some entertaining cricket for sure.”

The final Test at The Oval begins on Thursday. (ICC Media)

Beacons and Rising Stars win

Former champions, Beacons FC, registered an emphatic 6-0 triumph over bottom team, Lazio, on Monday (24th July) to move within a point of cup holders, Rivers View, at the top of the 9-team Senior Men's League (SML) points table of the Bartica FA.

Clint Kellman opened the scoring in the 32nd minute and Whitney Welcome doubled the lead 3 minutes later. Thirteen minutes into the 2nd half, Kellman netted again to increase the advantage to 3-0. A 5-minute 3-goal blitz initiated by Jermaine Christian in the 65th minute ended a humbling night for Lazio. Also getting on the score sheet were Oswin Joseph in the 69th minute and Shameer Mentore sixty seconds later.

It was the 3rd win from 5 matches and helped Beacons to 11 points and 2nd place, overtaking Potaro Strikers by

one point. For Lazio it was the 3rd loss as they remain at the bottom of the table with a solitary point after 4 outings.

The other game was highlighted by Ian Gomes whose hat-trick singlehandedly disposed of Wolves United. Gomes found the target in the 32nd, 55th and 57th minutes to secure a second victory for Rising Stars who moved to 8 points and remain in 4th position after 6 games.

Wolves, who took the lead in the 2nd minute thanks to Ivelaw Ramsdeen, have played a game less and were left on 3 points in 6th place.

Another double-header is slated for tonight (Wednesday July26th) at the Bartica Community Centre ground where Potaro Strikers meet Mil Ballers at 7:00 pm, followed by AK Galaxy against Agatash United at 9:00 pm.

MATTHEW Nandu returned to the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) 2023 season in ruthless fashion on Sunday with an amazing all-round display that left those in attendance at the Ashtonbee Number One ground in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, dumbfounded.

Representing Kaieteur International Sports Club A in the Elite League, the highest division in the SCA, Nandu, who was playing his second game of the current season, destroyed defending champions Naseeb Cricket Club’s batting with the remarkable figures of five wickets for one run, then returned with the bat to finish on an even half century as his team won emphatically by 10 wickets.

Electing to bat first on a bright and sunny day, Naseeb, who were 58 for three in the 14th over, catapulted to 76 all out in 22.2 overs in the 50-over affair with Nandu being virtually unplayable with his off-spin bowling. Such was the devastation that the one run score off him came after he had taken the fifth wicket.

Former Canadian Under-19 left-arm spinner, Raqiib Shamsudeen, supported with three for 18 in 7.2 overs while birthday boy, Eshaun Dass, took two for 16 in four.

In reply, Nandu slammed nine exquisite fours and a six off 31 balls in his 50 not out while fellow opener Nicholas Manohar’s unbeaten 24 off 31 balls, contained two fours.

Kaieteur International A sit fourth on the Elite table with 45 points, the same as Ambassadors Sports Club A, the latter with a better net run rate. Island Warriors lead the race with 60 points with Highland Creek in the second spot with 50.

Nandu, who made his Guyana senior debut earlier this year, is also a former West Indies Under-19 opener. He was also a part of the West Indies Academy which returned to action for a three-match series as part of their High Performance Camp in Antigua last month. (Frederick Halley)

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting

Hat-trick hero for Rising Stars, Ian Gomes

Matthew Nandu hit an unbeaten 50 to go with his remarkable figures of 5 wickets for one run with the ball

OSCL, Amazon Masters share honours

THE Guyana 57th Independence Festival Sports Day, under the auspices of the Toronto Consulate General of Guyana, came off with a bang at the Ashtonbee Reservoir sports field last Saturday with the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) team and Amazon Masters of the Canadian Premier Softball Cricket League (CPSCL) sharing the day’s honours.

Witnessed by a crowd, which included Guyana’s High Commissioner to Canada, Keith George, Consul General (ag) Grace Joseph and members of the Guyana Festival Committee, the OSCL team trounced the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Club (OMSCC) in their 10-over flick bowling affair while Amazon Masters whip

OSCL in their 10-over round-arm clash.

Led by a brilliant allround display by seasoned campaigner Sunil Ramkissoon, who blasted 2x4s and 5x6s in 51 off

25 balls and later returned to pick up one for three in his two overs, OSCL reached a challenging 125 for four in their allotted 10 overs. Mahesh Ramroop supported with a quick-fire 29 off a mere 11 balls, decorated with 4x4s and 3x6s. There was one wicket apiece for Desmond Ram, Subash Hiralal, Richard Rossan and Anil Veerasammy.

In reply, the OMSCC stuttered to 73 for two in their 10 overs, going down by 52 runs. Murray Morrisson top scored with a defiant 23, hitting 1x4 and 2x6s. Apart from Ramkissoon, Steven Ramdass took the other wicket to fall, conceding 11 runs in the process.

The round-arm encounter saw Amazon Masters batting first and reaching 114 for seven in their 10 overs with Roopnarine Lalbeharry leading the way with an attractive 40 off just 14

balls, laced with 3x4s and 4x6s while Munir Bashir lashed 38 from 20 balls, an innings that contained 2x4s and 4x6s. Satrohan Doodnauth was also among the runs, contributing 21 (one four and two sixes).

Bowling for OSCL, Rawl Scott bagged three for 31 while Ramkissoon, Ramroop and Ramdass each claimed a wicket.

OSCL, in reply, could only muster 67 for five when their 10 overs expired with Ramkissoon hitting a breezy 26 from nine balls, spanking 1x4 and 3x6s. Salman Khan took two for 12, Suresh Ragoonauth one for nine and Azeez Baksh one for nine.

Both teams were recipient of winners’ trophies while several players received incentive prizes for outstanding performances. Ramkissoon collected $500, compliments of High Commissioner George

for being adjudged the most outstanding player of the day. He also got the runner-up Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for his performance in the round-arm game and a bat, sponsored by Black Ash. Bashir of Amazon Masters took the MVP prize in the round-arm category.

The winners of Caribbean Airlines tickets to Guyana were Anil Veerasammy of Amazon Masters and Mahesh Ramroop of OSCL.

Secretary of the Guyana Independence Committee, Amanda Nandkishore, in acknowledging the overall support, declared that “we had ample support from our wonderful community, tons of laughs and great memories made. Special shout out Shiv PersaudPresident of the Scarborough Cricket Association

(SCA), Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) and Secretary of Cricket Ontario for his incredible organisation of today’s entire event and Nazie Mohamed of Caribbean Airlines who generously gave two lucky team members of the winning teams airline tickets to Guyana.”

Nandkishore also praised Consul General (ag) Grace Joseph and High Commissioner George for their roles, the latter for donating $500 (Canadian) to Ramkissoon who was adjudged the most outstanding player of the day.

This year also saw Shiv Persaud, President of both the SCA and OSCL taking over the role of chair of the Guyana Independence Festival after long-standing chair Albert Ramcharran stepped down. (Frederick Halley)

Guyana’s 57th Independence Festival

Flick bowling champions OSCL with High Commissioner Keith George and members of the Guyana Independence Festival Committee

Sunil Ramkissoon receives $500 (Canadian) from High Commissioner Keith George for being adjudged the most outstanding player of the day

Munir Bashir, MVP for the round-arm game collects his award from Amanda Nandkishore

Mohamed’s Enterprise sponsors $1M first prize for the Kares One Guyana T10

MOHAMED’s Enterprise is continuing its overwhelming support for sport in Guyana by funding the $1M first prize for the inaugural Kares One Guyana T10 set for July 29 and 30 in Georgetown.

The benevolence was extended to cover the transportation cost of the Moruca team, which will compete in the tournament.

Managing Director of Mohamed’s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, indicated that he was happy to be part of the tournament that he believes will spark immense grassroot involvement in cricket.

The organising group – FL Sport – expressed immense thanks to Mohamed for his support, noting that Mohamed was one of the first to quickly pledge tangible support to give youths a massive platform to express their talent.

More so, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the tournament’s patron, recently recommitted his support for the game, noting it is an event that will bring many people together from varying communities under the ‘One Guyana’ banner.

This year, the tournament has 32 teams, coming from all regions except Region Nine.

Several active and former national players will feature for their teams

Tropical Shipping Drag Wars 2.0

South Dakota drag strip record may be under threat

over the two-day extravaganza.

Preliminary matches will be staged at the Police Sports Club, the Guyana Defence Force, the Queen’s College Ground, YMCA, and Transport Sports Club, while the finals will be held at the Everest Cricket Ground on July 30.

The first-ever champions will pocket $1M, while the losing finalist will collect $300,000.

The two losing semi-finalists will walk away with $100,000 each. There will also be prizes for outstanding individual performances.

Additionally, there will be a celebrity match before the championship match with the winning side to be rewarded $200,000, which will be donated to a charity of their choice.

Admission is free to all venues.

THERE is no room for complacency in the heart-pounding world of drag racing, where split-second decisions and blistering speed can make or break champions. As the excitement reaches a fever pitch for the Tropical Shipping Drag Wars 2.0 on Sunday at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, all eyes are on the battle of the titans – Team Mohamed’s, the reigning drag racing champions, and their hungry rivals ready to snatch the crown.

Team Mohamed’s, with their formidable fleet of four Nissan GTRs, are definitely the team to beat. All capable of running 7 seconds and arguably faster, their GTRs are a handful. However, the team’s fastest car, the Mustang Pro Mod, stands as the epitome of drag racing excellence locally, holding the track record with a jaw-dropping 7.036 seconds set just last August. And, Team Mohamed’s will definitely be gunning to break into that 6 second barrier in what many would describe as a race against time rather than the

competition.

Team Mohamed’s cars are no ordinary contenders –their GTRs are meticulously prepped by the renowned T1 Race Development based in the United States and maintained by a team of seasoned Guyanese experts. This deadly combination of American engineering and Guyanese finesse has transformed Team Mohamed’s into an invincible force, feared and respected by all.

But as every racing fan knows, there’s nothing more thrilling than a fierce rivalry, and Team Mohamed’s has no shortage of adversaries vying for their throne. One such rival, Team Daby, has stepped into the limelight with the recent acquisition of a Toyota Solara that once conquered the tracks in the United States with a stunning 6-second performance. Determined to etch their name in Guyana’s drag racing history, Team Daby has enlisted a skilled team to fine-tune and drive the Solara with a single-minded focus –breaking Team Mohamed’s record.

However, the plot thick-

ens even further with the entrance of Trinidadian Sheldon Bissessar into the fray. No stranger to high-stakes competition, Bissessar boasts an impressive racing resume, having competed in IHRA World Championships and shattered records. Confident after rigorous testing and substantial upgrades to his rail car, he sets his sights on spoiling the Guyanese party and seizing victory at the Tropical Shipping Drag Wars 2.0. Bissessar’s conviction is bolstered by the track’s exceptional grip and immaculate preparation at South Dakota, a perfect battleground for his daring quest.

As the countdown to the big event ticks away, the intensity of the rivalry between these racing giants is palpable.

This Sunday’s drag race meet promises to be a day of excitement, with multiple cars having the potential of breaking into the 6-second barrier, the stage is set for an electrifying display of speed and skill.

Tickets cost $3000 for adults and $1000 for kids.

Azruddin Mohamed collects his tournament jersey from CoDirector of the tournament, Akeem Greene

Team Mohamed's fleet of GTRs