Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 26-09-2023

Guyana Chronicle’s photographer, Japheth Savory captured some of the moments from the Cricket Carnival parade that drew a large crowd on Monday

Love and unity on display!

— patrons flock city streets to celebrate historic Warriors’ CPL win

By Naomi Parris

THE beginning of the work week was no hindrance to Guyanese, who were adamant about celebrating the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ massive Caribbean Premier League (CPL) victory, and indulging in the festivities that formed part of the Cricket Carnival parade.

Guyanese lined the streets of Georgetown to get a glimpse of the Carnival Parade, which brought the

curtains down on this year’s CPL and Cricket Carnival. The “party” parade went on without any hiccups. While revellers marched along the city streets, patrons, many of whom were clad in work attire, joined the parade in celebration of the season.

One such patron was, ‘Llouyda’ who found a spot along Church Street to view the parade. Despite having a packed day, the woman made

Keron was among several revellers who took to the city streets on Monday for Guyana’s Cricket Carnival parade (Delano Williams photos)

A unifying victory

Guyana’s win seen as

‘a moment of great joy’ for the nation

President Ali says; announces plan to expand Cricket Carnival

THE Guyana Amazon Warriors’ Caribbean Premier League ( CPL ) win was a unifying display of athletic talent and culture, and patrons could look forward to a grander celebration of Cricket Carnival next year, President, Dr Irfaan Ali has said

For the first time in 10 years the country’s cricket franchise copped the 2023 CPL trophy on Sunday evening, during an intense face-off with the Trinbago Knight Riders

Dr Ali , in an invited comment to the media after the exhibition of great entertainment and sport, referred to the historic win as an “uplifting moment.”

The Head of State joined thousands of Guyanese at the National Stadium, Providence, to witness the finale of the Region ’ s biggest cricket event “ Any moment that brings our country together and any moment that brings us into that celebratory as Guyanese , lifting us and

taking us forward. Uplifting moment, that is what this moment is,” Dr Ali said Since the beginning of the season , the Warriors were steadfast against the opposing cricket teams

“I think the players have a good understanding now of the impact their talent has on the general population, so I think this is a very uplifting moment This is a moment of great joy and you know when the country is in great joy and people are happy, you can’t ask for better,” the Head of State said

Turning his attention to the carnival aspect of the celebration , President Ali reflected on the progress of this fixture within the past year “This is also a moment that we spoke of a year ago, when we said we were going to host the CPL and we want to build a product through the carnival and bring together not only cricket, but the art, culture, food, music

“ The way this … has grown in just two years speaks about the potential and we are going to continue to build on this and make this a major aspect of our tourism product,” he added

Further expressing his elation over Guyana’s win, President Ali commended the players on their unified and technical approach to this year’s CPL season

“ I think the franchise played in great unity The leadership was exceptional, but the team work and the way they meshed together, the way they operated together the way they supported each other The team had depth because every individual was playing for the collective and that is what made the big difference,” the Head of State said

This season served as a magnet for tourists , as Guyana recorded a 12 per cent surge in passenger arrivals for the first 20 days of September compared to the same period last year

For the month of Sep-

tember alone, it is estimated that approximately 36,000 passengers arrived at the airport, surpassing the previous record-breaking arrivals in 2022

At the beginning of Sep-

tember, the CJIA had seen an increase of 15 per cent in passengers travelling into Guyana when compared to last year’s statistics

This year ’ s Cricket Carnival saw a number

of buzzing events taking place, from food festivals to music showcases and its super concert featuring internationally renowned artistes Sean Paul, Machel Montano and Shenseea

President, Dr Irfaan Ali embraces captain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Imran Tahir (Office of the President)

US House to press forward with spending cuts despite shutdown risk

THE Republican - controlled House of Representatives is due to try to advance steep spending cuts this week that stand no chance of becoming law and could force a partial shutdown of the U.S. government by next Sunday.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy sought to avoid that scenario when he hammered out a spending agreement with Democratic Pres-

ident Joe Biden this spring

But some members of his own party have threatened to depose him if he does not support steeper cuts that are sure to be rejected by the Democratic-controlled Senate

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers will be furloughed and a wide range of services, from financial oversight to medical research, will be suspended if

Congress does not provide funding for the new fiscal year that starts October 1

Congress typically misses that deadline and passes stopgap spending bills to avoid disruption while they finish their work

But McCarthy has been unable so far to muster support for a temporary spending extension as a group of hardline Republicans have refused to go along. Republicans control the House by a narrow 221-212 majority and have few votes to spare

McCarthy has put the

stopgap bill on hold and instead will advance legislation that reflects conservative priorities

When the House returns on Tuesday , lawmakers will take up four spending bills for the coming fiscal year that would impose new restrictions on abortion access , undo an $11 billion Biden administration climate initiative, and resume construction of the Mexico-U S border wall, a signature initiative of former President Donald Trump

McCarthy said lawmakers who had blocked spending bills last week were now more willing to cooperate

“Apparently they’re willing to work now So we could have an opportunity ,” he told reporters on Monday

Those bills are certain to get rejected by the Senate, and the White House has said Biden would veto two of them

McCarthy has said he hopes the effort would buy goodwill and allow him to pass a stopgap that would avoid a shutdown

But Representative Matt Gaetz , a prominent McCarthy antagonist, said on Sunday he would not back a stopgap, even if it results in a shutdown

“ If the departments of Labor and Education have to shut down for a few days as we get their appropriations in line , that ’ s certainly not something that is optimal But I think it’s better than continuing on the current path,” he said on Fox News

Another hardliner, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, said in a statement she would not even support bringing the spending bills up for debate on the House floor, because Ukraine aid is

included with them

Greene and other members of the hardline House Freedom Caucus have pushed to cut agency spending to $1.47 trillion, which is $ 120 billion less than Biden and McCarthy agreed to in their May compromise That only accounts for a fraction of the total U S budget, which will come to $6.4 trillion for this fiscal year Lawmakers are not considering cuts to popular benefit programs like Social Security and Medicare, which are projected to grow dramatically as the population ages

The Senate, meanwhile, is scheduled to advance a stopgap spending measure on Tuesday

If it passes , that could force McCarthy to rely on Democratic votes to pass it as well and avoid a shutdown before October 1 , which would incur the anger of his right flank and potentially put his job at risk

Trump has urged Republicans to force a shutdown to interfere with his two federal criminal cases

The Justice Department says criminal prosecutions would continue in the event of a shutdown (Reuters)

— push women towards STEM careers, WGEC recommends in annual report

Expand health, family life education programme in schools

THE Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) on Monday handed over its annual report for the period 2021-2022 to Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir.

The report contains 13 recommendations which will be reviewed after it is tabled at the next siting of the National Assembly.

During a simple handing over ceremony, Nadir said that the commission does important work and has contributed to the building of strong foundations.

He emphasised that given the amount of effort that went into establishing the commission, the recommendations it make must be taken seriously.

“The heavy lifting was done a while ago to get the commission in place. The heavy lifting was done so that we could start budgeting [and] we could have a commission that reaches decisions by consensus. Now we have to start seriously looking at the recommendations,” he said.

Meanwhile, WGEC Chairperson Indranie Chandarpal told members of the media that some of the recommendations addresses the Ministry of Education’s Health and Family Life Education

(HFLE) programme.

She said it is the commission’s belief that the programme should be expanded so as to reach more learners.

“The last time we heard about the way this programme is operating, we were not certain that all the schools in Guyana are in receipt of that type of education, and we believe it needs to be expanded, especially in view of what is taking place,” she added.

In addition to this, the medical termination of pregnancy bill, the harmonisation of data collection, and availability of women’s health data were also included in the report.

Chandarpal said that the commission believes these inclusions will help provide policy guidance.

“We believe that it is something that you have to mainstream in everything that you do, that always there is a repository of data that is available

for people who are policymakers as well as students who are doing research,” she added.

According to Chanderpal, rural communities is a topic that they touched on as well.

She said: “Rural communities are really deprived of a lot of facilities as compared to urban communities and I know that there has been an effort by the government and all governments to ensure that rural people do

have access to the facilities and we have seen all the schools and the different grounds that are being

made, but rural people do not feel that connection with what is happening.”

According to the chairman, more consideration should be given to these rural communities. She noted that they have lots of resources but lack the right leadership.

Chandarpal pointed out that these rural people have the land and are receiving resources, but the leadership in their communities is what is lacking.

Among the other recommendations are a more robust Gender Affairs Bureau that is involved in the implementation of gender mainstreaming protocols and encouraging more women to strive for careers in the STEM-related fields.

The commission strives for an environment where the rights of women are recognised as human rights and gender equality is upheld.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir (left), receiving the 2021-2022 annual report from the Chairperson of the Women and Gender Equality Commission, Indranie Chandarpal (Delano Williams photo)

The Great Victory

AS the sun set over the Providence Stadium, the roar of the crowd reverberated through the air, echoing the collective joy of thousands of cricket enthusiasts who had gathered to witness history in the making.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors, with determination and skill, secured their maiden and resounding victory at this year's Caribbean Premier League (CPL), etching their names in the annals of cricketing greatness.

Beyond the boundaries and centuries scored, this victory transcended the sport itself, showcasing the

unifying power of cricket and the unique cultural phenomenon that is Guyana's Cricket Carnival.

In the heart of the Caribbean, cricket is not just a sport; it is a way of life. Guyana, a land where cricket is revered, witnessed an outpouring of support for the Amazon Warriors that was nothing short of extraordinary.

Thousands of Guyanese filled the stands, proudly waving the national colours and wearing their team's jerseys, creating an atmosphere that was electrifying and unforgettable.

It was a testament to the profound bond

between the people of Guyana and their beloved sport, where cricket serves as a source of pride, identity, and unity.

The CPL is more than just a cricket tournament; it's an annual celebration that brings together the diverse cultures, traditions, and communities that make up Guyana.

Guyana’s Cricket Carnival that accompanies the CPL is a whirlwind of colour, music, dance, and cuisine, reflecting the rich tapestry of Guyanese culture.

It's a time when barriers melt away, and people from all walks of life come together

to celebrate their shared passion for cricket. Whether you're cheering for the Amazon Warriors or supporting the opposing team, there's an undeniable sense of camaraderie that transcends the competitive spirit.

This year's CPL victory by the Guyana Amazon Warriors serves as a symbol of hope and resilience for the nation. In a world where challenges and adversity often dominate headlines, the team's success provides a much-needed source of inspiration.

It reminds us that with dedication, hard work, and a united spirit, we can overcome

obstacles and achieve greatness. The players themselves are role models for the youth of Guyana, demonstrating that dreams can be realized through perseverance and dedication.

Cricket, with its rich history and cultural significance in Guyana, has always had the power to bring people together. It bridges divides, fosters a sense of belonging and reminds us of the values that unite us as a nation.

As the Guyana Amazon Warriors bask in the glory of their maiden CPL victory, the celebrations that ensue will continue to be a testament to the enduring power of cricket

to unify, inspire, and uplift.

The victory of the Guyana Amazon Warriors at CPL 2023 serves as a shining example of cooperation and determination. It's a moment when the banner of Guyana's cricketing excellence is held high, not just by the players on the field, but by every Guyanese who cheered them on with unwavering passion and pride.

This great victory is a reflection of the indomitable spirit of Guyana, where cricket is not just a game, but a unifying force that binds a nation together in celebration and triumph.

Richard Madeley is an example of why reparation is still relevant

Dear Editor, RICHARD Madeley’s name hardly rang a bell to Guyanese until a few days ago when he made headlines for his disrespectful interview with the President of Guyana.

The scorn with which he treated President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and the unbridled manner in which he was allowed to do it, is a poignant reminder

of why reparation remains a profoundly relevant priority today.

If Madeley allowed Guyanese to respond, we, like our President, would tell him that we do not want to be bestowed with a castle which embodied the historical pretence that its occupants had the divine right to enslave entire African nations for generations to come. Reparation does not equate to shortlived handouts and fleeting

compensation.

Reparation means ensuring that the children descended from enslaved Africans can enjoy the same freedoms, social privileges, and economic opportunities accorded to their British counterparts. Instead, our children have inherited the trauma of generations of enslavement, denial of basic human dignity, and systemic discrimination and racism.

Theirs is a legacy of

brutality premised on the dehumanisation of African families who have had their cultures, languages, identities and ties with their ancestral lands whipped out of them.

One of the many historical disadvantages was the decimation of traditional African family structures, where the authority of elders, parents and heads of households was stripped away.

This, coupled with the separation of African men

from their families, their physical abuse and psychological degradation have left an inter-generational imprint on the mental health and identity construct of African families.

This is the historical injustice that holds the walls of England’s castles together, and it is this historical injustice that requires reparation.

In a time of shifting global power dynamics, the question of reparation

is now more than just a grievance; it is a pressing development priority for countries in the Region. Conversely, it represents an opportunity for former colonial empires to shed the weight of their historical shame and lay the foundation for an equitable future.

Smiling all the way to victory

Dear Editor,

ANYONE who was part of Sunday night’s crowd would have thought that it was a combination of carnival, Christmas and cricket. The fired-up Guyana Amazon Warriors creamed the strong Trinidad and Tobago’s Knight Riders convincingly to carry away the Caribbean Premier League 2023 crown.

It was the Warriors’ first championship win in their sixth attempt in the 11 years of CPL’s reign and now, they can finally celebrate with the coveted trophy.

Watched by an exciting crowd of some 15,000 exuberant fans led by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, himself an avid cricketer, the gentleman’s game of glorious uncertainty played out in all its pomp and glory to produce a fitting

culmination with the Guyana Amazon Warriors claiming victory, after losing miserably earlier, to the powerful T&T Knight Riders.

The thought of rain to disrupt the game was never considered as Guyana is enjoying a stretch of hot, hazy and humid weather with brilliant sunshine during the day and sometimes, the nights being not clear, cool and comfortable.

After demolishing the defenders, Jamaica’s Tallawahs last Friday night, the Warriors stormed in as one of the finalists, determined to avenge their five losses as a finalist in the previous years. They demonstrated the power of resilience as they banded together to form a formidable nucleus, refraining from the restraint of any constraint.

The players from different countries cooperated, coordinated and correlated

with each other to convey the spirit of team work, as they effectively engineered an efficient exercise to eradicate any taboo and also not entertain any sign of complacency to evolve.

The appraisers, critics and analysts will have a field day for a juicy conversation, as they perform a post-mortem to review what Guyana owes the taste of success to, and, the work cut out for the future, to avoid the suffering from failure, as incurred from a bitter past.

Was it mind over matter, or, the ability of the players, or, the discipline employed, or, the tactics of management, or, picking the best players, or, making the right choices at the right time, or, the roar of the supporters, or, Lady Luck that can possibly be considered as being the key element in factoring a much-earned win? Can this

Peace must be maintained

— Organisation of Southern Cooperation stresses peaceful resolution to border controversy between Guyana, Venezuela — calls for new round of dialogue

THE Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) on Monday called for a new round of dialogue in order to find peaceful solutions to the ongoing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.

The Secretary-General, Sheikh Manssour Bin Mussallam, also reiterated the necessity of maintaining the Latin America and Caribbean region as a Zone of Peace.

The following is a statement from the OSC on the matter:

“Addis Ababa, 25 September 2023 – The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) is monitoring with great concern the escalation of tensions between the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, a Founding State of the OSC, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, a member of the Southern family of Nations.

The Secretary-General echoes the apprehension expressed by a number of other international and regional organisations, exhorts all stakeholders to avoid any allusion to the potential use of force, and urges, in the spirit of human fraternity, the renewal of dialogue with a view of reaching an amicable and equitable resolution of the present situation, in accordance with international law and the cardinal principle of respect for sovereignty.

The Secretary-General also reaffirms the imperative of preserving the region of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, condition sine qua non for the edification

equation be extended to the application for the benefit of West Indies selection and performance?

The game is often played and decided off the field as much as on the field. Not only in Guyana but throughout the Caribbean, the spectators’ camaraderie can highlight a day or night of unity from diversity. The nostalgia of oneness cannot be realized unless you are part of the environment, the crowd, the spirit and sharing a commonality of mutual support for the same side.

This is the power, influence and effect this game of cricket has over people as they leave their daily troubles outside the gate only to witness the beauty of unique but perhaps, momentary happiness to shake hands, hug, smack, smile, cry, clap, eat, drink and reach out to each other, despite any differences,

real or surreal. Friendships are created instantaneously and sometimes can have an everlasting bondage.

This cricket is part of our culture and does work miracles as it involves more than bat and ball. The lessons taught by this game are not to be judged by umpires, but may be guided by actions, emotions and commotions.

Is it a cool, calm and collective approach that is more aggressively dangerous than a fiery, furious and ferocious display of intimidation?

Maybe it’s the end result that matters, regardless of the characteristics of the captaincy or the methods deployed for destroying one’s opponent! Do we recognize any of this context or content in the reproduction of our livelihood?

Monday promises to be a big bacchanal as Guyanese from all walks of life, tour-

ists, families and friends will march together in a parade of being part of the same party.

Hopefully, this will not be a charade for a one-day affair.

What happens the morning after? What can be taken away from this long-awaited celebration and this exulted display of a much-elated excitement of relief?

The President when asked if Monday will be a public holiday, responded that there is much work to be done. This was a simple, straightforward but surmised answer, which bears much significance and should be examined below the surface. All eyes and ears will be opened for a vision of continuity as we take the result and the consequence of this important game beyond the boundary.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall.

of shared prosperity, and recalls the indissoluble ties which bind the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela as neighbours.

The Secretary-General reiterates the importance of the exercise of restraint in order to reach the peaceful and permanent resolution of disputes amongst countries of the South, which lies at the heart of the Organisation’s mandate and efforts to strengthen southern solidarity, cooperation, and integration, with devotion to the human dimension of the collective ideals of its founding and member states.”

Proof of degeneracy of Guyana’s private media

I HAVE been a columnist in all the major newspapers in this country since the late 1980s. In those years, I have done consistent work in investigative journalism for the Catholic Standard and the Kaieteur News.

I have worked with all the top editors in that period – Father Andrew Morrison, David DeCaires, Adam Harris, Anthony Calder, Henry Skerrit, Sharief Khan and Nills Campbell, among others. I think I know about journalism after being 35 years in it.

This column here is yet another critical look at the role of the private media in this country since the March 2020 elections. In yesterday’s edition of the Stabroek News (SN), an undersigned letter was published, and the content contained personal insults against President Ali.

There are two immoral dimensions to that letter -- the personal derogation of the

President and the cowardice of a person writing nasty things and hiding under one’s mother’s dress.

This letter was not an analytical flow, so one can accept the intellectual content of it. It is a vulgar tirade against the President that no decent paper should carry and worst of all; the person has no quality in his/her character to his/her authorship. So here is what the person who wrote that letter said: “I will attack him and no one will know who I am.”

I will quote selected sections of the letter then comment on the insane direction SN has gone in, that there needs to be a strong reaction from this country.

Before we enumerate the vulgar parts, it is stupid to say President Ali embarrassed Guyana in front of the world for hosting the nation’s CPL cricket team and he should have done it at his private residence.

The President hosted the nation’s CPL team for a commonsensical reason. It is Guyana’s team and the breakfast was to wish them well as they embark on an historic journey. He invited them in his capacity as the President, therefore, it was a state function.

Now let’s look at the ugliness and personal insults in that correspondence written by an anonymous dupe (I will use stronger language on my own programme – Gildarie-Freddie Kissoon Show).

This dullard wrote: “President Ali took a break from the back-slapping and conviviality to address the nation on the ultra-serious matter of Venezuela’s actions, he did not even change from his fes-

tive garb; he went right back to the bake and salt fish upon completion of his address.”

A newspaper allows a letter-writer to descend to that sickening level and the letter-writer insults the president and hides under his/her mother’s dress. This is not the first time the President’s sartorial selections have been ridiculed. It was first done by co-owner of SN, Isabelle DeCaires who referred to his style of dress during a visit by a Middle Eastern ruler last year.

Just to remind readers: President Zelensky visited most of the leaders of the developed world wearing a T-shirt and addressed both Houses of the American Congress wearing a T-Shirt. Boris Johnson as British Prime Minister always had an unkempt hairstyle.

How ugly an anti-govern-

ment mind can get by the reference to bake and salt fish?

How repugnant a newspaper can become by allowing such language against a Head of State to be published.

Let’s quote again from this missive: “H.E. has a propensity for dancing, deejaying, and playing “dress up” on every possible stage, including the United Nations. It is an odd profile for one touted as a protégé of Bharrat Jagdeo.” I am not a believer, but I have to exclaim and say: “My God, how could a newspaper allow such ignorance to be made public.”

All politicians, all prime ministers, all presidents “shake a leg” when they are on domestic visits countrywide in their respective countries, depending on the occasion. All prime ministers and all presidents would put on a cricket hat or soccer hat,

and engage in some funny play when they are on a visit to a sporting event.

To refer to the President playing “dress up” is unadulterated ignorance. All the wives of visiting leaders would wear appropriate dress when visiting Muslim countries or India. Guyana’s President is a different politician to those we have in the world. He likes to ground with the population. He likes to meet and talk with people. That is his style in a sharply divided country and it has brought him immense political capital. Macron in France is similar. I will end on a note that I have written about more than 20 years ago: I have pure hate in my heart for people like that letter-writer who abuses a head of state and puts on a mask.

11,000 persons complete training through WIIN initiative

SOME 11,000 persons have completed training in the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Women Innovative and Investment Network (WIIN) programme to date.

The statistics were provided by Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud on Tuesday last, during the weekly televised programme, ‘The Guyana Dialogue’.

“We had 25,000 persons registered when we started this programme in 2021. This programme is opened to women from the age of 16 who wish to elevate themselves,” Minister Persaud pointed out. She disclosed that some 45 per cent of women have taken up entrepreneurship while another 28 per cent developed other skills and

are now employed.

The WIIN programme is a hybrid model course that allows women to acquire various technical and vocational skills including garment construction, child care, graphic design and home management, among others.

Meanwhile, providing an update on the COP SQUAD initiative, Minister Persaud said, “We have trained 1,800 members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) under the COP SQUAD initiative with technical assistance from the United Nations Population Fund.”

The COP SQUAD initiative is aimed at teaching officers how to vulnerably, cautiously and confidentially deal with reports of domestic violence.

The two programmes are part of a slew of measures which were implemented to help lessen domestic abuse between spouses and assist women in building successful lives for themselves.

Minister Persaud also noted that the government is working to integrate the community into genderbased violence to teach persons how to deal with those types of matters.

“We have also had the Community Advocate Network Programme spinning out to various communities across the country. We have touched every region with this programme,’ she noted. The ministry is also working to expand the number of shelters across the country. (DPI)

Education Ministry launches EDpal app —

to revolutionise learning through technology

By Clestine Juan

IN an era where smartphones, gadgets, and technology dominate the daily lives of young learners, the Ministry of Education's radio

ery, whereby phones and gadgets become powerful tools of knowledge and success.

The EDpal app, now available for Android devices and soon to be accessible on Apple de-

app, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand said that it signals a shift in the realm of education, whereby technology is embraced as a powerful ally for learning rather than a distraction.

ing; it's about empowering the youth with the tools they are passionate about, ensuring a bright-

er and more technologically advanced future.

“…getting this work into the hands of children

in a way they know best, they like and understand was very clever, very innovative, and very pro-

station, EDYOU FM, has taken a bold step towards leveraging this tech-savvy generation's interests with its EDpal mobile application.

The app, which was launched on Monday at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown, heralds a new beginning in local education deliv-

vices, is poised to revolutionise the learning experiences in the country.

The app, which is available for free, is an inclusive resource for all learners, regardless of their economic circumstances; this aligns with the government's commitment to equal access to education.

At the launch of this

By aligning with students' interests in phones, gadgets, and technology, EDYOU FM's EDpal app is paving the way for a generation of learners who view education as an exciting journey, guided by the devices they love most.

She pointed out that this digital revolution is not just about learn-

The launch of EDpal app (Japheth Savory photos)

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand

Head of EDYOU FM, Phillip Williams

Education Ministry launches...

gressive. So, the importance of this app is that we can educate on the radio, where people can’t get the app in Guyana villages from valleys and mountains.

“But we can also use that same content on an app on a device for children who are here and are addicted to it…This is just a small example of how the Ministry of Education in particular has had to almost evolve overnight and that's not

always easy,” the Education Minister said.

She encouraged educators and parents to embrace this “innovative” and “progressive” learning app which can develop young minds.

Recognising that today's students are glued to their screens, the head of EDYOU FM, Phillip Williams said that they have ingeniously harnessed the allure of technology to make learning more accessible, engag-

ing, and personalised.

He said gone are the days when educational content was confined to dusty textbooks since with EDpal, learners can seamlessly access a vast treasure trove of educational content right at their fingertips.

“The EDpal app is designed to revolutionise the way learners from across the country access educational content at their convenience. Through this app, learn-

ers will have the ability to play educational content on demand with just a simple click on the relevant link.

“We aim to make learning more accessible and enjoyable, empowering students and teachers to enhance their knowledge beyond the confines of the traditional classroom setting,” Williams said

The app offers features like fast streaming, user-friendly navigation, and even AI capabilities, making learning as convenient as scrolling through social media.

By aligning with students' interests in phones, gadgets, and technology, EDpal aims to make learning “cool” again. It transforms the

perception of education from a chore into a thrilling adventure.

Through this app, learners can click on relevant links and dive into a world of knowledge, all while enjoying the familiarity and comfort of their favourite digital devices.

Meanwhile, EDpal's personalised learning feature allows students to tailor their educational experiences. They can delve deeper into subjects they are passionate about or seek additional help in areas where they need improvement.

This self-guided approach empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey.

Another key feature of the app is its analytics

feature, which generates valuable data on usage and downloads, providing insights that help the Ministry of Education continually enhance the app's effectiveness and content offerings. This feature enables parents and guardians to monitor their child's performance and progress. Williams pointed out that one of the most significant advantages of EDpal is its ability to provide uninterrupted learning.

Even in areas with low connectivity, he explained that the app supports offline access to content, ensuring that students can continue their educational pursuits no matter where they are.

Love and unity...

From page 2

sure she spared some time to celebrate.

“I’m very happy for the whole country… it bring out a lot of joy and togetherness. The whole country is united,” the woman told this publica-

tion while reflecting on the GAW win.

This publication also caught up with Keron, a reveller, who shared that he came out to celebrate Guyana’s win.

Like many other of the revellers, Keron was full of

energy, as he showcased his flamboyant costume, covered in African print, neon threads of fabric and glistening gems.

“It’s all love! I’m so excited about it,” he said over the loud rhythms of soca music.

Some of Guyana’s best

entertainers and industry moguls were among the leaders of bands.

Among the participating bands were the Decoded Carnival, Pulse Warriors, and Amazonas Fantasy Band, HJ boom and West Sider/Heritage Band.

This newspaper also caught up with renowned entertainer, Rawle Ferguson.

Ferguson who was among several band organisers, said this year’s event was one filled with joy, energy and nothing but vibes.

Though the sun was hot

and draining for some, it did not seem to bother most revellers as they seemed energised.

The parade, which started around 15:00 hrs., lasted well into the night.

Rawle Ferguson joined several entertainers on the road

Revellers made sure to celebrate the Guyana Amazon Warriors

Fans of all ages were also seen on the sidelines of this year’s parade Patrons flocked the city streets to get a glimpse of this year’s parade

A victory like

The Guyana Amazon Warriors marched to victory against the Trinbago Knight Riders on Monday

like no other

Monday evening. Here’s a recap of some of the moments from this moving and ecstatic day:

Ramada Princess Hotel closed until further notice after fire

THE Ramada Princess Hotel is closed until further notice owing to the extensive damage caused by a fire which broke out in a room on Saturday night.

The incident occurred on the fourth floor in room 431 of the six-storey building, which houses 194 rooms and a casino.

According to a statement from the Fire Service, at the time of the fire, the hotel had 293 adults and four children registered as guests, most of whom were in Guyana for the Cricket Carnival and Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches.

“Smoke was observed emanating from the eastern side of the building which triggered the fire alarm and sprinkler systems… The Fire Department was called and informed of the fire at 22:47 hrs,” the statement said.

The first truck arrived at 22:54hrs, and under the command of Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham, 28 firefighting personnel successfully evacuated all hotel guests and promptly contained the blaze.

Emergency Medical Technicians transported one guest to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for treatment for smoke inhalation, and no serious injuries or casualties were reported.

Firefighting operations concluded at 03:10hrs on Sunday, with significant damage in the room of origin and adjacent rooms (433 and 435). Firefighters employed two lines working from water carrier #14, water tender #116, HP #2, and an open-water source to extinguish the fire.

The management of the hotel, in a statement, said that they are currently working with the authorities

to organize a plan to deal with issues that their guests face at this time.

“We appreciate your patience and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience

caused during this difficult time. We regret to inform the public that the Rama-

da Princess Hotel will be closed, until further notice, due to the extensive damage suffered,” management said.

The hotel also expressed its gratitude to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali; Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn; Minister of Tourism, Oneidge Walrond; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy; acting Police Commissioner, Clifton Hicken and other officials, who were at the scene and rendered their support.

Special thanks were extended to the Guyana Fire Service for their prompt response and herculean effort in saving the hotel, and the Guyana Police Force for all of their organised efforts in assisting and evacuating guests and staff from the building.

The hotel room in the aftermath of the fire

Urgent issues on food security, agricultural sustainability to be addressed — at upcoming conference of agriculture ministers of the Americas 2023

ence of Ministers, there will be a round table on financing for food security and sustainable development, with contributions from the Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock of Honduras, Laura Suazo; the Corporate Vice President for Strategic Programming at the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), Christian Asinelli; and representatives of the Inter-American Development

Bank (IDB), the World Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The ministers will also address the implementation of IICA’s Hemispheric Water and Agriculture Initiative first presented last July, under which agriculture would contribute to the solutions to the water crisis that the Region is experiencing, based on the premise that without water there is no agriculture, and

without agriculture there is no food security. Other discussion panels will consider the outlook for agriculture and rural development in the Americas, with a focus on the situation in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the importance of coordination between the public and private sectors for the transformation of agri-food systems. (IICA)

THE ministers of agriculture of the Americas will be meeting in San José, Costa Rica, from October 3-5 to discuss a wide-ranging work programme.

Several presidents, a Nobel Prize laureate and a World Food Prize winner will also be taking part in the activity, as the ministers consider solutions to the most urgent challenges facing the sector, at a time when food security is at the top of the global agenda.

The Conference of Ministers of Agriculture of the Americas 2023 is set to take place at the Headquarters of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), where the participants will also include other high-level national officials, senior international agency representatives, world-renowned academics, and delegates from the production and industrial sectors.

The presidents of Costa Rica (Rodrigo Chaves), the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (Mohamed Irfaan Ali), and Panama (Laurentino Cortizo) will be taking part in the inaugural ceremony on Tuesday, October 3.

The inaugural session will also include messages from the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro; the Minister of the Environment of the United Arab Emirates, the host country for COP 28 this year, Mariam Almheiri; the CEO of the World

Food Prize Foundation (WFP), Terry Branstad; the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Costa Rica, Víctor Carvajal; the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, Arnoldo André Tinoco; and the meeting host, IICA Director General Manuel Otero.

The discussions will focus on topics such as social inclusion and family farming, climate change mitigation and adaptation, the water crisis, the incorporation of digital technology, the funding of agricultural science and research, and international trade.

The Conference of Ministers will include a meeting of the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA), IICA’s highest governing body. The Board is made up of the 34 Member States of the Institute, an agency of the Inter-American System specializing in agricultural and rural development.

During the Conference, the ministers will also discuss the continent’s participation in the next UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28), scheduled for the end of this year in Dubai.

For the second consecutive year, IICA will have its own pavilion named “The House of Sustainable Agriculture of the Americas” at the world’s largest environmental discussion forum. The aim is for the continent to make its voice heard and show the work that agriculture in the region, in both the private

and public sectors, has carried out to position food production as a solution to the climate crisis.

FAMILY FARMING AND CLIMATE FINANCE

Discussion forums will be held during the Conference of Ministers of Agriculture of the Americas on the most important issues facing agri-food systems, which are undergoing a far-reaching process of transformation.

Michael Kremer, winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2019 and a promoter of digital agriculture as a tool for alleviating global poverty, will lead the discussion titled “Closing gaps in innovation, science, technology and digital agriculture.”

Renowned scientist Rattan Lal, considered the world’s leading authority on soil sciences and a World Food Prize winner in 2020, will address the question of how to scale climate finance and the opportunities it offers for agriculture.

A forum discussion on how to include family farming and vulnerable groups in development will also be held, with Graciela Fernández Quintas, President of the International Cooperative Alliance for the Americas, as will another on agricultural health in agri-food systems, with the specialist Carol Thomas.

Parallel to the Confer-

GPHC collaborates with SHEA to secure specialised treatment for young burn victim

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has partnered with the Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA) to provide specialised medical treatment to a young patient in dire need.

On the evening of September 9, around 20:00hrs, a nine-year-old patient was brought to the GPHC Emergency Room.

“Upon triage by the Ac-

cident & Emergency Department, it was determined that the child was suffering from 30 per cent mixed second and third-degree burns, along with multiple other injuries in various stages of healing. Immediate action was taken to admit and stabilize the patient before consulting with the Burn Care Unit at GPHC,” the hospital said in a press release.

In a critical turn of events,

the patient was intubated in the A&E department. Following this, a series of essential procedures, including dressing changes, imaging, and laboratory tests were conducted to assess the extent of injuries. It was apparent that the patient required highly specialised care, beyond the capacity of the GPHC.

Recognizing the need for specialized care, the GPHC reached out to SHEA which

is a non-profit organization renowned for its commitment to providing financial assistance and coordinating free or low-cost treatment for individuals in developing countries facing emergency medical needs.

SHEA employs a comprehensive methodology, focusing on identifying individuals in underserved communities with the most pressing needs. They then mobilize funding

for medical aid and humanitarian services on a case-bycase basis, often forging partnerships with compassionate and expert organizations.

With SHEA's swift intervention, arrangements were made for the young patient to receive treatment at a distinguished Children's Hospital in the US. A collaborative effort involving medical experts and philanthropic partners ensured that the necessary resources were available.

On Monday, September 18, 2023, the patient was safely medevacked to the

United States in a stable condition, accompanied by a guardian. He will remain at the Children's Hospital until he achieves a better state of health and can eventually return home.

“GPHC and SHEA commend the dedication and teamwork that made this life-saving mission possible. Our hearts go out to the patient and their family during this challenging time, and we remain committed to their well-being throughout their journey to recovery,” GPHC said.

construction of hinterland roads

RESIDENTS of communities in the hinterland regions will soon enjoy improved connectivity, greater ease in transportation, and other associated socio-economic benefits, with the construction or rehabilitation of roads in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine.

The government, through the Ministry of Public Works, is inviting sealed bids for the project which is divided into some 32 lots.

Over $305 million will fund upgrade works on the roads from Kwebanna to Kumaka in Region One, as well as the main access road in San Jose. Other works valued collectively at over $1.5 billion are expected in Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Matthews Ridge, Wauna, and Rincon.

For Region Seven, more than $932 million has been set aside for works in Bartica, Dagg Point, Kaburi, and Issano.

Approximately $689 million will facilitate works in Mahdia, Princeville, Tiger Hill, Muruwa, Konawaruk, and from Stone Hill to Konawaruk Junction, in Region Eight. Works in Lethem, Region Nine, are expected to cost some $339.1 million with rehabilitation works to be done on Beverly Hills Drive, as well as the internal roads at Cenotaph Boulevard.

In St Ignatius, South and Deep South, North Rupununi, and the South Pakaraimas, rehabilitation works are estimated to amount to over $746 million.

Additionally, bids are invited for the construction of farm access roads in Region Three, including the construction of the Parika to Goshen alignment, which is divided into two lots. For these works, a collective $500 million is estimated.

According to the invitation for bids advertised, qualification requirements include but are not limited to: bidders registered in Guyana must submit valid Certificates of Compliance from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

Bids will be opened on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the Ministry of Finance’s National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, on Main and Urquhart Streets. (DPI)

More than $4B to be spent on upgrading,

Young author releases Poetry Collection, ‘Life after YOU’

spire others not to remain in unhealthy circumstances.

“There’s a chance for you to move on, a chance for you to be happy,” she said.

Another piece, “Who I see versus who you are,” addresses the proneness of projecting one’s desires onto others. Through this poem, Datta encourages readers to embrace people for who they truly are, rather than trying to make them something they are not.

The young author said that she began work on her book in February 2023, where she would write about two to three poems every day, adding that the words would just come to her and she would have little to no difficulty conveying her thoughts into poetry.

She explained: “I’ve learned to express myself more in depth and reach out to people. I think my choice of words now are better. I get to explain myself a little better than I used to before.”

The author’s style in “Life after YOU” reflects her intention to help readers understand their emotions and make decisions that will empower them.

“You don’t have to stay there just because you love somebody,” she related.

resonance with her poetry. Shortly, Datta has plans to further her writing journey with the publishing of

a similar poetry compilation book, “The only exception,” which is set to be released on June 25, 2024.

Datta also aspires to broaden her scope by venturing into writing stories.

"Life after YOU," a debut poetry collection by 22-year-old author Tashani Datta, was released last Thursday and aims to relate to those going through comparable life and love struggles.

This compilation of 100 poems and 100 prose pieces offers readers insight into the heartfelt emotions experienced during the aftermath of heartbreak and the potentially life-changing experience of choosing oneself.

Datta, who has been writing since childhood, related in an exclusive

interview with the Guyana Chronicle that her writing has always served as a therapeutic outlet during challenging times.

“It was my way of coping. It was my way of dealing with my grief, with the hurt, the pain, everything,” she shared.

The themes of her poems centre on perseverance, love, and courage. One of her favourite poems, “Note to myself,” is a raw apology to oneself for enduring situations one knew were detrimental.

She emphasized that the poem also aims to in-

Through a local publisher, Sarika Prasad of Inkstain Media & Publishing, Datta successfully published her book, although they faced challenges along the way, in terms of time.

She plans to host a book-signing event in November to celebrate her book’s release.

Aside from writing, Datta also plays the fulltime role of a senior rig administrator and has her own makeup business.

Advising other aspiring authors, she said: “Go ahead and have faith in yourself.”

She has already seen the positive impact of her work, as some readers have expressed their deep

Tashani Datta

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday September 26, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) GAW defeated JT by 81 runs

(2) Dwaine Pretorius (GAW)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who scored most runs for Jamaica Tallawahs in CPL 2023?

(2) Who took most wickets?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

RACING TIPS

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS

ECB unveils new measures to tackle discrimination in wake of ICEC report

...Board on course to fulfil 94% of recommendations but concedes timescales for equal pay may not be met

RICHARD Gould, the ECB's chief executive, believes English cricket is "on a journey to try and change history", but conceded that funding will be an ongoing issue, following the publication of the governing body's response to this summer's damning report by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC), which found the sport to be institutionally discriminatory on the grounds of race, class and gender.

The ICEC report, "Holding Up A Mirror To Cricket", was published on the eve of the Lord's Test in June, having been commissioned in the midst of the racism crisis that engulfed English cricket following Azeem Rafiq's revelations at Yorkshire.

The report listed 44 recommendations in the course of its 317 pages, including a recommendation for equal pay across the men's and women's games, and an overhaul of school cricket and talent pathways to "make it more meritocratic, inclusive, accountable, transparent and consistent".

Monday's 34-page response from the ECB, "Making Cricket A More Inclusive Sport", comes in the wake of an initial three-month period of consideration, during which time a consultation process was instigated by Clare Connor, the ECB's deputy chief executive, with the support of a sub-group of the ECB board including

Baroness Zahida Manzoor, Pete Ackerley, Ebony Rainford-Brent, Sir Ron Kalifa, Richard Thompson and Gould. While the ECB believes it is on course to fulfil "94%" of the ICEC's recommendations, it conceded that "further analysis" will be required for the remaining proposals, most specifically the recommendations surrounding the gender pay gap, in which the ICEC called for equal pay at domestic level by 2029 and international level (including ECB contracts) by 2030.

Although the board announced earlier this month that men's and women's international players would be granted equal match fees, starting from England Women's recently concluded series against Sri Lanka, Gould suggested that the ICEC's recommended timeframe was unrealistic given the existing pressures on the board's finances, particularly in light of the growing threat to the men's game from the T20 franchise market.

"We have two priorities at the moment in terms of finances for the game," Gould said.

"One is ICEC, to ensure we can deliver on those [recommendations] and the wider discussion on EDI [equality, diversity and inclusion]. The other is to make sure that we don't lose all of our best players to a variety of different franchise tournaments around the world."

Despite a significant uptick in interest in women's cricket

this summer, with more than 110,000 ticket sales across a compelling drawn Ashes campaign, Gould said that the "definable income" into the women's game, in the region of £11 million, still fell some £20 million short of expenditure. Though he pledged that the ECB would continue to "invest ahead of revenues", with £25 million to be injected annually in a bid to drive up the commercial value of the

women's game, the board's existing broadcast deal with Sky Sports and the BBC is locked in until 2028.

As Gould put it, the ECB would "have a good go" at meeting the ICEC's target for 2029, but he added that it was "something we cannot necessarily do within those timescales", particularly if, as reported, the board is looking to address the threat of the T20 franchise circuit by offering

multi-million pound threeyear contracts for its elite male cricketers.

"There is a pot of money that we need to find, but we have to find that, because there's been underinvestment in women's team sport for decades," Gould added. "That's one of the things that this report has highlighted, and we're determined to act on it."

Similar pressures exist at age-group level, with the sheer cost of coaching and equipment leading to the sport being dominated by the private-school sector. Existing initiatives such as Chance To Shine, MCC Foundation and the African Caribbean Engagement (ACE) Programme have been granted £2 million in extra funding following their successes in increasing participation within state schools and Black and Asian communities, but the ECB confirmed that specific EDI training at county and age-group level would be required to ensure that those from lower socio-economic backgrounds are able to break into the professional game.

A new regulatory body will also come into being, following the ICEC's criticisms of the ECB's existing disciplinary processes. Although the chair of the new Cricket Discipline Panel will be appointed by the ECB, their roles will be "ringfenced" to ensure a heightened degree of independence. Issues of misconduct and safeguarding will come under this body's

remit.

Addressing the ECB's response, Thompson, the chair, reiterated the unreserved apology he had offered on the day of the initial ICEC findings in June, and reaffirmed the board's "absolute commitment" that cricket will "strive to become the most inclusive sport in England and Wales".

"There is no doubt that the ICEC highlighted to great effect the impact of discrimination on individuals and the extent of the systemic challenges to be addressed. Its indepth analysis also presented an opportunity to put in place a comprehensive plan of action that will deliver meaningful change and rebuild trust among the communities we serve.

"This response represents a set of actions that will accelerate and intensify our work to make cricket a game for everyone, actions that cricket can deliver and fund within an achievable timeframe. It builds on a huge amount of work which is already under way right across the network.

"Cricket hasn't got it right in the past, but this is an opportunity to move forwards together. I'd urge everyone to now come together, to put their energy and effort into delivering these actions, and to playing their part in ensuring cricket becomes England and Wales's most inclusive team sport."(Cricinfo)

USA forward Megan Rapinoe ends international career with win against South Africa

Megan Rapinoe brought down the curtain on her international career as the USA beat South Africa 2-0 in Chicago.

Prior to the 2023 World Cup, the forward said she planned to retire when the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season ends.

Rapinoe, 38, made her USA debut in 2006 and won 203 caps, scoring 63 goals, and winning the World Cup in 2015 and 2019.

"So overwhelming. It has been amazing," Rapinoe said of the reception she received at Sunday's friendly.

"It has been really won-

derful, to hear all the nice things, to have a closure moment, to play in front of a big crowd again.

"I'll miss it forever. I don't think I'll ever be at a moment where it will feel perfect but this is pretty close."

Rapinoe started the game at Soldier Field and received a standing ovation as the game was paused when she was withdrawn after 54 minutes.

The 2019 Ballon d'Or winner represented the USA at four World Cups and also helped her country win gold

at the 2012 Olympics in London, although she was one of three players to miss a penalty when they exited the 2023 World Cup against Sweden in the last 16.

After Sunday's win, Rapinoe tried to fight back tears as she gave a speech, thanking fans for their support over the past 17 years.

"I feel like I've been able to grow up in front of all of you," Rapinoe said.

"It has been such an honour to be able to wear this shirt and play with all these amazing players and to just live out my childhood

dream, casually, just like in front of the world," Rapinoe said.

"We fought so hard off the field to continue to create more space for ourselves to be who we are but hopefully in turn more space for you guys to be who you are.

"I'm not going to go away forever. Don't worry. I'm one of you guys now."

Rapinoe is scheduled to retire from professional football on 15 October when NWSL side OL Reign play their final game of the season at Chicago Red Stars.(BBC Sport)

Richard Gould said the ECB would "have a good go" at hitting targets on gender pay equality • (ECB/Getty Images)

Megan Rapinoe brought down the curtain on her international career as USA beat South Africa 2-0 in Chicago

It's a pity the ODI has been allowed to wither as a format

The 50-over game has for long been neglected in favour of T20. The upcoming World Cup shows there's life in it yet

By Ian Chappell

A well played 50-over match is a good game of cricket for both players and fans. It allows enough time for a team to recover equilibrium if they make an early mistake, while also providing aggressive cricket for the fans. And the players feel they have earned their cheque after a decent amount of cricket.

However, the administrators have diminished the format by greatly favouring T20. Players are also guilty for allowing this to happen.

The T20 format attracts big crowds, many of whom are new to the game. T20 franchises also accumulate income for teams and associations that desperately need the money. There is no doubt it has assisted the game financially but T20 tends to attract too much favourable attention at the wilful expense of other formats

. There is a viable place for T20 but the exalted space

it occupies in the overall structure of the game is disproportionate.

The ODI has been reduced to virtually depending on a World Cup year for its importance.

That is what we have this year - a tantalising World Cup in India. Adding to the expected drama, the draw includes a blockbuster match between those two fierce rivals, India and Pakistan.

Back in 1996, when India and Pakistan played a series

in Toronto, I joined a group of players from both those sides who were happily chatting together. I was moved to ask: "Why is there animosity between the two countries - you both seem to get on well?"

The answer was telling. "We understand each other and eat similar food," replied a player. "The people mostly get on well but it's mainly the politicians who like to maintain the rage." This was a sad but generally true per-

ception, and unfortunately the situation has deteriorated since those days.

The limited-overs World Cup began as a 60-over affair, back in 1975. The tournament ended with a brilliant late-night victory for West Indies over a fighting Australia. That was exactly what the format needed and it seemed to indicate that the limited-overs game had gained universal popularity.

The ODI became a 50over game but it was eventually undermined by the T20 format. The administrators' short-sighted approach to 50over playing conditions, their love affair with the financial benefits of T20, and the acquiescence of the players, has seen the middle format largely reduced to World Cup popularity.

Instead of dangling a carrot to challenge the imaginations of captains and players, the administrators opted to beat ODIs with a big stick

The notion that rocked the 50-over game, that the middle overs were boring,

Wales 40-6 Australia:

became common among many people - including most administrators.

The desire to fight for greater relevance for 50-over cricket was lacking, and the rapid rise of the T20 game took priority. Instead of looking to inject thoughtful competitiveness into the 50-over game, administrators opted for gimmicks. Instead of dangling a carrot to challenge the imaginations of captains and players, the administrators opted to beat the game with a big stick.

That meant the introduction of gimmicks like powerplays, fielding restrictions and shorter boundaries, most of which generally punished bowlers and which tended to dictate the way a team was captained. As the fine former Australia captain Mark Taylor says, "You are virtually told how to captain a 50-over game."

Those playing conditions were applied rather than captains being challenged by offering them more freedom in their choice of how to play

the game.

There could still have been a cap on how many overs a bowler could bowl, but two players in a team could have been allowed a larger quota. Any captain who prefers taking wickets to concentrating on containment should be encouraged, not deterred. And surely a team's approach to their batting is guided by the chase they face.

There were a number of ways the 50-over game could have been thoughtfully improved to enhance the experience for players and fans. Unfortunately they weren't adopted and the ODI was allowed to wither.

It's telling that the 50over World Cup still attracts large crowds. Despite the general lack of positivity when talking about the format, the 2023 tournament is set to be extremely popular, especially as it features a mouth-watering India versus Pakistan fixture.(Cricinfo).

Warren Gatland's side hammer Wallabies to seal World Cup quarter-final spot

WALES became the first team to reach the 2023 World Cup quarter-finals as they celebrated a record win over Australia in Lyon.

Gareth Anscombe kicked 23 points and tries from Gareth Davies, Nick Tompkins and Jac Morgan sealed a last-eight place with a game remaining in Pool C.

Australia managed just two penalties from Ben Donaldson.

Eddie Jones' side are on the brink of becoming the first Australia team to suffer pool stage elimination.

The woeful Wallabies were humbled by Wales, who are celebrating a fourth consecutive World Cup quarter-final qualification under Warren Gatland as head coach.

This display must rank as one of Wales' finest per-

formances under the New Zealander and the result beats their previous record win against Australia, a 28-3 triumph in 1975.

Captain Morgan was

again outstanding, while number eight Taulupe Faletau and scrum-half Gareth Davies showed their class.

The only negative for Wales was a worrying injury

that forced talismanic flyhalf Dan Biggar off in the first half, but his withdrawal allowed Anscombe to excel with six penalties, a conversion and a drop-goal.

A victory over Georgia on 7 October in Nantes will officially ensure Wales finish as group winners but only two match points will be required.

That would set up a probable quarter-final against Argentina, Japan or Samoa in Marseille the following weekend, with England clear favourites to win Pool D.

A Welsh revival

A few months ago, very few people would have backed Wales to achieve quarter-final qualification so easily and so quickly.

Yet the army of Welsh fans that dominated the Lyon streets and OL Stadium this weekend are starting to believe again.

Welsh rugby was in disarray when Gatland returned for a second stint at the helm after replacing Wayne Pivac in December 2022.

They managed only one win in the 2023 Six Nations, a tournament in which players threatened strike action over contractual issues before that was averted.

Gatland regrouped and put his faith in youth following some high-profile retirements including Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric.

Brutal training camps in Switzerland and Turkey in the summer helped the players form a formidable bond and Gatland predicted his side would shock people by doing something special in France.

They started with maximum bonus-point wins against Fiji and Portugal and completed the job of getting out of the pool with this devastating display against an average Australia side.

THE India-Pakistan encounter will set the World Cup alight • (Getty Images)

Australia fly-half Carter Gordon is tackled by Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau

Pakistan squad receive visas less than

48

hours before flying out to India

..The approval comes hours after the PCB wrote to the ICC expressing its displeasure at the delay in the issuance of the visas

By Osman Samiuddin and Nagraj Gollapudi

THE Inernational Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the Indian government has approved visas for the Pakistan squad travelling to the World Cup, less than 48 hours before the team is due to fly out to Hyderabad via Dubai

. The approval came on Monday, hours after the PCB had written to the ICC expressing its displeasure at the delay in the issuance of the visas. At the time they had sent the email, approval for the visas had not been given.

But the delay had already caused the Pakistan team to cancel plans for a pre-World Cup team bonding trip to the UAE. "Ministry of Home Affairs gives security clearance for issue of visas," an Indian government spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo. "The process is underway." The PCB is expected to receive the passports with visas for its squad on Monday evening. Matters had reached a head earlier on the day, however, as working hours finished in Islamabad and there was still no news of whether the visas would be issued.

Though the Pakistan board had been in regular contact with the ICC all through, it decided to write formally to the governing body to complain, and say that such inequitable treatment to Pakistan - which was the only team participating at the World Cup to wait this long to receive visas - will not be tolerated.

CWI president champions economic impact of next year’s ICC T20 World Cup

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, (CMC)Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow has described next year’s arrival of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup as “exciting times”, and anticipates positive economic spin-offs for the region.

The Caribbean is poised to host the global showpiece from June 4-30, with matches being played across seven host venues in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and St Lucia.

In the email, the PCB asked the ICC what steps the global body intended to take to resolve the issue, and also asked whether, in line with the obligations of a host board, written confirmations had been provided by the BCCI - or on behalf of the Indian government - that visas will be provided to all participating nations. In July at its annual conference in Durban, the ICC had been told by BCCI that visas for the Pakistan contingent would be facilitated in time. Whether that was put in writing could not be confirmed.

The PCB has also raised the question of whether the inability to provide visas in time for the squad to travel constitutes a breach of the hosting agreement of the World Cup.

Pakistan will now fly out to Dubai in the early hours of Wednesday (September 27), transit there, and then travel to Hyderabad on Wednesday evening. They are scheduled to play their first warm-up game on Friday, against New Zealand, in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad.

"It's a matter of disappointment that the Pakistan team has to go through this uncertainty ahead of the major tournament. We have been reminding [them] about their obligations from last three years and it has all come down to the last two days with our first warm game scheduled on September 29"

PCB statement

News of the delay in visas was first reported by ES -

PNcricinfo last Friday. Pakistan had planned to undertake a two-day team-bonding trip to the UAE ahead of their arrival in India, but that had to be scrapped because, with their passports with the Indian high commission in Islamabad, they were unable to travel.

Before the matter was resolved, PCB spokesperson Umar Farooq said in a statement: "There has been an extraordinary delay in getting clearance and securing Indian visas for the Pakistan team for ICC World Cup. We have written to ICC raising our concerns about inequitable treatment towards Pakistan and reminding them of these obligations towards the World Cup."

The upcoming edition will be the largest ever, with the International Cricket Council expanding the complement of teams to 20.

“[These are] exciting times; it’s a great opportunity for the region,” Shallow said, adding:

“Just to put this into perspective, the last World Cup in Australia, you had like 1500 jobs being created; over US$365 million in terms of economic impact. This is what this means to the region.

“This is going to be the biggest World Cup ever; 20 teams. And of course, we have thousands of fans coming to the Caribbean to witness this! Great!”

West Indies will co-host the tournament with the United States, which marks the first time an ICC World Cup will be played on American soil.

velopment in that region and globally.

“We need to take the game to North America,” he pointed out.

“We have been sort of adopting USA as a little brother over the last years, and I think this is very important that we help to grow the game in North America, which is our region really.”

He added: “There are 106 countries that currently play cricket, [and] one billion cricket lovers across the world, and that’s what the World Cup is next year as well, because we’re talking about millions viewing this World Cup.

Bassarath, Badree awarded T&T's prestigious Hummingbird

FOR their many years of exemplary service to the sport of cricket in Trinidad and Tobago, cricket administrator Azim Bassarath and former player Samuel Badree received the Hummingbird Medal Gold at the twin-island republic’s National Awards Ceremony held on Sunday at President’s House.

The Hummingbird Medal may be awarded to any person (citizen as well as non-citizen) who has

rendered loyal and devoted service beneficial to Trinidad and Tobago in any

field of human endeavour or for gallantry or other humane action.

medals

It may be awarded in Gold, Silver or Bronze in accordance with the assessed level of the service rendered.

Bassarath, the President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board and Vice President of Cricket West Indies (CWI) was recognised for his work as a cricket administrator. When he became CWI Vice President in March this year, Bassarath became the first administrator from the country to

The ICC announced last week that the Texas city of Dallas; Fort Lauderdale, in Florida; and Nassau County, in New York, would serve as venues for matches.

Shallow said the move to incorporate the United States was an important one, in the context of cricket de-

serve in that role.

Under his watch, Trinidad and Tobago has produced some of that country’s finest cricketers including Kieron Pollard and Badree, who was honoured for his work in sport and education.

Badree, who is also now a commentator, was a member of West Indies' T20 World Cup winning

“We’re going to be putting on a spectacle for the entire world, and again, it’s a great opportunity for all the stakeholders in not only West Indies cricket, but global cricket as well, and I can only see the sport growing after this World Cup next year.”

West Indies failed to qualify for the last T20 World Cup staged last year in Australia, but will have an automatic spot at next year’s showpiece by virtue of being hosts.

teams in 2012 and 2016.

The 42-year-old former leg spinner has also been an educator for over two decades and is the chairman of Badree’s Academy of Sport Education.

Badree has also served as an administrator and is a former secretary of the south zone cricket council of the TTCB.(Sportsmax).

The PCB asked the ICC in an email whether the delay in the issuance of visas constituted a breach of the World Cup hosting agreement • (Getty Images)

Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow

Caption Azim Bassarath(left) and Samuel Badree

Tearful Tahir says winning CPL title is a dream come true

By Sean Devers

AT the age of 44 most cricketers would not be romping with international players in the second most popular T20 League in the World.

But leg-spinner Imran Tahir is not most cricketers and not only did he compete with present and former internationals in the 11th edition of the CPL T20 tournament, but his 18 wickets were bettered only by fellow South African Dwaine Pretorius’ 20 scalps.

Tahir, whose 39 wickets are the most wickets in a World Cup for South Africa, was emotional at Sunday night’s presentation after leading the Guyana Amazon Warriors to their first CPL title after five previous appearances in the finals.

“Everyone was sending jokes that I had become a captain, so I think actually those things motivated me; so I want to thank those people who said that,” said Tahir, who has been with the Warriors for the past seven years.

"It's been a great experience playing for this beautiful franchise and playing for these beautiful people who always come and support us. Winning this is a dream come true,” said Tahir with tears of joy

running down his cheeks.

The evergreen Tahir would be remembered by fans for his celebration of running with outstretched arms with his long silver locks blowing in the wind.

[I] “…also want to thank our analyst Prasanna… he's been working every day, 20 hours a day, and giving me all the plans," posited Tahir, who praised the President of Guyana Dr Irfaan Ali for his support of the team.

Tahir, the first South African bowler to take seven wickets in an ODI, thanked Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin for predicting that his team would win the tournament.

“President Ali provided all that we wanted to be successful as well as a backroom staff. The little things that happen behind the scenes are also important,” informed Tahir, who has taken 54 wickets from 20 Tests and 173 from 107 ODIs.

"I think this year we were more hungry than ever before. That's the thing, I think if you want something really badly, it will happen for you, even though we lost our first Qualifier, explained Tahir in his first season as Guyana’s captain Everyone was talking about the toss, and we did it in both situations… batting and bowling first… and we won games. The team belief was there,” added Tahir

"Result is never guaranteed, but the way we came back in the competition, and I said one thing before we came here for the final, 'we've been the best team in the competition, no one can stop us if we play the brand of cricket we've been playing," said Tahir, who has 82 wickets in 59 IPL games between 2014-2019.

Such was the Warriors’ dominance that the top two batters (Shai Hope & Saim

Ayub) and the top two bowlers were members of the Warriors team.

Tahir moved from Pakistan to South Africa via the UK for the love of a woman.

When he arrived in South Africa, after meeting his wife Sumayya during the 1998 Under-19 World Cup, he established himself in the first-class setup.

In 2011 Tahir became a South African citizen but he had to wait until the 2011 World Cup for his debut. He made an immediate impact, finishing the tournament as South Africa's second-highest wicket-taker.

On South Africa's tour to the UAE in October 2013, Tahir took his first Test five-for against his former countrymen Pakistan, but it was ‘white ball’ cricket he would flourish in.

Tahir earned a reputation for being able to contain the middle-periods of matches while also taking wickets, and his rise coincided with South Africa's limited-overs recovery, especially after the 2015 World Cup.

Tahir was even more effective in the T20 format in which he has taken just over 500 wickets in 401 matches with three five-wicket hauls.

….hunger made the difference this year

Tahir celebrates one of his 18 wickets during 2023 CPL (Getty images)