Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 28-05-2024

Infrastructural enhancements are ongoing along the East Coast Demerara corridor as

the country’s entire infrastructural landscape (Shaniece Bamfield photos)

Guyana National Forest Certification System attains international endorsement

Following the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification’s (PEFC) recognition of the Guyana National Forest Certification System (GNFCS), the Ministry of Natural Resources is delighted to announce that Guyana’s aspiration to achieve global standards of sustainable forest management has again been recognised internationally

FOLLOWING the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification’s (PEFC) recognition of the Guyana National Forest Certification System (GNFCS), the Ministry of Natural Resources has announced that Guyana’s aspiration to achieve global standards of sustainable forest management has again been recognised internationally.

All forest management and chain-of-custody certificates issued by the GNFCS are now considered equal to those from the PEFC International certification system.

The PEFC is one of the two internationally recognised initiatives – the other being the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) – promoting sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification.

The GNFCS is guided by three standards: Forest Management (the Guyana Standard for Sustainable Forest Management (GSSFM); Chain of Custody, and, Group Certification.

In 2020, the Ministry of Natural Resources initiated the development of the GNFCS and has been deeply involved in its progress ever since. In 2021, an independent, multi-stakeholder working group chaired by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), commenced the

formal process of developing the GNFCS.

The multi-stakeholder working group comprised representatives from the Forest Products Association (FPA), the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), indigenous non-governmental organisations (NGOs), environmental NGOs, academia and research, workers’ organisations, and youth and women’s organisations.

Two editorial drafts were made available for public review and comment before the GNFCS was finalised and sent for its assessment under the auspices of PEFC.

Guyanese timber and timber products certified under the GNFCS will now bear PEFC International labels and trademarks. This provides clear evidence to local and international buyers that the certified forest operator’s management practices meet global environmental, social, and economic standards.

It also demonstrates compliance with national and international legal forest requirements, including fundamental ILO conventions that govern the rights of workers and the unauthorised use of child labour.

This assurance extends to the environmental, social, economic and legal requirements and protection of rights

‘We are empowering people, building wealth’

— President Ali says, calls for unified promotion of ‘Guyana’ brand to boost

By Clestine Juan

RECOGNISING the potential of Guyana’s reputation as a “major player” in global markets, it is the collective responsibility of all Guyanese to build and promote the nation's brand to help shape the national trajectory in the years to come.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali made this call during his remarks at this year’s Private Sector Commission (PSC) Annual General Meeting at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.

The Head of State highlighted the pivotal role of promoting the “Guyana” brand as a key driver for the nation's economic growth and global positioning.

With an ambitious vision for Guyana's future, President Ali laid out a strategic blueprint focused on unity, optimal resource utilisation, and aggressive marketing.

“These things sound simple, but it matters. Brand Guyana matters. Brand Guyana is a recognised brand. It is a highly sought-after brand.

“Is a very valuable brand. And who are the custodians of the brand? The custodians of the brand are every Guyanese, every member of the private sector,” he declared.

economic growth

“You have maybe a thousand families who can deploy half of an acre. That's 500 acres into a shade house technology for the production of hot pepper, which is in huge demand now because we have worked with the local private sector in Black Bush,” Dr Ali related.

He further highlighted the potential for creating wealth at the household level through this agricultural initiative.

By supporting local production and establishing robust supply chains, the government aims to foster economic empowerment.

“And if we are to expand the shade house technology and give single parents, single women the ability to own one of these houses, we are empowering people, we are building wealth. We are creating wealth at the community level. So, we are going aggressively after these very low-hanging fruits,” he said.

four years where we confronted COVID. For a year and a half, we confronted two floods, two major floods and one major drought, and we have achieved this.”

He also highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships and regional integration.

President Ali highlighted ongoing efforts to collaborate with international companies for local projects, such as the dredging of the Demerara River, to ensure wealth creation within the country.

“We have to be able to create wealth right here by building our capacity to make use of the opportunities. That's a very simple formula. Very, very simple formula,” he said.

The Head of State emphasised the importance of facilitating the free movement of goods, services, and capital within the region, leveraging Guyana’s position as a leader in regional integration.

the free movement within the region… Guyana is always allowing full and free movement of capital, of people, of goods and services,” President Ali related.

President Ali’s vision extends beyond regional integration to global markets.

He called for a more aggressive promotion of Guyanese products, such as rum, on the international stage.

“You can't have every Guyanese promoting that “we have the best rum”, whether it's XM or El Dorado. And then when you look at the magazines that these rums are advertised [in], you have to peep to see the name Guyana. You have less known rum in the same magazine, and it says “the pride of” and the country name big,” he pointed out, stressing the need for strategic marketing.

“These things sound simple, but it matters. Brand ‘Guyana’ matters,” he said.

One example he used is the optimal deployment of Guyana's resources, particularly land.

He proposed an innovative approach to agriculture by utilising shade house tech-

According to President Ali, the government is building capacity through various programmes which also have the potential to promote wealth creation at the household level.

nology for hot pepper production, aiming to empower local families and single women.

“So, there are three factors of production. One of the factors of production is land, but we don't deploy land optimally. So, let us say on the Linden Highway you have farmsteads of an acre each, and they can deploy half an acre.

Despite significant challenges over the past few years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, floods, and droughts, Guyana has made remarkable strides in agricultural productivity under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government.

President Ali praised these efforts, noting: “People don’t realise we have done this in an environment in

CARI Cargo Inc., the company responsible for regional ferry service among Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, is incorporated in Georgetown, Guyana.

An evaluation of the ferry service is currently underway and is in the final stages.

“As chair of CARICOM, we have committed ourselves, before the next meeting, to collectively sign on

With a forward-looking vision for Guyana, President Ali urged the private sector to engage in a collaborative effort and educational campaign to chart the country’s development path up to 2030 and beyond.

“We must understand the role. You must understand how that role is integrated in policymaking and how you must follow policymaking for development,” he said.

US Embassy opens 2025 YLAI applications

THE Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), a flagship programmeme of the United States Department of State designed for emerging entrepreneurs and business leaders aged 25 to 35, has officially opened applications for its 2025 cohort.

In a recent virtual panel discussion about YLAI, Kelly McCray, Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Georgetown, emphasised the value of this fully funded, four-week

exchange programme.

“Through hands-on experience, online coursework, and face-to-face training, YLAI fellows have the opportunity to significantly enhance their leadership and entrepreneurial skills,” McCray stated. The YLAI programme not only provides individual growth, but also strengthens business relationships among entrepreneurs from the United States, the Caribbean, Canada, and Latin America. “It is part of the US’s continued commit -

ment to the prosperity of Guyana and the region. To date, 21 young entrepreneurs from Guyana have participated in the programme,” McCray noted.

A key feature of the YLAI Fellowship is the pairing of participants with host organisations to tackle specific business challenges and establish mentoring relationships. The in-person segment of the 2025 YLAI programme will run from May to June. Due to the programme's intensive nature, applicants are en -

couraged to fully commit to their professional development during this period and participate in all fellowship activities.

The panel discussion included insights from three YLAI alumni: Jermaine Slater (YLAI 2022), owner

of The Learning Hub; Nakaida Belle-Lindie (YLAI 2024), founder of HKBL Construction Inc.; and Maleka Russel (YLAI 2020), owner of Green Valley Organics. They highlighted the fellowship's unique environment, where participants build genuine connections with like-minded individuals and share strategies for entrepreneurial success.

Funded by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the six-week YLAI Fellowship annually brings

280 promising leaders from across the Americas to the United States. Participants engage in skills-building workshops and collaborative learning with US counterparts. Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply at www.ylai.state. gov/apply. Applicants must be Guyanese citizens, aged between 25 and 35, and have at least two years of experience successfully running their own businesses or social ventures.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

‘PPP talks the talk and walks the talk’

— WPO Head says; highlights how party has empowered women

WHEN it comes to empowering women, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) does more than verbalise their care and concern. Instead, it continues to work assiduously to put women on the front-burners of leading the nation.

According to Sheila Veerasammy, the Head of the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), while commemorating the 71st anniversary, reflected on the challenges that women endured and how the PPP was the only political party that fought for their rights to be upheld.

“The party [PPP] talks the talk but also walks the talk,” she said.

She added that the PPP had been successful in achieving universal adult suffrage, which allowed

Guyanese citizens to cast ballots for a government of their choice on April 27, 1953, regardless of their education or economic status.

However, she pointed out that the 1968 elections saw massive electoral fraud by the People’s National Congress-Reform (PNC-R) and there were even similar attempts in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

With that said, Veerasammy noted that because of the PPP, “Women have always [had] a great role in elections work and equality and equity.”

Veerasammy further outlined how the PPP has bolstered education in Guyana by paving the way for free university education and providing free scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learn-

ing (GOAL) and Coursera, etc.

Since its commencement in 2021, the GOAL has successfully fulfilled its objective of providing over 20,000 tertiary-level scholarships to Guyanese from every region.

Notably, the WPO was formed on the 27th May, 1953 by Janet Jagan, Jane Philips-Gay, Jessica Huntley and Miss Aukland.

According to a press release, preceding this organisation, the Women’s Political and Economic Organisation (WPEO) was formed by Jagan and others in July of 1946 and it fulfilled its mandate by setting the pace for establishment of the WPO, a broad-based national women’s political organisation that has its foundation in every region of Guyana.

The WPO was the first women’s political organisation in Guyana to represent the political and socio-economic well-being of women, children, and families and provide leadership for the transformation of women’s lives in society. Its primary objectives were to advocate for the rights of women and equal opportunities, especially in the field of education and work.

“In its 71 years, the WPO observed the major strides made for women by consecutive PPP/Civic governments. Women moved from the fields into the classroom; from the kitchen into the office and from their homes into the world of decision making.

“Today, the opportunities that lie before women, encourages [sic] them to realise their full potential.

But more than that, women today have knowledge and technical skills to influence decisions in every sphere of society. They can represent themselves and each other.

The constitution of Guyana, the many legislations and government policies support and inspire the upward mobility of women,” the release further stated.

The WPO further highlighted that even though much has been achieved, there is still the elephant in the room, which is the fact that women continue to face cultural practices that put them at a disadvantage.

“This particular practice is inherent in the society’s tradition and it’s taking longer to unshackle. Domestic violence and control of women should no longer be a part of our socio-economic and political landscape. Therefore, the WPO will continue to create awareness through information sharing and discussions to reduce and ultimately eradicate this scourge from our society, as we strive to build our one Guyana, where all can live in harmony.

The Women’s Progressive Organisation wishes to reaffirm its commitment to championing the cause of women’s rights in Guyana and wishes to thank the past and present leadership and membership of the organisation for keeping it alive. We wish to thank the PPP and its leadership for the foresight of establishing this glorious organisation that many call, ‘Home’,” the release stated.

Guyana National Forest Certification...

throughout the forest supply chain under the EU Timber Regulation, the US Lacey Act, and the Australian Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill.

Notably, Guyana has maintained a national wood tracking system, which dates back to the early 2000s. It enables the tracking of timber and timber products

from the market to the forest source. Further, Guyana has a dual wood-tracking system (electronic and manual) implemented nationally. Some forest stations have internet access and electronic tag scanners; however, stations in remote locations still operate on a purely manual basis with staff having to visually verify tag numbers with removal permits. Under the VPA, there is the intention to further build capacity, enabling the phased implementation of a fully electronic system which will greatly increase efficiency and offer greater credibility to the wood-tracking system. In the interim, however, the dual system will remain functional.

The GNFCS drew on the national wood tracking system and other regulatory and monitoring systems developed and implemented by the GFC, including the national code of practice for forest management. The endorsement of the GNFCS by PEFC not only recognises the credibility of our systems, but also assures buyers that Guyanese timber is legally sourced and sustainably managed.

Importantly too, the GNFCS has been designed to

make it cost-effective for large, medium, small and community forest sector operators (FSOs), aimed at attaining individual or group certification. Group certification allows FSOs to operate under one certificate and share costs, information, and experiences.

The GFC is also working on training local auditors for certification bodies to use under the GNFCS, reducing the need to bring auditors from overseas.

Additionally, the GNFCS complements other national initiatives which the Government of Guyana has embarked on for several years, with an example as the European Union’s Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Voluntary Partnership Agreement. It is also one of the priority areas under Sustainable Forestry in the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

For achieving yet another milestone, the ministry extends its deep appreciation to all forestry stakeholders, the local PEFC working group and the GFC team.

Guyana could teach the world about unity, diversity

— Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett says

AS Guyana celebrated its 58th Independence anniversary, a pivotal moment in the country’s history, Guyana's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett has said that although it is a small nation, it could teach big lessons about unity and diversity.

The Consulate of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on Sunday joined the congregation of Saint Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, New York in observance of Guyana's 58th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

In attendance, too, was Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson, Consul-General of Guyana in New York.

As they celebrated the great attainment for the nation, she called for a Resolution to zealously guard religious harmony, which brings the nation together as a people.

“Promote it, share it and strengthen it wherever we may go,” she firmly stated.

While noting that Guyana started its two-year tenure on the UN Security Council last

January, she said: “I sit as Guyana’s representative on the Council. Almost every day we receive reports where religious, ethnic and other divisions are fueling conflict, from Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Palestine to Ukraine and many other places - where Mankind is inflicting some of the worst atrocities on each other. I am constantly

reminded of my Guyana, where, even with our challenges, we are a small nation that can teach the world about unity in diversity.”

Further, the ambassador reflected on the struggles and the accomplishments of the country that is deemed the “Land of Many Waters” and its current rapid transformation.

“It is the first time since our Independence that we are able to implement some of the plans and programmes that we have long desired. We are using the revenues from oil and other sectors to improve education, improve healthcare, increase old-age pensions, provide affordable housing, improve our infra-

Jury frees man charged in shooting death of Lindener

AFTER spending four years on remand for the capital offence of murder, Leon Estwick also called 'Swipey', was set free by a 12-member jury last week at the Demerara Criminal Assizes.

When his case was called before Judge Sandil Kissoon, the 27-year-old of Linden resident professed his innocence, pleading not guilty to the charge of murdering Ian Williams also known as 'Ojay'.

After deliberating for close to two hours, the jury returned a unanimous notguilty verdict.

structure, expand agriculture and tourism, among other areas,” the Ambassador said.

She also reflected on how President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s “One Guyana” vision has positively impacted the lives of Guyanese.

Additionally, the ambassador said that Guyana understands that the developments in the neighbourhood and across the world can impact the country’s development.

“This is why we use our voice in international fora to call for respect for international law, and the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, knowing, too, that we face a claim to our territory from one of our neighbours,” she said, adding:

“We use our voice to advocate for Haiti, a sister CARICOM country facing great challenges, and for those suffering as a result of conflict and war. We call for action on climate change, while doing our part.”

Ambassador Brotherson also reflected on Guyana being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and the nation being a leader in many areas.

“On this the 58th Inde-

pendence Anniversary, all Guyanese can reflect with a great measure of satisfaction on the path our nation has travelled, and be proud of where we are as a nation today. We as a people cannot forget the struggles Guyana endured to become an independent nation. The road to freedom and self-determination was indeed a perilous one; a road in which we were born of the sacrifice of our ancestors who fought tirelessly. Despite the struggles, we can now call our nation

“Guyana the free”, and our collective presence here today is a true testament to our pride for, and commitment to, our nationhood,” he said. The ambassador later commended the Government of Guyana for its continuous efforts at building stronger institutions, providing infrastructure to support businesses, ensuring the well-being of citizens, maintaining financial accountability and sustainability, and sustaining political integrity.

In light of the jury’s finding, the trial Judge informed the man that he was free to go. Although he was discharged for the capital offence, Estwick was taken back to prison to continue serving his sentences for possession of an unlicensed gun and ammunition, and trafficking marijuana, which were imposed in 2020. That gun was reportedly used to riddle Williams, 24, with bullets.

The prosecution was represented by State Counsel Caressa Henry, and State Counsel, Padma Dubraj. Estwick was represented by Attorneys-at-Law, Ronald Bostwick and Kevin Morgan.

Estwick’s lawyers related that the prosecution

Freed: Leon Estwick called ‘Swipey’

Justice Sandil Kissoon

Dead: Ian Williams

Transforming Education in Guyana

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali's recent announcement regarding the establishment of Guyana's first digital school signifies a transformative moment in the nation’s education landscape.

As Guyana marks its 58th Independence Anniversary, this bold move towards a technology-driven education system highlights the government's commitment to not only modernising education, but to also ensuring that every child, regardless of geographical location, has access to quality learning opportunities.

The initiative to create a fully digital school, catering to both primary and secondary education, is a for-

ward-thinking strategy aimed at building an inclusive and adaptive learning environment. This move is part of a broader effort to integrate advanced technologies into education, thereby preparing students for a future where digital literacy is paramount.

The President’s vision encompasses not just smart classrooms, but also a comprehensive digital education ecosystem that includes reducing data costs and improving internet accessibility nationwide.

Since taking office in 2020, Dr Ali’s administration has launched several initiatives to enhance educational delivery. The introduction of smart classrooms, equipped

with interactive, computerised whiteboards and other digital tools, is a significant step forward.

These classrooms enable teachers to deliver more engaging and effective lessons, utilising technology to make learning more interactive.

The government's substantial investment in the education sector is evident in the 2024 fiscal package, which allocates $135.2 billion for education, with significant funds directed towards constructing new schools. The increase in per-student investment from less than $300,000 in 2019 to $700,000 today underscores the administration’s dedication to improving education

outcomes.

However, the transition to a technology-driven education system is not without challenges. The successful implementation of digital schools and smart classrooms requires not only financial investment, but also comprehensive training for teachers. It is encouraging to note that the government is investing in ensuring that all teachers are trained graduates, recognising that the effectiveness of any education reform hinges on the quality and preparedness of educators.

Moreover, President Ali’s administration has taken steps to address teachers' welfare, including salary increases and other benefits.

The recent adjustment of teachers' salaries and the provision of duty-free concessions for senior educators nearing retirement reflect a genuine effort to improve the livelihoods of those at the forefront of education.

Nonetheless, the demands of the Guyana Teachers Union for further salary increases and better working conditions highlight ongoing issues that need to be resolved to achieve a truly supportive environment for educators.

As Guyana stands on the brink of a new era in education, it is imperative that these strategic investments are matched by sustained efforts to engage all stake-

holders, including teachers, students, and communities. The promise of a digital education system is exciting, but its success will depend on the collective commitment to overcoming obstacles and ensuring that no child is left behind in the digital divide. By leveraging technology, the government aims to create a more inclusive and effective education environment.

This forward-thinking approach, coupled with substantial investments and efforts to improve teachers' welfare, positions Guyana to become a leader in digital education within the region and possibly the world.

Disciplined driving cultivates a safer road environment

Dear Editor

I PEN this letter with a great degree of sadness. Guyana is on a promising developmental trajectory, seen through substantial economic growth and infrastructural advancements.

To truly secure our nation’s future, we must preserve our most valuable asset -- our human capital. Unfortunately, road accidents have become a scourge, threatening to consistently diminish our already small population with gifted and talented persons capable of adding value to our social and economic advancement.

Road accidents in Guyana

have reached alarming levels, with countless lives lost or irreparably altered each year. These incidents devastate families, drain our healthcare resources, and impede economic productivity. If you look carefully, you will observe that there has been a litany of contributory factors to this dilemma; these entail the following:

Distracted Driving: This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies while driving. These distractions divert the driver's attention from the road.

Speeding: Driving above the speed limit has been a significant cause of accidents. Speeding reduces the driver's ability to react to

sudden changes in the road and increases the severity of accidents.

Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and motor skills, leading to an increased risk of deadly accidents.

Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviours such as tailgating, changing lanes abruptly, and disregarding traffic signals amount to stupidity.

Ignoring Traffic Signals and Signs: Running red lights, failing to yield, and ignoring stop signs have led to many social collisions.

Weather Conditions: While weather is not the driver’s fault, failing to adjust driving behaviour to account

for rain has also been instrumental in the causation of fatal accidents.

Following Too Closely: Tailgating reduces a driver’s reaction time if the vehicle in front stops suddenly. The last time I checked, the law stated that a car must be 20 feet from the one in front.

One may argue that addressing these causes requires a combination of driver education, law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns, which I firmly believe. However, there comes a time when children become adults and must consequently be responsible for their behaviours by demonstrating a certain degree of discipline.

Discipline among drivers is a fundamental element in

preventing road accidents. It involves strict adherence to traffic laws, such as obeying speed limits, traffic signals, and lane markings, which helps maintain orderly and predictable traffic flow.

Disciplined drivers avoid distractions such as using mobile phones while driving, and ensuring that they are sober and well-rested, thus enhancing their focus and reaction times. They practise defensive driving by anticipating potential hazards and maintaining safe distances from other vehicles.

Regular vehicle maintenance, safety practices such as seat-belt adherence, and respectful behaviour towards other road users further contribute to accident preven -

tion. Ultimately, disciplined driving cultivates a safer road environment, significantly reducing the likelihood of collisions and injuries. Of course, demonstrating such attributes requires adults with a developed brain.

Guyana’s path to sustainable development hinges on the health and safety of its people. We must stop the road carnage and injuries now, thereby safeguarding our human capital and ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from our nation’s growth.

Yours

sincerely, Dr Marcel Hutson

Strong, united Guyana requires everyone’s participation

— Minister Sukhai says at Mahdia’s flag-raising ceremony

MINISTER of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, has emphasised the crucial role of everyone’s participation in fostering unity, racial harmony and strength in Guyana to move forward.

The minister was at the time addressing residents in the Mahdia Township, Region Eight, who gathered in their numbers for Guyana’s 58th Independence Anniversary Flag-raising Ceremony held on Saturday.

While highlighting the necessity of collective effort, Minister Sukhai underscored that every individual’s involvement is central in the national building process.

“The feeling of oneness in our landscape and building a strong nation require the support and the participation of everyone. No one should be left out; it is our responsibility to advance this trend of togetherness and oneness,” she urged.

She believes that full unison can be achieved in Guyana as demonstrated with the border controversy.

“We stood united in the controversy with Venezuela as together we pledged, we committed to safeguard our country’s sovereignty. None of you…is divorced from participating in our nation’s development for ourselves

and for our nation,” she then reassured.

Speaking on the development side of things, it was highlighted that Guyana has transitioned from its first independence to a modern country.

Minister Sukhai said Guyana has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and it is becoming the most sought after country in this hemisphere.

This phenomenon has brought with it countless employment and economic opportunities, which are readily available, she reasoned.

However, Minister Sukhai advised that individ-

uals must take on the responsibility to upgrade themselves academically to be able to truly reap the benefits of these prospects.

For example, hundreds of jobs will become available with the expansion of the country’s tourism and hospitality industry. Currently, there are several new, internationally-branded hotels under construction, which will come on-stream within the next two-three years.

She alluded to the US$7.2 million Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute under construction at Port Mourant, Berbice, Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne), which will

offer world class hospitality training.

This is part of the government’s move to cultivate a world-class tourism sector.

“Therefore, it is our responsibility too, to make the effort to upgrade ourselves, for the imminent competition in the labour market. The private sector, the businessmen…must rise also to the opportunities which exist now.”

The minister then shifted her attention to the welfare of Amerindians, affirming that the PPP/C Administration remains steadfast as a development ally to indigenous communities.

She reminded that significant funding injections have benefitted these communities, citing initiatives such as the Carbon Credit programme and the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) among others.

The Golden Arrow Head was hoisted in every region as part of independence celebrations which saw the attendance of several government ministers.

The National Flag-raising Ceremony was also hosted in the township of Linden, Region 10. For the past two years, it was hosted in Region Two and Region Nine. (DPI)

Jury frees man charged in shooting death...

relied heavily on the testimony of Williams’ girlfriend Melita Antigua, who testified to seeing Estwick shooting at the vehicle she and Williams occupied in the vicinity of Lover's Lane, Amelia’s Ward, Linden.

The police had reported that Estwick confessed to the murder. “They reported that Estwick told them under caution that ex-policeman, Teon Allen and Williams, who were cousins, acted with their gang to torment and set fire to the home of the in-laws of

Estwick's brother while Estwick's sister-in-law slept in the said house,” the lawyers said in a statement. They added: “Estwick denied ever giving the statement to the police, and raised an alibi defence. In support of his alibi, Estwick called his brother to give evidence of their presence at a party attended by other residents of Linden on the night of Williams’ murder. Estwick said that his only crime was being found with the murder weapon which he admitted was a pawned weapon that was given to

him for safe keeping when the police arrested him weeks after the murder.”

Allen called ‘Spoil Child’, is a former policeman from Linden.

He was previously charged with his girlfriend’s murder, possession of an unlicensed gun and ammunition, harbouring prison escapees and two counts of attempted murder.

On Saturday, September 28, 2019, motor car PWW 8986 approached motor car PYY 732, which was being driven by Williams. Bullets were discharged causing

Williams to flee.

Williams’s girlfriend, who was also seated in the car with him, was shot to her back and leg.

On the day in question, Williams went to pick up the woman from a birthday party at Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden.

After entering the car, Antigua had a brief conversation with her boyfriend which lasted for approximately two minutes, when she suddenly heard three gunshots. She recognised two men dressed in dark hoodies shooting at the car.

Williams, despite already being shot, drove off in the direction of North Amelia’s Ward. The gunmen returned to their car and started a high-speed chase between Third to First Corners, Lovers Lane, Amelia’s Ward, then onto the Amelia’s Ward Highway. When the car became immobile, since the tires were down, Williams and Antigua attempted to escape on foot on the Amelia’s Ward Highway. The gunmen then took the opportunity to riddle him with bullets. They then abandoned their car and escaped on foot.

The shooting incident is believed to have sprung from a gang feud between Allen and a gang out of Cayenne, French Guiana. Williams and Allen shared a close relationship and it is believed that the gunmen thought Allen was in the car or they targetted his close cousin as an act of revenge.

Previously, Martin Fraser of Amelia’s Ward was charged with the murder of Williams and attempted murder of Antigua. This publication is unaware of the legal status of that case.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, has emphasised the crucial role of everyone’s participation in fostering unity, racial harmony and strength in Guyana to move forward

From Williams to Mottley: 58 years of struggle

I am still reeling from the chagrin that pierced my soul when Dr. Bertrand Ramcharran emailed me to ask that I do not criticise Mike Mc Cormack, the forever head of the Guyana Human Rights Association because McCormack made his contribution in the seventies when Burnham was in full swing.

I expected better from a man who specialised in international law and was acting High Commissioner for Human Rights at the UN. What was he actually saying? I was very much in the thick of things fighting against the Burnham dictatorship, and so were hundreds like me who rejoined the fight in 2020 to

prevent the coming of a new Burnhamite permanency.

If my arithmetic is correct, 2020 is 28 years after our first free and fair election in 1992. So many of us were there to see the legal results in 1992, and we were still there in 2020 to fight for the legal results of the national elections which if Guyana had been denied it, we would have had a return of power permanency under Mr. David Granger, a self-proclaimed admirer of Forbes Burnham. Mike Mc Cormack was there in the seventies but he chose silence in March 2020, so what was Dr. Ramcharran trying to tell me? What is my point? It is that after 58 years of Independence, this

country has to be on its guard always because danger lurks always and danger has been lurking since the Caribbean intervened on May 2 in 1964 to seek to stop the violence in Guyana.

On May 2, 1964, Pre -

mier Cheddi Jagan requested Prime Minister, Eric Williams of Trinidad to use his office to bring the PPP, PNC and United Force into discussion to restore stability to British Guiana. From May 1964 to May 2020 is 56 years. After 56 years, Guyana was seeing yet again the intervention of the Caribbean to prevent disaster.

This time, the energy was not from our sister country of Trinidad but Barbados with PM, Mia Mottley deeply concerned and she came and helped to save the day. But interestingly in 1964, PM Williams feared that the situation in British Guiana did not look good. Some 56 years after Williams expressed that sentiment, another Trinidadian Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, in Guyana with other CARICOM Heads, said that he feared the situation would not end well.

It didn’t end well when PM Williams made his efforts on May 3, 1964. On May 24, 1964, Guyana saw its worst tragedy in the country’s entire history when the entire Indian population of

Wismar, in Mackenzie, now known as Linden (Burnham named the town after him) was displaced through systemic acts of violence that included arson, injuries, rapes and murder.

It is referred to by scholars as the Wismar massacre.

Two Indian rights intellectuals – Baytoram Ramharack and Ravi Dev – argue that it was not a massacre but ethnic cleansing. I was trained in history when I first entered UG, so I should always be respectful to history when I write about the past. The violence of Wismar in May stretched in July when the ferry named the Sun Chapman exploded and 43 persons, all of African descent, died.

So it didn’t end well in 1964 when the Caribbean tried to help Guyana. It ended well 56 years after with yet another Caribbean peace mission. From Eric Williams to Mia Mottley, it has been a long journey for Guyana. As the nation observed 58 years of Independence, we must never forget March 2020.

But we must also include

other tragedies in those 56 years of reflections. These disasters were not on the scale of the Wismar massacre and the Sun Chapman in 1964 but they were low moments from Independence 1966 that riveted the collective psyche of this nation. We have to include them as we move toward 60 years of Independence in 2026.

The list is long and they include rigged elections of 1968, 1973, 1978 rigged referendum, 1980, 1985, post-election violence, 1992, 1997, and 2001. But for me, the two events that should be on our list after Wismar and Sun Chapman is the anti-Indian violence 2002-2006 in Buxton and the March to July conspiracies to reclaim the permanency of Burnhamite power. Buxton was a vicious anti-Indian attempt to overthrow the Guyana Government. It was a nihilistic descent into senseless murder of people simply because of their ethnicity. It will remain the highpoint of my long journalistic career. So in two years’ time, one guesses that the 60th anniversary celebration should be an extravaganza to behold. But we have the November 2025 general elections coming up. Let us make sure there is no need for Caribbean intervention once again.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

Man’s body found in Montrose

POLICE in Regional Division 4 ‘C’ are investigating the discovery of a body found on Monday around 12:40 hours.

The Guyana Police Force reported that they received an anonymous call alerting them of a male body lying motionless on Fourth Street in Montrose, East Coast Demerara.

Responding to the call, a police patrol located the body of 49-year-old Zaheer Karim Bacchus who was wearing black shorts.

Bacchus, who had no fixed place of abode, was found lying on the ground without any visible marks of violence.

Emergency Medical Technicians were called to the scene, and a doctor subsequently pronounced Bacchus dead.

The body has been trans-

ported to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

The investigation into Bacchus's death is ongoing.

President Ali emphasises benefits of Men on Mission

–– highlights initiative’s efforts in building 50 houses for the vulnerable

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has publicly defended the Men on Mission (MoM) initiative amid recent criticisms, emphasising its ongoing efforts to construct 50 houses for vulnerable people across Guyana.

The President addressed these concerns during the launch of MoM’s Youth Mentorship and Development Programme in

from various sectors, including civil society, the private sector, and the government.

“I saw some very insensitive comparisons the other day on social media. Some very insensitive comparisons between a house one member of the private sector was giving and what the Men on Mission was giving. The Men on Mission is right now

der difficult circumstances. Every day they are doing this hard work.”

“A house alone does not change circumstances,” said President Ali, noting that psychosocial support is needed to support the holistic wellbeing of people. He revealed that MoM is also working to integrate vulnerable families into the food system by providing them with shade houses.

Georgetown last Friday.

Initiated in 2022 by Dr Ali, MoM stands as a pioneering endeavour focused on reintegrating men into society by furnishing them with essential skills crucial for the labour market.

The MoM also aims to equip men in society to deal with complex problems, inclusive of violence against women and children, while helping to bridge the existing gaps, including the need to advance themselves in education.

Already, the initiative has outlined commendable objectives, such as constructing residences for the most vulnerable, including individuals with disabilities and single mothers.

The Guyanese leader highlighted the significant progress MoM has made in its relatively short existence, attributing its success to the dedication and hard work of volunteers

completing over 50 homes. And members of the private sector must also be thankful to the system because many times when they do these charitable works, it is part of giving back to society and it is part also tax deductible. So, many times, it is not like a gift,” President Ali stated.

According to the Head of State, MoM operates sustainably and welcomes the participation of every private sector member in programmes aimed at uplifting people’s lives. He emphasised that this involvement brings joy to the members of the organisation.

Highlighting the selfless work of dozens of men who are part of MoM, Dr Ali said: “These men do it every day; they don’t publicise it every single day. But they are in communities every day doing counselling services, talking to families, talking to people un-

Overall, the president expressed his satisfaction with the work MoM is doing.

Several beneficiaries of the MoM initiative have shared their gratitude for the programme, describing how their new homes have transformed their lives.

One such beneficiary is 47-year-old Nicole Fraser, a single mother of three, who expressed her relief and joy at finally having a secure place for her children.

She was gifted a two-bedroom house by MoM on Mother’s Day.

Earlier this year, the National Assembly approved $500 million for the Men on Mission initiative.

To date, the government has allocated over $1 billion to the MoM initiative, which also benefits from significant contributions from companies and individuals.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

QC Career Fair: Enriching students with diverse career opportunities

—

prepares students for streaming, life after school

By Cindy Parkinson

WITH the intention of enriching and preparing students for life beyond school, the staff of Queen’s College (QC) organised their annual career fair last Thursday at the secondary school’s Thomas Street location.

Miss Melissa Glen, the career fair coordinator and grade nine level supervisor of QC, revealed in an exclusive interview that the initiative was introduced by Miss Gem Rohlehr, a former deputy principal of the school. Miss Glen explained that Miss Rohlehr’s intention was to educate the students of QC and other invited schools about the significance of exploring various career options and paths after graduating.

Furthermore, she elaborated on the unfortunate

circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which generated a climate of uncertainty for all individuals.

Nevertheless, this did not deter her from strategising for the future. She acknowledged the pivotal role career fairs have assumed in QC’s culture, a tradition that both the management and staff have faithfully adhered to and will perpetuate.

Miss Glen said, “Unfortunately, during the pandemic and the abruptness of it, Queen’s College was forced to halt activities, and, as such, we were unable to orchestrate our career fair during that time. However, last year we would have restarted our tradition, and as you can see, we continued with it this year.”

Miss Glen emphasised the importance of students grasping the theoretical aspects of their work to en -

hance their societal functioning. She further acknowledged that not all students will pursue careers in medicine or law, underscoring the value of acquiring additional skills that will positively impact their post-school lives.

“Looking at the hundreds of children that were at the event, I must say that I am very satisfied. Apart from our student population, we had students from schools such as The Bishop’s High, St. Stanislaus College, St. Joseph High, Chase Academy, West Field Primary, and many more.

“At these career fairs, the students have the opportunity to not only observe but also interact and ask questions from the representatives of the different companies that had booths. Being the coordinator of this event wasn’t easy; it was challenging, but looking at the children,

their eagerness to learn, and knowing that you are helping to mould their lives is worth the hard work,” Miss Glen added.

The supervisor at the grade nine level also emphasised the importance of preparing students for streaming, which, as she stated, begins at the grade nine level. Miss Glen noted, “In preparation for the streaming of students, there is a need to have a robust career coaching and/or guidance programme, and a career fair also provides that opportunity for the students on an annual basis.”

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With gratitude, Miss Glenn acknowledged the participating companies for their comprehension of the initiative’s significance, which highlights the importance

of a village in nurturing and positively influencing the lives of future generations. Additionally, Miss Glen expressed her confidence in the possibility of other companies joining and participating in this endeavour.

According to her, “regarding the response from the companies and the institutions that we invited to participate in the fair, I must say that, overall, I received a positive response, and we at QC would like to thank all the companies for showing up. All the representatives did an excellent job of sensitising all of the students about the nature of their organisations.

“While students were being educated about the nature of organisations, they were also being educated on scholarships in Brazil from the Brazilian Embassy, which was represented, the

University of Guyana, and other institutional organisations that apprised students on the various programmes that they have to offer. It is our hope that other companies can come on board so that our children can continue to benefit from initiatives such as these.”

Ultimately, Miss Glen expressed her gratitude to the QC administration, Principal Mrs. Rajkumarie Lall, Deputy Principal Candaice Cave-Stephen, and her colleague Mr. Reaz Roopnarine for their belief in her aptitude and expertise in organising her second career fair at QC. Moreover, she advocated for the cooperation of other schools in their respective regions, suggesting the implementation of similar initiatives to enhance the well-being of their students.

Students of QC and other invited schools interacted and observed some of the work displayed in the respective booths last Thursday, during career day

‘We don’t drift in the wind’

–– Dr. Jagdeo highlights PPP’s strong policy-making abilities; flays Opposition over constant rhetoric, poor track record of no action

THE A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) remains unproductive in the area of policy proposals, since both parties have a track record of “talk” and no “action”, according to General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. Dr. Jagdeo, during a recent press conference, reminded citizens that under the previous APNU+AFC government, there was

not that much information shared regarding matters of national interest.

“The thing about us is not just consistency and action, or consistency in policy; we have maintained our policy postures that we took in opposition. We didn’t drift with the wind, so the same positions we had then, because we had taken studied positions on these matters, we have pursued these in government,” he said.

Dr. Jagdeo added: “We argued about that, although the contract was very flawed, and we pointed out every single area in which the contract was flawed, and we dedicated ourselves to fixing this in a new PSA, which we have done now. We said, although flawed, we will not renegotiate the contract, and we gave a reason in opposition. And we continue to give a reason today, why. And you can go back and find evidence of this, if you review the press conferences from the opposition. So, we’ll continue having these press conferences.”

On the topic of the Opposition’s relationship when it comes to policy-making, Dr. Jagdeo brought to light some comments made by Opposition parliamentarian, Roysdale Forde on the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

He then blasted Forde for not reviewing the contract since 2016, especially since he is an attorney-at-law, and is even contending to be leader of the People’s National Congress-Reform (PNC-R).

“For a party that signed the contract when they were in government years ago, and for a person who is contending to be the leader of that party, who is a lawyer, a Senior Counsel at that, and can’t even give a studied response to elements of the

contract…,” he highlighted.

Dr. Jagdeo said: “We reviewed it in opposition and pointed out the things that we wanted changed. We changed them in the PSA, and said we would not renegotiate the contract.”

While the discovery of oil was made during the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)’s watch, it was under the APNU+AFC that the PSA was signed.

In the 2016, PSA fiscal terms, the royalty was a mere two per cent, while the recoverable cost oil was 75 per cent.

Notably, there was also a US$18 million signing bonus that the APNU+AFC received from ExxonMobil, which was not made public until the then government came under intense criticism.

The funds were deposited into a Bank of Guyana (BoG) account before being moved into the Consolidated Fund.

However, under the PPP, the oil-and-gas sector has become more transparent, as the government is working to ensure that Guyanese benefit from the country’s lush oil resources.

A new PSA was also drafted, which includes a 10 per cent royalty, up from two per cent being paid by the Exxon group, a lowering of cost-recovery share for producers, and a new corporate tax.

PPP General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Demand for construction materials continues to soar

— sand, stone production increasing consistently, President Ali says

—

also highlights progress in exportation of manganese

By Naomi Parris

AFTER restarting its manganese production in 2022, Guyana has exported more than 255 tonnes of this, President, Dr Irfaan Ali said during his address on the eve of Guyana’s 58th Independence Anniversary, while addressing a mammoth gathering at the Mackenzie Stadium, Linden, Region 10.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh in 2022, had disclosed that Guyana will restart manganese exports after 54 years.

The development was seen as highly significant and came at a time when the country is diversifying its economy along more competitive lines.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali said too that there has been an increase in the demand for and production of sand and stone.

“The demand for sand and production of sand has [sic] increased by 1,222 per cent when compared to 2020 and the production of stone, quarry material has [sic] increased by more than 220 per cent

“What does this tell you? This tells you about a country that is on the rise. A country that is going through a major building phase and the rebuilding phase,” the Head of State added.

Figures provided by the Natural Resources Minister in 2021— the first year after the election of the PPP/C— showed that the production of sand surpassed 1.65 million tonnes, as compared to the 688,051 tonnes produced in 2020.

As for stone, 2021 saw a production of 853,099 tonnes, as compared to the 737,750 tonnes produced

during the same period in the previous year.

Eleven quarry licences were issued to new applicants, covering 30,737 acres

with each having a productive capacity of 150,000200,000 metric tonnes per year. Shortly after the Peo -

ple’s Progressive Party/Civic assumed office in 2020, it brought an end to what was deemed a standstill in the quarry industry, owing to

the non-granting of licences throughout the tenure of the David Granger-led government.

GNBS pushes for quality bed, breakfast facilities for ICC T20 World Cup visitors

THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is urging Bed and Breakfast Facilities to offer supplementary

accommodation services in preparation for the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup scheduled for

June 02, 2024 at the Guyana National Stadium.

According to the GNBS, the eagerly awaited ICC World Cup, along

with the recently ended Independence Weekend concerts, (which has attracted a number of visitors to Guyana) highlights the

need for additional quality accommodation facilities locally.

In order to address the shortage of hotel rooms in Georgetown and other areas, the GNBS recommends that service providers explore the option of converting their available spaces into Bed and Breakfast facilities that meet the GNBS’s National Standards.

The GNBS National Standard for Bed and Breakfast accommodation, known as GYS 514:2022Requirements for Bed and Breakfast Facilities, integrates input from multiple stakeholders, such as the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Tourism and Hospitality Association Guyana (THAG), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and various others.

Additionally, the standard outlines the minimum requirements for B&B facilities operating in Guyana to improve the quality of services to visitors who select this accommodation style.

All stakeholders in the accommodation sub-sector, specifically local Bed and Breakfast providers and potential investors, can utilise this resource.

The National Standard sets forth minimum requirements for two distinct facility categories. The following fall under the A category: In order for Bed and Breakfast estab-

lishments to be classified as Category A, they must offer self-contained double or single bedroom accommodations equipped with an air-conditioning system, ceiling fan(s), WiFi, television, and other essential amenities.

Additionally, for category B, the facility must provide a double room with adequate ventilation and either a ceiling or portable fan, without the requirement of air conditioning.

The GNBS states that enclosed in the document are considerations for room size, ensuring freedom of movement and privacy, meshed windows, fire safety, pest control, security, a parking area, a policy for payments and cancellation of reservations, and a caretaker among other requirements.

Moreover, the search to fulfil the growing need to provide quality services and comfortable accommodation to all categories of tourists and other visitors to Guyana continues to be a priority with our expanding tourism sector.

Proprietors are advised to obtain a copy of the National Standard from the GNBS. Service providers have the option to pursue the certification programme through the application form found on the GNBS’s official website: www.gnbsgy.org.

Guyana records significant reduction in child, maternal mortality

— President Ali says, emphasises plans to advance local health sector

OWING to critical investments in the health sector, Guyana has seen a significant reduction in child and maternal mortalities, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has said.

The Head of State made that disclosure on the eve of Guyana’s 58th Independence Anniversary on Saturday, while addressing a mammoth gathering at the Mackenzie Stadium, Linden, Region 10.

With the aim of improving the population’s life expectancy rate, investments are being made to modernise the healthcare system, advance public health education and collaborate with partners to develop a healthcare system that is second to none.

“The investment we

are making has also seen a reduction in child mortality. Child mortality is now 13 per every 1,000 births, when as compared to 19 in 2019.”

He added: “This is testimony; this is qualitative analysis and qualitative examples of how the policies and expenditure of the government are working to make the lives of Guyanese better.”

The Head of State further revealed that maternal mortality is at the lowest it has ever been in the history of the country.

“It is now 96 per 10,000 deliveries. [That is] 96 per 10,000 compared to 170 per 10,000 in 2017,”

Dr Ali said.

The government is placing specific emphasis on further decreasing those numbers and improving

the level of care with the construction of the Guyana Paediatric and Maternal Hospital, at Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

In 2021, it was reported that the government was examining a maternal and children’s hospital that would offer specialised care to Guyanese.

Health Minister, Dr.

Frank Anthony, had disclosed that talks were underway with bilateral partners to construct the facility.

In 2022, the sod for a EUR$149 million (GUY$31.9 billion) Paediatric and Maternal Hospital was turned.

The facility will have 256 beds, will cover

24,000 square metres gross floor area and will have an imaging suite which will include CT scans, X rays, and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning equipment.

The hospital will also have a modern laboratory which will focus on conducting sophisticated testing.

The hospital is being built by VAMED Engineering, which was appointed by the Government of Austria. Headquartered in Austria, VAMED Engineering is a global provider for hospitals and healthcare facilities.

The company has implemented more than 1,000 projects across the globe, operating in 100 countries on five continents. They have provided high-end services for more

than 820 health facilities. In Latin America and the Caribbean, they have done projects in Trinidad and Tobago, Bolivia and Haiti. The hospital in Guyana is expected to take two years to be completed.

The new facility is expected to not only serve Region Four but will be a Level Five referral centre for women and children of all regions in Guyana, who are referred for specialised healthcare not available in their region.

The three patient care groups that will be referred to the hospital will be maternal mothers, neonatal care and paediatrics.

Currently, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is Guyana’s only referral hospital.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

More infrastructural upgrades slated for Low Wood

THE village of Low Wood in Region Ten will continue to feel the government’s presence, as a slew of infrastructural interventions are in the pipeline to improve the lives of its residents.

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced these measures during a meeting with the residents on Saturday.

He said that within the next two weeks, a team will be deployed to the community to evaluate the condition of the school, and facilitate much-needed upgrades. This will include the fortification of the roof, and painting.

He added that through the Men on Mission (MOM), the school compound will also be fenced to ensure that the teachers and students feel more secure.

“We’re going to look at the stelling to see what works; what works are needed at the stelling, to have it upgraded, and to see whether there is any safety issue that we must address. So those are things we’ll do in the next two weeks. We’re [also] going to complete the furnishing of the school and

the teachers’ quarters within the next week,” President Ali informed.

The president told residents that, in the 2025 budget, allocations will be directed to procuring a boat and engine for the village. This intervention is expected to benefit the 20 children who have challenges getting

to and from school.

“We’re going to look at a sanitary block in a new budget. The other things that we’re going to ensure that you get to support your school kitchen are the two water dispensers, the fans, the projector, and the public address system,” the Head of State listed.

He further noted, “We have to get, we’ll ensure that you get one laptop computer, the flash drives, the filing cabinet, the cupboard, and the tabletop dispenser. Those are things that we’ll work on to ensure that within the next two weeks we can deliver those things to make your life easier.”

A team from the Ministry of Health will also visit the village in the new week to see what is needed to improve the health posts in terms of staffing, medication

and equipment.

“We’re going to look at ensuring that you have proper chairs, a fan, and a bed for health examination. So those are additional things that we will be looking at for you in health. The enclosure for a sitting area, we’re going to have that enclosure completed with a shed,” the president stated.

The ministry will also conduct a dental outreach in the village, and provide eye examinations to ascertain which residents can benefit from the spectacles voucher programme.

The president also encouraged the residents to expand their honey production ventures, and touted agri-tourism as another viable business venture.

Agri-tourism, which involves displaying farms and other agricultural business-

es for tourism appeal, was described as ‘low-hanging fruit’, and the president said it aligns with the national thrust to merge the two sectors to boost their development.

“This Demerara River has tremendous tourism potential. And we have to activate that potential. But we have to link tourism to something else. And one of the easiest, the lowest-hanging fruit to link tourism to here is eco-agro-based tourism, where persons can come and we can develop maybe 20 acres of orchard and people can come and have fun in the orchard. They can…pick fresh greens and vegetables and pay for the greens and vegetables. This is how you build tourism products,” President Ali said.

The village of Low Wood in Region Ten will continue to feel the government’s presence, as a slew of infrastructural interventions are in the pipeline to improve the lives of its residents

Digitalisation: It is time to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas

— FAO Director-General addresses UN Leaders Dialogue on the progress and future of digital cooperation

THE United Nations has a key catalytic role to play in leveraging the power of digital technologies, which is of utter importance particularly in rural areas, for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) QU Dongyu said today. He addressed a High-Level United Nations Dialogue on the Progress and Future of Digital Cooperation.

In his remarks, Qu noted that agriculture is one of the world’s biggest challenges, because digitally rural areas are lagging behind in any country of the world, and it is time to bridge this digital gap between urban and rural areas.

“Digitalisation is reshaping our world at its very core, and is having a deep impact on our societies and econo-

mies, and our mindsets,” he said stressing that digitalisation may have a significant positive effect on agri-food systems transformation to make them more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable to serve for four betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

However, he pointed out that new emerging issues related to safe and ethical use

of digital agriculture should be taken into consideration. This is crucial “to ensure a holistic perspective and an open, free and secure digital future for all as outlined by the Global Digital Compact and other key UN-led initiatives towards which we are working together.”

The Director-General reiterated FAO’s commitment to continue working closely with all stakeholders in an efficient, effective, and coherent manner to establish

global digital ecosystem to address global challenges.

As an example of successful Artificial Intelligence (AI) joint endeavours, Qu cited the Rome Call for AI Ethics - a joint initiative led by FAO, the Pontifical Academy for Life, the Italian Government alongside with IBM and Microsoft, which aims to promote ethical use of AI technologies.

The Director-General invited all the participants to the fourth edition of the

FAO’s annual World Food Forum in October 2024. He pointed out that last year, thanks to the digital technologies and virtual participation, 65 000 people were able to attend the event and share their experiences including on AI technologies to effectively scale-up agri-food systems transformation.

Other panelists at the event included Masahiko Metoki, Director-General of the Universal Postal Union (UPU); Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO); Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR); Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE); Sameer Chauhan, Director of the United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC); Celeste Drake, Deputy Director-General of the In -

ternational Labour Organization (ILO); and Ciyong Zou, Deputy to the Director- General and Managing Director of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The discussion was moderated by Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The session was part of the UN’s World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) which brought together UN leaders to present their respective mandates within the WSIS process and their perspectives on digital for development. Through WSIS, the UN facilitates dialogues, fosters partnerships, and promotes inclusive policies to bridge the digital divide and ensure no one is left behind. (FAO)

FAO Director-General QU Dongyu speaks at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) +20 HighLevel Event - UN Leaders dialogue on the progress and future of digital cooperation in Geneva

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CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday, May 28, 2024)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) K L Rahul (LSG) & Rishbah Pant (DC) – 16 dismissals each (2) Axar Patel-13 catches (DC)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who are the IPL 2024 champions? (2) Who was voted Player of the Tournament in IPL 2024?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

McCoy replaces injured Holder in Windies T20...

From back page

international stage.

We believe he will bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the squad.”

McCoy is part of the West Indies side that leads South Africa 2-0 in a three-match, Twenty20 International warm-up series that comes to an end on Sunday and has been played exclusively at Sabina Park in the Jamaica capital of Kingston.

He was the top wicket-taker for West Indies “A” on their Tour of Nepal in April-May, when he collected eight wickets in five matches at an average of 18.

McCoy will add a tinge more experience to a pace bowling attack led by vice-captain Alzarri Joseph and Guyanese rookie Shamar Joseph, with newly crowned IPL champion, Andre Russell and fellow all-rounder Romario Shepherd for support.

CWI also named the five reserves – left-arm spinner Fabian Allen, wicketkeeper-batsman Andre Fletcher, pacer Matthew Forde, ambidextrous all-rounder Kyle Mayers, and leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr – from which Haynes and head coach Daren Sammy will choose in case of injury or exceptional circumstance.

“We are fortunate to have such depth and quality in our ranks,” said. “Our reserve players are all A-class talents who have proven their abilities in various formats of the game, but certainly T20. Each one of them is fully capable of slotting into the team seamlessly should the situation arise.”

West Indies will play in Group “C” of the World Cup with Afghanistan and New Zealand, and two ICC Associate teams – Papua New Guinea and Uganda.

Their first two matches in the tournament will be at the Guyana National Stadium, where they face the Papuans on June 2 and take on the Ugandans six days later.

The Caribbean side will complete the group stage against New Zealand on June 12 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Afghanistan five days later at the venue named after their head coach in his homeland of St Lucia.

Before the tournament, the co-hosts will face Australia this coming Thursday in an official warmup match at the Queen’s Park Oval in the Trinidad capital of Port of Spain, starting at 7 p.m. East Caribbean Time.

West Indies are a two-time champion of the tournament, having won in 2012 in Sri Lanka and 2016 in India under the leadership of Sammy and guidance of coaches Ottis Gibson and Phil Simmons.

Squad:

Rovman Powell (captain), Alzarri Joseph (vice-captain), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd. Reserves: Fabian Allen, Andre Fletcher, Matthew Forde, Kyle Mayers

Mavericks finish strongly to beat Timberwolves

THE Dallas Mavericks moved closer to the NBA Finals after beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-107 to go 3-0 up in their Western Conference Finals series.

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving scored 33 points apiece

as Dallas pulled away thanks to a 12-3 run in the last three minutes and 38 seconds. They can advance to the finals for the first time since claiming the 2011 title if they win game four in Dallas on Tuesday (01:30 BST Wednesday).

“We need one more. Nothing’s done yet,” said Slovenian star Doncic. “They have an amazing team. If we get one

more, then we get a rest.”

The Timberwolves had found themselves trailing by 12 points in the first half but an Anthony Edwards basket with 4:51 remaining in the third quarter levelled it at 77-all, the first of 10 ties in the next 13 minutes.

PJ Washington edged Dallas 107-104 ahead before Doncic and Irving extended their advantage and Daniel Gafford made big plays at both ends of the court.

Gafford came back into the game after back-up centre Dereck Lively II departed in the third quarter with a strained neck and he blocked Mike Conley’s lay-up attempt with 56.7 seconds left and then had a three-point play to help see his side home.

“They tried to double me the whole game, they tried to double Kyrie. That just makes us better,” added Doncic, who also had seven rebounds, five assists and five steals.

“Everybody touches the ball, everybody makes plays. That’s what helps us win. We come down to the stretch and we execute.”

In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics lead the Indiana Pacers 3-0 with game four taking place in Indianapolis on Monday (01:00 BST Tuesday).

ENGLAND all-rounder Will Jacks says his experience playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been “perfect preparation” for the T20 World Cup.

Jacks, 25, is set to feature in his first global tournament for England off the back of making his debut in the IPL, which is widely considered the best franchise league in the world.

He played eight times for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and hit an unbeaten 41ball century in a winning run chase against Gujarat Titans as his side recovered from a poor start to reach the play-offs.

Jacks left the tournament early to join England, whose preparation for the T20 World Cup is limited.

They have only played 13 T20s since winning the tournament in Australia in November 2022.

They are in the middle of a four-match series against Pakistan but the opening game was rained off, while Tuesday’s match in Cardiff may also be affected by bad weather.

“It [the IPL] was perfect preparation,” Jacks, who made his 12th England T20

Sunil Narine’s overall performance earned him 431.5 MVP points, putting him well ahead of second-placed Virat Kohli (315.5 points) and third-placed Travis Head (274 points)

KOLKATA Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Sunil Narine was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Indian Premier League 2024, marking a historic third time he has won the prestigious award.

The former West Indies cricketer played a pivotal role in KKR’s emphatic victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL final on Sunday, May 26, when he celebrated his 36th birthday.

Narine’s stellar performance throughout the season was a key factor in KKR’s success. He scored 488 runs at an average of 37.07 and an impressive strike rate of 179.85. With the ball, the 36-yearold off-spinner took 17 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of

Will Jacks averages 18.16 in 12 T20s for England

appearance in Saturday’s 27-run win, told BBC Sport.

“It was amazing. I think everything that happens there with the crowd, the atmosphere, obviously the attention, it was completely different to anything I’ve experienced before but it felt great preparation.

“Going into that game at Edgbaston [on

Birthday boy Sunil Narine becomes IPL’s MVP for record third time after KKR’s triumph

6.90. Additionally, his fielding contributions were significant, with seven catches and three run-outs.

“The feeling is overwhelming and I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday gift. I am enjoying my cricket at the moment -- batting, bowling and fielding. What helps is when the team is winning,” Narine said after receiving the MVP award.

Narine’s overall performance earned him 431.5 MVP points, putting him well ahead of second-placed Virat Kohli (315.5 points) and thirdplaced Travis Head (274 points). The Trinidadian previously clinched the award in 2012 and 2018. He is also the first player to win the IPL three times.

The MVP award, formerly known

Saturday], I didn’t feel really nervous to be honest. Obviously playing for England is unbelievable but I didn’t feel like an extra surge of pressure or expectation.

“I think from what I’ve experienced over the last two months, it kind of came naturally to me and I felt very comfortable with it and the IPL helped.

Every game has got such an onus on it and the expectation of the fans and the crowd, it’s all there.”

Jacks has been a regular at the top of Surrey’s side in the T20 Blast and impressed in T20 franchise leagues in Australia, Pakistan and South Africa.

He has struggled to nail down a regular spot in international cricket due to the depth of the talent pool, but feels his role is now clearly defined ahead of travelling to the Caribbean.

“I know I’m going to bat number three now so it’s something I’ve got my head around over the last six months,” said Jacks.

“We’ve got two great openers who are going to set the platform and whatever situation I come in at I’ve got to be ready for

as the Player of the Tournament, was renamed in 2013. It is awarded based on a player’s performance across various metrics, including runs, wickets, boundaries, catches, runouts, and dot balls. The calculation is as follows: 3.5 points for each wicket and six hit, 2.5 points for each boundary, catch, run-out, and stumping, and one point for each dot ball bowled.

Narine’s unprecedented third MVP win highlights his all-around abilities and consistency over the years, cementing his status as one of the IPL’s greatest players. As KKR celebrates their triumph, Narine’s remarkable season stands as a testament to his enduring skill and dedication to the game. (Sportsmax)

- Jacks

that - and that’s all been part of the learning curve.

“I feel much more comfortable now than I did in November in the Caribbean, and hopefully that will just keep growing. The more experiences I get there, the better I will come at it.”

Jacks said he “learned a lot” by batting at three for RCB with “different conditions and coming in at different times during the game” aiding his development.

He is also a useful off-spinner and that may be a crucial asset for England with pitches in the Caribbean likely to aid slow bowling.

“I do [expect to bowl],” said Jacks. “I’ll be ready, I’ve done my work. I’ll be preparing like every other bowler and I’ll be ready if needed.

“I’m really excited. I’ve dreamed of this obviously since I was a little boy and I’ve missed out on the last few which hurt me a little bit.

I really wanted to be there and I’m really excited for this and hopefully we’ll go there and win it.” (BBC Sport)

Luka Doncic was the match-winner for Dallas in game two of the series.

Nadal loses on possible French Open farewell

RAFAEL Nadal’s return to the French Open -- and possible farewell -- ended at the first hurdle as the 14-time winner lost to Alexander Zverev.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion was beaten 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 by the in-form German fourth seed.

Nadal has become synonymous with Roland Garros but, in front of a partisan crowd, he could not replicate the level which has made him almost unbeatable on the Paris clay.

The 37-year-old indicated when he missed last year’s French Open that the 2024 season could be his final one on tour.

He has also said he does not know if this will be his final time at the clay-court major - but it remains a “big chance” it will be.

Nadal arrived on Court Philippe Chatrier - the scene of many of the finest moments of his career - to a thunderous reception from a packed stadium.

While nowhere near his scintillating best, the former world number one showed flashes of the brilliance that has made him so loved, but not enough to stringently test Zverev.

It was only Nadal’s fourth defeat in 116 singles matches at Roland Garros and Zverev became the third man - after Robin Soderling in 2009 and Novak Djokovic in 2015 and 2021 - to beat him there.

“I don’t know if it’ll be the last time I’m going to be here in front of you. If it is I have enjoyed it,” Nadal said in an on-court speech.

“The crowd have been amazing the whole week. For me it’s so special to feel the love of the people the way I have felt.”

With some fans crying in the stands, Nadal departed to another standing ovation as the crowd showed their appreciation for the tournament’s finest champion.`

Nadal falls short after tough draw

Anticipation for Nadal’s return had been frenzied all day, with fans of the iconic champion – easily identified by Spanish red and yellow flags and ‘Gracias Rafa’ T-shirts – milling around the arena as soon as the gates opened.

After a dismal defeat by Hubert Hurkacz in Rome last month, Nadal had not even been sure if he would be ready to compete here.

In a bullish pre-tournament news conference, he said he quickly found the motivation to return and felt his practice session showed he could “play against anyone”.

Practice is very different to a match, of course. Nadal knew that and knew he faced a monumental task against Zverev.

With the 275th-ranked Nadal unseeded at Roland Garros for the first time, having barely played because of injury in the past

18 months, it left him vulnerable to facing a leading player when the draw was made.

Zverev is considered one of the finest players not to have won a major title and, being a strong clay-courter, stands a good chance of finally joining the pantheon of Grand Slam winners over the next fortnight.

He reached the 2022 French Open semi-finals, retiring against Nadal after a nasty fall which led to a serious ankle injury, and tuned up this year by winning the Rome title earlier this month.

The way in which the 27-year-old played against Nadal reiterated why he is among the favourites.

Zverev has insisted a court case over domestic abuse allegations will not distract him. Zverev has denied the charges, with a hearing set to begin on Friday in Germany.

In a bullish pre-tournament news conference, he said he quickly found the motivation to return and felt his practice session showed he could “play against anyone”.

Practice is very different to a match, of course. Nadal knew that and knew he faced a monumental task against Zverev.

With the 275th-ranked Nadal unseeded at Roland Garros for the first time, having barely played because of injury in the past 18 months, it left him vulnerable to facing a leading player when the draw was made.

Zverev is considered one of the finest players not to have won a major title and, being a strong clay-courter, stands a good chance of finally joining the pantheon of Grand Slam winners over the next fortnight.

He reached the 2022 French Open semi-finals, retiring against Nadal after a nasty fall which led to a serious ankle injury, and tuned up this year by winning the Rome title earlier this month.

The way in which the 27-year-old played

against Nadal reiterated why he is among the favourites.

Zverev has insisted a court case over domestic abuse allegations will not distract him. Zverev has denied the charges, with a hearing set to begin on Friday in Germany.

\How the match unfolded

An ominous start for Nadal saw Zverev break in the first game of the match, with a poor drop shot into the net and a double fault from the Spaniard heavily contributing.

Each mistake by Zverev early on was cheered by the pro-Nadal crowd and, after saving two break points for a 3-1 lead, the German exerted his control before breaking again for the set.

Nadal, playing with more aggression and intensity, raised hopes again by moving into a 4-2 second-set lead.

But as quickly as belief increased, Zverev took it away.

The Olympic champion remained composed, upping his level in the 10th game to break back with some precise ball-striking.

The gravitas of the occasion was illustrated by Nadal’s great rival Djokovic, along with defending women’s champion Iga Swiatek and Wimbledon men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz, sitting in the stands to watch.

Like the second set, they watched Nadal move a break up in the third before buckling again under more pressure as Zverev stormed back from 2-1 down to 4-3 in front.

Nadal, as he has always done in his illustrious career, refused to give up and created two break points in the eighth game, but Zverev came through in a strong finish.

“The first round wasn’t the ideal one, but I was competitive, I had my chances,” said Nadal.

“But it was not enough against a great player.”(BBC Sport)

Daren Sammy lauds West Indies’ dominant 3-0 series win over South Africa

WEST Indies white-ball coach Daren Sammy hailed his team’s performance after they passed their South Africa test with flying colours, culminating in a dominant eight-wicket victory at Sabina Park on Sunday.

This win sealed a clean sweep of the three-match T20 International series, setting a positive tone for their final preparations ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, which begins on June 1.

The West Indies secured their series victory with a comprehensive performance on Sunday, chasing down South Africa’s target of 164 with 6.1 overs to spare. This win followed earlier victories on Thursday, May 23, by 28 runs and on Saturday, May 25, by 16 runs. The series was characterised by consistent team efforts, despite the absence of key players such as Rovman Powell, Nicholas Pooran, Shai Hope, Andre Russell, and Alzarri Joseph.

In the series finale, South Africa posted 163-8 from their 20 overs, with captain Rassie van der Dussen top-scoring with 51 off 36 balls. Debutant Wiann Mulder contributed a solid 36. The West Indies’ bowling attack was led by Player of the Series Gudakesh Motie, who took 2-21, supported by Shamar Joseph’s 2-26 and Obed McCoy’s 3-39.

The West Indies’ chase was spearheaded by an explosive opening partnership of 92 runs in just 6.4 overs between Johnson Charles and interim captain Brandon King. Charles, who was named Player of the Match for his blistering 69 off 26 balls, batted at a strike rate of 265, while King added 44 from 28 balls. Kyle Mayers (36 not out) and Alick Athanaze (6 not out) comfortably saw the hosts over the finish line.

Coach Darren Sammy, who led the West Indies to T20 World Cup victories in 2012 and 2016, praised his team’s all-around

performance. “With the players that we had, we executed quite well,” he told Sportsmax. TV. “We were put under pressure in the Power Play in the second game but the way the guys responded and won convincingly; we got tested in the three departments – in

the field, with the bat, and the ball – and the way the guys responded was just really good, so I would give them a nine (out of 10).”

Charles expressed satisfaction with his performance after struggling in the first two matches. “It was great. We have been working hard during the camp and in the series. Worked hard on our skills leading up to the World Cup, just enforcing the basics. Tried in the first two games, didn’t work out but came today (Sunday). It’s all about building confidence,” he said.

Stand-in captain Brandon King also shared his delight at leading the team to a commanding series win. “[I was] happy with my own performance,” he remarked. “Would’ve liked to carry my bat through to the end though. We understand each other’s games, playing a few years together. [This was] an important 3-0 win.”(Sportsmax)

Rafael Nadal lost in the French Open singles for only the fourth time in 116 matches.

West Indies white-ball coach Daren Sammy

Australia down to nine players for T20 World Cup warm-ups

...Those who appeared late into the IPL have been given a short time at home before heading to the West Indies

AUSTRALIA will be significantly shorthanded for their two T20 World Cup matches with players who were involved late into the IPL given the chance for a short break at home before heading to the Caribbean.

They are set to have just nine players available for the match against Namibia on Tuesday (Wednesday morning Australia time), with their resources further stretched by captain Mitchell Marsh not yet ready to bowl following the hamstring injury which ended his IPL. They also play co-hosts West Indies on Thursday Pat Cummins, Travis Head and Mitchell Starc were involved in the IPL final on Sunday and will briefly return to Australia before joining the World Cup squad. Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green, who were part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s run to the playoffs, are also spending time at home.

Those five are due to arrive when the Australia squad reaches Barbados ahead of their first group match against Oman on June 5. Marcus Stoinis has also yet to arrive in the Caribbean.

“It’s important to be flexible,” Marsh told cricket.com.au. “Guys have been at the IPL.

They’ve been playing a lot of cricket so we’ve prioritised giving them a couple of days at home, see their family, refresh and play the long game for this tournament. We’ll get to our 15 eventually but it’s really important that we give them a break, even if it’s [just] a couple of days at home.”

It means that Australia will likely need to call on members of the coaching staff

to field during the warm-up matches if they want a full complement. Brad Hodge has joined the support staff for this tournament while head coach Andrew McDonald, national selector George Bailey and assistant coach Andre Borovec could also be called in.

Daniel Vettori, another assistant coach, will also be part of the group after the IPL where he has been head coach

of Sunrisers Hyderabad, but would not be eligible to field in warm-up matches with those used having to come from the country involved.

Marsh, who will captain Australia in a global event for the first time, was confident of being able to play both warm-up matches as a batter, despite a slower-than-expected recovery from the hamstring injury he picked up playing for

Delhi Capitals.

“I’m just ticking off the last few things I need to tick off to be fit and available,” he said. “All went well today. It’s been progressively slow but finally getting there now and looking forward to getting stuck into the tournament.

“Initially we thought it was a three-weeker, but with tendons they can take a little bit longer and you sort of have to go on feel. Once I was ruled out of the IPL we’ve certainly taken our time to get it right and I feel lucky I’ve had that bit of extra time, a little bit of time at home to refresh and like all the others who have arrived today I’m raring to go.”

Some teams have opted out of practice matches altogether but Australia’s two warm-ups will carry significance for those players coming from the off-season -- Adam Zampa, Josh Inglis, Josh Hazlewood and Ashton Agar -- and those like Matthew Wade and Nathan Ellis who did not feature much for their IPL sides. David Warner, whose international career will come to a close at the World Cup, is also coming into the tournament after a lean IPL and having suffered a hand injury.

“He [Warner] didn’t really hit scores, and then he got a nasty hit on his hand. Basically, had the worst bone bruising and his contusion on the back of his hand that he’s ever seen,” Ricky Ponting, Delhi Capitals’ head coach, told the ICC review.

“He’s a feisty little competitor that once the World Cup comes around, he hits the Australian colours back on again, then I’ve got no real concerns about him.”(ESPN Cricinfo)

THE Toucan-Kraft Mac and Cheese Junior skill level squash tournament is scheduled to commence today at the Georgetown Club Squash Courts on Camp Street from 17:00hrs with 11 matches.

According to Chairman of Tournaments, Deje Dias, the Junior Casa tournament is set for BVI this July and the players have been training for eight consecutive weeks with a five-day training regimen.

“The Kraft Mac and Cheese tour-

nament serves as critical match practice for the Caribbean Championships and intends to simulate a high- pressure test to give our juniors battle experience with other players at their level.

It provides necessary match practice. It also has implications for national ranking. For even though the team is set for BVI all matches are data to make team decisions. But it is mostly for their development” posited Dias

The hard-working Dias who is also a player, noted that the Toucan - Kraft Mac and Cheese have been avid supporters of the squash community since he was a child.

“This tournament has been held for over 20 years when it was called Kool-Aid.

Toucan - Kraft we are so grateful to have you all as a supporter of Squash in Guyana” concluded Dias who is the son of Masters player, Dennis Dias. (Sean Devers).

Mitchell Marsh is set to play just as a batter during the warm-up period•(AFP/ Getty Images)

McCoy replaces injured Holder in Windies T20 World Cup final 15

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – West Indies bid to win their third ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup and become the first team to do it on home soil hit a snag when all-rounder Jason Holder was ruled out of the tournament because of an injury.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) did not specify the injury or the length of recovery time the 32-year-old Barbadian will require, but they indicated that left-arm

fast bowler Obed McCoy will be his replacement in the final 15-member squad for the global showpiece, starting on June 1 in the Caribbean and the United States.

All the teams in the World Cup named provisional squads earlier this month and had until Saturday last to make changes, after which they will require approval from the technical committee of the tournament.

According to the CWI media release

announcing the final squad, Holder suffered the injury during his five-match stint for Worcestershire in the English County Championship in April-May.

“Jason is an experienced player in our set-up,” lead selector Desmond Haynes, the former Barbados opener and West Indies captain said.

“His absence will undoubtedly be felt both on and off the field. We look forward to having a fully fit Jason with us again

soon.”

Haynes added: “While it is unfortunate to lose a player of Jason’s calibre, we are confident in the abilities of Obed McCoy.

“Obed has shown remarkable skill and promise in his performances, and this opportunity will allow him to further showcase his talent on the S ee page 28

Allicock Guyana’s last hope as Pompey loses Olympic qualifier in Thailand

By Sean Devers

OLYMPIAN Keevin Allicock is the last of Guyana’s boxing quartet still standing and presently participating in the final Olympic Qualifiers in Thailand after Emmanuel Pompey lost to Russian Georgia Kushitashvilli yesterday.

Pompey, on the back of a successful outing when he beat Suriname’s Leandro Dongo in the GBA’s Developmental Boxing tournament last March, was no match for Kushitashvilli in their Super Heavyweight battle yesterday.

The 28-year-old Russian used his superior reach advantage and landed the harder shots, as Pompey who fights out of the Sophia-based Pompey Boxing Gym in Guyana tried the counter punch.

But it was Kushitashvilli, who has won both of his fights since turning pro in February 2022, who hurt Pompey causing the referee to stop the contest.

Berbice’s Joel Williamson, fighting in the 63.5kg class lost to three-time Olympian Mauritius' Louis Richarno Colin.

Williamson and Pompey joined fellow

Guyanese, GDF’s Desmond Amsterdam, who suffered a unanimous defeat against Christian Javier Pinales of the Dominican Republic on Saturday, with first-round losses, squashing dreams of becoming an Olympian in the Paris Olympics which starts on July 24 in France.

Allicock, who won his only pro fight and fought in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo moved one step closer to participating in his second Olympics after winning his first bout in the round of 32.

He will enter the ing against Batuhan Ciftci today in his second fight.

Keevin Allicock

Fast bowler Obed McCoy