Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 28-07-2023

Tradewinds exercise enhances military, security skills

By Naomi Parris

WITH shared interests and challenges, wider collaboration among the Caribbean’s military forces is paramount, now more than ever, Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Philips has said.

Prime Minister Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, issued the call for a collective approach to the many security threats facing the various nations, during his address at the closing ceremony of this year’s Tradewinds exercise held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

In 2022, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) identified four critical common areas of security interest among the member states.

Those areas, Prime Minister Phillips said, were fire-

arms trafficking, cyber security, trafficking in persons, and maritime security.

“Many threats no longer recognise borders, which, therefore, begs the need for collaborative efforts between nations to address security challenges that transcend boundaries, such as terrorism, organised crime, cyber threats, and trafficking of illicit goods,” PM Phillips said.

He added: “The interconnectedness of the CARICOM region, therefore, means that the safety of our people is intricately linked. So, addressing these matters as a collective becomes paramount.”

It is against this backdrop that the Tradewinds exercise fits perfectly into the goals sought out by the military forces to establish effective and efficient collective approaches. He added that human rights awareness

must be embedded in these approaches.

Prime Minister Phillips: “Our security forces must work hand-in-hand with civil society, human rights organisations, and independent oversight bodies to ensure that allegations of human rights violations are thoroughly investigated and addressed.”

In creating a harmonious society, military forces, he said, must uphold human rights principles, demonstrate authentic leadership, and contribute to creating a just and harmonious society.

The Tradewinds exercise, Prime Minister Phillips said, is a reminder to troops of their responsibility to society.

He related: “The elements of human rights, and the consideration of women, peace and security within this programme is a positive sign

- PM Phillips acknowledges; advises Caribbean partners that collective action necessary to address security challenges

of a promise by our security forces to be vanguards of our safety and advocates for the protection of human rights for every individual.”

Exercise Tradewinds is a United States Southern Command-sponsored multinational Caribbean security exercise designed to expand

the region’s capability in several areas.

The exercise began on July 14, and included the

Guyana’s Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan; Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Philips; United States Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch; and the General and Commander Laura J. Richardson of United States Southern Command (Adrian Narine photo)

New ‘Span Nine’ to facilitate larger vessels

- as Demerara Harbour Bridge opened six hours ahead of schedule

successful reopening

STRATEGIC planning and efficient coordination from several stakeholders and agencies over the past three days resulted in the successful reopening of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), six hours ahead of the scheduled timeframe.

The DHB was expected to be closed for three days from 23:59hrs on July 24, 2023, to 23:59hrs on July 27, 2023 to facilitate the replacement of Span Nine and other routine maintenance.

During a media update on the eastern half of the bridge, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is performing the duties of President, reminded those present that the DHB is one of Guyana’s main transportation links, and that as such it was critical that all works were completed within a short period of time to ensure that commuters were able to return to some normalcy.

It was also important

so that goods and services could reach Guyanese who reside on the western and hinterland half of the Demerara River.

“It's not only connecting people living in Region Three; people in [other regions], they move to Parika, and then they move through Region Three, and then they come across the bridge to get into town to do their business,” Prime Minister Phillips said.

In order for critical maintenance to be done, there had to be some disruptions; however, the Prime Minister said that the various personnel, engineers, contractors, law enforcement officers, and other officials ensured that there were little to no severe inconveniences reported within the period that works were being done.

approach. Equally, what was important was the communication aspect; the manner in which we communicated. Guyanese were alerted about this project, and the necessity to get it done at a time long before the actual closure,” he said.

CONTINUED SERVICING

While a new Demerara River crossing is under construction, and is slated to be completed by December 2024, Prime Minister Phillips said continued maintenance will be carried out on the existing bridge.

“Until we complete the other bridge that was promised in our Manifesto, we have to keep this bridge serviceable; we have to keep this bridge operational,” he related.

Regarding the efficiency

examining the possible inconveniences, the workplan was narrowed down to three days.

“Between 11:30 hrs and 1 o’clock today, marine traffic flowed, and we were able to get vessels both in and

interrupted, and we were able to finish six hours ahead of time.”

With the new span in place, the bridge will now be able to retract wider to allow for the passage of larger vessels.

“Before the replacement of Span Nine, we only had an opening of about 54 meters. And now, with the new Span Nine, we gone up 70 meters. We have been able to get back the full opening,” Minister Edghill said.

Further, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar said the retraction was successfully tested at 1:00 am, and there was another at 11:00hrs to allow six vessels to pass; four south-bound and two heading north.

to position the cable wheel, which would move the hydraulic cable, along with the cabinet, which contains all controls for the hydraulics of the bridge.

With the opening of the bridge once more to vehicular and passenger service, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) wishes to advise commuters that the water taxi service at the DHB will have been terminated as of 18:00hrs on Thursday evening.

of the recent works, Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill said that the project was initially slated to last one week, but after

out,” he said, adding:

“Everybody worked; nobody was injured. We had good weather; we weren’t

On Tuesday, the first day of closure, works scheduled for 06:00hrs were done at around 04:30hrs instead, giving the contractor an advantage.

After the span was put in place, engineers were able

However, the service operating between Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and Wales, on the West Bank Demerara (WBD) was allowed to continue until 20:00hrs that night, while the Stabroek to Vreed-enHoop service remained uninterrupted throughout the night.

Water taxis operating between Stabroek and Vreed-en-Hoop will resume regular hours of operation, 05:30hrs to 20:00hrs from today, July 28, 2023.

Tradewinds exercise enhances...

FROM PAGE 2

participation of 21 partner nations, three allied nations and several regional organisations in its 38th edition.

MOST EXTENSIVE

Meanwhile, in delivering brief remarks, General Laura J. Richardson, Commander of United States Southern Command, disclosed that for years, the Tradewinds exercise has been one of the most extensive ones held in this region.

“We have gathered to build nation capacity, strengthen partnerships, improve interoperability, and promote human rights.

Tradewinds is a multi-domain multi-dimensional exercise and it's no small task to put this exercise together,” Commander Richardson said.

This year's exercise saw over 1,500 personnel improving their skills in maritime interdiction, inter-agency collaboration, cyber operation training, small unity infantry tactics and humanitarian assistance, and disaster response training track with a simulated oil spill and catastrophic

flooding exercise.

“Each of you wears a flag on your uniform. But when you gather all those lives together, they formed another team called team democracy and this team is committed to working across all domains to ensure a free secure and prosperous Western Hemisphere for our generation and generations to come,” the US Commander said as she congratulated the troops on a successful exercise.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s

Chief of Staff, Omar Khan expressed his pleasure with the performance of the Guyanese ranks in this year's exercise.

Khan said: “I am proud of the remarkable display of cooperation, dedication and resilience executed by everyone who participated. Over these past few weeks, we witnessed an extraordinary demonstration of teamwork, professionalism and camaraderie among the troops are all over priorities.”

Some 21 troops participated in this year’s exercise

“What was important was the coordination of all the agencies involved in what we would call a multi-agency or inter-agency

- authorities say collaborative, strategic planning among stakeholders resulted in

The team which was responsible for the replacement of the Demerara Harbour Bridge’s Span Nine

Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill and Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips addressing stakeholders on Thursday

Guyana aims for expansion of investment portfolio with China

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali, during an interview on Thursday while on his one-week visit to China, said that every avenue is being explored in order to find ways in which collaboration between China and Guyana can be expanded, and there can be a wider investment portfolio.

“What I expect is really an expansion, because we already have a lot going on between China and Guyana, and we want to build on that and expand on that, and strengthen our relationship…” the President said during an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).

He added: “China and Guyana share a very impressive relationship; we recently celebrated our 50th Anniversary,” noting that China has played a significant role in Guyana’s socio-economic development.

Highlighting Guyana’s diversity and the growth of

Chinese culture in Guyana, he also remarked: “So, Chinese make up an important component of who we are as a people.”

The Head of State said, too, that his government is also working with China to develop a top-of-the-line healthcare system within Guyana.

He mentioned, too, that China remains a partner at a time when Guyana is undergoing a major transformational shift, and the nation is building on three important pillars: Energy, climate and food security.

Given Guyana’s newfound oil wealth, President Ali said that his government is working hard to create a framework to ensure that prosperity emerges.

Bilateral trade between Guyana and China had increased from US$265 million in 2018 to US$1.88 billion in 2022, a strong indication of how the two nations’ historic relationship has grown tremendously

- President Ali says

over the past years.

This was according to China’s Ambassador to Guyana Guo Haiyan, during her remarks at a previous sod-turning ceremony for the $6.6 billion regional hospital at Plantation Bath, West Coast Berbice.

“In recent years, China-Guyana trade and economic co-operation has been steadily advancing…,” she said, adding that the impact will enhance the well-being of both Guyanese and Chinese.

She then went on to say: “Guyana has become China’s largest trading partner among [Caribbean Community] CARICOM countries.”

The Ambassador then affirmed that China is willing to further enhance bilateral co-operation in various fields, in order to foster growth in both nations. China and Guyana officially established diplomatic ties in 1972.

Under political relations, there have been interactions between leaders of the two countries at different times. China has assisted Guyana with a

number of infrastructural projects, including the construction of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

Under healthcare, Guyana has benefitted from being the first Caribbean country to receive COVID-19 vaccines donated by the Chinese Government, while the

Chinese Medical Brigade has been coming to Guyana since 1993, following the establishment of a Medical Cooperation Agreement between the two countries on May 26, 1993.

In the area of capacity building, the Chinese Government has offered a number of scholarships

and training courses to Guyanese at leading universities in China.

Moreover, the government has signed contracts with China’s Sinopharm International for the construction of six new regional hospitals in various parts of the country, including the one in Plantation Bath.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali was on Thursday accorded a red-carpet welcome by government officials of Chengdu, the largest city in Sichuan, and the sixth largest in China (Office of the President photo)

Multifaceted team to be deployed to assess issues at Chinese Landing

By Trina Williams

FOLLOWING a decades-old mining issue at Chinese Landing, Tassawini Village Council, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday, during a press conference, said that a multifaceted team will be deployed to the village to discuss the way forward.

According to Dr. Jagdeo, the government is working to resolve the issue, although it poses a challenge, since they also have to be respectful of

the ruling issued by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in 2017.

“We are going to, once again, send in another team to visit the area, and that would be a multifaceted team dealing with environment [and] social issues, mining rights, everything, to meet with the community, and then prepare a report,” he said, adding that the findings will be submitted to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

During discussions with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission

(GGMC), Dr. Jagdeo said it was revealed that the situation is complicated, since there is no consensus within the village. He said that while some villagers have no issue with the mining, others do.

He also pointed out that there are illegal mining operations within the area, and it is not even the company that took Guyana to court. In response to this, Dr. Jagdeo said the illegal miners will be penalised.

“We believe that any transgressions there of a social, environmental mining nature should be

penalised heavily,” he said.

According to a ruling issued by the CCJ in

2017, which overturned a decision made by the Court of Appeal here, the GGMC had no authority

to order Wayne Vieira, in November 2010, to cease all work at his Chinese Landing operation, in spite of having a mining permit to do so.

The ruling stated that the CCJ’s decision rests on the fact that Vieira had no agreement with the Chinese Landing-Tassawini Village Council in Region One at the time the Cease Work Order (CWO) was issued.

As such, what the CCJ’s ruling has done is to effectively restore an earlier High Court decision, and award Vieira costs to this effect.

Close to 50 Lindeners receive steel, cement subsidies

- Blueberry Hill residents move one step closer to receiving land transport after signing agreements of sale

AS part of the government’s support for homebuilders, close to 50 persons residing in Linden, Region 10 received their steel and cement subsidies on Thursday to commence construction of their homes.

The distribution exercise was held at the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School, during an outreach led by the Ministry of Housing and Water-Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

Persons constructing homes costing $6 million or less, will be given the steel needed and one sling of cement for construction of foundations. For homebuilders spending $6 million to $25 million, the government will provide two slings of cement.

Several beneficiaries commended the administration’s timely distribution of the vouchers, which will help to fast-track their construction process.

Clorene Bowen speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI) expressed, “It has been years since I have received my land. And so, I’m happy today to be given some assistance and be able to start [construction] in the near future. So, I’m happy for the help right now.”

Mother of three, Julissia Whinfield, could not contain her happiness, when she finally received the call to receive her cement and steel voucher.

Whinfield said, “I feel great because it’s a real start for me… Every day, I think

about living in my own house… It will be a new environment and a great opportunity for my children to live in their own house.”

Meanwhile, 47-year-old teacher, Pamela Pellew, who resides with her mother, told the DPI she feels extremely independent since the voucher is a stepping stone towards getting her own house.

“As a teacher, I find it difficult to find the money or means to start. I’m very relieved that I can now go ahead and proceed to the bank to get a loan…Teaching or working for so long and still living with my mother at

this age is not nice,” Pellew pointed out.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, underscored that the programme has been progressing well, as it continues to cushion infrastructural costs for homebuilders.

The programme, which was announced by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali in July 2022, is among many policies implemented by the government to provide support for homebuilders, while improving their livelihoods.

Meanwhile, informal settlers residing at Blueberry

Hill (North), Linden, Region 10, signed their Agreement of Sale, on Thursday, also at the outreach at the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School.

Several residents shared their excitement and relief, as they are one step closer to receiving their land transport.

Mark Grenville, whose house was built 35 years ago, said he is grateful and jubilant for the opportunity to receive the agreement.

“I came home and decided that I had to get somewhere for my young family to live… I’m very thankful to the President Ali-led administration and the ministry,”

Grenville said.

Even though Grenville had waited a while for the document to be processed, he remained optimistic.

“Today, I can say that patience is a virtue. I’m about to receive my land title. I can rest assured that if I close my eyes tomorrow, my kids wouldn’t have to fight to get this piece of land because it’s in my name,” the elated father shared.

Olive Gillette applauded the government for its intervention. “It’s a long time because since 1992 we got the land here. I feel happy because I’m the owner of the land.”

Michelle Mansfield has been residing in the area for some 22 years.

Mansfield stated that, “I waited a very long time. I was kind of impatient but then, the day has finally come and I’m so happy, whereby sooner I will have my title for the land where I’m residing.”

Minister Rodrigues said that the regularisation of areas where residents can receive their titles is in keeping with ‘Operation Clear-Up.’ The programme which was launched by President, Dr Irfaan Ali seeks to handle unresolved regularisation issues countrywide.

PPP General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

As part of the government’s support for homebuilders, close to 50 persons residing in Linden, Region 10, received their steel and cement subsidies on Thursday to commence construction of their homes

Skills, Coordination and Execution

IN a remarkable display of efficiency and collaboration, the replacement of span nine of the Demerara Harbour Bridge was concluded six hours ahead of the scheduled reopening. This noteworthy achievement serves as a testament to the determination and synchronised efforts of all stakeholders involved in this critical infrastructural project.

The successful completion of the span nine replacement is significant since persons are heavily reliant on the bridge for both commute and the transportation of goods, among other things.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge stands as a lifeline for commuters and businesses, facilitating the smooth flow of goods and people between the eastern and western shores of the Demerara River. As one of the country's most vital transportation arteries, its uninterrupted operation is paramount to maintaining economic stability and social cohesion.

The expedited completion of the replacement project is a commendable feat, showcasing the prowess of the involved agencies, contractors, and engineers. The smooth coordination and collaboration among these stakeholders

deserve admiration; this includes the service provided by operators of river taxis and the work of MARAD to ensure that all systems remained effective and efficient.

This achievement underscores the potential that lies within Guyana's workforce and their ability to handle complex infrastructural challenges.

Timely execution of such infrastructural projects is not only a matter of convenience, but also a question of public safety.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge is subjected to constant wear and tear, making regular maintenance and timely repairs crucial

‘Monday Blues’

Dear Editor, STAND tall by staying at home is the call for next Monday’s “Day of Standstill.” Stand up and be counted is the theme and the plot is to abstain (abscond) from work. Will employees call in sick, take a one-day vacation, apply for special leave, call in an emergency, or, simply not turn up for work?

Will employers have to deal with any legal complications and/or implications regarding contracts and agreements while referring to any union agreement? Will employers turn a blind eye? Who will answer the call? Will it be a day of mourning?

Will the day be borne in black and white and go down as historical? Will there be context and content to write about? Will it be a memorable event for freedom fighters or a memorial for potential politicians?

Given Saturday and Sun-

day are regular days off, taking Monday as a day off means enjoying a four-day long weekend because the day after will be a national holiday, Emancipation Day.

How nice (convenient), or, well planned and executed? There is the popular proverb, “All work and no play, makes Jack/Jill a dull boy/girl.”

Is there anyone who needs to take boredom out of their life? Perhaps, there are few (many) who need time out to enjoy the sunshine and good weather, bask at the beach, play ball, go on a picnic, plan for a hang-over, sleep in (out) or simply enjoy a well spent four consecutive days of fun, frolic, pleasure and leisure, as they wish.

Will Monday be “D” Day when all of Guyana will allow their conscience to prick (bother) them and take cognizance of any consequence?

Or, will Monday be a marketable day for “drinks?”

to ensuring its structural integrity. By swiftly replacing span nine, the authorities have demonstrated their commitment to the safety and welfare of citizens.

Furthermore, the early completion of the replacement project serves as an excellent example for future endeavours. It emphasises the importance of meticulous planning, resource allocation, and seamless communication among stakeholders. These lessons should be remembered and applied in upcoming infrastructural projects to ensure efficient and timely execution.

While the replacement

of span nine showcases the government's commitment to maintaining the existing bridge, it is essential not to lose sight of the long-term vision for Guyana's transportation infrastructure.

The anticipation of a new Demerara River Bridge, expected to be commissioned by December 2024, is a ray of hope for further enhancing connectivity and economic growth.

As the new bridge comes to fruition, authorities must remain dedicated to proper maintenance and monitoring of the existing bridge.

Neglecting the existing Demerara Harbour

Bridge during this transitional phase would be a disservice to the nation. Preserving its operational efficiency and safety until the new bridge becomes fully operational is paramount.

It is worth noting that the replacement of span nine should be regarded as a stepping stone towards building Guyana's engineering and infrastructural capabilities. As the nation awaits completion of the new bridge, this successful project completion instills confidence in the country's ability to tackle more significant challenges.

Will waiting for “The Day Guyana Stood Still” materialise? Perhaps it will be a “Day of Music” and merriment and not musing. Guyanese at home (abroad) love to find (make) excuses in order to stay home.

Guyanese made it easy for Dave Martins to have the Tradewinds popularise, “It’s Tradition.” In Guyana, there is a saying, “anything for a song.”

Will Monday be a day when everyone ceases to move by staying indoors? In the 1951, black and white science fiction movie, “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” one day, all electrical equipment ceases to function except for essential services such as hospitals and flights in the air.

This was a peaceful demonstration of power from an alien source who was visiting earth to communicate an important message.

Will motorists stay off the

road and the streets remain as clean as a whistle? Who is listening and who will adhere to whom? What is the ultimate goal for Monday (if any) and is it purposeful (trustful)? Who is really behind the scene and is there a higher authority calling the shots?

Guyanese are no longer taken for a ride and there are no more free rides either. In America, they say, “nothing is free.” In Guyana, they say, “that will cost you.”

The chance of being gullible and/or naïve is limited and the Guyanese society is a smart one. No one wants to do anything for free and they want to know, “what’s in it for me?” Guyanese have come from a far way and still have a long way to go.

They have salvaged themselves from slavery-ship and have recouped from indenture-ship. Guyanese have negotiated their independence and have concluded with a Republican status. Guyanese have toyed with dictatorship and have enforced democracy. Guyanese have tampered

with luxury and have tasted poverty.

Guyanese have envisaged prosperity and have clamoured for peace. Guyanese have departed from the warm to arrive in the cold. Guyanese have sacrificed a bitter past to salvage a better future. Will Monday be a different day or just another day?

Is “Monday Blues” a norm or the exception in Guyana? The renowned Dr. Kaustav Sengupta, Associate Professor- NIFT, wrote,” colour association and its symbolic meaning in our lives is deeply rooted with the value (darkness) and intensity of the colour. One such example is “Monday Blues”!

A phrase, associated with the stress and inertia to join the office in the first day of work in a week….But it is fascinating to note how a colour like blue, which otherwise means kindness and empathy (in Buddhism), divinity and nature (in Hindu philosophy) and has a lot of association with mysticism can also be stereotyped with stress, fear and unwillingness to work!”

Will this stigma be taken advantage of and prevail as a cursory excuse or a default mechanism come the day after Sunday?

Guyanese often refer to the day as “dead,” in particular, the business sector, when business is bad or not booming and the absence of customers is felt at the cash register! A lot of Guyanese are already “broke” on Mondays! In Mexico, “The Day of the Dead” is a national holiday to honour those who have passed on.

This celebration usually takes place on November 1 and 2, and sometimes on October 31. The holiday is a family re-union – except dead ancestors are guests of honor. It’s a joyful time when people remember the deceased and celebrate their memory.

How will Guyana remember this July 31? Will it be a day to look forward to, or to fear, or, will it be something else other than, “The Day the Clown Cried?”

Yours Respectfully, Jai Lall.

100 migrant students benefit from ‘Big Sister Mentoring Programme’

AS part of the Ministry of Education’s efforts to integrate migrant children into the education system, the Ministry’s Welfare Unit, in collaboration with the Disaster Risk Prevention and Migrant Unit and UNICEF hosted a Big Sister Mentoring Programme.

The programme which commenced on July 10, 2023 will conclude on Friday, July 28, 2023. It is aimed at helping adolescent girls to navigate the challenges facing them living in a new country. Although the programme was intended to target young girls, a number of adolescent males showed interest in the prorgamme and participated.

Over the last few weeks, approximately one hundred migrant students from Regions Three and Four benefitted from the programme which helped them learn English. The students also engaged in arts and craft and were introduced to Guyanese culture through food, games, and socialising.

Mr Vickram Mohabir, Chief Schools' Welfare Officer, said that the goal is to ensure the migrant

children complete secondary school.

He further expressed gratitude to the teachers and students who participated in the programme. He noted that there are plans to roll out a Big Brother programme which will target adolescent boys.

The programme also saw First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali showing her support by donating personal care hampers for the young girls.

The second round

of the programme is scheduled to commence on August 15, 2023 at the Leonora Secondary School. (Education Ministry)

As part of the Ministry of Education’s efforts to integrate migrant children into the education system, the Ministry’s Welfare Unit, in collaboration with the Disaster Risk Prevention and Migrant Unit and UNICEF hosted a Big Sister Mentoring Programme

I am challenging the police to search my home

I HAVE been sitting on the pages of all the major newspapers in Guyana since October 1988. This takes me close to 35 years.

In those long years, I’ve stood alone, touching subjects, confronting issues, ruminating on topics and reflecting on odds and ends that no other Guyanese could not be bothered to pronounce on or just too inhumane to think about.

Some of these social contents in Guyanese society were so heart-breaking and sadistic that you had to be pessimistic about the human condition. I knew since I was a very small boy that people cross from the Corentyne into Suriname in a speed boat, and that was an everyday occurrence without any customs or immigration hassle.

A few years ago, I read where a teenage girl was charged for taking that ride

and was jailed. Yes, you are reading right. She was jailed for three months by a magistrate. A youth who had invaded a hotel in Number 63 village and mutilated the security guard and the owner was sentenced a few months ago by Justice Morris-Ramlall to time served for being on remand.

The time was 36 months. But this girl harmed no one. She went in search of a better life and was jailed.

I cannot say in this newspaper what I would have done if that hotelier was my father. But on the programme I own - the Gildarie-Freddie Kissoon Show - I will state this evening, what I would have done. Not one other human being wrote or said anything about how that Berbice girl was treated.

An Amerindian man found a spent shell on the roadway and was jailed by

a magistrate for two years. No one rejected that travesty. When I read about this miscarriages of justice, I immediately approached my wife about what we should do about a spent shell we had in the house that we kept for subsequent use by my daughter if she ever she decides to write my biography.

I acquired the spent shell after my home on Hadfield Street, Wortmanvile, was shot at and one of the bullets lodged in my bed head literally a few inches from my wife’s head.

I have written about this experience three times before, so I am not going to dwell on it again. It was during the time of the Buxton insanities from 2002 to 2006. I was investigating the Buxton mayhem in its entirety from the Mash 2002 jail break to the alleged involvement of the opposition

politicians from the PNC and WPA.

What I investigated, I wrote about in 20 pieces for the Kaieteur News and the Chronicle. Up to this day, I have not named names who were involved but my writings on Buxton attracted two types of reaction.

I got a libel writ from Tacuma Ogunseye which I successfully defended through my lawyer, Anil Nandlall and of course the shooting. Some person or persons tried to harm me and my family.

We kept one of the spent shells so my child could know when she grew up what her father went through in his quixotic quest for justice and freedom in Guyana.

She has grown up, but I cannot locate the shell since

I moved from Wortmanville to Turkeyen. It must be somewhere in the house, but if you could get charged and be jailed for possession of a spent shell, then, with the publication of this column, I’m inviting the police to search my home.

The Berbice girl and the Amerindian man are just the tips of the iceberg of my 35-year-old campaign to evoke a conscience in Guyanese. For doing so, I ended up being alone on my journey.

But I have endured and I will continue to write. The light sentence for the murder of that hotelier and his security guard was one of the lowest moments in my public life. Now another moment has arrived.

What goes through the mind of a human when they

hear that a mother was walking home and a degenerate rapist made a pass at her, she brushed him off and he stabbed her to death and he will serve seven and a half years in jail? That was what Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry sentenced him to.

Please see my column on Tuesday last for my analysis of this sentence and others like it.

If you did not read it, let me add that this convicted murderer has a bestial past. He was convicted for raping a 12-year-old girl and on another occasion, discharging a loaded firearm with intent to harm. How could he have been imprisoned for seven and a half years? I will tell you tonight what I would have done if that was my mother.

University of Cambridge, Ameena Gafoor Institute create visiting fellowship in indentureship studies

THE University of Cambridge, working closely with the Ameena Gafoor Institute, has created what is believed to be the first ever visiting fellowship into the study of Indentureship, the controversial system that replaced slavery in the British Empire.

According to a press release, Selwyn College has appointed Professor Gaiutra Bahadur as the first Visiting Bye-Fellow in Indentureship Studies.

Professor Bahadur is the author of Coolie Woman: The Odyssey of Indenture, which was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize.

It is a major study of the lives of Indian women who became indentured labourers to colonial plantations in the 19th century.

Selwyn College and the

Ameena Gafoor Institute

-- whose director is novelist, poet and academic Professor David Dabydeen

-- collaborated closely in setting up the programme which allows a scholar to spend eight weeks at the university, conducting research. The programme will run for an initial five years.

The study of indentureship and its legacies was one of the recom -

mendations made in the report of the Legacies of Enslavement at Cambridge Advisory Group, and it is hoped that enough funding will eventually be raised to establish a permanent Professorship in the subject, based at the university.

Professor Bahadur, who works at Rutgers University–Newark, said: “I am honoured and delighted to be the inaugural Visiting Bye-Fellow in Indenture-

ship Studies.

“When I first began doing research in this area, the funding just wasn’t there, so it was in many ways a labour of love. That’s why I’m so happy to see there’s now visibility and funding like this to help future researchers.”

Professor Dabydeen said: “The study and documentation of Indentureship is undoubtedly valuable, but it has barely been included in the history syllabi of British and European

Universities – a staggering omission, considering the millions of individuals, and indeed entire cultures, irrevocably shaped by Indentureship and its legacies.

“That is why this Fellowship, and hopefully eventually establishing a Professorship, is so important. Cambridge has created an academic subject, bringing it from the margins to the very centre. I am immensely grateful to the Gafoor family in Guyana for helping to make all this

possible, and to Dr Niven Narain, the Guyana-born scientist.”

Professor Bahadur will give a public talk and questions and answers on the writing of Coolie Woman on Thursday, July 27, at Selwyn College. Her presentation will include a reading from her book and a topical conversation about her research experiences with the Master of Selwyn College, Roger Mosey.

CIOG mourns passing of its Deputy President, Goolzar Namdar

Below is the full statement from the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) on the passing of its Deputy President, Goolzar Namdar:

THE late Deputy President of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), Brother Goolzar Namdar, on the morning of July 26, 2023, died at his home in Meten Meer Zorg, West Coast Demerara

peacefully at the age of 59.

Brother Goolzar will be remembered for his kindness, humility and his service to humanity, as he served the Guyanese community and Muslims with dedication, commitment and distinction.

He was fondly called Br. Gool or Br. Namdar by many. He was the father of one son who was tragically killed a few

years ago. His beloved wife and two grandchildren remains and mourn their loss along with the CIOG’s family and his dear family and friends.

Namdar served with much pride, thought and love as the Regional Vice President for CIOG- Region Three from the year 2000 and was also elected as Deputy President in 2018 and served until

- says he will be remembered for kindness, humility

his demise.

Namdar spearheaded several projects including the construction of Meten Meer Zorg Islamic Academy which has an enrollment of 400 students, Masjid Al- Kuwait, the International Qaseeda Competition.

In addition to seasonal projects, such as Qurbani, he would also feed the fasting persons in Ramadan, engage in medical outreaches, distribute financial assistance to impoverished brothers and sisters and orphans and vulnerable children.

He was a very vi -

brant Qaseeda singer that sang in competitions both locally and internationally. The CIOG and the Muslim

community, especially the West Coast of Demerara has lost a great humanitarian, Son and Father figure.

May he forever be remembered for his love, humbleness and stalwartship to his country.

The funeral service for Br. Goolzar Namdar will be observed on Saturday, July 29, 2023 with viewing at this residence from 11:00 hours and Janaza at 15:00 hours at Meten Meer Zorg West Masjid. His body will be interred at the Meten Meer Zorg Muslim Cemetery.”

Goolzar Namdar, the Late Deputy President of CIOG

Guyana expands commitment to the preservation of human rights

- joins initiative that supports development of programmes in the Caribbean, Latin America

CHIEF of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, and US Army General Laura Richardson, Commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), on Thurs-

day, signed a Human Rights Framework committing their organisations to “human rights engagement, co-operation and integration.”

With the signing of the

framework, Guyana became the 13th nation to join SOUTHCOM’s Human Rights Initiative (HRI), which marked its 25th anniversary in December with a commemorative event hosted by

the command and attended by more than 100 representatives from Western Hemisphere militaries, governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and academia.

According to a press release from the US Embassy in Guyana, rooted in SOUTHCOM efforts to promote a culture of respect for human rights in the early 90s, the HRI was established in 1997 to bring together military, public security, government, and civil society representatives from across the hemisphere with the aim of developing comprehensive and effective human rights programmes for defence and security forces that focused on four crucial areas: Doctrine, education and training, internal control systems, and co-operation with civilian authorities.

In 2002, with input from more than 30 democratic countries and human rights experts from academia, as well as international and non-government organisations (NGOs), the HRI contributed to the development of a Consensus Document on human rights that currently serves as a human rights model.

Under the Human Rights Framework and through membership in the HRI, the GDF formalises its intent to implement the Consensus Document with support from SOUTHCOM’s Human Rights Office.

“Human Rights has always been a pillar of the Guyana Defence Force’s operational and administrative mandate and is reflected in its values and standards. The opportunity to sign on to the re-

gional initiative demonstrates the GDF’s commitment to the principles and promotion of human rights. The GDF continues to improve its awareness of and respect for human rights,” the press release stated.

Through its Human Rights Office, SOUTHCOM has previously supported the efforts of 12 countries that committed to implementing human rights programmes in their defence or public security institutions, including the Dominican Republic, which established the first Latin American military school dedicated to human rights education, as well as Colombia and Peru, which also established military schools dedicated to human rights education and training.

Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, and US Army General Laura Richardson, Commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), on Thursday, signed a Human Rights Framework committing their organisations to ‘human rights engagement, cooperation and integration’

Ten Guyanese selected for 66th Know India Programme

TEN Guyanese have been selected for the 25-daylong 66th Know India Programme organised by the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India.

Among the persons selected were: Ubraj Narine- Former Mayor of Georgetown; Mr. Latchman Mootoosammi, a technical officer of GNBS from Cummings Lodge; Ms. Keshanie Ghansiam- of FasGrafix hailing from the West Coast of Demerara; Ms. Sophia Raghunandan- fisheries officer with the Ministry of Agriculture from the Essequibo Coast; Mr. Krishna Boodram- Banking Specialist from the East Coast of Demerara; Ms. Kimberley Pyneandy- medical specialist from Georgetown; Ms. Britney Bovell- an engineer with the Ministry of Public Works from Georgetown; Mr. Rahul Singh- a teacher from Georgetown; Ms. Kameshwari Dhanrajh- a teacher from Bartica, and Ms. Marisa Ramotar- a clerical assistant with GUYSUCO from West Bank Berbice.

The 66th edition will be partnering with the tropical state of Kerala, famous for its scenic beauty, ecotourism initiatives, hill stations, backwaters, amazing beaches, and mouth-watering cuisine.

The Know India Programme (KIP) is a flagship initiative that was created for diaspora engagement to familiarise Indian-ori -

gin youth with their Indian roots.

High Commissioner, Dr KJ Srinivasa met and interacted with the participants and briefed them on the programme while urging them to make full use of the initiative to connect to their roots in India, the land of their ancestors.

The participants expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the Government of India for the opportunity they have been granted.

They also conveyed their enthusiasm to learn and explore and to experience firsthand the fastest-growing large economy in the world.

The KIP is fully funded by the Government of India. The participants will be visiting New Delhi for an orientation programme, along with visits to places of national importance, interactions with various governmental institutions such as InvestIndia, Niti Ayog, Parliament and Election Commission of India.

They will also attend India’s 77th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, visit Agra (world famous Taj Mahal), and a selected state, in this case Kerala to visit places of historical, economic, cultural, and religious significance.

Participants will be spending over a week in Kerala to experience the local water metro, Kalaripayattu (martial arts form), Cochin shipyard & southern Naval Command Centre,

Onam Celebrations, travel by house boats and visits to the Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Kottapuram Fort, Kumarakom bird sanctuary and the Nehru boat race event among other experiences.

They will also meet and interact with influencers, leaders and various department officials to get an overview of the Indian economy, society, ongoing growth and development initiatives, etc.

This programme is organised for Persons of Indian Origin/Indian Diaspora youth between the age group of 18-30 years, from Girmitiya countries (e.g. Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, South Africa and Jamaica).

The minimum qualification that is required for participating in KIP is graduation from a recognised university /institute or enrolled for graduation and ability to speak in English.

The applicant should not have visited India through any previous programme of Government of India. Those who have not visited India before will be given preference.

The High Commission of India urges eligible candidates to be on a look out for the next upcoming KIP, updates will be posted to the mission’s website at: https://www. hcigeorgetown.gov.in/ & Facebook at: https:// www.facebook.com/indiainguyana.

HC with 66th KIP participants

North Ruimveldt Secondary School on course for October completion

THE construction of a new three-storey building to house the North Ruimveldt Secondary School, is on track for the scheduled October 2023 completion date, Minister Education Priya Manickchand has said.

The school was destroyed by a fire on of electrical origin in 2021, causing hundreds of students to be displaced temporarily.

Commenting on the efforts to rebuild a permanent structure to house those students, Minister Manickchand said: “It (the construction of the North Ruimveldt Secondary School) is going well, to be able to be completed on time.”

In August 2022, the Ministry of Education signed a $566.9 million contract for reconstruction of the school.

The new building is being constructed by Kares Engineering. Once completed,

the building will be equipped with science and information technology laboratories and modern classrooms to house 450-500 students.

When the contract was signed, it was announced that

the building is slated to be completed within 14 months.

The minister, in 2022, also issued a stern warning to contractors undertaking education-related projects across the country.

“When contractors fail to do what they’re supposed to do, at the quality they’re supposed to do it, children suffer,” Manickchand said.

She added: “I’m going to be harsher and more vigilant

on delivery and that will see us doing things like apply liquated damages because people suffer when we don’t get these schools ready, when they’re not done to specs.”

Minister Manickchand

told the contractors that education projects should not be looked at as just another job because if projects are not up to standard or are not completed, children are left to suffer.

Works are progressing on the North Ruimveldt Secondary School (Adrian Narine photos)

Ghanian Afro-beats star to headline Emancipation celebrations

— event to also feature award-winning reggae band, Morgan Heritage

LIVINGSTONE

Etse

Satekla, better known by his stage name “Stonebwoy”, a Ghanaian Afropop, dancehall and reggae musician will headline this year's Emancipation Festival and concert at Guyana’s National Park, on August 1.

The yearly festivities are being organised by the African Cultural & Development Association (ACDA) and will also feature the infamous Grammy-winning family band, Morgan Heritage, alongside local performers.

The featured artiste, Stonebwoy is also an

actor and has been featured in several movies. He is known for his rhythmic mixes of West African and Caribbean style-like beats.

One of his most recent releases is described as the centerfold of African and West Indian harmonies.

He sings in Jamaican Patois (Patwa or Patwah), and is considered a "multifaceted artiste" due to the various musical styles he possesses. In 2015, he received many awards and nominations ranging from "Artiste of the Year" to "Album of the Year".

His sophomore album,

Necessary Evil, was the recipient of 3 Ghana Music Awards from 6 nominations.

He is also known for his philanthropy, having established several foundations.

This year's emancipation festivities promise to be a unique blend of activities, with pre-emancipation events being held on Main Street Avenue on July 31 along with several competitions, live performances from acrobats, poets, actors and dancers on Emancipation day.

Stonebwoy

Jamzone delegates sashed, as countdown to pageant begins!!

COME August 27th nine beauties will take the stage at this year's Miss Jamzone Pageant to compete for the coveted title as the ambassador of the country’s premier summer event.

The nine delegates, Tiseena Harry, Shequana Holder, Laquana Johnson, Aliya Wong Judell Price, Trevlind Harry, Carolann Correia, Ashanti Corlette and Rayshana Gillis were last week sashed at a small ceremony held at Herdmanston

Lodge, Georgetown.

The young women will be sponsored by Aronco, Hard Rock Cafe, Sawa Industries, Sleepys, Fireside Suites, AJM Enterprise Inc, Stove Top, Triple Ds and Star Party Rental, respectively.

This year’s coronation ceremony will be held at the Splashmin’s Resort, along the Soesdyke-Linden highway.

Looking back at the Jamzone franchise and its growth over the years, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hits

and Jams Entertainment, Rawle Ferguson, said that the event has earned the title of the ultimate Guyanese event, as it brings families together for a series of thrilling and relaxing activities.

Ferguson said that this year's event will see the executives of the franchise ‘going back to the basics’ by returning to the place where it all started 23 years ago, the Splashmin Resort.

Meanwhile, the franchise's Executive Director,

Kerwin Bollers, recalled that Jamzone is where himself and Ferguson broke into the local entertainment arena.

“One of the reasons I’m so excited about Jamzone this year is because we’re taking it back to the roots.”

This year’s summer ‘fete’ promises to be an exhilarating one, filled with nostalgia and ‘bare vibes’.

He noted that much like Hits and Jams, the Jamzone franchise has seen immense growth over the years, from

one generation to the next. He expressed his excitement that the youth of today will be able to experience Jamzone just like their parents, siblings and other family members would have in the previous years it was held.

Meanwhile, Pageant Director, Wasim Khan, urged interested persons to join the delegates on their journey to the pageant and follow them on their social media platforms. “As we return to

Splashmin to stage Jamzone, with these nine beautiful young ladies, I cannot say how proud I am of them,” Khan said.

Tickets for the event are on sale at Hits and Jams box office, Exclusive Styles, Fireside Suites, That Look Boutique, Stove Top Restaurant, Shop N Save (Stabroek), and ALL ENET locations. Persons can also get their tickets online at JAMZONE. EVENTBRITE.COM.

Madd Tea: An exotic addition to Guyana's Culinary Scene

GUYANA’S culinary landscape has been undergoing flavourful transformations over the recent years and with the local bubble tea franchise ‘Madd Tea’ introducing new international flavours, local foodies can expect a tantalizing thrill.

Established back in 2021, Madd Tea quickly soared to popularity, becoming one of the most beloved bubble tea shops in Guyana. Interestingly, the story behind the thriving establishment began with the love of coffee; however, it was believed that the country’s coffee culture was not yet mainstream.

However, Guyanese youths showed a growing interest in foreign foods and social media provided a gateway for the

franchise to break into the local market.

In 2019-2020, the small franchise dedicated its efforts to shaping Madd Tea's concept, and on November 29th, 2021, the first shop opened at Movie Towne’s, Liliendaal Georgetown.

While embracing foreign flavours, Madd Tea remains deeply rooted in its commitment to supporting the local markets. All milk used in their beverages comes from Demerara Distillers (DDL) a local distributor, and the store employs numerous Guyanese individuals, fostering growth within the community. Madd Tea also actively participates in charitable endeavours, contributing to the Guyana Cancer Society and sponsoring events that

appeal to the youth, such as the upcoming Mars Anime Convention.

Madd Tea's ever-evolving menu follows seasonal themes, providing customers with delightful surprises every few months. From the

current "Summer Ready" campaign, which has brought many new flavours to their menu, to their upcoming Halloween campaign featuring traditional pumpkin spice flavours, Madd Tea ensures its offerings align

with global trends while offering unique experiences in Guyana.

The “Barbie Frappe”, recently released in celebration of the Barbie movie, is a prime example of Madd Tea's visually appealing and creatively crafted beverages.

Quality and consistency are paramount for the franchise, which is why investments in training staff, and establishing new campaigns and menus are heavily made.

Madd Tea prides itself in providing the best quality and taste for its items by using high-quality products which they source from the same suppliers of larger franchises such as Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts. Challenges pertaining to importing ingredients

and ensuring the staff's readiness are met with dedication and perseverance.

Madd Tea prides itself on great customer service and quality.

There are talks about expanding the brand across the region, collaborating with various supermarkets to have their brand new canned iced coffees and their famous refreshers sold in stores, and even more exciting developments that are soon to come. Currently, you can find Madd Tea in popular locations such as Movie Towne, Ogle Airport, and Amazonia Mall.

Madd Tea has truly brought something new and fresh to Guyana's culinary scene, bridging the gap between foreign delights and local consumers.

Miss Jamzone 2023 Delegates (from left to right), Delegate one, Tiseena Harry; Delegate two, Shequana Holder; Delegate three, Laquana Johnson; Delegate four, Aliya Wong; Delegate five, Judell Price; Delegate six, Trevlind Harry; Delegate seven, Carolann Correia; Delegate eight, Ashanti Corlette, and Delegate nine, Rayshana Gillis (Photo by Delano Williams)

It’s Pageant season, so grab your tickets! The Guyana

AFTER a three-year hiatus brought on by the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, back in 2020, the Miss Guyana Princess Pageant is making its triumphant return to the local pageant scene.

According to a press release

Princess Pageant returns

from the franchise, this year’s pageant promises to be a spectacle of grace, talent, and youthful charm.

It will be the franchise’s fourth edition and will feature eight exceptional delegates, who are all set to captivate hearts and

bring magic to the stage.

The release noted that an official launch will be held on August 4th, 2023, at the Theatre Guild Playhouse in Kingston, Goergetown.

“The Miss Guyana Princess Pageant continues its proud tra-

dition of celebrating the beauty and intellect of girls between the ages of 7 and 11 years old,” the release said.

This year's pageant is themed, "Spirit of the Amazon” and is expected to capsulate the heart of Guyana's vibrant

talented and ambitious applicants, all displaying the poise, charm, and confidence that exemplify the true spirit of pageantry.

“Promoting empowerment and fostering self-esteem, the pageant aims to provide a platform where each delegate can shine and feel like the true royalty they are.”

cultural tapestry with the young delegates depicting elements of the country’s Amazon rainforest.

“The Miss Guyana Princess Pageant 2023 sets out on an exhilarating quest to celebrate the Spirit of the Amazon, where each delegate embodies the grace of the river, the allure of the jungle, and the resilience of its diverse inhabitants.”

“Prepare to be enthralled as they bring to life the very essence of this ecological paradise!”

The release further noted that the delegates were meticulously selected from a pool of

The local franchise not only focuses on beauty and charm but also encourages the development of well-rounded individuals who will contribute positively to society. Throughout the competition, the delegates will engage in various activities that emphasise the importance of education, community involvement, and personal growth.

From talent showcases to interactive sessions with inspiring role models, the pageant experience promises to be both enriching and memorable.

“Families, friends, and the wider community are encouraged to join in the celebration and witness the charm and charisma of these young princesses as they take the stage to make their dreams come true,” the release noted.

Jawan: Thalapathy Vijay to have a cameo in the Shah Rukh Khan film?

— Action director spills beans

THE buzz around Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming movie, Jawan, is massive. Ever since the prevue was released, fans' excitement is getting bigger and bigger. And every new update of the film is creating more hype for the film. Now latest report adding to the buzz is the cameo of Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay. Action choreographer of Atlee's directorial has hinted at Vijay’s participation in the highly anticipated movie of the year. This left cinephiles super excited as Jawan will be a feast of talented superstars of Indian cinema for movie lovers.

For a quite long time, Thalapathy Vijay’s cameo in Jawan are doing rounds in the entertainment news. Movie buffs are excited to see Shah Rukh Khan and Vijay sharing the screen. Jawan prevue showed Shah Rukh Khan, Vijay Sethupathi, and Nayanthara in the actioner but there was no glimpse of Thalapathy Vijay. Yet, fans are expecting the Master actor to have a pivotal role in the action drama. Now, action choreographer Yannick Ben has added fuel to their excitement with his newest statement.

In a recent interview, Yannick Ben said the audience will get to witness Shah Rukh Khan and Vijay in the same frame. He mentioned that they are taking care of two segments one is the prison fight and another is the Pune train station sequence. When probed about Vijay’s casting in Jawan, Yannick smilingly replied “I am not sure about Thalapathy Vijay." Ben did not clarify which Vijay he was talking about whether Vijay Sethupathi or Thalapathy Vijay. With his no confirmation about the actor, fans are speculating

Actor, Thalapathy Vija, Director Atlee and actor, Shah Rukh Khan (Atlee47 @Instagram)

Sinéad O'Connor: Irish singer dies aged 56

found dead after being reported missing two days previously.

Writing on social media following his death, she said he had "decided to end his earthly struggle" and requested "no-one follows his example".

The singer later cancelled all live performances for the rest of 2022 due to her "continuing grief" following the death of her son.

spirit. She did not compromise and that made her life more of a struggle. Hoping that she has found peace."

Irish author Marian Keyes described O'Connor's death as "heartbreaking".

"How she suffered. Poor, poor Sinéad. Rest in peace, you amazing, brave, beautiful, unique wonder."

Journalist Caitlin Moran

posted: "She was decades before her time, and fearless. Rest in power, queen."

Irish film director Mark Cousins added: "Sinéad O'Connor was our Irish wild side. Such a big part of our imagined lives."

Singer Bryan Adams, who had collaborated with O'Connor, wrote: "RIP Sinéad O'Connor, I loved working with you making photos, doing gigs in Ireland

together and chats, all my love to your family."

In a Twitter post, Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor, who O'Connor once sang into the ring for a UFC fight in Las Vegas, wrote: "Ireland has lost an iconic voice and one of our absolute finest, by a long shot. And I have lost a friend."

(BBC entertainment)

age of 56 (GETTY images)

IRISH singer and activist, Sinéad O'Connor, has died at the age of 56.

Her family announced the news "with great sadness", saying "her family and friends are devastated". The cause of death has not been made public.

She was best known for her single Nothing Compares 2 U, released in 1990, which reached number one and brought her worldwide fame.

Irish PM Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said her music "was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched".

Irish President, Michael D Higgins, praised O'Connor's "authenticity" as well as her "beautiful, unique voice".

"What Ireland has lost at such a relatively young age is one of our greatest and most gifted composers, songwriters and performers of recent decades, one who had a unique talent and extraordinary connection with her audience, all of whom held such love and warmth for her," he said.

Born Sinead Marie Bernadette O'Connor in Glenageary, County Dublin, in December 1966, the singer had a difficult childhood.

As a teenager, she was placed in Dublin's An Grianan Training Centre, once one of the notorious Magdalene laundries, originally set up to incarcerate young girls deemed to be promiscuous.

One nun bought her a guitar and set her up with a music teacher - which led to the launch of O'Connor's musical career.

OBITUARY:

O'CONNOR

SINEAD

She released her first critically acclaimed album The Lion And The Cobra in 1987, which entered the top 40 in the UK and US.

Her follow-up was I Do Not

Want What I Haven't Got, which included Nothing Compares 2 U.

Written by Prince, the song reached number one around the

From page 18

world, including in the US and the UK.

O'Connor, who was outspoken in her social and political views, released 10 studio albums between 1987 and 2014.

In 1991, she was named artiste of the year by Rolling Stone magazine and took home the Brit Award for international female solo artist.

The following year, one of the most notable events of her career took place when she ripped up a picture of Pope John Paul II on US TV show Saturday Night Live, where she was the invited performer.

Following an acapella performance of Bob Marley's War, she looked at the camera and said "fight the real enemy", a protest against child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.

Her actions resulted in her being banned for life by broadcaster NBC and protests against her in the US, which saw copies of her records destroyed in New York's Times Square.

"I'm not sorry I did it. It was brilliant," she said in an interview with the New York Times in 2021.

O'Connor's last studio album, I'm Not Bossy, I'm The Boss, was released in 2014.

Converting to Islam in 2018, the Dublin singer changed her name to Shuhada' Sadaqat, but continued to perform under her birth name. She released a memoir, Rememberings, in 2021.

In January 2022, her 17-year-old son Shane was

O'Connor paid tribute to Shane in one of her final tweets, calling him "the love of my life, the lamp of my soul, we were

one soul in two halves". Belfast filmmaker, Kathryn Ferguson, one of the last few people to speak to O'Connor before her death, said she was "devastated" by the news.

Ferguson had been working on a documentary film about O'Connor, titled Nothing Compares, which is set to be released this Saturday.

"Our film really, for me, it was a love letter to Sinéad. It was made over many, many years," she told BBC Radio 4's Front Row. "And made because of the impact she'd had on me as a young girl growing up in Ireland.

"She is one of the most radical, incredible musicians that we've had. And we were very, very lucky to have had her."

Social media was also flooded with tributes to the singer after her death was announced on Wednesday evening.

Singer Alison Moyet said O'Connor had an "astounding presence" and a voice that "cracked stone with force by increment".

"As beautiful as any girl around & never traded on that card. I loved that about her. Iconoclast."

Irish comedian Dara O'Briain said of her death: "That's just very sad news. Poor thing. I hope she realised how much love there was for her."

Musician Tim Burgess of the Charlatans said: "Sinead was the true embodiment of a punk

Jawan: Thalapathy Vijay to...

Beast actor’s surprising cameo. However, there is no confirmation of Thalapathy Vijay’s cameo in Jawan. Reports also suggest that the actor did not charge a single penny as he has a good rapport with director Atlee and Shah Rukh Khan. On the actor’s birthday, the director shared a photo that also had

SRK in the frame. Atlee’s post was also a major hint at the much-expected cameo.

In Bollywood's upcoming new movies, Jawan is the most awaited film. The movie is billed as action extravaganza headlined by Shah Rukh Khan who turns into a villain. The movie also stars Vijay Sethupathi, Nayantha-

ra, Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Sunil Grover, and Riddhi Dogra in important roles. The film will see a special appearance of Deepika Padukone. Directed by Atlee, Jawan will hit theaters on 7th September in three languages - Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. (Bollywood Life.com)

Irish singer, Sinéad O'Connor, has died at the

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday July 28, 2023)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) IND 1; WI 0

(2) No Player of the Series Award

Today’s Quiz

(1) Where and when did the WI & IND first contest an ODI game?

(2) Who were the captains involved?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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Windies trashed...

From page 28

fours and a six in his 52 from 46 balls

When Shubman Gill (7) fell to Searles at 18-1, Suryakumar Yadav, who hit three fours and six in 19, joined Kishan and took the score to 54.

Gudakesh Motie, back in the side after recovering from his injury, removed Yadav before eventually dismissing Kishan at 94-4, but by then it was too little too late for the home side who have lost their nine ODIs against India.

Had West Indies, who left out Sinclair, Thomas, Joseph and Carty, not dropped three easy catches and with Motie and leg-spinner Yannic Cariah getting plenty of turn from the track, India could have lost more wickets.

Motie finished with 2-26 as Jadeja 16 and Rohit Sharma 12 were both unbeaten at the end.

Earlier, India won the toss on a day blessed with glorious sunshine and predictably opted to bowl on a track with a tinge of grass and a bit of preparation moisture.

Watched by the smallest crowd to ever watch an ODI (despite the Government purchasing tickets for school

children at a reduced cost) at a venue celebrating its 50th ODI, Brandon King drove Pandya for four off the third ball of the game before Mukesh Kumar, who bowled with some pace, bowled a maiden.

The left-handed Kyle Mayers (2) cramped himself when he tried to pull a short ball that bounced and was taken at mid-on at 7-1.

Athanaze flicked Pandya for six before cover driving him for four next ball.

The Dominican pulled Shardul Thakur for four more but just when he was looking set he was removed by Kumar at 45-2 in the 8th over

King hammered Kumar for four before he was bowled by Thakur without addition to the score.

The 50 was posted in 9.4 overs from 61 balls before Hetymer joined Hope who was leading from the front with some confident shots; favouring the cover drives.

The pair took the score to 88 before Hetymer seemed to have a brain freeze and played an ill-advised swipe at Jadeja and was castled.

Rovman Powell (4) fell to Jadeja at 96-5 before Romario Shepherd, who holds the

unwanted record of being the only batter to be dismissed for two first-ball ducks in a single ODI game, was stupendously taken by Virat Kholi at slip, diving full to his right as Jadeja struck again to leave the score on 96-6 as Jadeja struck.

West Indies lost their last five wickets for 18 runs after Hope was LBW playing an impetuous reverse sweep to Yadav at 114-9 before he trapped Jason Searles for a duck.

After the game Hope blamed the standard of the pitches in the Caribbean for the poor batsmanship in the West Indies

He lamented that the preparation needs to be better not only here but throughout the Region and feels it is difficult for the Batters to play with any confidence on badly prepared pitches.

The few flag-waving Indians in the stands said that they were disappointed they did get to see Kholi bat and are hoping that India bats first tomorrow in the second ODI.

The series ends in Trinidad and Tobago on Emancipation day with the third and final match.

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From page 28

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The tournament features 32 teams representing all regions except Region Nine.

Several active and former national players will feature for their teams over the two-day extravaganza.

Preliminary matches will be staged at the Police Sports Club, the Guyana Defence Force, Queen’s College, YMCA, and Transport Sports Club grounds,

while the finals will be held at the Everest Cricket Ground on July 30.

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

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

Additionally, there will be a celebrity match before the championship game with the winning side being rewarded with G$200,000, to be do -

nated to a charity of their choice.

In what has turned out to be the perfect family-oriented event, the organisers have promised to set up a specially designated area -- the Kids Zone.

The children will enjoy free rides in the child-friendly zone, including a bouncy castle.

In partnership with Banks DIH Limited, ice cream, soda, snacks, and water will be offered to children for free.

Admission is free to all venues.

Noman Ali seven-for wraps up Pakistan's 2-0 victory

...Sri Lanka went down by an innings and 222 runs, their worst-ever defeat at home

NOMAN Ali claimed seven wickets with guileful, accurate leftarm spin, then Naseem Shah's sublime reverse-swing spell in the Colombo heat closed out the match, as Pakistan completed about a domineering a victory on Sri Lankan soil as has been achieved in the last several years.

(Final Scores: Pakistan

576 for 5 dec (Shafique 201, Salman 132*, Asitha 3-133) beat Sri Lanka 166 (Dhananjaya 57, Abrar 4-69) and 188 (Mathews 63, Noman 7-70) by an innings and 222 runs)

Pakistan's bowling was spellbinding, but the numbers of this victory themselves are epic. Pakistan won by an innings and 222 runs, which is Sri Lanka's worst-ever defeat at home. They did it inside four days, despite more than a day's play having effectively been lost to rain and bad light. Noman's figures for the second innings were 7 for 70. And Naseem bowled an unbroken 7.4 over spell that was pure fire and reverse swing to shut the door on the opposition.

It was Noman's flight, dip, and changes of pace that made him an especial

threat. Sri Lanka had started their second innings nicely, their openers making 69 together. But the moment Noman came into the attack he produced a spectacular delivery to dismiss Nishan Madushka for 33, and would then go on to scythe through the batting order. The ball to Madushka was bowled from around the wicket, drifted in, dipped, pitched on middle and leg, then leapt off the surface to beat the batter's outside edge and clip off stump. That was in the last half hour before lunch.

After the break, Noman was unstoppable. Dimuth Karunaratne was caught at short leg by Imam-ul-Haq - another sharp take at that position for Pakistan, who have been spectacular with their close catching all series. Kusal Mendis then attempted to hit Noman inside out and spooned a catch to cover instead, having failed to get to the pitch of the ball. Dinesh Chandimal was out cheaply gloving an attempted lap sweep, and even Dhananjaya de Silva - who had had a good series - fell cheaply, holing out to long on to complete Noman's five-wicket haul.

Angelo Mathews, who hit an unbeaten half century as the devastation unfolded at the other end, was himself struggling against Noman, particularly early in his innings. He struck some big boundaries, sure, but in between were nervy defensive strokes. He eventually gained confidence. But none of the Sri Lanka batters were comfortable against Noman, as he got plenty to bite off the surface, kept testing them on a length, and bowled few loose deliveries.

When he took his sixth and seventh wickets - having Sadeera Samarawickrama caught at point after getting the ball to bounce more than expected, before having Ramesh Mendis stumped - there was still the chance he might take all ten wickets in an innings.

But then Naseem was putting in a heroic spell at the other end. It is difficult to overstate just how much he was getting the old the ball to swing, particularly into the righthander. He'd cover the ball as he ran in, to conceal the shiny side, and by extension, keep the batter unaware as to which direction it would move. And he was bowling serious pace - sometimes touching the mid 140kph range.

In one over to Ramesh Mendis the 62nd of the innings - he struck the batter on the pads three times in successive balls. On the first occasion Pakistan reviewed a not-out decision which was upheld because the ball was swinging down leg. On the next two, Ramesh reviewed out decisions, and they both

turned out to be missing leg as well. The ball was curving fast and late.

Eventually, Naseem would get some reward. He bowled an especially long spell, partly, you suspect, because he did not want to give the ball up. He bowled Prabath Jayasuriya who left a ball that cannoned into his off stump (further proof of how far this ball was moving laterally), then made an eruption out of Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka's stumps as well.

Mathews' half-century always looked like it was coming in a losing effort, so far behind were Sri Lanka. And although there has been rain around, Babar Azam's decision to have Pakistan bat two further overs early in the day ostensibly to let Mohammad Rizwan complete an eighth Test half century, did not hinder them at all, so good were his bowlers, and so readily did Sri Lanka's batting succumb. (Cricinfo)

Noman Ali ran through the Sri Lankan batting in the second session on day four (AFP/Getty Images)

Essex wrap up six-wicket win over Hampshire

JAMIE Porter claimed the third 10-wicket haul of his career as Essex boosted their County Championship title hopes while destroying Hampshire's chances.

Paceman Porter followed up his first-innings 5-37 by snaring 5-46 in the second innings totalling up to match figures of 10-83.

It was his first 10-for away from the Cloud County Ground, first since 2018, and in his renaissance season now has a Division One leading 47 wickets this season.

Chasing 83 to win, Kyle Abbott claimed 3-23 but Nick Browne's 28 and Paul Walter's 28 not out took Essex to their sixth win of the season with a six-wicket victory.

Hampshire's gamble to ask for a result pitch backfired as the usual Ageas Bowl seam-friendly pitch which flattens out never flattened out.

That meant almost incessant seam movement, coupled with invariable bounce, made batting tricky - typified by Nick Gubbins' 45 being the highest individual score of the game and only 506 runs coming in total across the four innings.

Hampshire and Essex both knew going into the match that only the winner would realistically be able to challenge Surrey for the title.

Surrey will land on at least 167 points - and more likely 183 - after the conclusion of their game with Somerset. Essex are now up to 166 points and Hampshire on 135, with 72 points still

available.

Hampshire lost their remaining four wickets for nine runs in 25 balls - with Porter and Sam Cook sharing the scalps.

James Fuller's back foot waft was caught behind to the ninth ball of the day before Abbott last four balls before he was brilliantly caught by a one-handed Simon Harmer pounce at second slip.

Porter added Hampshire to Somerset and Worcestershire in his 10for victims when John Turner drove to Harmer.

Amongst the churn of batters, Nick Gubbins was still there having only moved his overnight total from 44 to 45. In seeing genuine number 11 Mohammad Abbas arrive at the crease he aborted his patient style and was bowled attempted to slog across the line. Hampshire bowled out for 131.

Essex had lost three wickets in their chase of 30 against Kent last week, albeit rushed by incoming rain. They threatened a similar wobble at the Ageas Bowl.

Abbott picked up Alastair Cook nicking behind a drive to the 10th ball of the innings before Tom Westley - the di -

with conditions better than we did.

"As the scores suggest it was tough for batting. It calmed down a traction with the older ball but, even when you felt you had faced a few balls, you couldn't quite trust it. There was always a ball there to get you out.

ECB chair calls for 'flexibility' in Test schedules to avoid future wash-outs

vision's second-highest run scorer - clipped to mid-wicket in the fourth over.

But Hampshire's early jubilation was drowned by Browne grafting with Walter - the pair chalking off 33 runs for the third wicket.

Browne was put down at mid off by Liam Dawson before eventually falling lbw to Abbas but the damage he had made through his four boundaries was already fatal to Hampshire's chances.

Matt Critchley had the top of his off stump kissed by a beautiful Abbott in-ducker and Michael Pepper was softly dropped at square leg second ball with 29 still needed.

But Pepper and Walter guided Essex to victory in the extra half an hour before lunch.

Hampshire captain James Vince:

"The pitch didn't play quite how we wanted it to or expected it to but it was the same for both teams. The 50-run margin in the first innings was a big amount of runs on that wicket and hard to overturn.

"You needed a bit of luck on a pitch that was seaming around a bit but, in the end, they coped

"It is going to be extremely tough to get where we want to be, but not impossible. But I guess it has now been taken out of our control. We are going to be relying on other teams to slip up and for us to step up and beat teams above us.

Essex head coach Anthony McGrath:

"This has to be up there with one of our best wins. Doug Bracewell went down overnight before the first day, Robin Das still had his neck and then Shane Snater went down on a wicket when you needed all the seam available.

"To play with 10 men from pretty much straight away and come away on the right side is an incredible effort. Anything over 120 would have been really tough on there.

"We also had two guys go down over night with sickness, Walter and Critchley, so we really were down to bare bones so I'm proud of the guys.

"Jamie Porter worked really hard in the winter and has come into the season for the first time for the first time fit and in rhythm. When he is fit and bowling in full rhythm he is really hard to keep out especially with the seaming ball.

(BBC Sport)

RICHARD Thompson, the ECB chair, has said that he will lobby ICC chair Greg Barclay "to ensure that schedules can be more flexible" after England's hopes of regaining the men's Ashes were washed away in the Manchester rain on Sunday.

The fifth day of the fourth Ashes Test at Emirates Old Trafford was abandoned without a ball bowled, after only 30 overs were possible on the fourth day. With several overs lost due to slow over-rates on the first three days, Joe Root proposed that greater flexibility should be introduced in the hours of play to ensure all overs are bowled.

Thompson, speaking to the Today programme on BBC Radio 4, stopped short of saying he would call for the introduction of reserve days across the board in Test cricket, but said: "It's a debate that we need to have."

Thompson said: "I will talk to Greg Barclay, the chair of the ICC, for sure, just in the sense of him understanding what England has done to Test cricket. We've elevated that format and reinvented the way Test cricket has been played now.

"There's significantly more excitement and interest around Test cricket now, and this is part of that broader conversation, to ensure that schedules can be more flexible to accommodate this type of strange eventuality. But we need to have that conversation."

Speaking ahead of the final day in Manchester, Root questioned the lack of flexibility in the hours of play in England, where the vast majority of Tests start at 11am regardless of whether overs are lost the previous day, and play rarely extends beyond 7pm.

"In England, it doesn't get dark until 10pm," Root told the BBC's Test Match Special. "Why not start earlier?

"Whatever it is, if you need to make overs up, instead of punishing teams for being slow on over-rates, can you find other ways of maximising play and finding chances of getting as much cricket in as possible? Why do you have to have hard and fast rules? Why not play until the overs are done?"

According to the ICC's Test match playing conditions, the hours of play are determined by the home board, rather than the governing body. "You could have a look at the schedule, in terms of the times you play," Thompson said.

"Fundamentally, people are buying a ticket expecting play to start at a certain time and end at a certain time, so from that perspective, you're going to have to inject certain flexibility to broadcasters' schedules, people with travel arrangements, all sorts of practicalities.

"We are in the entertainment business. You want people to leave happy and entertained. Having a reserve day - as there was in the World Test Championship [final] - would be a great idea but you'd need to do that for each Test. That's another five days you'd need to find in the schedule. There will be a lot of debate after this series."

Essex paceman Jamie Porter finished with match figures of 10-83

Starc four-for derails fast-paced England to give Australia the upper hand

...Harry Brook stars with 85, but Australia respond in composed fashion in

By Andrew McGlashan

THE final match of the Ashes began in similar fashion to the first, with England hurtling along on the opening day with the bat. Harry Brook led the way with a sparkling 85, but this time they could only reach 283 in overcast, bowler-friendly conditions despite Australia shelling five catches along the way.

Mitchell Starc, who hurt his shoulder at Emirates Old Trafford but gave another display of his resilience, finished with 4 for 82 to take his series tally to 19 - the best of his four overseas Ashes series - while the rest of the wickets were shared around. Pat Cummins bowled much better than 1 for 66 would suggest while there was a brace for the recalled Todd Murphy, although he was again used sparingly.

(Scores at close of Play: Australia 61 for 1 (Khawaja 26*, Labuschagne 2*) trail England 283 (Brook 85, Starc 4-82) by 222 runs

By stumps, Australia could say they'd had the better of day as they negotiated 25 overs for the loss of David Warner. He and Usman Khawaja added 49 for the first wicket before Warner fell to Chris Woakes for the third time in a row, edging to second slip, having earlier survived a review by England when Stuart Broad thought he found the glove, but it was only arm.

Although the destination of the Ashes had been rubberstamped at Old Trafford there was plenty left riding on this final Test - 3-1 or 2-2 makes very different reading. That is especially true for Australia, having held a 2-0 advantage before defeat at Headingley and all-but certainly being saved from another by the Manchester rain.

Cummins is not one to worry about what has happened in the past and he showed that by following Tim Paine's erroneous route from 2019 of asking England to bat when, for the first time on this tour, the coin fell in his favour.

For a while it appeared Australia might, again, fluff their lines with the ball; firstly when England's openers reached 62 for 0 inside the opening hour and then at 184 for 3 as Brook and an injured Moeen Ali forged a rapid century partnership. But though they again conceded runs at an eye-watering rate, enough chances were created to compensate for the missed ones.

The initial drop had come from Warner when he gave Ben Duckett a life at slip on 30 against Cummins' first ball of the match.

It was Duckett who dominated the early scoring, including a thumping drive down the ground against Josh Hazlewood as he leapt out of his crease. His spritely stay was ended with a glove down the leg side against Mitchell Marsh, although Australia needed DRS (having already burned a review for lbw against Zak Crawley) to overturn Kumar Dharmasena's not out decision.

Straight after drinks Cummins, who was under some scrutiny after his struggles at Old Trafford, was rewarded for an excellent opening spell when he had Crawley edging

final session

of cricket ensued which included a huge mowed six over deep midwicket off Cummins and another top-edged to fine leg, as well as a ramp over the keeper, while using his bat as a crutch to limp between the wickets when he had to.

The century stand came up in 17 overs. Murphy, who had been recalled in place of Cameron Green, was introduced for the first time in the day for the 34th over. His second ball was dragged down and pulled away by Moeen, but then the next was more of a heave across the line which he missed. How much a role he could play for the rest of Test was uncertain.

Wins for Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, (CMC) – Results on the final day of the third round of matches in the Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 three-day tournament on Thursday in St Vincent.

Scores:

At Arnos Vale: BARBADOS 101 (Zion Brathwaite 35; Chamiqueko Landerfort 5-21, Kimani Nisbett 3-38) and 189 (Achilles Browne 44, Nimar Bolden 28, Zion Brathwaite 24).

into the slips having previously beaten him three times in a row as he found good bounce from the Pavilion End. When Joe Root dragged on against Hazlewood, England were 73 for 3 and in danger of losing their way.

It should have been 78 for 4 a few moments later when Brook edged Cummins but Alex Carey couldn't hold on, going one-handed to his right in front of first slip. Brook counterattacked while Moeen held firm. There was no playing for lunch by Brook as he swiped Marsh over the leg side for six then hammered Starc for two fours and a six in consecutive deliveries moments before the interval.

Brook's half-century came from 44 balls, but he could have fallen without addition had Cummins managed a hit direct at the non-striker's end after collecting the ball in his follow through, turning on his heels and throwing.

It was shortly after that when Moeen pulled up lame with a groin injury after running a single. Following treatment he continued his innings but was barely able to walk, let alone run, and a frenetic period

There was momentary calm as Brook and Ben Stokes tried to set up another partnership, but the England captain received one of Starc's crackerjack deliveries which straightened late and ripped back off stump as Stokes looked to play to the leg side.

Neither did Jonny Bairstow last long as he dragged on against Hazlewood and, four balls later, after another crisp straight drive brought Brook's 11th four, his dreams of an Ashes hundred vanished when a booming edge was snaffled by Smith at second slip.

England had lost 4 for 28 in 55 balls and there were visions of Australia batting before tea. However, Woakes and Mark Wood, the heroes of Headingley, added 49 with more freewheeling strokeplay. Woakes had been given lbw to the first ball of the final session but DRS, asked for almost apologetically, showed a thin edge which even Woakes had not felt. Two balls later, Australia dropped another catch when Marsh spilled Woakes in the gully.

Murphy claimed his second of the day when he cleaned up Wood but Woakes, who was also dropped by Murphy off his own bowling, kept swinging including a towering blow for six straight down the ground off Starc before the innings ended with a top edge to deep square leg. (Cricinfo)

LEEWARD ISLANDS 123 (Michael Palmer 27, Michael Greaves 21; Nathan Sealy 6-31, Saurav Worrell 3-39) and 82 (Jewel Andrew 24; Nathan Sealy 5-13, Saurav Worrell 3-35). Barbados won by 85 runs.

At Park Hill: WINDWARD ISLANDS 133 (Divonie Joseph 45, Kerwin Gassie 23; Reon Edwards 6-34) and 258 (Ackeem Auguste 96, Stephan Pascal 44, Reshawn Lewis 34, Tarrique Edward 23; Reon Edwards 4-66, Tamarie Redwood 4-92). JAMAICA 264 for eight declared (Justin Beckford 100 not out, Jordan Johnson 49, Steven Wedderburn 27; Kervin Gassie 3-33) and 130 for seven (Brian Barnes 29, Adrian Weir 27; Kirtney Franklyn 3-51). Jamaica won by three wickets.

At Sion Hill: TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 95 for six declared (Andrew Rambaran 28, Narad Kissoondath 22; Jonathan Rampersaud 5-16) and 155 (Kyle Ramdoo 52, Justin Jagessar 26; Jeremy Sandia 5-42, Jonathan Rampersaud 2-36).

GUYANA 176 (Shamar Yearwood 52, Mavendra Dindyal 38, Z Ramsammy 24; Jaden Agard 4-35, Andrew Rambarran 2-44) and 75 for five (Shamar Yearwood 40). Guyana won by five wickets.

World Cup schedule will undergo changes, confirms Jay Shah

...BCCI secretary says several countries want tweaks made to the schedule that was released a month ago

By Nagraj Gollapudi

THE 2023 ODI World Cup schedule will undergo a few changes, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has confirmed, with the revised version to be finalised in consultation with the ICC in a few days. Shah's statement came after it emerged this week that the BCCI was looking at moving the India vs Pakistan fixture in Ahmedabad from October 15 to 14. While Shah did not reveal whether the India-Pakistan date was one of the changes, he did say that boards of several other countries had written to the BCCI pointing out logistical challenges their teams would

face, thus requesting changes. He did not name the teams, though.

"There is a possibility there could be few changes in the schedule" Shah said after a BCCI meeting in Delhi on Thursday. "Several Full Member countries have written in requesting to change two or three dates in the schedule. We are working out with the ICC, and we should be able to clear it in two or three days."

The primary reason for the BCCI considering bringing forward the India-Pakistan fixture by a day was because local police had raised concerns over providing adequate security on October 15, which is also the first day of

Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival.

Shah, however, categorically dismissed that as the reason. "If security was an

issue then why would the match go there (to Ahmedabad). [October] 14-15 is not the problem. Two or three boards have written in, asking

to change based on the logistical challenges. There are some matches where there is only a two-day gap, so it will be difficult to play and then travel next day [and then play again]."

Shah said the venues of matches would remain the same in the revised schedule, but the gaps between games would be adjusted. "As far as possible, we are looking at not changing the venue as well as the matches. Not changing the venue is very important. Teams which have six-day gaps between matches, we are trying to reduce it to four-five days; and those that have just two-day gaps, we are trying to increase to three days."

The World Cup schedule was released exactly a month ago, which itself was a severe delay compared to the previous two World Cups where the schedule was released at least a year in advance. The tournament is scheduled to begin on October 5, with reigning champions England taking on New Zealand in Ahmedabad, but the ICC and the BCCI have not yet announced when the tickets will go on sale.

Shah said the ticketing process for the World Cupthe pricing and the platform - will be announced next week in coordination with the ICC.(Cricinfo)

Mitchell Starc celebrates the dismissal of Ben Stokes (Getty Images)

The uncertainty around the World Cup schedule is not yet over • ( AFP via Getty Images)

Sponsors committed to expansion of Kares One Guyana T10 Blast

IT will be 32 teams starting, but only one will be crowned winners of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast championship set for July 29 and 30 in Georgetown.

Sponsors and team representatives attended the pre-tournament press conference at Montra Restaurant and Longue, and all expressed delight in being part of the event and look forward to seeing its further growth.

Both Natsha Persaud of Kares Inc. and Dwayne Bristol, GT Brand Manager, want to see the tournament expand to more teams in the future, and Kares pledged to support the tournament for the next year.

Bristol praised the organisers for producing a well-organised concept and indicated that, as a company, they have big plans to do further partnerships.

The team captains all expressed confidence in doing well, noting they had been long in preparation for the event.

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

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

The President also unveiled the specially made hand-crafted winner’s trophy.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, was also present and, he too, pledged his support towards the tournament.

Several active and former national players will feature for their teams over the two-

day extravaganza.

Preliminary matches will be staged at the Police Sports Club, the Guyana Defence Force, Queen’s College, YMCA, and Transport Sports Club grounds, while the finals will be held at the

Everest Cricket Ground on July 30.

To progress to the championship match, a team must win three matches on day one and their semi-final on day two.

They will then qualify to

compete for the first prize of $1M cash and the specially crafted One Guyana Trophy.

Star Rentals, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc., ENet, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Trophy Stall, Premier Insurance,

Cricket Zone USA, Beacon Café, Continental Transport, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, National Sports Commission, RS53 RestoBar and Lounge, Jacobs Jewelry & Pawn Shop, First Change Builder Inc. Impressions Inc. and Sicko Mode, 94.1 BOOM FM, Assuria Insurance, Montra Restaurant & Longue, Gafoors and Hard Rock Café.

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

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

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

Ireland and Scotland seal their places in 2024

Men's T20 World Cup

IRELAND and SCOTLAND have qualified for the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, after favourable results in the Europe Region Qualifier on Thursday. While a washout against Germany pushed Ireland through, hosts Scotland beat Denmark by 33 runs to confirm their berth for next year's tournament.

"While it's true that we'd rather have achieved qualification on the field today, we're delighted to have achieved our primary objective of qualifying for next year's T20 World Cup," Ireland captain Paul Stirling said. "We came to Scotland with a clear plan and style of play we wanted to implement, and I think we delivered on that front.

"So we'll celebrate job done this afternoon, but there is a trophy on the

line tomorrow, and we are keen to continue that winning momentum going into the India T20 series next month."

Scotland's victory over Denmark makes it five wins out of five for them in the Europe Region Qualifier.

…Both teams are on course for a top two finish at the ongoing Europe Region Qualifier

gained automatic entry into the Europe Region Qualifier thanks to their participation in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. Germany and Jersey made the Qualifier on the basis of taking part in the 2022 global qualifiers, while Austria, Denmark and Italy earned their spots by winning their respective sub-regional qualifiers.

This spree also has them on top of the tournament's points table. However, had Denmark beaten Scotland, then Italy would have stood a chance of making it to the T20 World Cup next year, since they would have been the only other team

that could match Scotland's points total had they beaten both Austria and Germany in their upcoming games. Ireland, meanwhile, won all four of their matches before their match against Germany was rained out.

Ireland and Scotland

The 2024 T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted jointly by the West Indies and the USA, is set to be a 20-team tournament. The teams will be divided into four groups of five each for the first round, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the Super 8 stage. The Super 8 teams will be split into two groups of four each, with the top two in each group reaching the semi-finals.

Twelve teams had al -

ready qualified for the next T20 World Cup before the regional qualifiers. These are hosts West Indies and USA, the top eight teams at the 2022 T20 World CupAustralia, England, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka - and Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who qualified by virtue of the T20I rankings.

The East Asia Pacific Qualifier is currently underway in Papua New Guinea, with the hosts on top of the four-team table. The top team from this event will qualify for the T20 World Cup.

Qualifiers for the Americas (for one spot at the World Cup), Africa (two spots) and Asia (two spots) will also take place over the coming months. (Cricinfi.com)

Natasha Persaud (left) of Kares Engineering Inc. and Dwayne Bristol (GT Beer Brand Manager) hold the championship trophy with team representatives alongside at the Montra Restaurant and Longue

Ireland have four wins and one no-result from their five games so far (International Cricket Council)

Windies trashed by India in 50th ODI at the ‘Mecca’

Skipper Shai Hope not pleased with quality of pitch

WEST INDIES, in their first series since the Zimbabwe debacle, received a sound trashing as India strolled to an emphatic five-wicket win with 27.3 overs to spare in the opening ODI of the three-match series at the Kensington Oval yesterday.

West Indies’ paltry 114 in 23 overs was their lowest total at the Kensington Oval since the inaugural ODI was played here in 1985 when West Indies opposed New Zealand.

Skipper Shai Hope top scored with 43 from 45 balls decorated with four fours and a six before he played an irresponsible reveres sweep and was out LBW.

In another shambolic batting performance, only Alick Athanaze, who made 22 from

18 balls with three fours and a six before his ferocious cut was brilliantly taken at point, reached 20.

Brandon King, who hit three boundaries in 17 and the recalled Shimron Hetmyer, who faced 19 balls before playing a wild and reckless sweep and was bowled for 11, were the only double-figure run scorers.

Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav mesmerised batters who seemed clueless when the ball turned, and finished with 4-6 while left-arm orthodox spinner Ravindra Jadeja had 3-31 as the Indian spin twins befuddled the batters.

India in reply reached 115-5 in 22.5 overs with Ishan Kishan hitting seven

Continued on page 23

ENet joins supporting cast for Kares One Guyana T10

—Two lucky fans to win phones on Sunday

ENet, Guyana’s 5G mobile provider, has joined in support of the inaugural Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast set for July 29 and 30 in Georgetown.

As the leading provider of digital cable television, internet, information technology, and media services, ENet will gift two cell phones to lucky fans at the final on Sunday,

July 30, at the Everest Cricket Ground.

Robert Hiscock, Head of Mobile Networks at ENet, stated, “We are always happy to support and play our role in development and giving youths a platform to showcase their talent. We recently signed on to support squash until the end of 2024, and this is just another step in that

process.”

Co-Director of the Kares

One Guyana T10 Blast, Yusuf Ali, thanked ENet for the overwhelming support and highlighted that the support is more than just the phones as the sponsorship means the ‘celebrity match’, the event’s final, is expected to be

Continued on page 23

Ravindra Jadeja knocked over Shimron Hetmyer•Jul 27, 2023•AFP/Getty Images

Co-Director of Kares One Guyana T10 Blast, Yusuf Ali, collects the two cellphones from Robert Hiscock, Head of Mobile Networks at ENet