Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 28-08-2023

US milking cows to be used to develop dairy farm at Moblissa

FOLLOWING an agreement between the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Guyana will soon be able to purchase milking cows for a state-of-theart dairy farm.

According to a press release from Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), GLDA and the USDA have agreed on the protocols for Veterinary Health Certificates for the export of cattle to Guyana from the US. The project is a joint venture between DDL and the LR Group, of Israel, and will see the production of fresh cow’s milk by the last quarter of 2024.

“Work is progressing satisfactorily on the US$16M project, with land clearing and preparation of

the first 100 acres currently in progress. Tenders for internal works on the site, including road and related construction, equipment supply and additional land clearing, are currently being evaluated, and contracts will be awarded by the end of the month,” DDL stated.

This project introduces to Guyana a new and unique method of dairy farming, in that instead of allowing them to graze, the cows will be fed a diet of nutritional food grown on the farm, pens will be temperature-controlled to ensure their comfort, and each animal will be monitored, electronically, to ensure its health.

“This method is designed to ensure ‘a happy cow’ that will produce better quality and higher volumes of fresh milk,” the

company added.

According to DDL, President Dr. Irfaan Ali recently visited the proposed site of the state-of-the-art dairy farm.

During the visit, the Head of State witnessed land clearing operations that are currently being undertaken on the first 100 acres of the project, and received a detailed update on the implementation schedule leading up to milk production by October 2024, the company said.

Additionally, the President and his team, which included National Security Adviser Captain Gerry Gouveia, held wide-ranging discussions with the executive team of the new company, Demerara Dairies Inc. (DDl), which included Executive Chairman Komal Samaroo; Finance Director

Vasudeo Singh; Project Manager Rami Ofer of the LR Group; and Project Coordinator Wesley Kirton.

The release further noted that the interaction focused on issues such as a mechanism for knowledge transfer to Guyanese; rehabilitation of the roadway into Moblissa and the wid-

ening of the bridge across the Moblissa creek; electricity supply; the rehabilitation of a water well; and His Excellency’s idea to have small farmers along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, particularly women, become engaged in dairy farming.

On hand during the visit

was a team from Guyana Power and Light (GPL), headed by acting Chief Executive Officer Loris Natoo. A proposal for the extension of electricity supply into the area has been submitted by the Linden Electricity Company (LEC) and is currently under review by GPL.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali (centre) during his recent visit to the project site (DDL photo)

AI, digitisation critical to competitiveness, sustainability –– President Ali

–– urges workers’ unions to adapt to

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has said that as the world advances in the digital age, countries and organisations such as workers ’ unions must make adjustments to match these developments.

The Head of State was at the time speaking at the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union ( GAWU ) congress which was recently held under the theme , ‘Advancing workers’ rights, economic progress and social justice.’

He noted that there was much to be considered as the world continues to develop and move at a fast pace toward digitisation with increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) among other things

To adjust to these new realities , he said that the government is working to create the legislative environment to manage AI and digitisation

The President empha -

sised that for any country to remain viable, it must be competitive and sustainable

He then added that what the unions need to address instantaneously and rapidly is the technologically driven change that is taking place so as to improve their functions in this new environment

Further to this, President Ali said that action must be taken to build a platform with which this new move will not widen the disparity between countries

He noted that the union must step up to advance their work in these areas to avoid monumental changes and consequences for the workers in the future

“The new world is telling us if you don’t adopt the AI and digitisation, you can’t be competitive and you can’t be sustainable,” he said

He posed several questions to the gathering asking about the consequences that can be faced if the union does

changing environment

not adapt to the changes, and use the changing landscape to the advantage for the development of the workers

Meanwhile, President Ali stated that the government is taking steps to ensure that the country is not left behind and he used the opportunity to highlight that the government recently signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates which will see some 150,000 children in school being trained in coding

This, he said, is now being implemented in the school system so the children of workers will not be at a disadvantage in the new world that they are growing up in

He related that smart classrooms are being built as digitisation is now being taught.

“We are bringing more and more digitisation in the education delivery system so that the children who are coming up will not be placed at a competitive dis-

Close to 2,000 house lots, 600 land titles distributed at Building Expo

–– Minister Rodrigues

AS government continues to focus heavily on making every Guyanese a homeowner , close to 2,000 house lots were distributed during the

four-day Building Expo, which came to an end on Sunday.

This is according to Minister of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues ,

who also informed this publication that 600 persons received their land titles during the event

The minister told the Guyana Chronicle that the successful staging of the ‘expo’ had a good impact on the housing ministry’s goals and initiatives

“ Close to 2,000 house lots were set aside; the first day we did 931, and a similar amount on Day Two And we distributed 600 titles,” she said.

According to Minister Rodrigues , more activities like the ‘ Dream Realised ’ initiative will be done in order to reach the 10,000-house lot allocation target that the ministry has set for this year

“We have another major

‘Dream Realised’ initiative we will have to do to complete our 10,000 target ,” she said

This year ’ s Building Expo was held under the theme, “Building For All: One Guyana, Many Opportunities”.

It provided a space for a wide variety of businesses to showcase their goods and services to the public

Many of those businesses in attendance were in -

terested in the ministry ’ s replica of the various roads and highways that it plans to construct throughout Guyana Also drawing attention were the turnkey homes that were on display

Meanwhile , the owners of many of the small businesses said the ‘expo’ gave them an opportunity to showcase their products , which were widely received by the public

advantage. That is how the working class is benefitting, that is how the children of the workers are benefitting from this government,” he said.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

Minister Susan Roderigues at the Building Expo

Accidents at Unity, East Berbice, Canal #2 claim eight lives

–– six teens among fatalities

POLICE are currently investigating three accidents that occurred within a four-hour period in different parts of the country and claimed the lives of eight persons including six teenagers.

The fatal accidents occurred on the Unity Public Road , East Coast Demerara, # 11 Public Road, East Berbice, and Resource Public Road , Canal # 2 Pol -

der , West Bank Demerara (WBD).

According to a police statement, the first accident occurred about 22:04 hours on Saturday night at Unity and claimed the lives of 21 - year - old Elijah Pellew of Lot 38 Unity Mahaica , 21 - year - old pillion rider Raymond Rose of Lot 57 Supply Mahaica and Shawn Persaud , a 19 - year - old of Huntley Mahaicony, ECD

Two persons are hospitalised in a serious condition

The statement said that the accident involved a motorcycle driven by Elijah, motor car PGG 9823 , owned and driven by Balram Thuknauth , a 21 - year - old of Lot 9 Huntley Mahaicony , ECD ; motor car PAD 171 , owned and driven by Keyon Stoute, a 37-year-old of Lot 69 Logwood Enmore, ECD, and motor lorry BMS

2 owned and driven by Bhupaul Bhawandas, a 51-yearold of Lot 140 B Quamina Street, Georgetown.

At the time of the accident Rose was the pillion rider on the motor cycle , while Persaud and Baskar Ramdeen, a 19-year-old of Lot 228 Back Steet Better Hope , ECD were in motor car PGG 9823

Enquiries disclosed that motor car PGG 9823 was proceeding east on the northern driving lane of Unity public road while motor car PAD 171 was proceeding on the opposite driving lane behind motor lorry BMS 2

“ It was alleged by the driver of motor car PAD 171 that the motorcycle (with no lights on) overtook him in the said direction and collided

with the right-side portion of motor car PGG 9823, which caused the car to spin twice into the path of motor car PAD 171

The driver pulled left to avoid a collision and ended up in the southern driving lane parapet As a result of the crash , the motorcyclist and the pillion rider were flung off the motorcycle , collided with the right side of the Lorry (BMS 2), and fell onto the roadway, receiving injuries on their bodies

The occupant in motor car PGG 9823 ( front right side) was pinned down, while the other occupant in the rear seat received injuries about his body due to the collision,” the police said

The motorcyclist, pillion rider, and the two occupants of motor car PGG 9823 were picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital

The motorcyclist, pillion rider and one of the occupants in motor car PGG 9823 were pronounced dead on arrival at GPHC by a doctor on duty

The other occupant of the car was admitted to hospital with a punctured spleen The driver of motor car PGG 9823 was escorted to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, where he was seen and examined by a doctor who admitted him as a patient suffering from cerebral concussion

where they received injuries on their bodies

The injured men were picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where they were seen and examined by the doctor on duty

Thakoor later succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical treatment . Williams and Reid were treated and admitted for observation in the Accident & Emergency Unit. Their conditions are regarded as stable.

FOUR TEENAGERS

The drivers of motor car PAD 171 and motor Lorry BMS 2 are in custody assisting with investigations

BERBICE ACCIDENT

Regarding the second accident, police said that it involved two motorcycles and occurred around 00:01 hours on Sunday on the # 11 Public Road

Dead is 19-year-old Rahul Thakoor of Lot 19 Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice

Thakoor was the driver of motorcycle # CJ 2552 while motorcycle # CL 4458, was being driven by Keon Williams , a 24 - year - old of Lot 109 Fort Ordinance, East Canje, Berbice Lennox Reid, an 18-year-old of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam Berbice was Williams’ pillion rider

Enquiries disclosed that motorcycle # CJ 2552 and motorcycle # CL 4458 were both proceeding east on the northern drive lane of the roadway at a fast rate Williams claims that the now-deceased motorcyclist undertook his motorcycle and clipped the said motorcycle handle, causing both motorcyclists to lose control

Thakoor then collided with a GPL lamp pole on the northern side of the road while the driver and the pillion rider of the other motorcycle fell on the road surface

Meanwhile , four teenagers died after the car they were in collided with a parked lorry on the Resource Public Road, around 01:30 hours.

The victims have been identified as Daveanand Singh, the 17-year-old driver of the car and resident of Lot 1566 Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD); Ameisha Jaikarran , a 19 - yearold of La Grange Old Road, WBD ; Devyanie Narine , an 18-year-old of Kitty and Daniel Tribeni, a 19-year-old of La Grange, WBD Enquiries disclosed that the motorcar was proceeding east along the northern side of the access road at a fast rate when Singh lost control and ended up on the northern parapet He crashed into the rear of the motor lorry, which was parked on the northern parapet facing east

“As a result of the collision, Singh further collided with a concrete fence situated North of the public road,” the police said

Two of the occupants were pronounced dead at the scene, while Singh and another occupant were taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital in an unconscious condition, where they died while receiving medical attention

The bodies are lying at the Ezekiel Funeral Home.

Daveanand Singh and Ameisha Jaikarran

23 complete City and Guilds construction courses at 'Nations'

as school takes steps to address Guyana’s labour shortages

to - two - day assessment of those skills while also offering courses where the skills are taught to individuals who have

combination of practical and theoretical knowledge GOGSSI, amongst many others, has a need for certified welders and we are

force.”

Graduates who receive the awards in welding, fabrication and pipework will have the

Several persons recently received Nations’ School of Technology’s City and Guilds Awards in Masonry, Carpentry, Painting and Plumbing In the back row from left are Dr Dexter Phillips (CEO -Nations), Dwayne Adams, Prakash Bharat, Ajodha Basdeo, Rolman Ramirez, Ronnel Thomas, Evander Charles and Liam O’Toole (COO-Nations). In the front row from left are Rommel Thomas, Steven Giles and Shri Persaud

NATIONS School of Technology recently issued certificates to 23 persons who have completed City and Guilds programmes in carpentry , masonry , painting and plumbing and will be rolling out the welding, fabrication and pipework classes in the coming weeks.

According to a press release from the educational institution , these programmes are part of its efforts to address the labour shortages in Guyana

The certificates were handed over to the skilled tradesmen and women on August 2

“Nations has become a registered centre for City and Guilds to offer courses that will help Guyanese attain international certification in the construction trades We provide certification to those who have the skill set already through the Recognition of Prior Learning ( RPL ) by participating in a one-

no experience ,” Nations Chief Operating Officer ( COO ) and Director of the School of Technology, Liam O’Toole, was quoted as saying

Nations School of Technology has partnered with Guyana Oil and Gas Support Services Inc ( GOGSSI ) to implement the City and Guilds welding , fabrication and pipework courses

These courses also include the RPL assessment, whereby welders who have existing skillsets and hands on experience can receive City and Guilds certification in a two-day assessment and those without the skills can complete a multiweek training course to gain the knowledge

O ’ Toole stated : “ We are excited to have partnered with GOGSSI as together we bring the perfect

thrilled to be partnering with a fellow local Guyanese firm to help support the need for skilled Guyanese to enter the labour

skillset for employment within the Oil and Gas, construction and mining sectors in Guyana , the statement added.

Ruth Pendleton (left) collects her City and Guilds Award in Plumbing from the programme facilitator, Bernice Thompson

THE recently concluded Building Expo 2023 at the National Stadium in Providence has set the stage for a transformative era in Guyana's housing landscape.

With the distribution of over 300 land titles, and the allocation of hundreds of house lots, the event underscored the government's unwavering commitment to addressing the housing needs of its citizens.

One of the pivotal highlights of this ‘expo’ was the government's dedication to investing in housing solutions, and the essential infrastructure to support this massive de-

velopment. In his recent announcement, President Dr. Irfaan Ali revealed the staggering figure of over $170 billion that will be required to develop house lots, and satisfy the surging demand.

This commitment is a testament to the government's vision of providing accessible and affordable housing to all Guyanese citizens.

The allocation of land titles and house lots is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about building a brighter future for the people of Guyana. It represents the culmination of years of planning, policy-making, and

investment in housing infrastructure.

The government's commitment extends beyond the mere provision of physical structures; it encompasses creating vibrant communities with access to essential amenities such as schools, healthcare facilities, and transportation networks.

The significance of this housing initiative cannot be overstated. It addresses a critical need in Guyana, where a growing population has led to increased demand for housing.

The government's proactive approach, as demonstrated at the

Building Expo, showcases its determination to tackle this issue head-on. By distributing land titles and allocating house lots, the government is empowering individuals and families to realise their dreams of homeownership.

Furthermore, the infusion of $170 billion into the housing sector is not just a monetary commitment; it would be an additional investment in the economic and social prosperity of Guyana.

The construction industry will witness a boost, leading to job creation and economic growth. Simultaneously,

the provision of housing will enhance the overall quality of life for residents, fostering stronger communities and a more stable society.

In addition to the financial commitment, the government's emphasis on sustainable development and infrastructure is commendable.

Developing new house lots is one thing, but ensuring that these areas are equipped with the necessary amenities and services is equally vital. The government's multi-faceted approach to housing solutions is a blueprint for success.

With over 25,000 lots

distributed in three years, as Guyana moves forward into this era of housing transformation, it is essential for all stakeholders to work together.

The government's commitment alone cannot solve the housing challenge; it requires collaboration from private sector entities, community leaders, and citizens themselves. Together, they can build not just houses, but communities that thrive and prosper.

This housing revolution is not just about shelter; it's about building a brighter, more prosperous future for the people of Guyana.

More than bricks and mortar Transparency and Accountability

Dear Mr. Lall, I AM writing to you as a concerned citizen on a number of important issues of national interest involving yourself.

Since the PPP/C government was re-elected in 2020, you have been doing a fantastic job; better than the Political Opposition. I commend you for filling the gap, owing to an ineffective, lazy, and incompetent Opposition. There is no doubt that your newspaper, through the professionalism of your journalists, has raised some credible issues that have prompted me to examine, and perhaps even the government, albeit on very rare occasions, maybe one out of every one

thousand articles your newspaper has published.

Equally, you would agree that you must accept responsibility for all of your actions, your intentions, whether you have an agenda or not. I believe you do have a political agenda.

I am particularly concerned about the many unanswered questions that you have for this nation, by your own logic, reasoning, and standard. You baselessly bash the government on a daily basis, with no credible evidence to substantiate your allegations, because the government consistently disproves your fabricated stories.

Hereunder are a few is-

sues for which you owe this country and its people an explanation:

i) What is the status with the Guyana Stores deal? Since in the pre-2015 era, you and your associates owed the State over $1 billion dollars. This matter is still pending in court, and it is more than a decade-old issue. So, by your logic and reasoning, if the government or the court adds interest, you now owe the State in excess of $2 billion for Guyana Stores. When can we expect this to be settled? This money, according to your logic, can give 2,000 households a million dollars each, or build 200 low-income homes.

ii) The labourer who

fell off your building on Regent Street and died, did you compensate his family? Did you sponsor his funeral? Will you be paying his family a lifetime payment since he died on your work site?

iii) What is the status of the solar energy investor that you promised the government?

iv) Where are the hidden investors in the Marriot? Who are they? Why are you not exposing all these evidence you claim to have?

The fact of the matter remains that you have to be thankful for this government, especially, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, because, if you were in the United States, the govern-

ment would have already confiscated your assets for the $2 billion you owe the State. And, since you are planning to form a political party in 2025, you saw what Joe Biden did to Trump? You are very fortunate that the government does not react in an adverse manner to its political opponents.

The government continues to give your newspaper ‘ads’, and they continue to confront your propaganda in a genuine way, and I think you should acknowledge these truths, and come clean with the nation. Tell your viewers how much you owe the State, and when you will settle those liabilities.

You can’t compare your situation to ExxonMobil, because Exxon is a publicly traded company, and all of its financial information are public; all of its dealings, operations, and everything else in Guyana are public. If you have questions, the government and Exxon are obligated to provide those answers, which they do. Can you meet those basic standards of transparency? Do you have the integrity and credibility to tell us the truth, and show us your financials?

Yours respectfully, Joel

Bhagwandin

The story of Red Thread: Part 4

TODAY concludes the series on Red Thread. Many details were left out in documenting the history of this middle class, racially driven, anti-government organisation because of libel. I began this series after I read that Red Thread complained in the press that a businessman and his son threatened to harm them. Red Thread notified the public it was warned by a message sent to its web page by “Guyanese Critic” of a hit man who was paid $10 million.

I have already debunked that exclamation of Red Thread because absolutely no angle of that tale made any sense whatsoever. See my articles: August 4, 2023 “A hit man, $10M and commonsense” and August 8, 2023, “Guyanese Critic to sue Red Tread.”

In part 3, we left off where the point was made that as soon as Andaiye died, the red threads that were interwoven in the veins of this

chauvinistic, middle class, elitist entity changed their colour to black.

Andaiye died in May of 2019 and the ink was not dried on the death certificate when Red Thread showed its Freudian colours. Days after, Red Thread hosted an occasion to celebrate the life of Andaiye at the Conference Centre. I assumed from the prominence of their presence on stage, that the event was shaped by Joycelyn Dow and Allisa Trotz, both dyein-the wool WPA ideologues and quintessential members of the Mulatto/Creole class (MCC).

To see what went on in the Conference Centre that day, allowed me to separate the sheep from the goats. On that day, I came to have a deep appreciation for the People’s Progressive Party and its solid physiological attachment to the working classes and rural folks of Guyana.

This was the celebration of the life of a political

activist that was one of the founders of the WPA, a radical organisation that promised the working people of Guyana that the WPA was one of their liberators. This was an activist that founded a grassroots movement to alleviate the sufferings of working class women. There were no working class people at that event. I have been to the church service of David DeCaires, someone I regarded as part of the crème de la crème of colonial Guyana and there were ordinary folks in attendance.

When you sat in that audience at the Conference Centre that day then you knew who betrayed the masses in this country. No Indian gave a featured address of which they were about 10. I saw about six Indians in the audience including me and the other five were people I know that were Christians. One of the main speakers was Tacuma Ogunseye who used the occasion to politicise the

occasion and attack the PPP.

The Red Thread organisers had to know how Andaiye felt about Ogunseye. If I did through her telling me; why they did not know? They knew. But Andaiye had gone and Red Thread had now taken its place alongside its inventers in the WPA as a reactionary organisation based on class, colour, an anti- Indian mentality and anti-PPP chemistry.

Red Thread’s moment of glory came when its parent body, the WPA came to power in 2015. Soon after, a high-powered delegation from overseas came to negotiate Red Thread’s role in government. The team consisted of deputy head of Red Thread, Dr. Alissa Trotz; secretary of the Overseas Friends of the WPA, Mr. Keith Branch; and Dr.

Wildfires and climate

IN recent months, wildfires in Canada have severely affected parts of the United States, blanketing cities in smog that significantly reduced visibility and particularly affecting persons with lung and breathing difficulties.

Wildfires have also wreaked havoc in several parts of Greece, including the island of Rhodes, causing tourists and residents alike to flee, fearing for their lives and later in the Hawaiian island of Maui, where over 100 people died.

The total cost of this level of destruction is immeasurable and multi-pronged – ecological, economic/financial and, not so obvious, psychological. For wildfires have, over the years, destroyed millions of acres of land, killing everything in their path – plant and animal life, trees and birds and levelling houses and businesses.

In places like California, precious grape vines, many carefully cultivated and tended over generations, were reduced to ashes in an instant. Householders rearing livestock scrambled to save their animals and entire livestock regions in Australia

were decimated by wildfires which raged out of control for months.

The cost to the states and nations affected is still being calculated, inclusive of disruption of electricity and water supplies and their subsequent restoration.

The toll on firefighting equipment, including helicopters and small planes, man hours and the tragic loss of life in the civilian and firefighting communities has led to anxiety and stress for the survivors, while the authorities and homeowners have been faced with the mammoth task of rebuilding.

And there are ‘hidden’ costs, which may be minimal initially but which, over time, amount to a considerable sum.

All of this has given rise to the clarion cry of global warming, though there is a scientific school of thought which claims that the atmosphere is actually getting cooler. Of course this is dismissed as a conspiracy theory, while the mainstream is vocal in laying the blame for our radical and often sudden changes in global temperature at the ‘feet’ of climate change caused primarily by

the human use of fossil fuels.

Indeed the United Nations defines climate change as “…long term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns”, while acknowledging that “such shifts can result from the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions”. The burning of fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal are however considered to be “the main driver” since the 19th century.

Experts explain that burning fossil fuel generates greenhouse gas emissions that act as a “blanket wrapped around the earth trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures”.

The main greenhouses gases causing the change are methane and carbon dioxide – the latter mainly from agriculture, oil and gas operations and the former from clearing and cutting down forests and gasoline driven cars and coal used for heating.

Hence the energy industry, transport, buildings agriculture and land use are “among the main sectors causing greenhouse gases.”

Scientists put the blame for global warming firmly on humans, who, by the gen-

David Hinds. They met at the office of the Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine. Dr. Trotz and Dr. Roopnarine have always been close and she wrote the foreword for his book, “The sky’s Wild Noise.” Don’t read that book. It will make you sad after you read Dr. Roopnarine’s revolutionary experience and juxtapose it with his politics today.

The disgraceful non-recognition of the no-confidence motion by APNU+AFC of 2018 and the five months of election rigging in 2020 were moments that Red Thread showed subtle support for the conspiracies of APNU+AFC. There has never been any public statement from the organisation denouncing these ant-democratic atrocities.

Today, Red Thread is

a shell of itself. The loss of power by the WPA has devastated its biology. Its head-office on Princess Street is almost abandoned with broken window panes and creeping vines. The organisation is almost penniless and has no credible membership, a testimony to an era long gone. The question is why did it invent and maximise the non-existent threat from the famous businessman? Why did Red Thread descend to that comical level?

I suspect it had to do with financial survival. If it claims that people want to harm it, then it catapulted into the spotlight and global women groups will rally support and offer funds. That is exactly what happened.

eration of greenhouse gases are causing the world to heat faster” than at any time in at least the last two thousand years.”

In an alarming report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says, “Many of the changes are unprecedented in thousands if not hundreds of thousands of years, and some of the changes set in motion – such as continued sea-level rise – are irreversible over hundreds to thousands of years”.

In its 2023 Synthesis Report the IPCC observed that “Global greenhouse gas

emissions have continued to increase with unequal historical and ongoing contributions arising from unsustainable energy use, land use and

land-usage change, lifestyles and patterns of consumption and consumption and production across regions, be-

TURN TO PAGE 8

More than 200 Indigenous leaders to attend National Toshaos Conference

OVER 200 indigenous leaders from across the country will today gather at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), at Liliendaal, Georgetown for the 2023 National Toshao’s Conference.

In a recent invited comment, Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai

told the Guyana Chronicle that this year's conference will see approximately 242 leaders meeting to discuss ongoing projects and plans to further develop hinterland communities.

“We met with them to partner and coordinate with them on their agenda, their time schedule and [give] our support for logistics to

them because it is moving 242 leaders, and staff from the fields,” Sukhai said adding:

“There will be an update on the progress of projects by the villages as it relates to the carbon credits funds too, because that is another huge introduction of financial resources into the villages.”

With many issues facing Indigenous Peoples across the world, Sukhai said Guyana is way ahead of most countries in addressing those challenges and preserving the rights of the country’s first peoples.

She referenced the recent supplementary funding that was approved by the National Assembly for hinterland communities.

The $31 billion supplementary budget which was approved by the National Assembly, included $4.7 billion that will be directly allocated to 242 Indigenous communities and $26.5 billion for climate adaptation measures that were earned through Guyana’s carbon credits deal with the Hess Corporation.

The Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART), in December 2022, issued the world’s first TREES credits to Guyana.

This marked a milestone as it was the first time a country was issued carbon credits specifically

designed for the voluntary and compliance carbon markets for successfully preventing forest loss and degradation — a process known as jurisdictional REDD+.

Following the completion of an independent validation and verification process and approval by the ART Board of Directors, ART issued 33.47 million TREES credits to Guyana for the five-year period 2016 to 2020.

This paved the way for a historic agreement between Hess Corporation and the Government of Guyana, whereby the oil giants opted to purchase about one-third of all Guyana’s credits (issued and anticipated) up to 2030.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) and Toshao of Moraikobai Village, Derrick John previously disclosed that 90 per cent of the 242 Amerindian communities have already received their

benefits from the carbon credit funds.

According to John the carbon credit funds and the titling of indigenous lands will be among the key topics discussed at the conference.

“One of the things that is very key and important for the Indigenous community is their lands, titling of their lands and we have been working very closely with the ALT (Amerindian Land Titling) team from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and I think that they have made a lot of progress from last year, and I think that some communities now will be having their titles this year,” John said.

The National Toshao’s Conference offers Indigenous leaders the opportunity to meet and interact with government officials to make critical decisions regarding their livelihoods and development.

The conference will conclude on September 1.

Wildfires and...

FROM PAGE 7

tween and within countries and among individuals (high confidence).”

The Panel also noted “widespread and rapid changes” in the ocean, atmosphere, biosphere and cryosphere”, stating that human-caused climate change is now affecting many climate and weather extremes across the globe.

And in a forceful statement on CNN, Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley,

said that wealthy countries and corporations, who have contributed to the climate crisis must do their part to address its very grave global consequences.

Ms Mottley did not ‘pull her punches’ when she blamed the developed world for its part in causing global warming, urging that we have to make this planet livable and quipping that she did not see any plans for us to occupy Mars.

In response to a question from interviewer, Fareed

Zakaria, on whether we were taking the right steps, she said, “I do think we’re moving in the right direction, but I don’t think we’re moving with the pace or with the scope that’s necessary”.

The formidable Barbadian Premier called for the formation of a coalition of concerned parties to provide the very substantial funding to bring about effective and immediate climate change.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali addresses indigenous leaders in the presence of diplomats and special invitees at the last year’s opening ceremony

Guyana-born United Airlines captain aims to help push homeland’s economic success

By Trina Williams

WITH nothing but a big imagination and the mentality to reach for the stars, Ethon Anthony Wilson, who hails from Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, has become the youngest black pilot at the United Airlines and has expressed his commitment to aiding his homeland on its rapid economic trajectory.

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the 39-year-old pilot shared the journey that led him to where he is today and his plans for the future.

“Out of the 17,000 pilots, there's about seven Guyanese pilots that work for the United Airlines and I'm the youngest captain and I'm the youngest black captain in the United Airlines,” Wilson said as he explained that he is proud of his Guyanese roots. This pride was the driving force behind his decision to open

a West Indian supermarket in Brooklyn, New York, that offers a wide range of Caribbean products from ‘bangamary’ to methylated spirits.

Moreover, he said that he is aiming to expand and open a few businesses in Guyana given the country’s aggressive economic growth.

However, this success did not occur overnight as the captain encountered a series of hurdles, which he had to overcome.

“Being a typical Guyanese, I was into cricket and playing soccer and at the age of 16, my dad moved me, my brother and sister to the United States,” he said while sharing his story about growing up in the country-side and being engulfed in the serene surroundings to hitting the ‘land of opportunities’ where his love for flying sprouted.

Playing in the under 19

cricket team for the United States, Wilson said although he was talented and loved the sport that is well-known in his homeland, he recognised that it was not as popular in America.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, the pilot said that he posed a series of questions to himself about his future and where he was headed.

“Cricket is not a big sport in the US so I had to make a choice in terms of my career. Do I continue to play cricket? Or do I go to school and pursue an education?” were some of the questions that Wilson asked himself.

Still contemplating whether to pursue his growing career in cricket, the pilot said that he decided what he wanted for his future after chatting with some renowned Guyanese cricketers who were residing in the United States at that time.

Recapping the moment that changed his life, he said during a friendly game of cricket, those Guyanese cricketers bestowed their knowledge upon him and encouraged him to reach for the stars.

“So I made the decision to go to the College of Aeronautics and Technology,” he said.

OVERCOMING HURDLES

Balancing work while going to flight school was difficult, he admitted and

although his parents were hesitant about his career choice, he still strived to achieve his goal.

“I took a loan out for US $5,700 because when I told my parents okay, you know I'm going to pursue flying as a career… everyone [was] like kind of hesitant…,” he related.

Reflecting on one of the hurdles he faced, the pilot said while he was on the journey to becoming a pilot, the ‘1,500 hour rule’ arose. This was mandatory

for students enrolled in a pilot training programme as they were required to complete 1,500 hours of flight training with a certified instructor.

“I decided to come back to Guyana and work for Roraima Airways and I worked for Air Services Limited where I was able to build the hours and experience that I needed,” Wilson said.

The pilot said flying in Guyana was a wonderful experience owing to the remarkable instructors and breath-taking scenery.

He said he endured lots of trials and tribulations and when he became a captain for the United Airlines, it was a “full circle moment” for him.

“Well, it's the best job in the world. I can definitely say that, you know. I enjoy every single bit… making it at United Airlines [which] is considered one of the biggest airlines in the world,” Wilson said.

Housing Ministry to launch single-window system soon

GUYANESE looking to conduct business in the housing and construction industries will soon be able to do so hassle-free as the Ministry of Housing and Water will, next month, launch its single-window system.

This was revealed by subject minister, Collin Croal, at Thursday’s launch of the 2023

try point for submission, processing and approval for all your planning and development applications. These applications and other documents can be submitted from anywhere in the world once the platform is fully implemented.”

“This intervention will significantly reduce the tedium that obtain in a process that is

The bill aims to ease the burdensome planning process by introducing a single-window electronic processing system.

This system will enhance business efficiency, particularly in the housing and construction industries, which have been experiencing significant growth.

The legislation now includes provisions for the establishment of a Planning Oversight Committee, which will centralise functions related to land-use preparation and development. It also aims to define the committee’s responsibilities and associated matters.

business-friendly environment, and improve the ease of doing business, through an

Building Expo at the National Stadium, Providence where he said the operation oversight committee will also be established.

“This platform is critical to making the sector more efficient and will contribute greatly to the improvement of doing business,” Croal said.

The system gives Guyanese the opportunity to access the relevant information they need from any part of the country.

“The single-window platform will provide a single-en-

costly, frustrating, inefficient and outdated and will reap tremendous dividends for users. The housing sector is changing. Demand is outpacing supply and we recognize that we must work even faster,” he added.

Just before the Planning and Development Single-Window System Bill was passed, Croal told the National Assembly that the amendments preceded the conclusion of deliberations on the bill and took into consideration Guyana’s changing dynamics in terms of electronic payments.

Several agencies will become part of the single window. They include Central Board of Health, the Ministry of Public Works, River and Defence Board, Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana Fire Service, Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, National Trust of Guyana, Guyana Office for Investment, Deeds registry, Guyana Water Incorporated, all Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and the local authorities, inclusive of the municipalities, among other agencies.

The implementation of the single-window system forms part of the government’s efforts to create a

Captain Ethon Anthony Wilson

electronic portal that allows investors to submit planning and building permits, and

check the status of the permits from anywhere in the world.

SRCS continues efforts to preserve indigenous knowledge, skills

By Cassandra Khan

GIVEN the decline in the transfer of traditional knowledge and skills from older indigenous generations to the younger ones over the last few decades, the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS), an Indigenous-led grassroots organisation, has been facilitating classes in a number of Rupununi communities.

According to Neal Millar, Programme Coordinator of the SRCS, the aim of the classes is to provide a formal setting where learners have the time and space to learn these skills and knowledge to ensure that it can

be passed from one Indigenous generation to another.

The classes were first piloted for 20 weeks in 12 communities in the Rupununi in 2021 with support from the Sustainable Wildlife Management - Programme Guyana and Cultural Survival.

Based on the success of those classes, the SRCS was able to partner with the Amazon Conservation Team Suriname in 2022 to hold in Shulinab, Karaudarnau, Maruranau and Sawariwau, 60 classes each.

“The classes are taught by village elders and resource persons who are selected by their communities and are then trained by SRCS on how to facilitate the classes. Six facilitators are

selected in each community to teach three skills to a group of 30 children,” Millar explained.

Some of the skills that are taught in the classes include arrow and bow making, cotton spinning, hammock making, learning the local Wapichan and Macushi languages, creating tibisiri crafts and crafting of tools including matapees, cassava sifters and warashis.

“One of the unique aspects of these classes is their interactive and experiential nature. Instead of a traditional classroom setup, learning takes place outside and in different settings, allowing participants to directly engage with the lessons they are learning,” Millar noted.

He added: “For example, for the basket weaving classes, the children start by going to areas where the resource used to make the basket is grown. They then are taught how to plant the material, when to harvest it and how to do so sustainably.”

The SRCS hopes that, through these classes, traditional knowledge and skills will be preserved across generations and the cultural identity of the indigenous People of the Rupununi will remain strong.

However, Millar said that they are concerned that funding for these classes cannot continue indefinitely. Noting this, he related that the SRCS is working to further develop the project whereby the youth and their teachers will be able to sell their crafts.

“It is hoped that this will help to further incentivise them to continue practising their skills and to continue transferring knowledge,” he said.

Although the classes can only cater for 30 persons in each community, the facilitators have seen an increase in children wishing

to join.

He related that facilitators reported that many adults who have never learned these skills or knowledge also want to join the classes.

“The facilitators believe that the children who have participated in the classes will do very well during competitions in Heritage Month as they have allowed children to practise more than children from other communities,” he said.

Millar noted that the importance of the classes go beyond cultural preservation as the Indigenous communities in the Rupununi region have been practising sustainable lifestyles for centuries, harmoniously co-existing with nature.

“This wealth of traditional knowledge holds the key to understanding how to maintain the delicate balance between human activities and the environment. Through these classes, the youth are exposed to a plethora of skills that contribute not only to their cultural identity but also to their understanding of sustain -

able resource management,” he explained.

Moreover, Millar related that the traditional knowledge classes act as a bridge between generations, fostering a sense of respect for the wisdom and experiences of elders.

“The youth gain a deeper appreciation for their heritage and cultural identity, combating the erosion of traditional values in the face of globalisation. At a time where the world is realising the significance of indigenous wisdom, the efforts of SRCS are providing an example of how traditional practices can pave the way for a harmonious and sustainable future,” he said.

As the SRCS continues to make efforts to ensure there is cultural transmission, Millar said that one of the given reasons for this not happening is that children are no longer interested in learning this knowledge or the skills. However the SRCS strongly disagrees with this, since whenever given the opportunity, children have expressed an eagerness to learn.

Scenes from the South Rupununi Conservation Society’s (SRCS) traditional knowledge classes in Rupununi communities

Residents of Paramakatoi, Region Eight and surrounding communities are now benefitting from improved access to health care following the commissioning of a smart hospital in the village in April this year. This was the fifth hospital to be retrofitted under the Smart Health Care Facilities in the Caribbean Project. The Ali-led government is committed to ensuring that Guyanese in every part of the country have access to quality health care and efficient health services

Cop shot during armed robbery at Onderneeming supermarket

POLICE are investigating an alleged armed robbery at Wang Wang # 2 Supermarket at Lot 1864 Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara, at about 19:30 hours on Saturday.

According to a police statement, the proprietor of the supermarket, a 42-yearold Chinese businessman of the said address was robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash, while Colin Hall, a police corporal of the Court Superintendent's Office at Leonora Police Station was robbed of one gold chain, value unknown, and other items

The alleged robbery was committed by two identifiable men, both of whom were armed with handguns.

The statement said that ranks visited the scene at about 20:15 hours on Saturday and their investigations revealed that at the time of the robbery,

the supermarket's owner and his 41-year-old wife were standing behind the counter conducting business while customers were shopping.

“A black XR motorcycle then rode up and stopped outside the supermarket, and two suspects, both dressed in blue jeans and black hoodies with masks on their faces, dismounted the motorcycle. One of the suspects ran to the supermarket entrance, held the unarmed security guard at gunpoint, and ordered him to lie on the ground while the other suspect remained at the front, closer to the motorcycle.”

“One of the suspects then entered the supermarket and went behind the counter while pointing his firearm in a threatening manner at the Chinese businessman and his wife. He then opened the drawers and took out the cash, which he pushed into his

crotch and pockets, and then he quickly exited.”

“Corporal Hall, who was imbibing at the front of the supermarket, was robbed of his property by the other suspect, who had remained at the front of the supermarket. While robbing Corporal Hall, the suspect discharged a round from his firearm, hitting him on his upper left leg,” the police statement added.

The two suspects later escaped on the motorcycle.

Public-spirited citizens rushed Corporal Hall to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he is receiving medical attention. His condition is stable.

Detectives processed the scene, and one .32 spent shell was recovered in the vicinity where Corporal Hall was standing.

Checks are also currently being made for the suspects as investigations continue.

Unicomer launches one-stop business solutions initiative

UNICOMER, in an effort to foster empowerment and drive new economic growth within the corporate world,

launched the Courts Business Solutions (CBS) at the International Building Expo 2023.

According to the Man-

ager of CBS, Ulander Leitch, leveraging Unicomer’s buy in power, they are now able to source and procure items

to offer customers at affordable prices, as well as having financing solutions available for customers.

“Anything in the com-

mercial space, commercial grade items, we can now offer. This partnership has now helped us to build relationships with certain suppliers where we are able to provide additional commercial kitchen grade items, laundry items…so anything in the commercial space we can offer,” she explained.

A benefit of CBS, she said, is that they have not only created a purchasing solution, but a one stop solution so that persons can make purchases and also have financing solutions to assist them in being able to afford the products.

Leitch said that they decided to launch it at the Building Expo because they see it as a great op-

portunity for exposure.

“There are a lot of developers here, persons who would benefit from our solutions. Most persons now they would have to import anything they need in the commercial space. The disadvantage they would experience from that is that they do not have extended warranty,” she said.

She noted that if CBS procures the items for the customers, they would be offered extended warranty along with servicing, installation, maintenance and after-service support.

“So this is helping to bridge the gap between Corporate Guyana and Unicomer,” Leitch stated.

Miner fatally stabbed at Imbaimadai Landing

POLICE are investigating a report of an alleged murder committed on Stenson Roland, a 35-year-old miner, which occurred at about 23:30 hours on Saturday at Imbaimadai Landing, Upper Mazaruni River.

According to a statement, investigations have revealed that the victim was consuming alcohol at Pompey's shop at Imbaimadai Landing when the suspect, identified as 'Rohaman', suddenly approached him and dealt him one stab with a knife to his upper left side chest and then fled into

the bushes.

Police, on arrival at the scene, saw the body of Roland lying on the ground, clad in a green 3/4 trousers and a blood-soaked grey vest. The body was examined, and a puncture wound was seen on the upper leftside chest area.

The body was examined by Community Health Worker, Maraline Austin, who pronounced him dead at the scene. The body was then taken to the Community Health Centre to await a post-mortem examination.

Investigation in progress.

Manager of CBS, Ulander Leitch

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday August 28, 2023)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83

Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Shoaib Malik-78 (Tridents vs Zouks)

(2) Shakib Al Hassan-6/6 (Tridents vs Red Steel)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who were the losing semi-finalists in CPL 2013?

(2) Who were the captains involved in the CPL 2013 final?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue ......................................................................

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

West Indies versus Sri Lanka Youth One-Day International…

Sealy half century, Edwards wonder spell fail to spur win

CMC – NATHAN Sealy shone with the bat and left-arm pacer Nathan Edward starred with the ball in an impressive new-ball spell, but neither effort was enough to prevent West Indies Under-19s from a six-wicket defeat to their hosts, in the first Youth One-Day International here Sunday.

Choosing to bat first at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, West Indies rallied to 223 all out in the final over thanks to Sealy’s counter-attacking 75 off 82 deliveries, entering at number seven.

Verstappen wins Zandvoort thriller

(Formula 1) - MAX Verstappen converted pole position into victory at the Dutch Grand Prix for the third year in a row, navigating an action-packed, rain-hit encounter to take the chequered flag ahead of Fernando Alonso and Pierre Gasly and draw level with Sebastian Vettel on nine successive F1 wins.

It all began with spits of rain before the start of the race that dramatically turned into a shower on the first lap, prompting split strategies up and down the order as Verstappen headed a pack of drivers who initially stayed out on slicks and team mate Perez led a group into the pits to take on intermediates.

What followed was a frenetic opening phase as those who made an early switch to intermediates rose to the fore, while those who stayed out longer on slicks lost a hatful of positions, prior to the rain easing off and the track gradually drying up.

With the Red Bulls running those aforementioned alternate strategies, it was Perez who led the way as the race settled down, while Verstappen had fallen back to fourth – behind Zhou Guanyu and Gasly – and had work to do to reclaim P1.

After managing to do so with much superior pace,

Verstappen looked set for a clear run to the chequered flag and the win on a bonedry track, only for further rain to work its way onto the radar and hit the track with force in the closing stages.

That led to another flurry of pit lane activity, and a red flag after Zhou crashed out, bringing a seven-lap dash to the flag when the action resumed and serving up one last test for reigning double world champion Verstappen to overcome.

Overcome it Verstappen did as he kept his cool at the slippery restart and managed the gap back to Alonso and Perez with aplomb, confirming his hard-fought triumph and equalling Vettel’s victory record that has stood since the 2013 season.

Alonso’s second-place finish marked his first podium since Canada more than two months ago, while Perez crossed the line in third but was hit with a five-second time penalty for speeding in the pit lane, promoting a delighted Gasly – who had started 12th – to the rostrum.

Perez had to settle for fourth after his sanction, followed by the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz and Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton, who were involved in a late, wheel-banging scrap, as Lando Norris, Alex Albon, Oscar

Openers Adrian Weir (32) and Stephen Pascal (29) chipped in while Tarrique Edward (27) also contributed at number eight.

Garuka Sanketh finished with five for 45 while fellow right-arm new-ball seamer Dinura Kalupahana picked up three for 45.

In reply, Ravishan De Silva (65), Supun Waduge (56) and Dinura Kalupahana (52 not out) all struck half-centuries to see off the visitors’ challenge.

Edward rocked the innings early by removing both openers as Sri Lanka U19s slipped to 11 for two

in the fourth over but that was the last of any major success for West Indies U19s.

Ravishan, who faced 85 balls and struck seven fours and a six, steadied the innings in a crucial 134-run third wicket stand with Waduge, who struck eight fours in a 78-ball knock.

When both perished in the space of 10 balls with only three runs added, Kalupahana took responsibility for the remainder of the chase, blasting seven fours and a six in a 42-ball cameo, and inspiring an unbroken fifth stand of 76 with wicketkeeper Sarujan

Sammuganathen who finished unbeaten on 20.

Earlier, the West Indies U19s innings pivoted on two key partnerships. First, Weir and Pascal put on 58 for the first wicket to give the innings a sound start.

And when six wickets tumbled for 38 runs to leave the tourists tottering on 96 for six at the end of the 24th, Sealy and Edward patched things up in a 74-run, seventh wicket stand.

Sealy struck five fours and three sixes before he was ninth out in the penultimate over, giving Sanketh his fifth wicket.

Piastri and Esteban Ocon completed the points.

Lance Stroll just missed out on a top-10 finish in the other Aston Martin, followed by Nico Hulkenberg, F1 newcomer Liam Lawson and Kevin Magnussen – the AlphaTauri driver given a 10-second penalty for impeding the Dane in the pit lane.

That moment aside, it was a strong debut performance for the 21-year-old New Zealander, who otherwise stayed out of trouble and kept his car on the track, finishing three spots up on team mate Yuki Tsunoda, who took a five-second penalty of his own for causing a collision with George Russell.

Valtteri Bottas was the only Alfa Romeo to finish after Zhou’s crash, taking 15th from Tsunoda and Russell, the latter losing what would have been a points finish after contact with Norris during the final dash to the flag.

Joining Zhou on the sidelines were Charles Leclerc due to damage picked up on the first lap that ultimately proved too challenging to race on with, and Logan Sargeant, who followed up his qualifying crash with another heavy shunt.

Kane scores twice as Bayern continue winning start

(BBC) - ENGLAND captain Harry Kane scored twice on his home Bundesliga debut for Bayern Munich as the champions continued their winning start to the league season.

Kane became the first English player to score in his first two Bundesliga games when he clipped a penalty down the middle just before half-time.

The ex-Tottenham forward wrapped up the 3-1 win after the break with a lovely finish with the outside of his foot.

Thomas Tuchel's side dominated possession throughout.

"Great game today," said Kane in a video on social media afterwards. "To score two goals in front of you fans was a special feeling.

"Lots of improvement still to come but to start the season with two wins is a really great start, so thanks for the support as always.

"You know [I] appreciate every single one of you there in the stadium singing my name, so look forward to next week now, recover

well and let's keep it going."

After a sluggish start, Bayern got into their stride and opened the scoring when Leroy Sane's shot hit the post and went in off defender Felix Uduokhai.

Referee Sascha Stegemann then awarded a penalty for Niklas Dorsch's handball after being called to check his monitor by the Video Assistant Referee, with Kane converting the spot-kick with ease.

After the break Bayern looked far brighter, Sane

curling a fine shot against the post, before Alphonso Davies found Kane onside and free in the middle to loft a calm finish into the net.

Substitute Dion Beljo wriggled free to poke in a late consolation for the visitors, while Kane wasted a chance to complete his hattrick when he headed wide.

However, he has now scored in his last seven league appearances, stretching back to his time in the Premier League at Spurs.

Nathan Sealy top-scored for West Indies U19s with 75 in Sunday’s opening Youth ODI

Harry Kane has three goals in his first two Bundesliga games

Cornwall, Mayers lay foundation for Royals to beat Patriots

THE Barbados Royals defeated the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in their 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match at Warner Park, St Kitts.

The Royals won the toss and opted to field first and despite seemingly having the Patriots innings under their control, the home side rallied with late order batting to set a mammoth total of 197/7.

In reply the Royals saw Rahkeem Cornwall and Kyle Mayers lay the foundation in the PowerPlay before captain Rovman Powell saw his side home with the fastest 50 in the Republic Bank CPL this season.

His destructive innings

saw the Royals complete the second highest run chase in Republic Bank CPL history.

The Patriots got their innings off to a lightning start led by Andre Fletcher’s sparkling strokeplay, the Spiceman’s 360 cricket allowing the Patriots to reach 56 at the end of the PowerPlay but they lost two wickets in the process.

Rahkeem Cornwall induced a mis-timed stroke from Evin Lewis, the opener sweeping only as far as Kyle Mayers for 8 before Joshua Da Silva was run out for 5 chasing a quick second run.

Outside of the PowerPlay the Patriots run scoring slowed significantly, Fletcher and Sherfane

Rutherford only putting on 39 runs from 34 balls before Nyeem Young dismissed Rutherford caught and bowled for 28.

Fletcher followed shortly afterwards having just got to his 50, Qais Ahmad trapping him lbw. That was only the beginning of Ahmad’s work as he cleaned up Jyd Goolie to leave the Patriots teetering at 111/5.

Powerful late order hitting from Corbin Bosch (38) and Dominic Drakes (20) ensured the Patriots ended with momentum on their side, with a stiff target of 198 for the Royals to chase.

If the Royals were going to chase the total they would need a fast start and they got that and then some

with Rahkeem Cornwall smashing 38 from 15 balls to give the reply the impetus it needed.

Having reached 74 at the end of the PowerPlay the Royals were well ahead of the game but Kyle Mayers fell shortly after that to open the door for the Patriots.

The Patriots couldn’t apply further wicket taking pressure but even so with the Royals poised at 150/3 with five overs to go, the match seemed set for a tight finish.

However, captain Rovman Powell saw his side home with a destructive 67 from 29 balls to guide the Royals home with nine balls to spare.

GAW decimate Jamaica Tallawahs by 34 runs

THE Guyana Amazon Warriors continued their unbeaten start to the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a 34-run win over the Jamaica Tallawahs at Warner Park.

Despite a tricky start with the bat, the Amazon Warriors posted an imposing total of 210/7 with fifties for Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul.

In reply, the Tallawahs top order succumbed to

the bowling of Romario Shepherd with five wickets falling inside the first seven overs.

A brilliant partnership between Imad Wasim and Fabian Allen saw the Tallawahs recover from 36/5 to 133/6 but the damage caused by those early wickets could not be repaired.

The Jamaica Tallawahs started brilliantly with the ball, claiming two wickets inside the first over. The first man to go was Haz-

ratullah Zazai who made a two-ball duck on his CPL debut when he cut a ball from Chris Green to Imad Wasim at point.

When Saim Ayub edged a ball from Mohammad Amir through to the keeper the score was 7/2 and the Amazon Warriors were in danger of losing the game inside the PowerPlay.

Azam Khan hit a huge six but was dismissed for just 7 when he was brilliantly caught by Salman

Irshad who claimed a diving effort on the third boundary, but from there it was all about the Warriors batting.

Shai Hope made an attractive 25 and shared a 50-run stand with Shimron Hetmyer, but the fireworks really started when Keemo Paul walked to the crease. Hetmyer and Paul put on 99-run stand from just 47 balls with both men passing fifty. Paul was dismissed for a career best 57 while

GCA T20 Cup semi-final

Hetmyer made a blistering 60.

It was left to Romario Shepherd and Dwaine Pretorius to take the Warriors past 200 as they set a target of 211.

It was always going to be a stiff chase but when Romario Shepherd bowled a double wicket maiden it made things very hard for the Tallawahs. Shepherd would go on to finish with figures of 3/7 from his three overs.

The stand between Allen and Imad was full of attacking shots but with the required rate getting unmanageble there was too much left for them to do. When Imad was dismissed for 63 by Imran Tahir the required rate was up to 20 runs an over.

Allen fell for 47 and with him any slim hopes of a Tallawahs win departed as the Jamaican side finished on 176 all out.

DCC to clash with Everest in final on September 10

By Sean Devers

ON another day of steaming heat at the Everest ground, DCC beat GCC by five wickets with six balls to spare to advance to the final of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) T20 Cup.

They will face Everest who defeated a spirted MYO by 18 runs in the other semi-finals of the First Division tournament last Saturday.

DCC asked GCC to bat on a dry, two-paced track and lightning fast and well-manicured outfield. National U-19 batter Zakery Judah (1) was caught on the long-off boundary off Dexter George at 9-1, the shackles were never really released.

GCC’s leading batter in the tournament, Joshua Wade (18)

was bowled by leg-spinner Steven Sankar while fellow spinner Nkosi Beaton bowled Deonarine Seegobin and Renaldo Ali-Mohammed for ducks as GCC slipped to 38-4.

Martin Pestano-Bell (21) hit George to deep mid-wicket to leave the score on 48-5 before Beaton, who bowled a miserly four-over spell, picking up his third wicket when he bowled Rovaldo Phillips (1) to leave GCC wobbling on the ropes on 49-6.

Skipper Devon Lord and Khemraj Jaikarran took the score 79 with excellent running between the wickets before Carlton Jacques removed Jaikarran while Lord, who batted intelligently, was run out in the final over three runs later for 20 aided by a four and a six.

George supported Beaton

with 2-17 from four overs for DCC which started their innings horrendously when Sachin Singh was bowled for a duck by Wade at 1-1.

Brandon Jaikarran (13) hit a return catch of Stephon Wilson at 33-2 before three wickets tumbled for nine runs including the set Peter Raymond Perez who was LBW to Lord for 31 with three boundaries; leaving the Queenstown side on 67-5.

However, Beaton, unbeaten 28 with a six and a four and Sankar saw their home as 17 runs leaked from the penultimate over, surprisingly bowled by Seegobin with off-spinner Krsna Singh (1-11) and Ali-Mohammed (1-13) having one over left.

In the afternoon game which also commenced late,

ended in fading light with Everest beating MYO, the latter of which put up a tough fight although it was in a losing cause.

Everest opted to bat and led by an 87-run stand between Clinton Pestano and David Williams, reached 182-5 when their 20 overs expired before dismissing MYO for 164.

Ushardeva Balgobin (6) and Skipper and in-form batter Akshaya Persaud (0) were both back in the pavilion with Everest on 15-2.

Former West Indies opener Rajendra Chandrika who looked very elegant on 26 and Richie Looknauth who made 41 from 35 balls, took the score 49 before the former departed.

Looknauth and Troy Gonsalves (10) took the score to 94 before Gonsalves got an

under edge onto his wicket as he tried to pull a short ball from Suresh Dhanai; Looknauth tried to upper cut a short ball from Dhanai and skied it to short third-man after stroking an attractive 41.

Pestano who reached his 50 from 17 balls with two fours and six sixes before making 55 not out, shared in an unbroken 87 run partnership with Williams who clobbered an unbeaten 28 from 21 balls.

Dhanai had two wickets for MYO who were off to a solid start as Safraz Esau (22) and Sheldon Alexander (26) added 43 for the first wicket before Looknauth (2-38) broke the stand,

Esau was LBW to Williams at 63-2 while Alexander departed at 91-3 when he was bowled with a perfect yorker

from Berbice and Guyana pacer Shamar Joseph at 913. Skipper Omesh Danram (17) then fell to Looknauth at 101-4.

The left-handed pair of Ricardo Adams (11) and the pugnacious Damion Van Tull, who smashed three sixes and three fours in an explosive 43 from 18 balls, added 53 before they were both removed by Pestano (2-33).

Skipper Persaud, one of only two bowlers with a 5-wicket haul in this tournament, took 3-24 to clean up the lower order and take his wicket tally to 13, the most in the tournament.

The two matches were carried live on FL Sports on YouTube

The Final is set for September 10.

Kyle Mayers (L) and Rahkeem Cornwall (R) of Barbados Royals 50 runs partnership during the Men’s 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League match 10 between Saint Kitts and Nevis Patriots and Barbados Royals at Warner Park Sporting Complex on August 26, 2023 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.

(Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Guyana showcase excellence at XIV CAC Youth Chess Festival

THE XIV CAC Youth

Chess Festival ended on Saturday last with the final round in the morning and the closing ceremonies in the evening.

The event marked the culmination of a challenging and exhilarating journey spanning nine rounds of chess.

The festival, which commenced on August 21st, brought together 231 young players aged six to 18 years old from a diverse range of countries, including the Bahamas, Barbados, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Saint Lucia, Suriname, and the host nation, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The standout player for Guyana, was the youngest team member, 10-yearold Kataleya Sam. She impressively maintained her third-place standing in the Under 10 Female category, securing a conditional Women's Candidate Master title. This remarkable achievement awaits official confirma-

tion when she achieves an international rating of 1800 or higher.

In a captivating display of strategic finesse and tactical acumen, Kyle Couchman emerged victorious against the ultimate under-14 Champion, Kael Samuel Bisnauth, in an intense match for the final game of the tournament.

Alexander Zhang showcased his prowess, securing 4.5 points in the under-16 Open.

Italy Ton-Chung playing in the under-16 female category, demonstrated her resolve, concluding with 4 points. Notable victories against rated player Kavita Singh and a draw against Adelia Duf-

Eight-year-old Zion Hickerson stars at Tennis Tournament in St. Vincent

Eight-year-old Guyanese Zion Hickerson recently won the Boys 10 and Under title at the inaugural Chatoyer's Tennis Invitational 2023 in St Vincent and Grenadines.

Competing for Shel-

tez Tennis Club, the multi-talented athlete bettered Tzuriel Percival of St. Kitts and Nevis in the final via a three-set tie break where the match lasted over one hour.

The scores went

2-4,4-1,10-8 in favour of the Guyanese.

More so, Arian Shako of Sheltez Tennis Club made the semifinal in 10 and Under Girls but conceded to Briella Lake (SKN) 1-4,0-4 Hickerson and Arian

frin, both from Trinidad & Tobago, showcased Ton-Chung's competitive spirit.

Twelve-year-old Nicholas Zhang played well in the under-12 category, accumulating 5 points and secured a noteworthy draw against Aaron Jaikaran (1268) from Barbados.

The tournament, which was expertly organised by the T&T Chess Association and Caribbean Chess Association, was held at the Cascadia Hotel in Port-of-Spain, and received significant support from the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, through the Ministry of Sport and Community Development. Chief Arbiter, Ishmael Soto Gonsalves (IA), from Puerto Rico, oversaw the games, assisted by Deputy Chief Arbiters Roderick Noel (FA) and Sadiqah Razark.

The Guyana Chess Federation, in a release to the media, noted that it was proud to have participated in the CAC Youth Chess Festival.

Shako made the semifinals in 10 and Under Mixed Doubles but lost to Tzuriel Percival and Lake. The tournament had over 30 players from seven different countries.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali hosts Guyana Amazon Warriors Women

HIS Excellency, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, at the historic State House today, extended a warm welcome to the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women and hosted a remarkable breakfast gathering.

As a strong advocate for sports development and women’s empowerment, President Ali opened the doors of State House to the talented members of the Guyana Amazon War-

riors Women’s Team. Over breakfast, the President engaged in enlightening discussions with the team, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence both on and off the field.

President Ali took the opportunity to personally commend the team on their dedication, underscoring their vital role as ambassadors of sports. He assured the players that they had the unwavering support of the

entire nation as they geared up for their upcoming challenges while promoting not just women in sports locally, but regionally and internationally as well.

Captain Stafanie Taylor expressed her delight at the event, emphasising how the team felt deeply honoured by the President’s gracious reception. She remarked, “It’s an incredible privilege to be here at State House and share moments of ca-

maraderie with President Ali. What stood out for me was his dedication to promoting sports and women’s empowerment. His encouragement and assurance resonate deeply with us as we prepare to give our best on the field. We are committed to making Guyana proud.”

The gathering was laced by a sense of unity and shared purpose, embodying the profound connections that sports can foster

within a nation. The team members and President Ali exchanged stories of determination, overcoming obstacles, and striving for excellence, reflecting the shared values of resilience and ambition.

This meeting between the Guyana Amazon Warriors Women and President Dr. Irfaan Ali underscores the significance of sports in bringing communities together and promoting

national pride. As the team continues to prepare for their upcoming endeavours, they carry with them the collective support and well-wishes of Guyanese citizens.

The Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League will bowl off in Barbados on August 31 and run until September 10 where the final will be played in Trinidad and Tobago.

Eight-year-old Guyanese Zion Hickerson

Kataleya Sam

The players take a photo at the conclusion of the festival

Shimron Hetmyer (Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Keemo Paul (Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images)