Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 31-03-2023

Improving efficiency, eliminating bureaucracy

–– President Ali says outreaches allow people to engage the government in their own environment, resolve issues in real time

By Cassandra Khan

AS the Government of Guyana continues to follow through with its commitment to bring the services of the government to each

every person is given a case file, and in real time. It shows whether a case has been resolved, referred or marked non-actionable.

“You’ll see, in real time, what is being resolved; what

is doing, and how the matter is being resolved,” he said.

President Ali noted that if a matter requires a high-level intervention, it can be extracted from the system.

“So, I think this (the new

the government is moving towards more of an electronic system.

“That is why moving our government system more to an electronic form, where technology is used, and get-

afternoons, given that most people would be at work during the day.

“This is a region where a lot of people are working; so, this afternoon, I am sure there will be a major rush

region, another outreach led by Dr. Irfaan Ali was held at the Leonora Track and Field Centre in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). At the Region Three outreach, which continues today, President Ali said that they are utilising technology to increase efficiency, and to help them move the system rapidly. A new system, he said, has been developed, whereby

is being referred, like resolved, referred, not actionable. Some of them might be personal matters,” Dr. Ali said.

The President related that from the starting time, 08:00 hrs to midday, there were almost 600 case files.

“So, every person is given a case file, and as you go to the agency, we are able to assign you as you enter to the different agencies, and we are able to track what the agency

system) is very important in improving efficiency, removing bureaucracy, and allowing people to experience government in their own environment,” he said.

The Head of State related that sometimes persons may not be comfortable with dealing with matters in environments such as banks, in a suit and tie, but in an environment such as the Track and Field Centre they find comfort.

He said that this is why

Kester Hutson is new GCCI President –– former Executive Director Richard Rambarran elected Senior Vice-President

THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCC) has elected Dapper Technology Incorporated’s Kester Hutson as its new President.

Hutson and the other members of the Executive Management Committee (EMC) were elected during the GCCI’s new 21-member

council’s first statutory meeting on Monday.

The new members of the council were elected during the GCCI’s 133rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) last Wednesday. During this meeting, remarks were delivered by Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar and outgoing

ting people to move with single documents instead of big, big files,” President Ali said, adding: “All of this is important. Some people came with a health file that is thick, and they are moving with their entire health record that can get lost; when we have a patient management information system, all of that will change.”

He said that during the two-day outreach, they expect large numbers in the

here, with all indications that we are having. So the team will be here until 07:00pm tonight on both nights, trying to resolve as much as we could,” Dr. Ali said.

The President noted that in all of the regions, they have been receiving issues dealing with housing, which, he explained, is because of the ongoing massive housing programme.

“Now you have to remember that the housing

programme was dead for five years; we have a big backlog. And then you have a lot of new applicants; so that is a high demand area [and] NIS issues. NIS issues occupy a lot of space too,” the Head of State said.

Additionally, President Ali disclosed that 70 per cent of the issues brought forward by over 2,000 people residing in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) since the first Presidential Outreach, have been resolved.

“We went to Region Six, and we saw over 2,000 people. More than 70 per cent of the cases we have been able to resolve,” the Head of State said.

As the Government of Guyana continues to follow through with its commitment to bring its services to each region, another outreach led by Dr. Irfaan Ali was held at the Leonora Track and Field Centre in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) (Delano Williams photos)

President of the GCCI, Timothy Tucker.

Other members of the GCCI’s EMC are Senior Vice-President, Richard Rambarran; Junior Vice President, Gavin Ramsoondar; Secretary, Kathy Smith and Treasurer, Orson Ferguson, along with Tucker.

From left: Junior Vice-President, Gavin Ramsoondar; Secretary, Kathy Smith; President, Kester Hutson; Senior Vice-President, Richard Rambarran and Treasurer, Orson Ferguson

Trump hit with criminal charges in New York –– first for a US ex-president

DONALD Trump has been indicted by a Manhattan grand jury after a probe into hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels, two sources said on Thursday, becoming the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges even as he makes another run for the White House.

The charges, arising from an investigation led by Democratic Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, could reshape the 2024 presidential race. Trump previously said he would continue campaigning for the Republican Party’s nomination if charged with a crime.

The specific charges are not yet known and the indictment will likely be announced in the coming days, the New York Times reported. Trump will have to travel to Manhattan for fingerprinting and other processing at that point.

Susan Necheles, a lawyer representing Trump, said she was informed of the indictment but did not know when he would surrender. A law enforcement source, speaking on condition of anonymity, also confirmed the indictment. Bragg’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Trump, 76, sought re-election in 2020 but was defeated by Democrat Joe Biden. Trump has falsely claimed he lost to Biden due to widespread voting fraud and has called the investigation that led to his indictment a “political witch hunt.” Bragg’s office last year won the criminal conviction

Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives onstage to announce that he will once again run for U.S. president in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, during an event at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. November 15, 2022 (REUTERS/ Jonathan Ernst)

of the businessman-turned-politician’s real estate company.

The Manhattan investigation is one of several legal challenges facing Trump, and the charges could hurt his presidential comeback attempt. Some 44 per cent of Republicans said he should drop out of the race if he is indicted, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released last week.

The grand jury convened by Bragg in January began hearing evidence about Trump’s role in the payment to Daniels days before the 2016 presidential election that he ended up winning. Daniels, a well-known adult film actress and director whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, has said she received the money in exchange for keeping silent about a sexual encounter she had with Trump in 2006.

The former president’s personal lawyer Michael Cohen has said Trump directed hush payments to Daniels and to a second woman, former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who also said she had a sexual relationship with him. Trump has denied having affairs with either woman.

Federal prosecutors examined the Daniels payoff in 2018, leading to a prison sentence for Cohen but no charges against Trump.

No former or sitting U.S. president has ever faced criminal charges.

Trump also faces two criminal investigations by a special counsel appointed by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and one by a local prosecutor in Georgia. (Reuters)

‘We will continue to fight racism head-on’

–– Jagdeo affirms, calls out opposition, agents for ‘stoking’ racism in Guyana

–– says PNC has no gratitude or loyalty to Guyanese who ‘throw their belly out’ for them

By Clestine Juan

THE General-Secretary

of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday called out the opposition and other agents for “stoking” racism in Guyana instead of working together towards national unity.

“The PPP has a history of confronting the most troublesome issues head-on and we will do so…We’re not whitewashing the historic racism, we’re confronting it,” Jagdeo said during a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Georgetown.

Recently, President, Dr Irfaan Ali has pledged to eliminate all “weapons of racism” that are directed at the government and its citizens, amidst a wave of racial tension being fuelled by opposition elements.

Dr Ali had called on the nation to stand strong against “forces” which are “hellbent” on weaponising racial discrimination in Guyana.

However, on March 30, a Stabroek News editorial written by a “guest,” accused the PPP/C of whitewashing the history of racism in Guyana.

“We believe we have to fight racism head-on. So, it seems as though we were stepping on the toes of some people. Some self-righteous

NGOs believe that they’re the only ones who can talk about racism,” Jagdeo said while addressing the editorial.

He added that these opposition elements “do nothing else in this country except stoking racism.”

The general-secretary went on to say: “They live for that. They don’t have constituencies. They want a divided country because it creates an opportunity for their own relevance and some newspapers and NGOs live on this.

“They’re praying that we’ll never have a multiracial party like the PPP in this country, and that it grows stronger and stronger, or that we don’t have national unity because they wouldn’t have a reason to exist.”

Jagdeo added that the editorial is one-sided because it did not make any mention of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) blatant “practising of racism.”

“They couldn’t find an editorial about the PNC racism. Every single utterance out of their mouth and the opposition has been about racism and demonstrates this. But one speech condemning racism and saying, “We are a party that will fight it with all of our strength and try to bring all of our people together” warrants an editorial, but not a single editorial

about the daily occurrences of racism and the promotion of racism,” he said.

The general-secretary also called out the Leader of the PNC/R, Aubrey Norton for his “small thinking,” “petty mindedness” and the lack of constructive discourse.

He related that at the recent memorial at Babu Jaan, where a range of policy issues and developments were highlighted, Norton chose to address none of the above.

Instead, Norton attempted to debunk claims that he is not related nor has any ties with Keith Ferrier.

Ferrier provided evidence to support that he has close ties with Norton and even produced an old

family photo showing them together with his other sibling.

SMALL THINKING

“Now clearly what does this say to you about a leader? This is small thinking, petty-mindedness… As I said before, Norton is not cut from leadership cloth.

You have a whole range of policy-making issues to address and to represent the alternative. And that’s all you are going to talk about?

“It demonstrated the morose nature of Mr Norton. His vindictiveness, the bitter side he has. He is now [SIC] ready to address serious matters and it tells you something else,” he said.

US security alert gets full attention of the gov’t

Vice-President Jagdeo says

THE security alert issued recently by the United States Embassy in Guyana is being treated with a high level of seriousness by the Government of Guyana, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo has said.

The Vice-President, during a press conference on Thursday, said the recently issued protocol is one of a severe nature.

He said: “It is a serious matter, and we’re giving it all

of our attention. It is getting the required seriousness in response from the State apparatus, as well as the U.S. Government.”

The Vice-President was at the time responding to questions from members of the media, as it relates to the protocols.

On Wednesday, the United States Embassy in Georgetown notified US citizens here that it has increased its security protocols, as a

result of unspecified threats to US interests.

In its revised protocols, the US said: “Out of an abundance of caution, we want to inform U.S citizens that the embassy has increased security protocols, due to receiving threats against U.S. interests.”

As such, the embassy noted that US citizens here should stay on alert, and exercise heightened caution.

The Vice-President, during the conference, did not wish to comment fur-

The general-secretary revealed that Ferrier was a key activist for the PNCR-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) during the 2020 elections and was questioned for arson in Linden. However, Jagdeo said that Ferrier has seen “the light” and had switched over to the PPP/C house.

“The fact is, he was a key activist for the PNC. And Mr Norton just threw him under the bus, now he’s a criminal. And I’ve said this before: the PNC has no gratitude or loyalty to Guyanese who throw their belly out for them. Work very hard for them. They did it with all their polling agents and said that the PPP bribed them.

“People who acted conscientiously for them. So, it tells you a lot about the PNC. That small comment that Mr Norton has demonstrated his vindictiveness…. We accused the PNC as a racist party. He has a hard time defending that because it is true racists,” Jagdeo said.

Norton is currently facing criticism for incendiary remarks made by the Working People’s Alliance (WPA).

The PNCR-led APNU has also been accused of inciting racial tension and deviating from the promotion of peace and security in Guyana.

These accusations have

caused significant concern among citizens who long for a united and peaceful Guyana.

On Sunday, at Babu Jaan, President Ali stressed that it is important for political leaders to prioritise the well-being of the country and its people, rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric that only serves to further polarise the nation.

“They only weaponise this one great asset that we have; the one great asset is our diversity as a people. It is not a negative; our diversity is a great asset to us, but there are those who cannot help themselves but weaponise this asset.

“Today, I say that no weapon formed in the clothing of racism will succeed, once this People’s Progressive Party is alive. And we don’t intend to die; we will stay alive. We will disband, destroy and completely wipe out the weapon of racism that continues to be used against the people of this country.

“And those who handle the weapon must understand that their days are numbered, and their days are coming to an end, because that weapon is being destroyed, globally. And that weapon will be buried here in Guyana,” President Ali said.

ther on the issue, except to reiterate that the matter is being taken seriously.

PPP/C General-Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

More Productive Choices

EARLIER this week, the Guyana Police Force disclosed that its ranks were investigating an alleged murder in Region One which was fuelled by heavy drinking.

The suspect, a 17-year-old boy, was subsequently arrested.

According to the police, the teen and the victim were observed drinking high wine prior to the alleged murder and they both appeared to be intoxicated. The victim was identified as a 21-year-old man.

This particular case is concerning on so many levels and while this is only one case, we are all aware of the many problems youths are causing. Many of them are engaging in meaningless activities (liming, gambling, smoking, drinking, just to name a few), and this will end disastrously if there are no interventions.

High wine is no ordinary liquor. Its alcoholic content stands at over 60 per cent, which means that whoever is able to continuously withstand the burning sensation it causes as it runs down their throat, is an experienced drinker.

The suspect is 17 and the victim is just a few years older, both in the prime of their youth and at a stage where they should have been experiencing the good side of life and planning for a bright future.

In Guyana, it is a crime to sell alcoholic drinks to anyone under the age of 18. Any adult who allows a child to consume same, particularly “hard liquor” such as high wine, is equally guilty of a crime, whether morally or legally.

In this modern society, whether it is peer pressure or not, children are in such a hurry to grow up. The sad reality is that adults who ought to know better and who should be role models, facilitate this.

It is unacceptable for any child to be openly drinking alcohol, more so in the company of an adult and everyone who sees this stays silent.

It is known that in the hinterland, things are different. Underage drinking may be a regular occurrence and it is time that it is seriously addressed.

Alcohol and marijuana are jostling to be named the number one stimulant of choice among Guyanese youths.

Alarming statistics show that 79 per cent of schoolchildren have their first alcoholic drink before age 14 and 32 per cent of youth are consuming it occasionally. The Organisation of American States (OAS) and PAHO have jointly concluded that 51 per cent of Guyanese aged 15 and 16 use alcohol frequently.

However, it can be concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic might have increased these numbers dramatically.

The Government of Guyana has created so many opportunities for youths to be engaged in meaningful activities.

At the secondary level, whether on the coastland or in the hinterland regions, the Ministry of Education has been working around the clock.

From the establishment of smart classrooms to the construction of new secondary schools and the enhancement of existing ones to making educational resources available to all students.

The efforts to create equal access to quality education must not go unnoticed.

With regard to those who have exited the school system, opportunities are being made available to them as well.

While some may argue that those on the coast have easier access, it must be appreciated that government is spending billions of dollars per year to ensure that hinterland youths have access to higher education and can gain access to the working world.

Aside from GOAL scholarships which are free, there are avenues to access scholarships to the University of Guyana and other tertiary educational facilities on the coast.

The government has been working hard to establish ICT hubs in remote communities which will allow hinterland residents to access GOAL programmes which are all taught virtually.

There is absolutely no reason for school-leavers to be imbibing alcohol with adults or engaging in unsafe or socially disruptive behaviour. There are too many opportunities available.

Now is the time for village leaders and community elders to engage youths and steer them back on to the path of success. Parents also have a responsibility to ensure that their children get the best out of life.

Poverty or limited financial resources must never be used as an excuse to allow children to destroy their lives.

Guyana is recording too many incidents involving excessive alcohol consumption. It is time for a national conversation to save our society and our youths from the self-destruction that is taking place.

Underage drinking must no longer be tolerated and driving under the influence must be nipped in the bud. It is not only about strengthening the laws as without enforcement, they will all be pointless.

The time for collective action to address this damaging scourge, is now.

Aubrey Norton is delusional (Final Part)

Dear Editor,

THEN Norton said something that I consider absolutely outrageous.

He said, “In power, Forbes Burnham delivered the most to the people of Guyana. When Forbes Burnham came to power in 1964, he didn’t have six secondary schools in this country. When he left power, there were secondary schools all over this country.”

So, let us examine what the 1992 World Bank Report said about those schools that Burnham left: “13.25. In the 1960s, Guyana’s educational system was considered one of the best in the Caribbean. Today, it is very probably the weakest. Learning in the schools, as measured by national and Caribbean-wide examinations, is extremely low, a large proportion of the teaching force is unqualified and untrained, and textbooks and other teaching aids are seldom available.

“Guyana’s success in achieving universal access to primary school in the early 1970s appears to be eroding and is accompanied by rising repetition and dropout rates. The sector’s problems are further exacerbated by educational subsidies which tend to be regressive,

favouring wealthy rather than poor children and tertiary rather than primary education.”

“13.54. The percentage of primary students passing the SSEE is exceedingly low; in 1990, only 19 per cent passed English, 18 per cent Mathematics and 19 per cent Social Studies. If scores on this multiple choice test are adjusted for guessing, almost half of these students scored less than one sixth of the marks available. Inefficiency and the failure to learn basic skills at the primary level translates into poor student preparation for secondary school and, ultimately, very low pass rates on the secondary level examinations.”

“13.57. The quality of the teaching force in Guyana is extremely low, both at primary and secondary levels. Data for 1990 show that 38 per cent of teachers in primary schools and 42 per cent of teachers in secondary schools were either untrained or unqualified. The situation is considerably worse in poorer and more rural regions; 76 per cent of primary teachers in Region Eight and 90 per cent of secondary teachers in region seven are unqualified and untrained.”

“13.61. Limited capital investment in the sector has meant that very few schools have

been constructed during the past two decades. Much of the capital stock is extremely old and dilapidated; Ministry records show that approximately 35 per cent of schools in use were constructed before 1920.

In addition, facilities are often severely overcrowded. Visits to schools revealed, for instance, that facilities built to accommodate 150 students may house as many as 420. Learning is probably seriously impeded in these crowded conditions, especially since most schools consist of one large room divided into classes only by black boards.

“Limited investment in infrastructure maintenance means most structures are severely dilapidated. A limited survey of infrastructure in the sector in 1991 showed only 10 per cent of schools to be in satisfactory condition. Forty per cent need significant repairs and the remaining 60 per cent require substantial rehabilitation. Many schools lack doors and windows and have inadequate sanitation facilities without running water. Steps and floors are often shaky and have large holes.”

(https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/ en/ 339231468750549645/pdf/multi-page.pdf).

Editor, as you can see, the conditions under

which our students and teachers existed were absolutely deplorable, just like the rest of the country at that time. The entire infrastructure was in a state of disrepair. The treasury was empty, and all of the country’s foreign and gold reserves gone.

And from the mouth of the then Finance Minister, Carl Greenidge, Guyana was bankrupted. It took sheer brilliance and the prudent leadership of Bharrat Jagdeo, ably assisted by another brilliant economist, Dr Ashni Singh, to navigate Guyana through turbulent times with an opposition that was hostile, non-cooperative and violent.

Those who were too young to experience the rape and theft of a nation under Forbes Burnham’s PNC, had a snippet from Granger’s APNU+AFC, and voted them out.

This World Bank report should be compulsive reading for all APNU Parliamentarians, for them to play a supportive role in nation building, and turn away from the destructive path that their leaders are hell-bent on pursuing.

Yours respectfully, Harry Gill

Editor Navendra Seoraj

‘Grassroots’ is a term exploited for political gains

Dear Editor,

I WRITE with reference to a letter under the title “We are Guyanese grassroots women…,” signed by a Group of Nine (Stabroek News3/29/2023).

I have serious objections to the way in which the construction “grassroots” is used in the letter, and note forth-

with, that real folks from the real grassroots never describe themselves in that language.

Grassroots is an expression used mostly by the elite, women included, who have the interests of the upper-middle class, including the Georgetown “wine and cheese” politicos. The Group of Nine asks “does being concerned about our country

Government has the right to reply

Dear Editor,

THE right to free speech is fundamental and inalienable. It is a natural right.

Yet, free speech is one of the facets of individual freedom most often attacked, and most often denied. No society can thrive without the freedom of expression. Guyana offers some interesting insights.

During the height of PNC authoritarian rule, free speech was impossible. Burnham and his Cabinet dominated the media, and made sure that opposition publications (such as The Mirror and Dayclean) were starved for newsprint. PNC officials had the radio stations at their disposals. Yet, that did not stop them from breaking up meetings and rallies with goon squads, some of whom were imported for that sole purpose.

Today, the exact opposite is true. We have perhaps the most open media in the world. In this space, newspapers, television, and social media can and do anything they want. Every day, blatant disinformation, distortion, and even outright lies are peddled in two opposition-friendly newspapers and elsewhere. Yet government officials are swiftly condemned if they do the right thing and respond to the disinformation.

Why should the President, Vice President, Cabinet ministers, and other government officials not have the same right of response that every other source in this country has? Why should the government stay silent while misleading statements, many of them utterly dangerous, are bandied about in what has become a 24-7 disinformation campaign?

A big problem in Guyana is that two major newspapers are directly connected to the civil society elites, and to the opposition parties. What we have then is a comprehensive system where the opposition peddles falsehoods and these are carried by the news outlets as news. When government officials correct the record, the guilty parties find favour within their circular system of protecting disinformation under the banner of free speech.

The Constitution of Guyana guarantees free speech. The press and media houses have that right in this country.

That right should also be fully extended to government officials.

and our environment make us hypocrites?”

Well, in many ways yes!

This is because the real intent of the letter is not to express real concerns about our country, but to make a political announcement, namely to picket the Office of the President. Grassroots women are usually at work earning an income to feed their families; bourgeois women have the time to become the front with political motives.

Red Thread is a known outfit of the same WPA, the same WPA that aired a call for racial violence and subversion of the state, also based on what must be constructed as ‘racial resources.’ Red Thread is a fossil. Only a few people in Meten-Meer-Zorg ever heard of it. Personalities connected

to the WPA drive across the Demerara Bridge to take in some country-side, and then claim that they are the voice of the oppressed.

In contradistinction to what the fossilised Red Thread claims to be doing, we need to go to Leonora today.

President Ali is there with the staff of the Office of the President, Ministers, and heads and staff of agencies, meeting one-on-one with anyone who has a problem, a need, a request.

The President and his team solve problems as large as providing updates on the new high-span bridge, right down to solving the problems of people who are having issues with their NIS, old age pension, or public assistance.

When last did Red Thread

meet with people outside of Georgetown (for coffee) in order to help solve their problems, rather than to stir up trouble, take a few photos, and then supposedly claim the right to self-symbolise as the grassroots.

Political opportunists love to use grad symbols, those that appear to be at once organic and universal, sexy (in the words of Ralph Ramkarran).

These symbols such as grassroots are intended to impress the diplomatic community. Fundraising is well served by the grassroots badge, and foreign NGOs do indeed gravitate to groups that claim to be “people-centered,” “climate sensitive,” and other such universal expressions of good citizenship.

What needs to be done is

basic research. Ask anyone outside a few WPA elitist cells if they ever heard of Red Thread.

I can guarantee you that you will draw blanks. I did this little test on Thursday (yesterday) and not a single person at the Office of the President Region Three Outreach at Leonora had ever heard of the group.

Red Thread can do some good community work by going to site in Buxton where Ogunesye called for subversion, and declare their commitment to the rule of law.

That would be a real display of concern for our country.

If not, the charge of hypocrisy stands.

Yours sincerely, Dr. Randolph Persaud

Sincerely, John

Jacobus

Miss World Guyana to present at 2023 World Literacy Summit

REIGNING Miss World Guyana, Andrea King, was selected as a speaker for this year’s World Literacy Summit at Oxford University in Oxford, United Kingdom from April 2-4. According to a press release, the World Literacy Summit brings together leaders from 85 countries representing over two-thirds of the world’s population, and all with a single focus – advocating, championing, and educating on the vital importance of improving literacy levels across the globe.

Miss King who is a Business Management Administration degree holder and an avid public speaker, will be presenting her Beauty with a Purpose Project, Project Flo (FLO which is an acronym for Financial Literacy Orientation).

King recently founded NGO, Project Flo, which aims to bridge the financial education gap in Guyana under the slogan “Learning Money before Earning Money”.

According to the World Literacy Summit website, “the summit is an initiative of the World Literacy Foundation, a global non-profit organisation that works to ensure every young individual, regardless of geographic location, can acquire literacy and reading skills to reach their full potential, succeed at school and beyond.

“It is the world’s largest gathering of international literacy specialists, researchers, educators, publishers,

government representatives and more.”

King was scheduled to leave for the United Kingdom yesterday (March 30) and will be presenting her project on April 4 before returning to Guyana on April 10.

During her stay, she will meet with Yvette Philbert, Director of Protocol, Training & Regulation, where she will continue her training and preparation for the Miss World competition. The final date for the Miss World 2023 competition is yet to be

announced.

King will also make a few media appearances and engage with members of the diaspora, none of which would be possible without the ongoing support and endorsement from the Government of Guyana.

“The Miss World Guyana Organisation focuses on raising funds for worthy causes and mirroring the role and spirit of Miss World at a national level. With an aim to create and empower role models who will serve as regional am-

Fire For Hire

Dear Editor,

In the heat of the night and in the scorching day, pockets of fire blaze through the schools, hospitals, markets, houses, police stations, business premises and government buildings. It’s not a bon fire which is created for fun, frolic and entertainment, but acts of suspicion too prevalent to overlook for ulterior motive. Loses incurred are not only measured by financial worth but also by intangible gain. It is past bed time to play the blame game and the time is ripe to read between the lines. Is there a draconian plan to fan the flame?

“Fire for Hire”

bassadors, role models, enrich the perception of beauty, and enhance a new strength, energy and spirit for the advancement of women, whilst positively impacting their communities,” the release stated.

The winner of Miss World Guyana represents Guyana with over 130 other countries at the annual Miss World finals.

Miss World Guyana entrants and finalists support worthy causes and projects through donations and fundraising activities.

Moe, fya, Slow, fya. How quick dem find tiya, Tis not an illusion, maya, But the real world, duniya!

Ow bhaiya, Who dem hiya?

Dem raise wan bon fiya, And now, all dem liya, Does sing in the same quiya!

Why this burning, Not from thunderbolt striking, But from fingers igniting? Devastating flares lighting, Creating a wall, sadly separating.

So much looting, Who are hooting?

While also tooting?

Many are left brooding, As the thieves escape, scooting!

Suddenly they come fighting, The selected few, striking, Unconcerned and not caring. Many sever blows, hurting, Will you forget when it’s paining?

The dark force is slick and sly, The innocent children cry, And ask, mother and father, “why?” But they choose to deny, Instead of a response to comply!

Ah, yes, so many burning schools, But, the bystanders are no fools, Although they sit on uncomfortable stools. The cold wind certainly cools, But how long will they remain insurgents’ tools?

Guyanese receive $1M grants to boost creative arts industry

SOME 30 Guyanese each received approximately $1 million through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports’ Cultural and Creative Industry’s Grant programme to further boost the creative arts industry.

Subject Minister,

you will find people being represented from across Guyana.

“Which shows that it is just not diversity in appearance and diversity in the projects but also diversity in the location, all which combines into the creation of this invisible fabric called

President Ali resolves age-old land lease issue for over 30 Tuschen residents

In addition to the financial grant, the ministry has also created a cohort of cultural and creative industry ambassadors. Every new grantee must commit to becoming a cultural and creative industry’s grant and Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports ambassador.

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali’s intervention on Thursday has brought relief to over 30 residents of Tuschen, Region Three, who have been struggling to get transports for lands they have been leasing for the past 30 years.

The President met with some of the residents at the Office of the President (OP) Direct initiative at the Leonora Track and Field facility, West Coast Demerara.

He assured the residents that the issue will be addressed by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) within a month.

One of the residents, Gnarine Ramnaught, shared his story with the Department of Public Information, stating that he had been living in Block 20 Tuschen for over three decades.

Charles Ramson Jr, said the programme was designed to reach every region.

This policy of inclusivity and diversity is an essential aspect of the initiative, reflecting the government’s commitment to knit the country together and it’s recognition of the importance of culture.

“A condition of our cultural and creative industry’s grant was that every single region at least one grant was earmarked for that region. Even though we didn’t have as many in aggregate from that region you will find people here from Region Nine, Region Seven, Region Eight, Region Six, all over,

our culture uniting our people called Guyanese,” he emphasised at the prize giving ceremony held at the National Cultural Centre on Wednesday.

The annual budget for the project is $30 million. This represents the largest investment of its kind in the Caribbean, both in terms of the amount of money given and the size of the individual grant, which is roughly US$5,000.

The ministry received over 200 applications for the grant, indicating a high level of interest in developing the creative arts sector in Guyana.

This initiative will help to promote the country’s creative arts sector both locally and internationally.

Minister Ramson noted that the investment is a significant step towards recognising the cultural and artistic talent of Guyanese. As it will enable artists to create, develop and showcase their work, which will ultimately contribute to the country’s economic growth, by generating significant revenue. Meanwhile, the ministry also distributed the prizes to the Mashramani competition winners in the various categories. (DPI)

Despite being granted a lease through the GLSC, the lease had expired, and he was unsuccessful in his attempts to have it renewed.

The lots leased by the residents are solely residential and are situated along the Tuschen public road. This area is part of the old Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Scheme.

According to Ramnaught, he was paying $325 per year for 25 years as part of the lease agreement Ramnaught and the other residents are appreciative of President’s Ali’s intervention in the matter.

“The land is government land and the government made a decision to give transport. The president said within a month,” he said.

The outreach provided res-

idents with a direct opportunity to interact with the president on issues affecting them and their communities. Among the issues raised were housing and National Insurance Scheme (NIS) concerns, as well as community infrastructure.

The activity was first launched in New Amsterdam, Region Six, where hundreds of residents had their concerns addressed. (DPI)

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Charles Ramson Jr. handing over the grant, alongside representatives from the ministry

Some of the Region Three residents at the Presidential Outreach (Office of the President photo)

Over 6,000 NIS issues resolved through NIS outreaches

LED by the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has been able to resolve 6,000 issues through its outreaches across the country.

This was according to Dr Singh on Thursday, during an outreach led by President, Dr Irfaan Ali at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Several agencies within the various ministries had booths set up at the venue to provide services to residents of the region.

The NIS booth by Thursday afternoon had resolved about 61 issues presented by residents. This booth will be open to the public again today, until 19:00hrs to help resolve more issues.

The National Insurance Scheme conducted its own outreaches in Regions Two, Four, Five, Six and 10. Minister Singh, in October 2022, said that the government expects to see improvements in the services offered by the NIS.

He also mentioned that he had done several public outreaches in collaboration with NIS in order to clear the backlog of cases that the scheme has had over the years.

Dr Singh related that those outreaches, which have been on pause for quite some time, would continue in order to troubleshoot and handle the backlog of cases that may still exist.

“I am, once again, tasking the NIS, its board, its management and its staff to make the rapid transformation that is necessary to eliminate the need for these outreaches,” he said.

To this end, he added that the quality of services that have been provided at these outreaches can easily be provided at the local offices across the country.

Dr. Singh said that it is important to have continuous training efforts in order

to build capacity within the scheme.

Further, he urged NIS to continue the roll-out of technological solutions and ways in which they can reduce the accumulation of backlogged cases.

Meanwhile, the minister said that while a number of persons come forward to enquire about contributions and more, every contributor should receive a statement every year in order to handle any discrepancies seen.

“Every contributor should get a statement once a year and be encouraged to regularise and fix any gaps that they observe, so they can go immediately to their employer,” Dr Singh said.

Ogunseye wanted for attempting to incite racial hostility in Guyana

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF), on Thursday, issued a wanted bulletin for Tacuma Ogunseye, an Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), for several serious offenses, including attempting to incite racial hostility in Guyana.

According to police headquarters, Ogunseye attempted to incite hostility or ill will on the grounds of race during a meeting at Buxton, East Coast of Demerara, on March 9, 2023.

If you see Ogunseye or have information about his whereabouts, please contact the police on 2256940, 225-8196, 226-7476, 225-2317, 225-8196, 2271149, or the nearest police station.

The WPA is currently making headlines following public condemnation of racially inflammatory remarks made by the party’s executive members.

At a public meeting, Ogunseye made incendiary remarks about Guyana’s Indo-Guyanese and called for the Disciplined Services “to turn their guns on

the State.”

He also called for a day of “National Resistance” on Local Government Elections (LGE), which is scheduled for June 12, 2023.

Recently, Ogunseye said he would plead guilty to treason if he were charged.

“When we look at the line-up of charges they have been uttering, treason seems to be the most severe of the threats.

“WPA publicly resolved once they come with treason charges, we will not treat it as a legal matter, we will see it as a political matter and I would go to court and plead guilty with an explanation. That is our attitude to charges,” Ogunseye said.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC., also condemned Ogunseye for controversial remarks that could lead to civil disobedience in Guyana.

“Tacuma Ogunseye went to Buxton Line-top and made one of the most racially provocative, sedi-

tious, and riotous speeches; basically, calling for ethnic violence, calling on the armed forces to turn their guns against the government and those who do not look like them, calling for resistance, calling essentially for the overthrow of a democratically elected government.

[Such] statements have led to civil war in countries. Statements of this type have led to genocide,” Nandlall said during a recent airing on his online show “Issues In The News.”

Led by the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has been able to resolve 6,000 issues through its outreaches across the country (Delano Williams photo)

WPA Executive Member, Tacuma Ogunseye

Guyana, St. Lucia looking to develop joint tourism package

–– with British Airways direct flights between the two countries

THE commencement of the British Airways flights to and from Guyana has opened the door for collaborations between Guyana and St Lucia.

This was revealed by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, who said that this is so because British Airways flies between the United Kingdom and Guyana, with one stop in St Lucia.

During the welcome ceremony for British Airways’ inaugural flight to Guyana on Monday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the Tourism Minister said that the induction of the flight represents opportunities for partnerships, as she was expected to leave with the flight to travel to St Lucia.

She said: “Not only does this flight open travel between the UK and the respective nation, but it also presents opportunities for travel between St Lucia and Guyana to boost our inter-regional tourism.”

Walrond added that this now brings additional options for Guyanese wishing

The commencement of the British Airways flights to and from Guyana has opened the door for collaborations between Guyana and St Lucia thinking about multi-destination marketing. The Tourism Minister

to experience the St. Lucia Jazz festival while similarly, Guyana can promote events such as the Cricket Carnival to the St Lucia market.

Recognising this potential, she added that the two countries have begun “tourism twinning” to combine two distinct appealing experiences into one package.

Adding to this was St Lucia’s Minister of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Dr. Ernest Hilaire who said that they were happy to be sharing the milestone with Guyana as this was also a milestone for the island.

“I cannot recall if there has ever been a direct flight from Guyana to St Lucia. So, while this is a milestone for you, the flight returning is a milestone for St Lucia and we’re really grateful for us to have this gateway between Guyana and St. Lucia,” Dr. Hilaire said.

He said that the route between Guyana and St. Lucia will help in building the Caribbean bond, adding that it will also help St. Lucia’s tourism as they welcome visitors from Guyana.

Dr. Hilaire related that with the ease of access that the flight offers, the two countries will have to start

Six varieties of wheat to be tested in open-field trials

AS Guyana continues to advance local and regional food security, the Ministry of Agriculture will soon begin open-field trials for wheat production in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

In an invited comment to the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapa related that the open-field trial for wheat is scheduled to commence within two months’ time, at Santa Fe, North Rupununi.

The trial was previously scheduled to begin in September of 2022; however, due to torrential rainfall the trial was delayed.

“We would have started the indoor and outdoor trials; hopefully in another month or two from now we can start the big trial in Region Nine at Sante Fe,” Mustapha told this publication.

For the open-field trial, Guyana will be partnering with the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA).

“We would have worked with EMBRAPA; we had the consultant team here recently in the country. They will work with NAREI [National Agricultural Research and Extension institute] to get

that experiment plot rolling. We will do between 50 - 100 acres,” Minister Mustapha said.

Additionally, a small trial also began in Paramakatoi in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Six varieties will be tested during the open-field trial and, once completed and successful, the ministry will move to produce wheat on a larger scale.

Back in May 2022, Guyana received 49 lines of wheat from the Government of Mexico to start a trial phase. The indoor trial, which explored several varieties, was completed at the Burma Rice Station in Mahaicony, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

Addressing the objective of the wheat trials in a previous interview, Minister Mustapha said the aim is to have Guyana become self-sufficient by removing dependence on imports.

He said: “We are very determined! And as long as the trial is successful, we will be going to produce our own wheat because we can’t depend too much on imports… As a country, we have to ensure that we produce our own food and be self-sufficient.”

Mustapha acknowledged that the pandemic played a

major role in influencing the government to explore this project.

“We can have all the money in the world and we would have seen during the pandemic how many countries were suffering to get food because there was a scarcity,” Mustapha said, noting: “And in Guyana, we are very fortunate that we produce most of the food that we consume.”

Prices for wheat had skyrocketed globally due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Russia and Ukraine account for approximately 30 per cent of the world’s traded wheat.

To ease the negative economic impact felt locally, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, in March, had announced that Guyana was exploring the possibility of sourcing a variety of wheat for local production.

“Soon, we are going to work to see whether we can find a variety of wheat that we can plant in Guyana, so that we can fulfill even our local requirement,” President Ali had said last year.

He added: “We are learning important lessons now that we must not leave unanswered for future generations.”

remarked that St. Lucia has developed a strong tourism product and as

such has a lot to share with Guyana in relation to tourism and hospitality.

Agriculture Ministry receives manuals to boost fisheries sector

AS efforts continue to advance Guyana’s fisheries sector, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas, on Wednesday, submitted three manuals to the

Ministry of Agriculture as part of efforts to boost local production.

The manuals, Guyana marine fisheries management plan for 2022-2027, brackish water shrimp production training manual and seabob management plan 2022-2027

were developed based on unique data gathered by the FAO and WWF.

During the brief handing over ceremony held at the Ministry’s Regent Street office, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said the manuals are a result of a

collaborative scientific approach to address the issues facing the country’s fishing industry.

“These are very important documents for us, and when we look at the fishing industry, we have to take cognisant of the fact that we have to take a very scientific approach,” Mustapha said.

Guyana, he related, has already seen tremendous growth within the sector over the past year.

“We have seen a steep increase in catches, especially in the seabob industry. We have seen a number of areas… that are very important for us, where we have seen almost 100 per cent catches in the seabob industry, also in the brackish water shrimp industry, we have seen increase from 10,000 kilograms from when we started last year to 90,000 kilograms.” Mustapha said.

The government, he said, has been supporting and will continue to support the industry and its stakeholders.

“I think the future is bright for the fishing sector. We have to continue to support the sector, the government has been investing heavily. Last year alone we expended about $500 million in the fishing industry especially the brackish water shrimp industry,” Minister Mustapha said.

Meanwhile, FAO’s Country Representative to Guyana, Dr. Gillian Smith, highlighted the importance of implementing policies to ensure the sustainability of people’s livelihoods.

“To ensure that people

have good livelihoods that take you into the years to come, plans are important; we know that this industry has a lot of potential and it has also begun to show that potential. We are showing that this manual will help to increase and accelerate the implementation that is being seen on the ground,” Dr Smith underscored.

She further committed the FAO’s support in collaborating with the various agencies in Guyana to boost the country’s fishing industry.

Reiterating the importance of the manuals, WWF representative, Aiesha Williams, said that the handing over marks an important partnership to further develop the marine fisheries management plan.

The manuals, she said, highlight several areas of importance for the sustainability of the sector.

“It addresses several areas, gender, climate change, and inclusion in the fisheries sector. It sets out objectives, outcomes, and actions where sustainability, good management, enforcement to ensure that there is a productive sector that really maintains fish stock in a healthy manner,” Williams said.

The ministry also handed over a number of safety equipment to artisanal fisherfolk from around the country to assist with their operations and guarantee their safety while at sea. Some 150 fisherfolk from Regions Two to Six are expected to benefit.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha receiving one of the manuals from WWF representative, Aiesha Williams, in the presence of Chief Fisheries Officer, Denzil Roberts (Shaniece Bamfield photo)

Myriad issues resolved, many persons satisfied

— after day one of Office of the President’s Region Three outreach

By Tamica Garnett

RESIDENTS of Region

Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) flocked to the Leonora Track and Field Stadium, on Thursday, to engage officials on the first day of the Office of the President’s two-day outreach commenced.

Scores of persons had their issues resolved which ranged from matters dealing with the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), to Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), to applying for Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).

A number of persons who were able to get their issues resolved at the outreach would’ve been dealing with issues for some time now.

Among them was 32-year-old Saudya Ally, from Leonora, who was able to get signed up for the public welfare assistance for her 12-year-old son who is living with autism.

Ally said that as her son got older she was forced to quit her job and become a full-time, stay-at-home-mom to care for her son, and this has caused a great strain on her finances at home. The mother of four could not contain her relief at seeing her issue settled.

“I applied many times but never got through. I was waiting on them, because at first I didn’t know I could get public assistance for him. But now that the ministry started doing more awareness [about persons with disability (PWD)], it’s then I get to know more about being able to get assistance for him. I thought it was a hectic process to go through. But now they did it and they said next month I will collect it,” a smiling Ally shared as she sat with her son.

Ally was also accompanied to the outreach by her husband who was also

seeking assistance with a matter involving land at the Ministry of Housing and Water (MoHW).

A significant amount of the day’s issues were at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) under the MoHW, with many persons coming to check up on their housing applications with the hopes of receiving a house lot allocation.

A 59-year-old woman, Pamela Callender, who already owns a land, however, was there hoping for assistance with building a home, after her home collapsed a few years ago and she is currently living in a makeshift shack.

Callender of Tuschen Housing Scheme, shared that she is currently caring for her 63-year-old brother who is blind, and 15-yearold granddaughter who also suffers from a disability and is not able to take care of herself.

“I living in this house for about seven years now since this house fall down. I need some assistance. My situation is the mercy of God keeping us. My brother used to help me but from working in the gold bush he got hit in the eye and he’s blind now. Is going I was going in the bus and the bus man told me i should stop out here and try to get some assistance,” Callender shared.

Many of the persons attending the event commended the government for bringing the outreach to the region, enabling residents to be able to get a one-stop shop of government agencies and be able to have their issues dealt with expeditiously.

“It’s really good. A lot of people, a lot of people can get help through this. I hope they continue like this,” commented 67-yearold Rajendra Kishore, who was also at the outreach dealing with a matter at the CH&PA.

Several persons were able to have their issues resolved which ranged from matters dealing with the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), to Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), to applying for Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships (Delano Williams photo)

New company to commence cultivation of corn, soya bean

GUYANA is well on its way to becoming self-sufficient in the cultivation of inputs for the livestock sector with additional investors expected to commence cultivation of corn and soya beans before the end of 2023.

Investors from Farmlands Guyana Inc. met with Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Tuesday, to discuss operations, as the company gears up to commence work on an initial 1,000 hectares of land in the Tacama Savannah.

During the meeting, it was disclosed that 700 hect-

ares will be used to cultivate soya and the remaining 300 hectares will be used to cultivate corn. The company is expected to commence cultivation in November and hopes to increase its acreages to some 24,000 hectares in the coming years.

Last September, a technical team consisting of four technicians from Argentina and other officials from the company visited the area to conduct an assessment of the land to determine the logistics involved with transporting inputs and outputs, water sources and irrigation

solutions, soil types, existing infrastructure such as roads, storage and drying facilities, varieties and types of inputs required to successfully cultivate corn and soya bean.

This is the second group of investors who have embarked on developing the industry to supply inputs for the production of feed for the livestock industry.

Local cultivation of corn and soya commenced in 2021 after President, Dr. Irfaan Ali challenged local investors to get involved in the cultivation of two of the main inputs for feed for the livestock

sector.

During a trip to the Tacama Savannah back in September 2021, the Head of State said that sustainable food and agriculture are the country’s future and that the government will fully support the soya bean and corn project in Ebini which will help produce much-needed feed for the poultry industry.

Minister Mustapha said that the government has already invested hundreds of millions of dollars to support

the industry. So far, works have been moving apace on the construction of facilities such as three 3,000-tonne silos and one 80-tonne-perhour drying tower at the Tacama Landing.

In 2022, some $887 million was budgeted to carry out infrastructural works needed to support the largescale cultivation of corn and soya bean.

Of that amount, $426 million was budgeted to complete the rehabilitation of 47 kilometers of a vital Ituni

to Tacama farm-to-market road, starting from the junction of the Linden/Ituni road and heading east towards the Berbice River. In 2021, some $102 million was spent to commence rehabilitation works on the road.

Minister Mustapha said that, with the addition of another company in the large-scale cultivation of corn and soya beans, Guyana was well on its way to meeting its target of 25,000 acres in the next two years.

(Ministry of Agriculture)

Guyana is well on its way to becoming self-sufficient in the cultivation of inputs for the livestock sector with additional investors expected to commence cultivation of corn and soya beans before the end of 2023

Three local fabricators producing fixtures for ‘One Guyana’ FPSO

–– SBM Offshore increases use of Guyanese businesses in line with its Local Content Master Plan

THREE Guyanese fabrication companies will be producing fixtures for the One Guyana Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

The One Guyana FPSO is the fourth offshore unit that is being built by SBM Offshore for oil production in the Stabroek Block.

According to a press release, the company, on March 28, hosted the Steel Strike Ceremony at Industrial Fabrications Incorporation (InFab) on the East Coast of Demerara, to signal the commencement of work by the companies—InFab, Guyana Oil and Gas Support Services Incorporated (GOGSSI) and Zeco Group of Services.

SBM Offshore’s General Manager, Martin Cheong, in his opening remarks, referenced the company’s

commitment to local content, and commended the companies for their efforts in meeting the standards of the global oil and gas industry.

He said that it was the second vessel for which Guyanese companies were contracted to fabricate fixtures—the first being the Prosperity FPSO. InFab and GOGSSI were hired in 2021 to fabricate fixtures for the Prosperity FPSO, which is currently en route to Guyana.

He said, “We will continue to expand our initiatives in this regard—engaging and building the capacity of local companies to drive the country’s oil and gas industry, and this is a goal that we are committed to.

I commend the companies for their efforts in ensuring that they meet the requirements and standards of the

sector—especially as it relates to safety and quality of service.”

Meanwhile, Director of the Local Content Secretariat, Dr. Martin Pertab, noted, “The Local Content Secretariat continues to encourage Guyanese businesses to contribute to the development of the local oil and gas industry.”

He added that the Secretariat is keen on local businesses being utilised to provide a wide range of services at all levels of the sector.

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, noted that this is a significant development in local content implementation, which is crucial in bringing the benefits of the industry to the people of Guyana.

“It takes strategy and a whole lot of collaboration to accomplish this,” he said,

adding that private sector companies and business associations play a key role in driving this process.

The companies expressed their pride at being given the opportunity to work directly on aspects related to the FPSO, and being able to contribute to the country’s oil industry development.

General Manager of Zeco Group of Services, Mohinder Singh, noted that it was the first such opportunity for the company, adding, “Words cannot give justice to the anticipation and elation we feel as we commence our journey with SBM Offshore Guyana. We are honoured to be involved in the construction of the One Guyana FPSO.”

Meanwhile, Managing Director of InFab, Jerry ‘Max’ Goveia said: “The greatest resource of the twenty-first century is our

human resource. This is a testament that ExxonMobil Guyana and SBM Offshore are committed to developing the Guyanese workforce… We provided fixtures for the Prosperity FPSO two years ago, and we are proud to play a role for the ONE GUYANA FPSO as well.”

Director of GOGSSI, Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer, told the gathering: “As a result of these companies’ local content efforts, Guyanese men and women are now at the forefront, providing key services to the oil and gas industry. This day is a culmination of the hard work of the Operator, ExxonMobil Guyana and contractors like SBM Offshore who—even before the local content law—had their own internal policy to ensure Guyanese are given jobs in the industry.”

Also in attendance were SBM Offshore’s Project Team; outgoing President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Timothy Tucker; President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber, Manniram Prashad; President of the Guyana Manufacturing Services Association, Rafeek Khan, and Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Paul Cheong.

In 2022, SBM Offshore received approval for its Local Content Master Plan, the first of the Prime Contractors to achieve this milestone in Guyana.

The company said it holds this responsibility in high regard and remains steadfast in pursuing local content development in Guyana through the utilisation of Guyanese in its operations.

Three Guyanese fabrication companies will be producing fixtures for the One Guyana Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel

Bigger MARS anime and comic convention planned for this August

—‘weebs’ can expect interactions with dozens of creatives, plenty surprises

By Naomi Parris

GUYANA’S largest anime and comic convention, Merch Anime Rave Spectacle (MARS) is set to make a grand return on August 19.

With a much bigger location and even more local vendors onboard, the organisers, Marissa Ramnauth, George Jacobs and Shomari Williams, are adamant that this year’s event will be much more invigorating than the one held last year.

The trio of Sozos Art and entertainment – an online art

business, r ecently sat down with the Buzz and shared the plans for year’s event. According to them, it will not only feature the anime, K Drama and comic fanatics, but will see an exhilarating rave party for Guyanese of all ages.

Williams explained that last year a pilot programme was conducted to determine if Guyana was ready for this type of event.

He said that based on the data collected and the feedback, they now know what they need to do to improve the event.

“One of the things that we realised is that if you’re going to be throwing these types of events, you cannot think you know what the people want, the people have to tell you what they want,” Williams said.

He added, “In terms of structure, there was a whole lot of stuff that we weren’t able to do last year, we are definitely going to do this year, specifically because of our community.”

The event this year will be held at the Marriot Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown, and will feature several creatives, vary-

ing from designers to makeup artists.

“One of things that we have been discussing for a very long time is about how these types of events, ours in particular, make sure that people within our space have the opportunity to showcase their talents. We are not just talking about designers, we are talking about graphic artists, we are talking about video editors, even the vendors. We want to make sure that we bring these things that our community want.”

The event was the brainchild of Ramnauth, who told the Buzz that this year’s activity will feature an array of surprises, all of which are aimed at satisfying the needs and request of the community.

Additionally, as the clock winds down, MARS will be hosting a series of pop-up events for comic and anime weebs across the country. Weeb is an internet slang that is often used to describe a person who is very interested in the Japanese culture.

“I do a lot of mini-pops. We have already been to Linden and I’m planning for Berbice. I have some work in the making for Bartica and Essequibo. It’s not just a pop, but I think vendors, I gave them the opportunity to explore and just bring the excitement to every location,” she said.

HIGHLIGHTING THE COMMUNITY

Japanese animation, commonly referred to as anime, has earned a strong foothold in the American entertainment industry over the last few decades.

Anime is known by many

to be a more mature option for animation fans since Western animation was typically known to be “kid-friendly”.

In Guyana, anime has become more mainstream. However, Williams noted that he was concerned about Guyana’s readiness for an event like MARS.

Anime conventions have been hosted worldwide to celebrate Japanese animation and related pop culture (anime, manga, and games).

The scope of these events has broadened beyond the world of just anime and now includes comics, videos games, cosplaying and so much more.

“For a long time, this community has been underserved and we have so much talent that needs be expressed and that’s what MARS is about,” Williams said.

He noted that the first event highlighted the need for the community to be recognised and given a space to celebrate.

“When we first threw the pilot, it wasn’t meant to be a big grand event, it was meant for close associates and it end up being 700 plus at the event”, he said adding, “It’s expression in its highest form, with anime there are so many stories to be told and for MARS it’s not just anime, it’s comics, it’s marvel, it’s DC, it’s video games.”

THE EVOLUTION

The history of anime began just after World War II, and in its earliest days was profoundly influenced by the work of western animators. Some of the bestknown anime series were created during and after the 1960s

George Jacobs (left), Marissa Ramnauth, and Shomari Williams, the founders of MARS

Miss/ Mrs. / Teen/ Mr. India Worldwide

Guyana finalists to be sashed on Sunday

THE official sashing ceremony for the 26 finalists who are vying for the coveted titles of Miss/ Mrs. / Teen/ Mr. India Worldwide Guyana 2023, will be held on Sunday afternoon at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel.

Set to take place in the hotel’s Roraima Ballroom, the programme will get underway at 15:00 hours with an “impressive lineup of talents [and] beauties,” who are on their way to becoming the next Miss, Mrs. Mr. and Teen India Guyana.

The winners will represent Guyana at the international leg of the various

pageants which will be held in India this June, according to franchise owners, Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia.

Melicia, the Vice-President, is excited about this year’s event, especially as the participants are coming without any national pageant experience.

“This class is very special to the organisation as they’re all newcomers to the pageant industry…this for us is the best part to provide the ultimate growth experience for each of them,” she expressed.

From the impressive pool of 11 Guyanese women, one will become Miss India Guy-

ana, succeeding 2021 winner Maya Persaud. The new queen will have the task of following in the footsteps of Persaud who was the third Guyanese to place in the top five at the international leg of the pageant which was held last year in New Jersey.

Another will be Melessa Seupaul’s successor who will have the task of representing Guyana in the ‘Mrs.’ category.

Meanwhile, one beautiful Guyanese teen will have an opportunity to wear the Miss Teen India Guyana crown and repeat Roshani Razack’s success at the international

leg of the pageant. Razack was crowned queen in 2022.

In the ‘Miss’ category, Anjalie Sukhdeo, Anjalita Somwaru, Aruna Sukhdeo, Devina Persaud, Julia Williams, Latchmie Vanesha Kawall, Leah Alves, Mamta Singh, Neshilla Baksh, Rose Jacobs, and Zara Homed, will compete for the title.

Cindy Singh, Rabina Shivraj, Reanna Arakhan, and Zabieeda Razack, will be competing in the ‘Mrs.’ category, while Kaya Alli, Marcia Seepersaud, Netu Lal, and Savita Ramcharitar are the delegates in the ‘Teen’ category.

Those vying for the title of ‘Mr.’ are Anthony Singh, Bhim Ramkissoon, Daniel Roopchand, Haresh Nandall, Joel Dudhnath, Karan Persaud, and Ken Sahadeo.

“This year’s national pageant will surely be a kaleidoscope of talents, charms, poises and intelligences as some of Guyana’s best will be on show,” Melicia told the Buzz.

The finalists in each category will compete in the Talent, Evening Gown, Ethnic Wear and Intelligence segments.

Hashim and Melicia took over the pageant franchise in

2018, in keeping with their intense love and passion for the field.

The international franchise, Miss India Worldwide, works under the Indian Festival Committee (IFC) of New York, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

The IFC was founded by Mr. Dharmatma Saran and Mrs. Neelam Saran, who are said to be pioneers in organising Indian pageants and fashion shows in the USA and other parts of the world.

Tickets for Sunday’s event are going for $7,000 which includes a snack platter and tea.

Those competing in the ‘Mr’ category (Photos taken from the Miss/ Mrs. / Teen/ Mr. India Worldwide Guyana Facebook page)

The ‘teen’ delegates

The women who are vying for the Mrs India Guyana title

One of these ladies will be this year’s Miss India Guyana

Naujawaan Utsav returns with ‘Sanskar Shakti’

NAUJAWAAN Utsav 5

- Sanskar Shakti (The power of culture) will this time around focus on issues surrounding mental health, raising awareness of current social issues and sending positive messages, especially to youths.

Members of the Dharmic Naujawaan saw it fit to pursue a production that would shed light on the importance of culture and how it can positively impact mental health.

The show which is on tomorrow at the Dharmic Kendra, will give youths across the country a platform to showcase their love for the arts through dance, song and poetry.

“Sanskar Shakti signifies

the power of culture, specifically embodied by Hinduism. In a time where cultural erosion and religious degradation is increasing in society, the importance of understanding our culture,

its creation, preservation and ability to influence our being is evidentially crucial,” Chairperson of the Central Naujawaan, Anjeli Surujpaul, told Buzz this week.

Patrons can look forward

to an evening of delicious Indian cuisine and a show packed with talent, drama, and laughter.

Naujawaan Utsav started in 2016 and has been an annual event up until the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the show will focus on mental well-being and cultural preservation with a cast made up of members from Naujawaan groups across the country, including Berbice, Essequibo and West Coast Demerara.

Dinner will be served at 18:00 hours and the show will start at 19:00 hours.

Tickets are available at the Dharmic Kendra or persons can contact Latchman on 614-5502 or Venika on 667-0875.

THE National Park is expected to attract hundreds of persons on Easter Monday as Remnant Entertainment, a Christian group, hosts a packed day of activities for the entire family, which will end with the ‘Risen Praise Concert’.

Remnant Entertainment’s director, Clayon Halley, during an interview with the Buzz, outlined the general focus and purpose of the event.

“Our overarching focus is to provide wholesome entertainment for the entire family. What we have noticed is that there is a void of wholesome entertainment, few places and events where you can go as a family and be entertained minus lewd music, alcohol consumption and vile behaviour. As it relates to our target group, all are welcome. We do not want to suggest that x, y and z are not welcomed because they might have a preference of beverage or music, but in the space we create, we will be seeking to maintain standards and values that we believe are essential to maintain wholesome entertainment to all”, Halley said.

He noted that the above-mentioned activities are part of Kingdom Fiesta,

an annual four-day event which aims to bring families together.

“We believe that family is important to the development of a community and by extension the country, but more so what is critical is having healthy families which will result in healthy communities and a healthy country,” he added.

Kingdom Fiesta was conceptualised in response to the absence of clean entertainment for the entire family.

“Entertainment is a critical component in life. It can refresh your mind, preserve your mental health as well as emotional well-being. Entertainment can also help to bring families and friends closer together as well as allow for people who they may have never met to co-exist in the same space. Generally, many benefits can be derived from entertainment and we believe that positive entertainment can have greater positive effects on society. We at Remnant Entertainment are committed to creating spaces and events that provide wholesome entertainment for the entire family,” he said.

Bigger MARS anime...

From page 22

coinciding with television becoming a more common fixture in households.

More recently, with the advent of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, anime became even more popular, not just across the world, but also in Guyana.

Jacobs, a self-proclaimed expert shared that many persons here in Guyana indulge in the art form, but aren’t aware of the genre.

“With regards to anime, back then it was not that mainstream as it is now. A lot of people then didn’t know about it. A lot of people used to watch anime but they just didn’t know it by that name. They watched Naruto, Pokémon all of those are animes,” he said.

According to him, the pandemic awoke a new interest in many, and MARS is now here to celebrate that and promote the community in all of its glory.

“When I saw the turnout [in 2022], it was crazy. We did not expect such a huge turnout. When I saw the turnout I literally took 1510 minutes to just stand and take in a lot of it. Everyone was interacting. There were people that I know that are extremely shy, they were talking their heads off to people that they don’t even know [and] that is really what we wanted. We wanted to see the community physically out here and from that point onwards I spoke to Shomari and Marissa and I was like you know, we really need to ensure that we do something for the community.”

Persons who are interested in learning more about this year’s event can reach out to the organisers via the following social media platforms: Facebook, Tik Tok and Instagram @ sozos_enterprise.

‘Wholesome’ family fun planned for Easter Monday

Clayon Halley (left) and other members of Remnant Entertainment

The production this year will shed light on the importance of culture

Minister Hall drops ‘I’m Doing Better’

WITH a musical fusion of gospel, soul and R&B, with flavours of rap, and dancehall, Minister Marion Hall’s latest single ‘I’m Doing Better’ was released on the Downsound Records label.

It has been described as a powerful message of triumph, praise, and faith delivered in an engaging package.

The song is a joint project by Hall, Downsound Entertainment CEO, Joe Bogdanovich, and exceptional Jamaican musician and producer, Gramps Morgan.

Hall attributes the vision and rendering of the song to God’s work.

“God is in the midst of everything to do with this song. He brought everything together. His will is being done through Marion Hall, Joe Bogdanovich, and Gramps Morgan... Joe and Gramps became a part of the song like parts of a divine puzzle.”

She continued: “Working with these two icons of Jamaican music has been a privilege for me. Their talent and professionalism were instructive, and a real pleasure, and I am proud that our label

is associated with this song which is not only destined to be a major hit but is such an inspiration.”

In commenting on her return to Sumfest, Minister Hall noted that, as a dancehall star, she was the only woman who ever closed Sumfest. And, to be coming back to the stage in a different but far more powerful capacity was an amazing irony.

“I am coming back as a woman of God, seeking to save souls,” Hall charged.

She promised a riveting performance for her return to the Sumfest stage, “Whatever I do will be what God wants.”

She also cited 1 Corinthians 9: 19-23, in which God instructed the prophet Paul to make a connection with the people by coming to understand and know them in

order to save them. Minister Hall observed that God often made unpopular decisions in pursuing the greater good.

Bogdanovich expressed his pleasure in participating in what he considers a very special and exciting project.

The Sumfest boss referenced his desire to have had Marion Hall on the Sumfest stage in 2022.

“Many people in the industry were aware that I had hoped that Minister Marion Hall would have been with

us for the return of Sumfest in 2022. But I now recognise that this year is the right time, and this project is far more ambitious and significant than anything we could have done last year. I am thrilled to be working with her and with Gramps Morgan.”

Bogdanovich noted that I’m Doing Better is a major element of the marketing of the 30th staging of Sumfest, a major milestone in the festival’s history. The Reggae Sumfest team will be pulling

out all the stops to celebrate it. The collaboration with Minister Marion Hall and Gramps Morgan is the first of several such projects.

Bogdanovich advised that other projects in the pipeline include Freddie McGregor, highlighting his indomitable will, and a tribute to King Jammy, legendary record producer of the reggae and dancehall genres whose work spans the 70s, 80s and 90s and, “He is still raging.” (Jamaica Observer)

Scoreboard

4, 73, 74, 85, 105, 185, 195. 238, 238, 247

12.1-1-31-4, Joseph 10-1-46-0, Sinclair 18-4-48-2, Permaul 31-9-51-3, Adams 21-5-55-1

Permaul ...

plying to the Windwards’ 227. The Windwards, with a deficit of 10, were 14-4 in their second innings. Today

RACING TIPS

Governments not respecting sport’s autonomy-IOC’s Bach

By Harry Poole

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach says criticism by some governments over the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international sport is "deplorable".

The IOC has recommended Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to compete under a neutral flag.

That is despite more than 30 countries, including the United Kingdom, pledging to support an ongoing ban.

Bach said such interventions would mean the "end of world sport as we know it".

"It is deplorable to see that some governments do not want to respect the majority within the Olympic movement and all stakeholders, nor the autonomy of sport," added Bach.

"It is deplorable that these governments do not address the question of double

standards. We have not seen a single comment on their attitude on the participation of athletes from countries of the other 70 wars and armed conflict around the world."

Bach's comments came a day after a host of international athletes criticised the IOC president's claim that Russians and Belarusians competing as neutrals in their sport "works".

Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk said she and

others have been fighting to exclude those athletes from their sport, while compatriot Lesia Tsurenko said playing against Russians is "an ethical conflict".

The Danish Fencing Federation cancelled an international fencing event in Copenhagen on Thursday after the sport's governing body permitted the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes.

The IOC's recommendation for neutral participation

England paceman Jofra Archer 'to go straight into Ashes' after IPL spell

only extends to individual athletes, not teams.

A decision on whether Russians and Belarusians can compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics will be taken at a later date.

"Government interventions have strengthened the unity of the Olympic movement," said Bach.

"It cannot be up to the governments to decide which athletes can participate in which competition.

"This would be the end of world sport as we know it today."

Ukraine has threatened to boycott the Paris Games if a ban is not upheld, with sports minister Vadym Guttsait accusing the IOC of "double standards".

The IOC called on sporting federations to ban athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus, following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. (BBC Sport).

Onkar Singh contributes to ‘Project Cricket Gear’

ONKAR Singh of the USA is the latest to provide support to Project Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana,” the joint initiative of Anil Beharry, Executive Member of the Guyana Cricket Board and Kishan Das of the USA.

The popular softball cricket commentator contributed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000). At a simple ceremony, held recently in Orlando, Florida, Singh pointed out that he is a keen follower of the project and is impressed with its noble gesture reaching out to young cricketers and cricket clubs across the length and breadth of Guyana. Beharry expressed thanks for the cash which will be used to purchase gear as seen fit.

Total cricket-related items received so far: $330,000 in cash, 13 coloured cricket uniforms, two

trophies, 17 pairs of cricket boots, 29 pairs of batting pads, 31 cricket bats, 27 pairs of batting gloves, 21 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, four arm guards, two groin guards, nine cricket bags, six bat rubbers and six helmets. In addition to the above, former National wicketkeeper/batsman, Sheik Mohamed donated $600,000 in cricket gear.

To date, 52 young players

from all three counties of Guyana have benefitted from three junior gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 21 bats, two groin guards (boxes), four helmets, 19 pairs of cricket shoes, 13 pairs of batting pads, two thigh pads, one bat rubber and 19 pairs of batting gloves.

In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area received two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenam Cricket Com-

mittees, along with Cotton Tree Die Hard also collected one box of red cricket balls each while RHCCCC received two, 15 white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket-keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails. The Essequibo Cricket Board and the Town of Lethem also benefited.

Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent.

Distribution will continue. Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623-6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

FAST bowler Jofra Archer is unlikely to play any red-ball cricket before the Ashes series starts in June, according to Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace.

The 27-year-old is contracted to Mumbai Indians for the Indian Premier League, which begins on Friday and culminates in the final on 28 May.

England face Australia in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on 16 June.

"I think all things being equal, he will go straight into the Ashes off the back of the IPL," Farbrace said.

There is a possibility that Archer could feature in England's Test against Ireland at Lord's, which begins on 1 June, but his availability will depend on Mumbai Indians' progress in the IPL.

He returned to the England white-ball squad in late January following 17 months on the sidelines with an elbow injury and a stress fracture in his back.

Archer has taken 42 wickets at an average of 31.04 in his 13 Tests for England, but his most recent Test appearance was in the 10-wicket defeat by India in Ahmedabad in February 2021.

His last first-class game was for Sussex against Kent in May 2021.

Fellow England Test players Joe Root, captain Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone and Harry Brook are also involved in the IPL

"The England plan for Jofra is he'll go and play in the IPL," Farbrace told BBC Radio Sussex.

"I think their plan is that between IPL games he'll then bowl some longer spells to get his overs up and make sure that he is matchready.

"That's the nature of international franchise cricket these days. I know there'll be a lot of people saying

'he should play at least two four-day games to be ready for a Test match', but the preparation and the work that the medical teams do around these players is exceptional."

'England are not daft'

Sussex have six fixtures in Division Two of the County Championship before the Ashes with their T20 Blast campaign starting on 26 May. Australia batter Steve Smith will join for a three-game County Championship stint in May.

However, given Archer's commitments in the IPL, the right-arm paceman will not be in action for his county before England attempt to reclaim the Ashes urn for the first time since 2015.

"We're really lucky here at Sussex. I think we have got an unbelievable medical set-up with some fantastic professionals," former England assistant coach Farbrace said.

"That's something that allows players like Jofra to move from T20 cricket to Test match cricket and be ready and prepared to go.

"England are not daft. They know that keeping the likes of Jofra fit for the Ashes will be really important to win the Ashes.

"They are saying 'how can we make sure that we get Jofra prepared to play the Ashes and be the best version he can be?' They've got a lot of good people around that squad who we need to trust and allow them to do their job.

"From a Sussex point of view we should be saying that he needs to play at least four Championship games otherwise he's not going to be ready - but that's not how it works.

"He is a centrally contracted player and we want him to be at this club for many years to come and we want him to be a big part of the future."

Thomas Bach has insisted the IOC is not on the wrong side of history following criticism over the potential inclusion of Russian athletes at the Olympics

Onkar Singh

Jofra Archer has appeared for England seven times this year

Harper re-elected President of Demerara Cricket Club

FORMER Guyana and West Indies cricketer Roger Harper was re-elected to serve a third consecutive term as President of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), Queenstown, after the club held its Annual General Meeting and Elections on Wednesday.

Attorney-at-Law Adrian Thompson served as the Returning Officer.

The majority of the other Executive members remained the same, such as Lawrence Smith (First Vice-President), Patrick Harding (Second Vice-President), Colin Alfred (Secretary), Akeem Greene (Assistant Secretary/Treasurer), Dennis Squires (Club Captain) and Adam Harris (Public Relations Officer).

Reginald Brotherson, who previously served as one of the five Committee Members, filled the position of Treasurer and Jamal Hinckson replaced Lyndon Lyght as Indoor Captain.

Charwayne Walker, Brandon Jaikaran, Troy Halley, Mark Harper and Orlando Giddings are the new Committee Members.

All the Executive positions filled were unopposed. Meanwhile, in a statement

from DCC, Mr Harper thanked the members for their continued support and highlighted that the new Executive will continue to make cricket a priority and develop a winning culture. The club aims to form more partnerships with corporate Guyana by offering its spaces for branding and other marketing avenues given its location is boxed by four corners that have high congestion of traffic.

Furthermore, Harper commended International SOS for their continued investment in the club, especially in the youth programmes and assisting in the infrastructural upgrades. With the appointment of the energetic Darien Best as a coach, the club envisions it will continue to produce national players who progress to the highest level. Several young players under Best’s watch have already

GCB’s Women’s Inter-County T20 cricket bowls off today

The Latiffs are first father/ daughter to play Inter-County cricket

broken into Association, County, and National teams for this year.

DCC, themed the ‘Home of the Legends’, was established in 1912 and has produced famous players, such as the Christiani brothers (Cyril and Robert), Clive Lloyd, Lance Gibbs, and numerous national youth and senior players in recent years.

In 2011, the club was voted the Guyana Cricket Board’s Club of the Year.

Durant is back for Phoenix Suns as Philadelphia 76ers dent Dallas Mavericks

THE Philadelphia 76ers dented Dallas Mavericks' hopes of reaching the NBA play-offs with victory on Wednesday.

The Mavericks, conference finalists in 2022, took a 12-point lead in the first half but the 76ers came back to win 116-108, Joel Embiid scoring 25 points.

Dallas are 11th in the Western Conference with the top six going straight into the play-offs and seventh to 10th going into the play-ins.

Elsewhere, Phoenix Suns beat Minnesota Timberwolves on Kevin Durant's return.

Making his home debut for the Suns after 10 games out with a sprained ankle, 13-time AllStar Durant scored 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists in 29 minutes in the 107-100 win, with Devin Booker scoring 29 points.

The Suns are fourth in the Western Conference while the Timberwolves sit seventh.

The Sacramento Kings are third and now guaranteed a playoff place - their first appearance for 17 years - after beating the Portland Trail Blazers 120-80.

It ends the longest run without an appearance in the

post-season games in NBA history.

Jrue Holiday scored a career-high 51 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo made his fifth triple-double of the season to take the Milwaukee Bucks, the leaders of the Eastern Conference, to a 149-136 win over the Indiana Pacer

The New York Knicks' 10192 home win over Miami Heat was marred by an ankle injury to All-Star forward Julius Randle.

Randle, who sustained the injury in the second quarter, made one of two subsequent free throws before being removed.

Anthony Davis scored 38 points and 10 rebounds and LeBron James added 25 points to boost the visiting Los Angeles Lakers to a 121-110 win against the Chicago Bulls, which means they move level with New Orleans Pelicans for eighth place in the Western Conference.

Russell Westbrook scored

36 points made 10 assists as the Los Angeles Clippers ended the Memphis Grizzlies' seven-game winning run, the Brooklyn Nets inflicted the Houston Rockets' seventh straight loss, Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz beat the San Antonio Spurs, Talen Horton-Tucker scoring 41 points.

The NBA regular season concludes on Sunday, 9 April.

(BBC Sport)

By Sean Devers

BORN in River Road, Curepe, Trinidad and Tobago on August 23, 2004 to a Trinidadian mother, Avian Persad-Latiff and Guyanese father, Luke Latiff, 18-year-old medium pacer, Chelsea Latiff, was selected for Demerara U-19 and the county’s senior female teams and joins her dad, who played for Berbice at both the U-19 and Senior level before leaving for Trinidad in 2001, as the only father and daughter pair to play in Guyana’s Senior Inter-County cricket.

Luke made his U-19 Inter-County debut in 1988 before playing at that level up to 1990, while he represented Berbice at the Senior level from 1989 to 1999.

Chelsea attended Couva East Secondary in Trinidad before moving to Guyana to pursue studies in Medicine at the University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus; reading for a Bachelors Degree in Medicine and Bachelors of Surgery (MBBS).

“Proper time management and my natural adaptation to academics and cricket is what I plan to do while I am in Guyana attending UG” Chelsea explained.

Chelsea, who played

for Central Zone from 2016 to 2020 in the Twin Island Republic, and club cricket for Achievers Women's Cricket team and trained with the Trinidad Under 17 & 19 in 2020, explained how she became interested in cricket.

“Both of my parents are involved in cricket in Trinidad (her dad as player and her mom as a scorer), so cricket runs in my veins.

“I took great inspiration from watching my dad play and bowling medium pace [and] like him, [cricket] gradually became my passion,” disclosed the ‘Trini’ teenager, who attended Trinidad & Tobago U-17 and U-19 trials.

“I want to focus on showing my full abilities in this tournament, and making the most of the opportunity. Like any bowler, gathering wickets under my name is my main goal for now” posited the lass who plays for city club, Transport Sports Club.

“It was an amazing feeling because I'm literally following in my dad's footsteps in his native country and once cricket does not have an adverse effect, I would love to represent Guyana at the Regional level” said Chelsea, who trains on Fridays and Saturdays.

Seated from left: Colin Alfred (Secretary), Reginald Brotherson (Treasurer), Parick Harding (Second VicePresident), Roger Harper (President), Lawrence Smith (Second Vice-President), Adam Harris (Public Relations Officer) Standing from left: Brandon Jaikaran (Committee Member), Orlando Giddings (Committee Member), Mark Harper (Committee Member), Charwayne Walker (Committee Member), Dennis Squires (Club Captain), Akeem Greene (Assistant Secretary/Treasurer), Jamal Hinckson (Indoor Captain), Troy Halley (Committee Member)

Kevin Durant returned for the Phoenix Suns

Trinidad-born Chelsea Latiff made her senior Intercounty debut on Thursday

Demerara female cricketer, Chelsea Latiff (left) with father Luke

International Jamaica Cycling Classic 2023

Briton John and Horace Burrowes representing Guyana

THE We Stand United Cycle Club (WSUCC) duo of Briton John and Horace Burrowes will, from today, be representing the Golden Arrowhead at the second edition of the Jamaica International Cycling Classic, a three-day race which will take place between the 31st of March, and the 1st – 2nd of April 2023.

John, who has been in excellent form since the start of the local season, will be competing in the Elite segment of the race while Burrowes will be testing his skills in both the Masters and Elite segments of the event.

According to the Race Director and Organisers, Coach Carlton Simmonds of Simmonds High Velocity Cycling Club (SHVCC), the event will showcase the best cyclists in the Caribbean while they have raised the bar at this year’s event.

Simmonds noted that the Master’s race will run alongside the Elite race. So, two three-day races will be running simultaneously.

The 2023 course will start and end in Montego Bay and will take in the stunning vistas of Jamaica’s northeastern coastline. The total

prize money is USD$11,120 with a maximum top prize of USD$3,100.

The broadcast partner for the event, SportsMax, will show live coverage across their platforms – terrestrial TV, mobile apps, and of course on YouTube.

Burrowes, in a brief com-

Summarised scores at close of second day West Indies Championship

ment before the duo went out to training yesterday morning, said that it was a good feeling to be back on the international stage for Guyana, something that has been missing for many years.

“I am here with one of the most talented cyclists in our country right now, and while he has been doing pretty well at home, it is always good for our guys to be tested against the best from other nations to see exactly where we are at and how we can improve. So, I am happy to be here and we will strive to do the best that we can for our nation.”

In excess of one hundred cyclists are expected to compete at this event. There will also be a King of the Mountain (KOM) stage.

Local sponsors supporting Briton John include Alabama Trading, Bentley’s Bike Shop, Beacon Café and Professional Key Shop.

Series win a ‘fresh start’, says Joseph

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, (CMC )–Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph believes the recent Twenty20 International series win for West Indies represents a “fresh start”, in the wake of last year’s disastrous World Cup campaign.

The Caribbean side beat the Proteas by seven runs in Tuesday’s final game at the Wanderers here, to take the three-match series 2-1 and log their first series win over the hosts in nearly a decade.

And Joseph said the T20 unit was focussed on reinventing itself under new captain Rovman Powell.

“It’s a fresh start under a new captain, so we’re just trying to build a team, and give everyone the confidence to go out and be themselves, play their game and not think about if they’re going to be in the team for the next tour or not,” said Joseph.

“So, I think we’re going down a good path, giving everyone the confidence and allowing them to be themselves.”

He continued: “We have

full confidence in every player. You won’t always do well but as long as you give your hundred per cent to the team, that’s the best thing you can hope for.

“Sometimes if you set out to do one thing and it doesn’t work out, that doesn’t mean you’re not trying your best to do it.”

The two teams split the double-header in Centurion last week, leaving the third game as the series decider. And after West Indies posted a more than competitive 220, Joseph snatched his first-ever five-wicket haul in the format, to take his side over the line and earn Man-of-the-Match honours.

More significantly, he

picked up three wickets in the penultimate over with Proteas requiring 35 runs for victory from the last 12 balls of the contest.

“I can’t necessarily pinpoint where we won the game but there were key moments in the game where we got some really good momentum,” Joseph pointed out.

“In the power-play, Sheldon (Cottrell) and Roston (Chase) started good for us and that gave me an opportunity to come and get the wicket of Quinton de Kock and that probably set them back a bit.

“But in the death for me, it was just about keeping it simple – not thinking too

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Summarised scores at the close on the second day of fifth round matches in the West Indies Championship on Thursday.

Scores:

At Queen’s Park Oval (TRINIDAD): Volcanoes lead by 24 runs with six second innings intact.

WINDWARD ISLANDS VOLCANOES 237 (Alick Athanaze 59, Tevyn Walcott 55, Ryan John 41, Sunil Ambris 28; Akeem Jordan 5-44, Roshon Primus 2-44, Jomel Warrican 2-57) and 14 for four (Jomel Warrican 2-0)

BARBADOS PRIDE 227 (Shayne Moseley 112, Rashawn Worrell 35; Larry Edward 6-45)

At the Guyana National Stadium (GUYANA): Harpy Eagles trail by 77 runs with nine second innings wickets intact.

GUYANA HARPY EAGLES 122 (Matthew Nandu 22; Rahkeem Cornwall 4-27, Colin Archibald 2-27, Javier Spencer 2-35) and 48 for one (Tagenarine Chanderpaul 20 not out)

LEEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES 247 (Jahmar Hamilton 58, Kofi James 42, Kieran Powell 39, Keacy Carty 23; Nial Smith 4-33, Veerasammy Permaul 3-51).

At the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (TRINIDAD): Scorpions, following on, lead by 22 runs with five second innings wickets intact.

much, not trying to do too much. [I was] trying not to be predictable while keeping it simple.”

Joseph finished the tour as the leading wicket-taker in all formats for the visitors, after claiming 12 wickets at 18 runs apiece in the two-Test series and six wickets from two matches in the three-match ODI series.

And while results for West Indies were below par, Joseph said the experience had been a vital one for him.

“I would say it was a fairly good tour for me in all formats. Having that experience of playing here in the SAT20 [earlier this year] really helped me along the way. I would say for me it’s been a really good experience,” said the 26-year-old.

“I’ve always been, from the start of my career, trying to improve as much as I can. It’s always adding that one per cent every day, getting information, using it as much as I can and also adjusting to conditions.

“Because sometimes you get information but on the day it’s a bit different, so it’s about adapting to conditions for me.”

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO RED FORCE 302 (Terrance Hinds 94, Anderson Phillip 63, Joshua Da Silva 39, Tion Webster 30; Derval Green 3-56, Marquino Mindley 2-56, Jeavor Royal 2-60, Ojay Shields 2-72).

JAMAICA SCORPIONS 125 (Derval Green 39, Jeavor Royal 27; Tion Webster 5-36, Terrance Hinds 3-40) and 199 for five (Jermaine Blackwood 68, Leroy Lugg 66; Anderson Phillip 2-21, Bryan Charles 2-68)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday March 31, 2023)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Rajasthan Royals

(2) Chennai Super Kings

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who was voted Man of the Match in the 2008 IPL final?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Tournament in IPL 2008?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Brighton John (right) and Horace Burrowes

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph

One Guyana Futsal ‘Play-In’ tournament set for Monday

FOLLOWING an overwhelming response from futsal players around the country, organisers for the One Guyana Futsal Tournament were forced to host a one-day ‘PlayIn’ competition on Monday, April 3, at the National Gymnasium.

Twelve teams will do battle, starting from 6:00 pm, when the six winners will be added to the Main Draw of the tournament that features 32 teams and runs from April 9 – May 20.

Foot Steppers and Thomas Land will be the first two teams in the square, and the winner of this match will join Group A alongside Sparta Boss, Future Stars and NA United.

The winner between Jetty Ballers and New Market Street joins Group B with Gold is Money, Beterverwagting (BV) and Melanie.

Match three on Monday sees Paradise Invaders facing Ramsay Clan for a place in Group C with Tiger Bay, McKenzie AllStars and Pouderoyen Brothers. Kingston and Gold Shot are vying for a spot in Group G where they will face Leopold Street,

West Indies Championships

Showstoppers and North East. Sophia faces Festival City from 9:00 pm, vying for a spot in Group H with Bent Street, Albouystown and Avocado Ballers. Closing off the night on Monday is a clash between Vryheid’s Lust and Timehri Ballers for a spot in Group F that features Stabroek Ballers, Wismar All-Stars and Bagotstown. Back Circle, Ven-Guy, Alexander Village and Kitty are in Group D, while Group E brings together Road Warriors, Kitty Spanish, California Square and Ballers Empire.

The Kashif and Shanghai Organisation are the brainchild of the One Guyana Futsal tournament, which will carry a first-place prize of $1M, compliments of Mohamed’s Enterprise. The lucrative tournament will also see the second-placed team getting $500,000, while $200,000 and $100,000 will go to the teams finishing third and fourth respectively.

Matches will be played at the National Gymnasium, with the finals set for the National Park.

Smith, Permaul share 7 wickets as Leewards stretch lead to 125

By Sean Devers

GUYANA Harpy Eagles have found themselves in a precarious position against the Leewards Hurricanes when the truncated second day of the fifth and final round of the West Indies First-Class Championship was called off at 17:10hrs yesterday due to persistent showers which caused three stoppages in the day.

Fast bowler Nial Smith ripped the last three batters for 10 runs to finish with 4-33 while Veerasammy Permaul (3-51) and Kevin Sinclair (248) limited the Islander’s lead to 125 after they were bowled out for 247 after starting the day on 133-5 with a lead of 11.

Yesterday, Jahmar Hamilton top scored with 58 from 131 balls with six fours and shared in a 81-run sixth wicket stand with Kofi James who made 42 from 133 balls with five boundaries while Rakeem Cornwall (24) and Jeramiah Louis (20) offered late order resistance on a blustery day.

Guyana, needing 126 to avoid an innings defeat, were 48-1 when rain stopped play

for the final time at 16:10hrs with Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who was dropped on two by wicket-keeper Hamilton with the score on 9-1 off Javier Spencer, unbeaten on 20 with three fours while Kevlon Anderson is the overnight batter on 19.

Matthew Nandu’s poor form continued when he was bowled by Louis for three as Guyana, hunting their 13h title, on 6-1. Guyana need another 77 runs to make the Leewards bat again with nine wickets in hand.

Earlier, the Leewards began the day with Hamilton (35) and James (9) at the crease in sunny conditions and both batters put away the bad balls in a well-constructed partnership before both batters were removed in the space of 10 runs just before Lunch.

Sinclair finally got the break-through when he had Hamilton, who has played a single Test, after he reached his 27th fifty from 105 balls with five fours, caught and bowled with the score at 185-6.The pair had come together when Kavima Gorge was dismissed for 10 at 105-5 on Wednesday

afternoon.

It is often said that one wicket brings another, and that is exactly what happened yesterday as James was removed by Permaul at 195-7.

By lunch, the Islanders were 201-7 with a lead of 79 and, after the break, Cornwall hammered Sinclair for a couple of dismissive drives before cutting left-arm spinner Antony Adams for four before rain stopped play at 13:10 hrs with the score on 226-7.

Play restarted at 14:00hrs and the last three wickets tumbled for 11 runs as Smith, armed with the second newball, removed Cornwall (24) and then bowled Colin Archibald for a duck with consecutive balls as two wickets fell 238 to the delight of the handful of fans in the stands.

Smith’s hat-trick was averted but he soon removed Louis (20) at tea to prevent the Islanders from getting a much larger lead.

If the Windwards beat Barbados and Guyana lose here to the Leewards, they would win the title. However, Barbados were bowled out for 237 re-

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Organisers of the One Guyana Futsal Tournament (L-R) Frank Parris, Kashif Muhammad, Colin ‘BL’ Aaron and Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major

Pacer Nial Smith grabbed four for 33 at Providence yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)