Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 31-03-2023

Region Nine residents enjoying better life, exposed to greater opportunities

— due to consistent investments by PPP/C administration, President Ali emphasises — says more development on the cards with planned projects to improve internet service, delivery of education, infrastructure

‘HARDtalk’ interview with President Ali goes viral

‘A PPP Gov’t ensures you are not left behind’

- Education Minister - Minister Bharrat

‘Our country is transforming rapidly’ Nationwide power outages a result of system failures at Kingston, Garden of Eden locations

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday joined other officials and residents of Region Nine for the annual Rupununi Rodeo (Photos: Ministry of Education)

PG 4

PG 5

PG 7

PG 5

Region Nine residents enjoying better life, exposed to greater opportunities

— due to consistent investments by PPP/C administration, President Ali emphasises — says more development on the cards with planned projects to improve internet service, delivery of education, infrastructure

By Trina Williams

REMINDING citizens of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) about the years of neglect under the APNU+AFC Government, President, Dr Irfaan Ali cautioned residents against the “false hope” the opposition is now trying to spread in order to distract persons from the rapid development under the incumbent PPP/C.

President Ali highlighted the ongoing developments during an engagement with residents of Karaudarnau and other neighbouring villages.

In an address to scores of people, Dr Ali said that Indigenous Peoples are no longer being left on the backburners of development but instead are being considered essential stakeholders in the advancement of Guyana.

“Our entire philosophy is based on the dedication of giving and sharing love with the people of our country; every single community, every single corner of our country. Make no mistake, there’s no distinction between any one of our six peoples in this country.

“There is no distinction between any single community because we are working on a plan to ensure every single Guyanese and every single community become prosperous under the umbrella of the One Guyana concept,” President Ali said.

Directing his attention to the initiatives and measures that his government has undertaken to ensure that hinterland communities are included in the country’s advancement, he said just recently, there was an investment of $20 million in cassava to ease the effects of the dry season on the yield.

“... Only last week, the REO and Regional Chairman... called and said, ‘Mr President, the weather has affected us tremendously and the cassava crop... did not bring forth the yield you expected...”and what did we do?’” Dr Ali asked of the scores of residents gathered.

He then went on to answer the question by disclosing that the government sent 500,000 pounds of cassava to the Deep South.

“And I’m [committing] to this region that we are going to continue to buy excess production from the coast and send it to your villages so that you can enjoy the things that make life easy even under the most difficult circumstances. We don’t control the weather, we don’t

control the dry season but what we control is our collective ability in the government to ensure we share love with you... to ensure we support you...,” Dr Ali said.

The President did not stop there but instead reflected on how Region Nine has changed since 2020.

“What a change... you can see the development, you can feel the development...” he told the gathering.

INVESTMENTS

The region, since the PPP/C was elected to office, has seen transformation in areas such as health, education, agriculture, tourism and infrastructure, among other things.

Since one’s health is their wealth, the PPP/C government has been ambitiously pursing the path of providing world-class health care while simultaneously developing the country’s human resources.

“We are investing in our doctors and medical staff and I’m proud to say they have been working hard and delivering better service to every community across the region,” the President boasted, noting that hundreds of Amerindians are currently training to become health professionals.

Pointing to a specific example, the President said Aishalton, for the first time, will have surgeries being performed right in the village. And this is a result of the investments being made by the government.

Also, education within the region has changed for the better, as the PPP/C administration is making sure that children within the hin-

terland communities are wellequipped to learn. This is being done in ways like ensuring that students have the textbooks they need, the “Because We Care” grants and establishment of proper facilities to foster better learning.

Regarding schools in the Deep South, the government will be spending over $250 million.

“In the next two years, every community will have access to nursey, primary and secondary education,” Dr Ali said.

Meanwhile, the goal of providing better access to internet within hinterland communities is being pursued by the government.

Guyana has embarked on projects such as the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Access and E-Services for Hinterlands, Poor & Remote Communities Project, aimed at providing ICT access and electronic services to underserved areas.

Also, it was noted in November of last year, a total of 130 ICT hubs have been built and equipped across the 10 administrative regions, at that time.

For residents in Region Nine, within the next 12 months, their internet facility will be expanded. It will be upgraded from five megabits to 140.

Further, this year, for roads alone within the Deep South, the government will be spending $200 million.

As it relates to the agriculture sector and supporting food production, Dr Ali said: “This year alone, we will spend a further $50 plus million in the Deep South to support

your shade house programme, to support your black giant [chicken] programme and to expand food production in the communities for you to become more sustainable.”

Within the last three years, 3,768 residents, 1,789 households, from Karaudarnau, Shea, Maruranau, Awarewaunau, Aishalton, Achiwib, Parabara and Baishaza benefitted from billions of dollars in investments.

These include almost $300 million spent on health, $700 million on education, $230 million on renewable energy, close to $30 million on ICT services, close to $10 million on tourism, about $80 million in agriculture, almost $260 million in Amerindian affairs, more than $35 million in presidential grants, $3 billion supplementary budget was passed for Amerindian communities, more than $70 million in economic investment fund, and $133 million in Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) funds.

OPPORTUNITIES

Highlighting the opportunities that were taken from Guyanese under the previous administration, President Ali affirmed to citizens that the PPP/C Government will work to ensure the lives of many are transformed.

“You were a society that lost hope [under APNU+AFC],” he said, while using several biblical teachings to show that one should not lose faith.

During an engagement with residents of Potarinau, the President said: “We will stand equally in defence of every citizen of this country. That is why in the three years, we have not only brought back the 2,000 CSO workers and rehired them, but we have hired hundreds of part-time workers additionally at $40,000 per month.”

President Ali also told residents that their communities “lagged” behind not because

they were inferior but because they were never handed opportunities.

“...Today we are giving you that opportunity,” he said.

In addition, residents asked for more agricultural assistance for their cassava crops, which were negatively impacted by wildfires brought on by the dry season.

“We brought in 500,000 pounds of cassava. It went to Deep South. We will bring in another 500,000 pounds to go to the communities along here, and also we have some hampers to give to every household here,” he said.

One resident from Quiko raised the issue of how the dry season is affecting their water supply.

President Ali, in turn, assured the resident that some 25 black tanks will be distributed to Quiko families that are impacted by the dry season.

He also promised that the village's current water distribution system will be finished in a month.

President Dr Irfaan Ali during his visit to Region Nine (Office of the President photos)

Some of the residents gathered

‘HARDtalk’ interview with President Ali goes viral —

PRESIDENT Irfaan

Ali's interview is now one of the BBC's top watched interviews so far for the year, with millions of views circulated.

The Head of State has gone viral on social media and has received praises from many for being the voice to call out Western nations on climate change.

This is not the first time President Ali has received such wide-spread attention, as he has been praised worldwide for his positive views by international leaders and has appeared on several international interviews.

President Ali, during an interview on the BBC’s HARDtalk, found himself defending the position of Guyana moving forward with its ambitious plans to tap into its lucrative oil-and-gas reserves and balancing economic growth and environmental stewardship.

commendations pour in after Head of State’s firm response to ‘global warming’ question

Host Stephen Sackur questioned President Ali on whether Guyana’s focus on fossil-fuel extraction contradicts global efforts to combat climate change.

Sackur attempted to lecture the Head of State on climate change, highlighting the potential environmental impact of

extracting $150 billion worth of oil-and-gas reserves off Guyana’s coast, pointing to the release of more carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

Responding firmly, President Ali said: “Let me stop you right there.

Do you know that Guyana has a forest, forever [sic], that is the size of England and Scotland combined?

A forest that stores 19.5 gigatons of carbon? A forest that we have kept

alive?”

Sackur further pressed President Ali on whether Guyana’s preservation of its vast forest, which stores a significant amount of carbon, justifies the decision to release carbon emissions through oil and gas extraction.

However, President Ali strategically flipped the script and put the question to the host: “Does that give you the right to lecture us on climate

change?” adding: “I am going to lecture you on climate change.”

In challenging critics’ authority to criticise Guyana’s actions, President Ali highlighted Guyana’s environmental stewardship which, he said, justifies its pursuit of oil-andgas development, while maintaining a net-zero carbon footprint.

Sackur further questioned Guyana’s approach, referencing comments from Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who emphasised the urgency to extract oil amid the climate change imperative.

President Ali defended this stance as “practical” and “honest,” asserting Guyana’s commitment to economic development and creating opportunities for its people.

He emphasised the country’s need to aggressively pursue its natural resources for economic growth and development, highlighting the lack of external support in bringing opportunities to Guyana.

“You can say we are rushing, but we are very practical. We have this natural resource. And we’re going to aggressively pursue this natural resource because we have to develop our country.

“We are committed to the development of this region. We have to create opportunities for our people because no one is bringing it out for us,” President Ali said.

The international community has long praised Guyana for its dedication to environmental sustainability and leadership in addressing climate change.

Recently, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US envoy to the United Nations, acknowledged President Ali’s dedication to environmental priorities, particularly in supporting rural communities and maintaining forest cover.

Meanwhile, the World Bank’s Vice-President for the Latin America and Caribbean Region, Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, has said that the international financial institution is interested in the good learning practices that Guyana has to offer in its efforts to combat the effects of climate change.

Guyana’s commitment is evident in the initiatives aimed at combatting climate change and enhancing economic resilience within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), as it contributed US$2 million to the Regional Adaptation Fund.

Guyana is also making strides in biodiversity conservation by setting up a state-of-the-art biodiversity centre as part of its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030. This strategy aims to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali has gone viral on social media and has received praises from many for being the voice to call out Western nations on climate change

‘A PPP gov’t ensures you are not left behind’ -Education

BOTH children and teachers of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are reaping the benefits of the massive investments being injected into their region by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, according to Education Minister, Priya Manickchand.

She made these remarks during an outreach in Karaudarnau, which garnered scores of residents even from neighbouring communities.

“In the three short years that he [President Dr Irfaan Ali] has been President, all of you here could say resoundingly that when you see him or even when you don’t see, you feel President Ali’s presence and service in your village, in your homes, in your schools...” she said.

She added, “…President Ali and the PPP makes sure

Minister says; highlights massive investments in sector

you are not left behind.”

The Education Minister pointed out the stereotype that followed indigenous people and assured residents that the PPP/C government is committed to not leaving them on the backburners of development.

“In fact, my friends I will tell you this, when we get services, exercise books,

textbooks, it comes here first,” she noted. She further announced the construction of 13 nursery schools in the region, which will begin shortly.

“And when we build those nursery schools, I am told... we will have nursery schools in every single place that we need it in region nine,” she said.

There will also be the building of four new primary schools and four secondary schools in Region Nine.

The secondary schools will be located in the villages of Tabatinga, which will be aimed at tackling the overcrowding at St Ignatius, Nappi, Maruranau and Massara.

“Every child will be able to access a nursery school, every child will be able to access a primary school, every child will be able to access a secondary school and that is putting your children in a place where they could compete with any other child in the world.”

The minister also underscored that with these facilities being built, quality of education is being analysed because this is also a key component.

With that said, the PPP/C government has been in -

vesting in the training of teachers.

“We are trying to make sure we train all teachers in Region Nine...Last year, six teachers from Maruranau graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education as secondary school teachers and so 99 per cent of our teachers are trained or are training in Region Nine,” Minister Manickchand disclosed.

She further noted that the government has given grants to teachers to buy school supplies and provided transportation for easier access to the schools for both educators and children.

Furthermore, the minister said “talk is cheap” and while many could come to communities and preach “love,” this has to be shown in their actions.

“We can talk all we want

to about love. It’s very easy to say ‘We love you...’ When we tell you in the PPP we love you it comes with meaning. It comes with an easier life for you. It comes with a better future for your children,” she said.

Manickchand urged residents to look at which party supports them and the track records and not fall prey to those coming into their communities and peddling certain narratives.

The region, since the PPP/C administration took office, has seen transformation in areas such as health, education, agriculture, tourism and infrastructure, to name a few.

It was noted that the government will be spending over $250 million in schools located in the Deep South of Rupununi.

Nationwide power outages a result of system failures at Kingston, Garden of Eden locations

THE nationwide power outages that inconvenienced thousands of Guyanese on Friday were a result of failures at the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Kingston, Georgetown and Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara locations, according to the System Control and Operations Manager, Navin Deonarayan.

“I just want to give you a sense of what transpired today [Good Friday],” he said while explaining that at approximately 02:44 hrs, GPL experienced a “total shutdown” and this was caused by a damaged cable at their Kingston location.

“We worked assiduously to repower the system and fix that problem. However, upon reclosing we experienced another failure at that location,” he said.

Deonarayan said that later in the afternoon, the power company experienced another shutdown at the Garden of Eden location.

“That was investigated and we subsequently found

what was the issue and we corrected it. We have powered back the entire system this evening and we continue to supply the country with reliable power as we speak,” he said.

Furthermore, he stated that an investigation will be conducted on what occurred and works are ongoing.

Moreover, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips assured Guyanese that this issue was resolved

and there will be no more power outages for the weekend.

“We’re all assured that the power is now on.... and it will be on for the rest of the weekend,” he said.

On January 4, 2024, ac-

cording to GPL, a 6.9 MWs engine at the Kingston 2 Power Plant, experienced a technical issue related to the crankshaft. On March 11, 2024, a 5.5 MWs engine at the Kingston 1 Power Plant experienced a technical issue related to the crankshaft and engine components. On March 15, 2024, a 9.3 MWs engine at the Garden of Eden Power Plant suffered a turbo charge failure which was resolved on March 22, 2024. These incidents resulted in a loss of 12.4 MWs of generation from the Demerara Berbice Interconnected system (DBIS).

“Technical support for the repair of the two engines at the Kingston Power Plants is ongoing and is anticipated to be operational in the month of May 2024,” a statement by GPL read.

Generation from the new 28.9 MWs facility at Columbia is incrementally being added to DBIS. Currently, nine out of a total of seventeen generators are injecting electricity into the grid. In the week commencing April 7,

2024, five generators will be added. The remaining three generators will be added to the grid in the week commencing April 14, 2024. This additional generation will alleviate the current shortfall.

System Control and Operations Manager, Navin Deonarayan and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, along with a team working to rectify the nationwide power outage

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand

Development is not a straight road

DEVELOPMENT is never a smooth process. There are several twists and turns, some fortuitous as in the case of Guyana where the per capita has more than doubled in just a matter of a few years, due in no small measure to the impact of oil revenues.

There are, however, much more to it than oil, as pointed out by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali during a recent interview with Stephen Salkur, host of the popular BBC show 'Hard Talk' beamed to millions across the world.

President Ali was forthright and certainly did not mince words as he responded eloquently to several tough questions posed

to him on several issues ranging from threats to our sovereignty and territorial integrity by Venezuela, oil and gas, and environmental issues to 'corruption' allegations.

On the issue of threats to our sovereignty and territorial integrity, President Ali debunked the false and misleading narrative peddled by Venezuela regarding the 1899 Arbitral Award which had long settled the borders between the two countries in a binding and definitive manner.

However, in the interest of peace and regional security, the government agreed to allow the matter to be determined at the level of the International Court of

Justice (ICJ). According to President Ali, Guyana's borders are non-negotiable and despite Venezuela's aggression, the country is not without options to defend itself militarily should the situation so warrant, even as he made it clear that Guyana's first line of defence is diplomacy.

“We are investing in our military; we are investing in the technology of our military. We are investing in infrastructure...we are working on the basis of an international coalition that would not allow this region to be destabilised by any action by Venezuela to overrun our territorial integrity of our borders.

“If there is any breach in

our territorial space; if there is any action by anyone to destabilise our country and to invade in any way, shape or form, we will call upon every force and every friend to help us and to work with us to protect our territorial integrity,” he further elaborated.

These are indeed comforting and reassuring words coming from a leader who is known for his resolve and resolute stance in defence of the country's territorial borders and also the resources of the nation both on land and on our maritime borders. Guyana may be relatively small in terms of population, geography and military strength, but it has a network of strategic

friends and capabilities that are more than adequate to thwart the designs of any invading power that seeks to undermine our national security interests.

On the question of our oil and gas contract entered between the former APNU+AFC regime and Exxon Mobil, while acknowledging that the contract was highly skewed in favour of the oil conglomerate, President Ali was at pains to point out that the sanctity of contracts must be respected to allow for investor confidence but insisted that all future contracts will be entered into on much more favourable terms to the country and its people.

And recognising the critical importance of oil

revenues for the country's development, President Ali took the opportunity to re-assure the world that Guyana's development will not be done at the expense of the environment and said emphatically that Guyana's status as a global leader in terms of its carbon sink and net zero emitter of carbon emissions are not under threat.

President Ali must be commended for how he responded to pointed, and at times loaded questions on the widely-watched BBC Hard Talk programme. Indeed, he has once again represented Guyana with dignity and pride on the international media landscape.

Norton must be reminded that our citizens cannot be fooled easily

Dear Editor,

IT is rather ironic that the Opposition Leader used the Sophia settlement area to advance his claims that the PPP/C government is neglecting and openly discriminating against his party's supporters. However, he must be reminded that our citizens, particularly the residents of Sophia, are well acquainted with the history of this settlement area and cannot be easily fooled.

Editor, the average citizen is fully aware that Sophia emerged as a squatter settlement due to failed policies and initiatives by the PNC to provide shelter and livelihood opportunities to low-income citizens in Georgetown.

Meanwhile, the residents in Sophia would recall that when they attempted to occupy the land in that settlement area, they were met with a signboard that stated the 'land was owned by the PNC, and anyone found trespassing would be prosecuted.' The residents of Sophia will definitely never forget how they were humiliated and driven off the land like animals by the PNC when they attempted to occupy Sophia before this party was booted out of office in 1992.

Those who took up dwelling in Sophia during the 90s would also recall that this squatter settlement had no access to electricity, water, sanitation facilities, paved roads, or drainage and was characterised by makeshift dwelling units.

Residents were forced to resort to ‘Flambo’ and ‘lanterns’ in the evening for light in the absence of electricity.

The few trenches in Sophia were the primary source of water for washing and bathing. During the rainy season, the residents had to puddle through heavy slush to get into and out of the area due to the absence of paved roads.

Today, Sophia stands out as one of the largest suburban areas on the outskirts of Georgetown. It has access to electricity, treated water, internet, sanitation facilities, paved roads, bridges, drainage, and housing units that match those in formal housing areas.

The settlement area now has a health centre, community centre, places of worship, shops,

general stores, supermarkets, school, and police station.

This transformation was only possible because the PPP/C invested significantly in regularising the Sophia squatter settlement between 1992 and 2015, and continued to make other improvements after it was reelected in 2020. Apart from ensuring that Sophia residents benefit from modern social goods and services, the PPP/C's squatter regularisation programme made hundreds of low-income residents of Sophia, who were once squatters, into homeowners.

Unfortunately, the PNC, in its original and other incarnations (APNU-AFC), does not have any track record of investing in Sophia or any other squatter settlement to improve

the livelihood of residents in those areas. Indeed, like in the 1990s, when the PNC returned to office in 2015, it brutally removed squatters from 'A' Field and 'B' Field instead of making any meaningful investment in the settlement area.

Similarly, the PNC is not known for promoting the well-being of citizens when the party is in power. Between 1968 and 1992, this party made Guyana one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere.

During this period, poverty and inequality increased, and widespread discrimination against citizens perceived to be non-supporters of the party was practiced overtly. When the party returned to power in 2015 under the PNC-led APNU-AFC

coalition, it continued with the same old practice, as evidenced by the closure of several sugar estates that saw the dismissal of over 7,000 Indo-Guyanese workers. The same ethno-political discrimination was extended to hinterland communities with the dismissal of the 2,000 Community Service Officers (CSOs) by the APNU+AFC government.

The Local Authorities that were won by the PPP/C were bypassed for infrastructural works by the PNC-led APNU+AFC government. In its new incarnation, the PNC-led APNU+AFC coalition terminated Guyana’s representatives at our foreign missions, Permanent Secretaries, Regional Executive Officers, and high-level

Continued on page 7

‘Our country is transforming rapidly’

— Natural Resources Minister says — sets record straight on management of oil and gas revenues

MINISTER of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat has said that the funds from the oil and gas sector are being managed properly by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government.

He made this statement during an outreach on Friday at Karaudarnau, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

“We said to you once we’re elected and we get back into government that we will keep coming to you; that we will bring the government to you,” the minister said.

He added, “Community by community, region by region and our country as a whole is on an upwards trajectory in terms of development and bringing benefits to every single Guyanese.

“Another promise we made on the campaign trail is that we are going to ensure that there is strict accountability and transparency in government and across all sectors, especially our new sectors like the oil and gas sector

and now we’re receiving revenue from our carbon credits.”

With Guyana leading by example in sustainable forest management and climate action, the Natural Resources Minister said that this is something to be proud of.

Under the new high-integrity carbon standard known as ART (Architecture for REDD+ Transactions), Guyana was the first nation to receive carbon credits through this high integrity standard.

A total of$33.47 million forest carbon credits were issued to Guyana for maintaining its high forest cover and maintaining low

rates of deforestation and forest degradation between 2016 and 2020, earning Guyana at least US$750 million. Hess has made a commitment to buy Guyana’s premium REDD+ carbon offsets between 2022 and 2032.

Through jurisdictional REDD+ measures, Guyana has successfully maintained forest cover and kept deforestation and forest degradation at a low level. This accomplishment is in line with Guyana’s larger objectives under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

“That money is to supplement what we are al-

Norton must be reminded that our citizens cannot be...

From page 6

managers in the public sector who were thought to be supporters of the PPP/C.

If there were any doubts that the PNC-led APNU-AFC government was hostile to non-supporters, those doubts would have been removed by several statements made by persons associated with the government during the period 2015-2020. Who could forget the statement made by one of its leaders that ‘the only friends I got is PNC, so the only people I could give work to is PNC’?

Or, the remark by a sitting Minister that the first people are avaricious. Similarly, Guyanese will never forget the call

by a member from one of the parties it coalesced to ‘flush out PPP moles from the public service.’

These racial slurs lay bare the ethno-political discriminatory practices of the PNCled APNU+AFC government that were reminiscent of the infamous 28 years the PNC governed Guyana.

Sadly, racial and political discrimination is even practised inside the PNC. Recently, the Opposition Leader was accused of turning a blind eye to racial hostility faced by Indo-Guyanese within his party.

In his letter addressed to the party’s Central Executive Committee, Faaiz Mursaline stated that “the constant racial

ready doing in your community as a government,” he said.

“...I went to a few indigenous communities and there is some misinformation being peddled by some organisations... The government or nobody never sold any forests,” the minister firmly stated.

He then explained that the government sold the ability of Guyana’s forests to trap carbon dioxide. Meanwhile, he also touched on the oil and gas sector and the misinformation surrounding it.

He pointed out how the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) is supporting transparency of the management of the oil and gas sector.

“It don’t go into any-

body pocket, it goes into that account [NRF]” he said, noting, “Our country is transforming and is transforming rapidly.”

Pursuant to the NRF Act, all withdrawals from the NRF to finance the national budget are subject to approval by the National Assembly.

Once the budget is approved, only then the withdrawal can be effected, and this is done not all at once, but throughout the fiscal year in various sums. Additionally, all withdrawals from the NRF shall be deposited into the Consolidated Fund (CF) in accordance with the NRF Act.

The NRF Act establishes that withdrawals from the NRF shall be used to

finance the following: -

a) National development priorities including any initiative aimed at realising an inclusive green economy; and b) Essential projects that are directly related to ameliorating the effects of a major natural disaster.

The national development priorities of the country are not state secrets. Broadly speaking, the development priorities are: the energy sector aimed at reducing energy cost and delivering a reliable supply of energy, infrastructural development, housing, education, health and the green economy within the framework of the LCDS, just to name a few and for context.

hostility from … is just too much for me to handle and the leader seems to not care.”

Based on the recent complaint from the former Treasurer of his party, track record of the PNC, and racial slurs from persons associated with his party, the Leader of the Opposition should refrain from speaking about discrimination, poverty and inequality in Guyana. Failure to do so would render him hypocritical and probably make him a big draw at the Suarez Brothers Circus that is in Georgetown.

Regards, Kevin Persaud

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

OGNN, civil society, the private media and accountability

IT is dangerous in any country to shut out the role of the media, opposition parties and civil society groups. I don’t think any politician in any country in any part of the world would dare to publicly say something to that effect.

Minister Juan Edghill did say on the Freddie Kissoon-Gildarie Show that he welcomes opposition parties because “they keep the government on its toes.” No matter how good the people are with power, you need critical voices and discerning pens to ensure things do not go astray.

I believe Fidel Castro started with ethereal intentions towards the Cuban people. But as the decades wore on and he became insulated from criticism, he couldn’t see that he had faults and those faults needed correcting. He ended up spending 49 years and four months in power. It is in this context, that critical views in a country are essential.

But critical voices in a society cannot arrogate to themselves the right to decide what the government should do and how the rest of the so-

ciety should relate to them. If you do not like a government for its policies, form political parties and contest power. But you cannot dislike a government and be pompous enough to think that an elected government must listen to you because you know best. Who elected you?

I will always remember and will never forget an incident at UG when I was a freshman. Some lecturers were discussing Cuba at the top floor of what was then the Faculty of Arts. The group included one of the most liked literature lecturers at the time - Professor Bill Carr. The group favoured Castro but there was one dissenter, a lecturer from Puerto Rico

named Hogg. I cannot remember his first name. He kept insisting that he would like someone to tell him what are the alternatives for free election in which people vote for those they want to rule a country.

I keep insisting in these columns that the result of the local government election in 2023 has tremendous academic importance for understanding the political dimensions of society in Guyana. Despite a relentless daily campaign by the Stabroek News, Kaieteur News, anti-government civil society groups and frenzied hate propaganda since the Ali presidency came into being in 2020, the PPP won

the LGE in 2023 and made tremendous inroads into PNC strongholds including the impossible site- Georgetown. Theoretically, elected leaders need to pay attention to what their critics say and examine their adumbrations to see if they contain relevant thinking. But no elected government is going to do that when the private media and civil society groups degenerate into becoming blatant, inexorable, intolerant anti-government critics. You lose your credibility when you become like this and elected leaders are not going to listen to you.

I cannot recall the number of times in writing dozens of thousands of columns over

a 35-year-old career that I have warned detractors of government that they will be ineffective and will be ignored if they do not offer themselves as moral examples to be emulated.

In this country, no three words better describe the scenario of private newspapers and certain civil society groups as “a horror story.” There is OGGN organisation. I can reveal two emails from one of the leading players in OGGN sent to Kaieteur News owner, Mr. Glen Lall and shown to me by the then editor-in-chief Sharmaine Granger who was disgusted. The emails requested to have my columns dropped because I was criticising the anti-oil lobby.

These are the people who condemn the government for not listening, not paying attention, not reaching out. But they themselves are no examples of tolerance for free speech. Two of the leading players in a group named Article 13 intervened and got my response to Article 13 dropped from KN then published a nasty attack on me. This is another group that accuses the government

of lack of accountability but they remain contemptuously unaccountable to the Guyanese people.

The Stabroek News sent me an email informing me that they have information that I stole books from the National Library when I was 17 years old. I am accountable to be people who read me and believe in my perspectives for the past 55 years. So, I replied to Stabroek News acknowledging that I did that. The very newspaper removes the mention of my name in any correspondence be it, letter, reporting or comments in its online edition. The very paper refuses to identify the names of its board of directors.

Which government is going to listen to two private newspapers and a close circle of civil society cabals that see nothing positive the government does and have a shameless, anti-government agenda and who should be the last people to lecture the government about accountability?

Global water can die from thirst!

2023 was not exactly a wet year for water. Instead, last year was the hottest year on record, a reflection of the acute changes haunting Humankind in the 21st Century, accelerating faster everywhere than ever before, affecting everything from rain and rivers, seas and oceans, to depletion of available water and worsening of availability in more areas than ever.

Water is in grave danger and the signs have been ever-present: El Nino and La Nina, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, hotter oceans, accelerated carbon depletion, increasing loss and damage to small island and develop-

ing nations, worsening forest fires, deadly heat waves and floods, coral bleaching, deepening frost, parching drought, oceans drowning islands and rivers running dry.

But, just as ever, the red flags have all been largely left unattended -- until they boiled over into different servings of the accelerating global climate and environmental crises.

Europe and the USA ignored paying early attention to the effects of drought levels in main rivers until they started drying up and threatening river cargo and entire cities’ water reserves.

Also, in too many cases, kneejerk easy-way-out

reactions have resulted in spill-off decisions worsening other global crises -- from decreasing water production and services to increasing costs and prices and not sufficiently addressing the core issues affecting water conservation, production and distribution.

The world accepts that ‘Water is Life!’, an infinitely precious resource for everyone everywhere on Planet Earth.

Water, War and Peace

Water is more precious to life than precious metals, oil or liquid natural gas -so-much-so, so that creative

Domestic violence is plaguing our society

FOLLOWING the tragic and fatal shooting of a woman two weeks ago, I feel compelled to address, yet again, the scourge of domestic violence, which plagues our society and invariably leads to the death of our women.

I also wish to censure the security agency where the shooter was employed for not doing a better job of 'policing' the movement of their firearms and placing a weapon in the hands of one so young.

A firearm was allegedly handed over to the 20-yearold perpetrator without positive confirmation from a supervisor. Further, the firearm used by the shooter to subsequently harm himself was apparently left unattended by the person to whom it was issued.

Sadly, the young woman, who was shot in the back, was not the person actually sought by the shooter. The man, it seems, wanted to

shoot his ex-girlfriend, but ended up shooting her sister.

Despite media attention to incidents of gender-based and domestic violence, both at home and abroad, we still regularly hear of women in this country being attacked by their partners, even when they are no longer in a relationship.

In this case, the woman was attempting to move on with her life - something her ex-partner clearly could not accept - and in a cruel twist of fate her sister was shot in her stead.

The shooter, who attempted to take his own life was critical in hospital but, should he survive, will be facing a murder charge. Nevertheless, he is responsible for the death of yet another female in this awful spectre of violence against women.

This is a global issue and is considered to be "...a major public health problem and a violation of women's human

rights", by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which estimates that worldwide l in 3 women have been victims of either physical or sexual violence, or both, by an intimate partner or non-partner in their lifetime. In addition, almost one-third of the world's women between 15 - 49 years old have reported

Global water can...

From page 8

imaginations have led to a scenario of an eventual apocalyptic World Water War, as realistically fictionalised in the 20th Century hit movie ‘Mad Max – Beyond the Thunderdome’ (starring Mel Gibson and Tina Turner).

But while the thought of 22nd or 23rd Century global pockets of tribal wars over water may still be just the stuff movies are made of, the end of the First Quarter of the Second Millennium is already a time when more people in poor nations are dying from thirst, with water being used as a Weapon of War.

For example, water is one of the major factors behind the repeated conflicts in Kashmir between India and Pakistan; and Egypt, Ethiopia and other nations along the River Nile constantly

threaten to go to war over access to water – or the sea.

Worse, wherever wars and armed conflicts or disasters lead to mass evacuation, displacement and migration – whether in Sudan, Gaza or Haiti today – water becomes the one resource that keeps the thirsty and hungry alive.

Different treatment

How water is treated by governments and utilities differs in Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean, or Europe.

As a result, in 2024, 2.2 billion people worldwide still don’t have access to safe drinking water and about half the global population (4 billion) is without safe sanitation. In 90% of developing countries, untreated wastewater is poured directly into the environment -- mainly the sea – resulting in 1,000 children dying every day from illnesses caused by

drinking contaminated or dirty water.

As seen in Sudan, Ukraine and Gaza, water infrastructure is targetted in conflicts and millions move to neighbouring states, further depleting available low-level water stocks.

Water is also at such a stage in 2024 where the United Nations (UN) annual water reports are again repeating the usual case for the absolute necessity of making safe water available to everyone, everywhere.

UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, says water has a role in making peace worldwide. The UN designated the theme for World Water Day 2024 (March 22) as ‘Water for Peace’ and the UN World Water Development Report 2024 is also titled 'Water for Prosperity and Peace'.

However, nations sharing

physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner. Even more alarming is the fact that, across the globe, up to 38% of all murders of women are committed by intimate partners, making the bulk of the problem one of intimate partner violence, which the WHO says is preventable.

water tend to fight over how and how much to share and who owns access where. For example, at least 153 member-states of the UN share water resources, yet only 24 have related cooperation agreements.

In his message this year, the UN Secretary-General emphasised the urgent need for increased transboundary water cooperation, but stressed that “Achieving it relies on far greater cooperation.”

Guterres called for “accelerated efforts” to “work together across borders” and urged joint global action to implement the UN Water Convention, which promotes managing shared water resources sustainably.

Less Water

But while nations continue to differ over water, the resource is getting scarcer everywhere each year, affecting other equally important world resources like food and agriculture.

Reports indicate that to

The organisation says, "The health sector has an important role to play to provide comprehensive health care to women subjected to violence and an entry point for referring women to other support services they may need.”

Medica Mondiale holds the state responsible for preventing violence against women and for providing protection and support for victims, as well as pursuing the perpetrators of these crimes. They prefer to use the term 'intimate partner violence' to the term ' domestic violence' because, as in this local case, "the violence is often committed within the wider family or by a former partner.”

However, the Group is critical of patriarchal societies, such as ours and so many more, where "...violence against women is an expression of unequal power relationships between men and women" and the cause of

keep pace with the global demand for food, crop production must grow by at least 50% by 2050.

A 2017 paper estimated that to match crop production to expected demand, water use for irrigation would have to increase by 146% by the middle of this 21st Century.

World water availability is declining greatly, as more continental rivers run dry from reduced rainfall, resulting in declining river flows and rising temperatures, causing increased evaporation and increased transpiration by plants.

Agriculture swallows over 90% of the world’s freshwater, but what’s needed to meet growing food demand is simply unavailable.

Such reports are frequent and ought to have sent alarms, but are just as frequently ignored by policymakers everywhere.

All is not lost…

Yet, not all is lost, as regions and nations most and worst affected – particularly

such violence exists at both the structural and individual level. They add, in a damning statement, that, "Gender justice cannot be established unless misogynist structures are resolved (for) only then will women and girls be able to live free of violence."

The suggested solution lies in offering training courses for staff in health care and the legal sector to raise awareness, as well as gender-equitable childcare and education, human rights education and a "zero-tolerance" policy on violence.

We as a society also need to stop trivialising violence against women and treating it as a personal issue when it in fact affects us all. We should stand in solidarity with abused women and send a clear message that we are firmly against any form of discrimination or violence against women.

in the global South – are usually forced by circumstances to act quickly.

In the Caribbean, governments and water utilities have been working closer to share common experiences and resources to better manage mutual challenges, from managing wastewater to reducing levels of non-revenue water – and everything else flowing between.

CAWASA, the regional association uniting utilities, has been working with European and Caribbean friends and associated agencies to harness efforts at uniting the region’s approach to common challenges with common solutions.

Its Executive Director, Ignatius Jean, told a regional World Water Day activity last week that the future of Caribbean water lies in continuing cooperation between utilities and other stakeholders, failing which the regional water sector could die from thirst.

Elevating Opportunities: Guyana's Investment Resurgence and Strategic Partnerships

GUYANA is fast emerging as a dynamic player in the regional and global economy. With the advent of its growing oil and gas sector, the country is fostering strategic alliances with international investors from around the world, including the United States.

U.S. Ambassador Nicole Theriot recently highlighted a significant surge in investor interest from U.S. companies, in the growing opportunities in the country. As reported by the media,

the Ambassador noted recent initiatives such as the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, held in February, along with a bilateral business chamber visit, as helping to foster U.S. investment in Guyana.

Emphasising the need to diversify the investor base, Ambassador Theriot encouraged smaller enterprises to engage with Guyana even as the presence of major corporations like ExxonMobil, Hess, and possibly, Chevron, continues to grow. The recent

visit of Former U.S. President Bill Clinton further underscores Guyana's growing stature on the global stage.

Moreover, the U.S. interest in Guyana carries strategic implications, especially in light of regional security challenges emanating from neighbouring Venezuela. In December, amid escalating tensions, the U.S. helped bolster Guyana’s national security profile through high-level discussions between American and Guyanese military officials. These partnerships

Shots fired

ON Thursday, Aubrey Norton appeared to be perplexed, low-key angry, and vexed while facing blister-

ing questions from the media corps about the upcoming PNC/R’s 22nd biennial congress, and the race for

the top party post.

Norton, in trying hard to come across as confident about victory, made all man-

serve as a linchpin for stability, prosperity, and security in the region, particularly in light of Venezuela’s referendum to annex Guyana's Essequibo county.

In addition to economic benefits, collaboration between Guyana and U.S. entities yields broader societal impacts, such as the Guyana Coursera Platform, launched in partnership with a leading U.S. education company. Beyond the energy sector, Guyana's appeal as an investment destination extends to diverse

sectors such as infrastructure, tourism, and agriculture.

However, apart from the growing interest of U.S. companies, Guyana has seen an influx of investor interest across the board from countries such as Ghana and Qatar. Foreign investments have flowed into various sectors, catalysing inclusive and sustainable development initiatives while generating employment opportunities for the country's citizens.

As Guyana charts its path towards prosperity,

collaboration with U.S. entities across various sectors will continue to drive growth and economic development. This partnership also further solidifies Guyana's position as a beacon for investment and economic development in the Caribbean region. As the country navigates towards a brighter future, the collaboration with the United States stands as a testament to the shared values and aspirations that underpin their enduring partnership.

ner of accusations against fellow PNC/R members and persons who were seemingly opposed to him being the party’s leader again and, or its presidential candidate for the upcoming general elections. He also accused the former PNC General Secretary, Amna Ally of campaigning hard against him and supporting others in the party, seemingly causing rifts and forming divisions that could potentially hurt the party in the elections.

Norton, whose back is up against the wall, then lashed out at the “moles” in the party which was allegedly doing the PPP’s bidding to cause confusion and mayhem among party members and supporters.

Norton appeared to be stone-faced when fellow PNC Executive Ganesh Mahipaul was asked by the media about joining the race for the party leader position. Mahipaul, apart from looking uncomfortable and constipated, told the public and media nothing. He just danced around the subject, but he failed to state explicitly if

Norton would be getting his support at the congress.

Before Norton’s press conference, another party Executive Roysdale Forde stated publicly that he was going to run against Norton for the PNC position. Forde said he believed that there was a need for the party to “regroup, refocus and rebuild.”

Also, Norton used his power to postpone the congress from December last to August this year, buying himself time to campaign internally. But what Norton did not know is that by delaying the congress, he would cause himself more problems that were detrimental for him, and the campaign. It caused him to become more unpopular.

But this entire ordeal was predicted right here in this column. The only thing left to see is how well Norton is going to perform. Let’s do a brief analysis of the party’s internal politics.

Firstly, Norton should not be so surprised that other party members would rise to challenge him for leadership. He has not performed. He also has no right to claim

the work of others among the PNC grassroots bases as his own because he neither sponsored nor participated in the works internally, save and except for giving a few speeches here and there.

Norton did not accomplish anything that he set out to do when he was elected party leader back in 2021.

The unity has become more elusive now than when Norton took over in 2020. The factionalism is at an all-time high under Norton’s leadership of the party. This is not the biggest problem that the PNCR is facing as the party has had to maneuver its way through various corruption and personal scandals that were unheard or kept under control.

So, the level of trust has eroded in Norton’s leadership especially when it comes to his personality which does not mesh with many old heads in the party.

Secondly, Norton stands alone, with none of the party’s bigwigs supporting him – not Volda Lawrence, David

Continued on page 11

Black tanks, agricultural support, other measures to bolster South-Central Rupununi villages

SOUTH-CENTRAL Rupununi

villages in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are set to receive a boost, with black tanks, agricultural support and additional interventions aimed at strengthening the region.

The President announced these measures on Friday, as he engaged with residents of Potarinau and neighbouring villages.

Some 25 black tanks will be handed over to affected households in Quiko. The black tanks will provide a reliable source of water for irrigation and household use during the extended dry season, bringing relief to households who face water scarcity challenges.

The President also assured that ongoing works on the water distribution system in the village will be completed within one month. Residents also requested additional agricultural support for their cassava crops which suffered as a result of wildfires caused by the dry season.

“We brought in 500,000 pounds of cassava. It went to Deep South. We will bring in another 500,000 pounds to go to the communities along here, and also we have some hampers to give to every household here,” President Ali told residents. Tanks will also be distributed to households in

Shots...

From page 10

Granger, or Amna Ally. They believe Norton’s approach is the wrong way to fight and wrestle with the PPP/C. The way of handling the issues with Jermaine Figueira, and party officials in Berbice, Linden and hinterland regions has left a bad taste in the party’s mouth. This is why there were so many to bring down Norton as his power and grip were getting uncontrollable.

Geeta Edmond, Faaiz Mursalene, Christopher Jones, Amanza Walton-Desir, and several others have all been silenced in some way or the other during the past three years. The GYSM and Women’s arm of the party are shadows of itself. The PNCR under Norton is not gracefully maturing into a party where multiculturalism and multiracial force are celebrated.

Thirdly, Forde and Mahipaul do not express con-

Katu’ur to ease their water woes. Other concerns related to education, infrastructure and potable water access were brought to the forefront, and the president promised that these issues will be addressed.

In his initial remarks, the president also shed light on a suite of initiatives that have empowered indigenous communities with improved access to essential services.

“We will stand equally in defence of every citizen of this country. That is why in the three years, we have not only brought back the 2,000 CSO workers and rehired them, but we have hired hundreds of parttime workers additionally at $40,000 per month,” the president affirmed.

He continued, “We do

fidence in the party leader because there is none. He does not know how to lead an organisation as complex and big with multiple layers of personality constructs and difficulty. They, like many in the party, have read the writing on the wall that they cannot win the people with Norton.

So, they must dare all and take back the party, bringing normalcy to the operations in politics internally and externally with the PPP/C party. The struggle for them is not in strategy but in seizing the right time and place to differ or have political disagreements with the PPP/C in and out of office.

Fourthly, finding a consensus candidate will boil down to character, political rhetoric and the mood of the PNC delegates. If it’s just the first, neither will win as they both have skeletons in the closet and the PPP/C has the keys. Norton has the rhetoric and he will win that one but will not manage to muster the same showing of support as he did in 2020.

this…because we understand the value of opportunity. Your communities lag behind not because you are inferior, but because you never had the opportunity and today, we are giving you that opportunity.”

He said that over the last three years and a half, some $1 billion has been invested in the South-Central Rupununi, spanning a range of sectors, including education and health.

More training opportunities for lucrative careers are available to residents in these villages, while relief measures offer access to improved quality of healthcare.

“Three years ago, we didn’t have the opportunities that we have today… that every young lady and woman here can now collect a voucher from the

Forde and others are working throughout Guyana to rescue the party from Norton.

So, they are standing between a man and his dream of being a candidate in the next election. That is what all of this is about and has nothing to do with party democracy. It’s more about power and control freakism as one of the politicians likes to say.

Finally, all the opposition players are not throwing in their hats to battle Norton for the key leadership position. It’s still early days and three deadly and dominant threats are still lying right under Norton’s nose.

Norton knows that he can ill afford to have Granger, Lawrence and Joseph Harmon enter the race. Alas, Norton fired the first shot on Thursday at his competitors and a response is coming that is going to be explosive.

In the end, this is proving more lively, interesting and thrilling than the PPP/C congress. It may be necessary to stay tuned for more details.

government and be tested for cervical cancer free of cost. We are investing in the machines so that you can get your treatment right here in Guyana,” the head of state pointed out. He spoke of the equally instrumental dialysis grant, which provides hemodialysis patients with $600,000 annually to offset the cost of their treatment. Meanwhile, the government’s Solar Home Systems Project is also making headway in these communities, as 919

solar home units have been distributed thus far.

“In renewable energy, the household solar units, we have spent, in these South-Central Communities, almost $230 million. In health, in these communities alone, we have spent close to $180 million. In education, we have spent close to $255 million… in Amerindian Affairs, we have spent almost $294 million. For the first time, because of your support for the LCDS, we were able to

transfer to your communities almost $120 million directly into your bank account,” the President underscored.

Several Toshaos praised the government’s recent interventions. They highlighted a number of initiatives unfolding in their respective communities, made possible with their allocated funds from the Carbon Credits initiative.

The projects range from improvements in transportation infrastructure, advancements in information and communication technology (ICT), and investments in overall infrastructure development. All of these initiatives are expected to generate revenue, create jobs, and promote sustainability within the villages.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand; Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, and regional officials were also present at the engagement. (DPI)

President Dr Irfaan Ali during his visit to Region Nine

Road infrastructure among other developments for Castello Housing Scheme, Albouystown

RESIDENTS of Castello Housing Scheme, Albouystown, and surrounding communities in West La Penitence in Georgetown will soon benefit from significant infrastructural works targeted at enhancing their communities, in keeping with the government’s sustainable developmental course.

This assurance was provided by Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo during community meetings in Castello Housing Scheme and Albouystown on Thursday.

The Vice-President was accompanied by the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.; the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy; the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar; Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, and other officials.

At the meetings, residents called for improved drainage, an upgrade of several roads and bridges,

sanitation, employment, street lights, and other concerns. In response, the Vice-President outlined that major plans are on the cards for Georgetown and across the country.

“I want to talk about our efforts to upgrade the city and to change the conditions of living in the city. This is all in keeping with a wider vision of ensuring that the development that is taking place across our country reaches all corners of our country and people…,” Dr Jagdeo told those gathered.

He pointed out that job creation, skill training, and education are receiving a lot of attention. VP Jagdeo divulged that 34 community grounds are

currently being upgraded in Georgetown. They will be outfitted with lights, walkways and the necessary recreational facilities.

Of that amount, about five grounds are being upgraded in East and West Ruimveldt. With the acquisition of an amphibious excavator, residents along South Georgetown will benefit from improved access to drainage and irrigation (D&I). This machine will aid in the clearing of the canals to alleviate flooding especially during heavy rainfall.

Another pumping station which is being built at Liliendaal will help to increase pumping capacity. This station is connected to all the canals such as

In the communities, he noted that the internal drains will then be upgraded. Coupled with that, 20 mobile pumps are being procured to improve drainage.

Several more roads will be constructed in Albouystown totalling $102 million in areas such as Hill Street, Bel Air Street, Middle Road, Callendar Street, Cabbage Road, Fourth Street and James Street.

“But we are now focused on the roads and the playgrounds. We are going to be focusing on lighting soon…Any street that is not done, we will get it done…So, in about two weeks you should see work starting,” Dr Jagdeo affirmed.

In response to the installation of street lights, VP Jagdeo explained that when the gas-to-energy project is completed, the cost of electricity will be significantly slashed. Added to that, he said “…We

start exporting cooking gas. We are putting in streetlights everywhere in the town, right across the country.”

Over the years, other works were undertaken to transform the communities. Among these include the $1.4 billion that was expended on the Independence Boulevard enhancement project and 20 streets connecting to the boulevard were done totalling another $325 million.

Residents were also encouraged to apply for scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and other skill training programmes.

The Vice-President emphasised, “If there is any programme here to work with young people, training and any facility…We can easily fund this. We can provide the resources for the people trained right here in the communities…We want to see each of these communities develop properly.”

In keeping with its manifesto promise of delivering 50,000 house lots by 2025, the Vice-President reminded the residents that all pending housing applications before 2019 will be addressed. (DPI)

Sussex Street in West La Penitence.

Residents during the meeting (Photos: Office of the Vice President)

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo (centre) and other officials during the meeting

Kids Fest continues today under DC vs Marvel theme

GATES to the annual Kids Fest opened on Saturday at the Promenade Gardens, Georgetown, and continues today from 12:00 hours

Founder, Natalya Thomas Small said, “Our main pull factor will be our pageant, where you will see beautiful little girls and handsome little boys participate for the title

Miss and Mister Kids Fest, 2024

“This is the first year we will be having boys in because of the theme, which is Marvel verses DC, a superhero theme. We always focus on the girls so much and there’s nothing for the boys and I wanted to incorporate the boys to this year.”

Activities for this year’s Kids Fest include games, entertainment, a pageant for both boys and girls, and most importantly a lady heroes pageant; superheroes games, face painting, DC verses

Marvel Show Down, treasure hunts, among other fun activities are expected.

Notably, parents can bring their children out to the kid friendly event, where they can sign their child/ children up for the Kids Fest costume competition and they can get on stage and show off their best superhero poses.

Persons can grab tickets from any of the advertised ticket locations or pay at the gate. The fee is $2,000 for adults and $1,500 for kids.

to 20:00 hours under the theme ‘DC vs Marvel’.

In a video posted to its Facebook page, Kids Fest

Suspected bandit arrested after shootout with police, another in hiding

THE Guyana Police Force managed to arrest a man suspected of robbing a supermarket at Friendship, East Coast Demerara, on Friday.

According to the Guyana Police Force, on Friday, between 16:52 hrs and 17:00 hrs, the suspect and another man, one of whom was armed with a knife and the other a handgun, arrived on a motorcycle, went into the Hong Yuang Supermarket and took an undisclosed sum of cash and phone cards.

The pair also relieved the proprietor of two cell phones. The security guard on duty at the time told the police that the motorcycle bore registration number CL 5553 and they were wearing surgical masks with hoodies over their heads.

The Vigilance Police Station was alerted of the robbery at about 16:59 hrs and a police patrol responded promptly.

The police spotted the suspects on the motorcycle proceeding west along the Lusignan Prison Road.

The ranks gave chase and the pillion rider discharged several rounds in the ranks’ direction. Both the police

and the suspects shot at each other and, eventually, the suspects lost control of the motorcycle and fell into a nearby trench at Felicity, Railway Embankment Road.

They managed to escape from the ranks. However, the police searched the area where they fell, and a 9mm pistol, a magazine with six live matching rounds and a round in the chamber; a Samsung cellphone, a black side bag containing a quantity of 20 dollar bills totalling $1,240 and knife were found on the ground, about one foot away from the motorcycle.

At 22:25 hrs on Friday, the police received information and went to Leopold Street, Georgetown, where they arrested a 20-year-old man who fit the description of one of the suspects. He was told of the allegation, cautioned, arrested, and taken to Vigilance Police Station, where he was placed into custody to assist with the investigation.

Police retrieved CCTV footage from the supermarket and also interviewed the security guard who was seen being 'casual' with one of the suspects. Investigations are ongoing.

A Guyanese-Easter tradition: Kite-making and flying

THE earliest recorded celebration of Easter comes from the second century, although it has been said that the commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus happened earlier.

Easter, just like Christmas, is a popular Christian holiday, and it is centered

on the resurrection of Jesus, three days after his crucifixion, death and burial. By rising three days later, Jesus conquered death and redeemed mankind from sin.

Around the world, Easter is celebrated annually on the first Sunday, which is known as Easter Sunday.

In Guyana, Easter is celebrated along one big weekend from Good Friday until Monday, or as we call it Easter Monday. Like any other country with traditions, kite flying is seen as essential in the celebration of Easter in Guyana.

Trevor Smith, a local kite maker, told the Sunday

Chronicle that he has been making and selling kites for over 40 years. Smith sells his homemade kites on Camp Street, Georgetown just next to Republic Bank.

According to Smith, there is a joy that comes when he makes kites. “You know, it’s something that

I do, feeling happy about my work, joyful because it’s about ensuring that the kids them like what you make, and your kites them

are colourful (and) looking beautiful, so it’s an encouragement for all kite shoppers when they see you got some nice colorful kites.”

Smith said he likes seeing that his hard work and determination throughout the year pays off when the season arrives.

“Well, honestly, to tell you what I like, is to see that whole year, the job that you have been sitting down and preparing (for) and ensuring that these kites are made properly and efficiently; You see your returns now when the season is there because you’re patronised and supported by the Guyanese public.”

Moreover, Smith noted that this unwavering support of the public makes him feel good, and is very grateful for that support. The National Park, and other open spaces are packed with families picnicking in the hot sun, and the bright sky filled with clouds and big colorful kites.

To avoid the heat of the sun, some may take a trip to the pool or to a creek to keep cool.

CANU makes over 1000 lbs cocaine bust at Vergenoegen

The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard, resulted in the apprehension of two persons who were onboard the vessel.

A thorough search of the boat unveiled 536 kilograms (1,181 pounds) of cocaine, along with a quantity of fuel. CANU estimated the street value of the seized drugs in Guyana to be US$2.6M.

However, had the cocaine reached its intended destination, the street value, according to CANU, would have surged to over €20 million. Investigations are ongoing

Veteran kite-maker Trevor Smith with his colourful kites (Japheth Savory photos)

THE Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) intercepted a go-fast boat carrying a staggering 1,181 pounds of cocaine at Vergenoegen, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on Friday.

The cocaine that was seized during the joint operation

Captain Pooran, rookie Mayank dominate middle overs as LSG get off the mark — Kings were 102 for 0 before debutant Mayank Yadav sunk the visitors with 150kph thunderbolts

JUSTIN Langer has arrived in the IPL. It took just one game of tired old T20 cricket, and the consequent heavy defeat of course, for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to burn that book of conservative T20 cricket and play with much higher intent.

As a result they didn't have the ideal players operating in the death overs of each innings, but they had done enough damage in the middle overs on both occasions to win by 21 runs.

The 103 that LSG scored in the middle overs is the second-highest in their history; both the efforts featured Nicholas Pooran and Marcus Stoinis batting a higher number of balls unlike in the first match when they were held back for the death overs. With the ball, LSG unleashed Mayank Yadav's extreme pace - highest being 155.8kmph - and

awkward bounce to take five wickets for 84. As it turned out, they lost out on some runs in the final few overs and had to bowl Krunal Pandya in the 19th, but the game was over by then.

(Scores: Lucknow Super Giants 199 for 8 (de Kock 54, Krunal 43*, Curran 3-28) beat Punjab Kings 178 for 5 (Dhawan 70, Mayank 3-27, Mohsin 2-34) by 21 runs)

The first step - either made easier by a quad strain or a huge tactical move considering how it is near-impossible to remove Indian captains - was to give the captaincy to Pooran, leaving KL Rahul with just batting responsibilities.

The enterprising start

It would be indulging in pop psychology to say if that meant Rahul batted with more intent because he had only one field to make an impact in, but the change was there for all to see. Having taken the dew on by batting first, LSG needed all the intent from everyone. Rahul began attacking from the fourth ball he faced, didn't stop after hitting a six and a four in the next over, and Quinton de Kock batted the way he usually does.

The intent might have resulted in two wickets, but LSG managed 54 runs in the powerplay.

Pooran, and best-laid plans

The first two overs after the powerplay suggested it might be difficult to take down spin, but in the third, Stoinis, batting much earlier than in the last game, punished Rahul

RACING TIPS

SOUTH AFRICA RACING

TIPS

GREYVILLE

08:15 hrs Donquerari

08:50 hrs Winter Greeting

09:25 hrs Mia Moo

10:00 hrs Underworld

10:35 hrs Rugger Rugger

IRISH RACING TIPS

FAIRYHOUSE

08:25 hrs Rath Gaul Boy

09:00 hrs Bauchaillbocht

Chahar's errors in length brutally with two sixes, and got out trying for a third six in the same over.

The introduction of Pooran as early as in the ninth over meant Kings took off both their spinners despite Harpreet Brar's four-run first over and a decent record against left-hand batters this IPL.

Two overs in, it was plain why spin was taken off. Pooran slogged a wrong'un from Bishnoi over the longer boundary for a six followed by a cut for four in front of square and then just a nonchalant loft back over his head for another six.

The slightly slower finish

This kind of batting can, at times, result in wickets. LSG had played only three overseas players in the first XI so their choice of the fourth would be between Ashton Turner and Naveen-ul-Haq. When de Kock fell in the 14th over for 53, or when Pooran did in the 16th for 42, LSG didn't make any panicked move, trusting Naveen over the limited marginal impact a batter could make over Krunal and Ayush Badoni.

Krunal did his part of the job well by scoring 43 off 22. The last nine balls got LSG only 10 runs, but they had effectively decided the extra runs they could have got off such deliveries was not worth giving up middle-overs runs for.

Kings set off running

Under the lights, a bit of

09:35 hrs Fun Fun Fun

10:10 hrs Dee Capo

10:45 hrs Mirazur West

11:20 hrs Mount Frisco

11:55 hrs Blood Destiny

12:30 hrs Kopek Des Bordes

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

SOUTHWELL

08:30 hrs Destinado

09:05 hrs Violet Love

09:40 hrs Ziggy's Missile

10:15 hrs Across Earth

10:50 hrs Just Rita

11:25 hrs Catherine Chroi

dew, and nice medium pace to work with, Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow made a quick start to their chase, taking 61 in the first six overs. Dhawan got to a fifty off just 30 balls, the exact required rate to win the match. Like Stoinis did after the spin slowdown in the first innings, Bairstow broke the shackles with two sixes off Bishnoi in the ninth over.

CAPTAIN POORAN

Langer is not the only who "arrived" on Saturday night. Mayank is a 21-year-old fast bowler from Delhi who has had to struggle with injuries. LSG scouted him and looked after him while he was injured during the Ranji Trophy season. When they unleashed Mayank, Kings needed to go at pretty much the same asking rate as at the start of the innings and had all their wickets in hand.

They weren't quite prepared for the unerring pace of Mayank, though. He kept bowling uncomfortable lengths, went past 155kmph, and took out three batters, all three with the short ball, all three late on the shot. Bishnoi did his job at the other end, bowling the 11th over for just three. Mohsin Khan kept the pressure up. An injury to Liam Livingstone, which reduced him to hobbling between the wicket, didn't help Kings.

Dhawan went from 50 off 30 to caught on 70 off 50. He later acknowledged how he tried to use Mayank's pace by moving around, and Mayank immediately started bowling yorkers at the stumps.

LSG kept going for wickets, which is acknowledgement that even the best can get hit at the death so they are probably better off bowling in phases that have more correlation between quality and outcomes. By the time that they went to that one "weak" over, LSG had 48 to defend in the last two. Krunal conceded only seven. (Cricinfo)

12:00 hrs Brother Dave

12:45 hrs Lste Arrival

PLUMPTON

08:55 hrs Beny Nahar.Road

09:30 hrs Alto Alto

10:05 hrs A Tickatickatiming

10:40 hrs Nakin' yourmindup

11:15 hrs Rare Middleton

11:50 hrs I Shut That D'or

12:25 hrs Mothill

Jonny Bairstow and Shikhar Dhawan put on a 102-run opening partnership • (BCCI)

Bangladesh 'pay the price' for multiple dropped catches as Sri Lanka take control

..Bowling coach Andre Adams also reckons the team needs to find a method to take better reviews, rather than rely on emotions

MAHMUDUL Hasan Joy, at second slip, dropped Nishan Madushka in the sixth over of the day. Sri Lanka were 13 for 0 at that time; the openers ended up adding 96.

Mahmudul had also dropped Kamindu Mendis before he opened his account in the first innings of the first Test in Sylhet, with Sri Lanka on 37 for 4. Mendis and captain Dhananjaya de Silva went on to add 202 runs for the sixth wicket forming the crux for a big win.

Shakib Al Hasan then dropped Dimuth Karunaratne on 22, when he misjudged the left-hander's top edge at deep fine leg. Karunaratne, who had earlier survived a run-out chance on 18, went on to make

86. Later in the day, Shahadat Hossain dropped Angelo Mathews at slip, when he was on 10.

Bangladesh bowling coach Andre Adams admitted that while the team works hard on their fielding and catching, these chances end up being costly.

"You will struggle if you drop catches in any game of cricket," Adams said. "Our fielding has been impressive since I have joined Bangladesh. Our ground fielding is excellent. There have been some excellent catches.

However, when you drop a catch early, you can pay the price. We have dropped too many catches. We are working on it. Nobody means to drop

it. They are doing the work, but they are dropping catches. We have to continue to work on taking catches."

Adams also said that Bangladesh needed to find a method to take better reviews, rather than rely on emotions. In the 44th over, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto asked for a review, evidently for an lbw appeal, when Kusal Mendis had in fact middled the ball.

"It is something that we are discussing. We are not really good with reviews. That's very clear. So far, we have been awful. We have to develop a much better method. That's completely under the captain and wicketkeeper. Maybe the point fielder. The one we are using isn't work-

ing," Adams said. "I think we are probably emotions rather than facts at the moment. It was straight off the middle of the bat, so it is not a great review. I also don't want people to be afraid to take reviews. We just have to find a better method.

The new bowling coach was, however, impressed with the way Hasan Mahmud made his first foray into Test cricket. The 24-year-old finished with figures of 2 for 64, but also suffered two dropped chances off his bowling. Adams was also excited with Nahid Rana's start to his Test career in Sylhet.

"The young bowlers on debut were excellent. Rana was really good in the last Test. His desire stands out. He wants to compete. He doesn't back down," Adams said. "Hasan was excellent today. He bowled with pretty good control.

He is a young bowler. Lots

of talent. I am excited about them. Under Khaled Ahmed's leadership, they have a good chance of developing."

Bangladesh have a lot of work left on the second day and Adams admitted that unless the bowlers string together good spells, they could be in for a tough time. "We have to bowl really well tomorrow morning. Much better than today, for longer periods. They have two very good batters at the crease. They have one more very good player. Then we can put some pressure on them. We have seen in the past that if you are not good enough for long periods, they will take the game away from you," he said.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne said that the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury surface wasn't as batting-friendly as previous years when Bangladesh and Sri Lanka played out high-scoring draws at this

venue.

"It is not easy to bat here. When you see the last few years, it was flat from the first over. Here, there's movement for the fast bowlers; it is tough in the first few overs. Then we have to go out there and play more defensively," Karunaratne said.

"Once the ball gets softer, we can get some runs. Spinners bowled really well, but there wasn't much on offer for them because it was the first day. Maybe later it will be a good wicket for the bowlers as well."

Sri Lanka have also picked one specialist spinner in Prabath Jayasuriya in their playing XI, but Karunaratne believed that was a fair call as their fast bowlers have often got them the wickets in Bangladesh. "If you take the past records, we got more wickets by using fast bowlers. We have the confidence. The wicket is flat but there is some movement. There are some cracks open. We have some good fast bowlers who can bowl 140kph, and bowl accurate bouncers as well," he said.

"That's why we are playing three seamers, so that they can come back fresh every time and be a huge problem for Bangladesh. We have Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva, who can bowl spin. We know that we can get 20 wickets."

Ashwin defends Hardik: 'Fan wars should never take an ugly turn'

…Ashwin blames India's "cinema culture" for the treatment meted out to Hardik at various grounds this season

RAVICHANDRA Ashwin has come out in strong support of Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, blaming India's "fan wars" and "cinema culture" for the vehement booing Hardik has been subjected to at various grounds this IPL season.

Hardik, who took over the Mumbai captaincy from Rohit Sharma this season, was given a hostile reception by the fans in Ahmedabad last week when he faced his former team Gujarat Titans, whom he had led to successive IPL finals including the title in 2022.

The booing continued when Hardik faced Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, as Mumbai began their

campaign with back-to-back defeats.

Answering a question from a viewer on his YouTube channel on whether Mumbai should issue a statement to diffuse the situation, Ashwin said that the onus lay with the fans, not the team, to "get our act together" and put

an end to such "ugly" scenes.

"People should remember which country these players represent. It's our country, " Ashwin said. "Fan wars should never take such an ugly route. I've said it many times, this is cinema culture, that happens only here.

"I know there are many

things like marketing, branding, and positioning. I don't deny it, but have you seen these fights happen in any other country? Have you seen, for instance, Joe Root and Zak Crawley fans have a fight? Or Joe Root and Jos Buttler fans fight? It's crazy. Do you see Steven Smith fans fighting with Pat Cummins fans in Australia?"

Ashwin brought up examples from the past, when several Indian greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid all played under each other's captaincies, with minimal fuss or backlash from the fans.

"I don't understand. If you don't like a player and boo him, why should the club come out and issue a clarification? We act like this has

not happened before.

"Sourav Ganguly played under Sachin Tendulkar and vice versa. These two have both played under Rahul Dravid. These three have played under Anil Kumble and all of them have played under MS Dhoni. When they were under Dhoni, these players were cricket jambhavans (giants). Dhoni too played under Virat Kohli."

Ashwin said he believes that all fans have a collective responsibility to "correct ourselves" before blaming others, explaining that cinema can't be compared directly to sports.

"You know what the issue is? We all happily sit inside our houses and look at the trash outside. We expect someone else to pick it up

instead of doing it ourselves.

"This is real-time sport. Sport has real players with real emotions, nothing is scripted. Hero and hero worshiping is great, but sport should never be compared to cinema. How we go beyond that, counter it and find balance to play cricket is what this is all about.

"You are free to enjoy what you like about your favourite players or team, but not at the cost of putting another player down. This is one thing I'd love to see disappear from the face of the earth in our country."

Mumbai will play their first home game of the season against Ashwin's Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede on Monday. (Cricinfo).

Hardik Pandya has not had the warmest of receptions in IPL 2024 • AP Photo / Mahesh Kumar

The Bangladesh fielders had a tough day on the opening day of the second Test • (AFP/Getty Images)

Dimuth Karunaratne added 114 runs for the second wicket with Kusal Mendis • AFP/Getty Images

Holder pens contract with Worcestershire

LONDON, (CMC) –West Indies all-rounder, Jason Holder, has joined newly-promoted Worcestershire for the opening five matches of the Division One county campaign.

The 32-year-old, a former West Indies Test and One-Day captain, will feature in the opener against Warwickshire at Edgbaston next Friday, and will also be available for fixtures against Durham, Somerset, Nottinghamshire and Kent. Holder has featured in the last two games of the West Indies Championship for his native Barbados Pride, scoring 110 runs from three innings in two games and taking 11 wickets with his medium pace.

Teenager

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Teenaged Jamaica Women’s pacer, Kate Wilmott, was the only newcomer named in a West Indies Women’s 15-member squad for an eight-match, white-ball series to be contested between April 18 and May 3.

At the same time, ever-

“I always enjoy my time in England and I’m looking forward to helping Worcestershire get off to a good start to life in Division One of the County Championship,” said Holder, whose only previous county stint came in 2019 when he turned out in two games for Northamptonshire.

“I know Worcestershire have had strong links with the West Indies in terms of players playing for them over many years and I hope I can make my mark over the five games.

“When you get promoted, if you can make a decent start it gives you that confidence and belief to build upon for the rest of

the season.

“You speak to people on the circuit and they said Worcestershire have a tight knit but friendly dressing room and I’m looking forward to playing my part on and off the field.”

Worcestershire finished

second to Durham in Division Two last season to earn promotion, and chief executive, Ashley Giles, said Holder would be “a big presence” in navigating the difficulties of Division One.

“I’m absolutely de -

lighted. When someone of Jason’s experience and quality becomes available, even for a short window, we just had to jump at it,” Giles said.

“We know on the field as a cricketer he is a world class all-rounder but off the field a world class individual as well.

“We are also aware that starting the season well is going to be important to us and having him in our line-up can only help that.

“Just having someone of his quality when you take to the field gives you a big lift.”

He continued: “You are back in Division One, you know it’s going to be tough, and you can only be

Wilmott named in Windies squad for tour

green compatriot Chedean Nation and burly St Lucia and Windward Islands Women’s left-arm spin bowling all-rounder, Qiana Joseph, earned recalls to the squad, which will play three Oneday and five Twenty20 Internationals against the hosts.

Lead selector Ann Browne-John said Wilmott,

as well as Nation and Joseph were rewarded for creditable performances in the West Indies Women’s Super50 Cup and Twenty20 Blaze that were contested over the past month in St Kitts.

“The return of experienced player, Chedean Nation will strengthen the batting, and 19-year-old fast

bowler, Kate Wilmott, will be making her [first appearance],” Browne-John said in a CWI news release.

“The players have just completed the regional tournament where some of the experienced players had encouraging performances, and it is hoped this will continue into the Pakistan series.”

Wilmott ended with only five wickets at 20 runs apiece in the Super50 and took only one wicket at 71 in the T20 Blaze for double-crown champions Jamaica Women, but it is clear she was selected based on talent and the selectors are trying to continue to build the fast-bowling stocks of the team.

Nation, 37, made 192 runs – the second highest aggregate – in the Super50, averaging exactly 48, and hitting two half-centuries, and gathered 66 runs at 16.50 and bagged six wickets at 13.16 with her medium-fast bowling in the T20s for the Jamaicans.

Joseph, 23, bagged eight wickets at 16.25 in the Super50 Cup, and made 98 runs, including a top score of 56, and took three wickets at 22.33 in the T20s for the Windwards.

Several familiar faces fill in the rest of the squad, which will be led again by world-rated Barbadian all-rounder Hayley Matthews, although she missed

better if you’ve got Jason Holder in that line-up. He has a big presence.”

Holder has scored 2797 runs at an average of 29 and taken 157 wickets at 29 from 64 Tests.

He raised eyebrows last December when he snubbed Cricket West Indies’ offer of a central contract and then also opted out of the two-Test tour of Australia in January, CWI saying he had “expressed a preference to explore T20 franchise opportunities in January.”

Holder featured in the ILT20 and the Bangladesh Premier League at the start of the year but went unsold in the Indian Premier League.

of Pakistan

both regional tournaments because of playing commitments elsewhere.

They include Guyana captain and wicketkeeper-batsman Shemaine Campbelle, who will be deputy to Matthews, successful Jamaica captain and former West Indies Women’s captain, Stafanie Taylor, and Windwards captain and leg-spinner Afy Fletcher – all of whom were among the leading performers in the tournaments.

Both white-ball series will be crucial to the West Indies Women because the ODIs will be part of the ICC Women’s Championship, which results in direct qualification for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup next year in India, and the T20Is will be preparation for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in September-October in Bangladesh.

“The upcoming series against Pakistan is extremely important for the team as they return to international competition after almost six months,” Browne-John added “The last series being against Australia”.

“Apart from the three ODIs, the team will get some much-needed T20 matches as they prepare to participate in the T20 World Cup later this year.”

West Indies Women will assemble from April 6 in Dubai for a one-week train-

ing camp before travelling on April 14 to Pakistan for the matches.

Squad:

Hayley Matthews (captain), Shemaine Campbelle (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Jannillea Glasgow, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams, Kate Wilmott.

MATCH SCHEDULE

(All matches to be played at National Cricket Stadium in Karachi)

APRIL

18 – First ICC Women’s Championship ODI

21 – Second ICC Women’s Championship ODI

23 – Third ICC Women’s Championship ODI

26 – First Twenty20 International

28 – Second Twenty20 International

30 – Third Twenty20 International

MAY

2 – Fourth Twenty20 International

3 – Fifth Twenty20 International

West

Pele FC Alumni Corp. hosts four matches

DESPITE the dry and dusty nature of the GFC surface, the Pele FC Alumni Corporation, in association with the Pele Football Club, on Thursday last hosted four matches in memory of several fallen football stars since the formation of the club over 50 years ago.

Graced by the presence of several of the players who were awarded scholarships to Clemson University back in the 1970s, current players, President of PFC Dirk Exeter and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Kashif Muhammad, dozens of players including females were afforded the opportunity to showcase their skills in four 50-minute matches.

— in memory of fallen heroes

The Pele FC U-15 engaged the counterparts from Black Pearl, with the former emerging victorious. The female clash saw GT Kanaimas exacting revenge on Pakuri Jaguars, to whom they lost last year, by winning comfortably.

The Under-20 game ended in victory for Pele FC, 1-0,

Narine earns man- of -thematch honours in 500th game to help KKR beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by seven wickets

SUNIL Narine produced a man-of-the-match performance in his 500th T20 game to lead the Kolkata Knight Riders to a seven-wicket win over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Tata Indian Premier League at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday.

The hosts won the toss and posted a formidable 182-6 from their 20 overs thanks to 83* from Virat Kohli and 33 from Cameron Green.

Andre Russell was the pick of the KKR bowlers with 2-29 from his four overs while Harshit Rana took 2-39 and Narine took 1-40.

The Knight Riders then sprinted to their target, reaching 186-3 with 19 balls to spare.

Venkatesh Iyer led the way with a 30-ball 50 including three fours and four sixes while Narine, who opened the batting, set the tone for the innings with 47 off just 22 balls including two fours and five sixes.

(Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 186 for 3 (Venkatesh Iyer 50, Sunil Narine 47) beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru 182 for 6 (Virat Kohli 83*, Andre Russell 2-29, Rana 2-39) by seven wickets(Sporttsmax).

over Buxton Stars, while the senior match between Santos and Pele saw the Santos side walking away with the win.

All the teams were presented with winners and runner-up trophies, while the individual players were also rewarded with first and sec-

ond replica trophies. In remembering their fallen comrades during a very solemn brief but significant ceremony, Chairman of the National Sports Commission Kashif Muhammad commended the Pele FC Alumni for a wonderful initiative of

recognising the contributions of their past players, whose collective efforts have kept the club going fifty years on. Muhammad reflected on the days when he himself donned competitive gear to represent Mackenzie YMCA and compete against Pele.

“The beautiful thing is that they all started like these young players we are seeing here, and they got an opportunity to study overseas, and have never forgotten where they came from, making it their priority to ensure they give back and empower these youths,” he said.

The Pele FC Alumni also assists a number of kids with their educational pursuits at the secondary school level and the University of Guyana.

A special commemorative plaque was presented to Dr. Colin Watson in memory of his elder brother and former Pele President Clyde Watson. This initiative was spearheaded by Alumni Executive Eric Smith, also a former national player.

Wembanyama scores careerhigh 40 points in San Antonio Spurs victory

VICTOR Wembanyama hit a career-high 40 points, including a big three-pointer with one minute and 12 seconds to play in overtime, as the San Antonio Spurs held off the visiting New York Knicks.

The Spurs came through 130-126 despite New York's Jalen Brunson hitting 61 points - a career high.

He missed the Knicks' single-game scoring record, held by Carmelo Anthony since 2014, by one point.

Wembanyama also had 20 rebounds and seven assists.

The 20-year-old Frenchman's haul saw him become the first rookie to record a 40-point, 20-rebound game since Shaquille O'Neal had 46 and 21 in 1993.

He hit a pair of free throws with 24 seconds left to tie the game and send it to overtime.

His overtime three-pointer made it 128-124 and although Mitchell Robinson cut the gap to two, Brunson missed a three-pointer with five seconds left and the Knicks threw away the rebound before two Tre Jones

free throws extended the winning margin.

Latest NBA results

Elsewhere, Bam Adebayo managed 21 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists in just three quarters to lead hosts Miami Heat to a comfortable 142-82 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers - their largest-ever winning margin.

Miami had 26 points and 11 rebounds from reserve Thomas Bryant, while Jimmy

Butler managed eight points and eight assists in 25 minutes after missing the previous game because of illness.

Anthony Edwards had 25 points while Rudy Gobert finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets 111-98 to move into a tie for first place in the Western Conference.

Mike Conley scored 23 points and Jaden McDaniels 17 for the Timberwolves, who have won four in a row despite Karl-Anthony Towns' absence after surgery on his left knee.

Nikola Jokic had 32 points and 10 rebounds and Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr scored 14 each for the Nuggets, who have lost two in a row at home for the first time this season and slip to third in the West, behind Minnesota and the Oklahoma City Thunder. (BBC Sport)

Pele FC Alumni Treasurer Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton presenting the commemorative plaque to Dr. Colin Watson. In the foreground is Erick ‘Riggy’ Smith

Clyde Farmer Browne (back row, left), Denis Ivor ‘Carrie’ Carrington (2nd left), and Kashif Muhammad (right) take time out for a pic with the winners of the female game, GT Kanaimas

Sunil Narine hit 47 off just 22 balls including two fours and five sixes

Victor Wembanyama hit a career-high 40 points

Indoor Masters Hockey World Cup 2024…

Guyana storms into semis — to face France today

THE country’s Masters Indoor Hockey Men’s team on Saturday reached uncharted waters in their inaugural outing at the Masters Indoor Hockey World Cup being held in Nottingham, England.

The local Over-45 team stormed into the semi-final after clinching their third win in a flawless run in the group stage to catapult into the semi-finals.

Guyana’s final victim in the pool round was Wales, who they axed, 6-5, on Saturday.

In the clash, Wales started strong as Greg Laurenson opened with his first goal in the 10th-minute mark, as they led after the first period, 1-nil.

Goals from Guyana’s Ian Nicholson, Devin Hooper, Dwayne Scott, and Alan Fernandes followed in the second period before the break, as the Guyanese overturned the deficit, to lead, 4-1.

Wales’ Mark Bromley gave them their second goal to make it 4-2 at the half-way point.

The second half would prove a back-and-forth contest, as Wales mounted a serious comeback with three more goals, but local player Alan Fernandes managed his second for a double, with skipper Jerazeno Bell adding his name to the score sheet to hold off the Welsh side.

od before the break.

After the resumption, however, Guyana’s captain Bell would score two more goals for Guyana.

England got goals from Andy Langlands and Titch Hanspal, as they made a fight of the contest in the last period of play. Guyana ultimately stayed solid in defence to take the win.

The Guyanese capped off their group games with a 6-5 victory. Meanwhile, on Friday, it was a good day for the locals as they stopped England, 7-4.

Guyanese ahead, before Dwayne Scott came to the fore in the 11th minute.

Devin Munroe and skipper Jerazeno Bell in the 9th and 10th minutes put the

Jamaicans sweep boys' and girls' 1500m races at 51st Carifta Games

JAMAICA’s athletes registered a clean sweep of the boys’ and girls’ Under-17 and Under-20 1,500m titles, as they continued their impressive start to the 51st edition of the Carifta Games at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in Grenada on Saturday.

The Jamaicans enjoyed one-two finishes in the girls’ Under-17 and Under-20 races, with another one-two finish coming in the boys’ Under-20 race, while boys’ Under-17 event produced a one-three finish.

Dallia Fairweather and Alikay Reynolds got things going in the girls’ Under-17 event where they utilised strategy to outclass their

Trinidad and Tobago counterparts, who tried to stick with them.

At the end, Fairweather won in 4:45.86, ahead of Reynolds (4:46.14), with Trinidad and Tobago’s Shian Lewis (4:48.58) taking bronze.

Patience also proved rewarding for Jamaica’s Shemar Green in the boys’ Under-17 event, as he timed his race to perfection to cut down longtime leader Wyndel Beyde of Aruba in the stretch run. Green won in 4:11.91, with Beyde (4:12.80) staying on for second ahead of another Jamaican Sekani Brown (4:15.21).

In the girls’ Under-20 event, Rickeisha Simms,

also produced a later burst to win gold in 4:31.94 and add to her title won in 2022. Her compatriot Kaydeen Johnson, who led for most of the way was second in 4:32.49, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Kaleigh Forde (4:41.71) was third.

The Jamaican sweep was completed by Kemario Bygrave, who ensured that he completes his final year of the competition with a gold. He stopped the clock in 3:58.10, ahead of compatriot Jaquan Coke (3:58.38), with Bermuda’s Jake Brislane (3:58.83) taking bronze.

The Carifta Games can be seen live on SportsMax and the SportsMax App.

Bell would return a minute later to make it 4-nil with his second goal. England’s Jon Cooper put them on the

score sheet as they pulled back the lead, 4-1.

Munroe would return to score his second in a brace to restore the lead, 5-1. Dan Fox gave the English their second goal in a seesaw second peri-

Guyana will battle France today (Sunday) in the final for a chance to play the gold medal match in their debut outing in the Indoor Master’s World Cup in England.

The team is sponsored by Rock Hard Distributors Inc., wholesalers of Rock Hard Cement.

West Indies U-15 championship (Round 3)… Wiggins hits second century to lead Barbados to victory — Guyana and Leewards also record wins

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Barbados captain Damarko Wiggins hit his second hundred in a row, and his side romped to their second successive win, beating defending champions Trinidad & Tobago by 119 runs in the West Indies Under-15 championship on Saturday in Antigua.

The opener had to share the headlines in the third round of matches with Guyana off-spin all-rounder Ravaldo Pereira, whose destructive spell spurred his side to a tense, 14-run win against Jamaica, while a noteworthy all-round performance from J’quan Athanaze led hosts Leeward Islands to a 44run win against Windward Islands.

Wiggins followed up his 105 in the second with another run-a-ball innings of 124 off 100 balls that included 14 fours and five sixes and enabled the Barbadians to reach 299 for six from their allocation of 50 overs after they decided to bat in the match at All Saints.

Left-hander Justin Parris, son of former Barbados opener Jason Parris, supported with 63 from 89 balls

that was punctuated with five fours and one six, and Kemar Dixon hit eight fours and one six in 52 from 43 balls.

In reply, the T&T batting never fired, and they were bowled out for 180 in 42.3 overs with off-spinner Ramiro Stoute leading the demolition with four for 45 from 8.3 overs, and pacer Jahidi Hinds grabbing two for 34 from 10 overs.

Pereira snared five for 29 from his allotted 10 overs, and the Jamaicans were bowled out for 205 in 48.4 overs in pursuit of 220 to win against the Guyanese at Bethesda.

Danvir Seegobin and Guyana captain Adrian Hetmyer, nephew of West Indies left-hander Shimron Hetmyer, bagged two wickets apiece to complete the destruction of the Jamaican batting, which was led by opener Tyson Gordon Jr, whose 57 off 110 balls was the top score, and left-hander Demario Hall with 52 off 111 balls.

Guyana, led by 65 off 69 balls from left-hander Shamar Apple and 46 from Khush Seegobin, were dismissed for 219 in 48 overs

after they decided to bat. Ryan Lyttleton was the pick of the Jamaica bowlers taking four for 53 from nine overs, and Hall started a tidy day of work with two wickets.

Athanaze followed up a half-century with a miserly spell of three for 13 from his allotted 10 overs, and Shawn Harris supported with three for 21 from six overs, and the Windwards were bowled out for 129 in 43.2 overs, replying to the Leewards’ 173 for nine off 50 overs.

Dylon John, batting at 11, made 33, and he was the only Windwards batsman that got past 20 in their chase.

Athanaze, batting at three, made 53 off 89 balls, Hosea Roberts got 32, and Tayari Tonge added 22 to anchor the Leewards batting.

Windwards captain Earsinho Fontaine once again proved a handful with four for 42 from eight overs.

The tournament continues tomorrow when Jamaica face Barbados at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, hosts Leewards meet T&T at Liberta, and Windwards battle Guyana at Bethesda.

Guyana’s Masters Over-45 Indoor Hockey World Cup team

Rickeisha Simms

CARIFTA Games 2024…

Austin, Springer and Hinckson deliver gold for Guyana

MALACHI AUSTIN, Ti -

anna Springer and Athaleyha Hinckson led Guyana's charge on the 51st CARIFTA Track and Field Championships opening day in Grenada.

Austin and Springer produced blistering performances to win gold in the U-20

400m finals, while Hinckson won gold in the U-17 final on Saturday evening at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium.

Austin won his Boys’ final in a personal best time of 46.35 seconds, while Springer clocked a world-leading 52.31 seconds for her golden run.

Austin became the favourite after Jamaican Javaughn Pinnock was shown the red card after a false start.

Jamaica still earned a podium spot, thanks to Marcinho Rose (46.59 seconds), followed by Grenada’s Joshiem Sylvester (46.93 seconds).

More so, Springer, who

won gold in the U-17 event in 2023, sparkled once again as she ran a controlled race to beat Jamaican pair Abigail Campbell (52.85s) and Shanque Williams (53.03) for the top spot on the podium.

Meanwhile, Hinckson clocked 11.44 seconds to win her first CARIFTA Gold after

missing out in 2023.

Jamaican Adora Campbell (11.52s) and Barbadian Aniya Nurse (11.76s) rounded off the podium.

Thomas clocked 58.51s to finish seventh in her 400m race, while Persaud was sixth in 49.56s.

The competition continues today from 09:00h.

Additionally, U-17 athletes Marissa Thomas and Kaidon Persaud were the other Guyanese to reach a sprint final.

Adidas outfits Guyana’s

CARIFTA Track and Field team

Guyana, whose contingent at the games is inclusive of 23 athletes and five management staff was decked in black Adidas outfits as they attended the opening ceremony on Saturday afternoon.

Signing through NIL will not affect Springer’s future in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

NIL describes how college athletes are allowed to receive financial compensation.

NIL refers to using an athlete’s name, image, and likeness through marketing and promotional endeavours.

BY virtue of Tianna Springer signing a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal with Adidas, the global apparel company, outfitted Guyana's entire team competing at the CARIFTA games in Grenada.

Team Guyana at the opening ceremony of the 51st CARIFTA games in Grenada on Saturday (Photo: News Room)

Tianna Springer won gold in the U-20 400m

Malachi Austin won gold in the U-20 400m

Athaleyha Hinckson clocked 11.44 seconds to win her first CARIFTA Gold in the U-17 100m at the 51st Carifta\Games in Grenada (Photos courtesy News Room)