Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 09-12-2022

Greater transparency, accountability achieved

- through consistent efforts to fortify Guyana’s anti-corruption framework, policies

SIGNIFICANT progress has been made over the past two years to fortify Guyana’s anti-corruption framework and policies, thereby fostering great -

er transparency and accountability, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira has said.

Minister Teixeira out -

lined the government’s achievements and plans in her statement commemorating World International Anti-Corruption Day, which is being observed under the

theme, “Promoting Transparency and Strengthening Institutions”.

She related that Guyana’s anti-corruption framework and policies are im-

BEFORE AFTER

plemented through constitutional, statutory and parliamentary oversight bodies.

The minister affirmed, too, that there are constitu-

tional provisions that protect the independence of the constitutional post-holders and bodies from interference.

Carbon credit sale signals ‘exciting times’ for Amerindian communities

– NTC Chairman says

signals “a very exciting time” for all Amerindian communities, Chairman of the National Toshaos

Council, Derrick John, called on indigenous Guyanese to ensure that they get involved and be part of the implementation of the important initiatives that will be funded through this initiative.

John, in a statement on Thursday, called on Amerindians to ensure that they familiarise themselves with their respective village plans if they have not done so already, and to ensure that they make their contributions heard, given that Amerindians stand to benefit from at least US$212 million out of the sale.

“I hope that all our communities will familiarise themselves with the other investments that will come to our communities, which will be extra to the 15 per cent and will run nationally – for things like renewable energy, better connectivity, improvements for agricultural and other job- creation opportunities, and continuing the land-titling programme for those communities which are still working towards getting their titles,” John said.

It was on December 2 that Guyana signed an agreement with Hess Corporation for the oil giant to pay a minimum of US$750 million for 30 per cent of the country’s high-quality, REDD+ jurisdictional carbon credits.

The signing of the agreement marked the culmination of a far-reaching vision which was started in 2007 by then President, now Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who lobbied for financing for climate services. This had led to the creation of the first Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

Earlier this year the government launched LCDS 2030.

The Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) earlier issued the world’s first The REDD+ Environmental Excellence Standard (TREES) credits to Guyana, marking the first time a country has been issued carbon credits specifically designed for the voluntary and compliant carbon markets for successfully preventing forest loss and degradation

– a process known as jurisdictional REDD+.

“On behalf of the National Toshaos’ Council, I welcome the issuance of 33.47 million ART TREES credits for Guyana. I also welcome the sale of some of these credits – which will result in payments of at least US$750 million to Guyana,” John said.

He added: “This is a significant moment in a journey that many of us started back in 2009, and I pay tribute to all Guyanese who participated in the hard work it took to get this far. I pay special tribute to all those who took part in the national consultation from October 2021 to July 2022, and who contributed ideas and suggestions that improved the overall strategy. I pay a very special tribute to my Amerindian brothers and sisters who took part in this process.”

The National Toshaos Council is a non-governmental organisation comprising toshaos of Guyana’s 218 Amerindian and other hinterland villages/communities away from the country’s main urban areas, with a population of about 98,000 or 13 per cent of Guyana’s population.

Toshaos (or Village Captains) are directly elected by each village along with elected councillors who act as the executive body of the village. The National Toshaos Council elects an Executive Committee of 20 Toshaos, who in turn elect a Chair.

According to John, who is also Toshao of Moraikobai in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), many indigenous Guyanese took part in the consultations all across Guyana, and it is thanks to them that the low-carbon vision is continuing to advance.

“The National Toshaos’ Council was pleased to represent you and endorse the LCDS 2030 at our annual conference in July 2022. Now that we move to a new phase in implementing the LCDS 2030, I am confident that the National Toshaos’ Council will continue to play our part by being supportive of our villages and acting as an independent overseer to represent our communities’ goals,” John said.

He related that there still remains much work to be done, and it is his hope that all Guyanese will play their part in engaging with the indigenous communities and work together to improve Amerindian communities and all of Guyana.

NOTING that Guyana’s first sale of its REDD+ jurisdictional carbon credit for at least US$750 million

NTC Chairman

Derrick John

Greater transparency, accountability achieved

- through consistent efforts to fortify Guyana’s anti-corruption framework, policies

SIGNIFICANT progress has been made over the past two years to fortify Guyana’s anti-corruption framework and policies, thereby fostering greater transparency and accountability, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira has said.

Minister Teixeira outlined the government’s achievements and plans in her statement commemorating World International Anti-Corruption Day, which is being observed under the theme, “Promoting Transparency and Strengthening Institutions”.

She related that Guyana’s anti-corruption framework and policies are implemented through constitutional, statutory and parliamentary oversight bodies.

The minister affirmed, too, that there are constitutional

provisions that protect the independence of the constitutional post-holders and bodies from interference.

That said, she added: “Guyana also has ongoing legislative reform that provides for greater transparency and accountability to prevent, detect and prosecute acts of corruption, and there is oversight of government at the national, regional and international levels with the anti-corruption conventions Guyana has ratified.”

Guyana, Minister Teixeira said, has a total of 16 constitutional bodies with specific responsibilities across key sectors, including human rights and anti-corruption, which all enjoy independence in the execution of their mandates.

In an effort to enhance transparency, and ensure that the public is well informed,

the government has also upgraded many government websites.

Further, the government, through the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, established a National Coordinating Committee (NCC) on the implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), and the InterAmerican Convention Against Corruption (IACAC).

Some 16 agencies are represented on the committee, which enhances institutional and systematic inter-agency collaboration, and builds capacity within the anti-corruption framework of the country.

Guyana ratified the UN Convention Against Corruption on April 16, 2008, and the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption, the first treaty of this nature, on

December 11, 2000.

The country’s seriousness is demonstrated by its anticorruption framework document, which was published on June 20 by the ministry.

Since its formation, the NCC has organised two training workshops on anti-corruption measures in the country, and those focused on sensitising participants from the government, private sector and civil society on the need to uphold the key pillars of transparency and accountability in relation to their sectors.

It is evidenced by the many initiatives that the Government of Guyana remains committed to not only upholding the constitution, democracy, and human rights, but also to strengthening the mechanisms and measures necessary for greater transparency and accountability,

inclusion, and participation.

Guyana was praised in the September 2022 Article IV report of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the recent amendments to the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act.

“Not only has there been a strengthening of anti-corruption measures, noteworthy are the number of cases before the courts for corruption of state assets by former

government officials and functionaries, including electoral conspiracy and fraud, as well as bribery and other acts of corruption,” Minister Teixeira said.

Despite challenges of timely data collection, investigative and prosecutorial capacities and timely judicial decisions, Guyana continues to make progress in its fight against corruption.

Transactions for ‘big-ticket’ projects to be completed by year-end

a bid was publicly advertised and the contract was signed in May 2022. This sum will be disbursed before December 31, 2022.

In a letter to the editor of Stabroek News, published on December 7, Patterson attempted to cast doubt on the government’s infrastructural programme.

IN responding to “ambiguous claims” made by opposition member David Patterson, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has reiterated the People Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government’s commitment to transforming Guyana’s infrastructural landscape.

Edghill, in a letter issued on Wednesday, said that there are some big-ticket items where transactions are to be completed before December 31, 2022. This, the minister said, will see significant changes to the percentage of the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP).

Some $2.6 billion was approved for the construction of office complexes for government ministries. This sum represents the mobilisation advance payment, which will be paid out before December 31, 2022. This project is awaiting NPTAB approval, after being advertised publicly.

Meanwhile, regarding the $21.1 billion approved for a new Demerara River bridge,

The former Public Infrastructure Minister, in his letter, said that at the end of November the Ministry of Public Works has only been able to expend approximately 51 per cent or about $45 billion of the $88 billion of its budgetary allocation, and money that has not been spent has to be returned to the treasury.

Edghill, however, clarified that under the miscellaneous roads/drainage programme, the sum of $17.049 billion was approved by parliament, and as of December 6, the sum of $16.297 billion was disbursed, representing 95.5 per cent of expenditure.

The additional sum of $18.1 per cent was approved for the rehabilitation/construction of community roads and drainage works; this sum represents a fraction of what is required to ensure that all Guyanese have proper roads and functional drainage, Edghill wrote.

“Our citizens must know that their government, through the Ministry of Public Works, will continue to award contracts in accordance with the Procure-

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira

ment Act of 2003,” Minister Edghill said.

Further, he related that

every effort is also being made to ensure that contracts for the East Bank Demerara

Road between Grove and Timehri and the SoesdykeLinden Highway, are award-

ed as soon as possible. The loans for those two projects

- Minister Edghill says in response to Patterson’s ‘ambiguous claims’ on budget expenditure

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

NOMINATION Day for the Local Government Elections (LGEs) will no longer be held next Monday, December 12, due to a proposal submitted by Chief Election Officer (CEO), Vishnu Persaud for the hosting of another round of “claims and objections” for a new Register of Voters to be produced.

In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said that further deliberations would be needed before the new Nominations Day could be

announced. This shift in date, however, is also expected to affect the date for LGEs, which is currently set for March 13.

“The decision was taken at a special meeting of the commission held on Thursday, December 8, 2022, which was held to deliberate on a proposal submitted by the Chief Election Officer, Vishnu Persaud, to conduct an exercise to correct the Registers of Voters (ROVs) for Local Government Elections under Section 24A of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Chapter 28:03,”

the GECOM statement said.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has since expressed its support for a next round of claims and objections.

According to the GECOM statement, infor -

mation on the way forward would be shared in a timely manner, with all stakeholders.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Persaud said that the decision on whether or not GECOM

would also reopen for the submission of symbols will also have to be determined by the commission.

“This is a position that the commission has to take, but the way I see it, it ought not to be a need for re-submission,” Persaud said.

Political parties, voluntary groups, and individuals who are desirous of contesting the upcoming LGEs, had to submit their symbols to GECOM for approval no later than the 21st day before Nomination Day.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, had announced that LGEs will be on March 13, the earliest possible date based on a work plan that was submitted

by GECOM to the minister.

The LGEs give Guyanese the opportunity to vote for the councillors that will constitute their Local Authority Areas (LAA).

Guyana has 80 LAAs, 70 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and 10 municipalities, inclusive of Georgetown. At the LGEs, a citizen can only vote within a LAA where they are a resident.

“[In order to facilitate the claims and objections exercise], it will be necessary for the divisional/ Sub-divisional ROVs to be posted at two buildings within each division/subdivision LAA,” Persaud said, adding that this will take seven days.

GECOM CEO Vishnu Persaud

SOCU summons APNU+AFC’s Carol Smith-Joseph

CHIEF Scrutineer of the APNU+AFC, Carol SmithJoseph was on Friday summoned to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Camp Street, Georgetown.

No details have emerged regarding the reason for her visit to SOCU headquarters, but currently Joseph is facing charges of electoral fraud along with former District Four (DemeraraMahaica) Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo; former People’s National Congress/Reform Chairperson, Volda Lawrence; and four others.

The trio, along with Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) employees Sherfern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Bobb-Cummings and Michelle Miller, are before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding the electors of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes for the 2020 elections.

A team of special prosecutors comprising attorneys-at-law Darshan Ramdhani, QC; Glenn Hanoman, Mark Conway, Ganesh Hira, Arudranauth Gossai, and George Thomas are on record for the state.

Attorneys-at-law Nigel

Hughes, Eusi Anderson, Ronald Daniels and Konyo Sandiford are on record for the defendants.

In October 2021, the state handed over certified copies of Statements of Poll (SoPs) and Statements of Recount (SoRs) to the seven accused who are facing multiple charges.

According to particulars of the first charge, it is alleged that on March 5, 2020, with intent to defraud, Lawrence and Mingo uttered a report purporting to be a true declaration of all votes cast

in District Four (DemeraraMahaica) for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections (GREs), knowing same to be forged.

It is further alleged that on March 13, 2020, Mingo and Smith-Joseph produced a forged document purporting to be a true report of all votes cast in the March 2 elections, knowing that said report was bogus.

It is also alleged that, on the said date, Smith-Joseph conspired with Mingo and others to declare a fraudulent count of votes for District Four.

Mingo, Lawrence and Smith-Joseph were each released on $100,000 bail.

Additionally, it is alleged that between March 2 and August 2, 2020, at Georgetown, Mingo, conspired with Lawrence, Smith-Joseph, February, Livan, Bobb-Cummings, Miller and others to defraud the electors of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes for the elections.

In August 2021, Mingo, along with Chief Election Officer Keith Lowenfield and his deputy, Roxanne Myers, had their employment terminated by the commission.

Lowenfield and Myers

GECOM employees denied injunction to prevent testimony before Elections CoI

THE High Court on Tuesday refused to grant an injunction to three former employees of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) who were trying to prevent the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections from compelling them to give evidence.

The applicants, Denise Babb-Cummings, Sheferen February and Michelle Miller, are accused of being part of an elaborate plot to rig the elections so that the APNU+AFC could return to office.

The Attorney-General’s Chambers, in a statement issued shortly after the court hearing had ended, disclosed that Justice Damone Younge refused to grant the injunction in the substantive application filed by the trio against the Attorney-General and the CoI.

The trio, who are currently before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on electoral fraud charges, were summoned to give evidence

to the CoI on December 2.

In a Fixed-Date Application (FDA) filed on December 5 by their attorney, Eusi Anderson, they sought several declaratory and other orders, including a permanent injunction preventing the CoI from compelling the attendance of anyone charged with a criminal offence related to the March 2020 Elections.

They also sought damages of in excess of $50 million each, for breach of their constitutional rights to due process, a fair trial, and the State’s alleged wilful exposure of them to self-incriminatory testimony under risk of compulsion and contempt.

The respondents in the case had argued that the applicants did not have a case, and that the court did not have the power to grant the injunction being sought.

“In response to the Notice of Application, the respondents submitted that while the High Court is vested with power to grant an injunction under Section 23(1) of the High Court Act, Chapter 3:02 of the Laws

of Guyana, Sections 16 (6) and 16 (8) of the State Liability and Proceedings Act, Chapter 6:05 of the Laws of Guyana, expressly, and specifically prohibits the High Court from granting prohibitory or mandatory injunctions against the Respondents in the form of injunctive/coercive orders,” the release said.

The respondents further submitted that the CoI is a State entity, given that it was established by the President exercising constitutionally granted supreme executive authority, and having activated Section 2 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act Cap 19:03, Laws of Guyana.

That section states that “The President [who] may issue a commission appointing one or more commissioners and authorising such commissioner or commissioners to inquire into any matter in which an inquiry would, in the opinion of the President, be for the public welfare.”

The release added the trio attempted to abandon

have also been charged with electoral fraud and are also before the Georgetown Mag-

istrates’ Court. Many of these allegations are resurfacing as the

Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the 2020 elections progresses.

Carol Smith-Joseph

Voting and LGEs

GUYANESE are expected to go to the polls in March 2023 for the first time since the APNU+AFC’s attempt to steal the general elections of March, 2020. Thankfully, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has been restructured and reformed since that infamous act and seems prepared to deliver an election of the highest standard and credibility.

Voters will elect councillors for 70 National Democratic Councils (NDCs) or rural bodies and 10 municipalities (towns).

It is important for every elector to participate in this process, as it is said that when people vote, they’re not just electing government officials, they are also expressing their preferences, satisfaction, and or dissatisfaction as

an electorate for candidates and parties.

Typically, local elections in Guyana and any country rarely receive much attention, although turnout of about 40 per cent at Guyana’s most recent LGEs is substantially higher than in most other countries, including in the USA.

But LGEs are very important, and there has been a lot of attention on GECOM’s preparation for the elections, encouraging people to become involved in the process — as candidates and or volunteers on behalf of candidates or parties, and come out to cast votes.

Guyana operates a mixed-member electoral system for LGEs — half the seats on the NDCs and townships are chosen through a single-member constituency-

based system, so that individual candidates who receive the most votes in their constituencies or wards gain the seat — and half of the seats are proportional representation — whereby the parties receive seats in proportion to the share of votes they receive. The newly elected councillors then choose a Chair and Deputy Chair or a Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

They can be changed if the body is not pleased with an individual’s performance. Compared with a system of direct elections for Mayor or Chair by voters, which is also used for the presidency in the national election, this indirect approach in electing the executive in local entities encourages upward accountability and rewards performance with upward mobility.

This allows the LGEs to

strongly reflect individual popularity, capability, capacity, and competence in positions.

In the 2016 and 2018 LGEs, the then opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) experienced gains in seats, more in the latter polls. For LGEs 2023, recent opinion polls conducted projected bigger gains for the now ruling PPP/C, including in what historically has been opposition PNC strongholds.

If the poll’s findings bear out, it will be a watershed moment in the political landscape of the country. The projected gains for the PPP/C, the poll states, is largely attributed to the popularity of President, Dr Irfaan Ali; Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo, and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and the government, and

the unpopularity of the Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton and his PNC.

The poll’s findings state that the PPP/C administration has performed exceptionally over the last 28 months since assuming office and will be deservingly rewarded with control of most of the 80 local governments. The PNC, on the other hand, has performed dismally as an opposition since August 2020.

The opposition has been engaged in race baiting and rabble rousing, and they have also been oppositionist to every progressive move of the government. The incumbent PPP, on the other hand, has been promoting ethnic inclusivity in its “One Guyana” policy and availing resources and government to all, irrespective of neighbourhood, race, and age.

While an election generally is a referendum on the incumbent, LGEs 2023 will be a referendum on Aubrey Norton and the PNC — whether they can hold on to their traditional base. It will also be a referendum on the PPP/C and President Ali.

It will not be surprising if voters reward President Ali with a huge win because he and the PPP/C administration have performed exceedingly well since being elected to the seat of government in August 2020.

In contrast, the projected decline in electoral support for the PNC/R can be interpreted as a degeneration of the party because of its attempt to rig the 2020 elections and disillusionment with its performance in government between May 2015 and July 2020.

Proud to be Guyanese

Dear Editor, PRESIDENT, Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali, said at the wreath–laying ceremony at the Cuban Monument in Barbados during the eighth Caribbean–Cuba Summit’s visit on December 6 2022: “We are stronger together, against any threat.”

His recent launch of “Men On Mission” (MOM) ingrained his passion to underscore the “One Guyana” theme, which is destined to cement the togetherness of all Guyanese regardless of class, status, location, race, sex, religion or political, social and cultural affiliations.

Daily, the Head of State has been preaching, teaching

and executing the unilateral treatment for unity, equality and fraternity. It is acclaimed that the family that prays and plays together, stays together.

Earlier in the year, President Ali declared a Day of Prayer, which was greeted with tremendous success throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. His Excellency is seen at weddings, receptions, birthday-parties, religious and other social functions, making him one of a kind and creating a precedence which no other President has attempted.

His personal involvement in sports is unparalleled and again, no leader is akin to his fashion at cricket, football,

martial arts, dominoes, singing, dancing and many more recreational activities.

His Excellency has visited and continues to visit all the regions in this country and covered all the villages and neighbourhoods, making him the first President to have visited so many local spots and meet with Guyanese from all walks of life. His friendliness is unsurpassable as he greets babies, children, youths, adults and senior citizens.

President Ali’s concern is heart-warming when he reaches out to the citizens of this nation in his walkabouts, spending time to listen patiently to the people’s

problems and giving advice while providing immediate solutions or instructing his subordinates to follow up with detailed discussions and resolutions.

Since August 2020, it has been a short, sweet, but no way simple two years and a few months since President Ali was sworn into office after the PPP/C party was legally elected and not selected to govern this country.

This did not happen automatically, but only after a valiant fight by the PPP/C party overwhelmingly and convincingly supported by the local, regional and international communities, did the Granger and the PNC

surrender to the law.

It was a tiring, testing and tedious five months when democracy was under threat and the PNC was attempting to rig the March 2020 general and regional elections, holding on to power for five antagonising months, refusing to listen to those who were once their friends and determined to flout the constitution and the laws of the country.

As was the case in 1992, the PPP/C government was again tasked to clean up the mess created and left by the PNC party. Burnham, Hoyte and Granger all drove this country into deficits, doldrums and disasters, much

to the distaste of Guyanese. It was always a case of the PPP/C building and the PNC destroying as was seen in the aftermath of the Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar eras, when the ANPU+AFC went on a spending spree that had no ultimate purpose.

President Irfaan Ali, a man for all seasons, is now riding at the helm and his mission is to make each Guyanese proud once again to be admired, adored and accorded their rightful place. Guyanese are no longer ashamed to be Guyanese, no thanks to the PNC party and their damnation.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall.

More evidence links Lowenfield to electoral misconduct

DURING the 2020 General and Regional Elections, Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Retired Justice Claudette Singh had made a total of six attempts to obtain the elections report from then Chief Election Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, but he refused and this led to a slew of legal challenges.

When Justice Singh took to the stand on Thursday before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events during the 2020 elections, she told the commission that the former CEO continued to defy her orders to prepare a report using the results from the national recount exercise.

The commissioner heard that Lowenfield allegedly either submitted the incorrect elections report (that is, not based on the national recount) or just outright did not submit a report to GECOM so that a winner could have been declared.

On March 14, the Chief Elections Officer submitted elections report to the GECOM Chairman on the basis of declarations made by the Returning Officers in the 10 Electoral Districts, in accordance with Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act.

However, those declarations and the elections report were placed in abeyance to pave way for a national recount after allegations of electoral fraud had erupted during the tabulation of results in District Four.

In June 2020, the recount was completed and it showed a PPP/C victory.

However, Lowenfield, in his first elections report, stated that he could not determine the credibility of all votes. As such, he invalidated thousands of votes, giving the APNU+AFC a supposed “victory.”

The chairperson said that Lowenfield, on June 18, 2020, visited her office and she re-

quested that he attend a meeting with the commissioners during which he will present the report. However, she said that Lowenfield did not attend the meeting nor did he submit the report.

The chairperson told the CoI that on June 23, 2020, Lowenfield submitted another report which invalidated credible votes which were counted by GECOM returning officers.

“I received a report from him and he said he was guided by the decision of Esyln David (a private citizen who had challenged the credibility of the recount.) He brought me a report where he spoke to valid and credible votes that were based on the Court of Appeal decision and he invalidated about 100,000 votes,” Justice Singh said.

This matter was then taken to the CCJ, which later invalidated Lowenfield’s move to discard votes, and elucidated what constituted a “valid” vote.

She added that on June 26, 2020, Lowenfield submitted another report with inflated data and claimed that he acted “constitutionally.”

On July 9, 2020, Justice Singh said that she wrote the CEO requesting that he submit the report, but this time

he wrote a letter asking her for verification of her orders. However, she reaffirmed that he must submit the report.

On July 11, 2020, the CEO submitted another report which contained inaccurate data, which the chairperson did not , since the recount was already underway.

The witness further told the CoI that another court challenge had stalled the process.

This challenge was filed by Misenga Jones on July 14, 2020, who had approached the courts aiming to deter the swearing-in of a PPP/C government.

“They were asking the court whether I can instruct the CEO to bring a report. I told him the report must be based on the recount figures,” Justice Singh said.

This application was dismissed and was appealed to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal then ruled on Jones’ petition and determined the recount was legitimate and should be used to declare the winner of the elections.

Furthermore, it was highlighted that the CEO’s actions should not stall the declaration any longer as he was not a “lone ranger.”

Justice Singh said that based on the court’s ruling, the CEO eventually provided the commission with a report on August 2, 2020, in which a declaration of Dr Irfaan Ali as the Ninth Executive President of Guyana and his swearing-in happened on the same day.

It was based on those revelations that Lowenfield, his deputy, Roxanne Myers and former District Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo had their employment terminated by the commission.

Lowenfield and Myers have also been charged with electoral fraud and are before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

It is alleged that they inflated or facilitated the in -

Transactions for ‘big-ticket’...

FROM PAGE 3

were approved in the second half of 2022, and as a result, the sum of $4.89 billion would not be disbursed in 2022.

“The PPP/C administration has repeatedly demonstrated and will continue to demonstrate its transparency in all its engagements and transactions, which is not something that could be said about the previous APNU+AFC government, to which Mr. Patterson belonged,” the letter said.

Edghill highlighted several “questionable” projects under the previous government, referencing the Leguan Ferry Stelling project, which, following an audit

conducted by the Audit Office of Guyana, determined that the contractor was not only incapable and unable to do the job, but also did not possess the wherewithal to successfully execute the $413,259,260 project.

Further, the contractor had received payments totalling $199,435,000, almost 50 per cent of the contract sum, which is an unheard-of occurrence, outside of normal procurement practices, and a breach of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act.

“Here, the question of corruption should come to mind,” Edghill said, adding:

“The Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali administration’s “One Guyana” initiative is

a social contract of inclusion: legislatively, politically, and socially. Its vision is about creating a more equal society, guaranteeing that everyone is afforded the opportunity to lead productive and happy lives, and reducing inequality in access to education, health, employment, income, and justice. Since coming into office, this has been our practice across every sector; ensuring our programmes included everyone and were for the benefit of all citizens.”

He said that the government’s vision for infrastructural modernisation will see massive road networks connecting all parts of the country.

flation of results for Region Four, the country’s largest voti ng district, to give the APNU+AFC Coalition a majority win at the polls when, in fact, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had

won by 15,000 votes.

Mingo, former People’s National Congress/ Reform Chairperson, Volda Lawrence; PNC/R activist, Carol Smith-Joseph, and GECOM employees

Sherfern February, Enrique Livan, Denise BobbCummings and Michelle Miller are also before the court for allegedly defrauding the electors of Guyana.

Former Chief Election Officer Keith Lowenfield

Colombians looking to establish palm oil industry in Guyana

A TEAM of investors from Palnorte, a company that owns and operates palm oil mills in Colombia, met with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of establishing a local palm oil industry.

Over the last two years, there has been an influx of overseas companies signalling their interest in establishing new industries in Guyana. Only recently, the ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a company from Israel for the establishment of a massive hydroponic project for the production of fresh

herbs, lettuce, and other leafy vegetables, as well as other high-value crops.

During the meeting, Minister Mustapha said that the government has declared Guyana open for business and was prepared to work with both the local and overseas-based private sector companies to develop sectors such as the agricultural sector. He further noted that the government has also made it clear that Guyanese will be the ultimate beneficiaries given the fact that such projects are intended to support long-term development within the agricultural

sector.

Although Guyana was once a producer of palm oil,

the industry has been dormant for many years as no new plantations have been

developed in decades.

According to grandviewresearch.com, the global palm oil market will be valued at USD 66.44 billion at the end of 2022 and is expected to increase to USD 98.9 billion by 2030. The market is said to be driven by exponentially growing demand from the food, beverage, biofuel, energy, personal care, and cosmetics industries.

An oil palm tre e will begin bearing nuts three to four years after it is planted and has a life span of between 25 to 30 years before its production levels begin to decline.

Since taking office, the government has been working to further develop and diversify Guyana’s agricul-

tural sector in a bid to lower the national food-import bill. These efforts are in keeping with CARICOM’s Vision 20 by 2025 agenda.

Earlier this year, President, Dr Irfaan Ali disclosed that he held bilateral discussions that could see Guyana producing coffee and palm oil, while both countries boost their agricultural sectors through mutual learning and shared opportunities with the President of Guatemala Alejandro Giammattei Falla at a Central American and Caribbean summit.

While addressing media operatives, the Head of State said: “We’re talking about helping us to revitalize, improve coffee production in Guyana [and] other highvalue crops like palm oil.”

Minister Mustapha also said, in addition to it being a lucrative industry, the cultivation of oil palm trees will also contribute to promoting Guyana’s green agenda as the crop when mature is said to capture as much carbon dioxide as a rainforest tree.

“1 hectare of palm oil is said to collect approximately 30 tons of carbon dioxide and releases 21 tons of oxygen yearly,” the minister added. (Ministry of Agriculture)

Litterbug nabbed at Middle Road

quick action by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Thursday resulted in a litterbug being nabbed while trying to conduct the insanitary act at Middle Road, La Penitence.

According to details shared by Narine on his Facebook page, the offender was caught dumping drainage waste and garbage.

Reports are that he was charged for littering, and placed on $20,000 bail. The offender is set to appear before the Magistrate Court on December 13.

A team of investors from Palnorte, a company that owns and operates palm oil mills in Colombia, met with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of establishing a local palm oil industry

DIRECTOR of Solid Waste Management at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, Walter Narine has said that

‘I was afraid for my life’

- GECOM Chair tells Elections COI

WHILE the plan to rig the 2020 Regional and General Elections by corrupt staffers of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) unfolded, the head of the election body, retired judge Justice Claudette Singh became fearful for her life.

Chairman of GECOM recounted the horrifying events that unfolded at the Ashmin’s Building, the GECOM command centre for the March 2020 Regional and General Elections, when she was called to the stand for the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the 2020 elections.

The Ashmin’s Building at Hadfield and High Streets in Georgetown also housed the District Four operations, and heading the operation was Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo.

Justice Singh recalled that on March 5, 2022, Mingo attempted to make a false declaration from the stairway connecting the ground floor to the first floor of the building.

The Chairman said that Mingo had attempted to make the declaration from data derived from spreadsheets, which the Commission had never authorised. She said that she was not aware that the tabulation for District Four had concluded, as she thought that “it was still going on”.

Justice Singh said that she was later informed by APNU+AFC Election Commissioner Charles Corbin that she could not “interfere” with Mingo’s work.

Mingo’s declaration was met with objection by politicians, and this caused police officers to block the stairway to the second floor where the Chairman was located.

Previously, several witnesses had testified that the room, which was locked, was guarded by heavily armed police officers. The Chairman had complained of feeling unwell, but the ranks barred the EMTs from entering the room.

The witnesses recalled that the door was so secure that they had to “push” and “kick” it until it broke open.

“I felt a bit dizzy; I wasn’t feeling well. There were so many things on my mind; I was actually shaking, because, you see, with the declaration and then…there were so many events… There were so many things on my mind, and I wanted to know what the next step was.

“So I just couldn’t be bothered with anybody; I went up there just to have a quiet moment. In fact, my security was calling on me to leave, but I said no; I will spend some time in a quiet moment here and just reflect on everything. I didn’t

want to speak with anyone,” Justice Singh said.

She added that upon hearing the footsteps and the breaking of the door, she “panicked” and became afraid.

Justice Singh said she called then Minister of Social Cohesion and General Secretary of the APNU+AFC Coalition Amna Ally because she was afraid for her life.

“She (Ally) told me she would be calling someone,” the witness told the COI.

When asked by Senior Counsel Sophia Chote, of Trinidad and Tobago, if she was aware that that person thought that she was being held captive in the room, Justice Singh said she was not aware that that was the situation at first.

“I wasn’t so aware, but then afterwards, I realised that when I saw who were the persons trying to get in, and they would not harm me. The first thing they asked me was if I was alright, and I said yes. And

then (they) looked like they had some relief,” she added.

She said that while in the room, she was not taking any phone-calls or messages because she wanted “a quiet moment”.

“I was receiving a lot of calls, but I couldn’t talk to anyone, and didn’t feel to talk with anyone. I didn’t know who to trust; I just wanted to be alone,” Justice Singh said.

She recalled the incident of the alleged bomb threat to the building. However, the Chairman said that she did not leave the building, because she believed the threats were fake.

“I believed it was just a prank… I was later told nothing was found… that the building was clear,”

she said.

Previously, Deputy Superintendent Elston Baird had testified before the COI that there was no evidence of an actual bomb planted at the building.

Baird, who is the Head of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), had said that based on the records, there was no evidence of a bomb at the command centre.

Justice Singh was later questioned by the CoI’s Chairman, Stanley John and commissioners — former Chancellor, Carl Singh and Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith as they seem dissatisfied about her actions to lock herself in the room, especially when she said that “she could not be bothered”

“I find that a little odd… But you say you couldn’t be bothered, I have to ask, you were the chair in the middle of a very serious situation. I simply want to know at what point did you call the other commissioner and say ‘I’m feeling stressed, let’s speak together and weather the storm. Did this occur to you?” Commissioner Smith said to the Chairman.

“I went upstairs because I was stressed. And that’s it. It’s my personal moment; I wasn’t speaking about Commission work or anything. It was Personal. I said I couldn’t be bothered. I don’t know; I just wanted that quiet moment, and I heard all this noise, and I was afraid for my life,” she replied.

FROM PAGE 5

their application and request a conservatory order.

“Having had the benefit of the Respondent’s written submissions, Mr. Anderson, counsel for Babb-Cummings, February and Miller, sought to abandon the application for an injunction, and instead request a conservatory order, which may be granted against the State in appropriate cases. This application was denied,” the release said.

As such, Justice Younge denied the injunction.

Additionally, it was found that the CoI is indeed a part of the State pursuant to Section 2 of the CoI Act and consequently, the

injunctive relief claimed against the Attorney General and the CoI was refused.

“The declarations prayed for in the Notice of Application are identical to those in the substantive Fixed Date Application, and to grant them would determine the Fixed Date Application. The conservatory order was prayed for during the hearing, and the elements to be satisfied are different from those required for an injunction. In any case, the case raised in the Fixed Date Application is not appropriate for the grant of a conservatory order,” the AG Chambers said.

Babb-Cummings, Feb-

ruary and Miller were ordered to pay $75,000 each in costs to the State by January 16, 2023.

The hearing into the substantive application was adjourned to February 2, 2023, by which time, the State is required to file an affidavit in defence.

The State was represented by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, S.C.; Solicitor General Nigel Hawke; Deputy Solicitor General Deborah Kumar; and Senior State Adviser Raeanna Clarke. The CoI is being represented by Attorney-at-Law C.V. Satram.

GECOM Chairman, retired judge, Justice Claudette Singh

Take necessary precautions to mitigate impact of possible flooding

heavy rainfall.

PRIME MINISTER, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, has

urged persons in lowlying and flood-prone areas to take precau-

tions in the coming days as Guyana continues to experience

“We are in the rainy season and some amount of flooding is expected. While we do not hope for it, we are working to closely monitor the situation. Persons who reside in low-lying areas and those who are affected by flooding, I encourage you to take all precautions to minimise the damage that is associated with flooding in all communities,”

Prime Minister Phillips, under whose purview the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) falls, made this com -

ment during a briefing held at the CDC’s Thomas Lands headquarters.

The Prime Minister who holds responsibility for disaster risk management, said that the Cabinet task force on flooding is also monitoring the rainfall.

Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission, Colonel (Ret’d) Nazrul Hussain, in an invited comment, related that the CDC has embarked on a public awareness campaign on their social media platforms and is urging residents to take all necessary precautions.

He said that the commission is working with the Ministry of Agriculture’s Hydrometeorological Service and several other stakeholders to monitor and respond to reports of flooding.

In the meantime, a flood advisory warning is being issued based on the predicted weather forecast for the week.

The CDC has also advised citizens to remain vigilant and cautious, and to report any issue to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 at any time.

- PM Phillips urges citizens in low-lying areas, affirms CDC actively monitoring heavy rainfall

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips

Tropical Shipping makes monetary donations to Kingston Secondary, St. John’s College

AS part of efforts to ensure learning for students is made easier, Tropical Shipping, on November 30, made monetary donations to Kingston Secondary School and St. John’s College.

In a press release, the shipping and logistics firm, which has its headquarters in Florida, said that donations will benefit both students and staff. Kingston Secondary has already indicated that the donation will be used to purchase a printer/ photocopier for the school. After collecting the donation, a teacher of St. John’s

College said it will be used to purchase whatever the school needs.

According to the release, country manager, Glenis Hodge, handed over the donations to the schools during a simple ceremony at the Water Street office.

“It is expected that the donation contributes to a comfortable, conducive, and rewarding learning experience for the children and teachers of the schools, to make a positive impact in the community,” it added.

In her comments, Hodge said: “As a corporate citizen, we are happy to be partner-

LCDS 2030 unique and comprehensive

ing with the two schools to support their objectives, goals, and missions. It is our hope that this donation will support the existing goals of ensuring a comfortable and rewarding learning experience for the children and in the big picture we hope that it will make a positive impact in the community.”

been serving Guyana for more than 25 years, with weekly Thursday sailings from Florida to Guyana. Less than container loads,

full container loads for refrigerated and dry cargo, breakbulk and marine insurance, are among the services the company offers.

HEAD of the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) Department for South America and Southeast Asia, Dr. Antje Müllner, has praised Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 as a “unique and comprehensive” policy.

It is one which she believes is important in the fight to preserve biodiversity and combat the factors contributing to climate change.

At the ceremony for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Guyana and FZS to improve Guyana’s protected areas system on Wednesday, Dr. Müllner said that a vast number of measures are need to be taken to tackle the current climate crisis, and as such, it is necessary to adopt a holistic, “all-hands-ondeck approach.”

This approach, she pointed out, is outlined in Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.

“I really want to congratulate Guyana for this strategy, which is ambitious, yes, but also very important. I don’t know of any similar document from another country that really compiles in such a comprehensive way, the many aspects of low carbon development, and also sets so clearly the goals,” Dr. Müllner said.

Since protected areas are a focal point for the FZS, Müllner emphasised the importance of

the LCDS in outlining the planned expansion of Guyana’s protected areas system, which will contribute to safeguarding the country’s natural heritage and contribute to the global 30 by 30 goal.

“Protected areas play a fundamental role in any national biodiversity strategy. We think they are a main pillar of conserving long-term, healthy ecosystems, and the ecological functions we need for our food security and climate stability,” she said, adding: “FZS would be glad and also proud to support Guyana’s government in designing and developing new protected areas in the coming years.”

In 2014, FZS began its cooperation with the Government of Guyana, through the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), the government agency responsible for managing the National Protected Areas System (NPAS).

Since then, the organi-

sation has been instrumental in supporting the operationalisation of the commission in the areas of system-wide strategic planning, capacity development, and improved management of the Kanuku Mountains Protected Area (KMPA).

This new MoU, which is the second one the FZS has signed with Guyana, will span a five-year period, and will see the expansion of FZS’ cooperation in Guyana within the context of the LCDS 2030.

It will allow FZS to establish and operate a country office here, support the expansion of the NPAS, continue its collaboration with the PAC for strengthened management of the KMPA and the NPAS, foster indigenous community engagement and development, and support Guyana to advance participation in key global biodiversity and climaterelated initiatives. (DPI)

Hodge further added that Tropical Shipping’s community donation programme focuses on youth and educational initiatives that are impactful, unique, and sustainable.

According to the release, the company has more than 50 years of experience moving freight to and from the US, Canada, the Caribbean, Guyana, and Suriname.

Tropical Shipping has

Head of the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) Department for South America and Southeast Asia, Dr. Antje Müllner

- Frankfurt Zoological Society’s Dr. Müllner says

A teacher of St. John’s College collects the monetary donation (Photos courtesy of Tropical Shipping)

T&T Prime Minister to address second local energy conference, expo

THE International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana 2023, on Thursday announced that the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr Keith Rowley has confirmed his attendance and will deliver remarks on the opening day of the second edition of the event.

Dr Rowley is among a number of Heads of State and government officials expected to attend the event.

Chairman of the International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana 2023, Anthony Whyte said: “We are extremely pleased to see that Heads

of Government across the region and globally are recognizing that Guyana is a leader in this part of the world when it comes to energy talks and is taking the opportunity to be part of the conversations that will shape the approach to energy development over the next few years.”

Whyte added: “Trinidad and Tobago has been an energy producer for decades and we believe their experience could help our sector realize its full potential. We are excited to

host Prime Minister Rowley and the other heads of state scheduled to attend the conference and expo.”

The conference, which is expected to assemble policymakers, academics, industry professionals, and entrepreneurs from around the world, will also again see the participation of global energy thoughtleaders, most notably, Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, world-renowned economics professor, bestselling author, innovative educator, and global leader in sustainable development.

The conference and expo will be held from February 14-17, 2023 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, under the theme “Harnessing Energy for Development.”

The registration portal for the conference and expo can be found on the conference website, www.guyanaenergy.gy. Pre-registration is now open for sponsors, exhibitors, in-person attendees, virtual attendees, workshop participants, and members of the media, all being done online

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley

Over 7,500 fisherfolks receive $150,000 one-off cash grant

SOME 7,500 fisherfolks have received the $150,000 one-off cash grant that was announced by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali in June of this year.

Agriculture Minister,

Six.

Additionally, Minister Mustapha had said that some $300 million will go towards the rehabilitation of a number of landing sites where fisherfolks dock their boats and

proper walkways, we will be installing better condition so our fisherfolk can have easier access to when they come out there they can take out their catch. This money here will rehabilitate and improve these landing sites around the country,” the minister said.

In June of this year, President Ali, during a public meeting at Windsor Forest on the West Coast of Demerara, had announced that fisherfolks will be the beneficiaries of a one-off grant of $150,000.

President Ali noted that, after the government did a complete assessment of its revenue streams and finances, it was determined that the $150,000 grant will be issued to fisherfolks.

as Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean strive to increase the production of food commodities, in keeping with the “Vision 25 by 25” target.

“Our goal is to create

the system in which we can increase productivity. We’re working to make Guyana an important part of the food supply to help the whole Caribbean. To do this, we have

to invest in every sector and every segment, in developing our productive capacity; that is why we are addressing, today, our fishing industry specifically,” Dr. Ali said.

Zulfikar Mustapha, in an invited comment on Wednesday, said the distribution exercise has been successful thus far.

The distribution exercise started in September this year, following a vigorous verification exercise to ensure transparency.

Funds have been distributed to fisherfolks in regions Two, Three, Four, Five and

offload their catch.

“We have 72 landing sites in the country and many of those landing sites need a lot of work to be done for example proper lights, wharfage and other infrastructure. So, what we will be doing at all the 72 landing sites around the country we will be installing lights.

“We will be installing

“We are announcing an initiative for every single person identified; we are going to help you with a one-off grant of $150,000. This is an immediate step that we are taking to assist you, in addition to all that we’re doing to expand the industry,” President Ali said.

The President noted that the grant for the fisherfolk ties in with the government’s commitment to increase support for the agriculture community,

Fisherfolks receiving their grant at a recent distribution exercise

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

Artist Roberto Teekah adds fashion designing to his list of talents

By Telesha Ramnarine

HAVING just won the Arts Advocacy Award in “Orange the Runway” - a show combining fashion and advocacy - 24-yearold Roberto Teekah stands ready to take his career in a whole new direction, that is fashion designing.

He fully believes he has what it takes to become a successful fashion designer, especially since he recently completed a four-year programme at the E.R Burrowes School of Arts, where he majored in both painting and textile art.

As a child, Roberto would always be the person drawing at the back of his school books and thinking creatively; always wanting to make things and do things

with his hands. So, it was no surprise to him when, during his teenage years, he decided that art was what he wanted for a career.

“Art doesn’t feel like something I am doing purposely, like intentionally. It just feels natural, like the thing I should be doing. I guess I am pursuing something that I am very passionate about,” he expressed in an interview with Buzz this week.

And although being naturally inclined, his time at art school taught him a lot.

“It was a lot of work but it feels well worth it. I learnt a lot compared to when I was going in,” he reflected.

He seriously started pursuing art when he was about 17 years old and by the age of 21, he had been a part of

Guyanese

Artist Roberto Teekah

MovieTowne to kick-start festive season with Christmas Village launch

AS part of its Christmas celebrations, MovieTowne Guyana will, on Sunday, launch its Christmas Village under the theme, “Ginger All The Way!”

The event will include a Christmas tree light-up, “snow”, live performances and a Grinch show. It begins at 15:00 hours.

This will be followed by a gingerbread cookies workshop on December 17, commencing at 15:00 hours. During the workshop, children will be given an opportunity to customise their own gingerbread cookies.

Also on December 17, there will be storytelling by Mrs. Claus. This activity will begin at 17:00

hours.

For December 18, MovieTowne has planned a puppet show starting at 16:00 hours and a night of caroling which will feature interactive singing and dance performances, from 17:00 hours.

The final event will be a Guyanese Christmas Night on December 23 beginning at 17:00 hours.

According to MovieTowne, among the activities for the night “dedicated to the Guyanese tradition” are pepperpot sampling, ginger beer sampling, black cake sampling and steelpan entertainment.

Artist Roberto Teekah adds fashion...

From page 16

several noteworthy art exhibitions and was able to establish a substantial online presence.

Explaining what exactly he does, he said: “I do portraits but I also get a lot of work like if someone wants a mural painted on a wall. I get all sorts of opportunities; it’s a real wide variety and that’s a part of it I like because it remains exciting. It’s not the same thing over and over.”

Even as an established artist now, Roberto still sees the need to continue his education and has decided to take a little break before pressing on to the University of Guyana.

“I feel like the education aspect is important in art. Some people tend to focus a lot on the practical aspect and of course that’s important, but I think there needs

to be a balance between the two and I enjoy the academic aspect of it,” he expressed.

Now venturing into fashion designing, Roberto learned how to sew during his time at the art school.

“Fashion designing

was always something I was interested in but I didn’t have the tools and the skills to pursue it. Now I feel like I do, so, it’s like a whole new direction that I am heading into.”

Fashion designing to him is yet another form

of expression where he feels he can make a statement as opposed to just painting or drawing.

And he believes that he will succeed in this aspect of his work as well.

“Once the artist has the determination to keep at something I think they can be successful and I think I definitely have that. I have that passion to stick with something

and to keep doing it to the best of my ability,” he added.

Roberto believes that art and artists are incredibly important to society and he draws inspiration from areas like religion, culture, feminism, societal issues, avant-garde fashion, grotesque beauty and more.

In addition to an Associate Degree in Environmental Science, the former Bishops’ High School student has a Diploma in Fine Arts (Double Major) from the E.R. Burrowes School of Arts.

He was the recipient of the Promise AwardGuyana Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition 2019; Stephanie Correia Prize for Open Visual Arts – Guyana Annual 2020; and Guyana Talent Search Winner - Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in 2021.

Roberto’s design on display at the Graduate Student Exhibition held at the National Museum in October 2022 (Photos courtesy of Roberto Teekah)

This ‘reflection’ piece by Roberto deals with the introspective quality that he says art often has. The lines between a hand mirror and a magnifying glass are blurred and the viewer is challenged to think more deeply about inner issues

The MovieTowne Guyana Complex

‘SKILLI’ COPS MOBO

DANCEHALL artiste Skillibeng is the winner of the inaugural Best Caribbean Music Act category in the 2022 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Award.

Skillibeng collected the award during the live telecast which took place at the OVO Arena in London, England, earlier this month.

“I represent Jamaica. I’m from a small island where it’s very hard and I really appreciate this award,” Skillibeng said during his acceptance speech.

The Best Caribbean Music Act category replaced the Best Reggae Act category, which was instituted in 1996.

The other nominees in the Best Caribbean Music Act category were Shenseea, Sean Paul, Spice, Koffee, and Popcaan.

This was Skillibeng’s fourth MOBO nomination. He was also nominated in the Best International Act category this year, which was won by Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy.

Skillibeng, who made

waves in the United Kingdom with the single Whap Whap earlier this year, is signed to RCA Records.

He encouraged others to work hard to achieve their dreams.

“And to everybody that’s working hard, believe in yourself, believe in your dreams. Keep doing what you do,” said Skillibeng.

The lanky deejay also gave props to his team.

“Big up to all my team, everybody who supported, everybody who voted,” he said.

The deejay, who told NME magazine on the red carpet at the MOBO Awards that he is working on new music, described his career as an electrifying one.

The 25-year-old artiste, whose real name is Emwah Warmington, shot onto the music scene in 2019 with the hit song Brik Pon Brik.

He later followed up with a string of hits including Crocodile Teeth, Mr Universe, Torpedo, Coke, 50 Bag, and Bin Laden. (Jamaica Observer)

Purr-fection in Peru!

CALL it purr-fect timing!

But Black Panther star Letitia Wright couldn’t help but spring to her feet at the reggae sounds of Koffee at a concert held recently at the Jockey Club in Lima, Peru.

Wright, sporting a closecropped haircut and shades, was backstage recording a selfie at the Koffee-Harry Styles gig when Koffee signalled her to come on stage and share the spotlight. The Guyanese-British actress obliged and sprang to the front of the stage. She was greeted with soaring screams from the appreciative audience.

Wright, the true show woman, displayed her dancing prowess, sang a few lines from Pull Up and hugged Koffee before leaving the stage to wild screams. She was careful not to overstay her welcome.

She later posted the video encounter on TikTok with the caption “Koffee x Tish” with the Jamaican and Guyanese flag emojis. More than 1,000,000 viewers have seen the post on Wright’s TikTok account.

The leading lady shared a touching note of her experience on social media.

“One of the most memorable nights of my life,” the 29-year-old wrote. “[Koffee] is incredibly special; a beautiful light to this world.

Wright returned as Shuri in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, in a shock role following the death of T’Challa, marking her first lead in a film. Released in November 2022, the movie was made in honour of former leading man Chadwick Boseman, who died from colon cancer in 2020.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was the No. 1 movie at the box office in its opening weekend, with a US$181 million domestic debut and earning over US$331 million

worldwide.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has already made more than US$500 million — making the Black Panther series one of Marvel’s 10 highest grossing movies ever.

Koffee, who won the Best Reggae Grammy Album Award in 2020 for her five-song EP Rapture, is the opening act for international rock star Harry Styles on his Love On Tour.

The 22-year-old Jamaican is one of five entertainers nominated in this year’s Best Reggae Album category of the Grammys. (Jamaica Observer)

I’m so PROUD OF YOU! Thank you for allowing me to share this experience with you! Peru you’ve been so wonderful to us thank you.”

Skillibeng during his acceptance speech at the MOBO Awards held at the OVO Arena in London, England (Jamaica Observer photo)

Black Panther star Letitia Wright (left) and Koffee on stage at the Jockey Club in Lima, Peru (Photo: Tik Tok)

Celine Dion postpones tour dates as she reveals incurable health condition

CELINE Dion has revealed she has been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder with features of an autoimmune disease.

The French-Canadian singer recently told her 5.2 million Instagram followers that the condition makes her muscles spasm uncontrollably.

It has also left her with difficulties walking and singing, she said, meaning she will be unable to play planned shows in the UK and Europe next year.

“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time,” said Dion.

“And it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through,” the 54-year-old continued in an emotionally-charged video.

“Recently I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff person syndrome which affects something like one in a million people. While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having.”

She added: “Unfortunately,

Celine Dion (GETTY IMAGES)

these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.

“It hurts me to tell you today that this means I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February”.

In 2014, the diva - whose ballad My Heart Will Go On, from the Titanic soundtrack, won the Oscar for best song - said she was putting her career on hold “indefinitely” as her husband

René Angélil battled cancer.

Although her performances resumed a year later, she stepped away from the stage again in early 2016, following the tragic deaths of both Angélil and her brother, Daniel Dion.

She eventually returned with the 2019 studio album Courage, which featured collaborations with Sia, Sam Smith and David Guetta.

‘IT’S BEEN A STRUGGLE’

The star supported the record with a world tour, large

‘Avatar’ sequel finally premieres 13 years after original

THIRTEEN years after James Cameron released the highest-grossing film of all time, “Avatar”, the filmmaker finally premiered its long-awaited sequel in London on December 6.

“Avatar: The Way of Water” takes audiences back to the enchanting world of Pandora, where in the first film the native blue Na’vi people battled human colonists for the moon’s natural resources.

Set more than a decade later, “The Way of Water” sees actors Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana return as Jake Sully and Neytiri, now parents of five children.

Their peaceful life in the paradise-like jungle is interrupted by the return of the “Sky People”, the Na’vi name for humans, who are after Sully. To protect their family and their tribe, Sully, Neytiri and their children flee to a far-flung territory and seek refuge with the oceanic Metkayina clan.

Their bodies and skills suited to forest life; the family must quickly learn the ways of the water to survive while facing their enemy’s nearing threat.

“This was a labour of love spread out over a decade, so it’s great to finally be able share it,” Worthington told Reuters at the film’s world premiere.

“This is a heart-wrenching story, it’s mighty, it’s very powerful; you hope that it connects

(with audiences) but it’s not just the carbon copy of the first one, we’ve really expanded the world, we’ve expanded this family unit.”

Saldana said reprising her role was “emotional”.

“It was exciting, it was also very scary because obviously Jim had raised the stakes for himself; that meant that everybody was going to have a brand-new challenge to have to deal with,” she said.

Sigourney Weaver plays Kiri, Neytiri and Sully’s adopted daughter. Her biological mother is Dr Grace Augustine, who Weaver played in the original movie.

“The whole thing was such an amazing adventure,” she said.

Released in 2009, “Avatar” ranks as the top-grossing film of all time with more than $2.9 billion in global ticket sales.

Four “Avatar” movies are planned through 2028.

“I never had any doubt that this day would come because I’d read all four of the scripts ... but I think that the enormity of the task, of the world-building ... creating this whole new level of detail ... that was difficult,” producer Jon Landau said, adding most of the third movie had been filmed.

“We will continue to explore new locations on Pandora; we will continue to meet new and diverse clans.”

(Reuters)

portions of which had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She was forced to reschedule the dates again this year after developing “severe and persistent muscle spasms”, which also delayed the return of her Las Vegas residency.

Several of those shows - including nights in Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and London - have now been pushed back again, while others have been cancelled.

Dion reassured her fans that

she had “a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better” while her “precious children” were “supporting me and giving me help”.

She explained: “I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again, but I have to admit it’s been a struggle.

“All I know is singing. It’s what I’ve done all my life and it’s what I love to do the most.

“I miss you so much. I miss

seeing all of you [and] being on the stage, performing for you.

“I always give 100 per cent when I do my show but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now.”

No longer holding back the tears, the singer signed off by thanking fans for their support, stressing that she had no choice but to focus on her health right now, and hoped she was on the “road to recovery”. (BBC)

Actor Zoe Saldana arrives at the world premiere of ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’, in London, Britain on December 6, 2022. (REUTERS/Toby Melville photo)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday December 09, 2022)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD

-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) AUST won by 164 runs (2) Marnus Labuschagne (AUST)

Today’s Quiz

(1) Who are the WI that played in the first Test but are not a part of the second Test against AUST?

(2) Who are the AUST that played in the first Test but are not a part of the first Test against the WI?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

From

Guyanese Ashmini Munisar to ...

would no doubt be extremely beneficial, not only to this group of players, but also serve as an investment and feeder group into the senior West Indies Women’s setup.’

Captain Ashmini Munisar expressed her happiness in being selected to lead the squad: “It is every cricketer’s dream to play for her country let alone be able to captain her team. It is an immense honour that I get to do it at this historic inaugural ICC Women’s U19 World Cup. We have been playing together for the past few months and all

the players are gelling and progressing quite nicely and we’re all excited to represent the West Indies.”

The ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup will feature 41 matches from January 14 to 29 in South Africa. The official warm-up matches will be from January 9 to 11.

The 16 participating teams will play in four groups in the preliminary round. West Indies have been drawn in Group C alongside New Zealand, Ireland, and Indonesia.

West Indies Women Under-19 Rising Stars Squad:

Ashmini Munisar (captain), Asabi Callender, Jahzara Claxton, Naijanni Cumberbatch, Earnisha Fontaine, Jannillea Glasgow, Realanna Grimmond, Trishan Holder, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, K D Jazz Mitchell, Shalini Samaroo, Shunelle Sawh, Lena Scott, Abini St Jean

GROUPS: Group A: Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, USA;

Group B: England, Pakistan, Rwanda, Zimbabwe;

Group C: Indonesia, Ireland, New Zealand, West Indies; Group D: India,

WEST INDIES MATCH SCHEDULE

Sunday, January 15: vs Ireland at NW University, Potchefstroom – 04:00hrs Eastern Caribbean/03:00hrs Jamaica

Tuesday, January 17: vs Indonesia at NW University, Potchefstroom – 07:45hrs Eastern Caribbean/06:45hrs Jamaica

Thursday, January 19: vs New Zealand, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom – 07:45hrs Eastern Caribbean/06:45hrs Jamaica. (CWI)

‘Sugar Boy’ Hazel on...

of alleged homophobic abuse during his side’s 2-1 win at Hereford on November 26.

Hereford officials launched the investigation into the incident, which was brought to the attention of West Mercia Police, and which occurred during the second half of the game at Edgar Street.

Play was stopped after something was shouted from the crowd, with the match officials speaking to Hereford officials. Hazel was then seen pointing out a spectator to the match stewards.

RACING TIPS

English Racing Tips

Cheltenham

08:40 hrs Gentle Slopes

09:15 hrs Green Vault

09:50 hrs Legends Ryde

10:25 hrs Broken Quest

11:00 hrs Mullenbeg

11:35 hrs Dusart

Doncaster

08:30 hrs Tommy Cullen 09:05 hrs Onthefrontfoot

09:40 hrs The Height Of Fame

10:15 hrs Brief Times

10:45 hrs Message Personnel

11:15 hrs Copper Beach

Southwell

12:15 hrs Tathmeen

12:45 hrs Mimoset

13:15 hrs Primo

13:45 hrs Crystal Guard

14:15 hrs Al Baahy

15:15 hrs Bushfire

15:45 hrs Thrave

16:15 hrs Autumn Angel

Irish Racing Tips

Dundalk

13:00 hrs Catherine Siena

13:30 hrs Cyber Attack

14:00 hrs Bold Ribb

14:30 hrs Lion Ring

15:00 hrs Jazzy Dancer

15:30 hrs Rough Diamond

16:00 hrs Samrouge

From page 28

Dominic Poleon, a 29-year-old forward of St Lucian descent, bagged a brace - netting the opening two goals on 19 and 34 minutes - as National League South leaders Ebbsfleet United stormed to a 6-0 win at Worthing.

In the same division, Jordan Greenidge, a 22-year-old forward whose brother Reiss plays for Maidstone United and Guyana, scored in the opening minute as Tonbridge Angels coasted to a 3-0 home win over Eastbourne Borough.

16:30 hrs Princess Wannabe

American Racing Tips

Aqueduct

Race 1 Kitten’s Appeal Race 2 Melying Snow Race 3 Riding On A Winner Race 4 North Pole Race 5 Son Of An Ex Race 6 Complete Agenda Race 7 Leeloo Race 8 Amundson

Canadian Racing Tips

Woodbine

Rcae 1 Poulin In O T Race 2 Breach Of Trust Race 3 Me And My Shadow Race 4 It Worked Race 5 Me Tough

South Africa Racing Tips

Fairview

08:25 hrs Atkinson Grimshaw 09:00 hrs Tozzetti

09:35 hrs Cool Running 10:10 hrs Global Runner 10:40 hrs Owlette

Arab Emirates Racing Tips Meydan

10:00 hrs Af Bareeq

10:35 hrs Sari Bubai

11:10 hrs Mersaal

11:45 hrs Arabian Gazelles

12:20 hrs Canvassed

12:55 hrs Smart Army’s

Scotland, South Africa, UAE

Darlington are still waiting for the result of an investigation after Hazel was the subject

Ronaldo did not threaten to leave World Cup – Portuguese Federation

THE Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has quashed reports Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to walk out on Portugal’s World Cup campaign.

The 37-year-old was left on the bench for his country’s 6-1 last-16 win over Switzerland by boss Fernando Santos, having reacted poorly to being substituted in the final group game against South Korea.

He came on as a second-half substitute, but it was the first time since Euro 2008 that the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward was left out of a starting line-up at a major tournament and he held summit talks with Santos on Wednesday.

Reports circulated yesterday that during those discussions Ronaldo, who also acted petulantly during his final few weeks as a United player before the club terminated his contract, warned he would turn his back on his country and leave Qatar ahead of tomorrow’s quarter-final with Morocco.

But the FPF has quickly shut down speculation and insisted Ronaldo has an “unquestionable degree of commitment to the national team”.

A statement read: “News released this Thursday reports that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during

a conversation with Fernando Santos, national coach

“The FPF clarifies that at no time did the captain of the national team, Cristiano Ronaldo, threaten to leave the national team during the internship in Qatar.

“Cristiano Ronaldo builds up a unique track record every day at the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected and which attests to the unquestionable degree of commitment to the national team.

“Incidentally, the degree of dedication of the player most capped by Portugal was again demonstrated – if necessary – in the victory against Switzerland, in the round of 16 of the 2022

World Cup.

“The national team – players, coaches and FPF structure – is, as it has been since the first day, fully committed and enthusiastic in building what the country wants to be Portugal’s best ever participation in a World Cup.”

Ronaldo posted his comments on social media, in which he stressed how unified the squad were.

“A group too united to be broken by external forces. A nation too brave to be intimidated by any adversary,” he wrote.

“A team in the true sense of the word - that will fight for the dream until the end! Take a leap of faith with us! Come on, Portugal!” (PA Sport)

Irving scores 33 points as Brooklyn Nets beat Charlotte Hornets

KYRIE Irving scored 33 points and made nine assists as Brooklyn Nets held on for a 122-116 win over Charlotte Hornets in the NBA.

Kevin Durant also claimed 29 points, nine rebounds and eight assists at the Barclays Center in New York.

The Nets set a season high for points in the first half to lead 73-55 as they bounced back from Sunday's 103-92 loss to Boston Celtics.

They are fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 14-12 record.

Nike ended its sponsorship deal with Irving after social media post.

The Boston Celtics cemented their spot at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with a dominant win 125-98 at Phoenix Suns.

Josh Okogie scored 28 points for Phoenix but five players reached double figures for the Celtics, with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum each scoring 25 points as Celtics improved to 21-5.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, NBA's two-time Most Valuable Player, scored 35 points

and Jrue Holiday 31 as Milwaukee Bucks pulled away late to beat Sacramento Kings 126-113 and move to 18-6.

The New Orleans Pelicans now have the best record in the Western Conference after holding off Detroit Pistons for a 104-98 home win.

Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas each had a double-double, with Williamson claiming 29 points 10 rebounds and Valanciunas 14 points 12 rebounds as Pelicans claimed a fifth successive victory

Rookie Simone Fontecchio

made a last-second game-winning dunk as Utah Jazz scored five points in the final 7.8 seconds to earn an improbable 124-123 win over Golden State Warriors.

Jordan Poole made one of two free throws with 13.3 seconds remaining - he scored 36 points in the game - to give Warriors a four-point lead.

But Malik Beasley hit a three-pointer before Nickeil Alexander-Walker stole the ball from Poole with 4.3 seconds remaining to set up Fontecchio.

Ronaldo was left on the bench for Portugal’s last-16 win over Switzerland after an act of petulance in the previous game (Martin Rickett/PA)

Kyrie Irving (left) was recently suspended for promoting on social media a documentary which contained anti-Semitic material

India's home season to begin on January 3 with Sri Lanka T20Is

INDIA'S home international season is scheduled to begin on January 3 with a T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka, a week after their ongoing tour of Bangladesh ends on December 26. That will be followed by another ODI and T20I series in January, against New Zealand, followed by four Tests and three ODIs against Australia in February and March before the IPL.

India host Sri Lanka for three T20Is in Mumbai (January 3), Pune (January 5) and Rajkot (January 7), and three ODIs in Guwahati (January 10), Kolkata (January 12) and Thiruvananthapu-

ram (January 15).

New Zealand's tour of India begins three days later, on January 18, with an ODI in Hyderabad before the teams travel to Raipur for the second game on January 21, and Indore for the third match on January 24. The Shaheed Veer Narayan Stadium in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, will become India's latest international venue when it hosts the second ODI against New Zealand.

The city had previously staged home games of Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2013 and 2015.

India also play three

T20Is against New Zealand in Ranchi, Lucknow and Ahmedabad on January 27 and 29 and February 1. This will be India's second limited-overs series at home against New Zealand in the last 14 months; they had visited immediately after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in the UAE in November 2021. India had also toured New Zealand for T20Is and ODIs in November this year, immediately after the end of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.

A week after the end of the home series against New Zealand, India will take on Australia in the

Border-Gavaskar Trophy - the marquee event of India's home season. Nagpur will host the first Test from February 9; Delhi is the venue for the second Test starting on February 17; Dharamsala will stage the third match from March 1; and Ahmedabad will host the series final from March 9. India are the current holders of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after winning the 202021 series 2-1 in Australia. The series is also crucial for India's qualification for the World Test Championship final.

The four Tests against Australia will be followed by three ODIs in Mumbai (March 17), Visakhapatnam (March 19) and Chennai (March 22). It will mean that India play nine ODIs at home before the IPL, a crucial part of their build up towards the ODI World Cup at home in October and November next year.

(Cricinfo)

Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid have a busy start to 2023

Tite vows Brazil will continue dancing despite criticism

BRAZIL head coach Tite insists the Selecao will continue dancing during goal celebrations because it is part of their "culture" as he dismissed the suggestion they are showing disrespect.

Croatia await Brazil in the World Cup quarter-finals after Tite's side beat South Korea 4-1, a victory that saw them exhibit some of the best football on display at Qatar 2022.

Brazil players celebrated each goal by dancing, and Tite even joined in for the celebration after Richarlison made it 3-0.

The coach mimicked Richarlison's trademark pigeon dance after the Tottenham forward came over to the Brazil dugout.

Some pundits criticised Brazil for their celebrations, suggesting they were showing disregard for their opponents, but this is not an opinion Tite will accept.

For him, such criticism essentially reflects ignorance of Brazil and its culture.

"This is not my team, this is the Brazil team and I have the responsibility of being head coach," Tite told reporters in yesterday's pre-match press conference.

Shane

SHANE Warne never played a Test match in Multan but his presence is with England this week, his influence shining through in the way they play their cricket.

Warne died nine months ago, before the appointments that changed English cricket. As a massive anglophile, he would have relished England’s new style after years of decrying their conservatism. They have played the Warne way ever since director of cricket Rob Key appointed Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

Warne worked with Stokes at Rajasthan Royals, was friends with McCullum, regularly playing the New Zealand Open golf tournament with him, and was a huge influence on Key, the pair getting to know each other through county cricket and Sky.

“My mindset was that I might not be able to play the game like him, but I can at least think like him,” wrote Key in his Evening Standard column when Warne died. “My whole philosophy on the game is built on chats with Warney, whether 20 years ago or more recently on the golf course or around the Sky commentary box. When Peter Willey was umpiring Kent, he would joke that 'Warney’s here setting the fields again'.”

You could almost hear Warne talking when Stokes spoke about his declaration in Rawalpindi. “I've got no interest in playing for a draw; the dressing room has got no interest in playing for draws.”

"I am very sorry, but I won't make comments about people who do not know Brazilian football history, Brazilian culture, the way each one of us is.

"So, to those I leave that noise aside. I want my connection to be to my job, to people I relate to, to those who relate to my work, who know how much I respect and know my history.

"Those are the ones I give my heart and attention to. I am very discrete. I will continue to be so, because I respect the culture and the way I am, and this national team I play with.

"Having said this in terms of education we will definitely be identifying with (young people) and lots of other kids who will dance because

that's our culture when we score, and it's not being disrespectful to anyone.

"That's how we do things; that's we in terms of culture, but we also help the education of these kids in school and we will continue doing things in our manner."

He added: "Once again, the Brazilian football identity is not me, it started a long time ago with desperate communities training boys who could produce good football. Even with all the risks it entails.

"I know we face criticism but that's the football I believe in, even if we face challenges and criticisms for not winning the World Cup, we keep moving forwards. That's what we believe in."

The topic of Brazil's dancing and celebrations was frequently

brought up during Tite's briefing, with it seemingly the main takeaway for many after the win over South Korea.

While Tite was clearly frustrated by the perception of Brazil being disrespectful, he delved deeper into the issue as he claimed his involvement in the Richarlison celebration showed how engaged he is with young people.

"I think it's a connection I have with the younger generation," he continued. "I am 61 and I work with players who are 21, 22 years old. They could be my grandkids.

"I have a connection with them, all those who truly know me. If I have to choose between those who know me and those who don't know me, I choose those who I do know, of course.

"And if I have to dance to connect with them, we will continue dancing. I also use a metaphor; when we paint a painting, the entire painting is the athletes. They are the ones who are portrayed.

"We are just participants; we just contribute to the painting. The players themselves are the painting.” (Yahho Sport)

with

Not long before he died Warne tweeted about declarations: “Thinking about declarations a bit more and risking losing to win is the key for a team to learn how to win with either bat or ball.”

The funky field settings, the limitless positivity, the willingness to try something new, belief you can win from any situation and in any conditions – including a dead pitch in Rawalpindi when the whole squad is ill – courses through England now and Warne would be their biggest fan, regardless of Ashes rivalry.

McCullum and Stokes urge their players to be ‘rock stars’ – a phrase Warne would use too, but there are differences as well. Warne could be harsh and cruel at times, picking on opponents and team-mates he perceived as not trying hard enough.

Stokes and McCullum are more

empathetic and have a softer edge. England are respectful of opponents and McCullum’s teams do not sledge. Warne might have found that hard to maintain.

Warne and Stokes, despite their abundant talent, worked hard at their game. But Warne would do what was necessary. He would bowl for five hours in the nets if he felt that was what he needed. Other times it would be half an hour if rhythm came quickly.

Under Stokes and McCullum England similarly train with a purpose. Work on skills but give it everything, rather than train at 60 per cent for a couple of hours a day for show. “You want players to come out of the nets and the skills that they show in the nets, you want them to go out there to the middle and have no consequences,” says assistant coach Paul Collingwood.

Stokes’s man management –making lesser mortals feel invincible – is best exhibited in Jack Leach, who could barely get a game outside Asia. “He would be seen as that guy who came on for a spell and tried to give the seamers a break,” said Stokes. “He’s not in that role in this team. We see him as a very aggressive wicket-taking option.”

It sounds like Key’s anecdote about Warne from when he was Kent captain and asked him to give young spinner Adam Riley a pep talk. “I told Riley that I had a mate who wanted to talk spin with him. He looked confused but, when he heard Warney’s voice, his eyes lit

up. With Warney clearly still in bed, they chatted for 45 minutes before we went on. Riley was buzzing. He took five wickets and we won.”

WINNING WITH STYLE IS THE ULTIMATE

Key thought of Warne when sitting through one of the ECB’s high-performance review meetings earlier this year. One of the speakers in the early stages was Dave Brailsford, the cycling mastermind. Brailsford spent just a couple of hours in the discussions but his message about what high performance means was seen in Rawalpindi.

Brailsford felt there was no point being automatons that win without a smile, micromanaging everything and forgetting to entertain – his Team Sky were not loved by many. Then there was losing with no style – think of England on the last Ashes tour. The ultimate is to win with style but if you also play with flair and lose, others will still respect you and that is England’s approach now.

“I always tried to change the tempo of matches … I always looked to do the very thing the opposition didn’t want me to do,” wrote Warne in his last autobiography.

Like batting at seven an over, bowling bouncers with the new ball on a flat heap of a pitch and luring Pakistan into playing big shots chasing an improbable target. Yes, Warne is here with this England team. (The Telegraph)

more than two days.

After the match, then-South Africa captain Faf du Plessis was even found guilty of ball-tampering after applying saliva to the ball with a mint in his mouth.

"Two senior executives were in the changing room in Hobart, and basically were berating the team for losing against South Africa," Erskine told SEN radio. "And Warner said we've got to reverse-swing the ball, and the only way we can reverse-swing the ball is basically by tampering with it. So they were told to do it.

Erskine did not specify who exactly "told" them to tamper with the ball, and did not name the executives either who were present after the loss.

Speaking after Warner released his statement saying he was withdrawing his appeal to have his leadership ban overturned, Erskine also reiterated previous views about the 2018 Newlands ball-tampering controversy, saying that more than three people had to know about the plans and that the "truth will come out".

Discussing the punishments handed out after Newlands, Erskine said that Warner had been treated much more harshly than others, and that Cricket Australia should have handled overturning the leadership ban internally rather than through a review panel which decided they wanted to re-examine the whole incident.

"You'd have to be a blind black Labrador to not realise there was far more than three people involved in this thing. They all got a canning, and David Warner was completely villainised," he said. "He has shut up, he protected Cricket Australia, he protected his fellow players on my advice, because at the end of the day no one wanted to hear any more of it, and he's got on playing cricket.

"Why Cricket Australia couldn't have done a very sensible thing and said 'Listen, it's not legal that someone doesn't have a right of appeal'. It's just absurd, why should he have to go through that? He has done everything he possibly could for Cricket Australia and for his team, and now he's being treated like this… this is injustice at its greatest level."

On the field after giving up on his attempts to be captain in any cricket under CA again, Warner scored 21 on the opening morning of the second Test against West Indies in Adelaide. He started positively, driving the first ball of the game for three, and collected four boundaries before edging a drive against a wide delivery from Alzarri Joseph. (Cricinfo)

DAVID Warner's manager James Erskine has claimed that Australia were given the go-ahead to tamper with the ball after their defeat against South Africa in Hobart in 2016-17, when Australia were bowled out for 85 and lost by an innings and 80 runs in little

Brazil players will continue dancing – Tite

Warne's fingerprints are all over this swashbuckling England team

Shane Warne's fingerprints are all over this swashbuckling England team – (Popperfoto via Getty Images/Philip Brown)

Warner's manager claims Australia were 'told' to tamper

ball after Hobart loss in 2016-17

… "You'd have to be a blind Labrador to not realise more than three people were involved", he also says of Newlands balltampering in 2018

David Warner, Cameron Bancroft and Steven Smith were all banned after ball-tampering in 2018 (Gallo Images/ Stringer)

Luckless WI put to the sword after Labuschagne and Head hit centuries

ADELAIDE, Australia (CMC)

– Injury-riddled West Indies were virtually powerless as Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head plundered unbeaten hundreds to stamp Australia’s authority on the opening day of the decisive final Test here yesterday.

Asked to bowl first in the day-night affair at Adelaide Oval, a depleted West Indies attack, shorn of its leader in veteran seamer Kemar Roach, struggled for impact on a flat surface and watched as Australia raced to 330 for three at the close.

Labuschagne, with 204 and an unbeaten 104 in last week’s first Test in Perth, continued his domination with an unbeaten 120 while the left-handed Head, who missed out with 99 in that game, finished the day on Australia’s south coast with 114 not out.

Both cashed in on a greenhorn West Indies attack, rejigged due to injury. Roach, who struggled with a hamstring in the first Test, never made the cut and neither did Jayden Seales nor all-rounder Kyle Mayers.

And with batter Nkrumah Bonner also ruled out after suffering a concussion last week, it meant West Indies were forced to hand Test debuts to batters

Devon Thomas and fast bowler Marquino Mindley, the latter only arriving in Australia 48 hours earlier as injury cover.

And West Indies paid a heavy price for Mindley’s inclusion, the 27-year-old limping off the field after just two unflattering overs, clutching at his right hamstring.

Australia-based batter Omar Phillips, who featured in two Tests for West Indies 13 years ago, had been earlier drafted into the squad as an emergency fielder just prior to the start of

the Test.

But with the 36-year-old, a player/coach for Mores in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association, having not yet arrived in Adelaide, Seales and Mayers were forced into cameo roles as substitutes to bail out their ailing side.

Thomas, too, had to be pressed into service for his unheralded medium pace which had previously yielded only 20 first class wickets, the right-armer sending down nine overs and claiming the wicket of opener

Usman Khawaja for 62.

“It’s been a tough week, trying to make sure that we had a balance with the squad especially with the number of injuries we had,” lamented head coach Phil Simmons.

SCOREBOARD

AUSTRALIA 1st innings

D. Warner c wkp. Da Silva b Joseph 21 U. Khawaja lbw b Thomas 62

M. Labuschagne not out 120

S. Smith c & b Holder 0

T. Head not out 114

Extras: (lb-3, w-4, nb-6) 13

Total: (3 wkts, 89 overs) 330

Fall of wickets: 1-34, 2-129, 3-131.

Bowling: Joseph 21-2-81-1, Holder 21-6-42-1, Chase 14-0-66-0, Mindley 2-0-11-0, Phillip 16-2-56-0, Brathwaite 6-0-28-0, Thomas 9-0-43-1.

WEST INDIES – Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shamarh Brooks, Jermaine Blackwood, Devon Thomas, Jason Holder, +Joshua Da Silva, Roston Chase, Alzarri Joseph, Anderson Phillip, Marquino Mindley.

“This morning we started well. I think we still bowled well. Losing one of the bowlers wasn’t part of the plan so I think commendations must go to the rest of the bowlers for picking up the slack and trying to do well.

“Mindley, he has maybe a little strain in the hamstring but he’s going for a scan so we’ll find out for sure.”

West Indies actually made an encouraging start, Alzarri Joseph claiming the dangerous David Warner to a catch at the wicket for 21 in the ninth over, after the veteran left-hander had added 34 for the first wicket with Khawaja.

Things quickly went downhill from there on, however. Seamer Jason Holder offered little with the new ball, off-spinner Roston Chase was wheeling away by the 10th over and Mindley sent down three no-balls in his brief spell before disappearing following the first over after the first drinks break.

And with 26-year-old pacer

Anderson Phillip, in only his second Test, having little impact, the irrepressible Labuschagne joined Khawaja combined to add 95 for the second wicket in a stand which took the Aussies to lunch on 89 for one.

Thomas proved the unlikely hero, getting the breakthrough on the stroke of the hour after the interval when he gained an lbw judgement against Khawaja, after the Queenslander had faced 129 balls and struck nine fours.

West Indies enjoyed perhaps their best period then, Holder getting Steve Smith to lob a return catch in the next over without scoring as Australia slipped to 131 for three.

That was the last sign of success for the visitors, Labuschagne and Head putting on 199 in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand.

Labuschagne emerged from a slow start to hit 11 fours in 235 balls at the crease while Head pleased his home crowd in a 139-ball innings which included a dozen fours.

Another century hat-trick puts Labuschagne in rare company

MARNUS Labuschagne's golden start to the NRMA Insurance Test summer has seen him become just the second Australian to score centuries in three consecutive innings on two separate occasions.

Labuschagne’s second hattrick came under lights during day one of the Adelaide pinkball Test against West Indies, as the tireless right-hander waltzed to his 10th century under lights.

The 28-year-old squaredrove Devon Thomas for four to reach a patient hundred off 186 deliveries, celebrating with a kiss of the badge on his helmet and a long embrace with batting partner Travis Head.

Labuschagne, having blazed scores of 185, 162 and 143 against Pakistan in late 2019, had already been among the Australian men to have posted three centuries in three consecutive Test innings, a

group that includes the likes of Sir Donald Bradman and Adam Gilchrist.

But he now joins David Warner as the only Aussies in an even more exclusive club of batters to have achieved the feat twice.

Warner, whose dismissal for 21 had brought Labuschagne to the crease yesterday afternoon, did the triple in 2014 (135 and 145 v South Africa, and 133 against Pakistan) and then again the following year (163, 116 and 253 against New Zealand

The only other players to have done the hat-trick twice are Kumar Sangakkara (in 2013 and 2014) and Aravinda de Silva (both instances coming in 1997).

The other Australians to have done it once along with Bradman, Warner and Gilchrist are Arthur Morris, Charlie Macartney, Jack Fingleton and

Warren Bardsley.

That kind of company is an indication of just how rare Labuschagne's current form is.

He has now hit centuries in four of his last five Test innings having posted 104 in the first innings of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle

in June, Yet the manner in which he started his latest innings highlighted an intense focus on making no presumptions that form will carry on from Test to Test.

Labuschagne blocked, left, bunted or dodged his first 65

balls before finally hitting out at his 66th – a wide Anderson Phillip delivery – to get his first boundary.

"What happened last week is great but it doesn’t mean anything today," he told Fox Cricket at the dinner break, having scored 204 and 104 n.o. in Perth against the same opposition.

It took him 108 balls to reach his half-century, the 23rd time he has passed that mark at this level, as he and Travis Head regrouped after Steve Smith departed for a rare duck

He then took advantage of a tiring West Indies attack, missing first-gamer Marquino Mindley who sent down just two overs on day one before being sent for scans on his hamstring, in the final session.

Labuschagne could finish this innings with a higher Test batting average than Smith having passed his close friend’s

mark of 61.17 shortly before reaching triple figures, though if he is dismissed he would need to have scored more than 151 to stay ahead of Smith.

Labuschagne is now also quickly gaining on his Queensland captain Usman Khawaja for runs scored in the 2022 calendar year.

Khawaja had ticked over 1 000 runs for the year earlier in the day in a 96-run stand with Labuschagne and currently has 1,021 at 85.

Labuschagne has now passed 800 runs in 2022 and could yet join Khawaja as the fourth batter to pass the four-figure mark (Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow have also scored over 1 000 runs this year) given he could bat another five times before the year is over with Tests to come against South Africa in Brisbane and Melbourne. (Cricket.com.au)

Fast bowler Marquino Mindley sends down a delivery during his brief two-over spell on the opening day of the second Test (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne notched up centuries to cement Australia's command (AFP/Getty Images)

Australia’s No.3 Marnus Labuschagne continues his brilliant start to the summer with a third-straight century against the West Indies

Bent Street, Future Stars ready for MVP Sports Futsal final

IT will be either Bent Street or Future Stars who will be crowned the male champions of the MVP Sports Futsal tournament when they meet in the final at the National Gymnasium tomorrow evening.

In the female final, Fruta Conquerors will face Tiger

Bay, and four finalists are eager to battle hard to cop the top prize.

At a press briefing yesterday, the four finalists expressed the desire to produce their best and thrill the fans.

Co-Director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Men -

‘Sugar Boy’ Hazel on mark again for Quakers

LONDON, (CMC) – St Kitts and Nevis international Jacob Hazel followed up his brace for Darlington in a 2-2 draw against Kettering Town last Friday with another goal that set up the club’s 2-0 win in the sixth-tier English National League North on Tuesday night.

Two goals in four second-half minutes ensured a fourth successive away win that lifted Darlington to second in the table, a point behind leaders Brackley Town.

Hazel, a 28-year-old striker, broke the deadlock on 75 minutes at Curzon Ashton’s Tameside Stadium before Jack Lambert sealed the points as the hosts finished the game with 10 men.

Darlington – nicknamed the Quakers – took the lead

after Jassem Sukar, on the left, aimed a diagonal ball for substitute Mark Beck, but instead it ran for Kaine Felix, who played the ball across the six-yard box for Hazel to side-foot home.

The ‘Sugar Boy’ then had a second disallowed for offside soon afterwards.

donca, expressed happiness with the success of the tournament and disclosed that teams have already been rewarded for their placements in the group stage, and that a fan and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) will win a motorcycle.

Managing Director of

MVP Sports, Ian Ramdeo, pledged further support and wants to see the tournament grow given its connection to grassroots football.

The male third place playoff will feature Stabroek Ballers and Gold is Money while the female will feature Police and GT Panthers.

In the male segment, the champion team will collect $500 000, while second to fourth will get $300 000, $200 000 and $100 000 respectively.

The top teams of each of the six groups will also be financially rewarded with $50 000, $30 000, $20 000

and $10 000 respectively.

The champion team of the female tournament will receive $200 000, runners-up $100 000, third-placers $50 000 and fourth $25 000.

The action starts at 20:30hrs.

Guyanese Ashmini Munisar to captain Windies Women at U19 World Cup

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel yesterday named the 15-member West Indies Women’s Under-19 Rising Stars squad for the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup in South Africa in January 2023.

The squad will again be led by Guyanese batting all-rounder Ashmini Munisar, who captained the team on their tours to the USA in August and last month in India.

Lead Selector Ann Browne-John said: “The Under-19 girls T20 World Cup will be a historic event being the first of its kind in women’s international cricket. In preparation for this, the team embarked on

tours of the USA and the recent Tri-Series in India against the hosts and New Zealand.

These series have identified some competent upand-coming batters like Djenaba Joseph, Shunelle Sawh and Trishan Holder who are showing potential to transition to a higher level. We also had excellent performances from the two main spinners, captain Ashmini Munisar and Shalini Samaroo.”

She added: “We’ve held training camps over the past few months and the preparation will culminate with a final camp to be held in Antigua this month. This international exposure

Tite vows Brazil will continue dancing despite criticism

Afena Baptiste of Tiger Bay (left) and Hasha Holder of Fruta Conquerors

Akel Clarke (left) of Bent Street and Nicholas McArthur of Future Stars

Guyanese batting all-rounder Ashmini Munisar will again lead the West Indies Women’s Under19 Rising Stars squad

St Kitts and Nevis international Jacob Hazel