AS the curtains came down on the Innovation Challenge 2024, Prime Minister (Ret’d) Brigadier Mark Phillips on Sunday said the participating youths had the opportunity to showcase their technological skills on a unique platform for local talent.
The event, which falls under the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM)’s Industry and Innovation Unit (IIU), was held over a three-day period at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on the lower East Coast Demerara.
While delivering the feature address at the closing ceremony, PM Phillips emphasised government’s commitment to inclusivity and the belief that everyone, regardless of age or background has a role in shaping our country’s technological future.
“And what we have done, in keeping with that mindset, we have over the last six months invested in the purchase of a thousand Starlink devices so we could connect to the low-Earth orbiting satellites out there in an effort
to have our citizens who live mainly in the hinterland, be connected to the Internet and therefore bridge the digital divide,” he stated.
Added to this, PM Phillips said they expect that at Innovation Challenge 2025, there will be more participants from the hinterland regions.
“So, perhaps we may have a runoff over a weekend before so we can get the best from all the hinterland regions to qualify and travel to Georgetown to compete
with you,” he said.
The Prime Minister pointed out that government stands firmly committed to fostering a culture of innovation, particularly among the youth.
“So it is through your ideas, your creativity, and willingness to challenge the status quo, that we will be able to transition successfully into a future characterised by sustainable development, technological advancement, and economic prosperity.
“Again, our government
is committed to supporting development of our youth and providing opportunities to thrive while ensuring that these opportunities bring about grounded development that touches all areas of Guyana,” he said.
Innovation Challenge 2024 was launched on Friday under the theme, “Transitioning Through Innovation”. It comprised 11 teams of which only three emerged as winners of the challenge.
This year’s challenge was centred on public trans-
portation services in Guyana and involved participants showcasing their skills in information and communication technology, creativity and problem-solving while also learning from industry experts who were there to guide and mentor them.
As the proud sponsor of this year’s challenge, the General Manager of SBM Offshore Guyana, Martin Cheong stated briefly, “At SBM Offshore Guyana, we remain unwavering in our support for the innovation challenge.
“Over the years, we’ve seen incredible potential from each young Guyanese who has taken part. Your coding skills and innovative thinking are not just impressive. They are essential for building a technology-driven workforce and helping Guyana reach its ambitious developmental goals.”
In encouraging the participants, he said that as Guyana continues to evolve rapidly, their ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial.
He urged them to keep refining their skills, to stay curious, and to embrace the challenges that lie ahead as their contributions are vital to the ongoing global technological revolution.
“We are excited to see how you will shape the future. Coming out of today’s feedback that I’ve received, we’ve made a few commitments to the OPM’s department that we will support the youngsters, especially those in their teens, in further developing pathways for their skills development.”
By Shamar Meusa
WHILE the Government of Guyana has made significant advancements in developing Indigenous communities across the country, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said that there is an even greater need to bridge the gaps that exist.
The Head of State made these remarks on Sunday evening at the Amerindian Heritage Month cultural extravaganza, which was held at the National Park to mark the beginning of Amerindian Heritage Month, which will be celebrated under the theme, ‘Many Voices, One Song, Celebrating Amerindian Heritage 2024’.
According to the President, the richness of the culture, and the important role played in upholding the traditions of the Amerindians and the safeguarding of the environment is what places Guyana as one of the most advanced countries in relation to the protection and celebration of Indigenous culture.
Guyana may now be in a position where knowledge can be shared and the country cited for best practices for creating an enabling environment that bridges the gaps.
However, President Ali iterated, “It is necessary for us to understand that when it comes to our indigenous brothers and sisters, there is indeed a greater gap that must be bridged, and that is why, per capita, we have to
invest more, so that gap can be bridged faster and faster.”
As such, he highlighted that the government has been doing just that, as from 2020 to now, almost $60 billion has been invested in Amerindian villages across the country, thereby strengthening their local economies.
These, he added, account for investments in their cultural heritage, education and healthcare among other crit-
ical things.
Giving specifics, the Head of State said major investments have been made in telemedicine in the indigenous communities, and has led to Guyana being one of the leading destinations in the region in this regard.
Just a week ago, he said, some 25 new sites were added to hinterland communities in various parts of the country.
Whether it be the legislation, the land that is protected for the Indigenous Peoples, budgetary allocations, and freedom of expression among other things, President Ali said that Guyana is doing an outstanding job in honouring to the greatest degree, the Indigenous Peoples of this nation.
“There is no other country that can point to the type of reforms and investment we have made in honouring our Indigenous Peoples and our Amerindians,” he said.
With this, he said that
- President Ali says - CSOs stipend raised to $40,000
In these communities, President Ali said residents no longer have to dream of secondary education, as the government continues to work aggressively to ensure 100 per cent access to secondary education, and with further investments in technology to also achieve 100 per cent access to university education.
Additionally, he noted that more than 20 per cent of all Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships go to indigenous youths.
“Make no mistake, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government will continue to make these critical investments for you,” President Ali expressed.
Further to this, he said that the government has been able to build and restore hope, create a resilient future, and, most importantly, see the integration of communities.
On the point of continuing to invest in the well-being of those in the indige-
nous communities, Dr. Ali said that the government, since entering office, has reinstated the Community Support Officers (CSOs).
As such, he announced that, with immediate effect, the stipend for these CSOs will be on par with the part-time workers employed by the government and increased to $40,000. Taking it a step further, senior counsellors who are community leaders and community development council leaders will now also earn $40,000.
“This will release tens of millions of dollars, again, additional money, into the community, but more importantly, it will let these leaders know that we value their service; that we recognise their service; that we acknowledge their service,” President Ali said.
The Head of state indicated that the government’s commitment is to continue to serve the people and the indigenous communities with honour and respect.
By Naomi Parris
WITH the expanding opportunities in agri-business, youths in Guyana are being urged to form consortiums among themselves to tap into potential investments in the local poultry sector.
“I believe that wealth creation from a cross section of the community, from a pooling together of young people is an important part of the ‘One Guyana’ concept,” Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali said on Sunday while engaging a sizeable group of young people at a breakfast meeting at the Pyramid Restaurant and Pub, La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara, Region Three.
President Ali outlined plans to roll out a ‘high-tech poultry programme’ that has the potential to generate millions of dollars.
“In this region, the Ministry of Agriculture will identify five acres of land in which we will do high-tech agriculture production, food production. One of it will be poultry but not poultry the traditional way,” he said.
However, he noted that the initiative will require
bold and innovative persons to collaborate.
The plan is to have 10 or 20 young people contribute $500, 000 each and take the total sum to the bank and get $40 million to establish a $50 million poultry production facility which will have the capacity to produce 40 to 45,000 chickens at a time.
Such a consortium he pointed out would be able to further satisfy the poultry demand and generate wealth for those involved. “…Just imagine in eight weeks, you transform your whole outlook in life.”
He noted that persons can move from a maximum capital of $500,000 to being part of a $100 million business venture and investment. However, President Ali stressed the power of a collective approach to creating wealth.
“It [collaboration] helps to integrate, to network and importantly to grow a level of responsibility, trust, collaboration and support for each other that cuts across communities. That cut across social, cultural, religious, ethnic differences and that allows us to grow together,” he underscored.
–– President Ali tells Region Three youths, urges collaboration to unlock agri-business potential
The government, President Ali noted will continue engagements with youths across the country to bridge communities, promote wealth creation and implement meaningful policies that will support a sustainable living.
“I am planning to target young people across all cross sections, whether its athletes, bring them together, young people in the banking sector, bring them together, young people in the insurance sector, bring them together, young people from the fields, bring them together.”
In Region Three, a committee of government officials and several prominent community members will be formed to support even more initiatives among the youths.
“This journey that we are going to talk about today is a very significant journey. A necessary journey and that is why I took time to be here myself,” the President said.
Meanwhile, the Guy -
ana Livestock Development Authority’s (GLDA’s) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dwight Waldron urged the gathering to shift their mindsets and to look at agriculture.
Waldron in his calculations pointed out that if the programme was able to execute ten batches per year over a ten-week period, gross
earnings would be to the tune of $468 million.
“That is what we are looking at so when we speak about generating wealth. These are the kind of figures we are looking at and we want you guys to get involved.
Also present at the breakfast meeting were Agriculture Minister Zulfikar
Mustapha; Chief Executive Officer of Demerara Bank, Dowlat Parbhu; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar; Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal and Attorney-at-Law and Legal Counsel at the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) Thandi McAllister.
By Naomi Parris
CATAPULTING businesses to a new level, the upcoming International Business Conference (IBC) promises to be the ideal platform to pair up local businesses and investors.
This is according to the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA), Executive Director Nizam Hassan, who, in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle shared that the GMSA is collaborating with the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) to host an International Business Conference focused on investment opportunities and manufacturing in Guyana.
“The conference aims to address challenges and promote collaboration, particularly in energy-efficient manufacturing to position Guyana as a Caribbean manufacturing hub. It will also provide information on setting up businesses, networking opportunities, and supply sourcing within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM),” Hassan said.
He pointed out that the conference’s agenda has been strategically crafted to ensure that businesses, especially those within the manufacturing sector in the region can access investment opportunities both locally and internationally.
Business owners and investors alike will have access to key information all in one space.
“It’s sort of like to shorten the learning curve in a new marketplace,” Hassan said.
He further urged local manufac-
turers to participate in the upcoming conference, pointing out the opportunity to share with international partners the expansive prospects that exist for investments.
“We’re pushing to position Guyana as the manufacturing destination for the Caribbean, especially with energy costs projected to be lower than what they currently are. And energy being one of the major contributors in any manufacturing process, in terms of the cost structure, the cost of energy plays an important part in any business taking the decision to go into manufacturing in Guyana,” he said, adding: “Guyana is just moving. There are always business opportunities daily that are mushrooming, and those that have
gone past mushroom and growing into plants and are growing bigger into trees.”
The conference, he reiterated, will provide information on all that is required, from initially setting up a business in Guyana, whether it is an enterprise or limited liability company, who are the agencies, or what are the agencies that need to be contacted.
He stressed that there will be stakeholders and speakers at the conference who will guide, listen and respond to queries.
“Sometimes there’s going to be challenges that as a business progress they will experience, but those challenges will be discussed and solutions will be preferred…for policy makers, for businesses, for business support organisations to support government agencies to implement, to reduce those challenges, if not eliminate them. So, it is the conference in which delegates will have that information all at once, well over three days.”
IBC is slated to be held at the Marriott Hotel from October 15 to 17.
It has been said that the IBC will focus on streamlining the ease of doing business and facilitating investments between international businesses and Guyana and Suriname in key sectors including, energy, infrastructure, finance, logistics, agriculture, and business support services.
The IBC is expecting over 100 speakers, and more than 500 delegates, with in excess of 15 conference sessions.
THE Ministry of Housing and Water’s Central Housing and Planning Authority on Sunday refuted the claims made by a letter writer in the Stabroek Newspaper on August 24, 2024.
The letter, penned by David Persaud, alleges that the government has a multimillion-dollar contract for the construction of pre-fabricated homes at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, and also mentions a contractual arrangement with Modular Homes for 200 low-income homes.
“We want to clarify that the only contractual arrangement between the company and our Ministry is for the construction of twenty-five (25) units. There is no other binding or legal agreement with this company for the construction of homes in any other housing development falling under our purview.
“It is disappointing that Stabroek News, a publication known for strong journalism ethics, published this letter without seeking clarification from our agency or allowing us to present the facts on the issue.
“Despite this, the ministry remains committed to delivering on its mandate to provide the best quality and affordable housing options to Guyanese,” the ministry said in a press release.
GUYANA’S recent economic performance as outlined in the 2024 Mid-Year Report, stands as a testament to the country’s remarkable resilience and strategic foresight.
Despite a complex global landscape marred by the polycrisis of public health, climate change, and economic instability, Guyana’s economy has demonstrated unprecedented growth, with real GDP surging by an estimated 49.7 per cent in the first half of 2024. This impressive figure, alongside a non-oil economy growth of 12.6 per cent, underscores the nation’s ability to thrive under pressure and capitalise on its burgeoning oil sector.
The robust growth trajectory, particularly in the extractive industries, is reflective of both the strategic investments made by the government and the substantial revenue influx from the petroleum sector. The oil industry’s growth of 67.1 per cent highlights Guyana’s escalating role as a significant player in the global energy market. This
positions the country as a model of how resource wealth, when managed prudently, can drive comprehensive economic expansion.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge the duality of this growth. While the oil boom is undeniably advantageous, it also underscores a critical challenge: the need for sustainable and inclusive development. The impressive figures in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and construction signal a broader economic diversification. Yet, the economy remains heavily reliant on oil revenues, which introduces volatility and exposes Guyana to global market fluctuations and geopolitical tensions.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh’s emphasis on the PPP/C government’s achievements since its return to office in August 2020, is valid.
The government has indeed made strides in modernising infrastructure and enhancing social services. Initiatives such as extensive
infrastructural development, improved social services, and efforts to boost local industries are commendable. These efforts align with the government’s vision of not only fostering economic growth, but also enhancing the quality of life for every Guyanese.
Nonetheless, the sustained growth raises important questions about long-term sustainability. The challenge lies in leveraging the current economic boom to build a more diversified and resilient economy.
The government’s focus on improving public services, such as healthcare, education, and housing, is a step in the right direction. Ensuring that economic benefits translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives is crucial for sustaining public support and fostering social cohesion.
The continued investment in infrastructure and social programmes is vital for longterm prosperity, but it must be coupled with robust measures to tackle income inequality and ensure that the benefits of growth are equitably distributed.
As Guyana navigates the second half of 2024, the government must balance its impressive economic gains with strategic planning for future stability. This includes strengthening economic diversification efforts, enhancing the resilience of the nonoil sectors and ensuring that public policies are adaptive to global economic shifts and internal challenges.
Guyana’s economic performance amidst global uncertainties is a commendable achievement. The focus on infrastructure, social services, and strategic investments demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive growth.
However, to secure long-term prosperity, the nation must continue to diversify its economy, address income disparities and build resilience against external shocks. The path forward involves not just celebrating current successes, but also laying a solid foundation for sustainable and inclusive development in the years to come.
By Faith Greene
AMIDST the hustle and bustle ahead of the commencement of the new academic year, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), in collaboration with ExxonMobil Guyana, hosted Uncapped Marketplace and Food Festival on August 31 and September 1, 2024 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
Uncapped Marketplace focuses on the outputs of Guyana’s agro-processing industry, with more than 100 agro-processors displaying their wide array of products at their booths.
The two-day event was perfect for a family outing, allowing attendees to celebrate local talent, incredible products, and delicious food.
The Guyana Chronicle was able to speak with a few of the exhibitors, who gladly shared their experience over the two-day activity.
Known widely for his coffee wines, entrepreneur John Luke from Luke’s Manufacturing, stated: “We recommend more and more ‘Uncapped’, because it’s about promoting and letting customers have a little more
reasonable products, and natural products. So, recommend ‘Uncapped’ more.”
He mentioned that in addition to his popular coffee wines, Luke’s produces more than 21 items, made solely out of cassava. He said that when shopping from Luke’s, persons can purchase cassareep cubes and cassava seasonings for the various types of meats.
Products made by Luke’s Manufacturing can be purchased at the Guyana Shop in Georgetown, and for persons in Essequibo, they can be found on the shelves of Safeway Supermarket, and Gaulin Supermarket just to name a few.
Meanwhile, Mitford Ward, the owner of Wardy’s Agro-processing Establishment, said that Wardy’s has a number of interesting products, all of which are gluten free and mostly locally grown.
He further said that Wardy’s produces a variety of flours made from all ground-provisions, in addition to corn and moringa powder.
Loaded with several health benefits, Ward mentioned that the moringa powder is one of his best-selling
Some of the products displayed by Wardy’s Agro-Processing Establishment
products. “It’s one of the best things lowering your blood sugar if you’re diabetic. You can rely on moringa and you could forget about the Metformin and all the other drugs the doctor would give you, and you just use moringa powder; it controls your blood sugar,” he said.
Additionally, it was said that the product is very nutritious and recommended for the entire family. It supports memory, and contains more than 90 of over 100 minerals that are beneficial to the body.
His products are available for at the Guyana Shop, and at the Cacique Minimart in Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown.
Although he anticipated a bigger crowd, Ward expressed, “I’ve been attending Uncapped for several years now, and I can recall the very first Uncapped. I was here [and] the attendance was really wonderful. It was really encouraging to come.”
A fellow agro-processor, Sharmonica Garraway, the owner of Cocolight also spoke.
Located at Lot 25 BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara, Cocolight produces virgin coconut oil, honey, crab oil, cassava cassareep,
By Shamar Meusa
WITH Guyana’s tourism sector rapidly transforming, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond has said that there are significant opportunities for joint initiatives with sister Caribbean countries.
Minister Walrond made this remark recently while addressing a visiting delegation from Grenada, and noted that a partnership between the two countries has the potential to not only boost tourism numbers, but also form stronger ties between Guyana and Grenada.
She said: “I am of the firm view that collaboration with the Caribbean community is essential to our regional integration efforts, and we must strive for there to be tangible
results emanating from our conversations and interactions to contribute to these efforts.”
Walrond told the gathering that Guyana has already launched initiatives with Barbados and St. Lucia, and the exploration of deepening relationships with Grenada is a natural extension of the government’s inclination to deepen economic cooperation with its Caribbean family.
One of the critical outcomes of the collaboration and talks with the trade delegation is the launch of a weekly direct flight between Guyana and Grenada, which she noted represents a strategic step towards enhancing economic and social ties, thus making it easier for travellers and businesses to connect.
“This route will open
doors for new business ventures, cultural exchanges and critically, the enhancement of our tourism sectors,” the tourism minister expressed.
Recognising the growing trend of Caribbean na-
From page 6
tionals exploring regional destinations, she further iterated the importance of establishing this direct link, which creates opportunities for the people of the Caribbean to ex -
perience diverse cultures, landscapes and histories.
Against this backdrop, Walrond said that through the Guyana Tourism Authority, the government is eager to engage in collaborative marketing initiatives aimed at increasing visitor arrivals to both destinations.
She added that by joining forces, both countries can leverage their strengths and resources to create compelling campaigns.
“This partnership has the potential to not only boost tourism numbers but also form stronger ties between our countries. This mission also opens doors for joint initiatives that will enhance the tourism offerings for both nations by developing multi-destination packages that highlight the best of Guyana and the best of Grenada,” the Minister said.
To this end, she said that these packages will
cater to a growing demand for authentic, sustainable tourism experiences drawing visitors who are eager to explore the untouched beauty of Guyana alongside the pristine beaches of Grenada.
Further, she added that Guyana’s tourism sector is rapidly transforming and there are significant investment opportunities that exist.
She said: “Guyana is ready for new investments, as well as joint ventures with our local knowledgeable partners.”
Additionally, Walrond pledged the government’s commitment to supporting joint efforts and added that the approach to attracting investment opportunities and tourism development is a comprehensive one which focuses on enhancing infrastructure, expanding product offerings and improving accessibility.
products.
Garraway expressed, “Of course, this has been a very good experience for me to come and display these products at Uncapped, and I would like to thank the presenters for holding this event and it has been a wonderful experience for us here at Cocolight,”
She said that in addition to their location in Eccles, persons can make purchases at their location at Stabroek and Bourda Markets in Georgetown.
With her rich blends of natural herbs and spices, Treeva Mounter, owner of Treev’s Natural Blends, produces rich diverse seasoning products. This includes fish seasoning, green seasoning, garlic sauces, bamboo fire pepper sauce and their grill meat rub. Treev’s is located at Tuschen on the East Bank Essequibo.
Mounter said: “We pro-
Cocolight’s wide variety of oils and honey
duce all of our products with natural ingredients, all locally produced. Our products can be used for every day cooking, especially our grill meat rub. It’s used for pot roasting, baking or even air frying; and we have our garlic sauces that can be used in curries,”
She remarked that this is her first year at Uncapped and it was a great
experience.
According to Mounter, the support received from both vendors and customers was very good.
Treev’s Natural Blends can be found on the shelves of Survival Supermarket on Sheriff Street, Coss Cutters Supermarket and FreshCo Supermarket on the East Bank of Demerara, among other locations.
THIS is Part 3 and the conclusion of my reply to Dr. Bertrand Ramcharran, who titled his Stabroek column last Tuesday as “Wither Guyana: Autocracy or Democracy”. This headline catches your eyes, and your curiosity becomes heightened because you want to see the enumeration of the autocratic contents of the Ali presidency.
But there is an anti-climax. The screaming headline not only disappoints but descends into mediocrity and comicality. To prove the anti-climax, we have to quote Ramcharran. Here are the expressions of autocracy in Guyana.
“In Guyana, we have recently seen official inquisitions into the tax status of NGOs, calls for new laws to ‘regulate’ NGOs, and public campaigns of vilification against particular NGOs and their leaders.
There are shades of autocracy here, without a doubt. And Guyana has also seen ‘highest level’ admonitions of judges carrying out their duties in good faith. There are also other shades of autocracy: Parliamentary scrutiny of governmental activity is minimal, if existent. Governmental consultation with the opposition is hardly existent. Oil money
has made the government lush with funds for information campaigns.”
Are these autocratic pathways? It would take several columns to describe how these so-called autocratic directions exist in all, not most, but all of the developed democracies in the West and the post-colonial democracies in the Third World. In the US, the Biden administration has been harsh in its disapproval of many recent Supreme Court decisions. President Biden has now tabled legislative proposals to reform the Supreme Court.
I have dealt in Part 2 with the mediocre argument of Ramcharran that
the government’s criticism of NGOs constituted autocratic directions. In fact, it is infantile reasoning to chastise a government for confronting its critics. Why should governments not be no-nonsense with propagandistic critics? When one refers to a government heading into autocratic corridors, you are talking about victimisation, assault, persecution and prosecution of the opposition parties, legal and physical attacks on the media, the trade unions, the judiciary, civil society organisations, but most of all the eradication of the right to protest and demonstrate.
In Guyana, in all of the spheres listed above, Guyana can be positively compared to the countries of the world. We have in Guyana certain civil society organisations that literally hate the government, and relentlessly attack the PPP leadership. There was a recent teachers’ strike that took place for 75 days.
Unlike the thousands that have been arrested and brutalised for demonstrating against genocide in Gaza in many of the Western democracies, in Guyana, State security and the police, as a matter of policy, do not break up opposition demonstrations and arrest protestors.
In Guyana, the pri -
vate media practises the journalism of anti-governmentalism that takes on shades of opposition parties. Inside this journalistic jungle is a shocking revelation that makes a mockery of the thesis of Ramcharran. Here now is a disclosure which Dr. Ramcharran should be told about. Do you know the financial state of Stabroek News (SN) is so precarious that without State advertisements, the paper will be in serious trouble?
Unlike the Kaieteur News, Guyana Times and the Chronicle, SN is not available Online for free. The paper relies on diaspora subscription plus State placements to make ends meet. Three reasons explain this. The rise of social media has generated redoubtable competition for newspapers. Secondly, the advertising dollar has unlimited numbers asking for it. The billboards, the Online newscasts, television stations and social media are now competing with newspapers for that dollar. Thirdly, printed circulation has gone down terribly.
Against this dire situation, SN stays alive because of State advertisement. Now please do not take my word for it.
After I give you the cost for advertising space, take a calculator, and see the
money SN gets from the government that it hates and heaps political, racial and cultural insults on almost on a daily basis.
Here is the cost. Fullpage colour for Sunday is $172, 368. Full-page black-and-white for Sunday is $114, 912. Fullpage colour for weekdays is $114, 912 and full-page, black-and-white for weekdays is $76, 608. Naturally, half-page will be half the price. Now pick up any Sunday SN, and you will see the staggering amount of State placements. It is simply staggering the amount of money SN makes monthly from State patronage. Take that colossal sum away and SN will fall.
Finally, Guyana is autocratic according to the wisdom of Bertrand Ramcharran, because there is hardly any dialogue by the government with the opposition, and oil money gives the ruling party the capacity to mount information campaigns. I hope Guyanese wherever they are can see how silly some of the people are that criticise the Ali presidency
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
WEDNESDAY last,
I hitched a ride with Freddie from Queenstown to Lodge. On the trip, we had a bitter falling out over Guyanese politics. The main theme, whether AFC, in its current configuration, could catalyse positive changes in our political culture of today and some of the missed opportunities while in government.
I came under vociferous, boisterous attack from Freddie. I swear I saw smoke of lividity emanating from his auditory and respiratory orifices. His essential accusation; apart from the occasional “gyaff,” I never presented concrete proposals or ideas to the leadership to help shape positive outcomes or directions for the AFC while in government.
Freddie couldn’t be more wrong. I, more than any other person in the AFC, was forthright and concrete with my contributions to the leadership. I used several approaches; I entreated, recommended, demanded and outrightly confronted principals in the AFC -- jointly and severally.
From the inside, to them, I was like peptic ulcers, a source of constant discomfort in the belly. Perhaps that is why my ideas were patronisingly Pepto-Bismoled.
Without attempting to be facetious, I verily believe that if the AFC leadership had implemented even half of a modified watered-down version of my recommendations, they would not have lost national currency so fast and the seat of government in tow.
I digressed, so let me get back on track. During his verbal invectives, I
asked him to calm down. I said, just this once, I will show you one email from 2017 (one of many I had penned over an extended period) with concrete proposals for steering the AFC in the right direction.
Freddie asked for permission to write about it, he believes it has political and historical value surrounding Guyana’s experiment with coalition politics. I gave my consent and excerpts were carried in his column this past Saturday. However, I had not expected him to write about the verbatim response of Ramjattan and Trotman. I think their response, their feelings, thoughts and experiences are theirs to share with the public in a manner they see fit.
We spoke after I read his article. I outlined that the circumstances under which I revealed that email was merely to demonstrate that I was not a talking, complaining bystander too afraid to make an input. I remonstrated that that should’ve been his only angle.
Freddie vehemently disagreed with this POV. He believes that the response and attitude of the leadership towards attempts to channel a change of political course is important in understanding the process leading to the AFC’s fall from grace. He believes that there is where the real value for political analysis lies. Aside, here are two observations from Freddie’s article: first, the responses are already out there and I will have no choice but to stand by them. Second, if my wife did not know I visited a location in Princess Street or if that location was associated with
clandestine lascivious satiation, then the cat is now out the bag. Look how Freddie “woulda skin me up.”
There were three main things about the AFC that troubled my soul: I kept banging at the leadership about it relentlessly over the entire time in government. One, the party contained the following persons: political fighter Moses Nagamootoo who gallantly fought against Burnham alongside Dr Cheddi Jagan; Khemraj Ramjattan who often boasts about how he challenged the PPP leadership on corruption and its Stalinists instincts; Raphael Trotman, who frontally challenged Robert Corbin; David Patterson, the “bright” young political maverick and Cathy Hughes, the outspoken media mogul; some have referred to them as the Fantastic Five, inexplicably paid scant attention to the provision of the Cummingsburg Accord which required frequent party-to-party dialogue as a way of ironing out political kinks and formulating political strategies which absolutely could not properly be discussed under a Cabinet-type working environment.
From the first day, they abandoned the promise they made to the people via the Accord. There was not an ounce of dissent, resistance or grumbling when David Granger deliberately and systematically shredded the Accord. In many ways they were complicit; they resisted every effort from within to stage a reform.
Two, the way they abandoned many activists and showed absolutely no concern for their personal develop -
ment, general welfare or future political prospects, continue to be haunting.
Three, the party boardroom had no input or control over any decision taken by its ministers in government. There was no centrally directed plan or policy originating with the AFC. There was no poli-
cy document guiding the management of any of the portfolios, except for their constitutional responsibilities to Cabinet; individual AFC ministers did as they pleased, in their own wisdom. The AFC has not shown a scintilla of evidence that it is contrite regarding its broken promises. The current efforts to cast the
AFC as new management, under old faces, is hardly inspiring.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
TWO international athletes have recently been subjected to harsh criticism over social media, through no fault of their own.
US gymnast Jordan Chiles and Italian tennis player, Jannik Sinner, currently ranked number one in the world, have been the centre of con-
troversy as a result of decisions made by officials in their respective sport.
Chiles received widespread publicity after she was asked to return the bronze medal she won at the Paris Olympics last month.
Originally awarded fifth place, she was upgraded to the third spot
following an appeal by her coach, Cecil Landi, who contended that the judges had not taken into account the level of difficulty of her routine.
The ecstatic athlete celebrated her bronze medal win, along with teammate, Simone Biles, who took the silver and Brazilian Rebecca An -
drade, who won gold.
In an inspiring moment at the podium, the two American gymnasts bowed to the Brazilian gold medallist, showing their respect for her winning performance in the artistic gymnastics women's floor exercise.
This act was heralded as the photo of the Paris Olympics. Now it may well symbolise all that can go wrong at the world's most prestigious sporting event. For just days after this picture was taken, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the judging panel erred in granting the American appeal.
The ruling was based on a challenge from the Romanian Gymnastics Federation stating that the appeal was made after the one-minute deadline.
Video evidence submitted by USA Gymnastics, showing that the verbal inquiry was made 47 seconds after the posting of Chiles' score, was evidently lodged too late and hence the CAS refused to change its ruling.
Subsequently, Anna Barbosu, the Romanian gymnast who originally placed third, was awarded the bronze medal by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The IOC's decision to strip Chiles of the medal caused a furore throughout the US and the athletics world, with fans and others ' weighing in' on social media.
The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee has announced its intention to file an appeal, stating that there were " critical errors in both the initial scoring...and the subsequent CAS appeal process."
Meanwhile, Jordan Chiles, who is blameless
in all of this, has been the subject of racially driven attacks and scathing criticism by judgmental social media pundits.
The 'heartbroken' athlete spoke of her hurt at these unwarranted attacks and at the decision, which she said was, "... unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey."
She also announced that this would mark a turning point in her career and that she had "no words" to fully express what she was feeling.
Tennis star Jannik Sinner, has also been at the centre of a media 'storm,' when information was released last month, that he had tested positive twice for anabolic steroids in his system.
Sinner was initially charged with two anti-doping rule violations by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) and provisionally suspended.
After much back and forth and further investigation by an independent tribunal, the tennis player's explanation of how the substance got into his system was accepted.
He submitted that the steroid, contained in a cream used for a cut on the finger of his physiotherapist, was transmitted to his skin during a massage.
Sinner claimed to be unaware of the steroid in the cream, following an assurance by the physio, who wore no gloves, that it was untainted.
Further, the amount was found to be so small that it could in no way enhance his performance on court.
However, instead of receiving a two-year ban, as is normally the case with such violations, the world number one was stripped of points and prize money earned at the meet where he was tested.
Many tennis players and critics on social media felt that Sinner was given favoured treatment, while others had been banned in similar circumstances.
But neither Jannik Sinner nor Jordan Chiles should bear responsibility for the decisions made in their respective cases. Yet they have had to bear the brunt of criticism and vilification by those displeased with the judgements.
The toll on the mental health of both of these athletes must be considerable and is a matter of grave concern at this time, when the mental well-being of all in society is finally receiving the attention it merits.
Both the International Tennis Federation and the IOC need to streamline and establish clear protocols to prevent this kind of shameful mix-up from occurring in the future.
It yet remains to be seen just how all of this negative attention will affect these two athletes, who have worked so hard and so tirelessly to be successful in their chosen sports
4.4
CUSTOMS Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) officers, in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Special Forces Unit, carried out an operation in the Region One area on Saturday which led to the discovery of an illegal airstrip.
According to a CANU press release, a subsequent search of the surrounding area resulted in the unearthing of 4.4 tons of suspected cocaine, which has a current street value of €176,000,000.
“This operation was driven by intelligence regarding illegal flights into Guyana, and was supported by information shared with the
United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and other international partners,” the release said.
It added that this seizure highlights CANU and the government's unwavering commitment to combatting the narcotics trade in Guyana, and collaborating with international partners.
“The Government of Guyana is making significant strides to equip the Joint Services with the necessary tools to combat drug trafficking and other illicit activities within the country. Recent investments in the GDF Coast Guard, Air Corps, and the Guyana Police Force to
enhance monitoring of border regions underscore this dedication.
“This seizure also demonstrates the confidence that the Guyanese Government, international agencies, and Joint Services have in CANU's ability to fulfill its mandate,” the release added.
It was emphasised that CANU has been leading Guyana's anti-narcotics efforts, resulting in previous seizures of aircraft, and semi-submersibles, and the arrests of high-profile drug traffickers.
As investigations continue, samples were taken, and the remainder of the narcotics was destroyed.
THE government continues to prioritise flood prevention and mitigation, expending a significant sum of $14.8 billion during the first half of 2024 to enhance drainage and irrigation (D&I) infrastructure.
To bolster flood resilience, 15 new D&I structures are slated for construction this year.
Eight of these structures have already been completed, located in Coffee Grove and Walton Hall (Region Two), Greenwich Park and Sarah, Wakenaam (Region Three), Bellamy (Region Five), and Adventure and Yakusari, Black Bush Polder (Region Six).
In addition, 56 existing D&I structures have been maintained, making sub-
stantial progress towards the year’s target of 108.
The government has also undertaken extensive rehabilitation efforts, including canal dredging and embankment raising.
These projects have been completed in Big Baiboo, Coverden, and New Providence, while ongoing work is underway in East Bank Ber-
bice, Mahaicony Creek, Onverwagt, Perth, Wash Clothes, and West Watooka.
In the second half of 2024, rehabilitation efforts will extend to Brickery (East Bank Demerara), Bushy Park (Mahaicony), and Plaisance (East Coast Demerara).
Furthermore, pump stations in Belle Vue, Ca-
nal Number One, Charity, Cottage, Cozier, Jimbo Grove, Letter Kenny, and Meten-Meer-Zorg are currently undergoing rehabilitation.
These comprehensive measures demonstrate the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding communities from the devastating impacts of flooding.
The long-term plan to increase flood management capacity also includes the construction of Hope-like canals in Regions Three, Five, and Six.
The Hope Canal along the East Coast Demerara, is a multi-part channel with an eight-door sluice that drains excess water from the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) into the Atlantic Ocean to prevent flooding.
The design for the construction of these struc -
tures in Region Five have progressed in the first half of the year, and works have already commenced on similar structures in Regions Six.
The World Bank also recently approved a US$45 million project aimed at improving drainage infrastructure in Guyana and empowering approximately 320,000 people.
The project will focus on upgrading over 45 drainage structures, primarily sluices.
These upgrades will be designed to accommodate future land use changes, population growth, and the impacts of climate change, ensuring improved drainage efficiency, flood protection, and irrigation capabilities.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the project will also enhance the management and operation of the coun-
try’s drainage system.
A significant component of this involves upgrading the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority’s asset management system.
Aside from this, the government is procuring 40 new mobile pumps, which will be strategically deployed nationwide to swiftly address flooding in various regions.
With a combined pumping capacity of 2840 cubic feet per second, these mobile pumps will bolster the country’s flood response capabilities.
In this year’s budget, $72.3 billion has been allocated for the maintenance and advancement of drainage and irrigation expansion.
In total, the government plans to invest $115 billion during its tenure to enhance the nation’s drainage and irrigation infrastructure. (DPI)
By Indrawattie Natram
BETHANY, an Amerindian village located in Region Two, has used funds received under the Low Carbon Develop -
created an increased need for reliable transportation. With the allocation of LCDS funds, Latchman sought to make a significant and sustainable investment, resulting in the
Abrams Zuil Secondary.
The boat is equipped with glass panels, ensuring comfort for the children during their commute.
During a recent village meeting, the residents
ment Strategy (LCDS) to purchase an aluminum boat, which will provide essential transportation services for residents and visitors.
Village Toshao Sonia Latchman highlighted that the village's growing status as a tourist destination has
purchase of a $3.2 million aluminum boat which has been named ‘Bethany Jewels.’
This new vessel will be used daily to transport 36 students to schools including Good Hope Primary, Anna Regina Secondary, Aurora Secondary, and
unanimously decided that a new boat was essential. It was based on this feedback that a boat was bought.
Latchman noted that while the village already has five boats, they are made of metal and wood, and she wanted to invest in a more durable, long-term
solution.
“Bethany is developing and many tourists want to visit, so the boat will boost our transportation and will assist the children in getting to school,” Latchman told this publication.
The village also plans to generate revenue by using the boat to transport visitors, further contributing to the community's economy.
Latchman expressed appreciation for the increased LCDS allocation to Amerindian communities, which has been raised to 26.5 per cent. It was previously 15 per cent.
At this year's National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) conference, President, Dr Irfaan Ali announced the increase which will take effect this year and will benefit all Amerindian villages.
This increase, amounting to approximately $4.84 billion, will support development projects in 242 indigenous communities across Guyana. The 26.5 per cent allocation from carbon-credit sales is directly benefiting Amerindian and forest-based communities, significantly improving their social, economic, and environmental well-being.
For 2024, Bethany Village has benefited from an additional $24 million. A portion of this money will be used to build another boat specifically for primary school children, as well as to construct a multipurpose building and a sanitary block.
THE Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) proudly marked its first anniversary on August 31, celebrating a year of fostering cross-border collaboration and business growth.
This, according to a press release which also highlighted that since its virtual launch on August 31, 2023, the chamber has become a key player in regional economic development.
The launch event was endorsed by Suriname’s Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Co-operation Minister, Albert Ramdin; Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Mr Robert Persaud; and Guyana’s Ambassador to Suriname, Ambassador Depoo.
Initiated by Chair Dr Vishnu Doerga and Ambassador Liselle Blankendal, SGCC’s Startup Committee brought together leading businesses from both nations, the release from the organisation said, while adding that representing Guyana were Floor It Guyana, M. Sookhai & Co, Guyana Port Inc., and the Glasgow Law Firm. Meanwhile, Suriname was represented by Creative Tech Hub Caribbean, Optiek Ninon, the Fernandes Group, and Elgawa Suriname.
“This strong foundation laid the groundwork for what would become a thriving platform for business collaboration and advocacy.
“Over the past year, SGCC has significantly expanded its visibility and influence across key sectors by participating in a range of prestigious conferences and trade missions.
“Highlights include the Guyana Energy Conference, the Building Conference in Suriname, the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, and the Suriname Energy Oil and Gas Summit, where SGCC led the largest-ever
delegation of Guyanese companies to Suriname, with over 60 companies represented.
“Most recently, SGCC participated in the International Building Expo, further solidifying its role as a vital connector in regional business development,” the release said.
As it continues to highlight its achievements over the past year, the SGCC said it has grown to over 100 approved members and has formed strong alliances with numerous business-support organisations.
The release said that the organisation’s advocacy efforts have been impactful, with a focus on improving the ferry service and pushing for an online booking system, advancing the double-taxation agreement between Guyana and Suriname, and promoting local-content policies that benefit regional businesses in Suriname.
It added that the SGCC is excited to host its first International Business Conference on October 15 - 17 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.
“This flagship event will be focusing on manufacturing, agro-processing, and other key sectors. This conference will bring together over 200 companies from Suriname and Guyana, and an expected 300 plus international companies alongside delegations from Curacao, Brazil, the Caribbean, and beyond, creating unparalleled B2B opportunities.
“We invite businesses to participate in this landmark event, where global leaders in various industries will gather to forge new partnerships and drive business development across the Region. Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of regional economic growth,” the release said.
According to the organisation, Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana
Liselle Blankendal indicated that celebrating the first anniversary of the SGCC is a testament to the incredible strides made in fostering
economic collaboration between the two nations.
Additionally, over the past year, the SGCC has facilitated meaningful connections, championed
shared business interests and provided a platform for dialogue and growth.
The SGCC indicated that together, a vibrant network of co-operation and opportunity that strengthens both the business communities and regional ties can be built.
SENIOR Minister with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, on Friday said that businessmen continue to invest significantly in the Region Two economy.
Minister Singh made this comment on the opening night of the Annual Agro and Trade Fair organised by the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) at the Anna Regina Secondary School ground, while highlighting the region's growing appeal to investors.
He revealed that over $1.5 billion in private capital has been injected into the region’s economy.
The PPP/C government has introduced several incentives to support businesses and the private sector. In addition to the recently opened hotel by Ganesh Jaigobin, three more hotels which will
meet international standards are currently under construction in the region.
Once completed, these hotels will offer over 200 rooms to Region Two visitors.
He said that the construction of the new hotels and the influx of private capital are strong indicators of economic growth.
This growth he said has created jobs, increased demand for local goods and services, and has generally stimulated economic activity in Region Two.
The expansion of hotel accommodations is attracting more visitors to the region, thereby benefitting local businesses and the broader economy.
Minister Singh said more rooms mean more capacity to host tourists, which will lead to an increase in spending through dining, shopping, tours, and other services.
Additionally, he said
that the expansion of the hotel industry is a government-private sector collaboration and that the government will continue to provide incentives and have a collaborative approach to stimulate economic development by creating a favourable environment for investment.
Further, the minister noted that the region's ferry service offers convenience for business transactions and helps to boost tourism.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva said there is a current demand for accommodation in the region, noting the existence of numerous beautiful tourist-attraction sites including the Lake Mainstay Resort and at Capoey, Bethany, Mashabo, Tapakuma and along the Pomeroon River.
By Sean Devers
ON Saturday at the LBI ground on the East Coast of Demerara, the Essequibo U-13 team beat Berbice in the final of the GCB inter-county 40-over tournament to successfully defend the title they had won last year.
Chronicle Sport caught up with the team’s coach, 39-yearold Parmeshwar Persaud, who provided his thoughts on the success of his team and what’s happening with cricket in Guyana’s largest county.
“One of the main reasons we have been doing so well is the academy that the Essequibo Cricket Board introduced.
“There are paid coaches, who every month produce a plan and a report on it for the previous month. Also, most of the academies have under 13, under 15 and under 17 cricketers,” explained Persaud. However, the coach feels
more can be done to sustain the development of the players.
“As it relates to school cricket, nothing wasn't [sic] being done for the longest [format], while except the Republic Bank Five for Fun and the ExxonMobil primary school tapeball tournament, which some of the under 13 players were part of. Both under 17 and under 13 teams were selected two days before the Inter County tournament and no encampment was done.
“The under 17s had only two days of indoor training before the team was selected, while the under 13s had a two-day development session and two trial matches. This is nowhere close to preparation for a tournament like this. We need about two to three weeks to prepare,” lamented Persaud, who completed his level 11 last year at the Guyana National Stadium.
Persaud, who hails from Affiance in Region Two, stressed that the biggest challenge is the
high cost of transportation.
There were some thoughts about procuring two boats and a large bus as Guyana’s largest county is divided by rivers.
There were suggestions to approach the honourable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, for the government’s support in moving teams around the county.
“I'm not a member of the board, but I think that would help. As a coach, I'm not part of the academy programme. The Essequibo Board runs that, I only coach at club and school levels and don't really have any challenge at these levels,” explained Coach Persaud.
As it relates to grounds, Persaud, the PE Teacher at the Charity Secondary School, said most are playable, adding, “As a coach, if we are going to talk about development I feel at the youth level, these players should be playing more white clothes cricket using red balls. They
should be playing two, three or even four-day cricket with a 50 overs one-day tournament. He feels more competitions or programmes should be organised for the youths,” continued the PE Lecturer at the Cyril Potter College of Education.
According to the championship-winning coach, the pitch and outfield are completed at the Anna Regina Stadium. “They are currently working on the infrastructure, including the pavilion, washrooms and other things.”
Persaud disclosed that many young players participate in the senior club cricket every week.
There are approximately 20 senior clubs on the Essequibo Coast.
One of the reasons Essequibo is doing well in all levels of Inter-County cricket is that many of the county’s senior players are plying their trade in GCA tournaments in the city.
When asked if this was a good or bad thing, Persaud said it was a personal decision for the individual.
“My opinion is that the
level of cricket in Essequibo is a bit lower for these players and to be the best you have to play amongst the best. As a coach, I would like to see more organised cricket played in Essequibo rather than teams just playing for money every weekend. I'm pleading for the return of two or three-day cricket, since this can help to bring back interest in Test cricket among the younger players.”
FOUR teams on Sunday the 29th of September will play for the top prize of $100,000 at the Area ‘H’ ground as the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) hosts the 11th edition of the annual Naeem Nasir memorial 10/10 cricket tournament.
Bakewell, the company which Mr Nasir founded sev-
eral decades ago, renewed its sponsorship for the one-day tournament on Tuesday last when General Manager Rajin Ganga handed over a cheque to the club’s Secretary Hilbert Foster at the company’s Triumph, East Coast Demerara head office.
Foster at the simple presentation ceremony stated that Bakewell became an official sponsor of the RHTY-
SC in 2000 and is the second longest official sponsor after Farfan and Mendes limited.
The company is the sponsor of the RHTYSC Bakewell under-17 and second-division teams. The two teams under the Bakewell sponsorship has won over 15 major championships while producing players for Berbice, Guyana, the United States of America and the
West Indies.
The RHTYSC teams have produced close to 80 of the club’s 125 players who have played for Berbice or Guyana, among the players are Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Kevin Sinclair, Esaun Crandon, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Jonathan Rampersaud, Shemaine Campbell, Keith Simpson, Mahendra Gopilal, Jeremy
Sandia, Romesh Bharat, Silas Tyndall.
The company also co-sponsors several RHTYSC activities such as the popular Christmas Village, the Charity Programme, an annual magazine, a summer camp and the Cricket Academy and awards programme. Foster proudly stated that Bakewell was one of the main reasons why the RHTYSC is widely
considered Guyana’s most dynamic youth and sports organisation.
The Naeem Nasir memorial cricket tournament will be contested by Rose Hall Town Bakewell, Wiruni, Police and the Rose Hall Town Tigers.
The two preliminary games are 10 overs per side while the finals will be played over 15 overs.
IF there was any lingering doubt about the unmatched popularity of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Community football extravaganza, it was quickly put to rest by the irrefutable turnout witnessed at this year’s zone competitions.
Held across different regions in the country, football fans
clearly demonstrated that even the four-year hiatus caused by the COVID pandemic had little or no effect on the most celebrated street football tournament in Guyana.
The evidence was so strong that even the newly included Anna Regina zone which was held in Essequibo, saw massive crowd turnouts which must have
been an encouraging sign for organisers, Banks DIH Ltd.
Last Week’s culmination of the Bartica zone has now allowed full attention to the national finals to be staged this Friday in the West Demerara area, at the Pouderoyen tarmac.
Nine teams will be vying for top honours with the winner earning the coveted right to brag for a period of one year as the best in the country.
Over $2million in prize monies and trophies will also be up for grabs, while fans will benefit from giveaways throughout the night’s proceedings.
The teams making this year’s final are reigning East Coast champions, Hustlers, Essequibo’s All Stars, Berbice’s East Bank Gunners, Linden’s Silver Bullets, West Demerara’s Ballerz Empire and Showstoppers, Georgetown’s Laing Av-
enue and North Ruimveldt and Bartica’s Mighty Rulers.
According to the organisers, debutants All Stars will kick-off the night’s proceedings when they lock horns with Hustlers with the winner advancing to the main draw to face Laing Avenue in the final quarter-final matchup.
In the other fixtures: Gunners take on Silver Bullets; Ballerz Empire tackle North
Ruimveldt and Mighty Rulers collide with Showstoppers.
The winners will then advance to the semi-finals with Game one playing three and Game two taking on four for places in the final.
The winning team will cart off $1million, while second, third and fourth-placed finishers will receive $500,000, $350,000 and $200,000, respectively.
A BOUNDARY-Blitzing innings by Quinton de Kock saw Barbados Royals inflict a nine-wicket win over Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in the fourth match of Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in North Sound, Antigua.
The Falcons were inserted under blue skies but struggled with the bat in the
face of tight bowling, losing two wickets inside the powerplay and two quick wickets straight afterwards to find themselves 47/4 and struggling to make a competitive total.
After scoring 50* in the Falcons first match of the campaign against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, 17-year-old Jewel Andrew starred once again with a counterattacking 48 off 35 balls including three fours and two sixes, to
help the Falcons post 145/9 as they looked for their first win of the tournament.
An emphatic powerplay from de Kock and fellow opener Rahkeem Cornwall took a sizeable chunk out of the target, the Royals rollicking to 76 runs without the loss of a wicket in the first six overs.
De Kock batted through the innings, finding more fluency and increasingly audacious shots in his lock-
er as the innings progressed. He finished the match in some style by driving Mohammad Amir over extra cover for four and then depositing the Pakistani quick bowler back over his head for six to finish unbeaten on 87 of just 45 balls and wrap up a swaggering victory for the Royals in their first match of the 2024 campaign.
The Royals looked good with both bat and ball and
they also pulled off some fine catches and showcased tight ground-fielding to further restrict the Patriots.
Jason Holder’s death bowling was impressive, he sent down 12 dots in his four overs and picked up two wickets for 21 runs.
Spin bowlers Theekshana and Wellalage also clipped the Falcons wings.
It was de Kock who bagged the Player-of-theMatch award. Royals
TOP horses are expected to enter the 2024 President’s Cup which is set for Sunday, September 22 at the Rising Sun Turf Club.
Entries for the nine-race programme will open on September 11 and close on September 17. For some, this race will serve as rematch to the Guyana Cup, as the likes of Stolen Money, John Bull,
Easy Time, Oy Vey among others, will be out to mark the Guyana Cup champion, Olympic Kremlin. Guyana champion horse for 2023, Spankhurst, could also return to the fold.
Owner of Slingerz Racing Stables, Javid Ali confirmed that defending President’s Cup champion, John Bull, will be out to defend
his title, while stablemate and champion horse Olympic Kremlin will be out to dominate once more.
Most of these horses began preparations for this year’s President’s Cup already, as they seek to get a taste of that race-day purse, which total of G$15 million will be divided among nine races.
The feature race of the President’s Cup will have a total purse of close to G$ 6,000,000 (six million) dollars and the race will be run at approximately eight furlongs.
That race will be open to all horses, three years old and over.
Entry forms for the President’s Cup will be at the
Port Mourant Racecourse, the Rising Sun Turf Club, the Bush Lot United Turf Club & 106 Smyth Street, Werk-enRust, Georgetown.
Other races on the provisional programme include the three-yearold Guyana and West Indian-bred, Sprint ‘E’ Class for horses three years old and over, two-
captain Rovman Powell explained after the game that the youngsters in the team are always picking the South African southpaw’s batting brains and he was pleased with his side’s first outing. “The guys looked sharp and ready in the first game, which doesn't always happen. It's great. Once we have Quinny in our team, it gets better.”
year-old maiden, H1 And Lower Open to ‘G’ Class Non-Earners on Guyana Cup. Also open to ‘G’ class Non winners in Guyana, H3 and Lower, ‘J’ Class Open to H3 Non earner in last two starts, K Class/J3 Non-Earner Last Start and the L Class/J Class and K Class and Non-Earner Last Start.
THE Guyana Police Force as part of its strategic plan, continues to promote social interaction and nurture the talents of our youths through sports.
As part of this mandate, Deputy Commissioner 'Administration' (ag), Mr Ravindradat Budhram, on Saturday along with former President of the Berbice Cricket Board, Mr Hilbert Foster, organised a cricket match which featured Under-17 players from the Georgetown-based Malteenoes Sports Club and the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC).
The friendly yet competitive match took place at the Area ‘H’ Ground, Corentyne, Berbice. The visiting team, Malteenoes Sports Club, won the match after RHTYSC batted first and scored 132 runs.
In an invited comment, Mr Foster, also the Secretary of the RHTYSC, mentioned that the initiative is a good one because it gives
teams
the young players from both teams the opportunity to play away from their home grounds and experience playing in various conditions.
Deputy Commissioner Budhram, an avid cricketer, while addressing the young players told them that the match was arranged to give them exposure to the different conditions and players and as a camaraderie-build-
ing exercise. This, he said, will not only improve their cricketing abilities but also improve their social interaction skills, which will assist in other areas of life, such as academics.
Mr Budhram further cautioned the youngsters to stay away from drugs, remain disciplined on and off the field, and to balance sports with academia, as both are equally important.
After the game, Deputy Commissioner Budhram and the other organisers distributed school bags and supplies to all the players.
IT took a penalty shootout to decide the U17 Girls final after intense action in the Igloo GCC hockey festival held yesterday at the GCC Ground, Bourda.
In the end, the win went to the GCC Her-Ricanes 2-1 after penalties, with the game ending 1-1 in regulation time.
In the U-14 mixed finals, Saints Scorchers battered Saints Slayers 4-nil, thanks to Carenza Copeland scoring a double, while in the U-17 boys third-place contest, GCC outlaws also went down to YMCA Old Fort Bob Squad.
In the senior men’s open category, Saints Hockey Club opened day two action in the Igloo GCC Hockey Festival with a 3-nil defeat of GCC
Vintage.
YMCA Old Fort Top Gun then edged Hikers Remnants 6-5 in a titanic clash.
Hikers were down 3-1 at the half after YMCA Old Fort had dominated the opening minutes. However, the second half saw Hikers stepping up their game to go within touching distance of levelling the score.
In the end, Old Fort held on despite a late goal from Hikers to take a narrow victory.
Saints women also took a comfortable 2-1 win over Rebels after goals from Makayalah Poole and Clayza Bobb.
In the U-21 boys division, Saint’s ‘S’ team suffered a 3-1 loss to YMCA
overcame GCC Pitbulls 4-3, compli -
ments of a hat-trick from Shakeem Fausette, while club mates Saints Sigma and Saints Legends ended in a
draw in regulation time, but Sigmas won in the shootout 3-2.
The U-21 girls contest
A HIGH-SCORING run fest at Warner Park saw Trinbago Knight Riders defeat St Kitts & Nevis Patriots by 44 runs in the third match of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Patriots captain Andre Fletcher won the toss and inserted the Knight Riders on what turned out to be a good batting wicket. Sunil Narine hit three fours and four sixes to get the Knight Riders off to a rapid start and they never looked back.
The boundary was peppered and cleared all evening, with Nicholas Pooran scooping the Playerof-the-Match award for a thrilling innings of 97 off 43 balls that fully deserved a century. Keacy Carty piled on the pain for the Patriots
by striking 73 off just 35 balls in a visceral display of stroke-making, the pair of batters leaving the opposition bewildered in the face of boundaries struck all-round the relatively short-sided ground in Basseterre.
Fittingly, Carty hit the final ball of the innings for six to see the Knight Riders post a mammoth score of 250/4. The Patriots cleared the 200-run mark themselves in posting 206/8 in what turned out to be the highest-scoring match in CPL history between the sides; but in truth, Andre Fletcher’s side never truly looked as though they were going to haul in the target.
Just a few hours before the game began, 41-year-old Dwayne Bravo announced that this year’s
CPL would be his last, the tournament’s all-time leading wicket-taker and five-time champion writing on Instagram that, "It's been a great journey. This season will be my last one and I'm looking forward to playing my final professional tournament in front of my Caribbean people… TKR is the place where everything started for me and will end with my team."
Bravo went wicketless in his three overs, but along with Narine was one of only two Knight Riders bowlers to go at an economy rate of less than 10 runs per over. Narine picked up 2/24 off his four overs and went for only three boundaries.
Earlier, Pooran looked as though he’d reached three figures
GCA’s Friends of Cricket two-day second-divison cricket
in style. Anrich Nortje sending down a full and wide delivery in the 18th over that the batter climbed into with relish. It wasn’t to be-the sliced shot fell into the hands of Drakes on the boundary at deep point and the batter could not hide his disappointment.
Nevertheless, Pooran could comfort himself in the knowledge that his innings contributed to a resounding win for his side, saying afterwards that, “At the end of the day, I want to win matches and tournaments. I want to win the CPL and if I want to do that, I need to keep doing my job.”
It was a case of job well done for the Knight Riders as they chalked up their first win of the 2024 campaign.
HOST Malteenoes and Ace Warriors played to a draw over the weekend in the latest game in the GCA Friends of Cricket two-day second-divison cricket competition. Malteenoes batted first and recovered from a precarious position of 38-5 to 138 all out with Nkosie Barker hitting a crucial 73, aided by 10 fours and one six.
Barker shared in useful partnerships with Trevon France who hit two fours in 15 and Cordell Mars, whose 17 includ-
ed three boundaries to ensure the last five wickets contributed 100 runs.
Pacer Murland Ward finished with 6-22 for Ace Warriors who fell for 141 in their first innings.
Nikosi Whyte smashed eight fours and three sixes in a well-compiled 75.
But once Whyte was bowled by Chris Simbo, Ace Warriors lost five wickets for just 20 runs
Junior Philips (18), Ward (14) and Navindra Ramnauth (13) were the only others to
reach double figures. Barker returned with the ball to take 4-45, while Simbo finished with 3-30.
Phillips had 3-25 and Emanuel
3-38 for Ace Warriors, who
122-8 when stumps were drawn with Ward making 31 and Roger Aaron scoring 28. France and Simbo had two wickets each (Sean Devers)
President’s Cup entries will open on September 11
Quinton De Kock of Barbados Royals bats during the Men’s 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League match between Antigua & Barbuda Falcons and Barbados Royal at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground on September 01, 2024 in Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda. (Photo by Ashley Allen - CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)