PM Phillips commends outgoing Chinese Ambassador for strengthening Guyana-China relations
1,800 more hotel rooms by 2026
- as Guyana targets business, eco-tourism niches
By Naomi Parris
FOCUSING on a niche market, Guyana’s tourism sector is projected to experience rapid growth, with substantial increases in hotel capacity anticipated in the years ahead.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Oneidge Walrond announced that the nation currently has 3,300 hotel rooms; an additional 1,000 rooms are scheduled to become available in 2025, with a further 800 rooms to be added by 2026.
This expansion, she explained, is part of the government’s broader strategy to boost tourism and support the country’s growing appeal as an international destination.
“The idea is to keep our hotel rooms filled and so every month you will find that there is an activity, so you have the energy conference, international conferences, the FAO and we continue to invite more and more international conferences here,” she explained.
The new hotel rooms will help accommodate the
influx of tourists drawn by Guyana’s expanding tourism offerings, including international conferences, sporting events, and entertainment shows.
Walrond highlighted that the government’s focus is on providing a diverse tourism product, ensuring that there is something for every type of traveler.
As such, in addition to the growing demand for business tourism, the government is also targeting high-value markets by positioning Guyana as a destination for eco-tourism, sports, and entertainment.
As the hotel industry expands, Walrond emphasised that Guyana’s tourism infrastructure will be tied closely
to these.
Beyond the business and eco-tourism offerings, Walrond revealed a push for Guyana to become a hub for the film industry, with the government working to attract international film production companies.
“We have also made a push for Guyana to be open to more to the film industry…All of this this aimed to open up Guyana to for more people to come. The hotels have been tied into more activity in terms of international sports, entertainment, international shows that are coming here with international artiste.”
Ultimately, Guyana is preparing itself for the growth in its tourism industry with the development of seven new international hotels, which are set to materialise by 2025.
Only recently Aiden Hotel, by Best Western, officially opened its doors Oronoque and Robb Streets, Georgetown.
During the launch of the boutique luxury hotel, Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, highlighted the role of high-quality investments like
Aiden in boosting the country’s international image.
He stressed that such developments are essential for Guyana to compete on the global stage and attract both investors and tourists, ensuring that the nation is synonymous with excellence.
“We have welcomed to our shores the best in eco-tourism businesses [and] premier companies. What this allowed is for ‘Brand Guyana’ to be associated with the best brands in the world; the best markets in the world. It allows ‘Brand Guyana’ to be marketed in the top-tier tourism hub globally,” he emphasised.
According to Dr. Ali, the investment in the hotel is linked to the country’s vision of building a world-class economy by 2030, aiming for three million people to pass through the country annually.
He related that the hotel’s quality has led the brand owners to adjust their model upwards.
The influx of international hotel brands is anticipated to bring global standards and practices to Guyana’s hospitality sector. This could lead to improved service
quality across the industry and provide valuable training opportunities for local staff, enhancing the overall tourism experience in the country.
This development is also likely to have a positive effect on Guyana’s infrastructure. The construction of these hotels could spur improvements in roads, utilities, and other public services to support the increased tourism activity. Additionally, it may encourage the development of new tourist attractions and experiences to cater to the expected rise in visitors.
Minister Walrond on Wednesday pointed although Guyana’s oil-and- gas sector is growing, diversifying the economy through tourism development is a strategic move. It provides an alternative revenue stream and helps to create a more resilient economic structure.
“Tourism is a key pillar for Guyana’s sustained economic growth. We’ve seen that over and over… tourism. Is a key pillar for Guyana’s sustained economic growth. We’ve seen that over and over.”
Transforming Sports in Region Two: $100M upgrade initiative underway
By Indrawattie Natram
SPORTING grounds across Region Two are undergoing significant upgrades as part of a $100 million initiative announced by Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo. This commitment, aimed at enhancing sports infrastructure, was made during his recent visit to the region, underscoring the government’s dedication to empowering youths and fostering community development.
The team at Golden Fleece Sports Ground
satisfaction with the pace of work, noting that the initiative aligns with the government’s vision of inclusivity and community cohesion.
Mr. Ramraj remarked: “This initiative ensures that these spaces meet the needs of our communities and provide opportunities for recreation and engagement. Once completed, these playgrounds will serve as vital hubs for healthy activities and community bonding.”
and this investment shows that the government truly cares about empowering youths and building communities.”
This transformative initiative is a testament to the government’s commitment to equitable development, reflecting the PPP/C administration's vision of creating a prosperous and inclusive Guyana. By prioritising youth engagement and community development, the project underscores the importance of building opportunities for future generations.
Dr. Jagdeo highlighted that the funding, provided entirely by the Government of Guyana, seeks to enhance sporting opportunities for youths in the
The announcement was made during a special youth meeting at the Cotton Field Secondary School, where VP Jagdeo addressed local youths’ calls for improved sports facilities and equipment along the Essequibo Coast and the Pomeroon River.
region. He emphasised the importance of developing sports infrastructure to promote healthy activities and strengthen community bonds. Director General of the Ministry of Agricul-
ture, Mr. Madanlall Ramraj, along with Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit and members of the region’s sports committee, visited the project sites to assess the progress. The team expressed
Members of several sports committees expressed their gratitude for the intervention, praising VP Jagdeo and the government for their dedication to regional development.
One committee member shared: “The upgrades have been long-awaited,
As work progresses, the upgraded sporting facilities are expected to become central hubs for recreation, fostering talent, and strengthening community ties throughout Region Two.
Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond
PM Phillips commends outgoing Chinese Ambassador for strengthening Guyana-China relations
PRIME Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, performing the duties of President, delivered heartfelt remarks at a farewell reception for Her Excellency Guo Haiyan, the outgoing Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China. The event, hosted at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, celebrated the ambassador's three-year tenure and her significant contributions to enhancing Guyana-China relations.
In his address, PM Phillips expressed gratitude for Ambassador Guo’s role in deepening bilateral ties
during a period marked by transformative milestones, including the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Guyana and China. This golden jubilee, he noted, symbolised Guyana’s unwavering support for the One China policy and set the foundation for stronger partnerships in the years ahead.
“Ambassador Guo, your efforts have led to unprecedented advancements in our bilateral relations, touching nearly every aspect of our interactions. As a strategic ally, our connection with China has significantly strengthened, and for this, we express
profound gratitude,” Phillips stated.
The Prime Minister highlighted key achievements under Ambassador Guo’s stewardship, including increased trade volumes and enhanced collaboration across critical sectors. He praised the Belt and Road Initiative, which positioned Guyana as a key partner in global development, bolstering trade, infrastructure, and investment.
Specific accomplishments included advancements in agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and renewable energy. Notable projects included
the modernisation of farming practices, the signing of a Civil Air Transport Agreement in 2022 to boost connectivity, and the provision of scholarships enabling Guyanese youth to study in China.
In healthcare, Phillips acknowledged China’s invaluable support during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included donations of medical equipment and expertise. Additionally, he highlighted China's contributions to Guyana’s green energy initiatives, aligning with the country’s sustainable development goals.
As Ambassador Guo prepares to embark on her next diplomatic assignment, PM Phillips reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to nurturing the foundation of co-operation she helped establish.
“Your legacy of friendship, co-operation, and mutual respect will continue to strengthen the ties between Guyana and China,” Phillips said. “May the seeds of co-operation you have sown bear fruits for generations to come.”
The reception concluded with a warm farewell to Ambassador Guo, underscoring the enduring part-
MPs arrested in the Bahamas as Mace thrown out of Parliament
A dramatic protest erupted in the Bahamas House of Parliament on Wednesday morning when a Member of Parliament (MP) threw the Mace through a window, expressing frustration during heated discussions about corruption.
The incident comes amid heightened tension in the Bahamas following the arrest of several high-ranking police officials in Florida during a cocaine sting operation. The controversy has placed mounting pressure on Commissioner of Police Clayton Leroy Fernander, who ultimately resigned from his post. Prime Minister Phillip Davis confirmed Fernander's resignation during his presentation to the House of Assembly.
Tensions boiled over after a verbal exchange between MPs and the Speaker of the Parliament. Video footage shows an MP walking up to the Speaker’s desk, grabbing the ceremonial Mace — a symbol of parliamentary authority — and hurling it through a window.
The shocking act ignited chaos in the Assembly. Police officers intervened, arresting the MP responsible along with two others. Videos circulating online show the MPs being dragged out of the Parliament and into police vehicles.
Simultaneously, protests were underway outside the Parliament building. Opposition supporters, already gathered to voice their grievances, erupted in celebration as the commotion inside unfolded.
Prime Minister Davis described the events as a "disgrace" before exiting the Assembly amidst the uproar.
The arrested MPs were later seen mingling with protesters outside Parliament. More updates will follow as information becomes available. (Credit Sknvibes news)
nership between the two nations and anticipation for continued collaboration with her successor.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips
Traffic Chief urges public to uphold road safety amid holiday rush
- emphasising zero tolerance for traffic violations
By Cindy Parkinson-Chowbay
AS holiday season traffic intensifies, Senior Superintendent and Traffic Chief of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Mahendra Singh, has reiterated a strict stance on road safety, emphasising zero tolerance for traffic violations.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Singh highlighted the GPF's ongoing efforts to mitigate congestion and improve roadway safety through strategic measures and resource allocation.
“We have had improve -
ments; the improvements have been incrementally obtained. It's a gradual process... we are seeing greater dividends from our investments in people and resources. However, it is not yet at the level that we want it to be,” Singh stated, acknowledging the need for continuous work to curb reckless driving and ensure safer roads.
SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFER ROADS
The traffic chief called on all citizens to hold themselves and others accountable, stressing that national change requires collective effort. Singh urged drivers, passengers, and pedestrians to
abide by traffic laws, adding that carelessness on the road — including speeding, driving under the influence, or ignoring safety measures — endangers lives.
He encouraged road users to report unsafe driving practices by dialing 911 and assured that the GPF is ready to act on such reports. Singh also reminded passengers of their rights to demand safer conditions, such as adherence to speed limits and reducing loud music in public transport.
“Abandoning a passenger prior to their intended destination is a violation of the traffic laws, reference the obligation of a driver to carry a passen-
ger. We all have rights in this country, and we all contribute to making the change we want to see,” he said. “Do not be a part of the problem; be a part of the change.”
HEIGHTENED
HOLIDAY VIGILANCE
With the holiday season in full swing, the GPF has heightened its presence on roadways to ensure public safety. Singh called on road users to respect traffic signs, wear safety gear like helmets and seat belts, and follow speed limits.
“The roads will be busier during this time, and we urge everyone to look out for one another,” he said. He also reminded drivers to practice
Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh
the five Cs of safe driving: care, caution, consideration, common sense, and courtesy.
The traffic chief emphasised that the GPF’s ultimate goal is to ensure a safe and joyous holiday season for all, stating, “Our duty is to serve and protect the people of Guyana. We are working towards better roadways and
a better society, but we need the support of every citizen to achieve this.”
As the nation gears up for festive celebrations, Singh’s message underscores the importance of collective responsibility in fostering a culture of safety and respect on Guyana’s roads.
Minister Edghill advocates for strategic infrastructural partnerships in South America
- Infrastructure talks spotlight Linden-Lethem road
THE second day of the “High Level Meetings on the Prioritisation of Projects of the Infrastructure and Transportation Network of the Brasilia Consensus,” focused on transformative infrastructural initiatives, with the Linden-Lethem road emerging as a key topic of discussion.
Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works, represented Guyana at the workshop on Wednesday, when he emphasised the significance of the Linden-Lethem road as a crucial corridor for connectivity across South America. He described the project as a potential game-changer that would enhance trade, improve transportation networks, and strengthen regional integration.
Minister Edghill highlighted the strategic importance of the road, noting that it aligns with the objectives of the CAF
Before the Guyana flag, Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill presented the project as a transformative endeavour, emphasising its potential to bolster trade, modernise transportation and promote regional unity
– Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. He pointed out that the road could unlock vast economic opportunities not only for Guyana, but also for the broader continent, fostering trade and inclusivity.
The high-level meeting served as a platform to position the Linden-Lethem Road as a priority project within the regional infrastruc -
tural agenda, garnering widespread support for its transformative potential.
Day two of the workshop reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to advancing strategic partnerships and
collaborating with regional stakeholders to achieve shared goals for sustainable infrastructural development.
Every Guyanese Matters
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali's recent affirmation of continued investments in Guyana's hinterland communities, regardless of size or location, is a bold and commendable stance that deserves praise. This commitment to equitable development across the nation is not just a political promise, it's a vision for a more inclusive and prosperous Guyana.
The People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government's approach to addressing long-standing challenges and bridging the divide between the coast and the hinterland is both refreshing and necessary. By
focusing on communities such as Kato in Region Eight, the administration is sending a clear message: every Guyanese citizen matters, regardless of where they live.
President Ali's response to opposition criticism regarding the scale of investments in sparsely populated areas is particularly noteworthy. His assertion that all Guyanese are entitled to the same quality of investment and development, irrespective of their location, is a powerful rebuke to those who would prioritise political expediency over genuine national progress. This philosophy of inclusive
development is not just morally right, it's economically sound. By investing in hinterland communities, the government is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth across the entire country. The potential for eco-tourism in places such as Kato is enormous, but it can only be realised with the right infrastructure and services in place.
The government's strategy goes beyond mere infrastructural projects. President Ali's vision for a "well-rounded ecosystem" in Kato, encompassing healthcare, education, infrastructure, and facilities to support tourism, demonstrates a comprehensive
understanding of what true development entails. This holistic approach is crucial for creating sustainable communities that can thrive in the long term.
Moreover, the emphasis on connectivity and communication is vital. In today's digital age, bridging the digital divide is as important as building physical bridges. By ensuring that hinterland communities have access to modern communication technologies, the government is opening up new opportunities for education, business, and cultural exchanges.
While the government's commitment to hinterland develop-
ment is laudable, the real test will be in the implementation of these ambitious plans. Transparency in the allocation of resources, community involvement in decision-making processes and regular progress assessments will be crucial to ensure that these investments truly benefit the intended communities.
Furthermore, the government must remain vigilant against potential challenges such as environmental degradation that could come with increased development and tourism. Striking a balance between progress and preservation will be key to the success of this initiative.
‘The worst opposition in history’
PUBLIC frustration with the Opposition has reached a boiling point, as citizens have labelled the People’s National Congress-Reform (PNC-R)led coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) “the worst opposition in history.”
The opposition is facing backlash for infighting, neglecting coalition partners and failing to represent its supporters effectively.
Recent public comments, many of which have gone viral on social media, reveal the extent of frustration among Guyanese citizens.
A comment on social media from APNU parliamentarian Shurwayne Holder, under a news article, was met with sharp criticism when he defended the opposition’s role, arguing that its failures were being judged by an unfair yardstick.
Holder pointed out that critics in the opposition themselves have not been actively participating in protest actions, among other things.
However, Holder’s comments did little to stem the tide of criticism.
One citizen remarked, “Worst opposition. Even in opposition, the PPP doing a better job. Everyday Jagdeo [PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo] went in ya face. All they doing is holding a set of oldies.”
Another questioned the leadership of the PNC-R, sug-
gesting that the leader’s actions lack accountability and vision.
The critic said: “Norton should be investigated for his actions.”
The PNC-R’s internal struggles have also come under scrutiny.
Reports indicate that the party has not participated in strategic meetings for over two years, leading many to question its commitment to coalition values and inclusivity.
A letter to the editor by citizen Oscar Dolphin highlighted these concerns, stating, “The PNC/R has failed to participate in strategy sessions and meetings, and important decisions had to be made in its absence.”
The lack of a unified approach has further alienated partners.
This was also evident while the APNU+AFC was in office during the period 20152020, when both the AFC and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) had expressed frustration at being sidelined.
The AFC, once a significant partner in the coalition, has also struggled with its
identity and relevance.
Allegations of corruption and mismanagement during its time in government have tarnished its image.
Public sentiment reflects this growing distrust.
“The AFC is a shadow of what it used to be,” commented one social media user.
Another argued that the AFC’s failure to assert itself within the coalition had rendered it ineffective, both as a partner and as a political entity.
A public commenter named LA Chin, however, defended the opposition’s efforts, pointing out that the APNU+AFC has been fighting for issues such as transparency, increased salaries for public servants, and early cash-grant payments.
But even this defence could not outweigh the perception of disorganisation and neglect, especially among the PNC/R’s base.
One of the recurring criticisms of the PNC/R is its failure to foster inclusivity within its ranks.
This sentiment was echoed
By investing in these regions, the government is not just fulfilling a political promise, it's also investing in the future of Guyana as a whole. This strategy could serve as a model for other developing nations grappling with regional disparities. The road ahead may be challenging, but the potential rewards – a more united, prosperous, and equitable Guyana – are well worth the effort. It's time for all Guyanese to rally behind this vision and work together to build a brighter future for every corner of their beautiful nation.
- public criticism mounts over PNC/APNU/AFC’s dismal performance
in a comment by Paul Cort, who described the opposition’s approach as an “oversimplification of an extremely complicated problem.”
Cort argued that the opposition’s lack of unity and its failure to address issues of political and socioeconomic complexities have left it ill-equipped to challenge the PPP/C government effectively.
Michael Decruz, a social media commenter, outlined the importance of strong and effective opposition in a healthy democracy.
“It ensures accountability, encourages robust policy development, and fosters public trust in governance,” he wrote.
This cynicism is the growing disillusionment among citizens who feel abandoned by their political leaders from the opposition.
With smaller parties reconsidering their alliances and with public trust at an all-time low, the APNU+AFC faces an uphill battle to even be considered a credible opposition.
Guyanese are also still scarred from the blatant at -
tempts of the APNU+AFC to undermine the will of the people and influence the outcome of the 2020 General and Regional Elections.
Those actions, witnessed by people the world over, had further diminished the integrity of those parties which now occupy the seat of opposition. However, despite the reality they face and the fact that another election is around the corner, there has been no indication by the collective opposition that it is prepared to recognise and respect the will of the people, regardless of the outcome.
Son-in-law of former President David Granger and former AFC executive member, Dominic Gaskin, had said: “[All members of the opposition] need to demonstrate to the public that they are prepared to recognise the will of the people at the next election…I am hoping that the current opposition is prepared to recognise it [the results of the elections] as the legitimate will of the people.”
The people, in 2020, went to the polls and peacefully
gave a mandate to the PPP/C to govern. But, after casting their votes, Guyanese had to endure a five-month wait for the results of the General and Regional Elections as they witnessed alleged unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges.
During this time, the patience of the electorate was tested, as electors observed what was described as attempts by the then APNU+AFC administration to rip the democratic fabric of the nation, with “delay tactics” which were openly criticised by a wide section of society.
It was only after the legal challenges and international intervention that a national recount of all votes cast was convened and the figures showed that the PPP/C had received 233,336 votes, while the APNU+AFC coalition got 217,920 votes.
Confident that the opposition parties’ history already cemented a win for the incumbent PPP/C at the next election, Gaskin said: “I am not saying if there are irregularities they [opposition] can’t object, but I am saying don’t lose elections and take to the streets and try to discredit elections.
“People cast their vote [sic] and they cast it [sic] with the expectation that the totality of those votes will be recognised in determining who forms the next government, [so you cannot] participate in that process and discredit it because you didn’t win.”
Civil society on the Tender Board
IF anything has got lost in Guyana, it is the face and presence of civil society. Poor Mr. Ramkarran! I guess because of his quiet disposition, he will not tell us who cuss him down when he wrote that civil society groups should concentrate on many touching issues rather than ones that carry sex appeal (his words).
Mr. Ramkarran got a cussing down because he touched on an issue where hypocrisy looms large – civil society groups that say that they are independent when they are barefacedly anti-government. The media and civil society need to be independent as a safeguard for democratic continuity.
In Guyana, we have lost two vital pillars of democratic life - a free, independent, private media and an independent civil society. I have penned dozens of columns on this twin loss, so today I am going to look at the proposition rejected by Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo of civil society’s representation on the Tender Board.
If the government should ever agree for civil society presence on the Tender Board, it still would not happen for two reasons. The first one is that there has to be a consensus among the hundreds of groups spread across Guyana. No particular group can claim they have a monopoly on civil society and that is exactly what is going to happen.
The second reason is that groups like Red Thread, Transparency International - Guyana Chapter, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), Policy Forum, SASOD, Help and Shelter, ACDA, TUC among others are going to use longevity and status as reasons for them being selected and deny that they have a political agenda.
These entities will go at length to argue that when you talk about civil society, they are the real society organisations and must be included in any inclusive agenda. These organisations are going to pit themselves against equally long-serving entities that they are going to dismiss as
pro-government. So what we have then, according to these people, are pro-government civil society groups and the genuine, independent bodies.
This is a mirage and a falsehood, and this is where there will never be civil society inclusion on any state institution, because identification of representatives will be impossible. The Stabroek News objected to the Private Sector Commission (PSC) being on the board of the Natural Resource Fund because it says that this body is too close to the government.
In fact, the PSC is one of the priceless organisations in this country. Read Yesu Persaud’s autobiography, “Reaching for the Stars” and Father Andrew Morrison’s magnum opus, “Justice: The Struggle for Democracy and in Guyana, 1952-1992,” and the golden, courageous and phenomenal role of the PSC in stopping permanent power in Guyana is graphically described. To say that the PSC is not a genuine civil society actor is tantamount to saying that Africa is not a continent.
But it is not only the PSC that will be sidelined in the process of selecting civil society representation, so will be the trade union federation that goes under the name of FITUG. This group, like the PSC, will be dismissed as pro-government. By some weird, contorted logic, the TUC will be recognized as part of civil society.
The TUC along with the Catholic Church and the GHRA, have coalesced into an entity named Policy Forum. My sources told me that this body applied to the EU Embassy for millions for its projects. A similar amount SASOD got a few years ago. But who or what are the TUC and GHRA? The least said about the GHRA, the better. This is not a dormant group, but one that does not exist. The TUC is Mr. Lincoln Lewis and Mr. Lewis is the TUC. During the five-month election disaster, Mr. Lewis appealed to President Granger to scrap the elections, which early results showed Mr. Granger had lost. Here is Mr. Lewis’ appeal to Mr. Granger: “You have the power vested in
your office to correct this public hijacking of Guyana’s elections, this confounded brazen highway robbery, this piracy, this buccaneering politics unleashed on Guyana.…”
Here is Mr. Lewis again on the people coming to Guyana for a better life: “Our resources ex -
ploited by others willing to undersell their labour. We also face a crisis of submerging our culture further. This threat comes
from others who do not speak our language and share a common culture....” This same TUC is seen by the Catholic
Church as a genuine civil society body and by places like the Stabroek News. In Guyana, hypocrisy has no limits.
Ambassador Guo Haiyan’s tenure celebrated at Defence Headquarters farewell event
THE Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Brigadier Omar Khan hosted a farewell gathering on Tuesday at Defence Headquarters in honour of Her Excellency, Ambassador Guo Haiyan and her delegation.
This event marked the conclusion of Ambassador Haiyan’s tenure, during which
she played a pivotal role in enhancing defence co-operation between the People's Republic of China and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.
During the gathering, the CDS expressed deep gratitude to Ambassador Haiyan for her steadfast support and professionalism in strengthening the bilateral relationship. Her
efforts were acknowledged as significant in advancing mutual understanding and collaboration between the two nations.
As she prepares to leave her post, the CDS thanked Ambassador Haiyan for her dedicated service and extended best wishes for her future endeavours. The contributions she made during her tenure
will be fondly remembered, reflecting a commitment to fostering closer ties in the realm of defence.
The event underscored the importance of international co-operation and highlighted the positive impact of Ambassador Haiyan’s work in promoting peace and security in the region.
New AI Platform Apto.ai launches in Georgetown
- enabling rapid custom application development
By Michel Outridge
ITE Services Inc., a Boston-based technology solutions provider with over 18 years of experience in delivering cutting-edge ICT projects across the Caribbean, officially launched its innovative code-generating platform, Apto.ai, on Wednesday at Cara Lodge in Georgetown.
Apto.ai is designed to empower both technical and non-technical users throughout the Caribbean, enabling them to rapidly build custom applications with minimal coding requirements. This approach aims to accelerate
development cycles and enhance business agility. The platform utilises an AI-powered engine that not only handles code generation but also verifies security and checks code quality, ensuring compliance with the latest industry standards.
According to Girish
Pathak, Founder and President of ITE Services, the Apto.ai platform offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the application development process. “With just 40 hours of training, any user can build an application without needing to know programming languages or
syntax,” he explained. Apto.ai seamlessly integrates with existing software development tools through a specialised third-party API interface. Its TAPI module allows developers to connect to any RESTful API, submit API contracts, and automatically generate both back-end and front-end components, facilitating a streamlined setup that creates complete designs and dashboards without manual code input.
“While Apto.ai’s platform doesn’t directly support existing code checkers, it automates code creation through our engine,” added Pathak. “If developers have APIs ready, they can integrate them with our tool to produce front-end designs, dashboards, or other desired features, all through a nocode experience.”
ITE Services has already made significant strides in the region, with its first Caribbean customer reportedly halfway through a large project utilising the platform.
During the launch ceremony, Prashanth Kupper, CTO of Apto.ai, joined via live video call and highlighted the software’s capabilities, stating, “It requires no code, has no lock-in, and can build multiple applications very quickly. It is cost-effective as the software development process is evolving.”
Pathak, speaking on behalf of Christopher Sha, noted that the platform includes a 60-day implementation plan that ensures a smooth transition for businesses integrating Apto.ai into their operations.
Nalini Veiria of Meta Consulting Inc., who played
a key role in organising the launch, expressed her enthusiasm for Apto.ai, calling it the first generative AI-powered development platform of its kind launched in Guyana. She reported positive feedback regarding the product's performance thus far. For businesses interested in learning more about Apto. ai or obtaining case studies measuring its economic impact, ITE Services invites inquiries via email at girish@ ITEServices.net.
As Apto.ai sets the stage for a new era in software development, it promises to make custom application creation accessible to a wider range of users, transforming how technology solutions are developed and implemented across the Caribbean.
Bartica miner charged with possession of narcotics
FRANKIE Speede, a 33-yearold miner from the Five Miles Housing Scheme, appeared at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday before His Worship Teriq Mohamed to face a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, in violation of Section 5(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, Chapter 10:10.
During the proceedings, Speede pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the amount of $60,000.
The search resulted in the discovery of 92 grammes of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis
The case has been adjourned to January 2, 2025, for the disclosure of evidence.
The charge stems from an incident on December 3, 2024, when police officers from Regional Division #7 conducted a search at Speede's shop on Fifth Avenue, Bartica. After identify-
ing themselves, the officers were permitted to search the premises for illegal substances. The search resulted in the discovery of 92 grams of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. Speede was subsequently informed of the offence, cautioned, and arrested.
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan handed over a token of appreciation to Her Excellency Ambassador Guo Haiyan at Defence Headquarters
Girish Pathak, Founder and President of ITE Services
Frankie Speede
Over 14,000 cash grants to be distributed in Region Nine: PM Phillips
PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, accompanied by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag, on Tuesday spearheaded the distribution of one-off $100,000 cash grants to residents in Region Nine.
The Prime Minister oversaw the distribution of hundreds of cheques at three primary sites: the Tabatinga Sports Complex, Nappi Village, and Hiawa Village, while additional distributions were carried out at several other locations throughout the region.
During his visit, PM Phillips reaffirmed the government's commitment to enhancing the lives of Guyanese citizens. “I am part of a government that is serious about development. I’m part of a government that is seri-
ous about ensuring that you share in the prosperity of this nation,” he stated, highlighting the transformative developments underway across the country.
hospitals, increases in the "Because We Care" cash grants for children through the Ministry of Education, new housing projects, and upgrades to the road infra-
The Prime Minister discussed various initiatives contributing to this development, including the construction of new state-of-the-art
structure network. He noted that Lethem has directly benefitted from these improvements.
According to the Office
of the Prime Minister, approximately 4,000 cheques are expected to be distributed in the coming days, with a total of around 14,000 cheques anticipated for residents across Region Nine by the end of the distribution process.
The $100,000 cash grant initiative follows a fourstep process: it begins with a registration exercise in each community, where technical teams equipped with pre-programmed tablets gather data from residents. This is followed by verifying registrants, preparing the cheques, and finally distributing them to eligible citizens aged 18 and older.
In a recent development, pensioners registered for the cash grant in Region Four expressed their appreciation to the government,
hoping for timely distribution before December 25, 2024. Additionally, overseas Guyanese with the necessary documentation are eligible for the one-off cash grant, though the grants will not be distributed abroad and require citizens to be in Guyana for registration. This measure aims to ensure that there is no discrimination based on residency, as noted by
Guyana congratulates Best on appointment as new CDB President
THE Caribbean Development Bank, on Wednesday announced that its Board of Governors has elected Daniel Best as the seventh President.
This is according to a news release from the Bank, which noted that the appointment of Best, a native of Barbados and the decision underscores the commitment to visionary leadership and
sustainable development across the region.
It was noted that Best brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the region’s development challenges and opportunities with a career spanning over 20 years in development finance, policy planning and infrastructure investment.
In a congratulatory message to Best via social media,
Guyana’s Senior Minister in the Office of the President, with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh sent best wishes his way.
Dr Singh further wrote that much work is needed to repair the bank and restore its focus on the important mandate in its charter.
Against this background, the finance minister noted
THE recently concluded Guyana Inter-religious Harmony Initiative has left an indelible mark on fostering interfaith dialogue, mutual understanding and collaboration among religious leaders and youths in East Berbice.
Spearheaded by the Guyana Centre for Civic Engagement, in partnership with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and funded by KAICIID (King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue), the initiative brought together diverse religious communities in a powerful display of unity and co-operation.
Coordinated by Deodat Persaud, a former Ethnic Relations Commission commissioner and a 2024 KAICIID international cohort intern, the programme sought to create meaningful opportunities for engagement. It involved 16 religious leaders and 15 youths, who together championed the initiative's goal of promoting peace and social cohesion across Guyana’s diverse cultural and religious
landscape.
The initiative's flagship event, the Interfaith Workshop for Religious Leaders, was held on November 9, 2024. It featured prominent speakers, including the University of Guyana’s Feroze Khan, anthropologist Priya Chandan from Philadelphia, and coordinator Deodat Persaud. Topics ranged from hate speech and bias to conflict resolution and inter-religious dialogue, equipping participants with tools to foster unity and peace.
The workshop garnered widespread praise for its educational and engaging format.
Imam Maulana Fahd Peerzada of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at shared: “This workshop helped us understand tools we can use as leaders to unite our societies in a productive and peaceful manner. I met other religious leaders, exchanged contacts and we agreed to collaborate on future projects.”
Pandit Yudhistir Harrindranauth from the Maharishi Dayanand Gurukula reflected:
General Secretary of the People's Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.
The $100,000 cash grant initiative, announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali on October 16, 2024, is part of the government's efforts to enhance the quality of life for every qualified Guyanese, placing over $60 billion into the pockets of citizens across the nation.
- more work needed to repair bank and restore focus on mandate – Dr Ashni Singh
that the new president is well-equipped to lead this work at this critical juncture.
“Guyana looks forward to working closely with Daniel as we tackle the pressing needs of our Region and as we work together to improve the lives of all of the people of the Caribbean,” the Minister wrote in the post.
Meanwhile, in its news release, the CDB noted that
“This workshop opened my eyes to the beauty of diversity and the importance of understanding and respecting other faith traditions. It has enriched my spiritual growth and broadened my perspective.”
Christian teacher Marcel Chester described the session as “highly informative and interactive,” adding that it inspired him to organise a field trip for his students to learn more about Guyana’s religious groups.
Participants explored the richness of Guyana’s spiritual
diversity through cultural visits to religious sites on October 20, November 9, and November 16. These visits included stops at the Queenstown Jama Mosque, Winners Cathedral, Cove and John Bharata Sevashram, and the New Amsterdam Mosque. By observing various traditions and practices, participants deepened their understanding of Guyana’s religious heritage, building bridges between communities.
The Interfaith Youth Exchange Programme, held Oc -
tober 19–20, united 15 youths from East Berbice and Georgetown for dialogue, cultural exchange and community service.
Participant Rani Goberdhan remarked: “This programme broadened my perspective on cultural diversity and inclusivity, providing an invaluable educational experience.”
Shieahm David expressed newfound motivation to share her knowledge with classmates and community, saying: “The experience enlightened me about the beliefs of various
as president, Best will oversee the bank’s strategic direction focusing on its core mandate to reduce poverty and inequality while fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.
Best has worked with the Caribbean Development Bank for over 15 years holding senior positions including Director of the Projects department.
religions. I’m now motivated to promote respect for religious diversity.”
The initiative aligns with KAICIID’s mission of fostering understanding and peaceful coexistence among diverse cultures and religions. Under the leadership of Deodat Persaud, the programme not only bridged local efforts with international best practices, but also laid the groundwork for sustainable networks promoting peace, understanding, and co-operation.
Persaud highlighted the long-term vision of the initiative: “We aim to establish enduring partnerships that advance inter-religious dialogue, peace, and unity—not just in Guyana, but globally.”
The Guyana Inter-religious Harmony Initiative stands as a testament to the power of dialogue and collaboration in uniting diverse communities, paving the way for a more inclusive and harmonious future. (Story credit: Indrawattie Natram)
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag in Region Nine
Newly elected CDB President, Daniel Best
‘You’re not in competition with anyone’
- Minister Benn urges ministry's staff who successfully completed studies in different
THE Ministry of Home Affairs held a special ceremony on Wednesday to honour its staff members who have successfully graduated in various disciplines. The event, held at the ministry’s secretariat, featured heartfelt congratulations from the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and Permanent Secretary Mr Andre Ally, who presented tokens of appreciation to the graduates.
Minister Benn expressed his pride in the graduates, commending their dedication and hard work. “Your achievements are significant, especially as our country undergoes a transformative phase of development,” he remarked. He encouraged the graduates to focus on continuous self-improvement, highlighting how their personal growth contributes to the betterment of their families and the nation as a whole.
“You’re not in competition with anybody,” the minister emphasised. “You’re in competition with yourself. The fact that you have brought yourselves to this position and achieved success is commendable and I want to congratulate you all sincerely.”
Permanent Secretary Andre Ally echoed the min -
ister’s sentiments, underscoring the importance of continuous development. He urged the graduates to apply their newly acquired knowledge in their roles within the ministry. “Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities,” he advised. “Use what you’ve learned to enhance the quality of work and deliver better outcomes.”
During the congratulatory ceremony, graduates were recognised for their achievements, including Kayla Cave, Sophia Fredericks, and Shonneka Bakker, who earned degrees in Public Management and Law; Nurvanie Tiwari, who received a Degree in Business Management; Keon Morris, with a Degree in Economics; and Dexter, An-
drew, and Tyrese Crawford, all holding Degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Additionally, Tanella Gilgeours earned a Bachelor of Science in Management, Alicia Yow and Elton Sampson obtained Associate Degrees in Social Work and Chemistry, respectively. Susie Lee, Deborah Douglas, and Latoya Spooner received
areas
Level Five Diplomas in Business and Human Resources, while Nikita Ali-Locke and Selochanie Deokinandan earned Level Four Diplomas in Business Management. Finally, Blossom Bryan and Delroy O’Neal were recognised for their Diplomas in Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation and Logistics and Transport, respectively, and Roshonda Burnett and Yolanda Jonas were honoured with Master’s Degrees in Management and Leadership.
The ministry celebrated these graduates’ commitment to self-improvement and acknowledged their invaluable contributions to its mission and Guyana’s development. The ceremony concluded with heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates, reinforcing the ministry’s belief in the power of education and continuous growth.
USAID, Social Services Ministry graduate second cohort of service providers
IN a collaborative effort to foster youth resilience and empowerment, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Youth Resilience, Inclusion, and Empowerment (Y-RIE) programme and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security have graduated a second cohort of Social Service Providers (SSPs) from a rigorous Risk-Informed System training programme.
The ceremony marked the culmination of four months of intensive training, personalised supervision, and practical sessions designed to equip participants with the skills needed to provide youth-focused and trauma-informed care. The graduates now join a robust network of 136 trained SSPs across various sectors in Guyana, representing a vital step toward addressing the needs of vulnerable youth.
The programme’s impact extends beyond the immediate graduates. Approximately 45 per cent of Guyana’s
Guidance and Counselling Officers, many of whom are attached to schools, have been trained under this initiative. Additionally, a significant portion of staff from the Ministry’s Family Enhancement Services Section has also benefitted from the curriculum, underscoring the programme’s reach and
inclusivity.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, highlighted the programme’s importance during her address at the graduation ceremony. She emphasised that the collaboration stemmed from a shared commitment to identifying and addressing areas
of intervention for youth and their families.
“This required looking at our systems and ensuring that what we did strengthened the system so that going forward, it would not emerge into a one-off training session but something tangible and impactful in the long term,” Dr. Persaud
stated.
She noted the importance of understanding the environments and backgrounds that shape youth, advocating for positive interventions that not only build resilience but also support family stability and access to critical services.
Tiffany Daniels, Country Director for Y-RIE, described the graduation as the beginning of a strengthened network of professionals dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable youth.
“The risk-informed system strengthening or youth connections training was designed with intention and excellence. It utilised a robust format that not only equipped participants with knowledge but ensured practical application and mastery,” Daniels explained.
The programme's inclusive design accommodated individuals from diverse roles, including house mothers, probation officers, guidance counsellors, kitchen staff, and community work-
ers, all of whom contribute to the well-being and growth of youth in their care.
Daniels emphasised the importance of practical application, stating that each participant underwent structured training, applied their learnings in real-world settings, and received constructive feedback to refine their skills.
This year’s programme highlights the critical role of every interaction in shaping young lives. By equipping a diverse group of professionals with the tools and knowledge to address youth needs comprehensively, the initiative underscores its commitment to creating lasting change.
As Guyana continues to build capacity in social services, the collaboration between USAID-Y-RIE and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security stands as a testament to the power of partnership in fostering resilience, inclusion, and empowerment among the nation’s youth.
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn (centre) with Permanent Secretary Mr Andre Ally (at the rear) flanked by the graduates
(From right) Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, US Ambassador Nicole Theriot and Country Director, Tiffany Daniels, seated with other officials (MHSSS photo)
Minister Edghill participates in regional infrastructure workshop in Colombia
MINISTER of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, concluded his participation, on Wednesday, in the “In-Person Workshop on Prioritisation of Projects of the Infrastructure and Transportation Network of the Brasilia Consensus.”
The two-day workshop, held from December 3–4, 2024, brought together regional leaders and national coordinators to deliberate on key infrastructure and transportation projects vital for regional integration and sustainable develop-
ment.
Hosted by CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, the workshop was spearheaded by Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and highlighted collaborative efforts among its 19 shareholder nations.
Participants focused on identifying and prioritising projects that align with the Brasilia Consensus, a framework designed to enhance connectivity and promote economic growth across the region.
Minister Edghill’s participation underscored Guyana’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships and advancing strategic infrastructure initiatives. As one of the region’s key stakeholders, Guyana’s active engagement reflects its dedication to fostering sustainable development through regional collaboration.
CAF, a multilateral financial institution, continues to play a pivotal role in championing development and integration across Latin America and the Ca -
ribbean. By hosting this workshop, the organisation reinforced its commitment to driving progress in areas critical to the region’s growth, including transportation networks and infrastructure development.
Minister Edghill’s presence at the event not only highlights Guyana’s priorities in regional infrastructure but also signals its readiness to collaborate with neighbouring countries to ensure shared prosperity and connectivity in the years ahead.
Health Ministry hosts malaria country dialogue to strengthen elimination efforts
THE Ministry of Health’s Vector Control Services, in collaboration with the Guyana Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), hosted the Malaria Country Dialogue at the ministry’s boardroom, Brickdam Wednesday morning.
for the next phase of malaria elimination efforts.
During his opening remarks, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, highlighted the ministry’s ambition to transition from malaria control to elimination.
Health Organization (WHO),” Dr Anthony said. Dr Anthony emphasised that eliminating malaria requires innovation, targeted interventions, and region-specific approaches.
non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
The dialogue concluded with a commitment from stakeholders to align their efforts with
the ministry’s goal of malaria elimination by adopting innovative strategies and fostering collaboration across sectors.
Also present were Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narine
He outlined a pilot programme in Region Nine, in collaboration with Harvard Uni-
The meeting assessed Guyana’s malaria progress and planned future strategies
This dialogue brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Miners’ Association, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), CCM members and other healthcare workers.
The meeting offered a platform to assess the status of malaria in Guyana and reflect on progress made, and strategies
He noted that while Guyana has benefitted from Global Fund grants addressing HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, the country is gradually becoming ineligible for such funding.
“This may be the last malaria grant from the Global Fund, However, our focus is on eliminating the disease. Guyana’s strategy must shift to align with successful elimination efforts seen in neighbouring Suriname, where they are now awaiting validation from the World
Miner charged with Murder
in Port Kaituma
ERISA John, a 30-year-old miner from Casey Creek, Baramita, was arrested on December 1, 2024, and charged with the murder of Deon Thomas.
John appeared via Zoom at the Port Kaituma Magistrate’s Court before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, where the charge was formally read to him. He was not required to enter a plea and was subsequently remanded to prison.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 5, 2025, to address statements related to the case.
versity, which uses geospatial mapping and AI technology to identify and treat areas with high mosquito- breeding activity.
The minister also addressed the broader goal of eliminating neglected infectious diseases in Guyana, including lymphatic filariasis, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and leprosy, by 2030. He stressed the importance of eliminating diseases to free up resources for addressing
Singh; Director Vector Control Services, Dr Reza Niles-Robin and Deputy National Focal Point for Malaria, Dr Olivia Vallz.
Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works during the workshop in Colombia
Education Ministry enhances safety, skills development at Queen’s College’s TVET Block
THE Ministry of Education, through its Office of the Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), has taken another significant step in advancing hands-on learning for students. On Tuesday, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Unit supplied Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the newly established TVET Block at Queen’s College, reinforcing its commitment to practical skills development and student safety.
The PPE, which includes safety vests, gloves, hard hats, and goggles, is designed to support students participating in various technical courses. This initiative reflects the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to create a secure learning environment while equipping students with the tools necessary to excel in technical fields.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), Dr. Ritesh Tularam, stressed the critical role of safety in
technical education. “As our education system evolves, it is essential to prioritise student safety during handson training. The provision of PPE underscores our commitment to ensuring students are well-equipped and protected,” Dr. Tularam stated.
The TVET Block at Queen’s College, inaugurated in October, provides students with opportunities to explore technical disciplines, enhancing their preparedness for careers in engineering, technology, and other industries. With the addition of PPE, the facility is now better positioned to deliver high-quality, safe, and effective technical education.
This initiative forms part of a broader national strategy by the Ministry of Education to modernise and expand TVET facilities across Guyana. By investing in advanced resources and dynamic learning environments, the Ministry aims to empower students to thrive in an increasingly competitive global workforce.
GWI takes action to address water supply challenges in New Cummings Lodge
RESIDENTS of the New Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme and nearby areas continue to face water supply issues, prompting swift remedial measures by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).
Acknowledging the inconvenience caused, GWI has assured affected communities of its commitment to resolving the situation promptly and effectively.
The challenges stem from the collapse of the Turkeyen well, a critical water source for the region, compounded by reduced production at the North Ruimveldt well. In response, GWI drilled new wells at New Cummings Lodge and North Ruimveldt to bolster the water supply. However, these newly drilled wells have yet to become fully operational, further impacting water distribution.
To address the situation, GWI has initiated extensive remedial works on the wells and the distribution network. The agency has also deployed daily water tanks to ensure residents have access to this vital resource. GWI teams are working on the ground daily to expedite solutions and restore reliable water service.
GWI has emphasised its commitment to keeping resi -
The Ministry of Education remains steadfast in its mission to prepare Guyana’s youth for the future by fostering innovation, safety, and excellence in technical education. The ongoing development of TVET programmes highlights its dedication to creating opportunities for students to gain valuable skills and contribute to the nation’s growth.
dents informed throughout the process. Regular updates on progress are being shared via media outlets and official communication channels.
The water company remains focused on ensuring all Guyanese have reliable access to water. While immediate measures are being implemented, GWI expressed confidence that the ongoing efforts will yield positive results in the shortest possible time.
“We thank the residents of New Cummings Lodge and the wider community for their resilience and co-operation during this period,” a GWI statement noted.
GWI’s proactive approach underscores its dedication to addressing the current challenges while laying the foundation for more sustainable water infrastructure in the region.
Fourth from left: Headmistress/ Principal Queen’s College, Mrs. Rajkumarie Lall and Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), Dr. Ritesh Tularam, flanked by students and other officials at the formal handing over of the PPE at the newly established TVET Block at Queen’s College
Armadillo Earth Farm champions sustainability on World Soil Day
ON December 5, World Soil Day, Armadillo Earth Farm in Long Creek, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, stands as a testament to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
In a world often disconnected from nature, this innovative farm exemplifies the values of community, sustainability, and respect for the land.
Beyond being a farm, Armadillo Earth serves as
an educational hub, offering transformative events and fostering partnerships that promote human well-being, sustainability, and a reconnection with the natural world.
Aligned with the global Save Soil movement, Armadillo Earth focuses on restoring soil health and protecting forests—key elements of its ethos. By embracing sustainable practices, the farm underscores the critical role
of healthy soil in supporting life on Earth.
One of its standout initiatives is the production of biochar, a soil-enhancing medium created by burning organic materials in low-oxygen environments. Using discarded paddy husks, the farm enriches its sandy soil, boosting water retention and microbial activity to create an ideal environment for plant growth.
The Save Soil movement, led by spiritual leader Sadhguru, has brought soil health to the forefront of climate conversations. With over 4.1 billion people reached and commitments from 83 nations, the movement emphasises soil’s foundational role in addressing climate challenges. Sadhguru’s rallying cry, “It’s time to shift global climate strategy from oil to soil,” highlights soil’s
potential to drive biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and food security.
At COP28 in Dubai and COP29 in Azerbaijan, Sadhguru advocated for prioritising soil health within global climate finance and policy
tion to hands-on gardening and tree planting, attendees participated in grounding meditation sessions in the farm’s serene forest. Local and visiting Earth Buddies shared insights on the Save Soil movement, reinforcing
frameworks. He stressed that while transitioning from hydrocarbons is crucial, regenerative solutions such as improving soil health offer immediate, scalable impacts.
In Guyana, the Save Soil movement, driven by Earth Buddies volunteers, has engaged over 2,400 people in 2023 and 2024, including over 1,800 youths. Activities range from public booths and walks to collaborative projects such as murals in the National Park and along the Sea Wall in Liliendaal. Partnerships with institutions like the University of Guyana have expanded awareness through documentaries and educational initiatives.
Last weekend, in honour of World Soil Day, Armadillo Earth Farm hosted a retreat for the Georgetown Rotaract Club, where participants learned about soil health and biochar production. In addi-
the importance of collective action for soil regeneration.
As World Soil Day unfolds, the Save Soil movement continues its advocacy at the UNCCD COP16 in Saudi Arabia, calling for climate finance initiatives to help farmers transition to regenerative agriculture.
Armadillo Earth Farm, with its innovative practices and dedication to environmental harmony, remains a shining example of how local actions can contribute to a global movement for sustainability. For more information about Sadhguru and the Save Soil movement, visit savesoil.org. Follow @ ConsciousPlanetMovement and @CPSaveSoil on social media. Learn more about Armadillo Earth Farm by following their social media or calling 697-2463. (Reported by Michel Outridge)
The visiting Save Soil volunteers
An interactive demonstration of biochar-making from paddy husk
Man City end seven-game winless streak by beating Nottingham Forest
Manchester City put their recent disastrous spell behind them as they ended a seven-game winless streak by beating Nottingham Forest.
First-half goals from Bernardo Silva and star man Kevin de Bruyne put Pep Guardiola's side in command by the break, with Jeremy Doku adding a third 12 minutes after the interval.
After six defeats and a 3-3 draw with Feyenoord that must have felt like a loss given City were 3-0 up with 20 minutes left, the delight at successfully reaching the finish line on this occasion was obvious.
It wasn't perfect from the hosts. There were too many mis-controls and stray passes for that.
And if Chris Wood had finished - as it felt the whole stadium expected - when he ran clear from De Bruyne's wayward pass back into his own half instead of rolling the shot wide, Forest would have levelled Silva's eighth-minute tap-in and home nerves would have frayed.
But De Bruyne struck at the other end almost immediately as he edged away from Doku to find enough space to collect his fellow Belgian's short pass and apply the perfect finish.
When Doku found the corner with his own excellent strike from the edge of the area to complete City's joint-biggest margin of victory in the league, in what has turned into a tortuous season, Guardiola's celebration was one of pure relief.
PEP'S FAITH IN ORTEGA REWARDED
In his programme notes, Guardiola said it was his job to find solutions to his side's present plight and ominously added: "And I will."
That calls for bold and radical thinking. In addition to restoring De Bruyne to his starting line-up, Guardiola made a couple of other decisions that turned out to be quite significant.
Firstly, he plonked Jack Grealish into a central spot alongside the Belgian, which allowed him to carry
the ball into dangerous positions in the middle of the pitch, creating more space out wide for Doku and Silva and forcing the Forest defence to drop off, opening up room for De Bruyne.
Secondly, he stuck with Stefan Ortega in goal.
Guardiola did say in the build-up Ederson remained his number one pick. But this was the first time since May 2023, when he was manipulating his team for their final push towards a historic Treble, that Ortega started successive Premier League games.
And after ending that long 39-day wait for a victory, there has to be a question over when Ederson will return.
The German made a couple of priceless contributions between City’s first-half goals.
It could be argued that by standing his ground, he helped force Wood into the miss on which the entire contest swung.
But before that Ortega had produced a magnificent one-handed stop low to
his right to ensure Morgan Gibbs-White did not sweep Jota Silva's cutback into the bottom corner with his sweetly-struck first-time effort.
Ortega wasn't a passenger, even after City had given themselves a three-goal cushion, gathering at the second attempt in a crowded penalty area after blocking Elliot Anderson's powerful effort.
GUARDIOLA RELIEF AT VICTORY
Guardiola spent the last few minutes of the match with his arms crossed tightly across his chest, likely willing referee Michael Oliver to blow his whistle for full-time.
The pressure he puts himself under at the best of times is huge. In recent weeks, it has been even more obvious.
When Oliver finally ended the contest there was no need to stick six fingers in the air, as he did at Anfield at the weekend to remind everyone how many titles he has won at City.
Instead, he calmly shook fellow manager Nuno Espirito Santo by the hand, did the same with the Forest backroom team, then headed off straight down the tunnel with his own thoughts.
Earlier, Guardiola had been far more demonstrative, urging his side on, calling Doku over for a chat and burying his head in his hands at two missed opportunities from Josko Gvardiol when tension still hung in the air with uncertainty over might unfold.
After the second goal, he turned to the City fans behind him and made the acknowledged signal to start
talking. He had also used his programme notes to call for a collective effort to get out of their strife.
The volume did increase for a while before the game turned into one of those that have been so familiar to City, easing to the line, missing only an additional goal that would have given them their biggest Premier League win of the campaign.
Guardiola knows this is just one win and there is a lot of work ahead to repair the damage of the past month. But at least they have made a star. (BBC Sport)
Knicks and Bucks advance to NBA Cup knockout stage
The Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks eased to victories to advance to the knockout stage of the NBA Cup with clean sweeps of their groups, but reigning NBA champions Boston Celtics were eliminated.
The Knicks recorded an emphatic 121-106 win against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden to finish East Group A unbeaten and secure home-field advantage in the quarter-finals.
Karl-Anthony Towns scored 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, while Josh Hart contributed a triple-double of 11 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.
Despite defeat, the Magic clinched the East wild card berth on points differential over the Celtics, who also finished the group stage with a 3-1 record.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard starred as the Bucks beat the Detroit Pistons 128-107 to clinch East Group B undefeated.
Antetokounmpo - NBA MVP in 2019 and 2020scored 28 points with seven rebounds and eight assists while Lillard scored 27.
The Bucks scored 23 three-pointers during their seventh-consecutive victory
and will host the Orlando Magic in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Elsewhere, a 37-point performance from Luka Doncic inspired the Dallas Mavericks to overcome a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit and beat the Memphis Grizzlies 121116 and secure the West wild card spot.
They will travel to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round after they thrashed the Utah Jazz 133-
106 to clinch West Group B over the Phoenix Suns.
The Knicks will host the Atlanta Hawks - who won East Group C ahead of the Celtics - on Wednesday.
The Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors will contest the last quarter-final after winning their groups despite final-game losses to the Sacramento Kings and the Denver Nuggets respectively.
The quarter-final victors
will advance to semi-finals played on 14 December in Las Vegas, with the final three days later in the city.
In Tuesday's other games, the LA Clippers beat the Portland Trail Blazers 127105, the Phoenix Suns defeated the San Antonio Spurs
104-93 and the Cleveland Cavaliers thrashed the Washington Wizards 118-87.
The Philadelphia 76ers won on the road at the Charlotte Hornets (110104) while the Toronto Raptors beat the Indiana Pacers 122-111. (BBC Sport)
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Thursday, December 5, 2024)
COMPLIMENTS OF
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Dublin, Ireland, 1999
(2) Brian Lara & Aminul Islam
Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI batsman has cracked most ODI runs against BANG to date?
(2) Which BANG batsman has hit most ODI runs versus the WI to date?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
Man City had not won a game since a 1-0 victory over Southampton on 26th October
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks' scoring
Djokovic to begin bid for 25th Grand Slam in Brisbane
NOVAK Djokovic will play at the Brisbane International before he starts his bid to win a 25th Grand Slam at Melbourne's Australian Open in January.
The 37-year-old, a 10time winner in Melbourne, is tied with Australian Margaret Court on a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles.
The Serb, ranked seventh in the world, failed to add to his Grand Slam tally during a frustrating 2024.
The tournament in Brisbane, which runs from 29 December until 5 January, is one of the final warm-up events before the Australian Open begins on 12 January.
"I'm excited to be kicking off my Australian swing at the Brisbane International and to compete again at Pat Rafter Arena," said Djokovic.
"I am looking forward to experiencing the incred -
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS VAAL
08:20 hrs Futurewolff
08:53 hrs Peace Treaty
09:30 hrs The Africa House
10:07 hrs Choclate Soldier
10:40 hrs John Wick
ENGLISH RACING TIPS WINCANTON
08:35 hrs Climbing
09:05 hrs Star Walking
09:35 hrs The Dark Edge
10:05 hrs Pirates Tale
10:35 hrs Sherborne
11:10 hrs Jony Max
11:45 hrs Trustintimes
MARKET RASEN
08:15 hrs Homme D'un Soir
08:45 hrs Viyanni
ible support from the Australian fans and making this tournament one to remember."
Meanwhile, Britain's Emma Raducanu will begin her season at the Auckland Classic, which takes place from 30 December to 5
09:15 hrs Sunray Shadow
09:45 hrs Getaway With You
10:15 hrs Cokytho 10:48 hrs Zmiinyi 11:23 hrs Orderoftheday
CHELMSFORD CITY
12:10 hrs Rainwater
12:40 hrs Jolly Jack Tar
13:10 hrs Lipsink
13:40 hrs William Walton
14:10 hrs Lion Ring
14:40 hrs Monsieur Kodi 15:10 hrs Thomas Equinas
15:40 hrs Kondratiev Wave 15:10 hrs Elterwater
AMERICAN RACING TIPS AQUEDUCT Race 1 Luckforyou Race 2 Thank You Jon Race 3 My Angel Race 4 Shezanarticqueen Race 5 Exploration Race 6 Arrow Speed
Ricky Ponting hails Bumrah and tackles the GOAT question
AUSTRALIA legend Ricky Ponting has hailed India speedster Jasprit Bumrah as ‘the best fast bowler in all formats’ following his heroics for India against Australia in Perth.
Bumrah captained India to a famous 295-run win last week, taking a match-haul of eight wickets, with his fivefor in the first innings helping restrict Australia to 104.
In the absence of frontline pacer Mohammed Shami and with a relatively inexperienced bowling line-up that included debutants Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy, Bumrah stepped his game up to another level.
“It was so important for the captain to stand up,” Ponting said in the latest ICC Review. “I think he showed everyone why he's clearly the best fast bowler in the world in all formats of the game.”
Australia had the advantage after the opening day as India were bowled out for 150.
ference between him and everyone else that bowled in that game.”
Bumrah’s performance has raised the volume on talk of him being amongst the game’s greats already.
“If he keeps going the way that he is, then there'll be a lot of people saying what Glenn Maxwell said I'm sure."
Ponting also drew comparisons between Bumrah and legendary fast bowlers Curtly Ambrose and Glenn McGrath, focusing on their ability to build pressure and restrict the batter.
"It's the build-up of pressure,” said Ponting. “Curtly Ambrose was the same, Glenn McGrath was the same. Like any of the great fast bowlers, they make scoring difficult.
January.
Raducanu is on the entry list along with four-time major winner Naomi Osaka and home hope Lulu Sun, who reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals as a qualifier in July.
Djokovic eyes 100th title to start year strong
With 99 ATP titles to his name, Djokovic is aiming to join American Jimmy Connors (109) and Swiss Roger Federer (103) as just the third man in the Open era to win 100 career titles.
The field in Brisbane features Nick Kyrgios, defending champion Grigor Dimitrov and Holger Rune.
Djokovic appointed Andy Murray as his coach for the Australian Open last month.
The former British number one was beaten by Djokovic in the final of the Australian Open on four occasions.
An exact date for when Murray will start his coaching role has not been finalised but BBC Sport has been told the Scot is not currently planning on being in Brisbane with Djokovic.
Djokovic reached the semi-finals of the Australia Open earlier this year, losing to eventual winner Jannik Sinner.
(BBC Sport)
However, it was all India thereafter as Bumrah ran through the Australian top-order, reducing them to 19/3, with Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja and Steven Smith all becoming his victims inside the first seven overs.
He went on to end the innings with 5/30, and Ponting shed light on how he had marked himself out from every other player in the Test.
“What he did there, not only in the first innings but for that entire game – his pace, his consistency, his ability to move the ball, his ability to continually challenge the stumps and hit the stumps, [it] was the dif-
Against Australia in particular, he boasts a sizzling average of 18.80, an economy rate of 2.46, and has 40 scalps in just eight matches. Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell said he had the potential to be the “best fast bowler of all time” by the time he ends his career.
When asked for his take on Bumrah’s stature, Ponting was effusive. “I think he's definitely India's greatest fast bowler,” he said. “A lot of the greats before him didn't play all three formats as much as he has.
“I can put my hand up and ask people to sit back and watch and say that in T20 cricket, one-day cricket and Test match cricket, he's clearly the best right now.
"It's not all about wickets. It's about performing at a high level for a long period of time. We saw the other day when he gets the right conditions, just how good he can be.
“You just don't score off him [Bumrah]. You don't get any runs. The best of the best make scoring difficult for batsmen, and then it makes batting uncomfortable.
“You forget about your instincts as a batsman, when you think about surviving and not scoring runs – that's when batting becomes really hard.”
When asked how he’d take on Bumrah if he was still playing though, Ponting saw the funny side of it.
"I'd charge him every ball, I'd run down the wicket, I'd hit him back over his head,” he laughed. “That’s very much a joke, but I’d try to be proactive and put pressure back on the bowler.
“I'd be reacting to the ball, but I'd be trying to score. Like I said, the reason that he's so good is because he doesn't let you score.
“The flip side of the best bowlers not letting you score is that the best batsmen don't allow bowlers to bowl that way. That's the way I would approach it as well." (ICC Media)
Prime Minister Gonsalves knocks Shallow’s
ROSEAU, Dominica, (CMC) – Prime Minister of St Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG), Ralph Gonsalves has expressed his disappointment with the manner in which West Indies cricket has been run under current Cricket West Indies (CWI) President, Dr Kishore Shallow.
Speaking during a recent lecture in Dominica, Gonsalves said the West Indies’ teams recent performances left much to be desired.
leadership of CWI
Prime Minister of St Vincent & the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves
“I have not seen the sort of changes for the better that I really thought that he would have led,” Gonsalves, a crick-
et enthusiast admitted.
“If you look at the performances of the teams, they are below par. The T20, we invest so much money, it’s terrible and it doesn’t matter what gloss you put on it, you have to look at the results.
“And there are lots and lots of criticisms by experienced administrators and former Test cricketers about how West Indies cricket is going under his leadership. It’s not a positive record at all.
“I genuinely thought that
(TURN TO PAGE 25)
Novak Djokovic has won the Australian Open on 10 occasions
India pacer Jasprit Bumrah
Seales and Sinclair fined for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct
WEST Indies bowlers, Jayden Seales and Kevin Sinclair have been found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct in their recently concluded second Test match against Bangladesh.
Seales has been fined 25 per cent of his match fee after being found to have breached article 2.20 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel which relates to “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game.”
In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to Seales’ disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period.
The incident occurred in the first over of Bangladesh’s second batting innings when Seales made an inappropriate and overly aggressive gesture towards the opposition’s dressing room after taking a wicket.
Sinclair has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee after he was found to have breached Article 2.4 of the
Jayden Seales and Kevin Sincalir
ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to
Chattergoon 65 Sport Store set for grand opening on Saturday
FORMER Guyana and West Indies opener Sewnarine Chattergoon is set to open a new “innings” this Saturday when he throws open the doors to his brand new, sport store at 26 Block (1) Kilcoy, Chesney, Corentyne in Berbice.
Chattergoon told Chronicle Sport that his store, which will consist mainly of cricket equipment will be branded Chattergoon 65 Sport Store since 65 was the number he used while representing Guyana and West Indies.
“Disobeying an Umpire’s instruction during an International Match.”
In addition to his fine, one demerit point has been added to Sinclair’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period.
The incident took place when Sinclair ignored the instructions of the on-field umpires to stop using language deemed aggressive and harsh towards the Bangladesh batters.
Seales and Sinclair admitted their respective offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC
Elite Panel of Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing.
On-field umpires Asif Yaqoob and Kumar Dharmasena, third umpire Nitin Menon and fourth umpire, Zahid Bassarath levelled the charges.
Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points. (ICC Media)
KL Rahul shares the recipe to success in Australia after Perth display
STEPPING up as a makeshift opener in Rohit Sharma's absence, KL Rahul made a compelling case for the spot in the first Test against Australia.
His gritty 77 in the second innings in Perth was a testament to his versatility, showcasing his ability to adapt both to different batting positions and challenging match situations.
A technically sound left-handed opener, Chattergoon was handed his Test debut against Sri Lanka in April 2008, thanks to a string of impressive scores at the domestic level. He failed in the second innings of his maiden Test appearance but passed muster in the first, compiling 46 against a Sri Lankan bowling unit, which contained the likes of Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan.
He was picked for the subsequent series against Australia, where his deter-
Among the popular brand names which will be showcased are SG, CA, Arshak, MRF, DSC and SS Ton.
mination and resolve came to the fore. Despite being on crutches, the day before as a result of an injury, the Guyanese batsman limped out to show some fight in a big run chase.
Among Chattergoon's domestic achievements, his century in the 2005-06 KFC Cup final, which steered Guyana to the final, stands out.
Chattergoon’s brother Hemnarine represented Guyana and West Indies at the Under-19 level before migrating to Canada where he played for his adopted country in the ICC Intercontinental Cup.
Speaking ahead of the second Test in Adelaide, Rahul shared an orthodox mantra to his method while opening the batting and conceded that he resorted to the stonewaller approach against the new ball for success.
"I try to keep it really simple," Rahul told reporters on Wednesday. "The new ball does a lot. So you need to respect the first 20-25 overs and try to soak in the pressure, try and get used to the pace or whatever the wicket is doing... If you get through that period, then, like I said, batting seems pretty normal to wherever you are in the world."
"I've played in different conditions; and when you do well in different conditions - pace-friendly conditions or away from home, you do get a little bit of confidence and you do understand how you need
Prime Minister Gonsalves knocks Shallow’s...
he would have made some changes for the better, but I haven’t seen them,” he further added.
Additionally, Gonsalves said Dr Shallow, who took over the leadership of CWI from Ricky Skerritt in March 2023, after being elected unopposed at its 24th Annual General Meeting in Antigua
had done very little to improve the manner in which West Indies cricket was being run. He accused CWI of operating as an “entrenched private operation” and suggested that cricket needed to be developed in schools across the region.
“The same bureaucratic,
lifeless kind of administration. We don’t see anything that they are doing which is impacting the game on the field in some positive way to provide results which the people want,” Gonsalves argued.
“West Indies cricket is a public good and they’re still running it as though it is an
entrenched, private operation. They’ll have engagements with the CARICOM Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on cricket, but that is just window dressing.
“We have to get more resources in order that we can develop cricket from the schools. Governments will put money into it and
to do it, and you repeat those processes again and again,” he added.
It was Rahul’s 201-run stand alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal - playing his first Test in Australia - that helped set the foundation for India’s dominant 295-run win.
Elaborating on the conversation he had with the newcomer, Rahul admitted he felt a deja vu while speaking to the southpaw.
"I saw a bit of myself in him how I was 10 years ago, opening the batting for the first time, lots of doubts, lot of nerves and you keep doubting your own game and a lot that happens in your head, and so all you can do is try and slow
(FROM PAGE 24)
we are putting in money, but we need to see a lot more development taking place,” he added. Interestingly, his comments have come just days ahead of a CWI meeting with its Full Member shareholders. At the meeting, which is scheduled for Friday, shareholders will vote on imple-
things down, try and take a few deep breaths.
"That's what was passed on to me by my fellow opening partner. And I passed it onto him.”
While the 32-year-old had opened the batting for India in Perth, the return of Rohit Sharma has raised a big question for India as to who should open alongside Jaiswal. When asked about his place in the lineup, Rahul offered a cheeky response.
“I’ve been told, but I was also told not to share it today. So you will have to wait for day one or maybe when the captain comes here tomorrow,” he said. (ICC Media)
menting the governance reforms recommended by the Wehby Report.
Shareholders will be given the opportunity to again consider the highly anticipated proposals on the duration of the term of office of CWI’s president and vice president, as well as the introduction of term limits.
A section of Chattergoon 65 Sport Store
India batter KL Rahul
One Guyana National Futsal Championship Stabroek Ballers, Sparta register big wins
THE opening night of the One Guyana National Futsal Championship featured big wins for the several teams at the National Gymnasium.
In the first game, action started from the first whistle with Bent Street B through Anthony Gaskin’s goal needling Street Vibes 1-0.
Festival City also won via walkover from Money Bell in game two with Albouystown A overcoming Sophia Ballers won in extra time after a 2-2 regulation deadlock.
Alex July and Devon Dooker were the scorers
for Sophia who had a 2-0 lead before Albouystown A came from behind to force extra time.
Peter Smith, who scored earlier in the match returned to break the extra time deadlock, the winner’s other goal coming from Wayne Sampson
Stabroek Ballers were the first team to have a player score a hat trick in the tournament, Dwayne James scoring three with Shamar Welch, Dorwin George, Seon Taylor, Jerry Burnette and Mark Jahlua each scoring once against Mighty Rulers whose two goals came from Celon
GSLT20 organizers remind patrons of Friday’s final
The organizing committee of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League wishes to remind fans of the change in the date for the final match of the tournament. The final of the inaugural competition will take place on Friday, December 6, 2024, starting at 7:00 PM at the National Stadium, Providence.
Additionally, the match between the Hampshire Hawks and Victoria will be played on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Fans who have already purchased tickets for this match can rest assured that their tickets remain
valid despite the change in schedule.
Meanwhile, the match between the Lahore Qalandars and Rangpur Riders remains as scheduled for Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 7:00 PM.
Fixture: Hampshire Hawks vs Victoria- Thursday December 5, 2024 at 10 am Lahore Qalandars vs Rangpur Riders- Thursday December 5, 2024 at 7pm Final- Friday December 6, 2024 at 7pm
Tickets for all three matches—Hampshire Hawks vs. Victoria, Lahore Qalandars vs. Rangpur Rid-
ers, and the Final—are still available at the following locations:
• GSL Box Office, Camp Street
• Berbice: – A. Ally and Sons, 15-9 Main and New Streets, New Amsterdam – Sensation Variety and Gift Shop, 10 Number 78 Public Road, Corriverton
• Essequibo:
– ICAN Technologies, 1 Apartment 47 WD’s Mall, Charity – ICAN Technologies, 53 Cottonfield, Essequibo Coast
– S&N Creole Snackette, Cottonfield Old Road, Essequibo Coast
Sue.
Sparta Boss were also big winners on the night, netting 12 unanswered goals against Melanie.
Kelsey Benjamin scored four goals with a brace each from Carl Griffith, Darren Niles and Omari Glasgow along with a single strike from Jermain Junor and an own goal.
Matches continue this evening at the same venue.
From 19:30hrs, Unstoppable will take on Z-Tekk with Real Sport playing Alexander Village, Team Family taking on One Love, North East opposing Region #1 and Essequibo battling Back Circle ‘A’.
The competition kicked off with the official march
past of the teams and the opening ceremony.
Male teams are clashing for a first prize of two million dollars, second one million, third $500,000 and fourth $200,000. On the distaff end, the winners will take home $200,000, second $100,000, third $60,000 and fourth $40,000.
Jay Shah starts tenure as ICC Chair
THE International Cricket Council (ICC) is pleased to mark the start of the tenure of its new Chair, Jay Shah, as a new chapter of global cricket begins.
Shah expressed his vision to grow the global reach of the sport with a particular focus on the opportunity of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, whilst working in partnership with the ICC Members to capitalise on this moment for the sport.
Bringing a wealth of cricket administration experience, Shah’s journey began in 2009 at a district and state level, where he quickly rose through the ranks of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA). In 2019, Shah was elected as Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI’s) youngest-ever Honorary Secretary, a role where he helped take Indian Cricket to newer heights with key accomplishments such as record-breaking IPL media rights deal, creation
of the Women’s Premier League, creation of new state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence, Test Cricket Incentive Scheme and more.
Shah has also played important roles in world cricket as the President of the Asian Cricket Council and as Chair of the ICC's Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee.
ICC Chair, Jay Shah said: “I am honoured to be starting in the role of ICC Chair and want to thank the ICC Directors and Member Boards for their support and
trust in me to undertake this important role.
“This is an exciting time for the sport as we build up to the LA28 Olympic Games and strive to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before. We also stand at a critical juncture in terms of the coexistence of multiple formats and accelerating the growth of the women’s game. There is huge potential for the game of cricket globally, with so much opportunity to engage with existing and new fans, while ensuring the best resources and platforms for our cricketers around the world.
“I would also like to thank Greg Barclay for his leadership in the role for the past four years and the milestones achieved during that period. I look forward to working closely with the ICC team and the Member countries to sustainably expand the game’s reach and evolution on the global stage.”
(ICC Media)
The opening ceremony featuring the teams in the One Guyana National Futsal Championship
Going for Goal One of the many goals scored on the opening night of the One Guyana National Futsal Championship
New ICC Chairman Jay Shah
Brathwaite: Batting, fielding let us down in second Test
KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite has blamed inconsistent batting and shoddy fielding as the main reasons behind the home side’s loss to Bangladesh in the just concluded second Test at Sabina Park on Tuesday.
The West Indies were skittled out for 146 and 185 in their two innings and dropped several catches throughout the match, which Bangladesh won by
have a good all-around game at all.”
Despite the result, the skipper said they were still some positives to take from the series.
“Obviously we’re disappointed losing this Test match for sure, but a lot of positives to look at; Justin Greaves getting his first hundred, unfortunately for Alick [Athanaze] and Mikyle [Louis] they didn’t get their hundreds, but they got some scores, so the guys
101 runs to register their first Test victory in the Caribbean since 2009.
The result meant the twomatch Test series ended 1-1 after the West Indies won the opening Test by 201 runs.
In a post-match interview on Tuesday following his side’s defeat, Brathwaite admitted that their batting and fielding had been below par.
“We weren’t at our best for sure. We didn’t bat well this game, obviously in both innings and that’s an area we have to continue working at.
“It will continue to be a challenge until we get guys averaging 40 or 50. We have to work harder, and we have to continue to work harder and find ways to execute better, especially when we’re going to play attacking shots, I think that’s one reason we’re falling down at times,” Brathwaite said.
“The batting really let us down, the bowlers put up a big effort. We dropped a few catches as well, so we didn’t
got a bit of runs, so that was one thing,” Brathwaite pointed out.
“Obviously the bowlers were outstanding. I must commend Jayden [Seales] for that phenomenal feat here in this Test match, going at that economy rate, so a lot of positives.
“Maybe we can get better for sure with our catching. We dropped a few catches but still a lot to take away,” he added.
With an away Test series against Pakistan looming early in 2025, Brathwaite said the team would use the coming days to reflect and work on ways to improve their game.
He said it was especially important for the batters to work on their craft during this period.
“The next series is in January, so we have some time in December. A few guys may have some ODI cricket but that’s obviously the time where we have to
prepare for that series.
“We have a few days off to prepare mentally. Obviously going to Pakistan, we
have to get our plans about how we want to go about playing and look at some video and some footage of
their last series and come stronger,” Brathwaite said.
“It’s easy to give up now but we can’t give up
now as a batting group, we have to keep believing, keep working and keep doing our best.”
West Indies Test captain, Kraigg Brathwaite
Amazon Warriors’ 15-run loss to Rangur Riders leaves their ‘final’
By Sean Devers
GUYANA Amazon Warriors lost to Rangpur Riders by 15 runs in their final game in the preliminary round of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League last night at the Providence Stadium.
Watched by a raucous crowd, the Warriors never recovered from a precarious position of 27-5 to end on four points from four matches with their place in tomorrow’s final in Jeopardy.
Today, leaders Victoria with four points face Hawkes this morning at 10 am while Rangpur Riders and Lahore Qalandars face off in the night game at 7 pm.
Rangpur Riders were bowled out for 117 despite an attractive 47-ball 58 from Khushdil Shah who reached the ropes twice and cleared it four times but nobody else passed 15.
Dwaine Pretorius (3-16) and
hopes
Tanzim Sakib, Imran Tahir and Gudakesh Motie took two wickets each for the Warriors who reached 102 in 19.1 overs as only Shai Hope (35) and Kemo Paul (18) passed 15.
Kamrul Islam had 4-13, and Harmeet Singh (3-12) were the main wicket-takers for the Riders.
Rangpur Riders elected to bat on a track that kept from inception and fast outfield despite back-toback boundaries from Saif Hassan in the first over, had an inauspicious start.
Jamaican-born Steven Taylor had his wicket dismantled off the first ball of the contest from Dwaine Pretorius who bowled Hassan (8) four balls later with one that crept along the carpet to leave the score on 8-2.
The 35-year-old South Africa struck in his second over with the score on 14-3 when Wayne Madsen (4) drilled a catch to Kemo Paul at mid-off.
in jeopardy
A run later, with the score on 15-4 Soumya Sarkar (2) was bowled with another ball that kept low from the lively Tanzim Sakib. With the team from Bangladesh wobbling on the ropes, Shah joined Mehdi Hassan in the fourth over and the pair tried to orchestrate ‘operation rebuild’ with Shah stroking Romario Shepherd back past his ankles for four.
But the oldest man in the tournament and leading wicket-taker Imran Tahir removed Hassan (3) as the Riders’ struggles continued as they slumped to 27-5 in 6.4 overs.
West Indies left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie was dumped over long-on for six by Shah who effortlessly deposited off- spinner Roston Chase into the stands.
At the halfway stage the Warriors were large and in charge in their backyard with the score 45-5.
Shah was willing to counter-at-
tack and brought up the fifty from 69 balls with his third six as Tahir gave the ball some ‘air’.
Shah, who has a century in this format, reached his 13th fifty from 42 with a four and four sixes.
He was dropped on 56 off Sakib who tested him with a quick bouncer two balls later which Shah top-edged to the Keeper from the miscued hook to break the 61-run stand from 59 balls with his skipper Nurul Hasan.
Rishad Hossain (10) ran past Tahir and was neatly stumped by Shai Hope at 101-7 after the 100 had come up from 108 balls.
Nurul Hasan (15) fell to Shepherd before Motie got rid of Rishad Hossain (11) and Zak Chappell (2) to complete the demolition job.
Chasing 118 to win, the Warriors had a nightmare start; Pretorius, surprisingly asked to open, was lbw for one, Moin Ali fell for four, Shimron Hetymer was
bowled by Kamrul Rabbi for a first-ball duck to leave the home side tottering at 7-3.
Worse was to come as Roston Chase (9) and Hassan Khan (1) were sent packing with the Warriors on 27-5 in the fifth over.
Hope, who leaves on Saturday to lead the West Indies in the three-match ODI series which commences on Sunday in St Kitts, was joined by Motie (who leaves for that series) and revived the position by taking the score to 66.
Motie (15) fell to Mahedi Hasan at 66-6. Hope and Paul carried the score 89 before Paul was bowled by Harmeet Singh for 18 after hitting a six and a four.
But Hope top-edged a sweep off Rishad Hossain and was taken by the Keeper at 91-9 but Shepherd (9) tried to carry his team home by hitting a six before he was caught at cover off Kamrul Rabbi.
Amazon Warriors players celebrate the fall of another wicket at the Providence Stadium last night