Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 06-05-2023

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and other leaders pose for a Family Photo at the Commonwealth Leaders Meeting in London, England, on

(Office of the President

(Delano Williams

President Ali discusses food security, agriculture during working dinner

185 years of Indian arrival observed with rich cultural programmes at Highbury, Palmyra

IN observance of the 185 years since the arrival of Indians to Guyana, persons from all walks of life gathered at Highbury, in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) to commemorate their fore-parents who came here on boats as indentured labourers.

The event was organised by the Berbice Indian Arrival Committee, and was held in the area where the first boat landed.

Those gathered were treated to a rich cultural programme that depicted the diversity of the Indian culture. There were songs, classical dance per-

formances and skits that portrayed life on the plantation in the early days.

Regional Chairman David Armogan reflected on the journey and sacrifices that were made, and noted that despite the hardships they endured, the Indians who came were a contented group of people.

It was an exciting programme that was filled with dancing, singing and other cultural items

He emphasised that it is for this reason it is important for the descendants to always reflect on how they persevered with whatever little they had.

Further, he said that the sacrifices made by the ancestors have laid the foundation for the thriving Indian community in Guyana today, and it is

their duty to continue to preserve and promote their traditions for generations to come.

“They were contented people, and we (the descendants) should also be contented people. Today, there are many things we learn from our ancestors. One of those is resiliency. We do not give up easily. We work very hard. We

build on what we have and above all, we are resistant to people who try to exploit us. These are the things we were taught. We were taught courage; we were taught to stand up to people. Today, they must be proud of us. Wherever they are, they are looking down on Guyana today. They would recognise

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, and the President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio on Thursday attended a working dinner hosted by Chief Executive Officer of UPL Limited, Jai Shroff in London, England. During the event, discussions were held on food security and agriculture (Office of the President photos)

Scores of persons turned up to witness the cultural display at Highbury, East Bank Berbice

‘Never lose sight of traditions’

By Faith Greene

AS scores of Guyanese turned up to enjoy Pushpanjali 23, Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Friday, emphasised that our traditions must be kept alive as they form part of our unique Guyanese identity.

Although he was speaking at an event held to commemorate the 185th anniversary of the arrival of the first East Indians to the shores of then British Guiana, the PM pointed out that Arrival Day was set aside to celebrate the multicultural character of Guyana

Aside from the Indians and the Chinese, he said: “Today, we pay homage to our African, Asian and European ancestors, who together with the indigenous peoples laid the foundation of our country; our country’s ethnic diversity, each contributing in no small measure to our country’s sustainment, freedom, and its development.”

He said that on this day, we must also remember the strength, determination and innovative spirit of all those who were brought to these shores as indentured labourers

Pushpanjali, which is the offering of flowers to Hinduities, celebrates the arrival of Indians to Guyana

PM Phillips told the sizeable gathering that the arrival of Indian indentured labourers in the 19th and 20th centuries , profoundly impacted Guyana and its society Noting that Guyana’s Indo-Guyanese community makes up approximately 40 per cent of the population, he pointed out that they have significantly influenced the country’s culture, politics and economy

He described the circumstances and period that the indentured labourers came to Guyana as a time in our history that was marred by the gross exploitation of millions of peo-

ple around the world It was emphasised that the system of indentureship brought with it harsh conditions, but many of the labourers chose to remain here after their indentureship

With that decision came the rich Indian culture that we enjoy today, he said

According to the Prime Minister , “ Indian labourers brought with them more languages, religion and traditions,

–– PM says Guyana’s ‘cultural melting pot’ must be preserved

which have become an integral part of our Guyanese culture.”

He noted that the culture of the Indo-Guyanese community can be seen in music, dance, literature, food, architecture, among others

Describing the Indian tradition as a “major part of Guyana’s cultural melting pot,” he said that a unique Guyanese identity is created when it is combined with our Indigenous, European, African and Chinese cultures.

He said that Indo-Guyanese have contributed significantly to the economic development of Guyana, particularly in areas of agriculture and commerce

Prime Minister Phillip added that the arrival of Indians has also had a lasting impact on Guyana’s political landscape

He urges all Guyanese to never forget the positive transformational effects of this arrival and to never neglect tradition

“It’s over 185 years, and the practices that were brought more than 9,000 miles across the seas and away from their place of origin are still being observed with the traditional meaning, and customs very much still intact These are the same traditions that will continue to be passed on for generations to come,” he added

The Arrival Day event was hosted by the Indian Commemoration Trust , at the Indian Monument Gardens in Georgetown

Tassa drummers were strategically placed to welcome persons and provide entertainment as they waited for the cultural programme to begin

In addition to drumming, dancing and singing were part of the programme

Sweet meats and books written by Indo-Guyanese were on sale at the family-oriented event

Scenes from the cultural programme (Delano Williams photos)

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips

More persons to be trained as healthcare providers

─ Health Ministry plans to work with those who don’t meet entry requirements

THE Ministry of Health is looking to train more nurses and other healthcare professionals , as it seeks to drastically improve the healthcare system in Guy-

ana Health Minister , Dr Frank Anthony, speaking at a recent sod-turning exercise for the new $6.6 billion hospital in Region Five, noted

that more persons need to be trained from the region to adequately staff the facility when it is completed

“Region Five needs quite a lot of nurses and we want you to come on board, identify those young persons who are interested and we will train them, and when we’re finished training you , and

you pass the exam, we have a job for you,” Dr Anthony stated

While noting that the general requirement is five CSEC passes including English and Mathematics, the health minister said, “There is no barrier to education; if you want to become a nurse and you have the aptitude,

you have a couple of subjects, we will work with you to bring you into the system

“We don’t want to compromise our entry requirement, but what we will do once we identify people with these gaps, is that we will bring you in , we will make sure that through the Ministry of Public Service that we can provide Math and English.”

The ministry is aiming to train at least 1,000 nurses annually through the introduction of online training.

“ So , people can study nursing at home and when you are ready to do the practical component you will come into a simulation centre in your region,” the minister underscored

Primary healthcare has been brought into focus over the last few years and the ministry has identified 216 services that should be provided at all primary healthcare facilities such as health

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

centres and posts

“

Right now , we are working to ensure that we equip each of these health centres with the right type of equipment, with the right type of diagnostic kits so that we will be able to provide these types of interventions,” the health minister pointed out

This also comes with the recognition that a lot more people need to be trained “ One of the things that we have been doing is working to expand training so that we can have more pharmacists , more pharmacy assistants; we want to have more laboratory technicians, x-ray technicians, CT Scan technicians, ultrasound technicians , and so forth ,” Minister Anthony added. (DPI)

185 years of Indian arrival observed with...

their sacrifices have not gone in vain because we the descendants of these people have done very well for ourselves and have made Guyana into what it is today; a proud country that is now accelerating towards moving to first world standard,”

he said.

In continuing, he said that as we celebrate our ancestors, “we can never forget the roles our ancestors played in the building of Guyana, the then Guyana and [in] the now modern Guyana, we are continuing that work they have started…Today,

we are building on that. Today, we are proud of them. Today, we continue the kind of culture they left with us.”

According to Armogan, a people without a culture is a lost people.

“So, we are very proud. We are very fortunate that our ancestors left with us a

great culture; a culture of music, dance, food, worship, rituals, functions,” he added.

The Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr. K. J Srinivasta, who was present at the function, also spoke about the struggles of those who made the journey, but persevered and managed to remain grounded to their roots.

“I believe we should take lesson from that unique history of the people that came that despite their extreme hardships they were determined, they endured and persevered and overcame their circumstances even their own survival but they always worked hard to maintain their sense of origin, their traditions and culture,” he said. After reflecting on some of the achievements made since that journey 185 years, he said: “Their children, grandchildren and their descendants will always take pride in these unique achievements of theirs and recognise their sacrifices and achievements they made on their

behalf.”

He reassured those present that not only will his country continue to work with the Government of Guyana, but with every Guyanese so that more people can benefit and learn more about people of Indian origin and their achievements.

Meanwhile, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud, and Minis-

ter within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues attended a similar event at Palmyra, which is also located in Region Six. The Indian High Commissioner was also in attendance.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud greets residents at Palmyra

One of the captivating dances honouring the Indians who came to Guyana as indentured labourers

This young dancer displays her dancing skills during the cultural programme at Palmyra (DPI photos)

A Life-Saving Initiative

THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s Dialysis Support Programme has been praised for providing much-needed financial assistance to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. With CKD rising worldwide, many patients struggle to afford or access the appropriate medical care needed to treat this debilitating condition.

CKD is a condition where the kidneys cannot filter the blood to remove harmful waste products and excess fluids that are turned into urine to be passed out of the body. Dialysis treatment becomes an alternative procedure to remove waste products and extra fluids from the blood when the kidneys stop working correctly. It is a process that involves

diverting blood to a machine to be cleaned.

Earlier this year, the Dialysis Support Programme provided over $50 million to 84 patients, with plans to use the budgeted $863 million to support those needing critical medical treatment. The programme is a lifeline for patients who otherwise could not afford the costly Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) required for dialysis treatment. In the United States, one hemodialysis treatment can cost upwards of US$500, making it unaffordable for many patients.

The Ministry of Health has also been commended for its proactive approach, collaborating with private sector agencies to expand dialysis services to regions previously lacking adequate medical care.

Patients previously forced to travel to the capital city for treatment can now access dialysis services in Regions Two, Three, Four, and 10, saving time and money for those in need.

One patient spoke for many beneficiaries, stating that they “would have already been in [their] box without the Dialysis Support Programme.”

CKD is a medical and economic problem, with RRT consuming costly resources such as equipment and personnel. With awareness being the key to prevention, the programme reminds all to take preventative measures such as healthy eating, regular exercise, and constant medical check-ups.

This week, relief was also provided to 105 hemodialysis patients. These

patients received cheques valued at $600,000 each to help subsidise their treatment expenses. Of the beneficiaries, 51 are new patients.

The first payout for this year was executed in February, benefitting 84 patients, while the second was done in April, benefitting 62 persons. The administration has allocated $863 million in Budget 2023 to support those needing medical treatment.

Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, appealed to the general public to get registered if they require dialysis support. The process is straightforward, but verification and assessment of the patient’s condition at the Nephrology Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) are necessary.

Dialysis patient Antonio

Lall, 42, expressed gratitude for the government’s assistance, stating that he has been on dialysis for two years, and it is not easy, especially when the treatment is so expensive.

Another dialysis patient, Jane Chichester, 70, who is a second-time beneficiary, applauded the government’s kind gesture. Meanwhile, Eaiseaiedayal Ramsarak, a 57-year-old of Berbice, emphasized the need for such help, as the cost of taking dialysis is very expensive, and she does not have a partner to help support her financially. The initiative will ease the burden on her only daughter and other relatives.

Persons requiring support for dialysis treatment can contact the Ministry’s Medical Treatment Department at 225-0113 for more

information on how they can receive financial assistance. The Government’s initiative is a much-needed relief for hemodialysis patients who require financial support to manage their medical condition.

The Dialysis Support Programme is a critical lifeline for patients suffering from CKD.

The government’s commitment to providing financial assistance and expanding dialysis services is commendable and serves as a model for other countries to follow. As we continue to raise awareness about CKD, we must remain vigilant and take preventative measures to ensure a healthy and prosperous future for all.

Writers, editors, and freedom

Dear Editor,

AT the weekly PPP press conference on Thursday (May 4, 2023), General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo made it clear that the party, and the current PPP/C administration are committed without reservation, to the protection of press freedom in Guyana.

Moreover, Jagdeo who is also the Vice President of the PPP/C administration, underlined the rights of journalists to do their work without harassment or fear. President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has also repeatedly affirmed the positive relationship between a free press, and democratic freedoms in general.

In the context of the above, I would like to offer some perspectives on the expectations and challenges of writers and editors, and the ways in which the work they do can either contribute to a deepening and broadening of democracy or, do the opposite, by threatening free speech and democratic freedoms.

Most readers have probably never heard of Professor Hans J. Morgenthau, yet his thoughts on what writers and editors do, and should do, are relevant to our discussion. Morgenthau escaped German fascism and migrated to the US. He wrote Politics Among Nations,

one of the most influential works on international politics in the twentieth century. Morgenthau was a political realist, meaning that in contradistinction to political idealism, which is focused on what ought to be, he was concerned with the world as it existed. Morgenthau was against the Vietnam war, and because of that, his writings in the press and his speeches against the war, were rubbished by the established press. The established press turned anti-war only after the Tet Offensive.

In Summer 1965 (no specific date provided), Professor Morgenthau wrote the following – “The writer

is nothing without his language. Take his language away, and you have silenced him. Put words into his mouth, and you have made him speak in a voice not his own. Refuse him the right to say what he wants to say in his own words, and you have as thoroughly destroyed his freedom, nay, himself as though you had sealed his lips and chained his hands.”

(Truth and Politics, 1970, p. 60)

These are not simply words of wisdom in the abstract, but insights that were hatched in the brutal experiences of the Cold War. Like Morgenthau, all serious writers are caught among

several contending forces. They must broadly abide to the editorial policy of their outlet, which often also means pleasing the publisher who is not a ‘creative’ individual per se, but owner of the means of production, in this case, quite literally so. In Guyana, we can see this with the naked eye.

At the same time, the writer, the journalist, has a responsibility to the public, because without that as the guiding light, writing then becomes either an instrument of personal glory, or worse yet, a voice for the mechanical reproduction of the ideas, ideologies, preferences, and jouissance of the political

elite, or ‘big capital’.

Editors also have their challenges. For Morgenthau, the editor has three choices, namely, print the original submission as is, suggest changes which the writer can accept or reject, or reject the manuscript. However, “what he cannot do is substitute his judgement for that of the author” (p. 56). Morgenthau castigates too much editorial interference as “barbarization.”

On the other hand, editorial practice that is based on a single regime of truth can only be hatched and sustained in totalitarian political systems.

A trail of trials, trauma and tribulations

Dear Editor, MAY 5, 2023, denotes the 185th anniversary since East Indians arrived from India as Indian Indentured laborers in then British Guiana.

A colony that was last ruled by the British, saw the abolition of slavery in 1833, the emancipation of slaves and the end to the chattel slavery system. The Africans, forcefully brought from Africa to work for the colonial masters, were then freed from slavery and finally given freedom and the choice of living independently.

Many left the sugar plantations and diversified to other opportunities, and that created a vacuum in the labor force. There are two months in which the culture of Afro-Guyanese are highlighted. While February month is celebrated as “Black History Month,” August month also commemorates the anniversary of Emancipation for the Afro-Guyanese.

The importation of indentured laborers from India was conceived and implemented, but the conditions were concealed and on arrival, the Indians found out that they were deceived when they saw and experienced the deplorable living and arduous working conditions.

Incidentally, May 2, also

commemorates the arrival of the Portuguese/Madeirans and January 13, the arrival of the Chinese. West Indians and some “others,” were also imported under this context. September month signifies the observance of Amerindian Heritage.

Doubt is still entertained about the ambiguity of this day May 5, whether it is to commemorate and generalise the arrival of people from all races, indentured laborers, or, specifically, to celebrate the identity of the arrival of Indians only.

A transparent pronouncement is yet to be officially established and, officials have evaded this clarification, preferring to shelve the issue.

East Indians have struggled from day one in this country and were viewed with skepticism by others, patronised as unwelcome and regarded as job grabbers. They came with countable wealth, being, their few pieces of clothing, their religious books and their culture. Hundreds died on the dangerous journey known as the, “Kala Pani.”

Toiling under the hot sun and enduring much use and abuse, they had to tolerate a new strain of slavery-ship, another form of British hardship, and, they quickly had to adopt to a different way of life

in order to accommodate a means of survival, losing an accustomed social respectability in the long run.

Not deterred by the presumptuousness of being referred to as “Coolies,” grinding away from Monday to Saturday, bearing strain from the whims and fancy of the British who enjoyed punishing them for the flimsiest of excuses, and, being agitated with numerous anomalies, they survived all disadvantages and oppression to establish themselves to a forefront to gain the resentment of others.

With a cultural hallmark of praying, working, playing, saving, being conservative, investing wisely and building slowly but surely, this methodology transcended a fusion of life style, aspiration, dedication and cultivation, to catapult suppression to impression.

Bonded with a togetherness and banded with mutual compatibility, a primary generation of simpletons converted a despicable situation into a promising generation of prosperity.

Today, being the envy of illusionists, there is the unfounded accusation of “wealth disparity,” being sourced and funneled by propagandists. Emerging from a level playing field, or perhaps, an unfavorable circumstance, not privi -

leged by those earlier settlers, the false hue and cry of favoritism, is being beaten on a drum resounding in a tasteless melody.

Such has been a trail filled with trials, traumas and tribulations, a journey saddled with many blocks and hurdles and a pathway, strewn with holes and thorns, but never undaunted or deterred by the improbable, generations of Indians have battled the stormy seas and have not withered with the tempestuous weather.

They preferred to toil the soil with their inherited cultural proclivities and agricultural skills, invest in their children’s education and confine any exuberance with compassion and satisfaction.

A buddy system practiced from the days of yore, this concept afforded the extension of a helping hand to take care and look out for the senior and junior members in the family. This principle has adumbrated the successive genealogy for success and has manifested high dividends.

With the passing of time, inclement economic situation, enforced by dictatorship, side lining of unilateralism, prejudice, racial discrimination, political favoritism, social upheaval and religious suppression, Indo Guyanese with other ethnicities not favorable

Writers, editors, and...

FROM PAGE 6

The editor, therefore, is also in a difficult bind. They must broadly abide by the wishes of the publisher which means giving up some degree of independent judgement. Yet, if they do so blindly, they are killing the intent and judgement of writers.

Now, back to General Secretary Jagdeo’s press conference in which he again affirmed the right of journalists to “freely express yourself.” I encourage journalists in Guyana to take those words in the literal sense intended, albeit that there is respect

for the facts and evidence as they exist. Dr. Jagdeo noted that the professional work done by journalists is often reworked to suit political obligations. Apropos, in the words of Hans Morgenthau, “the editor would have his right to impose his judgement upon the author only if there existed one correct philosophy, one correct kind of argumentation, and one correct way of writing to the exception of all others” (p. 57).

One real exception as Jagdeo pointed out, is when political personalities hide behind the language

of “freedom of the press” to commit acts of criminality, such as calls to political violence expressed by the WPA’s Tacuma Ogunseye and his followers.

Writers and editors play a definitive role in shaping the world as we know it. Writing itself is constitutive of the reality which we take to be just there. This is so because the writer and the editor are central producers of meaning. They also ‘adjudicate’ the meaning of meaning.

Yours sincerely, Dr Randolph Persaud

supporters of the then demeaning administration, were unavoidably migrating to greener pastures.

They were all escaping from the devaluation of the dollar, the restricted foreign exchange system, the banning of food items, nationalisation and its repercussions, the paramountcy of the PNC party, the evil of Burnhamism, the party card passport, the political domination in the ministries, public sector and agencies, the down seizing of the economy and the ultimate collapse of a nation under siege by a cabal led by the Kabaka. The “Sanctimonious Gangster” also alluded to this infraction.

With the turning of the tide, Indo Guyanese have proliferated, persevered and propelled to a stage of predisposition, whereby, everything must be relished with reservation. At each turn, a perilous trap is anticipated and nothing can be accepted as granted.

Many have sold out the rights of East Indians for personal greed, employ -

ment opportunities, financial satisfaction and social advancement, all at the demise and expense of the struggling class. No wonder Indo-Guyanese are spectators and not consumers with the celebration of Republic Day, Mashramani and Independence Day.

Not being fooled or tranquilised by magicians, circus performers and dirty, dangerous and devious ring leaders, they fashion a head on their shoulder and can smell a rat from a mile. Any decoration of “mental laziness,” is certainly supercilious from any irresponsible party and castigates, chastises and charred the dignity of individuality.

Arrival Day should be renamed as Indian Arrival Day to underscore the reflection of the sacrifices of the ancestors of East Indians from India and, their contribution towards the peace, progress and prosperity of all Guyana.

Yours respectfully,

Jai Lall

How free is the world press today?

VETERAN journalists have grown tired over the past quarter-century, with the way annual international observance and celebration of journalists and journalism have been treated like a yearly one-sided, ‘Hip-Hip Hooray’, over ‘Press Freedom’ that only dances to the same old song about what really constitutes ‘The Press’ and ‘Press Freedom’ today.

It’s also bled many like hearts, the way surviving influential Caribbean journalists of yore have so easily drifted with the new tidal wave (of Press Freedom) that’s more in accordance

with post-World War II interpretations of the role of the press, than addressing the ongoing challenges facing journalists and journalism globally – and in a Caribbean region also grappling with finding itself after the ceremonial transition from colonialism to independence.

In the 1980s and early 1990s, International Journalists Day was observed worldwide on September 8 with activities largely supported by member-organisations of the International Organisation of Journalists (IOJ), mostly located in developing countries, including the Caribbean Community

(CARICOM).

Activities were always global and regional and largely led by journalist entities committed to a New International Information (and Communications Order), as proposed by UNESCO under Senegalese Director General Amadou M’Bow in the 1980s.

IOJ global conferences were also attended by delegates from the European and US-dominated World Federation of Journalists (WFJ) and affiliate entities with different ideological interpretations of both ‘Press’ and ‘Freedom’.

However, the IOJ, Sep-

tember 8, UNESCO and M’Bow would all become victims of a Cold War response that saw the beleaguered African Director General banished, UNESCO forced to back-off from the call he led for a New International Information Order (NIIO) and consolidation of highlighting ‘Violations of Press Freedoms’ in Eastern Bloc nations, as measured by Western yardsticks.

By 1991, when the Soviet Union ceased to exist and former member-states got caught-up in the crossfire of the biggest global political realignment of the 20th century, the re-ignited Cold War spirit gave new life to the old claims of violations of ‘Press Freedom’ in Russia and the former Soviet republics.

Waving red danger flags, old multinational Cold War broadcasting entities (Radio Liberty, Radio Free Europe, etc.) were revived to join the western-driven modern multinational mainstream media to globalise the cause of ‘Press Freedom’ in the East European nations being courted by the European Union (EU) and the US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) military alliance.

The global Cold War media maelstrom that came with the newly-galvanised global political order saw International Journalists Day observances and September 8 replaced by May 3, ‘World Press Freedom’ Day.

In the last 25 years, May 3 has therefore been more of an annual global observance of ‘Press Freedom’ in selected countries, than of issues affecting journalists and journalism -- around which all the acclaimed noble ‘freedoms’ revolve.

Every year, today’s global guardians of ‘Press Freedom’ create largely amorphous themes with only one common denominator: the two words ‘press’ and ‘freedom’.

The 2023 global theme is, “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human Rights” – which also sounds like saying, ‘Forget All Other Problems Facing Journalists and Journalism: Only Human Rights Matter Today!’

In days of old, September 8 observances included annual international conferences where regional entities representing journalists and media workers addressed burning issues equally or similarly affecting them in Africa, The Americas, Arabia, Asia, Latin America and The Caribbean (LAC), Oceana and Pacific nations, each delegation, over days, getting enough time to state and make their case(s) for solidarity and support.

Those gatherings, subsidised by the larger bodies with capacity, also addressed common themes like ‘Censorship and Self-Censorship’, ‘Transnational Media Ownership’, ‘Journalists’ Rights’, ‘Representation for Media Workers’, as well as arranging solidarity for and with journalists in nations where journalists are jailed and killed for doing their work, including Haiti.

A movement grew in the developing world of affiliated entities that countered the purist of Western interpretations of ‘Press Freedom’ with demands for equal attention to ‘Press Responsibilities’ – the need for the so-called ‘Free Press’ to also accept and be guided by the usual traditional responsibilities of neutrality and not taking sides in covering politics or war.

IOJ conferences were attended by Caribbean journalists representing members of the Caribbean Association of Media Workers (CAMWORK) and a position of IOJ Regional Vice President for the Caribbean was created to give special attention to the newly independent ex-European colonies (Brit-

ish, Dutch, French, Spanish, etc.) that had emerged on the global scene from the early 1960s.

Thanks to the growing heat of the 21st Century Cold War, May 3 has replaced September 8 as the date for global celebration of ‘Press Freedom’ while journalists and journalism continue to face the same problems of practitioners having to live by freedoms prescribed elsewhere, none at all connected to collective responsibilities for truth, independence and reliability.

During World Wars I and II, journalists braved bombs to give distant listeners and readers independent interpretations of war propaganda; but today, World War III has been unfolding before our very eyes for over a year in Ukraine, with journalists forced to take sides, reporting not from front lines but safe hotels and underground bunkers, as soldiers die by the thousands, depending on WhatsApp and Telegram shares, rendering them unable to call the shots they cannot see, while the warring sides use ‘Kamikaze Drones’ for the first time in the history of war.

Within weeks of the start of the avoidable Russia-Ukraine conflict that’s assumed proxy-war proportions, the EU banned the Russian international broadcaster RT, resulting in Caribbean consumers (like me) who paid subscriptions for RT among a list of package-choice channels, losing a channel we’re still paying for, because of EU sanctions – and without notice (to this day) from service providers. Thus, after an entire year of journalism being trampled and stomped on, and 14 months of mainly one-sided global media coverage, one could not have expected World Press Freedom Day 2023 to be anything different from the previous 22.

And it wasn’t…

New building to house NTC Secretariat completed

THE new building which is expected to house the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Secretariat at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, Georgetown, has been completed, and will soon be occupied.

This is according to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Ryan Toolsie, who updated members of the media on Thursday on the state of readiness of the facility, which consists of an administrative section and a dome where members of the NTC will host

meetings

He reported that now that the construction phase is over, all that’s left to be done is the casting works in the compound where the building is located

“We were scheduled to do some casting earlier in the week, but, as you know, we had tremendous rainfall, so it was slushy We had to let the sand dry out a little bit , compact , and casting will be done over the weekend,” Toolsie said

In January of this year, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai had

said that the final touches were being added to the building which was scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of this year

The government allocated $ 100 million in the 2022 National Budget to relocate the secretariat from its Hadfield and Cross Streets, Georgetown location

According to previous reports , Sukhai noted that the provision of this secretariat is a key part of the government’s support for indigenous people and their elected leaders

Gold miner ‘busted’ at Lethem with 516.3g of suspected marijuana

AKEEM Charles , a 26-year-old gold miner, was, on Friday, allegedly arrested with 516.3 grams of suspected marijuana in his possession.

According to a police report, ranks from Regional Division #9 conducted a raid exercise on Charles’ house at Tabatinga , Lethem

During the exercise which was conducted in his presence , the ranks found three white plastic bags.

Two of the bags contained a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems, while the other bag contained 59 transparent ziplock bags with leaves , seeds and stems, all suspected to be

suspected cannabis that was allegedly found at Akeem Charles’ home at Tabatinga, Lethem (Guyana Police Force photo)

cannabis

Charles was told of the offence committed and cautioned , to which he

Linden man remanded to prison for alleged attempted armed robbery

DENZIL Bentick , a 31 - year - old construction worker of Amelia’s Ward, Linden , was charged on Thursday with attempted armed robbery and was remanded to prison

According to a police statement , Bentick was arrested on March 18 , 2023 and is accused of committing the act against Ramlakhan Sookoo , called Kishore , at

Loo Creek, Soesdyke-Linden Highway

The accused appeared at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Court #2 before Magistrate Judy Latchman, where the charge was read to him

He pleaded not guilty and was refused bail

The matter was adjourned to May 22 , 2023 for trial.

replied: “Is just a lil hustle officer.”

He was arrested and escorted to the Lethem

Police Station, where the suspected cannabis was weighed in his presence. It amounted to 516.3 grams

The suspected cannabis was marked and placed in a transparent evidence bag and lodged with the Station Sergeant for safekeeping

A diary entry was made as it relates to the oral confession.

Charles remains in custody and is slated to be charged next week

Denzil Bentick (Guyana Police Force photo)

The

This photograph of the new NTC Secretariat was taken in January 2023

Final round of consultations for Real Estate Bill ongoing

FOLLOWING a final round of consultations, the Real Estate Bill of 2023 will be presented to the National Assembly, according to Attorney - General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall.

Nandlall made this

disclosure during an episode of his weekly Online programme , ‘ Issues in the News’, where he stated that the stakeholders in the industry have been given copies of the draft Bill

Nandlall said: “We have given a copy to the real estate

associations of Guyana, and we have requested of them to examine it , and to give us their inputs and recommendations, in writing, and, hopefully , we can engage them one final time before we complete work on the Bill, and take it to the Na-

tional Assembly.”

Against this backdrop , the Legal Affairs Minister stated that the Bill should be debated and enacted before the August recess

Nandlall went on to add that this Bill should be part of the Laws of Guyana before the mutual assessment of Guyana ’ s Anti - Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force ( CFATF ), and the Financial Action Task Force ( FTAF ) commences in September

Meanwhile , during the programme, he indicated that the Real Estate Bill of 2023 is set to fill the gap for the lack of regulatory framework for this sector

“Billions of dollars pass through this sector annually, and the sector operates without any statutory or regulatory framework That vacuum has been identified as a deficiency, and we are to fill that gap And this Bill is intended to do that,” Nandlall said

To this end, he indicated that the Bill is a comprehensive one , which has some 83 provisions and several

schedules , and was crafted following consultations with real estate operators in Guyana

He added that drafters of the Bill consulted legislation of this type across the Caribbean, and also looked at Guyana ’ s environment

According to Nandlall, they came up with a Bill that adequately and robustly provides the type of regulatory framework that is suitable for Guyana

The Attorney - General further added that the Bill defines real estate, and has a system to register operators within the sector And it also lists the qualifications and disqualifications for registration, and creates a register for all the operators in the sector

The Bill also establishes an association and a board to run it, and will determine how the association will function

“It has provisions dealing with issues of indemnity insurance, and then it establishes a licensing committee that will license operators It has how the committee will be constituted, and the tenure of its members, and how

members are to be appointed and removed And the affairs of this body are going to be documented and laid in the National Assembly,” he said The Bill also speaks to professional misconduct and the duties and obligations of real estate agents, and also includes clauses on disciplinary matters , and how disciplinary proceedings can be instituted and will be conducted against errant operators in the sector

In June 2022 , at the launch of the Realtor’s Association of Guyana, it was said that as the country ’ s real estate sector continues to grow, the industry needs heavy regulation Minister Nandlall indicated that while legislation was in the pipeline , the government would only play a regulatory role, and would only pass a law to establish a structure to regulate the players in the industry.

Ruimveldt,

RESIDENTS of West Ruimveldt and surrounding communities in Georgetown will soon benefit from improved drainage, and a better quality of life

Minister of Agriculture

Zulfikar Mustapha on Thursday conducted a walkabout in West Ruimveldt, through Shepherd’s Lane leading to the Back Road area to assess and address drainage-related issues

Minister Mustapha committed to sending a team to evaluate the situation and plan interventions to adequately address the drainage woes in the communities at reference

Residents raised the concern that poor drainage results in flooding of their properties

It was discovered that several drains and culverts are in bad condition , and require immediate maintenance.

In addition , many of the drains are clogged with

weeds and sediment, which is contributing to the ongoing issue

The minister assured residents that the canals in the community will be desilted and the drains will be cleared

He also engaged residents and youths, where other concerns were raised, including the construction of roads and bridges , a footpath to Ascension Secondary School,

garbage disposal, infrastructural works on the playfield at Shepherd’s Lane, and Westfield Tigers Playfield

The minister was accompanied by Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority ( NDIA ) Lionel Wordsworth, senior engineers of the ministry , councillors , and constituency candidates. (DPI)

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha (second left) assessing one of the clogged drains

Drainage issues in West

surrounding communities to be addressed soon

US Assistant Secretary Pyatt to visit Guyana

DEPARTMENT of State Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) Assistant Secretary Geoffrey R. Pyatt will travel to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, and Georgetown, Guyana, in the coming days.

In making the announcement, the US Embassy in Guyana said on Friday that during the May 8-10 trip, the Assistant Secretary will promote regional energy security and advance

WHO declares COVID-19 no longer public health emergency

THE World Health Organisation (WHO), on Friday, declared that COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, signalling an important step towards ending the pandemic.

The WHO’s Emergency Committee convened an emergency meeting on Thursday to assess the current state of the pandemic. The committee had been monitoring the outbreak since its emergence in Wuhan, China, and had declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) in January 2020.

After hours of deliberation, the committee came to a consensus that COVID-19 was now an established and ongoing health issue, but it no longer constituted a PHEIC. The committee’s recommendations were forwarded to the WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, for review.

Dr. Tedros carefully reviewed the

committee’s report and concurred with its recommendations. He addressed the media and the world at large, stating that the WHO recognises that COVID-19 is still a serious health issue, but it is no longer considered a PHEIC.

The Director-General emphasised the

masks, practising social distancing, and encouraging vaccinations.

Dr. Tedros also thanked the committee for their hard work and dedication in monitoring the pandemic and providing advice to the WHO.

He recognised the ongoing efforts

the clean energy transition in the Caribbean, which are key goals of the U.S. Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030).

In Port of Spain, he will meet with government officials and energy stakeholders to

identify and expand on areas of co-operation for clean energy. He will also participate in a Women in Energy Roundtable to highlight the contributions of women to the energy industry in Trinidad and Tobago.

Meanwhile, in

Georgetown, Assistant Secretary Pyatt will meet with Guyanese government officials, business leaders, and American companies to discuss bilateral co-operation on the full range of energy issues, the embassy disclosed.

importance of continued vigilance and collaboration to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

He urged countries to continue implementing public health measures such as wearing

of healthcare workers around the world who are on the frontlines of the pandemic, and offered his condolences to those who had lost loved ones to the disease.

Department of State Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) Assistant Secretary Geoffrey R. Pyatt

Judiciary invites bids for construction of Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court

WITH the aim of providing easier access to justice for residents in the Pomeroon-Supenaam area, the Supreme Court of Judicature has issued an invitation for bids for the construction of a magistrate’s court at Anna Regina.

The announcement of the intended construction of the court was published in the daily newspapers on Friday.

Interested bidders can peruse the bid documents at the court’s Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown office before purchasing the complete set of bidding documents for GY$6,000.

Bids must be delivered to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) before 09:00 hours on May 23, at its office located at the Ministry of Finance, Main and Urquhart Street, Georgetown.

The judiciary received some $4 billion in the 2023 budget to construct and maintain magistrate’s courts at Timehri, Friendship, Cove and John, Mahaicony, Anna Regina,

and Parfaite Harmonie.

Guyana has over 50 magistrate’s courts, including the Bail Court, Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Court, Juvenile Court, and the Sexual Offences Court.

Recently, the judiciary launched 12 Juvenile Drug Treatment Courts (DTC) in magisterial districts around the country as part of its efforts to reduce crime and substance use by adolescents through the use of therapeutic interventions and judicial supervision.

Also, four Electronic Notice Boards were installed at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to facilitate easier access to information for court users. Soon, the court will be rolling out a case management system pilot project.

In April 2022, during the commissioning of the $37.8 million Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnering with the judiciary to ensure access to justice

throughout Guyana.

According to Nandlall, access to justice is the foundation of a democratic nation and the hallmark of modern civilisation. He reminded those gathered of the Constitution, which speaks of the state not denying anyone equality and equal protection and benefit of the law.

“The judiciary is one of the fundamental pillars upon which a modern democratic society stands. Our government recognises the significant role the judiciary must play, and must continue to play as we strive to develop this country,” he said.

He explained that, currently, several courts are either under construction or being renovated, which will aid in the delivery of justice across the country.

“When in government we speak about the economic, commercial, and infrastructural transformation that is taking place in our country across every landscape, that same thing is happening in the judiciary as well,” the AG said.

The Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court which was commissioned in April 2022

Health Minister applauds midwives for their ‘selfless’ service

UNDERSCORING

their importance in ensuring the safety of pregnant women and unborn children, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said that midwives should be celebrated every day for the hard work that they do.

"Midwives play a very important role in our health system in Guyana and throughout the world. Most of our births now are done institutionally and in a safe and secure manner, and that’s because over the years, the Government of Guyana has invested a lot to ensure that our midwives are trained so that they can be the best at their jobs," he told the Guyana Chronicle earlier this week ahead of International Day of Midwives (IDM).

On Friday, midwives across Guyana joined the rest of the world in celebrating this special day under the theme, "Together again: from evidence to reality."

Dr. Anthony emphasised that he wanted to recognise all the midwives across Guyana for "the excellent work that they have been doing, the sacrifices that they have been making, their selfless acts of kindness, but more importantly, the many lives that they have saved over the years."

Minister Anthony noted that "birth attendance" was a major challenge a few years ago, before pointing out that there were many instances were persons were performing deliveries at home.

According to him, at-home deliveries can

cause a lot of complications, which may end in death if the woman does not reach the hospital in time.

According to Minister Anthony, one of the things that the government and health officials are working on, is ensuring that pregnant mothers attend clinic in their first, second, and third trimesters.

He explained that "this is very important as in each of these phases, we are able to do proper evaluation and identify mothers who will be at risk, and midwives are trained to do all of this."

Dr. Anthony further explained that the government has built a "waiting home" in the compound of several rural hospitals to accommodate pregnant women until they are ready to

give birth.

This, according to Minister Anthony, will be more convenient and helpful to the mothers than having them wait at home or in their villages with little to no medical attention.

"We have set up waiting homes in Regions Nine, One, Seven, and Eight. Having them wait in the waiting home until they go into labour after which they go over or are taken to the hospital which is in the same compound. After delivery, the mothers can go back into the waiting home and spend a few days before they go back home. All the while, the midwives will attend to them so that they can feel safer knowing that they are in safe hands. We have also found that that has been a very effective

way of preventing death in pregnant women," he added.

The minister told this publication that these mothers have, on many occasions, given birth on the way to the hospital, which, according to him, can result in serious complications for both the mother and the unborn child.

Minister Anthony

said that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation has organised a Nurses in Concert event.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health has planned a number of activities for the upcoming Nurses Week, during which midwives will also be celebrated. (Cindy Parkinson)

Candidates in 13 LAAs to be automatically elected councillors - GECOM announces

IN a Local Authority Area (LAA) where only one list of candidates has been approved, the persons whose

being unopposed, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said on Friday.

In a press release,

winner of the election,” as is stipulated in section 54 of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act.

GECOM used the opportunity to inform all stakeholders that there are 13 LAAs with a combined total of 98 constituencies, and 193 additional constituencies from among other LAAs in which there will be no need for eligible persons to vote due to the existence of unopposed lists.

which they are registered to vote would have been affected by an unopposed list, GECOM said that it has posted these lists on its website, so that eligible persons can check to ascertain whether elections would be held in their areas of residence.

Also, persons may visit

the office of the returning officer for the municipality or Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) in which they reside, to find out whether voting will take place therein.

Additionally, GECOM, as a component of its civic and voter education strategy, will make a public an-

nouncement and distribute appropriate literature in all of the affected LAAs/ Constituencies to ensure that the relevant voters are made aware of why they are not required to vote at the June 12 Local Government Elections.

names appear on the list shall be deemed to have been elected as councillors due to the approved list

GECOM explained that under those circumstances, the candidates in the unopposed list “shall be declared the

The existence of an unopposed list of candidates for a LAA/Constituency effectively means that there is no need for the electors to vote and therefore, there is no need for the establishment of polling stations in such LAAs/Constituencies.

Recognising that voters may not be aware of whether the LAA/Constituency in

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

GPA statements an ‘orchestrated attempt’ to influence international bodies, reports -

Jagdeo says

THE Guyana Press Association’s (GPA)’s accusations and criticism of the PPP/C government have been described as an orchestrated attempt to influence international bodies and their reports, General Secretary (GS) of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, Bharrat Jagdeo, has said.

Jagdeo, during a press conference on Thursday, said the actions of the GPA’s President, Nazima

Raghubir, such as the blatant and sensational accusations of intimidation of media operatives, are an attempt at politicking in preparation for the “long overdue” GPA elections.

“It is to make some of the journalists feel that if they vote for a different person in there, that they are part of some government plot. It is like trying to shame the journalists or the members of the press association into voting for

status quo. So, I believe that this is part of the campaign. I would urge Nazima Raghubir not to use the PPP/C as her campaign. We don’t want to be part of your internal campaigning,” the General Secretary asserted.

However, he made it clear that freedom of the press remains a priority of the PPP/C government.

“What we enjoy today is a far cry from the history under the PNC. So, as a political party that fought to change all of this, we have a vested interest in

ensuring that we have a free, competitive media. We don’t censor people; we will respond. As I said before, we have a duty if we believe that we are treated unfairly in the media; to point this out, but we will defend the rights of the media,” Jagdeo emphasised.

The GS made reference to the World Press Freedom Index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which reported that Guyana has dropped 26 spots.

It stated that journalists in Guyana are subjected to push-back from the gov-

ernment and supporters of the ruling party, citing President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s press conference in Region Three.

It also made mention of the attacks on journalist Davina Bagot, which the GS stressed, was unreservedly condemned by the administration, and conveniently absent from the report.

Jagdeo said that many global indices, such as the one published by the World Press Freedom Index, present their statistics based on biased reports

from persons with political agendas.

“Reporters are getting killed around the world, and the countries don’t drop 26 points, but we drop 26 points because the Press Association sent something. They knew the report was coming up, and I think it was an orchestrated attempt by some media practitioners who are politically aligned to stir up issues that are non-issues, knowing it would influence the ranking,” the GS added. (DPI)

Rich Indian culture displayed at Anna Regina Mandir

Kaydar Persaud said that the programme was organised in an effort to keep the Indian tradition alive. He said that although 185 years have passed, descendants of those who came have managed to preserve the rich culture and tradition brought to Guyana from India.

“Many persons adorned themselves with Indian outfits that were brought to our country from the Indian ancestors. The music is still here and also the books they brought; today we are taking teachings from the pages,” he added.

tors left a legacy for us to follow,” Pinky Singh told the Guyana Chronicle.

Several others expressed similar views

and indicated that the display of the various foods and traditional Indian items was very educational.

Snacks of Indian origin were among the foods displayed

THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Essequibo Coast Praant, on Thursday night, hosted a hawan (a traditional Hindu fire ritual that involves the burning of various materials, such as wood and ghee) and a cultural display in obser-

vance of the 185th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Guyana.

The programme included dances which were done by Kandiya and Swarswattie Dance Academy and special musical performances by pandits from the Badrinauth Ash-

ram in Region Two.

Scores of residents filled the Anna Regina Mandir for the event which also included a display of Indian foods and musical instruments that the Indians brought to Guyana.

President of the Essequibo Coast Praant, Pandit

At the end of the programme, seven curry meals and sweetmeats were distributed to the attendees, most of whom were dressed in traditional Indian wear.

“We are happy to come out. It's nice to see our culture alive and for the most part dressing up with Indian dresses; our ances-

Some of the traditional musical instruments that the Indians brought to Guyana (Indrawattie Natram photos)

APNU officials benefitting from SLED reflective of party’s ‘self-serving’ mindset –Jagdeo says

LEADER of the Opposition and Chairman of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Aubrey Norton, has said that he “sees no

reaping the benefits designed to help ordinary people, small entrepreneurs across the country. It’s a mindset. This is why we believe today the party has not

for ministers and their families, which was fully funded by tax payers, while several APNU Members of Parliament also benefitted from scholar -

several persons of interest, including three APNU members, and the son of one MP.

Norton was questioned about this development during his virtual weekly press conference on Thursday. However, he said nothing was wrong with the MPs accessing funding.

“Our position is simple. Any citizen has the right to access financial system that loans under the SLED programme. Once they did not violate any rules that said as Members of Parliament or something they couldn’t, I see no problem. Once every-

“You should direct the question to the former Minister. I do not want to get involved in speculation. I have not even seen the report. I don't know anything with this management of the SLED programme. As it relates to the specific programme about SLED, I do believe the minister that handled it is in the country and it can be useful for you to ask that minister about that situation,” Norton said.

A total of $760 million was disbursed under the SLED programme from 2015 to 2020, in increments

Seven, Nine and 10. Across the regions, the funds were distributed to projects carried out by either co-operative societies, or individuals.

When it commenced, the programme was overseen by the then Ministry of Communities and was later moved to the Ministry of Social Protection. Under the current administration, the programme is being administered by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.

With the change of government, questions were raised about the

problem whatsoever” with party members receiving millions of dollars under the Sustainable Livelihood Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme, during the party’s time in government from 2015 to 2020.

However, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said Norton’s position on the matter comes as no surprise given the party’s many unabashed, self-serving actions during its tenure, beginning with the increase in salaries of all of its Cabinet ministers within a mere few months after assuming office in 2015. This was even after the party rose to government after campaigning against super salaries.

“Norton doesn’t see a problem with the leadership of his party

changed; they have nothing to offer.

“They are not even remorseful of what they did in five years. APNU has a mindset not good for the country,” the Vice President said during his weekly press conference at Freedom House, on Thursday.

After assuming office, the APNU, at the time sharing government with the Alliance for Change (AFC), increased Cabinet ministers’ salaries by 50 per cent amounting to $870,000 per month. That same year, public servants received between five and 26 per cent, with minimum public servant salary at $50,000.

In addition to benefitting from expedient salary increases, the party also started a private health care scheme

ships, in addition to receiving money under the SLED programme, for which the beneficiaries were approved by then Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally.

An initiative aimed at business and job creation, and poverty alleviation in communities across the country, the SLED programme was set up in 2015 under the APNU+AFC. However, throughout the period that the programme was implemented by the party, it has been plagued with mismanagement, which was outlined in several consecutive annual audit reports by the Audit Office.

Further revelations have come out in a special audit report that was finalised this year. According to reports, the audit report named

thing was done within the confines of the law, then I see no problem whatsoever,” Norton said.

However, when further probed on concerns about allegations that aside from the mismanagement, the Audit Report also noted cases of fraud, Norton requested further queries be directed to Ally.

of $115 million, $40 million, $100 million, $150 million, $250 million and $105 million, respectively. The programme provided funding to persons and organisations for the support of entrepreneurial activities.

Through the programme, projects were funded in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six,

programme. Particular emphasis was placed on Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), where more than 60 per cent of the $250 million was allocated to the project in the 2019 national budget.

In Region Nine, a named APNU MP was responsible for the disbursement of some $155 million.

The abandoned community centre and ICT hub in West Watooka, where an alleged $2.2 million was given for the rearing of meat birds as part of SLED

The building (now abandoned) that was supposed to have housed the Coomacka block-making project and that was reportedly given $4.496 million under SLED

Region Nine students showcase vaccine knowledge in essay competition

THE Region Nine Department of Health has announced three winners after the launch of an essay writing competition for primary and secondary school students as part of their activities to mark the 2023 Vaccination Week.

The winners were identified as Grade Six pupils of Moco Moco Primary School. They are: Gabriella Cassiano with the topic, “The importance of increasing HPV vaccination in Children”; Grade One Science student

Jerome Taylor of Annai Secondary School with the topic, “The use of vaccines – A choice for everyone”; and Grade Two Business student

Quinn Allicock of Annai Secondary school with the topic, “Vaccines: Myths and Mis-

conceptions in Adults”.

The initiative aims to increase awareness about vaccines and encourage students to champion the vaccination campaign through research.

Students were required to submit their

essays by noon on April 24, 2023, and they were allowed to choose any reference style. The winners of the competition will receive a variety of prizes including laptops, tablets, laptop sleeves, and flash drives.

Secondary school students chose from four topics, including the use of vaccines, the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing illnesses and infections, myths and misconceptions about vaccines in adults, and whether or not vaccines should be mandatory. Essays were between 2,000 and 3,000 words long.

Primary school students chose from four topics, including the importance of increasing HPV vaccination in children, an argument in favor of using vaccines, whether vaccina-

tion should be mandatory to guarantee future safety for children, and the importance of the Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) in their country. Essays were between 500 and 800 words long. Essays were submitted as hard copies or typed documents, and no marks were deducted for the format chosen. The competition is expected to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines and encourage students to research and become advocates for the vaccination

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday May 06, 2023)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Kieron Pollard (MI)

(2) Shane Watson (RR)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who scored most runs in IPL 2013?

(2) What was the highest individual score made in IPL 2013?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue ……………………………………………………………

Richardson runs world leading time at Diamond...

FROM PAGE 26

12.48. The USA’s Alaysha Johnson also ran a season-best of 12.66 for second place with 2019 World Champion Nia Ali finishing third in 12.69.

Jamaica’s Megan Tapper ran a season-best 12.76 for

fourth.

In the 400m hurdles, Rai Benjamin held off a fast-finishing CJ Allen to win in 47.78. Allen ran a season-best 47.93 while Wilfried Happio of France finished third in 49.12.

The top seven athletes all set

season bests in the men’s javelin but India’s Neeraj Chopra was the best of them all throwing a world-leading 88.67m.

Jakub Vadlejch was second with his effort of 88.63m. World Champion Anderson Peters of Grenada was third with an effort of

85.88m.

Fred Kerley surged late to win the 200m in 19.92, a season’s best. Kenny Bednarek of the USA was second in 20.11 with Canada’s Aaron Brown of Canada taking the final podium spot with 20.20.

American Racing Tips

Churchill Downs

Race 4 Goodnight Olive

Race 5 Spendarella

Race 6 Baby Yoda

Race 7 Big invasion

Race 8 Kangaroo Court

Race 9 Major Dude

Race 10 Cody’s Wish

Race 11 Hong Kong Har-

ry

Race 12 Forte

Canadian Racing Tips

Woodbine

Race 1 Western Trouble

Race 2 Cefalo

Race 3 Mr De

Race 4 Coach Abernathy

Race 5 Rock Bullet

Race 6 Allegorical

Race 7 Tyson

Race 8 Charlotte’s Silver

Race 9 War Strategy

Race 10 Stormy Soul

English Racing Tips

Goodwood

08:20 hrs Quiantum Impact

08:55 hrs Zellie

09:30 hrs Bishop’s Crown

10:05 hrs Stay Well

10:45 hrs Tuddenham

Green

11:20 hrs Safari Dream

12:00 hrs Military Tyson

Newmarket

08:40 hrs Teumessias Fox

09:15 hrs Gale Force

Maya

09:50 hrs Blackrod

10:25 hrs Turntable

11:00 hrs Vadream

11:40 hrs Auguste Rodin

12:15 hrs Shaquille

12:50 hrs Chartwell House

Doncaster

12:20 hrs Escarpment

12:55 hrs Matloob

13:25 hrs Higher Law

13:55 hrs Danzan

14:25 hrs Valsad

14:55 hrs Carzola

15:25 hrs How Impressive

South Africa Racing Tips

Greyville

08:43 hrs Saartjie

09:21 hrs See It Again

10:00 hrs Our Emily

10:35 hrs Tirpitz

Irish Racing Tips Naas

08:35 hrs Lukada

09:10 hrs Johannes

Brahms

09:45 hrs Iva Batt

10:20 hrs King Of Scotia

10:55 hrs Croline Street

11:30 hrs Human Hands

12:10 hrs Unless

Verstappen sets the pace in Free Practice Two

(Formula 1) - Max Verstappen set the fastest time of FP2 in Miami ahead of the Ferraris – though the reigning champion did complain of headrest issues throughout. As for third-placed Charles Leclerc, he brought out

Fernando Alonso fifth overall and seven-tenths off the pace.

Lando Norris briefly led the session when softtyred running began but the McLaren driver fell to P6, ahead of Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.

Lance Stroll took P8

the only red flag of the session.

Verstappen and Ferrari’s Leclerc swapped places at the top of the timesheets early on in FP2 as both lapped on mediums, but the Red Bull driver consolidated his position when softtyred running began and ultimately set the benchmark with a 1m 27.930s. The Dutchman, however, complained that his HANS protection device was uncomfortable throughout the session.

Carlos Sainz finished second for Ferrari, four tenths off the pace, while his team mate Leclerc was third and under a tenth behind the Spaniard. Leclerc, however, brought out the only red flag of FP2 when he wrestled with a snap of oversteer, locked up and sent his Ferrari front-first into the barriers at Turn 7 with 10 minutes remaining.

Sergio Perez aborted one flying lap as he almost collected the AlphaTauri of Nyck de Vries in the narrow Turn 14-15 chicane, and the Mexican ended up half a second off the pace and fourth, leaving Aston Martin’s

for Aston Martin, a second off the pace, while Alpine’s Esteban Ocon was just 0.007s back in P9 and Alex Albon was a whisker off in P10 for Williams, with a brief lock-up hampering his qualifying simulation.

Pierre Gasly finished 11th for Alpine, ahead of 12th-placed Kevin Magnussen. The Danish Haas driver spun and brushed the wall at Turn 11, avoiding damage to finish ahead of the Alfa Romeos: Zhou Guanyu in P13 and Valtteri Bottas in P14.

FP1 leader George Russell ran wide at Turn 11 just before Leclerc's Turn 7 crash and finished down in P15, ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. Next on the board was Haas’s Nico Hulkenberg, who crashed out of FP1 but made it to P17 in FP2 after a remarkable repair job by the team.

AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda took P18 in front of his team mate De Vries, while home hero Logan Sargeant rounded out the standings for Williams, around two seconds off the pace.g

World Championship leader Max Verstappen

Gujarat Titans clinical against Rajasthan Royals dismantling

(ESPNCRICNFO) - Clinical. That's what Gujarat Titans were against Rajasthan Royals on Friday night in Jaipur. After bowling out Royals for a mere 118, they chased the target down in just 13.5 overs with nine wickets still in hand.

The win helped Titans stretch their lead at the top of the points table and put one foot in the playoffs. Royals, meanwhile, have now lost four of their last five games, and are still stuck in the tenpoint cluster in the middle.

Royals, though, had a decent start after winning the toss. They were 50 for 2 in six overs, but Yashasvi Jaiswal's run-out triggered a collapse they could never recover from. Rashid Khan picked up three wickets and Noor Ahmad bagged two as the innings lasted just 17.5 overs.

In response, Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill add-

ed 71 in 9.4 overs to make the target look even smaller. Hardik Pandya then belted an unbeaten 39 off 15 balls, striking at 260, to give everyone an early finish.

The powerplay battle

Coming into this game, the Titans had the best economy powerplay economy rate in IPL 2023. Royals, meanwhile, had the best scoring rate in that phase. And Jaipur got to witness a bit of both. Mohammed Shami got the new ball to move in the opening over, and despite using their feet to counter the movement, Jaiswal and Jos Buttler could manage only one run off the bat.

From the other end, Hardik got Buttler caught at short third after being hit for two successive fours. But Royals stuck with their attacking template. Jaiswal hit Shami for six and four in the third over and Samson did the same to Hardik in the fourth.

Royals seemed to be winning the powerplay battle before a misunderstanding between Jaiswal and Samson resulted in the former being run out. Samson cut Rashid towards backward point where Manohar dived to his left to make a partial stop. Jaiswal was more than three-fourths down when he realised Samson had hardly moved. Unfortunately for him, Manohar's deflection went towards Mohit Sharma at short third whose throw to Rashid found Jaiswal well short.

The Afghan magic

R Ashwin entered at No. 5 to try to arrest the collapse. But he lasted only six balls as Rashid pinged his off stump with a leg break, forcing Royals to bring in Riyan Parag as their Impact Player. That meant Royals would have only five specialist bowlers in the second innings; the original plan might have been to bring in

Wriddhiman Saha finally found some form. (Associated Press)

left-arm seamer Kuldip Yadav. The move didn't work. Rashid's googly trapped him lbw for 4.

Rashid was taken off after his third over. But there was no respite for the Royals. Noor struck with his third ball, uprooting Devdutt Padikkal's off stump for a run-a-ball 12. In his next over, he had Dhruv Jurel lbw. From the other end, Rashid returned to send back

Shimron Hetmyer, leaving Royals 96 for 8. The last two wickets took Royals to 118, which was never going to be enough.

Saha off to a flier

It's not often when a team is all out and the opposition's wicketkeeper isn't involved in any of the dismissals. Still, Saha showed his class behind the stumps with an excellent one-handed save when Noor sprayed one way down the

leg side.

Saha wasn't done, though. With Gill taking his time in the chase, he smashed five fours in the first 13 balls he faced. Four of them came off Trent Boult, the Royals' powerplay weapon.

Hardik in a hurry

After Titans' defeat to Delhi Capitals, Hardik had taken "full ownership" for not closing out the chase as he struggled to find any rhythm despite scoring an unbeaten half-century. He corrected that here.

After Yuzvendra Chahal broke the opening stand by having Gill stumped for 36 off 35 balls, Hardik teed off straightaway. He had faced just two balls before smashing Adam Zampa for 6, 4, 6, 6 off successive deliveries. Despite Saha slowing down after the powerplay, Hardik's assault meant Titans crossed the line with 37 balls left.

Chakravarthy heroics save KKR

(ESPNCRINFO) - Varun

Chakravarthy bowled overs

16, 18 and 20 for 12 runsfour of them off byes and leg byes - and one wicket as Kolkata Knight Riders pulled off an improbable win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, only their fourth in 10 matches this season. The defeat left SRH in an identical situation to KKR's before the match: three wins in six matches. Both sides remained in mustwin territory.

When Heinrich Klaasen was dominating at the start of the second half of the chase, it seemed like a cruise for SRH in their pursuit of 172. When they needed 48 off the last six overs, Klaasen fell to Shardul Thakur's golden arm, and then Varun choked SRH with help from Vaibhav Arora, who got the wicket of Aiden Markram in the 17th over.

Jansen's bounce

KKR's seventh opening combination of this IPL was the most anticipated: Jason Roy and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, both of whom have batted breathtakingly in different matches. The promise didn't materialise as Gurbaz walked at Marco Jansen the first ball he faced, and ended up top-edging to mid-on. Later in

the over, Venkatesh Iyer got a snorter: extra bounce from just short of a length, and straight at his face; off the glove to the keeper.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar frustrated Roy with his movement,

Markram saw the opportunity to slip in a couple of overs to two left-hand batters, and found some grip. It was when Tyagi tried to bounce Rana that KKR finally found proper momentum with two sixes and

batting form, KKR didn't have an option but to send Andre Russell out to face wristspin. He managed to hit two sixes off overpitched balls, but Markande still overpitched, only wide of his reach, and had him caught at short third.

Wickets then kept falling. KKR sacrificed Suyash Sharma by substituting in Anukul Roy with 15 balls to spare, but they never found the big overs at the death.

Harshit gives KKR newball bonus

KKR proceeded to tighten the screws.

Klaasen shifts the momentum

Klaasen and Markram, SRH's two best batters, went 19 straight balls without even attempting a boundary let alone hit one. They knew there wasn't much behind them so they were content to rebuild. KKR were holding back their main spinners, telling them the batters would have to take big risks on a slow low pitch to get the 97 they needed in the last 10 overs.

Markram in charge, and he had now moved up to a run a ball after his slow start. Two boundaries in that Thakur over calmed SRH's nerves.

However, Varun sucked the life out of their innings. Bowling around the wicket, he denied them any hits down the ground by bowling into the pitch. Nor did he give them any pace to work with.

Markram felt obliged to take on Vaibhav, but chose a bouncer too high to go after.

and Kartik Tyagi, playing his first match this year, benefitted as Roy went to manufacture a pull from well outside off and toe-ended it to short third: 35 for 3 in the fifth over.

The recovery

Helped by some waywardness from Jansen in his third over, Nitish Rana and Rinku Singh set about rebuilding the innings at a fair clip. Aiden

a four in the 10th over to move to 90 for 3.

Spinners shackle KKR

With KKR looking to dominate, Markram went to his No. 1 spinner Mayank Markande, who immediately applied the brakes. Markram himself got a change of ends, and Rana took a risk only to top-edge a slog-sweep.

With Sunil Narine not in

KKR have mainly relied on their spinners to win them matches but they received a bonus through the impressive burly fast bowler Harshit Rana. He bowled with some heat, and had Mayank Agarwal gloving a bouncer. Shardul Thakur's golden touch continued with Abhishek Sharma nonchalantly skying one up. Rahul Tripathi took Russell on with four, six and four in the sixth over, but fell to a ramp off a slower ball against the same bowler.

Having taken three early wickets through the quicks, KKR fancied their chances, especially with Anukul getting Harry Brook for a duck on the paddle sweep in the seventh over. At 54 for 4, with their two main spinners in the pocket,

Klaasen chose Anukul's third over as the moment to start the pushback. He charged the first ball of the 11th over, and went over long-off for a six. Then he slogged a 101m hit over midwicket. It rubbed on to Markram - he was on 11 off 21 then - who welcomed Varun with two square-cut fours.

It was as though the floodgates had opened with 49 coming off four overs, leaving Sunrisers just 48 to get off six overs.

Thakur inspires, Varun executes

Brought back, Thakur again imparted the golden touch. This length ball, to start the 15th over, looked on-pace and in the slot, but it was a fast cutter, and Klaasen toe-ended it to long-on. SRH still had

He ended up holing out to long-off for 41 off 40. Varun kept tightening the noose. No boundary came off the 18th over. With 21 required off two overs, Gurbaz took a stunning left-handed catch off Jansen's inside edge. Arora then overcame a no-ball, which Abdul Samad sliced for four, to leave Varun eight to defend in the last over.

Samad, 20 off 16 at the start of the over, ended up hitting a slow short ball straight to deep midwicket.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar had never ended up on the winning side on the 33 previous occasions when he had batted in a chase in the IPL; left with too much to do now; he finished on the losing side once again.

Varun Chakravarthy was KKR’s hero in the closing stages. (Associated Press)

West Indies A vs Bangladesh

Imlach, Chanderpaul, Motie and Sinclair named

- Joshua Da Silva to captain team

(CWI) - The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Senior Men’s Selection Panel today named the 15-man squad for the West Indies “A” Team tour of Bangladesh.

Joshua Da Silva, the West Indies Test wicket-keeper/batter, will captain the team in the three four-day “Test” matches against Bangladesh “A” starting on 16 May.

Along with Da Silva, the 15-member squad includes other players with West Indies Test match experience: left-handed opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, left-handed allrounder Raymon Reifer, fast bowler Anderson Phillip and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie.

The squad also includes three newcomers to the in-

ternational level: openers Kirk McKenzie and Zachary McCaskie as well as fast bowler Jair McAllister. All three made their first-class debuts during the West Indies Championship four-day first-class tournament earlier this year.

Lead Selector, the Most Honorable Dr. Desmond Haynes, stated that the aim was to pick a balanced team as they look to expose the players to overseas conditions. “We selected a group of players who we think could benefit from the exposure in Bangladesh and we also have our eyes on the upcoming Test Series against India in the Caribbean.”

He added: “Among the newcomers, we have pace bowler McAllister who is

fast and strong and has the ability to unsettle batters. McCaskie had a solid start to his first-class career, showed good temperament, and also has the ability to play all around the wicket. McKenzie was eye-catching during

his double-century for the West Indies Academy in the Headley Weekes Tri-Series. It was a superb knock and demonstrated that the investment in the Academy is bearing fruit.”

West Indies “A” Team will arrive in Bangladesh on May 11 and play the three four-day Test matches at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS) in Sylhet. These matches will have full first-class status.

This “A” team tour reciprocates the Bangladesh “A” team tour of the West Indies in August 2022, when the teams drew both a two-match series of four-day first-class matches and also a threematch 50-over series at the Daren Sammy Stadium in Saint Lucia.

Gibson, Sheriff win BRRSC Regatta table tennis

Katalena Gibson of Two Miles Primary and Aidan Sheriff of St. John Primary won the female and male categories, respectively, in the Bartica Table Tennis Steering Committee (BTTSC)

Regatta Table Tennis tournament

The tournament was played at the Bartica Community Centre.

Aidan Sheriff of St. John Primary bested Upendra Chowtee of

Two Miles Primary in an intense final in the 11 years and under boys which ended 11-6, 9-11, 8-11, 11-2 and 11-8 (3-

2). Selwyn Brown of

Katalena Gibson of Two Miles Primary defeated Rosanna Patterson of Two Miles

Primary 11-7,7-11,611,11-4 and 11-8 (3-2),

FULL SQUAD

Joshua DaSilva (Captain)

Alick Athanaze

Yannic Cariah

Keacy Carty

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

Tevin Imlach

Akeem Jordan

Brandon King

Jair McAllister

Zachary McCaskie

Kirk McKenzie

Gudakesh Motie

Anderson Phillip

Raymon Reifer

Kevin Sinclair

MATCH SCHEDULE

All matches at SICS, Sylhet

16-19 May: 1st “Test”

23-26 May: 2nd “Test”

30 May to 2 June: 3rd

“Test”

Potaro Primary finished third and Jaden Williamson of Two Miles Primary finished in fourth place.

In the semi-finals, Chowtee defeated Williamson 3-0 and Sheriff defeated Brown 3-1

In the 11 years and under girl’s finals,

and third place went to Samantha Garraway of Two Miles Primary; she defeated Alesha Gonsalves of Potaro Primary 3-2.

In the semi finals Gibson defeated Garraway 3-1 and Patterson defeated Gonsalves 3-2.

Tournament spon -

sors were Super Gold Mining Bartica, Guyana Committee of Service, Guyana Table Tennis Association, National Sports Commission and Mr. Lashon Jordan of Bartica.

This tournament attracted over 30 players and four schools namely St. Anthony Primary, St. John Primary, Potaro Primary and Two Miles Primary. BTTSC President Timothy Cornelius and GTTA General Secretary Linden Johnson gave words of encouragement to the young table tennis players and they would have taken in every word of encouragement given to them.

Presentation of trophies were made for both the Male and Female categories for the first, second and third positions.

Richardson runs world leading time at Diamond league

(Sportsmax) - SHA’CARRI Richardson served notice that she might be ready to beat the best in the world in 2023 when she ran a world-leading 10.76 to win the 100m dash against a stacked field at the season-opening Diamond League meeting on Friday.

In the field that included Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson, the 2022 200m World Champion, Dina Asher Smith, Abby Steiner and Melissa Jefferson, Richardson started well and was on Jackson’s shoulder mid-way the race before pulling away to eclipse Jackson’s previous world lead of 10.82.

“I'm so blessed and thankful, I feel at peace,” said Richardson, who broke the previous meet record of 10.80 held by Tori Bowie, who died earlier this week.

“All I do is the best I do and I'm excited to do it. Like I said it before, I had to be kicked out from another 100m race, so I had to do my best no matter what. Peace, love and life.”

The Jamaican finished second in 10.85 while Asher Smith ran season-best 10.98 for third place.

Earlier, Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic, continued her impressive from last season when she won silver at the 2022 World Championships, winning the 400m in 50.51 ahead of American Shamier Little, who ran 50.84.

Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek of Poland ran a season best 51.64 for third place.

World Championship bronze medallist Sada Williams (52.05) and Jamaicans Candice McLeod (53.43) and Stephenie-Ann McPherson (52.93 SB) were fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively.

By her usually high standards Jasmine Camacho-Quinn wasn’t at her best last season but on Friday, she looked like she is getting back to her best while winning the 100m hurdles in a season-best

Gudakesh Motie

Kevin Sinclair

Naomi Tobin presented the first place trophy

Timothy Cornelius presenting the winner’s trophy to Boys winner Aidan Sheriff

Tiger Rentals Under-13 League Cup…

East Bank and Bartica win on Day One

By Calvin Chapman

The curtains will fall on the prestigious and historic Tiger Rentals Guyana Under-13 football programme this weekend with the League Cup Championship, which officially

Following the March Past by the 10 teams that represent the best of the best Under-13 footballers in Guyana, Business Development Officer of Tiger Rentals Guyana, Aveeka Naraine, shared her company's pleasure in being part of this historic

ment. It is very important to us that all the participants have fun this weekend and we wish them the best of luck."

Meanwhile, President of the GFF Wayne Forde was present and he highlighted that, "This is now the crowning moment for the players."

The administrator went on to acknowledge and praise the sponsors for their faith in supporting this tournament and thanked the hardworking staff, coaches, match officials and parents for their support in making this tournament a success.

kicked off yesterday at the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) National Training Centre at Providence.

initiative. She posited that, "Children are the future. And, we are sure that massive talent will emerge from this tourna-

In the opening match of the day, Riley Tracey registered the first hat-trick of the tournament to help Bartica edge Georgetown 3-2. Scoring for Georgetown were Miciah DeFreitas and Travis Grogan.

East Bank earned a come from behind 2-1

win against West Demerara with Samuel Tasher and Michael Coreira netting for the winners. Ciani Lopez opened the scoring in the 10th minute for West Demerara.

Up to press time, also registering opening day victories were Rupununi that eased past West Berbice 3-1, East Berbice that thrashed Essequibo 5-1, East Coast and Georgetown Matches continue today from 09:30hrs with

the champion being crowned tomorrow, all at the National Training Centre.

Tigers Rentals Guyana's partnership with the GFF saw the entity investing in excess of $10M to see football being played nationwide at the Under-13 level with Academy Training Centres (ATC) and regional associations running off intra-association tournaments. In addition, the ATCs and Associations

Headley-Weekes Tri-Series match three…

matched skills in a National League which was won by East Coast and now, the crème of the crop will assemble for the National League Cup.

The League Cup will see 10 teams battling this weekend inclusive of East Coast, Georgetown, Upper Demerara, East Bank, West Berbice, Bartica, West Demerara, East Berbice, Rupununi and Essequibo.

Sinclair’s destructive spell in vain as Weeks wins by eight wickets

CMC – Guyana Harpy

Eagles off-spinner Kevin Sinclair enhanced his reputation with a destructive spell, but batsmen once again failed to make a lasting impression when Team Weekes claimed an eight-wicket win against Team Headley in the third and final match of the Headley-Weekes Tri-Series on Friday in Antigua.

Sinclair collected five for 48 from 21 overs, and Team Headley were bowled out for 153 in their second innings about five minutes past the scheduled lunch interval on the third day of the four-day, first-class match at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

Set 96 to win, Team Weekes hardly broke a sweat reaching the target once openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Zachary McCaskie both scored 33, and shared a first wicket stand of 61.

Chanderpaul, the West Indies Test opener, and McCaskie, the Barbados Pride opener, both fell before the win was achieved, but Team Weekes captain Alick Athanaze came to the crease and carried his side over the line with West Indies left-handed all-rounder Raymon Reifer.

The win was formalised about an hour and 40 minutes after lunch when Matthew Nandu, bowling his un-

complicated off-spin, delivered a no-ball.

The result meant that the inactive West Indies Academy, led by Barbadian all-rounder Nyeem Young, were formally crowned the inaugural champions of the Tri-Series, with Team Weekes second, and Team Headley last.

Starting the day on 67 for two, Team Weekes were put into an early wobble when Sinclair bowled the first and third overs of the day.

He got Sunil Ambris caught at long-on for four off the fourth ball of the day after the Windward Islands Volcanoes batsman added only three to his overnight score, and he then trapped

Volcanoes wicketkeeper-batsman Tevyn Walcott lbw for a three-ball duck in his next over.

West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman and Team Headley captain Joshua Da Silva spent 40 minutes in defiance and push his side closer to the 100 mark with Nandu.

Pacer Niall Smith got his Harpy Eagles teammate Nandu caught behind for the top score of 36 from a top-edged hook, and Sinclair trapped Da Silva lbw for 15 in the next over.

Team Headley were 95 for six, and they never recovered, losing their last four wickets for 33 in the span of 64 balls.

Team Weekes off-spinner Kevin Sinclair sends down another delivery during his destructive spell against Team Headley in the HeadleyWeekes Tri-Series on Friday at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua (CWI Media photo)

The teams took a photo-op with the officials before the kickoff (Shaniece Bamfield photos)

Intense action between West Demerara (left) and East Bank

Tevin Imlach

Tagenarine Chanderpaul