Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 07-02-2025

Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam Highway nearing completion

continuation of the Heroes’ Highway from Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam on the East Bank Demerara is swiftly nearing completion (Latchman Singh photos)

Guyana gears up for most ‘expansive’ Energy Conference yet

–– with record number of participants expected, diverse expositions, President Ali highlights

EXPECTED to attract a record number of global participants, Guyana’s Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo will this year be more expansive, with a wider scope, highlighting the country’s diverse sectors including oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, and mining sectors.

This was according to President, Dr Irfaan Ali during a video message on Thursday. He said that the event aims to showcase Guyana’s development opportunities and its ambition to be a major energy player in the region.

The Head of State said: “This year, we’re going to have a record number of participants, exhibitors from all across the globe. That is not only good for our country, but that is good for the industry itself. You know, there is a

diverse set of expositions that will take place covering different sectors, not only the oil and gas, and there’ll be great opportunities to understand the development that is taking place in Guyana.”

Attendees will have the chance to engage with policy makers, local businesses and cultural events, including tastings of local cuisine and an “energy walk.”

The 2025 conference is anticipated to be more expansive and significant than previous ones.

Dr Ali said: “We have many other opportunities outside oil and gas. The energy equation, of course, is important, because we are looking to be a major player in energy within the region itself. New opportunities that are coming with gas. All of these will be showcased at the Energy Conference.”

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

With Guyana diversifying its economy, he noted that the country is looking forward to fostering regional and global

The Head of State said: “So, we’re looking forward to bringing the region to -

gether, bringing the world together here in Guyana, as we seek to continue expansion of the energy sector, and the building out of the diversified economy here in Guyana.”

The conference will be held at the Marriott Hotel from February 18 to 21.

He further pointed out that the country is not ‘wedded’ to oil and gas, as there are other vast opportunities for exploration.

During a previous broadcast programme, Dr Ali had stated that continuous efforts, are being made to ensure that the non-oil economy does not ‘stagnate’, but rather is invested in to support growth and massive enhancements.

The government, he noted, has successfully navigated its way in avoiding ‘pitfalls’ such as the economic phenomenon that is the Dutch Disease that occurs

when a country experiences a rapid increase in revenue from natural resources (like oil or gas), leading to negative side effects in other sectors of the economy, particularly manufacturing and agriculture.

“It shows that our policy of protecting the traditional; building new and expanding the economic base from nonoil is bearing tremendous fruit,” the Head of State said.

Providing a further breakdown of how the nonoil economy has flourished, Dr Ali revealed that Guyana’s agricultural sector saw a growth of 17 per cent, while the services sector saw a growth of 28 per cent and the construction sector saw a growth of 138 per cent. And, at a whopping 153 per cent, mining and other sectors have thrived over the past four years.

Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam Highway nearing completion

- President Ali urges contractors to ‘pick up the pace’

THE continuation of the Heroes’ Highway from Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam on the East Bank Demerara is swiftly nearing completion.

Engineers responsible for the project provided President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali with an update during his site visit on Thursday.

President Ali urged the contractors to work dayand-night shifts to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated timeline.

He said no extension will be given after the deadline, which is set for March this year.

“We have no intention of having these projects extend beyond the completion date,” he stated.

The Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam connection is the third phase of the highway, following the Mandela to Eccles, and the Eccles to Diamond phases.

Sections of the project are at different stages, with one of the segments being as much as eighty per cent completed.

This road will connect Georgetown to Soesdyke, giving commuters the option of heading to Linden along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway or to the Cheddi Jagan International

Airport in Timehri.

The project is divided into six lots. It includes the construction of more than 30 reinforced concrete bridges, 8.6 kilometres of reinforced concrete highway roads, and two roundabouts.

Close to $11 billion in contracts were awarded for the completion of this

phase of the project.

Contractors tasked with executing the project are GuyAmerica Construction, VALS Construction, China Railway First Group Co. Ltd, NABI, and H. Nauth and Sons Contracting Services.

Some $80.4 billion and $40.5 billion in contracts were also awarded for the

Buzz Bee Dam to Land of Canaan, and Land of Canaan to Soesdyke sections, respectively.

President Ali instructed the contractors to ensure a separate alignment is created for persons working on the Buzz Bee Dam to the Land of Canaan extension to move their materials.

This is to ensure that unnecessary strain is not placed on the newly completed roadway. Budget 2025 allows for the expansion of new roadways, including the continuation of the Linden to Mabura Road, and the expansion of the Schoonord to Crane Highway. (DPI)

Hughes’ obtained 75 acres of land under APNU+AFC after 2018 no-confidence motion, 2020 elections - Jagdeo reveals

THE credibility of Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Nigel Hughes has been further undermined as documents show that he obtained 75 acres of land after the APNU+AFC government was toppled by the passage of the 2018 no-confidence motion, and during the five-month impasse after persons would have cast their vote on Polling Day.

Jagdeo made this revelation during his weekly press conference at Freedom House on Thursday, when he brought various documents to light.

According to the documents, Hughes acquired 25 acres of land during a period after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) had ruled that the no-confidence motion against the APNU+AFC was valid.

To be specific, the document states that Hughes was first granted permission to

lease 25 acres of State land at the left Bank of the Essequibo River, near the mouth of Groete Creek, on October 24, 2019.

During the 2020 elections, which was stymied for five months by delay tactics of the APNU+AFC, Hughes had acquired two additional lots of 25 acres.

Hughes was then given a provisional lease for an extra 25 acres of land on the Essequibo River's left bank, close to Groete Creek's mouth, on March

19, 2020. Within the same area, he obtained a second provisional lease for a further 25 acres of land.

Further, the General Secretary contended that in the period just before the 2020 elections and after the no-confidence motion, Hughes was representing a Trinidadian company, and through the National Industrial & Commercial Investments Ltd. (NICIL), the company obtained 20 acres of prime land at Ogle at $26 million per acre.

Importantly, it was Hughes who raised concerns over the PPP/C administration’s sale of land at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD) for $30 million.

Regarding the Trinidadian company, Jagdeo said: “This land was vested in them (the company) just before the elections,” adding: “Hughes was not just the lawyer for the company; the company that signed the

agreement, he was an officer of the company. He became a director in that company, and he then became company secretary to the company that secured the land at $10 million per acre.”

In light of these revelations, Jagdeo said: “You notice in everything that is controversial, he has his hands in it.”

In addition to the 75 acres, Hughes also acquired another 10 acres of prime land at Earl’s Court, LBI, for just $10 million per acre, through a company in which he served as the lawyer, a director, and the company secretary.

The company secured the land under the condition that a high-end apartment building would be constructed within four years. However, despite the land being vested in the company since January 2020, no development has taken place.

APNU+AFC’S ACTIONS

The previous APNU+AFC administration had faced criticism for its slow pace of house lot allocations, and the series of questionable transactions it executed, especially when it lost the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

This week, President Dr. Irfaan Ali called out the Opposition for its audacity to even attempt to finger anyone in an allegation of misconduct, when there is documented evidence of their actions while in office.

On the East Coast of Demerara in July 2020, while the country was in limbo because of the elections, there were 23 transactions for the sale or lease of land at Plantation Ogle, Chateau Margot, and Le Ressouvenir which lacked the requisite framework.

However, it gets worse, Dr. Ali said. As he elaborated on what occurred in 2015-2020,

he contended that the APNU+AFC was “callous” in their actions.

In most of those transactions on the ECD, less than 10 per cent of the total purchase price was collected, the President revealed.

Even while the Opposition wants to preach transparency and fairness, Dr. Ali highlighted that the PPP/C government collects 30 per cent as down payment, along with a series of rigid conditions, as opposed to less than 10 per cent like the APNU+AFC did.

The President remarked that under the PPP/C, “Everyone is subject to the same conditions.”

In some instances, the APNU+AFC vested the property in the purchaser’s name with no conditions met, Dr. Ali said, adding that there were many cases of these prime State properties being undervalued.

The continuation of the Heroes’ Highway from Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam on the East Bank Demerara is swiftly nearing completion (DPI)

AFC Leader Nigel Hughes

City Council workers to get pay hike

–– as union, M&CC sign salary agreement

ON Thursday, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and the Guyana Local Government Officers Union (GLGOU), signed a Memorandum of Agreement, ensuring substantial wage and salary increases.

This was disclosed by the Ministry of Labour in a statement. The agreement will also see additional benefits, for M&CC employees in 2024 and 2025.

The release stated under the agreement, employees will receive a 10 per cent retroactive wage and salary increase for 2024, to be paid on or before March 31, 2025.

Additionally, an eight

per cent retroactive wage and salary increase for 2025 will take effect from January 2025 and will be disbursed by July 31, 2025. It was only back in January, when the Peoples National Congress /Reform (PNC/R) led City Council agreed to give its workers, who were on strike, a 10 per cent restrictive salary increase for 2024.

The municipality recently faced severe backlash for its continued cry of being “cash-strapped”, even as it fails to recover $6.4 billion in debt owed to the council by the PNCR.

Although the M&CC claims that it cares for the residents, Central Govern-

ment has been taking the lead on Georgetown’s development, and investing billions of dollars.

The government has included the city in its national development agenda, with key investments in infrastructural advancement, drainage works, creating and fixing recreational facilities, and beautifying the city, among other things.

Thursday’s agreement was finalised in the presence of Chief Labour Officer, Dhaneshwar Deonarine, at the Ministry of Labour’s boardroom, marking a significant step toward improved compensation and benefits for municipal employees.

$100k cash grant distribution schedules to be released in a week

THE distribution schedules of the $100,000 oneoff cash grant for Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and Ten will be published within a week.

Finance Secretary

Sukrishnalall Pasha has told the Department of Public Information

(DPI) that the ministry is currently preparing these schedules, and simultaneously working on completing the verification process for persons who have already registered. This effort has seen tremendous results, especially against the backdrop of

the relatively small team undertaking this initiative.

In fact, within one month, the ministry has been able to verify over 240,000 persons.

“We registered about 271,000 since the beginning of the year, and verified 242,000. Last year, about 390,000 persons were registered and verified. We also substantially completed distribution in

Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine,” Pasha said, emphasising the magnitude of this achievement.

Pasha’s disclosure comes on the heels of General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s assurance that all Guyanese will receive the cash grant, and that the government is bent on ensuring that the process is as smooth and efficient as

possible.

Now that the government’s $1.138 trillion budget has been passed, Dr. Jagdeo said the necessary funds are available to resume distribution of the grant.

“[Before], even if the cheques were cut, you could not deliver them or get them cashed because the resources were not available,” he explained to reporters at the weekly Freedom House press conference.

He underscored that this is a monumental project, recognising the hard work

of the staff at the Ministry of Finance.

“It takes time; it has to be done diligently, and people will get their money. We’re not going to be rushed to do it,” he added.

Last week, the Committee of Supply approved the over $40 billion allocation to support the distribution, of which $30 billion will be disseminated to the 300,000 additional citizens aged 18 and older.

Approximately 121,000 Guyanese have already received their grants. (DPI)

Alfred Mentore, Mayor of Georgetown; Candace Nelson, Town Clerk of M&CC; Kimberly Porter, President of GLGOU, among other officials were present at the signing

‘APNU+AFC can’t understand sustainability even if it hits them in their head’

By Trina Williams

“PURE nonsense” is how People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo described the opposition’s lofty promises, which simply just recycles the government’s initiatives and unjustifiably inflates them threefold.

During his Thursday press conference at Freedom House, Jagdeo reflected on the presentations of the Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton and his Parliamentarians.

One common theme that the General Secretary highlighted was the “desperate” attempt by the Opposition to rewrite its sordid track record and Guyana’s history.

During the closing of the Budget 2025 debate, Norton and several of his parliamentarians touted “a people-centred strategy” for development, which includes a slew of social services, and the alleviation of the high cost of living.

However, Jagdeo reminded the Guyanese populace not only of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)/A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s unfulfilled promises but also the economic destruction they caused.

Norton’s presentation was predictably riddled with “contradictions and confusion”, according to the General Secretary.

Some of the promises made by the Opposition Leader were addressed by Jagdeo, who explained how unfeasible and inconsistent they are.

Moving from the opposition’s promises in the oil and gas sector to social services, Jagdeo said he wondered if the Opposition Leader stopped to think about what he was telling the Guyanese people.

Although Norton has criticised the government for how the country’s oil revenues are being managed, his plan that he presented is calling for double spending from the oil resources.

It is important to understand that these plans that require double the spending from the oil resources are towards recurrent expenditure and not capital expenditure, which could spell trouble for the economy if implemented.

Jagdeo also dealt with the opposition’s promise of hiking wages and salaries in the public sector by 35 per cent, a promise, he said, would cost about $517 billion, a sum more

than the $512 billion of oil revenues that will be used to help fund Budget 2025.

He said: “It’s pure nonsense. You’re spending more on wages and salaries, if that’s what they mean; only in the public sector, than we collect now and then leader of the Opposition gets up (in the National Assembly) and says too much spending, we must be careful about oil prices being reduced.

Jagdeo said: “Once you increase wages, you know you can’t cut it. You can cut a capital project. You can stop building a school or a road, but you can’t cut back wages for people.”

Notably, last October, a landmark agreement was reached between the government and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), resulting in a 10 per cent salary increase for over 14,000 educators, adding $2.5 billion to their income.

The agreements outline further increases of eight per cent in 2025, culminating in a cumulative 46 per cent salary increase for public servants from 2021 to 2025.

Given the slew of vows and lack of fiscal responsibility, Jagdeo said: “APNU+AFC have no vision; they have no plan for the future.”

The extravagant promises by the opposition, which are being interpreted by some as a means of insulting voters’ intelligence, also include them substantially increasing the income-tax threshold far beyond the $130,000 figure currently in place, without any explanation of how it would be funded, the General Secretary highlighted.

“Any fool, a clown, a donkey could say I’ll do ten times more,” Jagdeo said.

However, unlike the opposition, Jagdeo highlighted how the PPP/C Government uses economics, and the context which Guyana exists in to craft policies that will improve the lives of the Guyanese people.

It is against this backdrop that a budget is crucial.

The General Secretary, who also serves as Guyana’s Vice-President, said that a budget is a policy tool, and it has to lay out a whole range of initiatives beyond just numbers.

He said: “It’s a document that allows you to achieve a stated vision,” adding that the opposition lacked this in their presentations.

Further, the Vice-Pres-

–– Jagdeo says, blazes opposition for having no vision, no plan for the future

ident said that the opposition is “untrustworthy”, and this can even be seen in the change in the figures to fund their proposals.

He then flayed them for their shift in rhetoric, and the lofty promises, saying: “They can’t understand sustainability even if it hits them in their head.”

NOT CHANGED

Despite the opposition’s attempt to reinvent themselves, their true colours are still vibrant as ever, as the statements made by its members indicate this.

Although the APNU is pushing the narrative of being ‘people-centred,’ the Vice-President said this is “far from the truth”.

Jagdeo said the opposition has not changed, and this could be proven by just looking at Norton defending the PNC for banning basic food items.

Speaking on the PNC’s rule, which saw the fundamental rights of Guyanese being trampled upon, Jagdeo said: “They made us criminals for eating bread,” adding: “Whether you were a PPP supporter or PNC supporter, when you ate a loaf of bread or a slice of bread made from wheat or they caught you with a slice of bread, you would go to jail.”

So, it is duplicitous for the APNU to contend that the PPP/C administration ignores the plight of the ordinary Guyanese, given its history.

Additionally, the APNU’s sordid track record does not only date back to the 80s and early 90s but also recently, 2015-2020. From 2015 to 2020, Guyanese saw the implementation of over 350 new taxes and measures, which targetted their pockets.

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

Putting People First

WITH the passage of the 2025 budget estimates by the National Assembly, the stage is set for an acceleration of the developmental momentum which has now become a hallmark of the PPP/C administration.

Over the past week, the estimates were subjected to rigorous scrutiny by the political opposition but the government through its elected representatives did an excellent job in defending the budgetary allocations to their respective ministries and agencies.

This is indeed a democratic and accountable process which bodes well for the body-politic and the democratic health of the nation as a whole.

As noted by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, this year’s budget is expected to build on the remarkable growth with record-breaking allocations and innovative solutions designed to accelerate economic growth and enhance the quality of life of the Guy-

anese people.

These developments, both at the local and international levels, have positioned Guyana to play a leadership role in a number of strategic areas such as climate change, food and energy security and for a more just and equitable world order.

Massive investments in the area of infrastructural development such as roads, bridges, internet connectivity and hotel accommodation have created an enabling environment for private sector development and direct foreign investment which for the most part was stultified under the previous APNU+AFC administration.

The overall objective is to continue to expand the size of the national pie and ensuring that all Guyanese benefit from that increasing pie.

But there are other significant developments as well. Guyana is no longer viewed by the international community as a “pariah” state as was the case under the previous PNC ad-

ministration.

This is perhaps one of the most notable achievements since the return of the PPP/C to power on October 5, 1992. The country is now a respected member of the international community and Guyanese are no longer treated as “second class” citizens by other CARICOM countries.

The fact is that there are not many countries in the world that provides free university education to its citizens and allow for toll-free crossings on their highways and bridges. This is much more than a question of affordability.

This is a manifestation of people-centered development in which the benefits of growth and development are utilised to enhance the material, cultural and spiritual well-being of the society as a whole.

This is the fundamental difference between the PPP/C and other political parties in the country. The idea of putting people first is fully ingrained in

the DNA of the PPP since its formation seventy-five years ago.

This is why the PPP/C is so much liked by the Guyanese people. Indeed this is why its popularity with the Guyanese people remained so strong over the decades. This is why the PPP/C continue to win national and regional elections in Guyana.

This coming elections due later in the year promises to be no different from those of the past in terms of electoral support for the PPP and its civic alliance.

The tabling of Budget 2025 under the theme “A Secure, Prosperous and Sustainable Guyana” is from all indications another manifestation of the political longevity of the PPP as the only viable people-centered party in the country.

Guyana is undoubtedly in safe hands under the caring and visionary leadership of President Ali and Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

The Trafalgar pump station will benefit Region Five greatly!

Dear Editor,

THE Trafalgar pump station is poised to become the backbone of agricultural and flood-management efforts in Region Five, Mahaica-Berbice, Guyana.

This vital infrastructural project addresses the pressing challenges posed by climate change and seasonal flooding, which have long affected the region’s economy, livelihoods, and environment.

Region Five is one of Guyana’s most agriculturally productive areas, known for

rice cultivation, livestock farming and other agricultural activities. However, the region is highly vulnerable to flooding, particularly during the rainy seasons.

The resultant damage often leads to significant financial losses for farmers and disrupts food production at both the local and national levels. The Trafalgar pump station is designed to alleviate these risks by improving the region’s drainage and irrigation systems.

This state-of-the-art pump station has the capacity to manage large volumes of water, effectively reducing the risk of prolonged

flooding during heavy rainfall or high tides.

By providing timely and efficient drainage, the pump station will ensure that farmland remains arable and that livestock farming can continue without disruption.

Additionally, the station’s impact extends beyond agriculture; it will also safeguard residential areas and critical infrastructure, improving the quality of life for residents.

It represents a significant investment in climate resilience. As Guyana seeks to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, such projects showcase the

government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities from the adverse effects of a changing climate.

This is more than just a piece of infrastructure; it is a lifeline for Region Five. Its long-term benefits will ensure the sustainability of agriculture, protect livelihoods, and promote regional development, making it an essential asset for Guyana’s future.

Mr. Lelon Saul’s push for biometric voting is premature, lacks conclusive evidence

Dear Editor,

PLEASE permit me a space in your newspaper to respond to Mr. Lelon Saul’s letter in the Kaieteur News dated Tuesday, February 4, 2025, where he advocated for legislative reforms to facilitate the use of biometric technology in elections.

I wish to address some misconceptions and unfounded claims made by Mr. Saul, particularly his push to replace physical ballots, which I believe remain the more secure method for ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections. His assertion that biometrics will enhance the efficiency and security of the electoral process lacks conclusive evidence.

It is important to remind Mr. Saul that just four years ago, during the failed attempts by his party, the APNU/AFC, to manipulate the 2020 General and Regional Elections, it was the use of physical ballots that helped thwart those efforts.

Had biometrics been in use during that election, the coalition might have succeeded in its attempts to manipulate the votes. The physical counting of ballots at polling places and the generating of Statements

While biometric technology may have a place in modernising systems, its introduction will not automatically resolve issues such as voter fraud, inefficiencies, and security breaches commonly associated with elections worldwide. In my opinion, physical ballots are a better safeguard against the concerns Mr. Saul raised.

of Poll subsequently exposed the inflated numbers that Mr. Clairmont Mingo was calling out.

If the voting had been electronic, the GECOM staff, who attempted to manipulate the numbers from a “back room,” could have done so undetected, potentially even from a remote location.

The integrity of the 2020 elections was upheld through the painstaking recount of physical ballots, a critical step that ensured the validity of the votes.

The physical ballots provided clear evidence of the actual results and prevented manipulation of digital systems that might have gone unnoticed had biometric methods been employed. If similar attempts had been made with biometric data, the results could have lacked transparen-

cy, and tampering might have been harder to uncover.

Regarding the issue of voter queues, Mr. Saul’s claim that long lines are primarily the result of outdated voting systems is misguided. In reality, long lines typically occur during the early morning rush when voters are eager to cast their ballots.

By noon, the queues generally diminish. Simplifying this problem by suggesting that biometrics would resolve the issue overlooks the fact that queues are often a reflection of human behaviour, not systemic inefficiency.

Additionally, Mr Saul’s assertion that biometrics would significantly reduce delays or improve voter turnout does not take into account the complexities

and potential complications associated with implementing such technology.

Biometric systems require substantial infrastructure, including the collection and storage of sensitive data, which introduces new risks concerning data privacy and security. Without a clear understanding of how this system would be monitored and safeguarded against misuse, it is premature to claim that it would enhance electoral processes.

There are also ongoing concerns regarding the vulnerability of electronic systems to hacking, malfunctions, or human error. In contrast, the security of physical ballots has been tried, tested, and trusted for decades, even amidst significant challenges.

While modernisation

is important, the integrity of the electoral process should not be sacrificed for the sake of convenience or perceived efficiency. Physical ballots remain the most secure, reliable, and transparent means of ensuring that every vote is accurately counted and that the will of the people is accurately reflected.

Taking into account these factors outlined above, one now has to wonder why the opposition seems to be the only ones pushing to have physical ballots replaced with biometrics, given their attempts to manipulate the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Sincerely,

Eddy Layne Director of Public Information

Permanent power: The reason I dislike the WPA more than the PNC

THERE is no question in my mind that I feel more resentment against the top leadership of the WPA than the hierarchy of the PNC.

The reasoning lies in psychology and what will follow is a poor attempt at a psychological description as to why I feel deeply disgusted with the character make-up of those that I once shared a deep camaraderie with, and the overriding characterisation of that bond was the anti-dictatorial struggle for free and fair election.

When your enemy goes to a meeting and votes for the denial of equal pay for men and women, it has no mental effect on you.

First, you expected it from that person. Secondly, it doesn’t bother you in the least because you think your enemy is a congenital fool anyway. Thirdly, you feel no chagrin because you understand that is how human nature works.

Human nature, you understand, has certain pathways and one of those pathways is logical and legitimate expectations from comradely bonding. You expected your comrade to vote with you because the two of you have a history of fighting for equal rights.

What happens next is psychic trauma. Your friend damaged your faith in humans. You accepted in your heart that he/she believed in what both of you fought for.

For decades we didn’t have free elections and a permanent dictator, Forbes Burnham did what he wanted. He denied Walter Rodney a UG job and he could not have been voted out for that repressive conduct.

He introduced compulsory national service at UG and could not have been voted out for that terrible atrocity. He made his party paramount to state institutions and he did not face the electorate

subsequently so he could have been voted out.

I don’t need to offer other examples. That is the diabolical nature of permanent power. Thousands joined an anti-dictatorship bandwagon to remove Burnham and ensure Guyana got free and fair elections.

Foremost in the struggle for free and fair election was the PPP with the WPA being a newcomer, but whose anti-dictatorial energies were prodigious. I was part of that bandwagon as a WPA activist and a UG student. I related personally to a huge number of PPP and WPA leaders. Broken bodies and broken spirits were the result of the long decades for free and fair elections.

In those days, I didn’t become a comrade of PNC leaders because PNC leaders were not involved in the struggle for the right to vote. I had no relation with Burnham, Hamilton Green, Robert Corbin and dozens of other high-ranking PNC leaders. I didn’t know them. I didn’t want to know them.

Fast forward the tape to 2020. Nigel Westmaas of the 1970s struggle told me at my request that he cannot write and condemn the assault on the 2020 election.

Moses Bhagwan of the 1970s struggle informed me he cannot and will not condemn the rigging. Weeks after I took the book he sent me about his family tree and gave Mike Khan, former CEO of the Georgetown Hospital.

Eusi Kwayana of the 1970s struggle, in a newspaper exchange, told me he does not have information on the rigging and thus cannot make a pronouncement.

David Hinds of the 1970s struggle, led the bandwagon of supporting the attempts to influence the outcome of the election.

Tacuma Ogunseye of the 1970s struggle was openly supporting the rigging attempts.

Rupert Roopnaraine of the 1970s struggle told journalist, Neil Marks about the thousands of irregularities his party, APNU found in the voting, a fiction only sprouted by the losing contestant.

The wife and son of Walter Rodney remained silent since 1980 on all the atrocities committed by the PNC in power and out of power, and only opened their mouth after decades of silence to talk about Black people but not a word on the 2020 election rigging.

I could go on, but I think my point is made. Now comes the psychological effect. I did not know the PNC people who were doing the rigging in March 2020. But I knew up, close and personal, those in the WPA that I fought with for free and fair elections, who were now involved in denying people their right to vote.

The very people that saw the nightmares inherent in permanent power from 1968 to 1985 were in 2020 ready to accept permanent power. It was one of Guyana’s most diabolical betrayal of the freedoms inherent in liberation philosophy.

The mind does not allow you to forgive those people because they shattered all your hopes about the supposed inherent goodness in humans. The mind cannot process such betrayal of the human spirit.

The WPA liberation fighter of the 1970s became the altar boys of permanent power in the 21st century.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

Commander Bacchus engages Berbice youths

THE Commander of Regional Police Division Six, Senior Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus, led a youth engagement session earlier this week at Liverpool Community Centre Ground, Berbice.

The Guyana Police Force in a Facebook post said the main objective of the initiative was to connect with the youths and prepare them for the upcoming Regional Division Six youth football competition.

The engagement was a platform to promote teamwork, physical fitness, and positive interaction between the police and the youths in Berbice.

During the youth engagement, Commander Bacchus actively participated in various sporting activities, including football, cricket, and basketball, fostering an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie.

According to the GPF,

the commander’s handson approach created an engaging environment, strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the young members of the community.

Taking the opportunity to impart valuable life lessons, Commander Bacchus delivered a message on the importance of education, discipline, and respect.

He urged the youths to remain focused on their academics, to take advantage of every opportunity, and to strive for personal excellence.

To further support their development, Commander Bacchus presented the youths with several pieces of sporting gear, reinforcing the Force’s commitment to their growth and well-being.

These gears were donated as part of a follow-up from Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Ravindradat Budhram’s commitment

Commander of Regional Police Division Six, Senior Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus (GPF photo) to the youths for their development in various sporting disciplines.

Jagdeo: State funds not needed to finance PPP political campaign

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has swiftly dismissed accusations from PNC/R-member Volda Lawrence that funds approved in the 2025 budget will be used as slush fund for its political campaign.

Dr. Jagdeo informed reporters that the party is designing a framework to secure the necessary finances to fund its campaign for the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

In rubbishing these allegations, he said that the

PPP will emerge successful in the elections, and does not need State funds to achieve this.

“We are already making plans to get all of our materials in place, and these are all funded from money that we will raise. We don’t need to use State funds,” GS Jagdeo made clear during a press conference at Freedom House on Thursday.

Lawrence had claimed that the 2025 budget was rife with elections campaign fund, and lacked crucial measures to diversify the economy.

According to a Kai -

eteur News article, “Elaborating on her findings, she said that under the Ministry of Education programme 402, an increase of $321M is observed, followed by a whopping $1B increase for programme 405. Additionally, Lawrence told the National Assembly that the Ministry of Local Government marked a $300M increase under programme 131.”

However, the general secretary pointed out that these monies will be used to fund mathematics and literacy interventions, and advancing the One Guyana Digital School model.

“If we’re promising world-class education, we have to get it done. But Volda Lawrence thinks it’s a slush fund… The $300 million for the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is for [the operationalization of new] landfill sites,” Jagdeo further clarified.

“You can’t let these things go unanswered,” he strongly emphasised. He drew contrast to the APNU+AFC’s coalition, which spent some $419.5 billion during the 2020 elections campaign season without parliamentary approval; a clear violation of the Constitution.

On the contrary, the funds secured by the government in 2025 have been approved by the Parliament of Guyana, following five days of debates and four days of Committee of Supply deliberations, during which the funds were rigorously scrutinised. (DPI)

Go-Invest strengthens trade, cultural ties with Suriname

THE Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), on Thursday, outfitted the Guyana Embassy in Suriname with a locally made canoe, a selection of Guyanese products, and investment and export promotion information.

This initiative, led by Dr Peter Ramsaroop, Government of Guyana Chief

Investment Officer, is being carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The official presentation was made to Ambassador of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to Suriname,

Virjanand Depoo, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation playing a key role in facilitating the initiative.

Dr Ramsaroop spoke about the developments in Guyana and its rich natural resources.

Among the notable developments, the bauxite finds between Guyana and Surina-

me which amount to 1.5 billion tonnes were discussed. Guyana is modernising its known industries, opening up new possibilities for economic growth.

He also emphasised the tremendous opportunities on the horizon, particularly with the upcoming developments in the energy sector.

The next wave of growth is expected when gas comes to shore, cutting energy costs in half and giving rise to an entirely new manufacturing sector.

Additionally, a deep-wa-

ter port is expected to be announced soon, further boosting the country’s infrastructure.

He further stressed that President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s vision of ‘One Guyana’ is real, as the wealth created by these developments will be shared across the country.

The Guyana Office for Investment continues to play an active role in supporting local manufacturers whether small businesses, medium enterprises, or large-scale producers, by

assisting with the exportation of their products into foreign markets. Through strategic partnerships, investment facilitation, and trade promotion, the agency ensures that Guyanese products gain international visibility and access to new opportunities. Through collaborations like these, Guyana continues to expand its footprint in regional markets, promoting locally manufactured goods and fostering economic partnerships. (DPI)

The Guyana Office for Investment, on Thursday, outfitted the Guyana Embassy in Suriname with a locally made canoe, a selection of Guyanese products, and investment and export promotion information

Stepping boldly into Guyana’s aquaculture space

NEAR the Corentyne coast in the most eastern part of Guyana, locals farm the endemic brackish-water shrimp (Penaeus subtilis and Penaeus schmitt).

The shrimp thrives in constructed ponds that contain a mix of freshwater from the Canje River, other inland waterways and saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean, creating the optimal brackish conditions that contribute to its unique flavour and colour.

Suedat Persaud is one of many who has been farming this niche shrimp for decades. He is also the founder and secretary of the East

climate change and other weather phenomena over the decades,” he says, mentioning the El Niño droughts and La Niña floods. “We have also seen changes in wind patterns that bring in more fresh water from the river, which has less salinity and that affects the amount of shrimp larvae that we get.”

Traditionally, farmers in East Berbice have used a production system that required little to no feeding, but depended on the natural inflow of tides to fill their ponds and bring in wildsourced shrimp larvae. This method necessitated frequent

of Guyana initiated a project to improve livelihoods, food security and exports of shrimp. By January 2024, the investment had amounted to over USD 1.5 million, with production surging from 105 tonnes in 2020 to 958 tonnes in 2023.

Further support came through training provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Guyana’s Ministry of Agriculture’s Fisheries Department. It exposed farmers to a method that helps to increase shrimp production through the introduction of supple-

running costs of the new method are higher, he became convinced that the potential benefits outweighed the costs.

Soon, Suedat and other fish farmers approached the Ministry of Agriculture for support in planting mangroves around their fishponds. Through the FAO and the University of the West Indies micro-grant funding, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) developed a training programme on mangrove planting and restoration. A community-based mangrove restoration pilot

Berbice-Corentyne Aquaculture Co-operative Society Ltd, which is made up of brackish-water shrimp farmers in Fyrish Village.

His parents were also fish farmers specialising in brackish-water shrimp, crab, mullet and snook, which Suedat continues to cultivate.

“During my parents’ time, I learnt different methods of fish farming, especially for brackish-water shrimp, some of which I still use today. After they passed, I just continued in their footsteps. Today I have two sons who are also involved in the farm operations,” he says.

Farming brackish-water shrimp, however, is not the same as it used to be.

“We experienced a lot of difficulties because of

changing and excavation of new fishponds to encourage shrimp-larvae growth. While the traditional approach can be low-cost, it presents significant vulnerabilities regarding supply consistency, environmental changes and disease.

“Over the years, we were not yielding enough. The fertility of the land dropped, the yields dropped, the production dropped and we ended up with a shortfall of shrimp. We needed a change,” he says.

To ensure sustainability and growth, the sector needed enhanced support systems, such as improved access to training, resources and market opportunities, as well as better management practices to increase resilience.

In 2021, the Government

mentary feed and uses a controlled system that pumps water from the ocean into the ponds.

As part of the project “Sustainable Development of Resilient Value Chains,” FAO and the ministry also introduced other good aquaculture practices, such as mangrove planting and restoration.

Suedat recalls the day he witnessed some of what he was learning put into practice. “It was when I visited a village with two large swamps where fisherfolk grab crabs that I noticed a lot of mangroves planted around the perimeter dams to support the fish. It was then that I realised how much the mangroves created a feeding ground and habitat and how good their yields were.”

While the up-front and

––

brackish-shrimp farmers find ways to survive and thrive amidst climate change

followed to support brackish-water shrimp farming.

The FAO provided farming equipment, training in post-harvest handling, cold storage and sanitation. It also worked on improvements in pond construction so pumps could carry water from the ocean.

Suedat and the members of the co-operative now see a more promising future for brackish-water shrimp farming with training in good farm management, food safety and business management.

So far, the production system has increased yields

from approximately 35,000 kilogrammes per month to some 60,000 kilogrammes per month. The industry has become more lucrative because consumers, especially from the Guyanese diaspora, are willing to pay a premium price for the product. Farmers have also started selling brackish-water shrimp in other regions of Guyana. With increased yields while reducing the strain on the environment, brackish-water shrimp farmers have turned the tables on climate change and secured their livelihoods into the future. (FAO)

FAO and Guyana’s Ministry of Agriculture trained farmers in a method that pumps water from the ocean into the ponds. With this controlled system and the introduction of supplementary feed, shrimp production increased (Left/top: Photo courtesy of Rabani Gajnabi. Right/bottom: FAO/Shara Seelall)

150 families now closer to home ownership

SOME 150 families who were previously allocated low-income residential lots in the new Two Friends Phase Two housing development, East Coast Demerara (ECD), recently participated in a lot identification exercise.

According to informa -

tion from the Ministry of Housing and Water, surveyors from the agency led the event, guiding representatives from each family to their respective boundary lines.

The ministry said infrastructural works are now ongoing in other sections of

the scheme to ensure access to other allottees.

“This is an ongoing exercise, and persons are called in batches. Every allottee will be invited to participate in the lot identification process at a later date,” the Housing Ministry said.

–– after identifying lots at Two Friends

families

were

Some 150

who

previously allocated low-income residential lots in the new Two Friends Phase Two housing development, East Coast Demerara (ECD), recently participated in a lot identification exercise (Ministry of Housing and Water photos)

GOAL announces expansion of scholarship opportunities with new partners

THE Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) has announced an expansion of scholarship opportunities with two new partners.

According to GOAL, it has partnered with Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland, and the New Guyana School (NGS), in collaboration with Ubicua Technology, Guyana, as its newest academic collaborators.

This partnership further expands tuition-free scholarship opportunities for Guyanese in 2025. These partnerships reportedly offer a diverse range of professional certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s and master’s programmes in

fields such as Applied Fire Safety Management, Biopharmaceutical Processing, Bioprocess Engineering, Bridge Engineering, Drinking Water Treatment Operations, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Geotechnical and Structural Engineering, Healthcare Analytics, Mechanical and Electrical Quantity Surveying, Professional Skills for High-Performance Sport, Quantity Surveying, Real Estate Development and Valuation, Road and Transport Engineering, Road Engineering and Design, Road Maintenance Engineering and Management; Road Safety Audit and Engineering, and Precision Agriculture and

Construction Technology. It was stated that through these collaborations, GOAL reinforces its commitment to accessible

and flexible higher education, further ensuring that Guyanese from each administrative region can obtain internationally rec-

ognised qualifications.

Both ATU and NGS are two of ten new academic partners joining THE GOAL in 2025. The other institutions include: Universidad Catolica De Murcia, Spain; Western State University, California, USA; QualiTest Inc. Medical Laboratory, Guyana; West Africa South America Alliance Inc., Guyana; Accountancy Training Centre Inc., Guyana; Accountancy Training Centre Inc., Guyana; MJM Accounting and Management Institute, Guyana; Cacique Inc., Guyana; and ARKA JAIN University, India.

The application portal is now open for the 2025

intake. Interested persons can visit www goal edu gy to explore programme options, and review eligibility criteria from a total of 27 local and international universities.

The deadline for the submission of applications is February 28, 2025 at 11:59PM. For more information, persons can visit GOAL’s website to learn more.

GOAL was launched in 2021 by the Government of Guyana as an initiative to provide 20,000 scholarships to Guyanese to pursue online, tertiary level programmes via partnerships with reputable international universities.

MoL engages residents, workers from Moruca sub-district

IN an effort to ensure that persons are aware of employment opportunities, skills training initiatives and the various programmes that are available, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) hosted a sensitisation outreach for residents and workers in the Moruca sub-district, Region One.

The ministry said that more than 140 residents and workers from the area are actively participating in a sensitisation outreach focused on employee and employer rights and responsibilities in the workplace, as well as

the importance of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act.

The labour ministry said this initiative provides an opportunity for officials from the Ministry of Labour, including OSH Officers Naipaul Persaud and Javyn Persaud, Labour Officer Ravi Persaud, Co-operative Development Officer Devindra Singh, and Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Officer Shaheed Mohamed, to engage with villagers from Assakata, Kwebana, and Santa Cruz.

According to the minis-

try, some of the key discussions centred on Guyana’s labour laws, the OSH Act, employment opportunities through the ministry’s Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA), and skills training initiatives offered by BIT, as well as Cooperative and Friendly Societies.

The topics covered included: Hours of work, overtime pay, and the National Minimum Wage; Termination of Contract and Severance Pay Act; unfair dismissal regulations; Leave with Pay Act; business inspections and record-keeping

requirements; occupational health and safety standards; and apprenticeship opportunities.

The ministry pointed

out that the outreach team will continue its efforts by visiting Warapoka, Waikrabi, and Santa Rosa, where

they aim to engage nearly 200 additional residents in similar educational sessions.

Stanleytown residents move to break PNCR’s ‘shackles on development’

–– sign petition asking gov’t to go ahead with rehabilitation of sluice

STANLEYTOWN residents have come together and signed a petition calling on the government to go ahead with the rehabilitation of the sluice at Number 51 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam as planned, despite what was deemed unnecessary objections from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council, and about five older residents.

The contractor for the project last month visited the location to commence works on the sluice, as the project was awarded through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). However, he was stopped by the few older residents and a senior official of the Town Council.

At the location, the official claimed that the older residents did not want the sluice to be touched, as they claimed that the old structure was still intact.

However, over 200 residents have come out against this and attached their signatures to a petition addressed to the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, calling for the works to proceed as soon as possible, since the community was recently affected by a flood caused by heavy rainfall.

The petition noted:

“We, the residents of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, hereby make this petition to have the sluice upgraded and modernised in the said project undertaken by the Government of Guyana at Lot 51 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice.”

“We call for this rehabilitation project to be expedited forthwith without any hindrances or delays, since the sluice has outlived its life-span and outflow capacity, and there is greater need for an expansion and bigger sluice. Hence, our total support for this project,” residents said.

The letter also pointed out that the sluice aids in the drainage of the 51 Stanleytown outfall, and its upgrade will bring much- needed relief to the residents of the Stanleytown area. The residents, in their petition, said that the structure was constructed in the 1930s.

“We the residents of the Stanleytown area sincerely wish to thank the government, and the Ministry of Agriculture on the venture, and we assure you that you will have our utmost support on this project, which will be beneficial to us as residents of Stanleytown,” the residents related.

The Number 51 Stanleytown sluice that is to be rehabilitated

Evergreen Adventures launches Dutch Heritage Tour with support from Go-Invest

HIGHLIGHTING the successful collaboration between the public and private sectors in enhancing regional tourism and promoting the rich, shared heritage of Guyana and Suriname, Evergreen Adventures has announced the launch of its Dutch Heritage Tour, which will be supported by the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest)

Evergreen Adventures said it is proud to announce the launch of its tour, an immersive eight-day, sev -

Suriname to twin products in the agro-processing and manufacturing sectors.

This exclusive tour is expected to provide participants with a unique opportunity to discover the architectural wonders, historical landmarks and cultural traditions that reflect the lasting influence of Dutch heritage in the region.

The development of this tour was strongly supported by the Guyana Office for Investment, whose dedication to tourism growth has played a key role in integrating the

architecture; Fort Zeelandia (Essequibo River, Guyana) where persons can feel free to experience the historical significance of this 17th-century Dutch fort, located along the scenic Essequibo River; the well-known Kaieteur Falls where there can witness one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, a breathtaking natural wonder within Guyana’s pristine landscapes; Georgetown City Tour during which person can explore Guyana’s vibrant capital, renowned for its colonial-era buildings,

en-night journey exploring the deep-rooted Dutch colonial history of Guyana and Suriname.

The Dutch Heritage Tour is designed to not only educate participants about the Dutch colonial influence but also to showcase the unique cultural tapestry, traditions, and natural beauty that make Guyana and Suriname extraordinary destinations.

Evergreen has said that the Guyana Office for Investment had initiated the birth of this concept under its programme, “twinning of products;” where Guyanese businesses form compatible partnerships with other countries and companies for mutually beneficial interests.

Outside of tourism, additional work is underway with

tourism experiences of Guyana and Suriname.

According to the tour company, this partnership has resulted in a well-rounded itinerary that showcases the shared history of these neighbouring nations.

The tour highlights include: Fort Zeelandia (Paramaribo, Suriname), where tourists can explore the historic Dutch fort, a symbol of Suriname’s colonial past; Jodensavanne, a visit to the remnants of one of the oldest Jewish settlements in the Americas, reflecting the region’s diverse cultural heritage; Paramaribo City Tour where persons can discover the UNESCO World Heritage sites within Suriname’s capital which is known for its well-preserved Dutch colonial

bustling markets, and rich cultural heritage.

The General Manager of Evergreen Adventures Andrea L. de Caires said: “The Dutch Heritage Tour is more than just a historical journey—it’s an exploration of the cultural fusion that defines Guyana and Suriname,” she added. “We extend our gratitude to the Guyana Office for Investment for their unwavering support and vision in making this project a reality.”

For more information or to book the Dutch Heritage Tour, one can visit Evergreen Adventures’ website or contact Andrea L. de Caires, the General Manager of Evergreen Adventures on telephone number +592613-0455 or via andrea @ baganara.net

From left: Chief Investment Officer (Go-Invest) Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, with General Manager of Evergreen Adventures, Andrea L. de Caires (Evergreen Adventures photo)

The Final Stretch: Lusignan Market nears completion

–– project reflects President Ali’s commitment to enhancing lives, says Minister Indar

By Cindy Parkinson-Chowbay

WITH approximately 95 per cent of the works on the Lusignan Market, East Coast Demerara, completed, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar has stated that the initiative reflects a commitment made by President, Dr Irfaan Ali to the vendors after they sought a more comfortable space to sell their produce.

In a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Indar clarified that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has consistently strived to improve the lives of Guyanese citizens and provide support to the working class of Guyana.

According to him, their goal is to ensure that markets across the country, including the Lusignan Market, which is close to completion, are provided with adequate sanitary and essential facilities for both vendors and customers.

Minister Indar said:

“Since assuming office in 2020, our government led by President Ali, has promised the people of Guyana that we will enhance the country and their livelihoods, and that is exactly what we are doing.

“With the enhancement of these markets, people will be able to sell their produce daily compared to a few days per week, knowing that they are not going to get wet when the rain falls or even when the

sun is out.”

The minister emphasised that the structure is an open facility with excellent ventilation, and he used the opportunity to urge both vendors and shoppers to dispose of their garbage responsibly.

He added that while he is happy for the market vendors, he would like everyone to contribute to the facility’s maintenance and keeping the surroundings clean.

Meanwhile, during an

exclusive site visit, the Guyana Chronicle spoke to Somdat Sharma, the welder/fabricator who is tasked with supervising the operations in the absence of the boss.

Noting that the roofing of the 500-foot structure has been completed, and they are currently in the process of installing the gutters, Sharma also explained that with 95 per cent of the structure completed, they are currently working on some finishing touches in the lavatories, which include painting and grouting.

He also mentioned that work will soon commence on the construction of the

trestle that will support the water tanks.

Applauding President Ali for delivering on his commitment to the vendors and the people of Lusignan, Sharma said that he is pleased with the quality and durability of the structure they will soon be receiving.

“I am proud to say that we are delivering a high-quality job with an excellent structure. I know that the people are happy with what they will be getting here, and I am also happy to say that we, the employees on this project, are also grateful for the opportunity that was given to us through this market.

Minister Within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat

“This is one of the busiest markets on Fridays and with the new structure, I know that these vendors will enjoy selling here; it’s much more comfortable. They have moved from selling their produce under tarpaulins and dilapidated sheds to this beautiful structure. President Ali, on behalf of the vendors, the people of Lusignan, and us, the workers, we say thank you,” he said.

Finally, Sharma said that the new facility will beautify the area.

The frontal view of the 500-foot market that is being constructed at Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara (Yatesh Chowbay photo)

Indar

ERC welcomes UN’s renewal of International Decade for People of African Descent

THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) welcomes the renewal of the International Decade for People of African Descent by the United Nations (UN) for a second term (2025–2034).

Noting that this reaffirms the UN’s commitment to advancing the rights, recognition, and development of people of African heritage globally, the

unity, mutual understanding and respect among the country’s diverse communities.

As stated by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) at the UN, the second International Decade for People of African Descent was proclaimed on December 17, 2024.

This second international decade is said to be an opportunity to take concrete

ERC emphasised that the decision extends the objectives of the original decade (2015–2024) under the themes of recognition , justice, and development, ensuring that the progress made thus far is strengthened and expanded.

The commission said it believes that the renewal of the Decade for People of African Descent resonates deeply with Guyana’s history and is a significant step toward addressing historical injustices and enhancing promotion of the African heritage.

The ERC recognises the invaluable contributions that Guyanese of African descent have made in shaping our national identity, as well as their ongoing contributions to the country’s continued progress.

As part of its mandate, the commission will continue working to ensure that the rights of all Guyanese , including persons of African descent, are upheld.

Furthermore, the ERC urges all Guyanese to embrace this renewed commitment by actively promoting

the Fellowship programme for people of African descent.

It was noted that the Chair of the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent (WGEPAD), Barbara Reynolds, said that the initial effort increased awareness of anti-Black racism and the human rights of people of African descent, but lacked enough political will and investment from member states.

The official also highlighted key outcomes of the first international decade, including increased visibility of Afro-descendant issues, the establishment of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD) and the ongoing work on the UN declaration on the respect, protection and fulfilment of the human rights of people of African descent.

action to confront the legacies of enslavement and colonialism, deliver reparatory justice and secure the full human rights and freedoms of people of African descent worldwide.

Acknowledging that the first international decade was a significant milestone, the OHCHR said it fell short in delivering transformative change. This it said, was according to several experts on the human rights of people of African descent.

The first international decade raised global awareness and strengthened legal and institutional frameworks.

The UN’s efforts during this period included supporting the development of anti-discrimination laws, national action plans and institutional measures; promoting cultural heritage through initiatives such as UNESCO’s “Routes of Enslaved Peoples” and “General History of Africa”; supporting anti-racism education and awareness campaigns globally, as well as equipping people of African descent with tools to claim their rights, for example, through

Additionally, the OHCHR stated that the Chair of the PFPAD, June Soomer, agreed and emphasised that while some gains were achieved, structural inequalities in education, healthcare, housing, economic opportunities and political representation, persist.

She said that systemic racism continues to deprive people of African descent of basic human rights, exacerbated by climate vulnerabilities, digital exclusion, and environmental injustices.

Despite these advances, Soomer noted persistent challenges and the lack of implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, a comprehensive international framework for combating racism and racial discrimination.

“The continued challenge of addressing economic empowerment of people of African descent, compounded by limited and even reversal of access to economic opportunities, remains a persistent struggle,” said Soomer, before adding, “Health disparities, especially those affecting women and girls of African descent, require urgent and sustained attention.”

Panorama launched with a Bang!

A NUMBER of steelpan lovers, on Sunday last, swarmed the Kingston Seawall Esplanade for the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports launch of the 16th annual Republic Bank Mashramani Panorama Steel Band Competition.

Despite a tiny delay

in the launch, attendees were treated to the sweet, melodic sounds of steelpan music, performed by The Guyana Police Force Steel Band,

Ansa McAl Parkside Steel Orchestra, Pangroove Steel Orchestra, Kunjaz Steel Orchestra and the Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra.

The official competition is slated for february 19, 2025, at the Kingston beach from 18:00 hours.

STEEL PAN IN GUYANA: A REVIVAL

The steel pan has been in Guyana since the 1950s; however, its presence began to diminish in the 80s and 90s due to a number of challenges. In the past, Guyana had six steel bands which included two large bands; these were the Banks DIH’s Innovators and Guyana Police Force (GPF) band. This number was quickly reduced to four steel bands including one large band.

In 2008, Guyana got the opportunity to host Carifesta, an event that led the government to resuscitate the art form through the large sourcing of instruments and the formation of a 100-piece National Steel Orchestra for Carifesta X. This led to the Joint Services procuring and establishing 100 strong bands.

In 2009, the Government formed a relationship with Republic Bank Limited for the reintroduction of the Mashramani Steel Pan Competition, which hadn’t been seen since 2006, with approximately four or five bands participating.

The Bank’s passion for pan development in Guyana, focused on providing avenues for the empowerment for Guyana’s youth, while

sustaining national art forms and our cultural heritage.

Because interest began to peak on steel pan playing, more emphasis was placed on the reviving of the steel pan. The Government introduced a programme called the School’s Steel Pan Development, where the Ministry of Culture, and the Unit of Allied Arts ensured that band instruments and instructors were placed in various schools to provide students with the opportunity to learn how to play the instruments.

Locally, there is a Steel Pan Museum called, “Roy Geddes Steel Pan Museum” located at 190 Roxanne Burnham Gardens, South Ruimveldt Georgetown, the home of iconic Guyanese steel pan player, Roy Geddes.

A previous article by this publication stated: “The steel pan museum houses a vivid and colourful pictorial display of Roy’s successes, even as it showcases the making of steel pans from ‘raw material’ to the finished product. There is also an abundance of reading materials, while an array of trophies, medals and souvenirs speak volumes of his successes and contributions to the music discipline in

Guyana and abroad.” THE STEEL PAN'S GLOBAL JOURNEY

The instrument, the steel pan, known as steel drums or simply ‘pan’, was created in the twin island, Trinidad and Tobago, in the 1930s, and was established in the contexts of Carnival resistance.

At that point, it was realised that the convex dent at the bottom of metal drums could be tuned to distinct musical pitches and could produce recognisable melodies. This marked the creation of the first steel pans.

By the year 1955, steel pans had become standardised and were widely constructed from 55-gallon oil drums, being played by striking the metal with a wooden ‘stick’ or ’beater’. These developments set the stage for the popularisation of steel pan as we know it today.

The steel pans are typically made in four sizes from bass to treble, called boom, cellopan, guitar pan, and ping pong.

Steel Pan went international in 1951, when the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) arrived in the United Kingdom to perform at the Festival of Britain. It received overwhelmingly positive public feedback.

2025 Grammys recap: Beyoncé’s big night, artists show support for LA and more great moments

MUSIC’S biggest night took place in Los Angeles, just weeks after wildfires left unprecedented destruction across the city. Instead of looking away, the award show chose to use the platform and captive audience for good, and a lot of singing and dancing along the way.

At the top of the show, host Trevor Noah said that instead of just celebrating music, the ceremony would be “a celebration of the humanity and spirit of survival”. And that it was.

Here’s some of highlights of the ceremony, including, yes, Beyoncé’s big win:

FINALLY!

They finally said her name.

Beyoncé won the Grammy for Album of the Year for her genre-bending “Cowboy Carter”, capturing an elusive first win in the category after four previous nominations over the course of her highly-decorated career.

“I just feel very full and very honoured,” she said. “It’s been many, many years.”

Presented to her by members of the Los

Angeles Fire Department, Beyoncé accepted the award while standing next to her daughter, Blue Ivy.

Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish were seen with tears in their eyes watching from the crowd. The win was Beyoncé’s third of the night.

GRAMMYS SHOWS LOVE FOR LA

The Grammy Awards’ love for the City of Angels began with an opening act that brought Altadena natives, Dawes to the stage with Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, John Legend, Brittany Howard and St. Vincent for an

unforgettable cover of Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.”. And it didn’t end there. Commercial time was given to local businesses affected by last month’s wildfire, with famous faces making cameos. Noah directed viewers to a QR code on the screen to raise money for MusiCares Fire Relief and other charities. $7 million was raised during the show, he announced near the end of the broadcast. LA-native Billie Eilish performed her hit, “Birds of a Feather” in a rustic setting reminiscent of the hiking trails throughout LA County, while what

appeared to be childhood photos showed in the background.

Later, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars took to the stage to perform

a pared down cover of the 1965 song, “California Dreamin’” by The Mamas & the Papas, following a pre-taped piece that highlighted harrowing images of damaged homes and heartbroken families.

Gloomy? At times, but the show’s main message was one of hope, and an invitation to join those finding ways to usher in better days.

TREVOR NOAH PROVES HE CAN DO IT ALL

The task of striking the right tone for the night rested upon the capable shoulders of comedian, Trevor Noah. The five-time host knew when to

have fun and when to let the moment breathe.

Speaking of the relief efforts, Noah said, “You know, it’s often said that in the darkest times, the best of humanity shines through.”

With ease and an authentic charm, Noah, too, shined.

WINNING ARTISTS CAME READY FOR THEIR MOMENT

Let’s be clear: Speeches are hard. But this year’s Grammy winners came prepared.

Doechii, winner for Best Rap Album was among those who took the stage with a heartfelt message that acknowledged her position in history as only

TURN TO PAGE 28

Skip Marley continues trajectory on Billboard

SKIP Marley continues to make inroads on the Billboard Rhythmic Top 40 Airplay chart with his latest single Close.

The song, which samples Maxi Priest’s 1990 #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit Close to You, has moved up from #19 to #17 in its 12th week on the chart.

Usually reliable sources have indicated that two different remixes of Close are expected to be released shortly.

Still on the Billboard Rhythmic Top 40 airplay chart, Akon’s reworking of gospel singer Jermaine Edwards’ It’s a Beautiful Day, retitled Akon’s Beautiful Day, slips from #5 to #7. Meanwhile, it debuts at #18 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 tally.

Beyoncé is joined by her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, as she accepts the Album of the Year Grammy on Sunday, February 2 (Sonja Flemming/CBS)

2025 Grammys recap: Beyoncé’s big...

the third female to win the award. (Lauryn Hill and Cardi B were the others.)

“I put my heart and my soul into this mixtape,” she said. “I bared my life; I went through so much. I dedicated myself to sobriety, and God told me that I would be rewarded.”

She concluded her speech with words of inspiration.

“I know that there is some Black girl out there. So many Black women out there that are watching me right now, and I want to tell you, anything is possible,” she said. “Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you that tell you you can’t be

here; that you’re too dark or that you’re not smart enough, or that you’re too dramatic or you’re too loud. You are exactly who you need to be to be right where you are, and I am a testimony.”

Beyoncé, winner for Best Country Album for “Cowboy Carter” also brought a message of empowerment, prior to her win for Album of the Year.

“I think sometimes genre is a cold word to keep us in our place as artists,” she said. “And I just want to encourage people to do what they’re passionate about, and stay persistent.”

Later, Best New Artist winner Chap -

pell Roan stood up for emerging artists, calling on record companies to provide living wages and healthcare for rising artists. She’s been in their shoes, she said.

“It was so devastating to feel so committed to my art, and feel so betrayed by the system and so dehumanised to not have help,” she said, adding, “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?”

Honorees didn’t steer away from political subjects, with Shakira dedicating her fourth career Grammy to immigrants, Lady Gaga speaking in support of the LGBTQ community, and Alicia Keys addressing recent attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion

Doechii accepts the award for Best Rap Album for “Alligator Bites Never Heal” onstage at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

programmes.

“DEI is not a threat; it’s a gift,” she said.

PERFORMERS

BROUGHT THEIR A-GAME

Best New Artist nominee Raye may soon join the ranks of other musicians known by a singular name, after her memorable performance.

With strings and horns section behind her, she sang a rendition of her song, “Oscar Win-

ning Tears” closing out a series of performances by those nominated in that category, including Doechii, Benson Boone, Teddy Swims, and Khruangbin.

Later, in a tribute to the late producer and musician Quincy Jones, introduced by Will Smith, “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo performed a sublime version of “Fly Me To the Moon”, the hit stan-

dard Jones produced for Frank Sinatra in 1964. Lainey Wilson, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder and more joined in the tribute. Wonder praised Jones’ generosity, and the work he did to produce “We Are the World”.

Also, shoutout to Shakira, whose hips and ‘abs’ still don’t lie, but do defy the laws of nature. (CNN-Entertainment)

CWI President Shallow calls out GCB and BCA for purported untruths

President of Cricket West Indies Dr Kishore Shallow on Wednesday called out several of what he deems ‘untruths’ associated with the body.

The CWI Boss gave a stinging response to several claims made in a statement issued jointly by the Guyana Cricket Board and the Barbados Cricket Association regarding their concerns on CWI’s governance reform.

Shallow speaking exclusively with Chronicle Sports said, “The statement is decorated by untruths, total misrepresentation of the facts and that is unfortunate since both directors who signed that document, should have a better recollection of the fact.”

Shallow noted that the poor memory of his fellow directors aside, he is elated at their intended attendance at this important meeting on

Guyana

Sunday.

“Their memory has failed them somewhat and hopefully they would sanitize themselves or socialize themselves with the facts sooner rather than later. Notwithstanding it is positive that, they are attending the meeting, they will be representatives from those two shareholder GCB and BCA, their absence in the past has been a source of regret.

I do look forward to their participation at the meeting on Sunday and hopefully we can ventilate all the matters relating to governance and effect some changes that will strength our organization.”

The statement, signed by BCA ’s Conde Riley and GCB’s Bissondyal Singh stated they will be at the February 9th meeting to discuss the proposed resolutions to amend the Articles of Association in line

with governance recommendation and resolutions regarding elected position made a number of allegations against the board.

It further added that they have since dispatched a letter to CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett citing their concerns and proposed way forward as it relates to the items being tabled surrounding amendment of

the section of changing the tenure in office of the President and Vice President from two years to three years with term limits of three consecutive terms.

The BCA and GCB in their statement also took umbrage to remarks made about their stance publicly for not attending the last meeting calling it such unprofessional and a breach of the Code of Ethics.

U-17s kick off World Cup qualifying campaign against Trinidad and Tobago today

Guyana’s Under-17 National Football Team begins its quest for a place at the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar today. They will face Trinidad and Tobago in the opening match of the Concacaf U17 Championship. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00h at the Estadio Nacional in San José.

The Junior Jaguars have been in Costa Rica for final preparations for the crucial qualifying tournament. They face a tough challenge in Group B, including hosts Costa Rica and the British Virgin Islands. Following today’s game against Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana’s group stage matches continue against Saint Maarten on 11 February, Costa Rica on 13 February,

and the British Virgin Islands on 16 February. Andrew Nestor manages the squad, which includes players from local and international locations. Marco Bonofiglio coaches the team. The final 21 players were selected from an initial training camp of 48.

Guyana’s ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup, which will be held in Qatar in November.

The full squad is as follows: Goalkeepers: Flavio Larose (Pele F.C.), Tejpal Nijjar (Rayo Vallecano, Spain), Nyall Kendall (Maidstone United) Defenders: Kamron Pellew (Ann’s Grove Unit-

MI Emirates dumped from ILT20

Johnson Charles scored a brisk 36 for the Sharjah Warriorz to help them defeat the MI Emirates

CMC – Nicholas Pooran’s MI Emirates, the defending champions, were dumped out of the International League T20 on Thursday, going down by six wickets to the Sharjah Warriorz in the first Eliminator at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. Pooran played a captain’s knock, top scoring with 42 from 22 balls to be the mainstay of his team’s 146 for eight from their 20 overs.

Andre Fletcher was dismissed for a duck at the top of the order, while Akeal Hosein made a pedestrian 15 from 17 balls and Romario Shepherd contributed just seven from eight balls.

Tim Southee grabbed 2-24 for the Warriorz.

Johnson Charles then smashed 36 from 20 balls during an opening partnership of 49 in five overs with Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who made

40, to give the Warriorz a solid start.

Player-of-the-Match Tim Seifert then cracked an unbeaten 40 from 20 balls to put the finishing touches on the innings, as the Warriorz cruised to 149 for four in 18.5 overs.

The result means the Warriorz will play the Desert Vipers in Qualifier 2 on Friday for a spot in Sunday’s final, with the winner facing the Dubai Capitals.

ed F.C.), Tamer Unver (BW Gottschee), Max Robinson (Shattuck St. Mary), Joshua Morris (Rush Canada), Michael Joseph ( Rising Stars F.C.), Kilan Newland, Onessi Dunn (Fruta Conquerors F.C.)

Midfielders: Quaency Fraser (GDF F.C.), Jaden Harris (GDF F.C.), Jerimiah Welcome (Milerock F.C.), Luke Langevine ( G.D.F. F.C.), Micaiah De Freitas (Fruta Conquerors F.C.), Shaquan David (Ann’s Grove United F.C.), Mikkel Mills (Fruta Conquerors F.C.), Aiden Herd (Borough F.C.)

Forwards: Reid Ramlochan (Cardinal Ambrozic), Dakarai Drakes (Met Oval Academy), Isaiah Ifill (GDF F.C.)

CWI President Dr Kishore Shallow

BCA Head Conde Riley

GCB Head Bissondyal Singh

Cricket West Indies Championship round two…

Barbados, Trinidad in commanding positions

CMC – CENTURIES from Kraigg Brathwaite and Jonathan Drakes have put Barbados Pride in a commanding position against the West Indies Academy, while Trinidad & Tobago Red Force spinners Khary Pierre and Yannic Cariah spun a web around the Volcanoes and have the upper hand in their West Indies Championship second-round matches on Wednesday.

At Kensington Oval: West Indies Test skipper Kraigg Brathwaite wasted little time in making his mark on the regional tournament, scoring un unbeaten century, while Jonathan Drakes also made it into three figures as the Pride stamped their authority against the WI Academy, piling up 354 for three on the opening day.

Brathwaite, in his first match after returning from

the tour of Pakistan, finished the day on 143, while Drakes made 117, and the Pride’ s top order made light work of the Academy’s bowlers, scoring at almost four runs an over for the entire day.

The Pride’s opening pair of Brathwaite and Zachary McCaskie put on 96 runs, before the latter fell lbw to spinner Joshua Bishop for 49 from 66 balls.

His dismissal brought Drakes to the crease and together with his captain they added 228 runs for the second wicket to seize control of the match.

The WI Academy eventually got some success in the final session with Johann Layne having Drakes caught and bowled after scoring his second first-class century.

He faced 176 balls and struck 14 boundaries and four sixes.

McKenny Clarke then bowled Kevin Wickham for

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CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025

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

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Jomel Warrican - 10/101 (First Test, Multan)

(2) Noman Ali - 10/121 (Second Test, Multan)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) How many dismissals were effected by WI Tevin Imlach in the recent series?

(2) How many dismissals PAK’s Mohammad Rizwan effected?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

nine, but Brathwaite ended the day having so far faced 241 balls and hit 14 fours.

At the Arnos Vale Playing Field: In a stunning act of defiance, Kavem Hodge scored a century, but the Volcanoes were still skittled out for a paltry 166 runs thanks to the efforts of Pierre and Cariah.

Hodge scored 126 from 142 balls and was the only Volcanoes batsman in double figures in an otherwise disappointing showing by the home team.

Pacers Jayden Seales and Joshua James made early inroads into the Volcanoes’ batting by dismissing openers Stephan Pascal and Jeremy Solozano for nine and six respectively, to reduce them to 37 for two.

After Keron Cotty was caught behind for two off Pierre’s bowling, Hodge and Sunil Ambris, who made nine, shared a 65-run part-

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nership for the fourth wicket to give the home side hope of rebuilding the innings.

But once Cariah accounted for Ambris’ wicket at 133 for four, things went downhill fast for the Volcanoes and they lost their last seven wickets for 33 runs.

Hodge was eventually the last wicket to fall, caught behind off Pierre after facing 142 balls and striking 15 fours and one six.

Pierre ended with 4-17 while Cariah took 4-30 for the Red Force.

The visitors then wasted little time in making quick inroads, with Cephas Cooper and Amir Jangoo scoring unbeaten half centuries to lead their team to 137 for one.

Cooper was 69 not out, while Jangoo was not out on 60, with the pair bringing their side to within 29 runs of the Volcanoes’ first innings total.

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CWI First-Class

Corbin’s tonne puts CCC in ascendency going into day three

By Sean Devers

KYLE Corbin’s century and a late burst from pacers Ojay Shields and Akeem Jordon put the CCC in the ascendency at the end of a rain-affected second day of their CWI first-class battle against the Guyana Harpy Eagles yesterday at the Providence Stadium.

Guyana were 166-6 at the close in reply to CCC’s 375, still, 56 runs away from avoiding the follow-on with four wickets in hand.

Corbin’s 102 lasted 204 balls and included 11 fours and a six, as Sharmar Joseph had 3-115, Renaldo Ali-Mohammed took 3-56 and Veerasammy Permaul grabbed 3-87 for Guyana.

CCC resumed the day on 279-6 with Corbin on 62 and Akeem Jordan yet to score.

A flurry of boundaries from the pair in overcast conditions saw the 300 being posted.

They carried the score to 317 before Joseph struck twice in the space of a run; Jordan (16) edged to wicket-keeper Tevin Imlach while Andre Bailey (0) was dismissed similarly to leave CCC on 318-8.

As the West Indies fast bowler, who missed the first match due to injury, punched the air in celebration, the dark clouds opened up resulting in play being halted at 10:45hrs with Corbin on 81.

An early lunch was taken and when play resumed at 13:00hrs, the Corbin and Avinash Mahabirsingh counter-attack saw the 350 posted.

Corbin seemed to lose concentration after the break but eventually bizarrely reached his second first-class century.

When on 98 he got a boundary through a misfield and then collapsed to the ground, dislocating his right shoulder.

Corbin was forced to retire hurt with CCC on 364 to be taken to the hospital, where his X-ray confirmed the dislocation.

However, he hopes to be fit enough to bat in the second innings.

Jordan (16) was caught behind off Joseph at 316-7 before the West Indies pacer, who missed the Pakistan tour due to injury, had Andre Bailey caught at first slip for a duck a run later.

Mahabirsingh continued to go after the bowling before Permaul bowled Shields for two at 375-9 to end the innings.

Guyana began their reply badly when Tagenarine Chanderpaul (4) was lbw to pacer Ojay Shields at 11 and Matthew Nandu (11) was bowled by Jordan at 29-2.

Raymond Perez (15) and Kevlon Anderson (19) took the score to 51 before Anderson walked across his wicket and seemed a bit unlucky to be given out lbw to Jordan.

Perez was caught at short-leg from the bounce and turn of Mahabirsingh to leave Guyana on 53-4 at tea.

In the final session, extended by an hour due to time lost to rain, Kemol Savory (12) was bowled by Shields at 78-5 as CCC controlled the game.

Kevin Sinclair joined Imlach and the pair just back from the Test series in Pakistan took the score to 116 before Sinclair tried to pull a short ball that ‘got big on him’ and was taken at mid-off after hitting three fours in his 19 as the defending champions slipped to 116-6. Imlach, who has three centuries, soon reached his fourth 50 from 76 balls with five fours and along with Richie Looknauth (21), who took 16 balls to get off the mark after making a first-ball duck against Barbados, took Guyana to the close with a 50-run unbroken stand. Shields (3-42) and Jordon (2-33) have so far done the bulk of the damage for CCC.

The penultimate day today begins at 09:30hrs.

Powerlifting to kick off year with Novices/Juniors on February 16

Flashback! Novices/Juniors who competed at the 2024 edition of the GAPLF event.

THE platform for emerging strongmen and women in the powerlifting arena will be locked and loaded come Sunday February 16, 2025, when the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) commences its 2025 season.

Novices and Junior lifters will take centre stage as they seek to commence success -

ful careers in the sport. Saint Stanislaus College Auditorium is the venue that will see the athletes showcasing their strength in the three lifts affiliated with the sport - squat, bench press and deadlift. This will be the first of four competitions that the Federation hosts, yearly

The Federation will be seeking to ensure that

the sport enjoys another successful year with a total of five ( 5 ) international competitions also on the Federation’s radar. These are the World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships (June 8-15 in Germany), World Classic and Equipped Sub-Junior and Junior Powerlifting Championships (August 29 – September 7

in Costa Rica), South American Bench Press and Powerlifting Championships – FESUPO (September 20-27 in Brazil), World Classic and Equipped Masters Powerlifting Championships (October 12-19 in South Africa) and the World Equipped Open Powerlifting Championships (October 10-16 in Romania).

Wilson only West Indian umpire for Champions

CMC – TRINIDADIAN

Joel Wilson is the only umpire from the region to be confirmed as a match official for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy.

Wilson, who is currently a member of the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, is among 12 officials who have been named to officiate at the tournament that will take place in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi in Pakistan and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from February 19 to March 9.

The 58-year-old is a veteran of 66 Tests, 135 One Day Internationals and 71 T20Is. Meanwhile, Richard Ket-

tleborough, a veteran of 108 men’s ODIs, and who stood in the final of the last edition played in the United Kingdom in 2017, is among six umpires who return for another Champions Trophy. Chris Gaffaney, Kumar Dharmasena, Richard Illingworth, Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker, all members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, also featured in 2017. They will be joined by Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Ahsan Raza, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and Alex Wharf, all of whom officiated at the World Cup in India.

David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle and Andrew Pycroft, all members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, comprise the three-member team of referees.

Sean Easey, ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees said a group of experienced officials had been chosen.

“We are pleased to announce our panel of match officials for the upcoming Men’s Champions Trophy. “This is a credentialled officiating team whose expertise will be valuable in this high-profile tournament,” Easey said.

Gill, Shreyas and Axar provide the firepower as India go 1-0 up

(ESPNcricinfo) - It was both untidy and emphatic. India made light work of their 249 target, passing it with 68 deliveries to spare in Nagpur. That they only won this first ODI by four wickets was down to an unnecessarily messy finish. One that spoke more to their disorder at how simple this was than any rallying from England’s part. After a 4-1 hammering in the T20I series, Brendon McCullum’s first ODI as head coach ended in a similar shellacking.

It was a mix of old and new that combined to give those in light blue a 1-0 lead in this three-match series. Ravindra Jadeja’s 3 for 26 was supplemented by Harshit Rana’s 3 for 53 on his maiden ODI appearance to roll England for 248 with 14 deliveries to spare. Jos Buttler’s 52 and Jacob Bethell’s 51 were the only scores of note after Phil Salt’s emphatic start of 43 from 26 had been wasted.

With Virat Kohli ruled out with a right knee injury sustained on Wednesday evening, Shubman Gill stepped up to ice the chase with 87, helped initially by Shreyas Iyer’s 59 and Axar Patel’s outstanding 52, in stands of 94 and 108, respectively.

Trophy

“We always try to name the most suitable and deserving officials for any event, and we are confident this group will do a fine job across the matches in Pakistan and the UAE. I wish them all the best and hope they have a memorable tournament.”

UMPIRES: Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Ahsan Raza, Paul Reiffel, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Rodney Tucker, Alex Wharf, Joel Wilson.

MATCH REFEREES: David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft.

The former came at a vital juncture, as Jofra Archer nicked off Yashasvi Jaiswal on ODI debut and Saqib Mahmood - in for the rested Mark Wood - had skipper Rohit Sharma caught at mid-on in the space of six deliveries. From 19 for 2, India did not look back.

Iyer’s fifty off 30 deliveries set an emphatic tone, dealing with anything and everything short, pulling and then ramping Archer for consecutive sixes at the end of the seventh over. Four of his nine fours were carved off Brydon Carse, who opted for length deliveries more on the off side once it became apparent Iyer was relishing the chance to heave to leg.

Axar’s introduction up the order proved a masterstroke, the left-hander playing with the kind of freedom that allowed Gill to calmly go about his business. Gill’s one alarm came when given out lbw on 38 to Liam Livingstone, but even that was corrected immediately as DRS showed a clear inside edge. The vice-captain’s 14th fifty was his first against England.

The pair combined expertly in the 29th over against Carse, taking 17 from it with two boundaries eachthe best of them a ramp from Axar over the keeper. It was then that this chase officially became a canter, with just 48 needed from the last 21 overs. Axar raised his bat for fifty for the first time on home soil, driving his 46th ball, from Carse, on the up and through the fielder at mid-off.

Shreyas Iyer came out all guns blazing in India’s chase of 249 • BCCI

Corbin’s tonne puts CCC in ascendency going into day three

Guyana U-17s kick off World Cup qualifying campaign against Trinidad and Tobago today

The National U-17s have been training in Costa Rica over the past few days

Kyle Corbin reached second century at the yesterday at Providence before being forced to retire hurt.

Corbin drives during his well compiled 102.