‘You
- President Ali says; emphasises the importance of
‘Nothing
- Attorney-General Nandlall
‘You cannot have exposure without facilities’
- President Ali says; emphasises the importance of developing sports sector
AS a means of reaffirming his government’s commitment to enhancing the sports sector, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that by the end of this year, 100 community grounds across the country will be outfitted with the necessary infrastructure to host night games and other activities.
The Head of State made this announcement while delivering the feature address at a recent commissioning ceremony of a new $68 million international-standard doubles squash court at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue.
He emphasised: “The more exposure we can give our athletes, the better they will develop. But you can’t have exposure without facilities,”
Last year, 66 grounds in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) were rehabilitated, the President revealed.
“This year, we will invest more than $400 million there alone, and this is part of a nationwide
effort,” Dr. Ali stated.
He emphasised that these investments are in addition to the five new international stadia currently under construction nationwide.
To complement these developments and significantly boost Guyana’s sports sector, the President highlighted his government’s ongoing programme to equip every school in the country with a multipurpose sports tarmac.
“This is all part of the ecosystem we are developing—focusing on infrastructure, athletes, and administration. Our goal is to position Guyana to integrate sports and culture with other core sectors,” he said.
These investments are designed to provide Guyana’s athletes with the space, infrastructure, and exposure necessary to maximize their potential, the President explained.
Dr. Ali said: “Sports as a Cornerstone of National Development.”
Speaking extensively on the future of Guyana’s sports sector, President
Ali reaffirmed that investment in sports is a key component of the country’s broader national infrastructure plan and socio-economic transformation.
“The development of sports is not just about recreation—it is essential for healthy living and national growth. But our facilities must also be safe spaces where athletes and families can feel secure,” he emphasised.
The President also stressed the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles and the role sports can play in achieving this.
He said: “We must increase public education, using sports as a tool for value creation. We need to reintegrate sports and culture into our school curriculum as fundamental teaching tools. We must also actively manage screen time for children, creating more opportunities for outdoor activities and engagement in sports.”
While these may seem like “soft issues,” the President said, they are critical to shaping the fu-
ture and building a healthier, more dynamic society for the next generation.
By investing in sports infrastructure and the country’s national athletes and thinking outside of the box, the country can set itself apart from others in 2030 and beyond, Dr. Ali affirmed.
“There’s no second-guessing these ambitious targets. We have to do it” he told sports
officials.
Dr. Ali also said: “National pride is built on many pillars, but one of the most integrating pillars through which national pride is built is on sports and culture.”
On that note, he said that national pride is essential for the promotion of national unity and both of these elements will result in building national prosperity.
“National prosperity is not only and must not only be defined by national income or economic and financial parameters. National prosperity deals with the life of a nation,” he said.
A duty-free sports store was another proposal the President made when giving recommendations for developing the holistic ecosystem
Authorities urge Guyanese in low-lying, coastal areas to be vigilant
- following 7.9
magnitude earthquake southwest of Cayman Islands
The following is the full text of a statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs:
“A 7.6 magnitude earthquake has been recorded in the Caribbean Sea, southwest of the Cayman Islands, at approximately 6:23 PM.
While the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center initially issued tsunami watches for Puerto Rico and the Cayman Islands, these have since been cancelled. Though Guyana is at low
risk due to its coastal positioning along the Atlantic Ocean, authorities are urging citizens, particularly those in low-lying and coastal areas, to remain vigilant.
The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Ministry of Public Works – Sea Defence, the Guyana Police Force, and Community Policing Groups (CPGs) have been placed on high alert
to monitor the situation closely.
Residents should:
* Stay informed by following official updates.
* Report any unusual coastal activity such as sudden changes in water levels
* Remain prepared in case of unforeseen developments.
“Authorities are actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Remain alert and stay safe.”
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali during a recent engagement with a group of young people
APNU ‘decimated’ the lives of every group of Guyanese
- Jagdeo says; cautions citizens not to believe opposition’s hollow promises, given their ‘sordid’ track record
By Trina Williams
EVEN after pushing citizens to the brink of poverty through the introduction of
more than 350 new taxes, terminating thousands of workers and stifling traditional sectors, the opposition has rolled out its recycled promise of betterment for the people, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo has said.
During a recent news conference, Jagdeo urged Guyanese to reflect on not only the A Partnership For National Unity/People’s National Congress Reform (APNU/PNCR)’s historic, “sordid” track record, but
even its contemporary one.
Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton has accused the government of not caring for the ordinary Guyanese.
Jagdeo, in response, said: “This is rich coming from a party that practically decimated every group of people. Pensioners: they took away their free water; the children: they took away their cash grant; the Amerindians: they took away their jobs; the sugar workers: they took away jobs from them; the farmers: they imposed a whole range of taxes, cut the budget for farm- to-market roads and D&I [drainage and irrigation]; the bauxite workers lost their jobs, a thousand of them at Kwakwani; in the forestry sector 500 people lost their jobs...the miners: they increased the taxes, put VAT on machinery and equipment…”
Given the slew of promises made by the Opposition Leader, Jagdeo asked how could Norton stand in the
House and make such pledges, given the APNU+AFC’s track record.
During his 2025 budget presentation, Norton said: “As the next government, we will increase sugar production. We will manage GuySuCo effectively,” adding that they will ensure the workers receive a liveable income, if elected.
Under the APNU+AFC administration, sugar workers were begging for their livelihoods to be spared, even going so far as to hold pickets with heartfelt pleas in the scorching sun, at the time.
However, the-then government turned a deaf ear to the cries of those workers.
In 2017, the coalition government had announced the closure of several sugar estates across the country, leaving thousands of persons without jobs or sources of income. The move saw four sugar estates being closed and over 7,000 sugar workers losing their jobs.
It is important to understand that research funded by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) had revealed that the closure of the sugar estates under the APNU+AFC government severely affected the livelihoods of the laid-off workers, resulting in increased instances of suicide, alcohol consumption and crime.
Since its election to office in 2020, the PPP government has restored over 4,600 jobs within the sugar industry.
Norton also promised: “We will adjust VAT as is appropriate to bring direct relief to the people of Guyana.”
However, the question of sincerity looms over this as it was under the APNU+AFC from 2015-2020 that more than 350 new taxes and onerous measures were placed on the backs of Guyanese.
Several government offi-
cials have probed the former administration on how it used the $90 billion it collected annually from increased taxes.
Under the previous APNU+AFC administration, water and electricity subsidies for pensioners was also removed and Value Added Tax (VAT) was placed on water and electricity.
However, since assuming office, the PPP has removed VAT on those essential resources and even reinstated the subsidies for pensioners.
Norton also touted big plans for the non-oil sector, promising growth, if elected.
However, it was reported that the local forestry sector, under APNU+AFC, saw a 35 per cent decline in exports, a 40 per cent reduction in production and significant job losses, with employment
TURN TO PAGE 5
PPP General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
APNU ‘decimated’ the lives of every...
falling from over 22,000 to less than 14,000. Also, due to the hardships faced by many small miners
and several major players exiting the sector, many small operators were unable to produce.
At that time, the market
had dried up and concurrently, the cost of production increased due to the lack of incentives being provided to miners.
Additionally, the former coalition administration had crippled the bauxite industry during the period 20152020.
As was widely reported, production had fallen by more than 40 per cent and employment was reduced by half.
PNCR’S ‘SORDID’ HISTORY
Jagdeo highlighted how Guyana is moving on an upward trajectory under the PPP/C, and gave citizens just a brief synopsis on the difference between the current government and the opposition.
He said: “Look what we [PPP] have done: we have restored the grant, the water subsidy, the electricity subsidy to the pensioners and also double old age pension; we have given the children their money back and increased it to $50,000. We have removed all the discriminating policies against [the] forestry sector, mining, agriculture. Every group in Guyana we have practically worked with. Farmers now have more support. The miners have more support,
people in the forestry sector, in every sector of the economy, more jobs are created.
“So, this nonsense about we ignore the plight of citizens and they're the ones who are concerned about people is so irksome, because it's far from the truth.”
Given how stagnant Guyana’s economy was under the PNCR, the General Secretary spared no effort to remind Guyanese of the welfare losses and high poverty levels, the PNCR caused with its subpar management.
He said: “That's the history of the PNC and it was a sordid history, and I detest the attempt by some, including in the media, to say, ‘don't go back into the past.’ But if they're repeating the past, they have not changed one bit... They have not changed on their outdated outlook. They are incapable of managing anything because they have a dated philosophy.”
Flashback: Workers protesting the actions of the APNU+AFC (GAWU photo)
The Crux of the Matter
THE political opposition is on a fishing expedition. They are in a desperate search for 'red herrings' which is a term used to describe a situation in which there is a deliberate, misleading narrative intended to divert from the truth.
The truth is that the PNC, now morphed into the APNU, has never on its own won a national election. It first came to office in 1964 only after it entered into a coalition with the United Force.
Prior to the 1964 election, all national elections since the introduction of universal adult suffrage in the early 1950s were won by the PPP.
The PPP won elections in
1953, 1957, 1961 and again in 1964 by winning a plurality of the votes, but the imposition of proportional representation in 1964 allowed for the formation of coalition government, which in fact happened with the coming together of the PNC and the United Force in 1964.
Space will not permit a detailed exposition of the political intrigues and machinations employed by foreign vested interests in collaboration with other reactionary groups to remove the PPP from office.
Suffice it to say that the removal of the PPP from office in 1964 by way of a 'fiddled constitutional arrangement’ set the stage for
the subsequent destruction of the democratic fabric of the country and the institutionalisation of PNC dictatorial rule.
The country languished under the yoke of authoritarian rule which only ended on October 5, 1992 when democracy was finally restored to the country.
The PNC should stop misleading the Guyanese people by peddling a false narrative that it was 'cheated' out of power in the March 2020 General and Regional elections. The fact is that it lost the elections in a free, transparent and verifiable poll.
Whatever malfeasance there was in the elector -
al process, and there were many, were all the result of a frantic attempt by the APNU+AFC coalition to rig the elections. What they failed to factor in was the fact that democracy in Guyana today is much more institutionalised than in past years when the PNC was able to get away with rigged elections for almost three decades prior to the October 5, 1992 elections.
Now in anticipation of another defeat in the upcoming elections, the APNU and the AFC are insisting on the use of biometrics, purportedly to guard against any attempt at electoral fraud on voting day.
This is yet another
smokescreen to mislead its supporters that the PPP is in 'cahoots' with the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to prevent the use of biometrics in the upcoming elections in order to prevent electoral fraud.
Nothing could be further from the truth. As pointed out by PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, the PPP is not opposed to biometrics, but its application is unconstitutional and could delay the holding of elections constitutionally due this year.
In any event, the use of biometrics is already in place by way of fingerprints, photographs and other forms
of checks and balances to prevent electoral fraud. Additionally, a number of amendments were made to the Representation of the People Act (ROPA) that allows for strict penalties, including jail terms, for electoral tampering.
The problem has always been a reluctance by the PNC and its political sidekicks to accept the results of elections in Guyana, however free, fair, transparent and democratic. This is the crux of the matter and any attempt by the political opposition to show otherwise is nothing but a fig leaf to cover their anticipated rejection at the polls
‘Nothing to investigate; the facts are already there’
By Trina Williams
ATTORNEY-GENER
AL, Anil Nandlall, S.C., has called out Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader, Nigel Hughes for his “hypocrisy” and “duplicitousness,” after Hughes attempted to defend controversial land transactions he was involved in.
During a live programme on Saturday evening, the minister brought to light not only the damning land transactions under the APNU+AFC, but also focused on the acres of land obtained by Hughes after the coalition government fell.
While Hughes, during his Friday press conference, said he would welcome a full investigation into his acquisition of lands, the Attorney-General said the facts are already there and documents support it.
“There’s nothing to investigate here. Whatev-
-
er I’ve disclosed to you are the facts and we have the documents,” Nandlall said.
While Hughes has made a series of claims surrounding the housing sector, the Attorney-General highlighted the “dozens” of controversial land transactions under the previous APNU+AFC administration, which Hughes is attempting to distance himself from.
Speaking about the transactions in just Ogle, East Coast Demerara, Nandlall said: “There was no evidence, in relation to these transactions that I am referring to and all the others that I have made reference to, of any process whatsoever inviting the public to bid for these lands.”
The current government is still looking for an indication as to how those
individuals knew prime state lands were available.
“This here is the epitome of the lack of transparency and lack of accountability, whimsical fixing of the price for the land, violent breaches of every single agreement of sale and then vesting of the land, the state conferring title to the purchasers without a cent being paid,” he said.
Speaking more on the agreements in Ogle under the APNU+AFC, the Attorney-General pointed out that some of these agreements were not even fully honoured.
For instance, in some situations, less than 10 per cent of the purchase price was received despite the agreement stating that it must be 50 per cent, and the titles were vested to persons who did not even pay a cent of the balance that was required during the prescribed time frame.
Further, all of those transactions were done af-
ter the passage of the 2018 no-confidence motion, and during the five-month impasse after persons would have cast their vote on polling day.
“In electoral politics there are two fundamental pillars, one is trust and the other is track record,” he said.
Nandlall stated that a politician's track record determines how committed he/she is to keeping his/her promises, as the electorate does not have a crystal ball to determine credibility.
Given Hughes’ recent comments on the housing sector, the Attorney-General said that it must be understood that the attorney-at-law is now leading the AFC and is the party’s presidential candidate and hence, his actions are centred on appealing to the electorate.
Now, the public must look at the party’s track record to determine Hughes’
sincerity, the minister said.
“There’s a constant and very deliberate attempt by him to distance himself from that government [APNU+AFC]. The Alliance For Change was a coalition partner in that government and he is the Leader of the Alliance For Change. So that government was his government,” Attorney-General Nandlall said.
Hughes 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.
General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo made this revelation during his weekly press conference at Freedom House on Thursday, when he brought various docu-
UG gets complimentary exhibition tickets, passes for ‘Energy Conference’
- to enhance youth involvement in crucial discussions
IN a step to further strengthen ties, the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo recently presented the University of Guyana (UG) with 50 exhibition tickets and 20 complimentary delegate passes to be used by the institution’s students and lecturers.
Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Conference, Kiana Wilburg, presented the tickets and complimentary passes to the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Guyana’s Turkey-
en Campus. In brief remarks, Chairman of the Guyana Energy Conference, Anthony J. Whyte, underscored the importance of this effort, stating that it is critical for the next generation to be given a front-row seat to Guyana’s development trajectory and the key players within that sphere.
“I believe it is our duty to ensure our youths have a place at this event, to not only learn as much as they can about Guyana’s oil and gas industry, but to also interact with some of the world’s leading conglomerates across 26 industries. These engagements can go a long way in
helping our youths have a better understanding of the career path they may wish to take,” Whyte said.
The Chairman further added: “I look forward to welcoming the UG cohort to what will be the largest and most dynamic conference in our history; may they take advantage of the learning opportunities that await them come February 18 to 21, 2025.”
Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Martin expressed her appreciation to the Guyana Energy Conference for the tickets and complimentary passes, noting that students and lecturers are eager to participate in the highly-an-
Nothing to investigate...
FROM PAGE 6
ments to light.
In response to this, Hughes, on Friday, claimed that he had purchased 50 acres of land from a man who possessed no lease for the property, which is situated on the left bank of the Essequibo River.
According to documents revealed by Jagdeo, 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 on the left bank of the Essequibo River, near the mouth of Groete Creek, on October 24, 2019.
During the 2020 elections, which were stymied for five months by delay tactics of the APNU+AFC, Hughes had acquired two additional lots of 25 acres each.
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.
In an attempt to challenge those periods clearly outlined in official documents, Hughes claimed
that he initiated the process of acquiring 50 acres of land from a person whom he identified as Mr. Simon Munroe, in January 2016.
“Back in January 2016, there was a gentleman called Simon Munroe who occupied and had been farming in that area. I entered into an agreement with him [on the] 28th of January 2016, and I purchased 50 acres of land from him on the left bank of the Essequibo River for the sum of $2 million,” the attorney-at-law said on Friday.
Hughes, however, admitted that at the time of the acquisition, Munroe possessed no lease for
the property, which he allegedly had been occupying.
When asked how long Munroe had occupied the land, Hughes said: “I couldn’t say how long he was there. I certainly went and inspected and saw him occupying it.”
When further probed on why Munroe didn’t have a lease, Hughes first said the individual was “frustrated” and had been waiting for it, but in the same breath said: “If I recall correctly, he [Munroe] either wanted to migrate or some relative of his wanted to migrate and he needed the money.”
ticipated event.
The Guyana Energy Conference team expressed their thanks the University of Guyana in advance for its participation in the region’s premier event. Moreover, Guyana Energy Conference states that it remains committed to ensuring its platform is a source of inspiration and guidance for future leaders.
Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Conference, Kiana Wilburg presenting the tickets and complimentary passes to Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin
Guyana’s foreign policy and its national interest
HERE are the words of the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a speech he delivered at the Lord Mayor’s banquet in London on December 2, 2024:
“Against the backdrop of these dangerous times, the idea that we must choose between our allies, that somehow we’re with either America or Europe, is plain wrong,” I reject it utterly. The national interest demands that we work with both.”
Starmer said these words after it began circulating in British political circles that threat of the use of tariffs by President-elect Trump will upset the EU, making Britain’s relationship with both partners difficult and the UK will eventually have to choose sides.
There are two dimensions of Mr Starmer’s position that holds vital instructions for Guyana and countries in the Global South. The first is the perspective that a country
must not choose sides between two friends if there is a falling out between those two friends. The second dimension holds significant value for the making of foreign policy in Guyana.
According to the UK Prime Minister, foreign policy rests on the edifice of national interest. The concept of national interest is one of the most enduring beliefs in the history of relations among nation-states.
It is a concept that lies at the heart of understanding state behaviour in international affairs. There is no scope in a newspaper article to elaborate on the definition of national interest, but briefly it means that every international act of a country must be contextualised on its relevance and importance to the ontology of the nation.
Two examples should suffice and as a Third World academic, I will use examples from the Third World.
When Cuba embraced Forbes Burnham’s government and awarded Mr Burnham Cuba’s highest national award, the Jose Marti Award, leftwing and socialist academics in the Third World were disappointed because the relationship between Cuba and Cheddi Jagan consisted of immense solidarity.
Cuba reasoned that national interest dictated that Cuba work with Burnham because Guyana was helping Cuba find acceptance in the Caribbean, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and by extension the Third World.
The second example relates to the Eastern CARICOM islands siding with the US over the American invasion of Grenada in 1983, even though Grenada was a CARICOM family member.
It was the acceptance of national interest by the newly independent states that led them to join and strengthen the NAM.
For these post-colonial states, natural interest revolved not around geopolitical instincts, but geo-economic needs.
NAM countries argued it made no sense aligning with the Western bloc or the Soviet bloc, but to approach the great powers of the world with assistance where it was most needed –development and nation-building.
The NAM died decades ago after the success of the West’s invention of neo-liberalism and globalisation with the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the platform on which these two fortresses rested.
Before the rise of China as a superpower and BRICS, the West saw no geo-strategic, geo-political and trade value in the Third World, so these countries were left to languish, especially after the West used the WTO to withdraw preferential markets from the Third World.
A quote from Guyanese diplomat Sir Ronald Sanders, is bitingly relevant. He wrote: “The 14-nation inde -
pendent states of the Caribbean Community have been at the bottom of US official development assistance for decades. In 2019, for instance, total US foreign assistance globally was US$47 billion, of which collectively, CARICOM countries received US$338 million or 0.7 percent. For emphasis, that is less than one percent of the global total. Haiti alone received US$268 million of that US$338 million intended for all 14 CARICOM states, leaving the other 13 to share US$70 million only. For nine of the 13 countries, the sum provided did not amount to US$1 million.”
This state of affairs has changed profoundly after China became a superpower. China has been a generous aid donor to those 14 members of CARICOM.
What the Global South has learnt is what the UK Prime Minister referred to – “these dangerous times.” Added to that should be –“these uncertain times.”
What the Global South is doing is a subtle resuscitation of the
spirit of the NAM. The Third World is not prepared to take sides in a world of hegemonic resurgence. The watchwords are- “development economics.”
So China and BRICS will not be shunted in favour of foreign-policy alignment. The then Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken asked Malaysia to dilute its relationship with China and he was rebuffed.
The future of Guyana’s foreign policy should include the perspective of the UK Prime Minister – don’t take sides because national interest dictates that you shouldn’t. Guyana with its strategic reach because of oil, should avoid choosing sides. The US, China and Cuba are friends of Guyana. There should be no preferential swing.
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.
Wolves in sheep’s clothing
THIS past week, we saw a new political movement being launched by Simona Broomes called the “Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity.”
Broomes, a former government minister (2015 – 2020), declared that she had resigned from the membership of the PNC/R and APNU. She has boldly declared that her party will coalesce with any party in the National Assembly once their goals are the same. She said she would focus on getting the youth population to vote for the betterment of our country.
Surprisingly, Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes and Leader of the Justice for All Party (JFAP), Jaipaul Sharma, were the only members of the opposition who showed public support for the party, and were in attendance.
Also, over the past several months, several parties have either been formed or been resuscitated to contest the upcoming General and Regional Elections. That aside, they have been spotted in myriad photo-ops with largely the main opposition parties, the PNC/R and AFC, holding either discussions or smiling.
Additionally, there have been heightened social and political activism, particularly with two local controversial businessmen competing for the public’s attention, love and support, seemingly with the intention of becoming the President or some other high-ranking government official. It would appear that one of these businessmen is campaigning and trying to compete with the officialdom in 2025, months before the elections.
And, quiet as it is kept, Glenn Lall, who is interested in launching a political party, is also preparing to do so maybe as the year progresses.
In short, every nook and cranny has somebody or some political entity that will seemingly challenge the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic government for power and authority to govern oil-rich Guyana.
It seems as though this year will be very interesting and eventful as much as it will be thrilling and exciting. It is good that so many young and old political parties have decided to contest this year’s
elections.
It is even more noteworthy that some parties along with the other embattled businessmen have decided to publicly take on the ruling party politicians over issues such as corruption; the cash grant distribution; Budget 2025; the allocation and expenditure of Guyana’s oil wealth; social issues; economic issues; land allocation and distribution policy and a number of other issues.
It is good for Guyana and good for our future as a developing country in this part of the world. Guyana will benefit from having a wide spectrum of political parties purportedly representing people from all walks of life who yearn for wealth, prosperity and a better life.
Firstly, it is the public’s hope that these newly formed political parties will put in the work and continue to advocate on behalf of the Guyanese people. They must walk and go into every community telling the people about their own policies and plans.
They must draw parallels between Guyana and their version of Guyanese. Present numbers and names at rallies and meetings, fleshing out the big ideas. The Guyanese public must know their position on the PPP and PNC’s tenure in office.
These groups must tell Guyanese about what was, is, and will be their position on rigging and rigging elections, not just the usual tricks that the political parties are known for. People, particularly the youth, are interested in hearing from Broomes and others about their position on the fact that PNC/R-led APNU+AFC tried to rig the elections in this country in 2020, again.
They must be bold enough to say what was the role they played during the five-month election standoff or if they were silent and sheepishly ran when they were faced with a challenge.
They must make good, pointed and empirical presentations to the Guyanese people, presenting their record of what they have done and are going to do, should they vote for these political parties and personalities. Secondly, the public should be careful and wary of the tricks of these politicians.
They should be ever watchful and listen carefully to things they say because numbers, names and places will matter when their politicians are seeking to criticise the development and programmes that are in place.
Places will matter because of the main target groups and audiences they are appealing to. How they will discuss the names of prominent people who played a role in Guyana’s history is also important and will expose their true intentions.
The public should look at these parties’ executives and memberships and the apparent links, for example, to Congress Place and the PNC. Broomes, for one, could not be trusted when she avoided offering any definitive answers as to coalescing with the PNC, APNU or AFC, unlike Glenn Lall who seemingly would not coalesce with any of these parties. He is pandering to a slate of deep pockets and controversial men and women.
They should examine all these paper parties and probe their leaders when they campaign in Kitty, Sophia and every part of the country. The public must not give them any passes and must insist that their questions be answered promptly and without delay. The public should demand a debate amongst the top four parties to get a clearer picture of the policies and plans for our country before it makes its decision on how to vote.
Thirdly, the PPP/C must not be intimidated and must continue responding to any serious allegation made against it and its politicians. It must see these newcomers and old parties, that seemingly slept through the period 2015 to 2025, for who they are, and that is dependent on their backgrounds and usefulness to the country.
The PPP/C may be inclined to examine these groups with a ‘fine teeth’ comb. Though the opposition is fractured, they will not miss an opportunity to come-together and try to wrench power away from the PPP’s firm grip.
Even if the opposition splits their constituencies, the PPP/C must draft a plan for getting more than enough votes and seats at the elections this time. It must make
sure its information machinery is well oiled because they are going to gang up on the PPP/C party, and try to revise the history of politics so that they can pull the wool over the eyes of the new, young and unsuspecting voter.
Finally, those political parties that want to limit how far back we as people could talk and comment on Guyana’s political history are in the strange business of telling alternative facts. These are revisionist historians who turned politicians just the other day.
History is a constant re-
minder of all the things we can ill afford to experience as a country in our pursuit for equality, justice, good governance, and overall greatness and prosperity. History is a life-long teacher and based on who tells it, it can inform certain choices which citizens make, are bound to make, and are liable to make in the future.
As we contest this year, it is history that will cause all the political parties including the PPP/C to be exposed and stand in their truth before the electorate. It will expose all the wolves in sheep’s
clothing.
It will expose all the shams, fraudsters, hypocrites, crooks, maligners, swindlers, tricksters, informers, con artists and two-timers that are in the elections race this year. And, that may be the reason they do not like to hear about the past.
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.
Biometrics: A ruse or panacea?
BY harping incessantly on biometrics, Lincoln Lewis has become the mouthpiece for an opposition that knows it simply can’t win against the PPP/C in a free and fair election. Having tried to steal votes in 2020 and failed, they are now insisting on biometrics as a panacea to a system that they themselves tried to hijack.
The riggers of 2020 and their enablers in APNU+AFC are using biometrics as a ruse to blame the PPP/C for blocking so-called “reform.”
The problem with the PNC/R is that they
don’t like to lose and when it is apparent that they will lose in the upcoming elections, they’re preemptively blaming it on Senior Counsels Ralph Ramkarran and retired judge, Justice Claudette Singh.
The APNU+AFC wants GECOM to adopt a biometric system at polling stations nationwide. Lewis refers to it as a “key reform that would ensure free and fair elections in Guyana.”
By refusing to spell out exactly what is so flawed with the current system, Lewis and company have failed to present a compelling
case. Secondly, they have failed to explain the nuts and bolts of what it will require for Guyana to adopt a biometric system at polling stations.
To get there, at least two-thirds of all the elected members of the National Assembly will have to vote in favour of amending the Constitution.
Let’s assume GECOM got the required amendment to the Constitution and the requisite funding to go with it, what biometric machine specifications should it acquire? Ones that do facial and iris scans only? How about
fingerprints and voice?
With every added feature, the cost of the equipment will increase substantially.
With some 2,500 polling stations in Guyana, GECOM will have to purchase at least 5,000 pieces of biometric equipment, two for each station, in the event one scanner malfunctions.
A reliable biometric fingerprint attendance machine can cost up to US$100 on the low end. Add face, iris and voice to the equipment specifications and the cost skyrockets. Add internet connectivity and the cost increases even more.
Each polling station will require internet access to ensure real-time monitoring and cross-referencing against GECOM’s database. What if the citizen uses his or her passport?
The biometric machines will need access to a different database in the event that a person attempts to use his or her passport to vote.
For example, Joe Smith shows up at a polling station to cast his vote on election day. He presents a valid ID or a passport, casts his vote and carries on with his day. Now let’s add biometrics to the equation. A machine will scan his fingerprints, face, iris, and conduct a voice verification. An operator uploads the information in real time, it is cross-referenced against one or more databases and the machine gives a green light for the registrant to cast his vote.
What if the machine rejects Joe Smith’s vote for a myriad of reasons. I guarantee you that Lewis hasn’t factored this into his argument and yet a cursory glance at biometric voting systems in the DRC, Senegal, Angola, Mozambique and Rwanda for example, shows that they’re riddled with holes due to identifica-
TURN TO PAGE 11
IT is a subject that I have been forced to return to from time to time because domestic and gender-based violence continue to plague our society.
What is more alarming is that even when women opt to leave abusive relationships they are still being stalked and attacked by their former partners.
The year has just begun and yet reports of abduction, harassment and injury are already in the news. Some men are refusing to accept that relationships are over and their partners are moving on.
Of concern too are complaints about the casual and unconcerned way in which some police officers treat women who have been attacked. They are also
Biometrics... Gender-based violence and the police
FROM PAGE 10
tion failures.
There is another omission in Lewis’ argument. The GECOM ID system and the new Guyanese passports currently collect a limited number of biometrics before issuing documents. Guyana passport offices, for example, capture an applicant’s fingerprints and facial data which are then embedded in the passport chip.
Whether departing or arriving home, one will notice an immigration official scanning a traveller’s passport and a camera grabs a facial scan. That’s all to verify that you are who your document says you are.
In his hot pursuit of Ret’d Judge Justice Claudette Singh, GECOM and the PPP/C, Lewis and the APNU+AFC machinery that gives him life
seen as 'dragging their feet' when it comes to pursuing and apprehending offenders who are on the loose after committing their acts of violence.
If we as a nation are to properly address the whole issue of gender-based violence, then our law officers must treat it with the gravity it deserves. They must offer victims all the help and informed advice at their disposal.
Unfortunately, we are steeped in a culture which has for years either turned a 'blind eye' to domestic abuse or excused abusers.
Women have been cajoled and persuaded to return to violent relationships and the police have often adopted the stance of 'we ain gettin in man an woman story'.
The nation's police officers have, in recent years, been exposed to education on gender-based violence by way of extensive courses on the subject. Individual officers have even been earmarked to deal with such complaints at various police stations throughout the country. And all have been urged to familiarise themselves with the country's Domestic Violence Act, which is supposed to be available at police stations. Despite all of this, many male policemen, some of whom are themselves abusers, remain reluctant to actively pursue and charge abusive men. In fact, some are openly flippant when reports are made by victims. In a recent incident, the new partner of the victim,
who was viciously stabbed by her former partner, alleged a policeman facetiously asked the victim which one of the men she wanted.
This is atrocious behaviour on the part of the police, who have a sworn duty to protect each and every member of our society. It also displays a total lack of empathy for women who suffer at the hands of violent men. But more than this, it points to domestic violence inside the force, which may spawn this attitude.
A few studies on this topic have been done worldwide. A US report states that 40 per cent of officers surveyed had assaulted family members in
the previous six months. And this is from a study back in the 1990s.
In an article on the subject, writer, Brian Stanley, says that, "The research since then has been sparse and highly variable".
The author also points that, "distinct factors of police culture may also create an environment in which domestic violence can thrive among officers". He refers to the "blue wall of silence", which promotes secrecy rather than encouraging intervention.
It is clear, therefore, that the police have to 'police' themselves and look at domestic/gender-based violence within their own ranks, so that they can better deal with complaints from members of the public.
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.
have not done their home work.
I, therefore, have to agree with AG Anil Nandlall and VP Bharrat Jagdeo that the electoral system that is currently in place in Guyana has a sufficient number of built-in guardrails to stave off fraud. What is required is for the APNU+AFC to respect and abide by these guardrails.
According to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, 50 of 176 democracies rely on biometrics at polling stations to verify the identity of voters. Canada, Europe and Australia don’t use biometrics, and a cursory review of the scholarly articles on the subject shows that biometric systems at polling stations don’t necessarily guarantee the outcomes rival political parties
desire.
W hile they might curb fraud and eliminate multiple registrations, election-management bodies such as GECOM in our case, don’t often have the expertise or resources to design and implement their own biometric systems.
This usually requires them to outsource the installation and management of their systems to private actors, which then complicates, if not compromises, the information ecosystem which stores vitally confidential information of their citizens.
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.
Signs of the times: DD Signs on pioneering local creativity
AS part of a series, this column will highlight several small businesses that are benefitting from Guyana’s rapidly growing oil and gas sector. This week, the spotlight is on DD Signs, which has become a household name for its unique signs displayed countrywide.
The company began operations in 1998 by husband and wife, Denise and Dennis Dias. This is after the suc -
cessful operations of Creations Craft - an Indigenous craft store, House Proud, a quality goods department store, and Connection Travel Service, a competitive player in the local travel agency industry.
Director, Dejé Dias, said emphasis is placed on wide format media printing for large and small commercial jobs that range from signs to billboards.
“Our print media
stands out amongst competitors with its high visual impact along with greater longevity resulting in a premium high-value product offering. Our clients can attest that when their projects require quality, DD Signs will not compromise and delivers,” he posited.
“If you had the chance to visit SBM Offshore's local offices, you would see our print media throughout their
halls. It is very impressive,” he highlighted.
SBM Offshore Guyana is one of ExxonMobil Guyana’s prime contractors and is responsible for the construction and operation of all three oil-producing vessels in the Stabroek Block.
With Guyana’s rapidly evolving economy, DD Signs consistently adapted to the changing needs of clients to position themselves as a top player in the sign
industry. An intimate working relationship with clients, responding to their ever-changing needs, and doing their best to satisfy every new challenge plays an integral role in DD Signs standing out from the competition.
The company understands that international customers require international standards which is a “natural fit” for the company that prioritised delivering the highest of standards long before oil and gas was discovered.
According to Dejé, the Local Content Act encourages oil and gas corporations to seek out the company to
produce critical signage, particularly when it comes to safety. Companies like DD Signs, which benefit from the oil and gas industry, demonstrate that there is room for different types of businesses in the petroleum sector. This is significant because many individuals believe that to benefit from the local oil and gas business, they must have a specific set of talents or provide a specific type of service. There are many ways for Guyanese to participate in the sector and maximise their economic opportunities.
Guyana, US continue to enhance co-operation in security sector
GUYANA’S government is taking decisive steps to bolster its security sector and defend its sovereignty, leveraging a deepening strategic partnership with the United States to address emerging threats and support rapid economic development.
The collaboration between Guyana and the United States has yielded significant results in strengthening Guyana's national defence capabilities.
Recently, 40 ranks and officers from the Joint Services graduated from Guyana's National Defence Institute, in partnership with the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies.
This comprehensive course provided critical knowledge and specialised training to enhance the ability to safeguard Guyana's national sovereignty against threats such as drug trafficking, transnational crime, and illegal migration.
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud commended this partnership, saying: “This collaborative effort exemplifies the strong partnership between the governments of the United States and Guyana. Our relationship is characterised by mutual respect and a shared vision for a secure and prosperous Western Hemisphere.”
He emphasised Guyana's eagerness to collaborate with the US on future training
and knowledge-sharing initiatives to further strengthen the nation's security capabilities.
Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, highlighted the need for Guyana to remain focused on strengthening its security forces to address the multifaceted challenges facing the country's defence system.
These challenges include: renewed claims to the Essequibo region by Venezuela; an increase in transnational organised crime; population deficit and geopolitical vulnerabilities.
To counter these threats, the government is allocating resources and making significant investments in the country's safety.
Minister Benn expressed confidence in Guyana's strong partnerships with countries such as the United States, noting the collaboration's vitality in addressing these challenges.
Guyana is actively engaging in ongoing efforts to form strategic international partnerships with powerful countries, focusing heavily on initiatives such as: joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and resource development.
These partnerships, particularly with the United States, span diverse sectors, including democracy, trade, investment, economic development, energy, capacity building, and education.
Minister Benn called for
active citizen participation in strengthening Guyana's presence across its national territory.
He urged community policing groups, especially those in vulnerable hinterland regions, to assist the joint services with information gathering. This aligns with the government's vision of "One Guyana," which prioritises not only economic growth and oil resources, but also security as a key cornerstone.
As Guyana continues to experience rapid economic development, the government demonstrates its unwavering political will to safeguard democracy by implementing effective and adaptable policies, priori -
tising the development of a professional security apparatus, and building strong regional partnerships.
Foreign Secretary Persaud emphasised the critical need to bridge the gap between policy development and implementation to effectively address evolving threats, asserting that "security and defence are fundamental pillars of national prosperity."
Through these concerted efforts and international collaborations, Guyana aims to protect its sovereignty, address security challenges and ensure a prosperous future for its citizens. (Extracted and modified from DPI)
Single mother of five receives fully furnished house - through MoM initiative
By Bebi Shafeah Oosman
A SINGLE mother of five of Angoy's Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was gifted a fully furnished three-bedroom house, as part of the ongoing efforts under President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s Men on Mission (MoM) initiative.
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha handed over the house to 31-year-old Shelly Doodnauth, on Saturday.
The project was supported by Yuvindra Sookraj of Sookraj Industries; Carol Trim
of Trim’s Management; Nolan France of Professional Engineering and Construction Service; Aubrey David of Quality Deliverer; Jermaine Bagot of JG Bagot & Trim Contracting and Real Estate Company; Rafeek Kassim of Kascon Engineering Services; Tony Ameerally of Memorex Enterprises, Keine Reid of Jr Engineering Solution; and David Razack of Homeline Inc.
The gesture was aimed at providing support to vulnerable families, helping them build a better and more stable
future.
The new house not only offers Doodnauth and her children a comfortable living space, but also symbolises the government's commitment to improving the living conditions of the vulnerable.
Minister Mustapha, while at the location, pointed out: “We have seen a transformation taking place in our country,” noting that four years ago vehicles could not access the streets in Angoy’s Avenue.
With almost all the roads now being fully constructed
and developed in the community, Mustapha said: “The People’s Progressive Party has changed the landscape in this place, and today Angoy’s Avenue is becoming a vibrant and robust community, thanks to the initiatives of the People’s Progressive Party.”
He then noted: “[The handing over] is another one, not only in Region Six, but across the country, every single region across this country we are having houses like these being delivered to the vulnerable.”
Mustapha added that the PPP/C government wants development in every sector and “that’s why now we are seeing a total transformation.”
He then encouraged other corporate sponsors to come on board to make a difference in the lives of the vulnerable group.
Doodnauth could not hold back her tears on Saturday, as she highlighted the hardships she endured over the last 16 years.
She said the house itself will improve the lives of her
children tremendously, noting: “Me live here for 16 years and when rain fall my children them skin use to soak and nobody never help us.”
She continued: “I’m thankful that the government help me, this help me a lot, nobody never try to help and this here means a lot to me.”
Doodnauth, who is also a part of government’s parttime work programme, expressed her gratitude to the government and sponsors for ensuring their promise was fulfilled.
Guyana Epilepsy Foundation continues to advance awareness efforts
The Epilepsy Foundation of Guyana (EFG) continues its work to raise awareness about epilepsy.
According to a press release, the EFG hosted its annual International Epilepsy Day Awareness Walk on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
The impactful event has been a cornerstone of the foundation's initiatives since it was formed in 2014, the release stated.
The aim of the event was to foster community engagement, reduce stigma, and encourage support for individuals living with epilepsy.
Originally established in 2014, the EFG has been dedicated to advocating for people with epilepsy, fostering awareness, and providing support and resources to improve the quality of life for those affected.
In November 2024, the foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary with an inspiring evening of education and celebration, hosting a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session and an appreciation dinner at the
Herdmanston Lodge.
In 2015, the international community, led by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), announced the creation of International Ep-
ilepsy Day, observed on the second Monday of February each year.
As a full member of the IBE, the EFG aligns its efforts with global initiatives of raising awareness and understanding of epilepsy.
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterised by reoccurring seizures. Seizures are brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve a part of the body (partial) or the entire body (generalized).
These seizures are caused by excessive electrical discharges in a group of brain cells and can vary from brief lapses of attention or muscle jerks to severe and prolonged convulsions. According to the World Health Organization, around 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally.
Over the past decade, the EFG has grown into a trusted resource, providing advocacy, support, and education to those living with epilepsy across Guyana. The foun -
dation offers key services to the community, including electroencephalogram (EEG) tests in partnership with TeleEEG, a UK charity dedicated to supporting epilepsy diagnosis in underserved regions. Additionally, the EFG provides free anti-seizure medications, generously donated by international partners such as the ROW Foundation.
The organisation has also facilitated medical outreaches with neurologists specialising in epilepsy and conducted awareness sessions in schools and companies.
Further, the EFG has established support groups for individuals living with epilepsy and their caregivers, providing a platform for shared experiences and mutual support.
A single mother of five of Angoy’s Avenue was gifted a fully furnished three-bedroom house, as part of the ongoing efforts under President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s Men on Mission (MoM) initiative
The Epilepsy Foundation of Guyana proudly hosted its annual International Epilepsy Day Awareness Walk, on Saturday
Region Five gets further boost to strengthen drainage system
- with new excavators
THE residents and farmers of Region Five now have a better chance of mitigating floods and developing irrigation, as all 10 Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) of the region are now equipped with their own mini excavators.
This milestone was met on Saturday, when Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha officially handed over four excavators to four NDCs in the region.
The NDCs that benefited were Blairmont/ Gilderland, Rosignol/Zeelust, Union/Narstight, and Bath/Woodley Park.
The newly distributed excavators, each valued at approximately $14 million, are set to play a crucial role in enhancing the region’s capacity to boost the drainage systems in various communities.
Minister Mustapha highlighted the significance of the project and emphasised that the gov-
The newly handed-over excavators are valued at $14 million each will develop infrastructure in both residential and agricultural zones
ernment’s objective is to build a national irrigation system that benefits both citizens and the agricultural sector. He also addressed the gathering of community leaders, farmers, and residents, reiterating the importance of these machines in maintaining proper drainage and irrigation throughout the region.
Mustapha related that the excavators are part of a larger effort to improve the country’s drainage infrastructure and make it more resilient to flooding, which has been a long-standing concern
for both urban and rural communities in Guyana.
The Agriculture Minister said that the recent initiative is part of the broader national effort to modernise the country’s drainage and irrigation systems to better withstand unpredictable weather patterns, and enhance the resilience of already growing agricultural productivity.
Minister Mustapha emphasised the importance of these machines in advancing the comprehensive drainage systems being developed nationwide.
He further noted that the initiative is part of
the government’s broader efforts to modernise and strengthen the country’s drainage infrastructure, ensuring better resilience against flooding.
“We are not only looking at the agriculture aspect of development in the country, but you know for a fact that whether it's rain or sun when you have the dry weather or you have heavy rainy period, the Ministry of Agriculture through the NDIA has to play an important role and in this region through the MMA. So when there is no water, we have to have water for the irrigation,” Mustapha
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha addresses a gathering of farmers and residents, on Saturday, hearing concerns as well giving updates to future projects (Ministry of Agriculture photos)
said.
He further added:
“When there is a lot of water, we have to get proper drainage. And what we are trying to do now, we are trying to create a comprehensive drainage system for the country.”
Minister Mustapha described Guyana’s growing agricultural sector as an opportunity for Guyanese, particularly young people.
Citing other agricultural developments in the region, Minster Mustapha said that he hopes young people will pick up the mantle and become more involved in the growing sector.
"At Fort Wellington, we already completed an
entire structure for our hydroponics farm, we are now putting in the trays with the 100,000 plantlets. Young people from Region Five will be involved there, earnings a livelihood. That's the kind of vision of the PPP civic government," Mustapha said.
With the introduction of these excavators and similar projects slated to happen, the Ministry of Agriculture is taking substantial steps toward creating a more robust infrastructure, aiming to safeguard both communities and agricultural operations in the face of climate changes and challenges.
Work progressing smoothly on massive Onderneeming solar farm
By Indrawattie Natram
WORK is progressing smoothly on the establishment of the massive solar farm at Onderneeming in Region Two, officials said following an inspection of the project site, on Saturday.
Once completed, the farm, which will be supplemented by another in Charity, will generate crucial power for the region.
The contract for the project was signed in March 2023, detailing the installation of five megawatts of solar capacity at Onderneeming, supported by 7.5 megawatts of battery storage, and three megawatts of solar power at Charity, with 4.5 megawatts of battery power. Both installations are part of the Guyana Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Programme (GUYSOL), a government initiative aimed at diversifying the country’s energy mix by incorporating large-scale solar farms. This project marks a crucial step in Guy-
ana’s transition to sustainable and resilient energy solutions.
Kesh Nandlall, Head of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Executive Management Committee, highlighted the project’s social and economic impact.
He said that the initiative includes training 50 women in solar photovoltaic (PV) installation, offering paid apprenticeships and supporting job-development programmes for both men and women, including individuals with disabilities.
The solar farms will significantly reduce carbon emissions and lower electricity costs, providing affordable and reliable power to Region Two residents. Additionally, the project will enhance the management of isolated power systems in Essequibo and Linden, strengthening energy security while developing local expertise in solar technology.
Amir Dillawar, GPL’s Programme Coordinator, reported that over 15 acres of forested land was cleared to facilitate the project. Since
the sod-turning ceremony in September 2024, substantial civil works have taken place. Currently, the project is in the pile-driving phase, with 100 piles being installed daily. Onderneeming, the larger of the two farms, is the most advanced in construction.
Based on the current pace, the solar farms are expected to be completed by December 2025.
Project Manager, Tong Tiguan of SUMEC Complete Equipment, said that over 40 local labourers have been employed, with workers actively engaged on-site every day.
Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva expressed her enthusiasm for the project, emphasising its long-term economic and social benefits.
She highlighted that renewable energy will provide stable and increased power availability, boosting tourism, manufacturing, and other industries in the region.
The solar farm project is being executed by SUMEC Complete Equipment and Engineering Company Limited, in collaboration with
XJ Group Corporation. It is financed through the Guyana/ Norway partnership, with a total investment of US$83.3 million, managed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The GUYSOL programme is primarily funded by the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), established under the Low Car-
bon Development Strategy (LCDS). Originally created by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, this fund directs revenue from Guyana’s climate services into low-carbon projects.
The initiative had been stalled for five years under the APNU+AFC administration. However, since re -
turning to office, the PPP/C government has revived and advanced the project. With completion set for December 2025, these solar farms mark a significant milestone in Guyana’s renewable energy expansion, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while promoting sustainable development.
WORK is progressing smoothly on the establishment of the massive solar farm at Onderneeming in Region Two
Hughes ‘scrambling’ to reshape image by ‘exploiting’ Leopold Street residents
- Minister McCoy says, blasts AFC leader for disingenuous sentiments - highlights President Ali’s previous engagement with residents, efforts to improve lives
ALLIANCE
For Change (AFC) Leader Nigel Hughes has been accused of exploiting the woes of Leopold Street residents to cover up the appalling allegations that he has been ensnared in, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, has said.
Just one day after Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo provided evidence that Hughes had obtained 75 acres of land after the APNU+AFC government was toppled by the passage of the 2018 no-confidence motion, and during the fivemonth impasse after voters had cast their ballots on polling day, the AFC Leader posted some pictures of Leopold Street.
He claimed that the residents of the area, which is close to his long-standing law firm, have been neglected.
In response to Hughes’ sudden “care” for the people, Minister McCoy in a statement on his Facebook page, said that Hughes is “obviously desperate” to deflect from the glaring stain of his state-land scandal, and
is now clinging to the politics of “distraction, weaponising poverty and exploiting the struggles” of Leopold Street, Georgetown residents in a “pathetic” attempt to shift focus from his own actions.
“It is the classic playbook of Hughes to create a spectacle, parade suffering, pretend to care, divert, distort, and deceive. But no amount of performative sympathy can erase the truth,” McCoy wrote.
The minister then added that Leopold Street is not a newfound revelation because it has existed right in the backyard of Hughes' own law firm, an institution planted in the community since the 1960s.
With that said, he asked: “So, where was his outrage all along? Where was his concern, his intervention, his advocacy?” However, this sort of behaviour from Hughes is nothing new, as the minister brought up the recent situation of Hughes previously claiming to have rescued 50 Warrau Indigenous Indians, including very
President, Dr Irfaan Ali during an engagement with residents of Leopold Street, Georgetown, where he addressed the specific needs of the community
Hughes ‘scrambling’...
FROM PAGE 16
young children and then abandoning them.
“The template is the same and that is to exploit the vulnerable, manufacture a crisis, play the hero and discard when inconvenient. It is nothing short of political parasitism,” Minister McCoy stated.
Further, the minister refuted the claims of neglect and stated that President, Dr Irfaan Ali had previously engaged residents of Leopold Street, and it was not to “gawk, not to posture, not to make a mockery of the people’s struggles” but it was to create real, tangible solutions.
Minister McCoy said that Hughes has conveniently ignored that residents of areas such as Tiger Bay and Lamaha Street were provided with housing solutions, and also conveniently ignore that some of those very individuals who accepted house lots have returned to the same informal settlements they once occupied, or that others have opportunistically taken up abandoned or private properties without engaging in the formal housing process as is the case in Leopold Street.
Several residents took the initiative, formed a company, integrated themselves into the formal economy through block-making and construction, while the process is ongoing on a housing solution of 20 homes along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, he said.
“This is what leadership looks like while Hughes will contin -
ue to engage in cheap political games,” the minister stated.
McCoy affirmed that President Ali’s One Guyana initiative is a structured, policy-driven, results-oriented commitment to collective progress where government, the private sector, and citizens work in tandem to uplift all Guyanese.
“It is not about grandstanding, not about cheap political stunts, not about pretending that poverty just appeared overnight, but about real, tangible, measurable action. And action is exactly what the government has taken,” he said.
McCoy then pointed out how Guyana’s future is standing on firm footing, given the investments being made by the government.
“What Hughes is doing is not just deceitful, it is vile. To exploit the struggles of a people for self-preservation, to manipulate the hardships of a community he has long ignored for the sake of political theatre, to pretend to be the voice of the voiceless when he has had power, privilege, and access to wealth for decades and has done absolutely nothing to uplift those very people it is moral bankruptcy,” the minister said.
Adding to this, he said if Hughes had an “ounce of sincerity,” he would have been a part of the solution instead of using the people to scramble to rewrite his narrative as the selfless advocate when his history tells a far different story.
President, Dr Irfaan Ali, during another visit to Leopold Street, Georgetown, where he engaged youths who were part of a community employment project
40 security officials enhance knowledge in strategy, defence policy
- after successfully completing one-week course delivered by William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, Guyana’s National Defence Institute
A TOTAL of 40 persons have completed a oneweek course on strategy and defence policy, led by the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies in collaboration with Guyana’s National Defence Institute. The graduates received their certificates of completion during a simple ceremony at the Guyana Police Force Training Centre on Camp Road, Georgetown on Friday. Director of the Na -
tional Defence Institute, Dr. Randolph Persaud said that the training covered various elements of strategic thought, including command and control, and defence planning.
“We also covered crisis decision-making during the week. We covered human rights. We did things like human security, small arms and light-weapons proliferation,” he said in an interview on the sidelines of the graduation ceremony.
He related that the participants were nominated by their respective organisations and included persons from the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana Revenue Authority, and Office of the President.
“The quality of questions that came from them impressed the visiting faculty and of course the leadership of the National Defence Institute,” Dr. Persaud added, dubbing the course an “overwhelming success.”
The training aimed to enhance the participants’ knowledge in the areas of strategy and defence policy, especially with regard to international security.
“The funding is internal. We did not receive any funding from outside. The Perry faculty did this pro bono through our Memorandum of Understanding. They are related as a knowledge producing and research institution to the United States government,” he further explained.
The Perry Centre faculty includes Professors Celina Realuyo, Col. (Ret′d) Glyne Grannum (Barbados), and Dr Román D. Ortiz.
Dr Persaud further pointed to the Institute’s CEO Cybersecurity Workshop, which was conducted in November 2024. He explained that this training aligns with the Strategy and Defence Policy course in the NDI’s bid to strengthen the country’s defence infrastructure
“By next September, we expect to have our enrolment system up, and once that is up, we expect to run a short course in strategic studies and development. And then we expect to begin degree programmes, hopefully by September of 2025,” he said.
The NDI, a brainchild of President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali was launched in September 2024 with the aim of establishing the institute as a ‘centre of excellence’ in defence, security, and development studies in Guyana and the Americas.
It helps to build capacity and expertise within the nation’s security architecture, offering world-class training to stakeholders, locally and regionally.
The NDI is linked to the Regional Security System (RSS), the National Defence University in Washington D.C. and the William J. Perry Centre for Defense and Atmospheric Studies. (DPI)
A total of 40 persons have completed a one-week course on strategy and defence policy, led by the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies in collaboration with Guyana’s National Defence Institute
Director of the National Defence Institute, Dr Randolph Persaud
Curacao, BVI, Turks and Caicos among winners on opening day of Concacaf Men’s U-17 tourney
CURACAO, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) were among winners on the opening day of the Concacaf U-17 Men’s Qualifiers as they registered contrasting performances in their respective group encounters on Friday. With only the eight group winners set to progress as Concacaf’s representatives at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, those three teams, along with Belize and Nicaragua, gave themselves a solid foundation to build on in Groups
A, B, and C for the remainder of the tournament.
Favourites Canada (Group A), Costa Rica (Group B), and Mexico (Group C) were idle on opening matchday and will kick off their campaigns today.
In Group A, a brace from Schuyler Selver (24th and 36th) and Wepsdel Saintilus (2nd) saw the Turks and Caicos Islands to a 3-0 win over Anguilla in the curtain-raiser at the National Sports Centre in Bermuda.
made light work of Sint Maarten in a lopsided 4-0 win at Estadio Nacional in San José, Costa Rica.
Luca Stuttard led the way with a brace in the 69th and 73rd, while Sam Sharma
The feature contest saw the host slip to a 6-1 loss to Curacao. An eighth-minute own-goal by Sami Carolo got the show going for Curacao, after which D’shawn Anastacia (17th), Dayvi Busby (47th and 67th), another own-goal by Dakari Smith Davis (88th), and Taysison Bregita (90+5) completed the rout. Kennahz Fray (71st) got Bermuda’s consolation.
Over in Group B, BVI
(34th) and Latriel Williams (62nd) got the others.
The feature contest of the double header saw Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana play out a 1-1 stalemate.
Joshua Morris gave Guyana a 32nd-minute lead, but that was cancelled out by Philip Nelson’s 54th-minute strike, which earned the young Soca Warriors a share of the spoils.
Meanwhile, Belize and
in Toluca, Mexico. Alessandro Valle (2nd and 24th), Jahson Stanford (15th and 49th), and Marlon Meza (36th and 46th) all registered a brace, while Breyden Olivas (79th) capped the win for Belize. For Nicaragua, Juban Uriarte had a banner day with goals in the 32nd, 40th, 53rd, and 90th to lead the charge. YadeAviles (34th) and Edwin Zepeda (70th) were the other scorers. (Sportsmax)
Mbappe rescues a point for Real Madrid
KYLIAN Mbappe rescued a point for Real Madrid in a tense derby with city rivals Atletico Madrid as the hosts remained top of La Liga. Diego Simeone’s side had gone in front through a controversial 35th-minute penalty converted by Julian Alvarez, who chose the ‘Panenka’ style approach from the spot, chipping the ball down the middle as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois dived past.
reacted quickest after Jude Bellingham’s shot bounced into his path.
England international Bellingham had a greater impact in the second half, heading on to the crossbar and having a shot saved by Jan Oblak as Real pushed for a winner. The result left them a point clear of second-placed Atletico, with Barcelona five points behind Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Real Madrid have won 12 points from losing positions in La Liga this season, only Atletico Madrid (16) have recovered more
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The referee pointed to the spot after going to the video assistant referee (VAR) monitor as Aurelien Tchouameni was adjudged to have fouled Samuel Lino.
Five minutes after the break, Mbappe scored his 16th league goal of the season when he
However, Barca could close the gap today when they travel to Sevilla (20:00 GMT). Focus now turns to the Champions League for Real, who travel to Manchester City for the first leg of the knockout phase play-offs. (BBC Sport)
Nicaragua romped to 7-0 and 6-0 wins over Dominica and Barbados, respectively, in their double header at Mexican Football Federation facilities
Lyon takes 550th Test wicket as Sri Lanka struggle at Galle
Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon passed 550 Test wickets as he helped his side close in on victory in the second Test in Sri Lanka.
The tourists started the third day on 330-3 and were bowled out for 414, with Alex Carey scoring 156 and Steve Smith 131
Prabath Jayasuriya took 5-151 as Australia secured a first- innings lead of 157.
Sri Lanka had a disappointing start to their sec -
ond innings as Matthew Kuhnemann dismissed both openers, including Dimuth Karunaratne.
Karunaratne was playing in his final Test innings and, after scoring 14, walked off to a standing ovation
The hosts were then reduced to 39-3, with Lyon’s dismissal of Chandimal giving him his 550th Test wicket.
The 37-year-old, who began his Test career began
wicket takers in Test cricket.
Late wickets boost Ireland hopes against Zimbabwe in one-off Test match
IRELAND reduced Zimbabwe to 38-3 at the end of day three with the hosts chasing a target of 292 to win the one-off Test match in Bulawayo.
The Irish started the day on 83-1 with captain Andrew Balbirnie hitting 66 and Curtis Campher making 39 as the tourists continued building their lead.
Scores: Ireland 260 (56.4 overs): McBrine 90*, M Adair 78; Muzarabani 7-58 & 298 (93.3 overs): Balbirnie 66, Tucker 58; Ngarava 4-55 Zimbabwe 267 (86.1): Welch 90, Muzarabani 47; McCarthy 4-75, McBrine 3-59 & 38-3 (15.0 overs): Bennett 15*; Humphreys 1-4
A valuable 58 from Lor-
can Tucker helped Ireland to a total of 298 with Richard Ngarava taking 4-55. Barry McCarthy, Mark Adair and Matthew Humphreys each picked up a
Andrew Balbirnie registered his fifth half-century in Test cricket on Saturday
wicket as Zimbabwe struggled in their second innings.
Balbirnie and Campher provided a solid foundation for the Irish batters and Tucker’s middle-order knock ensured they set a competitive target for Zimbabwe to chase
The Chevrons made a decent start by reaching 18 without loss but the wickets began to tumble.
McCarthy was first to strike as he removed Ben Curran and then Adair bowled Takudzwanashe Kaitano to leave Zimbabwe 22-2.
Spinner Humphreys trapped Nick Welch for the final wicket of the day and give Ireland the advantage going into day four. ( BBC Sport )
West Indies T20 tournament set for April 27 – May 9
CRICKET West Indies (CWI) is gearing up for the Regional T20 tournament, set to take place from April 27 to May 9, according to Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe.
In a recent appearance on the SportsMax Zone, Bascombe revealed that the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago is the likely venue for the event.
CWI is currently finalising key arrangements ahead of an official announcement, which is expected soon.
The tournament will see
collaboration between the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) organisers and CWI, as both entities work diligently to ensure a successful
CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2025
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:
(1) Pakistan & Dubai (2) 8 teams
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at Galle in 2011, became the third Australian to reach the milestone following Shane Warne (708) and Glenn McGrath (563).
Angelo Mathews put up his side’s main resistance but was another Lyon victim when he holed out to Beau Webster on 76.
launch.
“We are working feverishly, CWI and CPL together to get those details out… I don’t want to preempt that planned media release,” Bascombe commented.
“We are in the process of finalising team names and securing a number of protected players from each territory, so we are well underway to having everything we need for an official media launch.”
Bascombe also emphasised that while new franchises will be introduced, the CPL franchises will collaborate with territorial boards, which will retain control over the teams.
Sources indicate that the tournament will impose age restrictions and aim to spotlight emerging talent in the region. Six teams will compete in a full round-robin format, culminating in finals.
This initiative is crucial for identifying regional talent, especially since the privately run Caribbean Premier League, established in 2013, has not been the ideal platform for scouting a diverse range of grassroots players.
Kusal Mendis reached 48 not out as Sri Lanka reached 211-8 at the close of play to lead by 54 with two second-innings wickets remaining.
Australia hold a 1-0 series lead in the two-Test contest after a convincing win in the opener. ( BBC Sport)
Nathan Lyon is seventh on the list of all-time
Guyana to host historic 3x3 Quest Tournament in April
THE Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) will make history on April 5 – 6 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall , hosting the first-ever FIBA 3x3 Quest in the English -speaking Caribbean.
This landmark event will bring elite 3x3 basketball teams from across the world to Guyana, with the winning team securing a coveted spot in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour, the pinnacle of the sport.
The two-day tournament will showcase the fast-paced, high-intensity nature of 3x3 basketball, widely regarded as the most electrifying and accessible format of the game.
The event will feature teams representing cities from Sweden, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Ecuador, Canada, the USA, England, Grenada, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, and Jamaica, making it one of the biggest international showcases of 3x3 basketball ever held in Guyana.
The FIBA 3x3 Quest is an official qualification tournament that provides a direct pathway to the FIBA 3x3 World Tour, the highest level of 3x3 competition globally.
Teams competing in the Quest will battle not only for a share of the US$8,000 prize pool —$5,000 for the champions, $2,000 for the runner-up, and $1,000 for third place—but also for
the ultimate opportunity to test their skills against the world’s best on the World Tour circuit.
The GBF said the Quest’s significance cannot be overstated. It allows teams from the Americas and the Caribbean a rare chance to qualify for the World Tour without having to travel long distances to Europe or Asia.
Guyana’s selection as a host nation is a testament to the GBF’s commitment to growing 3x3 basketball.
General Secretary of the GBF, Patrick Haynes, who also serves on the FIBA 3x3 Commission and is President of the Central American and Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CONCENCABA), was instrumental in
The GBF stated, that many elite teams in the region often face logistical and financial challenges in seeking qualification opportunities, making Guyana’s hosting of this event a game-changer for 3x3 basketball development in the hemisphere.
securing the rights to host this historic event. His leadership has positioned Guyana as an emerging hub for 3x3 basketball in the Americas.
Supporting Haynes in executing this milestone event is GBF Vice President and 3x3 Organiser, Rawle Toney, who has been at the forefront
ICC unveils Official Song for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy
THE International Cricket Council (ICC)yesterday announced the release of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 official song, Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke, by renowned singer Atif Aslam.
With 10 days to go until the unmissable ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, the release of the song will build further excitement to the 15-match event taking place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and the UAE.
The official song for the event is produced by Abdullah Siddiqui, with lyrics penned by Adnan Dhool and Asfandyar Asad. The music video is a visual celebration of the diverse culture of Pakistan from the streets to the markets to the stadium and represents the love and enjoyment of the game.
The track and music video for ‘Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke’ is here and the official song is available to fans across popular streaming audio platforms worldwide.
Fans still have an opportunity to get their tickets for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 by clicking here to purchase online or
visiting physical ticket providers in Pakistan, more information on locations here. Tickets for the Final, to be played on Sunday 9 March, will be available for purchase following the conclusion of the first semi-final in Dubai.
The thrilling two-week competition will see the world’s top eight teams put it all on the line in 15 intense matches across 19 days, with every match counting in the pursuit of the iconic white jackets.
Lead singer Atif Aslam said, “I am very fond of cricket and I always wanted to be a fast bowler. Having the passion and understanding of the game - I feel connected to the adrenaline of the crowd, their cheers and the feeling of being a fan. I used to wait for matches in particular the India versus Pakistan game which was always full of emotions and sentimental value. And that is why I am very excited to have been a part of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 official song.”
On the launch of the song, ICC Chief Commercial Officer, Anurag Da -
of pushing for 3x3 development in the country over the years with the Rawle Toney 3x3 Classic
The tournament will not only bring some of the best 3x3 players in the world to Guyana but also expose local talent to the highest levels of competition.
3x3 basketball has gained tremendous popularity world-
Guyana’s hosting of the Quest places the country as a future battleground for elite 3x3 basketball in the Caribbean and the Americas. The country ’s central location and commitment to developing the sport provide a strong foundation for future high-profile tournaments, further solidifying its reputation on the international
wide, especially after its inclusion in the Olympic Games.
The format, played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, is designed to be fast, physical, and entertaining, making it the perfect fit for urban and grassroots basketball growth.
hiya said, “ Excitement is building ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy and today we are delighted to launch the official event song. With 12 days to go until the start of the event, fans can expect a song that represents the Pakistan identity and a true celebration of the Champions Trophy. We encourage fans to get their tickets now and not miss out.”
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Tournament Director and PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed said: “With the launch of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 official song, we mark another thrilling milestone on the road to this global spectacle. Atif Aslam, a powerhouse of Pakistani music, has delivered blockbuster anthems for the PSL, and we have no doubt that this song will set the stage on fire.
“As excitement builds, we are confident that fans - especially in Pakistanwill rally behind all the teams, filling the stadiums with electrifying energy and passion for the game.”
(ICC Media)
basketball map. Beyond basketball, the 3x3 Quest will serve as a major boost to Guyana ’s sports tourism sector. With teams from over a dozen countries set to compete, the event will bring athletes, officials , and fans to Guyana, stimulating eco -
nomic activity in the hospitality , transportation, and entertainment industries.
The GBF has ensured that all participating teams will have their uniforms, accommodation, and ground transportation covered, making it easier for the best teams to attend and compete at the highest level.
By attracting international players and basketball fans, the tournament will spotlight Guyana as a premier destination for sports events, further enhancing its global profile
The GBF has expressed its excitement not only in hosting this groundbreaking event but also in giving teams from Guyana and the wider Caribbean the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage.
With the Quest now on the regional calendar , Caribbean teams have an unprecedented chance to earn their way to the top of the 3x3 world, fuelling greater participation and investment in the sport.
Guyana’s 3x3 Quest will not only crown a champion but also pave the way for a new era of elite competition in the region
The GBF noted, that with the world watching, Guyana is ready to take centre stage in the global 3x3 basketball movement.
Arnold Madella retains TCU&SCA presidency
ARNOLD Madella has been retained as President of the Toronto Cricket Umpires & Scorers Association (TCU&SA) when that entity held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) last Sunday which saw the entire executive board being re-elected.
Rohan Shaw continues to serve as vice-president while Bijal Patel and Edsel Mitchell maintains their respective posts of secretary and assistant secretary/treasurer respectively. Treasurer Tushar Thakar completes in the executive body.
The Awards Committee is chaired by Shaukat Darsot, Scheduling – Harish Shivana, Ethics – Edward Thanjaratnam and Education – Guyana-born Ashook Brijcoomar.
In his presidential report, Madella took the opportunity to thank all the members for their continuous support to the association. He described last year as being very busy. “In addition to our regular season, our members participated in the National Championship and some international tournaments held in Toronto.”
Madella told the members that this is the time to
prepare themselves mentally and physically for the much anticipated very busy upcoming season.
The president advised the gathering that “educational seminars are planned to start from the first week of March.
“I strongly insist that each member should attend these seminars as a refresher of laws and playing conditions.” Vice-president Rohan Shaw, who was unavoidably absent, pointed out in his report, First of all, thank you all for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to serve as a team, “we worked on various matters and made this season very successful. It was a great pleasure to be part of this dedicated team.
Shaw said that association’s education seminars have been very successful and it was great to work with the Education Committee chair and be a part of a team to conduct seminars.
Secretary Patel showered praise on chairman of the Education Committee Brijcoomar who he said had once again done great job for organising and conducting Educational Seminars between March and May 2024. Brijcoomar advised that this year’s training will commence on March 2 and goes until May 4. He encouraged all umpires to attend the upcoming classes so that they can all be up to date with the laws and playing conditions for all formats and divisions.
General Secretary of the GBF, Patrick Haynes GBF Vice President and 3x3 Organiser, Rawle Toney
Arnold Madella
Barbados Pride wrap up dominant innings and 54-run win over West Indies Academy
AS expected, Barbados Pride comfortably completed a commanding innings and 54-run victory over West Indies Academy on yesterday’s final day of their day/night West Indies Championship encounter at Kensington Oval.
tance. However, the visitors found a small silver lining in Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, who converted his overnight 71 into a well-crafted unbeaten century, finishing on 103 not out as his team was bowled out for 288.
Despite his valiant effort,
plete a dominant all-round performance for the hosts
Scores: Barbados
Pride 581-9 dec (Kraigg Brathwaite 212, Jonathan Drakes 117, Leniko Boucher 65; Johann Layne 4-85, Joshua Bishop 4-137); West Indies Academy 239 (Rival-
Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican finished with match figures of 8-161
With the Academy reeling at 211-6 overnight, the Pride needed just four wickets to seal the win, and they did so with minimal resis -
it was Jomel Warrican (6104) and Ramon Simmonds (4-43 ) who dictated terms, tearing through the Academy’s lower order to com-
do Clarke 78, Joshua Bishop 57 not out; Chaim Holder 6-70, Jomel Warrican 2-57) & 288 (Carlon Bowen-Tuckett 103 not out, Teddy Bish-
Leeward Islands Hurricanes complete five-wicket win over Jamaica Scorpions on
THE Leeward Islands Hurricanes completed a five-wicket victory over the Jamaica Scorpions on day four of their round two 2025 West Indies Championship clash at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua yesterday to move to two wins in as many games.
The Hurricanes, after entering the day 44-1 in 9.1 overs needing a further 112 for victory, reached their target in 41 overs while losing another four wickets.
Kadeem Henry (25), Keacy Carty (34), Karima Gore (7) and Jahmar Hamilton (3) were the batsmen dismissed yesterday as Jewel Andrew
day four
led the successful chase with 62* off 81 balls including six fours and two sixes.
Andrew, who turned 18 last December, already has five first-class fifties in 10 games.
Marquino Mindley finished with 2-32 from nine overs while Gordon Bryan, Jeavor Royal and Tamarie Redwood took the other three wickets.
In round three beginning on February 12, the Hurricanes will take on the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at Warner Park while the Scorpions will travel to Barbados to take on the Pride at the Kensington Oval.
Summarised scores: Jamaica Scorpions
op 58; Ramon Simmonds 4-43, Jomel Warrican 6-104)
Bowen-Tuckett and Zishan Motara (10) resumed the day hoping to stage a fightback, but Warrican struck early, bowling the latter to open the floodgates.
Johann Layne (27) showed brief resistance, putting together a stubborn stand with Bowen-Tuckett,
who was determined to reach his milestone. The wicketkeeper-batsman eventually raised his century, a lone highlight in an otherwise disappointing innings for the Academy.
However, once Layne was caught off Warrican, the end came swiftly. Simmonds claimed his fourth wicket when he had McKenny
Clarke (1 ) caught behind, before Warrican fittingly wrapped things up when he bowled Jediah Blades (4) to complete a superb eight-wicket match haul. The win cemented Barbados Pride’s dominance in the contest, having amassed 581-9 declared in their lone innings . ( Sportsmax )
320 all out in 94.4 overs (John Campbell 126, Brad Barned 63*, Kirk McKenzie 33, Jeremiah Louis 3-44, Rakheem Cornwall 3-71 , Hayden Walsh Jr 2-78) & 170 all out in 58.5 overs (John Campbell 53, Gordon Bryan 34*, Jeavor Royal 25, Oshane Thomas 3-44, Rakheem Cornwall 3-54)
Leeward Islands Hurricanes 335 all out in 87.4 overs (Jahmar Hamilton 93, Karima Gore 76, Hayden Walsh Jr 31, Marquino Mindley 4-44) & 156-5 in 41 overs (Jewel Andrew 62*, Keacy Carty 34, Kadeem Henry 25, Marquino Mindley 2-32).
Red Force thrash Volcanoes in just three days on the back of Kharry
Pierre Career-best 8-27
ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force needed just three days to defeat the Windward Islands Volcanoes on the back of another spectacular bowling performance by left-arm spinner Khary Pierre.
Pierre took eight wickets in the second innings and the Volcanoes were bowled out cheaply for the second time in the match as the Red Force won by an innings and 176 runs.
At the Arnos Vale Playing Field: Led by a career best 8-27 by Khary Pierre, the Red Force strolled to a dominant win over the Volcanoes, who produced yet another disappointing performance with the bat.
Trailing the Red Force by 290 runs in their first innings, the Volcanoes were
routed for 114 in their second innings, with Pierre stunningly grabbing the last eight wickets to fall in the match.
Fast bowler Jayden Seales snared the first two wickets by dismissing Stephan Pascal and Kavem Hodge, to put the home side under pressure at 35 for two.
Khary Pierre ended with the impressive match figures of 12-44
Pierre then trapped Keron Cottoy lbw , before ending the resistance of opener Jeremy Solozano for the topscore of 36.
When he dismissed both Sunil Ambris and Gian Benjamin via the lbw route, the Volcanoes were in dire straits at 82 for six.
Pierre wasted little time in wrapping up the innings
and the match by accounting for the wickets of Lee John, Shadrack Descarte, Darel Cyrus and Darius Martin in quick succession. He ended with career -best match figures of 12-44 to follow up his nine -wicket match haul in their opening round victory over the Combined Campuses and Colleges. Seales ended with 2-16. Earlier, after resuming the day on 429 for seven, the Red Force carried their total to 456.
Yannic Cariah, who was on 84 at the start of the day, agonisngly fell five runs short of a century.
Cyrus was the Volcanoes’ best bowler with 4-109, while Descarte and Gilon Tyson took two wickets apiece.
Khary Pierre ended with the impressive match figures of 12-44
Imlach and Nandu ensure
Guyana remain unbeaten
By Sean Devers
GUYANA Harpy Eagles (GHE) joined the Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force with two wins from two matches when they defeated the Combined Campuses and Colleges by eight wickets yesterday at the Providence Stadium on the fourth and final day of their second-round CWI 4-day First-Class Championship.
Set 165 to win, Guyana, led by a 147-run second wicket stand between Skipper Tevin Imlach and Matthew Nandu, reached 168-2.
After Raymond Perez (2), who opened in place of the injured Tagenarine Chanderpaul, was bowled by pacer Akeem Jordon in the solitary over Guyana batted before Lunch.
After the interval, Imlach followed up his unbeaten 126 in the first innings with a masterful 80 from 125 balls with nine fours and added
147 for the second wicket with Matthew Nandu, who survived three chances to finish on 69 not out from 138 balls and decorated with seven boundaries
The 28-year-old West Indies Test player played an array of audacious shots on both sides of the wicket including sweeps and reverse sweeps against the spinners before LBW to Jamaican leg-spinner Abhijai Mansingh with Guyana sensing victory
Kevlon Anderson, who scored 102 against Barbados, was not out on 11 with two boundaries.
Nandu, who was born in Canada to former Guyana First-Class leg- spinner Arjune Nandu, was with him unbeaten for the second consecutive game
Earlier, CCC resumed the final day in brilliant sunshine on 32-3 enjoying an overall lead of 64 but with the score on 41, a pumped-up Joseph sent the off stump of
Andre Bailey (5) cart-wheeling. Shaqkere Parris joined Damel Evelyn and after Anderson had dropped Parris at first slip off Shamar Joseph, the pair carried the score to 105 with a solid 64-run partnership before Veerasammy Permaul got rid of Evelyn two short of a fifty.
Renaldo Ali-Mohammed was on a hat-trick when he had Avinash Mansingh (4) LBW and bowled Akeem Jordon for a duck with successive balls to leave CCC on 113-7
Parris (39) and Avinash Mahabirsingh, who hit a couple of fours and a six in his 16, were removed by Permaul to end the CCC innings since first-innings centurion Kyle Corbin could not bat due to a shoulder injury
Guyana ill face the West Indies Academy with the pink ball at the Providence Stadium from next Wednesday in a Day/Night match from 13:00 hours.
Trophy Stall on board Republic Cup three-day softball extravaganza
THE stage is set for the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc. three-day Republic Cup softball extravaganza which bowls off on Friday at various venues around Georgetown. The finals will be played at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary on Sunday, February 16.
According to the GSCL, most systems are in place for the tournament which will feature male teams in the Open All Stars, Masters Over-40 and Legends Over-50 with some players using it as a precursor to the upcoming Orlando Cup, set for April 4-6.
The GSCL pointed out that the tournament is being staged in honour of Guyana’s 55th Republican status and like it has done on numerous occasions for sports in and out of Guyana, Trophy Stall, through the generosity of its owner, Ramesh Sunich, has consented to sponsor all the winners, runners-up and incentive trophies.
Among the teams signalling their intention to participate to date are Regal Legends, Aash Décor, Parika Defenders
and Premier Insurance in the Over-50 category; Regal Masters, Ariel Masters, Fisherman Masters, Avengers, Super Strikers and Hyde Park Masters in the Masters Over-40 and Regal Masters, Hyde Park All Stars and Team Double V in the Open All Stars.
With the draw scheduled to take place at the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) pavilion on Tuesday at 4.00 pm, GSCL President Ian John pointed out that registration is still open to interested teams. They can contact 219-0451 and 610-7902.
The GSCL pointed out that softball cricket has always been part of the Guyanese culture and it is determined to keep the grassroot sport alive. It said that as an organisation, its vision is about the promotion and playing of softball cricket.
“We are also endeavouring to achieve the goal of encouraging and fostering a sense of community among all cricket enthusiasts, hence the staging of the Republic Cup tournament.”
Man-of-the-Match Tevin Imlach followed up his first innings unbeaten 126 with a classy 80 yesterday at the Providence Stadium
Jonhatan Sunich, son of Trophy Stall proprietor Ramesh Sunich, hands over one of the winner’s trophies to GSCL President Ian John.