Balance among economies, science and ecology required for sustainability
- President Ali says, underscores necessity of addressing energy, climate security
Education Minister Priya Manickchand visited the construction site of the Monkey Mountain Secondary School on December 6. This transformative project aims to bring quality secondary education closer to the children of Monkey Mountain and surrounding Region Eight communities. The secondary school, once completed, will feature modern facilities, including classrooms, science and computer laboratories, a library, and dormitories to accommodate students from nearby villages. The school’s design incorporates modern standards, while addressing the unique needs of the hinterland region, ensuring it is sustainable and conducive to learning. During the site inspection, Minister Manickchand emphasised the critical role this institution will play in the development of the region. The construction of the school, a nine-month project, is part of the Ministry of Education’s broader vision to ensure universal access to secondary education in Guyana. The facility is expected to cater to hundreds of students, offering a curriculum on
with schools on the coast, thus bridging the gap between hinterland and urban educational opportunities. (Ministry of Education photos)
Energy partnerships go beyond trade
- focus is on expertise-sharing, Indian High Commissioner says
advances organ and tissue transplant services with inaugural stakeholders’ meeting Investments being made to establish maternal waiting homes in hinterland communities - Health Minister
Guyana advances organ and tissue transplant services with inaugural stakeholders’ meeting
THE Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency (HOATTA) hosted its inaugural stakeholders' meeting on Saturday at the Grand Coastal Hotel, marking a pivotal moment in the development of organ and tissue transplantation in Guyana.
The event brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and other key stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing the country’s transplant capabilities.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, underscored the life-saving potential of organ and tissue transplantation, and its vital role in improving healthcare outcomes. He lauded HOATTA for its dedication to ensuring safe, accessible, and high-quality transplant services in Guyana.
“We aim to establish Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) testing locally. The equipment has already been procured, and we are working on recruiting technical personnel. While this process will take time, our vision extends beyond Guyana; we aspire to become a centre of excellence for the Caribbean,” Dr. Anthony stated.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting HOATTA’s initiatives, and called for collective efforts to build a robust national transplant programme, adhering to the highest ethical and medical standards.
The meeting included a comprehensive review of the current state of organ donation and transplantation in Guyana. Discussions covered key areas such as legislation, donor recruitment, and raising public awareness.
Notable participants included Mr. Daniel Albrecht, PWR a.i., Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO); Dr. Shanti Singh-Anthony, Chair, HOATTA; Dr. Sondia Gordon, CEO and Secretary, HOATTA; members Dr. David Samaroo; Dr. Pedro Lewis; Dr. Kamela Bemaul-Sukhu and other stakeholders.
HOATTA’s inaugural meeting represents a significant milestone in Guyana’s healthcare sector, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and ethical transplant programme that will benefit citizens and position the country as a leader in regional transplant services.
(MoH)
Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony delivering remarks at a human organ and tissue transplant stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday (Ministry of Health photo)
Balance among economies, science and ecology required for sustainability
- President Ali says, underscores necessity of addressing energy, climate security
By Naomi Parris
FINDING a balanced, inclusive approach to global resilience, particularly in the areas of energy, climate, and food security will be required if countries are to meet their sustainable targets.
This is according to Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali, who recently underscored the necessity of addressing the pressing questions surrounding the transition to renewable energy, pointing out that these issues cannot be ignored if the world is to move towards a just and resilient future.
Dr Ali, who has been Guyana’s voice on the international stage for this and other crucial issues, was last week awarded by the Wilson Center’s Latin America Programme for his efforts in environmental and biodiversity sustainability, as well as climate action.
It was during that address that Dr Ali remarked that while many nations advocate for a shift to solar energy, critical questions about the sourcing of materials remain unanswered.
"If 70 per cent of the battery requirement comes from one market, we have to decide whether we want to rely on that market, and these are questions that we cannot avoid. These are questions that we ignore." he said,
stressing the need for diverse and secure supply chains to ensure energy resilience. These concerns, he added, must be part of the conversation when discussing the transition to cleaner energy.
He also called attention to the growing challenge of energy poverty, both within individual countries and across continents. Despite the global push for sustainable energy solutions, large populations around the world still lack access to reliable electricity.
Dr Ali emphasised the importance of a "just transition" that not only addresses the environmental impacts of energy production, but also ensures equitable access to energy for all people.
“We cannot avoid these questions, but we're ignoring these questions when we talk about a just transition, and what constitute a just transition, a just transition must also be able to deliver reliable energy to every citizen of the world.”
He added, “Energy poverty is a real thing, and the energy gap within continents and within country [sic] is expanding.”
He further highlighted the importance of bringing all stakeholders to the table to develop solutions that balance the economy, science, and ecology. "We cannot allow emotions to drive our actions. We cannot allow the
science alone to drive action," he said. "There must be a match between [sic] [the] Economy, Science, ecology, and all of it to ensure sustainability and resilience."
He stressed that these discussions must occur within a collaborative framework, ensuring that all players, including the oil and gas sector, are involved in the conversation to find longterm solutions.
The President also acknowledged the complex global environment in which we live, with many interconnected issues, including climate, energy, and food security. He called for an inclusive approach to development, one that ensures all parties, including petroleum producers, contribute to the search for sustainable solutions.
“We can't win by discussing this on separate tables. We have to be able to find common ground.”
At the core of Dr. Ali's message was the notion that any strategy aimed at improving global sustainability must also prioritise the welfare and prosperity of people. He stressed that any policy or initiative that fails to improve people's lives, even if it aligns with global standards, will ultimately be judged as a failure.
"The political environment is a harsh one," Dr. Ali acknowledged.
“You must advance the lives of people, you must approve the prosperity of the country, and at the same time you must do so in a global environment where certain standards must be met.”
President Ali reiterated that achieving a sustainable future will require a global effort.
“All of us must be involved in a conversation to find sustainable solution to find resources to invest in research and development so that we can have better technology, greener technology, we can have more efficient system, all of which will contribute to the energy security of the world.:”
The Guyanese Head of State acceptance speech for the Wilson Award reflects his commitment to a balanced, inclusive approach to global sustainability— one that prioritises both the environment and the welfare of people across the globe.
Investments being made to establish maternal waiting homes in hinterland communities -Health Minister
WITH the expansion of healthcare services across the country, specifically in hinterland communities, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony has said that investments are being made to establish maternal waiting homes there.
The health minister made these remarks during a recent visit to Kato, Region Eight, where the sod was turned for a new, modern hospital there.
Dr Anthony noted that persons have questioned the investments being made in
these regions and the benefits they will bring to those who live there.
He spoke on what the government has been doing this year and noted that one of the big challenges that has been observed in hinterland communities is people having to travel distances to get to a health facility.
With this, he gave the scenario of a pregnant woman having to travel a long way after going into labour and would more than likely deliver the baby before get-
ting to a hospital.
“One of the things we have been doing is building maternal waiting homes so these pregnant women can come before they go into labour, wait in these homes and when they go into labour they come to the hospital and then can deliver their babies safely,” Dr Anthony disclosed.
Further to this, he indicated that this has been tested and is working well in Regions One and Region Nine and as such, the gov-
ernment is aiming to ensure that every hospital in Region Eight also has these waiting homes.
Dr Anthony further said that this year, some $40 million has been invested to ensure that there is a maternal waiting home at Mahdia. He emphasised that the government will continue to invest in these waiting homes and ensure they are equipped and functional, so that pregnant women of hinterland communities can benefit.
President, Dr Irfaan Ali
Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony (MoH photo)
Mass training slated for services, hospitality industry
- when premier hospitality institute opens in January 2026
AS works progress on Guyana’s first ever world-class Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute (HTTI) at Port Mourant, in Region Six, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce has disclosed plans to boost its training capacity, targetting a large number of young professionals within the local services and hospitality industry.
The facility, she said, is on track to be completed by January 2026.
Already, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has been able to train over 2,000 persons
“That facility is currently under construction; we are working on the curriculum. When that facility is completed, we will be able to train our people in the services and hospitality sector,” Subject Minister Oneidge Walrond shared at a recently held year-end press conference.
in 2024. In the meantime, the government is collaborating with several local and regional partners to ensure that the sector meets its human resources needs.
“GTA has been doing an amazing job at upskilling and building capacity in that area. When the hospitality school comes to be, we will be able to train in a mass, in larger numbers,” Minister Waldrond added.
to boost tourism, and support the country’s growing appeal as an international destination.
“The idea is to keep our hotel rooms filled. And so, every month you will find that there is an activity,” she said.
The new hotel rooms will help accommodate the influx of tourists drawn by Guyana’s expanding tourism offerings, including international conferences, sporting events, and entertainment shows.
Currently, Guyana has 3,300 hotel rooms; an additional 1,000 rooms are scheduled to become available in 2025, with a further 800 rooms to be added by 2026.
This expansion, the minister explained, is part of the government’s broader strategy
Minister Walrond highlighted that the government’s focus is on providing a diverse tourism product, thereby ensuring that there is something for every type of traveller.
Ultimately, Guyana is preparing itself for the growth in its tourism industry, with the development of seven new international hotels, which are set to materialise by 2025.
Minister Walrond shared that 2024 has seen significant expansion in tourism infrastructure. A total of 26 bedand-breakfast properties have been approved, and 15 new tourism experiences have been introduced, expanding the offerings beyond Georgetown and into communities across the country.
This growth is not only benefitting Georgetown, but also various regions of Guyana, where new tourism ventures are creating jobs, and driving economic development, Walrond explained, emphasising that local communities are increasingly feeling the economic impact of the tourism boom.
And, as Guyana’s tourism products continue to expand, more training will be required to ensure that the sector’s human resources demands are
met, Minister Walrond explained, further highlighting the role the institute will play in ensuring the local services sector remains robust.
The establishment of a Tourism and Hospitality Training Institute has been on the cards for several years now.
In 2014, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government had budgetted some US$4 million for the construction of the institute. Later, in 2019, the Coalition Government had announced the award of a US$250,000 contract to finance the building’s design. At the time, the land for the project was being finalised.
In January 2024, the sod was turned for the construction of the US$7 million institute, through a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce has disclosed plans to boost its training capacity, targeting a large number of young professionals within the local services and hospitality industry
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oniedge Walrond
GSA aiming to make festive cooking even more delightful
- Christmas baskets, garlic pork, hams, black cake, other products now available
THIS year, the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), a facility that was conceptualised to satisfy a need for national agricultural training, has done it again. Presently, they have their best-selling items, garlic pork, chicken and pork ham, festive baskets and other meats on sale.
Assistant Manager of the Agro-Processing Department, Stacia McDonald, recently told the Guyana Chronicle that they have three different Christmas-promotion baskets: Jolly meat lovers, Festive Basket and Jingle Basket, all reasonably priced with essential meats and other items to make the perfect pot with all the necessary ingredients.
She reported that in addition to these, cook-up meat mix of ham, pickle pork, beef, pork and chicken foot, chicken and pork ham, garlic pork and black cake are also on sale.
McDonald stated that cassava and sweet potato flours are being produced at the GSA agro-processing facility at Agriculture Road, Triumph, East Coast Demerara. Additionally, since they do not have a bakery, they have partnered with ‘Our Daily Bread,’ which is based at Kersaint Park, La Bonne Intention, East Coast De-
merara, to bake bread using 25 per cent of each of the above-mentioned flours, which are gluten-free with fibre, have excellent nutritional benefits for diabetics and provide a number of other health benefits.
She reported that the owner of the bakery, Robert Francis, is on board with the initiative to put cassava and sweet potato flour breads on the local market.
McDonald added that the bakery is assisting with the transfer of technology – mixing of the dough and also the baking of bread. They are also hoping to partner with other bakeries to produce more cassava and sweet potato flour breads.
Freshly baked sweet potato and cassava flour breads are delicious and nutritious. They can be purchased at the GSA agro-processing facility at a cost of $500.
McDonald told this publication that the GSA agro-processing plant was established about 40 years ago and was dormant for some time but in 2017, it was resuscitated to produce local products for the market. She said that subsequently, they began merchandising to supermarkets and shops countrywide.
She related that seven years ago, the Christmas
Promotion started and due to the demand for the baskets and other products, they decided to keep the
tradition alive by producing more high-quality products.
She pointed out that in 2023, GSA introduced the
garlic pork and chicken and pork hams which have become best-sellers.
According to McDonald, the hams are smoked and pre-cooked and all that is left to do is to bake it and glaze with a topping of your choice.
She disclosed that for next year, they will be producing bacon and also plan to have beef for Pepperpot available, as these are products that people have been constantly asking for.
McDonald reported that they had to get approximately 40 pigs this year to produce ham, pickled pork and garlic pork due to the high demand.
She revealed that GSA will be opening their very
own marketing centre in the third week of December and thereafter, customers can visit all year round to access meats and the other products they produce.
The GSA agro-processing department produces seven different flours, seven meat products and three condiments in the form of barbeque sauce, all-purpose green seasoning and pepper sauce
Persons are being encouraged to place orders for Christmas baskets before December 13, 2024, via WhatsApp number 647-8202. More information can be found on the GSA website: agroprocessing@gsa.edu.gy. (Michel Outridge)
Stacia McDonald, Assistant Manager of the GSA agro-processing department
An Inclusive Financial Future
THE recent announcement by Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, regarding the potential re-establishment of a development bank in Guyana marks a pivotal moment in the nation's economic trajectory.
This bold initiative, aimed at addressing key financial gaps and providing long-term capital for transformational projects, deserves both praise and careful consideration.
Guyana's rapidly ex-
panding economy demands a modernised financial sector. The government's commitment to introducing new institutions and innovative financial instruments is commendable and necessary. As major international banks increasingly shy away from retail banking in smaller jurisdictions, Guyana must take proactive steps to ensure robust financial support for its growing economy.
While the proposal for a new development bank is promising, it's crucial to acknowledge Guyana's chequered history with public sector-led financing. The bankruptcy of government-affiliated financial institutions in the early 1990s serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls. The government's cautious approach, therefore, is both prudent and necessary.
The government's
strategy of exploring alternative financing options while remaining mindful of past failures strikes a delicate balance. The proposed amendments to allow commercial banks to accept movable collateral for loans is a step in the right direction, potentially expanding access to financing for a broader segment of the population.
As Guyana stands on the cusp of significant economic transformation,
the need for innovative financial solutions cannot be overstated. The proposed development bank, if implemented thoughtfully, could play a crucial role in supporting small and medium-sized businesses, which are the backbone of any thriving economy. However, the government must ensure that this initiative doesn't repeat the mistakes of the past. Rigorous oversight, transparent operations and a clear focus on sus-
tainable lending practices should be at the forefront of this endeavour. While challenges remain, the government's cautious yet forward-thinking approach offers hope for a more robust and inclusive financial future.
As Guyana continues its economic ascent, such initiatives will be crucial in ensuring that the benefits of growth are widely shared across all sectors of society.
AFC leader continues to demonstrate why he is unfit, unqualified to be presidential material for Guyana
Dear Editor,
I AM blocked from the AFC’s, Nigel Hughes’ and David Patterson’s Facebook pages; hence, I have to rely on thirdhand information. I understand that at their last press conference or whatever press engagement they had, that Nigel Hughes claimed that US$5 billion from the oil resources are unaccounted for.
The AFC leader continues to demonstrate
why he is unfit and unqualified to be presidential material for Guyana. He is absolutely clueless when it comes to public finance, fiscal management and accountability matters. It shows how divorced from reality he is, how desperate, deceitful, disingenuous and devious he is, and by extension, the AFC.
First and foremost, the AFC’s reckless assertion can be easily disproven. In this regard, as of September 2024, the Natural
Resources Fund (NRF) balance was US$3.2 billion net of withdrawals. Here it is proven that 60 per cent of the earnings (profit oil + royalty) from the oil resources to date remains untouched. We have spent only US$2.2 billion (41 per cent) thus far. And for context, public servants’ wages and salaries alone for the same period amounted to US$2.3 billion.
I wonder what is their obsession with only the oil resources’ earnings,
what about the non-oil revenues and earnings from the carbon- credit proceeds? From 20202024, non-oil revenues will amount to US$7.4 billion, that is 37 per cent more than the oil revenues earned from non-oil sources over the same period.
Further, under the PPP/C administration, every cent is accounted for in accordance with the financial laws of the country, and every cent is audited as per the Auditor
General’s Report, which is subject to scrutiny by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that the opposition chairs.
On the contrary, the APNU+AFC hid the US$18 million signing bonus from ExxonMobil in violation of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act; they ran up an illegal overdraft of over $140 billion on the government deposit accounts at the Bank of Guyana that was unaccounted
for; there was the illegal spending on the capital budget after the no-confidence motion between 2019-2020, amounting to another $142 billion, thereby bringing the grand total to $286 billion that remained unaccounted for by the APNU+AFC, and unlawfully expended during their tenure in 2015-2020.
Sincerely. Joel Bhagwandin
This masquerade
WHEN I was courting my wife-to-be, there was a song she was completely smitten with – the Carpenters’ “This Masquerade.” She went full throttle for the Carpenters and though their music was beautiful with the equally beautiful voice of lead singer, Karen Carpenter, they were not in the top spots on my list of favourite artistes. But “This Masquerade” is a truly great song.
Here are the opening lines of this lovely ballad that when you ponder these lyrics below, they remind you of our own masquerades in Guyana; not the masquerade bands but the political masquerades that Guyana has been enduring the past 15 years. Read the lines of the song below and you will see how potently they apply to Guyana’s political masquerades.
“Are we really happy here
With this lonely game we play?
Looking for words to say Searching but not finding understanding anywhere
We're lost in this masquerade
Both afraid to say we're just too far away
From being close together from the start
We tried to talk it over but the words got in the way
We're lost inside this lonely game we play.”
David Hinds responded with an angry tone when the Guyana Chronicle reporter asked him about the physical strength of the WPA. Here were his words: “The paper should stop asking people how many members it has in order to determine its importance.” One wonders if David deliberately substituted the word, “people” for “party.” The Chronicle reporter asked about the numbers of a political party.
The WPA had become a masquerade a long time ago, only to have received company of other masquerades the past ten years. As the lyrics of “This Masquerade,” show, it is lonely game these non-existent parties play. There are two bitingly relevant lines from This Masquerade that is worth repeating:
“Both afraid to say we're just too far away
From being close together from the start.”
Indeed, these non-existent parties are very far away from reality and are not close to any constituency in this country. The WPA is David Hinds and Tacuma Ogunseye. Why is a two-man outfit of any importance to the politics of a country? If a party has only two persons, then it is an abysmal failure because it does not attract members.
The WPA masquerade is not the only band playing the tune the cow died on. Keith Scott manoeuvred his way into a ministerial portfolio after APNU+AFC won the 2015 election but his outfit, the National Front Alliance was Scott and Scott was the National Front Alliance. CN Sharma birthed a party, Justice For All, of only three persons – he, his wife and his son, Jaipaul Sharma. A party of only three persons ended up having a ministerial position after 2015.
After APNU+AFC was defeated at the 2020 national
elections, Jaipaul Sharma birthed his own party, the Equal Rights and Justice Party. It has one member - its founder. Current, PNC parliamentarian, Tabitha Saraboo-Halley has started her own party - Guyana Nation Builders Movement. It has one member, Ms. Halley herself.
Then there is an organisation that was part of the APNU coalition, Guyana Action Party. This party has no executive committee and no membership. The masquerade is still playing. Mr. Craig Sylvester has formed the Democratic National Congress. The party is Sylvester and Sylvester is the party. Former PPP bigwig and former AFC bigwig, Rajendra Bissesar has started his own political party - the National Democratic Front. We are yet to see who else from Bissesar
is in the party. Former PRO of GuySuCo, Audreyanna Thomas has proclaimed she is running for the presidency in 2025 under her party, Project One People. It is a strange name but even stranger is that there is no other person in the party except Ms. Thomas. This masquerade is not confined to political parties only. The Guyana Human Rights Association is Mike Mc Cormack and Mike Mc Cormack is the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA). Then there is a polling outfit named NACTA operated by Mr. Vishu Bisram. Over the decades, no one has been identified with the leadership of this polling organisation except Bisram. There has never been any public mention of any other person associated with NACTA. Maybe now that this column is out, Mr.
Bisram may identify a few persons.
Of all the organisations listed here, two are very lucky. The GHRA gets constant publicity from the Stabroek News. It is no exaggeration to say that the Stabroek News keeps the GHRA alive. The WPA gets its publicity from Demerara Waves. Only Demerara Waves gives the WPA coverage. Outside of this, the WPA has to resort to writing letters in the newspapers, always signed by David Hinds. It is indeed a lonely game in this masquerade.
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 already part of electoral process in Guyana
Dear Editor,
BIOMETRICS are already in the electoral process in Guyana. However, the continuous call for further biometrics will require further constitutional changes; hence, the three masqueraders in the Guyana Election Commission will have to continue their dancing and political rhetoric.
Electronic fingerprint and retina identification are technologies that will come only with further constitutional changes. Guyanese, are fully cognisant of the fact that these same three masqueraders were there when the APNU+AFC, after using the illegal, false ‘broadsheet’ in 2015, was hurriedly and shamefully catapulted into office. They supported the APNU+AFC government in passing legislation for this country to hold continuous registration to facilitate the holding of elections in this country.
for the Guyana Elections Commission to hold Local Government and later Regional and National Elections with the same voters’ list and declared that even the 2020 elections were free and fair.
The PPP/C was not even in the Parliament when the APNU+AFC made the changes to the Act, which permitted the Guyana Elections Commission to hold continuous registration and update the voters’ list. The same APNU+AFC government held two elections with the same voters’ list. It was the same three commissioners who agreed
Guyanese will certainly be subjected to the usual rhetoric of a ‘bloated’ list. However, since 1992, in Guyana we have the very effective system, whereby political parties are allowed by law to appoint scrutineers to each registration exercise.
These scrutineers are selected by the respective political parties and they are paid by the government. Scrutineers work closely with the GECOM officials and they must
scrutinise every transaction and sign off on the entire process. After the continuous registration process there is a further period of claims and objections whereby the list is made public and all political parties and the public in general are allowed to make sure that all information is true and correct.
The scrutineers, during the continuous registration and the claims and objections, make sure that no fake names are included during the registration process.
However, it must be noted that non- residents are entitled to be on the list and that accounts for the size of the list. Article
59 provides that subject to the provisions of Article 159, every person may vote at an election if he or she is of age 18 years or older, and is either a citizen of Guyana or a Commonwealth citizen domiciled and resident in Guyana. Further, Article 159 clearly establishes that voters are required to be registered and provides the basic qualifications for registration. Hence, the constitutional requirements/qualifications that are necessary for a citizen to have the right to vote, are(a) 18 years of age; (b) a citizen of Guyana; (c) a Commonwealth citizen domiciled and resident in Guyana; and (d) registered to vote.
The opposition and the prattlers can continue to shed crocodile tears as elections day draws nearer. GECOM must continue to do what is necessary constitutionally and prepare to hold National and Regional Elections when due.
The recent announcement that the GECOM Secretariat’s preparations are on schedule for the holding of elections is indeed heartening and most encouraging. Guyana must do away with that ugly stigma of the famous, “Rigged Elections.”
Sincerely, Neil Kumar
Reasons AFC contested the 2018 LGEs alone
AFC being a small party, though in government with APNU, still had to navigate many treacherous and perilous political situations that were as trackless as the boisterous sea.
AFC was essentially a sandwich party, caught between an ally and a foe, both of whom the AFC believed had many cantankerous and untrustworthy dimensions.
When the AFC took office in 2015, I assumed that the six most senior leaders and ministerial office holders would have devised political strategies for dealing with APNU its ally and PPP its opponent. I also thought that those strategies
would’ve included political growth and developmental plans for the second-tier leaders and other activists. I thought it was time to lay concrete plans for the long game, map out scenarios and contingencies for its own survivability and that of the government it was part of. This was not to be, there was no such appetite.
After the AFC Ministerial Corps took shape, I can recall being peeved with then opposition MP Priya Manickchand, who referred to the AFC leaders as “deer caught in headlights.”
At the earliest stage, I must confess, I had scales on my eyes, I savagely attacked MP Priya on Facebook for those remarks. I received a solid ‘block and delete’, which remain in place to this day. Soon thereafter, I came to realise that Priya was exactly right, all of them were politically indolent, myopic, rudderless and, frankly, a Self-Absorbed Cabal (SAC). The trappings of office meant more to them than the development of party and comrades. Though there were incidences of individual outlier actions, as a group, they shirked every conceivable political responsibility to their party and comrades. Most of them either deactivated or stopped interacting on their Facebook page, exited WhatsApp groups for interaction with activists, stopped attending their own weekly executive meetings, seldom visited the party HQ and provided zero guidance, direction, information or accountability for their ministry to activists or other executive members.
Former AFC minister Raphael Trotman’s book, “From Destiny to Prosperity” provides a remarkable and unmistakable insight into the political propensity and demeanor of the SAC. In his first chapter, “Becoming a Minister” he wrote expressively of his own achievements and boasted about a raft of international travels (see pg 4) but not even a cursory reference to activists, either individually
or as a group, who laboured and endured hostilities and sleepless nights to help him on the journey to “becoming a minister.” In fact, his first reference to the people, outside of those who wielded ministerial power, can be found on page 6. People are characterised as having “hustle mentality” and demanding favours they were not entitled to.
I can vividly remember a particular hard-working activist enquired about a job placement, a certain member of SAC pointedly asked the question, “if we didn’t win ….?”
I believe that was the shared mentality of the SAC which led them to abandon their second-tier ‘hustlers’, unworthy of their strategic interest. After the 2015 elections, the SAC took no interest in the welfare of those appointed to the respective RDCs. This posture was carried over to the 2016 LGE, they provided no support or funding. Because of this, some AFC candidates around the country, formed their own community groups, while others had no choice but to loaf and leech off APNU’s campaign apparatus.
APNU felt that the resulting seats awarded to AFC on local organs were not deserving, in that, many strong APNU activists were magnanimously stood down to accommodate AFC candidates who did not pull their weight on the campaign.
APNU activists didn’t take this kindly. So, when 2018 LGE rolled around, APNU wasn’t prepared to take any chances; their position was, let us put everyone in a pool and the post-election appointments will be made in every dis-
trict based on how persons pull their weight. This proposal was not palatable to the rank-and-file activists of the AFC; they demanded to go alone; they did not trust their own leadership to provide critical support and they did not trust APNU to give them just rewards.
Being placed on the electoral hotseat, to save face, some members of the SAC were forced to support the campaign, but because of their general lackadaisical disposition to the interest of the lower tier, a half-hearted endeavor was natural. The 2018 LGE was run almost entirely by the second tier, it nearly ended in candidate disaster. In another column I will explain how the 2018 LGE was rescued and given some respectability.
The people of Guyana need to know that this same self-absorbed cabalist cold shoulder was also extended to AFC parliamentarians, all of whom were second tier executives. The alienation from within led to deep dissatisfaction and disaffection among the AFC backbenchers. This is the key catalyst for Charandass Persaud’s vote of no confidence. While many are perched on their keyboards at home and in many faraway places casting judgement on Charrandass as Judas, backhandler and betrayer, the real betrayers were the aforementioned SAC. More about this in next week’s columns.
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.
Environmentalist uses creative writing talents to inspire women, girls
By Faith Greene
AT the age of 29, Jamella Chesney has found her niche, and is committed to her effort in empowering youth and women.
Jamella is an environmentalist, a mentor, and a poet. Her interests include travelling and the creative arts. Because of her academic and professional background, Chesney has had the opportunity to travel the world.
Two years ago, she decided to return to Guyana to give back to her country and community. Although she was born and raised in Guyana, Jamella has lived in the United States of America, Costa Rica, Barbados, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
In addition, Jamella is a volunteer with the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN), a non-profit network organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life of young people by facilitating their personal development and active involvement in education, training and action on environmental and sustainable development issues.
Mentioning the inspiration behind such a career choice, Jamella explained that it wasn’t planned.
She said: “It wasn't intentional. I sort of just ended up here. My dream was to be an English teacher and a writer and I
was advised that you can't really have a lucrative career in the creative arts, so I turned to STEM and I completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and once I finished that degree, I realised that I didn't like it at all. It wasn't fulfilling. So I knew that I needed to pivot.”
She recalled watching a 2006 documentary which was presented by former Vice President of the United States, Al Gore, titled, “An Inconvenient Truth”.
“I watched it and I learned about global warming and climate change, how your lifestyle, your diet, various industries and sectors contribute to high greenhouse gas emissions and how that affects the climate and the planet,” Chesney stated.
Jamella’s father, an expert in the field of agriculture and biodiversity, was also an inspiration for her. She said it had always been a conversation growing up, causing them to be conscious of their actions and how it impacts the environment.
She noted, “We need to live in harmony with nature and with the natural environment, so it wasn't a new territory. But after watching a few documentaries, I was motivated to pursue this field.”
Jamella earned her Master’s in Environment,
Development, and Peace with a specialisation in Climate Change Policy from the University for Peace.
Accumulating vast experience that has shaped her, she is devoted to helping young girls and women to find their voice, explore their desires, and live in their truth.
Alongside this, Jamella’s work as a creative is just as important.
In August this year, her poem, “Mama Said (No Back Chat)” was published on Adda Stories, an online literary magazine of the Commonwealth Foundation. It explored themes of control, shame, silence, and survival, and was shaped by the teachings of women across generations.
Some of her other works include: "The Empty Rocking Chair", and, "A Studio Apartment in Munhak-dong."
As a career coach, Jamella said her role is to show clients, who are most often women, that although we live in a conservative and traditional society, marriage and motherhood don't have to be the pinnacle of their identity.
“It's fine if that's what you want, and you should aspire to that, but don't feel the pressure that your life has to mirror someone else's. You can decide what success looks like to
you. You can decide what happiness looks like to you. And if I can support you in that journey, I'm more than happy to do it,” Jamella remarked.
To learn more about Jamella and what she does, persons can visit her website: www.jamellachesney.com.
Jamella Chesney
Understanding the roles of Carbohydrates and Protein in your diet Diet is key in managing diabetes (Part I)…
By Shabana Shaw
MANAGING diabetes effectively involves more than just monitoring blood sugar levels; it also requires a commitment to eating the right foods in their correct portion size. Persons living with diabetes should therefore develop practical strategies to maintain a balanced diet that supports their overall health while managing diabetes.
Diabetes is a long-lasting health condition that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. In other words, diabetes affects the way your body
turns food into energy. There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes (during pregnancy), each of which requires careful meal planning to help with controlling blood sugar levels.
Nutritionist Abigail Caleb is adamant that, through diet, one can maintain stable blood sugar levels. “Nutrition therapy constitutes one of the basic pillars in the treatment and control of diabetes mellitus, as well as the prevention or delay of the (microvascular and macrovascular) complications of diabetes mellitus,” says Caleb, Senior Technical Officer - Food Security and Nutrition at the Caribbean Public Health Agency
(CARPHA).
She explained that persons with diabetes need a healthy and well-balanced diet, consisting of a variety of foods from the Caribbean Six Food Groups which consists of legumes and nuts, food from animals, fats and oils, vegetables, staples and fruits. She cautioned that meal planning for diabetics should be individualised, as no one size fits all.
USE FOODS FROM THE SIX FOOD GROUPS DAILY
According to Caleb, there is no such thing as a special “diet” for persons living with diabetes, as moderation is usually the key, particularly in controlling carbohydrate intake and timing of
meals to fit the person’s medication pattern. UNDERSTANDING HOW CARBOHYDRATES (CARB) WORK IN A DIABETIC MEAL PLAN
Carbohydrates are macronutrients meaning nutrients / nourishing substances which are required by the body in large amounts. The categories in the human diet are Simple (sugars), Complex (starch) and Dietary
fibre is known for promoting healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
“It has the ability to absorb water and as such carry out an important function of sweeping, cleaning and protecting the lower digestive tract (small and large intestines),” Caleb enlightened.
Therefore, carbohydrate food choices are guided by the carbohydrate content of foods. A diabetic should maintain a balance
Fibre.
According to Caleb, all carbohydrates, except dietary fibre, are broken down into glucose or “sugar” and used for energy and are the most important source of fuel or energy for the body, particularly the brain.
“Simple carbohydrates are digested and absorbed more quickly and can cause a rapid spike in blood glucose/sugar levels. Some examples are sugar, honey, molasses, syrup, jam, jelly, chocolate, sweets, candies, pastries, cakes, pies, cookies, carbonated drinks, packet juices mixes and fruits canned with sugar,” she said.
The Nutritionist explained that complex carbohydrates take longer to be digested, absorb slowly and have a gentler effect on blood sugar levels.
“Complex carbohydrates include rice, pasta, wheat flour and products, corn, cereal porridges, cornflakes, ground provisions, breadfruit, dried peas, beans, nuts & seed, fruits vegetables (i.e., yellow and orange vegetables) and milk and yoghurt,” she counselled.
Dietary fibre consists of plant-based carbohydrates, that the body cannot digest and therefore does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. There are two types of dietary fibre, soluble fibre and insoluble.
“Soluble fibre can be found in peas, beans, nuts, seeds, oats, barley, fruits & vegetables, ground provisions while insoluble fibre is found in the skins of vegetables & fruits, bran or outer coating of grains,” she highlighted.
Apart from its benefits of controlling blood sugar levels and reducing weight gain, dietary
“Meat alternatives (soya products like chunks). There are also very small amounts of proteins in cereals (cornmeal, dried corn, oats, rice, whole grain products, breads) and in leafy, green and yellow vegetables,” she highlighted.
For individuals living with diabetes, more white meats such as fish and poultry (chicken, turkey, duck) should be consumed than red meats (i.e., beef, pork, lamb, wild meats and organ meats - liver, giblets, brains, heart, etc).
“Eat fish 3 or more times a week. Fish is rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids which protect the body’s blood vessels from harm. Eat red meats and/ or organ meats no more than 1-3 times a week as they have more saturated fat and cholesterol,” Caleb cautioned.
A vegetarian substitute for meat that’s rich in proteins is legumes. Some common types of legumes are beans (black beans, kidney beans), lentils, peas, chickpeas and peanuts (technically a legume, not a nut).
among the carbohydrate content categories: high carb, moderate carb, low carb and zero carb foods.
BENEFITS OF PROTEIN FOR DIABETES
Proteins are essential for the development, maintenance and life of every cell in the human body. It plays a crucial role in the diet of individuals living with diabetes and unlike carbohrdates, does not (negatively) impact blood glucose (sugar) levels.
According to Caleb, the main dietary sources of proteins are foods from the animal food group (except butter and other animal fats) and foods from the Legumes and Nuts food group such as dried peas, beans, nuts and seeds.
Persons living with diabetes must understand their diet as this is key in managing blood glucose (sugar) levels and improving quality of life. They must monitor the amount of carbohydrates they consume as some carbohydrates have a significant impact on blood sugar levels. Similarly, incorporating the right kind of protein meat in your diet can support blood sugar control and contributea to overall health.
Myth: Duck is red meat.
Fact: Duck is scientifically classified as a white meat and is considered a good source of protein.
Myth: Peanuts are a kind of nut.
Fact: Peanuts are classified as legumes and are a rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.
The six food groups being depicted on this chart, taken from CARPHA Diabetes Nutritional Management Toolkit
PM Phillips lauds NBS for key role in fostering unity, empowerment, development
PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), the Honourable Mark Phillips, lauded the New Building Society (NBS) for decades of service to Guyanese families and its pivotal role in fostering unity and empowerment.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips made these re -
lies. This is the essence of community-building, and tonight, we celebrate the role [the] NBS has played in strengthening the fabric of our society,"
Prime Minister Phillips reaffirmed his administration's commitment to fostering opportunities for all Guyanese, noting that
marks Saturday night at the bank’s Christmas party. The Prime Minister reflected on the festive spirit of giving and togetherness: "This spirit of giving and unity is reflected in the work of the New Building Society. For decades, NBS has been a representation of hope and opportunity; it has helped individuals achieve dreams of homeownership, financial independence, and stability and has therefore been a lifeline for countless Guyanese families.”
He highlighted that institutions such as the NBS serve as reminders that true development transcends infrastructural or economic growth.
"It is about empowering people. It is about giving every individual the chance to thrive and to create a better future for themselves and their fami-
significant strides have been made in housing, infrastructure, renewable energy and community empowerment.
“We are also committed to working alongside institutions like NBS to ensure that the benefits of development reach every corner of our country,”
Prime Minister Phillips also reminded of the profound impact of collective action during the holiday season. This season, he noted, reminds us that while individual efforts are essential, collective action make a difference.
“Whether we are building homes, strengthening families, or simply sharing a meal with someone in need, we are contributing to a legacy of unity and generosity that will define our nation for generations to come.”
(OPM)
Scenes from the New Building Society’s (NBS) Christmas Party where PM Phillips reminded all of the important role the society has played and continues to play in the empowerment of families and the development of Guyana (Office of the Prime Minister photos)
PM highlights Guyana’s vast economic growth during GAICO Awards Ceremony
PRIME Minister (PM), Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, during the GAICO Construction and General Services annual awards dinner, in his speech, highlighted Guyana's remarkable economic growth and praised the company for its contributions to national development.
In his keynote address,
Prime Minister Phillips emphasised Guyana's extraordinary economic performance, and noted that the country's GDP surged by 49.7 percent in the first half of 2024.
According to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the non-oil economy demonstrated robust growth at 12.6 per cent, while the construction sec-
tor expanded as well by an impressive 43.7 percent.
"GAICO exemplifies what is possible when businesses embrace opportunities that seek to create a conducive business environment for our people,” he said.
The OPM said the Prime Minister acknowledged Komal Singh, the Managing Director of
GAICO, for his efforts in transforming the company into a model of Guyanese entrepreneurship.
PM Phillips highlighted the GAICO’s recent achievements, which include the establishment of a state-of-the-art fertiliser blending plant and the implementation of innovative waste management solutions. He said that this initiative demonstrates that local entities can achieve global standards while maintaining Guyanese values.
“Emphasising the crucial role of private sector partnerships in national development, Prime Minister Phillips noted, "Guyana’s future is not built by government alone, nor by businesses in isolation. It is through collaboration— public and private sectors working hand in hand— that we will realise the full potential of our nation," the OPM said.
He also underscored the government's commitment to creating an environment where businesses of all sizes can flourish, ensuring that the benefits of development reach every corner of Guyana
through increased investment in education, gender equity initiatives, and programmes designed for underserved communities.
Additionally, the OPM said the event celebrated GAICO's employees and acknowledged their role in the company's success. The Prime Minister praised GAICO's investment in its workforce, operational expansion, and sustainable practices.
On its website, the company said that it is integrally involved in the development of Guyana in the civil works sector, marine sector and most recently in the Oil and gas sector in the areas of oil spill response and waste management. The company comprises of over 74 trained professionals and approximately 30 more subcontracted professionals. Together, the GAICO family has been able to execute various high risk projects safely and timely.
Lady Arya Ali was one of the special invitees at the event.
First
PM, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips delivers remarks (OPM photo)
‘EMPOWHER’ forum opens a plethora of opportunities for women
BY empowering and enriching women, doors for new opportunities are opened, allowing them to become independent and to create a better life for themselves.
Under this belief, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security on Sunday hosted a women empowerment forum, titled, “EMPOWHER”, which brought together women from several areas and provided them with an opportunity to network with other women and key stakeholders in Guyana.
The forum, which was hosted at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, targeted women who are single mothers and females interested in opportunities in entrepreneurship and employment.
The women received life-coaching and motivation, female entrepreneurship support and on-the- spot Women Investment and Innovation Network (WIIN) registration.
Participants were advised that together they are stronger and can create a world where women can thrive and are given respect, opportunities and recognition.
Speaking on equality, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud, in her remarks said that we cannot want to empower women or have women get to the point where they don’t see men as equal partners.
“It's not a competitive journey. It is teamwork, and I must acknowledge all of the efforts of the men in the room and the men who are not here, who are equal partners with us, fighting for those same rights of women, fighting for those same goals that we try to attain, whether we are here nationally or globally,” the minister commented.
Minister Persaud said: “We're also seeing more women, girls, leaving secondary education than boys in Guyana. It means we're doing a lot of things right, but in our rush to get where we need to go, we have to take the boys along and make sure that they too are part of this journey when we speak of secondary and tertiary-level education.”
It was revealed that the ministry will be rolling out a very ambitious programme next year that will focus more on men. She said they are looking at how the ministry can expand its network of support to young people.
Finally, Minister Persaud said that once the programme takes off, her ministry will be hosting one across the country, bringing women together to have the same opportunities of life-coaching, business literacy, entrepreneurship skills and taking a look
at the social ills that women face in today’s world.
The United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Officer-in-Charge, Nadira Balram stated that the event represents an essential step toward building a future where every woman has the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive.
Balram noted that it is yet another initiative championed by Minister Persaud who is renowned as a timeless advocate for women's improvement.
“The forum today will explore a variety of key market areas, each designed to equip women with particular skills, knowledge, and confidence. Throughout the day, we will discuss financial literacy and how it is very essential for women to take control of their finances, secure their future, and build resilience in the face of economic challenges,” Balram said.
She pointed out that this, along with the number of other topics slated for discussion, are linked to global efforts toward achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment. She reminded that these are central to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to Balram, the UNDP is at the forefront of supporting countries--including Guyana-- in advancing these objectives through programmes that foster women's economic participation, increased access to public services, and promoting gender-responsive governance.
She reminded the audience that as they engaged in the session, that women's empowerment is not only a woman's issue, but is also a societal one.
Balram related that gender equality is foundational and is not only about uplifting women, but about breaking barriers and limiting them. In doing so, it creates a more just and equitable world for all. (Faith Greene)
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud (Japheth Savory photo)
- focus is on expertise-sharing, Indian High Commissioner says
INDIA’S High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Amit Telag, has underscored the evolving nature of energy partnerships between the two nations, highlighting a collaboration that transcends the traditional roles of consumer and producer.
High Commissioner Telag made these remarks during the latest episode of the Energy Perspectives podcast, where he noted that collaboration in this
With Guyana poised to become one of the world’s largest oil and natural gas producers in the coming years, the nation stands on the brink of economic transformation. India, as one of the fastest-growing economies globally, sees natural synergies with Guyana in the energy sector.
regard is focused on sharing expertise and addressing long-term energy security.
Dr Telag stated that during the recent state visit by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi just around 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed covering areas such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, security studies, banking and the hydrocarbon sector.
“Guyana is on the cusp of economic transformation and is about to become, by various analyses, the fourth-largest producer of oil and natural gas in the near future,” Dr Telag observed.
As India’s growth rate has been consistent, he indicated that India and Guyana are natural partners in the hydrocarbon sector.
Against this backdrop, he underscored that the co-operation when looking at the energy sector is not only in hydrocarbons, but is happening in very extensive areas which include
“The agreement we signed in the field of co-operation in hydrocarbons is indicative of the kind of relationship that is developing between our two countries,” Dr Telag stated, adding that energy security was central to the discussions.
renewable energy and biofuels among other things.
“It’s a very comprehensive kind of co-operation which covers all the sectors in the oil and gas sectors, whether it is upstream, downstream, mid-stream and we are very keen to share our experiences,” he said.
With this, he noted that energy security is a very broad discipline and is not only about oil and gas.
Dr Telag indicated that discourse is usually focused on Guyana being the producer of the natural gas and India being the consumer; however, he added that co-operation in the energy sector between the two countries has been going on for a very long time.
He reiterated that the collaboration encompasses renewable energy, climate financing and many other areas.
He added that Guyana’s vision for the future and how the country would develop in the future, Dr Telag noted that India sees itself as a partner for Guyana in that direction and added that any research happening in relation to how the different kinds of fuels should be used, futuristic models for that and all these areas are something that the two countries are looking at.
“So, I would say that in the oil and gas sector, it's not only about consumer and producer, but also sharing our expertise in all the areas we have actually proven based on our co-operation with many other countries,” he affirmed.
Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr Amit Telag
ON Friday evening, Imam Bacchus and Sons Limited in Affiance, Region Two, lit up a stunning 20-foot Christmas tree, officially ushering in the festive season and bringing families together in celebration.
This annual tradition, now in its fifth year, has
Region Two administration hosts Christmas Tree light-up and toy distribution Imam Bacchus and Sons brings families together for the holiday season
THE Anna Regina township came alive on Friday evening as the Region Two administration, in collaboration with several stakeholders, hosted a festive Christmas Tree light-up and cultural programme at Citizen Park.
The event, which centred around a 15-foot Christmas Tree, marked the start of the
become a much-anticipated event for the community.
Chief Executive Officer, Aadil Baksh, shared his joy at seeing families come out in large numbers to celebrate. “It’s always heartwarming to see the community come together for this event,” he said.
To make this year even
more memorable, a carousel ride was introduced, delighting children and adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities. Santa Claus and his cheerful elves made special appearances, greeting children and spreading holiday cheer. Hundreds of attendees enjoyed the
giveaways and the chance to create cherished family memories.
Baksh highlighted the company’s commitment to giving back to the community, a tradition that spans over five decades since Imam Bacchus and Sons was founded in 1962. Known for its generosi -
ty during the rice harvest season and Christmas, the company continues to foster a spirit of sharing and togetherness.
“This event takes months of planning, but it’s worth every effort when we see the joy it brings,” Baksh said. “It’s about bringing the community
together and making the holidays special for everyone.”
The evening was filled with laughter, excitement, and the magic of Christmas, reaffirming Imam Bacchus and Sons’ dedication to nurturing community bonds and creating lasting traditions.
holiday season and featured a vibrant cultural programme.
Local performers showcased scripture readings, dances, poetry, and songs. A special highlight was the appearance of Santa Claus, who delighted the audience by distributing over 600 toys to children.
Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, in delivering welcoming remarks, empha-
sised the spirit of sharing and giving during the Christmas season.
She noted that Guyana’s rich multicultural society allows all religious groups to embrace and celebrate the holiday. De Silva encouraged Essequibians to continue living in harmony and to make the most of the festive season, extending season
greetings to attendees and the wider nation.
The pro gramme also featured a heartfelt message from Pastor Mohamed Ally, who reminded everyone of the season’s significance— celebrating the love, unity, and joy that Christmas represents. He urged children to cherish the gifts they received, highlighting the
thought and care behind each one.
Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer, Susannah Saywack, also shared warm holiday wishes with those gathered at the event. Saywack said the regional administration partnered with businesses to make the programme possible. Greetings were also extend-
ed to all of the regional administration’s programme managers.
Hundreds of residents from across the region flocked to Anna Regina to witness the dazzling display and partake in the holiday cheer, signalling a joyful start to the Christmas season in Region Two.
Daniel Singh urges players to be familiar with the laws of cricket
WEST Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA)-certified umpire Daniel Singh is of the view that to become a complete player, one must know the laws of cricket.
According to Singh, “In my experience, many unpleasant situations could have been avoided, if the players involved in the game were familiar with the laws of the game and the playing conditions.”
The Guyana-born Singh, who also served at the Guyana Chronicle as a journalist, made the remarks at the York Regional Cricket Association (YRCA) 2024 Awards Ceremony, held at Chauhan’s Fine Indian Cuisine & Banquet Hall, Markham, Ontario, Canada.
According to Singh, “There are many occasions when matches have been lost due to the lack of knowledge about the laws of cricket, and lack of awareness about the playing conditions by the captain and the players.”
Singh, however, conceded that “mistakes are part of the game by players and umpires. But umpires are seldom forgiven”.
Touching on the Laws of Cricket for Players, Singh explained that to sustain the spectator’s interest in this
traditional English game, the laws of the game undergo changes from time to time.
“Though each player has to be abreast with the latest laws of the game, there are many occasions when matches are lost due to a lack of familiarity with the laws and the playing conditions for that particular tournament.”
Singh pointed out that “the differences between the laws and playing conditions must be known, example the runout rule with the batter leaving their crease early. Although a player need not know the laws as thoroughly as an umpire, this is desirable”.
Singh admitted that it is not easy to understand some of the difficult laws and many
Gokarn Ramdhani Memorial Badminton tourney…
players do not even bother about the laws and playing conditions.
He referred to examples: Helmet rule, hit wicket rule, contact with a fielder and boundary while taking a catch, batter retiring, fielder serving penalty time. “It is not easy to understand the difficult laws, and players do not need to know the laws in the manner in whish an umpire is trained,” he said.
Singh congratulated the winning teams and players who were recognised for their outstanding performances during the 2024 season, and wished them the best for the 2025 season. He also praised the YRCA Management Team
on a very efficiently executed tournament.
Singh, who officiated in the British Virgin Islands before migrating to Canada, spoke about two colleagues in the umpiring fraternity who have “a profound impact on my own umpiring development since moving to Canada 3-4 years ago – Jack Maharaj, at the time at BEDCL, when I did my first game and Matthew Francis of the Canada Cricket Umpires Association (CCUA).”
Singh alluded to the fact that he has been part of YRCA tournament for the first time, and “I can testify it is a very smooth and efficient one”. (Frederick Halley)
Opening action sees stiff competition, major upsets
THE Gokarn Ramdhani Memorial Badminton Tournament commenced Friday at the National Gymnasium, featuring intense competition across multiple categories, including Under-13 to Under-19 Doubles, Mixed Doubles, and Open Men’s and Women’s Singles.
Priyanna Ramdhani, who beat Abrianna Tinnie 21-7, 21-4 Women’s Singles R16, is the daughter of the late Gokarn Ramdhani (past President) and present President Emily Ramdhani.
In the Women’s Singles, there were notable upsets, with seasoned players falling to rising junior stars. The evening was marked by thrilling matches, particularly in the Open Singles, which had the largest draw and saw many games completed.
The tournament continued on Saturday with Junior Doubles and more Open Singles matches.
The finals were set to take place yesterday from 17:00 hrs.
The Guyana Badminton Association extends its gratitude to the sponsors—Massy Distribution (Blue Water Brand), SOL, the National Sports Commission, and Banks DIH—for their generous support.
WI wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals in ODIs versus BANG to date?
(2) Which BANG wicketkeeper has effected Answers in tomorrow’s issue
Priyanna Ramdhani beat Abrianna Tinnie 21-7, 21-4 in the Women’s Singles
Daniel Singh, extreme right, with other umpire colleagues at Saturday night’s function
Cummins takes five as Australia demolish India, level Test series
PAT Cummins took 5-57 as Australia wrapped up an emphatic 10-wicket victory over India on day three of the second Test to square the series at 1-1.
India resumed on 1285 – 29 runs adrift – at the Adelaide Oval and were dismissed for 175 despite Nitish Kumar Reddy’s battling 42.
Cummins did the most damage while Scott Boland claimed 3-51 and Mitchell Starc 2-60 to set Australia a target of 19 for victory.
Openers Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja chased down the total in just 3.2 overs.
The third Test in Brisbane starts on December 14.
India’s defeat now means they now need to win all
three remaining Tests in the five-match series to qualify for the World Test Championship final.
Australia must win four
out of their next five Tests to be certain of their spot but are likely to need fewer victories. Cummins bounces out India
Australia had put themselves in a commanding position after Mitchell Starc’s career-best Test figures of 6-48 on day one and a brilliant 140 from Travis Head on day two.
India’s hopes of giving themselves a chance to pull off an unlikely victory were largely dependent on the mercurial Rishabh Pant.
The wicketkeeper, who was unbeaten on 28 overnight, has the potential to score quick runs and generate a shift in momentum within the space of a couple of hours at the crease.
So when Pant was caught at slip off the sixth ball of the day from left-arm quick Starc, without adding to his score, India’s faint hopes
diminished further.
Australia captain Cummins then showed his ruthless side in a bid to get the job done inside a session as he adopted a short-ball strategy to blow away India’s lower order.
Ravichandran Ashwin was dismissed by Cummins for seven when he gloved an attempted pull to a bouncer to Alex Carey behind the stumps.
Harshit Rana then got in a tangle as he failed to fend off an awkward bumper angled across him from Cummins and Khawaja took a routine catch at gully.
India all-rounder Reddy hooked a Cummins bouncer for six only to perish for 42
next ball when he attempted to uppercut another shortpitched delivery and was caught by McSweeney at deep third man.
In the three innings so far in this series where India have been bowled out, Reddy has been their top scorer, which demonstrates he has some steel for the fight when the going gets tough.
Boland wrapped up India’s innings when Mohammed Siraj skied one and Head took a tumbling catch at mid-wicket.
McSweeney and Khawaja made light work of the total, with the former hitting Reddy for two fours in the third over before the latter struck the winning run. (BBC Sport)
All-round dominance gets England a historic series victory
DESPITE Tom Blundell’s valiant hundred (115 off 102), the England bowlers were all over the home side on Day Three to grab their first series win in New Zealand since 2007/08.
New Zealand got off to a poor start in the chase, as Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes ripped through their top-order, leaving Devon Conway, Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra walking back to the dugout for single-digit scores.
Ben Stokes, right, and jubilant England players celebrate their emphatic victory
Blundell, joined by Nathan Smith, forged a 96-run partnership for the seventh wicket, but England’s bowling arsenal proved to be too strong, bowling out the Kiwis for 259.
England skipper Ben Stokes led the way with a brilliant 3-5, accompanied by a brace each from Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse and
Shoaib Bashir that saw them clinch victory and go 2-0 up in the series.
England resumed Day Three on 378/5, and picked up right where they left off.
Joe Root made his way to his 36th Test century, before being dismissed on 106 that also saw the end of England’s innings, as Stokes declared and set a mammoth 583-run
target for the home side to get back on level terms.
The England captain stepped in with a blazing cameo as well, which saw him remain unbeaten on 49.
Earlier in the innings, Jacob Bethell (96), Ben Duckett (92) and Harry Brook (55) contributed stylish half-centuries to take England to 427/6.
Stokes was full of praise for Harry Brook, Ollie Pope and Jacob Bethell at the postmatch presser, as the batters made an indelible mark on the game after England found themselves struggling at 40/4 on Day One, before Brook smashed a game-changing 123.
“Amazing to be standing here winning the series after being 40 for 4 on Day One. The way Harry Brook and Olllie Pope played on Day One set up this game for us. Jacob Bethell has certainly shown us what he's about, and shown the world what he's about,” said Stokes. Both teams are effectively out of the race to make it to the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, but England’s win meant that they moved to fifth on the table, while New Zealand dropped a place to sixth.
The final Test will be played at Seddon Park in Hamilton, from Saturday, December 14. (ICC Media)
SA chip away but SL still alive in tall chase
THE second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka in Gqeberha is interestingly poised after the visitors staged a commendable comeback in the tall run chase towards the end of the fourth day's play. As a result, Sri Lanka will need 143 runs on the final day whereas South Africa will have to pick up the final five wickets for a series win.
The fact that Sri Lanka still remain in the hunt in the tall chase of 348 was largely down to the fight shown by Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis. Sri Lanka had already lost their openers before Tea and hence pinned their hopes heavily on the middle order trio of Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis. Mathews did begin the
final session with a boundary but Kagiso Rabada asked questions of the batter's defence for the rest of the over.
At the other end, Dane Paterson made an immediate impact to dent the visitors by trapping Chandimal lbw. He almost had Kamindu as well in his following over but the batter managed to reverse the decision. Kamindu then picked back-to-back boundaries off Marco Jansen to get going and even whipped one over backward square leg for a six. Runs were flowing quite freely for the visitors at this point with even Mathews clearing the ropes once off Keshav Maharaj. Against the run of play after the duo had raised over 50 for the fourth wicket, Maharaj managed to
sneak one past Mathews' defence to break the promising stand. South Africa were then all over the Sri Lankans with the big wicket of Kamindu as Kyle Verreynne completed an excellent diving catch to send the batter back to the pavilion. One more wicket at that stage would have allowed South Africa a crack at the Sri Lankan lower order but Kusal walked out with a positive frame of mind, targeting Maharaj in particular for a few boundaries.
Dhananjaya on his part looked in solid touch as well as kept picking Paterson and Maharaj for a flurry of boundaries to eat into the target. Sri Lanka eventually finished on a strong note and would hope these two can carry on their
good work to pick up a memorable win on the final day but the home side know that one wicket would give them an opening to capitalise on.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka pulled things back in the morning session after Temba Bavuma went past fifty once again in the series. Prabath Jayasuriya was the wrecker-in-chief as he kept striking at key intervals to pick up a five-fer. South Africa still managed to drag their lead past the 300-run mark and post lunch, a few crucial boundaries from the tail almost pumped up that lead to 350, before Rabada and Paterson struck once each prior to that see-saw final session. (Cricbuzz)
Pat Cummins celebrates his five-wicket haul
(Photo: Getty Images)
Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva put on a strong unbeaten stand to keep SL’s hopes alive
Mahdia surges to ERC T10 Tapeball title
MAHDIA (Movements
Family) performed superbly to win the inaugural Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) Harmony League T10 Tapeball Championship.
On Sunday, Ricardo Adams and Ershaad Ali marched them to a comprehensive victory over Lil Rams in the final at the Everest Cricket Club.
Set a target of 95, the powerful duo of Ricardo Adams, who made 44* (4x4s;3x6s) from 27 balls, and Ershaad Ali, who made 41* (1x4;5x6s) from 14 balls, quickly steered the title Mahdia’s way.
Before the final, legendary West Indian captain Sir Clive Lloyd and Commissioners from the ERC greeted the teams.
Forty-eight teams from each of the counties competed in the tournament that commenced on November 17.
Given the success and interest of players, the ERC is expected to host a bigger event in 2025. Through this initiative, the ERC aimed to build lasting connections among participants, promote mutual respect, and strengthen community ties across Guyana.
($100,000): The Guards Losing Semi-finalist Two ($100,000): CJIA Warriors
Most Valuable Player ($100,000): Riyad Latif
Most Runs ($60,000): Ershaad Ali
Most Wickets ($60,000): Ganesh Surijpaul
Player-of-the-Final ($60,000):Ricardo Adams
SUMMARY OF FINALS
Semi-Final One : Lil Rams 122-3 from 10 overs (Shamar Apple 40, Jonathan Van Lange 20, Kemol Savory 19; Mark Jeffers 1-21, Ronaldo Alimohamed 1-29) v The Guards 66-7 from 9.4 overs (Christopher Barnwell
Semi-Final Two: CJIA Warriors 90-6 from 10 overs (Shakiel Wong 28, Alvin Ramdeholl 13, Noel Eveyln 12; Raydon Austin 2-4, Suresh Dhani 2-9) v Mahdia 91-0 from 5.2 overs (Ershaad
Ali 59*, Ricardo Adams 28*) FINAL: Lil Rams 94-8 from 10 overs (Kemol Savory 33, Riyad Latif 23, Thaddeus Lovell 14; Floy Joseph 3-24, Neiland Cadogan 2-23, Carlos LaRose 1-9) v Mahdia 100-0 from 6.5 overs (Ricardo Adams 44*, Ershaad Ali 41*)
Annual Terrence Ali National Open Championships begin Friday in Albouystown
By Sean Devers
IN Westen superstition, Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day, but this Friday, December 13, the annual Terrence Ali National Open Championship will be held at the Andrew Six Head Lewis’ Gym in Albouystown from 17:00hrs. Could there be a blood bath in the ghetto for the pugilists from Gyms like the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Forgotten Youth Foundation, Pace and Power, New Amsterdam Academy, Rose Hall, Vergenoegen and Republicans?
When day transforms into night and darkness falls, the fans who turn up for what could be a slugfest could get the answer to that question.
This championship, which runs from December 13-15, will have its weigh-in and medical evaluation exercise on Thursday, December 12 under the supervision of qualified experts. The event marks the end of the Guyana Boxing Association(GBA) 2024 season.
“The Terrence Ali National Open Championship is the most prominent local event on our calendar of activities and fittingly brings to a con-
Director of Sport and GBA President Steve Ninvalle
clusion a very successful and fruitful year for the discipline.
“Traditionally, the championship has served as that bridge or conduit between the realms of amateur and professional, and while the ad-
vancement of the amateur game, both on the local and international circuit, has evolved in every facet, the importance of the event has duly followed suit,” disclosed GBA President Steve Ninvalle.
“This tournament is
an exhibition of Guyana’s best and offers a glimpse into our present and immediate future in the amateur segment or possible professional ranks.
“Household names are established at this juncture, but more important, from a developmental perspective, it is an exhibition in the association’s structural and refinement process of the pugilists’ respective skills given the pathway they would have undertaken from the nursery, novices, and intermediate stages,” continued Ninvalle, the backbone of amateur boxing in Guyana and the English-speaking Caribbean.
A former sports journalist, Ninvalle, who covered the bout when ‘Six Head’ won Guyana’s first world title in the USA, feels that this is a pathway that has been established and built upon given its importance in the overall development of the boxers.
“We aim to strengthen this procedure to ensure that all fighters are properly equipped with the necessary tools, so that they are prepared for the international rigors of an amateur career or the professional realm,” said Ninvalle, who is also the Director of Sport in the oil-rich nation of Guyana.
CHAMPIONS! Mahdia celebrates the title success
ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack hands over the firstplace prize to Mahdia’s captain Raydon Austin
Windies go 1-0 up after Rutherford’s maiden ODI century
…A come-from-behind batting display ended West Indies’ 11-match ODI losing streak against Bangladesh
SHERFANE Rutherford's maiden ODI century helped West Indies break their 11-match losing streak against Bangladesh with a five-wicket win in St Kitts.
The home side hunt -
five wickets
Rutherford, who was struck twice on his helmet during his innings, reached his century when Bangladesh conceded six runs via overthrows in the 47th over.
He celebrated the mile-
ODIs, becoming the third West Indian after Gordon Greenidge and Chris Gayle, who have six in a row each, to achieve this feat.
Rutherford added 99 runs for the fourth wicket with captain Shai Hope,
short ball had him caught at short midwicket in a disappointing dismissal for the in-form West Indies batter.
The home side slowed down significantly during this third-wicket partnership, and the required rate
ed down a target of 295 to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with Rutherford's 80-ball 113 comprehensively overturning a slow start to the chase.
West Indies, who had at one point needed 161 off 114 balls, reached their target with 14 balls remaining.
(Scores:West Indies 295 for 5 (Rutherford 113, Hope 86, Greaves 41*) beat Bangladesh 294 for 6 (Mehidy 74, Tanzid 60, Mahmadullah 50*, Shepherd 3-51) by
stone with consecutive sixes off Soumya Sarkar, over long-off and midwicket. Then he squeezed one to short third man, where Nahid Rana completed a catch, but by then West Indies only needed seven more.
Rutherford struck seven fours and eight sixes as he went from 19 off 29 balls in the 32nd over to score a further 94 runs in 51 balls.
He now has five consecutive 50-plus scores in
who contributed an 88-ball 86 after coming in at 27 for 2.
Then Rutherford and Justin Greaves blasted 95 runs off just 57 balls for the fifth wicket. Greaves scored the winning runs, and finished on an unbeaten 41 off 31 balls with five fours.
They added 67 runs in the following 13.3 overs for the third wicket, with Carty scoring a cautious 21 off 37 balls. Rishad Hossain's
reached eight an over with 21 overs remaining in the chase. That's when Hope slammed his opposite number Mehidy Hasan Miraz down the ground for six. It broke a spell of 28 balls without a boundary.
That hit opened the floodgates as Rutherford struck Mehidy for a four and a six in the 32nd over, before driving Taskin for a boundary in the 33rd. Hope hammered Rishad down the ground for sixes in consec-
utive overs, and Rutherford, bothered by the short ball until this point, pulled Rana for a six in between. He reached his fifty in the 36th over.
Mehidy then gave Bangladesh a lifeline when he had Hope caught at deep midwicket, but the 99-run fourth wicket stand had already given West Indies much-needed impetus.
Greaves then hit three fours in as many overs, and ensured he kept the momentum going.
Rutherford then upped the ante when he pulled Tanzim for his third six, following it up with his fourth in the following over off Mehidy. Rutherford reached his highest ODI score in the 43rd over, with twin sixes off Taskin. When Greaves carved Tanzim through the covers in the following over, West Indies' required rate came down to a run a ball, with just 37 needed.
Bangladesh's innings had also revolved around three significant partnerships. They got off to a quick start before Soumya Sarkar fell in the fifth over. Soumya, fresh from becoming the GSL's Player of the Tournament, struck Alzarri Joseph for consecutive fours before falling caught behind later in the same over. Litton Das followed him shortly afterwards, getting caught behind to Romario Shepherd.
Tanzid Hasan, however had already struck a straight six and three fours. He added 79 runs for the third wicket captain Mehidy, who survived two chances, with Carty dropping him on
1 and 31. Mehidy rode his luck, top scoring with 74. Tanzid looked by far the more confident of the two, hitting two more sixes over long-off and finding boundaries all around the wicket.
Tanzid, however, fell against the run of play in the 24th over when Alzarri Joseph had him caught at point. He made a run-aball 60, walking off disappointed at missing out on a bigger score. Mehidy meanwhile continued to rotate the strike with the returning Afif Hossain. The fourth-wicket pair added 54 before Shepherd got Afif caught on the leg-side boundary.
Mehidy eventually made 74 off 101 balls, hitting six fours and a superb whipped six over fine-leg off Jayden Seales. He fell to the same bowler in the 38th over, skying to extra cover where Rutherford took the catch.
Mehidy had laid the perfect foundation for Jaker Ali and Mahmudullah, who added 96 runs for the sixth wicket, 84 of which came in the last ten overs. Mahmudullah smashed three sixes on the leg side, and as many fours, in his unbeaten 50 off 44 balls.
Jaker also struck three sixes, one of them off Joseph landing outside the stadium's premises. He made 48 off 40 balls, falling off the penultimate ball of the innings to Shepherd, who finished with three wickets. Jaker and Mahmudullah struck all their six sixes in the last 6.3 overs of Bangladesh's innings. (ESPN Cricinfo)
Sherfane Rutherford converted his fifth successive 50-plus score into his maiden ODI hundred (Athelstan Bellamy)
