Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 12-01-2024

FRIDAY 12th January, 2024

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUSIVE

No. 107321

Budget 2024 has no new taxes SEE PAGE

- Dr. Jagdeo says; affirms it will reflect continued support for progressive annual accumulation of wealth, welfare of citizens

Mocha-Arcadia to get further ‘agri’ boost

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SEE PAGE

- water woes, other issues to be addressed, President Ali says in immediate response to residents

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Responding immediately to requests of residents and farmers of Mocha-Arcadia on the East Bank of Demerara, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has committed to providing support in establishing an integrated farm, and the delivery of mobile pumps to support the community’s food production and overall agricultural drive (Office of the President photos)

‘You can’t President Ali, VP Jagdeo listed among speakers change facts’ slated for Jamaica Stock SEE PAGE

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- APNU has no history of economic achievements, Dr. Jagdeo says - criticises party for seeking to avoid scrutiny of its record in government, lack of plans

Guyana, US advance talks on military partnership

SEE PAGE

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- share mutual interest in enhancing security, stability in the Western Hemisphere

Exchange Conference Mashramani 2024 promises to be biggest ever cultural celebration SEE PAGE

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SEE PAGE

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Budget 2024 has no new taxes

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

- Dr. Jagdeo says; affirms it will reflect continued support for progressive annual accumulation of wealth, welfare of citizens

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday, said that Budget 2024 will not include any new taxes.

Dr. Jagdeo, while responding to questions on plans for the fiscal year at his weekly news conference, said: “At the national level, there will be no new taxes.”

He further said that this year’s budget will see the continuation of many infrastructural projects, both at the national and community levels.

“You are going to see the continuation of infrastructure, as we said before, of different nature; you are going to see economic infrastructure continuing, projects that will expand our productive capacity.

“You will see support for industries. You will see social infrastructure, that’s community roads, health centres, health facilities, and educa-

tion facilities recreational facilities, large amongst being done in the communities themselves,” he related.

Guyanese, Dr. Jagdeo said, the country could expect to see the continued support of progressive annual accumulation of wealth and welfare to citizens.

“You will see more help to vulnerable groups, significant support to women [and] elderly. There are specific initiatives that would tackle those in a major way that you will see. You’re going to continue to see support for job creation and expansion of job creation,” the General Secretary said.

The reality of what will be included in the budget is a direct response to the narrative of the opposition that the budget will deliver no real gains to people.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh on Monday

announced that Budget 2024 will be presented to the National Assembly on Monday, January 15, 2024.

In keeping with the government’s consultative approach to governance, Dr. Singh has been, over the last several months, meeting and consulting with various stakeholders, including the private sector.

Only last week, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, accompanied by a number of government ministers, led the turning of the sod for a new US$35 million four-lane Mackenzie/ Bridge at Linden, Region 10.

While there, the Head of State said the new bridge is not “a stand-alone” project, but part of a huge developmental plan for the region and the country. Last week, as well, as the government continued on its aggressive development thrust, the sod was turned for a new US$161 million Regional Hospital at New Amsterdam, one of

several modern hospitals being constructed around the country as part of the government’s agenda to provide world-class services to citizens.

The Head of State also led a government team in turning the sod for the new US$28 million 12-storey Brickdam Police Station.

During that event, President Ali indicated that his government is developing a security architecture that will focus on proactive and intelligent policing to create a culture of peace and prosperity in Guyana.

In his New Year’s speech to the nation, the President had indicated: “We have set Guyana on a course of sustained growth and prosperity,” and that this year “will see us advance more rapidly along this path as we shape the destiny of present and future generations.”

This budget will detail the government’s expenditure

‘You can’t change facts’

By Trina Williams

WHILE schooling Opposition Economist Elson Low on his misguided approach to the issue of inflation, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)

General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, said that this is a ruse to distract Guyanese from the APNU+AFC’s unsuccessful tenure in office.

During a press conference at Freedom House

on Thursday, Dr Jagdeo responded to Lowe’s comment that implied that inflation is a choice.

Inflation is defined as the sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an

PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

and revenue plans for the coming year. It is also expected to continue the trend of delivering on its promises to continuously improve the life of every Guyanese.

President Ali, during his New Year speech, had also noted that Guyanese are going to benefit from improved infrastructural and public services, including water, housing and education, and several major road projects that are slated for completion to make commuting easier.

Budget 2024 aligns with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration’s Manifesto of 2020, which laid the foundation for prosperity for all.

It will be shaped upon two primary pillars, which include the implementation of mechanisms aimed at increasing disposable income in the hands of citizens, and

the development of Guyana’s economic and social infrastructure.

Last year, on January 16, Dr. Singh presented a $789.1 billion budget in the National Assembly, under the theme, “Improving Lives Today, Building Prosperity for Tomorrow.”

That budget saw critical development programmes for the government being fast-tracked, and many more expanded to reflect its continued transformational agenda for the country.

This year’s budget will be the fifth to be presented by the current administration since it assumed office in August 2020, and is the fourth by Dr. Singh, who commenced his current tenure as Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance in November 2020.

- APNU has no history of economic achievements, Dr Jagdeo says - criticises party for seeking to avoid scrutiny of its record in government, lack of plans

economy over a period of time. The rate of inflation is traditionally measured by the percentage change in a selected basket of consumer goods and services.

Low, during his party’s press conference, said: “Just because there is inflation somewhere in the world, means that Guyana has to have inflation.”

While criticising Low’s inability to understand basic economics, the PPP General Secretary remarked that this was a ploy to create an “alternative narrative.”

“But I guess Low is part of a very desperate camp that is seeking to avoid scrutiny of its record in government and secondly, its lack of plans,” he said.

Dr Jagdeo related that despite the narratives that the Opposition is trying to peddle, this shall remain fruitless as history cannot be altered.

“Now you can’t change facts… The fact of the matter is APNU does not have a history of economic achievements,” he firmly remarked.

Dr Jagdeo also went on to speak about Guyana’s economy during the 28 years under the PNC, and the outcomes such as the

nation becoming one of the poorest countries in the world, with no opportunities for citizens.

Similarly, when the PNC-R-controlled APNU+AFC government was in office from 2015-2020, there were a number of issues which included massive job losses, the slew of taxes that were placed on the backs Guyanese, the removal of the ‘Because We Care’ grant, and the addition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on water and electricity, among other things which the General Secretary highlighted.

He related: “It’s a fact of the matter that it’s the most rapid growth of taxation in our entire history, that over 200 taxes and fees were instituted. The government collected nearly over $80 billion dollars more in taxes in that period.

That’s their record.”

In response to the claim from the opposition that it has a huge developmental plan for Guyana, Dr Jagdeo said their track record in office and even their campaign trail leading up to the 2015 General and Regional Elections saw numerous promises being made but barely anything fulfilled.

To put things into per-

spective, on the subject of job creation, in 2017 the former APNU+AFC 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.

However, with Guyana’s economy back on its feet and citizens being able to embrace its abundant benefits, Dr Jagdeo had announced since assuming office in 2020, more than 50,000 people have become employed under the PPP/C government.

Additionally, since the PPP/C assumed office, tax reforms have formed part of the government’s wider agenda to improve the quality of life in Guyana and address immediate economic challenges that affect Guyanese.

These include the removal of VAT from water and electricity, building and construction materials, basic food items and household necessities, with which the previous APNU+AFC government had burdened Guyanese.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

Mocha-Arcadia to get further ‘agri’ boost - water woes, other issues to be addressed, President Ali says in immediate response to residents

By Naomi Parris RESPONDING immediately to the requests of residents and farmers of Mocha Arcadia on the East Bank of Demerara, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has committed to providing support in establishing an integrated farm, and the delivery of mobile pumps to support the community’s food production and overall agriculture drive.

During a walkabout exercise and engagement with residents of the community on Thursday evening, several residents highlighted the need for additional agricultural inputs such as seedlings.

“Today, I wanted to evaluate in Mocha what are the new areas, and how do we expand some of the areas that we have already started working on. One of the things that I want to have in this area is to have as much young people and single mothers participating in food production and agriculture, to work with our farmers, and to participate in agriculture,” President Ali told residents.

During the engagement, several young men and women signalled their de-

Residents and farmers of Mocha-Arcadia on the East Bank of Demerara, engaged President Dr. Irfaan Ali and other government officials on Thursday evening (DPI photo) sire to expand their current poultry and cash-crop farms.

“Right now, I planting some plantain suckers by the dam there suh, and I would like to ask for 1,000 more. I have about 300, and I want a thousand,” one young man said while engaging the president and

other officials.

Another resident signalled their interest in establishing a shade house.

In response, the president suggested that farmers organise themselves into a consortium to establish an integrated farm. Through this approach, the president explained, the government

PPP congress set for May

THE governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) will be hosting its congress to elect a new leadership in May of this year.

This was according to the party’s General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference at Freedom House on Thurs-

day.

Dr. Jagdeo told reporters that the party’s Central Executive Committee met last weekend and decided that the congress will sit in May. The PPP had elected Dr. Jagdeo who was the then Leader of the Opposition, as its General-Secretary in

2017. The incumbent Dr. Jagdeo said that he is yet to decide if he will contest for re-election.

“I will decide whether I will contest at that time, but right now I am General Secretary until those elections are held,” he said.

can provide better support.

“If we can get ten of them to come together who got two acres or three acres each, or one acre each, we get 30 acres together, we will work with you on designing an integrated farm.

What we can help you to do is get one big integrated farm, where we will have poultry, pig rearing [and] shade house,” Dr. Ali said.

Another man disclosed that some farmers have been finding it difficult to access water due to low pressure, and the president immediately committed to delivering a mobile water pump.

Aside from agriculture, residents complained that the community’s water pressure has been extremely low, and that they, for some time, have been affected by discoloured wa-

ter.

The President further disclosed that works are underway to establish water wells in the community, and once this is completed, clean potable water will be available to them.

He further urged officials of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), who were also present during the community engagement, to address the matter with urgency.

Meanwhile, Agriculture

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha disclosed that the government has already delivered on previous commitments to the community.

Both the agriculture minister and the president had visited the community on several occasions.

“The president came and he would have made a number of commitments, and I am happy to say in front of the president and in front of you all (residents) that we would have fulfilled all the commitments that the president came here and made in agriculture,” the minister said.

According to Mustapha, 19 canals were excavated, and 25 farmer drains and beds have been completed as per requests by residents.

Meanwhile, support in the form of agriculture inputs such as seedlings and small ruminants for poultry were also made available to farmers.

“We have given black giants to residents in this community. We have given livestock pigs, we have given breeding stocks, ram goats; a number of livestock we have given.

“This shows our concern; that shows our commitment to all the areas in Guyana, and we will continue to deliver on our commitment,” Minister Mustapha said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

Guyana, US advance talks on military partnership

- share mutual interest in enhancing security, stability in the Western Hemisphere CHIEF-OF-STAFF of the Guyana Defence Force Brigadier Omar Khan welcomed US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Western Hemisphere, Mr. Daniel Erikson, and Mr. Amon Killeen from the Western Hemisphere Office of the Under Secretary of Defence for a courtesy call and meeting at Defence Headquarters on Monday, January 8, 2024.

Commander of the Office of Security Cooperation at the US Embassy, Lieutenant Colonel John Oeffinger accompanied the officials.

Also on the Guyana Defence Force team were

Colonel General Staff Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, Colonel Administration and Quartering Captain (CG) Vernon Burnett, Staff Officer One Special Duties, Lieutenant Colonel Selwyn Austin, Staff Officer One General Three – Operations and Training, Colonel Andy Pompey and Officer Commanding of the Signal Corps, Commander Roger Nurse.

During the meeting, Brigadier Khan expressed his appreciation for the existing relations between Guyana and the United States, underscoring the importance of collaboration in addressing shared security concerns. Mr. Erikson, on his first trip

Chief-Of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Brigadier Omar Khan welcomed US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Western Hemisphere, Mr. Daniel Erikson, and Mr. Amon Killeen from the Western Hemisphere Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for a courtesy call and meeting at Defence Headquarters on Monday, January 8, 2024

to Guyana, conveyed his pleasure at visiting during this period of development in the region.

Discussions between the officials covered a wide range of topics, fo-

cusing on areas for further defense cooperation.

Both parties highlighted the mutual interest in strengthening diplomatic and military ties to enhance security and stabil-

ity in the Western Hemisphere.

Mr Erikson and his team also visited Base Camp Stephenson where he interacted with the C o m m a n d i n g O ff i c e r of the Training Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Eon

Murray, and other Senior Officers.

As the dialogue between Guyana and the United States continues, both nations look forward to a strengthened partnership for the benefit of regional security.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

Mashramani 2024 promises to be biggest ever cultural celebration

MASHRAMANI 2024, a fervent celebration of Guyanese culture promises to be the biggest celebration to date as preparations commence.

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Director of National Events, Andrew Tyndall told the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Monday that Guyanese can expect more vibrant and creative costume bands, a lively parade, and high-quality performances by local artistes.

“The ministry is working to make this year’s Mash the biggest Mash to date. We are engaging the private sector to encourage them to participate in the costume and float parade. One of our targets this year is to have more costume bands on the Road Mash,” he explained.

Additionally, Mashramani events will also be expanded to Regions Three (Essequibo Isl a n d s - We s t D e m e rara), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to ensure every citizen feels more connected to the annual festivities, and is engrossed in the jubilation.

D i r e c t o r Ty n d a l l noted that this year, the ministry has added Dancehall to the list of categories for its annual Soca Monarch competition, which is designed to spotlight the diversity of musical talent in Guyana.

He said, “We spoke

with the young people, and this is something that the young people want. This is a genre that they have been into, and we are going to create a platform for them to express their art, and express their talents, because the ministry is all about promoting the development of our young people and their talents.”

The inclusion of the new dancehall competi-

tion in the Mashramani 2024 lineup is also part of the ministry’s plan to evolve and enrich the festival, which is a unique and important Guyanese product.

Guyanese are encouraged to participate in the Mashramani Costume and Float Parade and other events in celebration of the country’s Republic Day.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

Protecting Consumers

GUYANA’S growing economy has created opportunities for many to open businesses and supply much-needed goods and services to the populace.

Government has also laid the groundwork for the ease in doing business here and for many in this sector to expand their operations without any hassle or unnecessary roadblocks.

However, some newcomers and long-standing members of the business community may have deliberately forgotten that there exists laws to protect the consuming public which are enforced by several entities.

One of them is the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) which is an arm of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.

This entity has been quite active in 2023 having had to deal with consumer grievances to the tune of $481.3 million. The figures for 2021 and 2022 are $157 million and $107 million respectively. These, combined with the 2023 figure, reflect a shocking story and should be of grave concern to all.

These figures send a clear message to businesses that consumers are aware of their rights and are utilising

the appropriate channels to seek redress against duplicitous persons who seek to rob them of their hard earned money.

In fact, CCAC which has clearly made an impact through its countrywide public awareness sessions, has taken noted of the 84 per cent surge in the value of the complaints made. Further, for 2023, there was a total of 492 complaints which represents a 20 per cent increase over the number last year.

As expected, the highest number of complaints came from Region Four and the auto industry accounted

for the highest value of complaints to the value of $280,399,901.

The law provides for this entity to investigate the complaints of aggrieved consumers and lobby on their behalf with a view of seeking a satisfactory resolution which may include advocating for appropriate action if there was a contravention of the law.

Throughout 2023, the CCAC utilised social media to educate the public about their rights when it comes to refunds, exchanges and contracts with businesses.

Based on the daily rantings, the 492 complaints

made last year might just be a fraction of the consumers who have been left disappointed and angry with their purchases or the services provided to them.

Disgruntles consumers also have the option of seeking redress at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) which ensures that standards are enforced to protect consumers against poor quality products and services and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) which handles complaints coming out of the electricity, telecommunications, water and sewerage sectors. The PUC deals with

hundreds of complaints each year and awards millions of dollars in credit to consumers annually.

While it may take time for complaints to be investigated and brought to finality, it must not escape our attention that many have gotten relief.

Businesses and services providers must be held accountable for their wrongdoings. Further, no effort should be spared to ensure that consumers are treated fairly at all times as they are integral to the survival of many businesses and the country’s continuous growth.

When will other PNC members see the ‘daylight?’

Dear Editor,

THE Prime Minister of Barbados had referred to the fickle-minded PNC’s conniving political manoeuvres as “gamesmanship.”

Guyanese refer to them as humourously “politricks” which may momentarily tickle, but surely put them in a pickle.

Former President David Granger brazenly advertised his party’s modus operandi in gaining power in November 2017, when he addressed a gathering in Atlanta, Georgia, saying: “You have to ask yourself how the PNC gained office did in 1964? Ask yourself how did the PNC remain in office, and what did it do during that period? Ask yourself how did the PNC regain office in 2015, and ask yourself how will the PNC retain office after 2020?”

The answer is not calmly blowing in the wind but

coldly reverberating in the prickled consciences of the guilty ones! More evidence required?

Guyanese suffered the indignity of being embarrassed both at home and abroad when the world watched a barefaced attempt at wholesale robbery of democracy, an election and a nation by the PNC party during the 2020 elections fiasco.

Still nurturing a painful wound from losing a fair and free election and wearing a political albatross around the neck, the party was further put to shame when their poor and porous election petition case dealing with the recount of the election result was thrown out by the Guyana Court of Appeal in December 2023.

This sealed the finality that the election was fair and free and Dr. Irfaan Ali was duly elected as the legal and legitimate President of Guyana. Ready to shake hands

LOO? It would appear as if that party took no pride in respecting the law, upholding the Constitution of the country and abiding by established rules and regulations in order to execute and maintain law and order.

A party, branded for life as “election riggers,” saw the CCJ throwing out their case in October 2022 when they challenged the results of the March 2, 2020 polls.

In July, 2020, the CCJ ruled that the judgment handed down by the Guyana Court of Appeal on 22 June 2020, which judgment was used by the Chief Election Officer (CEO) to invalidate over 100,000 votes, was invalid. Humiliation identifies the PNC’s DNA? The PNC is known for brute force and being a bully.

Justice Wit, one of the five judges who had presided over Guyana’s constitutional case regarding GECOM Chairman

Patterson had advised, “presidents should not be in court, they should govern.”

Former President Granger had asserted that, the requirements for the position of GECOM Chairman should incorporate the general characteristics of integrity, honesty, faithfulness and diligence and also, the person should have no political affiliation.

Apparently, past GECOM Chairman Reverend Patterson who was appointed by Granger was found lacking in these criteria which were so crucial and critical. A ruling delivered by the CCJ against the PNC on June 18, 2019, stated: “Justice Patterson [‘s] [appointment] as Chairman of the Elections Commission of Guyana was flawed and in breach of Article 161(2) of the Constitution.” Who was “fit and proppa?”

The PNC is infamous for illegal participation. On July 12, 2019, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled

that the no-confidence motion of December 21, 2018, was successfully carried. One of the PNC’s members voted against the party’s management in governing the affairs of the country.

That paved the way for new elections in Guyana to be held in three months.

Granger’s government used Persaud’s double nationality as an issue to dispute the legality of the no-confidence vote.

The conniving and callous PNC party dragged on the postponement of elections until March 2, 2020. While being in a caretaker mode, the unscrupulous PNC Government went on a shopping, spending and sporting spree.

More shocking findings to be revealed from the Auditor General’s 2015-2020 report?

In “the recovery of our democratic rights,” President Irfaan Ali said: “It was an historic moment in our nation’s life. We, the people,

decided that the history of rigged and stolen elections, which we suffered in the past, would not be tolerated then or at any time in the future.

We established, with resolve, that Guyana and the Guyanese people are committed to democracy and democratic principles, including respect for the decision of the majority.” Who rode on the back of “integrity?”

He had set up a Commission of Inquiry (CoI). After his government’s first-year anniversary in office, he reconfirmed his administration’s aim to establish a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to examine what had transpired in the 2020 General and Regional Elections at a virtual press briefing, “So that never again can we experience such a barefaced attempt at facilitating and attempts to steal an election.” How “honest” can the PNC be?

Continued on page 7

Courageous OP-ED South Africa

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

SOUTH Africa’s action in taking Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is an act that is saving the conscience of humanity of the world’s peoples.

Almost all the decent-minded persons in our world are against the genocide that Israel is conducting in Gaza, but our governments are generally deafen-

ingly silent.

There could be more than one reason for this. However, the main cause is most likely the unconditional support that the US, UK, and many countries in the EU are giving to Israel. Therefore, many third world countries are deathly afraid of being sanctioned by the powerful Israeli supporters.

South Africa’s humanitarian stance has helped us to expose the real nature of the governments in the Middle East. They are only paying lip services and not taking any action to halt the wholesale killings taking place.

Many countries use this as an excuse for not condemning the genocide and to turn a Nelson’s eye to the slaughter

of innocent civilians.

South Africa’s stance is one of the greatest acts of solidarity to assist the unarmed women, children and other innocent civilians. The only equivalence we have to what Israel is doing in Gaza is the actions of the fascists in Europe in the 1940s. This must stop. South Africa’s case is the most tangible act

of support so far undertaken.

I wish to urge our CARICOM countries to join South Africa in its action. This would be meaningful solidarity so desperately needed at this time.

CARICOM countries should join with Belize, one of the countries whose administration has demonstrated courage and integrity, in

By Donald Ramotar, former President of Guyana

standing up to Israel and her backers in the holocaust taking place in the Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The government and people of South Africa must not be left alone in their brave action. We in the region must stand with them as they stand for life and not death!

AFC attempting to influence/give directives to PPC

Dear Editor,

I am compelled to respond to the Alliance for Change’s (AFC) press statement dated January 10, 2024 (Stabroek News), in relation to the aforesaid subject matter. For ease of reference, the AFC refers to the Public Procurement Commission’s (PPC/the Commission) press statement that was published in the media on January 8, 2024, wherein the PPC had cause to correct a series of inaccuracies and unfounded allegations peddled by AFC Member of Parliament, Mr. David Patterson.

The subject of contention is in respect of a complaint brought to the PPC by Akamai (the complainant), whereby the complainant registered an application for an administrative review.

Accordingly, a review was carried out as per the constitutional functions of the PPC. Having concluded the matter, a summary report on the findings and proposed remedial actions was subsequently published on the PPC’s website, which was also dispatched to the procuring entity, the National Tender and Procurement Administration Board (NPTAB) and the complainant.

The AFC contends that… “[t]he current PPC

investigative report is despicably unacceptable. It merely reaffirms NPTAB’s report without any scrutiny or examination as was done by its predecessor. It is incomprehensible that the current PPC has determined that it has no authority to even request complainants to substantiate information as to documentation provided at the time of bidding; nor obtaining responses from NPTAB or the procuring agencies to verify what those agencies are asserting”.

Further, the AFC asserted: “…like good police work, there is no need for witnesses to be subpoenaed nor sworn as per a trial in the High Court. This PPC has constructed walls to prevent it to proceed forward…. The AFC believes that the Commission must also state the dissenting report of any dissenting Commissioner. In the Akamai case, the AFC nominated Commissioner, Dianna Rajcumar, correctly wanted the complainant to be engaged in the investigation procedure before determining the report”.

Given that the AFC cited their nominated Commissioner’s position; thus, I am seizing this opportunity to disclose some of my own contentions, positions and questions posed to the AFC nominated Commissioner

during the deliberations.

Indeed, Commissioner Rajcumar requested for the complainant to be engaged, to which I posed the question… “to what end”?

The Commissioner’s verbatim response was: “I don’t know”. Observably, it has become a norm for the AFC nominated Commissioner, in her deliberations, failing consistently to justify her positions objectively and adequately.

In fact, on multiple occasions during our deliberations at the Commission’s statutory meetings, I have had to remind my learned colleague (the AFC nominated Commissioner) about our constitutional duties and obligations pursuant to Article 212W (2) which states that “the Commission shall be independent, impartial, and shall discharge its functions fairly”.

This means that the commissioners ought not to subject themselves to political influence or directives. Yet, this fundamental principle seems to evade my colleague from the AFC. Similarly, l wish to draw the AFC’s attention to Article 212W (2) of the supreme law of the land―that is, the Guyana Constitution. In this respect, the PPC as a constitutional body is not subject to political influence or directives. As it would appear, the AFC is patent-

ly attempting to do so, as demonstrated, inter alia, in their press statement dated January 8, 2024.

Be that as it may, hereunder, I would like to address some of the key issues raised by the AFC as it pertains to the matter brought to the PPC by the complainant.

The AFC, a political entity, is effectively attempting to direct the PPC, an independent constitutional body, on how it must conduct an investigation, by expressly stating that it must do so “like good police work”.

Unfortunately, in the current legislative framework, the PPC does not have the legislative authority to conduct “investigations” within a broad, undefined, and unlimited parameters.

To that end, Article 212 AA (1) (h) of the Constitution as per the functions of the PPC states…” investigate complaints from suppliers, contractors and public entities and propose remedial action”, and 212 AA (1) (i) states…” investigate cases of irregularity and mismanagement and propose remedial action”.

In so far as the investigative function of the PPC is concerned, based on my interpretation of Article 212 AA (1) (h) & (i), it is limited to determining whether there are cases of irregularities established, viz-á-viz,

breaches of the Procurement Act and/or the Procurement Regulation (s).

Hence, the Commission is constitutionally restricted Continued on page 8

When will other PNC members see ...

From page 6

The CoI which began on November 3, 2022 and ended on February 10, 2023, saw over 20 witnesses presenting evidence. It was chaired by John Carl A. Singh, former acting Chancellor of the Guyana Judiciary, and Justice of Appeal Godfrey Smith.

The report cited three former senior officers of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) sought to “derail and corrupt” the process of certifying the votes. According to the CoI report, former Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO) Roxanne Myers, and Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo made “shockingly brazen attempts…to steal the election” in favour of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government. They, along with others are facing fraud charges and awaiting trial in the court. When will be the “Day of Judgement?”

According to the commissioners, the former senior GECOM officials “abandoned all need for neutrality and impartiality and demonstrated a bias for a competing political party and, in the course of events over those days, demonstrated an open connection with that party and sought a desired result for that party.” Do facts and figures lie?

In May 2021, former Municipal Councillor for Region Ten (10), Lennox Gaspar, resigned with immediate effect from the PNC. His resignation stated, “It was indeed an unbearably frightening experience that after 23 years in opposition, the PNCR under the coalition banner was barefacedly seeking to rig the elections in full view of Guyanese and the rest of the world.” Many more made a similar decision. When will the others see the “daylight?”

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

AFC attempting to influence/give directives... to the proposal of remedial actions pursuant to Article 212 AA (1) of the Constitution, which it did in the case of Akamai. Consequently, the Commission has no legal power[s] to institute any action[s], for example, by way of penalties based on any such findings.

In this regard, attention is drawn to the functions of the Commission pursuant to Article 212 AA (1) (I) which states…” liaise with and refer matters to the police and the Auditor General…”. In this instance, as part of the proposed remedial actions available to the complainant to explore, if he so wishes, the Commission recommended that “the forum for settlement of such conflicts, should they arise, would be the court” (Summary of findings report: paragraph

5).

In other words, the PPC cannot assume the functions of other institutions such as the Guyana Police Force, the Auditor General or a court of law, as the AFC expects. If the PPC chooses to do so, then in my view, these could be regarded as constitutional excesses.

With respect to the “documented evidence”, Mr. David Patterson in his missive of January 6, 2024, argued that the PPC failed to highlight that Section 5 (5) (a) of the Procurement Act specifically states, “a procuring entity may not disqualify a supplier or contractor on the ground that information the information submitted concerning the qualifications of supplier or contractor was inaccurate or incomplete in a non-material respect”.

However, I am hardpressed to assert that Mr. Patterson may have mischievously and deliberately incorrectly quoted Section 5 (5) (a) of the Procurement Act (Cap: 73:05), unless he mistakenly cited another country’s procurement law.

In so doing, he inserted “words” that are not there in this subsection of the Act... the words… “not” disqualify, and “non”-material.

Section 5 (5) (a) of the Procurement Act actually states…” A procuring entity may disqualify a supplier or contractor if it finds at any time that the supplier or contractor knowingly submitted information concerning the qualifications of the supplier or contractor that was materially inaccurate, incomplete, or false. A supplier or contractor that

has been disqualified pursuant to this paragraph may be subject to such sanctions as the National Board may impose”.

The complainant acknowledged that a spreadsheet comprising a list of previous contracts was supplied as part of the bid, as per the evaluation criteria (10). This was not accepted as documented evidence by the evaluation committee.

The AFC is disputing this on the basis that the format was not prescribed. But this is an inaccurate claim on the part of the AFC, that the format was not prescribed.

The evaluation criteria (10) required the contractor or supplier to “demonstrate experience by providing documentary evidence that shows: a) similar goods were provided in at least one (1) contract in the last two (2) years to a minimum value of (GYD$5,000,000).”

Undoubtedly, a “spreadsheet” cannot be deemed “documentary evidence” in compliance with the aforementioned evaluation criteria (10), though I understand and appreciate the AFC’s acceptance of such

as evidence, constructed upon the infamous fraudulent “spreadsheet” for the Region Four General and Regional Elections result in 2020, instead of the Statement of Polls (SOPs).

Notwithstanding, as far as I am concerned, a “spreadsheet with a list of contracts” does not conform to strict documentary evidence. Obviously, documentary evidence would have been a copy of a contract (explicitly stated in criteria no.10). Alternatively, in lieu of a past contract, perhaps a purchase order (s) and/ or an invoice (s) valuing a minimum of $5 million, may have sufficed versus a spreadsheet.

In the final analysis, it is worth noting that the AFC’s apparent special interest in this specific matter is alarming. Of note, there is another similar case for Motiram that the AFC strangely ignored or probably have no interest in.

This begs the question: How is it that the AFC assumed a third-party role in representing this matter on behalf of the complainant (Akamai), whereas this is an

issue between the supplier (complainant) and the Commission? This observation raises a number of questions and red flags.

Is it that the AFC, or Mr. Patterson a silent partner in Akamai? Does he or the AFC have a personal vested interest? If the PPC was to honour the politically motivated directives of the AFC, should the PPC question the AFC’s and Mr. David Patterson’s modus operandi in relation to this matter?

Notably, a review of Akamai’s website revealed that Akamai was incorporated in 2019, and the company started to procure and store polo mounted transformers sizes 15 to 50 KVA. This seems to be a plausible explanation in the premises.

Therefore, should the PPC investigate the abovementioned allegations in order to determine the relationship, if any, between Akamai and the AFC/David Patterson as well?

Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin Commissioner, PPC

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

GRA/CANU seize ‘uncustomed’ alcohol, foreign chicken, cigarettes at No. 66 Village

LAW Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) Officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), in a joint operation with the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), seized a motor vessel in the vicinity of the No. 66 Village, Berbice, containing quantities of uncustomed alcoholic beverages (Heineken and Corona Beers), foreign chicken and cigarettes with an estimated value of $5.5 million.

According to a press release, the perpetrators of the act, upon seeing the officers, made good their escape. The uncustomed goods and motor vessel were secured pending the outcome of further investigations which have commenced.

“GRA wishes to remind the public of its “zero tolerance” approach to smuggling, and anyone who attempts to import or export goods with intent to defraud the Revenue Authority of any duties is guilty of an offence and may be liable to penalties and/or imprisonment in accordance with Section 218 of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01,” GRA said.

The Guyana Revenue Authority encouraged the public to report any illicit, unlawful or smuggling activities on telephone number 227-6060, Extensions 3201, 3204, 3205, 3206, 3211, 3212, or 3408.

“All information provided will be dealt with strict confidentiality and such persons may be rewarded in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01,” GRA said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

Region Two youths urged to grab opportunities in ‘agri’ sector, pursue studies at GSA

REGION Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva is urging young people in Region Two to pursue studies at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) so that they can capitalise on the many opportunities that exist in the agricultural sector.

De Silva made this comment at the first meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for 2024,

which was held on Wednesday in the RDC boardroom.

Emphasising that government has been investing in training programmes and providing much-needed resources, De Silva said that lands are opening up in the region for agricultural purposes and as such, young people should see a future for themselves in the sector.

While addressing councillors, she revealed that

very soon over 200 young people in the region will benefit from a $200M hydroponic project. She said the project was launched

by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali himself and will focus on empowering youths, women and local entrepreneurs in the region.

De Silva said that in addition to the high-technology farms, the government has invested in agro-pro-

cessing facilities to help entrepreneurs package their produce.

She said that the region has built several community roads so that produce can be transported from farm to market with ease.

The road at Onderneeming Sandpit was also improved so that persons can have better access to the lands that were recently made available for farming.

Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva

In Mashabo, more lands were cleared for the massive cultivation of various crops.

“I want youths in these areas to grasp the opportunities, train yourselves in the fields so that you yourself can open your own business. I am in the business of agro-processing and I can tell you it has great offers,” De Silva said.

Meanwhile, Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit said that lands were also opened up in the Dartmouth community.

He said more persons can become self-sufficient by becoming involved in

agriculture.

Oodit said the government through the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) is also providing resources and planting materials.

He called on young people to ensure that they continue to explore opportunities in the sector.

Meanwhile, PPP/C councillor Toolsie Narine said that the government is also investing in modern farms. He said that drones were introduced to rice farmers to help them monitor their fields.

Labour Ministry probing workplace accident at Essequibo business

THE Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department is presently investigating a workplace accident that occurred at Imam Bacchus and Sons Complex at Affiance in Region Two. According to reports, Domindra Narayan, an employee, was pressure washing the facility using a 10-foot metal scaffold on January 9, 2024 around 12:45hrs when he slipped and fell to the concrete ground.

The injured man was subsequently transported to the Suddie Public Hospital where he is currently receiving medical treatment for his head injury.

Occupational Safety and Health Officer Naipaul Persaud with responsibility for Region Two, is investigating the circumstances of the accident and is being assisted

by Labour Officer of Region Two, Ravi Persaud.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton expressed his concern about workers being injured on the job

before emphasising the need for good workplace safety and health practices so that similar incidents/accidents which can result in death can be avoided.

He further stated that his ministry, through its OSH Department is aggressively tackling unsafe workplace conditions and unsafe work practices through inspections and audits to reduce the number of accidents that occur.

Minister Hamilton wished the injured employee a speedy recovery and affirmed that a thorough investigation will be conducted to provide answers to the many questions that linger.

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President Ali, VP Jagdeo listed among speakers for Jamaica Stock Exchange Conference

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

HEAVYWEIGHTS from various sectors of the regional economy will converge at the Jamaica Pegasus from January 23-25 for the annual Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) conference held this year under the theme, “The Drivers of Capital: From Concept to Growth.”

JSE’s Neville Ellis, one of the organisers behind the event, is confident that the 2024 meeting will live up to organisers and participants’ usually high expectations.

According to a press release, Ellis said all invited speakers have not yet been confirmed, the JSE organisers are expecting a long list “of highly respected and admired regional leaders” to take the podium over the three days to probe critical business and finance-related issues, company executives and other specialists in various fields anticipate.

The JSE’s Marketing and Communications Manager said the conference will open with presentations by Mr. Kadeen Mairs, Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dequity Capital Management Limited who will examine ‘Micro and Small and Medium Sized Businesses A Cog for Economic Growth’.

H e s a i d M r. A n g u s Young, CEO, NCB Capital Markets Ltd will speak on Turning Tides Stimulating Regional Cooperation. Mr. Gregory Fisher, Managing Director - Head of EM Fixed Income Wealth Management Jefferies, will discuss ‘A Look into the Global Economic Landscape and the Jamaican economy for 2024’.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Mr. Andrew Holness will deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony focusing on ‘Translating Stable Economic Environment into Economic Growth for All’.

Current CARICOM Chairman, Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali will unpack the issue of ‘Funding Mega Projects Through the Capital Markets in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana’.

Following President Ali’s discourse will be a Finance Ministers’ forum addressed

by Dr Nigel Clarke, Finance and Public Service Minister, Jamaica; Prime Minister and Minister of Finance - Commonwealth of The Bahamas Phillip Davis; Minister of Finance, Trinidad and Tobago, Colm Imbert; and Dr Ashni Singh, Senior Minister, Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance – Guyana. They will exchange views on ‘Enhancing the Caribbean Regulatory Framework for Regional Free Flow of Capital’.

Later the second day, there will be a panel discussion on ‘Traditional Indus-

tries Creating a New Era for Sustainability’. Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, Jamaica’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, Floyd Green and Dominica Republic Minister of Industry, Trade and MSMEs, Víctor Bisonó will host that session.

Mr. Anton Edmunds General Manager, Country Department Caribbean Group and Country Representative in Jamaica, IDB Ms. Onyka Barret Principal, Pinnacle Impact International Limited Mr. Sacha Syne General Manager, Corporate & Investment Banking, First Citizens, Trinidad and Tobago, will headline another panel discussion later that day on ‘Integrating the Colors of Capital to Advance Caribbean Sustainability: How Can Companies Lead the Charge for a More Sustainable Business Environment’.

Participants can also sit in on ‘Driving a Successful Capital Market through Market Education and Feedback’ considered by Executive Vice President of the Dominican Stock Exchange, Ms. Eli-

anne Vilchez, JSE’s Managing Director, Dr. Marlene Street-Forrest, and Managing Director, Barbados Stock Exchange, Mr. Marlon Yarde.

The three-day JSE conference will wrap up with several CEO’s moderating the session under the theme, “Meeting the Press: COMPANIES’ OUTLOOK FOR 2024 & BEYOND.” Mr. Christopher Levy, President and CEO, Jamaica Broilers Group Limited; JSE’s Dr. Marlene Street-Forrest Managing; Mr. Ian Dear, CEO, Margaritaville Turks Limited, and Mr. Ivan Anderson, Managing Director, Trans-Jamaican Highway Limited, billed to be the speakers.

Later on the final day, Guyana’s former two-term President, and current Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, will address the topic, ‘LongTerm Planning: Necessary to Sustain the Caribbean’s Wealth Creation’.

A session on ‘From Concept to Growth, Unlocking Opportunities’ will immediately follow Jagdeo’s presentation and will include Mr. Christopher Buchanan, CEO, NCB Capital Markets Ltd.; Barbados’ Mr. Jason Stanford: CEO, AIM Medical (and Recipient of Private Equity Financing); Mr. Jeremy Barnes, CEO, Future Energy Source Company Limited (FESCO).

While Bank of Jamaica’s Governor Mr. Richard Byles will analyse the ‘Twin Peaks Model and Its Effective Implementation’, Angel Investing will speak on ‘The full package - Money Advice Networks Development Bank of Jamaica’, and Mr. John

Stoltzfus, Managing Director - Chief Investment Strategist Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc., will speak on ‘Strategies for Reenergizing the Markets in 2024’.

The ABCs for ‘Growing Small and Medium-Sized Businesses’ falls into the lap of Ms. Lynette Holder, CEO of Bridgetown’s Small Business Association. Mr. Roger Roach, President, Trinidad and Tobago Manufactures’ Association and Mr. Hugh Johnson: Director, Wigton Windfarm Ltd are also listed to speak.

Ms. Eva Mitchell, CEO of T&T’s Stock Exchange will analyse the Regulatory Environment: A Pillar for Confidence and Growth’.

Other speakers on the topic are also expected to be drawn from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE); Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Former PM of Jamaica, and current Opposition Leader, Mr. Mark Golding, will address ‘Moving to Growth: Scholarly Idealism or Realism?’

The will also be a forum examining ‘Monetizing our Cultural Assets: Music, Sports, Entertainment and the Creative Industry’ and Mr. Basil Dawkins, Producer, Playwright, Director, will spearhead that session that will also include Mr. Scott Dunn, Managing Director, Dream Entertainment Limited; Ms. Lilyclaire Bellamy, Executive Director, Jamaica Intellectual Property Office, and Mr. Kingsley Cooper, Executive Chairman, Pulse

Investments Limited.

The penultimate session of the conference will see Keith Collister Executive Chairman ATL Pension Fund/ Chairman Sandals Foundation, speaking on ‘Pension Reform That Accesses Greater Returns for Pensioner’.

Mr. Dennis Zulu, Resident Coordinator in Jamaica, United Nations (UN) will look at the Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Workplace, while Mr. Don Wehby, Group CEO will speak on ‘Preparing the Next Generation for the Helm: Succession Planning’.

The 2024 conference will end off with Mr. Hally Haynes, President, Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU) and Mr. Lambert Johnson, immediate Past President, Jamaica Credit Union League (JCUL) moderating the Conference’s final session under the topic, ‘Positioning Credit Unions to Accelerate Regional Growth’.

JSE’s Ellis disclosed that a number of other key regional private and public officials are expected to join the annual conference which has been attracting a larger crowd. Some 500 persons attended last year and this year’s gathering is expected to surpass it.

“We are upbeat with our plans and preparations. So far everything is moving ahead smoothly as final touches are being put in place to ensure that the conference is successful,” Ellis said.

Five-year-old to undergo surgery after reportedly hit by stray bullet — police on the hunt for tenant who lives in adjoining apartment

POLICE in Regional Police Division #10 are investigating an alleged incident involving a five-year-old child of Lot 218 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, which occurred around 22:00 hrs on Wednesday.

On Thursday, medical personnel from the Linden Hospital complex reported that a child was at the medical institution with a “warhead lodged in her throat.”

Detectives immediately visited the five-year-old child

who was receiving medical attention in the Emergency Room at the Linden Hospital.

The child's mother, Terriann Caesar, a 29-year-old unemployed woman of Lot 218 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, was also contacted by detectives and interviewed.

According to Terriann, around 22:00hrs, she put the child to bed and while she was trying to put her eightmonth-old baby to sleep, she heard the five-year-old

screaming.

She went to the victim and enquired what was wrong and the child said that she had hit her throat. Terriann applied 'Petroleum jelly' to the child's throat and put her back to sleep.

The woman said that around 08:00hrs on Thursday, she saw her five-yearold daughter crying, so she examined her throat and saw that it was swollen. She then took her child to the Macken-

zie Hospital, where she learnt that a bullet was lodged in the victim's neck.

The victim was admitted and is due to undergo surgery to remove the bullet (warhead). Investigations revealed that the victim resides in an apartment, which is on the northern/eastern bottom flat of a two-storey concrete structure.

The apartment has one bedroom, a kitchen and a small living room. There is

a wooden wall to the western side, which separates Terriann's apartment from the front apartment, which is occupied by a male by the name of Shemar.

A small circular hole was seen on the said wall, suspected to be a bullet hole.

The entire scene was processed and photographed.

The area was searched, but no spent shell was found. No one was present in the front apartment when the Police

checked.

Persons in the area were questioned and one neighbour claimed that sometime around 22:00hrs she heard a loud explosion, but she could not say from which direction the sound had emerged. However, just after hearing the explosion, she heard the voice of a child crying. Checks are currently being made to locate Shemar, as investigations continue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

Jumo launches ‘Mash Junction’ to bring back old vibes, energy

GUYANESE singing sensation Jumo ‘Rubber waist’ Primo, has come up with an ingenious plan to keep the vibes and traditions of ‘Mash’ alive with “Mash Junction,” a new initiative, every Saturday, at his 592 Club at Lot 23 John and Norton Streets, Georgetown.

Jumo feels strongly that not enough is being done to celebrate Mashramani the way it was in previous years.

“We are losing it to adapted stuff like carnivals and these things. I don’t have a problem with carnival or anything, but Mash is our own and we are losing the vibe

and energy,” he told Buzz this week, as he explained the idea behind his new initiative.

“Mash belongs to us Guyanese; it is our celebration after hard work. It’s one of the most amazing times for Guyanese; one of the times you see unification, the celebration, people coming together from all walks of life, all races. It’s our culture and I personally feel that we are losing it,” he expressed.

Jumo believes that as soon as the Christmas festivities are over, work should start on Mash. In fact, as soon as one Mash is finished, planning should start for the

Local singing sensation, Jumo Primo

following year, he further posited.

“When you look at places like Barbados, Trinidad, they start preparing for carnival as soon as it is finished. We can’t wait until February to put things in place for Mash,” Jumo noted.

He believes that ‘Mash Junction’ is a way to bring the energy and life back to Mashramani, the way it used to be. “Yes, we can have the carnivals, but Mash is so unique and it’s important to me. I love Mash. It is part of my culture and it is not being treated the way it is supposed to.”

Jumo wants to use ‘Mash

Junction’ as a platform where young artistes can showcase their talent, artistes can promote their new music, persons can showcase their Mash costumes, and even masqueraders can have a space to share their craft.

“People can come and create a vibe for Mash. It’s to create a sense of urgency and pride for Mash. Even the radio stations should chime in to play Mash music and give the vibe.”

‘Mash Junction’ will continue from now until Mashramani and the activities will be streamed live on social media.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

‘Red Flag Man’ by Charmaine Blackman out this week

Guyanese musician, Charmaine Blackman

CHARMAINE Blackman’s new groovy Soca hit titled “Red Flag Man” is out this week with a strong warning to women especially, to stay alert and be aware of the early signs of abuse.

Written by Bonny Alves, the message seeks to help victims of domestic violence so that it becomes easier for them to “untangle themselves from the relationship.”

Blackman told Buzz this week that some of those early signs include poor anger management, verbal abuse, and "granding (mek attempt)” etcetera.

“We are bombarded with evidence of domestic violence and I find a lot of people don’t adhere to those early signs,” she observed,

have to be able to see through them, weigh and sift them.”

The singer further observed that seldom is there a situation where someone just gets up and murders a person out of the blue, hence the importance of heeding the warning signs early.

Reflecting on one of her own experiences, she recalled how she made a decision to immediately cut off association with a young man who behaved abusively.

“When I was young, a guy used to come for me at work. We were just talking.

He came for me at work and followed me to the park

‘Red Flag Man’ is Blackman’s latest groovy Soca song

adding, “You get signs from early. People who are regularly abusive will show signs from the beginning and you

to get transportation to go home. Something I said that he wasn’t pleased with and

Registration for Mash Camp 2024 opens

Youths have been gathering at Camp Wesleyana for Mash Camp since 2019 (Mash Camp Guyana photo)

REGISTRATION for the highly anticipated Mash Camp 2024 has opened, and organisers are calling on those aged 11 to 35 years to register and take part

in the exciting, spiritually uplifting activity.

It is scheduled for February 22 to 25 at Camp Wesleyana on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, under the theme

‘Build, Reconnect and Grow (B.R.A.G) in power, praise and prayer.’

One of the Deputy Directors of Mash Camp 2024, Continued on page 16

he was ready to hit me. I said, ‘Listen, don’t come back.’ The next night he came back thinking I was joking but I was serious. Those are early signs that you need to look at. It speaks volumes,” the veteran local songstress who is known for hits like ‘Gi dem mo fuh talk’, ‘Don’t disrespect meh’ and ‘Wuk or stay bruk’.

Meanwhile, while 2023

has been a very challenging year for Blackman, she said she managed to get through

by God's grace.

For 2024, she is hoping to produce two movies for which she has already been working on the scripts and two albums under the SSignal Productions banner.

“One of the albums will be a gospel with inspirational songs and the other will be of

other songs in keeping with my branding,” she shared.

Furthermore, she will be mentoring two artistes for Calypso Monarch 2024 and will be involved with other disciplines during the upcoming Mashramani celebrations.

Blackman also plans to go on tour to Suriname, Barbados, Canada and the USA, as well as some of her favourite local destinations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

Jamaica’s Bob Marley & The Wailers, Toots & The Maytals, Black Uhuru, and Jimmy Cliff make Rolling Stone’s Greatest Albums list

THE works of iconic Jamaican reggae and ska artistes Bob Marley and The Wailers, Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Maytals, and Black Uhuru are being celebrated by esteemed American music publication ‘Rolling Stone’ on its list of ‘The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time’, which was updated and released last week.

Two albums from Marley and the Wailers, the 1977-released ‘Exodus’ and the 1973 album ‘Catch A Fire’, ranked at #48 and #140, respectively, on the magazine’s widely debated compilation of recordings from influential music artistes spanning the genres of reggae, rap, rock, pop, country, rhythm and blues, and electronica.

Of the top 50-placed ‘Exodus’ album, the magazine said: “As the title suggests, this album wasn’t recorded

in Jamaica; after Bob Marley took a bullet in a 1976 assassination attempt, he relocated the Wailers to London. But tracks such as ‘Jamming’ are still suffused with the deep essence of reggae and life at home. ‘Three Little

Birds’, for example, had been written on the back step of Marley’s home in Kingston, where he would sit and smoke herb. Each time Marley rolled a spliff, he would discard the seeds — and the birds of the song’s title would

pick them up. ‘The music have a purpose,’ Marley said, and his spiritual intent was never clearer than on the anthem ‘One Love’, with its

message of redemption and revolution.”

In its ode to ‘Catch A Fire’, ‘Rolling Stone’ rhapsodised “this was the album that introduced the whole world to Bob Marley, expanding his audience beyond Jamaica without diluting his bedrock reggae power.”

The 1972 soundtrack for ‘The Harder They Come’

by Jimmy Cliff and various artistes landed at #174.

“This was the album that took reggae worldwide,” the magazine noted. “The movie was a Jamaican stew of ‘Robin Hood’, ‘High Sierra’ and ‘Easy Rider’ — reggae singer turns outlaw hero, goes on the run with guns blazing — with patois dialogue so thick that US audiences needed subtitles. But the soundtrack

needed no translation, introducing Babylon to the new beat.”

Meanwhile, Toots and the Maytals’ 1973-issued album, ‘Funky Kingston’ registered at #344.

“Loose, funky, and exuberant, Kingston is the quintessential document of Jamaica’s greatest act after Bob Marley. Showcasing some of the Maytals’ best songs and borrowing from soul, pop and gospel, ‘Funky Kingston’ introduced the world to the great Toots Hibbert,” was the periodical’s praise.

And, Black Uhuru’s 1981 album ‘Red’ came in at #466, with expressed adulation for it being “the peak of a landmark five-LP run. On tunes like ‘Sponji Regga’ ‘Youth Contimued on page 17

Registration for Mash Camp...

From page 15 Teshana Bynoe, noted that attendees will partake in many engaging, fun-filled sessions.

Mash Camp 2024 will be nothing short of exciting as the talent extravaganza, and panel discussions will cover various youth-related topics.

Ever since it's commencement in 2019, Mash

Camp has grown each year with hundreds of young people coming together to share their love for God, while forming close bonds with those around them and expanding their knowledge about topical issues.

Registration forms can be found on the Mash Camp Guyana Facebook page and

Instagram. The registration fee is $7,000 and can be paid via MMG to 628-1846.

It should be noted that registration ends on January 31, 2024.

Additional information can be found on the camp’s Facebook page.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

Sean Paul tells Jada Kingdom, Stefflon Don to set a 'better example'

Recording artistes, Stefflon Don (left) and Jada Kingdom

WHILE international star Sean Paul is calling on his "sisters" Jada Kingdom and Stefflon Don to "set a better example" amid their war of words, at least one recording artiste believes it is "needed" in dancehall.

In a post to Instagram on Wednesday, which saw the 'Get Busy' singer responding to some of the users who commented on his post, Sean Paul was candid about his views on the level of vitriol being exchanged between two of the industry's prominent women.

"Women nuh fi talk so @ stefflondon @jadakingdom.

Live better my sisters. Doe Follow Di waste dem," Sean Paul wrote.

H e a d d e d : " Wo m a n should be warriors yes. But 4 a cause. U should lead the way morally 4 the fam. Men get heated. U calm us down.

How can we calm down if y'all doing dat 2. 2 Beautiful black women. Live betta. Set a beta example pls for the culture. Mah beg uno. 4 the kids. 4 the younger females," the Jamaican singer said.

Among his commenters was one of the women at the heart of the "beef", Stefflon Don. "It's not that serious, trust me; just sum fun (sic)," the British artiste of Jamaican heritage said.

A day earlier, after Jada Kingdom dropped 'London Bed' in response to Stefflon Don's 'Dad a Dat' and declared the war done, Mr Lexx

Recording artiste, Sean Paul (File photo)

shared his thoughts on the brewing rivalry.

He wrote on social media: "Nutten more intriguing dan two bad artist a go at it.

And I mean people with talent. These two girls could’ve given us a really entertaining clash. Thing is… it can’t be friendly. And that’s where self-control and a good team comes in."

In the meantime, Rastafarian deejay, Anthony B, dropped a song online, 'Wha Dat', on the 'Dutty Money' riddm.

He deejays: "Mi never hear Taylor Swift ah war Lady Gaga/mi never hear Mariah wah war Madonna/ So why we always ah set up black woman fi war each other/What is wrong with Stefflon Don and Jada Kingdom?/mi nuh love it when a black woman get bring down....dancehall nuh waan that kinda syndrome."

Although Jada Kingdom declared the war done on Tuesday, Stefflon Don's 'Dead Gyal Walking' follow-up on Wednesday got

fans talking.

They believe that 'Dead Gyal Walking' shows the full range of her artistry, with several different flows, menacing grunts and deliciously wicked diss lines.

One wrote: '"No [cap] this is what you call a real come back! She actually came for war! A real diss track ! No [cap] make sure you be honest when you leave comments The don has spoken '.”

Another said: "I don't care for a (lyrical) war, but there is a certain level of joy in seeing Steff step up to the plate and show the range and genius of her artistry. Her pen game is diabolical. I could hear the Tommy Lee influences in this (like I heard the Kartel influences in Dat A Dat), and the flow changes kept me interested in the upcoming bar. Absolutely love the Popcaan-Toniann bar, and just the clarity and conviction in her delivery of every line." (Loop News)

All Time was originally published in 2003, with a slight update in 2012.

According to the magazine, “It’s been the most widely read — and argued over — feature in the history of the magazine.”

The 2023 list was recrafted with votes from ‘Rolling Stone’ staff, journalists, music industry figures, artistes, songwriters, and producers.

Voters were asked to submit ranked ballots listing their 50 favourite albums of all time. Votes were tabulated, with the highest-ranked album on each list receiving 300 points, the second highest 290 points, and so on, down to 44 points for number 50.

More than 3,000 albums received at least one vote.

(Loop News)

Jamaica’s Bob Marley & The...

From page 16 of Eglington’ and ‘Utterance’ singers Duckie Simpson and Puma Jones go high over lead vocalist Mykal Rose’s cantor-like wails while Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare’s rhythm machine bore into the deepest part of the beat.”

Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday January 12, 2024) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD - 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Ritchie Richardson & Brian Lara (9 centuries) (2) Ricky Ponting & Steve Waugh (7 centuries) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI has scored most Test runs in a single series against AUST to date?

(2) Which AUST has scored most Test runs in a single series against the WI to date?

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

West Indies vs Cricket Australia XI three-day practice…

Da Silva, Hodge build on West Indies bowling to take lead

CMC – Makeshift opener Joshua Da Silva hit a half-century and shared an unbroken, half-century stand with Kavem Hodge to steady West Indies after the bowlers gave them a tidy lead against the Cricket Australia XI in their three-day practice match on Thursday.

Da Silva was not out on 55 and Hodge was not out on 44, and the Caribbean side reached 137 for three in their second innings at the close on the second day of the match at Karen Rolton Oval, for an overall lead of 214.

The pair have so far shared 78 for the fourth wicket and brought stability to the batting of the visitors after left-arm pacer Liam Haskett grabbed two for 39 from seven overs, and they stumbled to 59 for three.

Led by the pace bowling trio of Kemar Roach, Shamar Joseph, and the unrelated Alzarri Joseph, West Indies gave proof that they were determined to put up a

fight when they bowled out the CA XI for 174 before tea to grab a first innings lead of 77.

Roach, the most experienced member of the attack, ended with two for 23 from nine overs, uncapped Shamar Joseph bagged two for 28 from eight overs, and vice-captain Alzarri Joseph finished with two for 40 from 10 overs.

The practice match is the only contest West Indies will play before they meet hosts and World champions Australia in a two-Test series, starting on January 17 at the Adelaide Oval before moving to the Gabba in Brisbane on January 25.

The West Indies top order failed to ease concerns that they could be “lambs to the slaughter” in the higher intensity matches against Australia when the left-handed trio of Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, and Alick Athanaze all fell for insignificant scores.

Chanderpaul was caught

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES 1st Innings 251-8 dec CRICKET AUSTRALIA XI 1st Innings T. Ward c Athanaze b Motie 50 J. Goodwin c wk Da Silva b S. Joseph 18 T. Wyllie b S. Joseph 13 *P. Handscomb c McKenzie b Roach 9 J. Clayton c McKenzie b Roach 3 J. Doran c Roach b A. Joseph 8 L. Scott c Athanaze b A. Joseph 0 B. Hope b Jordan 24 J. Nisbet c Hodge b Greaves 12 D. Warren not out 12 L. Haskett c Hodge b Sinclair 10 Extras (b4, w1, nb10) 15 TOTAL (all out, 54.5 overs) 174 H. Conway, +H. Matthias, C. Thompson did not bat.

Fall of wickets: 1-46, 2-94, 3-94, 4-97, 5-110, 6-114, 7-116, 8-143, 9-155.

Bowling: Roach 9-4-23-2, A. Joseph 10-1-40-2, S. Joseph 8-0-28-2, Jordan 9-4-23-1, Greaves 8-0-43-1, Motie 8-3-7-1, Sinclair 2.5-1-6-1.

WEST INDIES 2nd Innings T. Chanderpaul c Ward b Haskett 0 J. Da Silva not out 55 K. McKenzie c Wyllie b Haskett 9 A. Athanaze c Hope b Scott 15 K. Hodge not out 44 Extras (b4, lb6, w2, nb2) 14 TOTAL (3 wkts, 35 overs) 137 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-16, 3-59.

Bowling: Haskett 7-1-39-2, Conway 7-1-23-0, Nisbet 5-1-21-0, Scott 6-110-1, Warren 8-2-18-0, Hope 1-0-9-0, Ward 1-0-7-0.

Position: West Indies lead by 214 with seven second innings wickets standing.

at gully off Haskett for a duck, guiding a rising, third ball of the innings; McKenzie was caught at mid-wicket off the same bowler for nine, playing a whip; and Athanaze was caught at first slip off pacer Liam Scott for 16, edging a loose drive.

Da Silva got into stride with a pull off Haskett through square leg for four and he added another seven in the 95 balls he has faced, bringing up his 50 from 67 balls when he pulled off-spinner Doug Warren through mid-wicket for his seventh boundary.

Hodge, one of three batsmen to get a half-century in the first innings, did his chances of a maiden Test cap no harm with a 67ball innings that has so far been decorated with seven fours, including two cover drives in three balls in the final over of Haskett’s spell.

Earlier, West Indies declared overnight on 251 for eight in their first innings, and they got an early indication about how rough it could be against the Aussies when left-handed opener Tim Ward cracked seven fours in 50 from 88 balls before lunch.

Shamar Joseph produced the breakthrough for the Caribbean side when he got opener Jayden Goodwin caught behind for 18 from a loose drive and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie struck on the stroke of lunch when he got Ward caught at slip four balls after the batsman had reached the half-century mark.

Joseph struck with the fourth ball after the CA XI resumed from 94 for two at lunch when he bowled Teague Wyllie for 13 to spark a period of turbulence for the home team during which they lost six wickets for 22 runs in the span of 43 balls.

Roach got Jack Clayton caught at backward point from a miscued hook at a

short, rising ball before the home team had reached 100, and Test selectee Peter Handscomb caught at third slip for nine, edging a loose drive four overs later.

Next over, Alzarri Joseph got into the act with two wickets in four balls when he had Jake Dor-

an spectacularly caught at mid-on by a diving Roach for eight, and Liam Scott caught at first slip for a five-ball duck to send the CA XI sliding to 116 for seven.

West Indies did not ease up, but they chose to give a few of the other bowlers in the side

an opportunity, and the CA XI crawled past the 150 mark thanks to 24 from Bradley Hope batting at eight, before off-spinner Kevin Sinclair brought the innings to a close when he got Haskett caught at leg-slip for 10.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

‘HARDCORE Barbell club of Rosignol not getting enough media attention,’ laments Head Coach

By Sean Devers

THE Hardcore Barbell Club was founded in 1999 when they opened their doors as an Olympic Weightlifting club in Rosignol, and for the next seven years dominated various weight classes in Olympic Weightlifting under the watchful eyes of head coach Farouk Abdool.

The Region Five Club broke records in almost every weight class, many of which still exist, but are considered frozen records because of IWF weightclass changes.

According the East Berbice Gym Trainer, which had five national champions in Olympic Weightlifting, the Club was even offered a scholarship for one of their athletes to study in Hungary.

“A few years later, we delved into powerlifting and to no surprise we con-

tinued our winning streak until this day ...our gym is, as we consider it is " old school " merged with advanced training programmes. We have the bare essentials, no fancy machines no expensive calibrated weights but still dominate whenever we compete. we have produced champions year after year,” Abdool.

In the 2023 senior national equipped powerlifting competition, five lifters represented the entity They were Rondel Thomas, who won two gold medals in the 66kgs class; Saif Abdool, who won a gold medal and a silver in the 93kgs class; Timothy Bagla, who won gold medal 74kgs class and Marlon Wilson won gold medal 93kgs open and gold medal in the Masters respectively.

Head Coach Fazim Abdool won a gold medal in 120kgs class and a gold

medal in the Masters 1 respectively. He also won the overall best lifter title which is the most coveted title at the senior national level The club won seven gold medals, one Silver

and copped the Best lifter award, while six records were broken by team Hardcore on that day.

Saif Abdool broke four sub junior equipped records in the 93kgs class they are; Squat: 463lbs /210kgs

erasing the old mark set by himself at 190 kgs, Bench press: 264 lbs/ 120 kgs, erasing the old mark set by himself of 220lbs /100 kgs, Deadlift 463lbs /210 kgs erasing the old mark of 407lbs /185kgs and Total

1188 lbs / 540kgs erasing the old mark of 1012lbs/ 460 Fazim Abdool broke two records in the open and masters 1 category respectively; the open equipped deadlift of 651lbs/296kgs erasing the old mark set by himself of 650lbs/295.5 kgs and the Masters 1 equipped deadlift record of 651lbs /295.5kgs erasing was the old mark as Edwards lifted 642lbs/290kgs.

One more record that was broken on that day was Marlon Wilson who deadlifted 562lbs, erasing the old mark of 550lbs set by fellow teammate Nigel Phillips.

“We have on numerous occasions secured the best lifter title which is the most coveted title in Guyana, but for some strange reason doesn't seem to get any mention in the media,” lamented Fazim Abdool. (Sean Devers)

As the captain, it is a special honour to lead the team.”

The squad for the World Cup includes most of the players who made the trip last year to Sri Lanka.

Among them are three players who played in the 2022 World Cup, which was staged in the West Indies.

They are fast bowler Isai Thorne, left-handed all-rounder Nathan Edward, and left-handed batsman Jordan Johnson.

Thorne made his firstclass debut for the Cricket West Indies Academy against Emerging Ireland last month and impressed with his pace. He took 12 wickets in two matches at an average of 6.16 runs a wicket.

Johnson joined the West Indies ‘A’ Team last month on the tour of South Africa, where he made his firstclass debut in the third and final four-day “Test.”

For the tournament, the West Indies have been drawn alongside the South Africans, Scotland, and England in Group ‘B’ for their first-round matches, all to be played at the J.B. Marks Oval.

Before that they will have warm-up matches against New Zealand and Nepal in Johannesburg.

“All matches are important as we look to make our way to the final,” Pascal said. “We will plan for every opponent and look to execute our plans.

“Obviously, playing the opening match against the home team, that will be a match to really look forward to. The pressure and the expectation will make it a big match. We want to start with a win, so everyone will be looking ahead to that.

“We are a well-balanced team with good players in all departments. We support

each other in all we do, and we have great assistance, advice, and support from our coaches, and the other members of the management staff. There is great belief in our camp, and we are confident of doing well in the tournament.”

The top three sides from each first-round group will progress to the Super Six stage to be played from 30 January to 3 February.

The semi-finals will be on February 6 and 8, and the final is on February 11 at Willowmore Park in Benoni.

Five-time champions India, who won the tournament two years ago, head Group ‘A’ with Bangladesh, Ireland and the United States.

Group ‘C’ features A u s tr a l ia , S r i L an k a , Zimbabwe, and Namibia, while Group ‘D’ is made up of Afghanistan, Paki-

stan, New Zealand, and Nepal.

Wi n d i e s U n d e r- 1 9 squad: Stephan Pascal (captain), Nathan Sealy (vice-captain), Jewel Andrew, Mavendra Dindyal, Joshua Dorne, Nathan Edward, Tarrique Edward, Reon Edwards, Deshawn James, Jordan Johnson, Devonie Joseph, Raneico Smith, Isai Thorne, Steve Wedderburn, Adrian Weir.

MATCH SCHEDULE Warm-up matches January 14: vs New Zealand at Braamfischer Oval, Johannesburg 16: vs Nepal at St Stithians, Johannesburg First round matches 19: vs South Africa at J.B. Marks Oval, Potchefstroom 24: vs Scotland at J.B. Marks Oval 26: vs England at J.B. Marks Oval

The Hardcore Barbell Gym of Berbice at the 2023 Senior National Powerlifting Competition at Saint Stanislaus College last December

West Indies U-19 ready for South African Challenge

CMC – West Indies arrived in South Africa confident of doing well in the upcoming edition of the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup. The squad, led by Stephan Pascal, departed from the Caribbean earlier this week and will have preparation ahead of their opening match against hosts South Africa next Friday at the J.B. Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.

Pascal said the team is well prepared after they had a five-match series in Sri Lanka last year, which was followed by a training camp in November in Trinidad and another last December at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

“The camp in Antigua at the Coolidge Cricket Ground just before Christmas was very good, and we got a lot out of it,” he said.

“We focused a lot on match situations and did that while

also focusing on our fitness, strength, and other important physical work.

“Earlier in November we had a camp and matches in Trinidad, which was also hugely beneficial. This came after the tour of Sri Lanka where we played redball and white-ball matches, and had some outstanding individual and team performances, so we had a lot of quality preparation leading into the World Cup.” He added: “We are very excited. We are an enthusiastic and closely knit group of young cricketers who are very honoured to represent the people of the West Indies and participate in this prestigious tournament.

“Over the years this has been the stepping stone for many young players to launch their careers, so we all see this as a golden opportunity to perform on the world stage and do great things for the West Indies.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

BCB/Ivan Madray T20 tournament

Albion beat Port Mourant to advance to final

THE long rivalry between Berbice powerhouses Albion Community Centre Cricket Club and the Rose Hall Town NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour will be renewed when they clash in the final of the BCB/Ivan Madray T20 cricket tournament on Sunday.

The match will take place at the Number 69 Vikings Ground in Upper Corentyne.

Albion reached the finals after defeating Port Mourant by 35 runs as host Port Mourant lost nine wickets for 38 runs after being well set at 58-1 chasing 131 for victory.

Batting first, Albion were restricted to 131-8 from their allotted

20 overs with Damien Cecil and Test player Veerasammy Permaul top scoring with 33 each while Kevin Umrao, 13, Sewnarine Chattergoon and Anthony Bramble with 10 also contributed crucial runs.

Salim Khan took 3-30 from 4 overs, Madhan Budhram 2-21 from 4 overs and Vicky Samaroo 1-13 for home team.

Port Mourant openers Rampertab and Rampersaud Ramnath gave the home team a flying start with 58 in nine overs before Rampersaud was run out for 28. The elder Rampertab scored an attractive 45 before he was dismissed

by Permaul.

Apart from Madhan

Budhram 13, no other batter reached double figures in the disappointing batting display.

Permaul took 4-40 from 4 overs, Leon Cecil 3-18 from 4 overs, Afraz Budhoo 2- 8 and Davindra Bishoo 1-9 from three overs.

The final is expected to be an exciting affair with players like Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Clinton Pestano, Jonathan Rampersaud, Sylus Tyndall, Eon Hooper playing for Rose Hall Town while Albion will be spearheaded by Permaul, Adrian Sukhwa, Leon Cecil Afraz Budhoo, Bramble along with the experienced Chattergoon and Bishoo.

Teams: Rose Hall

Town NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour: Jason Sinclair, Vidal Crandon, Junior Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Clinton Pestano, Eon Hooper, Jonathan Rampersaud, Keith Simpson, Sylus Tyndall, Jeremy Sandia, Keon Sinclair, Romesh Bharrat, Matthew Potta-

THE Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has further strengthened its commitment to develop sports tourism across the Caribbean by employing Deanna Weekes as its new Tourism Partner Manager.

Deanna is an experienced tourism professional who will work with CPL’s tour-

ist board partners to create packages for travelling fans to visit all CPL host countries during the 2024 tournament.

According to figures from the UNWTO, sports tourism currently represents 10% of global tourist flow, with this expected to grow to 12% in 2024. With sports tourism being such a key economic driver for the in-

dustry, the Caribbean has much to gain by growing its share of this lucrative sector. In 2024, CPL will be working even more closely with partners across the region to develop sports tourism and build valuable market share.

Pete Russell, Republic Bank CPL’s CEO, said: “We are tremendously excited

to be able to begin offering fans travel packages, so they can watch CPL teams in six wonderful locations across the Caribbean. We are blessed with hugely passionate fans and by employing a dedicated tourism manager who will work with hotels, airlines and tourist boards, we will be making it easier than ever for fans to travel

to watch CPL cricket. With the ICC T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, this year be a bumper year for sports tourism and CPL are looking forward to building on the momentum from that event.”

Deanna Weekes, Republic Bank CPL’s newly appointed Tourism Partner Manager, said: “This

is a really exciting opportunity to be involved in the biggest annual sporting event in the Caribbean.

I am looking forward to working with all CPL’s tourism partners to build on the existing strong relationships to push CPL’s impact on the regional economies to another level.”

CMC – West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph impressed onlookers with his raw pace against the Cricket Australia XI on Thursday and said he had worked hard to put himself on the brink of a maiden Test cap.

The 24-year-old, one of seven uncapped players in the West Indies Test squad for the upcoming Frank Worrell Trophy series against hosts and World champions Australia, claimed two for 28 from eight overs to help the Caribbean side bowl out the CA XI for 174 in their first innings on the second day of

the practice match at Karen Rolton Oval.

Joseph, who was working in a security firm in his native Guyana only two years ago, made a strong case to make his Test debut with only five first-class matches under his belt after he had the red Kookaburra sailing through at chest height on a hard, true pitch.

“It’s amazing for me to be honest, knowing that I’ve been putting in a lot of work back at home and now getting the rewards for it, it’s been really nice for me,” Joseph said in a post-play

interview.

“I’m just ready to go,” he added. “Always prepared to fight the war ahead of me.”

Since making his firstclass debut in February last year, Joseph impressed the West Indies selectors, and they carried him on the ‘A’ Team trip last December to South Africa, where he was the joint most successful bowler for the visitors with 12 wickets at an average of 21.25.

He said he was inspired to become a fast bowler by watching online videos of former West Indies pacers Sir

Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh.

“I was intrigued by a lot of fast bowlers back then Sir Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh and these men, so I actually followed it up, and I really loved it because that worked for me,” the father of two sons, aged two and four months, said. “So, I just continue doing that and it brought success for me.”

On his approach to bowling during his spell: “I just adjust to conditions. I just stick to the basics and be consistent as much as I could. I just tried to bowl

fuller when the ball is doing much for me.”

On the three no-balls he sent down: “I think I was a bit too fast getting to the crease. I just had to adjust myself and get back to my rhythm and that worked well for me.”

Joseph was easily the fastest bowler on the day, and his raw pace makes him an exciting prospect, but it remains to be seen whether the selectors will gamble with him and include him in the final 11 for the first Test against the Australians, starting next Wednesday at

Adelaide Oval.

Joseph, who grew up in the remote village of Baracara, the only “maroon” village (settlements established by escapees from the African slave trade) in Guyana, said he expected his family that includes five brothers and three sisters to be watching if he is given the chance.

“They will watch, and they will support,” he said.

“I know that support is out there for me, so I will definitely do my best to make them proud.”

Kevlon Anderson

Veerasammy Permaul

ya Pattaya and Khemraj Tika.

Albion: Anthony Bramble, Adrian Sukhwa, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Leon Cecil, Damian Cecil, Veerasammy Permaul, Davindra Bishoo, Afraz Budhoo, Gaurav Ramesh, Kevin Umrao,

Karen Arjpaul, Tamesh Mahadeo and Ari Afrizal Kadir.

The tournament is being sponsored by Chandradat Chitramani in memory of his late uncle, former West Indies player Ivan Madray.

CPL further commits to promoting tourism with new hire Joseph impresses with performance ‘Down Under’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 12, 2024

West Indies vs Cricket Australia XI three-day practice…

Da Silva, Hodge build on West Indies bowling to take lead SEE PAGE

Joshua Da Silva scored an unbeaten half century as a makeshift opener (File photo) • AFP/Getty Images

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Shamar Joseph impressed with his raw pace, bowling against the CA XI. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

Joseph impresses with performance ‘Down Under’

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| FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024