THERE is an untapped potential for Guyana to exploit its natural waterways to bring on stream a renewable source of energy through hydropower, International Environmental Adviser, Former
Minister of Climate and the Environment, and Former Minister of International Affairs of Norway, Erik Solheim has said.
The former Norwegian Minister was on Tuesday addressing a panel discussion held here in Georgetown at the Arthur
–– International Environmental Adviser and Former Norwegian Minister says
Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
“Guyana has a huge hydropower potential which is untapped. We worked on that in the past; I understand that you tried to revive that, and we hope that can happen because hydropower is still the most important renewable power in the world,” he said, citing the efforts to bring new life to the country’s flagship Amaila Falls Hydropower (AFHP) station.
Officials in Guyana had announced plans to construct a hydropower station. Kuribrong, Amaila River/Basin in Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), was identified as the project site.
Officials had posited that there was evidence to prove that the Amaila Falls project, when originally tabled in 2013, was a viable one that would have garnered long-term benefits for Guyana, but there was immense push-
back that led to the scrapping of the project.
Later in 2023, it was announced that the government would revive the project. In October of that year, they invited Revised Requests for Proposals (RFP) under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model for the Amaila Falls Hydro Project.
Solheim, on Tuesday pointed out that “Hydropwer will play the role as the battery. Sun is not shining all the time; wind is not blowing all the time. But then you use hydropower as a pump storage; as a battery for solar and wind.”
He expressed his support for and optimism of the project being executed.
The project, which has the potential to produce 165 MW, was among plans, with the support of Norway, to put in place renewable energy sources.
Former Minister of Climate and the Environment and Former Minister of International Affairs of Norway Erik Solheim
Agro-processing facility comissioned at Kumaka
THE Kumaka Agro-processing facility in Region One (Barima-Waini) was officially opened on Wednesday by Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha.
In order to enhance productivity, the facility is equipped with stateof-the-art machinery that is anticipated to increase output, reduce processing times and elevate crop value.
Minister Mustapha urged the agro-processors and other organisations to make the most of the facility and make sure they work hard to keep it in good working order. The minister expressed gratitude to the farmers and processors in the region for their outstanding work.
Recently, it has been revealed that various measures are being taken to support the economic well-being of hinterland communities. The Government of Guyana is currently considering the establishment of port and processing facilities in Region One, which could facilitate the transportation of agricultural goods to the Caribbean.
People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo made this disclosure during a news conference.
Dr. Jagdeo told reporters that several persons from the Barima-Waini region recently raised concerns with officials, and have also made suggestions as to how to boost its economic and social prospects.
The government, he noted, has been providing support by distributing more plant nurseries, and supplying farmers with much-needed planting materials.
However, while this is being done, discussions were held to further boost the region’s economic trade.
“Another element of what we had planned for Region One was developing port facilities there, and processing facilities, so we can export directly into the Caribbean, rather
than to bring the goods to the coast,” Dr. Jagdeo explained.
Back in 2023, the government had commissioned MV MA Lisha, commonly known as the ‘North West ferry’, which can journey from Region One to Trinidad and Tobago in just 15 hours, and other Caribbean countries, thereby opening oppor -
tunities for the export of “high-value” agricultural and fish products. The vessel is set to have a major impact on the business community in Region One, and will allow for not just faster transport time of their products and produce, but will also see a significant reduction in transport costs.
The Kumaka agro-processing facility in Region One was officially opened on Wednesday (Ministry of Agriculture photo)
Calculated approach to improving Mathematics results
GUYANA’S Ministry of Education recently unveiled an ambitious Mathematics intervention programme aimed at reversing the troubling decline in CSEC Mathematics performance. This initiative, unveiled by Education Minister Priya Manickchand, is both a promising and pragmatic response to a pressing education crisis.
The statistics from the 2024 CSEC results are stark: Guyana’s Mathematics pass rate has plummeted to 31 per cent, a worrying dip from 34 per cent the previous year. This trend mirrors a broader regional decline, reflecting a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents. Faced with this sobering reality, the Guyana government’s proactive approach should be applauded.
The new intervention programme, involving the deployment of 50 specialised monitors across secondary schools, represents a commendable attempt to address the root causes of poor performance and to foster a culture of accountability and excellence in Mathematics education.
Minister Manickchand’s declaration
that “we don’t care what you look like” underscores a critical point: The focus must be solely on education outcomes, not on personal or demographic factors.
This principle of inclusivity is essential in a diverse society such as Guyana’s, where inequities in education can often skew performance outcomes. The programme’s commitment to reaching schools in remote areas, including Region One, is particularly noteworthy. It acknowledges that disparities in education are not confined to urban centres, but are prevalent in outlying regions as well.
The introduction of retired teachers, math specialists and university lecturers as monitors is a strategic move designed to bring seasoned expertise into classrooms.
These monitors will not only assess and address classroom challenges, but will also ensure adherence to global best practices. By holding teachers and schools accountable for results, the ministry aims to instill a culture of high standards and continuous improvement.
Chief Education Officer Saddam
Hussain’s emphasis on accountability is a critical step in ensuring that this initiative does not become another well-intentioned but ineffective programme.
It’s also important to recognise the comprehensive nature of this initiative. The ministry’s commitment to providing essential resources—textbooks, calculators, and geometry sets—demonstrates a thorough understanding of the barriers to effective learning.
Moreover, the establishment of a hotline for support and the promise of in-service training reflect a robust support system for teachers, which is crucial for the success of any education reform.
Minister Manickchand’s assertion that this programme was in development before the release of the CXC results adds a layer of credibility to the initiative. It indicates that the ministry’s actions are not merely reactive, but is part of a larger, strategic plan to enhance Mathematics education over the long term.
However, the success of this programme hinges not only on the resources and accountability measures but also
on the active involvement of all stakeholders—teachers, students, and parents alike.
The Minister’s call for parental involvement is particularly pertinent. Education does not begin and end in the classroom; it is a collaborative effort that extends into the home. Parents must play an active role in supporting their children’s learning, as emphasized by Manickchand’s advice to prioritize educational activities over recreational distractions.
Guyana’s Mathematics intervention programme is a bold and necessary step towards addressing the decline in Mathematics performance.
By combining targeted support, strategic resource allocation, and a focus on accountability, the Ministry of Education is laying the groundwork for meaningful improvements. Success will require a united effort from educators, students, and parents, but if executed effectively, this initiative has the potential to reverse the current trends and set a new standard for Mathematics education in the region.
Region 10 Amerindian villages transformed through LCDS funds
AMERINDIAN villages in Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region 10) have embarked on a path of transformation, owing to the government’s developmental initiatives and the landmark Carbon Credit Funds.
Toshaos from Malali, Wiruni, and Hururu recently shared their perspectives with the Department of Public Information (DPI), highlighting the positive impact these efforts have had on their communities.
In Malali, according to Toshao Hannun Chattergon,
residents have witnessed the transformation of health and education facilities, which is essential to the holistic development of any village.
Last year, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced several developmental projects for the village, including the construction of a school to replace the old structure, and the construction of a doctors’ quarters. Commitments were also made to expand the water distribution network.
“We [now] have road infrastructure, and at pres-
ent, we have a new primary school constructed,” Toshao Chattergon further relayed.
Moreover, the $4.7 billion Carbon Credits which benefitted 242 villages in 2023, also contributed to the village’s progress. With $15 million allocated to Malali, the village has embarked on establishing a shade house to advance food production.
Additionally, Toshao Chattergon said investments were made in the forestry and logging sectors, since they are vital streams of revenue for the village.
CDEMA experts lead Barrett Radio Training at CDC Headquarters
EXPERTS from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) are currently hosting a Barrett Radio Training and Installation workshop at the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) headquarters.
The five-day exercise, which began earlier this week, is aimed at enhancing radio communication skills among key personnel from various organisations, including the CDC, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Fire Service, and the Guyana Defence Force. The training is designed
to provide participants with in-depth knowledge of effective radio communication techniques and operational readiness. As part of the workshop, radio operators will engage in field operations that include testing communication links with Caribbean islands such as Tobago and the Turks and Caicos Islands. This exercise is crucial for ensuring reliable communication during disaster situations.
Images from the training sessions highlight the hands-on nature of the workshop, showcasing participants actively involved
Under the $3 billion commitment for hinterland development made at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference in 2022, Malali received $15 million to finance economic projects.
in the learning process. The event also featured a meet and greet between Deputy Director General Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d) Mark Thomas, and CDEMA Senior Programme Officer, Courtney King, emphasising the collaborative efforts among the agencies.
The Barrett Radio Training is a significant step towards strengthening disaster preparedness and communication capabilities in the region, ensuring that responders are well equipped to handle emergency situations effectively.
Similarly, the village of Wiruni, along the Berbice River, has benefitted from developmental initiatives in agriculture, fully funded by the carbon credit programme.
“Presently, we’re doing some poultry; we purchased 1600 chickens, and we’re
going into sustainable farming,” Toshao Rohan Fredericks detailed, adding that around 40 farmers will benefit from this undertaking.
Approximately 40 farmers are expected to benefit from a similar initiative that will be implemented soon.
Meanwhile, Toshao of Hururu Winsburt Benjamin shared that loggers are benefitting from a skidder, purchased by the village using the carbon credit monies. A skidder is any type of heavy-duty vehicle used in a
logging operation for pulling cut trees out of a forest in a process called ‘skidding’, in which the logs are transported from the cutting site to a landing.
These communities will profit from more financial resources, with the government increasing the percentage of finances from the carbon credit from 15 per cent to 26.5 per cent.
This translates into a massive $4.84 billion being made available to these villages. (DPI)
I agree with Sanjeev Datadin on the Cybercrime Act
WHEN the Cybercrime Act came into being, I disagreed with many parts of it, particularly Section 18. Please see my column for May 1, 2018. But to argue that the Act should be abolished is opening the floodgates to major moral disasters in Guyana.
Mr. Datadin was on the Freddie Kissoon Show and he made the point at which I subscribe to that when you take out the offensive part, you cannot leave a vacuum. It must be filed with relevant contents. The current Act has faults, but the fault that the legislators must never allow to exist in the Act when it is amended, is the abuse of other people’s right to privacy and societal protection that currently exists in the social media sphere.
The degenerate, sickening de-recognition of people’s rights by some social media platforms in Guyana cannot be allowed to continue. If they do, unlimited lives will be destroyed and it will cut in many ways. People who want to perpetuate moral desecrations against government officials must know that just as they are mischievous against government folks, people can target opposition politicians too. In common parlance, it is referred to as “knack gat knack back.”
To avoid the permanent damage to innocent people’s lives, then the amended Cybercrime Act has to contain clauses to make people responsible for their evil intentions toward other persons who don’t deserve to be scandalised. The examples are overwhelming
whereby certain social media influencers intend to destroy not only the career but the lives of public officials.
I believe once you enter public life you have to have a thick skin but there is a line to be drawn, and that line has been drawn hundreds of years ago and it is called the law of libel. Elected politicians must understand that people will disagree with their policies and say harsh things about them. Two types of insults are common. One is the minister is incompetent. The other is the minister is not ministerial material.
Those two criticisms and thousands of others come with the territory and they must be taken for what they are – the hazards of politics. Ministers then must have thick skins. But a minister should not be subject to the most, denigrating fictions about his/her personal life and false accusations of moral-wrong doing. Social media is full of such scheming people who find it comfortable to falsely attack public officials in the most inhuman ways.
Anyone who disagrees with amendments to the Cybercrime Act to stop evil platforms from damaging society does not belong in the real world. Here is my take on such people. Just go on social media and say the most appalling accusations of those who oppose the amendments, especially in the area of sexual misconduct and theft, and see if you don’t get an immediate lawsuit.
Let me repeat that for emphasis. There are people out there who are ready to pounce on the government for bringing in legislation to stop vile, vicious attackers that say horrible,
immoral fictions against government officials. But if you pen the most vicious, horrible fictions about them, they will immediately sue. There is a term you apply to such people. It is called anti-government hypocrisy.
Let’s juxtapose emanations from the newspapers that result in libel against what obtains on social media. A former minister and a currently one of the leaders in an opposition party sued for being described as a low-life. I was sued by Roxanne Myers for writing that as deputy Chief Election Officer, she did not have the authority to determine who the Liberty and Justice Party wanted to be a regional councillor.
Those extremely mild things resulted in libel writs. But look what is said on certain social media platform, particularly against high government officials. Fictionalised, scandalised descriptions are posted on Facebook, jeopardising people’s lives, not just
their marriage. I cannot see a human in this world that can deny there must be legislation to make people responsible in a court of law for their evil recklessness.
It is a concrete jungle on social media where it is open season on those social media platforms against people that the influencers dislike, or platforms run by persons who have an anti-government agenda. There is nothing wrong with having an anti-government agenda. That is a right society provides for every human.
But you have no right as an anti-government critic to include on your agenda the intention of fictionalising the private lives of politicians you do not like.
In the past and at the present time, there was/is no unlimited freedom of speech. It never happened in the past in any country and it will never happen in the future.
Gov’t hosts Norwegian delegation, King’s Foundation for high-level environmental talks
THE Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, hosted a dinner Tuesday evening in honour of a visiting delegation led by Erik Solheim, International Environmental Advisor and Former Minister of Climate and the Environment of Norway.
Accompanying him were representatives from the King’s Foundation: Ben Bolgar, Jeremy Cross, and Savini Rajapakse.
During their stay, the delegation explored Guyana’s rich natural heritage, visiting Kaieteur National Park, Iwokrama and various Amerindian communities.
These visits allowed the team to witness, firsthand, the progress made in these communities using funds from Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy
(LCDS). The delegation was impressed by the villages’ sustainable development efforts.
Erik Solheim, a key figure in environmental diplomacy, addressed the public during an event hosted by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
He also participated in a high-level discussion with Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, reflecting on past and future collaborations between Guyana and Norway.
In November 2009, former President Bharrat Jagdeo and Erik Solheim signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), in which Norway committed up to US$250 million by 2015 for Guyana’s efforts to avoid deforestation. This landmark agreement represented the first internation-
al financial commitment to the LCDS and established a unique partnership between a developed and a developing country.
Among those in attendance at last evening’s dinner were Senior Minister within the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister of Local Government, Savitri Sonia Parag; and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Joslyn McKenzie, along with other representatives from various agencies and organisations involved in environmental and development sectors.
The visit by Solheim and the King’s Foundation delegation signifies continued international collaboration toward sustainable development and environmental preservation in Guyana.
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, during discussions with officials of the visiting delegation
Gov’t advances Amerindian development on basis of Campbell’s work – Min Sukhai
MINISTER of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, has stated that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has built upon the foundation laid by Arawakan politician, Mr Stephen Campbell.
Campbell, a well-known political activist, is recognised as the first Amerindian Member of Parliament in Guyana’s National Assembly.
Speaking at an annual event to celebrate the life and work of Campbell as part of activities to observe Amerindian Heritage Month, Minister Sukhai saluted his contributions to the nation and its first peoples.
“We must salute him for his tangible contribution to providing the activities that you engage in, as a political activist, and then a full-fledged politician, and entering the legislature; so that today, the importance of having rights to our land is a reality,” she highlighted.
One of Campbell’s greatest legacies is his strong defence of Amerindian land rights. As Guyana neared
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai
independence, he championed the legal protection of indigenous lands, leading to the 1961 Amerindian Act.
Minister Sukhai highlighted the significant number of Amerindian villages that have received titles to their lands through the Amerindian Land Titling Project. This project enables Am-
erindians to secure their lands and natural resources with a view to sustainable social and economic development.
This year at the National Toshaos Council Conference, the government was able to distribute another set of certificates of titles to Amerindian Villages.
“We are not only proud
Arawakan politician, Mr Stephen Campbell (right) championed the legal protection of indigenous lands, which led to the 1961 Amerindian Act.
to be the first people, but we are also proud of the long journey and the way we have moved from the reference of ‘children of the forest’ to now showcasing our own history, and being part and parcel of the national decision-making levels in our country,” Minister Sukhai said.
Stephen Joseph Campbell, born on December 26, 1897, at Moruca, Region One, was elected to the Legislative Council of British Guiana on September 10, 1957.
His legacy is honoured annually during Amerindian Heritage Month, with Sep-
tember 10th celebrated as Heritage Day.
This year, a play was hosted that reflected and paid homage to the political challenges and advancements of the Amerindians, and the impact the Amerindians had during the fight for democracy.
Human Services Ministry distributes wheelchairs, walkers, and hampers
THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, through its Difficult Circumstances Unit, commenced the distribution of essential mobility aids and care packages to residents of Region Six, East Corentyne-Berbice, on Monday.
The initiative saw the distribution of wheelchairs, walkers, and hampers to individuals in need, aiming to improve their quality of life and provide relief to vulnerable citizens in the region. This effort is part of the Ministry’s ongoing com-
mitment to addressing the needs of Guyanese citizens, especially those facing difficult circumstances.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has consistently emphasised the importance of supporting those in need and enhancing access to essential services for all citizens, particularly the elderly and differently-abled.
“We remain dedicated to ensuring that no one is left behind,” Minister Persaud remarked in a previous statement, reinforcing the Minis-
try’s pledge to continue its outreach programmes across the country.
The distribution event in Region Six follows similar initiatives in other regions as the Ministry strives to bring assistance directly to communities, ensuring the most vulnerable populations receive the support they require. The Ministry’s Difficult Circumstances Unit plays a pivotal role in this outreach, targeting individuals who may otherwise struggle to access basic resources and support.
Residents of East Corentyne-Berbice expressed gratitude for the assistance, noting that the provision of mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers would significantly enhance their daily lives.
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security continues to roll out programmes aimed at improving social welfare across Guyana, ensuring that the country’s most vulnerable populations receive the care and attention they deserve.
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security began distributing mobility aids and care packages to Region Six residents on Monday
Silvie’s Industrial Solutions donates
50 garbage bins to Men on a Mission initiative
IN a significant gesture of corporate responsibility, Silvie’s Industrial Solutions recently donated 50 pieces of garbage bins to the “Men on a Mission” team.
This charitable act, facilitated through the Guyana Police Force, underscores Silvie’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community welfare.
The donation was officially handed over by Lawrence King, a representative of Silvie’s Industrial Solutions, to Sergeant Morris, a key figure in the “Men on a Mission” initiative. This initiative, closely associated with the Guyana Police Force, focuses on creating cleaner and safer communities through organised public service efforts. The contribution of these garbage bins will assist in maintaining cleanliness in various public spaces, reducing litter, and promoting environmentally responsible practices across the country.
Lawrence King, speaking on behalf of Silvie’s Industrial Solutions, emphasised the importance of corporate partnerships in advancing national goals, particularly in waste management and sanitation. “Silvie’s is proud to support Men on a Mission in their efforts to maintain a clean and safe environment. We believe that sustainable waste management is crucial for the future of our communities and are honoured to be
Lawrence King, a representative of Silvie’s Industrial Solutions formally hands over the bins to a Guyana Police Force representative part of this initiative.”
Sergeant Morris, who received the donation, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Guyana Police Force and the Men on a Mission team.
The partnership between Silvie’s Industrial Solutions and the Guyana Police Force highlights the growing role of private sector companies in tackling social issues. By contributing to this initiative, Silvie’s not only helps improve waste management infrastructure but also sets
an example for other businesses to follow suit in supporting community-driven programmes. This donation further strengthens Silvie’s reputation as a socially responsible company, committed to the welfare of the Guyanese people. As more businesses step up to engage with such programmes, the collective impact on the environment and society will be significant.
Minister Walrond highlights efforts to bolster small business growth, access to regional markets
MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, Wednesday morning, met with International Trade Centre (ITC) Executive Director, Ms Pamela Coke-Hamilton.
During the meeting, the ITC Executive Director spoke about the role of ITC in earlier projects in Guyana related to the production of coconuts and cassava processing. While the initiative is attributed to the CARICOM region, there has been a more focused approach to Guyanese companies, including small and medium business enterprises. The Executive Director highlighted that ITC has been working together with Guyana on its SheTrades Hub projects. She also commended Guyana for its regional and global leadership roles in Food and Nutrition Security.
Minister Walrond spoke about the work her Ministry has been doing in relation to the reinvigoration of small businesses and finding ways of getting these businesses to be more established and permanent.
She also highlighted the efforts of her Ministry and, by extension, of the Government of Guyana to provide an
avenue for Guyanese small business owners to tap into regional markets. Also, during the meeting, the Executive Director, Coke-Hamilton, highlighted the launch of ITC’s Gender-Response Procurement campaign, which seeks to encourage countries to allocate a percentage of public pro -
curement in favour of women, as women’s participation in procurement in many countries is essentially less than one per cent.
Minister Walrond alluded to this similar point, highlighting that her Ministry has implemented the requirement for the greater involvement of small businesses in public
procurement.
In July 2024, the ITC team visited Guyana on a scoping mission to assess the inception phase of potential projects to be explored and developed under a European Union-funded initiative entitled “Strengthening nutritious and sustainable value chains in the Caribbean through alliances.” The goals of the initiative seek to align with the EU international partnership priorities, as well as the CARICOM 25×25 initiative being led by Guyana.
Minister Walrond was accompanied by Mr Colin Luckie, First Secretary, Guyana’s Permanent Mission to the WTO.
Minister Walrond is presently in Geneva to participate in the World Trade Organisation’s annual Public Forum event. She will be a featured speaker during the two panel discussions, the High-level Plenary- “Inclusive policies, global impact: Ensuring the best use of special and differential treatment” and “The Big Blue Agenda: Can SIDS thrive in a Re-globalized World?”
Minister Walrond will also meet with the Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the WTO on Wednesday.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond and International Trade Centre (ITC) Executive Director, Ms Pamela Coke-Hamilton.
Women, Gender Equality Commission launches empowerment initiative at Anna Regina Secondary School
THE Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) launched a new women’s empowerment initiative at Anna Regina Secondary School on Wednesday, kicking off a series of events in celebration of Rural Women’s Day.
The initiative, under the theme “Rural Women Cultivating Good for All,” focuses on empowering rural women, particularly those involved in agriculture, and aims to extend similar engagements across regions 10, Six, and Four.
During the launch, WGEC Chairperson, Indranie Chandarpal, emphasised the critical role rural women play in agriculture and thanked participants for their involvement. Chandarpal also reiterated the commission’s commitment to promoting gender equality
and the economic empowerment of women. “Your participation today shows your dedication to progress in agriculture and equality,” she said.
The event aimed to equip rural women with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to thrive in agriculture, while highlighting gender equality, economic
empowerment, and reducing violence against women as core objectives. Renata Chuck-A-Sang, Chief Executive Officer of the WGEC, spoke on the importance of creating a platform for women to share their experiences, build networks, and foster future opportunities.
“Empowering women means providing them with
a platform to amplify their voices, gain financial independence, and stand strong against any form of violence,” Chuck-A-Sang noted.
A key partnership with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) will promote climate-smart agriculture, encouraging women to cultivate high-value
crops to enhance their economic power. Chuck-ASang stressed that financially independent women are better positioned to break cycles of violence and build stronger communities.
Commissioner Natasha Waddle highlighted the entrepreneurial potential in agriculture, urging rural women
to view farming as a pathway to economic independence. “When we empower women, we strengthen families, communities, and the nation,” Waddle said.
Karen Corbin, another WGEC Commissioner, commended the women’s efforts in agriculture, encouraging them to continue striving for progress in both their personal lives and within their communities.
The initiative was praised by participants, with farmer Susan Betacourt describing the event as transformative.
“It reminded me of the power we hold as women, especially when we unite for a common cause,” she said.
The series will continue with more events focused on uplifting rural women, reinforcing their pivotal role in creating sustainable, empowered communities.
A section of the gathering at the seminar
Construction firms urged to prioritise health, safety at Linden seminar
SEVERAL construction firms and agencies from both the private and public sectors in Linden took part in an educational seminar Tuesday, aimed at enhancing safety and health measures within the construction industry.
The event, hosted at the Watooka Guest House, was organised by the Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department and marked the second seminar of its kind this year.
The first seminar of 2024 was held at the Regency Hotel Suites, attracting 20 representatives from various organisations. Among those present at the session were Joseph Hamilton, Minister of Labour; Ms. Gweneth King, OSH Department
Consultant; Ms. Yolanda Grant, Head of the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency; Regional Executive Officer Mr. Dwight John; and other key officials.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Hamilton stressed the need for a cultural shift in safety practices, highlighting the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting workers’ rights and well-being.
He emphasised that as Guyana continues to develop, the risks to worker safety increase, making it critical to prioritise safety to prevent workplace fatalities.
“We must change our approach because, as a developing country, our risk levels are higher. Ignoring safety leads to more fatalities,” Minister Hamil -
ton stated, adding that the government’s goal was to ensure every worker returns home safely. He urged that safety and health be regarded not merely as obligations but as essential components of the national culture.
The Minister also pointed out that the statistics in OSH reports reflect personal tragedies, with each figure representing a life lost and a family in mourning. He called for immediate action to improve safety standards across all sectors.
Ms. Gweneth King, OSH Department Consultant, echoed the Minister’s concerns, noting that 27 fatalities have occurred in the construction sector over the past four years. She emphasised the importance
of preventative measures, urging companies to employ health and safety officers and adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Act Chapter 99:06. King stressed that investing in education and preventive measures is both cost-effective and life-saving.
“The construction industry, in particular, poses significant risks, which can be mitigated by employing health and safety officers,” Ms. King said, noting the sector’s higher fatality rate compared to others like mining.
Tuesday’s seminar rep-
resented a vital step toward promoting a safer working environment in the construction industry, demonstrating the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with industry stakeholders to foster safer and healthier workplace practices.
The gathering at the critical safety and health seminar organised by Labour Ministry for construction firms and agencies from both the private and public sectors in Linden
Health Ministry holds suicide awareness, prevention workshop at Tain Campus
THE Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Unit, in partnership with the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) and the Ministry of Education, hosted a Suicide Awareness and Prevention Workshop at the University of Guyana, Tain Campus, Berbice, on Tuesday.
The event, held in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, focused on this year’s theme: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.”
The workshop emphasised a holistic and multi-sectoral approach to suicide prevention, aiming to promote mental well-being across diverse segments of Guyanese society. The event attracted approximately 86 participants from various communities in central, upper, and lower Corentyne, Region Six. Attendees included teachers, school guidance counsellors from the Ministry of Education, primary healthcare staff from the Ministry of Health, as well as civil so-
ciety and religious leaders.
During the workshop, participants received critical training on suicide awareness and prevention, along with instructions on using Mental Health Screening Tools. These tools are designed to help identify at-risk individuals, recognise contributing factors, and know when to refer people to specialised mental health services for support and care.
Key officials in attendance included Dr. Timothy Morgan, Director of Mental Health, Ministry of Health; Mr. Akash Persaud, Senior Guidance and Counselling Officer, Ministry of Education; Dr. Vishalaya Sharma, Regional Health Officer, Region 6; Ms. Shameena Haniff, Country Manager of the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF); and Dr. Mark Constantine, Clinical Psychologist from the Mental Health Unit.
Dr. Morgan, in his remarks, highlighted the importance of building stronger, collaborative partnerships across dif -
ferent sectors to combat the rising rates of suicide.
“Suicide prevention cannot be the work of one group or entity alone. It requires a collective effort to promote mental health and create a supportive environment for all.”
The workshop comes at a crucial time, with the increasing emphasis on community-based mental health support and the need for more comprehensive strategies to address mental health issues across the country. By equipping educators, healthcare workers, and community leaders with the tools to recognise and address suicide risks, the Ministry of Health aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for individuals dealing with mental health challenges.
The event represented a continued effort by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and IDRF to strengthen suicide prevention efforts in Guyana, fostering a more understanding and supportive environment for those in need.
Participants at suicide prevention workshop
Region Two schools unite for suicide prevention awareness
PRIMARY and Secondary schools across Region
Two have joined forces to raise their voices in support of suicide prevention through a series of impactful programmes aimed at engaging students and fostering awareness.
At Johanna Cecilia Sec-
ondary, a special two-day event was held on Monday in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, organised by teacher Rabindranauth Narine. Narine expressed his satisfaction with the high level of student participation, highlighting the creativity and thorough
research demonstrated by students during the event.
“By raising awareness, students can play a vital role in preventing suicide within their communities,” Narine said, emphasising the importance of involving youth in mental health initiatives.
Students and teachers
Students of the Aurora Secondary School encouraged open dialogue about mental health and suicide prevention
at the school contributed by creating posters on suicide prevention. Fifteen classes actively participated, displaying enthusiasm and commitment to the cause.
The event also featured performances, including songs, poems, and presentations, all encouraging open dialogue about mental health and suicide prevention.
The activities provided a supportive space for students to express their views on this critical issue, fostering an environment of empathy and understanding.
In addition to Johanna Cecilia Secondary, Better
Hope Primary participated in the initiative, with pupils releasing balloons as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness. Meanwhile, Aurora Secondary saw both students and teachers working together to spread messages of support and prevention within their school and community. These initiatives are part of a broader, ongoing effort to address mental health and suicide prevention at the grassroots level, empowering learners with the knowledge and tools to make a positive impact in their communities.
Agri Ministry investigating
‘irregularities and discrepancies’ in GMC
–– flags political activist’s false claims
THE ministry of Agriculture, on Wednesday, confirmed that an investigation is ongoing at the Guyana Marketing Cooperation (GMC), while debunking ‘unsubstantiated’ claims made by one, Mark Benschop, a well-known A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) political activist.
The Ministry in a statement in response to the claims made by Benschop clarified that its Head Office is not involved in the purchase or sale of chicken or eggs, as implied by the post, noting that the responsibility for those matters falls under the jurisdiction of the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC).
“In recent weeks, the Honourable Minister initiated an audit and investigation into certain irregularities and discrepancies within the GMC. It is important to note that this is a transparent process to ensure accountability and rectify any administrative lapses,” the statement further read.
According to the Ministry, the timing of the ‘misleading post’ was unfortunate and intended to distract from the ongoing investigation at the GMC.
“We urge members of the public not to be swayed by baseless accusations and to await the outcome of the official investigations which are being conducted with the highest level of integrity.”
The ministry further highlighted its commitment in executing its mandate of serving the people of Guyana and ensuring that all aspects of its operations are transparent and accountable.
“We will continue to work diligently for the benefit of the agricultural sector and the citizens of our country,” the Ministry said.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Thursday September 12, 2024)
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Chris Gayle (JT) – 33 sixes (2) Johan Botha (Red Steel) – 12 catches
Today’s Quiz:
(1) How many sixes were struck during the seventh game of CPL 2024 (GAW vs Patriots)?
(2) How many sixes GAW’s Simron Hetmyer hit in that game?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
AMERICAN RACING TIPS
DELAWARE PARK
Race 1 FIa First
Race 2 Grand Rozzo
Race 3 Del Rey Dolly
Race 4 Synergism
Race 5 Trumpet Call
Race 6 Great Kisser
Race 7 Golden Tabby
Race 8 Look Sharp
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
DONCASTER
08:50 hrs Beauty Nation
09:25 hrs An Outlaw’s Grace
10:00 hrs Desert Flower
10:35 hrs Nakheel
11:10 hrs Victorious Street
11:40 hrs Qaseem
12:15 hrs Pellitory
12:50 hrs Kildare Legend
EPSOM DOWNS
09:00 hrs Bold Impact
09:35 hrs Marlay Park
10:10 hrs Mrembo
10:45 hrs Haliphon
11:20 hrs Dubawi Time
11:50 hrs New Heights
11:25 hrs Bear Code
11:58 hrs Doublethetrouble
12:30 hrs Breckenridge
13:00 hrs Missmimi
13:30 hrs Forever Eighteen
14:00 hrs Polly The Rocket 14:30 hrs Barleybrown
15:00 hrs Dxndy Fitz
15:30 hrs Exceed
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS
VAAL
08:20 hrs I Am Regal
08:55 hrs Willy Meet Again
09:30 hrs Risky Business
10:05 hrs Laguna Verde
10:40 hrs Clarkson
Better Hope cart off OMSCC Over-40 B Division title
BETTER Hope maintained their unbeaten run to emerge winners of the Over-40 B Division in the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) 2024 season final, played at the St Bede’s ground in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada last Sunday.
Entering the final with an unblemished record, Better Hope turned back the challenge of Ramblers to come out victorious before their raucous supporters on a chilly Sunday afternoon.
Chasing 129 for victory, after limiting their opponents to 128 all out and
starting as firm favourites, Better Hope romped to a convincing victory in 17.4 overs, losing three wickets in the process.
The victory was engineered by a fine unbeaten 47 from Deochand “Desmond” Ram who shared a 34-run second wicket partnership with Jai Singh (six) following the dismissal of former Guyana National player Krishna Arjune (three) and a further 61 with skipper Sunil Ramkissoon (29). Ramkissoon, who smashed three sixes in his entertaining knock, went with 20 still needed for victory. However, there
were no further alarms as Ram, who struck five fours and a six and Rakesh Ramoutar (four not out) saw their team home. Lal Dingo Singh took one for 11, Vishal Arjune one for 16 and Patrick Shivrattan one for 21.
Earlier, the consistent Narendra Buchana was the star for Ramblers with a brilliant 42 but failed to get support from the other batters as he was the only player to reach double figures. Buchana, who batted at number four, slammed three fours and four sixes before he was bowled by Mahendra Monelall. Twenty-one wides and
10 leg byes aided in the eventual total.
Bowling for Better Hope, Richard Narine claimed two for eight and Gavin Singh two for 14. There was also one wicket each for Ramkissoon, Jerry Brittania, Shablall Sha Mohabir and Monelall.
Both the winning team and runner-up teams were recipient of trophies while all the players received medallions.
The respective Most Valuable Players (MVPs), Ram of Better Hope and
Buchana of Ramblers were presented with trophies, compliments of TDMJ Accounting and Tax Services, owned by Terry and Jasdavi Mathura.
Seven teams participated in the B Division with Better Hope topping the points table with 42 points, followed by Ramblers (39), United (36), Reliance Lions (18), Carr Tec (15), GT Bannas (12) and All Stars (six).
Better Hope’s Krishna Arjune led the batting aggregate with 286 runs and he was followed by Polly Shivrattan (Ramblers)
with 221, Ramkissoon (206) and Mark Khan (GT Bannas) 202.
In the bowling department, Jano Panday (United) took 11 wickets and Jerry Brittania (Better Hope) nine. There were five players with seven wickets – Ganeshwar Babulall (Reliance Lions), Raja Pooran (Reliance Lions), Mark Khan (GT Bannas), Sheldon Burnett (Reliance Lions) and Prem Kumar (United). (Frederick Halley).
Ronaldo: ‘You cannot rebuild Man United without knowledge’
CRISTIANO Ronaldo believes Manchester United “cannot rebuild without knowledge” as he urged Erik ten Hag to take advice from assistant coach - and former Red Devils strikerRuud van Nistelrooy.
United opened the Premier League season with a 1-0 win over Fulham, but then suffered back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Hove Albion and Liverpool.
It is the second time under Ten Hag the Red Devils have lost as many as two of their first three league games in a season (also 2022-23); as many times as in their previous 29 campaigns combined.
United have also scored three goals fewer than their xG suggests they should have so far this term (two
goals, 5.2 xG), the biggest such difference for any team in the Premier League. Ten Hag was recently
joined in the dugout by compatriot Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 in 219 appearances at Old Trafford between 2001 and 2006.
And Ronaldo - the scorer of 145goals in 346 games across his two spells - thinks the Red Devils will benefit from the wisdom of people with prior experience and knowledge of the club.
“[As the] Man United manager; you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the Premier League or Champions League,” he told former team-mate Rio Ferdinand on FiveUK.
“You’ve to say: ‘maybe we’ve not got the potential, but we’re going to try’. You have to try!
“If Ten Hag listens to Ruud van Nistelrooy, maybe he can help. He knows the club and the club should listen to the guys who were there [like] Rio, Roy Keane, [Paul] Scholes, Gary Neville, Alex Ferguson. You cannot rebuild a club without knowledge.”
United return to action this weekend away at pointless Southampton, against whom they are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League visits since a 1-0 defeat in August 2003.
The Red Devils have also lost just one of their last 30 Premier League matches against promoted sides, winning 15 of their last 17 such games.
Narendra Buchana is rewarded for his MVP effort by Jasdavi Mathura
The victorious Better Hope players and supporters
MVP of Better Hope, Deochand “Desmond” Ram, collects his award from Jasdavi Mathura of TDMJ Accounting and Tax Services
Former Manchester United player Cristiano Ronaldo
Brazil and Argentina lose in World Cup qualifying matches
BRAZIL suffered its fourth defeat in five qualifying games with a 1-0 loss to Paraguay and Argentina was beaten 2-1 by Colombia in the latest qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.
Inter Miami's Diego Gomez scored the winner for Paraguay in Asuncion after 20 minutes as Brazil failed to register a shot on target in the first half.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and West Ham playmaker, Lucas Paqueta, all started for Brazil with the Real Madrid trio of Rodrygo, Endrick and Vinicius Jr in attack.
"I want to apologise to the fans, I know it's a difficult time, but we just want to improve," Vinicius told Brazilian TV channel Globo.
The 24-year-old winger has scored over 20 goals for Real in each of the last three
seasons but has only five goals from 35 caps for Brazil and failed to score at the 2022 World Cup.
"I know my potential, what I can do for the national team," he added.
"Of course, it's been a very complicated process because when you don't have confidence, you don't get goals."
The result leaves fivetime world champion, Brazil, fifth in the qualifying table with only three wins from eight games.
Manager Dorival Jr. was appointed in January and his side lost in the Copa America quarter-finals in the summer.
"The coach is still figuring out the best way for us to play and that's reflected in the result," defender Marquinhos said speaking to Globo. "There are a lot of new players, we are lacking confidence.
"Qualifying isn't easy, it's
Khaled Mahmud steps down as BCB director
FORMER Bangladesh captain Khaled Mahmud has resigned from his position as Director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board on Wednesday. A top board official confirmed the development to Cricbuzz.
Mahmud, who won the election against Gazi Ashraf Hossain in 2013, served as BCB director on three terms, but had to resign before completing his latest term, largely due to the political change in the country that has had a ripple effect on the affairs of the Board after former president Nazmul Hassan stepped down.
Mahmud served as BCB's game development chairman for many years before, and in his tenure, Bangladesh Under-19 team won the ICC Under-19 tournament in 2020.
Apart from that, he also served as interim head coach of Bangladesh’s national cricket team, as well as team manager on different occasions.
Apart from Mahmud and Nazmul, several other board directors also decided to step down from the post, including Jalal Yunus, Shafiul Alam Chowdhury and Naimur Rahman among others. (Cricbuzz)
a difficult time and we have to know how to manage it. It's a time of transition, we're not feeling confident. We're going to work hard, getting results on the pitch is the best answer.
Meanwhile, former Real Madrid and Everton midfielder, James Rodriguez, was the hero for Colombia as the 33-year-old scored the winner from the penalty spot to down the reigning world
champions, who were without Lionel Messi.
It was revenge for Colombia who lost to Argentina in the Copa America final two months ago.
Rodriguez, now at La Liga side, Rayo Vallecano, crossed for Wolves' Yerson Mosquera to score the opener with a header in the 25th minute in Barranquilla.
Nicolas Gonzalez levelled for Argentina three minutes
after the break but Nicolas Otamendi then fouled Crystal Palace's Daniel Munoz and a penalty was given after a video assistant referee review.
Captain Rodriguez sent Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez the wrong way from the spot to score the 60th-minute winner.
"I don't think I've ever scored against them - there's a first time for everything," said Rodriguez.
"We want to get used to playing finals. Today was just another game, but against a team that has won everything - this victory tastes even better."
Elsewhere, midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who joined Manchester United last month from Paris St-Germain, started for Uruguay in their 0-0 draw at Venezuela.
Argentina remain top of the 10-team table by two points from second-placed Colombia.
The top six teams automatically qualify after 18 rounds of fixtures, which carry on until September 2025. The seventh-placed side go into an intercontinental playoff against a team from another confederation.
In Asia's World Cup qualifiers, Australia were held to a 0-0 draw at Indonesia on Tuesday, having lost 1-0 at home to Bahrain in their opening match last Thursday. Japan, also in Australia's group, were 5-0 winners away to Bahrain as Premier League trio Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) and Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) all started for Japan.
South Korea recorded their first win in World Cup 2026 qualifier, beating Oman 3-1 with Tottenham captain, Son Heung-min and Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan on target.(BBC Sport)
Hutson says his goal is to have all in place — for whoever takes over the AAG
AFTER his return to the helm as President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Aubrey Hutson says that since he is back after more than a year, he is working feverishly to ensure all is in place for whoever takes over the local governing body.
In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport Guyana Chronicle, Hudson says he is still undecided about seeking re-election, but insists he is always willing to serve the sport in any way possible.
“My role in track-andfield has always been a position of service. I would always like to serve athletics until I can’t anymore, and being president has never been my ambition; it’s not that I have a thirst for the presidency.
If that was the case, from the time I got the first suspension letter, they would have heard from my lawyer,” he said.
Hutson, who was reportedly suspended by the General Council of the AAG in April of 2023 because of a myriad of issues that plagued the 2023 CARFITA team and their travel and accommodation problems, says he
AAG President Aubrey Hutson
resumed duties months ago. Hutson, who was first elected by the AAG in 2013, said that he has seen it fit to resume his duties after taking the necessary time away from the sport.
He was adamant that he personally took the decision to step away from the sport in light of the chaos that marred the team, and maintains that the AAG could in no way rightfully suspend him.
“For the smooth running of track-and-field, a sport that I loved dearly,” he said,
“I decided to step back. As a matter of fact, at the meeting, even before the motion could be passed or the attempt at passing the motion, because a motion has to be based if accepted on the Constitution… .at that stage after sitting there for 10-plus years, you get a little tired.”
He said that the entire situation was a sour episode, and he felt he needed to take a break.
“I was happy to step back a little bit,” he said, “because I was being overwhelmed by
track-and-field and serving track-and-field, so while I was still assisting when people called for advice… I was still assisting in the best way possible, so that it did not bring the sport into disrepute, because, ultimately, it’s the athletes that we care for.”
Hutson said that while he firmly disagreed with decision taken, he didn’t entertain the option of moving to the court which would adversely affect the sport locally.
Hutson noted that he met some resistance on his return but better sense prevailed for the good of the sport after legal advice was sought by the counsel on the matter.
The AAG head says that Vice-President Amanda Hermonstyne, who acted in the role did a commendable job for which he is proud.
‘Take your hat off to Amanda, she tried her best, we all have our limitations and could say she did try her best’
The next AAG annual general meeting and election is likely to be in between December of 2024 or January of 2025.
Brazil has picked up four points from a possible 18 in its last six 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier
Khaled Mahmud steps down
Future Warriors ‘Champion of Champions’ Tapeball set for September 14
POWERED by ExxonMobil Guyana, the Future Warriors Tapeball tournament for Primary Schools will meet a new climax as the winners of the three previous tournaments will match prowess in the Champion of Champions edition set for Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the iconic Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda.
Stella Maris Primary (Demerara), Cropper Primary (Berbice), and Huis T’ Dieren (Essequibo) will be the three participating schools.
The teams will play each other in a double round-robin
format, followed by a final in the eight-over-per-side contest.
John Ramsingh, speaking on behalf of the tournament's organisers, FL Sport, expressed his overwhelming appreciation for the continued and fruitful partnership with ExxonMobil Guyana, as the tournament aims to expose grassroots talents to cricket.
Ramsingh is confident that, based on the success of the other three tournaments, teams will give their all, and have fun while competing, and hopes the players can transition into clubs, or a more structured programme.
Lasawhna Prescott, Community Relations Adviser at ExxonMobil Guyana, expressed the company's commitment to fostering initiatives that offer youths a platform to develop sportsmanship and camaraderie in a competitive environment.
"This initiative perfectly aligns with our objective of nurturing and empowering the younger generation through sports."
Like in the previous editions, schools can field both boys and girls on their teams at their discretion.
All matches will be scored live, and the organ-
isers have committed to ensuring that all the teams are dressed appropriately in uniforms and that all their gear, catering, and transportation needs are met.
Apart from another gear bag with numerous pieces of equipment for tapeball cricket, trophies, medals, and equipment/stationery for the schools, the tournament winner will face the Guyana Amazon Warriors in a novelty match at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Kingston on Sunday, September 22.
The other two teams will also attend and engage in the interactive sessions.
New-look England beaten by Australia in first T20
A new-look England side slumped to a 28-run defeat by Australia in the first T20 international at Utilita Bowl.
Australia made a blistering start, with Travis Head smashing 59 from 23 balls as he and opening partner Matthew Short put on 86 in the first six overs.
But England, who handed T20 debuts to three players and were captained by Phil Salt for the first time, produced a superb fightback to bowl the tourists out for 179.
The spinners led the way, with Liam Livingstone taking 3-22 and Adil Rashid impressive for his 1-23, while seamers Jofra Archer and Saqib Mahmood claimed two wickets apiece.
However, England's chase was in trouble early, as three wickets went down in the powerplay. Livingstone and Sam Curran gave them hope with a 54-run stand for the fifth wicket, but when they departed in quick succession,
England's long tail was exposed, and they were bowled out for 151 in the final over.
The teams will now head to Cardiff for the second T20 on Friday, before the threematch series concludes at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Australia’s openers marmalised the England seamers early on, the home fans only cheering ironically when a delivery was not dispatched to the boundary.
Short started the onslaught with back-to-back towering sixes off Reece Topley before Head, who successfully reviewed after being given out caught behind, went one better with three in a row as he pummelled 30 off a Sam Curran over.
With long square boundaries at Southampton, England tried to bowl short, but were punished time and again as Head raced to a 19ball half-century, the fastest for Australia in T20s and the quickest against England in
the format.
He fell to Mahmood from the last ball of the powerplay, but Australia still appeared on for a monstrous total.
A much-changed England side turned to their most experienced bowler, and Rashid delivered, bowling Mitchell Marsh in his first over.
Livingstone replaced Rashid as England clawed back control by bowling 10 straight overs of spin, and the all-rounder had Short caught
on the sweep off his second ball.
When Livingstone trapped Marcus Stoinis and Tim David lbw with back-to-back deliveries, both times on review, the hosts were right back in the game.
Josh Inglis kept Australia steady before he was bowled trying to reverse scoop Curran, and it was left to Jofra Archer and Mahmood to mop up the tail.
Three yorkers in three
balls brought three wickets, two for Archer and one for Mahmood - both of whom narrowly missed out on hattricks – and Adam Zampa was run out as the tourists failed to bat their overs.
Early wickets cost inexperienced England
Ultimately, the late collapse did not cost Australia, as there were no fireworks from England.
Salt was reprieved by being caught off a no-ball first up but there was no such luck for Will Jacks as he picked out Short at fine leg in the next over.
Debutant Jordan Cox and Salt both fell before the end of the powerplay and when Zampa bowled Jacob Bethell, also making his international debut, for two, England were struggling at 52-4.
Livingstone and Curran were happy to bide their time and try to rebuild but just as they started to accelerate, Sean Abbott had Curran caught at
short fine leg.
Josh Hazlewood bowled Livingstone, who played well for his 37 from 27 balls, three deliveries later and from there England looked beaten.
The ever-wily Zampa bowled Jamie Overton on his T20I debut, leaving the England bowlers to try and rescue the situation for the second time in the match.
They took the game into the last over without ever threatening to overhaul Australia’s total.
England must hope a top seven, which included all three debutants and is missing skipper Jos Buttler, learn quickly against a top-class opponent to turn the series around.
Australia’s main concern will be over the fitness of fast bowler Xavier Bartlett, who pulled up with two balls left of his final over and must now be a doubt for the matches in Cardiff and Manchester (BBC Sport)
Paralympian Akeem Stewart in line for $150, 000 grant from T&T Gov’t
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Paralympian
Akeem Stewart will receive a major bonus from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for his exceptional performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics Games.
The 32-year-old, who copped silver in the men’s discus F64 event at the 2024 Paralympic Games at the Stade de France last Thurs-
day with an effort measured 59.66 metres, will be awarded $150, 000.
It was Stewart’s third ever medal at the Games. At the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he copped gold in the Javelin F44 event and placed second in the Discus F44 division.
Akeem Stuart will receive $150, 000 from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago
for his silver medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
In a press release issued on Sunday, T&T’s Minister of Sport and Community Development, Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis said Stewart deserved to be rewarded for his sterling efforts.
“In recognition of his outstanding achievement, Akeem will be awarded $150,000 from the Ministry
of Sport and Community Development. This grant is part of the National Incentives and Rewards Framework, a policy designed to honor athletes who achieve medals at the highest levels of international competition across various sports.
“Akeem has given us something to celebrate through his determination and commitment and his
performance has made Trinidad and Tobago proud. This reward is part of the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the support of our athletes,” Cudjoe-Lewis said.
“We are inspired by not only Akeem’s performance but also by those athletes who medal in all other disciplines and surpass their personal bests on the global stage.”
In 2019, Stewart re -
ceived $450,000 for his gold medal in the men’s javelin and a silver in the men’s discus at the 2016 Summer Paralympics. In 2020, he received $181,250 for achieving a gold medal in the discus and a silver medal in the javelin at the 2019 Parapan American Games and in 2024 he received $37,500 for his gold medal at the 2023 Para Pan American Games.
Travis Head produced another barnstorming display (Getty Images)
FL Sport’s John Ramsingh (left) collects the ceremonial sponsorship cheque from Community Relations Adviser for ExxonMobil Guyana, Lasawhna Prescott
Destructive Pollard (52* off 19) fires TKR to victory over Kings
CAPTAIN Kieron Pollard
smashed a rapid half-century under pressure to lift Trinbago Knight Riders to a four-wicket victory over St. Lucia Kings in an entertaining Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) clash at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on Tuesday night.
After the Kings posted 187-6, the Knight Riders were well on track, thanks to a belligerent 57 from 33 balls from Shaqkere Parris before stuttering in the middle overs.
With 27 runs needed off 12 balls, Pollard (52 not out off 19 balls) whacked four sixes off seamer Matthew Forde in the penultimate over before the Knight Riders ran down the target with five balls remaining to inflict defeat on the Kings.
The Knight Riders moved to a record of 2-1, while the Kings are 2-2.
After being routed for just 100 by Guyana Amazon
Warriors, the Kings paced their innings well after being sent in to bat.
Opener Johnson Charles
got the Kings off to a flier with two sixes in three balls to spoil the 23rd birthday of quick Jayden Seales.
Skipper Faf du Plessis also chanced his arm and was dropped twice before his middle stump was knocked
over by left-arm spinner Waqar Salamkheil in the eighth over.
The Kings went through a lull in the middle overs, with Sunil Narine enjoying the spin-friendly conditions to finish with 2-13 from four overs.
But Roston Chase (56 not out from 40 balls) stepped up in the latter overs and powered the Kings to a strong total.
The Knight Riders needed a fast start and Narine obliged before falling to debutant left-arm quick Khari Campbell, who picked up the wicket with his sixth delivery.
ut Campbell was brought back to earth when he misjudged a skier in a lucky let off for Jason Roy on 10. Campbell’s confidence was shaken and he succumbed to an assault from a rampaging Parris who cracked a trio of sixes in the fifth over.
Parris raced to 31 off nine balls as the Knight Riders
continued to soar above the required run rate. He fittingly hit a six to reach his half-century off 20 balls as the Knight Riders reached triple figures in the ninth over.
But Parris was less assured against vicious shortpitched bowling from Alzarri Joseph and on 54 he gloved a rearing delivery only for wicketkeeper Tim Seifert to fumble the chance after diving forward.
Parris’ momentum was halted and a clever bowling change led to his downfall when spinner Noor Ahmad lured him into a false shot. Keacy Carty struggled for fluency and in the 17th over was brilliantly caught by substitute fielder David Wiese, who dived at long on to take a stunner.
The pressure fell on Pollard, who kept his calm with his first CPL half-century since 2021 to leave the local fans once again stunned. (CPL)
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce to receive Keys to City of Kingston
KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC)-Olympic and World Champion ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce is set to receive the Keys to the City of Kingston, a prestigious honour granted by the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC).
The decision to bestow this recognition on the sprint legend was approved during a recent KSAMC Council meeting in Kingston.
Widely regarded as one of Jamaica’s greatest athletes, Fraser-Pryce’s 22-year
career in track-and-field includes stellar performances in the 60m, 100m, 200m, and 4x100m events, earning
her multiple gold medals and world records.
Councilor Waynette Strachan, representing the
Hagley Park Division, introduced the resolution, highlighting Fraser-Pryce’s remarkable achievements and her impact beyond athletics.
“Honouring Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce with the Keys to Kingston is not only a tribute to her success on the track but a celebration of her role as an ambassador for Jamaica’s culture, a mentor, and a symbol of hope,” said Strachan. “This recognition celebrates both her past accomplishments and the promise of her future con-
tributions. Her journey is far from over, and she will undoubtedly continue to inspire and break barriers.”
Councilor Byron Lee Clarke of the Waterhouse Division praised the athlete as a beacon of hope, stating that the honour is “more than deserving,” while Councilor Tosha Schwapp of the Stony Hill Division called her a “Jamaican gem” cherished for her resilience.
Other councillors, including Dennis Gordon, Eugene Kelly, Andrew Harris, and Jermaine Hyatt,
also contributed to the discussion, each lauding Fraser-Pryce’s contributions to Jamaica.
Receiving the Keys to the City of Kingston is the highest honour the KSAMC can bestow, and it is being conferred on Fraser-Pryce in recognition of her iconic career that has inspired fans both locally and globally. Additionally, a road in the Waterhouse community will be named in her honour, further cementing her legacy in her country.
Kieron Pollard of Trinbago Knight Riders bats during the Men's 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League match between St. Lucia Kings and Trinbago Knight Riders at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium on September 10, 2024 in Gros Islet, St Lucia. (Photo by Ashley AllenCPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)
