- pave way for Guyana’s request for funding from US EXIM Bank to move forward ‘Now is the time to invest in Guyana’
- Minister Bharrat urges investors as Massy Gas Products commissions US$12M Air Separation Unit
‘Produce the evidence of corruption to back your accusations’
- Dr. Jagdeo challenges AFC Leader CH&PA warns persons against squatting in Linden
- CEO says Housing Ministry will not be pressured into transactions by people involved in illegal activities Court proceedings expose dishonesty of opposition politicians
- Dr. Jagdeo says
Regional health stakeholders discuss MPOX, alarming increase in malaria, dengue cases
[Delano Williams photos]
‘Now is the time to invest in Guyana’
- Minister Bharrat urges investors as Massy Gas Products commissions US$12M Air Separation Unit
By Feona Morrison
MASSY Gas Products (Guyana) Limited has commissioned a more than US$12 million Air Separation Unit (ASU) at its facility in Old Road, Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), marking a momentous milestone in Guyana's industrial landscape.
The state-of-the-art unit, the first-of-its-kind in Guyana, is designed to enhance the supply of high-purity liquid oxygen and nitrogen, and is expected to meet local demand and boost the country's burgeoning industrial sector. It has the capacity to produce 13 tonnes of product per day.
The commissioning
ceremony, held on Thursday, saw the attendance of key stakeholders, including Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, who took the opportunity
to advocate for increased investments in Guyana.
Minister Bharrat emphasised that the time is ripe for investors to tap into Guyana’s rapidly ex-
panding economy, pointing to the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for business growth.
“Now is the time to in-
vest in Guyana,” Minister Bharrat declared passionately during his address.
He said that Guyana's rapid economic growth, driven by its oil and gas sector, has transformed the country into the fastest-growing economy globally.
According to him, in-
Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat
CEO of Massy Gas Products (Guyana) Augustus Harris
Gas-to-Energy project…
Technical experts complete ‘due diligence’
- pave way for Guyana’s request for funding from US EXIM Bank
CONSULTANTS representing the United States Export-Import (EXIM) Bank have completed their assessment of the Gas-to-Energy project at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD), thus paving the way for Guyana’s request for funding to move forward.
General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Bharrat Jagdeo, during his news conference on Thursday at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown, disclosed that the project could be presented for approval by the EXIM Bank’s Board of Directors as early as October.
The long-awaited funding is crucial for advancing the landmark project, which is set to
‘Now
FROM PAGE 2
ternational recognition of Guyana has surged, with media and conference attendees now well-informed about the Caribbean country's progress.
“We must acknowledge the fact that it is because of the oil and gas sector that we have seen significant growth and jump start in new sectors within our economy. It is because of the oil and gas sector that today we can expand our agriculture sector, that we can expand our tourism sector, that we can now speak of becoming a manufacturing nation where we can add value to our products and to some exported primary products…,” he said.
Minister Bharrat also introduced the gas-to-energy project as a transformational initiative that will significantly reduce electricity costs by 50 per cent. He added that the project will provide reliable energy, addressing past issues of blackouts and unreliable power supply.
The minister said that the project will benefit
significantly reduce electricity costs in Guyana.
Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, who recently met with key EXIM Bank officials during a visit to the United States, confirmed that the bank has all the necessary information to proceed with the funding approval process.
“Ashni Singh met with EXIM Bank, and he is going to tell you about it, and that they have indicated that they have all of the information they need to go to the Board,” he said.
Consultants hired by the bank spent several months in Guyana conducting a thorough assessment of the project’s environmental and technical feasibility. According to Jagdeo, the assessments confirmed that the project is technically sound.
With the due diligence phase completed, the project will now be submitted for review by the EXIM Bank’s Board.
Jagdeo said, “They’re
aiming to go to the Board by the October Board meeting, but all of the technical and environmental work has been completed, and they have all of the information nec-
essary to go to the Board.”
Once the project receives Board approval, the US Congress will be notified, initiating a 35-day review period. Following this, the EXIM Bank will
make a final decision on the release of funds.
The Gas-to-Energy project is expected to provide around 300 megawatts (MW) of power, using natural gas from an ExxonMobil pipeline. It will include four gas turbines, two steam turbines, a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility, a transmission and distribution network, and a state-ofthe-art control centre.
This integrated system is expected to cut electricity costs by half for Guyana. Despite delays in securing the US$660 million loan from EXIM Bank, the Government of Guyana has allocated US$400 million from its resources to ensure continued progress on the project.
is the time to invest in...
Massy Gas Products (Guyana) Limited’s Air Separation Unit
all Guyanese, and is seen as a major step towards transforming Guyana's energy landscape and improving economic conditions, despite political opposition
Minister Bharrat highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the business climate through regulatory reforms, infrastructural development, and initiatives aimed
at strengthening investor confidence.
He commended the Massy Group of Companies for their long-term commitment to Guyana which spans five decades.
Massy Gas Products (Guyana) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Augustus Harris, expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s continued investment in Guyana.
He shared that the company has been manufacturing oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide (CO2) since the 1970s, and later added liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the company met the surging oxygen demand, providing hospitals with essential gas.
“At the height of the COVID pandemic in 2021,
oxygen demand nearly doubled the usual consumption. Massy Gas responded, providing all the hospitals, including COVID Hospital, with the oxygen needed to stabilise and save the lives of countless patients,” Harris said.
The company constructed the ASU in July 2021, and it had its first productive run in May 2023.
This ASU was manufactured in India by Cosmodyne, a subsidiary of Nikkiso, a Japanese company.
The CEO explained: “Our ASU produces oxygen at a purity of 99.99% and nitrogen at a purity of 0.1554 million of oxygen. This level of purity exceeds the requirements for oxygen gas in all medical and industrial application. The nitrogen gas purity satisfies requirements for our local beverage companies and other users in the industry.”
“This project was contemplated with the future of a growing and dynamic economy in mind. With the continued growth and expansion in all sectors,
particularly the oil and gas and manufacturing sectors, we have selected this 13-tonne per day plant. We are confident that, considering the trajectory of this economy, our plant will be able to satisfy the demand for oxygen and nitrogen.
“We no longer need to import oxygen or high-purity nitrogen. It is important to note that we have the capacity to satisfy the demand of nitrogen associated with turnarounds, startups, shutdowns in the oil and gas sector, inclusive of the commissioning of the gas-to-shore pipeline,” Harris said.
The CEO assured Guyanese that the company will continue to contribute to Guyana’s economy. He also thanked the government for supporting the company’s investment in the facility. Massy Gas Products has plans to invest in a CO2 filling plant and production plant by 2024.
The award-winning company is a leading distributor of industrial, medical and liquefied petroleum gases in Guyana.
CH&PA warns persons against squatting in Linden
- CEO says Housing Ministry will not be pressured into transactions by people involved in illegal activities
DURING a visit to Phase Four Amelia’s Ward/Fitz Hope, Linden, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Sherwyn Greaves reiterated a firm stance against squatting in the area.
The CEO's impromptu visit was prompted by a surge in illegal occupation of residential lots and unauthorised construction on lands allocated to families through proper channels by the agency.
Reports indicate that individuals have been unlawfully selling allocated lots, advising buyers to apply through the agency and falsely claim occupation
since 2017.
Greaves warned individuals who have fallen victim to this deception that any illegal structures on these lands may be demolished, and the ministry is not obligated to honour any claims arising from such activities.
He made it clear that those engaging in such illicit activities risk hindering their ability to access residential lots from the agency in the future.
He emphasised that the ministry will not be pressured into transactions by people involved in illegal activities, as their names are recorded, and this could impede legitimate transactions in the future.
Additionally, Greaves urged legitimate landowners in the area to be vigilant and assist the agency in monitoring the area to prevent squatting on their lands. He assured the public that the ministry is working in the interest of all eligible applicants, seeking additional lands from NICIL and the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission.
Furthermore, he mentioned ongoing infrastructural works to upgrade the road network in the region, with an additional $80 million recently approved by the board for this purpose.
During a visit to Phase Four Amelia’s Ward/Fitz Hope, Linden, Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Sherwyn Greaves, reiterated the authority’s firm stance against squatting in the area
US imposes sanctions on 16 Venezuelan officials linked to Maduro
THE Biden administration said, on Thursday, it was imposing US sanctions on 16 allies of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in response to voter fraud in the country's election and his government's ensuing crackdown on the political opposition.
The move came just days after Edmundo Gonzalez, recognised by the US and other countries as winner of the July 28 presidential election, fled to Spain after Maduro's government issued a warrant for the opposition leader's arrest.
Among those targeted for sanctions were Supreme Court President, Caryslia Rodriguez, electoral council director, Rosalba Gil and National Assembly Vice President, Pedro Infante. The list includes others linked to the election as well as military and intelligence officials accused of post-election repression.
As part of the first punitive US measures in response to Maduro's disputed reelection claim, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was also imposing visa restrictions on an unspecified number of "Maduro-aligned" officials.
But the US stopped short of announcing any new actions against the OPEC member's vital energy sector, which is already under heavy US sanctions, an omission that raises questions about the potential impact of the new measures.
President Joe Biden's administration is seeking to punish Maduro and his loy-
Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, delivers a speech during a rally to celebrate the results of last month’s presidential election, in Caracas, Venezuela, August 28, 2024 (REUTERS/Fausto Torrealba/File Photo)
alists for what the US sees as reneging on the promise of a competitive democratic vote while also pressuring him into negotiations with the opposition.
"The Treasury Department is targeting key officials involved in Maduro's fraudulent and illegitimate claims of victory and his brutal crackdown on free expression following the election, as the overwhelming majority of Venezuelans call for change," Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Yvan Gil, said in a message on Telegram that his government rejected the "new crime of aggression by the United States against Venezuela in imposing unilaterally coercive, illegitimate and illegal measures on officials of the state."
DEMANDS FOR TRANSPARENCY
Election officials and Venezuela's top court have
lum last weekend after Venezuelan authorities threatened to arrest him, accusing him of conspiracy and other crimes, charges that he denied.
Venezuelans' hopes for political change have largely faded with Gonzalez's flight, the post-election crackdown and the international community's failure so far to take decisive action to loosen Maduro's grip on power.
adding restrictions on US oil producer Chevron's (CVX.N), opens new tab operations in Venezuela, a senior US official told reporters a "range of options" were under consideration but did not provide details.
The new Treasury sanctions call for freezing any US assets held by the targeted officials.
The US official insisted the sanctions were an important step in an effort to pressure Maduro to "make better decisions" on Venezuela's political situation before the presidential inauguration in January.
said Maduro, a Socialist who has been in power since 2013, won the election. The opposition said tallies collected by its observers show a resounding victory for Gonzalez.
Many democratic countries have condemned Maduro for claiming victory without providing proof, demanded full transparency, and accused him of tampering with the vote count.
Gonzalez, a 75-year-old veteran diplomat, flew to Spain seeking political asy-
Washington's cautious response, some US officials have said, reflects misgivings about actions that could spike global oil prices or inflict serious damage to Venezuela's already struggling economy, fearing that could spur an increased flow of Venezuelan migrants to the US-Mexico border.
Aides to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who has replaced him at the top of the Democratic ticket for the Nov. 5 US election, are wary about giving Republicans a further opening on the hot-button immigration issue.
Asked whether the US was weighing future oil sector-related actions, including
However, there are questions about the effectiveness of such individual sanctions, given that Washington has already targeted more than 140 Venezuelan officials, including Maduro himself in 2017, and placed US visa bans on nearly 2,000 people.
Washington, which rejected Maduro's 2018 re-election as a sham, broadly eased sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry last October in response to a deal between Maduro and opposition parties. But in April the US re-imposed the sanctions, accusing Maduro of failing to meet most of his electoral commitments.
(Reuters)
Leading Climate Change Action
LAST Friday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali reminded those gathered at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre for a high-level discussion of how special Guyana is, and how it is doing its part to deal with climate change, a highly-concerning problem that is affecting every inch of the world.
Held under the theme, “Restoring Ambition for International Climate and Development: Learning from Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy and Its Global Model for Forest Finance”, the discussion was graced by
some of the big names associated with climate change, and presented an opportunity for those who have an interest in the subject to hear the various perspectives, and to have any doubts or questions clarified and answered. When it comes to climate change, the world is fighting an uphill battle. The effects are enormous, and with the increasing effects, there is more public discussion aimed at finding solutions, and pushing for the implementation of recommendations that were made over the years.
Presently, many parts of the world are experiencing extreme heat and other unusual weather patterns which are climate change-influenced.
In Guyana’s case, the hot conditions are expected to last until November. This solidifies concerns coming out of various discussions which indicate that climate change is a major issue that requires carefully-crafted and sound partnerships and action, both individual and collective. This is what Guyana’s LDCS offers.
The brainchild of former President, Dr.
Bharrat Jagdeo, this global model that was launched in 2009 sought to create an avenue for promoting broad-based economic development, while also ending the deforestation-led development path followed by the more developed countries. Deforestation is a major climate change contributor.
President Ali has emphasised that the policy which was birthed from an idea that led to the creation of a vision, sets the benchmark for driving global climate change action, while simultaneously being an effective economic model.
Aside from partnerships, he identified fighters and backers as key to the successful implementation of this idea, and went at length to highlight the good that is coming out of the LCDS.
The Kingdom of Norway is helping Guyana push for global recognition of forests, and has paid this nation for preserving its forests and avoiding deforestation.
As we move closer to 2025, we must stick to the goals outlined in the new LCDS, and ensure that we can access mar-
ket-based mechanisms for forest climate services and other ecosystem services, that there is a stimulation of future growth through clean energy and sustainable economic activities, that there is protection against climate change and that what we are aiming for aligns with global climate goals.
We must appreciate the wealth we possess in the form of trees, and the invaluable contribution their preservation is making to Earth and the continued development of Guyana.
‘Produce the evidence of corruption to back your accusations’
-
Dr. Jagdeo
GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has called on Alliance for Change (AFC) leader Nigel Hughes to provide concrete evidence to support his claims of corruption within the PPP/C government.
Dr. Jagdeo criticised Hughes for making broad accusations without presenting specific facts.
“Today we talk about tendering and what’s going on with the tenders not being evaluated properly… He (Nigel Hughes) did an interview and he said that
challenges AFC Leader
some of the contractors have to pay 30 per cent to people. Let him find the contractors and bring them; he’s a lawyer, and expose these people. But no! He speaks in generic terms!” the General Secretary said on Thursday during a news conference at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown. Hughes, speaking on a radio programme on Thursday morning, raised concerns about the supposed level of corruption within the government, specifically within the contract tendering process.
“There’s a high level
of corruption. Now, with corruption, the country loses twice, but first, if the contract is 100 million, then you got to pay 30% commission to whoever the government official is,” Hughes alleged.
Jagdeo, however, emphasised the need for evidence to back up such claims.
“Today, they can come up with any number of issues, with no evidence,” he said, echoing a long-standing challenge for concrete proof.
Hughes’ accusations are reminiscent of claims made by the APNU+AFC
Coalition prior to the 2015 General and Regional Elections, which included allegations of widespread corruption.
In its 2015 Manifesto, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government cited figures from former Audi-
tor-General Anand Goolsarran, who estimated that 28-35% of procurement spending, or approximately G$28 billion annually, was lost to corruption.
Jagdeo, in the past, had pointed out that these claims have never been substantiated.
“Please allow Goolsarran to explain how $28$35B was stolen per year between 2010 and 2014 by procurement fraud… You’d have to say ‘X’ project we lost a billion on… He has no details; absolutely nothing! It’s a figment of his imagination,” Dr. Jagdeo said in a 2018 statement.
Despite several forensic audits carried out during the Coalition’s 2015-2020 tenure, which cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, no evidence has emerged to substantiate these claims of massive corruption.
(DPI)
AFC Leader Nigel Hughes
The ghost that follows me
WHEN you are a public figure after long years in social activism, academia and journalism, many details of your life become known. It is because of these dimensions, you encounter all types of humans. Two traits become customary.
One is, people gladly welcome you and they want to be nice to you. Conversely, there are those whose family members or relatives or friends you may have written something negative about and you become an object of their permanent dislike.
I have learnt to live with this negative aspect of the human mentality. Because of how rough I grew up, these unnecessarily unpleasant episodes have never had any effect, whatsoever on me. They never did and at my age, they never will.
I have endured these negative encounters because of my politics and since I am less active politically with onset of old age, they have deceased. But they never stop and I don’t think they will.
My relative came into the country and I went to visit him, and immediately on seeing me, the recep -
tion’s visage took on an uninviting impression. She knew me by calling my name when I asked for the room number. She was just brazenly rude.
In July this year, I had an experience that is unforgettable at the wedding of the editor-in-chief of the Guyana Chronicle. I spent a long time chatting with the Managing Editor, Rabindra Rooplall that I knew way back during our Kaieteur News days. We proceeded to the buffet table.
A man was in front of me, then, I was next in line, then another guest, then Rabindra. You take your plate and the cutlery to the server. She attended to the gentleman in front of me, then rudely skipped me and began to serve people at the back of me.
She just had a vexed look on her face when she looked at me, and just bypassed me. People in the line objected to her behaviour including Rabindra.
I did not want an incident at the wedding so I simply laid down my plate and cutlery and left the dining area. Rabindra and another guest with his wife objected and told her she was wrong.
Rabindra decided to bring dinner for me but I declined. It was the story of my life. It brought back similar memories of experiences in my country which I would like to share. The notes that follow are autobiographical snippets.
I was at the wake for the son of Adam Harris with AFC stalwart, Dennis Atwell. There were four of us as a group on the parapet chatting. Ada m’s relative came out with a large waiter with about six plates of food.
She handed one to Dennis, skipped me, then, she shared to the other two. Dennis was livid, and approached her. I held him back but he was so indignant, he decided we should leave.
Then two years ago, there was an incident involving the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Paloma Mohamed. We live in the same compound. My neighbour asked me to take care of her pet for a few days.
One day, I could not find the cat and decided I would check the entire compound. While my search took me to the Vice-Chancellor’s yard, her vehicle drove up right
next to me but she did not come out or wind down the window
The next day, the Vice Chancellor went on the email string that links the residents of the compound and enquired “why Freddie Kissoon was looking into my yard.”
Haji Roshan Khan very forcefully defended me but I chose not to respond. Sunday Chronicle columnist, Maureen Rampertab explained to Dr. Mohamed that I was looking for a lost cat.
Dr. Mohamed knows me well and in the long years we know each other there was never an un -
pleasant word between us. I have never written anything negative about her tenure since she became Vice Chancellor of UG. I believe from President to Cabinet Minister to judge to police officer to army officer that know me would have asked what the problem was.
Those are just samples in addition to my experience at the wedding reception of the danger one faces when one is a public figure. I have been active for 58 years in politics and 36 years in journalism.
You can’t keep track of all the people you have had reason to criticise. But
many out there have perceptions of the activist/ columnist that may have caused them to become hateful. The University’s Vice-Chancellor could and should have acted differently. Adam Harris’s relative certainly sees me in a certain light. I guess it comes with the territory. But I will forever remain unmoved.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
ERC conducts training with MoE staff
THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on Wednesday conducted its Diversity, Equity and inclusion (DEI) training with staff of the Ministry of Education (MoE).
Highlighting the importance of these employees in the workplace, the training provided valuable insights into the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Participants gained a thorough understanding of the ERC’s roles and functions, with a key focus on understanding of the Commission’s constitutional mandate to ensure DEI among Guyanese. The training is being offered by the ERC to public and private agencies, to enhance awareness of these areas in the workplace.
Similarly, in July this year, the ERC also hosted a DEI training session with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The ERC is a Constitutional body established by Constitution (Amendment) (No.2) Act No.11 of 2000 which amends Article 212 D of the Constitution to provide
for the establishment of the Commission.
The genesis of the ERC lies in the Herdmanston Accord signed on January 17, 1998 that provided for the establishment of a Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC).
The CRC, in its Report to the National As-
sembly on July 17, 1999, recommended that the Constitution shall establish an adequately-funded, suitably broad-based Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) comprising representatives of religious bodies, labour movement, the private business sector, youth and women.
The entities of each group identified one nominee and one substitute to serve as their
representatives and on March 8, 2002 the ERC was established. The Commission was recently reconstituted with the swearing-in of 10 new Commissioners in March 2023 by Head of State, President Dr. Irfaan Ali.
The ERC has 24 functions, some of which include the promotion of the elimination of all forms of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, pro-
viding for equality of opportunity between persons of different ethnic groups and good relations between these persons, encouraging and creating respect for religious, cultural and other forms of diversity in a plural society and, monitoring and reporting to the National Assembly on the status and success of implementation of its recommendations.
Scenes from the DEI training on Wednesday (ERC photos)
Court proceedings expose dishonesty of opposition politicians
THE Alliance For Change’s (AFC) Cathy Hughes, in the High Court, admitted that she falsely claimed that General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, as president offered a “channel” to Venezuela to settle the border controversy.
She acknowledged that the channel issue with Venezuela had been brought up before the Jagdeo government’s involvement. She also admitted that Jagdeo had no role in government in 1989 and that Dr Barton Scotland, not Jagdeo, had initially raised the “channel” issue.
Hughes also admitted that her only basis for the claim was a TikTok video, which she did not have and could not submit to the court as evidence.
Jagdeo, during his weekly news conference at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown, on Thursday noted her admissions. He charged that he was pleased that Hughes had taken the matter to court since the “dishonesty” of politicians like Hughes was being exposed for the public to see.
“It is dishonourable behaviour…now, I am glad in fact that they [Nigel Hughes
and Cathy Hughes] sued me…she lied on me to the people in Linden, knowingly. And she admitted that in court…we are looking forward to additional material being presented in court,” he said.
MISREPRESENTATION
As Opposition Leader, Jagdeo, in October 2015, while responding to questions from the media on the border controversy, had explained that in the past, before the PPP/C took office in 1992, several options were discussed as part of reaching a negotiated settlement with
Venezuela to resolve the border controversy.
He had said, “There were other options that involved a negotiated settlement…a negotiated settlement which did not see any land concession – that the 1899 award would remain intact – but there was one view that you could probably on the maritime area, give Venezuela a channel out to the sea.”
A clip was extracted by the then APNU+AFC Coalition Government that reduced Jagdeo’s comment to: “…you could probably on the maritime area, give Venezuela a
Labour Ministry engages
ITEL on workers’ severances
FOLLOWING media reports of ITEL Guyana’s plan to cease operations locally, affecting more than 400 hundred workers, the Ministry of Labour has since engaged the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company.
During an interview on Wednesday, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton said his ministry is working with the call centre at Camp & Robb Streets, Georgetown, to ensure affected workers are properly compensated.
The ministry will also assist in finding alternative employment or training opportunities for the staff.
“The local management has indicated that, one, there is discussion and conver-
sation about severing, the number at this moment is not a definitive number.
Secondly, the principles of the company will reach out to the ministry soonest. They would be in a better position to advise us about what their plans are. They have been advised and instructed by the Ministry of Labour about the necessary procedures they would have to follow,” Minister Hamilton stated.
He explained that the company has to formally inform the Chief Labour Officer one month in advance before the severance, and make available a list of all the persons who are to be severed, including remuneration package.
channel out to the sea.”
On this basis, the AFC, and others, peddled the lie that Jagdeo offered a maritime channel to Venezuela as a means of settling the border controversy with Venezuela.
NOVEMBER 2023
EXCHNAGE
This was the case when Hughes, during a public meeting in Linden, Region 10, in November 2023, stated that as President, Jagdeo had offered a “maritime channel” to Venezuela – although by 2023, the truth of the matter was clear.
The fact was that considerations about an offer of a maritime channel were done under a PNCR administration, not under any of the succes-
- Dr Jagdeo says
sive PPP/C administrations.
Speaking during a news conference on November 23, 2023, at the Office of the President, Jagdeo had condemned comments made by Hughes. Jagdeo underscored the dangers of her lie, referring to page 88 of Venezuela’s submission to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where it claimed that:
“Guyana presented proposals for a practical settlement that included the transfer of important potions of territory southeast of Punta Playa.”
He had said then, “This is the rumour-mongering among people because they hate the PPP or maybe me,
so much that they are prepared to compromise even our border.”
According to him, at the national, the parliamentary opposition, and government levels have one united position, but at other venues a select few seemed bent on undermining this position.
Jagdeo had blasted Hughes, referring to her behaviour as “low-life” behaviour. On this basis, she filed a libel claim against him.
Hearings in the libel claim filed by Hughes began on September 6, 2024, before Justice P Chandra-Haniff at the High Court in Georgetown.
This will allow the ministry to do the necessary calculations to ensure the offer is adequate.
“All is not lost; we have the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency that could be of assistance to persons who might have an interest. We have our job bank, where persons can put up their credentials and seek employment. We have about 300 companies that are registered at the job bank. There is a lot of options that people can explore,” the labour minister asserted.
He noted, too, that the government has built call centres in different parts of the country, and this can also be an opportunity for employment. (DPI)
General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
UK opens application for Chevening scholarship
CHEVENING is one of the world’s most prestigious scholarships that can be received by an individual. As one of Chevening’s scholars, you have the opportunity to study and live in the United Kingdom (UK) with a fully-funded scholarship for one year.
Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship and fellowship programme, and is funded by the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and partner organisations, offering future leaders from all around the world a life-changing opportunity to pursue
a master’s degree at a UK university and experience life in the UK.
During the Chevening Open Day at the British High Commissioner’s residence, Deputy British Ambassador to Guyana and Suriname Judy Kpogho stated that the scholarship was established in 1983. Since then, they have offered scholarships to candidates from over 160 countries across the globe.
According to Kpogho, “The scholarship covers a one-year master's programme in the UK at any chosen university and any chosen subject. Usually, applicants have
the ability to apply for three subjects. So, you can either choose three courses in the same university or you can choose three subjects at three different universities in the UK. The scholarship covers the full tuition, including monthly stipends, and the stipend is dependent on which part of the UK you are.”
The stipend also covers any associated course with research or travels within the limits of your studies. “If you have families, you will have to apply for visas and things for them separately. It doesn't cover the cost of the family; it's solely for the applicants,”
Kpogho stated.
The stipend covers accommodation as well.
The eligibility criteria require applicants to be at least 18 years old. She said there is no cap to the age limit, which means that if the applicant is 18 or older, and meets the requirements, they will be able to apply.
Applicants must also be a citizen of one of the many Chevening-eligible countries or territories, must return home for a minimum of two years after completing your
master’s degree, have at least two years of work experience (please note that this does not need to be consecutive), have completed an undergraduate degree that will enable you to apply for a postgraduate course at a UK university, and not have previously studied in the UK through a UK Government funded scholarship.
After ensuring they meet all of the eligibility requirements, applicants must find and select three master’s degree courses at up to three UK universities and apply Online
during the application window at chevening.org/apply.
In the application, persons will be asked about their leadership skills, networking skills, motivation to study in the UK with Chevening, and to highlight their goals for the future. After the application period, applicants will find out (in early next year) if they have been invited to attend an interview. By mid-2025, they will find out if they have been conditionally selected for Chevening. In July 2025 they must receive an unconditional offer from at least one of their master’s degree course choices by this time, and by September-October 2025, if their application is successful, applicants will begin their studies in the UK as a Chevening Scholar.
The current window for application submissions is open, and closes on November 05, 2024. For more on Chevening, persons can visit https://www.chevening.org/ scholarship/guyana/
Deputy British Ambassador to Guyana and Suriname Judy Kpogho (Delano Williams photo)
Regional health stakeholders discuss MPOX, alarming increase in malaria, dengue cases
- underscore urgent need for collective action ahead of 47th COHSOD meeting
CRIME and violence as a public health issue, regional health security, human resources for health, disease surveillance, and matters pertaining to the Portof-Spain Declaration on Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs), were among the priority issues discussed at the Meeting of Officials preparatory to the 47th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) – Health, held virtually on September 11, 2024.
The meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Dr. Andy St. Hilaire, Officer-inCharge, Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Dominica.
Chief Medical Officers, national health officials and representatives from regional institutions and bodies, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and the Human Resources for Health Caribbean Commission and the Regional Nursing Body, were in attendance. Regional and international partners, the Global Fund and Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)/ World Health Organisation (WHO), also participated.
Presentations were made on the Region's epidemiological trends, specifically how these will affect policy, and the possible approaches to eliminate communi -
cable diseases. Discussions also focused on strengthening the Region’s health systems and boosting its human resources for health capacity. Of special significance was the presentation of the policy brief on the migration of healthcare workers from the Caribbean, for consideration by health sector development stakeholders.
Delivering opening remarks, Ms Tamara Bobb, Programme Manager of Health Sector Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, underscored the impact of Hurricane Beryl on CARICOM member states. She referred to the devastation in Grenada and, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the significant setbacks to the respective health systems.
“Events such as these are only expected to intensify due to the effects of climate change,” stated Ms Bobb.
The programme manager highlighted an increase in the incidence of endemic infectious diseases, including Dengue and Malaria. In addition, she noted that member states have been advised to remain vigilant to the threat of Mpox, which was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO in August 2024.
“NCDs continue to be among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the Caribbean,” stated Ms Bobb, “Approximately 76 per
cent of all deaths in the Region are caused by NCDs.”
She also advised that the incidence of crime and violence has increased in the Region, leading to its declaration by Heads of Government in 2023, as a public health issue.
Regarding the Region’s representation within international fora, the programme manager emphasised that the CARICOM Secretariat remains committed to ensuring that member states’ specific needs are expressed and that the community continues to make valuable contributions to setting the global health agenda.
She invited the meeting to consider the development of key international partnerships and the implications of the Amendments to the International Health Regulations that were recently passed in the Seventh-Seventh World Health Assembly.
This meeting was crucial to the continued leadership and strategic direction of the Region’s health sector development, as critical stakeholders prepare for the 47th COHSOD – Health, which will be held 27-28 September, 2024, in Washington DC, United States of America. (CARICOM)
Over 4,000 acres of soybeans harvested at Tacama Gold
OVER 4,000 acres of soybeans, with an average yield of 1.2 tonnes per acre, are currently being harvested at Tacama Gold Inc. in the Berbice River for the first crop this year.
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali posted the update to his Facebook page on Monday, where he shared footage of the ongoing harvest.
In this year’s budget, the government allocated
$967.8 million to further boost the capacity of the Tacama facility, which will include the installation of a conveyor system. This system is expected to be installed by the end of the year to transport produce from the silos to the wharf.
According to the midyear report, in the first half of 2024, $408.2 million was spent to improve this facility to efficiently pro-
duce corn and soya beans.
An additional three silos with a total capacity of 18,000 tonnes will be procured, bringing the total storage capacity to 27,000 tonnes.
This aligns with Guyana’s unwavering support for the production and expansion of corn and soya beans.
In the past three years, the government has invested over $1.4 billion in
infrastructure development within the Tacama area to support the region’s agricultural production and cultivation targets.
Key investments have also been made in technology, such as field maps, GPS locators, drones, and multi-spectral cameras,
Ali said these investments will go hand-in-hand to reduce the region’s large food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.
As a result, Guyana is on track to achieve self-sufficiency in livestock feed production by 2025, thereby reducing its reliance on imports.
This progress is evidenced by the approximately 10,000 acres of corn and soybeans cultivated in 2023.
aimed at advancing climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance productivity in the Tacama area.
At the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean Ministerial Session earlier this year, President
“By the end of 2026, the region will be fully self-sufficient in corn, soya, black-eye peas and red beans. That’s hundreds of millions of US dollars that we will save from imports in these areas by the end of 2026,” the President said. (DPI)
Over 20 young women participating in BIT’s IT programme
MORE than 20 young women, aged 16 to 38, are on a transformative journey to becoming certified in Information Technology (IT) in the rural community of Yakusari in Black Bush Polder, Berbice.
The training, which is being facilitated by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), holds the potential to greatly improve the job prospects of the young women in Guyana’s growing IT sector.
For many of the participants, this opportunity is a rare one, as rural areas like Yakusari have often been overlooked for educational and training programmes, unlike the more developed coastal regions/areas.
Since the PPP/C Administration took office in August 2020, there has been a concerted effort to bring resources and opportunities to underrepresented communities. Yakusari, a farming village, has long been resilient in the face of challenges such
as the high rates of school dropouts, teenage pregnancy, and suicide.
Under the leadership of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s
administration, many of these issues have seen significant improvements.
According to the ministry, the IT certification
programme is another significant step towards empowering the community, and creating a brighter future for its residents.
During a recent visit to the training programme, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton expressed his great admiration for the young
women’s commitment.
Minister Hamilton urged the young women to complete the course, emphasising the importance of seizing this government-provided opportunity as a stepping stone towards personal empowerment and financial independence.
The minister also encouraged the trainees to inspire others in the village to join similar programmes and benefit from the training provided by BIT.
In addition to the IT certification, programmes such as Welding and Fabrication, Agro-Processing, Motor Mechanics, Cosmetology, A/C Repairs and Refrigeration, and Electrical Installation are also being conducted in the region.
These initiatives are part of the government's commitment to enhance the lives of its citizens by improving access to essential services and economic opportunities.
Minister Hamilton with the cohort of Yakusari women participating in the IT training programme (BIT photo)
$100M upgrades for Campbelltown internal roads
A WHOPPING $100 million has been earmarked to upgrade several internal roads from laterite to concrete at Campbelltown, Region Eight.
The transformative project fulfills a commitment made by Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo during a recent visit.
that the project will be undertaken by those living there.
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill met with community members on Wednesday, and made it clear
He noted that the community-driven initiative is part of the government’s efforts to retain economic benefits within the village,
where major projects are being undertaken.
“Whenever we do the work, we want the people in the area to benefit rather than advertising in the newspapers, and having a contractor from Region One or Region Six come and do the work. We will list all the contractors in the area, and then we will give you the bid documents,” the minister stated.
The upgrade will begin where the main access road ends, and extend to the Village Office, covering 500 metres in length and 20 feet in width. Curbs will also be installed to address the issue of drainage.
Additionally, the project will be divided into
multiple lots to maximise participation.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai also addressed the residents, highlighting the government’s broader commitment to infrastructural development across the country.
She noted that hinterland communities are seeing increased investments, with the public works ministry allocating $300 million annually for road maintenance in Amerindian villages.
“Over the last three years, the budget for these works has increased from $100 million to $300 million, ensuring community participation in maintaining their roads,” Minister
Sukhai explained. Similarly, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag spoke of the government’s aim to distribute its resources equally.
During the engagement, the ministers and public works engineers inspected the condition of the village’s roads. A 1.6-kilometre thoroughfare leading to a school was identified as a priority for upgrades.
The public works engineers, along with two community members, are tasked to inspect the road. The design will be drafted for the necessary interventions. (DPI)
The following is the full text of a statement from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security:
“THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security through the Childcare Protection Agency (CPA) was informed of a social media post about an elevenyear-old being circulated.
The Ministry through the Childcare and Protection Agency would like to inform the public that the situation was investigated thoroughly and intervention done months before.
The matter was reported to the police where the alleged perpetrator was held, and the case file is currently with the office of the Director of Public
Prosecution (DPP).
Please note that the child's identity, under any circumstances, SHOULD NOT be made public or further compromised through pictures or any other details that may lead to the identity of the victim. The child continues to receive psychosocial and medical support.”
A whopping $100 million has been earmarked to upgrade several internal roads from laterite to concrete at Campbelltown, Region Eight
‘Post Office’ warns against circulation of unauthorised postage stamps
- says it was produced, issued without approval, knowledge of local authorities
The following is the full text a statement from the Guyana Post Office Corporation:
“The Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) wishes to inform the public that several counterfeit postage stamps, purportedly issued by Guyana, are currently being circulated globally.
These stamps were produced and issued without the approval or knowledge of the Guyanese authorities.
As the official body responsible for issuing postage stamps in Guyana, the Guyana Post Office Corporation stresses that
any stamp not officially released by the Corporation is considered unauthorised and should not be advertised or marketed for sale or otherwise by or on behalf of GPOC, Guyana or the Government of Guyana.
We strongly advise collectors and the general public to exercise caution and
verify the authenticity of any stamps before use. If you come across any suspicious stamps claiming to be from Guyana, please report them to the GPOC immediately. We are actively investigating this issue to safeguard the integrity of our postal services.”
British musician with Guyanese roots to release new music this month
By Faith Greene
DANIEL ‘Dan’ Josiah, a London-based artiste and music producer with Guyanese roots, is promoting his new track, ‘Duetime’, which is scheduled for release on September 19, 2024.
He already has a number of songs including, ‘Trouble’, ‘Please Forgive me’, ‘X-Men’, ‘Do It’ and ‘So Clean’. Dan has also done music featuring Jaydar, called ‘Rambo’, ‘VBZ’ featuring DC De Angelo, and ‘How It Goes’, featuring O’z, and L Trappo.
Daniel’s roots as a Guyanese stem from his grandparents who are from George-
Jennel
town, and his father who is also Guyanese.
“I’ve been making music my whole life. I started around seven years old. There was a radio station in my home growing up…a private radio station and my uncles were like DJs and MCs and stuff. At seven years old I would see them making music and got involved,” he related.
As he got older, Dan began to write songs as well as produce music, and even went on to make his own songs. By the age of 21, he was making his own music, and, around the age of 25, he became more involved in the music industry as a producer and writer.
Dan said he does a wide
selection of music, from Afrobeats to dancehall, hiphop and drill music.
Throughout this journey, Dan has worked on the Ivor-nominated album ‘Nine’, and has collaborated with artistes such as SAULT, 23 Unofficial, AJ, Ron Suno, and Big Narstie.
Duetime falls under the genre Jersey Drill / hip-hop, and the themes surround issues such as: modern dating, situationships, and the balance between love, ambition, and hustling.
It was mentioned that this new track features a smooth guitar melody with an engaging vocal sample, and a drill beat that blends introspective lyrics with a relaxed vibe. Duetime is a collabora-
tion with producer Soulzii, who is known for his work with American rappers, Sha Ek and Kyle Rich.
“It’s pretty much a song about a modern-day toxic relationship. Trying to balance being in a relationship but also the demands of a hectic work life,” he explained.
Additionally, Daniel is expected to release another song on October 10, called ‘Long Way Home’ featuring Yesha and Kiz.
To stream Dan’s music, persons can visit, danjosiah6613 on YouTube, and on Instagram under the name danjosiahx. His music can also be streamed on Spotify, and Apple Music under the name Dan Josiah.
to represent Region Two at Miss Amerindian Heritage Pageant
TWENTY-ONE-YEAR-
OLD Jennel Henry will be representing Region Two at the Miss Amerindian Heritage Pageant which is slated to be held in Georgetown on September 30, 2024.
Henry who is from the Lokono Tribe (Arawak), was born and raised in the most fascinating and breathtaking
Amerindian community in Region Two, Capoey lake. She is currently a firstyear student at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) pursuing an Associate Degree in Education (Primary Level).
She was the first runner-up in the regional leg of
the pageant held two years ago.
Henry told the Buzz that it was always her dream to represent her region.
She said she is striving to be an inspiration to the young indigenous women living in the eight other Amerindian communities in the region.
She has graciously accepted the opportunity to represent her region and intends to do so to the best of her ability. She is aiming for the crown.
“I’m utterly grateful and honoured to be representing my region and my people. It is a dream come true for me. I am ready to embrace this journey as the new Miss Region Two Amerindian Heritage Queen with the strength and determination of my ancestors,” an excited Henry related.
The young woman said she is deeply connected to her Amerindian heritage, while noting her intention to promote her cultural heritage and the region’s tourism potential which both have a significant role to play in Guyana’s thriving economy.
Regional Vice-Chairman, Humace Oodit, during the recently held sashing ceremony, wished Henry the best of luck and said that he was confident that she will represent Region Two well.
Daniel Josiah
Henry
Jennel Henry being sashed by Region Two Vice-Chairman, Humace Oodit
‘Monster Mash’ 2024 fundraiser to bring pet, Halloween lovers together for a great cause
THE Rosewood Foundation Guyana (RFG), a registered non-profit organisation that is dedicated to the protection and welfare of animals in Guyana, is thrilled to announce its annual ‘Monster Mash’ event, which will be held in partnership with Collage.
The event is set to take place at YMCA, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, on October 26, 2024, from noon to
21:00hrs.
‘Monster Mash’ promises to be a day filled with family-friendly activities, including carnival games, spooky treats, a haunted house, a pop-up shop with over 30 small businesses, and three workshops where you can create your own slime, crochet monsters or monster cookies.
There will be costume competitions for kids and
adults, and the highly anticipated Pet Costume Competition. Monster Mash is designed to bring together pet lovers, families, and community members to celebrate Halloween while also supporting a great cause.
All funds raised from the Haunted House as well as the selling of Rosewood merchandise at the event will go towards continuing Rosewood Foundation’s mission
to Ramchand's Auto Spares on Sheriff Street, as well as Bad Monkey stores in the MovieTowne, Amazonia and Giftland Malls.
The public’s participation will help to ensure the continued success of Rosewood’s animal welfare programmes.
To make this event a resounding success, local food businesses are encouraged to collaborate with the organisers whether by donating or sponsoring food items or by setting up a vendor booth at the event.
Rosewood said that such support will make a significant impact.
of advocating for and protecting animals across Guyana.
Rosewood in a press release encouraged attendees to join them in making a difference.
“We invite everyone to attend this exciting event, bringing along their pets, children, and loved ones for a day of fun and philanthropy.”
Tickets are available for purchase at Collage which is conveniently located next
In return, sponsors will be featured across all of Rosewood Foundation’s social media platforms and will receive special recognition on their website.
Additionally, partners will have the opportunity to display their branding materials on the day of the event, maximising visibility within the community.
Interested businesses, potential sponsors, and the media are encouraged to reach out by sending an email to rosewoodfoundationgy@
gmail.com or by contacting Donna via WhatsApp at 6215514 for more information. Moreover, the press release said: “Rosewood Foundation Guyana is committed to the protection and well-being of animals across Guyana. Through advocacy, education, and direct action, we strive to create a compassionate and humane environment for all animals. Our annual ‘Monster Mash’ event is a cornerstone of our fundraising efforts, enabling us to continue our vital work throughout the year. We look forward to your support and participation in making this year’s ‘Monster Mash’ a spooktacular success!” Monster Mash has been officially added to the Guyana Tourism Authority’s calendar of events, and is proudly sponsored by: Bad Monkey, Beauty District, Iris Merch, Mischief merch, Holiday snacks, Sozo's Enterprise, Pawsome Pets, Comfort Sleep, Saj Rice Group, Guyana Tourism Authority, DeSinco Ltd; and Ansa McAl. You can learn more at www.rfg.org. gy/monster-mash.
Scenes from Monster Mash 2023
Sean Paul teams up with Burger King and MTV for 75-second short film
INTERNATIONAL
recording artiste Sean Paul has teamed up with Burger King and MTV for a 75-second short film inspired by Burger King’s new Frozen Pink Lemonade beverage.
Produced by Paramount Brand Studio, the clip also features the world-renowned artiste, Les Twins. The video premiered during the live broadcast of the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) on Wednesday, September 11.
In an interview with Observer Online, Sean Paul expressed pleasure at being associated with both iconic brands.
“It feels great to be associated with such big brands still. The frozen pink lemonade; the time is hot, so the freshness is needed. Glad to be associated with Burger King and MTV again,” said Sean Paul, who also revealed that he is yet to sample the product.
“I haven’t gotten a chance to try the product, but defi-
nitely will soon,” he said. Asked what it was about his image and brand that continues to maintain a lasting appeal, Sean Paul said “I would have to big up the entire genre and those who came before me. I don’t think the business revolves around me alone, I understand that
each one teaches one and I learn from greats. However, I do put together great music, choose great rhythms and put together great stage shows. So, my product is quality, and I feel that is what people and major brands gravitate to.”
He also shared his experience working on the short
film.
“It was pretty simple for me to work on the project; it was like shooting back the video. It was also very special for me to take my two dancers who I just toured the world with, in Australia in February, in May in the United States and in Europe June/
July and I just completed the Canada tour two days ago. So, we’ve been on an extensive run, and it was great to have them on set with me,” he said.
Sean Paul continued, “The highlight for me on this project was just knowing that big brands and a younger audience are gravitating to my music, which I recorded 20 years ago. It’s a great feeling to know that it’s still in the runnings with the music of today.”
Sean Paul has, so far, been nominated for five MTV Video Music Awards.
The 2024 MTV VMAs takes place at New York’s UBS Arena. It will feature performances from some of the biggest names in pop and R&B.
Taylor Swift leads the nominations with 10, followed by Ariana Grande, Eminem, Sabrina Carpenter with six each. (Loop News)
‘The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour’ begins in Canada,
US
The
SONS of acclaimed reggae legend Bob Marley: Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani and Damian kicked off their highly anticipated "The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour" this past weekend with three performances across Canada and the US.
Honouring the impact of their father’s legacy, this tour marked the brother’s first performance together in two decades.
Opening night in Vancouver, Canada was full of dynamic energy as the brothers delivered a magnetic, nearly 30-song show with their charming stage presence and passionate performances.
The brothers opened up the night playing hits from their father’s collaborations with The Wailers like “Get Up, Stand Up,” “I Shot the Sheriff,” and “War/No More Trouble.” They continued the performance with timeless Bob Marley classics like “Three Little Birds,” “Jamming,” and “Is This Love.” To close out the night, the brothers debuted a powerful rendition of “One Love,” captivating the audience with their connection, passion, and energy.
‘The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour’ continues in Concord, California at the Toyota Pavilion then continues with stops in Phoenix, Austin, Queens, Toronto, Atlanta, before wrapping up at the FPL Solar Amphitheatre in Miami. (Loop News)
Sean Paul poses with Burger King's new Frozen Pink Lemonade beverage
Marley boys on stage
Beyoncé explains why she stopped making videos
FROM the moment she blew bubblegum in Crazy In Love to the day she destroyed a fleet of cars with a baseball bat in Hold Up, Beyoncé has created some of pop's most memorable music videos.
Her mastery of the medium matched that of Madonna and Michael Jackson in the 1980s - with the videos for her Lemonade album acting as a powerful celebration of black womanhood and female power.
Then, all of a sudden, she stopped. Her last two albums, Renaissance and Cowboy Carter, have been bereft of visuals, leaving fans perplexed.
Now, Beyoncé has explained her decision in a rare interview with GQ magazine, saying she didn't want her videos to become a "distraction from the quality of the voice and the music".
"I thought it was important that during a time where all we see is visuals, that the world can focus on the voice," the star said.
She explained that her recent records - which seek to contextualise black musicians' often overlooked contributions to genres like house, disco and country, needed to stand on their own.
"The music is so rich in history and instrumentation. It takes months to digest, research, and understand," she said.
"The music needed space to breathe on its own."
She added that, for Renaissance in particular, the live concert experience was more important than filming music videos.
The album, released in 2022, was written during the pandemic and was conceived as "a place to dream and to find escape
during a scary time for the world". The subsequent tour, and the tour film released in cinemas last year, was intended as a moment of community and catharsis for her followers.
"The fans from all over the world became the visual," Beyoncé told GQ.
"We all got the visual on tour."
The interview, which took place to promote the star's new whiskey brand, is the first time Beyoncé has spoken at length about her career since a joint interview with her sister Solange in 2017.
She largely withdrew from interviews around 2013-2014, opting instead to write personal essays for publications like Vogue, or addressing fans directly on social media.
The GQ article did not reveal a great deal about the notoriously private star.
She revealed that she gave up meat (except turkey) over the summer, and briefly addressed the threat of artificial intelligence, saying she recently heard an AI-generated track "that sounded so much like me it scared me".
The star also talked about her efforts to shield her family from the press.
"One thing I’ve worked extremely hard on is making sure my kids can have as much normalcy and privacy as possible, ensuring my personal life isn’t turned into a brand.
"It’s very easy for celebrities to turn our lives into performance art. I have made an extreme effort to stay true to my boundaries and protect myself and my family. No amount of money is worth my peace." (BBC)
Beyoncé
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
Friday September 13, 2024)
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 43 sixes
(2) Shimron Hetmyer (11 sixes)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) How many games were scheduled during CPL 2016?
(2) Who was declared CPL champions 2016? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
RACING TIPS
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS
FAIRVIEW
13:30 hrs Guerra 14:05 hrs Destiny's Angel
14:40 hrs Guarding The Wall
15:15 hrs Anound
15:45 hrs Knockemstiff
AMERICAN RACING TIPS
BELMONT
Race 1 Whistlers Style
Race 2 Heavenly Light
Race 3 Jay's Love
Race 4 Cinderella's Cause
Race 5 King Pack
Race 6 Cara's Dreamweaver
Race 7 He's Got This
IRISH RACING TIPS
BALLINROBE
10:25 hrs Kaptain Bay
11:00 hrs Toueuse Royale 11:35 hrs Linden Arden
12:10 hrs Natural Loo
12:45 hrs A Penny A Hundred
13:15 hrs Joe's Turn
13:50 hrs Just Jacob
14:25 hrs Windbeneathmywings
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
CHESTER
08:40 hrs Kindest Nation
09:10 hrs Qetaifan
09:45 hrs Bob Mali
10:20 hrs B Associates
10:50 hrs Judgementofsolomon 11:30 hrs Who's Glen
12:05 hrs Paws For Thought 12:40 hrs Aviemore DONCASTER
08:50 hrs East India Dock
09:15 hrs Tonqiil
10:05 hrs Big Mojo
10:35 hrs Sweet William
11:10 hrs Bint Al Daar
11:45 hrs Kingsclere
12:20 hrs Wheels Of Fire
12:55 hrs Cluedo SALISBURY
15:15 hrs Celeborn
15:55 hrs Tabiti
16:25 hrs Kaiya
16:58 hrs Sandtrap
17:33 hrs Valvano
18:03 hrs Quickthorn
18:35 hrs Strike
19:10 hrs Glitterella
Matthew Short makes his case to be Warner’s successor
…Short says he is intent on claiming a permanent opening spot ahead of Fraser-McGurk after blasting 41 off 26 in a match-winning opening stand with Head
"All yours now champion." That was the caption David Warner posted on his Instagram Story picture of himself and Jake Fraser-McGurk sharing a drink following his T20I retirement in June.
It was assumed by Warner and the majority of Australia that Fraser-McGurk was his natural successor at the top of the order in Australia's T20I side and possibly the ODI team as well.
But Australia's selectors aren't so sure at the moment, and Matthew Short is intent on making his case to be the permanent partner to Travis Head after making 41 off 26 in a blistering match-winning 86-run stand off 36 balls to take the opening T20I away from England's reach before the end of the first powerplay in Southampton.
While Fraser-McGurk's meteoric star has shot from the fringes of domestic cricket into the stratosphere in less than 12 months thanks to a mind-blowing IPL, Short has been the country's most consistent all-format batter at Australian domestic level in the past two years and the most dominant opener in the BBL over the past two tournaments, winning backto-back tournament MVP awards.
Short was unsure if he would get the chance to open after missing the Scotland series due to the birth of his first child. But he is intent on taking his chance at the top of the order after being shuffled around in his previous eight T20I innings.
"I only found out last night," Short said following Australia's 28-run win. "Obviously, with Davey Warner out, you sort of know that the spot's opened up. But then Jake Fraser-McGurk has been playing the last few games in Scotland, so you never know where you sit. But I'm glad I sort of took
that opportunity tonight and played my role to help the team with a win tonight.
"It's a personal sort of goal of mine. I've been in and out of the side recently over the last 12-18 months. Now Dave is out, I'm really trying to take this opportunity and cement my spot in this side.
The opening spots in Australia's T20I are the most coveted and the most competitive. Australia have a multitude of players who can do it well. Where the selectors would like to build depth is in the middle order and the death overs. It was an area that won them the 2021 T20 World Cup through Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade, who had been moulded into death batters despite being domestic openers. They have found a world class specialist in Tim David but he has come off the boil slightly since a sizzling start to his career, albeit he is still contributing in the most difficult of batting roles.
It was an area Australia fell short in during the recent T20 World Cup in the Caribbean in the losses to Afghanistan and India having been in positions to achieve both chases. They also fell away badly against England in Southampton although it did not cost them the game, turning a powerplay of 86 for 1 into a total of 179, having been bowled out without using all 20 overs.
Australia's selectors want to build flexibility with all their T20I batters, and had tried to give Short some opportunities in the middle order on last year's fivematch T20I tour of India, this year's tour of New Zealand and also in three of his four ODI appearances.
But it has become abundantly clear that Short is most comfortable at the top of the order. In T20s, he averages 29.96 and strikes at 150.09 batting in the top
three compared to 14.09 at a strike rate of 113.97 batting at No.4 or lower.
The strike rate divergence is even higher in his limited T20I appearances. He strikes at 186 in his seven innings in the top three and just 126.66 in his two innings at No.6.
It is clear he has his method worked out at the top of the order, and he fits in seamlessly alongside Head in Australia's game plan to go as hard as they can in the powerplay.
"It's a pretty clear game plan from the coaching staff," Short said. "Just go out there with freedom and take the positive options. Trav and I sort of go into the games with that mindset."
Short being preferred to Fraser-McGurk for the opening game of this series is not a guarantor of the selectors' future thinking as they plan for the 2026 World Cup. Fraser-McGurk's talent remains a tantalising prospect. But even his IPL coach Ricky Ponting admitted this week on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast that his game still needs refining. Fraser-McGurk's all or nothing showing in Scotland was evidence of that where he faced 17 dot balls in 23 deliveries across three innings.
Short, by contrast, scored off the first seven balls he faced in Southampton but did not strike a boundary until his sixth delivery when he launched back-to-back sixes off Reece Topley.
Captain Mitchell Marsh said earlier this week there was "no pressure" on Fraser-McGurk to succeed immediately at international level. But Short is applying some pressure of his own to give Australia a wealth of opening options.(ESPN Cricinfo)
Uncapped Jaker Ali replaces injured Shoriful Islam for Bangladesh’s Tests against India
….Bangladesh made just one change to the squad that sealed a
2-0 series win in Pakistan
BANGLADESH made one change to its Test squad for the upcoming tour of India from its historic 2-0 series win in Pakistan, with uncapped batter Jaker Ali replacing fast bowler Shoriful Islam. Shoriful had suffered a groin injury during the first Test against Pakistan, and did not play the second.
Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud and Khaled Ahmed make up Bangladesh's pace attack in Shoriful's absence.
Yet to play a Test and ODI, Jaker has represented Bangladesh in 17 T20Is since making his debut at the Asian Games in 2023. He has played 49 first-class games, and averages 41.47 with four centuries.
"Shoriful isn't 100 per cent fit for Test matches. He would be required to bowl 15-20 overs so we didn't want to take a risk," Sarkar said. "Shoriful missed the second Test against Pakistan due to his injury. The ‘physios’ and trainers are looking after him. He remains within the system. He is an important member of our white-ball team. We have a T20 series coming up against India."
Jaker's recent good form, which included a 174 against Pakistan A in Islamabad, helped his cause. He was picked ahead of Shahadat Hossain, who has been Bangladesh's go-to middle-order batter in the recent past in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan or Mushfiqur Rahim.
We picked Jaker Ali as
Selector Hannan Sarkar said that it was Shoriful's groin injury that kept him out of the side, and the extra batter was included keeping in mind the Indian conditions.
a middle-order batter. We considered the conditions and opponents for this decision. We had taken five pacers in Pakistan, but we are taking four to India," Sarkar said. "We had taken Dipu [Shahadat Hossain] in place of Shakib or Mushfiqur previously. I wouldn't say he played really well, but he also didn't do badly.
"We have taken into account recent performance. Dipu played four-day matches in Australia and Pakistan. He isn't in rhythm. His form is very important when he is going to play international matches. Dipu is part of our future plans. He is now preparing to play in the NCL.
"Jaker can be a useful player in the longer version if you consider his record in domestic first-class cricket. He played a splendid innings in Pakistan recently, batting
for a long time. This is what kept Jaker a step ahead."
Opening batter, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who missed the Pakistan Tests due to a groin niggle suffered during the four-day games between Pakistan A and Bangladesh A in the lead-up to the Test series, retains his place in the squad. However, Shadman Islam's impressive showing in the first Test in Rawalpindi could see him keep his spot at the top alongside Zakir Hasan.
The first Tes t against India begins on September 19 in Chennai, with the second one from September 27 onwards in Kanpur. Both games are part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, where India
Jaker Ali averages 41.47 in first-class cricket • (BCB)
are currently placed on top, while Bangladesh are at No. 4 on the points table.
Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Taijul Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Nayeem Hasan, Khaled Ahmed.
Alvarez rules out complacency against Berlanga
SAUL 'Canelo' Alvarez says he wants to show everybody he is still the best when he faces Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Four-weight world champion Alvarez puts his WBO, WBA and WBC super-middleweight titles on the line.
heritage, is yet to lose in 22 professional fights.
The 27-year-old's last trip to the ring in February ended in victory against Belfast fighter, Padraig McCrory.
"There are a lot of doubters out there, people who don't believe in me, but Saturday night I'm going to
The Mexican boasts a record of 61 wins, two draws and two losses.
"I always take my fights seriously and train 100% no matter who is in there. I always have the same mentality," Alvarez said.
"I will show everybody I'm still the best."
Berlanga, born in New York and of Puerto Rican
make them believers," Berlanga said.
"There is fire in my blood and veins to go out there and perform.
"This is the top of the mountain, it doesn't get any bigger, and now it's about me becoming great and putting my last name in the history books forever."
Alvarez is aiming for his
fifth successive victory following defeat against WBA light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol in May 2022. Saturday's bout takes place at the T-Mobile Arena on the weekend leading up to Mexican Independence Day.
"It is going to be very difficult for him," Alvarez said.
"I never overlook any fighter. He is young, a good fighter and is strong, but I've been in there with everybody and have so much experience. I'm strong and have a lot of talent - I'm just the best."
Matchroom promoter
Eddie Hearn, who promotes Berlanga, believes his fighter has an "underrated IQ" and is the "most determined and most confident challenger".
"Canelo wants a real fight at this stage of his career and he is going to get a real fight," Hearn added.
"It's a massive opportunity. This is like the lottery ticket of boxing. We're in Las Vegas where you roll dice, but we're not just looking to roll the dice - we want to collect the ticket as well."(BBC Sport)
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has picked up 39 of his 61 victories by knockout
Defending champions GTA Storm, Toronto Blizzards renew rivalry
…OMSCC Over-50 final set for tomorrow
THE Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) 2024 season climaxes tomorrow with the eagerly anticipated Over-50 final featuring defending champions GTA Storm and archrivals Toronto Blizzards at the St Bede’s ground, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.
Playing as Pegasus Storm in the 2023 season, the defending champions ended the five-year supremacy of Toronto Blizzards, bringing a screeching halt to their reign at the Ashtonbee Reservoir ground.
Tomorrow’s final is once more billed as a showdown between the Numbers One and Two teams in the division and is expected to live up to its expectations. Toronto Blizzards, which played unbeaten during the regular season, ended with 39 points while GTA Storm placed second with 33. It should however be noted that the two powerhouses didn’t meet since their opening game of the season suffered a washout.
GTA Storm’s only defeat came at the hands of Ramblers Rampage when their bowlers were pulverized by a magnifi-
cent century by Narendra Buchana who slammed an incredible 15 sixes and two fours in an unbeaten 114.
GTA Storm has since avenged that defeat, whipping the same opponents in last Saturday’s semi-final while Toronto Blizzards got the better of Canadian Legends.
GTA Storm also registered a thrilling five-wicket win over Toronto Blizzards, winning a close encounter with two balls to spare to capture the Canada Cup Over-50 title two weekends ago.
One of the heroes of that victory, Ramo Malone, is however not eligible to play in tomorrow’s final since he didn’t represent GTA Storm during the regular season. However, opener Uniss Yusuf, who was not part of last year’s winning team, will bolster the GTA batting lineup.
Usuff, who returned to Toronto after a three-year absence, has been in sublime form in the three regular season matches he has played in, registering undefeated scores of 94, 102 and 89. He followed this up by hitting 52 in last Saturday’s semi-final. Skipper Troy Gobin leads the GTA Storm batting
with 342 runs and is expected to get valuable support from Ian “Russian” Baldeo, Richard Driffield, Jai Singh, Jito Narine and Ken Itwaru, who was the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in last year’s final.
Driffield, who bowled a masterful spell in the Canada Cup final, grabbing four for 11, will once more spearhead the GTA Storm attack with the likes of Gobin, Jerry Brittania, Itwaru and Gavin Glasgow providing backup.
A notable change in Toronto Blizzards lineup for the 2024 season is the inclusion of top all-rounder Mahendranauth “Bobby” Parasnauth who also took over the captaincy role. The batting once again hinges around the likes of the dynamic Sunil Dhaniram, who recently copped the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for his brilliant batting in the Canada Cup, Shiv Seeram,
Match likely to be abandoned after fourth day also washed out
…There was a lot of overnight rain and some morning drizzle before play was called off
UNRELENTING rain has had the final say in Greater Noida yet again as play was called off before the scheduled start time for the second consecutive day. It leaves the first ever Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand on the brink of a washout, without a single ball bowled.
"There has been more than 1200 mm of rain over seven days," the broadcaster said as the fourth day's play was abandoned. "The scale of rainfall has made it absolutely impossible for cricket today. We are going to come back on day five just in case, but the reality is there will be absolutely no prospect of play. We can't envisage anything else but an abandonment very early tomorrow morning."
There were covers laid out over the majority of the ground and they were drenched from overnight rain. Some of the water poured over into the outfield forming a few puddles. Players from both teams remained in their hotels, which, like the grim visuals, was a feature on Wednesday
More rain washed out the fourth day’s play early • (AFP/Getty Images)
too, as play was called off at 9.15am with the toss yet to take place.
There have been three previous i nstances of play being abandoned for four days (not the first four days) in the past decade: India vs South Africa in Bengaluru in 2015, Bangladesh vs South Africa in Dhaka in 2015 and West Indies vs India in Port of Spain in 2016.
Seven Tests have been abandoned, without a ball being bowled, in the history of
men's cricket, the last of which was in 1998, in Dunedin, between India and New Zealand.
This is Afghanistan's 10th Test match since they were given Full Member status in 2017. For New Zealand, the one-off Test marks the start of their subcontinent expedition which includes two Tests in Sri Lanka followed by three in India. Unlike those five fixtures, this one is not part of the World Test Championship.(ESPN cricinfo).
and
Parasnauth will also lead
the
attack with support from quickie Avinash Singh, Jesh Parasnauth, Wallie Bacchus and Lal “Dingo” Singh.
Jesh Parasnauth, Jaimini Singh, Desmond Chumney
Mohan Harihar.
bowling
The action gets underway at 13:30 hrs and a huge crowd is expected to grace the final. (Frederick Halley)
Richard Driffield Uniss Yusuf Sunil Dhaniram Bobby Parasnauth
Jamaica and Nicaragua share top spot in Concacaf Nations League
MIAMI, Florida, (CMC)-Jamaica and Nicaragua both sit atop Group B of League A as the September window of the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League wrapped up on Tuesday. Both teams have four points from their opening two matches, with Jamaica holding the edge on tiebreakers.
The Reggae Boyz took control of Group B with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Honduras at Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés in Tegucigalpa.
After a tight first half, the Reggae Boyz opened the scoring in the 49th minute when a delivery from Norman Campbell forced an own goal by Honduras defender
Denil Maldonado. Honduras responded immediately, levelling through David Ruiz just a minute later.
Jamaica’s talisman, Michail Antonio, sealed the win from the penalty spot in the 76th minute, giving Jamaica the three
points and first place in the group. Despite the loss, Honduras remains just one point behind the
leaders, keeping their hopes alive heading into the next window.
Cuba and Nicaragua played to a dramatic 1-1 draw at Estadio Antonio Maceo in Santiago de Cuba. The hosts dominated much of the first half and were rewarded when Karel Espino converted a penalty in the 42nd minute.
Cuba nearly doubled their advantage in stoppage time when Karel Pérez’s effort narrowly missed the far post. However, the match had one more twist in the 90’+7, as Nicaragua’s Widman Talavera scored a crucial equaliser to salvage a point.
The result leaves Nicaragua level with Jamaica at the top of Group
B, while Cuba earned their second consecutive draw.
The Soca Warriors and French Guiana battled to a goalless draw at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Scarborough. Both sides had chances, with Loïc Ball forcing a save from Trinidad and Tobago’s Denzil Smith in the 27th minute, while Daniel Phillips struck the woodwork for the hosts in the 39th. In the second half, Reon Moore came close to breaking the deadlock for Trinidad and Tobago, but his shot hit the side netting. Trinidad and Tobago picked up their first point in Group B, while French Guiana remains unbeaten with two draws.
Zimbabwe building stadium near scenic Victoria Falls; project funded by ICC
EMMERSON Mnangagwa, the President of Zimbabwe, recently laid the foundation stone for an ambitious cricket stadium near Victoria Falls, a tourist hotspot in the country. Once completed, the stadium will arguably become one of the most picturesque cricket venues in the world.
To be named the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium, the 10,000-seater ground will host global events in 2026 and 2027. Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) will co-host the Under-19 World Cup in 2026 with Namibia, while South Africa will join the two countries to stage the prestigious 2027 World Cup.
The Zimbabwean government has allocated 10 hectares of land for the project which, reportedly, will be funded by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The construction is expected to cost between $5 and $10 million, although the ICC has said that no extra funding will be provided for any specific project. The Victo-
ria Falls Stadium will be a multi-sport facility that will reportedly see, rugby, hockey and netball also played there.
"The location of this stadium in this city will undoubtedly contribute to the speedy attainment of tourism sector targets and towards our national development aspirations as outlined in the National Development Strategy Vision 2030," President Mnangagwa said while laying the foundation stone.
"As Zimbabwe Cricket, we are the first to admit that our stadiums are no longer adequate, we had to lock out some fans during the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers but that's not what we want to do. We want to have as many people to access our grounds and we want their experience to be awesome when they come into the grounds.
"So work is already underway and as you are aware, we will be co-hosting the 2027 men's World Cup and, before that, we are also hosting the next edition of the Under-19 World Cup together with Namibia, so these
are massive tournaments and we are working to improve our facilities for more global tournaments," ZC media and communication manager Darlington Majonga was quoted in the Coliseum website as saying.
"Work is progressing very well, a lot of earthmoving has been happening. The levelling of the academy pitch and the main pitch is progressing very well. The facility has been fenced, a site establishment has also been done, boreholes have been drilled, and a water reservoir has also been established. There is good progress so far; we are impressed by what is on the ground," ZC managing director Givemore Makoni was quoted in an FB post recently. Zimbabwean cricket is currently at its lowest point, having failed to qualify for consecutive 50-over World Cups in 2019 and 2023. They also missed out on the recent T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies, having been upended by Uganda, a lesser-known cricketing nation. (Cricbuzz)
TRADITIONALLY, two horse-racing stables were at the tip of the tongues of fans: Jumbo Jet Racing Stables and Jagdeo Racing Stables. Fast forward to 2024, more owners are in the country and the competition is intense.
According to veteran jockey and trainer, Winston Appadu, the quality of horses that are currently in Guyana are arguably the best.
Slingerz Racing Stables are the current Guyana Cup and President’s Cup champion, Js Racing Stables, are arguably the hottest newcomer in Guyana’s horse-racing with top quality buys, and Simply Royal Racing
Stables have also made a name for themselves in feature races.
There are still a number of high-quality horses at Jumbo Jet Racing Stables and Jagdeo Racing Stables, but with more owners coming into the sport, the competition level continues to rise and this has aided in the growth of Guyana’s horse-racing.
When asked about the calibre of horses in Guyana, Appadu said; “The competition is hard up there. Javed (Slingerz Racing Stables) bring three good horses, Junior (Jumbo Jet Racing Stables) bring some horses in, and Js Racing stables.
Competition is hard so you must keep focusing and prepare your horses properly.”
“Things changed. A lot of different horses with different speed. So, it’s good for Guyana horse- racing.
It’s improving a lot. You can come see stakes horse running in Guyana. Back in the days you would get a $10,000 claimer coming to run,” Appadu said.
While quality of horses imported to Guyana continues to rise, so is the cash payout, as the Guyana Cup 2024 saw a G$16 million increase for 2023, with G$40 million being the total purse.
Nine races are on the provisional programme and more than G$ 15 million will be up for grabs. The top horses that featured at the Guyana Cup, and more new horses will ignite the Rising Sun Turf Club in less than 10 days.
Caribbean teams find going tough on opening day of 45th Chess Olympiad
BUDAPEST, Hungary,
(CMC )– Chess teams from the Caribbean faced a baptism of fire in the opening round of the 45th Chess Olympiad which got underway here on Tuesday.
In an all-Caribbean matchup, Costa Rica was the only winner in the first round of the Open section,
as they conquered Antigua & Barbuda 3-1.
The Dominican Republic, the highest rated country in the region at 94 out of 197 teams in the Open section, was blanked 4-0 by thirdranked China, while Trinidad and Tobago, which is ranked one spot below the Dominican Republic was defeated
3.5-0.5 by Uzbekistan, who are ranked fourth.
The 107th ranked Jamaicans were beaten 4-0 by Spain, Barbados was blanked 4-0 by Montenegro, Guyana went down to Hungary (C) 4-0, while Bermuda was also beaten by Paraguay by the same margin.
St Lucia fared a bit bet-
ter, losing 3-1 to the Faroe Islands, Dominica lost 4-0 to Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan dominated Bahamas 4-0, Cayman Islands were defeated 3-1 by the United Arab Emirates, St Vincent and the Grenadines were dismissed 3.5-0.5 by South Africa and Grenada lost 4-0 to Indonesia.
In the women’s division,
the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica both recorded victories.
The Dominican Republic defeated the US Virgin Islands 4-0, while Costa Rica thumped St Kitts and Nevis 4-0.
Apart from that victory, Caribbean teams did not fare much better with Jamaica
losing 3-5.0.5 to top ranked India, Trinidad and Tobago going down 4-0 to Armenia, Barbados went down to Switzerland 3.5-0.5, Slovakia defeated the Bahamas 4-0, and Dominica was defeated 4-0 by Algeria.
The second round of the competition gets underway today.
Guyana’s Priyanna Ramdhani to play in women’s doubles semi-finals today
GUYANA’S Priyanna Ramdhani and her Trinidad and Tobago partner have reached today’s semi-finals in the Women’s doubles of the 2024 Future Series Badminton Tournament which is being held in Costa Rica from September 11-14.
Today, Ramdhani and Trinidadian Chequeda de Boulet will face-off with the second seed duo of twins Fernanda Munar and Rafaela Munar from Peru in what is anticipated to be a keenly contested semi-final.
Yesterday (Thursday) in the quarter-finals, Ramdhani and de Boulet produced a reveting exhibition of wellplaced drop shots and clinical smashes to beat Jenny Ng and Emma Rodriguez of Costa Rico 21-9, 21-4 despite the raucous urgings of their home fans.
The Caribbean pair has
already secured the bronze medal and will go for Gold today.
On Wednesday in the round of 16 in the women doubles, Ramdhani partnered with de Boulet and the Caribbean pair demonstrated high-quality Badminton to
defeat Gabriela Barrios and Margrete Revelo from El Salvador, 21-12, 21-13 to advance to the quarter-finals.
Earlier on Wednesday, the talented Guyanese played in the women’s singles round of 32, and in well calculated display, dominated Yaslin Sanchez from Costa Rica to win 21-9, 21-7 and advance to the round of 16.
Playing in the women’s singles round of 16, Ramdhani put up a spirited fight before losing to Portugal’s Mariana Paiva 21-13, 21-10.
(Sean Devers)
Guyana’s Priyanna Ramdhani in action in the women’s singles
Guyana’s Priyanna Ramdhani (left) and Trinidadian Chequeda de Boulet will go for silver today in the Women’s semi- final in Costa Rica
More new horses were imported ahead of the President’s Cup
Veteran jockey/trainer Winston Appadu
Royals remain unbeaten with scrappy win over hapless Falcons
BRIDGETOWN,
Barbados, (CMC) – The Barbados Royals kicked off their four-game homestand with a less than impressive 10-run victory over the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in a rain-affected contest at Kensington Oval on Wednesday night.
The Royals produced a shoddy performance in the field before their home fans, which assisted the Falcons in reaching their eventual total of 176 for five from their 20 overs.
Quinton de Kock and Alick Athanaze then set a solid foundation for the Royals, who reached 127 for three in 14.3 overs before heavy showers brought a premature end to the match and give the home side victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
It was the Royals’ third successive win in as many matches, and they joined the defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors as the only unbeaten teams remaining in the tournament.
Despite the result, the Royals would have been disappointed with their fielding, which resulted in three dropped catches and several misfields.
Falcons’ openers Brandon King and Justin Greaves gave them a perfect start, slamming 55 runs from the first six overs to put the Royals on the backfoot.
King, who was dropped at long on by Royals’ captain, Rovman Powell, when he was 18, made a boundary-studded 27 with five fours, before being stumped off the bowling of spinner Keshav Maharaj.
Sam Billings joined Greaves at the crease and the pair frustrated the Royals’ bowlers during a 92-run partnership for the second wicket that spanned 12 overs.
While both batsmen scored half centuries, they struggled to increase the run rate against average bowling by the Royals.
Billings also survived two dropped chances; the first when Maharaj put down
a regulation return catch when he was just 11 and then when Rahkeem Cornwall and Powell collided after he skied a delivery from Obed McCoy to extra cover when he was 54.
Jason Holder eventually broke the stand when he bowled Billings for 56. His innings lasted 43 balls and contained five fours and one six.
Fabian Allen (1), Chris Green (4) and Roshon Primus (6), all had short stints at the crease before Shamar Springer struck a four and a six in an unbeaten 10 from three balls to finish off the innings.
Greaves batted through the innings and finished unbeaten on 61 from 52 balls, with eight fours and one six.
Holder and Naveem-ulHaq captured two wickets apiece for the Royals.
The Royals got off to a shaky start in their run chase, with Rahkeem Cornwall facing seven balls before lofting spinner Chris Green straight into the hands at Roshon Primus at mid-off without
scoring to leave the score 1-0.
Athanaze and de Kock added 72 runs in nine overs to steady the innings before Athanaze was needlessly run out for 34 after colliding with de Kock trying to complete a quick single.
The turning point in the match came in the 12th over bowled by Primus.
In what could only be described as catastrophic for the Falcons, Primus sent down four wides and three no balls in an over that lasted 13 balls and conceded 23 runs.
He did manage to dismiss de Kock in the over, but when the rains eventually came two overs later forcing the players off the field, the Royals were comfortably ahead of the DLS by 12 runs.
De Kock made 48 from 30 balls with four boundaries and two sixes.
The players did return to the field, but not for long, as heavy showers forced the end of the match, with the home side still ahead of the DLS.
Cricket West Indies begins recruitment process for new CEO
CRICKET West Indies (CWI), on Thursday, announced the commencement of the recruitment process for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The post will become vacant on Friday November 1, 2024, with the departure of outgoing CEO, Johnny Grave, who has led the organisation since February 2017. An executive manager is confirmed to lead the organisation for the interim.
CWI President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, said of the search, “This is an exciting and transformative time for Cricket West Indies. With the ongoing enhancement of our human capital, we are extremely excited to complement this with the recruitment of a new CEO.”
President Shallow further stated, “In addition to executing our 2024 -2027 Strategic Plan, we are enthusiastic about the prospect of a fresh perspective and ideas for the
organisation. The opportunities for West Indies Cricket are immense in a sporting industry that is growing and evolving rapidly. We expect the new CEO to lead a high-performance environment, drive innovation, and reflect both CWI’s and the region’s values.”
Interested applicants should send their curriculum vitae with a cover letter via email to recruitment@cricketwestindies.org, addressed to the Human Resources Manager, Cricket West Indies, Coolidge Cricket Ground, St. George, Antigua, West Indies.
The deadline for submission is 17:00h on September 30, 2024. The successful applicant will be expected to commence duties in the first quarter of 2025.
For a detailed job description, please visit https://www.windiescricket.com/cricket-west-indies/ category/vacancies/ (CWI).
CEO of Cricket West Indies, Johnny Grave
Quinton de Kock (right) and Alick Athanaze put Royals on course for victory before the rain came (Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images)
