Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 20-05-2024

20th May, 2024

Confucius Institute has strengthened bond between Guyana, China

–– lives have been enriched, deeper appreciation for Chinese culture achieved, PM Phillip says –– Bachelor’s programme in M andarin to be introduced, new building to be constructed at UG’s Turkeyen Campus

Development

Jagdeo says

50 schools being constructed, extended across Guyana –– changes to schools curriculum being finalised

The Confucius Institute, University of Guyana (CIUG) celebrated its 10th Anniversary on Sunday in a ceremony that included cake cutting and the display of several aspects of the Chinese culture (Shaniece Bamfield photos)

Development of Region One port, processing facilities on the cards

- could pave way for direct transport of agriculture products to Caribbean territories, Jagdeo says

WITH several initiatives underway to support the economic livelihoods of hinterland communities, the Government of Guyana is mulling the development of port and processing facilities in Region One, which could see the direction transport of agriculture products to the Caribbean.

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo made this disclosure during a news conference last week.

Dr. Jagdeo told reporters that several persons from the Barima-Waini region recently raised concerns with officials, and have also made suggestions as to how to boost its economic and social prospects.

The government, he noted, has been providing support by distributing

more plant nurseries, and supplying farmers with much-needed planting materials.

However, while this is being done, discussions were held to further boost the region’s economic trade.

“Another element of

what we had planned for Region One was developing port facilities there, and processing facilities so we can export directly into the Caribbean, rather than to bring the goods to the coast,” Dr. Jagdeo explained.

Back in 2023, the

government had commissioned MV MA Lisha, commonly known as the ‘North West ferry’, which can journey from Region One to Trinidad and Tobago in just 15 hours, and other Caribbean countries, thereby opening opportunities for the export of

“high-value” agriculture and fish products.

The vessel is set to have a major impact on the business community in Region One, and will allow for not just faster transport time of their products and produce, but will also see a significant reduction in transport costs.

“Region One alone has the capacity to produce all the cassava, eddoes, sweet potatoes, yams, turmeric, ginger, and cage-culture fish that the entire Trinidad and Tobago can utilise,” President Ali had said.

Back in December 2023, the Guyana Chronicle had reported that the region was becoming a major centre for food production, was being considered.

At a year-end press conference, Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Zulfikar

Mustapha had revealed that there was a significant increase in the production of spices, and the delivery of approximately $30 million in planting materials to farmers from Regions One and Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), who had invested in the cultivation of spices, specifically turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and nutmeg.

“In the other crops also, we have seen a significant increase in ginger production, especially in Region One and some parts of Region Three. To date, we have a total of 250 acres of ginger, which was cultivated between August 2022 and May 2023. Over 216 farmers benefitted from planting materials for turmeric, and we will continue to increase production of the spice as well,” Minister Mustapha had said.

PPP General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Confucius Institute has strengthened bond between Guyana, China

- lives have been enriched, deeper appreciation for Chinese culture achieved, PM Phillip says - Bachelor’s programme in Mandarin to be introduced, new building to be constructed at UG’s Turkeyen Campus

By Faith Greene

EMPHASISNG that remarkable strides have been made over the last ten years, Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips has said that the Confucius Institute, University of Guyana (CIUG), has enriched the lives of many, and paved the way for a deeper appreciation for the Chinese culture.

PM Phillips made these remarks on Sunday at the CIUG’s 10th Anniversary celebration held at the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT), University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus.

During his remarks, he highlighted that this milestone of the CIUG speaks volumes to the commitment of the University of Guyana, and its partners, who established the institute here a decade ago.

He said that it is through their collective efforts that we see, 10 years later, the benefits of education, cultural exchange, and the fostering of mutual understanding between China and Guyana.

skills. Operating in over 160 countries, it creates a vast network of educational and cultural experiences, connecting diverse people, and promoting peace and co-operation through collective efforts,”

Prime Minister Phillips said. He stated further, “Certainly, the Confucius Institute at the University of Guyana has made remarkable strides since its inception, and today we celebrate a decade of its outstanding contributions in Guyana. Including enriching the lives of many, fostering a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture, and strengthening the bonds between our peoples.”

Prime Minister Phillips added that this bond between China and Guyana was not started 10 years ago, but 171 years ago, when the first ship with some 262 Chinese immigrants arrived in Guyana.

He said that for the past 52 years, Guyana has been proud to have participated in and mutually benefited from economic, cultural and diplomatic, political exchanges with China.

Foreign Languages (DUFL) and Hanban. The agreement to establish the institute here was signed in March 2013, and the Institute was officially launched on May 19, 2014.

Thus far, the CIUG has enrolled 4,363 students studying mandarin.

Meanwhile, Guyanese Director of CIUG, Al Creighton said that the institute’s most

“We’ve heard before, worldwide, that the Confucius Institute has created a vast presence through language courses, proficiency exams, and resources for learners of all ages, helping thousands gain proficiency, and enhance their global communications

He used the opportunity to commend the institute for taking up the mantle in ensuring Guyanese are equipped with tools to access the wider world.

The Confucius Institute is a joint venture between UG, Dalian University of

Furthermore, it was stated that the institute is expected to introduce a Bachelor’s of Arts (BA) programme in Mandarin Chinese Studies in the future, as well as the expansion of their space and infrastructure to facilitate a new building at the university’s Turkeyen Campus to host the CIUG.

Vice Chancellor of the

and way for us to navigate life’s complex spaces.

Professor Mohamed Martin said: “In fact, other than Spanish, Mandarin has been the subject that has the highest demand in the University within the last seven or eight years. All of our business students in School of Business are required to take a foreign language and they are

significant achievement is the offering of credit courses to students at the university.

He noted that the CIUG not only offers mandarin classes to Guyanese, but mandarin courses for students studying several disciplines at the university.

University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, in her brief remarks said that the work of places like the CIUG is not only important for cultural exchanges and forming bridges, but it becomes an important business advantage, a business tool

She pointed out that at present, the room which houses the CIUG can only facilitate 20 students at a time. Professor Mohamed noted that the new building will have a lecture theatre to further teach students and host exhibitions to bring awareness to the history of our people, and for students to have meaningful discussions

opting for Mandarin. That is of course until last August when they started opting for Spanish for obvious reasons.”

The Vice-Chancellor remarked that the future expansion of the CIUG will facilitate the number of students enrolled at the institute.

in that space.

Also present at the anniversary celebration were Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities Dr. Rosalin Khan; Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan; and Chinese Director

of CIUG Dr. Geo Zhiyan.

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and his wife, Mrs. Mignon Bowen-Phillips (centre); Vice-Chancellor of UG, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin (third from right); Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities Dr. Rosalin Khan (second from right); Guyanese Director of the CIUG Al Creighton (left); Chinese Director of the CIUG Dr. Geo Zhiyan (second from left) and Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan (third from left)

Scenes from CIUG’s 10th Anniversary Celebration (Shaniece Bamfield photos)

Musk, Indonesian health minister launch Starlink for health sector

ELON Musk and Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin launched SpaceX’s satellite Internet service for the nation’s health sector on Sunday, aiming to improve access in remote parts of the sprawling archipelago.

Musk, the billionaire head of SpaceX and Tesla (TSLA.O) opens new tab, arrived on the Indonesian resort island of Bali by private jet before attending the launch ceremony at a community health centre in the provincial capital, Denpasar.

Musk, wearing a green batik shirt, said the availability of the Starlink service in Indonesia would help millions in far-flung parts of the country to access the Internet. The country is home to more than 270 million people, and three different time zones.

“I’m very excited to

bring connectivity to places that have low connectivity,”

Musk said, adding: “If you have access to the Internet, you can learn anything.”

Starlink was launched at three Indonesian health centres on Sunday, including two in Bali and one on the remote island of Aru in Maluku.

A video presentation screened at the launch showed how high Internet speeds enabled the real-time input of data to better tackle health challenges such as stunting and malnutrition.

Asked about whether he planned to also invest in Indonesia’s electric vehicle industry, Musk said he was focused on Starlink first.

“We are focusing this event on Starlink and the benefits that connectivity brings to remote islands,” he said. “I think it’s really to emphasise the importance of Internet

connectivity, how much of that can be a lifesaver.”

Indonesia’s government has been trying for years to lure Musk’s auto firm, Tesla, to build manufacturing plants related to electric vehicles, as the government

wants to develop its EV sector, using the country’s rich nickel resources.

The ‘tech’ tycoon is scheduled to meet Indonesian President Joko Widodo today, where he will also address the World Water Forum taking place on the island.

Communications Minister Budi Arie Setiadi, who also attended the Bali launch, said Starlink is now available, commercially, but the government would focus its services first for outer and underdeveloped regions.

Prior to Sunday’s launch, Starlink obtained a permit to operate as an Internet service provider for retail consumers, and had been given the go-ahead to provide networks, having received a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) permit, Budi Setiadi told Reuters.

SpaceX’s Starlink, which owns around 60 per cent of the roughly 7,500 satellites orbiting earth, is dominant in the satellite Internet sphere. Indonesia is the third country in Southeast Asia where Starlink will operate. Malaysia issued the firm a licence to provide Internet services last year, and a Philippine-based firm signed a deal with SpaceX in 2022.

Starlink is also used extensively in Ukraine, where it is employed by the military, hospitals, businesses, and aid organisations. (Reuters)

Elon Musk, Chief Executive Officer of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of X, arrives at the I Gusti Ngurah Rai Bali International Airport to inaugurate the Starlink operation, and attend the 10th World Water Forum in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia on May 19, 2024 (REUTERS/Johannes P. Christo)

UN urges US to stop forced returns to Haiti after latest deportation flight

–– Haitians may face ‘life threatening risks’ and further displacement if returned to Haiti, UN refugee agency says

Residents of the Lower Delmas area carry their belongings as they flee their homes due to gang violence, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on May 2 (Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters)

THE United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has called on the United States to stop forcibly returning Haitians to their home country, which is facing a months-long surge in gang violence, and continued political instability.

In a social media post on Friday, UNHCR urged US President Joe Biden’s administration “to refrain from forcibly returning Haitians who may face life-threatening risks or further displacement” in the Caribbean nation.

The call comes after the UN agency said “another US deportation flight landed in Haiti” on Thursday.

The US Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on Friday on the flight, including how many people were on board.

It marks the second such deportation flight from the US to Haiti in the past month. On April 18, the US government sent about 50 Haitian nationals back to

Electric bike rider, 81, dies after colliding with car

AN elderly man died on Saturday night after the electric bike he was riding collided with a speeding car on the Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

The Police, in a statement, identified the dead man as Donovan Douglas, an 81-year-old of Stevedore Housing Scheme, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The driver of the motor car with registration number PWW 3407, is owned by Dilip Ganta and was being driven at the time by Sanjay Narine, an 18-year-old of 51 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown.

“Inquiries revealed that Electric Cycle EM 5436 was travelling south along the western drive lane of the eastern carriageway.

The driver stopped at a break in the median, and proceeded to turn west and then north onto the western carriageway. PWW 3407 was travelling north at an alleged fast rate and collided with the electric cycle.

As a result of the collision, the driver of the electric cycle fell onto the road surface sustaining injuries.

The Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) were summoned, and upon arrival examined and pronounced Douglas dead,” the police said.

The body of the deceased was escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, and is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Motor Car PWW 3407 has been lodged for inspection, and the driver is in custody. Investigations are ongoing.

the country in a move that drew immediate condemnation from rights groups.

“Individuals are removed only if they were found to not have a legal basis to remain in the United States,” a DHS spokesperson told Al Jazeera at that time.

Haiti has experienced widespread gang violence in recent years, particularly after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021 created a power vacuum.

But the already dire situation escalated further in late February, when powerful armed groups attacked prisons, police stations and other state institutions across Haiti’s capital, Portau-Prince.

The unrest forced Haiti’s unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry to announce plans to step down and spurred a shaky political transition, which continues to unfold.

The UN said earlier this week that 362,000 people were internally displaced across Haiti, half of them

children.

The International Organization for Migration also reported that about 95,000 people fled the capital of Port-au-Prince, which has been hardest hit by the recent violence, in one month between March 8 and April 9.

This week’s US deportation flight spurred criticism from lawmakers and rights advocates in the country who say the Biden administration is putting peoples’ lives at risk.

Blaine Bookey, legal director of the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, said the deportations were “a disgrace”.

“They protect no one. They ‘deter’ no one. They violate our laws and treaty obligations, legal guidance from the UN Refugee Agency, and basic principles of humanity. They must end,” Bookey said in a statement on Friday.

Sunil Varghese, policy director at the International Refugee Assistance Project,

also said the deportation flights put Haitians “back into grave danger”. “It is unconscionable to forcibly return people back to Haiti at this time,” Varghese said.

Dick Durbin, a Democratic Party senator from Illinois, said in a social media post that he told the Biden administration that it “cannot risk the safety of Haitians in the US by deporting them to dangerous conditions”.

He urged Washington to halt the deportation flights, as well as redesignate Haiti for what is known as temporary protected status (TPS).

The US government grants TPS to nationals of countries where temporary conditions make it too dangerous to return, including cases of armed conflict or environmental disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes. Recipients can remain in the US without fear of deportation and work in the country. Haiti’s TPS designation is set to expire in early August. (Al Jazeera)

A dated playbook

AS the 2025 General and Regional Elections approach in Guyana, the familiar drumbeats of campaign promises resurface, particularly from the People’s National Congress-Reform (PNC/R), operating under the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition.

The rhetoric is all too familiar, mirroring the bold but unmet promises of their 2015 campaign. Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the country’s Vice-President, recently articulated a pointed critique of the Opposition’s strategy, or lack thereof, highlighting a cycle of unfulfilled promises and race-based mobilisation.

Dr. Jagdeo’s remarks underscore a significant frustration among the Guyanese populace. The PNC/R’s reliance on racially charged politics, according to Jagdeo, is a regressive strategy in a nation striving for modernity and unity. This approach not only fails to address the substantive issues facing Guyana,

but also perpetuates division and stagnation. In a diverse country where progress hinges on inclusivity and forward-thinking policies, the PNC/R’s outdated tactics seem increasingly out of touch.

The PNC/R’s rehashed promises from 2015, including salary increases, pension hikes, job creation, and free university education, ring hollow against their track record. During their last tenure, the Coalition’s governance left much to be desired. Key sectors and communities, including miners and telecommunications, felt the sting of unfulfilled promises and detrimental policies such as increased royalty rates and taxes on machinery. These failures remain vivid in the collective memory of the electorate, casting doubt on the credibility of the current promises.

Contrast this with the PPP’s proactive measures since regaining office. Dr. Jagdeo points to tangible accomplishments: Significant strides in housing, education, and telecommunications reform. These achievements are not just

promises on paper, but real, measurable improvements in the lives of Guyanese citizens. For instance, the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, which the previous administration failed to deliver within five years, was accomplished by the PPP/C within three months of taking office. Such swift and decisive action highlights the PPP/C’s commitment to progress, and their ability to execute on their promises.

This dichotomy between the parties is stark. On one side, we have the PNC/R, clinging to a dated playbook and making lofty promises without a clear, actionable plan. On the other, the PPP demonstrates a pragmatic and results-oriented approach, addressing the needs of the nation with concrete actions and policies.

The PNC/R’s inability to evolve is a disservice to the democratic process. Healthy democracies thrive on vibrant, a constructive opposition that offers credible alternatives, and holds the ruling party accountable. However, an

opposition mired in the past, relying on divisive rhetoric rather than substantive policy proposals, fails to fulfill this crucial role. It deprives voters of meaningful choices, and undermines the potential for genuine political discourse and progress.

As the 2025 elections loom, Guyanese voters face a critical choice. Will they be swayed by the recycled promises and familiar tactics of the PNC/R, or will they opt for the demonstrated progress and future-oriented vision of the PPP? The answer will shape the nation’s trajectory, determining whether Guyana continues on its path of development and unity, or falls back into the traps of division and unfulfilled aspirations.

The PPP has shown that it can deliver on its commitments, moving beyond mere rhetoric to actualise progress for all Guyanese. The PNC/R, meanwhile, must reckon with its history, and rethink its strategy if it hopes to offer a viable alternative.

Guyana to champion forestry conservation at upcoming summit in Brazil –– Jagdeo

ENVIRONMENTAL diplomacy is an important pillar of Guyana’s foreign policy and as such, the country will make a case to champion forestry-conservation efforts at an upcoming summit in Brazil, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary and the country’s Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has said.

“You will see a recurrent thread of similar positions taken at various forums. We plan to make a case at the G20 meeting, President ‘Lula’ [Brazil’s President] said that Guyana would be invited later this year and I probably will attend that,” Dr Jagdeo said during a news conference last week.

The G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 sovereign countries, the European Union (EU), and the African

Union (AU).

When the summit is held in Rio de Janeiro in November, Guyana intends to further lobby for climate financing to support the conservation efforts for forested countries.

“This could be done in a manner that does not burden the world, but provides enormous climate benefits to the entire world,” he said.

According to Dr Jagdeo: “There would be various models from which to choose, so a menu approach to what countries may want to choose, some may choose a market mechanism, for seeing the flow of funds from the forest carbon. And some may want to use public resources, but all these [are] designed for the same benefit, which is to preserve the forest and recognising the important role they play in sequestering carbon in our atmosphere.”

PPP General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Earlier this month, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, represent-

There, he joined world leaders as well as ministerial counterparts and other colleagues from around the world, to call for greater urgency in global efforts to maintain the world’s forests, a release from his ministry said.

During the ministerial meeting, Minister Bharrat remarked, “Too often, maintaining forests has not been a valuable choice for communities or countries. Inside this room, we understand this point. However, outside this room, too few people recognise that the entire world benefits from the ecosystem services provided by forests, and if we want those services to continue, economic incentives must make forests worth more alive than dead.”

The minister further briefed attendees on the method Guyana has uti -

lised to address the forgoing challenge, to which he highlighted Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

It was explained that this national low-carbon blueprint sets out a model of how Guyana can balance economic development alongside conserving the country’s forests and biodiversity, while being compensated for same.

To this end, Minister Bharrat shed light on how this approach has enabled Guyana to conclude transactions of almost US$1 billion in payments for the climate services provided by Guyana’s forests, of which US$227 million stemmed from the bilateral deal with the Government of Norway, and an additional US$750 million from the sale of ART-TREES credits made in 2023.

ed Guyana at the United Nations’ Forest Forum, which took place at the UN’s Headquarters in New York.

People who know me would never believe Nazima Raghubir

I HAVE been around a long time in politics, social activism and journalism that there isn’t a single person on Planet Earth who knows me that would believe Nazima Raghubir when she said in an encounter with me, I ran away and she ran behind me to pursue an argument.

There isn’t a person on Planet Earth that knows me would disagree if told that I am an aggressive, confrontational person. That label has followed me all my life. And it is not one that is totally untrue. I have been like that all my life- confrontational with a gargantuan penchant to fight with people.

So, Ms. Raghubir in a desperate attempt to gain credibility and big up herself has told readers in her newspaper letter of last Saturday that I ran away from her rather than stay and fight. I ask all of those persons who do not subscribe to my politics but who know me if they can ever imagine me running away from an argument with anyone in this entire world. It is not in my DNA to run away.

Let’s quote Ms. Raghubir who must have had a beer too many or was seeing a bear when she wrote the following: “I not only had to run behind Freddie, but he barely could have defended himself when confronted with facts. First of all, Freddie, upon seeing me, scampered away. I’ve never seen someone who has committed no crime and, with nothing to hide, run so fast, he was forced to have a conversation with me.”

Ms. Raghubir also stated further down in her letter that I bolted from her. Is this the Freddie Kissoon Guyana has seen for more than 55 years? I know the answer. I assert with pellucid forcefulness that Nazima Raghubir is not even a tenth-rate polemicist, debater, intellectual or journalist for me to run away from her. So why would Raghubir write something so comical that people who know me would laugh at her?

The poor lady discredited after the bogus election of the Guyana Press Associa-

tion in May 2023 and after the Titanic destruction of her credibility by Neil Marks, finds refuge in a description of me which calls for psychological analysis. In a twisted way, Raghubir put me high up the ladder of people with influence and she acquires fame by saying this well know, influential person, I, Nazima Raghubir was able to reduce to a coward.

The real intention of Raghubir’s runaway imagination about me running away from her is to regain what she lost since last year – credibility. Ms Raghubir now possesses what she thinks is fame – she floored Freddie Kissoon. Why Raghubir chose me to acquire fame I don’t know but this I would say – she could have chosen a far more famous, status-clothed person to claim that she brought them down rather than me. I thank Ms. Raghubir for thinking I am a big figure in Guyana. I am a poor, working class introvert that does not socialise.

Here are the facts. In early 2021, I drove alongside Ms. Raghubir while she was walking in the Giftland Mall compound and gave her a piece of my mind for saying that journalists were attacked by activists of all political parties during the March 2020 election rigging. There was no restraint on my part – my views were echoed in the public domain and there were passersby who would have heard the decibels.

The next day, I got a call from my editor at Kaieteur News, Sharmaine Granger. Sharmaine and I were personal friends and I respect her words and requests of me. She asked me not to attack Ms. Raghubir. It was obvious that after our Giftland Mall encounter, she contacted my editor.

Ms. Raghubir stated in her letter that I have a paymaster which she didn’t name but that paymaster has been identified by Raghubir’s friend, Glen Lall. Mr. Lall asserted on “comedy nonstop” which he calls “ticktaak” that Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo pays me millions. She could have asked Glen

who my paymaster is.

If Mr. Jagdeo is paying me millions, then I have gone down in history as the most high-priced columnist Guyana has ever produced.

Ms. Raghubir referred to me as a jumbie. She can rest assured I will not sue but I am not sure if I respond in kind that she would not sue. I prefer to be a jumbie than

a journalist that denies other journalist their right to vote. But how Freudian can Ms. Raghubir get. She used the word jumbie to refer to me when

Neil Marks himself said that jumbie voters put Ms. Raghubir into the presidency at the Guyana Press Association voting last year May.

President Ali is growing in political stature

WHEN President Dr. Irfaan Ali took office, the opposition titled him the “installed president” and vowed never to recognise him as the duly elected President of Guyana.

President Ali was also called a litany of names that ranged from mild to severe and downright derogatory. The people were being told to hate their president because of the myriad of seeming interpersonal flaws. Some of the tags and titles were widespread and beginning to sink in to the national psyche. I have not heard him say it but I surmise that some of it must have affected him negatively and somewhat bruised his confidence, if not his ego. Despite these possibilities, President Ali has shown a resilient character not seen in the presidency since the founding of our republic.

Dr. Ali has faced a level of criticism and expression of doubt in his ability to be

the nation’s chief administrator that was not faced by any other President in the history of Guyana. Instead of being rattled by every nitpicking microscopic and sometimes outrageously childish criticisms, he answered his critics with enthusiastic and unfailing political hard work. When they talked, the president acted and his actions were almost always impactful.

The fulcrum of the political rewards of his actions lies in his decision to go to the people. People can experience the positive interpersonal qualities of President Ali for themselves. As the effects of his comingle with and among the people set in, the opposition hate campaigns are found wanting for effectiveness.

On December 1, 2018, Michelle Obama made a promotional appearance on Steven Colbert’s Late Show for her book, “Becoming”. In describing sentiments

from her book about the level of hate and vitriol hurled towards the Obamas when they first occupied the Whitehouse, she said this: “We learned about our country not through television pundits and news talk shows, we learned about it from meeting people. What we learned is that, in this country there are decent people of all persuasions … when you are in their faces and in their communities, people were kind and gracious … It’s hard to hate up close. It is easier to hate when you are hating a person through a filter. The filter was gone for me and Barack … so we got to see the truth, they got to see the truth and that’s what I try to pass on to people.”

President Ali must have read “Becoming” or has gotten a hunch that is spot on. Do not seek validation in the Facebook influencers, opposition outrages and news pundits. Go to the people, as we say in local

parlance, “touch flesh”. In all communities in every quarter of Guyana, he was well received. His popularity has grown and so has his stature.

The hatemongering by the opposition has had the opposite effect on Dr. Ali’s presidency. A general call to hate the president was a resounding failure.

In an effort to try to squeeze a modicum of political reach, the opposition is now calling for Afro-Guyanese to express hatred towards the presidency. An obvious play of the race card, but this too is failing and fading daily. We have two recent evidential examples. First the party delegates at the just concluded 32nd party congress was well represented by Afro-Guyanese who proudly support their president. This congress confirms that PPP is the most popular and racially diverse party in Guyana. The party is firmly set to handsomely win the next general elections.

So, congratulations are in order for every organiser, venue manager, decorating hands, financier, service provider, leader and delegate who contributed to making the congress one of the best ever.

The second example is the president’s recent visit to the Afro-dominated Guyanese communities and business district of Brooklyn received overwhelming outpouring of goodwill and support. This angered the opposition elements in North America who called for a boycott of the Afro-owned businesses that gave the president a good reception.

This position has now been officially adopted by APNU and endorsed by its leader. Does the Leader of the Opposition really understand the implication of his endorsement of this lunacy?

The natural corollary is that every businessman at home and abroad who do not want to be singled out for any

form of political retributive treatment should reject any courtesy visit from the opposition leader, point blank.

Because the president elected to filter out the tykeish attacks on his presidency and chose instead to mingle with the people, he was able to fuel a growth in his political stature and acceptance across the nation and in the diaspora.

In the end, it’s the people who have to renew his mandate to govern at the next general election, not the social media influencers and hatemongers perched in front of keyboards and in makeshift living room studios preaching hate and doom.

The president should continue the Michelle Obama formula - go directly to the local communities, meet people directly where they live and work; up close and personal, silence the keystrokes from afar.

Tailored programmes set to integrate migrant learners into school system - Manickchand

WITH Guyana’s migrant population continually growing, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand has said that programmes are being crafted to ensure the smooth integration of migrant children in schools across the country.

The minister disclosed this last week during a press conference hosted by the Education Ministry at the National Centre for Education Research Development (NCERD) where she provided updates on the country’s education sector.

According to Manickchand, there are a large number of migrant children, currently in classrooms across the country.

“They number more

than 3,000 in the classroom and as they came in our policy in Guyana is that nobody, no child should be denied education,” she revealed.

As they are integrated into classrooms, the education ministry is crafting programmes to ensure that integration is in the children’s best interest.

Against this backdrop, she indicated that they are working on making English a second language, something that is administered to those students in a practicable way that allows them to integrate with other subjects.

As this is being pursued, these programmes, Manickchand added, will be rolled out shortly.

Giving an example of how this integration

process is being done, she noted that, last year, for the first time, pupils sitting the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) who were from Spanish-speaking countries were offered options in relation to writing the examination.

She said: “We have such a high migrant population we offered the students who speak or derive from Spanish-speaking countries, Cuba or Venezuela the ability to write their papers in Spanish. So, they could have read it in Spanish and written in English [or] read it in English and written in Spanish…”

The same option was again offered this year.

(Shamar Meusa)

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand (Delano Williams photo)

Minister Edghill assesses work on Conversation Tree to Dennis Street four-lane road project

MINISTER of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill on Saturday visited and inspected the ongoing construction of the Conversation Tree to Dennis Street four-lane road.

In a Facebook post, the ministry said that the work is progressing rapidly.

It was stated that during the visit, Minister Edghill was able to assess emergency remedial works at the junction of Dennis Street and Conversation Tree, as well as at the entrances to First Street.

The minister emphasised the importance of safety in this active construction zone

and is urging commuters to reduce their speed when driving through the area.

Minister Edghill also announced that speed bumps are being installed at the entrances of First Street and Pike Street to enhance safety.

Additionally, he noted that the extension of Dehli Street to Duncan Street is being upgraded to accommodate two-way traffic.

The ministry said that in response to a number of complaints, Minister Edghill is appealing to truck operators to keep their tailgates locked at all times, whether the trucks are full or empty. This measure is aimed at re-

ducing noise pollution in the community and preventing materials from falling onto the roadways.

The minister is also reminding truck drivers to adhere to the 25 kilometre per hour (kmph) speed limit when passing through construction zones in communities.

While at the site, Minister Edghill highlighted the government’s efforts to expedite the project by encouraging contractors to work at night. However, he stressed that this must be done in a controlled manner to minimise disturbance to residents.

Labour Ministry launches investigation into death of labourer, 20

THE Ministry of Labour‘s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department has commenced an investigation into a fatal workplace accident that occurred at a Norton Street construction site on Friday.

The deceased has been identified as 20-year-old Bryan Hardial of Lot 105, Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara.

According to the ministry, reports indicate that Hardial was in the process of raising a gutter to be installed towards the front of the third

floor of the building under construction at Lot 27 Norton Street, when it came into contact with live electrical wires.

As a result, Hardial received an electrical shock and fell from the third floor to the ground.

He was reportedly not wearing any safety gear at the time of the accident.

Hardial was subsequently transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation by ambulance, where he later died.

OSH Officer, Neza King,

is conducting the investigation which will entail additional visits to the accident site, and taking statements from eyewitnesses.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton has repeatedly stressed the importance of ensuring that safe and healthy conditions exist in workplaces and on worksites to facilitate the safe return of workers to their families at the end of the day.

Minister Hamilton has extended condolences to the families, friends, and co-workers of the deceased.

Minister Edghill assessing the remedial works done so far (Ministry of Public Works photo)

The front of the building where Hardial was working at the time of the unfortunate incident (MoL photo)

–– changes to schools’ curriculum being finalised

Over 50 schools being constructed, extended across Guyana

By Shamar Meusa

OVER 50 schools across Guyana are being either constructed or extended in a bid to improve access to education even as the Ministry of Education is finalising changes to schools’ curriculum.

This is according to Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, who made this disclosure during a recent press conference where she provided updates on the expansion of the country’s education sector.

While Guyana has achieved universal primary education, as noted by the United Nations, Manickchand stated that the country is left to achieve universal nursery and secondary education, and, as such, efforts are underway to facilitate this.

“All over Guyana, we want nursery-aged children to be able to access a nursery school. All over Guyana, we want secondary-aged children to be able to access secondary schools,” she said.

This year, she said the government is building nursery schools across the country along with several primary schools and secondary schools.

To this end, she indicated that while many critics have said that building schools mean nothing, this was one of the promises the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) made in its manifesto.

As such, Manickchand

noted, “Building a school allows children to go to school. Where there’s no school, there’s no place for children to go so it’s very easy for people to say we could boast about all the schools... To the people in the hinterland, if you don’t have a school, you can’t get a secondary education.”

Meanwhile, as part of increasing access to education and improving education overall, the minister revealed that her ministry is working on a number of game-changing initiatives in relation to schools’ curriculum across the country.

Against this backdrop, concerning literacy, the ministry wants to ensure that all children can read and understand what they are reading by Grade Four.

“So, there’s going to be some curriculum change in and around that and that begins in September. As we speak, material is being produced by our literacy unit in collaboration with our materials production department to make sure we can get our children reading and comprehending,” she said.

As part of this initiative, the ministry will work to ensure that primary schools across the country are equipped with libraries with novels and storybooks.

Added to that, a mathematics intervention is expected to start soon with hopes of seeing improved results both at the primary and secondary levels. That intervention will include

An artist’s impression of the new Christ Church Secondary School which is currently being rebuilt the provision of all textbooks, scientific calculators, geometry sets, graph books, past papers and improved and robust training and retraining of the people teaching the subject.

The ministry is also expected to look at the infusion of distance education and how children are learning mathematics through media like the television, the internet and the radio.

Further to this, Manickchand said that there will be a robust intervention in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as in the country currently, these skills are needed.

“We want to make sure that we are able to cater to that market; that we are able to prepare our students who wish to benefit from that sector and you’re going to see that rolled out in our TVET departments,” she said.

Narcotics found at Best Village

THE police on Saturday allegedly found just over 195 grammes of cannabis at a Best Village (foreshore), West Coast Demerara house where a 30-year-old labourer resides.

According to a police statement, he was told of the reason for the visit, and a search was conducted on his person.

“Nothing illegal was found. Ranks then conducted a search of the living room of his house and found a bulky black plastic bag containing a large, clear[sic] transparent zip lock bag with a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis,” the police said.

The ganja that was allegedly found in a house at Best Village

He was told of the offence committed, cautioned, arrested, and escorted to the Leonora Police Station. The suspected narcotics was weighed in his presence and amounted to 195.7 grammes which was marked, sealed, and lodged.

The suspect is in custody as an investigation continues.

Gov’t engaging Success South squatters since 2020

SINCE August 2020, the Ministry of Housing and Water has been actively engaging squatters in the southern part of Success, East Coast Demerara, offering alternative housing solutions to ensure sustainable and affordable living for residents there.

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) recently issued a statement detailing the government’s efforts to address the issue of informal settlements with compassion and tolerance.

The first meeting with the squatters occurred in 2020, following a request by Zaman Shaw, Chairman of the Hope, Success, and La Bonne Intention (LBI) Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

Initially, the lands in question were under the jurisdiction of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). On October 1, 2020, the

agency invited local residents to begin the process of lawfully acquiring residential house lots.

Subsequently, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal and NICIL representatives visited the area, allowing squatters to voice their concerns, and reiterating the unlawfulness of their occupancy.

The government has been clear that new squatting areas will not be recognised.

Efforts to address squatting have included publishing notices in the daily newspapers and offering assistance to those willing to relocate by October 4, 2020.

Even after the deadline, the ministry conducted assessments, and continued engaging with the squatters.

In May 2023, various relocation options were presented, including lowor moderate-income land in Lusignan, middle-income land in Success, or

a three-bedroom home in Success. By December 2023, 33 out of 45 occupants were allocated housing.

In February 2024, the CHPA’s Community Development Department provided steel and subsidy forms to support the construction of new homes. Additionally, black water tanks, with regular refilling, were supplied to ensure access to clean water until the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) can provide uninterrupted service.

The press release highlighted that in cases where properties needed relocation, the CHPA covered all expenses, involving property owners in the process.

Over the past threeand-a-half years, these interventions reflect the government’s humane approach to squatting issues, balancing developmental needs with residents’ welfare. (DPI)

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal during a meeting with Success South squatters in May 2023

Significant infrastructural development underway in Region Two

Story

and photos by

Indrawattie Natram

THE Pomeroon-Supenaam region is witnessing substantial infrastructural enhancements with the recent award of six contracts worth a total of $185,005,555, promising transformative impacts for several communities.

On Saturday, Regional Executive Officer, Ms. Susanah Saywack, led an inspection team from the Engineering Department, inclusive of Regional Engineer, Mr. Kawan Suchit; Civil Engineer, Mr. Harindra Nandalall; Electrical Engineer, Mr. Avinash Ramlall, and Superintendent of Works, Mr. Saywack Persaud, to the various project sites.

These projects, tendered and awarded by the National

Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) of the Ministry of Finance, mark a significant investment in regional development.

Key among the projects is the construction of a farmers’ wharf at Charity, awarded to Triple P Construction & General Supplies for $16,117,780. This infrastructure will greatly benefit farmers transporting produce from Pomeroon to the market, while also serving the local community.

Devonshire Castle community will see enhanced accessibility with the upgrading of its access dam, a project awarded to Guycan Investment for $44,997,320. The upgraded dam, constructed with compacted loam, will provide improved access for residents and rice farmers.

Additionally, Devonshire

Castle will benefit from the construction of a new bridge, valued at $25,549,000 and awarded to Pooran Manman General Construction Services. This bridge, a vital access point to farmlands, responds to specific requests from the community.

The Amerindian community of Mainstay/Whyaka will have a new primary school, with K&J Persaud Contracting Service awarded $49,547,655 for the project. This state-of-the-art, two-storey school will feature terrazzo floors on the lower level, porcelain tiles, and seven sanitary blocks, which are all part of a modern learning environment.

Residents of Johanna Cecilia will benefit from the upgrading of Muscle Street, a project awarded to Vision X Construction & Supplies for

$25,966,900. This initiative will transform the current loam road into a concrete structure with a concrete drain, enhancing access for local households.

Vilvorden will also see significant improvements with the upgrading of a cross street, awarded to Guycan Investment for $22,826,900.

The former mud dam will be upgraded to a concrete road with a concrete drain, greatly improving accessibility and drainage for residents. These projects are met with widespread appreciation from the communities, with residents acknowledging the government’s efforts to improve their living conditions.

In addition to these initiatives, over 21 roads are currently being upgraded in the region under the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, underscoring a broader commitment to regional development and infrastructural enhancement.

The Regional Team on site with contractor at Mainstay/Whyaka

ECCI to build office at Richmond

Indrawattie Natram

THE Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) is set to construct an office at Richmond as part of its efforts to expand membership and create economic opportunities for businesses in Region Two.

This announcement was made by ECCI President Ganesh Jaigobin during a cocktail meet-and-greet event on Friday evening at the Jaigobin Hotel in Henrietta.

Jaigobin explained that the new office will be staffed to assist and guide businesses in the region. The event was organised to bring together business people, providing them with a platform to network and create new opportunities.

Looking ahead, Jaigobin outlined the ECCI’s future plans, which include organising business trips to Brazil, Trinidad, Belize, and the Dominican Republic to explore business growth opportunities. Additionally, the Chamber will recommend financing options for small businesses in the region through various government agencies.

“We are willing to work with you; just come on board, and we will advise you accordingly,” Jaigobin said.

He used the opportunity to urge those businesses that are not yet registered with the ECCI to get on board. He also made a commitment that we will work with them.

Meanwhile, Senior Director of Business at Go-Invest Mr. John Edghill highlighted the importance of networking in business, and congratulated the ECCI for organising the event.

He noted that the pri-

vate sector is a key driver of growth and development and encouraged local businesses to register with the ECCI.

Edghill expressed Go-Invest’s pride in supporting all local hotels in Essequibo.

“Our agency is not just for Georgetown; it’s for everyone. Our Investment Act mandates equal treatment for all investors, both local and foreign,” Edghill told

members of the region’s business community.

Edghill pointed out numerous opportunities in tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, and services. He stated that the Go-Invest office promotes exports and urged agro-processors to take advantage of these opportunities.

“How can we market ourselves not just as small businesses, but as part of the Guyana brand? Many of you are familiar with the

Guyana certification. We must utilise all available agencies to market your products,” Edghill said.

He emphasised that Go-Invest’s support extends beyond financing, offering assistance in business capacity growth. He highlighted Region Two’s reputation for fresh fruits and vegetables, urging individuals to add value to these products.

Investment Management Officer Mark Peters

from the International Development Bank (IDB) informed the gathering about the IDB’s efforts and how it can support businesses in Region Two.

He expressed the IDB’s enthusiasm for collaborating with and supporting businesses in Essequibo, noting that the IDB provides financing for development projects. He said that IDB will be visiting the region in June and as such he is anticipating that moment when he can meet with business owners and advise them further.

Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva congratulated ECCI for organising the event.

She said that the region is rapidly transforming in all sectors, and at Anna Regina, the massive buildings erected there is proof of this.

De Silva pledged the region’s RDC’s support towards the ECCI, and said that the land was made available so that the entity could construct its office. Businessmen and women were given the opportunity to interact with each other.

Also in attendance were General Manager of Transport and Habour, Marclene Merchant; Traffic Chief and Senior Superintendent Mahindra Singh and Regional Commander Khemraj Shivbaran.

Stories and photos by

President of the ECCI Ganesh Jaigobin delivering remarks

Senior Director of Business John Edghill

Members

Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva (second right) interacting with Region Two businessmen

Linden infrastructure revamp: Residents applaud govt’s $1.8B investment

RESIDENTS of Linden, Region Ten, are benefitting from a significant infrastructure overhaul, with the government investing $1.8 billion in the rehabilitation of 84 critical roads within the township.

Communities such as Coomacaka, Nottinghamshire, Canvas City, Green Valley, Blueberry Hill, Silvertown, Wismar, Christianburg, One Mile, Amelia’s Ward, Half Mile, Retrieve, South Amelia’s Ward, and Constabulary Road are among the beneficiaries of this transformative initiative.

These infrastructure works, spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Works, improved connectivity and safety for residents, marking a major leap for-

ward in community development efforts.

Residents, in a recent interview conducted by the Department of Public Information (DPI), expressed profound relief and optimism in response to the infrastructure upgrade.

Wayne Rodrigues, proprietor of Wayne’s World Resort, praised the construction of roads in his community, citing its profound positive impact on businesses and the local populace. He remarked, “The road is very much beneficial to our business, and also the community. We did mention it to the ministers when they visited us, and, thankfully, they completed it. It is a good road, and we appreciate it.”

Sharing her testimony to the transformative effects of the upgrades, Madijah Bess reflected on the perils of the dilapidated roads before the intervention.

She stated, “All like how this May/June step in right about now, you can’t walk in Green Valley and come down from by the bridge ‘cause they had like three person done fracture their foot already.

“Right now you could run and go down the hill right about now. And cars go straight into by me right now … So, I am so happy about that.”

Another resident, Michael Juke, underscored the importance of infrastructural upgrades for regional development.

“Developing starts with roads; a lot of people start talking about jobs and so on, but doing be able to last more longer, and you could able to go from A to B instead of stopping off here, because the road bad.

“One of the road I see they doing is Block 22; that’s good. The road from Johno School to go up to West Wootooka; that’s good, because since I am living in Linden, that road is a very bad road, and that is a main part,”

he underscored.

The rehabilitation of infrastructure in Linden aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering socio-economic development and prosperity in the region. (DPI)

Crabwood Creek shade house project launched to boost pepper cultivation

THE government has launched a shade house project in Crabwood Creek, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), to support farmers in cultivating peppers.

This initiative follows President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s recent visit to the community, where he

engaged residents on issues affecting them.

The Ministry of Agriculture will initially assist 100 farmers in constructing shade houses, each designed to accommodate approximately 400 pepper plants.

The project was officially launched by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

on Saturday at the Skeldon Estate. He said the project forms part of plans to enhance Guyana’s role as the food hub for the Caribbean.

“We want to work along with the small farmers; we will give the materials for the shade house. We will help you guys to construct it; give you the designs. I

believe the size will be 25 by 34,” Minister Mustapha noted.

He said that the peppers produced will be processed at the Umami agro-processing facility in Black Bush Polder, which exports its products to Europe and other markets. This partnership aims to ensure a steady mar-

ket for the farmers’ peppers.

Pepper is a fast-growing crop, promising frequent income for the farmers.

According to the agriculture minister, each plant is expected to yield approximately nine pounds of pepper weekly.

The National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) will col-

laborate with the farmers to start the construction of the shade houses and the cultivation of the peppers.

Since 2020, the government has constructed over 450 shade houses, creating employment for hundreds of young people through the Agriculture and Innovative Entrepreneurship Programme. (DPI)

Wayne Rodrigues Madijah Bess

Michael Juke

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha speaking to the farmers while at the Skeldon Estate

$11B student loan write-off ‘a step in the right direction’

AS Guyana continues to move towards providing free tertiary education, President of the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS), Shaquawn Gill, has commended the government’s initiative of writing off $11 billion in loans taken by students to

attend the University of Guyana (UG).

Because of the massive economic and social impacts, Gill stated that

–– UGSS President says

free education is desired by many and deemed the government’s action as a “great step in the right direction.”

In a recent invited com-

ment to the Guyana Chronicle, he said: “We recognise that getting towards free education means that there is a heavier incentive for people to pursue tertiary education which means …a higher skilled labour force.”

Further, while using China as an example of how initiatives similar to the ones being rolled out by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government catapulted that nation into becoming one of the largest economies in the world, Gill stated that with the path Guyana is on, the future looks bright.

He then said: “We hope to see more initiatives like these, that makes students’ life easier, because that is the nature of the UGSS.”

“We want to continue to advocate for initiatives, programmes and policies that will make student life easier or life easier for students at the University of Guyana; not just for those that are currently enrolled, or the graduates that are benefitting now, but for the people who may be 15 years old or 16 years old, that when they come to the University of Guyana, they’re able to access not only either highly subsidised or a free tertiary education, but they’re also able to access quality education that can lead them down the path of making Guyana a burgeon-

ing and expansive economy,” the UGSS President firmly stated.

Last week, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, announced Phase One of the government’s plan to write off the loans of former UG students.

The initiative is in keeping with the government’s manifesto commitment to deliver free tertiary education by 2025.

This first phase, Dr. Singh said, could potentially benefit over 13,000 Guyanese who have $11 billion in student loans.

“In keeping with our One Guyana vision, and in line with our party’s people-centred approach to development, and our manifesto, the government remains committed to providing free tertiary education to Guyanese by 2025,” Dr. Singh had said.

Back in December 2023, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had announced that a phased programme will be implemented to achieve free tertiary education at the country’s premier institution.

The Head of State had disclosed then that persons who currently have loans at the university will be the first group of the student population the phased approach will target.

UGSS President, Shaquawn Gill

Abhishek blitz helps SRH finish second in league standings

Prabhsimran Singh and Atharva Taide put on 97 for the first wicket off 55 balls, Rilee Rossouw hit 49 at a strike rate above 200, and Jitesh Sharma provided the closing fireworks with 32 not out off 15. They set Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) 215 to win.

And still it wasn't enough for Punjab Kings (PBKS). Not nearly enough to halt the batting juggernaut that SRH have been in IPL 2024. They lost their best batter, Travis Head, first ball but raced through the power-

play thanks to Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi, who hit 66 off 28 and 33 off 18 respectively, propelling the team to 84 for 2 at the end of their first six overs.

From then, the scoring didn't really slow until the target was within sight. Heinrich Klaasen led SRH to the brink of victory with 42 off 26. The winning runs were hit with five balls to spare.

Dare we say something about the bowlers?

Only SRH's T Natarajan escaped with decent figures, taking 2 for 33.

SRH now move into second on the points table. That they would finish there and play the Qualifier 1 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was confirmed after Rajasthan Royals' last league match against KKR in Guwahati

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

FINGER LAKES

Race 1 Sharpaz

Race 2 Go Grad

Race 3 M B's Munning

Race 4

was washed out.

Abhishek lights up Hyderabad one last time in IPL 2024

In what was their last home game this season, Abhishek gave the SRH faithful a show to remember a batting-powered season by. He smashed his first two sixes over fine leg, when bowlers de -

livered short-of-a-length balls into the body, and went on to hit six sixes in all, in addition to five fours. Most of these relied on excellent timing, but there was luck there tooone of the sixes came off the outside edge.

He sped past 50 off 21 balls, but this was only his third-fastest half-century this season - he had hit fifties off 16 and 19 balls in the weeks gone by. Abhishek's 72-run partnership with Tripathi, which came off 29 balls, was the foundation of SRH's chase. Even after they were parted, the required rate seemed tame.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday May 20, 2024) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY

(Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 30-K L Rahul (PBKS) (2) 13-Ravindra Jadeja (CSK) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who effected most wicketkeeping dismissals in IPL 2021? (2) What was the highest partnership for any wicket in IPL 2021? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Abhishek Sharma sends one sailing over the ropes during his 28-ball 66 • Associated Press

MCYS, NSC and GOA cut support for GASA

- GASA president Scott says clubs claims untrue

THE Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Charles Ramson Jr and President of the Guyana Olympic Association, Godfrey Munroe, after a meeting with swimming stakeholders have pulled their support from the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA).

That support will remain ‘dried up’ until they resolve a number of pending issues raised by its member clubs and concerned individuals.

The issues with the swimming body reached its peak after it banned local clubs Dolphin and Tridents swim clubs for varying periods after their members disrupted an ongoing GASAorganised swim meet by jumping into the pool.

Several meetings organised by the Ministry and National Sports Commission, aimed at a resolution between the two sides, have failed to settle the matter.

One of the clubs--Dolphin--has since written the World Aquatics Ethics and Disciplinary Committee (WAEDC) for their intervention in the matter.

Subject minister Charles Ramson Jr on Thursday meet with clubs representatives to hear all of their concerns, after meeting the GASA executives a day earlier.

Following both meetings, the minister and the GOA concluded that the body’s actions were counterproductive and as such they will not deal with the GASA.

Some of the reasons cited for this position has to do with the alleged non-submission of audited financial reports and claims of unfair treatment of athletes, unfair usage of the government’s pool, the exerting of undue influence by a top local coach and the non-acceptance of new swim clubs into the association.

The minister says they will not offer further financial support to the swimming body until these issues are addressed, adding: “Until this situation is rectified,

GASA will no longer received [sic] support from the ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission and the President of the Guyana Olympic Association advised me that they will not receive any support from them either.”

Minister Ramson added, ‘You have got to get GASA to get their house in order now and as quickly as they can do that, then certain things can get back to normalcy,” Ramson told stakeholders.

One of the changes from the government’s end will be the creation and the administering of a new schedule for the usage of the National Aquatic Centre, effective immediately.

He said, “We are inviting representatives to sit with the National Sports Commission so that we can work a schedule for all the clubs. We also would like clubs where possible to consider time usage and obviously share times for both pools. GASA is not going to be using the pool that we provide to strong arm and bully persons or clubs or to restrict membership.”

The minister also called for the clubs and individuals aggrieved to provide written statements which will accompany their letter to the

World Aquatics body.

He indicated that they (government) has no intension of administering the sport here for fear of being barred from international competitions, but its aim is to have an equal playing field for all athletes and clubs.

Guyana Olympic Association President Godfrey Munroe also confirmed that these issues were raised on multiple occasions with GASA but to no avail.

Munroe said, “Our concern from the GOA side is that this has been an ongoing problem with GASA. We have had several meetings as it relates to GASA and trying to resolve issues and we know that in sport that they would have challenges, but I think the nonchalant approach in not addressing these issues is one that is disheartening.”

Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association Dwayne Scott disagreed with the position, saying that the body is in good standing with the relevant bodies.

‘GASA has been in good standing with World Aquatics, with Panam Aquatics, with the Guyana Olympic Association and with the National Sports Commission. Annually, we complete financial statements and

these financial statements are served to everyone as a show of our level of accountability as it relates to financial management; we had no financial mismanagement.”

Scott says that he has

never had any issues under his stewardship with regard to financial resources being misused and this will remain the case.

He countered by saying that the management of the pool is one that is reasonable, with time allotted

equally to all and sundry, adding, “GASA does not control the pool, the pool is maintained by the National Sports Commission; the pool is afforded to GASA by the NSC and we are allotted time being 5-8 am in the mornings (week days) and Saturdays and 4-7 pm.”

He continued, “We then utilise this time through the allotment of lanes to the clubs; each club in Georgetown (of which there are five) are allotted two lanes to conduct their activities,

GASA doesn’t monitor this, we don’t charge for this, it’s afforded free to everyone as it is provided to us.”

According to Scott, what obtains is what has been recommended by the technical committee which was endorsed by the general council and the executive, once the clubs agreed with the proposal.

The administrator says as it relates to discrimination, many accusations have been directed at GASA, but none have been substantiated.

“Facts are critical, everybody can say they have been discriminated against; what is the fact, we have had many people who claimed there have [sic] been discrimination under the auspices of GASA, when you get down to it, none have been founded, it’s a case in which you either qualify or you don’t qualify. You swim the time or you don’t swim the time; you are quick enough or you are not quick enough and that has nothing to do with GASA, but with your preparation and your ability to perform, and all that we do is transparent and when we have a meet, the information is recorded and published for all to see.”

(left to right) NSC Vice-Chairperson, Cristy Campbell; Director Of Sport, Steve Ninvalle; GOA President, Godfrey Munroe; Minister Charles Ramson Jr, Assistant Director of Sport, Melissa Dow-Richardson and NSC member Chateram Ramdihal

GASA head Dwayne Scott

King named captain for T20 series against South Africa

Motie, Joseph, Shepherd included

THE Cricket West Indies (CWI) selection panel has announced the squad for the upcoming T20 International (T20I) Series against South Africa.

This significant series, preceding the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, starts on Thursday, 23 May, at the iconic Sabina Park. The squad has been gearing up for this exciting and highly anticipated series with a training camp held at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

The selection panel has confirmed that Brandon King will be the interim

captain for this series and Roston Chase as the interim vice-captain. King was set to lead the West Indies ‘A’-Team on the recently concluded T20 tour to Nepal before he was withdrawn because of injury. Chase, appointed instead, went on to lead the ‘A’-Team to a series win against Nepal.

The West Indies men’s squad for the series is as follows: Brandon King (captain), Roston Chase (vice-captain), Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Mathew Forde,

Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Alzarri Joseph and Sherfane Rutherford will be added to the squad if their respective franchises don’t reach the Indian Premier League (IPL) final.

Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran are both rested for the series and will join the squad in Trinidad on Monday, 27 May.

The lead selector, the Most Honourable Desmond Haynes, spoke about the opportunities for mem-

bers of the squad: “These are among the last competitive T20 International matches before the start of the World Cup. Players have the opportunity to fine-tune their skills and ensure that they are as prepared as they can be for the World Cup, whether they are in the final squad or reserve pool.”

White ball Head Coach Daren Sammy also commented on his objectives for this series: “We have not played together as a team since the Australia series, but we just completed a very high-intensity training camp in Antigua. Now we have the chance to integrate

some of our players returning from the IPL and build some momentum as a group going into the World Cup.”

The Team Management Unit for this series is:

Daren Sammy (Head Coach), Floyd Reifer (Assistant Coach), Rayon Griffith (Assistant Coach), Denis Byamb (Physiotherapist), Ronald Rogers (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Rawl Lewis (Team Manager), Dario Barthley (Team Media & Content Officer), Avenesh Seetaram (Team Analyst), Fitzbert Alleyne (Team Masseuse).

The West Indies won the last T20 Internation -

Wilson Plumbing Service and General Supplies/GABA

al played at Sabina Park against New Zealand in August 2022, which was the last time international cricket was played at this historic venue

MATCH SCHEDULE

23 May 1st T20I West Indies v South Africa at Sabina Park, Jamaica 2:00 pm JT/3:00 pm ECT

- 25 May 2nd T20I West Indies v South Africa at Sabina Park, Jamaica 2:00 pm JT/3:00 pm ECT

- 26 May 3rd T20I West Indies v South Africa at Sabina Park, Jamaica 2:00 pm JT/3:00 pm ECT

U23 league

Williamson, Nurse star for North Ruimveldt Ravens

THE Ravens U23 unit had superb performances from Atilla Williamson and Alroy Nurse to catapult their side to victory and consign Lamaha Park Pepsi Sonics to a heavy defeat on Saturday.

This is as the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association U23 league continued at the National Gymnasium.

Nurse and Williamson both had a game-high 21 points in the game.

It was a blow-out showing from the South Georgetown team as they ended the contest 82-58.

Despite the finish it was the Pepsi Sonics who started the clash with some spectacular shots as they led 18-13 at the end of the first period.

Pepsi Sonics had Kurvin Mars to thank for their lead as he had 19 points in the game and played some vital minutes

from the onset.

Shamar Hope also chipped in with a wellplayed 12 points.

Ravens would begin to pull back the advantage in the second quarter, tipping the lead 29-32 going into the break.

GABA U-23 Ravens and Pepsi Sonics in battle

The second half saw a more determined Ravens side put in a strong showing to make a resurgence, outscoring Sonics 26-11 in the third period to overturn the lead and put them in pole position 55-43.

The final quarter saw

the Ravens dominate to end strong with 27 points to Sonics 15 as they earned a 24-point victory 82-58.

Meanwhile, Cummingburg Bounty Colts tipped Meadowbrook Nets in their game 75-

68 to keep their winning record.

After leading by six points after tip off 16-10, the Nets looked on course for a big win with Chris Perez drilling some early buckets.

The lead was

shortlived as an all-round effort from Ronoko Vaughn (14), Shannon Wilson (11), Carmelo Man-Son-Hing (11), Richard Semple (11) and Charles Williams (12) helped their side make a comeback to take the advantage 37-31 at the break.

From there, they went on to dominate the remainder of the encounter.

Shaquille Hescott dropped 21 points and Peter Langevine had 17 in an awesome individual outing, but it proved inadequate as Colts U23 side had five players in double figures to eclipse nets 75-68.

The league continues with a double header on Wednesday at the National Gymnasium.

Leonora Rising Stars play Stabroek Ballers and University of Guyana Trojans play Prospect Kobras.

ExxonMobil U-14 football competition…

CWSS, Christ Church lead winners in eliminator round

THE annual ExxonMobil U-14 football competition kicked off with the boy’s elimination round on Saturday at the Ministry of Education ground.

Christiansburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) was one of the big winners after being forced to play in the elimination round. The Linden side who are serial winners at the school level made light of St Stanislaus College, 4-nil, in a statement victory.

Christianburg Wismar who have won the Milo and Digicel school championship will be aiming to add the youth title to their cabinet in the coming weeks in a bid to confirm their pedigree at all levels.

Meantime, Christ Church showed their prowess with a 5-2

Christianburg Wismar tackling St Stanislaus in the ExxonMobil U-14 eliminator

stoppage of Queen`s College in a highly competitive clash. Queen’s College will how-

ever have another crack at the title as they were awarded a wild card spot, with winners Christ

Church also moving on to the main draw.

It was tough day for many schools as the competition got started with the straight knockout.

The organisers said the eliminator was necessary after the large volume of schools registered to play in the competition.

Teams got the chance to earn their place in the main draw of the competition set to start in the coming weeks.

Three Mile Secondary and St. John’s College played out their contest to a draw 2-2 to both earn the right to move on in the tournament.

Westminster Secondary next blanketed Charity secondary 2-nil to move on. Also advancing was Cotton Tree Secondary

after a needle victory over Belladrum Secondary.

Also in the winner’s circle was Patentia Secondary who took a comfortable 3-1 win over Yarrowkabra Secondary.

Brickdam earned an upset victory (3-nil) over West Demerara Secondary.

Also taking a 3-nil win was Annandale Secondary over new comers, Institute of Excellence.

Hope Secondary also took a win over Vreed-en-Hoop by the same margin.

New Campbellville Secondary also emerged winners after being scheduled to play Freeburg.

North Ruimveldt won by a walk-over to advance.

This year’s tournament sees the prize money increasing for both males and females to

$400,000 towards a school project of their choosing and trophy.

The runners-up will receive $200,000, third-place $100,000.

The tournament also will award MVPs with trophies and football boots, as well as a year’s worth of educational support in the form of school supplies.

They will also award the highest goal scorer, the best goalkeeper, and the most disciplined team.

The tournament is mainly sponsored by ExxonMobil, Stena Drilling, the MCYS, MVP Sport, DDL through its Pepsi Brand and the Ministry of Education.

Waramuri of Region #1 won the girl’s title, while Bartica won the boy’s division last year.

Swag, Bullets, Spaniards seal quarter-final berths in Guinness Linden Championship

THREE-TIME defending champions Swag Entertainment, Silver Bullets, and Spaniards advanced to the quarterfinal round when the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden edition continued on Saturday evening at the Christianburg Hardcourt.

Swag Entertainment overcame Valley Side 1-0 with the help of a Shane Lucky strike. Likewise, the two-time winners, the Silver Bullets, edged the DC Ballers 1-0. Colwyn Drakes scored to separate the teams. Similarly, the Spaniards downed Fearless 3-2: Shaka Lewis bagged a double, while Jamal Aikman netted once. For the loser, Devon Gilbert bagged a double.

In other results, YMCA

A scene from the Silver Bullets (red) and DC Ballers encounter at the Christianburg Hardcourt

downed Hardball Management 1-0 on penalty kicks, after regulation time ended 0-0. Also, Turf President squeaked past the Young Gunners 1-0: Kelroy

Anthony recorded the only goal of the contest.

On the other hand, Excuse the Rush crushed the Top Strikers 5-1. The winner of the event

Briton John crowned champion after dominating Independence Three-Stage Cycling

WE Stand United cyclist

Briton John completed the herculean feat of winning all three stages by quite some distance to be crowned champion of the 41st Independence ThreeStage Cycle Road Race on Sunday afternoon.

John won the seniors’ category, followed by Trinidadian Enriques De Camarand, Cortis Dey, Joryn Simpson, Robin Persaud and Paul DeNobrega.

More so, Trinidadian Chyanne Awai mirrored John in the female category with a sweep of her races. According to veteran

cyclists at the finish line on Sunday, this is the first time such a feat occurred for male and female seniors.

More so, it was reported that John produced record times in the first two stages.

In stage one, 40 miles (from Corriverton to New Amsterdam), John clocked one hour, 44 minutes, and 05 seconds. In stage two, Berbice Bridge, D’Edward Village to Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown (62 miles), he had a time of two hours, 22 minutes, and 5.95 seconds.

In the final stage from Linden to Homestretch

Avenue (approximately 65 miles), he had a time of two hours, 47 minutes, and 46 seconds.

More so, the budding talent of Alexander Leung was the top junior, while Alex Newton won the juvenile title.

The veteran titles were won by Roy Mangru, Ian Jackson, and Robin Persaud.

The races, which total approximately 165 miles, were organised by the Guyana Cycling Federation in partnership with the National Sports Commission.

will pocket $500,000 and the championship trophy. They will also earn an automatic berth to the national championship, which is slated to commence

during the month of August in Georgetown. Meanwhile, the second-place finisher will receive $400,000 and the corresponding accolade. The third and fourthplace finishers will pocket $300,000 and $250,000, respectively, and the corresponding trophy.

The event will resume on Wednesday at the same venue as the quarter-final segment. Hardball Management qualified for the quarter-final section as the best loser. Also, the Pro Ballers received a bye to the quarter-final segment. (press release) Complete Results Game-1

Spaniards-3 vs. Fearless-2 Spaniards scorers Shaka Lewis-2

Jamal Aikman-1

Fearless scorer Devon Gilbert-2 Game-2

Excuse the Rush-5 vs. Top Strikers-1 Game-3

YMCA-0 3: YMCA-0 vs. Hardball Management-0 Hardball Management won 1-0 on penalty kicks Game-4

Turf President-1 vs. Young Gunners-0

Kelroy Anthony-1 Game-5

DC Ballers-0 vs. Silver Bullets-1

Colwyn Drakes-1 Game-6

Swag Entertainment-1 vs. Valley Side-0 Shane Lucky-1

The top six senior male riders, alongside Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and Deputy Chair of the National Sports Commission, Cristy Campbell

John crowned

Briton John crosses the finish line way ahead of any challenger in the final leg of the Three-Stage Cycle Road Race

Shamar Joseph Romario Shepherd

Gudakesh Motie