Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 20-06-2024

CJIA upgrades near completion

WITH a significant influx of passengers travelling to and from Guyana, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is undergoing extensive renovations to enhance the travel experience and bolster the country’s tourism industry.

The upgrades include an inline baggage system, a commercial centre, a VIP lounge, and a new administrative building.

During an inspection of the ongoing work on Wednesday, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, highlighted the necessity of modern facilities for transit passengers.

He stated, “If we are building out Guyana to be a point connecting the Caribbean and South America, then transit passengers must have an experience. So, we are catering to all of that. We have to keep modernising, keep adding, and keep improving.”

He further announced that within the next two to

three months, travellers will notice significant improvements at the airport.

Currently, the construction of the VIP lounge and commercial centre is approximately 58 per cent complete, with PD Contracting handling the work.

The new two-story building will feature about 15 new duty-free shops, food concessions, bars, a play area for children, and additional seating within the departure terminals. The centre will also accommodate a new business lounge.

Minister Edghill noted that the design changes to the commercial centre cater to the magnitude of growth experienced.

“If you want to have fine dining because you have a four-hour layover or you come early to the airport because you don’t like to be in the crowd, you must be able to sit and have a hot meal so we want to be able to put those facilities in,” he emphasised.

Additionally, the new and improved inline baggage handling system will eliminate the need for passengers to take their bags to the scanner, as all screening will be done behind the counters to facilitate a more efficient operation.

The minister also revealed that, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, a section will be constructed specifically for small vendors to ply their trade.

This module will have organised cubicles for passengers to shop for Guyana’s local products.

Furthermore, a new administrative office is under construction to improve operational efficiency for over 300 airport staff members.

These projects are part of the government’s broader vision to transform CJIA into a world-class facility that caters to the needs of modern travellers and supports the growth of Guyana’s tourism sector. (DPI)

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill inspects works on the CJIA

Preview of the VIP lounge at CJIA

‘Innovation

––

Guyana

at its finest’

launches electronic planning and development single-window system

–– can now be ranked in Top Ten for construction permits, President Ali says

By Naomi Parris

DIGITALLY refining the way business is conducted in Guyana, the Ministry of Housing and Water and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) on Wednesday launched their Electronic Planning and Development Single-Window System.

The ‘rule-based’ system, according to the country’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali will increase efficiency and transparency in the decision making of applications with a single point of entry.

“The new system aims to centralise and simplify the approval process, by providing a one-stop shop for all development-related permission and clearance,” the Head of State told a large gathering of stakeholders during the launching at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

The system must be trusted; the system must be efficient,” the Head of State explained.

TRANSPARENT, EFFICIENT, AND INVESTOR-FRIENDLY

The expected outcome will now be more transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly to help accelerate development, and attract more investments, ultimately contributing to Guyana’s economic growth.

capture policies, and bring together hundreds of different laws, bylaws, and regulations under one umbrella. This legislation includes provisions for the establishment of a Planning Oversight Committee, which will centralise functions related to land-use preparation and development. It is also intended to define the Committee’s responsibilities and associated matters.

Deeds Registry, Guyana Water Incorporated, all Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and the local authorities, inclusive of the municipalities, among other agencies.

thereby demonstrating a commitment to fairness.

Simply explained, persons looking to conduct business in Guyana can access the relevant information and agencies at a single point of entry. There, applicants can submit, monitor, and track the progress of their applications.

In an effort to enhance efficiency and transparency, the process will be subject to specific deadlines to ensure the timely processing of applications.

As Guyana’s economy continues to experience rapid growth, especially in the construction sector, this system will eliminate human biases, and establish a centralised platform for permissions and claims.

“Guyana’s economy is expanding in a global way, so we have people from almost every corner of the world participating in our economy now, and our system must take this into account… It has taken away the human biases, and is making it a more rulebased system; and that that is how we want the country to run. The system must work; the system must be ruled-based.

“This definitely has to put us in the top ten when to comes to permitting; when it comes to construction. This is innovation at its finest,” President Ali said, noting that the system will be transferrable to all countries in the region.

“This entire platform is meant to be transferable to all countries within this region, so that we all can improve our doing- business indicators, and enhance competitiveness and transparency. We are ready to export this homegrown, homemade.”

The Single-Window System Act was introduced and approved in the National Assembly prior to Wednesday’s launch. Furthermore, a number of consultation exercises were carried out with stakeholders.

The President stressed that the legislation had to be ‘specially crafted’ to

Several agencies will become part of the single window. This includes the Central Board of Health, the Ministry of Public Works, River and Defence Board, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Guyana Fire Service, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, the National Trust of Guyana, the Guyana Office for Investment, Land and

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues said the launch of the system signifies the government’s commitment to modernising and enhancing the delivery of services.

“With the increased development and application volume, the move to introduce a more automated process becomes a necessity. We are committed to ensuring we introduce e-governance platforms to promote transparency and accountability,” the Minister said.

She also reiterated that the system will remove any and all forms of biases,

“The use of technology and timeframes prescribed by law completely removes any form of subjectivity, and even reduces opportunities,” Minister Rodrigues added.

It was noted by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) that in 2020, the country had over $US1 billion worth of private sector investment stymied for over a year because of slow processes and non-approval through the various agencies.

Minister Rodrigues has stated that during the period from October 2020 to May 2024, the CH&PA assessed a total of over 3000 planning permission applications, with more than 100 of them specifically targetting the oil-and-gas sector.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues (Delano Williams photo)

President Dr. Irfaan Ali (Delano Williams photo)

Haiti to replace national police chief in effort to counter gang violence

Newly installed Prime Minister Garry Conille has pledged to bring security to crisis-wracked nation and strengthen police

THE newly installed government in Haiti has announced the replacement of the head of the beleaguered national police force, in the latest effort to respond to gang violence in the crisis-wracked country.

Police chief Frantz Elbe will be replaced with former chief Rameau Normil, the prime minister’s office has confirmed.

The move comes as Haiti’s new prime minister, Garry Conille, has faced increased pressure to strengthen the Haitian National Police. The force has remained woefully underfunded and ill-equipped, despite being at the forefront of the battle against powerful armed gangs in the Caribbean country.

Conille himself was installed by a transitional

council in May after gangs earlier this year seized large swaths of the capital, Port au Prince, and deposed former Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Speaking to the Reuters news agency after the change was announced on Friday, Pierre Esperance, the National Network for Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH), described Elbe’s time as head of the police as “catastrophic.”

“The results of Elbe at the helm of the police are catastrophic,” Esperance said, adding he believed Elbe should be prosecuted.

“He spent his whole time establishing relationships with the gangs, reinforcing the gangs and preventing cops from doing their job and risking their lives,” he said.

Haiti’s police unions

have also repeatedly called for Elbe’s resignation and arrest, pointing to gang raids on at least 30 police stations and substations in

recent months as part of a series of attacks that began on February 29.

On Wednesday, the SPNH-17 police union

held a news conference condemning the state of the department under Elbe. SYNAPOHA, another police union, joined in calling on Conille to bolster the department earlier this week.

The latest development has come as Haiti continued to await the deployment of a Kenya-led, UN-backed multinational security force composed of 1,000 Kenyan officers, as well as personnel from a handful of Caribbean countries.

That force was meant to deploy in late May, but its arrival has been repeatedly delayed.

For his part, Normil had headed the national police from mid-2019 to late 2020 under former President Jovenel Moise, who was assassinated in 2021.

Prior to that, he oversaw the detective division. The effective date of the replacement was not immediately clear.

Fight against gang violence

Haiti’s fast-shrinking police force has suffered from a lack of resources while fighting criminal groups armed with high-calibre weapons the UN says are largely trafficked from

the nearby US.

As of 2023, the police force had just more than 13,200 personnel, according to the UN. The international organisation has warned that only about 4,000 police are on duty at any given time in a country of 11 million.

Meanwhile, a recent survey by RNDDH found that 20 police officers have been killed so far this year, with more than 320 since 2015.

Police officers’ regular complaints included late pay, insufficient training, workplace harassment, dismissal threats, knife and gunshot injuries and equipment shortages.

Nevertheless, Haiti’s new Conille-led government has promised to bring about change.

“Haiti is confronted by major challenges. Violence and instability paralyse our daily lives,” Conille said at an official ceremony on Wednesday.

“My government will work without rest to improve the conditions of each and every Haitian,” he said, adding that “without security, no sustainable progress can be achieved.”

“It is crucial our police and soldiers are ready to face today’s security challenges,” Conille added, “and we will ensure that they have the tools they need to carry out their mission effectively and professionally.”

For its part, Haiti’s ombudsman, the Citizens’ Protection Office, has called on Normil to produce a plan to control the gangs and improve the police force “without delay.”

It has also called for authorities to offer explanations for the high rate of killings and the “spectacular” recent escape of about 4,500 prisoners under the “complete indifference” of previous authorities.

Gang violence in Haiti has pushed 578,000 people from their homes, according to the UN’s latest estimates. Thousands have been killed and millions pushed into acute hunger amid the unrest. (Aljazeera)

Haitian police officers are seen near the National Palace in Port-au-Prince [File: Clarens Siffroy/AFP]

MoM gifts 68-year-old woman new home

THE life of 68-year-old Famida Kumar, of Diamond, East Bank Demerara, has been transformed after receiving the key to a brand-new home last Saturday.

This was made possible through the Men on Mission (MoM) initiative, spearheaded by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

Kumar, originally from the Grove Squatting Area, had relocated to Bagotstown, on the lower East Bank, and applied for a house lot 15 years ago.

Financial challenges prevented her from building a proper home, but her hope of owning a house remained alive. She subsequently reached out to MoM for

the aim is to ensure that economic development and prosperity benefit every Guyanese.

“We know that our country is developing at a rapid pace, and we want everyone to be a part of this development process… And that is what our government has been doing since we took office in August 2020,”

Minister Bharrat stressed.

Over the past four years, the government has been aggressively working to provide housing solutions, and promote homeownership.

“She [Ms. Kumar] is now in a better position, especially with the help from the Men on Mission. There is no greater achievement in one’s life

assistance in constructing a home.

“I felt as though the world was ending for me; I had given up. But, by the grace of God, the Men on Mission stood up for me; I couldn’t believe it. I was not well, and then I got strong. I am very happy,” Kumar said while reflecting on her journey.

Her 33-year-old son will be living with her in the new home. To support herself, she runs a small business.

Present at the handing-over ceremony was Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, who emphasised that the ‘One Guyana’ platform is about more than unity, as

than having their own home,” Minister Bharrat said.

Although assisting with home construction, the Men on Mission initiative focuses on mentoring youths, particularly the vulnerable.

Minister Bharrat commended the private sector

for partnering with the government and MoM on such initiatives. This marks the sixth house handed over by MoM in 2024.

The Men on Mission programme has significantly evolved over the years, assisting the less fortunate in society.

MoM’s representative, Dr. Daniel Josh Kanhai, and several representatives from the Grove/Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) were among those present at the event. (DPI)

Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat

The recipient, Ms. Famida Kumar is happy to have a new home

Young and Dynamic

THE recent elections in Amerindian villages have ushered in a wave of enthusiasm and optimism, signalling a profound transformation within these communities.

Derrick John, Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), expressed immense satisfaction with this significant change, highlighting the increased participation and success of young individuals in leadership roles.

This development marks a promising shift towards a more dynamic and forward-thinking approach to village governance.

In over 200 villages, the elections witnessed an unprecedented number of young candidates vying for crucial positions such as Toshao, Deputy Toshao, and Councillors. The remarkable outcomes, with many individuals in their 20s and 30s securing notable positions, reflect a growing trust and confidence in the younger generation.

This shift is not merely a change in

age demographics but is also a transformation in leadership style, bringing fresh perspectives, energy, and innovative ideas to the forefront of community management.

John’s excitement about this trend is palpable.

He acknowledges the vitality and education that young leaders bring to their roles, essential qualities for addressing the contemporary challenges faced by Amerindian communities.

The involvement of young leaders is anticipated to drive a transformative shift in village governance, enhancing the representation of the diverse needs and aspirations of all community members. The young leaders’ focus on education, healthcare, climate change, and sustainable development demonstrates their commitment to holistic community advancement.

Of paramount importance, John emphasised the integrity and fairness of the elections. The process’s credibility is

vital for sustaining the newfound enthusiasm and trust in the electoral system.

As the newly elected leaders prepare to assume their roles, the NTC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, is set to facilitate a smooth transition through mentorship and support.

This collaboration is crucial for ensuring continuity and stability in leadership, fostering an environment where experienced members can guide the newcomers.

The upcoming National Toshaos Council conference, tentatively scheduled for the end of July and early August, will be a significant platform for these young leaders. It will provide an opportunity to address pressing issues, share innovative ideas and develop strategies for community improvement.

One of the most pressing challenges highlighted by John is climate-change adaptation. Amerindian settlements, traditionally reliant on subsistence farming,

fishing, and hunting, are increasingly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Heavy rainfall and prolonged droughts have disrupted agricultural cycles, leading to food insecurity. John’s call for integrating smart agricultural practices, is a pragmatic approach to mitigating these impacts and ensuring food security for these communities.

The infusion of young leadership in Amerindian villages is a beacon of hope for the future.

It signifies a readiness to embrace change, tackle contemporary challenges, and foster a more inclusive and progressive governance structure.

The collective efforts of these young leaders, supported by experienced mentors, will undoubtedly contribute to the sustainable development and prosperity of Amerindian communities.

This electoral wave is not just a change in leadership, but is also a bold step towards a brighter, more resilient future for Amerindian villages.

Institutions in charge of gold are not broken

Dear Editor,

IN a letter published in sections of the media today (June 19, 2024), Dr. C.K. Hunte contends that the “institutions in charge of gold are broken…and that we cannot wait on OFAC to tell us that millions of US dollars were not collected”.

Dr. Hunte appears to be highly uninformed—although I can understand his point of view about “broken institutions”, a concept and an established fact, which he knows more about than perhaps anyone else in the current regime.

In this regard, Dr. Hunte had presided over the failure of GAIBANK in the late 1980s early 1990s period. I had dealt with this issue in some amount of detail in April 2023. (See link here for ease of reference (https:// www.guyanastandard.com/2023/04/30/

professor-hunte-was-largely-responsible-for-gaibanks-failure/).

However, I must also point out that Dr. Hunte has taken guidance from my advice to him that he should consult with the authoritative reports for data such as those on the Bank of Guyana website, which he did on this occasion.

The issue of the observably declining gold production has little or nothing to do with the institutions per se. Rather, this phenomenon is attributed to (i) gold smuggling as has been recently established and confirmed by the authorities, and (ii) a loss of appetite for investment in the sector coupled with the difficulty in attracting labour.

In the case of the latter, the authorities and stakeholders in the sector have confirmed that gold miners are finding it difficult to attract labour—largely because of the abundance of equally and/

or more attractive opportunities on the coastland. Thanks to the burgeoning oil and gas sector and the construction boom that is taking off.

The same is true for some of the key gold mining players—who are moving away from gold mining—focusing on other opportunities on the coastland such as in the oil and gas sector, construction, and aviation among others.

That being established, coming back to the notion of “broken institutions”, in order to determine whether there is any merit to such claims, then one would have to examine the operations of those institutions in accordance with their respective governing legislative/legal framework.

For example, is the Gold Board operating in contravention of the Gold Board Act, is the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission operating in contravention of the Guyana Geology and Mines Com-

mission Act, is the Guyana Revenue Authority operating in contravention of the Guyana Revenue Authority Act, has there been an examination of the audit reports for these institutions that would have highlighted major deficiencies, red flags and/or breaches that are alarming or major cause for concern?

Dr. Hunte, of course, did none of this type of work, thus rendering his claims baseless and unmeritorious. Accordingly, for Dr. Hunte to credibly make these sort of determinations even at a preliminary stage, he would have to perform far more robust work as opposed to his usual surface level type of mediocre analysis.

Since the revelation of the corruption report by the U.S authorities, the public domain has been engulfed with a plethora of “verbal diarrhoea” by

I cannot afford $960 for a simple ice cream cone

TIMOTHY Jonas and I were engaged in light banter a few days ago, and with an intestinal smile full of amusement, he said to me that I criticise middle class all the time and I am a middle class man myself.

I didn’t disagree but I did say to Timothy, class belonging also has to do with ideology.

Yes, I agree that, using strict class criteria, I am middle class, but I have never, and I mean never for an ephemeral moment, betrayed my class origin in Wortmanville in south Georgetown. I have always struggled for the liberation of the working people. My social content has always been filled with the intimate camaraderie of working-class people. Name me the middle-class people that I share deep, personal friendship with and I will stop this column right away.

Within the middle class stratum, there is a hierarchy. I am saying boldly, the evolution of my financial life has not endowed me with the resources to buy things that I want. I was deceived into buying an ice cream cone yesterday (Wednesday) for $960, which I don’t think I can afford often though I am a frenzied lover on ice-cream cone and I am a middle class man.

The machine churning cream is different and is a more delectable cream. I had two recent cone nightmares. In the first one, Charrandass Persaud and I had a late lunch last month at Popeyes’s on Vlissengen Road. On the bill, I paid for a cone to collect when we were leaving. When we were ready to

leave, Charran and I went up to the cashier to collect my cone.

There was no cashier but there were 3 attendants doing different chores. All 3 attendants looked at Charran and I standing at the counter and completely ignored us. Then one of the supervisors passed out and turned to the attendants and said: “Someone is at the counter.” But we were not served. Charran insisted on the cone, but I told him I was not prepared to argue for a cone. So we left. Was it because of Freddie Kissoon, or was it Charran? I guess we will never know. If management of Popeyes’s is reading this, I would like to have my cone money reimbursed. I don’t care how tiny is the amount; it is the principle that counts.

My second ice cream cone nightmare has to do with my cousin, William Cox. I usually patronise the Banks DIH cone on Main Street. Last month, my wife’s cousin was visiting and we treated ourselves to cones there. Two weeks ago, I took my dog to have a cone. While feeding my dog, my cousin was in the outlet and he came out to talk to me. He told me that Dairy Queen in Giftland Mall sells the best cone.

So yesterday (Wednesday), I went to Massy Supermarket which took over Giftland Food Max supermarket in Giftland Mall. As I was in Giftland, I remembered what my cousin said about the Dairy Queen cone.

So I asked for a cone and produced a $1000 bill. The lone attendant gave me $40 change. I said: “no, no, I don’t want ice cream in the tub, I need a cone. She said, Sir,

I know.” I replied: “Then why are you giving me back $40 change.” She said: “Sir, the cone is $960.

My favourite Bee Gees song is, “I started a joke.” There are 3 lines in that beautiful song that go like this:

“Till I finally died

Which started the whole world living

If I’d only seen that the joke was on me.”

So yesterday at Dairy Queen in Giftland Mall, I finally died and the whole world was laughing because the joke was for real. I was mentally immobilised temporarily when she said $960 so I didn’t have mental alertness to say I didn’t need it anymore. I paid $960 for a simple ice cream cone – a biscuit cup with

cream in it and I still cannot get over the fact that a genetically aggressive person like me let it happen.

Do you know how much for the identical cone at any Banks DIH outlet? I should not tell you because you will not believe it. Let me assert with unlimited energy that Banks DIH cone is millions of times nicer and tastier than the one I paid $960 for yesterday. So how much for a Banks DIH cone? Believe it or leave it - $170 dollars. That is $790 less.

I ask that Mr. Campbell, the franchise holder of Dairy Queen, please reimburse me $790? I will never, never in my life in Guyana, again, pay $960 for a simple ice cream cone.

Kudos to the New Amsterdam Secondary School

Dear Editor,

CONGRATULATIONS to the New Amsterdam Secondary School for being recognised by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) as a model secondary institution for Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ).

This speaks to the hard work by the management of the school with the support of the Ministry of Education.

The need for technical and vocational education cannot be overemphasised especially at this time of rapid economic and technological advances in the country.

The education sector has seen significant

improvements over the past years thanks to greater access to secondary education and enhanced delivery of quality education throughout the country.

It is not surprising, therefore, that Guyanese students are now topping the Caribbean in a number of subject areas, a significant turnaround from the days when our students were underperforming due to severe underfunding of the education sector. In this regard, credit must be given to the PPP/C administration for making education a top national priority.

Yours sincerely, Hydar Ally

Institutions in charge of gold ...

an exceptional group of noisemakers on the matter.

It is interesting to note that some of the proponents who are now self-anointed champions and advocates against tax evasion and corruption—have been embroiled in tax evasion controversies in the past, such as the likes of Kaieteur News publisher et.al (Guyana Chronicle, November 24, 2014).

Another proponent worth highlighting is a certain chartered accountant and attorney-at-law, Mr. Lalbachan Chris Ram, whose actions have been questionable at times. (See my article published on January 15, 2024 on this subject here for ease of reference: https://guyanachronicle. com/2024/01/15/ethical-issues-in-audit-practices-external-auditors-independence-audit-assurance-quality-tax-implications/).

It is important to note that money

laundering is not a straightforward issue, it is in fact very complex. So not because it was the U.S that conducted the referenced investigation for over two years, it means that there is a grave failure in our system. Often times, money laundering involves cross border transactions.

Hence, for countries like Guyana to successfully curb money laundering transactions and prosecute those involved in money laundering, it inevitably requires co-operation and collaboration with international partners and other jurisdictions. The Anti Money Laundering (AML) laws provide for this. Moreover, it demands considerable investment in the resources and capabilities.

Furthermore, in the pre-2015 period, the PPP/C Government created two key institutions, namely, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA).

These institutions were created with the view of strengthening the overarching institutional framework in compliance with the AML requirements—to investigate, enforce and prosecute those involved in money laundering crimes. As such, these institutions were originally intended to work in tandem with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU.

Unfortunately, during their tenure (2015-2020), the APNU+AFC Government politicised these institutions, thereby effectively reversing the work of their predecessor.

This means that we have suffered five-years of regression in so far as the country’s institutional capacity is concerned. Consequently, the Government now has to pick up the pieces, rebuild, reconstruct, and equip these very important organisations with the requisite tools moving forward.

Finally, for those who are comparing the U.S investigative capacity for money laundering crimes to that of Guyana’s, it is by far an unfair and unintelligible comparison. The U.S is a country whose resources and capabilities, intelligence network, institutional, human, and technological capabilities, and capacity are 200 years advanced in contrast to ours. Therefore, what is of utmost importance that seems to have evaded the intellectual wisdom of some commentators, is that Guyana needs to deepen its co-operation with the U.S, seek out their support in this regard to continue developing our capacity and capabilities, which is precisely what the Government is pursuing—not only with the U.S but other international partners.

Sincerely,

Joel Bhagwandin

Violence against healthcare workers becoming more frequent

By Shamar Meusa

THERE has been a recent scourge of violence against healthcare workers at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and as a result, measures to beef up security at the institution are being taken.

This is according to the Head of the Accident and Emergency department at the GPHC, Dr Zulfikar Bux who during a press conference on Wednesday said that for June there have already been six cases so far of interpersonal violence against staff at the facility.

Dr Bux stated that the interpersonal violence that is occurring in society is spilling over into the health institutions here.

He added that these issues have also been happening in other Caribbean nations and serves as an eye opener for the entire system and not just in Guyana.

“We have had experiences with this over the years but my concerns are [it happening] more and more frequently and for the month of June we have had six cases so far of interpersonal violence, whether its abuse of staff and abuse in terms of getting close

— GPHC head of A&E says — Security being beefed up

with being physical with staff,” he said.

Added to this, he indicated that over the last month, they have also had experiences with persons coming into the

ment and the assailants came into the department to continue the course of action they started.

“They came into the department and they pulled out a knife and actually attempted to stab him. It did cause a small laceration, the entire department had to take siege because it was quite a few attackers and unfortunately, the victim had to run outside to seek cover outside of the institution,” he added.

hospital with weapons. Giving an example of one such case he noted that there was one where a patient who was stabbed twice came to the emergency depart -

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC, Robbie Rambarran said that there are persons who would come in as patients and have weapons on them and

these would be lodged with security even as there are also instances of persons accompanying patients with firearms and other weapons on their person.

However, speaking of interventions to curb these issues, he said that the hospital has been working along with a private security firm for some time while the institution also has its own security.

While indicating that security will be beefed up, he said that a lot more hand-held scanners and scanners at the entrances of the facility will be put in place.

Head of Department, Accident and Emergency, GPHC, Dr Zulfikar Bux (Shaniece Bamfield photo)

FAO foresees a stable outlook for most food commodity markets in 2024/25

–– Food Outlook report expects relative calm in main foodstuff and fertiliser markets, while food import bills could go up

SUPPLIES of most of the world’s major food commodities are expected to be adequate in 2024/25, although extreme weather, rising geopolitical tensions, sudden policy changes and other factors could all potentially tip the delicate global demand-supply balances and impact prices and global food security,

Those projections are driven by relatively favourable macroeconomic conditions, including steady global economic growth, and lower food commodity prices.

The new edition of the report has a special chapter on the dynamic effects of shocks to shipping costs on the food import bill – a topical variable given con-

had an impact on primary nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Soaring natural gas prices were a major catalyst, rendering fertiliser production uneconomic, while other factors, including shipping and insurance costs as well as trade measures, also drove world fertiliser prices higher. The shocks led to a significant contraction

according to a new report from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

The latest FAO Food Outlook, a biannual publication, offers updated forecasts for the production, trade, utilisation and stocks of major food staples.

On the production side, world outputs of rice and oilseeds are expected to be at record levels, while those of wheat and maize will likely decline modestly. The Food Outlook provides detailed market assessments for wheat, coarse grains, rice, oil crops, sugar, meat, dairy products and fisheries.

The Food Outlook also provides FAO’s preliminary estimate for the global food import bill in 2024, forecast to rise by 2.5 per cent to exceed $2 trillion.

flict-derived volatility on the Black Sea and Red Sea routes and due to drought impacts on the Panama Canal.

The analysis shows that these shocks have a positive impact on the value of the FIB in the short term, with a larger effect on the group of net food-importing developing countries (NFIDCs).

FOCUS ON FERTILISERS

The Food Outlook also includes a special chapter focusing on fertilisers, offering a comprehensive review of global fertilizer trade between 2021 and 2023 and a short-term market outlook for 2024/25.

The chapter tracks the series of shocks, including the war in Ukraine, that directly or indirectly

in fertiliser trade in 2022 with a rebound in 2023 to similar levels of 2021.

The article shows that in April 2024, fertilizer prices as presented by a basket of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium prices, averaged $327 per tonne, compared to $815 in April 2022. With the decline in prices, fertiliser trade volumes have rebounded with Nitrogen trade close to its 2021 level.

Overall, the short-term outlook for fertilizers suggests stability over the next six months, according to FAO, with improved availability and affordability across the three main ingredients.

Future shocks to global fertiliser markets are likely to be determined by developments in energy markets due to geopolitical or other causes.

(FAO)

Gov’t prioritises education, skills training to address labour shortage

THE government of Guyana has intensified efforts to provide quality education and expand opportunities in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure every Guyanese has access to education at all levels.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton highlighted these initiatives during a speech at the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI) luncheon held on Tuesday at the Rayne Inn, East Bank Public Road.

Minister Hamilton pointed out several significant

measures undertaken by the government, including the award of 21,442 scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL). This figure surpasses the initial target of 20,000 scholarships within five years.

Additionally, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has equipped 11,275 individuals from Regions One through Ten under 549 training projects.

The government has also provided on-the-job training through apprenticeship programmes benefitting over

200 individuals. Furthermore, skills training has been enhanced through special initiatives in collaboration with private sector bodies and other entities.

Another milestone in the government's strategy is the operationalisation of the first phase of the Guyana Technical Training College (GTTC) at Port Mourant, Region Six.

This initiative, supported by private sector investment, has already seen its first cohort of 25 students begin specialised training in mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation fields,

preparing them for the oil and gas industry within six months.

“We are not just addressing. We are laying the groundwork for a prosperous future, and all of us have to participate in this together. With the support of the private sector and the active participation of all stakeholders, we can bridge the skill gap and build a robust, skilled, and resilient workforce ready to drive Guyana’s economic growth and development,” Minister Hamilton stated.

The luncheon, which gathered industry stakeholders including employers, hu-

‘Because

man resources professionals, and government representatives, aimed to address the government's interventions to combat the shortage of skilled workers in the labour market. Attendees discussed the current state of Guyana’s labour market and shared insights on skill shortages and potential solutions.

Minister Hamilton emphasised the importance of continuous skills training to address the issue of an underskilled population. He stressed that Guyana's education system must prioritise TVET alongside traditional academic training to effec-

tively tackle the skills deficit.

“The long-term approach for Guyana must be one where our education delivery is revolutionised. We must urgently reach a place where we give prominence to Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET) like we give to academic training endeavours,” he asserted. “We cannot discuss skill shortage and skill deficit, and have an education system where there are 35 students in a class, and 12 students don’t want to be in that class because they would rather be in a class where they can be using their hands.”

Established in 1962, CAGI represents the interests of employers in resolving labour relations issues. It is recognised as the Employers’ Organisation on Labour, Social Policy, and Human Resource Development, and serves as a counterpart to trade unions and trade union centres.

The Ministry of Labour will continue to engage CAGI and other relevant worker and employer representative groups to ensure a robust labour force in Guyana.

We Care’ cash grant distribution begins June 24

THE government will start the countrywide distribution of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant and uniform voucher on June 24, with over 205,000 public and private school students receiving $45,000 each.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, made the announcement on Wednesday.

This year, the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant has been increased to $40,000, coupled with the $5,000 uniform allowance, placing over $9 billion into the pockets of many parents.

“This is going to happen all across Guyana over a twoweek period for collection and distribution,” the minister stated in a Facebook post.

Those receiving the financial support must be enrolled in a public or private school, have a good attendance record, and return all textbooks.

The education minister explained that each teacher from every school had to submit the children’s names from the registers and the

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand

information had to be verified by the regional education department.

Minister Manickchand said the aim is to ensure the process is smooth and transparent and that every entitled child benefits.

Last year, a total of 201,281 public and private school students benefitted

from the initiative, which saw some $8.1 billion being expended.

The undertaking fits into the PPP/C government’s promise to provide financial support to families, improve attendance, and promote better attentiveness at school.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton

–– Placed on $600,000 bail

SAFFEE Ahmad, a businessman with addresses at 123 Street, Queens, New York, and Lot 38 Roraima Scheme, Versailles, West Bank Demerara, found himself in legal trouble after being arrested and charged with a serious offence under Guyana’s laws.

Ahmad was apprehended by a member of the Major Crime Investigation Unit on June 18th, 2024, for allegedly exporting gold without the required licence, a violation of Section eight of the Guyana Gold Board Act, Chapter 66:01. This charge is contrary to Section 23(a) of the same Act.

The accused businessman appeared at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court 2 before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

After deliberation, Magistrate Latchman granted Ahmad bail in the amount of $600,000.

The case has been scheduled for June 24th, 2024, for the submission of statements by the prosecution.

Exporting gold without a licence is considered a serious offence under Guyana’s regulatory framework, designed to safeguard the integrity of the country’s gold industry.

CHARGED: Saffee Ahmad

Gov’t acted promptly following disclosures by U.S. government — AG says

ATTORNEY General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has said that Guyana’s government took with promptitude serious and drastic steps following disclosures recently made by the United States government.

The attorney general was at the time speaking on his

show, ‘Issues in the News,’ where he addressed comments on Guyana’s financial system in relation to the disclosure made implicating Mohamed’s Enterprise and former Permanent Secretary Mae Thomas.

Nandlall asserted that he has observed assertions suggesting that these disclo-

sures will result in adverse effects and repercussions for Guyana’s financial system, or pose a threat to the nation’s financial system.

As such, he said, “To those who are making those statements I say that they are

premature and they are reckless, because there is no basis upon which those statements can be made. Guyana’s financial system and AML/CFT (Anti Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism) architecture just received a clean bill of health by the authorised agency, the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce.”

Nevertheless, the attorney general responded to the individual who made these statements--whom he claimed belongs to the opposition -- by stating that various actions were taken following the revelation.

In addition, he stated that it is crucial to consider the actions taken, noting that the former permanent secretary has since submitted her resignation from both the government and the People’s Progressive Party.

More importantly, Nandlall said that the Finance Minister within hours of the revelation dispatched a letter to the treasury of the United States requesting a great volume of information that would assist Guyana in launching a probe into the allegations.

This, he added, was followed by the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia writing his counterpart of the inland revenue service requesting information that the GRA intends to use in its investigation of the allegations made in rela-

tion to the deviation of taxes.

“So, within hours, the Government of Guyana reacted and dispatched requests to the relevant agencies within the US govt seeking information that they obviously have at their disposal based upon their disclosures which information or evidence will be used by the state agencies in Guyana, in pursuing investigations into the allegations made,” Nandlall remarked.

Further to this, he said that it is also public knowledge that the Central Bank has also indicated publicly that it has rescinded the licence that was granted to the Mohameds to operate a Cambio.

He said, “These are serious and drastic steps that were taken with great promptitude and immediacy by the Government of Guyana to demonstrate its commitment to fight transnational crime, financial crime and money-laundering type of activities.”

Meanwhile, the Legal

Affairs Minister said that he found it hypocritical that suddenly the APNU+AFC is concerned about the country’s financial system, as he recalled what they subjected Guyana’s financial system to when they had a one-seat majority in parliament between 2011 and 2015.

In this regard, he restated that the Vice President, representing the government, emphasised the recent affirmation that individuals who breach the laws of the nation will be subject to the judicial system.

Additionally, if they violate the laws of another country, they will have to face the consequences of those violations and though they are entitled to due process, they are entitled to all the facilities that the rule of law affords them.

“As a government, it’s our duty to ensure that Guyanese receive those benefits, but they must face the consequences of their actions,” Nandlall iterated.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C.

Jawalla community gears up for new $231M Secondary School

THE community of Jawalla, in Region Seven, is poised for a transformative educational upgrade, with the commencement of construction on a new secondary school, valued at $231 million.

was attended by Minister Manickchand, who seized the opportunity to emphasise the government’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and access, particularly in remote communities.

Father Charles Roland, the local priest to the Jawalla community, led the ceremony with an opening prayer, brief scripture reading, and well

help to ease the overcrowding at the DC Caesar Fox Secondary School in Waramadong. It was highlighted that the new school will provide students in other communities, including Quebanang, Kako, Imbaimadai, Kambaru, Ominike, Abbou, and Eladupai with the opportunity to receive a sound secondary education. These

The aim of this landmark project is to enhance educational opportunities for approximately 250 students upon its completion.

Plans to have a secondary school constructed in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni community of Jawalla were made last year. Minister of Education Priya Manickchand and other senior officers within the ministry visited the community in March 2023 to determine the ideal location for it.

Sheriff Construction Inc. has been awarded the contract for this crucial project through a rigorous and competitive bidding process, as outlined in the Public Procurement Act. The construction period is projected to be eight months, so as to ensure the timely delivery of this much-needed facility.

The new Jawalla Secondary School will be equipped with such facilities as Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Information Technology laboratories, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) laboratories, a Home Economics room, library space, a teachers’ quarters, spacious classrooms, and a small dormitory.

The announcement was officially marked by a sod-turning ceremony, which

wishes at the site where the school will be built, among parents, teachers and villagers.

Minister Manickchand explained that after the successful completion of the school, the students of the community will no longer have to wonder how they’re getting education, and if they have to leave their region to attain it.

“As you can see, we’re training teachers right from the village; this is the first time in the history of Guyana we have as many teachers training. We used to be able to train about 535 teachers per year; we’re now training just under 2000 teachers per year. Many of them are coming from hinterland regions where they are returning to serve,” Minister Manickchand said.

The Minister explained that these initiatives are being taken to ensure that teachers and students can thrive regardless of where they are in the country.

The new secondary school will be the second of its kind in the Upper Mazaruni District, and will

expected to have a profound impact on the community, offering modern educational facilities and a conducive learning environment. It aligns with the broader educational goals of the region, promoting academic excellence and holistic development.

Sheriff Construction Inc. expressed their commitment

to delivering the project on schedule and to the highest standards of quality.

The company looks forward to collaborating with the local community and stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the school.

As the project commences, anticipation and excite-

ment are building among the residents of Jawalla, who are eager to see the positive changes that the new school will bring.

This development not only enhances educational access but also signifies progress and a brighter future for the youth of Region Seven.

students are currently either not receiving a secondary education or are being educated in primary tops, a secondary department in a primary school.

Phillipai, another community in the region, will be attaining a new secondary school as well.

Jawalla Secondary School is just one of several new hinterland secondary schools the Ministry of Education plans to construct this year. The ministry has embarked on an aggressive program to ensure that the nation’s children have access to secondary education. The Government has set 2025 as the target to achieve Universal Secondary Education (USE). To achieve this, the ministry has initiated the construction of several secondary schools across the country.

The Ministry of Education was allocated $74.4 billion, a portion of which will be used for the construction, rehabilitation, extension, and maintenance of educational facilities nationwide.

The establishment of the new secondary school is

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, along with students, teachers and other officials during the sod-turning ceremony for the construction of a new secondary school, valued at $231M for the community of Jawalla in Region Seven

His Majesty King Charles III extends patronage to Iwokrama Rainforest Conservation

IN a significant announcement marking the first anniversary of His Majesty King Charles III’s coronation, it has been confirmed that he will continue to serve as Patron of the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development (IIC).

This renewal underscores His Majesty’s ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable rainforest management and bolstering climate-change resilience efforts worldwide.

Originally appointed the Patron in 2000, when he was the HRH Prince of Wales, His Majesty has been a steadfast supporter of IIC’s mission following his visit to Guyana and the Iwokrama Forest. His advocacy has been pivotal in promoting

modern conservation practices and in recognising the ecosystem services provided by tropical forests for humanity’s benefit.

IIC, while generating revenue internally, heavily relies on support from donors, corporate programmes, and crucially, the Government of Guyana. The nation’s President, H. E. Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has championed a visionary green development agenda through the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (LCDS 2030), in which Iwokrama plays a crucial role in guiding biodiversity research and conservation efforts.

In response to the news, the board, management, and staff of Iwokrama, alongside community partners such as the North Rupununi District Development Board

(NRDDB), expressed enthusiastic support for His Majesty’s continued patronage. They emphasised IIC’s role not only in environmental conservation, but also in fostering socioeconomic development for local communities whose livelihoods depend on the rainforest.

His Majesty’s personal dedication to rainforest conservation has earned him deep respect within the global environmental community, reflecting his enduring commitment to preserving natural habitats and mitigating climate change impacts.

The extension of His Majesty King Charles III’s patronage to Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation reaffirms a shared commitment to sustainable development and environmental steward-

ship on a global scale.

The Iwokrama Forest was gifted to the international community in 1989 at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malaysia.

Subsequently, the

Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) was established in 1996 through an Act of Parliament and under a joint mandate from the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat to manage the

Iwokrama forest, a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest, “in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general.”

Five new wells planned for Soesdyke-Linden Highway, Linden

GUYANA Water Inc. (GWI) CEO Shaik Baksh led a technical team to several villages along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and Linden to assess potential sites for drilling new wells and consult with residents. The initiative aims to enhance the water supply in these communities.

The areas visited included Timehri, Kuru Kuru, Kairuni, Old England/Siberia, and Coomacka. In Timehri, discussions were held with key personnel from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Air Corp to determine a suitable site for drilling a well.

In Kuru Kuru, residents expressed enthusiasm about

the prospect of a new well, which is expected to significantly improve their access to potable water. Similarly, in Kairuni and Old England, potential well sites were identified with the co-operation of residents and input from the GWI team.

Coomacka residents also participated actively, raising concerns and helping the team identify a suitable location for a new well. The community expressed elation at the prospect of improved water supply.

The drilling of these new wells and other infrastructural projects in the identified communities is expected to be completed by the end of

this year. These efforts are part of GWI’s ongoing commitment to ensuring residents have access to safe and reliable water sources.

GWI had recently completed the drilling of wells along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway at Swan, Waiacabra, Long Creek, Kairuni, and Bamia. Follow-up visits will be conducted in these areas for further assessments and to prepare for the mobilization of teams to commence additional works.

Shaik Baksh emphasized GWI’s dedication to improving water infrastructure and meeting the needs of communities across Guyana.

The Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development

GWI’s CEO, Shaik Baksh, flanked by a technical team along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and Linden to assess potential sites for drilling new wells and to consult with residents

Modernising CJIA: Enhancements designed to transform travel experience

WITH a significant influx of passengers travelling to and from Guyana, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is undergoing extensive renovations to enhance the travel experience and bolster the country’s tourism industry.

The upgrades include an in-line baggage system, a commercial centre, a VIP lounge and a new administrative building.

During an inspection of the ongoing work on Wednesday, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, highlighted the necessity of modern facilities for transit passengers.

He stated, “If we are building out Guyana to be a point connecting the Caribbean and South America, then transit passengers must have an experience. So, we are catering to all of that. We have to keep modernising, keep adding, and keep improving.”

He further announced that within the next two to three months, travellers

will notice significant improvements at the airport.

Currently, the construction of the VIP lounge and commercial centre is approximately 58 per cent complete, with PD Contracting handling the work.

The new two-storey building will feature about 15 new duty-free shops, food concessions, bars, a play area for children, and additional seating within the departure terminals.

The centre will also accommodate a new business lounge.

Minister Edghill noted that the design changes to the commercial centre cater for the magnitude of growth experienced.

“If you want to have fine dining because you have a four-hour layover or you come early to the airport because you don’t like to be in the crowd, you must be able to sit and have a hot meal so we want to be able to put those facilities in,” he emphasised.

Additionally, the new and improved in-line bag-

gage-handling system will eliminate the need for passengers to take their bags to the scanner, as all screening will be done behind the counters to facilitate a more efficient operation.

The minister also revealed that with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, a section will be constructed specifically for small vendors to ply their trade.

This module will have organised cubicles for passengers to shop for Guyana’s local products.

Furthermore, a new administrative office is under construction to improve operational efficiency for over 300 airport staff members.

These projects are part of the government’s broader vision to transform the CJIA into a world-class facility that caters to the needs of modern travellers and supports the growth of Guyana’s tourism sector.

Ongoing construction on the in-line baggage system

‘Ineffective’ PNCR losing face ––

Burke, Forde agree party has lost its energy

THE unproductiveness of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) is setting the foundation for the party to become a relic in Guyana’s archives, as highlighted by its own members.

This time, known PNCR supporter Rickford

Burke and party executive Roysdale Forde have explained how ineffective the party is.

On a show, Burke asked Forde: “What has happened to the party’s influence? What has happened to our society from 1997 to now?”

The social media com-

mentator then said: “The party obviously has diminished in influence and currently some people feel the party is failing in the representation it’s providing to its constituents,” as he then asked why the PNCR is so ineffective as a political opposition.

Forde answered: “There is no denial. I believe that anyone who wants to be objective, who examines what is happening over the years, will inevitably come to that conclusion that the party does not demonstrate the same sort of energy, the same sort of force [when] compared to probably 20 years earlier.”

Even recently, Amanza Walton-Desir admitted that the PNCR cannot lead Guyana, given the mass level of schisms and ‘mud-slinging.’

Walton-Desir, who is also in the race for leadership of the PNCR, made these remarks on her Facebook page, where she unearthed the disunity and disrespect that are ongoing in the party as its congress draws near.

During her broadcast, Walton-Desir said, “Recent events have cast a shadow over our [PNCR] noble cause.

“It pains me deeply to witness the vitriol and hostility that have begun to pervade our campaign. Known surrogates of some candidates are resorting to aggressive, reprehensible personal attacks against other candidates and against their fellow party members. This behaviour is not just an affront to the individual targeted, it is an assault on the very fabric of our party and everything

we stand for.

“We must ask ourselves what kind of country, what kind of future are we building if we tear each other down in the process? How can we lead a nation if we cannot even lead ourselves with dignity and respect? The answer is clear, we cannot.”

On Monday, the PNCR held its Nomination Day for its upcoming congress. But instead of a day of togetherness as party members gathered from different regions, members underscored that the party is “weaker” than ever and has “regressed.”

In an invited comment to the Sunday Chronicle, Walton-Desir called for a new political culture to be ushered in.

“For me, it is about creating a vibrant, strong opposition. For me, it’s about heralding a new political culture in our country,” she said.

Norton secured 177 nominations; Walton-Desir, nine nominations; Forde, 20 nominations; Volda Lawrence, one nomination; Gary Best, two nominations; Carl Greenidge, four nominations; and Simona Broomes, two nominations.

Nomination Day is part of the electoral process to elect a new party executive, including the Party Leader, Chairman, two Vice-Chairpersons, Treasurer and the 15 Central Executive Committee members. Despite Nomination Day being a major day for the PNCR, the turnout was dismal.

The 22nd Biennial Delegates Congress will be held from June 28-30, 2024.

Rickford Burke (left) and PNCR Executive Member, Roysdale Forde (right)

Guyana anticipates 350,000 visitors in 2024 amid rapid tourism growth

GUYANA is poised to welcome 350,000 visitors in 2024, reflecting a significant increase in its tourism sector.

According to the Guyana Tourism Authority’s (GTA) Tourism Statistical Digest 2023, the country’s tourism industry has rebounded from the pandemic and surpassed its pre-pandemic visitor numbers.

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Kamrul Baksh highlighted in the report that international tourism reached 88 per cent of its pre-pandemic levels, with global arrivals nearing 1.3 billion, as noted by the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of 2023.

Baksh projected a full recovery of international tourism by 2024, driven by factors including pent-up demand, expanded air connectivity, and a strong resurgence in Asian markets.

“Guyana’s tourism in-

dustry is part of this global trend, which can be attributed mainly to the support received from both the private and public sectors,” Baksh stated.

In 2023, Guyana saw an 11 per cent increase in visitors compared to 2022,

with a total of 319,147 tourists, marking an addition of 4,420 arrivals.

Visitor numbers from January to April 2024 have shown a 12.4 per cent increase over the same period in 2023, accounting for 112,751 visitors.

The projection for 2024 is 350,000 visitors, bolstered by the addition of 595 new hotel rooms and major calendar events such as the Rupununi Rodeo, Mashramani, and Cricket Carnival.

Other contributors to the

anticipated growth include ongoing oil production, increased marketing efforts, product development, and major conferences.

The trend is expected to continue in the coming years with more hotels being completed and a robust lineup of events, significantly expanding the country’s accommodation capacity.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) noted that in 2023, Guyana’s tourism industry supported over 18,000 jobs.

Visitor demographics reveal that the majority of arrivals in 2023 came from the United States (47 per cent), followed by the Caribbean (27 per cent), Canada (nine per cent), Europe (six per cent), and South/Central America (six per cent).

Notably, 45 per cent (144,307) of these arrivals were diaspora visitors, while 55 per cent (174,840)

were non-diaspora tourists, predominantly from the Caribbean and the United States.

Leisure travel was the main purpose for visits, accounting for 69 per cent (220,549) of total arrivals, followed by business travel at 17 per cent (53,377).

“I am confident that we are on the right path to achieving remarkable success with support from all key stakeholders, including the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. Guyana is on an undeniable path to greatness,” the GTA director stated.

The last year’s edition of the Tourism Statistical Digest provides essential tourism information and statistics to stakeholders, guiding policy decisions, marketing strategies, product development, and investment opportunities. (DPI)

Guyana anticipates 350,000 visitors in 2024 amid rapid tourism growth

Public Works Ministry welcomes 84 UG, GTI students for work-study

A TOTAL of eighty-four students hailing from the University of Guyana (UG) and Government Technical Institute (GTI) are currently participating in a workstudy programme at the Ministry of Public Works.

Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill warmly embraced the initiative, highlighting the government’s dedication to fostering its most valuable asset.

“For the next several weeks and months here at the ministry, we are grateful that we have the opportunity to provide knowledge transfer to 84 young people who will eventually turn out to become some of Guyana’s finest in the development of this country,” the minister stated in his address to the cohort on Tuesday.

Minister Edghill advised the students that their attitudes would determine their altitudes while highlighting the importance of cultivating

a robust work ethic. He noted that skilled engineers are at their disposal as they practice their theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom.

Students were also urged to embrace their tasks not as burdens but as valuable learning experiences.

“You will be working in one of the most dynamic and focused ministries in Guyana at this time because of the development

plan and programme being rolled out. Whether it be sea defences, roads, bridges, or buildings, a whole lot has been happening throughout

the length and breadth of Guyana, and we want to recruit the best, the brightest, and the most focused from among our Guyanese population to fuel that development,” Minister Edghill emphasised.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Works Services Group, Ron Rohoman also addressed the students, reinforcing the importance of a positive work ethic and a proactive approach to their responsibilities.

The work-study programme will span different durations, with University of Guyana students participating for three months, while those from the Government Technical Institute will be engaged for six weeks.

This initiative is part of the Government of Guyana’s ongoing efforts to provide valuable opportunities for its youth, aiming to enhance their skills and future employability.

Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill interacts with participates of the work-study programme at the Ministry of Public Works

Demerara Distillers Chairman advocates for youth skills training in Caribbean

— calls for enhanced small business support for Caribbean youths

KOMAL Samaroo, Executive Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and the newly established World Trade Centre Georgetown (WTCG), has made a strong call for a coordinated initiative to train Caribbean youth in essential technical skills.

Highlighting areas such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and automotive services, Samaroo also emphasised the need for financing to help these young individuals become micro and small entrepreneurs with growth potential.

This advocacy was a central theme of Samaroo's engagements last week in Washington, D.C., during the Caribbean Legislative Week activities on Capitol Hill, organised by the Institute of Caribbean Studies. Samaroo's

call for action was echoed during various public and private meetings with U.S. government officials and elected representatives.

At a working lunch hosted by DDL in the Rayburn House on Capitol Hill, Samaroo underscored the importance of developing skilled labor in the Caribbean. “As our economies in the region expand to include sectors such as oil and gas and as we use the resources garnered therefrom to further develop our agribusiness, tourism, and other sectors, the demand for skilled technicians will grow. We have got to prepare from now to ensure that these skills are provided by the people of the region," Samaroo stated. He noted the significant development in Guyana, where the demand for skilled labor already out-

strips supply.

Supporting his argument with U.S. Department of Labor statistics indicating that 55 per cent of new jobs in America are created by small businesses, Samaroo stressed the necessity for similar initiatives in the CARICOM region. He advocated for businesses that leverage evolving technologies, which could be driven by well-trained and adequately financed small entrepreneurs.

Samaroo highlighted the success of the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) in Guyana. Initially funded with a $500,000 grant from the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) and matched by the local private sector, IPED has disbursed thousands of loans to micro and small entrepreneurs over the years.

“With counseling and effective monitoring, a majority of these loan recipients have been successful, and this approach needs to be intensified and expanded so that the youth of the region can take advantage of current and emerging opportunities,” he said.

In private discussions with U.S. officials, Samaroo proposed a regional approach to financing, suggesting tangible support from the regional private sector, especially for CARICOM member states not eligible for concessional financing due to their high-income status.

The discussions also touched on the need for basic skills training as a mechanism for youth engagement and crime prevention. “From what I have been hearing, an intensified basic skills train-

ing program would serve as an effective mechanism to assist in ensuring security in the region,” Samaroo noted during a meeting at the U.S. State Department with Katharine Beamer and her team.

A recurrent theme during the week was the Caribbean's effective engagement with the U.S. While some participants expressed concerns about perceived U.S. neglect of the CARICOM region, U.S. representatives pointed to a lack of outreach from Caribbean entities. They stressed that commitments made during visits by U.S. officials often lack follow-up.

Samaroo also agreed with Allyson Browne Mc Kithen, Executive Director of World Trade Centre Washington, D.C., to collaborate closely with relevant agencies and organisations to advance

trade and development between Guyana and the U.S., and where applicable, the CARICOM region.

During his visit, Samaroo paid courtesy calls on Congressman Jonathan Jackson and Katharine Beamer, participated in Legislative Week discussions in both the House and Senate, and engaged in informal talks with officials from the United States Trade Representative (USTR), USAID, and USTDA. His visit also included a tour of the U.S. Library of Congress conducted by architectural historian John Hancock Dickson.

Samaroo was accompanied by Wesley Kirton, Executive Director of WTC Georgetown and co-chair of the Caribbean Legislative Week planning committee.

Gov’t to distribute 200 additional mining blocks in Mahdia to boost gold production

IN a move to enhance local gold production, the government will soon distribute 200 additional mining blocks to miners in Mahdia, Region Eight. The announcement was made by Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat during a consultation with goldsmiths and jewelers at Duke Lodge in Kingston, Georgetown, on Tuesday.

Minister Bharrat highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader effort to address the needs of those in the gold mining industry and to mitigate the challenges they face. “On Friday, we are going to Mahdia

where we will give out 200 blocks,” Minister Bharrat stated. He also noted that property holdings had been allocated to about 100 Guyanese miners in the Troy Resources area. Interested individuals and organisations can view the available mining blocks on maps displayed at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) head office, District Mining Stations, or online at the GGMC’s website. Applicants must complete a registration form, available from GGMC offices or downloadable from the website. For individuals, neces-

sary documents include the company’s Articles of Incorporation, the director’s ID or passport, the share certificate, or recent annual

returns. Businesses must also provide a Certificate of Registration along with the required documents. Applicants must be citizens of

Guyana, over 18 years old, and should not possess more than three years of medium permits or large-scale licences. Companies must have at least 51 per cent beneficial Guyanese ownership.

This distribution follows a similar exercise in Region Seven, where 150 blocks were allocated to small miners. Minister Bharrat assured that these allocations, along with the entry of new mining companies, will significantly boost Guyana’s gold industry.

“The road ahead is a bright one because we have recently signed an agreement with Reunion Gold. I

think their production will be over 200,000 ounces annually once they start producing in 2027,” the minister said. He also mentioned that Aurora Gold Mining (AGM) is set to commence underground mining operations soon to supplement existing production.

The distribution of additional mining blocks and the anticipated increase in production from new agreements underscore the government's commitment to strengthening the gold mining sector and supporting local miners in Guyana.

Komal Samaroo in discussion with Caribbean Executive Director, Mr. Leonard Le Hunte, at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

Komal Samaroo and Wesley Kirton also visited the US State Department and met with Katharine Beamer

Komal Samaroo and Wesley Kirton with Allyson Browne Mc Kitchen at WTC Washington

One of the recent lotteries in Karouni\14 Miles Issano Area along the Cuyuni-Mazaruni River

Celtics beat Dallas to win record 18th NBA...

From page 36

'Celtics find a way to get job done' - analysis

Sam Harris, BBC Sport Journalist

With the best regular season and a fine play-off run, the Boston Celtics have earned the right to hang banner 18 in the rafters.

Their finals performance had a hiccup in game four with a blowout loss, but they found a way to get the job done at home.

The triumph is the culmination of a lot of hard work from a team who have developed a strong mentality, and the result too of some bold front-office decisions.

At the forefront is franchise star Jayson Tatum, who has faced intense scrutiny and criticism during his bid to end a long personal wait for a championship.

Now that criticism is silenced. The 26-year-old embraced a new role in this series, showcasing his playmaking skills and leading the team.

You cannot mention one franchise star without the other, and Jaylen Brown also deserves significant credit - acting as the series' momentum controller.

The Celtics have a tendency to build huge leads, then let their opponents claw their way back - a habit that reappeared in this series.

However, Brown’s silky handles, clutch shots, and explosive drives ensured that, game four aside, the Mavericks could not overhaul them.

The winning mentality has not just been shown on the court. After the Celtics lost the 2023 Eastern Conference final to the eighth-seeded Miami

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Heat, head of basketball operations Brad Stevens made huge calls to trade for both Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, two players who have been pivotal to Boston's success.

Throw Derrick White and Al Horford into the mix - it is a championship-winning recipe.

Gone is the element of fear that plagued previous play-off match-ups against stars such as Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.

While there are habits head coach Joe Mazzulla will aim to refine to sustain this level of success and build a potential dynasty, for now Boston sit atop the NBA as the champions. The Celtics can revel in their achievement, knowing they have earned their place as kings of the hill.

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CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday June 20, 2024) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) IND/USA (2) AUST/ENG

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which two teams from Group C made it to the Super 8 round of the current World Cup? (2) Which two teams from Group D advanced? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships

Petterson-Griffith set to rock the world again today; confident of being #1

CARLOS ‘The Showstopper’ Petterson-Griffth will be taking on lifters from 32 other countries from just around 13:00 hours today when he’ll make a strong claim to win the 93kg division at the ongoing World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships taking place in Druskininkai, Lithuania.

Ending the 2023 edition with a bronze and silver medal in the squat and deadlift, Petterson-Griffith will be pushing even harder this year despite the challenges faced in getting to the competition. He will actually arrive in Lithuania about seven hours before the weigh-in and this

is due to the fact that his Schengen visa was only received on Tuesday afternoon, he commenced his journey on Tuesday night. A similar challenge was experienced last year but it did not deter the Guyanese strongman who said that he is very focused on making himself and Guyana proud, once again.

“I am becoming used to these kinds of challenges and am mentally and spiritually prepared for the task at hand. I’d like to thank all my sponsors including the Ministry of Sport and the Guyana Olympic Association for assisting in making this trip possible. I’d like to say to all of Guyana, rest assured

you’ll be welcoming home the world Champion.”

Petterson-Griffith who turned in a magical performance at Sheffield24 earlier this year in England whilst also breaking the world squat record (332.5kg) which was eventually taken back by the USA’s Gavin Aiden with a squat of 337.0kg.

While Aiden did not make the cut for Worlds this year, Petterson-Griffith is ranked third based on nominations behind USA’s Brandon Pitre and Gustav Hedlund of Sweden, winner of Sheffield’s Powerlifting Championship.

A mouthwatering showdown of the world’s best strongmen in the always

fiercely contested 93kg class is anticipated today against competitors from USA, Sweden, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Canada, Norway, Italy Netherlands, Brazil, Cameroon, Ireland, Malaysia, Algeria, Iceland, Netherlands, Japan, Singapore, Cyprus, China, Jamaica, Belgium, Slovenia, Latvia, New Zealand, South Africa, Quatar, Singapore, and the US Virgin Islands. Guyana copped a bronze medal through Dominic Tyrell who made an encouraging senior debut on Tuesday in the 83kg division, Tyrell, the youngest competitor in that division also ended 6th in the world out of 25 athletes.

Mark Nicholas: Five IPL franchises show 'soft' interest in Lord's Hundred stake

FIVE IPL franchises have expressed a "soft" interest in buying a stake in London Spirit, the Lord's-based Hundred team, according to Mark Nicholas, the MCC president who is set to take over as the club's chairman in October.

Nicholas was speaking at Lord's to announce plans for the inaugural "World Cricket Connects" symposium - an event due to be hosted by MCC on July 5, and intended to "help shape cricket's ongoing global success and provide balance across its huge spectrum of stakeholders."

The initiative reflects MCC's intention to "improve its global contribution" by offering a neutral canvas on which the sport's most influential figures can meet and discuss the future of the game. BCCI secretary Jay Shah, whom Nicholas described as "the most powerful man" in world cricket, is expected to be among the 110-plus attendees, alongside other senior figures from the sporting and administrative sides of the game, including

senior IPL figures and a host of influential current and former cricketers including Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum and Rahul Dravid. MCC's own ambitions are a crucial part of cricket's changing landscape, with the chief executive, Guy Lavender, recently writing to its members to ask whether the club should accept the ECB's offer of a 51 per cent

stake in London Spirit as part of the drive to privatise the Hundred.

Under the proposed model, the eight Hundred "hosts" - seven counties plus MCCwill be given majority stakes in their respective teams, with the ECB selling the remaining 49 per cent to private investors, which will be finalised through a bidding process.

Although the club's rules allow a final call without a vote, Nicholas stressed MCC wanted to ensure it had the backing of its 24,000-strong membership, describing the move towards private equity as a "monumental" step which would eventually prove beneficial for the growth of game at all levels.

"What we are putting to a vote is to accept the ECB's offer of a 51 per cent share of this franchise," Nicholas said. "We will always be a members' club. The first target is membership harmony [because] as a member you are entitled to a view. It's very easy to knock people back because they're difficult, but actually there is quite a lot of good thinking that comes out of activism. You have to treat people with respect and hear their view."

Nicholas pointed out that cricket across the globe was a "booming franchise opportunity", so it was only wise for the English game, MCC included, to cash in, especially having failed to capitalise on the original Twenty20

Cup concept more than two decades ago.

"We missed out on T20 in 2003 where we could have grabbed it," Nicholas said, recalling how English cricket squandered its first-mover status, with the IPL coming into being in 2008. "India thought quicker than us and were smarter than us, as India often is. India moves at an extraordinary pace to make things work.

"So the Hundred has given us another opportunity. The [MCC] membership quite likes being part of the chat, not being consigned to a piece of history. The members I talk to really love the idea of having a team, love the opportunity that it brings. There will be financial opportunity, either in growth of the equity or in sale of the equity."

The ECB has appointed Raine Group and Deloitte as advisors for the Hundred privatisation. While there's no formal deadline, the ECB is eager to finalise terms by the end of the year, but as Nicholas conceded, there are

a number of issues that still need resolving.

"The real truth is that not everything is clear yet," he said. "For example, how would the bidding process take place? What's the rollout of these franchises in the bidding? We don't know that yet. The ECB haven't declared that. We have met the investment bank - I'm not sure they even know yet. There's still a lot for us to learn."

Some of the potential bidders will be present at the World Cricket Connects event, which takes place on the eve of the MCC World Cricket Committee meeting, and Nicholas said it was important to listen to those voices.

"They have dominated to this level by owning teams, driving forward a new financial model, and developing it extraordinarily," he said. "There's a very wide list of attendees, and I think that's the advantage of the event. They would never otherwise come together." (ESPN Cricinfo)

Mark Nicholas is bringing together cricket's most influential voices for a symposium at Lord's in July • (Getty Images)

Carlos Petterson-Griffith (right) with IPF President Gasto Parage and GAPLF President, Franklin Wilson at Sheffield24 in February this year

Williamson turns down New Zealand contract

KANE Williamson has turned down a new central contract with New Zealand Cricket and stepped down as the Black Caps' white-ball captain.

The 33-year-old, who is New Zealand's all-time leading Test run-scorer, said he remained "passionate" about playing international cricket, but also wanted to "pursue an overseas opportunity" during the home summer.

New Zealand's centrally contracted players must be available to play international cricket and in the domestic T20 Super Smash competition.

That tournament is likely

to be in January, overlapping with a number of other franchise leagues.

With New Zealand having little international cricket scheduled for that month, Williamson looks set to play abroad.

"Helping push the team forward across the formats is something I’m very passionate about and something I want to keep contributing towards," he said.

"However, pursuing an overseas opportunity during the New Zealand summer means I’m unable to accept a central contract offer.

"Playing for New Zealand is something I treasure, and

…steps as white-ball captain

my desire to give back to the team remains undiminished.

"My life outside crick -

et has changed howeverspending more time with my

family and enjoying experiences with them at home or abroad is something that’s even more important to me."

A statement from New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said Williamson might accept a central contract in the future.

NZC chief executive Scott Weenink said: "This is a good way to help keep Kane in the international game so that he continues to play a major role for the Black Caps - both now and in the years to come.

"NZC has a strong preference to select centrally contracted players for the Black Caps, however we're happy to make an exception

for our greatest ever batterespecially as he remains so committed to the team.

"I know it sounds a bit counterintuitive, but I'm very encouraged by this development."

England will play three Tests in New Zealand in December.

Williamson's decision to step down as white-ball captain comes after New Zealand were knocked out in the first round of the T20 World Cup.

It is the first time the Black Caps have not reached the semi-finals of a T20 or 50-over World Cup since 2014. (BBC Sport).

GFF starts kit distribution to Round of 16 teams

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Wednesday began distributing kits to schools competing in the upcoming Round of 16 of the Blue Water Shipping Under-15 Girls' National Secondary Championship.

Queen's College players were the first to receive their new kits featuring the GFF and Blue Water Shipping brands yesterday. The presentation took place at the school in Georgetown.

Round of 16 teams will take the field in distinctive uniforms on June 22 and 23 at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Joining Queen’s College will be Santa Rosa Secondary, Waramuri Primary Top, Westminster Secondary, New Campbellville Secondary, Bush Lot Secondary, Woodley Park Secondary, Charity

Secondary, Tucville Secondary, President's College and Ann's Grove Secondary.

The student athletes are

vying to become the first GFF-Blue Water Shipping Under-15 Girls' National

Secondary Champions. This is Guyana's largest girls' tournament.

GFF President Wayne Forde confirmed that all schools will receive their kits in the upcoming days.

"The kits were produced in a variety of colours, including the colours of the Golden Arrowhead alongside the tournament shield, complemented by the logos of GFF and Blue Water Shipping.”

“These girls have performed admirably in the first round and secured their place in the Round of 16. It's important for us that players experience a full competition environment, which includes having distinctive kits,” Forde added.

More than a thousand student-athletes from nine regions across the country participated in the Ministry of Education-endorsed tournament which kicked off on 4th May. Region eight is set to participate in the next edition of the tournament.

The competition marks the beginning of the competitive phase of the FIFA Football For Schools (F4S) programme, designed to inspire children to learn life skills through enjoyable football sessions.

Parents and students are encouraged to support the teams on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 hours at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence.

Gambhir amongst contenders interviewed for India coach role

THE Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) conducted interviews for the head coach position in Mumbai on Tuesday. Among the candidates interviewed was Gautam Gambhir. WV Raman was also believed to have been spoken to by the CAC members Sulakshana Naik, Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjpe. The complete list of candidates remains uncertain, but it is clear that Gambhir was not the only one.

The interviews were conducted online. Gambhir, who recently mentored the Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL

trophy, is the favorite for the position after Rahul Dravid confirmed that he is not interested in continuing as head coach of the national team after the ongoing Twenty20 World Cup. Gambhir has expressed his interest in serving the country as head coach,

stating recently that there is no greater honour. "I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 crore Indians and more across the globe as well and when you

represent India, how can it get bigger than that? It is not me that will help India win the World Cup, it is 140 crore Indians who will help India win the World Cup. If everyone starts praying for us and we start playing and representing them, India will win the World Cup. The most important thing is to be fearless," he said at an event in Abu Dhabi recently.

It is learned that the interviews will continue on Wednesday. Sources indicate that, in addition to the head coach interviews, the CAC will also complete interviews for the senior selector position, which the BCCI had advertised some time ago.

The BCCI needs one selector, ideally, from the North Zone and the new candidate should replace Salil Ankola, who is the second candidate from the West Zone after chairman Ajit Agarkar. An announcement of the new head coach and the new North Zone selector is expected soon.

Strong suggestions indicate that Gambhir has asked Jonty Rhodes about his interest in joining the support staff under him in the Indian team. The approach, it may be clarified, is from Gambhir and not from the BCCI as of now. If picked, Gambhir is entitled to have the support staff of his choice.

Rhodes and Gambhir

go some away, both having worked at Lucknow Super Giants franchise in IPL for two years before Gambhir left the Lucknow side to join KKR for the last season. Rhodes could not be immediately contacted but the South African, who has extensive coaching experience, having worked for the South Africa national side besides many IPL franchises, including Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings besides LSG, is believed to be mulling about the proposal. He is understood to have asked the LSG management if it is willing to release him. (Cricbuzz).

Only Ross Taylor has scored more international runs across formats for New Zealand than Kane Williamson

Riaz Rupnarain - Supervising Teacher of QC Football Club (in pink) and Nigel Naughton (in grey)Coordinator for North Georgetown District

Former India batter Gautam Gambhir

By Sean Devers

…Manager feels Super 8 qualification is good for cricket in America

DESPITE yesterday’s hardfought loss to South Africa in the opening game of the Super Eight of the ICC T20 World Cup USA’s Assistant Coach Kevin Darlington and team Manager Kerk Higgins were pleased with fight shown by the Associate team in its first World Cup.

Ironically, it was South African born American Andries Gous who threatened to create a major upset against his former countrymen with a magnificent 80 from 47 balls with five fours and five sixes.

South Africa made 194-4 and led by Gous, USA fell just 18 short; losing six wickets.

Darlington who took 79 wickets from 30 First-Class matches for Guyana spoke about the USA’s road to the Super eights while Higgins provided his views on the impact of USA in this World Cup in sparking in a Country whose main sports are Baseball, Basketball.

The pair were speaking on Tuesday night’s ‘Sean Devers Sports Watch’ Radio program.

“Many might have been surprised that we got into the Super Eight but behind the scenes we have been working tirelessly.

De Kock leads South Africa to narrow win over valiant USA World Cup is a learning experience for USA says Asst. Coach

THE opening match of the Super Eight stage at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup saw tournament co-hosts USA hope to continue their fairytale run against an inform South Africa.

Quinton de Kock led South Africa to an 18-run win over the USA, helping his team to a mighty total of 194/4 as they batted first in the Super Eight.

In their response, USA reached 176/6 thanks to a superlative innings from Andries Gous, 80 not out from 47 balls.

The USA were the story of the opening round, stunning the cricket world to progress from Group A along with India at the expense of Pakistan, Canada and Ireland.

The co-hosts produced the shock of the tournament when they beat Pakistan in New York and will be looking to take another major scalp at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

In the team we have that belief that with the work that we have put in that if we stick to the processes and keep ticking those boxers the result would take care of itself and thus far that’s been happening.

The team has been working hard and is enjoying some of the success that has been coming our way and I just so proud and happy for them.

Coming into this World Cup we had a tri-series against Canada and Bangladesh. We actually won that series and the one against Bangladesh and really put us in good stead and give us the belief that we could compete with the big boys.

We don’t want to get too much ahead of ourselves and keep sticking to the process -

es and the results will come” said Darlington who played for Berbice Club Bemine before migrating to the USA.

The 52-year-old Darlington said playing against the West Indies would be ‘big’ especially for those in the team with West Indian backgrounds.

“Most of us would have had a taste of that in the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe a few months earlier. We would have had a chance to compete against the West Indies and we are looking forward to doing in once more.

We have this policy that if we don’t win a game then let’s learn from them” continued the pacer who represented Guyana between 1995 and 2002.

He spoke about the Associates teams being less capable against high quality fast bowling due to the fact that they don’t have those kinds of pace in the Associates tournament.

“Within the team we have got that belief that we can compete.

You would have seen play against Pakistan which I think has a very good fast bowling attack. As I said before…the intention is If we don’t win let’s learn.

Our guys are also playing

against a lot of these guys in the leagues, so they would have had chances to play against them.

But as a team we have not played at this level so we want to learn and take away as much as we can from this World Cup and if we can tick those boxes… you never what can happen,” added Darlington who played international cricket for the USA in 2010 and 2011.

The former fast bowler informed that the ‘vibes’ in team is very despite the cultural differences of members coming from India, Pakistan, South Africa and West Indies.

“In our gym sessions we take music there and I am responsible for the music, so I have got my hard drive full of Punjabi music, European music, Reggie music…all genres of music and everyone responds to it.

The vibes in the team are great …we stick together as a big family at Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast we sit and eat together. We discuss various topics, and we try to keep that family vibes throughout and it’s paying dividends so far and we want to keep it that way” concluded Darlington who made his first-class debut against Barbados.

USA team Manager Higgins says this performance from the

over of the innings, caught by Klaasen off Kagiso Rabada for 24.

And Aaron Jones followed for a disappointing duck off five balls, caught by De Kock off the bowling of Keshav Maharaj after an edge behind, leaving USA on 56/3 after seven overs.

teams could affect cricket in America in a positive way.

“We have already seen news of us not only beating Pakistan but advancing to Super eight. We have been in the news and a lot of TV channels here have been carrying this. So yes, it’s going to impact cricket with the younger generation being inspired to play in a World Cup since by being here we have qualified to be in the next World Cup,” stated Higgins who spent his younger years at GNIC in Georgetown.

“I expect to see a lot of the youngsters working hard to get to this level. Playing in the next World Cup could a vital role in advancing the image of cricket in the US.

With us advancing to Super eight now I expect to see more American kids trying and not only those from areas mainly

populated by expatriates.

That’s why I feel it’s important to get more cricket into schools. Cricket is currently played in some schools in New York but need to the game in other areas because that’s the only American Kids will learn the sports and become interested in playing cricket,” posited Higgins.

In this present team only three persons were born in America Steven Taylor (Jamaican heritage), Jessy Singh (Indian heritage) and Skipper Aaron Jones (Barbadian Heritage). They however became interested in cricket when they returned to the homeland of their parents. Taylar actually represented Jamaica in the sport while Jones played with some of Bajan West Indies played in Barbados club cricket at youth level.

Castrol Strikers blast past Vengy to top league table

South Africa won all four of their fixtures in Group D to progress to the Super Eight stage, but were pushed close in a number of those matches and will be looking for a confidence-building statement against the lowest-ranked team in this stage of the tournament.

Reeza Hendricks stayed only until the end of the third over, edging Saurabh Netravalkar straight into the air and ending up in the hands of Corey Anderson at mid-off.

So it was left to De Kock to push on with the assistance of Aiden Markram, hitting a brilliant 74 off 40 balls - including seven fours and five sixes. He was eventually removed by a smartly-delivered full toss from Harmeet Singh, caught by Shayan Jahangir. And Harmeet struck again

with the next ball, catching new batter David Miller off his own bowling, and making the scoreline 126/3 with a little more than seven overs remaining.

Markram was next to fall after a solid 46 off 32 balls, caught by a flying Ali Khan off Netravalkar.

Then Tristan Stubbs and Heinrich Klaasen formed an effective partnership for the last five overs, putting on a valuable 53 between them.

Gous was the stalwart for the USA as they endeavoured to make in-roads into the target of 195.

He lost his fellow opener Steven Taylor in the fourth

Corey Anderson went for a run a ball 12, bowled by Anrich Nortje's delightful full delivery, and Shayan Jahangir was dismissed for 3 off the first ball of Tabraiz Shamsi's spell.

It was Harmeet Singh who joined Gous at the crease in the 12th over, with USA on 76/5. Between them, they gave the rowdy fans at North Sound something to cheerand with Shamsi's final over going for 22, including three sixes, they must have had hope of a famous win.

However, with Rabada's first delivery of the penultimate over luring Harmeet only into the hands of Stubbs and ending an innings of 38 off 22 balls, the dreams were ended.

(ICC Media)

CASTROL Strikers is the latest winner when the Demerara Volleyball Association continued action in their club’s league at the National Gymnasium.

Castrol Strikers came up against Vengy FC in the best of five sets league match-up.

Castrol took the game in straight sets. They won the first set 25-15 before clinching the second 25-14 and closed it out in the third 25-17.

The win sees Castrol Strikers moving to the top of the table with 25 points after 8 wins and 2 losses.

They have now won a combined 25 sets in the 33 sets played over the course of the league.

The Guyana Defence force who held the reins at the top of the standing move to second place with 7 wins out of 9 games on 24 points after 2 losses.

A distant third place is Alpha Volleyball Club with 5 wins in eight outings on 18 points.

Premier Eagles are fourth with Classic Ball Blaster, Venguy and Vanguards volleyball clubs, rounding out the standing in that order.

The league continues with games through-out the week with the top four teams advancing to the semi-final set for July 2223 at the National Gymnasium.

CASTROL Strikers win DVA clubs volleyball league

Castrol Strikers battling Venguy Volleyball club on Tuesday

Quinton de Kock hit hitting a brilliant 74 off 40 balls - including seven fours and five sixes

Assistant USA Coach Kevin Darlington

Celtics beat Dallas to win record 18th NBA title

THE Boston Celtics secured a record 18th championship as they beat the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 to complete a 4-1 series victory in the NBA Finals.

Dallas had kept alive their title hopes with a 122-84 win on Friday to deny the Celtics a clean sweep in the best-of-seven championship series.

But in front of their home fans in Boston, the top seeds were inspired to victory by Jayson Tatum's

31-point performance.

The championship win was the Celtics' first in 16 years and moves them one clear of the Los Angeles Lakers, who have won 17, in the record books. It was miserable night for Dallas' Kyrie Irving, who left the Celtics in 2019, as he was heckled by the crowd and scored only 15 points.

The Celtics were

strong from the start and led 67-46 lead at halfway, with Irving and Doncic restricted to just 14 points between them in the first quarter.

Dallas rallied slightly in the latter stages of

the third quarter but still could not find a way past the Celtics, who took a 19-point advantage into the final quarter.

Jaylen Brown named NBA Finals MVP

In front of the jubilant crowd at the TD Garden in Boston, Jaylen Brown was handed the MVP trophy, which is named after Celtics' legendary centre Bill Russell.

He put in a strong defensive display against Dallas' Luka Doncic - the regular-season top scorer.

Brown, 27, averaged 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists in five Finals games.

"It was a full team effort," said Brown, who signed a five-year contract

extension with the Celtics worth $286m (£225m) last year.

"I share this with my brothers and my partner in crime Jayson Tatumhe was with me the whole way, so we share this together."

Brown, who has not

been selected for the US Olympic basketball team for the Paris Games this summer, said he remained positive Celtics could overcome their previous finals disappointments.

"I never hung my head," he added

Thompson-Herah will not defend 200m title at Paris Olympics

FIVE-time Olympic champion Elaine

will not be defending her 200m title at this year's Games in Paris.

-

The 31-year-old became the first woman to win backto-back Olympic sprint doubles at Tokyo 2020 when she retained her 100m and 200m titles.

Thompson-Herah will not be able to achieve the feat again, however, after opting to only cover 100m at the upcoming Jamaican trials.

She appeared to sustain an injury while competing in the 100m at the NYC Grand Prix earlier this month.

The Jamaican is the second-fastest woman in history over that distance, though injuries have disrupted her competition schedule in the last year.

The athletics events at the Paris Olympics will take place between August 1-11. (Sportsmax)

MVP Brown signed the richest deal in NBA history last summer

Thomp

son-Herah

Elaine Thompson-Herah

Boston Celtics last won the NBA title in 2008