Happy
55th Republic
23rd FEBRUARY, 2025
Anniversary to all Guyanese
‘Our Republic stands today safe, strong’
- President Ali says, pledges to safeguard Guyana’s democracy - commends the men and women in uniform for continued efforts in protecting country’s territory
‘Food, agriculture will be the soul of our country’
- farmers to access 1,000 acres of land in Berbice Savannah for black-eye peas, red beans production, President Ali says - pledges support to farmers in other areas
Stage set for Mashramani 2025!
- vendors, entertainers, other patrons gear up with finishing touches
- for still not accepting 2020 defeat, Jagdeo says - confident PPP/C will win 2025 election due to hard work, inclusive nature
The flag-raising ceremony for Guyana’s 55th Republic Anniversary was held at the Public Buildings, Brickdam on Saturday night (Latchman Singh photos)
‘Our Republic stands today safe, strong’
- President Ali says, pledges to safeguard Guyana’s democracy - commends the men and women in uniform for continued efforts in protecting country’s territory
By Trina Williams
STANDING firm as the rains continued to pour, President Dr. Irfaan Ali promised to safeguard the will of the people against any audacious attempts to subvert the country’s democracy, as Guyana gears up for the 2025 General and Regional Elections.
With determination, the President, during the flag-raising ceremony for Guyana’s 55th Republic Anniversary at the Public Buildings, on Brickdam, reminded Guyanese of how the nation’s democracy is standing on solid grounds and any attempts to steal the voices, as seen in 2020, will be foiled.
The President, filled with emotion, said: “Our democracy, this year, would once again be on showcase, and be assured that the People's Progressive Party/Civic Government; your government, will do everything, and spare no resources
itate to commend them for the work that they have been doing.
He said: “Importantly, in the last four years, we have seen the selfless act of our men and women in uniform. We have seen their sacrifices; we have seen their strength of character, and we have seen their commitment to the national duty, and to the people of Guyana. Only recently, we have seen the pride, we have seen the confidence, and we have seen the skill, and also the commitment of our soldiers on our borders…”
He then called on citizens to recognise the efforts of all those who are serving at the nation’s borders, who are putting their all into protecting what rightfully belongs to Guyana.
“I want us to applaud all those who are serving on our borders; those who are keeping us safe, and those who are sacrificing time from their own families to ensure that all of
continue to invest in the technology to support good, strong, responsible and transparent policing to ensure that the infrastructure being built out ensures that citizens are living in a safe, secure, and hospitable environment.
Also, Guyana has continued to make its mark on the global stage, and according to the President, efforts to defend Guyana’s territorial integrity have been paramount.
PHENOMENAL TRANSFORMATION
The President said that over the past 55 years, Guyana has faced both triumphs and tribulations, yet no matter the challenges, the nation has always risen to the occasion.
Dr. Ali highlighted the nation's progress in infrastructure, education, and sustainable development, and even as the rain continued to pour, he underscored his government’s commitment to ensuring that all
At the heart of any nation standing on firm ground is the men and women in uniform (Latchman Singh photos)
in ensuring a smooth process as the people of Guyana carry out their democratic will, and carry out their democratic responsibility, as we will be celebrating democracy through elections this year.”
At the heart of any nation standing on firm ground is the men and women in uniform, and President Ali did not hes-
us, all of Guyana, remain safe, and that our territorial integrity, every inch of the land that belongs to Guyana, every inch of our exclusive economic zone will and must remain with the people of Guyana, this generation, and all the generations to come,” he said.
The President further related that the government will
Guyanese continue to prosper.
Even when COVID-19 was sending shockwaves throughout the world, President Ali told Guyanese that the government was able to reboot the economy and relieve the burdens on citizens, thus restoring hope and confidence in the nation.
“Our economy has achieved record- breaking lev-
of how the nation’s democracy is standing on solid ground
els of growth. We are containing inflation, and injecting greater disposable income into our people's pockets. Over the past four years, Guyana’s infrastructure landscape has undergone a phenomenal transformation, marked by both ground-breaking ‘mega’ projects and also important projects at the local level; major ongoing initiatives,” he said.
These projects include the soon-to-be- expected Demerara River Bridge, the gas-to-energy project, and the large number of roads that were constructed and rehabilitated.
Turning his attention to the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry, he told Guyanese that ground-breaking advancements were made in this sector, energy, and national security.
As for agriculture, the President noted the record growth in several areas, and pledged continued support to farmers.
He said: “As a government, we will continue to evaluate global situations, global circumstances, including price changes and price differentials,
and you can be assured that this government will work towards making necessary adjustments, so that our farmers will not be burdened, and our farmers will not feel the weight of changes in the international trading and market conditions.”
He also highlighted how the health and tourism sectors in Guyana have experienced significant progress over the past four years, and the policies and initiatives crafted by his government have resulted in all Guyanese living a better life.
After pointing to the vibrancy in every sector, the President related that the country is on a strong and solid foundation.
With Guyana set to host the World Biodiversity Summit and creating the Global Biodiversity Alliance, the President said that the nation’s resources have placed it on a path where it can provide “great global leadership”.
President Ali said: “Fellow Guyanese, our vision for Guyana is one where every child has quality education and opportunity to achieve their
dreams, where women are empowered to take their rightful place in every sector of society, where workers are treated with dignity and fairness, and where young people are equipped with the skills and opportunities to lead our nation forward. We are committed to preserving and promoting the rights and heritage of our Indigenous Peoples, ensuring that they play a central role in our country's development.
“We are building a Guyana that works for all its people; a Guyana in which prosperity will be achieved for every single Guyanese, every single family, and every single community.
“We are building a Guyana that works for all its people, including children, women, young people, farmers, miners, public servants, our indigenous people, everyone across our republic. Our Republic stands today safe and strong.
“We are a nation soaring to prosperity. Our democracy is robust. Our sovereignty and territorial integrity are being safeguarded.”
Ministry of Culture apologises to Opposition, President for flag-raising ceremony invitation oversight
The following is the full text of a statement from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport:
“We extend a formal and unequivocal apology to the Leader of the Opposition and members of
the Opposition over the failure to issue invitations to the 55th Republic Flag Raising Ceremony.
We also extend our sincere apologies to His Excellency, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, for
the regrettable embarrassment this oversight has caused.
The responsibility for coordinating and distributing invitations rests solely with the Office of the Director of Culture, and
this regrettable oversight is entirely attributable to our office.
This was not a deliberate act of exclusion. Invitations were duly extended to the Opposition in 2024, and there was no intent to
disregard or undermine their participation in this year’s national event.
“We take this matter seriously and are committed to ensuring that all state functions reflect the principles of inclu-
sivity and respect for all stakeholders. Moving forward, stringent measures will be implemented to prevent such oversights and uphold the integrity of our national celebrations.”
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during the flag-raising ceremony for Guyana’s 55th Republic Anniversary at the Public Buildings, on Brickdam, reminded Guyanese
‘Food,
agriculture will be the soul of our country’
- farmers to access 1,000 acres of land in Berbice Savannah for black-eye peas, red beans production, President Ali says - pledges support to farmers in other areas
By Trina Williams
WITH the aim of increasing local production and meeting the needs of extra-regional markets, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that farmers will soon be able to access 1,000 acres of land in the Berbice Savannah for the cultivation of black-eye peas and red beans.
The President made this announcement during an engagement with residents and farmers of Kimbia, in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), where a local group named Guycrops Inc. is currently engaged in large-scale legume production.
Other communities such as Friendship Savannah have also requested additional land to expand their production.
The additional lands
requested is 803 acres in total. The government is allocating 1,000 acres, and has promised support in other areas to the farmers.
Dr. Ali said: “So, you continue your production in the land that you have now in the village for additional market, the local market, whatever customers you have. Outside of that, we will make 1,000 acres available in close proximity to the largescale farming here, where all of you will come in and be part of that project. So, it will take commitment from you guys to come here, so we can get that production.”
These 1,000 acres will be brought into operation before the end of this year, the President promised. He also told the gathering: “We're going to try
to find investors who are willing to come to have large-scale production of red beans and black-eye, but that production must be integrated into your production. You must also derive tremendous benefit from these investments.”
This “holistic” approach is part of the government’s broad plan to support crop diversification.
The President told the farmers that the government wants the developers to work with the farmers.
He said that the developers and government are putting resources in, so there can be a drying facility and proper storage facility for the black-eye peas and red beans.
Additionally, the government is supporting the construction of a $1.2 billion silo facility in Kimbia for the storage of legumes being produced.
“I want to tell you that the developers are also
working on extra-regional market in Toronto and our diaspora market in the US and other places,” President Ali said.
The Head of State said they want to work with the farmers on mechanisation and modernisa-
TURN TO PAGE 5
President Dr. Irfaan Ali during his visit to Kimbia
A section of the residents and farmers present at the engagement
CARICOM leaders accept recommendation to appoint Jamaican as CCJ President
CARIBBEAN Community (CARICOM) leaders have accepted the recommendation of the Regional Judicial Legal Services Commission (RJLSC) to appoint Jamaican-born jurist, Justice Winston Anderson, as the new President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
The Trinidad-based CCJ was established on February 14, 2001 to replace the London-based Privy Council as the region’s highest court, and while most of the regional countries are members
of its original jurisdiction that also serves as an international tribunal interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, only Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, and St. Lucia are members of its Appellate Jurisdiction.
Anderson becomes the fourth president of the CCJ, replacing St. Vincent and the Grenadines jurist, Justice Adrian Saunders, who retires later this year.
“We congratulate him on the agreement of heads to his appointment to the highest position of the Regional Treaty Interpre-
tation Body,” Barbados Prime Minister and Caricom chair, Mia Mottley said.
Anderson, 65, is a graduate and former lecturer of the University of the West Indies (UWI) as well as Cambridge University, where, in 1988, he received a doctorate in philosophy, majoring in International and Environmental Law.
Also in 1988, he completed a course of training at the Inns of Court School of Law in London, and was called to the Bar of England and
Wales.
In 1996, he was appointed senior lecturer whilst on fellowship leave from the UWI, at the University of Western Australia; and in 1999 became a UWI senior lecturer in law.
Justice Anderson was appointed General Counsel of the Caribbean Community on secondment from the UWI from 2003 to 2006, and in 2006, UWI Professor of Law.
Anderson returned to the Faculty of Law in 2006, and was called to
the Bar of Jamaica. He was appointed executive director of the Caribbean Law Institute Centre in 2007, a position he held until 2010.
On 15 June, 2010, Anderson was sworn in as a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice.
He is the author of numerous publications, among them The Law of the Sea in the Caribbean, Caribbean Private International Law, and The Law of Caribbean Marine Pollution.
Mottley told reporters at the end of the three-day
summit that the leaders “also agreed to commission the work for the creation of a treaty to be able to have the University of the West Indies effectively repatriated, and not to be the output of a royal charter, which is no longer appropriate in this modern age.
“It may seem to be something that is very out-of-the-way and unusual for persons, but we need to be able to perfect the opportunity for our institutions to function,” she added.
(CMC)
‘Food, agriculture will be the soul...
FROM PAGE 4
tion, especially in light of the changing weather patterns, and their effect on production, yield and sustainability.
“So, we want to also ensure that in this area, we incorporate innovation and technology in what to do,” Dr. Ali told farmers.
The President also disclosed that private investors have already invested over $600 million in machinery.
To continue its support to farmers, another aspect is that there will be the cost deductible on all the chemicals, and all the fertilisers that are required they will not face those capital costs, the Head of State said.
He told the farmers:
“You are just putting in your efforts, your time, your labour, and it's much less labour. Now, all we want is for you to come out and get and look at your land and take care of your land and take care of your production, because you will continue your production in your area to serve your existing customers. This is adding more income to your community, your pocket and disposable income.”
Instead of competing against each other, this initiative by the government will see these farmers working together to ensure everyone succeeds, the President said.
“This is what One Guyana is about; One Guyana is about every
Guyanese working with each other, working together, working for your own prosperity, working for development,” Dr. Ali said.
Further, the President noted that the government is prepared to work with the villages in commencing operations in pig and livestock rearing, apiary culture and cash crop production to support and
meet local demands.
These collective successes will also aid in Guyana’s food security agenda.
“We're committed to agriculture. We're committed to food production. Food and agriculture will be the soul of our country. Food and Agriculture will be the soul of what we contribute to CARICOM… I look forward
to working with all of you,” President Ali said.
Aside from explaining how economic continuity will be boosted, the Head of State highlighted how the government has invested in other areas.
He said: “We have invested heavily in the infrastructure to support farming all over the country, and here we are doing the road right now.”
CARICOM
Brighter and Sustainable Tomorrow
AS Guyana commemorates its 55th Anniversary of the Republic, the nation is at the crossroads of history.
Dr. Irfaan Ali's People's Progress Party/ Civic regime, since 2020, has overseen the country's history's most vibrant growth and expansion.
The PPP/C regime has been impressive with the accomplishment, even the overshooting, of manifesto promises. In their regime, the nation ex -
perienced impressive growth at 39.3 per cent all-around, as also 10.3 per cent in the nonoil sector from 2021 through 2024. It came with enormous investments in healthcare, the education sector, and also infrastructure.
One of the notable milestones is the creation of over 60,000 new job opportunities in the economic sectors of the country. Education is also addressed through the availing of close to 30,000 schol-
arships under the Guyana Online Academy of Learning programme. In the housing sector, the government has already completed with the construction of over 41,000 house lots as well as houses with the vision of crossing the 50,000 threshold before 2025.
The government's commitment to the upliftment of the people is evidenced through the budget policies. Over $195 billion has been injected back into
the people's coffers through the abolition of over 200 oppressive taxes as well as the abolition of the fuel as well as the diesel excise duties. These policies have raised families' disposable incomes considerably in Guyana.
As Guyana is observing 55 years of republicanism, the country is observing the same with new hopes and determination. It is with the vision of a "Secure, Prosperous,
and Sustainable Guyana" under the PPP/C government, but no slogan in the air, since the vision is the guidemap for the nation's advancement.
It is with its rapidly developing oil and gas sector as well as diversified economy policies, the nation is going to see way more advancement.
However, as the country keeps going, it will also have to maintain the equal allocation of resources as
well as social harmony. Achievements of the past four years are testament to the capabilities of the nation as much as the people's determination.
As the country works toward people-centred growth as much as the ideals of the good governance, the 55th Anniversary of the Republic is commemorative of the past but also a radiant step toward brighter and sustainable tomorrow for all Guyanese.
Dear Editor,
ANTICIPATING electoral defeat in the upcoming peoples’ choice of a tried-and-true representative government, opposition leaders - accompanied by their infantry of paper politicians - find themselves stumbling over one another in comical lustful scramble for the acquisition of political power.
Bent on manufacturing discontents, they reinvent and repackage decaying modes of incitements with hopes that such would galvanize support, and hasten distrust for the government, President Ali, Vice President Jagdeo, or even ethnic sectors of the Guyanese population that support the PPP/C.
Altogether, their ludicrous spouting of inane issues to promote hate, vilify the government, or besmirch PPP/C supporters, can be summed up in two simple words, “political babble.”
Let’s take for example some statements by David Hinds, an openly racist ideologue. Hinds, in his rabid like salivation for relevance, profusely accused Afro-Guyanese who support
President Ali as being “Lick Bottom Africans,” “Lick BT Africans,” “Lick Bamzie Africans,” “House Slaves” and “Sellouts.”
Such denigration of a conscientious sector of Afro-Guyanese makes one think of the rants from an erratic pubescent lad. As co-leader of the WPA, Hinds characterization of a portion of Afro-Guyanese must be haunting to the “Spirit” of Dr. Walter Rodney - a preeminent historian, and stalwart architect of the WPA assassinated at age 38, on June 13, 1980. Dr. Rodney - whom I knew well, and shared many hours of face-to-face exchanges,believed and advocated for a Guyanese unity currently exemplified by the PPP/C government.
A few years before his assassination, Rodney opined that, “…there is a general awareness that is growing in the roots of both … African and Indian communities that surely the time must come when the African and Indian people will organize around their interests as producers in the Guyanese society as distinct from pursuing this myth of racial superiority
In anticipation of electoral defeat, opposition leaders turn to political babble
or racial subjugation.”
Hinds may find it redeeming to heed Rodney’s remarks while acknowledging Guyanese increasing support for the government’s policies, and actions, in the production and formalization of a One Guyanese Unity.
Like Hinds, there is Aubrey Norton, leader of the PNC. Among his babblings - which include racism and violenceNorton declared that the PNC takes pride in the banning of food items, a policy instituted by Burnham in the 1970’s.
Anyone who experienced this period of deprivation would remember the slogans that accompanied the shortage of foodstuffs; slogans such as Lining For Soap and Butter (LFSB), Looking For Something to Ban (LFSB) - utilizing the abbreviations for Burhan’s full name, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.
Many would also remember License For Scarcity and Black-marketing (LFSB), an apt portrayal of the thriving Black Market economy from the 1970’s onwards. And when deprivation worsened, the slogan, Looking For Somebody Better (LFSB) became commonplace.
In addition to the deprivations resulting from the banning of foodstuffs, many would also remember Burnham’s “take over” policies which utilised GUY, the first three letters of Guyana to denote nationalisation of industries, the two most prominent being GUYBAU (Guyana Bauxite), and GUYSUCO (Guyana Sugar Corporation).
And, given the country’s economic decline, people began to coin such terms as GUYROB to denote increase incidences of “choke-and-rob”, GUYTHIEF to denote increases in burglary and larceny, and GUYQUACK to denote shortage of doctors and the use of nurses to shoulder some of the duties of physicians. Does Norton really consider such deprivations and ridicule accomplishments?
Recently, an overused political babble is the oppositions’ incessant clamour for the utilization of biometrics in the upcoming elections.
Although several writers offered reasoned comments on the complexities of biometrics, opposition leaders simply chose to ignore such. Clearly
expressed, biometrics refer to the unique biological characteristics such as fingerprints, iris scans, facial characteristics commonly used to identify an individual.
Although in operation for immigration, security checks and authentication in many countries, Guyanese opposition-forces hue and cry for biometrics in voters’ identification, makes mockery of the complex requisites essential in establishing such a system nationwide.
These include, but not limited to: (i) the acquisition of costly proven technologies – both hardware and software – (ii) trained technicians, (iii) time consuming national data collection, (iv) verification and authentication of biometric data collected, (v) security measures to safeguard from hacking, and protecting one’s biometric data, (vi) integrated biometric infrastructures and data systems for accurate results across polling centers, (vii) technical competences, both in hardware and software, to keep the systems’ operations reliable, (viii) backup systems in case of failures, (ix) competent unit operators since data quality and verifica-
tion can be time consuming resulting delays in authentication, (x) on site competent biometric readers to guard against false positive results, (xi) regular systems updates to ensure the inclusion of all eligible citizens, etc. Absent from the list of prerequisites is the need for bellicose political propagandists with limited knowledge of existing biometric technologies. Finally, one should not overlook that among oppositions’ political babbles is the constant chatter for alliances against the PPP/C. Alliances such as PNC+, APNU+, AFC+, WPA+, Newer Parties+, all of which tend to reflect attributes of secular polygamous marriages, a dying system where brides, grooms and in-laws regularly squabble for recognition, status, and power. Overall, it appears that in anticipation of electoral defeat, opposition leaders turn to political babble to sow seeds of distrust in the validity of the voting results, incite resistance, and stir up instability.
Regards,
Narayan Persaud, PhD Professor Emeritus
Exposing betrayers of African-Guyanese on Mash Day 2025
ACTORS in the extremist African school in Guyana think African people are stupid. They believe once they sing the sermon of a government led by an Indian discriminating against African Guyanese, the message resonates with African Guyanese, and they acquire converts. They are living in a bubble where imagination has no limit.
This article was motivated by a letter I saw last Wednesday in the newspapers written by former head of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Lelon Saul. Saul belongs to the extremist school referred to above. It is the same old mantra; Africans are not treated rightly by the PPP Government.
The extremist school cannot and will not be effective, because African Guyanese not only see them as clowns but betrayers. And why do African
Guyanese see them with such despicable eyes? Because their track record is stink and ugly. Someone coming from Timbuktu into Guyana would not know that Saul, Ogunseye, David Hinds, and Clive Thomas, among others, were part of a PNC- led government between 2020 and 2025.
Let’s look at these people’s baggage; we must show African Guyanese this baggage. When we do this, we open the eyes of African Guyanese.
Let’s start with Saul. I have a taped conversation with Saul in 2017. My phone number is 614-5927. My email is fredkissoon@yahoo. If you want to know about this extremist school and how they betrayed African Guyanese, please request a copy of the tape.
A poor Guyanese man with three children and a housewife applied to Saul, on my advice, to set up a workshop in Kitty because he had a little
place he owned in Kitty, and thought of transferring his workshop there because the rent in Campbellville was too high. The CH&PA did not reply to the man for months. I drove home to Saul the point of “monkey know which limb to jump on”. I demanded a reply and went into CH&PA myself.
So, CH&PA decided to reply, and told this quintessential working-class man that his permit was denied because the area is a residential zone. I was so livid, I could not think rationally. I counted 28 business places, including a car repair place and body-work shop in the area. Right next to the man’s intended business was a boutique, and next to that was a pawn shop.
I was prepared to get locked up every day in protest movement for that poor man. I called Saul, and he was unapologetic. I have the tape.
Please listen to it. The man set up his workshop, and I defied Saul, David Granger and all those who claim they speak for African Guyanese.
Next is Tacuma Ogunseye. In a stupid outburst, he asked African Guyanese why they are lamenting discrimination when the Police Force is Black, and they have the guns to use against the government. The visitors from Timbuktu would not know that Ogunseye’s party was part of the government that held a Commission of Inquiry into the public service.
This Indian columnist appeared in front of the Commission and strenuously argued that retirement age for the Police Force and Army should be elevated to 60. The report of the commission accepted upping the retirement age. Ogunseye’s government never acted on it.
The asininity about Ogun-
seye is that when he urged policemen to take up arms, he did not have the decency to tell the police that he was part of the government that refused to up the retirement age. So, those guys with the guns retire at 55, and NIS benefits begin at 60.
Next is the Mulatto/Creole King who is the darling of Stabroek News, and the best friend of the Queen of the Mulatto/Creole class, Alissa Trotz. Westmaas’ very personal friend was the then Minister of Housing, Keith Scott. Every year from 2015 to 2019, Westmaas came to Guyana, and every night would go bar-hopping with Scott. This writer raised with David Hinds the question of Westmaas putting pressure on Scott to give poor African applicants house lots. Hinds refused. I approached Westmaas myself when he, David and I were having lunch at a restaurant on Charlotte Street named
“L’Excellence”. Westmaas told me he does not want to get into Scott’s political administration. It was a cop-out. He and Scott cared not about African Guyanese. Westmaas’ brother, who has a fumigation business in New York wrote a letter last year saying he was proud to be an African. So, many of them echo that sentiment, but it is a false alarm.
Now Clive Thomas gets into the act. In reference to African Guyanese, he urged them not to sell their votes. When you do that, Thomas said, you will lose your soul. Thomas lost his soul, like Dr. Faust, a long time ago.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
Antagonists who want to be this year’s protagonists
Dear Editor,
SO, the “black pudding man” has berated his own “kith and kin”. He has labelled and lambasted them with the most vilifying and venomous vulgarity. The garrulous but gargantuan “Mr. Lick Bottoms” (MLB), has successfully signed his own Deed Poll for the public to now address and make reference to him in the most nefarious diatribe, laced with filthy muck!
But, with foresight (or Hindsight?), he must have the insight to foresee the predictable consequence of such a natural repercussion, being an intellectual academia as a teacher.
How unlucky (not poor) America is, to have residing in the educational environment a fanatic who spews racism, hate and a vitriolic language, demeaning even for a demon.
How lucky (not rich, as yet) Guyana is, not to have such a full-time professor lecturing our young, talented and free-thinking Guyanese, who are doing the right thing by having an open mind and not to be influenced by the monstrous evil of unilateral persuasion.
As leader of the Worst Possible Alternative political party
which is “dead meat” for the five fingered associates, they daily continue to nail Rodney’s coffin, so his ideas and ideals of anti-Burnhamism and the PNC, do not escape the burial ground to influence anyone.
The non-apologizers are now being civil to Rodney’s murderers. Giving Rodney the “Et Tu Brute” treatment, Mr. Lick Bottoms has denigrated the sanctity of the French Motto, "Liberté, égalité, fraternité," which translates to "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity." He, (MLB), doesn’t love Guyanese more but loves some race(s) less.
It is as clear as daylight when, according to the fiend who wants to romance his countrymen, the urge to lick black pudding has to be derived not from a preference in Mon Repos Market, but must be sourced and soured from the performance in Buxton Market.
You do not need to attend Geopolitics 101 class to understand the implied social hegemony of this dogmatic cliché. MLB’s insinuation is to bury his own, not to praise them.
It is not MLB’s loyalty to be identified as “one looking like we” to promote a commonality,
which is not in keeping with the comradery of a “One Guyana,” or, to perpetrate an unjust cause which is to arbitrarily defend a self-proclaimed mission, but it is to capitalise on an inopportune glory, to attempt to shine in the eyes of those he professed to be “Sellouts.”
The snake-oil salesmanship is grossly marketing the gruesome proclamation of “Well I got news for you: The only friends I got is PNC, so the only people I could give work to is PNC. And, right now, I looking for a doctor who can talk Spanish or Portuguese and ah want one that is PNC.”
In this day and age, “warbreak” is still the call for those who defy the party's position. Those who say, “Me ain’t gotta follow dat,” MLB wants to remind them of, “‘Hello, look out fo Volda, she coming because we will not tolerate it.” He demands that his kind must toe the line, hold the line, walk the line and work the line, or, resign. By soliloquizing, MLB’s infatuation is a myopic mystic. There is no mystery behind his “play misty for me.” His obsession of “Gotta make a choice 'cause it's do or die,” is not only far-fetched but outrageously
Guyanese do not need a control-freak to subjugate them to the philosophy of a possessed maniac. Guyanese have a mind of their own, can think outside of the box and relate to the reality of the day.
This is the era of ideological pragmatism, not of bourgeois policies nor of political fanatics. Soul searching will not submerge a stifled conscience, but will emerge the quest to test the mind of a free and liberal thinker.
MLB has a mental dream to distinctly demonstrate the likes of him and a handful of misguided antagonists as this year’s protagonists, to come, conquer and convince Guyanese that the PNC is their savior.
Those unfortunates share the polluted room as mates with: Chopstick, who sidelines himself on the bench as a fighter behind the scene but fearful of the heat from the front; the popular Ford car salesman, who is fearful of turning the key to stay in his own home, much less to return to his homeland; the Ton of shambles whose feet are in the South but his heart is in the North; the other car salesman who is not of the Lincoln
the bemused guy who is involved in Huge conflicts of interest; all the seniors who are old and are fearful of admitting it’s too cold; the elders whose bark and bite are betwixt and between; and not to forget to remember, the Ranger, who remains a stranger behind closed doors!
Most Guyanese have removed the shackles of slavery, the bondage of indentureship and the ties to serfdom after celebrating 55 years as a Republic nation and relinquishing the throttle from the English Throne.
But a handful of sycophants have not relieved themselves with the freedom of independence after 59 years, but still
parade under the illusive guise of gaining power through the backdoor with the help of foul and not fair means. Luckily, they will forever suffer the fate of a minority movement.
Behold, the PPP/C found Guyana to be of clay in 1992 and left her to the PNC of marble in 2015. After five years, the PPP/C uncovered the very marble destroyed, denigrated and diffused into pieces of sand. From 2020, it is again the challenge of the PPP/C Government to construct Guyana with sand and cement to build a golden city from the crust of dust, to relive the legend of El Dorado.
Happy Republic Day Guyana!
Yours respectfully, Jai Lall
outlandish.
Dynasty;
ExxonMobil’s expansion of gas supply to shore is a boon for Guyana’s economy
AT the recently concluded Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, ExxonMobil’s J. Hunter Farris, Senior Vice President - Deepwater, made a groundbreaking announcement that is set to boost Guyana's energy security and earning power.
Speaking at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, Farris revealed that Exxon has identified additional gas resources that will more than double gas supply through the Gas-to-Energy pipeline, increasing from 50 million cubic feet per day to approximately 120 million cubic feet per day.
The Gas-to-Energy project
is already set to transform Guyana’s power sector. The first phase, now expected to begin operations in 2026, will deliver 50 million cubic feet of gas daily from the Liza field offshore to the onshore Wales integrated facility. This facility will include a 300-megawatt natural gasfired power plant and a natural gas liquids (NGL) separation plant. Together, these plants will provide a more stable and reliable power supply, reducing the country’s dependence on heavy fuel oil. With frequent power outages affecting businesses and residents, the project is expected to facilitate cutting
electricity costs by half, making Guyana a more attractive destination for investment and industrial development.
Farris’ announcement is particularly important as it aligns with Guyana’s broader ambitions to expand energy security. The second phase of the Gas-to-Energy project will see the construction of an additional 300-megawatt power plant and a second NGL plant, by a contractor to be hired by the government, to make use of the additional gas.
This will not only double electricity generation from gas but also boost natural gas liquids production to approximately 9,800 barrels per day
(b/d). The expanded power to be generated is crucial, given delays in the Amaila Falls hydropower project, which was initially being pursued to start operation in 2027 but has struggled to secure a development partner. The additional gas supply from Exxon will bridge the gap left by the delayed hydro project, ensuring that Guyana can meet its growing energy needs.
A key component of this expansion in gas supply is Exxon’s Hammerhead development, which is likely to be the primary source of the additional gas. Hammerhead, expected to begin production by 2029, once approved by government, is designed to produce up to 95 million cubic feet of natural gas per day alongside 180,000 barrels of crude oil.
While some of this gas
will be used for fueling offshore operations and enhancing oil recovery at the Liza Unity FPSO site, a significant portion will be directed to the Gas-to-Energy pipeline. Exxon plans to install a pipeline connecting the Hammerhead FPSO to the Gas-to-Energy pipeline. This supply is critical for achieving the targeted 120125 million cubic feet per day supply, as outlined by Farris.
This expansion will have considerable economic and environmental benefits. By shifting from imported heavy fuel oil to domestically produced natural gas, Guyana will reduce its carbon footprint while saving billions in fuel costs.
The country will also become more energy independent, reducing its reliance on volatile global energy markets. Additionally, with an
anticipated surplus of natural gas liquids, Guyana can export more than 80 per cent of this production, while ensuring a stable and cheap domestic supply.
The Guyana Energy Conference, where Farris' announcement was made, serves as a crucial platform for fostering discussions on investment, energy diversification, and economic growth. The annual event brings together government representatives, industry leaders, and international stakeholders to explore opportunities in and beyond oil and gas.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
Hinds should never be mentioned in the same breath as Dr. Rodney
DR. David Hinds is not a ‘hero’ for African Guyanese who understand political history, grassroots and contemporary politics.
Let’s be clear, he is no hero for many African Guyanese who live and toil in this part of the globe for their rights and freedoms which are now ingrained in the Constitution of our land.
Those are men and women who fought and died for this land, and endured the darkness of slavery and the pre-independence era.
Hinds came on the scene in the post-independence era, it would seem, and is slightly remembered kindly. Yes, he was imprisoned by the late President Forbes Burnham of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and almost lost his sight. Yes, even after that, he continued to speak out, albeit quietly and respectfully, against perceived injustices of the State.
Dr. Hinds faded slightly into the dark, but would always use political watershed moments to resurface with rhetoric which was considered tough, irrational, not useful, and racist. He started to sound like an African Supremist; hateful and angry. He has been doing this slowly since the early 2000s, pushing the envelope and hiding in the Working People’s Alliance Party.
Soon, several prominent members of the WPA would go their way because the party was no longer practising the teachings and ways of its founding leader, Dr. Walter Rodney. Dr. Rodney’s party had been infiltrated by leaders of Dr. Hinds' ilk, and was committed to seeking ‘revenge’, not justice or fair treatment, of all races from the State.
The WPA joined the party that killed its founder. Soon after the WPA, which had already lost its way and became distinguishable from Rodney-Politics, was sub -
sumed into APNU, and later morphed into the APNU+AFC. Dr. Hinds lost his voice, and, arguably, did not utter anything about African Guyanese rights, lands and treatment then.
This led him to accept a “cushy job” as the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said on Thursday. When the APNU+AFC Government, during the period 2015 to 2020, had siphoned off the resources of the State, he said nothing. When they fired the sugar workers, Africans among them, he said nothing.
When the coalition government hid the signing bonus from the country, he said nothing. When they treated squatters at Sophia and several other black villages and communities badly, he said nothing.
When they sold large acreages of land in several regions of this country, well under the market price, to black supporters as opposed to the grassroots communities and individuals, he said nothing.
When the APNU+AFC government snatched leased lands out of the hands of black Guyanese in Berbice, he said nothing. When corruption was high and mismanagement of our resources was evident, he said nothing. When the WPA was treated badly, he said nothing then.
Where was Dr. Hinds during the years when the African Guyanese community needed a hero? Where was Dr. Hinds when African leaders were treating their own so poorly during the Granger presidency? Where was the leader when they were siphoning off the money, illegally awarding contracts, and involved in subverting democracy?
Where was this socalled ‘freedom fighter’ of the African and all Guyanese during those years when the State did nothing to correct the social and
economic injustices that he allegedly claims were meted out to his own for decades?
The truth is, Dr. Hinds was right there, front and centre, when the APNU+AFC wreaked havoc on not just Afro-Guyanese but Guyanese at large. He could see the injustices and unfair treatment of so many black boys and girls at the hands of the police. Yet, he chose to do and say nothing, publicly, at least.
So, Guyanese people will have to think seriously about what Dr. Hinds said. After all, he can or should never be mentioned in the same breath as Dr. Rodney, who is well-respected at home and abroad.
Dr. Rodney was considered radical, but his ‘radicalism’ was often seen as just because he was fighting against Apartheid and a broken-down system that allowed for the continued oppression of the Africans. He was seeking justice and equality for all, but particularly his race. This was admirable, considering the options which he had at his disposal at the time.
Dr. Hinds did, and is doing none of these things.
As a political leader, Dr. Hinds knew what he was doing when he made offensive and reprehensible statements about some Africans in Guyana, even if it was the words of a Trinidadian Calypsonian.
Take Cro Cro’s original words away and let us say that those are Hinds’ words. They are hurtful, and should never be strung together, more so when speaking publicly. There is no excuse for the vitriol of words.
In Guyana, every person has the right to choose any party they desire to be a part of. Dr. Hinds knows this, as an intellectual, one assumes. They should never come under attack. Their free choices should never be viewed as a movement of ill will, or be seen as some intended harm to one’s movement against injustice or bad
treatment by the State.
In Guyana, Dr. Rodney and Dr. Cheddi Jagan, and so many of our leaders fought against this thinking that one racial group is owned and controlled by one race. Therefore, Dr. Hinds, WPA, PNC, PPP or the AFC does not and will never own Africans in Guyana. They should not seek to control them.
They are not African slaves. What struggle does Dr. Hinds want them to be a part of in this modern political movement? What is the oppression, and where is it taking place? One cannot fathom that Dr. Hinds is calling the experience of all Africans in Guyana a struggle.
As regards the vote-buying allegation that Dr. Hinds is advancing now to save himself from the public’s outcry that is taking place, where is the evidence? If the PPP/C is using the State resources and campaigning to get votes, then take the evidence before the ERC, Guyana Police Force, and US FBI or expose it for all to see.
But Dr. Hinds would not do this! It is just another excuse to not offer an apology for something said out of frustration. Why say that frustration made Dr. Hinds utter the words to Elson Low but not to the public?
History will not be kind to Dr. Hinds for insulting and speaking down to people who he would like to govern. Man up! Say one is wrong and earn the respect of so many Guyanese, Africans amongst
them! Stop explaining it away because it will not go gently into that good night!
The government is sharing the resources to all Guyanese, and they are not saying how the public should vote. What is the issue? Why condemn the black man for the practice described but not any other grouping in the country?
Dr. Hinds wants to rile up the public and start an atmosphere of deep division and unrest amongst and between the African race in Guyana. The APNU and PNC, maybe, have made a terrible mistake.
They must say there is no place for people like Dr. Hinds in opposition politics in this day and age. Aubrey Norton sheepishly stopped short of condemning Dr. Hinds. He claimed he would not use better language. Nobody wants to hear that. Will the opposition leader join thousands of Guyanese and condemn it?
Is Dr. Hinds seeking to pit them against one another and believe that out of the process somehow, they will emerge enlightened, grounded and committed to the struggle? That’s not smart, and will inevitably fail.
No other opposition politician will come out with words of support or endearment. Dr. Hinds must look at his colleagues in opposition and question if he is standing alone. Apart from those wanna-be politicians who seek relevancy and attention, nobody believes in what Dr. Hinds labelled some
Africans in Guyana.
Dr. Rodney would never endorse those words spoken in the context in which they were spoken. Dr. Roney was different, and had a sharper vocabulary. Maybe, that is why Dr. Hinds was nothing more than a foot soldier and footnote in the great story of Dr. Rodney. Alas! Desperation is gripping Dr. Hinds and the other merrymen who are supporting him.
Finally, the reason Caesar was assassinated was because a group of Roman senators, including Brutus and Cassius, feared Caesar was amassing too much power, and becoming a king, leading them to plot his murder. Similarly, Dr. Hinds, Norton, Nigel Hughes and their great coalition fear the PPP/C Government and party will retain the power, so they will band together to destroy it, and more particularly Jagdeo, figuratively speaking. The African Guyanese and all Guyanese are just collateral damage. Before it gets to that, the PPP/C will win, the people will be saved, and these politicians will count their losses. Dr. Rodney expected better from Dr. Hinds. He knows it.
Happy 55th Anniversary!
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
Electoral fraud case: After misfiring for four years, the engine is now revving
THE GECOM fraud trial has been sputtering like a car with an engine that’s been misfiring for four long years. And yet, there it was again last week, now a brand-new trial that is still apparently flailing, but nonetheless still deserving of public attention.
It is no longer subjected to an indictable process, but is now a summary trial of nine accused before Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty. She appears determined to kick the errant engine into gear, a task that her predecessor, Magistrate Leron Daly,
had failed to do before having to step aside due to ill health.
The testimony from 72 witnesses the prosecution intends to call into Magistrate McGusty’s courtroom in the coming weeks and months means that this trial will likely run headlong into the upcoming elections. The prosecution intends to call ministers, government officials, forensic experts, and police officers to testify.
Last Monday, the accused entered not guilty pleas as a total of 19 charges were read out to
them, the word, ‘misconduct’, often. This is not the kind of misconduct you’d expect from a rowdy group at a crowded mall; this is not bad behaviour of a drunk in public. These particular charges of “misconduct” have to do with the forging of documents, and conspiracy to defraud the Guyanese public. It was an attempt to deny the political party that won the most votes in a democratic election from taking office.
The prosecution team intends to demonstrate that the accused inflated the number of votes that
Guyanese cast for APNU+AFC while deliberately stifling the numbers for the PPP/C. An official national recount supervised by GECOM and a high-level CARICOM team determined that the PPP/C won the 2020 elections by over 15,000 votes.
What’s at the epicenter of this trial is an attempt by a cabal to subvert the foundation of our democracy, and to undermine our freedom as a people to choose who will govern in our name. It is why, on this day, February 23, 1970, our nation severed ties with the British monarchy and our ugly colonial past, and aspired to have us; we the people, hammer out our own destiny. If found guilty, the accused, some of whom were the most senior officials in GECOM, could face up to three years in prison on each charge.
I was in court when the prosecution called its first witness, Rosalinda Rasul, to the stand. Rasul happens to be the head of the Diaspora Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, and she is no ‘couch potato’. During the elections of 2020, she was an observer with the American Chamber of Commerce.
Defence attorneys Eusi Anderson and Darren Wade deployed a strategy from the familiar playbook. I had seen it be -
fore when the matter was before Magistrate Daly. While Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes sat quietly in his chair, Wade and Anderson objected, interrupted loudly and as frequently as possible. The objective was to rattle the prosecution and the witness.
If Rasul said she heard a loud noise in the tabulation room at the Ashmin’s Building, Anderson would jump to his feet and bellow out a cheeky comment that reeked of insincerity and arrogance. The difference this time was that the pleasant and smiling Magistrate McGusty was starting to get annoyed.
Finding it hard to mask his disdain for Rasul, Anderson accused her of having “a fantastic memory which gets better as the day goes by”. On another occasion, he questioned the “evidentiary value” or the “relevance” of Rasul’s testimony with insults and even more cheeky comments. They accused the prosecution of making “a mockery of the rules of disclosure” for the flimsiest of details not contained in Rasul’s disclosure. They had it four years ago.
In response to a basic question posed to her by Attorney-at-Law Latchmie Rahamat, Anderson again interrupted Rasul. He leapt to his feet with much drama to declare that his client’s constitutional right to a fair trial
was being violated. Magistrate McGusty assured Wade and Anderson that she will “sift the corn from the chaff”.
Magistrate McGusty repeatedly reminded the defence attorneys that they will have an opportunity to cross-examine the witness. These are seasoned lawyers who needed no reminder. Anderson even told the court at one point that he was objecting because he didn’t want Rasul’s testimony to be entered into the record.
And why was Rasul’s testimony so compelling? She is only beginning to paint a preliminary eyewitness account of the tabulation room at the Ashmin’s Building. What will happen when the evidence begins to show false entries on the now infamous “spreadsheet”?
What about evidence pertaining to a sudden medical emergency of none other than the Returning Officer of Region Four in the middle of a tabulation process, or a bomb threat that turned out to be nothing but a hoopla, and someone’s idle doodling on a styrofoam cup?
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
Stage set for Mashramani 2025!
- vendors, entertainers, other patrons gear up with finishing touches
By Shaniya Harding
AS Guyanese, we are all familiar with the look, colours and sights of Mashramani, but a lot more work goes on behind the scenes before the big day.
Just a day to go before Guyana’s most-anticipated national celebration, the streets were already alive with the familiar vibes and energy of excitement and prepareation.
Guyana’s diverse cultural identity.
First officially celebrated in 1970 to mark the country becoming a Republic, ‘Mash’ has evolved over the decades, growing in both scale, spirit and participation from both Guyanese and tourists.
A drive through the capital city the day before one of the nation’s biggest celebrations saw sound systems being tested, and floats perfected as the country gears up for another spectacular showcase of its culture and creativity.
The anticipation is undeniable, and as the final touches came together, it was clear that this year’s Mashramani, celebrated under the theme ‘Expressing our Culture and Creativity as One Guyana’, aims to be bigger, better and bolder.
Mashramani, meaning "celebration after hard work" in Arawak, has long been a reflection of
What started as a relatively small event in the heart of Linden has transformed into a nationwide explosion of colour, music, and movement. Each year, the celebration highlights Guyanese talent, unity, and national pride, with the grand costume and float parade being the most anticipated part of the festivities.
For 2025, the Mashramani parade will follow the traditional route, kicking off at Chruch Street and winding its way down to the National Park, where revelers will dance their way to the final judging point.
Participants have been preparing for weeks, with designers putting the finishing touches on elaborate costumes, steel bands fine-tuning their rhythms, and dance troupes perfecting their choreography.
In the lead-up to the big day, Georgetown is a hub of activities. Vendors are setting up shop, food stalls are stocking up on traditional treats, and local businesses are getting into the spirit with Mashthemed decorations and promotions.
The music has already started taking over, with various businesses and vendors already blasting the infectious beats of Soca, Dancehall, and Chutney.
This year, the energy feels bigger, brighter, and
even more electric. Social media is buzzing with excitement, with revellers and designers showing off costume sneak peeks, and hyping up their bands. The competition between designers and float groups is fierce, with many aiming to outdo last year’s performances. And beyond the parade itself, events leading up to the big day, from Calypso and Soca Monarch competitions to the Steel Pan finals, have already set the tone for a high-energy celebration.
Various ministries and the city council have also been busy preparing for this year’s event, with the Council cordinating the final spots for vendors.
Additionally, plans have already been put in place for a swift clean up
follwing this year’s celebration, with a clean up crew slated to be out and around since 20:00 hrs on Mash Night. Preparing on the side of security, the Guyana Police Force will also be ramping up its presence along the parade route.
Mashramani is not just about the parade; it’s about a national expression of joy and cultural pride. It is the one day when the entire country lets loose, coming together to celebrate unity in diversity. And as the country ushers in another ‘Mash’, one thing is certain; its the work that goes into ‘Mash’ that transforms the streets of Georgetown into a moving, dancing sea of Guyanese pride.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s float takes shape as finishing touches are being added the day before
Businesses like Hennessy were already setting up their booths along Vlissingen Road
Local DJs were already setting the tone the day before Mash (Japheth Savory photos)
A worker prepares the streets for Mashramani 2025
Guyanese exhibitors benefit from valuable networking opportunities at Agro Fest
- hail exposure as catalyst for further growth of their businesses
With the help of Go-Invest and GMC, over 30 Guyanese exhibitors were given a golden opportunity to showcase their products at ‘Agro
By Indrawattie Natram in Barbados
THROUGH the support of the Government of Guyana’s Office for Investment (Go-Invest), and the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), over 30 Guy -
anese exhibitors were given a golden opportunity to showcase their products at Agro Fest in Queen’s Park, Bridge -
town, Barbados. The fair commenced on February 21, and will conclude today. This initiative allowed local en-
trepreneurs to present their unique goods, connect with new markets, and expand their businesses on an international
stage.
Exhibitors got the opportunity to exchange business cards and es -
TO PAGE 16
Fest’ in Bridgetown, Barbados TURN
Award-winning play, A Pleasant Career, comes to local stage
FOR the first time ever, the play ‘A Pleasant Career’ by Michael Gilkes, which follows the life of Guyana’s first professional novelist, Edgar Mittleholzer, will be performed at the National
oneers by exploring diverse, deep, and moving themes.
“This production is a journey into the luminous and turbulent life of Edgar Mittleholzer, the Caribbean’s first published author, whose
Cultural Centre on March 1 and 2.
Mittleholzer was a celebrated writer who has been a trailblazer for many Caribbean novelists, opening up the world to Caribbean writers’ works being published.
A writer of more than books in his short lifetime, he has written essays and short stories, with his first novel being “Creole Chips”, a self-published work in 1937.
Some of his more popular works are ‘My Bones and my Flute’, ‘The Kaywana Blood’, ‘Kaywana Stock’, ‘Children of Kaywana’, ‘Sylvia’, ‘Corentyne Thunder’, ‘Swarty Boy’, ‘Shadows move among them’, and ‘The Life and Death of Sylvia’.
The play on Mittleholzer’s life, however, ‘A Pleasant Career’, won the first Guyana Prize for Literature in the drama category in 1992, and is now being taken to the stage.
Dramaturg and set design are done by the well-known Sir Henry Muttoo, while the play is directed by veteran director Ron Robinson, with the assistance of Russell Lancaster.
In his notes shared with the Guyana Chronicle, Director of the play, Ron Robinson emphasised that the play is more than simply the retelling of Mittleholzer’s life, but rather chronicles the path of one of Guyana’s literary pi-
thaniel Powers, Sonia Yarde, Latiefa Agard, Abigail Brower, Amrita Khoshall, Jude Holder, and Kevin Smith. This star-studded line-up was not by chance, however, as Robinson shared, each actor
brilliance lit up the literary world of Guyana, and whose inner demons led him into tragic self-destruction. Dr. Michael Gilkes’ script is both a celebration of artistic genius, and a raw exploration of the human psyche under pressure; a narrative that resonates deeply within our cultural landscape,” he shared.
Seeking to make a creative impact on the play, the production will be heavily based on the emotional performance of actors. This decision, the director said, was taken to allow space for symbolism and audience interpretation.
“In staging this play, our vision was to evoke the vibrant yet conflicted spirit of the Caribbean. The set and lighting have been designed to mirror the dual nature of Mittleholzer’s existence: Moments of incandescent creativity interspersed with shadows of isolation and despair. We’ve chosen a minimalist aesthetic to keep the audience’s focus on the emotional cadence of the performance, allowing the language and the layered symbolism to speak for themselves,” he said.
Prominent performers in the cast line up include Michael Ignatius, Rovindra Persaud, Mark Luke-Edwards, Derek Gomes, Russell Lancaster, Dwayne Hackett, Na-
guage and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Education and Humanities of the University of Guyana along with Grades 10 & 11 from the secondary schools are invited to at-
tend the Sunday performance. It is planned to have a zoom discussion at the end of this performance with Dr. Juanita Cox, a specialist on Edgar Mittleholzer.
has a massive undertaking in replicating the various emotional and moving scenes present throughout Gilkes’ play.
“Our actors are called upon to traverse the spectrum of human emotion—from the fervour of creative passion to the depths of existential crisis. Each gesture, pause, and intonation is crafted to capture the delicate balance between genius and madness. This play is not simply a biographical account; it is a meditation on the burdens and ecstasies of creative life, reflecting broader themes of identity, legacy, and the sometimes-cruel demands of artistic excellence,” Robinson shared in his notes.
The play will see its debut at the National Cultural Centre (small theatre) on Saturday, March 1 at 22:00 hrs, and on Sunday, March 2 at 13:00 hrs.
Tickets are $2,000, and are available at the National Cultural Centre’s box office. Produced by GEMS Theatre Productions for the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, the play is done under the government’s “One Guyana” motto.
Students from the Department of Lan
Guyana’s first professional novelist, Edgar Mittleholzer
-
Among the cast of ‘A Pleasant Career’ is Rovindra Persaud
Long-time actor and comedian Michael Ignatius will also take the stage on March 1st and 2nd
The talented Mark Luke-Edwards is also a part of the cast of ‘A Pleasant Career’
Adding to the star-packed cast of ‘A Pleasant Career’ is Sonia Yarde (Japheth Savory photos)
Opposition ‘dishonest, mentally dysfunctional’
- for still not accepting 2020 defeat, Jagdeo says - confident PPP/C will win 2025 election
due to hard work, inclusive nature
By Trina Williams
NEARLY five years later, the political opposition refuses to concede, despite widespread validation of the final results of the 2020 election, which was recognised by both domestic and international observers.
Addressing the opposition’s reluctance to accept defeat, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo has said that their actions continually prove that they are dishonest and “mentally dysfunctional”.
At a recent press conference, the General Secretary referenced People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader, Aubrey Norton’s defence of the report by former Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, in which he had dumped over 115,000 votes in the 2020 General and Regional Elections without valid reasons.
Jagdeo said: “So, clearly Norton until now, agrees not just with the attempt to rig, but he also disagrees with the Caribbean Court of Justice ruling. And this is something that tells you all is the same issue as Nigel Hughes.
“So, when the low-life case was hard or my witness appeared, he is still arguing in that case the 34 is the majority of 65 when the CCJ had already ruled on that matter in a very definitive way. So clearly, we have a group of either dishonest or mentally dysfunctional people in this country who can't see that they're the only ones who actually believe that this happened.”
In wake of their resounding electoral defeat in 2020, Jagdeo said both leaders of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and PNCR are focused on peddling unfounded conspiracy theories and
casting doubt on election results instead of rebuilding their political strategy.
“I think for politicians, if you're so far from the truth and you believe in all of these weird conspiracy theories, nobody takes you seriously. It's a bit of advice to Norton and Nigel Hughes because you're trying to tell the whole country and the world that they were wrong… And it's better to acknowledge and move on,” he said.
Contrast this sort of behaviour with the PPP when it lost the 2015 General and Regional Elections, Jagdeo said that the party had focused on rebuilding itself.
Admitting one is out of office and work must be done based on the political party’s vision are rudimentary, Jagdeo said.
He added: “If you can't acknowledge something as basic as this, then there's no rebuilding. There's absolutely no rebuilding. And they're stuck in that lie and people see through the lie. Because if someone would lie about something that is so known, so visible, so documented, how can you believe them to fulfill anything else they say? Any promise that they make to you?”
Further, he spoke on how the PPP has continued to mold itself into a national party that advances the interests of all Guyanese.
The General Secretary said: “We will win the elections because of our work and because we are approaching Guyana as a national party, the People’s Progressive Party. Because we are treating all of our people equally regardless of their race, their religion, or gender."
It is important to understand that the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events of the
2020 General and Regional Elections found that there was collusion and collaboration between senior GECOM officials to divert votes to the APNU +AFC instead of safeguarding and preserving the integrity of the electoral system.
Chairman Stanley John and commissioners — former Chancellor, Carl Singh and Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith made these findings based on evidence from the many witnesses who testified along with the reports of the international observers.
“…our inquiry reveals that there were, in fact, shockingly brazen attempts by Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO)Roxanne Myers and Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo to derail and corrupt the statutorily prescribed procedure for the counting, ascertaining and tabulation of votes of the March 2nd election, as well as the true declaration of the results of that election, and that they did so – to put it in unvarnished language of the ordinary man – for the purpose of stealing the election,” the commissioners said in their report.
The report found that Lowenfield blatantly made decisions and employed procedures in direct contradiction to the law and the will of the people. The findings revealed too that GECOM staffers ignored specific instructions from the court, used materials that were illegal and or manipulated, and sided with APNU+AFC agents to berate observers whenever objections were raised.
After careful scrutiny, the COI commissioners concluded that there was a conscious and deliberate – even brazen –effort to violate the provisions of section 84(1)
of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA)
In so doing, certain “senior GECOM officials” abandoned all need for neutrality and impartiality, and demonstrated a bias for the APNU+AFC and, in the course of events over those days, showed an “open connection” with that party, and by their efforts sought a desired result for the coalition.
As such, the commis -
sioners said that after consideration and analysis of the evidence, Lowenfield, Mingo and Myers “were principally responsible for clear and deliberate attempts to frustrate, obstruct and subvert the ascertainment of votes in electoral district No. 4.”
Against this backdrop, the COI found that the trio undoubtedly made a premature and unlawful declara-
tion of falsified results which showed the APNU+AFC was the winner of electoral district No. 4. It was only after the legal challenges and international intervention that a national recount of all votes cast was convened and the figures showed that the PPP/C had received 233,336 votes, while the APNU+AFC coalition got 217,920 votes.
PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo
Guyanese exhibitors benefit...
tablish potential market opportunities.
Among the exhibitors was Shunda Yard of Golden Crunch, originally from Patentia on the West Bank of Demerara.
This was her first time at Agro Fest, where she proudly displayed her signature coconut biscuits. Since launching her business in 2013, she has dedicated herself to perfecting her product.
Abigale John of Buxton, East Coast Demerara, showcased her impressive range of five flavours of wine. She expressed her gratitude to the Guyana Government for the opportunity,
emphasising how crucial such exposure is for small businesses like hers.
Bhagwatie Ghirao, of No. 2 Canal, West Bank Demerara, brought her exquisite craft items to the festival. She learnt about the opportunity through the Small Business Bureau, and as a first-time exhibitor, was eager to introduce her handmade pieces to a broader audience.
Dawn Edwards Dickson, an agro-processor, presented her selection of powdered dips and seasonings, highlighting the rich flavours of Guyana’s culinary heritage. The seasonings were a catch, as many persons rushed to purchase them.
Princess Cosbert brought a collection of high-quality essences and herbs that have medicinal value. It was the fourth time she attended, and has since grown to love the experience.
Meanwhile, Carol Angel from Diamond Angel Foods proudly displayed her flavourful garlic spread, a staple in many Guyanese kitchens.
Beyond displaying their products, the exhibitors benefited from valuable networking opportunities, engaging with potential buyers and distributors.
Many expressed optimism about establishing lasting business relationships, further integrating Guyana’s agricultural and agro-processing sector into the regional market.
This initiative demonstrated the government’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs, paving the way for more Guyanese businesses to thrive on the international stage.
Some of the business are: Tia's Organic, East Gates, Golden Crunch, Magnificent Candles, Dandelion Wooden Gallery, IAST, Roy's Maranda's Manufactur -
ing, Wardy's, Maliyah's Kitchen, B&G Souvenir, Tropical Transition, Unique Amerindian Handicraft, Sonia Noel Favour's Hair Therapy, Rous Seasonings, Singh’s farm, a booth from the Guyana Marketing Corporation, Golden Crisp, Fresh Packages, Marcia's products, Hummingbird, Dicks Seasoning, Fantasy Destination, Gurchuran Investment, C. K. Variety, Mother Nature, Propa Local Wine, Basdeo Dynasty, Nature Wrap, and Dawn’s Unique Craft among others.
Several companies propose establishment of local AI, financial services
SEVERAL companies
that are eyeing opportunities in Guyana have adequate reasons to be optimistic, as Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, has affirmed that the gov-
there was also a great deal of companies looking to provide financial services.
“You heard me speak about the need to drag our banking sector up from its very conser -
bank account without having to go physically present.
“Just imagine the future that we are envisaging and that's why we are working on the digital society.”
ernment is actively working towards the creation of a digital society.
He made those remarks during a recent press conference at Freedom House, where he spoke about the efforts to modernise Guyana’s financial sector and provide services which will attract international investments.
The Guyana Energy Conference and supply chain expo which concluded on Friday was abuzz as investors from around the world came to pitch proposals.
The Vice-President said that there were a number of Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies looking for opportunities in Guyana.
He said: “These opportunities are not limited to the oil and gas sector, because you can use AI now to improve productivity in almost every sector there.” Apart from that,
vative approach, which may have served us well in the past, and because it lent some stability to the system.
“But in the new environment it acts as a hindrance to further rapid growth because the instruments available can't support the rapid pace of change…,” the Vice-President said.
Jagdeo further said there is need for more innovative financing to make full use of the opportunities.
The Vice-President:
“I saw one, a pitch was made to us yesterday [Wednesday] where with a simple app you would be able to open your bank account. So, for the many people in Guyana now who do not have bank accounts, who like, say in the Amerindian villages or the riverine areas, or even along the coast, by just downloading the app with an appropriate bank, you can open a
are mounting cameras right across the country; we started doing that with software for facial recognition and that would have a big impact on security.”
He also said that they are issuing secure documents for every citizen to have a national identification card (ID) that would give the biometrics to start in deepening the financial services and to broaden the range of instruments that would be available for people
to improve payment systems, among other things.
He said: “So we have our hands filled.”
The banking and financial sector is an important sector, which the government has been placing specific focus on in order to empower citizens to benefit from the massive economic transformation taking place across the country.
Access to financing is a main pillar for the establishment, growth
and success of both small- and large-scale businesses, as well as the economic empowerment of individuals and households.
Under the stewardship of the PPP/C Government, Guyana’s financial sector has shown significant improvements in recent years in key performance indicators, reflecting a strengthening economy and robust regulatory oversight.
With the introduction of new technologies, Guyana’s outdated banking and financial sector is getting a facelift, Jagdeo had said during day one of conference.
The Vice-President is of the belief that the financial sector can become a humbug, and could slow down the massive growth that Guyana is seeing, if it does not expand in complexity and instruments.
“That is why we’re trying to drag it out of the stone ages into an environment that is appropriate to support the expansion in the real sector,” Jagdeo said.
Further, several projects are being executed to aid in the digitisation of Guyana, he related, noting: “We’re digitising the government… we’re hoping our airport, within the next few months, would go paperless. This year, we
Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo engaging at a booth at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo 2025
Hughes says ‘nothing unusual’ about his wife awarding her own company contracts as minister
ALLIANCE For Change (AFC) Leader, Nigel Hughes has said that there was nothing “unusual” about his wife, Former APNU+AFC Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes awarding her company, VideoMega Productions Limited, more than $6 million in contracts from the ministry which she presided over between 2015 and 2020.
During a press conference on Friday,
Hughes defended his wife by saying that her company was contracted for years by the government, so when she became a minister, he did not see anything odd with her company gaining contracts from her ministry.
“So, when Mrs. Hughes became Minister of Public Telecommunications, there was nothing unusual about the fact that the government continued to hire the services of that company, because they had been doing
that for years,” he said.
Although both Mr and Mrs Hughes have been criticising officials for supposed conflict of interest, they themselves have been found guilty of committing the same.
The AFC Leader, who is likely to make a bid for presidency later this year, is one of the attorneys representing ExxonMobil, and he has made it clear that he will not put the interest of Guyana above his client because he has
refused to speak about oil related matters unless, according to him, he is elected to office.
Also, the credibility of the AFC Leader was further questioned when he was recently accusing the government of selling large amounts of land to its allies, and it was revealed that he himself benefitted from 75 acres of land after the passage of the 2018 no-confidence motion, and during the fivemonth impasse after persons would have cast their vote on Polling Day in 2020.
Hughes’ wife, who is a senior member of the AFC, faced a plethora of criticisms for her actions as Minister of Public Telecommunications; however, she could not sue anyone, because there was substantial evidence to prove her actions.
In a court case, last year, she was asked why she didn’t sue Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo for his comments on the issue regarding her company, to which she responded by saying she knew he possessed documents to substantiate his claims.
Hughes, in 2019, had denied the awarding of contracts to her company.
She went as far as to say: “…I was completely unaware of the award of any contract to Video Mega Productions.”
Hughes had claimed that she was informed that the contract was for the production of three 60-second television Public Service Announcements (PSAs) to the value of $832,200.
However, with the provision of supporting documents, this figure was later proved to be untrue, and a severe underestimation.
It was widely reported that Video Mega Productions
of footage) (Collation of Video Footage MOPT)” in July 2018 $2.33 million for “Community ICT Road Show, 2018Television & Radio, Caribbean ICT Radio Show, 2018- Ad-
Limited, secured contracts totalling over $6 million.
Hughes’ actions were seen as a clear conflict of interest, since she held a position of influence.
She had signed off on an invoice payment of $119,670 to Videomega, for ‘boosting’ her ministry’s Facebook Page from January 2018 to June 2018.
Two years prior, in 2016, the company received $1.13 million in payments for ads; in 2017 $1.4 million in payments for ads; in December 2017, $68,400 for “Community ICT Hub- ICT in Education (Transfer
vertising Ress Ads, Caribbean ICT Road Show- Camera-ready Artwork”, Berbice Advertising “Caribbean ICT Road Show, 2018- Television Commercial- 45 secs” and even an interview with Hughes herself, “Caribbean ICT Road Show, 2018- Television 33 secs” and “Caribbean ICT Road Show, 2018- 33 secs Radio”; and $956,519 for Publishing of Advertisements for “ICT Planning Officer8x3BW, ICT Education Officer- 8x3BW, ICT Business Analyst-8x3BW, Technical Admin. Assistant – 10x3BW”.
AFC Leader and Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes and his wife, Catherine Hughes
Region One village leaders eager to introduce restorative justice in their communities
VILLAGE leaders, educators, religious leaders and members of civil society in Region One (Barima-Waini) were on Friday engaged on the principle of restorative justice and the critical role they can play in its integration with Guyana’s legal system.
A sensitisation session was held at the North West Secondary School, led by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, and the Director of the Restorative Justice Center, William Orrin Boston.
Restorative justice is an alternative approach to justice that sees the involvement of the victim, the offender and the community.
The three-pronged measure seeks to ascertain the harm caused, underlying circumstances that led to the offense, as well as decide on adequate correctional actions.
The attendees expressed enthusiasm at the government’s plan to implement the doctrine nationwide, and an eagerness to take this knowledge into their communities.
Toshao of Hotoquai village, Carson Thomas explained that the concept is new to him, but he believes that it will go a long way in improving community
relations.
“I was happy to come to this meeting to learn about how to keep the community in order and I will try to work with them to [implement] restorative justice,”
Chairperson of Barabina Hill, Andres Prince lauded the programme as a more efficient way of addressing petty crimes when compared to the tedious court process.
“It would be less burden on the magistrates and the court system. It will help us tremendously because some young people go to jail for minor offences.
Sometimes they can’t express themselves properly in the court,” he said. Prince, who is also a teacher, said that in cases like these the familiarity of a fellow community member would make these offenders more inclined to express themselves so that the root of the issue can be addressed. He added, “Dealing with that at the community level would be better. I can even use it in the classroom.”
Toshao of Hobodeia village, Reynold Hudson echoed these sentiments. He told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that addressing the root cause of these petty crimes is exactly what is needed
to reduce recidivism rates and relieve the burdens on the court.
“You could send them to prison, but the issue would still be there. So the question is how we can address it to avoid these crimes from reoccurring?” Hudson reasoned, adding that restorative justice is the answer.
“I believe in education, and I think that if we educate these persons on their behaviour and give them a second chance in life, they would be able to correct themselves,” he said.
Hudson, like many other community leaders present, was eager to sign up for the training sessions, which will be conducted at a later date.
AG Nandlall said that more than 70 per cent of the cases presented at the Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court are petty offenses that can be dealt with at the community level.
“That is the important role that you can play in the criminal justice system, where you can help in the disposal of 70 per cent or more of the case load at the Mabaruma magistrate’s court, or at Port Kaituma magistrate’s court in this region. What that means is that you will play a very crucial role in your community and in the criminal justice
system,” he said.
He explained that the doctrine only applies to minor, non-violent offenses that carry a penalty of three years or less.
To date, more than 400 persons have been trained in restorative justice. The training sessions included mag-
istrates, Amerindian village leaders, prison and probation officers, educators, and members of civil society. (DPI)
Carson Thomas
Andres Prince Reynold Hudson
Guyanese sisters bring childhood memories to life in new book series
By Faith Greene
TWO Guyanese sisters, Dr. Donna Oti (Ph.D.) and Dr. Denise Johnson (M.D.), have transformed their childhood experiences in Christianburg, Linden, into a captivating book series titled ‘Keisha and Alexis’ Grand Adventures’.
The nine-book series, inspired by their own upbringing, takes readers on an immersive journey through the culture, life-
their personalities are reflected in the book. “One of the sisters is really artistic, while the other is more interested in science,” she noted. “I am the more creative one in terms of how I experience the world, but Denise is much more curious, which often leads to scientific exploration.”
Dr. Johnson emphasised that growing up in Christianburg, they had never come across books that highlighted life in their community. “We
Johnson expressed. “A lot of times, things may seem scary, but through discovery, you can learn, accomplish, and build self-esteem.”
Dr. Oti stressed the importance of representation, noting that seeing one’s culture and identity in literature fosters confidence and belonging. “We want little kids from Christianburg to see themselves in these books,” she said. “As we move forward, we’ll
style, and scenic beauty of Linden’s Christianburg community. Currently, two books—The Big Move and Learning to Swim— are available on Amazon Kindle, with a third set to be released soon. The series is illustrated by Kahkashan Khan.
Speaking about their inspiration, the sisters revealed that the main characters, Keisha and Alexis, are based on their childhood selves. The Big Move explores the girls' transition from the bustling city of Georgetown to the quieter, rural setting of Christianburg, while Learning to Swim delves into their adventures in a new environment; one that is vastly different from their life in the capital.
Dr. Oti explained that
wanted kids to explore this culture and community that we grew up in; to open up their minds, expand their knowledge, and appreciate differences,” she said. UNIVERSAL THEMES WITH A LOCAL TOUCH
Although the books are rooted in Christianburg’s rich culture, the sisters pointed out that their themes are universal. Readers from any background can relate to the life lessons, challenges, and adventures of Keisha and Alexis.
“We are very proud Guyanese, and we want children, especially Guyanese children, to nurture their creativity, explore, and discover with an open mind,” Dr.
introduce more diverse characters, so that readers feel like part of the story; like they can be the heroes of their own stories someday.”
The Keisha and Alexis series has already received positive feedback from readers in Guyana and as far as Nigeria. Both authors are accomplished professionals in their respective fields; Dr. Oti is a journalist who has worked in Washington, D.C., and taught journalism in Nigeria, while Dr. Johnson is a physician and advocate for women’s and diverse individuals’ health needs.
The books are available on Amazon, and more information can be found on their official website.
G20: Food security is vital for peace, stability and human dignity - FAO says
FOOD security is about peace, stability, and human dignity, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, told G20 Foreign Ministers gathered in Johannesburg to discuss the global geo-
political situation.
According to the latest UN figures, 733 million people worldwide face chronic hunger, 2.3 billion are food insecure, and 2.8 billion lack access to healthy diets.
Conflict remains one of the greatest threats to food security, from
the Sahel and Haiti to Ukraine and Gaza. At the same time, the continued neglect of agri-food systems in regions vulnerable to instability accelerates economic collapse and adds to conflict.
In Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and
Sudan, for example, the degradation of agri-food systems – intensified by policy failures - has increased tensions between farmers and pastoralists competing for limited resources.
Beyond conflict and policy failures, the intensity and frequency of
extreme climate events add to the challenges. Rising temperatures and extreme weather disrupt food production, increase risks for farmers, affect disease patterns, and accelerate migration, all of which undermine efforts to end hunger by 2030.
“These challenges threaten our ability to ensure stable agri-food systems and risk deepening global inequalities,” Qu told the meeting on Thursday.
The Director-General said addressing such inequalities is critical since many weaknesses in our agri-food systems arise from unequal access to innovation, technology, natural resources, and healthy diets.
In this context of risks and uncertainties, international trade plays a critical role in global food security by ensuring food moves efficiently from surplus to deficit regions.
This is why the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) - a G20 initiative hosted by FAO since 2011 - plays a key role in enhancing market transparency and policy coordination, Qu said.
Agri-food systems sustain natural resources, livelihoods, and economic development, employing over 1.2 billion people and supporting over 3.8 billion globally.
Crucially, “food security is not just about policy - it is about peace, stability, and human dignity,” Qu said. That is why “we must act now to ensure political commitment and the necessary investment for nutritious and healthy foods for all.”
FAO’S SUPPORT
FOR THE G20
On Friday, FAO’s Director-General addressed
the second day of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting focusing on the G20 objectives for 2025.
Qu started by commending South Africa’s G20 Presidency for prioritising solidarity, equality, and sustainability, issues which he said are key to achieving the UN’s 2030 Agenda, especially SDG2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG1 (No Poverty).
The Director-General highlighted that gap increases among the poor and the rich, rural and urban areas, and women and men, have exacerbated the pressing situation of hunger and poverty “intensifying the impact of conflict, climate extremes, and economic crises.”
Qu noted that addressing the wealth gap and inequality requires more than economic development – it demands a deep transformation of global agri-food systems and rural prosperity, as outlined by the FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31.
The Director-General also reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, which was launched under the Brazilian G20 Presidency and provides a coordinated mechanism to combat hunger and inequality. Qu reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to providing all the technical assistance needed to all members of the Global Alliance.
The Director-General also reaffirmed FAO’s support to the G20, noting that efficient, effective, and coherent collaboration was key to achieving food availability, accessibility and affordability “for a peaceful and prosperous future for all.” (FAO)
West Ham win dents Arsenal title bid
ARSENAL missed the chance to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool as West Ham ended a four-match winless run with a stunning victory at Emirates Stadium.
Jarrod Bowen got the winner against a Gunners side who later had Myles Lewis-Skelly sent off.
Victory would have moved Arsenal to within five points of Arne Slot's team, who visit champions Manchester City on Sunday, but they struggled badly against a Hammers side who defended magnificently and created the better openings over the 90 minutes.
Bowen started and finished the move that led to the winner late in the first half, collecting a loose ball on the edge of his own box and feeding Aaron Wan-Bissaka before stooping low to nod the full-back's cross into the net for his 50th Premier League goal.
It was the first time Arsenal had trailed in a home Premier league game at half-time this season, but they showed no discernible improvement after the interval - despite pinning West Ham back for much of the second period.
Leandro Trossard had a low shot saved by the feet of Alphonse Areola, but the Gunners' hopes of a route back into the contest were dealt a major blow when Lewis-Skelly was sent off
for a professional foul on Mohammed Kudus near the halfway line.
Referee Craig Pawson initially cautioned the 18-year-old for dragging Kudus to the floor, but the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled that Lewis-Skelly had denied the Ghanaian a clear goalscoring opportunity and the yellow card was upgraded to a red.
West Ham held on comfortably in the end to move 13 points clear of the bottom three and level with Manchester United in 15th - although they stay 16th because of their inferior goal difference.
Toothless Gunners dealt major blow
Liverpool now have the opportunity to move 11 points clear of the Gunners at Etihad Stadium on Sunday - although Slot's team will have played a game more than their closest challengers at the end of the weekend's action.
After scoring twice as a substitute at Leicester City last weekend, Mikel Merino was handed a starting berth in the hosts' attack alongside
The Spain international was lively in the early stages but unable to get on the end of an outswinging Thomas Partey cross towards the back post, before sending a left-footed effort high over the bar from a tight angle.
Riccardo Calafiori registered Arsenal's only shot on target before the interval, sending a fierce effort straight at goalkeeper Areola from the edge of the area, before Bowen displayed the ruthless edge the home side were lacking all afternoon.
The tension was palpable around Emirates Stadium even before Bowen's goal, and the home fans' anxiety soon turned into frustration in the second half as clear-cut openings remained few and far between.
Mikel Arteta's team committed everyone forward late on but Ben White - making his first appearance in more than three months - sent a fierce effort narrowly wide of the far post as Arsenal ended the game with only two shots on target.
The Gunners travel to high-flying Nottingham For-
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Sunday February 23, 2025)
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Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Will Young (NZ)
(2) Shaheen Shah Afridi (PAK) Today’s Quiz:
(1) What was the result of the second game of Champions Trophy 2025 (BANG vs IND)?
(2) Who was voted Man of the Match? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
est on Wednesday, while Liverpool welcome Newcastle to Anfield that same night.
Potter delivers another Emirates masterclass
Like Arsenal, Graham Potter's team are currently short of attacking options after Lucas Paqueta joined Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville and Michail Antonio in the treatment room in midweek.
However, they carried the greater attacking threat in the first half before keeping their opponents at bay in the second to end the Gunners'
15-match unbeaten Premier League run.
The Hammers, who trailed 4-0 after 36 minutes in the reverse fixture at London Stadium in November, could have taken the lead before Bowen's strike as Tomas Soucek twice headed over from a central position and Bowen sidefooted wide from Wan-Bissaka's pass.
Bowen was inches away from getting on the end of Aaron Cresswell's low delivery early in the second half, while Kudus' pace on the break could have led to further joy for the visiting fans late in the contest.
Kudus was denied a clear sight of goal by Lewis-Skelly's desperate foul, while the Ghanaian and second-half substitute Evan Ferguson should have done better from a counter-attack which ended with the Irishman turning into traffic.
The victory means Potter has won four of his five games against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium - only Pep Guardiola (eight) and Jurgen Klopp (six) have won more there as a visiting manager. (BBC Sport)
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Jarrod Bowen’s first-half effort was his seventh Premier League goal of the campaign
Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri.
Curry makes history as Warriors beat Kings
STEPHEN Curry became the first Golden State Warriors player in NBA history to reach 700 20-point career games after helping his side to a 132-108 win against the Sacramento Kings.
Curry was one of four players to get 20 points or more, with Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody combining for 43 while Buddy Hield had 22.
The win moved the Warriors above the Kings in the Western Conference standings into ninth.
Curry's tally of 20 meant he also tied with NBA leg-
end Michael Jordan for the most games with 20 or more points by a guard after turning 35.
Western Conference leaders the Oklahoma City Thunder returned from the All-Star break to beat the Utah Jazz 130-107 in Salt Lake City.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 points and Chet Holmgren got 20 as Thunder grabbed their eighth win in nine outings.
Elsewhere, the Cleveland Cavaliers claimed a dominant 142-106 victory over the New York Knicks to tighten their grip on the
Henry’s
Eastern Conference.
The Cavs have won 46 of their 56 games so far.
The Milwaukee Bucks edged the Washington Wizards 104-101, with Brook Lopez claiming 18 points and nine rebounds.
The Miami Heat won 120-111 at the Toronto Raptors to end a four-game losing streak, the Detroit Pistons beat the San Antonio Spurs 125-110, the Dallas Mavericks saw off the New Orleans Pelicans 111-103 and the Houston Rockets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 121-115.
(BBC Sport)
historic half century carries Warriorz to victory over Capitals
BENGALURU, India, (CMC) – West Indies all-rounder Chinelle Henry continued her impressive start in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) by blasting a boundary-studded half century to lead the UP Warriorz Women to a 33-run win over the Delhi Capitals Women on Saturday. With her team in dire
trouble at 109 for seven in the 16th over, Henry clobbered 62 off just 23 balls, laced with eight sixes and two fours, to get them up to 177 for nine from their 20 overs.
Henry reached her half century from 18 balls, the joint-fastest half century in WPL history, tied with Sophia Dunkley’s effort for Gujarat Giants against
Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the inaugural edition of the league.
Pacer Jess Jonassen was the Capital’s best bowler with 4-31, while Marizanne Kapp and Arundhati Reddy took two wickets apiece.
Henry then returned to grab one wicket, while Grace Harris picked up 4-15 and Kranti Goud snagged 4-25 to bowl the Capi-
tals out for 144 in 19.3 overs.
Jemimah Rodrigues topscored with 56 from 35 balls and Shafali Verma hit 24 from 30 balls in an otherwise disappointing batting display by the Capitals. It was the UP Warriorz’ first victory in the tournament in three outings while the Capitals’ record fell to 2-2.
THE country’s representatives at the ongoing Pan American Cup
2025 Shemar Britton and Olympian Chelsea Edghill have both bowed out at the round of 32 level after competing on Friday in the International Table Tennis Federation competition being held in San Francisco, USA. Shemar Britton, playing on Friday evening, lost a difficult clash in the round 32, when he came up against USA’s Nandon
Naresh at the International Table Tennis Federation Pan American Cup 2025. He lost the first set 11-5 but bounce back stronger to narrowly lose the second set 11-9 as he put in a tremendous effort. Britton made a greater effort in the third but still missed out. Losing narrowly 12-10, he would show resolve to force a fifth set to stay in the games by winning the fourth 11-9 but could not hold on any longer losing the fifth set 11-7 to surrender the match 4-1.
Britton gave a breakdown of the encounter after the clash, “It was a very tough outing against Nandan Naresh from the USA, I didn’t start particularly well but as the match went on I started playing better and better, at a crucial stage he outplayed me a little bit and that swayed the match in his favour but in the grand scheme of things, it’s not a bad start to the season to get some high qualify matches under belt, looking forward to a good year
and playing at this level so earlier in the year should bode well for upcoming competition.”
Meanwhile, the event sponsored by JP Morgan saw the national champion Chelsea Edghill battling hard in a tough matchup, earlier on Friday, her first competition for the year after a training stint in Cuba.
Olympian Chelsea Edghill lost her round of 32 clash to Ecuador’s Angelica Arellano 4 sets to 1. Edghill lost the opening two sets but settle
down found her rhythm to win the third but struggled to lose the last two sets and the match 4-1.
Unless either player gets a bye to the round of 16, they will not advance to the next round.
The players will earn ITTF ranking points and have the opportunity to claim US $20,000 in prize money for reaching the semifinals in the Singles category and will be awarded entry into the ITTF Singles World Cup in China this year.
Stephen Curry is the 21st player in NBA history to reach 700 20-point career games
Chinelle Henry on the go during her knock of 62 for the UP Warriorz Women in the Women’s Premier League
T&T, Haiti start Concacaf U-20 Women’s Qualifiers on a high
…Guyana and Belize play to goalless draw
CARIBBEAN
representatives Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti were among the teams that kicked off their Concacaf Under-20 Women’s Qualifying campaigns with contrasting victories, setting the tone for their respective groups.
Across the tournament’s three groups in action on Friday, 39 goals were scored as teams began their quest for a place in the Concacaf U-20 Women’s Championship and, ultimately, the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Host nation Trinidad and Tobago secured a 3-0
victory over Bermuda in Group E action at Ato Boldon Stadium.
After a goalless first half, Orielle Martin broke the deadlock in the 66th minute before Maddison Campbell doubled the lead with a long-range free kick in the 78th. Martin then converted from the penalty spot in stoppage time to seal her brace and Trinidad and Tobago’s first win of the campaign.
Jadea Collin (11th, 76th), Chinonyerem Chukwu (37th, 45+3), Sienna Gibson (9th), Ava Greco (36th), and Iba Oching (73rd) got the others.
Antigua and Barbuda took a surprise lead in the ninth minute through Iressiea Allen, but Haiti responded with goals from Ella Etienne (17th), Dominique Desert (31st), and Dalanchy Pierre (52nd) to claim maximum points.
Earlier in the other Group A opener, Guyana and Belize played out a goalless stalemate.
Over in Group C action at Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez, Panama blanked Cuba 2-0 courtesy of goals from Sherline King (31st) and Alison Onodera (90+3).
In the feature contest,
Seon Bristol appointed manager of Guyana team at Caribbean Boxing Championship
With just under a week remaining until the return of the Caribbean Boxing Championship, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has appointed Seon Bristol as manager of the national team set to compete in St. Lucia from February 27 to March 3.
Bristol, the GBA’s Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, is also the nephew of former Commonwealth middleweight champion Kenny Bristol.
Returning after a fouryear hiatus, the Caribbean Boxing Championship remains the region’s premier amateur boxing showcase.
With a rich history of success, Guyana last captured the overall championship title in 2018 on home soil and delivered a strong performance in Trinidad and Tobago the following year. Now, the nation is de-
GBA’s Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Seon Bristol
termined to reclaim its dominance.
Spearheading the squad is Olympian and threetime Caribbean champion Keevin Allicock (57kg), who remains unbeaten in the tournament.
He is joined by Sharquain James (67kg), Travis Inverary (71kg), Emanuel Pompey (92kg) and Aluko Bess (86kg).
Part of the action in Friday’s play
Heavyweight standouts
Abiola Jackman (80+kg) and Zidnan Wray (91kg) will also be part of the list of boxers heading to St. Lucia, along with South American Games bronze medallist Desmond Amsterdam (75kg).
Guyana’s rising stars will also be in action, with Junior division fighters Ken Harvey (57-60kg), Keyon Britton (48-50kg), and Lennox Lawrence (5457kg) looking to make their mark.
Youth prospects, including Tofina Barker (54kg) and Simeon Haymer (63-66kg), will also aim to shine on the regional stage.
The squad will be guided by an experienced coaching team including National Coach Lennox Daniels, acclaimed Cuban trainer Francisco Roldan, Clifton Moore and Jeff Roberts.
host Dominican Republic registered an 8-0 win over Bonaire. They were led by Renata Mercedes (3rd, 54th, 58th) and Jeanery Diaz (49th, 51st), while Ava Barker (23rd), Sophia Espinal (46th), and Jaylen Vallecillo (72nd) also got in on the act.
T&T
The six group winners will advance to the Conca-
caf U-20 Women’s Championship, where they will compete for one of four spots in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. (Sportsmax)
Women confident ahead of CG United Super50 Cup opener
Trinidad and Tobago women’s cricket team head coach Merissa Aguilleira and captain Karishma Ramharack are brimming with optimism as they set their sights on claiming top honours in the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup.
The tournament, which bowls off tomorrow in St Kitts and Nevis, will see Trinidad and Tobago open their campaign against reigning champions Jamaica at Warner Park.
Ramharack—who is captaining the team in the 50-over regional tournament for the first time—the opportunity is both an honour and a challenge.
“It is a great honour, and I’ll do my best to take full responsibility for the team and try my best to lead them to victory,” Ramharack declared as she reflected on the weight of her leadership role.
Despite the challenges ahead, the West Indies off-spinning all-rounder is confident in her squad’s preparation and ability to challenge for the title.
“We’ve had really good sessions together both on and off the field, and I feel like the girls are in a really good space. We have what it takes to win this tournament. But anybody could show up on any day, so we don’t want to underestimate any team,” she said.
Meanwhile, Aguilleira—a
former Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies women’s captain— echoed her captain’s sentiments, as she too expressed confidence in her squad despite wishing for more preparation time ahead of the tournament.
“I wish we had more time, but I am well pleased with what we have seen from the players. We’ve focused heavily on fitness, which was a priority for us, ensuring the players can sustain themselves for the full 50 overs,” Aguilleira shared.
That said, Aguilleira pointed to the need for players to execute their roles efficiently in all departments of the game as they seek to maximise on the points on offer.
“The girls have been doing
really well in terms of understanding their roles, and we’re focusing on the bonus points, which will be important for us in the regional competition,” she explained.
“I think the players are in a really good space, and I am happy with what I am seeing. I am grateful for where we are at this point,” Aguilleira added.
Trinidad & Tobago Women's Team: Karishma Ramharack (captain), Kirbyina Alexander, Britney Cooper,
Caneisha Isaac, Djenaba Joseph, Ameila Khan, Lee Ann Kirby, Anisa Mohammed, Nadia Mohammed, Kamara Ragoobar, Amrita Ramtahal, Samara Ramnath, Shunelle Sawh, Steffie Soogrim. (Sportsmax).
T&T new Women’s captain Karishma Ramharack
Albion Cricket Club’s 2024 Awards: Deputy Commissioner Budhram inspires young cricketers with motivational address
Deputy Commissioner 'Administration' Mr. Ravindradat Budhram took time out of his busy schedule on Friday evening to attend the Albion Cricket Club's 2024 Awards Ceremony, held at the Albion Community Centre, East Corentyne, Berbice.
As a proud protégé of the Albion Cricket Club, Deputy Commissioner Budhram delivered the feature address, highlighting
the importance of discipline, determination, and dedication. He also emphasized the need for young athletes to strike a balance between academics and sports to ensure holistic development. The event recognized several outstanding cricketers, including Guyana Amazon Warriors star Gudakesh Motie, who was named Albion Cricketer of the Year. Other notable awardees included Verasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo,
Sewnarine Chattergoon, Jonathan Foo, and several promising young talents, all of whom have made significant contributions to the club and the sport.
President of the Albion Cricket Club, Mr. Vemen Walter, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Deputy Commissioner Budhram for his presence and inspiring words. He commended Budhram for his continuous contributions to the club and the sport, particularly for motivating young cricketers to follow in his footsteps.
Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Mr. Ravindradat Budhram hands over the 2024 cricketer of the year award for Albion to Guyana Amazon Warriors star Gudakesh Motie who is performing well for the West Indies and Guyana. The event was held at the Albion Community Centre, East Corentyne, Berbice
The evening served as a celebration of cricketing excellence and a reminder of the club’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of players.
GCA Mayor’s Cup 100 Overs U-17 tournament
Apple, Lewis, Seecharran and Outar highlight third round action
By Sean Devers
Sharmar Apple continued his purple patch with a shot-filled 121 while Emmuel Lewis made 91, Lomar Seecharran scored 90 and Munish Outar grabbed 5-25 to highlight the third round of the GCA Mayor’s Cup 100 Overs U-17 tournament yesterday.
At the Transport Sport Club (TSC) Apple followed up his unbeaten 151 and 68 with a shot-filled 121 from 63 balls decorated with nine fours and 10 sixes.
Apple who been in sublime form, added 165 for the first wicket with Javed Glasgow whose 53 lasted 33 balls; striking three fours and four sixes.
Lewis hit a quick fire 91 from 56 balls with nine fours and four sixes while Dave Mohabir hit three fours and four sixes as TSC amassed 350-6 in 40 overs.
Francis Guhroo had 3-72 while Nicholas Lovell took 2-35 for
Shamar Apple followed up a century and a fifty with 121 yesterday at TSC
Malteenoes who slumped to 52 all out in 24 overs.
Mohabir returned with the ball to take 3-7 and got support from Reyad Latif who had 3-8 as the home team won by 298 runs.
At Everest, the hosts were dismantled for 27 in 11.4 overs as Dhanesh Persaud captured 4-1, Ravindra Singh had 3-3 and Nathaniel Sucknanan snatchedt 3-7 for GCC
Emmauel Lewis made 91 for TSC yesterday Lomar Seecharran made 90 for DCC
who reached 28 without loss in 8.1 overs in match which all over on a sunny day just after 11 am. Kush Seegobin 10 and Shaid Ramzan 15 who retired with cramps, scored the runs as GCC won by 10 wickets.
At the Queen’s College ground, DCC, led by Seecharran’s 90 from 121 balls with 13 fours and four sixes and Nathan
Bishop (27) as DCC were dismissed for 229 in 52.5 overs.
Outar captured the day’s only 5-wicket haul finishing with 5-25.
Jonathan Viera (3-66) and Antonio Chan (2-29) were the main wicket-takers for Bel Air Rubis who were bowled out for 100.
Outar’s 20 was the score above 15 as Kaylon Callender had 3-2 and
Quacy Wilkinson took 2-9.
This is a developmental tournament with the aim off batting ‘long’ and capturing batting and bowling points and it was disappointed to see a day blessed with brilliant sunshine with the availability of the Everest ground that more cricket was not played. Coaches of most of the teams complained about the format while the City Mayor Alfred Mentore who is a former Guyana U-19 player, expressed disappointment that the available time was not better utilised since the goal of the tournament is to develop the temperament play an entire day and earn as much points as possible (bowling and batting).
Bassarath: We have done enough to gain re-election
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) vice-president Azim Bassarath strongly believes that both he and president Dr Kishore Shallow have done more than enough to garner the support of the territorial boards at the upcoming elections.
While neither Bassarath nor Dr Shallow has confirmed whether they will seek re-election, Wednesday is the deadline for nominations ahead of the March 29 elec-
tions at CWI’s headquarters in Antigua.
Speaking during a recent interview on I95.5 FM, Bassarath said the track record of the current administration spoke for itself.
He said if he and Dr Shallow contest the elections, he was confident they would be victorious whether or not they were challengers.
They would be both be seeking their second terms after being elected on March 25, 2023.
“Well, anything can
happen between now and Wednesday. Yes, people maybe want to serve and there is nothing wrong with people putting up their name. It is a democratic organisation.
“I don’t foresee challengers, but if they are challengers and if we decide to put up our names, it doesn’t matter to us really if challengers do come forward,” Bassarath said.
“I think that if I and Dr Shallow, if we decide to go then both of us are going to be victorious at the polls.”
Bassarath maintained both he and Dr Shallow had accomplished much during their two-years in office.
“It is there to be seen. When we took over in 2023, we were languishing in about eighth or ninth in the T20 rankings and we have moved up and at one stage we were third on the ICC ratings and now we are fourth in the T20.
“…The ODIs we did pretty well. We would not have won as much series as we would have liked, and in the Tests we would
have drawn the last series against Pakistan, drawn the series with Bangladesh and in 2023 when we played against England we
would have won that series, so I think we would have done pretty well in the Test match arena,” Bassarath said.
Dehring says CWI must adapt to repel threat posed by T20 leagues
CRICKET
West Indies
(CWI) chief executive officer Chris Dehring has acknowledged the growing challenge posed by global T20 franchise leagues but insists that a balance must be struck to safeguard the future of West Indies cricket.
While not condemning the rise of private investment in the game, Dehring pointed out that the increasing number of leagues has created difficulties for the regional team, particularly with players prioritising lucrative contracts over international duty.
On that note, he argued that the franchise leagues have significantly altered the cricketing landscape.
“I don’t condemn all this private investment and all
these leagues popping up around the world, because it kind of solves one of the challenges. It creates other challenges... for the West Indies team and future West Indies teams, but it’s not something that I look down on or am afraid of,” Dehring said on the Mason and Guest cricket radio show.
“We just have to find the right way to ride those waves—to get more infrastructure, to get more national resources going into the sport at the territorial board level; to get more and more exposed people working in cricket at the different levels. You have to create a pipeline,” he added.
Dehring pointed out that a scenario in which players no longer needed Cricket West Indies to earn a liv-
ing was serious, but in the same breath, added that West Indies cricket could learn from the international club football model.
“Where you have private
investment coming into the sport, doing all that development work, and basically, the English FA basically has to pick the players off at the end,” he opined.
Dehring believes that the issue extends beyond CWI and requires intervention from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“It is seriously under discussion whether the ICC should try and own the international calendar, create windows in which only international cricket can be played, etc.”
“It’s an evolving process. We have to be part of that discussion knowing our particular vulnerability, because we don’t simply have the commercial resources to retain players and pay players the way India or an England
might be able to. But... even England, with their resources, are coming under pressure... Collectively, cricket has to solve this problem,” Dehring stated.
On the financial front, Dehring explained that CWI is positioning itself as a commercially attractive entity.
“We have a commercial area that we are going to utilise to continue to push West Indies cricket as a platform for commercial activity,” Dehring shared.
“We’re not asking for corporate support; we have to put together the kind of sponsorship packages... that will allow companies or encourage companies across the Caribbean and internationally to use West Indies cricket as a platform,” he noted.
According to Dehring, while CWI is paying its bills, he believes it should be more sizeable.
“We’re paying our bills, but our bills should be much bigger. We should have much more developmental expenditure,” he declared.
Finally, Dehring, though admitting that CWI cannot compete financially with powerhouse cricketing nations like India, pointed to the importance of maximising the Caribbean’s natural sporting talent.
“What they (India) don’t have is our high athletic quotient... What we need to do is maximise it, making sure we get the best of the athletes that are coming into the system,” he ended. (Sportsmax)
PCB writes to ICC after Pakistan’s name omitted from logo in India vs Bangladesh broadcast
..The ICC is believed to have informally told PCB it was an early technical error, the explanation, however, has left PCB dissatisfied
The PCB has asked for an explanation from ICC over the omission of Pakistan's name in the Champions Trophy branding during the live broadcast of last Thursday's match between India and Bangladesh in Dubai.
The logo in the top left corner of the broadcast carried the event nameChampions Trophy 2025 - but not the name of Pakistan, the hosts, for the entirety of the match, which
India won by six wickets. This was a departure from the broadcast graphics for the other matches of the tournament so far including the tournament opener between Pakistan played New Zealand in Karachi where the event name, as well as Pakistan's name was visible on the broadcast.
It was also visible for Friday’s game between Afghanistan and South Africa in Karachi. PCB is
understood to be aggrieved at the situation and asked for assurances it will not happen again.
While the ICC is believed to have informally told PCB it was an early technical error, the explanation has left PCB dissatisfied. Graphics are prepared by the ICC and provided to the live feed, produced by UK-based Sunset & Vine under ICC's supervision, well in advance; that Pakistan's
name was on the logo for the opening game of the tournament has left PCB unconvinced over why the issue arose for the game between Bangladesh and India.
The ICC maintains the incident occurred due to a technical glitch and has clarified this is not an issue that will affect any future games, regardless of whether they are played in Pakistan or the UAE. The next game in the UAE will
also be the tournament's most followed, with India taking on the official hosts Pakistan in Dubai today.
The issue over where the tournament takes place became contentious in the months leading up to the tournament, with Pakistan demanding they host every game, since the ICC had awarded them rights to the whole tournament.
The BCCI informed the PCB the Indian government did not permit
them to play in Pakistan, and insisted on a neutral venue for India's matches. Ultimately a deal was struck that guarantees India will not need to play in Pakistan, including if they reach the final. As a reciprocal arrangement, Pakistan will not travel to India for any ICC events for the next three years, with their games agreed to be played at neutral venues.
(ESPN Cricinfo)
CWI president Dr Kishore Shallow (left) and vice-president Azim Bassarath
Chris Dehring
President Ali to replace Rowley as head of CARICOM subcommittee on cricket
BRIDGETOWN,
Barbados, (CMC)
– President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali has been selected to replace Dr Keith Rowley as the new chairman of the CARICOM subcommittee on cricket.
The announcement was made by outgoing chairman Dr Rowley on Friday during the final day of the 48th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Barbados.
Dr Rowley revealed it would be his final CARICOM meeting and said Dr Ali had been selected as the new chairman.
“…This is the end of my tenure as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and my last meeting at CARICOM.
“Today I handed over to the plenary selected, or agreed to select, my colleague… my colleague from Guyana, who is an eminent cricketer, as you know, President Dr Irfaan Ali to now take the chairmanship of the subcommittee on cricket,” Dr Rowley said.
“We maintain our interest in the potential for West Indies cricket to remain at the high level internationally and the preservation of our legacy and the heads of government should continue to be interested in what goes on in West Indies cricket and assist wherever we can.”
Dr Rowley said West Indies cricket had been discussed during the three-day
meeting, although not in great detail.
He said this was due to the fact that progress had been made in some areas following talks in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.
“In recent times, we have not been having heads of government meetings without having a component from West Indies cricket,” Dr Rowley said.
“We did have some discussion, not too much detail, because we have done some work before in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, and we’ve seen some results. Some progress has been made and are being made.”
Josh Inglis 120* seals record win for Australia
…Duckett’s ton went in vain as Inglis countered by pummelling a lacklustre England
BEN Duckett provided the ruthlessness England so desperately craved with a record knock of 165. But his heroics went in vain as Josh Inglis countered by pummelling a lacklustre England pace attack and powering Australia to the highest successful chase in men's ICC tournament history.
The first match at an ICC event in Lahore since March 1996 saw batting completely dominate this Champions Trophy blockbuster with little margin for error for the bowlers on such a benign surface.
(Scores: Australia 356 for 5 (Inglis 120*, Carey 69, Short 63, Rashid 1-47) beat England 351 for 8 (Duckett 165, Root 68, Dwarshuis 3-66, Labuschagne 2-41, Zampa 2-64) by five wickets)
With a mixture of inventive strokes and meaty backfoot blows, England-born Inglis hit his maiden ODI century to finish unbeaten on 120 from 86 balls as Australia reached the target of 352 with relative ease in the 48th over.
England's bowlers struggled to handle the dew under lights, with Australia achieving their second-highest successful ODI chase after their 359 for 6 against India in Mohali in 2019.
It was a bitter disappointment for England, who now face mustwin games against Afghanistan and South Africa. They ultimately will rue falling a little bit short with the bat, but Duckett's magnificent 165 off 143 was the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history. He received strong support from
Joe Root, who made a crisp 68 in a third-wicket partnership of 158.
Even though no other batter scored more than 25 runs, England still compiled the highest-ever total in the tournament and took full toll on the least experienced Australian attack at an ICC ODI event since 1983.
They were without frontline quicks Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, while seam-bowling allrounders Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis are also missing.
However, the result was not a fait accompli on this flat surface, with Australia boasting a deep batting line-up. Australia's innings mirrored England's with two early wickets after Travis Head and stand-in captain Steven Smith fell in the powerplay.
Having blazed an unforgettable century the last time he was sighted at a 50-over ICC event, Head loomed as the key but on 6 his swipe hit the toe-end of the bat and Jofra Archer held a sharp return catch.
Smith could only edge to slip a hard-length delivery from speedster Mark Wood, who was in great rhythm and consistently hitting speeds of 150 kph. But Matthew Short and Marnus Labuschagne rallied with a 95-run stand as they took a particular liking to wayward quick Brydon Carse.
Short overcame a lean run of form by superbly using the pace of England's quicks but legspinner Adil Rashid bowled a brilliant spell in combination with Liam Livingstone that squeezed the batters.
A frustrated Labuschagne hit a slow 70 kph legbreak from Rashid straight to cover before Short on 63 offered a return catch to Livingstone as Australia slumped to 136 for 4.
But Rashid was taken out of the attack after his six-over spell, allowing Inglis and Alex Carey to settle. The pair showcased their strong form having each scored counterattacking Test centuries against Sri Lanka as they got on top of a struggling England pace attack.
Carey sheepishly celebrated his half-century after hitting Rashid straight to deep midwicket only for Archer to drop a sitter. Inglis then whacked Archer for consecutive boundaries as the wheels started to come off for England.
Glenn Maxwell was unstoppable before Inglis fittingly sealed victory with a six in a terrific victory for World Cup champions Australia, whose title hopes ahead of the tournament had largely been written off.
Smith elected to bowl after being swayed that dew would play a factor under lights as Australia stepped onto the field at an ICC event without their big three quicks for the first time in nine years.
Australia's considerably weakened attack was under immediate pressure on a road of a pitch. There was no Starc, but Australia were not short on aggressive left-arm quicks with Spencer Johnson, whose trademark golden locks had been shorn off, and Ben Dwarshuis handed the new ball.
Dwarshuis was selected ahead
of Sean Abbott, who had played in both of Australia's ODI games in Sri Lanka, for match-up reasons although his two early wickets were mostly due to rash strokes.
England's reshuffled batting line-up didn't go to plan initially.
In a common bane for them, they went a bit hard early with Phil Salt falling in the second over after falling to clear the on-side as a high-flying Carey plucked a one-handed blinder of a catch to his right.
It was a spectacular first-ever ODI catch for Carey as an outfielder and helped justify the decision for Inglis, the incumbent white-ball wicketkeeper, to retain the gloves.
All eyes were on Jamie Smith, who batted at No. 3 for the first time in international cricket - and only the second time in his List A career - in a decision that forced Root, Harry Brook and Jos Buttler to shift down from their usual positions.
Smith stroked a couple of gor-
geous cover drives, before falling tamely to the on-side where Carey took a far easier catch on this occasion.
England did not envision being 43 for 2, but they recovered quickly as Duckett and Root cashed in on errant bowling from Johnson and Dwarshuis. Duckett had started relatively slowly, but blasted a boundary off the last delivery of the powerplay as England moved to 73 for 2.
Smith reverted to spin after the restrictions were eased but there was little turn on offer as Duckett and Root easily rotated the strike. Smith was fairly conservative with his tactics and deployed four sweepers.
Duckett showcased his improved prowess of hitting down the ground by targeting Maxwell straight and he reached his half-century in style with a horizontal bat shot off Johnson.
Root was making it look easy, not fussed about hitting boundaries
pace attack
but smartly working the gaps to reach his half-century off 56 balls. He had a perfect opportunity to end a long ODI century drought stretching to the 2019 World Cup as England eyed a total in the high 300s.
But Root got tied down by legspinner Adam Zampa, was in the midst of a good spell, and missed a rare attempted sweep to fall in a tight lbw after an unsuccessful review. Australia fought back through Zampa, whose subtle variations proved effective and accounted for Brook with Carey taking another terrific catch after a diving effort running backward at point.
Seamer Nathan Ellis also utilised his noted defensive skills and conceded just 51 runs off his 10 overs - the only bowler with an economy of under six.
England feared letting slip a great platform just like they did against Australia at Trent Bridge last September. But Duckett held things together and blasted consecutive boundaries off Johnson to reach his third ODI century.
He punched the air in celebration, but did not waver in his concentration despite being clearly fatigued. Duckett's brilliant innings finally ended in the 48th over when he was trapped lbw by the legspin of Labuschagne, who was preferred over Johnson at the death and finished with 2 for 41 off five overs.
Archer hit a flurry at the death, but his mood soured later in the night. (ESPN Cricinfo)
Dr Irfaan Ali is the new chairman of the CARICOM subcommittee on cricket
Josh Inglis and Alex Carey put up a solid stand