–– President Ali tells massive crowd at Leonora outreach, highlights gov’t interventions and policies to better citizens’
Thousands of parents across the country collected their education grant on Monday when distribution began. Many more will collect theirs throughout the week in keeping with the schedule that was released by the Ministry of Education
to establish joint marketing entity –– to penetrate international market, increase competitiveness Gov’t places highest level of priority on ensuring young Guyanese realise their full potential
Dr. Singh emphasises, says $26.9B in cash grants distributed to schoolchildren since 2021
Norton insists resignation will not affect party’s upcoming congress –– says will not continue to be ‘rubberstamp’
Over 27,000 parents have already received education grant
MORE than 27,000 parents across the nation have already uplifted their ‘Because We Care’ cash grant and the uniform assistance and according to education officials, there were no hiccups in the distribution process.
According to Education Minister Priya Manickchand, 4,062 envelopes were issued to parents on the East Bank of Demerara, which totals some $182,790,000 that is now in the hands of families.
Meanwhile, 13,515 envelopes were distributed to those parents residing in Georgetown, amounting to $608,175,000, while 7,927 envelopes valued $356,715,000 were handed over to parents in Berbice.
Further, in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) 1,868 envelopes were distributed to parents,
totalling $84,060,000 in total while a total of $60 million was distributed in Port Kaituma. While the distribution of the cash grants was
being done, Minister Manickchand and a number of other government officials were present at numerous schools across the nation to see the process firsthand.
According to the information reaching this publication, the day went as planned and the distribution process went very smoothly.
This year, the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant has been increased to $40,000, coupled with the $5,000 uniform allowance, plac-
ing over $9 billion into the pockets of many parents.
Last year, a total of 201,281 public and private school students benefitted from the initiative, which saw some $8.1 billion being expended.
The undertaking fits into the PPP/C government’s promise to provide financial support to families, improve attendance, and promote better attentiveness at school.
Notably, the education sector’s budget significantly increased, from 51 billion dollars in 2020 to 135 billion dollars in the current year, marking a substantial increase of about 162 per cent.
This funding has enabled a series of improvements in the sector, including infrastructural development and the erection of several stateof-the-art education facilities across Guyana.
10 to be sworn in as Puisne Judges tomorrow
THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has selected 10 persons to serve as Puisne Judges and they will take the oath of office before President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday, at 15:00hrs.
In a notice issued on Monday, the JSC said that those selected following the interviewing process are: Nicola Pierre, Joy Persaud-Singh, Hessaun Yasin, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, Deborah Kumar-Chetty, Nigel Niles, Peter Hugh, Priscilla Chandra-Hanif, Jacqueline Josiah-Graham and Zamilla Ally-Seepaul.
According to the JSC, in response to advertisements for the filling of vacancies for Puisne Judges, 37 persons applied to fill the posts.
They were all interviewed and the aforementioned persons were selected
Education Minister Priya Manickchand addressing some of the parents who collected their education grant on Monday
Nicola Pierre Joy Persaud-Singh Hessaun Yasin Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus
Deborah Kumar-Chetty
Nigel Niles
Peter Hugh Priscilla Chandra-Hanif
Jacqueline Josiah-Graham Zamilla Ally-Seepaul
‘We will stand with you’
President Ali tells massive crowd at Leonora outreach, highlights gov’t
–– blasts opposition for racism ‘tactics’
By Naomi Parris
BLASTING the opposition for failed promises and racist tactics, President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday affirmed the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government’s commitment to serving all Guyanese.
The Head of State during a community engagement at his Leonora, Region Three residence, said the hallmark of the PPP government stands on fulfilling its mandate to the people.
“The PPP has always been a party that is national in nature. We don’t see colour, we don’t see religion, we don’t see ethnicity. We see Guyana; we see Guyanese and we have always worked in the interest of Guyanese,” President Ali President said in his address.
Contrary to the narrative that is being painted by the Peoples National Congress (PNC) opposition, President Ali highlighted that his government has been working consistently in several communities across the country, delivering various projects to enhance the lives of Guyanese.
“They tried some tactics… they said this government will only work for PPP and PPP supporters and PPP areas. That was the first thing they said and they couldn’t believe it when we
started to work in every single community, in every area when we started to deliver projects on projects.
“They jumped on the next bandwagon, race; black, white, orange, pink, green. Now when they look at the PPP congress and they look at the crowds we’re getting,
they realise they can’t stand on the band of race. We are breaking their backs,” he added.
He stressed that the PPP government does not believe in racial barriers but rather in working for the all Guyanese.
As such, he highlighted
interventions and policies to better citizens’ lives
a number of policies that the government has outlined to support livelihoods of Guyanese.
“We have placed back in the pockets of the children of this region, 3.4 billion [dollars]. If this government was not in place, your children would have never gotten that 3.4 billion that we put back in their pockets.”
The government, he noted, is spending almost $400 billion on the school grant to ensure that all institutions are fully equipped.
In 2024 alone, the government has constructed new schools in Canal Number One, Bagotstown, Parfaite Harmonie, Nismes and Vreed-en-Hoop.
Meanwhile, several other nursery, primary and second-
ary schools across the region were rehabilitated. In addition to this, some $390 million was spent on text books for learners in the region.
President Ali further highlighted that the government is spending more than $6 billion on new schools and the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing schools across the region.
“Every single school we are touching, rehabilitating, maintaining. This is what your government, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic government is doing,” he said.
Additionally, to enhance the region’s infrastructure, the government is spending $31 billion on community roads.
This, according to him,
CARICOM distillers
will see residents building their household wealth.
Further, he noted that while the government is building massive throughfares, residents could look forward to seeing another 20,000 house lots being allocated in the West Bank Demerara area.
The region, he added, is abuzz with economic activity and residents can look forward to seeing massive opportunities being unlocked with the new power plant, an industrial plant, manufacturing plant and a new port facility.
“When we look at the growth rate and did a comparative analysis …you will see the speed at which this region is growing,” the President said.
urged to establish joint marketing entity –– to penetrate international market, increase competitiveness
By Naomi Parris
PRESIDENT Dr, Irfaan Ali on Monday urged regional distillers to form a collective mechanism to establish a marketing entity that could penetrate international markets.
The Guyanese Head
of State who is also the current chairperson of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) touted the initiative at the handing over of the Demerara Distillers Limited’s (DDL) Rum Blend on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of CARICOM.
“One of the things I believe that the CARICOM distillers should do in celebration of their own integration in this 50th year is to come together to find ways in which collectively we can penetrate a regional brand carrying all our products in the interna -
tional market,” President Ali said.
He stressed that the establishment of single marketing platform could improve the competitiveness of regional distillers.
“If we have one marketing cooperation, or
President Ali addressing residents during a community outreach at his Leonora home
Scores of residents attended the outreach which was lead by President Ali on Monday (Office of the President photos)
‘You can’t pay $4,800 and walk away with a whole political party’
–– Duncan
AS the Alliance For Change (AFC) continues its attempt to cling onto political existence, the party’s dwindling membership has started its internal ‘mud-slinging’ ahead of the national conference.
This time, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Sherod Duncan, has indirectly taken some jabs at his opponent, Attorney-at-Law and former AFC Chairman, Nigel Hughes.
Duncan stated that persons cannot resurrect and participate only when the party has its national conference. He emphasised need for consistency.
The current AFC General Secretary, during an online broadcast titled ‘Road to AFC National Conference 2024’, noted: “I want to see us elect people that have this party at heart. I’ve seen some people only come live around
says; indirectly takes jabs at opponent ahead of AFC’s national conference
national conference time.”
He said that he would like persons to offer themselves up to leadership as long as they can commit themselves to being active members and do not only become visible during party’s national conference.
Further, persons must be committed to building the party not just in areas that have the “limelight,” he added.
Duncan then went on to say: “Nobody should be able to come and pay $4,800 and walk away with a whole political party.”
Earlier this month, the party held its Nomination Day and AFC Executive Member and MP, David Patterson, Hughes and Duncan were nominated for the leadership position.
However, Patterson, in a joint statement with Hughes, declined the nomination and
has since thrown his full support behind the attorney.
Referring to him as the “best candidate,” Patterson had contended that Hughes is the perfect choice to lead the AFC.
However, while the ‘mud-slinging’ has not been as loud as their parliamentarian spouse, the A partnership
for National Unity (APNU/ PNC), there have been attempts within the AFC to discredit those who are vying for the top-ranking positions. Notably, during the party’s Nomination Day proceedings, the AFC’s Railway Line, Kitty, Georgetown headquarters appeared deserted. The party members’
minimal attendance on what was expected to be a well-attended event was obvious.
Only recently, the AFC attempted to recreate its image from that of its former coalition party, APNU/PNC; however, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, flagged the party for “lack of credibility” and “poor” track record.
“The AFC has long lost credibility,” the PPP General Secretary said, adding that although the party promised to change Guyana’s political sphere, its brief stint in office proved otherwise. The AFC turned out to be the most unprincipled set of leaders we’ve ever seen… They were more vocal than some PNC persons in trying to rig the elections,” Jagdeo said.
The people, in 2020, went to the polls and peacefully gave a mandate to the PPP/C to govern.
Guyanese, after casting their votes, had to endure a five-month wait for the results of the general and regional elections as they witnessed suspicious and questionable acts and a slew of legal challenges.
During this time, the patience of the electorate was tested, as electors observed what was described as attempts by the then APNU+AFC administration to rip the democratic fabric of the nation, with “delay tactics” which were openly criticised by a wide section of society. 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 received 233,336 votes, while the APNU+AFC coalition got 217,920 votes.
CARICOM distillers urged to establish ...
one marketing entity, or one advertising entity that we collectivity hire to take our collective brand into new markets then the operational cost comes down, then the marketing costs comes down, the logistics cost comes down and improves our competitiveness.”
In 2022, Guyana exported almost US$35 million in bottled rum and spirits and in bulk alcohol, the country saw an export revenue of US$19.3 million.
He reminded of the industry’s critical link to the hospitality sector, while stressing the need for a collective marketing mechanism, to not only promote home grown, traditional products but also build the region’s competitiveness.
“The other aspect of the spirit is sometimes understated and that is the link to the hospitality sector. It is very important for us to understand that the
rum industry is critically integrated into hospitality sector.”
Meanwhile, DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo, the local producer of CARICOM’s 50th Anniversary Rum Blend noted that the industry has solidified its footing in the regional and international markets.
“In the Caribbean in the rum industry, we all compete aggressively around the world for our piece of the market share but when it becomes a matter of common interest, we get together and do amazing things and that is why the rum industry has succeeded in an increasingly competitive global market space,” Samaroo said.
However, he noted that distillers must not become complacent as the market is becoming more competitive with producers becoming dominant.
“The Caribbean rum brands around the world are known to be the best in
the rum category …but we must not be complacent. I think the gap is being narrowed very, very rapidly by Central America and by even Asian producers. We cannot afford to be complacent,” Samaroo lamented.
For CARICOM’s 50tth anniversary, 13 local producers collaborated to create a special blend.
DDL curated a unique blend combing three of Guyana’s most historical rum blends into one bottle of tradition and history.
“This is also symbolic of CARICOM. Individually, we are all great countries but when we come together and make ourselves into one, we become absolutely outstanding and extraordinary,” Samaroo said.
Earlier this year, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J. Pierre, presented the new CARICOM 50th Anniversary Rum Blend from the Saint Lucia Distillers Group to President Ali.
Gold and Silver Linings
DEVELOPMENTS following the latest revelations regarding gold-smuggling and actions by the US Government against three Guyanese citizens, underline many things, including that ‘Justice is Blind’ and – as President Dr Irfaan Ali said last Thursday – ‘No one is above the law.’
Expectedly, those opposed to the government and ruling party thought they could use the disclosures to distract from the continuing progress this administration has been bringing to Guyana since August 2020.
With the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) having staged its most-successful congress and the next presidential and parliamentary elections now set, the naysayers and permanent preachers of doom and gloom were (and some still are) hoping to strike political gold along the campaign trail.
However, the President and Attorney General have both indicated that this administration isn’t just sitting on its laurels or taking a hands-off approach, but instead, is continuing to be proactive in the fight against
corruption, including money laundering.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall has indicated that there are almost 200 money- laundering cases before the courts and outlined several legal and judicial steps being undertaken to strengthen the government’s capacity to pursue organised crime and corruption, including cooperation with nations trading in Guyana’s gold.
Gold smuggling is as old as the industry and no Guyanese will deny that trying to intercept illegal exchanges between small miners and big exporters is almost like searching for a needle in a bale of grass. But if the needle is there it can always be found, the speed depending on the search method.
While the police can investigate and accused persons and/or representatives of entities can be arrested and charged, it’s the courts that provide the legal and judicial platforms for prosecution and defence, which can be a long or short process according to evidence and law.
Cases can take months or years, but they always end with justice served according to the law, no matter how the accused and accusers feel about the magistrate’s or judge’s decisions.
Crime and corruption exist in every society and none has ever been able to successfully do away with either because greed is a basic human condition that always exists for those to whom nothing is ever enough, always ready and willing to undertake the next scheme, fearless and careless about being caught, or who suffers in the process.
The amount of money illegal gold exporters denied the Guyana treasury is inestimable and mostly unrecoverable, but the recent disclosures and evidence now in the hands of local investigators and anti-corruption entities have opened another wide door for continuing investigations at home and abroad – and not only into gold smuggling -- but also money laundering and other new and more-sophisticated forms of so-called ‘White Collar’ crime.
Crime and corruption know no borders or boundaries, but it’s what serious governments do about them that decides the extent of successfully combating and reducing incidents and eventually eliminating avenues used by criminals--big and small -- and their facilitators, whether in the police or Public Service.
It’s natural to politicise crime ahead of elections campaigns and the political opposition - weaker today than ever - will certainly try to roll their dices with the hope of striking gold between now and election day.
As President Ali has assured, quick action by the local authorities has identified several weaknesses, and this PPP-Civic administration unlike any other, is working to tighten loose ends.
The silver lining around the dark cloud in this case, therefore, is that much has been disclosed that will certainly help the government and law authorities much more, as they continue to take the tough fight to organised crime and corruption.
Point to a presidential press conference where the president has answered more than 40 questions
Dear Editor,
I WRITE this letter because I believe it needs to be written and not on behalf of the Office of the President.
I have the honour to have served as the Chairman, some prefer the description, “Moderator”, of President Irfaan Ali’s press conference.
I have also had the honour to have moderated press conferences for former President Forbes Burnham, former US President Jimmy Carter, alongside former President Desmond Hoyte and the late Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, when he visited Guyana.
I have, on the other side of the table, as a press reporter, participated in numerous press conferences both in Guyana, in the United States and other countries. I believe, therefore, it is fair to say that I speak with some experience.
The last press conference held by our President on Thursday, June 20, 2024, has invited some comment, much of it unfair, both in the Kaieteur News on Friday, June 21, 2024, a front page comment, and the Stabroek News on Monday, June 24, 2024, focused on the President’s response to questions posed by Kaieteur News reporter Shervin Belgrave and News Source Guyana’s Gordon Moseley. So, what is the purpose of a presidential
press conference? Fundamentally, it is for the President to speak to the nation through the press and for the press to be afforded a fair and reasonable opportunity to directly ask precise, pointed and searching questions of the President.
And what do I mean by unfair? Let me quote from a book, committed to journalism, by Edmund B. Lambeth, a past Professor and Director of the School of Journalism at the University of Kentucky, published some 38 years ago:
“No story is fair if it omits facts of major importance or significance. So fairness includes completeness.
No story is fair if it consciously or unconsciously misleads or even deceives the reader. The fairness includes honesty -- levelling with the reader
No story is fair if reporters hide their biases or emotions behind such subtly pejorative words as “refused,” “despite,” “admit” and “massive.” Let me add “seemingly” and “numerous.”
I counted 19 reporters at the press conference. Rather than resorting to the traditional means of recognising reporters to ask a question when they raise their hands, which leads to many reporters not being recognised, each reporter, in succession, as they were seated, was recognised to ask a question and
a follow-up.
In fact, reporter Shervin Belgrave declined to ask a question when it was his turn. It was at the conclusion of the press conference when the last questions had been asked and answered, that Mr. Belgrave raised his hand, and it was the President who intervened to indulge him to ask his question.
Every President has his style and his manner in answering questions at a press conference. President Ali likes to be conversational with reporters and, far from being hostile to Belgrave, he answered him, albeit unconventionally, as the hearing of the press conference attests, in a light-hearted manner, like a father speaking to a son. After the press conference, the President, in fact, had a friendly chat with Mr. Belgrave.
The Stabroek News also reports on the Q & A between reporter Gordon Moseley and the President, in which I did intervene, when Moseley set out to make a long statement rather than ask a question and then when the question was not answered to his liking, attempted to debate the President.
Reporters should ask tough, difficult and awkward questions. I always did, once to the chagrin of the late President Cheddi Jagan, who threw me out of his press conference. If not getting the answer they look for, then repeat the question differently, but they are
not entitled to debate the right or wrong of the answer. A reporter is entitled, however, should the answer be factually incorrect, to point out the error.
Stabroek News also invited a comment from the President of the Guyana Press Association, Nazima Raghubir, who complained about “the restrictions” placed on reporters during presidential press conferences and about restrictions on “people coming to the press conferences.”
As I earlier pointed out, some 19 reporters attended the press conference, each asking two questions, in the case of one reporter asking four successive questions that amounted to the President responding to 40 questions. I ask Ms. Raghubir to refer me to any presidential press conference anywhere in the world at which the President has answered that many questions.
The Office of the President, since July last year, established a Presidential Press Corp of 30 accredited reporters, one and an alternative, to each media organisation of their choice. To the best of my knowledge, there are currently 15 functioning media organisations. Nineteen reporters attended the press conference.
Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento
Questions Percy Hintzen must answer
NO period since Independence has seen the open, shameless class solidarity of the Mulatto/Creole class (MCC) than the years after the August election victory of the PPP/C in 2020.
The period August 2020 to the present has witnessed the relentless outpouring of vitriol against the government by members of the MCC out of complete solidarity with their race and class grouping.
Perhaps the ugliest forms of this class defence come from two quintessential members of the MCC – Nigel Westmaas who lives in New York the past 25 years and Percy Hintzen who migrated to California over 50 years ago. Westmaas fictionalised the talent of national poet, Martin Carter (an MCC personality), by arguing that Carter was the most profound thinker Guyana produced.
Hintzen was equally comical and offensive by praising Red Thread in the following way. “Red Thread might become the deus ex machina that ends the tragedy of Guyana. They may be able to stimulate the requisite popular support for transition to participatory democracy.” A man who writes such nonsense accused me of not doing adequate research.
In my 14-part series of articles in the Guyana Chronicle on the MCC, Hintzen observed that it is “a series of ill-informed, poorly argued, badly researched and frequently factually inaccurate articles in the state newspaper”. Did he do competent research when he noted that Red Thread may generate popular support for Guyana to transform itself into a participatory democracy?
Two points before we put some questions to Hintzen about the MCC. First, Hintzen must be the only West Indian academic that sees no role for trade unions in the creation of democracy, a role they have historically performed. Secondly, why Red Thread and not the historical sugar union, GAWU? In a million years, Red Thread would not have accession to the masses that GAWU had and has.
The answer is that Hintzen, like Westmaas is writing in solidarity of the class they come from – the MCC. A quintessential MCC group like Red Thread would be a natural pick for Hintzen. GAWU is a sugar union that caters for the peasantry and rural proletariat. Such a class in Hintzen’s analysis would hardly merit recognition. Hintzen disparages my work on the MCC. He is not the only one. Mike McCormack, of European extraction and an enduring member of the MCC dismisses my class analysis of the founders of the Stabroek News – David DeCaires and Fitzpatrick. For doing class analysis on these two men, McCormack accused me of slandering the
two men. What a graphic manifestation of class solidarity!
Here are the questions for Hintzen. They are based on the conclusion derived from my research that argues that the MCC which came to power in the form of the Granger led PNC, the elite middle class party, the AFC and the WPA, believes that the MCC should have entitlement to power as a historical right.
That power has eluded the MCC since Burnham betrayed them. With the reclamation of power in 2015, the MCC believed that Indian rule had finally ended. It became a nightmare that was unbearable when the PPP/C won the 2020 election. What we have had since then is an inexorable assault on the PPP/C by an entire class based on colour and class standing with the Stabroek News being the main vehicle.
My analysis and research do not put the Kaieteur News as part of the MCC even though its vulgar and immoral attacks on the government exceed the vitriol found in the Stabroek News editorial. What is striking about politics after August 2020 is the open class solidarity shown by individual MCC personalities and groups. And it is done shamelessly.
MCC personalities have thrown caution to the wind and are openly barefaced in their embrace of colour and class and anti-Indian instincts. A good example of that is Hintzen himself whose scholarship has become propagandistic.
Here are the questions for Hintzen to answer. When he does, if his scholarship is presentable, I will apologise and stop writing.
1-Why there is to date, no written or spoken condemnation of the five months of election rigging in 2020 by Red Thread?
2-Why Alissa Trotz in those five months and to date has not assigned even one article in her Stabroek News column, “In The diaspora” to the election disaster of 2020?
3-Why Moray House administered by MCC personality and Stabroek News co-owner, Isabelle DeCaires has, to date, not included in its monthly symposia, the topic of the March election disaster?
4-Why the Guyana Human Rights Association stayed silent throughout the five-month horror show?
5- Why the Stabroek News, during the five months of rigging, did not direct its columnists that they cannot justify the illegalities because the paper had a policy of denouncing the rigging?
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.
Undemocratic tendencies, ethnic and religious prejudice are increasingly being frowned upon by voters
AS people are becoming more globalised and connected, we find that certain views of government are also becoming global.
In certain strains of social intersectional studies, global viewpoints are thought of as a factor shaping social dispositions that impact national choices. Choice of electoral candidates and political parties are also subject to this social phenomenon.
Election after election being held across the world over the last five years, show that voters are increasingly signalling that they wish to coexist in a plural and democratic space.
We need not look any further than US elections since 2020. The Republican party in the era of Trump has increasingly embraced policies that are undemocratic and loaded with bigoted religious and ethnic views.
Most of the Trumpian MAGA candidates have lost “bigly” at all levels of government. When all political pundits were predicting a red wave; a republican takeover, or, the flipping of many seats held by the Democrats in the House and Senate, the red wave never came. Instead, the Republicans lost seats in both chambers.
The majority of American voters are signalling to their politicians that they prefer to live in a country that respects the tenets of constitutional democracy and in peaceful ethnic and religious synchronicity.
We can then skip over to India where a general election was just concluded. The rockstar-ish, towering political person -
ality Narendra Modi, lost his majority in the Lok Sabha, India’s parliament, which needs 272 seats for its majority.
Modi’s BJP is down from 303 seats to 240. This represents a loss of 63 seats, requiring Modi to form a coalition in order to govern. Over his last term, Modi went in increasingly undemocratic directions, including press censorship, jailing of political opponents and open anti-Muslim lingo.
In fact, Modi and other Hindu hardliners in the BJP leadership are often referred to as the Bulldozer Baba, attributable to his policies that led to the bulldozing of entire Muslim settlements and places of worship and replacing them with Hindu establishments.
Previously, Modi was shy in admitting that his Indian Nationalists’ outlook and political rhetoric led to discrimination against Muslims. However, during the 2024 election campaign, Modi seemed to have lifted all stops and openly made several speeches and ran political ads that openly referred to Muslims as “infiltrators.”
Modi is credited for lifting millions of Indian citizens out of poverty and is often praised for his sound economic policies and strategic international partnerships, along with growing geopolitical respect for India.
Despite these massive achievements credited to Modi, he has lost popularity and electoral returns at the ballot box. Modi’s biggest loss took place in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, which are fundamentalist Hindu dominant states.
Why? The very voters the discriminatory policies were intended to ‘protect and promote’ are loud in the chants, not in our name. They prefer ethnic and religious justice alongside democratic values.
I believe Guyana is no different. The party that demonstrates the greatest proclivity to equality, justice and democracy will make the greatest gains at the 2025 polls. At this juncture, I believe the Dr. Irfaan Ali led PPP/C is best positioned, given its message and outlook, to reach across Guyana’s ethnic divide and claim greater returns at the ballot box.
Further, given the post-2020 electoral demeanour of the main opposition and the display of undemocratic instincts at their internal party elections, have created the political aberration and threshing floor for loss of electoral support.
I have often lamented the one-horse
pony the opposition rides, with shouts of racism, ethnic boycott and nothing else. Citizens are increasingly wearisome to voters who are seeking conciliation and creative solutions for peaceful coexistence. The political opposition of Guyana continues to frame their activism around African discrimination to maintain their Afro-dominated support base via fearmongering. Like the voters of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, African voters in Guyana will reject any policy or political rhetoric built on prejudice, even if it is intended to “defend” them. 2025 beckons, the message in Guyana is clear, not in our name!
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.
Being a Man
SHORTLY after my last article on Men’s Mental Health appeared, a dear friend in the US sent me the link to a song which has been trending on social media since Father’s Day last Sunday.
Though released a year ago, “To be a Man” by singer/ songwriter, Dax, has been taking YouTube by storm, just as videos on men’s mental health went viral on TikTok for Father’s Day.
Both male and female singers collaborated with Dax to make a mix, then a mega remix of the song, expressing their views on manhood and how men are perceived, with devastatingly raw and emotive lyrics.
Some of the women who posted comments talked of reaching out to their husbands or male companions, while others confessed that the song gave them insights they never had before about how men feel and were moved to tears.
One innovative young female artist drew and painted the faces of a man and a woman on either side of her face, making it appear as if they were singing as she sang.
It is heartening in this Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month to see folks gaining greater understanding of the struggles men face and the need for society to take note and reach out to our men.
It is also important for men themselves to recognise
that they need to establish bonds which will allow them to confide in others when they feel distressed, while we as women must be willing to listen and encourage men to talk about their feelings.
So many of us are guilty of making men feel, as Dax sings, “It’s not ‘bout how you feel, but what you provide inside that home.”
We should heed his lilting plea. “I can’t hide myself, I don’t expect you to understand. I just hope I can explain what it’s like to be a man.”
And no one can help but be moved by the comments of one man who said. “Former marine, single dad to my son since he was two, now 11. I’ve isolated myself from friends and family for no reason it seems. My son is the only reason why I’m alive. Depression with loneliness is my devil! I sat alone and listened to these words over and over again.
I don’t think I’ve ever cried this hard. Knowing that I’m not alone, and that other men feel this pain will help me seek help. I don’t write reviews nor do I comment on videos, so to take the courage to express a little bit about myself and my pain shows just how impactful this song is. Thank you! You saved me”.
The raw emotion seeping through these words is palpable. What the writer did not say, but I will, is that all men and women should listen to this song.
I would hope too that a bunch of local talents get together and record their own mix of this song, and I will help to make it happen.
My contribution would be this:
They say you never know another person’s journey till you walk in their shoes,
Never feel the pain and all of the blues,
But when you walk beside them as a woman next to a man,
Then it’s your duty to do all that you can,
To understand the pressures he faces every day,
Though he may not be able to say,
‘I feel anxious, alone, depressed, I am overwhelmed and stressed, I just want you to see,
What it’s like to be me,
I really want you to understand, What it’s like to be a man’.
Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett advocates for women in diplomacy on International Day
ON the occasion of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, shared her insights and aspirations for future generations of women diplomats.
Addressing the unique challenges and responsibilities faced by women ambassadors, Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett emphasised her role as a trailblazer for Guyana and echoed the importance of nurturing the next wave of female diplomats. “Like so many other women in the United Nations, women ambassadors, I am the first for my country, and I think many others are the first for their country as well,” she reflected. “I see it as a personal responsibility. A role model has a respon-
sibility of creating other models as well. And so, our Mission in New York has 90 per cent women.”
Highlighting the strategic advantage of smaller Missions like Guyana’s, she noted their ability to focus sharply on key global issues. “As small Missions, we have to cover a small range of issues. There is an advantage for small states in this respect, as they are better prepared given the vantage point from how they see the world,” she remarked.
Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett also stressed the importance of women diplomats not only representing women’s interests but also assuming leadership roles in governmental and political arenas. “Women must not only be seen as representatives of women groups and societies, but as leaders in
government and in politics,” she asserted.
Addressing the ongoing gender disparities in peace and conflict resolution processes, she pointed out the slow progress in implementing United Nations Resolution 1325,
which aims to increase women’s involvement in peace and security initiatives. “Only 16 per cent of women were involved in peace processes in 2022,” she stated. “While there have been strides with 43 per cent of women in
mediation processes at the UN level, much work remains at the country level.”
Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett brings a wealth of experience to her current role, having previously served as Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, held senior positions at the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), and currently representing Guyana as a member of the UN Security Council. Her advocacy on the International Day of Women in Diplomacy underscores her commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women within diplomatic circles worldwide.
The International Day of Women in Diplomacy celebrated on June 24 is a global observance dedicated to celebrating and recognising the achieve -
ments and contributions of women in the field of diplomacy.
Held annually, it highlights the crucial roles women play as diplomats, ambassadors, negotiators, and leaders in international relations and peacebuilding efforts. The day aims to raise awareness about gender equality in diplomacy, promote women’s empowerment in decision-making positions within diplomatic missions and international organisations, and advocate for increased participation of women in conflict resolution and mediation processes worldwide. It serves as a platform to discuss challenges faced by women diplomats, celebrate their successes, and inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in diplomacy.
Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations
GWI’s new headquarters 40 per cent complete –– set for early 2025 finish
By Cindy Parkinson
THE new headquarters building for the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), located in Houston along the Mandela to Eccles Highway, East Bank Demerara, is now 40 per cent complete.
This milestone was confirmed by Marlon Daniels, Executive Director of Pro-
gramme Planning, Design, and Implementation at GWI, during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle. As part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance services across the country, GWI is committed to completing the facility by the first quarter of 2025.
Daniels provided an update on the progress, stating, “I am happy to say that we are
40 per cent complete. Most of the structural works and all of the geotechnical works are done. The ground floor is cast, and we are about to cast the first floor of the structure.”
Despite occasional weather-related challenges, Daniels praised the dedication of the contractor and crew. “While the weather can be challenging at times,
the contractor and crew are devoted to keeping the job moving forward. We are also working on getting the roof installed to mitigate any inconvenience from the rain,” he said.
Although the official completion deadline is set for April 2025, Daniels is optimistic that the project could be finished by the end of January 2025. “We are making good progress. Most of the external works, such as sand filling of the compound and fencing, are in progress. Despite the inclement weather and other minor challenges, we hope to complete the structure by December this year or January 2025,” Daniels added.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, shared additional insights via a telephone conversation. The new complex will feature two buildings: one housing the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and the ministry’s administration, and the other serving as the
GWI headquarters.
Minister Croal emphasised the need for larger, modern facilities to accommodate the expanding staff due to the ministry’s growing mandate. “The Minister of Housing and Water is one of the largest ministries in the government. To deliver effectively to the people, we need to employ a lot of people, and we must provide adequate accommodation for our staff and visitors. There is a great need for a larger building for housing and GWI,” he explained.
The new buildings are expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the ministry’s operations by providing a more comfortable working environment. The four-story GWI building is projected to cost $562 million, while the five-story housing ministry building is being built for $741.5 million.
Minister Croal reiterated the urgency of completing these projects on schedule,
highlighting the government’s firm stance with contractors to meet the respective deadlines.
“While our aim is not to pressure anyone, we are stern with every contractor, letting them know the urgency of the projects to be completed on the respective deadlines,” he stated.
GWI New Headquarters at Houston along the Mandela to Eccles Highway, East Bank Demerara, 40 per cent complete (Delano Williams photo)
The Executive Director of Programme Planning, Design, and Implementation of GWI, Marlon Daniels
PNCR General Secretary resigns
–– says will not continue to be ‘rubberstamp’
–– Norton insists resignation will not affect party’s upcoming congress
JUST a few days before the party’s overdue congress, Dawn Hastings-Williams has tendered her resignation from the post of General Secretary of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).
Hastings-Williams has called it quits with the party and admitted that she was a “rubberstamp” while serving as General Secretary.
Although her position is crucial to the party and its elections, the incumbent PNCR Leader, Aubrey Norton, in an invited comment told the Guyana Chronicle that Hastings-Williams’ resignation will not affect the party’s congress.
The PNCR has been plunged into a state of confusion and disunity, especially with it battling a mountain of allegations regarding numerous infractions.
In the letter of resignation, Hastings-Williams cited a number of reasons including the lack of preparation for the party’s upcoming congress, along with financial and membership discrepancies.
She said: “With all the administrative task[s] that has [sic] to be undertaken by the secretariat, I believe that the one-month period for preparation for such a congress can lead to confusion rather than having a fair and transparent process and outcome.”
While the General Secretary has to be integrated in every aspect as it relates to the preparation for congress, Hastings-Williams said that in many instances, this has not been happening.
“For example, invitations were sent out to persons without my knowledge and I don’t know under whose authorised signature other than the General Secretary of the party. I found out when I began to send out a few writ-
ten invitations and only to be told that they are already in receipt of an invitation,” she stated, while labelling this as a “gross disrespect” to her office.
Notably, on the PNCR’s Nomination Day, Norton secured 177 nominations: Amanza Walton-Desir got nine nominations, Roysdale Forde got 20, Volda Lawrence one, Gary Best two, Carl Greenidge got four and Simona Broomes got two nominations.
Nomination Day is part of the electoral process to elect a new party executive, including the Party Leader, Chairman, two Vice-Chairpersons, Treasurer and the 15 Central Executive Committee members. Despite Nomination Day being a major day for the PNCR, the turnout was dismal.
The 22nd Biennial Delegates Congress will be held from June 28-30, 2024.
MEMBERSHIP DISCREPANCIES
Hastings-Williams also cited several issues as they relate to membership.
“I must mention an instance where a comrade from one of the groups in the USA came to my office to enquire about the reason why membership cards were not being printed and we both entered the Membership Department to examine the computer and the other equipment so as to determine what was the pending issue and to see whether he can assist in any way to get the membership matter addressed. Not even five minutes past [sic] when the Leader called him to ask why was he questioning a junior staff about membership.
“The expression on the comrade’s face and the tone of his voice told me that something was not right. I
never felt so humiliated after that incident.
I felt as if I was being watched and monitored.
In fact, this was actually the second time I felt humiliated after being locked out at the gate where canters and cars were used to block my vehicle from entering to pick me up to take me home from work,” Hastings-Williams said in her letter.
FINANCIAL DISCREPANCIES
Meanwhile, she stated that for more than a year, she was unable to present a financial statement to the Central Executive Committee because she had no access to the weekly or monthly income and expenditure statement.
“I had requested of the accountant last December to prepare and produce a financial statement for the year 2023, so as to present it to the CEC.
When I called for the statement to be handed in to me, the accountant said that she had completed the statement as was instructed by me, but was told not to hand it over to me but to put in on hold,” she said.
Further, she called out the party’s headquarters, Congress Place, for breathing hostility.
“The Congress Place at present is not conducive to working, especially when you have someone shouting and threatening staff that they will be sent home,” Hastings-Williams noted.
In the conclusion to the resignation letter, she said that she would not like to be a part of any “unreasonable” practice.
“I love my party and I will not continue to sit as a rubber stamp in the Office of the General Secretary,” she said.
Former PNCR General Secretary Dawn Hastings-Williams
–– says Senior Director of Investment, John Edghill
–– highlights opportunities for locals, foreigners
By Feona Morrison
GUYANA’S business sector
is witnessing unprecedented growth, driven by a surge in
both domestic and foreign investment. This boom, as highlighted by John Edghill, Senior Director of Investment at the Guyana Office
for Investment (GO-Invest), is attributed to significant economic changes, abundant natural resources, and a strategic focus on sustainable
development.
In a recent interview on the Energy Perspectives Podcast, Edghill described the factors that have transformed Guyana into an “investor’s paradise.”
He emphasised that the country’s investment climate has been favourable for a long time, primarily due to the Investment Act of 1994.
“Guyana is experiencing unprecedented growth. That alone has captivated the minds and interests of people around the world. Our Investment Act is very friendly and really opens up the pathway for a very welcoming investment climate,” Edghill explained.
The Act, he noted, provides equal treatment for both international and domestic investors, allowing them to operate without discrimination. “There is no discrimination between a foreign and local investor. So, if you’re coming in as one of the largest players, you are treated just as though you are a Guyanese company. Equally, the local companies are not disadvantaged. There is an equal playing field between both foreign and local investors.”
Guyana’s unique approach includes allowing foreign property ownership, a policy that sets it apart from many other countries. This open stance on property ownership makes Guyana an attractive option for investors seeking stable, long-term investments.
“That is very impressive,”
Senior Director of Investment at GO-Invest, John Edghill
Edghill declared.
Edghill also highlighted Guyana’s strategic geographic location and vibrant cultural heritage as significant draws for investors.
Situated on the northern coast of South America and bordering the Caribbean, Guyana offers access to major South American and North American markets and serves as a gateway to the Caribbean.
Furthermore, Guyana’s rich cultural heritage, comprising a blend of Indigenous, African, Indian, European, Portuguese, and Chinese influences, creates a dynamic and inclusive environment that welcomes people from all over the world. As the only English-speaking country in South America, Guyana provides an additional advantage
for investors from North America and Europe, ensuring ease of communication.
“Many of our investors come from North America and Europe, which makes communication very easy. But we also attract investors from the Middle East, China, and Asia,” Edghill added.
He also credited Guyana’s favourable investment climate to beneficial partnerships with international entities such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the United States, China, and the European Union. These partnerships have bolstered Guyana’s economic position on the global stage.
Importantly, Edghill praised President Dr. Irfaan Ali for his forward-focused, firm, and stable leadership.
“He [Dr. Ali] is a pioneer and a leading figure in where Guyana is heading.
His Vision 2030 brings a certain energy to our investment climate by providing stable and firm leadership to our economy,” Edghill said.
Edghill concluded by underscoring the critical importance of a stable government that prioritises private sector development for economic growth.
He highlighted the significant role of the PPP/C government in fostering this environment, particularly noting their removal of numerous taxes during their first term in office.
With these strategic initiatives and policies, Guyana continues to strengthen its position as a prime destination for investors worldwide
Fisherman arrested for murder of common-law wife
POLICE, on Sunday, arrested Neldon Neblett, the man suspected of murdering his reputed wife, Anuradha Khatoon, on Saturday night, at Best Village, West Coast Demerara.
Neblett, who allegedly fled the crime scene, was apprehended by detectives, hours later and remains in custody, awaiting charges.
The incident, which occurred around 23:30 hrs on June 22, has left the community in shock. Anuradha Khatoon, known as “Mama,” was a 34-yearold fruit vendor living in a one-storey concrete house at Lot 1, Best Village, with her 30-year-old reputed hus-
band, Neblett, a fisherman. The couple had shared a common-law relationship for the past five years.
According to initial investigations, the suspect returned home intoxicated on the night of the incident. An argument ensued when Khatoon suggested that Neblett reduce his alcohol consumption.
The confrontation escalated, leading Neblett to arm himself with a knife and stab Khatoon in the throat.
Khatoon’s 12-year-old son, who was awoken by his mother’s screams, raised the alarm. Family members rushed her to the nearby West Demerara Regional
Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
The police later recovered a kitchen knife from the scene, and a stab wound was visible on Khatoon’s throat. Her body has been taken to Ezekiel Funeral Home, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted.
The tragic incident has highlighted issues of domestic violence and alcohol abuse within the community.
The police continue their investigation into the murder, while the community mourns the loss of a mother and vendor known affectionately as “Mama.”
Arrested: Neldon Neblett
$45,000 cash grants, uniform vouchers distribution commences
–– parents embrace ‘Because We Care’ initiative
By Cindy Parkinson
PARENTS and guardians
across Guyana turned out in large numbers at various private and public schools on Monday to collect the $45,000 “Because We Care” Cash Grant and uniform voucher, awarded to every child on the register.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing the lives of schoolchildren, was met with widespread gratitude towards President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his government.
Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Mona Ali,
a mother of two from Low Land, East Coast Demerara, expressed her appreciation for the government’s support.
“Two of my children are in school; my son attends Mae’s Secondary, and my daughter goes to Swami Purnanandaji Primary School. Even though $45,000 may not be much, it’s better than nothing for me. Since the government took office, the cash grant has been increasing every year. Of course, we cannot expect everything to happen overnight, but we should be grateful that we are getting it,” she said. Mona emphasised that
the grant not only helps parents buy uniforms and other school supplies but also provides financial relief.
“Most parents know that it is not always easy to find
The distribution of cash grants at the Arakaka Primary school in Region One (Barima Waini)
Mona Ali displays her son’s cash grant at Mae’s Secondary School in Georgetown
the money to buy their children’s clothing and other things that they need for school. So, with this cash grant, we can take care of the kids without too much stress,” she added.
Another parent, Soma, highlighted the impact of the initiative on families who bear transportation costs to get their children to school.
“I know that there isn’t any parent who would refuse this cash grant, and
for some people, it might not be enough. However, I want to say to those parents, when you have children, we, as parents always have expenses, but I can’t think of any other country where the government gives money every term to every child in school,” she stated. Soma, whose child attends Queen’s College, noted that the grant often goes towards paying for transportation. Soma also commended
the government’s efforts, saying, “We cannot expect Guyana to go from the third world to the first world over three years or overnight. Everything takes time, but we must be able to recognise that change is happening for the better. Whether we realise it or not, President Ali and his government are assisting the future generation through this type of initiative.”
On Monday, the Minister
of Education, Priya Manickchand, along with her team from Georgetown, visited various schools in Port Kaituma, Region One, to distribute the “Because We Care” Cash Grant. Minister Manickchand had previously announced that 205,000 schoolchildren, including those in public and private schools, would receive $45,000 each as the government begins the nationwide distribution of the cash grant
and uniform voucher.
Explaining the grant’s structure, the minister noted that the $5,000 uniform allowance combined with the $40,000 cash grant allows parents to access nearly $9 billion in savings. She also emphasised the importance of recipients maintaining good attendance records, returning all textbooks, and being enrolled in either public or private schools.
Minister Manickchand
further stated that all teachers are required to provide the names of students on their registers to ensure the regional education department can confirm the information.
This initiative, a significant step towards supporting families and enhancing the educational experience of Guyanese children, reflects the government’s commitment to investing in the future generation.
Parents receiving their cash grants at Mae’s Secondary School (Delano Williams photo)
The Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, engaged with parents and teachers during the cash grant distribution in Region One
Gov’t places highest level of priority on ensuring young Guyanese realise their full potential
–– Dr. Singh emphasises, says $26.9B in cash grants distributed to schoolchildren since 2021
SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, has reiterated that the restoration and increase of government’s cash grant to schoolchildren initiative on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) return to office, is the delivery of one of the promises made in the party’s 2020 Manifesto.
Dr. Singh stated this fact while delivering remarks at the launch of government’s 2024 ‘Because We Care’ Cash Grant initiative at Queen’s College, on Monday.
The Ministry of Finance in a statement reminded that the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant of $40,000 this year has been substantially increased from $15,000 in 2021 when its disbursement resumed. together with the uniform allowance of $5,000, this year’s grant to each child will amount to $45,000.
According to the statement, the minister noted that following the disbursement of the grants this year, government would have disbursed $9.2 billion for this year alone,
while for the period 20212024, a total of $26.9 billion in the cash grants will have been disbursed to school children under the programme.
The minister further explained that government has been placing the highest level of priority in ensuring that the young people of Guyana realise their full potential. Thus, he pointed out that this it is why the education sector has been allocated the largest sums in government’s budgets over the years. This year, the sector’s allocation has increased significantly from $52.8
billion in 2019 to $135.2 billion to further realise the government’s vision of world class education.
The parents of every child registered in nursery, primary and secondary schools across the country are expected to receive the ‘Because We Care’ grant, which is disbursed to school children attending both public and private schools.
While addressing parents and teachers at the launch, Dr. Singh used the opportunity to highlight that this era is the most exciting time to be young in Guyana, noting that in
this new Guyana, the rate at which the economy is growing, there are incredible new opportunities arising in every single sector of the country.
“Young people irrespective of what their interest is, irrespective of what they want to study (in this new Guyana) or what career they wish to pursue ,opportunities are limitless,” Dr. Singh told parents and teachers, as he alluded to the large number of training and job-creation opportunities government has been providing in various sectors, as well as the recent second Guy-
ana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) graduation ceremony where over 1,700 young people graduated, while over 7,700 more persons have been awarded scholarships to study in various fields.
The statement added that it would be recalled that in 2014, government’s cash grant initiative to school children totalled $10,000 per child.
“This initiative was callously removed when the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) assumed office in 2015,” the statement said.
US-Guyana health initiative brings new oxygen generator to Lethem Hospital
–– expected to save $100M annually - says Health Minister
A NEW oxygen generator has been commissioned by the Ministry of Health, specifically at the Lethem Regional Hospital in Region Nine, on Monday.
This initiative has been established through a partnership with the United States Embassy in Guyana.
Currently, there are three
that apart from saving a lot of lives, it is also a cost saver to the Ministry of Health. I was told that it would cost us maybe between two and three million dollars just to transport the oxygen from Linden to the region every month. Plus you have to pay for the bottling of the oxygen itself, but now you have the
coming from Region Nine.
Meanwhile, the Minister mentioned that a current challenge found in the Regions, specifically Regions Nine, Seven, Eight, and One, was Malaria.
According to the minister, “In the medical terms we would say that Malaria is endemic to these four re-
oxygen generators in Guyana. These can be found in Mahdia, Region Eight, Mabaruma Region One, and currently, in Lethem Region Nine.
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, in his remarks, said that the partnership they have with the US, is a very long standing one.
According to the Minister, although they have been doing groundwork to significantly improve the health care in that region, one of the most important ‘ingredients’ in this would be to ensure they have oxygen on site.
“And prior to us having this plant, it was very difficult to get oxygen in the Region, especially in the rainy season. So, it could have been a big challenge, and very often when you have rainy season, and the roads are impassible, you can have all kinds of difficulty here at the hospital,” the minister said.
Speaking with their partners in the US, one of the first things they did was to get the small, mobile oxygen generators.
“The big thing here is
plant here, and you’re doing it here,” he stated
Minister Frank emphasised that this has already saved them close to a hundred million dollars.
He said, “A hundred million dollars, because we didn’t have to spend it on oxygen, we can take that and go build a Health Centre or do something else with it. And that’s how important that is because we’re now making it ourselves.”
Moreover, the minister also spoke about the training of biomedical engineers in Region Nine. He said: “(but) in anticipation of the opening of this facility, we also recognised that we did not have persons trained to do biomedical engineering, and if you’re going to have facilities like this you need people trained. At least to manage the plant,”
The minister pointed out that last year, they ran a programme with a charitable company from the United Kingdom where nearly 30 young Guyanese were trained to become biomedical technicians, with two of them
gions. Well, we want to start changing that. We want to start removing Malaria from these four regions, and a project that we’ve been working on is a project with one of the well-known US University, that is Harvard
“We have a project with them, where we’ll be sending a technical team to this Region. One of the first that we want to do in terms of the elimination of Malaria, is to have a technical team that would come, examine what is really going on,”
Minister Frank added that the team has been in that region for two weeks already, and have done some mapping about what can and cannot be done, and what further steps can be taken to eliminate Malaria from the region.
The Minister has announced their commitment to dedicating several years towards the implementation of this project.
It is anticipated that by adhering to these steps, the complete eradication of malaria from region nine will be achievable.
The oxygen generator plant in Lethem, Region Nine
Motivator Ballers win PPP football tournament
MOTIVATOR Ballers
hammered CPCE Eagles 5-nil to take the inaugural PPP football title when the two-day tournament climaxed on Sunday last at the C-Field Ground in Sophia.
Minister Kwame McCoy presented Motivator Ballers’ captain with the $400,000 cash prize at the end of a competitive tournament which attracted 16 teams.
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS
KENILWORTH
08:35 hrs Apache Chief
09:10:hrs Four Jacks
09:43 hrs School Policy
10:22 hrs Carriacou
10:55 hrs Tambourine Man
AMERICAN RACING TIPS
FINGER LAKES
08:15 hrs Over The Cap
08:44 hrs Sky’s Winning Bid
09:13 hrs Chridtmas Dinner
09:42 hrs Peacefulpersuasion
10:11 hrs War Smoke
10:40 hrs Bella Voce
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
BEVERLEY
08:47 hrs Warrendale Wagwu
09:17 hrs Mystical Elegance
09:47 hrs Park Street
10:17 hrs Spring Chorus
10:47 hrs Drink Dry
11:17 hrs Blueflagflyinghigh
11:47 hrs Lady Of Time
NEWBURY
11:22 hrs Golden Phase
11:55 hrs Dear Cat
12:30 hrs We Sea You
13:05 hrs Entrance mention
13:40 hrs Ureshli
14:15 hrs Freetodream
14:50 hrs Snuggle
BRIGHTON
11:42 hrs Three Don’s
12:15 hrs Clear Justice
12:45 hrs Felicity
13:20 hrs King Of War
13:55 hrs Seattle Time
14:30 hrs Kondratiev Wave
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Kwame McCoy presents the captain of the winning team his prize.
Losing finalists CPCE Eagles took home $200,000, while third-placed E-Field Dynamites had to settle for $100,000.
The MVP was Heman Moses of CPCE Eagles, while Jermain Junor of Motivator Ballers netted five goals to take the prize for scoring the most goals.
Also among the prize winners was Simeon Hackett
of Motivator Ballers, who was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper Sophia Hard Ball won the $50,000 prize in the Exhibition Game, while B-Field Ballers Red Champions with a fan base of 288 vocal supporters won another $50,000 for having the most fans at the event, which was attended by a large crowd.
GFA Senior League
Coates Brace leads Northern Rangers to victory
DAVID Coates did the job for Northern Rangers on Monday to guide them pass the Georgetown Football Club on Sunday in the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) senior league being played at the National Training Centre in Providence.
Coates put Rangers ahead in the 10 minute of the contest; it would be the lone goal for the first half as neither team was able to convert their other chances for the first 45.
After the resumption Shamar Fraser equalised in the 56th but Coates was equaled to the challenge to restore their lead a minute later, 2-1.
Rangers’ Keron Powell 69 th and Peter Perez 80 th minute goals sweetened the deal for Rangers as they made it 4-1.
GFC’s Rickford Edmonds would only add to their tally in injury time as they loss the clash 4-2. In the other clash Mocha’s Riddim Squad edged Campton FC 2-1.
Darvill Stewart was first to the back of the net in the 12th minute with Campton’s Ozeal Small levelling the score in the 37th minute.
`A second half goal from Riddim Squad’s Seeyan Hope in the dying minutes would break the deadlock and give them the victory 2-1.
The league is set to continue on Friday at the Guyana Football Federation
National Training Centre with another double header.
Flawless LTI beat UG Trojans 79-70 to win
LINDEN Technical Institute (LTI) showed their calm and skill on Sunday at the National Gymnasium to walk away winners, after beating defending champions, University of Guyana Trojans, 79-70 in the Tertiary Basketball League Finals.
Linden Technical Institute
going into the match as the undefeated side had their work cut out for them against the Champions and crowd favourites.
The sizable crowd gave UG the impetus as they egged them on with every shot as they came out of the blocks stronger to lead 21-12 in the first quarter.
– Tertiary Basketball
LTI would pull it back a bit in the second period but still trailed by 6, 42-36. The linden side which has dominated all in its path seem to have found its sternest challenges against the champions in the final.
Jushawn Bailey was phenomenal as he dropped more than 20 points by half time in
an awesome display but LTI combined to get back into the game.
Kimol Grimmond who had led his team superbly in offensive, played the role of facilitator for his teammates.
The move proved genius as they had four players in double digits including Grimmond.
Stephen George- 17 points, 5 rebounds, Leron Joseph- 12 points, 11 rebounds and Neil Marks - 12 points, 5 rebounds all delivered for their team to tie it up in the third 59-59.
The final period saw the once energetic UG side looking tired, as LTI started to move ahead, the familiar panic seem to set in for the University side
UG’s Bailey would continue to ball regardless putting in a MVP worthy performance to finish with 38 points. UG’s Malachi Grimmond also played well to finish with 19 Points and 8 Rebounds.
However despite coming in champions UG didn’t
League Finals
boast the calm assurance and LTI smoothly claw their way back into the contest before taking the lead quarter way through the final period. They would never trail again completing the win 79-70 after the final whistle to collect the winning purse and trophy.
LTI Kimol Grimmond was adjudged the tournament’s MVP, the tournament was sponsored by Edward B. Beharry Ltd and G-Boats GY
Sri Lanka Women take 1-0 series lead with first T20I win over West Indies Women since 2015
NEW format, same result for the West Indies Women as Sri Lanka continued their dominance over their Caribbean counterparts with a win in the first of three T20 Internationals in Hambantota, on Monday.
Returning skipper Hayley Matthews brought some respectability back to the Windies batting but it wasn’t enough in the end as the tourists made 134-8 from their 20 overs after being put in to bat by the hosts.
Matthews led the way with a run-a-ball 30 while Aaliyah Alleyne also contributed with 26 off 22 balls including three fours.
Sri Lanka skipper, Chamari Athapaththu, was excellent with the ball on her way to a career best 4-29 from her four over spell while Inoshi Priyadharshani pro-
vided excellent support with 3-28 from her four overs.
Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama then each made 35 as the Sri Lankans stuttered to their target, eventually reaching 137-6 in the 19th over.
This was Sri Lanka’s first win over the West Indies in T20Is since 2015. They also won the ODI series 3-0.
The second T20I takes place today.
Full Scores:
West Indies 134 for 8 off 20 overs (Hayley Matthews 30, Chamari Athapaththu 4-29, Inoshi Priyadharshani 3-28)
Sri Lanka 137 for 6 off 18.4 overs (Vishmi Gunaratne 35, Harshitha Samarawickrama 35, Fletcher 2-29).(Sportsmax)
Champions Linden Technical Institute flanked by Edward B Beharry Brand Manager, Malisa Jeffers (far Right), and YBG director, Riyad Boyce (far left)
NORTH SOUND, Antigua (CMC) – West Indies’ ambitious bid for a third Twenty20 World Cup title ended in heartbreak here Sunday night when they were dumped from their home showpiece, following a tense three-wicket defeat to South Africa in their final Super Eight match.
Their chances of remaining in the tournament were slim once they were restricted to 135 for eight from their 20 overs on a two-paced pitch at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, all-rounder Roston Chase the only one to show any real enterprise with a top score of 52 off 42 deliveries.
Left-hander Kyle Mayers, in his first match of the tournament after being called up as an injury replacement for Brandon King, struck 35 from 34 balls but lacked fluency, and no other batsman passed 15.
There was drama from the start of the run chase when South Africa slumped to 15 for two after two overs, and rain then halted play for 1-¼ hours, forcing a revised target of 123 from 17 overs, and a restart to the contest at 11:45 pm.
With both teams battling to remain in the tournament, they waged a war of attrition, Tristan Stubbs top-scoring with 29 from 27 balls, Heinrich Klaasen chipping in with a 10-ball 22 and Marco Jansen producing a nerveless 14-ball unbeaten 21 which deflated the Caribbean side.
Starting the final over from left-arm pacer Obed McCoy needing six runs for
All-rounder Roston Chase hits out en route to his half-century against South Africa.
victory, Jansen cleared the ropes at long on with the very first delivery to propel his side into the semi-finals, along with England from Group 2.
Chase followed up his fifty with an excellent spell of three for 12 from three overs of off-spin while seamers Andre Russell (219) and Alzarri Joseph (225) chipped in with two wickets apiece in similarly outstanding spells.
“I think when you look on the larger picture, it is a disappointing World Cup. We wanted to win just like any other team, but we weren’t able to win tonight,” said a dejected captain Rovman Powell.
“I think as a team we played some good cricket. We played good cricket in patches and tonight was a night where our batters were 15-20 runs short and a difficult wicket.”
He continued: “We are disappointed. We as players are disappointed because we think we had the personnel within our room to actually win a home World Cup.
“But having said that we have played good cricket, we have entertained [the fans] in patches.”
Sent in, West Indies suffered two huge setbacks inside the first seven balls of their innings when stroke-makers Shai Hope (0) and Nicholas Pooran (1) perished cheaply.
Hope sliced the third ball of the game from seamer Jansen to cover point where Stubbs held a sharp catch while Pooran skied to Jansen on the ropes at long off in the next over, hitting out against off-spinner Aiden Markram.
Not for the first time, Chase then held the innings together, striking three fours and two sixes while posting 81 for the third wicket with
Mayers who notched an identical boundary count.
With the run rate stalling, however, Mayers holed out in the deep in the 12th over off Man-of-the-Match leftarm spinner, Tabraiz Shamsi (3-27), triggering a decline which saw West Indies lose six wickets for 32 runs in the space of 35 balls.
Faced with a straightforward required run rate of nearly seven an over, South Africa were quickly in trouble when Russell knocked over dangerous openers Reeza Hendricks (0) and Quinton de Kock (12) in his first over – the second of the innings.
With rain then adding to the tension, Stubbs put on 27 for the third wicket with captain Aiden Markram (18) after the resumption, and a further 35 for the fourth with Klaasen, who whacked three fours and a six – all from left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie’s solitary over in the seventh which leaked 20 runs.
At 92 for four at the end of the 11th over, South Africa appeared to have wrested control of the contest with just 31 runs needed from the last six overs, only for Chase to remove David Miller (4), Stubbs and Keshav Maharaj (2) in successive overs and hand West Indies one last sniff.
However, Jansen and Kagiso Rabada (five not out), who had earlier collided on the ropes at long off attempting a catch, then collaborated to take South Africa over the line.
Regal teams wing out for NYSCL tournament
REGAL Over-40 and Over-50 teams left the country last evening for New York where they will participate in the annual New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) 19th annual international softball cricket extravaganza, comprising the Independence, Masters and Legends Cup tournaments from this Friday at venues across New York.
The three-day tournament climaxes on Sunday.
Regal are the defending champions in the over-50 category, while the over-50 team lost in last year’s final to the NYSCL combination.
Fazal Rafiek will lead the over-40 team, while Mohendra Arjune skippers the over-50 side.
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Richardson books spot at Paris Olympics
IN a stunning display of speed and focus, World 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson secured her place at the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning the 100m at the US Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday night.
With a world-leading time of 10.71 seconds, Richardson dominated the competition, cementing her status as an early favourite for Olympic gold.
Richardson’s final at Hayward Field started with an intense stare-down, a marked departure from her exuberant salutes to the crowd in earlier heats. This newfound focus paid off spectacularly, as Richardson blazed down the track to clinch victory and her first Olympic berth.
Joining her on the plane to Paris are training partners Melissa Jefferson and Twanisha Terry, who finished second and third with times of 10.80 and 10.89 seconds, respectively. Jefferson’s time was a lifetime best.
This victory marks a significant milestone in Richardson’s career, especially after the disappointment of missing the Tokyo Olympics due to a suspension for marijuana use. She acknowledged the struggles she has faced, saying, “Everything I’ve been through is everything I have been through to be in this moment right now. There’s nothing I’ve been through that hasn’t designed me to sit right here in front of you to answer this question.”
Richardson’s resurgence has been marked by notable achievements, including winning the 100m at the world championships in Budapest last summer with a personal best of 10.65 seconds. She also anchored the US 4x100 relay team to victory.
Richardson’s next goal is to qualify for the 200m. She enters the event with the third-fastest qualifying time, behind Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Gabby Thomas and 2024 NCAA champion McKenzie Long. The first-round heats for the women’s 200m are scheduled for Thursday.
Before Richardson’s electrifying performance, Noah Lyles, the reigning world champion at 100m, ran his preliminary heat in 9.92 seconds, the fastest time in the first round of men’s qualifying. Christian Coleman also advanced winning his heat in 9.99 while Fred Kerley ran 10.02 to also advance. (Sportsmax) Sha’Carri
World 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson
Here,
Regal players
officials pose for a photo opportunity shortly before their departure for the “Big Apple.”
Guyana’s 58th Independence Festival
Cambridge Jaguars capture round-arm title as rain dampens celebrations
By Frederick Halley
AN entertaining day, organised by the Guyana Festival Committee, to mark Guyana’s 58th attainment of Independence, was marred somewhat by a downpour just after 16:30 hours last Saturday brining a halt to the outdoor proceedings at the St Bede ground in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. By the time the rain had eased, the ground was too waterlogged to continue the softball (flick) final between Better Hope and the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) X1 with the former in the ascendancy, having their opponents reeling at 13 for four after three overs in the 10-over contest.
Vice-president
with members of the winning Cambridge team
Andy Persaud led the Better Hope bowling attack with three for two while the other wicket was claimed by skipper Sunil Ramkissoon for two runs. The two teams were forced to share the championship trophy.
There was however no sharing in the round-arm category as Cambridge Jaguars defeated Vikings by six wickets to claim the coveted title.
The participating teams and spectators were earlier greeted by Guyana’s Vice-president Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who took the time to pose with several groups during his walk about, accompanied by Guyana’s High Commissioner to Canada, Keith George and members of the Guyana Festival Committee.
Led by consistent open -
er Patrick Rooplall, who slammed seven sixes in an unbeaten 48 off 21 balls, 31 off nine balls, with five sixes from Riaz Kadir and 31 from Richard Latiff off 12 balls with one four and four sixes, Cambridge Jaguars rushed to 117 for four in 7.4 overs, chasing Vikings’ 115 for four in their allotted 10 overs. Avish Rukhram claimed three for 29.
Earlier, Amit Rukhram hit 37 (five sixes), Avish Rukhram 28 (one four and four sixes) and Avinash Sookdeo 20 (three sixes) in a losing cause as Latiff completed a fine all-round performance. Rooplall was adjudged player of the final.
Vikings qualified for the final of the three-team competition with an easy 71-run victory over Apex Predators. Taking first strike, Vikings
hit an imposing 135 for four in their 10 overs with Amit Rukhram (41), Sookdeo (39) and Avish Rukhram (20) leading the assault.
Apex Predators, in reply, could only muster 64 for nine when their 10 overs expired with Doodnauth Sittaram returning the remarkable figures of six for two.
The flick semi-final saw Better Hope breezing past Ramblers by the huge margin of 81 runs after opener Sheik Mohamed blasted two four and seven sixes in 63 off a mere 26 balls while Anil Samuel supported with 28 (three fours and two sixes) as Better Hope reached a formidable 136 for four in their 10 overs.
Anil Veerasammy bagged two for 16.
Ramblers, in reply, could only managed 55 for six with Kevin Balkarran (14) being the only batter to reach double figures. Desmond Ram ended with two for three.
At the presentation ceremony, the winning and runners-up teams were awarded trophies and medals, compli-
ments of Trophy Stall, Canada. The four umpires – Frederick Halley, Seeram Singh, Robert Dias and Outar Dindial also received medals.
Zakir Khan, who led the OSCL X1, was the lucky winner of the Caribbean Airlines ticket to Guyana and collected his prize from representative Nazie Mohamed. He also got a monetary award from High Commissioner George.
Apart from greeting the teams at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Guyana Festival Sports Committee, Shiv Persaud also extended sincere gratitude to them for making the celebrations a success. Persaud, who is also President of the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA), thanked all the teams for participating and making the celebrations a success.
He also commended online scorers, Natasha Sue and Christine Jereso for their efforts in “making a smooth and seamless day for all and kept everyone involved by following the games.”
THE much-anticipated Guyana horse racing legislation draft has been approved. This is according to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., who provided an update earlier this week during his community outreach in Berbice.
The legislation will establish a recognised Guyana Horse Racing Authority, tasked with regulating major stables, officials, jockeys, and handlers. According to Minister Ramson, the sub-committee will review the legislation draft in detail.
“It is completed, in terms of the draft. It has already been approved to move to the sub-committee. In the next
few weeks, the sub-committee will review in detail. Once it is approved and finalised, it is then approved to be laid by parliament, then we have a debate.”
The Sport Minister added: “I expect that to happen before the recess. The recess is in August, the first week in August. It is quite possible that the debate will be completed before the recess. If it does not, it won’t be much longer after the recess. I expect that, once we complete the review and it is laid in parliament, I don’t foresee a long time before we move towards the debate in parliament.”
Theis legislative initiative in Guyana’s horse rac-
ing comes after previous attempts in 2014, and key elements include provisions to address violations, expand the Authority’s membership, introduce term limits, and implement licensing for owners, jockeys, and trainers.
This development is expected to bring clarity, structure, and oversight to the horse racing industry in Guyana, marking a significant step toward its formal recognition and regulation. The next race day in
Guyana’s horse racing is set for July 14 at the Port Mourant Turf Club, followed by the August 11 Guyana Cup which will be hosted by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee at Rising Sun Turf Club.
Guyana horse-racing legislation moves one step closer to completion Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr.
Bharrat Jagdeo poses
Guyana’s High Commissioner to Canada, Keith George (right), presents the winner’s round-arm trophy to Cambridge Jaguars skipper Hemnarine Chattergoon, a former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 batsman
Caribbean Airlines ticket winner Zakir Khan (right) receives his ticket from representative Nazie Mohamed (Pictures, courtesy of Bobby Ramlagan)
INDIA are through to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-finals, but Australia’s chances of joining them are in Afghanistan’s hands after a high-scoring encounter in Saint Lucia on Monday.
Australia fell short in their attempted chase of 206, after Rohit Sharma (92) had starred with the bat for India to set up a huge total in Gros Islet.
Travis Head threatened to
India seal semi-final spot as Rohit Sharma inspires crunch win over Australia
pull off a remarkable rescue as he hit 76 from 43 balls, but he fell to Jasprit Bumrah in the 17th over and Australia’s hopes of winning went with him, as their chase fizzled out.
Arshdeep Singh picked up 3/37 from 4 overs, while Axar Patel (1/21 from 3) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/24 from 4) helped tie things up through the middle overs after Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja
had been on the receiving end of Head’s blitz.
Afghanistan could now qualify at the expense of the reigning World Test Champions and Cricket World Cup Champions should they beat Bangladesh in the final game in Group 1.
Earlier, India captain Rohit came roaring out of the traps at the top of the order, making mincemeat of the Australian
attack as he hit eight sixes and seven fours in a blistering 92(41), falling narrowly short of a record-breaking century.
Suryakumar Yadav (31 from 16), Shivam Dube (28 from 22) and Hardik Pandya (27* from 17*) were the other major contributors as India reached 205/5 in their 20 overs, with Josh Hazlewood comfortably the pick of the bowlers with 1/14 and
an economy rate of 3.50 – the only Australian bowler with single-figure economy across the innings. Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first at Gros Islet in Saint Lucia, with Mitchell Starc returning to the side in place of Ashton Agar. India named an unchanged XI from their two previous Super Eight matches.
It was Australia who struck the first blow in the game as Virat Kohli skied Josh Hazlewood to Tim David in the deep to depart without troubling the scorers.
But Kohli’s opening partner Rohit Sharma made an enormous early impact, slamming 29 runs off a single Mitchell Starc to set a blistering pace in the powerplay.
And Rohit brought up his half-century off just 19 deliveries, the fastest of the tournament so far, with all-but two of India’s runs having come off his bat as he reached the milestone.
India’s captain looked on course for a record century, but finally fell when Starc was reintroduced to the attack and cleaned him up for 92 from 41 balls.
Rishabh Pant had played a support role in his 15 (14), but Suryakumar Yadav added a fresh acceleration with his fiery 31 (16) before he edged behind off Starc.
Australia did manage to bring the scoring back slightly under control, with Hazlewood largely responsible with his spell of 1/14 in four overs – remarkable figures in the context of the game.
But, after Shivan Dube
departed for 28(22), Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja provided some late gloss with 27*(17) and 9*(5) to send India past 200 to set a daunting target.
India got off to a terrific start when David Warner departed for a run-a-ball six in what could well be his final international appearance for Australia after a glittering career. Australia recovered well though and were up with the required rate for long parts of the innings, thanks largely to Travis Head and his excellent 76 (43).
Head formed dangerous partnerships with both Mitchell Marsh (37) and Glenn Maxwell (20), only for Kuldeep Yadav to dismiss both, cleaning up Maxwell and accounting for Marsh thanks to a brilliant boundary catch by Axar Patel.
Bumrah returned to remove Head and Australia swung hard but with little hope from thereon as they fell short of their target to leave their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
Australia’s fate now lies in Afghanistan’s hands, who would qualify as the runner’s up in the group should they beat Bangladesh in the final match in the Super Eight stage.
A huge margin of victory for Bangladesh in that match could yet see the Tigers qualify for the semi-finals on NRR, while Australia would progress despite two defeats should Bangladesh enjoy a narrow victory, leaving all three sides tied on two points. (ICC Media)
Batting performance to forget on a ‘difficult’ pitch, laments Powell
NORTH SOUND, Antigua, (CMC )– Captain Rovman Powell said West Indies’ batting effort in Sunday’s Super Eight defeat to South Africa was one to quickly forget, but said the surface at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground was a “difficult wicket” which left both teams struggling to adjust.
Asked to bat first in the do-or-die final match of Group Two, West Indies could only muster 135 for eight off their 20 overs, and South Africa won by three wickets under Duckworth-Lewis-Stern, after stumbling to a revised target of 123 off 17 overs, following a 1-¼ hour rain break.
“I think credit have to be given to the boys, I think they fought to the very end,” said Powell, who was dismissed for one to complete a poor outing in the tournament.
“As a batting group, this is one batting performance we’ll try our best to forget. We didn’t bat well in the middle overs especially.”
He continued: “I think it’s just a case of the wicket not being an easy wicket to bat on, to be honest. It needed a little bit more grit, a little bit
more determination than we showed.
“If you should look on how both teams batted on it, even South Africa kind of struggled to get the 136 runs that we made. It wasn’t the easiest of surfaces but as players we have to adapt and come up with solutions.”
West Indies lost leading batsman Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran cheaply with only five runs on the board in the second over but were lifted by the dependable Roston Chase who top-scored with 52 from 42 deliveries.
Opener Kyle Mayers made 35 from 34 balls in his first game of the tournament but once his 81-run, third wicket stand with Chase ended, West Indies fell apart with Powell, Sherfane Rutherford (1) and Andre Russell (15) of the remaining specialist batsmen, all failing.
“You see both teams batting on the wicket. Obviously it wasn’t an easy wicket, especially to get a start on,” Powell pointed out.
“But I think in the middle overs we faltered, we [lost] wickets in clusters – the first time for the competition we have lost wickets in clusters – and
that always breaks the back of a batting team.”
West Indies started the tournament strongly, marching through the group stage undefeated before suffering the first blip in an eight-wicket loss to England in their opening Super Eight fixture in St Lucia.
Also sent in on that occasion, the West Indies batting once again stuttered with no batsman getting out of the 30s, resulting in a total of 180, which England easily overhauled.
Describing the defeat as a “wake-up” call, Powell said it had also proven to be the turning point of the Caribbean side’s campaign.
“I think the defeat against England was very disappointing for us as players but also it was a wake-up call,” the Jamaican said.
“It was a wake-up call because we were playing consistently good cricket so it showed us that ‘hey, in T20 cricket anything is possible.’
“But looking back now in hindsight we can say that two points against England was very, very important because we see how the group [has] come down.
Captain Rovman Powell speaks at the post-match press conference following West Indies’ loss to South Africa.
India captain Rohit Sharma stroked a superb 92 from 41 balls
