Gov’t approaches House for $84.5B to advance crucial initiatives
— transformational gas-to-energy project, support for $100k cash grant initiative on the list
Patterson’s tenure a ‘Catastrophic Failure,’ says Minister Indar
— accuses him of failing to modernise Guyana’s power sector
Open Data Bill passed ‘This
— PM Phillips hails it a milestone in Guyana’s digital transformation — Nandlall criticises opposition for failing to properly review bil
— Minister Teixeira says, following receipt of award for extensive service as a parliamentarian
A second Hope and Justice Centre in Region Three was opened at Vergenoegen on Monday. It will serve not only victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence, but also families and the wider community, representing the beginning of a broader reform agenda aimed at making justice more accessible, compassionate, and effective. Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, with the assistance of Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar; Attorney-General Anil Nandlall and other officials, cut the ribbon to declare the centre open (OPM/DPI photos)
Hope and Justice Centres are sanctuaries, bastions of justice -PM Phillips PG 2
Hope and Justice Centres are sanctuaries, bastions of justice - PM Phillips
PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips described the Hope and Justice Centres as sanctuaries and bastions of justice as he officially declared open the second Hope and Justice Centre in Vergenoegen, Region Three.
During his remarks at Monday’s commissioning ceremony, the Honourable Prime Minister assured of the government’s plan to establish similar facilities throughout the country to support victims of violence and vulnerable populations.
“These centres will be sanctuaries of hope and citizens of justice for those who feel trapped in darkness… Most importantly, they will be symbols of our commitment to a justice system that serves everyone—not just the powerful, but especially the weak and defenseless.”
He further emphasised that this initiative goes beyond mere policies and programmes; it embodies fundamental principles of care, love, and compassion, which he deemed essential for building a society rooted in hope and justice for all.
The Prime Minister called for a paradigm shift
in how justice is conceived and delivered. He said that justice cannot simply be about punishment; it must also be about restoration and creating a path to healing and renewal for persons.
He explained that the Hope and Justice Centre will provide comprehensive support services, including counselling, legal aid, healthcare, and temporary shelter.
“Help must come in tangible forms. It must be outstretched, and it must say, we
see you, we hear you, and we will walk with you through the storm.”
According to the Prime Minister, the centre will operate as a "One-Stop" facility. It will serve not only victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence but also families and the wider community, representing the beginning of a broader reform agenda aimed at making justice more accessible, compassionate, and effective throughout Guyana.
Addressing the socioeconomic barriers that often trap victims in cycles of abuse, the Prime Minister noted that skills training, financial literacy education, and employment services will also be offered.
Prime Minister Phillips also praised stakeholders for their unwavering support during his remarks.
“Your efforts remind us that justice is not the work of one person or one institution.
It is a collective endeavour—a partnership between government, civil society, and citizens.”
The Vergenoegen Hope and Justice Centre is a collaboration between the Ministries of Legal Affairs and Human Services and Social Security, with support from the Spotlight Initiative. The project also benefits from a partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank through the Support for the Criminal Justice System Programme (SCJS). This centre is the second to be established in Region Three. It is an integral component of SCJS's strategy to strengthen social services by reducing prison population growth while providing crucial support to those affected by domestic and sexual violence as well as individuals at risk of legal conflicts.
(OPM)
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips
The opening of the Hope and Justice Centre in Vergenoegen, Region Three, drew a sizeable crowd
Gov’t approaches House for $84.5B to advance crucial initiatives
— transformational gas-to-energy project, support for $100k cash grant initiative on the list
AS government continues to advance its transformational agenda, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Monday presented Financial Papers Numbers three and four for 2024 to the National Assembly, seeking parliamentary consideration and approval for development support totalling $84.5 billion.
Under Financial Paper Number 3, approval for Supplementary Estimates (Current) is being sought in relation to advances made from the Contingency Fund, totalling $456.9 million for the period 2024-11-07 to 2024-11-22. These advances are primarily related to security services for the Ministry of Education and Regions One and Six. Under Financial
Paper Number 4, approval is being sought for Supplementary Estimates (Current and Capital) totalling $84.1 billion for the period ending 2024-12-31.
Foremost among the support required is the Assembly’s approval of $30.5 billion for the provision of resources for the commencement of the $100,000 cash grant initiative announced by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali in October 2024.
It would be recalled that this initiative will see every Guyanese aged 18 and older receiving $100,000 each, and when completed, will place $60 billion in the hands of citizens countrywide. Another key area for which government is seeking approval is for an amount of $25.3 billion under the Office of the Prime Minister to advance its transformational gas-to- energy project. Once this comes on stream,
it is expected that electricity costs will be reduced by 50 percent countrywide, increasing the competitiveness of other industries, and reducing Guyana’s reliance on heavy fossil fuels.
Under the Ministry of Housing and Water, approval is being sought for $8.4 billion to continue the development of housing schemes and the coastal water supply programme. Notably, government is on track to achieve
the commitment of delivering of 50,000 house lots between 2020 and 2025, with more than 40,000 expected to be distributed by the end of this year.
The President Irfaan Aliled Government has significantly ramped up investments to strengthen, expand, and rehabilitate the country’s drainage and irrigation (D&I) infrastructure, promoting growth in agriculture, and improvement in quality of life being enjoyed by the citizens. Under Financial Paper Number 4, Government is seeking approval for an amount of approximately $5.5 billion for the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority to support the advancement of D&I works throughout the country.
Moreover, under the Ministry of Health, government
is seeking Parliamentary approval for $4.5 billion in pursuit of advancing construction of the six regional hospitals in Lima, De Kendren, Diamond, Enmore, Bath and No. 75 Village, as well as to initiate works on regional hospitals at Lethem, Moruca and Kato. Further, $3.6 billion is being sought to support the provision of drugs and medical supplies.
Under the Ministry of Education, approval is being sought for an amount of $1.2 billion to support the operations of the University of Guyana.
It would be recalled that, also in October, His Excellency President Irfaan Ali announced that starting January 2025, tuition fees will be completely abolished at the University of Guyana. (MoF)
‘This is all about serving the people’
— Minister Teixeira says following receipt of award for extensive service as a parliamentarian
MINISTER of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, MP, on Monday urged parliamentarians to remember that the opportunity given to be in the National Assembly is one of service.
Minister Teixeira was at the time delivering brief remarks after officially receiving the prestigious Commonwealth Parliamentarian Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I encourage all the young MPs in particular, on both sides of the house, that this is about serving the people and being able to do the best you can in the interest of the people of our coun- try,” she explained.
pressed her gratitude to the Parliament Office of Guyana for the nomination, and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) for reposing their confidence in her to lead at the highest level.
Over the years, Minister Teixeira has held several ministerial portfolios since the first free and fair elections in 1992. These include Minister of Health, Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, and now Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance.
She has also served as a Presidential Advisor on
Minister Teixeira ex-
Governance to numerous Executive Presidents of Guyana.
Minister Teixeira is the longest serving Member of Parliament in Guyana’s history, with over 30 years of consecutive experience.
The criteria to receive this particular award from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association are:
The nominee must have been a parliamentarian for more than 20 years.
Over that time, the nominee must have: demonstrated an impressive record of achievement as a parliamentar-
ian in their contribution to their Parliament and to their country, promoted democracy and good governance within their jurisdiction; and achieved notable and sustainable positive change over the course of their career.
Minister Teixeira was nominated for this prestigious award by the Parliament of Guyana in September 2024.
Following her nomination, she was selected as this year’s recipient after meeting all outlined criteria of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). (DPI)
Health symposium provides introduction to new diabetes management guidelines
THE Ministry of Health on Sunday held its Diabetes Symposium, which sought to provide an introduction to the new guidelines for diabetes management in Guyana.
According to a post on the ministry’s official Facebook page, the accredited Continuing Medical Education (CME) activity, which was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, attracted several medical professionals including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians and others who care for diabetes patients.
The ministry said that the Director of
Chronic Disease and Non-Communicable Diseases Dr. Lachmie Lall who was present at the symposium, said the CME sessions focused on overlooked topics in diabetes management, especially those concerning maternal and women's health.
The director explained that the health ministry and Mount Sinai Health Systems spent the past months revising and gathering inputs from local physicians to develop the new guidelines which will be rolled out and implemented at health facilities in 2025.
The symposium covered a range of
topics including gestational diabetes: current guidelines for screening, diagnosis and management, which was done by Dr. Judy Hung; heart failure and myocardial disease: current approaches done by Dr. J.R. Wilentz; diabetes and gynecological cancer risk: understanding the link and optimising preventative care by Dr. Shivani Samlall; and a joint lifestyle management of atherosclerotic heart disease and diabetes and diabetic neuropathy by Dr. J.R. Wilentz and Dr. David Heller.
In closing her remarks, Dr. Lall encouraged the attendees to
share their thoughts and suggestions as their input is essential for the successful implementation of the guidelines. According to the ministry, the session marks the beginning of a process that will culminate in the rollout of these guidelines in the near future.
The CME is by definition educational activities which serve to maintain, develop or increase the knowledge, skills, and professional performance and relationships a physician uses to provide services for patients, the public and the profession.
Dr. Lachmie Lall, Director of Chronic Diseases and Non-Communicable Diseases (MoH photo)
Water in the hinterland: Once a distant dream, now a flowing reality
FOR years, access to safe water has been a daunting challenge for Guyanese who live in hinterland communities. In the last four years alone, the government has made remarkable strides in delivering potable water to remote communities and in the process, created hope for thousands of families.
Take Allin Thomas for example. He and daughter Malika live in the community of Quarrie, deep in the Central Rupununi Savannah. Their village is inhabited by just over 250 residents.
Thomas divides his time between caring for Malika, farming and community service. He understands how vital water is to the survival of his community.
“Clean water is good for them and also the rest of the children in the village. I know water is a part of life. We need to be careful with what we [are] using… we need a clean water system,” Thomas said.
For years, the residents of Quarrie like those in hundreds of hinterland communities, hoped that their voices would be heard. While residents in coastal communities have had easy access to safe water, men, women and even children in villages like Quarrie were required to walk long distances to fetch water in buckets from hand-dug wells or a nearby creek to their homes.
The daily struggle to gain access to safe water is a reality that senior councillor of Quarrie, Martin Anthony is all too familiar with.
“People were suffering from water… In this weather, hand-dug wells [are] very unclean to use,” Anthony said.
During periods of drought hand-dug wells
would run dry forcing residents in hinterland communities with no other option but to put their faith in a limited quantity of unsafe water that they use for cooking, washing and even drinking.
Unsafe water harbours contaminants and bacteria that results in frequent bouts of illness such as skin infections, dysentery and other preventable diseases. Personal hygiene suffers as well.
In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimated that 2 billion people worldwide lack access to clean water. That’s 1 in 10 people on the planet who do not have access to clean water. It is estimated that more than three million people die from waterborne diseases and every day, more than 1,000 children under five dies from illnesses caused by the use of unsafe water, sanitation and poor hygiene.
More than a decade ago the United Nations General Assembly declared safe and clean drinking water and sanitation a human right.
When the PPP/C administration took office
four years ago, a mere 45 per cent of the hinterland communities had access to a safe supply of water. A core pillar of the government of Guyana’s manifesto is a commitment to ensuring that every citizen has 100 per cent access to potable water by 2025. So, how did this government set about achieving this vision?
Addressing the 8th India Water Week-2024, in Delhi, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, highlighted Guyana’s rapid expansion of its potable water sector, driven by the country’s tremendous macroeconomic growth and a number of strategic initiatives which increased access to treated water in both coastal and hinterland communities.
For example, the government has worked with community leaders and local stakeholders to expand water distribution networks, installing photovoltaic pumping stations and building catchment systems. But nothing equals the sheer number of wells that have been drilled in hinterland communities.
“One hundred new wells have been drilled
we ask for that help [a well],” Senior Councillor Martin Anthony said.
Residents in Quarrie told DPI they were amazed at the level of responsiveness by the government, and less than a year after making their request, Quarrie got a brand new well.
In April 2024, a $12 million well was commissioned in the village providing some 63 per cent of residents with clean water.
his hands to spend with his daughter and assist in the development of his community.
And for all of that, the total amount that the government invested in the village of Quarrie is a mere $24 million.
The government has allocated $22.5 billion for water system improvement across the country. Since August 2020, over $4.9 billion was invested in the hinterland just for water.
in the hinterland regions from 2020 to now. Those are the projects that are completed. We have projects that are in progress now. Another 30 wells will be completed by the end of the year and that is a major accomplishment,” the Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues said.
We at DPI have reported on the commissioning of wells in the hinterland and our technical team plugged the locations of 100 wells that Minister Rodrigues said have been built in the hinterland into this interactive map.
And with this accomplishment, 98.8 per cent of the coastland and 82 per cent of hinterland communities now have access to potable water. And the government is not done; it has set a target of 100 per cent coverage by the year 2025.
During a community outreach by the ministry of housing and water in 2023, residents of Quarrie expressed their dire need for a safe and reliable supply of water.
“We were very in need of the water system… when minister of housing did visit our village…
A second water system was commissioned in Quarrie in October 2024 by the Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues. This second system delivers water to 96 per cent of all villagers. But even in the remote outskirts of these small communities, the government is working to bridge the gap and ensure that every home, big or small, has access to a safe and reliable water supply.
Access to safe water has changed everything about life in Quarrie. Thomas told DPI that “right now, we get water in the backyard… everything easier right now.”
Thomas admits he now has more time on
Beyond numbers and points on a map, it is important to recognise that to live life fully, water is essential. It flows through our bodies, nourishes our crops, powers our industries, and fuels our dreams. Life would literally cease to exist without water.
Safe water allows parents like Allin Thomas to enjoy life to its fullest. It means his daughter has a future that is not mired in ill-health due to waterborne diseases. Safe water translates into healthy communities and turns what was once a distant dream into a flowing reality. (DPI)
A child drinks water from a newly installed water system
Combining agriculture and tourism
AGRICULTURE
is
much more than the growing of food, it is also an integral part of our culture. This combination of agriculture and culture is now becoming a major enterprise globally, linking people with farming communities and in the process, contributing to sustainable livelihoods of farmers.
Guyana’s tourism sector is growing rapidly. This is especially so within recent years as can be seen from the record number of tourist arrivals and the construction of several new international hotels.
And while it is true that
we do not have the benefit of the three Ss- Sun, Sea and Sand – to the extent available in other Caribbean countries, we do have other tourism products that are unique to Guyana. One such package are the elements associated with agriculture, namely agri-tourism.
Guyana has a rich and diverse agricultural history dating back to the early days of European colonisation. Much of that history has been lost over the decades.
The same is true of the tools and other aspects of our early agricultural pursuits with particular reference to cotton, coffee and tobac -
co production, which over time, became subordinated to large- scale sugar and rice cultivation.
Yet there are several elements of our agriculture that still remain and can be of value to those who have an interest in the evolution of agriculture in Guyana, especially in rice and sugar production.
There are many Guyanese both at home and abroad who never went into our agricultural backlands and experienced first hand how sugar or rice is cultivated and the different processes involved in their production.
This is why the decision by the government to explore the feasibility of agri-tourism is commendable, especially in the context of the lead role Guyana is playing in agriculture on the regional stage.
Once the breadbasket of the Caribbean, the agricultural sector was allowed to deteriorate due to the vindictive policies of the previous PNC regime.
A significant number of farmers, especially in the rice sub-sector, were forced to abandon their lands and seek employment elsewhere.
Yet that culture of growing food remains strong and
was given new and fresh impetus by the PPP/C administration. The agricultural sector is doing exceedingly well and is a major contributory factor to the non-oil growth trajectory.
Agri-tourism is defined as a type of tourism that involves visits to farms, agricultural-themed festivals and old plantations. Luckily, many of these still can be found on the sugar estates and in rice-cultivation areas. It combines agriculture with tourism to promote sustainable tourism, support local agriculture and provide economic benefits to rural communities.
The potential of agri-tourism for sustainable livelihoods of farmers are enormous. With the expansion of Guyana’s hospitality sector, it is now possible to link local farmers with hotels and restaurants. Additionally, it entails the use of tourist routes that combines the natural landscapes with the way of life of rural and hinterland communities.
Guyana’s push towards agri-tourism is a step in the right direction and it speaks to ingenuity and our creative ability to cleverly combine the two sectors, thereby ensuring that everyone benefits.
Gov’t injects $405M to upgrade Ituni road network – Starlink connection
THIRTY-TWO small contractors from Ituni, Region Ten are charged with developing the community’s road network under the Ministry of Public Works’ miscellaneous road programme.
The initiative follows a pre-qualification process where residents recommended contractors from the community.
At the signing ceremony held at Howell Primary School on Friday, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips highlighted the project’s role in fostering employment and economic growth.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the lives of all
to be installed soon
Guyanese, stating, “We are committed to improving the lives and livelihood of all the people of Guyana.”
In addition to roadworks, the Prime Minister announced plans to install a Starlink internet connection at the primary school by next Friday, as the community lacks an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub.
“Internet is now almost a human right in the world today, and we are embracing that,” he said.
He also pledged to have the Ministry of Education survey the community’s population to assess the need for a secondary school.
Minister of Pub -
lic Works Bishop Juan Edghill described the road project as a “gigantic undertaking” for the community.
He emphasised that the 32 contractors that were awarded work must hire residents from the community.
“So, at least 200 people will be put to work,” the minister pointed out. The roadwork is scheduled for completion by December 20 and align with the government’s broader infrastructure development strategy to improve accessibility, enhance commuter safety, and promote economic growth. (DPI)
Guyana, other CARICOM businesses urged to tap into EU markets
…so as to enjoy duty-free, quota-free access
IN an era of increasing globalisation, businesses across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), including Guyana, have been presented with an exceptional opportunity to tap into European Union (EU) markets.
Speaking to the benefits to be derived from the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU and CARICOM, EU Ambassador to Guyana René van Nes said the pact offers duty-free and quota-free access, the objective of which is to enhance trade relations and foster economic development across the region.
Further highlighting the benefits of this arrangement, Ambassador van Nes, whose forte is Macro Economics and Public Finance, shared some invaluable insights during the latest episode of the Energy Perspectives podcast, which is being powered by the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo.
He explained that products made in the Caribbean can be exported to the European Union without paying
any tariffs or being subject to import limits. “And with that comes a whole package of promotions; trade promotions and assistance to make sure that these difficult EU rules, which also apply to European producers, can be met here [Guyana] as well,” he said. Despite the EPA's immense potential, van Nes recognised that its benefits are not widely known. With its rapidly growing economy, buoyed by the burgeoning oil-and gas sector, Guyana is uniquely positioned to take
advantage of the EPA, particularly as it strengthens ties with European markets. Ambassador van Nes revealed a striking statistic: “In 2023, about half of Guyana’s oil was actually bought by the European Union,” he said. He highlighted that this growing partnership underscores the strategic significance of the EPA, and as the EU seeks to reduce its reliance on Russian oil, he said, emerging oil-producing nations like Guyana are poised to reap substantial benefits.
The ambassador also highlighted several key strengths of Guyana’s investment climate.
Firstly, he said that its abundance of natural resources, including oil, forests and biodiversity, offer significant potential for development. However, transforming these opportunities into tangible results requires adequate financing, he noted. Additionally, he emphasised the need for a willing and capable workforce. Most importantly, van Nes emphasised the role of a dynamic government with a clear vision, such as the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, and the ability to implement that vision through concrete actions. “All of that creates a very conducive environment for countries to operate, as you know what you are get-
ting into,” the Dutch national said.
The ambassador pointed out that Guyana is making significant efforts to strengthen its institutions, recognising their crucial role in the country's development. He referenced the recent Nobel Prize in Economics, awarded to researchers who concluded that successful nations are those that have established robust institutions capable of supporting and sustaining their growth.
In this regard, van Nes, who’s not only fluent in his native Dutch but is also conversant in English, German and French, pointed out: “That is why I am happy to see that the government [of Guyana] is investing in its people; in its institutions. Because that strength will be absolutely crucial in accom-
panying Guyana’s growth over the coming years…”
Guyana's trade relations with the European Union have strengthened, marked by increased exports. Between January 2017 and September 2023, trade amounted to US$11 billion.
Trade grew by 778 per cent between 2021 and 2022, a movement from US$614 million to US$5.4 billion, largely on account of developments in Guyana’s oil-andgas sector.
Guyana and the European Union established diplomatic relations in 1975 with the signing of the historic Georgetown Agreement.
Since then, the EU has remained a vital development partner for Guyana, providing funding for numerous programmes over the years to support the country’s growth.
EU Ambassador to Guyana René van Nes
Open Data Bill passed
— PM Phillips hails it a milestone in Guyana’s digital transformation — Nandlall criticises opposition for failing to properly review bill
By Feona Morrison
PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has hailed the Open Data Bill as a cornerstone of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government’s commitment to transparency, innovation and the responsible management of public data.
His remarks came on Monday as debates commenced on the landmark legislation in the National Assembly, marking another pivotal step in the administration's push for digital transformation. Following the second and third readings of the bill, it was passed following bipartisan support from the National Assembly.
Once a bill is passed, it is then submitted by the Clerk of the National Assembly to the President for his signature. Only when a Bill has been signed by the President does it become a statute law or an act.
PM Phillips emphasised the broader significance of the bill, describing it as a critical component in the
government's legislative agenda, aimed at modernising governance and leveraging data to improve the lives of citizens. “As much as this bill forms part of our legislative agenda, it is also very much a critical step forward in how we govern and utilise data for the benefit of our people.”
Placing the Open Data Bill in context, PM Phillips highlighted its role as part of a comprehensive framework designed to balance
the benefits of digital innovation with the protection of individual rights and privacy.
He pointed to complementary legislation such as the Data Protection Act and the Data Identity Card Act, both of which were recently passed in the National Assembly.
“The Open Data Bill is the latest chapter in a series of forward-thinking initiatives,” he declared.
The bill mandates
public agencies to make non-sensitive data accessible to the public, fostering greater accountability and transparency across government institutions.
“Mr Speaker, this bill represents a firm commitment by our government to empower institution[s] and citizens alike, fostering an environment where data becomes a tool for innovation, economic growth and more efficient governance,” PM Phillips said.
Additionally, the bill includes robust provisions to ensure that the release of public data does not compromise national security or individual privacy. As such, he said clauses 11 and 15 of the bill “strictly prohibits the disclosure of non-public data assets and imposes strict penalties for breaches of confidentiality.”
“This ensures that private, sensitive and classified information remains secure. Moreover, Mr Speaker, the Open Data Bill builds on the foundation of the Data Protection Act, reassuring confidentiality, and privacy safeguards,” the prime minister added.
FOSTERING COLLABORATION
While touting the benefits of the Bill, Phillips said: “One of the most excited [sic] aspects of this bill is its potential to foster collaboration and innovation.
Clause 12 encourages public authorities to engagedwith citizens, researchers and private-sector entities, enabling the co-creation of solutions to societal challenges using public data.”
Prime Minister Phillips drew parallels between Guyana's Open Data Bill and similar legislation enacted in the European Union, the United States of America, and the Caribbean, underscoring how the bill aligns with global trends in data governance.
He noted that the legislation reflects global best practices in data governance and positions Guyana as a leader in the Caribbean in implementing policies that align with the evolving demands of the digital economy. “We [the government] are laying the foundation for a modern Guyana—one that is prepared to lead in the digital age while ensuring that data is used safely, responsibly, and for the betterment of all citizens….”
Meanwhile, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, joining the debate sharply criticising opposition Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson.
Nandlall said that Ferguson had failed to thoroughly review the bill, noting that many of her concerns had already been addressed under the provisions of the Data Protection Act.
Commenting on Ferguson’s presentation on the Open Data Bill, Nandlall said: “The entire presentation of the honourable member we should put one side and discard.”
He highlighted the timeless importance of data in shaping decisions, stating that "data has always been a crucial component of decision-making from time immemorial."
“Policymakers, in conceiving policies, in designing policies, and in determining the suitability of policies, have always recognised that data is important. Why? Because data guides human behaviour; data guides the approach of human beings in terms of conduct and how policies should be fashioned to ensure that they obtain optimum effect,” the Senior Counsel reasoned.
He highlighted that over recent decades, advancements in technology have significantly simplified the processes of accumulating, storing, and utilising data.
Nandlall said: “Developed countries have grabbed this opportunity with both hands. Every developed country in the world has a modern data policy. Some in the form of policy and some in the form of policy coupled with legislation. And it is all part of e-governance.”
According to him, the European Union has long established a public data policy.
Building on this foundation, he said that individual EU member states have enacted their own legislation to align with and expand upon these principles.
Similarly, the attorney general highlighted that other global powers such as the United States, India, Japan, and China have implemented robust frameworks to govern data accessibility and security. Nations such as Singapore, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates have also embraced this trend, he added.
Guyana, he noted, is now progressing in this direction.
In response to opposition claims that the government is concealing information, Nandlall stated: "We are passing this bill that compels us in government to make public data available for members of the public for constructive use in decision-making.
“That is the type of governance that we embrace. We face our challenges with open arms. You want transparency? We are putting it in the law so that all the information that you need will be available. If we wanted to control the data, we didn’t even have to bring this law.”
“This is an innovative piece of legislation, the brainchild of President, Dr Irfaan Ali,” Nandlall emphasised. “It is his vision to move Guyana to a different place and to make data available to inform the developmental trajectory of our country.”
Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, SC Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips
Notification for 2024 made to Parliament of petroleum revenues paid into NRF
— as gov’t continues to demonstrate commitment to transparency, accountability
in the management of oil resources
SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, on Monday presented Notification of Receipts to the National Assembly of all petroleum revenues paid into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) during the period 1st July 2024 to 30th September 2024, pursuant to Section 33 (2) of the NRF Act, 2021.
This notification was published in the Official Ga-
zette on the 14th October, 2024, and demonstrates the PPP/C government’s continued commitment to the principles of transparency and accountability in the management of Guyana’s oil resources. At the end of October 2024, the balance in the NRF stood at US$3.1 billion.
It would be recalled that the NRF Act 2021 came into operation on January 1st, 2022, and represents one of the most significant steps taken to bring greater ac -
Parliamentary Secretaries resume duties following CCJ ruling
countability and transparency in the management of Guyana’s oil resources, replacing the illegitimate APNU+AFC caretaker administration’s NRF Act 2019.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its 2023 Article IV Consultation report commended the government on the progress made to strengthen the management of oil wealth and its fiscal transparency:
“The governance framework was strengthened,
through the appointment of three critical entities for the NRF governance in 2022: the NRF Board of Directors, the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee, and the Investment Committee. Furthermore, to ensure full transparency and accountability, notifications of receipts of petroleum revenues have been published in the Official Gazette since April 2022.”
In July of this year, Minister Singh presented the
NRF Annual Report for the fiscal year 2023 to the National Assembly, pursuant to Section 32(4) of the NRF Act 2021.
In addition, at that sitting of the National Assembly, the Speaker of the National Assembly also circulated the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee Annual Report for the fiscal year 2023, pursuant to Section 6(6) of the NRF Act 2021.
Another key improvement to the NRF Act, 2021,
is that the minister could face up to 10 years imprisonment if he fails to disclose the receipt of any petroleum revenue received by government in the Official Gazette within three months of receipt of such monies.
The PPP/C government will continue to manage Guyana’s oil resources in a clear and transparent manner, to the benefit of present and future generations. (MoF)
Parliamentary Secretaries Vikash Ramkisoon and Sarah Browne reassumed their places in the National Assembly on Monday. This follows a CCJ ruling in which it was determined that the two were legally appointed as Parliamentary Secretaries in September 2021. A parliamentary secretary is appointed by the President to help Cabinet Ministers. They table documents or answer questions for a minister, among other duties (DPI photos)
New $215M Nappi Secondary School to benefit 300 students
THREE hundred students will soon have a brand-new secondary school to receive their education as construction has commenced on the $215 million George Tancredo Nappi Secondary School in Region Nine.
The contract for the school, worth $215,802,200, was awarded to Beerdat Harrinandan and is expected to be completed in nine months.
During a site inspection on Saturday, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, said that the school will cater
to students from three villages including Nappi, Hiawa and Parishara, eliminating the need for them to travel to St Ignatius for their education.
She elaborated, “We are very happy to deliver this dream… This is going to be a school for three villages [including] Nappi, Hiawa and Parishara…It is going to help us to close down the primary tops which are primary schools offering secondary education. We currently have 14 secondary-school teachers training at CPCE to be able to
teach at this school when it is finished.”
In Region Nine alone, construction is underway on seven secondary schools, including at Karasabai, Maruranau, Tabatinga, Massara, Yupukari, and Katoka.
When completed, these schools will ensure that the region has universal access to education.
Additionally, 12 nursery and seven primary schools are under construction in the region.
This project is also pro-
viding spin-off benefits to the community with labour being sourced directly from Nappi.
Further, Minister Manickchand disclosed that the school’s furniture will be built in Nappi, providing additional employment opportunities and revenue for the residents.
Meanwhile, Toshao of Nappi, Elroy McGarrell, explained that the community decided to name the school in memory of the late Toshao George Tancredo, who lobbied for the construction of
a secondary school in the community.
He added, “I am privileged to carry on some things that the older toshaos would have started…He [George Tancredo] has always dreamt about this for a very long time. It is a blessing for me to carry on his legacy. It will be a blessing for us to have our students’ study here…I am so thankful…We will be working with the government to see many more developments.”
Additionally, Minister
Manickchand also commissioned Moco Parashar Nursery and Quarrie Nursery Schools, a new block and a library at St Ignatius Primary School.
The minister also visited the site where a modern $182 million secondary school is being built at Tabatinga.
The facility is scheduled for completion in 18 months, benefitting 800 students. (DPI)
$400 million invested in modernising
GLDA’s breeder programme
— Minister Mustapha assures poultry farmers at inaugural Honey Fest
By Cindy Parkinson-Chowbay
WITH the accent these days on hatching eggs, the recent announcement that the government has committed the sum of G$400M to bolstering the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA)’s breeder programme must have been sweet music to the ears of many a poultry rearer.
Making the welcome announcement on Friday at the first ever Honey Fest to be held here, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said that the funds have already been made available to the GLDA, and that the agency is on the verge of im-
porting some modern tunnel houses so that the breeder programme can continue. Noting that thanks to
President Irfaan Ali’s unwavering dedication to transforming Guyana's agricultural sector from the traditional
crop and livestock production to a more advanced and enhanced one, the country now produces 60% of the food it consumes, Minister Mustapha said that investments such as these are intended to ensure that Guyana is not just food-secure, but also well positioned to become the food hub of the region.
And with the growing demand and advancement in new industries, the minister said he was pleased to reiterate that Guyana was able to produce its first set of hatching eggs last year.
According to him, compared to the 27,000 hatching eggs that were produced in 2023, he was delighted to learn that for the first half of
2024, the sector has already produced a total of 94,000 hatching eggs, and he anticipates that that figure will be doubled by the end of December.
As Minister Mustapha explained, while this projection may seem like a whole lot of eggs to some, Guyana uses approximately 53 million hatching eggs annually, thus causing the commodity to always be in high demand here.
Urging the young people of Guyana to familiarise themselves with the economic benefits to be had from the new and developing industries within the agriculture sector, the minister said, “By the end of 2026 to early 2027, we are hoping that Guyana
will produce all of the country's needs for hatching eggs. This will be good for the country, since we will save revenue and reduce the food import bill to make our contribution to the 25 by 2025 initiative.”
In closing, the agriculture minister emphasised the importance of everyone participating in the sector, adding that the ministry is also trying to eradicate the stigma associated with farming. He said that while some are already benefitting tremendously from farming, cattle rearing, and poultry production, they are working on eradicating the “elderly job” stigma attached to the sector by some.
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, during a site inspection of the George Tancredo Nappi Secondary School
Minister Manickchand poses with several students
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha
Patterson’s tenure a ‘Catastrophic Failure,’ says Minister Indar
— accuses him of failing to modernise Guyana’s power sector
MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, has issued a scathing critique of former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, accusing him of presiding over the catastrophic mismanagement of Guyana’s power sector during the APNU+AFC administration.
In a strongly worded statement, Minister Indar lambasted Patterson’s tenure, describing it as marked by "a total abandonment of responsibility, with no meaningful capital investment in the sector from 2015 to 2020." He cited a legacy of "neglect, reckless incompetence, and blatant corruption," which has left Guyana grappling with outdated infrastructure and a failure to modernise despite increasing energy demands driven by economic growth. Indar highlighted the dire condition of the power sector inherited by the current admin-
istration, noting that outdated generating sets remain a testament to Patterson’s failure to expand and upgrade the system. He underscored that the former government was unprepared to meet the demands of a rapidly growing economy, bolstered by the expansion of the petroleum sector and a surge in manufacturing and hospitality investments.
In contrast, Minister Indar emphasised the PPP/C Government’s decisive efforts to address the power crisis, particularly through its transformative Gas-to-Energy project. "This project is already well underway, with pipelines and other critical components visibly taking shape," he stated, adding that it will deliver "clean, reliable, and affordable energy" to Guyanese households and businesses.
Indar also dismissed Patterson’s recent claims that private sector organisations are hesitant to criticise the government’s handling of the power sector.
"Between 2020 and 2024, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips and I have met with the leadership of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), and the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) to provide detailed updates on the challenges we face and the solutions we are implementing," he explained.
According to Indar, these organisations have expressed support for the government’s "forward-thinking, solution-oriented approach" and understand the scale of the task required to
rebuild the power sector after years of neglect. He described Patterson’s accusations as "desperate and delusional," pointing out the APNU+AFC administration’s history of corruption and inefficiency.
Minister Indar reaffirmed the PPP/C Government’s commitment to resolving the challenges in the energy sector. "We are focused on fixing the broken power system left behind by the APNU+AFC and laying a strong foundation for a more reliable supply of electricity for all Guyanese," he concluded.
The remarks come amid ongoing debates on energy reliability in Guyana, as the government pushes forward with its agenda to modernise the country’s power infrastructure.
Procurement rules by oil and gas companies now under scrutiny – Local Content Director
THE Local Content Secretariat is examining the procurement guidelines being used by companies operating in Guyana’s oil and gas sector, as several inconsistencies and a lack of standardisation have raised significant concerns. This was recently noted by the Director of the Secretariat, Dr Martin Pertab.
During a recently aired interview on the Energy Perspectives Podcast, Dr Pertab said that the current variations in procurement systems across companies undermine transparency and
fairness.
Dr Pertab highlighted that some companies have attempted to award contracts prematurely at the Request for Information (RFI) stage. “At an RFI stage where the information is basically more or less on a company profile… how can you decide at your level to say that this company is the right fit based on a company profile? So, what about pricing? What about experience? What about finance? What about technical capabilities?” he questioned.
Unlike government pro-
cesses, which are governed by a Procurement Act, he said the oil and gas industry operates with diverse and often opaque procurement systems. Dr. Pertab explained that a proper process typically involves public tendering, shortlisting companies, requesting quotations, evaluating bids, and then awarding contracts. He stressed that bypassing these steps undermines the principles of fairness outlined in the Local Content Act.
To address this, the Secretariat intends to conduct random assessments of eval-
uation reports to ensure compliance. “Because in order for us to ensure there is confidence in the industry, and when we say to our locals to invest…We must have a system that is fair and transparent, that could withstand scrutiny, not for any company to come and just say, this is our company, this is our procurement process, and this is how we do things here,” Dr. Pertab stated.
Moreover, Dr Pertab emphasised the need for procurement systems to adhere to established guidelines,
including criteria for pricing, technical capabilities, and local content plans.
He noted that while the Secretariat has yet to enforce any penalties under the Local Content Act, it remains committed to addressing these procurement challenges to create a more equitable environment for local businesses in the oil and gas sector.
He affirmed, “We’re going to change it, and they must have a system in place that could withstand scrutiny.” (DPI)
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar
Former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson
Local Content Director, Dr. Martin Pertab
Scenes from India’s Prime Minister
Shri Narendra Modi’s recent threeday state visit to Guyana
INDIA’S Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi last week concluded a successful three-day state visit to Guyana.
During the visit, he and
President, Dr Irfaan Ali engaged in extensive bilateral discussions that touch on many areas of mutual interest, signed several Memoranda of Understanding, ad-
dressed the National Assembly and delivered remarks at the Second CARICOM-India Summit.
He also attended several functions, some of which
saw him interacting with members of Guyana’s Indian community.
PM Modi was also conferred with Guyana’s highest national award, the Order of
Excellence and was presented with a sculpture titled, “Pivotal Bond,” created by renowned sculptor Winslow Craig and made from local Silverballi wood.
The following Office of the President, Ministry of Education and Deodat Indar photos capture some of PM Modi’s time in Guyana.
Scenes from India’s Prime Minister...
Youth involvement key to developing communities – Minister Sukhai
ACKNOWLEDGING
the critical role youths play in shaping the future through leadership and innovation, Minister of Amerindian Affairs
Pauline Sukhai has emphasised the urgent need for youth involvement in the development of communities.
During a visit to the Amerindian village of Santa Aratack on Sunday, Minister Sukhai shared this message with local residents: “if we involve young people in the work of the community, we are shaping their minds to be loyal and to be nationalist – not only for the wider village, but [also] for their community.”
work is making steady progress, involving youth could significantly accelerate the momentum for future growth.
In a call to action, the minister urged residents to take proactive steps in educating, empowering, training and nurturing the youth and other key demographics within their communities.
carpentry, masonry and becoming tourism operators. She further highlighted that the advantages of their locations near to the coast allows for easy access to raw materials and markets for their products.
among young people, Minister Sukhai pointed out.
Following a general inspection of ongoing community projects, Minister Sukhai addressed concerns and stressed the importance of progress, while also catering to community needs.
She emphasised that “there must be an aggressive approach to involving young people and women.”
Minister Sukhai noted that while infrastructural
Anna Regina Secondary receives $1M from New York Alumni Association
THE Anna Regina Secondary School Alumni Association of America (New York Chapter) has generously donated $1 million to the Region Two educational institution.
The official handover took place on Monday evening in the school’s auditorium.
Representing the New York Chapter was Indrawattie Natram, who made the presentation on behalf of the Alumni President, Mr Indarjeet Paul.
Chairman of the Board of Governors of Anna Regina Secondary School, Bolaram Mohan, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Paul and the Alumni Association for their timely contribution.
He noted that the funds will be used to purchase 17 security cameras to enhance the safety and security of the school’s environment.
Mohan, who was speaking during the school’s assembly, highlighted the ongoing support the association
has provided over the years, emphasising his eagerness to continue collaborating with them to bring about positive changes for the school.
Headmaster of the Anna Regina Secondary School, Sir Lalljeet Rooplall, also extended his thanks to Mr Paul and the alumni team.
He described the donation as crucial in bolstering the
school’s security efforts and acknowledged the association’s consistent commitment to supporting the institution’s needs.
The donation reflects the strong bond between the Anna Regina Secondary School and its alumni, whose contributions continue to make a meaningful impact.
The minister also encouraged young men and women to take a special interest in acquiring practical skills such as
The minister also cited that the community’s internet access enables residents to advance their education by registering for any number of free Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) courses.
The government has implemented many other initiatives aimed at fostering skill development and self improvement
Youths are encouraged to participate in projects such as the Community Support Officer (CSO) programme, which involves them in critical sectors such as health, education and governance, she said. Through this particular programme, youth gain hands-on experience while contributing positively to the development of their communities.
Minister Sukhai urged residents to support local contractors who are essential for sustainable development. (DPI)
Ms Indrawattie Natram hands over a cheque worth $1 million to the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Anna Regina Secondary School, Mr Bolaram Mohan in the presence of the headmaster, Lalljeet Rooplall
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, delivers remarks
Three international bus service routes established to transport passengers under Guyana/Brazil agreement
THE Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a public advisory on the transportation of passengers under the Guyana/Brazil International Road Transport Agreement (IRTA), which states that pursuant to the agreement, three established international bus service routes are now in place for transporting passengers between the two nations.
The advisory stated that these routes are fixed and are not to be changed. The routes are as follows: Route 1: Let-
hem, Guyana to Boa Vista, Brazil (return), which will operate twice daily; Route 2: Lethem, Guyana to Manaus, Brazil (return), which will operate once daily; and Route 3: Georgetown, Guyana to Boa Vista, Brazil (return), which will operate once daily.
It also details the requirements for buses. The advisory reads, “The buses that will be allowed to ply the above international routes shall not be older than eight years
from the date of manufacture and must also possess the following: air conditioning; a seating capacity of no less than 32 seats; seatbelts for the driver and all passengers; washroom facilities; facilities to enable the transport of physically challenged persons; and a tachograph (a device fitted to a vehicle that automatically records its speed and distance).”
Moreover, it said that the buses shall undergo technical
inspections by the Ministry of Public Works upon which certificates of vehicular inspection will be issued. This will be done annually.
Alongside this, the advisory explains that those persons wishing to transport passengers on the above international routes must apply to the Ministry of Home Affairs to be registered as a transporting firm with the Commissioner of Customs & Trade Administration (Commissioner General at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)).
Additionally, upon application, the following documents must be presented: Tax Identification Number (TIN) of both the transporting firm and owner of the firm; certif-
icate of motor vehicle registration; motor vehicle license; certificate of fitness; road service license; Internationally valid third party insurance policy certificate; company registration; and public proxy instrument granting a legal representative in Brazil full powers to represent the firm in all legal and administrative acts. The text must be in English and Portuguese.
The advisory noted that only buses registered will be issued with the permission to ply the mentioned international routes.
The advisory further reads, “A Transporting Firm shall secure appropriate authorisation from the National Agency for Road Transportation in Brazil in order to
ply the above international routes.
Within 120 days from issuance of the original permission by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the transporting firm has to present to the National Agency for Road Transportation in Brazil, a certification of the original permission by the Ministry of Home Affairs and a public proxy instrument granting a legal representative in Guyana full powers to represent the firm in all legal and administrative acts.”
Buses will be subject to the necessary Immigration & Customs Procedures in effect at the designated border points between Guyana and Brazil.
In addition to their Guyanese driver’s license, drivers of the buses must possess an International Driving Permit as issued by the License Revenue Office, GRA.
The fare structure to be employed will be determined by the Ministry of Home Affairs in conjunction with the Ministry of Public Works and the transporting firms.
Those businesses that wish to provide bus services for the transporting of passengers under the IRTA should submit proposals to the Permanent SecretaryMinistry of Home Affairs, Lot Six Brickdam, Georgetown, on or before December 6, 2024, and indicate which line of service they are willing to operate.
‘Touring Guyana’ offers awesome adventures, unforgettable memories
By Faith Greene
FOUNDER and Managing Director of licensed tour company, Touring Guyana, Shivana Gulchend has a passion for “touring” Guyana.
Gulchend grew up on the coast of Guyana and said she always had an interest in travelling.
While growing up, she always heard persons talking about travelling to the United States of America, Trinidad and Tobago and to Suriname.
“I remember reading in high school and in school in general about the mountains and the rainforest and all of that, and then we started seeing pictures with the age of the cameras and then TV and all of that. I figured that it has to be interesting as well; and for me, I wanted to see more of Guyana than to visit other countries,” Gulchend said.
Through her job at the Ministry of Finance as a System Administrator, where she was responsible for managing the financing systems at all Neighbourhood and Regional Democratic Council (NDC/ RDC) offices, she was able to travel to each of the ten administrative regions of Guyana.
She said: “But before that as well, my husband, he saw my interest in travel as well and he took me to a few places. And then we made it like a yearly trip where every year we would save our money to visit somewhere remote in Guyana.”
By seeing and experiencing these places for herself, she realised how amazing and breathtaking they are. She realised as well that not many persons knew these places existed in Guyana.
In 2018, she took a step to create a generic page called Touring Guyana where she posted pictures of everywhere she visited. In these posts, she added details about the location and other relevant information for others to see.
From that point, she received calls from family, friends and colleagues asking for recommendations for weekend activities or seeking her expertise in organising a trip.
Noticing this growth, her husband suggested that
she start doing tours. Although the doubts were there, Gulchend did her first tour in 2021 where she visited a ranch on the Abary River called Dhandarry Nature Resort.
Apart from social media boost, she noted that the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) played a major role in getting her off the ground by guiding her through the process to become a licensed tour operator, offering training to develop her product, as well as mar-
I started in 2021, I had no idea it would grow to this magnitude. I thought it was something I would have done on the weekends, like a side hustle, basically. But it has been amazing how large it's gotten, and I'm actually looking forward to because I see the potential for it and I see that it's going to get even bigger.”
The tour operator subsequently revealed that while there has been growth, there are some challenges faced. One of the challenges highlighted was the issue of garbage/ trash at tour sites,
something that she says customers “blaze” them for.
Another major challenge is the lack of payment options for foreigners and locals to pay online.
She said they would usually have to wait for customers to come to Guyana to pay. With delayed flights among other issues, Gulchend stated that this isn’t always a feasible option for them or their customers.
The company offers tours around Georgetown, Linden, Mahdia, Essequibo Lakes, Essequibo River,
Mazaruni River, and tours to Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls just to list a few. The tours are placed into five categories: day, night, air, land and water.
The company has a total of three full time staff and five part-time tour guides, in addition to Gulchend. Touring Guyana can be found on all social media platforms including YouTube and TikTok @Touring Guyana. Additionally, persons can make contact via on WhatsApp- +1(592)700-5252.
keting and promotion from them.
Gulchend noted that the GTA is doing an excellent job in aiding in the development of a top-notch tourism product across Guyana. Reflecting, she underscored that the awareness of tourism, the quality of tourism products and training and support for tourism has grown tremendously from the Tourism Authority, and the Guyanese people from the time she started to today. She noted that, “when
Shivana Gulchend, Founder and Managing Director of Touring Guyana
Operators of Touring Guyana and a group of patrons on Kanuku Mountains in Region Nine
WAYNE FORDE / KFC...
(From
the current KFC sponsorship-payment fiasco.
Given the fact that Forde is a businessman, Dion Inniss is a senior executive in the airline industry and Rawlston Adams a former senior executive of the Harbour Bridge, one would have expected more professionalism and efficiency in dealing with the interests of a major sponsor and his loyal clubs.
Typical Wayne Forde responds with a press release that lacks substance, taking no responsibility but trying to twist the issues with a set of jargon about FIFA this and that etc. etc.
The other issue is how Elite League clubs such as the Guyana Defence Force, Slingerz FC, Police and Western Tigers could accept such malfeasance.
And what about the Regional Member Associations, the forever owed Referees Body and other affiliates of the GFF, is this the level of governance they want for football?
And how long would companies such as KFC and Blue Water Shipping of corporate Guyana put up with these slipshod arrangements. There is an old saying that people who elect fools as their governors get the leadership that they deserve.
Wayne Wright East Bank Demerara
Ramdass Royals crowned champions of the inaugural Windies Masters Cricket Extravaganza
ON a sun-soaked day, the Ramdass Royals faced off against the Sadeo Warriors at the Pickwick Four Square Oval, opting to have the Warriors bat first.
A brief delay of 90 minutes due to moisture on the pitch pushed back the start.
The Warriors’ innings began with openers Vishan Lall and Randy Thomas, who managed to score 41 runs in just 6.3 overs before Lall was dismissed for a quickfire 25 off 23 balls, featuring three impressive boundaries. Wilbur Bruce, father of Dwayne Smith, had a short stay, as did skipper Rajendra Sadeo, who sustained an injury while at the non-striker’s end and required medical attention. This disruption caused a lull in their scoring.
Larry Babb, known for his powerful hitting, attempted to stabilise the innings
alongside Thomas but fell victim with the score on 92, contributing 28 runs off 22 balls, including three sixes.
Following Randy’ dismissal at 140 in the 25th over, the innings collapsed, finishing at 146 runs from the shortened 27 overs.
Randy Thomas topscored with a solid 50 off 67 balls, which included two fours and a six. The standout bowlers for the Royals were Alcindo Holder and Ryan Nurse, each claiming three wickets for 18 and 20 runs, respectively.
In response, the Royals began their chase with Anthony Sahadeo and their injured captain, Ryan Ramdass. Sahadeo was dismissed early for 16, and soon after, both Ramdass and Layne fell, leaving the team struggling at 50 for 3 by the 10th over.
However, Lonsdale
T&T, Jamaica claim silver at RAN Sevens tournament
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Trinidad & Tobago men and Jamaica’s women rugby teams both copped silver at the Rugby Americans North (RAN) Sevens tournament, when the tournament climaxed here Sunday.
In a lopsided men’s final, T&T were blanked 38-0 by eventual winners Canada at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar.
While the loss meant that they missed out on a spot for the 2025 World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger series, by virtue of a toptwo finish, T&T’s juniors
Blake and Julian Boyce formed a crucial partnership of 65 runs, reviving the Royals innings. Blake was dismissed for a commendable 34 at 115, while Boyce scored a brisk 46 before being dismissed at 133. Vishan Lall was the chief destroyer for the Warriors, taking 4 wickets for 28 runs in his six overs.
Scores at Pickwick:
Warriors: 146/8 in 27 overs
(Randy Thomas 50, Larry Babb 28, Vishan Lall 25).
Alcindo Holder 3/18, Ryan Nurse 3/20.
Royals: 147/5 in 24.2 overs (Julian Boyce 46, Lonsdale Blake 34).
Vishan Lall 4/28 in 6 overs.
In the third and fourth place playoff at the BNOC ground, the Red Devils secured a narrow victory to claim third place against the Strikers, who finished at the bottom of the standings.
Scores at BNOC: Red Devils: 158/4 in 25 overs (Lawrence Farnum retired hurt for 52, Romaine Roye
27). Stephen Howell took 2/23.
Strikers: 160/8 in 24.4 overs (Kacey Williams 34 with
four sixes, Stephen Howell 36, Andy Payne 23). Randy Ramanan was the standout bowler with 3/25.
Meanwhile, the eagerly awaited finals of the 2024 BMC O50s tournament sponsored by Permaul’s Trading and Distribution and Peter Lewis Construction and Asphalt Services will playoff on Saturday at the Enmore Community Centre ground commencing at 11.00am. Jai Hind Jaguars Masters will face off against North Soesdyke Masters for top honors in this inaugural O50 Masters’ tournament. Officiating umpires will be Abena Parker and Trevor Wharton. This tournament attracted six teams from across the country. North Soesdyke Masters knocked out East Coast Aash Décor in their semifinals encounter and Jai hind Jaguars took out Everest O50s Masters.
WAYNE FORDE / KFC and No Transparency
THE recent nonpayment of prize monies to clubs in the GFF / KFC Elite Football League is another indictment against the credibility of Wayne Forde, Dion Inniss and the Rawlston Adams-led Guyana Football Federation.
qualified for the 2025 Junior Pan Am Games’ Sevens competition.
Jamaica finished third and Mexico fourth, with Bermuda, The Cayman Islands, Guyana and Barbados placing fifth through eighth, respectively.
In the women’s division, Jamaica was left heartbroken after Mexico picked up two converted tries and scored 14 points in the final 45 seconds to record a 19-12 win in the final.
T&T’s women grabbed the bronze medal after dominating The Dominican Republic 29-0.
Clubs were forced into wearing KFC logos on the front and back of their match uniforms, which negatively affected these teams from getting sponsorship from other entities.
So, you would think that income generated from the GFF / KFC deal would reach the clubs as soon as the final match of the KFC Elite League was finished. Or some announcement would follow pertaining to prize distribution, Instead, Wayne Forde, ably supported by his Vice Presidents Dion Innis and Rawlston Adams (yes, the same Adams from the Harbour Bridge), remained silent, leaving clubs, players and fans in the dark.
Had Forde and his VPs been a truly transparent group, they would have
communicated with KFC as sponsors and their clubs that they would pay at the end of November.
But it took an act of investigative journalism to sniff out that the GFF had not
paid for Forde and company, to make a hurried announcement that they would pay at the end of November.
We saw this movie already in how Wayne Forde dealt with players and staff payments for all national teams.
The senior national players sent the media a letter a couple months ago highlighting the same issues as
(Turn to page 20)
SCOREBOARD
WEST INDIES 1st innings 450-9 dec
1st innings 269-9 dec
INDIES 2nd innings
*Kraigg Brathwaite c Joy b S Islam 23
Mikyle Louis c + Litton b Ahmed 8
Keacy Carty c Joy b Ahmed 3
Kavem Hodge c +Litton b Ahmed 15
Alick Athanaze lbw b Miraz 42
Justin Greaves b Ahmed 2
+Joshua DaSilva c Murad b T Islam 22
Alzarri Joseph c Ali b Miraz 17
Kemar Roach c Miraz b Ahmed 12
Shamar Joseph b Ahmed 4
Jayden Seales not out 1
Extras (b1, lb2) 3
TOTAL (all out; 46.1 overs) 152
Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-35, 3-39, 4-89, 5-93, 6-95, 7-124, 8-144, 9-151, 10-152. Bowling: Ahmed 14.1-1-64-6, Mahmud 6-2-20-0, S Islam 7-4-9-1, Miraz 14-3-31-2, T Islam 5-1-25-1.
BANGLADESH 2nd innings
Mahmudul Hasan Joy c Greaves b Seales 6
Zakir Hasan b Roach 0
Mominul Haque c&b Roach 11
Shahadat Hossain c+DaSilva b Roach 4
+Litton Das c A Joseph b S Joseph 22
*Mehidy Hasan Miraz c +DaSilva b Seales 45
Jaker Ali not out 15
Taijul Islam b Seales 4
Hasan Mahmud not out 0
Extras (nb1, w1) 2
TOTAL (seven wickets; 31 overs) 109
Yet to bat: Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam. Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-7, 3-20, 4-23, 5-59, 6-102, 7-108.
Bowling: Roach 8-1-20-3, Seales 9-3-313, S Joseph 6-1-22-1, A Joseph 5-0-24-0, Greaves 3-1-12-0.
Former Guyana and West Indies Test opener Ryan Ramdass receives the Championship Trophy from Raj Singh
T&T captain Shakeel Dyte attempts to push through Canada’s Alex Russell and Thomas Isherwood during the men’s final in the RAN Sevens tournament
India breathe life into WTC25 Final dreams after triumph over Australia
INDIA’S 295-run win against Australia has shaken up the top of the World Test Championship Standings.
Needing to win at least four of the five matches in the Border-Gavaskar series to guarantee a place in the World Test Championship Final, India took the first crucial step with a monumental victory over Australia in Perth.
The 295-run win was India’s largest margin of victory against Australia away from home in terms of runs, surpassing their 222run triumph in Melbourne back in 1977.
The victory propelled India to the top of the WTC25 standings with a points percentage of 61.11, while Australia dropped to second place with 57.69.
After inflicting heavy damage late on Day 3, leaving Australia struggling at 12/3, India required just seven more wickets to seal the game on Day 4.
Fast bowler Mohammed
Siraj picked up a pair of wickets during the opening session as India moved within sight of victory at lunch on the fourth day of the first Test against Australia in Perth. Siraj claimed the key wickets of Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith with some superb fast bowling as Australia moved to 104/5 after one session on Monday and still requiring a further 430 runs for an unlikely victory. Australia lost the dangerous Travis Head soon after Lunch on a well-made 89, as Bumrah snapped his third wicket of the innings, breaking a solid 81-run sixth-wicket stand. Four overs later, Nitish Reddy bowled Mitchell Marsh (47) to leave Australia reeling on 182/7.
Washington Sundar ended Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc's stubborn resistance just before Tea as India inched closer to a big win in Perth. The end of the 45run partnership was down to Dhruv Jurel's brilliance, who pulled off a stunning one-handed catch at short leg
'One of the
best in the world': Cummins recognises India's game changer after Perth defeat
AUSTRALIA captain Pat Cummins discussed his side’s defeat to India in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar series.
Australia faced a heavy 295-run defeat in Perth, with India taking the early advantage in the Test series with a 1-0 lead.
to dismiss Starc. Sundar struck again on the other side of the break, deceiving opposite offie Nathan Lyon with a peach of a delivery to rattle the stumps.
Harshit Rana sealed the win with a brilliant slower delivery that bowled out Carey, wrapping up the proceedings and giving India a comprehensive victory.
It was a game of two halves for both teams. After opting to bat first, India were bowled out for just 150, staring down a heavy defeat.
Jasprit Bumrah, standing in as captain in full-time skipper Rohit Sharma's absence, swung the momentum back in India’s favor with a brilliant five-wicket haul that restricted Australia to just 104.
Despite the pitch easing considerably compared to the first innings, India still had to dig deep with the bat in the second innings.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) and Virat Kohli (100*) led the charge for the visitors with centuries. (ICC Media)
Despite bowling India out for just 150 in the first innings, Australia appeared to be in control. However, India’s stand-in captain, Jasprit Bumrah, had other plans. He delivered a match-winning performance, taking a five-wicket haul in the first innings to dismiss Australia for a mere 105.
Bumrah then added to the damage with two crucial wickets in the final session of Day 3, leaving Australia with a mountain to climb in their chase.
Bumrah was named Player of the Match for his impressive figures of 5/30 and 3/42. Pat Cummins lauded his counterpart’s consistency, acknowledging Bumrah as one of the best bowlers in the world.
“I thought he bowled really well. He's one of the best in the world,” Cummins said. “He's always going to be a challenge, so we got to come up with ways to combat that.
“I thought particularly that Day 1, his spell, the spell from the Indian guys, made it tricky for our team to navigate through.
“He bowled well through the game, like he does most games.”
Cummins also reflected on the defeat but chose not
Australia captain Pat Cummins
to go into specifics of what went wrong.
“I think there were a fair few things [that went wrong for Australia]. [Getting India all out for] 150 placed us quite well,” he added. “Obviously, the game sped up that night on Day 1, they bowled terrifically well and put a dent into us.”
“Once the pitch started to slow down a little a bit, obviously we weren't well placed back out on the field and couldn't get the breakthroughs. I thought they played really well.”
“Just not much went our way this game.”
Australia’s batting has come under scrutiny in the wake of the heavy defeat, with the team being bowled out for 105 and 238 in their two innings.
Marnus Labuschagne, in particular, has faced questions about his recent form after registering single-digit scores of 2 and 3 in the match. His performance has been inconsistent lately, with an average of just 31.75 in 19 matches since 2023, a sharp decline from
his career average of 48.45. Cummins, however, refused to throw the 30-yearold under the bus, offering his full support and backing Labuschagne to bounce back strongly in the series.
“Marnus, along with few other guys in the team, didn't have the week that we would have wanted,” Cummins said. “It's no secret how hard the batter, particularly Marnus, work hard in the nets. He's always trying to find those small marginal gains.
“This week, there will be a lot of conversations with the coaches around his approach and what he could be doing differently.
“We know he's a class player. Him at his best is one of the scariest propositions for the opposition bowlers to bowl at.”
The action now shifts to Adelaide for the DayNight pink-ball Test, starting 6 December. Despite the heavy defeat, Cummins rallied belief in the team, indicating that they would not be making wholesale changes and were confident in their ability to bounce back.
“I think after a Test you look at what you think your best match-up is. This is a sample size of one,” he said.
“Four or five days ago we thought this was our best XI. So I dare say ... there won’t be many changes going into Adelaide, but I’m not a selector. I’m sure they’ll get together after the game. We (have) got a bit of work to do over the next 10 days.”
(ICC Media)
Root 'a rung below' Smith and Kohli - Lehmann
FORMER Australia coach Darren Lehmann says Joe Root needs to score a century down under to be considered an "all-time great" alongside fellow batters Virat Kohli of India, Australia's Steve Smith and New Zealander Kane Williamson.
Root has scored 35 Test centuries -- the most for an England batter -- but is yet to reach the milestone in an away Ashes series. He has played 27 in -
nings in Australia, averaging 35.68 and with a highest score of 89.
Lehmann was speaking after Australia were thrashed by 295 runs in the opening Test against India, with Kohli scoring his 30th Test tonne overall and seventh in Australia.
"Nope, he is a rung below for that reason," said Lehmann on ABC Sport, when asked if Root was in the same category.
"They’ve made runs all over the world in difficult
conditions against different oppositions, and that's the only thing stopping Joe Root. I think he's a great player, but is he an alltime great?
“I don't have him in that realm. I think you've got to make 100s all around the world. Smith does, Williamson has, Kohli has, [Rohit] Sharma has -- I mean they're world-class players.”
Root, Smith, Williamson and Kohli were branded “The Fab Four” by for -
mer New Zealand batter Martin Crowe in 2014, touting them as the future greats of Test cricket. Since England's last Ashes tour, Root has been in sparkling form, scoring 12 hundreds and 11 50s. Ben Stokes' side will look to regain the Ashes, which were drawn in 2023, during the winter of 2025-26.
They begin a threeTest tour of New Zealand on Wednesday (22:00 GM (BBC Sport)
India’s skipper Jasprit Bumrah and other players celebrate their win
Joe Root overtook Sir Alastair Cook to become England's leading Test run-scorer against Pakistan in October
Caribbean Sensation steal spotlight at OSCL presentation
AFTER placing second in the A Division points standings to the star-studded Mercenary team, Caribbean Sensation rebounded to register an emphatic eight-wicket victory over their archrivals and defending champions, thereby claiming the Kenny Girdharry championship trophy in the process.
Mercenary had to settle for the runners-up spot. An ebullient Anand Balwant, who hit a brilliant 57, was rewarded for his fine effort, claiming the Most Valuable Player (MVP) prize in the final trophy while Bobby Parasnauth was the MVP for Mercenary.
Mercenary, who have been dominating the A Division for several years, had to settle for the Vish Jadunauth T10 title, sponsored by Norman Sue Bakery, following their eight-wicket victory over Caribbean Sensation in the final. Avinash Sookdeo (Mercenary) and Kelvin Shivrattan (Caribbean Sensation) were the respective MVPs.
With Better Hope winning the Albert Ramcharran 15-over crown, following their nine-wicket victory over Caribbean Sensation, it meant that the three top teams shared the three major titles up for grabs in 2024.
The victorious Caribbean Sensation players celebrate their championship success with OSCL President Shiv Persaud
Hemchand Sarwan (Better Hope) and Faheer Juman (Caribbean Sensation) were the respective MVPs.
The B Division saw Malvern All Stars defeating Ramblers by 42 runs to claim the 20-over title with Preim
adjudged the MVP for the winners and Roffel Budhu for the runners-up. Malvern All Stars also reigned supreme by topping the points standing.
Krishna Deosarran topped the A Division aggregate, registering 385 runs and he was followed by Avish Rukhram of Mercenary with 265, (including the lone century, 109) while Sheik Khan of Caribbean Sensation was third with 253.
In the B Division, Paul Mangar of Malvern All Stars led the way with 221 runs with Nicholas Sanichar of Essequibo Coast and Nazir Khan of Bacchus Ruff Ryders tallying 216 and 169 respec-
tively.
The bowling department saw Ishree Andy Singh of Caribbean Sensation claiming 21 wickets to top the list while there were 16 wickets each for Rabindra Diaram (Mercenary), Mohan Singh (Enmore) and Davendra Ramkissoon (Better Hope). Mahesh Ramroop of Enmore took 15.
Recognition plaques were presented to Kim Sue of Norman Sue Bakery, Roger Sunich of Trophy Stall Canada and former OSCL President Albert Ramcharran for their sterling sponsorship
over the years. The plaque read: “In recognition and appreciation for supporting and sponsoring our organization Ontario Softball Cricket League.”
In brief remarks, OSCL President Shiv Persaud urged the players to continue to support the grassroot sport. The Guyana-born Persaud, who also heads the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA), was also loud in his praise for the sponsors, who he said played a huge role in the upkeep of the game. (Frederick Halley)
Alvin Kallicharran Charity Foundation ends successful trip to Guyana
By Sean Devers
THE
Alvin Kallicharran
Charity Foundation comprising former Berbice, Guyana, Warwickshire and West Indies batting maestro Alivn Kallicharran, his wife Patsy, author Tony McWatt and Pastor White from North Carolina completed a successful two-week trip to Guyana.
The trip entailed the launching of his book ‘Color Blind’ at the National Library, a book signing at the historic Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Bourda, a gala Dinner at the Pegasus, visits to several institutions of learning and trip back home to Port Morant in Berbice where journey in life and cricket began. Minister Priya Manickchand has promised to purchase Books for schools and representatives of the
Ministry of Education at the Press Conference and the Dinner which coincided with opening night of GUYEXPO.
At the Saints Stanislaus College, the complaints were the same by the students who were presented with books and those who played for city clubs were given tips on cricket from Kallicharran who scored 12 tons and 21 fifties from 66 Tests. It is pleasing to hear
the Minister of Education say that there is now a mandate in Secondary Schools for, in addition to academics, every student to learn a foreign language, be involved in cultural activity and play a sport.
Among the other educational institutions visited by the Foundation were St John’s Bosco Academy, David Rose Special Needs Schools, Cherished Lambs Schools, Chase’s Aca -
demic Foundation, Green Acres School, GTI, Hope Children’s Home in Enmore, Ruimveldt Learning Centre and Campbellville Baptist Youths.
Kallicharran, who runs an Academy in the USA, explained his desire is to return to his homeland to work as a coach with the kids in schools in collaboration with the Sports and Education Ministries and the GCB.
Kallicharran added that
he wants promote Unity and ‘Oneness’ since that is the message of his book ‘Color Blind’ and it came from spending entire cricket career in dressing rooms with players of different races and cultures.
“I was color blind meaning I didn’t see people’s color but what they did for others. Lance Gibbs was my mentor and Basil Buther give my bat when I wanted to, to Rohan Kanhai before I played
for Guyana. I spent many years earning an income in County cricket from the white man” Kallicharran continued.
In addition to giving motivational speeches and giving away books, the Kallicharran Foundation promised equipment to the two institutions with deals for differently-abled children.
His book ‘Color Blind’ is being sold at GCC Bourda for $4,000.
Singh
MVP Anand Balwant collects his award from OSCL President Shiv Persaud
B Division winners Malvern All Stars are rewarded for their efforts
Kallicharran with students of Queen’s College
Kallicharran meets the students of GTI
West Indies are three wickets away from clinching the Antigua Test against Bangladesh. The visitors ended the fourth day on 109 for 7 after they were set a target of 334. Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales led the way for the hosts with three wickets each, as Bangladesh's specialist batters failed to put together a performance for the umpteenth time this year.
(Scores). Bangladesh 269 for 9 dec and 109 for 7 (Mehidy 45, Litton 22, Roach 3-20, Seales 3-31) need another 225 runs to beat West Indies 450 for 9 dec and 152 (Athanaze 42, Brathwaite 23, Taskin 6-64, Mehidy 2-31)
West Indies themselves couldn't put up a bigger target after they were bowled out for 152 in the second innings. Taskin Ahmed got his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests, finishing up with 6 for 64. This came on the back of Bangladesh's surprise declaration on the fourth morning, despite being 181 runs behind West Indies' first-innings total of 450 for 9. Bangladesh's batters, however, couldn't repay their bowlers. Both their openers got out similarly to how they were dismissed in the first innings. Zakir Hasan inside-edged Roach on to his stumps, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy edged Seales to third slip.
Roach then set Shahadat Hossain up in the
11th over, getting the ball to seam away several times before bowling a booming inswinger. The ball kissed Shahadat's gloves as he tried to get out of the way, before Joshua Da Silva took the inside edge.
Shamar Joseph then saw two dropped catches in his first over, both of Mominul Haque. Da Silva dropped a chance down the leg side, before Mikyle Louis couldn't hold on to a straightforward one at gully. Mominul, however, couldn't last long, as Roach took a superb caught and bowled from his drive in the next over.
But Shamar's bad luck continued at the other end. Alick Athanaze dropped Mehidy Hasan Miraz at second slip, with the Bangladesh captain on 14. Litton Das cut one uppishly, only for Seales to get a hand on it at backward point. Shamar's exasperation at having four catches dropped off his bowling, however, didn't last too long. He had Litton caught at fine leg for 22 to reduce Bangladesh to 59 for 5 in the 18th over.
Mehidy was the only one fighting for Bangladesh, riding out the short-ball barrage, and keeping the scoreboard moving. He made 45 off 46 balls with five fours and a six, before Seales got him caught behind, as Da Silva took a fine catch. Seales then clean bowled
Roach, Seales build the road to victory for West Indies despite Taskin six-for
…Bangladesh surprisingly declared their first innings 181 runs behind, after which WI were bowled out for 152
Taijul Islam as well.
West Indies' morning had started with good fortune despite the declaration surprise. Shahadat, at first slip, dropped captain Kraigg Brathwaite on 9. Next ball, Taskin slammed an inswinger into Louis' front pad, but umpire Kumar Dharmasena said not out. Replays showed that the batter was plumb in front, but Bangladesh hadn't taken the review.
Taskin, however, removed Louis in his next over when the opener was caught behind for 8. Taskin then had Keacy Carty caught at third slip, a further reward of his excellent line and length in his first spell. Brathwaite then guided Shoriful Islam to second slip in the following over, as the visitors' decision to declare got an early vindication.
Kavem Hodge and Alick Athanaze nearly got West Indies out of trouble. The pair struck eight fours either side of the lunch break, but just when they added 50 for the fourth wicket, Bangladesh struck three times in as many overs. Taskin's beautiful delivery that nipped slightly away had Hodge caught behind for 15. It was also Litton Das' 100th catch in Tests.
Mehidy then removed Athanaze in the following over. He made 42 off 63 balls, with seven fours, but the young left-hander played a superfluous shot, struck on the back foot
while trying to cut a ball that was spinning into him. Then Taskin clipped Justin Greaves' off stump with another fantastic delivery, as the first-innings centurion made just 2 in the second.
Alzarri Joseph immediately counterattacked against Taskin, and this time there were no verbal exchanges between the two. Da Silva followed suit by getting two fours off Taskin's next over. He struck Taijul for a straight six, but then the left-arm spinner got one to get big on Da Silva, who gave a catch to point.
Alzarri then holed out to short fine leg after top edging Mehidy. He had earlier survived a similar top edge, but Mominul had dropped a relatively difficult chance. Mominul had earlier also dropped Carty at short cover. It was, however, all forgotten when Taskin yorked Shamar to complete his first five-for. He finished up the West Indies innings when Mehidy took a brilliant diving catch at midoff, after Roach was deceived by a Taskin's slower ball.
But Bangladesh's batters couldn't be inspired by their bowlers, as they crumbled on the fourth day. (ESPN Cricinfo)
NCN, TVG and E-Networks among broadcasters for inaugural Global Super League
THE 2024 ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), featuring teams from Australia, Bangladesh, England, Guyana, and Pakistan, has finalised its list of broadcasters, ensuring global reach for the tournament set to run from November 26 to December 6.
Fans across the world will have access to live coverage of the tournament, which boasts a US$1 million prize fund and promises top-quality cricket with international stars competing for a global T20 title.
In the Caribbean, Rush will be the official broadcaster, providing fans in the region with comprehensive coverage of all the matches. In Guyana, NCN, TVG, and E-Networks will bring the tournament to local viewers, reflecting the host nation’s enthusiasm for the event.
The tournament will also be broadcast in key cricketing markets such as Australia on Fox Sports, India via Sony and Fancode, Pakistan on A Sports and Tap-
mad, and in the United Kingdom through TNT Sports. Additionally, Sky Sport NZ will cover the matches in New Zealand, and Willow TV will cater to viewers in the USA and Canada.
For fans in markets without a dedicated broadcast partner, the GSL will provide free live streaming on its Facebook and YouTube channels, ensuring accessibility to cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
The GSL, held exclusively at the Guyana National Stadium, promises
to bring together the best of global T20 cricket, with players from different nations vying for the coveted title.
The tournament’s global broadcasting network underscores its ambition to become a staple in the international cricket calendar.
As excitement builds for the inaugural edition, cricket fans everywhere can look forward to enjoying the action, whether through local broadcasters or online platforms. (Sportsmax)
Kemar Roach took three wickets on the fourth day (AFP via Getty Images)
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