Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 29-04-2024

Curtailing workplace accidents…

‘We need to act now’

–– Minister Hamilton tells all stakeholders; emphasises the importance of decisive action to safeguard the well-being of workers

Guyana has made strides in reducing the number of workplace fatalities, recording a 37 per cent decline in the last four years. However, 2024 has been challenging, as more deaths have been recorded when compared to each of the previous three years

APNU consistently bamboozling

Afro-Guyanese

to attain political power, Dr Jagdeo says

$28M

Expansion of corn, soya production being actively pursued

IN a bid to achieve Guyana and the Caribbean region’s food-security goals of cutting the region’s food-import bill by 25 per cent by 2025, the production of corn and soya is rapidly expanding.

This was according to President Dr Irfaan Ali in a post on his official Facebook page, on Sunday.

The President, in his short post, emphasised that failure is not an option in achieving this goal.

“The production of soya and corn is expanding as we work towards self-sufficiency by 2025 and regional production by the end of 2026,” Dr Ali said.

The Head of State indicated that determination, commitment and drive are

the winning ingredients in the push towards achieving this goal.

In 2023, Guyana sowed some 10,000 acres of corn and soya beans, bringing the country much closer to being a self-sufficient producer. This year, it is projected that some 26,000 acres of grains could be brought into production, while the aim is to bring into production 30,000 acres by the end of 2025.

Earlier this month, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha had said that the country is going into largescale production of corn and soya with hopes of cultivating 25,000 acres of same by the end of next year. The government has invested significantly in this

area, as over $1.4 billion was spent to develop the infrastructure to meet the production and cultivation goals.

Over $967 million has been budgeted for 2024 as part of the development of infrastructure in the Tacama area, where corn and soya are being produced. Additionally, while a 12,000-tonne silo was built, this is expected to be extended to 18,000 tonnes to be able to process more.

Meanwhile, Mustapha has also highlighted that Guyana stands to save close to US$60 million annually if corn and soya beans are grown twice per year.

This, he said, will allow the country to produce all the livestock feed and at the same time be a “net exporter.”

The production of corn and soya beans is expanding rapidly in Guyana to fulfil local and regional food-security goals

Curtailing workplace accidents…

‘We need to act now’

–– Minister Hamilton tells all stakeholders; emphasises the importance of decisive action to safeguard the well-being of workers

GUYANA has made strides in reducing the number of workplace fatalities, recording a 37 per cent decline in the last four years. However, 2024 has been challenging, as more deaths have been recorded when compared to each of the previous three years.

In 2020, there were 32 workplace deaths; in 2021, the number deceased to 27 deaths and then in 2022, there were 21 deaths and 20 were recorded in 2023.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton, in his message on Occupational Safety and Health Day, stated that the majority of fatalities occur in the mining and construction sectors.

“This situation causes me great concern, and should be the same for our tripartite partners and key stakeholders. Indeed it is quite obvious that we need to act now. Decisive actions need to be taken to prevent workplace accidents and safeguarding

well-being of the workers in this beloved country of ours,” Minister Hamilton stated.

This, he said, will require concerted efforts from the government, trade unions and employers’ organisations who need to collaborate closely to develop, implement and maintain comprehensive strategies for safety and health protocols, adequate training, the enforcement of safety and health regulations, proper equipment maintenance and fostering culture of safety among all stakeholders.

“Let us rise to the challenges and expand our efforts to create safer and healthier workplaces for all. Together we can make a difference and build a future where every worker can go to work and return home safely at the end of the work day or work period,” Minister Hamilton stated.

The Theme for this year’s observance is “Ensuring safe

and healthy work now in a changing climate: We are running out of time.”

Minister Hamilton said this year’s theme places emphasis, on the urgency of the situation, and the urgent need to prioritise safety and health in workplaces.

“Climate Change is already having serious impacts on the world of work, and workers particularly at risk are those who work outdoors in physically demanding sectors such as agriculture, construction and mining,” he stated.

However, indoor workers in hot and poorly ventilated environments, and other workers are also at risk.

The minister said action needs to be taken now as the consequences of workplace fatalities are profound, resulting not only in the loss of precious lives, but leaving behind devastated families and communities while also disrupting productivity and progress.

Meanwhile, hundreds of persons turned out on Sunday Morning to join the Annual Occupation Safety and Health Day Walk.

Minister Hamilton, while addressing the participants, noted that the large turnout indicates that the drive for

Occupational Safety and Health is gaining momentum.

World Day of Occupation Safety and Health was designated by the International Labour Organisation to place emphasis on the prevention of accidents and diseases at work. It also seeks to raise awareness and promote action towards preventing workplace accidents and promoting well-being. Occupational Safety and Health Month was launched on April 3, 2024.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, poses with some of the contingents from Sunday’s walk, including his own, Ministry of Labour

APNU consistently bamboozling Afro-Guyanese –– to attain political power, Dr Jagdeo says

THE People’s National Congress-Reform (PNCR)’s/A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s constant efforts to hoodwink Afro-Guyanese are being exposed and countered by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Party General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has said.

During his weekly press conference at the party’s headquarters, Dr Jagdeo highlighted the APNU’s history of using race as a tool to gather support and cultivate fear in the minds of Guyanese to deter them from supporting the PPP/C.

“Many people know we accuse APNU of racism and they managed in the past to do the converse, to accuse the PPP of racism and when Cheddi Jagan tried to broaden the membership of this party even after all the trouble in the 60s, people stayed

away from us because their [APNU] campaign of racism and fear resonated with people in their communities, fear of the other, fear of the PPP, fear that we will discriminate against Afro-Guyanese. So it kept a large number of people away from us because of these fears,” he said.

Dr Jagdeo said, however, that the potency of this tool has weakened and the fear is being eroded as the PPP is fighting to debunk the accusations levelled against them by PPP critics.

While highlighting the other races which have been placed on the backburners, the PPP General Secretary told Afro-Guyanese that not because others are being sidelined by APNU means the party has their best interests at heart.

“...People may be tempted to say if I’m Afro-Guyanese then this is my party because it caters for my interests... but that’s false too,” Dr Jagdeo said.

say: “I think they believe if Afro-Guyanese are not dependent on them, then they will so called “stray from them” ethnically and that is precisely why they don’t want people to own things, to get a good job, to keep them in this victim’s mentality.”

This sort of rhetoric is not new to the APNU, Dr Jagdeo said, noting that this has been one of their elements even from the earlier days.

Mark Benschop, and Rickford Burke’s organisation, Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), had called for the boycott of Guyanese-owned businesses in the diaspora that embraced the President. This sort of action has led to many persons and organisations grilling them.

Dr Jagdeo went on to

He added: “They’re not really in favour of Afro-Guyanese... so APNU wants to create a victim mentality among Afro-Guyanese...They don’t want people to grow. They don’t want Afro-Guyanese to get wealthier so [they] keep them not owning anything...”

As the PPP continues to fight to break the barriers of disunity, the PPP General Secretary turned his attention to those critics who have been hounding those Guyanese-owned businesses in New York that embraced President, Dr Irfaan Ali, during his visit.

Dr Jagdeo boldly stated that President Ali’s visit “shattered the myth” that the diaspora in Brooklyn do not want to meet with him.

Dr Jagdeo further stated: “They vilify, they shame people and now they boycott... these are the tools they use all the time....They [APNU] have a fear of people growing out of victimhood because then they can’t use racism, which is their primary tool of mobilising and that is their mortal fear.” He added: “They really want to use Afro-Guyanese for political power and look when they had political power how they used it,” while pointing to the APNU’s track record in office which yielded little benefits for Guyanese.

PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

FAO unveils packed agenda for World Food Forum 2024

–– to galvanise youth action, innovation and investment to achieve a better food future for all

DETAILS surrounding the World Food Forum (WFF) 2024 including this year’s theme: “Good food for all, for today and tomorrow” were unveiled at an event at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

In 2024 the WFF’s year-long activities will culminate in a flagship event to be held from October 14 to 18. This will include sessions dedicated to Global Youth Action, Science and Innova -

tion and Hand-in-Hand Investment.

In addition, WFF 2024 will spotlight the Mid-term Forum of the UN Decade of Family Farming, weaved into youth-led, technical and policy spaces, to celebrate family farming as the backbone of diverse, innovative, and dynamic agri-food systems. The flagship event will also coincide with the annual World Food Day celebration on October 16, which this year will take place under the theme “Right to Foods” with ‘foods’ represent-

ing diversity, nutrition, affordability, and safety, factors that are essential in making a healthy diet accessible for all. World Food Day is FAO’s anniversary and one of the most celebrated days of the UN calendar with a call to action in up to 50 languages across 150 countries worldwide. 2024 launches the countdown to FAO’s 80th anniversary in 2025.

“All events and forums will be completely integrated, turning the week into a truly dynamic and global platform to transform the

future of our agri-food systems,” Máximo Torero, Chief Economist and Chair of the FAO Youth Committee, said, speaking at the event which saw the participation of FAO members, directors, relevant youth and youth supporters from other organisations.

“This will allow us to leverage the power of intergenerational collaboration, partnerships and creativity across policies, science, innovation, education and cultural investments,” Torero added.

Also participating

at the event were FAO

Deputy Director-General, Maurizio Martina and Assistant Director-General and Chief Scientist a.i, Beth Crawford.

Launched in 2021, the World Food Forum (WFF) is an independent, youth-led global network of partners facilitated by FAO. It aims to spark a global movement that empowers young people everywhere to actively shape agri-food systems to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Forum will advance bold and actionable solutions

to catalyse the transformation of our agri-food systems, in light of current challenges and crises.

In particular, through global youth action, science and innovation, and investment, this WFF’s flagship event forges new paths of action and multi-sector partnerships for agri-food impact at the local, regional and global levels to achieve a more sustainable, resilient, inclusive and hunger-free food future for all. (FAO)

Past atrocities, future prosperity

IN the wake of relentless scrutiny and revelations surrounding Guyana’s oil sector, it’s imperative to dissect the contrasting approaches of past and present administrations.

The APNU+AFC coalition’s tenure is rightfully condemned as marred by negligence, secrecy, and missed opportunities.

Conversely, under the PPP/C leadership, Guyana’s oil industry is experiencing a paradigm shift towards transparency, accountability, and inclusive growth.

The APNU+AFC’s mismanagement of Guyana’s oil wealth stands as a cautionary tale. Their secretive negotiation of oil contracts, characterised by lopsided clauses favouring foreign interests, epitomises a betrayal of national trust. The failure to prioritise local content

and enact crucial legislative reforms left Guyanese sidelined as spectators in their country’s economic transformation.

However, the PPP/C government’s ascent marked a turning point. By addressing past inadequacies head-on, they have ushered in a new era of responsible resource management. Through the passage of vital legislation and the establishment of transparent oversight mechanisms like the strengthened NRF, Guyana is reclaiming control of its economic destiny.

Moreover, the PPP/C’s commitment to prioritising Guyanese interests is evident in the swift implementation of the Local Content Act and the initiation of the Gas-to-Energy project, aimed at driving down energy costs and fostering local development.

By investing in training programmes and forging strategic partnerships, the government is empowering Guyanese to actively participate in the oil-andgas sector, ensuring that the benefits of resource extraction are equitably distributed.

Critically, the government’s proactive stance on environmental protection underscores a commitment to sustainable development. Rigorous review processes, stringent regulations, and investments in spill response capabilities demonstrate a holistic approach to mitigating the environmental risks associated with oil production.

As Guyana charts its course in the global oil market, it does so with newfound confidence and foresight. The historic first licensing round, updated

model PSAs, and investments in institutional capacity signal a maturing industry poised for substantial growth. Through diplomatic engagements with oil-producing nations, Guyana is positioning itself as a regional leader in economic diplomacy, leveraging its new-found resource wealth to foster mutually beneficial partnerships.

By learning from past mistakes and embracing a future-oriented approach, Guyana is on the path to realising its full potential as an oil-producing nation. As the country navigates the complexities of resource extraction, one thing remains clear:

The era of opacity and exploitation is behind us, replaced by a vision of transparency, inclusivity, and prosperity for all Guyanese.

Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali is a leader for all Guyanese – both at home and abroad

Dear Editor,

I APPLAUD Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s recent visit to New York and his engagement with the Guyanese diaspora. His presence demonstrates his commitment to his vision and leadership in promoting “One Guyana”—a strategic framework aimed at fostering national unity and accelerating the country’s development of all Guyanese.

Central to this vision is the engagement of the Guyanese diaspora across the globe. Dr Ali’s outreach to the diaspora is a cornerstone of his efforts to harness unity and their potential to contribute to Guyana’s growth. His “One Guyana” initiative is de-

signed to bridge the historical ethnic divides in Guyana, predominantly between the Indo-Guyanese and Afro-Guyanese communities, and to create a cohesive national identity that transcends individual backgrounds.

This vision encompasses economic, social, and cultural dimensions, aiming to leverage Guyana’s rich resources, including its recent oil discoveries, to benefit the entire population. Dr. Ali’s engagement with the Guyanese diaspora in New York highlights the practical steps being taken to integrate these overseas nationals into the national development agenda. New York, with its large Guyanese community, serves as a critical hub for this engagement.

The active participation of the Guyanese diaspora is expected to bring substantial benefits, including increased foreign direct investment, a boost in skilled labour, and a stronger international presence. Dr. Ali’s engagement in New York not only reaffirms his commitment to the “One Guyana” vision, but also positions the diaspora as a key player in the country’s journey toward sustainable development and unity.

Guyana is ready and open to attracting professionals from the diaspora to contribute their expertise. I encourage our Guyanese brothers and sisters to return to our dear land and make a contribution to securing this “One Guyana” vision for all. I will return to make my contribution.

This strategic engagement aims to build a prosperous future whereby all Guyanese, regardless of where they reside, can contribute to and benefit from the nation’s growth.

The ongoing engagement between the government and its overseas community is a promising step toward realising the full potential of this collaboration.

As a Guyanese national living abroad, I see the commitment of our president to promoting national unity, transparency, and the inclusion of all Guyanese.

Let us reject those who want to spread hatred and division; those days are gone.

Should Figueira be confined to his party’s modus operandi, do nothing for the people?

Dear Editor,

MUCH hullabaloo is being made over the independent-minded and rational arguments posited by the Region 10 Member of Parliament, Central Executive member, and Chairman of the opposition party, A Partnership for National Unity in Region 10, The Honourable Jermaine Figueira, on the issue of calls to boycott Guyanese businesses in Brooklyn, New York, who exercised their right of heritage and patriotism to welcome the President of the Republic from whence they came, His Excellency Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali.

Again, we are hearing chants of ‘traitor’ and a slew of derogatory attacks and innuendos against the MP, as we heard when he broke the foolish and infantile edict of Aubrey Norton not to shake hands with the president, and in response to several other courageous positions taken by Figueira in defence

and representation of citizens interests; this time, they are seeking to lynch him all over again for what I consider to be a very rational, intelligent, and forthright perspective he offered in response to the absurdity of the ‘boycott’ call by the interlopers who claim to represent ‘us,’ against ‘us.’

This is unapologetically my take: the Region 10 MP has demonstrated a remarkable sense of responsibility to the people of this region over the years. He has worked far above and beyond our past Members of Parliament and current and past municipal and regional leaders in the local government structure to represent his constituents and cater to their social needs beyond the confines of the body politic.

He has established irrefutable credentials as a non-conformist politician, with an uncanny boldness to confront the ruling party and his own party when necessary, to make a case for interventions to better the lives and circumstances of

the people.

He eschews the vanity and pomposity of the elected office, quite unlike the others who just occupy space with nothingness. He ‘walks the talk,’ getting real work done regularly in every nook and cranny of Linden, While he can do a lot more in the outlying areas, his presence and work in Linden is beyond question.

And it is because of these very credentials that some are chanting and others echoing the chants that he is leaning towards a crossover to the PPP/C, apparently meaning that he should be confined to his party’s modus operandi and do nothing for the people, nor facilitate anything the government wishes to do for the people; to do otherwise means that you are betraying ‘your own’ and helping the PPP/C…

I say if he wants to cross over, let him do just that, if, in his rational judgment which I’ve come to respect and appreciate immensely, he believes his efforts could be more welcoming and fruitful

for the people from over there.

Politicians here or there are the ‘same kettle of fish, same ‘cats a puss’; the gamesmanship is just superior on one side or the other from season to season. The difference comes when one set is more genuine and committed to doing more for the citizens than the other as is being demonstrated by the party in government, simply put.

So, based on his track record and courage to tow the people’s line instead of narrow party agendas, if he wants to jump ship, by God he should do it now and get it over with.

He will have my support and that of many who share these views, regardless of which way he goes, I would only ask that he maintains his integrity and does whatever he wants to do for the right reasons.

Sincerely,

Mark Cadogan Resident of Linden

Meeting the Chinese Ambassador

FRIDAY last, the visiting Palestine’s Ambassador to the UN held a seminar at the Pegasus Hotel on securing diplomatic recognition from CARICOM nations for Palestine as a sovereign state and to be admitted to the UN as such. After the event, former President, Donald Ramotar introduced me to the ambassador from China who was sitting behind me.

This lady’s modesty was piercing. Here was an ambassador from one of the world’s leading superpowers and she operated without any airs about her. She was all smiles when she told me she reads what I write. She went into her handbag, gave me her card and then wrote her cell number. Then she wrote another number on the card. She said if I cannot find her on her cell, I must try that number.

I remind you, this was the ambassador from one of the two superpowers in the world. This lady was quite ordinary in her conversation with me. There were no airs or graces. Standing next to her was a young Chinese man

quite dapper in his suit. She introduced me to him and she said I can contact him if I need to speak to her. He asked for my number which I gave. The next day, he sent me a text message.

I was asked to take a photograph with the Palestinian ambassador. While we were talking, this gentleman came up, stretched out his hand to me and during the handshake said he was Cuba’s ambassador to the UN, then, he said that his cousin is Cuba’s ambassador to Guyana. I replied: “Then it is a family affair,” which he found amusing.

Senegal’s UN ambassador came up and chatted with me based on the content of my comment during the question period. This was a completely different atmosphere from the ambience where Western diplomats are present. They would not come up to you. You have to go to them and you must have a little touch of sycophancy in your approach before the courtesy is extended to you.

It is in these social circles you see the cultural differences between the Western world

and the East. I could not believe how courteous that ambassador was to me. We were all taking photos with the Palestinian ambassador and she was standing alone, and I waved to her to join in the group. It is as if she wears a permanent smile. Talking to the Senegalese Ambassador was like conversing with one of my friends. There and then you experience the difference between the Third World and the West.

In one of my series on the new Cold War last year, I made reference to a visit by invitation by the Chinese Ambassador. Here is what I wrote in part three of the series carried on Tuesday, August 14, 2023: “Glenn Lall, Ravi Dev and I once had dinner with a Chinese ambassador. It was phenomenal to see the modesty of this man. He summoned the consular officers to meet with us. It was equally phenomenal to see how modest these young men were. We went through no metal detector examination. I could never imagine any Western ambassador behaving with such friendliness.”

I once knew a senior dip-

lomat in the Indian High Commission. Back then there were no online newspapers. You had to read the print edition. He arranged for me to have the English language newspapers from India that come to the High Commission. This man came across as just an ordinary person who saw me in friendly terms.

I honestly cannot remember his name but I will always remember a conversation we had. I asked him if he socialises with the Indian business community in Guyana. His response drew me closer to him as the months went by. He said, “No, I don’t know them, those are money

people.” Those were his exact words and I get the impression that he was a bit of a left-wing thinker.

I collected newspapers from the High Commission years after he left because he ensured the facility was granted to me. Now I had the opposite experience with the British High Commission. I got to know an English woman working at the High Commission through Sister Mary Noel Menezes. That was a long time ago. She has since retired and the last time I saw her was at Survival Supermarket a few years ago.

She arranged for me to have the Guardian newspaper

from the High Commission. My presence lasted a mere two weeks. On visiting the High Commission, you felt as if you came to beg for something.

I was never going to engage in lowering my dignity for a few newspapers. I wish the Chinese Ambassador, an enthralling and philosophical stay in Guyana.

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.

Moses has another book on the way; here is a sneak peek

OF course, I do not know for a fact that Moses Nagamootoo (MN) will write a sequel to “Dear Land of Guyana,” but there is so much that the Guyanese people should know that it is a betrayal of facts to leave out significant portions that answer burning questions the Guyanese people want to know.

So, I am attempting to telegraph what his next memoir should contain.

MN started his book with events surrounding the last moments of his prime-ministerialship, then worked his way back through various events including aspects of the campaign. I wish to write off as a crass lie (undiplomatic language intended) the following words found on page 19 of the book.

“AFC replaced me as prime ministerial candidate in favour of the party’s leader, Khemraj Ramjattan … I was sidelined from the preparation and campaign plans for the 2020 elections; and except where local coalition committees requested my presence, I was invited to speak at only one pre-election rally. For me, I felt like a veteran soldier who had done battle in eleven previous elections, being decommissioned.”

During the 2015 campaign, I was responsible for logistics for the AFC side of the Campaign; along with that, I had the task of overseeing the schedule of the PM candidate. I handled everything including all campaign meetings, public meetings and public appearances.

For the 2020 elections, I played the same role for Khemraj Ramjattan (KR). During a campaign strategy meeting with KR, I convinced him that it would be beneficial to the campaign if MN shared main speaker’s role at some of the public meetings where

he, Khemraj, would be speaking. Based on that assurance, I personally sent invitations for Moses to headline many meetings that KR would’ve otherwise headlined.

Moses wanted nothing to do with it. MN acted like the jealous boyfriend spurned by his love interest. He couldn’t countenance helping KR become PM. So, if anything, MN deliberately sidelined himself. It was an extremely selfish thing to do as payback for not being named PM candidate. The one rally mentioned in the book was before KR was definitively named PM candidate.

Why was Ramjattan chosen instead on MN is an area the book didn’t touch as if the writer was trying to avoid an Ebola plague. An apt title for that chapter would be lust, and this is the story it should tell.

During 2018 at an event at the PM residence, MN mentioned openly to a number of AFC activists, management committee members and in the presence of KR and his wife, that, as per personal promise coupled with the urging of his (MN’s) own family, given his recent cardiac scare, he will not venture into a second term.

He emphasised that the younger Ramjattan must now run with the baton. It is this same promise that led to the AFC naming MN as its “elder statesman” and passed a motion to allow the party elder to have a lifetime seat on the National Executive Committee.

Given such a situation, MN set in motion a runaway horse in the expectation of KR that could not be tamed, a thirst that did not need anyone to entice the horse to drink.

A thousand chains could not hold back Ramjattan, because he

felt that he had given the PM spot to MN in 2015 without murmur or complaint, without a vote or contest.

In 2015 it was not a foregone conclusion that Moses will be Granger’s running mate. Ramjattan made it that way. It was logical, MN still had fresh appeal to some of PPP hardline supporters; to many, he still had the scent of the Cheddi’s perfume; one of a dying breed of Jaganites. Ramjattan knew better not to try to swim against that tide, his time would come soon enough.

Somewhere along the line, MN had a change of heart. The proper thing to do would be to go to the Management Committee and the NEC and make a pitch, make a strong case for his return.

Instead, MN chose to withdraw himself from Management Committee meetings. He completely stopped engaging the leadership of the AFC, instead he chose to tread the path of some political ignoramuses who believed that Ramjattan is “once a PPP and always a PPP” and therefore could not be trusted.

All kinds of backroom scheming ensued to attempt to dislodge KR. Given the true reasons why MN left the PPP, I am left to conclude that subterfuge is probably in his blood.

This position was bolstered by Granger’s politically fatal refusal to name a running mate for an extended period way into the campaign.

This stupid decision stemmed from politically daft advice given to Granger from overseas analysts, that he (Granger) is the sole personality that should be featured in the campaign, a palpable demonstration that despite serving as president and had all the state intelligence available to him he remained a political alec.

Region Three private sector body forges ties with stakeholders in Brazil

THE Region Three Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (R3CCI) successfully participated in a strategic three-day international business conference held in Boa Vista, Brazil from April 27-29, 2024.

According to a press release, the RoraimaCARICOM event, which also saw participation from regional counterparts including Barbados, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago, fostered vital cross-border relations and opportunities for growth.

Led by R3CCI Vice-President, Bhabita Albert, the delegation en-

gaged in in-depth roundtable discussions with various country representatives. These discussions were tailored to facilitate focused interaction and collaboration, highlighting sectors such as agriculture, construction, distribution, and services.

This platform provided R3CCI members a unique opportunity to directly engage with international businesses and explore potential partnerships.

During the event, R3CCI members also had the privilege of attending the inaugural opening of the “International Hall of Tourism” at Garden Shopping.

This included guided technical tours and other business-related activities, enhancing their understanding and connections within the international business community.

The impact of this international meeting is ex-

pected to resonate through the various sectors represented by R3CCI, as members who participated were those who responded to the Chamber’s March 2024 call to action for the region’s construction businesses to collaborate.

This initiative is part of R3CCI’s ongoing efforts to empower local businesses by facilitating access to broader markets and international networks.

Tapakuma Lake man dies in fatal accident

POLICE are investigating an accident along the Tapakuma Trail, which claimed the life of Chris Ramchan, a 23-year-old male of Tapakuma Lake.

According to a police press release, inquiries disclosed that Ramchan and his brother were driving separate motorcycles through the trail when it is alleged that Ramchan, who was driving motorcycle #CM 6457 ahead of his brother, collided with a tree and fell onto the trail receiving injuries.

“His brother recounted that he was some distance away, and his brother’s motorcycle tail lights were visible but then suddenly disappeared. When he got closer, he noticed his brother lying next to the said motorcycle,” the release read.

It was then stated that Ramchan was picked up and taken to the Suddie Public Hospital. However, he succumbed while receiving medical attention.

The body is currently at the Suddie hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination. Investigation is ongoing.

Body washes up at Hope Beach

POLICE, on Sunday, responded to a report of a body being discovered at the Hope Beach, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

According to information from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), a mangrove ranger alerted police about the discovery around 11:30 hrs.

“A party of police led by a sergeant visited the

scene. On arrival, the decomposed body of a male clad in a cream and black striped jersey and cream underwear was seen lying motionless, facing up in an advanced state of decomposition,” the police said.

The scene was processed and photographed, and the body was examined. However, due to the advanced state of

decomposition, no marks of violence could have been detected. The body was then taken to Memorial Gardens Mortuary, where identification and a post-mortem examination will be done.

“Several persons in the vicinity were questioned. However, no useful information was obtained. Investigation is ongoing,” Police said.

Prime Minister Phillips engages military officers from Nigeria, Dominican Republic

WITH Guyana fortifying its military partnerships with both regional and international partners, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Friday, met with a delegation of senior military ranks from the National Defence College (NDC) in Nigeria at the Office of the Prime Minister.

According to a release, Phillips welcomed the delegation and conveyed best wishes to Nigeria and its National Defence College.

He also informed them of Guyana’s national development plans across sectors, leveraging oil and gas resources for people-centred progress through the “One Guyana” philosophy of shared prosperity.

Staff Officer One General Five - Future Plans and Strategy (GDF), and Lieutenant (CG) Rodwin Paul were also present at the meeting.

The delegation has thus far visited 17 countries: China, Cote D’Ivoire, Czech Republic, Eswatini, Fiji, Gambia, Germany, Guyana, Jamaica, Jordan, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Turkey.

The NDC is the apex military training institution for the Nigerian Armed Forces and a Center of Excellence for peace support operations training at the strategic level in West Africa. It was established in 1992 as Nigeria’s highest military institution for training senior military officers.

Major Jaime Castello,

The delegation’s visit to Guyana formed part of a geo-strategic world study tour, which started on April 13 and is expected to conclude on April 27.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Prime Minister met with the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Guyana, Ernesto Torres Pereyra, and the Commander General of the Dominican Air Force, Major General Carlos R. Febrillet Rodriguez.

Major General Rodriguez was accompanied by officers of the Dominican Air Force: Rommel L. Oleaga Frias, Pedro A. Almanzar Santos, Raymundo I. Miranda Sisa, and Melvy A. Paulino Pichardo. The meeting took place at the Office of the Prime Minister on Camp Street.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Guyana, Ernesto Torres Pereyra, among other dignitaries

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and a delegation of senior military ranks from the National Defence College

Brazil, Guyana exploring new connections, stronger ties

FRIDAY marked the inaugural opening of the Roraima International Exhibition at the Boa Vista Roraima Garden Shopping Mall in Brazil.

According to the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), representatives from the Roraima region and neighbouring countries showcased their vibrant tourism offerings.

Guyana was greatly represented at the exhibition by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), THAG, Visit Rupununi and Visit Guyana, all dedicated to promoting Destination Guyana and fostering stronger ties between Guyana and Brazil.

At the opening of the exhibition, Director of the GTA, Kamrul Baksh, placed emphasis on the need to “amplify” relations between

Roraima and Guyana. This includes forging new connections and bolstering synergies not only in the Lethem region, but extended to Georgetown and the wider Guyana.

Exciting developments may include plans for a possible direct flight to Brazil to enhance travel convenience.

Previously, THAG stated that the government of the state of Roraima in Brazil and SEBRAE, held the Roraima International Business Meeting – Caribbean Community (CARICOM), where speakers highlighted the great potential for collaboration among other South American States like Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, French Guiana and Barbados and the further Caribbean.

With a focus on enhancing ties and fostering growth,

discussions highlighted the promising avenues for cooperation. According to THAG, opportunities are boundless for streamlined trade, expanded business horizons and mutual prosperity through strategic partnerships.

THAG said that as Roraima experiences unmatched growth, now is the opportune time for investment and collaboration.

Meanwhile, Rodger King, the Consulate General of Guyana to Brazil, underscored the potential for fruitful business ventures between Roraima and Guyana, urging attendees to seize these opportunities.

The exhibition started on Friday and was extended throughout the weekend, where exhibitors showcased the vibrant offerings of Roraima.

Scenes from the expo on Saturday

Rupunau gets $28M upgraded water-supply system

WHILE on a two-day outreach to the Deep South Rupununi, Minister Susan Rodrigues commissioned an upgraded Water supply system in the village of Rupunau.

The village is home to

more the three hundred persons who will now enjoy a better quality of life, thanks to this investment.

According to Minister Rodrigues, given the adverse effects of the prolonged dry season, the intervention was necessary.

More important was the fact the engineers had to implement climate-ready interventions.

In the past the village relied on a hand-dug well; the system faced challenges during dry periods.

The new well was

drilled for $12 million by C&H Construction, along with the distribution network, which was done by Joshi Construction for $16 million.

This upgrade now allows access to water for

90 per cent of the population.

As a way of ensuring the longevity of the new facility, residents were urged to get involved in training for the maintenance of the system which is often facilitated by Guy-

ana Water Inc. These sentiments were also echoed by Hinterland Service Director, Ramchand Jailall. The village’s football team also received a sizable donation of sport equipment. (Ministry of Housing and Water)

While on a two-day outreach to the Deep South Rupununi, Minister Susan Rodrigues commissioned an upgraded water-supply system in the village of Rupunauni

TikTok will not be sold, Chinese parent tells US

TIKTOK’S Chinese parent company ByteDance says it has no intention of selling the business after the US passed a law to force it to sell the hugely popular video app or be banned in America.

“ByteDance doesn’t have any plans to sell TikTok,” the company posted on its official account on Toutiao, a social media platform it owns.

TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the BBC.

Earlier this week, TikTok said it would challenge in court the “unconstitutional” law.

The statement from ByteDance came in response to an article by the technology industry website The

Information that said it was exploring the potential sale of TikTok’s operation in the US without the algorithm that powers it.

“Foreign media reports of ByteDance selling TikTok are not true,” the company said in the post, which included a screen shot of the article with the Chinese characters meaning “false rumour” stamped on it.

The sell-or-ban measure was signed into law by US President Joe Biden on Wednesday.

Beijing’s tightening grip on private companies has raised concerns in the US, and other Western countries, about how much control the Chinese Communist Party has over ByteDance, and the data it holds.

TikTok has repeatedly denied claims the Chinese government has control over ByteDance.

“We are confident and we will keep fighting for your rights in the courts,” said TikTok boss, Shou Zi Chew, in a video posted on the platform this week.

“The facts, and the Constitution, are on our side... rest assured, we aren’t going anywhere.”

According to TikTok, ByteDance’s Chinese founder owns 20 per cent of shares, through a controlling stake in the company.

About 60 per cent is owned by institutional investors, including major US investment firms Carlyle Group, General Atlantic, and Susquehanna International Group.

The remaining 20 per cent is owned by its employees around the world and three of ByteDance’s five board members are American.

The Chinese government has also dismissed such concerns as paranoia and has warned that a TikTok ban would “inevitably come back to bite the US”.

However, TikTok is not facing an immediate ban in the US.

The new law gives ByteDance nine months to sell the business, and an additional three-month grace period, before a potential ban can be enforced.

That means the sale deadline would most likely come sometime in 2025, after the winner of the 2024 presidential election takes office. (BBC)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday April 29, 2024)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Dinesh Karthik-KKR (18 dismissals-14 catches/4 stumpings)

(2) 176* for the first wicket-K. Williamson/S. Dhawan (SRH vs Daredevils)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who is the first player to hit two hundreds in this season’s IPL?

(2) Who is the first bowler to capture a five-wicket haul in IPL 2024?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

FL Sport assists Essequibo’s U-13 cricket team

FL Sport has provided financial assistance to the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) to prepare its Under-13 squad, which will compete in the Guyana Cricket Board’s Inter-County tournament.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FL Sport, John Ramsingh, recently handed over G$100,000 to Norwayne Fredricks, Vice President of the ECB.

Ramsingh stated, “We at FL Sport are immense lovers of the sport of cricket, and without question, there is overwhelming talent in [the] Cinderella County. Over the years, we have seen talents at the grassroots level who just need some investment.”

Fredricks thanked FL Sport for the support, noting that it will undoubtedly help the board to offset

expenses in preparing the team to defend their Inter-County title.

The Inter-County tournament is tentatively set for August, and it is understood that the ECB should commence preparation soon.

Most recently, the local streaming company made a financial contribution to the Guyana Cricket Board to aid in cricket develop-

Stolen Money secures stunning win in Jumbo Jet Race of Champions

STOLEN Money sparked a major upset in the feature event of the Jumbo Jet Race of Champions at the Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice. The Dennis Deroop-owned horse displayed great speed and skill in the one-mile feature race. Now trained by the veteran Fazal Habibulla, Stolen Money won a tense sprint home with John Bull, who finished second, while Spankhurst came third.

Stolen Money walked away with the first-place prize of G$2M. Bossalina and Easy Time were scratched from the feature event. The three horses that ran were Spankhurst, Stolen Money, and John Bull. Jockey Appadu finished the Race of Champions as the champion jockey, with three wins for the day.

In overcast conditions, the race day got off to a flying start with the K Class & Lower horses running a 5.5 furlong. In a scintillating time of one minute, 19.63 seconds, Rescue (formerly Tizway) sealed the top spot, followed by Get Them Bobby, and Money Time.

Race Two was the I Class, J Class & West In-

dian-bred three-year-old maidens. Sex Appeal, piloted by Kiran Razack, emerged victor, while Hayley came second. Dan Star was the other horse in that race.

The L Class and J3 first-time starters saw Princess Samiah sealing the deal, while Perfect Dream came second. Kiss came third, while Three D Movie ran fourth.

Race Four was all Creemore, who took down fast-starter Converter.

Jockey Ronaldo Appadu was the architect in Creemore’s victory, who rode a beautiful race, and began the sprint at the right time in the E, & F Class & Lower race.

In addition to Converter, who came second, American Traveller came third. Looking to Heaven, who finished fourth, found it difficult to jump out of the starters gate.

Trinidadian jock Rico Hernandez finally delivered with a supreme victory with Theory of Colors in the H Class race. Theory of Colors finished ahead of Supremacy and Smooth Sailing.

Jockey Kishan Pereira fell for the second time

that day. He’d fallen earlier on Bolt and Nut, then he fell off Blinding Lights.

According to the stewards, Pereira fell of his own accord twice in the day. He suffered a fractured collarbone.

The penultimate race of the seven-card programme saw Country Rock cruising to an easy win in the threeyear-old Guyana-bred.

Jockey Appadu controlled the one-mile race, finishing ahead of Bin Laden, She’s A Monica, and Easy Jet, in that order.

More than G$10 million in cash and prizes were up for grabs on what was deemed another successful race hosted by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee.

The major sponsors of this Race of Champions meet were Banks DIH, AJM Enterprise, Jumbo Jet, Sino Truck, and XCMG. Additional sponsors were N&M Trucking & Auto Sales, SHI Oil Fuel Distributor, Forrester’s Concrete, Knight Industries Inc. Auto Sales, Spares, and Excavating and Trucking.

The next race is set for May 26 at the Port Mourant Turf Club.

ment at the nursery level.

FL Sport has been the go-to company for live streaming, and their productions are seen on www.flsport.gy and the FL Sport channel on the Guyana TV Network App.

Vice-President of the Essequibo Cricket Board Norwayne Fredricks (left), collects the financial contribution from Chief Executive Officer of FL Sport, John Ramsingh

A review of Guyana’s 13th regional first-class title

By Sean Devers

THE Guyana Harpy Eagles under the leadership of Tevin Imlach won its 13th regional first-class title since Rohan Kanhai won Guyana’s first fourday title in 1973.

It was Guyana’s seventh title in the nine seasons of franchise cricket, which was inaugurated in the 2014/2015 season and the first season without Leon Johnson, who had won the previous six.

Guyana had to win their last match which they did in three days and had to wait until the next day and hope that the Leewards and Windwards played to a draw.

In addition, the West Indies Academy had to produce the tournament's biggest upset by beating Barbados.

In the end, everything played out in Guyana’s favour and they won the title and a hefty US$250, 000.

While the top order lacked positive intent (Guyana never managed maximum batting points) and the bowlers lacked the ‘killer instinct’ and struggled to polish off the tail-enders quickly, Guyana played ‘team cricket’ and looked like a family on and off the field as they won their last five games.

Guyana’s first game against T&T was washed out after the opening day, while they lost their second match against the Leeward Islands in St Kitts.

Credit must go to the captain who led from the front, Head Coach Ryan Hercules, Assistant Coach Garvin Nedd, Manager Albert Clements, the Analyst Reryson Baghoo and Physio Angelica Holder for a job well done.

Twenty-three-yearold Mikyle Louis was the ‘find’ of the tournament.

Playing in his first season, the former West Indies under-19 batter

scored 682 from seven matches at an average of 48.71.

The Leewards’ opener made three centuries and four 50s and was one of 11 West Indians to score hundreds in each innings of a first-class game when he achieved this feat against Guyana on home soil in St Kitts.

This was first done in 1967 by Roy Fredericks against Barbados.

Louis's feat marked the 12th time this was accomplished with Grenada-born Devon Smith doing it twice.

Louis has done enough to earn a place in the

squad to tour England for the three-Test series which commences on July 10.

West Indies and Barbados Captain Kraigg Braithwaite, after a poor Test series in Australia, returned to regional cricket and scored 565 runs with two centuries and a 50 to finish second in the aggregate.

Kevin Sinclair played seven matches batted 10 times and scored 508 runs with a highest score of 165 not out. He averaged 63.50 with a century and two 50s.

Sinclair had 13 wickets with his off-spin. But it was with the bat that

he was a revelation and could now be considered a batting all-rounder.

Amit Jangoo was the other batter to reach 500, which included a double century and two 50s.

Guyana Skipper Tevin Imlach made 485 runs at an average of 53.88 with two tons and three 50s, after missing the first two games which Guyana did not win in St Kitts, due to his ODI comments in Australia.

Kevlon Anderson scored 332 runs with one century, while Tagenarine Chanderpaul made 323 runs.

The Test batter had an

among Guyana's batters who were disappointing.

Although there were 27 centuries scored, the batters looked uncomfortable against spin, with most of them failing to use their feet when balls were flighted, with the top order rarely showing positive intent.

The pitches were mainly low and slow and assisted the spinners, who were the top five wicket-takers.

There were 35 five-wicket hauls, while Jousha Bishop was the leading wicket-taker with 42 wickets.

Jomal Warrican had 35

Average of 29.36 with one century and one 50, and coming down to a lower level was disappointing with an ultra-defensive approach.

Kemol Savory who kept due to a finger injury sustained by Imlach, scored 289, which included a century and a 50, while Veerasammy Permaul made 265, including an unbeaten 90.

Raymond Perez made two 50s in 222 runs, while Gudakesh Motie made 148, including a top score of 56

Renaldo Ali Mohamed (228 from eight innings), and Matthew Nandu (128 from eight innings) were

Barbados at Coolidge, 424 v Jamaica at Sabina Park, 415/7dec v the Academy at Coolidge

The 34-year-old Permaul, the oldest player in the Guyana squad, had two five-wicket hauls. His 29 wickets were the most from a Harpy Eagles player, while moving his first-class tally to 636 from 144 matches.

Nial Smith returned from the third round after a hamstring injury caused him to miss the first two games in St Kitts. He had 20 wickets.

The 19-year-old Isaiah Thorne who took 19 wickets from six matches was the fastest bowler on show, with Smith not far behind in pace, while Motie also had 19 wickets. Kevlon Anderson and Renaldo Ali Mohamed also had five-wicket hauls during the tournament

Off-spinner Avinash Mahabirsingh, who made his first-class debut on his 23rd birthday for the CCC grabbed 8-51 against Guyana to record the best bowling figures on debut since 1966, when the Shell Shield tournament was inaugurated.

wickets and West Indies Academy’s left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd was the only Guyanese among the top five wicket-takers with 33 wickets.

Rakeem Cornwall (32) and Brian Charles (31), while the only pacer among the top six wicket-takers was Jerimiah Louis with 30 scalps.

Mickle Louis scored three tons while Imlach, Jason Mohammed and Brathwaite scored two each.

Chanderpaul, Savory and Sinclair were the other Guyanese to reach centuries

Guyana passed 400 runs four times; 436 v

Off-spinners Brian Charles and Roston Chase, along with 17-year-old Academy ‘leggie’ Zishan Motara all had seven-wicket hauls, which emphasised the lack of technique against spin bowling.

When Barbados made 542-9 against the Leewards, Braithwaite (189), Roston Chase (127) and Zachary McCaskie (101) all scored centuries in the same innings.

This was first done in 1967 at Bourda, when Guyana made their highest-ever firstclass total of 641- 5 against Barbados. Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon and Roy Fredericks scored centuries

Tevin Imlach

Kevin Sinclair

Isaiah Thorne

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Berbice Championship East Bank Gunners crowned champions

pocketed $400,000 and the championship trophy, while Trafalgar walked away with $300,000 and the corresponding accolade.

Saturday evening at the New Amsterdam basketball court.

Sherwin Nicholson recorded the only goal of the match in the first half of extra time to secure the win for the East Bank Gunners. Due to the outcome, the East Bank Gunners

In the third-place playoff, the Big Ballers crushed the Young Guns 3-0. Neil Linton recorded a double, while Ryan Solomon scored once. As a result, the Big Ballers walked away with $200,000 and the respective trophy, while the Young Guns received

$100,000 and the fourthplace accolade.

On the individual side, Nicholson was adjudged the event’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and will receive a football turf from Colours Boutique.

In the earlier semi-final segment, the East Bank Gunners defeated the Young Guns 1-0. Nicholson was on target for the victory.

Also, Trafalgar Square

edged the Big Ballers 1-0 on penalty kicks after regulation time ended 1-1.

Prior to the conclusion of the eventual fixture, Evlon Fordyce netted for Trafalgar, while Evon Smith scored for the Big Ballers.

Complete Results

Final Trafalgar-0 0 vs. East Bank

Gunners 1

Sherwin Nicholson-(1)

3rd Place

Big Ballers-3 vs. Young Guns-0

Neil Linton-(2)

Ryan Solomon-(1)

Semifinals

Game-1

East Bank Gunners-1 vs. Young Guns-0

Sherwin Nicholson-(1)

Game-2

Big Ballers-1 vs. Trafalgar-1

Trafalgar won 1-0 on penalty kicks.

Big Ballers scorer Evon Smith-(1)

Trafalgar scorer Evlon Fordyce-(1)

MSC beat Everest by eight wickets

AN unbeaten 57 from Collis Rimple, which lasted 62 balls and included six fours and two sixes, spearheaded Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) to an eight-wicket win in the GCA & Friends Second Division two-day cricket tournament at the MSC Ground yesterday.

It was disappointing that on a sunny weekend, only a single game was held by the GCA, especially with the rainy season fast approaching.

Everest batted first and made 145, with Steve Mangal top-scoring with 34 notout.

However, only Varun Mangal (33) and Rishi Hiralall (25) of the other batters passed 10.

Marcus Watkins (3-27), Vickash Asaram (3-55) and

Rugby Americas North …

Trevon France (3-31) were the main wicket takers for MSC.

The home team responded with 161 to take a slim 14-run lead.

Cordel Mars top-scored with 39, Watkins made 33, Rawle Merrel scored 31, while France contributed 20 after MSC had slipped to 10-4.

Joshua Kissoon and Javed Rasheed had three wickets, while Chris Harry bagged two scalps for the Camp Road unit.

By the end of the opening day, Everest had capitulated to 12-4, with Mars and leftarm spinner France taking two wickets each on a track kept a bit low at times.

An important 30 from 31 with four fours and a six from last man Harry helped

to push Everest past 100.

This was after overnight batter Steven Mangal (16) edged Mars to the Keeper at 27-5.

Reuel Prashad (10), Feyad Lakeraj (0), and Kevin Benn, who hit two fours and a six in 23, were all removed by Mars.

Harry then joined Rasheed (13) to see Everest to a three-figure score, which, in the end, proved inadequate.

Chasing 102 to win, Harry lifted Everest’s hopes with an early breakthrough when he sent Judell McAllister’s stumps for a walk after he had made just two.

And when Rasheed got rid of Skipper Shane Mosley (12), the Everest fans who made the trip to Thomas Road were hoping for something sensational from their team.

But that was not to be, as Watkins and Rimple, who reached the only fifty in the low-scoring encounter, saw Malteenoes to an emphatic victory.

Watkins followed up his 33 in the first innings by hitting two sixes and a four in his unbeaten run-a-ball 21. (Sean Devers)

Green Machine secure comeback victory against T&T

Guyana’s Green Machine made a successful return to the rugby arena on Saturday as they eclipsed Trinidad and Tobago in their away game of the Rugby Americas North Senior 15’s championship at the Hasely Crawford stadium in Portof-Spain.

The Guyanese who had not ventured into the format since 2019, overcame the rust to clinch a hard fought 1point victory 24-23 after a slow start.

Trinidad’s Karlan Alexander scored a penalty as T&T took the early lead,

James Phillips then recorded a try to take the lead to 8, four minutes after the opening penalty for Trinidad.

Alexander then missed a conversion on a Phillip try, in the 31st minute.

Phillip again delivered with his second try to make it 13-nil for the home team.

Close to the end of the first half Guyana’s Godfrey Pollydore gave them their first point on the score sheet with a try in the 34th minute but they were unable to add to it with Lionel Holder missing the conversion.

Rondel MacArthur put

Guyana closer to Trinidad in the 38th with their second try but the green machine still trailed 13-10.

Green Machine’s Kevin Braithwaite converted with a successful kick to make it 13-12 as Guyana 15’s squad started to better acclimatize the pace of the game to go into the mid game break down by a point.

After the half, seasoned national player MacArthur showed his class with his second try as they took the lead for the first time 17-13.

Kevin Braithwaite converted the kick on this occa-

sion to extend the lead 19-13 in the 43rd minute of the second half.

Anderson Joseph would put Trinidad back into the game with his try in the 50th

minute to make it a 1 point game 19-18.

Trinidad had the chance to retake the lead but missed the conversion with a Jeremy Bonas kick.

However T&T Jonathan Taylor would find a try to edge in front in the dying minutes of the contest.

Guyana facing certain defeat, saw the experience and wits of MacArthur prove integral to their eventual success as the team engineered a play that resulted in a match winning try in the 71st minute.

EAST Bank Gunners were crowned champions of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Berbice Zone, defeating two-time winner Trafalgar 1-0 on

Champions! East Bank Gunners receive the championship cheque and trophy after defeating Trafalgar to win the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Berbice Zone

Marcus Watkins

Rondel MacArthur

Stolen Money secures stunning win in Jumbo Jet Race of Champions

Jockey Ronaldo Appadu caused a major upset as Stolen Money beat Spankhurst in the feature event at Jumbo Jet Race of Champions

Motie’s all-round performance fires West Indies ‘A’ to win

(CMC) - GUDAKESH Motie’s brilliant all-round effort fired West Indies-A to a 10-run victory over Nepal in the second Twenty20 of the five-match series here Sunday.

With his side slumping at 115 for seven in the 18th over, the left-handed Motie arrived to smash a sensational eight-ball unbeaten 33 as West Indies-A rallied to 160 for seven off their 20 overs at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground.

Andre Fletcher topscored with 43 from 36 balls, while captain Roston Chase

weighed in with 23 from 22 deliveries.

The 29-year-old Motie then returned with his leftarm spin to claim two for 22, a spell which helped to restrict the hosts and draw West Indies-A level in the series ahead of Tuesday’s third encounter.

Captain Rohit Paudel topscored with an unbeaten 71 off 48 deliveries, but left-arm seamer Obed McCoy (2-24) and off-spinner Chase (1-27) produced stingy spells to stall the run chase.

Choosing to bat first, West Indies-A stumbled to

18 for two in the third over after openers Alick Athanaze (6) and Johnson Charles (11)

perished cheaply, but Fletcher and Chase combined in a 46-run, third-wicket partner-

ship to repair the innings.

Fletcher, who struck three sixes, added a further 25 for the fifth wicket with Keemo Paul (8), before becoming one of two wickets to fall in the 18th over as West Indies-A lost three wickets for 11 runs in the space of 11 balls.

However, Motie clobbered two fours and four sixes in a 45-run, unbroken eighth-wicket stand with Matthew Forde (11 not out), as West Indies-A gathered a stunning 41 runs from the last two overs of the innings.

In reply, West Indies-A

made key strikes to leave Nepal’s reply in tatters at 28 for four at the end of the sixth over before Paudel galvanised his side’s recovery, first in a 33-run, fifth-wicket stand with Gulsan Jha (26), and then in a 43-run sixth-wicket partnership with Aarif Sheikh (12).

Paudel lashed half-dozen fours and two sixes, while Jha clobbered three fours and two sixes in an 11-ball cameo; but Motie and McCoy struck in successive overs to turn the game in their side’s favour.

Rugby Americas North …

Green Machine secure comeback victory against T&T

Gudakesh Motie struck 33 not out off eight balls (file photo)

Guyanas 15’s team overcame Trinidad by one point