Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 30-09-2024

Concerted action required to effectively address food insecurity

President, Dr Irfaan Ali and members of his team were up at 03:00hrs putting the final touches on the speech that he delivered last week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York (OP photo)

Scores of

and to experience the

for

persons turned up

the parade to see the revellers in their costumes

carnival atmosphere (NCN photo)

First Lady attends ‘Fashion 4 Development’ luncheon

First Lady Arya Ali attended Fashion 4 Development’s Annual First Ladies Luncheon on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly last week in New York, to celebrate the unprecedented co-operation between diplomacy and fashion for the greater good of women and children worldwide. The event was attended by First Ladies, UN Ambassadors and other officials from around the world who gathered to honour award recipients – or “Agents of Change” - for their humanitarian working to end exploitation in the fashion industry, and provide opportunities for women (Office of the First Lady photo)

Concerted action required to effectively address food insecurity

By Naomi Parris

TO effectively address food insecurity, concerted action addressing the root causes such as global conflicts and the threats of climate change will be required, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said.

The Guyanese Head of State during his address at the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York last week, pointed out that global statistics have seen billions being severely food insecure.

“The primary causes were conflict and insecurity, extreme weather events, including those related to El Niño, climate change and economic shocks,” Dr. Ali said.

Citing statistics from the UN’s Food Security and Nutrition Report in 2023, he stated that an estimated 28.9 per cent of the global population, 2.3 billion people, were moderately or severely food insecure.

Aside from reducing conflicts and mitigating climate

change enhancing food production and trade in food commodities is also needed.

“By prioritising peace and climate action, we can create environments where food systems, crops and livelihoods are not threatened by conflict and weather extremes. In turn, enhancing food production and ensuring fair and efficient trade in food commodities can reduce food insecurity,” the Head of State said.

“While I have spoken of food insecurity, the global malnutrition rates are also alarming and must be addressed. Nutritious, safe and sufficient food are crucial to a healthy population,” he added.

Meanwhile Guyana’s Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha disclosed that the country has fallen below the regional and global averages for undernourishment, with the country reporting a 2.5 per cent decrease.

Minister Mustapha while addressing a regional summit facilitated by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisa -

tion (FAO) disclosed recent statistics that shows Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, a figure well below the regional average of 6.6 per cent and the global average of 9.1 per cent.

“This achievement has not been accidental, but the result of deliberate policy interventions aimed at enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food,” Minister

The agriculture minister further pointed out that the country has made progress in addressing food insecurity according to statistics. The prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity stands at 25.5 per cent lower than the regional average of 31.3 per cent.

Nonetheless, he observed that, while these figures are positive, the country remains

–– President Ali tells UN General Assembly, says peace and climate action should be top priority

at risk of insecurity.

“Our focus remains on ensuring that no one is left behind,” Minister Mustapha said, pointing to the country’s strategic policies that emphasise the expansion of the productive sector and reduction of the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) massive food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

“This bold plan is driven by the need to enhance domestic production and ensure regional food self-sufficiency. We are expanding agricultural production across several key sectors: crops, livestock, and fisheries/aquaculture.”

Mustapha further highlighted that, while the country is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, its key policy, the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, encompasses plans to build resilience.

‘ACHIEVING GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY’

On Saturday, President Ali officially released his latest book “Achieving

Global Food Security: The Caribbean Experience and Beyond” at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford in England.

The book provides a holistic overview of the causes and challenges surrounding food security both globally and, in the Caribbean. It explores a number of strategic policy recommendations to mitigate the issue.

In a time where the Caribbean is plagued with skyrocketing food and fertiliser prices and displaced labour, this book presents an innovative pathway to achieving freedom from hunger by capitalising on the region’s comparative advantages and potential for agricultural investment.

Published in collaboration with World Scientific Publishing, the book serves as a valuable research resource for scholars and professionals pursuing knowledge and solutions on food security, international development and Caribbean studies.

St. George’s School of Sciences headmaster confident students will succeed

THE structure of education in Guyana is changing rapidly as government continues to build a robust education system countrywide.

One example of this is the opening of the St George’s School of Sciences in Georgetown, which represents a pioneering initiative, serving as a dedicated pathway for students with a keen interest in the medical sciences specifically.

The Ministry of Education on Sunday provided an update on this advanced institution of learning which was built after a devastating fire destroyed the original building in 2022.

The new school is a modern facility, designed to inspire innovation, collaboration and hands-on learning.

Headmaster Kevin Williamson in a video posted on the ministry’s Facebook page related that this is a new, fun experience.

“I can say it’s fun. It’s a new environment, getting to

know the staff, because as you know, most of the staff came from different schools.

So, there’s no three persons from the same institution,” he said.

The headmaster noted that his task at this point is to build a team that can work and transform the students.

“We already have the content. It’s a new curriculum

we’re working with. One that is new, not just to this school, but also new to Guyana as I would say.”

The curriculum is aligned with the Caribbean Certif-

icate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC) content which aims to provide certification for all students who complete secondary school in any participating territory.

Williamson said that he envisions that when students leave that institution, they are able to fit smoothly into society and into the expected goal: a science/medical field.

He pointed out that while many may question why use children from Grade Seven (Form One) in such a programme, he believes that if trained correctly, children can fit into that field seamlessly.

The school is equipped with modern technology, as well as competent teachers and the tools essential to learning.

One of the students, Carlisa Williams opined that the school is a “nice” one for young doctors and medical students, and scientists. She stated that this far, she has found the work much easier than what was taught in primary school.

“I think that if you want to become a scientist or if you want to be in the medical field, you should come to this school,” she said, adding that her experience has been great over the past four weeks.

Carlisa would like to be a veterinarian one day so that she can help sick animals to feel better.

The St. George’s School of Sciences is Guyana’s very first specialised school for students who did not get the national tops or List A schools, but who it is believed possess great potential.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand had said that this outcome will be shown in five years.

Detailing the eligibility criteria, she had said: “For a student to be eligible for this school, he/she must have been living in Georgetown, not earned a place in a List A school, and gained 80 per cent in English, 60 per cent in Mathematics, 65 per cent in Science, or at least those grades.”

Mustapha said.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

The new St. George’s School of Sciences

Excited spectators enjoy colourful Cricket Carnival Road Parade

DUBBED one of the most highly anticipated events of the cricket season, scores of spectators came out on Sunday for the annual Cricket Carnival Road Parade which featured several bands and dozens of revellers in colourful costumes.

Starting at Main and Church Streets in Georgetown, the carnival posse made its way down the

streets, dancing to music which added to the thrill and excitement.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Road Parade, Tony (only name given), one of the many Guyanese who came in for the cricket matches, said he is having a blast at the Cricket Carnival events.

He used the opportunity to invite everyone to come and experience the

Tony smiles brightly for the camera while viewing the Cricket Carnival Road Parade on Sunday

Cricket Carnival excitement.

“Cricket Carnival is awesome. Let me tell you, you guys got to do this. It is the greatest feeling in the world,” he said.

Roy, another spectator, excitedly remarked, “I am so impressed! Cricket Carnival is going bigger and bigger every year, and next year I want it to be bigger than Mashramani, so people take note.”

Although he was on duty, Dwayne Sobers, who hails from the East

Coast of Demerara, said: “It’s awesome on Church Street. I feel the vibes. They got you smiling even if you don’t have a cause to. Nice girls, nice music, action.”

For the cricket match, Wayne noted that they are all praying and hoping that the Guyana Amazon Warriors bring the trophy home once more.

He also noted the significant turnout of foreigners who saved money to come home or just to visit Guyana for the Cricket Carnival experience. Since the first edition of Cricket Carnival in 2022, the government has noted a significant increase in the

number of visitor arrivals into Guyana, specifically during the cricket season.

It was stated before that Cricket Carnival is not only a sporting event, but is an immersive experience that combines the joys of cricket with the rich cultural diversity and incredible natural beauty of Guyana.

During the first Cricket Carnival event earlier this month, Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond pointed out that we have witnessed a remarkable increase in tourist arrivals during this period, with expectations for even more visitors to

arrive as excitement for Cricket Carnival builds.

Capitalising on this, the minister had highlighted that in addition to the CPL matches, several events were planned, and several tour operators curated special packages for visitors to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of our country.

To meet the rising demand, it was mentioned that more rooms and Bed and Breakfast (B and B) facilities were added since last year, to ensure that visitors are comfortable during their stay in Guyana.

Some of the Cricket Carnival costumes that were on show during the road parade on Sunday (Japheth Savory photos)

Dwayne Sobers

Roy, who says Cricket Carnival is getting bigger and bigger every year

AT the opening ceremony of the 2023 China International Import Expo (CIIE), Chinese Premier Li Qiang shared an inspiring story of Ali Faiz, a young merchant from Afghanistan, a country long plagued by war and in desperate need of development.

Through CIIE, Ali brought to China handmade wool carpets from his hometown, each skilfully crafted by the hard-working locals. Every carpet sold was providing for families living in the mountainous terrains of Afghanistan, and giving them hope for a better life.

The CIIE, held in China’s Shanghai annually, is a major move of the country to open up wider to the world and share development opportunities with partners globally. Unlike other long-existing exhibitions that focus on

export, the CIIE is about boosting import and helping foreign firms showcase and sell their products and services in China. It has been held six times since its launch in 2018.

Given the size of China’s market, the CIIE has multiple roles to play: scaling up international procurement, promoting investment, facilitating people-to-people interactions and advancing global cooperation. It has since contributed significantly to both China’s endeavour to foster a new development paradigm and to the growth of the world economy.

At the recently concluded third plenum of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the importance of improving the institutions and mechanisms of high-standard opening-up was once again

emphasised. A more open China is going to deliver greater benefits to the rest of the world.

Home to a huge population, an expanding middle-class and well-sustained economic growth, China has the ideal consumer market for quality products from around the world. Adding to that is the country’s worldclass manufacturing ecosystem that is constantly fortified by increasing input in innovation and R&D. The country once known for “Made in China” goods is now taking on new features such as “Created in China” and ““Designed by China.” To trade with China is to trade for the future.

The CPC also adopted a resolution at its recent central committee plenum on reform measures designed to advance Chinese moderni -

sation, including systematic steps to build a unified national market. By removing the inconveniences that foreign firms might encounter entering China, this will help them do better as they explore the enormous market of the country. That also promises more opportunities for global growth. China has done a lot to liberalise and facilitate trade over the years. The government has been conducting reforms to facilitate trade and investment in the country’s Pilot Free Trade Zones. Its customs authorities and other related departments have launched 27 specified measures to improve port services. Its tax administration has been moving to strengthen interdepartmental information sharing, streamline tax refund declaration, and speed up tax refunds for exports.

And the list goes on. It is thanks to these measures that in the first half of 2024, China’s trade in goods hit RMB21.17 trillion yuan, up by 6.1 percent year on year.

China is working hard to bring in more investment, as is reflected in its 24-point measure to enhance the country’s appeal for foreign investors. The resolution of the recent CPC plenum also laid out a plan to reform the foreign investment management system, and incorporates measures including expanding the catalog of encouraged industries for foreign investment, removing all market access restrictions in the manufacturing sector, ensuring national treatment, and making life on the mainland more convenient for people who come from outside the area. Such efforts will help China foster a world-class

business environment so that more foreign enterprises will share in the dividends of China’s development.

In the first half of 2024, foreign investment in China amounted to nearly RMB500 billion yuan, and 26, 870 foreign-invested enterprises were established here, 14.2 percent more than the previous year. This speaks volumes about foreign investors’ enthusiasm toward the Chinese market and their confidence in its future prospects.

Despite the headwinds of protectionism and decoupling faced by the world economy, the trend of economic globalisation is irreversible. As an engine for global growth, China will leverage its market size and opening-up measures to contribute new impetus to the world economy.

China’s High-Standard Opening-up: New Opportunities for Global Growth China: Making It Safe for Everyone

WE live in a world where public safety is a growing concern of many, particularly those whose everyday life is being disrupted by lack of order and street violence.

That gives context to how foreign travelers are impressed by the late-night street view in China, where people walk around freely with convenient stores and public facilities readily at their service.

Some foreign bloggers expected outings at night to be adventure-like, only to find that it’s absolutely safe in China to go out at night

without worries, even for ladies travelling alone. It is, indeed, a country safe for everyone.

Public safety matters both to people’s well-being and a dynamic economy, and is the hallmark of a robust, orderly society. It is thus an important part of the Peaceful China Initiative. China is widely known as one of the safest countries in the world. Its overall crime rate, homicide rate, and gun-crime rate are among the world’s lowest. A 2023 research report showed that 92.8 percent of foreign nationals were satisfied with the overall public safety and

security situation in China. That is no easy feat, and it could not have been achieved without the Chinese government’s hard efforts. Ten years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined a holistic approach to national security, underscoring that national security is for the benefit of the people and supported by the people. At the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee held in July 2024, the country set a number of important goals. One is to advance the Peaceful China Initiative to a higher level and strengthen the national security system. The

foundation is already strong. The Chinese government has been working intensively in recent years to fight crimes and enhance people’s sense of safety, particularly those involving gang mobs, pornography, gambling, narcotics, food safety, medicine, the environment, theft, robbery and fraud, and workplace safety protocols are enforced with real earnest. These efforts have greatly reduced the incidences of crime and public safety violations.

Meanwhile, China is working to build smart cities and applying big data and intelligent systems to iden-

tify potential dangers and improve public services and governance, buttressing public safety with technology.

In addition to thrust from the government, China’s community-level governance has also played an important part in making the country safe and secure. In the early 1960s, a small town in China’s Zhejiang Province developed a public security approach, which was later known as the Fengqiao model after the name of their town. The main idea was to put community residents, not the government, in the driver’s seat in proposing solutions; localise problem-solving; and realise better security without overuse of penalties.

China’s leader Mao Zedong promoted the application of the Fengqiao model and spread it across the country. In the new eta, the Fengqiao model has been further refined and delivered on its goal of enabling the public to collaborate on solutions and preventing tensions through early intervention.

To date, more than 583,

000 community-level institutions known as comprehensive governance centers have been established in townships and urban subdistricts throughout the country, and all communities are zoned into small units called “grids’” for more tailored, sophisticated management. Senior citizens are actively signing up for volunteer services and working in dispute mediation teams. Many young joggers are taking on another role as they run in groups at night and also become “eyes on the street”. They call it “jogging patrol.” With members of the public actively involved, a social governance approach based on collaboration, participation and benefit sharing has taken hold.

Our world is fast changing, Societies across the world are seeing more threats and challenges to their peace and quiet. China’s practice of making it more peaceful for everyone under the Peaceful China Initiative can be a useful reference.

Noise cannot obscure the truth

THE recent revelation by New York State Senator Roxanne J Persaud regarding the false narratives pushed by Guyana’s opposition brings to light a troubling and persistent issue: the weaponisation of misinformation to stoke division and erode national unity.

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), once again, finds itself dodging responsibility for its baseless claims, a strategy that does little more than harm the country it claims to serve.

For too long, the opposition, along with its affiliated activists, has peddled a narrative of racial discrimination and poor governance, in attempts to tarnish Guyana’s international reputation. But when questioned about the validity of these claims, as seen at the recent press conference, PNCR officials resorted to deflection. Their refusal to address the inconsistencies in their rhetoric reveals a fundamental truth: they lack the evi-

dence to back up their accusations.

What Senator Persaud and her colleagues experienced during their October 2023 visit to Guyana sharply contrasts with the picture the opposition attempts to paint. Persaud’s testimony is clear—Guyana is on an upward trajectory, marked by impressive development and sound economic management under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government. The visiting delegation, which included Senator Kevin Parker and Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman, left Guyana with a positive impression, one that counters the grim outlook espoused by the opposition.

It is not just the PNCR’s dishonesty that is concerning, but also their continued use of race-baiting tactics to sow discord. By framing Guyana’s progress as exclusionary and discriminatory, they exploit the sensitive issue of race to foster division. This dangerous narrative does not only undermine

the government, but also weakens the social fabric of a nation striving for inclusivity.

Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo has rightly pointed out that mechanisms, such as the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), exist to address any real cases of discrimination. The commission, constitutionally empowered to investigate and address racial grievances, has yet to receive any reports from the opposition on the widespread racial discrimination they claim exists. This silence speaks volumes. It suggests that these accusations are not grounded in reality, but rather serve as a political tool to rally support by any means necessary.

The international community, as represented by the visiting delegation, has seen the truth. Guyana is a country moving forward, not backward. The opposition’s persistent attempts to block this progress by using divisive rhetoric do not serve the nation’s in-

terests. Instead, they hinder efforts to build a unified, prosperous future for all Guyanese.

The PPP/C government, under the leadership of President, Dr Irfaan Ali, has shown a commitment to development that transcends ethnic and political lines. This government’s work speaks for itself, and as Senator Persaud emphasised, Guyana’s development is evident to all who take the time to see it. No amount of noise from detractors can obscure the truth. It is time for the opposition to abandon its divisive tactics and engage in constructive dialogue. The people of Guyana deserve leaders who prioritise national unity over political gain. In a rapidly developing country, there is no place for false narratives that seek to undermine progress for the sake of power.

Guyana’s future is bright—if only we can see beyond the smoke and mirrors.

Criticisms should be rooted in facts

Dear Editor,

IN response to the claim that Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo is ignoring corruption in GuySuCo and the Ministry of Agriculture, I must disagree. While concerns about the sugar industry are legitimate, the challenges GuySuCo faces stem from decades of mismanagement, inefficiencies, and global shifts in sugar demand. Blaming

Jagdeo for failing to address corruption assumes that reforms and recovery efforts are simple when, in fact, they are complex and require time. Additionally, accusing him without providing concrete evidence undermines the constructive dialogue needed to move forward.

Efforts have been made to restructure GuySuCo, including re-opening estates, promoting agricultural diversification, and securing funding for modernisation.

While progress may be slower than expected, the government’s willingness to engage in these reforms reflects a commitment to reviving the industry rather than turning a blind eye to corruption.

Broad accusations do not advance solutions. Instead, what’s required is more transparent, fact-based engagement to address specific areas of concern and ensure accountability.

In conclusion, criticism is vital in

holding public officials accountable, but it should be rooted in facts, not broad generalisations.

The future of GuySuCo requires thoughtful, constructive efforts from all stakeholders, rather than dismissive rhetoric that fails to acknowledge the full complexity of the situation.

Sincerely, Fawaz Harry

PM Phillips inspects Lethem Power Company operations

During the visit, Prime Minister Phillips toured the utility company’s facilities and received briefings from senior personnel on the operations and functionality of the generator sets and solar farm integrated into the township’s power grid. LPC currently operates a 1.0-megawatt solar panel which has significantly increased its generation capacity, displacing approximately 4,270 barrels of diesel fuel since its installation in August 2022 and which has contributed to significant savings. The team explained that despite ongoing growth in the region due to increased economic activity and housing developments, the company is well-equipped to provide an efficient and reliable power supply to the community.

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of maintaining this capacity to ensure that residents have access to consistent electricity as demand continues to rise (OPM photos)

Nursery school teacher publishes three children’s books online

By Faith Greene

LOCAL author and teacher at the Lusignan Nursery School on the East Coast of Demerara, Tazena Joseph, has published three children’s books which she hopes will help to simplify learning.

Known for her first children’s story book titled, David Back to School After COVID, is once again in the spotlight, this time for publishing three children’s story books titled, My Wish To Explore Guyana, Life of Plants and Important People in My Community respectively.

With the world of learning rapidly changing, teachers like Tazena are coming up with more “out-of-the-box” ideas to

ensure learners grasp the concept(s) of what is being taught in the classroom.

The 36-year-old stated that as an educator, she has a passion for making a better way for children in their learning environments.

Tazena noted that while the Minister of Education has provided a number of resources and initiatives to aid in creating conducive learning environments for children, the question ‘What more can I add to what is there already?’ lingers.

“So, because you want to build their listening skill, you want to build their language skills, you want them to be more interactive in the sessions that you’re carrying on… there’s actually where my writing comes in,” Tazena

said.

The mother of four remarked that she has been an educator for more than 20 years; however, she has been utilising her skill in writing for around three or four years now.

Her three books, which were published online this year, were written in one month, and while all of them are special, she holds one closer to her heart. That book is My Wish To Explore Guyana, which was written based on her experience touring Guyana.

Reflecting, Tazena said her grandmother often shared many stories about her upbringing, and as a child she had always dreamed of experiencing her country. As she got older, she began to travel

more, experiencing life in different regions and falling in love with nature. This, she said, was the drive for this particular story.

Tazena stated that My Wish To Explore Guyana can be used in the primary level, where pupils will be able to learn about Guyana’s administrative regions, different places and the different activities that happens in each.

Similarly, her other two books talk about things children can relate to. The Life of Plants tells children about the life of plants, where they come from, the different plant types, usefulness of plants. The other book is about the many people in the communities among other things.

The teacher said that

writing has been a great experience for her.

She said that as fast as one idea comes, she would grab a pen and begin to write.

Tazena drew inspiration for her books from her son David, who is mentioned in each of the books, along with her love for children as an educator.

She encouraged parents to promote reading at home as this aids in developing the listening and language skills of children.

Because these are children’s story books, there are beautiful illustrations in each by Guyanese illustrator, Herchelle Pellew.

Tazena’s books are available on Amazon Kindle and can be found by searching for ‘Books by Tazena Joseph’.

Nursery school teacher

Tazena Joseph earlier this year published three children’s story books online

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips conducted an inspection of the Lethem Power Company (LPC) Inc operations during a one-day visit to Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) on Friday.

The real creeping autocracy in Guyana

I HAVE no particular feeling about people picking on the government of the day, I mean that is their right. But what should come into focus is the intention and who is doing the picking. I heard an opposition politician from ANUG say that public health delivery is in a mess.

I do not agree. I think the Georgetown Hospital has some really excellent service that my wife and I have benefitted from. Context is important as I argued in my

last Friday piece. It does not generate widespread interest when opposition politicians use acidic language to describe the government. The first thought that comes to your mind is: “the opposition looking for support.” That is their raison d’être. They “badmouth” the government so they can get support. In that context, you understand the negative vibes opposition parties give off.

It is another matter when more persuasive actors in society-- the press, civil

society, NGOs, academics – speak the language of the independent mind and shape their behaviour within a democratic framework, but their double standards are unbearable. They need exposing for one fundamental reason: they tend to be more influential and persuasive because people will not dismiss what they say as opposition ranting.

The amount of exposing I have done against such hypocritical national actors since the PPP won the 2020 poll

can fill volumes. And I keep writing about them because they keep on expressing their hypocrisy. How much more can we write on these people? The entire world knows that the Guyana Human Rights Association, the Transparency Institute - Guyana, Red Thread, the GTUC and a school of individuals, including Dr Bertrand Ramcharran who once worked in the UN Human Rights Commission, did not speak out against one of the most tragic and sad moments in the colonial and post-colonial history of Guyana -- the 2020 elections.

Above, I noted that though I have written voluminously on them, I am still writing because their threats to democracy are expanding. Let’s examine recent manifestations of the minds of these people.

On Sunday, September 22, 2024, Dr Randolph Persaud published a letter (the first in five months) in the Stabroek News (SN) as a response to an editorial in that paper.

Dr Persaud is a formidable scholar who worked at one of the top 15 universities in the US where he has published a number of books on international relations, some of which are on the reading lists of many universities. He is the adviser to President Ali on global affairs and is head of the National Defence Institute. In any country, a newspaper would give adequate coverage to such a person.

The SN guillotined the letter to 150 words when the original letter was 1,000 words. A scholar of the class of Persaud had his letter chapped by 750 words, but right in the same letter pages was a letter of more than 1,000 words by GHK Lall who writes a daily letter in SN. Mr Hamilton Green gets a letter published each week of which the words are always more than a 1,000. How can people in this country not see this descent into political journalism by

the private media as a serious threat to democratic stability? We talk about the power of government, but the media has enormous power. That is why it has been referred to as the fourth estate, meaning the fourth peg of power in a society.

It is ironic that Dr Bertrand Ramsarran should refer to the government as characterised by a creeping autocracy when it is the other way around; there is a creeping autocracy in this country, the real creeping autocracy and not the fake one that Dr Ramcharran wants us to believe in and of which he has a connection to.

There has been a creeping autocracy in this country that involves the private media and certain well-placed civil society groups involving certain women rights organisations.

It was this same Dr Ramcharran who sent me an email that I have retained and will keep forever. In that email, he asked me not to criticise Mr Mike Mc Cormack, the forever head of the Guyana Human Rights Association.

The real creeping autocracy missed the pen of Dr Ramcharran when two manifestations of it took place last year. One is the revelation by the eminent Guyanese, Mr Ralph Ramkarran.

He said that for calling out the convenient activism of certain civil society groups (read that to mean anti-government activists) he was given a good cussing down.

The other exhibit of the post-2020 creeping autocracy was when the SN bluntly refused to publish Dr Persaud’s letters, telling him he should not attack civil society.

I have been writing about this real creeping autocracy since August 2020.

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.

Irfaan Ali will become Guyana’s most consequential president

ON the 19 January, 2019, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali was elected Presidential candidate of the PPP to contest against an increasingly unpopular David Granger administration.

Dr Ali’s nomination was greeted by apprehension both inside and outside the PPP. Many felt that he was not ready, he was too rough around the edges and there were more worthy candidates. There were accusations from opposition quarters that the process was manipulated to get Irfaan into the position. The main contestant, Anil Nandlall, confirmed on national television that the agreed format and procedure was rigidly followed. Though he acknowledged that fact, anyone watching that televised interview came away with the feeling that Anil was disappointed.

The immediate aftermath of Dr Ali’s selection as presidential candidate was his weakest and probably most vulnerable. He was the butt of many jokes; social media was littered with unsavoury memes. In those low political moments, he needed a rock of support. It is widely believed that tremendous moral support, political coaching and guidance came from Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. It is also believed that Dr Jagdeo was also the unifying force inside the party. Doubts were quickly suppressed and by the time Granger announced elections almost a year later, the PPP was unified and strong.

Naming their presidential candidate in January 2019 was a brilliant move by the PPP to force the hand of a reluctant coalition and signal readiness of the PPP/C to contest an election within the mandated constitutional timeline for an election, following the fall of the coalition via a successful motion of no confidence.

In my own calculations, on the date when elections were constitutionally due, the PPP/C had not fully coalesced around the Ali candidacy. The coalition could have taken full advantage of this by going boldly into an election, but their record among the people

was so sordid that despite the politically debilitating struggle for universal candidate acceptance within the PPP, the coalition didn’t think they were ready to face the electorate. This lack of readiness forced them to seek delaying tactics with many shades of infamy. This was occasioned because the ministerial corps of the Granger administration was sitting so high that they neglected to bond with the people; they did not put any meaningful effort into converting or attracting new segments of the population and as a result, they had lost political currency.

When the no-confidence motion was passed, the coalition felt it needed time to come off the high horse and gel with the people. Every day of delay in calling an election made the PPP/C stronger, every day of delay energised the resolve of even the fringe elements of the PPP to rally around their chosen candidate.

By the time the hot part of the 2020 elections campaign came around, consensus around Dr Ali was strong and formidable. In the coalition, exactly the opposite was happening: Granger, along with elements within the PNC and AFC, quite ill-advisedly allowed the leadership struggles between Ramjattan and Nagamootoo to fester to the point where the nation was unsure whether Granger would name a prime ministerial candidate before election day.

After Dr Ali was elected to office, he started off slowly, sometimes appearing unsure of how to conduct the affairs of the nation. His public appearances and speeches seemed a bit off keel and low on confidence. Many of the naysayers emerged from the gullies to shout him down and lament on how unsuitable and unprepared he was for leadership.

I surmise that Dr Ali internalised his own weaknesses and went back to the drawing board, seemingly daily. Every time you saw him, he emerged as a better version of himself. His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali is exactly

the person Guyana needed as president. I believe a more self-confident, self-absorbed person would not have walked the path of humility followed by Dr Ali.

The memes have ceased, and whenever they appear they become meaningless. We see President Ali ruling with a light spirit, he is not afraid to dance in public, he visits and eats from street food stalls, he was also seen standing in line at a fast-food restaurant among regular people.

He randomly visits communities and interacts joyfully with ordinary people minus the pomp and ceremony. The president is reaching across political and racial lines, respect for him has grown at home, people love him. The Guyanese diaspora that once would not ever countenance any leader of the PPP are now opening their arms to Dr Ali, despite strenuous detractors. His stature in the eyes of most Guyanese has grown tremendously.

Today, Dr Ali is soaring in confidence, his recent speech at the UN General Assembly was crisp, pointed and well delivered. His command during the recent New York Times interview was temperate, well orated and exuded supreme confidence; he has gained traction in the international geopolitical space.

There are those who say that Dr Ali was handpicked by Dr Jagdeo. If that is indeed so, it will make Dr Bharrat Jagdeo the most perceptive political genius of this generation, a good judge of leadership qualities and a kingmaker of no mean order. The highest number of parliamentary seats ever held by the PPP is 36, following the 2006 elections, Dr. Jagdeo’s second term.

I predict that Dr Ali will equal or better that number in 2025. By the end of his second term, he will become Guyana’s most consequential president.

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.

By Leonard Craig

Well-being of Palestinians dependent on concerted international efforts – Minister Todd

Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation participated in the 9734th Meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on “the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question,” held on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. During his intervention, Minister Todd underscored the need for concerted international efforts in support of the well-being of the Palestinian people both in the immediate and long term. Minister Todd also called for decisive steps to end the war and advance the two-state solution to secure peace in the region. The meeting was presided by His Excellency Dr. Robert Golob, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, and received a briefing from Secretary-General António Guterres (Ministry of Foreign Affairs photos)

As challenges mount across the globe, ‘the world needs the UN’, Egypt says

EGYPT’S Foreign Affairs Minister, Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty said it is time to “ring the alarm bells” as the international system is currently showing its structural shortcomings that come from ineffectiveness, double standards and inequality at a time of occupation, hunger, terrorism and injustice. Sketching out a path forward, he first stressed that there is no alternative to the multilateral system.

At the same time, Israel’s brutal aggression against Gaza and its current attacks on the West Bank place shame on international institutions, which are unable to put an end to these aggressions. Condemning Israel’s escalation and its attacks on Lebanon, which are “pushing the region into the abyss”, he said efforts must “put an end to the bloodshed” and a start to the immediate delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.

Outlining other steps, he said multilateral banks must be modernised, and international institutions must be made more representative. He also voiced Egypt’s support for an expanded Security Council with more permanent seats, including for African nations.

As for mounting climate

challenges, he said efforts must be linked to adequate resources to do so, including through the Loss and Damage Fund, alongside national plans that align with the agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In this vein, Cairo will continue to work on development initiatives with neighbours and partners in the Nile Basin. However, Egypt remains concerned about Ethiopia’s actions related to the Renaissance Dam project, which do not consider the needs of nations living downstream.

Still, the world needs the UN to address a range of challenges from cybercrime and artificial intelligence to collective security. On the latter, maintaining peace and security is the raison d’être of the organisation, he said, regretting to note that some global agreements, including nuclear non-proliferation treaties, are being flouted. At the same time, the Security Council has been unable to stop ongoing conflicts.

Committed to strengthening the UN’s role, he said the root causes of conflict must be addressed and efforts much be bolstered to truly maintain peace. One way to resolve the outbreak crises is to strengthen State institutions so they can fill vacuums created by political insecurity, he added.

For its part, Egypt remains committed to working with regional and international partners to revitalise the multilateral system, he said. Despite ongoing crises and challenges, Egypt will continue working to bolster its human capital through a national dialogue that prioritises human rights and democracy and to maintain peace and security in the region and the world over.

“Our young people will take forward this vision,” he said. “They are the ones who will craft their future and preserve human lives without discrimination on the basis of race, gender or otherwise, all within the multilateral system.” (UN)

Foreign Minister Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty of Egypt addresses the general debate of the General Assembly’s seventy-ninth session (UN Photo/Loey Felipe)

Local Content legislation currently under review

CITING Guyana’s Local Content legislation as one that has yielded billions of dollars for the local private sector, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

Anil Nandlall, SC, has said that as promised, the legislation is currently under review.

a period of time, the legislation will be reviewed and amended to be kept in line with the growing sector.

Further, he revealed that the act is currently under review and amendments will follow when that has been completed.

“We have said that after a period, we will re -

Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC

The legal affairs minister made this disclosure during a live broadcast of his weekly programme, ‘Issues in the News,’ where he spoke about the governance of Guyana’s oil and gas sector.

Nandlall indicated that the Local Content Act protects local labour and local employment opportunities and further, generated billions for the local private sector and those participating in the industry here.

Since its enactment, the attorney general said that the government has made it a point to note that after

view the Local Content legislation and the review is ongoing, and we will bring amendments to the National Assembly in due course,” he said.

Guyana’s Local Content Act was passed in December 2021 and brought with it guidelines that were designed to maximise the participation of Guyanese companies in the sector, beginning with the provision of services such as office-space rentals, janitorial services, laundry and catering services, pestcontrol services, insurance services and supply of

food among several others. Officials have said that the update to the piece of legislation will likely include new provisions that reflect the lessons learned

–– possible amendments expected in ‘due course,’ Attorney General says

since its enactment and include other opportunities and areas that have seen growth.

Earlier this year, Nandlall had said that the re-

view and amendments to the law depended on a report from the Local Content Secretariat on the sector’s performance.

At that time, he noted that upon receipt of this report, the government intends to engage with the private sector for consultations for possible amendments.

National men’s forum equips men with the tools for change

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security on Sunday hosted a forum which sought to positively impact the lives of men.

The forum facilitated by the ministry’s Gender Affairs Bureau provided a safe space for men to discuss both national and personal challenges while fostering camaraderie through shared experiences.

In addition, Minister Persaud announced the rollout of several programmes tailored to engage men in comfortable spaces, such as barbershops, sports facilities, and entertainment venues.

Plans are also in place to train coaches, bartenders, and barbers to facilitate informal and formal discussions on relevant topics.

During the open discussion held at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI), Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, pointed to the difficulties men often face in speaking openly.

As a result, the minister highlighted government’s efforts in promoting male upliftment since resuming office, with initiatives designed to address gender norms and inequalities to break generational cycles and stereotypes.

One noteworthy initiative is the shared responsibility programme, which aims to foster equality in the home.

Another key programme is “EngageMENt,” which aims to creatively engage men on issues related to their health, well-being, and community involvement.

The ministry is also preparing for International Men’s Day, with activities that promote family bonding, and teamwork. To ensure that men are interested and actively involved with these initiatives, the ministry will be establishing a WhatsApp group and mailing list to share updates on upcoming events and initiatives.

“Maybe you can come up with some activities that can include everyone and also perpetuate bonding, family, team work and togetherness,” Minister Persaud stated.

The event will be dubbed the “brotherhood of safe spaces” and the concept is being developed by the gender-based violence unit

Meanwhile, men are encouraged to set up groups within their own communities.

(DPI)

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud alongside participants of the National Men’s Forum on Sunday

A young man shares his views on societal issues during the National Men’s Forum

650 new house lots to be allocated in Region Five

– Minister Rodrigues

AS housing demand continues to increase, works are moving apace at Bath Housing Scheme in Region Five, to ensure all allottees have access to the necessary infrastructure.

This is according to Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues on Tuesday last, at a community meeting at the Cotton Tree Primary School in Mahaica-Berbice.

The government is working to deliver 50,000 house lots by the end of next year, which is one of its ambitious manifesto promises.

Already, 36,000 lots have been allocated nationwide to families from various income brackets, with over 1,000 lots being distributed in Region Five.

“We have a new area in Bath where we are currently working on. And with the completion of the infrastructure works there, we will have 650 new lots to be allocated in the region,” Minister Rodrigues highlighted.

When these works are completed in the scheme, allottees will be able to identify their lots to embark on their home-construction journey.

Meanwhile, the remaining allottees at Burma and Shieldstown Housing Schemes will soon have the opportunity to identify their house lots to start their home construction.

Housing schemes are heavily subsidised as the government continues to ensure that homeownership is accessible to everyone.

In Region Five alone, the government has invested $5.2 billion for housing infrastructure over the past four years.

Several housing areas are currently under construction for house lot allocation across the country.

(DPI)

Audit Office begins work on strategic development plan to strengthen its capacity

FOLLOWING the finalisation of its five-year strategic plan in the first quarter of 2024, the Audit Office of Guyana has set off on a path to strengthen its capacity in various areas.

This was recently disclosed by the Auditor General of Guyana, Deodat Sharma, as he presented the 2023 report to the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Reporting on the performance of his office, he said that in the first quarter of 2024, the Audit Office of Guyana finalised its five-year strategic development plan to cover the period 2024 to 2028.

This plan he said emphasises the strengthening of the capability and capacity of human resources, adapting, modernising and innovating technologically, among other things.

Against this backdrop, Sharma indicated that the office has been working on strengthening performance audits and further ensuring that entities and their relevant

personnel grasp the significance of performance audits.

“This commitment was evident when 142 officers from the public sector participated in two one-day workshops held in March, facilitated by the Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation which continued to support the office in this domain,” Sharma said.

In relation to organisational strengthening, he indicated that the Quality Assurance Unit of the office has been engaged in the System of Audit Quality Management and other programmes aimed at enhancing the unit’s capabilities and increasing efficiency in performing “hot and cold” audit reviews.

With this, he added that eight officers completed training on interviewing skills, 19 officers completed leadership training aimed at developing leaders and two officers are set to attend training of emerging leaders in Canada in October.

As part of the continuous organisational development and learning, he noted that some 60 officers participated in in-house training using IDEA-Data Analysis Software to ensure sampling is done more effectively for wider audit coverage.

“The office acknowledges that ongoing learning and development are essential for fulfilling its mandate effectively,” Sharma added.

A resident being engaged by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues

Residents at the community meeting at the Cotton Tree Primary School

Auditor General Deodat Sharma (Delano Williams photo)

‘Let’s not forget their struggles’ ––

senior Region Two official says at wreath-laying ceremony for slain Devonshire Castle sugar workers

REGION Two Regional Vice-Chairman, Humace Oodit has emphasised that the struggles of the sugar workers who were killed during the Devonshire Castle strike on September 29, 1872, should never be forgotten.

He made this remark while delivering an address at a remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony held on Sunday morning at Cabbage Dam in Region Two. The programme included religious songs, poems, and tributes.

Oodit highlighted that the sacrifices of the

workers should serve as a beacon for a society committed to life, social justice, and freedom from oppression.

He reflected on the five sugar workers who lost their lives while standing up for the working class in Guyana, fighting against harsh and inhumane labour conditions.

He expressed his satisfaction at seeing schoolchildren participating in the event, as this allowed them to connect with the rich legacy left by their ancestors.

Meanwhile, retired headmaster and lectur-

er, Sir Parmeshwar Lall, identified the sugar workers as Kaulica, Baldero, Ackloo, Maxidally, and Beccaroo, who were killed by colonial police on September 29, 1872.

He informed the audience that this strike was the first major protest in which Indian immigrant labourers lost their lives, underscoring the severe injustices they faced from their exploiters.

He explained that the workers were driven to

the point where they felt compelled to stand against their oppressors and demand justice—a significant historical event that should not be forgotten.

In her closing remarks, Regional Executive Officer Susannah Saywack described September 29 as a historic day for all Guyanese.

She emphasised that the sacrifices of the sugar workers fuelled the ongoing struggle for social and economic justice, leading

to greater development for Guyana’s working class.

The fallen workers were hailed as heroes for their invaluable contributions to the betterment of Guyana and its labour force. Wreaths were laid at the base of the monument built in their honour by representatives from the Region Two administration, religious groups and by students from the 8th of May Secondary, among others.

Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit, Regional Executive Officer Susannah Saywack, Deputy Mayor Lorna Fitz- Allen, religious leaders, and Sir Parmesh Lall following the laying of wreaths in honour of the five sugar workers who were killed by colonial police during the Devonshire Castle strike on September 29, 1872

Some of the persons who attended the wreath-laying ceremony in honour of the slain sugar workers

GRDB hosts interactive session with Region Two rice farmers on new candidate variety

THE Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) held an interactive session with rice farmers in Region Two on Friday to showcase the performance of the candidate rice variety G-14-10.

The event took place at Rafeek Khan’s property in La Belle Alliance, where the variety is being grown on a 6.5-acre trial plot.

This new variety is expected to yield 120 lbs of seed rate per acre.

Speaking to a group of farmers, GRDB General Manager Badrie Persaud emphasised that the G-1410 variety promises higher yields, greater resistance to disease, and enhanced nutritional benefits.

Persaud also used the opportunity to highlight the GRDB’s commitment to developing new varieties tailored to Guyana’s different climatic conditions.

This session marked the final interactive meeting before the official release of the G-14-10 variety to farmers.

Persaud noted that the rice industry is now in a stronger position compared to previous years, with new rice varieties offering farmers the potential for higher paddy yields.

GRDB’s Chief Scientist and Plant Breeder, Mahendra Persaud, expressed gratitude to Rafeek Khan for allowing

the use of his plot for the trial.

He stressed the importance of these interactive sessions, noting that they provide valuable farmer feedback for further research.

He also confirmed that the candidate variety will be introduced next month, following similar consultations across Guyana’s rice-growing regions.

According to the scientist, the G-14-10 variety was developed through a breeding line from Colombia combined with local Guyanese stock.

The variety is noted for its high-yield potential, producing over nine tons per hectare, and for being tougher and faster maturing than other varieties such as GRDB 10 and 16.

Additionally, it has been proven to delay harvesting by 16 days without compromising grain quality, showing excellent milling-recovery rates.

Meanwhile, Khan, who owns over 300 acres of rice land, expressed his satisfaction with partnering with GRDB on this initiative.

He stated that higher-yielding varieties mean more profits for farmers and he confirmed his intention to use the G-14-10 variety in more of his fields.

Essequibo was the final stop for these interactive ses-

sions before the release of the rice variety to farmers.

During Friday’s session, farmers had the chance to ask questions about the variety and visit the trial field.

GRDB General Manager Badrie Persaud addressing the Region Two rice farmers who participated in an interactive session

Rafeek Khan’s property in La Belle Alliance is being used as a trial plot for the new rice variety

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday September 30, 2024)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Shamar Springer-12 wickets

(2) Anrich Nortje-12 wickets

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who had the best bowling figures in a single game for the Falcons in CPL 2024?

(2) Which Patriots player had the best bowling figures?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Atletico score late equaliser after Madrid Derby halted for 20 minutes

ANGEL Correa scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser for Atletico Madrid against city rivals Real Madrid in a derby that was halted for about 20 minutes midway through the second half following crowd issues.

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Shortly after Eder Militao scored Real’s opener in the 64th minute, visiting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois complained to officials that home fans behind his goal were throwing objects on to the field.

An announcement was made over the public address system inside Atletico’s stadium and, after speaking to both managers, the referee asked the teams to return to their respective dressing rooms.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone and several of his players attempted to calm the situation by speaking to a group of home supporters in the stand.

Angel Correa’s late equaliser preserved Atletico Madrid’s unbeaten start in La Liga this season

Play resumed and Brazil centre-back Militao’s earlier deflected strike from inside the box looked like being enough for a Real victory.

However, substitute Correa rounded Courtois to bundle home the leveller and, although the goal was initially disallowed, it was later awarded when the video assistant referee

(VAR) confirmed the Argentina international was onside when racing on to the through ball.

There was still time for Atletico’s Marcos Llorente to be sent off for a lunging late challenge on Fran Garcia, in a derby contest that only came to life following the temporary suspension.

Simeone was critical of Courtois for celebrat -

ing Madrid’s goal while looking at the supporters behind him.

“You can celebrate a goal but not by looking at the fans, having a go, making gestures like that,” Simeone told DAZN.

“The fans don’t just become angry by themselves, they become angry for a reason.”

The coach also pointed out Real Madrid fans had thrown lighters at the Belgian goalkeeper in the past when he was an Atletico player.

Real manager Ancelotti said the decision to suspend the match was “correct”.

He also reasoned there was no need for his team to be dispirited after conceding the late equaliser.

“We were very close to winning but this can happen, the opponent is very strong,” Ancelotti added.

“I always think positively, not negatively, I think that we’ve gained a point on the leaders.”

Rodrigues, Vastrakar lift India

past Windies in warmup T20

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) – Jemimah Rodrigues cracked a half century and Pooja Vastrakar grabbed three wickets as India Women beat West Indies Women by 20 runs in their warmup T20 match here Sunday ahead of the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup.

Their performances overshadowed West Indies’ captain Hayley Matthew’s four-wicket haul and a fighting, unbeaten half century by Chinelle Henry at the ICC Academy Ground.

Rodrigues scored 52 from 40 balls and was the mainstay of India’s total of 141 for eight from their 20 overs

Vastrakar then struck twice early on to put the West Indies on the backfoot, and despite Henry’s 59 not out, they could only muster 121 for eight from their 20 overs.

India was actually struggling on 23 for three in the sixth over after Henry and Matthews ran through their top order.

But Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia, who made 24, added 50 runs for the fourth wicket to get their side out of trouble.

And after the two lost their wickets,

Deepti Sharma hit two fours in her cameo of 13 to help get India to a fighting score.

Matthews was the pick of the bowlers with 4-17 from her four overs. In their chase, the West Indies never recovered after losing Qiana Joseph for one, Matthews for a duck and Chedean Nation for four, to slump to 13 for three.

Henry did add 57 with Shemaine Campbell for the fourth wicket to give the West Indies hope of a comeback, but once the latter was dismissed for 20, India’s bowlers snagged three wickets for just one run to effectively end the contest.

Henry was unbeaten on 59 from 48 balls, inclusive of two sixes and six fours.

For India, Vastrakar took 3-20, while Deepti Sharma supported with 2-11.

The West Indies’ next warmup match is on Tuesday against defending champions Australia.

Jemimah Rodrigues scored 52 to lead India past the West Indies

Sri Lanka seal comprehensive innings win

FIGHTING half-centuries from Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner highlighted New Zealand’s improved batting show on Day 4 but the knocks weren’t enough to prevent Sri Lanka from sealing a comprehensive innings and 154-run victory in the second Test in Galle.

After folding for only 88 in their first innings, New Zealand were asked to follow on and fared far better but their total of 360 all-out still gave Sri Lanka a resounding win as they sealed the series 2-0. With this win, the Lankans have also moved to third on the WTC points table and have a realistic shot at making the final next year.

Debutant Nishan Peiris starred with the ball in the second innings, finishing with 6 for 170 to go with his three wickets in the first essay. Prabath Jayasuriya, who picked up six in the first innings, bagged three in the second.

Blundell went past 50 early in the day after New Zealand resumed on 199/5. Blundell and Phillips extended their partnership to 95 before Peiris struck for the fourth time in the innings. Blundell missed a reverse sweep and was out lbw for a brisk 60, which included 6 fours and 2 sixes.

Phillips and Santner then batted positively, dealing in

Sri Lanka produced a dominant performance across all three departments to down New Zealand

regular boundaries as the wicketkeeper-batter reached his fifty. Phillips also cleared the fence off Dhananjaya de Silva as the seventh wicket partnership extended past 50. Phillips, however, got carried away and went for one shot too many, ending up handing a catch to long-on to give Peiris his fifth wicket. Tim Southee came out with a positive intent, striking a four and a six off Jayasuriya before getting bowled by the left-arm spinner. Ajaz Patel was dropped in the slip cordon off Peiris soon after which Santner hit a four and a six in an over twice off the offspinner. Ajaz took on

Jayasuriya and the bowler was unlucky not to bag the wicket of Santner who was dropped at deep backward square leg. They extended their partnership to 44, having struck six fours and three sixes between them, as they went into Lunch unbeaten. The partnership crossed 50 and Santner also registered a well-made fifty soon after the lunch break. Ajaz was also put down by Dhananjaya at slip before his stay, and a 53-run stand that lasted for 84 deliveries, finally ended when he was bowled by Jayasuriya attempting a cut. Santner struck a couple of more boundaries and also

a six off Peiris before he became the debutant’s sixth scalp, stumped for 67, to bring a close to the innings and the match.

Before Sri Lanka’s spinners came to the party, the batters did well for the hosts in the first innings. Dinesh Chandimal (116), Kamindu Mendis (182*) and Kusal Mendis (106*) struck hundreds while Angelo Mathews scored 88 to power Sri Lanka to a massive total of 602/5 declared.

That total proved beyond New Zealand’s reach despite two batting attempts, as the series ended on a disappointing note for the visitors. (Cricbuzz)

Mayank Yadav, Nitish Reddy picked for Bangladesh T20Is

PACER Mayank Yadav who hit the headlines in the Indian Premier League, has been picked in the India squad for the upcoming T20I series at home against Bangladesh. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who also impressed in IPL 2024, has been selected in the 15-member squad that doesn’t feature the Test regulars.

Mayank grabbed eyeballs earlier this year in the IPL while turning out for Lucknow Super Giants with his pace. After being laid low for a few games with a side strain, the pacer made an unsuccessful return with the injury resurfacing to end his season abruptly, making only four appearances in the tournament. But his return to action will be a significant boost for the Indian side that is looking to bolster its pace attack ahead of the Australian tour.

Apart from Mayank, Nitish will also be looking to make an impression. The all-rounder was initially picked for the Zimbabwe tour earlier this year following an eye-catching season for Sunrisers Hyderabad scoring 303 runs, before an injury ruled him out. Nitish had made a comeback in the recently concluded Duleep Trophy, proving his

Mayank Yadav

fitness to the selectors which has catapulted him back into the national squad. From the squad that toured Sri Lan-

ka in July, the selectors have left out Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj and Khaleel Ahmed. With India set to play three Tests at home next month, which will then be followed by the Australian tour, the Test regulars have been handed a break.

Abhishek Sharma, who smashed a ton in Zimbabwe in just his second T20I, returns to the squad. The likes of Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana and Jitesh Sharma have also made the cut. As reported by Cricbuzz earlier, Sanju Samson has managed to retain his spot in the squad ahead of Ishan Kishan, who returned to competitive cricket recently. The three-match series kicks off on October 6 in Gwalior. The next two games will be held in New Delhi and Hyderabad.

DYNA’S Embroidery & Screen Prints Company has partnered with the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc. for the upcoming Prime Minister’s Softball Cup three-day tournament, set to bowl off on Friday, October 11.

The company, which is located in Campbellville, recently donated a quantity of jerseys for the umpires and officials.

Assistant Manager Eon Vieira, who made the donation, stated that he was excited to support the three-day softball extravaganza.

Dyna’s has been supporting the tournament for several years and according to Vieira, the company intends to do so on an annual basis.

President of the GSCL Ian John, who received the donation, expressed profound gratitude to the company for its continued assistance.

Several teams from New York, Canada and across Guyana are expected to participate in the three men’s categories: Legends (Over-50), Masters (Over-40) and Open (All-Stars) and the Women’s Division.

All three winners in the men’s categories are guaranteed a winning prize of $600,000 while the victorious women’s side will pocket $200,000.

The mega softball tournament had its genesis in 2015. In 2023, Guyana-based Regal teams won the Legends and Masters while Ariel Knight Riders, another local side, emerged as winners in the Open All Stars Division. 4R Lioness were crowned champion the women’s category.

All four finals are set to be played at Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, Georgetown on Sunday, October 13.

Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy, JItesh Sharma (WK), Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav (Cricbuzz) Dyna’s Embroidery & Screen Prints Company supports Prime Minister’s Softball Cup

Assistant Manager Eon Vieira, right, hands over a jersey to GSCL President Ian John

Bravo departs Super Kings, joins Kolkata Knight Riders as mentor

MUMBAI, India (CMC) – Just one day after announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket, Dwayne Bravo has made the decision to leave IPL team Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a mentorship role.

In his new position, the 41-year-old Bravo will be in charge of all franchises under the Knight Riders label in T20 leagues: Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), Los Angeles Knight Riders (MLC) and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ILT20).

KKR’s chief executive officer, Venky Mysore made the announcement in a statement.

“DJ Bravo joining us is an exciting development. His relentless drive to win, along with his vast experience and deep knowledge, will greatly benefit our franchise and players,” Mysore said.

Bravo will replace Gautam Gambhir, who took over as India’s head coach soon after helping KKR win their third IPL title in 2024.

“I’ve been part of the Trinbago Knight Riders for the last 10 years in the CPL. Hav-

Dwayne Bravo has joined the Kolkata Knight Riders in a mentorship role

Mohammad Yousuf resigns from PCB selection committee due to ‘personal reasons’

HE was one of five remaining voting members on the committee after Wahab and Razzak were sacked in July.

The restructured selection committee for the Pakistan men’s side has been pared down further, with Mohammad Yousuf announcing his resignation from the role. Yousuf, who was one of five remaining voting members on the committee, said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that he was quitting for “personal reasons”.

“Serving this incredible team has been a profound privilege, and I am proud to have contributed to the growth and success of Pakistan cricket,” Yousuf said. “I have immense faith in the talent and spirit of our players, and wish our team all the best as they continue to strive for greatness.”

Shortly after, a PCB statement thanked Yousuf for his services, saying he had “voluntarily stepped down…to focus on other key responsibilities within the cricket board”. Yousuf remains a batting coach at the PCB’s National High Performance Centre.

Comings and goings in Pakistan’s selectorial setup are not new but it has become especially volatile over the past few months. Wahab Riaz was appointed chief selector late last year, overseeing series defeats against Australia and New Zealand, and a dramatic row with Haris Rauf that saw the fast bowler’s central contract ripped up and then restored a few weeks later.

In March, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced a new selection committee with

Mohammad Yousuf (left) served as one of the seven selectors in a committee alongside Wahab Riaz • (AFP/ Getty Images)

seven members and no chief selector. But after Pakistan’s disastrous first-round exit at the T20 World Cup in June, Wahab and Abdul Razzaq were sacked by the PCB and not replaced, whittling the committee’s voting members down to the captains and coaches, and Asad Shafiq and Yousuf. Yousuf’s departure, with no word on whether he will be replaced, means Shafiq is the only voting member outside of the captains and coaches still part of the selection committee. The committee’s next task will involve the announcement of the squad for the remainder of Pakistan’s Test series against England, having made public the squad for the first Test in Multan, which begins on October 7.

ing played for and against the Knight Riders in various leagues, I have a lot of respect for how they operate,” Bravo said in a statement.

“The owners’ passion, the professionalism of the management, and the family-like environment make it a special place. This is the perfect platform for me as I transition from playing to mentoring and coaching the next generation of players.”

His mentorship role will be his second in the IPL.

Bravo joined CSK in 2011, retired from the IPL after the 2022 season and joined the franchise as bowling coach from the 2023 season.

The Trinidadian had immediate success in his first coaching role, as CSK won the title in 2023, to go with his three titles with them as a player.

Among the best death bowlers in T20 cricket, Bravo is the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history.

Dwayne Bravo has joined the Kolkata Knight Riders in a mentorship role.

Bravo will replace Gautam Gambhir, who took over as India’s head coach soon

after helping KKR win their third IPL title in 2024.

“I’ve been part of the Trinbago Knight Riders for the last 10 years in the CPL. Having played for and against the Knight Riders in various leagues, I have a lot of respect for how they operate,” Bravo said in a statement.

“The owners’ passion, the professionalism of the management, and the family-like environment make it a special place. This is the perfect platform for me as I transition from playing to mentoring and coaching the next generation of players.”

His mentorship role will be his second in the IPL.

Bravo joined CSK in 2011, retired from the IPL after the 2022 season and joined the franchise as bowling coach from the 2023 season.

The Trinidadian had immediate success in his first coaching role, as CSK won the title in 2023, to go with his three titles with them as a player.

Among the best death bowlers in T20 cricket, Bravo is the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history.

Pooran sets new record for most T20 runs in a calendar year

TAROUBA, Trinidad, (CM)C – West Indies’ prolific wicketkeeper/batsman Nicholas Pooran has broken the threeyear old record for the most T20 runs set in a calendar year.

The 28-year-old set the new mark on Friday when he scored 27 for the Trinbago Knight Riders against the Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League, to sur-

pass the previous record of 2036 runs set by Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan in 2021. Pooran currently has 2,059 runs from 65 innings at a blistering strike rate of 160.63.

Rizwan and Pooran are the only two players in T20 history to cross the 2,000run mark in a calendar year.

Pooran’s tally for 2024 includes 14 fifties, but no centuries despite a few scores in the 90s, compared to Rizwan, who scored 18 fifties and a century in 2021.

The West Indian star has had a busy year, representing several teams across various T20 competitions, including Durban Super Giants, Lucknow Super Giants, MI Emirates, MI New York, Northern Superchargers, Rangpur Riders, and the West Indies.

Pooran’s stellar form propelled him past another milestone earlier this year when he became the first player to hit over 150 sixes in a single year, breaking Chris Gayle’s record of 135 sixes from 2015. His dominance this year places him well ahead of South Africa’s Reeza Hendricks trailing behind with 1,555 runs, followed by Pakistan’s Babar Azam with 1,480 runs, while Australia’s Travis Head is next on the list with 1,442 runs.

Nicholas Pooran has been having a stellar 2024 in the T20 format

St Lucia gov’t gifts Alfred EC$1 million, plans to rename highway after her

CASTRIES, St Lucia, (CMC) – St Lucia’s Olympic champion Julien Alfred became an instant millionaire on Friday after being gifted EC$1 million by the Government here Friday for her exploits at the Paris Olympics.

The 23-year-old fittingly received the monetary award on Julien Alfred Day, the national holiday named in her honour, after she copped gold in the women’s 100 metres and silver in the 200 metres at the Olympics, becoming the first St Lucian to medal and win gold at the prestigious event.

During a special concert held at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J.

Pierre also announced that a section of the Millennium Highway would be renamed after her and a monument in her honour erected on the roundabout along that stretch of road.

Alfred will also receive a parcel of land totalling 10,720 feet, in commemoration of her national record time of 10.72 seconds, which won her gold in the 100 metres.

She will also have a stamp designed in her honour and a series of exercise books bearing her photo will be released.

During the ceremony, several corporate sponsors donated to the Diamond League 100 metre champion, Central American and Carib-

bean Games gold medalist, and Caribbean Games title holder.

M&C and Massy Stores each presented Alfred with $30,000, Unicomer promised $30,000 worth of gym equipment, Chreiki & Sons pledged $50,000, Landings came through with $10,000 per annum and 758 Adventures awarded her $25,000.

On Thursday, Alfred also received $75, 000 from the St Lucia Olympic Committee.

Friday’s concert capped off a week of celebrations that included a six-hour motorcade, two school rallies, a flotilla, a cocktail reception, and the unveiling of a mural at Ciceron RC Primary, Alfred’s alma mater.

September 29 down the years

The long-fingered Mr. Gibbs

Birth of an indefatigable West Indian spinner

1934

THE birth of the first spinner to take 300 Test wickets. With his lissome figure and unusually long fingers, Lance Gibbs allied pronounced spin and bounce to a fierce accuracy.

He took 309 wickets in 79 Tests - including 18 five-fors - all the while conceding his runs at a staggering 1.99 per over. His best run was between 1960 and 1962.

He was left out of the first two Tests in Australia, but Gibbs took three wickets in four balls in Sydney and a hat-trick in the next Test, in Adelaide.

The following winter he returned the remarkable figures of 53.3-37-38-8 against India in Barbados, all eight wickets coming in a 15-over spell at a cost of just six runs. It was a performance he never bettered. (ESPN cricinfo)

Massy Stores awarded Julien Alfred $30,000 during the celebratory concert at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on Friday last

Head, Short ensure Australia beat England and the rain to take ODI series

... Ben Duckett struck his second ODI hundred but England collapsed in Bristol and couldn’t contain the visitors’ top order

A power-packed powerplay by Travis Head and Matthew Short, followed by astute batting by stand-in captain Steven Smith, ensured Australia beat the rain and England in the nick of time to take the one-day series in Bristol on Duckworth-Lewis-Stern.

For the second time in the five matches, their spinners engineering a collapse, including a career-best for Head, after Ben Duckett’s second ODI hundred alongside a Harry Brook onslaught had put the home side on track for a huge total.

(Scores: Australia 165 for 2 (Short 58) beat England 309 (Duckett 107, Brook 72, Head 4-28) by 49 runs (DLS method) Australia’s chase was never going to be about 310 in 50 overs - the 20-over DLS, which moved with wickets lost, was the vital figure. The visitors clearly knew the sums and after a watchful first three overs, Head and Short cut loose as 62 came off the next

Matthew Short got Australia’s innings off to a flying start • (PA Photos/Getty Images)

HAYLEY MATTHEWS...we’re hoping to recreate that success, knowing how much of an impact it will have

THE 2016 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup win gets brought up in the group from time to time, mainly because it feels like it was so long ago.

The older players often talk about the emotions surrounding that victory—not just what it meant for us but also for the younger girls

four. Being 100 for 1 after 10 overs put them so far ahead they had breathing space for the loss of a couple of wickets.

Brydon Carse struck first ball to remove Head and Short edged behind after a 23-ball maiden ODI fifty. But Smith, who successfully reviewed being given lbw to Matthew Potts on 10, and Josh Inglis ensured against further setbacks although England missed reviewing for an edge off Inglis at 122 for 2 in the 15th.

However, England needed more than one further breakthrough given Australia’s flying start and the tactics became clear when Brook returned to all pace instead of Adil Rashid on a pitch assisting spin (and Potts suddenly realised he needed a new boot).

The rain, which had initially arrived during the interval, then returned four balls after a result had been assured with a DLS of 116 for 2. Australia didn’t entirely defend their way there as the weather closed in a little more slowly than first looked likely: Inglis pulled consecutive sixes off Carse in the 20th over. In normal circumstances, Rashid and England’s other spinners might have turned the game around but Australia were good value for victory given the way they fought back in the field.

Like at Trent Bridge, it was a game that fell away for England from a very strong batting foundation. A ferocious stand of 132 off 98 balls between Duckett and Brook brought up their 200 in the 25th over but from the moment Brook fell to Zampa the innings fell away with the final collapse being 107 for 8. Smith used 23 consecutive overs of spin and 28 off the last 29 in total.

After 2.2 overs Zampa’s figures read 0 for 42 but he became a significant threat on a dry surface that offered increasing help to the spinners. Head winkled out a List A best of 4 for 28, including the key scalp of Duckett for a 91-ball 107, the highlight of which had been how quickly he picked up length against the quicks early on, a trademark of his batting during a productive home summer. Yet such was the change of momentum

that England only hit one boundary between the 27th and 43rd overs. The 194 balls of spin was a record for Australia in a men’s ODI.

At the end of a tour marked by illness and injury they had again been forced to shuffle their pack after Marsh pulled up sore after Lord’s where he bowled for the first time since early April. Aaron Hardie also replaced Sean Abbott and Cooper Connolly was handed an ODI debut. Speaking on TV before the game, Ricky Ponting said Australia would rate a series win very highly given the challenges within the squad.

Phil Salt set the tone in the opening over which included three boundaries off Mitchell Starc and two plays and misses. It meant, at that moment, Starc’s last two overs of the series had cost 40 following his pasting at the hands of Liam Livingstone at Lord’s. Salt continued to alternate between missing and connecting, outside edging a swish over deep third for six against Starc before a brace of far more convincing sixes against Hardie’s first two deliveries which brought up England’s fifty in the seventh over.

But Hardie struck back. Firstly, he had Salt well taken at deep point by Marnus Labuschagne, the ball after adjusting the field, then produced a gem of a delivery to clean up Will Jacks for a duck. There were a few overs of consolidation from England before Brook scooped his first boundary off Josh Hazlewood from his ninth delivery then he continued the team’s approach of being aggressive to Zampa by ending his first over with a four and six; a delightful late cut which drew comparisons to Mahela Jayawardene by Eoin Morgan on commentary then a blow to the short, straight boundary.

Much more was to come from Brook when he took three further sixes from Zampa’s second over leaving Smith searching for options. Duckett went to his fifty from 45 balls and Brook raced to the mark from 39 with another six over the leg side against Hardie. Brook took his sixes tally to seven with another back-to-back brace off Zampa when he returned for the start of his second

spell and had the attack at his mercy.

But then came a break for Australia when Brook miscued Zampa down the ground and found Glenn Maxwell at long-off. Maxwell continued to do an excellent job with the ball, finding significant grip from the surface, and pushed one through Jamie Smith. Zampa then found Livingstone’s top edge with one that turned and bounced and all of a sudden, the lower middle-order was exposed.

The onus was on Duckett to try and guide the remainder of the innings as he brought up an outstanding century. Both he and Jacob Bethell held themselves back for a period, but after sending Head’s third ball over longon Duckett tried a repeat and skewed a catch to long-off which meant Carse was walking in during the 34th over.

Head then turned deliveries sharply to have Bethell stumped and Carse lbw, leaving Rashid to nurse the total towards 300, but eyes were already turning to the sky and Australia flicked successfully into T20 mode to earn the spoils. (Espn Cricinfo)

Hayley Matthews: The 2016 generation has come of age; it is time to inspire the next one

watching as they were coming up through the system. As a team now, we’re hoping to recreate that success, knowing how much of an impact it will have—not just on us but on cricket in the Caribbean, where the sport holds such huge significance.

We can see first-hand what we, as the older girls in the group, have done for the younger girls coming in now, and we would just love to be able to inspire another generation of girls coming up.

Looking at the present, we’re coming to a World Cup, and we want to win, who doesn’t? I think a World Cup is one of those tournaments, especially T20 World Cups, where, if you have some good performances on a big day, it can get you through the stages.

This is, if not our best, definitely one of our best squads that we have had at a T20 World Cup. We have seen a lot of our senior players really improve, like Shemaine Campbelle who has been so much more consistent lately. And

players like Aaliyah Alleyne, who has stepped up and improved her game and has played more important roles in matches.

The thing that has been really good, is the camaraderie in the group, it feels like a massive, safe space and somewhere where everyone feels super comfortable. Even the young ones who have come into the group have been able to settle and gel really well with the older ones, and there is tremendous mutual respect, which is really good for us.

Spin tends to dominate World Cups, no matter where they’re played. In women’s cricket, especially, spinners frequently top the charts and rankings, so I believe spin will play a significant role. Fortunately, for us, we have got quite a few spinners in our arsenal, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Qiana Joseph, young Zaida James, and me.

We strongly believe that spin will play a major role, and the team has been selected with that in mind. Hopefully, as a spin unit, we can go out

there and make a significant impact with the ball.

It’s hard to believe I’ve just reached 10 years in international cricket—it feels like the time has flown by, and in many ways, it still feels like I’m just starting out. I remember making my debut at Arnos Vale Stadium in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, walking onto the field, nervous and trembling, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Looking back now, 10 years have passed, and I’m now the captain of the West Indies—so much has changed since that day.

One area I’ve struggled with early on is maintaining consistency, but I have been able to improve vastly over the last couple of years. I feel like if I can keep up with the consistency I have now and the performances I have now, I can hopefully finish this game as one of the best.

I think I still have a long way to go, so I am just taking it one step at a time and trying to perform well every time I go out on the park, and whatever comes from it, will come from it. (Sportsmax)

Ben Duckett capped a strong series with a fine century • (AFP)

Pooran’s superb century spearheads TKR to emphatic 74-run win over GAW

… but the Amazon Warriors finish in the top two

By Sean Devers

GUYANA Amazon Warriors(GAW)

against Trinbago Knight Riders (KKRr clash is arguably the biggest match of the preliminary round of the Guyana leg of the 12 th edition of the CPL and a capacity partisan crowd packed the Providence Stadium last night.

But when the dust had settled, the dejected Warriors trailed out of the Providence Stadium as if they were in a funeral procession.

A brutal 101 from Nicholas Pooran who dominated a 122-run second with Jason Roy (34) and a quick-fire unbeaten 13-27 with three fours and six got the Knight Riders to 211-5.

Pooran who scored the most t20 runs this year, faced 59 balls, smashing nine fours and eight sixes to join Quinton de Kock (434) in a 400-run club.

The lively Sharmar Joseph had 3-50 for the Warriors who slumped from 64-1 to 88-8 with many fans walking out on their team.

The Warriors needed to get 104 to ensure their net run rate remained higher than the Knight Riders to end second to St Lucia Kings.

Gudakesh Motie was unbeaten on 26 and Tahir made 20 as the pair added 40 runs for the ninth wicket to see the Warriors to 137 in 18.5 overs to ensure they get two bites of cherry.

The Knight Riders had an inauspicious start when Skipper Imran Tahir bowled Shaqkere Parris (0) in the first over and a Sea of Red in the stands erupted like a tsunami.

Pooran, who reached 300 runs for the first time in a CPL tournament in the last match, silenced the raucous crowd with a brutal display of pugnacious hitting as the left-hander dominated the century partnership with Roy, who scored just 16 runs, was the silent partner.

Pooran got going with two sixes off pacer Dwaine Pretorius before edging him and steering the South African elegantly for another boundary in an over that cost 15.

Romario Shepherd was gloriously cut for four, driven back past his ankles and whipped him for-to-back boundaries.

The fifty was posted in 30 while 71 runs were scored in the six-over power play.

The 100 was posted in the ninth over, while Pooran reached his fifty from 22

balls with eight fours and three sixes. Pooran launched into Joseph; hitting him for a six and four before he deposited Tahir for consecutive sixes.

The Trinidadian reached his third ton in this format from 57 balls with nine fours and eight sixes.

Roy accelerated; hitting two fours and a couple of sixes before falling to Joseph.

Andre Russell (9) edged Pretorius to the Keeper, Shai Hope at 162-3 before Pooran was caught behind off Joseph in the next over at 171-4.

Joseph, working up genuine pace, scattered Tim David’s next ball to be on a hat trick and the spectators were back on their feet lustily waving Warriors and Guyana flags.

Kieron Pollard (18) and Carty (27) added 40 runs in the last 20 balls to get their team past 200.

The Warriors set 208 were off to a bad start when Kevlon Anderson (1) was lbw to West Indies U-19 player Nathan Edwards at 6-1 before Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hope revived the crowd with a 58-run second wicket stand before Hope (28) was also LBW to Akeal Hosein to trigger a colossal collapse.

When Shimron Hetymer got going with a scorching boundary off Terrence Hinds, the noise level reached a crescendo but with the score on 75-3, Gurbaz departed to the delight of TKR fans in the stands.

Hetymer however could only reach nine as the Warriors had to depend on their spinners with the bat to see them to Wednesday’s qualifier 1 against the St. Lucia Kings.

Barbados Royals will face TKR in the Eliminator on Tuesday

Nicholas Pooran made his 3 rd T20 ton last night at the Providence Stadium

The massive turnout at the Providence Stadium last night