More support for youths
President Dr. Irfaan Ali and other officials held an impromptu meeting with some youths on Saturday (Office of the President photos)
Guyana overcomes external hurdles to continue astronomical growth
Despite persistent repercussions of the global poly-crisis, lingering public health challenges, the ever-present realities of climate change and exposure to natural disasters, and the domestic passthrough of global economic realities and policies which continued to weigh on the economic landscape within which Guyana operates, the country’s economy continues to record strong growth.
This was highlighted on Saturday by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, as he alluded to Guyana’s 2024 Mid-Year Report. The report shows that at the end of the first half of the year, it is estimated that Guyana’s overall economy grew by 49.7 per cent and the non-oil economy by an estimated 12.6 per cent, representing the fourth successive year of expansion in the non-oil economy at the half-year, following the contraction in 2020. The revised full-year forecast for real GDP growth in 2024 is now 42.3 per cent overall and 11.8 per cent for non-oil real GDP.
This growth in the economy, Dr. Singh reiterated, has occurred even as Guyana continues to grapple with external challenges, including contin-
Over the last four years, strong, resilient, broad-based economic growth was consistently witnessed as the government maintained its aggressive efforts and was unwavering in implementing its policies and programmes. Since returning to office in August 2020, the government’s goal has been not only to modernise the country through massive infrastructural projects, such as road networks and the bridging of communities and regions but to also further improve and provide world-class social services to citizens and enhance the life of every citizen in every home, providing opportunities for them to grow and prosper, as well as accumulate wealth.
The 2024 Mid-Year Report underscores the government’s outstanding economic performance achieved in the first half of the year while highlighting many of the challenges faced and risks to successful implementation of the policies, programmes and projects outlined in Budget 2024.
Dr. Singh, while reflecting on his 2024 Budget presentation under the theme ‘Staying the Course: Building Prosperity for All’, reiterated that it “maintained our government’s unwavering focus on improving the lives of every single Guyanese family, and it artic-
relevant educational and skills training opportunities to equip those of employable age for the world of work; potable water and sanitation; and recreational facilities to support healthy living for people of all ages. Significantly, Budget 2024 also highlighted the relevance of these necessities not only for current comfort but also for long term economic empowerment.”
The key macroeconomic highlights in the Mid-Year Report for 2024 are as follows:
Economic growth
- Overall real GDP grew by an estimated 49.7 per cent in the first half of 2024.
- The non-oil economy grew by an estimated 12.6 per cent in the first half of the year, representing the fourth successive year of expansion in the non-oil economy at the halfyear, following the contraction in 2020.
- The revised full-year forecast for real GDP growth in 2024 is now 42.3 per cent overall and 11.8 per cent for non-oil real GDP.
Sectoral performance - Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
The agriculture, forestry and fishing industries expanded by an estimated 8.7 per cent in the first half of the year:
- The rice industry
ued disruptions to production and supply chains, renewed escalation in freight costs, and interest rate uncertainty given persistent global inflationary pressures, all of which are exacerbated by conflict and geopolitical tension. The continued economic growth is yet another achievement for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government as concurrently, this month the party is celebrating four years since its return to office in August 2020 showing it has maintained an excellent track record in terms of stewardship of the economy.
ulated in considerable detail how this objective is being pursued and, indeed, is being realised on a daily basis.”
“The Budget reiterated our aim that every Guyanese family must be in a position to meet certain basic needs viewed from a comprehensive multi-dimensional perspective. In particular, the Budget emphasised the importance of every family having access to: decent housing including the potential to own their own home; sufficient nutritious food to experience zero hunger; good quality healthcare from conception to old age;
ulation dynamics. Climate conditions also contributed to challenges in food production and distribution.
The Mid-Year Report documents the numerous initiatives by the government to raise disposable incomes of citizens and contain the pass through of imported inflation to domestic cost of living including:
• The 2024 Budgetary commitment of over $70 billion to sustain efforts to increase the disposable income available to citizens while ensuring their improved standard of living.
• Maintaining the zero per cent excise tax on petroleum products
• Extending freight charge reductions
grew by an estimated 17.9 per cent in the first half of the year and is now expected to grow by 8.9 per cent for the entire year.
- The other crops subsector is estimated to have grown by 8.8 per cent in the first half, with a revised growth projection of 12.7 per cent for the entire year.
- The forestry industry is estimated to have grown by 13.2 per cent in the first half, and growth is expected to remain unchanged at 3.9 per cent for the year.
- The fishing industry is estimated to have expanded by 27.7 per cent in the first half
and is expected to grow by 16.8 per cent for the entire year.
Extractive Industries
The mining and quarrying sector is estimated to have grown by 64.3 per cent in the first half of the year, driven by growth in the petroleum and “other mining” industries.
- The petroleum subsector grew by 67.1 per cent, with 113.5 million barrels of oil produced in the first six months of this year. The industry is now projected to grow by 56.4 per cent for the entire year.
- The other mining and quarrying industry comprising sand, stone, diamonds and manganese, is estimated to have grown by 45.5 per cent in the first half, driven by greater activity in the construction sector. This industry is now projected to grow by 24.7 per cent in 2024.
Manufacturing, Services and Construction
- The manufacturing sector is estimated to have grown by 27.5 per cent in the first half, largely driven by increases in “other manufacturing” and rice manufacturing. The sector is now projected to grow by 14.5 per cent this year.
- The services sector is estimated to have expanded by 7.3 per cent, driven largely by growth in financial and insurance activities and professional, scientific and technical services. The overall 2024 growth rate for services is now 7.7 per cent.
- The construction sector is estimated to have grown by 43.7 per cent in the first half of 2024 and continues to be driven by both the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) and intensified private investments. The sector is now expected to grow by 27.2 per cent in 2024.
Balance of payments
The current account recorded a surplus of US$3,199.9 million, while the capital account registered a deficit of US$3,395.4 million. As a result, the overall balance of payments recorded a deficit of
US$184.6 million at the end of the first half of 2024.
Total export earnings grew by 68.7 per cent to US$10,221.9 million at the end of June 2024, largely on account of higher earnings from crude oil exports, which amounted to US$9,401.6 million in the first half. Non-oil export earnings increased by 23.4 percent in the first half of this year. Earnings from rice and gold expanded by US$24.7 million, and US$12.2 million, respectively, with the latter reflecting favourable price developments.
Total import payments declined over the review period to US$3,245.1 million, largely attributed to the reduction in the importation of capital goods, as no new FPSO was imported.
Monetary developmentsDomestic Credit
At the end of the first half of 2024, net domestic credit stood at $773.1 billion, 20.3 per cent higher than the level at end of 2023. Total credit to the private sector grew by 9 per cent from $376.1 billion at the end of December 2023, to $410 billion at the end of June 2024.
Credit to households rose by 6.8 per cent to $41 billion, with notable growth of 11.6 per cent observed in lending for motor cars.
Within credit to business enterprises, there was notable growth in lending for services, agriculture, and mining and quarrying, of 11.5 per cent, 12.3 per cent, and 29.3 per cent to $148.5 billion, $24.6 billion, and $6.9 billion, respectively.
Real estate mortgages expanded by 9 per cent to $140.2 billion, driven by increases in mortgages granted for private dwellings and industrial and commercial properties.
Inflation
During the first half of 2024, food prices continued to be impacted by a combination of domestic and global factors. These included disruptions in domestic supply chains and increased demand spurred by economic growth and pop -
• Continuance of the part-time job programme
Consumer prices rose by 1.6 per cent at the end of June, 2024 when compared with the end-2023 position, reflecting higher food prices, specifically fruits and fruit products, vegetables and vegetable products and cereals and cereal products. The 12-month inflation rate stood at 4 per cent at the end of June and is now projected to be 3.2 per cent for 2024.
The report highlights that across every single sector of government activity, implementation has moved apace including the buildout of government’s aggressive investment in energy and transport infrastructure and in social infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools; the further rollout of its housing and water programme, which is already well on its way to achieving the targets set at the start of the term of office; rapid expansion of technical and vocational training to ensure that as many Guyanese as possible are equipped with the skills to take up the jobs of today and tomorrow; and the upgrading of institutions and capabilities in the public safety and security sector.
“These and other initiatives, along with our strong policy stance in relation to attracting and stimulating private investment, have resulted in the economy continuing to achieve extraordinary rates of real economic growth. This, in turn, means more economic opportunities for all Guyanese,” he further said, positing that ‘As we navigate the second half of 2024, our government remains firmly focused on ensuring the full implementation of Budget 2024, with the constant aim of improving the lives of every single Guyanese family and every single Guyanese person,” the Senior Finance Minister further noted.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh
An overhead view of the new Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway
Careful planning driving sustainable development of the economy
- President Ali emphasises, points to crucial developments in mining, agriculture sectors
By Shaniya Harding
WITH the emergence of the nation’s booming oil and gas sector, the Government of Guyana continues to prioritise the country’s natural resources.
Shedding light on the major strides the country’s natural resources and agricultural sector have made, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on Saturday, addressed the nation from the Kingston Seawall esplanade where he outlined the nation’s agricultural development and the government's plan to sustainably develop the natural resources.
Since taking office, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/c) has emphasised the significance of the country’s natural resources alongside the oil and gas industry. Over the past three and a half years, the government has worked tirelessly to ensure the continued development of the sector. Among the major invest -
ments in this area is the mineral mapping exercise with American company Global Venture Consulting.
Emphasising the importance of this and similar ventures made by the government, President Ali said this is the first step in crafting a comprehensive plan for the sustainability of Guyana’s natural assets.
"This study will give us a better understanding of our natural assets as we plan a comprehensive strategy in how we sustainably develop and target our natural assets
the first half of the year, driven by growth in the petroleum and other mining industries.
in a diversification and expansion of our economy,” President Ali said.
According to the midyear report shared by President Ali, the government's countless investments continue to have far-reaching impacts on the mining and agriculture sectors.
In providing a breakdown of the report, he shared that the country has experienced exponential growth in the first half of the year, and his administration is working to ensure Guyana continues on this upward trajectory.
Addressing the mining sector, the Head of State shared there has been a more than 60 per cent boost.
"In the extractive sector, mining and quarrying sectors are estimated to have grown by 64.3 per cent in
“The bauxite industry has some challenges in the first half of the year, which contracted by 20 per cent. However, with the largest producer expecting to improve output in the second half, the outlook for the sector is very positive for the remainder of the year, with growth now projected at 41.3 per cent for the full year,” President Ali said.
As one of the country’s major revenue areas, gold mining has been revitalised in the years and months; resulting in a positive impact on the sector, as the President stated, “The gold industry also had a contraction of 10.3 per cent in the first half of 2024.”
The President further elaborated stating, "The other mining and quarrying areas, which comprise sand, stone, diamond, and manganese, are estimated to have grown by 45.5 per cent in the first half of the year, driven by greater activity in the construction sector. This industry is now projected to grow by 24.7 per cent in 2024."
Shifting his focus to agriculture, the rice industry has seen a major economic
development, with more than 15 per cent growth in the first half of 2024. This massive boost over just a few months is largely owed to the various innovative policies put in place by the Government of Guyana. As the Head of State explained.
"We had tremendous growth in the rice industry; the rice industry grew by an estimated 17.9 per cent in the first half of the year. And this growth is as a direct result of the impetus we have placed in the industry, the investment in drainage and irrigation."
The sugar industry has been a precedented boom as the government's efforts to revitalise the sector continue to be seen. As President Ali shared, "In the first half of this year, not only did we have the issue of the drought that affected the growth of cane in the fields, but also the period of regrowth, the period of having new production ready for the factories."
He further added that, "We are hoping and projecting that in this second crop, there will be an enormous bounce back from this contraction in the first half of the year."
Tackling the poultry and livestock sectors, the President shared the investment
will continue in the sectors, advancing personnel, knowledge, and the use of technology.
As he stated, "The large poultry investors and farms in the country are now investing in technology, especially given the fact that the demand for poultry is growing at an exponential rate."
He then went on to state that, “The forestry sector is estimated to have grown by 13.2 per cent in the first half. The forestry sector is once again vibrant. Community forestry associations and organisations are once more revitalising themselves, expanding, reinvesting, and retooling.”
He further added that, “The fishing industry is also estimated to have expanded by 27.7 per cent in the first half of this year and we are going to continue to see greater expansion in this industry."
President Ali's address and report showcase the government's commitment to sustainable development across all natural resource sectors. By balancing growth in traditional industries with the emerging oil and gas sector, Guyana aims to create a diversified and resilient economy.
President Dr Irfaan Ali held an impromptu breakfast and a good chat with young sportsmen on Saturday morning
Improvement for 300 families at Leeds Village
…as land regularisation process begins
By Feona Morrison
ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, along with a team from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), led a comprehensive land regularisation exercise at No. 51 Village, also known as Leeds, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), on Saturday.
Seen as a significant step towards resolving long-standing land issues and promoting equitable land ownership, this initiative aims to provide residents with answers and clarity about
can lead to economic stability and the ability to pass on assets to future generations. The Attorney General highlighted the benefits of having a land title document, including the ability to secure loans from commercial banks.
“One of the greatest forms of empowerment, other than education, is title to land. This process is what real empowerment is. It is that title that certifies according to the laws of this country, that you own this property definitively and conclusively. That is the document that the commercial banks will accept without question when you go to borrow mon-
acteristics which the transport doesn't have...”
land ownership issues that have persisted for decades, originating with the end of slavery.
Over the next three months, surveyors from the GLSC will conduct an occupational survey to demarcate individual land parcels for some 300 residents.
Scores of persons gathered at the Leeds Primary School where they interacted with Nandlall; Regional Chairman David Armogan; Rene Duesbury, Deputy Commissioner at GLSC and other officials.
In his opening remarks, Nandlall highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing land issues countrywide as part of a broader national agenda to ensure fair and equitable access to land for all citizens. He noted the importance of land ownership in empowering individuals and communities, adding that securing Certificates of Titles
ey. No human being will lend you money unless they feel you are good for it. And if they feel you are good, they want collateral...” he explained.
According to him, title documents provide legal certainty when compared to transports and can increase the value of property.
A transport, he emphasised, can be terminated if someone occupies the land for over a decade, but a Certificate of Title can only be set aside on the ground of fraud in a court of law.
Nandlall added: “But not only is it about an effective system administratively. So, if you want to pass your title to someone else, you get it done in quicker time than if it was a transport. The title itself is a document that is a greater strength, legal strength, than the transport. The title itself has many char-
Because "they [the foreparents] tell you to live on in," he said that many people are living on land that was passed down to them without proper documentation.
“If you don't have transport for the land, you are essentially
squatting,” Nandlall stressed. He gave some historical context for property ownership in Guyana, pointing out that the nation inherited, from colonialism, the Roman-Dutch system, which involves a drawn-out land transfer procedure. He said that Guyana replaced the Roman-Dutch system of land ownership in the 1960s with the land registration system in recognition of these difficulties.
However, the land registration system's full implementation was delayed, and today, decades later, the disclosed that the government is aggressively working to finish the procedure.
According to him, the land registration system is more effective and provides stronger legal title.
He pointed out that instead of receiving transport, people living in the new housing development are receiving Certificates of Title. Almost 400 Certificates of Title have been distributed in the last year as a result of ongoing land
regularisation efforts in several villages, including Cotton Tree, Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 49 Villages, according to Nandlall.
Moreover, Nandlall told residents of Leeds that for the exercise to run smoothly, they need to cooperate. He said residents must provide names for the title documents and resolve any disputes with neighbours. He advised residents to appoint authorised agents if they are unable to participate in person. “The process, first of all, cannot be conducted and also completed without your participation. And I don't want you to participate blindly in the process. I want you to understand the process in which you are going to be engaged and the benefits of that process and what the results of the process really are,” the Attorney General said to the residents.
“Some of you will have to move your fence. You will have
to adjust where you are occupying,” said Nandlall, adding that the procedure entails resurveying the entire village in addition to carrying out an occupational survey. Residents expressed concerns over several issues like conflicting land rights and disputes regarding communal lands. The Attorney General stated that the land regularisation exercise is an initiative of President Dr Irfaan Ali and that the government is committed to funding it. According to him, similar exercises will be conducted in other Region Six villages. He also spoke on plans to expand to other areas in the future. He stated that the Ministry of Housing cannot complete the process on its own due to its magnitude, and as a result, support has been sought for the GLSC and the Deeds and Lands Registries.
Residents actively engaged in the land regularisation exercise
Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC speaking with residents
Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC and regional officials addressed issues raised by residents
Constructive Criticism
CRITICISM, especially if it is constructive, is good for the health of any society. This is why the PPP/C administration is on record as saying that it supports the right of all Guyanese to express their views freely and openly even when such views may not be aligned with the positions taken by the ruling administration.
This is indeed how it should be and the PPP/C administration must be commended for the stance taken on this fundamental aspect of our democracy.
This right to differ and to be critical of policies and programmes of the government, however, is not absolute but one that is grounded on a duty and responsibility to defend the government, and by extension, the State.
Article 33 of the Constitution confers on all Guyanese a duty to defend the
State especially when it is under attack. Despite this constitutional requirement the political opposition continues to peddle a false narrative of political and racial discrimination injurious to the health of the society. Its continuous narrative of being 'cheated' out of power and discriminatory policies against Afro-Guyanese are two cases in point. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the PPP/C administration has been even-handed in its approach to development and no community or region is being sidelined by the administration in its drive to enhance the material and cultural life of the Guyanese people, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation. Only recently, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali had cause to debunk claims by some individuals from the
Amerindian People's Association (APA) and the political opposition that certain individuals were debarred from participating in the recent National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference.
President Ali in response to such criticisms noted that Amerindians and their respective leaders are given every opportunity to interrogate the work of the government, especially about policies and programmes relating to Amerindian development.
The current administration, as observed by President Ali, welcomes criticism but it also maintains the right to respond and make its case. “The disagreement is welcome. Every day we see people who disagree with us in the media...That's what democracy is about. We don't have an issue with persons disagreeing but when you disagree, we also have a
democratic right to present our case.”
The fact is that the PPP/C administration has already established its credentials over the decades as a party that can be trusted to administer the welfare and well-being of the Guyanese people and to advance their interests. As a political party, it has never been found wanting in fulfilling its responsibility as a corporate citizen by ensuring that its financial responsibilities to statutory bodies are met on a timely manner. This includes the payment of rates and taxes to the Georgetown municipality and the payment of utility bills including water and electricity.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the PNC which, it was recently disclosed, owed billions of dollars to the City Council for outstanding rates and taxes.
According to PPP General Secretary and Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Congress Place owes $6.7 billion, excluding outstanding payments amounting to millions of dollars for other properties owned by the PNC.
The point in the above is simply to highlight the failure of the PNC to manage its own internal party business in a manner consistent with national and municipal laws.
The PNC-dominated Mayor and City Council appear helpless to get the Party to honour its financial obligation to the City and have resorted to enacting a new 'Institutional Rate Policy' that seeks to exempt political parties from paying rates and taxes or reducing those sums. This could only be to the benefit of the PNC and possibly some of the smaller parties but certainly not the PPP which has never default-
ed on its statutory payments.
This is the fundamental difference between the PPP and the PNC. The PPP has always embraced the principle of constitutional governance and the rule of law, be they national or local. The PNC by contrast has always sought to navigate its way through recourse to devious and fraudulent means as was the case of the 2020 General and Regional Elections and in previous elections before October 1992.
Yet there are those who would rather remain silent on these fundamental infractions and seek instead to attack the ruling PPP/C administration for simply trying to defend itself against subversive actions by those with known political agendas.
Dear Editor, I WRITE with a profound sense of disappointment and outrage over the Georgetown City Council's recent decision to pass a motion reducing rates and taxes for political parties despite vehement objection and rejection from PPP/C Councillors. This self-serving decision represents a gross misalignment with the needs of ordinary citizens, who, unfortunately, continue to bear the brunt of the council's financial mismanagement.
The extent of the City's financial woes has been well documented in the public domain. For years, the citizens of Georgetown have endured
the consequences of inadequate garbage collection, substandard drainage, poor infrastructure, and other essential services enshrined in Chapter 28:01. It is essential, then, to examine the passage of this most reprehensible policy through this lens. As of September 2023 (the last period for which I have any information), the City's revenues amounted to $1.51 billion ($2.55 billion was budgeted) versus $1.55 billion in expenditures. This year, employment costs alone have been pegged at $1.2 billion. In comparison, $519.1 million has been allocated for city maintenance and $299.3 million for capital expens -
es. Alarmingly, the city has not spent a dollar on capital expenses as of July. Thus, it is clear that once again, the City will face a significant shortfall of funds - severely hampering its ability to provide essential services to the citizens.
Editor, during his budget presentation, Finance Committee Chair Lelon Saul emphasised the urgent need to aggressively pursue defaulters and delinquent ratepayers, even suggesting separate executions. It is, therefore, deeply troubling that the PNC Councillors, led by Messrs Mentore and Saul, have chosen to bully this most reprehensible policy through.
The question arises: why? Perhaps I can answer using Mayor Mentore's own words: "All political parties do have to go and beg for money at the end of the year to campaign for this and campaign for that. They don't have the money as a corporate or any institutional entity to be able to do this."
In other words, both the Mayor and the Finance Committee Chair seek to prioritise the needs of their party above the needs of the citizens they were chosen to represent - a stark example of the kind of irresponsible, self-interested governance that the PNC is intent on pursuing.
Editor, I am also concerned about this issue's ap-
parent lack of media coverage. If the PPP/C were the ones seeking special treatment at the expense of the residents of Georgetown, major newspapers like Stabroek News and Kaieteur News would undoubtedly have published several scathing editorials by now. Their obvious bias notwithstanding, I urge these newspapers to investigate and report on this issue, ensuring the public is informed and empowered to engage in meaningful discourse.
Finally, I want to assure the citizens of Georgetown that my fellow PPP/C councillors and I will do everything in our power to ensure that this odious policy
is never implemented. We recognise our responsibility to every one of you, and we will not stand by while decisions are made that serve only the interests of a select few at the expense of the many. We urge you to stand with us. Our commitment is to you—the people of Georgetown. We will continue to fight for policies that prioritise your well-being, enhance the quality of life in our city, and restore Georgetown to the garden city it once was—a place of pride, beauty, and prosperity.
Sincerely,
Alfonso De Armas PPP/C Councillor
The colonial mind is not easy to abolish
SIR Shridath Ramphal was one of the largest voices for the Third World among global actors. There was never any doubt by the leaders of the countries of the Global South where Mr. Ramphal stood. He had global reach but that penetration was always put in the service and interest of the Third World. He never relented in his pursuit that in global politics, international economics and power relations between the West and the Global South, the Third World was disadvantaged and needed to assert itself. Western nations who felt he was too Third Worldist blocked the pathway to become the UN's Secretary-General. I think this was a disappointment he carried with him throughout his life.
His death comes at a time when in our midst there are Guyanese men in advanced age who have failed to decolonise their minds and thus remind us that the psychological penetration of colonial values is one of history’s permanent negative legacies.
Sir Shridath died
three days after a Guyanese who held a huge human rights job at the United Nations, Dr. Bertrand Ramcharran published a column in Stabroek News (SN) last week Tuesday, in which he urged Guyanese to read a book, “Autocracy Inc.” by an American author, Anne Applebaum, who sees nothing positive about the Third World countries and shamelessly argues that the West is the standard bearer of international values. Knowing the world perspective of Sir Shridath, he would have dismissed its contents.
I have rebutted Ramcharan’s colonial mind in a two-part series last Thursday and Friday, so his colonial mentality should not detain us further. Sir Shridath died one day after a letter in SN was featured. It was done by a member, Mr. Mike Persaud, of a civil society group named Oil and Gas Governance Network. Like Ramcharran’s piece, one does not have to wonder how Sir Shridath would have treated what Persaud has advocated for Guyana. Here is what Per -
saud urged this country to do: “Seek a relationship with one of the ABC countries. Ask the selected country to appoint a Governor-General to “oversee” our Constitutional system with the specific objective of helping the nation overcome its racially-divided state.”
When post-election violence gripped Guyana in 1997, business icon, Yesu Persaud rang Sir Shridath for his intervention. Sir Shridath engineered a CARICOM détente. He did not seek US, EU or even Commonwealth assistance. He felt confident enough that CARICOM had the intellectual strength and political will to solve a disastrous problem in CARICOM. Sir Shridath saved Guyana in 1997 through a CARICOM initiative.
Mr. Persaud left gigantic democracies like India, Brazil, South Africa and even CARICOM itself and advocated that Canada
or the United States or a country within the European Union must come to Guyana and compose a blueprint for Guyana’s main sociological sensitivity – the racial divide. But which ABC country has the sociological capacity to do for Guyana what CARICOM cannot?
Who are these countries? Is the US one of them? Isn’t the race problem in the US deeper and more troubling than Guyana’s? Can American officials come to Guyana to use Persaud’s words “of helping the nation overcome its racially divided state.” But why don’t they start in their own country? For anyone to write that the sociology of race in Guyana is more problematic than the US is ignorant.
Which country in the EU Guyana should invite? Surely, not France. Guyana’s racial divide is less troubling than France's. In Guy-
ana, the police force is predominantly African while the Indian population is in the majority. Which year has the police force shot and killed an Indian citizen? In France, where the majority of the police force is white, the police kill a non-white person at least once every three months.
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.
Surely, it cannot be Germany. Does Mr. Persaud feel that Germany deals with its race problem in more successful ways than Guyana? In fact, Germany has two racial motifs that would disqualify it immediately from playing any helping role in Guyana. One is that Germany has declared that Israel is its reason of state. So, the Jewish people are a special group to the German state. Secondly, in its new citizenship law, applicants have to answer questions about how Germany mistreated the Jews but there is no question of how the Germans mistreated the Namibians. On May 28, 2021, Germany apologised to Namibia for committing genocide when it ruled Namibia. But in the new citizenship law, there is no mention of Namibia only the Jews. Ramcharran and Persaud will not be the last two persons in Guyana to think that the West can teach the Third World to be civilized. But one hopes Guyana and the Global South produce more Shridath Ramphals.
Beyond the Boundary: CPL’s impact on Guyana’s economy and spirit
AMONGST the many things that define the Guyanese people, be it their language, cuisine, or hospitality, one element that is deeply rooted in the genetic makeup of the population is undoubtedly their love for cricket. A wooden bat and a leather-covered ball have, over the years, brought Guyanese people together, transcending race, creed, and religion in support of one team: the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW).
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL), an annual Twenty20 cricket tournament, is the region’s most elite sporting event. At the CPL, stars from the world of cricket participate, hoping to
become champions in one of the sport’s most entertaining competitions. Since Guyana began hosting the semi-final and final matches of the CPL in 2022, the highly anticipated tournament has significantly boosted the country’s economy, generating over US$84 million in 2022 and surpassing US$101 million in 2023.
Guyana's visitor arrivals have increased by a staggering 131% from 2022 to 2023, with over 4,000 people entering the country during the CPL games alone.
Supporters of the Amazon Warriors filled hotels and restaurants, creating substantial opportunities for local businesses to thrive. As a result of this influx, Guyana
has seen a rise in the construction of Airbnbs, local hotels, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses to accommodate the growing number of visitors. Additionally, the government has initiated talks to build prefabricated housing units to host tourists during the CPL, addressing the high demand for accommodation.
This year, as the Amazon Warriors look to defend their title, anticipation is high among both locals and foreigners. The games began on August 29, in Antigua and Barbuda, and the Amazon Warriors played their first game on August 30, recording an astounding victory.
From September 20, vis-
itors and Guyanese alike will gather at the Guyana National Stadium to rally behind their favourite team, the Amazon Warriors. In preparation for the matches, there has been a noticeable surge in ticket sales, with long queues at the local box office.
Meanwhile, hotel rooms and Airbnb listings have been booked months in advance. Vendors, transportation services, and restaurants are also gearing up to benefit from the influx of visitors and the activities surrounding the CPL, such as the Cricket Carnival. During the two-week carnival, visitors enjoy music festivals, cultural shows, soca competitions, road march competitions, and organised tours, further contributing to the local economy.
While the economic ben-
efits of the CPL are evident, so too is the unwavering support of ExxonMobil Guyana for the Guyana Amazon Warriors. Entering its eighth consecutive year of sponsorship, ExxonMobil’s commitment to supporting national events of this nature is a strong reminder of its dedication to enhancing Guyana’s non-oil sector. Beyond the economic impact, the sport’s presence in Guyana fosters unity, camaraderie, and a sense of pride for all Guyanese.
As the main sponsor of the team, ExxonMobil Guyana has played a fundamental role in shaping the Warriors’ journey over the years. The oil giant has been consistent in underscoring its commitment to supporting sports and significant national observances in Guyana. As such, the company
recently launched its ‘Is We Own Again’ promotion in collaboration with the Guyana Amazon Warriors, running from August 10 to September 27, 2024.
The “Is We Own Again” promotion offers numerous ways for participants to enter and win amazing prizes. Some of the prizes up for grabs include Samsung Galaxy Flip devices, tickets for the games with your crew, exclusive Amazon Warriors merchandise, and more.
Cricket in Guyana has birthed more than just champions and an expanding economy; it has mirrored th e resilience of a people, shaped the definition of what it means to support ‘we own’, and rejuvenated the spirit of togetherness.
Defending the PPP/C government’s right to reply
IF one were to examine the substance of the commentary attached to former Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr Bertrand Ramcharan and published by the Stabroek News, one would end up puzzled, bewildered, and kerfuffled because there is none. Zero!
The broad statements he made about alleged autocracy in Guyana, seemingly by PPP governments over the years, are false and hold no water.
If these bold statements are true, then Guyanese would have preferred to see the facts that governed his analysis, if there were any. Dr Ramcharan failed miserably to present the empirical data and analysis of the PPP's alleged “autocratic tendencies.” He did not provide the necessary context for each of the broad tendencies.
The good doctor made more unfounded accusations against the PPP/C government relating to its record of consultations with the opposition and people. He clocked the government for criticising NGOs and the leaders. This is without providing evidence to show that the government was being unfair.
Additionally, Dr Ramcharan unjustly claimed that there seems to be an “oracle” in the ruling party who comments on all matters, before commenting that the lush oil and gas money was being improperly used.
Apart from the only thing he criticised the PNC governments over, the rest of his commentary was garbage, uninspiring and unacademic. It was like reading a political opinion piece where the writer is ranting and raving about an issue but in the end, fails miserably to persuade anybody of his cause.
In the end, the arguments put forward in his column are wholly incoherent and flawed. And, reading the piece carefully, one would feel that the government does not have a right to reply and should not set the record straight. Also, one gets the impression that the government should never be critical of its critics when it feels it is unjustly criticised.
Firstly, the PPP/C government has the right and freedom to reply to any critic and form of criticism. This right is protected by the same constitution that allows every Guyanese freedom of speech and thought. The problem with modern and developing Guyana is that Guyanese and organisations operating here can dish the criticisms but cannot take it, especially when it is
returned with justifiable force.
The distinguished professor should know and understand this: the PPP/C now has developed a thick skin and will allow any person or entity to criticise the policies it adumbrates to the public. It will even allow the usual opposition suspects and politicians to swipe and criticise it unfairly. It understands it cannot regulate and control the flow of thoughts in the society. And frankly, does not want to control freedom of speech.
But when this freedom is used to push false narratives, peddle deliberate lies…and cast aspersions on the characters of politicians, their families, and ordinary Guyanese businesses, the party turns on the beast mode. It goes into defence mode when the truth and facts must be told, or when the public must be properly appraised. The party criticises the double standards and the hypocrisy of those who want to ‘act mightier than thou’, and those who are duplicitous.
The PPP/C administration will answer and clarify everything it thinks needs to see the light of truth and facts for the public’s benefit. And why not? Why should it just allow the opposition politicians to beat away at its being and become historical revisionists?
Why must the PPP/C not be afforded the right to defend its policies, plans and measures, Dr Ramcharan? How is it autocratic because it calls out and holds accountable the same NGOs that unjustly criticise the government every day?
Secondly, NGOs such as the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), Guyana Transparency International (GTI), Amerindian People’s Association (APA), Red Thread, International Decade for People of African Descent Guyana (IDPADA-G), are guilty of playing politics and are pursuing a political agenda against the PPP Government. They are infiltrated by opposition loyalists and politicians who treat the government in bad faith and are consistently undermining the PPP with hopes of getting a donor and international funding to continue their crusade against the PPP until its back is broken. Why, can’t the PPP reply to their accusations to save its good name? How is responding to the fiery criticisms autocratic?
Does it make sense Dr Ramcharan? So, then, staying quiet is somehow, democratic? For the record, the PPP/C has
strengthened the parliamentary democracy. There is a strong oversight and working parliament. Every single question asked by the opposition is answered. There is proof of this in the parliament which is an independent body.
And the opposition, if it can bear to tell the truth, has been meaningfully consulted when it is required, according to the Constitution. The opposition knows full well that it is consulted and can always reach across the aisle when it needs money or some issue addressed.
Dr Ramcharan must devise a better analysis if he is to be taken seriously.
He must explain what he means when he said, “oil money has made the Government lush with funds for information campaigns.” Dr Ramcharan can agree with the notion that every political party chooses how and who it wants to interface with its citizenry, so the “oracle” as he deems him will continue to pronounce on all matters, big and small. How is that spirit of governance smelling of autocracy? Explain it to readers.
The former university chancellor has multiple things to explain. How come the column is skewed so far to the PPP government? Does the good doctor forget the PNC+APNU+AFC administration was in office too? Aren't there far more glaring autocratic tendencies worth talking about? They tried to steal a whole election and hid a US$18M signing bonus from the people. There are so many instances of corruption, why don’t Dr Ramcharan talk about those acts?
Thirdly, President Irfaan Ali contended that most academics target his administration although it is the “…most inclusive government, the most community-based government. For us, people are the centre of everything we do. We consult with the people and the government was elected by the people based on a manifesto.”
He was quoted as saying, “The government has that responsibility to implement that manifesto and that is all the government is doing -implementing that manifesto, but democracy excludes the government from defending itself. These great intellectuals… these great upholders of the shroud to democracy, only they have the God-given right to be critical and defend themselves,” he added.
And any objective, unbiased and sound-thinking
Guyanese or intellectual worth their salt, would agree with the President’s comments. Why the PPP is considered bad and undemocratic when it replies to the opposition’s unwavering attacks and posturing of the opposition-aligned NGOs, inclusive of the so-called civil society? Goat bite it?
The PPP/C government is not sidestepping any opposition calls for a changed system of governance and inclusive governance. It is not dismissive of the notion of power-sharing. It is a serious government that deals with politics of reason and reality, not the politics of desperation.
Every time the PNC+APNU+AFC is out of office; they reintroduce these concepts to try and get the PPP government on the back foot. They start firing up the academics, like you Dr Ramcharan, and other supporters to pressure the government. It's all a sham and trick as an election is in the air.
There must be goodwill, trust and good faith. The opposition and its armoured
NGOs must first put down its campaign of levelling unjust criticisms and vile lies against this government via the new media, mass media and social media. Talks and meetings of sober minds can only be possible about Guyana’s governance system and the proposals of reforms in an atmosphere of peace, trust and political openness.
Respect and responsibility cannot be foreign concepts to PNC+APNU+AFC and only be expected of the PPP/C government. Good, sound and constructive criticism is always welcomed, but a right will be exercised by the government if it’s lacking and found to be malicious and deliberately aimed at misleading the public for political gain.
Finally, he who throws dirt always loses ground. According to this quotation, a person who spreads unfavourable information or stories in an attempt to defame or slander another person ultimately does more harm to themselves. They lose others' respect and trust when they treat them
badly, in addition to harming their own credibility and reputation. In the end, trying to undermine others only leads to one's own demise and the loss of any moral superiority. It acts as a warning not to participate in bad behaviour that might have unfavourable long-term effects.
It is hoped that Dr Ramcharan was not used to peddle what looks like an opposition narrative out of the Congress Place playbook. After all, the former UG Chancellor knows about the value of research, writing, history and analytical politics, yet his piece was neither academic nor inspiring. Please, the public is sure that it is not the best that Dr Ramcharan could do! Laziness must not be associated with academia.
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.
More support for youths
CONTINUING to prove himself as a man of the people with a commitment to the community, President Dr. Mohamed Ali held an impromptu breakfast meeting with a team of Georgetown athletes on Saturday during which he stressed the critical importance of harnessing young talent and seizing investment opportunities for the nation’s youth.
Accompanied by Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., and Shawn Gurcharran, CEO of Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI), President Ali underscored the significance of investing in agriculture, housing, and sport as essential strategies for creating new opportunities and opening doors for young people of Guyana.
Speaking to the group of young professionals and athletes, President Ali elaborated on the various investment opportunities available in Guyana. He highlighted the government’s tunnel house agricultural initiative as a prime example.
"I want to discuss with you all an opportunity to bring 27 of you together in one of the areas we are
developing for agriculture in a modern way.
“The investment we're looking at involves each of you contributing about $300,000. This would enable you to own a business—a tunnel house that $50 million. I am here to help create that opportunity and open that door for you."
The President also turned his attention to the housing sector, urging the young men to engage with the young professionals’ housing initiative. “What I want you guys to achieve is greatness for yourselves and your families. Achieving greatness for yourselves and your families will, in turn, bring greatness to the country. I am telling you
from now on, block out the noise. As long as the PPP is in government, and as long as I am President, you have my full support.”
Shawn Gurcharran GEO of GBTI, introduced the new GBTI Grow programme, which is aimed at supporting small and micro businesses. He noted that the President's intervention is timely, as the GBTI Grow programme plans to work with the Ministry of Agriculture to foster small business development and enhance food security.
“Once we establish a framework with the Ministry, we will set you up with access to financing for the projects envisioned by the President,” Gurcharran
explained.
Despite the variety of opportunities available, Gurcharran emphasised the need for dedication and commitment from young entrepreneurs. “With the plethora of opportunities available in Guyana right now, everyone can make something of themselves in a short period. But it requires your commitment and understanding of the business,” he shared.
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha also engaged with the young men, noting the growing participation of youth in agriculture.
“There’s a perception that agriculture is for older people. But President Ali
is changing that perception not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean,” Mustapha said. He pointed out that Guyana is playing a key role in the Caribbean Community's (CARICOM) food security agenda.
“Since President Ali took office, he has been leading the food security agenda, and Guyana is now looked to by the entire Caribbean for leadership in this area.”
Mustapha also highlighted the potential of the tunnel house investment, stating, “This program that the President mentioned, involving the tunnel house and the poultry component, will be very lucrative for you, the young people. By December, you could have your first crop and a very bright Christmas, provided we work together.”
The discussion also included contributions from the Minister of Sport and various sports officials, reflecting the government’s broader goal of fostering a balanced economy through supporting diverse young professionals. The aim is to develop a robust economy by empowering youth across various sectors, ensuring they have the resources and support to thrive. The government's commitment to crafting a balanced economy through diverse youth opportunities remains a priority.
President Dr Irfaan Ali and other officials held an impromptu meeting with some youths on Saturday (Office of the President photos)
Nabaclis man convicted of wife’s murder
SHERLOCK James, a 50-year-old gold miner, has been convicted of the murder of his wife, Vinnette Headley-James, by a 12-member jury at the High Court in Georgetown.
The verdict was delivered after a trial before Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul, before whom James had
initially denied the charge. Following deliberations, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict, convicting him of the capital offence. James, who had attempted suicide following the fatal stabbing, was found by police lying in the backyard of his Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home and was subsequently rushed to
the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for treatment.
He will return to court for sentencing on September 5, 2024. The tragic incident occurred on August 21, 2019, at the couple's home.
Headley-James, a 46-year-old clothes vendor and mother of three, was
fatally stabbed during an argument with James after he reportedly accused her of having an extramarital affair. She was taken to the CC Nicholson Hospital at Nabaclis where she died while receiving treatment. Her cause of death was determined to be multiple stab wounds.
Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul
Vinnette Headley-James
Sherlock James
Essequibo’s Agro and Trade Fair: A catalyst for business opportunities
By Indrawattie Natram
THE Essequibo Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) launched the first night of its Annual Agro and Trade Fair on Friday evening, presenting a significant platform for business growth and collaboration. The event, themed “Empowering Local Business Growth, Celebrating Innovation, Connectivity, and Sustainability,” was officially opened by Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service. He underscored the government's commitment to economic development, not-
ing that it is important to reflect on the development and transformation of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
He said if one considers the vast natural resources, one would see the potential of being the capital of Guyana’s food basket. He said that Essequibo is producing coconut water with an impressive package that is sold around the world.
He noted that Essequibo continues to excel in all sectors, noting that the region is producing products on the international market.
Dr. Singh highlighted the government's continued commitment to investing in Region Two to drive its trans-
formation. He conveyed greetings from President Irfaan Ali and his cabinet, reaffirming the government's dedication to fostering a policy environment that stimulates economic growth in the region.
Dr. Singh also commended the local business community for their initiative in investing in Essequibo, noting that the region's success will be further bolstered by ongoing infrastructure developments.
The expo, being held at the Anna Regina Secondary School grounds, drew participation from over 100 exhibitors across various sectors, reflecting the ECCI vision of moving businesses forward.
This diverse gathering of
businesses underscores the chamber’s role as a key driver of economic activity in Region Two.
During the opening ceremony, the top seven CSEC performers from Anna Regina Secondary School—Adadeze Butters, Pradesh Dwarka, Gevasha Harpaul, Venisha Lall, Rudranauth Sankar, Bomeka Singh, and Randir Toney—were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements, highlighting the region’s commitment to educational excellence.
Dhanraj Singh, Vice President of ECCI, emphasised the collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector in organising the exposition. He expressed confidence in the government's economic policies and noted that ECCI's advocacy efforts, particularly regarding transportation services, have yielded positive results.
Tenogah Christian, Finance Director of Go-Invest, also attended, reinforcing the strategic importance of such events in fostering regional business development. He urged businesses to think bigger in transporting their produce.
Rawl Pearce, the Expo’s Coordinator, stated that the primary objective of the event is to promote small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region. He reaffirmed ECCI’s dedication to supporting the local business community and building pathways for increased private-public sector collaboration.
Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, expressed her satisfaction with the level of business participation at the fair and highlighted the strong relationship between the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), ECCI, and the local business community. She said the expo serves as a platform to connect businesses and commended the efforts of ECCI.
The Small Business Bureau (SBB), represented by CEO Mohamed Ibrahim, played a pivotal role in the event by sponsoring seven small businesses, providing them with an invaluable opportunity to showcase their products and services to both local and international markets.
Among the businesses benefitting from SBB’s sponsorship was John Luke Manufacturing, which presented
a range of products including cassava casreep, hot sauce, cassava pepper pot powder, and wine.
Long-time exhibitor, Ramnanan Nateram of Original Juice Centre, expressed his appreciation for the ongoing support, noting the consistent opportunity to engage with the Essequibo community.
Similarly, Deborah Warner from Jets Enterprise and Rominie Sankar from Resource Era, showcased their nutritious products and handmade crafts, respectively, both noting the expo as an excellent platform for reaching new customers.
Frank Sanichara, owner of Suri Trading, highlighted his long-standing participation in the expo, noting that his six-booth display was a key way to connect with the Essequibo population. His booths were marked by a variety of giveaways, attracting significant attention from attendees.
With over 100 booths representing industries ranging from manufacturing to government and agriculture, the expo continues to be a vital event for driving businesses forward in the region.
Some of the businesses displaying their products at the event
Guyana’s hotel boom will have positive impact on Guyanese – GS Jagdeo
With a surge of new hotels under construction and more on the horizon, General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party and Vice President of Guyana, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, is optimistic about the positive impact on Guyana. These additions are expected to generate substantial jobs and boost local consumption.
Earlier this week, luxury hotel brand, Hilton, announced plans to construct two new hotels in Guyana, namely the dual brands Hilton Georgetown and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Georgetown.
Commenting on this development at a recent press conference, Dr Jagdeo reminded that the streamlined policies, including land provision and incentive adjustments, have attracted
significant international investment.
According to Dr Jagdeo, seven hotels are already under construction, and this, he said, is consistent with the government’s policy.
The general secretary further explained that this hike in international investment in Guyana is directly linked to job creation and increased consumption of local goods and services.
“If we have more tourists here these seven hotels alone would need about 3000 staff, so about 3000 Guyanese can find jobs in these hotels that are built. So, it would have a positive effect on employment creation.”
“If you have more tourists here too, they would consume more local stuff so we are pushing people to provide a local meat. At Marriott now you have in
the buffet section, I think you have local food too. And even Hard Rock, I see [they have] introduced local food, unlike many other groups around the world. So, it means more demand for our farmers and everything else to supply fresh fruit, vegetables, a whole range of supply,” Dr Jagdeo pointed out.
This expansion in hotel capacity is directly linked to the rising number of visitors, reaching a record high of 112,751 in the first four months of 2024. By the end of this year, over 500 additional hotel rooms are expected to be available.
“I can only see it in a positive sense. We’ll be able to host more international events like cricket. We’re building a couple of stadiums,” Dr Jagdeo added.
In Palmyra, Region Six, a state-of-the-art stadium is under construction, and will serve as a hub for a wide array of sports activities, including cricket and football. The stadium is slated for 2025 completion and will have a minimum seating capacity of 10,000,
with the possibility of a motor-racing track on its outskirts.
Similar to the Providence National Stadium on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), the Berbice Stadium will become one of the largest sports facilities in the country.
Additionally, as an emblem of the shared commitment to prosperity with Guyana, the Qatari government has pledged its support for the construction of a new stadium in Region Three. (DPI)
The Aiden by Best Western hotel on Robb Street, Georgetown
Promoting literacy in community-based library
INTERNATIONAL Literacy Day will be observed globally on September 8. It is a day set aside by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to focus attention on the importance of literacy, both for individual and for national development.
This year, the Stewartville/Cornelia Ida (CI) National Library located on the lower flat of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council
(NDC) building is hoping to host an in-house reading event to celebrate International Literacy Day.
The Stewartville/CI National Library comes under the Ministry of Education and is headquartered in the city at the National Library and is a community-based facility that is being utilised by locals.
According to Shellon Winclas, Supervisor of Stewartville/CI National Library, the library is free but once a book is borrowed and the 14-
day period has expired or the book is damaged or lost, automatically a fee is attached.
She reported that the facility is located just off the main road at Stewartville NDC and is open from 13:00 hours to 17:00 hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Winclas added that the library has three staffers, including herself, an assistant and a cleaner and they have on the shelves more than 1,000 books. The books include fiction, non-fiction,
novels, story books and educational books and they accept donations of all kinds of books.
Winclas stated that presently they need a printer and a computer since books that cannot leave the library need to be photocopied for educational purposes by children visiting the facility.
She noted that both children and adults utilised the Stewartville/CI National Library and they would have more than 50 visitors on a monthly basis. Winclas disclosed that they would accept walk-ins but one must become a member of the said library to be able to borrow books for use in the facility.
She said the process of registration is simple and free via a form that needs to be filled out by the visitor/ borrower. Winclas pointed out that they do get cleaning supplies from the head office through the Ministry of Education but money garnered is
used to buy essentials to keep the library operational.
She reported that currently they are on the lower flat of the NDC building which is a wooden structure and the flooring is deteriorating rapidly and as such, they have to put up with a lot of dust on themselves and the books.
Winclas explained that the flooring needs to be sealed to preserve the books and prevent dust from seeping into the library.
“The Stewartville/Cornelia Ida National Library is serving its purpose. People do visit to do research and borrow books but our resources are limited, but we do get visitors, both school children and adults alike from within the community and its environs,” she said.
Winclas added that reading will always remain fundamental because it helps in conversation with others, increases knowledge generally and helps in writing and
spelling.
She explained that to celebrate International Literacy Day on September 8 they would like to host an event to promote reading.
Winclas added that they need the necessary educational materials to do so and have since written for it via correspondence to the head office, National Library, in the city.
In most villages across the country, community libraries are either dying or non-existent and gone are the days when some children used their time to read books. Instead, they are spending much-needed time with devices for long hours and often unsupervised.
In a few villages, there was the presence of mini-libraries where you bring ‘a book and take a book’ concept but it is being vandalised and people are removing most of the books at the street corners mini-libraries.
Shellon Winclas inside the library
A section of the Stewartville/CI National Library
The staffers: Latoya Kellman and Shellon Winclas
The Stewartville/Cornelia Ida National Library
Tax waiver motion for political parties prompted by AFC letter asking for reduction -
THE move by the Opposition-controlled Georgetown Mayor and City Council to provide tax waivers to political parties was prompted by a letter sent by the Alliance for Change (AFC).
According to well-placed sources, this is what the Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore, allegedly told the City Council.
Although the “cashstrapped” Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has been
the top priority. Hence, while this matter was brought before us by the Mayor, Mr. Mentore, as a request from the PNC's coalition partner, Alliance For Change, it was decided that the matter would be further discussed, but outstanding rates must be duly settled.
“I wish to make it abundantly clear that PPP/C Councillors on Monday, the 26th, disagreed strongly and stated all of the reasons why, including seeing this document as
falling short of Georgetown residents’ expectations, the Mayor, despite the brutal backlash, unashamedly justified the tax waiver for political parties, by saying that these organisations need a “break.”
However, this decision was met with strong resistance by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillors who called attention to several alarming issues that the council is steeped in.
A letter penned by PPP/C Councillor Steven Jacobs noted that Monday’s decision, which was catapulted by the Opposition members, proved to every citizen of Georgetown, and by extension Guyana, that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
Jacob said: “On August 26th, at the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown’s (M&CC) Statutory meeting, a ridiculous, selfish, and shameful institutional rate policy for political parties was bullied through the approval process.”
He then deemed it as “hypocritical” for a political party to demand that every citizen pays their rates and taxes, even resorting to parate execution for non-compliance, but having the audacity to institute a policy that allows political parties to pay a mere 25 per cent of their original dues all the while continuing to benefit from the only core service provided, which is garbage collection, albeit in an inconsistent manner.
Jacobs then said: “As a Councillor, I have always held a clear and open mind on any idea or suggestion proposed by my fellow Councillors, as I genuinely believe in the necessity of deliberation and diverse opinions. However, the welfare of all citizens must be
Notably, at a recent press conference, General Secretary of the PPP/C, Dr Jagdeo exposed the PNC/R’s delinquency while responding to a recent decision by the party’s city councillors to reduce tax rates for political parties.
On Monday, during the council’s statutory meeting, a policy document for institutional rates to be given to political parties was laid, which was immediately rejected by the PPP councillors.
self-centered, not in the best interest of citizens, an abuse of power, hypocritical, among others, and even pleaded with our fellow Councillors while still pointing out many of the deficiencies in the document.”
He then said that ulterior motives were at play since it was revealed that the PNCR has been a major contributor to the financial woes at City Hall, with debts in excess of $6.7 billion.
Jacobs said: “Citizens of Georgetown, and by extension Guyana, should take the opportunity to examine the significance of what unfolded right before our eyes. It’s no secret what the agenda of the leadership of this PNC-led council is, but what I can promise as a PPP/C Councillor is that we will continue to fight and advocate for the betterment of Georgetown.”
“We dug a bit deeper and it seems as though there is specific reason for this proposal. Congress Place owes $6.7 billion, and a notice was sent to them for this sum of money.
“How do you get rates and taxes up to $6.7 billion? Clearly, they didn’t pay for a long time and the interest accrued, and now they have to pay this huge sum of money,” the PPP General Secretary said.
The PPP General Secretary further pointed out that aside from the taxes owed for the party’s headquarters at Sophia, there are outstanding debts for three other properties owned by the party.
According to Dr Jagdeo, the party owes $1.2 million, $988,000 and $3.5 million for those properties, and the recent policy amendments
are to deprive the citizens of Georgetown and the main Town Council of taxes that are due to them.
Mayor Mentore skirted questions about whether the PNC/R’s Congress Place, So-
City Mayor told statutory meeting
phia property is registered in the name of Maikwak Limited and in a comment published by Demerara Waves on Friday, he denied any knowledge of an account in the PNC/R’s name that owes $6.7 billion.
“I am saying there is no account that I’m aware of under the People’s National Congress Reform that has a $6.7 billion dollar debt,” Mentore is quoted as saying in the Demerara Waves.
PPP/C Councillor, Steven Jacobs
Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore
The veracity of being a female engineer
BEING mindful that her expertise was undervalued in the world of work and being taken for granted by her male counterparts as a civil and environmental engineer, Ulecia Bishop quit working for others and established her very own small business which is multi-faceted.
The 34-year-old is originally from the Essequibo Coast; her father is from Devonshire Castle and her mother originated from Dartmouth but she grew up in Red Road, Sophia from the age of nine when she relocated with her mother.
She attended Smith Memorial Primary School and returned to Essequibo Coast where she attended the Abram Zuil Secondary School. Bishop was a very thoughtful young lady and enrolled at the University of Guyana (UG) for a diploma course in civil engineering for two years; after she was successful, she pursued a degree in the same field for two years, one of which she had an attachment with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
Having completed her attachment period, Bishop migrated to Trinidad and Tobago in 2011 and spent five years
working as a civil engineer. However, in 2016 she returned to Guyana where she began working with several agencies including the government.
Currently, Bishop is pursuing a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning at UG and is also managing her small business, UB Precision Engineering and Document Centre, Paper Haven located at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.
She recently quit her fulltime job and started her small business in engineering consultancy services and Document Centre.
“I am very driven and passionate about what I do for work, and presently I am preparing my thesis for UG and I may or may not graduate this year but I will next
year. I like working in the fields and giving my two bits in a feasibility study before the actual project starts and I always had a love for project management and civil engineering, it has moulded me into a well-rounded person,” she said.
Managing a business and studying is challenging but Bishop has a firm grip on time management and can navigate those hurdles to maintain a perfect balance. Bishop is
also the Secretary-General for the Youth Leadership Group Junior Chamber International in Guyana.
She joined the group in 2022 and gained a lot in personal development of being a leader, improvement in all aspects of her life, enhanced public speaking, time management, finding purpose and giving back to the community, skills training, and an overall insight in effective leadership, financial, and non-financial
projects management.
The Environmental and Civil Engineer told the Sunday Chronicle that becoming the Secretary-General was scary at first but after she was enlightened and exposed to various training, she became confident and adopted her role.
With just about 15 years in the engineering field, it certainly was ‘not a walk in the park’ because she was not taken seriously and the men
felt they could do a better job.
Bishop said her mother, Yonnette Marks has always been her biggest supporter, and motivator and provided whatever resources she needed to make her dreams come true.
“I came from humble beginnings. My mom was a teacher in the Pomeroon and my dad is a builder and resides in Barbados. I was birthed at Charity and I never forget my roots and where I came from,” she said.
Ulecia Bishop
The interior of the newly opened Paper Haven Document Centre Paper Haven flyer
Development models must never be one-dimensional
- Renmin University Director says, highlights China’s progressive strategies
By Trina Williams in China
FROM the way one travels to work to accessing electricity, infrastructure plays a critical role in every aspect of human life and the Director of the Institute of International Affairs at the Renmin University of China, Professor Wang Yiwei, has emphasised that for any country to transform, it must have a development plan that is not one-dimensional. The public policies being implemented by the Government of
Guyana are in line with this and as such, there has been a tremendous amount of investment in the infrastructure sector to bring forth economic and social prosperity.
Although many critics of the Guyanese government have called for direct cash transfers instead of the development of infrastructure, it has been seen, globally, that a lack of investment within this sector has hindered the growth of many countries.
However, China has shown over the years that infrastructure is the backbone of every econ-
omy and it has the power to shape society and the country stands as a prime example of why it is important to prioritise a state’s resources.
Dr Yiwei explained how the nation’s initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) underpin its national economic goals and said that modernisation must be parallel and not sequential, meaning, industrialisation, urbanisation and agricultural modernisation must be developed simultaneously.
The Professor also referenced the report to the 20th Communist Par-
ty of China (CPC) National Congress, which highlighted that based on decades of exploration and practice since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, especially since the launch of reform and opening up in 1978, as well as the breakthroughs made in theory and practice since the 18th National Congress, “China has succeeded in advancing and expanding Chi-
nese modernisation.”
In this regard, he shifted his attention to the comments made at a symposium discussing China’s work in philosophy and social sciences on May 17, 2016, where General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “The great social transformations that contemporary China has undergone are not a natural continuation of our country’s historical and cultural
traditions, not a mechanical application of the templates designed by authors of Marxist classics, nor a copy of the socialist practice in other countries or foreign models of modernisation.”
Modernisation for all
The Jean Monnet Chair professor said that as it relates to foreign relations, China remains firmly committed to pur-
TURN TO PAGE 18
Development models must...
FROM PAGE 17
suing an independent foreign policy of peace and is dedicated to promoting a human community with a shared future.
He supported his point by referencing remarks made by the Chinese President during his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Co-operation.
The Chinese President had said: "China is endeavouring to build itself into a stronger country and rejuvenate the
Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernisation. The modernisation we are pursuing is not for China alone, but for all developing countries through our joint efforts. Global modernisation should be pursued to enhance peaceful development and mutually beneficial co-operation and bring prosperity to all.
“China will work with all parties involved to deepen Belt and Road partnerships of co-operation, usher this co-operation into a new stage of high-quality develop-
ment, and make relentless efforts to achieve modernisation for all countries.”
Adding to this, Dr Yiwei said that countries in Latin and South America, Asia and Africa must not blindly follow the West but instead advance development through their own national lens.
The Professor also explained two stages of modernisation. The first stage of modernisation, according to him, is characterised by industrialisation and urbanisation.
There are ten indicators, that is, Gross Na -
tional Product (GNP) per capita, the share of value added in agriculture, the share of value added in services, the ratio of agricultural workforce, the ratio of urban population, medical services, infant survival rate, expected life expectancy, adult literacy rate, and college enrollment rate. The second stage of modernisation is characterised by knowledge and informatisation. Informatisation refers to the extent by which a geographical area, an economy or a society is becoming information-based, i.e. the increase in size of its information labour force.
There are 16 specific indicators under four categories, that is, knowledge innovation, knowledge dissemination, life quality, and economic quality, as well as four signal metrics: share of value added in industry, value added in material sectors, the ratio of industrial workforce, and ratio of workforce in material sectors.
In keeping with the goal of common prosperity for all, Dr Yiwei touched on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which stands as an economic corridor that will foster connectivity and integration.
With that said, he continued to highlight how important it is to develop infrastructure and emphasised that BRI is a means of fostering development together. It was also pointed out that China’s trade with BRI topped one trillion USD in 2013, after a decade of 19 per cent average growth, and it is still growing.
Notably, since China and Guyana signed the MoU on the BRI in 2018, progress has been made in the co-operation. Infrastructure projects including the East Coast Demerara Road, the expansion of Cheddi Jagan International Airport, and the National Broadband Network etc., have promoted the connectivity of Guyana.
The China-Guyana
trade volume has increased from 265 million USD in 2018 to 1.88 billion USD in 2022, expanded by 6.1 times in four years. It’s worth noting that for the first time, Guyana enjoyed a trade surplus of 820 million USD against China in 2022, which is expected to continuously increase.
The BRI was proposed by President Jinping and is inspired by the ancient Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road.
But how does infrastructure support development?
The Guyanese Government has consistently highlighted that infrastructure cannot be viewed as just individual assets but instead as a holistic system that can deliver economic, environment and social empowerment to all.
As such, Guyana’s Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has outlined government policies that will result in long-term development for all citizens.
The ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration has undertaken several infrastructural developments, such as upgrading and building roads, working to provide cheaper and reliable electricity, and enhancing the health sector, which is essential for rapid economic growth.
With Guyana undergoing a construction “boom,” this has increased local demand within other sectors such as the creation of more employment.
This has resulted in 60,000 more Guyanese employed, a major achievement for the current PPP/C government considering there were significant job losses under the previous A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition administration.
Dr Jagdeo, during a recent press conference, had noted that the government’s part-time jobs initiative has been instrumental in gener-
ating income for many Guyanese, particularly in rural and hinterland regions. More than 15,000 citizens have benefitted from this programme in 2023 alone.
Critical investments in hinterland communities have also played a crucial role in job creation. Throughout the last four years, some 6,000 job opportunities have been created in these regions, driven by initiatives such as the revitalised Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP) and the employment of nearly 2,700 Community Service Officers (CSOs). Furthermore, another 3,000 individuals have found income opportunities through the part-time jobs programme.
The government has also awarded numerous contracts to small contractors in the hinterland, focusing on infrastructure projects that have further boosted employment prospects in those areas.
The creation of over 50,000 jobs nationwide in the past four years marks a significant milestone for the current administration, fulfilling and even exceeding its 2020-2025 Manifesto promise of creating 50,000 new jobs by the end of its first term.
Further, the construction of roads nationwide has served as a major catalyst in boosting connectivity, decreasing isolation and even increasing economic activities in other sectors.
The seventy-four contracts totalling $1.3 billion which were awarded for road construction across several communities in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) last week, serves as a testament of the government’s manifesto promise of “building for the future.”
Among communities in which the contracts will be executed are La Parfaite Harmonie, Onderneeming, Westminster, Recht Door Zee, and Lust-en-Rust.
Five-star Miraz runs riot in second Test against Pakistan
MEHIDY Hasan Miraz
claimed five wickets to hand Bangladesh the advantage against Pakistan, with the hosts bowled out for 274 on the second day of their rainhit second Test.
Miraz, who took five wickets during the opening Test, again starred with the ball for Bangladesh, crucially dismissing Saim Ayub (58) and Shan Masood (57).
Taskin Ahmed (3-57), who was brought in for the injured Shoriful Islam, got Bangladesh off to a flying start with the wicket of Abdullah Shafique (0) in the very first over.
Ayub and Masood steadied the ship to have the hosts 99-1 at lunch, only for the latter to fall soon after, which resulted in the wickets beginning to tumble.
Babar Azam again struggled with the bat, scoring 31 from
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77 deliveries, with Khurram Shahzad (12), Mohammad Ali (two) and Abrar Ahmed (nine) all falling victim to Miraz's impressive bowling display.
Bangladesh openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan ended the day at the crease with the visitors 10 without loss as they look to confirm the series
triumph on Sunday. Miraz's impressive bowling display proved to be the difference on the second day, putting Bangladesh in a strong position in the series. It was also the 10th five-wicket haul of his career, three of which have come away from home (Sportsmax).
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Mehidy Hasan Miraz shows off his souvenir after taking 5 for 61 • (AFP/Getty Images)
Antigua Sport Minister Daryll Matthew suggests four-year term for CWI president
ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Antigua’s Minister of Sport Daryll Matthew believes the time has come for Cricket West In-
dies (CWI) to increase the term limit of its president to four years.
Speaking on Thursday during CWI’s quarterly press
conference, Matthew said the current two-year term was insufficient for any president to adequately make any major changes during his tenure.
Matthew told CWI president Dr Kishore Shallow that while he was impressed with what he had been able to achieve since being elected in March, 2023, two years were simply not enough time for him to achieve all of his goals.
Additionally, he said a four-year term would bring CWI in line with similar sporting organisations around the world.
In many modern sports, administrators lead for fouryear terms. When you have an organisation that every two years you are in election mode, it really leaves very little room to do much else than campaign,” Matthew explained.
“I think that is doing a disservice to the organisation. I believe that the thrust that you and your team have made over the past few years to improve the overall governance of CWI, I think the time has now come for that final hurdle to be addressed.
“I think it is simply unsustainable for an organisa-
FROM PAGE 25
(Fresh) Shivnauth of Everest.
The second round, played at Cold Fusion Sports Bar, saw the home team emerging victorious with 78 games followed by Everest 71 and Traders 66.
Doodnauth (Bunda) of Cold Fusion led the way with 16 games while Ravi Rampersaud made 15 and skipper Persaud 14. For Everest, Deno Bissessar and Gansham Dawarka scored 14 games each and Ravin Shivnauth 13. Traders top players were Jeffery Grovesner with 14 and Navindra Dass 13. The lovebirds in that match were Radesh Sooklall and Tavendra Mangra of Cold Fusion, and Jameel Hussain of Everest.
Both matches were played in a friendly atmo-
tion the magnitude of CWI, an organisation that represents the passion of the people. An organisation that has the resources and, on whose shoulders, tremendous responsibility lies can’t always be in election mode,” he added.
However, Matthew said he understood the challenges Dr Shallow would face if he sought to increase the term limit while being president.
“I hope that at some point in the very near future it is something that your Board can address to perhaps seek to extend the term to a fouryear term like almost every other international sporting organisation around the world.
“And I can understand the discomfort that you may have as the sitting president to be the one addressing it. There may be mischievous persons who would indicate that it is a self-serving move, and I’m not sure how you and your team will address that, but certainly to have a two-year term of office for an organisation like CWI is simply in my personal opinion not practical nor perhaps sensible,” Matthew maintained.
sphere and the participants enjoyed great camaraderie.
The now deceased Dass was a fearless, skillful, tough and yet respectful and friendly dominoes player. He was a prominent member of the Traders Dominoes team and close friend of the members of Everest and Cold Fusion teams.
Dass died tragically on Saturday July 13, 2024 in a freak accident. The tournament was organised by the three teams he was associated with, to honour his memory. The trophies and other prizes are being sponsored by the members of Everest team which includes Deno Bissessar, Malcolm Sonaram, Jameel Hussain and Tariq Williams. The teams are vying for a championship and runners-up trophies while the best player in each team will also be rewarded.
Antigua’s Minister of Sport, Daryll Matthew
CWI targets domestic T20 competition in 2025 to identify Caribbean representative(s) for 2028 Olympic Games
CRICKET West Indies (CWI) president Dr. Kishore Shallow says plans are already afoot to host a domestic T20 competition next year to determine the Caribbean representative(s) for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Shallow, once again welcoming cricket’s return to the Olympic Games, pointed out that his administration is already in dialogue with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) hierarchy to stage the domestic competition in 2025.
Cricket, which last featured at an Olympic Games in 1900, was always set for a long-awaited return to the global multi-sport showpiece, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last year confirmed it and four other sports—baseball/ softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash—for the LA Games.
“To add cricket to the agenda in the next Olympics is certainly going to be something tremendous, as we did in the Commonwealth Games a couple years ago when we had one of our teams representing the females. We at the time chose our original women’s tournament, and the winner at the time was Barbados, so they represented the region,”
Shallow said.
“We anticipate something similar will be done unless they tell us all the teams can come and participate, which would be ideal, but it is unlikely for that to happen,” he added.
Shallow also explained that the CPL champions cannot represent the region at the Olympic Games given that the tournament is franchise-based and involves players from other parts of the world.
As such, he revealed that he has engaged CARICOM leaders regarding plans for a domestic T20 competition from which the winner or top finishers would secure the coveted Olympic Games spot(s).
“We have been in discussion with CPL for them to fund a domestic T20 tournament starting next year. I think Miles Bascombe and his team have already scheduled a window for that next year in 2025. Once we are able to have that tournament, then we can use that to determine which team or teams will participate in the Olympics on behalf of CWI,” Shallow shared.
“We can’t use the CPL as it is now because it’s franchises. But in the domestic tournament that we’re having, which will
Intriguing finish anticipated in Dass Memorial three-way dominoes
AN intriguing finish is anticipated when the Maniram “Fatman” Dass memorial the three-way aggregate dominoes tournament, featuring Everest, Cold Fusion and Traders climaxes today at Traders venue, Wales, West Bank, Demerara.
At the end of the second round, played at Cold Fusion Sports Bar, Zeelugt, Everest led the competitive race with 147 games with Cold Fusion five behind on 142 while Traders trail on 136.
In the first encounter, played at Everest, the homesters topped with 76 games while Traders took
the second spot on 70 with Cold Fusion in the cellar on 64.
The top scorers in that match were Malcolm Sonaram of Everest with the maximum 18 games, supported by Tariq Williams and Justin Plumber with 13 games each. For Traders, Moti Dass made 16 games while skipper Suresh Lall had 15. Radesh Sooklall led the way for Cold Fusion with 15 games while skipper Boodnarine Persaud and Ravi Rampersaud registered 14 each. The lovebirds in that match were Navindra Dass of Traders and Ravin
still have a commercial model to it but not to the extent of CPL, but that will more than likely be
territories instead of franchises, so we will be able to identify teams,” he noted. (Sportsmax)
Kishore Shallow...Once we are able to have that tournament, then we can use that to determine which team or teams will participate in the Olympics on behalf of CWI.
Joe Root notches record 34th Test hundred as England close in
…Sri Lanka
two down chasing 483 after Root becomes fourth man to score twin tons at Lord’s
FOR the second time in three days at Lord's, it was all about Joe Root. England's batting bellwether continued a bumper Test match by producing twin tons for the first time in his storied career, his 34th century in the format setting new records for his countryand setting his team on their way towards what would be a series-sealing win.
England began the day in a position of comfort, 256 runs ahead with nine wickets standing, and Root allowed an expectant crowd to drink in the experience of a Lord's Saturday. If there was data on champagne corks popped, Root would probably set have another benchmark.
As it was, his innings of 103 was garlanded by several entries in the record books: his seventh Test hundred the most by an individual at Lord's, as he surpassed Graham Gooch as the leading run-scorer on the ground. Cook's overall England run-scoring records is now less than 100 runs away.
(Scores: Sri Lanka 196 and 53 for 2 (Karunaratne 23*, Stone 1-1, Atkinson 1-15) need a further 430 runs to beat England 427 and 251 (Root 103, Asitha 3-52, Kumara 3-53)
This effort, coming from 111 balls, was also his fastest in the format. He reached the mark, in the company of the No. 10, Olly
Stone, by swatting Lahiru Kumara's bouncer in front of deep point, amid a rising crescendo of "Roooooooot!" rolling around the ground. The next-highest score by one of his team-mates was Harry Brook's 37 off 36 balls.
With Sri Lanka asked to chase a target of 483, Root was at it again in the field - his two catches at first slip to remove Nishan Madushka and Pathum Nissanka making him the fourth man to take 200 in Tests. Rahul Dravid, the record-holder with 210, is very much in his sights. That Sri Lanka finished the day only two down was in part due to an early finish brought about by bad light. A world-record target looked a long way off for a team short on batting confidence, though Dimuth Karunaratne survived being given out lbw to his third ball - a
poor decision from Paul Reiffel overturned - to negotiate 90 minutes in the gloom after tea. He walked off in the company of "lightwatcher" Prabath Jayasuriya after England had been instructed to bowl their spinners for a second time, with Ollie Pope preferring to preserve the condition of the ball for today. Madushka was the first wicket to fall, edging Gus Atkinson to slip to continue a difficult first tour of Englandhaving been replaced behind the stumps by Dinesh Chandimal on the third morning, he also dropped two catches in the field (although one still resulted in the dismissal of Ben Duckett, as Angelo Mathews snaffled the rebound). Nissanka survived on 2 when the faintest of under-edges to leg slip off Shoaib Bashir went undetected, only to be dismissed by a snorter in
Olly Stone's first over as the light briefly improved enough to allow a return to pace.
England left the field at just after 5pm, content that there is plenty of time left for them to take the eight wickets required for a 2-0 lead in the series.
Kamindu Mendis had held out the hope on the second evening that Sri Lanka could find a way back into the game if they could get England out for "under 150175" - they gamely chipped out five wickets by that stage but couldn't prevent a Root march carrying the hosts to 251 and a seemingly impregnable position.
Root's reliability had allowed England to negotiate the morning session with few alarms, and the game continued to revolve around him after the interval. A nudge down the ground off Jayasuriya took him to fifty from 65 balls, and he began to push the tempo with three fours - two hauled through wide long-on, one delicately reverse-swept - in four balls.
Sri Lanka kept at it, Jayasuriya removing Jamie Smith lbw despite a review from the batter, before Chris Woakes flat-batted Milan Rathnayake to cover. Atkinson's dismissal, meanwhile, came in complete contrast to the elegant simplicity that characterised his maiden hundred in the first innings: caught behind the keeper at long-stop when top-edging a reverse-pull at
Asitha Fernando. Potts then gloved the same bowler behind but Stone hung in to get Root to his milestone.
Stone was caught at fine leg in the same over, and although England's approach had seemed to have a declaration in mind, they batted on. Root eventually gave Kumara a third wicket, top-edging a tired heave to deep-backward square leg, with tea taken early at the close of the innings.
England's batting effort was uneven, Root aside, reflective of their strong grip on the game.
Three wickets went down during the morning session, including that of Pope, England's stand-in captain, who made his highest score while deputising for Ben Stokes but again fell in perplexing fashion, slashing an Asitha bouncer straight to deep backward point for 17, shortly after Sri Lanka had put four men back for the ploy.
The hosts resumed on 25 for 1, after Dan Lawrence's dismissal on the second evening, and Ben Duckett was the first to depart, thanks to accidental piece of choreography between slip and gully. Rathnayake pitched the ball up from round the wicket, tempting the drive - and while Madushka could not hold on diving to his right, he managed to scoop the chance back towards Mathews for a regulation catch.
At the other end, Pope was
Courts Pee Wee U-11 football tourney kicks off on Sept 21
By Sean Devers
THE Courts Pee Wee Un-
der-11 Football tournament kicks off on September 21 and Coach Troy Wright who works with the Under-11 Footballers at the Marian Academy Private School is feverishly preparing for this year’s competition.
Marian Academy are the defending champions and aims to retain the title they won last year.
The winning streak for the 52-year-old Coach began in 2019 when Genesis Primary School won 1-0 in the final.
Unfortunately, the following two years of the Pee Wee tournament was cancelled due to COVID-19.
“When the tournament resumed in 2022, I won with Enterprise Primary School beating St. Pius Primary 2-1 and last year I won with Marian Academy Private School in the girls’ under-11 championships.”
“I became the first School’s football Coach to win three straight titles with three different schools. I was also the first coach to have won both boys and girls ti-
tles.”
Coach Wright started coaching school football in 2015 at St Agnes Primary School who reached their first under-11 finals and lost 1-nil.
“I won the MVP Sports Girls Under 11 Football Championship with Marian Academy, who had not won a football championship in 12 years.” Informed Wright, who has a contract with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to develop grassroots football in the community.
Every Sunday morning and afternoon Wright would coach boys and girls from age four to 17.
“I have the best goals scoring record as a coach with one of my players scoring 14 goals in one match to end with 26 goals in the 2022 Courts Pee Wee Tournament.
My girls also have scored 10 goals in the ‘MVP Sports’ Under -11 Tournament” continued Coach Wright.
“I think what makes me a successful school coach is because I am like a father to those children…I teach them not only football; but to respect each other with love.
I also encourage them to stay in school…they must reach 70 per cent in their exams to make the team.
I also sent students from St Agnes Primary and Enterprise Primary School to Chase Academy through my scholarship programme.
I would like to see football develop in Guyana by grounds being constructed at schools and communities and having a football league in every division like under 11,13,14,15,16,17,18,20 and
senior division.
My next tournament was set for last March but because of the teachers strike, it was postponed.
I am working hard for my next championship and many more at school, club and international level for my country Guyana.
My mission is to be the youth National Coach.” The coach explained.
Coach Wright was born on September 6, 1972, in Georgetown, Guyana and
looking to quell some of the noise around his batting. He moved into double-figures for the first time in the series with a clip off his legs, then survived a review for lbw against Rathnayake, with ball-tracking showing the ball would have cleared the stumps. But he did not last much longer, as Asitha targeted him from round the wicket.
The first of Root's four boundaries was a thick outside edge between slip and gully, but he was otherwise serene in progressing towards a third consecutive 50-plus score. Jayasuriya was picked off on the sweep and twice down the ground, though Root was initially happy to tick along at a strike rate in the 70s, allowing Brook and then Smith to play the aggressor.
Brook's intent during a half-century stand seemed to suggest that England were already thinking about the declaration. Brook was badly dropped on 9, Madushka making a mess of a skied slog-sweep at midwicket, then launched Jayasuriya's next delivery into the Tavern Stand to rub in the pain. Sri Lanka's spinner bore the brunt of the attack, but he had the satisfaction of removing Brook when another attempt to haul him leg side was safely held by Madushka in front of the rope.
(ESPN cricinfo)
Coach Wright aiming for 4th consecutive schools’ football title
grew up in East Ruimveldt.
He attended South Ruimveldt Primary School. He then wrote CEXM and was awarded the East Ruimveldt Secondary School.
“Growing up in an environment like East Ruimveldt you had to be tough, playing sports like cricket and football and having the talent and skill in those sports had its advantages… you were the most talked about person in the community so everyone would be encouraged to go forward.
I was a goalkeeper at school, club level and inter-sub- association national select.
Sports in schools were a big thing. I was at East Ruimveldt Secondary School. I was the under 16 and 18 cricket and football captain. I love cricket more than football or any other sport, cricket is my number one sport,” said Wright.
He also played club cricket for Malteenoes at Under- 16 and 19 levels but because of the expense of cricket gears, switched to football. Coach wright also played basket -
ball and boxed at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall while at school.
“I became interested in football at six when I started listening to football and heard about Pele, Maradona and Joemar.
The highest level I played was First Division and Pro League in Barbados. I was a national select and played in the Kashif and and Shanghai year-end tournament in 1997/ 98.
I won back-to-back first-division titles with Blackwater FC in 1994/ 95 before moving to Thomas United in 1997. I was the MVP as a goalkeeper with Thomas United FC when they finished in third place.
I got involved in coaching in 2010 because my club stopped playing in the league in 1998 and was making a comeback to First-division football so I took up the coaching role and director of Black Water FC.
My most memorable as a coach was winning my first Pee Wee title and three straight championships.
Joe Root became the first English player to score 34 Test hundreds • (Getty Images)
Coach Troy Wright with the Marian,Academy’s girls U-11 champions after they won the Courts Pee Wee title last year
August
Supercat arrives
…Clive Lloyd led West Indies to their two World Cup wins
THAT mighty hitter and all-round cool dude
Clive Lloyd was born on August 31, 1944. He bludgeoned 7515 Test runs with that oversized bat of his but will be remembered mainly as the man who restored
West Indies to a position of dominance.
Captain in 74 of his 110 Tests (the first West Indian to win 100 Test caps), he led them to a record 26 without defeat, which included a "blackwash" of England
in 1984. In the one-day arena, he took West Indies to two World Cup titles (1975 and 1979) and to the final in 1983.
His sparkling 102 in the 1975 final is one of the best innings in the tournament's history.
He joined the Packer circus in between, before returning to captain West Indies. Before bad knees took their toll, he was also one of the great cover fielders.
(Cricinfo)
Last hurrah: Dwayne Bravo to call time on CPL career after this year’s edition
FORMER West Indies
all-rounder Dwayne Bravo says this year’s edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will be his last hurrah as he announced his retirement from the tournament on Saturday.
Bravo, who represents the Trinbago Knight Riders, made the revelation on his Instagram account hours ahead of the franchise’s opening contest against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in
Basseterre, scheduled for 19:00 hours.
“It's been a great journey, and I'm looking forward to playing my final professional tournament in front of my Caribbean people," Bravo said in his post.
“TKR is the place where everything started for me and will end with my team,” he added.
The 40-year-old’s post all but indicates the end of a decorated professional career, as he retired from
international cricket in 2021 after the T20 World Cup and also announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) a year later after being part of four title-winning Chennai Super Kings campaigns.
Bravo, known for his flair and skillful batting and bowling, is currently the CPL’s highest wicket-taker with 128 scalps in 103 games at an average of 22.40 and economy rate of 8.69.
In fact, Bravo is the
leading wicket-taker in all T20s, with 630 scalps in 578 matches. He has also scored 6,970 runs with the bat. No doubt the electrifying Trinidad and Tobago stalwart will go down as one of T20's early legends, having played seven World Cups in the format, winning two titles, as well as over 15 franchise league titles. He is the first bowler to get to 500 T20 wickets. (Sportsmax)
AS accusations of lack of transparency within the governance structure of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) continue to swirl, there are growing calls for President Dwayne Scott to do better in order to contribute to the development of the sport’s participants.
Scott, who has been at the helm of the sport since November 2020, is being accused of administering the association in contravention of the tenets of good governance.
The undesirable practice has become a worry for many swimmers, parents, and affiliates along with the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport (MCYS), the National Sports Commission (NSC), and the Guyana Olympic Association
(GOA).
Another contentious issue is the one pertaining to the application or request of US-based swimmer Delroy Tyrell, who wrote asking for permission to represent Guyana at international competitions.
According to leaked e-mails, Tyrell, a Guyanese by birth, and whose parents are Guyanese also, had written to GASA on his own behalf outlining his desire to represent Guyana in competitions overseas, submitting all the relevant information to satisfy his eligibility status, but later found out that GASA failed to submit the required information to World Aquatics that would have enhanced his chances of representing this country. The trail of emails be -
tween Tyrell’s father, Fitzroy Tyrell, and Jan Exner, legal counsel for World Aquatics revealed that repeated inquiries from the swimmer’s parent confirmed that the GASA President, when asked whether the association had submitted the information, disclosed that he had done so, which was later found to be inaccurate, judging from the responses obtained from the world governing body.
It brings into question the President’s inability to be transparent, since his admission of forwarding the relevant information was proven to be inaccurate and at the same time it also highlights his willingness to contravene one of the most rudimentary strands of good governance, which is being truthful.
It must be noted also that
the GASA President had been asked to meet with the relevant stakeholders of sport in the country such as the MCYS, NSC, GOA, and clubs on several occasions to resolve several issues, but those engagements failed to garner positive outcomes.
The result was that the above entities decided to withdraw all support from GASA pending the expression of willingness from the body to resolve th e issues highlighted.
Some of the issues that were deemed contentious were the purported non-submission of audited financial reports, the allegations of unfair treatment to certain clubs and swimmers, the non-acceptance of new clubs, and the non-submission of Mr. Tyrell’s request
to represent his country of birth.
The MCYS, NSC, and the GOA are recognised as the surest financiers of sport in Guyana, assisting in the provision of funding for the procurement of facilities, athletes’ development and the facilitators of coaches and requisite personnel for all aspects of sports development. So for GASA to be non-co-operative with these bodies can only stymie the sport’s development and its participants.
Time will tell whether the course taken by GASA was the right one or one that they will have to admit was wrong and shoulder the blame.
Based on reliable information, World Aquatics has given GASA a September
President of GASA
Dwayne Scott
15 deadline to submit Mr. Tyrell’s documents and it would be interesting to see whether or not GASA remains steadfast in its reluctance to submit the athlete’s details or do the right thing and let the world body make its ruling on his eligibility. Once again, only time has the answer.
Clive Lloyd led West Indies to two World Cup wins
Dwayne Bravo: “TKR is the place where everything started for me and will end with my team”
Fredericks pair and Singh power Essequibo to consecutive U-13 titles
By Sean Devers
A MATURE and responsible 116-run fourth-wicket stand by the unrelated Ravid and Usain Fredericks, and 5-17 from Arif Singh, ensured defending champions, Essequibo played unbeaten, as they beat Berbice by three wickets in the final of the GCB 40-over U-13 Inter-County cricket match at the LBI Ground on Saturday.
Berbice, invited to bat on a good track and fairly fast outfield, made 154, all out, in 39 overs, as Luke Amsterdam, the brother of national pacer, Isaia Thorne, stroked four fours in 39, while Saiad Jamretty (19), and Skipper Leon Reddy (11) reached double figures.
Leg-spinner Arif Singh, who had Amsterdam LBW
when he was beginning to look dangerous, bagged 5-17 for Essequibo, which slipped to 14-3 before the Fredericks pair joined forc-
es in what turned out to be a match-winning partnership.
Watched by a vocal crowd of mostly Berbice fans, Essequibo, led by an
unbeaten 73 from tournament’s leading scorer Ravid Fredericks, which was decorated with seven gorgeous boundaries, and 52 from
Usain Fredericks with eight fours, reached 158-7. The partnership was punctuated by the excellent rotation of strike and great
shot selection, which belied the age of the talented batters who were quick to pounce on anything loose, and disdainfully dispatch the balls for boundaries.
When Usain Fredericks was finally bowled by Reddy, the score was 134-4, and although the other batters offered hope to Berbice sneaking a win, Ravid kept his head to see his team over the line.
Reddy followed up his 5-9 against Demerara with 2-5, to finish with seven scalps in the tournament, which was first held three years ago as an addition to the age group inter-County competitions.
Ravi Fredericks, who made 18 in the first match, ended with 91 to make him the batter with the most runs and MVP of the final.
Pretorius secures Amazon Warriors win over Falcons with final-ball six
THE Guyana Amazon Warriors secured a stunning last ball win over the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Friday thanks to a brilliant batting cameo from Dwaine Pretorius.
In a match that swung one way and then the other throughout it was the last gasp batting effort of the South African all-rounder who secured the win.
It was the second night in a row where the game was won off the final delivery of the match with the Falcons on the losing side both times. The Falcons had recovered from a stuttering batting display in the face of strong bowling from Gudakesh Motie to post a competitive total of 168/6.
The Warriors also strug-
Dwaine Pretorius of Guyana Amazon Warriors hits the winning runs during the Men’s 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League match between Antigua and Barbuda Falcons and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground on August 30, 2024 in Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda. (Photo by Ashley AllenCPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)
gled to maintain batting consistency throughout their innings and it looked as if the game was heading towards a Falcons’ win when the target was 47 runs from 18 balls, but a nerveless batting dis-
play from Pretorius and the Warriors tail took them to a three-wicket win.
Having won the toss, the Amazon Warriors chose to bowl first and they claimed an early breakthrough when
Teddy Bishop was run out by a fine piece of fielding from Shai Hope to leave them 10/1 at the end of the second over.
After a relatively slow opening two overs and the loss of one of their openers there was a need of a rebuild, and that is what they got thanks to a 73-run stand between Fakhar Zaman and Kofi James that took the rate to close to 10 an over.
James’ wicket was the start of a Falcons collapse that saw them lose four wickets for the addition of just 29 runs. Motie was the destroyer in chief as he bowled Sam Billings with a clever delivery that beat the England batter when he advanced down the pitch. He also had Jewel Andrew caught at deep mid-wicket by Shimron Hetmyer when the 17-year-old
batter tried to hit back-toback sixes.
From there it was about Imad Wasim who played a brilliant counter attacking knock that brought the Falcons right back into this match after a middle order stumble. The Pakistani all-rounder scored 40 from 21 balls to propel the Falcons to a total that they could look to defend.
The Amazon Warriors opted to promote Motie up the order to open and he scored a six in the first over but was bowled for 6 from four balls. Gurbaz also went inside the powerplay when he was dismissed by a juggling catch by Shamar Springer at midwicket.
The Falcons spinners did a good job at tying down the Warriors once the fielding re-
strictions loosened as the rate began to climb. Shimron Hetmyer looked to steady things for the Warriors and build a platform but he was bowled by Imad. When Azam Khan hit his stumps with his bat after a vicious Springer bouncer the Warriors had stumbled to 77/4.
Shai Hope was still in the middle, and last year’s Player of the Tournament was looking dangerous in the death overs but he was bowled for 41 and it appeared that the game was gone for the Warriors with the required rate at more than 15 an over.
That was before Pretorius took 18 runs from the final six balls as the Warriors started the defence of their title in the most dramatic way possible.
CHAMPIONS AGAIN! Essequibo celebrates back-to-back title with their Coach Parmesh Persaud (right) and members of GCB