Issuu

FRIDAY 4th NOVEMBER, 2022

$100

No. 106896

More benefits for Guyanese - increased royalty, corporate tax among new fiscal conditions identified by gov’t ahead of auctioning of 14 oil blocks - provisions in place to ensure there are consistent activities in auctioned blocks, Dr. Jagdeo says

rate of 10 per cent, and corporate tax of 10 per cent, among other things. The new fiscal terms and other conditions for future Production Sharing Agreements (PSA) were outlined on Thursday by Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during a

press conference at the Office of the President. Giving an update on the government’s progress regarding the imminent oil-block auction, Dr. Jagdeo noted that Guyana is among 65 countries that will be launching auctions of

oil blocks, and as such the government worked along with international consultant, IHS Markit Consulting, to offer the best terms that will see the country remaining competitive while also getting a fair deal.

(See full story on Page 3)

Significant infrastructure upgrades for Annandale - President Ali commits to residents during visit to community

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Thursday committed to upgrading roads and drainage systems in the community of Annandale, East Coast Demerara, after engaging residents on their immediate concerns. The Head of State, along with a team of government officials which included Attorney-Gen-

eral Anil Nandlall, S.C.; Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar, ventured into the community to continue his engagements with citizens. As the President and team made their way through the community, residents greeted them

Norton’s faux pas exposed

- World Bank clarifies that recent fact sheet contains statistics from period of Coalition’s rule, VP Jagdeo says

with open arms, and did not hesitate to share their commendations and concerns with them. On site were a number of officials from the various ministries dealing with those critical issues, one of which was the immediate need for upgrades to community streets.

(See full story on Page 2)

Gas-to-Energy project: Agreements to be signed with land owners from this weekend SEE PAGE

30,000+ secondary school girls to benefit from Menstrual Hygiene Initiative SEE PAGE

SEE PAGE

15 witnesses come forward so far for Elections CoI; hearings commence today

SEE PAGE

Significant infrastructure upgrades for Annandale

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

- President Ali commits to residents during visit to community

officials which included Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, S.C.; Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar, ventured into the community to continue his engagements with citizens. As the President and

team made their way through the community, residents greeted them with open arms, and did not hesitate to share their commendations and concerns with them. On site were a number of officials from the various ministries dealing with those critical issues, one of which was the immediate need for upgrades to community streets. Speaking to members of the media at one point during the visit, President Ali affirmed that the visit is part of the government’s commitment to continuously engage with communities, and to listen, first-hand, to the concerns of citizens. He noted that ministers Croal and Indar have been working on fast-tracking a lot of solutions to issues facing communities. Among those issues is the completion of the land titling process, as there are just about

50 households along the railway embankment in the area that are required to be titled. To remedy this, President Ali said that the AttorneyGeneral and Minister Croal will return to the community on the last Friday of the month to conduct an exercise to finalise the distribution of titles. As it relates to the drainage issues in the area, the Head of State indicated that the relevant authorities, within the next week, will work on a drainage plan for the community. He also mentioned that they have to also work on connecting the road in the community to the railway embankment so that residents could have direct access to this critical carriageway, which is also set for an upgrade. Dr. Ali said that one of the major projects that the

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and team listening to the concerns of a resident of Annandale, East Coast government is embarking on is the upgrading of the railway embankment to a fourlane highway from Sheriff Street to Unity, Mahaica. For this project, all encumbrances now have to be cleared, and preparations made for proper drainage. “In addition to that, there are a number of cross streets that we’re looking to have local involvement in building concrete roads. So those are some of the things we have seen,” the Head of State said. While the issue of a recreational facility was raised, the President affirmed that

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Charles Ramson Jr., will address that matter soon. Minister Nandlall said that with the enhancement works set to be done in the community, the government is trying, as far as possible, to involve persons in the community and employ them to carry out the remedial and rehabilitative works. Several residents of the community expressed their gratitude to the President and government for their hands-on approach to resolving issues within various villages.

Guyanese must be mindful of false claims of discrimination, racism – MP Datadin says GUYANESE must be mindful of the few elements of society who continue to peddle the false narrative of discrimination and racism in Guyana. This is according to Government Member of Parliament (MP), Attorney-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin during his weekly programme, ‘The Thursday Agenda’. “We have a gentleman in New York, referred to as the keyboard puppet, who held what he called a diaspora event, and at this event, he portrays a

country that does not exist. He portrays events that are patently false; he refers to situations that are lies…” the MP noted. He was making reference to statements made during a recently held Town Hall meeting in Brooklyn, New York, which was organised by People’s National Congress Reform activist and extortion accused, Rickford Burke This event saw New York officials, who are seeking reelection in the United States mid-term elections on Novem-

ber 11, making false statements about the state of affairs in Guyana. Datadin, while pointing out that these individuals may have been misled, questioned why Burke, who continues to spew these false narratives, has not returned to Guyana. “He has not been here for more than a decade or longer; there are people in Guyana, who, because of the things he has been saying and doing, are trying to sue him and they can’t find his address. He will never

come to this country, and there are people who have alleged monies owed. There are extortion schemes that are before the Guyana Police Force [in which] extortion of a businessman… [is purported],” the Parliamentarian said. The MP, while rejecting and denouncing those anti-development tactics by the Opposition to score cheap political points, said Burke and other Opposition voices, who continue to force their race influenced discrimination accusations against the government, are yet to provide evidence of such. He reiterated the call to Guyanese to continue to ignore Burke’s empty rhetoric and embrace President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s “One Guyana” vision. Several government ministers have also denounced this questionable trend by the Opposition of divisive politics, and have exposed the inaccuracies with facts. The PPP/C Government, since assuming office in 2020, has implemented a plethora of measures and programmes that have benefitted Guyanese all across the country. The IDB, in its recent report, noted that the Government of Guyana has been managing the country effectively and transparently. The government’s peoplecentred policies are geared towards the upliftment of all Guyanese. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

By Tamica Garnett THE government has agreed to auction 14 of Guyana’s remaining offshore oil blocks under new fiscal terms, which will subject successful companies to 50 per cent profit sharing, a royalty rate of 10 per cent, and corporate tax of 10 per cent, among other things. The new fiscal terms and other conditions for future Production Sharing Agreements (PSA) were outlined on Thursday by Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during a press conference at the Office of the President. Giving an update on the government’s progress regarding the imminent oil-block auction, Dr. Jagdeo noted that Guyana is among 65 countries that will be launching auctions of oil blocks, and as such the government worked along with international consultant, IHS Markit Consulting, to offer the best terms that will see the country remaining competitive while also getting a fair deal. “These are key fiscal conditions. We know already funds are scarce [for oil-and-gas exploration], largely because of net zero targets. It is more and more difficult to finance the oil-and-gas sector. IHS Markit assured us at this level, although they [the conditions] may seem high to some people, that we will remain very competitive,” Dr. Jagdeo related. He went on to say: “Some will believe we’re taking too much; others will complain we should have taken everything under the sun. We opted for a simple formula with fixed royalties. Some countries have variable royalty, depending on internal rate of return; we did not go with that complex system. We

opted for a simple system which can be understood by everyone. The fixed royalty protects against when oil prices drop.” The new fiscal terms and other conditions will not be applicable to existing contracts. Outside of the fiscal terms, there will also be other ways in which the government will be moving forward with a stronger PSA to derive lucrative benefits from the oil-and- gas sector. “The strengthening will take place in the entire PSA. Laws of the country will also be amended where necessary to reflect anything inconsistent with that,” Dr. Jagdeo said. The government will also be implementing stronger relinquishment provisions that will be part of a work programme, which each bidder will be required to submit. The work programme, along with the bidder’s price, will form the criteria that the government will utilise to assess the bids and determine the successful awardees. In the work programme, the companies will have to outline spending commitments, and if the money is not spent, it will become a penalty that the company will have to pay to the government. “It will prevent people from taking a block and sitting on it,” Dr. Jagdeo said. RING FENCING The contract, according to the Vice-President, will also include ring fencing, which means that in computing the profits of an enterprise, only the expenses directly referable to that enterprise or oil activity can be deducted from the income earned from that field. Based on the new conditions, the maximum amount that could be recouped as cost oil is up to

65 per cent of revenue. “We were exploring two models for ring fencing; around the fields model or around the contract. We have decided on ring fencing around contract; this is because the area is small. So, you don’t need to ring fence around projects. We’re told it’s the most efficient way,” Dr. Jagdeo related. With the conditions in place, it paves the way for the auction, which is expected to run for five months after its date of commencement. The 14 blocks that will be auctioned range in size from 1,000 square (sq) kilometres (km) to 3,000 sq km. A c c o r d i n g t o D r. Jagdeo, 11 of the blocks will be in a shallow area, while three of the blocks will be in deeper waters. Some of the requirements for the bidding process will be different for the three deep-water blocks, as opposed to the 11 shallow-water blocks. In particular, winning bids for the three deepwater blocks will require a minimum signing bonus of US$20 million per block, while the 11 shallow-water blocks will carry a minimum signing bonus of US$10 million per block. The separate types of blocks will also carry different relinquishment provisions: Shallow-water blocks will be given a period of five years, while deep-water blocks will get 10 years. For both types of blocks, companies will have three years to conduct seismic tests, after which they will have to relinquish 50 per cent of the block. “We are doing this because we want greater turnover; we don’t want people to sit on the blocks,” Dr. Jagdeo noted.

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo There will be two one-year extensions for the shallow blocks. For shallow-water blocks, the last two of the five years will be split into two oneyear exploration periods, while for the deep-water blocks, their remaining seven years is also to carry out exploration. Companies will be allowed to bid for as many blocks as they like, however, they would only be

awarded a maximum of three blocks. To make the bids more competitive, the government will be allowing both locals and foreign investors to bid. Further, according to Dr. Jagdeo, there will be minimum technical and financial qualifications, which will be more stringent for three ultra-deep areas, since just few companies, globally, have the

resources to work in such conditions. Regarding arrangements for possible government-to-government partnerships, and or the establishment of a National Oil Company (NOC), Dr. Jagdeo noted that the possibilities are still being discussed, but there are still a number of offshore oil blocks outside of the 14 that will be up for auction.

Historic, timely and reassuring

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

–Tucville residents say in anticipation of much-needed assistance, community development

Expecting mother, Alfernetta is eager to relocate from the community (Delano Williams Photo)

By Naomi Parris FOR many residents of

Tucville, especially those residing in the ‘big yard’ or the East La Penitence

Housing Compound, getting by on a daily basis is no easy task. Some years ago, several persons were temporarily placed in the area following a fire in Tiger Bay. On Wednesday, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, along with several ministers visited the community and made several commitments to the residents there, one being the relocation of their households to a safer community. “We needed the recognition; the politicians needed to come and see how we living. It’s not easy in here and it wouldn’t be easy to relocate either,” one resident told the Guyana chronicle on Thursday. “We are all single par-

ents and we are barely getting by,” she added. While appreciative of the visit and the interest shown in the community, the woman believes a more targeted approach is needed to address the issues in the community. “We need a lot more in here, yes. We are willing to move but once help is provided, if not they could regularise the area and let us build here,” the resident said. Hackette (only name provided), said too that he is willing to relocate, and is grateful for the timely and historic intervention by the President. The man said that most persons in the community cannot afford to rebuild

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Paul Joseph

their lives from scratch. “Relocation calls for a lot, you have to change schools for children and all of that; so once we getting help, it would be good,” the resident said. Another resident, Paul Joseph, related that he is willing to make the move, but is concerned about the relocation of his farm as well. “In the community, you don’t find much people here doing farm and planting. I

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got a lot of permanent crops here now; I do a little cash crop. I also mine pigs. “I see the government is focused a lot on agriculture and that is one of the reasons I spoke to him about the land here, because I would like to get somewhere that I could expand on my poultry farming and cash-crop farming,” Joseph said. Meanwhile, an expecting mother, Alfernetta, said TURN TO PAGE 11

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Norton’s faux pas exposed

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

- World Bank clarifies that recent fact sheet contains statistics from period of Coalition’s rule, VP Jagdeo says By Tamica Garnett POVERTY statistics from the World Bank’s fact sheet on Guyana, which were cited by Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton as an indication that “inequality and poverty have climbed”, have been updated to note that the figures at reference are from 2019, a period during which the APNU+AFC coalition was in government. The fact sheet, which placed Guyana’s “national poverty headcount” at 48 per cent, was updated by the World Bank to include footnotes explaining that “2019 is the most recent available data” for which statistics in the report were calculated, while another footnote to the report also explains that “Guyana was re-categorised as upper-middle income in 2015,” meaning a new income classification was used to monitor poverty in the latest report. According to the World Bank report, the national poverty headcount referred

to “the share of the population living below US$5.5 a day.” The report notes that the poverty rates were highest in the sparsely populated interior or hinterland, where communities have limited access to economic opportunities, healthcare, and public services. The update to the fact sheet’s statistics were pointed out by Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh on Thursday. Both officials lambasted the Opposition Leader for trying to pin the report’s statistics on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), when it is the APNU+AFC that must answer for the country’s poor statistics in the report. Norton cited the report copiously on Tuesday, during his weekly press conference. He said that the statistics were an indication of how “the PPP government has brought this country to the point where inequality and

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo poverty have climbed, while the overall quality of life of citizens has dropped.” However, Dr. Jagdeo and Dr. Singh have now reversed the script on Norton. “What the fact sheet measured was the failure of the APNU+AFC Government in the last days. They increased poverty; they had a spending spree on things that didn’t matter, because they didn’t invest in the capital budget. [The fact sheet] was measuring the incompetence of their taxation policy; the growth in poverty under APNU+AFC,” Dr. Jagdeo argued, as he addressed the

issue during a press conference at the Office of the President. The APNU+AFC, which was in government from 2015 to 2020, was ousted after an alleged failed attempt to interfere with the 2020 General and Regional Elections. Despite being toppled by a no-confidence motion, the ‘Coalition’ managed to stay in government until 2020 through a series of manoeuvers. Dr. Jagdeo posited, however, that the fact sheet’s statistics could be attributed to the massive job loss that took place during the APNU+AFC’s term in office, brought about by the termination of 1,972 Community Support Officers (CSO) in hinterland communities, the laying off of over 7,000 sugar workers with the closure of several sugar estates across the country, and the contraction of the mining sector due to the implementation of several burdensome taxes. “We lost job in mining, retail trade, and forestry sec-

tor. If you say four persons in a family, that’s 120,000 people who got affected. Anyone measuring poverty at that time would’ve concluded the same thing,” Dr. Jagdeo said. MAJOR PROGRESS He said while the government is acknowledging that a lot needs to be done, major progress has been made in Guyana when compared to the years under the PNC and APNU+AFC. “We’ve always known there is poverty; don’t get me wrong, there is poverty in Guyana,” Dr. Jagdeo said, adding: “I’m not saying there isn’t poverty, and we know that acutely. We’re the ones who established the poverty reduction strategy. If you look at those reports, you will see the progress we made from the earlier years.” Dr. Singh, in a video message released by the Department of Public Information (DPI), also called out the Opposition Leader for misleading the Guyanese public on the true nature of the report. “He cited statistics with-

out bothering to find out the nature of the statistics, the background to the statistics, the source of the statistics, the manner in which they were computed, or the manner in which they should be interpreted. And, in fact, at the most basic level, without even bothering to find out the year to which the statistics related,” Dr. Singh said. He went on to say: “He sought to misrepresent the facts to create an adverse impression about Guyana; the contemporary state of affairs in Guyana. The statistics that Mr. Norton is using to paint the negative picture of Guyana are 2019 statistics, so he’s painting a picture of Guyana under the APNU+AFC after four years of dictatorial misuse and mismanagement.” Dr. Singh also highlighted that Norton’s inaccurate commentary on the report also failed to take into account Guyana’s reclassification as a result of the country’s per capita income going up due to the size of the economy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

Stemming the Slide

THE World Bank’s recent fact sheet on Guyana, which covers 2019, says the share of the population living below US$5.5 a day was at around 48 per cent and among the highest in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. It also noted the country’s very high emigration and brain drain rates. Although the report accounts for 2019, it is necessary to see the entire document in proper historical context. For starters, for a significant part of the second half of the 20th Century, Guyana was under the stew-

ardship of the leading party in the current opposition alliance; and for 28 years the nation, despite its richness in gold and other valuable resources, was led steadily downhill on a sliding trajectory of shameful economic and social decline. This downward slide eventually saw the same World Bank -- and other reputable financial agencies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) -- all rate Guyana’s economic standard as very poor, next only to Haiti.

It took a return of Electoral Democracy in 1992 and the first PPP/C administration under President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, to start initiating projects to stem the downward slide. Dr. Jagan was succeeded by President Bharrat Jagdeo, who, as Finance Minister under Dr. Jagan, started laying the basis for a positive turnaround in the nation’s finances, which fructified during his two terms, resulting in positive economic performances that laid the basis for recovery to follow through to the administration led by President Donald Ramotar

– and now led by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. The PNC, APNU and AFC failed several times in office to find ways and means to stem the slide, but the PPP/C has been able, over the past 30 years, to build a formidable team of finance administrators, currently led by Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh and others. Oil and Gas is an undisguised blessing and in the collective hands of the current financial administrators, who, over the past two years, have satisfactorily managed the industry with results that are both seen

and felt. On the contrary, based on the fact sheet that captures a period under the former APNU+AFC Government, The World Bank said: “Poverty rates were highest in the sparsely-populated interior or hinterland, where communities had limited access to economic opportunities, healthcare and public services…” There’s no escaping the fact that the current administration isn’t responsible for the other quoted findings of “high emigration and brain drain, with 39 per cent of all Guyanese citizens currently residing

abroad and roughly half of all Guyanese with a tertiary education having emigrated to the United States.” The above paragraph is another fallout from the Opposition’s historic legacy, but this administration and the PPP/C are less interested in who’s to blame than what’s to be done – and where to begin. It knows the first job is to fix the economy and make people’s lives better -- and that process has been underway for the past two years, in ways that please the majority of Guyanese at home and abroad.

Explaining the inexplicable intricacies of today’s cricket

Dear Editor, Guyanese, once popular cricket commentator, Joseph ‘Reds’ Pereira, had a famous term which he loved to use on the air, “and he is on his way.” Those wellknown words were used to describe a batsman making his way back to the pavilion after been giving out by the umpire. These days, we sadly have to say the same for an entire team, making their way back to the pavilion and back to their respective country after a joy-ride for a short “holiday,” lasting three games in Australia, during their ICC T20 World Cup 2022. What a disaster for the West Indies cricket team to be referred to as the “Worst Indies” team! Under the headline, “The Titanic is sunk,” Sportstar Magazine of India (in 1997) said that West Indies cricket eventually “may well be as much part of history as the Titanic.” Once, there were the “Bourda Green” days when the cavalier West Indies team was the most feared team in the world, filled with master blasters for batsmen and

leaving blisters to be plastered from their throng of pace bowlers, all done in a continuous manner from number one to number 11, and also year in year out. It used to be a continuous attack with the bat and the ball (okay, minus Lance Gibbs with the bat). Even Colin Croft, a bowler and tail-end batsman, showed his prowess with the bat. His records show that he had a highest test score of 33 while remaining not out 22 times from his 27 tests! At the prestigious Lord’s Cricket Ground in the UK, the West Indies won the ICC Cricket World Cup twice when it was known as the Prudential Cup played every four years, after being inaugurated in 1975 and again in 1979. Under Clive Lloyd’s captaincy, they beat Australia in the first encounter in 1975, fielding four Guyanese players: Clive Lloyd, Rohan Kanhai, Roy Fredericks and Alvin Kallicharran. They then thrashed England on the second occasion in 1979; this time, three Guyanese took the field: Clive Lloyd, Alvin Kallicharran and Colin Croft. But they were unable to complete

the hat-trick in 1983 when India beat them in a low-scoring game with only two Guyanese at the crease: Clive Lloyd and Faoud Bacchus. West Indies never fully recovered from that astounding loss and never won this World Cup 60/50 overs format of the game again. A slow but sure decline in the quality of Caribbean’s magnificence dwindled with the setting sun and the tiger lost its teeth. Michael Henderson of the Times in London maintained that, “an era came to an end, beyond all argument,” adding that it ended with a submission so feeble that the years of West Indian domination appeared to be a trick of the light. Such commanding dominance went to bed. The ICC T20 World Cup was introduced in 2007 and played every two years. Rays of hope seeped through dark clouds momentarily to enlighten some spark of excitement, enticing a cricketstarved Caribbean for some more days of glory, to truly represent the international fame of bedazzled names, decorating the electrifying era of earlier, thrilling sensa-

tionalism. West Indies won the cup in 2012 when they defeated Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka and won again in 2016, when they beat England in India, both times under the captaincy of Darren Sammy. The glaring absence of any Guyanese player was prominently featured on both occasions. Again, the doldrums of boredom seeped through the crevice to intoxicate rousing and gripping cricket. West Indians were spoiled with the calypso style tempo of cricket, accustomed to see runs flowing freely and fluently from the flashing bats and wickets tumbling from the pace and turn of the ball, coupled with hawk-like fielding from the athletic and acrobatic skills of the inspiring cricketers. The prolific, powerful players did not proliferate the past protégé of profiled prominence. Cricket in the Caribbean again bloomed like wild, unwanted flowers without fragrance in the burial ground to be noticed from far but not to be used productively or practically. Samuel Hasan of Pakistan’s leading English news-

paper, Dawn, once advised: “The only thing the West Indies now require is a complete overhaul. If the team remains as disparate as it currently is, they may be up for greater humiliation.” So true, embarrassed, the West Indies did grieve and mourn the death of a premature birth. The West Indies team failed to cross the starting line this year. Former Australian cricket captain, Ricky Ponting, described West Indies performance as a “disgrace.” Beginning gloomily, the team failed to secure direct entry into the super 12s. Former West Indies cricket captain, Kieron Pollard, said it’s a “sad day” for Caribbean cricket. He was both surprised and disappointed at the team’s early exit. Cricket West Indies President, Ricky Skerritt stated: “A post-mortem will be carried out immediately.” The first man on the table may be the head coach, Phil Simmonds. He has already indicated his decision to resign at his “beck and call.” Really? Not playing some key players with experience may also come into play.

Darren Sammy confessed: “The team lacked inspiration, they lacked motivation and tactically we were not on song.” The Hetmyer saga is another drama. Was there contamination at the selection level? Was the captain, Nicholas Pooran, at fault? Was there indiscipline? Did their attitude, attire and aptitude contribute to an attrition? Sir Andy Roberts wrote: “I’ve said it more than once – our players need to embark on personal development. They have to develop their game.” Is this the answer or to play the blame game? He further observed: “I hardly hear the Director of Cricket (Jimmy Adams) say anything concerning the development of cricket.” As previously advised by the expert: “New attitudes, new ideas and liberal minds are needed to work for progress.” Should the focus shift from too much fitness and concentrate on skills and/or they need to try new things rather than sticking to the same script? Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

Can you tell what kind of politics people support simply based on their appearance?

Dear Editor PLEASE permit me to respond to Mr. D. Da Costa’s “The damage done to Guyana thanks to almost two generations of selfish and greedy politicians” (Stabroek News, November 3, 2022). The writer should be given credit for expressing heartfelt feelings. Da Costa suggests that our politicians are “powerdrunk” and suffer from “tunnel vision,” acting in their own self-interest. According to the writer, politicians manipulate race to gain and preserve power. For him, “it does not require multimillion-dollar research projects and/or wide-ranging analyses to recognise this reality.” Now, if this is to be taken seriously, then we must ask Da Costa how he arrived

at such deep and irrefutable conclusions. From the temperament of the letter under consideration, it appears that Da Costa had a spiritual revelation. Evidence for this could be found in his accusation where “the majority... are selling themselves and their souls for a few pieces of silver...not unlike Judas in the bible story.” Editor, contrary to Mr. Da Costa’s implied claim that messianism should replace research in understanding our challenges, I insist that we, in fact, need more courageous research. By courageous here, I mean going beyond doing snap surveys and election-based polling. We need to go beyond exactly the things that are taken to be deeply institutionalised realities of society.

Our treatment of race is among the most important to be liberated from innuendo, hearsay, mere belief, and if I may, intellectual laziness fomented and reproduced in the “dreary sands of dead habits.” We also need to go beyond economic data and begin to think about things while drawing from the fields of sociology, psychoanalysis, urban-rural studies, political theory, constitutional law, gender studies, linguistics, semiotics, and among others, intercultural and cross-cultural communication. Given the centering of race in Da Costa’s article, allow me to make a few observations on the same. Most writers treat race as if it were a self-evident, physical, morphological category,

meaning that race and appearance are the same. Stuart Hall, that great Caribbean sociologist who worked out of the Open University in the U.K. once warned that the approach to race by writers like Da Costa amount to the following – show me what they look like, and I can tell not only what and how they think, but who they are, that is, their Being. Hall systematically destroyed this primordial understanding of race and racism. This is the ‘theory’ of race that is the most rampant in Guyana. I ask Da Costa and others this now, and with full respect to the persons named here – would you have been able to say where they stand politically if you did not know them and just saw their “persons” or images?

Think of GHK Lall, Susan Rodrigues, Geeta ChandanEdmond, Natasha Singh Lewis, Pauline Sukhai, Glen Lall, Christopher Ram, Yog Mahadeo, Malcom Harripaul, Amanza Walton-Desir, Kwame McCoy, Gail Teixeira, Joseph Hamilton, Freddie Kissoon, Gen. Norman Mclean, Raphael Trotman, Tandika Smith, or Alister S. Charlie. Are you or anyone able to tell where someone stands politically by simply looking at them? The fact is you cannot tell what kind of politics people support simply based on their appearance? Stuart Hall had called for “a politics without guarantees.” He was critical of certain strands of “Black Politics” that pre-analytically ascribe the “correct” politics based upon ances-

try, ethnic background, and morphological features. Yes, there are patterns and regularities in political attitudes and voting behaviour, but you simply cannot reduce people’s politics to their nominal ‘racial’ markers. Freddie Kissoon has made powerful arguments along the same lines regarding Rishi Sunak, Clarence Thomas, and others. This letter to the Editor has already gone beyond reasonable length. If the editor would be so kind, I would like to follow up on some of the other points made by Mr. Da Costa. In the meantime, I ask the writer to clarify what exactly is meant by race. Sincerely, Dr. Randolph Persaud

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

Dr. Vishnu Bisram will make an excellent ambassador

Dear Editor, I read that High Commissioner to India, Mr. Charrandass Persaud, seen as a hero for his brave and courageous vote in favour of the noconfidence motion in December 2018, motivated by conscience, will be returning home. A suitable replacement is needed to champion Guyana’s interests in India. I can’t think of anyone who is better qualified for the position than the diplomacy specialist, prolific writer, and diaspora activist, Dr. Vishnu Bisram. He has all the qualities to be an excellent ambassador cum representative in India. Although not a career foreign service diplomat of the Government of Guyana, Dr. Bisram has been serving as a sort

of non-official ‘diplomat and ambassador,’ promoting Guyana’s interests in America, India, and other countries over the last four decades. Wherever he travelled and lectured, he promoted Guyana and advocated and championed Guyana’s and the Guyanese diaspora interests. Dr. Bisram is well known for his consistent advocacy for free and fair elections in Guyana since the late 1960s and was never fearful to condemn fraud and violations of human rights or to organise protests, rallies, marches, and petition drives in USA and Guyana. He belonged to that very small group of Guyanese activists dedicated to the country’s causes. He worked closely with American politicians to help focus attention

on Guyana. His lobbying and advocacy motivated American and other influential global figures to pressure the dictatorship to restore democracy and free and fair elections in Guyana in 1992. In addition, he helped to organise and co-ordinate Guyanese diasporic activities in the USA and write on the community since 1977. He has been very active in a number of Guyanese, Caribbean, and Asian-Indian organisations in addition to writing for several publications. He has been repeatedly honoured for his activism and journalism by community-based organisations. Dr. Bisram is a highly educated and well-rounded distinguished scholar, intellectual, creative

thinker, writer, community leader and organiser uniquely qualified in the field of diplomacy. He studied foreign policy (relations), international politics, international relations, diplomacy, and history. He is a specialist on Indian and Asian Affairs. He holds PhDs in several disciplines including International Politics (Relations), Sociology, Economics, and History. He is also a holder of multiple Master’s Degrees including in Education Administration, and an undergraduate degree in Bio-Chemistry as well as a BA Major in Political Science. He was the recipient of distinguished “Who Is Who” Award for Student Leaders in American Uni-

versities for his services as an elected student leader, providing leadership while also maintaining high scholastic achievements. Dr Bisram organised and or presented papers at countless academic conferences and seminars in India and was a guest lecturer at many universities all over India in addition to other countries. He has been a regular visitor to India having visited countless times. He has maintained close, highlevel contacts in India. He was successful in getting the Indian Government to issue statements relating to the violation of human rights in Guyana during the dictatorship, as well as during the attempts to rig the March 2020 General and

Regional Elections and in lobbying for increased financial assistance and educational scholarships for Guyana for the last couple decades. He was also awarded a grant to study in India in addition to studying in several other countries. Dr. Bisram is widely known in several countries for his engagement with the public and government officials, and pays attention to details on varied matters. He has earned respect not only among the diaspora, but also internationally, including in India and Guyana. For all the above reasons, might I recommend Dr Vishnu Bisram for the vacancy of High Commissioner to India. Yours Sincerely, Dr. Kumar Mahabir

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

30,000+ secondary school girls to benefit from Menstrual Hygiene Initiative

First Lady Arya Ali and Mrs. Mignon BowenPhillips, wife of the Prime Minister, share a light moment at the recently-held Chari-Tea fundraiser at State House (Office of the First Lady photo) OVER 30,000 girls are set to benefit from the First Lady’s Menstrual Hygiene Initiative, which has commenced in secondary schools across the country. According to a press release from the Office of the First Lady, the Regional Education Department in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six

(East Berbice-Corentyne), and 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) were provided with sanitary pads for each secondary school-aged girl to receive one year’s supply. The schools have prepared a register which each student will be required to sign when uplifting their quota of pads. This is being done to strengthen the ac-

counting procedure involved in the distribution, and to ensure that every girl child in need benefits from this programme. Over the next few months, the remaining regions, Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) will receive their allocation, and begin providing to the schools for distribution. “Investing in interventions to empower girls to manage their menstruation safely, hygienically, with confidence and without stigma, so that they continue to attend and perform well in school once they start puberty isn’t just the morally right thing to do; it also makes economic sense. Investing in good menstrual hygiene management to enable women and girls to reach their full potential is a critical measure to build a nation’s human capital over time,” First Lady Arya Ali said. Mrs. Ali related that when her office launched this project last year, it was

First Lady Arya Ali shares a moment with two secondary school students (Office of the First Lady photo)

with faith, hope, optimism, and zero dollars. “I made the announcement about the menstrual hygiene initiative, and we waited patiently and hoped for the support from our partners,” she said, adding that the support so far has been overwhelming. “I am most pleased, and proud that we are able to provide one year’s supply of sanitary pads to every secondary school-aged girl in this country at no cost to them. Of course, this will

continue every year after this one,” she noted. Having achieved this, the First Lady said her attention will now shift to providing coverage for women. With limited funding, she underscored the need for donations and fundraisers which allows her office to expand coverage for women. Just recently, the Office of the First Lady, in partnership with Dilmah Tea hosted one such fundraiser, ChariTea, a tea party and fashion

show at State House. “Fundraisers like these are, therefore, very important to this aspect of the project, because the funding received from government only provides partial coverage for our girls. Therefore, we rely heavily on these fundraising events and donations to compensate for that shortfall,” the First Lady said. The Government of Guyana has provided $50 million in the 2022 Budget towards this programme.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

Guyana moves closer to establishing food security legislation -as stakeholder discussions begin

By Naomi Parris GUYANA has moved a step closer to having food security legisla-

FAO’s representative to Guyana Dr. Gilliam Smith

Ministry of Agriculture’s Director of Planning Natasha Beerjit-Deonarine

tion, as the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Thursday commenced stakeholder discussions on a draft Food Security and Nutrition Bill. An introductory workshop, which was the first of many to allow for the imminent enactment of the legislation in Guyana, was held at the Grand Coastal Hotel, and included representatives from the private and public sectors. In her remarks at the opening of the workshop, FAO’s resident representative, Dr. Gillian Smith said the collective gathering will ensure co-ordination among all the various actors. “Food security is not just agricultural production; food security is not just nutrition. All of these bits and pieces fit together, and when they fit together, well this is when you have food security,” Dr. Smith said. She added that once the food security bill is passed in the National Assembly and assented to by the President, Guyana will be the first English-speaking country in the Caribbean to have food security legislation. Guyana, Dr. Smith said, has already made tremendous progress in this area, as the country is currently leading

Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel Joann Bond

CARICOM’s efforts at achieving food security, and reducing the region’s food-import bill by 25 per cent by 2025. “Guyana has very much shown that they are leading CARICOM in food security for the region; very simply, the 25 by 25. The Caribbean region wants to reduce its food-import bill, which is one dimension in food security, and Guyana has been leading that,” Dr. Smith said. She further noted that while Guyana is self-sufficient when it comes to food production, the country lacks the laws to ensure that produce meets the nutritional needs of Guyanese. On this point, Dr. Smith said: “Globally, we are talking about food systems and being able to ensure that those global food systems that we have are meeting our nutritional needs, and that it is not reducing the natural resources that we have, and that it is resilient to shocks. “This is a very important and progressive way to ensure that we are always sitting at the front of the cutting edge.” Director of Planning at the Ministry of Agriculture, Natasha Beerjit-Deonarine said the ministry is keen on advancing its policies and making lucrative investments to ensure long-term food security.

“For the past two years,” she said, “the Ministry of Agriculture has undertaken several initiatives to improve the availability, access and the affordability of safe and healthy foods. On the supply side, these initiatives focus on increasing food production, implementing food feasibility systems, adopting climate-smart technologies, improving access to affordable inputs.” Deputy Chief Parliamentary counsel, Joann Bond said the drafting of a Food Security and Nutrition Bill for Guyana is taking place at a crucial time in the country’s history. Bond noted that the global pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine and Russia have highlighted the need for more stringent systems to be established, so as to ensure that every citizen is able to benefit from nutritious foods. “ We h a v e b e e n hearing a lot about food security, and we know that with the war that is currently taking place, as well as the impact of COVID-19, now more than ever, the global community needs to come together to develop systems, and to implement those systems to ensure that persons can have access to adequate food,” the Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

Gas-to-Energy project: Agreements to be signed with land owners from this weekend

STARTING this weekend, the government is expected to begin the signing of agreements with private land owners from Nouvelle Flanders to Wales in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) for the acquisition of land needed for the pipeline for the gas-toenergy project. This is according to VicePresident Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during a press conference at the Office of the President on Thursday. Dr. Jagdeo noted that despite the government’s hoping for consensual agreements with the land owners, some of the lands may have to be acquired by means of “eminent domain”, which authorises the State to compulsory acquire private property for public purposes. “The Attorney-General led this discussion; he has assured me that starting this weekend, they are going to be signing up agreements with a number of

land owners who will receive their compensation shortly,” the Vice-President said, adding: “There may be a few who don’t agree, so the land will be compulsorily acquired, if they don’t agree with the negotiations. Then that matter will proceed. But we believe the right-of-way will be ready soon for the project. Right now, it’s not a humbug to the advancement of the project.” The 12-inch pipeline, which will stretch some 200km from offshore, will be used to transport the natural gas from the from the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, to a power plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility that will be built in Wales, on the West Bank Demerara. ExxonMobil’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has guaranteed the

government that a minimum of 50 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd) will be transported through the pipeline by 2024. The pipeline, which is expected to cost US$1 billion, will have a maximum capacity of 130 mmscfd. As pertains to the power plant and NGL facility, the Vice-President noted that bids are currently being evaluated, and a recommendation is expected shortly. Five companies have placed their bids to construct the power plant and the natural gas liquids (NGL) plant, with the bids ranging from US$450 million to US$900 million. Dr. Jagdeo related that the bids were separately evaluated by two international companies; one from Canada and one from the United Kingdom. “They didn’t meet to collaborate,” he said. “They just did the evaluation separately, then we brought them together to compare. We benefitted

from two evaluation reports, and named the evaluation team. So they have the benefit of those reports. They are now working through the evaluation process, and, hopefully, in a week or two, we will then get recommendation which will then go to cabinet for approval.” The evaluation has also been completed for the consultancy group to manage the project, and a contract has been awarded by Cabinet. Tenders for the transmission mains to connect the power plant to the national grid are also expected to go out shortly. The conversion of natural gas from ExxonMobil’s offshore operations to electricity is a key component of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s objective to lower energy costs by at least 50 per cent through an energy mix which incorporates gas, solar, wind, and hydro power.

FROM PAGE 4 she is happy to relocate to another location for the benefit of her children. “I glad to get a land to come out of here… I got my three boys, I don’t want them growing up here anymore and I have my daughter on the way,” she said. During his visit to the

community, the President also engaged the community on their recreational needs including upgrades to the Tucville Football Ground. Treating the issues one by one and skillfully directing his team to take action in the process, President Ali committed to residents that an Informa-

tion and Communications Technology (ICT) hub will be established in the community to assist youths who are interested but unable to join the Guyana Online Learning Academy (GOAL) due to not having the means. Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and Minister within

the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar were also part of the President’s team. There will be follow-up visits to the community.

Historic, timely and...

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

15 witnesses come forward so far for elections CoI

- hearings commence today; commissioners set January 2023 target for conclusion of exercise By Shamar Meusa THE Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events surrounding the 2020 General and Regional Elections will commence today, with the first set of witnesses prepared to take the stand. This was announced on Thursday at the opening of the Commission at the Middle Street, Georgetown building. The Commission of Inquiry was established by President Dr. Irfaan Ali in September to inquire into the events following Polling Day on March 2, 2020. Three commissioners

Chairman of the Commission, retired judge, Justice Stanley John

were appointed to preside over the proceedings: Justice Stanley John (Ret’d) as Chairman of the COI; Former Attorney-General, High Court Judge and acting Justice of Appeal in the Eastern Caribbean, Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith, and former Chancellor, Justice Carl Singh. In his opening remarks, Justice John said that following March 2, 2020, it is public knowledge that Guyana experienced a five-month delay before the results of the elections were declared. During that period, he said, the tabulation and verification process for declaring the outcome of the elections was mired in

controversy. With repeated warnings from the international community of the consequences of electoral fraud, and calls for an end to the impasse, he said, the declaration and acceptance of the results of a national recount saw the peaceful transition of government in August 2020. Justice John said: “From any perspective, and by any standard, such an unprecedented state of affairs is serious enough to justify an objective and impartial inquiry into how and why it happened, and what can be done to prevent or reduce the chance of any recurrence of those events.”

During the course of the inquiry, the Commission is mandated by its Terms of Reference to inquire into and report on the relevant circumstances in relation to the counting and tabulation of votes polled, and the public declaration of the results by the Returning Officer of Electoral District No. Four and other elections officers. They are meant to inquire into and report on what, if any, attempts were made to obstruct, frustrate, subvert and prevent the counting and tabulation of votes polled, and a declaration of the true results of Electoral TURN TO PAGE 15

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

15 witnesses come forward so...

FROM PAGE 12 District No. Four, among other things. The Chairman told those present that the Commission must also make recommendations that it deems fit and necessary to permit the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to discharge its functions as prescribed in Guyana’s Representation of the People’s Act in a manner which is impartial, fair and in compliance with the Constitution. These, he said, are serious and heavy responsibilities that he and fellow commissioners intend to discharge carefully with professionalism, fairness and impartiality. “We are aware that much has been said about these events by many people from diverse places and organisations, but this inquiry has no ‘case’ to prove; it is interested in the truth, and in fair conclusions, based on the evidence properly analysed,” the Chairman of the Commission said. CREDIBLE EVIDENCE Justice John went on to say that in presenting its findings, the Commission will have regard only for the matters that are substantiated by credible evidence, with unstinting regard for the rules of natu-

their willingness to come forward. When asked whether persons have been subpoenaed to testify at the inquiry, Mr. Shaddick revealed that persons were not; however, a number of persons were invited to present evidence during the inquiry. As it is now, there are enough witnesses to carry the inquiry for around two weeks, as proceedings will be held on Monday to Friday from 9:00hrs to 11:00hrs and 13:00hrs to 16:00hrs.

Secretary of the Commission of Inquiry, Mr. Javed Shadick (Delano Williams photos) ral justice and fundamental fairness. Senior Counsel Sophia Chote of Trinidad and Tobago will lead the proceedings, while Attorneys-atLaw Natasha Vieira and Keoma Griffith are counsels on the inquiry. Justice John further noted that in the interest of transparency, all proceedings will be open to the public and live-streamed to be viewed by anyone who so wishes to do so. He said, too, that inquiries of this kind must be carried out with the utmost care, and expeditiously, and it is the Commission’s intention to complete the hearings by the end of Jan-

uary 2023, and submit the official report to President Ali by the end of March 2023. Following the official opening, Secretary of the CoI, Javed Shaddick told members of the media that the number of witnesses that have come forward thus far is 15, but this is likely to increase as more persons are coming forward. There is already a list of persons who would have played a part during the elections, be it observers, presiding officers, or GECOM officials, and even members of the press. Persons from all of these categories have indicated

Child rapist gets put away for 17 years

FORTY-NINE-YEAROLD Gavin Assanah was, on Thursday, sentenced to 17 years in prison for two counts of rape, committed on a 12-year-old girl. Assanah was sentenced by Justice Simone MorrisRamlall at the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court. In October, a 12-member jury found that Assanah, during the month of August 2014, in the county of Demerara, engaged in sexual penetration with a child under the age of 16. He repeated the offence on January 26, 2015. He was represented by attorney-at-law Euclin Gomes. The State was represented by prosecutors Cicelia Corbin, Caressa Henry and Paneeta Persaud. During Thursday’s sentencing hearing, his attorney pleaded with the court for leniency. H o w e v e r, P e r s a u d asked the court to consider that the victim’s innocence was snatched away by Assanah who had abused his position of trust. In handing down her decision, Justice MorrisRamlall considered the

JAILED Gavin Assanah prevalence of such offences here in Guyana, and the fact that Assanah took advantage of the closeness he shared with the victim and her family. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison on the first charge, and 17 on the second, but given that the sentences will run concurrently, he will only spend 17 years behind bars. The judge further ordered that Assanah undergo counselling for sex offenders while in prison. According to reports, Assanah was taken into police custody after the mother of the child filed a complaint against him.

The court heard that the incidents occurred at the home of the child’s mother. According to reports, Assanah was friendly with the mother and would frequently visit the family’s home. After the first rape, the child became afraid and did not tell anyone what had occurred. On January 26, 2015, Assanah visited the victim’s home again and raped her. The child subsequently confided in her relatives and the matter was reported to the police. Assanah was later arrested and charged.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

Driver hospitalised after slamming into parked car

The pickup and car in the trench THE driver of a pickup was admitted to the Suddie Public Hospital, on Thursday morning, shortly after he slammed into a parked car at Anna Regina. As a result of the collision, both vehicles were partially submerged in a nearby trench. According to reports reaching this publication, Hemant Takram, the owner of Shawn Mini Mart, sent an employee on an errand in his motor pickup GRR 8029. The employee claimed he felt dizzy and lost control of the pickup. Shortly after, he hit motor car PXX 1437,

which belongs to Masruq Kadir of Charity. Kadir had parked his vehicle outside the Regional Democratic Council’s drainage and irrigation building where he works. Speaking to this publication at the scene, Kadir said that he wants a “brand new” vehicle since his car was badly damaged both internally and externally. He said that he was informed by a colleague that his vehicle was in a trench and when he checked, he found his car and a pick-up partially submerged in the water. “The vehicle was in the

trench. I was super shocked to see my car in so much water. The seats all wet, the back damaged, the mirror damaged [and] the sensor gone. My car was worth $3 million and over. I need a brand-new car,” Kadir said. The pickup was also badly damaged. Persons who gathered said that the driver of the pickup was rushed to the hospital shortly after the accident. This publication was later told that he is hospitalised. P o l i c e r a n k s w e re called to the scene and are currently conducting investigations.

with several bags and he [the son] later returned a call and asked the tenant to venture upstairs and check on his father. The woman then called and revealed that his father was found motionless on the

bed next to a wardrobe. According to him, his father was in the habit of knocking down objects around the house whenever he was intoxicated and he noted that the tenant assumed that was the case that evening. “But after she saw someone leaving with bags… that’s when she got scared,” the man’s son had said. A neighbour related that persons in the area saw someone in a three-quarter pants walking out the street after 22:00 hours on the night in question. He said the individual’s presence seemed odd while Lackhan’s front door, which was slightly ajar, aroused further suspicion. Lackan’s son said that his father, who had been a manager at Gafoors for several years, was not experiencing any problems.

Trial into murder of Gafoors’ manager begins November 7

THE High Court trial into the murder of Gafoors’ manager, Terry Lackhan, who was killed during a robbery at his Herstelling, East Bank Demerara home in 2016, is expected to commence before a judge and jury on November 7. David Outar, 27, formerly of First Street, Herstelling and Patrick Ross, 29, formerly of Foulis, East Coast Demerara, were arraigned before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the Demerara High Court for the capital offence of murder. They denied that, on July 21, 2016, they murdered Lackhan during the course or furtherance of a robbery. The evidence will be led by State prosecutors Muntaz Ali and Simran Gajraj. Lackhan was a manager at Gafoors Industries Limited and was found dead, in his wardrobe, with a rope tied

around his neck, shortly after a male was seen exiting the home with several bags. Several bottles of tablets and photographs of his family members were nearby, as part of attempts by the murderer to make the man’s death look

like a suicide. His only child, Riyad Lackhan, had told reporters that he was in Berbice when he received a call from a tenant who lives in the lower flat of the building where his father resided.

He said the woman informed him that there was a commotion upstairs; that was around 21:00hrs on the day in question. According to the son, the tenant later informed him that someone was seen leaving

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

Mahaica farmer gets 10 NY Attorney General candidate slams Letitia James for ‘cozying up’ years for chopping woman to wanted man, Rickford Burke

C A N D I D AT E f o r Attorney General of New York, Michael Henry, in a press statement, on Thursday, slammed incumbent Attorney General Letitia James for “cozying up” to NYCbased APNU+AFC activist, Rickford Burke who is wanted for questioning by the Guyana Police Force on matters relating to “inciting public terrorism” and “racism”. “It is disgraceful that Letitia James would embrace a wanted criminal who calls for racial violence against ethnic minorities here in New York. Violence against political opponents has no place here. Period,” said Henry. “Letitia James should apologize – immediately – to the South Asian and Caribbean communities and all decent people here in New York for elevating and embracing someone who encourages violence on our streets. “James embraced Rickford Burke as a ‘brother from another

Candidate for NY Attorney General, Michael Henry (NY Post photo)

mother,’ at a Brooklyn meeting this past weekend,” the statement read. “Mr. Burke faces charges in Guyana for ‘inciting public terror ’ and ‘race hatred.’ He is affiliated with the PNC, one of two political parties in Guyana,” it continued. The statement highlighted Burke’s affiliation with the PNC in Guyana, noting: “The PNC attempted to steal an election in 2020 and refused to concede for five months. The US, UK, EU, Canada and others intervened after the attempted fraud. “The Guyana elections were certified by the Guyana Election Commission

(GECOM) – and every other Caribbean nation – after Burke’s party tried – for five months – to delay the certification and execute a failed coup. “Despite the international intervention, Letitia James advanced Burke’s claim that the Guyanese election was ‘rigged,’ ‘stolen’ and ‘racist,’ told a Brooklyn audience that she would use her power as Attorney General to involve other Democrat Attorneys General to call on the Department of Justice and Biden Administration to go after the duly elected Guyanese government.”

HIGH COURT Judge, J o - A n n B a r l o w, o n Thursday, sentenced a 41-year-old Mahaica farmer to 10 years in prison for brutally chopping his reputed wife three years ago. Fazil Osman, during an appearance at the Demerara High Court in September, admitted that, on February 24, 2019, at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, he wounded the woman with intent to commit murder. Prosecutor Latifiah Elliot presented the State’s case, while attorney-atlaw Teriq Mohammed is on record for Osman. During the sentencing hearing, the victim said that, after all these years, she had finally received justice. Justice Morris-Ramlall, in her sentencing remarks, told Osman that violence was inexcusable,

Fazil Osman and that she found no suffered at his hands, she mitigating factors in his decided to end it. On the day in quesfavour. After considering the tion, the victim, while in nature of the case and the the company of a Rural prevalence of the crime, Constable, reportedly the judge sentenced Os- went to Osman’s home man to 10 years. to serve him with a reAccording to reports, straining order. HowOsman and the victim had ever, he whipped out shared a common-law a cutlass and dealt the relationship, but due to woman several chops the domestic abuse she about the body.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

‘Shape-shifting’ makeup artist hopes to bring something new to Essequibo AFTER spending many years perfecting her artistic abilities, Essequibo Coast resident Wazeefa Barakat, is using her face to recreate fictional characters. Perfect for costume parties and dramatic plays, her work has been gaining traction on social media. She hopes that it will one day be widely embraced by Essequibians. The Buzz recently spoke with the 25-year-old woman, who has used her love for the arts to create a household name for herself. It was discovered that her shape-shifting makeup skills are just as popular as her char-

coal drawing which is perfect for someone who is looking for a unique portrait. Like most makeup enthusiasts, Barakat’s journey began with curiosity and rummaging through her mother’s makeup bag. “I started experimenting with my mom’s makeup. It was very horrible at first. I didn’t know what I was doing and I started looking at YouTube videos and practising until I got it right,” she told the BUZZ. Her curiosity for the arts peaked in high school when she was given an assignment which saw her exploring the

Wazeefa Barakat (Photos courtesy of Wazeefa Barakat)

composition of the human face. The assignment also tested her skills on paper. “Later on in school, we did the anatomy of the human body and we had to draw the face. I went home and I looked at videos and my drawing came out really good. I had to draw for like half of the class [and] that’s when I realised that I was really good at drawing, and I kept on doing it,” she recounted. “I just wanted to use my face as a canvas and so I just did it on my face,” she said as she explained what lead to her using makeup to produce her signature looks.

Barakat said: “I’m still discovering parts of myself and what I’m going to be doing.” The marketing manager hopes to one day turn her “hobbies” – makeup and charcoal drawings – into her fulltime job. She said that she has gained a lot of recognition and her unique skills are in high demand. She also has plans to widen her makeup and drawing skills. “I want to get into cosmetics, like microblading, lip blushing, lash enhancement and aside from that I want to become a special effects

makeup artist...I also want to try acrylic,” she said. Meanwhile, she took the opportunity to speak about her most recent makeup creation in celebration of Halloween. This saw her transforming herself into the infamous Jack Sparrow character from the film series Pirates of the Caribbean. She told the BUZZ that she was awe-struck by her own work. “I was so impressed. I wasn’t sure it was going to come out that good,” she said adding that it took her about five hours to complete the look.

A few of her charcoal drawings

Wazeefa replicates Pirates of the Caribbean’s Jack Sparrow

Two of her signature looks

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

Jah Cure stays behind prison walls

(Jamaica Observer) - JAH Cure will continue serving his six-year prison sentence for attempted manslaughter, a court in the Netherlands ruled on November 1. The reggae singer appeared in court for a pro forma hearing. He is scheduled to return on January 24. “ To d a y ( N o v e m b e r 1) there was a pro forma. There’s no news at this point. The suspect stays in detention and there is another pro forma hearing planned for January 24, 2023,” Tuscha Essed, press officer at the

Jah Cure (Jamaica Observer photo)

Public Prosecution Office to the Court of Appeals in the

Netherlands, told the Jamaica Observer.

Blessed times for Mavado

Mavado (Jamaica Observer photo)

(Jamaica Observer) - MAVADO has earned his first chart-topper on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart. Blessed, his collaboration with Ghanaian Afrobeats singer KiDi, has taken over the number one spot after entering four weeks ago. KiDi, who is 29 years old, won Artiste of The Year, Album of The Year and Most Popular Song of The Year at the 2022 Ghana Music Awards. His best-known song is Odo. Mavado has charted twice on the Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip-Hop Songs chart. Weh Dem A Do peaked at number 27 in 2007, while So Special rose to 52 in 2008. On the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, Bob Marley and The Wailers are number one for a 146th non-consecu-

tive week with Legend. Shaggy’s Best of Shaggy: The Boombastic Collection is number two; Wisdom by Stick Figure is three; and Dutty Classics Collection by Sean Paul is four. Greatest Hits by UB40 settles at number five, Dutty Rock by Sean Paul is at six, while Stick Figure occupies seven and eight, respectively, with World on Fire and Set in Stone. Gifted by Koffee is number nine, and Outside by Burna Boy is 10. Moving to the Cayman Islands, Hot 104.1 FM reports that Foot by Squash is the number one most requested song on their chart, with Bottles by Bunji Garlin at two, Dinero by Lila Ike at three, Speak in Tongues by John Legend and Jada Kingdom at four, and Dark Room

by Shane O at five. In South Florida, the top reggae song is Ain’t No Love in The Heart of The City by Ambelique. New entries are Fall in Love by Ginjah (number 22), In Case You Didn’t Know by Anthony Malvo (number 23), and Butterfly by Gramps Morgan (number 24). On the Foundation Radio Network New York Reggae Chart, Fifty by Tanya Stephens and Patra is number one. Moving from number 17 to 13 is Save The Children by Hezron, while The Mood by Busy Signal moves from 19 to 16. Original Song by Sanchez (number 28), Ali Baba by George Nooks (number 29), and Brown Eyes by Leroy Sibbles (number 30) are new entries.

In the Netherlands, a pro forma hearing occurs every 90 days during which a judge decides whether or not a jailed person should remain in detention. In March 2022, Jah Cure (given name Siccature Alcock) was sentenced to six years for stabbing a show promoter over unpaid money. The artiste, who was acquitted of attempted murder, has been incarcerated since October 2021. According to police reports, Jah Cure, 43, stabbed show promoter Nicardo

“Papa” Blake in his abdomen at Dam Square in Amsterdam, in October 2021. Blake, the principal of Roots Vibes, which stages reggae shows in the Netherlands, was reportedly hospitalised. Following the singer’s sentencing, Dutch prosecutors appealed the attempted murder charge. Throughout the years, Jah Cure had several brushes with the law. He was convicted of rape and illegal possession of a firearm in April 1999 and served eight of a 15-year sentence in prison.

He was released in July 2007. Incidentally, his first concert after being released from prison took place in the Netherlands at the Reggae Sundance Festival in August 2007. Jah Cure is known for the hit songs Longing For, Love Is, and True Reflection (Prison Walls). His 2015 album, The Cure, which included the songs That Girl, Rasta, and Life We Live, earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Reggae Album that year.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas is You’ copyright case dropped

(BBC) – SINGER Mariah Carey is no longer being sued for copyright infringement over her hit song ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’, after country singer Andy Stone dropped his legal action. Stone sued the popstar in June, claiming he co-wrote a song with the same name five years earlier.

He told the court he would dismiss the case - but legally he could refile it. A must-have on any festive playlist, Carey’s mega-hit is one of the bestknown Christmas records of all time. Stone, who performs under the name Vince Vance with the band Vince Vance and the Valiants, previously

filed the lawsuit in a New Orleans federal court - where he also filed to have the case dismissed. He was claiming at least $20 million (£16 million) in damages, arguing that Carey exploited his “popularity” and “style”. Despite sharing a title, the two songs are musically different, but Stone claimed

that Carey did not ask for permission to use the song name and had earned “undeserved profits” from it. It is not unusual for different songs to have the same name, and the United States Copyright Office lists 177 entries on its website under the title All I Want for Christmas is You. Since appearing on the album Merry Christmas in 1994, the song has topped the charts in several countries and by 2017 had reportedly earned Carey more than $60 million (£48 million) in royalties. It has been streamed over one billion times on Spotify. In a recent memoir,

Mariah Carey (left) performs with Santa Claus (GE TTY IMAGES)

Carey admitted to composing “most of the song

on a cheap little Casio keyboard”.

Imelda Staunton picks up royal baton as new queen in ‘The Crown’ (Reuters) – IMELDA Staunton picks up the royal baton as the latest actor to play Queen Elizabeth in hit Netflix drama “The Crown”, whose new season has faced criticism as it addresses a difficult era for the British royal family so soon after the late monarch’s death. The award-winning stage and screen actress, whose past credits include “Vera Drake” and the “Downton Abbey” and “Harry Potter” films, leads a new cast for season five, set in the 1990s, of the royal drama focused on Elizabeth’s reign. Elizabeth herself called 1992, the late monarch’s 40th year on the throne, her “annus horribilis” following family marital upsets, public dissent and a fire at Windsor Castle. “This time in the royal family’s life was very tumultuous and the writers didn’t shy away from any difficult issues,” Staunton told Reuters in an interview. Season five will be released on November 9, two months after Elizabeth died and her son Charles became king. One of its main storylines is the divorce of then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Some royal commentators have voiced con-

Imelda Staunton arrives for the world premiere of ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’ in London, Britain on April 25, 2022 (REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska/File Photo)

cern about the impact the show could have at the start of Charles’ reign. Others, including actress Judi Dench, have called on Netflix to add a disclaimer, criticising fictionalised scenes and dialogues. In a letter to London’s Times newspaper last month, the 87-year-old Dench said that, as the award-winning show approached present times, “the more freely it seems willing to blur the lines between historical accuracy and crude sensationalism”. Netflix says “The Crown” is “fictional dramatisation”, inspired by real events. “I think the idea that there is a need for a disclaimer is a little bit patronising. After four seasons, I think people around the world are well aware that this is a drama

based on real events,” actor Jonathan Pryce, who plays Prince Philip, said. “I think the proximity of the queen’s death... Nerve-endings are still raw, and people are feeling very protective,” Staunton said. “If this was coming out two years ago, I don’t think any of this would be going on. And it’s understandable, of course it is.” Pryce, who previously played Pope Francis in “The Two Popes”, said he had gained a greater understanding of Elizabeth and Philip working on the series. “And far from being hurtful or damaging, I think the audience will discover, as we discovered as actors, how compassionate this show is towards the problems that the royal family had at the time,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

Migos rapper Takeoff killed by ‘stray bullet’, record label claims

(BBC) - MIGOS rapper Takeoff was killed by a “stray bullet”, his record company has claimed in a statement. The 28-year-old, Grammy-nominated musician died on November 1 in a shooting at a bowling alley in Houston, Texas. Paying tribute, his record label said in a statement: “Senseless violence and a stray bullet has taken another life from this world and we are devastated.” Houston Police Chief, Troy Finner, said he did not want to speculate on whether Takeoff was the target. He added: “Based on what people say about him, he’s well respected, non-violent. “I would not expect him to be involved but I do want to wait on the investigation - but we have no reason to believe that he was involved in anything criminal at the time, just as people describe him as very peaceful, loving, a great entertainer.” He pleaded with witnesses at the scene to come forward. “Please step up, get the information to us so we can bring some closure to this family who’s hurting right now,” he said at a press conference. The shooting took place at about 02:30 local time (07:30 GMT) on a balcony outside the 810 Billiards and Bowling Alley, where Takeoff had reportedly been playing dice with his uncle and bandmate, Quavo. Police said 40 to 50 guests had been at a private party when someone opened fire. When they arrived, officers said they found a large crowd and a man with a gunshot wound to the head or neck. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Tw o o t h e r p e o p l e , a 24-year-old man and a 23-yearold woman, were injured and were driven to hospital in private vehicles. No arrests have been made. Police Chief Finner said “at least two firearms” were involved in the incident” and that there were “at least two individuals pulling triggers around here”. Takeoff, real name Kirsnick Khari Ball, was one third of the chart-topping Atlanta band Migos, whose hits included Walk It Talk It, Stir Fry and Versace. They achieved mainstream success with their 2016 single Bad And Boujee, which topped the US charts and was nominated for best rap performance at the Grammy Awards. Takeoff did not appear on that song, saying he missed the recording session, but he was considered to be one of the key architects of the Migos sound - full of punchy vocal triplets, and sparse, stuttering beats. Tributes to the star have flooded social media, with friends, collaborators and fans

Takeoff (GETTY IMAGES)

sharing their devastation over his loss. Drake, whose remix of Versace gave the band their first taste of chart success, wrote on Instagram: “I got the best memories of all of us seeing the world together and bringing light to every city we touch. That’s what I’ll focus on for now.” Gucci Mane, who recently collaborated with Takeoff and his uncle and bandmate Quavo on the song Us vs. Them, shared a photo of the rapper on Instagram, saying news of his death “broke my heart”. Fellow Atlanta legends Outkast echoed the statement, sharing a photo of Takeoff with the caption: “Rest in peace, Takeoff. Sending our deepest condolences and prayers to his family, friends and community of people touched by his craft.” Rapper Desiigner, who rose up at the same time as Migos, openly wept on an Instagram Live stream and said he was quitting rap. “Why do we do this?” he asked through tears. “I’m done [with] rap. It’s done, it’s done, it’s done, it’s done. Not to Takeoff, bro. It’s done.” Other musicians asked fans not to share videos of Takeoff’s final moments on social media. “Delete all footage and people talkin’ about it so it doesn’t exist,” Wiz Khalifa wrote. Former Fifth Harmony singer, Lauren Jauregui, echoed the message, writing: “I wish this could go without saying but please do not watch or circulate that video. We’re all so desensitized to death and it’s so sad.” Migos’ record label, Quality Control, posted a statement on Instagram saying: “It is with broken hearts and deep sadness that we mourn the loss of our beloved brother Kirsnick Khari Ball, known to the world as Takeoff. “Senseless violence and a stray bullet [have] taken another life from this world and we are devastated. Please respect his family and friends as we all continue to process this monumental loss.” Takeoff was the youngest member of Migos, who scored two number one albums in the US.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

RACING TIPS

American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 2 Blinding Light Race 3 Keeper Of Time Race 4 Game Theory Race 5 Tingling Mint Race 6 Highway Harmony Race 7 Sweetlou’sgotaces

Race 8 Know It All Audrey Race 9 Battle Bling Race 10 Kara Para Canadian Racing Tips Woosbine Race 1 Ivy’s Star Race 2 Unilateral Race 3 Fielder Race 4 Veloce Race 5 Hushemup Race 6 I Am Resilient Race 7 Might Bee Speedy Race 8 Box N Score South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:20 hrs Masters Queen 08:55 hrs Slings And Arrows 09:30 hrs Power Surge 10:05 hrs Mur Mur 10:40 hrs Travel Master Irish Racing Tips Down Royal 08:20 hrs American Mike 08:55 hrs Tyre Kicker 09:30 hrs The Model Kingdom 10:05 hrs Pied Piper 10:40 hrs Gevrey 11:15 hrs Mighty Potter English Racing Tips Exeter 08:40 hrs Outlaw Peter 09:15 hrs Lallygag 09:50 hrs Whisley Express 11:00 hrs Minella Buster 11:35 hrs Third Time Lucky 12:08 hrs Uberman Fontwell 09:05 hrs Teddy Blue 09:40 hrs Sayadam 10:15 hrs Parliament Hill 10:50 hrs Forward Plan 11:25 hrs Toad Of Toad Hill 12:00 hrs Tara Iti Newcastle 10:40 hrs Sajwaan 11:05 hrs Mr Coco Bean 11:40 hrs Pisanello 12:15 hrs Crocodile Power 12:45 hrs Abruzzo Mia 13:15 hrs Rory 13:45 hrs Pockley 14:15 hrs High Opinion

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

Shadab Khan's all-round assault sinks South Africa

SHADAB Khan kept Pakistan's hopes of securing a semi-final berth alive as they defeated South Africa by 33 runs (DLS method) in their Super 12 encounter of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup at the SCG yesterday. Pakistan looked in deep trouble when they were reduced to 43-4 inside just seven overs. Mohammad Haris entertained briefly with his 11-ball knock of 28 at the top of the order but Babar Azam (6), Mohammad Rizwan (4) and Shan Masood (2) got dismissed cheaply, leaving the lower middle-order with a lot of catching up to do. Iftikhar Ahmed stepped up as he built a 52-run stand with Mohammad Nawaz first then another 82-run stand for the sixth wicket with Shadab to take Pakistan to a total of 185-9, which looked absolutely improbable at one point. Iftikhar scored 51 from 35 deliveries but the real difference was made by Shadab, as he walked in and smashed 52 from just 22 deliveries, including three fours and

four sixes. The Proteas didn't get off to the start they would have hoped for, as Shaheen Afridi got rid of Quinton de Kock in the very first over of the innings. They also lost Rilee Rossouw in the fourth over with just 16 runs on the board. Temba Bavuma brought an end to his lean patch with an entertaining 19ball 36. He played some exquisite shots and took South Africa's score to 65-2 at the end of seven overs. Bavuma was threatening to take the game away from Pakistan but Shadab stepped up with the ball this time as he dismissed the South African skipper caught behind off his very first delivery. He didn't stop at that. He cleaned up a well-set Aiden Markram for 20 in the same over. The Proteas were cruising towards the target with Bavuma and Markram at the crease, but Shadab came into the attack and changed the momentum completely. Rain interrupted the game after the end of the ninth over with South Africa on 69-4

but the game resumed after a while with South Africa needing 73 to win from five overs (DLS method). Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs brought South Africa into the game for a brief period, as they added 25 runs in less than two overs but they fell behind once again when Afridi dismissed Klaasen in the 11th over. This was the left-arm pacer's third wicket after dismissing de Kock and Rossouw in the Powerplay. Afridi finished with figures of 3-0-14-3 as South Africa could not recover after that, finishing on 108-9 – 34 runs short of the revised target. This win has now kept Pakistan's hopes of a semi-final berth alive. They need to win their next match against Bangladesh and then hope that either India or South Africa lose their remaining matches to Zimbabwe and Netherlands, respectively. (ICC Media)

Belgium is hopeful Lukaku will be fit for World Cup after 'setback'

(REUTERS) - Belgium coach Roberto Martinez believes the absence of “irreplaceable” Romelu Lukaku from the Qatar World Cup will force his side to change the way they play, team officials confirmed yesterday. The officials, however, confirmed that the striker had not been ruled out of the tournament yet. Lukaku is struggling with a hamstring injury, having only recently returned from two months on the sidelines. He is a doubt for the finals in Qatar, with Belgium opening their tournament against Canada on November 23. But team doctor Kristof Sas has described the latest injury as a “setback” rather

than a fatal blow to the player’s FIFA World Cup chances. “It is not yet a line through the issue, but it is a setback for the player himself, his club and the Red Devils (Belgium national team),” Sas said. Martinez spoke last week about the importance of Lukaku in his side and how he covers a number of the attacking positions in the team. “At the Red Devils, he is irreplaceable,” Martinez had said. “Every national team has irreplaceable players. Look at Argentina with Messi, Croatia with Modric, Brozovic and Kovacic, and Spain and Germany also have such players. That’s just how it works.

“With us it’s Courtois, de Bruyne and Lukaku. You cannot replace them one on one. If they don’t play, we have to play in a different way. If Lukaku is not there, maybe we should play with more attackers.” Lukaku’s Italian club Inter Milan confirmed on Monday that the player had suffered a “myotendinous strain in his left hamstring” and would be monitored this week to ascertain the severity of the problem. The 29-year-old returned to action last week and scored in a 4-0 UEFA Champions League win over Viktoria Plzen. He also featured off the bench in the 3-0 Italian Serie A win over Sampdoria on Saturday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

Lionel Messi on World Cup mission in ‘Last Dance’ for Argentina …Messi's spark has grown ever brighter and the 35-year-old captain has become a man on a mission, evidenced by his sudden spurt of goals for Argentina

(REUTERS)) - Lionel Messi has won nearly 40 trophies for club and country in an illustrious career but the Argentine forward’s glittering resumé has one major omission - a World Cup winners’ medal. The debate over the greatest of all-time is one that will never be settled, but there is no doubt the diminutive playmaker is a true great of the modern era. with seven Ballons d’Or to his name. In the eyes of many Argentines, he ranks a close second to the late Diego Maradona who led the South American nation to World Cup glory in 1986. But that could change if he inspires one of the pre-tournament favourites to glory in Qatar. Maradona did not achieve as much as Messi in his club career but that magical run to the title in Mexico conferred on him immortality and a place in the history of the football-mad nation. Messi has often been described as Maradona reincarnated but the closest he came to the World Cup title was in the 2014 final as he shuffled past the gleaming trophy to accept the award for Best Player at the

In the eyes of many Argentines, Lionel Messi ranks a close second to the late Diego Maradona who led the South American nation to World Cup glory in 1986

tournament, eyes downcast. Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Germany in Brazil was among a run of gut-wrenching defeats in five consecutive major finals as they wondered when the agony would end. Messi unwillingly wore a bulls-eye on his back every time Argentina failed and even announced his retirement in 2016 when the pressure got too much before he was convinced to return. Last year, however, the burden was lifted off his shoulders when Argentina won the Copa America to end a 28-year trophy drought. Messi, aged 34,

had been their spark and was involved in nearly every goal Argentina scored in the tournament. BEATING HEART He was the beating heart of the side who broke down in tears as he was engulfed by his team mates at the final whistle after they beat arch-rivals Brazil. “I have peace of mind of having achieved the dream that has been denied me so many times,” Messi said. “It’s very difficult to win a World Cup or a Copa America. At the time they didn’t value what we did, they

only put emphasis on the fact that we didn’t achieve the aim.” With a team that has a rich mix of youth and experience, Messi’s spark has grown ever brighter and the 35-year-old captain has become a man on a mission, evidenced by his sudden spurt of goals for Argentina. Lionel Scaloni’s team are on a 35-match unbeaten run and Messi has scored 14 goals for his country since that Copa America triumph - including all five in a win over Estonia - to take his international tally to 90 ahead of his last World Cup. “There are some anxiety and nerves at the same time. It is the last one (World Cup). I’ve been playing with the national team for a long time now,” said Messi, who made his Argentina debut in 2005 and has over 160 caps. “There have been spectacular moments, like in 2014, 2015 and 2016 – but we didn’t win and were criticised for not being champions. We did everything right until the finals.” In Qatar, Messi will look to lead his side one step further and justify his place in the pantheon of greats alongside his idol Maradona - as equals.

Gobin Persaud Memorial T20 Cup 2022 …

Beckles powers Independence SC to big win A MAGNIFICENT half-century from opener Vivian Beckles gave Independence Sports Club (ISC) the first hold of the Gobin Persaud Memorial Twenty20 Cup when the curtain came down last Sunday at the Canal Number Two Sports Club ground, West Bank Demerara. Watched by a fair-sized crowd in a festive atmosphere, Beckles smashed five huge sixes and stroked two fours to lead ISC to a commanding 60-run win over Belle Vue Sports Club on a small ground with a fast outfield. His match-winning knock of 61 from 48 balls was responsible for ISC getting to 174 for 8 before limiting pre-tournament favourites, Belle Vue SC, to just 114 for 9 from their 20 overs in cloudy conditions. Beckles, lost his opening partner, Javon Hector (11) inside the powerplay at

22 for 1 in the 5th over then got excellent support from Mahendra Dhanpaul who scored a quick-fire 24 (16 balls; 3x6s) as the pair put on 61 for the second wicket. After Dhanpaul was dismissed in the 11th over, Beckles soon followed, making way for some entertaining cameos to take the total out of the reach of the opposition. Safraz Esau stroked 32 (20 balls, 3x6) and Ricky Sargeant thumped 29 (12 balls, 4x6) that made the crowd erupt. None of the Belle Vue bowlers was spared but Lucian Sam 3=21 from three overs was the most successful while captain Randy Ramrup 2-36 (4) and Rondel Wills 2-45 (4) offered support. In their turn at the crease, the losing finalists lost wickets at regular intervals before the game ended in fading light. Only batter number seven, Alex Parag,

with an attacking 38 (16 balls, 2x4; 4x6) offered any resistance with the bat. For the champions, Reaz Esau was the pick of the bowlers with 3-26 while Celvon Williams claimed 2-4 and captain Anand Bharat 2-15. Player-of-the-match, Beckles, who scored 115 runs in the four matches he played, was also named batter-of-the-tournament. He collected a trophy and a bat for his efforts while left-arm spinner Anand Persaud of Canal Number Two Sports Club collected a trophy and a pair of sneakers after he was named bowler-of-the-tournament for picking up nine wickets in three matches. Belle Vue walked away with the runners-up trophy and $50 000 whereas the champions went away smiling with the winners’ trophy and $150 000. All players and match officials were given medals to mark the

occasion, which is a special occasion for the Persaud family and the entire Canal Number Two. Gobin Persaud, in whose memory the tournament was played, died on May 6, 2021 at the age of 85 years. He was one of the founder members of Cultural Cricket Club and later became captain and then president of the club. Off the field, Persaud was a former Headmaster at Endeavour Primary School and Commons Primary School, former secretary of Vidya Daan Mandir and overall a very prominent member of Canal Number Two Polder. The tournament was sponsored by Star Sports, ND&S Furniture Store, SP General Construction and Raja Custom Brokerage Service and Banks DIH Limited. (John Ramsingh)

Ireland's Little out to finish with another upset

Josh Little celebrates dismissing England captain Jos Buttler in the shock win in Melbourne

IRISH paceman Josh Little is aiming to add New Zealand to the team's list of big scalps at the T20 World Cup after beating West Indies and England. Ireland's hopes of making the semi-finals are all but over but the Black Caps need a win in Adelaide today to ensure a last-four spot. "There's no reason why another upset couldn't be caused," said Little. "It's a World Cup and anything can happen - we're going out there fully confident of getting a win." Ireland sit fifth in Group One and to reach the semi-finals they would need to beat leaders New Zealand while massively improving their net-run rate and hope that Afghanistan beat Australia. Stunning victories over the Windies and England have already made this a successful tournament for an Irish side which progressed from the initial group stage for the first time since 2009 Ireland will take on a New Zealand side aiming to bounce back after a 20-run defeat by England on Tuesday. "That West Indies game was a do-or-die game for us. So to beat them in Hobart was absolutely amazing and something we'll never forget," added the 23-yearold Dubliner. "Then almost to the same extent with England. Playing England as an Irishman is always a big game, a big occasion. To win there is something very special. As I said about the West Indies game, something we'll never forget. "At the end of the day we want to be playing in as many big competitions as we can and playing on the world stage in front of thousands. "We had a couple of good games against New Zealand during the summer back home in Ireland. There's no reason why another upset couldn't be caused and the boys are feeling good. "I think if you just look at the tournament so far, you've seen upsets nearly every day or every second day, if you can even call them upsets anymore." (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

Regal Legends aiming to extend unbeaten streak

Yorkshire racism proceedings to be heard in public after Azeem Rafiq request

… Skipper Hardyal not taking opponents for granted

By Frederick Halley

THE so far indomitable Regal Legends, who have been ruling the roost since their entry into Over-50 category in 2020, are once again hot favourites to cart off championship honours at the sixth edition of the Prime Minister T20 Softball tournament, organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League in collaboration with Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Sport. The tourney bowls off on Friday, November 11 at various venues around Georgetown. However, despite the favourites-tag, long-standing skipper Mahendra Hardyal is not taking any of the other teams for granted. According to Hardyal, he’s aware that Regal Legends are being targeted and as such they are guarding against being complacent. Hardyal disclosed that their latest triumph in the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSC) annual Independence Cup, played last July in the ‘Big Apple’, was certainly a wake-up call for his players. After suffering a shock preliminary-round defeat to the hosts, Regal Legends bounced back to win the final in a nail-biting close encounter versus the same opponents. Set 156 for victory, Regal Legends achieved the target with three balls to spare, losing five wickets in the process. Apart from the loss in the preliminary

FLASHBACK: Regal Legends skipper Mahendra Hardyal (right) receives the Eagle from NYSCL president Eric Ferrier after his team’s triumph in the 2022 Independence Cup

round, they had made light work of their other opponents. Earlier in the year, Regal Legends were again tested by Toronto Blizzards in the South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL) tournament, played in the ‘Sunshine State’, before being rescued by a pugnacious innings from the no-nonsense Eric Thomas. In a final, which could be described as a tale of two halves, Regal Legends were staring down the barrel at 56 for four after the first 10 overs. With the entrance of Thomas, the complexion of the game changed dramatically. The experienced Eoin Abel and Thomas started the recovery process. However, after Abel went for 28 at 99 for six, it was the Thomas show. The left-hander, with what

could be described as brute force, proceeded to bludgeon the Toronto Blizzards’ bowling, taking a special liking for former Canadian World Cup player, Desmond Chumney, blasting him for six sixes in his lone over. Thomas, who was eventually bowled by Rabindra Parasnauth for 63 off a mere 14 deliveries, struck nine huge sixes and a four, allowing his team to add a further 140 runs in the last 10 overs to end on an imposing 196 for nine. In reply, Toronto Blizzards slumped to 125 all out, losing by 69 runs. In last year’s Prime Minister T20 final, played for the first time at the Guyana National Stadium, Regal Legends completed an emphatic 92-run victory over archrivals Mike’s Wellman. Winning the toss and batting, Regal Legends reached 171

for six in their allotted 20 overs before Wellman succumbed to 79 all out in 17.2 overs in another disappointing performance. Wellman skipper Wayne Jones, who has since joined Regal after the unfortunate passing of Lakhram ‘Mike’ Singh, was the only shining light with 26. Earlier, Regal Legends’ innings was built around fine knocks from Ramesh Deonarine (43) and the consistent Uniss Yusuf (35). Apart from NYSCL Legends, Regal Legends are expected to face stiff opposition from among others, Parika Defenders who will be boosted with the inclusion of former Guyana Under-19 player, Troy Gobin, who was the leading batter in the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) 2022 Over-50 season. The other teams scheduled to be in contention are Trophy Stall Legends, East Coast Legends, Toucana Rangers, Invaders and Jai Hind Jaguars. The winners of the Legends, Masters Over-40, Open All Stars categories will waltz away with a huge $600 000 first prize and a trophy while the runners-up collect $50 000 and a trophy. Each man-ofthe-match gets a trophy. The MVP in the All Stars Open is guaranteed a 50-inch flat screen television, the same as the Over-40 Masters winner while the Legends Over-50 MVP receives a three-piece sofa.

Tons for Athanaze and Hodge as Volcanoes beat CCC by 50 runs ALICK Athanaze stroked his second consecutive ton and Kavem Hodge added one of his own, as Windward Islands Volcanoes defeated Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) by 50 runs in the Cricke t We s t I n d i e s ’ C G United Super50 Cup on Wednesday at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad. Batting first, Volcanoes powered their way to 300-4 from the allotted 50 overs, and when rain came and forced an end to the

Alick Athanaze struck his second straight century

contest, CCC were 109-4 from 23 overs, 50 runs behind the Duckworth/ Lewis/Stern par score. Athanaze, who scored a magnificent 133 against Guyana Harpy Eagles on Monday at the same venue, smashed 16 fours and three sixes in a belligerent 140 from 129 balls. Hodge scored an unbeaten 106 off 131 balls (4x4s, 2x6s), the pair adding 208 for the second wicket. It was Athanaze and Hodge’s second successive century partnership for the second wick-

et.

Andre Fletcher thumped two sixes in 30* off 19 at the backend of the innings. Amari Goodridge took 2-56 for CCC. In reply, CCC lost wickets regularly with Demario Richards making 24, Kristan Kallicharan 23 and Denesh Ramdin 21*. It was CCC’s second loss in as many games, after a seven-wicket defeat to Trinidad and Tobago Red Force on Monday.

Former Yorkshire coach Andrew Gale has said he will not engage with the disciplinary process (Mike Egerton/PA)

Former Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq

DISCIPLINARY proceedings related to allegations of racism from former Yorkshire bowler Azeem Rafiq are set to be heard in public. The PA news agency understands parties were notified by the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) on Wednesday of the decision to hold the hearing in public. In June. the England and Wales Cricket Board charged a number of individuals over allegations made by Rafiq, and charged Yorkshire over their handling of those allegations. The hearing is understood to have been scheduled for two weeks, starting from November 28. It will almost certainly take place in London. However, any appeal against the decision to hold it in public could lead to it being pushed back. Rafiq has previously spoken about his desire for the hearing to take place in public, while Yorkshire are also understood to favour a public hearing. The ECB is understood to have been neutral on the subject until a preliminary hearing took place last month, where it also came out in support of the idea of holding it in public. There is nothing in the CDC rules preventing a hearing taking place in public, but it is an unprecedented move to do so. Former Yorkshire coach Andrew Gale has said he will not engage with the disciplinary process The ECB has declined to comment. The only individual who has confirmed his involvement in the hearing is former Yorkshire captain and first-team coach Andrew Gale. He issued a statement in July denying the allegations against him and stating that he would not engage with the disciplinary process, which he described as “tainted”. Rafiq first spoke about his experience of bullying and racism at Yorkshire in August 2020. Yorkshire commissioned an investigation into those allegations, which concluded Rafiq had been the victim of racial harassment and bullying. However, Yorkshire announced in October last year no disciplinary action would be taken against any individuals in relation to the investigation. That prompted uproar, with MP Sajid Javid saying “heads should roll” at the county. The ECB removed Yorkshire’s right to stage lucrative international matches at Headingley over its handling of the case, with senior members of the board stepping down. Rafiq also gave powerful testimony to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee last November about his experience at Yorkshire. The ECB has since published a game-wide plan to tackle discrimination in the sport. Following the ECB confirmation of charges against Yorkshire and a number of individuals in June, Rafiq released a statement saying: “I welcome today’s announcement and hope we can move to the hearing quickly. “This has been another gruelling but unfortunately necessary process. It has been a long two years since I went public about my experiences, but I hope this means that no young player ever goes through such pain and alienation again. “My preference would be for this hearing to take place publicly, but I am hopeful that we are at least nearing a point where there will be some sense of closure for my family and me.” (PA Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

'Themselves to blame' — Ricky Ponting finds no excuse if Australia don't make semi-final

FORMER Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes there will be some questions asked of Australia's T20I team if, as the defending champions, they don't progress to the semi-final of a home World Cup. Ponting, who had led Australia to two 50-over World Cup triumphs and also captained a team that made the semi-final in the inaugural World T20 in 2007, has been surprised by Australia's form in the lead-up and throughout the ongoing tournament. "If they don't make it through, there'll be some questions asked I'm sure, because I had them in the top three coming here," Ponting said yesterday. "I thought the final would be between two of Australia, India and England. The reason I say that was no one gave Australia a chance in the last (World Cup) over in the UAE in conditions that didn't suit. But then, they're (currently) in home conditions, and conditions that all of these guys have been brought up (in) and played a lot of cricket (in). "I thought that everything was just sort of aligning itself quite nicely for the Aussies to make it through. But even

"Batters haven't scored the runs they should have, particularly probably at the top" - Ricky Ponting (Getty Images)

their form coming in wasn't great either with the leadup that they had, and they did play a lot of T20 games coming here. So there can't be any excuse as far as preparation is concerned." Australia are currently on the brink of elimination ahead of their last group match against Afghanistan in Adelaide. Unless one of New Zealand or England lose their final match or Australia make up the large net runrate difference with a thumping win over Afghanistan, then the hosts will miss the semi-finals just 12 months after winning the title for the first time. Australia had lost five of their last nine T20Is heading into the tournament, and were down and out too before rain in Canberra ruined their

match against England. They also lost their only warm-up game against India in Brisbane after being in control of the chase, before getting hammered by New Zealand in the opening Super 12s match. It might end up being Australia's only loss of the tournament, but it left their net run rate in tatters, and could well be the reason they miss out on the semi-finals. They have also dropped three catches in this tournament so far, looking back at which they will feel they were critical, particularly from an NRR perspective. Against New Zealand, Finn Allen was put down on 19, and went on to make 42 off 16 balls to rip the game away from Australia at the SCG.

Ireland's Lorcan Tucker was dropped on 35 at the Gabba. Had it been taken, it would have left Ireland at 89 for 7 and given Australia a chance to have a huge NRR boost if they could bowl Ireland out for under 110. Instead, Tucker went on to make 71 not out and pushed Ireland to 137. Thus, Ponting believes Australia have been off in their execution across all departments. "It's there and then the moments in games that you just have to get right, and you have to nail in World Cups," he said. "And looking back to the last one (T20 World Cup), Australia nailed all the big moments. They haven't so far in this tournament, and that's quite often the difference. "I think Australia have been just that little bit off in probably all departments, to be honest. They've been a little bit sloppy in the field. A lot of their bowling hasn't been great, and their batters probably haven't scored the runs that they should have either - particularly probably at the top of the order. If they don't make it through, they obviously only have themselves to blame."(Cricinfo)

NBA boss Adam Silver disappointed by lack of 'unqualified apology' from Nets' Irving NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says he is disappointed that Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving "has not offered an unqualified apology" for his "reckless" social media post. Irving sparked outrage by tweeting a link to a film that contains anti-Semitic material last Thursday. Both Irving and the Nets on Wednesday said they would each make donations of $500 000 after the seven-time All-Star posted a link to controversial film 'Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America'. That money will go towards causes and organisations "that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving

our communities." Silver said in a statement yesterday: "While we appreciate the fact that he (Irving) agreed to work with the Brooklyn Nets and the Anti-Defamation League to combat antisem-

itism and other forms of discrimination, I am disappointed that he has not offered an unqualified apology and more specifically denounced the vile and harmful content contained in the film he chose to publicise." NBA boss Silver added that he will be meeting with Irving in person next week to discuss the situation. Irving said last weekend he would not "stand down" and pointed to the "historical complexities" of African heritage in America, but he subsequently deleted the social media post that sparked the uproar. I n We d n e s d a y ’s joint-statement from Irving, the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League, Irving

said: "I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalised and impacted every day. I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility. "I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles. I am a human being learning from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So from my family and I, we meant no harm to any one group, race or religion of people, and wish to only be a beacon of truth and light." (Sportsmax)

Costa Rica put faith in veterans for World Cup

Costa Rica players pose for a group photo before the International Friendly match v Uzbekistan at Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon, South Korea - September 27, 2022 (REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File photo)

(REUTERS) – Costa Rica head coach Luis Fernando Suarez entrusted veterans Keylor Navas, Bryan Ruiz, Joel Campbell and Oscar Duarte to lead their challenge at the Qatar World Cup as he named his 26-man selection for the tournament yesterday. The tournament will be the quartet’s third World Cup finals appearance, with Suarez also including the likes of Francisco Calvo, Yeltsin Tejeda and Kendall Waston. There was also a place for young Sunderland striker Jewison Bennette who opened his international account with two goals against South Korea in September. “It was very difficult (to make the list) because there are not only 26 players eligible to be in Qatar, we asked ourselves more questions about what we needed for the games, the current situation of each of them,” Suarez told reporters. “(It is) a group that is focused on what it wants, has a lot of desire, a continuous improvement since we started.” Costa Rica, who failed to make it out of their group in Russia four years, are drawn in Group E alongside Spain, Japan and Germany. They play friendlies against Nigeria and Iraq on November 9 and 17, respectively, before kicking off their campaign against former world champions Spain on November 23. Squad: Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas (Paris St Germain), Esteban Alvarado (Herediano), Patrick Sequeira (CD Lugo) Defenders: Francisco Calvo (Konyaspor), Juan Pablo Vargas (Millonarios FC), Kendall Waston (Saprissa), Oscar Duarte (Al-Wehda), Daniel Chacon (Colorado Rapids), Keysher Fuller (Herediano), Carlos Martinez (San Carlos), Bryan Oviedo (Real Salt Lake), Ronald Matarrita (Cincinnati) Midfielders: Yeltsin Tejeda (Herediano), Celso Borges (Alajuelense), Youstin Salas (Saprissa), Roan Wilson (Grecia), Gerson Torres (Herediano), Douglas Lopez (Herediano) Jewisson Bennette (Sunderland), Alvaro Zamora (Saprissa), Anthony Hernandez (Puntarenas FC), Brandon Aguilera (Nottingham Forest), Bryan Ruiz (Alajuelense) Forwards: Joel Campbell (Leon), Anthony Contreras (Herediano) Johan Venegas (Alajuelense)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday November 04, 2022)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Sydney (November 19) (2) Adelaide (November 20) Today’s Quiz (1) Where was the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2014 held? (2) How many matches were scheduled in the 2014 tournament? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

Panama business entities on board Prime Minister T20 Softball tournament

THE sixth edition of the Prime Minister T20 Softball Tournament, organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) in collaboration with the

Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Sport, is set to bowl off on Friday, November 11, at various venues around Georgetown, culminating with the finals

at the Guyana National Stadium on Sunday, November, 13. Apart from the several local sponsors, the GSCL, through the efforts of the

Abraham Woginiak (right) of Ofimak hands over sponsorship cheque to Hardyal

proprietor of Regal Stationery and Computer Supplies, Mahendra Hardyal, has also obtained sponsorship from two prominent business enti-

Man-of-the-match Romario Shepherd

the second with Akeal Hosein, who then pinched a leg bye off the third. With seven runs required from the last three deliveries, Narine punched a couple to deep cover, refused a single off the fifth, but could only scrape a

single off the final delivery. Sent in, Harpy Eagles posted 269 for nine from their 50 overs but needed a superb unbeaten 74 from all-rounder Romario Shepherd at number eight to get up to their total. Sherfane Rutherford slammed 49 from 64 balls, opener Anthony Bramble punched 42 from 37 balls and Tevin Imlach, 32 from 67 deliveries, but Harpy Eagles were undermined by veteran fast bowler Shannon Gabriel (4-42) and off-spinner Narine (3-17) and slumped to 210 for nine at the end of the 44th. However, man-of-thematch Shepherd blasted five fours and half-dozen sixes in a 46-ball cameo, adding 68 from 36 deliveries for the final wicket with Veerasammy Permaul (4). Bramble, who struck five fours and a six, put on 69 for the first wicket with Tagenarine Chanderpaul (25) before Narine and

they responded positively to his sponsorship request despite knowing little about cricket.

HL Furniture’s Rafael Chung (right) presents sponsorship cheque to Hardyal

Shepherd fireworks trump Bravo’s fifty in Harpy Eagles win

TAROUBA, Trinidad (CMC) – Darren Bravo’s half-century went in vain as reigning champions Trinidad and Tobago Red Force slipped to a narrow three-run defeat to Guyana Harpy Eagles in the Super50 Cup here late Wednesday night. Chasing 270 for victory at the Brian Lara Stadium, Red Force failed to get the 11 runs required from the final over sent down by seamer Clinton Pestano, to taste defeat for the first time in Zone A. The left-handed Bravo top-scored with 71 at number four, opener Kjorn Ottley got 49 while Yannic Cariah chipped in with 30 down the order, but it was Sunil Narine’s 17-ball unbeaten 30 which nearly got Red Force over the line. Narine, who notched four fours and a six, stole a single off the first delivery of the final over before scampering two byes off

ties in Panama – Ofimak and HL Furniture. According to Hardyal, his company does business with the two entities and

Gabriel combined to send four wickets tumbling for 17 runs off 37 deliveries. At 86 for four in the 16th over, Harpy Eagles found solace in an 83-run fifth-wicket stand between Rutherford and Imlach before another slide saw five wickets slide for 32 runs. In reply, Red Force also had a solid start, Ottley hitting seven fours in a 79-run opening stand with Joshua Da Silva (28) before both perished in successive overs with no runs added. Bravo arrived to hold the run chase together, putting on 47 for the third wicket with Jason Mohammed (24), 44 for the fourth with captain Nicholas Pooran (23), 56 for the fifth with Cariah and 24 for the sixth with Narine. The turning point came when Bravo holed out to long-on off Pestano at the end of the 48th over.

SCORE BOARD HARPY EAGLES innings T .Chanderpaul b Narine 25 A. Bramble b Gabriel 42 S. Hetmyer c Pooran b Narine 11 L. Johnson c Mohammed b Gabriel 0 T. Imlach b Gabriel 32 S. Rutherford c wkp. Da Silva b Narine 49 K. Sinclair run-out 4 R. Shepherd not out 74 G. Motie c wkp .Da Silva b Gabriel 5 C. Pestano c Ottley b Cariah 8 V. Permaul not out 4 Extras: (lb-3, w-7, nb-5) 15 TOTAL: (9 wkts, 50 overs) 269 Fall of wickets: 1-69, 2-76, 3-76, 4-86, 5-169, 6-173, 7-178, 8-184, 9-201 Bowling: Seales 6-0-56-0, Gabriel 9-3-42-4, Phillip 5-0-44-0, Hosein 10-0-62-0, Narine 10-2-17-3, Cariah 7-0-31-1, Mohammed 3-0-14-0. RED FORCE innings K Ottley c & b Motie J. Da Silva b Shepherd J. Mohammed c Hetmyer b Permaul D. Bravo c Sinclair b Pestano N. Pooran c Hetmyer b Shepherd Y. Cariah run-out S. Narine not out A. Hosein not out

49 28 24 71 23 30 30 2

Extras: (b2, lb2, w4, nb1) 9 TOTAL: (6 wkts, 50 overs) 266 Fall of wickets: 1-79, 2-79, 3-126, 4-170, 5-226, 6-250 Bowling: Shepherd 10-1-44-2, Permaul 9-0-51-1, Pestano 8-0-53-1, Sinclair 10-0-35-0, Motie 6-0-33-1, Rutherford 7-0-46-0. Man-of-the-Match: Romario Shepherd.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 4, 2022

Shadab Khan's all-round assault sinks South Africa

Shadab Khan's 20-ball half-century and 2-16 have inspired Pakistan, to keep their T20 World Cup hopes alive with a rain-affected 33-run win over South Africa

Belgium is hopeful Lukaku will be fit for World Cup after 'setback'

Guinness `Greatest of the Streets’ Intense action set for tomorrow’s East Coast semi-finals

A CLIMACTIC showdown is expected tomorrow at the Haslington Market tarmac, as the curtain comse down on the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast Demerara zone. Following two nights of elimination matches, four teams remain poised to battle for the coveted title, and bragging rights for a year. They are Vryheid’s Lust, Beterverwagting (BV)-A, Liliendaal Hustlers, and Non Pareil. Interestingly, three of the four remaining entrants will be first-time finalists if they are successful in their semi-final encounter. Giant-killers Vryheid’s Lust, who are responsible for the exit of champions Melanie-B in the quarterfinal section, will face-off with traditional giants Beterverwagting-A (BV-A) for a place in the final. Former champions BV-A overcame the gritty Church Yard unit. On the other hand, dark horses Non Pareil, who edged Victoria Eagles, secured a date with Liliendaal Hustlers in the second semi-final. Hustlers bested Old School in a tense penalty shoot-out to earn a berth to the final-four section. Meanwhile, the plate section will crown new champions following the exit of holders Belfield. The remaining teams are Portmore, Team Cruel, Buxton Diamond, and Uprising. The first semi-final will pit Portmore against Team Cruel, while Buxton Diamond will battle Uprising. According to tournament coordinator Rawle Welch, “The semi-finals are expected to be thrilling, and the fact that three of the four teams could possibly seal their maiden appearance in the championship match, highlights the growth and competitiveness of the tournament which certainly bodes well for its future. Even the plate section has been very competitive, and features several new teams, and has really brought additional flavour to the event.” He further said, “More importantly, the support from the fans, and players has been tremendous, and has exceeded expectations despite the brief timeline that was utilised to stage the tournament following a two-year hiatus which is also indicative of the passion that surrounds the event. “Saturday will be no different, as the tournament concludes in front of what is expected to be one of the largest crowds to grace the venue.” The Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast Demerara zone bracket Semifinals BV-A vs Vryheid’s Lust Liliendaal Hustlers vs Non Pareil Plate Semifinals Portmore vs Team Cruel Buxton vs Uprising

Sussex bring in Windies pacer Jaden Seales for first part of 2023

Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku celebrates after the match (REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo/File photo)

WEST Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales has agreed to join Sussex for the first three months of the 2023 season. The Trinidad-born 21-year-old made his Test debut against South Africa in June 2021 and has gone on to play nine Tests, taking 36 wickets. He became the youngest bowler ever to take five wickets in a Test for the West Indies after returning figures of 5-55 against Pakistan in August 2021. He will be able to play in

both the County Championship and T20 Blast. "As a young fast-bowler, I want to expose myself to as many different conditions and challenges as possible," Seales told the Sussex website. "I can't wait to test myself in England and hopefully contribute to a winning start for Sussex in both Championship and T20 cricket." Sussex performance director Keith Greenfield added: "Securing a quality overseas fast/seam bowler was hugely important us for the start of

next summer, particularly in Championship cricket, so to secure Jayden ahead of others is fantastic for us. "Those who have played against him and seen him at close quarters have been impressed by his skills and appetite for bowling. "He has certainly started impressively in Test cricket, and it is also great that he wants to play County cricket and knows how important it can be for him going forward." (BBC Sport)

Lionel Messi on World Cup mission in ‘Last Dance’ for Argentina Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 226-3243-9 (General); Editorial: 227-5204, 227-5216. Fax:227-5208

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| FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022