Defending champs Uitvlugt through to semis

Defending champions Uitvlugt will oppose Den Amstel in the semi-final of the annual West Demerara Football Association/ Josiah Memorial Champ-ionships following a 4-2 quarterfinal win over Wales FC Friday at the Den Amstel Community ground.

Uitvlugt, the league champions of the region, fell behind in the 20th minute when Kester Alleyne netted. Alleyne received a pass from the left side of the penalty box and easily slammed his shot past the goalkeeper.

However, the lead proved to be short-lived as Jamal Harvey equalised 10 minutes later placing his effort to the right of the custodian, after collecting a pass from Trayon Bobb inside the centre of the penalty area.

Bobb made his presence felt once more in the 35th minute to hand the titlist the lead. He skipped past three defenders whilst cutting in from the left side and finished under the advancing shot-stopper.

Sibling Seon Bobb was next to pen his name on the scorer’s sheet three minutes later, lashing his effort into the back of the net after pouncing on a loose ball inside the box sparked by a left side cross.

Upon the resumption, (Trayon) Bobb completed a deserved double in the 47th minute, striking the ball with the outside of his right foot from inside the 18-yard box past the goalkeeper after collecting a pass from his brother.

Wales eventually recorded a consolation goal in the 67th minute when Kurt Garrett converted a penalty kick. The matchup between Uitvlugt and Den Amstel will occur at a date to be announced.

The home side sealed their berth to the final four section following a 5-0 win over Stewartville on Wednesday at the same venue.

Meanwhile, 2016 losing finalist Pouderoyen earned their place in the semifinal stage, edging Golden Warriors 1-0 to seal a showdown with Young Achievers at 18:00hrs in the always tense ‘Pouderoyen Derby’.

Ashley Harding separated the two sides with a moment of brilliance in the 53rd minute, unleashing a 35 yard thunderbolt from the right side of the field into the left corner, following a throw in from Kevin Humphrey.

The impending match was made possible after Young Achievers edged Eagles 3-2 in the quarterfinal round.

Winner of the tourney will walk away with $200,000 and the championship with the second, third and fourth place finishers will pocket $100,000, $75,000 and $50,000 respectively.

We the Commissioners of the National Sports Commission have read in the print media a report that seeks to bring the reputation and character of the Director of Sport Mr. Christopher Jones into disrepute. We wish to inform the Nation that we reserve every confidence in DoS Mr. Christopher Jones and his ability to perform his responsibilities with integrity, steadfastness and fairness. The incidents so described (with specific reference to the matters relating to the Inter Guiana Games 2016) are within the knowledge and part of the remit of the National Sports Commission. To be abundantly clear there was an Inter Guiana Games Committee established to manage and oversee these Games which was headed by member of the National Sports Commission, Commissioner Ms. Lavern Fraser. Additionally, another member of the National Sports Commission, Commissioner Mr. Seon Erskine served as a member of the said Inter Guiana Games Committee. The Committee and DoS Mr. Christopher briefed the National Sports Commission of each and every development as it pertains to the management and execution of the Inter Guiana Games. We are extremely disheartened that allegations of corruption are being raised when everything was done above board. All Guyana must remember what a tremendous success these Games were. All Guyana must remember the high quality of service rendered to athletes and officials both foreign and domestic. All Guyana must remember the magnificent state our facilities were put into for these games. This was a collaborative effort between Government of Guyana, the National Sports Commission, the Private Sector and most of all ordinary Guyanese who played their part in getting the job done.

As it relates to the incidents described by the Deputy Director of Sport Ms. Melissa DowRichardson, we, the Commissioners of the National Sports Commission, will say regrettably we found cause enough to document the full nature of the behavior and conduct of Ms. Melissa Dow-Richardson and were an inquiry to be launched into her overall conduct, most will be alarmed. Notwithstanding, we welcome an investigation into any allegation of mistreatment to women at the workplace as this ought never to be condoned.

In conclusion, sport in Guyana is now at a good place where we are seeing results where we are seeing tax dollars at work. We urge the Nation and all stakeholders of the Sport Sector to remain focused. We, the Commissioners of the National Sports Commission, with the support of the Ministry of Education both Ministers Dr. Roopnaraine MP and Ms. Henry MP, former Permanent Secretary Mr. Alfred King and support staff, will be delivering a Synthetic Track in Linden, the “Light It Up Project” for grounds countrywide, scholarships for athletes, the installation of a Cool Air Venting System at the National Gymnasium, a MultiPurpose Facility in Bartica, completion of the Athletes Database, upgrades to the National Aquatic Centre amongst other projects in 2017.

We end with a quote from our First Lady Her Excellency Mrs. Sandra Granger, “Will we ever be big enough to celebrate and emulate the achievements of others without seeking to drag them down?”

God Bless Guyana.

COMMISSIONERS

Mr. Ivan Persaud Mr. Seon Erskine Mr. Edison Jefford Ms. Aliann Pompey

Mr. Ramnaresh Sarwan Ms. Inga Teague Mr. Lavern Fraser Mr. James A Bond