‘No second-guessing’ in building out world-class sports economy
- President Ali urges creation of business plan for socio-economic development at new squash court opening
By Trina Williams
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has stated that emphasis on sports development could serve as a catalyst for sustainable development and his government is working assiduously to achieve this goal.
On Saturday, the President inaugurated a new $68 million international-standard doubles squash court at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue.
By investing in sports infrastructure and the country’s national athletes and thinking outside of the box, the country can set itself apart from others in 2030 and beyond, Dr Ali affirmed.
“There’s no second -guessing these ambitious targets. We have to do it” he told sports officials.
The President then urged the Guyana Squash Asso -
ciation to look beyond the physical infrastructure and think about how they could develop the facility into a business model for sports.
While stating that squash has a niche market, Dr Ali then highlighted how other countries are developing their sports economies.
Additionally, he said that the investments in sports are part of the government’s national infrastructural plan and the country’s socio-economic transformation.
Exposing Guyana’s national athletes and enhancing physical infrastructures go hand in hand in developing sports, the President told the gathering.
Dr Ali said: “National pride is built on many pillars, but one of the most integrating pillars through which national pride is built is on sports and culture.”
On that note, he said that national pride is essential for
the promotion of national unity and both of these elements will result in building national prosperity.
“National prosperity is not only and must not only be defined by national income or economic and financial parameters. National prosperity deals with the life of a nation,” he said.
A duty-free sports store was another proposal the President made when giving recommendations for developing the holistic ecosystem.
Recognising the essential role in fostering well-being, unity, and youth development, the President said the culture of only parents and coaches carrying the support behind athletes must change.
“When you wear the colours of Guyana, regardless of what discipline you’re wearing that in, national pride and national energy must be behind every athlete that puts on the national co-
lours and we have to achieve this through integration. We cannot achieve this through isolation,” the Head of State said.
When national athletes are spotted at an early age, the President said there must be balance, meaning that their education and training must not overpower one another.
“We have to spot these athletes early and then we have to develop a national investment strategy for these athletes potential,” he said.
As he explained how important it is to maintain the health and wellness of athletes, the President affirmed that: “Sports is the cornerstone of the national development.”
Further, the government is playing its part in developing sports as Dr Ali noted that every school must have a multipurpose sports tarmac. This has begun since
last year.
“We have to get back sports and culture as fundamental teaching tools in every single school in this country,” he said.
Monitoring children’s screen times and pushing for more outdoor activities was also urged by the President.
Also, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson jr spoke on how the sports sector has improved.
To be specific, one im-
provement he highlighted was that prior to the appointment of the new leadership at the National Sports Commission, there were only three meetings in five years, under previous leadership.
“How are you going to get work done? How are you going to achieve anything if you have three meetings in five years?” he posited.
He then said under the new leadership, the commission is now active.
Several policies, mechanisms being pursued to curtail gender-based
violence
By Trina Williams
Stricter legal frameworks, the expansion of support services for survivors and nationwide awareness campaigns will continue to be pursued, in order to curtail gender-based violence, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud stated.
During the consideration of estimates, Dr Persaud told Parliamentarians about the works that her ministry is doing, such as drafting policies, creating safe havens for victims and crafting plans to tackle social issues.
Opposition Parliamentarian, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley quizzed Dr Persaud about the operations of the ministry’s toll-free 914 hotline.
In response, the Minister said: “All the 914 officers have been trained with the assistance from the United Nations Population Fund.”
Going more in detail, she
- Dr Persaud highlights new laws, expanded shelters, and mobile units - over 19,500 receive free legal aid and support services since 2020
said that the commander of the police station is contacted if the victim is in peril.
She then said: “This has been a tried and tested route because we want to make sure that we hold the commander accountable. And so once the commander is called, the police, they’re expected to turn up.”
For victims who want to be removed from the abusive environment, there are mechanisms in place, the Minister
explained, while noting that it is not mandatory for victims to give their name or any identifying details.
While the Opposition Parliamentarian made claims that there are inefficiencies with the hotline, the Minister rebutted these claims and said that she herself makes random calls to it to ensure that it is functioning properly.
While not unreceptive to criticisms, she cautioned
the House to be careful with their comments and claims, as the issue of gender-based violence is serious.
“We must encourage people to use this reporting mechanism because it has helped a lot of people,” she said.
Additionally, the Minister told the House that there are several pieces of legislation being drafted.
Particularly, three pieces are in alignment with the Hague convention that deals with abduction, protection and maintenance.
Moreover, speaking on the other policies that are aimed at protecting and serving, a gender-based policy is being thoroughly looked at, among several others.
Also, a novel achievement for this government and the first of its kind, is the day and night care facility, which includes a childcare unit, coming on stream this year.
PREVENTION AND PROTECTION
Senior Minister in the
Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashn i Singh, during the 2025 budget presentation firmly stated that the government remains resolute in its efforts to curtail domestic violence and harassment in society.
With that said, the Minister highlighted that several interventions were pursued since taking office in 2020, including the updating of critical legislations, such as the Family Violence Act 2023.
Additionally, in 2024, two Hope and Justice Centres were established in Regions Three and Four, and the first Gender Based Violence Mobile Unit was opened in Region One, to provide access to essential services and immediate support to survivors of gender-based violence in the outlying areas.
To complement the policy and legislative agenda, communities in all Regions
were trained and sensitised on sexual offences and domestic violence prevention.
In addition, over the last four years, free legal aid services were provided to more than 19,500 persons and a legal pro-bono initiative was established particularly to provide legal services mainly to domestic violence victims, Dr Singh said.
Additionally, 2,478 survivors of gender-based violence benefited from shelter and counselling services, and were essential items for their hygiene and nutrition.
The Government also brought into law the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 2023, which criminalises sex and labour trafficking, and increased previously prescribed penalties for trafficking crimes.
And notably, 2024 marked the eighth consecutive year Guyana has maintained its Tier 1 status in the US Department of State Trafficking in Persons ranking.
President, Dr Irfaan Ali
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud
PNCR confirms no plan in place to finance grandiose plans - attempt
THE People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has exposed its glaring lack of financial planning, as the party failed to provide a concrete explanation of how it would fund its costly and grandiose proposals, if elected.
After being blazed by persons from different sections of society, including Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, for lofty promises being made from the most junior opposition parliamentarian to its Leader, Aubrey Norton, the party decided to publish a lengthy press release in an attempt to "turn down the heat."
However, the release simply confirmed the observation previously made by Dr. Singh that APNU/ AFC is making unrealistic and exaggerated promises with absolutely no capacity or intention to deliver on those promises.
to challenge Dr. Singh’s deconstruction of ‘unrealistic’ proposals backfires
posals with a Democratic Dividend which never materialized.
INCREASED VAT AND TAX COLLECTIONS
Showing that it indeed prioritises empty rhetoric over realistic solutions and credible plans, the Opposition boldly stated that it is not nearly a trillion dollars it needs to fund its social protection programmes but just over $600 billion annually, initially.
However, they still failed to indicate how they intend to fund those programmes.
The PNCR referenced a “Good Governance Dividend’ as the means to fund its $100,000 cash grant proposal.
However, this is a resurrected initiative that was a failed political promise under the previous APNU+AFC coalition. In their 2015 manifesto, the AP - NU+AFC coalition had promises to finance their pro -
He had chastised the PNCR-led A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) for their reckless and unrealistic budget proposals, which he calculated would cost nearly a trillion dollars— without a clear plan to fund them, and without provisions for major sectors.
Significantly too, the press release issued by APNU/AFC referred to increased VAT and other taxes as a source of revenue to finance their grandiose plans.
This also confirms the view expressed by many government speakers and commentators in recent weeks who commented on the fact that in 2015 APNU/ AFC had promised to reduce VAT and other taxes but instead raised these taxes, imposing more than 200 increases taxes and fees on the Guyanese public.
The admission that they would finance their grand plans with increased VAT and tax collections would inevitably raise alarm bells in both the business community and the general public given APNU/AFC’s track record of heavy taxation to finance extravagant and wasteful spending.
In contrast, successive PPP/C budgets have been presented with no new tax-
es, including the recent 2025 budget.
EXPERTS STILL TO BE HIRED, ECONOMIC MODELLING STILL TO BE DONE
Also, as usual they said that they will hire “experts” for economic modelling, proving that "experts" were not consulted before drafting the grandiose plans.
This raises the obvious question as to the basis on which the grand plans were formulated if the experts they are depending on and the modeling they need to do are all still to be put in place.
This too, reinforced the view expressed by Minister Singh regarding the farcical nature of the promises being made by APNU/AFC and the abject incompetence of their leadership.
'UNREALISTIC, WHIMSICAL’
Dr. Singh, in closing off the Budget 2025 debate, exposed the opposition’s long history of corruption, economic destruction, and failure to deliver on promises.
The other side of the House sat almost mute, while Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton and several other
members of parliament were absent for the majority of the Finance Minister’s presentation.
The Opposition Leader had made his presentation just before Dr. Singh, and spoke at length about his party’s plans, should it assume the governing role.
Norton touted “a people-centred strategy for development,” which includes a significant reduction in taxes, and the alleviation of the high cost of living.
Dr. Singh, however, said that with the Opposition’s track record, it is highly unlikely that it will ever return to the governing office, and warned that their incompetence, economic mismanagement, and deception were the reasons they were rejected by the electorate.
The Finance Minister reminded the nation of the APNU+AFC’s disastrous tenure in office between 2015 and 2020, during which they implemented draconian taxation policies, stifled economic growth, and mismanaged national resources.
He reminded the public that the PNCR, under Forbes Burnham, once banned basic food items like flour and potatoes, criminalising citizens for eating roti and dhal.
“Mr. Norton comes today to say he’s proud of the fact that their party banned basic
food items. The APNU+AFC has learned nothing. They want to mislead the people into believing they have changed, but they are the same PNC that reduced this country to pauperism,” Dr. Singh posited.
APNU’S
BUDGET PROPOSALS
“Their fictitious, imaginary measures, their whimsical and fanciful promises, amount to nearly a trillion dollars before they even build a school, a hospital, or a single road,” he said.
According to Dr Singh, those fanciful host of proposed measures exclude the allocations needed for critical sectors like infrastructure and education.
Unlike the PNCR, Minister Singh reaffirmed that the PPP/C government will be delivering on its promises and forging ahead with Guyana’s unprecedented economic growth.
“We in the PPP/C will continue to deliver to the Guyanese people, and Budget 2025 represents this latest instalment in our continued delivery to the Guyanese people. We will continue to deliver, we will execute Budget 2025, we will win the elections later in 2025, and we will continue to deliver until 2030, and long beyond 2030,” he added.
Budget 2025: A Vision for Guyana’s Blue Economy and Agricultural Prosperity
- Minister Mustapha
By Cindy Parkinson-Chowbay
As Budget 2025 takes center stage in Parliament, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalizing Guyana’s agricultural sector, particularly the fisheries and aquaculture industries. Addressing the opposition (APNU+AFC), Minister Mustapha highlighted the extensive damage inflicted on the sector between 2015 and 2020 and how the current administration is implementing transformative measures to ensure long-term sustainability and economic growth.
During his budget presentation, Minister Mustapha underscored the significant decline in the fisheries sector under the previous administration, noting that aquaculture productivity saw a sixfold reduction between 2014 and 2019. He attributed this decline to the imposition of VAT on fisheries inputs and high fishing li-
Minister of Agriculture, Minister Zulfikar Mustapha
cense fees, which discouraged private investment and pushed many fisherfolk out of the industry.
“The APNU/AFC neglected the fisherfolk, giving them little to no incentives to remain in the industry, much less attract new farmers or fishers,” Minister Mustapha stated.
Since 2020, the PPP/C government has prioritized restoring the fisheries and aquaculture industries by working closely with stakeholders. The 2025 budget allocates $1.3 billion to this sector—an 18% increase from the $1.1 billion spent in 2024. This injection of funds is expected to provide greater opportunities for young
people and women to participate in aquaculture and further the development of Guyana’s ‘Blue Economy.’
Minister Mustapha highlighted that private sector credit in shrimp and fishing has increased by 66%, demonstrating renewed confidence in the industry. The brackish water shrimp initiative alone earned over $1.8 billion in 2024, with production increasing by an average of 194% per annum since the project’s inception in 2021. To further expand this success, 80 additional brackish water shrimp ponds will be constructed in Region Six in 2025.
The government has
also taken proactive steps to mitigate economic challenges for fisherfolk. Minister Mustapha noted that between 2022 and 2023, the administration allocated a one-time cash grant of $150,000 per fisherman, amounting to $1.13 billion, to counteract rising input costs and declining catches. Additionally, over $600 million was invested in improving 100 landing sites across the country, incorporating washroom facilities, sheds, wharves, solar lighting, ramps, and office buildings. In 2025, further upgrades will be carried out on landing sites in Regions One through Six to enhance operational
efficiency and safety.
The minister also outlined the government’s efforts to strengthen security within the industry. In 2023 and 2024, 150 vessel monitoring devices were distributed to artisanal fishers, aiding in the fight against piracy and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. To enhance surveillance further, an additional 100 remote monitoring devices will be acquired in 2025.
A key challenge inherited by the PPP/C government was the 2018 ban on catfish exports to the United States, a direct result of the APNU/AFC government’s failure to implement the necessary regulatory measures. Minister Mustapha reassured the nation that ongoing negotiations with US authorities are progressing well, and he remains optimistic that the ban will soon be lifted, restoring a critical trade avenue for local fisherfolk.
Minister Mustapha emphasized that Budget 2025 is not just a financial plan for the upcoming year but a long-term vision to build a resilient agricultural sector. The PPP/C
government’s investments in fisheries, aquaculture, and agricultural infrastructure will create a robust foundation for sustainable development, benefiting generations to come.
“This budget is a collective endeavor. It is not solely the responsibility of the government, but a shared commitment from every citizen who envisions a brighter future for Guyana and the generations that follow,” Minister Mustapha stated.
With strategic investments, sectoral expansion, and a clear vision for sustainability, Budget 2025 sets the stage for unprecedented growth and prosperity within Guyana’s agriculture and fisheries industries, reinforcing the country’s position as a regional leader in the Blue Economy.
Investing in Sports and Culture
THE recent approval of $12.6 billion for youth development, sports, and cultural initiatives under the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport marks a significant step in Guyana’s commitment to national growth.
This substantial allocation underscores the government's dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive society where sports, arts, and youth empowerment are at the forefront of national development.
Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., outlined the tangible progress made in these sectors, demonstrating the government's proactive approach to nurturing talent and enhancing infrastructure.
One of the standout achievements is the completion of the National Sports Policy, which is set for publication. This policy arrives at a crucial time when
Guyana's athletes, such as track star Anisha Springer, are making their mark on the international stage.
The administration's investment in over 102 sporting events at regional and international levels and the establishment of a nationwide coaching programme highlight the importance placed on skill development. By prioritising training for coaches in hinterland communities through virtual programs, the government ensures that young athletes across all regions have access to quality mentorship and opportunities.
Infrastructure remains a crucial pillar of this strategy, with the rehabilitation of 471 community grounds in 2024, including 246 in hinterland areas. The plan to upgrade an additional 254 grounds in 2025 further strengthens this foundation, ensuring that sport-
ing facilities are accessible to all citizens. This investment is more than just an upgrade; it is a direct contribution to community development and youth engagement.
Culture, too, has received significant attention in Budget 2025. The approval of $1.2 billion for the construction of a new museum and art gallery highlights the administration’s commitment to preserving and promoting Guyana’s rich heritage.
These institutions will serve as educational and inspirational spaces, fostering national pride and artistic expression. Similarly, the establishment of recording studios in Regions Two, Three, and 10 will provide platforms for local musicians to showcase their talents on national and international stages.
A noteworthy aspect of cultural preservation is the proposed revision of the National Trust leg-
islation to enhance the protection of heritage sites.
The allocation of $1.6 million for the rehabilitation of a historical building under the National Trust signals the government’s intent to maintain Guyana’s historical identity for future generations.
President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s inauguration of a $68 million international-standard doubles squash court at the National Racquet Centre further exemplifies the administration’s focus on sports as a catalyst for national development. By integrating sports infrastructure with the broader economic and social transformation agenda, Guyana is positioning itself as a leader in sports development.
Dr Ali’s vision extends beyond infrastructure. He emphasises that sports and culture are integral to national pride, unity, and prosperity. His call for a du-
ty-free sports store and enhanced national investment in athletes highlights a holistic approach to sports development.
Recognising that national pride stems from collective support, he urged a shift in mindset where every athlete wearing Guyana’s colours is embraced and celebrated by the entire nation.
Education remains a cornerstone of this vision. The President stressed the importance of balancing academics and athletics, ensuring that young athletes receive the necessary support to excel in both areas. The integration of sports and culture into the national education curriculum, coupled with investments in school sports facilities, demonstrates a commitment to holistic development.
Minister Ramson also highlighted revitalisation of the
National Sports Commission, which had only convened three meetings in five years under the previous administration. Under new leadership, the Commission is now active and engaged, playing a crucial role in advancing Guyana’s sports agenda.
The government’s multi-faceted investment in sports, youth development, and culture is more than just financial—it is an investment in the country’s future.
By nurturing young talent, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering national pride, Guyana is laying the foundation for long-term socio-economic transformation. As the nation moves towards 2030 and beyond, these strategic investments will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping a more prosperous and unified Guyana.
Amended NRF withdrawal formula ensures effective rate of withdrawal kept under 80 per cent
Dear Editor,
MY attention was drawn to comments made by opposition aligned folks about the amended withdrawal rules of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) pursuant to the Fiscal Enactments (Amendment) Act No.2 of 2024. The opposition finance spokesperson (s) intimated that this new withdrawal formula will deplete the NRF, signaling reckless spending and / or depletion of the Fund at a reckless rate. However, an application of the withdrawal rules, the old versus the new, based on the forecasted deposits into the NRF, disproves this notion.
Before I proceed to demonstrate the calculations hereunder, I wish to stop short to say that it is the very opposition that have always argued that the government should not be borrowing to finance the budget given the proceeds from the NRF. Yet, the very critics have contradicted themselves when the government is now prudently moving in that direction, to, in a measured way, increase the withdrawal ceiling of the NRF, which in turn would allow for minimised borrowing. Notwithstanding, this is not the first occasion wherein the opposition has contradicted themselves owing to the lack of a studied position on these matters. It now appears that the degree of numerical and fiscal contradictions have become an invariably collective norm, morphing itself into an infectious, intellectual paralysis by which they are helplessly plagued.
I now turn to my calculable demonstration:
As shown in exhibit (a) above, under the old NRF withdrawal formula, on a balance of US$6 billion, the maximum withdrawal ceiling is capped at US$1.4 billion, or an effective withdrawal rate of 23 per cent. Whereas, under the amended withdrawal formula, on a balance of US$6 billion, the maximum withdrawal ceiling is capped at US$4.3 billion or an effective rate of 71.7 per cent.
In exhibit (b) below, under the old NRF withdrawal formula, on a balance of US$12 billion, the maximum withdrawal ceiling is capped at US$1.6 billion, or an effective withdrawal rate of 13 per cent. Whereas, under the amended withdrawal formula, on a balance of US$12 billion, the maximum withdrawal ceiling is capped at US$4.9 billion or 40.8 per cent.
Editor, effectively, these illustrations have disproved the notion that the amended withdrawal rule is designed to deplete the NRF. Rather, the amended withdrawal formula
is designed, more so, to sustainably increase the withdrawal ceiling relative to the projected growth of the Fund’s size.
In so doing, the amended withdrawal formula can be premised upon two (2) primary factors: (1) It is aimed at minimising the level of debt financing of the budget, thus maintaining the current low-level of debt-to-GDP ratio of under 30 per cent; and (2) the current production level of oil has already increased nearly six-fold since first oil five-years ago, which is poised to increase more than ten-fold by 2030. This means that the annual deposits into the NRF is projected to increase by at least four-fold, all things being equal.
In summary, the analysis herein has demonstrated that the amended withdrawal rule of the NRF is designed to ensure that the effective rate of withdrawal is kept under 80 per cent, based on the projected growth in the Fund’s size, which was obtained under the old withdrawal rule, all things being equal. In other words, the maximum effective rate of withdrawal under the new formula pursuant to the Fiscal Enactments (Amendment) Act No.2 of 2024, has practically remained the same as it was under the old withdrawal formula, based on the projected growth in the Fund’s size.
Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin
OP-ED: Food Security and Climate Resilience: An Essential Link for the Future
By Mario Lubetkin
THE Regional Overview of Food and Nutrition Security report 2024 underscores an undeniable reality: Latin America and the Caribbean is at a critical juncture in its fight against hunger and malnutrition. While hunger in the region has decreased over the past two years—from 45.3 million people in 2021 to 41 million in 2023—progress remains uneven and fragile. The situation is particularly concerning in some subregions, such as the Caribbean, where the hunger rate has risen from 15.4 per cent to 17.2 per cent.
The COVID-19 pandemic left deep scars, exacerbating existing structural inequalities and weakening food production and distribution systems. Adding to this are the devastating impacts of climate variability and extreme events—droughts,
storms, and floods—that now affect 74 per cent of countries in the region with increasing frequency. These persistent challenges not only reduce agricultural productivity but also drive- up food prices, limit availability, and compromise the stability of agrifood systems. Vulnerable populations bear the brunt of these disruptions. Food security is closely linked to climate resilience. To ensure a hunger-free future, it is essential to promote sustainable agricultural practices that integrate nutritious foods into healthy diets, improve productivity, and mitigate environmental impacts. This includes fostering climate-resilient crops, adopting clean technologies, and protecting natural resources. At the same time, social protection programs must ensure access to nutritious food, especially during crises.
The ongoing transfor -
mation in the region, while still facing significant challenges, has demonstrated, over recent years, a strong commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at achieving more sustainable and coherent outcomes.
There are tangible and encouraging signs that governments in Latin America and the Caribbean have embraced the fight against hunger and poverty as an
unavoidable priority—an urgent necessity that calls for concrete actions to ensure sustainable development. Hunger is incompatible with peace, development, productivity, and, of course, sustainability.
The Food Security, Nutrition, and Hunger Eradication Plan of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC FSN Plan 2030) is a milestone.
It provides a valuable platform for coordinating efforts, sharing knowledge, and developing common strategies. The upcoming Meeting of Agriculture Ministers of CELAC 2025, to be held in Comayagua, Honduras, in early February, represents an opportunity to solidify these commitments and advance the implementation of policies and actions that strengthen food security and improve nutrition across the region.
However, government efforts alone are insufficient without the participation and contributions of multiple sectors. The fight against hunger requires a comprehensive approach that considers not only food availability but also accessibility, utilisation, and stability in changing contexts. Broad collaboration among actors is and will remain essential to building more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems.
Latin America and the Caribbean’s progress in reducing hunger is at a historic moment, with implications for the region and globally. The fight against hunger has become a race against time. Yet, this region has demonstrated its potential to become a beacon of resilience, prosperity, and commitment to global objectives. Its contribution is key to ensuring a more just and sustainable future for all.
As Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, I have had the privilege of being part of this journey over the past years. However, this work does not belong to one individual or organisation; it is a collective effort—a chance for each of us to contribute to a world free of inequality, hunger, and poverty, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Terrence Campbell’s campbellistic terracariosa
I AM aware that Mr. Terrence Campbell’s area is business and not lexicology (study of words) so I will use the next paragraph to define the words above for Mr. Campbell (please nothing personal intended) because I could not think of two more appropriate words to describe his recent opinion that APNU+AFC could win the next election.
These two words are bitingly relevant to describe Mr. Campbell’s fascination with imagination, which ironically has some bearing in reality. Campbellistic is taken from campbellism, an ancient Christian sect that believes miracles can be made to happen. Terracariosa is similar to dead meat, only that the rooting thing is wood.
Why are these two words germane to Campbell’s political thought process? First, Mr. Campbell can try to generate miracles, as the Campbellites believed, but did not succeed in doing. The APNU+AFC will lose badly, so there will be no miracle. An explanation for this will follow below. Why apply “terracariosa” to Campbell’s prediction? Because terracosiosa is dead wood, which is what the AFC became in 2015 and no miracle can transform dead meat back to life. The Campbellites could not perform miracles and Campbell can predict all he wants. He cannot do what the Campbellites could not – create miracles.
Let’s look at words again. What does Campbell understand by the meaning of the word “problem?” Let’s contextualize it. What Campbell means by the problem in Guyana that PNC and AFC must fix? As I know it and as I see it, the problem that the PNC and AFC have, cannot be fixed in 2025 and maybe could only be fixed long into the future. Campbell exclaims that he
was privy to a poll that shows that if the PNC and AFC come together and cast aside personal and other differences, they can win the 2025 poll, thus they need to fix the problem urgently. But that problem that Campbell envisioned is not the real dilemma facing the PNC and AFC. The real Mckoy is the world’s perception of the PNC and AFC.
The world believes that the PNC and AFC conspired with culprits in the GECOM operations base in 2020 to alter the election results to give the PNC and AFC power. Guyanese are not going to vote for the PNC and AFC in such numbers that will give them a majority. In fact, they will lose seats in parliament.
The electorate will not vote in the PNC and AFC in November because the memory of a cruel Faustian journey where monsters did a Mephistophelian waltz with the Region 4 ballot boxes for five months are still fresh in their minds. The problem is not what Campbell thinks it is. The insurmountable cul-de-sac lies in Campbell himself and the new kid on the block – Nigel Hughes.
They will not get rid of the problem by acknowledging it, fixing it, then move on. The dilemma is that there were colossal attempts to rig the 2020 poll that Campbell and Hughes refuse to acknowledge. Hughes has an additional, huge problem which the Campbellites can do nothing about. People in November will remember Nigel’s ghoulish mathematics that is only found in a Stephen King’s novel.
Nigel says half men are automatically born if you divide a group of 65 people into halves. So you have to stitch them together and when you do that, 34 becomes the majority of 65.
The damp squib in Nigel mathematics is that he was not dealing with marks on an examination school sheet, but real living humans. So APNU and AFC have a nightmarish, electoral existence. People believe that they attempted for five months to rig the general election and will not vote for them the way they did before.
But the horrible tsunami that will inevitably sweep the PNC and AFC into the bosom of Hades that Campbell’s Camp-
bellites will be unable to save is the mountainous fact that the world, not Guyana only, not the CARICOM region only but the world believes that once in power again, the PNC and AFC will never ever again in the life of Guyana allow for an open, free poll.
The memories will not go away and those memories are the nemesis of Campbell, Nigel Hughes, the PNC leadership and the AFC leadership. Those memories swirl around the recent life of Guyana that stick quicker and last longer than silicone. The PPP called an election and lost a majority in 2011. The PPP called an election in 2015 and lost a majority. The PNC and AFC called an election in 2020 and refused to leave. They wanted permanent power. They will not get it in 2025. Terrence Campbell’s Campbellites cannot bring terracariosa back to life.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mario Lubetkin
The PNC’s Vanishing Voters
IF Geeta Chandan-Edmond stands alone in an enlightened corner of the APNU+AFC rigmarole coalition, Christopher Jones appears to be counted among its ill-informed. A lot of crazy, laugh out loud bare-faced lies were spoken by coalition MPs during the debate over Budget 2025 in the National Assembly. However, Jones, the Chief Whip of the APNU+AFC, stole the cake when he suggested there was simply no evidence that the PNC was responsible for rigging elections in Guyana.
MPs with the party in office reminded Jones of the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into botched attempts by the APNU+AFC to steal the results of the 2020 elections. Jones, a former salesperson at Courts Furniture Company and a PNC videographer turned parliamentarian, heckled them from the comfort of his privileged seat in the assembly.
Aubrey Norton gave Jones an awkward nod of approval and a few days later, he too was telling the assembly that the PNC is proud of the fact that it restricted essential food items in 1970. This statement tells the Guyanese people that there is absolutely no separation between the PNC of today and the dismal record of the PNC 50 years ago.
Tell that to the nearly half a million Guyanese, 90 per cent of them having earned a tertiary or university education, who fled Guyana to escape the tyranny of L.F.S. Burnham and his PNC.
It’s a chilling statement.
Someone should drop a copy of the Commission of Inquiry report and kindly ask Jones and his esteemed leader, Norton, to read it again. And if that’s not enough, let’s go to the 1968 elections and demonstrate how the PNC honed its grim talent in rigging that year’s election. So emboldened by its success in 1968, the party adopted the same sinister playbook in 1973, 78, 80 and 85.
Independent Television (ITV), formerly known as Granada Productions, a prominent British production company that was established in the 1950’s as a rival to the BBC, aired an investigative segment on Guyana at a time when television was not yet coloured. The segment was called “The Vanishing Voters” and the documentary focused on the results of the 1968 elections in Guyana.
Just a mere two years after Independence, the PNC had managed to pull off a remarkable feat by winning 30 of 53 seats in the National Assembly. It is true that the Americans didn’t trust Dr. Cheddi Jagan and his wife, but Indo-Guyanese adored them. How did so many Indo-Guyanese end up voting PNC? What happened? To the astute PPP activists on the ground, it didn’t add up. Something must have gone awry. The producers of “The Vanishing Voters,” with absolutely no skin in the game, set out to investigate.
Under the original version of the Representation of the
People Act, overseas, postal and proxy votes were deemed permissible. The PNC saw this as a golden opportunity to register some 67,000 overseas voters, one-sixth of the entire electorate. Shockingly, “all” of them voted PNC.
According to interviews conducted by the producers of “The Vanishing Voters” with officials of the PNC government in London, there were 43,423 Guyanese residing in Britain although the official British census and immigration records showed that only 20,000 Guyanese were registered in the U.K.
Using an official list published by PNC, two dozen researchers with Granada Productions door-knocked on 550 addresses in London and “did not find a single Guyanese living at any of the addresses.”
Half of the people who opened their doors had never heard of Guyana. Some addresses were builders’ yard, some were homes that had been demolished or stood vacant for years. One address was a railway station and some had been padlocked long before 1968.
The researchers went to the city of Manchester and found that a whole half of the supposed homes on the list of addresses of Guyanese did not even exist. They couldn’t find a single Guyanese at 350 addresses. A footnote for the PNC diehards like Jones, Sherod Duncan, Roysdale Ford and Norton, all of this was filmed, a testament to the best form of investigative journalism. The entire overseas
vote amounted to a “massive fabrication” according to the producers of “The Vanishing Voters.”
The producers didn’t stop at Manchester. They went to Wolverhampton where the PNC published list showed 220 Guyanese voted for the party. The producers interviewed one Joe Hughes who affirmed that the official list of the Guyana High Commission showed that only
41 Guyanese resided in Wolverhampton.
There was only one conclusion - the PNC voters overseas were fake.
Even the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown knew it and dispatched a telegram to its State Department four days before the 1973 elections. It stated:
“Rigging will be the most important additional source of PNC votes. In Guyana itself,
rigging is likely to occur in postal voting, in proxy voting and by ballot box switching and stuffing.”
The Hon. Gail Teixeira, the veteran PPP MP with the most institutional political memory of anyone I know, coined an apt phrase for today’s PNC. She described them as “spoilers.” “No more 2020 experience, that is not going to happen again,”
Street Talk 5 - Wuh happen to de cash grant?
As I travel around the city on mini-buses, there is one theme that keeps popping up. People in Georgetown want to know what is happening with the government’s disbursement of the $100,000 cheques.
The general consensus seems to be that Region Four will be left for last in the distribution process. Said one passenger on a Kitty/Campbellville bus, “ Dey gun left we fuh las...dey always gat a prablem wid Region Four”.
Another passenger responded that some people in Georgetown had already received their cheques. But the woman who made the initial comment was supported by others who felt that the Region was being particularly neglected. I have heard the same view expressed by many who complained that other Regions were faring far better than Region Four.
Then later in the day I was told by an elderly woman, “ Go to NIS on Brickdam, dey sharing cheques”. I told her I thought that was only applicable to NIS pensioners and I was not a recipient. “No”, she replied vehemently, “ any pensioner can go n colleck dey cheque”.
As this was around lunchtime and I wanted to be sure of the accuracy of this information, I called a friend, who is also a pensioner. She too was uncertain of whether cheques were being given to all pensioners, but told me that she, an NIS pensioner, had been forced to leave the compound. “ Gyurl dey had so much people deh, an I been waiting so long I start fuh get ‘bad feelings’ “. Another friend said, days later, that he had visited the
NIS office, only to be told that his cheque had been printed but there was some problem with the disbursement. Apparently, the whole procedure was being handed back to the Ministry of Finance. And that was all he knew.
Passing through Stabroek Market, I heard further speculation about the cheque-sharing process, with one vendor asking the burning question, “How come dey manage fuh do de registration so fast an now it look like big problem fuh share de cheques”?
Another stall holder responded, “Wuh I cyaan understand is how some people get in some areas an odder people ain get”. “An how long dey gun be sharin”? asked another, “Cause I hearin all kine a stories bout dis ting”.
A customer at one of the stalls - a teacher - told a harrowing story of being sent from one place to another, only to end up at a city school, where the gates were shut and no information was forthcoming.
As she said, this was over
a week ago, I have no idea what progress has been made with the sharing of teachers’ cheques. My concern has been about pensioners like myself, who have been waiting with “bated breath” ever since the government announced that we would be receiving our cheques by the end of November last year. One elderly woman traveling home with me last week said, very philosophically, “ Chile I ain able get in no crowd fuh colleck mih cheque. Whenever dey announce dat dey sharin to pensioners I gun wait till de crowd ease off den go fuh me own”. “ But wen duh gun be”? asked another elderly passenger, who said he had been in “de crush” at the NIS compound and left empty-handed.
And one man summed it up when he said, “ I know dey gaffa pay out all duh money, cause dey dun mek de announcement dat dey givin it to every ID card holder...but up to know ah doan know wen everybaddy gun get it”!
‘Silly Season’: 2025 budget debate
GUYANESE were optimistic at the start of the budget debate two Fridays ago. They were expecting the opposition, PNC/R-led APNU+AFC to deliver factual, sound, feisty, fiery, and realistic debates in the National Assembly. They were hoping that the opposition would voice their various issues with government policies and seek clarification of how the government proposes to spend the huge sums allocated in the 1.38T budget.
Added to this, the public had expected a reasonable and healthy dose of opposition criticisms flowing from the faults with the budget or missed priorities.
Also, they were looking forward to Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton’s presentation, which many felt could help them finally decide on whether to support this current PPP/C party and government at the upcoming elections, which is expected to be held by November, 2025. He was expected too, to display his so-called ‘extensive knowledge and intellect’ when it comes to issues that the budgetary measures would be geared to dealing with, such as poverty, crime and security, health, education, social welfare and economics.
Additionally, Congress Place, their public commentators, social media talk show hosts and social media influencers created a big hype around Norton and his parliamentarians that would put pressure on the government, taking the fight directly to them in the National Assembly. The PNC-APNU+AFC have, over the last two weeks, teamed up with AFC Leader Nigel Hughes, to heavily criticise the budget.
Firstly, the combined APNU+AFC opposition performed surprisingly poorly. It was a set of fluff and no substance. It was as if every opposition parliamentarian wanted to get the same message across that the government was allegedly corrupt, and the PPP/C would pay because this was an election year.
Every presentation was about issues that the opposition had,and not necessarily what was in front of them for a little over a week – the measures and the budget. They were busy having a budget debate without the budget?
There were very low-en-
ergy presentations delivered by some parliamentarians whose names are not worth mentioning. Notable budget presentations were delivered, however, by Deputy Speaker Asha Kissoon, whom the opposition abandoned, Christopher Jones, Jermaine Figueira, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, and even, surprisingly, Annette Ferguson.
The spirited and loud debates were delivered by Ganesh Mahipaul, Sherod Duncan, Shurwayne Holder, Volda Lawrence, David Patterson, Catherine Hughes, Vinceroy Jordan, Coretta Mc Donald and Nima Flue-Bess. These seemed to be aimed at rewriting history.
Hughes, Lawerence and Patterson’s presentations appear to be an attempt at political revisionism. Not only were they seemingly illogical, but there were many untruths told to the public and in the hallowed House. It’s quite unfortunate that the opposition MPs did not focus on what the government said they would address and what the Guyanese public wanted. There were some good jabs thrown at the PPP/C party, but the continued criticisms of the budget missed the mark.
It seems as though the APNU+AFC focused on bringing a slew of catchy and no-doubt juicy soundbites, as opposed to presenting facts and truths. One, many of the opposition MPs fell below the public’s expectations and far below the established parliamentary standards set during previous debates in the National Assembly.
Bring the wisdom, spirits, and personalities of the late Deborah Backer, Winston Murray and Dr Faith Harding. The quality of debate of the opposition parliamentarians has gone to the ‘dogs,’ with them hurling personal jabs at the government ministers instead of presenting the hard and cold facts.
When the parliamentary opposition is doing so poorly and is clutching at straws, it usually means the government’s fiscal policies and plans are strong and withstanding the ridicule as well as the barrage of criticisms.
Secondly, Norton delivered a schoolboy budget debate on Thursday, backed by staged thumping on the desks to kerfuffle anyone listening as to the state of opposition unity. The truth is, it was a lazy and underwhelming attempt at a leader’s
budget debate. It seemed as though a novice presentation backed by a clear up-anddown analysis. In other words, it was all over the place, with no real focus and tone except for making the common allegation without one iota of evidence.
Surely, Norton had done debating before at UG, where he boasts to have lectured? He must know how to persuasively argue or bring his argumentative style into the parliamentary debate. He just stood calling out all sorts of numbers to make his presentation sound intelligent, scholarly and well researched. He had no one fooled or convinced.
Maybe his mind was not on delivering a blow to the government or representing the many constituencies that voted for the opposition. It could be that Norton’s mind was on the ways and means, through which he could secure the top presidential position in his soon-to-beannounced grand coalition.
It was disappointing and dry. He did not hold the government accountable for spending. Norton did not offer any realistic plan or countermeasure specifically related to the 2025 budget. He did, however, appear to be making contradictory and laughable promises during his 90-minute-plus speech.
It is worrisome what the opposition thinks is ‘leadership,’ because the way Norton attempted to pull the budget apart was weak and wild, at best.
Thirdly, the opposition leader admitted one fundamental thing that Guyana can’t unhear, even if it tries: Norton admitted that, in the 1970s, Burnhams’ PNC government had put additional hardships on the populace by banning some basic food items. He said that “we are proud of it.” The public wanted more admissions like that from Norton during his debate, but only got nothing but gaff, lies, and delusions.
Fourthly, the Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh’s budgetary delivery and debate, could be described as ‘masterful, commandeering and skilful’. He began and closed off the debate like a great debater using his oratorical skills and gesticulations, historical analyses of the PNC/R-APNU+AFC’s track record in office, and facts versus lies about the
budget to deliver a scathing attack on the parliamentary opposition.
Of course, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, AG Anil Nandlall, Minister Gail Teixeira, Minister Bishop Juan Edghill, and Minister Priya Manickchand laid waste to the opposition, as well. Not surprisingly Ministers Colin Croal, Susan Rodrigues and Kwame Mc Coy were on point, together sending panic through the opposition benches.
Finally, these parliamentary performances are an
indication, of how the politicians will perform when they meet the public to ask for their support, then the elections will be a very strange and interesting event.
A debate was what the public wanted and needed so badly on the policies and plans of the ruling PPP/C administration. Instead, they were treated to lows and a few highs, but the government defended its policies and plans in the 2025 budget.
Author, Bruce Pittman is quoted in a journal as
saying, “Projects are usually undertaken to either solve a problem or take advantage of an opportunity. The probability that the project - -even if precisely executed -- will be completed on time, on budget and on performance is typically small. Project management is utilised to increase this probability. So, in a sense, project management is risk management”.
Politics is a risk, and the opposition risked failing and ended up, during the debate, failing miserably.
Eradicating disease and transforming lives:
The inspiring work of Dr. Moti Ramgopal
- a visionary leader in medicine and global health advocacy
By Rabindra Rooplall
Dr. Moti Ramgopal, MD, FACP, FIDSA, stands as a beacon of hope and innovation in the world of medicine. From his humble beginnings in Guyana to his groundbreaking contributions in infectious disease research, Dr. Ramgopal’s journey exemplifies resilience, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
As the Medical Director of the Midway Immunology and Research Center, Founder and Chairman of the Midway Specialty Care Center, and Clinical Professor at Flori -
da State University College of Medicine, his work has touched countless lives across the globe.
Born into a family of five siblings in Guyana, Dr. Ramgopal grew up in a home where his father, an attorney-at-law, dreamed of seeing one of his children pursue medicine. This expectation profoundly influenced his academic trajectory. After completing his A-levels at Queens College in 1983, he faced a pivotal decision: law or medicine. Despite his initial interests in physics and computer science, a government scholarship to study medicine at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica set him on a path that would redefine his life.
“At the time, my motivation to help and heal was not as compelling as my desire for educational advancement,” Dr. Ramgopal recalls.
However, as he navigated medical school, he began to see the transformative power of medicine. A defining moment came during his internship in the Bahamas, where he worked under Dr. Perry Gomez, a renowned infectious disease specialist.
The challenges of managing HIV patients in the early 1990s cemented Dr. Ramgopal’s commitment to the field. “I recognized that specializing in infectious diseases would not only be fulfilling but also allow me to contribute meaningfully to addressing critical health issues,” he says.
CAREER BUILT ON COMPASSION AND INNOVATION
Dr. Ramgopal’s career has been marked by a series of pivotal experiences that shaped his approach to medicine. One of his earliest memories as a physician was caring for his first HIV-positive patient in an isolation ward. “Fear and trepidation washed over me as I donned the protective gear,” he reflects. This moment, along with others—such as diagnosing a young man with tuberculosis in Detroit and managing complex infections—deepened his resolve to tackle some of the world’s most challenging diseases.
After completing his training, Dr. Ramgopal returned to Guyana in 1998 as a consultant at Georgetown Hospital. Though his stay was brief, it was a period of profound learning. “I realized that as an infectious disease physician in Guyana, I would be ineffective without adequate support or access to cutting-edge technology,” he explains. This realisation prompted his return to the United States, where he could leverage advanced research and resources to make a broader impact.
Dr. Ramgopal’s contri -
butions to medicine extend far beyond patient care. As a principal investigator in over 400 clinical trials, he has been instrumental in developing treatments for HIV, hepatitis C, and COVID-19.
His work on the Solar Study, which explored injectable long-acting therapy for HIV, has been cited globally and continues to influence medical practice.
“I’m proud to have been part of the development of HIV medications that are now taken by over 30 million people daily,” he shares.
He has also played a key role in advancing therapies for hepatitis C, curing millions of patients worldwide. “It’s remarkable to consider that the drugs I’ve helped develop have likely been taken by over 500 million people,” he adds.
During his tenure as Country Medical Director for Guyana under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Dr. Ramgopal worked with local physicians and international colleagues to expand care for HIV patients from 50 to over 1,500 individuals. This sustainable programme continues to benefit Guyana’s citizens today.
“This experience taught me the nuances of programme and people management,” he notes, skills that he later applied to building the Midway Specialty Care Center.
COMMUNITY AND EDUCATION
Dr. Ramgopal’s dedication to healthcare is matched by his commitment to humanitarian work. He has funded scholarships for students at his alma mater, Queens College, in Guyana, and supported various charitable initiatives in South Florida.
As a former under-19 chess champion, he has also contributed to the development of chess in Guyana, believing in its power to foster critical thinking and discipline among young people.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Ramgopal’s leadership proved invaluable. He established a lab in Florida that provided rapid diagnostic testing, enabling essential services such as the repatriation of over 500 Mexican workers for the American Sugar Company. He also launched a simulation lab in Guyana to support COVID-19 diagnostics, further underscoring his global perspective on healthcare.
Over his four-decade career, Dr. Ramgopal has continually evolved as a physician, learning valuable lessons in empathy and resilience. “I’ve come to appre-
ciate the challenges patients face when navigating the healthcare system,” he says.
Recognising the importance of addressing social determinants of health, he has worked tirelessly to bridge gaps in care for underserved populations.
Dr. Ramgopal’s approach to medicine has also been shaped by his own experiences with stress and mental health.
“Balancing the demands of patient care, research, and organizational management is complex,” he admits. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and strategic planning have helped him maintain equilibrium. He also emphasises the importance of building strong teams to support healthcare initiatives.
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, Dr. Ramgopal’s goals are ambitious yet grounded in a deep sense of purpose. He is committed to eradicating HIV and hepatitis by 2030 and to addressing emerging diseases with innovative solutions. In Guyana, he envisions a seamless healthcare system that integrates antimicrobial surveillance and ensures access to quality medications for all.
Education remains a cornerstone of his vision. “Healthcare education should begin at birth and continue through adolescence,” he asserts. By leveraging technology and promoting mental health, physical fitness, and nutrition, he believes we can build a healthier future for generations to come.
As Dr. Ramgopal reflects on his journey, he hopes to be remembered as a compassionate and visionary physician who dedicated his life to improving global health.
“I want to be seen as someone who worked tirelessly to provide comfort and care,” he says. With over 50,000 patients treated and countless lives touched through his research, his legacy is already one of profound impact.
Dr. Ramgopal’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to service. From his early days in Guyana to his current role as a global health leader, he continues to inspire others to dream bigger, work harder, and make a difference in the world.
In his words, “The journey toward excellence is challenging, but the rewards—the lives saved and the communities uplifted— make it all worthwhile.”
A full family photograph with Dr. Moti Ramgopal flanked his mother Lalta Ramgopal, Mahendra Vinode (investment banker), Dr. Beni Balkaran, his sister Savitri (attorney), and Mitra (financial analyst) and other relatives
Dr. Moti Ramgopal
‘Investment in D&I increased by 760% over the last four years’ – Min Mustapha
- $226.7M pump station commissioned at Montrose
AGRICULTURE Minister
Zulfikar Mustapha on Saturday commissioned a rehabilitated 200-cusec pump at the Montrose Pump Station on the East Coast of Demerara.
With an investment valued at approximately $226.7 million, Minister Mustapha said that over 3,549 acres of land, including 920 households and approximately 400 acres of residential areas, will benefit.
He further stated that the pump station’s additional drainage capacity forms part of the government’s broader development agenda.
“This structure will not only help the agriculture sector, but it will also help enhance several villages between Plaisance and Success along the East Coast of Demerara. When we were in government before 2020, there were massive investments in infrastructure. We want to ensure that we de-
velop the country’s drainage capacity by building an extensive drainage system. This pump station will complement the drainage capacity in the farming and residential areas,” he explained.
Minister Mustapha also said since taking office, the government has increased investment in drainage and irrigation by 760 per cent.
“In just over four years, we’ve increased investment in the D&I system by 760%.
That tells us where this government wants to take Guyana. We cannot be food secure and drive the 25 by 2025 initiative without investing in infrastructure. While we are investing in enhancing the country’s drainage and irrigation system and ramping up production, there is a revolution in the other sectors.
Thousands of community roads are being constructed. There are also massive investments in the health,
education, and other sectors. We are not only investing in one area. We are investing in all of the sectors so that we can enhance the lives of the people of this country. This investment is not in isolation. When we make these investments, we are making a genuine effort to modernise our country’s infrastructure,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the NDIA, Lionel Wordsworth said over the last two years, the NDIA has embarked on a programme to not only put new drainage and irrigation structures in plac, but to also enhance and upgrade existing structures.
“Over the last two years, the NDIA started a programme of investment to not only put new infrastructure in place, but to also upgrade existing infrastructure as Guyana is exposed to the effects of climate change. If we are to comply with the
Number portability to be introduced in Guyana on February 10
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced that number portability will officially take effect in Guyana on February 10, 2025. This new service will allow both fixed-line and mobile subscribers to switch service providers while retaining their existing phone numbers.
The introduction of number portability marks a significant milestone in Guyana’s telecommunications sector, fostering greater competition and enhancing consumer choice. This development stems from the liberalization of the telecommunications industry on October 5, 2020, followed by the issuance of the Telecommunications (Commencement of Number Portability Obligations) Order on July 1, 2021, by Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips.
To facilitate the successful implementation of this service, the PUC established the Number Portability Working Group (NPWG) in August 2021. This group, chaired by the Commission, includes representatives from telecommunications service providers and the Telecommunications Agency. The NPWG has been holding weekly meetings to oversee testing phases crucial to the functionality of number portability. Additionally, a specialized technical subgroup, consisting of project managers and technical leads from ser-
vice providers, has been working to ensure seamless system integration across all networks. Among the key accomplishments of the NPWG is the development and approval of the Business Rules, which outline the operational framework for number portability. The group has also contracted PXS B.V, a clearinghouse provider from the Netherlands licensed by the Telecommunications Agency, to manage number portability administration services in Guyana.
Extensive technical testing has been conducted by the PUC and telecommunications service providers to ensure a smooth transition when the service goes live. The primary goal is to guarantee that the system functions as intended, providing consumers with a hassle-free experience when switching providers.
Subscribers who wish to port their numbers will need to visit the retail store of their preferred service provider and complete the necessary porting
adaptation strategy, which is very important for us, projects like these where we have existing infrastructure, we have to upgrade them to manage extreme weather events. Following the 2005 flood, the government and the World Bank invested to conduct a study. One of the recommendations was to improve and upgrade key infrastructure. Over the last two years, we’ve conducted 28 improvement projects across Regions Two to Six with 37 new pumps being installed at new sites and upgrading some at the existing sites,” he explained.
Permanent Secretary (ag), Dacia Ferguson said the enhanced infrastructure will ensure reliable and consistent access to effective
Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and other officials at the Montrose Pump Station
drainage to farmers and residents along the East Coast of Demerara.
forms, along with providing a valid form of identification.
Mobile number porting is expected to be completed within one business day, while fixedline porting will take approximately five business days.
For further details on the porting process and frequently asked questions, consumers can visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.org.gy or follow its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pucgy. The Commission can also be reached during business hours at telephone numbers 2267042, 227-2182, or 336-6077. Additionally, subscribers can contact the PUC via WhatsApp at 623-3222 or 624-6000 for more information.
The official launch event for number portability will be announced at a later date. The PUC remains committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient rollout of this transformative service, which is expected to greatly benefit telecommunications users across Guyana.
Areas such as Success, Mon Repos, Better Hope, Vryheid's Lust, and Plaisance will now benefit from improved D&I services.
Since taking office in 2020, the government’s investment in drainage and irrigation enhancement has increased by 760 per cent, from $8.4 billion in 2019 to $72.3 billion in 2024.
“This marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen agriculture, enhance food security, and promote sustainable development in our communities. It is not just the completion of a new project, but the start of a new chapter for the farmers in this area. With this new infrastructure, we are ensuring reliable and consistent access to effective drainage. This project represents a substantial investment in agricultural infrastructure. Without these key investments in infrastructure, the delivery of critical services may not take place at the desired pace,” she said.
$135.8B approved for housing, water development
THE Committee of Supply on Friday approved a whopping $135.8 billion to advance housing and water development initiatives in 2025.
Responding to queries about house lot distribution to date, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal reported that 40,808 house lots have been distributed nationwide to date.
Breaking down the allocations since the government assumed office, he said that 2,759 lots were distributed in 2020, followed by 6,989 in 2021, 10,695 in 2022, 9,056 in 2023, and 10,797 in 2024.
So far in 2025, 512 lots have already been allocated.
He elaborated, “But we can do more and we will triple this. We will do this by 300 per cent. We have been able to move beyond the 10,000 [house lot target this
year]. We will be allocating a minimum of 25,000 lots [nationwide].”
Minister Croal stated that this year’s housing allocations in Region Four will focus on areas along the East Coast corridor.
He also addressed opposition claims that Venezuelans are living free of cost in the houses constructed at Little Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara.
Responding to these assertions, he clarified that all prospective homeowners must undergo a prequalification process through the banks before purchasing a house.
Challenging opposition
MP Annette Ferguson on the issue, he urged her to explain to the banks why someone earning $86,000 per month would not be eligible for homeownership. “A person who is work-
ing for $40,000 [monthly] can prequalify for a house,” the Housing and Water Minister told the House.
The government is also ensuring that vulnerable families are also provided with affordable homes, as plans are on stream to accelerate the Core Home Support Programme.
The Steel and Cement
of 17 kilometres of roads, installation of streetlights and enhanced drainage works.
Funds totalling $101.8 billion were approved for highways, infrastructural works and payment of retention.
Minister Croal explained that this fund caters for rollover projects, new infrastructural projects for new housing schemes, installation of infrastructure in regularised areas, land acquisition, upgrades in existing housing areas.
Subsidy Programme will continue in 2025, since all the resources for this progrmame have not been exhausted.
This will provide many homeowners with financial support to begin construction on their homes.
The communities of Farm and Herstelling will benefit from the construction
Providing a disaggregation for this fund, $3 billion will go towards final payment for the Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway, $1.2 billion for retention for the road from Eccles to Diamond, $1 billon for the main bypass highway and connectors from Great Diamond to Craig, and $197 million for retention payment for
four-lane roads from Great Diamond.
Some $1.8 billion will be utilised for final payment and retention road widening which were undertaken around Massey, Greenfield road, and the Windsor Estate road.
Some $510 million will be spent for the four-lane road at Liliendaal and $5.3 billion in retention will be paid in 2025 for the fourlane approach for the New Demerara River Bridge.
A total of $914 million will be paid this year for Phase Two of the ministry’s headquarters along the East Bank and $914 million for retention for Phase One.
For the water sector, over $22 billion was approved to enhance access to clean water for residents from the coastland, hinterland regions and riverine communities. (DPI)
Gov’t intervention boosted women’s social and economic opportunities
- 23,700
women trained since 2020 through WIIN and BIT initiatives
By Trina Williams
A significant shift in fostering economic inclusivity and the empowerment of women is undergoing in Guyana, as statistics indicate that Guyanese women are experiencing unprecedented access to social services and job opportunities under the current government.
The billions invested under the current administration to fund initiatives such as expanding educational and skill-building programmes, and increasing women’s workforce participation was recently highlighted by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh.
During the presentation of budget 2025, he said: “Government continues to demonstrate our commitment to the empowerment of women through focused interventions to improve their social and economic welfare. We have improved their access to health, housing and education services and their participation in governance and management, while also providing employment and income-earning opportunities. Entrepreneurial and skills training have been provided to over 23,700 women since August 2020 through the Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) and Board of Industrial Training (BIT), he said.
Of this total, over 5,900 women were trained in 2024, while Budget 2025 caters for another 11,200 women.
Adding to this, over 21,400 women were awarded Guyana Online Learning Acade -
my (GOAL) Scholarships. This represents 72 percent of total awardees since the commencement of this programme in 2021.
Of this total, over 6,000 women were awarded a scholarship in 2024, and a further 6,750 are expected to be awarded in 2025, the Minister had said.
Over 16,500 house lots were allocated to women, which represents approximately 46 percent of total house lots awarded since 2020.
“This is a commendable achievement towards gender equality in Guyana in the last five years,” he said.
During the budget debate which occurred after its presentation, several Members of Parliament spoke on how women’s lives have been transformed and how gender equality is being rapidly advanced under the current administration.
MP Bhagmattie Veerasammy, in her presentation on day one of the 2025 budget debate during the 92nd sitting of the National Assembly, spoke extensively on how the government’s policies are outpacing the previous coalition administration’s own.
Veerasammy stated that this year’s budget is about “people and country.” She said, “It has something for everyone and its
gender-mainstreaming component ensures that women benefit equitably. In the four years prior from 2020 to now, the PPP/C government has fulfilled its manifesto and promises and delivered beyond our people’s expectations.”
She also stated that the government has recognised the importance of empowering women and thus, there were investments to create education, training and job opportunities. The Ministry of Education (MoE) has invested heavily in training teachers across Guyana in the last four years, she said. The MP noted that approximately 43,78 teachers were trained, and MoE is introducing new teaching methods and smart classrooms for students.
She also said that the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, under the WIIN, developed courses for women and girls who dropped out of school. Those courses aim to empower women and girls with accredited technical and vocational training, entrepreneurial skills and access to financing opportunities.
When the National Pathway Workers Programme was created since 2022, 10,751 persons were employed and more than 75 per cent were women, she said.
Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal in the National Assembly on Friday
GPEC earns International Quality Management certification GOGEC, EY host workshop to educate students on oil and gas industry
GPEC Energy Product
Guyana Inc. (GPEC), a leading provider of precision-engineered equipment, has joined an elite group of companies which have achieved International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) certification.
ISO 9001 is a globally recognised standard for quality management. It helps organisations and companies of all sizes and sectors to improve their performance, meet customers’ expectations and demonstrate their commitment to quality. Its requirements define how to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve a quality management system (QMS).
This prestigious certification underscores GPEC's unwavering commitment to providing high-quality products and services to Guyana’s bourgeoning oil and gas sector. The audit was conducted
by SIS CERTIFICATIONS
PVT Ltd, a leading international ISO certification body accredited by IAF and IAS, and confirms GPEC's adherence to the internationally recognised ISO 9001:2015 standard.
This standard specifies requirements for a QMS, enabling organisations to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customers’ and regulatory requirements. GPEC's certification also highlights its dedication to customer focus, continuous improvement and risk-based thinking.
Achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification is a significant milestone for
GPEC. This achievement reflects our team's hard work and dedication to providing the highest quality products and services to our customers. We are proud to contribute to the development of Guyana’s energy sector and are committed to upholding the highest standards of quality in all our operations.
GPEC Energy Product Guyana Inc is a leading provider of precision-engineered equipment and parts for critical installations across Guyana's energy sector. We support some of the world’s leading OEMS who work with us because of our collaborative commitment and international expertise.
Fifth and sixth-form students, accompanied by a representative teacher from each school, participated in interactive sessions designed to enhance their understanding of the sector
THE Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), in collaboration with Ernst & Young (EY), successfully hosted a one-day workshop on January 30, 2025, aimed at providing key insights into the oil and gas industry. The event was attended by students of Queen's College, The Bishops High School, and St Stanislaus College, offering an engaging and educational experience.
Fifth and sixth-form students, accompanied by a representative teacher from each school, participated in interactive sessions designed to enhance their understanding of the sector. The topics covered included sustainability in the oil and gas industry; a day in life on a rig and financial literacy, providing students with practical knowledge about the industry’s operations and economic impact.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WORKSHOP
Sustainability in Oil and Gas: industry experts emphasised environmental responsibility, renewable energy integration and best practices for ensuring a sustainable future in the sector.
A Day in Life on a Rig: students were introduced to offshore operations, safety protocols and the diverse career opportunities available within the industry.
Financial Literacy: EY professionals pro -
vided insights into financial planning, investment strategies and the economic benefits associated with the oil and gas sector.
GOGEC reaffirmed its commitment to preparing young minds for Guyana’s rapidly expanding energy sector. The workshop served as a crucial platform for students to explore career opportunities, gain an understanding of sustainability and develop financial awareness—key areas that will shape Guyana’s future as an oil-producing nation.
The collaboration between GOGEC and EY highlights their shared dedication to educating and empowering the next generation of industry leaders. By engaging students at an early stage, the initiative seeks to build a pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute meaningfully to Guyana’s energy landscape.
The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session, whereby students had the opportunity to engage with industry professionals, ask pertinent questions and gain deeper insights into potential career paths within the oil and gas sector.
GPF receives 15-seater bus donation to enhance crime lab operations
THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) received a significant boost to its transportation resources on Friday with the donation of a 15-seater Toyota bus from Car Clean Enterprise.
The handover ceremony took place at the GPF Headquarters, with CEO Gladford Thomas, a retired Senior Superintendent who served the GPF for 36 years, and his son Edgar Thomas presenting the vehicle. The donation aims to enhance transportation for ranks within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Crime Lab, allowing for more efficient operations in combatting crime, including trafficking in persons.
lised for its intended purpose.
efficiency of the fleet.
During the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Errol Watts pledged that the GPF would ensure the bus is properly maintained and uti-
“This valuable asset will be used by the GPF for all required CID operations,” Watts stated. He highlighted the importance of adhering to the Police Standing Order - Chapter 61, which governs the proper usage and maintenance of the Police Force’s vehicle fleet. He emphasised that accurate recording of vehicle use by ranks is crucial for the longevity and
Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh, Head of the GPF’s Transport Workshop, expressed gratitude for the contribution, stating that it would greatly enhance mobility for officers.
“This resource will be invaluable in enhan cing transportation for our ranks, particularly within the CID. It will greatly assist in our crime-fighting efforts,” Sawh remarked.
Edgar Thomas, Manager of Operations at Car Clean Enterprise, spoke on behalf of the company, highlighting its longstanding partnership
with the GPF. "For over a decade, our dealership has had the privilege of supplying the Guyana Police Force with our services, and today, we continue this tradition of support and partnership. This donation is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of our law enforcement officers," he noted.
Thomas also acknowledged the dedicated service of the Police Force, particularly the Traffic and CID officers, who work tirelessly in the field to maintain law and order.
Assistant Superintendent
Ray Marcurius, representing the CID Crime Scene Lab, welcomed the donation, stating that it would significantly improve the unit’s ability to respond promptly to crime scenes. He thanked Car Clean Enterprise for the generous gesture and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to making the best use of the resource.
The ceremony marked another important step in strengthening public-private partnerships aimed at improving national security and the effectiveness of law enforcement in Guyana.
Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Errol Watts (third from right) and Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh, Head of the GPF’s Transport Workshop (first from left) flanked by a retired Senior Superintendent, Gladford Thomas who served the GPF for 36 years, and his son Edgar Thomas who presented the vehicles along with other officials
The 15-seater Toyota bus that was donated
IDB, Gov’t partner to advance Guyana’s food safety standards
IN a significant step toward enhancing food safety and public health, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, officially opened the Guyana Food Safety Authority’s (GFSA) Laboratory and Office at the La Bonne Intention complex on the East Coast of Demerara. This new facility is a crucial component of the government’s broader strategy to ensure food security as agricultural production continues to expand across the country.
During his address, Minister Mustapha underscored the importance of public trust in the safety of locally produced food and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the GFSA. He also emphasised the critical role that students from the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) will play in advancing food safety, highlighting that the new laboratory will offer them invaluable opportunities for hands-on training and development. This, he noted, will better equip them with the expertise needed to contribute to the country’s growing agricultural sector.
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Country Representative, Ms. Lorena Solorzano-Salazar, also spoke at the event, emphasising the ongoing collaboration between the IDB and the Government of Guyana. She noted that the newly established facility aligns with a shared vision of enhancing food safety standards and public health while ensuring that Guyana meets international market demands for traceability and quality assurance.
With an investment of over G$520 million in stateof-the-art equipment, funded by the IDB, the laboratory is well-equipped to conduct tests on a wide range of agricultural commodities to guarantee their safety for consumption. Additionally, it will facilitate advanced traceability studies, ensuring that Guyana remains ahead of global food safety standards.
This milestone marks a major advancement in Guyana’s food safety infrastructure, strengthen-
Two found guilty in 2018 murder of cheese vendor
AFTER a week-long trial, a jury has found Akeem Morris called ‘Dig Out’ and Roy Sandiford guilty of the August 5, 2018 murder of Troy Ramalho aka ‘Cheese Man,’ a wellknown cheese and sausage vendor in Bourda Market. The verdict was delivered on January 31, 2025, following nearly five hours of jury deliberation. Trial Judge Navindra Singh has scheduled March 5, 2025, to sentence the convicts.
The prosecution’s case is that on August 15, 2018, around 11:05 PM, Ramalho had just finished plying his trade for the night and packed up when he was approached by Morris, Sandiford and a third individual, Nya John. John was discharged for the offence previously after a nocase submission was upheld at the preliminary inquiry stage.
At the time, Ramalho was wearing three gold rings and had three gold chains wrapped around his arm.
According to eyewitness accounts, Sandiford, armed
with a gun, pointed it at Ramalho and ordered him not to move before shooting him.
As Ramalho collapsed, John attempted to flee but was ordered back by Sandiford. Morris then ran over, removed the victim’s jewellery and the group fled the scene in a getaway car driven by George Paton, who was waiting nearby. In 2022, Paton pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter in Ramalho’s death and was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.
Following their arrests— Morris on August 26, 2018, and Sandiford on September 1, 2018—both men were
placed in separate identification parades at the Brickdam Police Station. Witnesses positively identified them as the perpetrators. Video surveillance also captured them approaching Ramalho’s stall and fleeing the scene.
Nya John was previously discharged after a no-case submission was upheld. Morris’ defence, led by attorney Kiswana Jefford and Nigel Hughes of Hughes, Fields & Stoby Law Firm, argued that the identification parade was unfairly conducted, and that Morris was being victimised by the police. He claimed to have been home with his oneyear-old daughter at the time
of the crime.
However, the prosecution pointed out that this was the first time Morris had provided such a specific alibi and emphasised that the police had followed proper identification procedures. Additionally, another accused individual had implicated both Morris and Sandiford in the crime. Additionally, video surveillance captured Morris and Sandiford approaching Ramalho’s stand before the offence was committed and then fleeing the scene.
Sandiford’s defence, represented by attorney Dexter Todd, argued that his client was misidenti -
fied by an eyewitness who allegedly held a grudge against him since 2009. However, under cross-examination, Sandiford admitted that he had assaulted the eyewitness. Two witnesses presented by the defence—Eon Grant and Trevor Bentham—claimed Sandiford was at a Superbet shop on the night of the murder, but under cross-examination, they revealed they had never provided this information to the police before the trial. Furthermore, they were contacted by Todd only days before presenting their testimony. During cross-exam-
ination, they were unable to recall essential details from their statement, including Sandiford’s correct name. The prosecution, led by State Counsel Christopher Belfield and assisted by State Counsel Muntaz Ali, argued that the evidence overwhelmingly pointed to Morris and Sandiford’s guilt. This included the eyewitness testimony, video surveillance and police procedures followed during the investigation.
GSA students harvest second batch of honey in hands-on learning experience
STUDENTS at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) had a sweet start to their Friday morning as they harvested the second batch of honey from the school’s apiary. Guided by experienced instructor and beekeeper, Mr. Linden Stewart, the students carefully extracted the honey, marking an important milestone in their agricultural education.
The initiative, which forms part of the institution’s practical training in apiculture, highlights GSA’s dedication to providing hands-on learning experiences. Through this exercise, students gain valuable insights into beekeeping, honey production, and the broader principles of sustainable agriculture.
Mr. Stewart emphasised that the activity was not just about
harvesting honey but also about understanding the essential role bees play in the ecosystem.
GSA has long been recognised as a leader in agricultural education in Guyana, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The school’s apiary project is one of many initiatives designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world agricultural practices.
With this latest honey harvest, students have reinforced their understanding of sustainable farming techniques while reaping the sweet rewards of their labour. Their enthusiasm and dedication signal a bright future for the next generation of agricultural professionals in Guyana.
GSA students harvested a second honey batch Friday morning
Akeem Morris
Troy Ramalho Roy Sandiford
George Paton
Justice Navindra Singh
Land reclamation, monitoring of mining activities to be accelerated this year
– as House approves $3.6B for natural resources ministry TURN
THE Ministry of Natural Resources plans to ramp up its land reclamation exercise and monitoring capabilities in mining districts to reduce infractions.
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, made the announcement while disaggregating the budgetary allocations for his ministry to the Committee of Supply on Friday.
According to Minister Bharrat, another $300 million will be directed to reclamation and reforestation efforts.
He further highlighted the progress made with last year’s $300 million allocation, noting significant reclamation work on approximately 30 acres of land in Wismar, Linden, Region 10.
Over 2,000 seedlings have been planted on this 30-acre plot. The natural resources minister noted that the average cost of reclamation per acre of land would normally range between $15 million and $20 million.
“Through the collaboration between the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Guyana Forestry Commission, we have managed to bring that cost per acre well below $10 million. I am happy to say that during that project in Linden, we would have created over 100 temporary jobs, and we have a few permanent jobs, ensuring that we
maintain that site,” he disclosed.
He said the government plans to reclaim another 10 acres of land in the area this year.
Minister Bharrat added that reforestation efforts were also executed in Region Ten areas affected by forest fires between 2023 and 2024.
“At that time there was limited capacity to deal with forest fires,” he explained.
Guyana’s collaboration with Brazil has bolstered the country’s capacity to manage forest fires.
The government plans to execute a similar reclamation exercise in several large mining pits in the vicinity of Mahdia, Region Eight this year. A total of 30 acres are being targeted.
This project falls under the ministry’s National Forest Restoration Initiative, consistent with the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
Last year, the ministry established two seedling stations for the project; one at the Yarrowkabra Training Centre along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway and another in Linden.
The minister recognised the challenges of effectively monitoring mining activities, given the vast and remote nature of the interior regions.
He noted that despite the collaboration between the Guyana
Geology and Mines
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat
House approves $63.7B to support agriculture sector
THE Parliamentary Committee of Supply has approved $63.7 billion to support the agriculture sector this year.
This is just a portion of the $104.6 billion that is set aside to advance the nation’s food sector. The remaining funds will be approved following the passage of the overall 2025 fiscal package.
Of the $63.7 billion already passed, $13.3 billion has been allocated to support the sugar industry as the government continues efforts to revitalise the sector.
While defending the sector’s budget in the National Assembly on Friday, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, highlighted the government’s aggressive efforts to reduce sugar production costs.
The government has set a target of 101,000 tonnes of sugar for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) this year.
To achieve this, 40 per cent of cultivation lands have already been mechanised as part of efforts to increase production.
“As long as we produce more sugar, the cost of production will decrease. GuySuCo is looking to bring it down to US51 cents. But we also have to look at the impact of GuySuCo on the economy,” he explained.
Several sugar estates, including Rose Hall, Albion, and Uitvlugt have undergone significant rehabilitation to maximise production.
“The industry was in a state where we had to spend a lot of funds to
bring it back to where it is now. We are working to ensure that we have maximum capacities at the estates,” the agriculture minister stated.
Providing an update on the Black Belly Sheep project, Minister Mustapha stated that Guyana has already received 1,000 from Barbados.
“Since then, we have reproduced almost 800 of those sheep at the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA). We are building that brand that the president spoke about. That brand is being built for CARICOM right here in Guyana. That is the vision we have as a government,” Minister Mustapha emphasised.
Already, 163 persons, most from Region Five, are directly involved in the initiative.
The minister noted the government completed eight pump stations over the past year and is currently constructing seven more.
He also provided updates on several pump stations, noting progress at Jimbo Grove, Charity, Belle Vue, Cottage and Black Bush Polder.
The Jimbo Grove and Black Bush Polder pump stations are 37 per cent completed, while the ones at Cottage and Belle Vue are 80 and 10 per cent completed respectively.
The government remains committed to building a robust, climate-smart agriculture sector that enhances livelihoods and ensures food security. (DPI)
Even the shade house project will receive major investment this year
Former President Donald Ramotar addresses
6th International Conference in Cuba
FORMER President of Guyana, H.E. Donald Ramotar, recently participated in the 6th International Conference “For the Bal-
ance of the World,” held from January 27 to January 31.
The event brought together current and former
Land
reclamation...
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Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), with approximately 300 personnel stationed across more than 50 field locations, comprehensive oversight of all mining districts and forest concessions is a massive undertaking.
The minister emphasised that increased monitoring capabilities within mining districts are expected to lead to a reduction in mining infractions.
The ministry is actively exploring the integration of technology to enhance its monitoring efforts.
“We are expecting that our compliance and our monitoring increase significantly in 2025. That is something we have committed to doing at the ministry,” he said.
Heads of State, high-ranking government and party officials, trade unionists, and members of the Diplomatic Corps from various countries, all convened to discuss pressing global issues.
Upon arrival, Ramotar was welcomed by officials from the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) and senior representatives of the Communist Party of
Cuba (CPC).
In his address at the Conference, he highlighted contemporary trends in global affairs, addressing critical topics such as the ongoing genocide in Palestine attributed to the Israeli Defense Force and the potential resolution of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Ramotar emphasised the importance of unity and sol-
idarity among the world's progressive forces to tackle these pressing challenges effectively.
On January 30, Ramotar met with His Excellency Miguel Diaz-Canel, President of Cuba, along with other government and party representatives, including the Honorable Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Cuba's Foreign Minister and Member
of the Political Bureau of the CPC. The discussions underscored the commitment of both nations to fostering co-operation and addressing shared concerns on the international stage. The Conference, which serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among progressive leaders concluded on January 31.
The mineral inventory process will also be advanced this year with a $735 million allocation.
The government last year signed a contract with United Statesbased company, Global Venture Consulting LLC, to begin the process.
The project is intended to build on a previous inventory completed in 1968 which currently needs updating.
“[We have allocated] $5 million for advertising costs and another $5 million for the review of the mining regulations in Guyana,” the minister added. These provisions form part of the ministry’s overall $3.6 billion allocation. (DPI)
H.E. Donald Ramotar (right) is seen with Cuban President, Miguel Diaz-Canel
Aussie spinners star in Australia’s emphatic innings win over Sri Lanka
MATTHEW Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon combined to bowl out Sri Lanka for 247 in their second innings and spin Australia to a massive innings and 242run victory. The spin duo picked four apiece, amidst brief fightbacks from the hosts, after Australia enforced the follow-on in the morning session.
Sri Lanka, who mustered only 165 in their first innings, saw their middle order, frustratingly, throw away good starts to concede a 1-0 lead in the two-match series inside four days of the rain-affected Test in Galle.
On the brightest morning
of the game thus far, Sri Lanka resumed on 136/5 with the aim to avoid the follow-on. However, that resolve lasted only half an hour. Once the overnight batters took the home team past the 150-run mark, Kuhnemann set the trap for Kusal Mendis with a floated delivery and as the batter leaned in to sweep and got a top-edge that was taken comfortably in the deep. The collapse was swift thereafter. Lyon, at the other end, got rid of the second set batter. It was one reverse too many for Dinesh Chandimal who went for yet another sweep and this time was caught plumb in front. He
reviewed, but to no avail.
Sri Lanka lost the second-half of their batting for just 29 runs inside an hour, and then three more in the session to go to Lunch staring at defeat. Following on, the hosts had a forgettable start with the bat once more.
Mitchell Starc struck on the first ball of his second over to trap Oshada Fernando dead in front with an inswinging yorker.
At 6/2, Angelo Matthews joined hands with Chandimal to resurrect the innings and together the two batters managed to put on a 69-run stand that was Sri Lanka’s best partnership of the game
Australia decimate England in maiden Ashes whitewash
ALANA King bagged five wickets to finish with a match-haul of 9 for 98 as Australia registered a thumping victory by an innings and 122 runs in the one-off Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, on Saturday ( February 1), to complete a whitewash in the Women’s Ashes for the first time.
Resuming the third day’s play on 422 for 5, Australia lost their last five wickets for only 18 runs in the
morning session with Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Filer sharing the spoils. Beth Mooney, batting on 98, cut Sophie Ecclestone through cover point and picked up two runs to bring up her century in the opening over of the day.
across the two innings.
However, at the stroke of Lunch, Lyon dismissed Chandimal for the second time in the session to dent the little progress that Sri Lanka made. In the afternoon session, Kamindu Mendis kept busy in his 26-ball stay of 32 runs, doing the bulk of the scoring in the 39-run partnership with Mathews.
After a brief counterattack, though, Kamindu threw away a perfect start when he skipped down the track to slog Kuhnemann and found Starc at cow corner instead. Three balls later and without having added a run to their total, Sri Lanka lost Mathews too.
In about the 14 overs that followed , Dhananjaya
fourth over of the innings.
Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight provided some resistance with a 73run stand for the second wicket, but just before the drinks break, Knight ended up nudging a sharply turning delivery from Ash Gardner
Australia completed a whitewash in the Women’s Ashes for the first time
After a fairly cautious start, Tahlia McGrath charged down the ground against the left-arm spinner, who slowed down the pace slightly and dragged the length a bit. McGrath ended up dragging her shot to mid on to trigger the lower order collapse. Filer had Kim Garth caught behind in the next over and Eccelstone then trapped King legbefore. Mooney, who had survived a couple of close chances against Filer, was eventually cleaned up by the pacer on 106. Ellyse Perry, who was suffering from a hip injury, walked out to bat at No. 10, but her stay was short as she offered an easy return catch to Eccelstone on 2 to end Australia’s innings. However, with a massive first innings lead to play with, the hosts were in a comfortable position. Moreover, England didn’t provide an adequate challenge in the second innings either. Darcie Brown had Maia Bouchier cleaned up in the
to the forward short leg fielder. That was the start of the collapse for England.
Nat-Sciver Brunt cracked a couple of boundaries off King but ended up misreading her googly and getting trapped legbefore. Sophia Dunkley and Danni Wyatt- Hodge also fell in quick succession to the Australian spin duo as Beaumont became a mere spectator to the procession of wickets from the other end.
Just a few overs before Dinner, she ended up joining them, ended up inside edging a cut on to her stumps. And before the break, Australia even had Amy Jones sent back with Ash Gardner inducing an outside edge to the keeper. Ryana Donald- Gay, Eccelstone and Filer delayed the inevitable with some resistance lower down the order, but it was merely formality as England bundled out for 148 in the second essay.
de Silva and Kusal Mendis kept the visitors at bay by stitching a 65-run stand for the sixth wicket that took Sri Lanka past their first innings score . Dhananjaya, however, joined the long list of Sri Lankan batters to throw away perfectly fine starts when he went for an ill-advised lofted shot to give Kuhnemann his fifth wicket of the day. In the very next over, Lyon had Kusal stumped as on 34 to make it a double whammy for the hosts.
Vandersay smacked and entertaining cameo of 53, in 47 deliveries, came to an end the next delivery and Sri Lanka succumbed to a massive defeat . ( Cricbuzz )
Crowd chant ‘MVP’
at Bronny James in Lakers win
BRONNY James - son of Los Angeles Lakers legend Lebronwas cheered by the Washington Wizards crowd as he scored a career-high five points against their own side in the NBA.
The home support were chanting the 20-year-old’s name before he even entered the game for the fourth quarter at the Capital One Arena.
As well as his five points, James also had two rebounds, two assists and a steal during his late cameo, with the crowd chanting “MVP” (most valuable player) as he rounded off the scoring with two late free throws.
Father LeBron - who has been named MVP four times in his career - had left the game late in the third quarter after scoring a game-high 24 points with 11 assists, helping the Lakers to a comfortable 13496 win.
“He [Bronny] has had eyeballs on him his whole life. He’s used to it,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick.
“He has handled everything with dignity, grace, class, all that stuff. He’ll continue to grow.”
The Lakers have won five of their past six games to sit fifth in the Western Conference. The
Wizards are bottom in the East after a club record-equalling 16th successive defeat.
Bronny James joined the Lakers as a second-round draft pick from the University of Southern California in June. He made history in October when he stepped off the bench to join LeBron and become the first father-son duo to share the court in an NBA game during the Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Elsewhere, Anthony Edwards had 36 points and 11 assists as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Utah Jazz 138113 to make it five straight wins.
Two free throws from Jaren Jackson Jr with seconds remaining in the fourth quarter helped the Memphis Grizzlies, third in the Western Conference, edge the second-placed Houston Rockets 120-119.
Darius Garland scored 26 points and Donovan Mitchell added 24 as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Atlanta Hawks 137-115, while the Portland Trail Blazers enjoyed a 119-90 win over the Orlando Magic. (BBC Sport)
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 02, 2025
Puerto Rico, Honduras, Panama, El Salvador secure top spots
…Guyana end campaign with 7-1 win over Turks and Caicos
PUERTO Rico, Honduras, Panama, and El Salvador secured their place in the next round of the Concacaf Women’s U-17 Qualifiers following victories in their final first round fixtures on Friday.
Spanish - speaking Caribbean Island Puerto Rico edged Bermuda 2-1 in their Group A top - of - the - table clash at Estadio Centroamericano in Mayagüez
Gabriella Garnett (33rd) and Mia Colon ( 90+5 ) got the goals for the host, while Evans Welch (60th) pulled
one back for Bermuda
Though Puerto Rico secured the coveted top spot with nine points , Bermuda ( six points) remains in contention to progress as one of the two best second-placed teams
Third - placed Cayman Islands ended their campaign on a high with a 4-0 win over St Vincent and the Grenadines in a contest of academic interest only Clara De Quintal (18th, 59th, 67th) and Olivia Ridley (45+2) got the goals
Over in Group B , host Trinidad and Tobago were
edged 1-0 by Honduras in their top - of - the - table clash at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago
Paula Ramirez ( 76th ) got the all-important strike, which saw the Central Americans taking the top spot on nine points, while Trinidad and Tobago (six points) will have to wait to see if their record of seven goals for and one against, is good enough to take one of the best second-placed spots
Earlier, Shanalee Smith, with goals in the 12th, 34th, and 60th , propelled Belize
to a 3-0 win over US Virgin Islands to end their failed campaign on a high
Meanwhile, in Group C, Panama romped to an 8-2 win over Cuba at Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Shaday Mow (sixth, 12th, 70th ), Yasselis Magallon ( eighth , 82nd ), Alison Onodera (18th, 27th), and Kelly Zapata did the damage for Panama, who sealed top honours on nine points.
Cuba, who got their goals through Aneilis Calvo (24th)
Born to run: Dr. Jo Brown on the extraordinary DNA and relentless drive of Jamaican athletes
WORLD-renowned performance physiotherapist and coach Dr. Jo Brown believes Jamaican athletes possess a unique combination of genetic advantages and a deeply ingrained culture of hard work, setting them apart from the rest of the world. Dr. Brown, who has written the book, See the Elephant: Discover What Is Holding You Back from Your True Potential, believes these advantages are among the main reasons why they are among the very best.
Dr. Brown first worked with Jamaican athletes at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, an experience that left her in awe of the physical capabilities and depth of talent among Jamaican athletes. Speaking about what makes them special, she emphasised their genetic gifts, particularly in sprinting.
“Y’all are genetically gifted,” Dr. Brown said, reflecting on her experiences with Jamaican athletes. “The way the average Jamaican sprinter’s body is made up, where they naturally carry muscle, the way their pelvis works, and their
fast-twitch muscle fibres— all those things make them naturally better runners. It makes them physically just amazing.”
role. “From a mental side, there’s this culture of working really hard. The bar is set high, and you work to that bar or above. To be
have been transformative, inspiring her to delve deeper into the interplay of physical and mental factors that drive performance. In See
Her first encounter with Jamaica’s track and field scene left a lasting impression. “When I went to the first track and field meet in Jamaica, I was just, oh my God, the depth of this talent. It’s not just that one person has it all; there’s this overwhelming genetic foundation that you see across the board.”
However, Dr . Brown was quick to point out that genetics alone are not enough to create worldclass athletes. She believes the mental fortitude and cultural influences in Jamaica play an equally critical
successful, you have to go above because of all the ‘crabs in the bucket,’ so to speak. The adversity plays a part in that.”
Dr. Brown noted that while adversity can serve as a driver for success, it requires the right processes and systems to channel it effectively. “For some individuals, if they don’t have a process, adversity can be used in the wrong way. But when you combine genetic talent with hard work, discipline, and structure, that’s when the magic happens.”
Her experiences working with Jamaican athletes
the Elephant, Dr. Brown explores not only her work with Jamaican athletes but also the universal principles that allow high performers to reach their true potential.
Dr. Brown’s observations highlight why Jamaica has consistently produced some of the greatest athletes in the world, particularly in track and field. With a blend of natural gifts, cultural values, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Jamaican athletes continue to set the global standard for athletic performance. ( Sportsmax )
and Olga Evelin (44th), are also waiting to know their fate in the race for the two best second-placed spots
Third - placed Guyana ended their failed campaign on a high with a 7-1 victory over the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Alexaudria Chasles (16th), Devi Sookdeo (20th, 54th), Ayana Joseph (24th, 41st), Naomi Benjamin (57th), and Brianyelis Meises own goal in the 22nd saw Guyana to victory. Amika Jackson (71st) got Turks and Caicos’ con -
solation.
Elsewhere, Group D winners El Salvador, through goals from Maya Buerger (22nd, 50th), Angelina Carrillo (27th, 41st), Ava Rodriguez (35th), and Audrina Santos (78th, 86th), blanked Guatemala 7-0 at Estadio Nacional in Managua, Nicaragua. Guatemala are also on the wait list for the second-place spots, while Curacao ended their failed campaign with a 5-2 win over Anguilla to salvage some pride. ( Sportsmax )
Salah double takes Liverpool nine points clear
Mohamed Salah is the top goalscorer in the Premier League with 21 goals, the fifth
has scored 20 or more goals
Vitality Stadium. Salah is now on 178 league goals, lifting him to sixth on the list in the Premier League era, ahead of Frank Lampard on 177
The Egyptian put the Reds ahead with a well-taken 30th - minute penalty , awarded after Lewis Cook was judged to have clipped the heels of Cody Gakpo. Bournemouth had already gained wins over Arsenal, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest this season and had almost taken the lead against the Reds when it was goalless, only for Antoine Semenyo’s shot to bounce off the left post
Semenyo then had a great chance to equalise early in the second half, only for Alisson to make an excellent save with his legs to keep out the well-struck effort
The chances kept coming for the hosts and substitute Marcus Tavernier hit the inside of the post, with Justin Kluivert wastefully shooting the rebound over the bar
That failure to equalise proved critical as Salah, whose contract expires at the end of the season, sealed the three points with a magnificent curled effort to make it 2-0.
The Reds are now on 56 points from 23 matches, although Arsenal will cut the gap back to six points if they win at home against Manchester City today.
LIVERPOOL moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League as Mohamed Salah’s double saw off a battling Bournemouth at a noisy
season in which he
in the English topflight
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
Windies Women sweep Bangladesh 3-0 after five-wicket win in series finale
WEST Indies Women
capped off a dominant series with a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh Women in the final T20I, as they completed a 3-0 sweep despite missing key players at Warner Park on Friday.
Stand-in captain Karishma Ramharack led the side in the absence of regular skipper Hayley Matthews and vice-captain Shemaine Campbelle, and an all-round effort from Jannillea Glasgow ensured the home team finished the series on a high note.
After restricting Bangladesh to 104-8, the West Indies women chased down the target in 18.3 overs, reaching 105-5 to seal a comfortable win.
Winning the toss and opting to field first, the regional side had to wait until the fourth over for their first breakthrough, as Glasgow
removed opener Murshida Khatun for 13, with Bangladesh at 24-1. Glasgow struck again in the sixth over, this time clean-bowling Dilara Akter for 21.
Off-spinner Ashmini Munisar then got in on the act with the wicket of Sharmin Akter (six) in the seventh over as Bangladesh were in a spot of bother at 48-3. From there, wickets fell at regular intervals as the visitors failed to build any meaningful partnerships.
Captain Nigar Sultana Joty provided the only resistance for Bangladesh, top-scoring with a battling 33 from 43 balls. Thanks to her efforts, the visitors inched past 100, but Glasgow returned to claim her third wicket to finish with impressive figures of 3-15 from her four overs.
With a meager target to get, the West Indies wom -
Unbeaten heavyweights India and South Africa lock horns in the U19WC Final
THE ICC Women’s T20 Under 19 World Cup 2025 is headed for an epic conclusion with India and South Africa set to lock horns in a much -awaited final today.
stage points to the Super Six round, South Africa also bested Ireland before sharing points with USA after the game was abandoned due to rain . In the semi-final, the Kayla Reyneke-led side beat
The Bayuemas Oval in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur will play host to the grand occasion, with the match scheduled to commence at 2:30 PM local time.
A prominent feature of their respective campaigns is the fact that the two teams arrive at the final on the back of unbeaten runs.
South Africa topped Group C with wins over New Zealand, Samoa and Nigeria. Holding the advantage of carrying four group
Australia by five wickets to seal their spot in the final. India, who arrived in the competition as the defending champions, also won all their group-stage fixtures against West Indies, Malaysia and Sri Lanka before getting the better of Bangladesh and Scotland in the Super Six. With a place in the final on the line, India breezed past England to make it six wins from as many games. Both the teams have had multiple match winners rising
to the occasion across the tournament. For India, Trisha Gongadi has amassed 265 runs from six outings – most in the tournament. Vaishnavi Sharma on the other hand, remains the top wicket-taker at this edition of the tournament with 15 scalps so far. The tweaker also created history by bagging the tournament’s first hat trick against Malaysia.
While the Proteas have had multiple games affected owing to rain, a key strength of the side has been their bowling. Skipper Kayla Reneke has led from the front, with 10 wickets from five appearances. She has been backed by the likes of Monalisa Legodi and Nthabiseng Nini, who have six wickets each to their name.
With no injury concerns in either camps following their semi-final triumphs, it is likely that the two field the same eleven that started in the previous game
PREDICTED
PLAYING XI
India: Niki Prasad (c), Kamalini G, Trisha Gongadi, Sanika Chalke, Ishwari Awasare, Mithila Vinod, Aayushi Shukla, Joshitha VJ, Shabnam, Parunika Sisodia, Vaishnavi Sharma.
South Africa: Kayla Reneke (c), Jemma Botha, Simone Lourens, Fay Cowling, Karabo Meso, Mieke Van Voorst, Seshnie Naidu, Ashleigh Van Wyk, Luyanda Nzuza, Monalisa Legodi, Nthabiseng Nini. (ICC Media)
en made the task look more difficult than it needed to be, as they stuttered to 26-2 in the sixth over. However, Glasgow once again proved to be a key player, following up her three-wicket haul with a steady 25 from 28 balls, including two boundaries, to steer the chase back on track.
The hosts suffered a slight wobble when the explosive Deandra Dottin fell for just 10, followed quickly by Glasgow with the score at 56-4 in the 11th over.
But Shabika Gajnabi and Zaida James ensured there would be no further stumbles. The two put on a crucial unbeaten 44-run stand for the sixth wicket as Gajnabi remained composed with 27 not out from 25 balls, while James contributed 14 not out from 22 balls to take the team over the line. (Sportsmax)
Scorpions, Red Force romp to predictable victories on final day
ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC)
– The Jamaica Scorpions and Trinidad & Tobago Red Force expectedly wrapped up comfortable victories on the fourth and final day of the first round of matches in the West Indies Championship on Saturday.
Led by a sensational seven wicket haul by debutant Tamarie Redwood, the Scorpions defeated the Windward Islands Volcanoes, while left-arm spinner Khary Pierre also bagged seven wickets as the Red Force registered a mammoth innings and 75 run victory over the Combined Campuses and Colleges.
made a promising start before Redwood unleashed his fury.
Sunil Ambris and Keron Cottoy added 60 runs for the third wicket after Redwood had dismissed Stephan Pascal early in the opening session.
But with the score on 137 for two, left-arm spinner Jeavor Royal bowled Cottoy for 31 to break the partnership and open the floodgates.
Ambris hit the topscore of 56 before Redwood claimed his wicket, and the 18-year-old produced a gem of a delivery that spun sharpy from outside off stump to bowl the left-handed
At Arnos Vale in St Vincent: Teenaged leg spinner Redwood ran through the Volcanoes’ middle order on the way to finishing with the impressive figures of 7-72 on debut, as the Scorpions wrapped up a comfortable 178run victory.
Resuming on their overnight total of 65 for one and requiring an improbable 355 more runs for a historic win, the Volcanoes
Gian Benjamin for 23.
Redwood then also claimed the wickets of Ryan John for one, Shadrack Descarte for 47 and Kenneth Dember for eight, before he fittingly ended the match by having Daurius Martin stumped for a duck.
Royal lent good support, taking 2-81.
Khary Pierre bagged seven wickets to lead T&T Red Force
to victory over the CCC
At the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad: Fighting half centuries from Damel Evelyn and Shaqkere Parris were not enough to prevent the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) from an innings defeat to the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force.
The CCC were undone by a superb spell of 7-40 from 24 overs by Pierre, who pioneered a middle order collapse that saw them lose their last six wickets for just 15 runs.
Needing 192 more runs to make the Red Force bat again after they started the day on 90 for one, Pierre struck early when he trapped Avinash Mahabirsingh lbw for 14.
Evelyn eventually scored his half century, but soon after was also caught plumb in front by Pierre for 57 to make the score 116 for three.
Sadique Henry and Parris joined forces during a 52-run partnership to frustrate the Red Force bowlers, until leg spinner Yannic Cariah accounted for the former’s wicket after he had scored 15.
CCC were still comfortably placed at 192 for four, but when Pierre bowled Parris for an even 50 it transformed the match.
Demario Richards was bowled by Pierre for a first ball duck the next ball and without a run being added, Kyle Corbin was adjudged lbw off the bowling of Jyd Goolie. Pierre then dismissed Abhijai Mansingh and Andre Bailey for five and three respectively, while Goolie bowled Ojay Shields for a duck to complete the victory.
West Indies women in celebratory mood
Kayla Reneke (South Africa) and Niki Prasad (South Africa) pose with the wining trophy
Khary Pierre bagged seven wickets to lead T&T Red Force to victory over the CCC
President Ali hails sport’s role in national development as new doubles squash courts open
receives a
PRESIDENT Irfaan Ali has inaugurated a new inter- national-standard doubles squash court at the National Racquet Centre in Georgetown, Guyana. The G$68 million facility was officially opened on Saturday, marking a significant boost for the sport in the country.
The internal fitness area cost GY$41 million, while the building’s construction totalled GY$21 million.
President Ali emphasised the importance of sport for na- tional development and urged the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) to develop a business model in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, to capitalise on sports tourism.
team
“Sport is big business,” President Ali said, stressing the need for a business strategy for squash and other sports. He added, “In every aspect of the investments we are making, we develop a business plan with the association, a business ecosystem that backs the investment.”
Minister Charles Ramson Jr. called on players to maximise the new facility and elevate Guyanese squash to the highest level. He also announced plans to commission more international-standard facilities for other sports in 2025 and the opening of five stadiums this year.
GSA President David Fernandes expressed gratitude for President Ali’s commitment to air-conditioning the new
court, further enhancing the facility. He also confirmed the German-sourced court system is among the best globally.
The facility comprises three single courts that can be converted into two double courts. This flexibility is unique within the Caribbean Area Squash Association, where only Guyana and the British Virgin Islands currently possess internation- al-standard double courts.
However, Guyana is the sole nation where the government funds the conversion of single to double courts, making the facility accessible to the public.
With ongoing hotel construction, the GSA envisions hosting the Junior Pan American Championships by 2026.
NACAC backs Trinidad &Tobago to host safe CARIFTA Games
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – President of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC), Mike Sands is confident that Trinidad & Tobago will successfully stage the upcoming CARIFTA Games and CARIFTA Aquatics Championships amidst safety concerns.
Trinidad currently remains under a State of Emergency that was declared late in December and extended another three months earlier this month in response to increased violence.
With the 2025 CARIFTA Games slated for April 19 to 21, and the CARIFTA Aquatics Championship scheduled for April 19 to 22 followed by the open water swim on April 23, it means the State of Emergency will extend to
the weekend just before the Easter holiday.
While anticipation is growing ahead of competition for both disciplines, there are also rising safety concerns.
The State of Emergency does not prevent public gatherings or impose a curfew. However, due to elevated crime numbers in the twin island Republic, it allows security forces to search and detain persons and property without a warrant.
Despite the current situation, Sands believes the two events will be held without much alarm.
“I have all the confidence to believe that the CARIFTA Games will take place in Port of Spain as scheduled.
“I know there is a lot of talk and concern about the State of Emergency, but I am comfortable in saying that I
am in communication with the Local Organising Commitee (LOC) and Trinidad leadership on a daily basis, because there are a number of concerns being raised by member federations with respect to safety,” Sands pointed out
“I have been assured by the LOC, who are in communication with their security personnel, that the Games will not be interrupted.
“The State of Emergency does not carry much restrictions. There are no restrictions on public gatherings and there are no curfews, but like everywhere else, they are trying to manage the uptick in violence, recognising that they have major international events coming to Trinidad.
“They are expecting thousands of persons to be coming in, so they are putting measures in place to ensure
the safety of all of the visitors and participants,” he further added.
With Bahamians scheduled to travel into T&T for Easter weekend, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said that while it’s still early, the Bahamas will take the necessary precautions to protect the parties involved.
“Right now, we are in the early stages as CARIFTA is not until Easter time.
“Those who are responsible for the CARIFTA will make a decision on whether the games will remain there or not, so I do not really want to preempt any decision that is made,” Bowleg said.
“The Bahamas will take the steps that are necessary to safeguard its athletes and its citizens. We will just wait to see what is the outcome.”
President Dr. Irfaan Ali
national
jersey from the President of the Guyana Squash Association, David Fernandes, after the commissioning of the international doubles courts
Trinidad & Tobago is set to host the 2025 CARIFTA Games