5th April, 2025
President Ali: ‘AI must serve rather than replace humans’
GPL signs US$422M contract for largest infrastructure project in its history
--to expand, upgrade country’s transmission, distribution
400 Region Nine families receive house lots --taking total number of allocations since August 2020 to over 43,300
Finance Minister engages stakeholders on challenges, opportunities in BPO sector --says gov’t ready
Every NDC and municipality will be able to provide better and more services, thanks to the significant increase of their annual subventions
EVERY Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and municipality will be able to provide better and more services, as their annual subventions have been significantly increased.
Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday announced that every NDC will receive $30 million as their new annual subvention, while every municipality will receive $50 million as theirs.
“We want to equip you with the tools to ensure that, going forward, that apart from what we focus on at the national level, you can deliver better services,” the Vice-President said during an engagement on Friday with some councillors and other representatives from the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) at
the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
Previously, NDCs got subventions of about $5 million, while municipalities got about $18 million.
“We expect this money to be well spent. I asked the Minister of Agriculture to ensure that some of the communities got excavators. So, already, 68 excavators have been delivered or are in the process of being delivered to the NDCs and the towns, so you can now have equipment there,” Jagdeo said.
Owing to the series of community engagements conducted by the government, Vice-President Jagdeo had previously said that Budget 2025 will be focused on community issues, and on further bettering the lives of Guyanese.
He had highlighted how the government has been able to
get a more in-depth understanding of what the people want because of its people-centred approach. Since assuming office, the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has focused on ensuring Guyanese live more comfortable lives.
As a result of this, Guyanese have seen more focus on infrastructure, health, and education, and efforts to provide more disposable income. Budget 2025 addresses a number of these issues.
In his New Year address to the public, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had alluded to the rollout of major projects, and the introduction of new, innovative initiatives aimed at transforming Guyana, and creating a whirlwind of new opportunities.
By Feona Morrison
THE Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has embarked on its largest infrastructure project to date, valued at US$422 million (approximately G$90 billion), to expand and upgrade the country’s transmission and distribution network.
The proposed expansion and upgrade is for the distribution of power from the gas-to-energy project to the national grid.
The project contract was signed on Friday at a brief ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office, and attended by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar; and Head of GPL’s Management Committee Kesh Nandlall.
The project has been divided into three lots: Lots One and Three were awarded to PowerChina for a combined total of US$256.7 million, while Lot Two was awarded to Kalpataru for US$156.5 million. The gov-
ernment and GPL anticipate its completion within a year.
During his address, Prime Minister Phillips underscored the transformative nature of the project, emphasising that the transmission serves as the backbone of the country’s electricity supply.
According to him, this historic investment is crucial to ensuring the reliable delivery of power across Guyana, especially as the nation experiences unprecedented economic growth.
He noted that while shortterm measures such as power barges have stabilised supply, the government remains committed to medium-andlong-term energy solutions, including the Gas-to-Energy Project and the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project.
He highlighted the government’s phased approach to energy development, with immediate projects underway and future initiatives already in planning.
“When we went to the electorate in 2020, we went with a Manifesto, and we promised that, once and for all, we would fix this whole
electricity problem. Today, in Guyana, we have adequate electricity; more than the demand,” he said.
He added that the new transmission system will replace outdated infrastructure, integrating cutting-edge technology that aligns with global standards.
“This is part of our first five years of development,” Phillips emphasised.
He said the project will also support Guyana’s rapid expansion, ensuring reliable electricity for new housing schemes, industrial activities, hospitals, schools, and underserved communities.
He said that the project will ensure a stable and efficient electricity supply within the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS), benefitting approximately 585,000 customers.
According to Phillips, 17 previously unserved areas have already received electricity under the current administration’s development initiatives.
“President Dr. Irfaan Ali and his government promised development to the people,
and what we are doing here is delivering on that promise,” he concluded, reaffirming the government’s commitment to continuous progress in the energy sector.
Nandlall, in his remarks, pointed out that in 2024, GPL expanded its grid capacity by 124 megawatts to accommodate the rising electricity demand.
He said the company’s projected peak demand for 2025 is approximately 250 megawatts, with installed generation currently standing at 300 megawatts.
“The Government of Guyana has invested in the Gas-to-Energy project, which aims to deliver an additional 300 megawatts to the national grid in the first phase, followed by another 300 megawatts in the second phase,” Nandlall said.
GPL’s challenge, according to him, is to ensure this power is efficiently transmitted across the country.
The project works include the construction of 155 kilo-
meters of 230 kilovolt (kV) double-circuit transmission lines and 167 kilometers of 69 kV double-circuit transmission lines, along with the development of five new substations and the upgrade of the Kingston substation in Georgetown.
One of the major components of the project is the 230 kV transmission line, which will interconnect the under-construction Goedverwagting substation to a new substation in Williamsburg, East Berbice. Meanwhile, the 69kV transmission line will replace existing infrastructure along the railway embankment, linking substations in East Coast Demerara.
New substations will be built at La Bonne Intention (LBI) and Enmore on the East Coast Demerara in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), at Trafalgar in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and at Williamsburg in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) to improve power transmission efficiency, and accommodate future growth in these regions.
Nandlall emphasised the
importance of maintaining high international standards, and urged contractors to meet project timelines.
“These are very important projects for the country and the people of Guyana. And I would like to let you know that this project, which we are going to sign today, is the largest-ever investment for GPL in infrastructure, in a one-time investment,” he noted.
Minister Indar said the government has not raised electricity rates for the past four-and-a-half years.
The government, he added, aims to provide 500 megawatts of power, including 300 megawatts from a gas-to-energy project, and 165 megawatts from other sources, like ‘hydro’ and solar power.
He stated that last year, the Ministry of Public Works issued 13,974 electrical inspection certificates, reflecting a strong demand for new connections across various sectors, including housing, oil and gas, water development, and new facilities.
MARKING a significant step towards world-class healthcare, People’s Progressive Party’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that six new hospitals will be commissioned before the end of this year.
He made this disclosure during a press conference at the party’s headquarters, Freedom House, on Thursday.
The General Secretary pointed to the strides being made in the health sector to bolster access and care throughout the nation.
He said: “We believe you should have access wherever you live, all of our people, so we are doing that.”
Jagdeo also highlighted that the government is not only building, but it is also rehabilitating as well. For instance, the hospital at Linden would see a US$30 million upgrade and so will the Bartica and Best Hospitals.
“We are going to launch these six new hospitals before the end of the year. You’re going to have six new hospitals with CT scans now,”
clearly to [Health] Minister [Dr. Frank] Anthony, recruit from any part of the world. We want, when these hospitals come into operation that our people can walk in and get the best service and everybody.”
Just recently, Guyana garnered praise from the World Bank for its strategic investments in modern technology, healthcare and education, positioning itself as a leader in regional development.
“Guyana is already investing in sophisticated technology with artificial intelligence for diagnostic and treatment planning,” World Bank Director for Human Development for Latin America and the Caribbean, Jaime Saavedra, said on Tuesday at the Commissioning of a new College of Medical Sciences building at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus.
Jagdeo said.
He then pointed to the need for staffing at these institutions and said: “That means, you need to have about 18-20 technicians there to run only CT scans. They’re starting to train people. We don’t have enough people. We’re starting to train.
“The President has said
The country’ s focus on integrating technology into its healthcare system, particularly in diagnostic and treatment planning, is seen as a game-changer, offering unprecedented opportunities to extend high-quality medical care to remote communities.
Saavedra stated that these forward-thinking initiatives are not only transforming healthcare delivery, but also shaping the future of education and professional training in Guyana.
MINISTER within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy has strongly rejected claims made by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), describing them as “intellectually dishonest” and “politically motivated”.
Responding to a statement from the GHRA in a Stabroek News article published Thursday, April 3, Minister McCoy defended comments made by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and dismissed attempts by the Association to mischaracterise those remarks as an attack on the wider NGO community.
“To deliberately twist Dr. Jagdeo’s statements into an indictment of the entire NGO community is both intellectually lazy and politically mischievous,” McCoy stated.
He clarified that the General Secretary’s comments were directed at “a specific pattern of conduct by certain actors”, and not at NGOs that work objectively in service of communities.
Minister McCoy also
accused the GHRA of long-standing political bias, citing its historical and ideological links to opposition parties such as the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), as well as their coalition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).
“It is entirely within the rights of any democratic actor, including the General Secretary of the PPP, to expose and call out this duplicity for what it is,” he asserted.
Highlighting the PPP’s longstanding commitment to democracy and constitutional reform, Minister McCoy noted the party’s role in establishing civil society space, following the restoration of democratic governance in 1992.
“Our economic and social recovery strategy post-1992 was built on inclusion, openness and consultation, with civil society as a recognised partner in the process, from the design and implementation of the Poverty Reduction
Strategy Programme to the moral re-armament initiatives, to the creation of independent rights commissions such as the Ethnic Relations Commission, the Rights of the Child Commission, and the Women and Gender Equality Commission,” he said.
Minister McCoy was particularly critical of organisations such as the GHRA, Red Thread, and the Guyana Press Association, which he claimed are now under the influence of opposition-aligned individuals.
He has accused these groups of engaging in political partisanship while claiming neutrality, adding that they were “silent during the 2020 attempted electoral heist”.
No organisation is above critique, and just as civil society has the constitutional right to scrutinise government, political parties too have the democratic responsibility to scrutinise those NGOs that distort the truth, that operate with dual agendas, and that participate in political activism under the guise of
advocacy, McCoy added.
As such, the minister reaffirmed the PPP’s commitment to building an inclusive and progressive nation, declaring that the party would not remain silent in the face of what he described as “hypocrisy masquerading as principle”.
“The PPP remains resolute in our mission to build an inclusive and progressive nation rooted in truth, justice, and development, and that truth demands we expose those who claim to be neutral while advancing partisan interests from the shadows,” the Minister said.
THE announcement of a 38 per cent reciprocal tariff on Guyanese exports to the United States has sparked concerns among local businesses and policymakers.
However, as Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo rightly pointed out, there is no need for panic, rather, this moment calls for strategic engagement, diplomacy, and a well-reasoned economic response.
The tariffs, introduced by US President Donald Trump as part of his broader trade strategy, aim to address America’s trade imbalances by targeting countries with trade surpluses.
The logic is clear: nations exporting more to the US than they import will face increased duties. While this may seem like a fair policy on the surface, the discrepancies in trade data between Guyana and the US raise important questions about the accuracy of these calculations.
The United Nations (UN) global trade platform, Comtrade data, as cited by Jagdeo, indicated that, for 2024, Guyana exported US$3.3 billion to the US and imported US$2.56 billion, so there was a trade surplus.
However, the US reported that the exports from Guyana into that country totalled US$5.5 billion while the imports amounted to US$1.3 billion. According to their figures, there was a trade surplus of $4.1 billion.
These conflicting figures suggest that the formula used to determine Guyana’s tariff rate may be based on flawed or outdated data. This is precisely where diplomatic dialogue must come into play.
Dr. Jagdeo has made it clear that the government will engage with US authorities to clarify trade figures and advocate for a reduction in the tariff percentage. This approach is not only pragmatic but necessary. If the US acknowledges that Guyana’s trade surplus is significantly lower than reported, it could lead to a substantial reduction in the tariff burden.
Additionally, Guyana must highlight the unique nature of its trade relationship with the US, particularly in the petroleum sector.
A significant portion of Guyana’s exports to the US are driven by oil sales, with American companies such as ExxonMobil and Hess Corporation being the primary beneficiaries.
The irony here is that while Guyana’s trade surplus appears large, much of the revenue from these exports flows back to American businesses. This factor should be central to Guyana’s negotiations.
Beyond trade statistics, there is also the question of economic impact. Local businesses that depend on the US market—particularly in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing—could face
must not relinquish
THE notion that Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton should step aside in favour of Nigel Hughes or any so-called ‘consensus candidate’ in a potential coalition between the APNU and AFC is not only misguided, but it is also disrespectful to the political strength of the PNCR and the democratic will of its support base.
It is essential to remember that Norton did not inherit his position by accident or convenience. This is a man who fought vigorously to be where he is today.
He successfully challenged and defeated Joseph Harmon for the leadership of the party, securing the trust and confidence of party delegates and grassroots supporters. His victory was not merely a change in leadership; it was a reflection of the party’s desire for a reinvigorated and resolute approach to opposition politics.
Even after becoming leader, Norton had to fend off additional challenges, including fabricated scandals, demonstrating that he commands significant respect and legitimacy within the PNCR’s ranks.
Since assuming leadership, Norton has done the groundwork to mobilise and reconnect the party with its traditional support base. He has made some attempts to strengthen the PNCR’s organisational structures, expanded its influence across communities, and effectively articulated the opposition’s position on key national issues.
His efforts to keep the government accountable, along with his direct engagement with supporters, demonstrate his commitment to rebuilding and fortifying the party for the 2025 elections.
It would, therefore, be a strategic blunder of historic proportions for the PNCR to cede the presidential candidacy to the AFC or any candidate outside of the party’s leadership. The AFC, despite its past role in the coalition government, has suffered immense political decline and lacks the electoral clout to dictate terms.
The PNCR remains the dominant political force in the opposition landscape, and any coalition that undermines its leadership in favour of a weaker entity would risk alienating its core support base and diminishing its electoral strength.
Should the opposition enter the 2025 elections with a compromised leadership structure that sidelines the PNCR in favour of external candidates, it would not only weaken the party’s identity but also increase the likelihood of a devastating electoral defeat.
Such an outcome would have dire consequences, not just for the PNCR, but for the broader opposition movement that seeks to provide a viable alternative to the current administration.
Leadership is not about convenience; it is about legitimacy, strength, and commitment to the people. Aubrey Norton has earned his place at the helm of the opposition, and any attempt to displace him for the sake of political expediency would be both disrespectful and foolish. The PNCR must remain steadfast and assert its rightful leadership in any coalition it enters, ensuring that its hard work and political dominance are not squandered on appeasement.
Sincerely, Alvin Hamilton.
challenges if these tariffs remain in place. The government’s pledge to work closely with exporters and safeguard their access to key markets is a necessary step in ensuring economic stability.
At the same time, this situation should serve as a wake-up call for Guyana to continue diversifying its trade partners and reduce its reliance on the US market.
While the US remains a key economic ally, strengthening ties with other global markets could provide alternative avenues for export growth and reduce exposure to external trade policies that may not always be favourable.
As Dr. Jagdeo pointed out, these tariffs are part of a global policy shift by the US and are not unique to Guyana. The focus should be on finding solutions rather than exploiting the situation for political gain, as seen in the opposition camp.
Ultimately, Guyana must take a firm yet diplomatic stance in its negotiations with the US. A fair reassessment of trade figures, recognition of American corporate interests in Guyana, and a commitment to supporting local exporters should form the pillars of the government’s strategy. With careful diplomacy and strong economic advocacy, there is a real opportunity to lessen the impact of these tariffs and ensure that Guyana’s trade relationships remain both balanced and beneficial.
The relentless efforts of GHK Lall, others to disrupt the ever-increasing harmony, unity among Guyanese
Dear Editor
WITHIN the national boundaries of Guyana, colourful birds nest in radiant flowering and wild fruit trees flourishing along the banks of rivers, canals, and creeks that flow with awe-inspiring grace towards the Atlantic Ocean, - all ushering in serenity that has become commonplace experiences of residents and visitors alike.
In this picturesque atmosphere of nature’s varied splendor, Guyana’s population of six races/ethnicities, interact daily with civility, and an ever-increasing harmony that critics of the current government seek daily to disrupt, and rupture, for fear of being relegated into the abyss of irrelevance.
These anti-government individuals, and groups, preoccupied with acquiring influence and power, utilise every means available to ignite disharmony among the population.
From their various media platforms, lofty perches, or secured economic bunkers, they hock their trades of manufacturing and marketing falsehoods, fomenting strife, or inciting indifference and distrust by targeting denunciations against the President, and/or Vice-President. Among the chronic anti-government complainers is GHK Lall. Those of you who have lis-
tened to GHK’s digital video pontifications, or read articles written by him, would readily discover that his anti-government remarks seldom, if at all, address weaknesses in developmental policy promulgations and implementations.
Neither does his frequent soliloquies offer how his formulations would better serve in the interest of the country, or improve, and enhance, the daily lives of all Guyanese.
In addition, one would realise that GHK’s anti-government complaints rarely present accurate, verifiable and valid evidence that facilitate rigorous scrutiny. Frequently focused on generating indifference and divisiveness, his denunciations regularly run counter to the policy initiatives, and actions, undertaken by the government to establish an enduring unity and safety of Guyana’s multicultural, multiethnic population – especially in the face of recurring threats by Venezuela.
Take, for example GHK’s recent article entitled “Preferential treatment for America, but what about Guyana?” (3/29/25). In it, he questioned whether President Ali handed “the whole of Guyana over to the USA, while affixing the cool label of ‘different and preferential treatment’ to it?”
Dear Editor,
THE Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has long presented itself as a defender of civil society and a watchdog for human rights and governance in Guyana.
But, if one were to closely examine the GHRA’s activism over the years, they would recognise a pattern: that the GHRA has assumed the role of an unrelenting critic of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government.
A critic which remained conspicuously silent during the tenure of the previous administration. This convenient advocacy and activism not only undermines the association’s own credibility but also highlights the fact that to serve as po-
Apparently unsure, GHK asked again whether “President Ali and the PPP Government [outdid] its rival, by giving away all of Guyana.” As if by some sort of epiphany, he then said, “Thanks to Pres. Ali and the PPP Government, Guyana has just reentered the province of a bona fide slave state… It’s over. Guyana has surrendered its right to be a country controlling its own destiny.”
litical antagonists as opposed to advocates for good governance.
Editor, NGOs play a critical role in shaping public policy, ensuring government accountability, and advocating for marginalised groups. However, their effectiveness depends on their ability to engage constructively with governments and other stakeholders, rather than positioning themselves as perpetual adversaries.
The GHRA, in its current posture, has failed to recognise this crucial balance and this is why it has been ineffective over the years.
A truly responsible NGO does not simply oppose government policies but also proposes viable alternatives and seeks common ground to benefit citizens.
The association’s repeated
War of the Triple Alliance, was the longest and bloodiest inter-state war in the history of Latin America.”
This brings us to the question as to who will support Guyana against the expansionist threats of the erratic Maduro? To this question, GHK fails to provide an answer except to question,
Perhaps GHK fancies himself a clairvoyant, an expert on “bona fide slave states,” and an adept psychoanalyst of Ali’s thoughts and behaviours. Yet, he struggled to meaningfully phrase his questions, and thereafter proceeded to answer them without providing an iota of valid evidence to support his ludicrous claims. How’s that for anti-government propaganda?
The acuity with which President Ali demonstrated concern about Guyana’s national security should not be overlooked or underplayed. And, that he sought to formalise security arrangements with the US indicates pragmatism and astuteness, especially since Guyana, with less than a million citizens, is known to be incapable, and inadequately equipped to defend itself against such aggressors as Venezuela’s Maduro.
Instead of attacking President Ali, GHK could have benefitted from being self-informed on the Paraguayan War of 1864-1870, chronicled by Leslie Bethell, and mentioned by the Brazilian novelist Machado de Assis in his book, “Philosopher or Dog.”
As history indicates, then Paraguayan dictator Franco Solano Lopez sought to expand his economic and military power, and increase his influence over the region. Bethell explains that “The Paraguayan War (1864-70) began formally with declarations of war by Paraguay’s dictator Francisco Solano Lopez, first on the Empire of Brazil in December 1864, then on the Argentine Republic in March 1865, followed by invasions of their territories. With the signing of a Treaty of Triple Alliance (May 1865) it became a war waged by Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay for the destruction of Paraguay. The Paraguayan War, or
attacks on the PPP Government, rather than focusing on evidence-based policy critiques, has done little to advance meaningful discourse.
Ask yourself what positive change has the GHRA effected through its advocacy over the years. Instead of fostering collaboration to address national issues such as sustainable de-
velopment, poverty reduction, and human rights protections, the association appears intent on maintaining an adversarial stance.
Editor, there is no doubt that the GHRA’s selective activism and antagonistic stance towards the PPP government has diminished its standing as a credible human rights body.
But, if the association genuinely seeks to be the conscience of society, as it claims, it must adopt a more principled and balanced approach in its activism.
NGOs, like GHRA, must engage governments constructively, not as political opponents, but as partners in development.
I end by positing that a truly independent NGO
would challenge all administrations equally, engage in meaningful dialogue, and work toward solutions that improve the lives of all Guyanese; not serve as a political antagonist whose activism is seasonal.
Yours respectfully, Ravin Singh
“What is Guyana getting in return, other than a Big Brother to stand for it against Venezuelan hostility …” Wow! Such pathetic exemplification of myopia, and warped understanding of today’s geopolitics, international relations, and hemispheric alliances.
Interestingly, nowhere in his article did GHK present his solution in preserving Guyana’s national security. Nor did he produce, or cite, any valid evidence to substantiate his claim that Ali ‘gave away Guyana’ to America.
Perhaps GHK could have availed himself of gaslighting by apprehending these memorable words of poet John Donne, “No man is an island, Entire of itself, Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main,” - words that impressed the acclaimed author Ernest Hemmingway that he quoted them in his book, “For whom the Bell Tolls,” which focuses on the Spanish Civil War.
In sum, GHK’s article awakens us that: Daily within the Guyana’s national borders, dogs bark, donkeys bray, monkeys chatter, pigs grunt, horses neigh, roosters crow, owls hoot, snakes hiss etc. Could it be that these are illustrative of the varied anti-government din aimed at disrupting, or rupturing, the increasing harmony and unity unfolding among Guyanese of all ethnicities? Perhaps, GHK, and anti-government devotees, could learn from George Orwell’s novel “Animal Farm” - a story in which Napolean, the pig, led the farm animals in a revolt only to become a totalitarian dictator after overthrowing farmer Jones, the animals’ human master. One wonders!
Regards, Narayan Persaud, PhD Professor Emeritus
I SERIOUSLY doubt many people read Percy Hintzen’s column for “In The Diaspora (ITD)” which was carried last Monday by the Stabroek News edited by one of the most dye in the wool apologist for Guyana’s Mulatto/ Creole class (MCC) – Alissa Trotz. Hintzen and Trotz are two funny persons.
Both left Guyana in the 1970s and perhaps lost their Guyanese accent and perhaps wouldn’t know where Shiv Chanderpaul Drive is located or where Heroes Highway is. Trotz lives in Canada, one of the coldest places on Planet Earth. While Hintzen chose California.
These are two of the most hilarious persons that write on Guyana. Trotz edits ITD and is barefaced to state on the masthead that it is a column for Guyanese in the diaspora who are interested in what is taking place in Guyana.
‘AI
But Ms. Trotz thinks that the diaspora was not interested in the no-confidence rejection by the APNU+AFC government so she wrote nothing about it in ITD. Ms. Trotz thought that the diaspora was not interested in five months of attempting rigging of the 2020 general election so she wrote nothing about it.
Hintzen is the more extremist of the two in terms of their MCC badge. Here is what Hintzen wrote in 2023: “When people ask me what I am, I reply that I am a Guyanese creole. This is how my identity was forged, and where my interactions have been, and continue to be, most intense.” Hintzen has to be a very serious man when it comes to his class and colour to have written those words above. He certainly doesn’t play (to use an American slang term).
Hintzen in another ITD column suggested that Red Thread, the petty bourgeois
Mulatto/Creole women group, could be the social agent that could save Guyana from the current crisis it is in.
I don’t know Guyana is in any crisis and if it does find itself facing a crisis, certainly a working class organisation like the historic trade union, GAWU is more likely to be more effective in rescuing Guyana.
Hintzen is indeed a seriously loyal man to the class to which he belongs. He singled out a middle class outfit to save Guyana. That is understandable because the man publicly proclaims he is an unapologetic Creole. Anyway, let’s get to the latest outrageous, malignant and despicable pronouncement of Hintzen written last Monday. His column is an acidic condemnation of Exxon capitalism in Guyana and American exploitation of Guyana. He thinks Guyana is doomed.
Here is Hintzen in his
own words: “People in the global south have been seduced by a promise that the route to development is GDP growth. They willingly gave up their precious resources, accommodated themselves to conditions of sheer life, low wages, and vast inequality while becoming increasingly dependent on goods and services that they were not allowed to produce, could not afford, and did not need. In the face of inevitable failure, many abandoned their countries to provide cheap and exploitable essential labour to the Global North.”
But guess who was among those than ran to the Global North – Percy Hintzen and Alissa Trotz. Poor Percy has been living in the heart of capitalism since the 1970s. Having reaped the benefits of the economics of imperi-
alism, having benefitted from the oil industry of the United States, poor Percy is now cussing down Guyana for relying on oil and gas.
I couldn’t believe Percy was still living in the US after he wrote the above quote and his anti-capitalist, anti-American essay last Monday. So I did a check on Percy and found out that Percy has retired from his university job in California and is now teaching at a university in Florida. Percy, it must be noted is in his late seventies.
So Percy has no intention of teaching at UG. I feel sorry for the economics students at UG. They do not have the benefit of having Percy in their classroom.
Finally, Mr. Hintzen mentioned the role of Clive Thomas in the 1970s in trying to steer the
Caribbean away from the dependency syndrome that leads to its underdevelopment. Poor Percy! He does not keep abreast with what is taking place in Guyana (the man left over 45 years ago). Anti-capitalist, Clive Thomas and his revolutionary colleague, Rupert Roopnaraine in 2015 became part of the Government of Guyana at the level of serious power. But both gentlemen were happy to be part of a neoliberal government that so failed the working class that the working class kicked them out of government in 2020. Percy, please write about the USA where you live and leave Guyana alone. Please!
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.
--President Ali says, emphasises AI development must tackle food, climate, energy insecurity, and other global challenges
By Trina Williams
TURNING today’s challenges into tomorrow’s tech-powered opportunities with the use of Artificial Technology (AI) is a strategy proposed by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who called on global leaders to use open AI and digital access to bridge the divide.
Dr. Ali provided advice on the use of AI while delivering the feature address at the Spring 2025, Berkeley Innovation Forum, California, United States.
“AI must serve rather than replace humans. It must empower rather than exploit and uplift rather than marginalise. Only through such re -
imagined vision where AI is directed towards the common good can we ensure the next era of globalisation is one of conversion not division,” President Ali firmly said.
As the President reflected on digital revolution throughout history, he had pointed out that “big data,” robotics and the internet are shaping economies at an unprecedented speed, concentrating technological power in a few hands.
“Today, as AI and automation redefine industries, there is growing backlash against globalisation, rising populism and increasing disparities between the developed and developing
--Jagdeo says; highlights that other political parties focusing on short-term promises, not long-term progress
PEOPLE’S Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo has exposed the opposition’s fixation on short-term policies and making promises based on funds the country has not yet earned.
During a press conference at Freedom House, on Thursday, he told reporters that the other political parties focus on immediate handouts, with little regard for sustainable progress.
Unlike those other parties, he highlighted that the PPP, in particular, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has spoken on what to expect in the future from the PPP.
Jagdeo said: “We said to you one thing that we will ensure, is that the prosperity is not ephemeral. It doesn’t appear one day and it disappears the next day because we have had hundreds of countries around the world who have had that experience, particularly when they get a windfall from the natural resources sector. They squander the windfall through unsustainable policies and that is something that is important.
That is what you hear from APNU, we’ll give you this, we will give you that.”
Further, the General Secretary said that the PPP continues to speak of a sustained plan, its elements and how citizens can see themselves reflected in that plan.
“That’s our test. So how would our plans affect people? The farmer, the fisherman, the bauxite worker, the gold miner, the student, the young person, the public servant, the nurses, the doctors. How will it affect all of our people, elderly, the disabled?
So, when we put in place policies, it’s with them in mind and that is why it’s such an important thing,” the General Secretary said.
Previously, Jagdeo said that Guyanese faced severe hardships because of the “short-sighted ” economic policy pursued by the former APNU+AFC administration.
Reflecting on his brief
“No political party in Guyana speaks about short, medium and long-term policies. Every political party that now operates in Guyana speaks of only immediate short -term policy, and it’s focused mainly on distribution, handing out things that we have earned so far and we haven’t even earned as yet. So, they’re already making commitments on money that we haven’t even earned as yet.
stint as Opposition Leader, he recalled Guyanese from all walks of life visiting him and talking about the hardships that they were facing under the APNU+AFC administration.
“Nothing was happening in the economy. People were losing jobs. We lost a lot of jobs and I used to explain to them that this is a consequence of a short-sighted economic policy. Because instead of creating incentives for the industries in Guyana, what APNU did was [take] away the incentives,” Jagdeo said.
Additionally, he said that even those who had overwhelmingly supported the APNU+AFC faced many challenges within their respective sectors.
He went on to say that the PPP mapped out a plan for the development. Reflecting on Guyana’s transformation from bankruptcy to solvency and then to dynamism, Jagdeo noted that nation’s external debt today is significantly lower than what it was in the 90s.
While underscoring that the PPP/C does not “drift in the wind,” he highlighted that Guyana is being transformed daily.
world,” the President noted.
In that regard, he said that in the late 20th century, globalisation was expected to narrow economic and technological gaps between developed and developing nations, through international trade, investment and technology transfer.
The digital revolution was also projected to democratise access to education and knowledge, fostering competitive knowledge economies in developing nations, he added.
“The reality has been different,” President Ali posited.
While there have been some benefits derived from globalisation, President Ali said that its impact has been uneven and as he described, “disappointing.”
Many poor countries are still vulnerable and face a number of chal lenges such as the nar row resource dependency and the income inequal ity widening, President Ali said.
“The digital divide persists as inadequate infrastructure keeps many developing coun tries reliant on imported technologies, limiting their ability to compete in high tech and knowledge-based economies,” Dr. Ali noted.
than on essential services like education and health
digital divide.
He then provided some statistics to support his points. Dr. Ali said that Oxfam has noted that 60 per cent of the world has grown poor.
Dr. Ali further related that developing countries are facing a deepening debt crisis, with many nations now spending more on debt interest
Owing to the challenges of today, President Ali underscored that AI is poised to usher in a new era that could redefine human civilisation.
“It promises an era that will bring not just economic and political shifts, but also a profound rethinking of human purpose, but there are fears also, about whether AI will further
consolidate power in the hands of high-tech corporations, making them more powerful and outside of the reach of governance,” he said while outlining other concerns
The Guyanese Head of State said that there must be a positive ap -
“I therefore wish to advocate for AI to be developed as a global common and aim at solving the common good. This, I believe, will ensure that its benefits will be shared equitably across nations, particularly in the developing world, just as the natural resources of the planet,” President Ali said.
He further stated that AI could enable nations regardless of their economic standing to leverage this transformative
technology for critical sectors such as healthcare, education and climate mitigation.
“When made available to everyone AI could level the playing field, reduce inequalities and empower the Global South, helping us overcome systemic barriers to development, economic opportunity and technological progress,” President Ali said.
He emphasised the urgent need for ethical oversight in AI development, calling for global regulations, value-driven frameworks, and strong governance to ensure the technology upholds human rights, privacy, and academic integrity.
He urged the research community to prioritise sustainable and inclusive strategies as AI continues to evolve rapidly.
“We cannot allow AI to continue at the pace it is being developed at without these important governance mechanism. We can ensure that the technologies’ advancement is used responsibly, guided by the principles of sustainability and inclusivity and directed towards improving lives across the world, particularly in areas that need it the most,” Dr. Ali said.
While the President spoke extensively on how AI could be used to target some of the world’s most prominent issues, he did not stray away from addressing the digital gap in developing countries.
He gave his proposal on how an AI strategy can be developed to address the digital divide.
“It is essential for these countries to adopt a dual approach as they work to digitise their economies…By doing so, they can bypass outdated systems, accelerate
their development and harness the full potential of AI to drive progress in key sectors like healthcare, education and infrastructure,” President Ali said.
He then outlined that one of the powers of AI is that it allows for investment today, to meet tomorrow’s challenges, but in a way that is futuristic.
The President then proposed the promotion of open-source AI tools and models, noting that developing countries could access cutting edge technologies without the prohibitive cost of proprietary software.
He said that this approach allows these nations to adopt AI solutions to the specific needs and context, whether in healthcare, agriculture or education, thereby fostering local innovation and reducing dependence on expensive technologies.
Finally, he said to ensure that developing countries can fully participate in the AI revolution and bridge the technology gap, it is imperative to establish a dedicated AI investment fund, tailored to their needs.
He added: “This fund will provide crucial financial support for AI projects… It is a strategic imperative to create more balanced and technologically empowered global economy.”
“AI holds the power to stitch together what has long been torn apart. AI technology can become a great equaliser, if deployed properly, AI can turn the promise of globalisation into reality for all, not just a privileged few… AI is not just a tool. It is an opportunity. Let us seize it, shape it and share it, because a future driven by AI should be one where no one is left behind,” the President further stated.
RAMNARESH Sarwan, a renowned former Guyanese national cricketer, and West Indies Captain, deeply inspired by his loving wife and three wonderful children, has launched Sarwans’ Three Hearts Foundation with his commitment to philanthropy, reflecting his longstanding dedication to making a difference in the community.
light of the visit was observing the children’s impressive progress in their new favourite sport, cricket.
“Initially a challenge, the school’s determined staff have now successfully formed a team of seven players—an achievement that is no small feat. Through this term’s focus on cricket, students are learning essential skills such as teamwork, coordination,
According to a press release, this Easter, in collaboration with Amazonia Mall, he aims to raise awareness and funds for M.E.T Pride Academy- a school, dedicated to supporting children with autism, that offers a customised learning environment focused on fostering growth, inclusion, and individual development; helping each student reach their full potential in a supportive setting.
“Sarwan’s recent visit to M.E.T Pride Academy was truly a memorable experience. The high -
Amazonia Mall to raise funds for the school.
Amazonia Mall- a community-focused shopping destination dedicated to creating meaningful connections and hosting events that benefit the local community.
The release stated too that, on April 19 and 20,
2025 from 16:00 hrs, persons should visit the Amazonia Mall for a fun-filled weekend event where Easter hunts and an exciting raffle will be held.
All proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets and Easter hunt cards will go directly to M.E.T. Pride Acad -
emy, helping to fund the school’s essential programmes and initiatives.
The funds raised are vital in ensuring the continued success of specialised programmes and educational tools that cater to the unique needs of each child.
This initiative is not only about providing resources but also about highlighting to the community the importance of supporting institutions like M.E.T. Pride Academy and raising awareness of this condition that has affected many of the nation’ s children for years.
sharing, social interaction, and fine motor skills,” the press release noted.
Sarwan joined the children on the field, offering tips and encouragement, and sharing in the excitement of the game. His involvement brought out the best in them, and their positive energy was contagious.
His visit also served as a crucial reminder of the ongoing need for support and fundraising for the school. Hence, as part of this, Sarwans’ Three Hearts Foundation will collaborate with
A YOUNG labourer is dead, another man critically injured, and three people are in police custody following a violent altercation in the early hours of Friday at Five Corner, Mackenzie, Linden.
The deceased has been identified as 20-year-old Kenroy Bradford, known as ‘Kelly’, of Lot 314 Block 22, Wismar, Linden. Police reported that the incident occurred around 00:05 hrs and is currently being treated as an alleged homicide.
According to investigators, Bradford was in the company of Anthony Jacobs and Andrew Jacobs, both
residents of Block 22 Wismar, at Blazing Shop—a popular hangout spot at Five Corner—where they were consuming alcohol.
An argument reportedly erupted when Anthony Jacobs approached a 29-yearold bartender, who was in the company of 20-yearold Cyrus Jacobis and four others, all from Block ‘F ’ Christianburg, Wismar. The confrontation escalated after Jacobis allegedly pushed Anthony, prompting a heated exchange.
Both groups moved outside to the parapet of Five Corner, where Anthony Jacobs and his companions
allegedly began pelting beer bottles at Jacobis and his associates. A physical fight ensued, during which Jacobis is accused of drawing a knife and stabbing Anthony Jacobs in the abdomen, causing him
to collapse. Andrew Jacobs reportedly received a cut to his finger while attempting to pull his brother away from the confrontation.
The melee reportedly involved multiple indi -
motorcar , registration number PAH 1750. He was found in a crouched position, bracing against the back of the vehicle. Bradford was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by Dr. London. His body was later taken to J. Jetsco Funeral Home, pending a post-mortem examination.
Meanwhile, with assistance from the public, Andrew Jacobs transported his brother Anthony to the same hospital. He remains hospitalised in critical condition.
viduals from both groups before it subsided. It was only afterward that bystanders discovered Bradford lying motionless near a white Premio
Acting swiftly on leads, police conducted checks in Dacama Circle, Mackenzie, and arrested Cyrus Jacobis, who was found with bloodstained clothing and injuries to
his back and left ear. He was treated at the Linden Hospital Complex and remains in police custody.
In addition to Jacobis, Tiffany Fiedtkou and Andrew Jacobs were also taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Kurleigh Simon, and Deputy Commander, Deputy Superintendent Austin, along with crime scene detectives, visited the scene and are leading the investigation into the fatal incident.
Investigators continue to gather statements and review evidence as the community reels from yet another tragic episode of violence.
PERMAUL Punsammi , a resident of Berbice who recently lost his home to a devastating fire, will soon receive a brand new one -bedroom house thanks to the generosity and swift action of local contractors.
The rebuilding effort is being done through President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s Men on Mission initiative—a programme aimed at supporting vulnerable individuals across Guyana.
The initiative, which mobilises skilled volunteers and resources from both the public and private sectors, has stepped in to provide relief and hope to Punsam-
mi during this difficult time. Construction of the new home will be carried out by a team of dedicated contractors from the Central Corentyne area, who have committed their time and expertise to ensuring the project is completed efficiently and to a high standard. Punsammi, 54, of Whim Village, Corentyne lost his house on Friday March 28th, 2025 forcing him to take up abode at his daughter’s house.
Regional Vice-Chairman, Zamal Hussain, on Thursday, met with Punsammi after which it was decided that a wooden
one bedroom house would be rebuilt at the location. The Whim/Bloomfield Neighbourhood Democratic Council will assist with clearing the debris from the location.
“I’m so happy for this, I didn’t know what I would a do but y’all come and I’m really happy for this”, Punsammi told the vice-chairman on Thursday. Meanwhile, the group of contractors who are part of the PPP/C Rose Hall Town Cluster will also be rebuilding a house in Rose Hall for Lavern Charles, who lost her house in a fire recently. ( Bebi Shafeah Oosman )
TEN families in Yurong Paru are now proud homeowners following the completion of houses under the Hinterland Housing Programme . On Thursday, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, officially handed over the newly built homes to the beneficiaries, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to provide safe and sustainable housing for vulnerable hinterland families.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Housing and Water—Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), seeks to improve living conditions in remote communities. Present at the handover ceremony were Regional Vice
Chairman, Mr. Bertie Xavier; Senior Hinterland and Building Works Engineer of CH&PA, Mr. Cy Rodrigues; and officials from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).
Each of the ten homes , measuring 20×25 feet, was constructed at no cost to the recipients, with the total investment amounting to approximately $30 million . The project also provided an economic boost to the region , as materials were sourced locally, ensuring that the benefits extended beyond the recipients to the wider community.
Minister Croal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing the housing deficit in hinterland regions, emphasising the importance of dignified housing solutions.
“Our goal is to create thriving communities,” Minister Croal stated. “This programme is about more than just homes;
it’s about a better future for all.”
The Hinterland Housing Programme will see the construction of 400 homes across Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine. Specifically, in Region Nine, 120 homes are being built, benefitting villages such as Crashwater, Tiger Pond, Rupunau, and Shea. In addition to the housing initiative, Minister Croal also commissioned a $23 million water supply system in Yurong Paru. This newly installed system has significantly improved water access for residents, bringing the total government investment in housing and water infrastructure for the village to $53 million.
The government continues to advance its commitment to equitable development, ensuring that hinterland communities have access to improved housing, clean water, and essential infrastructure.
A MAN accused of being at the centre of a growing number of MMG-related scams was, on Friday, April 4, 2024, remanded to prison after appearing before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
The accused, who police described as a known fraudster, Mohamed Ali, is at the heart of a wide-ranging investigation being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Major Crime Unit, and the Cyber Crime Unit, all of which have been probing a series of frauds involving impersonation of MMG agents, account hacking, and the illegal transfer of funds.
Ali pleaded not guilty to a charge of fraudulently obtaining money under false pretence from Shelon Whitney and her 16-yearold daughter. The total amount reportedly involved is $738,000.
According to police reports, on Friday, March 29, 2024, the Virtual Complainant (VC), Shelon Whitney—who was in Suriname at the time—was contacted by a man claiming to be an MMG agent. The caller, later identified as Mohamed Ali, allegedly convinced her that her MMG account needed urgent updates. Under this pretext, he manipulated Whitney into revealing several one-time passwords (OTPs), which allowed him unauthorised access to her account. He then transferred $113,000 to himself. Ali further deceived the VC’s 16-year- old daughter, claiming MMG was running a promotional campaign. He reportedly arranged a meeting at Stabroek Market, where he convinced the teenager to hand over an additional $625,000 in cash.
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A mother with her child pulls a lot number in the presence of Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, at the opening of the Dream Realised event, held at the Regional Housing Office compound in Lethem
SOME 400 families in Lethem, Region Nine moved closer to home ownership, as the government accelerated its housing initiative in the region.
The families received their house lots yesterday, as part of the administration’s commitment to expanding affordable housing access.
According to the Ministry of Housing and Water, “Remarkably, this allocation exercise has increased the total number of allocations from August 2020 to over 43,300.”
Additionally, 60 families were slated to benefit from housing assistance under the Lethem Housing Subsidy Programme.
The announcement was made by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, at the opening of the Dream Realised event, held at the Regional Housing Office compound in Lethem.
Minister Croal emphasised the government’s dedication to bridging the housing gap, particularly in hinterland regions.
The newly allocated residential lots are located in two areas—New Culvert City Development and Tract CHPA (Poke Bridge) Extension. In total, 650 residential lots have been developed across these areas, addressing a backlog of 1,000 house lot applications in the region.
In addition to the allocations, 21 families who qualified for the Cement and Steel Vouchers were able to uplift their vouchers, while 20 Certificates of Title were distributed. During the outreach, another 60 families will begin the process of applying for the Lethem
Housing Subsidy Programme.
This massive housing initiative, launched by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, aims to provide affordable housing solutions for 600 low-income families in Lethem.
Under the programme, each home will cost $3 million, with the government contributing $1 million, while the remaining $2 million will be facilitated through loans from local banks.
Minister Croal highlighted that a budget of $1.4 billion has been allocated for the first phase of infrastructure works in the newly developed housing schemes, as well as ongoing projects in existing schemes.
He assured allottees that the Ministry was working diligently to fast-track the processing of ownership documents for the lands allocated, ensuring a smooth transition to homeownership.
Among the key officials present at the event were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Water, Mr. Bishram Kuppen; Regional Chairman, Mr. Bryan Allicock; and Lethem’s Mayor, His Worship Mr. John Macedo. The allocation exercise is being led by the Director of Operations at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Mrs. Denise King Tudor, with support from various service departments within the agency.
The government continues to push forward with its national housing agenda, ensuring equitable access to homeownership opportunities for families across Guyana, particularly in hinterland regions.
--taking total number of allocations since August 2020 to over 43,300
By Faith Greene
WHEN the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base on March 11, 2025, it carried with it not just advanced scientific instruments, but also a piece of Guyanese ingenuity— thanks to Mahendra Mahadeo, an Opto-Mechanical Engineer whose journey from Ogle, East Coast Demerara, led him to a key role in NASA’s PUNCH
mission.
The PUNCH mission— short for Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere—aims to unravel the mysteries of the Sun’s outer atmosphere and its solar wind.
Among the mission’s crucial instruments are specially designed optical lenses created by Tele Vue Optics, where Mahadeo works.
He was responsible for designing the mechanical parts for the lenses used
in the Wide-Field Imagers ( WFIs)—three of the four suitcase-sized satellites that make up the PUNCH constellation.
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO HIGH-ORBIT ACHIEVEMENTS
Mahendra’s story begins in Ogle, where he was raised by his mother and grandparents. He attended Plindola Nursery, Graham’s Hall Primary, and St. Rose’s High
School, where he graduated in 2007 as the Best Graduating CAPE Student.
After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Guyana—where he again graduated with honours and was named the Best Graduating Engineering Student in 2012—Mahendra pursued work in Guyana’s engineering sector. But he also had a growing personal passion: building telescopes.
“I grew up with all kinds
of STEM-related interests, including space and astronomy,” he shared. “But I never got the opportunity to get a telescope or even look through one because I could never afford it.”
That changed when Mahendra began crafting telescopes by hand—starting with a homemade mirror, a process that took nearly a year. That mirror became part of the first telescope he ever looked through. Since then, he’s built three telescopes and developed a love for astrophotography, which he now shares on Instagram under @deepskydiver.
Despite holding a degree and a respectable job, Mahadeo wanted more. In 2017, a life-changing conversation with the late Colonel Michael Shahoud gave him the nudge he needed. “He said that rejection can be a means of showing us the way forward,” Mahadeo recalled.
Inspired, he applied to the City College of New York, was accepted, and—with no scholarship in hand—saved diligently to fund his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, which he completed two years later.
By the time he joined Tele Vue, the company was already working on lenses for the PUNCH mission. Mahadeo was immediately tasked with designing the mechanical components of the WFI lenses, a responsibility he embraced with both skill and passion.
The Southwest Research Institute (SWRI), which is leading the PUNCH mission, selected Tele Vue Optics for
a reason. They needed lenses that performed with the precision of the legendary Tele Vue Nagler eyepieces, known for their sharpness and low distortion across wide fields.
“The WFI lenses we worked on have a field of view of 50 degrees and a focal length of 35.2mm,” Mahadeo explained. “ We designed the lenses to meet those optical specifications because that’s what SWRI needed to achieve their science goals.”
Each lens is a singlet design and is ventilated—a crucial detail that prevents air from being trapped between the lens elements during assembly at ground-level atmospheric pressure.
For Mahendra Mahadeo, his contribution to NASA’s PUNCH mission is more than just a professional milestone—it’s a symbol of purpose and persistence.
“Just like that, when I least expected it, my dream got outside of my head,” he said. “But that is just my story. I found myself doing something that I found meaningful and inspiring.”
To others who are chasing their own aspirations, he offers this reflection:
“There is meaning in all work—whether it’s contributing to a worthy cause, providing products and services to others, or especially providing for your family.”
Mahadeo’s journey from Guyana’s East Coast to the forefront of space exploration is a powerful reminder that even the stars are within reach—especially for those who dare to build their own telescopes and aim them upward.
A FORMER police officer, Shawn Fordyce, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in a savage cutlass attack that nearly ended the lives of his exwife and her children.
The sentencing occurred on Tuesday at the Demerara High Court, with Justice Damone Younge presiding, following Fordyce’s guilty plea to charges of attempted murder and felonious wounding.
Fordyce was represented by defence attorney Ronald Bostwick, while State Counsel Muntaz Ali appeared on behalf of the prosecution.
The harrowing incident
A 23-year-old man accused of orchestrating a highstakes fraud scheme involving fake identification, internet banking deception, and ATM withdrawals amounting to over $36 million has been charged with 48 criminal offences.
Shemaiah Ryan, also known as “Banker”, of Bent Street, Wortmanville, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court #3 on Friday, where he was formally charged with 25 counts of simple larceny and 23 counts of conspiracy to commit computer-related fraud.
The charges stem from a series of transactions carried out in September 2022, in which Ryan allegedly defrauded joint account holders Bernadette Peterkin and Carl Peterkin of a total of $36,444,000.
According to police investigators attached to the Criminal Investigation Department’s Fraud Squad, Ryan conspired with others on September 2, 2022, to create a forged National Identification Card in Carl Peterkin’ s name using his personal information. That forged ID was used at a Camp Street branch of a city bank ( name withheld) to fraudulently obtain an ATM card and register for internet banking services. With control over the Pe-
unfolded on the night of August 1, 2013, in Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Fordyce’s former wife, Dorothy Fordyce, was preparing to leave their home with her children and grandchild when he confronted her, stating she had no right to leave.
As she attempted to step outside, Shawn threw dirty water at her and threateningly declared, “I gon’ finish tonight. I gon’ finish tonight.”
He then drew a 20-inch machete and launched a brutal attack. Dorothy was struck repeatedly, suffering severe injuries to her shoulder, face, and head.
Her daughter, Latoya Wilson, tried to protect her child, but was mercilessly slashed across the head, neck, back, and hands. Miraculously, the toddler she held in her arms escaped with only minor injuries.
The couple’ s then 12-year-old daughter, Dollette Fordyce, was also gravely injured while attempting to defend herself, with one of the cutlass strikes nearly severing her wrist.
Wanda Fortune, who later became a magistrate, was attacked while trying to flee.
She managed to escape
her stepfather’s brutal assault, seeking refuge at a nearby house, her body bleeding and clad only in her undergarments.
After the attack, Shawn fled the scene, evading capture for more than two years.
He was eventually arrested on October 20, 2015.
In her sentencing, Justice Younge condemned the violence and its devastating consequences. She described Shawn’s actions as a premeditated attempt to murder his entire family, not merely an act of domestic violence.
The judge emphasised
the brutality of the attack, noting the use of a deadly weapon and the lasting physical and emotional scars inflicted on the victims. Taking into account the time Shawn had already served in custody, Justice Younge sentenced him to 10 years in prison for each of the four charges of felonious wounding and 12 years for each of the four charges of attempted murder. However, the sentences are to run concurrently, meaning he will serve a total of 12 years behind bars.
terkins’ account, Ryan then enlisted the help of Donna Edwards and her daughter Chelsea Edwards, claiming he was a government roadworks contractor in Berbice who needed help withdrawing cash to pay workers. Believing his story, the women allowed Ryan to transfer large sums into their personal bank accounts, which they then withdrew and handed over to him.
Between September 2 and 19, 2022, some $17.9 million was transferred to Chelsea Edwards’ account.
Between September 7 and 27, 2022, another $13.6 million was moved into Donna Edwards’ account. Additionally, from September 2 to 30, Ryan used the fraudulently obtained ATM card at various locations in and around Georgetown to withdraw $4.8 million in cash. Investigators noted that CCTV footage captured Ryan at the ATMs during each withdrawal.
The Peterkins, who were unaware of the scheme, had never applied for an ATM card nor registered for internet banking. Ryan, who is unemployed, pleaded not guilty to all 48 charges and was granted $50,000 bail on each count, amounting to $2.4 million in total. The matter has been adjourned until May 16, 2025, for report.
THE 13th International Labour Organisation Meeting of Caribbean Ministers of Labour is slated for April 7 to 8, 2025 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
The annual event serves as an opportunity for regional leaders to come together to tackle labour challenges, in the face of climate change and digital transformation.
The ILO- Caribbean Office on Wednesday shared that the key topics on the
agenda include Just Transition- Making Green Jobs Fair Jobs; Social ProtectionSafeguarding Informal and Gig Workers; and Labour Migration- Creating Regional Solutions for Skills Mobility. Notably, it was mentioned that with the ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo making his first historic visit to Guyana, bold commitments are expected to drive progress toward resilient labour markets and
social injustice. According to the ILO, on April 8, the CARICOM (Caribbean Community) Secretariat will convene a meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) – (Labour), on the sidelines of this event, to further address critical issues related to labour in the Caribbean.
The Opening Ceremony will take place on April 7, 2025, at 09:00 hours Eastern
Caribbean Time.
Amidst all of this, Guyana’s Ministry of Labour will be observing Occupational Safety and Health Month, under the theme, ‘Revolutionising Health and Safety, the Role of AI and the Digitalisation at work.’
Among the activities the ministry has planned for OSH Month is the annual walk which will be held on April 27, 2025 from 06:00 hours.
--several companies willing to expand operations
AS the government continues to recognise the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector’s potential to create thousands of jobs for Guyanese countrywide, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Thursday, met with several companies within the sector to discuss its prospects and to get a better understanding of the challenges faced by the sector.
In light of the recent scaling back of operations of one large operator in the sector and the closure of one other, the Finance Minister invited several companies still operating in the sector to provide the government with a greater insight of the developments in the sector
During the engagement, the companies noted the principal challenge of attracting and retaining talent, particularly given the rapid emergence of jobs in other sectors of Guyana.
The minister and the operators recognised the tremendous opportunities for expansion, with the potential for new clients being attracted to Guyana and additional job opportunities being created, in particular, jobs that provide an entry point into the world of work in a technology-based
environment.
The companies also indicated a strong desire to partner with the government to expand their footprint in the country, attract additional clients, and create additional jobs.
In this regard, Minister Singh discussed initiatives to support the sector, including the launch of a series of job fairs and public communication campaigns to bring about greater awareness of the sector, given the number of jobs that are potentially available in several location across the country.
The Senior Minister pointed out that the government recognises the constant changes in the information communications technology sector, and the need to evolve the model of call-centres from an entry level one providing telemarketing services, to a contact centre model providing more value-added jobs
Minister Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue to work closely with the BPO sector to support its development and expansion, and reiterated that Guyana remains an attractive destination for BPO business.
Also joining the meeting was the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop.
DURING his attendance at the Berkeley Innovation Forum, President Dr. Irfaan Ali visited the NASA Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, California.
A highlight of the tour was the Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS), a key tool used by innovators and contractors to advance drone and aviation technology.
Another significant area of interest was NASA’s advanced supercomputer at the Advanced Supercomputer Facility.
This cutting-edge technology enables researchers to collaborate on solving real-world challenges, offering a one-billion-pixel resolution across 128 LED screens to visualise complex research data (Office of the President photos)
SOMETHING sweet is officially on its way to Guyana, as American franchise Duck Donuts is set to open its doors, marking its first international location in the country.
Galanek posted, playfully adding, “Who else has a sweet tooth like me?”
Duck Donuts, a popular USbased doughnut shop chain, is best known for its made-to-order,
The announcement was made by Chargé d’Affaires Adrienne Galanek who took to Facebook to share the exciting news.
“Happy to share that something sweet is coming to Guyana! I was pleased to witness the signing of Guyana’s first international donut franchise—Duck Donuts!”
customisable donuts.
The brand has built a loyal following across the United States and in select international markets , thanks to its unique approach to fresh, warm, and creative donut offerings.
Beyond donuts, the menu also includes a variety of baked
goods, coffees, espresso beverages, and breakfast sandwiches—providing an all-day treat destination for customers of all ages
One of the most distinctive features of Duck Donuts is the customisation experience. Customers can build their dream donut by choosing from a variety of donut bases, coatings, toppings, and drizzles, making each bite uniquely their own.
According to Galanek, the arrival of Duck Donuts in Guyana is expected to generate new job opportunities and contribute to the growing local food and hospitality sector.
“This exciting venture brings in additional investment, new jobs, and of course, warm tasty treats to share with friends,” Galanek said.
While an official opening date has not yet been announced, excitement is already building among Guyanese with a sweet tooth.
IN a powerful response to the World Health Organisation’s call for the global elimination of cervical cancer by 2030, Guyana’s Ministry of Health has embarked on an ambitious plan to tackle one of the most pressing health threats facing the nation’s women.
Launched in 2024, the programme is focused on prevention, early detection, and treatment of cervical cancer, the second most common cancer affecting women in Guyana. At the heart of this strategy is HPV testing, which the Ministry believes is the cornerstone of eliminating the disease altogether.
found that approximately 211,000 women between the ages of 21 and 65 in Guyana are eligible for HPV testing. These figures highlight the magnitude of the task ahead, but the Ministry remains committed.
Even though the programme only began halfway through 2024, more than 12,000 women were screened by the end of the year. The growing public response has been encouraging.
“On the second to last day of the year, we saw a lot of women flocking to facilities to get the test done,” Dr. Lall noted. “Given that, we decided the programme will continue into 2025 because
Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)—a common virus that most sexually active individuals are likely to contract at some point in their lives. While not all HPV infections lead to cancer, strains 16 and 18 are known to significantly increase the risk.
That’s why, according to Dr. Lachmie Lall, Director of the Chronic Disease Unit at the Ministry of Health, the Ministry’s approach goes beyond detecting the presence of the virus—it now also identifies the specific strain.
“We started this programme in 2024 to test, not just for the presence of the virus, but the strain of the virus among our population to see who is more at risk of developing cervical cancer,” she shared during a recent episode of Health Matters
A population analysis conducted by the Ministry
as accessible as possible, cervical cancer vouchers are now available at all health centres, hospitals, and health facilities nationwide. The Ministry has also distributed vouchers through other government ministries, NGOs, and community-based organisations conducting outreach programmes.
“We’ve had more providers come on board. Last year
we had five labs doing HPV testing; this year we have eight,” Dr. Lall said. “With more providers and more vouchers available, we hope to reach an even bigger target in 2025.”
The Ministry’s efforts represent more than a pub -
lic health programme— they are part of a national movement to protect women, empower communities, and ultimately eliminate a disease that has taken too many lives.
Women are encouraged to get tested, especially those between the ages of 21 to 65, and to do so outside of menstruation for best results. Early screen -
ing is key—it allows for the detection of precancerous lesions, increasing the chances of early and effective treatment.
In Guyana, the fight to eliminate cervical cancer has begun—and with continued awareness, testing, and treatment, the vision of a cervical cancer-free future by 2030 could very well become a reality.
we want to reach all those eligible women.”
The HPV test, which takes just five to ten minutes, is the first step. Women who test positive undergo a follow-up vaginal examination to detect any changes on the cervix.
“If there are no changes, we encourage women to return in two to five years for another test,” Dr. Lall explained. “If there are visible changes, we discuss treatment options like cryotherapy—a procedure that freezes and removes the abnormal cells.”
In more serious cases, women may be referred for LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure), a more advanced treatment to remove cancerous tissue.
To make the screening
Owing to its superior quality and versatility, the Red Head Eschalot is a highly-valued variety in the local market. The successful cultivation at the Model Farm offers a potential for augmented production to satisfy escalating demand
THE Ministry of Agriculture’s Region Five Model Farm has successfully cultivated the Red Head Eschalot (red onion), marking a significant step in diversifying local agricultural production.
Comparative tests conducted at the facility evaluated the performance of this variety against local chives in terms of leaf and bulb size, as well as resistance to pests such as the leaf miner . The results were highly promising, demonstrating superior growth and resilience
The Red Head Eschalot is a highly sought-after variety in the local market, due to its quality and versatility . Its successful cultivation at the Model Farm presents an opportunity for increased production
to meet growing demand.
A key contributor to the success of the initiative was the government’s part-time worker programme, which engages workers for 10-day cycles. These workers attend to the crop at the Ministry of Agriculture’s demonstration facility.
This achievement highlights the government ’s ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, introduce improved crop varieties, and create employment opportunities in the sector. The Ministry is expected to explore further expansion of Red Head Eschalot cultivation to boost local supply, and support farmers in integrating this variety into their production systems.
--for
THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) plans to deploy 100 campaign monitors and 200 election-day observers for the upcoming elections this year.
This was highlighted by the Commission in a press release, following an engagement with a team from the European Union (EU)’ s Elections Exploratory Mission to discuss areas of mutual interest on Friday.
The EU team was led by Spiro Polycandriotis van Duynhoven, Deputy Head of Mission at the European Delegation to Guyana, and included Dr. Lydia Malmedie of the European External Action Service; Dr. Armin Rabitsch, Political-Legal Team Leader for the EU Elections Exploratory Mission; Kairi Kasmann, Head of Sector for Election Observation; Scipion Du Chatenet, and Arild Nodland.
The ERC was represented by Shaikh Moeenul Hack, Chairman, alongside Commissioners Chandrowite Sarran, Norris Witter, Krishn Sharma, Neaz Subhan, and Deon Dick (aka Ras Khafra), and Gomin Camacho, Chief Executive Officer.
The Chairman took the opportunity to highlight the Commission’ s efforts during previous elections, and outlined the ongoing and upcom -
ing initiatives for the 2025 elections.
He emphasised that in addition to the ongoing Countering Hate Speech campaign, the Commission would be engaging with parliamentarians and political parties as the election approaches.
The Commissioners discussed the crucial role of the ERC in promoting peace and harmony during the election period, emphasising the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in this endeavour.
The EU team said that their presence in Guyana is at the request of the government to observe the 2025 General and Regional Elections, and that they’re currently conducting preliminary assessments.
The EU had previously deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) here in 2020, and has since maintained its engagements with the ERC.
The ERC concluded by expressing its appreciation for the EU’s interest in Guyana’s current affairs, and, in terms of the significance of their presence for the 2025 Elections, it noted how much it welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with them as a valued partner in the process.
GUYANESE gospel artiste
Faith Corrica is carving out a space for herself in the local music industry with a sound that is unique-
ly her own. Although her musical roots run deep, being the granddaughter of the legendary Guyanese calypsonian Lord Canary
(Malcolm Corrica), Faith is determined to create a name for herself based on her own artistry and vision. With a style all her own,
Faith’s music carries a powerful message: no matter how broken or flawed we may feel, God’s love remains constant, and there is always room in His kingdom for everyone.
Raised in the village of Agricola on the East Bank of Demerara, Faith’s passion for music was shaped by the influence of renowned gospel artists such as CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, and Tamela Mann. Their positive messages and soulful sounds played a pivotal role in shaping Faith’s unique blend of gospel, which she continues to share with the world today.
Now a student at Amity University in Dubai, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English, Faith has been steadily building her presence in the music scene. However, it is her recent single, “Perfect”, that has truly captured the attention of fans and critics alike.
Released just three weeks ago, the official music video for “Perfect” showcases a crisp, polished aesthetic that draws inspiration from international musical groups such as Elevation Music. Written by Faith Corrica and Joshua Nedd, who also served as executive producer, “Perfect” is more than just a song—it’s a personal testimony of faith and resilience.
“Perfect came to Joshua, my producer. It was inspired by a message his father was preaching in church,” Corrica said, following this, he
“I think the main lesson that I’ve learned in everything, not everything will happen when you want it to happen or how you want it to happen. God’s will and God’s timing is what makes everything perfect.”
Looking ahead, Faith hopes to see greater unity within the gospel music industry.
“I would like to see everyone come together as a body and stop viewing what we do as a competition, because the industry shouldn’t be a competition,” the artiste said.
Faith is also excited to announce the upcoming release of her new album in June. While she’s keeping the details under wraps for now, she promises that fans can expect more music that continues to reflect her passion and faith.
came up with the chorus of the song, and asked her to write on it.
It quickly became more than just a project—it became a reflection of her own journey.
“Perfect is one of those songs that I consider as personal to me.”
Faith and her team worked tirelessly to bring the vision for “ Perfect ” to life. Every detail, from the wardrobe choices to the instruments featured in the video, was carefully curated to reflect the song’s message. Faith described the production process as labor-intensive but deeply rewarding.
At just 25 years old, Faith has learned a lot about the music industry and the importance of patience.
To anyone aspiring to enter the music industry, Faith offered heartfelt encouragement. “To anyone with a dream or with a talent that wants to step out into the gospel arena or any arena at all, my encouragement to you would be to keep your faith. Not everything will come to you spoon-fed. There are going to be challenges. But for as long as you keep God at the centre, because there’s nothing that we can do without Him, when you make God the centre of everything that you do, you will find that you will come out on top, and wherever it is that God wants you to be, you will get to that place eventually,”
Fans can stream “Perfect ” and other songs by Faith Corrica on her YouTube channel, Faith Corrica. Be sure to follow her on Instagram @faithcorrica and on Facebook @FaithCorrica to stay updated on her latest music and projects. (Faith Greene)
three expensive overs while Chris Harry had 4-44 from his three overs.
Bartica Super Stickers were restricted to 161-5 when their 15 overs expired despite an unbeaten belligerent 73 from 23 balls with five fours and seven sixes Garfield Phillips.
Phillips shared in an unbroken sixth wicket stand of 82 from just 30 balls with Harry, who clobbered three fours and two sixes in his 14ball 30.
After the leading runs scorer in the tournament Renaldo Jeffery departed at 30-2 after smashing four-fours and a six in quick-fire 23 from 12 balls, only Ravie Seenarine (18) and Timothy Cornelius (10) offered fight.
But once they were removed by Ashton Simmons who also got rid of Ricardo Williams for duck to leave the score on 79-5, the match seemed to be heading for a quick conclusion.
However, Phillips and Harry kept hopes of a sensational comefrom- behind victory alive to the delight of
their screaming supporters but it was too late as the overs ran out with them 26 runs short.
Simmons had 3-21 from his three overs.
Jeffery dominated with the bat; scoring 480 runs with scores of 120 ,168 not out ,118, 104, 69, 23 to take Most Valuable Player of the tournament award.
He was also adjudged the ‘Best youth player of the tournament and the batter with the most runs in the tournament.
Former National U-19 Wicket-Keeper Delroy Jacobs, one of the coordinators of the tournament said he was pleased with the manner in which it was run.
“This tournament is proof that there is plenty of talent in Bartica and are hoping that that players like Jeffery get an opportunity to play for a team in the city. A lack of accommodation remains the main problem”, informed Jacobs who with cousin Steven Jacobs for Malteenoes.
(Sean Devers)
ENGLISH RACING TIPS AINTREE
08:20 hrs Bill Joyce
08:55 hrs Hotaces Pearl 09:30 hrs Imperial Saint 10:05 hrs Jeahupoo
11:00 hrs Minella Cocooner
12:00 hrs L’eau Du Sud
12:35 hrs Green Splendour
WOLVERHAMPTON
11:45 hrs Sunshine Soul 12:15 hrs Arboreous 12:45 hrs Tolerance 13:15 hrs Last Shamardal 13:45 hrs Megaphone
(ESPNCRICINFO) - TI -
LAK Varma retired out, and Hardik Pandya farmed strike. But the last-ditch effort wasn’t enough for Mumbai Indians (MI) to register a come-from-behind win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). LSG have now won six of their seven games against the fivetime champions, and the one in Lucknow on Friday was on the back of half-centuries from openers Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram, and a miserly spell of 4-0-211 from Digvesh Rathi
For MI, Naman Dhir made an explosive 46, and Suryaku-
mar Yadav continued his return to form with a 43-ball 67. But LSG’s death bowlers stood tall against an experienced MI batting line-up in the end.
With 52 runs needed off the last four overs, ESPNcricinfo’s forecaster gave MI a 36.9 per cent chance of winning. With Suryakumar and Tilak at the crease, and Hardik to follow, the equation rather seemed closer to fifty-fifty.
Avesh, Thakur turn it around Avesh Khan changed that equation by dismissing Suryakumar to start the 17th
CMC – BARBADI -
AN cricketer Nicholas
Kirton has been granted BDS$100,000 (One BDS dollar=US$0.50 cents) bail after appearing in court on Thursday on four drug-related charges.
The 26-year-old captain of Canada’s cricket team appeared before Magistrate Douglas Frederick in the District ‘F’ Magistrates’ Court on charges
of importing, trafficking, supplying and possession of almost 20 pounds of cannabis.
The drugs are estimated to be worth around BDS$ 71,000.
Kirton is set to return to court on June 2.
He was taken into police custody on Sunday after arriving at the Grantley Adams International Airport.
over. The batter pre-meditated a sweep, and he went through with it despite the ball being well outside the off-side tramline. The catch was taken at deep-backward square leg.
Hardik, the next batter in, and Tilak, got a boundary each in the over, but couldn’t get Rathi away in the next one. Shardul Thakur bowled yorkers in the 19th - at the stumps as well as wide ones - and with another 24 runs needed off the remaining seven balls, MI decided to retire Tilak out and bring in Mitchell Santner.
Two runs by Santner off the last ball of that over from
Thakur, who gave away just seven runs at a crucial stage, left MI an improbable 22 runs to get in the final over. Hardik was on strike, and although he launched Avesh over cover to start with a six, Avesh continued aiming for yorkers, and conceded just three runs off the five deliveries of the over.
LSG won by 12 runs.
Suryakumar, Dhir accelerate but can’t cross the line MI had gotten themselves into a good position despite stumbling early in the chase. Dhir and Suryakumar took charge after MI lost Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton, their openers, in
near-identical fashion: both flicked hard-length balls to deep-backward square leg.
Dhir was remarkably still at the crease, and hit boundaries down the ground and through the leg side to get to 30 off his first nine balls.
Suryakumar, meanwhile, swatted Avesh over the leg side as MI brought up their fifty in five overs. Akash Deep and Ravi Bishnoi were hit for two boundaries each right after the powerplay.
But Rathi broke the duo’s flow with a legspinner’s carrom ball that angled in off a shortish length, beat Dhir’s
flick, and hit the stumps Suryakumar, though, continued to find the boundary without taking many risks. His ability to manipulate the field was on display in the 11th over when he first played the square drive and then the cover drive to pick up two fours. Tilak, too, picked up an early boundary but couldn ’t get going.
MI got 88 for 1 in the middle overs despite not hitting a single six. They had set batters at the crease for the big finish, but were denied by LSG’s death bowling.
CMC – CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has dropped all charges against Barbados Pride all-rounder Raymon Reifer resulting from last year’s CG United Super50 Cup final debacle and have also been ordered to pay his legal costs.
CWI had attempted to discipline Reifer, the Pride captain at the time, along with Jamaica Scorpions captain John Campbell, after
they were handed Level 3 charges by match referee Leon King for failing to be present for the coin toss in the rain-affected final on November 23, 2024.
While Reifer’s legal team contested the charge, Campbell accepted his charge and was subsequently handed a four-match suspension.
Reifer faced up to an eight-month suspension if found guilty of the charges.
However, according to official sources, CWI’s Disciplinary Committee has ruled that the attempt to lay charges against Reifer after the non-playing of the CG United Super50 Cup final was a nullity as the match referee had no jurisdiction to hear the matter.
CWI has also been ordered to pay Reifer’s legal costs.
Both the Pride and
Scorpions failed to take the field, resulting in a double forfeit, with no champion being declared.
CWI later announced that no prize money would be awarded, and no match fees would be paid to either team involved in the final.
The champions were set to receive US$100,000 while the runner up would have received US$50,000.
CMC – BARBADOS Pride and the Windward Islands Volcanoes are locked in an intriguing contest, while the Guyana Harpy Eagles have batted themselves in a strong position against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes heading into Saturday’ s fourth and final day of the sixth round of matches in the West Indies Championship.
Chasing a challenging total of 305 runs for victory, the Pride ended the day on 144 for three and will fancy their chances of completing the chase.
The Harpy Eagles have completely erased the Hurricanes’ 142-run first innings lead and are comfortably placed on 381 for four thanks to centuries by captain Tevin Imlach and Kevlon Anderson.
Meanwhile, the Combined Campuses and Colleges and West Indies Academy remain locked in battle, with both teams in position to push for victory.
At the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium: Penetrative bowling from Barbados Pride pacers Ramon Simmonds and Jair McAllister wrestled control away from the Windward Islands Volcanoes and gave their team a good chance of victory at the end of the third day’s play.
Kavem Hodge and Shadrack Descarte looked to have put the game beyond the visitors’ grasp during a 100-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Resuming the day on 203 for four, an overall lead of 191, Hodge and Descarte
carried the score to 252 without further loss and a formidable total loomed, until Simmonds and McAllister orchestrated a middle order collapse that saw the Scorpions lose their last six wickets for 64 runs.
Simmonds struck first by dismissing Descarte for an even 50 from 87 balls, before disaster struck for the home side when Hodge was needlessly run out by Matthew Forde for 99 to leave them 262 for six.
His knock lasted 212 balls and he hit nine fours.
Simmonds then had Noelle Leo caught behind for 20 and also accounted for the wicket of Ryan John, before McAllister wrapped up the tail by dismissing Keon Gaston and Kenneth Dember cheaply.
Simmonds finished with 4-47, while McAllister took 2-25.
Set 305 to win, Pride captain Kraigg Brathwaite failed for the second time in the match when he was trapped lbw by John for just two.
Moseley and Jonathan Drakes then added 84 runs for the second wicket, before the Volcanoes snared two quick wickets to seize the advantage.
First, Drakes was dismissed by Gaston for 35 and then Kevin Wickham fell to Dember for four to see the Pride slip to 93 for three.
But Moseley and Kyle Mayers came to their side’s rescue in an unbroken 51-run stand for the fourth wicket and the Pride ended the day on 144 for three, needing another 161 runs to complete
a memorable run chase.
At Warner Park: Guyana Harpy Eagles captain Tevin Imlach along with Kevlon Anderson both cracked responsible centuries to pull their side out of deep trouble against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes.
Imlach scored an unbeaten 103, while Anderson hit 101 in their impressive second innings total of 381 for four.
A mammoth effort was required by the Harpy Eagles after conceding a 142-run first innings’ lead, and their batters showed up to the party.
Resuming on 137 for one, still in arrears, the Hurricanes got an early breakthrough when Matthew Nandu was run out for 66 to leave the score 169 for two.
However, the Hurricanes would reap no further success for the remaining morning session, as Anderson and Imlach joined forces at the crease in a crucial 114-run partnership.
The two carried the score to 283, but immediately upon passing his fifth first class century, Anderson lost his wicket to leg spinner Hayden Walsh Jr.
He faced 246 balls and hit 10 fours during his innings.
Imlach then added 46 runs with Kemol Savory before the latter was bowled by pacer Javier Spencer for 22, to make the score 329 for four.
They were no other breakthroughs for the Hurricanes, with Kevin Sinclair joining Imlach at the crease and the two sharing an un-
WATCHED by a large gathering at the Dagg Point Community Centre Ground, Gladiators beat Bartica Super Strikers by 21 runs in the final of the Bartica Premier League t20 tournament on Sunday last.
The fans created a Kaleidoscope of color, producing a fantastic atmosphere on a day in
broken 52-run partnership to further extend their lead, with Sinclair ending the day on 31 not out.
At the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground: The contest between Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) and the West Indies Academy remains evenly poised heading into Saturday’s final day.
After surrendering a first innings’ lead of 78, CCC, led by opener Johann Jeremiah’s century, fought back to end the day on 279 for four, an overall lead of 201.
Jeremiah also got good support from Shaqkere Parris, who scored 56, his second half century of the match, along with Damel Evelyn who made 47 and Kieran Powell, who scored 35.
In fact, they were superbly placed at 267 for two, until the WI Academy grabbed two late wickets to even the contest.
Jeremiah and Evelyn added 161 runs for the first wicket before Jeremian was dismissed by pacer Kelvin Pitman for 107 from 131 balls, inclusive of 11 fours and three sixes.
Seven runs later Pitman struck again, this time bowling Evelyn.
However, Powell and Parris carried their team out of trouble in a 99-run partnership for the third wicket to take then to 267 for two.
But left-arm pacer Jediah Blades snared both wickets in the space of four runs to give the WI Academy hopes of bowling them out early on the last day.
seven sixes and a four from Leon Swamy, were dismissed for 182 in 14.5 overs.
Other contributors included 34 off 17 balls with three fours and three sixes from Kelvin Orford, 28 from 11 balls with three sixes and a four from Wicket-Keeper Jermaine Dover, 25 from 24 balls with two fours and a couple of
The Gladiators celebrate with the winner’s trophy
which sixes rained from the flashing blades in shot-filled innings from the pugnacious batters on the small ground.
Gladiators elected to bat and spearheaded by 48 off 15 balls with
sixes from Skipper Adrian Branford and 21 with two fours and a six from Marvin Peters. Ashberk Hohenkirk captured 5-50 from
THIS week, Youth Basketball Guyana tipped off action in their Georgetown Regionals at the National Gymnasium.
In the latest round President’s College and Queens College captured two blow out performances.
President’s College came up against Plaisance Secondary in the opening encounter and showed their immense
quality as they outlasted fellow East Coast School side 28-9. Mattanial Fordyce led PC with 7 points and 5 rebounds with support from Omarie Grandison and Michael Joseph with 4 points each. Queens College then blew out North Georgetown 37-14 to get their campaign off with a bang, Allan Patterson was superb in offence
with 12 points coupled with 7 rebounds.
Nathan Morrison also dropped 12 points in the victory.
North Georgetown Shawn Duncan scored 7 points and 10 rebounds in a losing cause.
Meanwhile on Wednesday Saints Stanislaus college defeated St Rose’s High 3217 in their clash.
Kadeem Beckles was in a category of his own with 18 points and five steals.
Daniel Chisholm also had an all-round game with his 8 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists.
St Rose’s best scorer was Chazaiah Bernard with 7 points.
In the feature clash the Government Technical Institute showed skill
THE Guyana Football Federation’s premier football competition, the Elite League Season 7, is set continue this weekend at the National Training Centre at Providence.
The early stage of the league has seen heated action among the nation’s top 10 league sides that make up the competition.
After the first set of clashes, last year’s second placed side Slingerz FC lead the points table with 2 wins in 2 on 6 points followed by Ann’s Grove United and Den Amstel.
On Saturday the action resumes with the defending champions, the Guyana Defence Force playing Den Amstel in the opener at 18:30 hours.
The champs - who opened with a loss against Western Tigers before bouncing back against Monedderlust to get their campaign back on track - will look to shake off the
early loss and mount a successful defense of their title.
Table leaders Slingerz FC will look to maintain their early prowess when they tackle Guyana Police Force under lights; the police men are fourth in the league.
On Sunday sees the
champions GDF again suit up, this time to face off against Den Amstel at 18 hours 30.
The second clash will feature Western Tigers playing Santos FC at 21 hours
The league features 90 games over a 6 months pe-
riod with top side in Season 7 of the Elite League collecting two million dollars and being awarded an automatic qualifying spot at the CONCACAF/Caribbean Shield Championships.
The 2nd place team collects $1,200,000, 3rd Place
to batter School of the Nations’ 65-27 points.
Alwyn Adams was superb to score 20 points and 8 rebounds as he took the lead on both ends of the courts.
Jahiem Barnwell supported well with 14 points and 10 rebounds with Raymond Paul also contributing with 10 points.
Nations’ Dequan James had 11 points in the loss.
The tournament is sponsored KFC Guyana, Edward B Beharry Ltd and G-Boats Inc.
Youth basketball Guyana competition continues next week with the Girls regional tournament at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
SIXTEEN of the top sides in the 2025 edition of the Milo/Massy Schools football championship are set to duel it out from noon today at the Ministry of Education Ground.
On Saturday, Bartica who finished as the best third place team in group F will lock horns with defending champions Chase Academy.
Chase is one of the four teams that have played flawlessly in the group stage scoring handsome victories over Three Miles, Hope and West Demerara Secondary.
Next, New Amsterdam meets Charlestown.
New Amsterdam also made the cut as the best third place team in group A, while Charlestown bested New Central and Brickdam Secondary to advance.
Ann’s Grove also play Dolphin.
Ann’s Grove will be hard pressed to overcome the undefeated Dolphin who dominated group D beating
Yaracabra, President’s College and Tutorial to top their group.
Waramuri, another undefeated side also faces off with South Ruimveldt.
On Sunday the action continues on the same ground with another four battles.
Linden’s Three Miles Secondary clash with Abrahim Zuil from Essequibo.
Three Miles advanced after taking wins over Hope and West Demerara.
Bush Lot also square off against Yaracabra Secondary at 13:30 hours with Hope set to take on West Ruimveldt.
Top side Santa Rosa Secondary are also scheduled to meet President’s College.
The schools are playing for bragging rights, championship trophy and the 300,000-dollar cash prize which will be used for a school project of their choice with 200,000 and 100,000 for the second and third place schools.
