Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 06-01-2026

Tuesday 6th January, 2026 PRICE

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‘Immense possibilities now a reality’ 03 No.108035

PAGE

––President Ali says as new airstrip commissioned at Paramakatoi –– calls on air service operators to lower prices

Pupils occupy completed Bamia Primary School 14 PAGE

Schools reopen for Easter Term

––as liability period continues, Education Minister says

Monday marked the official completion and opening of Bamia Primary School, a long-anticipated regional education project delivered under the mandate of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development

Azruddin Mohamed’s attempt to block extradition 02 hearing fails PAGE

–– as Chief Justice dismisses application for stay; ruling clears way for magistrate to commence committal proceedings today

Learners returned to school on Monday for the beginning of the new and exciting Easter Term! (Education Ministry photo)

‘We must maximise productive time, ability to earn’ 04 PAGE

––President Ali says, urges Guyanese to embrace mindset change to enhance wealth creation

GGMC suspends mining operations of 08 non-compliant operators

Maduro pleads not guilty in New York court

PAGE

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04

Azruddin Mohamed’s attempt to block extradition hearing fails

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

--as Chief Justice dismisses application for stay; ruling clears way for magistrate to commence committal proceedings today

THE High Court in Demerara has refused an application seeking to stay extradition proceedings for United States (US)-sanctioned businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed.

The father and son are fighting extradition to the US, where they face serious indictments for financial crimes, including money laundering.

The ruling, delivered on Monday by Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh, comes after the pair challenged the constitutionality of provisions in the Fugitive Offenders (Amendment) Act 2009, arguing that the law permitted executive overreach in extradition matters.

The matter arose from a formal request by the United States Government to Guyana seeking the extradition of the Mohameds to face trial on federal indictments returned by a grand jury.

The request was made under the 1931 Extradition Treaty between the United States of America and Great Britain. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) arrested the men on October 31, 2025.

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, SC

Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed leaving the High Court in Demerara accompanied by their legal team following the refusal of their application to stay extradition proceedings (Delano Williams photo)

Acting Chief Justice Singh noted, “It is apparent that the Minister of Home Affairs [Oneidge Walrond] issued the requisite Authority to Proceed.”

An Authority to Proceed

in extradition is a formal ministerial approval confirming that a foreign request meets legal requirements, and signalling the transition of the matter from the executive or political level to the judicial

process for committal proceedings.

Following their arrest, Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed were brought before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in accordance with Section 15 of the Fugitive Offenders Act. They were subsequently released on $150,000 bail, each, pending committal proceedings. The legal framework governing extradition in Guyana is the Fugitive Offenders Act of 1988, as amended by the Fugitive Offenders (Amendment) Act 2009.

The Mohameds initially requested that Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman refer their constitutional concerns to the High Court under Article 153 (3) of the Constitution. However, the Magistrate declined to do so, finding the questions “frivolous and vexatious”.

S u b s e q u e n t l y, t h e y moved to the High Court seeking an order to stay the committal proceedings pending the court’s determination of the same constitutional issues previously raised before the magistrate. Their High Court application was heard on December 30, 2025.

In his ruling, Justice Singh underscored the princi-

ple of constitutional supremacy, stating that “by Article 8 of the Constitution, the Constitution is the supreme law of Guyana, and therefore the Court must ensure that ordinary statutory proceedings do not override constitutional provisions.”

He clarified, however, that supremacy of the Constitution does not equate to an automatic suspension of statutory proceedings.

“It is firmly established that the mere institution of constitutional proceedings does not operate as an automatic stay of parallel criminal or extradition proceedings,” Justice Singh said, adding that “the grant of a stay in extradition matters is exceptional, not routine”.

FACTORS CONSIDERED Justice Singh considered three main factors in assessing the application, namely: Whether the constitutional challenge raised a serious and arguable issue, whether proceeding without a stay would cause irreparable prejudice, and whether the balance of convenience favoured intervention.

Regarding the seriousness of the constitutional challenge, the applicants argued

Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh

that the Fugitive Offenders (Amendment) Act 2009 unconstitutionally authorised the Minister to bypass the judiciary and the committal process. They claimed that Sections 3(A)(a) and 3(A)(b) vested executive control over extradition, thereby breaching the Separation of Powers doctrine.

Justice Singh rejected this interpretation, noting that “on a basic reading of Section 3(A)(a), the section seems to simply provide that a person may be committed to or kept in custody for the purpose of extradition if the minister considers it necessary in the interest of justice.”

He further stated, “Section 3(A)(b) simply provides TURN TO PAGE 9

‘Immense possibilities now a reality’

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

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--President Ali says as new airstrip commissioned at Paramakatoi --calls on air service operators to lower prices

President Dr. Irfaan Ali was joined by Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill; Amerindian Affairs Minister Ms. Sarah Browne; Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Mr. Deodat Indar, and residents to cut the ceremonial ribbon, officially declaring the new Paramakatoi airstrip open (Office of the President photos)

BOOSTING connectivity and enhancing the economic potential of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), a nearly $800 million airstrip was commissioned by President Dr. Irfaan Ali at Paramakatoi on Monday.

Addressing residents during the ceremonial commissioning, the Head of State said possibilities that once felt out of reach for the community and by extension the wider region, can now be translated into realities.

“For one to understand how important these investments are for this community, it is not only about connectivity, but also about the opportunity now to build out your economy,” the President said, adding: “It is the little children who now can go to school in rainfall on a concrete road. It is about the pensioners who now can have greater access.”

With the new infrastructure now operationalised, it is expected that the cost to travel into the community will be reduced.

The government, Dr, Ali said, will be looking closely at the local aviation sector and operators to adjust fares accordingly, ensuring that residents benefit.

“We will not just sit by and not allow the benefit of these cost savings to be transferred to the people” he said, stressing that the enhanced infrastructure does not simply mean reliable air connectivity and more planes, but also improved access to services and goods.

The Head of State said: “It means families can stay connected; it means medical evacuations are

portunities are all anchored to a dependable transportation link that generates jobs, income and prosperity rooted in the preservation.

“What does the air strip truly make possible? It makes possible greater inclusion and improved goods and services at a better cost.

Why should a bag of cement, a gallon of fuel, or a box of medicine cost enormously more here than it must? Why should isolation translate into hardship? With improved air access, the answer changes,” he said, noting that the people of Paramakatoi are no longer limited by geography but empowered by connectivity.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

no longer a gamble with destiny. It means goods; fresh goods, construction material, learning supplies can be taken in and brought out.”

ECO-TOURISM The President stressed, too, that vast opportunities are now open for the region to tap into its full potential, expanding its capabilities in eco-tourism.

He said that many travellers and tourists seek immersive and authentic cultural experiences, and Paramakatoi offers just this.

“More and more travellers seek experiences that immerse them in nature without destroying it. They want authentic cultural encounters.

They want trails less travelled, wildlife unseen, streams untouched and biodiversity never before seen.

“They want sustainability, not exploitation, and Paramakatoi has all of that and more but to turn this potential into real economic benefit for our people, we must first overcome the logistical barriers that have held us back,” he said.

With the new airstrip, larger aircraft can now make entry into the community, allowing for tour operators to plan year-round itineraries, local entrepreneurs to build ecolodges, offer guided trekking services and promote craft markets and cultural centres.

President Ali said these op-

AGRICULTURE The President stressed that the construction of the airstrip is a part of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government’s wider strategic plan to transform Guyana’s hinterland into vibrant contributors to the country’s national story.

The Head of State said: “This is why we’re investing in better health facilities, better and improved schools, providing improved water, supporting small businesses and cultural enterprise.

None of these efforts stand alone. They are connected, interwoven, driven by the belief that a modern nation is strongest when every part of it thrives, and this airstrip is both a symbol and an instrument of that unit.”

The government is also moving to enhance the interconnectivity across road networks, and an important link will be the integration of Region Nine and Eight.

The President noted too that there is potential to enhance agriculture with crops like carrots, onions and other high value produce.

“We must now move to a commercial project between Kato and Paramakatoi.

The potential is even there for potatoes; with technology of solar freezers and containerised solar cold storage, we can now have value creation on this product right here that reduces the cost of transport and increases the shelf life,” he said.

The President revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture within the next three months will bring together specialists to establish a full-fledged plan to commercialise high value crops, focusing heavily on the participation young people and women supporting economic expansion and the creation of new opportunities.

“We do not invest in infrastructure because it is easy. We invest because this is necessary.

We invest because every community, no matter how remote, deserves access to the life blood of connectivity and commerce,” the President said.

The airstrip was constructed with a nearly $800 million contract, employing over 50 local residents.

The project, part of a $1.4 billion investment, also included a two-kilometre concrete road.

Also present at Monday’s commissioning was Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill; Amerindian Affairs Minister Ms. Sarah Browne, and Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Mr. Deodat Indar.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Maduro pleads not ‘We must maximise guilty in New York court productive time, ability to earn’

--President Ali says, urges Guyanese to embrace mindset change to enhance wealth creation

Toppled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of narco-terrorism after President Donald Trump’s stunning capture of him rattled world leaders and left officials in Caracas scrambling to respond

(REUTERS) Toppled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of narco-terrorism after President Donald Trump’s stunning capture of him rattled world leaders and left officials in Caracas scrambling to respond.

Maduro, 63, pleaded not guilty in New York federal court to four criminal counts that include narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive

devices.

“I am innocent; I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country,” Maduro said through an interpreter, before being cut off by US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein.

M a d u r o ’s w i f e C i l ia Flores also pleaded not guilty. The next court date was set for March 17.

Maduro is accused of overseeing a cocaine-trafficking network that partnered with violent groups, including Mexico’s Sinaloa and Ze-

tas cartels, Colombian FARC rebels, and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.

Maduro has long denied the allegations, saying they were a mask for imperialist designs on Venezuela’s rich oil reserves.

While world leaders and US politicians grappled with the extraordinary seizure of a head of state, an emergency order in Venezuela, published in full on Monday, ordered police to search and capture anyone who supported Saturday’s US attack.

Also on Monday, the UN Security Council debated the implications of the raid, which was condemned by Russia, China, and leftist allies of Venezuela.

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has urged Guyanese to adopt a fundamental change in mindset as the country enters a new phase of economic transformation, cautioning that productivity must not be lost.

In his remarks during a recent engagement with local journalists and students, the President said that higher wages and salaries have, in some cases, led to a reduction in productive time, weakening the country’s overall capacity to work and earn.

He pointed to examples such as truck drivers who previously worked six days a week, but now earn the same income in just two days, and choose to work fewer hours.

According to President Ali, this approach contributes to what is often described as “Dutch disease”, not primarily through government action, but through attitudes that distort the true meaning of work, effort and productivity.

“In this phase of development, it is important that we develop a mindset of maximising our ability to earn, maximising the productive time that is available before us. And that is part of the agenda in the next five years.

“How do we create this new mindset? Wealth creation is not accidental.

Wealth creation is planned.

It is planned at a national level through policies and

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

programmes, but it is felt at a community level,” he said, explaining further that a cultural shift will form a key part of the government’s agenda over the next five years.

“How do we create the mindset? And when we talk about wealth creation also and the opportunities we are building, we now have all of these expressions of interest for tourism facilities,” he added.

President Ali highlighted emerging opportunities in sectors such as tourism and agriculture as practical examples of how communities can benefit from this approach.

He said interest in tourism investments, including on islands such as Leguan (in Region Two), could create new markets for local farmers and households, allowing them to generate income through the supply of fruits and vegetables and other goods.

Further, he pointed to the expansion of off-grid energy systems in hinterland, riverine and island communities, which, he said, will reduce electricity costs even before the completion of the gas-to-energy project.

Lower electricity rates, the President explained, could increase disposable income, encourage saving and enable households to purchase higher-value goods and services. “When your electricity rate is reduced by 50 per cent, that savings goes towards improving your disposable income, increasing your propensity to save, and in some cases buying higher-value goods and services,” he said.

He urged citizens to view these developments as part of a broader, interconnected strategy for national growth, cautioning against being distracted by what he described as unproductive narratives.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Minister Bharrat meets Guyana Gold Board Managers to outline 2026 priorities

MINISTER of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat on Monday convened a meeting with managers of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), signalling the administration’s intent to strengthen internal coordination and service delivery within the agency as the new year begins.

The meeting, held at the GGB’s headquarters, brought together senior managers to discuss performance expectations, leadership standards and operational priorities for the year ahead.

According to officials, the engagement was aimed at reinforcing accountability and ensuring that the agency remains responsive to the needs of stakeholders across the gold-mining sector.

Minister Bharrat underscored the importance of direct engagement with staff, noting that consistent communication between leadership and management is essential for effective governance and institutional stability.

He said such interactions help foster a professional environment where expectations are clearly defined and morale is maintained.

The Guyana Gold Board plays a central role in the country’s mining sector, in-

Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat in a meeting with managers of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB)

cluding the oversight of gold declarations, quality control and export facilitation.

As gold remains a significant contributor to national revenues and livelihoods, the agency’s operational effectiveness is viewed as critical to the broader performance of the sector.

Officials familiar with the discussions said the meeting also emphasised the

need for managers to adopt a results-driven approach, improve internal processes and ensure that the board continues to operate in a safe and compliant manner.

Particular attention was placed on leadership responsibility at the managerial level, with a call for greater collaboration and adherence to established standards.

The engagement forms

part of the Ministry of Natural Resources’ ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight of key agencies under its portfolio and to align institutional performance

with national development objectives.

The ministry said similar engagements are expected to continue throughout the year as

part of a broader strategy to promote accountability, operational efficiency and sustained confidence in Guyana’s natural resources sector.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Regulating the digital frontier

FROM all indications, 2026 will be a pivotal year for Guyana as the government moves toward legislative action to address the harmful effects of online gambling and the growing abuse associated with social media platforms.

These developments are long overdue. The unregulated digital environment—often described as a “Wild West”—has exposed societies worldwide to serious social, economic, and psychological risks, particularly for children and other vulnerable groups.

President Irfaan Ali recently signalled a clear shift in policy direction, announcing that broad national consultations on social media regulation will commence this month.

The stated objective is to preserve the positive contributions of social media, while curbing its excesses. This initiative aligns with legislative action on online gambling previously announced by Vice

President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Together, these measures suggest a more assertive role for the state in safeguarding the public interest in the digital space.

Social media has undoubtedly transformed communication, access to information, and civic engagement in Guyana, as it has globally.

Yet, its darker aspects are impossible to ignore. The spread of disinformation, cyberbullying, online harassment, data manipulation, and the worsening of mental health challenges—especially among young people—have become defining features of largely unregulated platforms. Expecting self-regulation by multinational technology companies, or placing the burden solely on parents and guardians, has proven insufficient.

Guyana would not be acting in isolation. Across the world, governments are rethinking their approach to digital governance.

France has enacted legislation restricting social media access

for children under 16, with similar measures being advanced by Denmark and Greece within the European Union.

Australia’s recently implemented law requires platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat to prevent under-16s from creating accounts, backed by significant financial penalties for non-compliance.

Other countries—including Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Korea, India, Brazil, and several in Africa and Asia—are also pursuing regulatory frameworks to hold platforms accountable, particularly in relation to child safety.

International momentum is equally evident. The first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, held in Colombia last year, placed social media abuse high on the global agenda, with more than 120 governments pledging to strengthen legislative responses.

At the multilateral level, the

United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, adopted in December 2024, will come into force in January 2026, establishing new international standards to address online exploitation, grooming, and the non-consensual sharing of images.

While Jamaica is currently the only CARICOM country to have signed the treaty, there is hope that Guyana and other regional states will follow suit.

As local consultations begin, legitimate concerns will arise about censorship, freedom of expression, and the risk of stifling innovation.

These concerns deserve serious consideration. However, they cannot be allowed to serve as a rationale for inaction.

The challenge lies in designing a regulatory framework that balances free speech, data protection, platform accountability, and public safety—particularly for children— while fostering a healthy digital ecosystem.

President Ali has acknowl-

edged the profound ways in which social media has reshaped public discourse and has invited broad stakeholder participation in shaping Guyana’s response.

This collaborative approach is essential. Guyana has demonstrated before that it can rise above partisan divides to address complex social issues, crafting legislation that is both progressive and practical.

There is no reason the same cannot be achieved in the digital arena. The central question is whether social media platforms should continue to operate without meaningful oversight.

Increasingly, the global consensus suggests they should not.

With thoughtful consultation and principled leadership, Guyana has an opportunity to develop a regulatory model that protects its citizens, respects democratic values, and earns international respect.

The task is difficult, but the cost of inaction would be far greater.

Mohameds have no moral authority to talk about corruption

Dear Editor,

IT is extremely laughable and indeed an elevated irony that the Mohameds, who have long been associated with corruption and illegal practices to the steepest depth, would now try to remake themselves as the champions of integrity, the most virtuous in our midst. They laughably position themselves as the leading voice in the fight against corruption.

Guyanese everywhere from all conversation corners find this deeply offensive, an ill judgement, and an obvious obfuscation of the serious troubles that face this family which is on US indictment for gold and drug smuggling, tax evasion, and mail and wire fraud.

While every society has its share of corruption, the struggle for its eradication must be waged by individuals and groups with moral authority and a consistency

of conduct that upholds the societal values of the rule of law.

It cannot be led by personalities of the type of the Mohameds. It has not worked and will not work.

We must not forget that the Mohameds graduated from US sanctions to a status of indictment which connotes that their alleged misdeeds are within the highest range of corrupt practices.

When corruption is seemingly fought by such

individuals marred with controversy, which paint a picture of a tattered past and shattered credibility, the cause itself becomes weakened and the advocacy is reduced to mere mockery.

Guyana’s anti-corruption effort must be about institutions, systems and ethical leadership, not personal branding excursions or an attempt at reputational laundering. We must demand higher standards in public life and clarity must prevail.

What measurement is being used to gauge, determine or conclude an individual’s acquisition of property to have been done through corrupt means?

The social media masquerade of filming properties purportedly belonging to officials and questioning their earnings cannot simply be concluded as corruption.

There are other elements to be examined, including the savings and investment practices which provided

the means for the acquisition. Without those examinations, it renders the analysis inconclusive of arriving at corruption, which the Mohameds leapfrog to.

This all comes down to intellectual deficiencies of a struggling, politically opportunistic family who recycle unproven claims, instead of relying on hard facts.

Regards, Dr Vishal H Joseph

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Todd and Walton-Desir: Guyana’s lowest point in 2025

THERE are two persons who hold the key to understanding the year 2025 in Guyana. One is Dexter Todd, a PNC parliamentarian and the lawyer for the Adriana Younge family. The other is Amanza Walton-Desir. If you listen or watch the weekly press conference of the Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, he has a constant lamentation.

He would say that if a PPP personality makes a mistake, it is all over the press. Sections of society will crucify that PPP player. But if a well-known critic of the government commits a huge indiscretion, that section of the society willing to condemn the PPP defaulter just shuts up. Mr Jagdeo is right and you just have to look at the nature of Guyana to see how Mr Jagdeo feels.

I am looking back at my country in 2025 and I am not certain where it will lead, because there is simply too much to write about. The level of anti-government hypocrisy was oceanic last year.

I eagerly go to the comments section of the letter pages of the online edition of Stabroek News (SN).

When I read those com-

ments, one of two things go through my mind. Either the Guyana diaspora has become a de-educated, mindless school of people or SN hides their independent comments.

I never see any comment that demands accountability and transparency from the private press.

Why are Guyana Times, the Chronicle and Kaieteur News free to read from top to bottom online, but not SN? Doesn’t that deserve a comment? Maybe there are such reflections, but SN does not carry them.

Do you know the Guyana Chronicle has a union that is certainly not pro-government and is a member of the TUC, not FITUG? Do you know the Kaieteur News and SN do not have trade union representation? Yet these papers are the leading critics of what they say are wrong-doings by the Government of Guyana.

So last year, these two newspapers never published even a one-line question to Todd and Walton-Desir about the Adrianna Younge tragedy.

Todd told the nation that a private, international team was in Guyana to investigate the Younge death.

The year 2025 has passed

into history and not one paragraph of the investigators’ report has been made public.

Did Todd lie? Or they came and their report confirms accidental drowning and thus the hiding of the report?

Walton-Desir insisted that Adrianna Younge’s death was a brutal killing. This lady campaigned to be President

scandal was the lowest point in Guyana in 2025 and one of the most repugnant examples of political degeneracy in recent memory in Guyana. A little girl accidentally drowned in a swimming pool. The family then became guilty of repulsive negligence.

The girl was in the pool

understanding, did not do that. And their supporters instead of diving into the water, let bestial instincts take over. They burnt down the hotel. And all the while the poor child’s body was at the bottom of the structure.

Then another type of instinct took over. The PNC, AFC and WIN wanted to make the

of Guyana and not one of her supporters emulated the two persons when they saw the king without his new clothes.

Not one supporter approached her when she left the podium of one of her campaign meetings and politely asked her: “Madam, how was Adrianna killed?”

The Adrianna Younge tragedy/Adriana Younge

and then could not be found.

Commonsense then departed from the scene. I am a father and like the billions of parents in the world, if your child was seen in a pool and then no one can find her, then jump in the pool and search for her. That is the first thing the billions of parents would have done.

The relatives, from my

Younge tragedy a political bandwagon to confront the government.

This was the agenda of the opposition. But it did not have to be the agenda of the family of Adrianna, primarily parents and aunt.

In a macabre twist of things, the parents allowed their little daughter’s death to be smeared with the politics of

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opportunism.

Todd told the nation that the post-mortem results could not be relied upon because the circumstances at the hospital may have affected the capacity of the medical experts.

It was an ugly derogation of the career of the two pathologists and they let the deadline for libel past without suing Todd. On April 28, political desecration of the dead girl’s name reached its zenith with the attempted destruction by scrapeheads (no apologies) to burn down parts of Guyana.

The security forces saved Guyana. The next day, Nigel Hughes and Terrence Campbell heaped praise on the scrapeheads who attacked Chinese supermarkets, innocent civilians and burnt roads and bridges. Those two men, on September 1, 2025, wanted to administer Guyana.

Imagine that!

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.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

GGMC suspends mining operations of non-compliant operators

THE Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has announced the immediate suspension of all mining operations and related authorisations held by a number of named individuals, following their failure to comply with a public notice issued earlier this month.

In a statement, the Commission said the action follows a notice published on January 2, 2026, which required the individuals to present themselves to the GGMC.

As a result of their non-compliance, all mining activities, permissions to operate and any other associated approvals have now been suspended with immediate effect.

The GGMC said that the suspension will remain in place until the affected persons engage with the Commission and demonstrate full compliance to its satisfaction. No timeline has been given for the lifting of the suspensions.

Last Friday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali urged all gold

miners to make the full declaration of gold produced in 2025, adding that registered dredges with no declaration will be deregistered, while illegal foreign miners must be identified for prosecution and expulsion.

These issues were raised by the President during a meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) at State House.

“During the meeting, the President directed that immediate action be taken to ensure that all gold miners fully comply with their ob-

ligations to declare all gold produced in 2025.

“Further, all registered dredges with no declaration will be deregistered, and all foreign miners operating illegally in Guyana must be identified for prosecution and expulsion. It was also noted that some Brazilian miners operating in Guyana have had very low or no declarations.

“These miners have 24 hours to comply fully with the laws of Guyana and the requirement to declare to the Guyana Gold Board,” a post on the President’s Facebook page said.

Additionally, it was stat-

ed that the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and the Ministry of Natural Resources will be working together to ensure that all miners in every category operating in Guyana are registered with the ministry, and further, that they all have a local bank account.

Meanwhile, GGDMA President Ronaldo Alphonso said he is urging the mining public to be compliant, and to sell their gold to legitimate sources to sustain the mining sector for generations to come.

“It is our responsibility as miners to ensure the sustainability of the industry.

We need to make it compliant, and we need to declare gold. Make 2026 the year of compliance and declaration,” Alphonso said, according to the post.

Last month, President Ali had said that his government would pursue and shut down delinquent operators who continue to exploit State incentives while failing to declare their gold.

According to the Ministry of Finance’s mid-year report, gold declaration is up by 10.9 per cent this year, but Dr. Ali stressed that this remains below the government’s expectations.

He had emphasised at the time that miners who profit from the sector have a legal responsibility to accurately declare their gold, reminding them that this duty is “not by choice, but by law”.

The President added that the government intends to overhaul systems that have enabled chronic under-declaration and illegal exports, stating that the State must stop facilitating “those kinds of people”.

One gold smuggler alone stole more than $190 billion from the Guyanese economy, he had disclosed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Azruddin Mohamed’s attempt to block extradition hearing...

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FROM PAGE 2

certain factors that the minister may take into account in determining whether the extradition proceedings should be permitted in the interest of justice.”

The Acting Chief Justice emphasised that these provisions must be interpreted in the context of the entire Fugitive Offenders Act, which clearly outlines the procedures for extradition in Guyana.

He highlighted that the minister’s authority only extends to determining whether assurances provided by the requesting state are satisfactory, allowing extradition proceedings to proceed under law.

Justice Singh stated, “The minister…is simply determining if they are satisfied with the circumstances presented, and, if so, may permit the extradition process to move forward under the laws of Guyana.”

Crucially, he pointed out that there is no allegation that the minister attempted to bypass any judicial process in relation to the Mohameds.

Another aspect of the constitutional challenge concerned the 1931 Extradition Treaty between the United States and Great Britain.

The Mohameds contended that the Fugitive Offenders (Amendment) Act impermissibly sought to remedy omissions in the Treaty, such as the absence of an express guarantee against onward extradition to a third state.

Justice Singh, however, found that “the Applicants [the Mohameds] have not highlighted which safeguard in the Treaty is being violated by the Fugitive Offenders (Amendment) Act 2009.”

He concluded that upon examining Article 7 of the Treaty, “the Court is not convinced that the Treaty does not, by implication, provide assurance against further extradition by the requesting country [the United States of America]”.

According to him, the lack of an express clause does not automatically mean that protection is absent.

Justice Singh noted that the Attorney- General had produced written assurances from the United States con-

firming that the applicants would not be extradited to a third state without the consent of the Government of Guyana.

He held that, in the circumstances, this did not constitute a serious issue for determination.

The court also addressed claims related to Section 3(B)(c) of the Amendment Act, which the applicants argued limited their ability to seek redress in Guyanese courts.

Justice Singh clarified that “on the face of it, the provision relates to extradition ‘arrangements’ as opposed to the extradition process,” adding that the applicants had acknowledged that they could challenge any committal through habeas corpus proceedings.

He concluded that these arguments were “not a serious issue to be determined” at the interlocutory stage, describing the claims as “abstract and speculative”.

On the question of potential prejudice, Justice Singh noted that extradition proceedings are preliminary inquiries rather than criminal trials. They are designed to determine whether statutory requirements for surrender are met, rather than to establish guilt or innocence.

He observed, “The applicants will have further opportunities to invoke further judicial review and habeas corpus protections prior to surrender, therefore there is no risk of surrender or removal before the constitutional issues are resolved.”

Finally, the court assessed the balance of convenience between the applicants’ interests and the public interest. Justice Singh highlighted the importance of upholding Guyana’s international obligations and maintaining confidence in the administration of justice.

“The public interest would be undermined if extradition proceedings could be routinely stayed by the filing of constitutional motions raising issues capable of later resolution,” he stated.

He noted that the applicants were on bail and that the constitutional challenges could proceed without halt-

ing extradition proceedings.

“In assessing the balance of convenience, it seems that a stay of proceedings is a drastic remedy in the circumstances presented to the Court, where the constitutional issue/s can be determined without halting the extradition process, and no immediate and irreversible harm has been demonstrated,” Justice Singh concluded.

HIGH COURT DENIES STAY In summation, the High Court refused the application for a stay of extradition proceedings filed on December 22, 2025.

Justice Singh clarified that while the Mohameds are entitled to pursue their constitutional challenge, they “have not met the high threshold required for the interim relief sought,” and noted that constitutional litigation “must serve as a shield for fundamental rights, not as a sword to paralyse lawful statutory processes absent compelling necessity.”

“The applicants have not established that allowing the committal proceedings to continue will cause irreparable harm. No surrender order is presently imminent.

“The Magistrate’s proceedings are preliminary in nature and may result in discharge and even if committal occurs, the applicants retain the right to challenge any surrender order before execution of that order,” Acting Chief Justice Singh declared.

Costs in the case were ordered, as the substantive constitutional application is scheduled to be heard on January 14, 2026.

The ruling now enables Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman to begin the committal proceedings today, which will decide whether the father and son can be formally extradited to the United States to face the pending indictments.

Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, along with attorneys Siand Dhurjon and Damien DaSilva, represented the Mohameds.

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, SC; Solicitor-General Nigel Hawke; Deputy Solicitor-General Shoshan-

na Lall, and attorney Dishon Persaud appeared for the respondent, the Attorney-General.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL WELCOMES RULING Nandlall welcomed the High Court’s decision, noting that the ruling reaffirmed the established legal principle that committal proceedings should not be delayed by pre-emptive constitutional challenges.

He emphasised that such challenges can and should be addressed after a committal order, cautioning that attempts to stay proceedings beforehand risk being considered an abuse of process.

Nandlall stressed that the extradition process involves multiple judicial safeguards and is not automatic.

Speaking on the application filed by the Mohameds, Nandlall said it is an interlocutory matter that

seek to “delay and protract” the committal hearing from taking place.

“And the courts have universally and uniformly rejected any type of intervention that seeks to stay, stop, or delay the committal hearing from taking place,” he noted.

The Mohameds’ legal team expressed disappointment in Acting Chief Justice Singh’s ruling and signaled their intention to appeal to the Full Court as soon as today [Monday], and, if required, to take the case further to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

The Mohameds—owners of Mohamed’s Enterprise—remain on bail, have surrendered their passports, and must report weekly to the Ruimveldt Police Station as the extradition proceedings continue.

U.S. prosecutors have accused the father and son

of running an international criminal network with alleged links to “high offices” in Venezuela, and the Middle East.

The pair face 11 criminal counts in the U.S. Southern District of Florida involving alleged wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, and customs violations tied to what authorities describe as a US$50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.

T h e U S Tr e a s u r y ’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned both men in June 2024 for alleged gold smuggling and public corruption.

The US investigation dates back to the mid2010s and involved multiple agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Department of Homeland Security.

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Blueprint for a prosperous country already in action

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 6, 2026

– Health Minister says, highlights significant investments in country’s health sector

MINISTER of Health Dr. Frank Anthony has said that the vision set out to move Guyana towards a prosperous country is already in action, with steady investments being made across various sectors, including healthcare.

The minister made this known via a video message, where he spoke on the strategic vision for Guyana as outlined recently by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. “In that vision, he

touched on almost every sector of what it is that his government intends to do [in] health, education, for infrastructure, utilities and many more, and what this vision intends to do is move Guyana away from being a survival economy to one where we are going to be a prosperous country,” Dr. Anthony said.

This blueprint, Dr. Anthony affirmed, is already in action, as over the last five years, all would have

seen steady investments in various sectors to bring the dream to realisation.

To this end, he highlighted that in healthcare, spending and investments moved from just $35.8 billion in 2019 to some $142 billion, thus making a tremendous difference.

Against this backdrop, the Health Minister noted that under President Ali’s leadership, from 2022 to 2024, they were able to complete 25 new health

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony centres and health posts. In 2025, another 10 health centres and health posts were under construction.

The story, he went on to say, does not end there, as the government was able to do something unprecedented in the country’s history, which was the opening and commissioning of six regional hospitals across the country.

Apart from these six new hospitals, Dr. Anthony said that they have been working on the construction of additional hospitals like the West Demerara Hospital and New Amsterdam Hospital.

However, he noted that the government has not and will not leave out the hinterland regions of the coun-

try, and highlighted that construction has begun on hospitals in various regions.

He said, “We have not left out the interior of our country, and we have already started the construction of a new hospital at Moruca, we have a new hospital at Kato and a new hospital at Lethem.”

All of these, he noted, are expected to be completed in another two to three years, and while this is being done, the government is also examining other locations in the hinterland regions where healthcare facilities can be improved.

City Council given three days to remove all vendors outside GPHC GEORGETOWN Town Clerk Candace Nelson has disclosed that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has received a legal demand ordering the removal of vendors operating around the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) within three days, or face court proceedings.

Nelson made this disclosure during a statutory meeting of the Mayor and Councillors on Monday, informing the Council that the demand was communicated through a lawyer’s letter.

According to the Town Clerk, the letter tells of intention to seek a court order of mandamus, should the Council fail to remove the vendors within the stipulated timeframe.

Addressing members of the meeting, Nelson said, “I just received another lawyer’s letter, this time to remove vendors from around Georgetown (Public) Hospital within three days, or they are going to court as well for mandamus.”

A court order of man-

damus would compel the Council, as a statutory body, to carry out what the applicant argues is a legal duty, namely, the clearing of vendors from the hospital’s surroundings.

The disclosure comes amid ongoing deliberations within City Hall over vending in Georgetown, an issue that has long generated tension among municipal authorities, vendors, businesses, and public institutions.

Concerns have frequently been raised about public health, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, and access to critical facilities, particularly around the hospital.

In light of the latest development, the Mayor and Councillors agreed that further discussions are necessary before any final decision is taken. A follow up meeting has been scheduled for Monday to continue deliberations on the broader vending issue, including enforcement strategies, legal obligations, and possible relocation options.

The council is expected

Georgetown Town Clerk Candace Nelson to engage relevant stakeholders as it seeks to chart a way forward that addresses public safety and order, while also considering the social and economic realities facing vendors across the capital.

For now, the matter remains under active consideration as City Hall weighs its options against the backdrop of continued talks on vending in Georgetown.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Gospel singer Samuel Medas Quarrie Tourism lauds gov’t for grant given Committee launches to artistes, creatives eight-hour nature tour

THIS year, the Guyana Tourism Authority is set to accelerate its product development with six new tourism experiences slated for introduction, along with upgrades to existing products to improve quality, competitiveness and visitor satisfaction.

On Monday, the authority shared that Quarrie Village has launched a new tourism experience, adding to the several others already established in various parts of Guyana.

Located in the Central Rupununi region (Region Nine) sits Quarrie Village, an eco-tourism destination just 15 to 20 minutes away from Lethem. The new tourism

sional tour guides who have their tour-guide licence, as well as approximately 15 trained tour guides with certificates in CPR and first-aid training.

The tour will feature activities such as yoga at the Quarrie Guest House, visits to three different waterfalls within that area, including Quarrie Third Falls, and a massage that comes with relaxation and peace.

For more details, persons can contact Visit Rupununi on +592 630-7753 or visit Quarrie Eco-Tourism &Agriculture Co-operative Society Ltd’s Facebook page.

product launched is called Quarrie Nature Escape.

It was created by the Quarrie Tourism Committee members in an effort to introduce a source of income for the community through tourism.

Speaking with this publication about this new product was the committee’s chairperson, Lenny Baretto, who said the new tour is open to persons who may want to get away/ escape for a while.

“The tour is an eight-hour tour, and prices to the first falls we charge $500, to the second $1,000, and to the third $1,500. But it comes in the form of a package.

So, if everyone who’s on the tour decides to go, or require lunch, it will be an extra because we charge $1,200 for breakfast, $800 for snacks, and $1,500 for lunch,” he said.

On their team, Baretto said they have two profes-

Views from Quarrie Village in Region Nine (Lenny Baretto photos)

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s (MCYS) Cultural and Creative Industries Grant Programme, is one of the government’s few programmes that aim to equip local creatives with the resources they need to turn their creative visions into reality.

Launched in 2021 as a targeted support mechanism to nurture the local creative sector, the programme provides financial assistance of up to $1 million per recipient to artistes, cultural practitioners, and creative entrepreneurs to assist them in establishing or expanding cultural projects and businesses.

Regional and international Guyanese award-winning gospel recording artiste Samuel Medas has provided a comment on the impact of TURN TO PAGE 13

Regional and international Guyanese award-winning gospel recording artiste, Samuel Medas (Photo: Samuel Medas/ Facebook)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Minister Croal, Region One officials meet Barimanobo residents on community development MINISTER of Housing, Collin Croal and Vice-Chairman of Region One, Mr Paul Pierre, recently met with residents of Barimanobo, Mabaruma, Region One, to discuss ongoing and planned development initiatives.

During the engagement, Minister Croal underscored that, now more than ever, significant resources are being invested across communities nationwide to advance infrastructure, healthcare, education, water services, and other critical sectors through heavy government investment.

“The government remains committed to ensuring that every community benefits from sustained investments that enhance the quality of life for residents,” said the minister.

He noted that over the past four years, approximately $64 million has been injected into Barimanobo through a combination of Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) Grants , Presidential Grants and other targeted development initiatives.

The minister reiterated the Government of Guyana’s commitment to ensuring that residents have access to essential services, creating an enabling environment for sustainable

A section of Barimanobo residents at the meeting

development and the well-being of future generations.

Looking ahead, Minister Croal stated that with the 2026 National Budget expected soon, development efforts will be intensified, with a strong focus on accelerating progress over the next five years.

“Our focus is on building resilient communities,” he stated.

The villagers were given an opportunity to raise concerns during the meeting, which were addressed

by the ministerial team, including matters related to the water-supply system.

Currently, residents are served through a rotational system, with the water supply divided among three sections of the community.

The Guyana Water Incorporated’s (GWI) Regional Manager Mr Nyian Briglall was present and engaged with residents, as efforts continue to resolve their concerns.

To address issues related to

Minister of Housing Collin Croal

water quality and supply levels, the GWI will provide residents with an updated schedule in the coming week.

Additionally, GWI will work closely with the Village Council on desilting the system, while also strengthening monitoring mechanisms to improve service delivery.

In the longer term, the minister outlined plans by GWI to implement a desalination system in the Mabaruma area that will take water

from a freshwater source, treat it, and distribute it to households.

Residents were also informed of plans for a new ferry, which is expected to significantly enhance transportation, improve the movement of goods and support economic activities in Region One. Deputy Mayor of Mabaruma Mrs Leanne Persaud and Regional Education Officer, Ms Annansha Peters were also in attendance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

NCD Commission lobbies for designation of March 4 as National HPV Testing Day --in message on global Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2026

The following is the full text of a statement from Chairman of the NCD Commission, Dr Leslie Ramsammy: “JANUARY is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

The Presidential Commission on the Prevention and Control of the NCDs commend the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Health for leading an aggressive fight against Cervical Cancer in Guyana.

“The commission is grateful for the significant increase in investment to fight against Cervical Cancer. The commission is pleased to see the elevation of the fight against Cervical Cancer “The commission, however, believes that there is an urgent need to further expand and elevate the education and awareness programme in the fight against Cervical Cancer in Guyana. We urge the Ministry of Health (MoH) to learn from the tremendous work that was done with HIV and AIDS at the start of the 21st Century.

“For the first decade of this century, Guyana crafted and implemented an awareness and education programme for HIV and AIDS that was globally recognised.

“The commission believes that some of the same education and awareness strategies that Guyana used to spread HIV and AIDS literacy can be utilised for Cervical Cancer.

“During this month, as we try to promote and spread awareness of Cervical Cancer, the commission believes that the MoH should designate March 4 each year as National HPV and Cervical Cancer Testing Day that would start a dedicated week

of testing across the country.

“We urge that the MoH work with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture to ensure that HPV and Cervical Cancer Awareness programmes are introduced in our schools, workplaces and in our sports clubs.

“We urge the MoH to work with the Ministry of

with Cervical Cancer and a mortality rate of about 63 deaths annually.

“Science has proven that Cervical Cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted viral infection.

Therefore, it is important for initiatives to prevent HPV infection. It is also important for Guyanese, both women and men, to know their HPV

Parliamentary Affairs to ensure that every MP is a champion in the fight against HPV and Cervical Cancer. We urge the MoH to work with faith-based organizations to spread awareness and for every faith-based leader to be a champion in the fight.

“The commission would like to see more utilisation of radio, TV, printed media, social media and banners and posters for spreading education and awareness.

Every public building should have posters with HPV and Cervical Cancer messaging.

“Cervical Cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women in Guyana and is a leading cause of death. Current estimates for Guyana indicate that approximately 121 women (about 15/100,000) are diagnosed

status. Every girl between the ages of nine and 15 should be vaccinated.

“The commission acknowledges and commends the MoH for its HPV testing programme which was introduced some time ago. In 2025, in an effort to expand access to HPV testing, introduced a $2.8 billion HPV voucher programme for citizens to access testing in the private sector, so that each Guyanese can know their HPV status.

“The intention is for more than 200,000 women between the ages of 21 and 65 to be tested by 2030.

This was a good indicator of the ministry’s commitment to ensure that every citizen is aware of his or her HPV status. For women who are HPV-positive, they are at

Gospel singer Samuel Medas lauds gov’t for grant given...

the grant.

In a video recently shared by the ministry on its Facebook page, Medas, who was in his studio, explained that he began pursuing music seriously and as a professional only in 2012. Up to that point, he had been moving from studio to studio.

Medas disclosed that in 2022, he decided that perhaps it was time to have a studio of his own, one where he could make music easily in.

“When I was done building it, it was time to kind of furnish it with the equipment that I needed. I didn’t have all the money at the time, and somebody told me about the cultural grant offered by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport. I applied, I took in my proposal, and they approved it, and so that aided me greatly,” the renowned Guyanese explained.

Medas said that through this grant, he was able to pur-

FROM PAGE 11

chase his first drum set, first studio speakers and one of his very first keyboards came from the grant. From this, he was also able to expand.

“A big thank you to the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport for initiatives like [sic] this to give young artistes and young creatives like myself. Cash and cultural grants help take our ideas and our businesses to the next level,” Medas remarked.

high risk for cervical cancer.

Therefore, it is important for every woman to know her HPV-status.

“Just as we did for HIV testing more than two decades ago, the MoH must explore opportunistic testing for women. For every clinic that a woman visits, she should be offered HPV testing, if she is not yet aware of her HPV status. All women who are HPV positive should also be tested for Cervical Cancer.

“The commission notes progress in the HPV vac-

cination Programme. After a slow start, Guyana has made significant progress in vaccination for girls aged nine to 15 years. The goal is for 90% of girls aged nine to 15 to be vaccinated by 2030.

From all indications, Guyana now has exceeded 50% and should, therefore, achieve 90% by 2030.

“While the commission urges acceleration of the rate, the commission is encouraged by the recent progress made in this regard.

“Cervical cancer is preventable. We can stop Cer-

vical Cancer. But we must work together. Every Guyanese child in school and every Guyanese adult must know that HPV is a cause of Cervical Cancer, must know his or her HPV status and every Guyanese woman must ensure that they are tested for Cervical Cancer before age 35 and again by age 45.

“Let us work together with our local and global partners to ensure that Guyana becomes one of the earliest developing countries that have stopped Cervical Cancer.”

14

Pupils occupy completed Bamia Primary School

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

--as liability period continues, Education Minister says

MONDAY marked the official completion and opening of Bamia Primary School, a long-anticipated regional education project delivered under the mandate of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.

According to a press release, the opening of the school reflects the government’s continued commitment to strengthening regional infrastructure and improving access to essential services at the community level.

Bamia Primary School

is a modern, purpose-built facility designed to provide a safe, inclusive, and conducive learning environment for children in Bamia and surrounding communities.

The school includes spacious classrooms, administrative offices, sanitary facilities, and supporting infrastructure aimed at enhancing teaching and learning outcomes.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, expressed her happiness at “the completion of the school for the pupils and teachers”

and said it was “a major and consistent effort that had to be employed to get this school finished.”

She emphasised that “every time stakeholders fail to realise the government’s vision for universal access to education, it is our children and teachers who suffer and that is the opposite of what the government intends and desires.”

As a regional project, the completion of Bamia Primary School highlights the role of local government in identifying community needs, implementing development works

and ensuring that residents benefit directly from public investment. It also aligns with the government’s wider education agenda, which prioritises equitable access to quality education across all regions of Guyana.

With the school now open and operational, students will benefit from improved learning conditions closer to home, while educators are supported by a modern and functional facility.

“The completion and opening of Bamia Primary School demonstrate the practical outcomes of effective regional governance. Through the local government framework, this project responds directly to community needs and ensures that public investment translates into real, accessible services for families in Region 10.

We wish our pupils and teachers of this school and those who will be educated here all the very best,” the Education Ministry said.

Monday marked the official completion and opening of Bamia Primary School, a long-anticipated regional education project delivered under the mandate of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Young author among 30 to participate in MoE writing camp

AT the age of 15, Samiyah Shaw, a fourth form student of the Good Hope Secondary made a name for herself locally for a number of exceptional reasons.

In her own way, Shaw chose to tackle the issue of bullying by writing a book titled, ‘Canvas of Strength,’ which was released nearly one year ago.

It focuses on the importance of anti-bullying efforts, and tells the story of a girl, Maya, who was bullied and experienced emotional pain. Despite this, the main character learned how to turn her pain to strength.

Last Saturday, Samiyah along with other learners met with the Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, to kickstart a ground-breaking initiative -- a permanent, continuous writing camp.

This will be hosted by the Ministry of Education’s Literacy Department and was described by the MoE as more than a workshop. It is a movement that will turn participants into published voices and will pave the way for improved literacy and literary performances across all school levels in Guyana.

The programme is set to begin with 30 young writers, using interactive activities to transform how students see the power of the pen.

Apart from this, Samiyah, who was a guest host on the Guyana Today Show, pointed out that in addition to writing, she also participated in a “No Smoking” competition held by the Ministry of Health, where she earned the second-place spot, as well as an Artificial Intelligence competition, where she developed a picture that showed how humans can be creative with AI. When asked how she manages all that she does every day, she simply said, “I have a lot of free time, so I get to do more.”

Next year, Shaw will be taking the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations.

Her book can be purchased on Amazon.

Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, with Samiyah Shaw (third from right in the back row) and other learners who will participate in the writing camp (Photo: MoE/ Facebook)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Racha: We have a good chance of winning U19 World Cup PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – West Indies Under-19 all-rounder Aadian Racha believes the regional side is in prime position to capture their second ICC Under-19 World Cup title.

Racha, the lone Trinidadian selected in the 15-member squad, has lofty expectations for the team at the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6.

During a recent interview with Newsday, the pacer said the squad was comprised of quality players who had the skills to beat any team in the competition and add to the lone title they won in 2016

“I think the team has a really good chance. We’ve been working well together and gelling well as a team.

There’s definitely a strong bond and camaraderie among the players.

“Each player brings unique strengths we can build upon, and we have an understanding of our individual roles and collective responsibilities. Overall, I’d say we stand a very good chance at that World Cup,” Racha said.

Racha, who has been preparing for the tournament under the watchful eyes of former T&T leg-spinner Imran Khan and current Red Force coach Rayad Emrit, said he was looking forward to making a meaningful con-

West Indies Under-19 all-rounder Aadian Racha

tribution.

He revealed that being selected to the team was a

“dream come through”, and an opportunity he intends to grab with both hands.

“I want to thank God and CWI for giving me this opportunity to represent the region and my country in such a prestigious tournament on the world stage. It’s a really proud moment, and I consider it a significant milestone in my career.

“To be selected for the Under-19 World Cup squad is an incredible feeling. It’s a dream come true, and being the only representative from TT is extraordinary also,” Racha said.

“It’s not only my dream, but my dad’s dream was also to represent West Indies at any level. It’s not only a dream come true for me, but it’s a dream come true for him as well.”

Nigeria cruise past Mozambique into Afcon quarter-finals NIGERIA swept into the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 4-0 victory over Mozambique in Fes. The Super Eagles were on top from the off, and talisman Victor Osimhen had an effort ruled out for offside

within the first two minutes.

Their pressure eventually told in the 20th minute as Ademola Lookman curled home from Akor Adams' cutback to break the deadlock.

Five minutes later Osimhen doubled the advantage, 16:00 hrs Dartrey 16:30 hrs I Need Your Love

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Victor Osimhen's double moved him on to three goals at the 2025 Afcon finals

turning in after Alex Iwobi's incisive play through midfield released Lookman

and his ball across took a deflection off Adams.

Mozambique, making

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday, January 6, 2026) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 5 centuries (2) Jomel Warrican-10/101 (vs PAK, Multan) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many dismissals WI keeper Tevin Imlach effected in Tests last year?

(2) Which non-wicketkeeper took most catches for the WI in Tests last year?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

their first appearance in the Afcon knockout stage, struggled to contain Nigeria's relentless attack and offered little threat going forward.

Osimhen made it 3-0 early in the second half, latching onto Lookman's clever ball across from the left at the back post to score his second of the night.

Adams then capped a fine individual display, powering in Nigeria's fourth in the 75th minute after more good work by Lookman.

Nigeria, who could have added more, now await Algeria or DR Congo in Saturday's quarter-final tie in Marrakech (16:00 GMT).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Amorim sacked by Man Utd after 14 months in charge MANCHESTER United have sacked manager Ruben Amorim, with the club planning to appoint a caretaker manager for the remainder of the season.

Former midfielder Darren Fletcher will take charge for Wednesday's Premier League game against Burnley.

The Scot will remain in place until a caretaker is appointed, with the club planning to name a permanent successor for Amorim in the summer.

On Friday, Amorim had a particularly hostile meeting with the club's director of football, Jason Wilcox, in which the 40-year-old reacted negatively to comments made about his tactics and formation in a 1-1 draw

against Wolves.

In a news conference shortly after that meeting, Amorim hinted that his relationship with club officials was strained - suggesting he would not be fully backed in the transfer market.

And following the 1-1 draw with Leeds on Sunday, the Portuguese aimed another dig at senior United figures, stating he wanted to work as a manager, "not the coach", and was ready to leave when his contract expired in 18 months' time.

Less than 24 hours later, the club announced Amorim had "departed his role as head coach of Manchester United" after 14 months in charge.

"With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier

Ruben Amorim was appointed Manchester United manager in November 2024

League, the club's leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change," United said.

"This will give the team the best opportunity of the

highest possible Premier League finish.

"The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future."

Amorim's coaching team

have also left United.

In October, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said on The Business podcast, external Amorim would be given three years to "demonstrate he is a great coach" and that the club needed to be "patient".

But sources have told BBC Sport that the club now feels there has not been sufficient evidence of evolution or progress this season under Amorim.

He was appointed in November 2024 after United agreed to pay Portuguese club Sporting 11m euros (£9.25m) to trigger a release clause in his contract.

Amorim won 25 of his 63 games in charge of the Red Devils, while his 14-month

stint is the shortest reign of a permanent manager at United since David Moyes was sacked just eight months into his tenure in 2014.

Former United midfielder Fletcher is currently the under-18s head coach and was the club's technical director between 2021 and 2024, but he has never held a senior coaching position.

The 41-year-old former Scotland international played for United between 2002 and 2015, winning five Premier League titles along with the 2007-08 Champions League.

He is expected to hold United's news conference today before their game against Burnley at Turf Moor the following day.

(BBC Sport)

Devin Booker's last-second Joel Davies, Hayden Kerr help Sixers clinch low-scoring thriller JOEL Davies and Hayden 3-pointer lifts Suns over Kerr helped Sydney Sixers clinch a low-scoring Thunder

Devin Booker hit a 3-pointer with 0.7 seconds left

DEVIN Booker hit a 3-pointer with 0.7 seconds left, reserve guard Jordan Goodwin had career highs of 26 points and eight 3-pointers, and the host Phoenix Suns avenged the worst loss in franchise history with a 108-105 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night.

Booker finished with 24 points, and Dillon Brooks scored 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter for the Suns, who ended the game on a 14-5 run, and overcame an 18-point second-quarter deficit. Phoenix dominated the boards with a 49-29 rebounding advantage, and turned 12 offensive rebounds into 14 second-chance points.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points, Jalen Williams added 23, and Chet Holmgren had 18 and nine rebounds for the Thunder, who had a four-game winning streak broken.

Oklahoma City blew out the visiting Suns 138-89 on Dec. 10 in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup, but is 6-5 since. Booker did not play in that game.

Pistons 114, Cavaliers 110 Cade Cunningham had 27 points, six rebounds and seven assists, and Daniss Jenkins scored 21 of his 25 points in the second quarter, giving the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit a tight victory over host Cleveland.

Jenkins went 7-of-7 from the field, 6-of-6 on 3-point attempts, and 1-of1 from the foul line while playing all 12 minutes in the second. The Pistons made all 21 of their freethrow attempts in the game with Cunningham sinking 11. Duncan Robinson had 12 points and Javonte Green scored 11 off the bench as Detroit won for the second time in its last five contests. (Reuters)

thriller against Brisbane Heat on Monday (January 5).

Heat, who were on the verge of completing a unique double - the highest successful run chase and the lowest target defended in BBL history in the same season - couldn't break the eighth wicket partnership despite reducing Sixers to 56/7 in a chase of 114.

Davies and Kerr then stemmed the flow of wickets to turn the game around before getting the Sixers over the finish line in the penultimate over.

Defending just 114, the Heat were up against it with dew already being present by the time the chase commenced. However, Babar Azam and Josh Philippe departed off successive deliveries to give Heat plenty of confidence. Xavier Bartlett was the next to strike as he got rid of Daniel Hughes to put some pressure on the batting side.

But the real worry came around the halfway mark when Matthew Kuhnemann gave Heat two wickets in two balls yet again which was then followed by the departure of Henriques.

From 47/3, Sixers found themselves reeling at 56/7 with the game appearing to be done and dusted at that stage.

However, with the dew now having a larger say, Davies and Kerr were able to withstand the pressure.

A 62-run 8th wicket stand helped Sixers got them over the line

Davies provided the release with a six and a four in an over from Jack Wildermuth.

Matt Renshaw's off spin dragged the game further as the two batters were content rotating the strike with the asking rate not being high.

Leaving the power surge right until the end, the two batters got the job done in excellent fashion when they needed 12 off 12. While Davies smashed one through extra cover for a boundary, Kerr finished the game with a six over deep midwicket.

Both Kerr and Davies also had a role to play with the ball earlier in the eve-

ning. On a two-paced surface where the ball was stopping, Heat struggled to get going. Even though Wildermuth hammered two successive sixes, Jack Edwars came back strong by dismissing his opening partner in the same over.

Wildermuth then lost his stumps to a ball staying low off Sean Abbott before Kerr opened his account with the wicket of Renshaw.

Max Bryant, Heat's hero in their previous encounter where they chased down a big total in thrilling fashion to end Melbourne Stars'

unbeaten run, couldn't make an impression this time. Losing half their side for just 50, Heat had little hope heading into the second half of their innings. Hugh Weigben added some vital runs but Davies broke through twice in an over to dent Heat further and reduce them to 74/8. Even though they lost their ninth wicket with 23 balls left, the last-wicket pair managed to add 25 crucial runs and batted out the rest of the innings to drag their side to 114 - an effort that almost proved to be good enough. (Cricbuzz)

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

New Zealand have learned lessons from T20 World Cup flop: Neesham BENGALURU, (Reuters) Poor preparation derailed New Zealand's Twenty20 World Cup campaign in 2024, but the Black Caps will leave no stone unturned as they approach next month's global showpiece seeking their first title, all-rounder James Neesham said.

Determined to avoid another group-stage exit, New Zealand will head into the next edition in India and Sri Lanka with proper match practice, thanks to a fivegame T20 series scheduled against India from January 21-31.

"Obviously, the 2024 World Cup in [the] West Indies, we were very under-prepared," Neesham told Reuters via video call.

"We didn't have any games going into the tournament, which wasn't ideal,

coming off the back of the Indian Premier League and a lot of guys being busy over there.

"We've rectified that and we've got a good series against a strong team getting into the World Cup." The 35-year-old said playing India on their own turf would help New Zealand finalise their starting 11 for the tournament, which begins on February 7.

"It'll be good to have five games to test ourselves against them and hopefully get a couple of good wins, some good results, but mainly hopefully find our combinations and get ourselves well oiled before the World Cup," Neesham added.

While Neesham remains a T20 regular for New Zealand, he has not played for the national team in the 50over format since the 2023

New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham

World Cup. "I'm certainly still available currently for that format," he said.

"I haven't quite decided what my future looks like internationally. I'll probably have a think about that during this World Cup and

probably make a decision one way or the other."

That uncertainty is compounded by New Zealand's new casual contract system, introduced last September, that allows marquee players to play in lucrative T20

leagues while remaining available for international duty.

Neesham, who played in the International League T20 with Dubai Capitals, said the system has left players in a "weird little limbo" by allowing them to join events such as Australia's Big Bash and still arrive late for the World Cup under contract.

The model risks weakening New Zealand if too many top players are absent, he said.

"You either have to have white-ball contracts specifically for these kinds of players that are actually worth a fair amount of money that will keep players available for New Zealand and in those formats, or you need to let guys go freelance and pick and choose whatever they want," Neesham said.

"Currently as things stand in New Zealand, there's probably not the depth of players that will allow us to still compete on the international stage, if we have 10, 11, or 12 of our top guys not available.

"It's important that over the next major contract cycle or master agreement we have in New Zealand, it's really fleshed out from that perspective to make the top T20 and one-day cricketers a bit more valuable from a financial point of view."

Neesham said that a proposed domestic T20 competition might entice players to accept New Zealand contracts and be involved fully with the international team. New Zealand begin their World Cup campaign against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8.

Late Salah strike helps Egypt edge Benin in extra time Rutherford’s cameo in vain as EGYPT are into the quarSunrisers demolish Capitals ter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) after two goals in extra time, including one from Mohamed Salah, saw the Pharaohs edge a tight last16 tie against Benin.

Clearcut chances were at a premium in Marrakesh, with Salah, who remains in the hunt for a first Afcon title with his country, largely a peripheral figure until his strike in the 124th minute.

After a goalless first half, Egypt midfielder Marwan Attia broke the deadlock with a fine hit from the edge of the penalty area which found the top corner with just over 20 minutes of normal time to play.

With Benin struggling to create, it looked like one goal would be enough, until Junior Olaitan's cross took a big deflection which goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy could only claw off his line and Jodel Dossou

Sherfane Rutherford scored an unbeaten 47 in a losing cause for Pretoria Capitals

Mohamed Salah (left) netted his 10th goal at the Afcon finals to put the result beyond doubt

gobbled up the loose ball with seven minutes to go.

With both sides cancelling each other out in extra time, it was no surprise to see a set piece prove

the difference, with Yasser Ibrahim's sinew-stretching effort from near the penalty spot looping past despairing Cheetahs goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.

Salah then added the gloss in the final minute, racing clear and using the outside of his left boot to curl exquisitely past Dandjinou from well outside the box.

The defeat means Benin will not replicate their 2019 run to the last eight, while Egypt's reward is a tie against either Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso, who meet on Tuesday, back in Agadir on Saturday (19:00 GMT) (BBC Sport)

CENTURION, South Africa, (CMC) – Sherfane Rutherford smashed a boundary-laden, unbeaten 47, but it was not enough to prevent the Pretoria Capitals from going down by 10 wickets to Sunrisers Eastern Cape when the SA20 continued here on Monday.

Rutherford clobbered four sixes and three fours in his 22-ball knock that carried the Capitals to 176 for seven in their 20 overs at SuperSport Park.

Opener Connor Esterhuizen topscored with 52 off 33 balls, inclusive of six fours and two sixes, while Shai Hope made just five.

Anrich Nortje claimed

3-32, while Adam Milne took 2-36 for the Sunrisers.

The opening pair of Jonny Bairstow, who hit an unbeaten 85, and Quinton de Kock finished on 79 not out, then shared an unbroken partnership as Sunrisers romped to 177 without loss in 14.2 overs.

Bairstow slammed eight fours and six sixes in his 45ball knock, while Player-ofthe-Match de Kock smashed six sixes and five fours in 41 balls.

The win catapulted the Sunrisers to the top of the table on 15 points from their five games, while the Capitals remained fifth with just seven points from their five games.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Stat registers mark at New Year’s stakes 2026 Stat, of the Master Z’s Racing Stable registered the first feature event win of 2026 when of the ‘big boys’ in the feature New Year’s Day Stakes held on Sunday at the Rising Sun turf club.

The chestnut colt with jockey Clifton Ross aboard let loose from the three furlong marker to run home clear of Jumbo Jet Racing Stables (JJRS) One Sharp Cookie (Jose Da Silva) and J’s Racing Stable’s Companherio Leal (Ronaldo Appadu).

The one Mile feature, sponsored by Banks beer saw the scratching of Guyana Cup winner and Master Z’s

Dataman as well as Slingerz Olympic Kremlin but Stat more than rose to the occasion.

Getting an even break from the blocks alongside Companherio Leal, Ross and Appadu entered the first turn trading inches for the lead much to the delight of fans with Da Silva and One Sharp Cookie trailing a close third.

The position swap between the front runners continued up until the horses crossed the three-furlong distance and jockey Ross let Stat run freely.

The J’s horse had no answer for the Master Z colt; Stat a clear winner when they

crossed the wire.

In the three year old Imported Derby over 1400m, Moonlight Dancer of the JJRS went round the outside to take victory off stablemate Rock My World and J’s Racing Stables Pharoah’s Empress.

2025 Jockey of the Year Yovin Kissoonchand showed his prowess aboard the filly to mount a successful charge over M. Semple and Appadu in that order with Adios Baby (Kevin Paul) finishing fourth.

The day started with the largest field of the event; a full house (12 entries) with 11 runners coming to line for the L Class Non Winners of

2025 over 1100m.

In the end though, Appadu opened the year with the first win, riding Republican from a tricky start past the gate first ahead of Miss Simron (Quinton Kellman), She’s A Monica (Y. Kissoonchand) and Citation (Arvid Danraj).

Appadu returned in race two to complete the double aboard the J’s Racing Stable’s Three D Movie in the K Class and Lower 1100m event, leaving Heartland (Y. Kissoonchand), Donald Trump (M. Semple) and Enemy Maker (A. Danraj) to

finish in that order.

The I3 and Lower third race saw the first upset of the day with Irish Eyes and jockey Kellman ‘riding the rails’ to victory ahead of Ruff Time (Y. Kissonchand), Top Gun (Bharrat Ramnarin) and Fire Bird (Nela Mohamed).

The H2 and Lower provided another upset with Here Comes Heidi and Jockey Y. Drepaul crossing the wire first ahead of Mulan (R. Appadu), Just Exhale and Kevin Paul and Angry Bird (C. Ross).

Ross would return in the

fifth race with JJRC’s Barbara to snag the F class & 4 Year Old Imported Maidens, running clear of a dead heat between Night Beacon (Q. Kellman) and Frantic (J. Da Silva) and fourth place Full Liberty (R. Appadu) in the 1100m battle.

The Three Year Old Guyana Bred Derby saw Jockey Kissoonchand take the first of his two wins on the day with Summer Time, ahead of All The Time (Q. Kellman), Monica Time (M. Semple) and Torpedo Jet (C. Ross)

Root ton fires England before Head strikes back for Australia

By Nick Mulvenney

Master Z's Stat crosses the line unchallenged to win the New Year's Day Stakes (Travis Montooth photo)

NSC announces one-week closure of National Aquatic Centre for critical inspections THE National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced a one-week closure of the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal, beginning Monday, January 5, to facilitate a series of important technical inspections aimed at preserving the facility’s international standards.

According to Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, the temporary shutdown is necessary to allow the NSC to carry out detailed forensic checks on the Olympic-sized 50-metre pool, which has been in operation for nearly 15 years.

“The National Aquatic Centre has served our athletes and the wider sporting community well since its opening, and with 15 years now behind us, it is

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle

critical that we conduct thorough assessments to ensure everything remains in place to keep the pool in optimum condition and aligned with international requirements,” Ninvalle stated.

The National Aquat-

ic Centre was officially opened in November 2011 and was commissioned by then-President Bharrat Jagdeo. Since then, it has been a central hub for swimming, training, and competitive events at both the national and regional levels.

Ninvalle further explained that the inspections at the Aquatic Centre are part of a broader initiative by the NSC. “Similar checks will be conducted at all facilities under the commission’s care to ensure they meet the standards being demanded by the respective international governing bodies for sport,” he said.

The NSC has assured stakeholders that the facility will re-open promptly following the completion of the inspections.

SYDNEY, (Reuters) - Joe Root contributed a magnificent 160 to England's first-innings tally of 384, but Travis Head drove Australia to 166 for two in response on the second day of the fifth and final Ashes test on Monday.

England's hopes of winning the urn are long gone after defeats in the first three tests of the series, but they continued to show the spirit lacking in previous beaten touring sides that was evident in their victory in Melbourne last week.

Until Australia took the second new ball, Root looked in full control in the Sydney sunshine on a pitch that looked as benign as the surface for the chaotic Melbourne test was fiery.

In a string of partnerships which might have transformed England's fortunes when the series was still alive, Root crafted an innings of real quality from 242 deliveries with 15 fours and no sixes.

Rarely approaching anything close to flamboyance, he punched two runs back past the bowler to reach his 41st test century and second in Australia after his hundred in the second match in Brisbane.

Michael Neser (4-60), the pick of Australia's bowlers, ended Root's knock with an athletic catch off his own bowling, and two deliveries later bowled Josh Tongue to terminate England's innings and bring up an early tea.

It was England's highest tally of the series, but

Joe Root gets a hug from Jamie Smith after completing his 41st Test century (Getty Images)

they needed their bowlers to back it up in a marathon final session if they were to have a chance of going home 3-2 losers.

The bowlers created some early chances, with Jake Weatherald dropped twice in the space of three balls -- forgivably perhaps for Root in the slips, not so much in the case of Ben Duckett at square leg.

Weatherald was trapped in front by Ben Stokes for 21, and the England captain also removed Marnus Labuschagne for 48 with stumps in sight.

Head, one of only three centurions in the series along with Root and Alex Carey, proved impossible to budge, though.

He reached the half-century mark for the third time in the series, with a typically aggressive shot through the covers, and will resume on Day Three on 91 not out alongside nightwatchman Neser, who had scored one.

Earlier, Root had resumed on 72 with England 211-3 but his partnership with Harry Brook was quickly brought to an end

at 169 runs.

After controlling his wilder impulses on day one, Brook fell for 84 after a late stab at a Scott Boland delivery which went straight to Australia skipper Steve Smith in the slips.

There was then a cameo appearance from Stokes, who was dismissed without scoring when a DRS review revealed the slightest of touches on his bat and Mitchell Starc claimed a 28th wicket of the series.

Root was soon building a partnership of 94 for the sixth wicket with Jamie Smith, although the wicketkeeper was fortunate to survive on 22 when he was caught off the bowling of Cameron Green only for a no-ball to be called.

Smith holed out for 46 with a poor shot off Labuschagne's occasional bowling just before lunch but Will Jacks (27) and Root put together a stand of 52 for the seventh wicket.

Batting was getting much harder in the face of the new ball and England added only nine runs for their last three wickets.

Palmyra Stadium on track for 2026 completion CONSTRUCTION of the Palmyra International Stadium in Berbice, Guyana, is moving apace according to government officials, with the venue expected to become the region’s newest hub for international cricket by the first quarter of 2026.

The facility, which broke ground in March 2023, is designed to accommodate 10,000 spectators. Crucially for the region’s cricketing ambitions, the stadium is being built specifically to meet International Cricket Council (ICC) standards, potentially positioning Berbice as a reg-

Bangladesh bans IPL broadcasts after Mustafizur snub DHAKA/NEW DELHI, (Reuters) - Bangladesh's interim government on Monday banned broadcasts of this year's Indian Premier League (IPL), the latest flashpoint in a growing row with neighbouring India.

The move follows the Indian cricket board's decision to have Kolkata Knight Riders drop Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who had signed for the IPL franchise for this season.

Bangladesh have also refused to play their matches of next month's Twenty20 World Cup in India, demanding those be staged in Sri Lanka, co-host of the 20-team tournament.

The unceremonious dumping of a "star player" like Mustafizur from the IPL "defied logic" and had "hurt people," the country's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in a statement explaining its decision.

The IPL, the world's richest T20 league, is scheduled from March 26 to May 31.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) did not reply to Reuters emails inquiring whether it would agree to Bangladesh's demand of playing their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka.

Tensions have risen in recent weeks between India and Bangladesh.

Hundreds protested near Bangladesh's High Commission in New Delhi last month after a Hindu factory worker was beaten and set on fire in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district over allegations he insulted the Prophet Muhammad.

ular alternative to the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The development at Palmyra represents a significant shift in Guyana’s sporting infrastructure, extending high-capacity venues beyond the capital, Georgetown.

While the historic Albion

A recent view of the ongoing works at the Palmyra Stadium

Sports Complex has long been the spiritual home of cricket in Berbice, the new stadium offers a modernised, purpose-built arena capable of hosting the high-tech requirements of modern international broadcasts and night cricket.

Minister Charles Ramson Jr. recently reaffirmed the

project's timeline following an inspection of the site.

Beyond the boundary ropes, the stadium is being touted as a versatile engine for the local economy in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The "fully equipped" design will enable the venue to transition from a cricket

ground to a concert arena, or to host large-scale conventions.

As Guyana builds a hub for sport in the Caribbean, Palmyra’s 10,000-seat capacity fills a specific niche for T20 Internationals and high-profile Caribbean Premier League (CPL) fixtures.

Vincentian triumph and Fletcher blitz kick-start WICB Women’s T20 Championship SAINT GEORGE, St. Vincent, (CMC)– The WICB Women’s T20 Championship ignited with commanding performances on home soil and a spectacular individual century as St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Grenada opened their campaigns with decisive victories here on Sunday.

In the tournament’s opening match, the host nation, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, secured a confident six-wicket win over St. Lucia.

Asked to bat first, St. Lucia posted 117 for 9 from their 20 overs, with Ashlene Edwards providing the backbone of the innings with a top score of 36.

Namiah Marcellin contributed 21, but her stay was ended by the incisive bowling of Tracy Byran, who finished with excellent figures of 3 for 19.

The Vincentian reply was anchored by a superb match-winning knock from West Indies batter Jannillea Glasgow.

Her fluent 60 steered the chase with authority, ably supported by Shannel Mackie’s composed, unbeaten 26.

The hosts reached their target of 118 with eight balls to spare, finishing on

118 for 4 in 18.4 overs to the delight of the local supporters.

The day’s second game, however, was utterly dominated by one player: Grenada’s veteran West Indies all-rounder Afy Fletcher.

After Grenada found themselves in a spot of trouble at 26 for 2 in the sixth over, Fletcher produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting.

She blasted a magnificent 116 from just 66 deliveries, an innings punctuated by 14 ferocious fours and four towering sixes, single-handedly propelling her side to a formidable 182 for 4.

Shell-shocked, Dominica had no answer with the bat. Their innings never gained momentum, and they were bundled out for a meagre 68, handing Grenada a colossal 114-run victory.

The action continues at Arnos Vale Stadium on Monday, with the hosts looking to build on their winning start against Dominica and Grenada, riding a wave of momentum following their explosive entrance into the championship, when they face St. Lucia.

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Afy Fletcher scored 116 for Grenada against Dominica in the WICB T20 Women’s Championship

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026