‘Every child is a vital thread in the fabric of Guyana’
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, with a newborn and her parents, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (Office of the President photo)
Empowering women: Access to jobs, education, entrepreneurial opportunities accelerated
THE women of Guyana are making inroads in every industry and, with the government’s support, more opportunities, such as scholarships, are readily available to them.
This was affirmed by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali during International Women’s Day and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
The President, in an official statement, said that the declaration became a key policy framework for advancing women’s rights, gender equality and female empowerment, across the world.
He said, “Guyana has continued to pursue action on several fronts in accordance with the areas of action identified in the Declaration and Platform for Action. We have taken significant steps to empower women economically, recognising their vital role in national development. We are equipping women with the resources, skills, and support they need to thrive as entrepreneurs and leaders, fostering innovation and economic independence.
- President Ali says - reaffirms govt’s ‘no-nonsense’ approach towards violence against women
“The part-time jobs programme has provided thousands of women with opportunities to earn income, support their households, and achieve financial stability.
“The Women in Agriculture Initiative is creating pathways for women to access greater economic opportunities in the agricultural sector, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the nation's food security and economic growth.”
He also alluded to the Guyana Online Learning Academy (GOAL), noting that women make up the majority of the cohorts.
Aside from job, entrepreneurial and education opportunities, home ownership for women has been assiduously pursued under the Ali-led administration. Against that backdrop, Dr. Ali explained that those initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to advancing women's economic empowerment and ensuring their active participation in Guyana's development.
“In Guyana, we are committed to ensuring greater participation of women in decision-mak-
ing by creating more opportunities and amplifying their voices in political and leadership roles. The government has actively supported initiatives to increase women's representation in governance, recognising their critical contributions to shaping policies and driving progress.”
NO-NONSENSE APPROACH
The persistent level of violence against women and girls is not going unchecked by the government as the President said that his administration has
adopted a “no-nonsense approach,” implementing stringent measures to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure justice for survivors.
President Ali said through initiatives such as the Spotlight Initiative and a strengthened legal framework, his government is providing greater support and protection for abused women and girls, offering them access to shelters, counselling, and resources to rebuild their lives.
“We are committed to eradicating gender-based violence as we strive to create a society where every woman and girl can live free from fear and violence,” President Ali affirmed. On International Women’s Day, under the theme, “Accelerate Action,” President Ali highlighted the impact of women in society and the challenges they face.
“Together, we will continue to build a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Guyana where every woman can thrive and realise her full potential,” President Ali said.
President, Dr Irfaan Ali, on Friday, met with mothers who recently gave birth at the GPHC
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and healthcare workers
‘Every child is a vital thread in the fabric of Guyana’
By Feona Morrison
THE importance of children as the country’s greatest national asset was emphasised by President, Dr Irfaan Ali, on Saturday, as he officially launched the ‘Newborn Cash Grant’ initiative, themed 'Celebrating Women, Supporting New Beginnings.'
The event coincided with International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8.
Addressing an audience of parents—mostly mothers—along with government officials, and health workers at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), the Head of State underscored that the well-being of children was paramount to the future development of Guyana.
The event saw over 500 mothers receiving cheques for the one-off $100,000 cash grant, baby supplies, courtesy of First Lady, Arya Ali, and their children’s birth certificates.
In his address, President Ali described children as a fundamental part of Guyana’s heritage and a crucial pillar in the country’s national development agenda. “The birth of a child extends beyond the parents, the family, and the community. It is a national heritage—a new national asset—and we must take care of that asset. And that is exactly what we are demonstrating.”
He added: “Every child
born in Guyana is not just a citizen; they are a vital thread in the fabric of our nation’s story. They are a shared treasure entrusted to our collective care. When a Guyanese child takes their first breath, they belong to all of us—to our communities, our values, and our shared destiny.”
President Ali remarked that it was a historic moment for Guyana.
“This initiative speaks to the soul of who we are as a society. A society that refuses to let potential go untapped, or dreams go unfulfilled or children go unsupported. Children are not just our future—they are our now. Every newborn represents a promise, a blank page waiting to be written,” he posited.
Dr Ali emphasised that the cash grant was not simply financial assistance; it was a long-term investment in the future of the nation. He pointed out that the grant was not a financial burden on taxpayers, but rather a commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
“When we invest in our children today, we invest in scientists, teachers, artists, leaders, and farmers—we invest in the future of tomorrow. A generation nurtured is a generation that will build and sustain the world we leave behind.”
He continued, “This grant is not a privilege. It is a right. From the moment a child is
born, they will be supported, regardless of their parents’ income, background, or circumstances. Equality begins at birth, and this initiative ensures that every child, without exception, receives support.”
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, emphasised the importance of investing in children from birth, providing support at every stage of their life to address the cost of living. “In fact, this initiative is part of the People’s Progressive Party manifesto, where we wanted to contribute to children at every stage of their life. So, it’s a direct investment in a child coming into the world,” she stated.
Dr Persaud referenced various cash grants, including those for schoolchildren, Guyanese aged 18 and over, and individuals with disabilities. She stated, too, that the government views children as invaluable assets to the nation.
Assuring parents that they will receive continued support, she noted: “I want to say that the Government of Guyana is always there for you, will always be here for you, and is listening—listening with an ear to develop initiatives, programmes, and projects that can cater to you in your overall need, because health, especially, is pivotal if we want to ensure that our country prospers.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony,
- will always be a national asset, President Ali says as over 500 mothers receive $100,000 new-born cash grant, baby supplies, birth certificates
highlighted the significant improvements in maternal and neonatal health services in various regions.
According to him, a practice of housing mothers in waiting rooms before transferring them to hospitals to give birth has reduced maternal mortality. He said primary health care has been strengthened to identify high-risk preg-
nancies early, ensuring proper attention. Dr Anthony pointed out that premature babies now receive care at regional hospitals instead of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
“We want to ensure that people are getting care closer to their homes,” he stated.
He revealed that six new hospitals will be opened this
year, all equipped to deliver world-class maternal and neonatal health services. “In the next two to three years, we will have a transformed landscape where the health services that we are giving to our mothers will be totally transformed.”
The initiative was met with widespread appreciation from mothers who attended the event. Many expressed gratitude for the government’s continued support.
Sheena Collins, a mother of two who gave birth to her second child this year, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries.
She expressed, “Today, I would like to say thank you. I would like to say thank you to President Irfaan Ali. It is our prayer that we continue to see more wonderful initiatives like this in our country, so that our citizens can experience betterment.”
Between January and February, over 2,052 babies were born across the country, with more than 17,000 births anticipated by the end of the year—an increase from 14,742 in 2024.
The government said it will allocate $1.3 billion annually to provide a oneoff $100,000 cash grant for each child born in Guyana to a Guyanese mother on or after January 1, 2025. This initiative was introduced in the $1.382 trillion 2025 National Budget.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali with a newborn
Kwakwani women receive water tanks, hampers, tokens
HUNDREDS of women adorned in white, purple and hints of green lined the streets of Kwakwani, in the Region Ten Sub-District Two, in commemoration of International Women’s Day early Saturday.
Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues, and regional representatives also participated in the celebratory walk. The walk concluded at the Kwakwani ground, where the proceedings continued with uplifting songs, dance and poetry. The event also featured informative segments in regards to cervical cancer, including its symptoms and treatment. During this high point, Minister Edghill called on the women present to take advantage of the Ministry of Health’s booth on-site and uplift their cervical cancer screening voucher.
The voucher is available to women between the ages of 21-65 and is valued at $8,000; it is valid at any hospital in the country.
“Secondly, those of you who have problems with your eyes can collect your voucher and you can go and get your eyes tested at any eye specialist across the country who has signed on to that,” he urged.
The minister further urged those eligible and requiring spectacles to fully utilise the government’s $15,000 spectacle voucher initiative. Beyond the healthcare benefits available to citizens, particularly women, the minister announced specially prepared tokens to honour the nation’s women from Kwakwani.
“Today, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Public Works, we prepared special tokens for all the women that are here, and because
we highly regard the women of sub-district two, we have brought 300 food hampers, which will go to all the women,” he stated.
In addition to these hampers, Minister Rodrigues announced that 13 special women from the community will receive water tanks, a vital necessity. This is a continuation of the water tank
distribution exercise initiated by the Prime Minister and Minister Edghill, who have already distributed approximately 75 water tanks in the district.
In light of International Women’s Day, Minister Rodrigues reflected on the barriers broken by strong women in the past, who paved the way for equal opportunities
presented today.
“International Women’s Day is a very special day for women and it must not pass without us recognising the significance of this day. There are women who lived generations before us, who fought for us to enjoy the privileges and the rights that we enjoy today.
Those women sacrifice their lives for us to be here and for us to have a voice, and every International Women’s Day, it is imperative that we remember those women,” she emphasised.
The minister pointed to the strides and contributions made by the PPP/C Government to accelerate equal opportunities and empowerment for women across Guyana. One noteworthy effort is the special emphasis placed on ensuring women become property owners.
As a result of the 40,000 house lots distributed since the PPP/C government re -
sumed office in 2020, 18,180 of those recipients were women, which amounted to 46.1 per cent of house lot allocations in the last four years.
‘This is not a joint application within a marriage or in a common law relationship. This is women-only applicants. This will forever change the lives of those women,” she asserted. Similar to the housing drive, the ministry of housing’s adequate housing and accessibility programme has distributed home improvement subsidies to 793 citizens. Of which, 545 were women. Additionally, the ministry’s core home programme has provided shelter to 135 beneficiaries, 95 per cent of whom were women.
Moreover, Guyana ranked 35th in the 2022 global gender gap report for gender parity, a significant climb by 18 places from 53rd in 2021. (DPI)
Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill sharing tokens to women in Kwakwani, Region 10
FAO food price index rises in February
- higher sugar, dairy, and vegetable oil prices drive the overall increase
(FAO) - The benchmark for global food commodity prices rose in February, propelled by increases in sugar, dairy, and vegetable oil prices, according to the new Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) report released today.
The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a set of globally traded food commodities, averaged 127.1 points in February, up 1.6 percent from the previous month and 8.2 percent higher than its February 2024 level.
The surge was largely driven by the FAO Sugar Price Index, which rose by 6.6 percent from January after three consecutive months of decline, reaching 118.5 points in February. The increase was fuelled by concerns over likely tighter global supplies for the 2024/25 season, particularly due to declining production prospects in India and adverse weather conditions affecting crops in Brazil.
The FAO Dairy Price Index increased by 4.0 percent from January, averaging 148.7 points. The rise was the result of higher prices across all major dairy products, including cheese and whole milk powder, as strong import demand exceeded production in key exporting regions.
The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index averaged 156.0 points in February, up 2.0 percent from January and as much as 29.1 percent higher than a year earlier. The increase was largely the result of higher prices for palm, soy, and sunflower oils, driven by seasonal supply constraints in Southeast Asia and robust demand from the biodiesel sector.
The FAO Cereal Price Index edged up 0.7 percent in February, averaging 112.6 points. Wheat prices increased due to tighter supplies in the Russian Federation and
concerns over crop conditions in eastern Europe and North America, though the overall index remained slightly below its February 2024 level. World maize prices continued to rise, underpinned by tightening supplies in Brazil and strong US export demand. By contrast, world rice prices fell by 6.8 percent in February due to ample exportable supplies and weak import demand.
The FAO Meat Price Index held steady in February, averaging 118.0 points, down marginally by 0.1 percent from January. While international poultry and pig meat prices eased due to abundant supplies, ovine and bovine meat prices remained firm, supported by strong global import demand.
EARLY FORECAST PREDICTS MODEST INCREASE IN 2025 GLOBAL WHEAT PRODUCTION
FAO has also released its latest Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, forecasting global wheat production in 2025 at 796 million tonnes, marking a modest increase of nearly 1 percent from the previous year. This forecast is underpinned by anticipated production gains in the European Union, particularly in France and Germany, where soft wheat sowings are expected to increase. However, challenges such as dry conditions in Eastern Europe and excessive rainfall in Western regions could affect yield improvements. In the United States of America, wheat acreage is expected to expand, although yields may decline slightly due to drought conditions impacting winter crops.
Rice production is forecast to hit a record high of 543 million tonnes (in milled equivalent) in 2024/25, driven by positive crop prospects in India and favourable growing conditions in Cambodia and Myanmar.
FAO has raised its estimate for global cereal production in 2024 to 2 842 million tonnes, a slight uptick from the 2023 level. Global cereal utilization for the 2024/25 marketing year is forecast at 2,867 million tonnes, a 1.0 percent increase from the previous year, driven by an expected record rice consumption. Wheat utilization is anticipated to remain stable, as a slight decrease in food consumption is balanced by an increase in industrial use, particularly in China.
FAO predicts a 1.9-percent decline in global cereal stocks, with ending stocks for 2025 forecast at 869.3 million tonnes, with higher stocks in the Russian Federation and Ukraine expected to be offset by reductions elsewhere. The global stocks-to-use ratio is expected to fall to 29.9 percent, still indicating a com-
fortable supply. Additionally, FAO has revised its forecast for global cereal trade to 484.2 million tonnes, down 5.6 percent from the previous season due to changing export dynamics.
2025 CROP OUTLOOK VARIES ACROSS REGIONS
FAO has also released today a new edition of its Crop Prospects and Food Situation report. Looking ahead to 2025, in Africa, prolonged dry weather conditions in North Africa are dampening cereal production prospects, while favourable rainfall in Southern Africa is expected to support a rebound in crop yields following significant declines in 2024.
In Asia, the outlook is mixed. Far East Asia is expected to see continued growth in wheat production for 2025, driven by large
Brazil. In Central America and the Caribbean, ongoing dry conditions have reduced cereal plantings in Mexico, while favourable weather in other parts is expected to boost yields.
The report also highlights that 45 countries, including 33 in Africa, nice in Asia, two in Latin America and the Caribbean, and one in Europe, are currently in need of external assistance for food. According to the report, persisting conflicts and civil insecurity remain the primary drivers of severe hunger, with populations in the Gaza Strip (Palestine) and the Sudan facing IPC Phase 5 levels of acute food insecurity.
plantings and favourable weather conditions. By contrast, Near East Asia is grappling with low rainfall since late 2024, which has affected yield potentials and could lead to wheat harvests falling below the five-year averages.
Meanwhile, in Latin America and the Caribbean, mixed weather conditions are impacting maize production in South America, with the risk of stunt disease outbreaks posing an additional threat in Argentina. Despite these challenges, aggregate production is still anticipated to remain above average levels, largely due to good output prospects in
The Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), hosted by FAO, also released its monthly Market Monitor report today. Along with the usual market analysis sections, the report features an article presenting the first global wheat production forecasts for 2025.
A worker is putting packaged cheese on the shelf of the cold room in an Armenian cheese factory
Steering Guyana along the right path
THE International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s recent praise of Guyana's economic management and social transfer policies is a resounding endorsement of the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government's initiatives to engender inclusive growth and poverty alleviation.
Since assuming office in 2020, the PPP/C has been at the forefront of transforming Guyana into one of the fastest-growing econo-
mies in the world, with a focus on both the oil and non-oil economies.
The government's strategic investment in social welfare, infrastructure, and economic diversification has not only increased disposable income, but also reduced the nation's poverty rate significantly.
The series of social programmes initiated by the government, including the re-introduction and improvement of the education grant, the increase in old-age pensions, and specific
cash transfers are demonstrative of a commitment that is clear to better the lives of every Guyanese.
These programmes, coupled with tax and health initiatives, have provided concrete relief for citizens, and underscore the government's determination for action over words. President Dr. Irfaan Ali's emphasis on using the country's wealth to grow both national and personal wealth shows vision that is people-oriented.
The advice of the IMF to include these social transfers in a medium-term fiscal framework is well-placed, since it would also promote inclusive growth, and enable Guyana to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The government's prudent fiscal management, as indicated by the reduction of the public debt-to-GDP ratio from 47.4% in 2020 to 24.3% in 2024, says a lot about its preference for sustainable devel -
Expanding WiFiGY – powering digital inclusion in Guyana’s hinterland
ENSURING that all communities across Guyana, regardless of their geographic location, are provided with reliable internet connectivity and the tools to use this connectivity safely is a cornerstone of the National Data Management Authority’s (NDMA) Digital Inclusion Programme.
While several locations on Guyana’s coastland already benefit from seamless WiFiGY access, ensuring the same level of connectivity in remote and hinterland areas requires a deliberate and innovative approach.
To this end, the NDMA embarked on the ambitious mission to connect more than 250 WiFiGY sites in hinterland, remote and riverain communities, using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) sat-
ellite technology in 2024. Unlike traditional satellite systems, which can suffer from slow speeds and high latency, LEO satellites orbit closer to earth, providing faster, more stable internet – a game-changer for communities where fibre-optic and LTE networks are impractical.
In 2024 alone, 170 new WiFiGY sites were launched in the hinterland, significantly enhancing internet access to these communities. Each site presented a unique set of obstacles, requiring customised solutions to establish a stable and reliable internet connection. Achieving this necessitated more than just technology; it demanded a deep understanding of geography, climate, logistics, and community needs.
A worthwhile endeavour, as at its core, WiFiGY represents more than just free internet; it is a gateway to opportunity. By providing free internet connectivity in hinterland communities, the NDMA is ensuring that essential services are no longer limited by geography. The impact of these advancements is profound: students now have access to online education, health centres can consult specialists via telemedicine, and residents can connect to government services online, some of which previously required lengthy travel times.
Once sites are selected for installation and the connections are established, maintaining connectivity becomes the next priority. The NDMA not only
verifies the availability of these internet services 24/7 through its Network Operations Centre (NOC), but conducts regular site visits, performing routine system checks, alignment of antennas and repairs to keep everything running smoothly.
For locations that are accessible only seasonally, such as riverain villages that can be reached only by boat during certain months, bi-annual visits ensure long-term sustainability. If a site experiences a failure in between scheduled visits, rapid-response teams are deployed with spare parts and troubleshooting equipment to restore service as quickly as possible.
Beyond infrastructure, the NDMA is committed to helping communities
opment over short-term returns.
Nevertheless, the IMF's caution about the dangers of overheating is well-timed. As Guyana continues to experience high economic growth, it is essential that the government stays alert, and makes policies that deflect inflationary pressures, and encourage the distribution of growth gains in an equitable way.
The ongoing investments in infrastructural development and diver-
sification will be key to sustaining this trend of growth, while steering clear of dangers. Guyana's economic growth under the PPP/C government is a model of good governance and inclusive growth.
The government's commitment to social welfare and economic stability has been noted globally, and its continued focus on sustainable growth will be key to keeping Guyana on the path of prosperity for all its citizens.
maximise the benefits of connectivity. In many hinterland villages, digital literacy is still developing. To bridge this gap, the NDMA, as well as the Office of the Prime Minister’s Industry and Innovation Unit, conducts training sessions that teach residents how to navigate the internet safely, use online educational tools, and take advantage of digital government services. Our team in the first week of February conducted the first phase of our 2025 Digital Citizenship programme, which saw cyber-hygiene and e-service training sessions in several South Ru-
pununi communities. Government’s mission is to create a digitally inclusive Guyana, one where location is not a barrier to opportunity. WiFiGY and the LEO satellite-expansion programmes are not just about installing internet points; they are about transforming lives. As we continue to expand our reach, more villages will gain access to the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.
For more information on the NDMA’s digital-inclusion efforts and other technology initiatives, visit ndma.gov.gy.
These people should apologise to President Ali
A FEW weeks ago, I informed readers that I will publish things my readers feel I should write on, questions they ask of me and things that they felt I left out in specific columns. Here is another article within that landscape. I met this lawyer in Massy’s Supermarket. He said something to me that startled me.
He indicated that I have written a number of pieces on the 42 persons who signed a joint letter to President, Dr Irfaan Ali in November 2023 requesting Guyana’s immediate stoppage of oil production. He added that there is an important, hair-raising dimension to that letter that is not even mentioned in passing. He smiled, looked at me and said, Freddie, “I didn’t expect you to overlook that.”
I reacted by asking for the missing link. He noted that I was correct for chastising these 42 persons by claiming that the fossil fuel industry kills African people. But still smiling (unnecessarily, I thought) he said and I quote his exact words: “Freddie you write the president of a multi-racial country to stop oil production and tell him it kills African people. Aren’t you insulting the man?”
I stared at him speechless. He was right. I missed that crucial dimension. I acknowledged my omission and then he intoned: “You have to write on it.” I promised I will do so and told him I was grateful for his point and I will mention our conversation. Much to my surprise, he exclaimed: “Don’t mention my name.”
So here I am writing about our conversation. The man was right. Here are the names of the 42 persons who insulted President Ali in November 2022. Vanda Radzik, Alissa Trotz, Vidyaratha Kissoon, Karen de Souza, Pauline Melville, Christine Samwaroo, Danuta Radzik, Maya Trotz, Susan Collymore, Joy Marcus, Halima Khan, Vanessa Ross, Wintress White, Gary Girdhari, Nicole Cole, Abbyssinian Carto, Nigel Westmaas, Joan McDonald, Duane de Freitas, Akola Thompson, Joan Cambridge, Immaculata Casimero, Alma O’Connell,Terry Roopnaraine, Colin Klautky, Earl John, Janette Bulkan, Sandy de Freitas, Sherlina Nageer, Jocelyn Dow, Elizabeth Deane-Hughes, Mosa Telford, Suraiya Ismail, Leila Jagdeo, Gerald Perreira, Romario Hastings, Paulette Allicock, Daniel Allicock.
Except for Gerald Perreira, I call upon the 41 persons listed above to send an apology to President Ali right away. I exempted Gerald Perreira because he told me he has withdrawn his signature from the letter. How can
these people in multi-racial Guyana write the President for a change of policy and tell the President that they want the policy to change because African people die from that policy.
What act of insane thinking is that? There is a proven case of the deleterious effects of the fossil fuel industry, but it harms the people on Planet Earth without exception. No race is made a special victim of gas house emissions. What were these 41 Guyanese thinking? But more importantly, why has Guyana, the region and the world not reacted to this dastardly disinformation on climate change?
And why in Guyana, there weren’t requests by civil society, political parties, and Guyana’s academia to contact the organizations and institutions that these people are associated with and ask them for an explanation as to the race-laden part of their letter to the president? The correspondence to President Ali was titled, “A fair deal for Guyana, a fair deal for the planet,” and here is the racist part: “Every ton of green -
house gas pollution helps to destroy our original ancestral home and cause loss of life in African countries.”
Here is a list of some of the signatories and the places they are associated with:
1- Dr. Janet Bulkan - University of British Columbia
2- Dr. Alissa Trotz - University of Toronto
3- Dr. Nigel Westmass - Hamilton College in New York
4- Dr. Maya Trots - University of South Florida
5 - Isabelle DeCairesCo-owner, Stabroek News
So, are we going to see an apology from these five
names? No, we will not. These people are anti-government and anti-PPP. They have an agenda. They will not apologise. On the contrary, (we are nearing the election season and remember this column), there will be more anti-government bashing.
Just examine the names above and you will see what is coming as the election season gets in full swing. Alissa Trotz will make her column, “In the Diaspora” available to a school of PPP-hating diaspora individuals.
Isabelle DeCaires will use the Stabroek News to
campaign against the PPP. Janet Bulkan will write her customary poison, so will Nigel Westmaas. But who will listen to them? They have been living abroad for “donkey years.” No one in Guyana knows of them. Remember the famous calypso with the line: “Let him bray, let him bray.”
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.
Not surprising that Forde’s support for national issues comes with conditions
WHEN it comes to Venezuela’s threats to Guyana’s sovereign territory, the Association of American States (OAS), CARICOM, the United Kingdom, Canada, the EU and the State Department stand unconditionally with Guyana, but not APNU+AFC’s Member of Parliament, Roysdale Forde.
The support of this wannabe leader of the PNC comes with conditions, but shockingly, it appears Forde wants to see a return to the despised ‘ Guyana National Service (GNS)’ programme. When the dictator Forbes Burnham, Forde’s hero, launched it in the 1970s,
the GNS sparked such widespread panic that it traumatised a nation and caused a mass exodus of people from Guyana.
Writing in Village Voice, Forde, like a confused lawyer fumbling for his handwritten notes in a courtroom, lays out a set of contradictory points that make sense only to himself and his echo chamber in the PNC/R. Instead of condemning Nicholas Maduro’s barefaced aggression and rallying his supporters to stand on guard, Forde demands that the PPP/C put “our house in order.”
Thank heavens Guyana today is a “house” - proverbially speaking - and not the haphazard “cake
shop” that APNU+AFC ran between 2015 and 2020. In Forde’s delusional worldview, national unity is a precondition to national security. Venezuela’s aggression poses an existential threat to our nation and that alone makes national security our first and only priority.
Instead, Forde is miffed at the PPP/C for not inviting the main parliamentary opposition to participate in the 55th Republic Day flag raising celebration, an event that is administered by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, something minister Charles Ramson has apologised for. However, Forde sees it as evidence that “no gov-
ernment can truly make a claim to espousing oneness, unity and inclusiveness and exclude others.”
Forde goes on to state that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is Guyana’s only “viable path” to resolve the territorial dispute with Venezuela. With the same stroke of his keyboard, he chastises the government for being negligent when it comes to military spending. He faults the government for spending billions on infrastructure while allocating a smaller amount to the GDF.
Since taking office, the PPP/C has invested more than $155 billion to beef up the GDF with equipment, advanced training and upgrading our defence architecture. A total of $50 billion was allocated to the military in Budget 2025. Is it enough?
For what? It would not be prudent for our Commander-in-Chief to go around telling our enemy how long he believes our forces could hold the fort until the international community weighs in to thwart Maduro’s unbridled aggression. In his ‘Art of War,’ Sun Tzu says “Conceal your dispositions, and
your condition will remain secret, which leads to victory.”
Last April, Guyana spent 39.5 million Euros on a military patrol vessel manufactured by the French shipbuilder Ocea.
The dictator Maduro was so irked by the acquisition that his vice-president, Delcy Rodriguez, took to the social media platform X to call out Guyana as a “fake victim.”
I made an effort to review APNU+AFC’s budgets when the coalition government had a former military commander as president. Recognising that “Venezuela has been ratcheting up her unjust claim,” the government allocated $9.1 billion to the GDF in 2015. The total expenditure was $221 billion. Easy to say, “we didn’t have oil.”
To Forde’s argument, APNU+AFC spent $13 billion on infrastructure. A separate line item for $1.6 billion went to upgrade the Sheriff St./Mandela Avenue road. In 2016, another $5 billion was pumped into the reconstruction of Sheriff St. Nothing in 2017 for the stretch of road. But in 2018, another $2 billion went to Sheriff St.
Where did it all go? Segue to 2025 and any sensible driver knows that if he is in a hurry to get somewhere, Sheriff St. and Mandela Ave. should be avoided at all costs.
In 2016, APNU+AFC tabled a budget totalling $231 billion. When it came to the GDF, the budget speech to parliament states: “Our focus will be to build on our achievements of 2015 and to further expand our outreach, especially in the hemisphere and in Asia and Africa through mutually beneficial cooperation programmes.” No new money was allocated for the GDF. Budget 2017 came at $250 billion. Of it, $14.1 billion was spent on roads and bridges, more, if you add the hinterland regions. Again, no mention of the military, defence, army or GDF.
What about 2018 when the total budget went up to $267 billion? APNU+AFC allocated $35 billion to infrastructure, less than half - $14.3 billion - on improving and upgrading the country’s road network. And for our military? Nothing. In 2019 APNU+AFC was a caretaker government and with a retired Brigadier at the helm, the coalition sat on their hands.
And since Forde has the temerity to demand that the PPP/C “get its house in order,” it is worth reminding readers that the APNU+AFC distributed approximately 7,000 house lots when in office. The PPP/C has already distributed more than 40,000 residential house lots since taking office in 2020.
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.
Ruffling feathers
LAST week was quite an eventful one. On the minds of Guyanese were issues faced with the cash grant, the Mohameds, and Venezuela’s unprovoked aggression. The other major issue that got overlooked, though not deliberately, was the fiery cuss-down and tongue-lashing administered by former PNC/R Executive and APNU+AFC Minister of Government, Amna Ally, to the PNC/R Leader, Aubrey Norton and current APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul.
Ally, a former strong and seasoned woman leader in opposition politics, launched a scathing attack on Norton’s leadership. She then resigned, but not before expressing her worry that the PNC/R was headed in the wrong political direction. She stated that she regretted the decision but had witnessed the disrespect demonstrated to others, mainly women, naming cases including Sharma Solomon, Cheryl Sampson, and Vanessa Kissoon.
She said there have been blatant cases of verbal and mental abuse at the hands of Norton and his minions. “This disgraceful conduct… brought shame and disgrace to the party,” Ally said.
And, before the public was allowed to inquire about her resignation, MP Mahipaul was in a public clash with the elderly Ally. Though he did not name her at first, he appeared to be defending Norton’s leadership, stating that some individuals would attempt to “distract, destabilise, and undermine” the party at election time. He said there were double standards and hypocrisy shown by Ally.
She replied to him, accusing him of undermining the same Norton he was defending. The former general secretary said Mahipaul was “ungrateful and opportunistic.” She settled him like a parent or elder settles a child as she detailed his attempts at the political backroom before abandoning the ship to become a Norton convert. And, just like a child, Mahipaul, after being scolded, retreated publicly like a child or a political boneless chicken. He then expressed “love” for Ally and put some whimsical political theory to justify his outburst.
Let’s examine this same political development.
Firstly, Ally is not the first or last prominent PNC/R person to resign in the last four years since Norton took control of the party. She is not the first to speak out against his management and leadership of the party. She joins a long line of people, both locally and internationally, who believe that Norton would be the end of the PNC/R dominance in local politics.
It is true that Ally appears to be bitter and hurt, but it is also true that she is concerned about the future of the PNC, which she has helped shape for 50 years. She refused to work with Norton because she does not support his leadership.
Ally was right to resign and call him out for allowing the internal politics to reach this bad state. She was taking the back seat as every member is initialed to do but Mahipaul, Sherwayne Holder and another party member just kept poking the bear to elicit a response.
And she gave them each a response that was a masterclass in internal PNC politics. The MPs are no match for her and certainly not on her level.
Secondly, it is not fair to listen to how and who is bringing the message without listening carefully to what the message is. Ally was saying that there were deep divisions and discontentment in the PNC/R since Norton took over from David Granger. She warned the public about the many instances where people are harassed verbally and emotionally by Norton and his surrogates in the party because they differ or refuse to get in line behind the many unlawful and worrying internal political decisions. Her warning seemed to hint at a wider problem that would be more serious down the line.
Mahipaul is wrong to attack the former minister in the way that he did. He should have called her since he claimed that he knew and loved her if he was not being opportunistic and hypocritical. He and Holder did not have to handle the former GS in the manner which evoked serious alarm. They are guilty of airing their dirty linen in public and not respecting their political elders. Even if they do not hold the same views as Ally, disagree respectfully and walk away.
The truth is Norton is
behind the response of Mahipaul and Holder. If he is not, then he must say as the leader of party what he is doing to address this issue internally. The level of party indiscipline is telling. The PNC/R leader needs to keep the party members in line with the party rules, convention and traditions. The party GS has a critical role to play too. He must at least reach out to those women members who have resigned or are not active with a view of understanding their concerns about the leadership of PNC.
Saying that their departure from the PNC/R is irrelevant, immaterial or lacking impact, is not true. The party strength comes not only in the numbers of voters it has but the type of leadership it provides. Being as stuck up, haughty, prideful and seemingly high-handed as Norton is not the appropriate approach to have when dealing with people who have resigned or deflected from the party for whatever reason.
Thirdly, it seems as if Norton is not getting a hold of running the party and its membership. There is no unity, endless bickering and strive. If there was discontent and marginalisation faced by party members in 2021, then it has gotten worse now in 2025. If there was worry about leadership and meritocracy in 2021, then there is concern about the same in the party now.
These resignations, deflections and withdrawals won’t destabilise the party now, but they would affect the party in the long run closer to elections.
Norton has to come to grips with the fact that he is no maximum leader. He depends on the party’s membership to exercise control over the party’s rank and file. He must first fix the PNC/R before entering any perceived alliance or broad coalition with other parties. This is precisely what the other parties are talking about when they said that the party treats other partners without respect and mutual understanding.
An entity is weak when its membership is hurting and there is discord. The PNC/R has been hurting and pining away because of unresolved tensions and disrespectful disagreements like those of Ally, Kissoon, Dawn Hastings, and Geeta Chandan-Edmond. There are more PNC MPs that the
leader should reach out to, but hardly ever engages like Roysdale Forde.
The PNC/R must find a way to deal with this new wave of personality conflicts and differences because it is unhealthy.
Fourthly, the PNC leader must do some introspection. He must stop and take stock of his actions and non-actions, and the way he is perceived. If he does not, then he is the problem because he keeps doing the same thing and engaging in the same behavioural pattern
and getting the same results. Finally, opposition politics are very different and complex. They are strange and very peculiar. They are not stagnant but always retrogressing, progressing or changing. The PNC/R as an opposition is showing the signs of a party in retrogression and decline. It may seem like it is progressing on certain things, but it is taking steps backwards.
Norton has to step up his game and hold the bull by its horn. He has to lead the PNC/R and all of its mem-
bers. Norton must muster up the courage to start ruffling feathers even in his own circle, bringing discipline and respect for elders back. He must put an end to factionalism and disunity or must part ways with the party after the elections.
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.
Guyana’s land and maritime space internationally known and recognised for over 120 years
GUYANA’S land and maritime boundaries have been internationally recognised for over 120 years. But for years, Venezuela has attempted to intimidate Guyana into surrendering Essequibo, which encompasses two-thirds of the country's landmass. This conflict traces back to 1899—126 years ago— when the current borders were established during Guyana's colonial era under British rule.
Recently, tensions have intensified due to Venezuela's escalating aggression,
particularly following the discovery of oil and gas reserves offshore. A notable incident involved a Venezuelan navy vessel unlawfully entering Guyana's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and approaching the Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels operated by ExxonMobil Guyana, where they falsely claimed that these operations occurred in disputed waters.
Guyana and key international allies, including the United States and France, condemned Venezuela's
aggressive actions. These nations reaffirmed Guyana's status as a sovereign state and highlighted that Venezuela's deliberate actions violate international law.
Despite Venezuela's claims, it is essential to note that they have previously signed multiple agreements, starting in 1899, establishing the land demarcation between the two countries. To put this into perspective, the Anglo-Venezuelan Boundary Commission identified and fixed the boundary, which remained unchallenged for 63 years
until Venezuela deemed the Award null and void.
In 2018, Guyana initiated legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) after UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, determined that a judicial settlement was the best course of action.
In December 2023, leaders from Guyana and Venezuela and several Latin American and Caribbean heads of state convened and mutually affirmed the desire for peace in the region. They agreed not to threaten or use force against one an-
other regarding any current disputes.
Nevertheless, Venezuela continues to employ intimidation tactics against the people of Guyana to claim territory that rightfully belongs to them. However, successive Heads of State from Guyana have firmly asserted that all of Guyana's territory is non-negotiable.
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, in a recent address following Venezuela's intimidation, stated, "We will continue to pursue diplomatic solutions, but we will not tolerate threats
to our territorial integrity."
According to Carl Greenidge, Guyana's Agent before the ICJ, a ruling could be delivered by 2026. Guyana is confident in its strong case and expects the ICJ to affirm the validity of the 1899 Award. Until that ruling is issued, Guyana remains a sovereign nation, and any attempts by Venezuela to undermine this status violate both Guyanese and international laws, disrupting the peace that the region currently enjoys.
25 women to be honoured as influential leaders
TWENTY-five trailblazing women who are redefining the standards of excellence will be conferred the prestigious 25 Influential Women Leaders Award (25ILWA). These visionaries will be honoured at
Guyana’s premier accolade, recognising visionary leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors who are driving transformative growth, and setting new benchmarks of excellence.
It is also a platform to champion inclusivi-
society, and to commemorate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, the 2025 theme of which is: "Women’s Rights. Strongest Alliance. Most Influential Women.”
The 2025 awardees are: Abbigale Lon -
the highly-anticipated event on May 17 at the Marriott Hotel here in Georgetown. According to a press release, the 25ILWA remains
ty, empowerment, and progress. This year’s honourees have been recognised for their exceptional contributions in the Guyanese
cke-Watson, Avia Maria Lindie, Ayodele Roache, Carla Cassiano, Colleen Prince, Devica Kamini Udit -
Honourees of the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award (25ILWA)
25 women to be honoured...
FROM PAGE 10
ram, Francina Lanferman-Duncan, Hebron Edwards, Jasmaine Payne, Mahadevi Doobay-Girdhary, Martina McDonald-Johnson, Melissa Dow-Richardson, Mendy Angele Nicholson, Naudya Hoosein, Nazima Raghubir, Reisa Roberts, Romela Sahadeo, Sadhana Samtani-Sultan, Safina Lutchman, Savina Sukhnandan, Sophia Dolphin, Tamana Safraj, Tessa Fernandes, Vanessa Elizabeth Williams-Rodriguez and Vidya Ketwaroo.
Founder/CEO of the NICO Consulting and Co-founder of the organisation, Michelle A. Nicholas, lauded the awardees.
“True leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about empowering others to find their own voice and champion their unique potential. The 25ILWA is a testament to the power of collective strength, where these incredible women are not only recognised for their impact but celebrated as leaders shaping the future of Guyana. Through this shared commitment, we are igniting inspiration, fostering change, and setting new standards of excellence that resonate far beyond today,” she was quoted as saying in the press release.
Lyndell Danzie-Black, Managing Director of Cerulean Inc. and Co-founder of the organsiation, expressed her enthusiasm, stating: “Women have been integral in shaping economies, advancing innovation, and nurturing communities, all while breaking down barriers in every sector. Yet, true progress
remains elusive, as too many women still face systemic challenges such as gender-based violence, inequality, and limited opportunities.
“In this spirit, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Awardees of the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award. Your dedication to leadership, excellence, and making a meaningful impact on your communities is inspiring. You are the role models who guide the way for future generations of women, mindful always that gender justice is a collective responsibility—it requires the collaboration of governments, businesses, and communities to ensure women’s safety, dignity, and empowerment.”
Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has garnered significant recognition and the selection process remains rigorous and transparent, with an independent panel of esteemed judges from both Guyana and the diaspora carefully evaluating the impact and influence of nominees, the release said.
To date, 125 pioneering women have been inducted into the 25ILWA network, a community dedicated to empowering women leaders across various sectors.
The sixth anniversary gala event will be a night of inspiration, unity, and recognition, bringing together key industry leaders, government officials, and corporate stakeholders to celebrate women who are shap ing Guyana’s future, the release noted.
Heroine for workers’ rights remembered
- GAWU President emphasises how Kowsilla positively impacted the future for sugar workers
THE legacy of workers' rights is forever marked by the passing of heroine Kowsilla, also known as Alice. On Saturday, in a heartfelt tribute to her life, which was tragically cut short, she was fondly remembered.
Members of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) were joined by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), and residents from Anna Catherina and surrounding communities to honour the memory of Kowsilla, who passed away on March 6, 1964.
According to a press re-
lease from GAWU, Alice’s life was tragically cut short in a heartbreaking incident involving a scab-driven tractor, as she stood proudly in solidarity with striking sugar workers at Leonora Estate.
The workers were courageously protesting against
the unjust treatment by the expatriate management and demanding recognition for the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU).
“The loss of Kowsilla became a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for workers' rights and was one of the many sacrifices that eventually led to the Union’s recognition in 1976,” GAWU said.
This year marks 61 years since her passing and, for years, GAWU has held a simple yet powerful wreath-laying ceremony at Kowsilla's gravesite in the Anna Catherina cemetery, honouring her as a heroine and drawing inspiration from her sacrifice for sugar workers across the nation.
Among those laying wreaths were: President of GAWU, Seepaul Narine; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, representing President Dr.
Irfaan Ali; General Secretary of the WPO, Shelia Veersammy; President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), Carvil Duncan; Vice Chairman of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Regional Democratic Council, Omesh Satyanand.
During his tribute, GAWU’s President acknowledged Kowsilla’s heroism and the deep sadness surrounding her death. According to the release, he pointed out that while the incident brought sorrow, it galvanized a determined resolve to secure the union’s recognition.
Minister Parag spoke about Kowsilla’s contributions to the pursuit of progress and equity.
She emphasized that this ordinary woman had carved her place in Guyana’s history, becoming a true heroine for all.
FITUG President, Carvil Duncan, spoke about standing in solidarity for Guyana’s territorial integrity and urged everyone to unite with the government in this regard.
“The observance of Kowsilla is not merely a commemoration; it is a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by GAWU and sugar workers in their fight for dignity, social justice, and fairness in the industry. It resonates deeply within the hearts of those who continue to carry the torch of her legacy,” the release noted.
GAWU held a wreath-laying ceremony at Kowsilla’s gravesite in the Anna Catherina cemetery
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag
Growing interest in oil and gas, agriculture and marine biology drives engagement at UG open day
By Shaniya Harding
FROM the Faculty of Science’s captivating booth and displays to on-the-spot interviews by companies such as Banks DIH Limited, the University of Guyana’s Open Day and Job Fair saw overwhelming support and was deemed a success by both participants and visitors.
The two-day event, held on Friday and Saturday, attracted thousands of university and high school students, offering them the opportunity to engage with some of Guyana’s largest businesses.
Companies such as Banks DIH Limited conducted on-thespot interviews, offering immediate employment opportunities.
Sonya Forrester, Training and Communication Personnel at Banks DIH, shared that the turn-
out had been impressive, with the company receiving numerous applications and conducting several successful interviews over the two days.
“We are conducting on-thespot interviews for active vacancies, so those who were interviewed for available positions will be receiving callbacks.
“On Friday, we saw more schoolchildren. Today, we are seeing more individuals actively seeking employment,” Forrester told the Sunday Chronicle.
Among the most popular booths was oil-and-gas giant ExxonMobil. Tameca Sukhdeo-Singh, Community Relations Adviser at the oil major, noted that while the company was not conducting recruitment at the event, it used the opportunity to educate young people about the diverse career oppor-
tunities within the sector.
“There has been a constant flow of people,” she said, adding, “We are able to tell them about our operations, the work we’ve been doing and the magnitude of our Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels.”
Sukhdeo-Singh emphasised that career paths in oil and gas
The University of Guyana’s various faculties also drew significant attention, particularly the Natural Sciences Department, which attracted long lines of attendees eager to see its live exhibits. Faculty members and students shared that the university is working to generate greater interest in marine biology, espe-
go beyond traditional science and engineering roles.
“People often think that to enter the oil-and-gas sector, you need to be a scientist or an engineer. That’s not accurate. There is a wide spectrum of support services that keep operations running,” she explained.
The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), also saw significant interest. Research Technician Stephan Seeraj noted that many visitors enquired about career opportunities, particularly in laboratory work, with several even submitting job applications on the spot.
“We’ve had many questions regarding career opportunities at NAREI, especially related to working in our laboratories,” Seeraj said.
He added, “Many people have handed in their job applications and letters. This shows that young people are still very interested in agriculture.” He further praised the initiative, stating, “I believe this two-day event has been really beneficial and informative for those seeking employment.”
cially given the growing oil and gas industry’s demand for marine specialists. In addition to corporate booths, businesses such as Halliburton LMP Guyana, SBM Offshore Guyana, and multiple government ministries also made their presence felt at the event.
The overwhelming response to the Open Day and
Job Fair reflects the increasing interest among Guyanese youth in critical sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, and marine sciences, reinforcing the importance of such initiatives in connecting students with potential career opportunities.
Banks DIH conducted on-the-spot interviews to fill the various vacancies (Japheth Savour photos)
Staff at ExxonMobil’s booth spoke to an estimated 1,000 people over the two-day event
The team at NAREI said many young people expressed interest in the agricultural sector
The Natural Sciences booth hosted several activities to attract students in the areas of marine and microbiology
Mothers praise newborn cash grant initiative as much-needed support for families
By Feona Morrison
MOTHERS across Guyana have expressed gratitude for the newly-launched Newborn Cash Grant, a government initiative aimed at promoting child welfare.
The initiative, which was
officially launched by President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Saturday, offers a one-off $100,000 cash grant to every child born to a Guyanese mother on or after January 1, 2025.
The launch, which took place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), saw the presence of over 500 mothers, many of whom received the grant alongside essential baby supplies, compliments of First Lady Arya Ali, and their children’s birth certificates.
Sheena Collins, a mother of two, was among those who spoke highly of the initiative. She delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries and shared her gratitude.
“Today, I would like to say thank you. I would like to say thank you to President Irfaan Ali. It is our prayer that we continue to see more wonderful initiatives like this in our country, so that our citizens can experience betterment,” Collins said, expressing the collective hope of many mothers.
The initiative has been hailed by many mothers as a
game-changer.
One mother spoke of the relief the grant will bring to families. “Most of the mothers are feeling very happy. It is a great initiative, and thank you to the government.”
Mothers were also quick to recognise that the grant was part of a larger effort by the government to ensure the well-being of children. “It is a helping situation for all mothers. I find it helpful,” said another beneficiary.
The initiative is aligned with the government’s broader commitment to enhancing social support programmes for citizens, including cash grants for schoolchildren, Guyanese citizens aged 18 and over, and those with disabilities. “I am feeling very proud and happy because, in my time, we didn’t have this. I know the mothers of today have received blessings from God. I do hope that the mothers take the vouchers and spend them on their children,” another mother stated.
This comprehensive approach underscores the government's determination to create a society where all in-
Region Two saw major development over the past four years
…Agriculture Minister says
DURING a meeting with rice farmers from the Essequibo Coast on Friday, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that, over the past four years, the government has invested tremendously to develop the region and cautioned them to not fall victim to political gimmicks by anti-government operatives.
He told farmers that the government has a rich history of supporting the development of all the sectors and that farmers were never left to fend for themselves as was the case on many occasions under the previous administration.
“This is the time you will see people coming around to make promises to you, but do not be fooled. These are the same people who promised you $9,000 for a bag of paddy, but when they got into office, said rice was a private business. In 2019, farmers were being paid the lowest price for paddy - $2,900with no intervention from the APNU+AFC government. They also promised that farmers would have enough money from the Petrocaribe fund, but when they got into government, they lost that market. That was the most lucrative market at the time. We had to find money to give back to the farmers whose paddy was procured under that deal but never received payment.
“Last year, we paid out $480 million to farmers. It was in the budget. Dr. Singh took it to Parliament, and we found the money to pay the farmers. Do not forget about the contract that was signed with Panama under our government
prior to 2015. That contract was for another lucrative market that was doing well before we left office.
“When the APNU+AFC took office, they also lost that market. But they didn’t just lose the market, they abandoned the farmers who were owed $1.7 billion for rice shipped to Panama. It wasn’t until we got back into government that negotiations took place and farmers were paid. His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali held negotiations with the President of Panama so that we could recoup the money for the farmers who sold their paddy while the APNU+AFC was in office,” Minister Mustapha explained.
Minister Mustapha also said that, over the last four years, 16 additional pieces of machinery were added to the region’s fleet of machinery.
“This party, this government, has a rich history of supporting all of the sectors in this country. The rice sector has had tremendous support over the years under the PPP/C government. Before 2015, this region had eight pieces of machinery. When the PPP/C got back into office in 2020, the region still had eight pieces of machinery. In just over four years, 16 pieces of machinery were added to the region’s fleet. The region now has 24 pieces of machinery, which include excavators, graders, bulldozers, and the list goes on. Additionally, in the coming weeks, we’ll be handing over mini excavators to the various NDCs and municipalities in the region,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Senior
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh
Mothers praise newborn cash grant...
dividuals have equal access to resources, regardless of their economic standing.
For many mothers, the cash grant represents a great financial support. Another beneficiary said, “I am feeling very proud of this baby cash grant to buy things to eat. I am very grateful for it.” Similarly, another mother expressed, “It would be a great help to me in buying baby stuff because I’m
not working right now. This is my second baby, and I would like to thank the government for the cash grant. I am very grateful.”
For many mothers, this new initiative is seen as a lifeline. “It will help me a lot to buy baby pam pers, milk and wipes,” shared a young mother who attended the event.
Another recipient echoed
similar sentiments, stating, “I want to thank President Irfaan Ali for this grant. It is something very nice that he is doing. I pray that the Heavenly Father blesses him in all ways so that he can continue the work he is doing. The cash grant will help me get supplies for my baby. So, I just want to say again, thank you very much.”
For some mothers, the
cash grant represents more than just a financial boost.
“I am thankful for it because it is going to be a start for the baby, especially now that I am not working. I do breastfeed, but formula is needed as well, and diapers. It is going to come in handy for everything needed,” one of the many mothers stated.
In addition, another mother briefly stated that she too
was grateful for the cash grant.
A father expressed his gratitude to the government for the initiative, highlighting that it will provide significant support to middle-class families. He said, “It will be a great help because every day the cost of living is going up.”
The initiative was introduced as part of the $1.382 trillion 2025 National Budget, and the government has
pledged to allocate $1.3 billion annually to sustain the programme.
Over 17,000 births are expected in Guyana this year, and the government has declared its commitment to providing every newborn with the grant. The Newborn Cash Grant initiative is a welcome addition to Guyana's growing social support network.
Region Two saw major development over...
FROM PAGE 15
Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, told farmers that the government has stood by farmers’ sides in every season. He also told the farmers that they should be mindful of the people who will visit their communities to make promises with the hope of convincing them not to support the government in the upcoming General and Regional Elections.
“You know the recent political history of our country. We are in 2025. There will be an election in 2025, and because there will be an election in 2025, you will see all sorts of characters suddenly surfacing and floating around making all sorts of promises in the hope that they can convince people either to vote for them or not to vote for the PPP or not to vote at all. They will make all sorts of statements and promises because we are a few months away from an election.
“But you know, you have in the People’s Progressive Party a party that has stood on your side and on the side of the people of Guyana in every season. You don’t only see members of the PPP’s leadership coming to your communities a few months before elections and making all sorts of fancy promises to you. Our President, our General Secretary, our Executive Secretary, members of our Central Executive Committee, and representatives of the leadership of our party have been in every community through every season in our country’s history. We’ve been here in good times and in bad times,” Dr. Singh explained.
Minister Mustapha also said that the government had invested heavily to improve the drainage and irrigation infrastructure in the Pomeroon and across
the Essequibo Coast. He also said that the government, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), will be procuring 40 additional pumps and rehabilitating some 63 sluices across the country before the end of 2025.
“When you look at the expenditure and the investment made in the region, it's tremendous. For instance, in the Pomeroon, we resuscitated the entire agricultural landscape. Prior to 2015, that was one of the most productive areas in the country under our government. Because of the neglect of the APNU+AFC government, the Pomeroon became an area where many farmers were unable to plant. When we got back into government, the President visited farms in Pomeroon and implemented a programme to assist farmers with critical infrastructure.
“Hundreds, if not thousands of acres of bed-anddrains were done. We built up the beds so that the farms would not be flooded. We also did block drainage and spent over $500 million to dredge the Pomeroon River. These were direct investments to develop the sector. What did the previous government do for farmers?
They bought some useless, undersized pumps and installed about three on the Essequibo Coast. Now we have to try and recoup our money from the contractor in India because the pumps are not functioning. We are now building proper pump stations.
“One was recently commissioned at Cozier. Another one was commissioned at Andrews. We are also building another one at Charity, and by the end of this year, we’ll procure another 40 pumps and rehabilitate another 63 sluices around the country,” Minister Mustapha said.
Some farmers of the Essequibo Coast during a meeting with government officials on Friday
Rose Hall Estate surpasses weekly target, workers rewarded with additional day pay
THE Rose Hall Estate has surpassed its production target this week, a milestone which underscores the estate’s progress and the dedication of its workforce in revitalising sugar production and as a result, workers were rewarded with an additional day's pay.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, who met with sugar workers in Canefield, East Canje, Berbice on Saturday, emphasised the government’s commitment to rebuilding and modernising the sugar industry. He stated that nearly $12 billion was invested in the re-opening of the Rose Hall Estate.
The Rose Hall Estate currently provides employment for 1,219 workers, and according to the Agriculture Minister, this not only ensures a steady source of income for these individuals, but also directly benefits their families and the wider community. He emphasised that the estate’s operations play a crucial role in supporting livelihoods and strengthening the local economy.
“Today I am happy that Rose Hall Estate is operational and they are going back to their former days, they told me they made a day's pay so that means the estate is getting back to where it was prior to its closure.”
Mustapha told the sugar workers and residents gathered that Can-
je, which had become a "ghost town" following the estate's closure, is now regaining its footing as economic activity picks up. With money circulating once again in the community, businesses are experiencing renewed growth and families are experiencing improved financial stability, he added. In explaining the rebuilding of the sugar estate, Mustapha said that the factory had to be overhauled along with the fields and pieces of machinery as everything was left abandoned following the closure by the previous APNU+AFC government. According to him, now the Rose Hall Estate has mechanised 27% of their operations thus far.
With a target of 104,000 metric tonnes of sugar this year, the minister said, “I am hoping that they can make it because what we have now in the system, because we have better variety of canes, the factory is more efficient.”
Additionally, he said that he has been meeting with GuySuCo’s management which remains a concern as he warned that managers found silencing workers will face serious consequences.
The Agriculture Minister told the sugar workers, “We are here in the good times, we are here in the bad times and we will be here for the rest of the times to ensure that we work with you to develop the country.”
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha meeting with sugar workers in Canefield, East Canje, Berbice
Three more women receive $1.5M in business grants from First Lady
IN observance of International Women’s Day yesterday (Saturday, 2025-03-08) First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali provided three business grants totalling $1,500,000 to three women to fund the expansion of their small businesses.
Those who received the grants were 31-yearold Saudia Edghill of Buxton, ECD; 36-yearold Junice Welcome of Kuru Kururu on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway; and 46-year-old Bena Outar of Mahaicony, Mahaica-Berbice.
Ms. Outar specialises in the distribution of agrochemicals, while Ms. Welcome runs a day care facility, and Ms. Edghill produces patriotic gift items. The three women were participants in the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women’s HerVenture programme and Road to Growth training, which is a platform that provides women with business development training.
This year, International Women’s Day was observed under the theme “Accelerate Action” and according to First Lady Arya Ali, that was exactly what she used her office to do.
“Accelerating action means speeding up what we do to achieve gender parity, and part of that involves making direct investments in the lives of women to ensure they are empowered. We’ve seen a spate of domestic violence cases, some of which have ended in murder, and one of the root causes is that many of our women are not economically empowered. So, we are working aggressively to change that,” Mrs. Ali stated.
The First Lady also explained that while financial support was being provided to the women for their businesses, technical assistance will also be offered for them to scale and expand their businesses through support from business coaches Mr. Keon Smith and Ms. Upasna Mudlier of ActionCOACH.
The First Lady also used the opportunity to encourage the women to extend similar support to other women who may seek employment or guidance in starting their own businesses.
“I hope that this little gesture inspires you to support other women who may need employment or may seek guidance from you to start their own little business. We have a responsibility to each other as women and I want to remind you that we rise by lifting others,” she added.
The three women expressed gratitude for the support provided and made a commitment to the First Lady that they would work diligently to ensure their ventures were successful. Their progress will be assessed periodically by the coaches.
Apart from the business grants, 60 women from Indigenous communities have received technical maritime and offshore training, while another 45 in Region Two have received training in cosmetology, and 45 women who were victims of domestic violence have been trained through a partnership between the Office of the First Lady and Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE).
First Lady Arya Ali is flanked by the three women who received the business grant on Friday at State House. Also in the photo are business development coach Ms. Upasna Mudlier (third-right) and Leanne Baker (far left) of the Cherie Blair Foundation
Guyana: A global pioneer in climate policies
- IMF says; commends government’s efforts to enhance country’s energy matrix & drive sustainable growth
THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lauded Guyana for remaining, what it termed as, a global pioneer in climate policies and commended the government for its efforts to enhance the country’s energy matrix.
“Guyana remains a global pioneer in climate policies monetising forest conservation, and the authorities are enhancing the country’s energy matrix, strengthening macroeconomic resilience,” the IMF’s 2025 Article IV Mis-
Transactions announced the issuance of US$33.47 million TREES credit to Guyana for the five-year period from 2016 to 2020. The Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) is a global initiative that seeks to incentivise the reducing of emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD), as well as restore forests and protect intact forests. Subsequently, the government entered into an agreement whereby Hess Corporation purchased ap -
sion noted in its concluding statement released on Friday.
Since assuming office in 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has remained firm in its manifesto promise of utilising Guyana’s sustainable resources to bring forth prosperity for all.
The Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) was one of the initiatives aimed at achieving this goal. According to the IMF, building resilience, promoting sustainable forestry and enhancing biodiversity conservation in the face of climate change, are being addressed as the government is working to prioritise the actions outlined in the LCDS 2030.
The government allocated $4.7 billion to Amerindian villages in 2024 under the LCDS. The funding benefitted approximately 254 communities across the country, marking a significant investment in the development and empowerment of Amerindian villages.
Guyana has outlined a second-generation LCDS as a successor to its first LCDS, which aims to reduce the country’s reliance on heavy fuel oil and transition to cleaner, more affordable energy sources, as well as mobilise resources from domestic assets.
Under the first LCDS, the global climate services provided by Guyana’s standing forests were mobilised to generate revenue for the country, in this instance, under a US$250 million bilateral partnership with the Kingdom of Norway.
On December 1, 2022, the Architecture for REDD+
Earlier this year, Guyana and the United States Export-Import (EXIM) Bank signed a US$527 million loan to further support the development of the GtE project. This highly-an -
ticipated project will see a 200-kilometre pipeline bringing gas from the Liza Destiny and the Liza Unity Floating Production fields onshore.
Upon arrival at this West
proximately a third of Guyana’s credits. The agreement sets out that Hess will buy 2.5 million credits per year for 2016 to 2030 to a total of 37.5 million credits for a minimum payment of US$750 million to be paid to Guyana between 2022 and 2032.
On February 28 last year, Guyana announced the issuance of the world’s first carbon credits eligible for use by airlines in Phase 1 of CORSIA – the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)’s global emissions reduction programme. The credits issued were for Guyana’s 2021 performance in sustaining one of the world’s highest levels of tropical forest coverage, and one of the world’s lowest deforestation rates. A total of 7.14 million credits were issued by the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) for conformance with ART’s “TREES” standard.
CLEANER, RENEWABLE ENERGY
Energy is key for the economic growth and for an improved quality of life for all Guyanese, the PPP/C had outlined in its manifesto.
Since assuming office, the administration has pursued a number of initiatives to ensure Guyanese can access affordable, stable and reliable energy.
According to the IMF, the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project is expected to secure reliable electricity provision countrywide as a transition toward a cleaner and more renewable energy mix over the longer term.
Bank Demerara facility, the pipeline will continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant to be constructed in Wales.
The GtE project, once completed, will have significant impact on the country’s economy, attracting sustainable investments across various sectors, and creating numerous job opportunities.
IMF supports govt’s efforts to upgrade human resources, foster growth
THE government's initiatives to promote inclusive growth, economic diversification, and address labour shortages and skill gaps through vocational training and education are receiving support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“Staff supports the authorities’ efforts to foster inclusive growth, economic diversification, and upgrading of labour skills. Addressing labour shortages and skill mismatches through training and vocational education is key to supporting the ongoing economic expansion and increasing women participation in the labour markets,” the IMF’s 2025 Article IV Mission noted in its concluding statement released on Friday.
It also commended the government for the reforms and investments to boost productivity, trade connectivity, and export diversification, including through high value-added products in agriculture and manufacturing.
It’s worth noting that President Dr. Irfaan Ali highlighted last year that investors are increasingly focused on Guyana’s manufacturing and agro-processing sectors, driven by their rapid growth and the government's efforts to position the country as a food hub and a key exporter of value-added products. In addressing labour shortages, the Ministry of Labour has rolled out a series of programmes designed to bridge the skills gap and ensure that the workforce is equipped to meet the demands of a modern economy.
Just last week, the ministry introduced the Skills Connect app—an innovative digital platform aimed at bridging the employment gap and improving job access for blue-collar workers across Guyana. To date, the ministry has helped over 12,000 citizens acquire modern, workforce-ready skills. Since assuming office in 2020, the Ali-led administration has been on the path to positioning Guyana as a hub of innovation and productivity.
But this is not all, the government has continued to actively engage the youths, opening doors for them in all areas to ensure that the future of tomorrow is well equipped to lead Guyana.
On Friday last, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton highlighted Guyana’s rapidly changing labour landscape to youths at the University of Guyana (UG)’s two-day annual Open Day and Job Fair at the Turkeyen Campus. He encouraged students to pay attention to the needs of the rapidly developing country.
EDUCATION
OPPORTUNITIES
Education for all Guyanese, regardless of their location or background, is within reach under the current administration, particularly with the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme.
Since its launch in 2021, GOAL has provided fully-funded scholarships to 29,785 individuals, advancing the government's commitment to equipping the nation’s workforce with the qualifications and skills needed to support Guyana's growing economy. Originally, the programme aimed to award 20,000 scholarships, surpassing its initial target and further reflecting the government's dedication to accessible education for all. Notably, the impact of the Get Ready for Opportunity to Work (G.R.O.W) programme being offered by GOAL has been significant.
The GROW programme was introduced as a second chance for Guyanese who were not able to complete their secondary education or obtained less than five passes at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations and the General Certificate of Education (GCE) to matriculate to tertiary education.
A total of 1,043 individuals were awarded scholarships to pursue the BFP, and 80 per cent of those who completed the GED, BFP, and SCQF programmes have successfully matriculated into universities.
In fact, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has recorded a massive increase in the number of women who would have applied for non-traditional areas of training in 2024.
Some nine million bags of paddy to be harvested this crop – Min. Mustapha
DURING a meeting with rice farmers from the West Coast of Demerara (Region 3) on Friday, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that approximately 9,000,000 bags of paddy are expected to be harvested in the
amount of paddy to be harvested, is around 9,000,000 bags. We removed the VAT from the inputs in agriculture. In two instances, fertiliser was procured and given to farmers.
“We are looking to rehabilitate and extend all of the seed facilities
first crop of 2025. He said that over the last four years, the government has invested in infrastructure to support the expansion of the agriculture sector and has also made inputs available to assist with lowering the costs associated
so that seeds can be available to farmers on a timelier basis with excellent varieties producing better yields. In the last four years, we have launched three new varieties. So, the support has been tremendous over the
with rice cultivation.
“As a government, we recognise the value of the rice industry, and that is why we’ve been making inputs available. For this crop, the 233,000 acres, when we examine the estimated
years,” Minister Mustapha explained.
Minister Mustapha also told farmers that contrary to what is being said on social media by known anti-government propagandists, negotiations between the millers
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha
A section of the gathering at the meeting
Some nine million bags of paddy...
FROM PAGE 25
and the government commenced weeks ago.
“The President engaged the millers on several occasions to determine how we can work together to keep the price of paddy at a stable rate. These negotiations didn’t happen overnight. They began weeks ago. At one point, they were at a deadlock, and the President intervened and said we will ensure the farmers receive a minimum of $4,000 for a bag of paddy. Every bag of paddy that the farmer sells to the mill, we have to contribute. When you do the calculation, we have to inject approximately $2.7 billion to ensure farmers receive a better price,” Minister Mustapha explained.
The minister also said that the PPP/C government has always engaged farmers and, when necessary, stepped in to ensure farmers receive a fair deal.
“The millers said they could not pay the $4,000 per bag because
of the current world market price and other factors. In order to come to an agreement, we had to contribute. We did it before, and we’ll do it again. Like any other responsible government, we are always ensuring that we bring relief to people. The farmers know that this government, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, has and will always ensure farmers get a fair deal,” he explained.
Minister Mustapha also told the farmers that the ministry will explore procuring a Jaclo sprayer to assist farmers from the region with the application of chemicals. This, he added, would represent an investment of approximately $6.5 million.
In 2024, rice production surpassed its target and reached an all-time high of 725,282 metric tonnes, representing a record-breaking milestone in the country’s agriculture sector.
A farmer raises an issue during the meeting
points clear
MOHAMED Salah scored two penalties as Liverpool came from behind to beat rock-bottom Southampton for the second time this season and move 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The Reds were miles below their best after their energy-draining late win at Paris St-Germain on Wednesday - but all that matters at this stage of the season is results.
This takes them one step closer to the title and leaves Saints still in danger of the lowest Premier League points total ever.
The visitors allowed themselves to dream when Will Smallbone took ad -
vantage of a huge mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and Alisson to slot in from a tight angle.
But Reds boss Arne Slot made a triple substitution at half-time and Liverpool were much improved.
Darwin Nunez , perhaps fortunate not to be one of the ones replaced at the break, slotted in from Luis Diaz’s cutback
And then the Uruguayan striker was fouled by Smallbone for a penalty, which Mohamed Salah predictably dispatched with style. Liverpool fans started singing “now you’re going to believe us, we’re going to win the league” after that.
Salah also netted another spot-kick late on, for his 27th goal of the season, after the video assistant referee spotted a Yukinari Sugawara handball.
Second-placed Arsenal have two games in hand - including Sunday’s match with Manchester United - but it is impossible to see anyone overhauling Liverpool.
Both sides made six substitutes as Southampton lost captain Jan Bednarek to an early head injury - with football laws allowed the opposing team to also make an extra substitution during the game. On paper this looked like the most obvious home win ever.
There were 58 points between the sides coming into this game, the biggest gap between teams since Liverpool beat Aston Villa in July 2020.
And Liverpool - with Slot in the stands because of a touchline ban - started brightly with Curtis Jones having an early shot blocked and then shooting wide.
That matched their total shot count in the 1-0 smashand-grab win in Paris in midweek.
But perhaps the energy expended in that game was taking its toll here.
Southampton created several chances before grabbing the lead following a hugely uncharacteristic mix-up be-
Historic triple-double for Jokic in Denver win
NIKOLA Jokic became the first player in NBA history to register a triple-double of at least 30 points, 20 rebounds and 20 assists in a game as the Denver Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns 149-141 in overtime.
The Serb, 30, scored 31 points, made 21 rebounds and had 22 assists in the match.
Jokic was voted the league’s most valuable player last season, the third time he has won the award.
Phoenix trailed by 21 points in the third quarter before a stunning fightback, with Kevin Durant - who scored 29 points in totalhitting a three-pointer on the buzzer to send the game into overtime.
However, Denver forged ahead early in the extra period to secure a second successive victory.
Their 41-22 win-loss record means they are third in
the Western Conference. Denver’s next opponents on Sunday are the leaders, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who beat the Portland Trail Blazers 107-89. In the Eastern Conference , the leaders, the Cleveland Cavaliers - who have already confirmed their play-off spot - beat the Charlotte Hornets 118117 for their 13th straight victory. (BBC Sport)
tween two of their stars Van Dijk tried to hold off Smallbone to let the ball run to Alisson, but the keeper did not come out quickly enough and moments later the Saints midfielder was scoring.
But Liverpool improved in the second half after making their substitutions - with Slot allowed in the dressing room at the break - including the introduction of Harvey Elliott.
The midfielder scored with his first touch at PSG and almost did so again but was denied by Aaron Ramsdale.
But the Reds had a good grip on the game by then with Uruguay striker Nunez - who could have been sent
off in the first half for a bad foul on Kyle Walker-Peters - scoring after good play by Diaz and then winning the penalty for Salah’s winner. Salah had a shot saved and Elliott fired wide as they tried to add a game-clinching third, which eventually came in the form of another penalty by Liverpool’s Egyptian icon.
This is the champions elect’s only Premier League game in March.
Now they focus on the second leg of their Champions League tie against PSG on Tuesday and Sunday’s Carabao Cup final with Newcastle as they bid for three trophies. ( BBC Sport )
SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2025
ANSWER S
QUIZ: (1) Rachin Rachindra-108 (NZ vs SA) (2) Mitchell Santner-3/43 (NZ vs SA)
TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) Who scored most runs for SA in Champions Trophy 2025? (2) Who took most wickets for SA?
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
Mohamed Salah is the Premier League’s top scorer on 27 goals
Nikola Jokic’s triple-double for Denver against Phoenix was his 29th of the season
One for the future: T&T's 15 year-old Amrita Ramtahal makes mark in CG United Super50 Cup
AMRITA Ramtahal has always believed that dreams have no age limit. At just 15 years old, while most of her peers are still figuring out their future paths, Ramtahal has already set her sights on a clear goal— cricket.
Hailing from Barrackpore, Trinidad, Ramtahal wakes up each day with a singular focus—to turn her dream of representing the West Indies into reality. Her journey has taken a significant leap forward as she not only paraded her skills but also assisted Trinidad and Tobago Red Force Divas to top honours in the just-concluded CG United Women’s Super50 Cup in St. Kitts.
As the youngest player in the tournament, Ramtahal certainly made her mark. In a standout moment during the opening round, she took a spectacular one-handed catch to dismiss none other than Stafanie Taylor, the West
Indies’ most successful batter at the international level.
For Ramtahal, this moment is etched as one of her most cherished achievements in the sport.
“Dismissing Stafanie Taylor was surreal. She has been an inspiration to me since I was a child. To now play against her and take her wicket means everything to me. This is undoubtedly my best moment in cricket so far,” Ramtahal shared.
Ramtahal’s passion for cricket was sparked in an unexpected way.
“My dad and cousins inspired me to play. It all started with watching my dad gear up for his Sunday cricket matches. That’s where my love for the game began," she explained.
Driven by a desire to honour her family’s support, the right-arm medium pacer has consistently pushed herself to improve. Growing up in a community with limited op-
portunities for girls in cricket, Ramtahal took the initiative to play alongside boys.
“Playing with boys in my community was a proud moment for me,” she recalled.
15
year-old Amrita Ramtahal
“Being the only girl on the team motivated me even more. People would tell me, ‘You need to play for the West Indies and represent your country.’ Those words stayed with me," Ramtahal added.
Balancing cricket with
academics is no small feat, but Ramtahal approaches it with determination.
“When I’m away from school, like now, I get my assignments from friends and family. I make sure to complete them at night after training or matches. It’s challenging, but I’m committed to excelling in both areas," the soft-spoken player reasoned.
Ramtahal also draws inspiration from her cricketing role models. She admires West Indies captain Hayley Matthews for her impeccable shot selection and looks up to her teammates captain Karishma Ramharack, Anisa Mohammed, and close friend Samara Ramnath.
As the adage goes, “A child shall lead the way", and Ramtahal is poised to lead a new generation of women cricketers, breaking barriers and paving the way for the future of West Indies cricket. (Sportsmax)
T&T Women spin their way past Barbados to Super50 Cup title
BASSETERRE, St Kitts, ( CMC) – For the second time in the space of four days, Trinidad and Tobago Women’s spinners completely dominated Barbados Women, to register a convincing seven wicket win and lift the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup here at Warner Park on Friday.
The spinning quartet of Anisa Mohammed, Amrita Ramtahal, Karishma Ramharack and Samara Ramnath, bundled out Barbados Women for a paltry 71 in 21 overs, before T&T romped to 75 for three in 23.3 overs to complete the lopsided victory.
The result should not have been that surprising, as it was almost a carbon copy performance of their preliminary matchup on Monday where T&T dismissed Barbados for 76 on their way to a five-wicket win.
Despite losing the early wicket of Kycia Knight for a duck, there was nothing to indicate that Barbados Women would collapse so drastically when Asabi Callender and Trishan Holder were at the crease rebuilding the innings.
The pair carried the score to 38 for one before Anisa Mohammed struck to dismiss Holder for 15, one of only two batters to get into double digits. And even when skipper
Karishma Ramharack got rid of the dangerous Kyshona Knight for one, the match was still in the balance as Callender and Naijanni Cumberbatch carried the score to 60 for three.
But in a dramatic turn of events, Barbados Women lost their last seven wickets for the addition of a mere 11 runs as their batters failed to come to grips with T&T’s spinners. Cumberbatch was caught and bowled by Ramnath for seven, captain Aaliyah Alleyne was needlessly run out for a duck and Ramtahal trapped Callender lbw for the top score of 28 to leave Barbados Women 61 for six.
Ramnath then dismissed Shamilia Connell for one, Ramtahal accounted for the wicket of Keila Elliott for a duck and Mohammed wrapped up the innings by claiming the wickets of Shanika Bruce and Allison Gordon.
Mohammed finished with the figures of 3-17, Ramtahal took 2-5, Karishma Ramharack 2-12 and Samara Ramnath 2-20.
Trinidad and Tobago Women then strolled to their target with little alarm. They lost opener Shunelle Sawh for nine with the score on 21, but Djenaba Joseph and Britney Cooper steadied the innings in a 41run partnership.
By the time Cooper (17) and Joseph (28) lost their wickets, Trinidad and Tobago Women were well on their
way to victory, with Lee-Ann Kirby ending the match in fine style by hitting Elliot for a six.
SCOREBOARD
BARBADOS WOMEN
+Kycia Knight c Alexander b Ramharack 0
Asabi Callender lbw b Ramtahal 28
Trishan Holder c Khan b Mohammed 15
Kyshona Knight c Mohammed b Ramharack 1
Naijanni Cumberbatch c&b Ramnath 7
*Aaliyah Alleyne run out 0
Allison Gordon b Mohammed 5
Shamilia Connell c Joseph b Ramnath 1
Keila Elliott c +Sawh b Ramtahal 0
Shanika Bruce c +Sawh b Mohammed 1
Theanny Herbert-Mayers not out 1
Extras: (b5, lb2, w5) 12
TOTAL: (all out; 29 overs) 71
Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-38, 3-47, 4-60, 5-60, 6-61, 7-62, 8-63, 9-70, 10-71.
Bowling: Mohammed 7-1-17-3, Ramharack 8-1-12-2, Soogrim 4-1-10-0, Ramnath 6-2-20-2, Ramtahal 4-1-5-2.
T&T WOMEN
+Shunelle Sawh c Callender b Connell 9
Djenaba Joseph c&b Elliott 28
Britney Cooper c Alleyne b Connell 17
Anisa Mohammed not out 1
Lee-Ann Kirby not out 6
Extras: (b1, lb2, w10, nb1) 14
TOTAL: (three wickets; 23.2 overs) 75
Did not bat: *Karishma Ramharack, Ameila Khan, Amrita Ramtahal, Kirbyina Alexander, Samara Ramnath, Steffie Soogrim.
Fall of wickets: 1-21, 2-62, 3-69.
Bowling: Connell 10-1-15-2, Gordon 3-0-15-0, Alleyne 6-0-17-0, Herbert-Mayers 4-0-19-0, Elliott 0.2-0-6. Toss: Trinidad and Tobago Women. Result: Trinidad and Tobago Women won by seven wickets
Sri Lanka Masters hand Windies Masters first defeat
VADODARA, India, (CMC) – West Indies Masters lost their first match of the International Masters League (IML) when they went down by 21 runs to Sri Lanka Masters here on Thursday.
Dwayne Smith hit the top score of 49 for the West Indies Masters against Sri Lanka Masters
Playing without Chris Gayle and captain Brian Lara at the BCA Stadium, the West Indies Masters could only muster 152 for five from their 20 overs in response to Sri Lanka Masters’ total of 173 for nine.
Sri Lanka were struggling until Sangakkara joined forces with Lahiru Thirimanne to resurrect the innings with a 45-run stand before adding another 50 runs for the third wicket with Gunaratne.
Ashley Nurse (3-23) and Tino Best (3-32) were the Windies’ best bowlers.
In reply, the West Indies Masters got a steady start despite losing Chadwick Walton for a duck, with Dwayne Smith’s 49 propelling them to 65 for one midway through the innings.
But left-arm spinner Chaturanga de Silva pegged them back by ending Smith’s 43-ball vigil before effecting a smart run-out of Narsingh Deonarine, to reduce the opposition from a comfortable 71 for one to 74 for three.
Lendl Simmons (37 not out) and Jonathan Carter (17) put up a brief 30-run stand to restore parity before Jeevan Mendis trapped Carter to dent the chase.
Needing 53 off the final 24 deliveries, the West Indies Masters were restricted by disciplined bowling by the Sri Lankans and eventually fell short of their target.
After being sent in to bat, Asela Gunaratne blasted 64 of 45 balls and skipper Kumar Sangakarra scored 47 off 42 balls to rescue their side from early trouble and help propel them to 173 for nine from their 20 overs.
T & T head coach, Aguilleira, `really happy and excited’ after CG United Women’s Super50 Cup triumph
TRINIDAD & Tobago Red Force Divas head coach, Merissa Aguilleira, is “really happy and excited” after her team claimed the 2025 CG United Women’s Super50 Cup title on Friday.
The Red Force Divas won their first CG United Women’s Super50 Cup title since 2017 when they defeated Barbados in the final at Warner Park.
“Firstly, let me thank God. If he didn’t give us this opportunity, we would not have been here today. I really want to say thanks to the players and the management staff for the support that they have given me,” Aguilleira said in a postmatch interview.
“I honestly believe that the girls have been working really hard. I’m happy to see the performances, the way they built up throughout the tournament and how they executed today. So, I’m really happy and excited,” added the former West Indies captain
The two teams met previously in round four where Trinidad & Tobago handed the Bajans their first loss of the season, bowling them out for 76 before reaching 77-5 in 22 overs.
On that occasion, all 10 Barbados wickets fell to spin-
ners and the Trinis employed that tactic once again on Friday, albeit on a new surface. It worked well for a second time in a matter of days as spin combined for seven of the 10 wickets to fall as the Bajans capitulated for just 71 in 29 overs.
“Obviously, what is working for you, you need to stick with it and I think the spinners have been dominating. I think we have the best spinning attack in the competition and we continued to do so throughout our games so what sense is there in changing something that has been working?”
“We had the discussions and went ahead with it and it became successful again,” she added.
Aguilleira also gave credit to her captain Karishma Ramharack’s leadership throughout the tournament.
“Karishma has been exceptional. From the first time that we had some sort of interaction based on her as the captain and myself as the coach, I saw that she has a lot of potential. She has been doing pretty well and I think she is a really good prospect for West Indies cricket,” she said. (Sportsmax)
Junior Pan Am challenge...
Guyana Men and Women thrash Guatemala to commence campaign
THE country’s U21 hockey teams made a dream start to their Junior Pan Am Challenge at the Sir Garfield Sports Complex in Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados.
The women opened with a 4-nil defeat of Guatemala to send a strong signal to their regional opponents.
The Guyanese were led by Georgiana Fernandes with a double in the clash as they dominated their Pan American counterparts Fernandes converted a field goal 8 minutes into the first quarter after the Guyanese ladies pressed into their opponents half with ease.
Kazaquah Uzzi would double the advantage in 3 minutes into the second quarter before Fernandes returned to make it a double and push the score to 3-nil.
A fourth quarter strike from Keitanna Percival completed the rout as they finished it 4-nil.
The ladies next face Mex-
ico then Puerto Rico, hosts Barbados before battling Trinidad and Tobago.
Meanwhile, the Men also clashed with Guatemala and won 2-nil.
The match-up was even for most of the first two quarters until Jabari Lovell
broke the deadlock to give Guyana the lead in the second half after finishing a penalty corner opportunity into the back of the net
Lovell was not done yet returning to make it 2-nil 12 minutes and 56 seconds into the third quarter after a brutal
CEO Chris Dehring applauds Trinidad & Tobago for triumph in CG United Women’s Super50 Cup 2025
ST JOHN’ S, Antigua –Cricket West Indies (CWI) Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring has lauded the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force Divas for their outstanding victory in the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup 2025, following a thrilling tournament held in St. Kitts.
The competition, which concluded on the eve of International Women’ s Day, highlighted the passion, determination, and burgeoning talent within women’s cricket across the Caribbean, captivating fans and inspiring a new generation of players.
In his congratulatory remarks, Dehring praised the Red Force Divas for their exceptional performance throughout the tournament.
“The Trinidad & Tobago Red Force Divas displayed remarkable skill and tactical brilliance under the leadership of Karishma Ramharack. They leveraged their strengths to clinch the title, showcasing the depth of talent emerging in the region. It was truly inspiring to witness so many young players excelling at such a high level.”
In the final, Trinidad & Tobago dominated multiple-time champions Barbados, securing a convincing seven-wicket win. Captain Karishma Ramharack was named Player of the Final
for her stellar bowling performance, supported by veteran Anisa Mohammed, who claimed three wickets. Contributions from 15-year-old Amrita Ramtahal and West Indies Under-19 captain Samara Ramnath helped restrict Barbados to a modest 71 runs.
Trinidad & Tobago chased down the target with ease, finishing at 75 for 3 to claim their first title since 2017. Dehring also commended all participating teams for their efforts during the twoweek tournament, emphasising the significance of the event in advancing women’s cricket in the region: “The progress witnessed in this year’s competition
onslaught saw them getting 9 penalty corners in the first three periods of play.
Despite their control in offence Guyana failed to add to their score as they finished with a 2-nil victory.
The Guyana Men are also set to battle Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuela, Brazil and host Barbados.
Guyana can capture one of the top two spots remaining in the eight-team competition which will place them in the Junior Pan American Games.
The Challenge is the regional qualifier for the second ever Junior Pan American Games scheduled for 9th to 22nd August in Asuncion, Paraguay.
The teams are sponsored by Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Guyana Olympic Association, Sabor café, C&V Shipping, Kestrel, Acado, King Ocean Line, and John Fernandes Ltd.
LeBron James first player to surpass 50,000 points
LEBRON JAMES became the first player in NBA history to score 50,000 combined points as he helped the Los Angeles Lakers to victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
The 40-year-old American surpassed the mark early in the first quarter of his side’s 136-115 win, gathering a pass from Luka Doncic and sinking a sublime 25foot three-pointer.
LeBron James becomes first to score 50,000 combined points in NBA
James - the leading scorer in the competition’s history - finished the match on 34 points to take his career total to 50,033 which is 6,000 clear of second-placed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
James’ total is made up of a record 41,871 regu -
lar season points, adding to his 8,162 post-season haul, where he is also the NBA’s leading scorer.
“ I’m not going to sugar-coat it - it’s a hell of a lot of points,” said James.
“I’ m super blessed to be able to put up that many points in my career in the best league in the world and against the best players in the world - it’s pretty special.”
James reached the milestone deep into his 22nd season, which ties him with Vince Carter for the most played in NBA history.
He was helped by Doncic’s 30 points, 15 assists and eight rebounds, as the Lakers won their seventh game in a row to climb to second in the Western Conference standings.
Lakers legend, Earvin Magic Johnson, led the tributes to James on social media following the achievement.
“Congratulations to the King, LeBron James, for becoming the only player in NBA history to score 50,000 regular season and playoff points!” Johnson wrote on X.
Earlier on Tuesday, James was also named the NBA’s Western Conference Player of the Month after he averaged 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 6.9 assists last month , becoming the oldest player to earn the award. ( BBC Sport )
West Indies Championship...
Guyana Harpy Eagles, Red Force wrap up wins on final day
underscores the vital role cricket, particularly women’s cricket, plays in our region. CWI remains dedicated to nurturing talent and ensuring sustained success on the global stage.”
Reiterating CWI’s commitment to gender equality in cricket, Dehring highlighted the organisation’s focus on creating more opportunities for women across all levels of the sport:
“As we celebrate this victory on International Women’s Day, CWI acknowledges the need for greater inclusivity and opportunities for women in cricket. We are committed to fostering an environment where women can thrive as players, coaches, and administrators, moving closer to achieving parity in the sport.”
Dehring also extended special recognition to Merissa Aguilleira, the tournament’s only female head coach, who guided Trinidad & Tobago to victory in her debut season as coach:
“Merissa’s success is a shining example of the critical role women play in the development of cricket. Her leadership and experience were pivotal to her team’s triumph, and we hope to see more women transitioning from players to coaching and leadership roles in the future.”
…Seamer Ronaldo Alimohamed finised with match figures of 9-69
ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – The Guyana Harpy Eagles and the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force secured wins against Jamaica and the West Indies Academy respectively, on the final day of their fourth round West Indies Championship clash on Saturday.
At Sabina Park in Jamaica, The Harpy Eagles wrapped up a 214-run win against host Jamaica who was dismissed for 274 in their second innings, chasing an improbable 489 runs to win on the final day.
Resuming on 179 for three, still requiring another 310 runs, the Scorpions added 10 runs in the morning session before Javelle Glenn first went caught off Ronaldo Alimohamed for 14.
Overnight batsman Kirk Mckenzie, who was unbeaten on 104, showed some resistance by scoring 147, however, the Scorpions capitulated after lunch thanks to the spin twins Guadakesh Motie and Veerasammy Permaul
The left-handed Mckenzie hit 15 fours and five sixes
in his 249-ball knock, but wickets just kept tumbling for the Scorpions who were eventually dismissed for 274 in 85 overs.
Motie finished with figures of 4-69 off 25 overs while Permaul took 3-50 from 17 overs. Seamer Alimohamed also picked up 3-42 off 12 overs to finish with match figures of 9-69.
At Coolidge Cricket Ground, Off-spinner Bryan Charles delivered a sensational performance with the ball, steering Trinidad and Tobago Red Force to a commanding 125-run victory over the West Indies Academy. The West Indies Academy, chasing a target of 278, were bowled out for 152 , thanks largely to Charles’ career-best spell of 6-47. His efforts not only secured the win but also marked his second-best first-class bowling figures, achieved in just 13.3 overs.
The Academy side, who had shown promise with a solid first-innings total of 268, were left reeling as
Charles and co-turned the game decisively in Red Force’s favour. The day began with Red Force resuming their second innings at 218-9, adding just 23 runs before being bowled out for 241. This set the stage for what appeared to be a challenging chase for the Academy. However, Charles had other plans. From the moment he took the ball, the Academy’s hopes began to crumble.
Charles struck early, removing key batsmen Mbeki Joseph (14), Carlon Bowen-Tuckett (7), and Jordan Johnson (0) in quick succession. At the other end, pace bowler Anderson Phillip complemented Charles’ brilliance by dismissing Justin Jagessar (4) and Rivaldo Clarke (1). Captain Ackeem Auguste provided some resistance with a gritty 30, but his dismissal left the Academy side in tatters at 77-6.
After Jayden Seales sent back Joshua Bishop for 12, The lower order offered little resistance as Charles wrapped up the innings.
Guyana’s Keitanna Percival striking goal for her country
CWI Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring
Alimohamed
Guyana seamer Ronaldo Alimohamed
Red Force Brian Charles’ stunning 6-47 dismantled the Academy’s batting lineup