-PM Mottley tells GCCI’s awards and gala, says CARICOM sister state a market shaper -urges Guyanese businesses, innovators to continue fostering regional growth, collaboration
President, Dr Irfaan Ali recently received a visit from the Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly of Guyana at State House. During the engagement, there were meaningful discussions on their positive contributions to our society. The President commended the organisation for its work and explored avenues for further collaboration to better our nation and the well-being of our people
am back in making sure that
- Vice-President Jagdeo says; emphasises PPP/C’s commitment to fulfilling each promise made to Guyanese
NDCs will get support to transform the
-Vice-President Jagdeo affirms; urges local authorities to identify vacant land for development of ‘quasi-commercial/industrial areas’ for parking
Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, on Thursday engaged representatives from ECD NDCs
‘I
am back in making sure that what we promised can be delivered’
- Vice-President Jagdeo says; emphasises PPP/C’s commitment to fulfilling each promise made to Guyanese
Vice-President and PPP General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo addressing East Coast Demerara NDC representatives on Thursday
WITH the elections over, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)’s main focus is ensuring that all promises made during the campaign trail are delivered within the next five years.
Dr. Jagdeo, who is also General Secretary of the PPP, emphasised the party’s position during a brief address at a meeting with East Coast Demerara (ECD) Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), convened by Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand on Thursday.
The Vice-President was specifically responding to persons who were eager to hear from him and were enquiring about his Thursday press conferences.
“People don’t see me at press conferences anymore; and the elections are over. We have to now deliver on our promises,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
He went to say: “I am back in making sure that whatever we promised, we can actually deliver. That is why we won with a landslide because in 2020, we were careful of the promises we made, and we worked five years, in spite of ‘COVID’, to deliver on those promises. And we will do so again.”
Earlier in his address, Dr. Jagdeo had assured citizens that the PPP/C administration is aware of its commitments, and reminded Guyanese that the party delivered on the promises it made in 2020 despite having to contend with the COVID-19 pandemic, and “breathe life” back into an economy that was not “generating jobs” and was plagued by taxes instituted by the former APNU+AFC government.
Upon returning to office, the PPP/C immediately implemented an emergency budget, reversing over 200 hardship taxes imposed by APNU+AFC, including VAT on electricity, water, medi-
cines, school supplies, building materials, and agricultural and mining equipment. Increases in land rent and drainage and irrigation charges were also rolled back.
Also, between 2020 and 2025, the government created over 60,000 jobs, doubled old age pensions, more than doubled public assistance, lowered income tax rates, and doubled the income tax threshold. Over 82,000 people have been trained under various programmes, and more than 39,000 scholarships have been awarded, nearly double the 20,000 promised.
There were also targeted subsidies and cash transfers, including the reinstated and increased ‘Because We Care’ cash grant.
In the areas of education and healthcare, the PPP/C administration made tertiary education free, and constructed six new hospitals, respectively, among other major investments geared at enhancing human capital. Infrastructure also saw major investments, with the construction of the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demearar River Bridge (which together with the other main bridges were made toll free), the construction of new highways and enhancement of critical thoroughfares, among other crucial developments.
Looking ahead, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had outlined an expansive vision for Guyana’s development in 2025 and beyond, framing the period ahead as one of the most transformative moments in the nation’s history.
He emphasised that the government’s long-term objective of delivering a better quality of life for every citizen is no longer aspirational, but increasingly tangible, with projections that Guyana could achieve one of the highest living standards in the hemisphere before the decade closes.
All NDCs will get support to transform the lives of Guyanese
- Vice-President Jagdeo affirms; urges local authorities to identify vacant land for development of ‘quasi-commercial/industrial areas’ for parking - says 90,000 street lights to arrive soon, other investments will be made to enhance communities
VICE-PRESIDENT,
Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has affirmed that all Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) nationwide will receive adequate support to transform the lives of Guyanese living in their respective areas.
He emphasised the government’s commitment during a brief address at a meeting with East Coast Demerara (ECD) Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), convened by Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand, on Thursday.
The Vice-President, in a direct message to all NDCs, said: “Even those controlled by the opposition, they will get support to transform the lives of our people.”
In April this year, NDCs received a significant boost in financial capacity when the government increased the annual subvention to $30 million. Equipment and machinery were also distributed to all NDCs across the country.
Dr Jagdeo, however, lamented that some local authority bodies, although equipped with the necessary resources, are not utilising them how they are supposed to.
He encouraged NDCs to focus on the concerns of citizens, and not to make investments that do not immediately satisfy or address the needs of people.
Regarding central government, Dr Jagdeo said the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration is aware of its commitment to all Guyanese, and will be delivering on same.
One major concern which residents have highlighted over the years is persons, particularly business people, parking large vehicles on the parapets of community roads.
To address this issue,
the government has tasked NDCs with identifying vacant lands for the development of ‘quasi-commercial/ industrial areas’ for parking.
Regarding other enhancements and safety, Dr Jagdeo said 90,000 lights will arrive
in Guyana soon, and will be installed across the country.
Discussions were also centred on improving infrastructure and community facilities, strengthening drainage and irrigation systems to reduce flooding and ensuring that waste-management practices are efficient and environmentally responsible.
Emphasis is also being placed on improving financial management and budget planning within the NDCs, particularly in areas such as revenue collection, record-keeping and transparent spending.
Minister Manickchand, in her remarks, emphasised the importance of stronger administrative systems, enhanced accountability, and more responsive service delivery, noting that the performance of local democratic organs directly affects the daily lives of residents.
The minister also underscored the need for closer
collaboration with residents to ensure that community concerns are addressed promptly and that development initiatives are aligned with local needs.
Minister Manickchand reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering local democratic organs and providing them with the support needed to carry out their mandates effectively.
She highlighted that strong, people-centred local governance is essential to national growth and that the ministry will continue to work closely with NDCs to improve service delivery and accelerate development.
Thursday’s engagement formed part of a wider series of meetings being conducted countrywide, aimed at assessing the performance of local bodies, identifying challenges on the ground and mapping out strategic priorities for 2026 and beyond.
Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, on Thursday engaged representatives from the East Coast Demerara (ECD) Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs)
Thousands ready to evacuate as flooding hits Pacific Northwest
RESIDENTS in the Pacific Northwest of the US and Canada are bracing for what could be record-setting floods as an atmospheric river dumps heavy rain on already swollen rivers.
On Thursday, the National Water Center reported major, in some cases record flooding, along the Skagit and Snohomish rivers in the State of Washington that is expected to continue through Friday.
In Canada, major highways to Vancouver have been closed because of flooding, debris and the risk of avalanches.
There are evacuation orders in place for thousands of people in the US
and Canada, and authorities have warned more rain is on the way.
In the US, the governor of Washington State, Bob Ferguson, declared a statewide emergency on Wednesday, and estimated 100,000 residents could soon face evacuation orders.
The emergency declaration warned that continued rain and snow at mountain elevations would exacerbate flooding conditions. Supply chains and transportation could be severely impacted, the declaration added.
Skagit County, a major agricultural area north of Seattle, has issued an immediate evacuation order to residents who live
on the floodplain.
Some 75,000 people would be evacuated from low-lying areas on Skagit River, the director of the Washington Military Department's Emergency Management Division, Robert Ezelle, told reporters on Wednesday.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-
ministration, or NOAA, said on Thursday that the Skagit River will cause "severe near-record flooding from Rockport downstream through Sedro Woolley".
It warned of "deep and swift flood waters" especially in the Cape Horn, Hamilton and Thunderbird regions.
The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office said in an overnight social media post that they had rescued "multiple" people by helicopter after they became trapped in their homes in Sultan, Washington, a community roughly 40 miles (65km) northeast of Seattle.
The sheriff's office warned residents on Thursday morn ing that the eastern region of the county is most affected after the Skykomish River crested above 24ft (7m) overnight - just shy of a record.
They said the Snohomish River is also experiencing major flooding and "dancing with records" as water laps against a local flood wall.
King county and Snohomish county officials have said there are multiple closures on state and local roads, with more likely on Thursday.
In a post on X on Thursday, Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank said "this flooding is the worst I have seen here" in the county.
Across the border in Canada's British Columbia, there are evacuation orders in place for the communities of Tulameen and Eastgate, and several other areas.
The City of Abbotsford ordered urgent evacuations for 371 properties at 23:00 local time on Wednesday (07:00 GMT on Thursday).
City officials said the Nooksack River was expected to overflow its banks early on Thursday, and they anticipate flooding, though not as severe as in 2021, when it caused significant damage and five deaths in the province.
Most major highways to the Lower Mainland are now closed, according to the travel-information website Drive BC.
The US-Canada Sumas Border Crossing is also closed to commercial traffic.
The entire region, spanning parts of both the US and Canada, has received torrential rain from an atmospheric river, which is a phenomenon where water evaporates into the air and is carried by the wind and forms long currents that surge through the sky like rivers flow on land.
The heaviest rainfall is expected to subside by Thursday afternoon, but the water will continue to work its way into rivers.
Another storm is expected on Sunday. (BBC)
The Pierce County Sheriff's office said in an video post on Wednesday that a swiftwater team had to rescue three people from an RV park on Orting, a community about 42 miles south of Seattle. Multiple roads are also closed in that county.
Evacuation efforts were under way in Sultan, Washington, on Wednesday (Reuters photo)
Strong winds leave millions in Sao Paulo without power, cutting water and flights
ABOUT 1.5 million homes and businesses were without electricity on Thursday after an extra-tropical cyclone swept through Sao Paulo's metropolitan area, toppling trees and power lines and disrupting flights and the water supply.
Damaging wind storms also caused vast power outages in 2023 and 2024, putting utility firm Enel under intense public scrutiny.
Enel said gusts of up to 98 km/h (61 mph) battered the region during a 12-hour gale on Wednesday, with impacts lingering into Thursday across the
city of 11.5 million people and the wider metro region.
About 2 million customers in the area lost electricity during the storm's peak, Enel said in a statement early on Thursday, adding that service had been restored to 500,000.
Power regulator Aneel demanded the company provide detailed explanations for the disruptions.
Water utility Sabesp warned that outages had hit its pumps, affecting neighborhoods across the area.
"The long time without power to pump water heavily impacted the system. Supply is being resumed gradually,"
MC) said Sao Paulo's Congonhas Airport, which handles domestic flights, was open on Thursday but had cancelled 31 arrivals and 15 departures, after scratching 181 flights on Wednesday. At Guarulhos International Airport, one of Latin America's busiest, 61 arrivals and 56 departures were cancelled since Wednesday, its operator said in a separate statement, adding that operations were back to normal early on Thursday.
Sabesp said. Air travel also faced disruptions. Airport operator Aena (AENA.
A tree lies on a damaged car following heavy rains, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, December 10, 2025 (REUTERS/Leticia Fucuchima)
Adding Value
THE Wales Sugar Estate white sugar refinery project marks a crucial moment for Guyana's sugar industry and the wider Caribbean economy.
With a production capacity of 100,000 tonnes, and a partnership between local investors and international expertise, this initiative shows how adding value can refresh a sector that has long faced challenges from global commodity prices and other limits.
This is not just another infrastructure project, but rather a signal that Guyana will be a manufacturing hub, processing raw materials, capturing value at every stage of production.
By processing sugar
within Guyana, this partnership makes sure that the wealth generated stays with local producers and workers, rather than going to foreign refineries.
The refinery, managed by a joint venture between GAICO Inc. and Sucro Limited, offers more than just local opportunities. The Caribbean imports about 200,000 tonnes of refined sugar each year, spending over US$180 million on these imports.
With the new facility expected to produce 100,000 tonnes annually, Guyana will supply half of the region's needs, greatly reducing CARICOM's reliance on imported refined sugar.
Sucro's strong presence in Belize and Trinidad, along with its efficient logistics and refinery knowledge, ensures that the product will reach Caribbean markets in a timely manner. This positions Guyana as a regional hub for sugar refining, shifting the country from being a raw commodity producer to an industrial and commercial centre.
The employment aspect strengthens the project's potential for change. The venture will create 75 jobs during construction, and 60 permanent jobs once it is complete, boosting employment in Region Three, and showing real economic diversification beyond the usual single-estate model.
More importantly, the refinery's consistent need for raw sugar gives GuySuCo the market stability it has long sought. As GAICO CEO Komal Singh said, the partnership will allow GuySuCo to "increase their productivity by taking their excess sugar and refining it into white sugar, a value-added product that has huge demand on the world market".
This guaranteed agreement gives GuySuCo a solid base from which to plan for expansion and investments. This focus on sustainable processing positions Guyana as a leader in responsible agro-industrial development.
The timeline of the proj-
ect highlights its importance. Construction starts in January 2026, with operations expected to begin within a year. This quick rollout shows both investor confidence and readiness for operation.
At a time when infrastructure delays slow development, the planned execution here offers hope for timely economic progress.
The transformation of the Wales Sugar Estate reflects a broader economic vision: Actively shifting Guyana from being a producer of raw commodities to a participant in value-added industries.
private sector are working to climb the value chain. This refinery shows how strategic partnerships, technology transfer, and market access can revive sectors that seemed lifeless. Wales, which was closed in 2017 by the APNU+AFC administration, will symbolise renewal; proof that smart policy and entrepreneurial spirit can bring back lost economic opportunities.
Instead of accepting the global commodity price system, the government and
This is the future of Guyana's sugar industry, not a sector slipping into irrelevant dependency, but one that actively competes in Caribbean and international markets with technology-driven, value-added products.
Guyana’s strong diplomatic relations are impressive
Dear Editor,
AS a public analyst reflecting on 2025, I am deeply impressed by the strong diplomatic relationships Guyana continues to maintain with foreign Heads of Missions resident in our country, including representatives from Qatar, France, the European Union, Russia, the People’s Republic of China, India, Canada, the Unit-
ed States of America, and others.
Prime Minister Phillips’ reaffirmed commitment to Qatar–Guyana relations, reflects the strength of Guyana’s diplomatic progress and the nation’s expanding international partnerships
This year, Guyana further demonstrated its global engagement by reaffirming its commitment to the human-rights
agenda during the fourth iteration of the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva on December 10.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, this participation highlights Guyana’s dedication to international norms and the protection of the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
From 2018 to 2025, Guyana has also navigat-
ed significant tensions tied to the border controversy with Venezuela. Despite these challenges, our nation has maintained a principled stance rooted in diplomacy, respect for international law, and the preservation of national security.
Human rights and national security work hand in hand in shaping a positive, progressive, and stable Guyana. Together,
they strengthen the country’s image and reinforce our credibility within the international community.
Citizens at home and across the diaspora also play a vital role in this process. By representing Guyana with unity, integrity, and pride, we help show the world who we are as a confident and cohesive people committed to national advancement.
The Ministry of
Home Affairs continues to strengthen this national vision by enhancing security, improving border-management systems, and promoting internationally accepted security practices. These efforts remain essential to a secure and prosperous future for all Guyanese.
Sincerely,
Blane R Bunbury
Guyana an ‘exceptional bright spark’ in a challenging global space
-PM Mottley tells GCCI’s awards and gala, says CARICOM sister state a market shaper -urges Guyanese businesses, innovators to continue fostering regional growth, collaboration
By Naomi Parris
SEEN as a beacon of development in the Caribbean region, Guyana’s economic ascent has positioned the country as an “exceptional bright spark” amid global uncertainties, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has said.
Addressing the 136th Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) annual awards and gala virtually on Thursday evening, the regional leader noted that Guyana’s expansive growth is not only the strength of its own economy, but fundamentally the strength of the entire Caribbean region, representing the core of regional integration and the Caribbean community (CARICOM) family.
“Guyana's story; your story is one of tremendous resilience and potential indeed. With an average
GDP [gross domestic product] growth of exceeding 45 per cent over the past three years, you are an exceptional bright spark in a challenging global space,” she said, adding: “Barbados and your regional partners do not just observe this journey; we're invested in it, and have been for many, many, many decades. Indeed, one might even say centuries.”
Prime Minister Mottley further noted that as the region looks to confront global challenges, economic policies must be shaped to ensure the region’s resilience. With this objective in mind, she commended the country’s efforts in supporting investments in strengthening the region.
“There is one undeniable reality that confronts us all, from Guyana in the south to the Bahamas in the north. My friends, the world that we knew has changed. There was a time when we were
treating security and economic policy as separate lines on a budget. We saw security as a necessary cost, and growth as an eventual reward. I say to you, this mindset is outdated, and in fact, possibly dangerous,” she warned, stressing that the region’s greatest investment will be in its economic future and well-being of citizens.
“We must recognise that our solidarity is not merely a diplomatic legacy, it is a fundamental act of economic self-preservation,” she added.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Shifting her focus to the region’s vulnerability to climate change, Prime Minister Mottley noted that the regional bloc faces a collective risk. Citing statistics, she pointed out that major disasters cost Caribbean economies an average of two per cent in GDP annually.
If Terrence Campbell can do it, so can Priya Manickchand
I WROTE recently that Terrence Campbell seems to be the de facto leader of the PNC. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Terrence Campbell is being groomed by Aubrey Norton, not the PNC but Aubrey Norton (so much for accountability in the opposition) to become the de jure leader of the PNC.
I also wrote earlier Campbell, as parliamentary leader of the PNC, sooner or later is bound to face prodigious embarrassment over the pronouncements of David Hinds. When a political party has an illogical, irrational, disjointed demagogue like Hinds, then disaster is inevitable. Hinds’ obsession is with race. Hinds sees Guyana as a zero-sum game between Africans and Indians. There is no grey area. This is in sharp contrast to the pronouncements of Sherod Duncan and Campbell himself.
This figure, she explained, further raises to four per cent in the eastern Caribbean, and when Caribbean nations are hit by catastrophes like the recent Category Five Hurricane Melissa that ravaged sections of Jamaica, it takes up five per cent of that State’s GDP.
“With this in mind, we continue to hold our brothers and our sisters in Jamaica in our prayers, and offer the support that they need for when a third of their country effectively has been affected. In terms of their population, 900,000 persons, three times the population of my own country, and close to your population, and indeed, 1,000 households either destroyed or damaged,” she said.
Mottley noted that the region, as a collective, must shift their focus on how they build not only for the physical losses, but economic deficits.
“We cannot only build stronger physical walls to safeguard ourselves in this climate crisis, but we must also build stronger financial [capacity]; our resilience must be strengthened.
“We can secure every coastline, but if our economic culture remains built on sand, if the foundation of global finance is inherently rigged against our vulnerability, then all our security gains are temporary,” she added.
OPERATIONAL SECURITY AND REGIONAL COLLABORATION
The Barbadian politician cautioned that while Guyana is surging, some sections of the wider region are facing challenges, but to remedy this, she believes Guyana can be seen as more than just a regulator in the region’s economy.
She said: “We must be honest about the trends. While Guyana surges, the wider region faces sluggish long-term productivity. To fix this, we must reimagine the State, not just as a regulator, but as a market shaper.”
Leveraging the country’s potential, a key element will be investing in efforts to address the existing transportation gaps.
To this end, she said that a government-a lone approach will not see the region meeting its ambitious targets to improve regional integration.
She stressed that greater public-private partnerships across the region will be needed.
“We need you, the private sector. We need to unlock public-private partnerships, working with partners like the IFC (International Finance Corporation) and the IDB (Inter-American Development Bank), to construct the transactions that build our future, working equally
with our commercial banks, and ensuring that we can use certain savings collected by our population [which] will also ensure that that growth, when it happens, is not skewed only in favour of those who have wealth, but in fact, is an opportunity for all to participate in the prosperity that we want,” she said.
Mottley stressed that security is the bedrock of the region’s socio-economic development, and while governments like Guyana’s are providing planforms through policies, private sector support remains integral.
“I challenge you tonight to move beyond simply requesting government,” Mottley said, stressing that the moment demands leadership from the private sector as well as governments.
She said: “Move to a position now where you can lead and design our new economy, in partnership, in partnership with our labour unions, in partnership with our governments, in partnership with us at the regional level, to drive the CARICOM single market and economy, so that we may leverage at a collective scale.”
The PNC put out an advertisement introducing their parliamentarians before they were sworn in. Duncan appeared in the frame saying he intends to serve the people of Guyana across the political divide. There were no references to ethnicity. Campbell announced that he intends to campaign in PPP strongholds and he named two of them: Babu John and Port Mourant. Campbell could be forgiven for separating Babu John and Port Mourant. No one lives in Babu John. It is the cremation site in Port Mourant. I assume that if Campbell is going to campaign in Babu John, it is to speak to the dead. Port Mourant is predominantly Indian so Campbell sees it as a political obligation to speak to Indian people in PPP districts. Of course, no one will disagree with that intention of Campbell and I doubt anyone would be so foolish to tell Campbell where
he can go and cannot go in his country.
But it would appear that Priya Manickchand doesn’t have the same rights to visit places in Guyana like Campbell. Ms. Manickchand in her capacity as Minister of Local Government went to Tiger Bay to ground with the residents. She was photographed with a group of children surrounding her with her arms around some of them.
Here are the words of David Hinds in disparaging the visit of Minister Manickchand: “Go somewhere else and launch your presidential campaign…. Every Black man and Black woman should be offended by that spectacle… Do you think, if I were to go into the ghettos of Bath Settlement or Enmore or wherever and pick up little naked Indian children and hold them up like that… Indian people would not allow me”
There are two dimensions
of that puerile and asinine outburst of Hinds that need to be condemned. One is reference to Minister Manickchand’s intention to launch a presidential bid. I doubt that, and if she wants to do so, why five years before an election which is due in 2030?
Why Ms. Manickchand cannot engage in political activities in Tiger Bay? To say that she cannot is an admission of political ugliness of the worst kind. Hinds is actually telling Manickchand that she is off-limits in certain parts of her country.
The second dimension is Hinds’ inevitable resort to ethnic lenses. Hinds never fails to insert ethnic meanings in any of his political discussion. Interestingly, Hinds has admitted that I am a very effective societal player because he threatened to sue me for libel over the accusation of
racism.
Why me when dozens of persons that have a far greater reach in Guyana than I have, escaped the radar of Hinds? I once wrote that the libel case will be the shortest in Guyana’s legal history. On the opening morning, so much videos of Hinds’ racial stables will be shown to the judge that the judge is bound to say; “I don’t want to see anymore.”
Any PNC politician or African politician from an opposition party can go into any Indian area and pick up children and have photographs taken with them. I am saying with pellucid energy, no one in that Indian village will see something wrong with that.
There might be Indian villagers who may not be supporters of the African politician, but in Guyana the courtesy is always
there to be given across the political divide.
So, we return to the question about Campbell. How is he going to deal with Hinds? Foolishness is the description that awaits Campbell because if he can go to Port Mourant why is one of his colleagues denying Manickchand her natural right to campaign in her own country?
Of course, the private media is not going to put the question to Campbell. But if the shoe was on the other foot, the PPP politician would have been crucified. It is called insanely hostile, politicised journalism
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.
Prime Minister of Barbados Ms. Mia Mottley during her virtual address to the 136th Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry annual awards and gala on Thursday evening
A section of the gathering at Thursday night’s event
Prime Minister of Barbados Ms. Mia Mottley during her virtual address to the 136th Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry annual awards and gala on Thursday evening
More international carriers are setting their coordinates for Guyana
- President Ali says
WITH Guyana expanding its regional and international partnerships, the country’s aviation landscape is entering a transformative new phase, President, Dr Irfaan Ali has said.
Outlining an ambitious plan for both international expansion and domestic integration, Dr Ali, during his address at the ICAO Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Plus (NGAP+) Programme launch earlier this week, held at the Pegasus Corporate Suites, told stakeholders that the government will continuously make strategic investments in the local aviation network.
“More international carriers are setting their coordinates for Guyana. We're opening new routes, strengthening ties with our CARICOM [Caribbean Community] family and beyond. But the real story, the
“The real story, the real revolutionary story, is happening right here at
real revolutionary story, is happening right here at home,” the President said.
But while global connectivity continues to rise, the President stressed that the most profound changes are unfolding within Guyana’s borders.
home. Our domestic aviation network is expanding. And it will expand further,” he said.
According to the President, this expansion is rooted in the government’s commitment to equitable development.
“Our government’s
economic philosophy is built on the principle of inclusive development. No region, no community will be left on the tarmac of progress,” he affirmed.
The Head of State emphasised Guyana’s geographic diversity, describing it as a nation of “vast, rich, beautiful interior and coastlands.”
The administration’s mission, he said, is to unify these areas through comprehensive connectivity.
The President said: “Our mission is to integrate them, to connect
them, to link urban to rural, and urban and rural to hinterland. Not just by road or river, but by the most powerful connector of all, the air.”
This vision centres on linking remote hinterland communities with the coast, improving access to services, markets, and new opportunities.
“We will link the deep reaches of our country to the coastline. We'll connect community to opportunity, miner to market, farmer to frontier,” the President stated.
He underscored that these goals are not aspi-
for Natural Attractions from the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association in 2025. It was also recently reported that visitor-arrival data for the period January to October 2025 shows that Guyana has already surpassed last year’s numbers.
Speaking during the launch of the One Guyana Christmas Village and Supermarket last week, Dr Ali noted that October 2025 was particularly strong, recording a 28.9 per cent year-onyear increase and welcoming approximately
rational but actionable, adding: “This is not a distant dream. It is our flight plan. And as we execute this plan, the local aviation sector will not just grow, it will soar.”
The President added: “This expansion creates a demand, a demand for skilled Guyanese.”
Between 2020 and 2025, the country has received more than 17 international awards, nominations and recognitions.
These include the Bronze Award for Exhibition Design at Japan Expo 2025 and the Destination of the Year Award
42,306 visitors.
The January to October period reflects an overall increase of 24 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.
President Ali added that if current trends continue, Guyana is projected to close 2025 with at least a 20 per cent rise in total arrivals.
He said this will represent the highest annual total in the country’s tourism history, and reinforces the view that Guyana’s global moment has arrived and the country continues to gain strength.
Guyana’s aviation network has been expanding with new airlines entering the country’s airspace and new infrastructure being built
President, Dr Irfaan Ali
83 women receive $300,000 each business grant
THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, through a collaboration with the Government of Canada and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), on Wednesday supported 83 women with business grants to help them launch or expand their entrepreneurial pursuits.
These included persons from the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme, survivors of gender-based violence and persons assisted by the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit,
Each woman received a $300,000 grant, totalling approximately $25 million. The distribution was held at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI), East Coast Demerara and was facilitated through the Social Safety Nets and Gender Empowerment Programme, ensuring that women across varied backgrounds and in nine of the 10 regions have the financial support needed to build sustainable and
The
- through Human Services, Canada and IDB partnership
Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, through a collaboration with the Government of Canada and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), on Wednesday supported 83 women with business grants to help them launch or expand their entrepreneurial pursuits
independent livelihoods.
Delivering the feature address, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud described the initiative as a transformational milestone, one that builds on months of intensive training under WIIN.
“We have not just trained you through WIIN in a particular skill; we have engaged with you so that you can see how your
skills can lead you to financial independence and stability. You will understand what it means to not only put money into the business, but to constantly reinvest it,” Minister Persaud stated.
She underscored the importance of accountability and sustainability as these women take the next step in their entrepreneurial journeys.
The minister also ap-
plauded the increasing number of women venturing into non-traditional fields such as construction, oil and gas services, logistics, technology, and other emerging sectors.
She said that this initiative introduces 83 additional women into Guyana’s expanding network of female-owned businesses, further strengthening gender equality, economic diversification and wom-
en’s leadership, nationwide.
“Every year, we host the largest women’s expo in Guyana, and what we are doing here is adding you to the more than 300 women who lead and own businesses,” Minister Persaud added.
Meanwhile, Country Representative of IDB in Guyana, Lorena Salazar, encouraged the awardees to continue striving for
success, noting that the grant has the potential to significantly impact not only their lives, but also the well-being of their families.
“With business, you will help to improve the condition of your families, or more so, the entire ecosystem of your family, and this includes better health and education,” Salazar highlighted.
Also addressing the gathering was Tariq Williams, Representative of the High Commissioner of Canada in Guyana, who emphasised that the partnership with the ministry and IDB continues to open pathways for women’s economic empowerment.
“We are extremely honoured to be part of this initiative to economically empower women through the provision of training. But we also recognised that training wasn’t enough and that it was necessary to provide capital in the form of business grants,” Williams said.
This collaborative effort marks another major step in strengthening women’s economic independence across Guyana, ensuring that more women have the tools, skills, and resources to build thriving businesses and secure brighter futures for themselves and their families.
‘Understand what your gov’t is doing’
- Chief Investment Officer urges Region 10 entrepreneurs - encourages stakeholders to position themselves to capitalise on widespread opportunities
Chief Investment Officer of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Agency Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Peter Ramsaroop, presents an award at the Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development’s Annual Business Luncheon
CHIEF Investment Officer of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Agency Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, MP, on Thursday urged the business community in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), to position themselves strategically to benefit from Guyana’s rapid economic transformation.
According to a press release from Go-Invest, he administered this call to action at the Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development’s Annual Business Luncheon, held at Buttercups Restaurant, Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10.
This engagement forms part of the government’s broader commitment, led by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali to ensure that every region benefits from the country’s economic transformation.
In his remarks, Dr Ramsaroop emphasised that Guyana is entering a once-in-a-generation development curve comparable to global growth stories such as Singapore, Dubai, and Qatar, but with the added advantage of Guyana’s vast natural resources.
He said: “This is the last time in the world you will see development at such a pace. We get the chance to see our country move like this… let’s ride that curve together. Where do you fit in?”
He underscored that
major infrastructural projects—roads, bridges, the deep-water port, and new regional linkages—should not be looked at as political trophies, but enablers of business growth, opening opportunities in logistics, warehousing, hospitality, agriculture, and supply-chain services.
Additionally, he pointed out that Region 10 is strategically positioned to benefit from these developments, especially with the movement of goods between Northern Brazil and Guyana.
As cross-border trade expands and container traffic increases, communities such as Linden stand to become critical hubs for storage, trans-shipment, accommodation, and value-added services, but only if businesses prepare now.
Dr Ramsaroop noted too that opportunities such as constructing laydown yards, establishing modern warehouses, and expanding hotel capacity are no longer theoretical; they are imminent needs driven by the scale of development ahead.
“The question is not who built the bridge— the question is, what this new corridor unlocks for your business. Thousands of containers will soon pass through this region, transforming it into a hub of activity. The opportunities are there for those who prepare early,” he said.
Ramsaroop also high -
lighted several emerging prospects tied to national and regional food demand, value-added production and export expansion.
He reminded stakeholders that Guyana is the only country in the world that is fully self-sufficient in seven key food items, and that the Caribbean imports US$6 billion in food annually—a market Guyanese businesses are well-positioned to supply with proper planning.
He noted ongoing government measures to stimulate economic participation, including the establishment of a development bank slated for launch next year, which will provide zero-interest financing to help scale local enterprises.
Dr Ramsaroop also referenced the government's drive to further modernise Guyana's diversified economy, supported by free education; technical skills training; social support systems and unprecedented investments in infrastructure, ensuring that citizens and businesses alike can participate in Guyana’s upward trajectory.
He encouraged the business community to remain engaged, collaborative and proactive, noting: “Don’t be left behind. Understand what your government is doing, study the upcoming budget, and ask yourself where you fit. Guyana is ours— and together we will make this region, and this country, a great place.”
Five Guyanese secure top honours at CXC regional awards
GUYANA continues to cement its position as an academic powerhouse in the Caribbean, with five students earning top distinctions at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Regional Awards held on Thursday night.
Leading the country’s achievements at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) level was Sara Khan of Queen’s College, who captured the Most Outstanding CAPE Candidate Overall title, receiving the prestigious Dennis Irvine Award. Her exceptional performance places her among the brightest scholars in the region for 2025.
At the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC)
level, four Guyanese students also secured major honours:
• Mahesa Boodhoo, Queen’s College – Most Outstanding Candidate Overall
• Dhanesh Tularam, Saraswati Vidya Niketan – Most Outstanding Candidate in Business
• Racquel London, Queen’s College –Most Outstanding Candidate in Humanities
• Samara Munro, Queen’s College – Most Outstanding Candidate in Sciences
All five awardees were granted scholarships to pursue further studies at the University of the West Indies, marking a significant milestone as they prepare to advance their academic careers. (NCN)
‘No room for delay tactics’
- AG Nandlall on magistrate’s ruling on extradition proceedings
ATTORNEY-GEN
-
ERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, has reaffirmed that the Government of Guyana remains firmly guided by clear legal precedent and its international obligations, following Wednesday’s ruling by
Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the ongoing extradition proceedings involving the Mohameds.
Speaking with the News Room after the decision, the attorney general said no “serious lawyer” should be surprised by the magis-
trate’s refusal to revisit arguments already settled by higher courts.
“All of the issues raised before the magistrate have been canvassed and conclusively determined, many times, by the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and other superior tribunals,”
he explained.
According to Minister Nandlall, the doctrine of precedent (a core principle in common law systems where courts must follow legal principles from past decisions) leaves no ambiguity: lower courts are bound to follow settled law.
“The law in this area is quite settled now and straightforward,” he said, adding that Magistrate Latchman’s decision aligned fully with the existing jurisprudence.
The defence has signalled its intention to approach the High Court. While this is their right, the attorney general said such actions reflect an “expressed plan” to prolong the proceedings for years.
“What will be taken to the High Court are the same issues already settled against them. One cannot stop persons from approaching the court, but that does not translate into a stay of the proceedings,” he stated.
Only a specific High Court order could pause the ongoing extradition hearing, and none exists.
He further criticised the sudden introduction of a new claim, that the authority to proceed issued by the Minister of Home Affairs is defective, calling it “a fabrication” designed to stall the process.
“That form is a standard template directly from the Fugitive Offenders Act. There is no requirement to include what they are alleging. Anyone can check the Act to confirm that.”
The formal extradition hearing will begin on January 6 and continue on January 8, 2026. These dates will allow for the tendering of documents received from the United States gov -
ernment, including the diplomatic note that the defence insisted upon.
Minister Nandlall noted that Guyana did not need to provide this additional assurance, as both domestic law and the existing treaty already contain all necessary safeguards. Nevertheless, he said the government complied in good faith.
“Now that they have received what they requested, instead of embracing it, they seek to undermine it,” he said.
The AG further explained that diplomatic notes are a well-established and globally accepted mechanism for formal arrangements between countries, particularly during extradition matters where urgent procedural clarity is needed.
With the magistrate’s ruling confirming that the constitutional challenges are “frivolous and vexatious”, the AG emphasised that the proceedings must now move ahead without disruption.
“What is important is that the magistrate proceeds, as she has said she will, to hear the extradition request in accordance with the law.”
The Government of Guyana, the senior counsel said, remains committed to upholding the rule of law, honouring international commitments, and ensuring that attempts to delay justice do not succeed. (DPI)
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC
GWI addressing iron sediments issue at Chesney, Fyrish, and Kilcoy
THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has assured residents of Chesney, Fyrish, and Kilcoy that it is actively addressing recent concerns about the presence of visible iron sediments in the water supply.
According to GWI, the issue arose following technical challenges at the Chesney Small Water Treatment Plant, where the in-line filtration system re-
quired temporary bypassing to carry out essential repairs.
The company reported that the filtration process has since recommenced, and remedial flushing activities have been completed throughout the distribution network.
GWI said that its engineers continue to monitor water quality rigorously to ensure that it meets the World Health Organization
(WHO) standards.
While improvements are ongoing, residents, GWI said, may still notice occasional changes in the water’s colour or clarity as tests and optimisation of the in-line filters continue.
“The water quality is expected to improve steadily over the coming days,”
GWI stated, emphasising its commitment to providing safe and reliable treated water to every community.
GWI also expressed appreciation for the patience and understanding of residents as it works to ensure sustained service enhancements.
Customers were encouraged to contact GWI’s Regional Office or send a message or video to the company’s WhatsApp Chatbot at 622-5133 to report any continued irregularities or seek further information.
Mara residents benefit from first-time access to electricity
AFTER living without electricity for decades, residents of Mara are finally enjoying the benefits of reliable power, a long-awaited transformation that is already improving daily living, education, business activities, and overall community development.
Ramjagan Singh, a long-time resident of Mara, reflected on the generations of his family who have lived in the community since the village was first named during the 1960s.
He said that his father came to Mara when the scheme initially started, and both his parents have remained there ever since.
Singh noted that for decades the community endured many hardships, but he said there has been significant improvement under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic
(PPP/C) Government. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the administration, stating that residents never expected to see electricity in their lifetime.
“This is something we never think about or expect,” he said, adding that it is the direct result of the efforts of President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, which have now transformed the lives of the people of Mara.
He said: “With electricity, this will open this area to investment so people can come in and do investment because there is current, you want open a workshop anything, we have current and all these things can happen in Mara now.”
Another resident, Paula Chisholm, 57, who has resided in Mara her entire life, said: “I am comfortable living in Mara because things are getting
better in Mara. We had solar so now we have electricity and we can use it. I have a freezer and my things freeze and now I know about taking it out and thaw off and what’s not, so I am so glad for this government and what he has done for us.”
Additionally, residents pointed to the major improvement on the East Bank Berbice road as another significant development for the community. They related that the
upgraded roadway has drastically reduced the time it takes to travel to and from Mara, making transportation faster, safer, and more reliable.
In 2023, some $400 million was also spent to upgrade sections of the East Bank Berbice main access road to allow easier access to residents and farmers.
The improved access has also made it easier not only for residents but farmers as well to
move their produce from the community to New Amsterdam, further contributing to the overall development of the area.
Chisholm added, “water is good, we can’t complain about the water, and thank you so much for the road, the road improvement so much, we can go and come easy.”
Another resident, Devika Bhola, said: “I would like to thank the government for the light because without the light
we used to punish without it, because for the children them, it help them when they are doing homework and everything.”
She continued: “Now them can go school with them clothes iron neat and so it’s a nice thing because I married here and living here for thirty years. My husband live here all he life and since he was a baby he grow up without light and now he get it.”
Paula Chisholm
Ramjagan Singh
Devika Bhola
Employment holds steady in Latin America, the Caribbean
- but informality, inequality persist, ILO report highlights
THE Latin America and the Caribbean region saw a moderate recovery in employment across the region, according to the newly released Labour Overview 2025 for Latin America and the Caribbean from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
At the same time, the report cautions that this progress coexists with persistent informality and inequality, amid ongoing transformations in the world of work that require urgent policy responses.
According to the report, in the first half of 2025 the average labour force participation rate in the region remained close to 63 per cent, while the employment rate reached nearly 60 per cent. The unemployment rate continued to decline, standing at around six per cent — one of the lowest in the past 15 years. These figures suggest that the number of people actively working or looking for work has remained stable compared to the previous year, and that more people managed to enter the labour market.
Informality remains a defining feature of the region's labour landscape. While it declined slightly to 46.7 per cent in the first half of 2025, nearly one in every two employed persons still works under informal conditions.
“The region cannot be content with averages that seem positive. We need active policies that promote decent
work, equality and protection,” said Ana Virginia Moreira Gomes, ILO Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.
“The ILO remains committed to supporting countries on this path, especially in a world of work that is evolving rapidly.”
Persistent gaps affect women and young people in particular. Although women's labour market performance has improved more than men’s in recent years, it still lags behind. The male labour force participation and employment rates are both 22 percentage points higher than those of women. Women's unemployment rate is two percentage points higher than men’s.
Youth (aged 15–24) face an unemployment rate nearly three times higher than that of adults. Informality affects 56 per cent of young workers, compared to 43 per cent of adults.
Behind these statistics are millions of real-life stories. Each percentage point reflects people working, seeking jobs or excluded from the labour market.
Access to decent work impacts not only income, but also health, education, wellbeing, and development opportunities across society. The ILO stresses that recovery must go beyond numbers, with a focus on formalisation and decent work as the cornerstone of a sustainable development that ensures social justice.
The report also highlights wide disparities across countries, as well as by gender, age, and economic sector. Women and youth continue to be the most affected by informality, unemployment and precarious work.
In addition, the report explores how the world of work is changing, with special attention to digital platform work. One finding shows that, among platform workers, higher education levels are associated with higher incomes.
“Employment is transforming. While some indicators are improving, we need to look below the surface. Data reveal significant disparities across countries and population groups. New forms of work demand updated policies and regulatory frameworks,” said Gerson Martínez, labour economist and lead author of the report.
The Labour Overview 2025 of this report comes shortly after the 20th ILO American Regional Meeting, held in October 2025, where regional authorities reaffirmed their commitment — through the Punta Cana Declaration — to decent work, formalization and addressing structural inequalities.
The publication provides data by country, age, sex and economic sector, offering a vital tool for policymakers, employers, workers and journalists focused on the present and future of
employment in Latin America and the Caribbean. (ILO)
NTC condemns Mohamed’s ‘disturbing’ action against Minister Browne
- welcomes govt’s plans for a new state-of-the-art Amerindian
has joined with Indigenous voices and village lead-
ers across Guyana in strongly condemning the disturbing display of intimidation by the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by Azruddin Mohamed, outside the Amerindian Hostel on Princess Street, on Sunday.
According to a statement from the NTC, it was a calculated show of force that targeted the Minister of Amerindian Affairs and Ex-Officio member of the NTC, Sarah Browne.
“Such behaviour towards a sitting minister; particularly one entrusted with the welfare and development of Indigenous peoples, is unacceptable,
side,” the NTC said.
The council added:
“The Amerindian Hostel is a refuge, a place for our people to access healthcare, education, and government support, and what unfolded outside its gates was an unacceptable assault on their dignity as shouting, aggression, and orchestrated hostility turned a place of comfort into a scene of intimidation and disrespect.
“We acknowledge that there are genuine and important issues related to the current Amerindian Hostel that must be addressed as a matter
hostel
state-of-the-art Amerindian Hostel.
The NTC said this announcement was no surprise, as recently during its executive meeting, discussions were held on the condition and challenges of the current Amerindian Hostel and plans for a new hostel among other major interventions in the proposed 2026 budget.
This investment represents a long-awaited step towards ensuring that Indigenous peoples who travel to the capital have access to dignified, safe, and reliable accommodation.
counterproductive, and undermines the respectful dialogue necessary for addressing national issues.
“This reckless behaviour also fuels ethnic hostility and places Amerindians at greater risk, especially as we have already witnessed a surge in racially driven online attacks. As such, we extend full solidarity to Minister Browne whose calm and courageous stance amid provocation showed the maturity that was absent on the other
of priority. The council urges the government to continue treating these concerns with the seriousness they deserve and to advance corrective measures in the shortest possible time.
“As Guyana advances, Amerindian communities continue to rise with it through transformative investments in infrastructure, education, and economic empowerment,” the NTC said.
The NTC, therefore, welcomed the government’s plan for a new
“We anticipate continued consultation and collaboration as this project moves forward,” the NTC said.
The council added: “The NTC remains unwavering in its commitment to work with all partners, government, opposition, civil society, and community leaders for the upliftment and advancement of all Amerindian peoples. Together, through respect and dialogue, we can achieve lasting progress.”
THE National Toshaos Council (NTC)
Professor Randolph ‘Randy’ Persaud appointed Pro Chancellor of UG
The following is the full text of a press release from the UG:
“THE University of Guyana is pleased to announce the elected appointment of Prof. Randolph Persaud as Pro Chancellor to the University of Guyana following the procedures laid out by the statutes and the 12th Council of the University on Monday, December 8, 2025.
The new Pro Chancellor will also perform the duties of Acting Chancellor of the University of Guyana while a new Chancellor is named.
The University wishes to extend its deepest appreciation to Prof. John Edward Greene, the immediate past Chancellor for his stellar and futuristic leadership of the University’s Council from 2019, whose tenure has come to a natural end.
The University also wishes to thank the immediate past Council.
The new Council also extends heartfelt gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Paloma Mohamed-Martin, who has by statute, carried the additional duties of Pro Chancellor since 2020 while a new Pro Chancellor was named, as well as recently acting in the role of Chancellor under statutes governing vacancies of these positions.
The Vice-Chancellor has, on behalf of the University community, welcomed and warmly congratulated Prof. Persaud, who has maintained a close relationship with the University since his return to Guyana upon retirement from international service. As Pro Chancellor, Prof Persaud will work with the Council which oversees the strategic direction of the University, and the Vice-Chancellor and Senior Management Team
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Prof Paloma Mohamed Martin, presenting the instruments of office to Prof. Randy Persaoud
who have executive responsibility for the management and operations of the University.
Prof. Persaud is a well-respected academic and international scholar. He is currently an Adviser in the Office of the President, the Director of the National Defence Institute (NDI), and a Teaching Fellow at the Institute for Human Resiliency, Strategic Security and the Future at the University of Guyana. He holds the B.A (Hons.), M.A., and PhD in Political Science from York University, Toronto, and is Professor Emeritus at the American University, Washington DC.
He was Director of Comparative and Regional Studies at the School of International Service (SIS), American University, Assistant Director for the Centre for International and Security Studies, York University, Vice President and the elected president of the SIS, which is among the largest schools of international affairs in the world.
Professor Persaud has consulted with the U.S. State Department, Carnegie Corporation, the Council on Foreign Relations, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, the United
Nations via the United Nations University, the World Bank on Bio-Diversity excellence at the University of Guyana, and was a Research Fellow at the Institute of Advanced International Theory, University of Sussex. He previously served as an academic editor for Third World Quarterly and currently sits on the editorial board of the journal.
Professor Persaud is a widely published scholar with a significant international footprint. He has spoken at 37 universities including UCLA, Johns Hopkins, LSE, City University of London, University of Toronto, McMaster University, and at universities in Japan, Korea, Italy, Taiwan, Sweden, Holland, and the UAE, among others.
“The University community congratulates the new Pro Chancellor. The University looks forward to working with Prof. Persaud and the new University Council on the continued trajectory of the University of Guyana in achieving the University Blueprint’s national focus on growth in science, technology, human problem-solving and the provision of world class University education fo r the nation.”
THE year-end Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) promoted fourth Annual Futsal Championship gets underway Sunday and will have seven playing nights at the Community Hard Court in Retrieve, Linden.
When the tournament was launched on Wednesday, Public Relations Officer of UDFA Ms. Reycia Nedd said, “it’s a collaboration between the UDFA and Banks DIH. We will be having the draw for the competition tomorrow (Friday) where the fixtures will be drawn.”
The playing dates are already set starting on Sunday with the semi-finals on December 29 and the final
on New Year’s night January 1, at the Retrieve Hard Court. President of the UDFA Wainwright Bethune explained to those gathered for the club briefing that “The year-end tournament is more of a club-based programme as we did, when we had the big field. So, it’s a club format tournament which will involve all the clubs that are affiliated to the UDFA, under the futsal rules.”
Bethune also said “Each club has been encouraged to bring out their players. While we will not be having the big field football, we hope to get the same kind of enthusiasm like when it is big field football. We are asking that the clubs respect the game with good sportsmanship and things of that nature.”
Banks DIH representative Omari Gordon remarked, “Banks DIH always works towards giving back to the Linden community in any
form possible. We are delighted that the UDFA asked us to be a part of this prestigious tournament once again.
For the last three years, Banks DIH and the UDFA have built a strong relationship, and we will work hand in hand to make this year’s tournament a success. Good
luck to the team and we look forward to discipline and successful games.”
Organising Secretary of the UDFA Mr. James Trotman said clubs are invited to the drawing of the fixtures this afternoon at 17.00hrs at the tournament venue. (Joe Chapman)
Carlos Adams
strategic time for the LGC, which continues to expand its reach and strengthen its role as the home of golf in Guyana. Club representatives expressed gratitude for the gesture, noting that the equipment will support training, encourage new participation, and enhance the player experience during tournaments and community engagements. For many newcomers, ac-
cess to quality equipment is a crucial first step towards discovering and embracing the sport. Adams’ contribution reflects the broader spirit of Christmas, a season defined by generosity, community, and uplifting others. His gesture not only enhances the club’s offerings but also reinforces the importance of athletes giving back to the institutions that helped shape their journeys.
The Lusignan Golf Club extended heartfelt thanks to Adams for his commitment to the sport and for continuing to champion its growth both locally and abroad. As the club prepares for a new year of tournaments, outreach, and development, gifts like these serve as timely reminders that one act of generosity can have a lasting impact on an entire sporting community.
Seated from left are UDFA’s General Secretary Kellon Josiah, PRO Reycia Nedd, President Wainwright Bethune and Banks DIH representative Omari Gordon with some club representatives standing behind
Fifties from Conway, Hay extend New Zealand’s advantage
(ESPNCRICINFO) - Despite a bright bowling performance from the West Indies seamers, half-centuries from New Zealand’s Devon Conway and Mitchell Hay extended the hosts’ advantage after an absorbing second day of the Wellington Test. New Zealand secured a 73-run first-innings lead before a double-wicket burst from their quicks left West Indies still 41 behind with eight wickets in hand.
West Indies produced bursts of quality with the ball to keep pegging New Zealand back, and several home batters contributed to their own dismissals with loose shots. But the visitors also offered enough scoring opportunities for Conway and Hay to make valuable inroads.
Conway’s 60 - his first 50 against West Indies and 13th overall - anchored one end, while debutant Hay struck an enterprising 61 from No. 6. Their efforts allowed New Zealand to declare at 278 for 9, with the injured Blair Tickner not batting.
With the relatively new ball, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields and
Anderson Phillip consistently challenged the batters as the ball swung both ways and occasionally jagged off the surface. Conway, however, punished the loose deliveries, hitting eight fours - mostly cuts and flicks - to keep New Zealand moving. From the non-striker’s end, he saw Tom Latham (11) lose his off stump to a nip-backer from Roach from around the wicket, before watching Kane Williamson (37) have his off stump pegged back by an Anderson Phillip delivery that squared him up. After lunch, Rachin Ravindra - who made 176 in Christchurch - was caught behind off Roach while chasing a wide one. Conway himself was then caught down the leg side off a poor Justin Greaves delivery, thanks to a superb diving take from Tevin Imlach. At that stage, New Zealand seemed to be wobbling at 117 for 4.
A fifth-wicket stand of 73 between Daryl Mitchell (25) and Hay - the latter playing in place of the injured Tom Blundell - brought New Zealand closer to West Indies’ first-innings score of 205.
Mitchell was conservative, while Hay leaned on his white-ball instincts to score his runs, producing strong cuts through the off side and, when tested with short balls, pulling confidently over the leg side.
Mitchell, like Conway, was eventually strangled down the leg side off Phillip. Hay later fell to the short-ball tactic: after striking backto-back fours behind square leg, he miscued a pull off Shields straight to Roach at deep-backward square and walked back bitterly disap-
pointed. At 213 for 6, New Zealand then leaned on Glenn Phillips (18) and the lower order to extend their lead.
West Indies continued to pepper Phillips with short balls in a cat-and-mouse exchange that brought body blows and top-edges over the keeper. Seeking a change, captain Roston Chase turned to spin for the first time in the innings, and needed only four deliveries to tempt Phillips into a slog that failed to clear deep midwicket.
Zak Foulkes then batted 43 balls and frustrated West
Indies with deflections off the seamers’ through the gully region on his way to an unbeaten 23.
Jacob Duffy added further runs with boundaries to long-off and long-on, and No. 10 Michael Rae joined a rare group of batters to begin their Test careers with five runs off an overthrow boundary. Rae reached 13 before the expensive Seales finally claimed his first wicket of the match, knocking back the debutant’s leg stump.
New Zealand’s batting may have been patchy, but
their bowlers restored control with a sharp 10-over burst late in the day. John Campbell fell in the seventh over, beaten by a Rae delivery that zipped in to hit off stump. Next over, nightwatcher Phillip initially survived a DRS review for caught behind off Duffy, but a second look confirmed he was lbw instead. Brandon King (15*) and Kavem Hodge (3*) saw out the final few minutes, but West Indies still face a steep challenge when play resumes on Friday.
Quinton de Kock’s 90 powers SA to massive win
(ESPNCRICINFO) - If India defied losing the toss and getting the worst of the conditions, theoretically, in Cuttack, South Africa did the same in New Chandigarh to come roaring back into the T20I series, which is now locked 1-1 with three matches to go.
Guyanese youths off to CAC youth chess festival
Women’s Champion for 2025. Aditi has earned national and regional recognition for her strategic maturity, composure, and strong performances against elite competition.
“Pegasus is deeply committed to the growth and development of young Guyanese talent.
Kyle and Aditi have demonstrated exceptional discipline, integrity, and competitive excellence. We are honoured to support their journeys as they continue to represent Guyana at the highest levels,” said Brandon Badal, Director of Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre.
“PYDP will play a key role in creating more opportunities for youth across multiple fields, and this sponsorship is the first step in
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that mission. This initiative also provides a streamlined approach for domestic and international companies to exercise their CSR, and we encourage any organisation that wishes to get involved to contact us.”
The GCF is pleased to have the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre on board as a sponsor for the two young chess talents and hopes that more companies can recognise the need for sponsorship of other rising talents within the chess federation.
The Guyana team will be accompanied by a few parents, with Mrs Tanya Clement as Head of Delegation. The GCF wishes the team a safe and successful trip as they continue to grow and develop in their chess career.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav noted at the toss that the outfield was already dewy when the players were going through their prematch warm-ups.
It was a no-brainer to chase. But Quinton de Kock put India under pressure with a 46-ball 90 studded with seven sixes, and Donovan Ferreira finished brilliantly with an unbeaten 16-ball 30, taking South Africa to an imposing total of 213 for 4.
Imposing, but not dewproof; certainly not given how India’s bowlers had struggled with the conditions and bowled 15 wides -- including seven in one Arshdeep Singh over -- and 13 full-tosses.
But the dew never got a chance to test South Africa, as their new-ball bowlers made the best possible use of early movement to take three wickets in the first four overs.
These included the Testmatch-style dismissals of both India openers. It was all steeply uphill
Quinton de Kock’s 90 from 46 deliveries helped South Africa to a 200-plus total • BCCI
from 32 for 3, and India never really challenged the visitors, with Tilak Varma’s 34-ball 62 standing out for its fluency and enterprise on a difficult night for his team.
South Africa bowled India out with five balls still remaining, with Ottneil Baartman hastening their end with three wickets in the 19th over.
De Kock keeps clearing the ropes
This pitch wasn’t a complete featherbed, with the ball occasionally stopping on
the batters and making them mistime shots. Two members of South Africa’s top three, Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram, scored 37 off 36 balls between them.
The other member, however, was in an entirely different mood, taking full toll of anything remotely too short, too full, or especially too straight. De Kock kept clearing the ropes whenever he had half a chance, particularly with his pulls and pickup shots square and behind square on the leg side.
This put India’s bowl -
ers under tremendous pressure. They couldn’t attack de Kock’s stumps, because that ran the risk of being whisked over the leg side, and they couldn’t afford to give him width either.
This pressure led India to attempt yorkers and wide yorkers frequently, and the pressure combined with the dew to produce errors in the form of wides and full-tosses. Arshdeep suffered the most from this, sending down seven wides in the 11th over -- all to de Kockand nine in all.
Petra unveils new KFC sponsored Pavilion at MoE ground
AS the youth football population gears up for this year’s staging of the KFC Goodwill International Football Series, the Petra Organisation and the tournament’s title sponsor KFC Guyana delivered on its promise to raise the level of the tournament.
The two entities unveiled a spanking new pavilion yesterday with more than 400 bucket seats for patrons set to enjoy the tournament and the other grass root tournaments hosted year-round by the organisers.
Petra Director Troy Mendonca said much hard work went into the completion of the stands as he shared the origin story of the organisation.
“Thirteen years ago, we came to this facility, we were president and secretary of the Georgetown Football Association. Fast forward and then we started the Courts Pee Wee Football Tournament as GFA and when we left, Molly Hassan the then marketing manager said she wanted us to continue this tournament and that was the birth of the Petra Organisation.
We started the tournament at Thirst Park and then we started looking around and we ended up here,” he said.
He said the support of the Unit of Allied Arts assisted with the use of the Ministry of Education’s (MoE) ground and this was key to them being able to use and later
adopt the facility for the hosting of all their competitions.
The Petra Organisation has over the years gained financial support for the installation of lights, upgrading of the field and drainage of the facility in partnership with the MoE.
KFC Guyana CEO Paul Subryan commended the grass root football organisers for their work, saying, “At KFC we have a culture of recognition, when we experience great performances from anybody at KFC we take the time to recognise that and I want to take a moment to recognise before I say anything else to recognise Dr Cole for their efforts, he and his team for achieving their goal.”
- Seating for close to 500 persons
He added, “This was a very important milestone for us as a company we have only been in existence in Guyana for nine years. This facility has been around for about 30 years and the Petra Organisation for 13 years and a young company such as ours, we are able to do fantastic things like this.
This is a demonstration of our commitment to the development of infrastructure for sports; we are very committed and grateful for the support we continue to get across this country and KFC as a brand is embedded in Guyana and in whatever way we can support our communities we want to do that and it also depends on our budget but with Guyana’s continued sup-
port for KFC I think we can make it happen.”
Deputy Chief Education Officer, Marti De Souza who represented the Education Minister Sonia Parag, expressed thanks to KFC Guyana for their investment in the stands.
He said, “This is what corporate social responsibility looks like, it is not all about talking, it is not all about eating, it is about giving back, giving back to our people, giving back more importantly to our young people and what you have done in collaboration with Petra, we at the Ministry of Education recognise it yearly and as such we commend you.’
Trans Guyana Airways backs KFC Goodwill International Tournament
- tournament kicks off Sunday
TRANS Guyana Airways on Thursday became the latest corporate entity to get on board with the sixth annual KFC Goodwill International football series set to kick off this weekend at the Ministry of Education Ground.
Director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, said that the airline has for years offered invaluable support to the tournament with transporting of teams.
“The Petra Organisation is once again pleased to accept support from Trans Guyana Airways. Ever since we started, we started bringing out teams from Region Seven [and] Region Nine; specifically, they were in support of assistance with the team from Region Seven. This year we are bringing a team from Brazil, they are extending some support to us and we are very grateful and thankful for that.”
Trans Guyana Airways Com-
mercial Operations officer Pooja Jagroo said, “Trans Guyana Airways is very happy to be part of the sixth annual KFC goodwill international football championship.”
The tournament kicks off on Sunday with four clashes, starting at 12:00hrs 30. Defending champions Chase Academy tackle Anglican Central Educational Authority (ACEA) from Bahamas High, after which Jamaica’s Kingston College plays West Ruimveldt; the Jose Viera school from Brazil plays Nikerie Select from Suriname, followed by Trinidad’s St Benedict lining up against Annai.
The series also has the backing of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport,the Royal International Hotel, GBTI and New GPC.
The 2025 KFC Goodwill U-18 International Schools Football Tournament will take place from December 14–21.
Petra Director Troy Mendonca collects the sponsorship cheque from Trans Guyana Airways Commercial Operations Officer Pooja Jagroo. They are flanked by Petra Rep Troy Peters and Trans Guyana Airways Senior officials
Guyanese youths off to CAC youth chess festival -
NINE young chess players will be heading off to Puerto Rico to compete in the 20th Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Youth Chess Festival in the city of Dorado. The competition, a collaboration between the Puerto Rican Chess Federation (FAPR) and the Confederation of Chess for the Americas (CCA), is scheduled to take place from December 14th to December 21st, 2025.
This event, now in its twentieth edition, is a celebration of the young talent within the region and provides a valuable opportu-
Pegasus Suites & Corporate Centre sponsors two athletes
nity to continue strengthening the bonds that unite the chess community. All member federations within the Caribbean and Central America are invited to participate in the U-8, U-12, U-14, U-16, and U-18 Absolute and Girls categories.
Guyana will be represented by the talented youths of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) in the various categories.
National Junior Chess Champion: Kyle Couchman in the U-18 Absolute Category, Ciel Clement in the
Carlos Adams donates three complete golf club sets to LGC
THE festive season of goodwill has brought an especially meaningful gift to the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC), as celebrated Guyanese sportsman Carlos Adams has donated three full sets of golf clubs, each complete with putters, bags, and gloves, to support the club’s continued development and accessibility.
Adams, a multi-discipline athlete with a long and distinguished sporting career, said his contribution is rooted in gratitude and a desire to give back. “As a sportsman, someone who has been involved in sports for many years, I’ve always tried
to make contributions. One such area was the sport of tennis, in which I represented Guyana. This time, I decided to contribute to golf, a sport I truly love,” he noted. “It is always meaningful to do something for your club and for the people who can benefit from it. These clubs can be rented by players, which in turn generates revenue for the LGC. They will also be helpful for visitors and first-time players who may not have their own equipment. That is why I felt I should give back to the club.”
Adams’ love for sport is matched only by his competitive success. He is widely
regarded as one of Guyana’s most versatile athletes, holding championship titles across several disciplines. In 2014, he dominated lawn tennis, capturing both the singles and doubles titles in the Over-35 and Over-45 categories.
That same year, he made his mark in golf by winning a major local title, the Macorp Open. More recently, Adams recorded strong international performances, securing 4th place in the Senior Category at the 2024 Suriname Open and improving to 3rd place in 2025.
His donation arrives at a TURN TO PAGE 20
U-18 Girls, National U-16 Champion: CM Sachin Pitamber in the U-16 Absolute, National Women’s Champion: WCM Aditi Joshi - U16 Girls, National U-14 Girls’ Champion Emma JohnU-14 Girls, National U-14 Open Champion Nicholas Zhang- U-14 Absolute, National U-12 Open Champion Abel Fernandez -U-12 Absolute, National U-12 Girls Champion Kataleya Sam- U-12 Girls, and Vir Narine will play in the U-10 Absolute Category.
In addition, two of these
players have been sponsored by the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, through the Pegasus Chess Club and its new Pegasus Youth Development Programme (PYDP).
Kyle Couchman and Aditi Joshi are now ambassadors of the Pegasus Chess Club and part of the upcoming PYDP initiative which will formally launch in 2026.
The two youths have officially signed sponsorship agreements with Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre
and will be provided support for travel and competition readiness. Couchman, age 16, is one of Guyana’s strongest rising competitors and is the 2025 National Junior Chess Champion. He holds a career-high ELO rating of 2004, placing him among the top youth players in the country, while Joshi is Guyana’s top female chess performer and holds the distinguished title of Woman Candidate Master (WCM) and National TURN TO PAGE 21
Carlos Adams (in picture) has donated three full sets of golf clubs, each complete with putters, bags, and gloves
Brandon Badal Director of Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre with Aditi Joshi (L) and Kyle Couchman (R)
(LtoR) Kyle Couchman and Sachin Pitamber
(L to R) Ciel Clement, Katelya Sam, Aditi Joshi, Vir Narine
Petra unveils new KFC sponsored Pavilion at MoE ground
- Seating for close to 500 persons
(left to right) Petra Director Dr Marlon Cole, Petra Director Troy Mendonca, Adira Cole, Head of Marian Academy Sister Marie Harper, KFC Restaurant CEO Paul Subryan and Deputy Chief Education Officer, Marti De Souza
Mitchell Hay played aggressively•Dec 11, 2025•Getty Images
