- President Ali tells Berbicians; assures residents of more jobs, progressive projects under the
points to
Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo addressing some 1,000 people of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) in Region Two (Office of the Vice-President photo)
- John Fernandes and Muneshwers join forces to build
President Dr. Irfaan Ali engaged hundreds of residents of New Amsterdam on Saturday (Office of the President photo)
Jagdeo
- President Ali tells Berbicians; assures residents of more jobs, progressive projects under the PPP/C - points to achievements that extend beyond initial commitments
By Trina Williams
DESPITE persistent rainfall, Guyanese from diverse backgrounds turned out in strong numbers on Saturday to attend a community meeting in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), where President Dr. Irfaan Ali called on citizens to take charge of their future by voting to preserve the nation’s forward momentum.
Joined by several Cabinet members, President Ali addressed the enthusiastic crowd, urging voters to support the path of continued prosperity. He emphasised that while critics continue to voice dissent in an effort to discredit the government’s transformational agenda, the overwhelming public response speaks volumes about the tangible progress being felt across the country.
“Berbice, once neglected under the previous administration, is now experiencing a remarkable turnaround,” President Ali said, noting its evolution into a growing economic
was clear: the gains of today are real, and the future depends on safeguarding them through informed, responsible civic action. One’s democratic right to vote cannot be taken lightly as President Ali urged citizens to recognise the power of their choice.
He has called on Guyanese to demand trust, honour, and dignity from their political leaders—qualities he said should be the foundation of any party seeking public office. He urged citizens to judge political parties and candidates based on their track records rather than being influenced by lofty rhetoric or unfulfilled promises.
said: “All the applause must be translated into our consciousness, must be translated in our ability to tell the story and to educate others, because this is serious business, your future and the future of this country and your region is serious
hub. He cautioned citizens against risking this progress by making uncertain political choices and reaffirmed the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) longstanding commitment to serving the people— both in government and opposition.
The President’s message
Reflecting on the tenure of the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration, President Ali pointed to what he described as a betrayal of public trust. He reminded the crowd of the coalition’s early promises that once ignited hope among the electorate, only to be followed by actions that fell far short of their commitments once in power.
“Look at the past four years and look at what we have done. We have achieved everything and have exceeded all our promises and commitment,” Dr. Ali said.
As citizens continued to reflect on the country’s transformational journey, the President
that we must still overcome. We are aware that there are weaknesses that still must be strengthened, but we are also acutely aware that we have delivered above and beyond our commitment in the manifesto.”
President highlighted ongoing efforts to expand opportunities across every level of society, particularly through the enhancement of the nation’s human resource capacity.
“These investments are geared towards unlocking new
business. This is not things that we must gamble with.”
While the government has attained tremendous successes, the President acknowledged that there is room for more to be done.
“We are aware that there are challenges that we must still overcome. We are aware that there are difficulties
Guyana’s rapid development is not occurring in a vacuum, President Ali affirmed, emphasising that the government is working diligently to ensure that all citizens benefit from the country’s progress.
Speaking on the government’s inclusive approach, the
opportunities, creating new areas of wealth, creating new areas of jobs,” Dr. Ali stated.
While Guyana faced tremendous job losses under the previous administration, the current government took matters into their own hands and crafted policies to guarantee employment for all.
“This is the government
that promised 50,000 jobs and they (opposition) doubted us. Today, I can say proudly that if you have an engineering degree and you're not working, it's because you don't want to work, because we are ready to employ you. We have said very clearly, anybody with an engineering degree who wants the job, come now. We'll employ you. We can't get any, we advertise we can't get. We're looking for nurses. We’re looking for medical technicians, construction workers.”
‘GOV’T NOT SEASONAL’
The government is rolling up its sleeves and delivering real results, proving action speaks louder than rhetoric as the President told Berbicians that his administration is not seasonal
“We are busy planning the future. We are not like the proud peacock lifting our tails all the time. We are the servants working hard every single day to make your life better and that is what One Guyana represents, service, and being servant leaders to all. It does not represent a political entity. It does not represent a political ideology. It represents a political and national commitment.”
PRESIDENT Irfaan Ali, on Saturday, announced that the Ministry of Housing and Water will work to eliminate the existing backlog of housing applications in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) by the end of this year. The Head of State made the announcement during a community outreach held in New Amsterdam, where the President engaged directly with residents of Berbice.
He assured Berbicians that all individuals who submitted housing applications on or before December 31, 2024, will receive official letters. He emphasised the government’s commitment to accelerating the processing of applications to ensure that individuals are granted access to housing opportunities on time.
To the residents gathered in New Amsterdam, President Ali told them that every single applicant
who applied on or before December 31, 2024, will have an allocation this year “because we want to bring the allocation to zero in Region Six.”
The President highlighted that this initiative forms part of his administration’s broader housing agenda, aimed at improving the standard of living for citizens, reducing the housing deficit, and fostering community development across the country.
This move is expected to bring relief to hundreds of applicants in Region Six who have been waiting for years for housing solutions, and it demonstrates the government’s continued focus on delivering on its promise to expand access to affordable housing for all Guyanese.
Minister within the
Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, related that over 18,000 house lots have been allocated to women across Guyana since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government as -
sumed office. She made this statement during a community engagement with residents of East Canje, Berbice, where she emphasised the administration’s strong commitment to the empowerment of women through homeownership.
According to her, 2,200 house lots have already been allocated to residents of Region Six, while on the 25th and 26th of April, the ministry will be returning to allocate some 1,600 more house lots to those pending applicants.
THE Regional Security System (RSS) from CARICOM arrived in Guyana on Saturday, and is working in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) to probe the fatal shootings of Ronaldo Peters and Keon Fogenay, which have rocked the mining town of Linden.
A press release from Police Headquarters has reported that the investigating teams visited Linden on Saturday. Both young men were shot and killed by police ranks.
“Upon arrival into the region, the team met and engaged with family members of both men, and subsequently revisited the scene where the men were shot. Investigations into the circumstances that led to their deaths are ongoing,” the GPF said.
Peters, 21, was shot and killed by a Police Sergeant around 17:30hrs on April 7 in Linden. Police, acting on information received, went to Shabba’s bar in One Mile, Linden in search of Peters, who they said was wanted for rape.
The incident, which was captured on CCTV, showed when an unarmed Peters ran away from the team of policemen. The cop who pulled the trigger claimed that his gun went off when he tried to subdue Peters.
Meanwhile, Fogenay, was shot and killed by a policeman when protests erupted in the town on Tuesday, April 8. The Police Force is yet to officially state the cir-
cumstances that led to his death.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Vice- President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo have promised an impartial and independent probe into the fatal shootings of the victims. During his meeting with family members at the Watooka Guest House, President Ali offered condolences to the families.
“To the family, you have my love and
prayers. To the community at large, you have my love and prayers, because I believe that all of us want the same thing: A just and peaceful society,” he said.
He further reiterated that the priority is to ensure there is a proper investigation with external support to ensure that the outcome of the investigation and the recommendations are implemented.
IN the intricate world of politics, where commitments are made with passion and rhetoric tends to rule the day, the record of a political party is a vital gauge for voters.
It is not just a record of the past but a reflection of credibility, competence, and commitment. In Guyana, as in most democracies, determining a party's record is key to making informed and wise electoral choices.
A party's record is its tangible achievements and failures. It is quantifiable results—policies implemented, economic growth achieved, and social progress encouraged—upon which it is founded.
The People's Progres -
sive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has consistently referenced its record of fulfilment of promises, from cultivating economic recovery to encouraging democratic values after decades of political instability under previous administrations. On the other hand, rhetoric and hype are shortterm tools usually used in the interest of votes without subsequent follow-through to support action. The People's National Congress-Reform (PNC/R) opposition and its coalition partners have been criticised for not holding on to promises made while in office, as well as practising politics of division, which destroy trust. This is a development
of the dangers of rhetoric supplanting results. Politicians across the world have made unrealistic promises that have yet to be realised. Track records serve numerous purposes, among them being accountability. A track record that has been proved serves to hold parties accountable for their actions.
The PPP/C's record of consistent fulfilment of development objectives— despite past threats such as outside interference and racial discord—proves its dedication to national advancement. An effective party that has delivered on its past commitments can be more reliably entrusted with further mandates. Unrepeated incompetence
or corruption sleaze, meanwhile, tarnish a party's image, such as the AFC's and PNC/R's failure to reinvent themselves in light of allegations of mismanagement.
A positive track record allows citizens to judge the effectiveness of policies. For instance, during the PPP/C’s governance, Guyana transitioned from stagnation to becoming one of the world's fastest-growing economies owing to the prudent management of its oil resources. Citizens who know about a party's history can make evidence-based decisions and not decisions based on persuasion or emotion
Rhetoric is emotional
but superficial in action. Campaign speeches with lofty ideals but no feasible solutions deceive the voters and undermine democracy. Examples throughout history are legion—politicians promising tax cuts or social change, but with no feasible plans have left nations with economic crises or dashed expectations.
Also, reliance on rhetoric encourages polarisation and reduces legislative effectiveness. Evidence has shown that evidence-based rhetoric results in better governance, while intuition-based rhetoric exacerbates divisions. The PNC/R's inability to provide lucid policies or engage constructively with the PPP/C illustrates how
hollow rhetoric produces political stagnation.
As another Guyanese election cycle approaches, citizens will have to hold track records above campaign rhetoric. Voters must subject a party's record of fulfilling promises, ability for open and inclusive governance and responsiveness to critically pressing concerns such as economic inequality and social cohesion to critical examination.
Guyanese citizens must go past general promises and demand responsibility from their leaders—since democracy is at its best when citizens make informed, rather than illusion-based, decisions
Dear Editor, THE Ministry of Natural Resources wishes to address yet another outrageously deceptive publication by the Kaieteur News. In a piece headlined, “Oil spill will hit Guyana’s shores before capping stack arrives to plug leak,” devious reporting is taken to new heights.
The April 6 article references the Hammerhead Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), stating that an oil spill could reach Region One in as little as a day while the capping stack (an equipment used to cap or
plug a well blowout) would take several days to be deployed. Let’s examine the facts. According to the EIA, stochastic models predicted oiling of the Guyana shoreline for the Most Credible and Maximum Worst Case Discharge (WCD) scenarios. For the June to November season, the Most Credible WCD scenario shows that there is a 5 to 10 percent chance of oil reaching the Region 1 shoreline within 5 to 15 days. For the Maximum WCD scenario, during the December to May season, the model predicted there is a 5 to 70 percent chance of oil
reaching the coast of Region One within 1 to 10 days.
Here is the most crucial part of the EIA that Kaieteur News did not publish, “This stochastic modeling does not account for any oil spill response (e.g., aerial, vessel, or subsea dispersant application; offshore containment and recovery; or source control operations), so any preventive measures taken to keep oil from reaching the coast during a response would reduce the potential of shoreline oiling in Guyana below the percentages cited above.” Citizens should bear in
mind that the capping stack is only used when all other well containment methods (such as the preinstalled blowout preventer) fail, and can be deployed to such an incident within 36 hours. Given that this equipment is stored at GYSBI, it can be deployed within a shorter time, depending on the water tide and time of occurrence.
Another critical point of note is that ExxonMobil and its partners have developed a comprehensive Oil Spill Response Plan for Guyana Operations (OSRP) which is further comple -
mented by other embedded controls, mitigation measures and plans that support emergency response preparedness. Within this OSRP are the plans to implement various oil spill response equipment to reduce the potential of shoreline oiling.
The ministry, therefore, refutes the despicable contents of the KNews article, which seeks to misinform the public about the nation’s true capabilities for oil spill or well blowout response.
Guyanese are right to perceive the repeatedly jaundiced discourse by Kaieteur
News regarding oil spills as part of a plot to create fear about an occurrence that is extremely unlikely, given the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate, monitor, and enhance its capacity in this area.
The ministry will nonetheless continue to do its part to not only provide robust oversight, but also ensure that the public is continuously apprised of the facts regarding the nation’s advancements in the oil and gas sector.
Sincerely,
The Ministry of Natural Resources
WORDS alone can’t capture the grief, pain and anguish that parents and relatives experience when the life of a loved one is senselessly snubbed out. I saw a familiar raw emotion last week in the words and demeanour of the relatives of the two men who died during confrontations with police in Linden. I recognised it because I had seen it so many times before.
One of the hardest things I’ve had to do as a journalist with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) was interview parents and relatives of men, some of them just boys, who had been killed during encounters with police. To compound the tragedy, many of them had been coping with mental illness for years and were known to police, meaning their names and addresses were in a police database. Those deaths, mental health experts insist, were preventable.
On almost every occasion of death at the hands of police, leaders of Toronto’s Somali, Jamaican, Bangladeshi, civil liberty associations, human rights groups, and stakeholders in other ethnic communities would stage protests to demand that police adopt de-escalation techniques and save lives.
Having grown up in Toronto, the sight of a traffic cop with sirens blazing was
enough to inspire in me a sense of dread and trepidation.
What have I done? If you’ve been paying attention to news reports, you learn quickly to keep your hands on the steering wheel as a cop approaches your vehicle menacingly. Was I speeding? Is my tail light not working? Maybe the sticker on my licence plate has expired.
The officer demands your licence and insurance. There is no friendly greeting and certainly no indication that you could have a reasonable conversation. All you need to recognise at this point is that the officer has a gun and is trained to use it and that too many young men have wound up dead in situations just like this.
Between 2000 and 2023, over one thousand people have been killed during encounters with police in Canada. In 2022 alone, Toronto police were implicated in 69 deaths in useof-force encounters.
Law enforcement agencies in North America, from the FBI down to municipal agencies, have begun to adopt de-escalation techniques to help officers better manage high-stress situations, calm down confrontations and prevent things from turning violent. The simple fact is that de-escalation saves lives, protects officers and builds trust with vulnerable communities.
Handling volatile situations calmly not only ensures public safety but also fosters stronger community-police relationships and reduces legal risks by minimising costly lawsuits. It’s easier said than done. Officers of the law often operate in highly stressful conditions where violence looms large.
According to the FBI, an average of 51 law enforcement officers are killed in the line of duty each year. Take another 57,000 who are assaulted annually, and you start to get a sense of how staggering this all sounds. But contrast it with the fact that the overall percentage of officers assaulted reflects just 0.09% of all civilian interactions, while police deaths represent 0.000008% of all interactions.
Two decades ago, there was hardly any actual de-escalation training in police academies, especially in Canada. It was not a thing. However, in 2022, with the introduction of the Law Enforcement De-escalation Training Act, $34 million was allocated to develop a national de-escalation curriculum and an additional $90 million was directed toward police departments to train local police. Most of this training was aimed at de-escalating situations that involve civilians suffering from mental health crises or drug abuse.
According to a CBC inves-
tigation, an estimated 460 Canadians suffering from mental health crises or drug abuse were killed during encounters with police between 2000 and 2018.
In the six years between 2015 and 2021, 1 in 5 or 1,400 people fatally shot by police in the United States suffered from mental illnesses, according to a Washington Post database.
The police departments that adopted de-escalation techniques saw upwards of a 40% decrease in serious useof-force incidents during the same period. The Las Vegas Police Department reported zero incidents involving deadly force against unarmed civilians after implementing a de-escalation programme.
The Dallas Police Department experienced a 64% drop in excessive force complaints.
What if the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were to adopt de-escalation techniques for all officers in its 12 divisions? For starters, Keon Fogenay might still be alive. There would be less reason for the residents of Linden to stage protests, burn tires and pelt rocks at police officers.
Not only would it lead to a reduction in civilian deaths and injuries, but it would also help build community trust and promote public safety. Studies have shown that when police departments adopt
de-escalation techniques, they save a truckload of money by skirting the financial consequences that arise as a result of unjustified use-of-force incidents.
In the case of Guyana, there would have been no need to invest costly resources to activate an independent investigation led by the Regional Security System (RSS), a process that will stitch up valuable GPF resources. None of this
would have been necessary, and public safety will remain GPF’s number one priority, while the trust level between police and the public will see a marked improvement.
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.
WHO told Terrence Campbell he knows anything at all about politics? He doesn’t, and in fact, his ignorance is oceanic. Is this the man that Nigel Hughes recommended to be the consensus candidate? When the PPP hears what Campbell said in reaction to David Hinds’ horrible, semi-civilised comments about African-Guyanese who gravitate to the PPP, then the PPP leadership will be more convinced that it will win in 2025. And indeed, with people like Terrence Campbell around, the PPP is assured of victory.
Here is what Campbell had to say about Hinds’ most sickening insult. Campbell intoned that he can understand where Hinds is coming from because Hinds was reacting to the government’s diabolical use of resources to win over ethnic communities. I have studied politics all my life. I am in my early 70s, and please forgive me for bragging when I write that I am educated and have been around Guyanese politics for over 55 years, yet I have
never encountered such ignorance of politics.
Campbell uses the word “diabolical” several times. What is meant by a “government’s diabolical use of resources to win over ethnic communities?” Let’s get one thing clear before we further expose the bottomless ignorance of Campbell. David Hinds did not refer to what Campbell was saying. Hinds used simple and unambiguous grammar.
He believes that the African Guyanese must support African organisations and that Africans who go over to the PPP are betrayers and sycophants. I will refrain from mentioning the scatological vocabulary he employed to describe such Africans, though it was yard-fowl cussdown semantics.
It was Dr. Clive Thomas, not Hinds (although Hinds would endorse what Thomas uttered) who, in reference to African Guyanese receiving resources from the government, opined that they are in danger of losing the value of their vote, and when that value is gone, it cannot be
regained. For my analysis of this ignorance of Thomas, see my two columns - Wednesday, February 12, 2025, captioned, “This is how close Clive Thomas’s politics is to David Hinds’” and Thursday, February 27, 2025, headlined, “Thomas, Kwayana and Hinds: Any difference?”
So, what is the “diabolical use of resources to win over ethnic communities?”
Whatever Campbell has in mind, he didn’t elaborate, and he cannot because if and when he does, his ignorance will show up all over Guyana. This columnist will now descend to the level of arrogance and teach Campbell some elementary notes on politics.
Society is essentially class-divided. Social classes confront each other over the relations of production. Class confrontation is dialectically inevitable because the dispossessed classes, particularly the proletariat and peasantry, and the middle class want state power to redirect the use of resources to elevate their position in the economy. In electoral contests, these class-
es have political parties that try to capture state resources for the empowerment of these classes.
A good description of how parties compete with each other based on class position is Tyrone Ferguson’s magnum opus, “To Survive Sensibly or Court Heroic Death: Management of Guyana’s Political Economy, 1965- 1985.” Ferguson argued that the coalition of the United Force and PNC was destined to implode because the United Force was shamelessly anti-working class and pro-capitalist. When working class parties come to power, they redistribute state resources to assist the less endowed social classes while ensuring that the petty-bourgeoisie and the capitalist classes are allowed latitude to continue. This was the nature of the Cheddi
Jagan government when the civic component was born in 1992. The Jagan presidency was a delicate co-existence between social classes.
When a country is a plural society in which ethnic communities overtake class rivalry, then resources are competed for by ethnic groups with class instincts fading in the background. Forbes Burnham wanted to dissolve the plural nature of Guyana and made serious efforts, which were defeated by his own lust for power.
A plural society does not have to be riveted with pessimistic zero-sum fights. Plural societies suffer from the same fate of class-driven countries – the fight for resources that are limited. The plural society and the class-divided society can experience an absence of tension that is likely to fade over time if the society overcomes the limitation of resources.
This is what happened in Norway with oil and in parts of Scandinavia. It could have happened with Burnham, but he was a megalomaniac. Cheddi Jagan did not live long to do it. Irfaan Ali is currently doing it. Ali is doing what Norway has done. Resources are being made available to classes and ethnic communities that are entitled to them. This is going to be the great legacy of Ali. To call such reaching out by President Ali to other ethnic communities as “diabolical use of resource” reveals an ignorant mind.
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.
POLITICAL opportunism, convenience and adventurism - the incident which led to the shooting deaths at Linden that involved two young males, is most unfortunate and wrong on so many levels. President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who visited the grieving families, has stated that an independent investigation will be conducted with the assistance of the Regional Security System (RSS), members of which were scheduled to arrive on Friday afternoon.
President Ali stated that “action” would be taken following the investigation. He appealed then to the protesting Lindeners to be calm and let peace reign while they waited for the probe’s outcome. He listened to the other requests made by the families, which called for reform of the police force operations in the region, for the state to cover the full burial expenses and for other assistance for the families as they navigated this difficult period.
Plenty of politicians flocked to Linden, though not all out of genuine concern. APNU+AFC MPs Sherod Duncan and Amanza Walton-Desir showed up, as did PNC Regional Chairman Deron Adams, PNC Mayor Sharma Solomon, AFC Leader Nigel Hughes and Simona Broomes, founder of the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP)—alongside the usual parade of opposition regulars. Not to be left out, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton—despite being out of the country—made sure his voice echoed loud
enough to stay relevant. While a select few put on their best faces for the cameras, calling for calm and peaceful protest as the world looked on, others were busy fanning the flames—roiling up the crowd and directly contributing to the violence and destruction of public property that followed.
There were others, mostly the PNC high-ranking officials and foot soldiers, fanning the flames of racial hate, ethnic insecurity, and division. They wanted a rebellion against the PPP government and the Guyana Police Force. They wanted, it would appear, a full-scale confrontation with the other lawmen who were only trying to maintain law and order, but kept being assaulted with bottles, missiles and other debris. Firstly, those deaths could have been avoided point blank. The circumstances which led to the young men’s deaths must be fully and independently investigated. There should be a Terms of Reference agreed upon by the families and the government. There is the local Office of Professional Responsibility that probes these instances of police excesses or breaches, and they must be allowed to do their work along with the wider GPF. The RSS, an agency attached to CARICOM, must provide oversight every step of the way in this matter. No stone must be left unturned in arriving at the truth and facts of the case. Lindeners deserve the truth and the nation deserves answers. There must be frankness, openness, and transparency in
this investigation from the time it commences to its conclusion. There must be no cover-up by the police or government. The people will be looking and watching every detail before forming an opinion if they are not already suspicious of trusting the process. Lindeners, residents of Region 10 generally and all Guyanese are justified in their collective stance that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
Secondly, the president handled the situation with caution and care. He did not condemn anyone without a fair trial but instead said they must let the investigation run its full course. President Ali's deportment was one filled with empathy and sympathy for the grieving families. Not one time did he point a finger or go swaying into politics, but he appeared more concerned about consoling the families and residents who were there from Linden.
He showed great responsibility and committed his government to looking at the interests of the families who were understandably very emotional and outraged at the shootings, which took place before and amid the protest action. The president demonstrated, by how he handled the entire ordeal, that he was President of all of Guyana, inclusive of Linden, which was considered the PNC or APNU stronghold or enemy territory.
Thirdly, the political opposition was careless in handling the frustration and outrage expressed by Lindeners. Many
were too reactive and excited about what had taken place in the mining town. They were overjoyed that the people of Linden were protesting the alleged treatment by the police. They did not want peace and calm to prevail. And that is why the regional and mayoral representatives and politicians inserted themselves into the ordeal. Sharma, Adams and their emissaries wanted to, allegedly, advise the families and Lindeners to continue the protest.
The trio continued to hurl verbal attacks at the PPP/C government and the police for the protest. The public was disappointed to hear the general statements attributed to Norton and Hughes. They were riddled with political lies and mistruths. There should have been strong messages about the deaths of the young men and even calls for an investigation, but they veered off into attacking the PPP/C government and seeking to ostracise the police force by bringing the trumped-up claim of extrajudicial killings shamefully to the fore.
These men are without decency and integrity. They are unpresidential lackeys who ventured into political opportunism. They fed on the grief, pain and unfortunate circumstances of Lindeners and, by extension, Guyanese, to exact a certain political outcome. They do not care about the people or their pain or even the safety and well-being of the police, for that matter. Norton, Hughes and the handful of opposition politicians were there to exacerbate
the protests and take aim at the PPP/C government.
Let's be clear and reasonable: The PPP nor the government played no role in the saga.
The regional and governance systems failed the people of Linden, including the Mayor and the Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council. Now, it is all good for the government to step in, but the entire Region 10 must demand answers from their leaders.
What did Sharma, Adams, and the opposition politicians do as Mayor, MPs, and local representatives to stop the understandably upset protestors from storming the bridge? Did they spread outright lies, misinformation and racism as part of the whisper campaign in Linden to try and cause unrest there?
What was the conversation the mayor had with the Commander of the Region 10 police in relation to the de-escalation of the unlawful protest? Who tried to convince the families to shun the president during the planned visit?
Why did Solomon seemingly refuse to shake the president’s hand and show the most
basic form of respect? Was this a plan for elections? There are many more chilling questions to be asked.
Finally, the government is advised not to get itself drawn into this game of collateral damage. This is the politics of convenience and opportunism. The government is afforded yet another opportunity to flip the script on the opposition and offer to the people of Region 10 a thorough, professional and credible investigation. It must make good on all its promises and seek to offer the families counselling and all the resources so that we can rebound from this as a town and nation.
Let the chips fall where they may and sit back, as the truth may take a long time to be found, but when found, it is always clear and certain. In the end, justice is not always as quick, but it is sure.
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.
THE third edition of the Local Content Summit, held last Tuesday at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, emerged as a pivotal forum for advancing Guyana's local content agenda. This collaborative effort by MBW Inc., Prestige Management Consultants, and the Government of Guyana brought together key stakeholders, including local businesses, regulators, policymakers, and international investors.
President Irfaan Ali, in his keynote address, noted the allday event’s importance as a space to reflect on how far Guyana had come under the Local Content Act 2021, citing the registration of 1,100 Guyanese companies on the Local Content Register and over US$1.5 billion in contracts awarded to Guyanese companies by the end of 2024. He celebrated the inclusion of women-led enterprises and the emergence of 100 percent Guyanese-owned
service providers in fields like customs brokerage and medical support to the industry.
President Ali acknowledged that while the gains have been substantial, there remained ongoing attempts to bypass the intent of the Local Content Act. He offered reassurance that his government will close loopholes and tighten enforcement measures. The President firmly rejected the notion that local content is protectionist, clarifying instead that the law is there to promote inclusive national development. He also challenged audience to form consortia to pursue viable projects stemming from the day’s dialogue.
The government was well-represented at the summit, with multiple officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources, including Minister Vickram Bharrat, addressing the forum and engaging with attendees. The discussions provided valuable insights on proposed amendments to the
Local Content legislation and efforts to shorten payment times to the benefit of Guyanese firms.
Industry leaders converged during panel discussions to talk about the work they do to keep opportunities open for locals. Major companies, including ExxonMobil Guyana, Baker Hughes, Halliburton and SBM Offshore were represented on the closing panel, titled ‘Industry Perspectives’.
Vahman Jurai of Halliburton said the company has spent a lot of time training its vendors on its invoicing process to improve their understanding. Elchin Rzayev, of SLB, talked about the company’s work to diversify its supplier pool, boosting the share of enterprises that are women-owned, as well as small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs). Martin Cheong, General Manager of SBM Offshore, talked about the meticulous application of regulatory guidelines to the company’s work, including with respect to requests
for information (RFI) that are published, with a view of boosting inclusion. SBM Offshore, the first major contractor to have an approved local content master plan, also hosts events like its Vendor Days and Let’s Talk Local Content seminars, Cheong explained, to sensitise companies. Jon Rhodes of Baker Hughes impressed that it is just part of their culture to set aside opportunities for locals. He said Baker Hughes spends about US$35 million a year in Guyana, with about 10 percent of that going to female-owned businesses. Rhodes stressed that it was a common practice among major contractors in the sector to provide opportunities for locals with or without legislation.
Local Content Supervisor at ExxonMobil Guyana, Natina Singh, explained that ExxonMobil’s examination of Guyana in the early days, which led to the formation of the Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD), focused on the need for development of businesses across a range of sectors, not just those necessary to support oil and gas. “Those are the kinds of things that we want to ensure are integrated into the oil and gas supply chain, but also being prepared for any other industry that may come to the shores of Guyana,” Singh said.
CLBD has done tremendous work, including placing specific focus on SMEs and women-owned businesses with its ElevateAll and Accelerate-
Her programmes. These have resulted, based on Exxon’s reconnaissance, in women-owned businesses seeing increases of millions of dollars in revenue. Government and industry leaders signalled plans to translate the day’s dialogue into needed reforms. The summit underscored growing momentum to improve the Local Content legislation, close loopholes that result in value leakage, and expand opportunities for Guyanese firms as the oil economy grows
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.
By Trina Williams
SOME 1,000 jobs will be created as a result of a port facility in Berbice that will be built by John Fernandes and Muneshwers Ltd, two major port operation companies in
cules’, were designed to serve Panamax class vessels with a working radius of 49 metres and a lifting capacity of 125 tonnes.
At the time, President Ali commended the partnership between John Fernandes and Muneshwers
President Ali pointed to the transformation of Berbice into a major economic hub and even told the large gathering that the government is also working with an international company, Bechtel, on the possible development of
John Fernandes and Muneshwers Ltd, two major port operation companies in Guyana that have joined forces to form the Cranes Guyana Consortium
Guyana that have joined forces to form the Cranes Guyana Consortium.
This was announced by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali during a community meeting on Saturday in New Amsterdam, Region Six. (East Berbice-Corentyne).
The US $285 million facility is set to transform Berbice and the President spoke about the opportunities it will unlock.
The President said that the two major companies are raising the capital for the investment in the first phase of the facility and are hoping to turn the sod in the coming weeks.
“It will create 1,000 jobs,” Dr. Ali told the large gathering. In February, two mobile harbour cranes were commissioned as part of a new joint venture called ‘Cranes Guyana Inc,’ marking a bold and visionary step in the right direction and was hailed as a win for local content.
The cranes, which were named ‘Atlas’ and ‘Her-
and congratulated them on prioritising national interest above self-interest.
He described the partnership as a celebration versus competition.
President Ali had said, “Competition is good, but can you imagine competition with collaboration not to take over the market but to bring ease of doing business, to increase efficiency and that is what will make us a better country, that is what is going to make us a stronger country?”
According to officials from the companies, they approached the InterAmerican Development Bank and financing was sought for the procurement of the two cranes.
Operational trials commenced in November 2024, marking the inaugural servicing, loading, and discharging of gearless vessels at the Guyanese port, resulting in enhanced safety and efficiency.
‘Unlocking the future’
sponsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, noted that the citizens see through the facade of those political figures who make false promises.
He firmly stated that Berbicians vividly remember the neglect they felt by the former coalition administration.
a deepwater port in the region.
Also, an artificial intelligence (AI) data centre will be constructed in Berbice using the electricity provided to the area by the second gas expansion, the President told residents.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, spoke about how the region has become modernised. He traced back the government’s development to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), speaking with the people and then crafting a manifesto that is built on delivering those very promises.
“Region Six has been modernised, hundreds or thousands of roads being built, a number of housing schemes going up, but when you look at the agriculture sector, our country and your region is booming,” he said.
Additionally, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Re -
VICE PRESIDENT and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has announced the establishment of two developmental hubs in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supeenaam).
These hubs, he stated, will create a wide range of employment opportunities and contribute to the
region’s ongoing growth.
Speaking at a Progressive Youth Organization (PYO) activity with some 1,000 people in attendance at Bushlot, Region Two, Dr. Jagdeo explained that one hub will focus on innovation while the other will promote diversification. Both will be supported with key resources to empower the region’s young people
and stimulate economic activity.
He noted that the PPP/C government is committed to expanding access and opportunities for the people of Region Two, highlighting that eliminating financial burdens on families remains a top priority.
He reminded the youths of the restoration of the “Because We Care” cash
grant, which had previously been cut by the former APNU+AFC administration.
Under the PPP/C, the grant has not only been reinstated but also increased, allowing parents to better support their children’s education.
He said that parents are being assisted financially in order to send their children to school.
“We are expanding educational opportunities for young people because the PPP/C has always been about sustainable, forward-thinking planning,”
Dr. Jagdeo said. He further noted that the government is also heavily investing
in world-class healthcare, education, roads, bridges, hospitals, and power infrastructure.
To date, over 30,000 young Guyanese have benefitted from free scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL). The government has also removed tuition fees for students attending the University of Guyana and now covers the cost of CSEC examinations.
Addressing the importance of sports and recreation, Dr. Jagdeo mentioned that last year, $100 million was allocated to upgrade recreational grounds in the region, with similar investments planned for this year.
“Education can take you out of poverty, but you have to make the effort. We are helping parents,” Dr. Jagdeo told the youths. “We want to take away the burden from parents of providing education for their children.”
He confidently stated, “We will win the elections because we have kept all our promises. In this region, we are successful— not by bullying people, but by delivering on our commitments. We are delivering massively in education. Today, parents do not have to worry about funding their children’s education.”
Dr. Jagdeo ended his remarks by urging young people to use their energy and creativity to drive positive change in their communities and in society at large.
Youths used the opportunity to request jobs and for more recreation in their community.
By Bebi Ossman
RESIDENTS of Gangaram
Village in East Canje, Berbice, are set to experience significant improvements in their quality of life as enhanced water connections are scheduled to be implemented in the community, President Irfaan Ali announced on Saturday during a meeting with residents.
This initiative aims to provide households with more reliable, better quality and more consistent access to clean water, addressing a longstanding need in the area.
Further, in another boost to the region, President Ali relayed that farmers in New Forest, East Canje, Berbice,
President Ali said. This project will commence within three weeks.
Speaking at a community meeting in Rose Hall, Canje, on Saturday, President Ali spoke of a new, modern Guyana taking shape—particularly in Region Six. He emphasised that in every community across the country, the PPP/C government can point to concrete initiatives aimed at transforming local areas, creating jobs, and unlocking new opportunities for citizens.
Turning to specific villages in East Canje, Berbice, the Head of State said that he is aware of the water challenges in Gangaram. However, to address this, he said that next week, a project will be started
will receive critical support through a government-led land-clearing initiative. This effort is designed to help farmers expand their cultivation areas and increase agricultural productivity. Farmers are expected to benefit from five acres each of land clearing as, according to the President, a machine will be allocated to the area.
“What we decided to do is that we will deploy a machine to these farmers not only to do the drainage but to help every farmer clear at least five acres of land to go into production,”
to connect the treated water from Canefield to Gangaram, costing around $120 million.
According to President Ali, two days ago he gave a directive to the Ministry of Agriculture to utilise 50,000 acres of land to develop a hydrophonic system in Region Six.
He said, “And we are going to work on enabling 500 families to have access to that land to produce right here in your community.”
Additionally, he said that the government is working on initiatives to support aquacul-
ture. “I have asked the Ministry of Agriculture to do a pilot study to see whether the fish cage can work here.”
He added, “So, we are going to have the Ministry of Agriculture examine the possibilities for these areas and once you are interested and the possibles are there, we are going to work with you and create more opportunities with the fish cages, so we can bring more income into the community.”
According to Ali, with over 80 fisherfolk in the area, “we are now going to work with you to develop in the first instance 100 acres of swamp land for you to be part of the swamp-shrimp project.”
The Head of State pledged that the capital and machinery will be allocated. “These are tens of millions of dollars in investment that we are going to make.”
Turing to streetlights, he said a national programme is being launched with streetlights being placed “on every single pole on every single street on every single highway.”
Noting that there is a delay in shipping, President Ali said there are some 7,000 lights on the ground to commence the project and hundreds are yet to be procured to carry the project to completion.
Region Six will also benefit from cameras to have enhanced security. Meanwhile, the President also urged young people to take an active role in the region’s development. He encouraged those with at least three CXC subjects to enrol in the government’s nursing programme, highlighting that participants will receive stipends during their training and a guaranteed monthly income
of $170,000 upon employment.
“Make use of these opportunities, these are the opportunities around the world people are dying for.”
During a series of community outreaches in Region Six on Saturday, President Ali
reaffirmed his government’s clear and focused vision for the future of Guyana. He assured residents that Berbice and the wider Region Six are integral to the country’s development plans.
“We have a very clear vi-
sion about where Berbice will be, where Region Six will be,” the President said, emphasising the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises.
“You can rely on us,” he added, drawing applause from the gathered crowd.
YOUNG people are leading the charge in Guyana’s digital transformation, and Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, is calling on them to take full advantage of training opportunities in the evolving digital space.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Jagdeo—who also serves as the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive
Party—highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to establish a robust framework to support a modern, digitised financial sector.
Describing Guyana’s financial system as long overdue for modernisation, the Vice President reiterated the administration’s commitment to pulling the sector “out of the stone ages,” with continued investments and policy initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and accessibility.
“With our plan on the digital society, all the things we are doing and we are putting together in this term, a lot of the pieces, the building blocks,” the Vice President said. He also pointed to other projects such as digitising the airport, automating the functions of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the safe country project and the e-ticketing system.
He outlined a vision of a modern and efficient society driven by financial technology (fintech), emphasising that the evolving landscape presents significant opportunities for young people—not only to secure employment but also to offer vital services in the digital economy.
The Vice President noted that the government anticipates a growing demand for skills in tech-driven sectors and encouraged young people to position themselves accordingly.
The banking and financial sector, he said, remains a key area of focus for the administration as it seeks to empower citizens amid the sweeping economic transformation underway across the country. Ensuring access to financing, he added, is central to enabling the establishment and growth of both small and large businesses and to advancing the economic empowerment of households and individuals.
Under the stewardship of the PPP/C Government, Guyana’s financial sector has shown significant improvements in recent years in key performance indicators, reflecting a strengthening economy and robust regulatory oversight.
Jagdeo also pointed out that the government has met and discussed how to mainstream Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Vice President said: “We met with a group that would mainstream, and in fact, our ideas to mainstream AI. But
think about AI now and how many Guyanese can be trained in this, but also provide; they make money from going this route, by using apps in AI; apps to help with a whole range of things.
“Using AI to create individualised tutors, maybe for every child. Every child can then have a personalised tutor that can assess all their weaknesses simply by the tests that they do, some baseline tests and then tailor a programme to address the need of that particular child. It's so exciting. So that is where we're going in the next term.”
The Vice President shifted his attention to the need for the transition into qualitative issues.
“If we have innovation hubs, we don't want these innovation hubs to be run by foreigners necessarily, and we have them all around the country to assist people to move into business development. But there is lots of work to be done still. To get this happening, we have to modernise the mindset of people, including those in the state sector. We have to create frameworks. We have to do a whole range of stuff,” he said.
A MAN previously awaiting retrial for the murder of his elderly aunt has pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted to the lesser charge of manslaughter before the High Court in Demerara.
Keith Harris, 52, appeared before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan and confessed to fatally stabbing his 76-year-old aunt, Audrey Harris-Hayde. The elderly woman’s body was discovered on December 2, 2022, at her residence on Princes Street, Werk-enRust, Georgetown.
At the time of her death, Harris-Hayde lived in a two-storey wooden and concrete house, situated in a fenced yard, with her reputed husband and nephew.
According to reports, Harris resided in the lower flat of the victim's home. On the day of the incident,
Harris-Hayde was in her yard working with a hammer when Harris, armed with a knife, approached and confronted her.
The elderly woman reportedly tried to defend herself by swinging the hammer but missed. Harris then stabbed her in the neck, with the blade allegedly piercing through to the other side. He fled the scene, leaving his aunt bleeding
on the ground. Her body was later discovered by a neighbour. She was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) where she was pronounced dead. Harris was subsequently arrested by police and reportedly confessed to the killing. With his guilty plea to manslaughter now entered, Harris is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2025.
SHOCKING developments in the murder investigation of Ricardo Fagundes, also known as “Paper Shorts”, will soon lead to further questioning by the police, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said.
At the sidelines of the Local Content Summit on Tuesday last, President Ali disclosed that the investigation was being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Fagundes, 42, was riddled with bullets by two men outside of Palm Court around 22:00 hours on March 21, 2021. According to the police, Fagundes was having drinks with a colleague in Palm Court when he received a call on his phone. Shortly after exiting Palm Court, the police said several loud explosions were heard. Fagundes was later found lying in a pool of blood on the road. His body bore several gunshot wounds.
An autopsy later showed that Fagundes was shot about 20 times about his body.
President Ali said, “The FBI is doing the investigation, some aspect is coming back… What I’m advised by the police, there’ll be additional questioning that is required and that is a process.”
"He mentioned that the investigation is being carried out by external, impartial sources, and even recommended that the Police
Commissioner engage independent investigators."
“We brought in the RSS for independence; we sent an important piece of evidence to the FBI,” President Ali said.
Four years have passed, but the pain remains as raw as the day Fagundes took his last breath, and his family continues to beg for answers and has said that all fingers point in one direction.
Just recently, his family stood in the area on Main Street where his life was snuffed out and continued their call for justice. Fagundes’ mother, Carol Fagundes, stood with other family members and called for justice.
“I need justice for my son,” she said while holding a placard with her son’s face on it and the words “Justice for my SON!” plastered on it.
“We will always do it until we get justice,” his mother vowed. His sister, Tessa Fagundes, fought tears as she recalled how her brother’s life was unforgivably stolen.
She is adamant that all fingers are pointing in one direction and has urged the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to make the arrest.
“We see a lot of things happening on Facebook and a lot of fingers are pointing in certain direction and nobody has been arrested as yet, I don’t know what they are waiting for,” she said.
By Feona Morrison
THE fifth installment of the ‘WE LIFT’ (Women Empowering, Leading, Innovating, Flourishing Together) exhibition left an indelible mark on attendees at the National Aquatic Centre in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
The three-day event, organised by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and concluding to-
day, highlights the talents and businesses of more than 300 women entrepreneurs.
For some, the experience was more than an opportunity to display their products — it was a life-changing milestone. Among those whose lives were transformed was 28-year-old Quiniah McPherson, a single mother of one from South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
McPherson, the proud owner of Amara’s Choice—a
catering and agro-processing business named after her two-year-old daughter—said she was overwhelmed by the exposure and support she received so far during the exhibition.
“Sales are very good; that’s why I keep coming back every year. The customers’ response to the products is overwhelming,” she told the Sunday Chronicle, beaming with pride. The business, which began in 2022, is now
in its third year of participation in the event, indicating growth and continuity.
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, McPherson shared: “I started Amara’s Choice when my daughter turned one. I started the business with pepper sauce, green seasoning, and coconut oil. I later began making mango achar and started experimenting with making achar from various fruits such as mango, gooseberry, tamarind, golden apple and pineapple—until I mastered it.”
In addition to her agro-processing ventures, McPherson also offers catering services, preparing a wide range of dishes, including pastries, pizzas, cook-up rice and fried rice.
This enterprising woman also sells fresh bottled fruit juices. She admitted that juggling business responsibilities with motherhood can be challenging at times, but she remains determined to succeed. “Balancing the two is challenging, but I’m determined to grow my business and be successful. I just keep pushing forward,” she said, adding that she is determined to do more for her daughter and herself.
She credited her mother as her biggest supporter,
sharing how her mother allowed her to use her shop during the early stages of her business. Today, McPherson proudly owns a shop in South Ruimveldt. She revealed that her long-term goal is to see her products on supermarket shelves and exported to international markets. As a successful entrepreneur, McPherson knows, firsthand, the challenges that come with running a business. When asked for advice for those just starting their entrepreneurial journey, McPherson emphasised the importance of perseverance.
"I would encourage them to keep pushing forward
and keep doing their best. Success will come, as Rome wasn't built in a day. Enjoy your work, because if you lose the passion, you’ll lose customers and hope," she advised, while tending to her toddler child.
For McPherson, ‘WE LIFT’ 5 was a new chapter, one filled with confidence, opportunity, and the strength of community. She is eagerly anticipating next year’s event. Those interested in connecting with Amara’s Choice can reach out via mobile number +592 637-9094 or find it on Facebook and TikTok at @Amara’s Choice.
By Indrawattie Natram
VICE PRESIDENT
and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has assured rice farmers in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) that the Ministry
was the lengthy wait times at rice mills—some reported waiting days to offload paddy, which is especially difficult when transporting perishable goods.
The millers also reported that their mills do not have much storage capacity. Dr Jagdeo said that
(GRDB) to calculate the amount of paddy left to be harvested and to work closely with farmers to ensure that markets are found.
Nazemul Hakh, a miller and owner of Golden Fleece Rice Investment, shared that his facility can accommodate 300,000
of Agriculture is actively working to address the challenges faced by rice farmers by opening new markets and supporting the transportation of paddy outside of Region Two.
The Ministry of Agriculture will also be working with millers in the region to ensure their paddy can be purchased. Some of the millers cannot continue buying because of cash flow issues, and they claimed the commercial banks are asking for high interest.
Just a few weeks ago, the government transferred $2.7 billion directly to rice farmers to ensure they would receive at least $4,000 per bag when international market prices collapse.
During a meeting with rice farmers at the Anna Regina Secondary School on Saturday, the Vice President highlighted several interventions made by the government to support the rice industry. One major concern raised by farmers
he will soon meet with officials from commercial banks as part of efforts to assist the millers.
He explained that the increased acreage and higher yield this season have resulted in an overflow, making it difficult for mills to keep up. According to the Vice President, while the government cannot decide who buys paddy, it can step in to create systems and provide logistical support. One such intervention includes making a government ferry available to transport paddy from Supenaam to Parika, giving farmers access to external markets beyond Region Two.
“The PPP/C has always stood with rice farmers, even during the toughest times,” Dr. Jagdeo said. “We are now focused on securing additional markets and easing the bottlenecks farmers are experiencing,” he added.
The Vice President instructed the Guyana Rice Development Board
already encouraged more millers to begin purchasing paddy.
tonnes of paddy, but the current issue lies in storage capacity rather than purchasing power. His mill is currently taking in 12,000 bags and is also exporting to help ease the burden on local farmers.
Long lines of tractors continue to be seen at various mills throughout Region Two. Dr. Jagdeo reassured farmers that both the Ministry of Agriculture and GRDB are working around the clock to find solutions and secure new markets.
Millers also called on rice farmers to slow down the cutting so that they can clear up the mills but the farmers said that they have to reap whenever the harvesters are available.
As such, Dr. Jagdeo said that the Ministry of Agriculture will be working to ensure that market is secured for the 75,000 tonnes of paddy.
Farmers expressed their appreciation for the government’s support and Dr. Jagdeo’s timely intervention, which has
FINAL preparations are in full swing for the highly anticipated Or-
igins Guyana Fashion Festival, as Producer and Creative Director
Andrea King reports steady progress in the lead-up to the landmark
event. The festival is set for May 2-4 at the Railway Courtyard in Georgetown.
calling and messaging non-stop, enquiring about how they can attend. I’m
Rehearsals are scheduled to begin on Sunday and the complete cast of models has already been selected. Passes for the three-day fashion showcase will be available in the coming week, allowing fashion lovers to secure access to what promises to be a spectacular event
According to King, the response to the inaugural festival has been overwhelming, with interest pouring in from both local audiences and members of the Guyanese diaspora.
“We have a large diasporic group coming to participate in this event and people have been
very excited about how everything is shaping up,” King said.
One of the standout features of the Origins Fashion Festival is its commitment to diversity. King emphasised that the lineup of models and designers mirrors the vibrant, multicultural fabric of Guyanese society.
“We have a beautiful mix of seasoned professionals and fresh, vibrant faces taking the runway to present the incredible work of our talented designers,” she noted.
The festival will spotlight a wide range of fashion lines from both local creatives and designers from the diaspora, each
bringing their own cultural and artistic flair. Behind the scenes, the team has been working tirelessly to ensure that the event meets international production standards.
“We are pulling out all the stops to deliver a world-class fashion showcase; from lighting and sound to choreography and staging, every detail is being carefully managed. Our schedule is on track, and we’re excited to bring patrons the very best in fashion,” King affirmed.
The Origins Guyana Fashion Festival is being facilitated by the Government of Guyana as one of the initiatives designed to develop the local fashion industry and provide greater exposure for local creatives.
By Feona Morrison
CHANCELLOR of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, has made a strong call for the use of restorative justice and mediation in dealing with minor criminal offences, emphasising that incarceration is not always the answer.
Her remarks came on Saturday at the opening ceremony of the Partnership of the Caribbean and the European Union on Justice (PACE Justice) Regional Programme’s training workshop on Restorative Justice, Criminal Mediation and Children in Conflict with the Law.
The PACE Justice Project is a collaboration between the UNDP and the Ministry of Legal Affairs. The regional initiative, hosted in Cara Lodge in Georgetown, brought together judges, magistrates and prosecutors from Guyana, as well as representatives from the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
“There’s no sense sending everyone to prison for every single minor offence that might have been committed. Some of these [offences] could be dealt with effectively through processes such as restorative justice and criminal mediation, which will assist in restoring them to better persons in society, repairing the harm, as well as having a safer society in the long run,” Chancellor Cummings-Edwards stated.
She emphasised the need for Guyana to transition to a justice system grounded in restoration, rehabilitation, and reconciliation, particularly in cases involving children. In support of this shift, she noted that Guyana was taking the lead in championing restorative justice, as demonstrated by the promulgation of the Restorative Justice Act and the establishment
tice Project, launched in 2023, is a €10 million EU-funded initiative to reform criminal justice in nine Caribbean countries, including Guyana.
According to him, the three-day training aims to expand the use of these methods, particularly for juvenile justice, aligning with Guyana's 2009 Child Protection Act.
“The primary objective is to assist local partners in reducing criminal case backlogs for innovative approaches, including restorative justice and criminal mediation. Restorative justice was incorporated into the pace justice work plan at the request of beneficiaries, particularly the Eastern Caribbean Supreme
corporating criminal mediation as an alternative, we can alleviate pressure on the courts, allowing them to focus on more serious crimes.”
He stated that both criminal mediation and restorative justice play a vital role in creating a child-friendly justice system where young people feel safe, heard and supported throughout legal proceedings.
In closing, van Duynhoven praised the collaborative spirit of the initiative. “Let us work together towards a future where justice is not just an ideal, but a reality for all.”
of a Restorative Justice Centre in Georgetown.
She pointed out that Guyana’s Juvenile Justice Act reflects key principles of restorative justice, as it offers a variety of sentencing options for juveniles found guilty of an offence. These, she added, include compensation for loss, damage, or injury resulting from the offence, restitution of property, and even community service.
Justice Cummings-Edwards highlighted that Guyana is fortunate to have a Children’s Court in nearly every magisterial district, along with judicial officers who are specifically trained to handle cases involving children in conflict with the law.
The head of the judiciary noted that criminal mediation is also viewed as a valuable tool in the justice system. While it is not widely practised on a large scale in Guyana, she explained that magistrates often encounter situations in their daily handling of cases where they must decide whether to proceed with formal court action.
She explained that, in many cases, magistrates have the opportunity to facilitate dialogue be -
tween the accused and the victim—or virtual complainant—in an effort to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. She also highlighted that over 90 percent of criminal cases in Guyana originate in the magistrates’ courts, underscoring the importance of integrating restorative approaches at that level.
The Chancellor noted that traditional punitive systems often fail to address the root causes of crime and, instead, contribute to overburdened prison systems and recidivism.
However, she acknowledged that certain offenders may require a “short shock treatment” approach, including a period of imprisonment, to address the severity of their actions and deter future misconduct.
Justice Cummings-Edwards concluded her address with a call to action for the judiciary and justice stakeholders. “It is important for us, as magistrates and judges, to be familiar with current trends, reforms, and practices across the region,” she stressed.
“So that we can up our game and even be better as we dispense justice in our courts. We play a
critical role in promoting justice—not only within the criminal justice system, but indeed the entire justice system.”
Her sentiments were echoed by other speakers during the ceremony, including Spiro Polycandriotis van Duynhoven, Head of Political Section, EU Delegation to Guyana, for Suriname, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Barts, St Eustatius and Sint Maarten.
He said the PACE Jus-
Court, following discussion during the project's launch in October 2023,” the official explained.
Emphasising the significance of restorative justice, van Duynhoven noted: “One of the most impactful applications of restorative justice is in addressing minor offences. Traditional court systems often expend considerable resources on nonviolent minor cases, which contribute to major delays and inefficiencies. By in-
Nadira Balram, Programme Analyst, Peace and Governance, UNDP Guyana, explained that the PACE Justice Project provides specialised equipment and software to improve efficiency and offers targeted training on criminal mediation, restorative justice, and children in conflict with the law.
She stated that the UNDP’s support also reaches the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), where an e-filing system was recently implemented.
GUYANA Harpy Eagles players Veerasammy Permaul, Kevlon Anderson, and Ronaldo Alimohamed have been found guilty of breaching the Cricket West Indies Code of Conduct in the seventh and final round of the West Indies Championship match against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at Queen’s Park Oval.
Permaul was fined 75 per cent of his match fee for a Level 2 breach of the Cricket West Indies Code of Conduct on day one of the contest. The spinner breached Article 2.1–2.5; Paragraph 3.8 of the CWI Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3. of the Laws of Cricket.”
The charge was laid by on-field umpires Christopher Taylor and Kashif Sandy after the end of the first day. Permaul admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Michael Ragoonath, and as such, there was no need for a formal hearing.
In each instance the ball was changed, with the batting team given the option to choose.
Meanwhile, Alimohamed was fined 65 per cent of his match fee for also a Level 2 breach of the Cricket West
Additionally, Kevlon Anderson was fined 90 per cent of his match fee for a similar offence on the third day, during the second innings of the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force. Anderson accepted the sanction proposed by the match referee, and as such, there was no need for a formal hearing.
Indies Code of Conduct.
The medium pacer breached Article 2.1–2.5; Paragraph 3.6 of the Code of Conduct – “Throw the ball (or any other item of cricket equipment such as a water bottle) at or near player or official in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner.”
Alimohamed initially denied the charge, which carried a fine of 60 per cent,
but following a hearing with match referee Ragoonath at the end of the opening day, was found guilty and subsequently received a 65 per cent fine of his match fee.
All Level 2 breaches carry a minimum penalty of a fine of between 50–100 per cent of the applicable match fee and/or a ban of one match and/or two oneday matches. (Sportsmax)
OTTAWA, Canada, (CMC)
– Cricket Canada says it is “actively monitoring” the case involving its captain Nicholas Kirton, who is facing drug charges in his homeland of Barbados.
And with Canada preparing for the upcoming inaugural North American Cup, it is unclear whether Kirton will be included in the team that will play in the competition that bowls off on April 18 in the Cayman Islands.
The 26-year-old was granted BDS$ 100,000 (One BDS dollar=US$0.50 cents) bail after appearing in court last Thursday on four drug-related charges.
He is charged with importing, trafficking, supplying and possession of almost 20 pounds of cannabis, estimated to be worth around BDS$71,000.
Kirton was held by police after arriving at the Grantley Adams International Airport.
In a statement on its website, Cricket Canada said it
was closely following the developments.
“Cricket Canada has been made aware of the recent allegations and detainment involving national team player Nicholas Kirton. We are actively monitoring the situation and closely following developments as they unfold.
“Cricket Canada is committed to ensuring transparency and will provide updates as more details become available,” the statement read
“We take this matter seriously and remain steadfast in upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability within the sport
Cricket Canada said the team was continuing its preparations for the competition, which also features the home side, Bahamas, Bermuda and the United States.
“While this situation is being addressed, we would like to assure the public that our National Men’s Team is fully focused on their preparations for the upcoming
TO YESTERDAY’S
TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) Who effected most wicketkeeping dismissals in IPL 2023? (2) Who took most catches (non-wicketkeeper)?
America Cup, set to begin on April 18th in the Cayman Islands.
“Cricket Canada remains dedicated to sup
RACING
porting the team as they continue to represent our country with pride and professionalism,” the statement further added.
LUCKNOW Super Giants beat Indian Premier League leaders Gujarat Titans by six wickets with a 34-ball 61 from tournament leading run-scorer Nicholas Pooran.
Chasing a challenging 181, the West Indies batter struck one four and seven sixes to drive his side towards victory.
By the time he was dismissed, caught by Shahrukh Khan off Rashid Khan, Lucknow were 155-3 and Ayush Badoni finished the match in style with a consecutive four and six in the final over.
been put into bat, Sai Sudharsan (56 from 37) and Shubman Gill (60 from 38) got the Titans off to a flying start, striking a 120run opening partnership.
The pair fell in consecutive overs, Gill caught superbly by Aiden Markram at long-on in the 13th and Sudharasan mishitting Ravi Bishnoi’s delivery to Pooran at cover six balls later.
From that point the visitors’ innings slowed, with Washington Sundar bowled for two to become Bishnoi’s second dismissal of the over, and Jos Buttler caught by a
Thakur then removed Sherfane Rutherford and Rahul Tewatia with consecutive deliveries in the final over as the Titans finished on 180-6.
Lucknow lost Rishabh Pant, caught by Sundar off the bowling of Prasidh Krishna, just after the powerplay, but Pooran arrived to put on a 58-run partnership with Aiden Markram.
Markram (58 from 31) became Krishna’s second victim, finding Shubman Gill at long-off, but Pooran
powered on until he was finally dismissed in the 16th over.
Titans enjoyed a parsimonious spell after his departure, taking the match to the final over, but Badoni steeled himself to close out the match with successive boundaries
The result sees the Titans slip from the top of table, with their net run-rate falling below that of Delhi Capitals, while Lucknow move up three places to third, level on points with the two sides above them. (BBC Sport)
NIKOLA Jokic ensured he will become only the third player in NBA history to finish the season with a triple-double average as he starred in the Denver Nuggets’ win against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Serb centre will average double digits for points, rebounds and assists after claiming his 34th triple-double of the season.
He scored 26 points, 12 assists and 26 rebounds in the Nuggets’ 117-109 victory, which keeps them in a tie for fourth place in the Western Conference with one game of the regular season remaining.
Elsewhere, Luka Doncic scored 39 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers secure third place in the Western Conference with a 140-109 victory at home to the Houston Rockets. Only two men had pre-
viously finished a regular season in the NBA with a triple-double average - Jokic’s Denver team-mate Russell Westbrook, who did so three times with Oklahoma City and once with the Washington Wizards, and Oscar Robertson, who did it in the 1961-62 season for Cincinnati.
Jokic’s 12 assists against the Grizzlies means he is
guaranteed to finish the season with an assist average of more than 10 for the first time in his career.
He is also averaging in double digits for rebounds and needs 47 points in Denver’s final game of the regular season to push his points average above 30, which would also be a career best.
The 30-year-old has already been named most
Two more young cricketers benefit from ‘Project Cricket Gear’
TAMESH Deonandan and Danellie Manns, are the latest to benefit from Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana,” the joint initiative between Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA.
pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, 13 gear bags, 13 bat rubbers, seven helmets, one fiber glass bat, one pair of floppy hat, 16 boxes and four boxes of white cricket balls, 13 boxes of red cricket balls, one bat cone and 28 footballs.
valuable player (MVP) three times in the NBA ’s regular season, and is one of the top candidates again this year, along with Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“If he doesn’t win the MVP, it’ s the greatest season of all time not to win the MVP,” said the Nuggets’ interim coach David Adelman.
Jokic has 164 regular-season triple-doubles in his career, the second-highest tally in NBA history behind Westbrook’s 203.
He will bid to extend that tally in Denver’s final game of the regular season at home to the Houston Rockets today as the Nuggets aim to seal the fourth-place finish they need to earn home-court advantage in the play-offs. ( BBC Sport )
Deonandan is a wicket-keeper and a solid batsman while Manns is a right- arm leg-spinner. In their short careers, to date, Deonandan has already represented his county at the Under-13 and 15 levels and his country at the Under-13 level while Manns gained selection for her county and country at the Under-19 levels.
Her outstanding performances helped her gain selection at the West Indies level. They are both attending Secondary School.
At a simple ceremony, held recently, the aspiring stars expressed gratitude for the cricket bats and promised to continue to work hard on their cricket.
Total cricket related items received/purchased so far: $610,000 in cash, 13 coloured cricket uniforms, one set of stumps, two trophies, 33 pairs of cricket shoes, 37 pairs of batting pads, 46 cricket bats, 40 pairs of batting gloves, 28 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping
To date, 96 players from all three counties of Guyana have benefitted directly from cash, seven gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 35 bats, four boxes, six helmets, 35 pairs of cricket shoes, 21 pairs of batting pads, 24 thigh pads, one bat grip, 37 pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicket-keeping pads and three pairs of wicket-keeping gloves.
Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify same. Progressive and well-managed cricket clubs with a youth programme, will also benefit.
Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.
ENGLAND’S all-time leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson is to be given a knighthood for services to cricket.
Anderson, 42, retired from Test cricket last summer with 704 wickets, making him the most successful pace bowler in the format. He made his first appearance for England in a one-day international against Australia in December 2002 before his Test debut in May 2003.
Anderson went on to play 188 Tests, 194 ODIs and 19 T20 internationals for England during an international career which spanned over two decades.
The Lancashire player has been given the knighthood in former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list - the only sportsperson to be given an award.
England and Wales Cricket Board chair Richard Thompson said it was “a really well- deserved honour” for an “England legend” who has “given so much to our sport”.
“Jimmy’s career has been marked by extraordinary achievements, not
least in winning the Ashes four times and becoming England’s all-time leading wicket-taker,” he added.
“His skill, determination, and sportsmanship have inspired millions of cricketers and fans alike, in England and around the world.
He was given an emotional farewell in the first Test against West Indies at Lord’s last July and then immediately joined the England backroom team as a fast -bowling mentor.
He no longer has a formal coaching role with England and could still work
and 2024
“This is fitting recognition for a true world great who has given so much to the game on and off the field.”
Anderson’s decision to retire from international duty came after England coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes decided they want to build an attack for the future.
with the squad during the summer, although he said his priority is to continue his playing career for Lancashire.
Anderson has not played since he retired from international cricket but has signed a deal to play for the Red Rose County this summer.
Burnley -born Ander -
son said at the start of the month he was not ruling out playing for up to three more years.
Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s director of cricket performance, said they were “incredibly proud” of Anderson.
“His contribution to the game of cricket, spanning across three decades, has been immense and he is extremely deserving of this honour,” he added on the club website.
“His knighthood is testament to the commitment and dedication he has shown to England and to Lancashire, and he has always represented the game of cricket with distinction throughout his career.”
Anderson is currently out with a calf injury picked up during pre-season training which has ruled him out of the first block of County Championship matches.
He made his Lancashire debut in white- ball cricket in 2000, before making his red-ball debut in 2002.
He has taken 1,114 first-class wickets, 358 in List A cricket and 41 in T20s. ( BBC Sport )
OPENER Abhishek Sharma hit a superb 141 as Sunrisers Hyderabad completed the second-highest chase in Indian Premier League history, making 247-2 to beat Punjab Kings by eight wickets.
In a 55-ball innings, Abhishek hit 14 fours and 10 sixes to make the third-highest individual score in the history of the competition.
The 24-year-old was finally caught at deep mid-wicket off Arshdeep Singh’s 17th over, having put the league’s bottom side in sight of a famous victory.
Kings would have been confident of victory having scored a daunting 245-6, with captain Shreyas Iyer striking 82 from 36 balls.
Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya got their side off to a strong start with an opening partnership of 66, before Iyer added 71 with Nehal Wadhera.
Iyer was the last of four wickets to fall to Harshal Patel (4-42), while Marcus Stoinis muscled an unbeaten 34 from 11 to close the innings.
off Yuzvendra Chahal for a 37-ball 66, by which time Sunrisers were 171-1 in the 13th over.
When Abhishek was finally dismissed, his side were 222-2, and Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan guided
Abhishek Sharma had scored just 51 runs from his previous five innings.
But Abhishek and Travis Head got Sunrisers off to a flying start in their reply, passing 100 in the eighth over. Head was finally caught at long-on by Glenn Maxwell
Abhishek reached a 40ball hundred from the final ball of the same over, raising a piece of paper saying “This is for the Orange Army” in acknowledgement of his side’s supporters.
them home with nine balls to spare.
Sunrisers rise two places from the bottom of the table to sit eighth with two wins and four defeats, while Kings remain in sixth.
LED by fine performances from the Benn brothers, Troy and Trevor, Police Officers defeated the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission (GG&MC) by nine runs in their friendly T20 encounter, played at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary last Thursday.
Opening the batting for the homesters, Troy struck eight fours and four sixes in a top score of 87 as Police Officers reached a formidable 205 all out in 19 overs.
Trevor then grabbed four for 55, including a hattrick and Troy two for 57 as GG&MC were limited to 196 all out in their allotted 20 overs, losing by nine runs.
The right-handed Benn shared in several useful partnerships, adding 72 with skipper Ronald Ali (22) for the second wicket, 63 with Omesh Arjune (13) for the third and 44 with Raheem Haynes for the fourth, the
latter hitting three fours and three sixes.
GG&MC made a spirited reply with Andrew Gibson spanking a fluent 72 which included two fours and seven huge sixes. He received valuable support from Vicknauth Ramkelawan whose 48 was laced with six fours and a six and Quincy Richardson who hit four fours in his 28.
Among those in attendance were Deputy Commissioner (Administration) Ravindradat Budhram who is also Chairman of the Guyana Police Force Cricket Club and Bishop Patrick Findlay, Chairman of the Police Service.
Apart from copping the winning trophy, Troy Benn was the recipient of trophies for being the man-of-the-match and best batsman while Trophy was awarded a trophy for being the best bowler.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – THE Guyana Harpy Eagles captured their second successive West Indies Championship title when they drew with second- placed Trinidad and Tobago Red Force here on Saturday’s final day of their seventh-round clash.
The result propelled the Harpy Eagles – who won four of their seven matches – to an unassailable 126.6 points, with the Red Force, currently in second with 111 points, awaiting the outcome of the match between the Leeward Islands Hurricanes
and Barbados Pride to determine their position
The Harpy Eagles were always favoured to retain their title heading into the final day, with the Red Force needing divine intervention to pull off an improbable win
Resuming the day on 101 for two, still 122 runs in arrears, the Red Force were given a boost by Jason Mohammed’s 17th first class century and a fighting half century from captain Joshua Da Silva
Mohammed scored 125 from 186 balls and Da Silva hit
77 off 79 deliveries, which helped them to get up to 370 for nine before declaring their innings.
Left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd grabbed 4-105 and veteran spinner Veerasammy Permaul took 3-138
With the Harpy Eagles chasing just 147 for victory, the Red Force needed quick wickets to give themselves a chance.
However, it was not to be, as Raymond Perez scored an unbeaten 26 and the Harpy Eagles reached 33 without loss before both sides agreed to a draw.
OLYMPIC champions
Hansle Parchment and Shelly -Ann Fraser-Pryce brought more than medals to GraceKennedy’s headquarters in downtown Kingston on Friday—they brought wisdom, laughter, and life-changing lessons to an eager gathering of students from the Sydney Pagon STEM Academy in St. Elizabeth.
The visit, part of an inspirational outreach effort by GraceKennedy Money Services/Western Union dubbed GKMKS/Western Union Future Champions, saw the two Jamaican sporting icons share personal stories from their journeys in a vibrant and deeply engaging interactive session.
For students in attendance, it was a masterclass not in sprinting or hurdling, but in resilience, discipline, and self-belief—qualities that have carried these athletes to the highest levels of global sport.
Parchment, the 2021 Olympic 110m hurdles gold medalist and 2023 Diamond
League champion, opened up about his unlikely start in track and field, confessing to his early disinterest in school and his love for video games.
But a defining moment at sports day in second form lit the fire that would eventually lead him to Olympic glory.
“I always thought I was fast,” Parchment said with a grin. “But seeing that crowd, that excitement—I knew I wanted to be a part of that.
That’s how it started.”
For Fraser-Pryce, the lessons were rooted in struggle.
Sharing candid memories of growing up in a small , cramped home with limited access to electricity and study space, the eight-time Olympic medallist explained how track and field became her refuge—and ultimately, her vehicle to transformation.
“Track was my escape,” she said. “I didn’t always have the support, or the space, but I had a dream. I loved running, and I loved the feeling of being free.
That’s what kept me going.”
The theme of overcoming adversity ran throughout the
session. Fraser-Pryce spoke about the disappointment of
failing to medal in her final year at Champs—a mistake
Champs double-silver medalist Luke Plummer of Sydney Pagon STEM Academ presents a gift basket to GraceKennedy Ambassador Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce during their Future Champions initiative on Friday
she admitted was the result of not putting in the work. “If I had trained, I would’ve medalled. Lesson learned,” she told students. “Nothing comes easy. If you want to win, you must prepare.”
The session also explored how the athletes managed injury and mental pressure. Both emphasised the importance of support systems— friends, family, teammates— and a strong, positive mindset.
“When I was injured, my friends still told me I was the best,” said Parchment. “That kept me going. And I focused on what I could do. Pool training, gym work—whatever kept me strong.”
Fraser-Pryce echoed the sentiment, encouraging students to write goals, stay mentally engaged, and never let setbacks define them. “You are not your injury. You are not your circumstance,” she said. “Track and field is just one thing you do. It’s not the whole of who you are.”
Students were especially engaged during a demonstration on proper sprint starts and
technique, and the Olympians didn’t hesitate to blend serious advice with humour. “There’s no pride in looking cute while running,” Fraser-Pryce joked. “A win is a win!”
The visit was part of GKMS/Western Union’s commitment to youth development and empowerment, using sport as a vehicle for motivation and transformation. And judging by the smiles, laughter, and the flurry of questions from students, the mission was a resounding success. In the end, the greatest takeaway wasn’t technique, medals, or even stories of glory. It was the power of perseverance, the importance of selfworth, and the belief that greatness can emerge from the most unlikely places— even a small classroom in rural Jamaica.
As Fraser-Pryce reminded them:
“It doesn’t matter where you start. What matters is that you believe in where you can go.” (S ports max )