Students of the Queens College and St. Rose’s High School were among hundreds of Guyanese who started the Phagwah
early with
at their various organisations (Ministry of Education photos)
Border controversy… US will stand ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with Guyana
–– Ambassador Theriot says in wake of Venezuela’s aggressions, recent incursion
UNITED States (US) Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, has strongly condemned Venezuela’s recent incursion into Guyana’s waters, reaffirming the US’ commitment to defending Guyana’s sovereignty.
Speaking on the sidelines of an event on Thursday, Ambassador Theriot said the US will stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Guyana.
Recently, a Venezuelan naval vessel, the ABV Guaiqueiri PO-11-IMO 469552, entered Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, coming dangerously close — approximately 700 metres—to the FPSO PROSPERITY,
which was operating lawfully under a licence issued by Guyana.
The Venezuelan vessel made threatening radio communications, falsely claiming that the FPSO PROSPERITY was operating in Venezuela’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
It then proceeded southwest, repeating the same aggressive message to other FPSOs operating in the region.
This action was strongly rejected and condemned by Guyana, CARICOM, the OAS, the US, France, and other international partners and organisations.
Ambassador Theriot
highlighted the strength of the international response, noting that the US is not alone in standing with Guyana.
“We support Guyana one hundred percent against this aggression; that’s unacceptable, and we won’t allow Venezuela to threaten Guyana’s territory and sovereignty. And so, we are standing with many other international partners,” she said.
Given Venezuela’s growing aggressive actions, Guyana has filed a request for provisional measures with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to ensure that Venezuela refrains from
conducting any electoral activities in the Essequibo region.
Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, noted that the country has informed the Court that the planned Venezuelan elections are scheduled to take place on May 25, 2025, and would inevitably be preceded by preparatory acts, including acts within Guyana’s Essequibo region, affecting the Guyanese population and Guyana’s sovereignty over its territory.
The ICJ has since officially acknowledged Guyana’s request for provisional measures.
US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot
Kindness, compassion, generosity must always be paramount
–– President Ali urges Guyanese in Phagwah message
AS Guyana and the world celebrates the vibrant festival of Phagwah (Holi), heartfelt greetings and reflections were shared by leaders and citizens alike.
This sacred Hindu festival, also known as the Festival of Colours, has become a symbol of unity, love, and renewal, transcending cultural and religious boundaries to bring people together.
In a special message on Thursday evening, President Dr. Irfaan Ali extended his warmest greetings to all Guyanese.
He described Phagwah as “a symphony of joy, and a celebration of life itself,” highlighting the festival’s unifying power to bring people together in laughter and love.
“It is a time when barriers dissolve, laughter echoes, and hearts connect. As the
various hues of powders fill the air, so too does the spirit of love, equality, and renewal,” Dr. Ali said. He added, this year, as the country celebrates the festival, there is a renewed sense of pride in the nation’s growth and progress.
“As we celebrate Phagwah, our nation stands tall, reaping the fruits of growth and progress. But let us remember: true prosperity is not measured in wealth, but in the upliftment of all. Success is sweeter when shared; joy is brighter when inclusive,” Dr. Ali said. In this spirit of unity, Dr. Ali called for prosperity to be rooted in humility, gratitude, and collective joy, rather than arrogance. The true essence of happiness, it argued, is not found in material wealth but in the simple moments of kindness, love, and
unity shared among people.
Further, he highlighted the symbolic burning of Holika to encourage personal reflection and societal change.
“The burning of Holika calls us to action: to burn away greed, extinguish envy, vanquish selfishness, and reduce egotism. Let us all aspire to be ambassadors of kindness, warriors of compassion, and champions of generosity. When we rise together, we shine brighter,” the Head-of-State said.
He called on all citizens to come together, not just to celebrate, but to build a nation founded on the principles of equality, unity, and shared prosperity.
“When we drench each other in colours, we are making a bold statement: In this moment, there is no rich or poor, no powerful or weak—
only brothers and sisters, equal in celebration and in dignity.
breed arrogance;
Court permits SOCU to access Brutus, Nicholson’s bank records
ACTING Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on Thursday ruled in favour of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) granting access to the bank records of former Assistant Commissioner of Police Calvin Brutus, and contractor Corwin Nicholson.
According to a press release from SOCU, this decision was made under Section 12 of the Evidence Act Cap
5.03, and allows SOCU to inspect and obtain copies of the bank records.
The application, SOCU said, was initially filed on January 17, 2025, as part of an ongoing investigation into several criminal offenses involving Brutus, who faces 252 charges, and Nicholson, who faces 14 charges. The prosecution argued that the bank records were crucial for establishing the
charges against Brutus and Nicholson, particularly in demonstrating that they received payments for goods never delivered to the Guyana Police Force.
SOCU is contending that these records fall under the broad definition of “a banker’s book”, which includes electronic documents and permanent records kept by banks in their daily transactions.
This interpretation aligns with Section Two of the Evidence Act, which encompasses electronic data as part of a bank’s records.
However, defence attorneys Eusi Anderson and Dominic Bess opposed the application, labelling it a “fishing expedition”, and
arguing that the requested documents did not fit the definition of a banker’s book.
Despite these objections, Magistrate McGusty sided with the prosecution, delivering a decisive blow to the defence.
The court directed SOCU to file another application specifically requesting electronic banking documents, further solidifying the legal basis for accessing these records.
This ruling marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into financial crimes allegedly committed by Brutus and Nicholson.
This is why wealth and prosperity should never
it should inspire humility, gratitude, and collective joy,” Dr. Ali said.
FAO: The transformative power of school meals
A TEACHER from El Salvador, a young student from the Dominican Republic and a family farmer from Guatemala have never met, but their life stories are wound around the same cause.
They all believe in and work to harness the transformative power of healthy school food.
In the community of Concepción de Ataco, in Ahuachapán, El Salvador, what began as an academic assignment for teacher, Esmeralda Ruiz became instead a mission: To instil healthy eating habits in her school community.
In 2020, Esmeralda participated in a course on the Development of Healthy and Sustainable School Environments. This course was taught with the support of the Sustainable School Feeding Network (RAES) and with the technical assistance of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the government of El Salvador, the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) and the National Fund for the Development of Education of Brazil within the framework of the Brazil-FAO International Cooperation Program
Esmeralda took this
course information and began raising awareness among students and parents about the importance of healthy eating, integrating sustainable practices into the curriculum of the San Francisco Catholic Educational Complex.
She organized healthy eating events and fairs at the school with talks designed specifically for parents. Visits to the school garden were also organized where students and their families learned about the benefits of food, the use of ingredients, many of which came from local farmers, and the preparation of healthy recipes.
In the garden, children learn about growing food, the importance of a balanced diet and connecting with the environment, while integrating language and math skills into a "green classroom".
For Esmeralda, "these actions improve the quality of education and strengthen the ties between families, students and the community, ensuring that healthy eating is both a right and a daily practice."
Approaching food and nutrition from multiple dimensions, this school is transforming the eating habits of nearly 600 students and their families.
SCHOOL GARDENS INSPIRE DOMINICAN STUDENTS
In the Dominican Republic, young students like Keyla Mariano discovered the value of food by getting their hands dirty in their school garden.
Keyla Jasmil Mariano, 13 years old, is a student at the Mata Limón school in Monte Plata, Dominican Republic. When she entered school, she had little interest in the subject of nutrition, but this perspective changed as she became involved in growing food, such as tomatoes and lettuce. "We see how food is born, the time it takes to produce it and how to take care of it … I think it is very important for schools to have gardens," she says enthusiastically.
The Mata Limón school is one of more than 23 000 in the region that have implemented the Sustainable Schools methodology, developed by FAO, the Brazilian Cooperation Agency and the National Fund for the Development of Education of Brazil within the framework of the Brazil-FAO International Cooperation Program. With the support of the Dominican Republic’s National Institute of Student Welfare, the methodology includes school gardens and food and nutrition education.
Through talks and activities led by teachers, Keyla learned about the production of foods and began to eat vegetables, such as cabbage, that she previously rejected. She now shares her knowledge
with friends and family, promoting healthy eating outside of the school environment. In her school, the community actively participates in the management of school feeding, especially parents, thus strengthening the link between education, family and healthy eating. Keyla is one of the 300 students who have learned to value healthy eating thanks to the school garden.
A MARKET FOR FAMILY FARMING
Meanwhile, in Guatemala, family farmer Berbely Rodríguez finds a regular market for her products through school feeding programmes, guaranteeing income for her family while delivering fresh food for thousands of students.
In the municipality of Tejutla, department of San Marcos, Guatemala, Berbely is one of 29 farmers who
three children collaborate at all stages, from planting the vegetables and aromatic herbs to weekly delivery to the schools for the 36 weeks of the Guatemalan school year. She currently supplies five schools with 697 students.
have found a stable source of income by becoming registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food as part of the Network of Tejutleco family farmer suppliers. This regularity has allowed them to strengthen their production and contribute to the revitalization of the local economy of their community.
Berbely comments, "Now I don't see it as difficult because we already have a secure market."
The Network supplies 131 schools in the municipality. Each school has five producers who plant in stages to meet school demand. "They are families who have accepted the challenge and have experienced significant economic change. This network changed our history," says Berbely.
Berbely, her husband and
The farmers of the Network are supported by a Joint United Nations Programme, financed by the Swedish International Cooperation Agency and implemented by Guatemala’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food, with technical support from FAO, the United Nations Development Programme, the Pan American Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund.
School feeding programmes in Latin America are advancing in the last years with concrete increases in the number of students benefitting (currently around 80.3 million), the number of school days with meal provisions, the number of countries with school feeding laws (now up to six) and stronger connections between school feeding and family farmers.
The RAES network has 17 member countries and is working strengthen these programmes with the support of FAO and the Brazilian Government, expanding coverage, guaranteeing higher and continuous funding for these programmes and improving the quality of school meals. (FAO)
‘Delusional’ to think partnering with Mohameds would impact PPP’s support base
PEOPLE’S Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo has contended that it is delusional for the opposition forces to think that teaming up with the Mohameds family will affect the party’s support base.
He made those remarks during a press conference at Freedom House on Thursday.
Jagdeo once again reemphasised that Guyana’s interest will always come first, and the country will not be put in a precarious position because of individual interests.
This was in response to the US-sanctioned businessman Nazar Mohamed, who made allegations of
unfair treatment towards him.
Jagdeo said: “We’re not going to have two laws or sets of laws in this country; one for the Mohameds and one for everyone else. That’s not going to work; that’s not how the PPP operates.”
Given the series of events that have been playing out in the public domain, Jagdeo said that the Alliance for Change (AFC) and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) think that they could take support from the PPP with Mohamed on their side.
However, Jagdeo said it is “delusion all the way around.”
–– Jagdeo tells opposition
The General Secretary then referenced a Facebook post by PNCR councillor Dexter Forte, who wrote saying, “only a PNC/APNU led coalition government could engage the US in relation to the removal of sanctions from the Mohameds”.
Jagdeo spoke on this, saying: “So, of course, it’s a lie; APNU+AFC can’t help itself, much less help anybody to remove the sanctions. But clearly, this is what they’re being told, because they’re desperate.”
The US Department of the Treasury sanctioned the father and son, Azruddin Mohamed, and entities owned by the Mohameds,
following a comprehensive two-and-a-half-year investigation.
Further, although the PNCR and the AFC have been stating that they are having talks as to whether they will rekindle their broken relationship, Jagdeo said that this is just a “smokescreen”, and they will ultimately run together.
Reeling from a history of widely reported internal conflicts, the parties, which officially parted ways in 2022 after being voted out of office in 2020, have been convening talks with the hope of forming a new partnership ahead of the 2025 elections.
PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo
Uniting with Colours
AS Guyana celebrates Phagwah, the Festival of Colours, it is a reminder of the richness of the nation’s cultural heritage and its ability to bring people together, irrespective of their ethnic or religious affiliations.
Phagwah, or Holi as the world refers to it, is not just a celebration of good triumphing over evil; it is a vibrant expression of unity, joy, and renewal of life with Spring.
In Guyana, the ancient festival has evolved into a national celebration, transcending its Hindu origins to become a symbol of the multicultur-
al but harmonious society of the nation.
There are Phagwah melas and cultural events, which make the festival a cherished tradition that promotes love, harmony, and respect among all Guyanese.
The significance of Phagwah extends beyond religious roots, symbolising universal principles of justice, equality, and brotherhood. It is a festival that moves beyond the confines of culture, painting the nation in hues of unity and harmony of all shades.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali him -
self has accurately encapsulated Phagwah as symbolising a society where respect for each member, peace, and harmony top all else.
When Guyanese from all walks of life gather to put colours on each other’s faces, they’re not just at play; they’re renewing their commitment towards a society that is pluralist and open. In a world that is far too divided by difference, Phagwah is a beacon; a reminder that colour, rather than a source of division, can be a source of strength and celebration.
As President Ali so eloquently stat -
ed, colour makes art, history, and culture come alive, and it can never be a source of division.
In Guyana, Phagwah is a national part of its fabric, demonstrating the ability of the country to weave diverse cultural strands into one of harmony and happiness.
While we celebrate this festival, we must not overlook its profound meaning: that in unity, we can create a society in which love, peace, and harmony prevail, where every individual has the freedom to live his/ her own way.
What is wrong with two words promoting unity in the passport?
Dear Editor,
I read Amanza Walton’s letter, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
Not a big laugh, just a chuckle; the kind a man lets out when he hears a bad story told with too much confidence. She says the government has crossed a dangerous line. A dictatorship is upon us. The proof? Two words printed on a passport. One Guyana.
That’s the march to tyranny. Not censorship. Not police knocking on your door in the night looking for empty tins of sardines or bags of flour. Not men disappearing. Not the assassination of political activists and respected academics.
No. Two words in a little book. It is terrifying, really. Almost—if you forget everything you ever knew about our history. So, let’s talk about dictatorship. The real kind. Not the kind politicians invent for
press releases and columns in the papers. The kind Guyanese lived through.
The kind where the party was the state and the freedom to vote was not a right but empty rhetoric. The years 1968, 1973, 1980, and 1985 were when elections were won before they were held; when votes were counted in secret rooms; and when democracy was a word on paper, not something that existed in real life.
Then came 2020. And they tried it again. Same trick, different century. The numbers didn’t add up. They got caught. Then they tried to gaslight an entire country.
And just this year, 2025, in Parliament, Aubrey Norton stood up and smiled as he spoke about the good old days. The days when books were banned. When flour was banned. When men went to jail for buying sandfish. That was power. That was control.
Walton calls One Guyana a political slogan, two words, one of which is the name of the country, not a political party, echoing and encapsulating the actual national motto and its message of unity: One People, One Nation, One Destiny.
According to her: “The use of state resources for political branding is a classic sign of democratic backslide and authoritarianism and blurs the line of distinction between party and State.”
That criticism is rich coming from someone whose party stamped its name and colours on everything that didn’t move fast enough. The David G buses, painted in party colours and branded like a campaign prop.
The repainting of State House in her party’s hues. Government buildings, entire public spaces, turned into billboards for one party’s rule. This wasn’t a case of alleged
PNC branding but the reality of less than ten years ago – Walton had no principled problem with state-branding then. As for “democratic backslide,” we did not hear opprobrium on the chorus of international condemnation on the attempted rigging of elections in 2020. A mountain of evidence is somehow less significant of dictatorial descent than two words promoting unity on a passport.
Let’s be fair. There must be opposition. There must be questioning. There must be criticism. That is democracy. But the criticism should be honest. It should be about real things.
History has shown us what a dictatorship looks like, and it has never been found in the pages of a passport.
Yours sincerely, Alfonso De Armas
We must remember people who contributed to our freedoms
I MET someone on the seawall who wanted to reminisce about the 1970s.
I did not know him from the seventies but was obvious that he has memories of that period. As we chatted, he told me that Roman Catholic nun, Doreen Rowtie from the Ursuline Covent at Camp and Church Street died.
I did not know she had passed way. He said she died a few years ago. I remember that middle-aged nun from the bad days of the Burnham dictatorship. She was a brave soul who got beaten up in Albousytown by thugs in a street march for free and fair elections.
As I drove away, I couldn’t help thinking that this brave religious lady is just gone from the history of Guyana and as I kept driving, my mind fell on Father Andrew Morrison and countless others who are just gone and today no one knows them.
You mention the name Father Andrew Morrison to any young journalist and they would not know whom he was.
Once I am published, I will continue to write on the need for Guyana to do something for those great ones who contributed to the freedoms we have in Guyana today. I will continue to advocate that Guyana has to do something that will keep their names alive. Once more from my pen, I will urge my country to name places after our great ones who have gone to their final reward.
I start with Father Andrew Morrison. He edited the little Catholic Standard at a time where the press was moribund in Guyana. The little Catholic Standard was feared by President Burnham. There was Cheddi Jagan, there was Walter Rodney and so many others who fought Burnham because Guyana had become a totalitarian state but Jesuit priest and Catholic Standard editor, Andrew Morison was there too, standing tall and confronting Burnham.
Father Bernard Darke was stabbed to death because the Burnhamite thugs mistook him for Father Morrison. Can we do something to keep Father’s name alive. I would suggest two things. Rename the UG’s School of Mass Communication as the Father Morrison School of Journalism.
Alternatively, I would suggest that there be a scholarship in his name open to all qualified journalists working
in the state media. It should be for a Master’s Degree in journalism tenable at any university of the applicant’s choice with all expenses paid. Next is Dr. Josh Ramsammy who survived an assassination bullet at the Stabroek Market Square.
He was a professor in biology at UG and the state should finance a doctorate scholarship in his name. Even if the bulk of the society would not remember him then, at least UG science students would know of this patriotic UG professor who fought for Guyana’s freedom.
Next is Janat Jagan. We know her husband has the airport and the dental school named after him. Something must be named after Mrs. Jagan and I am suggesting a street. Few people know that Mrs. Jagan was the keenest PPP leader with regards to the essence of Forbes Burnham. While Dr. Jagan and a majority of PPP leaders were prepared to talk with Burnham about power-sharing, particularly in 1984, Mrs. Jagan did not want to be part of that process.
She did not participate in the high-level confabulation that went on between the PPP and the PNC in 1984 about power-sharing because Mrs. Jagan never trusted Burnham. She believed deeply that he could never be trusted. She was one of the foundations of the PPP playing an equal role in the fight for free and fair elections. Guyana should honour her by naming a square or street after her.
I have written before what I am about to write in the next few lines. Rename North Road after President Desmond Hoyte. Mr. Hoyte should be remembered as the president that agreed for this country to have free and fair elections. Mr. Hoyte did not understand Guyana’s sociology so as president he made enormous mistakes, but, in the end, he did not have to agree to free and fair elections.
Many unelected leaders would have rather let their country go to waste rather than conceded democratic openings to the opposition. Whether you like Hoyte or not, the man must not be forgotten by the next generation.
I will end this column with three names mentioned before in previous columns –Rohan Kanhai, Eddie Grant and Ron Robinson. We must name three streets after these three men who have made significant contributions to
the arts and cricket in Guyana.
They excelled in what they did, especially Eddie Grant. He was an international superstar long before Rihanna put Barbados on the map.
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.
‘A new low’
–– Jagdeo ridicules Hughes’ pay-to-view vision
ALLIANCE for Change
(AFC) Leader Nigel Hughes’ move to monetise his purported Manifesto plan for Guyana has drawn sharp criticisms from General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.
Hughes recently published a website luring individuals to join the ‘Better Must Come’ movement and learn about his vision for Guyana.
However, it is important to note that following
registration, individuals are prompted to contribute financially to the cause.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Dr. Jagdeo said, “I have seen all sorts of things in my political life, but I have never seen a political party in Guyana sell its Manifesto… You have to pay some money before you learn of his vision. This is a new low for Guyana, or maybe a new high. But it is pretty unusual.”
According to Dr. Jagdeo, this approach is bizarre, and
‘Technically
an elitist approach to politics. In fact, a tiered payment system is a key feature of the website. As explained by the PPP GS, the higher payment levels supposedly grant individuals more involvement or access to Hughes’ campaign.
“Nigel Hughes and others believe they’re sophisticates and upper-middleclass, and they can look down on the rest of Guyanese… They have a tiered structure; this is the stupidity of these people,” he lamented.
He also criticised the
AFC’s lack of a concrete vision for Guyana, which Hughes admitted to in a previous statement.
According to Dr. Jagdeo, his own admission of relying on other parties to formulate a plan reflects his incompetence. He said, too, that the AFC is untrustworthy, since they have not admitted to their involvement in the rigging of the 2020 elections following their defeat at the polls.
He added that while the PPP is focused on inclusivity
and measurable improvements for the Guyanese people, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and AFC is fragmented, disingenuous, and only interested in personal gains.
The PPP GS has urged Guyanese to recognise his party’s dedication to practical and realistic plans versus the opposition’s lack of direction and credibility.
(DPI)
competent’ IMF credits gov’t for sustainable framework to manage economy
––
Jagdeo highlights, welcomes appraisal from international body
THE International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s appraisal of the government’s development plan was embraced by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo.
During a press conference at Freedom House on Thursday, the General Secretary deemed the IMF as a “technically competent”
body. However, the positivity emanating from the IMF’s consultation was not given much prominence in the media, Jagdeo highlighted, underscoring that if it was negative, certain media elements would have been spreading it.
Jagdeo then highlighted the significant credibility of this international organisa-
tion compared to those politically-affiliated local critics.
The General Secretary, who is also Guyana’s Vice-President, then reflected on how the PPP had worked Guyana out of the bankrupt ‘black hole’ that the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) had plunged the country into.
Jagdeo said: “Where it concerns framework for
managing the economy, they’ve made it clear that the framework we are pursuing is a sustainable one.”
The IMF had commended the government for progress in several areas. For instance, they lauded the social transfer policies that have resulted in increased disposable income, and a reduction in Guyana’s poverty rate.
“Staff assesses that social transfer policies implemented in recent years have increased disposable income, and reduced the poverty rate,” the IMF’s 2025 Article IV Mission noted in its concluding statement, which was released last Friday.
Since assuming office in 2020, the PPP Government has invested heavily in the social welfare of Guyanese, while also building out the country’s infrastructural landscape to enable longterm growth and sustained development.
Among the plethora of measures are the re-introduction and increase of the education grant to $55,000 per child; the increase in old-age pension to $41,000; increase in public assistance; targeted cash transfers, including the ongoing $100,000 cash grant initiative, and the grant for persons living with disabilities; health vouchers and programmes; and the removal and reduction of taxes, along with other targeted tax-deduction measures.
The IMF, as part of its advice to the government, said: “Going forward, addi-
tional targeted transfers, integrated into a medium-term fiscal framework, could further support inclusive growth, and help Guyana advance faster towards its sustainable development goal (SDG) of no poverty.”
The government’s financial framework and mechanisms for funding these initiatives were also commended by the IMF.
“Staff commends the authorities’ continued commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability, ensuring fiscal sustainability, and fostering inclusive growth. While there are no clear signs of overheating, enhancing the close monitoring of macroeconomic developments and continuing to proactively respond through tighter policies would be essential to ensure that the economy avoids overheating and remains on a balanced expansion path.
“Early in 2024, the Natural Resource Fund (NRF)’s withdrawal ceiling was increased, creating space for a significant increase in capital expenditure, which, in 2024, accounted for more than 12.5 per cent of GDP.
“To ensure intergenerational equity and maintain fiscal and macroeconomic sustainability, it was suggested that the overall fiscal deficit be gradually closed by 2031, followed by a reduction in the non-oil primary deficit over the (conservatively) projected lifespan of oil reserves.
“Given Guyana’s de -
velopment and investment needs, the fiscal policy stance is appropriate at this stage, and the fiscal deficits should gradually close over the medium term,” the IMF said.
While acknowledging the country’s efforts to modernise its public financial management systems, the IMF advised: “Implementing a comprehensive medium-term fiscal framework with an explicit anchor and an operational target, further modernising public financial management systems, and conducting regular expenditure reviews to continually assess spending efficiency and effectiveness in reaching the SDGs will also help further strengthen fiscal discipline and transparency.” Despite significant investments, owing to prudent management by the PPP/C government, the total Public and Publicly Guaranteed (PPG) debt-to-GDP ratio has been reduced from 47.4 per cent at the end of 2020 to 24.3 per cent at the end of 2024.
The government has constantly stressed the importance of prudent financial management, noting that it is focused on sustainable development rather than short-term gains.
PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo
External factors responsible for 49 per cent of power outages last year
–– GPL says, sought over $28M from reckless drivers for infrastructure damage
By Feona Morrison
THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has announced that it has demanded compensation of over $28 million from reckless drivers, whose actions have resulted in significant damage to the utility company’s infrastructure and disruptions in the supply of electricity.
This was according to Kesh Nandlall, GPL’s Team Leader of the Management Committee, during the Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) review of the company’s 2024 Operating Standards and Performance Targets (OSPTs).
PUC Chairman, Dr. Nanda Gopaul said that GPL reported 17 vehicular accidents in 2024, which led to power supply disruptions in multiple areas across the country.
“We have been reading about motorcycles running into electricity poles, cars knocking down poles, causing loss of life too. Were you able to reclaim some costs from these accidents through vehicle insurance or from the owners?” Gopaul questioned Nandlall, noting that reckless driving appears to persist and will likely continue unless stricter measures are enforced.
Nandlall replied: “We have invoiced a few people to the extent of about $28 million for instances of network damage. I think it’s a little bit more than that. A lot of them, we do charge them through the police for the other small incidents. We have a team that works along with the police to take the necessary actions.”
It was revealed that not all power outages are caused by GPL itself. External factors such as traffic accidents continue to impact the company’s utility poles and infrastructure, ultimately disrupting electricity distribution.
Divisional Director for Transmission and Distribution at GPL, Shaun Hamlet, revealed that, in 2024, approximately 17 per cent of the power outages on the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) were caused by vehicular accidents that damaged utility infrastructure.
In addition to road accidents, construction and farming activities are other external factors contributing to power disruptions. Together, these external factors accounted for 49 per cent of the
power outages recorded last year. There was an increase in both the frequency and duration of blackouts.
For the same year, GPL had set a target of 85 outages, based on the System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI). However, the company exceeded this target by 44.7 per cent, recording a total of 123 outages. This represents a 28.125 per cent increase compared to the 96 outages experienced in 2023, when the target was set at 90.
SAIFI is a reliability metric used by electric power utilities to measure the average number of times a customer experiences an outage during a specific period, typically a year.
Additionally, Hamlet said that most of the outages occurred in Region Four (De-
commenced a procedure that involves persons from its transmission, legal and loss reduction departments and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
In this process, GPL determines responsibility for power disruptions by gathering evidence to identify the specific vehicle or equipment involved and its owner, whether an individual or contractor. The company’s legal department then contacts the responsible party to seek compensation, assessing the cost of the service disruption and the associated expenses.
This initiative supports the government’s broader efforts to enhance accountability on the nation’s roads.
merara-Mahaica), primarily along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and East Bank of Demerara (EBD).
It is for this reason that the company has been going after the perpetrators, including reckless drivers and contractors, to have them stand the costs of repair/ replacement.
Apart from these external factors, the majority of outages last year were attributed to the company’s challenges with power generation due to an increase in demand.
Internal challenges include overloaded feeders due to unprecedented growth, weakened pole structures caused by soil erosion and construction activities, as well as labour shortages.
It was previously reported that in September 2022, GPL
Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, SC, has strongly encouraged victims of road accidents to pursue compensation, including through legal action, emphasising that such measures can deter negligent behavior.
In a notable example of such legal action, the Attorney-General initiated proceedings against Troy Humphrey, who was behind the wheel of a motorcar when it collided with the fountain at the Eccles/Mandela roundabout on September 15, 2023; this caused damages exceeding $2 million.
Despite initial requests for reimbursement, legal action was pursued to recover the costs when the demands were not met. In addition to the lawsuit, he was also charged with dangerous driving, driving an uncertified motor vehicle and driving an uninsured motor vehicle
Following the accident, the government said that public corporations and statutory authorities, will vigorously pursue compensation for damages and destruction of public assets caused by such irresponsible conduct.
A statement from the Attorney-General’s Chambers noted: “A similar approach will be adopted in relation to the destruction and damage to public property by whatever cause. Billions of dollars are spent annually to repair and reconstruct public property damaged and destroyed by unlawful and/or highly irresponsible conduct. Needless to say, this measure will be in addition to the institution of all relevant criminal charges disclosed, resulting from investigations conducted by the Guyana Police Force.”
Private contractors and/ or government agencies executing infrastructural works within close proximity to GPL’s network are required to notify the company within 72 hours prior to commencing work, so that the actions deemed necessary to facilitate the safe execution of work can be determined and undertaken. In addition, the electricity company has been imploring road users to exercise caution on the roadways.
Whenever GPL’s network is disrupted due to traffic accidents, building construction, or farming activities, the company informs consumers through Facebook posts. These notices always include a reminder that those responsible for the disruption will be held liable.
Team Leader of the Management Committee, Kesh Nandlall
PUC Chairman Dr. Nanda Gopaul
GPL’s Divisional Director for Transmission and Distribution, Shaun Hamlet
Police find over 10lbs of cannabis in barrel at Laparkan
IN an intelligence-led operation, the Guyana Police Force has seized a substantial quantity of marijuana at the Laparkan Wharf in Charlestown.
According to information from the Guyana Police Force, the operation, conducted by ranks from Special Branch headquarters, targeted a shipment from Brooklyn, New York, to a local address in Georgetown.
The shipment, contained in a blue ‘jumbo’ barrel, was consigned to Clive James of Durban Street, Lodge, and had been sent by one Junior Skeet.
During the search, which was witnessed by a customs officer, nine sealed transparent plastic bags were discovered among clothing and sneakers. These bags, labelled with the words ‘California TRACKSTR’, contained leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.
The contents of the barrel were thoroughly processed at the Crime Laboratory at CID Headquarters, where the suspected cannabis was weighed, and found to be 10.55 pounds or 4.79 kilogrammes in weight.
Following the processing, the suspected narcotic was placed into separate evidence bags, sealed, and lodged at the Ruimveldt Police Station for further analysis at the Forensic Laboratory.
The barrel containing clothing was also stored at the Ruimveldt Police Station for safekeeping.
The police are currently conducting checks to locate James, as part of their ongoing investigation into the matter.
Satellite-based broadband project to boost Caribbean connectivity
LEVERAGING satellite technology, Guyana is charting a new course in the region to expand broadband access, enhance digital sovereignty, and promote greater connectivity, particularly for remote and underserved communities across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Spearheaded by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) in collaboration with Hispasat, a leading Spanish satellite telecommunications operator, Project CONDOSAT (CARISAT) represents a significant step towards strengthening regional digital infrastructure. The initiative seeks to expand broadband access, enhance digital sovereignty, and promote greater connectivity, particularly for remote and underserved communities across the Caribbean.
“This initiative represents a monumental milestone in our collective mission to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity across the Caribbean. Guyana has long recognised the transformative potential of satellite technology in reaching underserved communities, and we remain fully committed
to open dialogue, regional collaboration, and advancing technological inclusion for all,” Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd), Mark Phillips said on Thursday during the first project meeting held in Guyana.
The meeting follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the CTU and Hispasat, witnessed by President Dr Irfaan Ali and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen; Barbados Prime Minister and current CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley; and Grenada's Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell on the sidelines of the 48th CARICOM Summit.
During the introductory
- bridge digital divide, enhance region’s digital sovereignty
session of the project, Prime Minister Phillips pointed out that Guyana has made significant progress, connecting 89 per cent of targeted communities and providing high-speed internet to over 128,000 residents.
By 2025, the goal is to provide digital literacy training to 2,000 residents with a focus on youth, women and the Indigenous Peoples. He stressed too that in order for the region to meet its collective goal of bridging the digital divide, greater collaboration will be needed.
The Prime Minister said: “No single entity, body, or country can achieve digital transformation in isolation. It is through strong part -
nerships—such as this one with the CTU—that we will realise our shared vision of a fully connected Caribbean.”
CTU Secretary General, Rodney Taylor urged member states to participate in the project to ensure the region benefits from the advanced technology.
The CTU, he noted, is committed to facilitating regional and international communications networks, with Guyana as a founding member.
He said: “There's no doubt that Guyana can do this project on its own. It has the capacity, it has the ability. But within the context of curriculum and the spirit co-operation, we welcome
the participation of other countries in the region.”
Within the context of CARICOM, he noted that this project is critical, as access to such satellite technology will provide enhanced capacity and strengthen services for all CARICOM states.
According to Taylor, such technologies could see member states like Grenada, which are vulnerable to hurricanes, being resilient in the face erratic storms that often damage communications lines.
He said: “It will certainly provide us with improved communication infrastructure…so it will supplement what we have now in terms of submarine cables and
terrestrial fiber that provide us with high-speed internet connectivity.”
He added: “These applications, as I mentioned, along with national security, provide us with communications in the aftermath of a natural disaster.”
European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Rene van Nes stressed the practical application of the alliance in areas like digital policy, internet governance, AI, and cybersecurity.
He highlighted too the importance of digitalisation in everyday life, from communication to national security and financial systems in Guyana’s rapidly developing economy.
Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips
CTU Secretary General, Rodney Taylor
No current plans for meeting between Presidents Ali, Maduro - Jagdeo says
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali will assess whether the call by Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro for a face-toface meeting is good for Guyana and the nation’s security interest.
This was according to People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo during his weekly press conference at Freedom House on Thursday.
“At the time, no such plan has been finalised,” Jagdeo said, adding: “That has to be assessed against what he wants to meet on, and also whether it is good for our country and our national security interest. The President will make that assessment.”
Back in December 2023, Presidents Ali and Maduro had met in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The meeting was facilitated by the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and observed by Brazil, CARICOM, and a UN Under-Secretary-General.
That meeting had culminated with the Argyle Declaration that outlines a pledge from both countries
to refrain from escalating the border controversy.
The two leaders had also interacted at the recent VII summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where they exchanged tokens.
The 1899 Arbitral Award, a significant ruling, established the border between British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela.
Given ongoing aggression by Venezuela, last week, the Guyanese government filed a request for urgent intervention by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) after Venezuela announced plans to hold elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region on May 25, 2025.
Guyana contends that these actions by Venezuela violate the ICJ’s December 1, 2023 order, as well as the fundamental principles of international law. In its filing, Guyana emphasised the illegality of Venezuela’s efforts, and requested the ICJ to take the necessary steps to prevent further violations.
Presidents Dr. Irfaan Ali and Nicolás Maduro in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Ogle to Eccles Road Project enters final stages
PERSONS travelling between the East Coast of Demerara and the East Bank of Demerara will soon experience less traffic woes, as construction of the US$106.4 million Ogle to Eccles Road Project enters its final stages.
Some 70 per cent of the double bituminous surface is already paved.
A double bituminous surface treatment (DBST) involves the application of two layers of asphalt binder and aggregate to reinforce the road’s surface for added durability and water resistance.
Ministry of Public
Works’ Technical Services Manager, Nigel Erskine told the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Wednesday that paving works commenced a few days ago and will be wrapped up shortly.
“We anticipate that within five days, this stretch up to the East Coast of Demerara highway will be completed,” he said during a site inspection.
Erskine said the project has faced several setbacks including the delayed relocation of utilities in populated areas, shipping delays for construction materials, and land acquisition issues surrounding the planned
roundabout at the Ogle Railway Embankment junction. Adjustments were also made to divert the Ogle main canal.
But notwithstanding the hurdles, Erskine lauded the contractor, Ashoka Buildcon Limited for its performance, noting that the road project will be completed in a few weeks.
culverts, six pipe culverts, eight minor bridges and a major bridge over the Lamaha canal to support drainage and the structural integrity of the highway, which spans approximately 11.5 kilometres.
The contractor has already constructed 23 box
When completed, the four-lane highway will consist of 3.6-metre-wide lanes, with a central median ranging between four and 40
metres in width.
It will link the East Coast public road and the Ogle public road by intersections and extend south for 7.8 kilometres before connecting to the Heroes Highway.
Ashoka Buildcon’s Project Manager, Ramachan Dar, stated that his team is fully mobilised and working day and night to finalise the project. (DPI)
Persons travelling between the East Coast of Demerara and the East Bank of
Large increase in women in Guyana’s Parliament, judicial posts highlighted at UN forum
MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud has highlighted key strides in gender equality, women’s empowerment and social protection at the Ministerial Round Table talk at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters, New York, USA, earlier this week.
The minister is currently participating in the Sixth Plenary Meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women at its 69th session, from March 10 to March 21, 2025 at the UN.
In her powerful delivery, the minister said that Guyana’s Constitution, robust legislation, and national mechanisms foster gender
equality and empowerment, which in turn, positions women to shape their own futures, break barriers, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
“In Guyana, women are not only partners, but they lead the charge in the development of transformative policies, legislation, and inclusive, accessible pro -
grammes in health, education, ICT, food, economic and climate security, and socioeconomic empowerment,” Minister Persaud stated.
According to the minister, Guyana’s national mechanism comprises of the Women and Gender Equality Commission, the Gender Affairs Bureau, and a robust collaborative network of State and civil society stakeholders. This, she said, is inclusive of grassroots women organisations.
“The work of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Gender Affairs Bureau, encountering negative stereotypes, promoting gender mainstreaming, and initiating a national shared responsibilities campaign, has been significant in catalyzing and narrowing the gender divide,” the minister added.
Amidst this, Minister Persaud said the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute has been pivotal in the creation of avenues for free and diverse technical vocational training, education, entrepreneurial opportunities, and leadership development, targeting women across all the regions of Guyana.
It was said that through gender-responsive budgetting, Guyana is integrating a gender perspective into budget processes across all sectors, including towards sustainable national programmes to eradicate violence against women and girls, and women’s economic empowerment.
“Currently, there are 39 per cent of women in Parliament, and over 50 per cent of judicial officers are women. Guyana’s commitment to ensuring that women are integral to national decision-making illustrates
the political will to achieve parity and equality,” Minister Persaud noted.
She added that the Global Gender Gap Index annually benchmarks the current state of gender parity across four key dimensions. These are economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment. In 2024, Guyana ranked 35th on the list in recognition of significant strides.
“This is not just about ticking boxes; it’s about creating a society where gender equality is not a goal to aspire to, but a reality that empowers women and girls to contribute to national progress and their own development,” the minister expressed.
According to UN Women, the 69th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) is a milestone moment for women’s rights and is the UN’s largest annual gathering on gender equality and women’s empowerment to review the progress made on the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which remains the most revolutionary plan on gender equality to date.
Adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, the Plan sets the stage for equal rights for all women and girls. Today, the world is more equal for women and girls than ever before, as women have fought for (and won), the right to vote, work, and lead. More girls are enrolled in school than at any time in history, and more countries criminalise domestic violence.
The UN said that before 1995, only 12 countries had legal sanctions against them.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud and Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN, Carolyn Rodrigues, with ministry heads at CSW69 (Ministry of Human Services photo)
Taxi driver pleads guilty to 2022 killing of colleague
–– sentencing deferred
TROY Griffith, a 30-yearold taxi driver, has pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of his fellow driver, Quincy “Baloo” Weekes, in 2022.
Griffith entered his guilty plea before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Demerara on Tuesday. Initially denying the manslaughter charge, Griffith changed his plea during the hearing.
Before accepting Griffith’s plea, Justice Singh sought clarification on whether the accused fully understood the consequences of pleading guilty. The judge emphasised that by doing so, Griffith was waiving his right to a trial and accepting mandatory prison time.
Griffith affirmed his understanding, and the court moved forward with accepting the plea.
The judge deferred Griffith’s sentencing to April 7, 2025, allowing time for the preparation of a probation report, an assessment of his prison conduct, and victim impact statements.
Weekes, 41, from Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was fatally stabbed on September 14, 2022, following an altercation with Griffith. The two had an ongoing dispute over a $500 debt, which escalated when they argued over a parking space, according to reports.
During the argument, Griffith stabbed Weekes four times—twice in the hands, once in the left shoulder, and once in the lower left chest.
A post-mortem examination confirmed that Weekes died from hemorrhage and shock caused by the multiple stab wounds.
Both men had been
working as taxi drivers near the head of the Mocha Public Road at the time of the incident.
Troy Griffith Quincy Weekes
Justice Navindra Singh
GPHC observes World Glaucoma Week with public awareness, health education booth
UNDER the theme, “United for a "Glaucoma Free World,” Guyana joined the rest of the world in observing World Glaucoma Week 2025. The theme focuses on bringing communities worldwide together to fight against glaucoma blindness from March 9 to March 15, 2025.
To bring awareness to this important topic, the optometrists and staff of the Eye Clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Wednesday hosted a Glaucoma Awareness Booth, which provided public awareness and health education to members of the public.
There they were given eye health educational material, and optometrists were able to answer their questions about glaucoma and other eye diseases.
Speaking with the Daily Chronicle was one of GPHC’s optometrists, Dr. Janelle Harry. She said that at the booth, the optome -
trists highlighted the causes of Glaucoma and how it is treated, among other key areas.
Additionally, she noted that they also gave out appointments for screening.
Dr. Harry pointed out that because of the wide spread of health facilities around the country, cases
of glaucoma are caught in the early stages, allowing patients to receive the eye health care they need.
“So, we’re not having persons actually waiting until years upon years, like maybe ten years, without an eye test,” the doctor expressed.
Alongside this, she said they host outreaches where they try to go to each region to bring awareness to these diseases.
Ophthalmologist Consultant at the GPHC, Dr. Damonien Lamy Badette stated that the hospital offers comprehensive eye tests for all of its patients. This includes a measured eye pressure test.
She related that one of the main concepts of glaucoma is that it is a chronic problem. By definition, glaucoma refers to a collection of eye problems that damage the optic nerve, typically as a result of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). It is termed as the silent thief of sight, owing to its subtle nature, where symptoms arrive after significant vision loss.
“That’s why we always advise anybody that we encounter, we ask that question, ‘Do you have anybody that blood related to you that had a diagnosis of glauco-
ma?’ Then we advise them, please remind them, you know, or ask them, please come.”
She said further that patients will not know they have glaucoma until they are tested as there are no signs.
“So, you need to come forward for glaucoma screening. As we age also, there's a risk also to develop glaucoma, and as a young person, if you have a trauma, you know, injury to your eyes, you can also make you at risk for glaucoma too,” the doctor added.
The most modern piece of equipment offered to patients at the GPHC is the Optical Coherence Tomography (OTC) machine, a non-invasive imaging tool used by ophthalmologists to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve, aiding in the early detection and diagnosis of various eye conditions.
At the GPHC Eye Clinic, all are welcome if they have a referral letter from their private doctor, a health centre, or another hospital they are a patient of. This letter can be taken to GPHC’s eye clinic between Monday and Friday at 8 am, and they will be seen.
The team at GPHC’s Eye Clinic on Wednesday (GPHC photos)
Mother arrested for allegedly beating child, 4, to death
THE police are investigating the alleged murder of Rianna Ambrose, a four-year-old girl from Karaudarnau Village, in the South Rupununi. The prime suspect is her mother, Lucinda Stephen, a 24-year-old housewife.
A police report indicated that the incident occurred at about 01:00hrs on Thursday at Karaudarnau Village.
Based on initial investigations, at about 20:00hrs on Wednesday, Stephen and her reputed husband Regan Ambrose were consuming alcohol at their home in Karaudarnau Village.
Several hours later, an argument between them escalated into a scuffle. As a result, Ambrose went to the home of his reputed wife's sister, Joyce Stephen, where he related the details of the fight.
It is alleged that Joyce gave Ambrose a hammock to sleep in and at around 03:00hrs on Thursday, Joyce reportedly went over to her sister’s home where she met her hitting the four-year-old (Rianna Ambrose) five times to the head with a piece of wood, causing her to receive multiple injuries to the head.
The child was rushed to Aishalton District Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The alleged suspect was arrested and is presently in custody at Aishalton Police Station pending investigation.
According to the police, the wood that was allegedly used to commit the act was also recovered at the scene.
Over 400 learners successfully complete four GCI tracks
UNDER the 150K Guyana Coders Initiative, a programme funded by the Government of Guyana and the Government of the United Arab Emirates, 463 learners successfully completed training across four tracks.
This reflects the initiative’s success in providing accessible, digital education to Guyanese ages 14 and older.
According to the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), the initiative was introduced by the government in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in December 2022. It aligns with the Government of Guyana’s commitment to expanding digital education and fostering technological growth.
To date, a breakdown of the number of people completing each track has been recorded. According to the records 219 persons completed Programming Fundamentals, 181 completed Data Science Fundamentals, 50 completed Android Kotlin Development Fundamentals and 13 completed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fundamentals.
GOAL said that each track lasted between six and seven weeks, with mentorship and structured learning designed to equip learners with in-demand technological skills.
Programming Fundamentals teaches essential skills for creating interactive web pages, laying a solid foundation in web development, while the Android Kotlin Development Fundamentals programme enables learners to build engaging and user-friendly Android mobile applications.
Data Science Fundamentals introduces key concepts in data analysis, equipping learners with widely applicable skills for data –driven decision making across a number of industries.
Meanwhile, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fundamentals provides a foundational understanding of AI and ML, practical skills in using ChatGPT, and insights into ethical AI Practices.
Upon completion, learners would have gained the knowledge and skills to apply AI technologies across various sectors responsibly. For more, persons can visit: https://guyanacoders. gov.gy/enroll/ or call 2257000.
German’s Restaurant to create ‘vibrant commercial block’ in Tiger Bay
- after acquiring property that once housed well-known Foreman’s Electrical Shoe Shop
GERMAN’S Restaurant has announced the acquisition of the property that formerly housed the well-known Foreman’s Electrical Shoe Shop in Tiger Bay.
According to a press release, the site, located on Bentick Street, adjacent to Mattai’s Supermarket, spans from Water Street to Queen Street.
“After remaining overgrown and unused for more than a decade, the property will be transformed into a vibrant commercial block designed to accommodate multiple businesses. This development aligns with German’s Restaurant’s commitment to fostering economic growth and revitalisation in the community,” the company said.
Owner of German’s Restaurant, Clinton Url-
ing, expressed his enthusiasm about the project, noting: “We are excited about the potential this property holds, not just for our business but for the wider Tiger Bay community. We hope this initiative contributes to the ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the area and create new opportunities.”
German’s Restaurant, he said, looks forward to playing a role in the continued development of Georgetown and will share further updates as the project progresses.
The company is a second-generation family-owned establishment specialising in authentic Guyanese cuisine. With locations in Guyana and New York, US, German's Restaurant has been serving delectable Guyanese dishes for over 65 years.
German’s Restaurant has announced the acquisition of the property that formerly housed the well-known Foreman’s Electrical Shoe Shop in Tiger Bay
Omaiah Hall: Guyana’s very own ‘Soca Princess’
By Faith Greene
OMAIAH Hall has already reached remarkable heights, accomplishing feats that many only dream of. The ‘Soca Princess’ is making waves, placing third in the Adult Soca Monarch Competition, and being crowned the Road March Champion of 2025 with her captivating Soca song, “Breakway”, during the recently concluded ‘Mash’ season.
Since emerging on the local music scene in 2020, Omaiah has consistently honed her craft, dedicating more time and effort to her music. Over the years, she has experienced remarkable personal growth, embracing her potential to thrive as a ‘creative’, and cementing her place as a rising star in the industry.
This year also marks a new chapter for Omaiah, as she rebrands, with fresh energy and an evolved artistic vision, setting the stage for even more exciting accomplishments and greater recognition in the Soca world.
“This is no longer just a hobby; I've seen more dedication
in myself. My friends and family would say I have a lazy spirit; that is no longer there. I want it, and I'm working so hard towards it,” she shared during an interview with this week’s Buzz.
Surrounded by creatives, Omaiah attributes her love for melodies to her humble upbringing. As a child, she often watched her mother, a dancer, and her father, a pianist, perform. She said this sparked a light in her.
THIS IS A BREAKWAY!
As more opportunities emerge, Omaiah also expressed her love for performing, especially locally, where her support system is the strongest. She noted that while her most recent hit has made waves across the region, “Breakway” was made specifically for Guyana.
She further explained that she expected the song to paint Guyana in a different light. Seeing Guyanese support the song as much as they have was something new for her.
“We're growing. And, looking at the industry now; looking at the music now, more
effort is being placed; more emphasis is being placed,” she said, highlighting the growth of Guyana’s music industry.
At the local Soca Monarch Competition, Omaiah underscored some key takeaways, including the need to work harder and execute better in 2026.
“I am proud of me; I am proud of what I achieved. It was so
hard, because expectations were there, and I felt like I failed at one point. But in another sense, I felt like I won as well, because my name is being called, and I’m doing things that many people dream of. And I’m just getting started,” she said.
To top it off, just last week, Omaiah was announced as the 2025 Road March Champion.
At the time she heard the news, Omaiah was in Tobago, performing alongside Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca mega star, Fay-Ann Lyons.
Speaking about this experience, she said it was a full-circle moment to be on stage with such an iconic figure in music.
“I've been compared to two artists a lot, and that is Fay-Ann and
Patrice Roberts. Fay holds a big piece of my heart. Seeing her on her Soca Monarch stages back in the day, she was the artist that I really looked up to when it came to Monarch,” she shared.
“Being able to stand beside her, hug her, ask her for advice, speak to her, share a stage, and go on her stage; though it wasn't a major stage, it was major for me, was everything. And then, the way the audience reacted, that was the first time they heard the song. For them to respond the way they did was so empowering and beautiful.”
In the pipeline for the ‘Soca Princess’ is her very own concert that truly represents her. In addition, she mentioned that she will be releasing new music for upcoming carnival events.
Although she works with different people for her music, Omaiah took the time to “shout out” the team that worked with her on her most recent project: Producer Zigboi Music, Writer Sucre, Lord Edit, and Elmo Studio.
Omaiah Hall
Mix Master Tony Lands Two-Year Deal with Prestigious UberSoca Cruise
RENOWNED Guyanese
DJ Mix Master Tony has been signed to a twoyear contract as one of the official DJs for UberSoca Cruise, The Largest Soca Festival at Sea, for their 2025 and 2026 voyages.
This significant achievement marks a milestone for Guyana's music scene, as Mix Master Tony becomes one of the few Caribbean DJs and very first Guyanese to secure this coveted position. UberSoca Cruise management contacted the DJ directly, citing his exceptional talent and strong recommendations from industry insiders.
"This opportunity represents the culmination of years of dedication to my craft," said Mix Master Tony. "Being recognised by UberSoca Cruise is validation of not just my work, but also the rich
musical heritage of Guyana and the Caribbean that I've been privileged to represent."
Mix Master Tony has built his reputation through consistent performances throughout Guyana, where his innovative soca mixes have earned
him a devoted following.
“There’s a huge contingent of Guyanese who are normally on the cruise and there’s literally nobody on the big stage representing them. Almost everywhere else has a representative in terms of the acts that perform and nothing from Guyana. That’s another reason why I’m excited about being selected for this event,” he said.
While deeply committed to his home audience, he has long expressed aspirations to introduce Caribbean sounds to global audiences.
UberSoca Cruise,
which sails annually, attracts approximately 4,000 attendees from across the world. The platform has historically served as a career catalyst for DJs, providing unprecedented exposure to international audiences and industry professionals.
"We're always searching for hot new talent that can deliver the vibes on USC," said Nathaniel Turner, CEO of UberSoca Cruise. "He’s known as the “South American Surgeon” for a reason. It was a no-brainer!
The first cruise featuring Mix Master Tony will set sail from Miami
(November 15-22, 2025), and will visit Tortola, St Thomas and Great Stirrup Caye, a private island in the Bahamas. Each destination will feature its own event and preparations are already underway for what promises to be an exceptional musical experience.
Uber Soca Cruise is the World’s Largest Soca Festival at Sea, bringing together approximately 4000 soca lovers from around the world for an Experience Beyond the Music.
Persons can secure their spot now: www. ubersocacruise.com
Guyanese DJ Mix Master Tony
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
CHELTENHAM 09:20 hrs East India Block 10:00 hrs Kargese 10:40 hrs Allegore De Vassy 11:20 hrs The Big Westerner
12:00 hrs Galopin Des Champs 12:40 hrs Angels DDawn 13:20 hrs Wodooh
SOUTHWELL
12:20 hrs Captain Parma
Matthews, Mumbai Indians into WPL final
(CMC) - HAYLEY
Matthews’ all around brilliance carried the Mumbai Indians Women into the final of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) via a 47-run victory over the Gujarat Giants Women in their Eliminator match at the Brabourne Stadium here Thursday.
Matthews blasted 77 from 50 balls and together with Nat Sciver-Brunt, who also scored 77, propelled the Mumbai Indians Women to a competitive 213 for four from their 20 overs,
The West Indies Women’s captain then returned to snag 3-31 as the Giants were dis-
missed for 166 from 19.2 overs.
The Giants were dealt an untimely blow when star all-rounder, Deandra Dottin, was ruled out of the match with an injury five minutes before the toss.
They would have been ruing their decision to field first when Matthews and Sciver-Brunt were locked in a 133-run partnership for the second wicket that completely changed the momentum of the game.
Matthews hit 10 fours and three sixes, while Sciver Brunt launched 10 fours and two sixes in their partnership that spanned just 12 overs.
And when Matthews eventually lost her wicket to Danielle Gibson, captain Harmanpreet Kaur belted a boundary-studded 36 from 12 balls with four sixes and two fours to ensure the Mumbai Indians finished strongly.
Gibson took 2-40 from her four overs for the Giants.
The Giants then lost wickets at regular intervals during their chase, as Gibson, who made 34, Phoebe Litchfield (31) and Bharti Fulmani (30), all got starts but failed to push on.
The Mumbai Indians will face the Delhi Capitals in the final on Saturday.
Reviving Women’s Golf at Lusignan Golf Club: A Call for Support and Inclusion
IN the wake of International Women’s Day, Lusignan Golf
Club (LGC) proudly recognised its female players, highlighting their contributions and achievements. However, as LGC
President Anasha Ally reflected on the current state of women’s participation in the sport, she acknowledged a pressing concern: she is the only active female golfer at the club today.
Despite past successes and the evident talent among female players, financial constraints have significantly hindered their participation. Many women who once played competitively are now absent from the course, not due to a lack of passion or skill but because of the economic barriers that make continued engagement in the sport increasingly difficult.
Ally is determined to change this. In her address, she issued a heartfelt plea to corporate Guyana, emphasizing the growing financial resources available within the country and urging businesses to support initiatives that bring female golfers back to the sport. “Surely, we can do something and get them back out here with me,” she asserted.
To combat the decline in female participation, Ally is advocating for structured programmes such as a dedicated "Ladies Morning" or "Ladies Afternoon," where women of all ages can receive coaching, be introduced to the sport, and simply enjoy the serene environment that golf provides.
“In the chaos of Guyana these days, this is priceless,” she noted, underscoring the value of golf as both a recreational escape and an avenue for community building.
Beyond just increasing participation, Ally highlighted the broader benefits of such an initiative. A more inclusive and active female presence at the club would not only strengthen the sport but also contribute to the club’s sustainability.
“The more people we can expose to this, the better. More players mean more engagement, more financial support for the club, and ultimately, a thriving community for women and youth in golf.”
While sustaining the existing structure of the club is crucial, Ally believes now is the time to think beyond preservation and shift towards expansion and inclusivity. As financial opportunities continue to emerge in Guyana, investing in women’s golf can serve as a meaningful way for corporate entities to give back while promoting gender equity in sports.
Her message is clear: the talent is there, the interest exists, and with the right support, women’s golf at Lusignan Golf Club can flourish once again. The call is now out for corporate partners, sponsors, and the wider golfing community to step forward and be part of this revitalisation.
For those interested in supporting this initiative, the Lusignan Golf Club invites discussions on funding, sponsorship, and programme development to make women’s golf accessible and thriving once more.
(Friday March 14, 2025)
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) IND & NZ
(2) AUST & SA
Today’s Quiz:
(1) Who are the Champions Trophy 2025 champions?
(2) Who was declared Man of the tournament? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
GFF President visits new Fruta Conquerors FC leadership
IN a symbolic return to his footballing origins, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President, Wayne Forde, officially visited the newly elected Fruta Conquerors Football Club executive, accepting an invitation from President Martin Massiah.
Forde, who previously served as president of Fruta Conquerors, met at the Conquerors Arena with Massiah, Vice President Mark DeFreitas, Secretary Odessa Abrams,
Coach Samson Benaiah Gilbert, and Executive Member, Junior Ramkelawan, for detailed discussions.
The focus is on the club's ambitious plans, including a push for Concacaf Club Licensing, modernised operations, and enhanced player development.
"I have a deep connection to this club, and it's exciting to see bold new leadership driving it forward," Forde stated. "Fruta Conquerors is more than just a club; it's a
Rock Futsal tournament
football institution deeply rooted in Georgetown, drawing talent from communities where passion and determination overcome economic challenges."
Forde highlighted the club's role in shaping young athletes into leaders, citing the success of players like Ryan Hackett, who rose through the ranks to become a prominent Guyanese footballer. "Football clubs are the bedrock of a federation, serving as primary drivers of
fundamental player development," he emphasised.
Massiah outlined his vision for a transformed Fruta Conquerors, emphasising facility upgrades, strengthened youth programmes, and professionalised operations. "We are laying the foundation for a world-class football institution that will set new standards in Guyana," Massiah declared.
The visit underscored Fruta Conquerors' vital role in Guyanese football
development and the GFF's commitment to supporting clubs prioritising player growth, innovation, and excellence.
Festival City, Gold Is Money, North East, Back Circle into semis
FESTIVAL City, Gold
Is Money, North East La Penitence and Back Circle A are into the semi finals of the Rock Futsal tournament following the most recent rounds of the tournament.
In the first of the quarter-final matchups, Festival City beat Z-Tekk Family 1-0 thanks to a needling effort from Mark Wronge in the 30th.
Gold is Money also moved into the next round with a 2-0 drubbing of Back Cricle B.
Dexroy Adams (14th
CWI four-day Championships…
minute) and Stephon Jupiter (29th) were the scorers that pushed the futsal powerhouses into the next round
North East La Penitence squeaked by Bent Street A 3-2 in a close contest.
Kelvin Moore opened the scoring in the 6th minute to gift North East the lead for a large margin of the match before Bent Street equalised through Bevney Mark in the 29th.
A 33rd minute goal from Lennox Cort restored the lead to North East be-
fore Andrew Cato put them further in the lead two minutes later.
Sese Norville’s 38th minute goal brought Bent Street back into the contest but the final whistle saw North East through.
The final game of the night saw Back Circle A taking on Albouystown and the former won 4-0.
Stephon McLean (4th), Jermaine Beckles (11th), Simeon Moore (13th) and Darren Benjamin (22nd) were the goal scorers for the eventual winners.
Solórzano’s 83 highlights another rain- affected day
By Sean Devers
GUYANA Harpy Eagles, led by an unfinished 85run fourth-wicket stand between Tevin Imlach and Kemol Savory, reached 153-3 in fading light at stumps as Round Five of the Cricket West Indies Four-Day Championship continued yesterday.
Savory hit four fours from 78 balls in an unbeaten 46 on yesterday’s fifthround match against the Windward Island Volcanoes, while Skipper Tevin Imlach reached the boundary twice in his 70-ball undefeated 40. Raymond Perez hit four
fours in his 33, and Guyana’s run-scorer Kevlon Anderson had three boundaries in his 21 as the defending champions ended the rain-hit second day, 60 runs short of Windwards Volcanoes’ 213.
The Windwards began yesterday on their overnight 77-2, with Jeremy Solozano on 43, and Skipper Alick Athaneze on nine at the crease.
At 29, with just a single Test against Sri Lanka, Solozano showed why he is regarded as one of the most elegant batters in the West Indies, with a delightful 83 from 142 balls, decorated with 10 fours.
The Trinidadian lefthander shared in a 49-run partnership with Kavem Hodge (17) for the second, and 48 for the fourth wicket with Athaneze (39).
The Windwards were at one stage 168-3 after Solozano, who made his debut at this level in 2013, reached his thirteenth First-Class half-Century.
But the set Solozano, 17 away from his third century at this level, edged a catch to Wicket-Keeper Imlach to give Gudakesh Motie his first wicket, and leave the visitors at 168-4.
Sunil Ambris (33), with four boundaries, and
Shadrack Descarte, who reached the ropes three times, took the Windwards to 195-4.
However, when Veersammy Permaul trapped Descarte LBW for 15, it meant that the Volcanoes had slipped from 195-4 to 213 all out, losing their last five wickets for 18 runs, as the Albion spin twins polished off the lower order.
Permaul had 4-55 to increase his Regional FirstClass record to 581 wickets, while fellow left-arm spinner Motie took 3-44, and West Indies off-spinner Kevin Sinclair took 2-54.
Renaldo Ali-Mohamed had the other wicket to fall
to finish with 1-33.
At Lunch, Guyana, needing 214 for first-innings points, were 0-0 off of one over, with Raymond Perez, who replaced the injured Tagenarine Chanderpaul in the side, and Matthew Nandu at the crease.
A shower during the interval delayed the resumption by 65 minutes, and resulted in 16 overs being lost.
When play resumed, only one over was bowled, but there was enough time for Nandu (8) to be bowled by Kenneth Dember at 9-1.
Rain again interrupted play after a solitary over was bowled, reducing the remain-
ing overs in the day to 39.
When play resumed, Perez and Anderson added 50 for the second wicket, before Anderson, with two tons and a couple of fifties in this tournament, was bowled by a beauty from Grenadian leg-spinner Darel Sylus. Anderson fell for 21 with three boundaries, and his demise left Guyana on 61-1.
Just after Tea, and when again well set for a big score, Perez (33) was caught behind off pacer Gilon Tyson at 743, before Imlach and Savory saw their team to close.
The action on the penultimate day is scheduled to commence at 09:30 hrs.
Festival City versus Z Tekk
Guyana Football Federation President, Wayne Forde (right) and newly elected Fruta Conquerors Football Club President, Martin Massiah
I-CEE sponsors 2025 National Rapid Chess Championships
I-CEE Soft Drinks, a product of Banks DIH, is a proud sponsor of the 2025 National Rapid Chess Championships. After a multi-year absence, the highly anticipated nine-round chess competition returns on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Pegasus Hotel and Suites' Exhibition Centre, promising fierce competition among enthusiastic players of all ages.
Favoured by chess players for its fast-paced nature, the Swiss format tournament will feature a 15-minute time control with 5-second increments added to the clock after
each move. This popular rapid chess format promises an exciting and dynamic tournament experience for the players.
Strong competition is expected from Candidate Master Taffin Khan; FIDE Master, Anthony Drayton; CM Sachin Pitamber; Junior Champion, Ricardo Narine; Kyle Couchman, and Keron Sandiford for the 2025 National Rapid Chess Championship Title. Cash prizes amounting to $185,000 are up for grabs in the top five positions. Considering the historic results of rapid chess, it's anyone's guess who will emerge as the rapid champion for 2025.
Additionally, the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) is offering onemonth free membership to the Pegasus Chess Club for the sixth to eighth place positions in the tournament.
The top twelve boards will be live-streamed on livechesscloud.com under the supervision of FIDE, Arbiter John Lee, enabling viewers to follow the games online.
The GCF is thrilled to have I-CEE Soft Drinks on board as a sponsor and expresses its heartfelt thanks to the company for its sponsorship. The GCF
looks forward to a fruitful and successful partnership in the future. Deepest gratitude to the Guyana Pegasus Hotel for providing the space for the tournament.
With a series of tournaments launched in the new year, the GCF has offered competitive play in both the open and female categories, keeping up the tempo of competitive play and the development of chess among junior players. The National Blitz Championship will follow closely on Sunday, March 16, 2025. For more information on the tournament, check us out on guyanachess.gy.
Blazing Charles completes sprint double at National Secondary Schools Championships
SKYLAR Charles cemented his status as the sprint king of the National Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships, blazing to victory in the boys' U-20 200m to complete a stunning double.
The Vreed-en-Hoop speedster clocked 21.63 seconds, leaving rivals Onesi Dunn (22.10s) and Kaidon Persaud (22.10s) in his dust. Charles, who also dominated the 100m, now eyes a repeat in such a performance at the CARIFTA Games next month in Trinidad.
Kaidon Persaud, however, bounced back in style, taking the boys' U-20 800m
Junior Pan American Challenge…
Guyana
GUYANA delivered its strongest performance yet in the 2025 Junior Pan American Challenge, going toe-to-toe with topranked Brazil in an intense and hard-fought battle. Despite their resilience, Guyana fell just short in a 2-1 defeat.
crown in 1:58.33s. Jonathan Bristol (2:03.52s) and Mikael Antigua (2:08.14s) followed him across the line.
Donnel Fraser of Mackenzie High School continued her golden run, adding another title in the girls' 800m (2:35.65s) to her collection. Vannytta Francis (2:39.84s) and Amelia Dover (2:48.43s) completed the podium.
Joey Ghanie launched his way to victory in the boys' U-20 Javelin, throwing 48.03m. Emmon Goodluck (47.70m) and Samuel Ramitt secured silver and bronze, respectively.
Deshawn Europe of De Willem Secondary triumphed
in the boys' under-15 800m, crossing the line in 2:20.27s. Nashaun Rigby (2:21.74s) and Rashad Changlee (2:23.79s) took second and third.
The feel-good story of the day belonged to Areanna Bart of Stewartville Secondary, who celebrated her birthday with a gold medal in the girls' U-15 800m (2:36.10s), battling through rainy conditions. Anya Rose (2:40.72s) and Malia Young (2:42.84s) followed her home.
As of press time, Mackenzie High School had a commanding lead in the overall championship race.
pushes top-ranked Brazil to the limit
The match began as a defensive stalemate, with both teams locked in a tense first quarter. Brazil eventually broke the deadlock in the second quarter, capitalising on their first awarded penalty corner to take the lead. However, Guyana wasted no time in
responding, as #9 Yonnick Norton produced a brilliant display of skill—bringing down an aerial ball and beating the goalkeeper to equalise.
The third quarter saw both teams continue to match each other in intensity and playmaking. It
wasn’t until the final five minutes of the match that Brazil found the breakthrough, slipping the ball past Guyana’s goalkeeper to regain the lead.
Guyana had one last golden opportunity to level the score in the dying seconds, earning a penalty
corner. However, a mispush on the insert saw the chance go to waste, leaving Guyana just short of what would have been a well-deserved draw.
Guyana’s goalkeeper, Darious Alleyne, had a standout performance, making numerous crucial
saves to keep his team in contention.
With one match left in the group stage, Guyana will take on Barbados on Saturday, March 15, at 14:00 hours. The team remains focused and determined to secure a strong finish in the tournament.
Candidate Master, Taffin Khan
CM Sachin Pitamber
Skylar Charles won both the 100m and 200m races in the U-20 category
NSC, Office of the DPP to host Criminal Law and Sexual Offences Act meeting
IN a proactive move to foster a safer and more responsible sporting environment, the National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), will be hosting a meeting on Saturday, March 22, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from 10:00 hours.
The meeting is a mandatory engagement for all executive members of National Federations and Associations.
The focus will be on criminal law, with a special emphasis on the Sexual Offences Act. Discussions will be led by Assistant DPP, Tiffini Lyken, and the DPP’s Communications Officer, Liz Rahaman, who will provide essential insights into legal matters affecting the sporting landscape.
The initiative is particularly significant as it coincides with the recently celebrated International Women’s Day and Women’s Month observances, reinforcing the collective commitment to raising awareness and strength-
ening the fight against domestic violence, including sexual violence.
Notably, the meeting will address critical issues surrounding the protection of women and children, ensuring that all stakeholders within the sporting fraternity are well-informed and equipped to contribute to a safe and just sporting community.
With increasing global attention on safeguarding individuals in sports, the forum presents an invaluable opportunity for sports administrators to understand their legal obligations and responsibilities.
The discussions will highlight preventative measures, legal repercussions, and the role of sports organizations in fostering a culture of respect and accountability.
The NSC urges all invitees to make every effort to attend this essential meeting, as the insights gained will not only enhance governance within sports but also contribute to the overall well-being and security of athletes and officials alike.
Solozano drives during his elegant 83 at Providence yesterday
Skylar Charles won both the 100m and 200m races in the U-20 category