- President Ali reaffirms government’s commitment to improving lives, economic prosperity - outlines plan for special committee to work with Tain residents, NDC, announces agricultural project targetting 200 single-mother households
President Ali on Sunday held community meetings in several parts of Corentyne, Berbice, including Tain, where he informed residents about government’s plans for improving their lives, boosting incomes and ensuring the region is on a path of economic resilience (OP photos)
‘We Lift’ exceeds expectations in fifth year
- Human Services Minister applauds diversity of participating businesses
ON Sunday, the curtains came
down on what was said to be “the best” We Lift exhibition for women, hosted by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
Commencing on Friday, We Lift 5 saw more than the expected 350 women-owned
businesses lining the walkway and poolside of the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal.
In its fifth year, the event was marked as a supportive ecosystem where women entrepreneurs (also called ‘mompreneurs’ throughout the exhibition) can confidently present their products and services, engage in meaningful dialogue, and explore collaborative avenues to amplify their creative and innovative potential.
We Lift stands as a testament to the Ministry of Hu-
man Services’ commitment to economic empowerment and gender equality, providing a vital stage for the burgeoning businesses led by women across various sectors.
Providing a general comment, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud said that We Lift has grown significantly this year.
According to the minister, the businesses participating in We Lift 5 were diverse,
Story and photos by Faith Greene
Samathra Morgan (centre) with her By Devine Inspiration team
Phelicia Adams, owner of Flawless Crochet
Diana Trotman, owner of Enchanted Gardens Floral Arts
‘We are servants to the people’
- President Ali reaffirms government’s commitment to improving lives, economic prosperity
- outlines plan for special committee to work with Tain residents, NDC, announces agricultural project targetting 200 single-mother households
By Naomi Parris
DURING a spirited address to residents of Tain, Region Six, on Sunday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali reaffirmed the core values of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), describing it as a movement rooted in service and accountability.
“We are not a party of Lords; this is not a party that will ever support any individual or group playing Lord. We are a party of service; we are effective servants for the people, from the highest level to the lowest level. That is what makes us different,” he said.
He reaffirmed that his government remains deeply committed to improving the lives of all Guyanese through expanded investments in housing, infrastructure, education, and health services.
“We want to move things forward; we want to do better for you every day, and we cannot tolerate and condone anything that is different from this,” he said.
President Ali noted that a special committee will be formed to continue targetted consultations at the level of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to ensure that residents are regularly engaged, and any concerns that they may have are addressed in a timely manner.
The committee will also address power struggles within the NDC.
Selected members, President Ali noted, will begin their work as early as tomorrow, and must have reports completed no later than Friday.
“We must have a responsibility to the people of our communities, for the people of this country, and a part of that responsibility is not to fight for leadership; it’s to deliver leadership. It’s not to fight for power. That is what defines us.”
He further drew a contrast in the PPP/C policies to that of other political players who seek to only drive division.
“We must understand how important that philosophy is when we are determining policies and
programmes for your children, for you.”
For example, the President highlighted the several housing schemes that are being developed or expanded, with upgraded roads, utilities, and public services accompanying the rollout.
“That is the legacy of the People’s Progressive Party, when a 30-year-old and a 25-year-old and a 22-year-old can own their own home, they will own
their own land. These are the signs that energise me.”
The Head of State also announced plans for a special agriculture project in Tain, which will target 200 single mother-led households, providing them with several inputs such as shade house and black giants chicks.
Through business projects like egg production, honey production, and swine farming within three months, the aim is to create
a source of income for women in the community.
President Ali further stressed the importance of not compartmentalising thinking and not allowing local grudges or petty differences to affect the community's progress.
To this end, he reiterated the magnitude of regional investments being made in areas such as infrastructure and industrial projects, which contribute to the region's wealth and prosperity.
“What we represent as a political entity is much larger than each of us. And this party is a party for all of Guyana. We were founded for all of Guyana, and we remain for all of
Guyana.”
Dr. Ali called on residents to take note of the visible transformation in Region Six and to continue supporting initiatives that are driving meaningful changes in their lives.
“Your future is yours, but you have a responsibility in shaping and finding that future. You have a responsibility to your conscience and yourself and your family. Your children’s future is yours, but you have a responsibility in shaping and finding that future. You have a responsibility to your conscience and yourself and your family, your children,” President Ali said.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali engaging a local health worker who was among hundreds gathered for a community meeting at Tain on Sunday (Bebi Ossman photos)
‘We Lift’ exceeds expectations...
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capturing the niche markets out there.
She said, “What I saw this year, as compared to the previous year, more women are going into services. In the first few years, we had a lot of candle-making and soaps, but this year, we have a significant number of services.”
These services ranged from providing massages to janitorial services and décor.
The minister opined that for these women, this is a great opportunity to have visibility, have their brand known, and to network and link with other similar businesses.
“What I saw, which is quite novel, there was one of the businesses doing labeling, and she told me that everyone here pretty much bought her labeling machines, and they were able to have that kind of synergy that worked for them at We Lift,” Minister Persaud said.
The minister revealed that We Lift 5 is doing exactly what it intended to do. That is, allowing women to flourish together, lead, innovate, and create.
Simultaneously, Minister Persaud expressed heartfelt appreciation to the team that worked along with her to create a relaxed atmosphere for both participants and attendees of We Lift 5. She also used the opportunity to urge Guyanese to attend future We Lift events, saying, “We Lift 5 has been a great success, and I want to encourage Guyanese, every time you see We Lift, come out and support because you're sup - porting not only a wom- an, but her family and …a lot of
beneficial for a lot of young women, as it gives them an opportunity to meet people, and gain advice on how to grow their business”.
Phelicia started doing crochet in 2017, and in 2019, she turned her skill into dollars by starting Flawless Crochet. Her business can be found on Instagram @flawlesscrochet_gy
location, Enchanted Gardens can be found on all social media platforms by searching: enchantedgardens2016.
Trotman described this year’s event as one that is different from previous years.
Kids First Fund, although not a business, was also represented at We Lift 5. The charitable organisation was
the world. So, basically, we're selling these things to fund the work that we do,” she explained.
Further, Singh said that this year’s expo has been a “good” one, with lots of interests being expressed by patrons of the event.
mompreneurs. A lot of them are mothers, too.”
POSITIVE FEEDBACK
The Guyana Chronicle took the time to engage some of the business owners, and they provided some positive feedback about their experience at the event.
Phelicia Adams, who owns Flawless Crochet, was a first-time participant. She said: “I didn't know what to expect. I was nervous at first. Very nervous. But eventually, when I got here the first day, and I got to interact with people… people wanted to know about me and my business.”
According to her, the ‘expo’ is one that is “very
and facebook: Flawless Crochet.
Meanwhile, Diana Trotman, the owner of Enchanted Gardens Floral Arts, is a three-time participant. She makes a variety of hair accessories such as hair bows, turbans, bandeaux, as well as earrings and a number of other accessories.
While there is no physical
Leisa Gibson, the owner of Leisa’s Salon and Beauty Supplies, explained that she manufactures hair and skin care products. Her business is located at Lot 6, Alexander Street, Kitty, opposite the Kitty Police Station.
According to the business owner, a highlight of We Lift 5 has been the networking opportunities.
“…because when you support a female, you support an entire village. So being able to network with other females, that's so good,” she said.
founded by Varshnie Singh. Singh explained to this publication that her organisation helps to fund emergency medical treatment for children and adults. Such treatment includes open heart surgery. The organisation also feeds and cares for the homeless, as well as abused animals.
“So, our business here is promoting the local artisans like Balata Art from Region Nine. We have Wooden Art from Region 10. We have Healing Gemstone Jewellery from Guyana, and all over
Samathra Morgan, of By Devine Inspiration, told this publication that she was a first time participant at We Lift. She said, “I got to tell you, it's amazing the amount of interaction I'm getting with Guyanese folk. I love the Guyanese people, and they're so fresh and inviting. I'm loving it.”
The 48-year-old woman said that her business involves events planning and décor rentals. “Whatever you want us to do, we can do it for you. You have your stuff, we come do it for you.”
Kids First Fund
Leisa Gibson, the owner of Leisa’s Salon and Beauty Supplies
Four new drying floors, coconut replanting project on cards for Black Bush Polder
- as part of government’s agricultural diversification, economic resilience plans for Region Six
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali, during his visit to Black Bush Polder on Sunday, announced the conversion of dams to establish four new drying floors, one for each polder in the area. This move aims to support farmers by improving post-harvest infrastructure.
Additionally, he revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture will be exploring the replanting of coconut as a way of boosting supplementary income for interested farmers, further contributing to agricultural diversification and economic resilience in the region.
According to President Ali, he has also asked the Ministry of Agriculture to design a project where coconut trees can be re-planted.
He said that with the provision of the Brazilian green
nuts and about 5,000 - 10,000 coconuts plants, a facility will be built that will purchase the nuts and bottle coconut water for the local and regional markets, in order to create more “opportunities for your income”.
“Those are the things that will help to increase your disposable income to diversify the earning potential of your land.”
He said that he has asked the Ministry of Agriculture to also work with livestock farmers to see “how we can bring the high breed embryos to improve the stocks that we have here”.
According to President Ali, the team will be meeting with farmers to see how this can be implemented.
With regards to rice, President Ali stated that outside of the support in ensuring that farmers get $4,000 per bag, for every acre of land, farmers will receive one bag
of fertiliser. “That is a direct transfer to your community in the coming days and weeks of $160 million to support our farmers in the polder,” President Ali said.
He then added that the Hope-like canals will also open up lands which will be available to farmers.
For the main drain rehabilitation, he noted that the contract has been awarded, with works to commence shortly, and that this will be supported with amphibious excavators to minimise the impact on the road.
He said there will also be the implementation of a programme, whereby all farmers will be supported for blocked drainage in the polders.
Meanwhile, Ali also revealed that 50 single mothers will be identified in each of the polders, totalling some 200 households, to receive support of ‘agri tech’ to develop and increase a disposable income. “Whether it’s hemp production, whether it’s a shade house, we are going to make life easier for this 200 women-led households, and that is the first phase of this programme,” he said.
The President also told those gathered that they must not take for granted the type of investments that are being made to ensure their lives are better.
He said that as citizens look towards the future, “We have to work with every single farmer in the Polder here to see how we can create an incentive programme to get you on the NIS pension scheme.”
President Ali added, “We have to ensure that we can work with you, so that we
can enable you to get on NIS pension, so at the age of 60, you can also benefit this way.”
Furthermore, he said that investments will also be put in place to remove the barrier between rice and cattle farmers at Kokerite Savannah. “These are the things we are going to be investing in, in the coming months,” he added.
Ali pointed out that some 150 tubes were given out to farmers in the area as well to assist with their drainage, as he disclosed on the spot that he has asked the ministry to release another 150 tubes.
Meanwhile, a $239 million contract has since been awarded for the construction of a concrete bridge in Mibicuri.
In terms of the programme where farmers receive two hours of a machine to work on their lands, President Ali said this will be increased from two hours to six hours, with an additional machine to be added to support this initiative.
He said four new irrigation pumps will also be imple-
mented to support the polders.
Additionally, the Ministry of Finance has been assigned the responsibility of developing a roof improvement programme aimed at harnessing rainfall, an essential resource for the Black Bush Polder area.
“I am not here to tell you everything is perfect; I am not here to tell you that there are no challenges or weakness, because there are challenges and weaknesses, but I am
here to tell you that can trust us to stand by you, and stand with you in dealing with those challenges and weaknesses,” President Ali said. In continuing, he said, “I just want to assure you that the plans we have will take hard work. It will take more than five years ahead of us, but we will do it in five years, because, as your President, I intend to make five years ten years, because I will work 24 hours a day.”
Story and photos by Bebi Shafeah Oosman
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha addressing the gathering in Black Bush Polder. Also pictured are President Dr. Irfaan Ali and several members of his Cabinet
Residents of Black Bush Polder gathered at the Mibicuri NDC Square to listen to President Ali on Sunday
Rise to the challenge
GUYANA stands on the brink of a digital revolution, and its youth stand poised to take the lead.
Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo's call to the youth to seize training opportunities in the new digital economy marks a turning point in the nation's history.
As the government lays the groundwork for a modernised financial and technological landscape, this is not a proposal, but an invitation for Guyana's youth to shape their nation's future.
The Vice-President's vision to take Guyana's financial sector "out of the stone ages" is ambitious and necessary.
The initiatives to digitise core systems—like airport
management, e-ticketing, and AI-driven education— reflect a strong commitment to building a society where technology drives efficiency, accessibility, and innovation.
It is not convenience; it is an ecosystem that enables citizens, promotes entrepreneurship, and attracts foreign investment.
At the heart of this transformation is an opportunity for the youth to redefine their position in the economy. With the government anticipating a growing need for technology-based skills, the message is clear: Those who innovate and adapt will thrive.
An emphasis on innovation hubs, fintech, and artificial intelligence reflects a
forward-looking agenda that is in line with global trends. But for all these to function, young Guyanese must embrace lifelong learning, and use these resources not only for personal progress but also for national development.
The use of artificial intelligence for learning, as proposed by Jagdeo, is particularly fascinating. The potential for AI tutors customised for every individual child has the possibility of revolutionising educational attainment and closing the education gap.
This project demonstrates the way technology can be utilised to solve systemic problems while preparing the next generation
to compete in an increasingly competitive global economy.
But even as promising as such projects are, they require more than policy and infrastructure. Jagdeo's acknowledgment of the need to "modernise the mindset" of citizens—State sector included—is crucial. A digital society requires not just technical expertise but also cultural change towards innovation, collaboration, and adaptability.
The government must ensure that these shifts are inclusive, reaching into rural communities and marginal populations who are typically left behind in technological revolutions.
Furthermore, while foreign experience is helpful in
leading this process, it must be ensured that local skill sets are brought to the forefront in leading innovation centers and other initiatives.
This will not only build national capacity but also generate pride and ownership by Guyanese.
Guyana's economic evolution has already taken place through its strengthened financial data and robust regulatory frameworks under the PPP/C Government.
Nevertheless, this progress has to be translated into tangible dividends for average citizens—cheap finance for entrepreneurs, job opportunities in tech sectors, and improved public services through digitisation.
The way ahead is challenging but promising. By investing in its youth and establishing a culture of innovation, Guyana can spearhead the digital revolution in the region.
The vision has been set by the government; it is now incumbent on young people to rise to the challenge, with skills, determination, and a shared vision for building a new Guyana.
This is greater than economic transformation; this is a social awakening.
If Guyanese youth heed this call, not only will they be altering their own future, but they will cement their country's position within an increasingly digitalising world.
The will of the people must not be taken lightly
Dear Editor,
WHAT should a government do if it wants to be re-elected? The answer does not require any scientific analysis based on scientific theories, since any layman can provide this answer with great accuracy. Simply put, it must fulfill what it has promised in its Manifesto, since that is what got it elected.
However, experience would testify that it would be fatal to any government which feels that the will of the people can be taken lightly, and can be thwarted to satisfy its own personal agenda, once elected.
In any democracy, the will of the people is paramount, and this is what the APNU+AFC coalition has failed to recognise, and probably had placed too much reliance on its innate ability to rig elections in order to remain in power.
But times have changed, and ignoring the will of the electorate has resulted in their demise, which began with the
no-confidence motion in December 2018 and culminated with the March 2020 General Elections. And despite many attempts to rig the 2020 elections, they failed miserably, and further damaged their already tarnished image in full view of the world.
The successful passing of the NCM was a graphic reflection of the will of the electorate through its representatives. It is a stark reminder not to mess with the will of the electorate.
As soon as the coalition assumed office in 2015, it became clear to the people who voted for them that they were not going to honour the promises made in their Manifesto; they became too busy with their selfish endeavours. Friends, families and favourites, and, of course, themselves, came first. It was no accident that they completely lost sight of the people; literally. They kept out of sight from even their own supporters, and squandered the taxpayers’ dollars like there was no tomorrow. They got what they
wanted, and they were hell bent on enjoying the good life, which, supposedly, was promised to the people. All their annual budgets presented each year contained the term, ‘good life’, but this became increasingly elusive.
The PNC and the AFC members and supporters came face-to-face with the inability of the Coalition government to manage the economy through strong strategic micro and macro socioeconomic policies.
The coalition was only adept at mismanagement and squandering of the financial resources which placed a heavy burden on the people, and destroyed the progress made by the previous government.
Their only solution was to tax the people deeper into poverty. It would have been erudite for the coalition to heed the advice given by Sir Winston Churchill – “I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.”
I sat transfixed at the President’s outreach at New Amsterdam, and everyone was totally mesmerised by the deliveries from Cabinet members and the President himself which outlined the myriad of achievements of the PPP/C Government.
No one can doubt that the government achieved way beyond more than it had promised in its 2020 Manifesto. Each achievement can be easily verified. This is in direct contrast to the APNU+AFC coalition, which backpeddled on each and every promise in their Manifesto. This and the fact that the coalition attempted to rig the 2020 elections, and shamelessly claimed that they are in possession of Statements of Poll (SoPs), which provided the ‘evidence’ of a coalition victory began an increasingly progressive exodus of their members and supporters into the ever ready and welcoming outstretched arms of the PPP/C.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Vice-President Jagdeo had made it clear that in its quest for a ‘One Guyana’,
each and every Guyanese from all races, ethnicity, religious and political orientation are welcomed. The ONE GUYANA bus is large enough for everyone, and no one will be left behind.
Today, the diverse crowd at New Amsterdam braving the torrential rains bears testimony that President’s Ali ‘One Guyana’ is bearing fruit, and the residents, including a sitting APNU RDC councillor, openly endorsed the President and the PPP/C. And as one former PNC supporter thanked the President for his vision in national development, he was adamant that the PPP/C has restored ‘hope, dignity and pride’ to the people of New Amsterdam. The President, in a fantastic display of his oratorical skills, made it abundantly clear that the PPP/C is not a seasonal party, and that ‘people place their trust, honour and dignity’ in a party which does not deceive them.
The APNU+AFC deceived their members and supporters, and now that the deception is a hundred-fold
magnified, they promise that they will double and quadruple everything which the PPP/C government has so far delivered.
This is not only comical, hilarious, and outlandish, but screams of deception on a grander scale. I don’t think that even the utterers themselves can believe those grandiose lies again, much less the Guyanese public.
No political party in this country can boast about being multi-racial and can pride itself with its achievements during its tenure in office and its representation of the Guyanese people even out of office except the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. There will not be any in the foreseen future given the current progressive trajectory of this government and any ‘Johnny or Janey-come-lately’ can only make it stronger and no one will ever be able to replicate the exemplary governance of that party.
The results always speak for themselves.
Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf
I guess we will never stop looking at Burnham
I GOT a reaction from a person who is in his 80s and who was quite an influential state official during the reign of President Forbes Burnham. I welcome the opportunity on any occasion to write on Mr Burnham and other historical figures in contemporary Guyana because I approach history differently from my comrades in social activism and my colleagues in academia.
If you look around Guyana today, there are not many, maybe none at all of political activists and public intellectuals whose original training was in the discipline of history. I started out as a student at UG majoring in history. As a trained historian, you will never see facts, events, people, and places the way other humans not trained in history see them.
about because he had non-African genes in him. I pressed Dev to name the person. I first asked if he was alive.
Dev said no, so I asked Dev to name him. Dev declined only to say he would only give a clue – the person was known as one of the best to come out of Buxton. Immediately I shouted out the name, Haslyn Parris. Dev acknowledged it was Parris.
Tonight (Monday) on the Freddie Kissoon Show, Ravi Dev will be the guest who will offer a thorough examination of the Vincent Alexander theory of a defective genetic condition that African Guyanese have to live with.
In rejecting Alexander’s theory, Ravi pointed to an African Guyanese who rose to national power through the patronage of President Burnham and he remarked that this person told him that his erudition and intellectual qualities came
A historian is a ferret. He/ she just wants everything to come out into the open so they will become part of history. The historian will never miss an opportunity to put something into history because he/ she believes everything should go into the unlimited storage room we call history. I will give you just one example. I don’t need to give more because this one example is potent evidence of how the historian and non-historian operate.
Now Dev is a lawyer. I am a historian. Immediately when Dev chose not to name him my historian’s instinct kicked in.
I have had that situation that I had with Dev with dozens of other people who had no training in history. It is for this reason I did a negative assessment of the autobiography of Clement Rohee. Rohee is rich with political history, but his autobiography is poor on the recording of history.
This has been a long digression from the subject of
Forbes Burnham and what the caller wanted from me about what I wrote about Burnham yesterday (Sunday).
He told me there was a glaring contradiction in yesterday’s piece. He reminded me that I referred to Burnham as having a lust for power and was a megalomaniac, yet I praised Burnham for wanting to remove the plural nature of Guyanese society.
Until he spoke to me, I would not have known that my portrait of Burnham in yesterday’s column was contradictory. In the remaining paragraphs, I will attempt to explain why it is not. It doesn’t mean I would have convinced him (I told him I will write about him, but he declined to be named).
I am convinced that Burnham possessed visionary power, was not racist, was not pro-capitalist and had serious inclinations to empower work-
ing-class people. But you cannot formulate a template for the transformation of society that when complete, would bear no resemblance to colonial Guyana and immediate post-independent Guyana and the template was drawn up with your ideas only.
That was where Burnham went dangerously and tragically wrong. Burnham’s blueprint was a plausible and impressive one, but it was when the blueprint was implemented you saw where it would go astray.
This was because the template had rough edges that Burnham insisted weren’t rough because to admit that was to confess that he wasn’t a genius after all.
I will end with one gigantic example of where Burnham’s megalomania undid his visionary power and given his lust for power, it had to happen.
Burnham called a General Council meeting of his party on the negative impact of the flour ban. There was total and resounding consensus in the auditorium of Congress Place that the ban was damaging the party and the government. At the end of the debate, Burnham with oozing nonchalance told the audience; “I hear ya’ll but leave the ban, it is good for Guyana.”
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.
This was Burnham’s undoing. He could not leave space for alterations from others. The alterations had to be rejected because he, Burnham drafted the re-designing of Guyana, and no one must touch it – just implement it but don’t change anything.
Guyana’s fishing sector has seen significant improvements under the PPP/C Administration
Dear Editor,
SINCE returning to office in August 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration has brought substantial improvements to Guyana’s fishing sector, revitalising an industry that had seen stagnation and neglect under the previous APNU+AFC government.
Under the PPP/C, fisherfolk across the country have benefitted from targetted support, including a
$150,000 cash grant distributed to over 5,000 fisherfolk in 2022 as part of the government’s COVID-19 relief and economic recovery plan. This direct intervention provided critical assistance to a community hit hard by global fuel prices and disrupted markets.
In addition, the administration has prioritised improved infrastructure, including rehabilitating fishing wharves and upgrading access roads to key fishing areas, making the sector more
efficient and sustainable.
Moreover, the PPP/C has been actively working to strengthen regulatory frameworks and introduce sustainable fishing practices. Collaborations with international partners have been enhanced to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, safeguarding local fisherfolk’s livelihoods and marine biodiversity. Training programmes and access to low-interest financing have also been rolled out to mod-
ernise fleets and boost productivity.
In stark contrast, the APNU+AFC administration failed to offer any meaningful development for the sector during their time in office. Fisherfolk were left to struggle with high fuel costs, declining catches and
inadequate facilities. There was no comprehensive plan, no targetted relief and no infrastructural investments that benefitted the fishing communities.
The PPP/C’s results-driven approach has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots development and sustainable economic growth. Fisherfolk, once sidelined and ignored, are now seeing tangible benefits from a government that recognises their value and contributions to the national economy.
Sincerely, Fawaz
Harry
163 individuals awarded international certifications in technical and vocational fields through WIIN programme
ONE hundred-and-sixtythree (163) individuals celebrated a significant milestone on Saturday afternoon, graduating from a diverse array of technical and vocational courses offered by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), in collaboration with esteemed training partners, City and Guilds and Nations Inc.
The graduation ceremony was a highlight of the second day of the We Lift 5 event.
The graduating cohort comprised 102 females and 61 males, demonstrating the programme’s broad reach. Graduates earned specialisa-
tions in critical and in-demand trades, including carpentry, electrical installation, welding, and plumbing.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud emphasised the importance of international certification for young people in today’s competitive job market.
While the WIIN programme was initially conceived to empower women, its impact has been amplified by the inclusion of male participants through the Ministry’s ‘Mpower’ initiative.
“It was intended for women to jump into unconventional areas, but I am also happy to see young men here graduat-
ing, which shows how WIIN and ‘Mpower’ work hand-inhand, two programmes of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security which focus on upskilling and intro-
ducing persons to technical skills that are lucrative and much needed in our country,” Minister Persaud stated.
The minister further urged the newly certified graduates to capitalise on the burgeoning opportunities within Guyana’s construction industry.
She underscored the pivotal role these skilled individuals will play in driving both their own financial independence, and the nation’s economic growth.
“I want to see you excel and succeed, but I would also like to urge you to give back to your country, and do something worthy and worthwhile with what you have achieved today,” the Minister passionately conveyed.
Meanwhile, Pamela O’Toole, Director of Nations University Inc., acknowledged the significance of hosting the technical and vocational training at the institution for the first time.
Director O’Toole expressed her gratitude for the fruitful collaboration with the Ministry in fostering the development of essential skills among Guyana’s youth.
She encouraged the graduates to maintain their collaborative spirit, and relentlessly pursue their aspirations.
“I must thank everyone at the Ministry, City and Guilds, and Nations for ensuring that the WIIN programme is extremely relevant, highly successful, and constantly in -
creasing the range of courses, and meeting the needs of the workforce in Guyana as we stream forward hand in hand in our exciting path of national development,” Director O’Toole affirmed.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, in partnership with its collaborators, has set an ambitious goal to train 1,000 additional individuals in an expanded selection of technical and vocational disciplines this year. The Ministry remains committed to proactively creating pathways for young people in Guyana to achieve personal growth and contribute meaningfully to the country’s advancement. (DPI)
Guyana a leading centre for transplants in the Caribbean - Health Minister
MINISTER of Health
Dr. Frank Anthony has said that with advancements made over the last few years, Guyana is now among the leading centres for transplants in the Caribbean.
Dr. Anthony was at the time delivering remarks during the launch of the Guyana Global Cardiology Initiative.
According to the health minister, after significant work has been put in, legislation governing transplantation in Guyana has been enacted, catering for the formation of a transplant agency among other things.
With the establishment of this agency, he noted that all transplant-related matters are being done under the auspices of this agency, and further, if any hospital would like to be accredited to do transplants, then they would have to
go through an accreditation process through the agency.
Thus far, Dr. Anthony indicated that the transplants that they have been doing are mostly from live donors, but work is ongoing to ensure that Guyana will be able to conduct transplants from deceased donors in the near future.
“The technology is a little different; you have to put a lot of systems in place, but we’re working towards getting this
done,” he affirmed. To this end, he added that whatever is being developed in Guyana is not only going to be for the benefit of Guyanese citizens, but also to be shared with the rest of the Caribbean region and this is important.
Against this backdrop, he said, “We are probably one of the leading centres now for kidney transplants in the Caribbean, and also for corneal transplants”.
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony
Scenes from the graduation exercise which was held on Saturday
President Ali announces plans to expand UG’s Tain Campus to boost education in Berbice
AS part of the government’s aggressive education drive, it will be investing in the University of Guyana’s (UG) Tain Campus in Region Six to expand academic offerings.
President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced on Sunday that the investments will allow the campus to provide programmes in medical sciences, pharmacy, dentistry, engineering, law and oil and gas.
Addressing hundreds of residents at a community meeting on the campus tarmac, the head of state said, “If we have to put in the labs, [then] we will put in the labs.
We are going to make the investments to ensure it happens and every child in this region can aspire to be the best they want to be.”
He stated that Port Mourant will become the technical training hub of Guyana and the Caribbean, and a significant part of this transformation involves developing the Tain Campus.
Alongside UG, President Ali noted that nursing schools and a hospitality and tourism training institute are being established in the region to support growing industries.
He noted that the ulti-
mate goal is to make sure every child in the region can aspire to and access high-quality education.
As he touched on opportunities in education, the head of state encouraged youths to join the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service or the Guyana Defence Force.
He urged the youth in the midst not to take current opportunities for granted. The President is on a two-day outreach to the East Berbice-Corentyne region, where he is actively engaging and listening to residents’ concerns.
(DPI)
A resident highlights her concerns during the meeting
President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali addresses a large gathering during a community meeting at Tain
Recover Guyana graduates 100 youths from ENGAGE project
By Faith Greene
IN a pivotal step towards empowering the next generation of change makers who are committed to creating a greener, more sustainable Guyana, Recover Guyana in partnership with Scotiabank, and Van Oord, recently graduated 100 young entrepreneurs from the trailblasing ENGAGE project.
The ENGAGE Youth Empowerment Programme was implemented by Recover Guyana, with its partners, to support a new generation of change-makers, who are passionate about the environment and ready to create impactful, eco-friendly businesses. This significant project was built on a bold, yet transformative goal to train some 1,000 youths across Guyana in sustainable entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and community leadership, and was created as a response to the social and economic challenges facing many young people, including unemployment and being a school dropout.
The pilot phase, for which the graduation was for, saw participation from Regions Three and Six.
The graduates completed a comprehensive programme designed to equip them with the skills, tools, and mindset needed to lead eco-conscious ventures and champion sustainable practices in their communities.
As part of the programme's commitment to nurturing green entrepreneurship, seed funding totalling GYD $2 million was awarded to 15 outstanding participants with innovative green business ideas.
ENGAGE was described as more than just a programme or an
initiative involving the building businesses. It was labelled a national movement that creates equity, restores hope, and invests in a future where youths are prepared to lead.
Recover Guyana’s President and Founder, Dr. Dave Lalltoo in a brief speech stated that the moment represents the culmination of the graduates’ hard work, as well as the beginning of a new chapter where each will play a vital role in shaping the future of Guyana's green economy.
“Following the launch on December 8, 2024, we saw an overwhelming 393 youth express interest in the programme. From this pool, 150 were eligible for the training. Today, we proudly celebrate the graduation of 100 individuals, with 50 more still undergoing training in subsequent phases. This training and curriculum we provided were designed to give all participants a solid foundation in green entrepreneurship,” Dr. Lalltoo remarked.
Recover Guyana with partners Scotiabank Guyana and Van Oord celebrating the graduation of 100 ‘green’ entrepreneurs through the ENGAGE project (Recover Guyana photo)
BIT celebrates 115 years of technical excellence, workforce development
“SKILLS for Success, 115th Years Journey of Technical Excellence and Workforce Development.”
This is the theme under which the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) officially launched its anniversary celebrations at the Ministry of Labour on Friday last.
The launch ceremony signaled more than a historic milestone for BIT. It marked a renewed commitment to empowering every Guyanese with the tools necessary to shape their own future.
According to BIT, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton passionately reflected on its far-reaching impact, describing the anniversary as not just a celebration of time but one of transformation.
“This is a celebration of action and achievement,” the minister declared adding, “In just four years, we have trained 12,742 individuals across the country, and remarkably, 60 per cent of them are women. Women who once questioned their place in technical fields are now standing tall, welding, wiring, building, and proving that their potential knows no bounds.”
Minister Hamilton emphasised that BIT’s success is not only measured in numbers but in the lives reshaped and the doors now open. With pride, he pointed to BIT’s newest chapter establishing its own training facilities.
He stated, “We are not only training; we are building. We are planting institutions in communities because the next chapter demands more. More access, more inclusion, more women breaking barriers and stepping boldly into spaces where they were once told they didn’t belong.”
Meanwhile, BIT’s Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) Richard Maughn spoke about the transformation and inclusiveness of BIT’s programmes.
“In 2020, under policy direction from the Honourable Minister, BIT expanded its scope from youth-focused training to include all Guyanese enabling skilling,
re-skilling, and upskilling for every citizen,” he pointed out before explaining that “This 115-year milestone is a testament to the resilience, relevance, and reform of BIT over the decades.”
Additionally, a board member, Ganesh Singh lauded BIT’s inclusive approach, particularly its partnership with the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD).
Singh noted, “Since 2020, over 450 persons with disabilities have been trained in various skill areas. Many have gone on to find employment, become entrepreneurs, or pursue further education thanks to the flexible and impactful nature of BIT’s programmes.”
BIT mentioned that as part of the anniversary celebrations, it will host a nationwide “Try a Trade” exhibition series, offering the general public hands-on experiences with the skills taught through its training programmes.
The “Try a Trade” exhibition schedule is as follows: April 20, 2025 – Region Seven, Bartica Regatta; April 25, 2025 – Region Two, Anna Regina Car Park; April 28, 2025 – Region 10, Linden Bus Park; May 9, 2025 – Region Six, New Amsterdam Market; May 10, 2025– Region Six, Corriverton Market; and May 12, 2025 – Region One, Kumaka Waterfront.
The Board related that to commemorate its 115th anniversary and preserve its rich legacy, it will roll out a series of impactful initiatives throughout the year. These include the creation of a national archive to house audiovisual and photographic records that capture BIT’s historic journey, along with an inspiring alumni spotlight series showcasing the success stories of graduates who have become entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders.
Moreover, a national poetry competition open to both children and adults will celebrate the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in
driving personal growth and national development.
Present at the anniversary launch were members of the BIT staff, government officials, representatives from partner agencies, and other key stakeholders who have supported the institution’s journey over the years.
It was stated that their presence underscored the collective commitment to advancing technical and vocational education in Guyana and celebrated the collaborative efforts that have contributed to BIT’s continued success.
Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton delivers remarks at BIT’s anniversary launch (BIT photo)
Tenders for Region Two Public Road widening to be out by year’s end
- electricity cost to be halved soon – Jagdeo announces
VICE-PRESIDENT and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has announced that the government is moving forward with plans to widen the main public road in Region Two. He made this information known while responding to a question from a resident of Pomona, who requested the development of a four-lane highway in the area.
Dr Jagdeo noted that extensive roadwork is already underway across the region. Through the
Ministry of Public Works, the government has been systematically improving infrastructure, creating an interconnected road network throughout Guyana.
In Essequibo alone,
hundreds of community roads have been rehabilitated based on requests from residents.
He confirmed that the current public road will be widened by four feet on each side to accommodate increasing traffic volumes and enhance road safety. The tendering process for
ana can look forward to cheaper electricity and more affordable cooking gas. These changes will directly improve the quality of life and lower the cost of living,” Dr Jagdeo stated.
While residents raised concerns about rising living expenses, Dr Jagdeo reiterated that the government
Vice-President, Dr Jagdeo listens attentively to Region Two residents as they list their concerns during a community engagement on Sunday
this expansion project is expected to be advertised by the end of 2025.
In addition to road upgrades, Dr Jagdeo highlighted other transformative infrastructural projects in the region.
Once the new solar farms become operational, residents in Region Two can expect their electricity bills to be cut by half.
He said that the benefits of the solar initiative would begin to roll out as early as next week.
Dr Jagdeo also announced that the gas-to-energy project will soon make cooking gas more affordable. A new stateowned company will be established to distribute gas locally, and Dr Jagdeo encouraged Guyanese to become stakeholders in this emerging sector.
“The people of Guy -
has implemented subsidies and policy measures aimed at alleviating financial pressure on citizens.
He emphasised that the PPP/C government has a comprehensive development plan that focuses on both immediate relief and long-term sustainability.
“We always speak about short, medium, and longterm strategies. We’re planning for the future while ensuring careful stewardship of resources. We are working for the benefit of all Guyanese,” Dr. Jagdeo concluded.
Residents are optimistic about the programmes which will improve their livelihoods.
They expressed gratitude to VP Jagdeo for listening to their concerns and ensuring that measures are put in place. (Indrawattie Natram)
GDF strengthens community ties through educational school tours
In keeping with its ongoing commitment to national development, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) recently welcomed learners from over a dozen schools across the country. These visits form part of the Force’s broader mandate to foster strong community relations and promote national pride through educational outreachs. Over the past few weeks, enthusiastic students from Zee Zight, Calcutta, West Watooka, Northbrook, One Mile, and Seafield Nursery Schools, as well as Fort Ordnance and Cropper Primary Schools, Mackenzie High School, and Canje Secondary School, were hosted at various GDF locations. The tours offered a unique opportunity for students to gain firsthand insight into the workings of the Defence Force, its various units, and the critical role it plays in safeguarding the nation. By opening its doors to the youth, the GDF not only demystifies its operations but also strengthens the bridge between the military and civilian populations. It is a chance for young minds to see the values of patriotism and responsibility in action (GDF photos)
Gov’t committed to supporting children’s education, improving social services
– Dr Jagdeo says during community meeting at Pomona
GUYANA’S Vice-President and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has assured residents of Pomona and surrounding communities that the government will continue to ease the financial burden on families by fully supporting their children’s education from nursery to university.
Speaking to a massive crowd at the Pomona Community Ground, Dr Jagdeo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to education, highlighting initiatives such as the “Because We Care” cash grant, which provides direct financial assistance to parents to help them support their children’s schooling. He also reminded the gathering of President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s announcement to help parents pay Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examination fees.
“Our government will take care of your children’s education—from nursery to tertiary. That is our promise,” Dr Jagdeo said.
He emphasised the PPP/C’s inclusive approach to governance, noting that development has been delivered across the country regardless of political support. “We never discriminate. We work for everyone, everywhere,” he added, referencing the party’s consistent work in communities where they do not enjoy support.
Dr Jagdeo also shared that over $37 billion has been allocated to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, enabling better support for vulnerable groups. Additionally, all Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) have received increased subventions to improve local services.
“We’re building capacity at the community level, so that services can reach people where they are,” he said, noting that the PPP/C’s work on the ground has created real oppo rtunities across sectors.
He also said that the government has increased public assistance, ensuring that beneficiaries livelihoods will improve.
During the engagement, residents raised concerns about land issues, which were forwarded to the Ministry of Housing and Water.
One contractor, who claimed he was owed payment since 2020, received immediate attention, with Dr Jagdeo promising to follow up.
The Vice-President concluded by encouraging residents to stay engaged and informed. “Don’t be misled. We are here, working with you and for you,” he said.
Dr Jagdeo also used the
opportunity to highlight his party’s efforts to improve the livelihoods of residents by providing employment opportunities and implementing programmes. He also said this year an additional $100M will be invested to improve community grounds for recreational purposes.
Residents who raised the concerns about the reserve in Pomona Housing Scheme will soon receive intervention from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.
“We happy for him to listen to our concern. We raise it with the loca ls, but we are happy that the Vice-President came and listen to us,” Sharmalia Persaud said.
Other residents expressed gratitude to VP Jagdeo for listening to their concerns and committing to having them resolved.
Story and photo by Indrawattie Natram
Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo speaking to residents of Pomona and surrounding communities on Sunday
Can the giants handle the heat?
- warming temperatures and Guyana’s wildlife
By Naomi Parris
ACROSS the rustic savannahs and in the dense rainforest of Guyana, where the skies gleam and towering trees hides some of the world’s most treasured wildlife, climate change—particularly warming temperatures is quietly altering the natural balance.
Melanie who hails from the Rupununi (Region Nine)—where most of Guyana’s wildlife can be found, noted that there was an increase in temperatures over the past two years. In fact, similar temperatures were felt in the first few months of 2025.
“Last year we were running at about two
According to the Hydromet, there is an indication of drought-like conditions ranging from warnings to emergency levels by the end of April 2025 in areas shaded brown to red. The Rupununi region is expected to be affected (Photo Credit: Hydromet)
With a steady rise in temperatures and other erratic weather patterns, the beloved giants of Guyana’s eco-system are struggling to adapt to a rapidly changing habitat.
“For instance, you have cities being destroyed by war, you have habitat disruption in humans and those cause migration, it causes people to move. The same thing happens with wildlife when their habitats are destroyed,” Melanie McTurk a chemist, conservationist and an advocate for community development told the Guyana Chronicle.
land were burned over the course of the five months, with May having the fewest wildfires and March having the most. This is noteworthy not only in absolute terms but also because it makes up six per cent of the 83,000 square miles of the nation's land area.
While they were mobilisation efforts to protect human life and assets, Melanie said: “We saw a lot more of instances of people encountering animals that were burnt, semi burnt or just had been killed in the fires.”
The Rupununi region recorded fires with the largest magnitude and lifespan since the region is dry, hot, and has lots of dry vegetation (savannahs) which can be seen as fuel.
“The other thing that we started to see is more animals coming out from their regular habitats. Because those habitats were getting hotter, or those habitats had been destroyed, we were seeing more of those animals coming into human spaces, and in some cases, with very negative impacts,” Melanie explained.
degrees higher than we are accustomed to seeing. One of the obvious things, and very obvious to habitat loss, [was] fires. We were getting a lot more fires, and the fires that were happening, they were lasting longer, they were destroying greater areas of land, and there were a number of wild species that were injured being caught in those fires.”
According to Guyana's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), between January and May, 91,128 fires were reported.
The EPA said that 5045.45 square miles of
fore noting, “So, they really like a mix, a mosaic of open land, Savannah land and forested areas like That's their favourite, and that's what we have in abundance here, especially in the South Rupununi and also in the North Rupununi.”
She added: “So now, if we are extrapolating the environmental impact of climate change, then we can say that species, like giant anteaters particularly, are going to be affected by changes in ambient temperature and also changes in rainfall.”
Another example are Kingfishers--a carnivorous bird often found along the banks of rivers. Erratic weather patterns ranging from extreme flooding to severe dry weather have led to less sightings of the species.
This has been the case for many other
Guyana’s lush rainforests are home to some of the most iconic animals such at the jaguar, the capybara- the world’s largest rodent- and the giant anteater
species, and according to Melanie, there have been instances where indigenous communities that once welcomed mammals like the Capybara are no longer seeing them.
SO, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR GUYANA’S WILDLIFE?
Already Guyana’s Hydrometeorological Service (Hydromet) is forecasting above normal weather patterns
for both the dry and wet seasons.
In a temperature outlook for February, March and April 2025, above-normal daytime temperatures are expected across all regions throughout this period.
Hydromet noted too that during the night, southern Guyana may experience below-normal temperatures, while the rest of the country
Species like tapirs and jaguars were being spotted more.
Unlike us humans, who navigate the seasons with calendars, wildlife takes their cues from their environment.
Take for example, the giant anteater— (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)—an insectivorous mammal native to the Rupununi Savannahs that requires a particular ecological environment.
“They don't like it to be too hot and they don't like it to be too cold,” Erin Earl from the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS) explained be -
Jagdeo visits Badrinauth Ashram at Spring Garden
Vice-President and General Secretary of the PPP/C, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, on Sunday visited the Badrinauth Ashram at Spring Garden on the Essequibo Coast. The Ashram was at the time hosting a special Hanuman Jayanti competition for mandirs (Indrawattie Natram photos)
Coalition talks: PNCR maintains Norton will be presidential candidate
WITH previous reports of growing confusion in relation to coalition talks between the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), the PNCR on Friday maintained that Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton will be the presidential candidate.
This was disclosed by opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul during the PNCR’s weekly press conference.
When asked about the progress of talks between the two parties, Mahipaul stated that he believes that discussions are in a better place than when they first began some time ago.
He said, “Nothing is agreed to until all is agreed
to… so unless we conclude, I can’t go further than to say that nothing is agreed until all is agreed.”
Against this backdrop, Mahipaul disclosed that what he is aware of in the ongoing talks is that both the PNCR and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) had reposed confidence in Norton as their presidential candidate. Any changes to this position will be up to Norton When asked about a timeline for a decision to be made between the two parties, Mahipaul indicated that there are exchanges still happening between the two sides and as such there isn’t any focus necessarily on a direct timeline.
Talks surrounding the
two parties entering a coalition again have been riddled with confusion and indecisiveness among members.
PNCR leader, Norton has maintained that he will not
relinquish the presidential candidacy while AFC leader, Nigel Hughes wants to seize leadership of the coalition.
The smaller party has already set out demands that must be
met in order for there to be a partnership.
Norton was quoted as saying that they are committed to working towards a coalition, “But we ain’t going
to let nobody eyes pass we… we are well aware that we are better together, we are well aware we carry the burden of the work.”
During a high-level meeting of its National Executive Committee, the AFC outlined specific conditions for any potential coalition, including a 60-40 power-sharing split in APNU’s favour, and crucially, that Hughes be named the presidential candidate.
Further complicating matters, the AFC also demanded that the party which nominates the presidential candidate should not also occupy the position of Leader of the List – an unprecedented stipulation seen by many as a direct challenge to Norton’s leadership.
Can the giants handle the...
FROM PAGE 15
is likely to see warmer-than-usual nighttime conditions.
The entity has also warned of ‘Short Term Drought Concern’ by the end of April 2025 and has advised that during this period, reservoirs, rivers, and groundwater sources should be carefully monitored, with measures taken to secure water supplies for domestic, industrial, and agricultural use.
The Rupununi region is forecasted to be the most affected by this.
“We can only try our best to do what we can, but we don't really have any influence on what's going to be happening on a large scale in terms of [the] climate, but what we can do is try and reduce these other effects on different species,” Erin said.
LIMITED HUNTING, AGRICULTURE
Despite the mounting concerns, there is still hope for protecting Guyana’s wildlife—if we act wisely.
One of the clearest paths forward is reducing excessive hunting, illegal trading of wild meat and unsustainable agriculture.
These practices of not only destroy habitats but also make it harder for animals to adapt to changing weather patterns.
“Can we reduce or stop the hunting of these animals? Can we protect habitats? And by protecting their habitats, I mean, can we stop or not start any kind of large-scale farming Can we prevent burning in certain places? You know, these kinds of things we can do. Can we protect water courses? Can we ensure that that the right type of food is available, or that we are not taking the food from species that need it?” Erin questioned.
WILDLIFE FARMING
Another option that can be explored to safeguard the country’s biodiversity is the practice of wildlife farming, though a tricky task.
In Guyana’s case the country has already
started some efforts to conserve varying species of river turtles that would have been placed under threat due to climate change.
In the past two decades, SRCS has received continual reports from local residents of the South Rupununi noticing a significant decline in the number of river turtles, including the Yellow-spotted River Turtle (Podonemis unifilis).
Between 20212023, unseasonal early rainfall caused all the beaches along the Rupununi River to flood which would have resulted in the death of all turtle nests.
Working closely along with indigenous communities, over 2,000 eggs were rescued.
Extremely dry circumstances posed a different challenge to the turtles. Because of the low river levels, hatchlings were either "baked" in their nest or left open to predators. To lessen their susceptibility, the SRCS rangers responded by relocating the hatchlings to deeper
pools.
“What we can do is we can, properly, with some species, do some kind of wildlife farming. And that's what's we’re trying to do with
the river turtles. We're trying to do with the Capybaras. But it's very difficult. It’s very tricky.”
(This story was published with the support of the Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship, which is a joint venture of Climate Tracker and Open Society Foundations)
Region Two to get more street lights
VICE-PRESIDENT and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has announced that Region Two will soon benefit from the installation of additional street lights to enhance public safety and community security.
Speaking at a youth engagement in Bushlot, Essequibo Coast, Dr. Jagdeo responded to a resident’s request for improved lighting, stating that the Government of Guyana has procured over 80,000 street lights, which will be distributed across various communities.
He emphasised the government’s continued investment in infrastructure, including the construction of new roads, bridges, and the installation of critical utilities to further develop the region.
Dr. Jagdeo highlighted the importance of street lighting in preventing crime and improving overall safety, adding that the new lights will be complemented by security cameras equipped with facial recognition technology.
“This is great news,” Dr. Jagdeo said. “We requested street lights, and we’re happy to see this becoming a reality in communities.”
Residents of Region Two have expressed their appreciation for the initiative, describing it as a timely and much-needed improvement.
Many said they feel reassured knowing that their communities will be safer and more accessible at night, thanks to the enhanced lighting and added security measures.
Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo at a youth engagement at Bushlot, Essequibo Coast (Indrawattie Natram photo)
Wakenaam youth elected to serve in critical student-body post at UWI
By Indrawattie Natram
IN a significant achievement for Guyana, Naresh Jagnanan has been elected as the International Affairs Committee Chairperson (IACC) for the 2025/2026 academic year at the University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine Campus.
No stranger to the public, Jagnanan garnered 1,759 votes and his victory underscores the trust placed in him by the student body to represent regional and international students.
A proud son of Wakenaam island and a former national scholarship awardee, he will now represent the interests of thousands of students, advocating for their inclusion, engagement and empowerment on campus.
He is currently pursuing a double major in Economics and Political Science. His passion for public service and international development has shaped both his academic path and his involvement in campus affairs.
Over the past two years, he has served as a member as well as Vice-President of the Guyana Students’ Association in Trinidad and Tobago (GUYSATT), where he helped build a close-knit support system for Guyanese and other regional students at UWI.
As he spoke with the Guyana Chronicle, he took some time to reflect on his journey and vision.
“Coming to UWI was more than just an academic decision—it was a dream to grow, lead, and uplift others. Being elected to this position means everything to me, because I know what it’s like to be far from home and to feel unseen. I now have 1,759 reasons to keep working hard and serve with purpose,” he said.
When asked about his inspiration, Jagnanan credited his team, his predecessors and his homeland.
“To my golden campaign team—thank you for standing with me. To my predecessor, Harvey—thank you for laying the foundation. And to my fellow Guyanese back home, I carry your hopes and potential with me every step of the way.”
He also expressed grat-
itude to the many students across the Caribbean and beyond who placed their trust in his leadership.
“This win is not just for me—it’s for every student who felt overlooked, every voice that needed to be heard and every dream that deserves a chance. Together, we will build a more inclusive, connected and vibrant UWI.”
Jagnanan's election marks a continued tradition of Guyanese students taking on pivotal leadership roles at UWI, reflecting the nation's commitment to regional integration and academic excellence.
This distinguished Guyanese student was named Guyana’s top performer in the 2023 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), securing nine Grade Ones and one Grade Two for the 10 subjects he wrote while attending Queen’s College.
Earlier, Jagnanan was recognised as the Caribbean’s top business student at the CSEC level, earning accolades for his outstanding performance.
His academic excellence led to a scholarship from the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), paving the way for him to pursue studies at UWI.
Naresh Jagnanan
Recover Guyana graduates...
FROM PAGE 10
He stated that the curriculum covered several critical areas including renewable energy, organic farming, hydroponics, waste management, among other eco-friendly technologies.
According to Dr. Lalltoo, a key part of the programme focused on financial literacy, which was supported by Scotia Bank Guyana.
“Through their involvement, participants were equipped with crucial skills to manage their finances, understand business budgeting, and make sound financial decisions for their green businesses,” he added.
In continuing he said, “The Recover Guyana Learning Hub has been an incredible asset to this programme, serving as a vibrant space where our youth were not just students, but innovators. This platform provided access to the necessary resources and mentorship to help bring their green ideas to life.”
Adding to this, Senior Director of Investment at the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-INVEST), John Edghill, said the Engage project seamlessly forges itself with Guyana’s low carbon development strategy.
“As the government is building out new prospects in the physical infrastructure and the social infrastructure, how are we as young entrepreneurs fitting ourselves into those opportunities that will exist both in 2025,
in 2030, and beyond?” he asked.
He urged the graduates to not let someone else’s success be their guide or entry point to their own success.
“As you go about implementing these projects, whether you're here in the room, those of you who have been trained, or whether you were listening and anticipating to join future iterations of this project, let's not make that mistake of getting ahead where we see someone else's success as our entry point,” he told them.
He mentioned the reality of many businesses that are all selling the same items within the same community or area and said that while this is great for customers to have options, it is not feasible for businesses.
Thirdly, and most importantly, he stated that running a business is not unskilled labour. He said that this is where the entrepreneurship ecosystem must play its role, and where participants must continue to seek opportunities for not just financing but learning and capacity building.
He encouraged them to keep checking, on a weekly basis, for training opportunities through Go-INVEST, the Small Business Bureau, the Bureau of Standards and other agencies to upskill themselves.
Alongside this, he encouraged networking, partnership and collaboration for their business ventures.
Mumbai Indians win thriller in Delhi
(ESPNCRICINFO) - Mumbai Indians (MI) clinched a thriller they had no business winning; not certainly after a comeback knock for the ages from Karun Nair, who smashed a 40ball 89 in a chase of 206. But Karn Sharma, their Impact Sub, cracked open the game with a three-wicket haul, to cause an implosion that ended with a hat-trick of run outs in the penultimate over as Delhi Capitals (DC) fell short by 12 runs.
It meant there are no unbeaten teams left at IPL 2025. DC would rue the two points that were stolen right from under their nose, disrupting their run of four straight wins, as their homecoming at the Arun Jaitley Stadium was met with a heartbreak no one saw coming.
For MI, this was only their second win in six games, but it's the one that will reinvigorate a campaign that threatened to turn pear-shaped less than halfway in.
KARUN'S COMEBACK
Seven years after his most recent IPL half-century, and three years since he played in the tournament, Nair set the pace in DC's chase after
Jake Fraser-McGurk was out first ball.
Coming off a ridiculous run of rich form in the domestic season, Nair's takedown of Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay - he picked 28 off nine deliveries, including three fours and two sixes - landed the early punches on MI. Nair was all wrist and hand-eye coordination - whipping Bumrah off his hip with nonchalance and being equally audacious by making room and carving him inside-out over deep extra cover for two sixes. Against spin, he was quick to pick lengths and sweep, and on an occasion reverse-sweep.
He went into overdrive after bringing up a 22-ball half-century and looked set to get to three figures when a magic ball from Mitchell Santner got him. Expecting the wet ball to skid through, Nair played for a straight one, only to see the ball rip square and beat his push to hit top of off.
Five balls later, when Axar Patel was out to a leading edge to give Bumrah his first wicket of the season, MI had some inkling of hope. DC were 145 for 4 at the end of that over, the 13th.
Kohli; Salt sink Royals
(ESPNCRICINFO) - Two markedly different philosophies went head-to-head in Jaipur's first game of IPL 2025. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have built their team to attack from ball one. They have batting depth down to No. 8. Rajasthan Royals (RR) keep going into their games with not enough firepower. They had Wanindu Hasaranga at No. 7. It might not be coincidence that even though it was one of their players that put on a clinic - Yashasvi Jaiswal making 75 of his team's 173 - the opposition ended up winning.
SALT SMASH
It isn't just that RCB have options all the way down their line-up. They are happy to maximise it with Phil Salt (65) going out there and thinking about only one thing. How to hit boundaries. He got 11 in 32 balls and fell looking for a 12th. This is the way he always plays. This is why he gets paid. He is phenomenal.
THE BALL CHANGE
IPL's new rule change that allows teams to ask for a new ball to counter dew after 11 overs into the second innings brought MI some much-needed relief at the start of the 14th.
Three balls in, relief turned into elation when Tristan
Stubbs toe-ended a slog to make it four wickets in four overs. When KL Rahul fell in eerily similar fashion two overs later, the 16th, after being done in the air and off the pitch to top edge a return catch, DC were in the middle of a full-blown collapse.
Even so, with 42 off 24
needed and two battersAshutosh Sharma and Vipraj Nigam who orchestrated a similar comeback against LSG - at the crease, DC still had hope that kept thinning when Trent Boult nailed five yorkers in a gun 17th over that went for just three runs.
This is when Santner,
who'd already bowled arguably the ball of the match to get Nair, bounced back after conceding a six and four to Nigam before deceiving him in the air to have him stumped. The relatively drier ball offered plenty of grip and turn, and Santner now had his second.
At the start of the game, Salt said he had a plan for Jofra Archer. These two have never played against each other but have spent enough time in the same dressing room, going back to their teenage years in Barbados. When they went head-to-
head, it became clear what Salt wanted to do. Get across his crease and open up the leg side leg side. Two sixes and a four came this way. There were other factors at play as well. Salt was conscious of targeting the smaller boundary. It was on the leg side for Archer. It shifted to the off side for Sandeep Sharma, which was why when he came down the track, he made
room as well to hit over midoff. Salt's power and willingness to put a low price on his wicket is often talked about. Here he was being clever as well.
Neither team lost a wicket in the first six overs but where RCB scored 65 runs, RR could only manage 45, this season's second-lowest powerplay score for no loss. That 20-run difference proved
decisive in the end.
JAISWAL'S CLASS
Jaiswal was able to score quickly (SR 160) on a slow pitch because he has shots all around the wicket and doesn't always look for the right ball to play them. His first boundary was a prime example, when he turned a back of a length delivery into something else by charging at Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He made good of his match-up against spin - he averages 169.5 against it since
IPL 2023 with a strike rate of 148 - because he was willing to indulge reverse sweeps and the lap sweeps.
Just before he was dismissed, Jaiswal played the shot of the day, a scoop off Josh Hazlewood even though the bowler went wide of off stump to deny the leg side to him. The RR opener finished with 75 off 47 with 10 fours and two sixes. His partners at the other end made 47 off 49 balls with four fours and one six.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
April 14, 2025)
Hardik Pandya is overjoyed after Mumbai Indians get another run-out to close out the game (BCCI)
Virat
Director of Sport congratulates Harpy Eagles on four-day title defence
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle is among the first to issue congratulatory remarks to the Guyana Harpy Eagles team on the successful defence of their Regional four-day title.
In a statement issued, the DOS said, “On behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Hon. Minister Charles Ramson Jr, National Sports Commission and by extension, the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Guyana Harpy Eagles on capturing their third consecutive West Indies Four-Day Championship title.
This remarkable achieve-
ment not only cements Guyana’s place as the second most decorated team in the history of the West Indies Four-Day tournament, trailing only Barbados, but it also reflects the grit, discipline, and unwavering passion of our players, coaches, and administrators.
From winning our first title in 1973, and adding another in 1975, Guyana continued to showcase its cricketing prowess with victories in 1983, 1987, and 1993.
In 1998, we shared the crown with the Leeward Islands, but then endured a 17year drought before proudly returning to glory in 2015.
Our Harpy Eagles went on an impressive five-title streak before momentarily surrendering the trophy in 2020 and 2022. Now, with this three-peat, we reaffirm our dominance in the regional cricketing landscape.
The Government of Guyana is especially proud to see our country excelling in the longest and most challenging format of the game, particularly in an era where shorter formats often take precedence and players are steered away from the very foundation of the gentleman’s game.
This victory is a timely reminder of the enduring value of patience, technique,
and resilience, hallmarks of the Four-Day format.
The Government of Guyana, particularly under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has made significant investments across all sporting disciplines, including cricket.
These investments have not only enhanced our local infrastructure and training environments, but they have also positioned Guyana as a rising force regionally and internationally.
The recent allocation of G$8 billion in the 2025 National Budget, a 73.9% increase from the previous G$4.6 billion, demonstrates
the Government’s unyielding commitment to the development of sport under the capable leadership of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Charles S. Ramson Jr.
This unprecedented support will continue to build out Guyana’s sports ecosystem, ensuring our athletes, coaches, and administrators are equipped to excel on every stage.
The Government of Guyana has been, and will continue to be, at the forefront of supporting all national teams, and we look forward to many more proud moments where Guyanese talent shines bright.
Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of Caribbean people, and even more so in the soul of every Guyanese. The Harpy Eagles' latest achievement serves as an inspiration to all our athletes, across every discipline, to aim higher and dream bigger.
Once again, sincere congratulations are extended to Captain Tevin Imlach, the players, the entire coaching and management staff, and the Guyana Cricket Board. Your tireless work, unity, and belief have brought glory to our nation, and we wish you continued success in future tournaments.
Guyana Under 15 team departs for regional tournament
The Guyana U-15 team departed earlier this morning to Antigua for the 2025 Cricket West Indies Rising Stars U-15 tournament set to commence on Tuesday.
Guyana will play their first match against Trinidad and Tobago at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium.
The squad features Richard Ramdeholl as captain and Brandon Henry as vice-captain.
The full team includes: Justin Dowlin, Lamar Seecharran, Luke Amsterdam, Shahid Ramzam, Arif Bacchas, Richard Ramdeholl, Nathnil Ramsammy, Jathniel Nurse, Usain Freder-
The reserves are: Khush Seegobin, Joshua Thomas, Bomesh Lall, Nathan Bishop, Tameshwar Deonandan, Typese McPherson. Terry Newton will serve as the team’s manager, while Yeurab Khemraj takes on duties as coach.
The CWI Rising Stars tournament plays a critical role in the development of the region’s young cricketing talent and offers a vital platform for players to showcase their skills. Team Guyana will be looking to make a strong impact on the regional stage.
Guyana Harpy Eagles celebrated upon festive return as Regional Four-Day Champions
The Guyana Harpy Eagles, clutching the coveted West Indies Four-Day Championship trophy, touched down at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport on Sunday morning to a rapturous welcome.
Beaming smiles adorned the faces of the players and management as they were greeted by scores of enthusiastic supporters, celebrating their remarkable three-peat as kings of regional First-Class cricket. This latest triumph is not just another title; it marks their eighth in the ten seasons of the fiercely competitive Professional Cricket League era. This sustained dominance
has unequivocally established the Harpy Eagles as the undisputed powerhouse of current Caribbean red-ball cricket.
Charles Ramson Jr., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, led the delegation to welcome the champions home. He was joined by prominent figures from the National Sports Commission and the Guyana Cricket Board, all eager to pay tribute to the team's outstanding achievement.
The atmosphere at the airport was electric, a vibrant display of national pride. Cultural performances filled the air, adding to the celebratory fervour as officials lined up to personally congratulate
each member of the victorious squad and their dedicated management team.
Minister Ramson Jr., visibly elated, emphasized the significance of the Harpy Eagles' success, declaring that it showcased Guyana as "a nation of winners."
He highlighted the inspirational impact of their consistent triumphs on the next generation of Guyanese athletes. T
The Minister pointed to the team's remarkable feat of winning three consecutive titles and an unprecedented eight in just ten seasons as evidence that "Guyana must be doing stuff correct" in its approach
to cricket development. He also acknowledged the crucial role of government support in fostering this environment of success.
The Harpy Eagles captain, Tevin Imlach, and Head Coach Ryan Hercules both spoke of the overwhelming warmth of the homecoming.
They emphasized that the championship victory was a testament to a unified team effort, overcoming the challenges inherent in the grueling demands of the regional fourday format.
The president of the Guyana Cricket Board, Bissoondyal Singh, delivered a powerful message directly to the players:
"You have once again proven what it means to wear the Guyana Harpy Eagles uniform with honour. Your performances throughout the tournament have been nothing short of extraordinary. Each run, wicket, and moment of determination you displayed on the field filled us with immense pride. You have continued to set the benchmark for excellence in West Indies cricket, and we salute you."
Singh also lauded the coaching staff and management: "Your unwavering commitment to excellence, the nurturing of talent, and the strategic planning that has shaped this team's success
cannot be overstated. You have fostered an environment where players are motivated to push their limits and deliver their best."
The Eagles clinched the title after their final-round encounter against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force ended in a Saturday draw at Queen’s Park Oval.
It is the third on the trot for the Eagles and an eighth in ten seasons of the Professional Cricket League.
While the top-of-the-table clash didn’t produce a winner, the stalemate was enough for the defending champions to finish the season with 126.6 points.
The Guyana U15 Team
Pele FC Alumni Corporation 2025 Youth Development Seminar set for April 22 & 23
CONTINUING to invest in the development of the nation’s youth, the Pele FC Alumni will once again host their much-anticipated Youth Development Seminar, 2025 edition targetting 100 children.
This year’s programme, which will be held for two days at the Marian Academy, Carifesta Avenue, will see a number of facilitators dealing with topics from the oil and gas sector to health care; aviation; dental hygiene; social etiquette; suicide and mental health; gender-based violence; life skills and the aviation industry.
Presenters will include Georgetown Public Hospital CEO Robbie Rambarran, and Cecil Jacques, former Pele Football Presidents Dr Colin Watson, Desire Edghill, Warren Oudkerk, Wenceslas Laundry, and Dawn Braithwaite.
Current Pele FC President, Dirk Exeter, will also make a presentation with the keynote address at the opening ceremony to be presented by Floyd Haynes.
Executive Board member and Treasurer of Pele FC
Alumni Corporation, Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton, informed that the US based group primarily made up of former Pele FC players from the 1970s and 1980s are committed to giving back to their homeland with the young people the focus.
“This initiative has been going on for many years and
we will continue to be committed to this. It brings us joy and satisfaction annually to be able to help empower these young people through the programmes that we do as an alumnus. It’s a lot of work we engage in to execute the vision of enabling young people to stay focused and to aim big and be committed to
Dolphin, Chase storm to huge quarter-final wins
BRYAN Wharton and Collin Frank David proved unstoppable for their respective teams as Chase Academy and Dolphin Secondary had fabulous outings to book places in the semifinal of the Massy/ Milo schools u18 Football Championship
This weekend’s quarter final was played at the Ministry of Education ground.
The defending champions Chase Academy are on the verge of another title with another eye-catching performance in the quarter-final stage of the school’s football competition
Bryan Wharton scored six goals for his team as they again showed their credentials as champions, this time
overwhelming Bush Lot Secondary 10-1.
Chase’s Isiah Ifill chipped in a double, with goals also coming off the boots of Neeiaz Baksh and Nyron Barrow. In another class, Dolphin Secondary opened the quarter-final round with an imperious showing against Linden’s Three Miles Secondary at the Carifesta Avenue ground.
Frank-David scored a double with Seon Grant and Ezekiel Frank-David also hitting the back of the net in a handsome 4-nil defeat of Three Miles.
Meanwhile President's College campaign ended when they battled West Ruimveldt Secondary to a 0-3 margin.
Jeremiah Griffith proved flawless in front of the uprights registering a hat-trick of goals.
The final quarter-final contest saw Waramuri clashing with Charlestown; the Region One side took a 1-nil lead at the half off an Orwin Abrams strike.
Waramuri Secondary had a second-half goal from Erwin Booker as they finished winners 2-0.
The schools are playing for bragging rights, a championship trophy and the 300,000-dollar cash prize, which will be used for a school project of their choice with 200,000 and 100,000 for the second and third-placed schools.
being excellent.”
Another Pele FC Alumni Board, Eric ‘Riggie’ Smith, shared that one of the motivations is seeing the rise of many of the youths that they have sponsored over the years through their scholarship programme.
“Many of these kids don’t have the means of support to
follow their dreams in terms of education, so we decided that we will select some of those and support them on a monthly basis. This initiative has borne encouraging fruits and we have seen them really grow and develop; one of them has successfully completed his pilot school studies and is now focused on
attaining the required hours to gain his licence.”
Smith further noted that this is just one of many success stories that continue to drive the Pele FC Alumni Corporation. Support for the Pele Football Club continues to be the norm as the entity continues to empower the club. Over twenty (20) players from the club will be attending this two-day programme and each participant will be presented with a backpack, containing school supplies.
Meanwhile, the Youth Development Programme will kick off with a one-day football fiesta on Thursday, April 17, at the Ministry of Education Ground where three matches will be played.
Pele Under-13s will face Vurlon Mills Academy at 14:00hrs, followed by a senior clash between Pele and Santos senior teams from 16:00hrs, a match that will rekindle a decades-old rivalry between the two clubs.
The final game of the day from 19:00hrs will bring together the Under-19 teams from Pele and Buxton Stars.
Imlach praises ‘cricket environment’ for four-day title win
CMC – Guyana Harpy Eagles captain, Tevin Imlach believes that the environment provided by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is largely responsible for the team’s success at the regional level.
The Harpy Eagles captured their third consecutive West Indies Championship title on Saturday after playing to a draw against the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Queen’s Park Oval.
The defending champions played unbeaten throughout the tournament, winning four of their seven games, drawing two, while one ended in a no-result.
Speaking to reporters after his side was crowned champions, Imlach said players were given the best possible environment to succeed.
“I would probably say preparation and the environment the staff and everyone
creates, the Guyana Cricket Board and everybody coming on board to assist this team.
“Back home we had quite a few coaches being among the team and helping out in different ways, so I think creating that environment where players are comfortable, and they can learn, it always assists when it comes to winning, so that has been very instrumental in this Guyana team winning year after year,” Imlach pointed out.
Imlach, who also captained the team to victory in 2024, said he was pleased with the team’s performance throughout the competition.
He said different players stepped up when required, and the improvement in their play was evident.
“Obviously I’m very excited, excited to see what the guys did…and to see the level of improvement from the team,
“A lot of the guys would have had their best year such as Kevlon Anderson, [Ronaldo] Alimohamed, so it was amazing to see some of the guys growing from last year to now, it’s what you want to see in West Indies cricket at this level,” Imlach said.
“In this team different players stepped up at different times. We would have had so many good performances throughout, so it was amazing to see what everybody would have done. Everybody would have contributed in some way, so I wouldn’t want to single out any particular person.
“It’s my second one as captain and to win a 4-day tournament is not an easy job. It’s four days of hard cricket and we’re playing multiple games, so it’s actually very difficult so to actually come out and win this one again, back-to-back, it feels special,” he added.
Pele FC Alumni Corporation 2025 Youth Development Seminar set for April 22 & 23
Guyana Harpy Eagles celebrated upon festive return as Regional Four-Day Champions
Charles Ramson Jr., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, led the delegation
