Cash grants only part of broader plan to deliver lasting upliftment for Guyanese
Cash grants only part of broader plan to deliver lasting upliftment for Guyanese
—Minister
By Feona Morrison
FINANCE Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, said cash grants will continue to form part of the government’s support to citizens, but stressed that they are only one element of a wider, long-term strategy aimed at sustainable national, community, and household prosperity.
In a preview of his upcoming interview on The Starting Point podcast, which will be aired today, Dr Singh outlined the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s approach to economic support and development, emphasising skills, employment, and wealth creation as the ultimate goals.
“We have said that we’re going to continue to provide support and targeted support to the Guyanese population, but it has to be a comprehensive range of policies,” Dr Singh said.
Singh
The Finance Minister acknowledged that cash grants have been an important component of government policy, particularly in providing immediate relief to citizens.
“We introduced cash grants, like I said, and over the course of time we will provide cash grants to the Guyanese population,” he stated.
However, Dr Singh was clear that direct financial transfers are not intended to be the sole mechanism for improving lives. “That will certainly not be the only means through which we will bring and deliver upliftment and improvement to the lives of the Guyanese people,” he said. According to Dr Singh, the administration’s broader vision is centred on empowerment rather than dependency. “What we want ultimately is for every single Guyanese
He added that this approach has been consistently underscored by the party’s leadership, noting, “this is what every leader in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government and every leader in our party has been at pains to emphasise.”
person to be able to take care of themselves, to be able to get the right skills that they’re able to earn and get a good quality job and to be able to take care of themselves,” he explained.
He went further to outline an ambition that extends beyond meeting daily needs.
“And even moreover not only to take care of themselves but to be able also to build household and individual wealth,”
Dr Singh said.
The finance minister reit-
erated that the government’s economic philosophy is rooted in ensuring that the benefits of national growth are felt at all levels of society.
“We have said on repeated occasions that our objective is for national prosperity to be translated into community and household and individual prosperity,” he noted.
In this context, Dr Singh positioned cash grants as a supportive, but not dominant, policy tool. “And so, cash grants will be a part of a
much bigger and wider range of policies,” he said.
Since assuming office in 2020, the PPP/C government has rolled out a wide range of relief measures aimed at easing the rising cost of living and providing direct support to households and businesses, while avoiding the introduction of new taxes.
Central to these efforts have been cash grants to citizens, including a one-off $100,000 grant to adults, as well as targeted support for
vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities and pensioners, alongside relief measures for farmers and small businesses. In addition to direct transfers, the administration has maintained a policy of no new taxes, while removing or reducing a number of existing burdens.
These measures also included raising the income tax threshold, removing value-added tax (VAT) from a range of basic food items, agricultural inputs, and essential household goods to lower everyday expenses, and reducing fuel taxes.
The PPP/C government has further implemented electricity and water relief, provided support for schoolchildren through uniform and education grants, and introduced housing and land distribution initiatives to ease long-term financial pressure on families.
Together, these measures form part of the government’s broader strategy to provide immediate relief while supporting sustainable economic growth and improved household welfare.
Gov’t moves to tighten oversight of gold dealers, traders
THE Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), in collaboration with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), has outlined a series of strengthened enforcement measures. According to a press release from the agencies, these measures aim to address reduced gold declarations and improve compliance across the mining sector.
The press release noted that a high-level meeting was convened on December 10, 2025, where stakeholders examined ongoing concerns within the industry, including gold declarations. Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, emphasised the Government of Guyana’s commitment to ensuring that the country’s mineral resources are managed responsibly, transparently, and in accordance with the law.
The release highlighted that, since 2020, the government has provided unprecedented technical, financial, and regulatory support to the mining sector and has made significant enhancements to the sector’s guiding regulations, including compulsory training for miners. According to the press release, key measures to be implemented immediately include tighter oversight of gold dealers and traders. The ministry will intensify regulatory scrutiny of all licensed dealers and traders through stricter audits of purchasing records, verification of source declarations, and routine compliance checks. Dealers found facilitating undeclared gold transactions or failing to meet reporting obligations will face sanctions, including suspension or revocation of licences, the release stated.
The press release also outlined plans to increase field operations to curb illegal mining, target unauthorised
agencies under the ministry’s purview will intensify the seizure of equipment operating without legal documen-
operations, and ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and production reporting requirements. It noted that
tation or in prohibited areas, reinforcing a zero-tolerance approach to activities that undermine national regulations.
…amid concerns over reduced declarations
Multi-agency field operations will be expanded, involving the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and other relevant bodies, according to the press release. These joint activities will focus on identifying, arresting, and prosecuting individuals and groups engaged in illegal mining.
The ministry also urged miners to sell gold only to the Guyana Gold Board or licensed dealers, stressing that this is essential to maintaining accurate national production data, supporting fair trade, and ensuring the sector’s benefits are properly accounted for.
The press release reiterated the prohibition on paying workers in raw gold. All employees must be compensated through lawful financial
channels in accordance with labour laws and tax regulations. Paying workers in gold “undermines transparency, weakens declaration accuracy, and exposes workers to exploitation and unsafe practices,” it said. Employers found in violation will face penalties, and miners were reminded that it is illegal to allow what is commonly referred to as the “Blai box,” with gold only permitted in transactions with approved buyers and the Guyana Gold Board.
The ministry concluded its release by reaffirming its commitment to working with the GGDMA and legitimate miners to strengthen the sector, increase declarations, and protect Guyana’s natural resources, while remaining open to dialogue and collaboration with industry stakeholders.
Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh (Starting Point photo)
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat
Gov’t expanding housing support to hinterland families
--boosting construction with steel & cement subsidies
By Feona Morrison
THE Ministry of Housing, under the leadership of Minister Collin Croal, continues to advance efforts to provide secure housing for Guyanese across the country, with a particular focus on the hinterland and other remote regions.
During a recent Facebook Live broadcast on Livewire, Minister Croal underscored the government’s commitment to the hinterland housing programme, which supports vulnerable families, including single mothers, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.
“The hinterland housing programme is a little different from what you have on the coastline,” he explained.
“Simply because you’re talking about village lands, and village lands are what you call communal lands. So, it’s not a case you can issue a document or somebody can take that document to go to the bank.”
He detailed that in villages such as Sand Creek, beneficiaries receive houses free of charge, with their contributions limited to providing two persons for labour.
“That programme, though, has a bit of economic spin-off; it is to support the village economy. Let’s use Region Nine, for example: you go and you see those clay block buildings. You can go right across the border to Bonfim and buy the Brazilian type of blocks.”
“Those blocks are all made in the villages that have the clay-type soil. We buy the blocks from there [the village]. The wood is all cut from the village. The village supplies the wood. We pay for that,” Croal said, adding
that hardware is typically procured from the region, but the bulk of the materials comes from local communities.
The minister emphasised that this approach not only delivers housing but also supports local economies.
“In a far practical and extensive way, we support the village economy and we give guidance to the village council. Please come up with the beneficiaries that you’re identifying. Please ensure that the people who really need, they’re vulnerable, they don’t have the assistance,” he said.
Croal also discussed the government’s initiative to provide steel-and-cement subsidies in Region Nine, designed to help residents transition from allocation to actual home construction.
The minister stated that over $50 million has been invested so far in that region in steeland-cement subsidies, which are intended to help families begin construction.
He explained that the initiative allows residents to use the value of the materials as leverage when applying for bank loans.
“Now that they’ve started their foundation, they can use that as an initiative to go to the bank to say, ‘Hey, this is a month of work of value I’ve done on my land. Can you give me a loan?’”
The subsidies also have a local economic impact, as materials such as cement and steel are procured within the region. “It’s a local economy that we are also supporting because the cement or the steel, etc., it’s being procured within the region. We engage those suppliers,” the minister said.
Housing allocations in the hinterland and other remote regions are being conducted in batches as lands become available. Croal explained that periodic outreaches by the ministry help to address pending complaints related to surveying or titles, helping to fast-track delivery of housing services. “We have regional offices in most of the regions… But when we go on these outreaches, it also helps in helping to fast-track delivery of service,” he said.
The housing minister reaffirmed the government’s broader vision for housing, noting that it has cleared decades-old backlogs and is constructing thousands of new homes.
“While we spoke about allocating 50,000 house lots, we didn’t speak to how many houses. But we constructed over 4,000 plus houses… We intend to construct 40,000 houses during this period [2025-2030],” Croal said.
He also described the care taken to plan new housing schemes, including allocating land for public spaces, recreation, schools, and police outposts. “Sometimes when you see a ground, an empty space in a community, it is not always for recreational purpose,” he explained, emphasising the comprehensive planning behind each scheme.
Through these measures, Minister Croal said the government is ensuring that housing development reaches every corner of Guyana, combining infrastructural support, material subsidies and economic opportunities for local communities to create a lasting impact.
‘A
son of Guyana whose voice became our nation’s soul’
--President
Ali honours life & legacy of cultural icon Ron Robinson
PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has paid tribute to veteran broadcaster and cultural icon Ron Robinson A.A., describing him as “a son of Guyana whose voice became part of our nation’s soul,” and whose contributions to broadcasting, theatre and satire helped
households across the land, a trusted presence whose words soothed, entertained, enlightened, and inspired,” the president said.
Ali also highlighted Robinson’s impact on the performing arts, recalling his work in theatre and satire.
Earlier this year,
shape the country’s cultural identity. Robinson died on Friday at his home at the age of 79.
In a heartfelt message posted to his official Facebook account, the President reflected on Robinson’s decades-long presence in the lives of Guyanese, noting that “for decades, Guyanese awoke to his mellifluous tones guiding us into each new day with trademark wit, unvarnished intelligence, and a rare grace that only true masters of the craft possess.”
According to the head of state, Robinson was far more than a familiar voice on the airwaves.
“He was not merely a broadcaster; he became for years a companion to
“In the theater, his artistry lit our stages, his timing sharpened our laughter, and his creativity gave life to productions that have become woven into our cultural memory,” he stated.
The president pointed to Robinson’s involvement in The Link Show, No Big Thing, Stretched Out Magazine and other satirical productions, stating that through these works, Robinson “held up a mirror to our society.” He added that Robinson did so “with gentleness, humour and fun, reminding us of our flaws and our forgotten strengths.”
Reflecting on a more challenging period in Guyana’s history, President Ali noted that Robinson’s voice
TURN TO PAGE 10
Minister of Housing Collin Croal
President Dr Irfaan Ali presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Ron Robinson
UG preparing students for future careers in aviation and space--says Vice-Chancellor
VICE-CHANCELLOR of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin, has highlighted the institution’s efforts to prepare students for the rapid changes taking place in the global aviation and aeronautics sector.
Professor Mohamed-Martin made the remarks during the launch of the International Civil Aviation Organization Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Plus Programme last week.
She noted that the University has already been investing in early talent development through its Regional Accelerator for STEM Students Readiness programme, which identifies and mentors gifted young Guyanese in sci-
ence, technology, engineering and mathematics from across the country.
She explained that the RASSR programme brings approximately 100 students to the university each year for an intensive two-to-three-week period, depending on available resources. The students, who are typically between nine and ten years old, are exposed to accelerated learning across a range of STEM disciplines.
According to the Vice Chancellor, when participants were asked about their future career aspirations, several female students expressed interest in working in aeronautics.
While pathways already exist for careers such as piloting, she acknowledged
that other specialised aviation and aerospace roles have, until now, lacked clear local options for students.
Professor Mohamed-Mar-
tin also pointed to the growing global discourse on aviation and space activities, noting that the Caribbean remains largely absent from
these discussions. In this context, she expressed optimism that the introduction of the NGAP Plus Programme, supported by the Government
of Guyana and international partners, would help expand the university’s capacity in these areas.
She said the initiative could allow the university to move beyond extra-curricular activities, such as its existing space club, towards more structured academic offerings.
As part of the launch, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the University of Guyana and other stakeholders. Professor Mohamed-Martin said the agreement includes plans for the eventual establishment of a dedicated faculty focused on aviation and space-related studies at the university.
Alphonso returned unopposed as GGDMA President, calls for immediate cessation of gold smuggling
THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) at its annual general meeting re-elected Ronaldo Alphonso as its president for the next two years.
A press release from the GGDMA noted that Alphonso was unopposed and was easily re-elected. In his short message to the members, he called on miners to immediately put an end to smuggling by refusing to sell to
The newly elected GGDMA
unlicensed buyers and illegal shops. According to the release, he also explained that the GGDMA will be working even more aggressively with the Government of Guyana to help eradicate gold smuggling and the operation of illegal landings and shops. Alphonso also reminded miners that the gold belongs to the state and the practice of paying and trading in gold must end. He also called on all miners to ramp up their produc-
tion to help meet the national target set for 2025. He urged miners to declare their pro-
duction soon to ensure that the figures get locked in for 2025. The national target for 2025 is 500,000 ounces.
Several other executive members echoed the president’s call to stamp out gold smuggling and called on miners to stop the practice of paying in gold. It was also raised that the association should consider blacklisting members who are caught in gold smuggling activities. The meeting was unanimous in taking more decisive action against smuggling.
Managing Director of the GGDMA, Avalon Jagnandan, in his report, noted that there has been an increase in membership and urged other miners to come on board with the association. According to Jagnandan, in the
last year, the association was instrumental in facilitating duty-free concessions for members and through the open day initiative, several small miners were assisted to restart their operations.
The new executive is as follows: Ronaldo Alphonso – President; Dabria Marcus - Vice-President; Azeem Baksh – Secretary; Patrick Harding – Treasurer; Geraldo Alphonso - Organising
Secretary; Terrence Adams - Committee Member; Terry Singh - Committee Member; Vishanti Balgobin - Committee Member; Shawn KingCommittee Member; Andron Alphonso - Immediate Past President. Meanwhile, David Bacchus, Charles DaSilva and Alfro Alphonso, all founder members, will serve on the board as ex-officio members/advisors.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin (centre) signs the MoU with Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) Egbert Field (left) and Captain Gerald Gouveia (Jnr). (Delano Williams photo)
Modern Policing
FOR decades, the main criticism of policing in the Caribbean has been its dependence on reactive, witness-based investigations. This approach is often slower than the criminals it aims to catch. However, the position of the government highlighted by Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond during her speech to the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) marks a significant shift from this outdated model.
The government’s “Safe City to Safe Country” initiative is a crucial part of economic infrastructure, just like any highway or power plant.
The statistics previously shared by Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum are hard to ignore. Serious crimes have dropped to 801 reported cases in 2025, which is the lowest number in 10 years.
Robbery and breaking-and-entering incidents have also reached historic lows; these are not random successes.
They result from a shift to intelligence-led policing. As Minister Walrond emphasised, the era of month-long manhunts based on witness statements is coming to an end. With facial recognition and real-time CCTV analytics, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) can identify
offenders in just hours. This speed helps build the confidence that businesses need.
Critics often see security modernisation as an abstract government cost, but the private sector recognises the real connection between safety and financial stability. Expanding command centres beyond Georgetown effectively limits the space available for criminals, forcing them out of commercial areas.
When detection rates for cybercrime double and drug seizures reach 233 kilogrammes of cocaine in one year, the message to criminals is clear that the digital watch
is active. Yet, technology alone cannot solve all problems. The ongoing issue of road safety, with 130 fatalities reported this year. This number is a stark reminder that while cameras can monitor actions, they cannot change a culture overnight.
Minister Walrond’s call for a “culture change” on our roads is just as critical as the technology itself. The tools of the “Safe Country” programme need to be supported by professional, community-focused policing, which the minister has committed to enhancing through ongoing professional development.
In the end, a growing economy cannot rely on outdated policing methods.
As Guyana’s GDP attracts international attention, its security system must also be world class. Transitioning to data-driven strategies and high-tech surveillance is not only about capturing criminals; it also shows the world that Guyana is a secure and modern place for investment.
If this trend continues, 2025 will be remembered not just for its low crime rates, but also as the year Guyana combined its economic goals with a security framework to support them.
Guyanese deserve better than GHK Lall’s tired refrain
Dear Editor, I SEEK your indulgence to respond to a December 12 column in the Kaieteur News titled ‘Pres. Ali – one who surrenders self-respect’ written by GHK Lall – an individual who has made a career out of writing the same column in different words for almost five years. The piece was yet another assault on President Irfaan Ali – a daily practice of Lall who, over the past five years, has attempted, in futility, to dent the credibility of the President and his Government.
Using his predictable writing formula, Lall makes sweeping pronouncements devoid of evidence, critical thought, and analysis. For instance, he asserts that: “the only person… who twinned those [the 2025] elections as being free and fair was Dr Irfaan Ali.”
Lall’s insistence on hearing (or reading) the words ‘free and fair’ to conclude that the elections were credible does not suggest a flaw in the electoral process; rather, it exposes the limitations of his analytical abilities. By his standard, elections in even the most mature democracies would fail his test.
It is customary in democratic systems for election observer groups to highlight concerns which they use as a basis to make recommendations to improve electoral systems – systems which continuously evolve based on the very recommendations of observer groups. It is not uncommon in any part of the world. But Lall, being the theatrical writer that he is, stretches those concerns and recommendations into a wholesale condemnation
This, of course, is demonstrably untrue. None of the observer groups, which include the European Union, Organization of American States, CARICOM, and local civil society, declared the elections fraudulent or lacking credibility. In fact, observer reports acknowledged several things, including a peaceful process, a smoothly managed balloting day, and no evidence of rigging.
that none of the observer groups made in relation to the 2025 general and regional elections.
In fact, the President’s remarks align with what the observer groups concluded: that GECOM conducted credible elections and the results reflected the will of the electorate – a fact which Lall seems unable to bring himself to accept after spending the last five years waging a brutal campaign against President Ali and the PPP/C Government.
Secondly, Lall’s accusation that the government “operated under cover of darkness” to pass the Natural Resource Fund legislation has been repeated enough times that critics like him forget to check the record. The fact is that the bill was tabled in the National Assembly, debated, and voted on in accordance with our laws and parliamentary procedures. While he has a right to disagree with provisions of the legislation, suggesting that it was smuggled in at midnight is disingenuous. The standard
for transparency is not determined by outcomes, which only Lall approves of.
Regarding access to information, the PPP/C Government has published more data, more sectoral reports, more procurement disclosures, and more project-level details than any government in the history of Guyana; while public officials, including the President and Ministers of Government, remain accessible to the press daily. This is a simple fact which Lall himself would be unable to dispute. He then goes on to suggest that the President “kowtows to foreign powers” – a comment which reveals either selective memory or a willingness to ignore inconvenient facts.
This is the same President who, in the past five years, has led a unified regional stance at CARICOM on the Guyana-Venezuela controversy and who secured international support from the OAS, Commonwealth, US, UK, CARICOM and other world powers on Guyana’s territorial integrity. It
is the same President who positioned Guyana as a global leader on climate finance and low-carbon development, chaired global conversations on food and energy security and strengthened SouthSouth partnerships far beyond what Guyana had previously achieved.
It is the same President whose leadership on the border controversy – and within a highly charged and complex international system – allows Lall to continue his daily vitriol against the Guyana Government without the fear of Maduro becoming his President one day.
Editor, it was also astonishing to read Lall, who has established a prolific letter-writing career through the local press, lamenting Guyana being “bitterly polarised” when, for five years, polarisation has been the oxygen that fuels his pieces.
This gentleman has written daily for five years as though Guyana is perpetually on the brink, permanently degraded, and irredeemably hopeless.
But his disappointment
and preferences cannot be a substitute for evidence, and the evidence points to a President who enjoys the confidence, love, admiration and respect of the Guyanese people, reflected in the overwhelming support he received at the polls just a few months ago. On the other hand, Lall’s critique of the President is grounded in a personal worldview where PPP/C leaders are assumed to be weak, compromised, or deceitful unless they match his posture of permanent indignation. Editor, criticism plays an essential role in democracy, and the President, along with his government, should be subject to fair, evidence-based scrutiny. But Guyanese deserve quality commentary that fairly assesses the performance of our leaders and accurately reflects the reality of our country – not a tired refrain from a self-styled intellectual with privileged access to the press.
Yours faithfully, Ravin Singh
Dr Mohamed Irfaan
Ali: Lighted candle in a dark global space
THE granddaughter of a once very famous politician from the 1970s is doing a biography of a current famous Guyanese. She interviewed me for my thoughts on her subject. During the interview, she asked me for my political leanings. I told her I support the presidency of Dr Ali. She then asked why.
I responded with a question of my own - what my current political perspectives have to do with her subject. She explained that she wanted to see if my conceptualisations (my word) of Dr Ali tie in with how her subject feels about the president.
I then offered her my reasons for choosing Dr Ali as a Guyanese leader that I endorse, admire and would help. I have added other factors for the purpose of this column. First, I think there comes a time when a leader emerges from under the
shade, bathes in the sunshine and that exposure to sunlight transforms his substance.
Mohamed Irfaan Ali reminds me of so many global heroes that I admire and who became transformative and left an indelible legacy. Mikhail Gorbachev is first on my list.
When you see how the European, Chinese, Russian and American leaders insanely embrace power, then Gorbachev is a unique human that politics may never see in another hundred years or more. Based on who writes our history, then Gorbachev may never be given his rightful place in history. I cannot think of any American or European leader who had/ has the essential humane substance as Gorbachev.
Next is Jose “Pepe” Mujica, a former Tupamaros guerrilla whose capture resulted in torturous imprisonment that nearly caused mental ill-
ness. He will always remain one of the unique humans that politics gave birth to. He ruled a country without even a tinge of arrogance or political partisanship. Leaders like him we will not see in generations to come.
I do not want to take up space with other examples and run out of space for my panegyric of President Ali.
I believe Ali’s journey has taken him to a unique place in his country’s history where he feels he wants to make something out of Guyana that defies his predecessors. Barbadian Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, said these words last week about Guyana, as reported in this newspaper: “Guyana is an exceptional bright spark in a challenging global space.”
I believe that the pyrotechnical glow is because of the personality of the Guyanese president. People in Guyana like and admire
him. The world knows about him and sees him in positive terms. Only two of our presidents occupied global attention – Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan. The world knew about Jagan and admired his honesty in politics, modest character, and undying embrace of the world’s poor.
Burnham was someone the entire world knew about. But he threw away potential for shining on the world stage because power intoxication stepped in his way. I believe Dr Ali enjoys a space that was there for Dr Jagan, but illness prevented Dr Jagan from occupying it. It should have gone to Burnham if Burnham had not self-destructed.
Where does Dr Ali go from here? I don’t believe it is fair to him to knock him for areas of fault in the Government of Guyana. You can-
not hold a prime minister or a president responsible for all the mistakes the state makes. There is a bigger picture, and Dr Ali must be judged by that bigger portrait.
One of the reasons I gave my interviewer for choosing President Ali is because of the distribution of wealth to the working people of Guyana. In this respect, he has a lot in common with “Pepe.” There is capitalism in Guyana. There will be capitalism under President Ali. It is abysmal ignorance to suggest that President Ali should abolish capitalism.
What I see Dr Ali doing is what “Pepe” has done. Redistribute the wealth of a country. There is a sincere attempt by Dr Ali to elevate the lower economic classes in Guyana. Dr Ali also reminds us of one of the brightest sparks in Western leadership, but the light on that spot has
remained opaque because Western media and Western academia have chosen not to write about him, and that is Pierre Trudeau of Canada. Trudeau was interested in building a multiracial Canada, and his record on that is second to none in any Western country in the past and at the present time. Dr Ali’s dream of building a multi-racial Guyana sets him apart from his counterparts in the rest of the world. Guyana’s Mohamed Irfaan Ali has the space for political excellence waiting for him in Guyana, the Caribbean and the world. I think he should grab it with both hands. I know he will.
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.
Enhancing the entertainment industry
Dear Editor, AS someone who has worked in the tourism, events, and hospitality industry for over 15 years in both Barbados and Guyana, I have witnessed the sector’s development as well as the persistent challenges that prevent it from reaching its full potential. While Guyana is making notable efforts to elevate entertainment and hospitality through government-led programs, several structural issues still hinder meaningful progress.
One of the first obstacles is the complexity of the Guyana Revenue Authority’s VAT guidelines for “live” entertainment. These regulations play an important role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness, but they also introduce added responsibilities for promoters—particularly smaller operators with limited resources and high operating costs.
Nevertheless, by consistently adhering to these laws and guidelines, event organisers help strengthen
the foundation of the entertainment sector, promote sustainable growth, and contribute to a more accountable and well-regulated creative industry.
Infrastructure remains another significant concern.
Many entertainment facilities across the country are outdated, and most modern venues are concentrated within Georgetown. This centralisation restricts opportunities for residents in other regions and limits the country’s ability to attract international performers.
Additionally, the rise in safety issues—ranging from theft and violence to weapons and open drug solicitation— creates unsafe environments for both locals and visitors. Stronger security systems, improved crowd management, and comprehensive workforce training are urgently needed to restore public confidence.
Despite these challenges, small local hotspots across Guyana hold tremendous potential. Each region has culturally rich spaces that, with
proper development, could become vibrant tourism hubs that encourage community involvement and economic diversification. These venues can help decentralise the industry and uplift regional economies, provided they are managed professionally and supported by trained staff.
Noise pollution also continues to affect residents and businesses located near entertainment sites. Without proper sound-management practices and consistent enforcement of regulations, community frustration will persist. Achieving a balance between entertainment and quality of life is essential if the sector is to grow sustainably and maintain public support.
On a positive note, the Ministry of Local Government’s beautification project at Stabroek Square is a welcome development. Plans to elevate the flooring, add benches, incorporate decorative enhancements, and designate performance spaces for artistes signal a commitment to modernising public
entertainment areas. These initiatives, if maintained, can enhance cultural expression while making central Georgetown more inviting for both locals and tourists.
Most recently, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and
Commerce hosted a major stakeholder engagement with entertainers, promoters, and creatives at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
This kind of open dialogue is essential, as it brings policymakers and in-
dustry professionals together to collaboratively address challenges and shape the future of Guyana’s entertainment landscape.
Sincerely,
Blane R Bunbury
Odessa’s curse: Classless WIN MPs
I AM never going to attack anyone’s gender or personal lifestyle as a well-respected Guyanese journalist, communications specialist and politician. I believe that everyone is entitled to an opinion and should express it freely without fear. I do, however, acknowledge everyone’s right to challenge or respond to that opinion freely with their facts, opinions, and information.
I am never an aggressor or bully. I have learned over the years to fight with my words in order to protect my
integrity. Decency, respect and class require me not to make myself that low.
Recently, I witnessed the entire exchange between the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne-Shadeek, and the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) parliamentarians. I wondered if it was a movie that I was watching, because it seemed some of the WIN MPs were ganging up on the minister to try getting entry into the Amerindian Hostel in Georgetown. At one point, the minister stood her ground as the other
MPs present, namely Azruddin Mohamed, Odessa Primus, Dawn Hastings-Williams and Natasha Singh-Lewis hurled all sorts of insults and degrading things at her. They were attempting to bully the minister, but she did not allow it. There were others there who stood up to the WIN MPs and supporters. Interestingly, a journalist, Courdel Jones, attempted to get Mohamed and Primus to answer his questions about the incident, but was met with sheer hostility and vitriol from Primus.
I was shocked by this boldness and smoke for the government, minister and a journalist coming from newly minted MPs. This is not what I was accustomed to, especially given the circumstances. I took to social media and said that the WIN MPs, particularly Primus and Mohamed, were bullying the minister, and that their behaviour seemed classless. I said it is a manufactured controversy, and Primus and Mohamed were thugs in a political outfit.
Lo and behold, Primus responded publicly on her Facebook page. She went further by reposting a video
of an encounter from nearly a decade ago involving another individual and me, seemingly to question my “class.” In doing so, she amplified attention towards me, directing thousands of followers, likes and hostile comments to my page. The Member of Parliament appeared visibly angry and made little effort to restrain the outburst or maintain composure.
So, let’s examine the situation. Firstly, I would say what I said to her face and for the entire world to hear. Mohamed and Primus are bullies looking for attention and media limelight. They do not have any sort of class, respect and decorum in this case. They are uneducated when it comes to politics and not having the political balls when compared to PNC, APNU and AFC. Yet, I am struggling to understand why and what people see in them, but I have to respect people’s choices.
I would never bully Primus into accepting my opinion. Nor would I behave in such a classless manner, particularly if I were a sitting Member of
Parliament representing the main opposition.
The truth is, Primus cannot take criticism, yet she uses her platform to bully, intimidate and start strife with so many people and politicians in society, from the First Lady, Minister Browne-Shadeek, to ordinary people. She doesn’t know the meaning of service and temperament in politics. I would urge her to calm down and demonstrate that she can rise above criticisms from the public. I didn’t make her into a politician. Mohamed did, and she accepted.
So, she must demonstrate that she has time and place. I could have similarly attacked her, but I am not like that anymore. I realise that when a political opponent has no more arguments, they are backed against the wall and you have a point, they then decide to get personal and nasty like Primus. The people who supported WIN deserve a more sober and better quality of representation from Primus and Mohamed. She has to behave as a parliamentarian and not a comedian,
because nobody is laughing with you but at you. And, if you ask me, it’s not funny.
This is the last time I am going to address this video. I am not the same person who would have cussed Primus out. Times have changed, and Michael Younge has evolved. Primus would best consider herself lucky. I am not for the weak of heart, and the beast in me is sleeping; it is not dead. So, Primus must not play with me; she has a lot of other, bigger politicians to duel with.
Secondly, their attack on the Amerindian Affairs Minister and her ministry is vile, nasty and wicked. She is a newly minted young minister who should have been given the grace to remedy the situation, if there was a complaint. Primus and Mohamed should not be seen bullying a minister because when pressure knocks their MPs, they are quick to cry out. They should request a meeting with the minister with the intention of bringing the ongoing emergencies to the minister’s attention. They TURN TO PAGE 16
Azruddin vs the StateWhen treaties trump rights
MAGISTRATE Judy Latchman’s ruling this week in the Mohameds’ extradition saga offers a blunt civic lesson, one that the 280 Guyanese who recently completed the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance’s International Human Rights Law Certificate Course would immediately recognise. It forces Guyanese to confront a hard truth: in an extradition courtroom, the rights language we teach in human rights classes steps back, and the language of treaties takes a front row seat.
At the centre of Latch man’s decision is a simple clarification that Azrud din Mohamed finds “com plicated”: extradition is a state‑to‑state obligation, and the individual “plays no part in the contractual agreement.” The moment the authori ty to proceed is signed and the treaty engaged, the usual script of citizen versus state is altered; what stands before the magistrate is not the immense
wealth and political bluster of a father and son, but a diplo matic promise that Guyana has made to the United States. This is why her ruling reads like a quiet masterclass in how extradition rearrang es the legal furniture. In an ordinary criminal matter, the citizen stands in the centre of the room, rights blazing: innocent before a verdict is rendered, a fair hearing, free dom of movement, etc. In an extradition proceeding, those rights are still there, but now they’re pushed to the margins while the treaty sits squarely on the bench.
The Mohameds’ legal team did what any defence in their position would do: they built a rights‑heavy case around threats to life, liber ty, family, fair hearing and freedom of movement. Taken on their own terms, these are compelling arguments, the kind that in another forum might derail a prosecution or at least slow it to a crawl. Here, however, they ran into a wall carefully constructed
by Parliament and fortified by the higher courts.
Extradition, as designed in Guyana’s law, is not a free‑ranging inquiry into whether a citizen’s rights are secure. It is a narrow tunnel.
The question placed before the magistrate is technical and tightly framed: has the requesting state followed the treaty and the statute; is there an offence that matches; is there enough material to justify sending the person to stand trial elsewhere? Every thing else, including the broad constitutional complaints, is treated as noise.
This is the real sting in Magistrate Latchman’s rea soning. Once the extradition machinery is engaged, the size of the bank account and political swagger of Azruddin count for nothing. He cannot argue about his fate in moral or political terms; he can only contest the gears and bolts of the process, the validity of the authority to proceed, the sufficiency of the documents, and the alignment between
the charges and domestic offences. Beyond that, he is, in effect, an object in an international bargain.
Put bluntly, Azruddin stops being the justice sys tem’s primary concern and will soon become cargo in a diplomatic exchange. The “client” in Magistrate Latch man’s courtroom on Wednes day was not the Mohameds, but the treaty between Guyana and the United States. The magistrate’s loyalty, as she correctly envisioned it, runs first to Parliament’s design and to the executive’s deci sion to honour that treaty, and only second, and indirectly, to the men in the dock.
This is not just Magistrate Latchman’s personal philoso phy; it is the legal architecture she has inherited. The 2009 amendments to the extradition regime deliberately narrowed the scope of arguments that can be presented in an extra dition hearing and instructed the country’s local courts to interpret certain protections as inherent to the treaty relation ship, rather than as matters for each prisoner to litigate.
‘Is a market ting’
SO, one morning, while staying with a good friend and ‘sista’ in Alberttown, I took an early walk to Bourda Market to buy some packet milk.
As I strolled along the mall west towards Orange Walk, I greeted some ven dors setting up their stalls; “good morning,” I called out. “Mornin mummy,” came the reply. As I turned towards North Road, I suddenly re alised that many stalls were still closed, so I asked a fruit vendor where I could get the milk.
He said, “Doan go on North Road, nobody ain open. Ya gotta go to Robb Street.” I thanked him and proceeded along Orange Walk. Before I got to Robb Street, I saw a young man, whom I had met more than a decade earlier, unpacking some goods by his stand.
I asked if he remembered me and he said he did. There was a chair in front of the storeroom where he kept his
goods and so I sat, chatting with him as I watched him approach and open the door of a car parked close by.
“Is that your car?” I asked, and he replied, “Yes,” moving to pay a ‘worker,’ who had just cleaned the area around his stand. An other man approached, and the young vendor said, in a student voice, “Ya betta move dem cardboard wuh ya left deh.” Without hesitation, the man retorted, “Of course I gun move it, cause you doan buy duh.”
I laughed as he picked up the bundle of cardboard, walked a few feet away, pausing to look past me.
“Wuh ya lookin fuh?” he asked of someone I could not see. I gathered from his tone that he was poking fun at the other person, probably a crack smoker looking on the ground, as they are known to do. Not getting a reply, the man said, openly laughing now, “Hold on I gun come back an help ya look.”
Meanwhile, the young vendor had gone into his storeroom to get a soft drink that I requested. When he came out, I said to him, “Ya know what is the name of your car?” He looked at me with a puzzled expression, then broke into a broad smile when I told him, “The name is ‘Progress.”
For indeed that is what I saw, remembering that when I first met him, and he was just ‘starting out’, he did not even have a bicycle. As I continued my walk towards Robb Street, I noticed that everyone was cleaning up, not only the area around their stands but the entire roadway.
On Robb Street, the same thing was happening, and the pungent smell of a pop ular disinfectant assailed my nostrils.
I had noticed this kind of early morning cleaning up taking place at markets around the country Sta broek, La Penitence, Rose Hall Town, Port Mourant and
Parliament chose to trust the framework of state‑to‑state assurances over the individ ualised plea of the accused.
The Troy Thomas case locked this model in. The High Court was asked wheth er this arrangement offends the Constitution, whether it hollows out the right to liberty and due process.
It answered in the state’s favour, effectively telling lower courts that the balance between treaty obedience and individual contest has already been struck, and that extradi tion hearings are not the place to reopen it. Locked between the 2009 amendments and Troy Thomas, magistrates like Latchman now operate in a corridor where the treaty comes first and the citizen comes second.
Seen through this lens, Magistrate Latchman’s recit al of the catalogue of rights said to be under threat takes on a different tone. She listed them calmly and carefully, then placed them to one side. Some, she said, have already been put to rest by higher au thority. Others belong not to
the courtroom at all, but to the political directorate as mat ters to be taken up between Georgetown and Washington, not between Mohamed and the magistrate.
What remains is a stark picture. In an extradition proceeding, the Guyanese citizen is no longer the jus tice system’s central figure. The treaty and the executive arm are. The citizens’ rights are not erased, but they are placed in parentheses, re served, postponed, outsourced to an American courtroom or to some future Constitutional challenge. For now, as Azrud din contemplates a one‑way flight to Florida, he stands as a reminder of how quickly the language of rights can shrink once the state decides that its first duty is to another state, and not to the person in the dock.
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.
no doubt the many others I have never visited.
Is a market ting.
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.
Faces of progress and success: Celebrating Guyanese making a difference
AT the end of every year, we’re reminded that the most meaningful markers of progress aren’t the big announcements or billion-dollar project milestones, but the people — the determined Guyanese who show what development truly looks like. In a sector as transformative as oil and gas, it’s easy to focus on numbers.
But behind every barrel and on every drillship are human stories that show how opportunity can change a life, a family and eventually
a country.
Local content has become one of the defining pillars of Guyana’s development narrative, yet we sometimes forget that it is lived out through people, not percentages. People like Stephen, Vandon and Kareshma. Their journeys show that local content is delivering what it promises: skills built, doors opened, lives uplifted.
Consider Stephen Moonasar, who grew up in Skeldon and trained as a machinist at Port Mourant. The oil industry wasn’t part of his
plan — it arrived through an unexpected email that pushed him to take a leap of faith. The transition offshore was challenging, with long rotations, new systems and a culture built on precision and safety. But with training and support, he grew. Today, he is a Drilling Fluid Operator responsible for the chemicals and pump systems that keep operations running. With further training ahead in Houston, his goal is simple: to share his knowledge with the next generation. That, too, is local content.
Then there is Vandon Worrell, whose journey began in one of the humblest offshore roles, in housekeeping. Instead of accepting that as his limit, he asked questions, studied during breaks and took every chance to learn. One conversation changed his direction entirely. He pursued logistics training while working night shifts and built the foundation for a new career. Today, he is an Offshore Logistics Coordinator with ExxonMobil Guyana — a role earned through discipline, self-belief
and refusing to let circumstance define him.
Kareshma Narine entered the sector in its early days as a young engineer who preferred fieldwork over desk jobs. She became one of the first Guyanese aboard the Noble Bob Douglas drillship, with training taking her from Trinidad to Houston, Colombia, Suriname and Louisiana. Offshore, she monitored drilling operations and carried the weight of representing an emerging female workforce in a male-dominated environment. Her determination, supported by her mother’s constant encouragement, pushed her to excel. Her story remains a powerful example of how opportunity, when matched with preparation, expands what is possible for young Guyanese women.
Different backgrounds, different paths, but together,
‘A son
these individuals show how the sector is reshaping lives, not just in words, but in real, measurable ways. Their stories add to the more than 6,000 others in the industry and remind us that Guyana’s progress is being written not just offshore, but in homes, neighbourhoods, and in the ambitions of young people who can now imagine more.
As we close 2025, celebrating the people driving this momentum, it is clear that their journeys reflect a bigger change in Guyana: personal success turning into national progress that cannot be ignored.
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.
of Guyana whose voice became our nation’s soul’
also carried moral weight.
“There was a time in our history when speaking truth came with risks,” he said.
“In that difficult season, Ron Robinson lent his voice to the national call for democracy.”
According to the President, Robinson “understood the sacred duty of those gifted with a platform to defend the dignity of the people and the promise of the nation.”
Ali credited Robinson with setting lasting standards in broadcasting and the arts.
“Ron Robinson elevated broadcasting, refining it with a mastery that few have ever matched,” he said, adding that “his impeccable elocution and faultless pronunciation set a gold standard for broadcasting.”
He also noted that Robinson’s stage work “laid a sturdy foundation upon which our dramatists continue to build.”
FROM PAGE 4
The president recalled that it was “my honour to have presented to him the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to broadcasting and the arts.”
Extending condolences, Ali said, “On behalf of the Government of Guyana, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, and to the countless admirers—here at home and across our far-flung diaspora—who remember his unforgettable, unmistakable voice.”
He concluded by expressing hope that Robinson’s legacy would endure, stating, “May his memory remain as enduring as his contributions, and may his spirit continue to echo in every corner of Guyanese culture that he helped shape with such brilliance and devotion.”
Mustapha leads Christmas tree light-up and toy distribution in New Amsterdam
MINISTER of Agriculture and Executive Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Zulfikar Mustapha, on Friday evening, led a Christmas tree light-up and festive toy distribution exercise in New Amsterdam, Berbice, bringing holiday cheer to hundreds of children and community members.
The event, held at the New Amsterdam Freedom House, attracted children, parents and residents from across the community and formed part of the PPP/C Administration’s ongoing efforts to share the spirit of Christmas nationwide. The venue was decorated with colourful ornaments and lights, accompanied by festive music, as children received toys and goodie bags.
Delivering the feature address, Minister Mustapha highlighted the significance of the Christmas season, underscoring values such as love, unity, compassion and generosity. He said Christmas is a time for families to come together and for communities to strengthen their bonds, while reaffirming the PPP/C Administration’s commitment to ensuring that families, particularly children, can experience the joy associated with the season. He further noted that the government remains focused on supporting families and creating opportunities that uplift communities, especially during the holidays, when togetherness and care for one another are paramount.
“Christmas reminds us of the values we hold dear… Hope, generosity, unity and love, these values are not only just seasonable, but these are the very principle that guides us in the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic as we work every day to build a nation where every family can thrive, every
child can dream, and every community can shine under the PPP/C.”
Mustapha said the lighting of the Christmas tree symbolised renewed hope for the year ahead and reflected a commitment to uplifting communities, particularly those in need. He added that the display also represented the strength and resilience of the Guyanese people.
During the programme, the PPP/C Executive Secretary extended Christmas greetings on behalf of the party’s General Secretary and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo; President, Dr Irfaan Ali, and the wider PPP/C membership. He conveyed wishes for a peaceful and joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year for all Guyanese.
The event was also attended by Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat; and Member of Parliament, Zamal Hussain. The officials participated in the festivities and assisted with the distribution of toys, interacting with children and families throughout the evening.
Minister of Agriculture and Executive Secretary of the PPP/C, Zulfikar Mustapha, distributes toys in New Amsterdam, Berbice
Guyana Consulate in Toronto hosts Christmas Open House and Social
THE Guyana Consulate in Toronto, last Sunday, hosted members of the Guyanese diaspora and friends of Guyana at its annual Christmas Open House and Social.
The informal social gathering also served as an opportunity for members of the diaspora and staff of the Toronto Consulate to get acquainted with each other and socialise in the spirit of the
Christmas season.
Honorary Consul Mani Singh welcomed the approximately 200 guests, including leaders and representatives of various civic, social, religious and cultural organisations within the Guyanese Canadian community.
Consul Singh also extended season’s greetings on behalf of His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Government
and people of Guyana to all present.
He thanked diaspora leaders and members in particular, for always volunteering and supporting the outreaches and work of the Consulate over the past years.
Many used the opportunity to seek information and guidance on the various Consular services provided by the Toronto Mission.
The year 2025 has been a
landmark one for the Consulate, which has been providing a range of exceptional and improved consular services, including the new biometric system in progressing applications for the more enhanced and safer Guyana Passport, which is now available in both five and 10-year terms, to the thousands of Guyanese Canadians and also to non-Guyanese seeking visas, and information on trade and investment opportunities in the rapidly growing Guyanese economy.
Diaspora members and friends of Guyana shared experiences among themselves, as they enjoyed a taste of
nostalgic Guyanese food. They also acknowledged the contributions of several prominent Guyanese Canadians who passed away during the year.
The new year 2026, is set to be an even more exciting and engaging year for the Consulate never-before-seen surge in requests for consular services - from new passports to Guyana visitors’ visas to registration of overseas births - as Guyana continues to experience record-breaking developmental and economic growth and expanding regional and international influence and clout.
Man arrested at Itaballi checkpoint with cannabis
POLICE ranks in Regional Division Seven are investigating the discovery of a quantity of suspected cannabis found on Friday, December 12, at about 07:15 hrs at the Itaballi Police Checkpoint in Cuyuni Mazaruni.
A press release from the force noted that ranks were on duty at the checkpoint when a motor pickup bearing registration number GVV 3523 arrived en route to Black Water Backdam. The vehicle was driven by a 47-year-old man of Bartica and was occupied by two male miners, aged 51 and 31 years.
A search was conducted on the occupants and the vehicle. During the exercise, ranks examined the clothing of the 51-year-old miner of Buxton, East Coast Demerara, and discovered a bulky transparent plastic bag containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis in the pocket of his pants.
The miner was arrested and escorted to the Itaballi Police Outpost along with the suspected narcotics, where he remains in custody. The suspected cannabis was weighed in his presence and amounted to 16.4 grams. It was lodged as investigations continue.
A section of the gathering at last Sunday’s Open House and Social
Agriculture Minister honoured at GCCI awards for leadership in food security
MINISTER of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has been recognised for his leadership in strengthening national food security and advancing agricultural development at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry 135th Annual Awards Presentation and Gala Dinner. The recognition was conferred under the strategic direction of President Dr Irfaan Ali’s administration.
The award, presented alongside recognition for the Ministry of Agriculture, acknowledged leadership and innovation in advancing Guyana’s agricultural systems, with particular emphasis on ensuring the country’s ability to feed its population while
agricultural agenda. Minister Mustapha, who has served as Minister of Agriculture since 2020, has been a key implementer of the President’s vision. His leadership has focused on modernising the sector and strengthening food sovereignty at both the national and regional levels.
Under this renewed policy direction, the Ministry of Agriculture has made strategic investments in drainage and irrigation, farm to market roads, climate resilient infrastructure and farmer support programmes. These initiatives have contributed to expanded acreage, increased yields, greater crop diversification and improved resilience across the sector.
contributing to regional food security efforts.
Guyana has historically played a central role in CARICOM’s push for agricultural self-reliance and the reduction of the region’s food import bill. Over time, changes in political leadership slowed this momentum and diminished the country’s influence within the regional food security framework.
That trajectory shifted in 2020 with the return of the PPP/C to government under President Ali. Since then, the administration has restored policy focus on agriculture, revived stalled initiatives, accelerated production targets and repositioned Guyana at the forefront of CARICOM’s
global study published in Nature Food, which assessed food production capacity in 186 countries. The study found that Guyana was the only country capable of pro-
ducing sufficient quantities across all seven major food groups to fully feed its popu-
lation without reliance on imports. These groups included TURN TO PAGE 16
Agricultural output has increased significantly in recent years, particularly in staple crops. Rice production surpassed 725,000 metric tonnes in 2024, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of national food security. With continued policy support, production targets are now set at one million metric tonnes in future cycles.
Growth has also been recorded in corn, soya and other non-traditional crops. Expansion plans and targeted investments are being implemented to increase soya cultivation, to position Guyana as a net exporter within the Caribbean.
Guyana’s progress was further highlighted in a recent
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, receives his award at the GCCI’s 135th Annual Awards Presentation and Gala Dinner (GCCI photo)
Education, digital tools critical for future policing -
Deputy Commissioner Budhram tells Region Six ranks at Christmas awards ceremony
DEPUTY Commissioner of Police (Administration) Ravindradat Budhram on Friday December 12, 2025, addressed ranks and stakeholders at the Regional Police Division #6 Christmas Luncheon and Awards Ceremony held at the St. Francis Community Developers Hall (SFCD), Rose Hall
Town, where he outlined expectations for policing in a rapidly developing and changing environment.
Deputy Commissioner Budhram noted that Region Six continues to experience significant infrastructural and economic development, including expanded road networks, bridges, commercial activity and increased movement of people. He stressed that these changes bring new policing demands and require ranks to be adaptable, alert and proactive in their approach to law enforcement. He stated that effective policing in such an environment depends on planning, TURN TO PAGE 15
Ranks and stakeholders at the Regional Police Division #6 Christmas Luncheon and Awards Ceremony held at the St. Francis Community Developers Hall (SFCD), Rose Hall Town
Gov’t expands renewable energy sources
--with commissioning of 4MWp Trafalgar Solar Farm
PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has said that the government continues to put policy into practice in implementing the Low Carbon Devel -
wind, biomass, and natural gas.
In keeping with this national drive, the Prime Minister in Trafalgar, Region Five (Mahaica Berbice), on
REDD+ Investment Fund, is expected to generate approximately 6,000 megawatt hours of electricity annually.
This will avoid the combustion of over 1.3 million
opment Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
The strategy aims to decouple economic growth from fossil fuel use through clean energy development led by a mix of solar, hydro,
Sunday commissioned another solar project — a four megawatt peak (MWp) solar farm.
The project, financed through the Guyana Norway climate partnership under the
litres of diesel and reduce 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.
The Trafalgar Solar Farm is expected to save the country over $300 million annually in fuel costs.
Education, digital tools...
coordination and the ability of ranks to anticipate emerging challenges rather than merely responding to incidents.
The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the importance of technology in supporting modern policing, pointing to the role of command centres, CCTV systems and digital monitoring tools in investigations, crime detection and operational oversight. He explained that these systems strengthen intelligence-led policing and improve coor-
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) Ravindradat Budhram
dination across Divisions, particularly when crimes cross regional boundaries.
He urged ranks to understand and properly utilise these tools, noting that technology enhances accountability and supports more efficient service delivery to the public.
Deputy Commissioner Budhram reminded ranks that policing often requires sound judgment, especially in diverse environments such as urban areas, rural communities and
Earlier this month, a 3MWp Solar Photovoltaic Farm was commissioned at Prospect, East Berbice Corentyne, while in November a 3MWp solar farm was commissioned at Hampshire, also in Region Six.
A similar project will be commissioned early in the new year at Charity. Additionally, a 15MW solar power project will be built in Linden by the end of 2026.
Prime Minister Phillips stated: “These solar farms are a clear demonstration of our commitment to modernise Guyana’s energy sector.
The Government of Guyana will continue to expand renewable energy sources for a sustainable future for all Guyanese.”
He noted that the short to medium term plan is to build out 100 megawatts of solar power, complementing other medium and long term projects including the Gas to Energy initiative and the Amaila Falls project.
Overall, the government intends to deliver over 500 megawatts of new genera-
FROM PAGE 14
interior locations.
He emphasised that ranks must be capable of making responsible decisions in varying circumstances while remaining guided by policy, training and supervision. He encouraged ranks to seek guidance when uncertain and to rely on proper reporting and communication channels to avoid errors that could undermine investigations or public trust.
The Deputy Commissioner encouraged ranks to pursue educational opportunities now available through the Guyana Police Force and partnering institutions, noting that access to online learning and academic programmes has expanded significantly. He stressed that education strengthens leadership, decision-making and adaptability, all of which are essential in a modern police organisation.
He noted that developing younger ranks is critical to succession planning and the longterm stability of the Force as senior officers approach retirement.
Deputy Commissioner Budhram underscored the importance of cooperation between the Police and communities, stating that crime prevention and public safety are shared responsibilities. He acknowledged the support of Community Policing Groups and stakeholders across Region Six and encouraged continued engagement to build trust and cooperation.
He stated that visible policing combined with strong community relationships remains a key pillar of effective law enforcement.
Deputy Commissioner Budhram concluded by extending Christmas and New Year greetings to ranks and their families and encouraged ranks to remain focused, disciplined and prepared as they continue to serve the public in the new year.
tion capacity, with renewable energy forming a central pillar of this transition.
Electricity consumption has more than tripled since 1980, and Guyana is determined to meet this demand sustainably.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has said that the government continues to put policy into practice in implementing the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
Three museums host exhibitions celebrating traditional Guyanese Christmas
MEMBERS of the public are invited to visit three special museum exhibitions titled ‘One Guyana: The Spirit of Traditional Guyanese Christmas.’
The exhibitions are open from 09:00hrs to 16:30hrs (4:30 pm) Monday to Fri -
day and from 09:00hrs to 12:00hrs on Saturdays until December 24. The exhibitions are being held at the National Museum of Guyana on North Road, Robb Street, Georgetown; the Museum of African Heritage at 13 Barima Avenue, Bel Air Park,
Georgetown; and the Walter Roth Museum at 61 Main Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown.
Each museum features a distinct theme reflecting elements of Guyanese Christmas traditions. The National Museum is showcasing Mas-
querade, while the Museum of African Heritage and the Walter Roth Museum are highlighting Kwanza and Pepperpot, respectively.
This publication visited the National Museum of Guyana on Saturday, where the Masquerade exhibition was displayed at two locations within the museum. Masquerade is a long-standing cultural tradition in Guyana and is commonly seen during Christmas and Mashramani celebrations.
The exhibition focuses on the history and significance of the Masquerade and highlights the contributions of local masquerade practitioners Trevor Blackett and Jerome Cumberbatch. It also features the traditional instruments used in Masquerade performances and provides
Odessa’s
should discuss with her and the government if they were concerned about Amerindians, human rights and basic dignity. They could have chosen other alternatives. They chose the last option at this point and time in this festive season, to protest and make a scene.
Thirdly, the WIN party is classless because it doesn’t speak for thousands of other Amerindian people who utilise the service of the hostel. Those people are grateful for life-saving and highly effective access to government services over the years, even if it means facing a little discomfort in the meantime. I personally know of countless Amerindian people who have no problem with the service they receive when they venture to Georgetown. They laud the free-of-cost interventions put in place by the government.
Soon, a new building with
background information on key characters such as Mother Sally, Solo Tall Boy and the Stilt Man.
Since the exhibitions opened, several schools have participated in guided tours at the museums prior to the close of the school term.
Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, noted in social media posts that students were able to explore a range of Christmas traditions, including Masquerade, African
heritage celebrations, and Indigenous and local customs.
In addition to the museum exhibitions, the government has also launched its annual One Guyana Christmas Village and Supermarket, which runs daily from December 5 to 31, 2025. The initiative provides a space for Guyanese of all ages and backgrounds to experience and celebrate the sights, tastes and traditions that define a Guyanese Christmas.
curse: Classless...
much more staff and services will house the Amerindian Hostel and all services that are currently being offered. And, Hastings-Williams misled the WIN party and is useless as a representative of the Amerindian people.
What she and others should be fighting for, they are not fighting for. Amerindian communities need support from WIN to get the lands titled and ownership of the lands settled.
They need more development and more money to address their needs in terms of innovation, education and skills training. That is what WIN should be following, not seeking to manufacture controversy and engaging in opportunistic politics where it seems easy.
Finally, we need to urgently sort out a code of conduct for our opposition members. Everything is not representation, and being a
bully is not equal to activism. Putting your hands up and cussing out a new minister is not activism or normal behaviour.
Behaving so loudly and bravely means nothing at the end of the day if you can’t resolve anything for the Amerindian people.
Parliamentarians are held to a higher standard than public officials. They must have decency and class. They must possess restraint and rationalise their actions both on and off their social media. They must work for the people, but always know their place. If Primus and the WIN party do not want smoke, they must not start the fire.
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.
Agriculture Minister honoured...
fruits, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat, plant-based proteins and starchy staples.
While the study noted that 65 per cent of countries globally overproduce meat and dairy relative to dietary needs, Guyana stood out for balanced food production. China and Vietnam followed, producing enough food in six of the seven categories.
This milestone reflects the administration’s policy emphasis on agriculture, supported by increased budgetary allocations, diversification strategies, farmer-focused in-
terventions and climate resilience planning. According to Minister Mustapha, Guyana’s emergence as a food secure nation is the result of deliberate leadership, strong policy direction and the commitment of local farmers, aligned with President Ali’s vision of agriculture as a pillar of national development. Beyond domestic self-sufficiency, Guyana has also reasserted its leadership within CARICOM’s food security agenda. As Chair of the CARICOM Special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food
Security, Minister Mustapha, supported by President Ali’s diplomatic and policy leadership, has advanced collaborative efforts aimed at reducing the regional food import bill and expanding intra-regional agricultural trade.
Guyana’s renewed role reflects a national vision in which the country not only feeds its own population but also plays a leading role in strengthening food availability and resilience across the Caribbean, consolidating its position as a regional agricultural leader.
Some of the items on display at the National Museum (Delano Williams photo)
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
CARLISLE
08:10 hrs Cristal
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SOUTHWELL
08:00 hrs One Big Bang
08:30 hrs Seasmoke
09:00 hrs Groovy Blue
09:30 hrs Shade Of Winter
10:00 hrs Strong Run
10:35 hrs Kally Des Bruyers
11:10 hrs Tramuntana
IRISH RACING TIPS
NAVAN
08:20 hrs
Maidenstreetprince
08:50 hrs Killaney King
09:20 hrs Jeriko De Baune
09:50 hrs May Call You Back
10:25 hrs Cheerful Chap 11:00 hrs The Lovely Man
11:35 hrs Keep Him Company
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS
SCOTTSVILLE
08:20 hrs Phutulicious
08:55 hrs In The Bag
09:35 hrs Miss Twinkle
10:10 hrs Maphaka
10:45 hrs Yannakis
Seven matches set for tonight’s opening at Retrieve Hard Court
THIS year’s Upper Demerara Football Association- organised Banks DIH sponsored yearend futsal championship gets underway with seven matches tonight, at the Retrieve Hard Court in Linden.
Total prize and cash incentives will total $3M, along with trophies, replicas and individual awards, as the winner gets $1M, second place team receives $500,000, third $200,000 and fourth place finisher $100,000.
There is a march past of the participating teams at 17.00hrs ahead of the night’s featured matches, with President of the
UDFA, Wainwright Bethune, to give the feature address, in the presence of representatives from the sponsors and other Linden town officials.
This evening’s opening encounters start with the clash between Fearless and Blueberry Hill at 18.00hrs, followed with Eagles FC taking on FC YMCA at 18.45hrs, Winners against NetRockers at 19.30hrs, Hi Stars then face Amelia’s Ward at 20.15hrs, Botafago meet Milerock at 21.00hrs, Silver Shattas clash with Topp XX at 21.45hrs and Coomacka collide with Capital FC at 22.30hrs in the night cap.
Linden Matthews cops GPF Male Sports Personality of the Year award
• From Page 23
“For more than 30 years, he played an integral role in shaping the careers of young athletes. His engagement in sports started well before his police career reached its peak, and by 1995, he had solidified his position as a cricket umpire, a role he still fulfills with impressive professionalism.”
The post further pointed out that “beyond umpiring, Rural Sergeant Matthews is both the cricket coordinator and indoor games coordinator; he is also the operational sergeant. His responsibilities go beyond policing and take on a more peoplecentred approach. His work has made a notable impact on enhancing the culture of sportsmanship and camaraderie within the institution, demonstrating that athletic excellence and policing can harmoniously co-exist to foster positive, holistic development.”
Commenting further, the post highlighted that “his love of cricket extends beyond the field and into the commentary booth, where he brings matches to life with a mix of wit, energy, and genuine emotion. He has been a cricket commentator for decades, and it shows in his analysis of batsman technique and ability to capture the tension of a close contest. He has a talent for explaining even the most technical aspects of cricket to a layman’s level.”
According to the unassuming Matthews, the award symbolizes a personal achievement. He extended sincere thanks the Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner, Administration, Mr. Ravindradat Budhram, and the executive leadership team for their support and recognition.
This year’s tournament will feature fifteen teams, including the defending champion, Silver Shattas in Group A which includes Hi Stars, Topp XX and Amelia’s Ward. Group B has Capital FC, Fearless, Coomacka and Blueberry Hill. Group C features Winners Connection, FC YMCA, Eagles United and Net Rockers, with Group D comprising Botafago, Milerock and Rockstone.
Seven playing nights are scheduled with the next playing day next Wednesday, as the semi-finals are set for December 29, and the final on January 1, New Year’s day.
Warriors waste another historic Curry performance in loss to Timberwolves
SAN FRANCISCO – Another bad Warriors loss was added to a growing list Friday night, even in Steph Curry’s sensational return against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Chase Center.
Curry played his first game in 16 days after missing the Warriors’ previous five because of a left quad contusion. He played 32 minutes and scored a game-high 39 points, including 23 in the second half and 14 in the fourth quarter.
The result still was a Warriors loss, falling 127-120 against a Timberwolves team that was without its own superstar in Anthony Edwards. The loss dropped the Warriors back to .500 again with a 13-13 record this season. Curry has now scored 30-plus points in eight games this season, and the Warriors also are a .500 team when he does so, going 4-4 thus far.
Curry started in his first game since Nov. 26, though he had a new backcourt mate. Curry previously had started alongside Brandin Podziemski, Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody as the Warriors’ two guards in a season that has seen little semblance and consistency in the first five on the floor. Steve Kerr, on Friday night, opted to go with the hot hand next to Curry.
What’s the perfect complement to a Splash Brother? Perhaps a legendary Lax Bro who has become a Warriors fan-favorite. Pat Spencer started his third straight game to follow his head-turning road trip. Improvements as a shooter and the willingness to shoot behind the 3-point line made Kerr comfortable starting two smaller guards together. The Warriors led 19-18 when Kerr first subbed Spencer out in the first quarter and broke up his new
Lizelle Lee’s
LIZELLE Lee fired Hobart Hurricanes to their maiden WBBL crown with a blistering unbeaten half-century in the final against Perth Scorchers. Restricting the Scorchers to just 137/5 in the WBBL final, Hurricanes chased it down with ease in the end as they clinched victory with five overs to spare
Lee set her sights on the moderate target by finding the boundary thrice in succession in the very first over of the chase. Danielle Wyatt-Hodge repeated the feat in the next over as Hurricanes raced to 24/0 in just two overs. While Lee continued to feast on the bowling attack, Wyatt-Hodge was bowled in the sixth over.
Scorchers needed more wickets at that stage given the required run rate was well within reach but Nat Sciver-Brunt added to their misery with a couple of quick boundaries to get going.
After a couple of quiet overs, Lee smashed Alana King for back-to-back sixes and then cleared the ropes two more times in the
Steph Curry scored a game-high 39 points, including 23 in the second half and 14 in the fourth quarter
backcourt. Curry (10 points) and Spencer (five points) had combined for 15 of the Warriors’ first 19 points. The two of them were 3 of 6 from 3-point range in the first quarter while the rest of the Warriors missed all six of their threes.
By halftime with the Warriors having a two-point lead, Curry was up to 16 points, four rebounds and three assists, and Spencer was at nine points, four rebounds and four assists..
Spencer struggled in the second half. He was a minus-19 in a little under 13 minutes, scoring just three points on 1-of6 shooting. De’Anthony Melton was the closing guard next to Curry, a pairing Kerr envisions using often at the end of games.
The Warriors entered the fourth quarter with a three-point lead and then found themselves in a 12-point hole with under six minutes remaining from a 17-0 Timberwolves run. A furious comeback put the Warriors back up by three, 117-114 at the 1:58 mark, only for the Timberwolves to reel off an 11-1 run to put the game away. (Yahoo Sports)
English Premier League
‘Easy decision’ to recall Salah says Slot
LIVERPOOL boss Arne Slot said it was an “easy decision” to include Mohamed Salah in his squad against Brighton and there was “no issue to resolve.”
The 33-year-old made his first Liverpool appearance since claiming he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club following last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Leeds.
“What’s been said between the two of us, I’ve said many times, for me that stays between us,” Slot told Sky Sports after the 2-0 victory over Albion.
“He was back in the squad and we needed him.”
The Egypt forward received warm applause from the home fans as he was substituted on in the 26th minute at Anfield, following an injury to defender Joe Gomez.
He then provided the assist for Hugo Ekitike’s second goal, a whipped corner into the box, and renditions of his chant followed from the home supporters.
Salah had chances to increase Liverpool’s
lead - firing over the bar before overcooking a pass for Andy Robertson - before he did a lap of the pitch at full-time.
“He was a threat, the first ball he touched he almost gave an assist to [Alexis] Mac Allister,” said Slot.
“He was constantly involved, pleasing but also not a surprise because he’s done that many times.”
Uncertainty remains over his future at the club as Salah is due to head to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) on Monday.
With the Saudi Pro League interested in Salah, it is possible a move away from Merseyside could happen during the January transfer window - while he is away - but Slot did not indicate what might happen next.
“He goes to Egypt now to Afcon, that means for us another player down and we already didn’t have a lot,” he said. “But we knew before the season he would go and maybe one or two players can come back from injury. (BBC Sport)
half-century powers Hobart Hurricanes to maiden WBBL title
highest score in a WBBL final.
Earlier in the evening, Scorchers made a scratchy start. Playing their third game in five days, they just couldn’t get going in the powerplay. Katie Mack was dismissed for a 21-ball 17 and the onus was on Beth Mooney again to lift the Scorchers. Having made scores of 94*, 45 and 76 in her last three outings, Mooney kept receiving one reprieve after another but couldn’t capitalise on it as she was castled for 33 by Heather Graham. Sophie Devine and Paige Scholfield tried to inject some momentum into the innings with a few boundaries. With four overs left, Scorchers were 106/4 and needed a big finish to breach 150.
However, Devine was stumped in the following over immediately after she had smashed a six. While Scholfield found some handy boundaries, she also failed to score a single run off four successive balls in the final over which meant Scorchers had to be content with just 137 - a total that was nowhere threatening enough for Lee. (Cricbuzz)
following over to not only bring up her fifty but also pretty much put the game to bed.
While Sciver-Brunt was eventually dismissed, Lee’s blitz saw her break the record for the
Mohamed Salah replaced the injured Joe Gomez in the 26th minute at Anfield
blistering
Hobart Hurricanes won their maiden WBBL title • (Getty Images)
Kwakwani Secondary, St Rose’s High, Saint Stanislaus grab wins at YBG Titan Bowl day 2
KWAKWANI Secondary, St Rose’s High, and Saints Stanislaus College emerged with huge wins on Friday when Youth basketball action continued action in the 14th running of the Titan Bowl knock-out basketball competition at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Kwakwani Secondary took the biggest win in the girls’ category, defeating Marian Academy 50-2.
Brianna Benjamin was again on target with 22 points, 11 rebounds and five steals with her teammate Lanasha Mohamed dropping 19 points.
President’s College (PC) next defeated Queen’s College 31-11 to capture another win, PC was led by Kaycia McLaggen with 8 points and Malia Samuels with 7 points.
The Under-14 category also saw a big win for Kwakwani Secondary as they overcame Hururu Secondary 48-24.
KwaKwani had Alanzo Mithelholder to thank as he dominated offensively with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 steals.
Travon Hopkinson also scored 9 points with Roydel Smith adding 8 points and 12 rebounds in a good all-round display.
For Hururu Secondary, Crandon Beckles topped the scoreboard with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
President’s College also edged Line Path 24-22 in the senior U-18 class, St Rose’s High took a comfortable win against Marian Academy 46-20 St Rose’s High’s Chaziah Bernard starred in offence with 18 points and defense with 10 rebounds with Dequan Fraser chipping in with 10 points. Saints Stanislaus College next thrashed Line Path Secondary 53-25.
Saints’ Omari White was imperious as he scored 18 points coupled with 9 rebounds, Kadeem Beckles also delivered with 12 points and 8 rebounds.
Line Path’s Joel Sukram had 11 points in a losing effort.
The competition is being sponsored by Francis-Lau Boyce, Banks DIH, ENET, and Newrest.
Angry fans throw chairs and bottles at Messi event in India
ANGRY fans attending Lionel Messi’s tour of India ripped up seats and threw items towards the pitch after his appearance at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
Thousands of adoring supporters had paid up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133) to catch a glimpse of the football star, but were left disappointed when he emerged to walk around the pitch, and was obscured by a large group of officials and celebrities.
When the Argentina and Inter Miami forward was whisked away early by security after around 20 minutes, elements of the crowd turned hostile.
West Bengal’s chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, said she was “deeply disturbed and shocked” by the event
Messi is in India for his ‘GOAT [greatest of all time] tour’, a series of promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi. His tour began with the unveiling of a 70ft (21m) statue of himself in Kolkata, which had been assembled over the course of 27 days by a 45-strong crew. Messi appeared virtually due to security concerns.
Thousands of fans travelled to the city’s stadium for a chance to see the footballer in person. They were chanting, buying jerseys and wearing “I love Messi” headbands.
Messi initially walked out at the stadium waving to fans, but after his appearance was abruptly ended on Saturday, some frustrated fans stormed the pitch and vandalised banners and tents, as others hurled plastic chairs and water bottles.
The 2022 World Cup winner - considered one of football’s greatest ever players - had been expected to play a short exhibition game
at the stadium, the AFP news agency reports.’
“Only leaders and actors were surrounding Messi... Why did they call us then... We have got a ticket for 12,000 rupees, but we were not even able to see his face”, a fan at the stadium told Indian news agency ANI.
One angry fan told the Press Trust of India news agency people had paid the equivalent of a month’s salary to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“I paid Rs 5,000 for the ticket and came with my son to watch Messi, not politicians.
“The police and military personnel were taking selfies, and the management is to blame.”
Messi was accompanied on his brief visit by his Inter Miami teammate and Uruguay star Luis Suarez, and Argentina’s Rodrigo de Paul.
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan also met Messi earlier in the day, according to the Reuters news agency.
Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal and has a large football fanbase in an otherwise cricket-crazed country.
In the city, it is common to see hundreds of thousands of fans gather at stadiums at a derby of local clubs. (BBC Sport)
Raphinha stars as Barcelona extend La Liga lead to seven points
at the back post in the 86th minute when a cross deflected into his path.
It
until the Brazilian forward struck the opening blow in the 70th minute. Raphinha found the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area before converting
Ferran Torres thought he had broken the deadlock in the 23rd minute when he beat the offside trap and headed in a Marcus Rashford cross. However, the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled out the goal because Raphinha’s heel was offside during a short-corner routine in the build-up.
Torres then went close when he met
but
As defensive as
were, they did pose a threat on the
Minutes into the second
past Alejandro Balde only to fire wide with just home goalkeeper Joan Garcia to beat.
Barcelona’s dominance was finally rewarded when Pedri drove forward from midfield, found
RAPHINHA’S second-half double helped Barcelona overcome a stubborn Osasuna and open up a seven-point lead on Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
looked set to be a frustrating evening for the defending champions, who had 21 shots to three for Osasuna
Lamine Yamal’s dangerous inswinging cross,
the former Manchester City forward lifted his first-time effort over the crossbar.
Osasuna
counter-attack.
half Victor Munoz powered
Raphinha and he finished past Sergio Herrera. Having ended the visitors’ resistance, the 28-year-old made sure of the success in the final moments with a simple tap-in. Seven weeks ago Barcelona trailed Real Madrid by five points after a 2-1 defeat in El Clasico, but now find themselves seven points clear after winning seven consecutive league games. Real can reduce the deficit to four points if they win at Alaves today.
Lionel Messi waving to fans as he arrived
Kwakwani Secondary Kenesha Fraser going for a layup against Queen’s College
Powell ‘proud’ of ‘pretty successful’ West Indies captaincy stint in T20Is
…West Indies’ middle-order six-hitter prefers to bat at No. 5 as it gives him “an opportunity to build an innings”
ROVMAN Powell is “proud” of how he led the West Indies side from ninth to third spot during his T20I captaincy stint, which he termed “pretty successful” and “very good”. Powell’s source of gratitude also comes from the fact that he has played over a hundred T20Is (107) for West Indies.
Powell captained West Indies in 37 T20Is, in a full-time role from March 2023 to December 2024, including at the 2024 T20 World Cup that the West Indies co-hosted with USA.
“A lot of the stuff in your career you didn’t set out to achieve,” Powell told ESPNcricinfo in a media interaction organised by Dubai Capitals during the ongoing ILT20.
“You started with the ambition to play for West Indies. That was the goal. And now the global landscape of cricket has grown over the last 10-15 years so much where now you also play for different franchises around the world.
“I set out to play for West Indies, and now I’ve played over 100 T20I games - it’s something that I’m grateful for. I’ve moved the team from ninth in the rankings to No. 3 in the world. Those are the little things that during the duration of your career you feel proud about. I’ve won franchise titles with various teams around the world. That is also something you feel proud about.
“My captaincy stint with the West Indies was very good - a pretty successful stint. [It’s] something that I’m grateful for. It has fostered better interactions with the players. You open your eyes to each and every one in these leagues as soon as they’re playing, you look
to see what they are doing, and how much they can contribute to West Indies cricket. So it fostered those healthy conversations. Whenever people would see you as captain, they would ask how far they are from playing for West Indies, and what they need to do.”
Powell took over the T20I captaincy from Nicholas Pooran and international cricket is still the priority for him. Powell has been part of ten teams across seven franchise leagues around the world. How does he carve out space in a cramped calendar?
“After you play international cricket, you pick a few competitions that don’t have any international clashes,” he said. “Fortunately, ILT20 is one, [and] IPL is one. I haven’t been to the PSL in a few years because there’s always a clash. We have our own local competition, which is the CPL. When there is no international cricket, you see the other leagues that are going on, and if you can go there for a few games, that also works.”
Linden Matthews cops GPF Male Sports Personality of the Year award
POPULAR sports personality, Rural Sergeant Linden Matthews, has been recognised with the prestigious Male Sports Personality of the Year award in recognition of his tireless commitment to the development of sports in the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
The award was conferred on Matthews during the recent GPF annual end-of-year ceremony, held at the Police officers Annexe which saw ranks being recognised for their outstanding performances during 2025. According to a post on the GPF Facebook page, Matthews joined the entity on May 12, 1995, as a Special Constable and rose to the rank of Sergeant before his retirement in 2018. The post pointed out that during his tenure, Matthews worked at the Sports Secretariat with brief stints in Regional Division 4A and the Tactical Services Unit during the Christmas season.
• Continues on Page 20
Powell has played 51 T20s so far this year, and 73 in 2024. Playing a high volume of cricket can make it difficult to evaluate one’s performances. So Powell breaks it down by doing it from competition to competition.
“I do it [on] competition-basis,” he said. “If you go match-by-match, then it is kinda hard, and it takes away from your cricket because each passing game, you have to realise different stuff - like this game you get the opportunity to bat a lot of balls, the next game you get the opportunity to bat five-six balls. So I do it by competition.
“And at the end of the competition, all I want to ensure is make meaningful contributions. When I was in a position to win the game, did I win the game? ‘Yes, I did [or] no, I did not’. When you get an opportunity to make an impact, did you?”
“I like batting at No. 5 most. You can develop a level of consistency with the game. That is the difference between batting early in the order and late”-Rovman Powell
As a middle-order batter, the most impact Powell believes he can make is at No. 5. He has played at that position the most in T20s, with 105 innings followed by 75 innings at No. 6, and at No. 5 he has scored 2069 runs at a strike rate of 146.11. It’s the position that allows him the right balance to construct an innings without being in a rush.
“I like batting at No. 5 most,” Powell says. “You can develop a level of consistency with the game. That is the difference between batting early in the order and late.
At No. 5, I have an opportunity to build an
innings. When I bat at No. 7 or those places, you only bat ten balls sometimes - at most. All you have to do then is just try to hit as many sixes as possible.
Batting earlier at Nos. 4 or 5, you’re given the opportunity to bat more balls, [and] take a little fewer chances. So the volume of runs you score will be a lot greater.”
How does he construct an innings?
“It’s dependent on the state of the game. If you bat early, you know how fast you have to bat. One thing never changes: you take the first few balls to get yourself in, to read the conditions, pick up how good the wicket is, [and] what’s going on with different types of bowlers.
“After you get that, you lay out the platform of how you’re looking to score them. The flow of the game will tell you how you need to bat, [and] how many boundaries you need.”
At 32, Powell has been succeeded by Shai Hope as the West Indies T20I captain, but another important phase of few months looms for him.
He firstly doesn’t have to worry about the IPL auction next week after being retained by KKR, but once the ILT20 ends in early January, the focus will switch to the T20 World Cup to be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7.
Having not made the knockouts of the tournament since winning it in 2016, it’s an opportunity for Powell to help West Indies go at least one step further and make himself proud again.
“I like batting at No. 5 most”
Linden Matthews (right), receives his award from Guyana Cricket Board president, Bissondial Singh
SAMMY’S STINGING VERDICT: BATSMEN MUST
‘STAND UP’ AFTER WELLINGTON WOBBLE
WELLINGTON, New Zealand, (CMC)
– A visibly frustrated West Indies head coach Daren Sammy dissected another damaging collapse, labelling his team’s nine-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the second Test as a case of “two steps backwards.”
The tourists, utterly outplayed inside three days at the Basin Reserve, were skittled for 205 and a paltry 128, leaving the Black Caps a trivial target.
While the bowlers shared the wickets in New Zealand’s first innings, with fast bowler
Anderson Phillip finishing with four in the match, the batting frailties were terminal.
Shai Hope’s 47 and John Campbell’s 44 were the highest scores of a dismal collective effort, leaving Sammy to draw a painful parallel with a past failure on New Zealand soil.
“It shows every time we try to take a step
Teams arrive for sixth KFC
Goodwill International football competition starting today
ALL the teams that will be competing in the KFC Goodwill International Football Tournament from South America and the rest of the Caribbean arrived in Guyana yesterday and converged at the KFC’s Vlissengen Road location for the pre-tournament team briefing and kitdistribution exercise.
The 2025 KFC Goodwill U-18 International Schools Football Tournament takes place from today, December 14–21. KFC’s Marketing Assistant Charmaine Farnum wished the teams success in their pursuit of footballing excellence at the annual tournament. ‘Today [Saturday] hand over is about more than your uniforms, it is about investing in your confidence, discipline and opportunity and giving your team something they can wear with pride when they go onto the field.’
Petra Director Troy Mendonca commended the teams for their support for the competition, ‘what we are doing here, is we are creating something unique for the Caribbean and I want to officially welcome the teams to Guyana.
The tournament officially kicks off
today with four clashes starting at 12:30hrs,defending champions Chase Academy will tackle a High school from The Bahamas; then Jamaica’s Kingston College will play West Ruimveldt; Jose Viera School from Brazil play a Surinamese side; Trinidad St Benedict will also line up against Annai Secondary.
The defending champions Chase Academy, West Ruimveldt, Annai Secondary will be leading the local contingent facing off with the best Secondary school teams from Suriname, Brazil, The Bahamas, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
The teams are the Jose Viera School from Boa-Vista Brazil; Kingston College from Jamaica; Anglican Central Educational Authority (ACEA) from The Bahamas; Nikerie Select from Suriname and Defending Champions Chase Academic Foundation, along with Annai Secondary and West Ruimveldt Secondary.
The series also has the backing of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Royal International Hotel, GBTI, Trans Guyana Airways and the New GPC.
forward, we take about two steps backwards,” Sammy stated. “It takes me back to 2013, where we drew the Test in Dunedin, came here, and lost inside three days. It’s just the consistency that we’re looking for.”
The coach pinpointed a familiar foe: a failure to seize crucial moments. “We keep getting ourselves in good positions, but little moments switch the momentum, and in this Test match, once we lost the momentum, we lost it for a long period of time.”
While praising a relentless New Zealand attack that “answered the call,” Sammy’s sharpest criticism was reserved for his own batting line-up. He delivered a blunt assessment of their failure to support a battling bowling unit.
“In a team, you want people to step up when
needed the most. In this Test match, nobody stood up for us,” he said. “When you have runs not coming from the number seven and the number five positions, it puts a lot of pressure on the rest of the team. The bowlers are doing their job. It’s not the bowlers’ fault. I think it’s the batsmen that have to take more responsibility.”
Sammy pointed to the fighting draw in the first Test in Christchurch as the blueprint, proof that resilience changes their complexion entirely. “You’ve seen in the first Test, when we take responsibility, and one or two people put their hands up and dig deep, we look like a different side.”
The West Indies will take on New Zealand in the third Test at Mount Maunganui, starting on Wednesday.
Man-of-the-Match Lomar Seecharran who made a brilliant half-century
Seecharran’s classy 79 spearheads Guyana’s victory over Barbados
By Sean Devers
A SCINTILLATING 79 from 63 balls with 10 fours and three sixes by Guyana’s U-13, U-15 and U-17 from DCC’s lefthander Lomar Seecharran powered Guyana to an emphatic seven-wicket victory over Barbados yesterday at the Lusignan Ground on the East Coast of Demerara.
The Guyana captain who scored the only century in the U-13 inter-county tournament got support from Makia Dowlin, who clobbered three sixes and a four in the quick-fire unbeaten 31 from just 15 balls while Afraz Ali scored a wellconstructed 61-25.
Extras (28) also contributed to Guyana’s total of 178-3 in 26.5 overs in reply to the 177-7 from 36 overs made by the visitors in a game which was reduced to 36 overs due to rain.
After Nathaniel Ramkhelawan (1) dismissed at 2-1, Seecharran showed why he is considered a notch above his peers with entertaining stroke play with cover driving a joy to watch as he reached the boundaries
with several imperious shots.
Seecharran dominated a 65-run secondwicket stand with Sahid Gajnabi (14) departing at 67-2 while Seecharran swept Niako Patterson to talented all-rounder Natarie Lavine on the square-leg boundary at 124-3.
Dowlin, the son of former Test batter Travis Dowlin, got going with an effortless six and Ali took their team to victory.
Earlier, Lavine scored a confident 38-ball 37 with five fours and a six and got support from Kymani Inniss with four fours and a six within his 27 from 28 balls while Patterson (19) was run out.
Jondavid Green (16) and Oliver King (13) had given the Bajans a solid 39-run start.
Gajnabi, the brother of West Indies Women’s player Shabika Ganabi took 2-23 for the hosts.
The encounter played in mostly bright sunshine was watched by a small but raucous gathering which included President of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) Calvin Hope and GCB head Bissoon Singh.
The second match is scheduled for today at the same venue from 9:30AM.
West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy
Players in their kits flanked by KFC and Petra officials
Natarie Lavine looked a very talented all rounder