15th December, 2025
Consistency, clarity, continuity central to govt’s policy agenda
- Dr. Singh says, emphasises importance of Budget 2026
President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Saturday interacted with Guyanese at the International Centre for Democracy (ICD) get-together at the Villa Russo Banquet Hall in Queens, New York, and later visited the Regent Street Lounge where he engaged patrons. He also stopped by the Ex-Guyana Defence Force Association of New York to pay tribute to basketball coach Bernard Daniels, who he described as “a true pioneer who led with his heart, strength and wisdom”. In his remarks, the President said it was a pleasure to recognise Coach Daniels’ lifelong dedication to the development of basketball, and his mentorship of generations of young athletes. (Photos: President Dr. Irfaan Ali/Facebook)
- Private Sector urged to form consortiums, invest strategically
Tourism, Industry & Commerce Minister says Guyanese businesses meeting int’l
Ferry services being ramped up to handle Christmas ‘super peak’ season – Minister Edghill
FERRY services across key routes are being expanded to accommodate a sharp increase in demand, during what has been described as the “super peak” season.
This was according to Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, who on Sunday made an impromptu visit in the Kingston area in relation to increasing services in that regard.
Speaking while assessing operations on the ground, Minister Edghill explained that the transport system has been under sustained pressure for months, with traffic levels exceeding capacity. He described the current period as a “super peak,” noting that authorities are now taking steps to ensure the ferry network can cope with the seasonal surge.
A major focus of the visit was the return of the
MV Malali to service following dry-docking. The minister said the vessel had only just completed its transit to the Kingston Wharf and he wanted to personally verify readiness alongside senior tech-
nical staff.
“So, I came to have a first-hand look… to ensure that we are good and ready to go,” he said.
Against this backdrop, the minister outlined plans to significantly increase
trips on high-demand routes, particularly between Parika and Bartica. He said services would move from one to two trips per day to ease congestion and facilitate the movement of goods and vehicles.
“We have done more trips to Bartica than we used to do,” he noted.
With vessels in operation, authorities expect to increase carrying capacity substantially during the holiday season.
He went on to point out the strong demand from commercial operators and suppliers preparing for Christmas distribution, including major companies moving goods.
The minister also addressed ferry operations serving Region One, assuring residents that adequate coverage would be maintained.
According to the minister, the heaviest demand remains along the Parika - Supenaam corridor, including Wakenaam and Leguan, as well as other island communities. He said these areas would see increased capacity, with both Bartica and Supenaam routes set to operate at double capacity during the Christmas rush.
Minister Edghill said the ministry will continue monitoring traffic levels closely to ensure ferry services remain responsive and reliable throughout the holiday season.
Minister Edghill emphasised that ferry operations would follow a continuous “touch-and-go” schedule throughout the peak period, with vessels reloading and redeploying immediately after offloading. He urged passengers to monitor official updates closely: “Please track the transport website,” he said, explaining that services would continue in this manner until after New Year’s Day.
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill at the Kingston Wharf on Sunday (Ministry of Public Works photo)
Consistency, clarity, continuity central to govt’s policy agenda
- Dr. Singh says, emphasises importance of Budget 2026
SENIOR Minister
within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, has said that the 2026 National Budget will be firmly anchored in the government’s manifesto commitments, setting the direction for delivery over the next five years.
“We pride ourselves on policy, clarity and policy continuity. We pride ourselves as a party in government, and we have been very clear about what we intend to do over the next five years before the 2025 general elections of the first of September,” the finance minister said during an appearance on the ‘Starting Point’ podcast that aired on Sunday.
Dr Singh emphasised that policy consistency, clarity and continuity remain central to the administration’s approach.
He noted that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had clearly outlined its intentions ahead of the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections through a written manifesto, which detailed the programmes and priorities it intends to pursue during its new term in office.
“We stated in writ-
ing, in a document, the things that we plan to do over the course of the next five years. That document is, of course, our manifesto for the coming term of office and every budget in this coming term of office will have as its principal objective the delivery of the commitments that we gave in our manifesto,” he shared.
According to Dr Singh, every budget presented during the current term will be guided by that manifesto.
He explained that the principal objective of each annual budget will be to deliver on the commitments made to the electorate, ensuring that fiscal planning and public spending are directly aligned with the promises set out before
the elections.
Dr Singh described Budget 2026 as particularly significant, as it will be the first national budget since the government’s re-election. This he reiterated will be the fiscal package that lays the foundation for the next five years, placing the country on a clear path towards fulfilling the policies and initiatives outlined in the manifesto.
“The National Budget for 2026 is, of course, the first budget since we've been re-elected. And so what this budget is going to do is it's going to put us on a path where we will see over the course of the next five years, the delivery of influencing the commitment that we've made in our manifesto. If anybody wanted to know what
would be the things that we will be included in the National Budget, the manifesto would be a very good starting point,” Dr. Singh said.
MANIFESTO
Back in August, President Dr Irfaan Ali had described the party’s manifesto as a “blueprint for development” and a binding pact with the people, rather than a collection of campaign promises.
President Ali had stressed at the manifesto’s official launch then that was crafted over several years through community engagement and policy planning, ensuring that it reflects national priorities rather than election-period rhetoric.
At its core, the manifesto focuses on strengthening macroeconomic stability
while building resilience against global shocks such as market volatility and international conflicts. It prioritises regional development, major infrastructure projects, household empowerment and small-business growth, with the overarching goal of ensuring prosperity and stability across all sectors of society.
A key pillar of the plan is modernising Guyana’s economy through digital transformation.
The manifesto also places strong emphasis on sectoral growth. Agriculture will be modernised through reduced production costs, improved infrastructure and greater use of technology, alongside expanded investment in poultry, prawn production, coconuts and coffee. Energy security and efficiency, including the Wales Gas-to-Energy project, are highlighted as drivers of industrial growth and lower living costs.
“The plan is about development; advancing every Guyanese, advancing every sector, creating opportunities for every sector, incentivising the system to promote growth, expand businesses, create jobs and develop our country,” he said.
Healthcare and
education too were highlighted, with commitments to expand hospital infrastructure, enhance service quality and encourage private-sector participation, including positioning Guyana as a destination for health tourism. Housing remains a central social commitment, with the government pledging to ensure that every citizen has access to a house lot, alongside continued investment in roads, water and electricity.
BEYOND 2030
Looking beyond 2030, the manifesto outlines plans to responsibly optimise oiland-gas revenues to extend the life of the sector while diversifying the economy.
“We’re not only thinking about 2030 (alone), we have to optimise the opportunity for our oil-and-gas sector, so we can extend the life of the sector,” President Ali had said highlighting that oil production is expected to skyrocket to 1.7 million barrels per day.
On the creative industry, the President had noted there will be continued support for Guyana’s local talent.
The government also pledged its support to the religious community.
Senior Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh during his appearance on the ‘Starting Point’ podcast
Movie Night continues at Christmas Village
Persons of all ages and backgrounds on Sunday gathered at the One Guyana Kitchen on Main Street opposite State House for a movie night. They were joined by the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues (Photos: Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce/Facebook)
Gov’t creating environment to promote more business opportunities
- PM says at launch of Scoop Ride Inc
PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) the Honourable Mark Phillips said that the government would continue to create the enabling environment to promote more business opportunities for Guyanese.
During the launch of Scoop Ride Inc, a Guyanese transportation service on Saturday, the Prime Minister said that the government has focused on building out infrastructure in Guyana, which has created numerous opportuni-
ties for development at all levels.
"So, today, you have more roads, connections to more communities throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, and there is a demand for service beyond what is available," the PM said.
He lauded the new company’s drive for excellence and proficiency, and said that it will provide a service of a “high standard” to the people of Guyana.
He also said that travellers are looking for a service that is safe, efficient, and effective.
The new transportation service allows customers to book rides Online. They can also select cars of their choice, and track vehicles in real time while waiting for pickup. (OPM)
Renewable water availability per person
plunges 7% in a decade - as global scarcity deepens, FAO data shows
RENEWABLE water availability per person has continued to decline by a further 7 per cent over the past decade, while pressure on already scarce freshwater resources is increasing in several regions, according to the 2025 AQUASTAT Water Data Snapshot released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The update provides a global overview of how water availability and use are evolving, presenting new data on irrigation, efficiency, and water stress reported through the 2024 AQUASTAT cycle. Renewable water refers to freshwater that is naturally replenished through the hydrologic cycle, which includes evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
The latest figures show that some regions - particularly Northern Africa and Western Asia - continue to operate under extremely limited freshwater endowments. Countries such as Kuwait and Qatar rank among the lowest renewable water resources per person worldwide.
REGIONAL TRENDS AND CHANGES
ing global trends and SDG indicators 6.4.1 and 6.4.2.
AQUASTAT is a key data source for the preparation of the FAO flagship report "The State of the World’s Land and Water Resources for Agriculture" (SOLAW), launched on 1 December.
The data is supplied directly by national institutions. Each year, FAO gathers information through its “Water and Agriculture” questionnaire, completed by government-designated focal points. Every five years, this process is complemented by a more detailed review. FAO then
validates all submissions in close consultation with countries to ensure accuracy, consistency and comparability over time.
In this context, “renewable” refers to the amount of freshwater that is naturally replenished each year through rivers, lakes and renewable groundwater.
The 2025 edition is being released online to maximize access and support evidence-based planning, SDG monitoring and international cooperation on sustainable water management. (FAO)
The Snapshot uses clear, accessible examples to illustrate how water availability and demand are shifting across regions.
In Northern Africa, freshwater availability per person remains among the lowest globally, while withdrawals have increased by 16 percent over the past 10 years. In Western Asia - which in the Snapshot includes most Middle Eastern countries - rapid demographic growth and agricultural demand are contributing to increased pressure on limited supplies. By contrast, some regions with comparatively
Freshwater withdrawals have also increased in several regions in recent years, adding pressure to already stressed river basins and aquifers. Agriculture remains the largest water-using sector globally, accounting for 72 per cent of withdrawals in many regions.
higher water availability still face rising competition among sectors, particularly where urbanization and irrigated agriculture are driving demand.
The data also highlights wide disparities in irrigation and water-use efficiency. In parts of Latin America and Asia, irrigation supports a large share of crop production, whereas in Sub-Saharan Africa irrigated cropland represents only a small fraction of total cultivated land, reflecting persistent gaps in access to water infrastructure. The Snapshot reports improvements in water-use efficiency in several regions, while levels of water stress remain high or very high in countries where withdrawals reg -
ularly exceed renewable supplies.
The report presents updated values for the two indicators monitored under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.4, tracking water-use efficiency and water stress. While efficiency has improved overall, high stress levels underscore the need for continued efforts to manage water sustainably and build resilience to growing demands.
AQUASTAT AND HOW DATA IS COLLECTED
AQUASTAT is FAO’s global information system on water and agriculture. It provides internationally comparable data on water resources, water use, irrigation and efficiency, and is a key reference for monitor-
PM Phillips speaking at the launch of Scoop Ride Inc
Careful spending
CASH grants have grabbed public interest, and they have rightfully provided immediate relief to families in need.
However, the government's focus on a solid, long-term plan shows an administration looking beyond quick solutions towards real, sustainable success.
Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh highlighted an important point. Relief measures are not the ultimate goal but rather a stepping stone to genuine economic empowerment. In a developing economy like
ours, this distinction sets apart short-term politics from responsible governance.
While cash grants do help with immediate difficulties, they cannot develop the skilled workforce, entrepreneurial environment, or individual wealth that Guyana needs to compete globally and ensure prosperity lasts for generations. What stands out is the government's refusal to choose between kindness and sound judgment. The administration has provided real support, such as the one-off $100,000 grant, tax
relief on essential goods, and utility subsidies.
At the same time, it has avoided adding new taxes that could burden future generations. This careful spending, along with targetted relief, shows a genuine concern for both current well-being and future stability.
The removal of VAT from basic foods and agricultural supplies, along with lower fuel taxes directly boosts purchasing power where it matters most—in the everyday lives of regular Guyanese.
Yet, the true goal goes
Martin Carter: hidden man, hidden spy
GUYANA will have to wait maybe another 20 years, maybe forever, because declassified intelligence reports from a country’s spy agencies are always redacted, thus names are lost forever. So even if we wait another 20 years for the British and American spy agencies to reveal the names of the people who were moles inside the leadership of the WPA in the 1970s, we will never know. The identities will be erased.
The British espionage department, MI5 had a mole in the PPP in the 1950s. Released documents referred to him as “Lascar” but the documents did not identify the real person. The world will never know who Lascar was because the papers, released after 60 years, did not disclose the real person.
I believe Lascar was Martin Carter and in three previous columns, I used circumstantial evidence to prove it was him. I have a rough idea of who in the
WPA provided information to MI5 and CIA in the 1970s. There were two such persons. They are still alive and until they die, I will not be able to write on them. Who knows, I may die before them. Life is unpredictable!
I am revisiting the spy controversy of Martin Carter because Saturday was his death anniversary and the “Moray House Menseviks” (the term given to the Moray House management by well known Guyanese Journalist, John Mayer AKA, Bill Cotton/Reform), celebrated his death anniversary last Saturday by a YouTube recitation of a certain collection of his poems written by Carter in the early 1950s. Interestingly, Carter gave the anthology the name, “The Hidden Man” and interestingly that was the collection Moray House used. At Freudian level, was Carter showing guilt for being an MI5 informer, thus the title he used? Was Carter trying to tell us that indeed he was a hidden man, hiding
behind another persona, and that persona was a hidden spy?
The political life of Martin Carter during the raging Cold War between the West and the USSR has no parallel anywhere in the world. If Guyana was a famous country in the 1970s and 1980s, global researchers would have written books about him. What Carter achieved during the Cold War no one has ever done in the world since the Cold War started after World War 2.
Carter picketed Queen Elizabeth’s sister on her visit to Guyana demanding she go home. He was a self-declared Stalinist. At a time when communists around the world were not afraid to say they were communist, even when Senator McCarthy in the US was persecuting every American including celebrated Hollywood stars, few communists did what Carter did – declare they were Stalinist.
Carter was expelled from the PPP for being a wild,
beyond this. By focusing on skills training, job creation, and opportunities to build wealth, the government tackles root issues instead of just symptoms. A citizen earning a good wage from a skilled job has dignity, security, and control that no grant can provide. When families build wealth through housing projects, land distribution, and economic opportunities, they invest in their children’s education, start businesses, and strengthen communities on their own.
The PPP/C's approach acknowledges a tough truth
often overlooked in politics: Sustainable development takes tough choices. Investing in education, infrastructure, and job creation requires patience; results appear over years, not months. However, this patient approach is what sets apart countries that escape poverty from those stuck in cycles of dependence. This is not to dismiss the urgent relief measures—vulnerable pensioners, people with disabilities, and struggling farmers who need help now. Instead, it supports the view that Dr.
Singh’s framework correctly places these grants as part of a broader strategy; not the strategy itself.
As Guyana faces an economic turning point, with oil revenues changing our path, this vision of empowerment over dependency, and wealth-creation over welfare, offers real hope.
The question is whether citizens will understand that true upliftment requires both immediate compassion and longterm investment in their ability to succeed independently.
extremist communist. Imagine that! Even Burnham and Jagan and Eusi Kwayana were committed anti-colonialist and leftist, but Carter was more extremist than them. Of all the places Carter turned up after he was expelled from the PPP was the local colonial office in Georgetown. Do the logic deduction: here was a man so wild in his communism that the communist PPP party expelled him, but the local colonial office trusted a Stalinist to work inside this office where all the sensitive papers on colonial policies towards British Guiana must pass through. If you think that was an accident, then you are obviously a deeply foolish person. In the British colonies in the 1950s, if you say you were a Stalinist you might end up dead rather than being employed in the
The Colonial Office in London then arranged for Carter to be transferred to one of colonialism’s most precious assets in British Guiana – the British plantocracy named Bookers. This Stalinist was now serving the interests of the British aristocracy’s economic interests in British Guiana.
Since MI5, the CIA and USAID had been instrumental in bringing Forbes Burnham to power in 1964. Burnham could not have refused their request to make him a minister in the first independence Cabinet where he was Minister of Information. Maybe Burnham suspected Carter was a mole in the PPP in the 1950s but he had no choice; he could not refuse the request. But the relationship did not last long because Burnham knew that Carter would send back
information on his government.
The handlers of Carter saw him in extremely fond ways. Carter was one of the darlings of the British Empire. After Burnham tossed him out of his government, the British rescued Carter and gave him an expensive paying job at Bookers once more. This then is the story of Carter.
President Janet Jagan was in love with his poetry and when he died, she had him buried in the Place of the Seven Ponds. Mrs Jagan died without knowing that the hidden man was the hidden spy inside her party.
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.
local colonial office.
- Tourism, Industry & Commerce Minister says Guyanese businesses meeting int’l standards, improving quantity, quality
‘We are now operating at a global scale’
BOASTING
improved operational standards, Guyanese businesses are now operating on a global scale with many enterprises achieving international certification, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Susan Rodrigues has said.
“We are now operating on a global scale. Our ‘Made in Guyana’ certification mark initiative has been very successful. We're now collaborating with the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) to expand this initiative and broaden its scope,” the minister said while addressing the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry Awards and Gala last week.
The certification programme is a Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) initiative to promote local products by awarding a certification mark, ensuring quality, boosting local content (70 per cent local staff, 60 per cent local materials), enhancing competitiveness, building consumer trust and supporting Guyanese businesses through quality frameworks and market advantage.
According to the minister, a more robust programme will be introduced.
“The enhanced version will include stricter criteria to meet export requirements, but it will bring more companies under the brand-Guyana umbrella and allow for improved
export readiness and access to new markets.”
In addition to this, the government has been working closely with its international partners to support women-led enterprises, ensuring that they have equitable opportunities to advance their skills, talent and knowledge to spur growth and sustainability.
“We also work with the IDB [Inter-American development Bank] to provide technical assistance to 60 women-led businesses to support their efforts to meet certification requirements of that number; 27 businesses have already achieved full certifications.”
Minister Rodrigues commended the GCCI for working with micro, small and medium enterprises, and especially women-owned and led small and medium-sized businesses.
TRADE FACILITATION,
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY & TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS
Soon the government, she noted, will place heavy emphasis on trade facilitation, environmental responsibility and technological progress. This will see even broader training opportunities becoming available for standards development.
“In 2025 alone, the GNBS trained almost 900 persons to various businesses and organisations
on standards, and this focus on training will continue in the area of standards development, the Bureau has developed a national standardisation strategy for 2026 to 2028.”
Minister Rodrigues explained that this structure is needed to address existing institutional and legal gaps.
This will begin in the new year as the government intends to continue its open collaboration with all private-sector bodies, including the GCCI, in
building a national culture of standards.
“We had to focus on quantity, but in the next five years, we want to focus on quality. And while the government has been raising the bar and raising standards all over the place, we encourage the private sector to take advantage of all the training, all of the packages that are available to help you [and] to introduce quality and standards into your business,” she said.
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues at last week’s event
Does the PPP need Marxism today?
A LITTLE over a month ago, former President Donald Ramotar was a guest on our podcast. He gave the strongly held belief that he was opposed to the removal of Marxism-Leninism as the guiding philosophy from the constitution of the PPP. He credited the ideology for bringing direction and focus to the PPP during the 70s. He opined that the insertion of Marxism brought a dimension to PPP leadership that was, prior to its implementation, absent from the fight against the Burnhamite excesses. Even though the embrace of this ideology was largely responsible for keeping the PPP out of government, courtesy of an alleged collusion between the CIA and other Western forces, the philosophy fortified group ethos and provided strength,
direction, and resolve. Ramotar believes that a major part of the success of the PPP at the 1992 elections was the culmination of years of working-class embrace, expression and activism grounded in Marxism.
President Ramotar further suggested that Marxism as an ideology breathes democratic values, brokers inclusion, incites unity and creates social and economic relations that empower the working class. He spoke so glowingly of Marxism as if it were a political panacea for all that ails Guyana. I dare say, he has an overly utopianist view of Marxism.
In my opinion, while Marxism espouses several concepts that create working-class solidarity and provides some good critiques for many of the chronic ills of capitalism. Marxism laments
the exploitative nature of the capitalist system in relation to the working class and argues that once the working class is organised around common class interests it will lead to working-class revolution. After the successful working-class revolution, Marxism portended the establishment of a classless society ruled by working-class democracy.
Except that, everywhere Marxism was implemented as a dominant ideological system, without any exception I can think of, it led to the creation of a working-class elite or a ruling elite who attained power through successful revolution on behalf of the working class. This ruling elite simply replaced the capitalist rulers; instituted one-party rule; crushed challengers to that one-party system and established communism
as an ideological triumvirate; that is to say, it is the governing ethos of the political system, economic structure and social order. Revolutions in the name of Marxism run the gamut from mild, persuasive and seemingly conscionable to ruthless and brutal.
By its very nature, it creates at least two conditions that can only produce tyrannical rulership by those who lead the revolution and take power:
First, arriving at power via a revolution, often having to fight off not only the capitalist’s superstructure, but also variants in the working-class who wanted space at the leadership table either because the revolutionary leader is not sufficiently dogmatic, or is too extreme in the application of Marxist philosophy.
Success, more often than not, requires acts of treachery. Essentially, the revolutionary elite cannot allow another revolution to overtake its own revolution, nor can it allow the “ruthless capitalists” to occupy sufficient political space to one day mount its own revolution. This engendered distrust and suspicion of any growing ambitions among those with revolutionary spirit, often requiring the creation of tight leadership fortresses. To operationalise the protective structure of the ruling elite, necessarily requiring systemic exile of the politically ambitious and an embrace of sycophants. Fertile ground for unelected dynasties and political nepo-babies is curated.
The second condition that leads to the failure of Marxism, is that in its practical implementation, it depended too heavily on the inherent goodness
of man and takes little account of the corruptible elements of the use of power. As an economic, social and pollical system and as a philosophy, it rests too heavily on the vicissitudes of the personality of the leader.
So, a good democratic leader who is in tune with the working class and eschews the corruptible pathways of power and is able to exercise the excesses of capitalism can create a happy and just society. History has very few examples of this, and even when it occurred, it was only for short bursts; the purveyors did not last long. The more common occurrence is that society ends up with corrupted, rotten, ruling elites, to the extent where the very working class, in whose name they wrought a successful revolution, yearns for the “freedom” of capitalist hegemonic exploitation.
Marxism as an ideology is built on historical materialism. Intrinsic to that philosophy is the concept that ‘time will tell.’ History is replete with attempts at implementing Marxism, and in most cases, it produced tyrannical one-party states with severe abuse and curtailment of the rights and freedoms of the very working class it was designed to protect. In my view, Marxist ideology is only useful insofar as it acts as a tempering, moderating or balancing force on the exploitative nature of capitalism; it is not a viable alternative.
In the grand scheme of things, Marxism as an ideology has not aged well. This does not mean it is useless and without meritorious tenets. Therefore, from an ideological
perspective, the removal of the references to Marxist ideology as the guiding principles of any political organisation, is appropriate for these times. In the specific case of the PPP, it is clear that Marxist philosophy helped with building revolutionary resolve in party adherents. I agree with Ramotar that that was needed in that time period; it served the party well. But I also believe it lived out its course.
Given the state of modern society, an ideology built on the original tenets of Marxism and its Leninist variation are bound to run into epochal conflicts. A more appropriate place to look may be ideologies that are in essence denominated from Marxism, but have gone through several rounds of reorientation in such a way as to augment the positive traits of capitalism.
I embrace a concept, which is becoming increasingly influential in academia, called “decent capitalism.” Like Marxism, it is a concept that interweaves politics, economy, and society. It espouses a package of reforms that allows the majority to be the master of capitalism. Capitalism is moderated by political activists, trade unionists and policy makers in such a way that it keeps its core strengths while reducing its inherent brutally exploitative and destructive natures.
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.
PM attends Guyana/ China Friendship Society annual Christmas celebration
PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), the Honourable Mark Phillips on Sunday attended the annual Christmas celebration for children, hosted by the Guyana/China Friendship Society at the residence of the China Medical Brigade.
This year, children from the Save Our Kids Home and Windsor Forest Primary School attended the event.
During his remarks, Prime Minister Phillips noted that the China–Guyana relationship did not begin 53 years ago, but in 1853, when the first Chinese labourers came to Guyana.
Since then, he observed, they have contributed in many ways to nation-building and to the culture of the country.
“I’m happy that we
are able to bring our children here today and to let them understand our Guyanese culture, which includes the Chinese culture. So, as we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate a Guyanese Christmas, which includes Chinese performance and the Chinese culture.”
Along with a cultural display, the children learnt traditional Chinese art. (OPM)
Scenes from this year’s annual Christmas celebration for children hosted by the Guyana/China Friendship Society (OPM photos)
71 persons complete training at Guyana Learning Institute
SEVENTY-ONE
young Guyanese have completed their training at the Guyana Learning Institute and are now ready to make meaningful contributions to the country’s labour force.
During the graduation ceremony at the Umana Yana, in Kingston, Georgetown, graduates received diplomas in management, supervisory management, social work, psychology, occupational safety and health, and sociology.
Christopher Rambarran, who completed the organisational management programme, said the training gave him a deeper understanding of organisational structures and stability.
“It has been a very enlightening programme for me,” he said, while thanking the Board of Industrial Training for its sponsorship.
Psychology graduate Vibhuti Panchu de-
scribed the six-month course as challenging but rewarding.
“It was a great programme, challenging but of course with great lecturers, they were nice, helpful, they guided us through the programme. The explanation of all the topics was excellent,” she said.
Another graduate, Rebekah Brusch, who concluded the occupational safety and health course, said the experience exceeded her expectations.
“I learned a lot of different things that I did not know before. It was a great opportunity to be a part of the course,” she said.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, congratulated the graduates on their achievement, describing them as a new generation of skilled professionals.
“This achievement represents the culmination of your sac -
rifice, resilience and unwavering belief in your own potential.
These are precisely the qualities our developing economy requires,” the minister said.
All of the programmes offered by the institute are accredited by the National Accreditation Council (NAC) and are designed to equip students with technical knowledge, as well as critical life skills, leadership and teamwork.
Since its establishment in 2016, the Guyana Learning Institute has impacted more than 2,000 students across Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and Ten. (DPI)
Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith hands over a certificate to a graduate (DPI photos)
Guyana Learning Institute graduates
Giving up wasn’t an option for new Medex, Disa Martin
By Michel Outridge
DISA Martin was set on becoming a Medex, and she worked tirelessly towards achieving that goal, not letting hurdles daunt her.
Looking at her own mother, a skilled midwife, who has been helping people around the clock, she felt there was a need to follow in her footsteps.
The 24-year-old told the Guyana Chronicle that four years ago, she decided she would apply to become a Medex via the Ministry of Health and she was successful.
The journey described by Martin was a long one punctuated with hurdles, heartaches, and challenges that were beyond her control. Nevertheless, she knew she had to finish what she had started, and she pushed through until she completed the programme.
Martin is from Paramakatoi Village, Region Eight,
a very remote place which sits on top of a mountain in a nature setting that is unlike any other.
Even though she is not the first Medex in her village, she is the first in her family and her achievement was met with loud praises and applause upon her return home.
Martin, a very soft-spoken person said Paramakatoi Village has about 3,000 locals, mostly from the Patamona tribe with two catchment areas: Bamboo Creek and Bashville.
The main economic activities are farming and mining, and the village has a primary, a nursery and a secondary school, a health centre, with the main district hospital at Mahdia and several churches.
A police station is presently being constructed in the village.
Martin is the eldest of two children for her parents. Her mother, Donette Martin, was a Community Health Worker who later became a midwife.
She is currently attached to the Paramakatoi Health Centre.
Growing up, her mother was always opening their home to people. Martin said it was that kindness portrayed by her mother that inspired her to take up a
profession in the healthcare sector. Like her mother, she wanted to help others.
She added that leaving home was the hardest part of her journey. In order to pursue her dreams, she had to relocate to an unfamiliar place where she remained for
four years. There she became part of a new family. She and her 29 batchmates had the same dream of becoming a Medex. Like her, many of them were from remote parts of the country.
Martin told this publication that she is temporarily stationed at the Campbelltown Health Centre and will relocate to Chenapou Health Centre once her housing arrangements have been finalised. She also assists at the Mahdia Hospital when called upon.
The new Medex told the Guyana Chronicle that although the Medex programme was a long hard journey, it was worth it.
She recalled how she missed her home and family during the early days of the programme but as time passed, she got used to the distance. Her three roommates were supportive.
Martin stayed at the West Demerara Regional Hospital dormitory and had to com-
mute to the city five days per week for classes.
She disclosed that the Medex programme had three areas: nursing, midwifery and the Medex aspect. For her, it was an intense programme with lots of handson training.
“I would like to acknowledge God firstly and my number one supporters, my parents …my sister, the coordinators of the Medex programme, Medex Sarah Peana, Sister Margo Prescott (deceased), colleagues, relatives and others, who all played a part in my success,” she said.
Martin emphasised that those who face struggles during their educational journey should keep going and never quit.
She related that she speaks her tribe’s dialect fluently and is able to communicate with locals, ensuring that they receive proper and timely medical care.
Disa Martin of Paramakatoi Village, Region Eight, receiving a trophy from Coordinator of the Medex Training Programme, Sarah Peana
Minister Singh encourages young Guyanese to capitalise on educational opportunities, offerings in oil and gas industry
-at launch of Oil and Gas Corner at New Amsterdam National Library
SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh on Saturday emphasised that the new Oil and Gas Corner at the New Amsterdam National Library in Region Six has the potential to educate and inspire young people about the booming sector.
He was at the time speaking at the launch of the initiative, which is being executed by ExxonMobil Guyana in collaboration with the Government of Guyana.
According to a press
tential to be the first point of direct contact between young Guyanese people and the oil and gas industry to see what an FPSO looks like as well as your seabed and subsea operation,” Minister Singh said as he expressed the hope that similar corners will be set up.
He also expressed gratitude to the President and team of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited for the partnership, and thanked the team at the library for their work in bringing the vision to life. Dr. Singh also encouraged young people to explore the possibilities of the oil and gas industry and to take full advantage of
important instalment in our rollout of initiatives as we seek to bring the oil and gas industry closer to the Guyanese people, to inform them of the vastness of possibilities that exist for them and to put them potentially on a path that will see them playing a role because we want as many Guyanese people as possible to be working in the industry”.
President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, who also delivered remarks, explained that the project aimed to bring to life what is done in the industry to make every person in Guyana see and educate communities about
release, Minister Singh also reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding access to knowledge, strengthening public education, and ensuring that citizens, especially students, are equipped with a clear understanding of Guyana’s oil and gas sector.
“Today's launching of this corner, though it might appear on the surface to be a modest initiative, showcases the work that we are doing together and has the po-
the resources available at the library.
He further encouraged young Guyanese to get into the industry and take up all the educational opportunities being made available by government such as opportunities to study at places like the University of Guyana and the Guyana Technical Training College at Port Mourant.
According to the release, Dr. Singh added “and so as modest as it is it represents an extremely
what is happening in the industry offshore.
“It is what I expect to see in libraries like this, the bringing to life what we do, and our passion for what we do and making sure what we do is done safe so I am really excited to be here,” he said as he thanked the government, the National Library of New Amsterdam, and the region for their involvement in pulling the project together
The new corner features a replica of the One Guyana FPSO, along with educational materials designed to make complex national developments more accessible within a public learning space.
This initiative is expected to be replicated across several branch libraries, including the National Library in Georgetown.
Also in attendance at the launch were Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six Narindra Persaud.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh speaking at the launch of the Oil and Gas Corner at the New Amsterdam National Library in Region Six
Scenes from the launch of the Oil and Gas Corner (MoF photos)
Recently commissioned hospitals to be authorised as teaching facilities
- as part of plans to decentralise training, support expanded medical education programmes
WITH several new hospitals commissioned across Guyana, Minister of Health
Dr Frank Anthony has said that very soon those facilities will be authorised to become teaching hospitals. The health minister made this known while speaking during the recent Regional Health Officers conference.
ationalisation of two new training facilities.
Dr Anthony said the government is advancing plans to strengthen health-education infrastructure, including the completion and oper -
“We have two new nursing schools or training schools, for that matter, that we'll be completing. One is at the Suddie Hospital compound, and one is in the old
New Amsterdam Hospital compound,” he stated.
While the facilities will support nursing education, the minister noted that their scope will be significantly broader. When operationalised, they will accommodate multiple programmes offered through the Health Sciences Division, which currently runs approximately 20 courses.
The intention, he explained, is to decentralise these programmes so that greater numbers of people can access training without having to relocate to Georgetown.
Added to this, he noted that the ministry is working with the University of Guyana to extend the reach of its medical school into the regions. Dr Anthony said the initiative would allow students to complete much of their academic and clinical work within their own regions, although periodic attendance at the main cam-
pus would still be required. He added that the approach is designed to ensure “we'll get more people in the regions properly trained.”
Meanwhile, the health minister stated that emphasis is also being placed on integrating training into newly opened hospitals. Dr Anthony explained that additional classroom spaces are being added at each of the six facilities commissioned this year.
With this, it will complement the existing teaching capacity traditionally centred at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Against this backdrop, Dr Anthony noted that the government will move to amend the relevant legislation to authorise the six new hospitals as teaching hospitals.
“Very soon, we will authorise that the six new hospitals would all become teaching hospitals, so we'll make the relevant legal amendment so that that can happen,” he said.
‘Aggressive’
larceny suspect shot in foot by police
THE Guyana Police Force is investigating a shooting incident which occurred on Friday, December 12, 2025, about 17:00hrs at Red Road, ‘D’ Field, Sophia.
According to a press release, preliminary investigations revealed that ranks responded to a report of larceny and upon arrival at the location, a 35-year-old suspect of Cummings Lodge Squatting Area was arrested. During the process, the suspect allegedly became aggressive, assaulted a rank and attempted to escape from custody.
“The suspect reportedly
armed himself with a glass bottle and advanced in a threatening manner towards the ranks. Other force options were first employed; however, the suspect continued to advance. As a result, a rank discharged his service weapon and the suspect sustained an injury to his left foot.
“The suspect was subdued and escorted to the Turkeyen Police Station and later taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he received medical attention and was listed in stable condition,” the release said.
Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony
‘Pool your talents, resources and knowledge’
- Private Sector urged to form consortiums, invest strategically
PROMISING
guaranteed returns on investments across several key industries, the Government of Guyana is urging the local private sector to combine their talents to compete against global players.
Speaking at the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)’s gala last week, Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Zulfikar Ally noted that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration, led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali has been putting in the prerequisite infrastructure and incentives needed to ensure that Guyanese businesses can actively participate in the country’s economic transformation.
“Our expectations are that, and President Ali has said it many
times that you in the private sector should think about not doing these things on your own, but forming consortiums; forming consortium so that you can compete with players who are coming here to compete with you; big international players,” he said.
Over the past five years, the government increased disposable income, raised public servant salaries by 31 per cent, and reduced taxes on essentials, benefitting the private sector. He stressed that infrastructure projects like the Heroes Highway and the Schoonard to Crane four-lane highway have all been strategic projects in the government’s broader plans to create greater access across all the administrative regions, supporting interconnectivity and trade.
The government
has also implemented fiscal concessions and incentives for miners and the manufacturing sectors, boosting local production and reducing import reliance, he reminded the gathering.
“We've made investments across all sectors and all areas in agriculture, from aquaculture to shape houses, coconut rice, cattle, we've supported farmers and fisherfolk. We've boosted local production efforts, and we provided subsidies and supports to reduce our reliance on imports,” he said.
Minister Ally stressed that as the government forges ahead to accelerate its plans for a diverse economy, many investment opportunities will become available, and the private sector must position itself to leverage them.
“We want to see you all coming together. When you pool your
Pedestrian killed in Orangestein accident
POLICE are investigating a fatal accident which occurred on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at about 04:10hrs on the Orangestein Public Road, East Bank Essequibo. The accident involved motor car PAB 2332 driven by a 25-year-old male of Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, and a male pedestrian whose name, age and address are unknown at this time.
resources, your knowledge and your talents, you can be the best, and you can be very competitive. We want you to continue to be bold and to be innovative; we want you to utilise technology, modernise your operations, and, of course, to treat your employees very well,”
Minister Ally said.
Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency, and Implementation Zulfikar Ally speaking at last week’s event
He added, “We have to develop and grow Guyana hand in hand. It can be done just by government led initiatives alone. It can’t be done just by the private sector; we have to work together.”
According to a press release, preliminary investigations disclosed that motor car PAB 2332 was proceeding east along the northern side of the roadway at an alleged fast rate when the pedestrian, who was walking along the northern side heading east, reportedly ran across the road from north to south into the path of the vehicle.
“As a result of the collision, the pedestrian sustained multiple injuries, and was picked up in an unconscious state and conveyed to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty,” the release said.
“The driver reportedly swerved in an attempt to avoid a collision; however, the front left side of the motor car collided with the pedestrian, and the vehicle subsequently ended up in the southern trench.
The body was later escorted to the Ezekiel Funeral Home to await a post-mortem examination.
A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver, who is presently in custody. No trace of alcohol was detected.
Women’s achievements in Region Two take centre stage at WeLead Awards Ceremony
WOMEN entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders in Region Two were honoured on Saturday evening at the WeLead Association’s Second Annual Women Who Lead Gala and Women in Business Awards.
The event, which was held at the Jaigobin Hotel, Anna Regina, brought together business leaders, regional officials, and key stakeholders to formally recognise the outstanding achievements of women
whose leadership and innovation continue to drive economic growth and community development across Region Two.
In her opening remarks, President of the WeLead Association, Abbigale Loncke-Watson, underscored the significance of celebrating women’s leadership through recognition.
Noting that the awards represented more than individual success, she emphasised the spotlighting of the courage, resilience, and influence women have in transforming businesses and communities. She used the opportunity to congratulate all the awardees and said that women are dynamic.
Remarks were delivered on behalf of Regional Chairman Devin Mohan by Councillor Melrose Henry, who congratulated the awardees and reaffirmed the Regional Democratic Council’s support for women-led enterprises and initiatives throughout the Essequibo Coast.
Representing the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI), Swetlana Kingston commended the honourees for their vital contributions to the regional economy, describing them as entrepreneurs, job creators, and community builders whose work strengthens economic resilience in Region Two.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Alista Bishop, business leader and Chair of the European Guyana Chamber of Commerce, who encouraged women to continue investing confidently in their local communities and to pursue excellence from within the region.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the WeLead Outstanding Woman of Excellence Award to Deputy Solicitor-General Shoshanna V. Lall, who expressed heartfelt gratitude and reflected on her enduring connection to Essequibo.
Several women from
Region Two were also recognised for excellence across various sectors. Among them were Businesswoman of the Year, Falisha Hakh, who is the founder of Body Haven; Savina Sukhnandan, founder of Lily’s Organics, who received the Leadership Award; Michellina Richmond of Centaur Holdings, who was the recipient of the Excellence in Innovation and Technology Award; Excellence in Agroprocessing Award recipient Rosamund Benn of Pomeroon Rose Products; Junior Entrepreneur of the Year awardee Aissa Dass and Munirah Reedon; and Ms. Esther Riedrkou, who received the President’s Award.
The WeLead Association also acknowledged its sponsors and partners whose support made the awards ceremony possible. Among them were Jaigobin Hotel, Eldorado Trading, Ansa McAL Distribution Inc., the Regional Democratic Office of Region Two, Glo-See Marketing and PR, and G&P Jaigobin and Sons Ltd.
The ceremony concluded on a celebratory note, reaffirming WeLead’s commitment to recognising excellence and advancing women’s leadership and entrepreneurship throughout Essequibo and beyond.
The awardees and President of the WeLead Association Abbigale Loncke-Watson (left)
Businesswoman of the Year awardee, Ms. Falisha Hakh, founder of Body Haven
WFA President Johnson hails success of women’s league
THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Women’s Development League represents a transformative step toward advancing equality, opportunity, and excellence in the sport and according to Women’s Football Association (WFA) President Andrea Johnson, “built on the principles of empowerment, inclusion, and performance, this league provides a structured pathway for female athletes to develop their skills, compete at high levels, and pursue professional careers in football.”
Johnson made the assertions while delivering remarks at last Friday’s WFA presentation ceremony, held at the GFF National Training Centre (NTC) following the completion of the inaugural women’s league which saw the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) emerging victori -
ous after playing unbeaten throughout the tournament.
The WFA President, along with General Secretary, Pushpargha Chattopadhyay were on hand to distribute the prizes to the winners, other participating teams and individuals.
Hailing the success of the women’s league, Johnson declared that “our mission is to nurture talent from the grassroots to the elite level, ensuring that every woman and girl with a passion for football has access to quality coaching, facilities, and competition.”
Through partnerships with local clubs, schools, and community organizations, the league aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports both athletic and personal growth.
Johnson pointed out that “the league is more than a competition; it is a movement to redefine the future
…GDF women steal spotlight at presentation ceremony
of football. By investing in women’s development, we are investing in the sport’s long-term success, diversity, and global appeal.
Together, we will build a legacy that inspires the next generation of female athletes to dream bigger, play harder, and lead with confidence.”
The Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Women’s Football team carted off the $1M grand prize, sealing the title with a 1-0 victory over arch-rivals the Guyana Police Force in the final game of the round-robin tournament last Friday with Sandra Johnson’s left-foot strike being the deciding factor. Both teams were unbeaten up to that stage.
GDF Women ended the tournament with the maximum 27 points from nine games, registering a staggering 140 goals in the process while they didn’t’ concede a single goal.
Perth Scorchers off to a winning start in...
al, Hardie effortlessly kept the scorecard ticking with more boundaries before his dismissal at the halfway mark ensured the game
was tantalisingly poised. Connolly then shifted the balance once again with successive sixes off Todd Murphy before clearing the
ropes again in the following over to bring up his fifty. Even though Connolly himself got dismissed just before getting the job done, Scorch-
St Mirren stun poor Celtic for...
when they beat Celtic in the semi-final, and few encapsulated that more than energetic striker Dan Nlundulu.
The powerful forward ragdolled a ropey Celtic backline and had two gilt-edged opportunities to double his side's lead in their dominant open
ing 15 minutes, but he dilly-dallied the first and stroked wide with his second.
There was a concern the Saints would rue such golden chances against the champions.
The influential Kelechi Iheanacho was denied by a superb Shamal George save, but the St Mirren shot stopper could not do anything to deny Reo Hatate's back-post volley on the end of Kieran Tierney's terrific cross.
While the equaliser was deserved, Robinson got his men in at half-time level and regrouped to ready them for a special second-half performance.
Ayunga, who has experienced an at-times arduous spell at St Mirren, connected with a classy and creative Alex Gogic assist to restore the Paisley side's lead.
In the most recent of times, that would have sparked something with Celtic, but it seemed nothing could shake them into life in a sluggish second half as they stared at back-to-back cup final defeats this year.
Celtic could not rouse themselves and allowed for
Johnson received the highest goal scorer award, netting a record 37 across nine games and was also awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament while her teammate Deena Fredericks copped best goalkeeper award.
Second place Guyana Police Force received $500,000 while third place finishers Santos FC collected $300,000 and fourth- place finishers Fruta Conquerors FC $100,000.
Meanwhile, Fruta Conquerors booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Cup playoffs on Friday night, inflicting a 1-0 victory over Western Tigers with Akilah Blucher netting the gamewinner in the 41st minute.
The playoff semi-finals are set for Friday with Santos taking on Police from 18:00hrs, while GDF clash with Fruta Conquerors from 19:30hrs.
(From page 21)
ers were comfortably placed as Ashton Turner finished the chase in the final over to give the five-time champions a rollicking start. (Cricbuzz)
(From page 23)
St Mirren to rubber stamp their dreamland day with a fantastic third on the counter as Ayunga crashed in the simplest of finishes to spark bedlam among those in black and white. (BBC Sport)
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
LINGFIELD 08:12hrs Allaire 08:42hrs Colors Of Freedom 09:12hrs Profit Street 09:42hrs Latin 10:12hrs Knight Of Magic 10:42hrs Nebula Stars 11:12hrs Kibg's Code PLUMPTON 08:30hrs Adonedeal 09:00hrs Illegal D'ainay 09:30hrs The Boss Bear 10:00hrs Avada Kedavra 10:30hrs Birdman Bob 11:00hrs Golden Identity 11:30hrs Joan's Choice WOLVERHAMPTON 12:30hrs Variety Act
NBA Cup: Spurs hand Thunder second loss in Victor Wembanyama's return
AFTER six weeks of play, the 2025 NBA Cup is down to two teams: the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
Both teams advanced to the in-season tournament’s championship game on Saturday with wins in Las Vegas. The Knicks put down the Orlando Magic behind a superb night from Jalen Brunson, then the Spurs took down the Oklahoma City Thunder in an instant classic.
The NBA Cup championship game is scheduled for Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET. It will not count toward regular-season records, but it will decide which team’s players bring home more than a half-million dollars each.
When the NBA was first conceptualising the NBA Cup, its best-case scenario might have sounded something like the league’s top
team facing one of its biggest names in a playoff atmosphere in December.
It got that on Saturday and so much more.
In perhaps the game of the season, the Spurs came back from down 16 points to hand the Thunder their second loss of the season. They did it in Victor Wembanyama’s first game back from a calf injury, and they needed every one of his limited minutes.
The loss breaks a 16game winning streak for the Thunder and leaves their record at 24-2. They’re still on pace to break the NBA’s regular-season wins record, but you get only so many off nights.
Few games have demonstrated the value — the change in court geometry — that comes with having the 7-foot-4 Frenchman on
the court. Still limited in his first game in a month, Wembanyama had a minutes restriction and didn’t play at all in the first quarter. Correspondingly, the Spurs trailed 31-20 after the period.
Wembanyama entered the game in the second quarter and played in short bursts. It
Ruthless India cruise to 2-1 lead
A DISCIPLINED bowling effort set up India's comprehensive seven-wicket victory against South Africa in Dharamsala, and a 2-1 series lead with it.
Put in to bat, the visitors could muster only 117 amidst regular loss of wickets despite captain Aiden Markram's fighting 61. Abhishek Sharma's early fireworks helped India make short work of the humble chase, completing the formalities with more than four overs to spare.
India deployed six bowlers and all of them were among wickets. Most of them also entered the record books.
Arshdeep Singh took just four balls to make an impact as he set up Reeza Hendricks for the LBW. India had to take a DRS review to overturn the on-field call, but the early strike made Arshdeep the Indian with most PowerPlay wickets in T20Is (48) now.
At the other end, Harshit Rana similarly trapped Quinton de Kock plumb in front and had Dewald Brevis bowled in his succeeding over to reach 50 wickets in the format. Despite an expensive final over, South Africa's PowerPlay tally read only 25/3.
Next into the record books was Hardik Pandya. Straight into action after PowerPlay, the allrounder had Tristan Stubbs caught behind for his 100th scalp in T20Is, making him the only seamer to achieve the double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in the format.
At 44/4 by the halfway mark, the visitors were desperate for a turnaround but weren't able to put together any stable partnership despite Markram holding fort at one end.
Shivam Dube joined the party with his first ball of the night to send back Corbin Bosch with a nip-backer that flattened his leg-stump. Two overs later, Varun Chakravarthy became the second-quickest Indian to 50 T20I scalps when he cleaned up the dan-
gerous Donovan Ferreira who missed his preempted slog-sweep.
He bagged his second of the night to dismiss Marco Jansen, who tried to defend a full ball only to lose his off-stump as the ball snuck through. Markram tried to up the ante, smacking two sixes and a four in a 19-run Rana over but Arshdeep returned in the penultimate over to send the South African skipper on his way after a solid 46-ball 61 that formed the bedrock of South Africa's modest 117.
Birthday boy Kuldeep Yadav wrapped up the tail, picking two in the final over to get on the board.
Abhishek Sharma made his intentions clear with his early fireworks in the chase. He pulled Lungi Ngidi over fine leg first ball of the chase
was an entirely different sport when he was in. Suddenly, the paint wasn’t so inviting for the Thunder on offense. Suddenly, defenders had to keep an eye on the biggest guy on the court. And suddenly, he was making plays like this:
The Spurs outscored the
for a maximum, and then fetched two more boundaries in a 16-run opening over before taking on Jansen with a six and a four to end the second over.
Even as Shubman Gill chipped in with a few aesthetic drives at the other end, Abhishek brought up India's fifty in just 4.1 overs with his third six of the night before holing out attempting a fourth in the final PowerPlay over.
India, however, had ticked off more than half the requirement by then. That headstart helped India absorb the pressure from the slowdown that followed once Tilak Varma had settled in. A six-over boundary-less phase consumed Gill, who chopped one back onto his stumps from Jansen.
Suryakumar Yadav broke the shackles with back-toback fours off the returning Ngidi but the bowler had the last laugh. It was a nothing delivery, but the Indian captain failed to find the elevation in trying to dispatch it and Ottneil Baartman completed an excellent catch in the deep to send the batter back after a 11-ball 12.
Dube arrived with just nine more needed, and hit a six straight down the ground followed by a boundary more to wrap up the chase inside 16 overs. (Cricbuzz)
…Face Knicks in championship
Thunder by 21 points when Wembanyama was playing and got outscored by 19 points when he was out. He finished with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks in 21 minutes.
In addition to Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox all finished with 22 or 23 points. The Spurs made the Thunder look as uncomfortable as they have all season (so, mild-to-moderately uncomfortable), holding them to 41.3% shooting and 24.3% on 37 3-point shots.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 29 points, but needed 23 shots to get there, with only four free throws.
The New York Knicks have reached the knockout round of the NBA Cup all three times the tournament has been held. They are about to play in their first cham-
pionship game, primarily thanks to Jalen Brunson. Behind 40 points and eight assists from their AllStar guard, the Knicks survived a high-scoring thriller against the Orlando Magic in the East semifinal, The Magic entered the game ranked fifth in the NBA in defensive efficiency, and the Knicks gashed them on that side of the court as much as any team has all season, despite shooting only 7-of20 from 3-point range. The absence of defensive standout Franz Wagner loomed large. It also didn’t help that Jalen Suggs, another defensive standout, left the game in clear discomfort in the fourth quarter. The Magic later announced he was questionable to return with a sore left hip, but he never made it back to the court.
(Yahoo Sports)
Perth Scorchers off to a winning start in rain-hit BBL opener
PERTH Scorchers, the most successful team in BBL history, kick-started the new season with a win over Sydney Sixers in a rainhit tournament opener on Sunday.
The 11-over game saw Sixers post 113/5 on the board before Scorchers hunted it down with five balls to spare following a blistering half-century from Cooper Connolly.
Rain threatened to play spoilsport on the opening night of the 15th edition before finally relenting for a 5:35PM start. It took Scorchers just three deliveries to strike as Aaron Hardie sent Daniel Hughes to the pavilion early.
While Josh Philippe hit a couple of boundaries to get the Sixers going in the following over, BBL debutant Babar Azam didn't last long as he miscued a pull shot to depart for just 2. While the boundaries kept coming, Scorchers kept striking at regular intervals to pin their opposition back.
Jack Edwards and Lachlan Shaw then gave the Sixers the much-needed push in the final five overs. Both batters went on a rampage that slowly shifted the momen-
Cooper Connolly smashed 59 off just 31 balls to power Perth Scorchers in the chase
tum again. While Shaw was dismissed in the penultimate over, Edwards remained unbeaten on 46 that ensured Sixers got a competitive total on the board.
The Sixers also got off to a terrific start with the ball when Babar made amends with a great catch at slip to send Mitchell Marsh for a duck. Connolly, however, took little time to settle down as he smashed just his third delivery for a six.
Finn Allen then took on Edwards for a couple of sixes in an over as Scorchers went toe-to-toe with their opponents.
After Allen's dismiss -
Victor Wembanyama, centre, in action Saturday night
Aiden Markram was the only South African batter to put up some fight
Director of Sport pays tribute to late Blind Cricket pioneer Cecil Morris
…Day of reflection to be held today
DIRECTOR of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, has extended heart-felt condolences to the family, friends and the wider sporting community following the passing of Cecil Morris, a long-serving member and former President of the Guyana Blind Cricket Association (GBCA).
Morris, a respected advocate for inclusive sport, is being remembered as a tireless champion for persons with disabilities and a key figure in the development of blind cricket in Guyana and the Caribbean.
In honour of his life and service, a Day of Reflection will be held today , at the Society for the Blind on High Street, from 11:00hrs to 14:00hrs.
The event will provide an opportunity for colleagues, athletes, administrators and well-wishers to reflect on
Morris’s enduring legacy and the profound impact of his work.
Ninvalle noted that the National Sports Commission (NSC) has long recognised Morris’s unwavering commitment to advancing blind cricket, describing him as a pioneer whose efforts transcended the boundary of sport.
According to Ninvalle, Morris played a crucial role not only in strengthening local blind cricket, but also in elevating Guyana’s presence within the Caribbean blind cricket movement.
“Cecil Morris was more than an administrator; he was a voice for inclusion and fairness. The NSC has always acknowledged his dedication to ensuring that persons with disabilities, particularly the visually impaired, were afforded a level playing field in sport,” Nin-
McCullum backs Archer's fire, rules out batting-order shake-up
ENGLAND Head Coach Brendon McCullum has backed Jofra Archer's intensity and ruled out any 'knee-jerk' changes to England's settled top seven, pushing back against growing scrutiny following the Brisbane Test defeat.
Archer came under the spotlight on the final day of the Day-Night Test when he bowled the fastest spell of his career and even indulged in verbals with Steve Smith at a time when Australia were chasing a fourth-innings target of 65 runs.
valle said.
Ninvalle also highlighted Morris’ contributions to the broader national conversation on sports development, pointing out that his advocacy helped shape more inclusive policies and attitudes within the sector.
Remembering Morris as a catalyst for change, Ninvalle added that his legacy will continue to inspire administrators and athletes alike to pursue equity, dignity, and opportunity in sport. (Press Release from the Director of Sport)
Guyana secures vital lifeline...
nition grants the GBA full participation rights in World Boxing events, as the federation moves through the final stages of its membership process.
The application for full GBA membership will now be presented and considered at the World Boxing
Guyana win game two of...
and the pair featured in an unfinished 92-run second wicket partnership in nine overs as Seecharran, who represented Guyana at this year’s regional U-17 tournament in Trinidad, raced to his second consecutive fifty from just 27 balls. Gajnabi from Chesney in Berbice, played the supporting role to finish unbeaten on an elegant 20 from 25 balls with a four and six.
Seecharran toyed with Bajan bowlers with several imperious cover drives while not being afraid to play the hook shot when the fast bowlers bowled short. Earlier, 12-year-old Malteenoes off-spinner Deshawn Ramnauth, bowling with
impressive guile, flighted the ball and consistently beat the left-handers when the ball turned away from them.
Watched by his parents, Ramnauth finished with 3-21 from eight frugal overs and got support from pacers Jasani Craig and Adrian Emmanuel who picked up two wickets each when the Bajans batted.
Craig removed Oliver King (4) before Emmanuel dismissed Jon David Green (4), Avery Boyce (1) and Kaymani Inniss was run out for a duck as the visitors slipped 32-4 in the 10th over. Kadeen Wilkinson, the son of Broadcaster Barry Wilkinson, faced 30 balls for his 12 and along Natarie
(From back page)
Congress scheduled for 2026, marking the final hurdle in securing their long-term position within the federation.
(From back page)
Lavine which saw the 50 posted.
Lavine, arguably the best player in the Barbados side, followed up his 37 from the first game with an accomplished 65 from 77 balls with five fours and two sixes before he was trapped LBW to Craig.
Ramnauth befuddled the batter as the Bajans again showed their susceptibility to spin. The series which was organised by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) will see the third game played at Lusignan tomorrow before the action shifts to Everest for the final two matches.
There were questions raised - including by James Anderson - about the absence of sustained hostility when Australia were racking up 511 runs in the first innings.
McCullum defended Archer's approach, pointing to the realities of fast bowling and the danger of judging intent purely through speed. "Jofra is good," McCullum said. "He can say what he wants but if you mope around bowling 75 mile an hour in that last innings then the narrative [would] be very different right in the end.
"The skipper asked our boys to not mope around and not to feel sorry for yourself and we haven't been outplayed in this game but we have an opportunity over 60 odd runs to fire some bullets and see where we land. I have no problem with him stepping up to that level. It is impossible to bowl 150 odd every single time here."
McCullum suggested Archer's easy action can sometimes mask the effort and tactical control behind his spells. "The thing about Jofra is a very good ability to be able to go through the gears and because he's got an easy action as well I think it can often be misinterpreted as bowling within himself.
Sometimes you need to bowl within yourself as well to be able to reduce your level of missing and to be a little bit more accurate and try and give yourself the best chance to zero in. Dale Steyn is a great example of that."
Drawing on historical parallels, McCullum said Archer's ability to shift gears was a strength rather than a concern. "Some of the old West Indian boys back in the
day they used to operate up and down the gears as well and Jofra will be no different in this Test match when he gets the chance. I think he's been really good he hasn't had a lot of luck so far. He's all in."
Beyond pace and confrontation, McCullum highlighted Archer's workload and off-ball effort as evidence of his investment. "He bowled 25 overs the other day and chased the ball as hard as I've seen to the boundary on two occasions. He didn't run it down but that's the level of investment, the level of engagement and the level of commitment that Joff's got. That's what we expect from him."
McCullum also played down speculation over changes to England's batting order, despite Ollie Pope's inability to make it count with a big score from No.3 and Jacob Bethell waiting in the reserves. "From our point of view we've had a top seven now for a period of time and we've been reasonably successful with it.
These conditions should suit the style of batters that we've got as well," McCullum said. While conceding England have not scored enough runs in the series so far, the head coach framed the issue as one of execution rather than selection.
Continuity, he said, remains central to England's approach. "We know we haven't got enough runs so far in the series. We've been in positions where we could have and we've made mistakes. That can happen at times.
"But for us to go on and win the series it's not about throwing out what's been a successful for us over the past few years. It's about having more conviction. It's about making sure that we have our plans and our disciplines around it screwed down a touch more. It's making sure we walk out and we're part of the loop and what we're capable of achieving. Kneejerk reactions and chopping and changing settled batting line-ups is not really our way." (Cricbuzz)
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The late president of the Blind Cricket Association Cecil Morris
Jofra Archer and Steve Smith got involved in some heated verbals on Day 4 of the Gabba Test
Hislop: I’d like to see Yorke stay on as head coach
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC )– Former Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, is of the view that head coach Dwight Yorke should continue in his role despite his failure to lead the team to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
T&T won just one of their six matches and were eliminated from World Cup contention after finishing third in Group ‘B’ behind winners Curacao and Jamaica.
There is widespread speculation that Yorke, who was hired by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) last November and given a mandate to qualify for next year’s World Cup, will be sacked.
Speaking on Isports on i95.5 FM on Saturday, Hislop, who is also a football analyst, said he understood why some people were calling for Yorke’s head.
However, he said the team had made significant progress since Yorke took over and for that reason, he believes he should be given more time.
“I am firmly on the fence
given the support in trying to identify and develop everything that the team needs…but I can see both sides of the argument, so I really couldn’t give a definitive answer on that one, one way or another,” he added.
Speaking on the team’s performance in the World Cup Qualifiers, Hislop admitted that he was disappointed with the results.
He maintained that T&T should have done better than they did.
Ajaz Patel, Blundell back in Kiwis squad for third Test against West Indies
…With help for the spinners expected at Bay Oval, Ajaz could play his first home Test in more than five years
AJAZ Patel is in line to play his first Test match in more than a year, and his first home Test in more than five years.
Ajaz was brought into New Zealand's squad for the third Test against West Indies, which begins on Thursday in Mount Maunganui. Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, who missed the second Test in Wellington with a hamstring tear sustained during the first Test in Christchurch, is also back in the squad.
with this one, I really am,” Hislop said when asked if he believed the TTFA should move on from Yorke.
“I will firmly state that I am very biased towards Yorke, but the truth is that he was appointed to get this team to the World Cup and obviously we haven’t made it.
“But in time, I recognised the progress the team has made and I really appreciate the direction that he continues to take this team; so those two kind of balance out each other
“Now I’d love to see Dwight continue in his role given that progress and be
“I’m disappointed. I was disappointed because I felt we had a group that maybe we should have been able to navigate a lot better than we did.
“But I’m also encouraged because I feel that we are just missing one or two pieces, most importantly a natural finisher,” Hislop said.
“Don’t get me wrong, in terms of our starting front three…I thought we had three fantastic and exciting players that really had me on the edge of my seat, but of the three of them, none of them are natural finishers and at this level we missed that.”
Carey and Labuschagne relive dramatic catch at the Gabba Ashes Test
AUSTRALIA pulled off some very good catches in their eight-wicket win in the day-night Ashes Test in Brisbane, but the most dramatic one had to be the one where wicketkeeper Alex Carey made a diving effort while nearly colliding with Marnus Labuschagne.
England were 264 for 7 in their first innings when Gus Atkinson top-edged a pull off Mitchell Starc. Both Carey and Labuschagne ran backwards for it, and, at one point, they were shoulder to shoulder, but somehow Carey held on to the ball even as he fell.
After the victory, the two players sat down to chat about the catch.
"I don't know what you were thinking, but it went up, and I was like, in my mind, okay, Alex, you'll catch," says Labuschagne. "And then I was running towards it, and I couldn't see you on my periphery, because, as you saw, I ran a little bit wide, and then I looked, and
I saw you, and I was like, Oh, I don't think you're going to get there, and then I started coming back at the line of the ball, and then…”
"It could have been carnage," says Carey. There must have been relief that neither the catch was muffed nor either fielder injured in the process.
"I almost pushed it out of your hand," Labuschagne says. "He [Carey] had the biggest smile on his face, and that was a cool moment."
"Only us two sort of knew what was going on," Carey laughed.
Just to add to the dramatics, the umpires reviewed the dismissal to check whether the ball had hit the Spidercam wire on its way. If it had, then it would have been deemed a dead ball.
The next morning, Labuschagne took a screamer himself, diving and taking a one-handed catch to dismiss Jofra Archer and end England's innings at 334.
(ESPN Cricinfo)
Fast bowler Blair Tickner, who suffered a dislocated shoulder in Wellington, goes out of the squad, as does Mitchell Hay, who made his Test debut in Blundell's absence and scored 61 in New Zealand's innings win. Hay will return to domestic duty with Canterbury.
New Zealand lead the three-Test series 1-0.
Ajaz's last appearance came in Mumbai in November 2024, when he took 11 wickets in a Player-of-theMatch performance as New Zealand wrapped up a 3-0 whitewash of India. He is a first-choice frontline spinner overseas, but has rarely had a chance to play on green, seaming home pitches where New Zealand have tended to prefer the utility of spin-bowling allrounders such as Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner, the last of whom is out of this series with a groin
Ajaz Patel's last Test appearance was his Player-of-the-Match display in Mumbai last year (BCCI)
injury.
Only three of Ajaz's 21 Tests so far have come at home; the last one was back in February 2020 against India in Wellington. Last week, the 37-year-old leftarm spinner picked up his 400th first-class wicket during a Plunket Shield match for Central Districts against Canterbury.
The likelihood of help for spinners in Mount Maunganui contributed to Ajaz's selection.
"Ajaz is someone we can trust to come in and do a job if required," New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said. "Bay Oval, as we know, has typically taken more turn than other surfaces around New Zealand, and the fact
[that] he turns the ball away from the right-hander is very appealing.
"Taking another spinner into the third Test also gives a bit more variance in our bowling attack, along with our seamers who have been doing a great job thus far this series."
Fast bowlers Michael Rae, Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy and Kristian Clarke remain in the squad for the third Test.
Seam-bowling allrounder Kyle Jamieson, who recently made a return to firstclass cricket for the first time since recovering from a back injury, is "progressing well through his red-ball returnto-play plan," according to an NZC release. "He will continue to work closely with BLACKCAPS support staff on his return to the Test arena.
Jamieson is working through a conditioning block after a full start to the summer, as part of his preparation for what is shaping up to be a busy first half of 2026."
New Zealand squad for third Test vs West Indies
Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Will Young
St Mirren stun poor Celtic for ‘once in a lifetime
ST Mirren sensationally roared to Premier Sports Cup victory by stunning beleaguered holders Celtic in a frenetic Hampden final.
Goals from Marcus Fraser and a second-half Jonah Ayunga double did the damage against Wilfried Nancy's shell-shocked side as the Paisley club claimed the Scottish League Cup for only the second time in their history.
Having become the first manager of the Parkhead club to lose his first two games in charge – against Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts and Europa League heavweights Roma – Nancy was already staring at a must-win game on his maiden trip to Mount Florida.
His troubled side could
St Mirren's motto has
Former Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Shaka Hislop
Alex Carey and Marnus Labuschagne both went for the catch (Getty Images)
Marcus Fraser opened the scoring in the second minute (Turn to page 20)
The victorious GDF women pose with their winning trophy at last Friday’s presentation ceremony
MVP and tournament’s leading scorer Sandra Johnson with her winnings (GFF photos)
WFA President Johnson hails success of women’s league
…GDF women steal spotlight at presentation ceremony
Guyana secures vital lifeline for its amateur boxers from World Boxing
THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has secured a vital lifeline for its amateur boxers after receiving provisional recognition from World Boxing, the International Olympic Committee (IOC)-recognised body for the sport.
The formal endorsement, communicated in a letter dated December 11, means the GBA and its athletes are now immediately eligible to compete in all World Boxing-sanctioned events, including the World Challenge, World Cup, and World Championships.
Crucially, this recognition is seen as a major breakthrough for Guyanese boxers with Olympic aspirations, as World Boxing is currently the only federation acknowledged by the IOC to manage the qualification pathways to the Olympic Games.
While welcoming the news, GBA President Steve
Ninvalle expressed significant frustration over the protracted process, noting that Guyana’s application was first submitted in February, a ten-month waiting period.
“We welcome the approval, but I am peeved at how long this process took,”
Ninvalle stated. “We only received confirmation one day before the International Boxing Association (IBA) Congress in Dubai.”
Ninvalle suggested that the lengthy delay had hampered their ability to plan and compete with certainty, forcing him to inform the Guyana Olympic Association of the issue.
Despite the procedural setback, the President reaffirmed the GBA’s unwavering commitment to fair governance.
“Guyana, through the GBA, has always been compliant in the world of amateur boxing. We remain fully committed to following the rules and directives of the IOC, and ensuring that our boxers are given a fair and unhindered opportunity to compete at the highest level,” he added.
The provisional recog -
(Turn to page 22)
Guyana win game two of U-13 five-match series against Barbados
By Sean Devers
IT was carnage at the Lusignan ground in sweltering heat yesterday as Guyana beat Barbados by nine wickets to take a 2-0 lead in the developmental bilateral five-match 40-overs U-13 between the two countries.
On good track and still a fairly fast outfield despite the seasonal rain, Guyana, chasing the 138 all out in 39.2 overs made by Barba-
dos, galloped to 139-1 in 23.4 overs to spare.
Watched by a fair-sized crowd which included West Indies off-spinner Kevin Sincliar and West Indies Women’s player Shabaka Gajnabi, the left-handed Guyana Captain Lomar Seecharran was on fire; hitting 12 fours and three sixes in a pugnacious unbeaten 82 from 52 balls.
The wicket-keeper/batter out of the Demerara Cricket Club followed up his enter-
taining 79 on Saturday with brutal display as his family enjoyed the onslaught. He dominated a 48-run opening stand with the burly Nathaniel Ramkelawan who reached the boundary twice in his 12 before Jaheim Springer dismissed him in the seventh over. But that was to be the only success for the young Barbadians as they chased leather for the rest of the game. Sahid Gajnabi joined his Skipper
(Turn to page 22)
Man-of-the match Lomar Seecharran hit an unbeaten 82
Natarie Lavine scored an accomplished 65 for Barbados
Off-spinner Deshawn Ramnauth bowled impressively to take 3-21
Steve Ninvalle, GBA President