‘Country’s revenue going right back to every Guyanese’
–– through crucial investments in health, education, other services that enhance lives, President Ali says –– points to APNU+AFC’s inability to accept these results, poor performance while in office from 2015-2020
further advance relations
Republic
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Monday welcomed the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, to Guyana at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri. During his visit, President Abinader is expected to engage in bilateral discussions with President Irfaan Ali and participate in this year’s Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo. President Abinader’s delegation includes Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santos, along with other key advisers and officials. This is President Abinader’s second visit to Guyana, building upon the successful bilateral agreements signed last year in crucial sectors, including energy, agriculture, and infrastructure (Office of the Prime Minister)
Inaugural ‘Conference Village’ to link agricultural, energy sectors
–– create platform for broader markets, showcase investment opportunities
By Naomi Parris
AMIDST Guyana’s oil boom, the country’s agricultural sector remains a key driver in its push for economic diversification.
With enhanced collaboration between the agricultural and energy sectors, there could be immense opportunities.
With this in mind, the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo and the Agriculture Ministry on Monday officially opened the ‘Conference Village’—an event established to showcase the country’s local pro -
duce, agro-processors and farmers at the Kingston Seawall Esplanade.
According to the Energy Conference’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kiana Wilburg, the inaugural event will also serve as a platform to attract potential investors attending the Energy conference, which commences today. The village serves three main purposes: to emphasise agriculture’s role in Guyana’s diversification; provide a broader market for local agricultural products and showcase investment opportunities in Guyana’s agricultural
sector.
Wilburg said: “Irrespective of the conversations we’re having about leveraging Guyana’s natural resources for a sustainable future and in terms of resources… we must always ensure that our policy leaders, our stakeholders bear in mind that agriculture will remain at the forefront of Guyana’s diversification agenda.”
She pointed out that the Guyana Energy Conference is a hub for bringing together international, regional experts and stakeholders within 26 industries.
Wilburg said: “We want to showcase the potential of our farmers, our agro-processors and all those persons within the agricultural landscape; we want to ensure they are paired with the local partners who have the capabilities and we want to showcase the investment opportunities that are available in Guyana’s agricultural landscape.”
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, in his remarks, said that the agricultural sector has seen rapid growth, with Guyana now producing new crops such as corn and soya bean, catering
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Kiana Wilburg, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Conference & Expo and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during a tour of the ‘Conference Village’ (Delano Williams photo)
‘Country’s revenue going right back to every Guyanese’
crucial investments in health, education, other services that enhance lives, President Ali says
points to APNU+AFC’s inability to accept these results, poor performance while in office from 2015-2020
AS the government continues its efforts to transform the health sector and increase access to medical care, especially in hinterland communities, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has blazed the opposition for attempting to run away from its sordid track record.
During a live broadcast, the President discussed the upwards trajectory of the health sector, especially after inheriting one from APNU+AFC that had limited investments.
In the last three years, 25 new health centers and posts were built, he said, adding: “These are the type of investments that we are making… investments not for 2025, but investments to 2028.”
The government has launched a number of initiatives that prioritise the well-being of all.
For instance, the spectacle and eye testing programme that aided countless citizens. From early detection of vision problems to fi-
nancial relief for low-income families, this programme has been lauded by many.
According to President Ali, in 2024 there were 68,320 eye tests completed and almost 55,000 of those individuals were given spectacles, all free of cost.
Compare this to under the former coalition government, which was in office 2015-2020, only 16 cataract surgeries were completed at Port Mourant’s National Ophthalmology Hospital.
Under the Ali-led administration 3,665 surgeries have been completed at the same hospital, he noted.
The President reminded the nation: “They (APNU+AFC) shut down the facility. Can you imagine that between 2015 and 2020?
These are the statistics that the APNU /AFC hides from can’t account for their period in government, they’re not transparent in accounting.”
Dr. Ali then said: “Today, any citizen from any region who requires cataract surgery does that free of cost at the
Taking a look at how audiology has also improved, the President spoke on how citizens are able to seek assistance.
He said that in 2019, the programme benefited only 647 people, and under the APNU+AFC people had to pay $65,000 each for their hearing aid.
However, under the PPP/C, in the last four years alone, more than 4,000 persons benefited from hearing aids, which are free of cost.
“Here is where the revenues of the country is going. Going back to our people. Going back to create worldclass healthcare services. World-class education services. These are the results that they cannot accept. They cannot appreciate it,” Dr. Ali said.
While the opposition continues to resort to its habitual tendencies, the President said that the PPP/C can point to its achievements.
He said: “We can speak about real results, about the
investment we are making in the health care system, the future plans that we have for the health care system, and the type of results that is generating.”
Further, the government is developing an integrated digital health system to connect all healthcare facilities nationwide.
“If you have a doctor that is highly specialised in LaGrange, and you have in Leonora a doctor that does not have that specialty [then], Leonora would not benefit from that specialty, because there is no integration,” he highlighted during the sod turning event for The New West Demerara Hospital on Friday.
To address this challenge, the government is modernising healthcare by constructing the New West Demerara Hospital, the De Kinderen Regional Hospital, and in the next term, upgrading the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
These major hospitals
will be digitally linked to smaller facilities across the country through an integrated patient management system.
He also said that discussions have already been initiated to have this platform integrated with ma -
jor international healthcare providers, including Mount Sinai, Northwell, and leading institutions in India. This system will not only be implemented in public facilities, but will also be incorporated into private facilities.
PM Phillips engages One Communications on service-related issues
PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, recently engaged Richard Stanton, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of One Communications Guyana, and his team on the recent service disruption that affected some mobile customers.
During the meeting, One Communications (Guyana) briefed the Prime Minister on the technical issue encountered.
Stanton said that the service disruption was caused by a planned technical upgrade and critical system maintenance procedures necessary to aid long-term service improvements.
He said that the activities were intended to be seamless. However, unexpected challenges arose during the process, leading to disruption.
One Communications assured the Prime Minister that its technical teams were immediately mobilised and worked to resolve the issues.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who is responsible for the Telecommunications sector, while acknowledging the necessity for periodic system upgrades, emphasised his expectation that technical challenges are addressed quickly so as to minimise service disruption to cus-
tomers.
He was also keen to note that reliable telecommunications infrastructure is fundamental to the welfare of citizens.
The Prime Minister’s Office also informed the public, especially those affected by service disruptions, that they can submit formal complaints to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
He was joined by the Director of the Telecommunications Agency (Ag), Chinsammy Christmah, and Yolanda Lamott, who is responsible for technical analysis.
(Office of the Prime Minister)
Port Mourant Hospital.”
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, recently engaged Richard Stanton, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of One Communications Guyana and his team on the recent service disruption that had affected some mobile customers
Inaugural ‘Conference Village’ to link ...
to the Caribbean market.
“And we know for a fact that over the years, we have had the oil and gas conference away from agriculture; we want to merge the sectors within our country to show our potential,” Mustapha said, adding: “Although oil and gas would have been a sector that is very attractive, the agriculture sector,
over the last four years, has developed rapidly.”
He stressed that the growth in the sector has been tremendous, with the country being a destination for new and emerging crops.
The Agriculture Minister said: “Crops and commodities that the Caribbean normally import, we are
From page 2
now producing it [sic] in Guyana.
“We are now producing it [sic] in Guyana, things like corn and soya bean, the high-value crops and we are catering for the oil and gas sector, for the hospitality industry, but more importantly, to take in the slots that will be created.”
Ogunseye endorses Hinds’ ‘lick bottom’ ‘house slave’ rhetoric
–– says what ‘African leaders’ choose to speak to Afro-Guyanese about is their business
TACUMA Ogunseye, a senior member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), has publicly backed co-leader Dr David Hinds’ controversial comments referring to Afro-Guyanese as “lick bottoms,” “house slaves,” and “sellouts.”
Ogunseye defended Hinds’ language as “appropriate,” in a letter issued on
February 17, 2025.
In the letter, he further dismissed the widespread criticism of Hinds’ recent statement, asserting that no one should dictate how leaders communicate with “their people. According to Ogunseye, Hinds was addressing the Afro-Guyanese community on “matters of liberation.” He said: “What African
leaders and activists in this hostile environment choose to speak to our people on matters of our liberation is Africans’ business.”
Ogunseye reiterated Hinds’ stance, claiming that Guyanese of African descent face an “existential threat,” despite pointing to any evidence of same.
He also defended the use of sharp language, asserting that Guyana’s creole culture provides many words for describing what he considers undignified behaviour, such as “kissing ass.”
Those comments came just days after Hinds faced public backlash for his remarks on his online programme “Politics 101.”
It was during an airing of that programme Hinds launched an attack on Afro-Guyanese who have ex-
ercised their democratic right to align with political parties of their choice.
Back in April 2023, Ogunseye was charged under the Racial Hostility Act. Ogunseye at a WPA public meeting in March of that year, had insinuated that Afro-Guyanese are being oppressed, and called on the Joint Services, which is predominantly made up of Afro-Guyanese, to turn their guns on the state.
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has since launched an investigation to scrutinise Hinds’ remarks, which are believed to have the potential to “sow division and disrupt social harmony.”
On Monday, several other members of the WPA echoed their support for Hinds’ comments.
The ‘Conference Village’ will be open to the delegates and patrons attending the energy conference this week
Tacuma Ogunseye
Bond hammers Burke for ignorance, false claims about ‘extra-judicial’ killings
FORMER People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Parliamentarian, James Bond, has lambasted social media commentator Rickford Burke for his ignorance of a topic he has been utilising to score political points.
Although Burke skipped from one topic to the next in an attempt to dismiss the guest of his usual social media programme, Bond gave him a tongue lashing for spewing spurious claims.
The topic in question was related to alleged extra-judicial killings, which Burke sought to blame the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for.
Bond, however, challenged Burke on his accusations and told him to speak from a position of knowledge not ignorance.
Bond told Burke: “You are speaking profoundly on an issue in [SIC] which have no knowledge of.”
The extra-judicial killings and other crimes have been constantly politicised by the opposition.
However, despite f ormer President David Granger’s 2018 promise to launch a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the early 2000s crime wave, it was never fulfilled.
Granger had pledged to investigate the “troubled period” from 2002 to 2009, which his administration claimed saw 1,431 murders. Despite this commitment, the CoI never materialised.
Further, a 2019 investigative report by the Stabroek News, debunked the opposition’s claims of indiscriminate killings during the crime wave.
In November 2019, the 32-page findings of an investigative report by the independently–run Stabroek News, exposed the falsehoods being peddled by the PNCR-led APNU+AFC coalition about the crime wave, and dismantled the notion that young Afro-Guyanese men were killed indiscriminately.
The Stabroek News’ investigative report pointed out that some 420 persons were killed between February 2002 and September 2006, 151
murdered by bandits, 30 security officers were killed, and 239 were killed during confrontations with the police and in unexplained circumstances. It added that the drug trade was a major part of the period in question.
On December 3, 2021, the Guyana Police Force had issued a wanted bulletin for Burke, citing offences under various acts, including the Racial Hostility Act, Cyber Crime Act, and Criminal Law Offences Act.
Subsequently, on September 29, 2022, another wanted bulletin was issued in connec -
tion with Conspiracy to Commit a Felony under the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.
Sustainable Development
SUSTAINABLE development is a term used by developmental practitioners to describe a situation in which there is a reliable and predictable revenue stream to ensure that the economic and social well-being of citizens are not only met, but are consistently enhanced.
This is important in the life of every nation. It determines the extent to which people can repose trust in the administration that life will get better and that their future is secure.
Guyana’s development has never been more sustainably secure than at this current conjuncture in time, thanks to sound fiscal and monetary policies and visionary leadership by the PPP/C leadership. The macro-economic fundamentals of the country are consistently strengthened along the path of sustainable development.
This is one of the most authentic
measures of development. The rapid and consistent increase in the size of the economy with checks on the rate of inflation meant in effect that the purchasing power of Guyanese consumers are safeguarded and are not being eroded by a general rise in the prices of goods and services.
It does not require a trained economist to recognise that a rise in income beyond the rate of inflation meant a bigger basket of consumer goods and services and a consequential increase in the standard of living of the Guyanese people.
Salaries for 2024 increased by 10% while the rate of inflation stood at 2.8% in 2024. This is quite an impressive achievement especially when seen against a global inflation rate of 5.8%.
The fact that the PPP/C administration has been successful in containing the rate of inflation despite rising inflation rates in the region and the world as a whole is
nothing short of spectacular.
All of this speaks to sound fiscal and monetary policies by the current administration. It also speaks to sound economic health of the country, buoyed by strong export earnings and a favourable balance of trade.
As pointed out by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, democracy and the rule of law are critical components for a sustainable, resilient and strong economy. This is why the PPP/C administration is putting great emphasis on the creation of a democratic national framework, buttressed by free, fair and transparent elections where the will of the majority must at all times be the basis for governance.
Development is all about people and their well-being which must be enhanced and sustained. It is much more than anecdotal acts of charity and handouts by individuals and groups which seemingly
are influenced more by ego gratification and selfish interests, rather than addressing the genuine concerns of the populace as a whole.
This is the fundamental difference between a caring administration and those who purport to have the interest of the Guyanese people at heart. Any fool can make promises, but it takes a leader with commitment and strategic vision to create an enabling environment for growth and development along sustainable lines. This is the essential difference between the PPP/C administration and those in the political opposition, who profess to have the interests of the Guyanese people at heart. The proof of the pudding, it is said, is in the eating.
The PPP/C administration has not only delivered on its manifesto promises to the electorate, but as noted by President Ali, has exceeded expectations for which it deserves full credit.
Dr Hinds is seeing the foundation of his political philosophy collapsing
Dear Editor,
A LOT has been said about Dr David Hinds’ outbursts and insults thrown at Afro-Guyanese PPP members and supporters. Decent-minded Guyanese of all races are very upset at the Hinds’ tirade.
Moreover, it is apposite to note that neither the PNC nor the AFC came out to criticise the openly racist remarks,
even though the comments could expose the PPP/C Afro supporter to physical harm. This is because their views are no different.
This horrible outpouring of Dr Hinds, in fact, is reflecting the frustration of not only his own party the WPA, but the racists in the PNC and AFC. The main organising and public relations strategies of those parties are based on racism! Dr Hinds is seeing the
foundation of his political philosophy collapsing.
It is an admission too that the PPP was always correct in never yielding to racism. It was correct in expelling racists form its ranks and always conducting its business as a national party, a party for all Guyanese.
This is a fundamental principle laid down by Comrade Cheddi Jagan from the very beginning of his political life,
and was never compromised. It remains the foundation on which the PPP/C stands.
We should expect more outbursts of the Hinds’ type as more Guyanese of all races embrace the patriotic positions of the PPP.
Yours truly, Donald Ramotar, Former President
It is not only David Hinds’ politics that is bizarre
WE will come to the ghoulish politics of the others, but let’s start with David Hinds. After the deluge of objections against his racist fulminations, I saw his next social media output and when I listened to what he said, immediately I think of my favourite repartee in both English and Indian movies.
The film is From Russia with Love. Specter agent, Grant, cornered Bond and before he attempted to shoot Bond, he went on a rant about how he plans to announce the news of Bond’s death. With extreme coolness, Bond looked at Grant and said: “Tell me, which lunatic asylum they got you out from.” That really enraged Grant.
As I looked at Hinds parading his bogus nationalism, the Bond scene came to my mind. So what did Hinds say? He exclaimed that when PPP leaders go to African villages and promise things, then in exchange the villagers must come over to the PPP, he will prevent that because the PPP has to get past him first.
But it is extremely easy to get past Hinds. You can get past any human who is not in your pathway.
Hinds is not in Guyana so he cannot offer himself as a shield to any individual much less a village. Who is this man that PPP leaders have to cross his path before they can move forward in any African village?
Hinds left Guyana about 30 years ago and returns episodically. Hinds never spent three consecutive months in Guyana the past 25 years. Hinds is not a lawyer so he can’t help African litigants who
cannot afford a paid attorney. Hinds is not a medical doctor who can tend to the sick in African villages. Hinds is not an engineer who can assist African villagers with drainage and irrigation. Hinds is not a businessman who does charity service for African Guyanese.
Hinds is a teacher that gives his service to the United States and has not contributed even one hour to any literacy programme in this country or has ever graced a high school classroom with his presence to help with the teaching of any subject. Finally, Hinds is not a Guyanese resident so the GRA receives not a cent from Hinds and the retail trade receives no patronage from Hinds.
I challenge David to refute what I will now write.
Two months ago, I called him for an appearance on the Freddie Kissoon Show. He told me he is not in Guyana. I honestly thought that with the announcement of him being the presidential candidate of the WPA and ongoing talks with the PNC on coalition politics and press releases and press briefings that he was in Guyana.
The General Secretary of the PNC, Sherwin Benjamin is someone I knew long before he became a PNC bigwig. Here is what he told me last week.
I read that there was a joint meeting between the PNC and WPA abut coalition talks, so I called Sherwin to find out if David was at the meeting so I can contact him for the Freddie Kissoon Show. Sherwin told me that David appeared via zoom. The man does not live in Guyana and is never in Guyana.
Yet, despite this distance from Guyana in which his absence and invisibility are larger than the Taj Mahal for every Guyanese to see, Hinds tells us that before PPP leaders can go and demand loyalty from African villagers, they have to cross his path. Obviously, that pathway is in his imagination.
So almost every week, PPP leaders as part of their ministerial duties, are in Guyanese villages which include African villages. But David is not there. Or could it be that he is there and the ministers walk right pass him because he is ghost and you can actually walk past a ghost?
So tell me David, which lunatic asylum they got you out from?
We tend to focus on Hinds because he is extremist, openly racist and come across as unbalanced. But there are others like Hinds only that their bizarre politics is episodic and not consistent like Hinds.
But the weirdness is there. Let me
quote, the former High Commissioner to Guyana from the UK, Mr. Greg Quinn in the 7th edition, 2025, of the book, Oil Darado: “What was the second poorest country in the region after Haiti has now become the country with the fastest growth rate in the world.
All driven by unprecedented oil and gas discoveries that will provide Guyanese with the resources to fundamentally change their lives.”
But Vanda Radzik, her sister Danuta, Nigel Westmaas, Alisa Trotz, Janet Bulkan, Melinda Janki, Andre Brandli, Percy Hintzen and their acolytes urge that we leave the oil in the ground. Aren’t they bizarre like David Hinds?
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.
PPP/C gov’t restored option for public servants to choose gratuity/pension
–– Dr. Singh says pension.
By Shamar Meusa
SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, has noted that it was this People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government that restored the option for public servants to choose between receiving gratuity or
The minister made this known as he was responding to questions posed by opposition parliamentarians during the 101st sitting of the Twelfth Parliament, on Monday.
Dr. Singh said that it was the former APNU+AFC Government that had “outlawed” contract employment and compelled public servants to give up their contract gratuity status and go on the pensionable establish-
ment.
Giving a breakdown via social media later, the senior minister indicated that under contract employment, persons receive their gratuity as they work, and under the pensionable establishment they receive no gratuity and only receive a pension if they remain in the employ of government until age 55.
“These persons lost their 22 and a half per cent gratuity, they suf -
fered a cut in their emoluments… that 22 and a half per cent was lost by the heavy-handed approach taken by the APNU+AFC to say you must go onto the pensionable establishment,” he said.
It was then that he reminded that doctors in the public health care system were told at that time that they must go on the pensionable establishment and their gratuity was taken away.
Dr. Singh related that
several of those doctors reported to the then opposition leader, now Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, that they were aggrieved by the move of the APNU+AFC.
Those doctors, he said, appealed to the PPP/C to fix it and, as such, they wrote it into their manifesto that their administration would restore the right of people to go on contract.
“As soon as we came back into government,
we gave those doctors the right to go back on contract gratuity and they all went back on contract gratuity,” Dr. Singh said. Public servants, as of 2020, retained the choice as long as they meet the relevant requirements, to be either on the contract system or the pensionable establishment.
Dr. Singh noted that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic will always respect the wishes of the people of Guyana.
Defendants plead not guilty in electoral fraud trial
–– as case moves forward after years of delays; 73 witnesses set to testify
By Clestine Juan
AFTER nearly four years of legal hurdles, the high-profile 2020 electoral fraud trial has officially commenced, with the accused entering not guilty pleas before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, on Monday.
The case, which has been stalled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court due to a se-
ries of legal challenges and changes in presiding magistrates, is now set to proceed as a summary trial.
Magistrate McGusty’s ruling paved the way for the defendants to now formally enter their pleas as the charges were read to them.
Last December, McGusty granted the defence’s request for a de novo (new) trial, vacating all prior rulings issued by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly, who had overseen the matter since July 29, 2024.
However, her extended medical leave in August 2024 led to the reassignment of the case to a new magistrate.
Among those facing charges are former Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo; former Health Minister under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government, Volda Lawrence; People’s National Congress Reform
(PNCR) activist Carol Smith-Joseph; former Chief Election Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy Chief Election Officer Roxanne Myers and GECOM employees Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Babb-Cummings and Michelle Miller.
The defendants are accused of several offences, including misconduct in public office, uttering forged documents and conspiring to deceive the electorate by falsifying election results.
They are represented by a defence team that also includes attorneys Nigel Hughes, Eusi Anderson, Ronald Daniels and Darren Wade.
The state is led by Special prosecutor Darshan Ramdhani, KC and Thomas Astaphan, KC, and also attorney-at-law Latchmie Rahamat and several state counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
In his opening remarks,
Special Prosecutor Ramdhani described the case as a “classic case of miscount,” outlining how each defendant allegedly contributed to the attempted rigging of the 2020 general and regional elections.
Prosecutors contended that the accused sought to inflate the APNU+AFC coalition’s vote count, thereby undermining the democratic process.
The prosecution’s case is built on substantial evidence, including flash drives containing Statements of Poll (SoPs) and Statements of Recount (SoRs), 73 witness statements, and numerous official documents.
Among the key witnesses expected to testify are Local Government Minister Sonia Parag; Head of the Diaspora Unit, Rosalinda Rasul; Forensic Investigator Rawle Nedd and former Region Four Police Commander, Edgar Thomas.
The matter has been adjourned until Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
The prosecution al -
leges that the accused inflated or facilitated the inflation of results for Region Four—Guyana’s largest voting district— to give the APNU+AFC coalition an illegitimate victory in the March 2020 elections. Official results later confirmed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had won by over 15,000 votes.
Initially, former CEO Lowenfield submitted an election report claiming APNU+AFC received 171,825 votes while the PPP/C secured 166,343.
However, a national recount—conducted under the supervision of GECOM and a high-level Caribbean Community (CARICOM) team— determined that APNU+AFC had actually received 217,920 votes, while the PPP/C had won with 233,336 votes.
The recount process also revealed that Mingo had allegedly manipulated the Region Four results to keep the APNU+AFC caretaker administration in power.
This led to GECOM’s decision in August, 2021, to terminate Lowenfield, Myers, and Mingo.
Since charges were first filed in late 2020, multiple postponements have stalled the case, primarily due to requests from the defence.
The accused remains out on cash bail as the trial continues.
Initially set to begin in early 2024, the trial has faced numerous de-
lays due to objections and applications from the defence.
In April, 2023, the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events of the 2020 General and Regional Elections found that there was collusion and collaboration among senior GECOM officials to divert votes to the APNU +AFC instead of safeguarding and preserving the integrity of the electoral system.
Chairman, Stanley John and commissioners — former Chancellor, Carl Singh and Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith — made those findings based on evidence from the many witnesses who had testified, along with the reports of the international observers.
“…our inquiry reveals that there were, in fact, shockingly brazen attempts by Chief Election Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers and Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo, to derail and corrupt the statutorily prescribed procedure for the counting, ascertaining and tabulation of votes of the March 2nd election, as well as the true declaration of the results of that election, and that they did so – to put it in unvarnished language of the ordinary man – for the purpose of stealing the election,” the commissioners said in their report.
The report found that Lowenfield blatantly made decisions and employed procedures in direct contradiction to the law and the will of the people.
The findings revealed, too, that GECOM staffers ignored specific instructions from the court, used materials that were illegal and/or manipulated and sided with APNU+AFC agents to berate observers whenever objections were raised.
After careful scrutiny, the CoI commissioners concluded that there was a conscious and deliberate – even brazen – effort to violate the provisions of section 84(1) of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA).
In so doing, certain “senior GECOM officials” abandoned all need for neutrality and impartiality, and demonstrated a bias for the APNU+AFC and, in the course of events over those days, showed an “open connection” with that party, and by their efforts sought a desired result for the coalition.
As such, the commissioners said that after consideration and analysis of the evidence, Lowenfield, Mingo and Myers “were principally responsible for clear and deliberate attempts to frustrate, obstruct and subvert the ascertainment of votes in electoral district No. 4.”
Thousands more traffic violations; campaign intensifies
THE Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department has recorded a total of 2,824 traffic violations between February 9 and February 15, 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve road safety and compliance.
Among the major offences recorded were: Exceeding the Speed Limit –435 cases; Failure to Wear a Seatbelt – 138 cases; Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – 14 cases; Illegal Tinted Glass – 401 cases; Failure to Wear Safety Helmets – 139 cases; Faulty Parking – 24 cases; Unlighted Motor Vehicles (Front and Rear) – 89 cases; and Breach of Condition of Prescribed Fitness – 113 cases.
During the same period, one traffic rank was
assaulted while on duty by an unrelated individual who also made defamatory statements captured on video. Statements and medical reports have been submitted, and legal action will be pursued once official permission is granted. In addition to enforcement efforts, traffic ranks visited several schools across various regions to educate students on road safety. Institutions visited included Pakera Nursery (Region 1), Lusignan Primary (Region 4C), St. Ignatius Primary (Region 9), and Port Kaituma Nursery (Region 1), among others. All interactions were conducted with the approval and presence of teachers. Furthermore, police conducted lectures for drivers at key locations such as
the Suddie Public Road, Friendship Public Road, and Vreed-en-Hoop Public Road, emphasising compliance with traffic laws.
The Traffic Department also extended its awareness efforts to bars, engaging patrons, business owners, and drivers on the Intoxicating Liquor Licence Amendment Act. Police ranks visited Palm Court on Main Street and Tribe Bar on Church Street to discuss the legal implications for establishments and employees failing to comply with liquor laws.
The Guyana Police Force remains committed to reducing traffic violations and enhancing public safety through strict enforcement, public engagement, and educational initiatives.
The Police Force’s Traffic Department aims to improve road safety and compliance
Minister Teixeira emphasises Guyana’s major strides in area of anti-corruption
–– calls out Goolsarran for lack of advocacy under APNU+AFC administration
–– encourages use of recent ‘release’ on CPI in a ‘factual,’ ‘analytical’ manner
MINISTER of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, has called out former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran, for failing to acknowledge the efforts of the government to curb corruption.
Goolsarran, in his column, “Accountability,”
criticised the government for rejecting the recently published 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International
In response, the minister, in a video on Tuesday, said that freedom of speech is not only limited to critics of the government, as government ministers can also express their opinions.
The minister also called for the government’s press statement on the report to be used in a “factual” and an “analytical” manner.
“It appears that every time a minister says ‘no, this is not correct’ or ‘you’re not looking at it correctly,’ this is seen as an attack on the so called influencers and opinion makers of this country, which is absolutely untrue,” she said.
Minister Teixeira stated that her position and the government’s position has been that the CPI under Transparency International is an opinion perception based index.
She also emphasised the lack of advocacy on Goolsarran’s part when infractions were being committed under the APNU+AFC administration.
The biggest of all, she said, was the attempt to rig the 2020 General and Regional Elections, which the minister de -
scribed as “brazen, vicious and undemocratic.”
Further, she said that Goolsarran is ignoring the efforts of the PPP/C administration to tackle corruption.
She said: “Guyana, in the last four years, has made serious efforts to improve its anti-corruption [mechanisms].”
Minister Teixeira then listed the numerous steps such as passing legislation that the PPP/C government has taken to ensure the anti-corruption system possesses greater accountability and transparency.
She added: “Fighting corruption is a constant battle,” noting that there has been no country which has ended this battle.
Minister Teixeira had recently issued a detailed statement addressing misconceptions surrounding the recently published 2024 CPI by Transparency International.
The minister emphasised the need to understand the context, methodology, and limitations of the CPI, which measures perceived corruption rather than actual corruption levels.
According to Minister Teixeira, the CPI is a perception-based index that
aggregates views from 13 sources provided by 12 institutions, including the World Bank Country Policy and Institutional Assessment, which itself acknowledges that its ratings are based on staff judgment and do not necessarily reflect the views of the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors.
In Guyana’s case, five sources were used from 2022 to 2024, yielding scores ranging from 38 to 44.
Minister Teixeira also responded to a Stabroek News article on February 13, 2025, which linked Guyana’s CPI ranking to allegations of state capture and illicit enrichment cited by Insight Crime.
The minister clarified that these claims were not part of the sources used by Transparency International for the CPI, and called for responsible reporting and interpretation of the index.
Minister Teixeira highlighted that the struggle with corruption perception indices is not unique to Guyana, citing Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s remarks on biases against developing countries.
She emphasised that while corruption remains a global issue, indices like the CPI should be interpreted with caution and supplemented with evidence-based assessments.
The Government of Guyana, the minister said, remains committed to advancing anti-corruption efforts, enhancing transparency and accountability, and engaging with international partners, civil society, and the media to promote responsible use of global indices.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira
Gov’t remains steps ahead in Le Repentir rehabilitation
–– Minister Edghill says
By Shamar Meusa
THE Government of Guyana remains steps ahead in upgrading facilities in and around the city with plans already in motion for the rehabilitation of the Le Repentir Cemetery in Georgetown.
This was disclosed by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, who at the time was contributing to a debate on a motion during the 101st sitting of the Twelfth Parliament on Monday.
During that sitting, Opposition Parliamentarian, Volda Lawrence moved a motion for the rehabilitation of the Le Repentir Cemetery, during which she noted that it be resolved that the National Assembly calls on the government to upgrade the
historic facility and implement a plan for its maintenance, including drainage infrastructure among other things.
Lawrence in presenting the motion noted that the PNC-led City Council does not have the manpower or the financial wherewithal to carry out such a project.
In response, the Public Works Minister noted that the members of the House are privy to an ongoing exercise that commenced several months ago where at the level of the Cabinet, it was decided that across the country all cemeteries should be addressed and there should be improvement.
He said, “So this National Assembly is debating a motion where the government, the executive is way ahead in terms of
Cash grant distribution kicks off in Region Four
DISTRIBUTION of the $100,000 cash grant commenced in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), with several highway and upper East Bank Demerara (EBD) villages.
Additionally, other distribution centres along the EBD, East Coast Demerara and Georgetown will commence work this week.
its actions in getting this correct.”
Highlighting the statements made by Lawrence when she noted that the City Council is unable to fund the rehabilitation and enhancement, he said that she is a senior member of a political party that owes the Mayor and City Council some $6.4 billion in rates and taxes.
“If the company that is a holding facility for Congress Place just simply pays the rates and taxes, the issue of the enhancement of the Le Repentir cemetery by the competent authority which is the Mayor and City Council could be addressed in a week’s time,” Edghill posited.
While he noted that his contributions to the motion should not be interpreted to mean that the government is unwilling or reluctant to ensure the
beautification of the cemetery, he stated that the ‘script’ is being read in the wrong assembly.
To this end, the minister stated that this same motion should be presented to the City Hall where a large majority of the councillors are PNC members, should move a motion to say, that rates and taxes should be paid for them to do something to enhance Georgetown.
Further highlighting City Hall’s lack of dealing with the matter, the government had engaged a small contractor to clean up and have concrete roads done in the cemetery some time back and this was met with pushback from the city council.
Edghill indicated that while they were starting the clean-up, the city engineer was sent there and they were given cease orders to stop the works.
However, the Public Works Minister indicated that since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) came to office, they came with the understanding that Georgetown needed renewal and needed to be rehabilitated in several different ways.
Against this backdrop, he disclosed that central government has expended almost $20 billion on the improvement of Georgetown.
Further to this, the minister added that central government has estimates and continues to work on them for improvement works to the cemetery with which he noted that persons in the surrounding areas will be engaged to construct concrete roads in the cemetery.
To this end, Edghill affirmed that the rehabilitation of the Le Repentir cemetery is not something that they have to think about as it is something central government already has a plan for.
He indicated that they have not sat on their hands as it relates to the cemetery and as such government has been proactive in this regard.
While debates on the motion continued, the government side of the House proposed amendments to the motion which signalled that Central Government had already made moves towards interventions for the rehabilitation of the historic Le Repentir Cemetery.
Edghill reiterated, “If the company that is a holding company for congress place pay up their rates and taxes, [we] only need $1.3 billion of that $6.4 [billion] and we can get all the work done in the cemetery.”
Gov’t takes another step in creating stable, strong, sound financial system
–– with passage of Financial Institutions (Amendment Bill) in the National Assembly
SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, as part of the government’s broad agenda to build and strengthen the legal framework and to improve access to credit, on Monday, successfully piloted in the National Assembly, the Financial Institutions (Amendment) Bill 2024, Bill Number 22 of 2024, which caters for the establishment of representative offices by foreign financial institutions.
Representative offices of foreign banks bring international experience and technology that allow these institutions to showcase the products and services that can complement and enhance the domestic banking system.
The financial sector is vital to the development of industry and trade in any economy. A modern, organised, well-regulated financial system allocates financial resources to areas in such a manner that they contribute to economic growth, physical capital accumulation, and economic efficiency.
This Bill is part of the government’s broad agenda
to build and strengthen the legal framework in tandem with all stakeholders, including consumers and the private sector, to support business development in Guyana and to continue to create an enabling environment for fostering development.
While contributing to the debate, Dr Singh blasted the former administration (APNU+AFC) for decimating the economy while they were in office, noting that the current administration will continue to deliver for the people of Guyana, and the amended Financial Institutions (Amendment) Bill 2024 is another step by government to add to those already made to allow for a stable, sound and strong financial system.
As Dr Singh recalled, all the other legislation in the past brought to the House to strengthen the financial sector, noting that the work done to build a robust legal architecture was already being done over the years by the PPP/C.
There is similar legislation in other jurisdictions such as Trinidad and Tobago. He also said given the rate of economic growth occurring today, and the rate at which
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh
investor interest is growing, the amendment to the legislation is necessary, as Guyana has already received indications of interest from foreign financial institutions, and some of the largest in the world, who have expressed this interest in establishing representative offices in Guyana.
The banking and financial sector is critical as the government pushes to empower citizens to benefit from the massive economic transformation taking place across this country.
Access to financing is a main pillar for the establishment of growth and success of both small- and large-
scale businesses, as well as the economic empowerment of individuals and households.
Guyana’s financial sector has shown significant improvements in recent years in key performance indicators, reflecting a strengthening economy and robust regulatory oversight. Commercial banks deposits surged, growing by 88.5 per cent at the end of December 2024 to $967 billion when compared with the position at the end of 2020, driven by rising incomes and improved confidence in the banking system. From the end of 2020 to the end of December 2024, total credit to the private sector grew by 73.4 per cent to $450 billion, fuelled by increased lending to economic sectors such as services, manufacturing, agriculture and mining and quarrying.
Lending for real estate mortgage loans has also grown substantially, by 71.9 per cent over the same period. At the same time, the ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs) has declined from 10.8 per cent at the end of 2020 to 1.75 per cent at the end of December last year, aided largely by a rebound in economic activities, post-
pandemic and protracted elections and enhanced riskmanagement practices.
These trends highlight Guyana’s financial sector’s resilience and its pivotal role in supporting the country’s economic transformation.
President Ali had highlighted last year: “There are a number of areas that are critical to the development of this modern infrastructure that we want to build here in Guyana…the digitisation of our economy, the speed and efficiency of which we can process transactions, the efficiency of the Public Service, the openness and transparency of the system, developing a system that is rule-based and systemic in nature, one that removes human biases and one that ensures there’s predictability in everything we do. That is what modernisation is about”.
These reforms demonstrate the government’s continued commitment to ensuring that the new economy benefits all Guyanese. The government has also expressed the firm belief that everyone should have equal access to participate fully in the economy. (Ministry of Finance)
GDF patrol ambushed by armed assailants on Cuyuni River
A GUYANA Defence Force (GDF) patrol came under attack from heavily armed individuals, believed to be associated with the sindicatos, near Black Water Mouth in the Cuyuni River on February 17, 2025, at approximately 15:45hrs.
According to information from the Guyana Police Force and the GDF, the incident occurred as the GDF team
was travelling in a 30foot canoe powered by a 185-horsepower Yamaha engine, en route from the Eteringbang GDF main base to the Makapa GDF Observation Post to deliver supplies.
During the journey, two wooden boats carrying masked, heavily armed men intercepted the GDF vessel. The assailants, positioned on the Venezuelan bank of the Cuyuni River, circled
the GDF boat and opened fire.
The GDF personnel immediately responded, engaging the attackers with return fire. The exchange resulted in the retreat of the assailants, but not before multiple GDF members sustained gunshot wounds.
The injured personnel were identified as: Second Lieutenant Ansel Murray who suffered a gunshot wound to the
right side of the head; Sergeant Kevon Davis who was shot in the right foot and ankle; Corporal Andrew Fraser who sustained gunshot wounds to the left side of the abdomen and shoulder; Corporal Kevin Henry who was shot in the left arm and shoulder; Lance Corporal Travis Yorrick who was injured in the right thigh, and Private Ezron Samuel who was shot in the right side of
the abdomen.
Despite their injuries, all personnel were reported to be conscious and stable. GDF medic Lance Corporal Melville administered medical treatment at the Makapa GDF Observation Post.
In response to the attack, the GDF has mobilised to reinforce its presence in the area, ensuring the security of its personnel and safeguarding Guyana’s territorial integrity.
The force remains committed to protecting its borders and will take all necessary measures to address any threats to national security.
Both the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force are investigating the incident, with the GDF closely monitoring the situation and prioritising the safety and well-being of its troops.
Women-owned TPMS Inc. receives top supplier award from ExxonMobil
TOTAL Property Management Services Guyana Inc. (TPMS, INC.) has been recognised for its exceptional service and industry leadership by receiving the prestigious 2024 Guyana Enterprise Suppliers Award from ExxonMobil.
The award highlights TPMS’s commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and customer satisfaction in the property management sector.
As Guyana’s only ISO 9001-certified property management provider, TPMS
has consistently set high benchmarks in quality, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. The company has distinguished itself through its dedication to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards, operational excellence, and ease of doing business, while maintaining competitive pricing and a strong focus on sustainability and workforce development.
“We are truly honoured to receive this award,” said Annabelle Carter-Sharma, Director of Operations at TPMS. “It reflects the dedication of our entire team and the trust placed in us by our clients. A special thank you to our Tier 1 client for nominating us and to ExxonMobil for this incredible recognition. This award motivates us to continue raising the bar in property management services.”
As a 100 per cent women-owned business, TPMS’s achievement also serves as a testament to the growing role of female leadership in Guyana’s economy. Competing in the dynamic energy sector, the company has upheld high standards of integrity, innovation, and excellence, making significant contributions to the country’s economic development.
“This award is not just a recognition of our work but a testament to the passion and dedication of our team,”
Carter-Sharma emphasised.
“We are proud to be a trusted partner in Guyana’s development and remain committed to delivering world-class ser-
vices that support sustainable growth.”
TPMS is the only ISO 9001-certified property management provider in Guyana,
offering top-tier property and facilities management solutions across the oil & gas, commercial, and residential sectors. The company is also
preparing to expand into Airbnb management.
With a strong commitment to quality, operational efficiency, and sustain-
ability, TPMS continues to shape the future of property management while supporting Guyana’s broader economic ambitions.
China Focus: ‘Ne Zha 2’ enters all-time global box office top 10
(Xinhua) CHINESE animated sensation ‘Ne Zha 2’ has made history once again, surpassing Disney’s 2019 ‘The Lion King’ to secure a spot among the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time globally.
According to ticketing platform Maoyan, as of early Monday afternoon, the film’s global earnings -- including presales -- had reached 12.05 billion yuan (about 1.68 billion U.S. dollars), exceeding ‘The Lion King’’s 1.66 billion U.S. dollars.
Achieved on the 20th day after the film’s release on Jan. 29, Chinese New Year, this milestone adds to an impressive list of achievements. ‘Ne Zha 2’ had already become the first film to gross over 1 billion U.S. dollars in a single market, and the first non-Hollywood film to enter the coveted billion-dollar club. Current projections from Maoyan and box office trackers suggest that the film is on track to surpass 15 billion yuan in total domestic earnings.
Industry analysts have pointed to the film’s success as a testament to the vitality, global appeal, and creative strength of Chinese culture.
Directed by Yang Yu, known as Jiaozi, the film marks a significant leap forward from its predecessor, the animated hit ‘Ne Zha’, which
grossed 5 billion yuan to top the Chinese box office charts in 2019.
The sequel continues the tale of Nezha, the iconic boy god from Chinese mythology. After their souls are saved, Nezha and his ally Aobing struggle to maintain their physical forms. With the help of the immortal Taiyi Zhenren, the two must navigate a series of challenges to rebuild their bodies and secure their fate.
The rich storytelling, paired with jaw-dropping visuals, has captured audiences’ imaginations, while the film’s themes of defiance, fate and self-confidence resonate universally.
Rao Shuguang, president of the China Film Critics Association, praised the film for skillfully blending traditional Chinese mythology with modern storytelling, creating a narrative that speaks to contemporary sensibilities.
Alongside its cultural depth, ‘Ne Zha 2’ has earned widespread acclaim for its technical mastery. Featuring around 2,000 special effects shots and contributions from 138 animation studios, “the film showcases the collaborative power of China’s creative ecosystem and heralds an upgrade in both the film industry
and its aesthetic standards,” noted Chen Xuguang, director of the Institute of Film, Television and Theatre at Peking University.
The success of ‘Ne Zha 2’ also highlights the growing appetite for homegrown content among Chinese audiences. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional culture, fuelled by a sense of national pride and a desire for stories that reflect China’s unique heritage.
According to Shi Anbin, director of the Israel Epstein Center for Global Media and Communication at Tsinghua University, films like ‘Ne Zha 2’ and video games like “Black Myth: Wukong” are part of a broader cultural renaissance in which ancient tales are reimagined through a modern lens.
Largely driven by ‘Ne Zha 2’, China’s box office revenue during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday hit a record high, injecting
much-needed optimism into the country’s film industry, which faced a challenging year in 2024 when earnings dropped 23 percent from 2023 and 34 percent from the pre-pandemic peak in 2019.
Beyond its domestic success, ‘Ne Zha 2’ is poised to serve as a cultural bridge, offering global audiences a glimpse into China’s rich mythology and traditions. The film has already opened in Australia and New Zealand as well as in North America.
“It blew my mind,” said Sheila Sofian, a professor at the University of Southern California and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, lauding the film for its production design, sound design and music, in a video interview shared by China Media Group.
Highlighting the film’s universal themes, she added, “We could all connect with them.”
NDMA enhances cybersecurity awareness countrywide
AS Guyana embraces digital advancements, the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) has organised several training sessions to raise awareness about cybersecurity. A notable event took place at the Ministry of Labour on February 14, 2025, where 25 staff members underwent a comprehensive one-day Cybersecurity Awareness Training, equipping them to combat cybersecurity threats and uphold best practices in data protection and IT security.
The training session, held in the ministry’s boardroom, aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of cybersecurity and equip them with essential skills to safeguard government networks against increasingly sophis-
ticated cyber threats. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness among its workforce.
Participants benefitted from expert-led presentations and interactive workshops covering critical topics such as cyber-threat detection, prevention strategies, and risk-assessment methodologies. The Ministry of Labour reported that the sessions provided practical insights into the latest policies and tools necessary for securing vital digital assets.
The ministry remains committed to strengthening its cybersecurity framework and ensuring that staff members are well equipped to address evolving digital security challenges. In addition to this training, the NDMA has been
Ministry of Labour staff during cybersecurity awareness training actively engaged in several hinterland communities, conducting Cybersecurity and e-Services training to empower residents.
With increased access to reliable internet and enhanced
Neglect identified as most prevalent form of
skills to navigate the digital landscape confidently, residents of these communities are now better equipped to engage with on-line government services, on-line learning, and economic opportunities. The
child abuse in Guyana
- says Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud
MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security
Dr Vindhya Persaud has emphasised that neglect is one of the most prevalent forms of abuse in Guyana. Her comments came as she addressed the urgent issue of child abuse and the ministry’s ongoing efforts to combat all forms of violence against children, including initiatives aimed at supporting families as a whole.
During a press conference last weekend, Minister Persaud detailed the various aspects of abuse, including neglect, physical abuse and emotional abuse, identifying neglect as the most significant concern. This realisation emerged from the ministry’s “Street Light Programme,” launched two years ago to remove children from the streets and provide comprehensive support to their families. She explained that the programme has not only helped to remove children from harmful environments, but has also focused on family empowerment by offering employment opportunities, counselling, and educational support to prevent the recurrence of neglect.
The Child Care and Protection Agency, operating under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, is tasked with overseeing child welfare across Guyana. Minister Persaud highlighted
that the agency’s operations are governed by the 2009 Act dedicated to child protection. Over the past four years, the agency has adopted an overarching theme called “Every Child Safe,” which focuses on child placement and enhancing service delivery.
ficers in Guyana, stating that there are currently 48 officers distributed across the regions. In cases involving sexual abuse, the government has heavily subsidised Child Advocacy Centres in partnership with organisations such as ChildLink and Blossom Inc.
inary training in India and that efforts are underway to equip the Hope and Justice Centre in Region Three with the necessary tools for modern forensic interviews.
The minister stressed the importance of continued training for officers, as the
The minister outlined several initiatives the ministry has implemented, including a parenting programme that provides parents with a manual and workbook on effective parenting techniques. She noted that this programme is still in its early stages, but aims to equip parents with the skills needed to raise children and address various child-care challenges.
Minister Persaud also pointed out the need for more child care and protection of-
This year alone, Blossom Inc. received over $10 million, contributing to a combined government subvention exceeding $130 million for both agencies to operate these centres nationwide.
Additionally, Minister Persaud announced an ongoing Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) project aimed at establishing a state-owned forensic-interview unit in Guyana. She revealed that several officers have received prelim-
state currently lacks the capability for these specialised interviews.
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is committed to ongoing collaboration with the Child Advocacy Centres to review protocols and identify gaps in service delivery. Minister Persaud reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to addressing child abuse and improving the welfare of children across Guyana.
NDMA emphasises its commitment to ensuring that no community is excluded, as Guyana moves towards a more connected and digitally empowered future.
As the nation continues its digital transformation, initiatives such as these highlight the importance of cybersecurity awareness and preparedness in protecting government infrastructure and services.
Four charged in armed robbery of Chinese nationals - placed on $1.9M bail each
FOUR men have been formally charged in connection with an alleged Robbery Under Arms incident involving five Chinese nationals at Republic Park, East Bank Demerara.
The robbery, which took place on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, targeted Liu Bo, Chaung Yang, Wei Han, Qiao Peng Deng, and Gary Mitchell.
The accused are Andra Stewart, a 24-year-old unemployed resident of Guyhoc Park, Georgetown; Nya John, a 25-year-old wash bay operator from Plum Park, Georgetown; Negus Lamaizon, a 28-year-old clothes vendor of Durban Street, Lodge; and Matthew Jahlu, a 29-year-old porter from Howes Street, Charlestown.
They were arrested on the same day of the alleged
crime and were subsequently charged on Monday with five counts of Robbery Under Arms, contrary to Section 222(C) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01
The four men appeared on Monday before His Worship Mr . Bess at the Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court, where all five charges were read to them. They each pleaded ‘Not Guilty’ to the charges.
The accused were granted bail set at $1,920,000 each, with strict conditions attached to their release. These include: Reporting to the CID Headquarters on Vlissengen Road every Friday, except when required to attend court; surrendering their passports to the authorities.
The matter has been adjourned until April 10, 2025, for further proceedings.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud with Department heads/ representatives of the ministry
Negus Lamaizon Nya John
Andra Stewart Matthew Jahlu
Guyana’s coconut sector flourishes:
By Cindy Parkinson-Chowbay
WITH coconut proving to be one of the most profitable crops in Guyana and globally, Ricky Roopchand, Managing Director of Hope Coconut Industry, has announced a significant milestone for the local coconut industry. One of the first batches of Brazilian Green Dwarf seedlings, imported into Guyana in December 2022, is set to begin production this year, marking a major step forward in the country’s agricultural development.
In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Roopchand expressed satisfaction with the positive feedback received from coconut farmers who have planted the Brazilian Green Dwarf Coconut and eagerly anticipate its production. Due to overwhelming demand, the nurseries are currently out of stock of these high-yielding seedlings. As a result, additional seed nuts have been ordered from Brazil and are expected to arrive in April 2025 to replenish the nurseries.
“Coconut is part of the food chain, and all of us are interconnected, regardless of the sector we work in. Whether it is energy, food production , or oil and gas, we must all contribute to our respective fields. Farmers in Guyana are now in a prime position to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the government,” Roopchand stated.
While acknowledging the economic benefits of the oil industry, Roopchand emphasised the importance of agriculture as a sustainable source of income. “Oil is flowing now, but we cannot solely depend on it, as it is a finite resource. Agriculture, on the other hand, is here to stay, and it is satisfying to see our progress in this field,” he added.
The coconut industry has already achieved its
goal of cultivating 1,000 acres in 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, Roopchand revealed plans to expand production to 2,000 acres to meet the increasing demand for high-yielding coconuts.
To support this expansion, the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), and Hope Estate are collaborating to import additional seed nuts from overseas.
he explained.
Most of these seed nuts will be sourced from Brazil, as the Brazilian Green Dwarf Coconut is in high demand and has performed exceptionally well under Guyana ’s climatic conditions.
The introduction of the Brazilian Green Dwarf Coconut is expected to drive intensive research and significantly impact the local coconut industry. This was
Ricky Roopchand, Managing Director of Hope Coconut Estate, along with one of the beneficiaries of Region Five, Scott Frazer, and his Brazilian Green Dwarf Coconut plant that is set for production this year.
Currently, Guyana faces a limited supply of seed nuts due to the high demand for coconut water. Roopchand disclosed that efforts are underway to source approximately 120,000 seed nuts, both locally and internationally, to meet industry needs.
“To produce 100,000 seedlings for 2025 , spanning the allocated 2,000 acres of land, we need 120,000 seed nuts to account for a 20 percent loss after germination,”
has become increasingly lucrative on the global market. He described the latest advancements as a potential “game changer” for the industry, especially given the current trajectory of the non-traditional agricultural sector in Guyana.
The minister further elaborated on the benefits of the Brazilian Green
Dwarf Coconut, describing it as a “three-year, highbreed coconut ” with the capacity to produce copra, water, and oil. This development has reignited interest in coconut farming, attracting both experienced cultivators and a new generation of young farmers eager to participate in the agricultural sector.
As Guyana continues to strengthen its position in the international coconut community, the expansion of coconut cultivation and the introduction of high-yielding varieties promise a bright future for the industry, ensuring long-term economic growth and sustainability.
highlighted by Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, Country Representative for the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) Jhaman Kundun, and General Manager of Hope Estate, Ricky Roopchand, in their discussion with the Guyana Chronicle. Minister Mustapha underscored the growing significance of coconut cultivation , stating that the crop
GNBS to showcase impact at Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo 2025
THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is poised to make a significant impact at the upcoming annual Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, scheduled for February 18 – 21, 2025. The Bureau has emphasised its commitment to supporting Guyana’s rapidly expanding energy sector by ensuring quality, accuracy, and conformance across various industries.
As Guyana experiences rapid industrial and economic growth, the GNBS will actively promote its essential services, including Calibration and Testing, Training and Technical Assistance, and Standards Development, during the conference. These offerings are vital for maintaining industry excellence and helping businesses achieve internationally recognised standards.
One of the GNBS’s core services, calibration, is crucial for local companies, testing facilities, and medical laboratories. This service guarantees that measuring instruments provide precise and traceable results, particularly vital in the oil and gas sector, where accuracy directly impacts operational safety and efficiency. The GNBS’s calibration services also help companies comply with regulatory requirements, thereby enhancing consumer confidence in products and services.
In addition to calibration, the GNBS will highlight its
Training and Technical Assistance services, designed to help businesses understand and effectively implement quality standards. Whether in manufacturing, energy, or healthcare, the Bureau provides expert guidance aimed at improving operational efficiency and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Standards Development will be another key focus at the conference. The GNBS collaborates with industry stakeholders to develop and adopt international and national standards, ensuring that Guyana’s industries remain competitive and aligned with global best practices. Stakeholders attending the event will have the opportunity to engage with the GNBS on critical standards for development and adoption.
The Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo offers a unique platform for businesses and professionals to engage with the GNBS and ex -
plore how its services can enhance their operations. Attendees are encouraged to visit the GNBS booth to learn more about the Bureau’s contributions to Guyana’s industrial development and its ongoing efforts to foster a culture of quality and precision. The GNBS remains steadfast in its mission to promote the National Quality Infrastructure and related services, supporting Guyana’s economic transformation. Its participation in this prestigious event reaffirms the Bureau’s commitment to ensuring that businesses and industries operate with the highest level of efficiency and reliability. For further information, individuals can contact the GNBS at telephone numbers 219-0064 – 66 or via WhatsApp at 692-4627. More details can also be found on the GNBS website: www. gnbsgy.org.
Guyana to celebrate 55th Republic Day with festivities in New York
AS preparations begin for the celebration of Republic Day 2025, the government of Guyana has announced a series of activities in New York, USA, to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. The Consulate General of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in New York released a statement outlining these activities, which aim to highlight the country’s rich heritage, national development, tourism, natural beauty and cultural and religious diversity.
will be aired on four giant screens at Times Square, 1552 Broadway, starting at 12:01 a.m. on the anniversary date. The video will be shown three times an hour, 24 hours a day until March 1, 2025, ensuring that the heart of New York City radiates with Guyanese pride during this significant time of year. The display symbolises the resilience and unity of the Guyanese people and showcases the country on one of the world’s most renowned platforms
On February 23, 2025, Consul General Ambassa -
A senior government representative will be present in New York to participate in these commemorative events, including a special visual display honouring the Republic Anniversary. This display
dor Michael Brotherson and Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, will collaborate with the Guyana Cultural Association of New
York Inc. to host a Republic Anniversary Interfaith Church Service at St Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, New York, beginning at 3:00 p.m. This gathering will unite members of the diaspora, New York State and City officials , and members of the diplomatic and consular corps. The service will be followed by a reception and cultural presentation.
In addition, the Consulate General has arranged for the Mid-Hudson Bridge in Poughkeepsie, New York, to be illuminated in the colours of the Golden Arrowhead from sunset on February 23, 2025, to sunrise on February 24, 2025. This lighting serves as a significant symbolic gesture, underscoring the presence of the Guyanese diaspora across the State of New York, including areas outside of the five boroughs of New York City.
The Consulate General expresses gratitude to the Guyanese community for its ongoing commitment to national development and cultural preservation. The 55th Republic Anniversary is not only a celebration of Guyana’s past and present, but also a reaffirmation of the collective vision for a future defined by progress, prosperity, and unity.
Hand-in-Hand backs...
(FROM PAGE 25) al tennis tournaments.
Hand-in-Hand, an AM Best Rated insurer, has donated to cover Hickerson's travel, accommodation, and training expenses for the Atletico Madrid training camp in April 2025.
The company said the sponsorship reflects its commitment to youth development and supporting national representation on the world stage.
"As a company deeply rooted in Guyana's progress, we are delighted to support Zion on his journey to excellence," said Brandon Singh, Marketing Supervisor at Hand-inHand. "His talent and hard work embody the spirit of perseverance, and we are confident he will continue to make Guyana proud."
Hand-in-Hand wished Hickerson well as he embarks on this next step
Zion Hickerson (right) receives the sponsorship from Brandon Singh, Marketing Supervisor at Hand-in-Hand
in his athletic career, hoping to inspire other young Guyanese to pursue their dreams.
(Tuesday, February 18, 2025)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) PAK & IND (2) IND
Today’s Quiz: (1) Who copped the Man of the Match award in the Champions Trophy final 2017? (2) Who was declared Man of the Tournament? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
Champions Trophy - A critical test for ODI cricket
and Pakistan as hosts
By Andrew Fidel Fernando
So cricket woke up and decided it had better host a Champions Trophy.
Don't panic. This is not abnormal. Some global tournaments are anticipated for years. Great stories are trotted out, legendary rivalries are expounded upon, and the good times reminisced. This one feels like it's been hashed together.
But if the place hosting it provides any example, that doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing.
We know why we are all here, of course. Cricket is between men's World Cup years. Only the World Test Championship final sits on the books for 2025 as a pinnacle event, and there were eyeballs to be squeezed for every paisa/cent/penny they were worth, and sponsors eyeing the ICC from across the marketplace. What sort of rubes would the game's stewards be if they were going to leave all that money on the table? If 2025 was holding the cricket economy
back, the Champions Trophy is a whack of the goatherd's stick on the backside of this dawdling animal.
The tournament has been sowing its beautiful chaos as far back in time as October 2023. Back then, it was suddenly confirmed by the ICC that final league positions in the men's World Cup were going to determine qualification for the Champions Trophy, which was a surprise to at least two teams, possibly more, and sparked frantic efforts to avoid finishing in the bottom two.
Since then, the build-up has been enlivened by geopolitical standoffs, harried inter-board communications, confusing press statements, political grandstanding, pragmatic backtracking, and extraordinary anxiety over whether venues will be ready in time, which astute readers will recognise as the time-honoured hallmark of any big sporting event held in a developing nation.
Pakistan has the potential to frame all this chaos and at the end of the tournament
‒ there have been several hurdles and setbacks on the journey to Karachi, but the Champions Trophy is finally here
hand it back to cricket as a valuable collector's item.
But it also has the potential to deliver a disaster, who knows? Only Pakistan would find itself in a situation in which it is simultaneously celebrating the return of a global tournament to their nation, while simultaneously enduring the shame of being dictated to by India's oversized cricket economy.
That Pakistan are defending champions of a trophy that no one has contested for roughly seven-and-a-half years is also a lovely touch
Kane Williamson signs two-year contract with Middlesex
FORMER New Zealand captain, Kane Williamson, has put pen to paper with Middlesex on a two-year contract from the upcoming 2025 English summer. He will play for the London-based club in the T20 Blast and the County Championship, being his third county stint after featuring for Gloucestershire between 2011-12 and Yorkshire between 2013-2018.
Williamson will be available for at least 10 of the 14 group fixtures for Middlesex during the T20 Blast and shall also be available for at least five County Championship games in the second half of the season. Before this, Williamson shall also play for the London Spirit in the Hundred making Lord's Cricket Home from May to the end of September.
Middlesex finished third in Division Two of the County Championship in 2024 and will aim to fight for promotion now that they are united with Williamson. They fared poorly
Kane Williamson
in the Vitality Blast as they finished eighth out of the nine teams in the South Group.
Williamson was delighted to have signed with Middlesex and described the club as having 'rich heritage'. He was looking forward to playing County cricket after a number of years in England.
"I've played a bit of county cricket in the past, but not for a number of years now, so when this opportunity arose with Middlesex it was a really exciting prospect.
"To be able to play for Middlesex - a fine club with a rich heritage - is really exciting and something that I'm really looking forward to being a part of. To play at Lord's, the Home of Cricket - which is one of my favourite grounds in the world for so many different reasons - is something I'm especially looking forward to also."
Alan Coleman, the Director of Cricket at Middlesex, felt that securing the services of Williamson as a real coup and was eager to witness the positive impact he would have on the squad.
"We are hugely excited about Kane joining Middlesex this summer and are looking forward to him making a positive impact in both our Blast and Championship campaigns.
"To have secured one of the most talented players in the world game is a real coup, and we can't wait to welcome him to Lord's and to see him heading out with the three Seaxes on his chest.
(Cricbuzz)
by the cricketing gods. No team has historically brought all of cricket's contradictions and weirdness to full bloom like Pakistan.
Teams have generally found ways to shoehorn practice ODI matches into the lead-up to this tournament, which tells its own story. You suspect that if the ICC got to make the schedule all over again, it might prefer one in which the Champions Trophy is a T20I tournament, and the ODI World Cup is the between-years filler. In the
post-COVID world, ODIs are the format teams have to remind themselves how to play in the approach to a global event. Some players, like Marcus Stoinis, have decided that 50 overs is a lot of bother.
Australia is again the winningest men's team on the planet, with an ODI World Cup and Test Championship to its name, with another Test final to contest in June. They've been cool on this tournament, but did still go to the bother of organising two ODIs against Sri Lanka as de-facto practice games. There is more heat on other teams, though. India would love to impose themselves in ODIs, as they lick their wounds over not making the Test final. England are out to prove their white-ball golden years are still running hot, despite their crashing out of the last ODI World Cup. South Africa seems to have moved into their losing-in-the-final era, which somehow feels even less fulfilling than their
overlong and overwrought losing-in-the-semi-final era.
(Get a new gag, bros.)
On top of this, New Zealand wants to suggest they are not in decline, the Afghanistan men's team aim to further establish themselves as a white-ball force, Bangladesh seek their second trip into the semi-finals of a global tournament, and if Pakistan win this thing, we could be in for decade-defining euphoria.
Part of the fun of this Champions Trophy is that it is especially unclear what narratives will take hold. This is partly because it has been decades since ODI cricket has been this peripheral to cricket's consciousness, but there is also the further complication of our not knowing where the final will be played, or how geopolitics will shape the next few weeks. Then add to all of this the fact that Pakistan, which hosts most of the games, has in cricket tended to specialise in electric mischief. (ESPN Cricinfo)
Pooran, Pollard, Russell & Narine all retained by MLC franchises
SAN FRANCISCO, United States, (CMC) – WEST Indies T20 big hitters, Nicholas Pooran and Andre Russell, along with former players, Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine, have all been retained by their respective Major League Cricket (MLC) franchises.
However, Akeal Hosein, the number one ranked T20 bowler in the world, has been released by defending champions, Washington Freedom, and will be available to any team in the upcoming February 19 draft.
After a sensational 2024 where he scored the most runs in a calendar year in T20 cricket, Pooran was
retained by MI New York along with Pollard, while Narine and Russell were retained by the LA Knight Riders.
Pooran helped lead MI New York to the title in the tournament’s inaugural year in 2023, but they were eliminated in the playoffs by the Texas Super Kings in last year’s competition.
Pollard, Narine and Russell all endured a tough tournament in 2024.
Pollard scored just 63 runs in seven innings at an average of 12.60, Russell made just 129 runs and picked up two wickets in his six matches, while Narine scored 80 runs in 11 innings at an average of 4.50 and took five wickets at an economy rate of 6.20 in six innings.
Hand-in-Hand backs Zion Hickerson’s European tour
Pakistan is hosting an ICC tournament for the first time since 1996 (AFP/Getty) Images)
Nicholas Pooran has been retained by MI New York
GCUSA holds Level 1 match referee course
with participants after Day One of the course
Nixon replaces Chanderpaul as Falcons’ head coach
ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons have named Paul Nixon as their new head coach for the 2025 season of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Nixon, a former England wicketkeeper, replaces former West Indies batsman, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who was head coach during the 2024 tournament.
The 54-year-old has held several head coaching positions around the world and previously coached the Jamaica Tallawahs in the CPL.
“It is a great honour to accept the invitation to serve as head coach for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons this year.
“The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is a wonderful competition that has significantly benefited West Indian cricket. The CPL’s vibrant atmosphere, star-studded lineups, and high-quality entertainment have captivated audiences and sparked a renewed enthusiasm for the sport,” Nixon said in a statement.
general manager, Jeff Miller, welcomed Nixon to the franchise, and thanked Chanderpaul for his contribution.
They said in a joint statement: “We want to welcome Paul to the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons as we prepare for the 2025 Republic Bank CPL.
By Sean Devers
THE Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (GCUSA) held its first Match Referee Training Course at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue, on Sunday.
The two-day course was scheduled to be concluded yesterday.
The course commenced with welcoming remarks by Rayan Banwarie, President of Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (GCUSA), who welcomed everyone and indicated that it was the first
time a Level 1 Match Referee Course was being held in Guyana.
Banwarie stated that former Guyana and West Indies pacer, Reon King, was the only accredited Match Referee locally. He added that such resulted in a vacancy and a gap and, as a result, the course was launched.
Banwarie informed that the GCUSA was able to secure a partnership with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).
The GCUSA plans to hold Level-2 and 3 courses adding that Match Referees from this course will be used by the GCB for future
appointments at the Association and Inter-County levels.
He wished the participants well in the future and applauded their commitment to participating.
Meanwhile, the 22 participants on Sunday were told about the role and responsibility of being a Match Referee by Internationl Match referee, Reon King.
The former GCC, Guyana and West Indies fast bowler informed those in attendance of the Code of Conduct and Disciplinary procedures, Match management and Practical Case Studies.
Alfred, Charles take home top honours at Saint Lucia National Sports Awards
FOR the second year in a row, Julien Alfred and Johnson Charles were recognised by the St. Lucian Ministry of Youth Development and Sports as the country’s Senior Sports Personalities of the Year during the 2024 National Sports Awards Ceremony held at the Pavilion in Rodney Bay on Saturday evening.
Alfred enjoyed a phenomenal season last year that firmly etched her place in St. Lucian track and field history forever.
She took home the World Indoor 60m title before capturing Olympic gold and silver in the 100m and 200m, respectively, and finished off her year with a Diamond League title in the 100m.
The 2025 season has already seen the 23-year-old Ciceron native already establish new national records in the 300m short track and 400m
short track, signalling her readiness for an even bigger year in 2025.
Alfred was also awarded a $1 million cheque on Saturday that was a reward pledged to her last September by the Government of Saint Lucia.
Charles took home the male honour after a year in which he was one of the top-performing batsmen for the West Indies in the T20 International format. The 36-year-old also had good showings in franchise
cricket around the world, including a starring role as the Saint Lucia Kings won their maiden Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title.
Table Tennis star DeAndre Calderon took home the junior Sportsman title while the Junior Sportswoman title went to swimmer Fayth Jeffrey.
West Indies Men’s Head Coach, Daren Sammy, was named Coach of the Year. (Sportsmax)
Nixon said he was honoured to have been selected and hoped to lead the Falcons to success in this year’s competition.
Emrit warns
“Having achieved success with Jamaica previously, I eagerly anticipate a successful 2025 campaign, supported by great players and a first-class support staff.”
Kris Persaud, owner and founder of the Falcons, and
“He is an outstanding head coach with an excellent track record. We believe he will have a major impact and will bring his energy and enthusiasm to the Falcons family as we look to improve on last year’s performance.
“We also want to sincerely thank Shiv, an outstanding legend of West Indies cricket, for the work he did with the franchise.
Red Force of complacency during
WI Championship break
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago Red Force head coach, Rayad Emrit, wants his team to remain focused as they head into a three-week break from this year’s West Indies Championship.
The unbeaten Red Force has won two and drawn one match after three rounds, and currently occupy second position on 55.5 points, just behind leaders and defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles, who have 57.6 points.
While Emrit is pleased with his team’s performance in the tournament thus far, he has cautioned them about becoming complacent ahead
of their fourth-round match against the bottom-of-thetable West Indies Academy on March 5.
“It’s good to be where we are at this position of the tournament. We’re doing a lot of good things consistently and that’s the main focus.
“There’s not much room for complacency and we need to keep our foot on the gas and try to be as consistently good as possible,” Emrit said.
“Some of the guys have some work to do, so we’ll be working when we get back home.”
Emrit said he was impressed by the performances of batsman Jason Mohammed and spinners Khary Pierre and Yannic Cariah in
Ariel Masters crowned...
Fraser (23 with two sixes), Super Strickers, who lost wickets at regular intervals, were never up to the huge task. Safraz Haniff claimed two for 20, Manoj Arjune two for 41 while there was one wicket each for Kingston and Latif for 12 and 19 runs respectively.
In Saturday’s semi-finals, played at the Queen’s College ground, Ariel Masters made light work of Fisherman Masters with Latif clobbering 16 fours and five sixes in a brilliant 130 while Gittens hit an even half-century in their team’s total of 239 for six. Fisherman Masters, in reply, were restricted to 166 for five
when their overs expired.
the competition.
Mohammed is this year’s tournament’s leading run-scorer so far with 483 runs, inclusive of three centuries, while Pierre is the leading wicket-taker with 26 wickets.
However, Emrit confirmed that Mohammed has a niggle which he is hoping to recover from during the break.
“The batting, so far, has been exceptional.
“Cariah and Pierre have been doing excellent for us leading the bowling attack. These guys, day in, day out, they put in the work, so it’s not surprising to me that they’re reaping the rewards,” Emrit said.
(FROM PAGE 27)
The other game saw Super Strickers upstaging Regal Masters, winning with two balls to spare after chasing down 205. Ganesh Mangal led the way for the eventual winners with a fine 65 (six fours and four sixes).
Earlier, Regal Legends were bolstered by a robust 77 from Patrick Rooplall who struck four fours and six sixes and Ravi Singh who contributed a valiant undefeated 69 (seven fours and three sixes).
The winning Ariel Masters team carted off the first prize of $200,000 and a trophy while the runners-up
collected $50,000 and the runners-up trophy. All the trophies were sponsored by Trophy Stall through the generosity of its proprietor Ramesh Sunich.
Apart from Trophy Stall, the other sponsors included Regal Stationery & Computer Centre, Ofimak Office Supplies of Panama, of which Regal are the sole distributors of its office supplies, ARD YouTuber, Price Chopper, Khan’s Trading Enterprise, Elegance Jewelry & Pawn Shop, Terminex Pest Control – Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, Lucky Star Trading and Derick’s Variety Store.
Reon King (fourth from left sitting)
(Sean Devers photo)
Johnson Charles(left) and Julien Alfred
Former cyclists give fitting send off to cycling ambassador Aubrey ‘Gibby’ Gordon in New York
‘The wheels came off and Gordon was called home’ says cycling great Neville Hunte
By Joe Chapman
IN a fitting tribute to the recent death of Guyana’s cycling great, 67-year-old Aubrey ‘Gibby’ Gordon, a flurry of ringing endorsements were delivered as he was laid to rest. Several former cyclists converged at the Bergen Funeral Inc. in New York last Saturday to say a final farewell to Gordon.
Among those present were President of the Guyana Cycling Federation, Horace Burrowes; Gordon’s long-time coach and mentor, Victor Rutherford; former teammate, James ‘Joelyn’ Joseph, and, arguably, Guyana’s greatest pedal cyclist, Neville Hunte.
Hunte, the former outstanding National Champion, disclosed that he was doing the tribute on behalf of the cycling brothers and friends from around the world who sent condolences to Gordon’s family, while noting “Gibby was a Guyana Cycling racing champion, United States of America and World Masters cycling champion, who dedicated himself to cycling for over 50 years.”
Hunte said some of the tributes sent conveyed wonderful words of grief, condolences and much commentar-
ies about his warm personality and kindness.
Few of those commentaries Hunte read were, “Value Preferred Cycling CentreAubrey was a good and kind person. With his grace and determination, his legacy will forever be etched in our hearts and in our community.”
One former World Champion reportedly pointed out, “the Pennsylvania Cycling Committee was shocked big time. Aubrey was a respected friend, it’s a tough one to recover from.” Another opined, “I have raced Aubrey for over 50 years. Aubrey generally was nice, soft spoken and it was always a pleasure to see him at the big events.”
Hunte recalled some of the big events where Gordon rode for Guyana: “Pan Am Games in Mexico 1975, I was there with him; he was a young kid. The Goodwill Games in Moscow in 1979, Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984 and 1992 when he was Guyana’s flag bearer in Barcelona, Spain, United States of America National Champion on three occasions, World Masters Gold Medallist in Sydney, Australia in 2009.”
According to Hunte, “at 15 years old, the Danny Chee family encouraged his career; Chee’s mother bought him a
bike so that he would practise and race. At 17, because of his excellent performance, the Guyana Cycling Federation sent him as part of a cycling team to compete in a threeday cycling event. A lot of young cyclists from Guyana never went abroad but he did with us.”
Hunte pointed out, “this is Aubrey narrating now, not me. The 1975 trip to Barbados by Guyana was spearheaded by Neville Hunte who recorded a famous win against the world champion Daniel Morelon of France. It was a three-day championship with riders from all over the Caribbean and Europe and
America and we had a good team. In fact, we were declared champions of the Caribbean after that. When we returned here, we had a great reception and writeup in the newspapers. On a personal note, my two third place finishes were enough motivation to me, they were exposure to me I must say. More-so the great Neville Hunte told me I was a good rider and must continue to train hard, not to follow bad company and I fell in love with the sport.”
Hunte declared, “so when I saw the newspaper writeup 50 years after I felt dammed, after 50 years he remembered that? Aubrey got something
about me dammed! Over to Costco Optometry Department to have new glasses. He said I was great.”
Hunte had indeed beaten the then revered France’s revered World Sprint Champion, Daniel Morelon in the 2,000 metres clash at the Barbados held ‘International Cycling Meet’ at the National Stadium.
“Aubrey was a legend… he could not have done it without the support of his family and friends. He rode long, many miles, many countries. The wheels came off and Gordon was called home,” Hunte added.
Reached for a comment, one of the best cyclists ever from Guyana, Joelyn Joseph, who lives also in the United States, offered: “Aubrey was a good person, a fierce flawless competitor. Very team oriented and I am kind of upset not because of his death, but because of the sports people, present and past, they do not recognise Olympians like Aubrey and others.
“I don’t want you to honour anyone when they are dead. At the 2024 World Masters, he went with me, suit up and still showed the tenacity to compete. He never gave up, he was a true soldier.”
Florida-based former
champion cyclist and coach, Victor Rutherford, stated, “A life well lived, we have lost a major artery in the cycling body. RIP Champ!”
GCF president, Horace Burrowes, who was there, also had posted on social media, “Mr. Gordon’s remarkable legacy continue to inspire and motivate future generations of cyclists. Rest in peace dear friend, Mr. Aubrey Gordon.”
The long list of former cyclists who bade farewell to Gordon, included Neville and Cyril Hunte, Joelyn Joseph, Randolph Toussaint, Horace Burrowes, Wayne Henry, Byron and Bertram James , Geron Williams, Errol McLean, Scott Savory, Cecil Bernard, Danny Chee, Christmas Holder, Gordon Kennedy, Sammy Waterman, Johnny Joseph, Johnny Edgill, Johnny Creavalle, Christopher Chung Ten, Oscar Sandiford, Brenton Baker, Jaipaul, Raynauth Jeffrey, Philip Piggott, James Mason, Mark Wills, Claude Callender, Lester Reid, Keith Robertson, David Thong, George Romain, Myles Rogner , Peter Sue, Carl Nelson and Victor Rutherford.
The body of the late Gordon was laid to rest at the Pinelawn Memorial Park.
Ariel Masters crowned GSCL Republic Softball Over-40 champions
By Frederick Halley
PLAYING unbeaten throughout the three days of competition, the dominant Ariel Masters were crowned the Over40 champions when the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc. 2025 Republic T20 Softball Tournament, held in honour of Guyana’s 55th Republican status, ended at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary on Sunday.
The lop-sided 91-run victory over Super Strickers was engineered by three dazzling half-centuries from Chien Gittens (78), skipper Samuel Kingston (55) and Richard Latif (50). Asked to take first strike
by opposing captain Patrick Khan, Ariel Masters obliged with an imposing 230 for four in their allotted 20 overs as Super Strick -
ers bowlers wilted under the immense pressure. The daunting task proved too much for Super Strickers who were shut out for 139 in 15 overs.
Ariel Masters were given a flying start by Kingston and Asif Ali (19), the pair adding 42 in a mere three overs before the latter was dismissed. The onslaught continued with Kington and Gittens sharing a second-wicket partnership of 63 in six overs.
Looking to further up the tempo, Kingston skied a catch to cover to end his fine
innings which contained six fours and three sixes. There was no respite for the Super Strickers bowlers with the arrival of “Mr Cricket,” Latif. Together with Gittens, they flayed the hapless bowlers to all parts of the Eve Leary ground, sharing a third wicket stand of 101 before both were dismissed, hunting quick runs in the dying stages of the innings, Gittens’ 78 was decorated with six fours and three sixes while Latif’s knock was spiced with three fours and five sixes. Wazir Majeed took two for 29. Despite spirited knocks from Latchman Beharry who hit 30 with two fours and three sixes and Keith
(TURN TO PAGE 26)
Leading the pall bearers, at left, James Joelyn Joseph and at right Victor Rutherford
The victorious Ariel Masters players pose with their winnings
Player of the match, Chien Gittens collects his trophy from Shevon Khan, a representative of Regal Stationery & Computer Centre
STEPH Curry claimed the Kobe Bryant MVP trophy and led Shaq's OGs to the All-Star title at Chase Center in San Francisco.
The NBA rolled out a new format with four teams, each coached by a legend, competing in a single-elimination tournament as two semi-finals and a championship game.
Curry, 36, scored 12 points in the final to seal a 41-25 victory against Chuck's Global Stars.
"I had a lot of fun," Curry said.
"The intensity was definitely different than last year, a step in
the right direction. It's something new, everybody is still trying to figure it out."
Four-time NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal coached the winning team, with two-time NBA winner, Kenny Smith, 11-time All-Star Charles Barkley and threetime WNBA champion Candace Parker in charge of the other three sides.
Curry ended the competition with 20 points in total, having scored eight points in the 42-35 semi-final win against Candace's Rising Stars.
The Golden State Warriors
Curry wins MVP and leads Shaq's OGs to All-Star title
point guard is the 15th player in NBA history to win the All-Star MVP on more than one occasion.
New format receives mixed reviews
The 2024 All-Star game drew criticism with both teams combining to score 397 points in Indianapolis and organisers were hoping a new format might help to bring back a competitive edge.
Aside from making it a mini-tournament with semi-finals and final, one of the key changes was games being played on a first-to-40-points basis rather than across four quarters.
MVP Curry was among those to praise the NBA for trying something new.
"I think it was a good step in the right direction to reinvigorate the game in some way," Curry said.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard was also on the winning side and echoed the thoughts of Curry.
"I think they're just looking for a more competitive game and trying to find ways to create that and it was a little bit more competitive than they have been the last few years," Lillard said.
"That's the number one thing,
Unbeaten Guyana unable to progress at FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers
THE National Under-17 football team wrapped up their Concacaf U-17 Qualifiers with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the British Virgin Islands in Costa Rica on Sunday evening.
The draw leaves the team unbeaten in the group stage. They boast one win and three draws, a testament to their determination in a challenging group that included Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago.
Their impressive performances saw them remain undefeated against both powerhouses, marking a historic milestone for U-17 football in Guyana.
Against BVI, Jaden Harris put
Guyana ahead in the 53rd minute, but Luca Stuttard's late equaliser in added time denied them a final victory.
Despite the team's slim hopes of advancing, the Junior Jaguars’ spirited display highlights their progress.
Meanwhile, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Haiti earned their spot for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar this November.
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has credited the team's success to its partnership with Spanish club, Racing Madrid. The partnership saw the appointment of head coach, Marco Bonofiglio and a new technical staff.
Reflecting on the team's journey,
Bonofiglio expressed immense pride: “Going undefeated in a tournament of this magnitude and making history for Guyana is no small feat.
They showed heart, resilience, and belief in each other every step of the way. While we fell just short of advancing, this journey has set a new standard for Guyanese football."
Federation president, Wayne Forde, expressed gratitude to President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali for his unwavering support, emphasising, “These young men have put in tremendous effort over the past months and have truly shown us what is possible through hard work and determination.”
to provide the entertainment and competitiveness on the floor, and I thought it was a little bit more of that."
However, Curry's Golden State Warriors team-mate Draymond Green, who was working as a television analyst for the event, was critical of change.
Asked to rate it on a scale, Green said, "Ten being the best? A zero. It sucks. Awful."
"You work all year to be an All-Star and you get to play up to 40 (points) and then you're done,'" Green added on TNT. (BBC Sport)
Steph Curry has been an NBA All-Star on 11 occasions
Team Guyana showed lots of potential at the CONCACAF U-17 qualifiers