Region’s crime-fighting capabilities get timely boost
- with passage of landmark Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record bill
THE National Assembly, on Friday, passed the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (APIPN R) Bill, establishing a central database to enable CARICOM member states to share information on passengers and cargo transiting the region.
The legislation also aims to address transnational organised crime across the Caribbean. The bill was developed by the legislative committee of the Caribbean Community (CAR-
ICOM) to strengthen multilateral co-operation and regional security.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, noted that crime remains one of the major challenges facing the region. He pointed out that CARICOM Heads of Government have identified crime as a critical priority.
Nandlall explained that the legislation provides for the collection, transmission, sharing, storage and regulation
of advanced passenger information and passenger name records for individuals travelling to, departing from, or transiting through Guyana. It also operationalises the CARICOM Advance Passenger Crew Information System.
With increasing passenger traffic through regional ports, the Attorney General emphasised the importance of robust border security measures.
“It is therefore necessary that our countries in CARICOM have stringent border security laws which can prevent our countries from being exploited by terrorists and our criminal enemies,” he told the house.
He described the bill
as a vital tool in the fight against serious crimes, including drug trafficking, terrorism, and other forms of transnational organised crime.
The Advanced Passenger Information (API) system enables immigration, customs and other authorities to identify persons of interest before their arrival or departure. The Passenger Name Record (PNR) includes information provided by travellers and collected by airlines or vessel operators.
“Like API, the collection of this information is useful to law enforcement to detect, intercept and investigate criminal activity. With this information, law enforcement will be able
to analyse passengers and to detect any criminal activity,” he said.
He also assured that the bill contains strong safeguards for confidentiality.
The Attorney General added that preparations are underway for implementation, including the development of infrastructure to support the recently enacted Data Protection legislation.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, also supported the bill, stressing that it imposes no undue burdens on airlines and aligns Guyana with internationally accepted best practices.
He said the bill facilitates smoother airport
operations, reduces confusion among carriers and enhances Guyana’s reputation as a secure and internationally engaged destination.
“The bill allows the relevant authorities to screen passengers before they arrive in a country, identify potential security threats early, and prevent unlawful acts of civil aviation apparatus throughout the world…This bill fits neatly with our internationa l conventions,” Minister Indar said.
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, echoed his support, noting that the bill also ensures the protection of the information collected.
Opposition MP Khemraj Ramjattan endorsed the legislation and welcomed its privacy protections.
“I want you to commend the fact that we have a bill that supports all the conventions that we are obliged to attend to. This l do measure up to the standards of those…” he added.
This bill proposes to replace the region’s current framework, which is outdated and inefficient in key areas, with a more modern and robust legislative framework.
(DPI)
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall S.C
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar
Border controversy… India ready to support Guyana, urges respect for ICJ process
- amidst Venezuela’s aggression
By Shaniya Harding
INDIA has expressed strong support for a peaceful resolution to the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, underscoring the need for adherence to international law and the ongoing proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In a recent media engagement on Saturday, the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. Amit Telang, emphasised India’s position of non-interference, while affirming solidarity with Guyana as a strategic partner.
“We are very closely following the developments. We are maintaining a constant dialogue with the Government of Guyana,” the High Commissioner said when asked about India’s response to Venezuela’s continued claims to Guyana’s Essequibo region, a territory that compris-
es over two-thirds of Guyana.
The High Commissioner reaffirmed India’s trust in the ICJ, where the border case is currently being heard, and supported Guyana’s decision to resolve the controversy through international mechanisms.
“The matter is already in the International Court of Justice. The Government of Guyana has provided its position already in the ICJ. The matter is under consideration in the ICJ and I think Government of Guyana has already made it clear that they will respect whatever judgement would come from ICJ,” he said.
Venezuela, however, has continuously disregarded the provisions of the court.
The Spanish-speaking nation recently announced that it intends to hold elections in Guyana’s Essequibo
region. The Venezuelan election plan, set to be executed on May 25, 2025, is seen as a violation of the Court’s Order and international law.
Earlier this month, the ICJ unanimously reaffirmed the provisional measures granted in December 2023 and told Venezuela that it must refrain from conducting, or preparing to conduct, elections in the Essequibo region.
The Essequibo region has been the subject of a decades-old territorial claim by Venezuela, which intensified in recent years and led to controversial statements from Venezuela in its attempt to assert control over Guyana’s sovereign territory.
In response to these developments, the High Commissioner also referenced the Argyle Declaration signed in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in Decem-
ber of 2023, during a meeting brokered by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves between Presidents Irfaan Ali and Nicolás Maduro. The declaration called for dialogue and a commitment to peace.
“Our position is that they should strictly abide with that declaration, and avoid taking any actions which are against the spirit of the declaration which includes of course also the election,” he said.
Asked whether India would offer direct support to Guyana in the event of aggression or escalation by Venezuela, the High Commissioner said the nature of India’s assistance would depend on the request from the Guyanese government.
“It depends on what kind of support the Government of Guyana wants from us. And as I said, we are constantly in touch, we keep talking to the authori-
ties in the Government of Guyana, and when that type of situation happens and Government of Guyana approaches us, yes we will continue to support Guyana,” he shared.
He declined to speculate on military or diplomatic interventions, reiterating that India respects Guyana’s sov-
ereign decisions and is prepared to assist in accordance with its needs.
“Let us wait and as I said, we respect the position of the Government of Guyana and we will let the Government of Guyana come to us. Once support is requested, India is ready to support,” the High Commissioner said.
India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. Amit Telang (Japheth Savory Photo)
Fire destroys East Ruimveldt Community Centre
- Mayor Mentore confirms building was insured; no financial records lost
Saturday afternoon saw a fire that severely damaged the East Ruimveldt Community Centre, a facility that had been inactive for the last few years.
Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore confirmed to that the building, which previously
housed a nursery school, was being used for storage purposes and was not in active use at the time of the incident.
According to eyewitnesses at the scene, emergency services were alerted by people living nearby to the fire around 5:30.pm. Three
fire trucks, two from the Guyana Fire Service Headquarters and one from the West Ruimveldt station, responded to the call.
Mentore while speaking to the reporters at the scene confirmed that while the building had been closed since the
actually bring back some people here to deal with it after COVID, to benefit staff and the community,” he stated.
Fortunately, Mayor Mentore confirmed that no financial or sensitive records were stored at the location at the time of the fire.
onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, plans were underway to repurpose the facility for community use.
“We were going to
“I just confirmed with the Treasurer that it’s not financial information. That is very critical to the government, especially since we are
finalising parts of our audit,” he explained.
He said any records previously retrieved by the accounting firm during audits had come from a different location.
While the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, Mentore expressed concern and called for a thorough investigation.
“It’s one of those situations where we don’t have all the answers at this time,” he said.
Security had been stationed at the property during certain hours, but the mayor said it is uncertain whether that was maintained at the time of the fire.
He emphasised the importance of reviewing security measures and confirmed that CCTV cameras will be considered moving forward.
“We will do all that we can do,” he assured, adding, “Whatever the investigation turns out to provide, we will definitely look at addressing it.”
Importantly, the
building is insured. “We just even paid the insurance up to date,” Mentore said, noting that the city had recently requested a revaluation of several buildings to ensure adequate coverage.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, Mayor Mentore reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability.
According to sources at the scene, emergency services were alerted by people living nearby to the fire around 5:30.pm. Three fire trucks, two from the Guyana Fire Service Headquarters and one from the West Ruimveldt station, responded to the call (Japheth Savory photo)
Mayor of Georgetown Alfred Mentore speaking to reporters at the fire scene on Saturday afternoon (Japheth Savory photo)
Magistrate signals tougher action as Brutus’ wife remains abroad
- amidst ongoing money laundering case
THE prolonged absence of Adonika Aulder, who is jointly charged with her husband, former Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus, in a major money laundering case, drew sharp criticism from both the prosecution and the bench during a Friday hearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Aulder, 26, who was granted court permission in December 2024 to travel to the United States for medical reasons linked to her pregnancy, has yet to return to the jurisdiction five months later.
Despite assurances that she would be back after giving birth in March 2025, she has instead participated in proceedings virtually, citing continued delays, first due to pregnancy complications and now to the ongoing process of acquiring a US passport for her newborn.
Prosecutor David Brathwaite told Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty that the State is “very much concerned” about Aulder’s continued absence from the jurisdiction.
“Today [Friday] is the 16th [of May]—it is approximately five months that the co-accused has not returned to the jurisdiction. This is in direct breach of the court’s direction and the leniency of this court, madam,” Brathwaite said to Magistrate McGusty.
He noted that Aulder faces two indictable counts of money laundering and emphasised that her physical presence is essential for the proceedings to move forward.
“As far as the prosecution is aware, the matters cannot proceed in the absence of Aulder,” the prosecutor said.
This prompted Brathwaite to inquire about the court’s stance on Aulder’s continued absence.
Aulder, appearing virtually, explained that her baby’s passport application was still being processed
and that she had no option but to wait for it to be mailed.
She said: “The last time I checked, the passport was still being processed. So, I’ll give it the six weeks and see if it will reach the home or if I’ll have to check back.”
Aulder maintained that the document must be mailed to her, as there is no option for in-person collection.
The prosecutor argued that the delay in passport processing was unusually long under normal circumstances. He requested that the breach be formally noted by the court.
Attorney Brathwaite said: “I just want the court to make a note that Miss Aulder is in breach in excess of five months. I know that she has a peculiar condition. In light of the charges against the accused person, the prosecution would like to know what measures would be taken in the event Miss Aulder does not return.”
Magistrate McGusty, while agreeing to allow the full six-week extension previously granted, warned that the court would not tolerate indefinite delays.
“I did mention there was another option, and I was begged not to consider that option. I really hope I don’t have to. But if I have to, I will,” she said pointedly.
In addition to Aulder’s absence, the court also heard complaints from Brutus,
45, about the prosecution’s failure to disclose key documents — most notably the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Welfare Fund book — despite the charges being filed since November 2024.
Brutus, an attorney-at-law, argued that without it, his legal team could not prepare an adequate defence. Prosecutor Brathwaite responded that while all available statements had been disclosed, the Welfare Fund book was not in the prosecution’s possession.
Magistrate McGusty clarified that if the prosecution does not possess a document, it falls to the defence to obtain and present it independently.
The matter has been ad-
journed to July 2, 2025, at 11:00 hrs for case management and written submissions on the mode of trial.
The prosecution is seeking for the matters to proceed indictably, which could initiate a paper committal process under the Criminal Law Procedure (Paper Committals) Act, set to take effect on June 1, 2025.
Brutus is currently facing over 200 criminal charges in relation to financial misconduct involving more than $800 million. Brutus and his co-accused—including his wife, Police Sergeant Kevin George, and businessman Asif Zafarally—are facing serious allegations, including money laundering, which, if proven, could result in lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines.
Prosecutors alleged Brutus used his position as acting Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) to divert public funds into questionable projects, with a significant portion allegedly redirected for personal gain.
Police said investigations revealed that Brutus and his wife acquired substantial funds through unlawful means, which they
then attempted to disguise in multiple bank accounts.
Of this amount, $300 million is associated with properties and other assets belonging to Brutus and his wife. The remaining $500 million has been frozen in several bank accounts belonging to Brutus, his wife, their businesses, and their four-year-old son.
Charges were recommended for the accused persons by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions following an extensive probe by Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).
Brutus has maintained his innocence, asserting that the charges are fabricated. He has maintained
that the money in question represented his savings accumulated over the years, as well as wedding and holiday gifts from family and friends.
Brutus has been released on bail amounting to over $16 million, while his co-accused have also posted substantial cash bail. As part of their bail conditions, they are required to report to the police regularly and surrender their passports to the court.
Brutus was dismissed from the GPF by the Police Service Commission (PSC) in February 2025, marking the end of his more than 25 years of service.
Calvin Brutus and his wife, Adonika Aulder
Attorney-at-Law
David Brathwaite
Acting Chief Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty
A Sacred Duty Beyond Politics
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s unequivocal declaration that the defence of Guyana is not optional, but a solemn national duty and the highest form of patriotism, comes at a critical juncture for our nation.
In the face of escalating provocations and armed attacks by Venezuelan civilians along our western border, this stance is both timely and necessary. It's a plain-spoken declaration that to maintain our territorial integrity is above political
expediency-or partisan opportunism-it's a sense of responsibility shared by all Guyanese citizens.
The recent attacks on Guyana Defence Force (GDF) patrols in the Cuyuni River area indicate the gravity of the threat that is caused by Venezuela's consistent refusal to abide by international law.
Venezuela's attempts to illegitimately occupy the Essequibo Region, constitute a direct defiance of the International Court of Justice's
(ICJ) binding orders and the peace and stability of our region.
President Ali’s condemnation of Venezuela’s “parade of arrogance” rightly highlights the unacceptable nature of these actions in a democratic and peaceful hemisphere.
One should bear in mind that the GDF's stern patrols and judicious response are not acts of aggression but parts of its function to preserve Guyana's sovereignty.
Brigadier Omar Khan's
threats against Venezuelan citizens and any Guyanese who take part in Venezuela's upcoming illegal electoral process also involve the rule of law and national security.
Sternness is necessary to quell any attempts to destabilise our nation from within or without.
In addition, the international community's support, the ICJ's provisional measures and the ongoing case on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, supports Guyana's legal and moral
stance.
The Court's categorical command of Venezuelanot to take any action altering the status quo in the area under Guyana's jurisdiction is the protection that must be obeyed.
As a people, we must heed President Ali's charge to "fly the Golden Arrowhead high" and claim our shared heritage and responsibility.
Defence of our nation is not the responsibility of the army; it is an act of pa-
triotism that requires harmony, watchfulness, and unwavering devotion from all Guyanese.
United, abiding by the rule of law and in support of our security organs, we firmly assert that Guyana's sovereignty is inviolable.
President Ali’s leadership and the GDF’s preparedness inspire confidence that Guyana will meet these challenges headon, preserving our sovereignty for generations to come.
Rebranding without reform
Dear Editor, I saw a PNC press release marking 10 years since David Granger became president. It jolted me back to 2015.
Like many young Guyanese, I voted for him, convinced we were entering a new era. The phrase "It's young people time now" was more than a campaign slogan - it became an ideal.
An ideal we believed and wanted to be true. But we underestimated something powerful: institutional memory. And that rebranding doesn't always mean reform. George Santayana captured this perfectly in his oft-quoted aphorism, “those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” If only.
By 2011, the PNC rebranded itself under the guise of APNU and "big tent politics." To many of us, it felt like a fresh start. But underneath the new logo and rhetoric was the same party, with the same instincts.
From 1968 to 1992, Guyana was ruled by the PNC under Forbes Burnham and later Desmond Hoyte. The PNC's economic policies were aggressively anti-private sector, and, as it turned out, profoundly self-destructive.
They nationalised all major industries - bauxite, sugar, rice, banking, distribution - and choked the economy with foreign exchange controls and import restrictions. By 1979, the private sector had shrunk to just 10 percent of GDP. Between 1976 and 1981, more than 70,000 Guyanese left the country (World Bank, 1992).
According to Alister McIntyre's 1989 report, Guyana had fallen below Haiti as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Inflation soared. External debt ballooned to over 500% of GDP. The country was bleeding out.
As an aside, PNC apologists still lean on dependency theory, blaming imperial-
ism for the collapse. But the facts are plain: while external shocks mattered, it was PNC policy, not geopolitics, that pushed us over the edge.
Now compare that to what countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan did in the same period. They also faced Cold War pressures, resource constraints, and postcolonial transitions. But instead of attacking markets, they invested in institutions. They saw enforceable contracts, secure property rights, and predictable tax systems as foundations for growth.
The PNC, meanwhile, treated those same ideas as anathema.
When APNU+AFC took power in 2015, it promised reform. But the echoes of the past returned fast.
Between 2016 and 2019, private-sector credit - one of the indicators of a healthy private sector - barely grew. While the period 2011 to 2015 saw a 60% increase (an average of 12% annually),
APNU presided over a sharp slowdown, averaging just four percent per year (Bank of Guyana Annual Reports, 2011–2019). This wasn't the result of global headwinds or imperialist forces; it was the result of bad policy.
The coalition introduced over 200 new or reintroduced taxes and fees. Families saw VAT added to electricity, water, and even private school tuition. Not even the donkey cart man was spared.
The Private Sector Commission called it "an assault on competitiveness" (Stabroek News, 2016). The closure of several sugar estates - done without meaningful transition plans - cost over 7,000 jobs and destabilised entire communities.
In tone and substance, this was not a new government. It was the old PNC playbook, dusted off and put back to use. Aubrey Norton's impassioned defence of import bans in Parliament earlier this year is a chilling
reminder of just how dusty (and still in use) the playbook really is.
The PNC's history of electoral fraud—1968, 1973, 1980, 1985—is well documented. Yet, many of us somehow believed 2015 marked a break from that legacy.
The 2020 election taught us differently.
The now-infamous spreadsheet scandal, the Region Four results manipulation, and the prolonged refusal to concede made one thing clear: the instinct to rig hadn't disappeared - it was simply looming in the shadows - waiting on the curtain call. CARICOM's observer mission didn't mince words.
The recount "revealed significant irregularities clearly designed to favour APNU+AFC" (CARICOM Report, 2020). Likewise, Bruce Golding, former Jamaican Prime Minister and OAS mission head famously quipped "this was the most transparent attempt to alter
the results of an election." But the question isn't just how this happened, but why so many of us let it.
Part of the answer is that we were never taught our post-independence political history with the seriousness it deserved. Many of us didn't know what the PNC's economic model looked like — or how deeply it failed. So when APNU+AFC reemerged with (somewhat) younger faces and slicker branding, we mistook that for transformation.
Here are some truths I have learned. Rebranding without reform is deception. Economic policy without respect for the private sector is sabotage. And elections without integrity are not elections at all. Above all, George Santayana's warning remains profoundly relevant: forgetting history does not make us progressive—it makes us vulnerable.
Sincerely, Alfonso De Armas
The SN article gave an inaccurate impression regarding Leonard McCoshen
Dear Editor, I was disappointed, though not surprised, by the SN May 17 article, “Canadian investigator does not have enough experience, qualification for Adriana Younge’s case- family lawyer.”
It reads like straight news, but it’s really just a
recap of Attorney Dexter Todd’s opinion, framed as fact. There wasn’t a single caveat to tell readers, “Hey, this is Todd talking—not the investigator.”
Let’s not forget who Leonard McCoshen is. He’s no amateur. With over 30 years in the RCMP (including 20 years tackling seri-
ous crimes), he’s led more than 200 complex investigations—homicides, kidnappings, major offenses. His resume speaks for itself: rigorous, impartial, and rock-solid.
Stabroek News should’ve given us both sides. If you’re going to quote Todd’s concerns—his doubts about Mc-
Coshen’s qualifications and calls for a wider team—you owe it to your readers to ask McCoshen what he thinks. Does he feel underqualified? Does he need additional expertise? What steps are he taking to ensure transparency? We deserve those answers.
Presenting Todd’s state-
ments without balance does a disservice to the public. It creates the false impression that an independent inquiry has already concluded McCoshen isn’t up to the job. That’s simply not true. His decades of experience make him uniquely qualified to handle this complex case.
Good journalism isn’t
about taking the loudest voice at face value. It’s about digging deeper, challenging assumptions, and showing us the full picture. So let’s hear from McCoshen—and let the public judge for itself.
Yours respectfully, Dr. Devanand Bhagwan
Exposing the hypocrisy behind GuySuCo’s critics
Dear Editor,
The Stabroek News letter published on May 8, 2025, criticising GuySuCo’s performance and blaming the current PPP/C administration for the state of the sugar industry, represents a blend of selective memory, economic misrepresentation, and political deflection.
While it is fair to demand accountability for GuySuCo’s current output, the letter omits critical facts and context, leading to a misleading and politically convenient narrative.
The writer celebrates sugar production under the APNU+AFC government (2016–2020) without acknowledging that this period witnessed a steep and sustained decline in output: there was a 51.5% drop in production from 2016 to 2020 alone, predating any intervention by the PPP/C. If production alone is the benchmark for success, APNU+AFC presided over one of GuySuCo's worst five-year collapses in history.
The closure of the Wales (2016), East Demerara (2017), Skeldon (2017), and Rose Hall (2017) estates under APNU+AFC was more than just a “reorganisation.” It resulted in the retrenchment of approximately 7,000 workers, widespread rural economic distress, and the elimination of nearly 50% of GuySuCo’s production capacity.
Despite receiving $30B in a syndicated bond in 2018, GuySuCo under APNU+AFC failed to meaningfully restructure operations or create new revenue streams from the remaining estates.
The PPP/C administration, elected in August 2020, made a strategic policy decision to resuscitate the sugar industry, recognizing its importance as a social and
economic stabilizer in rural Guyana. This included:
• Reopening the Rose Hall estate.
• Restarting capital investments in Uitvlugt, Blairmont, and Albion.
• Rehiring skilled workers and retraining technical staff.
• Rehabilitating thousands of hectares of neglected cane fields.
Replanting alone requires 12–18 months before canes become harvestable. Rebuilding broken drainage infrastructure and rehabilitating factories takes years, not months. It is disingenuous to suggest that the effects of estate closures can be reversed within three to four crop cycles.
The letter scoffs at the 15,000 tonnes recorded so far in the 2025 first crop, yet fails to account for real-world production inhibitors:
• Climate: Droughts in early 2024 followed by La Niña-induced rainfall in late 2024/early 2025 severely disrupted planting and harvesting cycles.
• Labour shortages: Many experienced sugar workers were lost during 2016–2020 and have not returned. The training pipeline was broken.
• Mechanical failure: Mills and factories went years without proper maintenance under APNU+AFC, contributing to ongoing technical failures.
• The letter cites GuySuCo’s revenue advantage
under APNU+AFC without noting that:
• Production was declining year-over-year despite relatively high global sugar prices during 2016–2018.
• The corporation's cost of production per tonne of sugar remained unsustainably high – US$700–US$800 per tonne in some years – rendering exports unprofitable.
• Over $30B in public debt was accrued via syndicated loans, with no tangible diversification or modernization outcomes.
The PPP/C administration, in contrast, has focused on gradually reducing unit costs, exploring cogeneration and value-added products (e.g., molasses and packaged sugar), and pursuing regional market integration under the CSME sugar protocol.
The writer touts initiatives like “Sugar Tourism” and producing white sugar as lost opportunities. In truth:
• The “Sugar Tourism Strategy” was a conceptual document without budget, investment, or feasibility study.
• GuySuCo had no functioning infrastructure to produce white sugar at scale. Conversion of a brown sugar plant to white requires US$30M–US$50M and a reliable high-grade input source.
No capital was allocated for either initiative under APNU+AFC budgets between 2017 and 2020. These ideas were shelved within months
of being announced.
The critique of CEO Paul Chung based solely on production numbers ignores the fact that he inherited a fractured and stripped-down organization. Comparing him to past managers without acknowledging the drastically reduced estate footprint and degraded factory conditions is unfair and lacks objectivity.
The management under APNU+AFC failed to stop declining production despite being in full control of a still-functional industry in 2016. That decline had nothing to do with pandemic disruptions or whether it was a result of systemic mismanagement, short-term thinking, and refusal to adapt.
The sugar industry was not thriving under APNU+AFC it was being dismantled. Their decisions created a production and credibility crisis that the PPP/C is now trying to reverse. The process is slow, fraught with legacy issues, and often unpopular but it is rooted in restoration, not liquidation.
Accountability must continue, but it should be informed by facts, not fantasy. Guyana’s sugar industry needs truth, investment, and innovation not political revisionism dressed as concern.
References:
• GuySuCo Annual Reports, 2016–2020.
• GAWU Press Releases, 2017–2018; Stabroek News Archives.
• “GuySuCo Fails to Explain Use of $30B Bond,” Kaieteur News, Nov 2019.
• “Agricultural Replanting Timelines,” FAO Technical Manual (2020).
• Hydromet Office Reports, Jan–Apr 2024; Guyana Chronicle.
• NICIL-GuySuCo Audit Report, 2021.
• World Bank Commodity Price Data, Sugar (2016–
2020).
• GRA Production Cost Briefs, 2017–2019.
• Ministry of Finance Bond Oversight Report, 2020.
• “Feasibility Study: White Sugar Conversion in Caribbean Mills,” IICA/FAO (2019).
Sincerely, Kimberly A Dowridge
May 2015: The discovery that changed everything
TEN years ago, in May 2015, a single exploration well drilled offshore Guyana rewrote the country’s future. It was a turning point that no one could have predicted.
A year earlier, Shell, ExxonMobil’s original partner in the Stabroek Block, had sold its 50% stake to Exxon for just $1. With that, Exxon was left to scout for new partners to share the risk of drilling in risky waters. The company found collaborators in Hess Corporation and CNOOC of China. Together, the trio took
a chance on Liza 1 and struck one of the largest oil discoveries in the world that year. What if they hadn’t? What if Exxon chose a different well and came up dry, or decided the basin was not worth the effort? On a day like today, Guyana might have remained a footnote in frontier exploration history. Instead, that single well launched a chain reaction that transformed Guyana into the fastest growing economy in the world.
Since Liza 1, ExxonMobil has made over 30 commercial
discoveries in the Stabroek Block, with an estimated 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent in place. The company and its partners have sanctioned six development projects, four of which will be producing simultaneously by the end of 2025. Output is expected to be around 900,000 barrels per day (bpd) later this year. That is roughly one barrel per citizen per day, the highest per capita oil production in the world.
By 2028, two more floating production vessels will
push output capacity to around 1.3 million bpd. Two additional projects being pursued for 2029 and 2030 will produce not just oil, but also gas and condensate, diversifying offshore production.
The Gas-to-Energy project could bring gas to shore by 2026. This infrastructure is expected to slash electricity costs by half, easing the cost of living and laying the groundwork for Guyana’s long-awaited industrial transformation.
The economic benefits are already visible. Oil revenues are surging, foreign investment is growing across multiple sectors, and Guyana’s global reputation has improved dramatically. European refiners are thirsty
for Guyana's oil, for which output ramped up at a time they needed a replacement for Russia's crude. International institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), have praised Guyana for its management of the oil windfall and the impacts on the broader economy, even as domestic concerns about overheating and Dutch disease remain.
Importantly, the government has acted to protect local interests in the sector. Through the Local Content Act, Guyanese workers and businesses are legally guaranteed a fair share of jobs, contracts, training, and opportunities. The goal is to ensure that Guyana gets its fair share of the oil
wealth, building local capacity and a prosperous nation.
To be clear, the road ahead is long. Guyana still faces major challenges in improving infrastructure, quality of life, and meeting its energy transition and environmental protection goals. But the opportunity to succeed on all these fronts is greater now than ever before, and it all traces back to that one discovery in May 2015.
One well. One moment. A nation transformed.
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.
Irfaan Ali will do a Kamla Bissessar in Guyana
THE UNC of opposition leader Kamla Bissessar, before the April 2025 election, had 19 seats. The UNC won the April election by increasing it seats by seven.
Trinidad and Tobago has a similar racial make-up to us with both major parties having numerically more supporters of a certain ethnic make-up – UNC, mostly Indians; PNM, mostly Africans.
By winning seven more seats, the UNC has taken votes from African dominated constituencies that were held by the PNM. What the 2025 contest in Trinidad has shown is that the world is changing; people no longer are tied to traditional values.
In the United States, African-Americans did not flock to Kamala Harris the way she and Barack Obama thought they would. Three million voters did not vote in the last US presidential election than the previous one in which Mr. Biden won.
In Guyana, the signs of a changing world are more pronounced than in most countries, part of which is
due to the very young population we have. The Guyana that was once Burnham versus Jagan may be gone forever.
A majority of voters in Guyana will not vote based on memories of Jagan and Burnham because they have no such memories.
Elections in 2025 will be a different ball game from those gone by. I have read some comments in the newspapers in which some people have warned the PPP to look and see what happened in Trinidad and how voters changed the government. If I was advising the PPP, I will tell them to ignore such insipid analysis.
The UNC won in Trinidad for one major reason only though I concede that there were other factors. The opposition had credible leaders who behaved respectfully and during their time in opposition they earned the admiration of voters who had questions about the ruling PMN.
The UNC would have lost if it had behaved like the PNC and AFC in Guyana. For its time in the opposi-
tion, the UNC did not cuss down Black Trinidadians; it did not use racial narratives in and out of Parliament; it did not encourage its supporters to employ violence to oppose the Rowley Government; it did not come across as a party that cannot be trusted.
Can the PPP lose the election? On the contrary, Irfaan Ali is poised to do a Kamla Bissesar in Guyana. Ali needs 10 more seats for a two/thirds majority.
In Trinidad, Kamala got seven more seats, all being from constituencies that had African majority voters. It is plausible to argue that with a popular president, an oil economy and a young generation not hooked on race, Dr. Ali could get those 10 more seats.
There is the possibility he can get it because each day that passes in this country, the main opposition party, the PNC appears unsuited to lead this oil-rich country into the future. Africans in Trinidad did not fear Bissessar coming into power. Indians in Guyana fear a government under the PNC
because the PNC has shown no inclination to become a multi-racial outfit.
As I write this column on Saturday (yesterday) morning, there is a letter by a PNC person who holds membership in the PNC- former Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine. I quote him on the pain he feels about the way the PNC treated one of its great icons, an Indian woman, Amna Ally: “I am hurt at how the party treated her even in death…the PNC I knew was never in the tragic state it finds itself in today.”
It is not that the PNC is losing party leaders with increasing frequency; it is hemorrhaging Indian leaders too. I was on the seawall
with my dog and I ran in to my former student, Geeta Chandan, two weeks ago. I am not at liberty to divulge our conversation but Narine is on the spot with his remarks.
There are no small parties that can make any dent into the election results this year. The AFC and the Asha Kissoon controversy have turned people off when it comes to small parties or third parties. As for the AFC, Mr. Nigel Hughes and Mr. Terrence Campbell have gone into self-destruct mode.
Hughes told this nation that the mayhem that followed the post-mortem results of Adriana Younge was due to the PPP putting agent
provocateurs to create the violence instead of apologising as a leader to win over hearts and minds.
His AFC colleague, Terrence Campbell was more unapologetic. He urged Guyanese to understand the economic plight of the people who looted robbed and burned. Can such people win an election? The answer is no. Irfaan Ali will be re-elected by a wide margin.
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.
Street Talk 6: Market rhythms
EACH morning, a small miracle happens at markets around this country. It's the 'dance' that takes place among the vehicles, pedestrians, vendors and market workers pushing loaded hand carts or carrying 'loads'.
Outside of Stabroek Market, on Water Street, the ' dance' is taken to another level - from the continuation of Brickdam to Longden Street.
Here, between stands on both sides of the road, cars, mini-buses, trucks motor bikes, bicycles and pedestrians jostle for position as they wend their way, narrowly avoiding collisions and accidents from minute-to-minute.
And then there are the sounds. Horns blowing, music blasting from vehicles and stands, and vendors calling out to potential customers - " Wuh ya shoppin mummy?
"Ah gat de leggins hey."
I have heard reggae, hip hop, dancehall, gospel music and even Denzel Washington's motivational talks, echoing in the air, interspersed with calls of, "good morning" , "Have a blessed day" or "Y'all move out de way ah comin thru".
In the early morning, vendors, setting up their stands, talk about their children, the weather, fellow vendors, sometimes laughing uproariously, their bodies in constant motion.
They untie the ropes around their stands, unpack goods, arrange produce and generally prepare for the day's business with the ease
of people who have had many years of practice.
And the scene at Bourda Market is similar, though with the presence of produce trucks, coming from as far away as Black Bush Polder on the Corentyne and lining North Road, between Orange Walk and Alexander Street.
Produce is sold directly in wholesale or retail quantities from the trucks and the sellers' calls are accompanied by the steady hum of traffic coming, travelling west on North Road, east on Church Street. A brisk trade is also carried out on Robb and Bourda Streets as well as Orange Walk.
The Port Mourant Saturday market mirrors the scene at the other two, with a quarter of a mile of stalls lining the main road outside the market, sometimes on both sides of the roadway. So the criss-crossing of the road takes place all the time, which adds to the general organised chaos of perhaps the biggest market in the country, when you combine the covered and uncovered parts.
On my first visit to the Port Mourant one Saturday morning, I saw a Muslim seller of
'sweet oils and incense’ that I would regularly purchase from Stabroek Market.
We both smiled, me with surprise, as we recognised each other.
" Wuh you doing hey?", I asked him. He told me that his Saturday sales made the journey not only worthwhile, but provided a welcome break from Georgetown.
“I does mek good money hey in one day, 'mummy',” he told me, adding:
“An is good fuh get away from de city sometimes".
The first place I ate something called 'fat top', was at the Port Mourant Market. It is a delicious blend of cornmeal and coconut milk with the milk floating on top of the cornmeal along with the oil from the milk, hence the name. For me, there is no experience quite like a visit to one of the many markets our country boasts. I just dealt with three.
DISCLAIMER:
The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
A quiet erosion of moral values is underway
ACROSS the globe, a quiet erosion of moral values is underway, not in sudden waves, but in a slow, persistent tide. For years, vigilant civil societies have pushed back, helping to keep the decline at bay. Yet, what’s truly alarming today is how rapidly the sacred is being overshadowed by the profane and how real solutions remain elusive.
Last week, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is reported to have detained and questioned Baby Skello after he released a music video mocking the Hindu goddess Maha Lakshmi. The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha was not entertained. They condemned Baby Skello’s disrespectful parody of the goddess central to Diwali, a celebration enshrined as a national holiday in Guyana for over five decades.
Skello’s crude apology was less a gesture of remorse and more a bizarre performance that left many listeners dismayed. Guyana’s Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), tasked with promoting harmony and good relations between the country’s diverse communities, got involved. The ERC summoned Skello to answer a few urgent questions.
Skello is either ignorant of religious values or chooses to ignore them. Sitting with a learned pandit who might teach him the special place Maha Lakshmi plays in the Hindu religion might serve him well.
But Skello is not the only guilty party. The ERC also took aim at the song “Good Like Jesus” by Jamaican artist Vybz Kartel. The commission said the song contained “blasphemous and deeply offensive” lyrics relating to Jesus Christ, and stated that it disrespected Christian, Muslim and Hindu religious sensibilities. It called for the song to be banned from local airwaves and digital platforms.
In multicultural societies, lyrics and artistic expressions that demean and degrade can push the boundaries of profanity into what many consider sacred ground. Offenders often defend such content by invoking freedom of artistic expression, claiming the right to offend using satire and humour, a freedom of expression.
The assumption is that people of faith are so utterly dogmatic that they are unable to appreciate fundamental freedoms of democratic societies.
The freedom of speech defence was echoed during the 2005 controversy surrounding the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten, which published 12 satirical cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.
The publication of the cartoons set off a wave of intense violence around the world. Flemming Rose, the paper’s cultural editor, defended his decision on the grounds that artistes should never cower out of fear of violent Islamists.
It is a strange world that we live in, one where humour has been reduced to ridicule and mockery, and where free speech becomes the freedom to insult, demean and parody others. These contradictions are the absurdities of our modern world.
Music and art that offend and ridicule are a form of violence to our collective dignity. As a society, we seem unsure of where and when exactly we should draw the line.
Recently, I found myself trapped on a bus where the music was so deafening, I felt physically assaulted. My insides vibrated, and a relentless headache set in almost instantly. Mercifully, the ordeal was brief. As we disembarked, several passengers voiced their complaints, echoing my own frustration.
I paid for safe passage, not for an auditory onslaught. Yet, the volume wasn’t the worst of it. The so-called “song” blaring from the speakers was a vile stream of lyrics so misogynistic and degrading to women that calling it music is an insult to the art form. Content this toxic doesn’t belong in any public space; it deserves nothing less than outright banishment.
A study from the University of Missouri found that plants release chemi-
cal defences when exposed to the sound of chewing by caterpillars. This has given rise to the question of whether the sound of voices could stimulate certain growth responses in plants. If plants respond to the human voice, why would anyone deny the impact music has on human behaviour?
Unless you’ve been completely oblivious to the ongoing trial of American musician Sean “Diddy” Combs, you’re likely bracing yourself for the next wave of shocking depravity. Every report to the public is prefaced with repeated warnings of graphic vulgarity and disturbing violence.
Imagine the jury’s ordeal, forced to endure a barrage of “freak-off” videos Combs created to publicly humiliate his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The sheer cruelty on display is both harrowing and unimaginable.
The great Canadian intellectual, Ursala Franklin, offered a poignant solution, and on deep reflection, it appears that it could be applied to Guyana. It’s a concept she referred to as ‘scrupling,’ a Quaker term that represents a new form of citizen politics. Scrupling has become a growing movement that aims to bring citizens together to clarify troubling moral and political issues and chart an alternative course.
Scrupling seeks to avoid the violence that accompanies revolutions and is aimed instead at reconciliation and social engagement. Instead of seeking to tear down existing democratic socio-political systems, communities that engage in ‘scrupling’ seek peaceful change aimed at the good of all citizens.
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.
Amerindian Development: Journey to Prosperity
Tomorrow, Guyana is slated to host its National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference under the theme, ‘Robust governance for sustainable village development’.
Over 200 leaders from Guyana’s Nine Amerindian Tribes will represent their communities in discussing the way forward for these people concerning their growth and development, and mitigating the threats to their collective interests.
They will also have President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali; Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and the entire Cabinet of Ministers at their disposal to sort out issues and get resolutions on important matters that are ebbing away slowly at their forward movement.
Apart from the ministers, the Amerindian leaders will have sessions with public officials from a wide spectrum of the public sector to address specific matters.
This year’s theme is both unique and appropriate because it not only provides the opportunity for Amerindians to assess the effectiveness of governance structures in their villages but to take stock of their development while at the same time thinking and planning.
Realistically speaking, there will be usual drama that is instigated by the opposition political actors, and the politicians from particularly the APNU/AFC. They are expected to highlight conditions under which the Toshaos are housed, their alleged lack of freedom to associate with the political parties of their choice while attending the conference, the individual issues that some communities have, and the list goes on. The opposition politicians can pull any of
their tricks out of the bag.
After all, Mervyn Williams, Dawn Hastings-Williams, the Amerindian People’s Association, PNC, APNU, AFC, and other personalities are known for playing opportune politics. They will say, there has been no development or not enough growth regarding Amerindian development under the current PPP Government.
They will say the government is corrupt and lacks transparency and accountability for the money they are spending in the communities, whether it be taxpayers' funds or Carbon Credit funds that Guyana earned.
Expect some Toshaos to already have a plan to disrupt and cause controversy throughout the week, because that is the plan to paint the government bad at any cost, because this is an election year and they need the votes of the Amerindians to defeat the government.
But the problem with this group of people is they are not willing to work for their votes. The opposition is not willing to labour hard and come up with their own policies, plans, and strategies for Amerindian development and growth.
They are comfortable with piggy backing and criticising this government for doing their lot for Amerindians while they sit and fiddle their thumbs, talking a whole variety of nonsense, untrue and distorted facts about the Amerindian and Indigenous Peoples' stories.
There are communities which the opposition does not venture into to listen to the views of their Amerindian brothers and sisters. They only want to sit at Sophia and Kitty, Georgetown and make decisions for Amerindian people hundreds of
miles away.
They are not representing the views of these people because they do not see their stories of defeat, struggle and success. The opposition leader is busy waxing words to put a lyrical spin on what is happening in Amerindian villages, but would only go into his stronghold villages to campaign for election.
The APNU/AFC does not care about Amerindians. They only care about capturing the votes and then discarding the leaders and communities for an entire four and a half years, as demonstrated from their track record when they were in office from May 2015 to August 2020.
They don’t care about jobs or Amerindian livelihoods, or they would never send home over 2,000 CSO and abandon the land titling programme. During this period, there was a total of four ministers who were of Amerindian ancestry, and yet the problems, issues and state of the Amerindian and Indigenous People here left much to be desired and were poor and deteriorating rapidly.
The conference was a talk show and hardly any progress was made. It is widely believed that Amerindian development declined about 40 per cent during this period, but the ministers continued to experience the ‘good life’ while Amerindians had to beg, along with much of the population, for crumbs.
But the conference taking place since the return of the PPP/C administration is indicative of a government serious about the people, particularly Amerindians and their development. This government appears to have a consultative approach to development, allowing Am-
erindians and Indigenous Peoples to have a voice and strong say in their development.
This government prefers to give the resources and provide the fiscal and technical support needed to guide Amerindians towards prosperity, home and land ownership, poverty reduction, and sustainability.
This year, the government budgeted a whopping $7.2 billion to spend on Amerindian development, focusing on land titling, youth entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods and education.
Programmes like the youth, infrastructure, economic projects, and ecotourism within Amerindian communities, along with initiatives like the Amerindian Development Fund, Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme ($1.5 billion) are supported by this funding. They will aim to empower young Amerindians in various fields.
With $800M allocated in 2024 for Amerindian land titling, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs allocated a whopping eight more titles, bringing the total to 21 titles handed out since the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government took office in 2020. The media reported that “along with the completion of the rigorous processes involved in this exercise, two Certificates of Title were granted; six absolute grants and seven demarcations were also done”.
The journey to prosperity continues for Amerindians with the allocation of $650 million to accelerate the titling and demarcation of Amerindian lands, which currently make up 16.4% of Guyana’s landmass.
This, of course, is not
all. $127 million is dedicated to assisting 800 hinterland youths in pursuing secondary education, with $93 million for the hinterland scholarship programme while $5 billion is earmarked for various economic, ecotourism, agricultural, and infrastructure projects within Amerindian communities. Many communities have already started benefitting from various projects and proposals in various areas.
It is important to mention, under the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF), over 800 sustainable projects in Amerindian and riverine villages, covering areas like youth development, forestry, agriculture, tourism, and income-generating ventures. 500 or more projects are suspected to be done or are ongoing.
So many other initiatives and policies deal with this group of people that are worthy of mention because they are impacting the lives of Amerindians in a way that has never been seen.
For example, the presidential and ‘Because We Care’ Cash Grants are impacting the lives of Amerindians.
Ulene Jeffrey, one of the beneficiaries from Region One, noted that she will utilise a portion of the money to pay her medical bills. “I am feeling better now that I get this cash grant. I can now go back to the hospital to get my spectacles,” she told the Department of Public Information (DPI). Similarly, overcome with emotion, Lizz Marshall welcomed the timely disbursement of the grant, noting that it will be used to purchase groceries and other essentials for her four kids. She spoke about the challenges her family encounters at times since the
father of her kids died about four months ago.
“We have to do a lot of things with this money. There is nobody to help us. I am glad that I got this help,” she added.
This is real growth, sustainability and development. This is the journey to prosperity that PPPC has Amerindians and Indigenous people walking briskly towards. This is the plan that was designed by the Amerindian people for the Amerindian people with the government’s help and resources.
There is a saying that ‘to whom much is given, much is required’. This is to say that the participants of the conference deliberate and dialogue with the government in good faith. It appears to be a partner and stakeholder that is serious about the development and growth of Amerindians and the country as a whole. Demand transparency, accountability and good governance where it is lacking.
Read the room and stay alert throughout the conference. Be on the lookout for political opportunists, there will be many. Do not allow oneself to be used for their cheap political narratives. Stand by the government, if you so please, that has had the backs of the Amerindian people throughout successive PPP/C governments. Stay the cours e because the journey to prosperity continues.
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.
CANU seizes firearm, ammunition, eight parcels containing cannabis
- after intercepting two individuals at Mandela Avenue
OFFICERS of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU), while acting on information received on Friday, conducted an operation in the vicinity of the Royal Hotel on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, where they intercepted two individuals. According to information from CANU, a subsequent search of the suspects revealed eight parcels containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis, and a firearm (CZ pistol) with 19 live rounds.
The suspects were arrested and escorted to CANU headquarters along with the suspected narcotic, which tested positive for cannabis and weighed 3.810 kilogrammes. The matter, according to CANU, is under investigation.
CANU seizes cannabis after intercepting vehicle at Parika
OFFICERS of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU), acting on information received on Friday, conducted an operation in the vicinity of the Mikey Restaurant at Old Road, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, where they inter-
cepted a motor car. According to information from CANU, a subsequent search of the vehicle revealed two parcels containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.
A suspect was ar-
rested and escorted to CANU headquarters along with the suspected narcotic, which tested positive for cannabis and weighed 1.034 kilogrammes. Investigations into this matter are ongoing.
NTC rejects AFC’s effort to undermine credibility of respected, comprehensive conference
- says will not be used as pawn in anyone’s political theatre
The following is the full text of a statement from the NTC:
“THE National Toshaos Council (NTC) strongly condemns the misleading and politically charged assertions made by the Alliance For Change (AFC) in the Stabroek News article titled, “Gov’t officials get more speaking time at NTC over Toshaos – AFC.”
This is a deliberate attempt to undermine the credibility of the NTC Conference, the most respected and comprehensive forum for Indigenous leadership in Guyana. The claims made by the AFC are baseless and reek of hypocrisy and political desperation.
We wish to clarify that the structure of the NTC Conference 2025 is carefully designed to ensure that every ministry is allotted 15 minutes to present, followed by an open and interactive Q&A segment where Toshaos are free to raise concerns, seek clarifications, and advocate for their communities.
This model, which has been successfully used under successive
governments, facilitates productive engagement, direct dialogue, and meaningful accountability. It has worked effectively for years, including during the period the AFC itself was part of the governing coalition.
The sudden attempt by the AFC to now discredit this model, after benefitting from it while in office, is dishonest and insulting to the intelligence of Indigenous leaders and their communities.
It is clear that the AFC’s narrative seeks to sow division and politicise a platform that is fundamentally about unity, development, and Indigenous empowerment.
The NTC will not be used as a pawn in anyone’s political theatre. The conference belongs to the Indigenous people of Guyana.
“We remain resolute in our mission to advocate for the interests of all Amerindian communities, and we will not be distracted by those who wish to inject division where there is dialogue, or chaos where there is collaboration.”
Region One learners get 200 life jackets from MARAD
IN a continued effort to promote river safety, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) of the Ministry of Public Works distributed 200 life jackets to learners in Moruca, Region One.
According to a press release from MARAD, the recipients included learners from the Santa Rosa nursery, primary, and secondary schools, who rely on river transportation to attend classes.
The life jackets were handed over to the regional administration, which immediately facilitated distribution to ensure the students could begin using them without delay.
The initiative forms part of MARAD’s ongoing river safety campaign, aimed at protecting those who travel daily by boat, especially schoolchildren
in riverine communities.
At the handover ceremony, Regional Vice Chairman, Anansha Peters, encouraged the learners to use the life jackets consistently, highlighting their role in saving lives in the event of an accident on the water.
Captain Romain Seurattan, River Navigation Officer, who made the donation on behalf of MARAD, demonstrated the proper way to wear a life jacket with the help of a student volunteer.
He urged the learners to “do the right thing” and always wear their life vests correctly while travelling.
The initiative was openly received by the community and underscores MARAD’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all who navigate Guyana’s waterways.
Police suspect link between explosions at East Ruimveldt Police Station, GPL Substation
- as investigations continue
SEVERAL persons of interest have been contacted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in connection with the recent explosions at the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Substation at Mandela Avenue.
According to information from the GPF, these individuals are actively working with investigators as the probe continues to gain momentum.
The first incident occurred at approximately 01:00 hrs, on May 17, 2025, at the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost, located at Vlissengen Square and East Front Road.
According to reports, a loud explosion originating from the southern side of the outpost, rocked the compound. A police constable on duty at the time heard two distinct blasts followed by debris impact-
ing nearby rooftops.
On inspection, it was discovered that the southern wall of the concrete structure had been significantly damaged.
The Crime Scene Unit later confirmed that the metal gate on the southern perimeter was completely blown away, and other parts of the outpost sustained structural damage.
The second site under investigation is the GPL Substation at Mandela Avenue, which also experienced damage around the same timeframe.
“Authorities are examining the possibility of a coordinated effort between both incidents,” police said.
The police added: “Eyewitnesses in the area have provided valuable accounts, and forensic teams are actively analysing all available evidence. The individuals contacted by police remain key to un -
derstanding the full scope of the events.”
The Guyana Police
Force reassured the public that it is taking these matters seriously and that
all efforts are being made to ensure public safety and bring those responsi-
ble to justice, as the investigations continue.
Guyana, US upgrade fingerprint ID system to boost border security
THROUGH a joint initiative with the US Department of State’s INL Bureau, the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division partnered with the Guyana Police Force to upgrade the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS).
According to information from the US Embassy in Guyana, the enhanced biometric system will strengthen border security, support counter-terrorism efforts, and help combat transnational organised crime by delivering faster, more accurate threat identification.
This follows the recent landmark passage of the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (APIPNR) Bill in the National Assembly, establishing a central database to enable CARICOM member states to share information on passengers and cargo transiting the region.
The legislation also aims to address transnational organised crime across the Caribbean. The bill was developed by the legislative committee of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to strengthen multilateral co-operation and regional security.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, noted that crime remains one of the major challenges facing the region. He pointed out that CARICOM Heads of Government have
identified crime as a critical priority.
Nandlall explained that the legislation provides for the collection, transmission, sharing, storage and regulation of advanced passenger information and passenger name records for individuals
travelling to, departing from, or transiting through Guyana. It also operationalises the CARICOM Advance Passenger Crew Information System.
With increasing passenger traffic through regional ports, the Attorney General
emphasised the importance of robust border security measures.
“It is therefore necessary that our countries in CARICOM have stringent border security laws which can prevent our countries from being exploited by terrorists
and our criminal enemies,” he told the house.
He described the bill as a vital tool in the fight against serious crimes, including drug trafficking, terrorism, and other forms of transnational organised crime.
Police say Adriana’s parents have ignored repeated attempts to get statement
THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has strongly refuted claims made by attorney-at-law Dexter Todd, who alleged that police failed to contact the father of the late 11-year-old Adriana Younge to obtain a statement during the course of their investigation.
In a detailed release issued Saturday, the GPF stated that the allegations are “wholly and deliberately untrue,” pointing instead to a documented series of attempts by senior officers to engage Adriana’s parents—par-
He was invited to the station the same day to give a statement, but failed to do so.
The police said additional efforts were made on May 1, 2025, when the Officer once again reached out—this time by telephone—to the family’s former attorney, Daren Wade.
The intention was to facilitate statements from both Adriana’s mother, Amecia Simon, and her father. However, police were informed that the family would only come in after the funeral.
Subsequent follow-up
sations, Todd acknowledged that while calling for justice was important, the relatives also had a responsibility to cooperate with the investigation by giving statements.
The GPF said its final documented attempt occurred on May 16, 2025, when the same officer again spoke to Todd by phone and asked for Mr. Younge to visit the station.
“On this occasion, the officer was told by the attorney that he would get back to him. No date or time was set,” the statement read.
ticularly her father, Subrian Younge—over several weeks.
According to the police, the first direct effort was made on April 24, 2025, when the Officer in Charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Regional Division #3 approached Mr. Younge at the Double Day Hotel, Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).
calls were made on May 8 and 9, 2025, this time involving direct communication between the Officer in Charge of the CID and attorney Todd.
The police noted that while some relatives complied and visited the station, Adriana’s father again did not appear.
What was “strange,” the release stated, was that during these conver-
by-point to what they called a “barrage of blatant misrepresentations” once the time is appropriate.
Moreover, the release added, “Todd conveniently omitted that he had expressed tremendous confidence” in the investigative capabilities of Mr. Leonard McCoshen, the retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Major Crimes Investigator brought in for support.
The statement noted that the attorney had expressed confidence in the independent investigator,
The police have accused the attorney of publicly misrepresenting the facts surrounding the investigation and have raised questions about his motives in this highly sensitive matter.
“This raises significant questions regarding the attorney's integrity,” the Police Force said.
They have also pledged to respond point-
She had visited the hotel the previous day with family members.
Adriana, a pupil of the Parika Salem Primary School, had recently completed the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), and was eagerly awaiting her results,
telling him, “Your input and recommendation can assist greatly in this matter.”
The GPF ended its statement by reaffirming its commitment to conducting a thorough, impartial, and professional investigation.
Adriana was found dead on April 24, 2025, in the swimming pool of the Double Day Hotel.
Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd
which are scheduled for release in June.
Following the discovery of her body at the hotel, enraged protesters, allegedly, set the building on fire and looted its contents. The home of the hotel’s proprietor was also torched. Adriana’s death had sparked fiery protests across the country.
Three internationally
respected forensic pathologists unanimously concluded that the child died by drowning. Samples from her body were sent for testing at both Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and the National Medical Services Laboratory in the United States of America (USA). Her family maintains that while the autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause of death, it did not determine the manner of death—leaving open the possibility of murder by forced drowning. The family suspects foul play. Adriana is yet to be buried.
Adriana Younge
Subrian Younge
Amecia Simon
Historic launch of ‘Protect-HER Doll’ to shine spotlight on intimate partner violence
IN a powerful gesture of remembrance and resilience, the “Protect-HER Doll” will be officially launched on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Cara Lodge, 294 Quamina Street, Georgetown, Guyana.
The event, which begins at 6:00 PM, promises to be a moving and symbolic moment in the fight against intimate partner violence (IPV).
The launch is being held in memory of Babita Sarjou, whose tragic story remains one of the country’s most heartbreaking reminders of the dangers of domestic abuse. Organisers hope the Protect-HER Doll will serve as both a tribute to victims and a call to action for change.
This is a milestone year for Ms. Dianne Madray ‘Let the Women Speak’ advocacy work, which will see the unveiling of a doll constructed in memory of Babita Sarjou, a victim of domestic violence homicide in Guyana who was murdered in November 2010,” the organisers stated. “You will witness the advance of the Protect-HER campaign throughout Guyana in the upcoming months as we approach November 25, 2025, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the 16 days of activism that conclude on
December 10, 2025.”
Described as a symbol of strength, survival, and the voices that will no longer be silenced, the Protect-HER Doll is intended to raise awareness and spark national conversations around the urgent need for protection, justice, and support for survivors of IPV.
With the themes of Restoring Strength, Resilience, Hope, and Awareness, the initiative invites community members, activists, policymakers, and the public to stand in solidarity with women and girls affected by violence.
According to the organisers, the event is more than a product unveiling—it is a national call to healing and advocacy. Attendees can expect a heartfelt evening dedicated to remembrance, empowerment, and the shared goal of creating a safer and more just society for women and girls in Guyana. Seats are limited, and those interested in attending are encouraged to register early via this link ( https://forms.gle/hWCrbDFBg75GjeY29), email Diannem@letthewomenspeak.com, or WhatsApp their name and contact number to 703-9602. As the invitation boldly states: “Let’s amplify HER voice. Let’s Protect-HER.”
Police arrest Alness family after discovering illegal firearm, ammunition at their residence
POLICE in Regional Division Number Six, on Friday, seized an illegal .38 revolver and seven matching rounds of ammunition at the Alness Village, Corentyne, Berbice home of a 56-yearold woman.
According to information from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), ranks were at the time conducting a police operation when they visited
the area and a search of the woman’s residence unearthed the firearm and ammunition.
The woman, her 66-year-old husband and their 28-year-old son, all of the same address, were cautioned and arrested in connection with firearm and ammunition seizure. They remain in custody as investigation continues.
Health Minister urges greater awareness of ‘silent killer:’ hypertension
- even as patient coverage increases significantly in two years
YESTERDAY, in recognition of World Hypertension Day, Guyana joined the World Health Organization (WHO) and global health partners in raising awareness about hypertension-commonly known as high blood pressure-under the theme, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.”
In his message to Guyanese, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, said hypertension is a global health challenge, affecting an estimated 1.13 billion people worldwide, with over two-thirds of cases found in low- and middle-income countries. Men are slightly more affected than women.
Despite its prevalence, hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it usually presents with few or no symptoms, yet it can result in severe health complications such as chronic kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, dementia, and even death.
In Guyana, stroke and ischemic heart disease-both closely linked to hypertension-remain among the leading causes of mortality.
Understanding blood pressure readings is crucial. Healthcare providers typically express blood pressure as two numbers, such as “130 over 80.”
The top number, or systolic pressure, measures the force inside arteries when the heart contracts, while the bottom number, or diastolic pressure, reflects the pressure when the heart is relaxed. Experts define high blood pressure as a top number
of 130 or above and/or a bottom number of 80 or above.
Elevated blood pressure falls between a top number of 120 and 129 with a bottom number of 79 or below, while normal blood pressure is below 119/79.
In Guyana, the 2016 STEPS Survey revealed that 18.4% of adults had high blood pressure but were not receiving proper medication.
In response, the Ministry of Health launched the HEARTS programme-a comprehensive initiative designed to improve the management of elevated and high blood pressure.
HEARTS stands for Healthy lifestyle counselling, Evidence-based protocols, Access to essential medicines and technology, Risk-based cardiovascular disease management, Team-based care, and Systems for monitoring.
This evidence-based approach supports patients in managing hypertension and preventing complications. Since its inception, the HEARTS programme has expanded from eight pilot sites in 2022 to 237 sites by February 2025, increasing patient coverage from 8,899 to 43,618 individuals.
These numbers represent significant progress in improving both individual health outcomes and community well-being. The Ministry’s goal is for all health centres in Guyana to adopt the HEARTS programme by the end of 2025.
“…all Guyanese are encouraged to learn how to accurately measure and consistently monitor their
blood pressure. Visiting a healthcare provider to learn proper measurement techniques and ensuring blood pressure remains within a healthy range is vital. For those prescribed medication for hypertension, it is critical to take it as directed and avoid missing doses,” the Health Minister said.
He added: “The efforts of healthcare pro-
fessionals, especially those in primary care, are commendable for their dedication to the accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and ongoing management of hypertension. By working together, Guyana can significantly reduce the burden of hypertension and promote longer, healthier lives for all its citizens.”
Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony
Lima rice farmers anticipate greater access to lands, more income
- with efforts underway to convert mud dam into 1.61km of all-weather road
By Indrawattie Natram
RICE farmers of
Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have expressed happiness after authorities have answered their calls for better infrastructure at key agricultural locations.
After years of struggling with a muddy and unreliable access route, local farmers are now filled with hope and gratitude as construction began on a new farm to market access road at Lima.
The project will upgrade a 1.61-kilometre stretch of the existing mud dam into an all-weather road using crusher-run material, ensuring safer and more dependable travel between farms and markets.
More than 60 farmers in the area will benefit directly, gaining year-round access to transport their produce quickly and efficiently.
“This road means everything to us,” a farmer shared, noting: “It will help us get our crops to market on time and reduce the losses we’ve faced every rainy season. It will also make it easier to bring in farming supplies and access support services.”
The construction of this access road is a critical step in overcoming longstanding
transportation challenges that have hindered agricultural productivity in the region.
Farmers previously faced delays and increased costs due to poor road conditions, which affected their income and the availability of fresh produce to local markets.
Mayor of the Town of Anna Regina, Devin Mohan, also applauded the project, noting that improved infrastructure will not only boost farming activities but also strengthen the overall economic development of the Essequibo Coast.
Regional Vice Chairman of Region Two, Humace Oodit, said the Government of Guyana, through this initiative, continues to demonstrate its commitment to rural development, food security, and empowering small-scale farmers. By investing in sustainable infrastructure projects like this, the government aims to create an environment where farmers can thrive and contribute more effectively to the country’s agricultural sector.
Construction is underway, and farmers eagerly await the completion of the road, which promises to bring lasting positive change to their communities.
Canada to expand technical support to Guyana through CARICOM partnership
By Feona Morrison
CANADA has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Guyana’s institutional development through the Canada-CARICOM Expert Deployment Mechanism
with the Justice Education Society (JES) in British Columbia to empower women and Indigenous people; to train the police, the judiciary, and prosecutors in trauma-informed approaches and gender sensitivity; and to improve access to justice for
(CCEDM) — a regional initiative aimed at strengthening governance, justice, and other critical sectors.
Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin, made the announcement during the recent launch of a restorative justice training programme for local practitioners.
The ultimate goal of CCEDM, according to the Canadian government’s website, is to support Caribbean countries in their efforts to diversify and strengthen local economies, build strong and climate resilient communities, and reduce gender and economic inequalities.
During his remarks at the event, High Commissioner Sigouin said Canada remains firmly invested in the growth and resilience of Guyana’s public institutions.
He emphasised that additional Canadian experts will be deployed to provide technical support in priority areas as new needs emerge.
Sigouin acknowledged the long-standing partnership between Canada and Guyana, mentioning various initiatives to empower women, indigenous people, and improve access to justice, as well as efforts to modernise legal systems and enhance justice delivery across CARICOM countries.
“For example, we work
tems through improved case management, the reduction of judicial backlogs, and the enhancement of justice delivery mechanisms.
Through the CCEDM,
the most vulnerable members of society,” the diplomat explained.
He emphasised the importance of restorative justice, a concept used in Canada for decades to address human rights violations and discrimination.
Sigouin stressed its role in fostering lasting solutions and peaceful societies through dialogue between victims, offenders, and communities.
“I think this initiative still shows a strong co-operation between Canada and Guyana,” he said.
With support from the CCEDM, Guyana successfully trained and certified 20 individuals to serve as restorative justice officers, creating a dedicated pool of professionals to staff centres across Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six.
Also, the government has been able to access three advisers at no cost to the public coffers through this mechanism, all of whom possess the expertise needed to support the full launch of the new restorative justice centres.
High Commissioner Sigouin noted that Canada’s support for justice sector reform extends beyond Guyana, with similar partnerships being implemented across the wider Caribbean.
These regional initiatives aim to modernise legal sys-
Canadian expertise is also being deployed in several other high-impact areas, such as trade policy and regulation, public sector governance and reform,
tourism development, and environmental policy.
Countries currently receiving technical assistance under the CCEDM initiative include Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname.
High Commissioner Sébastien Sigouin
Knicks crush Celtics to reach Conference Finals
THE New York Knicks eliminated defending NBA champions Boston Celtics from the play-offs with a 119-81 victory to reach their first Eastern Conference finals in 25 years.
Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby led the way with 23 points apiece as the Knicks completed a 4-2 series victory to set up a showdown against fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers for a place in the NBA finals.
The Knicks will open the seven-game series at home at 01:00 BST on Thursday.
Six Knicks players finished in double figures with
the 38-point success the largest winning play-off margin
in franchise history.
Mikal Bridges had four three-pointers in his 22 points while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 and Josh Hart finished with a triple-double of 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
The Celtics, who lost star forward Jayson Tatum to a ruptured right Achilles tendon in game four, which is likely to keep him out for around nine months, had given themselves hope after winning game five.
But in front of a Madison Square Garden home crowd,
which included celebrities Timothee Chalamet, Lenny Kravitz, Ben Stiller and Spike Lee, the Knicks were in a ruthless mood.
They led 26-20 after the first quarter but did most of the damage in the second, outscoring their opponents 38-17 to take a 64-37 lead into the break to all but end the Boston challenge.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics scoring with 20 points, with Al Horford adding 10 points and Payton Pritchard finishing with 11.
Derrick White, who
Queen’s College, Saint Stanislaus and JC Chandisingh take wins as YBG stage Berbice and Georgetown regionals
Queen’s College, West Demerara, Saint Stanislaus College, JC Chandisingh and Lower Corentyne emerge victorious on Friday when the Youth Basketball Guyana(YBG) continued action in the regional tournament at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall for Georgetown teams and at the New Amsterdam Basketball Court for schools in Berbice.
At the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in the Georgetown for the Boys Under-16 category West Demerara got things going as they defeated Brickdam Secondary 23-19.
West Demarara’s Brandon Nurse, was a one-man scoring machine to finish with 19 points in the win with Brickdam’s Lemon Simon and Antoine Salmon dropping 6 and 5 points respectively in a losing effort.
Next Saints Stanislaus brushed aside Tutorial High 39-16 to the victory, with vital support from teammates Josiah Lee and Hartley Price. Keion Lynch led Tutorial with 7 buckets. Queen’s College then edged President’s College 34 - 25 in their encounter.
QC had good minutes from Daren Boucher 9 points
YBG action: Queen’s College (in back) vs President’s College(purple))
and Deshawn Gurrick with 6 points.
a losing cause with 13 points and 6 rebounds.
St Rose’s High and defeated Marian Academy 3721, Chaziah Bernard was at the forefront of Roses’ win with 14 points while Dequan Fraser chipped in with 10 points.
Marian Academy’s Ruel Rambiriche was the best of the losing side with 8 points.
Over at the New Amsterdam Basketball Court in Berbice, the Under 16 category saw host New Amsterdam Secondary getting the better of Berbice High 27-24.
Guyanese squash contingent undertakes high-performance training in Paraguay
FIVE promising Guyanese squash players are undergoing a rigorous seven-day high-performance training camp in Paraguay, leveraging a recently activated Memorandum of Understanding between the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Paraguayan Olympic Committee. The initiative aims to
provide the athletes with a data-driven environment focused on enhancing various aspects of their game through scientifically backed methods.
The participating athletes are: Mary Fung-AFat, Kirsten Gomes, Samuel
Ince-Carvalhal, Louis Da Silva and Mohrayn Baksh, The intensive programme includes strength and performance assessments to identify strengths and areas for improvement, followed by targeted strength and conditioning sessions, dynamic court work, and circuit training.
Athletes are also receiving expert guidance on nutri-
tion, doubles play strategy, footwork drills, and engaging in competitive play to improve match readiness.
The collaboration, formalised by the GOA-Paraguayan Olympic Committee MoU, represents a step in utilising international partnerships to bolster athlete development and performance.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Sunday May 18, 2025)
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Chris Gayle-608 runs (RCB) (2) Lasith Malinga-28 wickets (MI) Today’s Quiz:
(1) Who was the leading run-scorer in IPL 2012?
(2) Who claimed most wickets? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
scored 34 points in game five, was kept quiet with just eight points. (BBC Sport)
Presidents College’s Mattaniah Fordyce was superb in
From left: Samuel Ince-Carvalhal, Mohryan Baksh, Mary Fung-A-Fat, Kirsten Gomes and Louis DaSilva
Brunson and Towns were among the Knicks stars on the night
Crystal Palace stun Man City as Eze strikes to win FA Cup for first time
CRYSTAL Palace won the first major trophy in the club's history with victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
Eberechi Eze was Palace's hero when he crowned a superb counter-attack by sweeping home Daniel Munoz's cross after 16 minutes.
City, meanwhile, endured a day of total frustration as they failed to win a trophy in a season for the first time since manager Pep Guardiola's first campaign in charge in 2016-17.
They were furious when Palace keeper Dean Henderson was not shown a red card when he handled outside his area under pressure from Erling Haaland in the first half, the video assistant
referee (VAR) adjudging that City's striker was moving away from goal and therefore not denied a clear opportunity.
Henderson then emerged as Palace's hero when he saved Omar Marmoush's penalty after 36 minutes following Tyrick Mitchell's foul on Bernardo Silva, Haaland stepping aside from spotkick duties after failing with three of his past seven attempts.
City dominated possession but Oliver Glasner's side defended magnificently, with Henderson outstanding, saving from Haaland, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku in the first half, then denying Claudio Echeverri after the break.
The final whistle sparked scenes of ecstasy
among Palace fans as the long wait for success was over for the Eagles.
Palace deserve day of glory
The greatest day in Palace's history was richly deserved and reward for faith in the work of Glasner, who has masterminded their superb run to FA Cup glory.
Palace did not win their first Premier League game this season until 27 October, but faith in the Austrian never wavered and the payback is this big prize - as well as a place in the Europa League next season.
Eze and Henderson have been two standout heroes on the road to Wembley, and they inspired the Eagles once again as City were punished at one end and
thwarted at the other.
Eze provided the moment of magic, as he did in the quarter-final win at Fulham and the semi-final win against Aston Villa at Wembley, pouncing ruthlessly on Munoz's cross to leave Stefan Ortega helpless.
City will forever believe Henderson should have seen red when he clawed the ball away from Haaland in the first half, but VAR ruled otherwise and Henderson produced an otherwise faultless display in front of watching England head coach Thomas Tuchel.
When he dived to his right to save Marmoush's penalty, Henderson became the first keeper to save a penalty in an FA Cup final - excluding shootouts - since Petr
Brathwaite throws full support behind new Test skipper
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Former West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite has called on the region to throw its full support behind his successor Roston Chase, as he embarks on what he has described as a difficult task.
Chase was officially announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) as the Windies’ new Test captain on Friday, becoming the 10th Barbadian to lead the regional side.
His first series in charge will be a difficult one, with the West Indies set to host the number one ranked Australia in a three-match Test series beginning June 25.
Brathwaite, who led the Test team for four years after taking over in March
2021, resigned suddenly on March 31.
In a statement posted on social media, Brathwaite congratulated his fellow Barbadian on his promotion, saying he believed he would be a great leader.
to Roston Chase on his appointment as the new West Indies Test captain.
“Wearing the maroon and leading this proud team in the longest format of the game is no easy task – I know that better than
“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations
most,” Brathwaite said.
“The pressures are
FA
Cech for Chelsea against Portsmouth in 2010.
City may have held sway in possession, with 78% compared to City's 22%, but when it mattered Eze produced the goods again.
Munoz was another standout performer for Palace, whose fans had to go through 10 agonising minutes of additional time before the memories
of losing FA Cup finals in 1990 and 2016 could be banished.
Glasner's reaction, like his management, was calm and measured, while joy exploded for Palace elsewhere.
There were tears of joy on the pitch and in the stands as Palace finally sampled the sweet taste of success. (BBC Sport)
Abandoned match knocks defending champs KKR out of playoff contention
real, the expectations are high, and the path is rarely smooth. But what makes the journey possible and worthwhile is knowing that the region is behind you every step of the way.
“Roston is a man of composure, character, and quiet strength. He’s earned this opportunity through commitment and perseverance, and I have no doubt he will lead with integrity and determination.
“Now, more than ever, he deserves our full support. Let’s rally behind him. Let’s show him that the people of the Caribbean believe in him and in the future of West Indies cricket.
“Congratulations once again, skipper. We’re with you,” he further added.
Andre Russell (left) and Sunil Narine were left disappointed after their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru was abandoned without a ball being bowled
BENGALURU, India, (CMC) – West Indians Sunil Narine and Andre Russell did not get the opportunity to take the field and defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders were eliminated from playoff contention in the Indian Premier League (IPL) here on Saturday.
Needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, heavy and persistent showers forced the abandonment of their contest against Royal Challengers Bengaluru without a ball being bowled at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, in the first IPL match since the league was suspended because of tensions between India and Pakistan. The result left KKR in sixth position on 12 points, and mathematically impossible for them to clinch a playoff spot.
However, the one point confirmed progress for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who moved to 17 points from their 12 matches and were looking to maximise points in order to seal a top two spot.
Crystal Palace players lift the trophy after the
Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at the Wembley Stadium in London / AP
Roston Chase (left) and Kraigg Brathwaite in earlier times playing for the West Indies
PM Mottley congratulates Chase on historic elevation to Test captain
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley has lauded Roston Chase for his promotion to West Indies Test captain, describing it as an “extraordinary milestone”.
The 33-year-old Chase was officially appointed to the post on Friday by Cricket West Indies (CWI), following a rigorous interview process where he beat out five other candidates for the position.
He takes over the reins from countryman Kraigg Brathwaite, who resigned as Test captain earlier this year.
Chase becomes the 10th Barbadian to captain the West Indies and his appointment means all of the senior West Indies teams are led by a Bar-
badian, with Hayley Matthews the Women’s captain and Shai Hope the skipper of the T20I and ODI teams.
In a release issued shortly after the announcement was made, Mottley, who is also chair of CARICOM, said Barbados had always produced great leaders.
“Today, we witness history. Roston Chase, a humble son of the soil, is now the 10th Barbadian to captain the West Indies team — an extraordinary milestone not just for him, but for every Barbadian who believes in discipline, dignity and quiet determination.
“From Teddy Hoad in 1929 during the inaugural home Test against England, to Frank Worrell, the first black man to cap-
tain the West Indies in a full series. He was a transformative figure for our region. To Garry Sobers, one of our two living national heroes and the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen. Clyde Walcott, one of the immortal Three Ws. Desmond Haynes, steady and reliable at the helm, who served as an ODI captain,” Mottley said in the release.
“We remember too Floyd Reifer, called to lead during a time of great challenge in 2009 when a players’ strike left a void — and it was to Barbados the region turned, because Barbados has always shown leadership, and dependability.
“Then came the commanding presence of Jason Holder, the dogged resilience of Kraigg
Brathwaite, and the finesse of Shai Hope, who is currently the captain of both white ball teams. And let us not forget Hayley Matthews, the dynamic captain of the West Indies Women’s team, whose fearless leadership and all-round brilliance continue to inspire a new generation women and girls across the Caribbean,” she further added.
Mottley said Chase’s elevation to Test captain was a testament to his hard work and dedication since making his debut nine years ago.
“Roston Chase stands tall among these giants. Not a flashy player, but one who quietly goes about his work. A man of effort, of persistence, of belief. In many ways, he represents the best of who we are — working hard,
staying grounded, and trusting that reward comes not with noise, but with resolve.
“And what a story Barbados continues to write: three West Indies Test captains, back-toback-to-back. That is no coincidence. That is character. That is commitment. That is the culture of cricket in this country,” Mottley further stated.
“To Wesley Hall and Combermere, schools that
have helped nurture him, I say — thank you. To the coaches, at every level, who poured into him — thank you. To Roston’s parents, Margaret and Radcliffe, who have stood by him through every run, every spell, and every challenge — thank you for allowing your son to blossom. And to Roston himself — thank you, for being in this moment.”
Regal Stationery & Computer Centre on board DCB Independence
REGAL Stationery and Computer Centre of 69 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, has joined the growing list of sponsors for the first-ever Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Independence T10 Cup set for May 25.
Known for its generosity through its owner, Mahendra “Anil” Hardyal, the entity has pledged G$150,000 to the grand event.
According to the company’s Sales Representative, Anuradha Bahadur, Regal Stationery & Computer Centre continues to
showcase its involvement in activities that make a constructive difference, not only in sports but in other areas.
DCB Secretary, Davteerth Anandjit, who collected the cheque on behalf of the body, showered praise on Regal Stationery & Computer Centre for its involvement, pointing out that the company is always willing to assist when called upon to do so.
Anandjit also expressed gratitude to the company for embracing the tournament, noting that such partnerships with the cor-
Regal Stationery and Computer Centre Sales Representative, Anuradha Bahadur, hands over cheque to DCB Secretary, Davteerth Anandjit
porate community are key to fostering the growth and development of cricket.
Anandjit also disclosed that preparations are moving apace and teams are raring to commence the battle for championship honours which carry cash prize of G$500,000 and trophies.
The winners will cart off G$250,000 plus the winners’ trophy; the runners-up G$150,000 and trophy, while the losing semi-finalists will receive G$50,000 each. The respective Man-of-the-Match in the semi-finals will also
Shastri reveals his choice for India’s next Test captain
FORMER coach Ravi Shastri has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding India’s vacant Test captaincy role after the recent retirement of long-time skipper Rohit Sharma from the format.
Shastri discussed the candidates to take over the captaincy with host Sanjana Ganesan on the latest episode of The ICC Review, urging selectors to prioritise the future and not burden India’s pace maestro Jasprit Bumrah with captaincy.
“See for me, Jasprit would have been the obvious choice after Australia,” Shastri said.
“But I don’t want Jasprit to be made captain and then you lose him as a bowler.”
He cited Bumrah’s recent struggle with a back injury sustained in the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy match in Sydney.
The 31-year-old was out of action for nearly three months from early January until April, also missing out on India’s victorious ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.
“I think he (Bumrah) has to take his body one game at a time. He's coming back now after a serious injury," Shastri noted.
“He'll have played IPL cricket, which is four-over cricket. Now will come the test of bowling 10 overs, 15 overs. And the last thing you want is some pressure on his mind being cap-
tain as well.”
Rather than adding strain to India’s pace-bowling spearhead, Shastri backed Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant as potential prospects to take over the captaincy, with their age and longevity the key factors behind this choice.
“You groom somebody and I would say Shubman’s looked very good. Give him the opportunity. He's 25, 26 years of age, even give him time," Shastri said.
“There's Rishabh as well. I think these two are the obvious ones I'm looking at because of their age and they have a decade ahead of them. So, let them learn.”
A superb century from Shubman Gill against Bangladesh at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
Shastri also stressed on the fact that with Rohit and Virat Kohli’s recent retirement from Test cricket, India have to look forward to the future, further justifying Pant or Gill as his choices for the role.
The duo also have leadership experience, captaining their franchises (Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans) in the Indian Premier League.
“They've got experience as captains, now, captaining their franchise and that makes a difference," Shastri noted.
T10 Cup
be recipient of trophies.
The tournament will be played on a knockout basis with eight first division teams from the county competing for top honours. While the teams will be represented by players within the respective associations, each team is allowed two guest players from other counties.
The action gets underway at 10:00hrs and conclude under lights at the LBI Ground, East Coast Demerara and promises to be an enthralling day of entertaining cricket.
…Backs Gill and Pant as potential prospects
"The little I've seen of Shubman looks very interesting. Composed, calm, he has all the qualities,” said Shastri as he commended the temperament of the No.1 ranked batter in the ICC ODI Player Rankings.
The Indian legend also quashed concerns over Gill’s form overseas.
“You people will talk he's not scored runs overseas. You know, that topic always comes, not scored runs overseas,” he said
“Sometimes I tell them, go and see your own record, how much have you done overseas? Overseas, overseas, let him play, let him get a run overseas, then he'll score runs. He's a class player.”
Gill has served as the Indian vice-captain in the ODI side, and even captained India in a T20I series in Zimbabwe.
The visitors emerged triumphant by a 4-1 margin as Gill scored 170 runs from his five innings striking at a steady 125.92 with a highest score of 66 in India’s 23-run victory over Zimbabwe in the third T20I.
“He has a decade of cricket ahead of him for the country," Shastri said.
"And I'm sure he'll get cracking in one of the tours, he'll make up for all those runs he's not got on earlier." (ICC Media)
Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley
Noel claims four golds, sets four national records at Pan Am Aquatics
GUYANESE swimmer, Raekwon Noel, delivered a dominant performance at the inaugural Pan
Am Aquatics Championships in Medellin, securing four gold medals and establishing new
national records in each winning event. Noel's successful run concluded on Friday eve-
Colombian Matteo Garcia on cusp of winning Independence Three-Stage Cycle race
Colombian rider Matteo Garcia, representing Trinidad and Tobago's Team Raiders, has asserted his dominance in the 42nd edition of Guyana's Independence Three-Stage Cycle Road Race, securing victories in both opening stages on Saturday.
His commanding performance puts him in a strong position heading into the final stage.
The first stage, a 45-mile race from Corriverton to New Amsterdam, saw Garcia clock a winning time of one hour, 41 minutes, and 28 seconds.
He narrowly edged out local favourite Aaron Newton of KFC Evolution in a thrilling sprint finish, with Newton finishing just fractions behind in 1:41.31.
Another rider competing for a Trinidadian club, Adam Alexander, secured third place, crossing the line in 1:42.17. Curtis Dey, Robin Persaud, and Jaiden Neaves rounded out the top six in the opening stage.
Garcia continued his impressive form in Stage Two, a challenging 62-mile event from D’Edward Village to Liliendaal.
The Colombian once again
proved too strong for the competition, finishing in two hours, twenty minutes, and 36 seconds.
Seasoned campaigner and Masters competitor Robin Persaud finished second in this stage, four seconds adrift in two hours, twenty minutes, and 40 seconds. With two stage wins under his belt, Garcia holds a significant advantage in the overall classification heading into the final day of racing.
An unprecedented performance from his competitors
would be required to deny him the title.
The third and final stage, traditionally a road race from Linden to Georgetown, will this year be held as a circuit race in Providence due to ongoing road construction.
The event, organised by the National Sports Commission, features a peloton of 45 riders vying for top honours in one of Guyana's premier cycling events.
ning with his fourth gold in the 400m freestyle. He touched the wall in 4:00.66s, securing victory and breaking another Guyanese national record.
His gold medal haul began earlier in the competition with wins in the 100m and 200m butterfly, and the 100m backstroke. Each victory also resulted in a new national benchmark for Guyana.
In the 100m backstroke, Noel clocked 56.78 seconds for gold, finishing ahead of Colombia's Gabriel Hernandez (57.04s) and Puerto Rico's Suil Quinoes (59.27s).
Noel also won the 200m butterfly final in 2:02.53, outpacing Puerto Rico's Andres Brooks (2:04.04) and Mexico's Mark Van Eybergen (2:05.69). This time significantly improved his national record, which he had already lowered in the heats from 2:04.21 to 2:03.33.
His victory in the 100m butterfly saw him set a new national record of 54.00 seconds.
The achievement of four gold medals and four national records at a single Pan Am Championships marks a significant mile-
stone for Guyanese swimming and for the inaugural event.
Noel, an Olympian currently on scholarship at Indiana University, has made a notable impact on the regional swimming circuit.
Fellow Guyanese swimmer Shareefah Lewis also competed. After an eighth-place finish in the 50m backstroke final, Lewis swam in the girls' 16-18 50m butterfly heats on Friday, finishing fifth with a time of 31.44 seconds. She is scheduled to compete in the 50m freestyle heats.
Trans Racing team makes history as Guyana’s first independent representative in International Drag Racing
IN a historic breakthrough for local motorsport, Trans Racing Team is proud to announce its participation as the first-ever team to represent Guyana on the international drag racing stage, with upcoming appearances in Guyana, Trinidad, and Suriname.
This pioneering journey is being undertaken without any support from the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) and is instead fully and solely sponsored by Trans Pacific Motor Spares & Auto Sales Inc. a bold move that underscores the private sector’s commitment to the growth of motorsport in Guyana.
Trans Racing Team is honoured to carry the Guyanese flag into its first international competition as a fully independent team. This milestone represents more than just competition. It’s about proving what can be achieved when passion meets purpose, even in the absence of institutional backing.
The team’s racing schedule begins with a high-profile event in Guyana today, at GMR&SC’s Endurance Meet, competing in the Vitz Cup Group. This will be followed by participation in
the Wallerfield Cup Finals in Trinidad on May 24–25, then back to Guyana on June 1 for the 1320 Heat Drag Racing Event. The journey will conclude with a final competition in Suriname. In preparation, the team will be shipping their competition cars in advance to each destination.
“Trans Pacific Motor Spares & Auto Sales Inc. is honoured to be the sole sponsorbehind this historic moment,”
said a spokesperson for the company. “We believe in breaking boundaries and investing in those bold enough to lead and Trans Racing Team is doing exactly that.” Trans Racing Team invites all Guyanese motorsport enthusiasts and patriots alike to follow and support their journey, as they proudly represent the nation without compromise and without limits.
Colombian Matteo Garcia has been the standout rider after the two stages of the Independence Three-Stage race (PHOTO: News Room/Shaconeil Burnette)
Trans Racing team schedule begins with a high-profile event in Guyana today
Guyana’s Golden boy, Raekwon Noel, won four gold medals at the Pan Am Aquatics