Gov’t condemns ‘unpatriotic’ spread of Venezuelan propaganda
- warns of political motives behind disinformation
THE Government of Guyana has condemned what it described as “unpatriotic and sustained efforts” by certain individuals to spread Venezuelan propaganda online, warning that such actions are aimed at sowing division and fear among the population.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation called out individuals who have been sharing misleading or fabricated content, much of which it said is either unrelated to Guyana, outdated, or entirely false.
“The Government of Guyana has noted the unpatriotic and sustained efforts of some in spreading Venezuelan propaganda; some of which is dated, some not related to Guyana and some totally fabricated. These posts are generated to create unease, tension and unnecessary worry among the population, no doubt with an ulterior political motive,” the Ministry stated.
The Ministry urged citizens to rely solely on of-
ficial government communications regarding matters related to Venezuela, particularly as tensions continue over that country’s unlawful claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region.
“We urge Guyanese to rely only on official communications on this matter and avoid falling prey to those with an alternative unpatriotic agenda,” the statement added.
The warning comes amid increased online activity linked to Venezuela’s
disinformation campaign, which continues to falsely assert sovereignty over Guyanese territory in violation of international law.
The warning comes as Venezuela intensifies its propaganda campaign to support its baseless claim over Guyana’s Essequibo region.
The campaign has included fake news videos, manipulated AI-generated images, and disinformation spread by social media accounts linked to pro-Vene-
provocative acts, which can be inimical to our national interest at this point in time,” he said.
To this end, Nandlall related that the government continues to appeal to people to not do those things and not pay heed to those publications.
zuelan interests.
In some instances, videos falsely depicting border invasions have been circulated, claims which the Venezuelan government has not publicly debunked.
Previously, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. has appealed to citizens to only listen to and read the official channels of communication regarding the ongoing border controversy.
“We caution against such publications, they do nobody any good; they certainly don’t have a positive impact on the psyche of Guyanese, and they can lead not only to unnecessary apprehension, tension and stress, but can also lead to
Against this backdrop, he said that the Government of Guyana will continue to intensify its public engagements on the question of the border controversy.
As part of its digital countermeasures, the Government has engaged Meta (Facebook’s parent company) regarding a surge in deceptive content.
Several fake pages and profiles have been created to circulate maps falsely depicting the Essequibo region as part of Venezuela.
Although some users have reported the misleading content, many of the accounts remain active.
Venezuela has ramped up its claims for Guyana’s Essequibo region in recent years as oil discoveries by ExxonMobil in the prolific
Stabroek Block continue to increase.
Guyana approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2018 asking it to rule on the validity of the 1899 pact which settled the land border between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Director of Frontiers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Donnette Streete, had also previously cautioned Guyanese to be careful with following some of the utterances coming out of the Venezuelan government on the border controversy, explaining that the neighbouring country is involved in a massive propaganda campaign on the issue.
“So, these are all deliberate misinterpretations of the Geneva Agreement, that the government of Venezuela has been propagating and if we are not careful, I think we can get really caught and sucked into that level of propaganda,” Streete said.
She describes Venezuela’s continued claims over the Essequibo as increasingly ridiculous that has no basis in law and goes against the spirit of the Geneva Agreement.
“Venezuela’s claims became more outrageous so essentially what happened the Government of Venezuela started out by declaring that the award was invalid from this original declaration.
“Venezuela then graduated her claim to the Essequibo region, and then it moved from the Essequibo belong to Venezuela to the waters off the coast of Essequibo belonging to Venezuela, then it moved from that to now claim has graduated to include the water off the Coast of even the water of Demerara and Berbice,” Streete pointed out.
The Government has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to peace and international legal processes, including the ongoing case before the ICJ, while reinforcing national unity and vigilance in the face of external threats.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall
Director of Frontiers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Donnette Streete
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that the government is in active discussions with the New Building Society (NBS) to increase its mortgage ceiling from $20 million to $30 million, with a capped interest rate aimed at making homeownership more accessible to Guyanese.
Speaking at a Labour Brunch hosted at State House on Sunday, the Head of State said he gave instructions at 09:45hrs on Sunday for the Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, to formally write NBS, requesting the increase.
“At 9:45 am, I instructed the Minister
of Finance to write to the New Building Society and to increase their loan limit to $30 million,” President Ali said, noting that the raised ceiling would come with a guaranteed interest rate not exceeding five per cent for loans at or below that amount.
This initiative, he said, is part of his government’s ongoing efforts to ease the path to homeownership for ordinary Guyanese.
Dr Ali reaffirmed the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s commitment to improving access to housing, referencing the administration’s track record of facilitating thousands
of home loans through partnerships with financial institutions and reducing barriers such as high interest rates and rigid collateral requirements.
Over the years, partnerships with local banking institutions have facilitated better access to loans for home construction and ownership, with significantly reduced interest rates.
According to a previous report, the New Building Society (NBS) processed 669 loan applications and disbursed $3.5 billion in loans in 2020.
By 2023, the NBS experienced a remarkable surge, receiving
over 2,500 applications and disbursing $19 billion—a staggering 274 per cent increase in applicants and 443 per cent increase in loan disbursements over the past few years.
Previously, applicants were required to provide cash equity for loans, but this requirement has been revised, allowing applicants to utilise their lands as collateral for loans.
President Ali announces plans to raise NBS loan limit to $30M, cap interest at 5% President Ali assures workers of better salaries, benefits, fewer taxes
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of Guyanese workers, pledging continued job creation, higher wages, and economic security under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government.
Speaking at a Labour Day Brunch hosted at State House, President Ali outlined a series of sweeping improvements already delivered, including a 46.2 per cent increase in salaries for public servants, teachers and members of the disciplined services between 2021 and 2025.
According to President Ali, his government will continue to build on these reforms to ensure more Guyanese families can afford to own a home.
more multi-year pacts with unions than any other administration in the country’s history.
On the employment front, he reported that over 60,000 new jobs have been created since taking office, with new opportunities emerging daily across sectors.
Promising continued prosperity, President Ali told the gathering, “The honour will be mine to ensure that during my presidency, the Guyanese workers will finally realise a level of comfort and prosperity that will compare favourably to that enjoyed anywhere else in the world.”
“We have granted across-the-board salary increases... amounting to an increase of 46.2% from 2021 to 2025,” he said, highlighting it as a key step in delivering a better quality of life for workers.
hands of workers.
The President also announced major tax reforms that have placed billions back into the
The personal income tax rates were reduced from 28 per cent to 25 per cent and from 40 per cent to 35 per cent, while the in-
come tax threshold was doubled from $65,000 to $130,000 — a move that has injected over $18 billion annually into the pockets of more than 60,000 workers.
Ali further touted historic gains in labour relations, revealing that his government has facilitated over 100 collective labour agreements and concluded
He reaffirmed that the PPP/C remains focused on building a future defined by economic security, higher incomes, and opportunities for all.
A section of the gathering at President Ali’s Labour Brunch on Sunday
Guyana repositioned as a global leader on green growth and sustainability – GS Jagdeo
THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has been forced to pick up where it left off in 2015, in the areas of environmental sustainability and economic growth, since the previous administration was unable to execute an effective strategy.
This was the view shared by General Secretary of the PPP, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, during his weekly press conference at Freedom House on Thursday.
Dr Jagdeo lambasted the former administration for its haphazard approach towards the issue of environmental sustainability. He said their strategy, the Green State Development Strategy, only accrued minimal benefits during
its implementation.
“He [President Granger] planted some trees in Bartica, two trees in Mabaruma that he flew in to plant, and that was their [strategy]. [He] took the solar panel that we bought for Amerindian communities [and] put it on State House. That was their Green State Strategy,” he chided.
Contrasting this with the track record of the PPP/C administration, Dr Jagdeo highlighted the hundreds of millions of US dollars earned through Guyana’s Expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
A significant portion of these funds have been directed to Amerindian communities for the execution of 1500 sustainable economic projects.
This has amounted to some $9.6 billion in the last few years, with an additional $4 billion to be injected this year.
The remainder has been set aside for climate-proof infrastructure, such as the construction of pump stations, kokers, and Hope-like canals.
These initiatives, he said, have repositioned Guyana as a global leader on green growth and sustainability.
“I’m extremely pleased that we are also giving leadership in this regard globally,” he said.
Just last week, the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP) launched a multi-day conference where delegates from around the world gathered to analyse Guyana’s policy document on incentivising its environmental credentials.
The FCLP, originally initiated in 2022,
comprises 32 countries with immense forest cover that collectively advocate for climate financing to enhance economic advancement.
Guyana and the United Kingdom are currently co-chairing the organisation.
Dr. Jagdeo revealed that government is now in the process of exploring whether Guyana can also receive financing from the pres-
ervation of its rich biodiversity.
“[Considering] our success with forest carbon-related financing, we’re now trying to see if the same approach could be used in biodiversity financing,” the general secretary, who also performs the duties of vice president, posited.
Notwithstanding this, Guyana continues to be a global leader
in forest conservation, with the LCDS 2030 demonstrating real results in climate finance.
It is the first country in the world to issue ART-TREES credits, issuing 33.4 million credits in late 2022.
Thus far, Guyana has sold about 30% of its credits, earning a minimum of US$750 million in a sale to Hess Corporation. (DPI)
PPP General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo
CJIA fire electrical in origin; GFS contains blaze within minutes
AN electrical fire at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Sunday morning caused a brief disruption to flight operations, but was swiftly contained by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), preventing significant damage or injuries.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Dwayne Scotland, confirmed to the Guyana Chronicle that the fire originated in the ceiling of the check-in area after an air-conditioning unit became overheated.
The blaze, which was reported shortly after 10:00hrs., was quickly extinguished within minutes by GFS responders.
Passengers checking in for outgoing Caribbean Airlines (BW527) and Suriname Airways flights were immediately evacuated as part of standard safety protocols.
A statement from the CJIA noted that the airport's emergency systems, including alarms, emergency lighting, and fire shutter
‘A
doors functioned as intended, aiding in a controlled response to the incident.
“The Guyana Fire Service quickly brought the fire under control, preventing further damage. The incident caused minor disruptions to Caribbean Airlines and Suriname Airways outbound flights,” the airport's statement read, adding that flight operations resumed shortly afterward.
The GFS is continuing its investigation to determine the precise cause of the fire, although it is believed to be electrical in nature.
No injuries were reported, and passengers were able to complete check-in and board their flights later in the day.
The CJIA has reassured the public that the safety and security of passengers and staff remain a top priority and thanked all responding agencies for their swift and professional response.
disgraceful attack on progress, partnership in
Amerindian communities’ -
The following is the full text of a statement from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs:
“It is extremely disheartening that the Stabroek News continues to engage in mischievous journalistic practices through uninformed and biased commentary. This is clearly the case in its sordid editorial in question, published on May 17, 2025, under the headline “National Toshaos Conference and Accountability.”
The editorial is intellectually dishonest and shamefully disregards the real, tangible progress being made through the collaborative efforts between the Government and the democratically elected National Toshaos Council (NTC), and to go even further, it disrespects the very Indigenous leaders it claims to represent.
t is a familiar posture of political cynicism and calculated omission of facts which
only serves to erode trust and discredit the hardworking Indigenous leaders who have led and partnered with Government in transforming their communities.
We are elated that the writer can appreciate that Amerindian Act 2006 is undoubtedly a strong and empowering tool for Indigenous people in Guyana which came as a result of nation-
wide consultations under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration.
The principle of “public interest” which seems to be a concern of the editorial is a standing feature in public law and is only exercisable in specific circumstances. The editor should have read the Amerindian Act in its entirety to appreciate that even
the use of the public interest principle is subject to review by the courts.
It must also be noted that all villages with mining activities on their lands have made those decisions using the democratic process.
The writer went on to name certain key villages with alleged issues of mining. It is pertinent to find out if these villages were consulted by the Stabroek News editorial writer who then went on to blatantly misrepresent the facts.
The editorial attempts to mislead readers on the review process of the Amerindian Act 2006. Since the writer has clearly missed what are quite clearly public facts, it must be noted, once again, that there are three key phases in the review process of the Act:
1. Training, education, and awareness
2. Nation-wide consultations
3. Drafting of amendments (if any)
Amerindian Affairs Ministry says in condemnation
of
recent Stabroek News editorial
In Phase One, an Oversight Committee—including civil society representation— has led nationwide education efforts. To date, 947 leaders and residents across Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Eight, Nine, and 10 have benefited from training. Educational materials have been developed, 21 lead facilitators trained, and the Oversight Committee convened. The allocated budget is adequate for the stage that the process is in, which is education and awareness.
As such, based on the foregoing, it is completely baseless to accuse the minister of having an “overreach”.
The minister has an oversight power and has only and will only intervene at the request of Villages.
We urge Indigenous leaders and, indeed, all Guyanese to stay engaged in the process with facts, fairness, and a shared commitment to the advancement of Guyana’s First Peoples.
Undoubtedly, Stabroek News has mirrored and mimicked a failed opposition narrative being peddled with the intention to distract from the NTC Conference which begins on Monday.
It is anticipated that Stabroek News and others will undertake, in a coordinated manner in the coming days, to dicredit the work of the Government in hinterland communities.
Nothing can distract Government from the major investments in our Amerindian people that has brought about dignity, pride, and a significant amount of personal and community upliftment.
“We challenge the conveners of the editorial to visit the Amerindian villages, with the permission of those leaders of course, and witness the transformative change facilitated over the years through direct investments by successive PPP/C Governments.”
The aftermath of the incident (Royston Drakes Production/ Facebook/ May 18, 2025)
Countering Transnational Crime
The recent passage of the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (APIPNR) Bill is a milestone in the struggle against transnational organised crime in the Caribbean region.
This legislation, providing a central database under which CARICOM nations could exchange critical passenger and cargo information, represents a fundamental reconsideration of regional security cooperation.
As criminal networks develop in increasing levels of sophistication across porous borders, this legislation offers a long-overdue remedy to transnational threats that have exploited the fractured structure of Caribbean security frameworks.
The Caribbean has traditionally been beset by vulnerability to transnational criminal networks.
These groups have exploited the geographical reality of many island states with limited individual assets to combat sophisticated criminal networks.
Attorney General Nandlall's
comment that crime as "one of the major challenges facing the region" is not hyperbole but a stark overview of a crisis that threatens the social and economic architecture of Caribbean societies.
Transnational crime syndicates are no longer operated in rigid hierarchies but in "fluid networks" that provide them "diversity, flexibility, low visibility and longevity," CARICOM's own Crime and Security Strategy asserts.
Such a new model of criminal organisation needs to be met by an equally sophisticated response from the region's governments.
The APIPNR Bill is just such a sophisticated response. By operationalizing the CARICOM Advance Passenger Crew Information System, the Act puts in place a system by which immigration, customs and law enforcement authorities can identify potential security threats prior to their being in border areas.
This proactive potential is
invaluable in a part of the world where security operations often lack resources.
The measures in the bill allowing the authorities to “screen passengers before they arrive in a country” and “identify potential security threats early” are a necessary move away from the attitude of reaction to one of anticipation.
Perhaps the most promising aspect of this bill is its regional focus and cooperative nature.
The historical tendency to prefer purely national security solutions has normally served the purpose of what security experts have referred to as the “balloon effect” – successful enforcement in one nation simply pushing crime into adjacent territories.
As CARICOM's own security reports acknowledge, “national initiatives can also have the unintended effect of pushing transnational organized crime activity from one Member State to another, as traffickers quickly adjust and seek out alternative sources,
routes and transit points”.
The APIPNN Bill addresses this deficiency by putting in place standard information-sharing protocols among participating CARICOM members.
Critics of expanded security protocols have a valid reason to be concerned about privacy and civil liberties.
But the APIPNR Bill appears to have been constructed with these matters firmly in mind.
It was Attorney General Nandlall who drew particular attention to the "strong safeguards for confidentiality” incorporated into the legislation of the bill.
The timing of the bill with respect to comparatively recently enacted Data Protection laws also suggests a focus on prudent information management.
The endorsement of the bill's privacy provisions by opposition MP Khemraj Ramjattan suggests an attractive cross-party recognition of se-
curity requirements and civil liberties concerns.
Conformance of law to international conventions and best practice is a further strength.
Minister Deodat Indar's affirmation that the bill “fits neatly with our international conventions” demonstrates Guyana's commitment to operating within accepted global standards for security cooperation.
Furthermore, considerations in the implementation in practice – like Indar's assurance that the bill “imposes no undue burdens on airlines” – demonstrate caution regarding the operational matters that are so often to blame for undermining good-intentioned security legislation.
While the APIPNR Bill is an important step forward, it must be viewed as part of a comprehensive regional security strategy.
The bill follows CARICOM Cyber Security and Cybercrime Action Plan priorities, which demand “harmonised standard of practices, systems and ex -
pertise” in combating security weakness.
The successful passage of this law should be in itself a spur to greater regional action on other security issues, including cybercrime, corruption, and gun-running.
The Caribbean is faced with intricate security issues that any one piece of legislation can hardly address.
Nevertheless, the APIPNR Bill offers a basic foundation upon which subsequent strengthened security architecture may be built.
By enabling the sophisticated sharing of passenger and cargo information across borders, CARICOM nations are making a statement about their shared determination to protect their citizens from persons who would seek to exploit regional borders for illicit purposes.
This is a good security policy, but it's also a manifestation of Caribbean sovereignty in the face of transnational threats.
Engaging, comprehensive discussions anticipated as NTC Conference begins today
TOSHAOS from more than 200 Amerindian communities across Guyana will meet at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) for the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference beginning today.
The annual event will conclude on Friday, May 23 and is being held under the theme “Robust Governance for Sustainable Village Development.”
The conference is organised by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs in collaboration with the National Toshaos Council.
The National Toshaos Council is the only constitutionally recognised body that represents the rights and interests of the nation’s First
wards the unique needs of their communities.
The NTC Conference will open with a key address by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, followed by cultural presentations, adoption of the NTC agenda, and an interactive engagement session.
The remaining days leading up to the close will allow toshaos to participate in discussions with ministers from the various sectors, including health, education, housing, infrastructure, and public service, among others.
On the final day, President Ali will return to deliver the closing remarks to wrap up a successful week of strategic consultations which may lay the groundwork
for further collaboration. Meanwhile, the government, in its 2025 national fiscal plan allocated funds to support the staging of this year’s conference. This reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the voices of Amerindians are meaningfully represented in national policymaking.
Speaking to the government’s unwavering commitment, since returning to office in August 2020, billions have been injected into development initiatives across all 240 Amerindian communities. The intervention is reflected in areas like health, education, infrastructure, housing, water, and electricity. (DPI)
Peoples. In addition, the con
with
The adverb, ‘extraordinarily’ should have been used
VICE-PRESIDENT Jagdeo, in his last press conference, remarked that: “This country got some really stupid people.” Mr. Jagdeo did not use the adverb, “extraordinarily” which is most appropriate.
If you are an adult who live in Guyana, and you have not seen or heard Guyanese who are extraordinarily stupid then you are not only unintelligent, but you are not a living person.
It is not the activist or politician that says or does stupid things that one must criticise.
It is the people who believe the idiocy, asininity and ignorance that are sprouted in the public domain.
The Kaieteur News (KN) rushed into a paroxysm of criticism of Mr. Jagdeo for using the word, “stupid.” That criticism in itself is stupid.
Every country has limited people that say stupid
things. Which country is so blessed that it does not have stupid people?
When politicians, the media and other actors say stupid things to fool a nation why shouldn’t government leaders call them out?
If you want to see stupid in the air, just look at and listen to Glenn Lall.
If you analyse the outpouring from some Guyanese who are anti-government you will not see extraordinary stupidity. Here is a brief list of the manifestations of stupidity.
1- Stabroek News. Read what I wrote last Saturday and tell me if there aren’t extraordinarily stupid people in this country.
Stabroek News (SN) ran an editorial of a still photograph of the President, Vice-President, the Finance Minister and another minister. There are four figures around a table with papers on the table. The photo has the caption: “We are
working hard to meet the aspirations of our people.”
SN came up with two descriptions of the photo. One is that it reveals that Mr. Jagdeo is the real president. Secondly, the photo tells you the poor governance Guyana has. Can a human look at a still photo in front of him/her and conclude that the country has poor governance. Don’t you judge the type of governance of a country by the performance of the government?
2- Stabroek News. The newspaper ran an editorial criticising the use of traffic signals because they reduce people to robotic-like behaviour. Can one get ‘stupider’ than that?
3-Here is one that in the realm of stupidity, there is no parallel. I know readers will say, “Freddie, not again.” I am sorry to disappoint you, but I will write on it over and over because in the entire history of Guy-
anese politics, there isn’t another example.
Henry Jeffrey wrote that the PPP committed fraud in every Region of Guyana except Region 8, to gain government in 2020. In all Regions, the percentage of rigging was so high that it reached in some Regions as high as 77 percent.
So, if you believe Jeffrey then the PPP did this phenomenal feat and President Granger, former army head; Vice-President Harmon, former army chief of intelligence; Presidential adviser, Eddie Collins, former army head; and Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, former head of the police force, all stood by helplessly.
4- Red Thread. This organisation contacted the police to investigate a violent threat. Red Thread claimed that Guyanese Critic warned them in an email that a hitman in a White Toyota car was paid 10 million dollars
to harm them and attack the US Embassy and he is on his way to kill them.
Guyanese Critic said he never sent such a message and had the police do a forensic search of his smart phone. The businessman said that he does not know anyone in Red Thread and never had any dealings with Red Thread. Red Thread in its press release asking the police to investigate indicated that it does not know the businessman and never had anything to say at all about him.
Yet in its press release, Red Thread called on the police to investigate (this hoax) and summoned women rights groups in Guyana and the world, (yes, the world) to show solidarity with it (over a hoax).
And stupidly, women rights groups in the Caribbean and other countries sent down a letter to Stabroek News with the Headline: “Leave Red Thread
alone.” There have to be stupid people in this country to have belied that. All Red Thread was looking for was publicity.
4- The AFC. This political party claimed, on April 28, when there were widespread robbing, looting, arson and beatings, that the people on the rampage were thugs and goons sent by the PPP.
5- Lincoln Lewis. He called on the President Granger to ignore GECOM and scrap the March 2020 election which Granger had no legal or constitutional power do to. Could anyone be so stupid to say that Guyana hasn’t got stupid people?
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.
India-Guyana ties strengthened through capacity building, cultural exchange
INDIAN High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. Amit Telang, has reported a significant increase in the number of Guyanese benefitting from India’s capacity building programmes over the years, marking another chapter in the deepening partnership between the two nations.
Speaking during a recent media engagement, Dr. Telang highlighted that Guyanese participation in training and scholarship opportunities, particularly under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), has grown from
50 to over 140 individuals, all in the last two years. These initiatives cover critical sectors including agriculture, education, media and communications, and cyber security, among others.
According to a release from the High Commission of India, the broad range of training programmes reflects India’s continued commitment to supporting Guyana’s human resource development.
In addition to technical cooperation, Dr. Telang noted that the High Commission has been actively organising cultural and yoga events across the country in partnership
Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. Amit Telang
with the Government of Guyana and local socio-cultural organisations. One of the highlights is the ongoing Indian folkart exhibition at the National Museum in Georgetown.
The exhibition, hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Bihar Museum in India, forms part of the India-Guyana Cultural Exchange Programme initiated during
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Guyana in November 2024.
Prime Minister Modi’s three-day State visit marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in over 50 years and saw the signing of five landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with President Dr. Irfaan Ali.
These agreements covered areas such as co-operation to improve regulatory standards in healthcare, collaboration in oil and gas development, joint efforts to strengthen agricultural innovation and food security, alignment of medical standards and
practices through pharmacopeia, and a partnership to explore the introduction of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) digital payments technology in Guyana. Additionally, India pledged further support to Guyana’s defence capabilities including the provision of Dornier aircraft and extended the bilateral cultural agreement through 2027.
High Commissioner Telang affirmed that the advancements not only reflect India’s strategic support but also symbolise the enduring friendship and shared values between the two nations.
Moco Moco Toshao lauds govt’s support
-
embraces role in Region Nine’s ‘food basket’ vision
TOSHAO of Moco
Moco Village, James George, has lauded the Government of Guyana for its direct interventions that have sparked visible transformation and development in his Region Nine community.
Speaking about the impact of ongoing national initiatives, Toshao George said the support is not only
felt in Moco Moco, but across several Amerindian villages that, for years, had seen little progress.
“They have the cash grant, they have the president grant, they
have the LCDS coming to being now where we never had before and you can see even the pensioners. There's a lot of benefit coming into the communities right now where years ago it never used to be like that,” he said.
Moco Moco, located in the Rupununi Savannahs, is home to just over 600 residents. According to George, many of these residents are beginning to take full advantage of the opportunities now being made available.
He expressed particular pride in the Government’s support for
Moco Moco, the food basket for Region Nine here. This is the opportunity I'm using.
I'm grabbing most of the opportunities that the Government has given us here in Moco Moco,” he said.
The vision is well underway. Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, recently announced plans to commence the cultivation of corn and soya bean in Moco Moco, a move expected to boost local productivity and increase the village’s contribution to the national food agenda.
The ministry is cur-
scribing the project as a cornerstone in bridging Guyana’s energy divide.
At the commissioning, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the “One Guyana” vision, emphasising that equal access to energy is fundamental to inclusive and sustainable development.
agriculture, which he described as aligning with both his personal passion and the national goal of food security.
“We talk about food security and I love that. I totally love that part. I would like to see our country, you know, be in the food basket, so to speak. We are always talking about it to the Caribbean and my community here,
rently assessing the scalability of this initiative in other regions.
Government’s investment in the community also extends beyond agriculture. In December 2023, Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips officially commissioned the 0.7-megawatt Moco Moco Hydropower Plant, de -
With access to clean energy, growing support for agriculture, and multiple government grants reaching the grassroots level, Moco Moco is emerging as a model of Amerindian development under the current administration.
Toshao George remains optimistic about the future, committed to using every opportunity to uplift his villag e, “This is the opportunity I'm using. I'm grabbing most of the opportunities that the Government has given us here in Moco Moco.”
Women farmers in Moco Moco Village with their eddo harvest ( Moco Moco Village /Facebook)
Toshao of Moco Moco Village, James George
Nursery School Hot Meal Kitchen and Dining Hall currently under construction ( Moco Moco Village /Facebook)
Banks DIH records $3.8B after-tax profit -
for half year ending March 2025
BANKS DIH Limited has reported an after-tax profit of $3.844 billion for the six-month period ending March 31, 2025, marking a 7.6 per cent increase as compared to the same period in 2024.
This is according to the chairman’s report for the time frame in which it was noted that the 7.6 per cent after-tax profit compared to last year shows an increase of $271 million.
However, before tax profits for the same period was noted as $6.617 billion showing a 9.1 per cent increase as compared to 2024.
Chairman, Clifford Reis, in the report, noted that during the first half of the year, the
group experienced production limitations due to supply chain issues in relation to critical spares.
The report added, “However, we were able to overcome these challenges and emerge stronger than ever because of your continued support and belief in our vision.”
Highlighting some successes, the report indicated that Banks DIH launched its 25-yearold Caribbean finest rum and Minute Maid coolers and further saw the re-introduction of Tastee Snacks along with its ‘Back to school’ biscuits.
In 2025, the group’s operations, according to the report, continue to be shaped by global
economic headwinds as volatile energy prices and ongoing geopolitical changes have resulted in complex supply chain operations.
Further to this, it was noted that the escalating tariffs could impact the export markets and increase input costs.
“Notwithstanding these obstacles, the group stands ready to rise above them through strategic procurement activities, effective cost control and a strengthened human capital base. We are confident that we will achieve improved finan cial results in the second half of the financial year,” the report added.
Le Repentir cemetery undergoes long-awaited rehabilitation as part of citywide upgrade
By Faith Greene
AFTER years of decay and public outcry, the historic Le Repentir Cemetery in Georgetown is now undergoing long-overdue rehabilitation works as part of the Government’s broader capital city enhancement agenda.
The cemetery— Guyana’s largest and most significant burial site—has long suffered from neglect under the administration of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, which falls under the opposition-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and People’s National Congress (PNC).
Tombs crumbling into canals, overgrown vegetation, and broken infrastructure have become common features of a burial ground that once stood as a symbol of dignity and inclusion for citizens of all races, religions, and economic backgrounds.
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo first announced the rehabilitation plans in February 2024, signalling Government’s intention to restore the cemetery under a wider push to modernise infrastructure across Georgetown.
A motion calling for the cemetery’s rehabilitation was later presented in the National Assembly by opposition MP Volda Law -
rence.
While the motion was passed, it was notably amended by the Government, which made clear that central plans for the upgrades were already in motion.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, reinforced the Government’s commitment, declaring the restoration of Le Repentir as not up for debate but already on the agenda.
The cemetery comes under the purview of PNC/APNU controlled Georgetown Mayor and City Council and has suffered significantly from years of neglect.
According to the Motion for the Rehabilitation of the Le Repentir Cemetery, the cemetery was established in 1861 as the final place of rest for residents of Georgetown, across all races, religious background or financial standing.
Over the years, what was once minimal expanded from 103.508 acres to some 106.508 acres of land.
In the same amount of time, citizens witnessed firsthand the degradation of the land, resulting in tombs falling into canals, tombs cracking, and in some cases broken. The site is filled with the greenery similar to what could be found in a jungle.
The motion, therefore, called on the Government to upgrade the
historic facility, and implement a plan for its maintenance, including drainage infrastructure.
With work now underway, the Le Repentir rehabilitation is being folded into a sweeping slate of national infrastructure projects.
This includes the construction of the highly anticipated US$260 million Demerara Harbour Bridge, targeted for completion in August 2025; the establishment of massive housing schemes in areas as Yarrowkabra, La Bonne Intention (LBI), and most recently Vryheid’s Lust South on the East Coast Demerara, where over 100 families benefitted from legal transport for the land where their home is located, through a collaboration between the Ministry of Housing and Water and the Ministry of Legal Affairs.
Meanwhile, in the health sector, the construction of the new state-of-the-art Enmore Regional Hospital is expected to be completed soon and will bring significant boost to the healthcare services on the East Coast Demerara, offering residents improved access to high-quality medical care within their own community.
It is one of 12 such facilities being constructed by this administration.
An aerial view of works ongoing at Le Repentir Cemetery
Region Two authorities intervene to resolve longstanding issues at Adventure Sands
By Indrawattie Natram
REGIONAL
author
-
ities have launched a long-awaited effort to settle decades-old land boundary disputes affecting residents of Adventure Sands on the Essequibo Coast.
Led by Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit and Prime Minister’s Regional Representative Arnold Adams, a government team backed by technical experts from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) conducted a site assessment recently.
The moves signalled a serious push to resolve overlapping claims and demarcation issues that have hampered development and heightened tensions in the community.
The delegation met with affected residents and landowners, many of whom expressed frustration over the
Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit, along with Prime Minister Representative, Arnold Adams and staff members
lack of clarity regarding property boundaries, overlaps in land claims and unresolved land titling issues.
Those concerns led to tension among community members, delays in development and difficulty in accessing public services and infrastructure planning.
During the visit, survey-
ors from the GLSC began physical assessments on the ground, taking note of key boundary markers, existing land usage and historical land claims.
These assessments will inform a comprehensive mapping and verification process to be carried out in the coming weeks.
Speaking at the site, Oodit and Adams assured landowners that their complaints were being treated with urgency.
They highlighted that the government, through the Office of the Prime Minister and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), was working in close coordination
with the GLSC to deliver equitable and timely resolutions.
The officials emphasised that the intervention was part of a wider national effort to improve land administration, reduce land conflicts, and promote community development.
The team also discussed
the importance of community co-operation during the surveying and verification phases.
Residents were encouraged to provide any relevant land documents and to fully participate in the consultative process.
The officials noted that only through transparency, collaboration, and accurate data collection can these complex issues be fairly resolved.
The visit concluded with a commitment to continuous engagement.
Follow-up visits and public updates will be scheduled as the GLSC progresses with its technical work.
Both Oodit and Adams reaffirmed government’s dedication to supporting the people of Adventure Sands and ensuring that all citizens are treated fairly in matters concerning land rights and ownership.
Surveyors in the fields
Double Day Hotel fire was maliciously set - Deputy Fire Chief confirms
THE fire that gutted a section of the Double Day Hotel on the Tuschen Public Road, East Bank Essequibo, on April 24, 2025, was intentionally set, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Dwayne Scotland, confirmed.
Speaking via telephone on Sunday, Scotland disclosed that investigators concluded this after wrapping up their probe based on evidence gathered at the scene.
Reports indicated that a fire was observed coming from one of the rooms of the Double Day Hotel, on April 24, after thick smoke was first seen, following the discovery of 11-year-old Adriana Younge’s body in the swimming pool on the premises which houses also a large building.
The child had gone missing the day before while on a family outing at the hotel with her grandmother and other relatives, including children.
Younge’s body was found floating in the
pool, a day after, even after a search of the area was conducted shortly after her disappearance.
The 11-year-old girl was reported missing by her family on Wednesday, April 23 at about 13:02 hrs.
The discovery however, sparked questions over the circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance and later, her death.
Meanwhile, things heated up and by mid-morning on April 24, persons who staked out at the hotel, part of a large loud crowd, who were in support of the Younge’s parents and family escalated into a full swing protest action in which they stormed the hotel, demanding answers and justice.
The people, blocked the main road by filling it with debris and setting it alight and descended on the hotel and the other building on the grounds of the compound, looting it even during a fire.
Sometime, after, the same day, in quick suc-
cession, the hotel owner’s house, which is located in Vergenoegen Post Office Street, was also set on fire and looted.
After the flames were extinguished only the walls were left, the inside of the house was completely gutted.
Adriana, a pupil of the Parika Salem Primary School, had recently completed the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), and was eagerly awaiting her results, which are scheduled for release in June.
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 suspect foul play. Adriana is yet to be buried.
Canadian homicide expert and retired officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Leonard Mc Coshen, was hired by the govern ment of Guyana and is currently assisting with investigations.
Mc Coshen, a trained and qualified homicide and suspicious death
investigator, is in possession of copies of all the documents, pictures and videos that the police has concerning the incident, and will be reviewing all of them before he conducts interviews or direct that certain individuals be interviewed.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum had disclosed that investigators are in possession of video footage captured around the time the child was reported missing on the day in question.
While the surveillance camera directly overlooking the hotel’s pool area was not functional, other recordings and photographs are being closely analysed as the case reaches a critical stage.
Blanhum confirmed that a forensic review of the digital video recorder (DVR) system determined the pool camera was inactive on the day in question.
However, he said the police do have other relevant footage that may prove vital to the investigation.
Recently, photographs began circulating online, reportedly taken at 1:29 PM on the day
Adriana went missing, showing several persons in and around the pool area at the hotel.
Given the time stamp and claims attached to it, Blanhum was asked whether the image had been verified as part of the investigation and will it be addressed publicly as new evidence.
“What I can tell you is investigators are in possession of video footage either prior or at the same time an alarm was raised that Adriana was missing,” Blanhum had told reporters.
He also disclosed that the investigative team has been instructed to leave no stone unturned.
“I have instructed them to ensure that they do not disregard any information or any evidence during this probe,” he said.
The Crime Chief further revealed that the investigation is now at its “evidence culmination stage,” with detectives examining various theories, all of which will be tested against the available evidence.
“We h ave selected the best to work on this matter, and the investigators are very objective,” he noted.
11-year-old Adriana Younge
Section ‘B’ Non Pareil sees transformation through community-based development
By Michel Outridge
AFTER decades of neglect, Section ‘B’ Non Pariel Village on the East Coast of Demerara is undergoing a significant transformation, thanks to an aggressive community enhancement drive spearheaded by the current administration through the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C)-led Local Authority.
Bordered by Coldingen and Melanie Damishana, the village—part of the Buxton/Foulis Local Authority Area—has benefitted from a series of infrastructure and beautification projects since the 2023 Local Government Elections, when PPP/C candidate Rupan Persaud was elected as the representative for Constituency #3.
Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Councillor Persaud said all four internal streets and three main cross streets in the village have been upgraded to asphalt standard, replacing roads that were previously in deplorable condition. Road shoulders were also cleared and paved in anticipation of further development projects.
The once-abandoned community centre has been completely renovated. The structure, previously reduced to crumbling outer walls, now boasts modern fixtures and serves as the hub for village meetings and recreational events.
The surrounding grounds were fenced, graded, and filled to accommodate a football field and cricket pitch in the near future.
The area to the community centre building was once inaccessible now accommodates all community-based meetings, events such as Easter kite flying and distribution and fun day is held.
The Section ‘B’ Non Pariel village annual Christmas party for the elderly in the community takes place at the community centre and each pensioner is gifted a food hamper compliments of the current administration.
Every year, a toy drive is also held at the Section ‘B’ Non Pariel Community Centre for the children in the village where they are also feted to beverages, goodies bag and snacks.
Persaud added that the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports has since donated a tractor/trailer and a brush cutter to maintain the grounds of the community centre.
The renovation of the community centre building and the installation of lights inside the building and on the grounds were done via the PPP/C following several onsite visits and meetings with Minister Charles Ramson, who heads the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport.
Over 100 electric and 23 solar street lights have been installed throughout the village, providing residents with improved nighttime safety.
While some fixtures have stopped functioning, Persaud assured replacements are underway. Speed bumps and freshly painted road markings were also added to regulate traffic. Major drainage works
were completed for the first time in years. All alleyways and street drains were cleared—just in time for the rainy season—under a project executed by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, with contracts awarded to villagers to ensure community economic benefit.
Looking ahead, Persaud said plans are in motion to install concrete drains across the village to mitigate flooding and enhance long-term water management.
Decorative trees, branded street signs, and a play park are also part of the vision to modernise the village and elevate its aesthetic appeal.
He added that street signs were donated by a businessman who is also a resident of the village and they are very grateful for such partnerships to continue community-based projects.
Persaud reported that enhancing the village remains a top priority for him and he is utilising every opportunity
to get things done as they should but it also takes time for projects to happen.
He pointed out that there are other plans for the village and discussions are ongoing to have the entire village have concrete drains constructed to reduce flooding and other drainage issues in the future.
He credited the transformation to the unwavering support of the government and the active involvement of the Section ‘B’ Non Pariel
PPP/C group, comprising nine executive members and over 80 volunteers. Residents, too, have welcomed the changes, expressing gratitude for the long-overdue improvements after years of stagnation. According to Persaud, the development journey has only just begun, and continued investment and collaboration will push Section ‘B’ Non Pariel even closer to the modern village image he envisions.
Rupan Persaud, PPP/C representative and Councillor
One of the many impassable streets in Non Pareil before it was rehabilitated
Members of the PPP/C group engaged in community-based project
New $15M well to provide first-time access to potable water for 100 households of Acquero, Huradiah
ONE hundred households of Acquero and Huradiah in Region One will soon have first-time access to potable water as a new $15 million well is under construction at Acquero.
During a recent visit to the project site, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, noted that the project is expected to be completed by the end of May.
“Over the last four years, we have invested over $1.5 billion to improve access to water [in the region]. We have a lot of wells that are be-
ing drilled this year,” he stated. “Our commitment is to provide 100 per cent access to potable water in every community.”
The government plans to drill 51 new wells in Region One this year, providing enhanced access to potable water.
A total of 24 wells will benefit Mabaruma in 2025 while 15 more wells are planned for Moruca.
Turning his attention to the well at Yarakita, Minister Croal stated that works have been completed on the well, and the installation of the distribution network will be completed by the end of the month.
Wells under construction at Chinese Landing, Waikrebi and Barama River in Kokerite are at various stages of completion.
He also revealed plans to upgrade the water supply system in the Mabaruma sub-district, including a new water system for Bumbury to address long-standing problems with water access.
Hosororo residents will soon have more dependable and constant access to water as plans are underway to develop a new water supply system.
Potable water access currently stands at about 85 per cent across Region One. (DPI)
The well will provide clean water to 40% of the community that is currently without a reliable supply.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, during a site visit to the well
Home Care Medical Lab earns re-certification for excellence in diagnostics
HOME CARE MEDICAL LABORATORY, a leading diagnostic facility on the Essequibo Coast, has been officially re-certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) under the GYS 170:2021 standard, reinforcing its reputation for high-quality, reliable healthcare services in Region Two.
The re-certification marks the laboratory’s first renewal under GNBS’s Laboratory Certification Programme and confirms that the facility has consistently met stringent operational and technical standards required for accredited medical testing.
GNBS Technical Officers Peter Ho-A-Lim and Latchman Mootoosammi handed over the certificate and a commemorative plaque during a brief ceremony at the lab, located at Satro’s Medical Centre in Anna Regina.
The recognition was presented to Laboratory Manager Marina Itwaru and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mahesh Itwaru, founders of the privately-owned centre that has grown into a regional healthcare hub since its inception in 2013.
The husband-and-wife duo established their pharmacy in 2013 after identifying a need for reliable medical services in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region.
Over the years, their vision has evolved into a multi-million-dollar healthcare enterprise—Satro’s Medical Centre now offering a wide range of services including dialysis, ultrasound, dentistry, and laboratory diagnostics.
The facility has become a trusted name in the region.
“We are both graduates of the University of Guyana and are currently pursuing our Master’s degrees. It is
a proud moment for us to use our skills to contribute meaningfully to the residents of Region Two,” said Marina, a certified medical technologist with years of experience.
Her husband, Mahesh called ‘Satro’ is a certified pharmacist who shares the
Overheated lithium battery sparks Tain blaze, GFS warns of risks
THE fire which gutted a three-storey house at Tain, Corentyne, Berbice on May 15, 2025, was caused by an overheated lithium battery, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Dwayne Scotland, confirmed on Sunday.
Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, Scotland said the battery, which was part of a music system inside a motorcar parked in the garage, exploded and ignited nearby combustible materials, sparking a massive blaze.
The fire started around 05:01 hrs, and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) responded promptly, managing to contain the spread.
However, the property, owned by Sudesh Ramdholl, suffered extensive damage.
The garage was completely destroyed, along with the vehicle and several electronic items, while the ground floor sustained major fire damage.
fire
In light of the incident, the GFS is urging the public to exercise caution when using or storing lithium-ion batteries, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, due to their potential fire hazards.
These batteries, while common in modern devices, pose serious fire risks if not handled or stored properly.
same commitment to expanding quality healthcare access.
With this re-certification, Home Care Medical Laboratory further cements its position as a reliable provider of diagnostic services to both urban and rural populations.
Patients and healthcare providers alike can be assured that all tests conducted at the lab are performed under standardised procedures and quality assurance protocols.
The GNBS reminded the public that certified laboratories can be easily iden-
tified by the GNBS Laboratory Certification Sticker, prominently displayed at recognised facilities.
This emblem stands as a mark of assurance that the lab operates within a robust quality system.
As part of its national mandate, the GNBS continues to encourage laboratories across Guyana to pursue certification under the GYS 170:2021 standard.
The Bureau offers guidance and evaluation to support labs in achieving and maintaining compliance.
“Certification is not a one-time achievement; it is an ongoing commitment to improvement and accountability. Home Care Medical Laboratory has demonstrated that commitment, and we commend them for leading by example in Region Two,” said GNBS Technical Officer Peter Ho-A-Lim.
The
which gutted a three-storey house at Tain, Corentyne, Berbice was caused by an overheated lithium battery, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Dwayne Scotland, confirmed
GNBS Technical Officers Peter Ho-A-Lim and Latchman Mootoosammi present the official certificate and a commemorative plaque to Laboratory Manager, Marina Itwaru and Chief Executive Officer, Mahesh Itwaru
16-Foot Hanuman murti inaugurated at Sparta Mandir
By Indrawattie Natram
HISTORY was made on Sunday at the Seeta Ram Radhay Shyaam Mandir in Sparta in Region Two, where a magnificent 16foot murti of Lord Hanuman was officially inaugurated—becoming the tallest Hanuman statue of its kind on the Essequibo Coast.
The three-day yajna, which began on Friday, concluded with the grand unveil-
ing of the sacred murti before a large gathering of devoted worshippers.
The spiritually uplifting event featured nightly discourses, bhajans, and cultural presentations, uniting the community in reverence, reflection, and celebration.
This monumental murti was generously donated by the Soklall family in loving memory of their late parents. Imported from India, the murti stands not only
as a symbol of devotion and strength, but also as a significant milestone for the mandir and the wider Hindu community in Region Two.
Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit, attended the second night’s service and used the opportunity to congratulate the Hindu community.
Oodit said he admired the togetherness and co-operation and said that Hindus can use the opportunity to
An Executive member of the Mandir, Bharat Parmanand thanked the donor and said that it was a community effort. He said that the murti will be made available to the Hindu community for worship.
He said that Lord Hanuman is known as the Hindu God of strength and courage.
Greetings on the occasion poured in from the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and other organisations also. The inauguration of this sacred image is a testament to enduring faith and cultural pride, and it is expected to inspire generations to come.
Reliance residents to play bigger role in security through community policing group
AS part of its drive to foster greater community collaboration and safety, the Guyana Police Force is moving to establish a Community Policing Group (CPG) in Reliance Backstreet, Essequibo Coast.
The announcement was made during a recent outreach led by Regional Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran, who was joined by Pandit Chandrashekar Sharma.
The event formed part of ongoing efforts across Regional Division Two to strengthen ties between law enforcement and the communities it serves.
Residents gathered to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and engage directly with the officials, an opportunity many welcomed.
Commander Shivbaran addressed several pressing topics that affect day-to-day life on the Essequibo Coast.
He spoke openly about
the need to reinforce trust between the police and the public and emphasised the importance of community co-operation in fighting crime and addressing traffic issues.
Residents were encouraged to report crimes and incidents promptly and were informed about the services available at the Regional Headquarters.
In light of the ongoing border controversy and instances of aggression, the Commander reassured the community of the force’s vigilance and commitment to their safety.
He also touched on the Guyana Police Force’s current recruitment efforts and the availability of free computer training through the ZARA Computer Centres, an initiative aimed at empowering young people with valuable skills.
An important highlight of the outreach was the proposed establishment of a CPG in the area, which
would allow residents to take a more active role in maintaining peace and safety.
Concerns about juvenile delinquency were also discussed, with an acknowledgement of the need for greater support and engagement with the youth.
The residents raised a number of issues needing urgent attention.
While some matters were addressed on the spot, Commander Shivbaran assured the community that unresolved concerns would be relayed to the relevant authorities for follow-up action.
This outreach is one of many taking place across Regional Division Two, as part of a broader effort to bring the police and the public closer together.
The initiative reflects a commitment not just to law enforcement, but to partnership, progress, and peace.
conduct puja.
The towering murti at Sparta mandir
Commander Khemraj Shivbaran interacting with community members
Sai Sudharsan and Gill help clinical GT book playoffs berth
(ESPNCRICINFO) - Gu -
jarat Titans (GT) became only the second team in all T20 cricket to chase down a target of 200 or more without losing a wicket. That's how clinical B Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill were against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday night as they took GT into the playoffs. Sai Sudharsan finished on 108 not out off 61 balls and Gill on 93 not out off 53 as they overhauled DC's 199 for 3 with an over to spare. That meant KL Rahul's 112 not out off 65 balls ended in a losing cause.
The result also took Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) into the playoffs. DC, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants are the three teams in contention for the remaining one spot.
THE SUDHARSAN-GILL
SHOW Sai Sudharsan came out all guns blazing. He got off
the mark with a four off Axar Patel before hitting three more fours and a six off T Natarajan in the second over. By the end of the third over, he had scored 35 off 13 balls. Even though Mustafizur Rahman and Dushmantha Chameera gave away only 16 in the second half of the powerplay, GT were 59 for no loss after six overs.
While Sai Sudharsan brought up his fifty off 30
balls, Gill had a slow start. He was on 21 off 19 after eight overs. But in the next three, he hit three sixes - one each against Axar, Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam. He reached his fifty off 33 balls, with a four off Dushmantha Chameera. It was his first four of the innings. As if he had committed a mistake, he hit the following delivery for a six over square leg.
GT reached 154 for no
loss after 15 overs. As a last throw of the dice, Axar brought Mustafizur for the 16th. Sudharsan hit his first two balls for fours to stamp GT's domination. Two overs later, he hit Kuldeep for a straight six to bring up his second IPL hundred, off 56 balls. Fittingly, it was Sudharsan with yet another six that sealed GT's win.
DC'S SLOW START
Earlier, DC's struggled to get going after being sent in. Mohammed Siraj and Arshad Khan stuck to good length with the new ball and gave little room to free arms. There were 15 dot balls in the first four overs. Faf du Plessis, who tried to break the shackles and charged at Arshad, was caught at mid-on for 5 off ten balls. After five overs, DC were 28 for 1.
THE KL RAHUL
SHOW
Rahul played plenty of exquisite shots during his hundred. In the first over of the match, he had punched Siraj through covers off the
Nehal Wadhera and Harpreet Brar take Punjab Kings closer to playoffs
(ESPNCRICINFO) - The break in the IPL witnessed the departure of two huge pillars of Indian Test cricket. It resumed with a 23-year-old and a 14-year-old taking T20 batting to new heights. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi put on a 76-run opening partnership where 74 runs had come in boundaries. But even with that head start, it was heartbreak for Rajasthan Royals (RR) as they lost by 10 runs. Punjab Kings (PBKS) are now
up to 17 points. They were assured of a playoffs spot after Gujarat Titans (GT) beat Delhi Capitals (DC) later on Sunday evening.
WADHERA, THE UNSUNG HERO
PBKS equalled an IPL record for most 200-plus totals in a season (6). They made 219 for 5. That it happened after they lost three wickets in the first 19 balls just added even more sheen to their achievement. The top-scorer Nehal Wadhera (70 off 37) attended a mid-innings interview where he said his captain Shreyas Iyer had told him to keep hitting despite wickets falling and that mentality was the reason why they made the most of beautiful batting conditions in Jaipur.
Most of PBKS' firepower has come from their openers. But on Sunday, both Prabhsimran Singh
and Priyansh Arya couldn't get going. That though allowed Wadhera all the time he needed to come into his own. He is a lovely spin-hitter (strike-rate 156, average 84 this IPL). Two of his best shots came off Wanindu Hasaranga on either side of Iyer's wicket - one where he picked the googly and hit down the ground for six and the next where he picked the leg break and slog swept it for six.
Wadhera could've been out on 48 had Hasaranga been able to hold onto a tough caught and bowled chance.
SHASHANK SINGH NAILS THE FINISHER ROLE
Tushar Deshpande went into death overs mode in the 15th itself, using yorkers and bouncers of varying pace to save himself. Akash Madhwal, who was having
a rough evening, might have thought he'd bought his team some relief when he dismissed Wadhera with four overs still left. Shashank Singh, at the time, was looking scratchy. He could've been dismissed for 11 off 10 if Dhruv Jurel had not misjudged where the boundary line was at long-off while trying to take a catch.
Shashank made the most of the life he got and became a menace for an RR attack that had plans to deal with him. The wide yorker was a big part of that, but the finisher oneupped them by moving around in his crease, twice scooping off the wide line to find the fine leg boundary and once taking guard almost two feet outside his crease in order to meet the yorkers on the full. Shashank made 59 off 30 balls.
back foot. Then he injected momentum into the innings by hitting Kagiso Rabada for two sixes and a four in the last over of the powerplay. This was Rabada's first match after a one-month ban for using recreational drugs. He bowled just two overs, was wicketless and went for 34.
Coming into this game, Rahul had a strike rate of 96.96 (64 runs off 66 balls) against Rashid Khan in T20 cricket. Here, he took him for 19 off 14. It was with a four
off him that Rahul brought up his fifty, off 35 balls. Alongside Abishek Porel, who made 30 off 19, Rahul added 90 for the second wicket in just 8.4 overs.
Luck also favoured Rahul. In the 14th over, he got three fours off R Sai Kishore's first three balls, all through luck. The first one was drilled back and went through Sai Kishore's hands. Rabada misfielded the next before an outside edge sped past short third.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Monday, May 19, 2025)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Chris Gayle-733 runs (RCB) (2) Morne Morkel-25 wickets (DC)
Today’s Quiz: (1) Who struck most runs in IPL 2013? (2) Who was the leading wicket-taker? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill sealed GT's win (AFP via Getty Images)
Colombian Garcia dominates Independence Three-Stage Cycle Race
COLOMBIA'S Matteo Garcia, riding for Trinidadian club Team Raiders, delivered a performance of sheer dominance to win the 42nd Independence Three-Stage Cycle Road Race, which concluded on Sunday morning. Garcia achieved the remarkable feat of winning all three stages of the demanding event.
Garcia completed the approximately 160-mile race in a total time of six
hours, 18 minutes, and 47 seconds (6:18:47), showcasing consistent strength across the two days of competition.
His Team Raiders teammate, Jaiden Naves of Trinidad, secured the second position overall, finishing in 6:24:00.
Guyanese cyclist Robin Persaud, competing in the Master's (35-50) category, claimed a commendable third place with a total time of 6:29:29.
Rounding out the top six in the general classification were Aaron Newton, Adam Alexander, and Paul DeNobrega.
Garcia's clean sweep mirrors the achievement of Guyana's Briton John in 2024, who did not compete in this year's edition.
The race, organised by the National Sports Commission and featuring 45 cyclists, covered three distinct stages:
Stage One: A 45-mile
West Indies women beat ECB Women’s Development XI in tour match
CMC – Qiana Joseph blasted a boundary-studded half century to propel West Indies Women to a dominant 80-run victory over an ECB Women’s Development XI in their opening tour match here on Sunday.
After losing the toss and being sent in to bat at the Spitfire Ground, the visitors posted a competitive 175 for four from their 20 overs.
Opener Joseph hit 62 from 35 balls, with 10 fours and two sixes, while captain Hayley Matthews and Aaliyah Alleyne chipped in with
20 runs apiece, and Jannillea Glasgow finished unbeaten on 18 off just six balls.
Joseph and Matthews got the Windies off to a terrific start, adding 64 runs in seven overs, before Matthews became the first of two scalps for left-arm spinner Phoebe Brett.
Joseph’s dismissal sparked a mini collapse that saw them lose four wickets for 19 runs, until Glasgow and Alleyne, along with Shabika Gajnabi, who scored 11 not out, got them up to their eventual total.
race from Corriverton to New Amsterdam. Garcia opened his winning account with a 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 just fractions behind in 1:41:31. Adam Alexander, competing for another Trinidadian club, was third in 1:42:17. Curtis Dey, Robin Persaud, and Jaiden Neaves also featured in the top six
for this stage.
Stage Two: A challenging 62-mile event from D’Edward Village to Liliendaal. Garcia again proved strongest, finishing in two hours, 20 minutes, and 36 seconds. Seasoned campaigner and eventual third-place finisher overall, Robin Persaud, was second in this stage, four seconds adrift in two hours, 20 minutes and 40 seconds.
Stage Three: A circuit race held in Providence.
Garcia completed his dominant performance by winning this final stage, sealing his overall title.
He clocked 2:16:43 seconds.
Following the conclusion of the race, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle praised all the cyclists who competed in the 42nd edition of the event and assured them that the National Sports Commission would continue to be a key partner.
Verstappen takes Imola by storm
(Formula 1) Max Verstappen has surged to an impressive second victory of the season at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, the Dutchman having snatched P1 at the start before holding his position ahead of the McLaren pair in an eventful afternoon that featured Virtual Safety Car and full Safety Car phases.
The race got underway in exciting fashion as polesitter Oscar Piastri initially launched well off the line –only for Verstappen to make a stunning overtake through the Tamburello chicane, resulting in the World Champion going on to build a lead in the laps that followed.
Piastri then joined a number of drivers who made an early pit stop, having stopped for the hard compound on Lap 14, but the call did not seem to work out for the Australian, with Verstappen staying out on track to further extend his advantage in first place.
Verstappen finished ahead of Lando Noris and Oscar Piastri
lead of around 20s from Norris in P2.
But there was more drama to come later on when a Safety Car was deployed owing to Kimi Antonelli pulling off track on Lap 46 due to an issue with his Mercedes, allowing Verstappen to stop again – as did Norris, while the other McLaren of Piastri did not, raising questions over whether the papaya team would opt to let the Briton move ahead of his team mate upon the restart.
took P7 as the sole Mercedes finisher following Antonelli’s retirement, while Carlos Sainz added to William’s tally in P8.
Brett took 2-35 from her four overs for the Development XI.
From a relatively comfortable position of 45 for one, the Development XI lost six wickets for 25 runs to crumble to 70 for five in the 14th over.
Charlotte Stubbs provided the only resistance, scoring 35 from 31 balls, as the home side gave up the run chase.
Karishma Ramharack (2-11) and Afy Fletcher (218), were the best bowlers for West Indies Women.
As questions persisted over whether a one-stop or two-stop strategy was the way forward – with around half of the field remaining out following that earlier flurry of action in the pits for the other half – the picture was turned on its head when a Virtual Safety Car was called on Lap 29 after Esteban Ocon pulled onto the grass in the Haas.
This allowed for those who had yet to stop to visit the pits without losing much time – and this most crucially included Verstappen, who pitted before emerging back on track with a staggering
The restart was executed flawlessly by Verstappen, who went on to clinch a fourth consecutive win at Imola in Red Bull’s 400th Grand Prix start – while, six seconds behind him, Norris had overtaken Piastri for P2, with the Australian then doing enough to hold off Lewis Hamilton behind him in fourth following a solid recovery drive for Ferrari after their Qualifying woes.
Alex Albon continued a good run for Williams by taking P5, having won out in a feisty late-race battle with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc that left the Monegasque in P6. George Russell, meanwhile,
Isack Hadjar was ninth for Racing Bulls in another notable performance from the rookie, with Yuki Tsunoda climbing his way up to 10th to claim the final point on offer, perhaps bringing some solace to the Red Bull driver after his dramatic crash in Saturday’s Qualifying. Fernando Alonso again missed out on points in P11 on a day where Aston Martin looked to be slipping backwards, with Nico Hulkenberg also losing out on a potential top-10 finish in P12. Pierre Gasly followed in P13 for Alpine, ahead of Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll. Franco Colapinto crossed the line in 16th on his first race at the wheel of the Alpine, while Ollie Bearman in the Haas and Kick Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto rounded out the classified runners in 17th and 18th respectively, with Ocon and Antonelli the two retirees at Imola.
Qiana Joseph scored 65 from 32 balls to lead the West Indies Women to victory in their opening tour match
Bounty Colts handsomely thrash GDF to storm into playoff
BOUNTY Colts Basketball Club was the biggest winner on Saturday as they stormed into the One Guyana Basketball Premier League playoff with a 41-point win over the Guyana Defence Force at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).
It was an overwhelming showing from the former club champions Colts, dominating from start to finish on both ends of the courts to win it 108-67.
The first quarter saw the Colts running out in front 2717 and they never relented, extending their advantage 60-32 in the second quarter.
The Colts had six players in double digits: They were
led by Quacey Short with 19 points, as veteran Colts captain Shelroy Thomas added 14 points.
They upped the ante to lead 81-42 after the third period before closing it out 108-67.
The GDF had a teamhigh 14 points from Joel Glasgow in the loss.
In the opening clash of the evening, the Kings defeated Panthers 81-60.
Darren Dublin started with hot hands for Panthers who led 15-12 at the end of the first quarter.
A stronger second-quarter showing from the Kings saw them take the lead 3326.
Jemol Semple (15),
Monedderlust defend home turf - GFF Elite League season 7
Monedderlust on Saturday defended their home turf as they fended off West Coast side Den Amstel Football Club 3-2 at Number 5 ground in Berbice when the Guyana Football Federation Elite League continued.
It was a feisty affair as the teams went toe to toe from the opening whistle.
Prolific scorer Deon Alfred would hit the back of the net in the 21st minute to set the tone for the clash.
Tyrone Delph and Dawit Watts stepped up for the home side, Delph would beat Den Amstel defenders to register the equalizer in the 36th minute.
However, it was Watts that put a blinder into Den Amstel net with his strike in the 47th minute to put them marginally ahead.
Monedderlust started to come into their own in front of the home base as they maintained the lead into the break 2-1.
The opening period after the resumption saw Den Amstel playing aggressively
and with more intent as they sought to bring the scores level.
And eventually, Monedderlust’s Rayon Rose added to the score sheet as they made it 3-1, it looked like a comfortable win as the time wound down before Den Amstel Sherwyn Caesar threatened to create some late drama with a goal in injury time to make it 3-2.
However, Monedderlust would step up their defense to ensure they collected their fourth victory.
The league features 90 games with 10 teams competing.
The top side in Season 7 will collect two million dollars and will be awarded an automatic qualifying spot at the CONCACAF/Caribbean Shield Championships.
The 2nd place team collects $1,200,000, 3rd Place $800,000 and 4th Place 500,000.
The tournament is sponsored by Turbo through Guyana Beverage Inc, BACIF, and Blue Water Shipping and Namilco.
Tyrese Archer (18) and Ron Murray (17) combined to take the game away from Panthers as they extended
their lead at the end of the third quarter, 56-39, before taking the win 81-60.
Masters basketball team
edged Pacesetters 61-51.
The Masters team rolled back the years to lead all four
quarters 16–, 30-25 and 4436 in the third quarter before closing it out 61-51.
The league is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the National Sports Commission.
The League is set to tip off the playoff rounds in the coming weeks with the top eight sides from Jaguar and Harpy Eagles conference battling in a best of three series for a chance to advance to the semi-finals, conference finals and ultimately the One Guyana national final.
In the national final, the conference winners will clash for a million dollars, bragging rights, and the coveted One Guyana league trophy.
Premier Insurance supports DCB Independence T10 Cup
Premier Insurance has come onboard as a corporate partner of the Demerara Cricket Board's fund-raising Independence T10 Cup, slated for May 25 at the LBI Ground.
Assistant Manager
Aleyah Peterkin and Marketing representative Ariadna Fonseca joined recently to present the company's sponsorship to DCB Secretary Davteerth Anandjit.
They both expressed the firm's pleasure in being a partner for the first-ever competition.
Peterkin and Fonseca are confident the tournament will be a success and all the objectives will be met.
Premier Insurance has joined CIC Insurance Brokers (Guyana) Inc., L. Mahabeer and Son Cambio, Office Express, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Anil Beharry Real Estate, Construction and General Business Services and Naven's Construction as partners of the tournament.
Anandjit was elated to welcome Premier Insurance, noting that their support is critical to the success of the event.
He emphasised that such support is important in the board's endeavour to fasttrack the development of the sport in the county.
Eight first division teams from the county will compete for top honours, with the format being a one game knockout.
Seven teams- Lusignan, LBI, Better Hope, Enterprise, Herstelling A, Transport Sports Club and Helena
One and Two- are already confirmed, with the other one to be revealed in the coming days.
Total cash prize of G$500,000 and trophies will be up grabs at the oneday event.
While the teams will be represented by players within the respective associations, each team is allowed two guest players from other counties.
The champion team is guaranteed G$250,000 cash plus trophy; the runners-up G$150,000 and trophy, while the losing semi-finalists will receive G$50,000 each.
On the individual side, Man-of-the-Match in the semi-finals and final will receive a trophy.
Action will bowl off at 10:00h and conclude under floodlights.
One Guyana Basketball Premier League…
Colts Shelroy Thomas shooting a two pointer
DCB Secretary Davteerth Anandjit (centre) receives the sponsorship from Ariadna Fonseca in the presence of Aleyah Peterkin
Colombian Garcia dominates Independence Three-Stage Cycle Race
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle (far right) along with the top three performers in the race (PHOTO: News Room)
Matteo Garcia crosses the finish
Dhruv Jurel makes room and plays a shot through the leg side (May 18, 2025 BCCI)