–– says Indigenous people are ‘central partners’ in country’s prosperity, transformation journey
Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo paid a visit to the fishermen’s boat landing at Ogle, East Coast Demerara on Monday afternoon. The visit was a follow-up to an earlier meeting at Freedom House, where the fishermen had sought the Vice-President’s intervention to have the area dredged. Dredging has since commenced, and the Vice-President took the opportunity to update those present on the work to be done, and the timeline for completion (Photos: Bharrat Jagdeo/Facebook)
ongoing
NTC Chair calls out ‘disturbing articles’ –– urges accurate reporting, respect for Amerindians during upcoming elections season
(OP photo)
New $30M loan ceiling: NBS ready, waiting to help build dream homes
By Faith Greene
PROVIDING a courteous, reliable service and cheap loans, the New Building Society Limited (NBSL), is eagerly waiting and is ready to serve persons desirous of building their own houses, with instantaneous approval of loans.
This comment follows
the announcement by President, Dr Irfaan Ali that the NBS loan limit will be increased from $20 million to $30 million, with a capped interest rate of five per cent aimed at making homeownership more accessible to Guyanese.
The NBS’s Chairman Dr Nanda Gopaul stated that with the granting of this
$30 million, homeowners can save a significant sum of money as a result of this decision by the government to ensure that persons can pay an affordable mortgage.
The capped interest rate will be applied to the entire $30 million sum, allowing homeowners to save some $40,000 to $50,000 per month. There is an ex-
pectation that this will be passed on to other commercial banks, bringing further benefits to homeowners around the country.
Speaking exclusively with the Daily Chronicle on Tuesday, Dr Gopaul said that already, a number of persons have tried to capitalise on this new opportunity.
Further, the chairman
noted that around 15 persons have visited the NBS to upgrade their mortgages.
“We would have been happy if we could have automatically do it and started disbursement, but there is a legal process in which the amendment to the rules will have to be gazetted by the Minister of Finance and we expect that to be done shortly,” he said.
He continued: “And then a fresh application will have to be made for a second mortgage, to top up the amount from $20 to $30 or $15, whatever the total is in the first mortgage, to the amount that will be required to complete the homes.”
Noting that the government’s massive housing drive through the Ministry of Housing and Water, Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has been in full swing over the last three years, Dr Gopaul said the NBS is eagerly looking forward to being of service to the vast majority of beneficiaries, giving them courteous, reliable service and cheap loans.
He pointed out that the government has not only worked to give citizens house lots, but to enable them to build their own homes at these affordable mortgage rates.
He said that the NBS will continue to do its part as a good corporate citizen, to ensure that each applicant is given favourable consideration, as well as help to build their dream homes.
Dr Gopaul expressed, “We are looking forward for them to come in, use the opportunity that has present-
ed itself now, and to insure without delay, because some of the repayment terms are lower than house rent. So, it is better you own your own home and put the money which you are supposed to pay as rent as an installment in your own.”
He noted that Guyanese should capitalise on and make good use of the benefits that are being given, to ensure that each housing scheme and community is developed.
According to the NBS Chairman, “So all the empty lots which are around, they are not doing themselves a good service. They are doing themselves a disservice with what the government has done, with the banks and for the homeowners.”
Notably, the NBS has reduced all requirements needed for loan applications.
Taking this publication through the application process, Dr Gopaul explained that persons would need to produce a copy of their title, or transport, or a copy of the letter of assurance from the Ministry of Housing and Water, CH&PA, along with a copy of your house plan. A copy of the construction can also be produced if construction has already commenced.
The NBS will then inspect this. By looking at the plan, the financial institution will be able to gauge the amount through cost analysis for the house the applicant wants to build.
Persons with an existing loan at NBS can visit any of the branches to make an application.
Chairman of The New Building Society, Dr Nanda Gopaul
Gov’t committed to expansion of opportunities, continued development for every Amerindian village – President Ali
–– says Indigenous people are ‘central partners’ in country’s prosperity, transformation journey
By Shamar Meusa
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the development and empowerment of Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples, whom he described as central partners in the country’s journey towards prosperity and sustainable transformation.
The Head of State made this known as he delivered the feature address at the opening ceremony of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, at Liliendaal.
President Ali told Indigenous leaders from across the nation that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government stands ready to support their aspirations through consistent engagement and targetted investment.
“Once again, we gather to listen to your voices, to understand your challenges, to appreciate your specific circumstances, and through your individual voices as leaders of your communities,
the collective voice of all our Indigenous people across this country,” he said.
This, he noted, is what the NTC brings, the collective voice of all Indigenous people across the country.
Describing the forum as a space for genuine dialogue and accountability, President Ali said, “I welcome you to a space and an environment that is listening; one that you can trust not only to listen to you, but one that you can trust to deliver to you.”
He went on to emphasise that his government has consistently demonstrated results, saying: “We don’t only listen, we consistently deliver on what we promise, and that is important. It is important to know that you have leadership that is respectful; respectful enough to honour its commitment to you, respectful enough to stay true to its commitment to you.”
Against this backdrop, President Ali said that the road to prosperity is being built, maintaining that development must be continuous and inclusive.
“We cannot afford to lose any momentum. We cannot
afford to gamble with this road to prosperity; we cannot afford to lose sight of what is important for you, your communities and your village, and I assure you that this People’s Progressive Party/Civic government that I proudly stand and represent here would never ever abandon that road of prosperity for you and your villages,” he affirmed.
And, turning his attention to Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy 2030, which he noted Amerindian communities played a vital role in shaping, President Ali said:
“Today, we are expanding the LCDS to include biodiversity, as is in the LCDS 2030, and Guyana will be hosting the first Global Biodiversity Alliance right here in Guyana.”
He added: “Once again, you the leaders of our Indigenous community will have an opportunity to showcase to the world what sustainable development really feels like, looks like, and means.”
In outlining a broad range of continued investments the government will be making, going forward, President Ali
said: “We in this government are committed not only to the expansion of our economy, but importantly we are committed to the expansion of opportunities in every village, in every single corner of our country.”
To this end, he stated that the government will continue to advance Amerindian land titling, maintain the nominal value of LCDS resources transferred to communities under their own management, and create more employment for these communities.
Additionally, Dr. Ali outlined that his government will also continue to invest in food security, saying: “You could be assured that under successive People’s Progressive Party/Civic governments, [we] will invest to ensure this food security in your villages. We will expand production, we will invest in food security, we will invest in financial empowerment.”
This, he said, will be done not only by increasing grants, subsidies and other direct financial transfers to communities, but through economic literacy, financial
literacy, and the creation of various initiatives to empower and create opportunities.
He then pointed to a growing movement in Indigenous agriculture, saying:
“You are part of a revolution in the agricultural sector,” referencing ongoing projects in cage farming, honey production, coffee
and cocoa cultivation, and high-value commodities.
“We are going to continue to make these investments so that not only will you have quality social services, but more importantly, you will manage those social services yourself,” President Ali affirmed.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali (standing centre); Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo; and NTC Chair Derrick John at the NTC Conference on Monday
President Dr. Irfaan Ali
Guyana’s LGBTQIA+ Movement…
Hopeful new Pope Leo XIV will continue path of acceptance for LGBTQIA+ families initiated by Pope Francis
CELEBRATING International Day of Families under the theme, “Family-Oriented Policies for Social Development,” LGBTQIA+ leaders in Guyana expressed hope that Pope Leo XIV will continue the path initiated by the late Pope Francis — one of openness, dialogue, and recognition of LGBTQIA+ families.
Pope Francis welcomed LGBTQIA+ people, leading to increased visibility and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ families within and beyond Catholic institutions.
Pope Francis had met with gay and transgender people many times, supported LGBTQIA+ ministries, opened baptism and the role of godparent to transgender people and allowed priests to bless same-sex couples. In his words, LGBTQIA+ people were recognised as “children of God.”
In early 2023, Pope Francis also made historic remarks, calling the criminalisation of sexual and gender minorities “unjust” in an interview with the Associated Press. According to Vatican News, Pope Francis empha-
sised that “being homosexual is not a crime,” but rather is a “human condition.”
At the time of Pope Francis’ statement on decriminalisation, Bishop Francis Alleyne, Head of the Roman
Catholic Diocese in Guyana, responded positively. Bishop Alleyne stated that “the legislature should not label consensual same-sex intimacy as a crime.” Like Pope Francis, Bishop Alleyne contended that homosexuality is a ‘human condition.’ Guyana’s
Catholic Church has a long history of opposition to the country’s anti-gay laws.
Guyana is one of only 65 jurisdictions worldwide that continue to criminalise private, consensual, same-sex sexual activity.
Guyana remains the only country in South America and among the minority in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) criminalising consensual intimacy between adults, despite 2022 polling demonstrating the majority of people in Guyana support
eliminating this outdated law.
Joel Simpson, Managing Director of SASOD Guyana, said “Pope Francis built a bridge towards LGBTQIA+ families, acknowledging that queer and trans people are cherished members of families and communities.
Pope Francis reached out to LGBTQIA+ families who in the past have felt invisible, and we hope to see the new Pope continue with this vision of an inclusive and accepting church.”
Despite this historic progress, there is still much to be done to ensure all families are truly accepted and protected in society.
The arrival of Pope Leo XIV has renewed hope for some leaders in the Guyanese LGBTQIA+ movement. Savannah Williams, Co-chairperson of Sexualities Women and Genders (SWAG), shared that “the new Pope has a history of advocating for marginalised communities in his more than 20 years as a religious leader in Peru.”
In his initial address, Pope Leo thanked his predecessor. “The Guyanese LGBTQIA+ movement remains hopeful that his leadership will continue on the path of increasing recognition and acceptance for all families,” Williams added.
Marked on May 15, International Day of Families is an annual United Nations observance.
The Day reflects the importance the international community attaches to families and provides an opportunity to raise awareness of issues related to families.
Presidents Ali, Santokhi discuss strengthening cooperation between Guyana, Suriname
Guyana’s Head of State Dr. Irfaan Ali and Surinamese President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, on Monday met at State House. Central to the meeting’s agenda was intensifying cooperation between Suriname and Guyana, particularly with regards to infrastructure development, energy and trade. Of particular focus was the construction of the Corentyne River bridge, which the two leaders believe is of strategic importance for the further economic integration of both countries. The ‘special political situation’ in both countries, current trends, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media in governance, communication and modern diplomacy were also discussed (Photo: Chand Santokhi/Facebook)
Joel Simpson, Managing Director, SASOD Guyana
Savannah Williams, Co-chairperson, SWAG
President Ali hails Indigenous communities for vigilance, strength
–– amidst ongoing tension with Venezuela
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday hailed Indigenous communities, specifically those near the Guyana-Venezuela border, for their continued vigilance and protection amidst ongoing tension with the neighbouring Spanish-speaking nation.
Dr. Ali was at the time addressing the opening ceremony of the National Toshaos Council Conference, during which he also thanked all men and women in uniform who are stationed at the country’s borders defending Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Importantly, he said, “I want to thank all of you, especially those who live in the border communities, for your vigilance, for your
strong protection, for your patriotism, for your strength of character, for you who stand up every day on the border, raising our Golden Arrowhead high and strong.”
He went on to thank Guyana’s international partners who continue to stand strong with the country, and are vocal in their support for the Rule of Law and international order and peace.
He said, “You hold a special place in the heart of Guyana and every Guyanese.”
Meanwhile, Head of the National Toshaos Council, Dereck John noted that they have observed the threats coming from the neighbouring country, and called on the international community to stand by Guyana’s side.
“We need the internation-
al community to stand by our side, so that we can allow the legal process to take its course,” John said.
However, while he noted that some of the threats are driving fear in some bordering communities, the people there stand strong, thanks to their confidence in the President and the government.
“I know that you have a plan,” John said, adding: “We have confidence in your government that you will continue to protect every single Guyanese. And we want to thank you, and we trust your government, Mr. President.”
Most recently, the Government of Guyana had cause to condemn what was described as unpatriotic and sustained efforts by individuals to spread Venezuelan
Afreximbank to host Guyana roadshow 2025
–– spotlighting $1B oil service financing facility
THE African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in partnership with the Government of Guyana, will host the Afreximbank Guyana Roadshow 2025, tomorrow and Thursday, at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.
Themed “Empowering Local Content Participation for Sustainable Prosperity through the Implementation of Afreximbank Mandate,” the high-level forum will spotlight the Bank’s commitment to enhancing Guyanese involvement in the oil-andgas industry.
In a recent press release, Afreximbank announced that the two-day event will focus on its landmark US$1 billion oil service financing facility, created to bolster local businesses engaged in the oil-and-gas value chain.
The Roadshow will also feature presentations on Afreximbank’s financial and non-financial solutions aimed at fostering inclusive trade, business development, and sustainable economic growth.
Since Guyana joined the Afreximbank as a member state in September 2022, the Bank has spearheaded a series of initiatives in the country, including the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2023, a US$100 million trade finance agreement with JE Energy, and the announcement of a
The Afreximbank, in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, will host the Afreximbank Guyana Roadshow 2025 tomorrow and Thursday at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown under the theme ‘Empowering local content participation for sustainable prosperity through the implementation of Afreximbank mandate’
US$1 billion commitment to strengthening local content.
Organised by the Bank’s Caribbean Regional Office, headquartered in Barbados, the event is expected to draw over 150 stakeholders from across Guyana and the wider region. Attendees will include representatives from government ministries, financial institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), manufacturers, and oil-and-gas sector leaders.
The Roadshow aims to clarify Afreximbank’s broader mission of enabling economic transformation through in -
propaganda Online, warning that such actions are aimed at sowing division and fear among Guyanese citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has urged Guyanese to rely solely on official government communications regarding matters related to Venezuela, particularly as tension continues to mount over that country’s unlawful
claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region.
The warning comes as Venezuela intensifies its propaganda campaign. The campaign has included fake news videos, manipulated AI-generated images, and disinformation spread by social media accounts linked to pro-Venezuelan interests.
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.
tra-and-extra-African trade. Organisers view the initiative as a key step towards identifying impactful projects that can advance regional commerce, while improving the livelihoods of Guyanese citizens.
The Afreximbank, established in 1993, now comprises 54 African member states and 12 Caribbean member states, including Guyana. Its expanding presence in the Caribbean reflects a growing push for stronger South-South cooperation and economic integration.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali (left) and Head of the National Toshaos Council, Dereck John (Office of the President photo)
A proven track record
THE persistent attempts by Guyana’s political opposition to downplay the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s achievement are not merely untrue; they are an insult to the thousands of Guyanese whose material lives have been improved in the past few years.
As Dr Bharrat Jagdeo recently emphasised, while critics focus on isolated issues and exaggerate unusual complaints, the PPP/C government continues to deliver on its commitments, transforming the nation’s landscape in housing, education, and public empowerment. The records are there. In the area of housing, PPP/C’s track record stands by itself. Over 40,800 house lots have been allocated since 2020, with the government set to surpass its ambitious target of 50,000 house lots in its first term. It is not just a number—it is tens of thousands of families, especially from low- and middle-income groups, who now possess the security and dignity of homeownership. The strategic expansion of housing schemes and infrastructure by the government, and new mortgage arrangements, have made home ownership possible for many who were previously marginalised. There has also been a revolution in education. The Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme has provided tens of thousands of fully funded scholarships, opening the door for ordinary Guyanese to be accepted into undergraduate and postgraduate studies in a range of disciplines. Most importantly, the women have been the biggest beneficiaries and have been awarded over 21,400 GOAL scholarships since 2021— an investment in national and gender-equality gains. These are not token gestures; they are life-changing opportunities that empower individuals and families and help them out of poverty. The government’s empowerment drive
is also directed towards job and skills training. The government programmes such as the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) and Board of Industrial Training (BIT) have trained more than 23,700 women as of 2020, while thousands more have benefitted from part-time working schemes and business support. These interventions are not only raising family incomes, but also autonomy and pride, as resounded by the empowerment mantra of the government against dependence.
Opponents may select a few random examples of grievances, but the statistics report a steady decrease in poverty levels, with projections indicating a reduction from 38 percent in 2022 to just over 31 percent in 2024, and a possibility of single-digit poverty in 2030 if current policies continue.
This is the direction that results from diligent, unwavering investment in housing, education, healthcare, and the generation of jobs—not hot air.
It is telling that when the opposition engages in the game of distortion and negativity, the PPP/C government remains grounded in results and responsiveness. Ministers and Members of Parliament are in the field, listening to citizens, refining policies and providing relief and opportunity in every part of Guyana. The comparison with the previous administration—whose track record features higher taxes, job losses, and lack of vision for initiatives such as housing and agriculture—is clear and instructive. In a year when political posturing will only become more boisterous, Guyanese must look above the noise and measure by performance.
The PPP/C’s record is one of delivery, not dishonesty—a government that has fulfilled its commitments and is building a future where development is shared by all.
Let the facts, and not the critics, guide the national discourse.
‘Sugar Experts’ lack objectivity
Dear Editor,
A LETTER writer, Mrs Emily Lorrimer, took umbrage to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture that, ‘unpredictable weather primary responsibility [sic] for GuySuCo’s underperformance’ and then deviated to investment and privatisation.
Weather affects agriculture all over the world. The writer seems to suggest that monies invested in GuySuCo should ensure that the adverse weather conditions, especially rainfall, do not affect production.
Probably, monies should be used to build a retracting shed over the entire cultivation. In addition, she seemed to suggest that privatising the industry would have avoided the vagaries of the weather conditions and solve all the woes of the industry. The writer’s brilliance is highlighted by her ability to juxtapose propositions which are poles apart.
Moreover, the writer sees government intervention to enable the industry to survive the worst period in its history as ‘political interference,’ whilst another writer lauded the contributions made by the APNU+AFC government to the industry.
The action of the coalition with all its different colours of ‘Paper’ cannot be deemed as ‘political interference,’ when thousands of sugar workers were sent home with no sustenance in sight. It was not ‘political interference’ when billions in assets were simply left to rot and decay.
But it is ‘political interference’ when the PPP/C government sought to right the wrongs unleashed on the industry. All the politicians have admitted that sugar ‘is too big to fail,’ but it is only those in the PPP/C who have committed to its survival and progress.
No other CEO could have withstood the challenges which Mr Paul Cheong is
faced with: adverse weather conditions, shortage of labour, dwindling production and acute shortfall in revenue.
It is unfair to make a comparison with other CEOs who functioned under better conditions prevailing at the time. All these ‘sugar experts’ should make the requisite recommendations to better the industry.
Mr Cheong is a chartered accountant, former head of the PSC and a successful businessman; are we to understand that being a member of the PPP’s Central Committee is enough to disqualify him from being the CEO of GuySuCo?
I have had the opportunity to listen to Mr Cheong, Mr Ramraj and Minister Zulfikar and they entertained detailed discussions seeking resolutions to the problems facing the industry, with all GuySuCo’s officials, including rank-andfile workers and these discussions form an integral part in crafting the strategic direction of the industry.
Was it wrong to seek outside assistance from the Cubans and the Indian specialists? The efforts these leaders are making are significant and monumental. It is not easy to resuscitate a comatose industry, but as the old adage goes, ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way.’
We have centuries of experience in producing sugar and it is a fact that if the industry is allowed to rot and decay due to non-investment in critical areas, then there will be a time when diminishing returns will result.
I would request that the letter writers make an objective analysis why there was drastic decline in sugar production from 2016 to 2020 under the APNU+AFC. Production fell from 183,615 in 2016 to 89,000 in 2020 -- a drastic and significant fall by 94,615 tons or 51%. Can the ‘sugar experts’ explain the reason for this trend?
Herein lies the answer. The letter writer seemed to suggest that 143,000
tons sugar projection for 2021 by APNU would have been achievable, when the actual production in 2020 was 89,000.
I recall a quote, ‘There are lies, damned lies and statistics’ and this encapsulates the essence the deceptive power of data to support weak arguments.
The reason for this decline is simple: the coalition wanted to get rid of sugar and there was no better case than to show decline in production and hence profitability. Sugar must be seen as going beyond the profit-and-loss accounts and the PPP/C understands this.
The minister has argued this point extensively, year after year in Parliament, yet some persist in their wilful ignorance. There has to be a political will to save sugar, since it was political will which destroyed it.
I hereby submit that the APNU+AFC slow poisoned the sugar industry and if 2020 did not see a change in government,
then the excuse would have been readily available to close the entire industry.
The profit-and-loss accounts would have provided the argument to close the industry and no sugar worker would have had ‘to leave their front gates.’
They were laying the groundwork for closure of the entire industry. I have said it before and I am saying it again, the investments in sugar by this government will bear fruit in the near future.
The letter writers are more intent on attacking personalities rather than providing the analysis and requisite objective recommendations which can propel the industry.
Fortunately, the same trio which the writer seemed to be fixated on will take this industry forward to prosperity. Sugar will be here forever.
Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf
Ten years of ExxonMobil in Guyana
IN May 2015, ExxonMobil discovered oil in Guyana. In 2025, the sale of this nationally owned asset has shaped the economy in ways that are simply unimaginable since Independence. Guyana became a sovereign nation in 1966 but its economy was really a plantation one - export of raw materials by foreign corporations
The colonials left Guyana in the same way it left its former colonies – completely underdeveloped. Politics intervened between 1964 and 1974 to save the economy of Guyana. Western imperialism removed the government of Cheddi Jagan, and to showcase Guyana as a successful case of anti-communist experiment, foreign aid poured in and it was substantial.
During 1965 and 1966, the American Government committed US$18 million to Guyana which was drawn down as 1967 ended (source- Ramesh Gampat, “Essays: Guyana’s Economics, Politics and Demography”, page 178.)
Tyrone Ferguson has a superb chapter in his book that details the substantial aid and loans that poured into the coalition government of Burnham and Peter D’Aguiar (see Ferguson, “To survive sensibly or to court heroic death: management of Guyana’s political economy, 1965-1985).
In this period, Guyana’s economy grew at an annual rate of 4.78 percent (source, John Gafar: Guyana: From state control to free markets”, page 41). This was the first period of a sound economy since Independence. The second period of economic optimism was at the beginning of 1970 way into 1976 when sugar and bauxite prices hit the roof.
The Burnham government used the money extensively on infrastructure and it was that money that went into transporting the university from Queen’s College to Turkeyen where its credentials became seriously impressive.
From 1980 onwards, Guyana was to slump into unbearable economic depression.
So bad it was that it led to mass migration. By 1984 when I returned from serving the Maurice Bishop Government in Grenada, the Guyana I saw had no resemblance to the Guyana in 1974 when I first entered UG as a student.
So extensive was the laceration to Guyana’s economic future in the 1980s that the Economic Recovery Programme of the Desmond Hoyte presidency was a drop in the ocean. Hoyte did secure foreign investments – GTT, Barama, Omai but they failed to transform Guyana from a poverty-stricken country to one emerging from underdevelopment.
In the meantime, globalisation with the World Trade Organization as its biggest salesman wreaked havoc on Third World economies. The removal of preferential market for Guyana sugar was a shock to the system
Under the Jagan and Jagdeo presidencies, Guyana’s economy began to improve and debt forgiveness under President Jagdeo was a huge input into the economy. But still Guyana rated lowly when compared to CARICOM and Latin nations. It was the discovery of oil that laid the basis for the permanent transformation of Guyana.
What oil is doing for this country, a country that suffered immensely for too long, is simply unimaginable. Guyana in 2025 bears no resemblance to the Guyana of the 70s onwards. You walk or drive around Guyana and you know we are not going back to where we came from. The oil economy has provided Guyana with a future that Western aid, sugar, bauxite and rice could never have provided.
It is in my interpretation of evil thinking for anyone to say that we should go out of oil. I use a strong word like evil because you have to be evil to think so when for years the
world looked down on us, and we were called a failed state.
When we became an oil-producing economy, the New York Times sent one of its reporters to Guyana and all he painted was the poverty and underdevelopment he saw. In 2025, a huge part of what he saw no longer exists.
There could have been a better contract with ExxonMobil but the shape of the international system today and Guyana’s peripheral influence in international relations do not allow this country to force ExxonMobil into a more lucrative deal for Guyana. I cannot think of a harsher word to describe the advocates of forced renegotiations but asinine. It is downright stupid for anyone to take that position. It denotes massive ignorance of global realities.
In May 2015, ten years ago that discovery by ExxonMobil has changed the anatomy and biology of Guyana forever. We depended on aid after Independence, then, aid went. We depended on EU protected markets, then, they were removed. We hoped for extensive foreign investments but they didn’t come.
Then oil came, and with it a gargantuan opportunity for Guyana to have a permanent future.
It is a commodity that is in demand and we should utilise that demand like crazy. One day, it will go but that is a long, long time, way into the future. For now, Guyana must use oil money to secure a blissful future.
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.
Lethem man remanded on cannabis trafficking following CANU
A Lethem resident was remanded to prison on Monday, after being charged with possession of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking, following a recent operation conducted by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).
According to CANU, officers, acting on intelligence, conducted a search at a residence in the Tabatinga Housing Scheme, Lethem, on Friday, May 16. During the search, a parcel containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis was discovered.
The occupant of the residence, Elton D’ Aguair, was
Elton D’ Aguair
arrested at the scene and escorted to the CANU Lethem Office. The suspected narcotic was tested and confirmed to be cannabis, weighing
approximately 1.6 kilograms. On Monday, May 19, D’ Aguair appeared before Magistrate Chandan at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge of possession of 1.6 kilograms of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. Bail was denied, and he was remanded to prison until June 27, 2025.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
CANU continues to urge the public to report any information related to the illegal drug trade as part of its efforts to reduce narcotics trafficking across Guyana.
Ebenezer Scrooge, Amna Ally’s
send off and a crisis of confidence
THIS past week, we bade farewell to and laid to rest a true Guyanese political icon who gave service to country and party for well over 50 years, via the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).
In spite of differences of opinion on many issues of national concern, it’s undeniable that Amna, in her own inimitable style, made a solid contribution to nation building.
In recognition of her contributions, even her avowed (and probably bitter) political rivals paid tribute to her life of service. A conspicuous no show was Aubrey ‘Ebenezer Scrooge’ Norton.
This is more confirmation that Norton does not have leadership qualities befitting the leader of a community group, much less a national party, and certainly not this nation.
He is unable to understand even the elementary nuances of politics, and worse, he is incapable of appreciating the separation between private personal emotions and public responsibility. It’s no secret that for the last two years of Amna’s life, she had a public discordant relationship with Norton.
However, this has little, if anything at all, to do with her over 50 years of service to the PNC. Aubrey ‘Ebenezer Scrooge’ couldn’t find it in his heart to pay simple tribute to half-a-century of service to the organisation he currently leads.
This is tykish juvenility and pettiness of the highest order. It also demonstrates a personality built on Scrooge’s ‘screwfaceism’, a world view that takes a melancholic outlook at interpersonal relationships that is marked by jealousy, anger, revenge, coldness and selfishness to the extent where it is printed on his face almost permanently.
As Hamlet said to Ophelia; “God has given you one face, and you make yourself another”. Cicero referred to facial expression as “a picture of the mind”; a mind incapable of sound, thoughtful and reasoned leadership.
THE ADRIANA CASE
Still, the Number One matter that is gripping the public’s attention is the Adriana Younge case. As a result of its occurring on the heels of unfortunate deaths in Linden, the Guyana Police Force has come under intense scrutiny. The cumulative post-tragedy demeanour of the Police has led to a crisis of confidence which has found its way up the political chain. I can only communicate my heartfelt feelings and impression to readers of this column. I do not feel an aura of openness and transparency with even the simple low- hanging issues surrounding this case.
The police do not seem to appreciate the complex magnitude of this case. It has, essentially from the beginning, taken a sexpartite form. The police, the family
(the offended), the suspected offender, the political leadership, the traditional media and the general public, magnified four-fold by social media.
The police are accustomed to conducting daily investigations almost entirely away from the inquisitive probing lenses of the media and the public.
The police handle probably over 500 interventions on a daily basis, and most days almost none of those interventions go beyond the first two or three named parties. In other words, those in the media and the general public never get to hear or enquire into more than 500 cases every day.
We hear of the occasional case through police releases or matters being heard at the courts by courthouse reporters. Nine out of ten of these cases we take at face value and move on with our lives. What this means is that the police conduct their daily business more like a secret society than a public- interest organisation.
This, perhaps, may explain why when the occasional case which the media and public finds to be bizarre and put on the spotlight, the police seem outside their comfort zone, and the natural reaction would be to employ the modus of a covert brotherhood.
After all, the Adriana case represents one in about 5,000 interventions every ten days. In the natural course of their duties, public accountability is not a stock-in-trade of the Police organisation, so the police may be of the firm and genuine conviction that the sparse and vague communication with the public represents a mammoth effort of going above and beyond the nominal markers of transparency.
The public, turbocharged by social media conspiracy theories, view this case as a giant cover up, thereby fueling a crisis of confidence in the Guyana Police Force, which has certainly scathed the political administration. This points to the need for specialised high-level reforms in police public relations and public accountability processes.
If these reforms do not take place, it wouldn’t matter how well the police conduct their investigations, if the police are continually unable to bring the public along with them, on these high interest cases, the crisis will persist.
The police have a lot of bright professional people in key leadership positions, taking corrective actions is not beyond their capabilities.
Barring the political grandstanding and wild conspiracy theories, there are some objectively reasonable questions from the public that remain largely unanswered.
The police should reform their public affairs trajectory, albeit midflight, and substantially address the extant deficit.
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.
By
Region Two families uplifted with ‘Because We Care’ cash grant
$706M grant benefits over 12,000 learners
THE Essequibo Coast came alive on Monday with smiles, embraces, and heartfelt tears as thousands of parents gathered at schools and community centres to receive the 2025 “Because We Care” Cash Grant.
A signature initiative of the Government of Guyana, the grant is bringing tangible relief to families while reaffirming the country’s commitment to education and equity.
This year, 12,844 students across Region Two are registered to benefit from the initiative, with a staggering $706,420,000 earmarked for distribution throughout the region. The process, which commenced this week, will continue in phases over the coming days.
In Riverstown, mothers and fathers from surrounding communities—Aurora, Suddie, Hibernia, and beyond—formed neat lines, ID cards and children’s doc-
uments in hand, waiting for their turn with a shared sense of hope. The atmosphere was a blend of gratitude, community spirit, and emotional release.
Among those receiving support was Savitri Ramdhan, a single mother of three who couldn’t hold back her tears as she spoke of what the grant means to her.
“This grant is a blessing. Every year, it helps me buy uniforms, lunch kits,
and books for my children. Without it, I would struggle to get them ready for school. I’m so grateful,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
Her sentiments were echoed by many others, especially in light of rising costs for school supplies and transportation. For them, the grant goes beyond monetary value—it’s a lifeline.
Mohamed Khan, a father of two from Hibernia, added:
“I feel like the government really sees us—the parents who are trying our best. This helps us send our kids to school with dignity.”
At Suddie Primary
School, Roslyn Simon, a mother of three, described the grant as “timely and thoughtful,” noting that back-to-school preparations would have been far more difficult without it.
EMPOWERING FAMILIES, INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
At the heart of the initiative is the belief that investing in families is investing in the future. Regional Education Officer, Ms. Shondelle Hercules emphasised this during her remarks at one of the distribution points.
“The ‘Because We Care’ Cash Grant provides direct financial support to families, helping to alleviate the costs associated with educating our children. This grant is not just a financial resource—it is a symbol of our collective commitment to ensuring that every child has access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive academically,” she said.
erain communities.
RIPPLE EFFECT
Across Region Two, the impact of the cash grant is not only seen in parents’ pockets, but also in their posture.
The programme is empowering guardians to face the new school term with confidence, knowing their children are better prepared.
As the grant distribution continues, each envelope handed over brings more than money. It carries relief, respect, and recognition for the hard work parents put in every day. For many, it reaffirms that they are not
The programme, led by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, continues to grow in both scale and significance since its reintroduction. It is widely seen as a pillar of the government’s mission to ensure that no child is left behind—especially in rural, hinterland, and riv-
alone in their journey—that the nation is walking beside them, step by step. In the words of one mother from Aurora, “This isn’t just cash. It’s care, in its purest form.”
And in Region Two this week, that care is felt deeply with 12,844 students benefitting.
A mother of twin boys uplifting their cash grant
Single Parent Dhaneshwar Budhoo collects the cash grant
Roslyn Simon
Pensioners among 47 ICT graduates in Region Six
TWO pensioners were among 47 proud graduates who received certificates on Saturday from the Office of the Prime Minister’s Industry and Innovation Unit’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training programme.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Number 56 Primary School, marked a significant step forward in Guyana’s efforts to bridge the digital divide.
The programme, part of the Government’s wider digital transformation agenda, is designed to equip citizens with essential computer and software skills to navigate an increasingly digital world. The course was particularly meaningful for residents of the Corentyne Coast, many of whom had never before received formal ICT training.
Among the graduates
was 69-year-old Steven Howard of Number 54 Village. Reflecting on his journey, Howard explained that he enrolled because he never had access to such opportunities in his youth. “I don’t think anyone is too old to get involved in this kind of programme,” he said.
“We’re in a technological world, so it is important that we know at least a little along this line.” While he found the practical sessions challenging, Howard expressed pride in his accomplishments and the new knowledge he gained.
Another standout participant was 68-year-old Bhanmatie Lulsaran of Number 61 Village, who joined the programme a day after it started but remained committed throughout. “I feel happy that I learned something, no matter my age,” she said. “In my younger days, I didn’t have the
opportunity because I was always obligated to family and work. But now I have spare time, so I came to class and learned something.”
Delivering the keynote address at the graduation was Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh. He congratulated the graduates and praised their commitment to learning.
“No matter what you do or where you are in life, there will always be something you can learn,” Dr. Singh said.
He emphasised that digital literacy is central to the Government’s development strategy, pointing to President Irfaan Ali’s ongoing push to implement digital solutions across the public sector.
“If you roll out digital solutions and the population is not equipped with
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh ( centre at rear), flanked by the proud graduates digital skills to use those solutions, then the effectiveness of those solutions will be lost,” the Minister cautioned.
To date, the Office of the Prime Minister’s
Industry and Innovation Unit has successfully completed five ICT training programmes across Region Six in 2025 alone, reaching a total of 187 participants.
The initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring all Guyanese, regardless of age or background, are equipped to thrive in the digital age.
250 firearm requests for Indigenous villages approved
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali while emphasising that security is important for indigenous communities, has announced that over 250 requests for firearms have been granted for indigenous leaders, elders and villages.
The Head of State made this announcement on Monday during the opening ceremony of the National Tosha-
os Council Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, which is expected to run until the end of this week.
President Ali said, “Security is very important, and we had about 250 requests from Toshaos, leaders and other village elders or persons recommended from the villages for firearm, shotgun licence, mostly for the protection of the villages.”
Noting that the issue of security has been raised previously, he announced that all of those applications were processed, and approval will be given by the end of the conference.
“I’m pleased to tell you today that every one of those applications was processed, and you will get those licences to take back in the villages,” he said.
While he underscored the importance of security for Guyana’s indigenous villages, Dr. Ali went on to add that the government will continue to expand the array of training for these communities.
“We’ll invest in bringing more business and entrepreneur opportunities, marketing
and product development for your tourism,” he said.
As such, resources will be set aside under the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce for hinterland marketing and promotion for direct village eco-tourism and other tourism facilities.
NTC rejects false claims intended to disrupt
2025 conference
IN a strongly worded statement, the National Toshaos Council (NTC) on Monday clarified that the attendance of persons at its conference is subject to its approval.
The NTC emphasised this point in response to attempts by “certain” individuals to disrupt the proceedings and undermine the spirit of unity that is expected at the annual gathering of Indigenous leaders and representatives.
The following is the full text of the statement that was issued by the NTC:
“The National Toshaos Council (NTC) notes with concern the deliberate actions by certain individuals aimed at disrupting proceedings and seeking to bring into disrepute, the ongoing 2025 NTC Conference at the Authur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
“Such behaviour is deeply regrettable, and undermines the spirit of unity and purpose that this annual gathering represents.
“It must be emphasised that while Section 43(3)(b) of the Amerindian Act (2006) provides for the attendance of Amerindians at NTC meetings, such attendance is by the Council’s invitation.
“In line with this, the Council took a deliberate decision to reserve the conference held in the dome of the ACCC for Toshaos, village leaders, and Ministers
of Government only.
“These closed-door consultations were designed to facilitate frank, uninterrupted discussions on matters critical to the development of Indigenous communities across Guyana.
“It is important to note that entry to the dome required official accreditation from the NTC. Individuals who were not accredited were therefore not permitted entry. This measure was neither arbitrary nor discriminatory, but a necessary action in keeping with the Council’s mandate to regulate attendance for the safety and effectiveness of the conference.
“The Council stands resolute in its belief that the enforcement of attendance protocols is critical to safeguarding participants and preserving the integrity of the conference. Events of this scale demand a structured and secure environment, and as such, rules and regulations must be respected and upheld by all.
“The NTC further urges all stakeholders to engage constructively and through the appropriate channels if concerns arise.
The dissemination of misinformation and attempts to disrupt the conference only serve to undermine the valuable work being undertaken by Toshaos and village leaders on behalf of their communities. (NTC)”
President Dr. Irfaan Ali addresses a sizeable gathering at this year’s opening ceremony of the National Toshaos Council Conference
Man sentenced to 20 years for murder of toshao during domestic dispute
A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the brutal murder of a respected indigenous village leader during a domestic dispute in Region Seven (Cuyuni -Mazaruni).
Justice Navindra Singh handed down the sentence at the High Court in Essequibo, ordering that time already served since 2019 be deducted from the prison term.
The accused, Addisena Benjamin, a resident of Kurutuku Village, pleaded guilty to the capital offence of murder in connection with the killing of Toshao Solomon Lewis, 52, on January 1, 2019.
According to the case facts presented by State Counsel Caressa Henry, the deadly incident unfolded after Benjamin allegedly assaulted his then-partner, Sarah Lewis, the daughter of the deceased.
The incident escalated into a heated confrontation between Benjamin and Lewis, during which Benjamin fatally chopped the village
leader on the shoulder with a cutlass.
A post-mortem examination confirmed that Lewis died from septic shock due to meningitis and bronchopneumonia, both resulting from multiple injuries sustained in the attack.
Benjamin also inflicted injuries on Marvin Lewis, the son of the deceased, during the same altercation.
In her submissions to the court, Prosecutor Henry highlighted several aggravating factors, including the use of a deadly weapon, the vulnerability of the victim due to his age, and the rising trend of unlawful killings across the country.
Benjamin was represented by defence attorney Tonza Sarabo, who urged the court to consider his client’s guilty plea and the fact that he had been on remand for more than five years.
Justice Singh took into account the domestic nature of the killing; Benjamin’s early guilty plea; his genuine expression of remorse; a
CANU seizes firearm, cannabis in Georgetown operation --suspect remanded
A QUANTITY of cannabis, a firearm, and several rounds of ammunition were seized by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) during an intelligence-led operation near the Royal Hotel on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.
According to a release from CANU, officers acting on information intercepted a male suspect in the area on Friday, May 16, and a subsequent search unearthed eight parcels of what appeared to be the leaves, seeds, and stems of cannabis, along with a CZ pistol and 19 live rounds of ammunition.
The suspect, identified as Olrick Fingal, was arrested at the scene and escorted to CANU Headquarters along with the seized items. The suspected narcotic was later tested and confirmed to be cannabis, the total weight of which was 3.810 kilograms.
On Monday, May 19, Fingal appeared before Magistrate abayo Azore
favourable probation report and other factors before imposing a 20-year sentence, with time already served to be deducted.
Benjamin was initially charged with the offence in January 2019.
Following the conclusion of a preliminary inquiry in July 2021, he was committed to stand trial at the Essequibo Criminal Assizes.
at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the offence of possession of 3.810 kilograms of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. Bail was refused, and he was remanded to prison until June 16, 2025. CANU has reaffirmed its commitment to disrupting the illegal drug trade, and urges members of the public to report any suspicious activities.
Addisena Benjamin Solomon Lewis Justice Navindra Singh
Olrick Fingal
Police ranks in ‘4C’ trained on updated family violence law
IN a continued push to strengthen the national response to domestic violence, the Hope and Justice Centre, in collaboration with the Open Justice Centre, hosted a specialised training session for police officers of Regional Division 4’C’ on Saturday.
The session focused on key provisions of the newly enacted Family Violence Act No. 11 of 2024, which replaces the 1996 Domestic Violence Act.
The updated legislation
marks a significant shift in how domestic violence is addressed in Guyana, broadening the legal definition of abuse to include emotional, psychological, and economic harm. It also introduces emergency protection orders, mandates police intervention in reported cases, and empowers officers to enter premises without a warrant in urgent situations involving suspected abuse.
The training aimed to equip law enforcement personnel with the knowledge
and tools required to implement the law in a victim-centred manner and ensure timely protection for survivors of family violence.
During the session, police officers were also reminded of the support services offered by the Hope and Justice Centre, including legal aid, counselling, social work assistance, and the 914 domestic violence hotline.
Speaking on behalf of Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Khali Pareshram, Inspector Bar-
low-Robinson expressed gratitude to the Centre for its continued partnership in the fight against domestic abuse.
Also present at the session were Survivors Advocates Mr. Thenga Adams and Ms. Marlyn Omar, who reinforced the importance of empathy, awareness, and timely intervention when addressing cases of family violence.
The Hope and Justice Centre reaffirmed its commitment to expanding training sessions across the
division, ensuring that all ranks are fully prepared to uphold the provisions of the new law and support survivors with sensitivity and professionalism.
Some of the ranks at the specialised training session for police officers of Regional Division 4’C’ on Saturday
NDMA brings e-services, cybersecurity training to Lake Capoey
AS part of a nationwide push to bridge the digital divide, the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) recently hosted an e-Services and Cybersecurity Awareness training session in the serene Indigenous community of Lake Capoey.
The initiative, which forms part of the Government of Guyana’s ongoing
ism. The community is now also a proud beneficiary of the WiFiGY initiative – the Government’s high-speed internet rollout designed to provide reliable connectivity to remote and riverain areas across the country. With this new access point installed, the NDMA’s training was seen as a vital step in ensuring that residents are not only connected
Participants were trained on how to identify online threats, create strong and secure passwords, and access government e-services with confidence
digital literacy campaign, focused on empowering residents with essential knowledge to navigate the digital world safely. Participants were trained on how to identify online threats, create strong and secure passwords, and access government e-services with confidence.
Lake Capoey, located inland from the Essequibo Coast and home to approximately 300 residents, is known for its peaceful blackwater lake, white sandy shores, and rich tradition of craftwork and eco-tour-
but also equipped to protect themselves and benefit from online platforms. Officials emphasised that infrastructure alone is not enough — education must accompany technology for communities to fully harness the potential of the digital economy.
As the campaign continues throughout Region Two, the NDMA remains focused on one clear goal: empowering citizens with the tools, skills, and access needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
PM affirms Guyana’s standing as a reliable partner in regional security, resilience efforts
By Faith Greene
THE Mechanism for Disaster Cooperation Exercise (MECODEX), a major regional disaster response to simulation exercise designed to strengthen international cooperation, and enhance national preparedness for flood-related emergencies, is being hosted in Guyana.
At the event’s opening ceremony, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said that for Guyana, MECODEX 2025 serves as an exemplary model of co-
terised by trust and shared responsibility.
“By integrating diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, military personnel, and non-governmental organizations, we are enhancing our collective ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies and disasters.”
According to the Prime Minister, MECODEX promotes the exchange of best practices and resources, and strengthens our preparedness and resilience in the face of potential crises.
The PM said Guyana is
that the analysis of MECODEX is seen as not just a single event, but as part of a long-term commitment to building capacity locally, regionally, and internationally.
This, he said, includes investing in people and training, integrating advanced platforms into our national response mechanisms, and creating opportunities for knowledge exchange on topics ranging from oil sector contingency planning to climate resilience, all of which are in line with our national commitment.
He pointed out that in
with Guyana’s emergency medical technicians and firefighters during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team LAMAC mission to Guyana,” the PM said.
He related that this initiative provided hands-on training in tactical combat casualty care, enhancing the skills of Guyana’s first respondents, and fostering international cooperation. Additionally, they expanded the availability of early warning technologies in flood-prone and remote communities, developed a national flood forecasting system that integrates
flanked by international participants, and other officials (Photos: Abel Harris/Office of the Prime Minister)
operation by United Member States and the Organisation of American States (OAS), with regional defense and disaster management institutions, and humanitarian organizations operating within our region.
PM Phillips explained that this collaborative effort is aimed at fostering a robust network, which is charac -
proud to be the host country for MECODEX 2025, affirming this country’s standing as a reliable partner in regional security and resilience efforts, and demonstrates our capacity to host complex multinational simulation exercises that test our coordination, response, and recovery systems in a realistic setting.
PM Phillips said as well
recent years, Guyana has taken significant steps towards improving its national and regional response systems.
“We’ve invested in strengthening the capacity of first responders through targeted training and strategic partnerships. Notably, in April 2025, nearly 60 United States Air Force medical professionals collaborated
numerical weather prediction models and a nationwide hydrological model.
According to the PM, this system, which was piloted in vulnerable communities, enables the creation of flood maps for extreme events, further improving Guyana’s disaster resilience.
Noting the unprecedented impacts of climate change,
PM Phillips said the potential for emerging threats from disasters, (environmental, logistical, or security-related), requires us to expand our disaster preparedness thinking.
“We must be ready not only for natural hazards such as flooding or storms, but also for complex, high-impact emergencies that may arise from industrial activities. Preparing for such scenarios demands coordination across borders, across sectors, and across institutions,” he said, noting that in Guyana, disaster preparedness is no longer treated as an isolated act, and is deeply embedded within our national development priorities and public security frameworks.
He said that Guyana’s Self-Defense Mission continues to lead national efforts in coordinating risk assessments, community engagement, and emergency simulations across each administrative region.
The PM noted that enhancing coordination between military and civilian agencies through joint exercises and planning drills, including multilateral exercises, such as Trade Winds 2023 which was hosted in Guyana, has been instrumental in this regard.
The PM affirmed Guyana’s commitment to the vision of regional solidarity, proactive planning, and collective capacity building.
He urged participants to let this be more than just a test of systems; let it be a real affirmation of the value of partnership, preparedness, and most of all, the value of human life.
“In the coming days, as we simulate crises and test solutions, I urge you to reflect on what binds us together as a people, and that is a duty to protect our people, and a responsibility to rise to the evolving challenges of our time together,” the PM remarked.
NTC Chair calls out ‘disturbing articles’
–– urges accurate reporting, respect for Amerindians during upcoming elections season
CHAIRMAN of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Derrick John on Monday called out some media houses for what he called ‘disturbing articles’, and noted that no one can tell Indigenous people what’s best for them, as they have a right to self-determination.
John made the call while addressing the opening ceremony of the annual NTC conference, during which he noted that while persons are accusing the NTC of allowing
organisations to dictate to it, that is not the case.
He said, “That’s an insult to our intelligence, and I want to make this very crystal clear, we have a right to self-determination. And that’s what we have been doing for ages. So, no one don’t have to come and tell us what is best for us.”
Against this backdrop, he noted that Indigenous people know what is best for them and the challenges faced in communities and how to put
mechanisms in place to mitigate these challenges.
It was then he called out various media houses that have published ‘disturbing articles’ which he noted were not good, and called on them to be more mature.
“When we report it, we’ve got to be more accurate in our reporting,” he said.
He further used the opportunity to call on political parties to also be more mature and civilised, as there are ways to address issues dis-
rupting other people’s lives.
Further to this, the Toshao noted that as Election 2025 approaches, he hopes that political parties and organisations when they begin their campaigns, will do so in a professional way.
As he went on to say, “The Indigenous Peoples have the right to choose whatever political party they want to support. And we know we are not living in the Stone Age; we are living in a modern age where education is
accessible from Nursery to Secondary in all Indigenous communities. So, we are learned people; we know what is good for us.”
His statements come on the heels of the NTC calling out misleading claims in one of the daily newspapers’ articles in relation to the structure of the NTC conference.
Two days before the start of the conference, the NTC condemned the misleading and politically-charged assertions, which it noted were
made by the Alliance For Change and published in the Stabroek News.
The NTC, in a press release, noted, “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.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips (seated centre), with Brigadier Omar Khan, Chief of Defence Staff; Colonel Nazrul Hussain, Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC); and Major- General Flavio de Oliveira Pinto, Director- General of the Inter-American Defense Board Secretariat,
Pile works underway for new US$35M Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge
CONSTRUCTION is currently in the pile works phase for the new Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge, a major infrastructure project aimed at significantly enhancing the capacity of Guyana’s road network between Georgetown, Linden, and the Mabura-Lethem corridor.
The US$35M 220-metre-long bridge, which connects Wismar and Mackenzie, on the west and east banks of Linden, respectively, is designed to be a four-lane paved highway.
The bridge is designed with a maximum horizontal clearance of 32 metres, and a vertical clearance of 11.5 metres. It will also feature two-metre-wide sidewalks on both sides.
Construction remains on schedule, with com -
pletion expected by April 2026.
The bridge will provide a crucial link between Georgetown and the interior highway to Lethem, with the ultimate goal of improving trade and transportation efficiency throughout the region.
Pile works began in April 2025, and are expected to continue for two more months.
Prior to this phase, preparation works were completed, including traffic control measures and utility rotation activities to facilitate the construction process.
Once pile works are completed, the next stages will include the installation of pile caps, followed by construction of the piers and bent caps. Placement of the girders is projected to occur between the third and final quarters of the year.
When completed, the bridge, alongside the much-anticipated Linden to Lethem highway, is expected to greatly facilitate cross-border trade, particularly between Brazil and Georgetown.
Officials note that the infrastructure will not only improve the movement of goods and people, but also strengthen economic ties and access to services across the regions.
The bridge stands as a strategic development in Guyana’s broader push to modernise its transportation network, and boost regional connectivity.
“[This network] will create immense opportunities to position Region 10 as the engineering and mechanical hub, as well as a centre for transport and logistics—not only for mining, but also for trade between Brazil and CARICOM [Caribbean Community].”
The CRCC is also constructing the US$260 million bridge across the Demerara River.
The existing bridge which connects Mackenzie and Wismar was constructed to facilitate the transportation of ore from mines located at Wismar and Christianburg to a processing plant in Mackenzie.
Construction began in 1965, and was completed in 1967.
Earlier this year, President Ali had announced that tolls for use of the bridge will be removed, effective August 2025.
During the contract signing between the Government of Guyana and China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) Limited for the bridge project, President Dr. Irfaan Ali stated: “This bridge is linked to the 45 bridges we are constructing along the Linden to Lethem highway.
TRAVON Chapelle was remanded to prison on Monday, after appearing before Magistrate George at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on a drug trafficking charge.
Chapelle pleaded not guilty to the offence of possession of 1.034 kilograms of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. The charge stemmed from an investigation by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).
Magistrate George denied bail and Chapelle was remanded to prison. He is expected to return to court on June 27, 2025, for the continuation of the matter.
The case forms part of CANU’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking across the country.
Travon Chapelle
The current Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge (National Trust of Guyana photo)
New initiative launched to strengthen climate tracking
THE Government of Guyana, in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and with support from the UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) programme, has launched the project “Strengthening and Enhancing Capacities of Guyana’s MRVS.”
The project aims to expand Guyana’s Monitoring, Reporting and Verification Systems (MRVS) to improve climate reporting, sustainable forest management and access to carbon financing.
According to a press release, the UK PACT programme is funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Devel-
Guyana.
Further, project activities are expected to assist in the advancement of Guyana’s National Climate Commitments (NDCs), maintaining low rates of emissions, and raising climate awareness.
“The Guyana Forestry Commission is pleased to partner with the Global Green Growth Institute and the UK PACT programme to advance Guyana’s national Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification System. Through the work being led by the Guyana Forestry Commission and other Government agencies, we are reinforcing Guyana’s leadership in low-carbon development and ensuring that our forests continue to deliv-
GGGI’s Caribbean Representative.
He added, “By expanding MRVS capabilities, we are not only advancing carbon finance readiness but also paving the way for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.”
The GGGI will continue to engage stakeholders, fostering awareness and synergies for implementation during the project period, until its completion planned in December 2026.
Key activities are being planned for roll out such as setting quantifiable forest-related NDC targets and developing a tracking tool for reporting on Policy and Measures impacts (PaMs).
The Global Green
opment Office (FCDO) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) through the UK’s International Climate Finance Programme.
It supports countries in their efforts to reduce emissions and achieve their vision for tackling climate change.
Working alongside the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) as the main government agency, the project will increase the country’s reporting capacities of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals, by covering all land use activities and ecosystems, including mangrove forests.
Through a more robust MRVS that fully captures data from land use, land use change, and forestry (LULUCF) sector, the project is expected to contribute to the sustainable management of about 33,000 hectares of forests and potentially mobilising an estimated GBP 46 million in climate finance.
By improving data analysis capabilities, the initiative will also support policy decisions and compliance with global climate reporting processes. This in turn will support attracting more investments in resilience for
er value for all Guyanese,” stated Edward Goberdhan, Guyana’s Commissioner of Forests as he emphasised the project’s impact on advancing the Government’s commitment on forests and sustainability.
The British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, while speaking about the project at a recent workshop in Georgetown, reflected on the United Kingdom’s longstanding alliance with Guyana on climate efforts and forest stewardship.
“Guyana should be proud to maintain more than 85 percent forest cover while experiencing rapid growth,” she stated.
Another key area of the project is strengthening institutional capacity, where efforts will focus on streamlining data sharing and enhancing coordination in the existing MRVS framework developed in Guyana’s partnership for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).
“This initiative will significantly expand Guyana’s ability to monitor and manage its land and forest resources while enhancing transparency and accountability in climate finance,” said Daniel Muñoz-Smith,
Growth Institute was founded as a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization in 2012 at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.
GGGI supports its Member States in transitioning their economies toward a green growth model that simultaneously achieves poverty reduction, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.
With 51 Member States and 29 Partner countries and regional integration organisations in the process of accession, GGGI delivers programmes and projects in over 53 countries.
These initiatives encompass developing innovative green growth solutions, technical support, capacity building, policy planning and implementation, and assistance in building a pipeline of bankable green investment projects, project financing, investments, and knowledge sharing.
The GGGI’s work contributes to its Member States’ efforts to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals and the Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement.
Fresh faces as West Indies ‘A’
squads...
emerging and fringe players ready to transition to the senior team.”
The 50-over squad will be led by Alick Athanaze, while Tevin Imlach and Jomel Warrican will captain the two ‘A’ Test teams as CWI also looks to broaden their talent pool on the leadership front. Former West Indies interim head coach Andre Coley will oversee the squad as Head Coach.
The series also sets the stage for the “Full Ah Energy” West Indies Home Series, kicking off on June 11 in Barbados, where the West Indies Women will face South Africa.
1st ‘A’ Test Squad: Tevin Imlach (Captain), Ronaldo Alimohammed, Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Kavem Hodge, Mikyle Louis, Johann Layne, Khary Pierre, Kemol Savory, Ojay Shields, Oshane Thomas, Gilon Tyson
2nd ‘A’ Test Squad: Jomel Warrican (Captain),
Barbados thump Guyana...
This outcome reverses recent trends between the two nations. Prior to Saturday's game, Guyana had won six of their last seven official test matches against Barbados.
The fixture was part of a series of regional RAN matches scheduled throughout 2025, featuring teams including the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Mexico, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago.
Looking ahead, the RAN competition structure will undergo an overhaul in 2026, introducing a three-tier format to integrate the region
Kraigg Brathwaite, Kevlon Anderson, Jewel Andrew, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph, Johann Layne, Kemol Savory, Ojay Shields, Gilon Tyson Team Management: Head Coach: Andre Coley, Manager: Dwain Gill, Assistant Coaches: Jerome Taylor (Bowling), John Eugene (Fielding), Physiotherapist: Shian Ollivierre, Strength & Conditioning Coach: Damique Walters Full Match Schedule
May 21: 1st 50-over match
May 24: 2nd
(From back page)
into the Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification process. Currently, only Canada and the United States are involved in the World Cup qualification process within the region. Both teams are set to compete in the Pacific Nations Cup later this year.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Tuesday, May 20, 2025)
COMPLIMENTS
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Mike Hussey-733 runs (CSK) (2) Dwayne Bravo-32 wickets (CSK) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who compiled most runs in IPL 2014? (2) Who claimed most wickets?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
Thunder thrash Nuggets to reach Conference finals
Oklahoma City Thunder crushed the Denver Nuggets 125-93 in the decisive game of their play-off semi-finals to book a showdown with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals.
A Nuggets win on Thursday night took the series to a seventh game, but Denver were swept away in their seventh meeting.
MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone for the Thunder, scoring 35 points as the West's top seeds reached the Conference finals for the first time since 2016.
Denver have played more game sevens over the last seven years than any team, but are now 4-3 in decisive matches after the loss in Oklahoma.
Their three-time MVP Nikola Jokic scored 20 points, but was kept largely quiet as the hosts took a 6046 lead at the break.
And they extended that
lead as the night wore on, with a 24-point contribution from Jalen Williams, to the delight of the home crowd.
With the Indiana Pacers playing the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals, there could be a new name on the NBA trophy for the first time in at
least 52 years.
The Knicks were last champions in 1973, while Oklahoma, Indiana and Minnesota have never won.
The Conference finals begin on Wednesday, 21 May, with the Thunder hosting the Timberwolves (02:30 BST). (BBC Sport)
Beharry family contributes to ‘Project Cricket Gear’
CONNECTICUT, USA based Guyanese, Renick Beharry and family are the latest to lend their support to Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana,” the joint initiative between Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA.
The family has donated cash to purchase gear needed by young cricketers. According to Renwick Beharry, he is impressed with the initiative and is pleased to be part of it.
The initiative continues to strive to make every community a safer and better place and is pleased to be part of the development of young cricketers in Guyana.
Total cricket related items received/purchased so far: $610,000 in cash, 13 coloured cricket uniforms, one set of stumps, two trophies, 35 pairs of cricket shoes, 39 pairs of batting pads, 48 cricket bats, 42 pairs of batting gloves, 29 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, 14 gear bags, 13 bat rubbers, eight helmets, one fiber glass bat, one pair of floppy hat, one pair of inners, 16 boxes and four of white cricket balls, 13 boxes of red cricket
balls, one bat cone and 28 footballs
To date, 98 players, male and female, from all three counties of Guyana have benefited directly from cash, eight gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 35 bats, four boxes, six helmets, 36 pairs of cricket shoes, 21 pairs of batting pads, 25 thigh pads, one bat grip, 38 pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicket-keeping pads and four pairs of wicket-keeping gloves with one pair of inners.
Cricket related items,
used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify same. Progressive and well managed cricket clubs with a youth program, will also benefit.
Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.
Twenty Regma Primary School girls attend US college player, Latisha Parris basketball camp in Linden
West Virginia University player Latisha Parris last Friday afternoon conducted an introductory basketball clinic with some 20 school girls attached to the Regma Primary School, at the Retrieve Hard Court in Mackenzie, Linden.
The United States-born player is the daughter of overseas-based Linden residents, Lennox and Sadina Parris.
Latisha who is 21 years old, has been visiting Guyana since she was five years old and always wanted to give back to the sport she loves in the homeland of her parents.
After two years at the junior college level, she is in her first year at West Virginia University, according to her mom Sadie.
The Regma Primary lass-
es were given a two-hour session starting with basic training and warmups, before they were shown basic drills of basketball as demonstrated by Latisha Parris assisted by veteran basketball coach Abdulla Hamid.
According to Latisha, “I started playing basketball when I was 12 years old and I know that these girls are between 10 to 12 years old. It was somebody just like me, who started to train, me to teach me the basics. So, I wanted to give back to this community where my parents were from.”
President of the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) Ms. Dawn McCammon-Barker, who is also an Education Officer with the Department of Education in Region 10, Upper
Demerara/ Upper Berbice; visited the camp and, when asked for a comment noted, “it’s a wonderful initiative, usually persons come and only do sessions for boys, and this was one for females. It is something that is needed to develop the skills of young girls.”
Former National player and coach Mr. Abdulla Hamid said: “I think the session went great. It’s a great initiative by Latisha. I know she plays basketball in the United States at West Virginia and her dad who is my friend was eager to let her come home and help out with the girls.”
It is expected that this will be an annual clinic to be conducted by Ms. Latisha Parris, and tokens were given to the participants of the clinic.
Jalen Williams hit 24 points for the Thunder, who have never won the NBA title
Renick Beharry and wife
Ms Latisha Parris at right and Mr. Abdulla Hamid second from right addressing girls from Regma Primary School
WICUA, CWI sign historic Memorandum of Understanding
PRESIDENT of the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA), Vivian Johnson has described the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between his entity and Cricket West Indies (CWI) as a beacon of opportunity for the two organizations “to work together for the ultimate benefit of the sport we love and serve – West Indies Cricket.”
Representatives of the two sides met recently to ratify the memorandum which aim and objective are to strengthen the bond and relationship between CWI and WICUA.
A delighted WICUA President Johnson described the signing of the MOU between the two West Indies organizations as not only historic, but unprecedented between Cricket Boards and umpires’ Associations.
“Special recognition and credit must be given to former CWI CEO Mr. Johnny Grave for his unrelentless effort in working with us at WICUA to craft this document to ensure it fulfills the required mandate, Johnson pointed out.
According to the WICUA President, ‘it offers opportunities for both parties to have direct consultations, com -
munication and discussions with each other on vital and important issues.”
The Jamaican-born Johnson disclosed that “the MOU brings into fruition a new contractual agreement for fees between the CWI and the WICUA for the contracted and non-contracted umpires, over a four-year period
“It is a far-reaching agreement that provides assurance to the umpires in terms of their expectations and status in the future.”
Johnson showered praise on CWI President, Dr. Kishore Shallow and his team and to the WICUA Executive
Guyana Police Force and Santos FC grabbed important wins on Sunday at the Guyana Football Federation National Training Center as action continued in season 7 of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League.
The Police side went into the contest third on the points table as they took on winless Essequibo side Mainstay Goldstar FC, who they hammered to come out with an 8-1 victory.
Kerwin Fraser opened the scoring for the men in blue before Narrow Barrow recorded a brace coming in the 19th and 41st
minutes before the half to give them an unassailable lead 3-nil at the half.
Mainstay Goldstar’s Tian Mendonca would help them pull back the advantage making it 4-1.
However, Stephon Ramsey showed up for Police in a large way with a double coming in the 61st and 81st minutes of play.
As Mainstay started to loss believe Adrian Aaron in the 83rd and Nicholas McArthur 85th drove home the points by piling on two mores goals to see them take a 8-1 victory.
The win moves GPF up the standing to second place with 5 wins 2 draws and a loss behind the unde -
and their team for creating the agreement.
“Finally, I want to thank the WICUA Executives, former WICUA President Mr. Cecil Fletcher, the umpires’ representatives Messrs Gregory Brathwaite and Christopher Taylor for their contribution towards the negotiations to ensure that this final document became a reality. I am thus hoping that this MOU is the start of greater things to come in the fostering and building of this relationship that can only redound to the benefit of west Indies Cricket.
Adil Rashid rallies behind Brook as England’s new captain
A NEW begins for England in white-ball cricket, with Harry Brook set to take charge for the first time during the upcoming ODI series at home against the West Indies, starting May 29.
feated Slingerz with seven wins in seven clashes.
Western Tigers who were in second place with five wins, 1 draw and 1 loss now move into third place in the standings.
The opening clash saw Santos edging Fruta Conquerors 2-1. After a sedate first half Shem James would give Fruta Conquerors the lead in the 56 th minute of the encounter.
Fruta Conquerors Stefan Walton equalised in the 67 minute to draw scores level at 1-1.
A late goal from Santos’ Ian Daniels in the 85th minute would be the difference maker for his side as they took the win.
England have been undergoing a transitional phase in recent years. Following the highs of their 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup triumph and the 2022 T20 World Cup victory, success has been elusive recently. Their performances in ICC tournaments have dipped notably, with a seventh-place finish at the 2023 Cricket World Cup and a winless campaign in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Following Jos Buttler’s decision to step down, 26-year-old Harry Brook has been handed the responsibility of leading England’s white-ball revival.
Senior players are fully behind him, with Adil Rashid confident that Brook is the right man to take the team forward.
"I am sure he is ready but when someone takes over the captaincy it is not an overnight thing. He has got time, he has done well so far with what he's done,” Rashid said, speaking to PA news agency.
“I am sure he will be a very good leader and going forward he will do wonders
New England white ball captain Harry Brook
for England cricket.
“He will not take it lightly. There is obviously a lot of thought that has gone into it with him taking over the captaincy of the ODI team and T20s. It is a big task; it is a big thing but they gave it to him because he thinks he can be the one.
“We all believe he can be the leader and captain of the ODIs and T20. It will be tricky (to balance), but I am sure he has got the capability, the mindset, the hunger and drive to do that and lead England to wins and World Cups.”
Rashid is also embracing the transition, eager to contribute under the
leadership of Brook and Brendon McCullum, who took over as all-format coach in September 2024 after previously leading the Test side.
Now 37 years of age and with 292 international appearances to his name, Rashid brings invaluable experience to a youthful England squad and already has his sights set on the next big ICC event — the T20 World Cup in 2026.
“Yeah 100 per cent looking forward to it. It is a new era, with a new captain and new faces as well,” Rashid added.
“Baz McCullum coming in, this will be his first time coaching at home as England white-ball head coach. An exciting challenge, a new era and looking forward to that."
“The next assignment we have got is the 2026 World Cup. We are building towards that and making sure when we get to that stage, we are ready.”
“The next assignment we have got is the 2026 World Cup. We are building towards that and making sure when we get to that stage we are ready.”
England and West Indies are set to clash in a three-match ODI series, followed by three T20Is, with the hosts having already announced their squads. (ICC Media)
WICUA President Vivian Johnson (left) and CWI President Dr Kishore Shallow greet each other following the signing of the MOU
Police’s FC hat-trick hero Narron Barrow Santos goal scorers (right to left) Shem James and Ian Daniels
'Born to lead': Roston Chase embraces destiny as West Indies Test captain
BRIDGETOWN,
Bar -
bados, (CMC) – From the sun-soaked pitches of Christ Church, Barbados, to the pinnacle of West Indies cricket, Roston Chase’s journey has been one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless ambition.
Now, as he prepares to lead the West Indies in the first Test against Australia at Kensington Oval, the 33-year-old all-rounder stands on the brink of history, ready to carve out a new legacy for a team hungry for revival.
Chase, a towering figure at six feet five inches, will become the 38th West Indies Test captain, entrusted with the monumental task of restoring pride in the maroon cap.
His appointment marks the culmination of a career defined by clutch performances, none more iconic than his debut series heroics against India in 2016, where he joined an elite group of West Indians with a century and five-wicket haul in the
same Test.
Since then, he has fortified his reputation as a match-winner, delivering career-best figures of 8-60 against England and four more centuries, blending grit with flair.
For Chase, leadership was never an obsession, but destiny had other plans. “I always had leadership skills, but I didn’t see myself as a captain early on. My dream was just to play and win for the West Indies. But as you grow, you understand the weight of this role and the legacy it carries.”
That legacy was forged through sacrifice. At 18, fresh off his first-class debut for Barbados, Chase faced an ultimatum from his mother. Cement his place in the Barbados team within two years or return to university full-time.
“Cricket was my love, so I fought harder. His father, a constant presence on the sidelines, sharpened his game with stern lessons, while coach Henderson Springer moulded him into
Barbadian Roston Chase is set to become the 38th West Indies Test captain
the dual-threat player he is today, a batter first, but a spinner lethal enough to dismantle lineups.
Now, as captain, Chase’s philosophy is refreshingly simple as he tries to match his calm demeanour with his leadership style.
“I just want to have fun, play hard, and bring out the best in each other. I want us to win more than we lose, but more than that, I want us to grow as cricketers and as men.”
Trinidad and Tobago to host 2025 CFU U-14 girls Challenge Series
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC0 — The Caribbean Football Union (CFU) has confirmed the groupings and format for the 2025 CFU U-14 Challenge girls’ series, with Trinidad and Tobago selected as the host nation.
The tournament will run from August 15-24, featuring 23 teams competing across two tiers.
Tier I will see eight teams divided into two groups of four, while Tier II will have fifteen teams split into three groups of five.
The top-tier competition will see powerhouses such as Jamaica, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and hosts Trinidad and Tobago vying for supremacy.
Group A will feature Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, and Martinique, while Group B will see the likes of Aruba, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago doing battle.
Teams will play a round-robin format, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals.
The final will be held on August 24, while playoff matches will determine rankings from 5th to 8th place.
The second tier features 15 nations, including Barbados, Guyana, and Suriname, divided into three groups. Group ‘A’ includes St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Bonaire,
GCB names 21-man training squad for upcoming CWI Under-19 Regional Tournament
...Jonathan Van Lange appointed captain
THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has named a 21-man training squad ahead of the upcoming Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Under-19 tournament.
The squad features a mix of returning players and emerging talents as preparations get underway for the regional tourney.
The players selected are Rampersaud Ramnauth, Parmeshwar Ram, Romeo Deonarine, Sachin Balgobin, Jonathon Van Lange, Afraz Ali Boodhu, Romario Ramdehol, Shamar Apple, Salim Khan, Riyad Latif, Golcharran Chulia, Nityanand Mathura, Bruce Vincent, Micah Amsterdam, Wavell Allen, Neeran Bani, Sanjay Algoo, Jayden Dowlin, Shiloh Adams, Matthew Pottoya, and Ronaldo Jeffery.
Jonathan Van Lange will lead the squad as captain. In addition, Garvin Nedd will serve as the team’s coach while Nazeer Mohamamd has been appointed team manager.
Lead Selector, Andre Percival, confirmed that training sessions will begin shortly, although weather conditions may impact outdoor activity.
“Because of the bad weather, there may not be much outdoor work at first, but we’ll be utilising the indoor facilities at the National Gymnasium, courtesy of the GCB President, to get in technical drills and fitness work,” Percival explained.
Speaking on the squad’s composition, the lead selector spoke of the balance of experience and potential.
“We have five emerging players currently in the CWI group under Coach Felix, and a few others who showed promise during the rain-affected Inter-County tournament. We feel this 21 offers a strong foundation,” he said.
The final 14-member squad will be named at the end of the training camp, following inputs from coaches working with the players.
“I’m confident in the group.
I wasn’t directly involved in the initial selections due
to my tour commitments in the Breakout League, I’ve followed the process closely, and I believe these boys have what it takes,” Percival added.
The Guyanese unit will depart home soil on June 29 for St. Kitts. The Guyana Cricket Board remains committed to structured player development and competitive readiness ahead of the tournament scheduled to be hosted in St. Kitts.
US Virgin Islands, and Saint Lucia, with Group ‘B’ populated by Grenada, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, French Guiana, and Suriname. Group C will include the Cayman Islands, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Turks & Caicos, and Guyana.
After the group stage, the three group winners and the best second-place team will progress to the semifinals. The top-ranked group winner will face the best runner-up, while the second and thirdranked winners meet in the other semifinal.
Tier II begins on August 15, while Tier I kicks off a day later on August 16.
Jonathan Van Lange
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are out of the IPL 2025 playoffs race, leaving Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals fighting for the last remaining slot in the top four.
LSG made a storming start to their 12th match of IPL 2025, with Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram putting on 115 at close to 11 runs an over.
But Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)’s bowlers hit back with clever use of the old ball and limited them to 205, a total that proved inadequate in the face of a thrilling display of six-hitting from Abhishek Sharma.
SRH were already out of contention for the playoffs when this match began, but they showed – even without Travis Head, who missed out
after a bout of Covid-19 delayed his return to India – that they remain a batting line-up with an immense ceiling, even if the vagaries of form have ensured that they’ve only reached it sporadically this season.
Abhishek hit six sixes in a 20-ball 59, turning his teammates’ task straightforward; with Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen and Kamindu Men-
Fresh faces as West Indies ‘A’ squads announced for South Africa series
ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled a mix of emerging talent and experienced players for the upcoming West Indies ‘A’ series against South Africa ‘A’, set to take place in Saint Lucia from May 21 to June 11 at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
The squad selections reflect standout performances in regional competitions, offering players a crucial opportunity to prove themselves against international opposition.
CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, highlighted the significance of the series in strengthening the pipeline for West Indies cricket.
Abhishek's 18-ball 50 knocks LSG out of IPL playoffs race
dis also getting past 30, SRH reached their target with ten balls remaining.
LSG’s batting, yet again, was over-reliant on their big three, with Nicholas Pooran scoring 45 off 26 balls on the back of the openers’ half-centuries, and no one else reaching double figures. Having scored 108 for no loss in the first ten overs, LSG only managed 97 for 7 in the back
half, as SRH’s bowlers pulled them back with their changes of pace.
It’s hard to say if conditions changed during the chase, making batting a little easier for SRH. But LSG’s attack certainly made it appear so; it was an indictment of their resources that the bowler they kept turning to in search of inspiration, Digvesh Rathi, is an uncapped player in his
officially ended in the 19th over, but its symbolic end came in the 14th, when Kamindu hit Rathi for three clinical, back-to-back fours in his final over. (ESPNcricinfo)
Guyana had another forgettable outing in the 15s format
Barbados thump Guyana 43-5 in Rugby 15s contest
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“This series is key to expanding our player pool and aligns with our long-term vision of developing
Guyana wicketkeeper/ batter Tevin Imlach will captain West Indies 1st ‘A’ Test Squad
Barbados delivered a dominant performance to rout Guyana 43-5 in a Rugby Americas North (RAN) match at Garrison Savannah in Bridgetown on Saturday.
The hosts displayed commanding form against the Green Machine, which struggled to find its rhythm throughout the match.
The result marks a setback for Guyana, which suffered a heavy 48-17 defeat to the Cayman Islands in their previous fixture in April.
(Turn to page 28)
debut IPL season. Rathi picked up the wickets of Abhishek and Kishan, but SRH were well in control by the time of those strikes. The match
Abhishek Sharma scored an 18-ball half-century (BCCI photo)
