Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 20-12-2025

SATURDAY 20th December, 2025

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUSIVE

No. 108021

Ease of travel, shot of adrenaline for commerce SEE PAGE

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- as new ferry comes on stream to service Parika-Supenaam route

PRIME Minister, Brigadier Re’td, Mark Phillips on Friday commissioned the €4.5M MV Konawaruk 1899 ferry to traverse the high-traffic Parika to Supenaam route (Sachin Persaud photos)

Gov’t wraps Region Three residents Efforts get improved access to underway up successful to tackle crucial gov’t services middlemen outreach in - as authorities open new centre at West Central Mall exploitation Region Three SEE PAGE

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SEE PAGE

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Components of old Demerara Bridge could be used to connect Essequibo River Islands SEE PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

Essequibians warmly welcome - A big boost for new ferry with optimism the Region

Head of Anna Regina Fire Station Suresh Persaud By: Indrawattie Natram RESIDENTS of Region Two and members of the business community have warmly welcomed the introduction of the MV Konawaruk, describing it as a timely and transformative addition to the

Sharmalia Persaud from Cotton Field

Essequibo transportation network.

The new ferry, which can accommodate over 300 passengers, 81 cars, or 19 large trucks, is expected to significantly ease congestion and improve the reliability of river crossings, especially during peak travel periods.

Commuters have expressed excitement about the increased capacity and smoother operations, noting that long waiting times and overcrowding will now be greatly reduced.

Business owners across the Essequibo Coast say the MV Konawaruk will play a

The new Ferry critical role in boosting trade and commerce.

With improved movement of goods, including large trucks, traders anticipate faster deliveries, reduced transportation challenges and increased customer traffic.

Many have also highlighted the ferry’s potential to stimulate tourism by making travel to and from Essequibo more convenient and comfortable.

Agro-processor Naithram Ramanand of Charity said the new ferry will assist him in marketing and transporting his coconut water to other regions. He thanked President Irfaan Ali for the initiative.

Sharmalia Persaud of Cotton Field also welcomed the new vessel, saying she is happy and excited to use the ferry.

Head of the Anna Regina Fire Station, Suresh Persaud, described the ferry as a major boost for tourism and the business community.

He noted that President Irfaan Ali had made a promise to deliver improved transportation for the region and that promise has now been fulfilled. He added that the Essequibo Region is growing rapidly.

The MV MV Konawaruk features a double-ended de-

sign and modern amenities, including comfortable seating, a bar, restrooms and an air-conditioned crew cabin, enhancing comfort for both passengers and staff.

The introduction of the ferry forms part of broader government initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure and connectivity.

Among these is the ongoing upgrade of the Parika Stelling into a modern port facility, complete with customs and immigration services, cold storage and other essential amenities.

Residents view this investment as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to developing rural and remote communities through improved infrastructure.

With the busy Christmas season approaching, the MV MV Konawaruk is expected to make travel smoother, support economic growth and further strengthen the link between Essequibo and the rest of the country.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

Region Three residents get improved access to crucial gov’t services

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- as authorities open new centre at West Central Mall

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Friday, lauded the newly opened Government Service Centre at the West Central Mall, Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD), highlighting its speed, efficiency, and citizen-friendly approach.

He emphasised that the facility serves as a one-stop shop for government services, marking a significant step forward in enhancing the quality and accessibility of public service delivery in

“This would have been weeks, sometimes days of running,” the President said, while underscoring the importance of maintaining the high standards being demonstrated at the centre.

He also highlighted the integration of online services, explaining that citizens can complete applications digitally before visiting the centre, thereby reducing paperwork and wait times.

During his interaction with staff and members of

President Dr. Irfaan Ali with the staff of the Government Service Centre at West Central Mall

President Dr. Irfaan Ali; Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh; and Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, interacting with staff and members of the public registration, including proof Guyana. the public, President Ali in- of address, identification and Speaking during the vited feedback from a citizen relevant certificates. opening ceremony, President accessing services at the In addition, Dr. Ali disAli expressed satisfaction centre. cussed services related to with how quickly transacSome individuals de- driver’s licences, noting that tions were being completed, scribed the experience as an expedited process is in noting that processes which efficient, friendly and enjoy- place which allows licences once took weeks were now able, a response the President to be completed within a being handled in minutes. welcomed as evidence that maximum of three days, with He pointed to applica- public service delivery was plans to move toward sametions being processed in as becoming more people-cen- day processing once addilittle as five to 10 minutes, tred. tional equipment is installed. including services at the The President also enHe further said that passport office, and said the gaged staff members provid- tax-related services will be new system represented a ing electronic identification expanded, with online filing significant improvement over (E-ID) services, learning encouraged ahead of the upprevious arrangement. about the requirements for coming tax season.

The Head of State emphasised the role of digital access in easing the workload on staff and improving convenience for citizens.

He announced plans for QR codes to be placed outside the building and in public spaces such as supermarkets, allowing citizens to scan and access government services online, complete forms and arrive at the centre with documentation already prepared.

President Ali also outlined plans to expand the model nationwide, stating that similar centres are expected to be established in Regions Two, Five, Six, Nine and 10. He said the goal is to ensure that, by the first quarter of next year, citizens across the country can enjoy improved access to govern-

ment services and an overall better quality of life.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance, led by Senior Minister Dr Ashni Singh, said it joined President Ali at the official opening of the Government Service Centre at the West Central Mall.

According to the ministry, the centre brings together several government agencies under one roof to provide essential services to the public.

The services offered include passport applications, processing of birth and death certificates, issuance of marriage licences, full services from the Guyana Revenue Authority and registration for the national electronic identification programme, among others.

The ministry stated that

the centre will operate from Monday to Friday between 08:00hrs and 17:00hrs, and that similar facilities are expected to be opened in other regions as part of the government’s wider public service modernisation efforts.

Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, said the establishment of the Government Service Centre is a direct initiative of President Ali, who is committed to ensuring that these services are extended to every region of Guyana.

He noted that the rollout has begun in Region Three due to its large population and encouraged residents to take full advantage of the facility provided.

Scenes from the official opening of the Government Service Centre at West Central Mall (Ministry of Finance photos)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

President Ali outlines major development push for Wakenaam, during Region Three outreach PRESIDENT Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed t h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s commitment to inclusive development and people-centred investment, assuring residents of Wakenaam that the island will not be left behind under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration.

Addressing a large gathering during a government outreach on the island on Thursd a y, P r e s i d e n t A l i thanked residents for their strong support in the recent elections and said the resounding mandate places a responsibility on the

government to deliver tangible improvements to people’s lives.

“We are going to invest in you, the people.

Regardless of where you live, Wakenaam, Leguan or anywhere else, you must have access to good quality services, safe communities, healthcare and real developmental opportunities,” the President affirmed.

The president pointed to the transformation seen over the last five years, noting that increased land values, improved educational outcomes, expanded agricultural support and upgraded infrastructure are the direct result of sustained govern-

His Excellency, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali

ment investment and renewed confidence in the island’s economy.

Noting that development must go beyond words, President Ali said, “We have shown you our love not by talk, but by investment, by bringing real, tangible development to this island and every community.”

The head of state announced a series of initiatives aimed at accelerating growth, including the completion of the island’s main roads and bridges, the development of a comprehensive drainage plan, and stricter oversight of contractors to ensure the timely delivery of projects.

He emphasised that contracts will be terminated for contractors who do not perform.

Major investments were also outlined for healthcare, agriculture, energy and transportation. By the end of January, Wakenaam is expected to have a dedicated ambulance service, while farmers will benefit from digitally-enabled agricultural extension services, including AI-supported advisory systems.

Plans are also in place to bring the island’s solar farm fully online, paving the way for reduced electricity costs.

On transportation, President Ali announced improvements to ferry services, including the deployment of a new ferry and the return of the Hercules to serve Wakenaam and Leguan, with a fixed and published schedule to support farmers, commuters and economic activity.

“We are a government that does not hide from issues. We confront them, we deal with them, because you must know that we

have your back,” he stated.

The president also highlighted upcoming investments in public safety, including street lighting, a safe-city camera system, and the establishment of a landfill site to improve sanitation and environmental management.

President Ali said the outreach reflects the government’s broader philosophy of putting people at the centre of development, supported by digitised systems that track and resolve citizens’ concerns. He noted that more than 8,000 issues raised by residents in Region Three between 2020 and 2025 were successfully resolved.

As the engagement concluded, the President urged residents to continue working with the government to build a stronger, more prosperous Wakenaam.

“Together, we will continue the heavy lifting. This is what the People’s Progressive Party/Civic has always been about building a country that puts people first.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

Ease of travel, shot of adrenaline for commerce - as new ferry comes on stream to service Parika-Supenaam route

PRIME Minister, Brigadier Re’td, Mark Phillips on Friday commissioned the €4.5M MV Konawaruk 1899 ferry to traverse the high-traffic Parika to Supenaam route.

“Parika is being transformed in front of your very eyes you are not just standing at a stelling or sailing a boat to the other side of the Essequibo, you are standing at a threshold,” the Prime Minister said as the new ferry made its inaugural sail across the Essequibo River.

He pointed to the government’s plans to transform the local port into a critical, modern and dynamic gateway to enhance regional connectivity and further beyond waves to the Caribbean unlocking new markets and opportunities.

“It will no longer be a place you pass through but a destination you connect too, this is a pledge. Parika will stand as a major port of regional significance.”

He noted that while the government has spoken boldly about its plans to build bridges and highways, and enhance airdromes across the country, simultaneous investments are being made to ensure that the country’s most traditional and historic mode of transportation is enhanced too to promote the complete integration of the nation.

“The complete physical integration of Guyana must involve land, sea, river and air, to neglect one is to leave a large section of our population, isolated and disconnected.”

The new vessel he said is a direct response to the cries of the people and will be a lifeline boosting economic growth and improving the lives of citizens. He stressed that it will be a beacon of economic momentum supporting agriculture, expanding trade, and slashing congestion and wait times.

“It injects a direct shot of adrenaline into commerce; it means that the farmers’ produce from Region Two will reach the markets of Region Three with its freshness intact and its value undiminished, it means business moves at the speed of opportunity not the speed of an outdated schedule,” he said, adding: “What is the value of a tomato rotting at the stelling, what is the cost of a dream delayed by a lost connection, MV Konawaruk 1899 is our answer.”

He stressed that the new

vessel is not an isolated investment, but rather a single instalment in a constellation of progress and the government’s master plan to modernise all of Guyana’s transport infrastructure.”

Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, noted that traffic across the country’s water ways have increased tremendously, stressing that the government’s strategic investments in improving transportation networks and infrastructure is making travel less cumbersome for commuters.

“Since January of this year we have moved 411,000 passengers through the transport and harbour. We have moved more 130,000 vehicles, we have moved 193,000 tonnes of cargo on our vessels and we have made more than 360,000 trips using the various vessels on our water ways. We have been busy serving the people on our waterways,” he said.

He noted that the Su-

penaam leg of the highly trafficked commute accounts for 66 per cent of passenger traffic, it accounts too for 73 per cent of all the vehicles that are moved. While 69 per cent of all the freight that is transported.

“We commit to the people of Guyana that we will continue to work with you, work with all the stakeholders to ensure that we improve our service.”

He urged patrons to exercise care and cleanliness of the new vessel, supporting the government’s investments to improve livelihoods.

“We have to keep it tidy, we have to keep it in good shape, it belongs to the people of Guyana and let us work together to make it safe,” he stressed.

PRIME Minister, Brigadier Re’td, Mark Phillips on Friday commissioned the €4.5M MV Konawaruk 1899 ferry to traverse the high-traffic Parika to Supenaam route (Sachin Persaud photos)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

Public Service Reform

THE opening of the Government Service Centre at West Central Mall, Leonora on Friday, marks a significant moment in Guyana’s ongoing effort to modernise public administration.

For decades, access to basic government services has been associated with long lines, multiple visits, and bureaucratic delays.

The early experience of residents in Region Three suggests that this model, bringing key agencies together in a single, digitally supported space, has the potential to address some of those long-standing frus-

trations.

The question now is whether this early promise can be sustained and replicated nationwide.

According to information shared during President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s visit, processing times for services such as birth certificates, passports, and identification documents have been sharply reduced, in some cases from weeks to minutes.

Residents interacting with the centre have reported smoother transactions and more responsive staff, an encouraging sign in a public sector often criticised for inefficiency.

These improvements matter not only for convenience, but for trust: when citizens experience a state that works predictably and promptly, confidence in public institutions tends to grow.

The centre’s consolidation of agencies, the General Register Office, Guyana Revenue Authority, Immigration Office, and the Digital Identity Card Registry, reflects a broader international trend towards “one-stop” government services.

Such models are most effective when supported by strong digital infrastructure, clear accountability, and well-trained staff.

The emphasis on online portals, pre-filled forms, and QR-code access points signals an attempt to reduce congestion and administrative burden.

However, this approach must be balanced with provisions for citizens who lack reliable internet access or digital literacy, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.

There are also operational challenges that deserve attention. Same-day processing, expedited licences, and increased revenue collection place pressure on systems and staff, especially as demand grows.

Early success can quickly give way to public disappointment if equipment delays, staffing shortages, or technical failures are not addressed proactively.

Consistency across regions will be critical; uneven service quality could deepen perceptions of inequality rather than resolve them.

The government’s plan to expand similar centres to Regions Five, Six, Ten and Nine by early 2026 is ambitious and, if executed well, could significantly improve everyday interactions between citizens and the state.

Yet bricks, mortar, and software alone will not de-

fine success. Long-term reform will depend on maintaining service standards, protecting data security, and embedding a culture of professionalism within the public service.

Ultimately, the Leonora centre should be viewed not as a finished achievement, but as a pilot for deeper administrative reform.

If the lessons from Region Three are carefully applied, this initiative could become a meaningful step toward a more efficient, accessible, and citizen-centred public sector.

Most fitting tribute to Ron Robinson is to - President Ali says, as veteran renew, revitalise the arts broadcaster laid to rest

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Friday, reflected on the life and legacy of veteran broadcaster and cultural icon Ron Robinson, A.A. The President, in his remarks at Robinson’s funeral, noted that the most meaningful way to honour his contributions is by ensuring the survival of Guyana’s local performing arts, which Robinson sustained throughout the decades.

“Perhaps the most fitting tribute we can now offer is to renew and revitalise the local performing arts, especially theatre, and to ensure that what he sustained does not fail,” President Ali. President Ali reflected on Robinson’s immense contribution to Guyana’s cultural landscape, noting that his influence stretched far beyond the microphone in his broadcast career and into the very fabric of national identity.

He recalled an era many Guyanese now remember with nostalgia, describing radio’s central role in everyday life and Robinson’s place within what is widely regarded as the

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Friday, reflected on the life and legacy of veteran broadcaster and cultural icon Ron Robinson, A.A golden age of broadcasting.

During that time, the President said, the radio was not merely a device or a medium of communication; it was a presence.

According to President Ali, Robinson was never simply a broadcaster who entertained listeners with wit and music, but also “a true musical connoisseur,” a man whose ear

was “finely tuned to beauty and craft.”

He highlighted Robinson’s distinctive approach to music, particularly his affection for harmonica-led tunes, noting that he taught audiences to slow down and truly listen.

“He taught a nation how to listen, and in teaching us how to listen, he cultivated in his audience good taste, quietly,

patiently and enduring,” the President said.

Robinson’s passing came during the Christmas season, a time the President noted was deeply connected to his legacy.

He said Robinson’s productions were inseparable from Guyanese Christmas traditions, observing that “Stretched out magazine and others were woven into the

very traditions of a Guyanese Christmas.”

Meanwhile, beyond radio and seasonal entertainment, Dr Ali underscored Robinson’s pivotal role in sustaining local theatre through difficult periods.

He said Robinson bore the fragile frame of local theatre in both the good times and the lean years, carrying

the responsibility almost single-handedly when support was scarce.

“He carried the baton, refusing to let it fall,” President Ali said, adding that without Robinson’s persistence, “we might, long ago, have been offering very little in our local theatre.”

The President also highlighted Robinson’s service beyond the arts, noting his involvement in church, youth development, Rotary and motor sports. These commitments, he said, reflected a man who gave himself fully to national life.

“It tells us that he belonged fully to his country, and he gave himself without stint, and he understood life as something to be engaged, not merely observed,” the President said.

President Ali, however, noted that upon Robinson’s passing, Guyana is left with a cultural inheritance shaped by his voice, vision, and perseverance.

“Ron Robinson's voice helped to shape our cultural memory,” Dr Ali said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

More discussion on Martin Carter

WHEN I first wrote a column based on circumstantial evidence that Martin Carter was the British mole that declassified documents listed as “Lascar,” Mr. Carter’s family members and relatives contacted Mr. Glenn Lall, the owner of Kaieteur News and criticised the column. They got Mr. Lall to pull the online edition of the article.

I contacted the editor at the time, Sharmaine Gra nger, a very decent woman. She told me she disagreed with Mr. Lall and argued with him that for the sake of press freedom and robust intellectual exchange in Guyana, Carter’s people must write and engage the contents of the column. She told me she would ask Mr. Lall to reverse his decision. She subsequently told me, Mr. Lall refused.

As simple as that story was, I believe the Martin Carter incident with Mr. Lall was the beginning of the end of Ms. Granger’s stay at Kaieteur News.

She was very upset at what Mr. Lall did. Her argument with Lall was that he cannot distrust his long-serving columnist just because a family member of a man I wrote about disagreed with me.

She insisted that Lall contact Carter’s people and request that they rebut the column.

I went to see Lall myself. I told him it was the end of my relationship with Kaieteur News because you do not drop an analysis by a columnist because there is the obligation of an explanation and I was given no reason. Lall was conciliatory. He told me he didn’t know who Carter was and didn’t know anything about Guyana in the 1950s, and who was this

or was that in those days.

I then assessed the politics of Carter for Glen. I remember the night very well. It was a Sunday evening and he was alone in his office.

He offered me a can of juice and a jumbo date.

I ate the date and took more from the tray because I never saw such huge dates although I lived in Canada.

I explained to Mr. Lall that Carter was painted as a loose cannon by the leadership of PPP in the 1950s by both Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham.

He picketed the sister of Queen Elizabeth with his placard reading “Limey go home.” He exclaimed that he was more than a normal communist; that he was a Stalinist.

I described for Mr. Lall that Carter was so extremist and communist that the PPP leadership expelled him. Lall laughed when I went on to tell him that this same Carter, after expulsion from the PPP, got a job with an office the colonial government set up in British Guiana named the British Council. Then Carter went on to become the Public Relations Officer for the British Empire - Booker Group of Companies in British Guiana I told Lall the jobs Carter got you only find in comic books not real life. Why would the Colonial Office in London and the CIA in the US allow Carter, a devoted communist, to work at such sensitive levels?

I asked Lall if Forbes Burnham had to please the Americans when they brought him to power in 1964, and his government had to be anti-communist and was anti-communist, then why would he give Carter, a strong communist, a Minister’s job.

I convinced Lall that Carter was rewarded by

MI5 in the UK and the CIA in the US for being the informant in the PPP leadership in the 1950s.

He said he will talk to the people who called him and asked them to reply to my column. Weeks and months passed and I simply forgot to raise the issue again with Lall because there were so many things that occupy a columnist’s mind in Guyana.

I remember the night very well last year when former President Donald Ramotar called me over my Martin Carter

column; this time in the Guyana Chronicle. I was sitting with my dog on the seawall when Mr. Ramotar called. He said that he disagreed with me that Martin Carter was the mole MI5 named Lascar.

He believes it was Burnham. But he said he understand my strong points about the types of jobs Carter held during the colonial days in British Guiana.

After my Carter piece in the Chronicle last week, I got three emails from people who live abroad. They told me that they do not believe Carter was Lascar. I wrote back and asked them why they thought so.

All three of them simply said they do not think it was Carter without explanation. I asked about the sensitive jobs he got while being a communist.

They admitted like President Ramotar that they can’t explain it. I could and I did. Carter was a spy for the colonial government in London.

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.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

James gets 20 years, Bacchus 30 for 2021 murder of ECD taxi driver

TWO men who pleaded guilty to the June 2021 murder of taxi driver Kenrick Trim were sentenced this week in the Demerara High Court, following detailed consideration of aggravating and mitigating factors by Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh.

Seyon James, 30, also known as “Lil Alfey,” was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment on Wednesday, while his co-accused, 38-year-old Kenty Bacchus, called “Trini,” was sentenced to 30 years on Tuesday. Both men will receive credit for time already spent in pre-trial detention.

James and Bacchus appeared before the High Court in relation to the killing of Trim, a 52-year-old taxi driver and father of four, of Belfield Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The murder occurred during the course of a robbery in June 2021, and culminated in the disposal of the victim’s body after the fatal attack.

In imposing sentence on James, Justice Singh outlined the structured, mathematical approach adopted by the court in arriving at the final term of imprisonment.

The judge explained that the sentencing exercise began with a starting point of 40 years’ imprisonment, reflecting the gravity of the offence.

According to the court, the crime ranked at the upper

Seyon James, Kenty Bacchus and Kenrick Trim end of seriousness due to its violent nature, the fact that it occurred during a robbery, and the actions taken after the killing, including the disposal of the victim’s body.

These factors, the judge said, placed the offence well above the lower spectrum of culpability for unlawful killing.

From the starting point of 40 years, the court then applied a series of deductions in James’s favour. Justice Singh noted that James entered an early guilty plea, which spared the victim’s family the ordeal of a full trial and demonstrated a measure of accountability. As a result, the court granted a one-third reduction, amounting to 13⅓ years.

A further deduction of four years was applied based on favourable probation and welfare reports submitted to the court. Those reports described James as a compliant inmate who had engaged in

rehabilitation programmes while in custody.

The court was told that he participated in computer studies, and had undertaken family-reintegration planning, factors which the judge accepted as relevant to rehabilitation prospects.

Justice Singh also granted a deduction of three and twothirds years after accepting that James had shown genuine remorse. Reports before the court indicated that James acknowledged the seriousness of the crime and expressed regret for his involvement in the events that led to Trim’s death.

H o w e v e r, t h e c o u r t stressed that aggravating factors remained and warranted additional penalties. Justice Singh added two years to the sentence to reflect James’s participation in the offence.

While James maintained that he did not inflict the fatal wounds, the judge noted that he was present during the

attack, remained with the principal offender and fled the scene after the incident.

An additional three years were imposed after the court considered victim impact statements presented on behalf of Trim’s family. Those statements detailed the profound emotional and financial hardship suffered by the victim’s relatives as a result of his death.

After carefully balancing all aggravating and mitigating factors, Justice Singh imposed a final sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on James, with time already spent in custody to be deducted.

The state’s case was led by attorney Geneva Wills, with support from attorneys Christopher Belfield and Simran Gajraj. Bacchus was represented by Attorney-at-Law Audreanna Stephens, while James was represented by Attorney-at-Law Glendon Greenidge.

According to the state-

Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh ment of agreed facts presented to the court, Bacchus and James joined Trim in his taxi, registration number HC 5311, on the morning of June 30, 2021, outside a café on Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

During the incident, the men reportedly took control of the vehicle and subdued Trim by choking him.

The court heard that Bacchus witnessed James stabbing the taxi driver multiple times. After the attack, Trim’s body was abandoned in bushes at the back of Pradoville, Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

Based on intelligence received, police later conducted a search at a location where Bacchus was reportedly found in possession of Trim’s cellphone. Bacchus subsequently gave an interview under video and audio recording, during which he admitted to his role in the incident. He also identified himself and his accomplice on CCTV footage shown to

him by investigators.

Bacchus was sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment on Tuesday, and like James, will receive credit for time served in pre-trial detention.

Bacchus told the court that he felt deep regret over Trim’s death, describing him as an innocent man who did not deserve to die in such a manner.

While acknowledging that he was in the company of the person who killed Trim, Bacchus maintained that he did not inflict any injuries that contributed to the victim’s death.

During sentencing, the court was told that Bacchus has previous convictions for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

In one matter, he was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment, while in another he was fined $57,000, with three months’ imprisonment imposed in default of payment.

Republic Bank supports production of educational agricultural charts for schools

REPUBLIC Bank (Guyana) Limited has, once again, demonstrated its commitment to education, youth development and national growth through its support for the production of two educational agricultural charts highlighting Guyana’s rich and diverse agricultural heritage.

According to a press release, the charts, which will be distributed to approximately 850 schools across the country, provide a visually engaging and educational resource showcasing Guyana’s fruits, vegetables, herbs, root crops and spices.

Each chart categorises crops by type and features their common names, corresponding photographs and

Students from St. Stanislaus College and Brickdam Secondary, Dr Kofi Dalrymple, Presidential Adviser to the Ministry of Education receive the charts from Jonelle Dummett, Manager - Marketing & Communications, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited

scientific names, offering students and educators an accurate and comprehensive learning tool.

The project was conceptualised and created by Nasser Khan, author and publisher, who worked closely with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Agriculture throughout its development.

Drawing on his experience producing similar materials in other Caribbean countries, the charts were reviewed and approved by both ministries prior to production.

Their support and involvement ensured the content met the required educational and agricultural standards and accu-

rately reflected Guyana’s produce.

The production of these charts was made possible through the generosity of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, whose investment will help strengthen agricultural education across the country and promote a deeper understanding of Guyana’s natural resources among young learners.

This initiative aligns with Republic Bank’s broader commitment to youth development, education and community empowerment, ensuring that meaningful investments today contribute to a more informed, resilient and sustainable Guyana tomorrow.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

Efforts underway to tackle middle men exploitation - Minister Mustapha tells farmers, points to investments in value-added produce

AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that greater investment in value-added agriculture is key to reducing the exploitation of farmers by middlemen, as the government intensifies efforts to expand agro-processing across the country.

The minister highlighted this initiative while engaging residents and farmers in Region Three, as part of a massive government outreach led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. Addressing farmers at Hague Village, Mustapha highlighted the disparity between prices, noting that

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guyana Livestock Development Authority, Dr. Dwight Waldron

middlemen often reap the largest profits.

“You the farmers here who are producing the product, when you sell your produce, they pay you little to nothing and they take it to the market and they put on three times and four times the price. So, when you go to the market and you sell a pint of pepper for $100, hypothetically, and they [middlemen] sell it for $500,” the minister said.

He said the government is moving to change this dynamic in Region Three by encouraging value-added production rather than the sale of raw produce alone.

Mustapha said: “So, we are trying now to curtail that, here in Region Three.

We want value added to ensure that when you produce whatever product, we must not only sell the primary product, but we must also add value to it.”

According to the minister, the strategy will be strengthened over the coming years as part of a broader push to develop agro-processing.

He said: “And in the next five years, we will intensify this area. Development in this area will build out an agro processing sector.”

Full Court rules SOCU has legal authority to bring cases in its own name

THE Full Court, on Thursday, unanimously ruled that the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has the legal capacity to institute and maintain court proceedings in its own name under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act (AMLCFT Act), setting aside a High Court decision that had significantly limited the agency’s powers.

In a reasoned judgement delivered on December 18, 2025, Justices Nigel Niles and Zamilla Ally-Seepaul held that SOCU’s authority to initiate legal action flows directly from the AMLCFT Act, which assigns the unit functions that necessarily require access to the courts.

The ruling restores SOCU’s ability to pursue civil restraint and confiscation proceedings involving property suspected to be the proceeds of crime.

The decision arose from an appeal filed by SOCU on June 17, 2025, challenging a ruling by High Court Judge Peter Hugh delivered on May 27, 2025.

In that decision, Justice Hugh struck out an application by SOCU seeking detention and restraint orders over large quantities of gold and foreign and local currency allegedly linked to money laundering. The assets are associated with Sebastiao Moura, a Brazilian national with gold mining operations in Guyana, and Gago Gold Inc. Moura is charged with five counts of money laundering under section 3(1)(c) of the AMLCFT Act. Those charges, which remain before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, are directly connected to the properties SOCU sought to restrain.

Justice Hugh had ruled that SOCU lacked legal capacity to institute or maintain proceedings because it is not a body corporate within the meaning of the Companies Act and because the AMLCFT Act did not expressly confer corporate status on the unit. That finding, if upheld, would have prevented SOCU from carrying out key aspects of its statutory mandate.

Appearing before the Full Court, Attorney Gen-

eral and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, argued that the issue was one of substantial public importance.

He submitted that the High Court ruling had effectively disabled SOCU from performing critical functions expressly assigned to it by Parliament, including the restraint and confiscation of assets linked to money laundering and other financial crimes.

The Attorney General contended that the question of corporate legal personality under the Companies Act was irrelevant to SOCU, and pointed to several provisions of the AMLCFT Act that, he

argued, clearly empower the unit to bring proceedings in its own name.

He warned that allowing the earlier ruling to stand would cripple SOCU’s operations and undermine the effectiveness of the country’s anti-money laundering framework.

In agreeing with those submissions, the Full Court held that SOCU’s legal standing is a matter of public importance with direct implications for the administration of the AMLCFT regime. The judges noted that the issue involves statutory interpretation and SOCU’s institutional competence, and that if left unresolved, it could recur and adversely

affect future cases brought under the Act. After examining sections 2, 38, 39 and 109A of the AMLCFT Act, along with relevant case law, the Court found that the legislation “assigns to SOCU in explicit terms, functions that cannot be discharged without recourse to the courts, particularly the restraining, seizing, detaining and forfeiting of tainted property.” The judges further observed that sections 38 and 109A “directly integrate SOCU into the framework of civil restraint and confiscation proceedings,” making it illogical to suggest that Parliament intended to

grant those powers without also providing the procedural means to exercise them.

The Full Court concluded that SOCU does possess sufficient legal capacity under the AMLCFT Act to institute proceedings for civil restraint and confiscation, and that there is no requirement for the unit to have corporate personality to do so. Parliament, the Court held, has expressly conferred on SOCU the necessary legal authority as a competent agency to bring and maintain such actions.

SOCU was represented in the appeal by Attorney General Nandlall, along with Shoshanna V. Lall, David Brathwaite, Thalia Thompson and Mohanie Sudama. The respondents were represented by Latchmie Rahamat and Naresh Poonai.

The ruling is expected to have significant implications for the enforcement of Guyana’s anti-money laundering laws, reaffirming SOCU’s role as a central actor in efforts to restrain and recover assets suspected to be derived from criminal activity.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

Components of old Demerara Bridge could be used to connect Essequibo River Islands

COMPONENTS of the old Demerara Harbour Bridge will be used to connect the Essequibo River Islands of Leguan and Wakenaam, reducing cumbersome travel times for hundreds of commuters who frequently traverse from

merara Harbour Bridge to link Leguan and Wakenaam, so the ferry crossing will be Leguan, Wakenaam, Supenaam, and it will be much faster, and the transit time will be significantly reduced bringing improvements and connectivity to the

bridge might also be repurposed to span the Berbice River at Kwakwani, Region 10.

He later told reporters that further plans will be outlined in the 2026 fiscal package including this this and several other significant infrastructure

The old Demerara Harbour Bridge

Regions Two to Three.

This was on Friday announced by Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill at the commissioning of the MV Konawaruk 1899 ferry.

He noted that a team of engineers have been established to determine the best alignment to connect the islands.

“We will be removing components of the De-

people of the islands and that is the overall vision of what we will be doing,” the Minister said.

Minister Edghill had previously stated that components of the old bridge will also be moved downriver to create a new link between Timehri, East Bank Demerara, and Sandhills.

Last year, Edghill had said sections of the

developments.

He stressed that these projects would see massive transformation, unlocking opportunities in trade, tourism and agriculture.

The new Demerara River Bridge was commissioned in October and formally named after Guyana’s Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

Region Three Private Sector welcomes President Ali’s vision for inclusive, digital and people-centred development HEAD of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), Halim Khan, has applauded President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s recent national address and policy announcements, describing them as a clear demonstration of visionary leadership and a strong commitment to inclusive growth, private sector empowerment and people-centred development.

Khan said the President’s emphasis on financial inclusion, digital transformation, judicial reform and targeted economic support aligns closely with the needs of businesses and communities in Region Three and across Guyana.

He noted that the integration of more than 600,000 Guyanese into the formal banking system represents a major milestone in building a modern, resilient economy.

“The President’s vision speaks directly to empowerment—empowerment of citizens, small businesses and entrepreneurs,” Khan said. “Simplifying bank account requirements, expanding online banking and ensuring access even in hinterland and rural areas create real opportunities for economic participation and growth.”

During his address at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, President Ali announced that the number of bank accounts has increased by more than 65,000 since 2020, following reforms aimed at reducing barriers to entry into the financial system.

The Head of State reiterated that financial inclusion is foundational to equal participation in the economy, particu-

larly as the government moves to deliver social cash transfers through the banking system.

Khan welcomed the announcement of a proposed junior stock exchange and broader financial reforms outlined in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration’s 2025 Manifesto.

He said these measures will open new avenues for savings, investment and access to capital, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.

“These initiatives are critical for private sector development in regions like ours,” Khan said.

“They allow ordinary Guyanese and small businesses to participate meaningfully in investment opportunities that were previously out of reach.”

The R3PSInc head also praised the government’s digital transformation agenda, which includes the rollout of a citizen-centric online portal, a national e-wallet and the establishment of physical One Stop Centres to ensure accessibility for all regions. Through these platforms, citizens will be able to access a wide range of government services online, from applying for official documents to paying taxes, receiving pensions and accessing social benefits.

“This is a transformative step for efficiency, transparency and accountability,” Khan said. “For businesses in Region Three, reducing bureaucracy and improving predictability in government services will significantly lower costs and improve productivity.”

President Ali also

outlined plans to strengthen the judiciary through technology-driven reforms, including electronic case management, digital payment systems for fines and maintenance, and the introduction of performance standards for case disposal and clearance rates. Legislative changes to enhance accountability among judicial officers and legal practitioners are also planned, along with the launch of updated editions of the Laws of Guyana and Law Reports.

Khan said these reforms will reinforce investor confidence and uphold the rule of law,

which he described as essential pillars for sustainable economic development.

“A strong, transparent and efficient judicial system gives both local and foreign investors the confidence to do busi-

ness,” he said. “This is particularly important as Region Three continues to attract new investment.”

The R3PSInc leader also pointed to the President’s ongoing Cabinet outreach in Region Three as evidence of the administration’s hands-on, consultative approach to governance.

Over two days, President Ali, ministers and technical teams engaged residents in communities including Leonora, Uitvlugt, Farm, Patentia and Stewartville, providing direct access to government services and opportunities for dialogue.

“This outreach reinforces that development is not happening

from afar,” Khan said.

“It shows that the government is listening, engaging and responding to the real concerns of communities and businesses on the ground.”

He concluded that the President’s announcements reflect a holistic, forward-looking strategy that balances economic growth with social equity.

“What we are seeing is a clear ‘no one left behind’ approach,” Khan said. “As the private sector in Region Three, we stand ready to partner with the government to turn this vision into tangible benefits for our people and our economy.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

GMSA welcomes gov’t policy agenda for economic, social transformation - for the next years

THE Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) has welcomed President Dr Irfaan Ali’s announcement of the Government of Guyana’s ambitious fiveyear agenda focused on economic diversification, industrial expansion, and broad-based prosperity.

The GMSA, in a press statement, expressed its enthusiasm about the suite of measures directly supporting manufacturing, agro-processing, and non-oil industrial development, including new tax regimes,

expanded access to finance, and capital market reforms.

The association further acknowledged that several of these initiatives closely reflect long-standing policy recommendations and advocacy advanced by the GMSA on behalf of its members.

As the country continues to build out its infrastructure to support a new industrial era, there is a parallel effort to strengthen Guyana’s governance and administrative framework, supported by modern digital infrastructure and more

robust legal and regulatory systems.

“The rollout of government digital plat-

forms, and expanded digital service delivery is expected to make public services more

efficient, accessible, and people-friendly.

This approach will further improve the ease of doing business and enhance Guyana’s attractiveness to international partners seeking to engage with local enterprises,” GMSA said.

Key initiatives of significance to the manufacturing and industrial sector include: The creation of Special Development Zones operating under taxfree incentive regimes, which will support both export-oriented and import-substitution manufacturing activities.

The establishment of a Junior Stock Exchange will provide new pathways for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access equity financing, scale operations, strengthen corporate governance, and usher a new era of business practices.

The proposed Guyana Development Bank, capitalised at US$200 million, will offer zero-interest, zero-collateral financing and represents a critical step toward improving access to affordable capital for SMEs in the manufacturing subsectors and agro-processing.

The GMSA said it

views these measures as a strong signal of the Government’s commitment to building a competitive, diversified, and resilient manufacturing base, while deepening private sector participation in national development.

This roadmap provides businesses with the assurance and clarity needed to confidently plan for the next five years and beyond.

The association encouraged its members and the wider business community to actively use this policy framework as a strategic guide and to begin preparing by formalising their operations, strengthening financial records, developing bankable business opportunities to leverage the forthcoming Special Development Zones and positioning for capital market participation and export growth.

The GMSA said it stands ready to work closely with government, financial institutions, and development partners to ensure these initiatives translate into tangible outcomes for manufacturers, agro-processors, and service providers across Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

Residents welcome new digital X-ray machine at Leonora Hospital RESIDENTS of R e g i o n T h re e a re breathing a sigh of relief after President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali commissioned a modern, digital X-ray system at the Leonora

ident Ali and the government of this country have made to enhance the operations of this institution, which, over the years, I have been advocating for,” he said.

Hospital.

As part of a two-day outreach in the region, President Ali, accompanied by Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, visited the facility on Friday to formally unveil the more than $130 million digital X-ray system.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke with several patients who were at the hospital about the impact it will have on their livelihoods.

Merl Parkinson, a pensioner told the DPI that because he was “totally blind… to move from here to go to Georgetown, it’s going to be fatiguing.”

For this reason, he said the new system is an asset that will provide great help to people like himself, his family members and the wider Region Three community.

“I think this is a great move that Pres-

Lynette (only name given) noted that normally she had to pay $2,500 in taxi fare to visit the West Demerara Hospital to access its X-ray services. Now, she will no longer have to pay this fee, since the services are being offered at the Leonora Hospital.

She commended the government led by President Ali for stepping in to resolve the issue.

Meanwhile, Dr Zelda Luke Blyden, the doctor-in-charge at Leonora Hospital, explained that the new machine is replacing the decommissioned analogue system in August 2024. This means that X-ray services have been restored for thousands of residents living in the region.

“With this service, patients will now have comprehensive care, in terms of having radiology care or x-ray ser-

vices readily available to them,” she said.

She added that with the new digital system, patients will benefit from faster diagnoses and better treatment. (DPI)

Residents of Region Three are breathing a sigh of relief after President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali commissioned a modern, digital X-ray system at the Leonora Hospital

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

Scenes from the Region President Dr Irfaan Ali led a two-day Cabinet Outreach in Region Three, taking government services directly to the people. The President, ministers, Members of Parliament, Advisors, and technical officers on

Friday engaged residents in dozens of locations including Leonora, Uitvlugt, Farm, Patentia and Stewartville. They provided platforms for residents to raise concerns, share their views and learn about

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

Three Cabinet Outreach

government programmes and services. These Department of Public Information photos captured some of the engagements. Today, the exercise continues, reaffirming the PPP/C government’s commitment

to people-centred governance, which will ensure that community needs are addressed through dialogue and responsive action

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EPA launches community-led assessments in North Rupununi Wetlands

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

Community participants who were trained in the use of the kobotoolbox ‘app’ for data collection

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Amazon Sustainable Landscapes (ASL) Guyana Project II, has launched a series of community-driven assessments aimed at informing and strengthening environmental and landscape protection, conservation, and sustainable management in the North Rupununi, one of Guyana’s important ecological and cultural landscapes.

According to a press release from the EPA, the assessments focused on land use, livelihoods, and water quality are designed to support smarter planning, stronger community involvement, and long-term environmental protection across the North Rupununi.

Before fieldwork began, the communities and key stakeholders were engaged to explain the activities, gather feedback, and ensure that local priorities and traditional knowledge guide the process.

In October 2025, community participants received handson training at the Bina Hill Institute in Annai, learning how to use mobile devices and digital tools to support landuse mapping. The skills gained will continue to support community planning long after the

project ends.

In November 2025, additional training was conducted for community enumerators involved in the socio-economic assessment. Participants were trained in ethical survey methods, household and village data collection, and the documentation of traditional ecological knowledge. Survey tools were tested through pilot exercises in participating communities.

The first round of water-quality assessment in selected North Rupununi communities was completed. The data will establish a baseline for tracking changes in rivers and wetlands and guide future conservation and management actions.

T o g e t h e r, t h e s e activities mark a major step forward in a multi-stakeholder (including local communities) effort and strengthening of local capacity to ensure effective conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity, culture, and livelihoods in the North Rupununi.

The EPA, through the ASL Guyana Project II, continues to work alongside communities to ensure that Guyana’s natural heritage is protected not just for today, but for generations to come.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya put on a 105-run partnership • BCCI

Tilak, Hardik, Varun seal T20I series win for India (ESPNCRICINFO) - India took their series-winning streak to ten as they survived a scare when defending 231. Quinton de Kock and Dewald Brevis were dominant in taking South Africa to 118 for 1 in ten overs in the dew, but with a changed drier ball India took four wickets for 15 to scuttle the chase. Jasprit Bumrah was the main difference between the two sides with figures of 4-0-17-2 on a night that 432 runs were scored.

Marco Jansen gave India one final scare on a breakout tour with successive sixes in the 16th over, but the fact that India could be assured of winning only after they had taken their eighth wicket underlines how difficult it is to defend totals in the night in India.

Which is what makes the assault from Hardik Pandya - second-quickest T20I fifty for India - and Tilak Varma - 73 off 42 - all the more important as they turned around an innings that had begun to plateau.

Four India batters, including Hardik and Tilak, hit a boundary first ball; Hardik was the most dangerous of them all, scoring 31 off his first seven balls and ending up with 63 off 25.

Samson, Abhishek give India flying start With Shubman Gill missing because of a foot injury, Sanju Samson served another reminder of his graceful, effortless hitting when the pace is on and the field is up.

Abhishek Sharma was his usual self, charging at Lungi Ngidi first ball he faced and scoring 34 off 21. The two added 63 in 5.3 overs.

South Africa crawl back

That India got off to this start without South Africa bowling poorly was a sign the pitch was good to bat on. George Linde further emphasised it with three straight overs for 19 runs. He also got Samson out bowled with one that pitched leg and hit off.

Samson scored 10 off 9 outside the powerplay, which is why despite all the languid grace he is not the first-choice opener. Suryakumar Yadav’s year ended without an international half-century as Linde shut him up and Corbin Bosch lapped up the consequent wicket.

Hardik, Tilak turn the game around Hardik, though, must have immediately made South Africa regret getting Suryakumar out. Like Abhishek and Tilak before him, he charged at a fast bowler first ball and went one better, hitting a six.

He didn’t stop there. In the next over he rearranged Linde’s figures with two sixes and two fours. Not one of those balls was overpitched. Tilak hadn’t exactly been slow before Hardik, but now India went both barrels at the bowling.

The two added 105 in 7.2 overs, often managing to hit sixes without getting close to the pitch of the ball, which suggested they would need each of those extra runs when they bowled.

Shivam Dube also hit a six first ball to make sure South Africa didn’t escape even when the duo got out.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

Saturday, December 20th, 2025 CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Brendon McCullum-302 (vs IND, Wellington, 2014) (2) Ajaz Patel-10/119 (vs IND, Wankhede, 2021) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has struck most Test centuries for NZ to date?

(2) What are the best match figures by a NZ bowler in Tests to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

The Ashes

Head’s hometown century crushes England after brief fightback

Travis Head and Alex Carey stopped England in their tracks • Dec 19, 2025 • PA Photos/Getty Images

(ESPNCRICINFO) AT times during the first half of the third day at Adelaide Oval, England, threatened to keep their Ashes hopes alive, but on his home ground Travis Head’s second century of the series as an opening batter carried Australia to a 356-run lead which will surely be turned into a 3-0 Ashes retention at some point over the weekend.

For Head, who was dropped on 99 by Harry Brook at gully, it was the continuation of a magnificent run in Adelaide which has brought four of his 11

Test centuries, all of them coming in his last six innings at the ground in four consecutive matches.

Head joined Don Bradman (Headingley and Melbourne), Michael Clarke (Adelaide) and Steven Smith (Melbourne) as Australians with centuries in four consecutive Test matches at the same venue This one could also have gone a long way towards cementing him as an opener following his hasty promotion in Perth and the blazing hundred which followed.

Overall it was Head’s fourth hundred against England and by the close his career-best 175, which also came in Adelaide, was looming into view.

Initially, at least, the wheels did not come off for England as they had threatened to do on the second day at 168 for 8.

But any hopes of the type of run chase that has characterised the Bazball era appeared forlorn during a desperate final session that saw Australia pile up 152 in 35 overs as Head combined with fellow South Australian Alex Carey in an unbroken 122-run stand.

That Australia only led on 85 after the first innings was down to a resilient 106-run stand between Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer as England showed impressive character during the first session, and for a time it was far from a foregone conclusion that Australia would dominate.

Having been forced to take the second new ball to wrap up England’s innings, where Stokes threatened to play one of his game-changing innings before falling to Mitchell Starc for the 12th time in Tests, Australia then lost Jake Weatherald before lunch. He was lbw to Brydon Carse, who produced his best spell since the first day in Perth either side of the break, although Weatherald would have been saved with a review as the ball pitched outside leg.

But after Josh Tongue removed an out-of-sorts Marnus Labuschagne England was unable to apply any pressure on Head and Usman Khawaja as the pair added 86 in 113 balls.

Though Khawaja and Cameron Green fell in quick succession any sense of vulnerability soon vanished as Head and Carey set about their partnership. Carey continued his outstanding match with a half-century to follow the first-innings hundred.

Head was able to freely collect runs square of the wicket throughout his innings as England fed him outside off while they also tried the short-ball ploy with well-spread fields.

Head barely scored straight down the ground off the quicks, but jumped out to England’s spinners, sending Will Jacks over long-off then doing the same to Joe Root to bring up his century from 146 balls having been somewhat becalmed in the 90s.

Jacks, a part-time spinner who kept his place ahead of Shoaib Bashir after a promising show with the bat in Brisbane, had managed to remove Khawaja with a short, wide delivery when the left-hander edged a cut shot.

But by the end of the day his match figures read an eye-watering 3 for 212 from 39 overs. Stokes, meanwhile, did not bowl himself at all while Archer sent down 10 economical, but largely unthreatening, overs.

Australia’s batting was not without its blips. Labuschagne laboured through 45 balls before being squared up by Tongue and edging low to slip in a manner that revived memories of the struggles that led to his omission earlier this year.

However, perhaps more significant in the shorter term was the dismissal of Green who edged a half-volley from Tongue to slip to complete a poor match with the bat.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

Contracts inked for ‘No Love Lost’ boxing card THE Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) along with Nexgen Global Promotions on Friday confirmed that all contracts for the upcoming, “No love lost’ bout set for February 15th next year at the Pegasus Hotel and Suites have been signed.

The upcoming bout will see Guyana’s Elton Dharry seeking to claim his first world title when he goes face to face with Tanzanian Salmin Kassim for the IBO Super Bantamweight World belt.

Dharry is the more experienced fighter with a record of 26 Wins including 15 knockouts, six losses and a draw.

The Guyanese fighter who just turned 40 has been a force to reckon with, winning the WBA Fedecentro Super Flyweight Championship, WBA Gold Super Flyweight Championship, IBF Inter-Continental Bantamweight Championship, and is Guyana’s National Champion.

However, this match-up will pose one of his biggest threats as he will be going up against a 22-year-old fighter as well as fighting at a catchweight, going up to Bantamweight.

This means a seven-pound weight disad-

vantage for the Guyanese as he is moving up two weight divisions to challenge for the title.

Dharry, speaking via teleconference from the USA says that he is preparing for the bout and he does not look at age but is ready to put on a class show for Guyana.

He added that he is training hard to claim victory on fight night on home turf, adding that he is set to teach the African fighter a lesson in boxing.

Salmin Kassim is unbeaten with nine wins and two draws, five by way of knock-out and is the Tanzanian National Super Bantamweight Champion and a current East & Central Africa Super Bantamweight contender.

Kassim is coming to Guyana with the goals of flooring his opponent and taking the world title back home.

President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control Peter Abdool says this is a great opportunity for Dharry to capture his first world title on home soil and put Guyana on show to the world.

“It has been a long time in the making. Elton Dharry as you know, last year he was 39, this year he is 40. We have been looking to try

- Event set for February 15

land a world title as fast as we possibly could, he won the WBA gold title with the hope of getting shot at that title and it didn’t happen.

He won the WBC international title with the hope of getting a shot at that title it didn’t happen…this is going to be an incredible fight in terms of you have a young hungry fighter who has ‘knock out’ power who is going to coming against a skilled seasoned fighter who is looking to at last, land a world title for Guyana, we expect it to be a tremendous fight.”

Chief Executive Officer of Pegasus Hotel and Suites Robert Badal says they are elated to once again offer support to the sport of boxing.

“It is a really big moment for us hosting this event. Peter is a friend of mine and legend as far as boxing in Guyana is concerned. He has spent a lot of time trying to bring boxing to Guyana. He was saying a few years ago that he was bringing a major event and finally it is here with our own Dharry and his contender. Pegasus has always been a hallmark of both hospitality and sport in Guyana.”

One of the co-feature battles will see Mikhail “The Critic” Rodrigues versus Brad-

ley “Doggy” Sampson.

Sampson says that he is convinced that he will claim a TKO in the three-round affair.

“The fight is definitely on and I don’t want to make no excuse for the Guyanese Critic, he is running from me but I will be here and February 15th in the second round there will be a knockout, I can assure you and guarantee you…I’m going knock him out, I choose Guyanese Critic for this fight, he never choose me, I don’t care about his size, I’m here to take punches, I’m a man but I can promise you Guyana, the world, I’m doing this for you it will be a technical knockout and I’m going for the goadee too.”

Other major sponsors include the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Ministry of Tourism - the Guyana Tourism Authority, Star Party Rentals, Darthan Investments, R. Williams Trucking & Equipment Services and Comfort Sleep.

Organisers say tickets will soon be available with the fight also set to be on Pay-PerView for regional and international viewers.

The clash is sanctioned by the International Boxing Organization (IBO).

Barbados win U-13 bilateral series against Guyana 3-2

By Sean Devers

(From L-R) Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca, Trophy Stall CEO Ramesh Sunich and Petra’s Nareesa Latiff with trophies

Trophy Stall provides replicas for KFC Goodwill Football champions AS top teams get ready to compete in the final of the KFC Goodwill International Football Championship at the Ministry of Education’s ground, players and teams can be assured that they will be awarded with beautiful trophies provided by Trophy Stall from their newest location on South Road.

Director of the Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca says that Trophy Stall has been a staunch supporter of their organisation throughout the competition.

“Trophy Stall has been one of the cooperate citizens who supporting this tournament from the inception and so we want to thank Ramesh Sunich for sticking with us and helping to see this tournament grow, on behalf of myself and the entire football fraternity we want to thank Trophy Stall for their continued support,” he said.

Sunich, whose business recently expanded to its new South Road location says this is why they continue to grow because of the support of sports.

“It is a pleasure in supporting football in this country and I must thank the Petra Organisation for asking us to come on board and making us involved in this tournament and as you know it is not only football, Trophy Stall has been awarded for sponsoring sports in all competitions for four years and across the last decade,” Sunich added.

The tournament which officially kicked off earlier this month concludes on Sunday at the Ministry of Education’s ground.

The competition features defending champions Chase Academy, West Ruimveldt Secondary and Annai Secondary along with Jose Viera School from Boa-Vista Brazil, Kingston College from Jamaica, Anglican Central Educational Authority (ACEA) from Bahamas and Nickerie Technical from Suriname.

The series also has the backing of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Royal International Hotel, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, Trans Guyana Airways and New GPC.

IN sweltering heat yesterday Barbados won the fifth and final match of their bilateral series against Guyana 3-2 at the Everest Cricket Ground after reaching 7-0 in the Super Over.

They won the five-match series 3-2.

Barbados rebounded from two nil to emerge victorious in the three remaining games, including yesterday’s encounter which ended with Barbados being bowled out for 103 in 36 overs before the home team were dismissed for the exact score.

In the Super Over, Guyana scored 6-1 while Barbados reached 7-0 with one ball to spare. Kyamai Inniss ended unbeaten off five after cover-driving the third ball for four off left-arm spinner Jaden Ganpat to wild celebrations from the Bajan flag-waving supporters.

Player of the match Inniss top scored for the visitors with an accomplished 37 from 40 balls with five fours and a six before he was run out at 66-4 in the 14th over.

Only fast-bowling all-rounder Natarie Lavine who captured player of the

GCB’s President Bissoon Singh presents the Barbados captains (Avery Boyce and Scantlebury) with the winner’s trophy (Sean Devers photo)

series for his consistent work with bat, ball and in the field passed 15 with 20.

Opener Jon-David Green was the only other batter to reach double figures with 15 as skipper Sahid Gajnabi took 3-25 and got support from pacer Afraz Khan and Ganpat who took two wickets each.

Guyana began their chase in the series decider under blue skies and a lightning-fast outfield and quickly lost Deshawn Ramnauth (4). Kijani Inniss made the breakthrough at 21-1 in sixth over.

The pint-size 12-year-old left-handed Daniel Johnson looked the most technically correct batter in the local side, he hit a single boundary

Natarie Lavine took the Player of the series award (Sean Devers photo)

in his 26 from 72 balls to be the glue that held the innings together before he fell.

Skipper ZDari Scantlebury after Khan, Guyana’s most aggressive batter, was caught and bowled for 12 with a couple of boundaries by left arm spinner Liam Sookram.

Gajnabi reached the ropes three times in his 22 runs before he provided Kijani Inniss to trigger a dramatic collapse as Guyana lost their six batters for just eight runs.

With nine runs to win the series the Guyana fans were already celebrating but the local boys seemed to catapulted from 95-5 to 103 all out for a sensational tie.

Scantlebury, who took the prize for the most wickets in the series, had 3-7 while Kijani Inniss had 2-29.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 20, 2025

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King, Campbell give Windies century opening stand ...New Zealand declare on 575

(ESPNCRICINFO) - DEVON Conway brought up a double-century and pushed New Zealand into such a strong position in Mount Maunganui that they actually got carried away with it.

With their fifth-highest Test total at home - 575 for 8 declared - on their back, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and Michael Rae ran in expecting wickets to tumble. They bowled far too full and were taken for far too many and, as a result, both teams have now wasted the new ball on a green pitch.

West Indies were flying - 88 in 15 overs - with 13 fours coming in that time. That’s not including ten wides. Brandon King and John Campbell did not bat like they had been weighed down by 155 overs in the field or the 500-plus deficit. They focused on playing late, playing straight and were still alert enough to punish an overly enthusiastic New Zealand attack.

West Indies go into the third day still trailing by 465 but in games like these you can’t look at the scoreboard too much. You just put your head down and keep going. That’s what King and Campbell did to produce their first century partnership as an opening pair, and only the sixth in the last 11 years for West Indies. King even had time to bring up a fifty, his second in Test cricket.

Such treats were on offer on day one too, only New Zealand were at the other end now.

Twenty-four hours has produced a sea change with the visitors also finding their discipline with the ball. Justin Greaves set up Kane Williamson beautifully to dismiss one of the best batters in the world for just 31 and Roston Chase bowled 25 overs unchanged from

Kavem Hodge rocks back to cut • Dec 20, 2025 • Getty Images

morning drinks to cover for the loss of Kemar Roach to a hamstring injury. Shai Hope is of more pertinent concern because he spent the entire day at the hotel unwell and might not be allowed to bat at his usual No. 4 spot.

Ojay Shields and Tagenarine Chanderpaul were carrying niggles as well so when Greaves had to step away for a bit in the second session, West Indies had no subs left and had to rope in local Tauranga boy, 19-year-old Sebastian Heath, who is also registered with the Denmark cricket team, to field for them.

Given all these handicaps, the seven wickets West Indies took on Friday, the composure

that followed with the bat, and the fact that they have all their run-scoring resources in hand for when the pitch flattens out were unlikely but hard-earned outcomes.

Greaves may just have heralded that with his extraction of Williamson, where he beat the outside edge several times, the batter struggling to come to terms with the pace of his own home ground. With the pressure sufficiently built, Greaves dangled the bait wide outside off stump and Williamson couldn’t resist having a go. He threw his head back - but dared not look back - when he heard the nick go through to the keeper. This was what was

missing from West Indies on day one when Conway and Tom Latham cruised to 323 for 0 - the ability to hold a line and length and build up to a wicket.

West Indies allowed only one man to score more than fifty runs on the second day - Rachin Ravindra making 72 not out. It was a much more appropriate outcome given the conditions. Balls on a good length continued to misbehave. Jayden Seales hitting more or less that area against Conway, batting on a double-century, had the batter recoiling as one kicked up alarmingly.

The opening batter’s wicket - for 227 was the result of another ball nipping in and keeping low to trap him lbw. There is still help for the bowlers out there, just that their margin of error is small. When they focus outside the 6m length, the pitch speeding up has made hitting through the line easy.

Conway was tiring at the end of his 508-minute innings. West Indies’ bowlers were right there with him. Seales had roused himself to go one-on-one against Daryl Mitchell. He was emotional enough to curse so loud it was caught on the stump mic when Greaves put down a straightforward catch off Mitchell at second slip in the 127th over. He has six wickets at an average of 50.33 on this tour. He’s bowled better than that.

Day three will bring different challenges.

Chase’s offbreaks were already getting grip and turn and bounce. Ajaz Patel will have a lot to say and this match remains interestingly poised, not to mention one of a kind - the first in New Zealand history to include two century opening stands in the first innings.

FIFA owes fans thousands for resold World Cup tickets (BBC) - World Cup 2026 ticket holders are owed thousands of pounds by FIFA for tickets they resold on the tournament’s official marketplace, BBC Sport has found.

FIFA’s terms indicate payment should be made within 60 calendar days of a transaction, but some people who sold tickets on the website in early October have still not received their money.

FIFA, which has come under criticism for its World Cup ticket pricing, declined to provide a statement explaining the delays.

BBC Sport understands the issues stem from FIFA needing to obtain additional bank details from those affected before payments can be processed.

The tickets in question were part of the pre-sale draw which ran for 10 days in September, when one million tickets were made available.

Only Visa cardholders were eligible to apply. It is not known how many fans in total have been affected by the issue.

England supporter Lain is owed nearly

£650 for a ticket he sold 65 days ago for Canada’s opening game in Toronto, money he had hoped to put towards England seats now the fixtures have been confirmed.

“FIFA are generating billions from this World Cup but can’t seem to do basic payment processing on time,” he said.

“The delay looks to be impacting many people.”

‘Owed more than £8,000’ A Mexico fan, who did not want to be named, showed us evidence that he was owed more than £8,000 for sales that all took place over 60 days ago.

“It sucks, they just seem to be fumbling around,” he said.

“I’ve had to move money to pay off my credit card.”

Some of those impacted told BBC Sport they received an email last month from FIFA requesting bank details, despite earlier correspondence saying refunds would be made automatically to their original payment card.

FIFA’s resale marketplace opened on 2 October, allowing most ticket holders to list their seats for the tournament at a price of their choosing.

The governing body takes a 15% fee from both buyer and seller.

Although the main ticket ballot only opened on 11 December, some fans who secured seats in the earlier sales phase - before the World Cup draw was made - have already resold tickets on the platform.

At the same time, many tickets are also being listed on unofficial resale sites.

FIFA has warned people against using third-party platforms, insisting its own marketplace “is designed to protect from invalid or unauthorised resale”.

Earlier this week, FIFA announced it was introducing a small number of “more affordable” $60 (£45) tickets for all 104 matches at the tournament.

This followed criticism at the price of tickets, with the World Cup final costing up to £6,615.

FIFA’s marketplace is the only official channel for fans to resell World Cup tickets

KING, CAMPBELL BLAZE CENTURY OPENING STAND FOR WINDIES

Brandon King drives down the ground • Dec 19, 2025 • AFP/Getty Images

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- New Zealand declare on 575

(From left) Organiser, Aleem Hussain, Bradley ‘Doggy’ Sampson, Pegasus’ Brandon Badal, GBBC Peter Abdool, Pegasus CEO Robert Badal and P&P Insurance Vikash Panday

CONTRACTS INKED FOR ‘NO LOVE LOST’ BOXING CARD

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