WorldPressFreedomDaywascelebratedgloballyon Saturday, under the theme 'Reporting InThe Brave New World:TheImpactofArtificialIntelligence(AI)onPress FreedomandtheMedia',
Thedayactsasaremindertogovernmentsoftheneed torespecttheircommitmenttopressfreedomandisalsoa dayofreflectionamongmediaprofessionalsaboutissues of press freedom and professional ethics. Just as importantly,WorldPressFreedomDayisadayofsupport formediawhicharetargetsfortherestraint,orabolition, ofpressfreedom.Itisalsoadayofremembranceforthose journalistswholosttheirlivesinthepursuitofastory
Every year, 3 May is a date which celebrates the fundamentalprinciplesofpressfreedom,toevaluatepress freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacksontheirindependence.WorldPressFreedomDay was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 followingaRecommendationadoptedatthetwenty-sixth session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991.This inturnwasaresponsetoacallbyAfricanjournalistswho in1991producedthelandmarkWindhoekDeclaration.
OntheoccasionofWorldPressFreedomDaywealso reported that Guyana, has moved up four places on the 2025WorldPressFreedomIndex,nowranking73rdoutof 180 countries. This is an improvement from its 77th position in 2024. Guyana scored 60.12 this year, a slight increasefromlastyear's60.1.Theindexwasreleasedby Reporters without Borders (RSF), an international nonprofitorganisation.RSFdefendstherightofeveryhuman beingtohaveaccesstofreeandreliableinformation.This rightisessentialtoknow,understand,formanopinionand take action on vital issues in full awareness, both individuallyandcollectively
Thereportstatedthatwhilefreedomofspeechandthe right to information are protected in Guyana, journalists who challenge the authorities still face threats and intimidation. Many independent media outlets also struggle financially, as government advertising often favourspro-governmentmedia.
Soweasktoday,ispressfreedominthefullnessofits meaning truly present in the Guyana in which we live today?Theansweristhatitdependsonwhoisasked,and whoknowwhatitistolivewithsomeofthisfreedom.The press has to operate in an environment increasingly hemmed in by attitudes and actions, some from elected publicofficials,othersfromtheircooperatingbedfellows intheprivatesector Wehaveahugestatemediaapparatus thatisconditionedtochampionthegovernmentwaysand causes, regardless of the ugliness of leadership excesses, the concealments that its professionals conspire with politicalplayerstokeepawayfromthepublic.Asifthatis notbadenough,therearesignificantsectionsoftheprivate media that are almost indistinguishable from the state fundedandcontrolledmedia.Itistheworsttimeforthisto occur with Guyana on the cusp of so much richness, and the many temptations that go along with such incredible levelsofriches,previouslyunknowntothispoorcountry Whensolitaryvoicesareraiseddefiantlyandconsistently againstthefraudsanduntruthsthatrageinthissocietyat high levels, then the law and courts are weaponised to drive fear, to compel to cowering retreat. This is a harsh reality of press freedom in Guyana: speak or write powerfullyandcompellinglyandtheswordsaredrawnto silence.
Themedia,particularlyprivatemediathatholdsitself out as independent, cannot be reflective of what is the equivalentof:seenoevil,hearnoevil,knownoevil,and report no evil. In other words, to stand as collaborating guardiansofthepoliticalandleadershipevilsthatsaturate thisoil-richland.Theinarguable,hardhistoryofoilisthat wherever it has flowed to the surface, the forces of hell accompanied it. It is why, therefore, the media have this crucial role to play It must be a wise and stern judge of
Pres. Ali should pardon those charged with public terror
DearEditor, With dozens of young men charged and remanded to prison. Many more are likely to face the same fate fortheirallegedinvolvement in law-breaking activities following the death of Adriana Young. The United Workers Party is seeking a presidentialpardonforthose chargedandremanded,from His Excellency, the
DearEditor,
President, on behalf of the above-mentioned categories ofnames.
The United Workers Party condemns, in the strongest terms, the looting of businesses, the disruption of public transportation services,andtheburningand destruction of private and publicpropertyinthepursuit ofjustice.
However, the United
Workers Party's support remains unwavering for peaceful and non-violent protest, even as we seek a presidential pardon for the misguided young men.
Justicehaseludedthepeople of Guyana. The citizens don'tknowwhatjusticeisin this country, and the UWP demands accountability from the Guyana police force, as serious allegations
are still leveled against the police for covering up and for some members participating in the death of youngAdriana Younge. The actions of the misguided young people should be pardoned by the president, withasystemputinplaceto reform the aforementioned categoriesofyoungmen.
Regards UnitedWorkersParty
THE T&T ELECTION
Parliamentary Elections were held onApril 28, 2025 inTrinidadandTobago.
Prior to the election, the general expectation was that
l Congress (UNC) would unseat the ruling People's National Movement (PNM) byaslightmargin,however, whenthepreliminaryresults were announced just after midnight, many were surprisedbythewidemargin with which the (UNC) won theelections.
According to reports, many in the PNM claimed publicly that the Party lost because of voter apathy and disillusionment amongst its supporters in traditional strongholds and marginal (swing) constituencies Those subjective factors, among others, were responsibleforthelowvoter turnout of PNM supporters and high turnout of UNC supporters. The cross-over voters from the PNM to UNC helped build strong momentuminsupportofthe campaignslogan; 'WHEN UNC WINS EVERYBODYWINS! ' Post-election reports indicate that PNM supporters felt disrespected and disregarded by their Party's leadership; because they were not afforded the opportunity to participate in thedecision-makingprocess to select the replacement to be the party's prime ministerialcandidate.
B e c a u s e o f t h e widespread dissatisfaction among PNM members and supporters who felt disrespected and were not allowed to voice on the choice of Prime Ministerial candidate,theypunishedthe Party and its leadership by not coming out to vote in theirnumbers.
In Tobago, a similar situation existed, thus the result was not surprising. Thousands of PNM supportersstayedawayfrom thepollsinTobago,asforthe same reason as their countrymen did in Trinidad. The end result was that the PNM lost to the opposition ontheisland.
The T&T electorate remains polarized if not divided, though there were more cross-over votes of BlackstotheUNCcompared tolessIndianstoPNM.Rank and file UNC members and supporters appeared hungry for power, they wanted change of government and would probably have been happy even if they had won two more seats plus the 19 thattheywonattheprevious election.Theelectionresults show that the PNM will go down in the history of T&T politics as very unpopular and uncaring Chronic unemployment, spiraling cost-of-living and uncontrolled crime helped bring down the PNM Almost every family from every class and social strata inT&Twereaffectedbythe
First, it is that we do not have a media emphasis on accountability by government with this oil bonanza. Next, that the Guyana media, however it pursues the vital responsibilityofaccountabilityingovernment,itisnotdoing enough.ItisnotenoughtoreportonabridgeinoneRegion,a boat in another, and a building in a third. The media must diligently drill down to determine that the “large revenue streams”fromoilflowingintogovernmentcoffersarepartof anagendathatisequitable.Thatis,allGuyanesearebefitting from this wealth stream, regardless of their political affiliationortheirphysicalcomplexion.
PNM'sunpopularpolicies
According to the Elections and Boundaries
Commission (EBC) preliminary tabulation and verification of the results were from a total registered electorate of 1,153,850 across 41 electoral districts inTrinidadandTobago,with voter turnout recorded at approximately54%.
Basedonthepreliminary count, the United National Congress (UNC) has emergedastheleadingparty in the parliamentary elections, securing 26 of the 41 constituencies The People'sNationalMovement secured 13, and The Tobago's People's Party received2. F o l l o w i n g t h e announcement of the election results, Kamala Persaud-Bissessar, political leaderoftheUNCwassworn in as Prime Minister for a second time, becoming the first woman in the nation's history to hold the country's highestelectedofficeontwo separateoccasions.
In her address as Prime Minister, three points stood out. That her government will;“exploretheofferbeing madebyGuyanatobringgas toTrinidadandTobago;that her administration “will grant firearms licenses to law-abiding citizens of T&T.”andthat;“Ifyoutreat citizens with callousness, contempt and curt ways, guarantee you your retribution will be swift and brutal.” She continued; “Never, ever mistake my physical appearance or my kindness forweakness.Ithinkyouall know there is nothing more dangerous than a mother whobelievesherchildrenare in danger Everyone will be wisetorememberthatforthe nextfiveyears.”
A 3 2 - m e m b e r multiethniccabinethassince been sworn-in reflecting a combination of old guard
and new faces. In the new cabinet make-up, there are some significant changes; for example, the Ministry of National Security has been scrapped; there is now a Minister of Homeland Security(HomeAffairs)and aMinisterofDefense.Inthe education sector, there is nowaMinisterofEducation and a Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training Other changes include; a minister ofWorks and Infrastructure as well as a Minister of Transport and CivilAviation.TheMinistry of the People, Social Development and Family Services has been brought backfromthepreviousUNC government. A Minister of Trade is yet to be named. That person will have to know how to navigate and negotiate trade tariffs with the United States and to not displease the US having regard to the sanctions imposed by America on VenezuelaT&T'sneighbour Twoministerialpositions went to members of the Oilfield Trade Workers Union (OWTU) No positionsweregivenasyetto members of the Congress of the People (COP) nor the People's Empowerment Party (PEP), both of whom formed a part of the UNC's coalition The two Tobagonianswhohavesince decided to join the UNC government are yet to be assignedpositions While following the outcome of the elections, I came across a very interesting article written by Pearce Robinson, a Trinidadian journalist who wroteanarticleheadlined 'ALEGACY DEFINED BY SELFAGGRANDISEMENT
In his article Robinson wrote; 'The recent electoral defeat of the People's National Movement (PNM) isadamningindictmentofa (Continueonpage5)
Preliminary findings of Younge’s autopsy with police
Minister of Health, Dr FrankAnthony, has directed all queries relating to the preliminary findings of the post mortem examination (PME) performed on the bodyof11-year-oldAdriana YoungetotheGuyanaPolice Force(GPF).
In a brief interview with Kaieteur News Monday, Dr Anthonydeclinedtoprovide anyinformationsurrounding the autopsy which was p e r f o r m e d a t t h e GeorgetownPublicHospital one week ago. He said the initial findings of the forensic examination have been handed over to the
police.
“That is for the police. I don’thaveone,”DrAnthony stated,whenaskedaboutthe report. He said further, that he is unaware if the family was given a copy of the findings.
“This is a police matter. All these things you got to talk to the police about.”
Pressedfurtherforclarityon the findings and whether it ruledoutforceddrowningas reported by President Irfaan Ali, Minister Anthony replied “what does it matter ifIseeitordidn’tseeit. Itis for the police to say, the police are the ones dealing
with this matter He, however,notedthatbasedon hisunderstanding,thefamily requested to have the whole processvideorecorded.
“The family had a videographer in the room from the beginning of the processrightdowntotheend and the police had a videographer in the room that took videos from the beginning right down to the end. So, these videos are there from the family and from the police,” Dr Anthonysaid.
Adriana’s PME was conducted on April 28 by a three-member pathology
team The specialists included Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul from Barbados Dr Gary Collins, Chief Medical Examiner of Delaware, United States of
- Dr. Frank Anthony
America and Dr Glenn Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital. The pathologists concluded that the child’s death was caused by drowning Her father, Subryan Younge had stated shortly after the results, that the findings could not be accepted Days later, the family indicated that it was seekingasecondautopsy
In response to calls for a new autopsy, Dr Anthony questionedthelegalityofthe exercise. According to him, after the child’s body was recovered,itwastakentothe hospital and later to the
EzekielFuneralParlouruntil the time of the examination bythethreepathologists. He said since the body was handed over to the family after the autopsy, he could not speak to its security or whether it was compromised. He said the integrity of the second autopsy would then be questionable since the body was outside the custody of police officers. Dr Anthony noted,“SinceMondayatthe completion of the autopsy, thebodywashandedoverto thefamilyandwasnolonger inpolicecustody This,then, if another autopsy is being done,itwillbedone,butwe don’t know since this body was not secured, we don’t knowwhatwouldhappento the body from Monday to whenever that autopsy would be done. Also, we don’t know what would be the medical legal effect of thatsecondautopsy.”
AChinese national was crushed to death at his Grove, EastBankDemerara(EBD)workplaceonSaturday,aftera 40-footcontainercollapsedonhim.
The deceased has been identified as Eddie Yang, a residentofBagotstown,EBD,whowasemployedatZheng Xin Aluminium Alloy Doors and Windows Processing Factory,locatedatLot26GrovePublicRoad. Yangwasat thefrontofthepremiseswhenthefatalincidentoccurred.
The Ministry of Labour in a statement issued Monday, said that “a large quantity of glass stored in a 40-foot container at the front of the premises unexpectedly collapsed,trappingMr Yangbeneathit.”
Co-workers at the scene quickly raised an alarm and subsequently tookYang to a nearby healthcare facility He waspronounceddeadonarrival.
The ministry’s occupational safety and health (OSH) department has since launched a formal investigation into the incident.The probe is being led by senior occupational safetyandhealthofficer,DarwinBourne,andOSHofficer, Ray Hosannah. “The investigation aims to determine the cause of the incident and to ensure full compliance with safetyregulationsattheworkplace,”theministrystated.
LabourMinister,JosephHamilton,remindedemployers and workers of workplace safety and the need for proper occupational safety and health measures. He said such precautions are essential to prevent, “similar incidents/accidentsthatcanresultinthelossoflivesofloved ones,”theministrystated.
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony
How I learned to stop worrying and love the dead voter
Look, I'm not saying irony died in 2020. But it definitelytookanastyblow to the head during the Guyaneseelections.
Imagine trying to rob a bank in broad daylight, tripping the alarm, getting caught on five security cameras and livestreamed on Facebook — only to stagger outside, point at the police, and shout, “They're stealingthemoney!”
That,inessence,wasthe PNCR and AFC strategy duringtheverificationofthe Statements of Poll The votes had already been counted — the people had spoken—butsomehowthe opposition thought they couldrewritetheending.
It was the political versionofbeingcaughtredhanded and then filing a complaint Suddenly, the APNU and the AFC were the victims — democracy's last line of defense bravely warning us about deadandmigrantvotersand Russian hackers hiding in the trunk of a car in Mahaica.
Now, the big question: why do PNCR and AFC supporterscontinuetostand by their parties not
despite the attempted daylight heist, but apparently because of it?
Honestly, it's like watching someone passionately defend a surgeon who tried to amputate the wrong leg, failed, and then sued the patient for moving too much There was no repentance No apology Just a stubborn insistence thattheothersidemusthave cheated — because losing fair and square is too psychologically shattering toprocess.
You'd expect a moment of clarity A bit of soulsearching. Something like, “Okay,wemayhavetriedto massage the results a little. With a mallet. But let's regroupandmoveforward.” Instead,theydoubleddown. Like gamblers who lost the house, the car, and the family jewels but are convinced the next spin of the wheel will restore their wealth.
Let's be fair: some folks hatethePPPsomuchthey'd voteforapotholeifitranon an anti-PPP platform. Even if the pothole tried to rig an election Even if it whispered to them that the realresultswerestoredinan
encrypted USB drive guarded by ex-Soviet spies trained in misinformation. Thisisnotloyalty—thisisa psychologicalcondition.
Still, you'd think that someone in the PNCR's inner circle — maybe a junior advisor or someone's niece—wouldhavetimidly suggested: “Guys, maybe we stop pushing the whole 'zombievoter'narrative?It's getting weird ” But no Nothing. Not even a polite cough.Instead,whatwegot wasafull-blownconspiracy buffet: dead people voted, the Russians intervened, and someone's aunt from Queens showed up twice in the register once as herself and once as a man fromLethem.
The bizarre part is not thatthenarrativewasabsurd it's that it wasn't abandoned. Most parties, aftertryingtoriganelection andgettingcaughtwiththeir fingerprints on the stapler, would pivot Deny everything.Blameanintern. Hire a PR firm that specializes in political amnesia. But no — the PNCR and AFC embraced the rigging narrative like a long-lost cousin at a
wedding, kissed it on both cheeks, and took it for a strollaroundthecountry. Sowhynomassfallout? Whynoreckoning?Whyno internal revolt? Simple: in Guyana, politics isn't about truth or integrity It's about the side. Once you pick a team, you stick with it. No matter how absurd the playbook gets. No matter how many times things go w r o n g D e c e n c y ?
Rationality? These are luxuries like proper drainage or affordable electricity They exist in theory In practice, we get passionoverprinciple,anda deeply held belief that the other side is so evil, so corrupt, that anything — even rigging — is justified aslongasitstopsthem.
Even more troubling is
the silence. Where are the voices from within the PNCR saying: “This is not who we are”? Or from the AFC — what's left of it — crying out: “Let's not be remembered as the party thattriedtobenddemocracy like a spoon at a séance.”
There has been no public reckoning, no mass resignation,noapologytour featuringthewords“Wegot carried away.” Just radio silence, punctuated by occasionalmutteringsabout the voters' list and fingerprintverification.
In the end, supporting electoral riggers because you dislike the other side is likeeatingarawhotpepper because you're allergic to bread.Itmayfeelprincipled at first, but soon you're just turning red with discomfort
and wondering why you bit intoachillipepper
And that, dear reader is Guyanese democracy in the post-2020 era: a tragicomic operawithnoending,where the dead vote, the living wait, and the politicians argueoverwhogetstotella talltalefirst.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the o p i n i o n s o f t h i s newspaper.)
H@RD TRUTHS
Awell-arranged,well-disguisedGovt.riot
WhatwasMonday,April28,2025? Outof-sightandintheheartofdaytime,evening, and thickening darkness, what really? Was th April 28, Guyana’s equivalent ofAmerica’s h January 6, 2021? In 1968, Chicago experienced its ‘police riot’; in 2025, did Guyana endure a government riot? Awellarranged, well-managed, and well-disguised government riot? Then again, not-so-welldisguised? Iaskthesequestions,asIdomy own autopsy of the events of Monday,April 28,2025. It’swithaneyetomakesenseout ofstreetsenselessness.
Throughout the day, there was that gathering in front of the GPHC. Observed whenItraveledintheearlyhours,andagain just after the noon hours. Then again from nearby, when bedlam broke loose. Why so near, why there, considering the circumstances? Thetrafficofpatients,pros, and supporting providers needed space, less anxieties. The imported foreigners would havebeenlessthanhumannottoexperiencea twingeofpressure,nerves. Thataside,there were some highpoints in the peaceful protests,untiltheyweren’tanymore.
First, one of the loudest agitators, one of nontraditional orientation, is known to have intimate links high up in that unorthodox
circle. Tellingly,thatcirclegoesalltheway into the government’s Cabinet, and to a real bigoneintherulingparty Iunderstandthat Statecontractshavebeenawardedtoasenior in that group. Protesting vigorously could havebeenpartofthepayback,oneelementof unwritten terms and conditions. The first plant.
Second, the word is that some of the ‘Wanted’ for looting, intimidating, beating, and robbing, are that ubiquitous phantom in Guyana, the 10-day worker I believe that some will be snared, and most will simply disappearinthevacuumofwhatisthecourt system. Guyanesewillhearaboutjusticeand lawinoperation. Untilthenextflare-upand patch-up,asorchestrated.
Third,duringtheday,therewasthatmost peculiar of presences around protesters. A motorcycle congregation of about hundred machines and riders. In hindsight-and from thecircling,pouncing,robbinggang-anew iteration of guardians of democracy Or recruits that stain protest and democracy I recallpoliticalpresencesinthevarioushoods and funding; now there’s a new strike force, which had its uses last Monday Plant numbertwo.
Fourth, there was weird one, police
operations. In a nutshell, there was a repackaged Mon Repos market repeated. Thesequenceiseerie:i)peacefulprotest;ii) watchfulpolicepresence;iii)strangetactical police withdrawal providing ample space; and iv) the Mon Repos market ravaged. Apart from the damage, it made for good political theater, the old PPP-PNC clamors about who is the intellectual author, the driving force behind a coordinated infiltration of a peaceful protest and the ensuingmayhem. Andallthewhile,standby police tucked away at a non-interfering distance. Mon Repos before, Georgetown andelsewhereonMonday Insum,thepolice were in their cars at the corners Thomas Street and East Street, until the well-named ‘riot police’ made an appearance. It was a showofforce,andthenmuchmore.
For fifth, there were running exchanges betweenthepoliceandprotestors,withsmall arms fire in the muddle, while the unbelievable was visible Pedestrians moving to and from, as if in the middle of a camerashoot. Perhaps,itwas.
Sixth,thepolicewereconspicuousabout what it did (and didn’t do) while some instances of looting were happening. The police were firing in the air Reportedly, to shakethemawayfromtheirbooty,orpursuit ofsome. Curious,atleast,Iwouldsay Now thepowerfulprivatesectorrails.
Seventh, the world over, criminal elementssenseopportunitytoblendintolegit civilianprotestsandexecuteillicitactivities. My difficulty is one-headed: separating the street criminals from the official criminals behindthatmaimingofthepeaceful.
Eighth, and particularly noteworthy, Chinese businesses were overwhelmingly targeted by looters and robbers. Accidental orpolitical,Iinquire? Localbusinesspeople,
andlargelyof onekind,were mysteriously s p a r e d
Extraordinary precautions seemingly taken bythelootersandintimidators.
Ninth, the PNC had its longstanding poster with the record of a school bus attacked, as ExhibitA. The PPPnow has its equivalent:acid-scarredchildren. Bikersare fingered, and who are they mainly? All the ancientstereotypesarelinedupinyetanother p
Characteristically, the leader glided into that ugly situation to conduct his now standard politicalparade. ItwasUSPresidentReagan, whooncesaidthatallpoliticiansareactors. I havemyowncalling,polstheirs.
Tenth, the PPP is nothing if not a champion of foxlike cunning. Its leaders knew that either way-death by murder or some uncertainty-and fiery reactions could be anticipated, all but guaranteed. It had officialtroopsready Then,therewerethose other troops that have neither leader nor owner
Finally, there is some good news tucked away in the social and environmental carnage. Overnight street parking was availablebytheblock;justpickaspot. The roads were clear Now Guyanese need to cleartheirminds.
Who is the orchestrator, owner, of this series of riots? The opposition pleads not guilty The government insists it’s the opposite. It is either perjury, or the nasty, brutishpolitics,thatisabadluckcharmover Guyana. Inominatethegovernmentforfirst classhonors.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflecttheopinionsofthisnewspaper.)
The Berbice Indian Cultural Committee observed the 187th anniversary of the arrival of East Indians to Guyana, at Plantation Highbury,EastBankBerbice,RegionSix.MinisterofFinanceand AgricultureDr AshniSinghandZulfikarMustaphaalongwiththe High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr AmitTelang attended theobservance.
Western diplomats call for calm amid tension over Adriana’s death
Ambassadors of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and theEuropeanUnionhavecalledfor calm amid tensions here over the death of Adriana Younge, even as they expressed condolences over herpassing.
Inseparatestatements,theHigh CommissionertotheUKinGuyana Mrs. Jane Miller noted that while she understands the strength of feeling over the issue, she is confident that the right way forwardisalwaysthroughlegaland non-violentmeans.
T h e B r i t i s h H i g h Commissioner noted that “looting and destruction of property are harmfultoall.”
SheaddedthattheUKremains committedtosupportingthepeople of Guyana, our shared democratic principles, and the country’s continuedstabilityandprosperity
F o r h i s p a r t , H i g h Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin expressedhisheartfeltcondolences
following the tragic death of Ms. Younge.
TheHighCommissionershared his deep concern and sorrow over thecrisisandcivilunrestthathave happenedinGuyanalastweek.
He therefore encouraged all Guyanese citizens to remain calm and voice their concerns through non-violentmeansandtoadhereto
the rule of law “Looting and destructionofpropertyareharmful to all. I strongly urge all involved to commit to peace. Canada remains committed to supporting the people of Guyana, our shared democratic principles, and the country’s continued stability and prosperity, ” the High Commissionerstated.
British High Commissioner
US ambassador Nicole D Theriot expressed her heartfelt condolencesandsharedhersorrow over the crisis and civil unrest that have happened in Guyana. “I encourage all Guyanese citizens to remain calm and voice their concerns through non-violent means and to adhere to the rule of law.” Meanwhile, Head of the
of the
European Union in Guyana Rene van Nes, called for similar calm as the country mourns the loss of a youngsoul. He said that the European Union remains committed to supporting the people of Guyana, our shared democratic principles, and the country’s continued stabilityandprosperity
United States Ambassador Nicole D. Theriot
High Commissioner to Canada Sébastien Sigouin
Head
European Union in Guyana Rene van Nes
Jane Miller
Duo remanded for larceny
TwomenwerelastFridayremandedtoprison,whenthey appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for larceny charges.
The defendants, 46-year-old Terence Park of Lot 129 Melanie Damishana, East Cost Demerara (ECD), and 25year-old David Singh of Lot 52 Laing Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore.
Park and Singh pleaded not guilty to the charges, which allegedthatonApril28,2025,atSaffonStreet,Georgetown, theybrokeintoWiLinsupermarketandstole$250,000cash, $100,000 in Phone cards, a quantity of cigarettes valued at $50,000,40bagsricevaluedat$S100,000andfiveshopping cartsvaluedat$75,000;totalvalue$575,000.
ParkwasrepresentedbyattorneyJevonCox,whileSingh appearedunrepresented.Coxtoldthecourtthatonthenightin question,hisclientwasattheKingstownSeawallpreparingto go home, after receiving a call from the mother of his child informinghimoftheunrest.Parkwasstoppedandarrestedby policewhowereintheareaoftheallegedrobbery.
Coxaddedthatatthetimeofhisclients’arrest,hehadin hispossessionabagwithtwosneakerswhichbelongedtohim but the police claimed it was stolen. However, the sneakers mysteriouslydisappearedwhileParkwasinpolicecustody
The attorney said his client was initially told he was chargedforterrorismandwaslaterinformedthatheisbeing charged with larceny, he highlighted that it is impossible for hisclienttosteal40bagsofriceonamotorcycle.
TheprosecutionmaintainedthatParkwasarrestednotfar from the business and his release would be a safety risk. MagistrateAzore remanded the accused to prison until May 28,2025.
Teen remanded for attempted robbery during protest
A 1 9 - y e a r - o l d construction worker was on Friday remanded to prison, after he attempted to rob a man during last Monday evening’sprotest.
JadonSim,alsoknownas ‘JJ,’ of Lot 132 Friendship
Buxton, East Coast Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, before Senior MagistrateFabayoAzore.
Simdeniedtheallegation whichstatedthatonApril28, 2025,atCampandQuamina Streets, Georgetown, he armedhimselfwithagunand attempted to rob Shurlan Critchlow, also known as ‘BlackBoy’.
The prosecution told the courtthattheteenalongwith others, used the protest to commit the criminal acts. The prosecution argued that such actions have caused widespread fear affecting flights, business and school operations.
Magistrate Azore remandedSimuntilMay21, 2025.
Defendant Jadon Sim at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday
Netanyahu says Gaza population to be moved in intensive Israeli operation
...as
54 killed yesterday
Aljazeera-IsraeliPrime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that a new offensive in the besieged Gaza Strip will be an intensive military operationaimedatdefeating Hamas, but stopped short of detailing just how much of theenclave’sterritorywould beseized.
Israel attacked Yemen, Lebanon and Syria, as well as Gaza, where air strikes killed at least 54 people on Monday
In a Hebrew-language video message on X, addressing the Security Cabinet-approved plan to expand the Gaza offensive, Netanyahu said on Monday that Gaza’s Palestinian population “will be moved, foritsownprotection”.
Eighteen months of Israeli attacks have killed more than 52,000 Palestinians in Gaza, including thousands of children, and wounded nearly120,000others.
Netanyahu also said Israelisoldierswouldnotgo into Gaza, launch raids and thenretreat.“Theintentionis theoppositeofthat,”hesaid.
His remarks come as Israel’spoliticalandmilitary leaders approved plans to expand the Gaza offensive and take over aid deliveries to the devastated and starvingenclave.
Netanyahu’s cabinet unanimouslyapprovedplans to call up reservists and put the Israeli military in charge of food and other vital supplies to the 2.3 million people suffering under its blockade of the Palestinian territory
Newswires reported
unnamed Israeli officials suggesting that the plans include the “conquest” and full military occupation of theentireGazaStrip.
The expanded offensive “could go as far as seizing the entire enclave”, the Reuters news agency reported.
“The plan will include, among other things, the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories, moving the Gaza population south for their protection,”asourcetoldthe AFPnewsagency
The source added that Netanyahu “continues to promote” United States President Donald Trump’s plan for the departure of Palestinians from the enclave.
Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi told Al Jazeera the group would onlyacceptadealwithIsrael t h a t i n c l u d e s a comprehensiveceasefireand the complete withdrawal fromGaza.
“Our people have no choice but to achieve a comprehensive deal that guarantees security and safety for our people,” he said, adding that any Israeli efforts to achieve concessions through threats ormasskillingswouldfail.
The plans have stirred significant tension inside Israelaswell.
While Netanyahu again asserted that the goal was to “defeat” Hamas and bring back several dozen captives held in Gaza, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an Israeli campaign group,saidinastatementon Monday that the plan is
“sacrificing” those still held inthePalestinianterritory
Heated disagreements also reportedly erupted during the cabinet meeting between the political and militaryfigures.
Army chief Eyal Zamir reportedlywarnedthatIsrael could “lose” the captives in Gazaifitpushedaheadwith a full-blown military offensive.
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said that, as Israel has done in the past two months,itshouldcontinueto block all food, water, medicine, fuel and other aid fromenteringGazatostarve thepopulation.
He also advocated for “bombing food warehouses and generators” so there are no more supplies and electricityisfullycutoff.
But Zamir warned this would“endanger”Israelasit wouldexposethecountryto even more allegations of violations of international law
“You don’t understand whatyouaresaying.Youare endangering us all. There is an international law, we are committed to it. We cannot starve the Strip, your statements are dangerous,” Zamir said, according to Israel’snationalbroadcaster, Kan.
In an interview with Israeli Army Radio, oppositionleaderYairLapid questioned Netanyahu’s decision to mobilise tens of thousands of reservists, saying the prime minister was calling up troops and extending their service withoutsettingagoalforthe operation.
Israel has rejected claims from aid groups that famine is stalking the enclave, despite having blocked the entrance of all supplies for more than two months [Mahmoud İssa/Anadolu Agency]
Another opposition figure, Yair Golan, said Netanyahu was only trying tosavehisgovernmentfrom collapsing as the plan “serves no security purpose and does not bring the release of the hostages closer”.
Israeli aid plan ‘contravenes humanitarian principles’
Ben-Gvirwasreportedly the only member of the Security Cabinet who opposedtheplanforIsraelto bypassexistingaidroutesby internationalorganisations.
Israel,whichhasblocked the entrance of all supplies into Gaza since March 2, reportedly plans to use US security contractors to control the flow of aid into Gaza.
However, the plan is not expected to come into effect immediately, as Israeli officials believe there is enough food in Gaza for now,evenasPalestiniansare starvingtodeath.
The Israeli plans also
Frompage17 abuse and exploitation. That is the theme of this year'sChild'sMonth.Itisnot asuggestion;itisacharge,a call to every parent, every teacher, every neighbour, every policymaker, yes, every leader, including myself. We must act in the classroom.
We must act in our churches,ourclinics,andour courts. Build a network of trust and response. We must act in our homes. We must
envisage the establishment of a new “humanitarian zone” in southern Gaza that wouldworkasabaseforaid.
The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), a forum that includes United Nations agencies, said on Sunday that Israeli officials were seeking its consent to deliver aid through what it described as “Israeli hubs under conditions set by the Israeli military, once the government agrees to reopencrossings”.
In a statement, the HCT said such a plan would be dangerous and would “contravene fundamental humanitarian principles and appears designed to reinforce control over lifesustaining items as a pressure tactic – as part of a militarystrategy”.
The coalition said the UN would not participate in this scheme as it does not adhere to the global humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independenceandneutrality
create a safer community Let me say this clearly The Jamaican child is not a problemtobemanaged.The Jamaican child is a promise to be kept, a gift to be nurtured, a light to be protected,”Swabysaid.
“Let us be the country where no child is afraid to speak up. Where reporting
abuse is met with c o m p a s s i o n , n o t condemnation Where services are accessible, trusted, and responsive
Gaza
Jan Egeland, the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, told Al Jazeera the Israeli government wanted to “militarise, manipulate, politicisetheaidbyallowing only aid to a few concentration hubs in the south, a scheme where people will be screened where it’s a completely inoperablesystem”.
“That would force people to move to get aid, and it would continue the starvation of the civilian population,”headded.
On Monday, Hamas brandedIsrael’splanstotake over aid provision “political blackmail”.
“We reject the use of aid as a tool of political blackmail and support the UN’s stance against any arrangements that violate humanitarian principles,” the armed group said in a statement, insisting that Israel is “fully responsible” for the “humanitarian catastrophe”inGaza.
Where a community is not just a place to live but a shield you can count on. Because a country that does not protect its children is a country that has forfeited its future.AndhereinKingston and across Jamaica, we will not let that happen. So to everychildwhohaseverfelt forgotten,hurt,ordismissed, I say this. We see you, we believe you, and we will fight for you. Let us act. Let us stand. Let us protect our children,”Swabyconcluded.
Jewel Andrew called up as CWI announces squad for the West Indies
ODI Tours of Ireland and England
SportsMax - Cricket
West Indies (CWI) has unveiled an exciting and dynamic 15-member squad for three One Day International(ODI)matches against Ireland from May 21-25 and another three against England from May 29toJune3.
The squad has the nucleusofplayerswhowere successful during home series wins against England andBangladeshtoend2024. The highly anticipated tour will be the first one of this year for the limited-overs team and provides an opportunityforCWItofocus on building its ODI team ahead of the ICC Men's CricketWorldCup2027.
Head Coach Daren Sammy welcomed the opportunity to build on recent momentum. “These matches form a critical
componenttowardsthe2027 World Cup and there are signs of the team building consistency following the ser
t Bangladeshandthewinover England late last year,” he said “We expect the conditions to be challenging butwearecreatingaculture and mindset which emphasizeplayingthebrand of cricket that is taking us closertosomeofouroverall objectives.”
CWI also announced changestothecoachingstaff for the tour Former West Indies fast bowler and 2012 World Cup champion Ravi Rampaul will be the team's bowling coach, replacing James Franklin. CWI will also utilize the services of former Ireland allrounder Kevin O'Brien as part of the coaching staff during the Irelandlegofthetour
Team Management Unit (TMU): Head Coach Daren Sammy, Team Manager Rawl Lewis, Assistant Coach (Batting) Floyd Reifer, Assistant Coach (Bowling) Ravi Rampaul, Assistant Coach (Fielding)
R a y o n G r i f f i t h , Physiotherapist Dr Denis Byam, Strength & Conditioning Coach Ronald Rogers, Massage Therapist Fitzbert Alleyne, Analyst Avenesh Seetaram and Media & Content Officer
JeromeFoster
Curry helps Warriors claim decider against Rockets
BBC Sport - Stephen Curry said the Golden State Warriorshadto"digdeep"to beat the Houston Rockets 103-89inthedecidinggame of their Western Conference first-roundplay-offseries.
The Warriors led the best-of-seven series 3-1 before the Rockets pulled level at 3-3 going into the finalgameinHouston.
Curryscored14ofhis22 points in the fourth quarter while team-mate Buddy Hield sank nine threepointers in his game-high haulof33asthepairhelped theWarriorssetupaWestern
Conference semi-final against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
"A lot of resilience and everybody stepping up," saidCurrywhenaskedwhat was needed to secure the win "Everybody's been talking about our team the last two games in terms of ourexecution,ourenergy,all that.
"Weblockeditalloutand just understood we had 48 minutes to dig deep Everybody contributed B u d d y H i e l d w a s unbelievable."
Joseph's late blitz powers
Leeward
Islands
Joseph delivered a match-winning performance
Women to victory over Jamaica in rain-affected T20 Blaze clash
Jimmy Butler, who joinedtheWarriorsinatrade from Miami Heat in February, contributed 20 points, eight rebounds and sevenassists.
"For us to build chemistry on the fly and build trust on the fly and perform like we did in a game seven, it means the world,"addedCurry " S o , m i s s i o n accomplished-stepone."
The Rockets were second in the Western Conference regular season comparedtotheWarriors's (Continueonpage19)
SportsMax - Qiana Joseph delivered a matchwinning performance, scoring an unbeaten 43 off just 19 balls, to lead the Leeward Islands Women to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Jamaica in a rain-shortened encounter at the CWI T20 Blaze on Monday The match took place at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St. Vincent.
Opting to field first after winning the toss, the Leeward Islands restricted Jamaica to 48-2 in their allottedfiveovers.Jamaica's innings was anchored by Chinelle Henry, who remained unbeaten on 29 from 18 deliveries, while Chedean Nation contributed 11notout.
The Leewards' bowlers kept the scoring in check, with Shawnisha Hector
claiming the early wicket of RashadaWilliams.
Inresponse,theLeeward Islandsfacedearlysetbacks, losingtwowicketsforjust11 runs However, Joseph's aggressivebattingturnedthe tide.Shedominatedthefinal over, particularly targeting Henry's bowling, to chase down the target in just 4.5 overs Captain Amanda Edwards supported with a steady3notout.
Qiana
Curry (left) and Hield scored 55 points between them as the Warriors beat the Rockets in their decider. (Getty Images) decider
Jewel Andrew
Charity
Charit Waramuri
Sec’ and
Top dominate in 2025 Blue Water Shipping U15 Girls’ School C/ship
thecountry Notably,newteamsfromtheMabarumaDistrict have joined, reflecting the GFF's commitment to expanding girls'footballintoeveryregionofGuyana.
InRegion2,matcheswerehostedattheRichmondground, where schools such as Charity Secondary, Abram Zuil, Kabakaburi,Cottonfield,andWakapoabattledforsupremacy
Cottonfield Secondary opened their campaign with a narrow1-0winoverKabakaburi.AbramZuilthenplayedouta competitive1-1drawwithCharitySecondarybeforebouncing back with a convincing 3-1 win over Kabakaburi. Charity Secondary responded with a dominant 5-0 victory over Cottonfield and rounded out their group stage with a 3-1 triumphoverKabakaburi.
In the final Region 2 fixture, Cottonfield andAbram Zuil drew1-1inatightlycontestedmatch.
Charity Secondary emerged as Region two champions, lifting the trophy presented by regional coordinator Fenton Williams.Theirstriker,VeronicaChatra,earnedtheTopGoal Scorerawardafternettingfourgoalsintheopeninground.
Meanwhile, Region 1 action unfolded in Moruca with SantaRosa,Kamwatta,Waramuri,andKwebannaSecondary competinginspiritedfashion.
Santa Rosa started strong with a 2-1 win over Kamwatta and followed it up with a commanding 5-0 result against Kwebanna. Waramuri Secondary made their mark with a consistent showing, edging Kwebanna 1-0, defeating Santa Rosa1-0,andsecuringanother1-0winagainstKamwatta. Kamwattaclosedtheircampaignonapositivenotewitha 2-1 victory over Kwebanna, showcasing the progress and determinationofbothsides.
The championship continues in the coming weeks across variousregions.Thisyearintroducesarevampedformat,with the Round of 16 set to be hosted in Regions 2, 3, 5, 10, and Georgetown, bringing high-level competition closer to communities across Guyana. The finals will return to the NationalTrainingCentre(NTC)inGeorgetown.
With record participation, growing fan interest, and continued investment in grassroots development, the 2025 BlueWaterShippingU15Girls'Championshipisprovingtobe acatalystforthefutureofgirls'footballinGuyana.
Veronica Chatra (right) secures Most Goal trophy in Region 2
Charity Secondary receiving winner’s trophy after dominating Region 2 leg.
Waramuri Primary Top undefeated in Region 1 opening showdown.
