...Two Brazilians arrested, large quantity of gold and $26M seized
US$214 million audit dispute with ExxonM
…Govt. says not prepared to allocate more time to Exxon headed for arbitration
Missing Venezuelan woman feared dead
…Principal says operations will temporarily shift to GIA building Mae’s will return bigger and better Gov t . will not put Guyana at risk to do business with Mohameds
- VP Jagdeo says smuggling ring
Parents of children attending Mae’s School during a meeting with the school administrators on Thursday
US$214M audit dispute with Exxon headed for arbitration
…Govt. says not prepared to allocate more time to Exxon
T h e G o v e r n m e n t o f Guyana is still in the process
o f f i n a l i s i n g a u d i t s o f ExxonMobil's expenses for the Stabroek Block, covering the periods 1999-2017 and 2018-2020.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) provided
a n u p d a t e o n T h u r s d a y, following concerns raised in
a Stabroek News article published on March 2, 2025. The first audit, examined US$1.7 billion in expense incurred by the oil company from 1999 to 2017. That a u d i t i d e n t i f i e d U S $ 2 1 4 million as costs that the G o v e r n m e n t o f G u y a n a should not allow Exxon to charge to the country's cost
b a n k . U n d e r t h e 2 0 1 6 P r o d u c
Agreement (PSA) governing the Stabroek Block, Exxon and its partners Hess and C N O C a r e a l l o w e d t o recover 75% to cover cost, while the remaining 25% is considered profit oil and this is shared between Guyana and the oil companies. As s u c h , t h e a u d i t o f t h e expenses recoverable by oil c o m p a n i e s i s c r u c
recoverable cost is being billed to the cost bank.
British firm IHS Markit conducted the first audit and presented its findings since 2021, recommending that the government disallows Exxon and its partners from r e c o v e r i n g t h e f l a g g e d US$214 million. However, since then the process has been ongoing.
Mother dies days after hit-and-run accident that killed her baby
Sarita Bedessie also known as Kavita Bedsan, who was involved in an accident on Sunday at Line Path Public Road in Corentyne, Berbice died on Thursday at the G
(GPHC).
The mother died four d
which took the life of her 9month-old daughter Phavita Surujnarine and left the father in a critical state. Bedessie, while receiving m
GPHC, died at 11:15hrs on Thursday
Meanwhile, an autopsy was performed on nine-
EMGL President, Alistair Routledge
In response to concerns about delays, the ministry clarified that the audit for 1 9 9 9 - 2 0 1 7 , f l a g
US$214,411,994. According
Revenue Authority (GRA), a n d E x x o n M
b
l w a s informed accordingly
“This position remains unchanged and clear, and EXXON was so advised,” t h e m i n i s t r y s a i d . T h e ministry further outlined that
which revealed that she died as a result of shock and haemorrhage and multiple injuries. Avinesh Naidoo, the hit-and-run driver is still on the run.
regarding audit findings can
b e r e f e r r e d t o e x p e r t
d e t e r m i n a t i o n w i t h i n 6 0 d a y s o f n o t i f i c a t i o n
E x x o n M o b i l G u y a n a
L i m i t e d w a s o f f i c i a l l y informed of the final position on September 25, 2024, and later requested an extension to May 15, 2025.
“ I n i t s c a p a c i t y a s delegated pursuant to Article 6 of the 2016 Stabroek Block
A g r e e m e n t , t h e G R A furnished a response dated December 11, 2024 to MNR r e g a r d i n g t h i s r e q u e s t , o u t l i n i n g t h e p r o c e s s
r e q u i r e d p r i o r t o t h e engagement of a Sole Expert and recommended that in order to afford due process that an extension be granted to January 25, 2025, given t h e p r o v i s i o n o f t h e
additional schedules that
w e r e n o t p r e v i o u s l y provided,” MNR said. With this extension period now
p a s s e d , G R A h a s b e e n directed to proceed with the next steps required under the terms of the PSA.
F o r h i s p a r t , V i c e President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
s t a t e d d u r i n g h i s p r e s s
c o n f e r e n c e o n T h u r s d a y afternoon that there is no room for engagement with E x x o n a n d t h e U S $ 2 1 4
m i l l i o n p o s i t i o n r e m a i n s
final.
“ T h e o n l y t h i n g t h e ministry has to do now is to decide how we settle this, it's either through the prescribed process prescribed by the PSA which could ultimately end up at arbitration. There is no bilaterally negotiation
a n y m o r e o n t h e $ 2 1 4 million…” he added.
T h e s e c o n d a u d i t , covering Exxon's expenses for 2018 to 2020 and totaling U S $ 7 3 b i l l i o n , w a s
c o n d u c t e d b y t h e l o c a l
c o n s o r t i u m V H E
C o n s u l t i n g , w i t h international support from S G S a n d M a r t i n d a l e Consultants.
That final report was s u b m i t t e d t o E x x o n i n November 2024, and the company had 60 days to r e s p o n d P e r m a n e n t
Vice President,
M c K
y d i s c
t h a t t h e government had provided a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n requested by Exxon, and that the review process remains ongoing.
R e g a r d i n g t h e 2 0 1 82020 audit conducted by VHE, the ministry noted that EMGL had responded to the audit findings and that VHE
review remains ongoing. In their statement, the m
c discussions on audits before they are completed, warning that inaccurate or incomplete i n
harmful.
Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Joslyn
Bharrat Jagdeo
Hearing for all – no one left behind
DEAR EDITOR
Every year on March 3rd, we join our sisters and brothers in observing World Hearing Day
The theme for World
H e a r i n g D a y 2 0 2 5 i s C h a n g i n g m i n d s e t s :
Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all! This year, as the Presidential Commission for the Prevention of NCDs in Guyana join our sisters and brothers around the world to observe this important day, we are joined by our colleagues in the Permanent Mission of Guyana and the Embassy of G u y a n a i n G e n e v a , Switzerland
We are joining with the Ministry of Health to spread a w a r e n e s s a m o n g o u r Guyanese sisters and brothers about hearing and taking care o f o u r e a r s We i n v i t e individuals of all ages to empower themselves to ensure healthy ears and hearing for themselves and others By encouraging individuals to recognize the importance of ear and hearing health, this campaign aims to inspire them to change behaviour to protect their hearing from loud sounds and prevent hearing loss, check their hearing regularly, use hearing devices if needed, and support those living with hearing loss
Guyana first observed World Hearing Day in 2007. While we have not been consistent in observing this i m p o r t a n t D a y, G u y a n a c o n t
n u e s t o i n v e s t i n increasing both the scope of
services we provide in the public health sector and the quality of care. In addition, Guyana continues to expand availability and access to ensure that no one is left
behind The Commission and our partners wish to commend the Government of Guyana and the MOH for e x p a n d i n g a c c e s s t o screening for hearing losses. In particular, we commend the GoG and the MOH for: • Audiological screening for all new born babies at GPHC a n d o t h e r h o s p i t a l s i n Guyana • Expansion of the hearing aid programme for p e r s o n s d i a g n o s e d w i t h disabling hearing losses.
T h e C o m m i s s i o n recognises the effort of the small group of ENT doctors a n d t h e a u d i o l o g i s t s i n Guyana who are trying to ensure that all new born babies are screened. We are aware of the vigorous efforts being made at the GPHC to ensure that all newborn babies are screened. The Commission also recognizes t h e j o i n t S c h o o l H e a l t h programme by the MOH and the Ministry of Education which includes screening of all children for vision and h e a r i n g T h e s c r e e n i n g programme in schools come with a guarantee that every child in need of glasses and hearing aid will be provided
t h r o u g h t h e g o v e r n m e n t
f u n d i n g p r o g r a m m e I n 2023, the MOH screened almost 8,000 children in schools and provided 1,361 hearing aids for children.
One of the main causes of hearing loss is exposure to loud noise.
This environmental factor has been a chronic problem in Guyana While we have had interventions to address loud music in minibuses and from various community activities, such as from bars, these have been only partially effective The Commission urges that the authorities implement the p o l i c e s w i t h g r e a t e r vigilance
We urge the Ministry to ensure that all children and all persons over the age of 60 are s c r e e n e d f o r v
n d hearing. The Commission urges that no one should be left behind Ear and hearing
problems are among the most common health problems in any community Over 60% of these can be identified and addressed at the primary level of care
Integration of ear and hearing care into primary care services is possible through training and capacity building at this level Such integration will benefit people and help Guyana achieve our SDG
g
coverage (UHC)
While progress has been made, effective integration of ear and hearing problems
w i
secondary healthcare system remains a weak component in our Package of Services a
continues to improve the scope of service for ear and hearing problems, efforts must also focus in expanding these s
Hospitals
B
million people are expected to have disabling-hearing loss requiring rehabilitation. This does not include the
hearing losses that they are not aware of yet Over one billion young people face the risk of permanent hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to
recreational pastimes such as listening to music and video
gameplay How we hear in the future depends on how we care for our ears today as many cases of hearing loss can be avoided through the adoption of safe listening and good hearing care practices For those living with hearing loss, early identification and access to timely rehabilitation are essential to achieving their
citizen to participate in the government’s programme to promote good ear health and avoid hearing losses.
Regards
Dr Leslie Ramsammy Chairman, Presidential C
Prevention of NCDs
Edith Cilia
Notice is hereby given that Edith Cilia Montano Urbano of Lot 111 Miles Potaro Rd Region 8 is
Kaieteur News
Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.
Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456
Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Money in the streets here
It seems that Dr Ashni Singh has gone from minister to marketer extraordinaire. He took off like a jet at the recent Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo. His words were enticing, representing an invitation that few from anywhere in the world would be able to resist. Come to Guyana and invest, there’s money lying on the streets begging to be picked up. The minister has a point, but it only goes so far, conceals the dark underbelly of a country that is a mystery: all glitter on the surface, and a graveyard just below
M i n i s t e r S i n g h g a v e a f l a w l e s s e x h i b i t i o n o f salesmanship. Guyana is a “the fastest growing economy in the world” with a “fantastic location” as well as “the capital of CARICOM, connected to Brazil and next to Suriname.” That he did this all in a single breath speaks to the energy in the man. If we were part of the easily bought over crowd, it is likely that his salesmanship would have knocked us for six. But we know Minister Singh well, he and his leading comrades, and the sweet games that they play, and which says a lot, but also hides a lot. In the traditional supersalesman fashion, Singh dished out the positives, the magnetic attractions, to his overseas crowd hanging onto his every word. It was what he conveniently left out that is a different world from the one that he so brightly outlined.
For sure, there is money to be made in Guyana, and much more than any investor can imagine. But one of the little troublesome strings that Singh forgot to mention in his sermon was the cost of doing business. Powerhouse companies of the world like ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Lindsayca/CH4 go right to the top, deal with the men who are in control of everything. They don’t do their business with the small fry, such as ministers and secretaries and others of that second-tier division. They deal with those who can make decisions, and those who know that there are some companies that they dare not push too far In contrast, the newcomers in waiting, those who are hungry and jostling for an opportunity, are forced to play by the unwritten rules that are part of the PPP/C Government’s culture. In the sparsest description possible, they had better pay to play The ground has been set up that way, where there is a cost to doing business in Guyana.
The textbooks term that ‘red tape’ or ‘bureaucracy’. We at this paper call it for it really is deep down: corruption, the sweep of corruption that is as deep as it is costly There is no question that money is there to be made in Guyana, as Minister Singh made clear What was missing from that equation is that potential investors must put money on the table to establish their seriousness, and then under it to show that they are going to be good partners to do business with, at the beginning and going forward. There was another telling feature that was not part of the minister ’s powerful spin. Crime is a serious concern in Guyana. Random crime and serious crime and violent crime that could strike anyone at any time, and with a law enforcement apparatus that does not instill the required degree of confidence. The doubtful are urged to consult with the US Embassy in Guyana and its cautions relative to this country
Another vital ingredient that Singh smoothly ignored is how Guyanese are angry Large bands of locals observe how everybody from everywhere could come here and make money from their wealth, while they are hungry and ragged. Despite Singh’s valiant effort to incorporate some smart words about Local Content, Guyanese know better, for they are the ones left out, and left with the sharp and dirty end of the stick in this the fastest growing economy in the world. It is not the most recommended climate for investors, not the needed boost to investor confidence that helps them to finalize a decision to invest in Guyana. We hear Ashni Singh’s song about money to be made here. We also heard him avoiding the negatives from his rosy picture.
Parenting: The Pathway to Guidance or Delinquency
DEAR EDITOR,
A parent’s journey is
complex, putting either the mother or father in a difficult position. When we talk about “
o patterns that can be either helpful or harmful, as they
child’s behavior
Editor, it is a necessity for more parents/carers to understand the critical role of
y adequate parenting and how this can shape a child’s behaviour
Juvenile delinquency is a pressing issue in many of our societies.
One of the key factors influencing the future of our youth is adequate parental care.
In the past, communities were more closely knit, but access to information was limited.
T o d a y , w i t h v a s t resources at our fingertips, we recognize more than ever that the parental support p l a y s a p i v o t a l r o l e i n shaping a child’s behaviour and opportunities.
The family is often the first line of defence against d e l i n q u e n c y P a r e n t s , grandparents, and extended family members are deeply involved in raising children, instilling essential lessons of morality, social norms, and expectations.
Children who grow up in stable, loving environments are far less likely to engage in petty crimes.
P o s i t i v e p a r e n t i n g p r a c t i c e s , s u c h a s consistencies in discipline
a n d c o r r e c t i o n , o p e n c o m m u n i c a t i o n , a n d e m o t i o n a l s u p p o r t , a r e critical in helping children
develop a strong sense of right and wrong and respect. This group of children is more likely to make sound d e c i s i o n s , r e s i s t p e e r p r e s s u r e , a n d s e e k o u t positive role models.
However, not all families are able to provide this stability
E c o n o m i c c h a l l e n g e s , m i g r a t i o n , a n d s o c i a l changes have led to the b r e a k d o w n o f m a n y traditional family structures. Despite these challenges, we at ChildLinK firmly believe that creating loving, closeknit family environments is possible, even in households where one parent is present and without the support of extended family members.
C h i l d r e n , l i k e a d u l t s , need to be listened to, heard and seen.
T h e y h a v e t h o u g h t s
a n d e m o t i o n s t h a t n e e d s t o
b e e x p r e s s e d a n d s h a r e d
w i t h s o m e o n e w h o w i l l
l i s t e n a n d r e s p o n d w i t h
r e s p e c t a n d
u n d e r s t a n d i n g
M a n y c h i l d r e n a r e a f r a i d t o s h a r e t h e i r
c h a l l e n g e s w i t h t h e i r
p a r e n t s / c a r e r s b e c a u s e
t h e y a r e a f r a i d o f b e i n g
b l a m e d , s h a m e d a n d
b e a t e n A f e w c h i l d r e n s h a r e d , “ M y p a r e n t s d o n ’t r e a l l y c a r e i f I g o t o s c h o o l o r n o t ”
M o r e p a r e n t s / c a r e r s n e e d t o m a k e t h e t i m e ,
w h e t h e r i t ’s o v e r a n i c e -
c r e a m a t D e m i c o , d u r i n g
b r e a k f a s t o r d i n n e r, o r
w h e n w a t c h i n g t e l e v i s i o n
o r s i m p l y a s k i n g a b o u t t h e i r d a y a t s c h o o l , t h e s e
m o m e n t s o f c o n n e c t i o n
a r e i n v a l u a b l e
R e g u l a r c o n v e r s a t i o n s
w i t h c h i l d r e n j u s t t o k n o w
h o w t h e y a r e d o i n g h e l p
c h i l d r e n t o f e e l v a l u e d a n d
u n d e r s t o o d , a n d c a n p r e v e n t t h e m f r o m s e e k i n g
v a l i d a t i o n i n h a r m f u l w a y s
o r f r o m i n d i v i d u a l s w h o
m a y e x p l o i t t h e m
P a r e n t s / c a r e r s s h o u l d
know that helping children to establish daily routines for meals, getting to schools on t i m e , h o m e w o r k , a n d
r e s t / b e d t i m e p r o v i d e s children with a sense of s e c u r i t y , s t a b i l i t y a n d boundaries.
T h e s e b a s i c d a i l y activities help children to d e v e l o p s e l f - d i s c i p l i n e which can help reduce the likelihood of engaging in r i s k y b e h a v i o u r Additionally, setting clear boundaries and expectations for behaviour helps children
t o u n d e r s t a n d t h e
c o n s e q u e n c e s o f t h e i r a c t i o n s a n d t o d e v e l o p resilience, (strength in not c o n f i r m i n g t o ‘ b a d ’
b e h a v i o u r ) E n c o u r a g i n g i n v o l v e m e n t i n e x t r a c u r r i c u l a r a c t i v i t i e s , s p o r t s , o r c o m m u n i t y g r o u p s c a n h e l p c h i l d r e n
b u i l d p o s i t i v e p e e r relationships, reducing the chances of associating with negative influences that may l e a d t o d e l i n q u e n t behaviours such as smoking, vaping, substance abuse, fighting, or skipping school.
Children ofte n m i m i c t h e b e h a v i o u r o f t h e i r
p a r e n t s a n d t h o s e a r o u n d t h e m . D e m o n s t r a t i n g
r e s i l i e n c e , responsibility, a n d p o s i t i v e c o p i n g strategies in the face of challenges teaches children valuable life skills, guiding t h e m t o w a r d b e c o m i n g responsible and a better chance of enjoying their lives.
Adequate pare n t a l c a r e
Even if you are a single parent, you can still create a healthy family environment. You may not be able to spend time with your childre
understand this and are more likely to make the best of the time you can spend with them.
Children often recognize the unavailability of their parents due to the hard work required to put food on the table.
H
, C
d L i n K G u y a n a , f o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n T h e s e s e s s i o n s p r o v i d e a r e l a x e d a n d w
a n d s u p p o r t t o c h i l d r e n i s a s t r o n g p r e v e n t i o n t o o l f o r j u
Sincerely, ChildLinK
Unfortunate and unnecessary
DEAR EDITOR
I w i s h t o p u b l i c l y c o m p l i m e n t a n d t h a n k Former President Donald Ramotar for his excellent review of the contribution Cuba has made to the needy people and nations in every c o r n e r o f t h e g l o b e , (Stabroek News, March 6, 2025).
T h e r e f o r e , t h i s r e n e w e d a t t a c k o n t h e G o v e r n m e n t a n d p e o p l e o f C u b a b y t h e m o s t p o w e r f u l S t a t e i n t h e w o r l d , i s u n f o r t u n a t e a n d
u n n e c e s s a r y H i s t o r y m a y v e r y w e l l s h o w t h a t t h e s h i f t i n g o f t r a d i t i o n a l a l l e g i a n c e s i n t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l
E n v i r o n m e n t m a y h a v e a l o n g - t e r m b e n e f i c i a l e ff e c t o n t h e b o d y o f p o l i t i c s i n o u r Wo r l d We m u s t k n o w t h a t c e r t a i n i n c i d e n t s a n d a t t i t u d e s p r o v i d e t h e fertilizer for the growth of new conditions A f t e r t h e a t t a c k o f t h e U S n e i g h b o u r b a s e a t P e a r l H a r b o u r b y J a p a n , t h e r e w a s c h a n g e ; a f t e r t h e a t t a c k b y G e r m a n y i n S t a l i n g r a d t h e r e w a s change; after the atomic b o m b , d r o p p e d o n Hiroshima and Nagasaki, there was change and the horrors of Vietnam, Korea and the missile crisis, there was change A f t e r t h e m i s s i l e c r i s i s , t h e r e w a s c h a n g e H o w e v e r, a s D o n a l d R a m o t a r p o i n t s o u t i n h i s l e t t e r, t h i s n o r m a l a s s a u l t a g a i n s t C u b a i s u n f o r t u n a t e a n d u n n e c e s s a r y G u y
Trump delays some tariffs on Mexico and Canada for one month
C N N P r e s i d e n t
Donald Trump on Thursday signed executive actions that delay for nearly one month tariffs on all products from Mexico and Canada that are covered by the USMCA free trade treaty, a significant
w a l k b a c k o f t h e
administration’s signature
e c o n o m i c p l a n t h a t h a s rattled markets, businesses and consumers.
The executive actions follow a discussion Trump held Thursday with Mexican
P r e s i d e n t C l a u d i a Sheinbaum and negotiations
b e t w e e n C a n a d i a n a n d
T r u m p a d m i n i s t r a t i o n officials.
“ A f t e r s p e a k i n g w i t h
P r e s i d e n t C l a u d i a Sheinbaum of Mexico, I have agreed that Mexico will not be required to pay Tariffs on anything that falls under the USMCA Agreement,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday, after a phone
25% tariff for a month. But the official referred the press t o t h e U S T r a d e
R e p r e s e n t a t i v e f o r m o r e details about which products will maintain the 25% tariff and which won’t once those details become available.
A
countries a free trade zone.
“ I d i d t h i s a s a n accommodation, and out of r e s p e c t f o r , P r e s i d e n t Sheinbaum. Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal
c o n v e r s a t i o n w i t h t h e Mexican president. He said the tariffs would be delayed until April 2. The USMCA is the United States-MexicoC a n a d a A g r e e m e n t , negotiated by Trump during his first term, that makes the t h r e e N
Aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl,” Trump a d d e d
cooperation!”
Sheinbaum, in a post on X, thanked US President
about the tariffs he imposed. S h e i n b a u m s a i d t h a t “virtually all” of Mexico’s
trade with the United States i s i n c l u d e d i n t h e U SMexico-Canada Agreement.
“Practically all the trade we have with the United States is within the Mexico, U n i t e d S t a t e s , C a n a d a Agreement. There is a part that has to do with rules of origin, but everything is practically within the trade agreement,” Sheinbaum said a t a n e w s c o n f e r e n c e Thursday.
Included in the USMCAcompliant goods are autos, which Trump announced Wednesday would be subject to a one-month reprieve f r o m t h e t a r i f f s T h e administration said the delay would give automakers time to move more production to the United States to avoid tariffs, which are now set to go into effect next month. But that is almost certain not to h ap p en , b ecau s e th at would mark a significant u n d e r t a k i n g , r e q u i r i n g massive hiring, investment and strategic planning.
sharply criticized Canadian P r i m e M i n i s t e r J u s t i n Trudeau, whom he accused o f t r y i n g t o c a p i t a l i z e politically on the tariff angst Canadians have felt. It was notable that Trump initially announced a reprieve for Mexico but not Canada, a l t h o u g h h e e v e n t u a l l y granted one for Canada, too.
“Believe it or not, despite the terrible job he’s done for Canada, I think that Justin Trudeau is using the Tariff p r o b l e m , w h i c h h e h a s largely caused, in order to r u n a g a i n f o r P r i m e Minister,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “So much fun to watch!”
T r u d e a u h a s b e e n equally and publicly critical of Trump, and he said in a press conference Thursday that he expects Canada and the US to be in a trade war for the foreseeable future.
And Trudeau said that all h i s c o u n t r y ’s r e t a l i a t o r y measures would remain in p l a c e u n
States completely rolls back
However, a White House official on a call with the press added some nuance to that argument: About 50% of imports from Mexico and 36% of imports from Canada a r e c o v e r e d u n d e r t h e agreement, the official said, but many more items – such as avocados – are generally not covered because of the high cost of compliance. However, those items that t e c h n i c a l l y a r e n o t i n compliance with USMCA have in effect been treated at customs as if they were, or t h e y w e r e n ’t s u b j e c t t o tariffs.
It’s complicated trade policy, and the White House o ff i c i a l s u g g e s t e d t h o s e g o
r
p l y w i t h USMCA rules to avoid the
Energy from Canada, however, is not included in the USMCA, the White House official said. So that lower 10% tariff is expected to remain in place, boosting gas prices in the Northeast United States. But the Trump administration temporarily on Thursday reduced the tariff on Canadian potash to 10% (from the 25% tariffimposed Tuesday) to give farmers a bit of a break.
C o m p l i c a t i o n s w i t h Canada
Trump has frequently praised Sheinbaum, and on T h u r s d a y s h e s a i d s h e informed him that there was a dramatic reduction in the amount of fentanyl seized at the US border with Mexico in February from January, crediting increased border controls between the two countries. Sheinbaum also said Thursday that, with the pause in effect, she will not a n n o u n c e p r e v i o u s l y planned retaliatory measures against the US tariffs.
H o w e v e r, Tr u m p h a s
temporarily
Ontario Premier Doug F
province is implementing
Minnesota, Michigan and New York next week.
“It really bothers me we have to do this,” Ford said. “Let’s just drop these tariffs. L
created.
It hasn’t changed since he was in office, and he said it was the greatest deal
Monday to cut off Ontario energy exports to the United States “with a smile on my face” if US President Donald (Continued on page 22)
Are Pre-service teachers in CPCE receiving the promised stipend/salary?
DEAR EDITOR, In 2022, the Honourable Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand had stated that pre-service teachers in college would receive a salary instead of a stipend However, it seems as though that is not the case anymore. The CPCE Training Centre in Region 5 located at Belladrum would have announced
that no stipends would be given to students anymore and going so far as to seek $500 donations to purchase chairs and other items from students.
W
Honourable Minister that stipends would no longer be given to pre-service students?
Best regards, N. Kewley
President Donald Trump (left) and President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico (right). (Win McNamee/Pool/AFP/Getty Images/Raquel Cunha/Reuters)
Arbitration to settle cost overrun claim by gas-to -energy contractor
T h e G o v e r n m e n t o f
G u y a n a o n T h u r s d a y announced its decision to p r o c e e d t o a r b i t r a t i o n
r e g a r d i n g d i s p u t e s w i t h Lindsayca/CH4 (LNDCH4), the contractor for the Wales
G a s - t o - E n e r g y ( G T E ) project. This comes after the contractor submitted claims including a US$50 million
c l a i m r e l a t e d t o c o s t
o v e r r u n s T h e c o n t r a c t , valued at US$759 million, was awarded to LNDCH4 for the construction of a natural gas-fired power plant and a natural gas liquids (NGL) plant as part of the GTE project.
H o w e v e r , d i s p u t e s between the two parties led to the intervention of the
D i s p u t e Av o i d a n c e a n d
A d j u d i c a t i o n B o a r d ( D A A B ) , w h i c h i s s u e d formal decisions on January 31, 2025. Both parties were
allotted a 28-day period to decide whether to pursue arbitration. On February 27 –within that timeframe – each party served a Notice of Dissatisfaction on the other, t h e r e b y s i g n a l i n g i t s
arbitration.
The arbitration will be a d m i n
s t e r e d b y
h
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), with the venue in Washington, D.C. Pursuant to FIDIC's DAAB p r o c e d u r e s , a l l D A A B decisions in this matter are confidential.
I t w a s s t a t e d t h a t n o t w i t h s t a n d i n g t h e d i s p u t e s , b o t h t h e government and LNDCH4 recognise the importance of the project to the Guyanese economy It was stated, “The c o n t r a c t o r h a s r e s u m e d onsite activities, including piling, and preparations for f o u n d a t i o n w o r k a r e imminent. Construction of a
cement batching plant is u n d e r w a y , s t e e l f o r foundation work has been delivered to the site, and a m a n - c a m p i s b e i n g established, with more than 1 7 0 w o r k e r s c u r r e n t l y mobilised.” The project was expected to be completed this year However, a 2026 d e a d l i n e w a s r e c e n t l y a n n o u n c e d U p o n
completion, the project is expected to substantia
lower
generation
Power and Light Inc. (GPL) to reduce tariffs by up to 50% This reduction has significant implications for t h e G u y a n e s e e c
y, fostering more competitive p
economic growth. N
Arrested: Albina Filho Alves Vieira
Two Brazilians have been arrested and a large quantity of gold and $26 million in cash h a v e b
n s e i z e d b y a u t h o r i t i e s o n Wednesday when a gold smuggling operation was dismantled in Region 9. The suspected gold smugglers were identified as, Albina Filho Alves Vieira, a 42year-old salesman of 55 Boa Vista, Brazil and Erizangela Regia De Olivera, a 39-year-old clothes vendor of Lot 3 Boa Vista, Brazil.
integration of the project are significantly advanced, with completion anticipated by mid-year
Police in a statement said that the arrests and seizures were carried out by a Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) led jointoperation in Lethem, Region 9. SOCU's Head, Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh said that his officers were able to disrupt the smuggling operation before the gold could be moved across the border “The operation also serves as a (Continued on page 20) An artist's expression of the Wales Gas-to-Energy project
Arrested: Erizangela Regia De Olivera
Mae’s will return bigger and better
…Principal says operations will temporarily shift to GIA building
By Francwa Fortune
O n e d a y a f t e r f i r
destroyed Mae's School in Subryanville, Georgetown, the Principal l Lucinda
M c C u r d y s a i d t h e institution will rise from
nd better
M
d that the operations of the
s
Prasad Nagar
McCurdy along with the school's deputy, Karen Been, the owner David Sugrim and his wife held a meeting on Thursday with parents and teachers informing them on
Parents of children attending Mae’s School during a meeting with the school administrators on Thursday
hool.
The principal opened the
Government of Guyana for their support. She went on to
state that having examined a few options for a temporary home for the students, they
Academy building. Classes will commence
The parents were informed
Guyana has promised to
on March 17, 2025 after the c l e a n i n g p r o c e s s i s completed. She expressed that the students would not be academically-unoccupied and that they will commence online classes from next week March 10, 2025 as they wait on the finalisation from the legal department at GIA.
providing new text books for the students and to assist in the cleaning up of the school site. This, she said will only commence after the school receives reports from the (Continued on page 14)
Principal of Mae's School, Lucinda McCurdy addressing parents
Guyana wants ICJ block Venezuela's plans to elect governor for Essequibo
Guyana has filed in the registry of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) a
r e q u e s t f o r p r o v i s i o n a l
m e a s u r e s i n t h e c a s e
c o n c e r n i n g t h e A r b i t r a l Award of October 3, 1899
b e t w e e n G u y a n a a n d Venezuela.
T h e F o r e i g n A f f a i r s Ministry on Thursday said that the request comes as a
r e s u l t o f Ve n e z u e l a ' s announcement of its plans to hold elections in Guyana's Essequibo region, which is
a n i n t e g r a l p a r t o f t h e country's national territory
The Ministry noted that Venezuela intent to annex an area is in violation of the Court's Order of December 1, 2023 and the fundamental norms of international law
A c c o r d i n g t o t h e M i n i s t r y , G u y a n a h a s informed the Court that the p l a n n e d V e n e z u e l a n elections are scheduled to take place on May 25, 2025 and would inevitably be p r e c
acts, including acts within Guyana's Essequibo region, a f f e c t i n g t h e G u y a n
sovereignty over its territory
As a result, in order to
y said Guyana is requesting t
Venezuela to refrain from any acts within or affecting
region.
F u r t h e r , G u y a n a
r e q u e s t e d t h e C o u r t t o
convene hearings on its request as soon as possible, to enable such provisional m e a s u r e s a s m i g h t b e indicated by the Court to be issued before serious and irremediable prejudice to Guyana's rights occurs.
This is the second time
G u y a n a h a s s o u g h t provisional measures from the Court.
Guyana's first request resulted in the Court's Order of December 1, 2023, in
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd
w h i c h i t o r d e r e d :
“Unanimously, pending a final decision in the case, the B o l i v a r i a n R e p u b l i c o f Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby the Co-operative Republic of G u y a n a a d m i n i s t e r s a n d exercises control over that area.”
As a result, the statement from the Ministry noted that G u y a n a c o n s i d e r s Venezuela's plan to hold elections in “the territory in dispute” a flagrant violation of this Order.
“ G u y a n a ' s c u r r e n t request seeks confirmation of this by the Court, as well as an explicit directive to refrain from any electoral activities within or affecting t h i s t e r r i t o r y o r i t s population, which consist of Guyanese nationals, ” the statement outlined.
M e a n w h i l e , o n Thursday, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo told reporters that Guyana will continue to pursue a lawful outcome from the ICJ.
He noted too that Guyana c o n t i n u e s t o h o l d international support on the border controversy
H e a s s e r t e d : “ Yo u ' v e
CARICOM so our positions are known, we will pursue this at the ICJ. It's contrary to the provisional rulings of the ICJ. We will continue with all of our partners. We have strong support from the U n
Department; we have it from the UK government, the
CARICOM.”
Jagdeo said that all of Guyana's neighbours agree t h
actions are not only a breach of that peace agreement but the orders of the ICJ. He said Venezuela is in a weak position and has exhibited it by some of the comments made by its top officials.
“The rant by several top officials in Venezuela by c a l l i n g P r e s i d e n t A l i , Zelensky is so infantile.
I think, somehow in their warp framework of analysis, they think if they were to do that, that somehow it may change the US longstanding support for Guyana on the border issue but it's such an i n f a n t i l e , c h i l d l i k e l i k e rant...”
BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT
Missing Venezuelan woman feared dead
A Venezuelan woman
w h o d i s a p p e a r e d o n February 21, 2025, is feared
d e a d a n d p o l i c e a r e conducting tests on a body found on the Mabura Trail to determine whether there is any match.
T h e w o m a n h a d disappeared after she had asked a Brazilian man for a ride at Diamond, East Bank
D e m e r a r a ( E B D ) T h e woman has been identified as Miguelys Centeno, who worked at a bar in Eccles, EBD.
Police on Wednesday issued a wanted bulletin for
Fernando Teles Pereira, for his connection to the alleged abduction of Centeno. His last known address is in Brazil or Guyana. "If seen or anyone who has information about the whereabouts of the said wanted person, please contact the POLICE on 2271149, 225-8196, 227-1611, 268-2329," police said in the bulletin.
A c c o r d i n g t o C r i m e
Chief Wendell Blanhum, the body found at Mabura is suspected to be that of the victim. The remains were recently found by a party of policemen who was on
earnest efforts to have the Guyana Forensics laboratory c o n d u c t D N A ( D e o x y r i b o n u c l e i c A c i d ) testing to ascertain whether the remains are those of the victim who was last seen joining the suspect's motor t r u c k , " B l a n h u m t o l d Kaieteur News
Centeno's friends said that she lives in Timehri, EBD but sleeps at Diamond when she finishes a late shift just to be safe.
patrol at 9 Mile, Mabura Trail, Region Ten.
" P o l i c e a r e m a k i n g
They revealed too that the suspect and Centeno are not acquainted with each other and that she had just a s k e d h i m f o r a l i f t (hitchhike) to her home. She has not been heard from since then.
Mae’s will return...
From page 11 Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF). McCurdy assured the parents and staff that as soon as the cleanup exercise is completed, they will begin
concerns, many of whom spoke about the temporary facility being in poor shape to accommodate the students.
T h e p r i n c i p a l h o w e v e r, reassured the parents that the building is safe and that they are working to make sure all safety protocols are observed before they enter the space.
“I can assure you that we have met with their team and their building is very good,” said the principal.
One parent asked “based on the press release I saw that
t h e G I A c a n o n l y accommodate 350 students, will all the students fit at that one location and will it be a f i r e h a z a r d ? ” P r i n c i p a l McCurdy informed that the classrooms are large and will
a c c o m m o d a t e a l l t h e students. McCurdy also told t h e p a r e n t s t h a t m o v i n g forward, new measures will be put in place to make sure
p a r e n t s a r e a d e q u a t e l y i n f o r m e d a b o u t a n y e m e r g e n c y, a n d a n e w approach will be taken in all aspect of the school.
F o r h i s p a r t , S u g r i m concluded the meeting with expressing thanks to the
school will be coming back
reputation. Meanwhile, Fire Chief, Gregory Wickham on the s i d e
y stated that the Fire Service responded after receiving the call about the fire. He added that when they received the call, they no
c
d smoke coming from the direction of the school and on arrival, the building was ablaze He added that there was a total of 10 fire tenders on the fire ground which included two of their most significant equipment which was the Bronto skylift that allowed the firefighters to have aerial capacity to fight the fire. W i c k h a m e x p r e s s e d thanks to the Sheriff Security Services and Banks DIH who assisted the GFS with their water tenders. The additional assistance allowed them to surround the fire and prevent it from spreading onto other nearby structures. As a result, o n l y o n e s t r u c t u r e w a s completely destroyed and three nearby structures were severely damaged internally H e a l s o c o m m e n d e d members of the public who played their part as well and the staff of the school who did an excellent job with the evacuation process.
Abducted and feared dead: Miguelys Centeno
Fernando Teles Pereira
K aie t eur Ent er t ainment K aie t eur Ent er t ainment
rules the road Omaiah Hall
…crowned Road March Champ with "Breakway"
In a triumphant turn of events
Guyanese artist Omaiah Hall has been crowned the Road
M a r c h q u e e n w i t h h e r s o n g
" B r e a k w a y " i n t h e i r y e a r ' s Mashramani competition.
This victory comes as sweet vindication after her controversial
t h i r d - p l a c e f i n i s h i n t h e S o c a Monarch competition earlier this
s e a s o n H a l l ' s " B r e a k w a y "
d o m i n a t e d t h e s t r e e t s d u r i n g
Mashramani, being played most frequently by revelers and music trucks throughout the parade route. The Road March title, determined by song frequency during the festivities rather than judges' scores, reflects the public's overwhelming embrace of the track.
The announcement has delighted
Hall's supporters, who had taken to social media in protest following the Soca Monarch results, arguing that " B r e a k w a y " d e s e r v e d h i g h e r placement. The infectious rhythm and crowd-pleasing energy of the song proved to be the number one d u r i n g M a s h r a m a n i , c o n f i r m i n g what many fans had already declared – that "Breakway" was indeed the people's choice for the season.
Music critics note that this split between competition results and R o a d M a r c h p o p u l a
t y i s n o t unprecedented in Caribbean carnival traditions, where sometimes the most t e c h n i c a l l y a c c o
performances differ from the songs that ultimately capture the public's
celebrations.
For Hall, the Road March crown represents a significant achievement and establishes her firmly among Guyana's top soca artists heading into future carnival seasons. “I worked really hard for this and my hard work paid off. Now I don't wanna stop, I want more and more. The entire Caribbean must know me. The world must know this little soca princess from Guyana,” Omaiah told this publication.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Ministry of Culture revealed that out of 21 participating bands, which included both governmental and nongovernmental groups, most of the government ministries came out victorious including the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, emerging (Continued on page 21)
K aie t eur Ent K aie t eur Ent
Breaking the Mold: Journey from Bartica to the Oil Fields Shanae Heber's
In the heart of Guyana's evolving economy stands Shanae Heber, a 23-year-old petroleum engineer
w h o s e j o u r n e y f r o m B a r t i c a ' s 4 t h Avenue to the frontlines of the nation's
b u r g e o n i n g o i l a n d g a s i n d u s t r y epitomises what it means to challenge conventions and forge new paths.
K n o w n i n h e r c h i l d h o o d neighbourhood as "the little girl with the pink
car," Shanae's early years were marked by
a b l e n d o f g i r l i s h
c h a r m a n d entrepreneurial spirit.
“I was a girl who p l a y e d w i t h m y neighbour for most of
my days doing the
f a m o u s b a c k y a r d cooking with sand and
g r a s s a n d a l s o practicing 'bring it on' dance routines," she
r e c a l l s " A t j u s t 7
y e a r s , w e e v e n
v e n t u r e d i n t o a
b u s i n e s s w h e r e w e sold plantain chips and channa just so that we could save our money to purchase whatever we liked."
While her initial interest chemical engineering, the University Guyana didn't offer this program time. Instead, she noticed they petroleum engineering as an option. decided to sign up because I thought myself that this is a fledgling industry my country, and I can be one persons who contribute to our industry
she reflects.
T h i s e n t r e p r e n e u r i a l d r i v e w a s fuelled by her earliest role model – her mother, a former Miss Bartica Regatta first runner-up in 1999, who raised Shanae as a single parent. "She did it with grace, grit and poured her all into me just so that I could have had a better life than she did," Shanae shares with evident pride. "I admired her strength and resilience through every obstacle, and that fuelled me to always pursue my
a s p i r a t i o n s r e g a r d l e s s o f m y environment."
From Pageantry to Petroleum Her mother's pageant photos sparked Shanae's interest in beauty competitions, eventually leading her to participate in the Miss Bartica Regatta pageant herself.
Simultaneously, she was drawn to science. "I was always an outside of the box girl. I wanted to do something no one in my family did and had first hopes of being a doctor," she explains.
T h e j o u r n e y w a s n ' t w challenges, particularly financial "PE is a very expensive program, being a student who was supported single parent, it was the most aspect," Shanae admits. "However eventually got a job that somewhat supported me, but it still wasn't enough. All in all, I was able to graduate at the end."
N
Male-
Field A
Shanae Heber represents the new generation of professionals
K aie t eur Ent er t ainment K aie t eur Ent er t ainment
Medas,Saiku and Positive collaborate on groundbreaking new song and Positive groundbreaking
IC
gospel sensation
S a m
M
working on a collaborative single with fellow Guyanese artist Saiku Andrews and Jamaican gospel powerhouse, Rondell Positive. This partnership brings together three of the r
gospel voices on a single track for the very first
time. Medas, known for hits like "Royalty" and most recently "Good Over Here", has been a pillar on gospel scene here for years. His powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics have earned him a devoted following throughout the Caribbean and beyond. Now, joining forces with the dynamic Saiku, a
Guyana's gospel landscape, and Jamaica's
Positive, this new release is expected to be truly special. T
"Rise Up De Sword," carries a profound spiritual message
today's challenging world.
dependence on God's word as the ultimate weapon in life's battles. When approached about t
p a r t i c u l a r l y impactful for listeners facing personal struggles, societal p r e s s u r e s , o r s p i r i t u a l warfare. In an era where many feel overwhelmed by life's challenges, "Rise Up De Sword", he explained, offers a powerful reminder that the ultimate victory comes not through human strength but through faith a n d r e l i a n c e o n d i v i n e power
M e d a s s a i d t h i s collaboration was born from mutual admiration between the artists and a shared vision
to unite Caribbean gospel m u s i c a c r o s s n a t i o n a l b o u n d a r i e s “ T h i s i s ministry in action, uniting our voices to reach more souls. In an industry often c h a r a c t e r i z e d b y c o m p
, w e ' r
d
m o n s t r a t i n g h o w collaboration can elevate the genre and extend our reach to make our message more i m p a c t f u l W h e n a r t i s t s come together, especially those with distinct voices and perspectives, they create something greater than the sum of its parts,” he said.
Adding his perspective, Rondell Positive said "I'm absolutely honoured to be collaborating with Samuel and Saiku on this song. When Sammy reached out to me, it was a quick yes
Dancehall star Squash
because it's a young man who I've seen his work over the years and our spirits are somehow connected. I love the fact that everything he does is word based about impacting people. It's an amazing song. I believe it will give people an opportunity to hear authentic music. I believe people will see and experience the glory of God when this music is played, not just in Guyana but across the world. I look forward to seeing what it does. This collaboration is a blessing.”The song is in its final production stages, and is expected to blend the unique styles of all three artists in a reggae-infused sound. It will be released to the public in the coming weeks.
Dancehall star Squash in ICE custody
(Jamaica O D a n c e h a l l Squash, whose given is Andrae Wh currently in the the United Sta Immigration and E n f o r c e m e n following his arrest week in Florida charges. He is being held K r o m e N o r t h P r o c e s s i n g C M i a m i O n T February 25, Squash arrested and char possession of a short-barrel shotgun, a rifle, g u n , a n d a c firearm.
Jamaican Gospel powerhouse, Rondell Positive
Guyanese artiste, Saiku Andrews
Guyanese
Gospel Singer, Samuel Medas
in ICE custody
Andrae Whittaker called Squash
Transnational crimes giving Guyana headache
...says prison is a focal point for redeveloping, reforming people
Minister of Home Affairs
R o b e s o n B e n n t o l d t h e
G u y a n a P r i s o n S e r v i c e
Senior Officer's Conference on Thursday that Guyana is challenged by issues beyond its society and transnational crime plays a big part of this. He explained that the country does not produce cocaine, yet it tends to find its way here and the Customs
A n t i - N a r c o t i c s U n i t
(CANU) recently made a big bust of approximately four tons of the illegal substance.
“We don't make guns. We can't even make a bicycle spoke. We might be able to make something when we get where it's going, when the energy price is cut in half, and we will industrialise. We don't make those things, but
country),” he said.
The minister lamented
facilitate a larger number of and more organised crimes which put a strain on the security sector Additionally, the challenge to the country's sovereignty from the west does not make things easier
B e n n
underscored that in spite of the challenges being faced, citizens should focus on
, better skilled and educated. For inmates, he said the GPS serves as a “focal point for reforming and redeveloping people.” He shared that at the juvenile centre, there are about 15-16 young men and (Continued on page 22)
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn
Gold smuggling ring...
From page 8 warning to individuals and groups engaged in such illicit activities that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and proactive in th
stated.
Further, police said that it remains resolute in its mission to combat gold s m
involved in illegal activities.
enforce strict measures to hold offenders accountable and prevent further economic
losses to the country,” police assured. Investigations are ongoing with a view of prosecution.
Meanwhile, Wednesday's bust follows
smuggling in Guyana. Last July, three Chinese nationals were arrested at the
smuggling gold.
SOCU ranks had found $50 million (Guyana dollars) in cash, money-counting machines and an illegal firearm during that operation.
CDB pumps US$17M into bold overhaul of St Lucia’s education system
B R I D G E T O W N , Barbados (CMC) The C a r i b b e a n D e v e l o p m e n t Bank (CDB) has approved a
U S $ 1 7 m i l l i o n l o a n t o support the Government of St Lucia’s mission to expand access to quality education, modernise infrastructure and enhance teacher training.
In a landmark effort to i m p r o v e e d u c a t i o n a l outcomes in St Lucia, the “Programme for Education,
R e a l i g n m e n t a n d
Tr a n s f o r m a t i o n S a i n t Lucia” aims to tackle key challenges in the education
s y s t e m b y f o c u s i n g o n improving its quality, equity and relevance.
D e s i g n e d t o e q u i p students with the skills and k n o w l e d g e n e e d e d t o succeed in the 21st century, the programme aims to drive both social and economic development.
As part of the initiative, a dedicated school for students
with special needs will be c
retrofitted to meet modern safety and design standards. T h e p r o g r
l s o seeks to expand access to
improving early childhood development and creating i
environments that support s
educational needs. The CDB says that to ensure its success, teacher
t
educators with expertise in s p e c i a l e d u c a t i o n , p s y c h o s o c i a l s u p p o r t , gender sensitisation, and
m o d e r n t e a c h i n g methodologies.
CDB’s funding for the
project wi
h the G
showing that improvements in lighting, ventilation and sanitation positively impact academic achievement and reduce dropout rates, Martin Baptiste, CDB division chief in the Social Sector Division, noted that the project’s focus on improving infrastructure w a s d r i v e n b y e v i d e n c e
Omaiah Hall rules the road...
r c i a l ) a n d F u l l Costumes (Large Band).
Following the Ministry
o f C u l t u r e , Yo u t h a n d
S p o r t i n t h e N o n -
c o m m
c
a
F
category, the Ministry of P u b l i c Wo r k s c l a i m e d second place, while the Ministry of Housing and Water's Central Housing
a n d P l a n n i n g A u t h o r i t y ( C H PA ) s e c u r e d t h i r d place In the Commercial Float segment, GUYOIL
t o o k f i r s t p l a c e , w h i l e
H e r i t a g e B a n d p l a c e d second I n t h e r e g i o n a l c o m p e t i t i o n , R e g i o n a l Democratic Council (RDC) Region 5 was named the winner, followed by RDC Region 4 in second place and RDC Region 10 in third.
In the Semi-Costume Band category, the Ministry of Agriculture won first place in the Large Band category, the Office of the Prime Minister won for Medium Bands, and RDC Region 5 was awarded first place in the Small Band category
The King of the Band segment saw the Ministry
o f A m e r i n d i a n A f f a i r s taking first place, while the M i n i s t r y o f E d u c a t i o n secured second, and the Office of the Prime Minister earned third. In the Queen of the Band competition, the Ministry of Agriculture came out on top, followed b y t h e M i
second place, and RDC Region 4 in third.
s t r y o f
A g r i c u l t u r e i n s e c o n d a n d t h e M i n i s t r y o f H o u s i n g a n d Wa t e r p l a c i n g t h i r d F o r t h e M a l e I n d i v i d u a l
c a t e g o r y, t h e M i n i s t r y o f
A m e r i n d i a n A ff a i r s a g a i n
c l a i m e d f i r s t , w h i l e t h e
M i n i s t r y o f H u m a n
S e r v i c e s a n d S o c i a l
S e c u r i t y t o o k s e c o n d , a n d t h e M i n i s t r y o f
A g r i c u l t u r e e a r n e d t h i r d
In the Full Costume Band segment, besides the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport's first-place win, t h e M i n i s t r y o f P u b l i c Wo r k s s e c u r e d s e c o n d place in the Large Band category
In the Medium Band category, the Ministry of Housing and Water's CHPA
p l a c e
, w i t h t h e Ministry of Education in second and the Ministry of Health in third. In the Small Band category, Heri
ge Band took first place, the M i n
S e r v i c e s a n d S o c i a l Security placed second, and GUYOIL finished third.
I n o t h e r c
demonstrating a direct link b e t w e e n t h e p h y s i c a l learning environment and student outcomes.
“ T h i s i n v e s t m e n t i n
s c h o o l i n f r a s t r u c t u r e i s crucial for ensuring that all St Lucian students have the opportunity to reach their full potential
B y e n h a n c i n g t h e learning environment, the project will help to create a more conducive atmosphere
f o r b o t h t e a c h e r s a n d s t u d e n t s , f o s t e r i
a n investment in infrastructure or teacher training, it’s an investment in the future of every child in St Lucia. By creating a more inclusive and resilient education system, we are laying the foundation for a generation of young
selection, the programme is poised to create a more
communities.”
The commitment to the Programme for Education,
in its people.
The bank has
Breaking the Mold:Shanae
Heber's Journey from Bartica to the Oil Fields
From page 17 of obstacles. "The negative opinions of men and the high expectations of the career" were significant challenges. "Though we are living in unconventional times where we are moving away from norms, the traditional mindset of men still lingers," she explains.
She recounts experiences of being mistaken for a secretary or hearing comments like "you don't look like what you do." Some colleagues even attempted to remove her from roles, believing she was "too young" or "incompetent" to perform specific duties. But her strategy for establishing credibility has been to “never stop learning. The more I know, the better. And the more I know, the more I am able to do," she asserts. "Even though I have a degree, I still ensure that I take every training that my company offers or even outside of this."
Making a Difference
Shanae isn't just breaking barriers for herself, she's actively working to improve conditions for other women in the industry She shares an instance when she confronted management about an expatriate colleague who made her feel inadequate for her role. "I took it up with management, explained how I felt, what caused it, and how the organization can approach these matters better Today, another woman is in the same role that I was in," she notes with satisfaction.
Looking ahead, Shanae is passionate
about increasing female representation in engineering. "While the female to male ratio of Engineers is on the rise, it is still not enough," she emphasizes. "We need more women to take up these spaces, to know that that's where you belong. We need more women to continue to fill these roles because that's the society we should strive to create; an equitable one where women are given the same opportunities as our male counterparts."
Shanae's vision extends beyond merely being an example for others. She aims to "not only be a source of inspiration but help them to achieve new levels of success by coaching, mentoring and curating activities that will aid in their development because when we have a nation of accomplished women, it's amazing what we can achieve altogether."
At just 23, Shanae views her journey as just beginning. "I can stand tall today and proudly say that I did it and continue to do it," she states. Her story is one of determination, adaptability, and breaking glass ceilings - a timely inspiration as International Women's Day approaches. As Guyana's oil and gas sector continues to expand, Shanae Heber
professionals who are not only contributing
reshaping the industry's culture from within, proving that even a little girl from Bartica with a pink car can grow up to power a nation's future.
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Canada will now pause their planned second round of tariffs on over 4,000 US goods until April 2, Canadian Minister of Finance Dominic LeBlanc said in a post on social media.
With the US suspension of tariffs on USMCA-compliant goods, LeBlanc wrote, “Canada will not proceed with the second wave of tariffs on $125B of U.S. products until April 2nd, while we continue to work for the removal of all tariffs.”
Stocks tumble
Stocks fell sharply Thursday and remained lower after Trump initially failed to announce a reprieve for Canada. But stocks pared some of their losses after the executive actions were signed. The Dow closed about 427 points lower, or 1%. The broader S&P 500 fell 1.8% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq was 2.6% lower.
The market is in the red during Trump’s presidency in part because of the uncertainty the administration’s trade policy has caused. The Nasdaq has fallen nearly 8% since Trump took office, and is down 10% from its December peak, ending Thursday in correction territory. The S&P 500 is down more than 4% since Trump’s inauguration. Businesses have paused hiring; consumer confidence has plunged and investors have shifted out of stocks and into safe havens like government bonds.
“The fact that the stock market goes up or down a half percent every day is not the driver of our outcomes,” said Commerce Secretary Howard
Lutnick in a statement. “Our outcomes are driven by: We want factory production in America, we want employment to blossom in America, we want to train for the new AI industrial revolution to happen in America, we’re going to bring factories back to America.” During an Oval Office signing ceremony, Trump blamed “globalists” for the recent market decline.
“I think it’s globalists who see how rich our country is going to be and they don’t like it,” Trump said. “It’s a big market out there. But again, they’ve been ripping off this country for years, and they’re going to do great, but we can’t let this continue to happen to American any more. Otherwise, we’re not going to have a country anymore.”
Trump in his joint address to Congress Tuesday night acknowledged that tariffs are unpopular and could cause some pain, particularly by raising prices on an already inflation-weary American public. In one of his more vulnerable moments during the speech, Trump pleaded for patience, asking farmers who could be hurt by retaliatory tariffs to “bear with me” and said “there will be a little disturbance.”
Mexico, China and Canada are the United States’ top three trading partners. Collectively, they shipped $1.4 trillion worth of goods to the US last year, according to Commerce Department data. That accounts for more than 40% of the value of all goods the US imported last year.
A trade war among the three nations poses significant risks to all three economies, threatening to dampen growth, raise prices and cost
workers their jobs.
On again, off again
The back and forth on tariffs alone is causing confusion. Trump has routinely threatened or briefly put in place tariffs only to announce delays or pauses, leaving Corporate America unclear on how to invest and whether to hire.
Trump campaigned on steep tariffs on Day One. Instead, he signed several executive actions on his first day in office ordering his administration to investigate whether to pursue tariffs on a wide range of goods. In a signing ceremony, Trump announced that 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico would be coming February 1.
But those tariffs were delayed — first by a few days and then by a month after both countries sent delegations to negotiate on illegal border crossings and fentanyl.
Promised tariffs on China went into place February 4 — but not at the 60% level Trump had promised in December. The 10% tariffs came with a surprising twist: The elimination of the de minimis exclusion, a loophole that allows goods valued at less than $800 to come over the border duty-free. Those packages are numerous and onerous for customs officials to scan for tariffs.
The next day, the US Postal Service stopped all package deliveries from China from entering the United States because it was unable to abide by the new trade policy. But hours later, the de minimis exclusion was back on — temporarily — until the Commerce Department could determine how to police it.
Then, Trump promised a “big one,” as he called it: reciprocal tariffs — matching foreign countries’ tariffs dollar for dollar. Instead, the plan, as it were, which Trump announced in the Oval Office on February 13 to much fanfare, consisted of a vaguely worded memo that offered few concrete details and no real timeframe for those tariffs to kick in. Eventually the timeframe — April 2 — became clearer, but the tariffs that would be applied and the countries that would be subjected to the reciprocal tariffs remain somewhat of a mystery. Trump has floated autos, copper, microchips, pharmaceuticals and lumber, but specifics remain sparse.
Trump also announced steel and aluminum tariffs that are set to go into place March 12. But they don’t represent a significant increase over what was already in place.
After the latest tariffs on Mexico and Canada went into effect Tuesday, stocks fell sharply. Trump — who has long fixated on how his policies perform in the markets — and his team were paying close attention to the market on Tuesday, a source familiar with the discussions told CNN. On Wednesday, Trump paused the tariffs on autos coming from Mexico and Canada for a month. And now today, they’re all off. Until at least April 2. Maybe.
Photo saved as Tariffs Caption: President Donald Trump (left) and President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico (right). (Win McNamee/Pool/AFP/Getty Images/Raquel Cunha/ Reuters)
Transnational crimes giving Guyana headache...
From page 19 it was reported to him that one of them passed CXC Mathematics.
“I say we are at a pivotal, transformative point in our country’s history and development. We cannot drop this ball. This is our ball. This is our ball, and we have to carry it forward.
The most important place otherwise in measuring how we perform in these issues of national development, because without security, without security, we cannot develop,” he said. He urged the prisoners as well as the prison officers to make the best of the opportunities being made available to them as they can-
not remain stagnant.
Also addressing the officers, Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot spoke about the reforms taking place among inmates. Elliot acknowledged the success of the rehabilitation programmes, noting, “There’s a significant reduction in the prisoner-to-prisoner incidents, which largely was due to prisoners attending the various trade programmes. A total of 44 incidents were recorded for the year 2024 at five locations with a population of 2000,” he said. Elliot had made mention of the reduction in inmate conflicts in December 2024 due to extensive training programmes. He highlighted
that inmate conflicts had also decreased significantly over the past years from 33% in 2015 to 18% by 2023. “For prisoners for the year 2024, a total of 820 prisoners were exposed to various training opportunities,” Elliot said.
Elliot also shared details about the prison’s employment and integration opportunities, which are designed to help inmates earn money, support their families, and save for their release.
“With the Fresh Start initiative in 2024, we were able to distribute 18 tool kits to suitable candidates on the release from prison. This allowed them to enter the work market and to earn them a sus-
tainable income. These tool kits, including cosmetology, tailoring, carpentry, landscaping. Prisoners were afforded all the essential opportunities and services in keeping with the prison app,” Elliot said. In addition to vocational training, Elliot discussed other activities available to prisoners while serving their sentences including, “general health care, provision of adequate and nutritional meals, adequate sanitation, services and sunlight activities, library and book reading materials, visits, phone calls, religious activities, which ensure that their dignity remains with them while in prison.”
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GPL to expand solar grid at Canal Bank, Port Kaituma
The Guyana Power and Light (GPL)
is preparing to expand the solar grid at Canal Bank, Port Kaituma, Region One.
The project which does not have an estimated cost was opened at the National P
(NPTAB). Seven contractors s u b m i t t e d
f o r t h e contract ranging from $22 million to $45 million. I n J u l y 2 0 2 4 , P r i m e
Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips commissioned
Below are the companies and their bids: Guyana Power & Light Inc.
Supply & Delivery of Cherry Picker Trucks
Expansion of Grid to Canal Bank (Left) Port Kaituma.
Ministry of Health
Provision of Floor Care and Janitorial Services for 2025-2027 for six hospitals.
From page 16 after Listen, me ain't trying to lecture nobody, but we been waiting too long for d i s k i n d a c h a n c e Remember when Machel M o n t a n o f i r s t n o t i c e Timeka Marshall? Dat one link-up change she whole career trajectory Dis is dat kinda moment.
And for dem who na planning to audition, still g e t e x c i t e d ! W h e n international eyes turn to we
l o c a l s c e n e , e v e r y b o d y benefits.
More shows go happen, more sponsors go come
the solar mini-grid at Canal Bank and another at Sebai Village, the Guyana Energy Agency’s website said.
The Canal Bank grid which valued some $19.2 m
s a 12kilowatt solar array and 35 kilowatts of battery power
The agency further reported that the mini-grid systems a r e s e t t o a d v a n c e government’s objective of bridging the energy divide in remote and hinterland areas while fostering development and providing renewable energy to the public.
Supply and Delivery and Testing of New Submersible Pumps for the Onverwagt Project.
Mahaica Mahaicony Abary-Agricultural Development AuthoritySupply, Delivery and Testing of One Tractor
National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI)Supply and Delivery of Ginger, Tumeric and Cassava Planting Materials for NAREI.
Supply and Delivery & Assembly of One Horizontal Autoclave for NAREI.
Supply and Delivery of Equipment-Plant Protection Entomology and Weed Science.
Guyana wins Destination of the Year award
Destination Guyana was
International Award for 2025 as Destination of the Year - Natural Attractions, t h e G u y a
Authority (GTA) said in a press release
Industry, and Commerce, was also awarded the PATWA International Award for 2025 as Tourism Minister of the Year - Ecological Tourism This is Guyana's second year s
m PATWA Speaking on the awards, Minister Walrond said receiving these awards is a proud moment. “With breathtaking attractions like K
rainforest, and rare wildlife, we're fortunate to have so m u c h
t u r a l b e a u t y t o share. What sets us apart is
o n a n d community-driven efforts, we ensure that every visit h e l p s p r e s e r v e o u r
environment and supports local communities We are proud to share our country with the world and look forward to continuing to lead t h e w a y i n r e s p o n s i b l e tourism,” the minister is quoted in the GTA press release as saying The awards were won at the 25th and 2025 editions of the PATWA World Tourism & Aviation Leaders' Summit and the PATWA International Travel Awards at ITB, Berlin, on March 5th, 2025
The Pacific Area Travel W r i t e r s A s s o c i a t i o n (PATWA) is a non-profit, n o n - g o v e r n m e n t , professional, international media organisation founded in 1999.
PAT WA s u p p o r t s t h e s u s t a i n a b l e d
and growth of destinations, travel, tourism, hospitality, a
t r a
o
n
p l a t f o
, travel technology, and allied s e r v i c e p r o v i d e r s worldwide. PATWA is an affiliate member of UN Tourism.
f o r w a r d , m o r e y o u n g people go see music as serious career path, not just weekend hobby President Ali jumping on board dis initiative show something changing at de top too.
G o v e r n m e n t recognizing dat creat
pride boost.
S o w h e t h e r y o u planning to grab mic and audition, or just supporting from sideline, recognize dat
dis Vybz Kartel moment bigger dan just two lucky artists. Dis about changing narrative.
For too long, we been saying "nothing na happen for artists in Guyana." Well, something happening now
Ah gan wrap up with dis one thought: When Vybz Kartel say he ain't just
looking at Jamaica and Miami but "doing it big" right here in Georgetown, dat statement is powerful.
D a t s t a t e m e n t s a y s w e w o r t h y W e c u l t u r e v a l
deserving.
S
Guyana. Show up and show
opportunity na just about making one hit song, dis is about putting Guyana music pon de map proper fashion!
And you can quote de Chatterbox pon dat!
publication. The views expressed a
necessarily represent the views of the newspaper or its parent company
Govt. will not put Guyana at risk to do business with Mohameds -VP
Jagdeo says
Vi c e P r e s i d e n t
Bharrat Jagdeo
o n T h u r s d a y stated that the government will not risk the future of the citizenry and face potential consequences by associating
w i t h U S - s a n c t i o n e d
G u y a n e s e b u s i n e s s m e n Nazar “Shell” Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed.
H i s r e s p o n s e f o l l o w s recent statements made by Nazar Mohamed, that senior figures within the People's P r o g r e s s i v e P a r t y g o v e r n m e n t h a v e
lot of hostility from the party towards his family
H o w e v e r , t h e V i c e
P r e s i d e n t a t h i s p r e s s conference stressed, “So we are never going to put the interest of a single individual p a r t i c u l a r l y i f y o u a r e accused of doing something so illegal that you bring sanctions from the United States government down on your own head, we must put the country at risk.”
The businessman had
d e t a i l e d t h e m o u n t i n g
c h a l l e n g e s f a c e d b y h i s
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
deliberately misrepresented the imposed U.S. sanctions to cripple his business. Last year, the U S Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed
s a n c t i o n s o n G u y a n e s e
A z r u d d i n a n d N a z a r Mohamed over allegations
o f t a x e v a s i o n a n d o n Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Mae
T h o m a s , f o r a l l e g e d l y misusing her position to
o f f e r b e n e f i t s s u c h a s
government contracts to the Mohameds.
On Tuesday, Mohamed said that members of the P P P - a d m i n i s t r a t i o n a r e misrepresenting the imposed U.S. sanctions which he says has led to a systematic effort to affect their businesses. He added, “What I want to tell you, because I've seen, read and heard from people, some very senior people within the political structure, who have been deliberately misrepresenting what the sanction is about, ostracizing us.”
M o h a m e d h a d highlighted his long-time support for the PPP but stressed that there is now a
companies, particularly the refusal to renew his cabotage permission, and issues with his mining licence. Jagdeo
r e f u t e d S h e l l M o h a m e d
c l a i m t h a t o n l y U S
c o m p a n i e s w i l l f a c e sanctions if they continue to work with the Mohameds in light of the sanctions.
“In addition to financial i n s t i t u t i o n s a n d o t h e r p e r s o n s t h a t e n g a g e i n c e r t a i n t r a n s a c t i o n s a n d activities wi t h t h e s a n c t i o n e n t i t i e s a n d i n d i v i d u a l m a y e x p o s e t h e m s e l v e s t o s a n c t i o n s o r b e s u b j e c t t o a n e n f o r c e m e n t a c t i o n t h e p r o h i b i t i o n i n c l u d e s t h e m a k i n g o f a n y c o n t r i b u t i o n o r p r o v i s
o f f u n d s goods and services by, or to the benefit of any design
ed person
he Vice President read from the U.S sanctions underscoring that any person can face consequences as a result of e n g a g i n g w i t h t h e Mohameds.
T o t h i s e n d , h e
u n d e r s c o r e d t h a t t h e government would have put the entire country's financial institution at risk, if they had not revoked the Mohameds C
c l e a
, M r M o h a m e d believes falsely so that out of some perceived loyalty to h i m a n d A z r u d d i n Mohamed, we will put at risk the future and the interest of all the people of this country for them…” Jagdeo noted.
Businessmen, Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed
Guyanese athletes and coaches off to India on Sports Scholarship
Ag r o u p o f
t a l e n t e d
G u y a n e s e athletes and coaches have d
parted for India on a
made by the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport
Charles Ramson Jr According to Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, the milestone underscores the Government of Guyana’s c o m m
d international collaboration through the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the
Ministry of Sport.
T h e d e
t i o n , consisting of both players and coaches, representing
tennis, cricket, badminton, swimming and basketball.
Among those making the j
players Nigel Bryan and
Kristian Sahadeo, cricket
c
, badminton coaches Frank Waddell and swimmer Paul J
, a n d swimming Coach Shanice Mahaica. Basketball Coach Warren Wilson is also in India. Ninvalle expressed
seeing this initiative come to l
, “This
s a promise fulfilled, one that we have worked tirelessly to ensure. It is our hope that every athlete and coach takes f
Friday March 07, 2025
ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)
You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for y o u t o d a y, A r i e s Yo u r persuasive manner and gentle nudges are just enough to get people where you want them.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)
When faced with ten entrees on the menu, it might be hard for you to choose just one. Feel free to order two or more, T a u r u s D o n ' t l e t i n d e c i s i v e n e s s s l o w y o u down. At the same time.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20)
Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act on them, Gemini. No one else is going to do it for you.
Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take matters into your own hands.
CANCER (June 21–July 22)
If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them no mind, Cancer You have the right to live your life any way you want to.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)
Reach for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closer than you think. Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)
Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think about what it is that you want most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to how far you can go.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)
Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra.
T h e r e ' s
opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm. Follow the music.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)
Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring more magic into your life.
SAGIT (Nov 22–Dec. 21)
Today is an excellent day for you, one in which you'll find a great deal of strength in your emotions , Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving you well.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)
Capricorn. Don't feel like you need to make sense of it all. In
impossible. Just be yourself. Let your creative nature shine through.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb.
18) Mix your reality with a bit of fantasy today, Aquarius. Allow your feet to come off the ground for a little while. Give yourself a rest. Take some time to meditate and clear your mind of your daily worries.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)
Let yourself go into high creative mode and drift into a whole other world, Pisces. Escape your present reality and explore your fantasies through any sort of artistic endeavor Dream as big as your mind allows.
h e knowledge and training they will receive in India.”
He emphasized that this group is just the beginning, stating, “This is the first of many scholarships that will
through the NSC and the Ministry of Sport. We are committed to creating more opportunities for our athletes to train at an elite level and bring back valuable skills to h
Guyana.”
H
initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of sports development, talent nurturing, and international partnerships.
The athletes and coaches wi
training programmes at the J A
Bangalore, gaining exposure to world-class facilities and coaching techniques. Upon their return, they are expected to contribute significantly to the local sporting landscape, raising the level of competition and m
athletes.
Speed demons Alimohamed (6-17), Smith (4-21)
take sting out of Scorpions
Fiery spells from G u y a n a H a r p y Eagles speedsters, Ronaldo Alimohamed and Nial Smith saw them share all 10 wickets to help castle the Jamaica Scorpions, who trail by 362 runs ahead of a crucial third day of action at Sabina Park.
F i r s t i n n i n g s p o i n t s belonged to the champs who racked up 339 all out after
Kevlon Anderson carved 116 along with 61 from Matthew Nandu and Kemol Savory (48) who missed out on a fifty
S c o r p i o n s m e d i u mpacer Odean Smith led with 5-68, finding aid from fellow s e a m e r / c a p t a i n M a r q u i n o Mindley (2-36) and legspinner Tamarrie Redwood (2-109).
But in a turn of events,
the duo of Alimohamed, who roughed up the batting order with 6-17 from 11.2 overs and Smith, who set the tone eventually snatching 4-21; blew away the Scorpions for a paltry 44 all out in 25.5 overs, one of their lowest totals in first class cricket.
Batting a second time saw the Eagles stretch their lead after settling on 68-1 w i t h T a g e n a r i n e
- Jamaica 1st innings (44 all out), Eagles (339 & 68-1) lead by 362-runs
Chanderpaul (37*) looking
s o l i d a n d c a p t a i n Te v i n Imlach (19*) undoubtedly k e e n o n a m e n d i n g h i s m i s t a k e s f r o m t h e f i r s t innings as they seek out a mammoth score.
P l a y r e s u m e d w i t h
Savory and Gudakesh Motie (28) the two men from day one at the crease, but neither batsmen really settled with the dismissal of the former, e s s e n t i a l l y e n d i n g t h e innings of Guyana.
Smith eventually picked up the final Harpy Eagles
Fast-bowler Nial Smith celebrates his 4-fer yesterday with a few teammates.
wicket a few overs before lunch to reach his milestone, thus putting Jamaica in a good position to finish day 2 on a high note.
However, a chase which should have been calculated, only became a disaster when A l i m o h a m e d r e m o v e d openers Kirk Mckenzie (2) and debutant Odain McCatty (0) in quick succession.
Smith joined in on the action, landing three huge blows by bagging the key wickets of Brandon King (4), Jermaine Blackwood (2) as
well as Javelle Glenn (5); the latter of which had their stumps rocked by the rightarm speedster At 5-23, Alimohamed m a t c h e d h i s p a r t n e r ’ s hostility by adding two more scalps to his collection, to reach his five-wicket haul b e f o r e a d d i n g h i s s i x t h victim in Redwood, who fended a bouncer to the a w a i t i n g s l i p f i e l d e r ; bringing a one-sided innings to an end.
Kerr, Matthews leave UP Warriorz on the brink of exit
Amelia Kerr reacts after outfoxing Kiran Navgire. (BCCI)
ESPNcricinfo - Mumbai Indians (MI) mounted a fine comeback with the ball to set up a win that put them a step closer to making the playoffs for a third year in succession a n d p u s h e d U P Wa r r i o r z ( U P W ) t o t h e b r i n k o f exiting WPL 2025.
Hayley Matthews started the chase with plenty of boundaries. (BCCI)
Reliance Hustlers and
Af fiance to clash in NECC
T20 final on Sunday
R e l i a n c e H u s t l e r s S p o r t C l u b a n d
Affiance Sports Club are set to clash in the 2025 North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NCCC) T20 final on Sunday at Jagmohan Cricket ground, Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast, Region 2.
The action is slated to commence at 1 : 0 0 p m a n d a k e e n c o n t e s t i s h i g h l y anticipated.
B o t h t e a m s r e g i s t e r e d c o m f o r t a b l e victories in their semi-final encounters.
Reliance Hustlers got the better of Lima by 22 runs, while Affiance Sports Club beat Renegades Sports Club by 50 runs.
P l a y i n g a t R e l i a n c e S p o r t s g r o u n d , Hustlers tallied up a competitive 136-6 from their 20-overs after winning the toss and opted to bat first while Lima replied with 114-7 when things concluded.
Former Essequibo Under-19 opening b a t s m a n M a r k A u s t i n l e d
y f o r H u s t l e r s w i t h a n a t t a c k i n g 4 5 w h i c h contained five boundaries. He got useful s u p p o r t f r o m e x - G u y a n a y o u t h p l a y e r Nathan Persaud who contributed 31. They two also laid a formidable foundation at the top with an enterprising, 68-run.
Another former Guyana youth player Rovindra Parsram added 25 for the hosts. When Lima batted, Lokesh Surajpaul offered a fight with an unbeaten 44 as Parsram returned with the ball to take three wickets for 15 runs from his three mediumpace overs.
Carlos Yap also snapped up three wickets for the winning combination conceding 16 runs from three seam-bowling overs.
And across at Jagmohan venue, former G u y a n a U n d e r - 1 9 b a t
Parsotam orchestrated Affiance’s dominant win with a well-compiled 79. Affiance rattled up a daunting 190-5 at the expiration of the 20
responded with 140-8 when the 20-overs ran out. A
momentum as Navindra Persaud supported the right-handed Parsotam with 36 and Amit Persaud (unrelated) scored 26.
Led by a five-wicket haul from Amelia Kerr, MI picked up 9 for 76 to restrict UPW to 150 for 9 and chased that down with six wickets and nine balls to spare.
UPW were off to their best start in the competition t h a n k s t o G e o rg i a Vo l l ’s h
second WPL match.
After being bowled for a duck on debut, she hit 55 off
3 3 b a l l s t o l a y a s t r o n g platform. But UPW couldn’t capitalise, going from 74 for 0 t o 1 2 5 f o r 7 T h e M I spinners combined to pick up eight of the nine wickets UPW lost.
I n r e p l y , H a y l e y
Matthews struck her second half-century of the season and was involved in a 92r u n s e c o n d - w i c k e t p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h N a t
S c i v e
Matthews’ second fifty in as m a n y g a m e s t h i s s e a s o n against UPW, her 46-ball 68
her 50-ball 59 in Bengaluru last week.
The win took MI up to second on the points table with eight points and a net run rate of 0 267 after six outings Their next game is against Gujarat Giants, who are third currently with six points in six matches with an NRR of 0.357.
Scores: Mumbai Indians 153
Sciver-Brunt 37, Harris 211) beat UP Warriorz 150 for 9 (Voll 55, Harris 28,
wickets.
Parmesh Parsotam
Cush, Gurrick crowned Free Throw champions at YBG Series Challenge
Last weekend, the Youth Basketball G u y a n a ( Y B G ) Series Challenge delivered an electrifying display of young talent, with Saints Stanislaus College, Queen’s
C o l l e g e ( Q C ) , N e w
A m s t e r d a m M u l t i l a t e r a l Secondary (NAMS), Rising Stars ‘B’, and Georgetown
Technical Institute (GTI) emerging as dominant forces in the competition.
T h e f a s t - p a c e d tournament featured schools
b a t t l i n g a c r o s s m u l t i p l e divisions, including Girls Under-14, as well as Boys
U 1 6 , U 1 8 , a n d U 2 1
categories With matches lasting just 10 minutes, split into two five-minute halves,
t h e c o m p e t i t i o n w a s relentless, testing both skill and stamina.
Samuel Welcome stole the show in the Boys U16 division, earning the coveted M o s t Va l u a b l e P l a y e r (MVP) title Meanwhile, Peter Langevine made his mark in the U21 final with s i x p o i n t s a n d t h r e e rebounds, while the free throw crown was claimed by Deshawn Gurrick and Brad Cush.
A l y a n n A d o l p h u s showcased her prowess in t h e G i r l s U 1 4 c a t e g o r y, securing the MVP award.
E a c h M V P r e c e i v e d $10,000 in cash as a token of appreciation for their stellar performances.
In a recap of finals, the Girls U14, Saints Stanislaus College outlasted Marian Academy in a low-scoring
showdown, securing a 3-0 victory Oneisha Trotman was the hero, scoring all three points to seal the win.
O v e r i n t h e B o y s divisions, Queen’s College ‘A’, the scoring led by the d y n a m i c D e m
victory over St Rose’s High, winning 11-4. Singh was
g seven points and grabbing three rebounds.
The Boys U16 final saw N A M S o v e r p o w
r Mackenzie High 7-4, with Tyrese Archer and Terrence Henry leading the charge with two points each.
In the U18 showdown, G T I d e l i v e r e d a commanding 23-10 win over S
’s
Queen’s College ‘A’ cops U14 Boy’s Challenge.
spearheading the offensive o n s l a u g h t B o t h p l a y e r s racked up seven points each, while Adams added three steals and three rebounds to his stat line. Despite Nathan Williams’ efforts, St Rose’s struggled to keep up with GTI’s relentless pace.
The highly anticipated U21 final featured a nail-
biting clash between Saints and Rising Stars ‘B’. Peter Langevine played a key role, contributing six points and
p Rising Stars edge out a 14-12 victory Calix Bernard and Chris Perez also made their presence felt, adding four p o i n t s e a c h B r a n d o n McKoy put on a stunning
solo performance for Saints, scoring all twelve of his team’s points, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. T
Concacaf and GFF conduct Club Licensing Workshop ahead of Elite League Season 7 kickoff
T h e G u y a n a F o o t b a l l
F e d e r a t i o n ( G F F ) , i n partnership with Concacaf, successfully hosted a Club
L i c e n s i n g Wo r k s h o p o n Saturday, March 1, 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to professionalize football in Guyana.
The workshop provided representatives from the 10
Elite League clubs with
GFF and Concacaf successfully hosted a Club Licensing Workshop last Saturday ahead of the Elite League Season.
e s s e n t i
governance, administration,
l responsibility (CSR) key requirements for obtaining a C
kickoff on March 9, 2025, at the National Training Centre (NTC).
Concacaf Club License will be eligible to participate in regional and international competitions. The GFF has reinforced its zero-tolerance
failing to comply with club
standards across domestic f
Division (CPFD) led the
p , allowing club representatives
COMET online platform,
streamline club operations, c
and player registration GFF President, Wayne Forde who was present at the workshop emphasized the importance of the licensing i
t a t i n g : “ O u r ultimate goal is to establish a professional football league in the very near future, but this has to start with the clubs p
operations The Concacaf Club Licensing Programme is the first step in that direction.”
He added, “While some clubs in the league have access to greater resources than others, the programme creates a level playing field, ensuring that every club meets the same criteria to be eligible for regional and international competitions.” Throughout 2024, the
GFF conducted one-on-one meetings with Elite League c
importance of meeting the
criteria, which include:
• Establishing boys’ and girls’ youth teams
• Developing a women’s football program
• Implementing a CSR
initiative
• Establishing an active social media presence
• Conducting an annual financial audit
A comprehensive list of licensing requirements was shared with all clubs, and they were encouraged to take
comply With Season VII set to commence on March 9,
steadfast in its mission to elevate the standards of club football in Guyana. The Club Licensing Programme is a critical component of this
Golf Associa tion expands CSEC Physical Educa tion Progr amme with Pr esident’s Colle ge
T h e G u y a n a G o l f
A s s o c i a t i o n ( G G A )
c o n t i n u e s t o d r i v e t h e
e x p a n s i o n o f g o l f i n
s e c o n d a r y s c h o o l s , w i t h
P r e s i d e n t ’ s C o l l e g e
b e c o m i n g t h e l a t e s t institution to benefit from
t h e p r o g r a m m e t h a t e n c o u r a g e s s t u d e n t s t o choose golf as their Physical Education (PE) elective for CSEC examinations.
In a strong show of
c o m m i t m e n t , G G A
president Aleem Huss
p
r s o n a l l
s t e d i n p r e p a r i n g t h e s c h o o l ’s playing field, ensuring not only golf but other sports such as football, track and field, and volleyball now
h a v e a p r o p e r t r a i n i n g facility
The HM and Sir Willon Cameron, Senior Assistant M a s t e r e x p r e s s e d d e e p a p p r e c i a t i o n f o r t h e initiative, highlighting the transformative impact on the school’s sports programmes.
“The assistance provided by Mr. Hussain has been a blessing. Our ground was v i r t u a l l y u n u s a b l e f o r months due to overgrown grass, but thanks to his efforts, we can now conduct daily training sessions for multiple sports, including g o l f
A
Students of President’s College continued their PE golf training ahead of this year’s CSEC exams.
students preparing for CSEC PE has been invaluable,” he stated.
College now plans to host
community sporting events and competitions to generate
school programmes.
Since 2021, the Ministry of Education and the GGA h a v e c o l l a
introduce golf in secondary schools, providing training, e
structured syllabus for PE teachers.
As a result, thousands of students across dozens of schools now have access to golf, making Guyana the regional leader in student participation in golf for PE –despite not having a full golf course.
Pr esident Dr. Donovan Bennett backs CWI
t h e p r o g r e s s t h a
e s a m e t h i n g w i t h t h e p r e s i d e n t
We a r e s u p p o r t i v e o f t h e p r e s i d e n t , J a m a i c a , b e c a u s e o f h o w h e h a s t r e a t e d J a m a i c a H e h a s b e e n i n s t r u m e n t a l i n b r i n g i n g i n t e r n a t i o n a l c r i c k e t
b a c k t o J a m a i c a , s o w e
a r e s a t i s f i e d w i t h w h a t h a s
i s w e a r e
n a p o s i t i v
t r a j e c t o r y a n d w e a r e h a p p y w i t h t h e t w o g e n t l e m e n ” C W I c o n f i r m e d t h i s week that Dr Shallow and B a s s a r a t h w e r e b o t h nominated unopposed and will officially begin their second term on March 29, 2025, at the Annual General
Meeting (AGM) in Antigua, where the organization is headquartered.
T h e n o m i n a t i o n s underline the confidence and widespread support Shallow and Bassarath continue to receive from stakeholders across the Caribbean.
D r S h a l l o w ’ s nomination was put forward by the Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) and the Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB), while Vice
P r e s i d e n t B a s s a r a t h ’ s nomination was submitted
b y t h e J C A a n d t h e Windward Islands Cricket Board (WICB).
T h i s m a r k s t h e s e c o n d s u c c e s s i v e e l e c t i o n i n w h i c h D r S h a l l o w h a s b e e n e l e c t e d u n o p p o s e d
i
i
r
o o t s c r i c k e t ,
n
y e d
k
l e i n e n h a n c i n g t h e g o v e r n a n c e s t r u c t u r e w i t h i n C W I H i s d e p u t y , A z i m B a s s a r a t h , P r e s i d e n t o f t h e T r i n i d a d a n d T o b a
Tameshwar Deonandan and Daniella Manns win RHTYSC Youth Cricketer of the Year Award
Th e R o s e H a l l
Town Youth and Sports Club last Friday named Tameshwar
Deonandan and Danielle Manns as their male and female junior Cricketer of the Year 2024. The club presented a thirty-two inches Television set and a cricket bat to the awardees during a
s i m p l e p r e s e n t a t i o n ceremony at the Area H Ground. The presentation was done by the cricket development committee of the club led by
c r i c k e t m a n a g e r R o b b y Kissoonlall.
Kissoonlall, one of the club’s founders in 1990, stated that the club was pleased to honour the two y o u n g c r i c k e t e r s a s i t r e c o g n i s e s o u t s t a n d i n g performers during the year The awardees were selected by the cricket development
c o m m i t t e e b a s e d o n performances on the cricket field, personal discipline,
a t t e n d a n c e a t p r a c t i c e , commitment to assist in off t h e f i e l d a c t i v i t i e s a n d willingness to learn.
He noted that the club between the periods 1990 to 2022 had hosted Guyana’s largest award ceremony but ceased it after the illness of club secretary Hilbert Foster in early 2023.
Tameshwar Deonandan
Tameshwar Deonandan and Danellie Manns pose with their prizes after the presentation.
is the current captain of the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes under15 team and has represented Guyana at the Under13 level in 2022 and 2023.
This year he represented B e r b i c e i n t h e G u y a n a Cricket Board under15 inter county tournament where he served as the team vicecaptain. He is a wicketkeeper and a s o l i d m i d d l e o r d e r batsman. D e o n a n d a n c u r r e n t l y
represents the RHTYSC at
7 , under-19, under-21, second division and the first division levels. In 2024, he scored over five hundred runs at the
struck a solid 150 vs. Whim and 126 versus RHT B as he spearheaded his team to the q
e tournament, which would be played shortly
The RHTYSC Cricket manager hailed the personal
Darien Best embarks on Elite Coaching Journey in India
Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) lead coach Darien Best is set to elevate his coaching expertise as he undertakes an intensive two-month training programme at Jain University’s high-performance centre in Bangalore, India.
As the sole cricket representative from Guyana, Best’s participation underscores the nation’s commitment to strengthening its sports sector through international exposure. His selection, facilitated by the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) initiative and backed by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), highlights his rising influence in local cricket development.
Best, a Cricket West Indies Level Two certified coach, has already made an impact with the Guyana Harpy Eagles during their Four-Day trials. Now, in India, a country renowned for its cricketing excellence, he w
performance coaches, gaining firsthand
methodologies.
Jain University, known for its world-class sports infrastructure, offers a unique learning environment where Best will refine his skills
Darien Best set to enhance Coaching expertise at JAIN University in India.
discipline and committee of Deonandan and stated that he has a future in the game, once he remains committed.
Manns was named as female youth player for 2024 after performing well for Berbice and Guyana in the under19 team.
She gained selection on
behalf of the club.
of making the senior Guyana team in the two years’ time. The sixteen-year-old Manns is currently preparing for her CSEC exam at the Lower C o r e n t y n e S e c
y School and has attracted huge praise from the Club management for her active role in off the field activities.
T h e R H T Y S C w o u l d like to express thanks to the Management and Staff of Regal Stationery for their donation of two television sets and MR. Anil Beharry for the two bats under his C
Assistant Cricket Manager MR. Keith Hicks stated that the youth cricketers of the club continue to work hard to uphold the high tradition of the RHTYSC, which was founded in 1990 by three
the West Indies team that toured England prior to the 2025 ICC World Cup where she was a standby player
She was also named in the Berbice Senior team for 2025 inter county senior tournament and plans to work hard on her leg spin bowling with the main aim
Service Awardee, the ST F
a n Catholic Youth Club. The club has over the last thirty-five years produced a total of 126 players for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies, while it has won a total of 124 tournaments including 3 national titles.
Mr. Maikol Victor Sardihas Puig of Regal Stationery presents a Television set to Mr Anil Beharry who collects on
Guyanese athletes and coaches off to India on Sports Scholarship
Regional 4-Day
take sting out of Scorpions - Jamaica 1st innings (44 all out), Eagles (339 & 68-1) lead by 362-runs
Ronaldo Alimohamed bowled with pace and bounce to help snuff out the Jamaicans.
The group take a photo with Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle during a courtesy call.
