Guyana Times - Friday, December 19, 2025

ERC takes holiday tidings to Karrau, Kartabo communities

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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 6311

THE BEACON OF TRUTH PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025

$2.1B given to Disciplined Services ranks as Christmas bonus

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Govt hires P11 over 3000 new healthcare professionals to boost service delivery

Page 3

“We support P7 any fight against drug traffickers” – VP

Public servants already enjoying GPSU’s 3 minibus drivers negotiated salary increase – Jagdeo fined $190,000 …says Guyana would not speculate on US operations

…says 2025's 8% salary increase already in effect

See story on page 10

for dangerous P8 driving

Massy reports over US$113M in profits, with Guyana among key contributors

Beautification work is ongoing at the Stabroek Market square (Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo photo)

See story Leguan farmers get GDF vigilant, on page 7 guaranteed markets determined to defend as Govt rolls out major Guyana’s sovereignty agri investments Page 5

…to buy all available livestock

– Army Chief

Fisherman feared drowned after falling into Pomeroon River Page 5

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Traffic Department cracks down on P12 LED, other visual displays on vehicles

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENING

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

$2.1B given to Disciplined Services ranks as Christmas bonus

n the heels of the Government’s recent announcement of a five-year plan for Guyana, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that members of the Disciplined Services will receive a one-

ding today. At the very centre of this are the men and women of our Disciplined Services, whose courage and sacrifice safeguard us,” President Ali said.

He also recalled that in 2020 the bonus was restored and later expanded

rough these bonuses.

In addition to financial incentives, President Ali encouraged soldiers to pursue education and skills development.

“I have asked the Chief of Defence Staff to ensure every soldier is registered on the Guyana Digital School and pursues Mathematics and English at least at the CSEC level. We are not only preparing you for the protection of this country; we are preparing you to live a life of honour and dignity long after you retire,” he said.

The President also highlighted ongoing training and scholarship initiatives, noting that thousands of service members across the Joint Services are benefiting from the Gold Scholarship Programme and more than 900 other training opportunities.

“We are preparing you, as you serve today, to enjoy the enormous benefits of this economy tomor-

month annual bonus, a $2.1 billion injection into their salaries.

President Ali made the announcement on Thursday during the Guyana Defence Force’s Camp Stephenson Christmas luncheon.

“As your Commanding Chief, I am pleased to announce that a one-month tax-free bonus will once again be paid to our Disciplined Forces, placing an additional $2.1 billion of disposable income in the hands of more than 13,000 members of the Disciplined Services,” he said.

The Head of State highlighted the Government’s continued investment in the country’s Disciplined Services, noting that over the past five years, significant measures have been taken to improve compensation, working conditions, and professional development.

He reiterated that the Administration has restored the one-month tax-free bonus, increased salaries, adjusted pay scales upward, accelerated promotions, enhanced working conditions, and expanded training opportunities.

“My Government has consistently recognised the invaluable contribution of the Disciplined Services.

The safety of our borders and the protection of our people are the cornerstone of the Guyana we are buil-

in 2023 to include civilian employees of the Guyana Defence Force. Over the past five years, more than $6 billion has been placed in the hands of members of the Disciplined Services th-

row because you deserve it. That is why we are investing in you. I am delighted to join you today at Camp Stephenson for this annual Christmas luncheon,” President Ali said.

Friday, December 19 – 15:50h–17:20h and Saturday, December 20 – 16:35h–18:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY Sunny skies interrupted by brief morning showers are expected during the day, clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.92 metres.

High Tide: 15:58h reaching a maximum height of 2.53 metres.

Low Tide: 09:33h and 22:01h reaching minimum heights of 0.84 metre and 0.67 metre.

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COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil

US$ $59.72/barrel

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President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing GDF ranks at Camp Stephenson, Timehri, on Thursday

O

Accelerating Guyana’s transformation

The announcement comes one day after Ali detailed his Government’s vision and plans for the next five years, aimed at accelerating Guyana’s transformation and placing citizens at the forefront of development.

Speaking from the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, he highlighted measures including cash grants, tax reliefs, salary increases, welfare interventions, and educational opportunities.

Among the initiatives, the President announced a $100,000 cash grant for all Guyanese aged 18 and over, increases to the "Because We Care" grant, the old age pension, and public assistance, as well as tax incentives for small businesses, childcare, elderly care, and investments outside the capital.

He also committed to improving wages for workers under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project, the National Pathway Worker Programme, and Community Service Officers, while abolishing net property tax and increasing the income tax threshold over the next five years.

Other key measures include support for the agriculture sector through diversification and co-investment opportunities, a reduction in duties on double-cab pick-up vehicles, and expanded housing initiatives to promote homeownership, including the delivery of 40,000 homes.

President Ali emphasised that these initiatives are designed not only to strengthen the economy but also to empower citizens, build individual and national wealth, and create opportunities across the country.

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Confronting social harm & collective responsibility

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uyana stands at a crucial moment in its social development, where economic expansion and infrastructural growth must be matched by deliberate attention to the country’s moral, cultural and social health. The Government’s decision to pursue wide-ranging national consultations on gambling, substance abuse and the influence of social media on children signals recognition that development is hollow if it leaves communities fractured and young people vulnerable. These issues, though distinct, share a common thread: unchecked social forces exploiting gaps in regulation, supervision, and public awareness, often with the most damaging consequences borne by families and children.

The impact of social media on young people has emerged as one of the most urgent concerns. Across classrooms and households, educators and parents have raised alarms about declining attention spans, exposure to inappropriate content and the erosion of behavioural norms. Viral incidents involving schoolchildren have underscored the reality that digital platforms do not merely reflect social behaviour but actively shape it. The challenge is not unique to Guyana; several other countries are already experimenting with age restrictions and stricter controls. However, policy responses must be grounded in local realities, cultural norms and enforceable mechanisms. Consultation, rather than reactive prohibition, offers a pathway to solutions that balance child protection, parental responsibility and technological realities.

Schools occupy a critical frontline in this debate, where incidents from poorly supervised activities reveal weaknesses in enforcement rather than in policy alone. Clear guidelines, accountability for administrators and consistent parental engagement are essential.

Safeguarding children in digital and physical spaces requires more than condemnation after the fact; it demands preventive frameworks supported by training, monitoring and consequences for lapses. National dialogue must therefore extend beyond technology to encompass discipline, supervision and values education.

Equally troubling is the evolving landscape of substance abuse.

The emergence of dangerous narcotics and unregulated vaping products presents a direct threat to public health and cognitive development, particularly among youth. These substances arrive through international networks, but their devastation is felt locally, in schools, workplaces, and communities. Addressing this crisis requires coordinated action that integrates law enforcement, public education, healthcare systems and international cooperation.

Prevention must take precedence, supported by credible information campaigns that counter misinformation and reduce stigma around seeking help. Reactive enforcement alone cannot stem a problem driven by demand, accessibility and social pressures.

Gambling represents another corrosive force quietly undermining household stability. Once confined to regulated casino environments, betting has expanded into neighbourhoods and mobile phones, making access constant, and temptation relentless.

Reports of financial ruin, family breakdown and workplace distraction point to a problem that cuts across income levels and professions.

Addiction, by its nature, thrives in silence and denial, often shielded by the normalisation of betting as harmless entertainment. The proliferation of betting shops and online platforms has transformed gambling into a pervasive social risk rather than a marginal activity.

Regulatory reform, including taxation and tighter oversight, is a necessary component of any response. However, regulation alone will not restore savings lost or relationships strained. Public awareness, treatment options and community-based interventions must form part of a comprehensive strategy. Budgetary measures signal seriousness, but their effectiveness will depend on implementation, monitoring, and the political will to withstand resistance from vested interests and public discomfort.

Underlying all three challenges is the indispensable role of community and religious institutions. Policy frameworks can set boundaries, but social norms are shaped in homes, faith spaces, and civic organisations. These institutions possess moral authority, trust and reach that the Government alone cannot replicate. Collaboration, rather than delegation, is required, where public policy supports community-led programmes that promote discipline, compassion and civic responsibility.

The proposed consultations offer an opportunity to move beyond fragmented responses toward a coherent social agenda.

Addressing social media misuse, substance abuse and gambling through collective reckoning is an investment in the nation’s moral and social future.

It was “Soldiers’ Day” on Thursday, December 18, at The Guyana Defence Force’s Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri, where the annual Christmas lunch was attended by Commander-in-Chief, President Dr Irfaan Ali, who also helped serve lunch as he interacted with soldiers at the event (GDF photos)

Home Alone’s "Wet Bandits" are medical miracles

By Adam Taylor

T

he festive movie season is upon us, and one of my perennial favourites is Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. I will die on this hill: it is better than the original. But rewatching it as an adult raises an awkward question. How on earth did the Wet Bandits survive the first film at all, let alone escape without lasting injuries?

Ten-year-old Kevin McCallister, the boy left home alone, sets up traps that are played for laughs, but many involve levels of force that would be catastrophic in real life. A 100 lb (45 kg) bag of cement to the head, bricks dropped from height, or heavy tools swung at the face are not things a human body can simply shrug off. High-impact trauma to the head and neck rarely ends well.

To understand why, it helps to know a little about skull anatomy. The skull has a protective “vault” that encases the brain, while the bones of the face contain hollow spaces called sinuses. These spaces reduce the weight of the skull but also act as a biological crumple zone, helping to absorb force and protect the brain during impacts. But that protection has limits.

A rough calculation of the forces involved when a 100 lb bag of cement strikes the head suggests instant fatal injury. The neck simply cannot absorb that level of force. To put that in perspective, research shows that the cervical spine suffers severe damage above

about 1000 newtons of force.

A 100 lb cement bag already exerts roughly 440 newtons under its own weight, and when falling, it decelerates over a very short distance on impact.

While the exact force depends on the height of the fall and how quickly the bag comes to a stop, even conservative assumptions place the impact well above 1000 newtons, easily exceeding thresholds for catastrophic neck injury.

Beyond that, there is a high risk of brain herniation, where swollen brain tissue is forced into spaces it does not belong. This can compress areas that control breathing and movement, often leading to coma and death.

Head injuries are only part of the problem. Many of Kevin’s traps would also place enormous stress on the chest and major blood vessels. Falling forward from a height, being crushed by heavy objects, or being struck in the torso can cause severe internal injuries.

These forces are commonly seen in high-speed, head-on car crashes. In extreme cases, the impact can rupture the aorta, the body’s main artery, which is almost always fatal.

Crushing injuries elsewhere in the body can have serious and life-changing consequences. Even if they are not immediately deadly, they can cause internal bleeding that worsens over hours or days. Broken ribs, for example, can puncture the liver, kidneys or spleen, allowing blood to leak slowly into the abdomen. Damage

to soft internal organs can also lead to infection, organ failure, or delayed death, depending on the severity.

Then there are the less obviously lethal moments.

When Marv crashes into a shelf stacked with paint tins and the shelf falls on him, the impact alone could cause serious internal injury. And paint splashed into the eyes could cause chemical burns and blindness.

Simple slips and falls are not harmless either.

The bones at the back of the skull are only about 6–7 mm thick. A hard blow here can cause bleeding inside the skull. These brain bleeds do not always show symptoms immediately and may worsen over hours or days after what seemed like a minor bump.

Electricity is another recurring gag that would be anything but funny in reality. When Marv grabs the taps attached to an arc welder, he is exposed to electrical current that causes his muscles to contract uncontrollably. This is why people who touch live electrical sources often cannot let go.

The current overrides the body’s normal nerve signals.

Prolonged exposure increases the risk of disrupting the heart’s normal rhythm, potentially triggering cardiac arrest.

Despite what cartoons suggest, electricity does not make the skeleton visible – as we see happen to Marv.

There is no X-ray radiation involved. To expose bone, you would need extremely high-voltage current, causing fourth-degree burns, which destroy skin, muscle

and bone.

Piercing injuries also feature heavily. A nail through the foot is not just painful. It can damage nerves and soft tissues, fracture bones, and introduce bacteria deep into the wound. This raises the risk of serious infection, including tetanus.

Finally, there is Harry’s infamous blowtorch scene.

Being set alight for 22 seconds is more than enough time to cause permanent nerve damage, potentially destroying pain sensation altogether. While scalp skin is among the thickest on the body, it has relatively little cushioning underneath. This makes the underlying tissue and bone more vulnerable to deep burns, reaching third or even fourth degree severity, which can be lethal.

Add combustible kerosene to the mix, and the risks escalate further. Exposure is linked to kidney damage, heart problems, central nervous system depression and serious respiratory issues.

In short, Harry and Marv are walking medical impossibilities.

Surviving a second round of Kevin McCallister’s festive booby traps would require extraordinary luck, immediate trauma care, and months of rehabilitation. Even if they appeared outwardly fine, the internal damage would probably be devastating.

Perhaps those lingering injuries explain why the Wet Bandits never made it back for another sequel. (The Conversation) (Adam Taylor is a Professor of Anatomy at Lancaster University)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025

5

News

Govt lauded for “forward-thinking” measures to drive Private Sector growth

T

he private sector has commended the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government for continuing to create a conducive environment to advance the development of the local business community.

On Wednesday evening, President Dr Irfaan Ali presented his Government’s policy agenda for the economic and social transformation of Guyana and its people over the next five years.

Included in that plan were measures geared at improving the development of entrepreneurship and private sector advancement – something which the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is pleased with.

“The planned establishment of a Junior Stock Exchange, the Guyana Development Bank, the national E-wallet, and special development zones [with tax incentives] reflect a forward-thinking approach that is focused on creating an enabling business landscape that is inclusive,” the Georgetown Chamber said in a statement on Thursday.

According to the GCCI, the move to prioritise micro-enterprises, women-owned businesses, and persons living with disabilities is also commendable.

“The GCCI remains committed to advocating for initiatives in the interest of the business community and will continue to collaborate with the Government for the implementation of programmes that will propel the private sector forward,” the missive detailed.

In addition to these interventions, the Chamber said it is also eagerly anticipating the implementation of the flat tax on double cab pick-ups, which will improve access to appropriate transportation options for those businesses in the construction, agriculture, and logistics sector.

Recognising the widespread use of double-cab pick-

ups in productive activity, as well as their durability and versatility in both business and household use, President Ali had announced the introduction of a $2 million flat tax on double-cab pick-ups up to less than 2000cc, irrespective of age, and a $3 million flat tax on double-cab pick-ups between 2000cc and 2500cc, also irrespective of age. He said this measure will make it easier for businesses and households to renew or upgrade their transport capabilities.

The intervention was also applauded by the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG).

“This measure will significantly improve access to these essential vehicles for tourism businesses, especially those operating in Guyana’s hinterland regions, where reliable transportation is critical to daily operations,” the Association said in a statement on Thursday.

Another intervention that THAG commended was the removal of corporate taxes across the entire agriculture and agro-processing value chain.

Given his Government's strong emphasis on food security, President Ali revealed plans to engage farmers on examining additional ways to encourage and incentivise diversification – diversification across the sector and diversification within crops.

He also pointed to mega-scale opportunities, whether in livestock, dairy, mega-farms or sugar, noting that they will be incentivising the private sector to form partnerships and consortiums to invest in those opportunities, making them sustainable, profitable and resilient.

While he noted that funds will be allocated in Budget 2026 to advance the diversification in agriculture and agro-processing, including through co-investment opportunities, there will also be added tax incentives to push this

agenda.

“We want to encourage investment in agro-processing, value creation, large-scale farming, mega farms, livestock, dairy, and hatching eggs. We want these opportunities to be created at an unprecedented scale to satisfy national and regional demand. To encourage this, we are going to give the

same fiscal space that we give to health and education to agriculture and agro-processing, that is, the removal of corporate tax on agriculture and agro-processing across the entire value chain, positioning our ecosystem to now be the most competitive for investment in agro-processing, agriculture, and food production,”

erman Vishal Heeraman, known as “Fat Boy”, 28, of Hope Doch Four, East Coast Demerara, were working on the vessel, and on Tuesday, the captain, along with Sarjoo and Heeraman, arrived at Charity at about 20:00h, where the boat was moored at Manch Wharf with their catch, and the fish was sold on Wednesday at about 11:00h.

Police said Sarjoo and Heeraman were each given $6000 to purchase ice. The captain reportedly told them he was going home and would return on Thursday with another worker.

On Thursday at about 10:00h, Sarjoo and Heeraman collected empty ice bags from the boat and set out to purchase ice. However, Sarjoo was reportedly under the influence of alcohol and was unable to proceed. The captain later gave Heeraman $3000

“THAG commends the Government of Guyana for these forward-looking measures, which will strengthen inter-sectoral linkages, support sustainable economic growth, and further position Guyana as a competitive tourism destination,” the Association stated in its missive.

Leguan farmers get guaranteed markets as Govt rolls out major agri investments …to buy all available livestock

T

he Government of Guyana has guaranteed a ready market for livestock farmers on Leguan Island, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), with President Dr Irfaan Ali announcing that the State will purchase all available livestock from farmers as part of a broader push to expand agriculture, improve drainage, and transform livelihoods on the island.

For decades, farmers on Leguan have complained of limited access to reliable markets, particularly for cattle, sheep and goats, due to transportation constraints and the cost of moving animals off the island.

The new guarantee removes that uncertainty by ensuring a ready buyer for farmers’ animals through state-supported mechanisms.

Addressing residents during a community engagement on Thursday, President Ali said the Ministry of Agriculture has been instructed to dispatch a team to Leguan as early as next week to buy cattle directly from farmers – removing longstanding challenges related to transportation and market access.

He noted that the intervention comes amid a national shortage of beef and is intended to give farmers immediate relief while encouraging expand-

ed production.

The President explained that the arrangement will not be a one-off exercise, but will become a monthly programme, ensuring farmers have a guaranteed market for their animals.

Agriculture for economic growth

Under the arrangement, livestock reared on Leguan will be purchased to supply national feeding programmes, including school feeding initiatives, hospitals, and other public institutions, while also supporting agro-processing and value-added initiatives.

Going further, Ali outlined plans for co-investment between the Government and farmers to expand cattle, sheep, and goat production on the island.

In addition, to access $3 million in loans through the Development Bank, farmers will benefit from direct Government participation aimed at rapidly growing the livestock industry.

“The market is growing, and we want your island to play an important role in that market,” the President told residents.

This approach will not only provide immediate income security for farmers, but will also encourage expansion in live-

Fisherman feared drowned after falling into Pomeroon River P

olice in Regional Division Two are investigating a river incident that resulted in the suspected drowning of a 27-year-old fisherman.

Missing is Deodat Sarjoo of Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara. Reports are that the incident occurred on Thursday at about 11:15h in the Pomeroon River, in the vicinity of Manch Wharf, Charity Riverdam, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

According to Police, Sarjoo had been employed for approximately 18 days as a fisherman aboard a drift seine fishing vessel owned by 40-year-old Akash Persaud of Hope Low Land, East Coast Demerara. The vessel normally operates at the Pomeroon River mouth, spending up to 10 days at sea.

Sarjoo and fellow fish-

the Head of State announced.

According to THAG, this policy will enhance Guyana’s competitiveness as an investment destination for agri-tourism, agriculture, agro-processing, and food production, while simultaneously reducing the cost of locally-sourced fresh produce supplied to the tourism and hospitality sector.

Missing: Deodat Sarjoo of Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara

to pay someone to assist with loading the ice and told him that fish left in the icebox would be prepared upon his return.

Heeraman alleged that while he was on the Charity Riverdam near the wharf with a worker waiting for trans-

port, Sarjoo was seen walking along the wharf before entering the boat. He reportedly went into the icebox, removed fish, and while standing at the side of the icebox facing the Pomeroon River, a speedboat passed in the direction of the Charity Wharf. The resulting waves allegedly caused Sarjoo to lose his balance and fall into the river.

Heeraman and the worker searched for Sarjoo but did not see him. Further checks of the surrounding area were made without success. Heeraman subsequently reported the matter to the Charity Police Station.

Police ranks visited the scene. The vessel and surrounding area were photographed, and checks were made for CCTV cameras, but none were found. Statements have been taken, and investigations are continuing.

stock rearing on the island, creating spin-off benefits such as employment, feed production, and transportation services.

Leguan’s flat terrain and available grazing lands have long been identified as suitable for livestock development, but inconsistent demand and logistical hurdles slowed growth.

With the new guarantee, authorities expect farmers to scale up operations, confident that their animals will be sold at fair prices.

Residents were told that the Government intends to deepen its investment in Leguan, using agriculture as a central pillar of economic growth.

While the livestock purchase guarantee took centre stage, officials stressed that it forms part of a broader, integrated development plan for Leguan’s agricultural sector.

Plans include expanded drainage and irrigation works to support crop cultivation, improved farm-to-market access, and technical support for farmers to increase productivity.

The Government also signalled

continued assistance with inputs and extension services to help farmers diversify into crops suited to the island’s soil and climate.

Part of wider investments

Meanwhile, as part of wider agriculture investments, President Ali announced major drainage and irrigation works aimed at boosting rice production on the island.

According to the President, a new canal system will be developed to serve both the eastern and western sections of Leguan, providing drainage and water storage for approximately 13,000 acres of rice land, some of which are currently uncultivated due to limited access to water.

He said the Drainage and Irrigation Authority will construct 4.3 kilometres of drainage, along with one main intake and 25 intermediate structures, beginning after the presentation of Budget 2026.

TURN TO PAGE 16

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025

00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 Nature Programme 09:00 Stop Suffering 10:00 Movie - Vivo (2021) 12:00 News Break 12:05 Movie - Jump In! (2007) 13:30 Indian Movie - Dil Bole Hadippa (2009) 16:00 Indian Soaps 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Nature Programme 18:57 Unwrapped - Fully Stocked 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 Abbot Elementary S4 E21 21:00 Heartland S1 E10 22:00 Indian Movie - Rocky Handsome (2016)

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025

Foundation ◄

Page

cont’d Averages From Frequency Tables

Here is a frequency table about the number of goals scored by a football team in 15 matches:

By Gwendolyn Brooks For Reverend Theodore Richardson

= 1.07 The mean number of goals scored is 1.07 goals.

Example 2 Using this table, we can find averages such as the mode, mean, and median.

If Mary came would Mary Forgive, as Mothers may, And sad and second Saviour Furnish us today?

Example 1

Mode: We look at the frequency column for the highest frequency. The highest frequency is 7 which means that 7 teams scored no goals.

So 0 goals is the mode.

Median: Writing the results of the matches out individually: 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 4 We look for the middle value.

There were 15 matches, so the middle value is the 8th value: 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 4 The median number of goals scored is 1 goal.

Mean: We need to find the total number of goals scored and then divide by the number of matches, n.

• The mode (most frequently occurring value) is 20o, as it occurs 8 times.

• The median (the middle value) is 19o, as out of the 21 values, it is the 11th value

She would not shake her head and leave This military air, But ratify a modern hay, And put her Baby there.

Mary would not punish men– If Mary came again.

[Source: Selected Poems (Harper & Row, 1963)]

• • • •

Paper Pencil Scissors Ruler (optional)

Materials:

Instructions 1.

Create your snowflake template by drawing three straight lines on a piece of square paper. Use the example for drawing your lines.

2.

Fold the paper on the green line, then the blue line, and then the orange line. Your paper will fold over itself.

3.

Find the shortest layer and cut the edges to the same length.

(If you want a hole in the centre of your snowflake, make sure to cut off the small tip.)

4.

You can unfold your paper once in a while to check that you like the design you are making, or wait until the end for a surprise.

5.

Once you’re happy with your snowflake, take a closer look at it. How many points do you see? Do any shapes repeat?

What's happening?

All snowflakes start out as a hexagon! A hexagon is a closed shape with 6 sides and 6 points (or vertices). A snowflake starts as water vapour that forms around a piece of dust or pollen and freezes to make an ice crystal. Many of these crystals stick together to make a snowflake!

Water vapour molecules have three little parts: one oxygen and two hydrogens. These parts come together to make a “V” shape. When six of the “V” shapes connect, they make a hexagon! As more ice crystals get stuck together, the shape grows. Scientists have named more than 30 different kinds of snowflakes!

Write a story about a character waking up to the best news of their life.

WORD SEARCH

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“We support any fight against drug traffickers” – VP …says Guyana would not speculate on US operations

V

ice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has affirmed that Guyana supports all efforts aimed at combating drug trafficking, even amid rising regional tensions involving Venezuela and the United States.

The VP made the remarks during his weekly press conference when asked about the United States' expanded maritime operations in Caribbean international waters, including the interception of a tanker reportedly carrying a Venezuelan crew as part of what has been described as a “shadow fleet”.

He was also questioned about recent engagements between the Government of Guyana and officials from the United States Department of Defence and whether these discussions signalled the possibility of heightened regional conflict.

According to Jagdeo, the United States has clearly outlined its objectives for op-

erating in the region. He referenced public statements made by the US Secretary of Defence, as well as remarks

by President Donald Trump, indicating that the primary purpose of the US presence is to combat drug trafficking.

“We support any fight against drug traffickers, and we will work with the United States of America to collaboratively support all of their activities in blocking illegal drugs from going up to the United States of America or coming to Guyana. That has been a stated objective long before their presence in the region,” Jagdeo said.

He stressed that he is not aware of any plans by the United States to take action against the Venezuelan Government, nor would Guyana necessarily be informed in advance if such actions were contemplated.

He noted that Guyana has received firm assurances from the United States regarding support for the

country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We have engaged with the United States of America, and they have assured us that our sovereignty will be supported and that our territorial integrity will be protected. They have said this openly,” Jagdeo stated.

The Vice President cautioned against speculation, however, saying that Guyana would not be privy to hypothetical military actions by another country.

“If they were to attack Venezuela or take action against drug dealers in Venezuela, they wouldn’t tell the Government of Guyana first. They would do it, inform their Congress, and we would likely learn through the media as well. So I don’t want to embark on a speculative course,” he added.

Jagdeo reiterated that the presence of US assets in Guyanese waters and offshore areas is fully aligned with assurances given to the

Government of Guyana regarding the protection of its territorial integrity.

Only on Wednesday evening, President Dr Irfaan Ali reiterated the Guyana Government’s unwavering support of ongoing efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and other forms of smuggling in the region.

Strong partnerships against smuggling, drug trafficking

“We have a strong partnership with the US and other international partners in dealing with every form of smuggling and drug trafficking,” the Head of State told reporters after delivering a 5-year blueprint for his administration to fast-track transformation and generate wealth for the Guyanese people during its term in office.

“My Administration has absolutely no sympathy for drug traffickers. Tens of thousands, millions of lives are destroyed, and also economies are destroyed by

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

smuggling… We also see our region as one in which democracy must be able to thrive, in which the rule of law must win every single day, [and] in which the freedom of our people, wherever they live and exist, must be honoured. And that is an important element of any modern society, and we support the region being a zone of peace.”

The Guyanese leader’s remarks come on the heels of the United States conducting massive military operations off the Venezuelan shore to

combat transnational crime and the illicit drug trade.

According to Reuters, the US has reported carrying out 22 strikes since September on vessels near the Venezuelan coast and, more recently, in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing at least 87 people as it escalates a military build-up in the Caribbean Sea. The US has said that the boats it bombed were transporting drugs, as foreign leaders, some members of Congress, legal experts and family members of the deceased have called for proof.

GDF vigilant, determined to defend Guyana’s sovereignty – Army Chief D

espite coming under several attacks earlier this year, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, on Thursday said that soldiers are now even more determined and vigilant in serving and protecting Guyana’s sovereignty.

Brigadier Khan made the remarks on Thursday while delivering an address at the GDF’s Base Camp Stephenson Christmas luncheon.

The attacks on GDF officers earlier this year have not deterred soldiers but have instead strengthened their determination and vigilance to protect the country’s sovereignty.

“The year 2025 has been a challenging one on many fronts. But unlike previous years, this year saw our forces being ambushed, attacked, fired upon, and in the process, several of our ranks have been injured…

This did not deter us in any way. If anything else, we came out stronger, braver, more determined, more resolute, and ever so vigilant.

We continue to train hard and execute duties with passion,” he said.

On February 17, six GDF members aboard an army patrol boat on the Cuyuni River came under fire from suspected members of the Syndicato Gang near the Guyana–Venezuela border.

There were no fatalities, and the injured soldiers were airlifted to the city for

Chief of Defence Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan

medical treatment.

Three months later, in May, the army reported that armed men in civilian clothing on the Venezuelan shore along the Cuyuni River carried out three separate attacks within a 24hour period on Guyanese troops conducting riverine patrols.

Brigadier Khan said the GDF stood steadfast and resolute against these threats and was fully prepared moving forward – a resolve that has been bolstered by the acquisition of new assets.

Investments in hardware and capacity

“Equally, we continue to invest in modern tools for our soldiers to operate in the execution of their missions.

In this regard – and on your direction, Commanding Chief – major hardware acquisition continues in the air, land, and sea domains to bolster our capabilities.

As you heard earlier; two new helicopters were added just recently, bringing our total air assets to nine aircraft, the most in recent history, at least in the last four decades.”

A refurbished hangar at Ogle and another currently under construction at Timehri will significantly enhance rapid deployment capabilities and strategic reach to conduct special operations and search-andrescue missions.

Such operations bode well for regional partnerships. In the maritime domain, the GDF is expected to receive its largest ship in 2026. In the meantime, the Coast Guard has continued to assert its presence, including through the participation of the GDFS Shahood in Exercise Tradewinds in Trinidad earlier this year.

In addition to these investments, heavy emphasis has been placed on training and capacity building within the GDF. “We continue to focus heavily on this strategic resource through training, both conventional and specialist. Over 900 ranks were trained locally and overseas. And for the first time, we have a Lance Corporal completing a degree programme at the university level. Give yourselves a round of applause,” he said.

GDF support

Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier

Omar Khan, congratulated Commander-in-Chief President Dr Irfaan Ali on the commencement of his second term in office, while commending the President for his continued support of the nation’s soldiers and the wider Defence Force.

Brigadier Khan highlighted that under President Ali’s directive, five new medals were introduced in recognition of the service and sacrifices of soldiers who successfully completed special missions.

These include operations in engineering, search and rescue, special operations, joint operations, and disaster relief. He noted that since November of this year, every serving member of the force would wear at least one medal, symbolising performance, dedication, and the effective execution of duties.

Reflecting on the past year, Brigadier Khan stated that despite numerous challenges, the Defence Force remained steadfast,

disciplined, and prepared to confront future responsibilities. He emphasised that the force continued to serve the nation with resolve and professionalism.

In closing, the Chief of Staff invited President Ali to address the soldiers, outlining his vision and acknowledging the investments and support provided since 2020 toward strengthening the Defence Force and safeguarding Guyana’s territorial integrity.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 minibus drivers fined $190,000 for dangerous driving T Looking…

hree minibus drivers have been charged and fined a total of $190,000 after being found guilty of dangerous driving offences detected through

three counts of dangerous driving. Trenton Europe of Lot 69, Block 20, Enmore Haslington, East Coast Demerara, who drove minibus BAE 2338, was fined

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the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS), following intensified road safety enforcement efforts by the Government of Guyana.

In a release on Thursday, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said the enforcement exercise is being carried out joint-

ly with the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) and SRIS as part of ongoing measures to improve road safety and curb dangerous driving practices.

According to the Police, SRIS-generated video footage, captured since the introduction of illegal third-

lane monitoring last week, led to the prosecution of three minibus drivers who appeared before the courts and pleaded guilty.

Steffon Welch of Lot 125 Eastville, Annandale Housing Scheme, the driver of minibus BAG 6768, was fined $120,000 for

$40,000 for one count of dangerous driving. Both matters were heard at the Sparendamm Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Clive Nurse.

In a separate matter, Lakeram Omrow of Lot 296 Long Pond, Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara, the

driver of minibus BAJ 2598, appeared before Magistrate Ms Shivanie Lalaram at Georgetown Magistrate’s Court No. Seven. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was fined $30,000.

The Police further disclosed that cases involving nine other minibus drivers flagged by SRIS were called

before the courts; however, the drivers failed to appear. As a result, summonses were issued for their appearance on February 13, 2026. Those summoned are Stanley Mohamed (BAJ 7121), Noel Bowen (BZZ 1640), Avery Corbin (BAK 6541), Nyal Eustace

Thom (BAD 6067), Phillip Premnauth Mohabir (BAJ 5423), Neil Dos Santos (BAD 5794), Martin Hunte (BAE 5920), Daniel Van Collins (BAE 7708), and Shane Walker (BMM 2609).

Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh said the use of tech-

eo-analytics technology to identify vehicles attempting to use turning lanes or inner lanes as shortcuts to bypass traffic. Each violation is documented using high-definition video, capturing the vehicle’s speed, lane position and licence plate number. This evidence

nology has significantly strengthened enforcement efforts. “The era of dangerous driving going unnoticed is over. With SRIS, offences are detected, recorded, and taken before the courts.

Drivers who choose to break

is then used by the GPF to support dangerous-driving charges. For years, motorists have complained about drivers forming an unauthorised “third lane”, particularly during peak hours.

Behaviour that often leads

the law should expect consequences,” he stated.

The GPF also indicated that additional matters identified through SRIS are being prepared for filing and will be brought before the courts on an ongoing basis. Additional resources are being deployed to ensure offenders, including those with outstanding tickets, are brought before the courts in the shortest possible time.

The upgraded SRIS platform uses advanced vid-

to collisions, sudden swerving, and traffic congestion.

Authorities say the new detection feature directly addresses these concerns by providing verifiable and consistent evidence for enforcement. SRIS currently monitors traffic across more than 100 lanes nationwide, with further expansion already planned. By automating detection, the GPF is now able to enforce lane discipline without deploying officers at every intersection.

…for freeness

s your Eyewitness predicted yesterday – long BEFORE Pressie delivered his announced address to the nation – the only thing Guyanese were interested in was a cash grant for Christmas!! As such, your Eyewitness is willing to bet dollars to doughnuts that if you randomly ask ANY Guyanese today – including “born PPP” ones – what Pressie said, they’ll tell you that the cash grant won’t be coming till next year!! And it’ll be told in a doleful voice with mournful eyes and a long face!!

Now your Eyewitness likes to shop as much as anyone else – ok…ok…not as much as his missus!! – So he would’ve been tickled pink with a cash infusion in the week before Christmas!! And so there was the hope he woulda been able to take the family to one of those fancy gourmet restaurants that are popping up around town!! But there wasn’t the EXPECTATION – which was clearly in the minds of most Guyanese – about the cash grant that amounted to an ENTITLEMENT!! And this should be worrisome to anyone concerned about where our country’s heading – since it signals the emergence of a “handout culture”!!

Take, for instance, Pressie’s repetition of the announcement that there’s gonna be a development bank launched with $200 MILLION of capital – available at ZERO INTEREST to any Guyanese with a plan to start a business!! Or that there will be “investment zones” created around the country – especially where there’s high unemployment – where businesses won’t have to pay taxes?? Shouldn’t this have generated some excitement?? Isn’t this a perfect example of the aphorism that it’s better to teach a man to fish than give him a fish – since rather than getting a single meal, he can have meals for the rest of his life??

Now this doesn’t mean that there shouldn’t be assistance for those who’re still stuck in poverty. And this is where the government’s preference for DIRECTED cash transfers makes more sense. Help those who’re in need rather than everybody – even those who are foreign – who really don’t NEED the top-up but certainly WANT it since – as the saying goes – there’s never, ever too much money!! The projected increase of pensions from $41,000 to $60,000 monthly is an additional directed cash transfer, innit??

With all of that as a background, your Eyewitness believes Pressie should ease up on the promises of cash transfers and focus on teaching more folks to fish! Or if they ain’t entrepreneurially minded – to work for those who are!! Our oil is a finite resource, and the President must stick to the PPP’s policy of diversifying the economy to prepare us for when it runs out!!

Just look at the example of what went down in T&T!! …at “moral promises” As expected, the Opposition’s making hay on Guyanese disappointment at not getting a cash grant for Christmas. They’d created the cash grant narrative – with the rump (runt?) PNC even picketing for it at their Square of the Revolution!! But your Eyewitness was kinda intrigued by a statement from Sanction Man – who defines himself as “LOO in waiting” but walks like he’s “waiting for a LOO”!! He said “a moral contract” had been created when Pressie said back in August that “Guyanese would have a beautiful Christmas”!!

Overlooking the assumption that only a cash grant could deliver a “beautiful” Christmas and ignoring that Pressie’s given us one of the most beautiful Christmas experiences in the Christmas Village, it would seem that to Sanction Man, statements on the campaign trail form enforceable “moral contracts”!!

So when on the same campaign trail, he’d said he didn’t smuggle gold to the US. Didn’t he make a “moral promise” to clear his name??

So why fight extradition to an American court?? …at names Indians have been here for almost two hundred years, but it seems their existence still hasn’t been integrated into the national psyche. Imagine a letter-writer with a common female name – Surujdai, meaning Sun Goddess – is referred to as “he”!!

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

9 National consultations coming to tackle gambling, drug abuse & impact of social media on children T NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Guyana Government will be rolling out a series of national consultations to address a number of issues plaguing society, from gambling and drug abuse to the impact of social media on young children.

President Dr Irfaan Ali made these revelations on Wednesday evening as he presented his Administration’s policy agenda for economic and social transformation of Guyana and Guyanese over the next five years.

According to the Head of State, he has been besieged with grave concerns from parents, teachers and elders about the corrosive effects of social media, especially on the young population.

This challenge, he noted, is not peculiar to Guyana, with its impact keenly felt in homes and classrooms, particularly among impressionable children.

Ali pointed out that while other countries are already taking drastic steps, such as restricting social media for children and young people under the age of 16, his Government’s response will be driven by feedback from the population.

“I have been urged repeatedly and passionately that we must act to arrest the abuse and harmful effects of social media. In the spirit of consultation that will characterise how my administration shapes policy over the next five years, I’ve therefore asked the Ministers of Education [Sonia Parag];

Information [Kwame McCoy]; Labour [Keoma Griffith]; and Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation [Zulfikar Ally] to embark on national consultations so that our response is thoughtful, inclusive and anchored in the recommendation of our people,” the President stated.

Only earlier this month, there was a video that went viral of minors dancing inappropriately with each other during what appears to be a Christmas social at a Georgetown secondary school.

The Education Ministry has condemned the behaviour of students seen in a now-viral video that captured minors dancing inappropriately with each other during what appears to be a Christmas social at a Georgetown secondary school.

Education Minister Sonia Parag had expressed deep concerns over the content circulating online, which shows students – suspected to be in Grades Seven to Nine – engaging in “inappropriate and vulgar behaviour” while dressed in school uniforms.

“Let me be very clear: the Ministry of Education DOES NOT condone such behaviour or conduct by students, whether it is a Christmas social or otherwise,” Parag declared.

The incident has sparked concern among parents, educators and the public regarding supervision at school-hosted activities. However, it was noted

President Dr Irfaan Ali

that the Ministry had instructed headteachers to properly supervise and control Christmas socials.

According to Parag, those responsible for failing to provide supervision must be held accountable.

Drug abuse

Another troubling challenge that the Guyanese leader highlighted on Wednesday is the spread of new forms of substance abuse, including dangerous varieties of vaping and the use of potent narcotics, such as fentanyl and other drugs known to impair cognitive abilities.

The Head of State explained that this is not a distant threat but a present and pressing international pandemic.

“I wish to address these emerging forms of substance abuse directly through informed policy, public educa-

tion and coordinated action that place prevention and protection at the centre of what we do,” he noted while recommitting to work with international partners against all forms of drug smuggling.

“We have a global responsibility to save this generation and generations to come…

[And we’ve] sharpened our fight against narcotics to protect our children and our communities,” the President added.

Unchecked gambling

Meanwhile, the Guyanese leader said he has been equally bombarded with concerns from families, religious leaders and community advocates about the ill effects of gambling, which has seeped into too many households, eroding savings, imposing financial hardships, straining relationships and fuelling harmful social consequences.

“This too…”, according to President Ali, “…demands a collective reckoning. We’ll consult widely with all stakeholders and those who regulate.

Arising out of these deliberations, we will incorporate concrete measures in the 2026 budget to confront and curtail this courage.”

Also speaking on the pernicious influence of unchecked gambling, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo told reporters at his press conference on Thursday that while there is no specific demographic that this issue is affecting, it has widespread impact.

“It cuts across [all categories]. It happens at some places, even in the workplace. At construction sites, people sit at the top of a seven-storey building, and they’re placing a bet on their phone. [It’s] an addiction, so…it’s really, really affecting a lot of people,” he stated.

Jadgeo says that while many would not like this move to curb gambling, it is a necessary step in shaping Guyanese society.

In the past, gambling was once limited to guests of hotel-based casinos, but with hundreds of betting shops in communities across Guyana and online mobile apps, the practice has quickly caused a major social problem across the country.

Back in October, the Vice President had indicated that the Government would be tightening regulations and im-

posing higher taxes on online gambling after increasing complaints of breadwinners losing their money to this activity instead of taking care of their families.

“We have already made it clear that this gambling that has blossomed and created a series of negative problems for our communities, breaking up families, creating hardship for a lot of single parents, mothers especially, where people utilise the money that they have, the income, to all day be online gambling,” Jagdeo had stated at a previous press conference.

Nevertheless, both President Ali and VP Jagdeo emphasised the roles that religious and community leaders will have to play as part of the efforts to address these societal scourges.

“A truly strong society is one that cultivates compassion as a virtue, encourages greater civic mindedness in daily life, and recognises the indispensable role of religious and social organisation in shaping hearts as well as habits. These institutions are the moral ligaments of the nation, binding us together, reminding us that prosperity without humanity is hollow. And here, the religious community, our religious leaders, will have to take leadership and as a Government, we will work with you in supporting programmes, policies and projects that will achieve this agenda,” the Head of State declared.

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Public servants already enjoying GPSU’s negotiated salary increase – Jagdeo …says 2025's 8% salary increase already in effect

V

ice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday reminded public servants that they are already benefitting from salary increases through the collective bargaining agreement with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), while emphasising that an eight per cent salary increase for 2025 is already in effect.

Speaking during his weekly press conference, Jagdeo dismissed claims that wage increases were overlooked in President Irfaan Ali’s recent national address, noting that matters relating to salaries are traditionally addressed during the annual budget presentation.

He noted that retroac-

tive payments for 2024 were paid earlier in the year, rather than at Christmas, due to a negotiated arrangement with the union.

“Wages, public service, salary, all of that will either be negotiated with the unions, I know through collective bargaining, but there will be budgetary provisions next year. The President didn't need to announce that now. That will be in the budget for salary increases for next year. Some people said, What about the retroactive? But they collected, you know, the annual salary thing, because we had, normally, if you don't reach agreement with the union, you will collect the whole year's increase at Christmas time,” the VP said.

Jagdeo reminded that public servants are already benefiting from negotiated increases under a landmark two-year agreement signed between the Government of Guyana and the GPSU in December 2024.

Under that agreement, public servants received a retroactive 10 per cent salary increase effective January 1, 2024, followed by a further eight per cent increase in 2025. Meanwhile, in the GPSU agreement, public servants in Grades One to Six with a minimum of four years of service were moved to the midpoint of their current scale, resulting in salary increases of up to 13 per cent for some employees. Those with a minimum of eight years of ser-

vice within Grades One to Six were moved to the maximum of their scale, leading to salary increases of up to 26 per cent.

Additionally, public servants in Grades Seven to Eight with at least four years of service in their current scale were eligible for an additional monthly amount equivalent to the nominal difference between the minimum and midpoint of Grade Six, providing increases of up to 11 per cent.

Jagdeo also pointed out that these adjustments bring the cumulative salary increase for public servants to approximately 35 per cent over the past four years, underscoring the Government’s sustained approach to improving public

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

sector compensation.

“So, people started collecting their payment for this year earlier in the year.

So they got, and I think it was July or so, June, July, they got the retroactivity up to January. But that will be in the budget. So, there was no need to announce that,” he added.

Not a substitute for income

Turning to the Government’s recently announced $100,000 cash grant, Jagdeo cautioned against framing the initiative as a replacement for wages or a standalone economic solution.

He pushed back strongly against opposition criticism surrounding the timing and size of the grant, describing such attacks as politically motivated and lacking substance. Jagdeo stressed that the administration is focused on delivery and longterm planning, rather than daily political disputes.

“Cash grants should help supplement what you have…

You don’t manage a country for cash grants alone… We are not going to be engaged in a daily fight over issues,” he said. “What we have done in the last three months in terms of conceptualisation, planning, and starting to implement would take them a decade.”

The VP noted that the $100,000 cash grant represents a massive fiscal commitment, amounting to approximately $63 billion,

more than Guyana’s entire current revenue when he began his second term as President.

“That is the magnitude of it,” he said, adding that similar programmes in other countries have been scaled back or discontinued.

Further, Jagdeo clarified that the cash grant was never promised for immediate distribution before Christmas and that no budgetary provision currently exists, which would require parliamentary approval.

Against this backdrop, the VP emphasised that the Government’s economic strategy goes far beyond cash transfers, pointing to massive investments planned over the next five years in housing, healthcare, education, pensions, and public assistance.

“We’re going to spend over $800 billion on housing,” Jagdeo said. “That will change multiple lives – hundreds of thousands of families.”

He added that increases are also planned for children’s grants, pensioners, public assistance recipients, and wages and salaries, reinforcing that cash grants are only one part of a broader development framework.

“We’re in office until 2031,” he said. “The people will get help – all of the people. But you have to earn too. Cash grants are meant to support, not replace, the work of building a strong and resilient economy.”

NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt hires over 3000 new healthcare professionals to boost service delivery …Guyana now leads region in telemedicine, digital health

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s the healthcare sector continues to expand with the opening up of six new regional hospitals across the country, the Guyana Government has recruited more than 3000 health professionals to service these facilities.

This was revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday evening as he presented his Administration’s blueprint to fast-track the country’s transformation and generate wealth for the Guyanese people during this term in office.

By 2028, the Government is planning to operationalise 12 state-of-the-art regional hospitals, delivering world-class healthcare services to residents in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Eight, and Nine.

Already, six of these hospitals have been complet-

ed at Lima, Region Two; De Kinderen, Region Three; Enmore, Region Four; Diamond, also in Region Four; Bath, Region Five; and No. 75, Region Six. The President had made it clear that he would not be accepting any excuses when it comes to fully staffing these new hospitals and other medical facilities that are being built out across the country.

Filling the gaps Noting that the human resources gaps in the medical field need to be fixed in the short term as Guyana builds its own cohort of healthcare professionals, the Head of State had instructed the Health Ministry to seek the needed skills from overseas.

In fact, Guyana has turned to India for personnel to fill gaps within the healthcare sector. Only in July, a New

Delhi-based recruitment firm – Ansari Manpower Overseas Consultant – published an advertisement inviting male and female nurses in India to work at Government hospitals in Guyana.

Meanwhile, the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Amit Telang, had told the Guyana Times in October that his country is ready to supply the skilled personnel needed for the local health sector, from technicians and nurses to doctors.

“So, as and when there is a requirement, I think the Government of Guyana through the High Commission in Delhi is also looking at the possibility of getting skilled manpower,” Dr Telang had stated.

The diplomat had indicated too that there is already an increasing number of Indian healthcare workers in Guyana.

“We are aware of this because we have noticed that in terms of the Indians who are coming to us to avail of the consular services, like renewing their passports and other things, attestation of documents. So, we have definitely seen over the last couple of months, the number of people who are coming from India has increased. And most of them, I think, are in the disciplines like healthcare… So, that’s how we gauge that these are the areas in which there is a requirement, and more and more people, the skilled personnel from India, are coming,” the High Commissioner previously explained.

Additionally, only recently, a total of 508 nursing assistants from Regions One to Ten graduated from the Ministry of Health’s Hybrid Nursing Assistant Training Programme, a pioneering ini-

President Dr Irfaan Ali

tiative designed to strengthen Guyana’s healthcare workforce.

Telemedicine networks Meanwhile, as the Guyana Government seeks to move towards a modern and technology-driven health system, service delivery has been advanced across the country through the revolutionary telemedicine programme.

Currently, Guyana has one

of the most extensive telemedicine networks, with some 81 telemedicine sites across the country, with plans to add another 50 sites in the coming months.

According to President Ali, this digital health initiative positions Guyana as a regional leader. “...we are now the leader in telemedicine in this region,” he declared.

TURN TO PAGE 16

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Budget 2026 slated for January – fiscal package to give effect to President Ali’s strategic 5-year plan

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ice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday confirmed that Budget 2026 will be presented in January 2026, stressing that the upcoming fiscal package will give full effect to President Dr Irfaan Ali’s strategic five-year development agenda, which was outlined during his recent national address.

Speaking at his weekly press conference at Freedom House on Robb Street, Jagdeo cautioned against the misconception that the President’s address amounted to a budget presentation, emphasis-

ing that the speech was intended to set policy direction rather than announce detailed spending measures.

“I don’t want the impression to be created that the President made the budget speech,” Jagdeo said. “The budget speech will come in January, and it will give effect to what the President said and much more.”

Jagdeo explained that President Ali’s address focused on laying out the broad policy framework and strategic priorities for the next five years, rather than detailing every initiative or expendi-

ture.

“What the President was doing was outlining the broad agenda,” he said. “He dealt with some very specific promises that he made, but he did not attempt to announce every initiative.”

Assessment of Guyana’s current position

According to the VP, one of the most important aspects of the President’s message was its honest assessment of Guyana’s current position, acknowledging both the progress made and the disparities that remain. He noted that

over the past five years, the Government has delivered on key commitments, resulting in visible improvements nationwide.

“We made a lot of progress in the past five years because we kept our promise to people,” Jagdeo said. “We expanded education. We expanded healthcare through many initiatives. We expanded infrastructure. We expanded job creation and income creation – and that’s visible for all Guyanese to see.”

“This progress has not touched our country evenly across Guyana, and it has not

touched everyone the same way, or every sector,” he said.

“Although our entire country may have seen improvements – whether you live in the deepest part of our hinterland or on the coast – not everyone has the same opportunity.”

Jagdeo strongly defended the administration’s record, listing multiple commitments that he said were not only promised but delivered – often beyond original targets.

“We promised 50,000 education slots; we delivered it,” he said. “We promised 20,000 scholarships; we delivered 37,000, plus tens of thousands more through other programmes.”

He added that the Government implemented free education, paid CXC examination fees despite not initially promising to do so, restored the one-month joint services bonus, reinstated water and electricity subsidies for pensioners, and removed taxes on a wide range of food items.

“We removed the taxes on gasoline and diesel that cost us about $100 billion a year,” Jagdeo said. “Every gallon of gas or diesel you buy has over $500 in subsidy.”

Further, Jagdeo sought to ground expectations around oil revenues, pointing out that petroleum income alone cannot fund the national budget.

“All of the oil revenue that we have is only 37 per cent of the budget,” he said. “You can’t even finance 50 per cent of the budget from oil money, but we want big cash grants – so where is the rest of the money going to come from?”

He explained that the

Vice President Jagdeo

Bharrat

Government’s five-year planning framework is designed to responsibly finance national priorities through a mix of funding sources.

“We know now, based on very conservative forecasts in revenue, how we will finance all of these measures,” Jagdeo said. “It will be a combination of oil revenue, non-oil revenue, and some borrowing on terms that we have defined.”

Importantly, he noted Guyana’s strong fiscal position, highlighting that the Natural Resource Fund currently holds more money than the country’s total external foreign debt.

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday outlined a five-year blueprint aimed at fast-tracking Guyana’s transformation, promising people-centred development through cash grants, tax relief, salary increases and welfare support.

Speaking during a national address at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, the Guyanese leader explained that the aim is to build an even more resilient economy through further diversification of non-oil economic activities while ensuring that citizens’ interests and well-being are protected.

Traffic Department cracks down on LED, other visual displays on vehicles

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he Traffic Department has warned motorists that the installation and use of unauthorised LED light displays and electronic visual devices on motor vehicles constitute a breach of prescribed fitness requirements.

In a public advisory, the department said devices such as illuminated “eyes”, animated or moving images, scrolling lights, coloured LED panels, and similar visual displays are not approved for use on vehicles. Authorities noted that such additions can distract other road users, impair visibility, particularly at night, and create confusion with authorised emergency or

warning lights.

According to the Traffic Department, the presence of these devices increases the risk of road traffic accidents and undermines overall road safety.

Traffic ranks have been instructed to take enforcement action against drivers found in breach of the regulations. Measures may include prosecution, the removal of unauthorised devices, and the disqualification of a vehicle’s certificate of fitness.

The department on Thursday reminded motorists that compliance with road traffic laws is essential and emphasised that road safety is a shared responsibility.

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16 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Massy reports over US$113M in profits, with Guyana among key contributors M

assy Holdings Ltd recorded growth in revenue, profit and cash generation in the Financial Year 2025 (FY2025), with Guyana identified as one of the markets contributing to improved performance within the group’s integrated retail operations.

According to the company’s financial results, revenue in the Integrated Retail Portfolio rose four per cent to TT$9.9 billion, driven by activity in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

The portfolio remained Massy’s largest contributor during the period.

At the Group level, third-party revenue increased by three per cent to TT$15.8 billion (US$2.3 billion). Profit Before Tax from continuing operations rose four per cent to TT$1.1 billion (US$169.3 million), while Profit After Tax increased 14 per cent to TT$766.3 million (US$113.7 million). Net cash generated from operating activities climbed 24 per cent to TT$1.67 billion (US$247.7 million), reflecting stronger cash inflows from day-to-day operations.

Massy also reported an improvement in its financial position, with the debt-to-equity ratio strengthening to 34 per cent, excluding leases, signalling reduced reliance on borrowing and increased flexibility.

Other portfolios delivered varied results. The Gas Products Portfolio recorded a six per cent decline in revenue to TT$2.03 billion, attributed to softer demand.

However, profit before tax in the segment rose eight per cent to TT$385 million, supported by cost controls. The Motors & Machines Portfolio

posted revenue growth of seven per cent to TT$3.73 billion, though profit before tax declined 18 per cent to TT$186 million as margins came under pressure.

Massy’s Financial Services segment, which includes Massy Finance GFC and Massy Remittances, continued to support the Group’s operating portfolios through credit, digital payments and foreign exchange services.

Shareholders saw a five per cent increase in total dividends per share to 17.70 cents, while earnings per share rose nine per cent to 36.49 cents.

The Group’s share price appreciated by five per cent over the financial year, resulting in a total shareholder return of 12.18 per cent.

FY2025 also marked a leadership transition. James McLetchie assumed the role of Group President and Chief Executive Officer on October 1, 2025, succeeding David Affonso. Ivette Zuniga was appointed Chief Financial Officer, and Ryan Latchu became Chief Executive Officer of the Motors & Machines Portfolio.

Looking ahead, Massy said it will continue to invest

in technology, innovation and workforce development as part of its strategy to support sustainable growth across its regional operations, including Guyana.

Massy Holdings Ltd is a publicly-listed investment holding company with a diversified portfolio spanning integrated retail, gas products, motors & machines and financial services. The Group operates across the Caribbean, Guyana, Colombia and Florida and is listed on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange and the Jamaica Stock Exchange.

Leguan farmers get... Corentyne house blaze maliciously FROM PAGE 5

To support the works, the Government has assigned four excavators and one mini-excavator to the island, with an additional mini-excavator scheduled to be delivered before the end of the year to assist with interlocking drains.

President Ali reminded residents that Leguan has benefitted from nearly $2 billion in investments over the past five years, including improvements in water supply, agriculture, and flood control.

He highlighted the construction of a new water treatment plant, the expansion of water coverage to every household, and improvements in water quality, with treated water expected to be delivered soon.

The President said these investments have contributed to rising land and property values on the island, driven by renewed confidence and sustained development.

Ali also announced that electricity costs on Leguan are expected to decline signifi-

cantly after Budget 2026, following investments in solar energy systems for the island.

Bridge linking Leguan, Wakenaam

Meanwhile, engineers are conducting final assessments on the long-discussed bridge linking Leguan and Wakenaam, while a new ferry service is being commissioned to improve transport to Parika and ease movement for farmers and residents.

Healthcare services are also set to improve, with a new X-ray facility scheduled for completion by the end of February and plans for a new hospital facility offering maternity, dental, and laboratory services. A permanent doctor is already stationed on the island, with monthly specialist visits to be introduced.

President Ali said the Government remains committed to ensuring that agriculture-led development translates into better livelihoods and long-term opportunities for residents of Leguan.

set – Divisional Fire Chief

...Police await fire department report; suspect released on station bail

B

erbice Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald, has told this publication that preliminary investigations indicate that the Salton Village, Corentyne, Berbice house fire last Friday was maliciously set.

Police investigations into the fire that destroyed the home of Samantha Crawford a week ago are continuing, and authorities say further action is dependent on a report from the Guyana Fire Service.

Regional Police Commander Assistant Commissioner Shivpersaud Bacchus confirmed that the man who was initially taken into custody in connection with the incident has been released on station bail.

According to Bacchus, the suspect was held for the

maximum 72 hours, after which Police could not lawfully continue his detention without instituting formal charges.

“The Police are now awaiting the fire department’s report to complete

the case file,” Bacchus explained, adding that once the document is received, the matter will be sent for legal advice.

The update comes as Crawford remains displaced following the blaze, which

occurred while she was away from the property. She has maintained her allegation that the fire may be linked to a long-standing dispute with a caretaker who had lived at the premises for several decades.

Govt hires over 3000 new...

“In health, we are not only building new state-ofthe-art facilities, but we are also re-engineering the entire health system around the goal of providing world-class service to Guyanese people,” the Guyanese leader added.

These efforts include the development of an electronic inventory management system to track the movement and availability of drug supplies across the entire system.

“This will help to ensure that adequate levels of drugs and medical supplies are readily available at public health facilities countrywide, thereby minimising bottlenecks and delays and wastage. And with this system, we will be able to track professionals who are not doing their jobs and hold them accountable wherever there is wastage, bottlenecks or delays in the provision of these services,” he stated.

Further, the Government is working on rolling out a national health records platform, deploying an electronic appointment system, and deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen health services all

across the country.

He contended that “access to health must not be on the basis of who you know, who you’re related to, or where you come from. It must be system-based, and that is what we are doing – deploying AI to strengthen health services all across the country that is system based. This means that every Guyanese can go anywhere in Guyana and receive consistent quality care in a timely manner.”

Only recently, the Digital Health Training Institute was launched – a three-year programme designed to prepare technicians, data scientists, trainers and digital support staff to operate Guyana’s digital health technology system.

Moreover, the Government is working with international partners such as the United States-based Mount Sinai Health System and Hess Corporation to establish a modern oncology centre here to enhance the cancer treatment and care.

In the first phase, this facility will expand access to cancer screening, diagnostics and

FROM PAGE 11

treatment options, while in the second phase, it will offer advanced tertiary oncology services.

President Ali went on to state that his administration’s investments in the health sector will also position Guyana to be a biotechnology research hub within the next five years.

“We will construct a life sciences park that will provide for, among other things, biobank storage, facilities for diagnostics, drugs and vaccine manufacturing, capabilities for clinical trials, the establishment of a Tropical Medicine Institute, data warehouse development with analytics and AI for the life sciences.”

“In the next five years, whether you live on the coast or in the hinterland, you will be able to visit a health facility and receive first-class care from diagnosis to treatment, including timely access to the drugs and medical supplies you need, supported by cutting-edge technology, delivered by Guyanese health professionals who were trained right here at home,” the Head of State declared.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

508 graduate from Hybrid Nursing Assistant Programme S

ome 508 nursing assistants from Regions One to 10 recently marked a significant milestone as they graduated from the Ministry of Health’s Hybrid Nursing Assistant Training Programme, a pioneering initiative designed to strengthen Guyana’s healthcare workforce.

The programme forms part of the Ministry’s broader hybrid approach to health education, which strategically combines virtual learning with handson practical training. This blended model ensures students are not only grounded in theory but are also adequately prepared to meet the demands of real-world healthcare environments.

The theoretical component of the training was delivered online, providing flexibility and improved access for students across the country, particularly

The new nursing assistants at the graduation ceremony

those in hinterland and rural communities. This was supported by face-to-face tutorial sessions, allowing for deeper engagement, clarification of course material, and continuous academic support.

To further enhance learning, students participated in practical and clinical training within modern simulation laboratories established in several regions. These facilities provided realistic,

hands-on experiences that bridged the gap between classroom knowledge and patient care, equipping graduates with the confidence and competence required in clinical settings.

Only in May, Health

Minister Dr Frank Anthony made the announcement during the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC) Annual Nursing Awards Ceremony, where he underscored the urgency of expanding and modernising Guyana’s nursing capacity in response to global shortages and rising local demand.

He noted that Guyana’s three core nursing schools in Georgetown, Linden, and New Amsterdam had previously produced only 200 to 250 registered nurses annually. However, the introduction of the hybrid nursing assistant programme enabled a significant scale-up in training, with participants completing theoretical coursework online and practical training at simulation centres across the country. At the time, more than 1500 persons were enrolled, with another 1000 expected to join later in the year.

Dr Anthony also highlighted the relevance of the initiative as Guyana advanced construction on six new regional hospitals in Lima, Diamond, Enmore, Bath, Skeldon, and West Demerara, all of which will require adequately trained medical personnel.

He said that instead of lamenting the shortage of nurses, the Government had taken a systematic approach to expanding the profession by creating clear career pathways for entry-level nursing assistants to progress to registered nurses and, ultimately, specialised areas of care.

More than 900 nursing assistants across Guyana entered the final year of the Health Ministry’s pioneering Hybrid Training Programme in May of 2025 – a major stride in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its health workforce.

ERC takes holiday tidings to Karrau, Kartabo communities

T

he Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) said it has continued its nationwide holiday outreach with a toy distribution exercise for nursery and primary school students in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), bringing festive cheer to children from the Karrau and Kartabo communities.

In a press release the Commission stated that the activity was held at the Karrau Multi-Purpose Centre, which hosted nursery and primary school students from Karrau, and the Kartabo Multi-Purpose Centre, where children from Kartabo gathered to participate in the initiative.

The exercise, it noted, forms part of the Commission’s annual Christmas outreach, aimed at fostering unity, inclusion, and goodwill among

an early age.

Community representatives expressed appreciation for the ERC’s visit, noting that such engagements help to instil positive values while making children feel seen and supported, the release added.

The ERC also extended its gratitude to President Dr Irfaan Ali for donating a portion of the toys distributed during the exercise and reiterated that it remains committed to sustaining community engageGuyana’s diverse communities.

ERC’s Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack, along with Commissioners Deon Dick (Ras Khafra), Chandrowtie Sarran, Reverend Rodwell Porter, Norris Witter, Chief Executive Officer Gomin Camacho, and secretariat staff, was part of the toys’ distribution exercise to the children.

The engagement also provided an opportunity for meaningful interaction with students, educators, and community members, reinforcing messages of harmony and mutual respect, it added.

According to the ERC, Chairman Hack noted that the exercise extended beyond the distribution of toys, as he and fellow Commissioners took time to interact with the children and share valuable life les-

sons.

He emphasised the importance of respect, not only within the school environment but also for their homes, families, neighbours, and the wider community, stressing that these values are essential to nurturing responsible citizens and promoting peaceful coexistence from

ments as a key pillar of its mandate.

Initiatives such as the holiday toy distribution drive play an important role in strengthening social cohesion and reinforcing the principles of respect, inclusion, and unity that underpin Guyana’s multiculturalism, the ERC stated.

18

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Brazil's Lula vows to veto US Treasury Dept orders bill cutting Bolsonaro's sanctions against Mexican cartel 27-year prison sentence T

B

razilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Thursday said he will veto a bill passed by the country's Congress to cut former President Jair Bolsonaro's 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup and also told journalists he wanted to reduce tensions

between the United States and Venezuela.

Brazil's Senate on Wednesday voted to approve the bill – which was passed by the country's lower house last week – after Bolsonaro received his sentence in November for plotting a coup against Lula af-

ter losing the 2022 election.

"With all due respect to Congress, when it gets to my table, I will veto it," Lula told a press conference. "I have the right to veto it, and then they have the right to overturn my veto or not." (Excerpt from Reuters)

DR: German man arrested at airport with 17 packages of suspected cocaine hidden in suitcase

T

he National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) of the Dominican Republic (DR) seized 17 packages allegedly containing cocaine at Las Américas International Airport after canine units and X-ray systems detected anomalies in the luggage of a German citizen.

The man, Thomas Petter Haag, was arrested before boarding a flight to Europe.

After activating the security protocol and in the presence of a prosecutor, the suitcase was opened, revealing 17 packages of a white substance (presumably cocaine) inside.

The packages were wrapped in clear plastic and black tape and contained three cell phones, cash (pesos and euros), and identity documents.

The spokesman for

H

Despite having been arrested, El Marro continues to be active in CSRL from within prison, sending instructions and orders to his collaborators through his lawyers and family members

Fuel theft, including crude oil smuggling, colloquially referred to in Mexico as huachicol, is currently the most significant non-drug revenue source for Mexican cartels, OFAC stated.

Thieves in Mexico, known as huachicoleros, use various means to steal fuel and crude oil from Mexico’s

state-owned energy company, Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex), primarily by bribing corrupt Pemex employees. Other methods include illegally drilling taps into pipelines, stealing from refineries, hijacking tanker trucks, and threatening Pemex employees, it noted.

(US Dept of the Treasury)

T&T not involved in US blockade against Venezuela – PM

T

The packages were wrapped in clear plastic and black tape

the anti-narcotics agency, Carlos Devers, reported that the detainee intended to board a flight to Frankfurt, Germany. Following the discovery, he was immediately arrested and taken into custody by the appropriate au-

thorities.

The seized packages were sent to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) to determine the exact weight and purity of the drug. (Source: Listin Diario)

UN chief warns Haiti is facing “perfect storm of suffering” aiti is facing a “perfect storm of suffering” driven by relentless armed violence, the collapse of basic services and a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, United Nations SecretaryGeneral António Guterres warned during a briefing to the UN Security Council.

Guterres said civilians are “under siege” as gang violence engulfs Portau-Prince and continues to spread, paralysing daily life and forcing an estimated 1.3 million persons to flee their homes. Schools and hospitals have come under repeated attack, sexual violence is widespread, and state authority has eroded, leaving large parts of the country beyond effective Government control.

The UN chief said six million Haitians now require humanitarian assistance, placing the country among the world’s most severe hunger hotspots. He warned that aid operations are at risk of grinding to a halt due to chronic under-

he US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Wednesday sanctioned the Cartel de Santa Rosa de Lima (CSRL), which it said derives the vast majority of its illicit revenue from fuel and oil theft in the Mexican state of Guanajuato.

The violent conflict between CSRL and the notorious Mexican terrorist Cartel Jalisco Nuevo Generacion (CJNG) for control of fuel and oil in Guanajuato has made the state one of the deadliest in Mexico, the Dept noted, adding that CSRL’s activities also help enable a cross-border energy black market, undermine legitimate US oil and natural gas companies, and deprive the Mexican Government of critical revenue.

OFAC, also on Wednesday, sanctioned Jose Antonio Yepez Ortiz (“El Marro”), the leader of CSRL.

funding, noting that less than 10 per cent of the $908 million needed for the 2025 humanitarian response has been received. “This is not a funding gap. It is a life-anddeath emergency,” he told the Council.

Children are bearing the brunt of the crisis. According to Guterres, Haiti ranked among the top five countries globally for grave violations against children in 2024, with the UN verifying 2269 violations – nearly five times more than the previous year. Children are being abducted, killed, forcibly recruited by armed groups and subjected to extreme sexual violence, including gang rape.

Despite the dangers, humanitarian workers continue to operate under threat.

Aid workers face violence, extortion and kidnapping, yet UN agencies and partners still managed to reach 1.3 million persons in the first quarter of this year with food, water, medicine and shelter. Guterres warned, however, that ac-

cess remains severely constrained, particularly in areas controlled by armed groups.

He also called for stronger international security support to help restore order, protect civilians and create conditions for a return to the rule of law and credible elections. Welcoming efforts to strengthen the Multinational Security Support mission, Guterres urged the Security Council to authorise an international force with UN backing and predictable financing, alongside tougher measures against those fuelling the violence.

Security actions, he stressed, must be paired with political progress and accountability, including an effective arms embargo and targeted sanctions against gang leaders, financiers and arms traffickers. Without urgent and coordinated international action, he warned, Haiti’s humanitarian and security crises will continue to deepen. (Caribbean National Weekly)

rinidad and Tobago (T&T) Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar has made it clear that her Administration is not involved in the blockade ordered by United States President Donald Trump targeting all “sanctioned oil tankers” entering Venezuela.

Speaking with reporters Wednesday, PersadBissessar said the US has not requested any assistance from Trinidad and Tobago in relation to the blockade and emphasised that the country is not a participant in any such action.

“They have asked for no assistance about blockading in Venezuela; no, they have not,” Persad-Bissessar said after attending the funeral for former colleague Daphne Phillips.

The Prime Minister noted that the decision taken

by President Trump falls within the sovereignty of the United States, adding that the US is free to pursue what it considers to be in its

best national interest.

“Those are matters within the sovereign powers of the United States. I am not part of that.”

When asked about Trinidad and Tobago’s position should any US military strikes occur, PersadBissessar stressed that the Government’s priority is to keep the country safe. She made it clear that T&T has no aggressive intent towards Venezuela.

“T&T first; that will always be our position. We have no intention of engaging in any war with Venezuela. I’ve always said we stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela, and we will continue to do so.”

Persad-Bissessar also noted that T&T’s primary concerns remain drug trafficking, human trafficking and the illegal flow of firearms. She said these issues continue to pose the most significant threats to national and regional security.

She further explained that T&T’s partnership with

the United States is centred on safety and security cooperation. She expressed satisfaction with the progress made through this partnership thus far, noting that murders have decreased by 240 as a result of strengthened security efforts.

“For me, it is about the drugs, human trafficking, narcotrafficking, and all those horror things. We can’t be living here with over 600 murders and feel like everything is hunky-dory and we are in a zone of peace; we are not. Trinidad and Tobago is definitely not in a peaceful place, but it is getting better.”

She reiterated that while T&T maintains diplomatic and cooperative relationships with international partners, its focus remains firmly on protecting its borders and safeguarding its citizens. Persad-Bissessar also rubbished assessments that the country is being used as a launching pad by the US military. (Source: Trinidad & Tobago Guardian)

Uber opens registration for taxi drivers in Saint Lucia

U

ber has opened registration for licensed taxi drivers in Saint Lucia, ahead of the ride-hailing app’s planned launch on the island.

In an announcement issued on December 16, the company said licensed taxi operators can now sign up through the Uber Driver app. The platform will operate exclusively under the Uber Taxi model, meaning only properly licensed taxi drivers will be permitted to

complete trips.

Uber said it is also engaging taxi associations and transportation companies across the island, encouraging them to express interest in joining the platform through a dedicated registration process.

“Our goal is to work collaboratively with licensed taxi operators and their organisations as we prepare for Uber Taxi on the island,” Jorge Cordero, General Manager for Uber

in Saint Lucia, said.

Drivers registering for the platform will be required to submit standard documentation, including a valid driver’s licence, taxi permit, insurance, banking details, a profile photograph and a background check.

The company noted that once preparations are complete, it will formally announce the launch of the service in Saint Lucia.

(Excerpt from St Lucia Times)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025

19

Around the World

Zelenskyy gives stark warning as EU OILNEWS OIL NEWS leaders decide on Russia's frozen assets Oil prices settle slightly higher as market assesses mounting supply risks

O

il prices settled marginally higher on Thursday as investors assessed the likelihood of further US sanctions against Russia and the supply risks posed by a blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers.

Brent crude closed 14 cents, or 0.2 per cent, higher at US$59.82 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was up 21 cents, or 0.4 per cent, at US$56.15 per barrel.

"Crude futures are trying to find support from the Venezuelan oil export blockade, which, if it continues, will likely cause production in the area to be shut in with no destinations to ship out to," said Dennis Kissler, senior vice President of trading at BOK Financial.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he believes talks toward ending the war in Ukraine are "getting close to something" ahead of a US meeting with Russian officials this weekend.

The US is preparing another round of sanctions on Russia's energy sector in the event Moscow does not agree to a peace deal with Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. A White House official told Reuters that Trump had not made any decisions on Russian sanctions.

"If no Russia/Ukraine peace deal is reached, the attacks on Russia could escalate, quickly tightening supplies, and if you add in the blockade on Venezuelan oil, crude prices may very well be a bit under-priced here," Kissler said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

U

krainian President V o l o d y m y r Zelenskyy has called on EU leaders at a crunch summit urgently to agree to a multi-billion euro loan in frozen Russian money to fund Ukraine's military and economic needs.

Ukraine is months from running out of cash, and Zelenskyy said without an injection by spring, Ukraine "will have to reduce production of drones".

Most of Russia's US$245bn worth of assets in the EU are held by Belgium-based organisation Euroclear. Until now Belgium and some other member states have said they are opposed to using the cash as a "reparations loan".

Russia has warned EU

T

defence capabilities and in rapidly building strong deterrent power and leveraging asymmetric warfare advantages, which form the foundation for maintaining regional peace and stability," it added.

The package must be approved by the US Congress, where Taiwan has widespread cross-party support.

In a series of separate statements announcing details of the weapons deal, the Pentagon said the arms sales serve US national, economic and security interests by supporting Taiwan's continuing efforts to modernise its armed forces and to maintain a "credible defensive capability".

"By aiding 'Taiwan independence' with weapons, the US side will only bring fire upon itself; using Taiwan to contain China is absolutely doomed to fail," ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said in Beijing. (Excerpt from Reuters)

leaders not to use its money, but Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said they had to "rise to this occasion".

The Brussels summit comes at a pivotal moment in the war, and Russia has filed a lawsuit against Euroclear

Witkoff to meet with Kremlin envoy in Miami on US peace plan for Ukraine

A

Kremlin envoy will travel to Florida to discuss a USproposed plan to end the war in Ukraine, a US official said Thursday, as European Union leaders weighed a major loan to help the Ukrainian Government.

Kirill Dmitriev, who heads Russia's sovereign wealth fund, is set to meet with President Trump's en-

voy, Steve Witkoff, and Mr Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in Miami on Saturday, according to an American official who spoke on condition of anonymity to preview a meeting that hasn't yet been publicly announced.

The official said that Witkoff and Kushner will sit down with Dmitriev after meetings with Ukrainian

and European officials in Berlin earlier this week, in which they discussed US security guarantees for Kyiv, territorial concessions and other aspects of the American-authored plan aimed at ending the war.

Asked about the meeting in Miami, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Moscow was preparing for contacts with

the US to learn about the results of the meetings in Berlin but didn't give further details.

Witkoff will also meet Friday in Miami with senior officials from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey to discuss the next phase of the Gaza deal, a senior State Department official confirmed to CBS News. (Excerpt from CBS News)

House Democrats release 68 new photos from Epstein estate

US announces US$11B H arms package for Taiwan, largest ever he Trump Administration announced on Wednesday $11.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, the largest ever US weapons package for the island, which is under increasing military pressure from China.

The Taiwan arms sale announcement is the second under US President Donald Trump's current administration and comes as Beijing ramps up its military and diplomatic pressure against Taiwan, whose Government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.

The proposed arms sales cover eight items, including HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, Javelin anti-tank missiles, Altius loitering munition drones and parts for other equipment, Taiwan's defence ministry said in a statement.

"The United States continues to assist Taiwan in maintaining sufficient self

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned Europe's leaders that an agreement has to be reached by the end of the year

in a Moscow court in a bid to get its money back.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine was definitely facing a 4550bn [euro] deficit next year, and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen vowed, "We will not leave the summit without a solution."

One European Government official described being "cautiously optimistic, not overly optimistic" that a deal would be agreed.

All eyes are on Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, who told the Belgian parliament on Thursday that if everything was nailed down and shared by the rest of the EU, "then we'll jump into the abyss together with the rest of the Europeans and hope the parachute holds us." (Excerpt from BBC News)

ouse Oversight Democrats released a new batch of photos from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate in a last-ditch effort to pressure the DOJ to abide by tomorrow’s deadline to release its files related to the convicted sex offender.

The images are undated and lack captions or context, and the appearance of people in the photos is not evidence of wrongdoing. Among them are photographs of what appear to be lines from the novel Lolita written on different parts of a woman’s body.

There are also photographs of Bill Gates posing with a woman whose face has been redacted and of the prominent linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky sitting on a plane with Epstein.

Other images show Woody Allen, the director; Steve Bannon, Trump’s former adviser; and David Brooks, the author and New York Times opinion columnist, among others.

The batch also includes photos of a number of foreign passports, with the information redacted, as well as Epstein’s US passport.

There is also a screenshot of a text message conversation from an unknown sender referring to an 18-year-old from Russia.

In a statement after the release, Robert Garcia, a US representative and ranking member of the committee on oversight and Government reform, said, “Oversight Democrats will continue to release photographs and documents from the Epstein estate to provide transparency for the American people.”

“As we approach the deadline for the Epstein

Files Transparency Act, these new images raise more questions about what exactly the Department of Justice has in its possession. We must end this White House cover-up, and the DoJ must release the Epstein files now.”

Congress has mandated that the Trump Administration release a trove of Epstein-related files by tomorrow – and the Justice Department is racing to process thousands of pages of documents and images. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Israeli strikes hit southern, eastern Lebanon in latest truce violation

I

sraeli warplanes have struck multiple areas across southern and eastern Lebanon, targeting sites in al-Jabour, al-Qatrani and al-Rayhan in the south, as well as Buday and Hermel in the Bekaa Valley, according to an Al Jazeera correspondent on the ground.

The raids, which also hit Wadi Al-Qusayr near the town of Deir Siryan, mark

the latest in a relentless pattern of strikes since a ceasefire took effect in late 2024.

Israel claimed the operations targeted Hezbollah operatives and weapons facilities in what Hezbollah officials have said is part of a campaign to pressure the group into surrendering its arsenal. Hezbollah has categorically refused to disarm while Israeli forces continue bombarding Lebanese terri-

tory and occupying southern border areas.

The strikes come just days after Israeli forces said they killed three Hezbollah members on Sunday.

Tensions escalated sharply several weeks ago when Israel bombed Beirut’s southern suburbs, killing Haytham Ali Tabatabai, Hezbollah’s top military commander.

The group has pledged

to respond but says it will choose the timing.

Israel maintains it is enforcing what it describes as violations of understandings between the two sides, specifically demanding that Hezbollah relinquish long-range missiles, precision-guided munitions and drones that Israeli intelligence believes are stored deeper inside Lebanon.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

(March 21-April 19)

PICKLES (April 20-May 20)

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Learn from experience and prepare to use work-related functions to make headway in your chosen field. Charm the boss or approach the head of a group you want to join and start a dialogue that offers a unique take on prospects.

Offer enough to intrigue and you’ll make an impression that pays off.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Bypass situations you cannot change.

Distance yourself from drama and big egos trying to outmaneuver everyone they encounter. You’ll gain the most ground by focusing your energy on personal improvements, fitness, diet, and participating in activities or events that bring a smile to your face. It’s up to you to choose positive alternatives.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Exaggeration will lead to trouble.

Communication can make or break a relationship.

Don’t make promises unless you plan to follow through immediately. Taking on too much might make you sound good, but it will make you look bad if you don’t deliver. Your best bet is to be fun to be with, kind, and informative.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Get on the fast train, adjust on the fly, and learn on the go. Avoid joint ventures or shared expenses and begin making changes that will give you the freedom you need to fulfill your needs and aspirations. Look at the big picture and your long-term plans, and associate with those who can offer an introduction.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Refuse to let what others choose to do confuse you. When it comes to your future decisions, it’s best to finetune what you want to your liking.

If you are going to alter your journey, do so for the right reasons. Pick the lane that sparks your imagination and offers a crystal-clear message, guiding you in the most compatible direction.

Push forward with strength and courage. Do what you do best and talk your way forward with honesty, integrity, and a valid plan that doesn’t promise more than you can deliver. It’s how you promote yourself, along with your charm and eloquence, that will get people on board with your plans. Trust your instincts. Partnerships look promising.

Take advantage of an opportunity to communicate with those who can help you advance. Events that blend business with pleasure will serve as a platform to demonstrate that your talents extend well beyond your qualifications.

Innovative input, combined with dedication and a disciplined approach to authenticity and staying up to date, will pay off.

(May 21-June 20)

SUDOKU

An open mind and heart will help you fulfill your aspirations. Communication followed by action will lead to a realization that enables you to adopt lifestyle changes, encouraging lower overhead and mental freedom through debt relief. Live within your means, and you’ll find joy and gratitude in simplicity. Love is in the stars.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Take the long route if it will help you perfect what you want to achieve. Cutting corners or taking someone’s word over your own will leave you in a vulnerable position. Time is on your side, making the journey worthwhile. Trust your ability to handle matters your way. Don’t be afraid to say no.

Put your energy where it counts and make headway. Heading into a new year with a positive attitude and a plan in place will give you something to celebrate this festive season.

Mingle with like-minded people and you’ll gain insight into shortcuts you can use to project your plans in a timely fashion.

A change will do you good. Visit a place that evokes fond memories and consider how you can apply that feeling to create new memories and strengthen relationships with those you love. Consider what concerns you most and rethink how you can overcome any adversity you encounter. Choose kindness and consideration, and thrive. Romance is favored.

Choose who you spend your time with carefully. Distance yourself from those who use or take advantage of you. A change of scenery or participating in events with those who love and protect you will give you the time you need to rejuvenate and rethink how you want to move forward. Choose stability and consistency.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025

21

Guyana’s top amateurs “touch gloves” at GBA National Championship from today tense, high-quality competition among the country’s leading gyms.

The championship, which serves as the GBA’s final statutory competition for the year, has generated significant

GBA Secretary Stacy Correia

G

uyana’s premier amateur boxing talent will be on full display from today as the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) National Championship gets underway at the National Gymnasium, promising three days of in-

e x citem e n t within the local boxing fraternity.

Boxers will feature in the weigh-in from today, setting the tone for fistic fury from Saturday evening.

Secretary of the GBA, Stacy Correia, said the Association is pleased with the level of interest and en-

thusiasm shown by boxing gyms across Guyana, describing the response as a strong indicator of the sport’s continued growth.

“We are extremely excited with the feedback and enthusiasm shown by the gyms around Guyana. It tells us that the work being done throughout the year is paying off and that our boxers and coaches are eager to test themselves at the national level,” Correia stated.

She also highlighted the return of Guyana’s threestar boxing coach, Sebert Blake, who has come back to the country specifically to prepare the Forgotten Youth Foundation Gym in Albouystown for the championships.

According to Correia, Blake’s involvement underscores the importance of the tournament and the seriousness with which gyms are approaching the competition.

Correia noted that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will enter the championships as the most targeted gym, having already

GCB/BCA U13 Tour…

Barbados square series after convincing win

B

arbados drew level in the Under-13 series with a composed and clinical performance against Guyana in the fourth match at the Everest Cricket Club ground on Wednesday, winning comfortably after choosing to field first in the rain-affected clash.

After winning the toss, the Barbadian side made an immediate impact with the ball, striking early to put the hosts under pressure.

Guyana lost two quick wickets as the Barbados bowlers maintained good discipline and extracted assistance from the surface.

However, a stabilising partnership between Sahid Gajnabi and Afraz Khan helped Guyana recover.

The pair showed resilience and composure, each scoring 28 runs to halt the early slide. Adrian Emmanuel added further support with a measured 13, but Guyana struggled to build and sustain momentum as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.

At the end of their allotted 35 overs, Guyana’s Under-13 finished on 119 for 8, a total within Barbados’ reach. Kijani Inniss was

the standout performer with the ball, returning excellent figures of 3 for 18, while Anahri Hinds provided strong support with 2 for 28, keeping the pressure firmly on the batting side.

Rain briefly interrupted play during the interval, resulting in a revised target for Barbados. When play resumed, the visitors approached the chase with maturity and confidence.

Jon-David Greene anchored the innings with a patient and responsible knock, finishing unbeaten on 27 from 62 balls. His calm presence ensured Barbados never lost control of the chase. The in-form Natarie Lavine once again impressed, top-scoring with an attacking 31 from 40 deliveries, which included four well-timed boundaries that helped quicken the scoring rate.

Z’Dari Scantlebury also played a useful supporting role, remaining not out on 16 from 22 balls, as Barbados reached 106 for 3 in 22.5 overs to seal victory

established themselves as the dominant force in local amateur boxing.

“The GDF are the reigning champions of the National Open, as well as the National Novice and National Intermediate competitions, which makes them the most targeted gym in this tournament,” she said.

In addition to the GDF, several other well-established gyms are expected to compete, including

with ease.

The win levels the series at 2–2, setting up a decisive fifth and final match.

That encounter is scheduled to be played today at the Everest Cricket Club ground, with the first ball set to be bowled at 10:00h.

Both teams will be eager to claim series honours in what promises to be an exciting conclusion.

statutory competitions for the year while also hosting a record number of under-16 tournaments in 2025, adding, “This is our closing competition for the year, and we expect to hit the ground running in 2026.”

“We are looking forward to seeing the competition unfold, and we want to thank all the gyms for showing support and backing our initiatives throughout 2025,” Correia added.

UDFA/Banks DIH Year End/Christmas Futsal…

Silver Shattas victorious in 1st outing

Silver Shattas approach the goal against Amelia’s Ward Panthers

…as YMCA, Capital FC, W/Connection, Blueberry Hill record 2nd wins

S

Natarie Lavine receives his Player-of-the-Match award

the Guyana Police Force, the Andrew ‘Six-Head’ Lewis Boxing Gym, the New Amsterdam Boxing Academy, Rose Hall Jammers, Pace and Power Gym, and Harpy Eagles.

According to the GBA Secretary, their participation is expected to add depth and competitiveness across multiple weight categories.

Correia further pointed out that the GBA has successfully covered all of its

ilver Shattas humbled Amelia’s Ward Panthers, 11-2, recording their first outright victory in the Banks DIH major sponsored Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) organised fourth annual Christmas futsal Championship.

However, the likes of YMCA, Capital Football Club (FC), Winners Connection and Blueberry Hill romped to their second wins after night two of the competition was staged on Wednesday night at the Retrieve Hard Court in Linden.

In their Group C battle, FC YMCA came from a two-goal deficit at halftime to record a 3-2 win over Net Rockers. Goals banged in by Shane Luckie and Denzil Pryor before halftime seemed like enough to send the YMCA to certain defeat.

However, this was not to be, since double strikes hit in by Barrack John and another by Jaden Nelson saw them recover to gain an important victory.

It was victory number two, as they had crushed Eagles United 8-2 in their first game on the opening night.

Up next was a Group B tussle as Capital FC, after gaining a 2-0 lead, stopped Fearless 5-0.

It was their second win after getting the first via the walkover route against Coomacka on the first night of the tournament.

For this win by Capital FC, Selwyn Barnes and Duquan Wilson recorded braces, while Devonte Tappin knocked in the other.

Following that match, in Group A, Topp XX defeated Hi Stars 5-3.

Topp XX in their first match of the competition drew with Silver Shattas, 3-3, and this win was engineered by a hat-trick of goals off the boots of Ryan Arthur, with Jamal Bentick getting a double for the winners, who were leading 2-0 at half time.

Blueberry Hill then pounded out a 4-0 win against Coomacka, with Rondel getting a brace as Samuel Broomes and Joshua Daniels netted the other goals.

In game five, Silver Shattas thumped Amelia’s Ward Panthers 11-2. Silver Shattas were in control 3-1 when the halftime whistle was blown.

Veteran Colwyn Drakes was in fine scoring touch with four goals, aided by Jonah Simon and Jehu Regis, who each hit hat-tricks, and Damian

Williams secured the other goal for Shattas. For the losers, Damal Warner and Paul Trotman were their scorers.

This preliminary round of group matches will continue on Sunday night, with seven matches at the tournament venue, the Retrieve Hard Court in Linden.

The sixth match of the night was between Winners Connection and Eagles United in a Group C affair.

Winners Connection prevailed 3-2 after nudging ahead at halftime 2-1.

Scoring for the winners were Jamal Reynolds, Akeem Caesar and Anthony Layne. Amani King and Dexter Milo Jr netted the goals for Eagles United.

Game seven featured Botafogo and Rockstone in their Group D encounter, resulting in Botafogo triumphing 9-0 after holding a 3-0 advantage at the break.

Shemar Caesar led the scorers with a triple, while doubles were recorded by Ojani Whittington and Shane Haynes. Ronel Depustrom and Malachi Todd got single strikes past the goalkeeper.

This preliminary round of group matches will continue on Sunday night, with seven matches at the tournament venue, the Retrieve Hard Court in Linden.

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025

Conway’s 178*, Latham’s CLASSIFIED ADS 137 grind West Indies to dust in Mount Maunganui ASTROLOGY

and Conway facing was. Frustrating the bowlreal cricket balls ers to target his pads. out in the middle Manufacturing easy putand this guy just aways. Latham's 15th Test pretending to do century – where he went so with a cap- past 6000 runs as an opener tion of who did – was proof that fairy tales it better. The an- aren't the only things that swer is actually can come to life. Textbooks Terry Jarvis do too. It took all the way to and Glenn 6.30pm for Latham to fall Turner. on 137. Test cricket was so L a t h a m close to having a fifth openhad a big ing pair lasting the entire part in the first day. history Conway played himhe helped self into form. Twenty-six make. Over of his last 39 innings were 25 home cut short at or below the 30tests, dat- run mark, which isn't ideal ing all the considering his role at the way back top of the order is to set the to March whole team up. Given he Devon Conway celebrates his century 2 0 1 2 , was walking out onto a pitch New Zealand with an unusual amount of he Bay of Plenty lived have only ever chosen to grass – 13 mm, normally it's up to its name but bowl after winning the around 7-10 mm – there was only for New Zealand. toss. Here, he had a hunch cause for concern. He put Devon Conway and Tom about putting runs on the them all to bed, weathering Latham harvested a century each, and by that time they were having so much fun they would let anybody else play.

The West Indies could argue that was a bit rude. They were in Mount Maunganui looking for rich bounty as well. A first Test win on these shores for 30 years, which if secured would hand them a share of this series' spoils. All of that cast them in the role of a protagonist at the start of the day. But as time wore on and records – both trivial and tumultuous – came to pass, Roston Chase and his men faded into the background.

Each of the five previous Test matches at this ground has yielded a wicket in its first session. This one didn't. Kane Williamson, so used to an early start at the office, had to wait the longest he ever has to clock in.

Tom Latham celebrates after scoring a century So restless had he grown that at the start of the final session, he was seen wear- board. Outside of that one an initial period where the ing all his gear barring the bold move, everything else West Indies were willing to helmet, practising a rap- he did was basic. Playing give up only 11 runs in eight id-fire series of leaves and close to the body. Knowing overs. He instigated the blocks. There will be reels. exactly where his off stump first period of New Zealand Split-screens with Latham

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The opening pair had a devastating opening stand

dominance, the six overs to morning drinks where they scored a run a ball. He went on to bat for longer than he has ever done since his double-century on debut at Lord's four years ago.

The only way any of this could have been worse for the West Indies was if they had brought it all on themselves, and only the finest line separated that from what actually happened.

Because they got what they wanted at the toss. First use of a surface that looked like it had been left in the care of a kindergartener with a green crayon. The bowlers, though, didn't make the best use of it.

Their third seamer, Anderson Phillip, started with a spell of 3-0-25-0, and as hard as he tried to improve – creating a rare wicket-taking opportunity when Latham nicked one behind to the keeper on 104 and was dropped – he still went to stumps with 14-271-0. It was symptomatic of a bowling attack that still produced jaffas – and might feel aggrieved none of them yielded any joy – but didn't have it in them to back it up, to hit the good length spot consistently, test the batter's discipline and search for vulnerability.

Indeed, at the start of the second session, New Zealand had a harder time not scoring boundaries, with five of them coming

aaa

West Indies bowlers had little joy on day 1

their way in the space of 12 balls. A small spell of rain offered the West Indies the chance to regroup, and they appeared willing to take it, Jayden Seales adopting the method of local hero Neil Wagner and going short for a concerted period of time.

Conway wore one on the left hand, needed medical attention, and at the start of the 52nd over, he was overheard on the stump mic asking the umpire about the time for tea. He was in need of reprieve. Seconds later, Chase lobbed up a long hop that he pulled away for four. The West Indies kept undoing their own good work. Often immediately.

This was no batting paradise. Nor was it ever a fast bowler's dream. Spinners took two-thirds of the wickets in the most recent first-class game in Mount Maunganui. It is with that in mind that New Zealand brought Ajaz Patel into the XI and backed themselves to put up a big total.

Conway has led them there – batting through cramp, batting one-handed and eventually hitting that rarefied place where he was just batting on instinct, reacting perfectly even to things like extras and low bounce – but things could have been so different if the West Indies had shown a little more discipline. Now their batters have to pick up the slack. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

New Zealand 1st Innings Tom Latham (c) c Chase b Roach 137 Devon Conway not out 178 Jacob Duffy not out 9 Extras (b 2, lb 1, nb 1, w 6) 10 Total 90 Ov (RR: 3.71) 334/1

Fall of wickets: 1-323 (Tom Latham, 86.4 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Kemar Roach 19-3-63-1 Jayden Seales 21-1-67-0 Anderson Phillip 14-2-71-0 Justin Greaves 17-2-55-0 Roston Chase 19-0-75-0

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025

One month’s conditioning Chase, St Benedict’s funded by Government head into semis for athletes representing unbeaten A Guyana – Ali KFC Goodwill tournament…

President Dr Irfaan Ali makes a public address

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali, in his address to the nation on Wednesday evening, made a landmark announcement for the local sport fraternity, aimed at improving performances on the international level.

The Head of State, in revealing what citizens can look forward to in the sport industry over the next few years, divulged that the Government will be funding one month of conditioning and training for Guyanese athletes who are set to compete overseas.

President Ali told the gathering at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, on Wednesday, “More specifically, in the area of investment in sports, our Government will complete the new International Stadium at Palmyra, the synthetic track, multipurpose sports centres and other modern sports facilities, including a high-performance conditioning facility to ensure all Guyanese youth, particularly our talented athletes, have ade-

quate opportunity to realise their full potential.”

President Ali went on to disclose, “I’m pleased to let you know that every national team representing Guyana at sporting events will now benefit from one month of conditioning training and preparation that will be supported by the Government before those activities.”

“To ensure that our athletes are in good condition and are in the right environment to excel at whatever they do,” he further added.

WI remains positive after lone wicket on day 1 – Griffith D

espite claiming one wicket and conceding 334 runs in 90 overs, West Indies Assistant Coach Rayon Griffith said the men in maroon are positive heading into day two of the third Test. The Guyanese Griffith also provided clarity on Kumar Roach leaving the field on the opening day in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.

"It's a tough day. That's cricket; sometimes you have some tough days and some easy days; that's how it goes.

Devon and Tom played well – the partnership sets the game up for New Zealand," Griffith told media operatives at stumps on day one.

"It makes a difference.

It's good to see we have a mindset of battling. It's good to have that wicket, so we will come back with a posi-

tive mindset on Day Two." The veteran Roach provided the only breakthrough for the West Indies, and he took his Test tally to 294 wickets. Coach Griffith said he was unclear about the direct situation of Roach leaving the field, but he remains confident of the veteran returning to bowl on day two.

"He is a fighter, so I am expecting him to come back on day two," Griffith said. Griffith also credited Jayden Seales and Roach for bowling well early on and making runs hard to score. While New Zealand is in pole position, Griffith believes that the match can go either way on day two. "We have the most experience in

nother thrilling day of school football action unfolded at the Queen’s College and Ministry of Education (MoE) Grounds on Wednesday, signalling the end of the KFC Goodwill International Group stage.

Defending Champions Chase’s Academic Foundation and 2024 runner-up St Benedict’s College pulled off contrasting wins to ensure they maintain an unblemished record, while Suriname’s Technical School of Nickerie played their hearts out to secure a semi-final spot, and Guyana’s West Ruimveldt salvaged their pride with a massive win, exiting the competition on a high note.

Wednesday’s proceedings started with a 9-3 victory for Suriname over Annai Secondary to finish second in Group B. Annai’s Darius Wilson broke the ice in the 12th minute, but Suriname were quick to respond through Darien Dors, who netted a brace in the 15th and 19th to claim the lead.

Shaheen Nabebux’s (23rd) and Sennery MacIntosh’s (34th) solitary strikes and the first two of Jizzreel Sedoc’s (25th, 30th) hat trick put Suriname in control before the end of the first half, which expired 6-1.

Jermaine Jobe and Sunil Moses found the back of the net in the 50th and 78th minutes, attempting a comeback for Annai, but Sedoc’s third strike in the 63rd minute, alongside one each off the boots of Reuel Mesarch (75th) and Johathan Gomes (80th), sealed the massive win for Suriname.

Next, West Ruimveldt

w h i p p e d Anglican C e n t r a l Education Authority ( A C E A ) of the Bahamas 15-1 as both teams bowed out of the competition. Two helmet tricks were witnessed in that encounter, coming from Jeremiah Griffith (23rd, 24th, 33rd, 38th) and Donovan Welcome (19th, St Benedict’s Josiah Barrow receives his 20th, 21st, 79th), Player-of-the-Match award from Golden while Domonic Jaguars international Curtez Kellman Lesprance secured a hattrick in the to 10 men in just the 10th 71st, 72nd and 91st min- minute after a red card was utes. Marvin Sealey added a issued to their captain.

However, a comeback brace in the 17th and 29th, fit for the record books and Joel Griffith (75th) a solitary strike, in addition was staged by the 10-man to an own goal to sum up defending champions as Nyron Barrow pulled the West Ruimveldt’s 15.

ACEA’s consolation was first goal back in the 60th netted by Malik Tucker in minute, followed by Mark just the second minute of Glasgow’s slip into the left corner of the goal for the clash.

Over at the MoE the equaliser in the 80th. ground later that eve- Stand-in Captain Shaquan ning, a 76th-minute strike David finally sealed their from Josiah Barrow made redemption in the 90th.

The tournament’s the difference between semi-finals are scheduled St Benedict’s College of for today, Friday, December Trinidad and Brazil’s Jose Viera De Salles Guerra 19, at the MoE Ground, Carifesta Avenue. school.

At 18:00h, semi-final 1 A battle for the top of will take centre stage, pitGroup A saw Kingston ting Trinidad and Tobago’s College cruising to victory St Benedict’s College just after half-time, on the against Jamaica’s Kingston backs of a successful penalty from Shaquon Elliot College, while at 20:00h, deand an open goal from Riley fending champions Chase’s Foundation Kevwaroo in the 16th and Academic will take on Suriname’s 57th minutes, respectively.

Technical School of On the other side of the Nickerie, both for spots in pitch, Chase’s Academic Foundation were reduced Sunday’s final.

Coach Rayon Griffith

that room.

The game is in progress; we have been through situations like this before, so the guys are accustomed to situations like this. They will come ready on day two." "We try not to let the toss dictate our show. Whatever decision is made, we try to make everyone ready, whether to bat or bowl. It's always going to be tough when they have long series.

It's a good challenge, and most players enjoy the challenge," the West Indies assistant coach said.

23

Chase’s Academic Foundation’s goal-scorers in their comeback win, from left: Shaquan David, Nyron Barrow and Mark Glasgow

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

Pg 23

KFC Goodwill tournament…

Chase, St Benedict’s head into semis unbeaten Pg 23

One month’s conditioning funded

by Government for athletes representing Guyana – Ali Pg 22

Conway’s 178*, Latham’s 137 grind West Indies to dust in Mount Maunganui GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.