Labourer crushed to death by falling concrete slab
"Pot calling the kettle black" – Dr Asha Kissoon knocks APNU/ AFC for ‘squatting in Govt’
50% dropout rate for school children false – Minister addresses misinformation by APNU Security guard arrested for allegedly choking pensioner to death
Deadline for US$190M LindenMabura Road now set for year end
Thousands of cheques printed, to be distributed when Budget 2025 passed – VP
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Friday, January 31 –03:45h-05:15h and Saturday, February 1 – 04:15h-05:45h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Friday, January 31 –05:35h-07:05h and Saturday, February 1 – 06:10h-07:40h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
to thundery showers are expected throughout the
and at night, interrupted by sunshine during the day. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly East North-Easterly between 3.12 metres and 5.81 metres. High Tide: 18:11h reaching a maximum height of 2.82 metres.
Low Tide: 11: 43h reaching a minimum height of 0.49
Let APNU/AFC continue to promise; PPP will continue to deliver – Finance Minister
...as 2025 Budget debate concludes; consideration of estimates starts today
he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has promised to continue delivering on its commitments made to the Guyanese people – as it has done over the past four years in office.
This is according to Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh as he wrapped up the week-long debate on the 2025 Budget in the National Assembly on Thursday evening. Under the theme “A secure, prosperous and sustainable Guyana”, the $1.382 trillion budget – the PPP/C Administration’s fifth national fiscal plan – was presented earlier this month to the House.
During his more-thantwo-hour-long presentation, Dr Singh stated that contributions by the members of the APNU/AFC (A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change) Parliamentary Opposition during the five-day debate, have highlighted the fact that they are specialised in pseudo-intellectualism, delusions of grandeur, and pretentious.
“Let APNU/AFC continue to promise, and in particular as they have always been doing, continue to promise things that they neither can nor intend to deliver. They haven’t changed and they haven’t learnt and I suspect, they’re not capable of learning… [So] they can continue. We, in the People’s Progressive Party, will continue to deliver to the Guyanese people, and Budget 2025 represents this latest installation in our continued delivery to the Guyanese people… We will execute Budget 2025, we will win the election later in 2025, and we will continue to deliver to the Guyanese people until 2030 and long beyond 2030,” the Finance Minister declared to resounding cheers and applause from his colleagues and in the presence of only a handful of Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) who remained after the majority of them had left.
Dr Singh was at the time responding to a list of proposals that the People’s National Congress (PNC)led APNU has put out, promising a slew of measures to Guyanese that it would roll
out if it was elected to office at the upcoming General and Regional Elections slated for later this year in Guyana.
The proposals included increasing the tax threshold to $400,000; a monthly $100,000 cash grant to each household; another $100,000 cash grant to adult Guyanese, once or twice per year; over $25 billion investment in the University of Guyanese; water and electricity subsidies; 35 per cent salary increase for public servants and $100,000 old age pension, among a host of others – all within their first year in office.
Estimating that these measures would cost roughly around $799 billion if implemented, Minister Singh called the opposition proposals “fictitious and fictional, imaginary”.
“The whimsical and fanciful dream that they’ve been painting, the delusion that they’re living, the malarkey that they’re spinning – and mind you, they haven’t built a school yet… they haven’t built a single hospital yet… they haven’t sunk a single [water] well yet, and
they done spent nearly a trillion dollars [when] they haven’t even opened a single housing scheme yet or allocate a single house lot yet,” he noted.
According to the Finance Minister, the Opposition believes that it can spin any tale and Guyanese would be gullible to believe it and vote for them, without taking into consideration that its actions during its last term in office are still fresh in people’s minds.
He outlined that not only did the APNU/AFC fail to deliver the promises it made to the Guyanese people back in 2015, but also imposed undue hardships with a slew of new taxes and dismal economic policies. This is coupled with its attempts to trample on citizens’ rights when it sought to steal the March 2020 elections.
Dr Singh posited that the APNU/AFC has condemned itself because it refused to acknowledge and accept its mistakes of the past.
“The PNC and its leadership are incapable of learning… You’re rigging elections in 1968 and 1973… and imagine, they come back now in 2020 and believe that they can pull off the same stunt… If a political party does not understand that you have to deliver services and results to people in order to persuade them to vote for them, then such a party has no regard for the will of the people, because they don’t care how you vote,” the Minister stressed.
Unlike the coalition, the Finance Minister noted that after the PPP/C lost the 2015 elections, the Party regrouped and put in the hard work to regain supporters’
trust, hence it was put back into office by the people in 2020.
According to Singh, the PPP/C Administration is proud of its achievements over the past five years.
“We have delivered. And we have delivered in advance of time, whether we look at the schools we built, whether we look at the hospitals we have built and are building… We have delivered. But we are not satisfied, because we will continue to deliver and will continue to outperform every single commitment we’ve given, and in our next term in office we will continue to continue to deliver in every single sector,” Minister Singh declared.
Prior to the Finance Minister’s presentation, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton had delivered his contribution to the debate, outlining his disapproval of the 2025 Budget and noting that the state funds could be otherwise spent on more productive measures.
Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips
Earlier this week, a Joint Marine Patrol conducted in the Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) highlighted the ongoing concerns regarding safety on Guyana’s waterways. During the exercise, boat operators were stopped and educated on key maritime safety protocols, including the importance of life jackets, vessel maintenance, proper navigation practices, and the dangers of operating boats under the influence of alcohol. The patrol team also noted several passengers travelling without life jackets, warning operators that repeated infractions would result in necessary penalties.
This initiative emphasises a broader and urgent issue which is the need for stricter enforcement of marine safety regulations and greater public awareness on the risks associated with unsafe boating practices. Given that thousands of Guyanese depend on rivers as their primary means of transportation, ensuring safety on the waterways must remain a national priority.
For many communities in Regions One, Two, Seven, Nine and 10, rivers serve as highways, connecting families, supporting commerce, and facilitating access to education and healthcare. Unlike those in urban centres who rely on paved roads, riverine residents depend heavily on boats for their daily commute. Children travel by boat to school, farmers transport their produce via waterways, and residents seek medical attention at distant facilities using speedboats or canoes.
However, this heavy reliance on river transport comes with inherent risks, particularly when safety measures are neglected. The lack of life jackets, improper vessel maintenance, reckless operation, and the consumption of alcohol while navigating are all dangerous practices that endanger lives. Every year, tragic incidents occur on our waterways, many of which could have been prevented with stricter adherence to safety regulations.
The recent marine patrol in the Pomeroon River represents a commendable effort to increase oversight and ensure compliance with marine safety laws. By stopping and educating boat operators, law enforcement officers demonstrated their commitment to preventing avoidable accidents. However, while these initiatives are necessary, they must be sustained and expanded across all major rivers in Guyana. Regular patrols, increased inspections, and stringent penalties for safety violations should become standard practice.
Additionally, public awareness campaigns must be intensified. Many boat operators and passengers either do not fully understand the risks involved in neglecting safety measures or choose to ignore them. The Public Works Ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), and other stakeholders, should continue community outreach programs to educate citizens about marine safety regulations. These campaigns should target schools, marketplaces, and transportation hubs to reach both adults and children.
One of the most critical safety concerns raised during the Pomeroon River patrol was the absence of life jackets among passengers. Life jackets are essential in preventing drownings and should be a non-negotiable requirement for every passenger on a boat. While some operators argue that life jackets are expensive, the cost of a life lost due to negligence is far greater. Government agencies and non-governmental organizations should explore initiatives to subsidise or distribute life jackets to schoolchildren and vulnerable travellers in high-risk areas.
In addition to life jackets, ensuring that vessels are in serviceable condition is crucial. Boats should be properly maintained, equipped with emergency supplies, and inspected regularly to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to disasters. Furthermore, operators must exercise caution and responsibility when navigating. Speeding, overloading vessels, and consuming alcohol while operating a boat pose serious risks and should be met with strict legal consequences.
While existing marine laws provide a framework for safe river transport, enforcement remains inconsistent. Authorities should review and strengthen regulations, ensuring that penalties for noncompliance serve as effective deterrents. Licensing requirements for boat operators must be rigorously enforced, and unlicensed individuals should not be allowed to transport passengers.
Moreover, community involvement is vital in promoting a culture of safety. Parents must ensure their children wear life jackets, passengers should hold operators accountable for reckless behaviour, and community leaders should work alongside law enforcement to uphold safety standards. By fostering a collective sense of responsibility, we can significantly reduce accidents and fatalities on our waterways.
The recent Joint Marine Patrol in the Pomeroon River must not be a one-time initiative. Sustained enforcement, continuous public education, and stronger policies are necessary to ensure the safety of all waterway users.
Caribbean Airlines reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safety
Dear Editor,
Caribbean Airlines takes note of the statement dated January 28, 2025, issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots Association (TTALPA) regarding the emergency landing of flight BW1541 on January 27, 2025. The airline categorically rejects any suggestion that safety is being compromised, and reassures the travelling public that safety remains the foundation and number one priority of its operations.
Caribbean Airlines operates in strict compliance with local and international aviation safety regulations and is subject to rigorous oversight from multiple independent local and international regulatory bodies.
Key Facts:
• Adherence to International Standards: Caribbean Airlines complies fully with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), both of which are globally recognized for ensuring the highest levels of airline safety and operational excellence.
• Independent Audits and Regulatory Compliance: The airline has consistently passed all required audits, and importantly, it is an approved FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) repair station in accordance with the speci-
fied FAA capability listing, meaning that its maintenance and engineering department has been certified by the FAA as having the technical expertise to perform repairs, inspections, and alterations on aircraft and aircraft components, meeting strict international aviation standards.
• Ongoing Investigations: In line with the industry’s best practices and regulatory requirements, following the emergency landing on January 27, Caribbean Airlines has fully activated its operational response protocols, including:
• Immediately removing all relevant personnel from active duty pending the outcome of investigations. • Cooperating fully with the authorities to conduct comprehensive internal and external investigations. The airline considers TTALPA’s assertions to be entirely reckless, and in no way in the best interest of the airline, its stakeholders, and the valued customers it serves. Caribbean Airlines assures that it remains steadfast in upholding the highest standards of aviation safety, as demonstrated by its strong safety record and ongoing commitment to regulatory excellence.
MP Natasha Singh-Lewis
Sincerely, Caribbean Airlines
is not the Muslim Representative in Parliament
Dear Editor,
I wish to bring to the attention of the Guyanese public and the Speaker of the National Assembly recent pronouncements made by MP Natasha SinghLewis, wherein she again purported to speak on behalf of the Muslim community in
Guyana.
During her presentation, she said, "Most of the Muslims in this country voted for a Muslim President because they feel he will make a change, but they have failed".
MP Singh-Lewis is not a Representative of
the Muslims of this country in Parliament. From my observation and interactions with both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities, including the leading Muslim organizations in Guyana, this false statement is far from the truth.
President Irfaan Ali has
been all-inclusive in his governance of Guyana, and has brought unimaginable changes benefiting all Guyanese, regardless of religion or race.
Ontario
Zigong lantern show boasts a long history, as it can be traced back to the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties. In 1964, Zigong in southwest China's Sichuan Province held the first lantern show celebrating the Spring Festival (Xinhua News Agency photo)
50% dropout rate for school children false
– Minister addresses APNU misinformation
Education Minister
Priya Manickchand
has clarified misinformation being spread by the APNU (A Partnership for National Unity) Opposition, which has repeatedly claimed that Guyana has a whopping 50% student dropout rate.
She addressed this on Thursday in a social media post, revealing that the Opposition is making these claims by speaking in varied accents and very loudly, solely to misinform people and make them believe their narrative.
“So, the Opposition keeps repeating something, they’re saying that 50% of our children drop out, which is absolutely untrue. And they say it with an accent and they say it loudly. So, apparently, once you do it with an accent and loudly, it becomes the truth. That’s not true.”
She added, “I thought I’d let you know that because it’s very easy to hear ‘dropout, dropout, dropout,’
loudly and with accents from various people in the opposition benches, and tend to believe them because it’s an emotive issue. So, I wanted to clear that up for you.”
According to the minister, the opposition is misrepresenting dropout figures.
“What they’re counting as dropouts are children who can’t finish secondary school. So, let’s take Cameron, for example, Cameron is in Region 7. The children of Cameron Primary write the NGSA like our children on the coast, and then they go to a primary top at Cameron Primary, where they do secondary courses. But at Grade 9, they have nothing to do, so they just stop school. They have nowhere to go.”
She then stated that the opposition was aware of this issue when they were in office.
“So, right now, the opposition knew this when they were in government, and they didn’t bother to build a single secondary school
in any hinterland community so that children could access secondary education. They are now in opposition, counting those children as dropouts, which is not true. A dropout is when there’s a school available and you don’t attend. A dropout is not someone who has no access to a secondary school.”
Meanwhile, she highlighted the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government’s efforts to address this issue.
“But I have happy news for you. The PPPC is currently building 17 high schools in the hinterland communities —Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9 — and one in Region 6. So, we’re going to have 100% of our children having access to secondary schools. In many of these places, we’re also building dormitories for students and (building) teachers’ quarters. So, when you hear them talking about dropouts, understand that they are referring to children for whom they did not provide a single seat to stay
Andrews Supermarket robbed, thieves escape with undisclosed sum of cash
Andrews Supermarket, located at Lot 4445 Robb and Light Streets, Georgetown, was robbed between 22:00hrs on Tuesday and 07:45hrs on Wednesday.
The perpetrators reportedly escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash, after breaking into the building and ransacking multiple sections, including the MoneyGram office.
Police said the supermarket is housed in a four-storey concrete structure situated in an unfenced compound. The first floor accommodates the supermarket, which is secured by a double glass door, zinc shutters, and padlocks. The second flat contains the
MoneyGram and manager’s offices, while the third and fourth storeys are used for storage and are secured by internal metal doors with locks. On the lower eastern side of the building is a storage bond with a double metal door that is secured by padlocks and internal bolts.
According to the 34-yearold store manager, he was the last person to leave the building, at around 22:00hrs on Tuesday. He said he had secured all entrances before going home; but when he returned to the building at around 07:45hrs on Wednesday, he discovered that the storage bond door on the lower flat had been opened.
The manager said fur-
ther checks revealed that the roof above the bond had been cut open, and upon inspecting the building, he found that cash registers in the supermarket were damaged, and an undisclosed amount of cash had been removed.
He told police he made further checks on the second floor and discovered that the MoneyGram office had been ransacked. Two metal safes containing an undisclosed sum of cash were also missing.
Notably, no security guards were stationed at the supermarket at the time of the incident.
Several persons in the area have been questioned as investigations continue.
in school.”
She added that the authorities are changing that picture for “dropouts” for Guyana’s youths. Amidst this intervention to provide students in hinterland regions with education, she emphasized, parents also play a crucial role.
“Now, do parents still have a role? Yes, you do. You have to make sure your children get up, eat their breakfast, and get to school. You have to ensure that happens every day. I know it can be tiring sometimes, but you also have a role to play in ensuring your children excel in the schools being provided, attend those schools, and do not leave early or prematurely from the programs they offer.”
NA mayor calls on councillors to collaborate across council chambers
As he called on municipal councillors of the fifth council to collaborate across council chambers in his first address to the council for 2025, New Amsterdam Mayor Wainwright McIntosh has said, “Our mission is to serve the people of this great town; to enhance the quality of life for all citizens through providing facilities, infrastructure and services to citizens, customers, visitors, businesses and state agencies in a friendly, effective, and competent manner.”
During that council meeting last Monday, the mayor said efforts this year should be focused on strengthening the bonds that exist between the municipality and citizens. He noted that the council would have to tackle critical issues confronting it as a united body. Among those issues are improvement to public infrastructure, and ensuring safety and accessibility for all.
The municipality, he said, would also have to focus on promoting economic development that creates job opportunities, and would have to place more effort on fostering community engagements and ensuring every voice is heard in council’s decision-making processes.
He also said environmen-
tal sustainability to secure a healthier future is a key factor which needs more focus from the council.
“We recognise that the path ahead will not be without challenges. However, as mayor for all citizens, I am confident that with unity, transparency, and a focus on common goals, we can overcome any obstacle. This year, I encourage each of us to deepen our commitment to collaboration: across council chambers, with other levels of government, and with the people of New Amsterdam,” Mayor McIntosh challenged. (G4)
06:00 (Sign on) Inspiration Time
06:30 Cartoons
07:00 Evening News (RB)
08:00 HGTV
09:00 Stop Suffering
10:00 Food Network
12:00 News Break
12:05 Movie - The Garfield Movie (2024)
14:00 Wheel of Fortune
14:30 Spongebob Squarepants
15:00 When Calls the Heart
15:30 My Adventures with Superman S2 E4
16:00 Indian Soaps
17:00 The Young & The Restless
- Lift (2024)
New Amsterdam Mayor, Wainwright McIntosh
Education Minister Priya Manickchand
Andrews Supermarket
Page Foundation
1) If the length of rectangle R is three times the width, what is its perimeter?
2) The rectangle R and the square S have the same perimeter. What is the area of the square?
3) Which means of transportation do residents use half as much as buses?
4) If Harry paid $480 to park his car in the parking lot, how many hours was the car parked?
5) Sarah bought 5 of the handbags shown above and resold them for $5 500 each. How much profit did she make altogether?
6) Rakesh bought one of each item above and paid with a $1 000 bill. How much change did he receive?
Questions: 7 and 8 refer to the tally chart which shows the different shoe sizes of children in Grade 6
7) How many children wore size 4 and size 6 shoes altogether?
8) How many pupils are in Grade 6?
Question: 9 refers to the pictograph which shows the means of transportation used by residents of a village in Region 9
9) What is the most popular means of transportation used by residents?
Q was a quail With a very short tail; And he fed upon corn In the evening and morn.
q Quaint little quail! R R was a rabbit, Who had a bad habit Of eating the flowers In gardens and bowers.
r Naughty fat rabbit!
S S was the sugar-tongs, sippity-see, To take up the sugar To put in our tea.
s sippity-see!
T T was a tortoise, All yellow and black: He walked slowly away, And he never came back. t Torty never came back!
U
U was an urn
All polished and bright, And full of hot water At noon and at night.
u Useful old urn!
V was a villa
Which stood on a hill, By the side of a river, And close to a mill. v Nice little villa!
W was a whale With a very long tail, Whose movements were frantic Across the Atlantic. w Monstrous old whale! X
X was King Xerxes, Who, more than all Turks, is Renowned for his fashion Of fury and passion. x Angry old Xerxes! Y Y was a yew, Which flourished and grew By a quiet abode Near the side of a road. y Dark little yew! Z
Z was some zinc, So shiny and bright, Which caused you to wink In the sun's merry light. z Beautiful zinc!
Deadly mid-air collision near DC Guyana mourns with US after tragic crash – Pres Ali
The heartbreaking tragedy of an aircraft collision that claimed the lives of dozens in America has sparked global concern.
In response, President Dr Irfaan Ali has expressed his deepest sympathies to those affected by the accident.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, I express our deepest sympathies to President Donald Trump, the Government, and the citizens of the United States in the wake of this horrific accident.”
According to the Head of State, this tragedy surpasses the pain felt by the victims’ families, emphasising that Guyana stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time.
“This is a national tragedy that extends far beyond the pain and grief felt by the families of the victims. The impact of this tragedy touches every corner of the American nation. At this
time of heart-wrenching loss, Guyana stands in solidarity with the American people. We share in your pain and join you in mourning the victims. We offer our support and condolences to all who are grieving. Our hearts and prayers are with the families of the victims.”
A BBC report has stated that about 21:00h local time (02:00 GMT) on Wednesday, a PSA Airlines jet operating as American Airlines 5342 collided with a US Army helicopter as it approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The passenger plane broke into multiple pieces and sunk several feet into the Potomac River, while the helicopter ended up upside down on the water.
The passengers plane, a Bombardier CRJ700, had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was carrying 60 passengers and four crew, American
President Dr Irfaan Ali
Airlines said.
According to updates from officials, the helicopter was a Sikorsky H-60 that took off from Fort Belvoir in Virginia with three soldiers on board, and belonged to B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the helicopter was on an annual proficiency flight, performing a night evaluation, and the
crew had night-vision goggles.
The Defence Secretary said names and ranks were being withheld until their next-of-kin had been informed.
Recordings of air traffic control conversations published online suggested that a controller tried to warn the helicopter about the American Airlines plane in the seconds before the collision.
The helicopter pilot appears to respond to confirm they are aware of the plane, but moments later the two aircraft crashed.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told reporters on Thursday: "I would say the helicopter was aware there was a plane in the area."
The FAA said it would investigate the incident, together with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Hegseth said he expected this should quickly establish
whether the helicopter was flying in the right corridor and altitude.
DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said in a Thursday morning update that officials "don't believe there are any survivors from this accident".
He said teams had recovered 27 bodies from the plane, and one from the helicopter.
A law enforcement source
familiar with the investigation earlier told CBS that a higher number of at least 30 bodies had already been found.
US Figure Skating in a statement said "several members of our skating community were sadly aboard" the flight.
It added that this group comprised athletes, coaches and family members who were returning home from a development camp in Kansas.
Russian citizens were also on board, the Kremlin confirmed – after local media reported that ice skating coaches and former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were on the plane. About 300 responders on rubber boats were deployed to search for survivors, Donnelly said.
"The challenge is access, there is wind, pieces of ice [on the water]. It is dangerous and hard to work in," he said.
APNU/AFC has nothing to show for billions spent – Teixeira …”it’s not about how much you have, but how you use it” – Indar on Opposition’s ‘no oil money’ claim
Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira has highlighted how the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition depleted the country’s resources during its term in office with nothing tangible to show for its massive spending.
The coalition Opposition has been arguing that it was unable to make any major investments or undertake developmental projects in Guyana since it did not have ‘oil money’ during its 20152020 term in office.
However, Minister Teixeira has dismissed this as an excuse for the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led coalition’s bad economic and development policies.
“Vindictiveness and small-mindedness don’t move a country forward, doesn’t help develop a country. You on your own – you, in the APNU+AFC – held back the forward movement of this country. You’ve taken anti-national positions against the people of this country,” the Minister noted.
According to Teixeira, the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic
(PPP/C) Administration had left behind sufficient resources back in 2015 when the coalition took office, but it could not account for them by the end of its term. In fact, she disclosed that some $14.2 billion in gold reserves were left in 2015, but this went down to $635 million by December 2019. Similarly, foreign currency reserves in 2015 were over US$700 million and reduced to US$200 million by 2020.
“Where the money gone? Where did the money go –never accounted for… So, don’t tell us you don’t have money…take shame off yuh face and come clean,” she contended.
Moreover, Teixeira pointed out that between 2015 and 2019, the accumulated Budget under the coalition was $1.2 trillion, but there is nothing to show for it.
“What did they do with it? Where is it? What is there to show for it? At least [former PNC President Forbes] Burnham could say he built [the Linden]-Soesdyke Highway and he built the Demerara floating bridge. They can’t say one project –not one project is a legacy for them in Government – not one,” she noted.
The Governance Minister
went on to remind of the state of the country back in 1992 when the PPP/C took office and even in that “hard guava season” with nearly all sectors collapsed, it was still able to remove Guyana from being one of the most indebted and poorest countries in the hemisphere.
“How is it that every time PPP/C is in Government, this country moves forward even in the most difficult times… I don’t know if we got good juju, but somehow when the APNU gets in there, the country starts removing,” she posited.
The Minister explained that as a young democracy, Guyana’s economy needed to be treated a certain way in order to ensure progress – something which the PNCled Opposition has failed to learn over the years.
“In order to have money or spend money, you have to invest money; money has to circulate. Giving subsidies without agriculture, housing, infrastructure – you are building on quicksand… The last time in Government, your formula for development was taxes. You taxed… and it shows the amount of tax [revenues] you were making; however, where did it go?... It cannot be explained. Not one legacy project…”
Minister Teixeira further noted that the Opposition’s 2025 manifesto was devoid of any economic strategy and has nothing to offer Guyanese. She stressed that the Opposition needed to keep abreast with the fast pace of development that the country is undergoing otherwise it would just be holding back Guyana’s progress.
“You’re a bunch of spoilers… The party that says it got 217,000 votes in 2020 has come with such a hackneyed,
myopic approach to the economic and social development of our country. I would like to see my friends on the other side rise to the occasion. This country is moving forward like never before and if they don’t see it then, it’s a problem because the rest of the Guyanese people see it every day. They see opportunities…
“The Guyanese people have seen change, smelt it and they want more. And they will get more under this People’s Progressive Party/ Civic… APNU/AFC needs to wake up and smell the roses… Whether you support or not, this country is moving. Nobody is going to stop it now. Our beautiful Guyana, our blessed nation has gotten a taste of progress and movement forward. People have a taste for the future – hope, optimism and they ain’t gonna want it reverse at all,” the Governance Minister declared.
Failing to deliver
Meanwhile, Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar has mocked the lack of oil revenues claims, reminding that the former Administration collected $90 billion annually from increased taxes and yet,
there is nothing to show for how they spent it.
He made the remark during his contribution to the 2025 budget debate on Wednesday evening.
“Yuh stifle growth, you tax everything under the sun…incompetence was the height of it under their management. It’s not how much money you have, it’s how you use the little that you have…,” Indar said.
“They were collecting $90
billion more in taxes and did nothing with it. You know what $90 billion can do Mr Speaker? $33 billion building 121km of roads in the hinterland, $90 billion cudda build 333km, you know what they did? Zero!”
After entering office in 2020, the Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government had reversed over 200 taxes which were imposed under the former APNU/AFC coalition.
Successive budgets of the current PPP/C Administration were financed by no new taxes.
Among other things, the APNU/AFC had imposed taxes or increased taxes on a number of products and services such as tax on private healthcare and private education, Value Added Tax (VAT) on water, electricity, health products, food, drainage and irrigation fees, agriculture land lease rates, mining and agricultural machinery, and domestic travel, etc. (G8)
Governance & Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira
Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar
President Donald Trump
Prison officer jailed for drug trafficking, 3 others granted bail
Walter Benn, a prison officer attached to the Mazaruni Prison in Region #7 (CuyuniMazaruni), has been sentenced to two years and five months’ imprisonment after
pleading guilty to possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
His conviction stems from a major drug bust on Wednesday, when he was caught attempting to
Charged: Tecina Angel Willis
Charged: Melissa Allen
smuggle into the Mazaruni Prison what was suspected to be cannabis concealed in Ensure bottles.
It has been reported that at approximately 15:57h on Wednesday, a prison officer on duty at the Mazaruni Prison front gate conducted a mandatory search on Benn
Charged: Walter Benn
Charged: Rhon Smith
home. A subsequent search of his living quarters uncovered three more Ensure bottles containing a total of 272 grams of cannabis.
Later that evening, an intelligence-led operation was launched by another ASP and a team of officers at Benn’s residence.
after he returned from signing a document. Benn had presented an Ensure bottle wrapped in a black plastic bag, and upon inspection, it was found to contain cannabis. The discovery was immediately reported, and Benn was arrested.
In an interview with Assistant Superintendent (ASP) of Prisons Rodey Denhart, Benn admitted to having additional amounts of narcotics stored in his living quarters and at his
There, Benn’s reputed wife, Tecina Angel Willis, a 22-year-old firefighter, admitted to transferring narcotics and three cell phones to her neighbour Melissa Allen, a 28-year-old vendor from Mora Camp, Essequibo River.
Allen had then handed the items to Rhon Smith, a 36-year-old construction worker, who concealed them at his home.
Budget…
…postmortem
Well, today we’ll have the wrap-up of the Budget Debate, so maybe we can take a look at how the Opposition’s been doing with that part of their responsibility – and use it to situate it within their larger role as an opposition. Oppositions, after all, are an integral part of parliamentary governance structure – and should be taking their role as a “government in waiting” very seriously. And this is the first disappointment of your Eyewitness. As the PPP showed – Governments have a plan for their country that usually comes from the manifesto that got them elected in the first place – and their Budget is a slice of that plan for the next year.
Where was the Opposition’s plan for Guyana?? Didn’t they have a manifesto?? OK…so maybe it was part of the reason they didn’t get elected!! But haven’t they been tweaking it since their fingers were pried from the spread and bedsheets used to try rigging the elections?? All your Eyewitness heard during the debate was a cover of that old song from showbiz – “Anything you can do; I can do it better”!! Like with the PPP making income up to $130,000 tax free; the Opposition then saying if they get in, they’ll raise it to $400,000!! Or that they would give Public Servants raises waay beyond the 10% promised by the Government!! What this exposes is just lazy cogging from what the PPP has on the table and are just promising more!! The folks out there in voters-land aren’t that gullible or stupid to fall for that ruse!!
First of all, if they’re to ever get back into government –barring staging another frontal Buxton-based attack on the state –the Opposition gotta start over from first principles. It ain’t gonna be easy, since they already got two strikes against them with that bare-faced rigging attempt that makes it difficult for people to take them seriously. Your Eyewitness has some suggestions for them – since he has a vested interest in our dear ole Mudland proceeding in peace and progress.
They can do worse than making their aims and priorities for the entire country very clear. As it is, they ain’t doing themselves a favour by only whining about one section of the country being “neglected”. They seem to forget that the said section can’t vote them in on their own!! And that leads to the second bit of advice – which, is to use the opportunity to engage folks outside their traditional base and widen their reach.
Thirdly, they can’t be all over the place just reacting to the PPP’s initiatives – there must be some coherence in their policy statements. This will show they’ll make a difference to coherence in government!!
And lastly, apologise for rigging!!
…for contractors
It’s been famously said – supposedly by Napoleon – that England was “a nation of shopkeepers”. And at that time –the late 18th century – it was certainly true that England’s greatness was built on trade and commerce!! Not least on the exploitation of India by the East India Company that eventually was to extract some US$45 trillion!! And even if it was a snide remark that belittled England’s war prowess, the shopkeepers did defeat him a bit later in the Battle of Waterloo!!
Well, it would seem that we here in Mudland are fast becoming a “nation of contractors” – what with Public Works Minister Edghill responding – en passant – that there were 505 contractors building roads in Linden, 42 in Ituni, and more than 100 in New Amsterdam!! And that’s just looking at road building!! So imagine what the numbers would be if we were to go nationwide in all the areas of governmental exertions!!
Maybe our nation of contractors will be able to defeat Mad Maduro’s military??
…blues
If it’s one set of Guyanese who’ll miss the Budget Process will be those reporters who’ve been following it over the last week. Makes it easy when you just have to feed the speeches into ChatGPT and ask for summaries!!
The cannabis that was found by prison officers
Annandale man who hacked wife to death dies by suicide
Bidraj Ganesh, aka “Boy”, the man who murdered his reputed wife, 33-year-old Faliza Ally, has died by suicide while receiving medical treatment under police guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Ganesh, 52, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon after hacking Ally to death inside his home at Annandale Sand Reef on the East Coast of Demerara. He had attempted suicide after fleeing the scene, and was later found and taken into custody, before being admitted at the hospital, where he remained under constant watch by law enforcement officials.
Family members of the deceased woman told this
publication on Thursday morning that they had visited the police station to check on the status of the investigation, and were informed that Ganesh had succumbed to his injuries.
They said the police told them the man died on Thursday morning.
Ally, a mother of seven and a cleaner at Annandale Primary School, had been in a relationship with Ganesh for over eight years. For much of that time, she reportedly endured repeated physical abuse. Despite multiple attempts to leave
him, she was often threatened and manipulated into returning.
In November 2024, she made a final decision to leave, moving back to her parents’ home in Lusignan. However, Ganesh reported-
ly continued to harass her, making threats and accusing her of being involved with another man.
On the day of her murder, Ally followed her usual routine, going to work at the Annandale Primary School.
Sometime after noon, she was at Ganesh’s home, where she was brutally attacked. Her body was later found with multiple wounds, including a deep gash to the back of her neck.
The house where the murder occurred
Dead: Faliza Ally
Dead: Bidraj Ganesh
Prison officer jailed for...
Smith cooperated with investigators, leading them to a clump of bushes behind his home, where they recovered nine more Ensure bottles containing suspected cannabis, along with three cell phones.
In total, 856 grams of suspected cannabis were seized.
Benn was later charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, under Section 5(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10.
At his hearing on Thursday, he pleaded guilty, and was sentenced.
Meanwhile, Willis, Allen, and Smith were also charged with the same offence.
The case was called before the Bartica Magistrate’s Court, where each of them pleaded not guilty.
They were granted bail in the sum of $80,000 each, and the matter was adjourned to March 12, for continuation.
FROM PAGE 8
The Prison Head also indicated that persons’ movement near the prison locations would be restricted and, in some cases, a “stopand-search” exercise would be conducted.
Director Elliot also indicated that the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) would also be erecting signs at strategic points outside the prisons, warning the public to desist from such acts and the consequences attached to them.
Meanwhile, Elliot warned that there would be no let-up in bringing down corrupt prison officers, family members, and friends of inmates who are bent on breaking the law.
Elliot alluded to the recent attempts by members of the public to either throw contraband items over the prisons’ fence or place such items around the prisons’ perimeter.
Just recently, Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot said that additional security measures would be employed within the confines of each prison location.
“Public safety is a key component of the prison system, and all efforts will be made to achieve such a task,” the he said.
GDF Coast Guard on recruitment drive
The Coast Guard branch of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is currently trying to boost its ability to safeguard the country with recruitment drives being held countrywide. Drives have already taken place at Santa Mission in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), New Amsterdam in
Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), and Fort Wellington in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); and the next drive is scheduled for Linden in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) today (Friday). Engagements in Regions Five and Six were held on Wednesday.
Coast Guard Administrative Officer
Lieutenant Dereck Johnson has referred to the exercises as thus far being successful, and is encouraging young individuals to join the Coast Guard in order to contribute to safeguarding Guyana’s borders and sovereignty. Recruitment targets individuals between the ages of 17 and 25 years old who are interested in joining the GDF.
“This is an excellent opportunity for young people to explore the various career paths and possibilities within the Coast Guard while also playing a key role in securing our nation,” he said.
Recruits will undergo training in the USA, UK, France, Canada, India, China and Brazil.
Lieutenant Johnson could not provide an exact figure of those recruited thus far because recruitment is taking place at multiple locations nationwide, but in
noting that the drive is ongoing, he declared, “We are targeting different areas on various days, including locations such as Kopani and the West Coast of Berbice.”
Recruitment drives are also planned for Kwakwani, Essequibo Coast, Essequibo Islands, Wakapao, Moruca, Kabakaburi, Bartica, River’s View, Karrau, Mabaruma, Kaituma and Waini.
Applicants must be between 17 years 9 months and 25 years old; must be fit and healthy, and have no visible tattoos; and would need to submit a resume along with their academic qualifications, a valid police clearance, four passport-size photographs, a copy of their
National ID Card or passport bio-data page, their NIS number, and a bank account number.
As the recruitment drive continues across the country, the GDF Coast Guard is encouraging all eligible candidates to take the next step towards a rewarding career in national defence.
Prospective applicants seeking further information are invited to visit the GDF website, or contact the Coast Guard operational basedirectly by using the details provided on the flyers. (G4)
‘Pot calling the kettle black’ – Dr Asha Kissoon knocks APNU/AFC for ‘squatting in Govt’
As Opposition Member of Parliament Dr Asha Kissoon took the floor to contribute to the 2025 budget debate on Thursday, members of the APNU/ AFC left the House in protest of her continued occupation of the shared seat in Parliament.
“I must say that the Opposition has really made me feel welcome, because this House is witnessing a case of pot telling the kettle that its bottom is black. These are the same colleagues who squatted in Government
for five months after the No-Confidence Motion was passed, so they are free to do what they want to do,” Dr Kissoon remarked.
There is controversy involving the presence of Dr Kissoon in the National Assembly in a seat she has
been occupying beyond the six-month term allotted to her party under a Joinder Agreement. According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of the Joinder List, Dr Kissoon’s party, The New Movement (TNM), was entitled to occupy the Opposition seat in the National Assembly for 91 days. That timeline ended since November 2023, but Dr Kissoon continues to occupy the parliamentary seat in a move that has sparked criticism from some quarters, including A New and United Guyana (ANUG), whose turn it is to serve in the House based on the Joinder Agreement.
On March 2, 2020, TNM, ANUG, and the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) crafted the MoU, and it was agreed therein that they would merge the votes earned by them if those were sufficient to earn them a seat in Parliament; and they would share occupation of that seat in Parliament on a rotational basis that is proportionate to the votes each had earned.
At the 2020 elections, the number of votes secured by the three joinder parties were: 2657 by LJP – the most votes secured by a joinder party; 2313 by ANUG, and 244 by TNM.
Based on the Joinder Agreement, each party was entitled to occupy the shared seat for a specific period.
The stipulated duration of the terms for each party was:
Opposition MP Dr Asha Kissoon
two years, six months and 20 days for the LJP; two years five months for ANUG, and 91 days for TNM.
The three parties had previously committed to acting as a broker between the Government and the main Opposition.
Meanwhile, during her presentation, Dr Kissoon became the second Opposition politician to support the 2025 budget. Dr Kissoon, who is also deputy speaker, commended several provisions of the $ 1.382 trillion budget even as she provided some recommendations of her own.
“The culture of vindictive politics must come to an end. A national budget is meant to unite us, not divide us,” she said as she commenced her contribution to the ongoing budget debate.
“Is it so unheard of that a member of Opposition can agree with Government on something in the budget? Are there no longer free thinkers who exist in the Opposition?”
Dr. Kissoon questioned.
She pointed to investments in housing, agricul-
ture, healthcare and other sectors which she noted are beneficial to the people of Guyana and must be supported.
As a medical doctor, she pointed out, advances in the healthcare sector, the provision of healthcare vouchers, and the investments in advanced technologies would all play a pivotal role in people’s lives.
For the health sector, she recommended that systems be put in place to provide funding for people who are forced to undergo neurological and other surgeries privately.
“I’m sure everyone here has noticed that, at some point of another, people on social media…seek medical funding for certain surgeries - neurological surgeries in particular - that are not offered in the public health system. I’m making a request that we have budgetary funds allocated to them while systems are put in place so we can have these surgeries done in the public system,” she said.
Aurora Estate farmer calls for justice after attacks on property, cattle farm
Thakoor Masir, a cattle farmer and businessman of Aurora Estate on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), is calling on the authorities to take swift
ing in them suffering significant financial losses and distress.
Masir, a remigrant who returned to Guyana to invest in the agriculture sector, has said the attacks be-
action to address a situation that has seen farmers of Aurora Estate being the target of a series of attacks on their properties, result-
gan in November last year, when 100 acres of his rice field were sprayed with Gramoxone, resulting in his crop being destroyed.
He told this publication that although he had provided the police with information in regard to whom he thinks is the main suspect, and had furnished a description of the vehi-
longing to other farmers who were using his land for grazing were also targeted.
Then on January 5, 2025, another attack left five other head of cattle brutally chopped, bringing to
cle that allegedly was used when the act was committed, no one has been arrested.
He said the situation escalated when, on November 19, 2024, unknown individuals invaded his private pasture and severely chopped five head of his cattle. Animals be-
ten the total number of his cattle injured.
According to Masir, these acts of vandalism have caused him approximately $1.4 million in livestock losses and $1.2 million in infrastructural damage that resulted when the barbed wire and chain-link fences enclosing his pasture
were cut through. He disclosed that many of the injured cows, pregnant ones included, had to be sold to butchers at reduced prices because their injuries were too severe for them to survive.
However, he said, attacks of vandalism continued; and on January 26, he received a call from a worker, informing him that his tractor shed had been broken into. When he arrived on site, he discovered that his tractor and a boom sprayer had been set on fire. The extensive electrical and structural damage that was done to the tractor required costly repair.
Masir disclosed that he believes he is deliberately being targeted, because of a land dispute ongoing between him and his step-siblings. He alleges that one of his step-siblings who resides overseas had previously threatened to destroy his business by burning his rice fields and harming his cattle. He claims that although he had reported
Emphasising that he is not the only one suffering, because several other farmers, including one who is in poor health, have lost cattle in attacks of this sort, Masir said, "These men depend on their cattle to make a living, and now they have lost their income. One of them told me he cannot afford to replace his cows. Because we were forced to sell them at low prices after they were so brutally attacked!"
Despite having what he believes to be strong evidence, including a suspect's photograph and a description of a vehicle used in the crimes, Masir says, he is frustrated by what he considers the slow response from police.
"We have given the police everything they need to act, yet no arrests have been made. We just want justice - for ourselves and for these animals. The authorities must do more to protect farmers and their livelihoods," he added.
Masir says he has invested more than $33 mil-
these threats to the police, little has been done to protect him and his livelihood.
"What is happening to me is not just about money; it is cruelty of the highest level,” he declared.
“The way the animals were chopped, you could see intestines hanging out, and in some cases, the unborn calves inside their mothers. These are innocent creatures. It is shocking that people could be this cruel," he said.
lion in his business since returning to Guyana, but he fears that if the situation is not addressed, the attacks would continue. He is now calling for a thorough investigation, stronger police action, and measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
"We are not asking for compensation; we know that will be a long legal battle. But, at the very least, we want those responsible to be held accountable," he declared.
Let APNU/AFC continue to promise; PPP will continue to...
During his hour-long presentation, Norton highlighted his party’s plans to the various sectors, including housing, security and agriculture.
Ironically, he detailed plans to enhance the sugar industry including increasing sugar production and effectively managing the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) as well as ensuring workers benefit from a liveable income.
It was the PNC-led APNU/AFC Coalition that downsized the sugar industry between 2016 and 2017, not only shutting down sugar estates across the country but also placing some seven thousand sugar workers on the breadline.
Moreover, the Opposition leader in recalling the PNC's track record, had also stated that the party is proud of banning basic food items in Guyana.
“We restricted items in 1970s and we are proud of it," Norton, the PNC leader, asserted.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, had highlighted the PPP/C Government’s accomplishments during the past four years in office, which spanned coastal and hinterland regions across the country.
Focusing his presenta-
tion on Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) – a traditional stronghold of the PNC-led Opposition, PM Phillips noted that the PPP/C had invested 580 percent more in that region than the Coalition did during its five years.
These investments include billions on roads and bridges, small business grants, loans and training for small business entrepreneurs in Linden.
These will be compounded with the current construction of the US$35 million toll-free Wismar bridge, ongoing works on the Linden to Lethem Highway, the new stadium and scores of other projects throughout Region 10.
“These successes are underpinned by our government’s vision to ensure Guyana’s oil wealth benefits all citizens which is evident in robust infrastruc-
ture development, cash grant initiatives and monumental advancements in healthcare and education… Things are happening in Guyana, we are developing at a terrific rate. The people are seeing development, the people are feeling development, the people are discussing development and the people are saying they want five more years of development by the PPP/C,” the PM declared.
The tractor allegedly set on fire
The cattle that were reported to be severely chopped in the farmer's private pasture
Acres of rice field were said to be sprayed with poison
An alleged assailant caught on camera igniting the tractor in the farmer’s barn
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has fiercely criticised the main opposition parties, A Partnership for National Unity–Alliance For Change (APNU-AFC), following their contributions during the parliamentary debates on the 2025 National Budget; and has dismissed their performance as “dysfunctional, delusional and dishonest.”
Speaking during his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo criticised the Opposition’s arguments; stated that their presentations lacked coherence and credibility; and noted that APNU/AFC MPs made “wild promises” without any framework or costing, thereby raising questions about their ability to govern effectively.
“They're delusional. Apart from dysfunctional, delusional,” he declared.
“So, they're delusional about the success that they had. You can hear them say with a straight face (that) people were better off in 2020 when they left office than they are today in Guyana. That is a healthy dose of cognitive disease,” the Vice President said.
Among those who faced intense scrutiny and backlash were Opposition Members of Parliament Juretha Fernandes, Annette Ferguson, David Patterson, Ganesh Mahipaul and Catherine Hughes.
Jagdeo argued that the opposition’s ‘contradictory’ stance on infrastructure and economic policies demonstrate a fundamental lack of direction. He pointed out that while the opposition claim to support development, they simultaneously criticize major projects initiated by the Government.
According to Jagdeo, the Opposition are attempting to rewrite history by suggesting that Guyana was in a better economic position in 2020 under their administration. He dismissed such claims by stating that the facts showed otherwise.
“You've got to be delu-
Labourer crushed to death by falling concrete slab
Ragunandan Singh, a 47-year -old labourer of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, died shortly after 8:00h on Thursday, January 30, after a concrete slab fell on him as he was breaking bricks from an abandoned house at Crabwood Creek, Corentyne.
Reports are that Singh would dismantle the concrete structure by breaking it to form bricks, which he would sell in his home community.
On Thursday morning,
Singh was reportedly engaged in this activity when a solid concrete slab measuring about 10 feet by 12 feet fell and pinned him to the ground.
He sustained several serious injuries, and when the police arrived on scene, his lifeless body was taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
His body is presently at the Skeldon Public Hospital Mortuary, awaiting a post
mortem examination. Singh’s mother Eliza Dhanmattie told investigators that her son had left home at about 6:30h to go to the abandoned building to break bricks, and she received information of what had transpired at about 8:30h.
Dhanmattie, a pensioner, said her son earned a living by selling bricks, which are used to fill low areas in people’s yards in the community.
Men remanded after cutlass attack on cops
Three men were on Thursday remanded to prison after their arraignment before Fort Wellington Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir to answer a joint charge of assaulting a peace officer.
armed police officers while the Children's Costume Parade was ongoing at the Latchman Singh Secondary at Bush Lot, WCB. This happened as the police were summoned during an unruly incident that was simultaneously occurring and the anti-crime patrol were responding to that incident.
Reportedly referred to as The Belladrum Gang, these three men had had a confrontation with another gang from Lovely Lass, and gunshots were fired being in the air.
sional to argue in 2025, in the face of all of this evidence, that the People's Progressive Party sought to rig the 2020 elections. And they persist that we are installed, undemocratic, etc. and they were the rightful government. You've got to be delusional. And as I said before, that people are better off; so, when a Juretha Fernandes can say people had more jobs in 2020 than they have now, you have to examine her for that expression,” the Vice President asserted.
He also ridiculed Opposition MPs for exaggerating minor achievements such as small infrastructure projects, while failing to address systemic issues in key sectors; such as water, housing, health, and education during their tenure in office.
Dishonesty, discrimination Jagdeo did not hold back in accusing the Opposition of outright dishonesty, particularly regarding their handling of
Amerindian Community Support Officers (CSOs). He criticized APNU/AFC for dismissing nearly 2,000 Amerindians from the programme in 2015 and then attempting to shift blame on to the PPP government.
“So today they're claiming that the nearly 2,000 Amerindian CSOs who were sent home, which was done in August by them in 2015, that the PPP sent them home because we didn't make some provision for them. Normally, the thing is that there is a provision in the budget where you can continue to fund wages and salaries and employment costs even if you don't have a budget. You can't fund capital costs, new capital projects, just rollover projects. They terminated the CSOs, sent them home…what was one of the largest acts of discrimination against Indigenous people in this hemisphere,” he said.
He added that APNU/ AFC had justified the move by falsely claiming that the
Security guard arrested
workers were politically aligned with the PPP. Further, Jagdeo accused the Opposition of stoking racial and elitist undertones in their rhetoric. He said certain members of APNU+AFC continue to push baseless corruption accusations against the current administration in an effort to distract from their own record of mismanagement and favouritism while in office.
“There’s always an underlying tone of discrimination in some of their presentations,” Jagdeo remarked. “They are racist and elitist…and they try to distract the public with these old, worn-out accusations of corruption.”
Jagdeo has labelled the Opposition’s budget debate performance as mediocre, arguing that they are not prepared to govern.
“They are not ready for the big league of running a country. It’s not because they are bad people; they are just clueless,” he said.
(G1)
for
allegedly choking pensioner to death
A48-year-old security officer, Ramjit Ranlall, has been arrested in connection with the death of his uncle, 77-year-old pensioner Pooshandeo Rambaran, in Good Banana Land, East Canje, Berbice, Thursday morning.
The suspect, reportedly from Adelphi Village, East Canje, was taken into custody when Police found Rambaran’s lifeless body on the roadway.
According to the Police, an anonymous caller reported that he saw a man choking another individual on the road. Officers promptly responded to the scene and found Rambaran lying motionless.
He was transported to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Ranlall was arrested at the scene and was currently assisting the Police with their investigation into the incident.
verbally abuse his wife.
She noted that on Thursday her nephew apparently punctured his wife’s bicycle wheel, resulting in the tyre becoming flat. The woman claimed that her nephew used that as an excuse to visit her home on Thursday.
“He come and looking after the bicycle and cussing up…,” she recalled. Her late husband reportedly scolded his nephew over his attitude.
According to her, her husband asked her nephew to leave and threatened to put a padlock on the gate.
She further related that on three occasions her husband went out to her nephew who was fixing the bicycle on the road in front of the gate.
officer arrived.
Referring to her husband who was cooking for her shortly before his demise, Rambaran said he had been very supportive of her and had been assisting with all of the household chores since she is ailing.
“He do everything for me,” she explained. She has been suffering with arthritis for the past six years and has been almost confined to a bed.
Kadon Singh, 22, of Foulis Village; Renaldo Alder, 20, of Seafield Village; and Antonio Abrams, 21, of Paradise Village, each pleaded not guilty to the charge. Abrams has also been charged with resisting arrest.
Corporal Garfield Edwards, prosecuting, told the court that on January 28, these three men, armed with cutlasses, attacked three
When the three police ranks arrived, the Lovely Lass gang fled the scene, but The Belladrum Gang decided to confront the officers. The police were able to summon backup, and a patrol from Weldaad Police Station arrived while the trio were still engaging the police, and this led to their arrest.
Magistrate Mohabir has ordered that the accused return to court on February 13.
Meanwhile, the dead man’s widow, 68-year-old Latchmin Davi Rambaran, explained that the security guard was her nephew and his wife worked as a domestic on Thursdays at the Rambarans’ home.
According to the now widowed woman, her nephew had been accusing his wife of having an affair with another man, and would frequently come to the house on Thursdays when his wife is there and
“The third time when the man go out to him, he asked him what he getting on with, and with that, he scrambled my husband; and I ask him to stop his madness – he strong. He take his two hands and he squeeze my husband,” the grieving woman alleged.
She said after hearing no sounds for a while, she got out of the hammock to investigate and saw her husband lying motionless on the ground.
She added that together with a neighbour they tried to resuscitate him but he was unresponsive.
Her nephew then walked into the yard, and at the same time a police
“Right now, I don’t know where my head is from my foot because that was my hand and foot… He does come to my bed and bring my biscuit and tea and then carry back the plate, rub my foot with ointment,” she disclosed.
“He didn’t deserve that. Nobody he was bad to, nobody at all,” she sobbed. Authorities are continuing their investigations.
The trio apprehended by police
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Pensioner Pooshandeo Rambaran
Deadline for US$190M LindenMabura Road now set for year end
…as adverse weather challenges contractor
By Kelroy Williams
he deadline for com-
Tpletion of the highly anticipated US$190M Linden-Mabura Road project has again been pushed back, and contractors are now hoping to have the project completed by the end of the year.
This delay was disclosed by Julio Aguilera, Production Manager at Brazilian firm Alya Constructora, on Thursday during a press briefing with members of the media. Asked about the project's expected completion time, Aguilera explained that the company is already working with an extended deadline. He indicated that due to inclement weather and other challenges, additional time will be required to finish the project.
“We are right now on a time extension of the project up to now. I think we are up to November this year.
I think there will be a little extension due to rain and other issues,” Aguilera explained.
It was revealed earlier this month that the Linden to Mabura Hill Road, initially slated to be completed by July 2025, was expected to be fully operational by October 29, 2025. Guyana Times was told the construction company had halted procurement and construction activities on June 18, 2024, but had resumed work on August 12, 2024.It was explained that this delay was due to challenges in procuring materials, which resulted in a 75 per cent downtime, thus pushing the project’s deadline from July to October 2025.
Production Manager Aguilera, revealing on Thursday that work would be ongoing with a view to deliver the project by the end of this year, has said, “We have probably this year is
Production Manager of ALYA Construction, Julio Aguilera
our plan to conclude.”
Aguilera highlighted that, already, over 40 kilometres of road have been completed, and an additional 17 kilometres are expected to be completed within
the next three months.
“We are right now executing around from km 0 to km 60. We have 45km with asphalt already, and we are working in this section from 45 to 60. Our plan is to conclude it this three-month coming,” he explained.
The Linden to Mabura Hill Road, which would eventually reach all the way to Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), is a vital road network that is being utilised by thousands of persons who transport goods from the coast to the inland regions of Guyana.
The previous condition of this road had posed significant challenges for commuters and transport operators. Heavily laden lorries frequently toppled off the roadway, and deteriorated bridges required manual alignment of boards for crossings, often with unsafe outcomes. However, when completed, the perti-
nent piece of infrastructure would significantly improve connectivity between Linden and the inland regions of Guyana. This project is being co-financed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) through a US$112 million loan, a £50 million (US$66 million) grant from the United Kingdom under the Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (CIPF), and US$12 million from the Government of Guyana. It marks the largest grant Guyana has ever received from the UK.
The road will boast a 7.2-metre-wide carriageway, a two-metre-wide pedestrian and cycle lane, and 10 bus stops with ramps for persons with disabilities. Additionally, the project includes the replacement of multiple bridges and culverts, as well as the installation of 123 lights along the roadway.
For residents of communities like Malali, approximately 50 miles from Linden, the project promises significant benefits. Malali, home to just over 230 Amerindians of the Arawak tribe, relies on logging and subsistence farming for economic sustenance. Improved road conditions would greatly enhance their ability to access markets and essential services.
Despite setbacks, Government remains committed to the project, and additional infrastructure development is planned. In 2022, $3.19 billion was allocated to construct 32 bridges between Kurupukari and Lethem as part of the Lindento-Lethem trail. When completed, the Linden-Mabura Hill Road would represent a cornerstone of Guyana’s national infrastructure, paving the way for economic growth and enhanced connectivity.
Repeat offender remanded after alleged assault, threats at police station
Mawali Clarke, a 36-year-old vendor of William Street Kitty, has been remanded to prison following his arraignment in the Georgetown Court of Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on charges of disorderly behaviour, assault, and using threatening language at the Alberttown Police Station in Georgetown.
Clarke, who is also a repeat offender, appeared before the magistrate without legal representation on Wednesday, and pleaded not guilty to all three charges.
The court was told that these charges stem from an incident that occurred on January 28, when Clarke allegedly assaulted Dwayne Williams, also of Kitty, at the Alberttown Police Station and threatened to shoot, cripple, and confine him to a wheelchair.
Williams testified that on the night in question, he was
asleep at home when a loud explosion woke him. Upon checking outside, he discovered his car’s windscreen had been shattered and a bicycle was nearby. He said a neighbour informed him that a man in a white T-shirt was seen fleeing the scene.
He said that after inspecting his car, he realised that nothing was missing, and that led him to believe that someone had simply thrown an object at the vehicle. Determined to find out what had occurred, however, he searched the area multiple times in his damaged car, before switching to a motorcycle. Eventually, he spotted Clarke, who matched the description he was given.
Williams said he confronted Clarke and asked if he had broken into his car, but instead of responding, Clarke began running.
However, Clarke told the court that although he knew Williams (who lived
on the other street), he had never done anything to him, and would have no reason to damage his car.
Claiming he is the one who was assaulted, Clarke told the court he was being unfairly accused. He said he had been chased, struck down with a motorcycle, and attacked by Williams and another individual, who attempted to chop him.
He also denied assaulting Williams at the police station, arguing that he had been “heavily restrained.”
Williams, however, furthertestified that despite being handcuffed, Clarke repeatedly attempted to hit him, and threatened to cripple and kill him.
With Clarke repeatedly interrupting Williams’s testimony, Magistrate McGusty had to warn Clarke to remain silent, and his repeated outbursts led to his eventually being denied bail, although he begged the mag-
istrate to be placed on bail, saying he had a family and a business to take care of. His pleas were ignored, and he was remanded to prison until February 12.
The prosecutor also objected to Clarke being placed on bail by citing the severity of the threats and Clarke’s history of arraignment before the court.
Court history
Clarke’s court history showed that, in December 2022, he was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for stealing a loaded 12-gauge shotgun and three cartridges from a Sheriff Security guard.
It also showed that, in 2017, he was charged with two counts of knife-point robbery committed on two females. He was spared jail time for that offence, but a 2016 charge for armed robbery resulted in him serving 18 months in prison.
Mawali Clarke
Works ongoing on the Linden-Mabura Road in Region 10 on Thursday
$100K cash grant
Thousands of cheques printed, to be distributed when Budget 2025 passed – VP
The Government of Guyana has printed approximately 301,251 cheques to disburse the $100,000 cash grant to Guyanese citizens, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has said.
During his weekly press conference on Thursday, he provided
to the media numbers which indicate that approximately 372,000 persons are to receive their money from the 2025 National Budget.
According to the VP, a total of 674,200 persons are registered across the country for the cash
grant, and on Thursday he provided a regional breakdown.
Distribution of the grant commenced last year with some 90,000 persons receiving the money. Recipients mostly included public sector workers, pensioners, and residents from hinterland regions.
Jagdeo had assured that the remaining cheques will be distributed once the 2025 National Budget is approved.
For persons who have not registered, Jagdeo has said, “Anyone in any region who’s been unable to register, we’re putting in place permanent arrangements where they can go in and get registered. Then we’ll also have to sort the disabled and shut-ins.”
Government has announced additional cash grants in the 2025 National Budget, including the provision of $100,000 to every child born to a Guyanese mother.
16-year-old beaten to death in Region 1, left
Police are investigating an allegation that 16-year-old Janelly David of Barama Line, Baramita in the North West District was reportedly murdered at some time between January 29-30, 2025 at Barama Line in Baramita, Region 1.
Police are now looking for 40-year-old Eon Moore, who reportedly fled the scene on an ATV, and who is said to have been in a common law relationship with the teen.
Ranks of the Baramita Police Station in Region One, having received the report, arrived on scene at about 11:00h on Thursday, and discovered the body of Janelly David lying motionless in a face-up position in a hammock in a small makeshift camp. There appeared to be marks of violence to her right eye and injury to the back of her head.
Enquiries disclosed that the victim and suspect had been living together up to the time of the victim’s death. According to a 31-yearold cook whose camp is located about fifteen feet from the couple's camp at Baramita, she had seen
Washington plane crash
in hammock
both the victim and the suspect on Wednesday at about 18:30h, and the victim had appeared to be in good spirits and good health at the time.
This cook said she had left her camp and had gone to Central Baramita, and when she returned at about 10:30h on Thursday, she had seen Moore packing his belongings onto a red Suzuki all-terrain vehicle (ATV) which did not have a registration number.
The cook said she had asked Moore where Janelly was, and he had told her that the girl was asleep in her hammock. The cook said she immediately checked the hammock, and observed Janelly lying motionless, with visible marks of violence on her face.
The suspect had sped off on the ATV, and made good his escape in the direction of Five-Star Backdam, NWD. The teen's body was escorted to Baramita Cottage Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival by the Medic.
A manhunt is presently ongoing for the suspect, as investigations continue.
Questions arise over understaffing at control tower, as 67 persons die
Acollision on Wednesday between an American Airlines jet and a US military helicopter near Washington DC killed all 67 people onboard both aircraft and sparked questions over whether understaffing in an air traffic control tower played a role in the United States’ worst aviation disaster in years.
As it approached Reagan National airport around 9pm, American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a US army Black Hawk helicopter, plunging wreckage of the two aircraft into the icy Potomac River and killing all 64 passengers and crew on the plane, along with three soldiers on the helicopter.
It was the first fatal commercial airline crash in the US since 2009, and quickly described by Donald Trump and his top transportation officials as “preventable”, even as accident investigators cautioned that they have no answer yet as to what caused the tragedy.
But a preliminary investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration found that staffing at the Reagan National airport’s control tower on Wednesday evening was “not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic”, according to the New York Times. The airport is one of three serving Washington DC, and like many airports nationwide has struggled to properly staff its control tower.
The understaffing led to a single controller handling both arrivals and departures at the airport and also managing helicopter traffic – a job usually handled by two people, the New York
Times reported.
The crash was the first national tragedy to strike since Trump was inaugurated last week, and at a White House press conference, the new president oscillated between consoling the nation and seizing on the deaths for political gain.
“This was a dark and excruciating night in our nation’s capital and in our nation’s history, and a tragedy of terrible proportions,” Trump said. “As one nation, we grieve for every precious soul that has been taken from us so suddenly.”
He then argued that changes made under Joe Biden to requirements for hiring air traffic controllers may have been a factor in the accident.
“We had the highest standard that you could have, and then they changed it back – that was Biden,” Trump said, adding that he believed the changes were made as part of diversity programs that his administration was vowed to repeal. The president
also singled out the policies of Pete Buttigieg, a rising Democratic star who served as transportation secretary under Biden, saying that “he’s just got a good line of bullshit”.
Asked to provide proof of his assertions about air traffic controller hiring, Trump declined, saying that he had reached the conclusion “because I have common sense, okay. And, unfortunately, a lot of people don’t.”
Later, Trump signed an executive order on aviation safety that rolls back diversity initiatives and repeated to reporters claims without evidence that these initiatives contributed to Wednesday’s crash.
Buttigieg responded to Trump’s comments saying: “As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying,” and said the Biden administration had put safety first.
The crash is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board, whose chair,
Jennifer Homendy, described it as “an all-handson-deck event”. Board member Todd Inman said they aimed to release a preliminary report into the incident within 30 days, adding that the black box recording devices on both aircraft had not yet been recovered.
Over the course of the day, Trump administration officials revealed more details of how the helicopter and passenger plane might have crossed paths. The defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, said the helicopter involved carried “a fairly experienced crew” based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia that was conducting a “required annual night evaluation”. They had been equipped with night-vision goggles, he added.
“It’s a tragedy, a horrible loss of life,” Hegseth said.
At the Potomac River, which separates Washington DC from Virginia, more than 300 emergency workers, including divers, weathered high winds and packed ice to re-
trieve pieces of the plane and bodies.
The Bombardier CRJ700 jet operated by regional carrier PSA Airlines broke into three parts and was in waist-deep water in the Potomac, US transportation secretary Sean Duffy said.
He noted that both the helicopter and the passenger plane had been flying in a “standard flight pattern” on a clear night before the crash, and that it was not uncommon for military aircraft to be seen in the skies over the nation’s capital, including near Reagan National, which is located in Arlington, Virginia.
“Safety is our expectation. Everyone who flies in American skies expects we fly safely,” Duffy said.
“That didn’t happen last night. We will not rest until we have answers for the families and the flying public. You should be assured when you fly, you are safe.”
Washington DC’s fire chief, John Donnelly, said that the wreckage from the aircraft had been spread out
by the wind but that he was confident rescuers could recover all those onboard. Of those found so far, 27 were from the plane and one from the helicopter.
“We will continue to work to find all the bodies to reunite them with their loved ones,” Donnelly said. “I’m confident that we will do that. It will take us a little bit of time. It may involve some more equipment.”
Several of the victims had been in Wichita, Kansas, where the flight began, for a development camp hosted by US Figure Skating, according to the Skating Club of Boston, which released the names of its six skaters, coaches and family members who had been onboard the jet.
“Our sport and this club have suffered a horrible loss with this tragedy,” the CEO and executive director, Doug Zeghibe, said on Instagram. “We are devastated and completely at a loss for words.” (Excerpted from the Guardian)
Search and rescue teams working in the aftermath of the collision of American Eagle flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into the Potomac River, as seen from Alexandria, Virginia (Reuters)
Pay attention to your home and family. A change that adds to your comfort or convenience will help you do what’s best for the people, situations and concerns that matter most.
Improving your home, entertaining or changing your lifestyle to ease stress are in your best interest. Accept what you cannot change and walk away from no-win situations. Find time to take care of yourself
Gather information. Don’t trust anyone but yourself; verify all the information you receive and share only what’s necessary. It’s not worth jeopardizing your reputation to please others. Do what’s best for you.
Put all you’ve got into getting ahead and rising above the competition. Enthusiasm and a positive attitude will make a difference and help you stand out.
Make choices that honor your preferences and distance yourself from anyone trying to decide for you. Taking charge will help you gain respect and open doors, and will encourage exciting opportunities.
A slight change will help you gain movement when things appear to be at a standstill. Keep your life simple and doable. A commitment to a special someone will bring you closer together.
Stay actively involved in learning. Stretch your imagination, and you’ll devise a plan that offers the freedom to do something you enjoy. Keep the momentum flowing.
Less talk and more action is your ticket to success. Sign up for something engaging, and you will thrive. Put your energy where it counts and go above and beyond the call of duty, and you’ll make a stellar impression.
Someone will try to back you into a corner. Keep your wits about you and your eyes and ears open for any hint of unfair play. Look out for yourself and do your own thing.
Put your time and effort into relationships, investments and what you aim to do next. Don’t wait for things to come to you. Act and turn your dream into a reality.
Simplify matters, learn to adjust and remain cool, calm and in control. Refuse to let personal or money matters escalate, or your health will deteriorate due to unnecessary stress.
Pay attention to detail and do something you enjoy. Take a break from people who test your temper. Harness your energy and put it to work for you.
ARCHIE
Bahadur, Johnson, Wills emerge as champions at Novice, Handicap Table Tennis Tournaments
The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) Novice and Handicap Tournaments, which were played at the National Gymnasium over the last weekend, ended with Owan Wills (East Bank Demerara); Jonathan Bahadur (West Demerara) and Aria Johnson (Berbice) emerging victorious in their respective categories.
Handicap in this context refers to the format that is being used whereby the stronger players started the game at a disadvantage with minus six points and not-too-strong players started with plus six.
In the Handicap Open singles final, Wills (+1) defeated Krystian Sahadeo (-6) 11-8, 11-7,4-11, 11-13 and 11-7 (3-2); and in the semifinals Wills (+1) de -
(-6) defeated Jaden Trotman (0) 3-0, Sahadeo (-6) defeated Samara Sukhai (0) 3-1, Goliah (-4) defeated Angel Robinson (+2) 3-2 and Wills (+1) beat Christopher Nelson (+2) 3-0.
Last 16 results: Moore defeated Akel Hall (0) 3-0, Akeem Hall (0) lost to Trotman 0-3, Kayden Meusa (0) lost to Sahadeo 3-1, Moven Barran (+2) lost to Sukhai (1-3), Goliah defeated Shackecy Damon (+1) 3-1, Agel Robinson(+2) defeated Akria Watson (0) 3-1, Raphael Isaacs (+1) lost to Wills 2-3 and Christopher Nelson (+2) defeated Devanand Boodhoo (+3) 3-1.
In the group matches,
Joseph, Dottin power Windies Women
to series-sealing win over Bangladesh
Qiana Joseph’s explosive 63 and Deandra Dottin’s blistering 49 set the stage for a comprehensive 106-run victory for the West Indies Women over Bangladesh Women at Warner Park in St Kitts on Wednesday. The win gave the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, securing the series victory with one match to spare.
After being sent in to bat, West Indies Women piled up an imposing 2016 in their 20 overs, with Joseph leading the charge in a breathtaking 36-ball knock that included 11 fours and two sixes. Captain Hayley Matthews provided early fireworks with 27 from just 18 balls, striking six boundaries before falling to Rabeya Khan.
Dottin then took over, smashing 49 from just 20 deliveries, blasting three fours and five sixes in a display of raw power. She fell just short of a half-century, caught off the bowling of Shorna Akter, but her knock had already given West Indies a commanding total.
Shabika Gajnabi added
a valu- able 24* off 12 balls in the latter stages, ensuring the
home side crossed the 200run mark. Khan (2-26) and Fahima Khatun (3-38) were the most successful bowlers for Bangladesh, but the visitors struggled to contain the aggressive West Indies batting line-up.
In reply, Bangladesh Women never got going, struggling against a disciplined and varied West Indies bowling attack. Cherry-Ann Fraser (215) struck early, removing both openers within the first four overs, while Zaida James (1-17) and Ashmini Munisar (1-20) maintained the pressure.
Matthews then chipped in with two wickets for just six runs in her two overs, while veteran leg-spinner Afy Fletcher (2-21) ripped through the middle order, removing Captain Nigar Sultana and Khatun.
Only Sharmin Akter (22) and Shorna Akter (16) offered brief resistance, but Bangladesh could only muster 95-9 in their 20 overs. Extras accounted for 20 of their runs, highlighting their struggles against the Windies attack. (Sportsmax)
Indies Women (20 ovs maximum)
Qiana Joseph st †Dilara Akter
b Rabeya Khan 63
Hayley Matthews (c) b Rabeya Khan 27
Shemaine Campbelle †
b Fahima Khatun 11
Deandra Dottin c Lata Mondal
b Shorna Akter 49
Jannillea Glasgow c Shorna Akter
b Fahima Khatun 14
Shabika Gajnabi not out 24
Nerissa Crafton
b Fahima Khatun 0
Zaida James not out 8
Extras (b 1, lb 1, w 3) 5
Total 20 Ov (RR: 10.05) 201/6
Did not bat: Cherry-Ann Fraser, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar
Boodhoo (West Demerara) (+3) upset the number 2 seed in the tournament, Sahadeo (-6) at 7-11,1012,11-6,11-3, and 11-7 (32).
Novice Open (13 years and under) final: Jonathan Bahadur defeated Lester Thomas 11-9, 12-10 (2-0); joint third place went to Alyssa Troyer, she lost to Thomas (1-2) and Jhonny Carpio, he lost to Bahadur (0-2).
Novice Open: The matches were played in a round-robin playoff between five players. The winner was Aria Johnson (Berbice); second place was Ethan Marks (Marian Academy), and third place Fabianna John (Agricola).
Qiana Joseph gave West Indies an explosive start
Deandra Dottin followed in her teammates’ footsteps, bringing the fireworks
Guyana’s Cherry-Ann Fraser picked up two wickets
“Watch out!”
Slingerz strengthen artillery for 2025 Elite League season
“Watch out!” That was the warning given to opposing teams by renowned Coach Jamaal Shabazz, who, on Thursday afternoon, was officially unveiled as the new Head Coach and Technical Director of West Demerara’s Slingerz Football Club.
However, Coach Shabazz is not the only new addition to the Elite League 2024 runners-up. The club
has signed Golden Jaguars forward Kelsey Benjamin, who comes from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC, alongside former Canada Under-20 defender Terique Mohammed, who featured twice for the Golden Jaguars in international friendlies last year.
Slingerz FC President Javed Ali made the announcement during a press briefing on Thursday, describing the move as a step towards the Club’s goals.
Ali shared with the gathering at the National Racquet Centre, “At Slingerz FC, we’re committed to building a team not only that excels on the field but also embodies the values of hard work, unity and resilience. Today, I’m thrilled to share some key developments that will drive us closer to achieving our goals.”
“Coach Shabazz brings with him a wealth of experience, proven track record of success and a vision that aligns perfectly with the ambition of our club. With years of expertise and leadership, Coach Shabazz has demonstrated ability to inspire players, develop talent and deliver results. We’re confident that under his guidance at Slingerz FC, we’ll reach new heights and make our supporters proud,”
Panama get better of Junior Lady Jags 3-2
Guyana’s national U17 girls’ team suffered their second, gut-wrenching loss in the CONCACAF U17 Qualifiers on Wednesday night, as group leaders Panama pulled off a slim 3-2 victory.
Playing at the Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Guyana opted for a starting XI that included Captain Kimora Edwards, goalkeeper Jasmine Ross, Jaida Tucker, Whitney King, Alexaudria Chasles, Devi Sookdeo, Arianna Chin, Anaya Joseph, Avril Pasvolsky, Sydney Glean, and Naomi Benjamin.
Panama took hold of the lead early when Shaday Mow beat the Guyanese defence and found Guyana’s goa keeper Ross outside of the sixyard box. Mow needed only to tap the ball in for the goal in the second minute. Then, five minutes later, Isabella Rendino found Panama’s second with ease, capitalising off a set piece that was sent in from just outside the box.
The first half continued in exciting fashion as Guyana’s
Pasvolsky, on an assist from Glean, found the back of the net with a shot across the face off the goal in the 12th minute.
Both teams held out for the 2-1 score at the end of the half, but Panama would find their third, this time off the boots of Yasselis Magallon, who pushed in the incoming ball from the corner between the keeper and defender manning the net, in the 73rd minute.
Guyana’s Veronica Chatta was able to pull one back in the 83rd minute, making the most of a breakaway run to
find the back of the net, but the 3-2 score stood at the end of 90 minutes.
Panama currently lead Group C with six points from two games; Cuba also have six points from two games. Meanwhile, both Guyana and Turks and Caicos have registered two losses in the competition.
Though Guyana’s chances of moving on to the next stage of the competition are shot, the Junior Lady Jags will play a final group match against Turks and Caicos Islands today, Friday, January 31 at 17:00h local time.
lenge. This is a new phase, it’s a new challenge and I feel that my presence here will bring a certain amount of competitiveness within the teams, within the country. I’m very happy to see what Slingerz have achieved and the Coaches, the foundations before me, that they have built,” the new Slingerz FC Head Coach related.
Shabazz later warned, “I want to say to GDF and Police, watch out! You may be arrested very soon.”
On the other hand, Benjamin expressed an intention to win the League with Slingerz FC.
no stranger to Guyana’s football fraternity, spoke of embracing a new challenge with Slingerz FC after his time with the senior men’s national team was cut short.
the Slingerz FC President said about their new Coach.
On Benjamin’s signing, Ali expressed, “Kelsey’s remarkable skill set and determination on the field makes him a valuable addition to our team.”
Shabazz, who is by now
The Coach also had a warning for their fiercest competitors.
“I say it’s also a proud moment for me, because trying to transform Guyana football and the national team has been one chal-
“I’m so glad to face the new challenge after winning back-to-back Leagues with GDF. I have something to prove so, I wanted to win the League with Slingerz and show them what I’m capable of,” the prolific forward shared.
The 2025 season of the Guyana Football Federation’s Elite League is set to kick off on Sunday, March 9.
Cricket Gear initiative benefits once more from Persaud
Charrandas Persaud, former Guyana High Commissioner to India and former Member of Parliament, has once again showed his love for cricket and confidence in the joint initiative between Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA to provide cricket gear for youngsters.
Persaud, an Attorneyat-Law, who is a Guyanese by birth and a Canadian citizen, donated four cricket bats, 12 red cricket balls and two pairs of batting gloves. Persaud’s total contributions to this project are nine cricket bats, 24 red balls and two pairs of batting gloves.
He stated that he was impressed with the reach of this initiative, reaching to young and aspiring cricketers, male and female, across the length and breadth of Guyana. The organisers said they were taking this opportunity to thank the Berbician for his continued support and they were pleased to be part of the development of young crick-
eters in Guyana. They said their aim was to keep youngsters off the streets and get them actively involved in sports, cricket in particular.
Total items received/ purchased so far: $460,000 in cash, 13 coloured cricket uniforms, one set of stumps, two trophies, 32 pairs of cricket shoes, 37 pairs of batting pads, 46 cricket bats, 40 pairs of batting gloves, 28 thigh pads, three pairs of wicketkeeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, 13 gear bags, 13 bat rubbers, six helmets, one fibre-glass bat, one floppy hat, 14 boxes and four of white cricket balls, 13 boxes of red cricket balls, one bat cone and 28 footballs. In addition to the above, gear to the value of over $600,000 was donat ed by Sheik Mohamed, former national wick etkeeper/batsman. All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear request ed and not available at the time.
Under the initiative, the items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising crick eters in Guyana. Skill, dis cipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spot ting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify same. Progressive and well-managed cricket clubs with a youth programme also benefit.
all three counties of Guyana have benefited directly. Many others benefited indirectly. Among the other beneficiaries are Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees; two clubs in the Pomeroon area; Cotton Tree Die Hard; Cold Fusion Cricket Club; Rose Hall Community Centre Cricket Club; Essequibo Cricket Board; the town of Lethem; youth coach Travis Persaud; male and female teams playing the traditional hardball and softball in the Upper Corentyne area; No 65 Young Titans; youths of Just Try Cricket Club; Wakenaam Cricket Academy; Shamar Joseph; Nehemiah Hohenkirk; Shamar Apple; Tucber
To date, 93 young players, male and female, from
Malteenoes Sports Club; Kendall’s Union Cricket Club; Lower Corentyne, Corentyne Comprehensive and JC Chandisingh Secondary Schools and Thaddeus Lovell.
Slingerz FC President Javed Ali
Charandas Persaud
New Slingerz FC Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz
Kelsey Benjamin officially being presented with his Slingerz T-shirt
Guyana’s U17 girls’ team
Veronica Chatta (on ball) netted Guyana’s second goal
West Indies Championships…
Savory, Anderson nearing centuries …as
GHE batters seize control of contest with Barbados
Abatting masterclass from the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) highlighted Day 2 of their first-round West Indies Championships clash with the Barbados Pride at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
Guyana’s batting was so formidable on Day 2 that they lost only three wickets during the entire day and ended with Captain Kemol Savory and Kevlon Anderson both eyeing centuries.
The hosts began their pursuit of Barbados’ first innings score of 346 on Thursday morning, where the top order was able to get good starts,
but, unfortunately, could not press on.
Tagenarine Chanderpaul hit 40 off 119 deliveries while fellow opener Matthew Nandu had 36 off 54 balls. Nandu was the first of the two to depart, caught and bowled by Chaim Holder while Chanderpaul was next, falling in similar fashion to Javed Leacock.
In at number three, Raymond Perez was a breath of fresh air, but soon had reason to beat up on himself after edging Jair McAllister’s bowling to the keeper. Perez fell four short of a half-century, having faced 98 balls and hitting seven boundaries.
Then, it was time for the
experienced pair of Captain Savory and Anderson to take the reins of the Harpy Eagles batting. The duo combined for a 48-run partnership at tea, as they led their side to 184-3 in 57 overs, by that interval.
Similarly to Barbados batters on Wednesday afternoon, Savory and Anderson were able to put their feet on the gas after tea.
The boundaries slid smoothly off the bats of the Guyanese duo, who eventually ended the day with an unbeaten 179-run partnership.
Savory brought up his third First-Class half-century in 67 balls, while Anderson followed closely on his heels,
reaching the milestone in 79 balls for his sixth half-century in the format.
The Guyanese batsmen pressed on and weathered the new ball that was being served up by the Barbadian pacers to see out the day with their wickets still intact.
When close of play was called, Savory was not out on 95 off 135 deliveries, having dispatched 14 fours and one six. His partner, Anderson remained unbeaten on 87 from 125 balls, hitting the same number of boundaries. As such, Guyana reached 315-3 at close of play, trailing Barbados by just 21 runs.
Although having to toil, Chaim Holder was the most
successful of the Bajan bowlers claiming 1-68 from 23 overs while Leacock took 1-45 from 10 overs. McAllister also claimed a wicket, but was on
day.
from 10:00h
Pres Ali lauds Under-17 football team, pledges additional support to sport
President Dr Irfaan Ali lauded the Junior Jaguars, Guyana’s Under-17 male football team, for their drive and expressed confidence in their future undertakings, during a training session on Thursday afternoon at the National Training Centre in Providence. The team are currently training to participate in the CONCACAF U17 World Cup Qualifiers from February 7-16, 2025.
The Junior Jaguars are placed in Group B and will tackle Trinidad and Tobago, the British Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten and hosts Costa Rica.
If Guyana gain qualification, they will participate in the FIFA U17 World Cup being hosted in Qatar from November 5 to November 27.
“I want you to know that when I speak to you today, I’m speaking to you on behalf of all of Guyana, all the peo-
President Ali interacts with Junior Jaguars team members
ple of Guyana. We have great confidence in this team making us proud,” President Ali stated.
The Head of State, who made a sizeable donation to the venture, also pledged his
Government’s further support.
“Today, I also wanted to let you know that even the facilities that you see here, we’re going to invest, from a Government perspective, in
further improving the facility, and also we are going to invest in you,” he stated. Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde was also present.
Guyana’s Kemol Savory and Kevlon Anderson built a 179-run partnership (Jemima Holmes photo)
Chaim Holder was arguably the most successful of the Barbadian bowlers on a tough day (Jemima Holmes photo)
Guyana’s Under-17 football team, the Junior Jaguars
