“We will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Guyana”
Phagwah 2025
“Let us paint our hearts with humility, colour our minds with gratitude, and drench our souls in generosity”
4-year-old beaten to death in Region 9 Govt cancels
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 14 –05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, March 15 – 04:45h-06:15h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 14 –16:35h-18:05h and Saturday, March 15 – 05:00h-06:30h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Sunny conditions are expected during the day, interrupted by thundery to light showers in the mid-morning to mid-afternoon hours, with cloudy skies and light to thundery showers at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.92 metres.
High Tide: 16:58h reaching a maximum height of 2.68 metres.
Low Tide: 10:33h and 22:49h reaching a minimum height of 0.55 metre respectively.
“We will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Guyana”
–
US envoy on Venezuela’s threats …no current plans for Ali, Maduro to meet – VP Jagdeo
UStates Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot has noted that the Venezuelan naval vessel’s recent incursion into Guyana’s waters is unacceptable and reiterated her Government’s continued support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown on Thursday, Ambassador Theriot stated that the US was very concerned about this latest act of aggression by Venezuela against Guyana.
“Clearly, we support Guyana 100% against this aggression that is unacceptable and we won’t allow Venezuela to threaten Guyana’s territory and sovereignty. And so, we are standing with many other international partners [to condemn the incursion]…we will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Guyana in supporting you and defending you,” she told <<<Guyana Times>>>.
At approximately 07:00h on March 1, 2025, a Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel, identified as ABV Guaiquerí PO-11 (IMO 4695542), entered Guyana’s waters and approached a tanker near the <<<Prosperity>>> Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel operating in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.
Located within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), to which Venezuela is laying claim, the oil-rich Stabroek Block is being operated by US oil major ExxonMobil, which has discovered over 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) and is currently conducting production and other exploration activities.
During its incursion, the Venezuelan naval vessel communicated threateningly via radio communication that Prosperity was operating in Venezuela’s EEZ, before continuing in a southwestern direction towards other FPSOs in Guyana’s waters, to which it delivered the same message.
Following the Venezuelan vessel’s incursion, the
Guyana Government has since activated a series of responses, including the deployment of military resources offshore, engaging the international community and it has also sent a formal protest note to Caracas.
Guyana reminded that all the activities which the Government of Guyana has authorised to be undertaken in its EEZ are entirely within the maritime areas appurtenant to the sovereign coastal territory of Guyana, as defined by the Arbitral Award of 1899.
Hours after the incident, the US Government had condemned the threat from Venezuela.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the US Department of State’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs condemned the threat to both ExxonMobil and Guyana.
“Venezuelan naval vessels threatening ExxonMobil’s floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit is unacceptable and a clear violation of Guyana’s international-
ly-recognised maritime territory,” the social media post stated.
It went on to say, “Further provocation will result in consequences for the Maduro regime. The United States reaffirms its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and the 1899 arbitral award.”
In addition to Guyana’s EEZ, Venezuela is also laying claim to more than twothirds of Guyana’s landmass – the entire Essequibo region. In fact, the Nicolás Maduro regime has even declared plans to annex the Essequibo and hold elections there on May 25, 2025 – a move that has attracted widespread condemnation and criticism from other countries as well as regional and international bodies.
No plans to meet
Based on reports coming out of Caracas, Maduro has recently called for a face-toface meeting with President
Dr Irfaan Ali, who is currently in the United States and has been meeting with several top US officials to discuss a number of issues including security collaboration.
However, during his weekly press conference on Thursday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo indicated that no plans have been finalised for such an engagement between the two South American leaders.
“I don’t think currently, there’s any plans to meet that has been finalised,” the VP told reporters. Jagdeo pointed out that the reason for the meeting needed to be clarified before a determination was made.
“That has to be assessed against what he wants to meet on and also whether it is good for our country and our national security interest. The President will make that assessment,” he noted.
nited
US Ambassador Nicole Theriot
President Dr Irfaan Ali and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro meeting in St Vincent and the Grenadines on December 14, 2023
Today is Holi, or Phagwah, one of the festivals brought by the indentured servants from India between 1838 and 1917 and bequeathed to our nation. While it is often celebrated as the triumph of good over evil, we must ask ourselves: How exactly did good triumph? This question is crucial, as it may provide guidance on how we should act in the present. The lesson from Holi is clear – it was through the actions of men, women, and even a child that evil was confronted and defeated.
In the axiology of those who brought Phagwah to Guyana, good and evil are not abstract concepts, but are inherent in human actions. Oppression and wrongdoing are not external forces; they are perpetuated by individuals and must be actively resisted. Often, those who wield power unjustly are not distant figures but individuals close to us – within families, communities, and even leadership structures. The Holi narrative teaches us that no one is above accountability.
Hiranyakashipu, the king in the Holi story, was not always evil. He had once been a devoted seeker, performing great penance and receiving a divine boon. However, he succumbed to the corruption of power and demanded absolute submission from his people, even from his own son. In Guyana, history has shown us that many who start with noble intentions can be seduced by power, leading to excesses and injustice. The lesson from Holi is that we must always act within ethical boundaries and recognise the checks and balances that keep power in service of the people.
Prahalad, the king’s son, was deeply loved by his father at first, but when he opposed the king’s oppressive rule, he was deemed a traitor. Despite immense pressure, he stood firm, understanding that knowing better meant doing better – even if it meant challenging his own father. This is a lesson for our time: the struggle for justice often requires opposing figures of authority, even when they are part of our own circles. Whether in government, workplaces, communities, or homes, we must stand against injustice, no matter how difficult it may be.
Holika, the king’s sister, tried to convince Prahalad to conform, but he remained steadfast. This teaches us that oppression can sometimes come disguised as concern or loyalty. Many today justify wrongdoing for the sake of stability or personal relationships. However, Holi’s message is clear – justice demands courage and conviction, even when standing up means standing alone.
As a multicultural nation, Guyana is home to various value systems. Holi reminds us to understand differing perspectives and find common ground in shared ethical principles. The festival’s true spirit is one of unity, inclusion, and breaking down barriers. As we immerse ourselves in the revelry of Phagwah, let us also embrace its deeper call: to challenge injustice, promote accountability, and work toward a better society.
Moreover, Holi teaches us the importance of renewal and reconciliation. Just as nature rejuvenates with the coming of spring, so too should we take this opportunity to mend broken relationships, heal old wounds, and start anew. This festival, with its playful exchange of colours, symbolises the erasure of past conflicts and the embracing of harmony. It is a time to forgive, to let go of grievances, and to strive for greater unity among our diverse communities.
At a time when our world is fraught with division and discord, the message of Holi is more relevant than ever. It calls upon us to act with integrity, and to cultivate an inclusive society where respect and understanding prevail. The splashes of colour that define Phagwah remind us that diversity is not a source of division, but a cause for celebration.
May this Holi inspire us all to be agents of positive change.
Happy Phagwah, Guyana!
Phagwah speaks to truth inevitably prevailing – PPP
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend Phagwah greetings to all Guyanese, especially the Hindu community.
Phagwah has become a national occasion that
Guyanese from all spheres of society look forward to, not just for the excitement it brings, but also for the opportunity it affords in coming together through interaction and sharing in the spirit of what it truly represents.
The diverse colours associated with this festival symbolizes the commencement of the spring season and epitomizes our nation’s rich diversity.
As Guyanese celebrate
Healthy environment, thanksgiving, gratitude and charity/sharing at Phagwah
At this time homes and surroundings are given detailed cleaning. Also, it is a time when farmers harvest their crops, perform Havan and make offering of grains in an expression of thanks and gratitude to God for their harvests. In addition, sweets like goja, pera and gulgula are shared with love to friends and neighbors. Veda
Maata Atharva Veda 3:20:5 “O Effulgent God! Inspire us all to give charity, sharing of our resources and serve selflessly with humility”.
God our mother in Rig Veda 10:39:03 instructs and reminds us all to be a Protector (Avitaara) in our community “Be a Protector to those deprived of food, clothing and home. Be a Protector to the downtrodden, under-privileged, blind, weak (physically, mentally and spiritually), those afflicted with diseases, disabilities and suffering from natural disasters”. As we engage in the act of sharing/charity, it is very important to remember that God is manifesting His Divine Love, Mercy,
and Compassion through us to those whom we serve. Moreover, we can also triumph over all challenges in life and make our lives a meaningful one, like Bhakt Prahalad, who through God's Grace, Devotion (Bhakti) to God and unshakeable Faith (Shraddha) overcame all challenges. On behalf of the children and staff, we sincerely wish everyone a joyful and Blessed Phagwa/Holi.
Prabhu Sharan Orphanage/Children's Home
Reflect on the enduring lessons that Phagwah imparts – GAWU
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) extends warm and heartfelt greetings to all Guyanese, especially our Hindu brothers and sisters, as we unite to celebrate Phagwah, also known as Holi — the vibrant festival of colours, joy, and renewal.
Phagwah is a remarkable occasion for reflection, unity, and celebration of the triumph of good over evil. This festival transcends boundaries, and brings people together, regardless of race, religion or background. As we immerse ourselves in the spirit of this observance, let us recognize the vital importance of harmony and understanding among all the people of our great nation.
This year, Phagwah takes on special significance, as it inspires us to renew our commitment to the values of love, peace, and unity. In times when division and misunderstanding may appear prevalent, festivals like Phagwah provide us with a powerful opportunity to come together, celebrate our shared humanity, and reaffirm the bonds that unite us as one people and one nation.
GAWU acknowledges Phagwah as a religious observance and vibrant communal celebration. This festival reminds us of the essential need for tolerance and mutual respect in the quest for a peaceful and prosperous Guyana. It is a time for us to set aside our differences, embrace
our diversity, and come together in joy.
As we honour this special occasion, let us reflect on the enduring lessons that Phagwah imparts — lessons of resilience, renewal, and the potential for positive change. Just as the colours of the festival symbolise our diverse spectrum, so, too, does our nation. We are stronger when we embrace our differences and collaborate for a brighter future for all.
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) wishes everyone a safe, joyous, and spectacular Phagwah. May this festival inspire us all to continue our collective efforts at creating a more inclusive, just, and prosperous Guyana.
the PPP urges that we be inspired by the significance of the occasion which speaks to, amongst others, the triumph of good over evil - a relevant reflection of how our country and people navigated and overcame various challenges.
Let us be motivated by what this colourful festival signifies and be encouraged in the hope that, through resoluteness in the face of adversity and despondency, the messages of Phagwah speaks to truth inevitably prevailing.
Celebrate
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) wishes to extend Holi (Phagwah) greetings to all Guyanese - especially our Hindu brothers and sisters - as we celebrate, as a nation, the jubilant and sparkling festival of colours today, March 14, 2025. Referred to as the Festival of Spring, Holi connotes unity and renewal. This colourful occasion is a juncture to reset and renew ruptured relationships, end conflicts, and rid ourselves of accumulated emotional
impurities. As such, it reminds us of the prominence of harmony, love, and mutual respect among all, irrespective of race, creed, religion, or lineage.
Significantly, Holi is one of the numerous spiritual, religious, and cultural observances in Guyana that have attained nationwide appreciation: removing traditional barriers, reminding us of the tolerance and understanding that should prevail among us; and, most remarkably, stimulating togetherness
As Guyanese mark the occasion, our Party once again extends best wishes and urges caution, tolerance, and respect in the celebrations.
and boosting cultural expressions, which Hinduism endorses.
Today, as we celebrate this sacred festival with many colours, traditional music, and oriental renditions, the ERC urges everyone to celebrate responsibly and respectfully, thereby ensuring that the true principles and keynotes of Holi: reconciliation, happiness, friendship and togetherness, are reinforced and upheld.
Shubh Holi to all, from the ERC
May our lives be brightened and colourful – AFC
The Alliance For Change extends joyous greetings to all Guyanese, especially our Hindu brothers and sisters, on the revered celebration of Phagwah, or Holi.
Phagwah, or the Festival of Colours, signals new beginnings, and renews hope of a better life. Written centuries ago, the story of Phagwah and its lesson of faith remains relevant even today. It is a story of good triumphing over evil, as the life of the young devotee was spared while the evildoers perished.
00:00 BBC
01:30 Indian Movie - Mohabbatein (2000)
05:00 Ramadan Day 13 - Quran Recitation
06:00 TVG's Holi Musical
07:00 Evening News (RB)
07:45 The Sounds of Phagwah
08:00 HGTV
09:00 Stop Suffering
harmony – PNCR
Let Phagwah inspire us to embrace
Phagwah, the festival of colors, is a joyous celebration of renewal, unity, and the eternal triumph of good over evil. Rooted in the devotion of Prahlad and the divine playfulness of Lord Krishna, it reminds us that faith, righteousness, and togetherness will always prevail. As Guyana marks this sacred occasion in an election year, let Phagwah inspire us to reject division, embrace harmony,
and work towards a future where justice, fairness, and democracy flourish.
May this festival bring peace, prosperity, and renewed hope to every Guyanese home.
Happy Phagwah!
The story shows us that greed and corruption can destroy even families. It tells us of the arrogant and greedy King Hiranyakashyapu, who thought himself a God, and his equally arrogant sister Holika, who believed herself indestructible. In the end, the faith of the young devotee Prahalad prevailed, and evil was vanquished.
Phagwah reminds us that while evildoers may appear to prosper, it is but for a short time; and eventually, faith and good will overcome.
As we celebrate this festival of Phagwah with our friends and families, let us exhort each other to do good and to renounce evil. In so doing, may our lives
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025
10:00 Anthony Persaud's Phagwah Special
12:00 Indian Movie - Yeh Jawaani Hai Dee wani (2013)
15:00 When Calls the Heart
16:00 Indian Soaps
17:00 The Young & The Restless
18:00 TVG's Holi Musical (RB)
19:00 The Evening News
19:45 The Sounds of Phagwah (RB)
20:00 Stop Suffering
20:30 Indian Movie - Raanjhanaa (2013)
23:00 Yellowstone S5 E10
be brightened and colourful, even as the many colours of Phagwah. Happy Holi!
Page Foundation
1. Which numbers in the set {12, 40, 42, 18, 16} is divisible by 3?
(A) 12 and 18
(B) 40 and 18
(C) 12, 18 and 42
(D) 18 and 16
2. The lowest common multiple (LCM) of 3, 6 and 8 is (A) 36 (B) 54
(C) 24 (D) 18
3. Which of the numbers below is not a factor of 20?
(A) 1
(B) 3
(C) 5
(D) 10
4. In solving the problem 14 -:- (4 + 3) - 2, which operation is performed first?
(A) Add 4 and 3.
(B) Divide 14 by 7.
(C) Subtract 2 from 7.
(D) Subtract 2 from 2.
5. 1/4 is the same as ?
(A) 0.25
(B) 0.20
(C) 0.4
(D) 0.025
6.When 28 is subtracted from 940 the result is (A) nine hundred twelve. (B) nine hundred and twenty-two. (C) nine hundred two. (D) nine hundred and eight.
7. If 21.45 -:- 100 = x, then the value of x is (A) 0.02145 (B) 0.2145 (C) 2.145 (D) 214.5
8.
a) Using the Venn Diagram above of students' snack preferences, find (ii) the total number of elements b) The number of members who like fruit (c) The number of members who like sandwich (d) The number of members who like fruit and sandwich (e) The number of members who like fruit but
By AA Milne
A lion has a tail and a very fine tail And so has an elephant and so has a whale, And so has a crocodile, and so has a quail— They’ve all got tails but me.
If I had sixpence I would buy one; I’d say to the shopman, “Let me try one”; I’d say to the elephant, “This is my one.” They’d all come round to see.
Then I’d say to the lion, “Why, you’ve got a tail! And so has the elephant, and so has the whale! And, look! There’s a crocodile! He’s got a tail! You’ve all got tails like me!”
WORD SEARCH:
Phagwah 2025
“Let us paint our hearts with humility, colour our minds with gratitude, and drench our souls in generosity” – Pres
President Dr Irfaan Ali has called on Guyanese to display kindness to each other, and show gratitude as they come together to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Colours – Phagwah, or Holi.
He made these remarks in his Phagwah 2025 message, in which he extended joyous greetings to all Guyanese, especially Hindus here in Guyana and in the diaspora, on this sacred and celebratory festival.
The Hindu festival of Phagwah, also called Holi or the Festival of Colours, celebrates the arrival of spring and signifies the triumph of good over evil. In Guyana, it is viewed as a unifying festival, as it brings together people from all walks of life to participate in smearing abrack (coloured powder) and sprinkling abeer (coloured or stained water) on each other.
“This Phagwah, let us
paint our hearts with humility, colour our minds with gratitude, and drench our souls in generosity. Let us build a nation where prosperity is not a privilege, but a promise to all,” the Head of State has noted.
According to the President, Phagwahknown as the Festival of Colours and celebrated with vigorous revelry and exuberance - has become a symphony of joy, a kaleidoscope of colours, and a celebration of life itself especially among all Guyanese.
“It is a time when barriers dissolve, laughter echoes, and hearts connect. As the various hues of powder fill the air, so too does the spirit of love, equality and renewal,” Ali has said.
Ali
and collective joy,” he stated.
Moreover, President Ali said Phagwah's festive spirit reminds that life is best savoured in love and laughter. He noted that true joy is to be found not in obsession with ostentation, but in the simple moments of kindness and love. To this end, the Head of State is urging Guyanese to let this Phagwah be a reminder that happiness is not about what we have, but is rather about what we are.
The Government of Guyana has officially cancelled the petroleum prospecting licence for the Corentyne Block held by the joint venture partnership of CGX Energy Incorporated and Frontera Energy.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the joint venture disclosed that it has received a letter from Government informing of the cancellation of the licence. However, the partnership is contesting this decision, and is asserting that its licence remains valid and its petroleum agreement has not been legally terminated.
He said that just as Prahlad's devotion to Lord Vishnu prevailed, so too must we stand firm in our convictions.
“This year, as we cel-
He went on to note that, at its core, Phagwah is an affirmation of the victory of good over evil, noting that the burning of Holika is not just a ritual, but a powerful reminder that righteousness always triumphs and arrogance will always crumble at the feet of humility.
ebrate Phagwah, our nation stands tall, reaping the fruits of growth and progress. But let us remember: true prosperity is not measured in wealth, but in the upliftment of all. Success is sweeter when shared; joy is brighter when inclusive. When we drench each other
in colours, we are making a bold statement: In this moment, there is no rich or poor, no powerful or weak - only brothers and sisters, equal in celebration and in dignity. This is why wealth and prosperity should never breed arrogance; it should inspire humility, gratitude,
“The burning of Holika calls us to action: to burn away greed, extinguish envy, vanquish selfishness, and reduce egotism. Let us all aspire to be ambassadors of kindness, warriors of compassion, and champions of generosity. When we rise together, we shine brighter… Happy Phagwah to all! Let the colours of unity, love, and shared prosperity shine forever,” the Guyanese President has stated.
Govt cancels CGX/Frontera’s prospecting licence for Corentyne Block
“We continue to invite the Government of Guyana to amicably resolve the issues affecting our investments in the Corentyne Map showing the Corentyne Block previously held by CGX/Frontera
“We will always stand shoulder to...
President Ali had already met the Venezuelan President back in December 2023 in a historic CARICOM/CELAC/Brazilbrokered meeting held in St Vincent and the Grenadines after Maduro had threaten to seize and annex Guyana’s Essequibo region. The two leaders had signed the Argle Declaration – a peace pact barring them from any aggression against each other.
At the time, Guyana had also obtained orders from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), refraining Venezuela from any actions to disturb Guyana’s administration and control of Essequibo.
The ICJ is currently hearing a case to settle
the decades-old border controversy between the two South American neighbours.
Guyana initiated the case back in March 2018, asking the court to issue a final and binding ruling that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which determined the international boundary with Venezuela, is legally valid. Only last week, in response to Venezuela’s planned elections in Guyana’s Essequibo, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation filed in the Registry of the ICJ a Request for the indication of provisional measures in the case concerning Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela). Guyana is
asking the court to reaffirm its 2023 order and further order Venezuela to refrain from any acts within or affecting its sovereign territory, including the Essequibo region.
In its March 6, 2025 filing, Guyana informed the World Court that the planned Venezuelan elections would inevitably be preceded by preparatory acts, including acts within Guyana’s Essequibo region, affecting the Guyanese population and Guyana’s sovereignty over its territory.
Guyana further requested the ICJ to convene hearings on its request as soon as possible, to enable such provisional measures as might be indicated by the
Court to be issued before serious and irremediable prejudice to Guyana’s rights occurs.
Guyana’s Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, has already warned that anyone, including Guyanese, who supports Venezuela’s planned elections would be charged and jailed.
These new developments come just a few weeks after six members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) came under attack by Venezuelan men on the border. The February 17, 2025, attack injured the six troops –all with gunshot wounds. Initial reports had indicated that some of the Venezuelan men died, after Guyana’s soldiers returned fire.
Block. Should an agreement not be reached, we are prepared to assert our legal rights,” the partnership has declared.
Sources have indicated that this CGX/Frontera partnership has not been fully transparent with its shareholders in regard to its communications with the Guyana Government.
A senior Government official told this publication that, in selectively disclosing Government correspondence, the joint venture has potentially misrepresented interactions. The official has since urged this CGX/ Frontera partnership to release the full content of the letter, not only to stakeholders, but also to the media for scrutiny.
Government had, in February 2025, given the Canadian joint venturers
30 days’ notice that they would once and for all be evicted from the Corentyne Block. The administration and this CGX/Frontera partnership have been in disagreement over the status of the Corentyne Block, which the partnership had initially undertaken to develop. While Government has said the partners no longer hold a licence for the block, due to a lack of development, the companies have asserted otherwise.
CGX Energy Inc, a Canadian-based oil and gas company, had in 2021/2022 said it had successfully drilled the Kawa-1 well in the eastern channel sand complex of the northern segment of the Corentyne block.
TURN TO PAGE 16
File photo: President Dr Irfaan Ali at last year’s Phagwah celebrations in New Amsterdam
US Cuban labour restriction Guyana seeks diplomatic resolution to the satisfaction of all parties – Jagdeo
The Government of Guyana is engaged in diplomatic discussions with the United States to resolve concerns surrounding the expansion of existing US restrictions on the Cuban medical cooperation programme.
Addressing the issue during a press conference at the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) headquarters in Georgetown on Thursday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo emphasized that Guyana is committed to diplomatic dialogue rather than public disputes.
Declaring that Government is committed to maintaining its strong relationship with the United
States while addressing concerns regarding the participation of Cuban doctors in Guyana’s healthcare system, Jagdeo assured, “We don't do diplomacy in the public, and I believe we have a strong engagement with the Trump Administration and with the State Department that would allow this matter to be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties. So that is how we'll approach it.”
Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries, including Guyana, provide employment for large batches of Cuban doctors and nurses, and some Caricom leaders have taken a more direct stance against the United States’ expansion of its exist-
ing Cuba-related visa restriction policy that targets the export of Cuban labour to other countries.
In fact, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley on Thursday said she is prepared to have her United States visa revoked as she urged Caricom countries to defend the Cuban health brigade programme. She said the support of the brigade was tremendous for the Caribbean during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Leaders of other Caricom states: Prime Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, have also expressed their support for the Cuban programme.
Diplomatic engagement Jagdeo has, nevertheless, maintained that Guyana’s stance is clear: Government is committed to maintaining diplomatic engagement with the United States while ensuring that Cuban health professionals, who have been an integral part of Guyana’s healthcare system, are able to continue their crucial work in the country.
“I can assure you that there is a regional as well as national engagement with the US State Department on these matters. We want to have Cuban professionals work in
our health system; they have been an invaluable support to our health system. But we also want to ensure that they have free choice. This is something that we are working with the US Government, and it's not just a national issue, but a regional issue,” the Vice President has said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently announced the restrictions. As articulated in a statement from Rubio, the administration believes that Cuba nets much income from a “forced labour” programme. Doctors and other health workers in particular are believed to be part of this programme.
Shortly after the announcement, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo revealed that Guyana and other members of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) plan to engage the United States administration on a range of pressing issues affecting the region, with strong emphasis being placed on the U.S. sanctions aimed at countries collaborating with Cuba, specifically the island nation's medical brigades being deployed across the Caribbean.
Jagdeo stressed that Government’s priority remains economic and social stability, as well as ensuring access to adequate healthcare for the Guyanese people.
Changing… …the Police?
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, has just announced that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) would be issued with pepper spray and tasers to deal with civilians. This followed a video that went viral, which showed that, following a policeman snatching a cell phone from the hands of a pedestrian who was filming him, a scuffle followed, in which the policeman got as good (bad?) as he gave. For good measure, the melee widened as a friend of the pedestrian ripped into a second policeman, who was trying to aid his colleague. It then remained a fair fight!!
While the minister conceded that the police have no right to be snatching people’s phones - cause THEY have the right to be filming them - he justified his move by pointing out that police in other jurisdictions also carry pepper spray and tasers. Well, sure they do; but, in England, the police don’t carry guns, and only those police who’re TRAINED to use tasers are issued them!! The minister seems to be influenced by the American experience - where tasers and sprays are very common.
But, as in all things, we can’t just say that “others are doing it, and so should we”! We gotta compare their contexts with ours. Our Police Force was formed right after the abolition of slavery, and was deliberately NOT modelled on the English Metropolitan - where the police carried no guns, but just a baton. They developed the friendly “bobby on the beat”, who pinched kids’ cheeks as he kept them out of trouble. WE, instead, followed the Irish Constabulary, who were armed to the teeth to keep down those pesky Irish who resented being starved to death during their potato famine!!
So, our police were issued with guns from their beginning, to keep those African folks who resented having to work for free on the plantations as slaves!! The nerve!!! It meant that OUR police didn’t pinch no kid’s cherubic cheeks, but punched our citizens’ teeth out when they weren’t shooting them in the back! In a word, our police were socialised to use force on civilians, and they’ve been doing so with gusto over the past couple hundred years!!
So, your Eyewitness has a couple of suggestions for the Minister Benn. Firstly, before issuing those tasers, get the policemen who’ll be using them TRAINED!! Zapping rather than cuffing folks in the face ain’t no improvement. From what we’ve seen up to now, whenever the police get another tool, they use it as a toy to punish civvies.
Secondly – and most importantly – police must be trained to actually practise their motto – TO SERVE AND PROTECT the people of this country, who pay their salaries.
And not just the BIG ONES!!
…the world order
Your Eyewitness is gonna return to this theme frequently; cause, as they say, when the countries up north cough, WE catch cold!! And boy, are they coughing – and sputtering!! – as Trump upends the OLD order. And don’t think this will end with the Ukraine War and the US slapping tariffs on products from what soon might be “former friends”. This goes to the heart of the entire “state system” that’s been with us for almost four hundred years – wherein Europe then defined countries where the people within that country were all supposed to be “one” – a nation!!
And spread it worldwide with their conquests!! Trouble is…folks in what preceded those “countries” had defined themselves by their cultures etc. And this created a situation as to which group’s culture in a country would be the standard for the rest. After three hundred years or so, some of the European countries - and the US – conceded that maybe they should be “multicultural” and accept everyone’s culture.
But that’s gone in the new world!!
…oil supply
Remember the band “Air Supply” and their mega-hit “All out of love”?? Well, looks like things are reversed, and we now have a mega problem with “Oil Supply” refusing to fulfil the prediction “All out of oil”!!
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during the press conference at the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) headquarters in Georgetown on Thursday
Elections preparations United States to field technical advisor to support GECOM
The United States Government has committed support for Guyana’s upcoming General and Regional Elections in the form of systems being put in place to field a technical expert to assist the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
This was revealed by US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, during an interview with reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown on Thursday.
Ambassador Theriot noted that election support, including financial aid, is a high priority for her office. Telling Guyana Times there is a lot to do ahead of the elections slated for later this year – likely in
like waivers for. We would like all of our programmes to continue, but…an example of the high priority programme is our elections support…
November – Ambassador Theriot said, “Our hope is that we’ll be able to embed an advisor – a chief technical advisor who is incredibly skilled and experienced in elections support – with GECOM to sit with them, to sit the Commissioners and the Chair and the CEO (Chief Elections Officer) to help them as they start to do more in terms of preparation for elections.”
The US diplomat went on to add, “Of course, we know they are already hiring people to work for the elections, but there is a lot that needs to happen before whenever elections happen, whether November or so. So, this person would just be an objective assistant advising GECOM on how to move forward in the various capacities, because there is a lot to do.”
According to Ambassador Theriot, the US places a lot of importance on ensuring Guyana’s democracy prevails.
Aid cut impact minimal
Currently, the Donald Trump Administration has cut foreign aid for most countries, including Guyana, but the Ambassador said this impact is minimal, since Guyana did not have a lot of US-funded programmes.
While her office is yet to receive the funding, the US diplomat assured that elections support for Guyana would be prioritised.
“Right now, what they’ve asked us to do is prioritise the programmes that we would
“So, we’ve requested that they give us, as quickly as possible, approval so that we can start that, because we wanna give assistance to GECOM and we want to spin up an elections observation mission, and we want to be as helpful as we can in Guyana’s democracy,” Ambassador Theriot has said.
The US had played a crucial role at the 2020 elections in ensuring Guyana’s democracy was not derailed, and had even issued visa sanctions on top officials in the country who had played a role in attempting to subvert the March 2, 2020 elections.
Those rigging attempts by the then A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition Government to stay in power had resulted in a five-month political deadlock before the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration was finally declared the winner and sworn in to office on August 2, 2020.
Needs assessment
Only back in October 2024, the ABCE diplomatic missions in Guyana – United States, Britain, Canada and the European Union – engaged GECOM on support for the upcoming polls.
At a subsequently press conference on November 22 last, Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud told reporters that the international development partners had agreed to respond to the
needs of GECOM based on a needs assessment.
Guyana Times has since been informed that the team had arrived and conducted the needs assessment, and its report is currently before the seven-member Elections Commission for review.
Previously, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, had also indicated the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) readiness to work with Guyana to avoid a recurrence of the 2020 events at this year’s polls.
The British diplomat, who only took up her posting in Guyana in 2021, had told Guyana Times back in October that the UK Government is keen on ensuring, as it has in the past, free and fair elections in Guyana.
“The UK Government doesn’t want to see a repeat
of 2020; and throughout the world, we’ve worked with
countries on free and fair elections.
US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot
Govt cancels CGX/Frontera prospecting...
In 2023, the joint venture partners successfully drilled the Wei-1 well, the second well in the Corentyne Block, as part of their appraisal programme for the Kawa-1 discovery, which ended on June 28, 2024. That drilling exercise fulfilled the operators’ obligation under Phase Two of the Second Renewal Period of the original 10year licence. However, the company has since not progressed towards fully developing the potential of the block.
Back in June 2024, CGX and Frontera had announced that they had submitted a ‘Notice of Potential Commercial Interest’ for the Wei-1 discovery to the Guyana
Government, which preserves their interests in the Petroleum Prospecting Licence for the Corentyne Block, offshore Guyana. However, that move was seen by some as a lastditch effort to avoid having to relinquish their acreage in the Block. In 2024, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had also pointed out that if the joint venture partners wanted to pursue a development offshore in Guyana, then they needed to detail that project and prove financing prospects. Already, CGX has had to give up two other blocks offshore Guyana, along with parts of the Corentyne Block, after failing to develop them as per its agreement with the Guyana Government.
United States to field technical...
And we’re doing the same here,” she stressed during an interview with this newspaper.
In preparation for next year’s polls, the UK diplomat had been engaging local stakeholders including the Elections Commission.
“We’ve offered support and technical assistance to GECOM. We haven’t defined exactly what we’ll do yet but we’re certainly in discussions. The UK is very keen to see what we can do to prevent what happened back in 2020. So, we continue to have discussions and we’re certainly here to support the country,” she had stated.
Asked what that support and technical assistance could look like, the British envoy posited that it will be what Guyana indicates it requires. In fact, she disclosed that there will be a needs assessment with the Guyana Government to ascertain the country’s needs.
“I’m keen that that sup-
port responds to Guyana’s needs. I don’t think it’s for me to say this is what they should be doing. So, we would do a needs assessment mission where we’ll work with the Government to look at where their needs are and see where they would really like our assistance. So, at this stage, I have not defined precisely the things that we’ll work on. We’ve seen the recommendations from previous observer missions and that provides a useful starting point but it will be up to GECOM and others to come to us and say this is where they would like support,” High Commissioner Miller asserted, adding that she hopes that GECOM is able to make that determination “very soon” of the support it would require. The ABCE diplomatic missions in Guyana, at the time, were vocal in their calls for democracy to prevail and for the will of the Guyanese people be respected.
Road accidents responsible for 17% of power outages in 2024 – GPL tells PUC
Management of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has revealed that some 17 per cent of the power outages experienced by the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) in 2024 had resulted from vehicular accidents that damaged utility infrastructure.
This came out on Thursday when several senior management officials of the power company presented the organization’s 2024 Operating Standards and Performance Targets (OSPTs) during its annual review by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) at Herdmanston Lodge. The GPL presentation team was led by Executive Management Committee Head Kesh Nandall.
Nandalall explained that GPL has begun taking steps to recuperate costs from the liable individuals.
“We have invoiced a few people to the extent of $28 million, for instances, of network damages, but it's a little bit more than that. We do charge it through the police for the other small incidents, and the police do take action. We have a team that works along with the police to take the necessary actions,” Nandalall told the Commission.
According to statistics provided by the Divisional Director of Transmission and Distribution, Shaun Hamlet, when compared to 2023, GPL saw an increase in interruptions, or power outages, both in frequency and duration of interruptions last year.
For 2024, the company had set a System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) target of 85 outages, but instead ended up exceeding this by 44.7 percent, realising a total of 123. This is a 28.125 percent increase over the 96 outages that
the company experienced in 2023, after setting the target for that year at 90.
The SAIFI is a standard used to calculate the average number of outages which consumers experienced during the reporting year, with the goal being to keep it as low as possible.
Struggles
However outside of vehicular accidents, the majority of the outages for last year were due to the company’s struggles with power generation.
“That was mainly due to the period in which generation was unavailable due to the growing demand,” Hamlet explained.
In other factors contributing to the outages, Hamlet explained that approximately 49 percent of the outages were as a result of external factors, mainly construction and farming activities. Additionally, most of the outages occurred in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) the country’s most densely populated district.
To assist in GPL’s power supply in 2024, a two-year contract was signed with Joint Venture of Turkish-based Karpowership Global DMCC and Qatar-based UCC Energy International LLC JV, in a bid to ensure stable electricity supply to the nation.
The contract requires GPL to pay the Joint Venture 8.52 US cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as a monthly charter fee for the new power ship. It also requires a monthly operation and maintenance fee of 0.98 US cents per kWh, based on electricity generated. Under the contract, GPL is also responsible for providing Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) for the operation of the ship’s generators.
The annual review by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) took place at Herdmanston Lodge in Georgetown on Thursday
Melissa "Melly Mel" detained by US Dept of Homeland Security
…if she has to return to Guyana, “we will welcome her back” – Jagdeo
Controversial social
media commentator
Melissa Ann Atwell, popularly known as "Melly Mel," has been detained in
the United States by the Department of Homeland Security, according to multiple reports. However, there has been no official confir-
mation from US authorities regarding her detention.
Reports are that ranks from the Department of Homeland Security went to
her apartment in Brooklyn, New York early on Thursday morning and detained her. She has been taken to one of the department’s offices for
questioning.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, responding to the news at his weekly press conference on Thursday, has
said he had no official information on the matter, and that no government agency in Guyana had been formally notified.
Addressing the issue, Jagdeo said, "In terms of Melissa Atwell, I don't know if any government agency has been notified. It wouldn't come to me. If that has happened, it will go to the law enforcement agencies."
Dismissing allegations that the ruling People's Progressive Party (PPP) had played any role in Atwell's situation, the Vice President has said “Somehow, you know, the PPP is to be blamed for this. So, we have made it known where we stand on this matter. But we don't every day obsess over Miss Atwell."
Further, Jagdeo remarked that Atwell is among many social media figures with controversial viewpoints, and that the government does not focus on individuals like her. He compared her to other social media commentators by saying, "There are many others far more extreme than her… and we don’t obsess about them. They have not made an iota of difference. And the fact is that people are moving away from this form of extremism."
Asked about Atwell’s legal status in the United States, Jagdeo said he is unsure whether she is a permanent resident or a citizen, but he expressed indifference towards her situation by stating, "Really, at this stage, it doesn't make one difference to me. One way or another, whether she's over there or over here…if she has to come back, we will welcome her back."
Atwell is currently facing multiple lawsuits in Guyana, further adding to her legal troubles.
Controversial social media commentator Melissa Ann Atwell, popularly known as "Melly Mel”
Hicken upbraids cops for “embarrassing” GPF over recent brawl
…as Home Affairs Minister laments “disrespect” for uniformed ranks
Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, has called on police officers, especially traffic ranks, to follow established operational procedures when they are out in the field.
His charge comes on the heels of two ranks having been caught on video in a fight with two civilians – an incident which the Top Cop said could have been avoided.
Addressing senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at the opening of the Inspectors' and Sergeants' Conference 2025 on Wednesday morning, Commissioner Hicken underscored the importance of balancing enforcement with compassion. According to the Top Cop, officers need to follow the established protocols in place.
“Risk assessment is your policy. When you get out there, it cannot be two on two; it cannot be! It has to be four or six police to two people. And that is why we have the SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) with the Operation Room,” he explained.
“When you go out there, you do a threat assessment and you call to the Operational Room. Don’t wait until you start fighting and things get out of hand and then you begging [for] help. You are embarrassing the Force when you do that,” Hicken posited.
The Police Commissioner told senior ranks that issues like this should be “iron[ed] out” during the two-day conference.
In a video of the incident, which occurred on Camp Street in Georgetown on Monday, one of the men could be seen recording the interaction with one of the officers, who then knocked the cellphone out of the man’s hand, precipitating the scuffle.
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has said that members of the public have the right to record the police, and vice versa.
“I keep telling the police… [and] everyone, the public has a right to video and record police behaviour. They have that right. You can’t tell people they can’t video you… If they come into my office and they want to videotape me, they’re free to do so. And I can do that back to them too. We must not prevent people from taking our video, our pictures or the engagement,” Benn posited.
<<Disrespect>>
However, while admitting that the officer was wrong to knock away the cellphone, the Home Affairs Minister has lamented constant disrespect being meted out to police officers. He noted that officers are now being equipped with body cameras to ensure transparency and accountability of their actions, as well as that of members of the public.
Minister Benn believes
this is not enough, especially when it comes to the frequency with which law enforcement officers are being disrespected.
“I don’t want policemen and women being beaten on the road. We’ve said to the Police Chief that the police on the beat, they must have pepper spray, they must have batons, and they must have tasers. If we go to other jurisdictions, that is what a policeman on the beat has… So, we gotta work at [getting] this quickly,” he said.
“I don’t want policemen being disrespected. Those who are providing the protection for peace and development can’t be beaten on the road, and we can’t continue to have the disrespect which we’re seeing. We don’t want to go out there and beat people, [but] we must be protected… They must think twice or thrice before they attempt to strike a policeman. It should not happen. It’s a complete breakdown of law and order if policemen can be beaten on
the road,” the Home Affairs Minister stressed.
Meanwhile, brothers Stephen Embrack, 30, and Antwon Embrack, 23, of Meadow Brook, Georgetown, were on Wednesday charged in relation to the violent altercation with the cops. They have been placed on a total of $170,000 bail when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Faith McGusty.
In a previous statement on the issue, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) distanced
itself from the officers’ actions, while also warning against attacks on law enforcement officers. The Police Force acknowledged that the conduct of its ranks was under review, but emphasized that members of the public should not assault officers in the execution of their duties.
The GPF further stated that the footage from the incident would be used to assess and improve training within the Traffic Department.
Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken
Guyana joins regional push for digital connectivity with satellite partnership
Guyana is among sev-
eral Caribbean countries that would be partnering with a Spanish satellite operator to enhance the telecommunications sector under an initiative aimed at improving digital connectivity for citizens across the region.
In 2022, the European Union signed an agreement to strengthen digital connectivity in the Caribbean, aimed at enhancing telecommunications services across the region, through Spanish satellite operator Hispasat. This has since led to the launch of Project CONDOSAT (CARISAT) on Thursday, where several Caribbean nations gathered to learn more about this ambitious initiative designed to boost technological advancement.
Hispasat, a Spanish satellite operator and service provider, covers the Americas, Europe, and North Africa from orbital positions, offering telecommunications services.
During the launch event, Prime Minister Mark Phillips highlighted Guyana's commitment to fostering more dialogue and collaboration to drive the growth of the telecommunications sector.
“Our collective mission is to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity across the Caribbean. Guyana has long established the transformative potential of satellite technology in reaching underserved communities, and we remain fully committed to open dialogue, regional collaboration, and advancing technological inclusion for all,” the PM
stated.
According to Prime Minister Phillips, as Guyana embarks on this journey, the country stands ready to engage in meaningful partnerships that drive progress and uplift communities through innovation and connectivity.
He noted that the digital divide is a matter of opportunity. Reliable and accessible Internet service is essential for education, healthcare, commerce, and governance. He stated that without it, communities, particularly those in remote and underserved regions, remain at a disadvantage.
Guyana understands this challenge first-hand, and it has made tremendous strides in addressing it as part of an aggressive connectivity agenda undertaken by the PPPC administration
since taking office in 2020.
Guided by the ICT Master Plan 2030, the Guyana Government has worked to ensure the benefits of digital transformation reach all citizens, particularly those in hinterland, remote, and riverine communities.
Since the rollout of the Low Earth Orbit Internet Project in July 2024, Guyana has successfully connected 225 of its targeted 253 communities, which is currently 89% complete.
The Government has also worked on bridging high-speed Internet to over 128,000 residents, including all targeted villages in Regions 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9 – A project set to be completed by mid-2025.
Additionally, through Guyana’s Wi-Fi GY program, free Internet has expanded exponentially, with a total of 1,091 Wi-Fi GY locations across the country.
He added that the Guyana Government is seeking to introduce this satellite telecommunication service to other regions.
“Guyana embraces the potential of this project and welcomes the opportunity to explore its capacity to further our national and regional goals. The technical committee to be established will serve as the backbone of this initiative, guiding its development with precision and foresight. Its mission will be clear.”
He added that this committee would also look beyond immediate connectivity concerns, and said it is expected to explore new opportunities, such as how satellite capabilities can support innovation, how Hispasat's expertise can help nurture start-ups and new industries, and how regional universities can cultivate a workforce skilled in space technology and digital security.
Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) Secretary General
Rodney Taylor spoke of the potential benefits of this initiative for the region.
“We have Grenada, we have Trinidad and Tobago, we have Barbados (on board), and of course we'll be encouraging other member states to participate, to ensure that the region benefits within the context of Caricom from this very critical project. Those satellites, once they're up, can provide capacity and services that are very badly needed for all of our Caricom member states, so this is why we (CTU) are here in Guyana,” he said.
He remarked that when these satellites come online around 2028, they can in fact supplement submarine technological cables for Guyana and other Caribbean nations.
Both Hispasat and the CTU share a vision of leveraging satellite technology to empower communities, enhance economic opportunities, and foster greater digital inclusion across the region.
The launch of Project CONDOSAT (CARISAT) builds upon these commitments, strengthening our collective efforts to create a more connected and technologically advanced Caribbean.
“It will supplement what we have now in terms of submarine cables and terrestrial fibre that provide us with high-speed internet connectivity. These applications, as I mentioned, along with national security, provide us with communications in the aftermath of a natural disaster…And this is something that occurs annually. He added, “In the event of hurricanes within the region, in the case of Grenada last year, it left islands in Grenada without communications for several days. this gives us the opportunity to address those issues of communications in the face of disaster. And it gives us resilience in that respect, so we are pleased to be able to help move this project forward.”
(From L-R) CTU Secretary General Rodney Taylor, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, European Union Ambassador René Van Nes and an EU official
New library commissioned at Tain Primary
Anew library was on Wednesday commissioned by Education Minister Priya Manickchand at Tain Primary School on the Corentyne in East Berbice in an initiative jointly undertaken by the Ministry of Education and the National Library.
The Ministry of Education and the private sector have also both provided computers for the library.
This new facility is expected to improve literacy at the school, and efforts are being made to have a library commissioned in every primary school across the country as a way to educate future leaders.
The Tain Primary School Library would allow both students and adults to access information via books, and Education Minister Priya Manickchand has said that every primary school throughout the country would be equipped with a library, and libraries are simultaneously being developed at secondary schools.
“We have bought some beautiful books that I would like you to enjoy…a whole set of books that children want; and every single primary school – from Paramakatoi to Skeldon to Charity to Georgetown – we have begun to start libraries in every secondary school with the Nancy Drews and
the Hardy Boys. We believe that it is not just teaching our children to read, but it is giving them material that can take them on a journey. It can make them a princess, it can make you into a warrior, it can make you into a villain, it can teach you how to stand up to bullying, it can teach you how not to be a bully,” she detailed.
Reading is considered an inexpensive form of entertainment that could also bring lasting pleasure. It assists in vocabulary expansion and memory improvement.
The Tain Primary School Library is the twenty-fifth rural library to have been established in Guyana.
“And here in Berbice, we have one in Crabwood Creek, Lancaster, Kildonan, Port Mourant, and now at Tain, and we have the New Amsterdam Library branch. This library has more than 2,000 books, and it is not for the Tain Primary School alone, it is for the community of Tain,” Minister Manickchand disclosed.
She pointed out that despite the existence of libraries, there are many children who cannot read at a level expected of them. Many who sit the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) cannot read, and enter secondary school with that deficiency. The aim of the Ministry of Education, she said, is to ensure that, by Grade Four, every child can read.
“Read, understand what
they are reading, and represent that in writing,” she underscored.
The minister has also disclosed that a Literacy
Department has been established within the Ministry of Education, and it is being headed by the Assistant Chief Education Officer.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand and education officials at the handing-over of computers to the school library
Minister Manickchand looking at books in the newlycommissioned library at Tain Primary School
"Wealth doesn’t grant immunity" from laws of Guyana – VP Jagdeo
…challenges Mohameds to provide evidence of Govt transactions
Vice President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday challenged United Statessanctioned businessman Nazar Mohamed to provide evidence of transactions between his companies and the administration following the imposition of US sanctions.
Nazar Mohamed has claimed, on Wednesday in a news article, that despite his being sanctioned by the United States of America, the Government of Guyana has sustained some business ties with his family.
However, during his weekly press conference on Thursday, Dr Jagdeo outrightly denied such allegations, and urged the elder Mohamed to disclose the details of the alleged transactions.
“So, I will urge Mr. Nazar Mohammed to make
public what these transactions were. I will urge him, since he has this information about three major business transactions that were done in the last year since US sanctions, he should release the information what this is about. Since we are all for transparency and well, when he releases them, then I'll talk about that. So don't let me tell you as yet. So, I'm hoping he would release them, since we are all for transparency,” Jagdeo said.
The Vice President also pushed back against any suggestion that wealth should afford special treatment under the laws of Guyana, and rejected the notion that the Mohameds should be exempted from scrutiny over tax-related issues by stating that all businesses must be held accountable.
“If you're wealthy, you don't have a privileged position in breaking the law. Maybe they've grown accustomed to that, but you don’t have a privileged position… there must be two laws for this country, one for the Mohameds, not whether you cheated the taxes but because it got exposed. Your
son exposed it himself, not the PPP, but I (Nazar) must go to court and fight it. You must not pay your right taxes, but everyone else on their vehicle must pay high taxes,” he declared.
“You think we can risk people’s future out of some perceived sense of loyalty to you and your son, because somewhere in the past you claim you supported all political parties financially, including the People’s Progressive party?” Jagdeo questioned.
The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced in 2024 that it had sanctioned members of one of Guyana’s wealthiest families, Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed, several of their companies, and Guyanese Government official Mae Thomas, for their roles in alleged public corruption in Guyana. According to a statement from OFAC, this is related to the evasion of taxes on gold exported between 2019 and 2023, when Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10 thousand kilograms (kg) of gold from import and export declarations, and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.
Nazar Mohamed subsequently resigned as a Councillor for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on one of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC), while Thomas resigned from her post as a Permanent Secretary and
also as a member of the party. As Government awaits feedback from the US on the matter, the Cambio licence of Mohamed’s Enterprise has been suspended while all Government agencies have stopped conducting business with the Mohameds and their related companies.
Last week, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) announced that it did not renew cabotage permission for foreign flagged ships linked to Hadi’s World, one of the companies operated by the Mohameds, over United States (US) sanctions.
MARAD explained that this decision, which effectively revokes previous permission granted to ships that provide services to the Mohameds enterprises, was taken because of sanctions imposed on the Mohameds by Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Nazar Mohamed and son Azruddin Mohamed
PPP/C youth policy focused on longterm empowerment – Finance Minister
Dr Ashni Singh, Central and Executive Committee member of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), has emphasised that the party remains steadfast in its commitment to empower young people, ensuring
that they have access to opportunities for economic independence and leadership.
Speaking at a community meeting in Sheet Anchor Village, East Canje Berbice, Dr Singh reminded the gathering that, since taking office in 2020, Government has launched several initiatives aimed at empowering youths. Among those are the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), the Youth Innovation Project of Guyana, Guyana Coders Initiative, revamp of the programmes of the Board of Industrial Training, and the Guyana Youth in Agriculture Programme.
Dr Singh, who is also the minister with responsibili-
ty for finance and the public service, has reiterated that Government funding and support for youth-led proj-
ects and startups are geared towards preparing youths for the future, equipping them with skills, experience, and
growth opportunities to eventually lead both the party and the nation.
Central and Executive Committee Member of the People's Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Ashni Singh
Residents of Sheet Anchor Village in East Canje, Berbice
Health Ministry receives tablets from Mount Sinai Health System
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Thursday accepted a donation of 20 tablets from the Mount Sinai Health System during a brief ceremony held in the Boardroom of the Ministry of Health at Brickdam in Georgetown.
The tablets will be used by the Child and Adolescent Units of the Family and Primary Care Department of the Health Ministry with
the aim of enabling digital data capture, thereby improving the efficiency of the Comprehensive Child School Screening Programme.
Launched in 2023, the Comprehensive School Health Programme is a nationwide initiative aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of school-age children through systematic screenings.
To date, the programme
has made significant progress in its screening programme, with 17,311 of 26,363 students having already been screened at the nursery level, and 19,554 of 85,382 students having already been screened at the primary level.
The Health Ministry has said this donation follows the successful installation of a REDCap server within the Ministry of Health by the Mount Sinai
tor.
Health System.
REDCap is a web application for building and managing online surveys and databases.
The Mount Sinai Health System is also facilitating comprehensive training of staff within the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Ministry of Education (MoE), and other supporting agencies in order to ensure data integrity.
The Health Ministry
has noted in a recent press release that by transitioning to a digital system, this initiative would enhance the team’s ability to review and analyse data in real time, thereby supporting the development of data-driven policies, informed budget allocations, and timely interventions aimed at improving the health outcomes of children and adolescents across Guyana.
The Ministry of Health has said it remains committed to leveraging technology for better healthcare delivery, and is acknowledging Mount Sinai’s continued support in strengthening Guyana’s public health sec-
Among those present when Dr Anthony received the tablets were the Director of Primary Healthcare, Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton; School Health Coordinator Dr. Farrah December; Executive Director of Guyana Consultancy, Mount Sinai, Dr. Rachel Vreeman; Country Director of Guyana Consultancy, Mount Sinai, Josué Alcántara; and other officials.
The programme assesses children for vision, hearing, oral health, nutrition, and other key health indicators, ensuring early intervention where necessary.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony is pictured alongside key officials of the Mount Sinai Health System and the Health Ministry
The tablets that were donated
4-year-old beaten to death in Region 9
…mother in custody, piece of wood recovered at crime scene
Police have launched an investigation into the death of four-year-old Rianna Ambrose, which occurred on Thursday at her home in Karaudarnau Village in South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).
The police have reported that the child’s parents: 24-year-old Lucinda Stephen and Regan Ambrose, were consuming alcohol at their residence on Wednesday night when, at about 01:00h on Thursday, an argument that ensued between them escalated into a physical altercation; following which Regan Ambrose left the home and sought refuge at the residence of his sister-in-law Joyce Stephen.
According to the police report, Regan Ambrose informed his sister-in-law of the altercation, and she provided him a hammock in which to sleep for the night.
At about 03:00h, Joyce Stephen visited her sister Lucinda’s home, and allegedly witnessed when she struck Rianna Ambrose five times on the head with a piece of wood. Having sustained severe head injuries, the child Rianna was immediately rushed to the
Aishalton District Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Police have since arrested Lucinda Stephen, and she remains in custody at the Aishalton Police Station as investigations continue into the death of Rianna Ambrose.
The piece of wood used to inflict the injuries on the child has also been retrieved from the scene.
PPP/C youth policy focused...
“We have to look at the things being done for the long term, because in the long term we want the young people to be able to be completely independent, to get good quality jobs, in order to be economically empowered and economically independent,” Dr Singh said.
With Guyana’s rapid infrastructural and economic development, Dr. Singh urged youths to seize emerging opportunities.
“Regularly we advertise these training programmes, and sometimes we struggle to get people – and we’re doing
these training programmes all the time; now we are offering them online. So, you have right here – not to mention the construction sector – because when we’re doing these hospitals, we need construction workers and service providers – whether plumber, painter, electrician, mason, truck driver – you name it. If you think about the business opportunities now in the construction field – and that’s only a few projects,” he noted.
As Guyana continues its path of economic expansion, he reassured that the Government will continue in-
vesting in young people, ensuring they are prepared for leadership, financial stability, and national development. With 2025 being an election year, Dr. Singh also urged the community to remain vigilant and informed.
“2025 is an important year, it is an election year; a lot of people will come around. I heard a saying from a senior comrade just a few days ago –he said during mango season you will see plenty birds flying around… but what matters is those who have delivered what they promised to you,” he added.
Lucinda Stephen and four-year-old Rianna Ambrose
B’dos PM defends overseas travel expenses
In a robust defence of her overseas travel bill, Prime Minister Mia Mottley countered opposition criticism by highlighting the substantial financial benefits her trips have secured for Barbados, including over $120 million in grants.
Addressing Parliament, Mottley detailed her travel costs and outcomes, arguing that these journeys were crucial for securing tangible benefits for the nation.
Mottley dismissed claims that her trips were extravagant or unnecessary, rebutting heavy criticism from Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne during his 10-hourlong Budget Reply delivered over Tuesday and Wednesday.
She declared: “I don’t travel for holiday, I travel in the name of the people of this country to be able to secure benefits. I challenge anyone to dispute our record.”
To reinforce her point, the prime minister detailed her travel spending since taking office in 2018, shuffling documents and displaying them to the House.
“For the entire year [2025], my travel has come to $19 660.95. In seven years,
the total amount comes to just about $1.457 million across 93 trips, with an average of $15 000 per trip. I don’t travel first class,” the PM said.
Mottley emphasised that these trips have led to significant financial gains for Barbados.
“What are the benefits in terms of grants that this government has gotten as a result of that travel? ….
When the ministry prepared this, they included one figure that came at the beginning of 2018 and I don’t have nothing to hide. So I told [them] take that $27.6 million out. So subtract that from $146 887 000 in grant money, not loans. [Do] you know what grant money is? It [is] free.”
She pointed to ongoing high-profile events, such as the Sustainable Energy for All Global Forum, currently taking place here with over 1 300 registered participants.
The prime minister reinforced the necessity of her travel engagements, arguing that the financial returns and international partnerships forged through these efforts far outweigh the costs.
Thorne had previously
accused Mottley of indulging in excessive travel at a time when many Barbadians were struggling under economic hardship. The opposition leader accused the government of showing a lack of fiscal responsibility and failing to offer economic relief for citizens.
Mottley insisted that her administration’s record speaks for itself, citing the hundreds of millions secured in grants as proof of her government’s commitment to national development. (Excerpt from Barbados Today)
Antigua authorities move to enforce stricter curfew measures for minors
The government has issued a strong warning to parents of minors as law enforcement prepares to increase efforts to enforce the 10pm to 6am curfew. Introduced last October as part of amendments to the Small Charges Act, the curfew is aimed at curbing youth involvement in crime and ensuring the safety of minors.
Speaking on State Media, Attorney General and Minister for Public Safety Sir Steadroy Benjamin stressed the responsibility parents have in keeping track of their children’s whereabouts during curfew hours. Failure to do so could result in heavy fines of up to EC$5,000.00.
“I urge parents to be vigilant. It is your duty to know exactly where your children are, especially those aged
14 to 17, between 10pm and 6am,” Sir Steadroy stated. “If you neglect this responsibility, you will find yourself facing legal consequences, including a fine, and potentially other legal actions.”
The curfew, part of broader amendments to the Small Charges Act passed in Parliament last year, aims to prevent minors from engaging in late-night criminal activities.
However, many have criticized its initial implementation for lack of enforcement. Despite the policy’s introduction, youth involvement in crime persisted, and the curfew’s effectiveness quickly waned.
The Attorney General’s remarks were a direct response to rising concerns about the rising number of minors involved in criminal
activities, often captured on viral videos.
“After a spate of crimes involving minors, there was a rush to put a curfew in place,” another person remarked. “But without enforcement, it soon became ineffective. Now, with recent videos showing teens engaged in criminal activities, we need to get serious about this and hold parents accountable.”
Parents and residents alike have expressed mixed feelings about the curfew. While some view it as a necessary tool to prevent minors from engaging in risky behavior late at night, others argue that it places too much responsibility on parents who may already be struggling with balancing work and family life. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)
Haiti gangs set fire to building once home to nation’s oldest radio station
Armed men set fire overnight to a building in Haiti’s capital that had long served as headquarters for the nation’s oldest radio station, as an alliance of gangs continues to grow its power despite efforts by local security forces.
Videos shared on social media on Thursday showed the multi-story building in downtown Port-au-Prince charred after the attack.
Radio Television Caraibes abandoned the building a year ago after gangs moved into the area.
Frantz Duval, the editor-in-chief of Le Nouvelliste, Haiti’s oldest newspaper, decried the ar-
son in a post on X, saying it echoed an attack that cost the 126-year-old paper its own offices and printing press a year earlier.
“More institutions are disappearing,” he told local radio. “It is our history we are losing.”
Reporters Without Borders’ Latin America office director, Artur Romeu said of the attack on the 76-year-old radio station: “It is yet another attempt to intimidate media workers through terror and destruction, aiming to silence one of the country’s most influential outlets. This attack highlights the extreme precarity in which Haitian journalists work, risking their
lives to report the news.”
The Viv Ansanm gang alliance has been escalating attacks since government security forces this month began attacking gang enclaves with explosive-packed drones, leading to rumors that gang leader Jimmy Cherizier had been killed.
Cherizier, known as “Barbecue,” later appeared in a video threatening retaliatory drone attacks.
Over 42,000 people were forced to flee their homes between mid-February and early March alone, and the number of people internally displaced by the violence has now surpassed 1 million. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Trump stands firm on tariff plans after threat against EU: “I’m not going to bend at all”
President Donald Trump on Thursday stood firm on his tariff policy, hours after threatening to escalate a global trade war with a 200% tariff on champagne and other alcohol products from the European Union.
“I’m not going to bend at all,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday. When asked whether he would reconsider a fresh round of tariffs set to go into effect on April 2, Trump offered a one-word reply: “No.”
U.S. stocks tumbled Thursday, erasing some gains in the S&P 500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq a day
earlier. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 535 points, or 1.3%, while the S&P 500 dropped 1.4%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq declined nearly 2%.
Shares of large European winemakers also fell on Thursday in apparent reaction to Trump’s tariff threat.
The threat of additional U.S. tariffs came after the EU announced plans to slap tariffs on $28 billion worth of U.S. goods, including a 50% tariff on whiskey. Those tariffs marked a response to U.S. duties on steel and aluminum imports.
Trump called on the EU to drop its tariff on whiskey, saying the U.S would other-
wise “shortly place” a tariff on alcohol products from the EU.
Trump sharply criticized the EU, describing the organization as “one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World.”
In a post on X, French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin said: “Donald Trump is escalating the trade war he chose to unleash. France remains determined to retaliate together with the European Commission and our partners. We will not give in to threats and will always protect our sectors.” (Excerpt from ABC News)
Prime Minister Mia Mottley
Around the world
OOil settles down more than 1% on tariff worry, supplydemand expectations
OIL NEWS
Putin suggests US ceasefire idea for Ukraine needs serious reworking
President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia supported a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine in principle, but that any truce would have to address the root causes of the conflict and many crucial details needed to be sorted out.
il prices fell over 1% on Thursday as markets weighed macroeconomic concerns, including the risk that tariff wars between the U.S. and other countries could hurt global demand as well as uncertainty stemming from a U.S. proposal for a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire.
Brent futures settled $1.07, or 1.5%, lower at $69.88 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell $1.13, or 1.7%, to $66.55 a barrel.
The International Energy Agency reported that global oil supply could exceed demand by around 600,000 barrels per day this year, with global demand now expected to rise by just 1.03 million bpd, off last month's forecast by 70,000 bpd.
The report cited deteriorating macroeconomic conditions, including escalating trade tensions.
On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to slap a 200% tariff on wine, cognac and other alcohol imports from Europe, opening a new front in a global trade war and sparking investor worries about stiffer trade barriers around the world's largest consumer market.
Trade tensions have rattled investors, consumers and business confidence. U.S. stock indexes fell, dragging down oil market sentiment despite favorable fundamentals such as government data showing tighter-than-expected oil and fuel inventories, said Phil Flynn senior analyst with Price Futures Group.
"It's creating this push-pull dynamic," Flynn said. "Do we focus on supply and demand, which still looks pretty bullish, or do we focus on tariffs?"
The tariffs situation is the major factor weighing on the market's perception of oil demand growth in 2025, said Andrew Lipow, president of Houston-based Lipow Oil Associates.
"The expectation is that the tariffs and retaliatory tariffs are going to ultimately impact the consumer," Lipow said.
The market is weighing the potential for a short-term ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, though UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said he "remains skeptical" that this would boost the availability of Russian oil.
With Trump's stated commitment to cheaper oil, Citi analysts said their outlook for Brent by the second half of 2025 is $60 a barrel.
On Wednesday, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said Kazakhstan led a sizeable jump in February crude output by OPEC+. The producer group seeks to enforce adherence to agreed output targets, even as it intends to unwind production cuts. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Australia moves to arm troops with anti-ship missiles as China threat looms
Australia is scrambling to deploy new longrange missiles as the recent arrival of powerful Chinese warships off the Australian coast delivers a sharp reminder of Beijing’s growing naval muscle.
In a move to boost military firepower, Canberra plans to arm Australian soldiers with anti-ship missiles and advanced targeting radars to protect the country’s vast maritime approaches, according to contract announcements as well as a flurry of recent official speeches and ministerial statements.
China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) jolted Australia’s
security services with the deployment of three warships – one of its most potent cruisers, a frigate and a replenishment ship – close to the country’s biggest cities of Sydney and Melbourne late last month.
Air traffic between Australia and New Zealand was disrupted with 49 flights diverted on February 21 when the Chinese flotilla held what appeared to be a live fire exercise in the Tasman Sea without notifying authorities in Canberra or Wellington.
The office of the Australian defense minister didn’t respond to questions for this story. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Putin's heavily qualified support for the U.S. ceasefire proposal looked designed to signal goodwill to Washington and open the door to further talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. But the sheer number of clarifications and conditions that Putin said were needed appeared to rule out a swift ceasefire.
"We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities," Putin told reporters at the Kremlin following talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. "The idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it."
"But we proceed from the fact that this cessation
should be such that it would lead to long-term peace and would eliminate the original causes of this crisis."
He went on to list a slew of issues he said needed clarifying and thanked Trump, who says he wants to be remembered as a peacemaker, for his efforts to end the war.
Both Moscow and Washington now cast the conflict as a deadly proxy war that could have esca-
lated into World War Three.
Trump, who said he was willing to talk to the Russian leader by phone, called Putin's statement "very promising" and said he hoped Moscow would "do the right thing."
Trump said Steve Witkoff, his special envoy, was engaged in serious talks with the Russians in Moscow on the U.S. proposal, which Kyiv has already agreed to.
The U.S. president said those discussions on Thursday would show if Moscow was ready to make a deal. "Now we're going to see whether or not Russia is there, and if they're not, it'll be a very disappointing moment for the world," he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Putin was preparing to reject the ceasefire proposal but was afraid to tell Trump.
"That's why in Moscow they are imposing upon the idea of a ceasefire these conditions, so that nothing happens at all, or so that it cannot happen for as long as possible," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address. Any delay would give Russia more time for its troops to push the last Ukrainian forces out of western Russia as Moscow sticks to demands that Kyiv permanently cede territory claimed by Russia, a position that Ukraine rejects.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Armenia and Azerbaijan finalise draft peace deal to resolve conflict
Armenian and Azerbaijani officials have said that they had agreed on the text of a peace agreement to end nearly four decades of conflict between the South Caucasus countries, a sudden breakthrough in a fitful and often bitter peace process.
The two post-Soviet countries have fought a series of wars since the late 1980s when NagornoKarabakh, a region in Azerbaijan that had a mostly ethnic Armenian population at the time, broke away from Azerbaijan with support from Armenia.
Armenia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that a draft peace agreement with Azerbaijan had been finalised from its side.
“The peace agreement is ready for signing. The Republic of Armenia is ready to start consulta-
tions with the Republic of Azerbaijan on the date and place of signing the agreement,” Armenia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
In its statement, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said: “We note with satisfaction that the negotiations on the text of the draft Agreement on Peace and the Establishment of Interstate Relations be-
tween Azerbaijan and Armenia have been concluded.”
However, the timeline for signing the deal is uncertain as Azerbaijan has said a prerequisite for its signature is a change to Armenia’s constitution, which it says makes implicit claims to its territory.
Armenia denies such claims, but Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said
repeatedly in recent months that the country’s founding document needs to be replaced and has called for a referendum to do so. No date has been set.
The outbreak of hostilities in the late 1980s prompted mass expulsions of hundreds of thousands of mostly Muslim Azeris from Armenia and Armenians, who are majority Christian, from Azerbaijan.
Peace talks began after Azerbaijan retook Karabakh by force in September 2023, prompting almost all of the territory’s 100,000 Armenians to flee to Armenia. Both sides had said they wanted to sign a treaty to end the long-running conflict, but progress has been slow and relations tense.
The two countries’ 1,000km (621-mile) shared border is closed and heavily militarised. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Measles cases in European region doubled last year to highest since 1997, say WHO
Measles cases in Europe and Central Asia doubled last year compared to 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF have warned in what is being called a "wake-up call".
There were 127,350 re-
ported infections in the region in 2024, which is the highest number since 1997. It is around a third of last year's total worldwide cases of 359,521. More than 40% of the European cases were children under five, as the two global bodies appealed for
urgent action to increase vaccination levels.
In 2023, half a million children across the region missed the first dose of the vaccine (MCV1) that should be given through routine immunisation services, said the organisations.
and UNICEF
WHO's Europe director Dr Hans Kluge said: "Measles is back, and it's a wake-up call." He added: "Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security... The measles virus never rests - and neither can we." (Excerpt from Sky News)
President Vladimir Putin
A view of a border-crossing point on the frontier between Armenia and Azerbaijan (File photo)
DAILY HOROSCOPES
(March 21-April 19)
Refrain from locking yourself into something you don’t want to do. Check out other possibilities and consider where your time and effort will make the most significant difference in your life.
Finish what you start and head into the weekend without a worry. Taking some time to enjoy nature or engage in social events will give you the pick-meup you need.
Be careful not to start something you cannot finish. Honesty is the best policy, especially when dealing with people who need help or want answers.
Put your energy where it counts, and you won’t be disappointed. A chance to make others take notice of your skills will help you move in a more responsible direction.
(June 21-July 22) (July 23-Aug. 22)
Take responsibility for your happiness. Love, romance and participating in something that brings you closer to someone will offer insight. Don’t forget to relax.
Implement a financial plan that helps you save money. Think twice before you take on someone’s debt or responsibilities. Strive for equality and balance in relationships to avoid dissatisfaction.
Let your emotions and heart step up and take the lead. Personal gains, self-improvement, love and romance are featured and can turn an ordinary day into something special.
You’ll have a revelation if you test your strengths and courage. Don’t sell yourself short; you have more to offer than you realize, and the right people will help you discover how special and talented you are.
(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
Fall in love with your life, your surroundings and the prospects available to you, and it will change the way you see yourself and your future. Make your way forward.
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
(Feb. 20-March 20)
Set a budget and plan to alter your surroundings to suit your needs. Adding to your comfort and convenience will improve your attitude and benefit you more than you can imagine.
Put your talents and intelligence to work, and you’ll find a way to bring in extra cash. A sideline business or activity will take on a life of its own.
Taking on too much will be your downfall. Sometimes, you should yourself first to replenish your energy and consider how best to use your strengths. Focus on relaxing.
Women’s Premier League...
Matthews, Sciver-Brunt power Mumbai Indians into 2nd WPL final
Majestic batting from Nat Sciver-Brunt, middle-overs acceleration from Hayley Matthews, and power-hitting from Harmanpreet Kaur helped Mumbai Indians post a daunting total of 213 in the Eliminator.
That proved to be too much to chase down, and Mumbai’s 47-run win extended their head-to-head dominance over Gujarat Giants to 7-0 and powered them into their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) final in three years. On Saturday, they will face Delhi Capitals in a repeat of the 2023 finale.
Giants were without Deandra Dottin for their first knockout game in three WPLs after the all-rounder hurt herself only five minutes before the toss, and was replaced by England’s Danielle Gibson. Giants didn’t do themselves any favours as they misfielded through the innings and put down four catches that cost them heavily. In the run chase, they lost their three top-scorers this season – Beth Mooney, Harleen Deol and Ashleigh Gardner – in the powerplay as Mumbai held on to their catches and effected runouts.
Phoebe Litchfield scored a quickfire 31 off 20 balls, but once she was stumped off Amelia Kerr, Giants were all but out of the chase at 107 for 5, with the asking rate above 13 an over.
Matthews, Sciver-Brunt
Bhatia, but it did not change her fortunes. After collecting three boundaries in her 14-ball stay during a sedate powerplay in which MI did not take too many risks, Bhatia pulled Gibson to midwicket to fall for 14.
The wicket brought out the in-form Sciver-Brunt, who did not bat an eyelid to get going alongside Matthews, who started with only 17 runs off her first 22 balls before taking off.
Sciver-Brunt took the aerial route straightaway. She ended the seventh over with consecutive boundaries, which Matthews followed up by smacking three of her own off the next three balls from Priya Mishra to power the run rate past eight an over.
Three of those five consecutive fours came off short de
Matthews had started to find her A game, and a six off Tanuja Kanwar’s short ball brought her fifty up off 36 balls, and the team’s 100 in 11 overs.
With Mumbai at 111 for 1 after 12 overs, Meghna Singh and Mishra brought some sort of balance back by conceding only 13 runs in two overs. But from the cushion of 124 for 1 with six overs to go, it was time to floor the pedal.
Harmonster demolishes Giants again Harmanpreet already had her helmet on in the dugout, and was shadow-practising her big swings while waiting for her chance. Sciver-Brunt deposited Gibson over deep midwicket and long-on to raise a 29-ball fifty. Giants, meanwhile, continued their wretched run on the field when the reliable Gardner dropped Matthews on 57 straight down the ground.
Matthews made them pay immediately, hitting Mishra for back-to-back sixes over long-on and cover with deft footwork. Such was Mumbai’s luck that even a top-edge off the next ball went for four. But that luck ran out when Matthews edged Gautam behind for 77 off 50 balls, and Mooney took a sharp catch standing up.
Harmanpreet averaged nearly 79 against Giants before this game, and the number could have fallen had Mishra held on to a catch at midwicket when she was on 1. But Mishra did not, and Harmanpreet became Harmonster. She went deep in the crease and opened her stance to cart the ball around, whether it was in the slot or not.
Harmanpreet started the 18th over by hammering
Kanwar for 6, 4, 4 – even that sequence included a misfield – before ending the over with her trademark slog-sweep for six. That over went for 22 in all. Sciver-Brunt also got a life in the next over –sandwiched between two boundaries off Gibson - when Kanwar made a mess of a skier. Giants were punished yet again next ball, but fi nally ended the partnership when Litchfield caught one at deep midwicket, leaving Sciver-Brunt seven short of 500 runs this season, and three short of 1000 in the WPL overall.
Harmanpreet was gift ed two balls in the slot at the start of the last over, and she happily collected six es off both. Meghna, however, finished well, giving away just two off the next three balls before nailing a yorker that led to Harmanpreet being run out for 36.
Giants were 43 for 3 in the powerplay. Litchfield was their only hope and she used her feet regularly against Kerr and struck two boundaries against Ismail that showed her class on either side of the wicket. But when Litchfield ventured out of the crease against Kerr once again and missed, Bhatia did the rest to leave Giants 107 for 5.
Another run-out and Giants go down Giants hardly had any steam left in their tank, and their poor running added to their misery. Next to fall
Harmanpreet fired the ball back for the sixth wicket. With another 102 runs to get from the remaining 42 balls, and their top five back in the hut, Giants’ only hope of getting anywhere close to their target was Bharti Fulmali. She started with a straight six off Amanjot, dispatched Kerr to the legside boundary, and flayed Matthews for consecutive boundaries behind square. But when Fulmali backed away looking for a third boundary in a row, Matthews beat her attempted cut and knocked the stumps over. Mumbai continued their stellar fielding display as ing catch to send Shaikh back, and Sciver-Brunt ran ry in the last over.
Mumbai’s fielders show how it’s done It took only five balls for the hosts to show their superiority in the field on the night, despite the presence of dew. When Shabnim Ismail drew Mooney’s edge, Matthews leapt to her right from first slip to grab the ball with both hands. When Harleen Deol and Gibson got into a mix-up in the fifth over, 20-year-old Sanskriti Gupta put in a dive at point and hurled the ball quickly to the wicketkeeper to find Deol short. And just before the halfway mark, Gibson also fell short when attempting a second run, and her dive was not enough to beat Amanjot Kaur’s flat throw from the deep.
In between, Gardner lost her off stump against Matthews, which meant
Mumbai Indians Women (20 ovs maximum)
Yastika Bhatia † c Fulmali
b Gibson 15
Hayley Matthews c †Mooney
b Gautam 77
Nat Sciver-Brunt c Litchfield b Gibson 77
Harmanpreet Kaur (c) run out (Fulmali/Meghna Singh) 36
Sajeevan Sajana not out 1
Extras (lb 4, w 3) 7
Total 20 Ov (RR: 10.65) 213/4
Did not bat: Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, G Kamalini, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque
Harleen Deol run out (Gupta/†Bhatia) 8 Ashleigh Gardner (c) b Matthews 8 Phoebe Litchfield st †Bhatia
b Kerr 31 Bharti Fulmali
b Matthews 30 Kashvee Gautam run out (H Kaur/†Bhatia) 4
Simran Shaikh c H Kaur b Kerr 17
Harmanpreet Kaur smashed 36 off just 12 balls
Nat Sciver-Brunt was quick out of the blocks
Hayley Matthews celebrates after cleaning up Ashleigh Gardner
PAHF Junior Challenge…
Guyana’s women claim 2nd victory with strong performance against Barbados
Guyana’s junior women’s hockey team delivered an impressive performance in their matchup against Barbados at the 2025 Junior Pan American Challenge, securing a crucial early goal and demonstrating significant growth from their previous match.
Building on the defensive resilience gained from their game against Puerto Rico, Guyana entered the match with a more attacking mindset. From the outset, they put pressure on the Bajan defence, using quick free hits to create opportunities in the attacking circle. Their persistence paid off early, as they found the back of the net in the first quarter to take the lead.
On the defensive end, Guyana’s backline remained
composed, successfully absorbing Barbados’ attacking efforts. The experience gained from their previous match
proved invaluable as they held off multiple Bajan advances, maintaining their lead throughout the game. Despite
Reviving women’s golf at LGC: A call for support and inclusion
In the wake of International Women’s Day, Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) proudly recognised its female players, highlighting their contributions and achievements.
However, as LGC President Anasha Ally reflected on the current state of women’s participation in the sport, she acknowledged a pressing concern: she is the only active female golfer at the club today.
Despite past successes and the evident talent among female players, financial constraints have significantly hindered their participation. Many women who once played competitively are now absent from the course, not due to a lack of passion or skill but because of the economic barriers that make continued engagement in the sport increasingly difficult.
Ally is determined to change this. In her address, she issued a heartfelt plea to corporate Guyana, emphasising the growing financial resources available within the country and urging businesses to support initiatives that bring female golfers back to the sport. “Surely, we can do something and get them back out here with me,” she asserted.
To combat the decline in female participation, Ally is advocating for structured programmes such as a dedicated “Ladies Morning” or “Ladies Afternoon”, where women of all ages can receive coaching, be introduced to the sport, and simply enjoy the serene environment that golf provides.
“In the chaos of Guyana these days, this is priceless,” she noted, underscoring the value of golf as both a recreational escape and an avenue
for community building.
Beyond just increasing participation, Ally highlighted the broader benefits of such an initiative. A more inclusive and active female presence at the club would not only strengthen the sport but also contribute to the club’s sustainability.
“The more people we can expose to this, the better. More players mean more engagement, more financial support for the club, and ultimately, a thriving community for women and youth in golf,” she said.
While sustaining the existing structure of the club is crucial, Ally believes now is the time to think beyond preservation and shift towards expansion and inclusivity. As financial opportunities con-
tinue to emerge in Guyana, investing in women’s golf can serve as a meaningful way for corporate entities to give back while promoting gender equity in sports.
Her message is clear: the talent is there, the interest exists, and with the right support, women’s golf at Lusignan Golf Club can flourish once again. The call is now out for corporate partners, sponsors, and the wider golfing community to step forward and be part of this revitalisation.
For those interested in supporting this initiative, the Lusignan Golf Club invites discussions on funding, sponsorship, and programme development to make women’s golf accessible and thriving once more.
their strong attacking presence and several additional opportunities, Guyana were unable to extend their lead.
With this result, Guyana now sits third in the standings as they prepare for their final group-stage match against Trinidad and Tobago on Friday, March 14, at 12:00h. Additionally, their male counterparts will take on Barbados next on Saturday, March 15.
The women’s team remain focused on securing another positive result as they push for a strong finish in the tournament. All matches from the competition can be streamed live on the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) YouTube channel.
Banks DIH I-CEE Soft Drinks to power 2025 National Rapid Chess Championships
I-CEE Soft Drinks, a product of Banks DIH, were on Thursday announced as the proud sponsor of the 2025 National Rapid Chess Championships.
After a multi-year absence, the highly-anticipated, nine-round chess competition returns tomorrow, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Pegasus Hotel and Suites’ Exhibition Centre, promising fierce competition among enthusiastic players of all ages.
Favoured by chess players for its fast-paced nature, the Swiss format tournament will feature a 15-minute time control with five-second increments added to the clock after each move. This popular rapid chess format promises an exciting and dynamic tournament experience for the players.
Strong competition is expected from Candidate Master (CM) Taffin Khan, FIDE Master Anthony Drayton, CM Sachin Pitamber, Junior Champion Ricardo Narine, Kyle Couchman, and Keron Sandiford for the 2025 National Rapid Chess Championship Title.
Cash prizes amounting to $185,000 are up for grabs in the top five positions. Considering the historic results of rapid
chess, it’s anyone’s guess who will emerge as the rapid champion for 2025.
Additionally, the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) is offering one-month free membership to the Pegasus Chess Club for the sixth to eighthplace finishers in the tournament.
The top twelve boards will be live-streamed on livechesscloud.com under the supervision of FIDE Arbiter John Lee, enabling viewers to follow the games online.
The GCF noted that it was thrilled to have I-CEE Soft Drinks on board as a sponsor and expressed its heartfelt thanks to the company for the sponsorship. “The GCF looks forward to a fruitful and successful partnership in the future. Deepest gratitude to the Guyana Pegasus Hotel for providing the space for the tournament,” the Federation wrote.
With a series of tournaments launched in the new year, the GCF has offered competitive play in both the open and female categories, keeping up the tempo of competitive play and the development of chess among junior players. The National Blitz Championship will follow closely on Sunday, March 16, 2025.
A look at Guyana’s junior women in action against Barbados
A glimpse of what to expect at the National Rapid Chess Championships
LGC President Anasha Ally
West Indies Championship… Harpy Eagles in cruise control after rain delays
After a rainy start, the Guyana Harpy Eagles’ spin trio bowled their team into a strong position, after which the batters took control of their fifth-round West Indies Championship contest with the Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Thursday.
Similar to the start on day one, Kevin Sinclair was the first to strike on day two, castling Alick Athanaze – a wicket which
sent him off somersaulting into his celebration of choice.
Veerasammy Permaul and Gudakesh Motie later joined the party, to combine with Sinclair for nine wickets between the spinners. Permaul cleaned up the likes of Sunil Ambris and Shadrack Descarte while Motie went to work on the lower order.
For Windwards, Jeremy Solozano top-scored with 83 off 142 balls, followed by Athanaze with 39 off 71 balls and Ambris with 33 from 52 deliveries.
The experienced Permaul ended the innings with 4-55 from 16 overs, Motie 3-44 from 12.5 overs and Sinclair 2-54 from 17 overs to rout Windward Volcanoes for 213 in 61.5 overs at lunch on Thursday.
In the chase, Matthew Nandu fell early, trapped lbw by Kenneth Dember for eight runs. Both Raymond Perez and Kevlon Anderson got good starts, but were unable to press on for a milestone score.
Wintz overcomes nerves in pursuit of Caribbean Championships gold
Afirst international outing for Berbice-based pugilist Terron Wintz saw some of his wildest dreams being realised when he clinched gold in the youth category of the Caribbean Boxing Championships.
The 18-year-old toppled St Lucia’s Denzel Stephens in the 67kg final to clinch gold. His prowess in that bout forced the referee to stop the fight two minutes and 36 seconds into the second round, and earned the Guyanese the Best Youth Boxer in the Caribbean title.
Speaking with Guyana Times Sport about his preparation, Wintz explained that it took a lot of mental fortitude.
The teenager explained, “Well, basically, we trained like two weeks, but it was tough. Early-morning runs, late in the afternoon we go to the gym: we do some bag work, you know, stuff like that. But mentally, you had to be mentally strong to go through what I go through in training.”
Being his first high-calibre international bout, Wintz admitted that there were lingering nerves in his opening fight.
“For the first fight, it was challenging for me ‘cause I was a bit nervous. I didn’t go to no kind of competition like that before, so I was a bit nervous. But after my first fight, the win gave me more confidence to go through with the next fight,” Wintz shared with this publication.
The young man, who hails from Heathburn Village, East Bank Berbice (EBB), spoke of his experi-
ences, competing alongside some of Guyana’s current best boxers.
“They help me a lot. They taught me that patience is the key, you don’t have to rush anything in life especially in the ring, ‘cause if you rush you might get a shot and you might not see it coming. In sparring, they taught me defence, attack, all those stuff,” he explained.
With the help of his trusted Coach Jeff Roberts,
Wintz already has his eyes on the next international prize.
The teenage pugilist assured, “Well, it get the Continental Games coming up next month. We’re going to go out there and dominate and I know I will come back with the gold.”
Wintz’s gold was one of nine gold medals won by the Guyanese contingent, helping them to reclaim the Caribbean Boxing Championships overall title.
however, hunkered down and took their side safely to close of play without the loss of any more wickets.
Imlach is unbeaten on 40 off 70 deliveries while Savory will resume, on day three, from 46 off 78 balls, with both batsmen eyeing a half-century.
Dember, Darel Cyrus, and Gilon Tyson each claimed one wicket as the Harpy Eagles closed the day with 159-3 in 42 overs.
The
leaders, in
Play will continue at 10:00h today, Friday with day three action.
TPCC disappointed with non-selection of U15 player
On the heels of the national under-15 boys’ team being named by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) on Wednesday, the Tucber Park Cricket Club (TPCC) out of Berbice have expressed their dissatisfaction with the non-selection of club member Joshua Thomas in the official 14-member squad.
Thomas, who recently shone at the Inter-County U15 tournament, was named as one of six reserve players for the team.
TPCC shared in a statement on Thursday, “The Executives and members of the Tucber Park Cricket Club (TPCC) are extremely disappointed with the non-selection of Joshua Thomas in the Guyana under-15 team although he was the joint leading wicket-taker in the just-concluded GCB Under-15 Inter-County Super50 tournament.
“Thomas, a left-arm ‘chinaman’ spinner, a skill rarely seen since the invention of the game, performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament claiming 4-37 against Berbice, 3-46 against Demerara and
2-43 against Essequibo to finish the tournament with nine wickets. He was level with another wristspinner (right arm leg spin) Reyaz Latif. With regional cricket allocating bonus points at the youth level for wristspinners and fast bowlers, it would be justifiable to select both given the opportunity to earn more bonus bowling points during the tournament, a key factor which has determined the winner of regional tournaments in the past.
“While TPCC feels slighted by this non-selection, the club hope that such a special talent be nurtured for the future.
“To young Joshua Thomas, continue to work hard on all aspects of your game as the journey has now only begun.”
The under-15 team will be representing Guyana at the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars U15 50- Over tournament in Antigua and Barbuda from April 13-24.
The ‘chinaman’ bowler, Joshua Thomas receives his joint highest wicket taker prize during the conclusion of the U15 Inter-County tournament recently (Newsroom photo)
Terron Wintz takes a photo opportunity alongside his Coach, Jeff Roberts
Wintz shows off his Caribbean Boxing Championships accolades
Kevlon Anderson is bowled by Darel Cyrus
Gilson Tyson claimed Richie Looknauth’s wicket
Perez hit four boundaries in his 33 of 65 balls while Anderson added a brisk 21 off 32 deliveries to the Harpy Eagles’ tally.
team’s
Captain Tevin Imlach and Vice Captain Kemol Savory,
Richie Looknauth got off to a good start
Veerasammy Permaul’s experience shone through on Thursday morning
