Minister Parag describes ‘deviation from lawful conduct’ under defence cross-examination
…as Venezuela pushes “fraudulent” Essequibo elections in defiance of ICJ
“It’s
Nigel Hughes fights
Businessman charged with inciting persons to commit treason
Govt to pull plug on $253M Micobie school contract after missed deadline
Substantive appointment of Chancellor, CJ being examined – Pres Ali
Govt considers granting gold traders’ licences to Village Councils Major drainage boost as $1.054B Liliendaal pump station commissioned
Govt to pull plug on $253M Micobie school contract after missed deadline
With the contractor more than four months past the deadline to complete construction on the Micobie Secondary school in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Thursday announced that the govern-
ment is working on terminating its $253 million contract awarded to build the school.
The minister made the declaration during her presentation at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, where she spoke about the state of education in the country’s hinterland villages.
Manickchand acknowledged that even as the government works to develop education in the hinterland communities, the ministry is not without its share of challenges, particularly pertaining to development of infrastructure.
However, the minister noted that while some contractors have valid challenges delaying their work, in the case of the contractor building the Micobie Secondary School, there has not been sufficient reason for the delay.
“We are about to terminate the contract for the Micobie Secondary because… [the contractor at] Micobie has no legitimate reason, in my respectful and considerate view, as to why he couldn't start it,” the minister noted.
It was in July 2024 that a ceremonial sod-turning ceremony was held to mark the commencement of construction on the school, with the construction slated to take six months. The multi-million contract for the construction was awarded to NK Engineering Services with an initial mobilization amount of $76 million.
The school was hailed as a cornerstone of educational advancement and com-
munity development, being strategically positioned to benefit approximately 150 students and community members, fostering academic growth and enhancing access to quality education in Micobie.
Micobie Village was one of the villages affected by the 2023 devastating Mahdia Secondary School dorm fire that claimed the lives of 20 children.
The facility was expected to feature a staff room for teachers and 10 classrooms, including five specialized labs for science, IT, home economics, visual arts, and library services. The construction was expected to provide employment for persons in the surrounding communities.
Lapsing contractors
NK Engineering Services was awarded the contract through a competitive bidding process as outlined in the Public Procurement Act. Minister Manickchand noted that lapsing contractors continue to be a bugbear for the ministry but that the government is addressing the situation when necessary.
“Do we have challenges? We have challenges. Somebody bids for a school and said they will finish it in 6 or 8 or 14 months and they don't… so we have those challenges. Challenges that you are aware of. Some we are working with you to fix and some we have to terminate to move on. One of the weakest parts of the ministry is monitoring an evaluation, but that will change in the next term,” Manickchand said.
File photo: The sod turning ceremony on July 23, 2024 for the over $253 million Micobie Secondary School with NK Engineering Services
Education Minister Priya Manickchand speaking at the National Toshaos Conference on Thursday
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, May 23 – 00:55h-02:25h and Saturday, May 24 –01:55h-03:25h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, May 23 – 13:15h-14:45h and Saturday, May 24 –14:20h-15:50h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Rain showers with instances of thunder are expected during the day and at night, with sunshine in the morning and afternoon. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.92 metres.
High Tide: 13:36h reaching a maximum height of 2.49 metres.
Low Tide: 07:06h and 19:28h reaching a minimum height of 0.70 metre respectively.
“We
as a nation need to stand together” – VP
…as Venezuela pushes “fraudulent” Essequibo
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has issued a strong call for national unity as Venezuela pushes ahead with its plan to hold what he described as “fraudulent elections” in Guyana’s Essequibo region on May 25, in open defiance of international law and rulings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Speaking at his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo said that the Nicolás Maduro-led regime is using the elections as a distraction from Venezuela’s deepening internal crises, including economic collapse, international sanctions, and political repression.
“Venezuela has defied the ICJ, defied the entire international community,” Jagdeo stated. “We control the entire 83,000 square miles of the sovereign state of Guyana, and that is the status quo the ICJ has twice ordered Venezuela not to disrupt.”
“We as a nation need to stand together against this fraudulent regime and their fraudulent elections that they purport to be for the Essequibo region,” he said.
The ICJ issued provisional measures in December 2023 and again in May 2025, calling on Venezuela to refrain from taking any action that would alter the current state of affairs regarding the long-standing border controversy.
Jagdeo characterized the move by Maduro as a “desperate political stunt” to shore up domestic support.
“He’s locking up his opponents, rigging elections, and now turning to the border issue to deflect attention,” Jagdeo said. “This is nothing but political theatre.”
On this point, the Vice President highlighted that Venezuela’s attempt to hold municipal elections in the Essequibo is “illegal, baseless, and unacceptable” and called on all Guyanese to reject the action unequivocally.
Deportation and legal action
Jagdeo endorsed a warning issued by Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan, who said that any Venezuelan living in Guyana who attempts to vote in the elections will be deported immediately.
“The Chief of Staff has made it clear, and I wish to endorse his decision, that should there be any attempt by any Venezuelan who is living here to purport to vote in those elections, they will be rounded up and deported immediately, sent
elections in defiance of ICJ
out of our country. And if there are Guyanese who engage in that treasonous act, they too will face consequences. He made it clear, because it will be a treasonous act,” he added.
Meanwhile, he noted that on Friday, the National Assembly will be debating a solidarity motion for Essequibo and he called on all to support the motion.
“People, regardless of their religion or race, have always maintained their support for our territorial integrity,” he noted.
Guyana continues to receive international support for its fight against Venezuela.
Sabre-rattling
US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot last Friday had said the United States is prepared to support the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in its efforts to combat the growing threat
posed by foreign gangs along the Cuyuni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), a key stretch of the border between Guyana and Venezuela.
“No amount of bluster or sabre-rattling changes the fact that the United States will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Guyana in support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Venezuela, of course, has also been in the news recently due to the sindicato’s acts of aggression against the GDF patrolling the Cuyuni. These are criminals engaging in criminal activity. And the United States stands ready to support the GDF in its effort to eradicate this activity along Guyana’s frontier and to ensure the safety and security of Guyana’s people,” Ambassador Theriot said.
The Government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Guyana’s territorial integrity and sover-
eignty, while also seeking accountability through diplomatic channels.
Earlier this month, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had reaffirmed that the GDF is mobilised and prepared to defend the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela.
The Head of State emphasised that security operations are actively underway, particularly in light of Venezuela’s upcoming unlawful elections and continued claims over Guyana’s Essequibo region — claims which Guyana has consistently rejected and challenged through international legal avenues.
After years of failed good offices process through the UN, and based on the recommendation of the-then UN Secretary General, Guyana approached the World Court in March 2018, seeking a final and binding settlement of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which determined the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.
The case is currently pending before the ICJ, which has already established its jurisdiction to hear the matter. Guyana has already filed two written pleadings on the merits, and Venezuela has filed one, with its second pleading due in August 2025. Oral hearings are expected in the first half of 2026, following which the Court will deliberate on the case and issue its final judgment on the Merits, which will be binding on the parties.
Guyana’s rich forest resources have long served as an economic pillar, particularly for Indigenous and hinterland communities engaged in logging. However, the continued export of raw timber, without meaningful local processing, has limited the true economic benefits these communities can derive from their natural wealth. A shift towards value-added industries – most notably furniture manufacturing – represents not only a more sustainable development path but a necessary step towards rural economic empowerment.
During day four of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, this very point was reinforced when Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat urged Indigenous villages to move beyond the export of unprocessed logs and explore the economic potential of producing finished goods. The Minister’s message was clear: Guyana cannot continue the pattern of exporting raw materials only to import finished products at a higher cost. This practice, he emphasised, undermines national development and perpetuates dependency.
Furniture manufacturing stands out as a practical and transformative opportunity. In many Indigenous communities, logs are routinely sold to external buyers, only for those same communities to later purchase furniture – often made from the very species of wood they harvested. This cycle illustrates a missed opportunity to retain value, create jobs, and foster skills development within local economies.
By converting timber into finished furniture, communities can unlock a new level of economic activity. School desks, chairs, household furnishings, and office furniture can all be produced locally, using traditional knowledge blended with modern techniques. The Guyana Forestry Commission, as the Minister noted, has committed to providing free training to residents interested in entering the furniture-making sector. This is a crucial step towards building the technical capacity required to sustain such enterprises.
The benefits of furniture manufacturing go well beyond income generation. Establishing local workshops fosters entrepreneurship, promotes community self-reliance, and builds pride in locally-crafted goods. Moreover, this industry is labourintensive, offering employment across a range of skill levels, from carpentry and design to finishing and marketing. It also keeps more of the resource value within the community, increasing economic resilience and reducing vulnerability to external price fluctuations in the raw log market.
Importantly, furniture manufacturing also offers a clear opportunity for import substitution. Minister Bharrat’s remarks pointed to the irony of importing even the simplest wood products, such as toothpicks, in a country with one of the highest forest covers in the world. Replacing imported school and office furniture with locally-made alternatives should be a priority. Government procurement can play a key role here, by ensuring that public institutions source furniture from Indigenous manufacturers wherever possible.
Success stories already exist that demonstrate the viability of this approach. Communities along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, for example, are engaged in charcoal production and are packaging their products to meet export standards. This illustrates that, with proper training, support, and market access, value-added forestry industries can thrive even at the village level.
For furniture manufacturing to truly take root, however, several enablers must be put in place. These include access to financing, upgraded infrastructure, reliable power supply, and transportation networks to move finished goods to market. Equally important is technical support in quality control, branding, and marketing to ensure products can compete at both national and international levels.
Indigenous communities, which have served as guardians of Guyana’s forests for generations, must be empowered to benefit more from those same resources. Furniture manufacturing is one of the most immediate and achievable ways to make that happen.
The path forward requires a collaborative effort, Government providing policy support and training, Private Sector partners investing in supply chains, and communities stepping forward with innovation and drive. If these elements are aligned, valueadded production, such as furniture manufacturing, can become a foundation of rural economic development in Guyana.
It’s a time of reflection and gratitude
Dear Editor,
During an elegant reception at the Jamaica Arts Center in Queens, New York, held in honor of Guyana's 59th independence anniversary, the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity were underscored. The ongoing concern regarding Venezuela's claim over two-thirds (Essequibo) of Guyana was addressed by several speakers.
The diverse audience was welcomed with popular Guyanese folk songs and music, while typical Guyanese finger foods, such as fried snapper and cassava ball, were served alongside refreshments.
Ambassador Michael Brotherson, Guyana’s Consul General in New York, conveyed greetings from President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Government, and the people of Guyana. Foreign Affairs
Minister Hugh Todd also sent his regards to the audience and the Guyanese diaspora. Brotherson highlighted Guyana's progress as a developing and respected nation and emphasized the importance of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Guyana’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, delivered the keynote address, outlining the significant economic and social developments taking place in Guyana. She stated that this is a time for reflection and gratitude, emphasizing the importance of peace and unity to the country. She mentioned “the nation currently faces a significant threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity from a neighboring country claiming twothirds of its territory.” The ambassador firmly stated: "Essequibo is Guyana’s, it is ours, and it always will be.
It will not become part of any other country."
‘Diaspora and Investment Officer’ Joe Yussuff, along with the CARICOM diplomatic corps in New York, extended their best wishes to the government and people of Guyana on the nation’s 59th birthday.
The focus on Guyana’s territorial controversy should not overshadow the rapid and positive development of our country, led by our energetic and forward-thinking President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and supported by Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, noted Ambassador Rodrigues..
"Our government is enacting policies and programs to benefit every Guyanese in every sector - education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism," she
continued. She also listed numerous poverty alleviation initiatives, such as allocating $100,000 to each Guyanese above 18 years and $100,000 to each newborn baby in 2025.
Ambassador Rodrigues Birkett discussed climate change and requested Guyanese at home and abroad to support the armed forces in maintaining law and order and in protecting Guyana’s territorial integrity.
On Friday, May 23rd, a flag-raising ceremony will be held at Bowling Green, Lower Manhattan, and on May 26th, the Guyana flag will be displayed over selected areas of New York City. Guyana’s 59th independence anniversary is a “time for reflection and gratitude.”
Sincerely, Dr
Tara Singh
GPA election overdue,
Dear Editor, Newspaper columnist Mr Freddie Kissoon erred in his May 21, 2025 column titled ‘The silence over the atrocities of anti-government minds’ when he stated: “So Ms. [Nazima] Raghubir is now in her fifth year as president which is constitutionally not possible.”
The fact is, she is in her 8th year as President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), despite only being elected twice to serve four years. Permit me to explain.
Ms Raghubir was first elected on January 7, 2018, and should have vacated office or sought re-election on January 6, 2020 in
keeping with the two-year Constitutional limit on the Presidency.
However, her Management Council did not hold elections until May 14, 2023 – more than three years after the constitutional deadline. So, in her first term, she served as President for five years and four months, despite the Constitutional limit of two years.
Having been re-elected in a disputed election on May 13, 2023, Ms Raghubir and her Management Council have again failed to call election within the Constitutional deadline which was last week.
So, she is, in fact, into her 8th year as President despite only being elected twice to serve for four years in keeping with the GPA’s Constitution.
Another violation of the GPA’s Constitution under the current President was the election of Ms Iva Wharton and Ms Ariana Gordon – both of whom were not constitutionally qualified for full membership – to the Management Council. Despite not being qualified for full membership, these two individuals were not only allowed to vote, but were ‘elected’ to the Management Council.
Editor, Mr Kissoon rais-
es an important point in his column about holding all state actors accountable in society. Just recently, the GPA released a convoluted epistle which assailed and rebuked President Irfaan Ali for merely suggesting that the evolution of the media and the impact of AI on journalism need to be academically studied. The same GPA that continues to parade itself as a watchdog and protector of The Fourth Estate, even as it continues to flagrantly violate its own Constitution with impunity.
Yours faithfully, Ravin Singh
Port Kaituma Secondary School students form Guyana’s national flag, the Golden Arrowhead, on Thursday, showcasing national pride and unity as the flag continues to fly proudly across the country ahead of Guyana’s 59th Independence Anniversary (DPI photo)
5 homeless after NA fire
...firefighters praised for containing, controlling blaze
Five persons are now homeless after a fire at Mount Sinai, New Amsterdam (NA), Berbice, on Thursday morning.
The fire at Lot 4, Mount Sinai, has left a couple and their three adult children homeless.
At the time of the blaze, no one was at home. However, one of the children arrived home shortly after the fire started and an alarm was raised.
With assistance from neighbours, everyone started helping to move valuables.
Eyewitnesses say firefighters broke into the building, taking a hose with them, and seconds later began dousing the fire.
The two storey, four bedroom, concrete building was partially damaged, with extensive damage to the upper flat where the fire is believed to have originated.
Initial investigations suggest that the fire was caused by an electrical device being left on in one of the bedrooms.
tinguish the blaze, which had already made its way through the roof of the building, with the water in the two tanks. According to
Divisional Fire Officer, Clive McDonald, said it took the firefighters about four minutes from the time they received the call, to arrive on the scene with two fire tenders: one going to the front of the building and the other going to the back street.
McDonald said the firefighters were able to ex-
him, they immediately went into action to stop and suppress the spread of fire.
“We received a call at 8.50. The first tender arrived at 8.54h, within about two to three minutes on average. I was standing in the compound of the New Amsterdam Fire Station, and we observed the smoke.
When the crew arrived and the smoke that I personally looked at, I recognised that the fire was under control. Because of the fire dynamics, based on the smoke that I saw from a distance, I was aware and acknowledged that this fire was under control,” he explained.
Several persons were high in their praise for the efforts of the fire department in not only containing the fire to the one building but also bringing it under control quickly.
Commenting on the fact that on many occasions, persons at a fire scene claim that when the firefighters would have arrived, they did not have water, McDonald said, “We came with two tenders, approximately 500 gallons of water. We were able to contain and control this fire with the water that was in those two tenders. One tender is almost empty. After we got it under control, the other tender used three-quarters of the tank supplies and returned to the station, ready to respond just in case of an emergency. We would hear these calls that the fire tender came with no water, based on what people would see. You arrive on the scene with the small tenders, 400 gallons of water, the building is well consumed by fire. There might be a nearby source, there might be a hydrant. Four hundred gallons of water pumping 250 gallons per minute,” the senior fire officer pointed out.
At that rate, it would
take just over a minute and a half to empty the fire tender.
McDonald explained that it is because of that, fire fighters would be seen arriving at a fire scene and immediately looking for a wa-
ter source; be it a hydrant, pound or canal, if in their assessment the water in the tender should be saved for an emergency like a fire threatening to spread to other buildings.
00:00 Sign Off
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12:00 News Break
12:05 Indian Movie - Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam (2002)
15:00 When Calls the Heart S12 E4
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FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2025
Page Foundation
English
Maths
Govt disputes over US$279M in Stabroek
Block oil expenses across 3 audits
The Natural Resources Ministry has provided a detailed update on the status of three cost recovery audits related to oil operations in the Stabroek Block, signalling continued scrutiny of expenses declared by ExxonMobil and its co-venturers, Hess and CNOOC.
In a statement, the ministry said that the au-
dits, which were commissioned by the Government of Guyana, are part of the cost recovery verification mechanism outlined in the Petroleum Agreement with the Stabroek Block operators.
The first audit, conducted by IHS Markit, reviewed expenses from 1999 to 2017, and resulted in the Government disputing ap-
proximately US$214 million in costs submitted by the consortium. This dispute has triggered a formal resolution process. According to the ministry, both the Government and the co-venturers have agreed to activate the sole expert mechanism provided under the Production Sharing Agreement. The Government has submitted
several nominees for this role, and ExxonMobil, acting on behalf of the consortium, has until May 31, 2025, to respond.
The second audit, covering 2018 to 2020, examined US$7.2 billion in declared expenditures. Of this, US$65.1 million was not accepted by the Government. The co-venturers have since submitted updated docu-
2020 election fraud trial
mentation, which is currently under review.
Both the final reports for the first and second audits are publicly available on the website of the Petroleum Management Programme at http://petroleum.gov.gy/.
Meanwhile, the third audit, which reviews expenses from 2021 to 2023, has been completed and submitted to the Government. The
Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is now reviewing the initial findings. The GRA has played a central role in all three audits. The ministry reiterated its commitment to transparency and sound fiscal management of the oil and gas sector, promising to keep the public informed as the audit processes continue.
Minister Parag describes ‘deviation from lawful conduct’ under defence cross-examination
The 2020 elections fraud trial resumed on Thursday before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, with Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, back on the stand, facing continued and intense cross-examination.
Parag, a key witness in the prosecution’s case, testified on Monday and returned to continue answering questions, this time under the scrutiny of defence attorneys Nigel Hughes and Dexter Todd.
Parag, who served as a polling agent for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) during the controversial Region Four tabulation process, described what she termed a breakdown of procedure and a deviation from lawful conduct.
Her testimony sheds further light on the events at GECOM’s Ashmins Building’s office during the 2020 General and Regional Elections.
“I made 21 objections… and they continued”, she said while being cross-examined by Nigel Hughes Minister Parag confirmed that she was present at the Region Four tabulation centre from early on March 4, 2020, until the next morning, specifically from “between 8 and 9 in the morning” until “about 3 a.m.” the following day.
Objections
Her concerns, according to her, began when she noticed discrepancies between the numbers being read aloud and those on the SOPs in her possession.
“My objection was that the numbers that she [Michelle Miller] was calling were not reflective of the numbers that I had on my statements of poll,” she testified. “I made 21 objections… and they continued.”
She acknowledged informing her party’s
Elections Agent, Zulfikar Mustapha, now Minister of Agriculture, and requesting intervention.
However, she admitted during her cross-examination with Hughes that she did not take any photographs or audio recordings, nor did she bring SOPs to court as evidence on Thursday.
She remained adamant that the numbers being read were not what she or her party had verified.
Attorney Dexter Todd took over cross-examination later in the session by diving into the origin of the spreadsheet used by GECOM officials.
When asked about her knowledge of Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act, Parag acknowledged she was “fairly” familiar with it and agreed that it laid out who is responsible for verification and counting.
But when Todd pressed whether GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer had the authority to override polling station results, Parag said firmly,“I don’t agree with that.”
Todd also challenged Parag on whether the SOPs in her possession were offi-
cially verified documents. She confirmed that the copies she received from PPP polling agents were compared against those posted outside polling stations.
“There is a copy of a statement of poll posted outside of every polling station… I verified with my copies,” she explained.
Deliberate manipulation
She further stated: “There are two periods of time: at Ashmins on March 3, what appeared to be SOPs were being used. On March 4, GECOM officials, Michelle Miller and Ms. Bowman, were using what appeared to be a spreadsheet… and they were not matching at all,” she stated.
“Later on the 4th of March, the Chief Elections Officer stopped the count,” she continued, explaining that it was only after multiple objections that SOPs were finally used, starting with Box 4001.
“As Box 4001 is called, I’m comparing that with the SOPs in my possession… the numbers are being called in relation to each political party… and I’m comparing that with the one I have.”
Throughout Thursday’s hearing, defence counsels Hughes and Todd attempted to paint Parag’s objections as politically charged and lacking legal grounding.
Hughes grilled the minister on whether she had knowledge of legal protocols for challenging election results, to which she admitted: “I can’t say that I was familiar at that time” with the legal process for objections, though she confirmed that a petition was later filed.
However, the minister stood firm under pressure, maintaining that what took place at Ashmins Building amounted to deliberate manipulation.
Rigging accused Nine individuals have been charged in connection with the case. These include Keith Lowenfield, the former Chief Elections Officer; Roxanne Myers, the former Deputy Chief Elections Officer; and Clairmont Mingo, the former Region Four Returning Officer. Also charged are Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) staff members Michelle Miller, Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, and Denise Babb-Cummings. In addition, Carol Smith-Joseph, an APNU+AFC activist, and Volda Lawrence, a for-
mer minister and senior APNU+AFC official, have also been implicated. They are accused of conspiring to defraud electors during the 2020 elections by altering tabulation procedures and suppressing the accurate transmission of results in Region Four. The trial, continues to unfold before Magistrate McGusty after numerous delays. The proceedings remain one of the most consequential legal efforts in Guyana’s democratic history. With Parag’s testimony now drawing to a close, more witnesses are expected to take the stand in the coming days. The hearing continues today at 9:30h.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister
Sonia Parag
Becoming…
… rich
That old – very old!! – saying by the old Hollywood siren Mae West – “I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor; but believe me rich is better!!” was, of course, prompted by the even older saying that “the poor will inherit the earth”! That, however, didn’t address the cries of the poor about their miserable lives in the here and now – as they await their “inheritance”!! So, we invented Government which would be responsible for guiding us folks to get out of their poverty and at least have enough wealth to be able to live with dignity.
Well, in Guyana, we experienced the situation explained by Kwame Nkrumah that while our poor were promised their reward in Heaven – and then looked upwards as they waited – the Europeans stole their lands and what it produced to give them the wealth – so they could drink their rum swizzles and kick their feet!!
And we found out to our cost, however, that unlike what Nkrumah figured, when we kicked out the Europeans, the manna didn’t fall from heavens to make us rich. The hitch came from two facts – firstly that most of those we elected to govern the country to deliver wealth – they delivered that wealth to themselves!! Like Burnham and the PNC who seized control of the “commanding heights of the economy” – but destroyed it with their policy of “jobs for the boys”!! The poor lost corn and husk!!
The second was getting the necessary capital to develop the economy that would generate jobs and money. Well, since the PPP returned to office in 1992, they’ve been giving yeoman service on that challenge of the poor – having inherited one of the highest per capita debt burdens from the PNC. Our poverty level gradually started heading downwards, but it remained stubbornly high because of the literal financial hole we were placed in by the PNC!!
Then, of course, came the oil in 2015 – manna not from the heavens but below the sea!! The progress has been dramatic. For the poor, this was emphasised by the former Head of the Private Sector Commission – a self-made business czar from Canal – who just made a dramatic announcement. Earlier, he’d created some waves when he told a visiting IMF team that in Guyana “poverty was voluntary”! He’s now put his money where his mouth is with a bold challenge after hearing from one particular band of Opposition wailing Jeremiahs that so many remained poor.
“I’ll take you out of poverty within one to six months, providing you’re willing to do two things.” The opportunities are out there, he assured us – he’d simply identify those opportunities and then it would DEPEND on the complainers to first take the jobs then work hard – six days a week!!
Any takers??
…stable
Another reason for our stubborn poverty is the Opposition not only moaning and groaning about “poverty” but makes it a self-fulfilling prophecy, which discourages investment. The US Ambassador just pointed this out: “Investment requires more than just a favourable business climate. The two most common concerns we hear from US companies looking at potentially investing in Guyana are political and civil unrest – especially surrounding elections and Venezuela.” The first is from the Opposition and the second is from Mad Maduro!
The Opposition should quit their opportunistic exploitation of the poor and take up the PSC former Head’s challenge to ease up on their looting, burning and general mayhem – which creates a vicious poverty circle! The Ambassador continued, “Maduro’s rhetoric is inflammatory and unacceptable, but at the end of the day, it is just bluster aimed at shoring up domestic support.”
If Maduro ain’t all bluff and bluster, as your Eyewitness described yesterday, the US gonna deal with him!! The Opposition must eschew violence!!
…democratic
The US Ambassador also identified elections that the Opposition always use to create tensions. In a statement that should put shivers in the latter’s backs, she promised the ABCEU countries gonna repeat their 2020 role to deliver clean elections!!
Bartica Massacre convicts appeal
“A waste of State resources and judicial time” –State Prosecutor; says cases should die with them …as Nigel Hughes fights to clear convicts’ names, reputation
State Prosecutor Diana O’Brien on Thursday argued before the Court of Appeal that it would be a “waste of state resources and judicial time” to proceed with the appeal cases of Mark Royden Williams, known as “Smallie,” and Dennis Williams, known as “Anaconda,” both convicted for their roles in the 2008 Bartica Massacre, and now deceased.
In submissions before the court, O’Brien emphasized that the appeal, filed in 2017, should be considered abated given the deaths of both men, and no meaningful legal outcome could be achieved by continuing the proceedings.
“It is a waste of state resources and judicial time given the fact that the appeal has already abated in our view,” O’Brien stated, adding, “The Court of Appeal Act is specific that the appellant is a person convicted, and here Counsel has conceded that no one would suffer the penalty or have the privilege of the appeal being allowed. Our respectful contention is that the appeal against Mark Williams as well as Dennis Williams would have abated upon their deaths.”
The matter was adjourned to July 17 for final arguments.
Royden Williams died in 2023 during a confrontation with the Joint Services in Region Seven, weeks after escaping from the Mazaruni Prison in a daring May 2023 breakout. It was his second escape from custody, having previously broken out of the Camp Street Prison in 2017 before being recaptured in October of that year on the Weldaad Public Road, West Coast Berbice.
Dennis Williams, on the other hand, died in custody at the Mazaruni Prison after a period of illness.
Both men were sentenced to death by hanging after being found guilty of seven counts of murder and five counts of manslaughter in relation to the 2008 Bartica Massacre, during which 12 people, including three policemen, were killed. They also received life sentences for the manslaughter charges, to run concurrently.
Royden and Dennis were charged alongside Clebert Reece (a.k.a. “Chi Chi”), who pleaded guilty to 12 counts of manslaughter and was sentenced to 35 years in prison for each count, and Michael Ceasar, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges related to the Bartica as well as the Lusignan massacres, he was sentenced to 60 years in prison for the Bartica massacre and 45 years for the Lusignan massacre.
Their notices of appeal were filed in 2017, weeks after their convictions, both convicts contended that their trials were unfair and that the court had no jurisdiction to hear their matters. Along with Royden and Dennis, Ceasar is also appealing his sentence.
Royden and Dennis, along with Ceasar are be-
ing represented by Attorney Nigel Hughes.
Reputation of massacre convict Hughes argued that the posthumous appeals should proceed to address the integrity of the convictions and the reputations of the deceased.
“Though it will not have an impact in the physical world, it will have an impact on the reputation of the person,” Hughes said, adding that while the concept of an estate typically relates to civil matters, the principle here is whether the con-
viction was just at the time it was handed down.
However, O’Brien further noted that any vacating of Royden’s conviction would have little legal effect given that he had also been sentenced to death in 2022 for the January 2008 murder of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Corporal Ivor Williams in a separate case.
“Even if this conviction were vacated, that would not be the effect, because there are other matters in which he was convicted,” she stated.
The prosecutor also raised concerns over representation, questioning who was instructing legal counsel for the deceased appellants.
“We do not even know from whom counsel is receiving instructions. It’s not even at the stage where we would consider substitution, because we wouldn’t know who is giving instructions in relation to the deceased,” O’Brien argued.
Additionally, one of the Court of Appeal justices questioned Royden’s continued desire to lawfully appeal his conviction, given that his escape from Mazaruni was an indication of his intention to “no longer rely on the lawful measures that are available because once you take yourself out of the system, you are out of the system”.
Dead convict: Mark Royden Williams, known as “Smallie”
Dead convict: Dennis Williams, known as “Anaconda”
Defence Attorney Nigel Hughes
State Prosecutor Diana O’Brien
Substantive appointment of Chancellor, CJ being examined – Pres Ali
…says Govt committed to ensuring Judiciary well equipped
Tthe Office of the President in Georgetown. When asked on the substantive appointments of the two highest offices of the judiciary, the President made it clear that he is looking at the issue holistically.
“We continue to examine the issue, and we are ensuring that the judiciary itself is well equipped not only with the infrastructure but with the human assets, so, the appointment of these judges in filling the different slots and of course, the Judicial Service Commission will now look at the High Court, because there will be opening there also,” the President said.
“All of this is in the pro-
cess. I don’t look at the judiciary in isolation, I look in its entirety. Of course, the matter of the Chancellor and the Chief Justice is important to me, it is important to our country, and I will continue to work to find a solution,” President Ali further said.
Guyana has been without a substantive Chancellor since 2005. Since 2017, Justices Yonette CummingsEdwards and Roxane George have been serving in acting capacities as Chancellor and Chief Justice respectively.
Article 127 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana states: “The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the
President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”
This agreement stipulation, however, has consistently resulted in political deadlock, spanning over two decades and affecting four successive presidential administrations. Guyana’s last substantive Chancellor was the now late Justice Desiree Bernard, who served until 2005, when she left to join the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Since then, Justice Carl Singh was appointed acting Chancellor –a position he held until his retirement in 2017 without being confirmed.
Justice CummingsEdwards was then appoint-
ed acting Chancellor in 2017 by former President David Granger. He had also appointed Justice George as acting Chief Justice in 2017. Prior to this, the late Justice Ian Chang was appointed acting Chief Justice in 2005, and served in that position until his retirement in 2015. In the past, Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall, SC, along with past Bar Association President Pauline Chase, had advocated for a re-evaluation of the constitutional provisions governing these appointments. They have suggested this issue be addressed during the country’s much-anticipated constitutional review process.
he matter of the substantive appointments of a Chancellor and Chief Justice of the Judiciary, is still being looked at. This is according to President Dr Irfaan Ali, who assured that the matter is a serious one, and that the government remains committed to ensuring the judiciary is well equipped.
The Guyanese Head of State was at the time speaking with reporters on the sidelines of the swearing in of five Appeal Court Judges on Wednesday at
Govt considers granting gold traders’ licences to Village Councils
The Guyana Government is exploring the possibility of granting gold traders’ licences to Village Councils, according to Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat.
Speaking during the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, the minister explained that he had asked the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to explore the possibility of this measure.
Bharrat noted that this licence would empower the Village Council to buy gold from miners and then sell back the resource to the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) or any of the five companies in the country that are licenced to export gold.
He revealed that the gov-
ernment is already working with Chenapou in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) for their Village Council to acquire a licence, following a request from the community’s leaders.
In this regard, he is urging other interested Village Councils to reach out to the ministry or the GGMC to initiate the process.
“We want to work with other communities too that are producing gold and that the village council would like to have a trader’s licence to buy the gold and then sell it to the Guyana Gold Board,” the minister said.
“And then you will help us in the country to have the production being declared through the legal/ right channels,” he added.
From left: Acting Chief Justice Roxane George and acting Chancellor Yonette Cummings-Edwards
Indigenous villages urged to embrace value-added ventures
Indigenous villages, particularly those already involved in logging and forestry, are being urged to expand their economic activities by exploring value-added production such as furniture, charcoal, and even toothpicks.
This call was made by Natural Resources Ministry, Vickram Bharrat, during his address at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference. He stressed that the real economic potential lies not in the export of raw materials, but in local manufacturing and processing.
Bharrat bemoaned that for years, the country would export its raw materials, only to import products that
could be manufactured locally.
“We export our raw gold and then buy back fancy jewellery, we export our bauxite ore and we buy back aluminium products, we export our agriculture products and we buy back processed products…we have to change that so that we can really and truly enjoy the benefits of our resources,” the minister expressed.
On a smaller scale, he highlighted how many hinterland communities export logs, only to later purchase school furniture made from similar materials.
As a solution, Minister Bharrat encouraged these villages to develop furniture manufacturing capabilities,
Raw gold, $17M seized by SOCU in gold smuggling crackdown
ABrazilian national was arrested Wednesday afternoon following a major intelligence-led joint operation conducted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in Central Mahdia, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).
Osmil Da Silva, was apprehended at his business place, Filhao Shop. During the operation, law enforcement officials seized a substantial quantity of raw gold, various pieces of equipment, documents, and over $17 million. Da Silva is currently in police custody and is assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, Head of SOCU, stated that the operation successfully disrupted an alleged illegal smuggling scheme, before the gold could be transported across Guyana’s borders. He emphasized that the operation forms part of a broader strategy to combat illicit gold trade and protect the country's mineral wealth.
"This is a significant step in our efforts to clamp down on illegal mining and gold smuggling," Karimbaksh noted. "We remain committed to safeguarding Guyana’s resources and ensuring that those involved in these activities are brought to justice."
This latest arrest adds to
pointing out that the government, through the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), will provide free training opportunities for interested residents.
He emphasised that shifting towards value-added industries would not only increase profits but also create much-needed jobs within these communities.
Another example, according to the minister, is toothpick production. He explained that “even
toothpicks we import in Guyana…Imagine that? In a country that has the second highest forest coverage that is engaged in logging, boasts over 1000 different species of wood, yet we import these basic things.”
Opportunity also exists in the manufacturing of charcoal, he said, noting that a group along the SoesdykeLinden Highway is already engaged in this production and is packaging their products to international stan-
dards for export.
Legitimate
Meanwhile, Bharrat is urging Indigenous communities engaged in gold mining to ensure the resources are sold to only legitimate buyers, warning that to do otherwise is illegal.
“Ensure your production is sold to a legitimate buyer, it is your responsibility as a leader and as a Guyanese to ensure that your production is sold to a legitimate buyer,” the minister told those gathered at the NTC.
“…because there are accusations and many allegations that gold is not being sold to legitimate buyers and maybe it is crossing our borders illegally; we don’t want that,” he added.
The Natural Resources Minister emphasised that “...we want our resources to remain in our country”
He also reminded the Indigenous leaders that it is illegal to sell gold to illegitimate buyers.
“You’re robbing your country of resources, you’re robbing yourself and your own community of resources when you do that,” the minister explained, reminding that the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) has established offices outside of Georgetown in areas such as Bartica, Mahdia, Port Kaituma and Marudi.
Earlier this year, Bharrat had announced that government’s crackdown on gold smuggling will intensify.
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had also noted that several intelligence operations are ongoing to curb this practice.
Last year, gold brought in earnings to the tune of US$989 million, an increase of over US$180 million.
a series of recent operations targeting foreign nationals suspected of involvement in unlawful mining activities. In March 2025, two Brazilian nationals were arrested in Lethem, Region Nine, following the seizure of a large quantity of gold and more than $26 million. In April, another operation led to the detention of two Brazilians, a Cuban, and a Guyanese, along with the confiscation of more than $30 million in gold and $31 million in cash.
In March, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had issued a stern warning to individuals involved in gold smuggling, stating that ongoing intelligence operations will result in arrests and legal action.
Brazilian Osmil Da Silva
Major drainage boost as $1.054B Liliendaal pump station commissioned
Abrand-new drainage pump station has been officially commissioned in Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, marking a major
upgrade in the country’s flood management efforts.
The project, valued at $1.054 billion, replaces the area’s previous reliance on elec-
trical pumps, and brings with it a massive increase in drainage capacity.
Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation
Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsmith, who is also a civil engineer, spoke on social media about the development.
“It is a newly constructed drainage pump station here at Liliendaal – an area that covers about 2,400 acres,” he informed.
“Previously, the area was served with electrical pumps with a capacity of 90,000 gallons per minute. We have added this new facility, now putting the total discharge capacity in excess of 200,000 gallons per minute.”
The upgraded pump station is expected to significantly improve drainage in several surrounding communities, including parts of North Ruimveldt, South Ruimveldt, Bel Air, Turkeyen, and Liliendaal itself—especially crucial as the country experiences increased rainfall during the mid-year rainy season.
“This investment is already proving its worth as we navigate the current rainy pe-
The NDIA Chairman walks in front of the pumps at the newly-commissioned
riod,” Wordsmith noted.
He added that the project is part of a broader nationwide drainage initiative.
“This is one of more than 30 drainage pumps being installed across the coast of Guyana, serving both agricultural and residential zones. By the end of this year, we will further strengthen our fleet with an additional 40 mobile drainage pumps.
These will enhance our ability to respond quickly to varying needs across the country, whether for irrigation or flood relief.”
Wordsmith also referenced ongoing works under the Hope Lake Canal project, which is being implemented in Region 3 and Region 5, as part of the government’s longterm drainage and irrigation development plan.
Liliendaal pump station
PPPC/C Indigenous engagement “consistent, not convenient” – Jagdeo
...slams Opposition for showing interest only at pre-elections
General Secretary of People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has reaffirmed administration’s engagement with Indigenous leaders is rooted in longstanding commitment, not pre-election convenience.
Speaking at his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo accused the Opposition of only showing interest in Indigenous affairs because of the upcoming elections.
“PPP governments have engaged Toshaos every single year. This is not new. It is not because it is election year. We’ve done this consistently—not conveniently,” Jagdeo stated emphatically.
Dr Jagdeo traced
the origins of government-to-Toshao dialogue back to 1995 under former President Dr. Cheddi Jagan, when engagements began informally. He noted that during his own presidency, these meetings became an annual fixture, culminating in 2006 when the Amerindian Act was passed and the NTC (National Toshaos Conference) was formally enshrined in law.
“What is happening this year is a continuation of that legacy. It didn’t start this year, and it won’t end this year,” he said.
Jagdeo emphasized that the entire Cabinet routinely participates in the NTC, listening to issues and providing real-time responses.
Additionally, in sharp contrast, the Vice President criticized the APNU-AFC’s (A Partnership for National Unity – Alliance For
Change) five years in office, noting that former President David Granger made a brief appearance at the NTC and then left, with no real en-
gagement or follow-up.
“They had no engagement whatsoever with the leadership. The Toshaos complained bitterly,” Jagdeo said.
“They suddenly acquired this fake love in the past few months. People will see through it. They have absolutely no concern for the communities.”
Defending economic management, use of oil funds
Jagdeo used the occasion to double down on the PPP/ C’s record of economic development, particularly in Indigenous and hinterland areas. He stated that critics who claim improvements are only due to oil money ignore the facts.
Businessman charged with inciting persons to commit treason
Randy Jagdeo, of Third Street, Alexander Village, was arrested and charged for inciting persons to commit treason, Contrary to Section 314 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, Chapter 8:01.
The 39-year-old appeared at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Dylon Bess, where the charge was read to him and he was not required to plead.
The Prosecutor objected to bail. However, the magistrate granted him $350,000 bail. As a condition for bail he is required to report on the third Friday of every month to the head of the Police Cyber Crimes Unit at Eve Leary.
He is also to refrain from making any posts via Social Media platforms and he has to lodge his passport with the
court. The matter was adjourned to June 16.
The local businessman came in for major criticism over a provocative Facebook comment which stated that Essequibo belongs to Venezuela. Also, he has a sign displayed at his 'Thousand Dollar Store' on the East Bank of Demerara, featured the 'One Guyana' logo alongside a map of Guyana that excluded the Essequibo region.
In 2014, Jagdeo, who was charged with the murder of biker, Kirk Davis, was freed of the charge by the then Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine – Beharry.
The case was dismissed on the grounds that the prosecution failed to make out a prima facie case against the
accused. Two witnesses, despite being summoned by the Court on several occasions, never presented themselves.
It was alleged that the biker and Jagdeo were close friends and it is alleged that Davis had kissed the suspect’s wife on her neck while at a Main Street, Georgetown night spot on September 2, 2013, a day before the murder.
The prosecutor in the case had told the court that on the day of the murder, Jagdeo went to the home of the de-
ceased at Seventh Street, Eccles Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, in a silver Toyota Allion motorcar.
The police prosecutor alleged that Davis was called out of his home and was seated in the back seat of the car when a heated argument erupted and the suspect came out of the driver’s seat of the vehicle and reportedly fired shots at Davis, who was still seated in the car. The court was told that Davis’ body was dumped and the suspect fled the scene.
With this in mind, he cited the $94 billion in tax increases implemented by the previous government, compared to the PPP/C’s firstyear tax reductions of $40 billion.
“All the oil money in this year’s budget, is only 37 percent of total spending. That means the majority of our projects are still funded from traditional revenue sources,” he explained.
“And if you add our allocations to education, health, roads, and bridges, it's more than all the oil money in the budget, leaving out everything else. The...wages and salaries in the public sector, which is $200-odd billion, and grew by $100 billion since we got into office, that's excluded”.
Monday marked the start of the 2025 NTC, with President Dr. Irfaan Ali reminding the Toshaos in attendance of the massive investments the PPP/C government has made into their communities, particularly in education and health.
In this year’s budget, a sum of $7.2 billion had been set aside to enhance welfare of Amerindian communities. Of this, $150 million was budgeted in 2025 to support the NTC conference that is being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC)… an increase from the $136.5 million spent last year for the same purpose.
Randy Jagdeo
PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo speaking at the NTC
“It’s a fallacy” – Jagdeo; no quarry licences, sand permits issued to Chinese nationals …debunks
‘Chinese takeover’ claims; licences issued only to Guyanese
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has firmly dismissed claims that Chinese nationals have been granted quarry and sand mining permits in Guyana, calling such allegations “a fallacy” and “political mischief.”
Addressing the issue at his weekly press conference, Jagdeo clarified that all new quarry and sand permits issued between 2020 and 2024 have been granted solely to Guyanese nationals, not Chinese operators.
He said some Guyanese license-holders may contract Chinese companies to assist with operations, but emphasized that the ownership and control of these permits remain entirely local.
“Not a single quarry license or sand permit has been issued to a Chinese national,” Jagdeo stated. “The Chinese may be contracted, but the permits are held by Guyanese.”
Since 2020, the number of operational quarries has increased from 6 to 16, boosting stone production from under 740,000 tonnes annually to over 3.3 million tonnes in 2024.
Similarly, sand production has skyrocketed from less than 700,000 tonnes per year to over 12 million tonnes, with the number of permit holders rising from 18 to 67, including 49 new entrants since 2020.
Jagdeo said this expansion has directly benefited the public, driving down the price of stone from $18,000 per tonne to $8,200, and reducing construction costs
across both private and public sectors.
“The beneficiaries are the Guyanese people. The cost of stone has dropped significantly, and that means cheaper housing and infrastructure,” he noted.
Further, Jagdeo also took aim at claims of Chinese dominance in the construction sector, pointing out that none of the 40 plus contractors involved in the $52 billion housing infrastructure program along the East Coast are Chinese. A similar trend, he said, exists at Wales, where over 5,000 lots are under development.
“No Chinese contractors are involved in those massive housing developments,” he said. “We’ve created thousands of jobs for Guyanese contractors, engineers, and truckers.”
He further explained that Chinese companies were awarded a small portion of the East Coast Road and the Heroes Highway projects—less than 10 projects of the total cost af-
ter winning internationally funded bids, not through favouritism or exclusive access.
With this in mind, Jagdeo acknowledged frustrations among some local truckers, especially regarding reduced haulage rates due to increased competition. However, he emphasized that this is a natural result of expanded supply and a more competitive market.
“Yes, margins may be tighter now. But if we didn’t grow the sector, there would be no work at all,” he said. “Go back to 2020. Ask the same truckers how many of them owned trucks back then.”
He urged the public not to be “misled by opportunistic politicians” exploiting tensions for votes.
“All this talk of a Chinese takeover is political scapegoating. There are Guyanese running the show, and they are the ones benefiting from this growth,” Jagdeo said.
Chinese involvement must still follow the law
While defending legitimate business partnerships, the Vice President was clear that Chinese nationals and companies must follow Guyana’s laws, including those governing retail, transportation, and permits.
“There must be no special treatment for anyone. If Chinese companies violate regulations, they must face the consequences, just like anyone else,” he stated.
On Tuesday, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill met with dozens of truck-
in
urging them to diversify their operations and adapt to market shifts as the sector becomes saturated.
During the engagement, local truckers informed the Minister that hauling rates for stone have dropped from $3,000 per tonne to $1,300, squeezing already slim margins.
They also alleged that truckers are being edged out of the quarry by foreign operators who have preferential access and faster loading times — even when hauling stone on behalf of paying local contractors.
In response, Minister Edghill urged truckers to not be dismayed, but adapt by expanding their operations into other areas such as transporting sand, loam, and other construction materials, particularly for gov-
ernment infrastructure projects.
He noted that while the sector remains competitive, opportunities still exist.
“You are telling me that you feel mistreated, in that the competition really is the owner of the quarry is now owning trucks. And when somebody buys stone from the quarry – more than likely the private sector, because government is not buying stone right now – when the owner of the quarry gets an order for stone, the owner has now engaged their own transportation network to take the stone to where the quarry gets the order from. And you are not getting the volume or the quantity of work that you were getting before”.
“Now, you are mainly fetching stone. I want you to start exploring that with the government contracts that
are available, there is need for sand and there is need for loam for the roads that we are building up,” Edghill said.
In a nod to frustrations over perceived favouritism at loading sites, Edghill stressed that fairness must prevail.
On this point, he acknowledged the disparity in the market and confirmed that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) had reached an agreement with the quarry operators to implement a two-line system to ensure fairer access for local truckers.
“As of yesterday afternoon, the GGMC made an arrangement with the Chinese that there will be two lines, so that the discrimination that you’re saying you’re getting in terms of loading will come to an end”.
Agri Ministry to distribute fencing for Indigenous farms’ security – planting, aquaculture materials also to be provided
The Agriculture Ministry is intensifying efforts to support Indigenous farmers across Guyana through the expanded distribution of barbed wire, chain-link fencing, fish cages, and free planting materials.
This was announced by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during the ongoing National
Toshaos’ Council Conference (NTC) in Georgetown. Minister Mustapha assured farmers that the ministry is responding actively to the needs raised by Indigenous leaders, who have highlighted the need for barbed wire as protection for farmers’ lands.
“I was listening carefully, and we’ve been making copious notes of all the
requests this morning,” Mustapha said. “Some initiatives are already in progress. For instance, we’ve distributed hundreds—if not thousands—of rolls of barbed wire in various communities. But demand continues to grow, and we will keep working with communities to distribute barbed wire and chain-link fencing as the need arises.”
The minister emphasized that the government’s efforts are ongoing and not limited to past distributions.
“That doesn’t mean we’ll stop,” he continued. “We’ve received additional requests, especially from Regions 1 and 9. We’ll continue trying our best to meet those demands. We understand that you want to protect your farms.”
Expansion of aquaculture cages
While discussing the topic of cages, Minister Mustapha also revealed
free of cost
plans to install 50 fish cages in several interior and coastal communities within the coming months.
“This year – in another two months – we’ll install 50 cages in various parts of the country: interior locations like Region 9, Region 7, and Region 4, including Pocara, Morocobai, Orealla, and Siparuta,” he stated. “In as little as two weeks, installation works will begin.”
He further confirmed that the ministry has already secured fingerlings to stock the cages once they are in place.
“Some communities have shown a lot of proactiveness, and they’ve received strong support. That’s the kind of engagement we want to continue,” he added.
Free planting materials
In a strong commitment to agricultural development, Minister Mustapha also pledged that all planting materials will be provid-
ed free of cost to Indigenous farmers.
“All planting materials— whether pineapple, spices, or any other crop—will be provided free of charge,” Mustapha affirmed. “Before you leave [the conference], we’ll try to get as many materials as possible to you, so that by this weekend, you can take them back to your communities.”
He called on the National Agricultural Research
and Extension Institute (NAREI) to assist with the distribution.
Encouraging continued engagement
Minister Mustapha also urged community leaders to remain engaged and follow up on their requests to ensure timely fulfilment.
“Sometimes I make a commitment, and if no one follows up, the issue only resurfaces at the next Toshaos’ Conference,” he pointed out. “Look at Region 1—those communities follow up regularly, and that’s the level of engagement we need. Let’s continue working together with that level of proactiveness.”
The announcements form part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s broader strategy to boost food security, strengthen local economies, and improve living standards in Indigenous and hinterland communities across Guyana.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha
ers
Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice)
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Flooding challenges persist in Black Bush Polder area
...as Agriculture Ministry works to ease rainy season woes for farmers
The Agriculture Ministry, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has implemented some measures to address flooding in the Black Bush Polder (BPP) area.
Cash crop farmers have already experienced losses, while the situation with rice is being monitored, and arrangements have been put in place to assist livestock farmers.
Considered as the agriculture capital of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) which has agriculture as its main economic activity, Black Bush Polder has been heavily impacted by the current rainy season.
All four Polders of Lesbeholden, Mibicuri, Johanna, and Yakasari have not been spared, with Johanna and Yakasari being the hardest hit.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha visited all four polders on Wednesday,
where he engaged residents with the aim of finding out what is happening on the ground.
One livestock farmer Titus Clarke of Johanna, questioned why authorities did not rely on the weather forecast.
The livestock farmer said that there is water in his sheep pen reaching to the belly of the animals.
According to the Agriculture Minister, there were two excavators deployed into the Black Bush Polder a few weeks ago to as-
sist those owned by the Black Bush Polder Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).
Andy Anderson from the BBP Water Users Association (WUA), explained that there was flooding in the Cookrite Savannah and the lives of animals there was in danger.
As a result, they had to drain water from Cookrite Savannah in to the residential area in BBP to save the animals at Cookrite Savannah.
Mustopha pointed out that with the heavy intense rainfall, it has resulted in sev-
Govt pushes for 100% potable water access this year ...geared to drill 80 more wells
The Housing and Water Ministry is set to drill 80 wells throughout Guyana this year, in an attempt to reach its goal of ensuring 100% access to potable water by 2025.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal made this announcement while speaking during the National Toshao’s Conference (NTC) currently being held in Georgetown. He explained that more than 100 wells have already been drilled, and an additional 80 are planned. He pointed to a list of villages already impacted.
“We’ve drilled more than a hundred wells [but], in this year, we’re drilling more than 80 wells—so you get a picture of what we’re doing now,” he stated, while being greeted with a round of applause from persons present at the conference.
He also clarified that multiple regions already have completed wells, while others have new wells being contracted or planned for 2025.
“Similarly for Region 8, Region 9... these are areas that we’ve just completed. Then you have other sets that have been awarded. And then you have places like Aishalton, etc., to be awarded. So that’s on this year’s program.”
Amidst this, Croal revealed a challenge the ministry is facing: at times, engineers and other respective workers would be drilling for water, only to find saltwater.
“I always say drilling of wells and the operation of wells is a similar scenario like mining…At times, we are drilling and we’re find-
ing some challenges, and that is in terms of saltwater. And this is a current-day reality. So for example, in Region 1, we just drilled a well, these are just.. We go down there, sometimes you’re successful, sometimes you’re not successful, sometimes you’re successful and the productivity is not as you expect.”
He also added that the dependency on rainwater becomes a challenge for persons in riverine areas, especially when the water dries up or becomes lower. He explained that the turbidity of the water causes it to become unusable, more acidic, and in dry periods, there are also issues such as forest fires.
“This becomes a challenge for persons, the riverine areas, when the water dries up or it becomes much, quite lower, turbidity of the water, causes the water not to be used and it becomes more acidic and then on the other hand, in dry period too, there are issues about forest fires, etc.”
Minister Collin Croal emphasized that the government’s primary focus is on providing first-time access to potable water, es-
eral communities being flooded.
“Especially Johanna and Yakasari. Mibicuri and Lesbeholden, they are not flooded up to that extent, but Johanna and Yakasari are the areas flooded out severely. I am working with NDIA [National Drainage and Irrigation Authority] to ensure that all the systems are in place,” he noted.
He also said that three pumps are situated at the Number 43 sluice and are working around the clock.
He added that he will be monitoring the situation.
“If we don’t have more heavy rainfall, the water can recede here shortly. In the meantime, we have agencies like NDIA, GLDA [Guyana Livestock Development Authority], GRBD [Guyana
Rice Development Board] and NAREI [National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute]. They are working, making an assessment what is happening,” Mustapha said.
“Some people are already complaining that they have lost cash crops. We haven't had any major complaints about rice losses as yet, but some areas, like this area of Yakasari, haven't sown much land as yet. Only about 300 acres have been sown there, but at Johanna, they sown about 1,800 acres and I will be monitoring that situation to ensure that the area is drained quickly and also we will try to see what form of help, because normally we always help farmers with input whenever they suffer losses like this,” the Agriculture Minister assured.
However, he noted that the major task at hand is to get the water off the area.
“That has been an ongoing process, but we have seen heavy, heavy rainfall. More than four or five inches of rainfall fell in less than 12 hours in Black Bush.”
Among some of the interventions following Wednesday’s visit will be the deployment of more machinery in the area.
Agriculture Ministry tackles cassava surplus in Region 9
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has announced that the Ministry of Agriculture is addressing the overproduction of cassava in Region 9 by exploring strategies to market the surplus. The aim is to create sustainable income streams for farmers in the region.
pecially in areas that have never had access before.
He acknowledged that even after the drilling and distribution network are completed, there may still be small gaps in service— such as a cluster of homes that aren’t fully connected or receiving optimal supply. These, he assured, would be addressed in a later phase.
“You have your villages for all three sub-regions and that’s quite a lot of wells. The intention, therefore, is that – and this is for everybody – we’re drilling.... when we’re finished and when we complete the distribution network, we may have gaps still. We may have maybe a small stretch of 10 houses, etc., that are not getting the level of service that is required. Our priority as of now is to ensure that we have the first-time access.”
Despite this, he mentioned that the government is focusing first on giving water to areas that never had it before, and then fixing minor gaps in service coverage afterward.
For 2025, Region 8 and Region 7 have reported 90% coverage of accessible water, while Region 9 has reported 95%.
This initiative was highlighted during the recent National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference. The announcement followed reports from the Toshao of White Water to Minister Mustapha regarding the cassava surplus.
“Cassava has been the main staple in hinterland communities. In Region 9, we have been working with the regional administration and the Ministry of Local Government. We will also work with other regions in the future to set up facilities. Just last night, I had a conversation with the Toshao from White Water, and he told me that farmers there have a lot of cassava and don’t know what to do with it,” the Minister said.
According to Minister Mustapha, the ministry is exploring whether communities in Region 9 can use the excess cassava to produce cassareep and cassava bread, which the government would then purchase.
“I’ve been working to see how we can market the cassava. I told the Toshao, ‘Look, if the community can make cassareep, we will look into purchasing it, as
well as the cassava bread, so that the community can benefit from a market.’ That is what we will be doing. We want to ensure that hinterland communities move beyond small-scale, subsistence farming. We can produce for our own use, yes—but also for broader markets.”
Minister Mustapha further emphasized the importance of supporting largescale agricultural ventures for economic development.
“If we want to engage in large-scale marketing, I will ensure that our technical officers work with your community. We can focus on one or two major crops.
The Ministry of Agriculture will help you develop those crops so that your community can benefit from an economic project in agriculture.
We will help you nurture it, grow it, and—most importantly—find markets for the produce,” he stated.
In recent times, Guyana has also faced challenges related to a rice surplus. To address this issue, the government has launched several initiatives to stabilize the sector.
In February 2025, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo assured rice farmers that the administration is actively working on interventions to mitigate the effects of low paddy prices and the oversupply of rice. He noted that the government is engaging with millers to develop strategies to improve the situation. Additionally, securing new markets for rice exports remains a priority, as production levels continue to rise.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal
Regional
T&T residents alarmed as Govt eyes community to house US deportees
Residents in the Piparo area in central Trinidad are alarmed that the T&T Ministry of Defence is considering the Piparo Empowerment Centre (PEC) as one of the venues to house deportees from the United States, and fearful that their arrival could spell trouble for the community.
The facility is currently used to care for vulnerable children.
During an interview on Tuesday, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge, said that to manage an “avalanche” of deportees, the Government is exploring alternative housing options, including the Piparo Empowerment Centre (PEC).
The facility, which was seized by the State, was once owned by deceased drug kingpin Nankissoon “Dole Chadee” Boodram.
Residents of the once-notorious village have mixed feelings about Sturge’s suggestion. One of them is Boodram’s nephew, Ezekiel Jadoonanan.
Speaking with Guardian Media at a nearby parlour, Jadoonanan said the ministry should have at least contacted the village council before considering relocating deportees with criminal records into the area.
Still, he believed that as long as the deportees remain confined to the facility, there should be no risk.
At her home, Verna
Mahabir echoed similar concerns, saying she would be comfortable with the arrangement, only if the deportees were properly secured and kept away from the children.
Kishore Banan, a former security officer at the one-time drug rehabilitation centre, also raised concerns about the safety of the children as it lacked adequate security.
“As they said, the rehab people used to be in and out, walking around the place. If they are normal deportees, like regular people who went there and stayed over their time to build a life, nothing is wrong with them coming. If you say the first one will be a sexual offender,
the thing is that there are a lot of little children in this area, in the road, by themselves,” Banan said.
He said housing deportees with criminal records near vulnerable children would not be wise, and that the ministry should instead use a secure facility with armed personnel.
Resident, Malcolm Joseph, stressed that the character of the deportees must be taken into account. He opposed placing convicted murderers and sex offenders in Piparo, citing the country’s already high crime rate and warning that they could worsen the situation. However, he had no objection to others. (Source: Trinidad Guardian)
Case of mother who died during forced sterilisation in Peru to be heard in court
The case of a forced sterilisation carried out in Peru in the 1990s was brought before an international court on Thursday, 28 years after the procedure – one of many thousands – resulted in a woman’s death.
Celia Ramos was 34 when she died in 1997, 19 days after surgery for a tubal ligation caused respiratory failure. The mother of three was “harassed” into accepting the procedure, which was part of a nationwide family planning programme.
The mass sterilisation of hundreds of thousands of largely poor, rural and Indigenous women in the 1990s is regarded as one of
A photograph from the 2014 corruption trial of late former President Alberto Fujimori. Fujimori died last September, having served 16 years of a 25-year prison sentence for human rights abuses
the country’s most flagrant and widespread violations of human rights under the late former president Alberto Fujimori, but neither the
B’dos court reserves ruling in Rasta cannabis rights case
The Barbados High Court has reserved its decision in a constitutional challenge over the rights of Rastafarians to use cannabis in religious ceremonies.
Through his attorney Lalu Hanuman, Paul Ras Simba Rock is challenging the constitutionality of the Sacramental Cannabis Act, which was enacted in 2019. The law currently permits the religious use of cannabis only within registered places of worship.
Rock argued that he should be permitted to smoke marijuana while conducting religious ceremonies in his own home.
leader nor his health ministers have ever been prosecuted for the campaign, which lasted years.
In 2024, the UN committee on the elimination of discrimination against women urged Peru to compensate women who were forci-
bly sterilised in the 1990s, ruling that the state policy could constitute a “crime against humanity”.
While this is the first case of a forced sterilisation in Peru to reach the inter-American court, the Celia Ramos case is representative of thousands of others, says Carmen Cecilia Martínez, an associate director at the Center for Reproductive Rights.
“The court’s decision could force the Peruvian state to make reparations to the victims of this case and open the way to justice for others,” she said.
The legal team’s hope, she explained, is for the court to declare the policy a crime against humanity, which would eliminate any statute of limitations on opening investigations.
(Source: The Guardian)
Dozens injured in pension protest outside Argentina Congress
Dozens of people were injured during a protest outside Argentina's Congress on Wednesday where activists and retired Argentinians demanded higher pensions, according to Reuters witnesses.
TV footage showed elderly protesters and activists singing and chanting as security forces pushed through the crowd in Buenos Aires with riot shields and batons.
The protest took place outside Congress, as deputies failed to reach quorum for several bills, including proposals for pension increases and continuity of benefits for retirees.
The government of lib-
which has sought to improve the economy and tackle painfully high inflation by slashing public spending, opposed both proposals.
Milei's austerity drive has triggered weekly protests in the capital, with workers' unions and soccer fans joining retirees to protest pension cuts amid stubborn inflation and reduced public spending.
The government argues that its resources are limited and to increase pensions, the country must first see more investment and economic growth. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Regional satellite communication system outage delays some flights
Aregion-wide outage with the SITA satellite communication system on Thursday affected Caribbean Airlines’ B-737 jet services, causing delays.
In their announcement, CAL said the issue is affecting all airlines using this system.
According to SITA, its Communications and Data Exchange portfolio leverages advanced cloud tech-
nologies to securely connect airlines, airports, border agencies and passengers, all over the world. The airline had said the matter was being worked on by the service provider, and later announced that services had resumed operating. Customers were asked to check for updates on their respective flights on its Caribbean Airlines website.
(Source: Loop Caribbean News, CAL)
On Tuesday, Hanuman and the Attorney General’s legal team, represented by Deputy Solicitor General Marsha Lougheed, Sir Elliott Mottley KC, and attorneys Kashawn Wood and Noah Haynes, presented their closing addresses based on their written submissions before Madam Justice Michelle Weekes.
The court reserved its decision with the caveat that if necessary, the parties may be required to return and provide additional arguments to inform its deliberations on any related issue.
He also submitted that the law made no consideration for Rastafari women, who are not allowed in the Nyabinghi tabernacle during menstruation and are instead encouraged to worship at home during that time.
(Source: Barbados Today)
Brazil Senate approves bill easing environmental licensing
The Brazilian Senate has approved a bill that eases and streamlines environmental licensing in Brazil, marking a victory for the agribusiness caucus, the main backer of the proposal, and a defeat for Environment Minister Marina Silva. The bill now returns to the Chamber of Deputies.
Critics argue that the new rules weaken environmental protection. Environmental activists in Brazil decry the dramatic rollback of environmental safeguards after the senate approved the bill that would dismantle licensing processes and increase the risk of widespread destruction.
Supporters claim the bill will provide legal certainty, unify regulations, and simplify procedures.
The approved text includes an amendment from Senate President Davi Alcolumbre that allows for expedited processing of projects classified as strategic, regardless of environmental risk.
“Most licensing procedures will become a push of a button without an environmental study or environmental impact assessment,” said Suely Araújo, public policy coordinator at the Climate Observatory network of NGOs. (Sources: The Guardian, Folha de S Paulo)
J’ca sees record drop in poverty
Jamaica saw a historic drop in poverty in 2023, with both general and food poverty rates falling by more than half — marking the lowest levels recorded since official tracking began in 1989.
The latest data coming out of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) based on the official poverty prevalence estimates for 2023, computed from the Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions (JSLC) saw the country’s poverty level falling from 16.7 percent in 2021 to 8.2 percent in 2023.
The poverty data for 2024 is to be made available sometime later this year when it is received from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin). PIOJ Director General Dr Wayne Henry, speaking at a quarterly press briefing on Wednesday, attributed the poverty decline to the country’s full recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and its entry into a new phase of economic growth. Other contributing factors, he said, included increased employment, expanded output across nine of 12 industries, stronger external demand for services, and robust remittance inflows.
These developments, among others, boosted household income and lifted many Jamaicans above the poverty line. (Source: Jamaica Observer)
ertarian President Javier Milei,
Around the World
OOIL NEWS
Oil prices settle down on potential further increase in OPEC+ output
il prices settled lower on Thursday as investors weighed a report that OPEC+ is discussing a production increase for July, stoking concerns that global supply could outpace demand growth.
Brent futures settled down 47 cents, or 0.72%, to $64.44 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude settled down 37 cents, or 0.6%, at $61.20.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known collectively as OPEC+, are discussing whether to make another large output increase at their meeting on June 1, Bloomberg News reported.
An increase of 411,000 barrels per day for July is among the options under discussion, though no final agreement has been reached, the report said, citing delegates.
"The OPEC+ speculation is the biggest factor today," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital in New York.
"We're seeing the market reacting to evidence that OPEC is letting go of a strategy to defend price in favour of market share," said Harry Tchiliguirian at Onyx Capital Group. "It's a bit like taking off a Band-Aid; you do it in one fell swoop."
Prices were already lower in the session after Energy Information Administration data released on Wednesday showed U.S. crude and fuel inventories showed surprise stock builds last week as crude imports hit a six-week high and gasoline and distillate demand slipped. (Excerpt from Reuters)
San
Diego plane crash leaves at
least
2 dead, many injured, Police say
At least two people are dead and eight others were injured after a small plane crashed into the San Diego military housing neighborhood of Tierrasanta early Thursday morning.
At a news conference, San Diego Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy said they are still trying to confirm if the fatalities were people on board the plane.
The crash, involving a
Cessna 550 plane, occurred in a Navy-owned housing neighborhood.
After surveying the impacted area, San Diego officials said about 100 people have been displaced and 10 buildings have been damaged. The American Red Cross has responded to the incident and is providing help to the families impacted. (Source: CBS News)
Trump Administration bars Harvard from enrolling international students
The Trump administration on Thursday revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, marking a sharp escalation in the battle over the Ivy League school’s autonomy in the face of the administration’s policy demands.
“Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status,” the US Department of Homeland
Security said in a statement.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered her department to terminate Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, making good on a promise made last month when she demanded the university hand over detailed records on its international students’ “illegal and violent activities” before April 30 or face the loss of its certification.
A substantial portion
of Harvard’s student body could be impacted. The university says it has 9,970 people in its international academic population, and data shows 6,793 international students comprise 27.2% of its enrollment in the 202425 academic year.
Harvard swiftly condemned the move as “unlawful” in a statement Thursday, adding it is “fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host international students
and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University –and this nation – immeasurably.”
“We are working quickly to provide guidance and support to members of our community. This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission,” university spokesperson Jason Newton said. (CNN)
Kim Jong Un’s fury after watching North Korea’s
new navy destroyer crippled in botched launch
North Korea’s newest warship was severely damaged during a launch ceremony Wednesday, with leader Kim Jong Un, who witnessed the accident, saying it brought shame to the nation’s prestige and vowing to punish those found responsible, state media reported.
In a rare admission of failure, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said a malfunction in the launch mechanism caused the stern of the as-yet unnamed 5,000-ton destroyer to slide prematurely into the water, crushing parts of the hull and leaving the bow stranded on the shipway.
Kim called the launch failure “a criminal act” and blamed it on “absolute carelessness” and “irresponsibility” by multiple state institutions – including the Munitions Industry Department, Kim Chaek University of Technology and the central ship design bureau.
The launch failure marks a setback for what analysts have viewed as North Korea’s most ambitious naval modernization effort in decades.
The ship was to be the second major navy surface vessel revealed in quick
succession by North Korea. Wednesday’s incident could cast doubt on the country’s ability to scale its navy. Kim said the damage would be addressed not only through technical repairs, but political accountability. He ordered the destroyer to be restored before the late June plenary session of the ruling Workers’ Party, calling the matter one of national honor.
However, considering the potential degree of damage, analysts said that it would be nearly impossible to meet Kim’s deadline. An accident investigation group has been formed, and senior officials may face censure at the upcoming Party Central Committee meeting, an account from KCNA reported. (Excerpt from CNN)
UN says 90 lorry loads of aid now in Gaza after 3-day delay at crossing
More than 90 lorry loads of humanitarian aid have been collected by UN teams inside the Gaza Strip, three days after Israel eased an 11-week-long blockade.
The aid, which included flour, baby food and medical equipment, was picked up from the Kerem Shalom crossing on Wednesday night and taken to warehouses for distribution. Several bakeries began producing bread with the flour on Thursday.
The UN said the delays were due to a lack of security along the single access route which the Israeli mil-
itary had approved.
Israeli authorities said they allowed an additional 100 lorry loads
through Kerem Shalom on Wednesday. However, the UN said it was "nowhere near enough to meet the
vast needs in Gaza". Palestinian Authority Health Minister Majed Abu Ramadan, who is based in the occupied West Bank, told reporters in Geneva on Thursday that 29 children and elderly people had died from "starvation-related" causes in the last couple of days, according to Reuters news agency. An assessment by the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has also said that half a million people face starvation in the coming months. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Federal Judge stops Trump Administration from terminating certain international students' legal status
Afederal judge on Thursday blocked federal immigration officials with the Trump administration from terminating the legal status of thousands of international students while a legal battle moves forward.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White, who sits on the U.S. district court in Oakland, California, found that a group of foreign nationals who are in the country on F-1 student visas but had their legal status terminated, were likely to succeed in a challenge to the Trump administra-
tion's actions.
White said in a 21-page decision that federal immigration officials don't suggest that the plaintiffs pose an immediate threat to safety or national security. But the students, he wrote, will "continue to suffer significant hard-
ship" because of the administration's actions, absent judicial relief.
White, nominated by President George W. Bush, wrote that the relief provided to the plaintiffs gives them a "measure of stability and certainty that they will be able to con-
tinue their studies or their employment without the threat of re-termination hanging over their heads."
His nationwide injunction blocks immigration authorities from arresting or jailing the plaintiffs in the case or those who are similarly situated until the dispute is resolved, and from transferring them outside of the jurisdiction where they live. White's order also bars the Trump administration from reversing its reinstatement of certain international students' legal status. (Excerpt from CBS News)
This satellite image taken on May 22, 2025, shows the aftermath of North Korea's second newest destroyer which appeared to be capsized in a 'serious accident' during a launching ceremony in Chongjin shipyard
A small plane crashed into a US neighbourhood near San Diego early Thursday, setting multiple homes and cars on fire and forcing more than 100 residents to be evacuated
A truck carrying humanitarian aid drives through the Kerem Shalom crossing between southern Israel and the Gaza Strip, on May 22, 2025
Put more time and effort into presenting yourself to others. An honest portrayal of yourself and what you offer will help cut to the chase, making life choices easier and more successful. Love who you are.
Set goals and take steps to encourage your peace of mind. When uncertainty prevails, say no. You need to ease stress and lower debt. Decide what gives you purpose and meaning, and plan your routine and upcoming schedule accordingly.
Reconnect with people from your past. Reviving memories will also bring back old dreams that may not feel unattainable anymore.
Refrain from sharing your secrets. Avoid discussing the changes you want to make until you have everything in place. Refuse to let emotionally manipulative people stand between you and your goals.
Gather information and formulate a plan to help you advance. Refuse to let the choices others make influence you. Do what's best for you and put your energy into achieving something that pushes you closer to your goal.
Ask questions, attend talks and stay informed. Knowledge is the fastest way to get ahead. Staying on top of trends will help you make better choices. Don't be afraid to change your mind and walk away when in doubt.
Put your energy to good use and tidy up unfinished business. Fixing up your surroundings and preparing for something you want to pursue or an event you wish to host will lift your spirits. Partnerships with unique individuals will offer mental stimulation.
Take care of your responsibilities before you move into party mode. Mixing business with pleasure will encourage better work relationships and help you push your agenda forward.
Put some thought into creative endeavors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Share your feelings about shared expenses and responsibilities with the relevant parties. Romance is favored.
It's best to observe, listen and analyze situations from a distance. Gather information, consider the possibilities and initiate changes that suit your needs. Refuse to get trapped in someone else's dream.
Refuse to let the decisions others make influence you. Concentrate on your earning ability and self-improvement. Keep an open mind, network and try something new.
Lift barriers and speak your mind. You cannot make headway if you aren't upfront about your intentions. Talk to the people most affected by your choices, and you'll receive the input you require.
ARCHIE
Mitchell Marsh scored his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) hundred, and his second in all T20 cricket, to set the platform for Lucknow Super Giants’ 33-run consolation win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad.
Sent into bat, LSG rode on Marsh’s 117 off 64 balls and Nicholas Pooran’s unbeaten
league stage is concerned. A win against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the next game will ensure that.
GT’s slippery start GT had a slippery start after they won the toss and put LSG in. Arshad Khan slipped twice in his delivery stride in the second over of the innings. Apparently,
56 off 27 to post a mammoth 235 for 2 on a high-scoring black-soil surface.
In reply, GT lost Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler in 9.3 overs – the earliest that has happened in IPL 2025 – but their largely untested middle order gave LSG a tough fight. Sherfane Rutherford and Shahrukh Khan added 86 in just 40 balls for the fourth wicket.
GT needed 54 in the last four overs with six wickets in hand. But after Will O’Rourke dismissed Rutherford with the first ball of the 17th, the chase petered out. The last four overs pro duced only 20 and not a sin gle boundary. Despite the defeat, GT control their destiny as far as a top-two finish in the
Khan. Marsh hit two sixes off his first eight balls, but the spinner broke the 91run opening stand soon after with Markram’s wicket.
That brought to the crease Pooran and more
6, 4, 6, 4, 4, 1 in his first over. With Pooran in the middle, Gill took the gamble of giving Sai Kishore another over. It did not come off as Pooran farmed the strike and hit the spinner
ward to take a low catch. Buttler hit two fours and two sixes off Avesh Khan in the sixth over to keep the momentum going. But in his next over, Avesh had Gill slicing one to Abdul Samad at wide
with a slower one. Akash dedicated the wicket to Digvesh Rathi by bringing out the notebook celebration. After 10 overs, GT were 97 for 3 and needed 139 more in the remaining
GT’s middle order stands up Before this game, GT’s middle order (Nos 4-7) had the lowest average (21.39) in the league, but also the highest strike rate (165.65). In a way, it was a corollary of their prosperous top order. On Thursday, however, GT did not want their middle order to just flash. They wanted them to keep the fire burning.
Rutherford and Shahrukh did exactly that. They smashed three fours and three sixes to ransack 36 runs from overs 14th and 15th, bowled by Avesh and Shahbaz Ahmed, respectively. LSG were still the favourites, but GT were also in with a fair chance. O’Rourke then dealt the decisive blow. He conceded only four in the 17th over and bookended it with the wickets of Rutherford and Rahul Tewatia. Shahrukh, who had brought up his fifty off 22 balls, swung hard but kept losing his shape as LSG seized control.
Singh b O'Rourke 2
Sherfane Rutherford kept GT in the game but they eventually fell well short
Nicholas Pooran made 56 off 27 balls
Will O’Rourke’s two-wicket 17th over turned the game in LSG’s favour
Mitchell Marsh scored his maiden IPL hundred
Track and field events to light up G/Town, West Coast this weekend
…Felix Sanchez’s influence to be felt at GOBSA Track and Field Classic
Staples on the track and field calendar for Guyana’s Independence season, two athletics events are billed for separate venues this weekend, both with the aim of providing development platforms for the nation’s athletes.
First on Saturday, the Guyana Overseas-Based Sports Association (GOBSA) will host its ninth annual Track and Field Classic at the National Track and Field Center (NTFC), West Coast Demerara.
Meet Director for the GOBSA event, Mark Scott
detailed what to expect while revealing a new addition that was made, as a result of Dominican Republic
Olympian Felix Sanchez visiting Guyana.
“Now, we have four categories Under-12, Under-15, Under-18 and 18+. So far, we have 286 athletes registered for this meet, we have overseas-based Guyanese that are on scholarship, they’re here for the meet. For example, we have Cassie Small and Revon Williams, those are two names who will be competing on Saturday,” Scott informed.
“I can say for the Under-12 and Under-15, they will receive medals. Also, for the Under-18, they will receive some prizes and
WIFBSC Championships Barbados 2025…
Guyanese shooters pacing themselves as individual competition fires off
Despite challenging conditions and rain, Guyanese shooters are holding their own as rivalry in the individual segment of the 2025 West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championships fired off at the Paragon Range, Christ Church, Barbados.
Peter Persaud was the leading Guyanese shooter on day one which was affected by rain and fading light as only two of the events that were scheduled to be contested were possible. The final event of the day on Tuesday should have been the 600 yards contest, but rapidly-fading light did not allow any shots; that range was put forward to Wednesday.
Out of a possible 85 available points from the two ranges contested, 300 and 500 yards, Persaud recorded 81 points with scores of 34.2 at the 300 yards, one point short and 47.5 at 500 yards.
Countryman Ryan Sampson was not far off as he accumulated a total score of 81.5 (33.2 at 300 yards and 48.3 at 500 yards). The Vice Captain was the next best Guyanese on the day with a total score of 81.4.
The leading West Indians on the day were Laurne Benjamin of Antigua and Barbuda with a possible (35.3 at 300 yards and 48.2 at 500 yards for a total of 83.4. One point behind was Barbados’s Jason Wood with a total of 82.4.
Dominating the opening day were David Calvert of Ireland who shot possibles at both ranges, 35.5 at 300 yards and 50.6 at 500 yards for a total of 85.11, with Irishwoman Rebecca Laird within striking distance recording 34.2 at 300 yards and a possible of 50.5 at 500 yards for a total of 84.6. Four ranges were carded for competition on day 2, Wednesday.
Meanwhile, chairing the opening ceremony on Tuesday was West
Indies Fullbore Shooting Council President, Major (Retired) Denis John Nelson of Jamaica who welcomed all the teams. The Championship was declared open by Chief of Defence Staff of Barbados, Brigadier Carlos Lovell, who expressed gratitude to the teams from Ireland, Canada, USA, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and the host nation.
Brigadier Lovell encouraged all to have a great week of competition, but reminded all that at the end of the week, it should be fullbore rifle shooting that wins in the West Indies, as the competitiveness brought by the visitors will help lift the standard of the sport in the West Indies.
In firing the ceremoni-
al opening shot at the 300yard range, Brigadier Lovell was spot on as he nailed a V-Bull.
The Guyana National Rifle Association (NRA) expressed thanks to all its sponsors for making its sojourn to Barbados possible: President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali; Army Chief Brigadier Omar Khan; Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken; Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr; Guyana Olympic Association President Godfrey Munroe; Sterling Products Chief Executive Officer Ramsay Ali; Queensway Security Ltd; Continental Group of Companies; Crown Mining; Industrial Safety Supplies Inc; Guyana Police Force; Guyana Revenue Authority and Caribbean Airlines.
cash vouchers and the 18+, they receive cash.”
Scott went on to divulge Sanchez’ influence on the meet, “This year, we’re going to have 110m hurdles for the males 18+ and 100m for the women. This is the brainchild of what we had recently with the training programme with Mr Sanchez, the two-time Olympian. It was not initially on the programme, he thought it best that it should be included in this programme. So, come out and see the progress of our athletes.”
Sharing more about the event was Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) President Sheryl Hermonstine who illustrated the effort that went in to its hosting, noting that the athletes were excited to compete.
The AAG President shared, “This is the ninth edition of this Independence Track and Field Classic; it’s the brainchild of Mr David Thomas, who is always very
Petama
excited to have this event run, I know that he works hard overseas to ensure the smooth running of the event takes place in Guyana. Like Mark said, we already have 286 athletes and I must say it’s one of the largest events that we’ve had in Guyana for track and field. The athletes are excited to have the meet.”
Meanwhile, AAG Assistant General Secretary Kenisha Headley shared what to expect from Sunday’s Independence Road Race that will be facilitated by the Ex- Athletes and Friends.
“So far, we have just over 100 athletes in the three categories. We have the smaller children doing the one mile, we have the Under-18 doing the 5K and then we have the seniors doing the 10K. we are expecting keen competition, you know, you have persons like Marlon Nicholson, Nicholas Daw, Odida Parkinson, Jelicia Wright, Leana Charles; those are athletes
that are usually competing, so we expect keen competition and we know the rivalry between the little ones is always exciting to see who gets to the finish line first,” Headley shared with Guyana Times Sport She added, “So, we’re expecting a good day on Sunday, hoping that the weather holds so that’ll make it even more exciting for us.”
The Track and Field Classic on Saturday is set to going at 09:30h with a $500 admission fee for children and a $1000 admission fee for adults.
Meanwhile, the 5K and 10K road races will get going at 13:30h on Sunday. Prizes for those events will see the winner walking away with a massive trophy and a $60,000 cash prize. A 43- inch television is also among the senior category prizes while medals, tablets, bicycles, bags, shoes, and other items are among the prizes for the younger participants.
Enterprise supports DCB Independence T10 Cup
As the Demerara Cricket Board’s highly-anticipated Independence T10 Cup draws closer, Petama Enterprise has thrown its support behind the fundraising initiative, set for May 25 at the La Boone Intention (LBI) Ground.
At a simple presentation at its 16 Delph Street, Campbellville location recently, Petama Managing Director Petambar Maharaj presented his sponsorship to DCB representatives Davteerth Anandjit and Anil Beharry.
Petama Enterprise is an auto parts store that carries, among other things, KYB shocks, 555 suspension parts, FIC clutch and brakes, TOYO universal bearings and N.P.W water pumps.
Maharaj, an avid cricket enthusiast, was elated to present his contribution to the DCB officials, stating that he was inspired to come onboard as a partner.
He wished the DCB well and urged fans to support a worthy endeavour.
Anandjit and Beharry welcomed Maharaj and his business, and expressed gratitude for the support.
Petama Enterprise joins Premier Insurance; CIC Insurance Brokers (Guyana) Inc; L Mahabeer and Son Cambio; Office Express; Regal Stationery and Computer Centre; Anil Beharry Real Estate, Construction and General Business Services and Naven’s Construction as partners of the tournament.
Eight First-Division teams from the county will compete for top honours, with the format being a onegame knockout.
The teams are Better Hope, Enterprise, Helena One and Two, Herstelling A, LBI, Lusignan, Meten-MeerZorg East and Transport Sports Club.
Total cash prizes of $500,000 and trophies will be up for grabs at the oneday event.
While the teams will be represented by players within the respective associations, each team are allowed two guest players from other counties. The champion team are guaranteed $250,000 cash plus trophy; the runners-up $150,000 and trophy, while the losing semi-finalists will be receiving $50,000 each. On the individual side, the Man of the Match in the semi-finals and final will receive a trophy. Action will bowl off at 10:00h and conclude under floodlights.
Petamber Maharaj (left) presents his sponsorship to Davteerth Anandjit in the presence of Anil Beharry
Team Guyana at the 2025 West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championships
GOBSA Meet Director Mark Scott
A look at the Guyanese team in action
The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons and the Barbados Royals have completed the transfer of three players ahead of the 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Obed McCoy and Rahkeem Cornwall will move from the Royals to the Falcons, while Brandon King will make the switch in the opposite direction, joining the Royals for the upcoming season.
In accordance with CPL regulations, franchises are allowed to negotiate transfers prior to the official player draft, which is scheduled for next month. This latest deal sees two dynamic talents bolster the Falcons’ roster, while the Royals acquire one of the league’s most consistent performers.
King goes to Royals; Cornwall, McCoy to Falcons in CPL trade
KFC Guyana gives support to National Blind Cricket team for regional showdown
KFC Guyana has reaffirmed its strong support for the nation’s Blind Cricket team as they gear up for the 11th Regional Blind Cricket Tournament in Barbados, which got underway on Thursday and runs until May 28.
Through its Chief Executive Officer, Paul Subryan, the fast-food chain hosted the national squad for lunch on Wednesday, offering a morale boost ahead of the week-long competition.
Subryan lauded the team’s unwavering spirit and dedication in a statement released after the event.
“This incredible team continues to inspire us with their unwavering determination, resilience, and passion for the game,” he said. “They remind us that true vision isn’t just about what we see but what we believe, strive for, and achieve. We are proud to stand behind these athletes as they break barriers and make Guyana
proud. Wishing them all the best on and off the field!”
The Guyana Blind Cricket Association (GuyBCA) has selected a 17-member squad blending experienced campaigners with exciting new talent. The team will compete in a 40-over round-robin format and a T20 championship.
Experienced West Indies blind cricketer Kevin Douglas will captain the side. His fellow West Indies representatives Ganesh Singh and Leroy Phillips will support him, bringing valuable international experience to the squad.
In a significant step towards inclusivity, the squad also features four West Indies female blind cricketers: Rosemarie Ramitt, Robecka Edinboro, Ackila Smith, and Crystal Aulder. This highlights the growing strength and diversity within Guyana’s blind cricket set-up. The team will be guided by a management team comprising Coach Travis
Mohamed, team manager
Mahendra Algu, and physiotherapist Shaniyah English.
The GuyBCA has expressed gratitude to various corporate entities and private citizens for their contributions, with special acknowledgement given to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for its consistent support.
Guyana will join other regional teams in Barbados, all vying for the coveted titles in both game formats.
Guyana squad: Kevin Douglas (Captain); Ganesh Singh; Leroy Phillips; Anthony Robinson; Roell Sumner; Musa Haynes; Robecka Edinboro; Rosemarie Ramitt; Crystal Aulder; Ackila Smith; Robindra Ramnauth; Patrick Howard; Seon Mitchell; Teshawn Rodney; Asif Khan; Dimitry Waldron and Joshua Augustin.
Management team: Travis Mohamed (Coach); Mahendra Algu (Manager) and Shaniyah English (physiotherapist)
King joins the Royals with an impressive CPL resume. With 1837 career runs, King was the tournament’s leading run scorer in 2019 and has surpassed 400 runs in a season on two occasions. Most notably, he was named Player of the Tournament in 2022, when his outstanding performances helped guide the Jamaica Tallawahs to the CPL title.
Cornwall returns to his
home franchise after three seasons with the Royals. Known for his explosive batting and effective offspin, Cornwall has amassed 1347 CPL runs at a remarkable strike rate of over 150. He also has 35 wickets to his name and famously scored a scintillating century at Kensington Oval in 2023.
Left-arm pacer McCoy joins his third CPL team, having previously played
for the Royals and the Saint Lucia Kings. A consistent wicket-taker, McCoy has claimed 56 wickets in 52 CPL matches. His standout season came in 2022, when he bagged 15 wickets for the Royals.
With these high-profile moves, both franchises have made bold statements ahead of the 2025 campaign, setting the stage for another exciting CPL season.
Anderson shines, but Windies A suffer big loss
Fans at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia on Wednesday were treated to a thrilling day- night One-Day International (ODI) encounter, but were unable to celebrate a victory with their home team, West Indies A, who suffered a crushing loss in the first of three 50-Over matches.
The hosts won the toss and opted to bowl first, restricting South Africa to 283 all out in 46.2 overs. Jordan Hermann slammed the first of three half-centuries on the visitors’ scorecard, hitting 53 off 47 balls. Sinethemba Qeshile and Jason Smith both contributed 55 while Rivaldo Moonsamy fell one short of the milestone.
However, South Africa lost their way at the end, losing six wickets for 73 runs at the back end.
While Jediah Blades took 3-39 from 7 overs, Guyanese Kevlon Anderson snared 2-44 from 7 alongside Kadeem Alleyne’s identical figures.
Following Alleyne’s early departure for 17 in the chase, Captain Alick Athanaze and Anderson recovered well, posting a 61run partnership.
Athanaze went back to the dugout for 33 off 47, and Anderson perished not too long after for 45 off 47, laced with six boundaries. Kevin Wickham’s 39, Kemol Savory’s 26, Darel Cyrus’ 28 and Marquino Mindley’s 27 later proved insufficient in getting the West Indies side to their target.
The hosts were eventually bowled out for 241 in 44.1 overs, 42 runs short of their target.
Mihlali Mpongwana led with the ball for South Africa A, taking 3-37 from 10 while Bjorn Fortuin and Tshepo Moreki both accounted for two wickets.
The A team series will continue on Saturday, May 24 when the teams meet at the same venue for the second 50-Over match-up. Another day-night fixture, that match will bowl off at 14:30h.
