BRIDGE OPENING
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, November 28 –09:45h–11:15h and Saturday, November 29 – 10:55h–12:25h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery showers are expected during the day, with cloudy skies turning to thundery showers at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.
High Tide: 10:26h and 22:54h reaching maximum heights of 2.20 metres and 2.26 metres.
Low Tide: 16:23h reaching a minimum height of 1.03 metres.
Regional leaders must prioritise responsiveness, service delivery – Pres Ali …RDC Chairs, VCs sworn-in
President Dr Irfaan
Ali on Thursday issu-
ed a strong call for renewed dedication, responsiveness, service delivery and public-centred leadership as he administered the Oath of Office to Regional Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons (VCs) from nine of Guyana’s ten Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) at a swearing-in ceremony held at the Office of the President.
The Head of State reminded the newly sworn-in leaders that they hold a profound responsibility to the people they serve and urged them to place citizens at the centre of their work.
“Responsiveness must be stronger and it must be the art at the regional level. The RDC is often the first door citizens knock on. It must not be the last door to open,” the president told the officials, underscoring that regional bodies must be accessible and proactive.
“The people look to you. On your shoulders rests not only the administration of your regions, but the wellbeing and progress of the citizens who reside within them. You are not merely officials, you are stewards of development, ambassadors of service and guidance of public trust.”
The RDCs are the second tier of Government in Guyana’s governance structure.
Ali also cautioned councillors against viewing their positions as a right, emphasising that “leadership is not an entitlement”, and told the leaders that he “expects you to engage with citizens directly and regularly”.
“Our citizens are wary of long waits, slow responses and delayed interventions. They want faster action when problems arise. They want visible improvement in their communities and they have every right to expect these things… because they know they have a Government in the People's Progressive Party/Civic that they can trust,” he noted.
Put differences aside
The president called on the leaders to put differences aside and put cooperation as a central strategy to executing their mandate.
“The election campaign
is over; service to the people must continue,” he said.
“The competition has ended. Cooperation must not prevail. Let us turn the page on political rivalry and open a new chapter. One of unity and of purpose, collaboration, and commitment to the common good.”
The swearing in of the regional chairpersons and vice chairpersons comes after they were elected to their roles earlier in October, where they were voted into the position by their fellow councillors on their respective RDCs.
New RDCs were formed, and RDC councillors were elected based on the results of the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
Of the 10 RDCs across the country, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) secured chairmanship in eight regions, taking wins in Region One (BarimaWaini); Two (PomeroonSupenaam); Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); and
Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo). We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) has the Regional Chairmanship in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). The chair for Region 10 is to be sworn in at another date.
In Regions One, Two, Three, Five, and Six, the PPP/C took unanimous wins for the Chairman and VC positions.
PPP/C’s Bretnol Ashley was returned unopposed as Chairman for Region One (Barima-Waini), while PPP/ C’s Paul Pierre was also elected unopposed as the Regional Vice Chairman.
In Region Two, Devin Mohan was elected as the new Regional Chairperson, and Humace Oodit was re-elected to serve as the Regional Vice Chairman.
In Region Three, where the PPP/C has 18 of the Council's 27 seats, the PPP/ C's Inshan Ayube was returned unopposed as Chairman, while Anjanie Narine was also elected unopposed to the VC position.
In Region Four, PPP/ C’s Clemsford Belgrave re-
ceived 18 votes to be elected Chairman to the 35-seat council. This marked the first time since the establishment of the RDC in 1980 that a chairman from the PPP/C was elected. PPP/C’s Deoraj Nauth took the VC position.
In Region Five, Recardo Phillips was elected Chairman of Region Five, while Kleon Lindey was elected Vice Chairman. In Region Six, Junior Basant was nominated unopposed as Chairman, while Sahid Khan was similarly nominated unopposed as Vice Chairman.
In Region Seven, WIN candidates June Shurland Gittings and Alden Marslowe were elected as the Chair and VC, respectively.
In Region Eight, PPP/C’s Tercellia John and APNU’s Samantha John were elected to the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson positions.
In Region Nine another woman also took the Chairmanship position, with PPP/C’s Vania Elenie Albert being elected as the Chairperson. PPP/C’s Daniel Aguilar was elected as the VC.
President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, along with Regional Chairs and Vice Chairpersons from
nine administrative regions at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Liliendaal, and Ministers of Government (Office of the Prime Minister photo)
Editor: Tusika Martin
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Advancing standards & economic future
Guyana’s rapid economic transformation demands a parallel strengthening of the systems that underpin competitiveness, reliability, and sustainable development. The announcement of a forthcoming National Quality Policy, currently being crafted through collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), signals a decisive and strategic step toward embedding quality as a national value. Such an initiative is foundational to shaping a modern economy capable of thriving in global markets.
The fifth National Quality Awards underscored the growing recognition of standards across industries. More than 35 awards were presented this year, reflecting an expanding base of enterprises that view quality not as an optional enhancement but as a necessary tool for survival and advancement. The growth from 16 original participants to over 100 eligible contenders today represents more than increased interest. It illustrates a cultural shift within the business community, one that recognises that structured systems, standardised processes, and measurable quality benchmarks are indispensable to becoming globally competitive.
The timing of this momentum is particularly consequential. Guyana is entering an era defined by heightened international partnerships, diversified investment streams, and expanding regional linkages. These undertakings require a national framework that assures consistency, safety, and reliability in both goods and services. A quality policy, therefore, is central to aligning national development with the goals of a diversified, sustainable, and innovation-driven economy envisioned in the country’s long-term strategic agenda.
Its integration of priority sectors including agriculture, agroprocessing, aquaculture, forestry, tourism, and manufacturing signals a deliberate effort to strengthen the very industries expected to anchor the non-oil economy. Each of these sectors faces global competition, stringent export requirements, and evolving technological demands. Without robust quality infrastructure, including certification, metrology, testing, and verification systems, these industries risk stagnation or exclusion from lucrative markets.
The GNBS, through its expanded services and its role in developing standards and enforcement mechanisms, remains central to this evolution. Its ongoing collaboration with regional and international bodies such as CROSQ and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation ensures that Guyana’s standardisation efforts remain aligned with global best practices. The national standardisation strategy for 2026–2028, focusing on competitiveness and digital transformation, provides additional structure to guide the country’s quality architecture in the medium term.
Yet, standards and policies alone do not guarantee success. The enabling environment within which businesses operate must match the aspirations laid out in national frameworks. Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips rightly emphasised that internal quality systems at the firm level must be complemented by external conditions conducive to growth. Regulatory efficiency, access to financing, technological support, and infrastructural readiness all form part of the ecosystem required to nurture competitive enterprises.
The planned establishment of a zero-interest development bank next year demonstrates an understanding that small and microenterprises must be equipped to meet rising standards. Affordable financing can allow these businesses to invest in certification, improved equipment, training, and compliance systems. Without such support, many would struggle to meet the demands of export markets or large-scale supply chains.
A diversified economy, which remains a key national objective, is possible only when businesses can demonstrate reliability and consistency on par with regional and international competitors.
As Guyana’s development accelerates, opportunities will expand across industries such as ICT, hospitality, manufacturing, and agriculture. However, accessibility to these opportunities will hinge on the ability to meet established quality and safety requirements. Markets, both regionally and internationally, are unforgiving when it comes to non-compliance, and certification increasingly determines whether companies can even enter certain jurisdictions.
Therefore, the push for quality must be viewed as an economic imperative.
The development of a National Quality Policy must serve as a catalyst to strengthen the national quality infrastructure, deepen industry capabilities, and reinforce a culture of excellence.
The Panday Syndrome is real
Dear Editor, I must congratulate President Ali for his highly extraordinarily perceptive statement with regard to the “Panday Syndrome”. The President stated that, “The Panday syndrome must be removed…mismanagement and poor management disguised by class talk and fanciful language will be removed.” I have noticed that Panday’s attempt to dispute the President’s factual statement was given prominence in a section of the media as a letter to the editor (November 25) and as a headlined article on November 27.
Panday’s claim of “political interference and bad decisions” will fly straight in his face when the facts are deciphered since he served as an estate manager, on the board of directors and as a former agriculture director.
Those in the management structure of GuySuCo are acutely aware of the veracity of this statement. President Ali is not a leader who makes irrelevant, erroneous and idle statements; his delivery on issues is always based on careful objective analysis of the factual information presented to him. He is never a leader who concludes rashly on any issue, and when he does, he delivers with surgical precision. The former Agriculture Minister, by his own admission, served in various capacities in GuySuCo, and his appointments were always based on his ability to convince the Government with his “class talk and fanciful language”. He was all talk and no substance. Anyone listening to Panday would be convinced that his decades of experience in GuySuCo equipped him with the competence needed to turn the ailing corporation around; he has all the talks but no action. He was unable to motivate the agriculture
team to deliver. The warning by the President is timely and apt since it is possible that someone in the management structure may try to cover up incompetence with said “class talk and fanciful language”.
Those who know Panday would know that since his days as the Agriculture Manager, Estate Manager and lately as the Agriculture Director, he was never able to motivate his team because of his arrogance and downright abrasive attitude. In addition, since his days as agriculture manager, he victimised and discriminated against lower-level management staff whom he personally disliked. A former agriculture manager who was a senior AFM confided to me that he was told that he would never be promoted once he, Panday, was the estate manager. Panday personally admitted to me in December 2024, when he knew that his contract would not be renewed, that his major flaw is his abrasive attitude, which came naturally to him. He was never open to suggestions and advice from those below him – it was his way or the highway. He cannot condemn the Government for decisions which he was part and parcel of. His autocratic and dictatorial style of leadership belongs to “Massa days”. He was outdated, outmoded and obsolete. These exaggerated his incompetence, and that was the main reason why his contract was not renewed.
Moreover, I have spoken to a WIN MP who confided in me that Panday practised the same style during the WIN campaign, which caused him to be highly unpopular among the WIN members. But, again, his “class talk and fanciful language” bore dividends. He is the one-eyed man in a blind man's country.
Unfortunately, “class talk
and fanciful language” is not the only weapon in his arsenal. He wilfully lied and peddled deceitful statements to persuade gullible people. During the 2025 WIN Election Campaign, he blatantly lied about Rose Hall Estate. He claimed, among other things, that the Rose Hall Factory was never fully rehabilitated and that the former technical director, Dwarka Bahadur (another WIN candidate), can confirm that all that was done to the factory was to “change some zinc, paint around the place, spruce up one or two fine things and do one or two things on the carrier… the factory was always there; it was not decommissioned… all they did was change the oil and get it going.” I have noticed that he no longer makes this claim but has embarked on making a new set of claims which he knows that the average man will not be able to verify but will be carried away by the sheer sensationalism embodied therein. I will not be addressing each of these absurdly false and deceitful claims but will refer him to the audited reports from 2020 to 2023. Those who have eyes, let them see, and seeking the truth is a sacred duty.
Political interference was not a big problem when the same politicians gave him many opportunities to redeem himself after being dismissed as the Estate Manager of Skeldon Estate in 2010 for reasons including poor performance, insubordination, and alleged questionable transactions (see Joel Bhagwandin’s article captioned “Former sugar analyst blasts Vishnu Panday; calls him ‘a cautionary tale of hypocrisy and decline’” dated 23rd August, 2025). He was later rehired in various capacities, including his last journey as Agriculture
Director, which ended in December 2025 after his contract was not renewed. He squandered every opportunity given because of his innate arrogance and asinine behaviour and his insane quest to be the CEO. He simply cannot work under anyone. I wonder if he would have ventured to make these false claims if his contract was renewed in 2025. During his tenure in various capacities, he never once spoke about political interference because he was the beneficiary, and it was he who made several bad decisions.
Moreover, to hide his head like the proverbial ostrich and decry the poor production performance of GuySuCo and blame political interference and bad decisions is a deliberate act of hypocrisy and dishonesty. He is acutely aware of the debilitating factors affecting production and productivity. He himself echoed these at various meetings with the respective estate’s management. These included heavy rainfall, dry spells, disrupted factory operations and labour shortages. But his major problem was being able to motivate the agriculture team to overcome the controllable factors. He cannot mask his incompetence by crying “political interference and bad decisions”.
Lastly, it is quite ludicrous and reeks of arrogance that Panday would claim glory for the increased sugar production of 60,000 tonnes in 2023 but remained deafeningly silent on the poor production of 47,103 under his tenure in 2024. If he deserved the praise in 2023, then he definitely deserved the axe in 2024. The Panday Syndrome is real and must not be allowed to germinate in GuySuCo.
Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf
State House glows in orange on Thursday evening as President Dr Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali join the High Commission of Canada and UNDP in launching the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, highlighting renewed calls to end violence against women and girls and promote safer communities. Also in the photo are Canadian High Commissioner Sébastien Sigouin and UNDP Resident Coordinator Jean Kama, among others (Office of the First Lady photo)
EPA corrects inaccuracies regarding "unsafe" production surge at Stabroek Block
Dear Editor, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken note of a recent article published headlined "Govt. greenlights Exxon’s 60,000-barrel surge – Liza Unity and Prosperity are now pumping above safe design limits." The EPA wishes to correct several technical inaccuracies within this report and clarify the safety parameters governing these operations.
The Agency categorically states that the Liza Unity and Payara Prosperity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels are not operating above safe limits. The production optimisation was authorised following a rigorous, scientific review process in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05.
1. Correction on production figures
The media report incorrectly suggests a recent "60,000-barrel surge" above approved levels. The EPA wishes to clarify the specific optimisations authorised:
Liza Unity: Authorisation was granted to maintain a target of
270,000 barrels per day (KBD), an optimisation from the previous steady state of ~252 KBD.
• Payara Prosperity: Authorisation was granted to maintain a target of 265,000 KBD, an optimisation from the previous steady state of ~252 KBD. These increases were not arbitrary; they were achieved through strategic "Production Optimisation Tests" (POTs), which involved the gradual incremental increase in production while simultaneously verifying system stability at every increment.
2. "Design capacity" vs environmental safety limits
The article erroneously conflates "nameplate design capacity" (approx. 220,000 bpd) with the "safe operating limit" or the "environmental assessment limit".
EIA Assessment Limits: The article claims the vessels are exceeding limits set by the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This is factually incorrect.
o For Liza Unity, the approved EIA assessed potential environmental impacts for production rates up to 300,000 barrels per day.
The current production level of 270,000 bpd is well within the safety envelope already studied and approved by the EPA.
o For Payara Prosperity, the EIA assessed impacts based on conservative annual averages that fully accommodate the current peak targets of 265,000 bpd without exceeding environmental thresholds.
3. Safety verified through engineering, not speculation
The assertion that the vessels are operating "above safe limits" ignores the engineering upgrades mandated by the EPA.
Liza Unity: The operator was required to install physical upgrades to crude oil heaters, coolers, and control valves to safely increase capacity to 270 KBD.
Payara Prosperity: Technical evaluations confirmed the vessel possessed inherent design capacity to safely handle 265 KBD without major modifications.
4. Environmental compliance confirmed
Data submitted to the Agency during the testing periods confirms that envi-
ronmental safeguards remain intact:
Flaring remains at background levels, strictly for safety.
Produced water discharges remain fully compliant with the regulatory limit of 29 mg/L (monthly average).
Vibration and corrosion monitoring show all piping systems are operating within safe integrity limits.
To further underscore the Government’s commitment to safe operations, all production optimisation tests are done under the close collaboration between the EPA, along with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission. Additionally, the EPA issued its formal "No Objection" for these rates to the Payara and Unity FPSOs only after independent verification confirmed that operations remain safe and environmentally sound. We urge stakeholders to rely on verified data regarding the sector's regulation.
Yours sincerely, Environmental Protection Agency
Need for a sustained fight against alcoholism/drug addiction
Dear Editor,
I wish to congratulate the Guyana Times for its editorial of November 25, 2025, titled “Alcoholism and Society”. While the focus was strictly on alcohol, the theme could be broadened to include all substance abuse and gambling. These anti-social activities are having very serious negative consequences in our society. Many young lives are being destroyed in a variety of ways: destroyed health, depression, suicides, road accidents, etc.
While it is a general problem in the society, it is probably worse in the countryside. Most of our news is highly urban-orientated, and therefore the social issues in the villages are often not known and unreported.
It is good that this is now being exposed by letters and articles, as well as the editorials in the press.
However, the task is how to change these things.
It is possible that one of the reasons for the prevalence of alcoholism, etc, in the countryside is the lack of entertainment and more wholesome activities in the various areas.
It would be unfair to
place the whole responsibility on the Government to deal with the problems, because in fact, this situation affects everyone; therefore, our institutions, including non-Governmental organisations, have to make a contribution. Having said that though, it is clear that the Administration can give a push and encourage it to eventually be self-sustainable.
In a previous piece the point was made about the creation of facilities in the villages. Things like gyms and facilities for other types of sports, both indoor and outdoor, other than cricket and football.
The young in particular, but the whole community, can be organised by the promotion of cultural and sports groups with assistance to them on how to manage their affairs. Teach them how to conduct meetings, how to organise competitions and other basic needs.
Recall that at one time Guyana had seven members playing for the West Indies at the same time. This, it is believed, was due to the many competitions that we had in cricket. A quick re-
count would show we had the White Cup, the North County Cup, the Case Cup, and Inter-County Cricket. That brought out many talented cricketers. This can be reproduced in other sports and cultural activities.
To get the ball rolling, maybe a task force comprising personnel from the Ministries of Health, Education, Youth, Sports and Culture and Social Security could be formed to start the promotion (help to organise clubs).
While this is not an exhaustive list of what can be done, it may make a good start and a valuable contribution to the quality of life and to the integrity of our people. After all, “man shall not live on bread alone.”
Congratulations once more to Guyana Times, and hopefully the other media outlets will weigh in on this task.
Yours sincerely,
Donald Ramotar Former President
Safety on the Linden Highway is needed
Dear Editor, I respectfully write to bring to your attention an urgent safety concern currently affecting motorists along the Linden–Soesdyke Highway, particularly in the vicinity of Long Creek, where the contractor Namalco is undertaking road construction works. It has been observed that a number of high-intensity construction lights have been positioned in a manner that creates significant visual impairment for road users during night-time travel. The glare produced by these lights severely reduces drivers’ visibility and situational awareness, thereby elevating the risk of collisions and other potentially catastrophic incidents. This situation represents a clear and present danger that warrants immediate corrective action to prevent loss of life, limb, and property.
Furthermore, I respectfully request that all contractors operating along this critical roadway be required to install and maintain adequate and clearly visible signage to alert motorists to ongoing works, altered traffic patterns, and evolving road conditions. Given the extensive upgrades currently in progress, it is essential that road users receive timely and accurate information to navigate these areas safely.
Additionally, I wish to highlight the pressing need for enhanced Police pres-
ence along the highway, particularly during the early morning hours when heavy vehicular movement, especially by large trucks, is most prevalent. Numerous reports and firsthand observations indicate that some drivers engage in reckless and negligent behaviour during these periods, further compounding the risks faced by other road users. Strengthened law enforcement visibility and targeted interventions would play a crucial role in promoting responsible driving practices and deterring dangerous conduct.
The Linden–Soesdyke Highway has been the site of far too many tragic incidents over the years. As the Government continues to undertake these much-needed and essential upgrades to this vital transportation artery and elsewhere, it is imperative that safety measures be intensified to ensure that motorists remain protected throughout the construction period. Proactive action at this time will not only safeguard lives but also reinforce public confidence in the ongoing development works.
I therefore appeal for the urgent attention and coordinated response of the relevant authorities to address these issues without delay.
Yours respectfully, Jermaine Figueira Former Member of Parliament
Adjacent angles and linear pairs
Adjacent angles are two angles that are side by side and share a common vertex and a common side. They are often formed by intersecting lines or line segments.
Types of Angles
Since an angle is formed when two rays meet at a common endpoint, adjacent angles are simply two angles that are directly next to each other. Adjacent angles can be complementary angles or supplementary angles.
By GeorGe SterlinG
pair of angles are adjacent?
Angle XWY is adjacent to angle YWZ. They share a common vertex (W) and a common side (ray WY).
A linear pair is a pair of adjacent angles that combine to form a straight angle. The angles in a linear pair are supplementary angles, meaning they add up to 180O
Have you ever looked in the night sky and wondered why the Moon seems to change shapes in the sky? The Moon reflects light from the Sun as it orbits, or moves in a circular path, around the Earth.
Materials
• Small round object
• Flashlight or lamp
• Yourself Instructions
1. Place your light (the Sun) so it is a little higher than your head (the Earth). If you are using
Which angle is adjacent to angle COB?
What is the missing angle measure in the linear pair of angles?
Musing, between the sunset and the dark. As Twilight in unhesitating hands Bore from the faint horizon’s underlands, Silvern and chill, the moon’s phantasmal ark, Where that unalterable waste expands In sevenfold sapphire from the mournful sands, And saw beyond the deep a vibrant spark.
There sank the sun Arcturus, and I thought: Star, by an ocean on a world of thine, May not a being, torn, like me, to die, Confront a little the eternal Naught And watch our isolated sun declineSad for his evanescence, even as I?
a flashlight, have someone hold it for you.
2. Turn off all the lights in the room except your Sun, and make sure there is no extra light coming in through the windows.
3. Hold your small round object (the Moon) out at arm's length facing the Sun. It should be completely covered in shadow. This phase is called New Moon.
4. Now turn a ¼ step to the left. The right side of your Moon should be light, and the left side should be shadowed. This phase is called First Quarter.
5. Turn another ¼ step to the left (facing away from the Sun). Your Moon should be lit up
all the way. This phase is called Full Moon.
6. Turn one more ¼ step to the left. The right side of your Moon should be in shadow, and the left side should be in the light. This phase is called the Third Quarter.
What’s happening?
You just did four Moon phases, but there are actually four more! Can you find them? Try finding the Waning Gibbous, Waning Crescent, Waxing Crescent, and Waxing Gibbous. They’re between the phases you just did. So instead of turning ¼, now turn ⅛. (childsci.org)
[Source: Poetry (December 1912)]
Before James Bond there was the English Spy, John Knight. In 1890, he was England’s top spy and was about to embark on a new mission.
Demerara Bank shakes up local market with free mortgage switch
…will pay legal fees, court filing fees, processing charges for customers
Demerara Bank Limited (DBL) has announced a mortgage switch initiative that allows homeowners to transfer their existing loans from any financial institution at no cost. The promotion, launched ahead of the festive season, is aimed at reducing the financial burden associated with high-interest mortgages and complex refinancing processes.
According to the bank, the promotion eliminates all traditional expenses associated with transferring a mortgage. DBL will cover legal fees, court filing fees, and processing charges. All documentation will be handled by the bank’s in-house legal and credit teams, removing the need for exter-
nal attorneys and reducing processing delays.
Customers who participate in the promotion will access a five per cent mortgage interest rate, re-
payment terms of up to 30 years, and approval within 48 to 72 hours. The bank said the process has been designed to be efficient and straightforward.
The initiative also offers a bundled financial package. Approved customers will automatically qualify for a Visa credit card, a consumer loan, and a vehicle loan at seven per cent interest, with no additional processing fees. DBL stated that the bundle is intended to give families broader financial flexibility by combining mortgage refinancing with access to credit for home upgrades, transportation, or other expenses.
The bank said that it has played a consistent role in Guyana’s housing development over the past three decades through its participation in national building expos and collaborations with the Housing Ministry and private developers.
“This promotion is our
BA Hall of Famer
NHakeem Olajuwon has officially joined Guyana’s real estate market as an investor and homeowner, acquiring two luxury residences in the
Olajuwon, who has a history of real estate investments in Houston and international markets, said his decision follows multiple visits to Guyana over the past year, during which he ex-
It’s English-speaking, a strong ally of the United States, the fastest-growing country in the world, and its Government welcomes foreign investment. I’m proud to be part of what Coastal
“Guyana is one of the most exciting emerging markets in the world, and Coastal Rim’s vision for TAJ DIAMOND stood out immediately… Our investment reflects confidence in both the project and Guyana’s long-term potential as a regional investment hub” – Chairman of Gudo Investment Management, Sung Hoon Baik
TAJ DIAMOND community. Developed by US-based Coastal Rim Properties, TAJ DIAMOND is a master-planned residential project along the East Bank Corridor, from Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam.
plored opportunities in both the real estate and oil and gas sectors. The basketball legend met with President Irfaan Ali and members of the local sports community during his visits.
“Guyana is a slam dunk!
Rim is building here,” Olajuwon said, adding that he is considering future joint ventures with Coastal Rim Properties, both locally and internationally.
In a parallel development, Gudo Investment
Management Co, Ltd, of South Korea, in partnership with US-based Gudo Partners LLC, made a significant institutional investment in multiple residential rental properties within TAJ DIAMOND. The investment marks one of the first major institutional capital injections into Guyana’s real estate sector.
“Guyana is one of the most exciting emerging markets in the world, and Coastal Rim’s vision for TAJ DIAMOND stood out immediately,” said Chairman of Gudo Investment Management, Sung Hoon Baik. “Our investment reflects confidence in both the project and Guyana’s longterm potential as a regional investment hub.”
TAJ DIAMOND, which launched with early-bird pricing at US$250,000 per
• Zero legal fees
• Zero court filing fees
• Zero processing fees
• 5% mortgage interest rate
• Up to 30-year repayment term
• 48–72 hour approvals
• 7% car loan
• Visa credit card and consumer loan options The
Your Mortgage” promotion includes:
way of saying you don’t have to stay where you are if it’s no longer serving you. We’ll handle your fees, simplify the process, and ensure a fast, secure, and worry-free transition,” the bank’s Chief Executive Officer stated.
DBL said homeowners switch mortgages for vari-
ous reasons, including the need for lower monthly payments, improved transparency, and better service delivery. The bank emphasised that its customer service model is built on long-term relationships and individual support throughout the loan process.
NBA legend invests in real estate project from Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam …says “Guyana is a slam dunk”
home, has seen demand push starting prices to US$400,000, with incremental increases expected every one to two months. Nearly 50 per cent of homes have already been reserved.
The development will feature 218 three-storey luxury homes with private garages, gated access, 24/7 armed security, resort-style amenities including a clubhouse, pool, cinema, fitness centre, 40,000 sq. ft of retail and dining space anchored by Morton’s The Steakhouse, and an optional fixed 14 per cent yield leaseback programme.
Lead Developer for Coastal Rim Properties, Nicola Mola, described the Olajuwon and Gudo investments as “a watershed mo-
ment for Guyana,” signalling international confidence in the country’s real estate sector. Plans are also underway for an upscale condominium project with prices starting at US$100,000. Local consultant Rosh Khan noted, “This project represents the calibre of development that Guyana demands. Anyone who understands global markets can see that Guyana is the most strategic investment destination on the planet right now.”
Coastal Rim Properties, with over 50 years of experience in large-scale projects globally, continues to position Guyana as a hub for high-quality residential and commercial development.
DBL Chief Executive Officer Dowlat Parbhu
NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon along with investors of the TAJ DIAMOND community
An artist’s impression of the real estate development
Pedestrian dies after being struck by drunk driver
Ptors, the incident took place at around 18:45h when a motor car driven by a 28-yearold labourer, also of Central Amelia’s Ward, was travelling south along the eastern lane of the roadway. At the same time, Boston and his wife were walking along the eastern side of the road in the same direction as the vehicle.
Public-spirited citizens transported Boston, who was unconscious, to the Linden Hospital Complex. He was examined and admitted for treatment before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for further care. However, at about 01:05h on Monday, Boston died.
Importing… …Yankee culture
SAccording to investiga-
olice in Regional Division 10 are investigating a fatal accident that occurred on Sunday on the Speightland Access Road, Mackenzie, Linden, resulting in the death of 53-year-old Cecil Boston of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Police reported that the left front section of the vehicle struck Boston, causing him to be thrown onto the windscreen before falling onto the roadway. He sustained multiple injuries.
A breathalyser test administered to the driver showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.62 per cent, which is above the legal limit. He was taken into custody. Police said that investigations are ongoing.
Drugs, contraband seized at Mazaruni Prison
Police in Regional Division Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) carried out a joint security exercise on Thursday at the Mazaruni Prison.
According to Police, the op-
Some of the items which were seized during the raid
eration took place between 06:30h and 08:15h as part of ongoing measures to enhance safety within the facility and prevent the circulation of prohibited items.
During the exercise,
ranks seized several items, including 66.6 grams of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. In addition, five improvised weapons, 13 lighters, 10 cellular phones, one SIM
card, three pairs of scissors, and one cell phone battery were recovered.
Police said that the exercise was completed without incident, and investigations are ongoing.
Man found dead at Bourda Market area
Police in Regional Division Four A are investigating the death of a man discovered on Monday morning in the Bourda Market area, Georgetown.
The body of a man of mixed ancestry, believed to be around 60 years old, was found lying motionless on the western side of the market at about 08:00h. Initial enquiries indicate that the man was known to frequent and sleep in the area.
Police responded after receiving reports of the man’s condition, and upon arrival, he was found
wearing blue shorts and a grey top. Emergency medical technicians were called, and a doctor from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation pronounced him dead at the scene. Police said that no visible marks of violence were observed on the body. The deceased was subsequently transported to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where a post-mortem examination is pending. An investigation has been launched.
o once again, your Eyewitness raises his hands to the heavens and asks, “When will it end, Lord??” He’s reacting to all the ads and notices of restaurants inviting Guyanese to enjoy their “Thanksgiving” dinners!! Yep!! You heard that right – Thanksgiving in Guyana!! America’s inexorable spread of its culture across the world has earned the sobriquet “McDonaldisation”. Courtesy, of course, of those ubiquitous Golden Arches that have now served more than 15 billion burgers – double the population of the world! Excepting Guyana! We just got a Wendy's, but still no McDonalds!!
Now, you’d have thought Thanksgiving would be pretty tough to export. After all, it’s tied to a specific event in American history: the landing of their “Puritan Fathers” at Plymouth Rock, in what is now Massachusetts. They were what we’d call nowadays “Christian religious fundamentalists” fleeing a European backlash. They’d run into the “Indigenous People” – who they dubbed “Red Indians – and who generously offered them their native food – pumpkin, wild turkey, etc. This didn’t deter them from violently displacing the natives from their land –and even eventually exterminating them. But they started celebrating the occasion of their arrival as THANKSGIVING –feasting on the same food items the long-gone Indigenous Peoples had shared with them!! And here we are in Guyana now celebrating “Thanksgiving”?!
Oh... the irony!! Now, there’s nothing wrong with giving thanks, but your Eyewitness’ point is this – can’t we do it in a way that comes out of OUR culture? Since 1970, our Governments have been trying to convince us that we’re doing this by celebrating Republic Day with Mashramani!! What does this tell us about the success of our effort at “nation building” when after 50 years we so willingly accept instead this quintessential “American” celebration? We might as well go along with those loonies who’re clamouring for us to become the 51st American state, shouldn’t we? What makes the adoption of Thanksgiving even more cringeworthy is that it’s so contemptuous of the feelings of our own Indigenous brothers and sisters. The Americans have done a good job of hiding the origins of Thanksgiving, but shouldn’t we be a bit more sensitive? What’s especially egregious is the way the “woke” crowd in Georgetown has latched on to this latest import. What next? Raising Jim Crow flags in the National Park?
C’mon, folks. We know in the grand scheme of things in the world at large, we mightn’t matter much. But with our oil about to hit 1 million barrels of oil per day, shouldn’t we start showing at long last that we’re capable of not being blown over by even the slightest breeze that blows from the north?
…heroes
Your Eyewitness was touched by all the heartfelt tributes offered at the passing of the sixties and seventies Bollywood star – Dharmendra. He was eighty-nine – well past the aspirational three-score-and-ten – so one could say he lived a full life, chronologically!! But there was another “fullness” that he enjoyed – but which for some reason wasn’t highlighted in our local press!! That he enjoyed TWO WIVES and lived with them in houses opposite each other –with his children from each!!
Your Eyewitness wondered whether this was what earned him the moniker “He Man” of the Indian screen!! Now your Eyewitness knows that in India, Muslims are governed in this matter by the personal law of the Sharia – which permits multiple wives. But Dharmendra was no Muslim!! So how’d he get away with bigamy?? It seems he “married” the second wife, Hema Malini – as big a star as he was!! – in a stage play!! And she was willing to go along!! As the “outside” woman!!
…a holiday scheduling
If we wanna import another Yankee custom, our powersthat-be should consider their wonderful innovation in scheduling Thanksgiving. It’s always the LAST THURSDAY in November. Most employers give off the Friday – so they’ve made their most important contribution to mankind in the industrial age – the FOUR-DAY WEEKEND!!
Cash grant just one part of Govt’s push to better citizens’ lives – Pres Ali
President Dr Irfaan Ali has reassured that the Government is committed to the distribution of another cash grant but noted that this initiative is part of a broader and elaborate plan aimed at uplifting the lives of every citizen.
On the side-lines of an event on Thursday, the President was asked for an update on the distribution of the cash grant he had promised on the campaign trail.
“Our Government always delivers. And as I have said, there are a series of initiatives that I will be announcing,” Ali said in response.
He added, “And whilst you may restrict your thoughts to just a cash bonus, this Government has a very elaborate agenda for the upliftment of your life, for the improvement of your life, for building prosperity for you, for building prosperity for your community, for empowering you…”
“Don’t narrow your approach of life to just one facet of what the Government will deliver. There are many facets of what your Government will deliver to you,” President Ali further expressed.
The Finance Ministry is currently in the advanced stages of preparing submissions for the 2026 National Budget, which Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, has said will be firmly grounded in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s recently renewed mandate and its 2025–2030 manifesto commitments.
“For giving you the opportunity to live a life that you have access to the best health care, best education, home ownership, reduced interest rate, access to low-cost, low-interest business development loans and grants with no collateral, access to textbooks, expanding school feeding programmes, expanded infrastructure, community infrastructure, building out facilities to support women’s health, whether it’s cancer treatment detection. So it’s beyond, beyond. Don’t narrow your thinking,” he posited.
President Dr Irfaan Ali
Drivers’ licences to be suspended as Govt cracks down on unpaid speeding tickets
President Dr Irfaan Ali announced on Wednesday evening that drivers deemed “top offenders” for unpaid tickets will have their licences suspended within 48 hours.
The Head of State revealed that so far, approximately 42,000 tickets have been issued through the Automated Speed Ticketing System under the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS).
To date, only about 10,000 of those have been paid.
In this regard, President Ali announced that in addition to having their licences suspended, “top offenders” who have failed to pay their fines will also have their names and photos published in the newspaper.
try where the speed cameras are active.
For the year so far, approximately 32,768 cases were made for speeding, from both the manual ticketing process and the e-ticketing system. Moreover, some 1428 driving under the influence of alcohol cases were recorded.
“Any rank who has tint on their private motor vehicle that does not comply
Earlier this month, Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh had revealed that for the year so far, 21 drivers’ licences were suspended for varying offences.
The President emphasised that “the systems we’re building must bring the results we want from them.”
Speeding continues to be a major offence, with some road users clocking levels as high as 180 km/h, the Traffic Chief disclosed during the Christmas Policing Plan launch.
There are currently 26 locations across the coun-
Meanwhile, President Ali has announced that before the end of the year, vehicles belonging to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will be equipped with tracking technology to ensure their activities are recorded and monitored.
Additionally, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond last evening issued a warning to police officers who have tint on their personal vehicles, in noncompliance with the law.
with the regulations and who does not possess a valid tint permit must remove the tint immediately,” the Minister stated in a social media post.
“Ranks are further advised that no tint is to be reinstalled unless an approved
tint permit has been formally applied for and granted. Let it be clearly understood that the law applies to everyone equally. Those empowered to enforce the law must be the first to uphold it. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action, without exception,” she noted.
President Dr Irfaan Ali
Guyana moves to boost competitiveness with advanced National Quality Policy
The Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), is developing a National Quality
Policy, intended to improve standards across all industries in both the private and public sectors.
This was announced by Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues Thursday evening when the GNBS hosted its fifth annual National Quality Awards (NQA).
This year, more than 35 awards were presented across various categories to recognise businesses and entrepreneurs for their commitment to standards and quality in Guyana.
Rodrigues recalled that when the award ceremony was initially introduced, there were only 16 participants, but now, today, there are more than 100 eligible participants.
This, she noted, sends a strong signal that more individuals, organisations and
companies are embracing the principles of standards and quality.
The Minister said this progress is laudable, especially at a time when the Government is pursuing greater international collab-
orations and partnerships that require consistency and high standards.
“These awards re-
flect more than a personal achievement; they signal our nation’s rising standards in all sectors of the economy. It showcases real, measurable progress on national development priorities aligned with ‘Vision 2030’, which is centred on building a diversified and competitive economy driven by innovation and sustainability,” the Minister expressed.
In this transformation, Minister Rodrigues emphasised that the national standards body plays a key role in supporting industry growth and building global competitiveness by developing and enforcing national standards and expanding metrology, certification, testing and verification services.
In this regard, she announced that a national quality policy is being developed. “The GNBS is working on a national quality policy to formalise stakeholder interactions and strengthen the national quality infrastructure. The policy seeks to ensure products and services meet defined standards and requirements in the public and private sectors,” she explained.
This publication understands that the policy will include priority areas such as fresh fruits and vegetables, food and agro-processed products, aquaculture and seafood, furniture and forestry products, poultry and livestock, and tourism and hospitality.
In addition, Minister Rodrigues noted that the GNBS, in collaboration with the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, has developed a national standardisation strategy for 2026-2028, which focuses on economic growth and competitiveness and supports digital transformation.
Enabling environment
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Brigadier (retired)
where he underscored the important role of the Government in creating an enabling environment for companies to thrive.
“A business can meet every internal standard but still struggle if the external environment does not support expansion. For this reason, our Government’s policy and business systems must develop in parallel,” the Prime Minister posited, as he detailed some of the initiatives the current administration has embarked upon over the years to support business development.
He also reminded us that next year, the Government will launch its zero-interest development bank, which will further support the development of local companies, particularly small and micro enterprises.
“These measures are all part of the Government’s broader objective to build a diversified economy. Over the next several years, Guyana will continue to support investment in agriculture, manufacturing, services, hospitality, ICT, and other non-oil sectors. A diversified economy is more stable and provides more opportunities for local businesses to grow,” he said.
Prime Minister Phillips also called on all businesses to recognise the positive implications of standards and structured systems in Guyana’s development.
“As Guyana develops, opportunities for suppliers, contractors, and exporters will increase. However, these opportunities will be accessible only to companies that can meet quality and safety requirements. International buyers expect reliability. Regional markets expect compliance with standards. Many countries require certification for entry. Companies that adopt strong internal systems will be better placed to take advantage of these opportunities.”
Mark Phillips also delivered remarks at the event,
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips at the GNBS fifth annual National Quality Awards (NQA)
Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues speaking on Thursday evening
Survivors recount horror of Corentyne minibus smash-up
Two survivors of last Friday’s horrific Corentyne Highway minibus crash, which left 18 injured and two dead, are recounting the terrifying moments leading up to the tragedy and the emotional and physical toll that continues to haunt them days later.
Dead are 16-year-old student Jodea Seline and Jerome Bernard, a teacher who was driving.
Among the injured was 20-year-old teacher Jaden Harte, who has since been discharged from the hospital but is still struggling to walk without assistance. Also speaking out is Abolia George, the mother of 13-year-old survivor Sodia George, who is now home but showing worrying signs of trauma and memory loss.
Harte, who suffered a head injury, chest trauma, and multiple cuts, said the incident has left her barely able to move without help.
“It has affected me in multiple ways… It’s hard to get up by myself and do certain stuff by myself. It’s very traumatising because every time I close my eyes, I’m back there,” she said.
Even being on the road now triggers severe anxiety.
“When I was coming home the day I got discharged, I was trembling… It’s something very hard to understand and wrap yourself around.”
Harte recalled that the students and teachers had
just finished a sports activity and were heading home when the crash occurred.
She was seated in the front beside the driver, 31-yearold Jerome Bernard, who later died.
“I was very anxious,” she remembered. “I marked the register to ensure that all the girls were present… We even had a few extras from different schools we were taking home.”
After a brief stop for ice cream and food, the bus headed toward Number 63 Village. Harte said she recalled bending down to retrieve her charger, which kept falling.
“One of the persons who were conscious told me we were gearing up to overtake two vehicles. And while we were gearing up, someone chased three big cars in front of us. The driver pulled the handbrakes and tried to swerve but couldn’t take control of the bus,” she recounted.
“By the time it was too late, we began to flip… I could recall like seven times. I passed through the front windshield while others passed through different windows.”
She lost consciousness but remembers someone pouring water on her to revive her. Following that, she searched frantically for students, including 16-yearold Jodea Seline, who died in the crash.
“The first person I ran to was Jodea… She didn’t have
Motorcyclist nabbed with cocaine, 30kg of ganja in Berbice
The drugs that were intercepted by CANU
The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) intercepted a suspect and seized a quantity of cocaine and cannabis during an operation near Sandaka Dam, Corentyne, Berbice, on Thursday. According to CANU, ranks acting on information intercepted a suspect on a motorcycle. A search of the individual uncovered a par-
cel containing 12.1 grams of cocaine. A subsequent search of the surrounding area led to the discovery of two bulky parcels containing a total of 30 kilograms of cannabis.
The suspect was arrested and taken to CANU Headquarters along with the seized narcotics. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
no pulse,” Harte said quietly, pausing repeatedly as emotion overcame her.
She also recalled seeing the driver fatally injured.
“The condition that I saw him, I knew in my heart he wouldn’t have made it… He was just like an empty vessel.”
Surviving such a crash has forced her to reflect, “I feel like I’m here for a pur-
pose… Who gets to walk out of something of that manner, sitting in front?”
She hopes to return to teaching eventually but says the emotional journey will be long.
“To go to work and not see both of them… And to see the children that were injured, it’s going to be hard. But in time, I believe I’ll be able to deal with some of it.”
Instant shock and fear
Meanwhile, for Abolia George, the news of the crash brought instant shock and fear. Her daughter, 13-year-old Sodia George, was among the injured students rushed to the hospital.
“When the teacher called me, I left shock,” she said.
“I can’t even move at the same time. I had to call my daughter to go to the hospital.”
Throughout the frantic moments, she prayed.
“We pray to God for the rest of the children… The feeling is not good when anything bad happens.”
Despite her fear, she said she had a mother’s intuition that her daughter would survive.
“My feelings tell me she’s okay,” she added.
Since returning home, however, Sodia has shown
signs of memory issues and trauma.
“She says she doesn’t go back to a normal tour… And in the car, the guy drives very slow,” her mother explained.
“Sometimes she remembers, sometimes she doesn’t… If she drinks juice, she forgets her money. She puts it down, then asks me, ‘Ma, where is my money?’ The shock is still there.”
George said she is simply grateful her daughter made it out alive.
“I thank God, you know. When I hear the news – six dead, eight, five…you get frustrated, and you start praying.”
Nevertheless, both survivors said recovery, physically and mentally, will be an uphill battle. Harte admits she does not feel safe leaving home. George fears the long-term impact on her daughter’s well-being.
Dead: Jodea Seline Dead: Jerome Bernard
Tropical Shipping boosts literacy with donation to Rotary Club
Tropical Shipping, a US-based transportation and logistics company, has reaffirmed its commitment to community development in Guyana through a donation to the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central (RCGC).
The contribution, aimed specifically at supporting literacy and education programmes, was officially handed over during a
brief ceremony at Tropical Shipping’s Georgetown office on High Street, Kingston, on Thursday.
Leading the presentation was Country Manager for Tropical Shipping, Glenis Hodge, in Guyana, who was joined by several members of her local team. The gathering reflected a strong sense of partnership, highlighting Tropical Shipping’s long-standing collaboration
with the Rotary Club to support youth and educational initiatives across the country.
“This donation is specifically intended to support literacy and education programmes in Guyana,” Hodge said. “Tropical Shipping views community engagement as an essential part of our mission. Our community relations programme ensures continued support for the countries and islands where we serve, contributing to sustainability, growth, and development.”
Hodge emphasised that investing in youth development remains a central focus for the company, especially in a rapidly growing Guyana. “We hope this contribution helps more young people benefit from educational and developmental activities, opening doors of opportunities and supporting Guyana’s continued progress,” she added.
Receiving the donation on behalf of RCGC was the club’s president, Lloyd David, who expressed heartfelt appreciation for Tropical Shipping’s consistent support.
“So, the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central is extremely delighted at the
fact that Tropical Shipping continues to support us as we work with communities across Guyana,” David said.
“This fund, this donation that we received today, will go a far way in ensuring particularly our literacy and education programme
be fruitful and continues to exist across the length and breadth of Guyana. We will be able to donate several items to the less fortunate and organisations that need supplies so as to enhance their activities.”
David continued, “So
RCGC is extremely happy, and we want to say thank you very much to Tropical Shipping for your continued support year after year. We will make use of your fund as we change the lives of people across Guyana. Thank you very much.”
Lindener jailed for killing sister, niece in arson attack
Afew weeks after he was found guilty, Silvertown, Linden, Region 10 man, who admitted to setting his family’s home on fire and killing his sister and niece, has been sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment.
Uhalisi “Akali” Moore, 39, of Silvertown, Wismar, Linden, appeared before acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Demerara, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of murder committed on 53-year-old Cheryl Moore and 12-year-old Eukeila Adams. He was sentenced to 24 years on each count, with the terms ordered to run concurrently.
The court heard that on the night of August 14, 2023, the two-storey wooden home at Lot 112 Silvertown Second Street was occupied by several relatives, includ-
ing the victims and the accused. According to the State’s case, presented by Prosecutors Christopher Belfield, Simran Gajraj, and Geneva Wills, Moore’s brother Phillip Moore awoke around 22:00h to the strong smell of kerosene and discovered Uhalisi inside the house holding a cutlass. When Phillip retreated, he soon felt heat rising through the wooden floor and, upon checking again, saw flames spreading inside the building.
Phillip struck at Moore before helping other relatives escape. Family members fled by jumping from the veranda, but Cheryl and Eukeila were unable to exit the burning home. Firefighters arrived around 00:30h and extinguished the blaze, but the building was already destroyed.
Cheryl’s remains were recovered around 01:00h, and Eukeila’s body was found later in the debris.
On August 15, 2023, during a video-recorded interview at the Wismar Police Station, Moore confessed to starting the fire. He told investigators he had not eaten for two days, felt ignored by relatives, and had thrown a bottle containing kerosene or gasoline onto chairs on the lower flat before setting them alight.
A post-mortem examination conducted by pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh revealed that both victims died from severe burns and had soot in their airways, indicating they were alive when the fire began.
Investigators concluded that the blaze was deliberately set, resulting in the deaths of the two occupants trapped inside.
Jailed: Uhalisi Moore
Dead: Eukeila Adams Dead: Cheryl Moore
The handing-over ceremony at Tropical Shipping’s Georgetown office on High Street, Kingston
2nd Gas-to-Energy pipeline for Berbice by 2030
President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday announced that Guyana will build a second gas-to-energy pipeline, one to be routed through Berbice, before the end of the decade, describing the project as a national undertaking that will “break every single record in the world” in its speed of delivery.
Addressing members of the visiting Fifth UK Trade Mission in Georgetown, the President signalled that the new pipeline is no longer an aspiration but a defined target within the Government’s wider energy and industrialisation strategy.
“I recognise him because he knows that before the end of 2030, the second gas line must be brought to shore,” President Ali said, gesturing to officials in the audience. “And that will be linked to the port and the whole infrastructure that will be built out in Berbice.
President Dr Irfaan Ali
And for that to happen, we will have to break every single record in the world. It will be the fastest actualisation of a gas line of that magnitude from conceptualisation to delivery. And we intend to break that record and make it happen.”
The announcement
places Berbice at the centre of Guyana’s next phase of energy expansion, as the Government prepares for a fivefold increase in national electricity demand by 2030. Ali told UK investors that a robust, diversified economy cannot emerge without “cheap, re-
Guyana explores partnerships with Rosetta Stone
Education Minister Sonia Parag on Wednesday met with Yesid Polania from Rosetta Stone to discuss new academic opportunities for Guyanese.
Rosetta Stone is an American education technology company that develops language-learning software and other educational products. While it is best known for its language courses, it also cre-
ates software for literacy and brain fitness.
The Education Ministry, in a brief statement on its social media page, described the engagement as fruitful.
Meanwhile, the education minister also met with Adam Connor from the Northern Consortium of the United Kingdom (NCUK), a global provider of pathway qualifications that guarantees students
access to leading universities worldwide.
“The very fruitful engagement was facilitated by the British High Commission and also included Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussein; Executive Director of the National Accreditation Council Marcel Hutson; and Chief Planning Officer Ms Mischka WhiteGriffith,” the Ministry noted.
liable, clean energy”, and the gas-to-energy platform, now set to include a separate Berbice line, is the bedrock on which the country’s industrial ambitions will be built.
“Cheap, reliable, clean
energy is the bedrock of industrialisation,” he said.
“It is the key to transforming our export baskets, to powering factories, to enabling manufacturing, agro-processing, and value-added production, and to supporting modern infrastructure.”
The President framed the pipeline announcement within what he called “arguably the most transformative decade in our nation’s history.” He pointed to the scale of infrastructure now in motion – roads, bridges, ports, digital systems, energy projects –and said the decisions being taken today will define “the destiny of generations to come.”
“This is a decade that will define our children’s future,” Ali declared. “And we are determined to ensure it is a future of opportunity, shared prosperity and sustainability.”
The Berbice gas line will form part of a massive national energy buildout that includes a 300-megawatt combined-cycle plant, the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, large-scale solar farms, mini-grids, and upgraded transmission and control systems.
The President closed by stating that Guyana’s transformation, anchored now by the forthcoming Berbice gas-to-energy pipeline, will generate enormous value for investors willing to commit for the long term.
“The foundations are being laid. The roof is being built, and we’re inviting you to come in,” he told the UK business leaders. “We are building not just for today, but for the next generation. We welcome you, not just as guests, but as partners.”
Education Minister Sonia Parag on Wednesday met with Yesid Polania from Rosetta Stone to discuss new academic opportunities for Guyanese
5th trade delegation
UK investors eye partnerships in infrastructure, education during Guyana visit
The United Kingdom’s Fifth Trade Delegation to Guyana, which is currently in Guyana, has its eyes fixed on forging partnerships and collaborations in various sectors. Still, more specifically, the mission prioritises deals in infrastructure and education. This was echoed during a welcoming reception for the trade delegation at the British High Commission residence.
The head of the United Kingdom’s Fifth Trade Delegation to Guyana, Chris Bennet, opened his address at the British High Commissioner’s residence with a reflection that set the tone for the evening and the mission ahead.
“It’s a great pleasure to be back here in Guyana for the Fifth trade mission in five years,” he began, grounding his audience in the continuity of the relationship.
He reached back to the delegation’s first arrival in 2020, when Guyana was entering a new era of economic possibility. “When we came five years ago with the first trade mission,” he said, “what was immediate to all of us was that we found a country that was rolling up its sleeves and wanted to get things done.”
That early impression, he suggested, had not only endured but strengthened. With the authority of some-
one witnessing change in increments and leaps, Bennet recalled how the country’s vision, from both the Government and the private sector, was striking even then: “We saw a vision for Guyana’s future and a determined partnership to make that vision a reality.”
He made clear that Guyana’s rapid development was not accidental but the result of focused effort.
“Because whilst oil revenues make things possible,” he said, “it’s a different thing making things actually happen. And that’s what counts.”
Bennet described a Guyana unrecognisable from
the one he had first encountered.
“Coming here on our Fifth visit this year, the progress is really palpable,” he told the gathering. His catalogue of transformation stretched from river to hinterland, from health sector to commercial skyline.
He also spoke of “a new bridge over the Demerara open”, “major new highway open”, “thousands of kilometres of Hinterland Road open”, “new hospitals open”, and “a new shore base at Riedenhut open”. The accumulation of progress transported the audience through a country in motion, culminating in his half-humorous,
half-awed observation that “everywhere you look, new office blocks, new restaurants, new cars, lots of cars.”
As he spoke, Bennet invoked President Ali’s now-familiar metaphor for the country’s pace of development: “The President said at one of our earlier events that Guyana is running a marathon at a sprint,” adding, “and that is absolutely what we have witnessed.” The head of delegation framed that sprint not as recklessness but as achievement, the visible result of a Government driving modernization across sectors.
Bennet then detailed the range of British expertise as-
sembled for this year’s mission.
“We’re bringing with us companies who are experts in infrastructure, in financing, bringing specialist equipment in a number of sectors, but most specifically in infrastructure,” he said, moving seamlessly into an acknowledgement of the firms represented, from steel-frame construction to heavy equipment financing, from power generation to healthcare infrastructure and complex procurement.
The delegation’s interest in education, however, stood out as a deliberate strategic pillar. He noted that “two companies that are with us can bring global best-in-class training and educational opportunities within the reach of ordinary Guyanese families,” describing education as one of the major successes he had personally observed in Guyana, especially amid the expansion of local content and learning pathways for young people.
Environment Environmental protection also featured prominently in Bennet’s address. “Finally, in the environment, and obviously Guyana has stood fast in its determination to protect the rainforest and maintain high environmental standards,” he said, adding that the team included companies offering air
emissions control technology and maritime domain surveillance systems designed to assist with security and monitoring illegal fishing. Before concluding, Bennet turned his attention to the nuts and bolts of commerce. specifically, the movement of goods between the two nations. He offered praise for their longstanding country partner: “I’d like to recognise and thank our country partner Kestrel Shipping…instrumental in ensuring a seamless flow of goods and equipment in both directions between the UK and Guyana,” noting the efficiency of a direct 15-day shipping connection and the convenience of the British Airways service that now links Georgetown and London in just over ten hours.
“The UK and Guyana have never been closer,” he remarked, underscoring not only physical connectivity but diplomatic and commercial proximity.
As he closed, Bennet extended gratitude to the President, Ministers, and the many agencies that support the trade mission annually, including the British High Commission, DVT, GCCI, and BritCham.
“We’re delighted to be back in Georgetown,” he said, “and look forward to catching up with you all; old friends and new.”
3 accused in Berbice murder acquitted
After more than four years before the courts, the three men accused of murdering 49-year-old Mohamed Haniff at Experiment, West Coast Berbice, were on Wednesday freed by a jury, which returned unanimous verdicts of not guilty.
Royston “Sakie” “Killa” Dowden, a labourer of Bath Settlement; Ivan Lindo, a labourer and security guard of Waterloo, Bath; and Devon McCalmon, a labourer of Number 28 Village, walked out of the Berbice High Court after the 12-member jury found that the State had not proven the murder charge against them.
The trio had been on trial for the September 2020 killing of Haniff, who was beaten and chopped to death in his home during what was initially reported as a robbery. They were represented by defence attorneys Kevin Morgan, Horatio Edmonson, and Chandra Sohan, respectively, while State Prosecutor Cicela Corbin led the case for the prosecution.
During the trial, the State presented video evidence which it claimed showed the men heading to Haniff’s home on the night of the incident. Prosecutor Corbin told the court that the men entered the house armed with weapons, demanded money, and killed Haniff after he refused to hand over US$8,000 he had reportedly brought back from St Martin a week earlier.
Among the witnesses called was Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh, who testified that Haniff died from shock and haemorrhage due to multiple injuries consistent with a severe beating and chopping. The prosecution also relied heavily on the testimony of Haniff’s wife, Bibi Zarifa Haniff, who recounted that three men stormed the home while she and her husband were upstairs.
She told the court that the men demanded cash, attacked her husband when he did not comply, and fled shortly after. She maintained that the incident was
a robbery.
However, the prosecution’s case encountered major contradictions during cross-examination –particularly by attorney Chandra Sohan.
Sohan confronted Haniff’s wife with evidence that she had purchased Valium tablets earlier that day. While she initially insisted the medication was for personal use, Sohan suggested to the court that she may have administered the pills to her husband and attacked him while he slept.
The defence also noted that nothing was reported missing from the home and that Police later recovered the cash and jewellery the attackers allegedly searched for. This, they argued, supported the theory that the deceased was not killed in the course of a robbery.
All three accused men also gave different accounts in oral statements. One of them, identified as Darwin in court records, claimed that when he entered the house, he found Haniff al-
ready injured, further deepening inconsistencies in the State’s case.
Meanwhile, it had been reported that shortly after the murder in 2020, Police arrested and questioned Bibi Zarifa Haniff on suspicion that she may have orchestrated the attack, reportedly due to alleged financial difficulties and
claims that she had pawned the family home without her husband’s knowledge.
One of the arrested suspects had also told investigators that she let the men into the house. However, insufficient evidence resulted in her being released on station bail, and she was never charged.
At the Berbice Assizes,
after hearing closing arguments from both sides, the jury retired to deliberate for about two hours before returning with unanimous not-guilty verdicts for all three accused.
The men, who had been facing the possibility of life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted, were immediately freed.
Head of the United Kingdom’s Fifth Trade Delegation to Guyana, Chris Bennet
Freed: Royston “Sakie”/“Killa” Dowden, Ivan Lindo, and Devon McCalmon
Repairs to Paruima airstrip completed
Repairs to the Paruima airstrip in Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), have been completed, the Public Utilities and Aviation Ministry has announced.
Minister Deodat Indar visited the community on Wednesday to inspect the completed works.
The approximately $400 million airstrip, which replaced the former grass patch landing area, was, in April 2024, transformed into a durable all-weather concrete strip to better support the movement of
passengers, goods and services.
However, shortly after completion, surface defects were identified during the liability period, leading to temporary closure.
At the time, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had explained that the contractor, International Import and Supplies, was instructed to correct the issues at its own expense.
The Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, in a statement on Wednesday, said the repairs were conducted to the tune of $397
million. Meanwhile, during his visit to the community on Wednesday, the contractor made a sizeable donation to the village.
The donation includes four excavators, one roller, two jackhammers, one asphalt kettle, one tractor tiller, and two plate compactors, totalling $160 million, Indar’s Ministry stated.
During the commissioning ceremony of the airstrip, it was revealed that villagers would be contracted to undertake the maintenance works, ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Guyana sends more supplies to Jamaica as hurricane relief
Guyana has dispatched its second tranche of emergency relief supplies to Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The shipment, coordinated by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), departed on Thursday from the AFS Shipping Wharf at Friendship aboard the MV Falk.
It is expected to arrive in Jamaica within six days.
This latest support follows President Dr Irfaan Ali’s recent visit to Jamaica with other Heads of CARICOM Heads of Government and reflects
strong collaboration between the Government and the Private Sector.
The supplies include wood and zinc sheeting to rebuild 200 roofs, along with mattresses, water tanks, and rice.
Showcasing local manufacturing capacity, the mattresses and tanks were manufactured locally by A&F Foam Factory and Lion Tank.
Speaking to the Department of Public Information (DPI), CDC’s Director General, Colonel (Ret’d) Nazrul Hussain, said the deployment reflects Guyana’s commitment to standing with its
Caribbean neighbour in times of crisis.
“This mission is about more than materials. It is about solidarity and ensuring that Jamaican families can rebuild their lives with dignity,” he stated.
A team of engineers from the Guyana Defence Force will also be deployed to Jamaica to assist with roof reconstruction once the supplies arrive.
The MV Falk was originally chartered by Barakat
Timbers & Trading Company Ltd to transport lumber to Jamaica.
To expedite relief efforts, the Government utilised the available cargo space on the vessel.
According to the
Director General, a third shipment of food and building materials is scheduled to leave Guyana in two weeks, continuing the country’s support to regional disaster recovery efforts.
The upgraded Paruima airstrip
The MV Falk departs for Jamaica
Regional
Dr Godwin Friday elected as St Vincent’s Prime Minister
In a landmark political transformation, the New Democratic Party (NDP) has secured victory in the 2025 national elections, concluding a quarter-century period outside the Government’s central leadership.
Dr Godwin Friday, the party leader, will become the island’s seventh Prime Minister since its 1979 independence, after winning a tightly-contested electoral race against long-serving former Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves.
The NDP’s strategic campaign culminated in securing 11 parliamentary seats, effectively ending Gonsalves’ extended political tenure.
As the new Prime Minister prepares to assume office, national attention will focus on his proposed policy initiatives for addressing the island’s economic and social challenges. Voters in St Vincent and the Grenadines went to the polls on Thursday, with Gonsalves seeking a record
sixth consecutive term as Prime Minister.
In the last election, the ULP won nine of 15 seats, but the NDP won the popular vote.
The ULP had campaigned on the party’s economic development record. According to a recent World Bank assessment, economic growth is expected to remain “robust at 4 per cent in 2025”. The report said that “despite multiple shocks in recent years, economic activity recovered and remained strong in 2025, supported by tourism and infrastructure investment”.
Gonsalves has presided over the building of the country’s first international airport, facilitating a tourism boom that has drawn hotel brands such as Sandals and Holiday Inn.
He has been a global champion of climate justice and slavery reparations. He has also prioritised education, allowing people who would not otherwise be able to afford university to get undergraduate and postgraduate degrees through scholarships.
Some people have questioned Gonsalves’ leadership, said Adrian Fraser, a historian and former head of the University of the West Indies’ global campus in SVG.
He added, “You have the leader of that party who is 79. Next year, he would be 80. So there are people who are calling for a change and who are wondering why the leader, the Prime Minister, would want to continue at this age.” (Excerpts from St Vincent Times & The Guardian)
T&T: Mystery US military landing in Tobago raises questions
Three different explanations from Prime Minister (PM) Kamla Persad-Bissessar, airport workers, and Chief Secretary Farley Augustine have raised questions about why a United States Air Force C-17A Globemaster III landed in Tobago early yesterday morning.
The heavy-lift military aircraft, operating as RCH661, departed the ANR Robinson International Airport at 05:53h and climbed to 32,000 feet before heading north.
PM Persad-Bissessar told reporters before heading into Parliament that the aircraft was assisting with activity taking place at the air-
port. “They are helping us with something to do at the airport,” she said. She also confirmed that United States Marines were training locally and stressed that the visit was not tied to any regional escalation. “It’s not a military force as such; they are not here on the ground. We are not about to launch any campaign against Venezuela.”
The landing of the US Air Force C-17A Globemaster III came hours after the top US military official, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, met with PM Persad-Bissessar on Tuesday at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s. Yesterday, Chief Secretary
Farley Augustine said he had no advance knowledge of the aircraft’s presence in Tobago and was also asking questions about the mystery landing. “Thus far, I know that they did refuel in Tobago, but I’m trying to get more details as to why and what else transpired.”
But workers inside the airport compound gave a much different account. They told Guardian Media they believe the C-17 delivered an underground tank needed to complete a gas line that was not installed during the terminal redevelopment. Workers were seen inside a cordoned-off construction area. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
Venezuela bans 6 major airlines after tensions with US escalate
Venezuela has banned six major international airlines from landing in the country after they failed to meet a 48-hour deadline to resume flights there.
The airlines had temporarily suspended their routes into the capital, Caracas, after the US warned of "heightened military activity" in the area.
Angered by this, the Venezuelan Government issued the carriers with an ultimatum that expired on Wednesday. While a number of smaller airlines continue to fly to Venezuela, thousands of passengers have been affected. The US has deployed a large force to waters off
Venezuela, which it says is to combat drug trafficking but which Venezuela's leader has denounced as an attempt to overthrow him.
Venezuela's civil aviation authority, which reports to the country's ministry of transport, announced on Wednesday that Iberia, TAP Portugal, Gol, Latam, Avianca and Turkish Airlines would lose their landing and take-off rights with immediate effect.
In a reference to the heightened US military activity off the coast of Venezuela, it also accused the airlines of "joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the
United States Government and unilaterally suspending commercial air operations".
Amid the rising tensions, the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) issued a warning on Friday to flight operators operating in Maiquetía, the international airport serving Caracas.
It urged airlines "to exercise caution... at all altitudes due to the worsening security situation and heightened military activity in and around Venezuela".
It was in the wake of that warning that the now-banned airlines suspended their flights to Venezuela. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Hegseth visits USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier in Latin America region
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visited sailors on the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier stationed in the Latin American region on Thursday, as President Donald Trump's Administration undertakes a military build-up that has deepened tensions with Venezuela.
The Pentagon posted a video showing Hegseth speaking into a public address system, wishing all those aboard a happy Thanksgiving and saying he was praying for the two National Guard soldiers who were shot in Washington, DC, on Wednesday.
Former
US troops have carried out at least 21 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and off the Pacific coast of Latin America since September, killing at least
83 persons.
from power. (Reuters)
Peru President Pedro Castillo sentenced to 11.5 years in prison
Acourt in Peru has sentenced former President Pedro Castillo to 11 years, five months and 15 days in prison for seeking to dissolve Congress.
The decision on Thursday came nearly three years after Castillo sought to disband the legislature on December 7, 2022, as he faced a third set of impeachment hearings.
The first two attempts to impeach Castillo had been unsuccessful. But after he appeared on television to impose a state of emergency and suspend the legislature for eroding the rule of law, Congress swiftly voted for his removal. He was arrested the same day.
Castillo, a former teacher and union leader, was charged with rebellion and conspiracy against the state for his alleged power grab, which some have described as a “self-coup”.
A left-leaning, socially conservative politician from Peru’s rural north, Castillo had faced up to 34 years in prison at his sentencing.
Prosecutors in the case argued that Castillo aimed to undermine Peru’s Constitution with his actions. But at trial last week, Castillo denied the charges against him. Addressing his televised 2022 speech, he said he merely read out “a document without consequence”.
Castillo is part of a series of presidents in recent decades to face investigations and criminal charges in Peru. The country has had eight presidents within the last 10 years alone. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
J’ca: JADCO, Lithuania strengthen anti-doping cooperation through new partnership
The Jamaica AntiDoping Commission (JADCO) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Anti-Doping Agency of Lithuania as it seeks to expand its international collaboration in the global fight against doping.
According to JADCO in a media statement, the partnership, facilitated by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), aims to strengthen cooperation between National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs) and enhance their capacity in key areas such as intelligence gathering, investigations and education.
JADCO’s Executive Director, June Spence
Jarrett, welcomed the partnership with Lithuania as a pivotal step in advancing the commission’s international engagement and strengthening its operational capabilities.
“This memorandum of understanding with the Anti-Doping Agency of Lithuania represents an important milestone for JADCO and for Jamaica’s ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of sport,” said Spence Jarrett. “Through this partnership, both organisations will share expertise, experience and best practices that will enhance our ability to conduct intelligence-led investigations and deliver effective anti-doping education.”
She added that the collaboration reinforces JADCO’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of transparency and fairness in sport. This agreement is one of three formalised under WADA’s latest initiative to build a network of partners across Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. The other partnerships include the National Anti-Doping Unit of Ecuador (UNADE) and the Anti-Doping Agency of Serbia (ADAS), the Comisión Nacional Antidopaje del Peru (Peru NADO) and the Hellenic Antidoping Agency (HADA), and advancing Anti-Doping Collaboration. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
A screengrab from a video posted on X by Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth showing him wishing the crew a happy Thanksgiving
Former President Pedro Castillo sits in the National Police Special Operations Directorate as the verdict against him is read
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has repeatedly alleged that the US build-up is designed to drive him
New St Vincent’s Prime Minister, Dr Godwin Friday
Oil
OIL NEWS
prices settle up in low volume on US holiday; Russia-Ukraine
talks in focus
Oil prices rose on Thursday as market participants weighed the likelihood that talks to end the war in Ukraine will yield an agreement, with trading volume thin due to the Thanksgiving holiday in the US.
Brent crude futures settled up 21 cents, or 0.2 per cent, at US$63.34 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 45 cents, or 0.8 per cent, at US$59.10 a barrel by 13:46h ET.
The market is swinging between hope and scepticism over renewed peace efforts in Ukraine, SEB commodities analyst Ole Hvalbye said.
US and Ukrainian delegations are to meet this week to work out a formula discussed at talks in Geneva to bring peace and provide security guarantees for Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.
The two sides have been trying to narrow gaps over President Donald Trump's plan to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War Two. Kyiv remains wary of accepting a deal largely on Russian terms, including territorial concessions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the outlines of a draft peace plan discussed by the US and Ukraine could become the basis of agreements to end the war. Putin also said that once Ukrainian troops withdraw from key areas, the fighting will stop, but Russia will achieve its objectives by force if that does not happen. (Excerpt from Reuters)
CBS reporter gifts
Pope Leo family heirloom White Sox bat on papal plane
The first-ever American Pope's first trip abroad started off with a distinctly American moment, when Pope Leo XIV was gifted a baseball bat formerly owned by Chicago White Sox legend Nellie Fox.
CBS News correspondent Chris Livesay was among the 81 journalists on the papal flight to Turkey who were greeted by the Pope during an unannounced stroll through the cabin to greet the Vatican press corps.
Many on board continued the long-standing tradition of presenting gifts to the pontiff as a courtesy, but Livesay had a particularly personal gift for the Chicago native: a Louisville Slugger baseball bat that once be -
longed to Hall of Fame second baseman Nellie Fox – a Chicago White Sox legend whose career coincided with Leo's childhood.
When the correspondent pointed out the initials and number on the end of the bat, which is a family heirloom given to Livesay by his cousin Jim Hayes (not Cardinals announcer Jim Hayes), the Pope's eyes lit up.
"How did you get this through security?" joked the Pope – a big fan of the White Sox – prompting laughter from the surrounding journalists before he thanked Livesay for the gift.
Other American journalists marked the Thanksgiving trip by offering Leo pumpkin and pecan pies. (Excerpt from CBS News)
Around the World
Putin insists Ukraine has to surrender territory for any deal to be possible
Vladimir Putin has said that the outline of a draft peace plan discussed by the US and Ukraine could serve as a basis for future negotiations to end the war – but insisted Ukraine would have to surrender territory for any deal to be possible.
“In general, we agree that this can be the basis for future agreements,” Putin said, noting that the version of the plan discussed by Washington and Kyiv in Geneva had been shared with Moscow.
“We see that the American side takes our position into account in some areas,” he added. “But in other points, we clearly need to sit down and talk.”
The Russian President’s uncompromising remarks –
in which he again described Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “illegitimate” – suggested that,
despite White House optimism, there is little sign of movement on the core stick-
ing points needed to end the war.
Speaking to reporters during a working visit to Kyrgyzstan, Putin said Russia would halt its offensive only if Ukrainian forces withdrew from unspecified areas currently under Kyiv’s control. “If Ukrainian troops leave the territories they occupy, then we will stop fighting,” he said. “If they don’t, we will achieve our aims militarily.”
He also repeated his claim that Ukraine’s leadership was “illegitimate”, arguing that this made it legally impossible to sign a binding agreement with Kyiv and that any future settlement would require broader international recognition. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
More than 40 killed as heavy rains trigger floods in Sri Lanka
Landslides and floods triggered by heavy rains have caused more than 40 deaths in Sri Lanka, where the authorities have stopped passenger trains and closed roads in some parts of the country, officials say.
The Government’s Disaster Management Centre on Thursday said 25 of the reported deaths occurred in the mountainous tea-growing regions of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya in central Sri Lanka, about 300 kilometres (km) east of the capital, Colombo.
Another 21 persons were missing due to landslides in the same areas, while 10 persons were injured, the centre said.
Sri Lanka began experi-
encing severe weather last week, made worse by downpours over the weekend that wreaked havoc by flooding homes, fields and roads.
Reservoirs and rivers have overflowed, blocking roads. Some key roads connecting the provinces have been closed, officials said.
Authorities stopped trains in some areas in the mountainous region after rocks, mud and trees fell onto railway tracks. Local television showed workers removing the debris. In some areas, floods have inundated the tracks.
Local television showed an air force helicopter rescuing three persons stranded on the roof of a house marooned by floods, while navy and Police used boats to
Israeli troops kill 2 Palestinians in Jenin as they try to surrender
Israeli soldiers have shot and killed two Palestinian men during a raid in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin as the pair attempted to surrender to the military, according to video footage and witness accounts from the scene.
Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh said journalists in Jenin reported on Thursday that the two men had “pulled their shirts up, showing that they were unarmed” before the military ordered them to go back into a building that they had been holed up in.
“And then they were shot dead. They were executed,” Odeh said, reporting from Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.
The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the slain men as Al-Muntasir Billah
Abdullah, 26, and 37-yearold Youssef Asasa.
The Israeli army said in a statement that its troops had pursued wanted individuals who were “affiliated with a terror network” in the Jenin area and had “initiated a surrender procedure that lasted several hours”.
After the men exited the building, “fire was directed towards the suspects”, the statement said. “The incident is under review by the commanders on the ground and will be transferred to the relevant professional bodies.”
But Odeh noted that, historically, Israeli reviews of the killings of Palestinians typically “do not end in indictments or criminal investigations”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
transport residents.
Footage also showed a car being swept away by floodwaters near the eastern town of Ampara, about 410 km east of Colombo, killing
three passengers. This week’s weather-related toll is the highest since June last year, when 26 persons were killed due to heavy rains. (Al Jazeera)
Hong Kong Police arrest construction firm bosses over fire; death toll hits 83 with scores missing
Hong Kong Police arrested the bosses of a construction company on suspicion of manslaughter on Thursday over the city's worst fire in nearly 80 years, which killed at least 83 persons with scores more listed as missing.
By the early hours of Friday, firefighters had mostly contained the blaze raging for more than 24 hours, ripping through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the northern district of Tai Po. The estate had been undergoing renovations and was wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh.
Most of the victims were found in two high-rise blocks in the eight-tower complex, Deputy Director of Fire Services Derek Armstrong Chan said.
He said firefighters found residents who were alive in several of the buildings but gave no further details. The South China Morning Post reported one survivor was found on the stairwell of one of the buildings.
Rescuers battled intense heat, thick smoke and collapsing scaffolding and debris as they fought to reach residents feared trapped on the upper floors of the complex.
"We expect the fire to be fully put out tonight," Chan said. "We'll continue to douse water to lower the temperatures," he added.
The Government said, as of Wednesday, that 279 persons were listed as missing, but that figure has not been updated for 24 hours.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed accusations that US special envoy Steve Witkoff had shown bias towards Moscow during peace discussions as “nonsense”
Efforts continue to extinguish a deadly fire that broke out at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong, China
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It’s up to you to initiate change. The stars are aligned, and the timing is right. A confident and positive attitude will help you navigate your way forward.
Bypass controversy, talks and those trying to redirect you. Focus on physical activities, a healthy diet and socializing with people who uplift you. Choose healthy living over indulgent behavior.
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run stand got them off to a flier, with Mishara ending up with 76 off
ushmantha
DChameera held his nerve in a clutch final over to ensure Sri Lanka did not throw away a win they had spent the rest of the evening working for. He conceded three runs in the final over, building on a magnificent opening spell to deny Pakistan victory by six runs in a 184-run chase.
The stakes were higher for Sri Lanka than they were for Pakistan, with a victory required for a place in the final, or it would be Zimbabwe playing that game on Saturday. And Sri Lanka played with a hunger they have rediscovered since they finally won a game on Pakistan soil on Tuesday. Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara's 36-ball 66-
48 balls, and cameos lower down the order got them to 184.
Right from the outset, Chameera hampered Pakistan with three top-order wickets in his first two overs. The chase looked as good as dead after the loss of the first four, with 43 runs on the board, but Captain Salman Ali Agha's unbeaten half-century kept Pakistan fighting on until the bitter end.
A 56-run stand between Agha and Usman Khan brought Pakistan back into contention, and Mohammad Nawaz brought Pakistan right to the brink. The hosts were favourites when a sixover cover reduced the equation to 10 in the final over, but Chameera got a wicket, nailed his yorkers and squeezed Pakistan out.
Mendis and Mishara nail early overs
Earlier in the evening, Pakistan strangled Sri Lanka in the first three overs. It started with a beau-
tiful delivery: Salman Mirza kissing Pathum Nissanka's off bail. But when Faheem Ashraf was thrown the ball for the fourth over, Mendis picked his moment. Three boundaries helped him plunder 16, and Mohammad Wasim disappeared for 15 more when he replaced Ashraf for the powerplay's final over.
Even the spreading of the field struggled to contain Mendis and Mishara. When Nawaz came to bowl in the eighth over, Mendis cut him for four before Mishara slapped him for six. A late flurry put Sri Lanka on course for a match-defending total.
Mirza stakes a T20I case
Mirza has played every single Pakistan game this year, but has never convinced as a T20 batter. Today, finding himself in the sort of situation where what
was required of him closely matched his best attributes, the Pakistan Captain got stuck in. He began sedately, as he tends to do, but then worked himself into touch and took the game deep. Through the middle overs, his ability to play spin was on full display as the boundaries came regularly enough and the runs kept ticking over.
When Sri Lanka turned to pace, Mirza kept the pressure up, picking up 10 off Dasun Shanaka and smashing Eshan Malinga for six to keep Pakistan on track. Increasingly, by the end, Sri Lanka's ability to starve Mirza of the strike would prove crucial to holding Pakistan at bay; in the final three overs, Mirza was at the non-striker's end for all but five balls, with his unbeaten heroics going in vain.
length delivery grew big on Fakhar Zaman, who skied it straight to midwicket. Pakistan had suddenly lost four wickets in 10 balls, and following the end of the over, Chameera's figures read 2-0-3-3.
After Chameera conceded 14 in his third over when Pakistan were on the charge, Sri Lanka's hopes of victory were slipping away. Pakistan needed 10 to win with Agha still set. Chameera rolled his fingers over two length balls to start off and allowed just three in the first three balls, but it was the killer yorkers that followed which sealed the deal. Three deliveries that landed on the batters' toes got rid of Ashraf and did not leak a single run to spark celebrations in the Sri Lankan camp. (ESPNcricinfo)
aaa
Sri Lanka (20 ovs maximum)
Pathum Nissanka b Salman Mirza 8
Kamil Mishara c Mohammad Wasim
b Abrar Ahmed 76
Chameera guts Pakistan Pakistan felt they had built up a steady opening stand with Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan setting up a platform in the powerplay in the first three overs. It was from that point onwards that Sri Lanka had cut loose in their innings, and the home openers were positioning themselves to do the same.
But then, along came fast bowler Chameera. His extra pace beat Farhan for timing and forced him into dinking one straight to cover. The big wicket came two balls later, when a touch of inconsistent bounce had the ball strike Babar Azam below the knee roll, sending him back for a second duck in four innings. Another two balls later, a
Kusal Mendis † lbw b Abrar Ahmed 40
Kusal Perera c Mohammad Nawaz
b Saim Ayub 6
Janith Liyanage not out Q 24
Dasun Shanaka (c) run out (Babar Azam/†Usman Khan) 17
Extras (b 1, lb 4, w 8) 13
Total 20 Ov (RR: 9.20) 184/5
Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Pathum Nissanka, 2.1 ov), 2-82 (Kusal Mendis, 8.1 ov), 3-96 (Kusal Perera, 10.4 ov), 4-153 (Kamil Mishara, 16.5 ov), 5-184 (Dasun Shanaka, 19.6 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Salman Mirza 4-0-29-1
Mohammad Wasim 4-0-39-0
Faheem Ashraf 3-0-30-0
Abrar Ahmed 4-0-28-2
Mohammad Nawaz 2-0-26-0
Salman Agha 1-0-8-0
Saim Ayub 2-0-19-1
Pakistan (T: 185 runs from 20 ovs)
Sahibzada Farhan c Liyanage b Chameera 9
Saim Ayub b Malinga 27
Babar Azam lbw b Chameera 0
Salman Agha (c) not out 63
Fakhar Zaman c Shanaka b Chameera
Sri Lanka set to play in the final
Kamil Mishara top-scored with 76
Salman Agha could not carry Pakistan over the line
Dushmantha Chameera gets a four-for
Young Chanderpaul hoping to adapt quickly in New Zealand
est Indies
WTest opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul scored a solid 85 on the opening day of the West Indies’ warm-up match in New Zealand.
He spent valuable time in the middle, facing a total of 211 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes during his 85, before he retired out.
Speaking after the day’s play in Lincoln, New Zealand, Chanderpaul said it’s all about learning and adapting quickly.
“It’s nice to spend some time in the middle and get a score. We just had a couple of practice sessions to try and get used to the competition,” Chanderpaul said.
The 29-year-old lefthander, who played 12 Test matches, is ready to open alongside John Campbell.
“I would imagine coaches wanted the guys to spend some time in the middle, so it was a nice run out today. The pitch is a bit different. It has more bounce in it, so it is about learning in practice sessions and adapting
as quickly as possible,” the Guyanese batsman said.
West Indies ended the opening day of the two-day warm-up match against a New Zealand XI on 346-5 in 96 overs.
The first Test between the West Indies and New Zealand will bowl off on Monday, December 1, in Christchurch, New Zealand.
In addition to Chanderpaul, Campbell, Kavem Hodge and Brandon King struck fifties in the warm-up on opening day.
Cevons Waste Management donates motorcycle for ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal MVP
Cevons Waste Management has thrown its support behind the ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal Tournament with the generous donation of a brand-new motorcycle, which will be awarded to the competition’s eventual Most Valuable Player (MVP).
The presentation took place ahead of tomorrow’s highly-anticipated final at the Retrieve Tarmac in Linden, marking another significant moment in the tournament’s continued growth and community impact.
New Era Entertainment’s CoDirector Andrew Major was on hand to receive the motorcycle on behalf of the tournament organisers.
During the brief presentation ceremony, Major expressed sincere gratitude to Cevons Waste Management for its meaningful contribution to the event. He noted that such partnerships help elevate the level of competition while rewarding athletes for their commitment and outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
Tomorrow’s climactic encounter is set to feature defending champions YMCA as they seek to retain their title against a determined Silver Bullets line-up. Both teams have delivered impressive performances throughout the tournament. With the added incentive of a motorcycle awaiting the eventual MVP, individual players will also
“Romel
Tournament”
set for Sunday at LGC
The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) will host the Romel Golf Tournament & BBQ on Sunday, November 30, 2025, offering a competitive and festive day for golfers and supporters as the holiday season approaches. The event is designed to bring together players of varying skill levels for a welcoming and enjoyable experience both on and off the course.
be eyeing the opportunity to etch their names into the tournament’s history.
Meanwhile, HardKnocks will battle DC Ballers in the earlier thirdplace play offs.
The winners of the event will pocket $1,500,000, while the eventual second-, third-, and fourth-place finishers will receive $750,000, $350,000, and $200,000, respectively, with the corresponding accolade.
On an individual level, the eventual MVP will ride away with the donated motorcycle. It was also disclosed that a $300,000 economic grant will be awarded to a player or fan to aid their academic development. Each team must put forward a candidate for the aforesaid scholarship.
The tournament is scheduled to tee off at 09:00h, adopting a Medal Play format over nine holes with a shotgun start. This structure promotes an engaging and cohesive pace of play, allowing all groups to begin simultaneously. Competitors will be placed into three handicap flights – 0-9, 1018, and 19-28 – ensuring a fair and balanced contest for every participant. There will also be a separate category for beginner golfers, encouraging newcomers to enjoy the sport in a relaxed and supportive environment. Prizes will be presented for Best Net in each flight (first, second, and third), Overall Best Net, Best Gross, Most Honest Player, Nearest to the Flag on Number Nine Green, and Longest Drive on Hole Nine.
Beyond the tournament itself, attendees can look forward to a vibrant BBQ on the club grounds. The social component of the event is expected to capture the warmth, camaraderie, and festive cheer associated with the Christmas season. Families, supporters, and golf enthusiasts are anticipated to create an atmosphere of fellowship that ex-
tends the day’s enjoyment beyond the final putt.
Golf enthusiast Romel Bhagwandin, in whose honour the tournament is named, shared his appreciation for the event and the community that surrounds it. “It is truly inspiring to see golfers come together in the spirit of unity and sportsmanship. Golf teaches discipline and integrity, but above all, it strengthens relationships. As the Christmas season draws near, I hope this tournament encourages a deeper sense of togetherness and reminds us of the joy that shared experiences bring. I extend my best wishes to every participant for a safe, enjoyable, and fulfilling round.”
Golfers wishing to participate are encouraged to register by contacting the Lusignan Golf Club at 2205660. Registration closes at 17:00h on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
Tagenarine Chanderpaul
Golf enthusiast Romel Bhagwandin
New Era Entertainment Co-Director Andrew Major (left) receives the MVP prize of a motorcycle from Cevons Waste Management representative Morris Archer Jr
Women’s Division 1 League…
Fruta Conquerors ease past Ann’s Grove
Fruta Conquerors Football Club (FC) enjoyed a comfortable win on Tuesday night at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre (NTC) when they closed off their league phase campaign in the Women’s Division One League.
Their victory against Ann’s Grove United, however, was a hard-fought one, as the East Coast outfit made Fruta Conquerors toil for their three points. After a deadlocked first half, it was the national Under-14 player Shemia Hing that
Like many of their colleagues in sport administration in Guyana, the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) and the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) have sung praises for the National Sports Commission’s black-tie National Sports Awards, which were hosted at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Center earlier this month.
The Guyana Squash Association wrote, “President of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) David Fernandes has commended the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission for recognising the exploits of the nation’s top sports performers for 2024 in the form of a blacktie gala.”
He said an amazing evening was had by all in attendance, which underscored the high premium the Ministry and, by extension, the Government of Guyana have when it comes to sports and the heroes of sports in Guyana.
“This wonderful opportunity allows for the improvement of social cohesion, improving the understanding of the importance of sports heroes in national development, national pride and patriotism to a certain extent.”
Hosting such an event, Fernandes shared, displayed the Ministry's and Sports Commission’s potential for executing an unbelievable event, because it was.
“I think that the athletes appreciated it, and I know for sure more of them will want to be present going forward once these types of quality events are put on. I have no doubt that the next one will be even better. Timing is critical in order to get the overseas nominees to come, and I think even the nominees will want to be a part of that as well.”
Looking at the surge in the construction of new facilities and the refurbishment of others nationwide,
produced the goods for the Tucville-based outfit.
Collecting a cross from fellow forward Dellana Small, Hing chipped the ball into the net for their first goal in the 45th minute. Four minutes later, from just inside the halfway line, Karen Jupiter sent a right-footed shot into the corner of the net for their second goal.
With the added three points, Fruta Conquerors are likely to maintain their fourth position in the league behind Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Santos FC,
who currently sit first, second and third, respectively.
The Women’s Division One League will wrap up next Friday, December 5, at the same venue with a double header. First, Monedderlust will battle Western Tigers FC at 18:00h, after which the most-anticipated game of the tournament will see GDF and Police Women locking horns in the league-deciding clash at 19:30h.
The winner of the league will pocket a historic $1 million grand prize for the first time in women’s foot-
ball history in Guyana. The second-place finishers will have to settle for $500,000, while third and fourth place receive $300,000 and $100,000, respectively.
Following the conclusion of the league phase, a knockout version of the competition will commence afterward, with the top eight teams from the League springing into action. Prizes for this segment of the competition will see the winners walking away with $300,000, second place with $200,000, third place with $100,000 and fourth place with $50,000.
the Head of Squash in Guyana and the Caribbean posited that this is the right move by the Ministry and Government.
“When we look at the investment in sports facilities, it’s remarkable because I travel all over the country, and I’m seeing admirable progress. Those in Berbice, on the East Coast with the lights, the stadium in Essequibo, and Linden, I see that there is evidence that the velodrome would be done, the hockey facility, and the facilities done for racquet sports as well; all of this adds up to amazing times for our athletes and fans. This is huge for this nation.”
“The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall looks unbelievable; recently I went to it, and it’s a very comfortable environment with the air-conditioning, and I know for sure that the athletes would have appreciated that level of comfort.”
On the other hand, the Guyana Volleyball Federation shared, “President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) John Flores has described 2025 as a very good year for the growth of the sport, sharing that it has expanded with more teams playing nationally, and especially more women’s teams becoming active.
This, he notes, is as a direct result of the investment being made by the Government of Guyana as well as Republic Bank in the nationwide B Division championships for male and female teams, which saw 1000 players from nine of Guyana’s 10 regions competing.
The grand national playoffs and finals took place at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and the National Gymnasium with simultaneous matches on the first of the two-day spectacle, a first for the sport.
Flores posited that this level of partnership (Government/private) augurs well for the future of the sport and is ecstatic
that the game is on its way for further expansion, especially with the academy pro-
gramme ongoing in Berbice and Georgetown, led by the Ministry of Sport.
This year’s inaugu ral black-tie gala for the recog nition of our top sportsmen, women, officials and corporate community is a special way to give recognition to these persons and is a good inspiring event to look forward to.
“The Government’s continued support for volleyball is really appreciated, as more rural communities are being given the opportunity to showcase their skills, and this will motivate the expansion of the game countrywide. With the incoming infrastructure
around the country, athletes will be able to transform and develop their skill levels, and this will allow us to be much more competitive against neighbouring countries, whom we intend to invite more here to help us improve. The Volleyball Federation looks forward to a massive 2026,” Flores stated.”
Stronger mindset, sharper skills: Madramootoo targets regional selection
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) on Wednesday announced the full squads and fixtures for the 2025 Senior Women’s Inter-County Tournament, which will feature both 50-over and T20 formats. The competition officially bowls off today with two opening-round clashes: Demerara v Essequibo at the LBI Ground, and Hinterland All Stars v Berbice at the Lusignan Community Ground.
Among the notable selections is young all-rounder Tilleya Madramootoo, who has once again secured her place in the Demerara squad. Her continued inclusion highlights her steady growth and rising prominence within the local women’s cricket landscape.
Madramootoo expressed gratitude and determination upon receiving the news of her selection.
“Representing Demerara has always been a privilege, so it’s great to be selected again,” she shared. “Even though I’ve been part of the squad before, I never take it
for granted, as each year offers another chance to improve my game. With the competition getting tougher every season, earning my spot reflects the work I’ve been putting in. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue developing as a player and to contribute to the team.”
The 2025 season comes at a time when Madramootoo has managed to refine her training approach, balancing academics with sport more effectively. A dedicated student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Guyana, she noted that this year’s preparation has been far more structured.
“This year, my preparation has been more intense and focused on cricket since I’ve managed to balance my academic commitments more effectively,” she said. “In previous seasons, my attention was mainly on my studies at UG, but now I’ve learnt how to manage both responsibilities better. Even with the workload, I’ve been able to train more
purposefully and work on specific technical areas of my game that needed improvement.”
With the tournament offering an important platform for national and regional exposure, Madramootoo enters the competition with
clear goals and an elevated mindset.
“My main personal goal going into this tournament is to keep improving and perform with more consistency than I have in previous years,” she stated. “I want to stay calm under pressure, make smart decisions on the field, and keep getting better with every game. I’m also focused on demonstrating my potential as I work toward earning regional selection.”
As the Senior Women’s Inter-County Tournament gets underway, all eyes will be on the emerging talents across the four teams, with players like Madramootoo eager to make their mark. Demerara’s opening match against Essequibo promises to set the tone for what is expected to be a competitive and exciting season.
The GCB’s commitment to strengthening women’s cricket continues to create opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills, and the 2025 tournament stands as another important chapter in that journey.
Karen Jupiter (on ball) lines up her goal-scoring shot
GSA President David Fernandes
GVF President John Flores
Tilleya Madramootoo aims for consistency
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), one day prior to the tournament’s scheduled commencement on Friday, unveiled the squads and fixtures for the 2025 Senior Women’s Inter-County Tournament, highlighted by the inclusion of a new hinterland team.
The Inter-County Tournament will feature four teams and will be contested across both the 50-over and T20 formats.
According to the Board, the tournament will be administered by their GCB Women’s Cricket Committee, chaired by Shaun Massiah, as part of the Board’s strengthened commitment to the development of women’s cricket nationwide.
The GCB noted that
“this year marks a historic moment for women’s cricket in Guyana, as the InterCounty structure will feature a
Demerara: Captain Kaysia
Schultz, Nyia Latchman, Naomi Barkoye, Cianna Barkoye, Tilleya Madramootoo, Letisha Jordan, Rabekael Celto, Rushell Roberts, Mahaden Dass, Aneesa Chetram, Chelsea Latiff, Abigale Benjamin, Thalia Hack and Arya Ally.
Standbys: Afifah Wickham, Mandy Mangru, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Cassidy Singh
Head Coach: Clive Grimmond
Assistant Coach: Kerwin Ross Manager: Heema Singh
Berbice: Captain Sheneta Grimmond, Vice Captain Plaffiana Millington, Leah Kamalall, Crystal Durant, Jada Frazier, Sherika Campbell, Tia Isaacs, Tameka
Hinterland All-Stars Women’s Team for the first time ever.”
Their inclusion reflects the wider national vision
Squad lists:
George, Renata Ramdeo, Tricia Hardat, Danielle Hicks, Kianna Leitch, Daniella Manns, and Devani Rickram
Standbys: Krishna Rengasammy, Sarah Sewnarine and Devani Jaimangal
Coach: Tremayne Smartt Manager: Angela Haniff
Essequibo: Captain Laurene Williams, Vice Captain Navika Narine, Analiesa D’Aguiar, Latoya Williams, Anastaceia Valenzuela, Kumarie Persaud, Cyanna Retemiah, Tramaine Marks, Briana Samaroo, Shonette Belgrave, Nickesha Narine, Yonette Welcome, Lavina Ragobeer, Akeela Stephens, and Emely Booker
championed by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who continues to prioritise expanded access to sport and opportunities for athletes across Regions 1 to 10.
“The GCB fully embraces
Standbys: Deena Fredericks and Jaraya Rodrigues
Head Coach: Clive Wayne Holder Assistant Coach/Manager: Mirenda Cornelius
Hinterland All-Stars: Jennifer James, Grazil Thomas, Feona Benjamin, Desica Wilson, Sasha Benjamin, Radeeka Ruth Wilson, Qzel Sampson, Malina Peters, Sarah Bheir, Shemeeza Abrams, Tifney La Rose, Sheena John, Lisa Tyrell, Enifred Balvadore, Emily Eusebio, Kelsey Couchman, Mariah Williams and Tamara Fredericks
Coach: Ernesto De Mattos Manager: Erva Giddings
this mandate, ensuring that cricket reaches every community – coastland and hinterland alike,” the Board added in a missive. This tournament will be used as part of the selection process for the Guyanese national team for the CG United Women’s Regional Super50 and T20 tournament, which will be played in St
November 28 – 09:00h Demerara v Essequibo – LBI Hinterland v Berbice – Lusignan
November 30 – 09:00h
Essequibo v Berbice – LBI
Hinterland v Demerara – Lusignan
December 2 – 09:00h
Demerara v Berbice – LBI
Hinterland v Essequibo – Lusignan
December
Windies build momentum in 2-day warm-up
The West Indies wrapped up a productive two-day warm-up match against a New Zealand XI with several encouraging performances as they fine-tune preparations for the opening Test of the series, which begins on Monday at 18:00h.
the West Indies posted a commanding total.
Vincent and the Grenadines from January 10, 2026. It must be noted that the likes of Cherry-Ann
and
are all currently part of a West Indies camp that will conclude on December 13 and will, therefore not feature in the upcoming tournament.
December
December
v Demerara
December 8 09:00h – Demerara v Berbice 13:00h – Hinterland v Essequibo
December 9 13:00h – Final
Batting first, the West Indies declared impressively at 346 for 5, with multiple batters spending valuable time in the middle. Tagenarine Chanderpaul anchored the innings with a composed 85 (retired out), gaining early confidence in foreign conditions. Brandon King added a fluent 79 off 91 balls, showcasing controlled aggression, while John Campbell contributed a steady 68. Kavem Hodge, returning to the Test squad, strengthened his case for selection with an unbeaten 55, ensuring
The bowlers followed up with an energetic performance, dismissing the New Zealand XI for 264. Young fast bowler Johann Layne was the standout, claiming 3 for 33, showing both control and potency. Spin duo Jomel Warrican and Hodge picked up two wickets each to maintain pressure throughout the innings.
Layne highlighted the clarity of the team’s bowling plans, “We tried to hit a five-metre length. The pitch was extracting some bumps, so we tried to exploit that as much as possible… We got 10 wickets.”
He stressed the importance of consistency at the highest level: “You've got to be consistent, always on the ball. There’s a very small margin for error, and repetition is key; doing the right
things every single day to give yourself the best chance of excelling.”
Though the match concluded after two days with no official result, the West Indies will take heart from the confidence and clarity gained across both disciplines. With momentum building and several players finding form at just the right moment, the squad now turns its attention to the first Test on Monday evening, where preparation gives way to performance and the real challenge begins.
Fraser, Ashmini Munisar, Shabika Gajnabi, Realanna Grimmond, Mandy Mangru
Shemaine Campbell
Essequibo Captain Laurene Williams Hinterland All-Stars’ Radeeka Ruth Wilson
Berbice Captain Sheneta Grimmond Demerara Captain Kaysia Schultz
Tagenarine Chanderpaul and John Campbell had solid outings