Alness
BRIDGE OPENING
NOVEMBER
“Let the
words…be followed by action”
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, November 7 –05:30h–07:00h and Saturday, November 8 – 06:20h–07:50h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery showers will ease to light rains during the day, before giving way to cloudy skies and heavier showers again later that night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East South Easterly to Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 17:33h reaching a maximum height of 2.86 metres.
Low Tide: 11:04h and 23:38h reaching minimum heights of 0.54 metre and 0.36 metre.
– Pres Ali challenges world
leaders
...presents 3-point plan to advance global climate change agenda
Recognising that the United Nations (UN) climate conference –the Conference of the Parties (COP) – is not moving with the speed or success needed, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday presented a series of solutions to world leaders in Belém, Brazil, which he says could help to accelerate promises to progress.
Addressing world leaders who gathered for COP30 in Belém, the Guyanese Head of State highlighted three areas that should take priority to advance the global climate change agenda.
That three-point plan included a push to accelerate sustainable energy transition while ensuring its security in light of rising energy demands, especially in the areas of digital revolution, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation.
“Global energy demand is rising, including demand for AI and data systems that were not even imagined a few years ago. Yet chronic energy insecurity still defines the lives of billions. All of this makes one truth unavoidable: we must accelerate the energy transition at the same time as we expand energy security.”
“That means moving on two tracks: massive investment to scale renewables, hydrogen storage, and modern grid systems to decarbonise growth and meet rising demand. And science-based policy that advances a just transition by powering the remainder of the fossil fuel era with the lowest carbon, most efficient, least cost fuels,” he asserted.
Doing this, according to President Ali, requires a recommitment to global rules and not relying on global slogans. He added that it also means recognising that responsible producers must be included in the search for solutions.
Another one of the solutions that Guyana, based on its own experience and success, has touted at the global climate summit is the important role of the forest.
Monetising the forest
Despite ramping up oil and gas production activities offshore, Guyana remains a net carbon sink with a tropical forest that stores 19.5 gigatons of carbon. In fact, Guyana is now earning millions of dollars from the sale of its ART/TREES-certified carbon credits, with the revenues being reinvested into local indigenous communities as well as in renewable energy, technology, job creation, and the biggest adaptation investment in the country’s history – the Gas to Energy (GtE) Project.
According to the Guyanese leader, Guyana has shown how fair and ef-
President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing world leaders at COP30 in Belém, Brazil
fective solutions such as monetising the forest carbon can work.
“We must act on forests. Forests must be mainstream in this agenda. They absorb around one-third of global emissions and remain the most viable and cost-effective opportunity for mitigation by 2030. Forests cannot be an afterthought. It cannot be a negotiated item on the agenda of COP. Forests must be mainstream and part of every single COP. We must not fight for forests to be on any agenda. If we are serious about climate change, forests must find a permanent place on the agenda of climate change,” he contended.
President Ali went on to laud the COP30 host country for advancing the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), which complements the work Guyana is doing through the Forests and Climate Leaders Partnership (FCLP) – a group of almost 40 countries co-chaired by Guyana and the United Kingdom. The FCLP countries work together and with other partners to develop the Forest Finance Roadmap, a shared plan setting out a menu of six complementary options to halt and reverse forest loss by 2030.
Biodiversity
The Head of State further outlined the need to integrate biodiversity into the climate agenda. He stressed that healthy biodiversity strengthens ecosystems, strong ecosystems stabilise the climate, and a stable climate protects economies and sustains societies.
Already, Guyana is expanding its protected areas to meet its 30 by 30 target and launched the Global Biodiversity Alliance earlier this year to bring countries together to value nature in its entirety, not just the carbon it stores.
“Many speak glowingly about biodiversity and na-
ture, but when a small country [like Guyana] puts its hands up and says, we are going to lead and we are going to launch an alliance, they cannot find the time to join that Alliance. They cannot find the time to attend the summit on the Alliance, but they will speak glowingly about biodiversity and nature. Let the words and meditation of our heart be followed by action and not based on the size of countries or the power of a country. Climate change affects us all equally,” Dr Ali asserted.
Adaptation
The third point that the Guyanese leader pointed out in his plan is the need to advance financing for adaptation efforts.
“Even if all mitigation targets are met, millions already live with the consequences of climate change. For them, adaptation is survival. Investing in resilience protects lives, food systems, and economies. It strengthens stability and peace,” he contended.
COP30 is being hosted in the Brazilian city of Belém and officially starts on November 10 and runs to
the 21st, when world leaders sit down to commence talks. This is the first time that the global climate change summit is being held in the Amazon region, home to the world’s largest tropical rainforest – parts of which run through Guyana.
According to President Ali, there is no other forum where every nation can sit as equals to shape the planet’s response to climate change. To this end, he impressed the importance of ensuring COP30 succeeds.
“We must make this process work. But to do so, we must recognise that a COP process and a wider climate agenda are not moving forward with the speed or success our people deserve… And too often, bureaucracies, including within international institutions, have become better at stopping progress than enabling it. These forces create a different kind of climate denial by generating public fatigue and scepticism that solutions can never be found. Here in Belém, we need that to change,” he stated.
The Head of State added that the solution is not to dismiss COPs but to fix the machinery of cooperation so that good ideas can move forward.
“We are at a hopeful moment if we choose to grasp the opportunities before us. People everywhere, and in particular, the people of the developing world, are offering practical, experience-based solutions. If we commit ourselves to shun extremism and instead promote collaboration, if we make our bureaucracies accelerate innovation, not trap it, and if we unleash the financing options that are affordable and available, then more than 30 years after you, Belém will be the turning point when the world moves from promises to progress,” President Ali declared.
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Progress in gender equality
Guyana’s progress in gender equality continues to position it as a regional leader and an international example of sustained commitment to empowering women and girls. Ranking eighth in the Caribbean and 31st globally on the 2025 Global Gender Gap Index, the country’s advancement underscores a deep integration of gender-responsive policies within its national development framework. This achievement is as a result of deliberate policy choices, targeted investments, and a national commitment to inclusive growth.
Over the past decade, Guyana has demonstrated that equality is as much a matter of social justice as it is an essential pillar of sustainable development. Through leadership and the integration of gender considerations into national planning, women have become increasingly visible in spaces of economic participation, entrepreneurship, governance, and land ownership. Today, 60 per cent of Governmentdistributed housing lands are owned by women, an achievement that reflects not only policy success but also a redefinition of women’s economic autonomy and security.
At the recent National Conference on the Implementation of the Beijing Declaration and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, the focus on consolidating these gains was clear. Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, reaffirmed that Guyana’s progress is rooted in the enduring legacy of the 1995 Beijing Conference, which declared unequivocally that women’s rights are human rights. Since then, Guyana’s policy landscape has evolved to reflect this global principle through institutional mechanisms such as the Women and Gender Equality Commission and a robust Gender-Based Violence Framework.
The implementation of the Family Violence Act 2024 marked another decisive step in strengthening legal protection for survivors of domestic abuse. Complemented by forthcoming amendments to the Sexual Offences Act, including the introduction of a Sex Offenders Registry, Guyana’s legal reforms now align with international best practices in addressing violence and ensuring justice for victims. These efforts, coupled with the establishment of the 914 Hotline, the iReport App, and the Hope and Justice Centres, have modernised the national response system and expanded access to integrated survivor support.
In parallel, Guyana’s Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) has become a women’s empowerment agency: training more than 90,000 women across the country in various skills and disciplines. This initiative has strengthened women’s capacity to achieve financial independence, contribute to the formal economy, and drive innovation within their communities. The Government’s approach, anchored in empowerment rather than dependency, illustrates a clear understanding that economic participation is key to achieving lasting equality.
Importantly, Guyana’s gender agenda also recognises the vital role of men in building a more equitable society. The expansion of the Bridging the Gap Policy and the establishment of safe spaces for men, demonstrate an inclusive strategy aimed at fostering positive masculinity, shared responsibility, and family stability. This dual-gender approach acknowledges that equality cannot be achieved in isolation and that social transformation requires the active participation of all citizens.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, highlighted the depth of transformation that has occurred across the national landscape: from the halls of Government to the Judiciary, academia, and the Private Sector, women are increasingly occupying leadership positions once dominated by men. Guyana’s improved ranking on the Global Gender Gap Index, from 35th in 2024 to 31st in 2025, attests to the impact of sustained investment in education, health, and social services. The country’s distinction as number one in Latin America for women’s land and property ownership further reinforces this progress.
However, the path ahead requires continued vigilance. Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack underscored the persistent challenge of gender-based violence, calling for a comprehensive and multisectoral approach to prevention. She emphasised the importance of education reform, advocating for curriculum changes that instil awareness of violence and respect for gender equality from an early age. Such preventative education, integrated within broader social policy, remains essential to dismantling the cultural and structural factors that perpetuate abuse.
The collaboration between the Government of Guyana, international partners such as the United Nations and the European Union, and civil society organisations remains a critical driver of progress. Initiatives like the Spotlight Programme continue to provide technical support, capacitybuilding, and community-based interventions that strengthen Guyana’s institutional response to gender inequality.
Guyana’s trajectory demonstrates that gender equality is central to economic growth, democratic governance, and national stability. The country’s performance on the Global Gender Gap Index is both a reflection of what has been achieved and a reminder of the work still to be done. As the global community continues to evaluate progress toward the goals outlined in the Beijing Declaration, Guyana stands as a beacon of what can be accomplished through political will, legislative reform, and social partnership. The continued advancement of women and girls is the foundation of a more just and inclusive society.
Gen Z are demanding schools and hospitals, not super-yachts and helicopters
By AmitABh BehAr
Awave of youth-led
“Gen Z” protests is sweeping the world. A recurring slogan during the recent protests in Morocco was “We want hospitals, not stadiums”, reflecting how publicly funded services such as health and education are being sidelined. Electricity and water outages triggered the protests in Madagascar that toppled the Government. Rooted in high levels of inequality, deficits in public services, and generational frustration, these protests reflect the fracturing of the social contract between Governments and young citizens
This week will see the World Summit for Social Development in Qatar. This is the first such summit in 30 years to focus the world’s attention on the pressing need to provide health, education, social protection and other vital services for all. Such public services are the most powerful and proven way to build more equal, fairer societies. This summit offers a critical opportunity to radically improve public service delivery, something that is at the heart of the rebuilding of a new social contract between angry citizens and their Governments. Sadly, the trend is firmly in the wrong direction. In 2024, Oxfam highlighted that 84 percent of countries have cut investment in education, health and social protection. Nine out
of ten countries have backtracked in one or more areas. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in all these areas are way off track. Cuts to aid from rich countries are also making things worse for the Global South. US foreign assistance cuts alone could cause more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030.
Yet the world is not short of wealth: total global wealth is immense. The vast majority is in the hands of rich individuals and is barely taxed. Global private wealth grew by $342 trillion since 1995 – eight times more than global public wealth. The case for taxing this wealth – to fund health, education and other public services – is overwhelming and, thanks to the leadership of Spain and Brazil, is also gaining momentum that is long overdue.
Over the next 10 years, $70 trillion is going to be handed by the rich to their children, cementing inequality into the next generation, in what has been described as an “inheritocracy”. Meanwhile, good education and health are increasingly only available to those who have enough money. This is squandering the talent of a generation. How many potential climate scientists or engineers will never get to even go to high school? In many countries, children from rich families are hundreds of times more likely to get to go to university than those from poorer
backgrounds. For girls from poorer families, the chances are lower still. It is no wonder this spills over into anger and resentment.
The concept of a welfare state is being eroded before our eyes in the face of an ideological commitment to austerity and a shrinking state. This is tragic given the clear evidence that robust welfare systems are key for reducing inequality, redressing social disadvantage, and rebuilding trust. In contrast, failure to deliver these risks unrest. Improvements in service delivery lead to higher satisfaction and trust in Government, while poor or corrupt service delivery erodes trust.
The Gen Z protests have shown that the next generation is no longer willing to patiently wait for traditional party politics to address these concerns. They are organising digitally and acting outside established institutional channels. If Governments do not respond to people’s aspirations with improvement in public services and stronger social protection and fail to act on inequality, they risk further resistance and protests. In this sense, the Gen Z uprisings are the canary in the coal mine for inequality and public-service deficits.
The good news is that none of this is inevitable. There are many examples of countries that have bucked the trend. Take, for example, Thailand with its world-
class public healthcare system available to all citizens. Or the hundreds of millions of children who have benefited from primary education being made free across Africa. Good public services are within the reach of every Government.
To do this, Governments should focus on building national public wealth and not private wealth. They should reject the snake oil solutions that propose “private finance first” policies and that promote as a panacea, [the] privatisation, commercialisation and financialisation of essential public services, like health, education, water, care and social protection. This is a dangerous dead end.
Over the last year, we saw the creation of 49 new billionaires in the field of health and pharmaceuticals. Yet half the world’s population is still not covered by essential health services, with 1.3 billion people impoverished by out-of-pocket health spending. The only beneficiaries from privatised healthcare are the richest, at a huge human cost.
The Gen Z movements inject urgency into the World Summit for Social Development agenda –Governments ignore the provision of public services at their peril. They must respond not with bullets and batons, but with classrooms and clinics. (Al Jazeera) Amitabh Behar is Executive Director of Oxfam International
The border fence between Mexico and the US suddenly ends at the Pacific Ocean. The structure, variously known as the border fence or border wall, is not continuous and only covers sections of the almost 2000-mile boundary between the two countries. It consists of a series of obstructions designed to discourage illegal entry into the US (The Guardian photo)
“Third Lane” resumes under stricter controls, better traffic management
One week after the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department suspended the “third lane” system following a fatal accident, the practice has been reintroduced.
Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh said the recommencement of this system on the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara was based on further analysis of the traffic situation.
The third lane system was initially introduced a few years ago to ease congestion during rush hour periods, at a time when road networks were limited.
However, after the fatal accident on October 30, during the “third lane” period, it was discontinued, taking into account that many road users do not prioritise road safety.
The Traffic Chief explained that there are now more connectors to the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara, giving road users additional route options to reach their destinations. Nonetheless, severe traffic congestion continues during certain hours in the mornings and afternoons.
The Traffic Chief said this is due not only to the increasing number of vehicles on the roads but also to
poor practices by road users who either breach traffic rules or deliberately leave late, hoping to reach their destination quickly.
He noted that during the recommencement of the third lane this morning, in the presence of Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, many road users were seen violating traffic laws, including overtaking on the third lane.
“Persons who still have an 8 o’clock job are leaving their homes late, are too busy to plan, and don’t want to factor in convergence from Region 10, Region Two, and Region Three. All of that traffic comes to merge along the East Bank or in central Georgetown.”
He added that the application of the third lane, if not extended as far as pos -
sible, can cause problems.
In fact, he explained that when the third lane was reintroduced on Thursday morning – under Police management – officers, including the Commissioner of Police, observed several unlawful acts being committed by road users.
Despite these challenges, the traffic chief said the third lane will now operate under stricter rules and better traffic management.
“So, the recommendation is that from today, it will last for one hour whenever it is started, and not less than 50 minutes. Traffic officers, who understand the reasons for its implementation, know what to do. Further support is being provided from traffic headquarters, including the deployment of
moving motorcycles, to ensure greater compliance and more stability in road usage.”
The traffic chief further emphasised that traffic officers have been urged to enforce road rules more effectively.
“It seems to me that the traffic Police are the only ones responsible for road safety and ensuring traffic progression. People are not fulfilling their role, and out of convenience, we are blamed for what happens on the road. We will not allow that. Importantly, we will also conduct enforcement at certain points. I want all drivers and road users to take note that when we see you without a helmet, there will be no pardon, warning, or flexibility.
He also pointed out that the Traffic Department is no longer operating in a lenient mode, as past facilitation has caused the public to believe that the Police are either too hasty, not serious, or inconsistent in enforcing the law.
Singh noted that several individuals have publicly criticised the traffic leadership on social media, label-
ling them as “visionless,” but emphasised that the department is taking decisive action
Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh
Page Foundation
The metric units of length are millimetres (mm);
centimetres (cm); metres (m) and kilometres (km).
1 centimetre = 100mm
1 metre = 100cm
1 kilometre = 1000m
You may have noticed that metric units are based on the powers of 10.
So they are easy to work with.
For example: 1 metre = 1000mm = 100cm = 0.001km.
Remember
Learn these prefixes:
Milli = thousandth
Centi = hundredth
Kilo = thousand
Examples:
How many cm = 45m?
Step 1: Think: 100cm = 1m
Step 2: Multiply the number of metres x 100.
You can do this by regular multiplication:
45 x 100 = 4500
However, it is much easier to move the decimal point two places to the right.
45m = 4500cm
How many m = 575mm?
Step 1: Think: 1000mm = 1m
Step 2: Divide: 575 ÷ 1000 = 575/1000.
You can also do this calculation by moving the decimal point three places to the left.
575mm = 0.575m
Exercises: Calculate 1) 50cm = ______m
2) 10km = __________ cm
3) 30cm + 120cm = __________ km
4) 20cm + 200mm = _____ m
5) 5km + 5cm = __________ m
Materials:
Leaves
Brown construction or butcher paper
White paper, black paper
Scissors
Glue
Black markers, or paint markers (or use black paint)
Instructions
Step One: Create the mane
The first step is to create the lion’s mane. To do this, simply gather a bunch of leaves and place them in the shape of a lion’s mane, with the leaf stems facing the neck.
You can use as many or as few
leaves as you like. If you want a fuller mane, use more leaves.
Step Two: Cut out the head
Next, you will need to cut out the head of the lion from the brown piece of paper. You can freehand this or use templates for various rounded shapes.
Step Three: Create its face
To start building the face, add the eyes. Its eyes can be made from white paper that is trimmed to look like lion eyes. Simply glue them to the lion’s head, then paint in the pupils. Use a black marker, charcoal pencil or paint to add the pupils.
Finally, add the nose and whiskers either with more paint, markers, or scrap pieces of black paper. (hellowonderful.co)
By Francis Quarles
The world’s an inn; and I her guest. I eat; I drink; I take my rest. My hostess, nature, does deny me Nothing, wherewith she can supply me; Where, having stayed a while, I pay Her lavish bills, and go my way.
Make a character dress up as something unusual (a cat, a giant pumpkin, etc) in your story.
State to pursue efforts to recover taxes owed by US-indicted Mohameds – Jagdeo
...as GRA withdraws tax-related charges against businessmen to facilitate extradition
The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Thursday withdrew all tax-related charges against United States (US)-indicted businessmen Nazar “Shell” Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed, but the State still intends to recover the monies owed.
This assurance was given by Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo during his press conference on Thursday, where he explained that the GRA’s withdrawal of the charges does not prevent the State from pursuing the matter in a civil court.
“You have to pay the taxes [owed],” Jagdeo emphasised, adding that this can be recovered either via civil proceedings or criminal proceedings, with the latter allowing for perpetrators to be criminally charged so that they can face jail time for tax evasion.
“So the withdrawal of the criminal aspect of it doesn’t preclude you from going after the money – the owed taxes – in a civil court. The civil remedy for the taxes [owed] is already being pursued. They got the demand notice for the $191 billion already. That’s calculated based on the penalties; that’s not going to stop,” Jagdeo stated.
In fact, this point was also expressed by Guyana’s Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, who noted in a Facebook post on Thursday that, “…extradition apart, the State of Guyana retains its full plenitude of legal powers to secure all taxes due, owing and payable, and intends to do so, in accordance with law.”
On Wednesday, the GRA had initiated charges against the Mohameds, principals of Mohamed’s Enterprise, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The charges alleged that the duo understated $32.69 billion in taxable income from gold exports between 2020 and 2024.
The GRA filed the series of complaints after what is believed to have been a detailed audit into the gold export records of Mohamed’s Enterprise. Both Nazar and Azruddin were summoned to appear at the city court on Thursday to answer the charges.
However, when the matter was called up, the tax agency’s prosecutor informed the court that the Authority had decided to discontinue all proceedings against them. No further explanation for the withdrawal was provided.
Extradition request
In a subsequent statement, the GRA explained why it had withdrawn and wholly discontinued the matter. It noted that the charges were filed in
October 2024, before the US Government had requested the extradition of Nazar and Azruddin.
The father and son have been indicted by a US Grand Jury sitting in the Southern District of Florida, which charged them with 11 offences, including wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and customs-related violations connected to an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.
Last week, the Guyana Government received a formal request from the US Government for the extradition of the two businessmen, who are also facing sanctions from the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) over allegations of tax evasion, trade-based money laundering, and gold smuggling.
Both Nazar and Azruddin were arrested last Friday and were subsequently placed on $150,000 bail each as the extradition proceedings continue at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Consequently, GRA said in Thursday’s missive, “In light of this extradition request and the Government of Guyana’s decision to proceed with the said extradition request, and taking into account all relevant legal principles, including international comity, appropriateness and fairness, these charges were withdrawn and discontinued.”
In the Extradition Treaty between Guyana and the US, at Article 4, it states: “The extradition shall not take place if the person claimed has already been tried and discharged or punished or is still under trial in the territories of the High Contracting Party applied to for the crime or offence for which his extradition is demanded. If the person claimed should be under examination or under punishment in the territories of the High Contracting Party applied to for any other crime or offence, his extradition shall be deferred [*6] until the conclusion of the trial and the full exe-
cution of any punishment awarded to him.”
Delaying tactics and criminal activities
Meanwhile, with the extradition proceedings against the Mohameds set to continue next week, VP Jagdeo is confident that the businessmen will be held accountable – both in Guyana and the US.
“They don’t have to try this case in Guyana. That’s not the purpose before the Magistrate Court: to try the case in Guyana. That has to be tried in the United States. All the magistrate has to find is that the offence that they’re being charged for in the United States has a counterpart here… You have to face accountability for transnational crimes, and [the Mohameds] committed several in the United States based on their law, and they have a counterpart [offence] in Guyana for what he did here,” the VP stated.
In fact, Jagdeo went on to dismiss the claim by the Mohameds lawyer, Siand Dhurjon, that there is no counterpart to mail or wire fraud in Guyana. He argued that since the Mohameds are facing a conspiracy to commit money laundering charge, mail and wire fraud are means through which money laundering could be committed.
“They’re hoping to drag this out,” Jagdeo stated after Dhurjon had hinted to reporters about moving to the constitutional court to challenge the extradition. “They’re going to use blocking techniques to delay it all over the place by filing frivolous lawsuits everywhere… They know [the Mohameds will] be extradited…and they will be extradited because the offences are clear.”
Jagdeo also commented on the controversy surrounding the businessmen being granted bail pending the outcome of extradition proceedings – something he said is uncommon.
“People don’t get bail for that. You can imagine the world looking on Guyana and saying, 'What is happening in that country…?' This is a serious offence –extradition. And it was not
[signed off] by a junior man in the United States. The United States’ Secretary of State [Marco Rubio] has signed the extradition document… He’s a member of the Cabinet in the United States of America… So, if they think this will go away just like that, it will not go away,” Jagdeo stressed.
Against this background, the VP declared that the Government needs to investigate local officials who may be compromising their duties for criminal networks. Jagdeo compared the Mohamed family’s activities in Guyana to Colombia’s era of Pablo Escobar, warning of parallels in corruption and criminal influence.
After the US sanctions were announced in June 2024, Azruddin formed a political party called We Invest in Nationhood, which won 16 seats in the National Assembly, and he is now a Member of Parliament.
Jagdeo reminded that Escobar, notoriously known as the “King of Cocaine”, was also elected to the Colombian Parliament.
“He became a Member of Parliament too. Pablo Escobar was one of the biggest drug dealers. They compromised the Judiciary and paid off people in the Judiciary. They paid off the Police; they paid people in the army…they owned sections of the media, and then in the executive too, they were bribing Ministers and other people in the other arms of the executive, so they became untouchable, and it was heading into a failed society,” Jagdeo outlined, urging Guyanese to examine the consequences of such a situation for Colombia, including kidnappings, bombings, and murders.
The VP said Guyana has to be careful not to replicate that culture here. He noted that the Government must ensure it cuts out any such linkages early, pointing out that such a culture leads to violence.
Jagdeo noted, “We need to have investigations done in the Gold Board, at GRA and within the [Guyana] Police Force to see those people who may be receiving money from this criminal enterprise, the Mohameds, and others, and compromising their work. We need to do that, and it must be institutionalised.”
In fact, during Thursday’s press conference, the VP posited that Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken must be held accountable after turning a blind eye to Azruddin arriving at Parliament on Monday in his controversial Lamborghini sports car, which had no licence plate and was uninsured – offences for which Guyanese are often charged.
According to the VP, such probes should not be
limited to those agencies. For instance, he said the Judiciary should also be investigated.
“It’s harder there because that’s an independent branch of the Government, but we have to put in place safeguards in the Judiciary itself,” Jagdeo noted.
The media, he added too, should also be scrutinised as well as political operatives. In fact, Jagdeo said he is “convinced” some politicians in the APNU+AFC leadership “took money from the Mohameds”.
“I believe they bought APNU…That’s why APNU did not put up a resistance in the elections,” he said, referencing that party’s crushing defeat at the 2025 polls, which led to Mohamed’s newly-formed political party reducing the PNC/APNU into a minority opposition in the Parliament.
Nevertheless, Jagdeo made it clear that “we’re watching the people who are going to not perform their duty because they’re compromised. We’re watching them carefully.”
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
US-indicted businessmen Nazar “Shell” Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed
US-sanctioned Colombian national arrested in Guyana
United States (US)-sanctioned
Colombian national Yeison Andres Sanchez Vallejo has been arrested in Guyana.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) confirmed the arrest in a statement, saying that on Tuesday, November 4, a Lethem-bound minibus was intercepted at the Kurupukari Police Checkpoint as part of routine security screening procedures.
During the process, a passenger – later identified as a 33-year-old Colombian national – was found to be in possession of a passport bearing the immigration stamp “RLL” (Refused Leave to Land).
Subsequent checks revealed that the individual, identified as Yeison Andres
Sanchez Vallejo is reportedly among persons sanctioned by the US in relation to drug trafficking activities.
The foreign national was immediately arrested and is
presently in Police custody assisting investigators.
Investigations are ongoing.
Vallejo was sanctioned along with four Guyanese
nationals for drug trafficking.
The sanctioned Guyanese are Senior Superintendent of Police Himnauth Sawh, who previously served as Commander of Region One (Barima-Waini); Paul Daby Jr, called Paul Daby Ramsuchit, Randell, and Rondell; Randolph “Rudolph” Duncan; and Mark Cromwell, called “Demon” and “Diamond”, a former Police Officer.
Another Colombian national, Manuel Salazar Gutierrez, was also sanctioned.
These sanctions were imposed under an Executive Order issued back in December 2021 [ILLICITDRUGS-EO14059] titled Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade.
Former Police Officer remanded on cannabis trafficking charge
Aformer Police officer, who now works as a canter truck driver, was remanded to prison on Wednesday after he was charged with possession of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking, when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty.
The charge states that on November 4, 2025, Conrad Thomas, 33, of One Mile Linden, was arrested at Lombard Street, Georgetown. The accused was found with 4290 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The accused was represented by attorney-at-law Jevon Cox, who informed the court that his client once served in the Guyana Police Force and later transitioned to transportation work after leaving the service. He explained that on the day in question, the accused was hired by a woman to operate a canter truck, as she was reportedly relocating and needed assistance in moving items from one location to another.
According to Cox, while the accused was carrying out the job, Police ranks approached and conducted a search of the vehicle. During that search, the alleged can-
nabis was discovered in the tray of the truck, wrapped in a plastic bag. The attorney submitted that his client had no knowledge of the illegal substance, insisting that the woman who hired him entered the vehicle shortly before the Police arrived. He added that the accused denied handling, transporting, or having any knowledge of the narcotics.
However, the prosecution strongly objected to bail, citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offence. The prosecutor argued that at the time of the discovery, the accused was alone in the truck and was therefore in full control of the vehicle and its contents. The court was also informed that video evidence allegedly shows the accused handling the green
bag suspected of containing the cannabis. It was further stated that when the man exited the vehicle, he was seen removing and placing the bag back into the truck.
Cox, however, told the court that a second person was arrested in relation to the matter. That individual reportedly claimed that the cannabis belonged to them. Despite this, the prosecution argued that possession, for the purpose of the charge, is tied to custody and control, which they say the accused had at the time of the search.
Additionally, the prosecution stated that two written statements were presented: one from the woman the accused claimed to have been transporting, and another from her mother. Both statements reportedly confirm that when Police officers conducted the search, the accused asked where the suspected cannabis had been found.
Cox requested that the video footage referenced by the prosecution be disclosed to the defence as soon as possible. After considering the submissions, Magistrate McGusty denied bail, and the accused was remanded to prison. The matter has been adjourned to November 12, for report and fixture.
Giving and Getting…
…fair share
One of the daily rags reported that when invited to share his top priorities when he becomes the Opposition Leader (LOO), Sanction Man said, “To hold the Government accountable and to ensure the people of this country get their fair share.” Well, right now, he’s cooling his heels waiting to get the nod to play that LOO role!! Hopefully having learnt the lesson that Parliament’s got rules – success depends on how well you play within those rules to push your party’s interests!! Right now, the very experienced PPP – with a top-notch operator at the helm – is ensuring that the next sitting of the National Assembly ain’t gonna be before the hearing in front of a Magistrate where Sanction Man and Daddy face charges of holding back BILLIONS AND BILLIONS in taxes that would’ve gone into the Treasury!!
And that kinda completes a circle, don’t it? – Sanction Man’s position on the question of “fair share”?? Now we know that in the wave of populism sweeping the world, as a practised practitioner, Sanction Man ain’t given to no long exegeses on theories of “distributive justice”!! Like, for instance, Karl Marx’s “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.” And conversely, his Scrapehead followers – snagged mostly from the PNC – don’t expect no long, drawn-out dissertation!! No Siree Bob!! They just go by the leader – here Sanction Man – assuring them they’ll get their “fair share”, like mana from heaven – or, as they’ve been courted for years, getting it from Sanction Man’s illgotten gains!!
And that’s the rub, innit? Here it is – the Scrapes went absolutely bananas when Sanction Man showed up in his Lambo – for which he didn’t pay hundreds of millions in taxes!! He’s declaring that he’s enjoying his “fair share” snagged by bilking the Government – and by implication so should they!! Your Eyewitness figures that the PPP Govt thinks if Sanction Man and his daddy are charged for tax evasion at such gargantuan scales, his Scrapes might look at him going forward somewhat askance!!
They have another think coming!! The Scrapes mentality see “fair share” as beating the “system” – never mind that their party WIN is now part of the same system!! And that’s the greatest danger posed by Sanction Man to our system of Government – by his (cheating) actions for which he’s been sanctioned by the US, he’s not only normalising grand theft but legitimising it!! That’s not to say that some in the PPP/C Government ain’t corrupt – but they legitimise the norm of doing the right thing when they try to hide their corrupt activities.
Sanction Man and his ilk are actually boasting they’ve ripped off the system!! Can’t work!!
leftist leader
…a
Well, Mamdani did what the smart money insisted couldn’t be done: beating the rightward drift of American politics that’s made “liberal” into a four-letter word!! But we better not start generalising too quickly and forget he’s been elected as mayor of New York City!! And with just one-third of its 5.3 million registered voters turning out – yet being the highest turnout since 1969!! What it means is Mamdani beat a sex-offender ex-governor of New York state by galvanising a demographic that had been turned off by the old guard!! And that demographic is NYC youths!! They were turned on by the anti-establishment stances of Mamdani –especially on Palestine and Israel!! Now these are hot issues in NYC – which is seen as a foreign country even by folks across the Hudson River in upstate NY!! He also promised to go after the billionaires in their Upper East Side penthouses – but as they say, will it play in Peoria??
After all, it’s Peoria that controls the critical Federal purse strings!!
…misogyny
Latin men’s infamous machismo gives short shrift to women’s demands to be treated with respect. But the report that President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico was groped by one lecher in the streets proves we’ve got a long way to go!!
Conrad Thomas
Damaged koker leads to flooding in sections of New Amsterdam
Sections of north eastern New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), were inundated on Thursday, with residents of Tucber Park and Vrynan’s Ervin waking up Thursday morning to find that the drains had overflowed and some yards were under several inches of water. At the northern section of Angoys Avenue, water had reached into the lower flats of some homes.
With the poor drainage network in that community,
the impact was hard felt.
By Thursday afternoon, the Mayor and Town Council of New Amsterdam issued a press release which acknowledged the high water levels on the land in residential communities.
“The general public is hereby notified of flooding in the northern parts of the Town of New Amsterdam. This is due to the damaged Koker door in Tucber. Work is currently ongoing to replace the door before the next high tide. Residents
menced on Thursday to repair the damaged sluice door.
However, the ongoing work was paused as the tide continued to rise, but by 19:30h, work recommenced after the tide had dropped considerably.
By 20:00h the water levels in the drainage system in the residential area had shown noticeable decline.
New Amsterdam’s Mayor Wainwright McIntosh visited the site on Thursday evening to get another first-hand look at the developments. Up to press time, workers were still trying to remove the damaged door and had already constructed a new door, which they say should be replaced within hours.
are asked to take the necessary precautions to prevent damage to property,” the release, which was posted by Deputy Mayor Kirk Fraser, who is also the Chairman of the Works Committee, said in part.
Meanwhile, work com-
The new door while under construction
The damaged koker door in Tucber Park
UN Doha Summit critical for nations to reflect on progress made – Finance Minister
...reaffirms Guyana’s commitment to SDGs
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, delivering a statement on behalf of His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali, the Government, and the people of Guyana at the Plenary Session of the United Nations 2nd World Summit for Social Development, underscored that the gathering offers an important platform for nations to share their experiences – both successes and challenges – in implementing the outcomes of the first Social Summit held in Copenhagen thirty years ago.
“The summit provides a critical moment for nations to reflect on the progress made and the ground still to be covered in achieving the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” Dr Singh stated during the summit, which was held in Doha, Qatar.
In his address, the minister expressed appreciation to His Highness the Amir, as well as the Government and people of Qatar, for hosting the landmark summit.
He reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to the principles of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, emphasising the country’s people-centred approach to development and the importance of renewed global cooperation.
The summit served to address remaining gaps and recommit to the Copenhagen Declaration on
Social Development and the Programme of Action and its implementation and give momentum towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Countries from around the world are represented by heads of state and Ministers of Government. Also in attendance were multilateral organisations and civil society organisations.
Dr Singh reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering commitment to the Copenhagen Declaration, which he said is clearly reflected in the Government’s core development policies that place the people of Guyana at the centre of national progress.
Highlighting the country’s social and economic achievements, Dr Singh noted that the full realisation
of global development objectives requires continuous international cooperation and solidarity.
“The Government of Guyana recognises that the achievement of our collective goals demands an unremitting commitment to multilateralism and genuine international cooperation,” he said, calling on all nations to renew their commitment to these principles.
Finally, while highlighting Guyana’s achievements, Minister Singh said that the Government recognises that the full realisation of the collective global objectives requires an unremitting commitment to international cooperation and solidarity; hence, there is an urgent need for a renewal of the commitment to multilateralism and genuine international cooperation. He further noted that Guyana fully commits to and calls for such a renewal as we continue the collective quest for a better world for all.
Dr Singh concluded by reiterating Guyana’s dedication to working alongside the international communi
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh
18 Guyanese students among top performers at 2025 CXC exams
...our country and our future are in great hands – Min Parag congratulates CXC top performers
Eighteen Guyanese students across 24 subject areas were among the top performers at the 2025 Caribbean Examinations Council 2025 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).
Guyana once again secured the highest overall performance in the Caribbean at both the CSEC and CAPE, with Mahesa Boodhoo and Sara Khan of Queen’s College (QC) named the Most Outstanding Performers in the Caribbean at CSEC and CAPE, respectively.
For individual subjects at CSEC, Queen’s College’s Siddiqah NizamuDeen, Chase’s Academic Foundation’s Sydney Waveney Morgan, and Bishops’ High School’s Clarice Klee La Fargue all placed within the top ten regionally for Integrated Science. Nizamudeem placed second, while Morgan placed fourth and La Fargue placed sixth.
At CAPE, Guyana walked away with a gamut of top performances where students from Queen’s College, Marian’s Academy, Bishop’s High School, Mackenzie High and Berbice High schools ruled the roost.
Nine students from QC made the cut, including 2018 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) top performer Naila Aseelah Rahaman, who is the CAPE 2025 top student in Animation and Game Design Unit 2 and Information Technology
Unit 2.
Other students from QC included Abigail Stephanas, Elijah Anthony Gomes, Sara Khan, Michael Henry, Akeelah Persaud, Rihanna Taylor, and Toreka Persaud. Stephanas, Gomes and Khan were top performers in Pure Mathematics Unit 2. Stephanas also topped Biology Unit 2, Physics Unit 2, and Integrated Mathematics, while Gomes also topped Chemistry Unit 2, and Khan reigned supreme in Art and Design Unit 1, Digital Media Unit 2, and Animation and Game Design Unit 2. Henry took top honours in Law Unit 2 and Entrepreneurship Unit 2; Persaud was top in Economics Unit 2 and Law Unit 2; Taylor topped in
Information Technology Unit 2 and Computer Science Unit 2, and Persaud was top in Applied Mathematics Unit 1.
The top-performing students from Bishops High School are Micah Williams, who topped in Green Engineering Unit 2, and Aaliyah Henry, who topped in Sociology Unit 2.
For Mackenzie High School, Shawdisha Avionne D’Andrade topped in Performing Arts Unit 2 (Cinematic Arts), and NaneKi Griffith topped in Agricultural Science Unit 1.
At Berbice High Shelena Alice Semple was a top performer in the Performing Arts Unit 1.
Marian Academy saw Semmeerah Tularam among the top performers
in Information Technology Unit 1 and Environmental Science Unit 2, while Kayla Persaud excelled in Physics Unit 2 and Biology Unit 2.
Congratulating the students in a video on social media on Thursday, Minister of Education, Sonia Parag commented that such excellent performance is testament that Guyana’s future is in great hands.
“We wish to extend the warmest congratulations to all of our CXC and CAPE students. All your hard work and dedication has paid off. We are very proud of you. To our outstanding performers, we are extremely proud of you. We look forward to you continuing to shine. As you move to the next chapter of your life. And we are certain that our country and our future are in great hands with you,” Parag said.
Further, in a statement from the Ministry of Education, Parag commended the students for their exceptional dedication and resilience, noting that their achievements have brought great pride to their schools, families, and the wider Guyanese community.
“These achievements speak to the hard work and resilience of our students, the commitment of their teachers, and the steadfast support of parents,” Minister Parag said.
“You have represented your schools and your country with distinction. The Ministry will continue to invest in ensuring that every child in Guyana has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The statement described the students’ performances
as a testament to Guyana’s continued pursuit of educational excellence.
“The Ministry also recognises the stellar achievements of students across subjects such as Agricultural Science, Economics, Chemistry, English A, and Mathematics. Guyana has dominated as the top performer for Portuguese after having introduced it to the curriculum in 2015. Similarly, students performed excellently in religious education,” the statement said.
“Guyana’s CAPE scholars were similarly impressive, achieving distinction across diverse disciplines spanning the sciences, technology, arts, and humanities. Their success reinforces the country’s growing
reputation for excellence in secondary and post-secondary education across the Caribbean.”
The Ministry highlighted that these results reflect not only the hard work of the students but also the collective effort of teachers, parents, and school administrators who have nurtured their growth.
“These achievements, and the achievements of many more students who will be honoured in the coming days, reflect Guyana’s unwavering pursuit of excellence in education,” the Ministry said.
“Each achievement tells a story of determination, mentorship, and the power of education to transform lives.”
Congratulations on being the Most Outstanding Overall Performer at the 2025 CXC Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE)
Congratulations on being the Most Outstanding Overall Performer at the 2025 CXC Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams
US SOUTHCOM Commander visits Guyana
– reaffirms US support, collaboration for territorial, regional security & stability
United States(US) Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)
Commander Admiral Alvin Holsey visits Guyana November 6-7 to meet with senior leaders to discuss the
between the US and Guyana is long-standing and encompasses joint efforts to counter transnational threats, build capacity, and engage in bilateral training programs and professional de-
ity in Latin America and the Caribbean – partnerships that are essential to hemispheric security, prosperity, and the collective ability to address complex security challenges.
longstanding US-Guyana defence partnership, reaffirm US support for Guyana’s territorial integrity, and collaborate to advance regional security and stability. During his visit, he met with Brigadier Ret’d Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (performing the functions of President), Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan and senior leaders of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Coast Guard.
The defence partnership
velopment engagements. US Southern Command works closely with US Government agencies and multinational partners to advance security and stabil-
and Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Colonel Sheldon Howell,
fence, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Opportunities for capacity building through professional military education and technical exchanges were also examined.
Admiral Holsey’s itinerary also included a visit to the GDF Coast Guard Ship Hinds at Ruimveldt, where he was received by Acting President, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips. During their engagement, the two discussed the continued importance of strategic defence cooperation between Guyana and the US. Their exchange reaffirmed the shared commitment to safeguarding re-
According to the US Embassy in Guyana, the US remains a steadfast partner in promoting a secure, prosperous, and sovereign Guyana and in advancing shared goals for peace and stability across the broader Caribbean and South America.
The GDF on Thursday welcomed Commander Admiral Alvin Holsey on an official visit to Defence Headquarters, Base Camp Ayanganna.
The visit marked a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between Guyana and the US, two nations united by shared democratic values, mutual respect for sovereignty, and a joint commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and cooperation in the Southern Hemisphere.
Admiral Holsey met with Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, along with sever-
Colonel Lloyd Souvenir, MEM; and Commander Roger Nurse, MEM, Colonel (Administration and Quartering).
Also present during the engagement were US Ambassador to Guyana,
MSM.
Discussions focused on deepening defence and security cooperation, strengthening interoperability, and expanding collaboration in joint training, maritime security, cyber de-
gional security, strengthening institutional capacity, and enhancing collaboration in support of peace, stability, and mutual national interests throughout the hemisphere.
The visit underscored the shared vision of both nations to advance defence partnerships rooted in trust, transparency, and respect for international law. It also reinforced the belief that regional peace and stability remain essential to sustainable development and collective security.
The GDF remains committed to advancing defence diplomacy and fostering enduring partnerships with friendly nations, thereby enhancing regional cooperation and improving readiness to address evolving security challenges.
al senior officers, including Colonel (General Staff) Kenlloyd Roberts, MSM; Military Attaché to the US, Colonel Julius Skeete, MSM; Adjutant General,
Nicole Theriot; National Security Advisor, Gerry Gouveia, AA;
“Nobody
will be denied cash grants if they don’t have bank account” – Jagdeo assures
Even as the Guyana Government is encouraging Guyanese to open bank accounts ahead of the new cash grant cycle, Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has reassured that no one will be excluded from the cash payouts if they do not have an account set up.
“Nobody will be denied their cash grant because they don't have a bank account,” Jagdeo declared during his press conference on Thursday.
His clarification came on the heels of President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday announcing that before the end of this year, he will be announcing major cash transfers for various groups of Guyanese that will be distributed next year.
The Head of State explained that the cash payout will tie into the digitising efforts that his Government has been undertaking over the last few years to ensure the disbursements are done in a systemic way and transparent manner. Hence, he urged Guyanese to ensure they open bank accounts before the cash pay-out commences in the new year.
But according to the Vice President, the Government has been intensely examining this model.
“We are obsessing over this issue; how do we get all of our people connected to the financial system – even
people who live in the most remote parts of our country,” he noted.
In fact, he cited some challenges during the last cash grant exercise in some areas like Region One (Barima-Waini), where persons collected their cheques but had no means of cashing them, so the teams had to return to the areas to change the cheques.
VP Jagdeo posited that this is where innovations like fintech, internet banking and mobile banking play an important role. “That's what we are working on aggressively. To see whether through the taxation system, we can encourage people to provide that service.”
Additionally, he noted that the Government is also looking at setting up electronic terminals in strategic locations in the hinter-
land regions, where it is not feasible to establish a bank, so that persons can go to access cash.
“So, say there are five sub-districts in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). They can all have like a central area where people can go. Like Lethem, Annai, Karasabai, or Aishalton, or one of those places, and then they can come to those areas and do banking transactions. You're not going to be able to have full-fledged banks, but you know those kinds of units,” the VP noted.
Nevertheless, Jagdeo went on to echo the sentiments expressed by President Ali, urging Guyanese to open up bank accounts.
“We are hoping that more and more people will be doing this, and then it's
easier for us to put money. You don't have to go and join a line to get your money or something like that… It gets paid into your account. That's where we want to move the country to. But nobody would be excluded because they don't have a bank account. We're not going to do that, especially in the remote areas in the country,” he reassured.
In his announcement on Wednesday, President Ali
actions, including opening new bank accounts.
“You have seen the improvement. You can now open your account online [with] very minimal requirements for accounts below one million dollars and so on. So, there’s no excuse. We want every Guyanese to own their own bank account so that this digital transfer would be easy and efficient and, of course, transparent,” the Head of State noted.
the same and ensure their bank accounts are in order so that the cash pay-outs can be seamlessly done. Only last week, it was announced that from November 1, persons will be able to open bank accounts online at four major local commercial banks.
Over the years, the Guyana Government has been collaborating with local banks to modernise operations, expand access,
pointed out that the Guyana Government has been working along with stakeholders in the local financial sector, including commercial banks, to remove the hassle and archaic systems as it relates to banking trans-
The Guyanese leader noted that the Government will be putting the mechanism in place and finalising the system of delivering the cash grants, as he implored Guyanese to similarly do
and align Guyana’s financial system with its growing global stature.
In an invited comment, the Governor of the Central Bank expressed that this is a significant development in the local banking sector.
Public Works Ministry launches hotlines, moves to enforce road regulations
Minister of Public Works Bishop
Juan Edghill on Thursday issued a series of stern warnings to the public regarding derelict vehicles, encroachments, and damage to public infrastructure, while announcing that the Ministry of Public Works has established two new hotlines – one for citizens and another for contractors – as part of efforts to strengthen public engagement, improve efficiency, and ensure accountability in the execution of infrastructure projects.
To improve communication and service delivery, the Minister announced that the dedicated hotlines will be 624-2964 for citizens to report issues such as stalled projects, encroachments, and poor con-tractor performance and 624-2965 for contractors to raise concerns regarding payments, project delays, or operational challenges.
Both hotlines will accept WhatsApp messages, photos, and videos and will be monitored by specially designated staff in the Minister’s office to ensure swift action and accountability.
“It is one way of improving citizen satisfaction, en-
Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill
suring efficiency and implementing Government programs in a manner that benefits the people. And we will publish this in the media and the various areas,” the Minister explained.
“We are establishing a hotline for interaction and engagements with citizens. And this will be a cell number that you could post pictures and messages to, and this will be addressed on a daily basis by specially designated staff that will be operating out of the Minister’s office. It will not just be
someone receiving messages. They will bring it to the attention of the Minister, and the responsible engineer and responsible program manager will have to act immediately.”
Encumbrances
According to Minister Edghill, the Ministry will be moving swiftly to remove derelict vehicles and other encumbrances from road shoulders and parapets across the country He explained that vehicles without wheels, doors, or those
overtaken by vegetation and abandoned along public roads will be taken to the Government’s derelict site on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway and crushed into scrap.
“It is a safety issue It is also a security issue,” the Minister said.
“Over the last year, we have been moving to the derelict dump site the vehicles of all sizes and de-scriptions. I think now Guyanese are becoming tired and fed up we will continue to remove derelict vehicles across the road network across Guyana. So I’m giving notice. Because some people often say they didn't notice.”
Edghill also warned operators of excavators and other heavy machinery that use steel-tracked treads on public roads will be held financially responsible for any damage caused to the asphalt or road shoulders.
“They're digging into the asphalt, destroying road shoulders, and we are indicating that this practice must stop. We have been talking to people, and we have been engaging, so the time has come where we will have to enforce. so I’m giving notice,” he declared.
The Minister further
stated that motorists who destroy public infrastructure – such as lamp posts, traffic lights, guard rails, bridges, or culverts – during accidents will also be required to cover the full cost of repairs. The Ministry, he said, is working with the Guyana Police Force to ensure such cases are pursued.
“If you damage public property, you will be made to pay for it. Our legal team will pursue, ensuring that the cost of repairing would be borne by you,” he said.
In addition, the Ministry will be taking a tough stance against overloaded heavy-duty trucks, warning that those caught carrying more than the legal axle load will be stopped immediately.
“If you are caught carrying more load than what is allowed based on the axle of your vehicle, you will be stalled right where you are,” Edghill declared. “You will not be allowed to continue to destroy roads and bridges.”
Vehicles transporting sand and aggregates were also put on notice about the need to ensure they are operating with secure tailgates and that the cargo is well covered to avoid falling on top of vehicles that are behind these trucks.
Encroachments
Minister Edghill also put businesses and vendors on notice that encroachments on road shoulders, footpaths, and Government reserves will not be tolerated. Items placed on public spaces – including containers, construction materials, and merchandise – will be removed, and owners will have to pay the cost of removal before retrieving their property.
“We want businesses to develop. The Government is a Government that helps and assists businesses. But we have to operate in a framework of law and order… We have to bring order back to society,” Edghill said.
The Minister assured that the Ministry’s enforcement measures are not intended to be punitive but are necessary to ensure public safety and preserve Guyana’s growing network of new roads and highways. There is no need for a stand-off. We must have public education and we must be able to cooperate and work together,” he said. “So notice is given. Let the conversation be one that will benefit all of us,” he asserted.
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
VP Jagdeo cites shortage of physical foreign currency notes
– assures sufficient funds available at Central Bank for local market
Even as the Guyana Government is continuously monitoring the foreign exchange sector and assures that there are adequate funds available to inject in the local market, Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday admitted that there is a shortage of the physical currency in circulation.
"There is a bigger shortage of notes," he declared during his weekly press conference. The VP explained that this pushes up the cost of notes, such as the exchange rates for notes versus the bank drafts.
He cited the reason behind this is that illicit users
buy the notes at exorbitant prices because they cannot go through the formal banking system.
"So, some of these companies, like some Chinese companies and others, they go and buy the notes [and] they're prepared to pay more for the notes. So, it's creating a shortage of the notes more because they can't come through the formal banking system," he stated.
Additionally, he noted a lot of persons are also taking out large sums of foreign currency cash out of the country, and though this is being done legally, it places a strain on the local market.
"There are people who
come here, and they come in to take cash to places like Panama and all of that.
We're watching it carefully where they're taking out large quantities of cash. They declare it, but they take it out to Panama. They should be using the banking system if it's legitimate [and] not take bundles of cash out. You know because it puts more strain on the availability of the physical currency because that's harder to get than the bank drafts," the VP stated.
But even as the local business community continues to grapple with challenges in accessing foreign currency, Jagdeo stressed that the market is constantly being monitored. Some companies have complained that their requests at the local commercial banks for foreign currency take as long as three weeks to be processed, thus impacting their business operations.
According to the VP, "A lot of the businessmen, when we look at their framework, we see multiple requests. They'll go to five banks and put in the same request at several banks. So, we have that."
Stabilising the financial sector
Only last month, the Guyana Government introduced a series of measures
to stabilise the local financial sector, including the implementation of a new foreign exchange monitoring mechanism.
This was after it was found that transactions by large-scale foreign currency users are not always reflected in Guyana's formal financial system.
But on Thursday, the VP disclosed that there are still some persons who try to beat the system, despite the safeguards put in place.
"We have a number of
people who still think they can beat the system, especially people [from foreign countries] – not the Guyanese so much. You know the groups that we're looking at [that] create leakages to pay for goods going to Trinidad. We still have that as a big pressing issue," he stated.
Nevertheless, Jagdeo went on to assure, "We have adequate funds to inject in the banking system."
Just over a month ago, President Dr Irfaan Ali had
disclosed that Government, through the Central Bank, has injected US$1.2 billion into the local financial system so far this year - more than triple the amount provided in the entire year of 2024 – in an effort to meet rising demand for foreign currency.
At the time, the Head of State had outlined a new series of measures aimed at tightening oversight, reducing capital flight, and ensuring transparency in foreign exchange transactions.
Alness fishing boat destroyed by fire of unknown origin
Afamily of Alness Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), is now counting millions in losses after their fishing boat, their main source of income, was destroyed by fire early Wednesday morning.
The vessel, owned by fisherfolk Sherlyn and Danny Bhagwandin, of 61, Alness Village, was moored along the foreshore when it went up in flames under mysterious circumstances.
Bhagwandin said he was at home when her husband
received word that his boat was burning.
“I got a message that my boat was gone,” her husband, Danny Bhagwandin, recalled.
“When I came here, half of the boat was already burnt – the engine, the gas
drum, everything. The back of the boat was gone bad. The whole thing mash up, can’t repair again.”
The family is still in shock after their fishing boat, valued at about $8 million, was completely destroyed.
The fisherman who operates the vessel explained that the boat was fully equipped and ready to return to sea after recently completing a trip. It was outfitted with a 60-horsepower Yamaha engine, a 2000-pound seine, gas drums, and other gear.
“The engine alone cost about $1.3 million. The seine and all the setup cost over $2 million, plus the boat itself, that is another $2 million
or more. Everything gone, nothing we could save,” Bhagwandin lamented.
His wife, Sherlyn Bhagwandin, said the fire has left the family devastated, especially since fishing is their only source of livelihood.
“Yesterday [Wednesday] morning, a man who owns a boat nearby came and called my husband. He went out to talk and then came back and told me what happened. When I reached, I saw the burnt boat, and we went straight to the Whim Police Station to make a report,” she said.
She added that her husband has been fishing for most of his life and has nev-
er had any issues with other seamen. The couple purchased their own vessel six years ago and have operated peacefully since then.
“It’s affecting me because this is what my husband does, and it’s all we depend on. I have three children, and this is how we survive. I am asking if anyone knows who did it. Please come forward with information so we can get justice,” Mrs Bhagwandin appealed. The total losses are estimated at more than $8 million. The family said they are still in disbelief that someone would deliberately destroy their livelihood. Police in “B” Division are investigating the incident.
The boat that was destroyed by the fire
Danny Bhagwandin
Sherlyn Bhagwandin
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
GCOPD calls for end to discriminatory practices against persons with disabilities
The Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) has welcomed President Dr Irfaan Ali’s recent announcement regarding reforms in the banking sector, expressing optimism that the measures will help eliminate long-standing discriminatory practices against persons with disabilities.
In a statement, the Council thanked President Ali for encouraging more Guyanese to open bank accounts to facilitate the transfer of cash grants, noting that the move represents an important step toward financial inclusion.
GCOPD said it hopes the reforms will compel commercial banks to revise outdated policies that have excluded persons with disabilities from accessing basic banking services. The organisation highlighted that,
for years, individuals who are blind have been told they cannot open personal bank accounts or receive ATM cards because of their disability – a practice banks have often justified under internal policies.
“There is no empirical evidence to support such archaic and discriminatory policies, if they do exist,” the Council stated, adding that accessibility challenges also persist for wheelchair users at many commercial banks and ATM locations across the country.
However, GCOPD acknowledged that some banks have taken proactive steps toward inclusion, providing accessible facilities and services for persons with disabilities. These, the Council noted, serve as models for what the rest of the financial sector should emulate.
The organisation also
emphasised that as Guyana continues its rapid development, it has been working to equip persons with disabilities – including young people – with financial literacy skills and knowledge of available financial services.
With more persons with disabilities now entering the
workforce over the past five years, and with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security transferring public assistance grants directly to personal accounts, GCOPD underscored the urgency of ensuring equitable access to banking services.
“It is critical that com-
MMG to conduct major system upgrade; services unavailable this weekend
Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) has announced that its services will be temporarily unavailable this weekend as the company conducts a major system upgrade aimed at improving security, usability, and overall customer experience.
According to MMG, all services will go offline from 11:00h on Friday, November 7, until 18:00h on Monday, November 10, to facilitate the transition. During this period, customers will be unable to perform transactions, including bill payments, mobile top-ups, and wallet transfers.
The company has advised users to complete all urgent transactions before the scheduled downtime to avoid inconvenience.
“This upgrade represents a new chapter for MMG,” said Mark Singh, Chief Executive Officer of MMG.
“We’ve built a stronger, smarter, and safer platform that gives our users more control and confidence when managing their money. The brief downtime is an important step to ensure everything transitions smoothly.”
The upgraded MMG app will feature several new tools and improvements, including password reset and account unlocking options, wallet loading via credit or debit card, and enhanced profile management capabilities. It will also introduce self-registration with ID verification, an onboarding tutorial for new users, and stronger data encryption to boost account security.
Additionally, users will benefit from enhanced privacy controls – such as the ability to hide wallet balances – and improved customer support through a built-in
Help Centre with FAQs and assistance features.
“Our goal is to make digital payments feel effortless and familiar,” Singh said. “Whether you’re topping up your phone, paying a bill, or running a small business, the new MMG app makes it easier, faster, and more secure.”
MMG stated that the upgrade is part of its ongoing efforts to expand digital inclusion and improve financial accessibility for individuals and businesses across Guyana.
For further information, customers can contact MMG via email at mmgcommunication@mmg.gy or visit www.mmg.gy. Regular updates will also be shared on
Miner remanded on wounding charge
Thirty-eight-yearold gold miner, Malcolm Browne, of Belmont Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was charged with felonious wounding, when he appeared at the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Allan Wilson. According to Police, the offence was committed on 53-year-old Nandal Persaud, of Mahaica Bridge, ECD, on November 2, 2025, at Mahaica Market, ECD.
Browne was not required to plea when the charge was read to him, and was remanded to prison.
Malcolm Browne
The accused will make his next court appearance on November 12, 2025.
MMG’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
mercial banks address discriminatory practices and implement the necessary measures to ensure that all persons with disabilities can access barrier-free financial services, regardless of disability type,” the Council said.
GCOPD reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and contributing to the ongoing reform process, describing the Government’s initiative as an essential step toward creating a more inclusive and accessible financial system for all Guyanese.
Mahaica man charged for wounding compensates victim
John Jackson, a 29-year-old construction worker of Lot 74 Supply, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who was arrested and charged with felonious wounding, was arraigned before Magistrate Allan Wilson at the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him.
However, during the court appearance, the accused compensated the victim in the sum of $300,000. Hence, the matter was dismissed.
The offence was committed on Eric Livingston, a 62-year-old of Lot 74
John Jackson
Supply Mahaica, ECD, on November 2, 2025, at the said address.
Mark Singh, Chief Executive Officer of MMG
“Your story starts today” – Minister
Parag to President’s College graduates
...as College celebrates 35th graduation ceremony
Education Minister Sonia Parag joined the President’s College family on Tuesday to celebrate the institution’s 35th Graduation Ceremony, where she delivered an inspiring address to students, parents, and staff under the theme “Your Story Starts Today.”
A proud alumna of President’s College, Minister Parag reflected on her own journey through the institution and the valuable lessons she learnt as a student. She recalled enrolling in 1994 and spoke about the lifelong friendships, discipline, and sense of independence she gained during her time there.
“Motivation doesn’t come
from the outside; it must come from within,” she told the graduates. “Every time you face disappointment, remember that your ability to rise again and keep going will always be your greatest strength.”
Addressing students as they transition into higher education and professional life, Minister Parag reminded them that their journey is only beginning. “Your story starts today,” she emphasised. “How you use your time from this point forward will determine the kind of future you create for yourself and for our country.”
The Minister reaffirmed the Government of Guyana’s commitment to ensuring that education re-
mains accessible and equitable for all citizens. She noted that Guyana has already achieved nationwide primary education and is advancing rapidly toward nationwide secondary education.
“Our goal is for every Guyanese, from nursery to tertiary, to have access to free, quality education,” she said. “This includes expand-
ing opportunities through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and making the University of Guyana tuition-free.”
Highlighting the importance of preparing young people for the future, Minister Parag encouraged graduates to pursue new and emerging fields, especially in technology and innovation. She not-
ed that as Guyana continues its rapid economic growth, the nation’s transformation will depend on a skilled and adaptable workforce.
She also urged students to think critically about global issues such as food security, energy security, and climate resilience. “You are the next generation of leaders,” Minister Parag said. “The
choices you make will determine how Guyana responds to these challenges. Be the ambassadors of change and transformation in your communities.”
In closing, Minister Parag congratulated the graduating students, their parents, and teachers on achieving this important milestone.
Over 110 new housing areas established, 60% completed – Croal
Housing Minister Collin Croal has announced that over the past five years, the Government has commenced development in more than 110 new housing areas across the country, with approximately 60 per cent of them already completed.
Speaking on the Starting Point Podcast, Minister Croal highlighted the administration’s continued progress in housing and infrastructure development, particularly along the East Bank Highway and in the emerging Silica City.
“In five years, we commenced over 110 new housing areas across all regions. We have not completed all of them in terms of infrastructure – some are ongoing –but we’ve completed about 60 per cent,” Minister Croal explained.
He added that several East Coast areas are nearing completion, with allottees
expected to begin accessing their lands within the coming months.
While it remains difficult to estimate how many new developments can be expected, Croal said the Ministry continues to collaborate with agencies such as the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, NICIL (National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited), and the
Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) in Region Five to acquire additional lands for future housing projects.
The Minister emphasised that these efforts form part of the Government’s broader commitment to clearing the housing application backlog, which still numbers in the thousands and continues to
grow as new applications are submitted daily.
“In all, within six years, we’ve started over 110 new areas, many nearing completion. As for what’s next, it’s hard to give a definite number since we’re working with multiple agencies to secure more lands,” he stated. Meanwhile, Croal said major development continues at Silica City and along the East Bank Highway. He revealed that a new highway plan will soon be implemented to curb unregulated growth and address illegal land occupation.
“We’re on target with massive development at Silica City and along the highway. That’s why we’re unveiling a highway plan – because what’s happening now cannot continue. There are cases of persons occupying lands, even those leased or used for farming. We’re now consolidating those communities,” the Minister added.
“Guyana is open for business” – GO-Invest Head tells British companies, Diaspora
Guyana’s Chief Investment Officer and Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Hon Peter Ramsaroop, MP, has urged British companies and members of the Guyanese diaspora to actively pursue the growing range of investment opportunities in Guyana’s rapidly transforming economy. “I want to challenge British companies and our diaspora to pay attention;
Guyana is open for business,” Dr Ramsaroop stated. “This is not just about oil. Our oil is an enabling factor, and we are modernising our known industries, expanding our infrastructure and building a sustainable and diversified economy.”
According to the Guyana Office for Investment on its social media page, Dr Ramsaroop delivered his remarks at the British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BritCham Guyana)
Business Forum and Networking Event, held at Chelsea Football Club in London. The event convened the United Kingdom (UK) and Guyanese business leaders to explore partnerships in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism, and trade.
He underscored that Guyana’s investment agenda is anchored in using oil and gas resources to power industrialisation and longterm growth.
“With the Gas-to-Energy Project nearing completion, we will see a significant reduction in energy costs. This will unlock new opportunities in manufacturing, food processing, and exports, turning energy wealth into national wealth,” he explained.
Dr Ramsaroop also highlighted the strategic importance of the Guyanese diaspora in advancing the country’s development agenda.
“Our diaspora is not just sentimental capital, it is strategic capital,” he said. “It brings knowledge, networks, and global expertise that help connect Guyana to international markets and
drive sustainable enterprise growth.”
He reaffirmed President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s vision for Guyana’s next phase of development, noting that the country is rapidly positioning itself as an industrial and logistics hub while pursuing an inclusive and sustainable growth model.
“Guyana’s transformation is not on the horizon;
it is happening now,” Dr Ramsaroop stated. “Over the next five years, we will redefine what an inclusive, sustainable energy economy looks like in the developing world.”
The BritCham Guyana Business Forum featured corporate presentations, expert panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to strengthen eco-
nomic ties and highlight the expanding investment landscape in Guyana. With Guyana now serving as the UK’s largest trading partner in the Caribbean, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of regional trade, Dr Ramsaroop’s message to UK investors and the diaspora was clear: the time to engage is now.
A
Guyana’s Chief Investment Officer and Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Peter Ramsaroop, speaking at the British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BritCham Guyana) Business Forum and Networking Event
Housing Minister Collin Croal speaking at the podcast
Education Minister Sonia Parag speaking at the graduation ceremony
Health Ministry rolls out “Patient Experience” training to improve care, compassion in hospitals
The Ministry of Health on Thursday launched a two-day Patient Experience Training Programme in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) aimed at transforming how healthcare workers engage with patients – not only medically, but also emotionally and empathetically.
The initiative, which forms part of a wider Government effort to deliver world-class healthcare, focuses on equipping non-clinical staff to enhance their interactions with patients from the moment they arrive at hospitals and health centres.
Head of the Georgetown
Public Hospital’s Emergency Department and National Emergency Medical Director, Dr Zulfikar Bux, explained that the training represents a shift in focus from traditional “customer service” to a broader understanding of what patients experience during their hospital visits.
“This is called a patient experience training. Generally, back in the day, it was customer service, but as healthcare has evolved, we’ve moved beyond that term. The patient experience is about what people encounter when they come to the hospital, not just the medical side, but their in-
teractions with staff,” Dr Bux said.
He added that the training will teach staff to meet patients at the front of hospitals, guide them to the right departments, and address their concerns more compassionately and efficiently.
“Instead of patients being confused or not knowing where to go, our staff will meet them, help solve their problems, and ensure they get the care they need quickly. It is also about understanding the patient’s side of the story, having empathy for people who may be anxious, scared, or facing one of the worst moments
Sophia man stabbed to death
...“He ain’t no angel, but we want some justice” – sister of murdered Sophia youth
A25-year-old man from Sophia was stabbed to death on Wednesday evening allegedly by his 23-year-old reputed wife, who has since gone into hiding. The deceased man has been identified as Akeem Evans of B Field, Sophia. Police are on the hunt for the suspect, Jenoria “Heaven” Browne.
Based on reports received, the couple shared a small apartment on the bottom flat of the home of the man’s parents.
However, on the fateful night, Evans was seen running out of the apartment, screaming and holding onto his chest, but later collapsed. He was taken to the
Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he was pronounced dead.
Upon learning of his demise, his reputed wife fled. Detectives reportedly found blood across the living room floor of the couple’s apartment.
The Guyana Times understands that the suspect suffered years of abuse at the hands of the victim, but Melissa Stuart, sister of the dead man, claims it was the other way round, with the suspect verbally abusing others in the house and the people around her.
The sister added that even though the woman would behave in a disorderly manner, her brother allowed her to vent her feelings.
“He don’t stop she. When she carrying on, he does pick up a metal chair, put it in front of the yard and sit down and watch she from corner to corner – he don’t stop she.”
Stuart nevertheless, stated that after her brother was stabbed, he ran to a neighbour’s home and related what took place.
She added that upon receiving the news she rushed to the hospital but by the time she arrived, she learned that he had passed.
“When I reach deh, it was me cousin, the girl that stab he, and she friend. And when I start question she,
she said is some boy come from somewhere stabbed he. When I tell she I hear is she, she said ‘oww is nah me’, and is everyone she telling is nah she.”
At that point, Stuart noted that she left in a car with her friend. Afterwards, the aggrieved sister stated that she attempted to contact Browne several times but she refused to take the telephone call.
“We want some kind of justice; he life can’t go down just so… He ain’t no angel… Everybody who he had a problem with or who know he, know he is no angel, but we want some form of justice…”
The Police are continuing their manhunt for the suspect.
of their lives,” Dr Bux explained.
The programme, he noted, is supported by Northwell Health, the largest hospital chain in New York, which has partnered with the Government of Guyana to provide trainers and technical assistance.
According to Dr Bux, the long-term goal is to foster a culture change across the country’s health system.
“Our ultimate goal is to have a culture change, where patients are understood better, communicated with better, and where their overall experience improves. We are training both non-clinical and clinical staff to manage interactions more calmly, especially when people are stressed. Communication is key.”
In Region Six, 33 participants were selected to undergo training. They will be stationed across the New Amsterdam, Port Mourant, Skeldon, and Black Bush Hospitals and health centres starting next week.
The rollout will continue in Regions Five, Four, and Three before expanding to hinterland communities within the next year.
Speaking at the launch, Director-General of the
Ministry of Health, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, said the initiative is part of President Dr Irfaan Ali’s vision to deliver world-class healthcare across Guyana.
“This Government has spent tens of billions of dollars to improve healthcare since 2020. From a time when we had only 20 to 30 per cent of our required drugs and supplies, we are now in the high 90s. Every single health facility, whether hospital, health centre, or polyclinic, has been upgraded, with better accommodation for patients, more equipment, and improved transportation,” Dr Mahadeo said.
He highlighted that new ambulances, ATVs, and motorcycles have been distributed nationwide, while diagnostic capacity has been expanded through the installation of CT scanners and modern laboratories in several regions.
“The president’s vision is for us not to be second to anyone in the world. We have invested in infrastructure, equipment, and drugs, but the human factor is equally important. That’s why this training is so crucial,” Dr Mahadeo stressed.
Dr
reminded participants that they will be the “face of the Ministry of Health”, often the first and last people a patient interacts with.
“You will be the face of the Government in the hospital. When patients leave, they might not remember the doctor or nurse, but they will remember you, how you treated them, and whether you showed care and kindness,” he told them.
He also urged participants to take advantage of the Government’s ongoing education initiatives, including World Bank-sponsored scholarships and distance learning opportunities, to advance their qualifications.
“You have pathways to move up. Don’t stop here. The opportunities are endless. You can study from home now – even up to a master’s or PhD. Take advantage of it,” Dr Mahadeo encouraged. “
The two-day training in Region Six is the first of several to be conducted across the country, as the Health Ministry works to ensure that compassion, respect, and communication become integral parts of every patient’s hospital experience.
Suspect: Jenoria “Heaven” Browne
Dead: Akeem Evans
The human side of health care
Mahadeo
Health training officials alongside trainees at the event
Thirty persons from across Region Six have begun training
Cholera fears rise in Haiti after Hurricane Melissa flooding
Haitian health authorities are warning of a possible cholera surge in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which brought heavy flooding and worsened already fragile sanitation conditions across the country.
Although Haiti’s public Health Ministry has reported more than 2900 suspected cholera cases and 27 related deaths since January, officials say flooding from Hurricane Melissa has contaminated water sources and sharply increased the risk of a wider outbreak – particularly in areas like Pétion-Ville, where more than 130 suspected cases, including 20 confirmed and five deaths, were recorded in a single week last month.
Human Rights Watch, citing its own assessment, reported 48 cholera-related deaths and 186 confirmed cases nationwide between January 1 and October 30 – a higher count than the Government’s figures –and noted that more than
a third of victims were children under nine. The group said the rise in cases in Pétion-Ville and surrounding neighbourhoods such as Delmas, Tabarre, and Carrefour reflects a resurgence after 11 weeks without new infections.
“Access to clean water, sanitation, and community engagement are crucial in fighting waterborne diseases,” Public Health Minister Sinal Bertrand said, urging residents to boil water and
take precautions as public health teams ramp up response efforts.
Officials at the Minister of Public Health and Population (MSPP) said heavy flooding from Hurricane Melissa has contaminated several water sources and wells used by locals. They warned of increased risks of other diseases, including typhoid, malaria, and acute diarrhoea. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)
Nicki Minaj, Skeng, Shaniel Muir, Spice donate relief items to western Jamaica
American rap superstar Nicki Minaj and Jamaican entertainers Skeng and Shaniel Muir are among the latest celebrities to distribute relief supplies to communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
Members of the Trinidadian-born rapper’s team, among others, were seen in shirts with the logo ‘The Barbz Foundation’ as they distributed relief items to residents in western Jamaica, including stoves, regulators and containers of cooking gas as well as food packages.
International dancehall artiste Spice says she donated building supplies to residents of Bethel Town in Westmoreland on Wednesday to help
residents rebuild after Hurricane Melissa.
“Yesterday, I rented 10 trucks and headed down to Westmoreland in a community called Bethel Town. My Foundation, @ gracehamilton_wef, donated what I call starter packages to build houses. Each truck had blocks, cement, steel, zinc, 1x3x16 pine lumber, ply boards, 2x4x16 boards, nails and hurricane straps,” the singer posted on Instagram.
Spice, whose given name is Grace Hamilton, said she rented a backhoe and a dumpster truck to clear the road of trees still blocking the way.
“Nothing was stopping me from getting these trucks to the people who are now homeless because
of the Hurricane. I also had a truck full of care packages and clothing from @gracinoir.”
Spice also highlighted assistance volunteered to them by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), who travelled alongside the caravan for safety.
Commenting on videos of the outreach via X (formerly Twitter), the rapper said, “Plus tomorrow & possibly longer. One Love, Jamaica. Love you.”
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in the southwest of Jamaica as a powerful Category 5 storm, devastating sections of western Jamaica and leaving many residents homeless and without potable water and electricity. (Excerpts from Jamaica Observer)
Trump Admin tells Congress it currently lacks legal justification to strike Venezuela
Trump Administration officials told lawmakers on Wednesday that the United States (US) is not currently planning to launch strikes inside Venezuela and doesn’t have a legal justification that would support attacks against any land targets right now, according to sources familiar with the briefing conducted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and an official from the White House’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC).
Lawmakers were told during the classified session that the opinion produced
by the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel to justify strikes against suspected drug boats does not permit strikes inside Venezuela itself or any other territories, four sources said.
The “execute order” that launched the US military campaign against suspected drug boats that began in September also does not extend to land targets, the briefers said, according to the sources.
The officials did not rule out any potential future actions, one of the sources said.
The existing OLC opinion includes a list of 24 different cartels and criminal
organisations based around Latin America that it says the administration is authorised to target, according to one of the sources familiar with the document.
But the Trump Administration is seeking a separate legal opinion from the Justice Department that would provide a justification for launching strikes against land targets without needing to ask Congress to authorise military force, though no decisions have been made yet to move forward with an attack inside the country, a US official said. (Excerpt from Antigua News Room)
Bolivia’s ex-President who oversaw bloody crackdown on protesters freed from prison
The former interim President who oversaw a bloody crackdown on protesters in Bolivia has been freed from prison after almost five years, following a Supreme Court ruling that overturned her conviction for allegedly staging a coup to seize power.
Jeanine Áñez, 58, left the Miraflores Women’s Orientation Centre in La Paz on Thursday, saying that “the monster had to go” for her to walk free – a reference to the end of nearly two decades of rule by the left-wing Movimiento al Socialismo (Mas) party.
This Saturday, Rodrigo Paz Pereira, the 58-yearold President-elect, is due to be sworn into office, replacing Luis Arce of Mas, whose unpopularity led him to abandon plans to seek re-election amid the country’s worst economic crisis in four decades.
“The monster had to go
for me to return to life,” said Áñez as she left prison, holding a Bolivian flag.
“The monster had to go for it to be recognised that there was never a coup d’état in this country – what there was was an electoral fraud that drove all Bolivians to rise up,” she added.
In June 2022, Áñez was sentenced to 10 years in
prison for allegedly placing herself illegally in the constitutional line of succession. But on Thursday, the Supreme Court annulled the ruling, declaring that there had been no coup but rather “a constitutional necessity aimed at preserving the institutional continuity of the Bolivian state”. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Argentina's ex-President Kirchner on trial over public works bribery scandal
Argentine former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner went on trial on Thursday on charges of bribery tied to public works contracts awarded during her Administration.
The high-profile corruption case – known as the "Notebooks" scandal – accuses Fernández and 86 other ex-officials of participating in an illicit network that allegedly received bribes from businessmen in exchange for lucrative Government contracts. She has denied the charges.
The case emerged in 2018 after notebooks kept by the driver of a former official surfaced, detailing alleged cash deliveries and meetings. Witnesses have implicated both Fernández and her late husband, former President Néstor Kirchner, who was in office from 2003 to 2007, as central figures in the scheme.
Prosecutors began reading the indictment on Thursday, marking the first phase of a trial expected to continue through the end of the year. A final resolution could take years because of expected appeals.
Among the defendants are former ministers and executives from major
companies in construction, energy, and transport. Several business leaders have testified as "repentants" in exchange for judicial leniency, revealing a system of kickbacks allegedly used to finance the Peronist movement.
The trial is being conducted virtually via Zoom.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Saint Lucia, Taiwan finalise US$20M housing loan agreement
The Government of Saint Lucia has secured a US$20 million loan from the ExportImport Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to support affordable housing and infrastructure improvements. The loan will be disbursed through the Saint Lucia Development Bank (SLDB) and is intended to assist low- to middle-income households.
Prime Minister Philip J Pierre confirmed the deal during the November 3 pre-cabinet press briefing. “We’ve completed that arrangement,” he said.
“There was concern about the spread of the interest rate, and we have completed that.”
He noted that all terms and conditions of the facility have been finalised.
“We’ve agreed on the terms and conditions of the loan from the Taiwanese Government to the Saint Lucia Development Bank,” Pierre stated, adding that the final step is signing the agreement. “Very soon the prospective homeowners of Saint Lucia will have access to US$20 million… through on-lending from the Saint Lucia Development Bank.”
The Government expects public sector workers to be among those who benefit from the initiative. According to the Prime Minister, “We’ve already allowed $400,000 of any mortgage – that’s $400,000 or less – there’ll be no stamp duty, plus the fact that we’ve removed VAT on building materials to create an incentive for housing.”
The Government did not, however, disclose a possible timeline as to when the funds will become available for borrowers. (St Lucia Times)
Minister of Public Health and Population (MSPP), Sinal Bertrand greeting a patient during a visit to Eliazar Germain Hospital
Jeanine Áñez waves as she is released from the Miraflores women's prison in La Paz on Thursday
Former Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner gestures from the balcony of her home after Argentina's Supreme Court upheld her guilty verdict for defrauding the state, in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Around the World OIL NEWS
Oil falls as investors weigh potential supply glut, weak demand
Oil prices declined on Thursday as investors considered a potential supply glut, as well as weakened demand in the United States (US), the world's largest oil consumer.
Brent crude futures were down 39 cents, or 0.61 per cent, to US$63.13 a barrel at 13:25h. US West Texas Intermediate futures were down 40 cents, or 0.67 per cent, to US$59.20.
Global oil prices fell for a third straight month in October on fears of oversupply as OPEC and its allies – known as OPEC+ – increase output, while production from non-OPEC producers is also still growing.
"The market keeps being haunted by the best-telegraphed supply glut in history; that is a headwind to prices," said John Kilduff, partner with Again Capital.
Demand weakness, however, remains in focus. In the year to November 4, global oil demand rose by 850,000 barrels per day, below the 900,000 bpd projected previously by JPMorgan, the bank said in a client note.
"High-frequency indicators suggest that US oil consumption remains subdued," the note said, pointing to weak travel activity and lower container shipments.
In the previous session, oil prices fell after the US Energy Information Administration said US crude stocks rose by 5.2 million barrels to 421.2 million barrels last week.
Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, sharply reduced the prices of its crude for Asian buyers in December, responding to a well-supplied market as OPEC+ producers boost output. (Excerpt from Reuters)
The Philippines declares State of Emergency after Typhoon Kalmaegi death toll passes 100
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has declared a state of emergency after typhoon Kalmaegi left at least 114 persons dead and nearly 130 missing in central provinces in the deadliest natural disaster to hit the country this year.
The deaths were mostly from drowning in flash floods, and 127 persons were still missing, many in the hard-hit central province of Cebu. The tropical cyclone blew out of the archipelago on Wednesday into the South China Sea.
The typhoon’s onslaught affected nearly two million people and displaced more than 560,000 villagers, including nearly 450,000 who were evacuated to emergency shelters, the office of civil defence said.
Marcos’s “state of national calamity” declaration, made during a meeting with disas-
Russian soldier sentenced to life in jail in unprecedented Ukrainian trial
AUkrainian court has handed down the first jail sentence for life against a Russian soldier accused of killing a Ukrainian prisoner of war.
Dmitry Kurashov, 27, was found guilty of shooting dead Vitalii Hodniuk, a veteran 41-year-old Ukrainian soldier who had surrendered following capture in 2024.
Ukraine's national Police said that "expert reports, witness testimony and video footage from the scene confirmed that the Russian soldier deliberately killed the POW [prisoner of war] on the orders of his commanders, who had instructed troops not to take Ukrainian soldiers captive."
In a months-long tri-
al which began earlier this year, the court heard how Kurashov's unit stormed a Ukrainian position in the region of Zaporizhzhia on the
morning of 6 January 2024.
The prosecution said that although Hodniuk crawled out of a dugout unarmed and surrendered, Kurashov shot
him point-blank with several aimed AK-47 shots – a violation of the laws of war. Kurashov and the rest of his unit were later overpowered by Ukrainian forces and taken as prisoners of war. Kurashov initially pleaded guilty but later retracted, saying he had only done so to expedite the trial in the hope that he would be released in a prisoner swap. He maintained it was a Russian medic – who later died – who fired the shots that killed Hodniuk.
His version was refuted by other members of his own unit who were later captured by Ukrainian troops and were also being held as prisoners of war. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Israel launches airstrikes on south Lebanon, says it's targeting Hezbollah
The Israeli military carried out heavy airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Thursday after issuing evacuation orders for several locations, saying Lebanese armed group Hezbollah was trying to rebuild its military capabilities there.
The orders and strikes came despite a ceasefire deal agreed a year ago that was meant to end more than a year of fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, and after months of Lebanese army efforts to clear Hezbollah sites in the south.
Giving a preliminary toll, the Lebanese health ministry said that one person was wounded in the afternoon bombing after one person
was killed in strikes earlier in the day.
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued three simultaneous evacuation orders on X at 15:00h lo-
cal time on Thursday, with maps showing buildings in the villages of Aita al-Jabal, Al-Tayyiba and Tayr Debba.
Two more orders came later for other towns in the south.
The locations ranged from just 4 kilometres (km) away from the Israeli border to nearly 24 km north of the frontier.
The posts ordered residents to keep a 500-metre distance from the identified locations. Lebanon's civil defence helped people to evacuate, the Lebanese state news agency said.
The airstrikes began about an hour after the orders, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky.
The evacuation warnings coincided with a meeting of Lebanon's cabinet to hear an update from army commander Rodolphe Haykal on progress in confiscating Hezbollah arms depots in south Lebanon. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Romanian citizen arrested after blood-painted swastikas reported on cars, mailboxes in German town
Pter-response officials to assess the typhoon’s aftermath on Thursday, would allow the Government to disburse emergency funds faster and prevent food hoarding and overpricing.
While still dealing with the deadly and disastrous impact of Kalmaegi in the country’s central region, disaster-response officials warned that another tropical cyclone from the Pacific could strengthen into a super typhoon and batter the northern Philippines early next week.
Among the dead attributed by officials to Kalmaegi were six people who were killed when a Philippine air force helicopter crashed in the southern province of Agusan del Sur on Tuesday.
The crew was on its way to provide humanitarian help to provinces battered by the typhoon, the military said. It did not give the cause of the crash. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
olice in Germany said they detained a 31-year-old man suspected of painting swastikas with his own blood on dozens of cars, some mailboxes and building facades in the central town of Hanau, AP reported.
Police spokesman Thomas Leipold said
officers were alerted Wednesday night when a man reported that he noticed the shape of a swastika applied in a reddish liquid on the hood of a parked car. Police said that almost 50 cars had been defaced in a similar way.
A special test quickly revealed that the sub-
stance was human blood. The display of Nazi emblems, including the swastika, is illegal in Germany, AP noted.
On Thursday afternoon, Police said, the man, a Romanian citizen whose name was not given in line with German privacy rules, was arrested at his home in Hanau after they
were tipped off by a witness.
“He was still under the strong influence of alcohol, and his motive appears to be highly personal and job-related – he just snapped,” Leipold said. He added that the man had injuries that appeared to be self-inflicted. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
RSF says it agrees to mediators’ ceasefire proposal in Sudan war
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) says it has agreed to a proposal by the United States (US) for a ceasefire in Sudan after more than two years of fighting with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
The paramilitary group said in a statement on Thursday that it would accept a “humanitarian ceasefire” proposed by the USled “quad” mediator group, which includes Saudi Arabia,
Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, “to address the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the war and to enhance the protection of civilians”.
There was no immediate comment from Sudan’s military.
Earlier this week, the US senior adviser for Arab and African affairs, Massad Boulos, said efforts were under way to reach a truce and that the warring sides had
“agreed in principle”.
“We have not recorded any initial objection from either side. We are now focusing on the fine details,” Boulos said on Monday in a statement carried by the Sudan Tribune news outlet.
Reporting from Khartoum, Al Jazeera’s Hiba Morgan said the plan would begin with a three-month humanitarian truce that could pave the way for a lasting political solution, which
would include a new civilian Government.
The RSF “said that they’re eager to find some kind of end to this two-year conflict,” Morgan said of the group’s agreement to the truce.
SAF has repeatedly said it wants to continue fighting, Morgan reported, adding that army officials do not believe members of the RSF can be reintegrated into Sudanese society. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Dmitry Kurashov has been sentenced to life in jail
Smoke rises after Israeli strikes following Israeli military's evacuation orders in Tayr Debba, southern Lebanon
A man walks along a muddy street where cars are piled up in Bacayan in Cebu City, Philippines, after being swept away in floods brought by Typhoon Kalmaegi
SUDOKU
Initiate change that puts your mind at ease. Cap your spending, attend to unfinished business and address medical issues. Do what's best for you. Beware of indulgence.
Domestic expenditures that make life easier are favored. Don't sit idle when positive steps are available. Follow your heart instead of letting someone else dictate what you can and cannot do.
Emotional confusion requires immediate attention or intervention from loved ones. Partnerships can profoundly impact how you proceed. When in doubt, trust whoever has the best track record.
Implement caution when spending. Don't fall for gimmicks or ads that promise the impossible. Refuse to let emotions stop you from fulfilling your responsibilities.
Step up and out. Explore what life has to offer. Indulge in activities or events that provide mental stimulation and insight into how you can use your skills, assets and experience to raise your profile.
You may want a second opinion before you make a move or a purchase. Verify information and go through the motions to ensure someone isn't trying to scam you. Don't buy into overpriced products or sales pitches.
Keep your eyes and ears wide open. Take precautions when dealing with joint ventures or shared expenses. It may be in your best interest to move forward on your own.
Be aware of people trying to buy or win your favor. Respond honestly and openly, and don't lead anyone astray. Love is on the rise, but so is indulgence. Make healthy physical, emotional and financial choices.
Expect situations to be erratic. Raise your profile by leveraging technology or attending networking functions.
New beginnings are within reach. Venture out, strut your stuff and connect with people who share your vision. A change of plans will lead to an exceptional source of information.
A change at home will add to your comfort and encourage you to host a gathering or use your space to suit your needs. Be passionate and outspoken, and you will thrive.
Weigh the pros and cons before you make decisions. Work on self-improvement rather than trying to change others. Pay more attention to health and wellness.
Axar, Dube, Washington power India to 2-1 series lead
Led by their spinners and a vital pair of inroads from Shivam Dube, India impressively defended what had initially seemed a slightly light total to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the T20 International (T20I) series on a Gold Coast surface that both sides agreed had shades of the subcontinent about it.
From 121 for 2 after 14 overs, India were only able to post 167 largely due to the key breakthroughs provided
by Adam Zampa, back in the saddle after the birth of his second child, and late-overs brilliance of Nathan Ellis.
But Australia shed wickets at regular intervals in the first stage of their chase before collapsing in a heap to lose 7 for 28. Axar Patel conceded just 20 off his four overs, including 12 dot balls, while Dube claimed the key wicket of Tim David. Varun Chakravarthy's final delivery of the evening all, but sealed the contest when Glenn Maxwell, returning
from his broken wrist, completely failed to pick a googly.
The result left a large proportion of the 20,470-strong crowd delighted and meant that the best Australia could hope for is a share of the series in the final game at the Gabba on Saturday.
Axar ties up Australia
Axar only had a limited role with the ball in the first three matches of the series; India didn't bowl in Canberra, he wasn't used at the MCG, then he returned 0 for 35 in Hobart. Here, however, he came to the fore, as his darting left-arm spin proved very difficult to combat.
Matthew Short, back in his favoured opening role, but one he has conceded is probably not realistic to have at the T20 World Cup,
had dominated the early stages of the chase before falling lbw sweeping at Axar when India successfully reviewed the not-out decision. Axar then defeated Josh Inglis, a player who looked rusty after a period on the side-lines, when he charged down the pitch.
Dube at the double
As in the previous match, Mitchell Marsh had not had a huge amount of strike early in the chase, but was starting to move through the gears. Dube dropped a slower delivery in short, it was very much in Marsh's wheelhouse, and the pull went flat towards deep square leg where Arshdeep Singh took an excellent running catch around the boundary. However, Dube's big moment was to come.
David launched him for a huge six over long-on –it wasn't far from striking the overhanging roof – but Dube's revenge only took one delivery. As Dube banged the ball in short, David was hurried into a pull and top edged into the covers.
When Josh Philippe spliced to short midwicket two overs later, it was another game that needed Maxwell to salvage it, but having not batted in the middle since mid-September, that was always a tall order. The dominance of the visiting spinners was perhaps a little warning to Australia ahead of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka early next year, where the types of surfaces on offer could vary.
Zampa back with a bang Abhishek Sharma had
been dropped second ball of the match by Xavier Bartlett, a running chance at deep point where he may have been distracted by another fielder, and when Abhishek deposited Zampa's
team. However, Suryakumar picked out David in the deep – who held on with his fingertips – and when Zampa returned for his final over in the 17th of the innings, he had an impact.
Tilak Varma gloved a sweep which popped up for Inglis to gather, then three balls later Australia successfully reviewed for an lbw against Jitesh Sharma when he missed a sweep.
Ellis shines again It is nothing unusual for Ellis to impress in this format, but this was another outstanding display of his T20 skills. The final figures of 4-0-21-3 were made even more noteworthy by the fact his first four deliveries cost 10 as Shubman Gill took him on in the power play. That meant his 21 deliveries cost just 11, and he bowled three of the last nine overs. His first wicket ended Dube's experimental innings at number three when he played across a slight-
second ball of the series straight down the ground for six, India were a healthy 56 for 0 in the seventh over. However, two balls later Zampa evened the ledger when Abhishek tried to repeat the stroke against a googly and was safely held at long-on by David. Zampa was then held back until the second half of the innings and it threatened to be a rough night. In the 13th over Suryakumar Yadav took him for two sixes over deep midwicket as the India Captain looked set to kickstart a late surge for his
ly-slower delivery. Then at the start of the 15th over, he finished Gill's rather laboured stay, although that grew in value as the night wore on, with a back-of-thehand slower ball. He closed out with the 19th over, homing in outside off with wide yorkers and changes of pace. Occasionally he got a little too wide and was called, but none of the batters could get him away. In the end, however, as the pitch continued to slow up, India still had more than enough. (ESPNcricinfo)
Australia had a poor batting display
Shubman Gill top-scored with 46
India take the series lead
Shivam Dube took over with his seemingly magical wicket-taking ability
Mark Chapman stars as NZ level T20I Series against WI
Mark Chapman bludgeoned 78 off 28 balls before New Zealand survived a late onslaught to record their first T20 International (T20I) victory of the home season in a bounce back against West Indies at Eden Park.
West Indies were down and out in the 208-run chase at 93 for 6 in the 13th over. They needed 18 an over from there, but the required rate suddenly nosedived as Rovman Powell launched stunning hitting at the death.
Needing 16 runs off the final over, West Indies were suddenly in the box seat after a couple of Matthew Forde boundaries meant they required eight off four balls.
But Powell holed out to quick Kyle Jamieson on the fourth ball in a game-changer before Forde could only
score a single off the final delivery as West Indies fell three runs short.
Jamieson held his nerve with a superb slower ball in a major relief for New Zealand, who were under pressure after a seven-run defeat in the series opener at the same ground just 24 hours earlier.
After New Zealand were sent in to bat, Chapman ignited his side in favourable batting conditions and completely dominated the middle-late overs with a slew of belligerent blows.
While chasing, West Indies succumbed to spinners Ish Sodhi, the only change from either team from game one, and Mitchell Santner combining for six wickets.
There was a late twist, but the result snapped the West Indies' five-game T20I winning streak.
DRS was used in this match after technical issues meant the technology could not be in place for the opener.
Chapman ignites New Zealand
There was pressure on New Zealand's batting order after a meek effort in the series-opener, where only incredible late hitting from Santner got them close.
Devon Conway struggled to get going, but did help lay a platform with a 55-run opening partnership with Tim Robinson, whose premeditated ramps knocked the seamers off their lengths.
But New Zealand were only modestly placed at 59 for 2 in the ninth over after Robinson's dismissal. Chapman had a sighter before launching in the 13th over, whacking Romario Shepherd for a trio of sixes.
He was on a roll, finding gaps with a mixture of timing and power to record a 19ball half-century – the fastest in his T20I career. It was a welcome return to form for
Chapman, who had only made 39 runs from four previous T20I innings during this home season.
Chapman finally miscued straight in the air in the 17th over before Santner again showed off his big-hitting at the death as he finished off the innings in style with a six.
Forde backs up, Hosein held back
There was intrigue over how Forde would pull up from game one, having made a successful comeback from a shoulder injury.
He once again performed exceptionally well with the new ball to prove he's well and truly fit and firing having not played competitive cricket before this tour since July.
Forde bowled three overs
on the trot in the first game before being hammered in his final over by Santner at the death.
Captain Shai Hope decided to bowl Forde out, and the gamble worked when he once again knocked over Conway with an almost identical delivery from the first game that seamed in wickedly.
Forde finished with 1 for 17 from four overs, but West Indies' attack
struggled mightily after that. On a ground with small dimensions, Hope didn't seem to trust left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein who bowled just one over in the first T20I.
He came on in the 16th over - the latest he had ever bowled in the format. Hosein was on a hiding to nothing and was greeted with a six by Daryl Mitchell before Chapman whacked consecutive blows into the crowd in an over that ultimately cost 23 runs.
Other than Forde, every other bowler's economy was over eight runs an over.
Sodhi stars in return New Zealand was expected to stick with their line-up from the opener, but all-rounder Jimmy Neesham was a late scratch after he was hit on the shoulder while batting in the warmup.
Sodhi took Neesham's place and grabbed his opportunity having not been part of the England series. He came on in the eighth over, with West Indies needing a move on after a sedate start.
him in his sights, but made a hash of a reverse sweep to gift Sodhi a second-ball wicket. Sodhi's tail was up with him on the next delivery unsuccessfully reviewing a caught-behind shout against Ackeem Auguste. But he soon dismissed Auguste, largely thanks to a terrific catch from a diving Chapman in the outfield. Sodhi then deceived Jason Holder with a googly to rattle the stumps, although his figures took a little of a beating in his final couple of overs.
Shepherd, Powell & Forde's late hitting in vain West Indies looked dead and buried at 93 for 6 in the 13th over. But they can never be totally written off due to their muscular batting through the order. Shepherd and Powell gave them hope after they smashed five sixes in a six-ball whirlwind. Shepherd fell for 34 off 16 balls, but Powell remained undaunted and received support from Forde as the ball kept flying into the terraces. They whittled it down to 16 in the final over, but ultimately fell short.
In the end the task proved too great, and the West Indies will rue such a slow start. But they will know that no chase is out of reach and the late fireworks will spook New Zealand, who will need to reassess their plans in the death overs. (ESPNcricinfo)
wickets: 1-0 (Brandon King, 0.3 ov), 2-49 (Alick Athanaze, 7.2 ov), 3-68 (Ackeem Auguste, 9.3 ov), 4-74 (Shai Hope, 10.5 ov), 5-86 (Jason Holder, 11.4 ov), 6-93 (Roston Chase, 12.5 ov), 7-155 (Romario
New Zealand level series 1-1
Romario Shepherd and Rovman Powell's impressive partnership was in vain
Ish Sodhi, who replaced Jimmy Neesham, picked up three wickets
Shi-Oil celebrates Ryan Rahaman’s South Dakota dominance
the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) Champion Driver for the Sport Tuner Class of 2025.
ment came as the GMR&SC wrapped up its 2025 racing calendar on Sunday,
Better Hope A outclass LBI A
Amagnificent all-round display led by batsman Navin Singh propelled Better Hope A to a convincing seven-wicket victory over LBI A in the East Coast Cricket Board Naven’s Construction First-Division 50 Overs Competition on Sunday. The visitors chased down a challenging total of 196 in commanding fashion, reaching 198 for 3 in just 24.4 overs.
After winning the toss, the LBI A skipper opted to
finishing with figures of 2 for 17, while Somesh Boyer provided key support with 2 for 38. Their disciplined bowling restricted LBI A to 196 for 8 in 27.4 overs, leaving Better Hope with a gettable
In response, Better Hope A wasted no time asserting dominance. Navin Singh played one of the finest innings of the season, crafting a brilliant 96, filled with crisp drives and powerful stroke play all around the wicket. His partnership with Ravi Singh, who contributed a solid 41, formed the backbone of the chase.
The duo combined patience with aggression, punishing anything loose and rotating the strike efficiently to keep the scoreboard
Although Michael continued his fine all-round performance by claiming 2 for 35, the LBI A bowlers found little success against the confident Better Hope batting line-up. The target was comfortably reached in 24.4 overs, sealing a seven-wicket victory and underlining Better Hope A's strength in
November 2, at the South Dakota Circuit, where Rahaman, fuelled by ShiOil, delivered a dominating performance.
He claimed two firstplace finishes and one thirdplace finish in the Sport Tuner Cup, sealing his posi-
tion as the class champion.
lighted, “Ryan Rahaman embodies the spirit of excellence, consistency, and passion that drives our brand. His dedication to the sport and his ability to perform at the highest level exemplify what it means to be a true competitor.”
The Rahaman family name carries deep roots in Guyana’s motor racing history, spanning generations of drivers who have made their mark both locally and regionally.
Shi-Oil noted its pride in standing alongside Ryan and the Rahaman family as they continue to uphold and build upon that remarkable racing legacy.
“At Shi-Oil, we take immense pride in fuelling champions,” the company stated in a release.
Shi-Oil further high-
According to the company, Rahaman’s consistency reflected both his exceptional driving skill and the strength of the partnership between athlete and sponsor. His success, Shi-Oil said, symbolises unwavering commitment to powerful performances and excellence in Guyanese motorsport.
“Congratulations, Champion,” the company’s message concluded. “Your success is a testament to hard work, determination, and the unbeatable drive that keeps Guyana’s motorsport heritage alive and thriving.”
Women’s League double-header on this evening
The Women’s Division One League, powered by FIFA, will excitingly continue this evening at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Center (NTC) at Providence, East Bank Demerara.
After a break last Wednesday, this evening’s double-header will be the only action to grace the league this week.
When the league was
minutes, while Ciarra Glasgow netted a double in the 11th and 55th minutes for Western Tigers’ 6-1 win. Lisa Charles netted Den Amstel’s consolation in the 58th minute. Meanwhile, Fruta Conquerors narrowly got past Mainstay Goldstars FC, 3-2.
Dellana Small opened the scoring for Fruta Conquerors in the 10th minute, but Ashley Cozier
last contested, Western Tigers Football Club (FC) and Fruta Conquerors FC enjoyed contrasting wins.
Marissa Frank net ted a helmet trick for Western Tigers in the third, eighth, 22nd and 29th
equalised for Mainstay in the 28th for a 1-1 score at the half. Makeisha Dash and Shameka Stoll added two more to Fruta’s tally in the 47th and 58th minutes.
The excitement of Fruta’s impending win was dampened by a 60th-minute strike off the boots of Denie Williams to complete Mainstay’s response.
As a result of the win, Fruta Conquerors have pushed themselves back into third place on the points table with 13 points from eight games. Similarly, Western Tigers moved into the fifth position with 11 points from eight
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC still lead the league with a perfect 21 points from
seven games played, while the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Women are also unbeaten with 18 points from six games. In fourth place are Santos FC with 12 points from six games, while River’s View FC sit in the sixth position with seven points from six games. Monedderlust FC, Mainstay Goldstars, Ann’s Grove United and Den Amstel FC occupy positions seven to 10 on the table. As the League continues today, Mainstay Goldstars FC will be seeking redemption as they take on Den Amstel FC from 18:00h. Then, Santos FC will battle Rivers’ View for three points, beginning at 19:00h. The teams in the Women’s Division One League are competing for a historic $1 million grand prize.
Navin Singh top-scored with 96
Ravi Singh had a good all-round game
Ryan Rahaman carrying the chequered flag at the South Dakota Circuit on November 2 (GMR&SC photo)
Ryan Rahaman receiving an accolade (Newsroom photo)
WI hoping to bounce back in 3rd T20 –
West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd is hoping the Men in Maroon will be able to bounce back in the third T20 International (T20I) against New Zealand. Shepherd was again among the runs, scoring 34 from 16 balls, including four sixes and one four. The Guyanese said he was hopeful that the batsmen could start the innings better and that the power hitters could flourish.
"Sometimes the close game can hurt you. All in all, it is what it is supposed to be. Hopefully, we can pull off the win in the next game. It was a better wicket than the first game. We know what we are capable of in the back end (power hitting), but we wanted a better start. In the future, we have to set up the game a bit better," Shepherd said.
Meanwhile, Captain Shai Hope credited the Black Cap batters while reflecting on what went wrong for the West Indies in the three-run defeat. "Well, too close; we didn't cross it this time. Credit must be given to Chapman for the way he cleared those boundaries. He kind of took the game away from us. We didn't really finish as well as we wanted to with the ball. With the bat,
maybe there are a few areas where we could do a bit better, especially at the top there, myself included."
Hope added, "But great fight there from
a lot lower. Especially on a ground like this, you don't think it is ever over, particularly with the shorter boundaries."
"The power that we possess as well in the bottom line-up is very strong. We never feel as though we've done enough. So, there's always positive energy coming through the rest of the room. It's just unfortunate we didn't cross it this time today. [On bowling Akeal Hosein for just one over] The way Fordy was going, he always said he was up in the zone with Devon at the start."
"We wanted him to utilise that new ball there in that situation. He just felt he bowled really well. It was tough to take him off. It's one of those things; you've just got to gamble and hope that it pays off for you and get it in. And then Akeal, given how the two lefties were going, I think it was pretty difficult to bring him in at that situation. So, it was a tough one there. But we were just trying to play the situation and match up as best as we could. That's the way I went about it today," the West Indies Captain said at the post-match interview. The third T20 bowls off at 20:15h local time on Saturday, November 8.
6 indoor facilities under construction; Region 1’s to be re-tendered
Sport in several hinterland regions will soon be boosted by the establishment of multipurpose, indoor sport facilities, according to an update from Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr.
Speaking on the side of a press briefing earlier this week, Ramson Jr revealed that six indoor facilities are being constructed, but the facility for Region One has fallen victim to the contractor’s complacency.
“Right now, as you know, we’re building six indoor facilities. So, the one in Mabaruma is being terminated, so we’re going back out to tender so we can have a new contractor to come to complete that. The fact of the matter is that the contractor didn’t do what he was supposed to do and the protracted delays; there’s only so much clemency that we can provide for contractors,” Ramson Jr disclosed.
He continued, “As much as we know that it’s new to people, we have to deliver. And one of the biggest issues coming out of the elections were unfinished projects, not just for me but for almost everyone.”
Despite the single setback, Ramson Jr was eager to inform that the other facilities are making significant progress, with an approximate six-month completion time attached.
Ramson Jr enlightened, “As far as being able to get all of the indoor facilities completed, you’ll see about four of them come on stream in about six months or so. We’re seeing a lot of significant progress now, because all of the steel frames are being installed, as well as the structural support that is necessary to keep it safe.”
“What you’ll see when it’s completed, in terms of dimensions and scale, is 120 ft wide x 140 ft long at minimum and about 40 ft high. Those are massive, massive facilities, and when you think about where they’re going to be, they’re going to be in places where, hitherto, they just never had those types of facilities, not even imagined that those facilities could’ve been there.”
Speaking to the significance of
such venues, the Sport Minister highlighted how transformational they can be for those regions.
The Sport Minister concluded, “You see how much our Sports Hall and
Gymnasium is being used; that will give you an idea of how that will change and transform the development of sport in those regions, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Among the regions initially announced to benefit from the indoor facilities are Regions One, Three, Seven, Eight and Nine – Region Three being the only non-hinterland venue.
Rovvie, Sheppy, and Matthew Forde to give us a good chance of winning that game. We just felt as though if we got a couple of sixes in there, we were bringing the equation
An artistic impression of the multipurpose, indoor sport facility in Anna Regina
Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr