Guyana Times - Monday, April 21, 2025

Ed Minister slams failed Five Bs programme under APNU/AFC

President Dr Irfaan Ali meets some little vaqueros during his Region Nine community meetings and Rupununi Rodeo tour

BRIDGE OPENINGS

Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular

on: Monday, April 21 – No retraction and Tuesday, April 22 –00:15h-01:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

is expected, followed by thundery rain showers during the day and at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.58 metres.

High Tide: 10:27h and 23:33h reaching maximum heights of 2.13 metres and 2.08 metres.

Low Tide: 16:48h

Even though the ‘Five Bs’ programme was conceptualised by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, it is the President Irfaan Ali-led Government that has distributed more buses and boats to benefit school children than the former coalition Government ever did in their term, plus reinstated and increased the "Because We Care" cash grant.

This point was illustrated by Education Minister Priya Manickchand, during a public meeting at Yupukari, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) over the weekend.

According to Manickchand, the mere fact that the former coalition Government took from the people and gave back even less, compared to what the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has provided, illustrates the differences in their respective philosophies.

“APNU/AFC came into Government. They met a "Because We Care" programme, that we left. At that time, we were giving every child $10,000. And we had said, it would build up until it reached $50,000. They said no, they’re going to take it away and replace it with Five Bs.”

Manickchand noted that even the Five Bs promised by the APNU/AFC Government did not materialise. For instance, she noted that persons from Region Nine did not actually get the breakfasts, buses or bicycles.

“Breakfast. Your children were always getting a hot meal but did they get breakfast? They did not get breakfast. Boats. Did you get boats? Buses. Did you get buses? Books. Did you

get books? And bicycles. Did you get bicycles? Now here is the thing. The Irfaan Ali Government has given more buses and boats in four years, than they did in five years.”

“We have also introduced breakfast, although your children were already on the hot meal programme. We’re giving you all the books you need. Where there’s a need for boats and buses, we’ve given you more. Plus, we are giving the cash grant. You

get all that they gave you, plus the cash grant. Because we do not take away benefits,” she informed.

Manickchand recalled that at the time the APNU/ AFC took away the "Because We Care" cash grant, it cost the treasury $1.6 billion.

According to the Minister, using the Yupukari Secondary school that was just commissioned at a cost of under $100 million as a reference point, APNU/AFC could have built 16 second-

ary schools with the money they retained when they took away the cash grant.

“Do you know how many they built? Across the whole Guyana, the APNU/AFC started and finished exactly zero secondary schools. Zero. None. Naught. We are currently in one term, building 35 to 38 secondary schools or major extensions.”

“And a lot of people will come and say they didn’t have the money, but its not true. You took away $1.6 billion. Couldn’t you put down one single secondary school in region nine? Couldn’t you have given to our children the textbooks they needed? Or the Guyana Learning Channel?” Manickchand pointed out.

Under the former APNU/ AFC Government, it has since been revealed, a number of schools had not benefited from the school feeding programme due to issues with planning.

Back in 2022, it had been revealed at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that in 2017, dozens of schools were left out of the initiative.

Schools that did not benefit from the programme included 12 from Region One (Barima-Waini), two from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), two from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), four from Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and 17 from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Education Minister Priya Manickchand in Region Nine

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Easter musings

Christians observe Easter, which can be considered as the most important festival in their calendar. It follows three days after Jesus was executed by the Romans at Calvary and celebrates their belief in his rising from the dead and his ascension into Heaven to join his Father. It is the culmination of the religious season of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance – marking the completion of the Passion of Christ, beginning from Lent and ending with Holy Week, which includes Holy Thursday (also Maundy Thursday which celebrates Jesus’ Last Supper with his 12 Apostles), Good Friday (when Jesus’ crucifixion is observed) and finally ending with Easter.

The date of Easter varies from year to year since unlike most Western commemorations that are based on the solar calendar, this one follows the spring equinox and is celebrated after the Paschal Full Moon which causes the date to shift yearly as per lunar cycles. For Christians, Easter is believed to be the dawn of a new beginning, a time of resurrection and a celebration of life that reminds us that hope must never be lost, for as dark as the road may seem, there always lies light at the end of it. On this day, the community generally celebrates with feasts, attends prayer services, decorates and distributes Easter eggs, and plays traditional Easter games. The hot cross bun, which has a venerable history – even predating European Christianity – is a fixture and a favourite of people from all religions during the Easter season. In Guyana, as in some of our fellow former British Caribbean colonies, Easter has become associated with kite flying, in which most nonChristians also participate, sometimes as family picnics. Some believe the origin of this custom may lay in the rising of the kites into the skies to metaphorically represent Jesus’ ascent into Heaven.

As is customary with commemorations of events that originate far back in time, other events will become associated with them – such as the aforementioned kite flying. In Guyana, two others that stand out and have now become national events are the Rupununi Rodeo and the Bartica Regatta. Interestingly, both take place in our interior region, away from the populated coastland. They have both become major tourist attractions. The Rupununi Rodeo originated in the cattle ranches launched by the beginning of the 20th century by a Scotsman via Jamaica, Harry Melville. His Dadanawa Ranch was arguably the largest in the world, and even though he returned to Britain, his ten children from two local wives have kept the name and the cattle ranching tradition alive. Influenced by the American “cowboy” traditions, the Rodeo was started in the 1950s and grew by leaps and bounds by the 1980s, as the roads to the Rupununi became better.

Lying on the mighty Essequibo’s junction with its great tributaries, the Cuyuni and the Mazaruni, Bartica is the “gateway to the interior” – always connected with the coastland via the waterways. The Regatta’s weeks-long activities now include beauty pageants, cultural shows, and family-centred activities to complement the water sports. More than 10,000 visitors will visit from far and wide –especially from the Diaspora – to experience this special experience of Guyana.

Back to Easter’s Christian religious origins, in Rome, where the Christian religion took early root under the guidance of Peter, who was a direct disciple of Jesus, Holy Week events in the Eternal City include a ceremony in which the Pope washes the feet of a dozen men at a service commemorating Christ’s gesture of humility to his apostles. This gesture is replicated by the local Catholic Bishop in Guyana. There is also the re-enactment of the events –depicting those outlined in the Passion of Christ in a series of 14 pictures – this occurred on Good Friday and are dubbed “Stations of the Cross”. It begins with the CONDEMNATION of Jesus to death, followed by him BEARING the cross, his FALL, CRUCIFIXION and BURIAL, etc.

Happy Easter 2025.

In the upcoming elections, voters will have a choice between proven altruism and egoism

Dear Editor, Fomenting strife and/or civil unrest in Guyana are not yet commonplace, but incidents seem to be increasing, especially with general elections fast-approaching.

By soliciting or drumming up public support –whether in the form of philanthropic dispensation, dubious claims of community representation, the advocacy of Afro-centric racism, or a call to action against anti-law enforcement practices – promoters of civil disturbance seem to be frequently orchestrating anti-Government resistance, instigating protest, or inciting violence primarily aimed at optimising the ascendency of dubious political aspirants. In this regard, could the 4/5/25 anti-Government resistance standoff at Azruddin’s home hold some clues? Let’s examine.

According to newspaper and video accounts, on 4/5/25, an “angry mob”, hurling insults and threats, confronted Government officials who arrived at Azruddin Mohamed’s secured, gated residence. Authorized to take possession of some luxury vehicles for unpaid taxes owed to the Government, the assigned officials and their police escort immediately found themselves faceto-face with an aggressive, boisterous crowd, which intimidated them into retreating in fear.

Whether intentional or not, this raucous incident prompts a few thought-provoking questions:

(i) Was it prudent or rea-

soned politics for a philanthropist and political aspirant to grant assemblage to a ‘hostile crowd’ practically at his doorstep, in preparation to hurl threats at Government officials seeking to execute the law?

(ii) What verifiable assurances can Azruddin provide to attest that such crowd mobilization would not spill over into other legitimate Government assessments, protocols, or regulations that he finds distasteful?

(iii) What is the likelihood that such crowd mobilization would not find expression in aggression and violence against political rivals fiercely critical of Azruddin, if he declares himself a political candidate?

In the absence of valid answers/assurances, these questions become worthy of ponder.

Indeed, Guyanese recipients can readily affirm the Mohameds’ generosity, especially since their awards help in improving the lives and circumstances of many. While admired for their charity, the incident at Azruddin’s home and his reported interest in electoral politics call into question the aim or objective of his generosity. Is it altruistic or egoistic?

Altruistic Philanthropy is the charitable award of one’s resources to help others, or to positively impact social outcomes. For example: bring about changes that would improve the lives and relations in communities and society. Customarily purported to serve in the in-

terest of recipients – the individual, community, or society – philanthropic donations selflessly given, without expectations of reciprocity or personal gain, would be deemed altruistic. But when given with selfish expectations: to facilitate, promote, hasten, or enhance the pre-eminence of the donor as an honourable individual, then the donation becomes one of Egoistic Philanthropy. In toto, Egoistic Philanthropy is awarded with expectations of personal gain: to popularize, promote, or enhance the donor’s worthiness, self-interest and/or celebrity.

Given the contrasting distinctions, the onus rests with the Guyanese electoral public to decide whether an individual indulges in Altruistic or Egoistic Philanthropy. It would be presumptuous to assume that Guyanese cannot make reasoned decisions for themselves in regard to the aim/ objective of philanthropic distributions.

In relation to the above, it should be noted that altruistic and egoistic behavioural proclivities extend beyond the dichotomization of philanthropy. Ever since the French sociologist and philosopher Auguste Comte introduced the terms in the early 1850, philosophers, social and natural scientists have applied altruistic and egoistic differentiations in their studies of behaviours, with some focusing on political leadership. For example, the term an altruistic political leader refers to someone

committed to addressing and serving the needs, interests, and wellbeing of all citizens, rather than his/her own.

Possessing qualities similar to that of a Servant Leader, an altruistic political leader dedicates himself/ herself to communal and national growth and development. At the personal level, the altruistic servant-political leader exudes humility and modesty, and exhibits an adeptness at relating to, and interacting with, constituents. For numerous Guyanese, Irfaan Ali exemplifies such a leader.

What are your thoughts?

In contrast to the altruistic servant-political leader, the egoistic leader acts primarily in his/her own self-interest, is prone to self-promotion, and is insensitive to the overall needs and interests of citizens, or the development of the entire country.

An egoistic political leader seldom relies on the advice of others, trusting instead his/her own abilities to promulgate and articulate community and national policies. Often aloof and displaying autocratic tendencies, the egoistic political leader relishes praise, and often promotes himself/herself as a visionary of national development and progress. How many are in your midst?

Given the contrast, voters could easily identify the political leader(s) with altruistic or egoistic personality traits, someone whom they consider worthy of support.

Christian worshippers light candles on the day of Easter Sunday Mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City, April 20 (Reuters)

Caracas or "One Guyana"?

Dear Editor,

The arrival in Guyana’s waters of the "One Guyana" FPSO has been met by a predictably bellicose official statement of protest from Caracas. The arrival of the catchword "One Guyana" has also been met by the opposition of a significant minority of Guyanese; and so it is that, today, both Caracas and that significant minority of Guyanese share a common opposition to "One Guyana".

Editor, I think that is crazy – and potentially very dangerous to our national security.

The border controversy with Venezuela involves ‘many blades of Guyanese grass’, so the Guyanese nation as a whole takes it seriously and speaks and feels as one whenever the Venezuelan leader threatens.

That sentiment is not easy to maintain in parliamentary systems worldwide, as the politicians in the Parliamentary Opposition would often oppose for opposition’s sake, and promote divisive opposition messages among

their followers. Where this normal political behaviour becomes crazy is where its very expression is unpatriotic in objective reality, even if unwittingly. Yes, it just cannot be patriotic to be opposed to the inspirational appeal of the unifying catchword "One Guyana". Caracas sees "One Guyana" from a different perspective, of course, and is fundamentally opposed to the whole 83,000 square miles of Guyana being One Guyana, preferring to make it two – with the bigger part administered from Caracas!

Unlike that significant minority of Guyanese, Caracas also specifically opposes the FPSO "One Guyana", which by 2027 should boost Guyana’s crude oil output to 900,000 bpd, up from the current average daily production of 616,000 bpd.

Here is where the danger lies: If some Guyanese continue to unthinkingly and unknowingly be misled by politicians who peddle worn-out, untrue, and repugnant race-based messages, our country would be ripe for the taking.

The expression ‘divide and rule’, and its historical application by institutional rulers, is well known; yet, some of our young people are growing up in homes where they hear race-based messages being repeated. About half of our entire population comprises persons who are just 26 years old. They have no personal connection with events that took place decades before they were even born, and so, in the overwhelming majority of cases, their normal day-to-day interactions rarely, if ever, involve unsavory thoughts or encounters based on racial differences.

There are some who have embraced the erroneous suggestion that "One Guyana" is intended to replace ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ – our National Motto. That suggestion is simply unfounded; our National Motto will always be our National Motto. All independent states have a national motto, and those of former British colonies are rather similar in their aspirational intent. The National Motto of Jamaica, for example, is ‘Out of Many

One People’ – so it could well have been Guyana’s, and ours could well have been Jamaica’s National Motto. "One Guyana" is about giving life today to the national motto we have cherished for almost 60 years. Some folks in the said significant minority unrealistically expect to see dramatic change instantaneously!

We really do need to be unified: to be "One Guyana", and not only when Maduro rants about “Esequiba”.

As expressed by Vickram Bharrat, National Resources Minister, “The arrival of the One Guyana FPSO is a powerful symbol of progress…in the continued empowerment of our people through job creation, local business opportunities, and investments that support development across Guyana”.

Editor, the arrival of "One Guyana" – both the catchword and now the FPSO – should be celebrated throughout the length and breadth of our resource-rich country. Being allied with Caracas against "One Guyana" in any context whatsoever is unpatri-

You need both roads and infrastructural projects, and

Dear Editor, The United States (US) Secretary of State (SoS) recently visited Guyana and erroneously used the Heroes Highway to bash the Chinese being jealous that the Chinese have been gaining geo-political influence in the Caricom Region through several developmental projects, and the US is not. The SoS bashed the Heroes Highway as a Chinese project, when in fact, it was not. In trying to mock the Chinese, he belittled the beautiful Heroes Highway as a “concussion road.”

True, the concrete surface of the Heroes Highway and the Schoon Ord Highway have been roughened, probably to deter speeding and for better traction during braking, and maybe as a placeholder for future contracts for asphalt paving later. But these two new roads are dramatically helping to reduce road congestion and providing alternative routes for easier travel. They have also opened up new lands for commercial and housing development. While criticism of the rough surface is justified, we must not throw out the baby with the bath water. We are in the election silly season,

income support systems

and would-be Opposition parties would seize on anything to gain any political mileage, such as deriding the rough surface of the Heroes Highway. Thus, the PNC and AFC, with very little else to offer, and knowing they cannot redeem themselves from the support of rigging in the 2020 elections, have latched on to the ill-advised comments of the SoS to make political hay. But such criticisms are trite and shallow.

I have heard not-sobright people parroting the comment that “we can’t eat roads.” That’s a very silly thing to say. You have to use those same roads and streets to go buy the food you want to eat, to go to the markets and stores, to go to the farms in the back dams, etc. In many villages, you don’t have to walk in mud any more. That’s progress. I take the position that you need both roads and infrastructural projects and income support systems. It’s not a matter of either/ or, it’s all of the above. We need all the infrastructure – roads, schools, hospitals, markets, airports, bridges, drainage, and irrigation pumps, farms, etc. When the PPP took over in 2020, everything needed fixing and improving. So, nothing

is wrong with infrastructure.

But we must also address poverty and the increasing cost-of-living spurred by the oil and gas industry driving up prices for everyone. There has been wage and salary increases for several categories of workers. But we must also consider systematic and ongoing income supports for the self-employed, small vendors, domestics, taxi drivers, security guards, and similar categories. Cash grants,

tax breaks, and subsidies are all good, but there must be sustainable strategies to help the 40 per cent below or on the poverty line. Of all the parties, I trust the PPP better to come up with a good plan. Notwithstanding all the problems and things that can be done better, we have had a dizzying pace of transformation. The evidence is there for all to see!

Sincerely,

Dr Jerry Jailall Civil Society Advocate

otic at best. A “sometimes Guyanese” cannot be relied upon as a true Guyanese. Our country would need a lot more people coming here to help drive our development, and as time progresses, Guyanese nationals would exclusively become entitled to increasing benefits.

So, we need to know now who are the Guyanese among our increasing population. Some of those legally admitted into our country and not considered to be allied with Caracas will, in time, qualify to become citizens of Guyana. In other words, they and their offspring would be more Guyanese than those Guyanese who are this moment still missing the im-

portant mission that is "One Guyana". At this juncture of the history of our nation, unity is the single most important mindset required of our people. The aim of a positive shift in work ethic, while important, can be attained by the input of immigrants anyway. Presenting a formidable diplomatic face to the world – both to our Western border aggressor and wouldbe colonizers alike – should be regarded as the immediate priority of all Guyanese. "One Guyana" is about preserving our very future as One People, of One Nation, with One Destiny.

Yours sincerely, Ronald Bostwick

In the upcoming elections...

While no-one can claim to have a monopoly on altruistic or egoistic behavioural tendencies and practices, the extent to which an individual exhibits altruistic characteristics over egoistic characteristics – and vice versa – helps to determine trustworthiness. It is in this regard that Guyanese can make informed decisions about their lived conditions, and determine whose political leadership, or party, can best govern in accordance with the needs and interests of all.

For those who may be

apprehensive, feel free to mull for yourselves the following statement.

Historically, when wealth and egoism become the primary criterion for one’s ascendency into political prominence and leadership, the poor and working class are damned. For in leadership, triumph or tribulation dominates. Hence, your informed and responsible decision matters.

Yours sincerely, Narayan Persaud, PhD Professor Emeritus

Page Foundation

Day 5

Things to do

Over the long weekend, you should have started revising by reducing your eight sections of material to notes. The first three sections should have been reduced to revision notes, with the fourth being done today. And the first two sections of revision notes reduced to revision cards, with the third being done today

Only look up information where you realise you did not understand the concept. Memory techniques will prove useful at this stage. Memory techniques include active recall, spacing out your study sessions, and using mnemonics like acronyms or vivid imagery. Additionally, linking new information to existing knowledge, writing it down, and making it meaningful through storytelling or visualisation can boost memory.

Below are past CXC Maths and English questions to help you review.

Instructions: Some of the following sentences are unacceptable because of inappropriate grammar, idiom or vocabulary. Some sentences are acceptable as they stand. No sentence contains more than one inappropriate element. Select the ONE underlined part that is inappropriate and choose the corresponding letter, A, B, C. If the sentence is acceptable as it stands, choose D.

(1) "Mary, will you please full up the buckets before the (A) (B) water supply is cut off?" No error (C) (D)

(2) Julie prefers to lie in bed not wanting to go to school nor (A) (B) does any work. No error (C) (D)

(3) He shared the sweets among you and me No error (A) (B) (C) (D)

(4) Peter have dengue and feels weak, so he is unable to (A) (B) participate in the interschool games. No error (C) (D)

(5) Too much students entered the competition; only one of (A) them was good enough to reach the quarter finals. No error (B) (C) (D)

(1) The letter ‘A’ and a point C(6, 6) are shown on the grid below

On the diagram, draw accurately, EACH of the following transformations.

(a) The enlargement of letter ‘A’ by scale factor 2, about centre, C(6, 6).

(b) The translation of letter ‘A’ using the vector T = 2. (a) The function f is defned as f : x → 3 – 2x.

(i) The diagram below shows the mapping diagram of the function, f. Determine the value of a.

(ii) Determine, in their simplest form, expressions for a) the inverse of the function f, f –1 (x) b) the composite function f 2 (x). State the value of f f –1 (–2).

By Kamau Brathwaite

But today I recapture the islands' bright beaches: blue mist from the ocean rolling into the fishermen's houses. By these shores I was born: sound of the sea came in at my window, life heaved and breathed in me then with the strength of that turbulent soil. Since then I have travelled: moved far from the beaches: sojourned in stoniest cities, walking the lands of the north in sharp slanting sleet and the hail, crossed countless saltless savannas and come to this house in the forest where the shadows oppress me and the only water is rain and the tepid taste of the river.

We who are born of the ocean can never seek solace in rivers: their flowing runs on like our longing, reproves us our lack of endeavour and purpose, proves that our striving will founder on that. We resent them this wisdom, this freedom: passing us toiling, waiting and watching their cunning declension down to the sea.

But today I would join you, travelling river, borne down the years of your patientest flowing, 64 past pains that would wreck us, sorrows arrest us, hatred that washes us up on the flats; and moving on through the plains that receive us, processioned in tumult, come to the sea. Bright waves splash up from the rocks to refresh us, blue sea-shells shift in their wake and there is the thatch of the fishermen's houses, the path made of pebbles, and look! Small urchins combing the beaches look up from their traps to salute us: they remember us just as we left them. The fisherman, hawking the surf on this side of the reef, stands up in his boat and halloos us: a starfish lies in its pool. And gulls, white sails slanted seaward, fly into the limitless morning before us.

Questions

1. Summarise the poem

2. What type of poem is it?

3. Describe the tone, mood, atmosphere, and persona

4. List two examples of imagery, metaphor/simile and all the figures of speech found in the poem

5. Describe how the poem makes you feel

6. Suggest an alternative title for the poem and state why it is appropriate

Lethem health care sees services vastly improve

– President says Brazilians also coming to Lethem to access medical treatment – reveals son’s accident during

visit, but access to better health services ensured quality health care

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has been on a countrywide drive to improve healthcare, so much so that in one particular region: Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), Brazilians from over the border have been coming to Lethem to access medical treatment.

This was revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali, during the course of the weekend, where he also participated in the opening of Rodeo 2025.

According to the President, this is even as the Government has more plans in store for the region, such as for a $6.5 billion Lethem Regional Hospital.

“As we were going across this region, we heard about all the stories of how health [care] has improved. Of how the health services would have improved in every community and here also in Lethem. And we’re also going to build a modern health facility in Lethem and upgrade all the clinics,”

President Ali said.

“But we also heard from Brazilians, who are visiting for rodeo, about how they are coming now also, to use our health facilities. Because of the enormous improvement. You heard about the availability of medication and medical supplies, that was at an alltime low in 2020, is now at an all-time high. And I really want to commend the regional health officer (RHO), the nurses, the doctors, REO (Regional Executive Officer) and all the staff. Regional Chairmen. Entire apparatus.”

According to President Ali, ensuring that the people have quality healthcare and education, regardless of their location, is a core principle upon which the PPP/C Government operates.

This includes the first family, as President Ali recalled a recent experience involving his eldest son, Zayd.

“I want to give you an experience as a father and as a parent, you always want what is best for your chil-

dren. You want to know your child will be taken care of. I’ve been listening at other meetings, about the mobile units, mobile digital X-Rays, eye care examinations. Casts on fractured limbs. We’ve been talking about that all day yesterday.”

“And last evening, as we completed our final meeting and I got back to where I was staying, I saw my wife looking very frantic. And I

Essequibo e-biker

fatally struck by pick-up

Ayoung man tragically lost his life on Easter Sunday, following a road accident along the Queenstown Public Road, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Dead is 25-yearold Shevin Venture of Queenstown, in an accident that occurred around 13:35 h. According to information reaching Guyana Times, Venture was reportedly attempting to cross the roadway on his electric bicycle when he was struck by a

pick-up truck. The impact left him motionless on the public road.

Public-spirited citizens rushed to his aid and transported him to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His body was subsequently taken to the Suddie Mortuary, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

The driver of the pickup has been identified and is currently in police custody assisting with ongoing investigations.

Man to face trial for 2020 murder

Ayoung man who is accused of killing a 43-year-old man during a robbery in 2020, is set to go on trial next week at the High Court in Georgetown.

Shawn Small, who is in his late 20s and previously resided at D’Andrade Street, Newtown Kitty, Georgetown, is charged with the capital offence of murder. He was formally arraigned this week, and will face trial before Justice Jo Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court from Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Small is accused of murdering Bharrat Dass on November 5, 2020, during a robbery at the now deceased man’s workplace on New

Market Street, Georgetown. According to reports, on the day of the incident, Small was among several persons who were drinking

at Dass’ workplace. After the group eventually left, Small is alleged to have returned alone and inflicted multiple blows to Dass’ head before fleeing the scene with his mobile phone and a sum of cash.

Dass was discovered injured and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was admitted. He succumbed to his injuries nearly a week later, on November 11, 2020.

Following the incident, a police investigation was launched, and Small was subsequently arrested and charged with felony murder. He has been in custody pending the commencement of his trial.

heard my son, who is visiting the region with us, crying. When I went, she told me he fell in the shower and hit his shoulder and obviously, he was in a lot of pain.”

The Head of State noted that as parents, they were very concerned. But while they weighed their options, the REO Karl Singh and RHO Dr Cerdel McWatt, were able to arrange quality medical assistance without them having to leave the

region.

“Like any other parent, we were very concerned. And (my wife) was saying, what do we do now? Do we have to take him back to Georgetown, in the night? And I called the REO and RHO and like they do for every single village, the same unit.”

“The same ambulance, with the same digital X-Ray, with the same facilities that go to all of the communities, that same facility came here to look after my son. They did the digital X-Ray. Within seconds, they had the X-Ray sent, like they would do for all the communities, to the doctor in Georgetown.”

According to President Ali, they were able to receive a diagnosis within minutes through telemedicine, a core component of the PPP/C Government’s new and improved healthcare systems.

“Within minutes, they had the full consultation and reading, because of the telemedicine part of things. They knew exactly what needed to be done, because he had a fractured bone.

And right there, in that mobile facility, they were able to fix his hand in the necessary cast. And he’s still here in Lethem.”

“Thank you to the doctors, the investment, the care, the love of the doctors and nurses and all those in the hospital, that as President, I felt very comfortable as a father that I could have trusted this investment and our medical care,” President Ali added.

The Guyana Government has been enhancing its telemedicine initiative, to transform it into a world-class system integrated with international healthcare providers. The move forms part of the Government’s holistic efforts to modernise the healthcare sector through technology.

As of February 2025, 84 telemedicine sites were in operation, particularly in hinterland communities. These sites are equipped with audio and video technology and integrated medical devices that enable clinicians to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients remotely.

Freeman Street man before court on attempted murder charge

A27-year-old Georgetown man, who was acquitted just a few years ago in a high-profile murder trial, has once again found himself before the court, this time, accused of attempted murder in connection with a shooting in his East La Penitence neighbourhood.

Sean Dos Santos, of Lot 238 Freeman Street, East La Penitence, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Thursday before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, where he was charged with attempting to murder Seon Archibald. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a missing cell phone.

It is alleged that on March 13, at Freeman Street, Dos Santos, with intent to kill unlawfully and maliciously shot Archibald injuring him in the leg. The prosecution told the court that the attack occurred in full view of Archibald’s relatives, who were also fired upon during the incident. Dos Santos was reportedly armed with a firearm and discharged multiple rounds in the direction of Archibald and his family.

The court heard that both the accused and the victim reside in the same area, which according to the prosecutor increases the risk of reprisal or renewed violence should Dos Santos be released on bail. Prosecutors further noted that Dos Santos was previously charged with murder in 2017, suggesting a pat-

Sean Dos Santos

tern of violent behaviour that makes him a danger to the community.

Given these concerns, the prosecution strongly objected to bail.

Dos Santos’ Attorney, Kiswana Jefford, argued that her client maintains his innocence and had no involvement in the shooting. Jefford told the court that when Dos Santos learnt that he was being sought by the police, he voluntarily turned himself in, a sign, she said, that he poses no flight risk.

Despite the defence’s appeal, Magistrate McGusty remanded Dos Santos to prison and adjourned the matter to May 21, 2025.

Noted by the prosecutor, this isn’t Dos Santos’s first brush with the law.

In 2017, he was arrested and later indicted for the murder of Abdool Fazal Saheed, a 58-year-old man who was gunned down during a brazen early morning robbery at his family’s

Freeman Street home.

Dos Santos, who was 19 at the time, stood trial in 2021 alongside his co-accused, Stephon Howard. The two were accused of storming the Saheed family’s residence on September 24, 2017, while the family was preparing for a memorial service.

During the armed invasion, several members of the household were shot, including the deceased’s brothers, Abdool Shalim and Abdool Alim Saheed.

At trial, the prosecution claimed that Dos Santos confessed to investigators that he and Howard were responsible for the killing. However, both men denied any involvement in the crime and challenged the credibility of the evidence presented. They said the identification process was flawed and accused the police of conducting a biased parade.

During testimony, Shalim Saheed identified the accused men as the shooters but struggled to provide specific descriptions, noting only that they were dark-skinned males of average height.

When questioned by Defence Attorney Konyo Sandiford about the vague nature of his description, the witness admitted that he hadn’t provided many details to the police.

Despite the prosecution’s efforts, the jury returned with a not guilty verdict after hours of deliberation, freeing both Dos Santos and Howard. The two walked free in 2021.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and his elder son Zayd, while on a visit to the Lethem Rodeo

Shevin Venture

Dead: Bharrat Dass

New Chinese Ambassador to Guyana arrives

The new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana has arrived in Georgetown to take up her new office.

Ambassador Yang Yang arrived in Guyana on April 17. Upon arrival, the new Chinese diplomat was welcomed by the Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana, Ambassador Ivan Evelyn.

Also present at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to welcome Ambassador Yang were senior diplomats of the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown including Chargé d’Affaires, Huang Rui.

Ambassador Yang is expected to present her Letters of Credence to President Dr Irfaan Ali in the coming days, formally accrediting her as China’s Ambassador to Guyana.

The arrival of this new Chinese envoy comes on the heels of former Ambassador, Guo Haiyan, completing her tenure back in December.

Ambassador Guo left Guyana on December 10, 2024 after three years at the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown. She had assumed office in October, 2021.

Prior to her departure, President Dr Irfaan Ali hosted a farewell dinner during which he praised Ambassador Guo’s extraordinary contribution to promoting Guyana-China friendship and pragmatic cooperation.

The Head of State had expressed his satisfaction with the strengthening of bilateral cooperation and said Guyana stands ready to continuously work with China in agriculture, health and other fields, and welcomes more

investment from China.

During the reception held in her honour, Ambassador Guo had noted that the already-strong bilateral relations between Guyana and China continues to grow with tangible results in almost every field including trade, which saw a whopping 31 per cent increase in the first half of 2024.

“Practical cooperation between China and Guyana has made significant progress. In the first half of this year, our bilateral trade reached US$800 million, reflecting a 31 per cent year-on-year increase,” she stated.

Currently, China is playing a major role in Guyana’s development especially on the infrastructure from with the new US$260 million Demerara River Bridge that is currently being constructed by Chinese-based China Railway Construction (International); the signing of contractors for both the Guyana Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Programme, and the new US$35 million Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge Project, and also the ongoing US$10 million construction of the China-Guyana Friendship Joe Vieira Park Project.

Amid ongoing financial crime case, Brutus’s wife remains absent from court

After nearly five months, Adonika Aulder, the wife of Former Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus, has yet to physically return to Guyana to face money laundering charges before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Aulder was granted court permission to travel overseas in December 2024 to seek emergency medical attention, as she was heavily pregnant at the time. The ruling was handed down by Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, who had ordered her to return for a court appearance on December 18, 2024. Since then, however, Aulder has only appeared before the court virtually in relation to the proceedings.

She is facing two counts of money laundering, and is accused of knowingly acquiring $352,082,315 from her company’s bank account at Republic Bank in December 2023, allegedly funds derived from criminal activity. The matter remains under active investigation.

On Thursday, Aulder once again appeared via Zoom as the case continued before Magistrate McGusty. She appeared alongside her husband, Former Assistant Commissioner Brutus, and Kevin George, who were both present in court, as the court sought statements and further disclosure.

During the hearing, the Magistrate raised concerns regarding Aulder’s continued absence and requested clarity on when she is expected to physically return to the jurisdiction. In response, Defence Attorney Dominick Bess told the court that the team is in possession of a receipt for a United States (US) passport application. He did not disclose whether the application was made in Aulder’s name or on behalf of anoth-

er person, a point that remains unconfirmed in the public record.

The prosecution requested that a copy of the receipt be tendered to the court, to which Magistrate McGusty agreed. The Magistrate also asked for a timeline regarding the completion of the passport process and the soonest possible date Aulder could return to Guyana.

Upon receiving permission to speak, Brutus told the court that the process could take “six to eight weeks” and that appointments were being scheduled based on available dates. Magistrate McGusty questioned the duration and ordered that, copies of the receipt be submitted. The matter was subsequently adjourned to May 16, 2025.

Meanwhile, the court also heard submissions related to Brutus and his co-accused, Kevin George, who are jointly facing 261 fraud-related charges. These charges reportedly

stem from financial misconduct involving falsified claims, transactions, and alleged abuse of public funds.

During Thursday’s session, the prosecution admitted that several crucial bank documents are still outstanding and have not yet been presented to the court.

Attorney Everton Lammy-Singh, who is representing Brutus, challenged the state’s readiness and questioned the fairness of requiring his client to appear frequently without sufficient evidence being disclosed.

“They should not be charging anyone if they don’t have their evidence in order,” Lammy stated.

He therefore requested that the court reduce Brutus’s physical court appearances to once per month. The Magistrate agreed to the request, given the status of the proceedings and delays in disclosure.

This high-profile case has drawn national attention, given Brutus’s senior role in the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Brutus, a former contender for the post of Police Commissioner, has long maintained his innocence. The charges against him, George, and Aulder stem from what investigators allege to be an elaborate scheme involving suspicious financial transactions and possible abuse of office.

The investigation began in late 2023 after flagged financial activity and an internal probe into various financial irregularities. Aulder’s company, which has not been publicly named in court documents, is believed to be central to some of the transactions now under scrutiny.

The court is expected to examine substantial volumes of banking and financial evidence, once disclosure is complete.

Transforming… …Lethem

Your Eyewitness figures that with a country as vast as ours, our energetic Prezzie’s “walkabouts” to press the flesh of the people will inevitably get more than a bit circumambulatory than the casual strolls we’ve been used to with other leaders!! So, here he was one day in his native, central Reg 3 announcing a new Port at Parika and then onto Berbice to our east to announce advances in engineering and medical education delivery that’s gonna transform that part of the country. He then proceeds to Essequibo in our west and follows that up with a trip to Lethem in our deepest south – stopping to play a game of dominoes with the fellas at the local airstrip!! The head spins!!

He's there for the annual Easter Rodeo and we ain’t gonna be surprised if he decides to mount one of those bucking broncos!! He took the opportunity to remind one and all about his Government’s goal to bring development to the farther reaches of our country!! With Lethem abutting Brazil, five hundred miles away from Georgetown, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that one of the keys to development there gonna be reliable transportation to the coastland and Atlantic.

The young’uns mightn’t know of the days when we had some of the largest cattle ranches IN THE WORLD in the Rupununi – hence the rodeo as an institution there!! The Rupununi cowboys would drive their cattle on a “cattle trail” across rivers, savannahs and jungle to the market on the coast!! In doing so, they eventually laid the basis for a Georgetown-Lethem Highway – which is finally being asphalted to create an all-weather thru-way!! While Prezzie was in Lethem, PM Phillips was officially commissioning 45 newly-constructed concrete bridges spanning the creeks and rivers across the highway.

The cattle industry can now be reignited since the meat can be transported on the highway in refrigerated trucks. Prezzie detailed plans for new abattoirs, storage, and processing facilities that will now serve both local and Caricom markets. The latter becomes viable because the highway will have a spur to a deep-water harbour in Berbice that’s on the cards!! For those of us who may want to go south – but balk at the rigours of the overland trip – Prezzie announced there’s gonna be a brand new municipal airport – better than the one at Ogle that’s handling international flights – to get us there in an hour!

The entire south – not just the Rupununi – can now become a tourist mecca since $3 billion has already been spent on concrete roads linking Region 9. So for those on the coast who wanna experience the new possibilities in Guyana, the message is “Go south, young man – and woman!!”

…with China

With the Government getting wise to China’s twofacedness on the existential threat Maduro presents to us from the west, they’ve been emphasising their “help” in our infrastructural development!! To listen to their spokespersons from their embassy, you’d think they’re handing out their loans for those projects like lollipops!! They don’t mention that – just like the Western Bretton Woods World Bank and IMF they bitterly criticise – they also insist on their own firms doing the work, but, in their case, THEY ALSO BRING THEIR WORKERS!! The money from their loans, therefore, end up back in THEIR pockets!!

They also invariably leave some of those workers behind to form colonies of shopkeepers who’re now displacing us locals and taking bread from our mouths!! But China provides LOANS that must be repaid – with interest – and we know that when they aren’t, they take over the project!!

They got pretty miffed after US Secty of State Rubio criticised their sloppy road-building on “Concussion Highway”. Echoing Shaggy, they said, “Wasn’t me!!”

…loyalties

Guyana’s certainly changing for the better as far as ostracising folks from across the divide. We saw Burnham’s son-in-law, Baby Jesus, being made ambassador to Venezuela. And now a big, pro-PPP businessman – who’d backed the APNU/AFC coalition – is back “home”!!

Adonika Aulder

Ambassador Yang Yang with officials upon her arrival in Guyana

President Ali announces infrastructure projects, housing plans for Yupukari, satellite villages

President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that Government has in plan, several critical projects for Yupukari and its

President Ali, will be supported by the Ministry of Housing and Water.

“We are going to expand the Housing Support

Water security is also being addressed, with each of the 516 households set to receive a black tank from the Government to harvest

satellite villages of Fly Hill and Kaicumbay, Region Nine.

Spanning transportation, infrastructure, housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities, the projects were detailed by the President as he conducted a series of community meetings in the region over the weekend.

According to President Ali, two minibuses will soon be purchased to make transportation more accessible, to better serve the people of Yupukari and its surrounding communities.

In Fly Hill, a stronger, safer bridge will soon be upgraded from timber to a concrete structure. In addition, resources will be made to make much-needed improvements to the three-kilometre (km) road leading from the Katoka Junction.

The President also revealed that an ambulance is being planned for the Yupukari area, as some communities are located up to 70 km from the town of Lethem, creating a need for emergency transportation.

The village of Kaicumbay also expressed interest in launching a housing scheme, which according to

and Core Homes project in Region Nine. We have to build at least 1,000 of those core homes, that is what you want, not what we are imposing,” the President said.

rainwater.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI) news report, in terms of employment, more than 70 Community Support Officers

(CSOs), who lost their jobs under the previous administration, have been re-engaged. Community policing members will also be integrated into the Pathway Workers Programme, ensuring they receive the financial support needed.

At the meeting, the President also disclosed that more than $450 million has been invested in infrastructure alone across the three villages, excluding social assistance programmes such as the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant, COVID-19

and other

relief, pension increases,

subsidies. “This is the love of this Government,” he stated.

President Dr Irfaan Ali receives a gift of mangoes from a young villager during his visit

Some members of the audience

The President along with Cabinet members and regional officials at the meeting

EPA debunks "misleading, inaccurate" news article maligning Guyana

– agency says it has collected almost $1B in flaring fines that Exxon cannot recover under cost oil

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed that the almost $1 billion in flaring fines it collected from ExxonMobil, cannot be recovered by the oil major under cost oil, a significant win for the agency as it sought to defend its environmental stewardship record against misleading reports from an international climate change watch-dog.

An article from Climate Change News recently sought to malign Guyana and its stewardship of the environment while being an oil producer. The article, which claimed that Guyana has not been adequately protecting the environment while being an oil-producing nation, drew the ire of the EPA.

According to the EPA, not only were they never contacted for a chance to respond, but the article was replete with falsehoods. One such falsehood contained in the article dated April 15, 2025, is that ExxonMobil, the operator of the Stabroek block, was allowed to flare indiscriminately.

The EPA made it clear that this is patently untrue, since ExxonMobil was fined almost $1 billion for non-routine flaring, monies which the oil major cannot recover under the cost oil terms laid out in the 2016 Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

“Following an unanticipated mechanical failure in the gas compression system on the Liza Destiny FPSO in 2020-2021, the EPA moved swiftly to; (i) Amend the environmental permit for Liza Phase 1 (May 2021) to formalise conditions for non-routine flaring,” EPA said.

According to the EPA, it also introduced “a carbon pricing mechanism, requiring the operator to pay for CO2 emissions from excess flaring. The fee was increased from US$30 to US$45 per tonne of CO2, reflecting the EPA’s firm application of the ‘polluter-pays’ principle.”

EPA noted that this method has been so effective, that as of 2023, mechanical failure- induced flaring on board the Liza Destiny Floating

The Environmental Protection Agency

Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel has been eliminated. There has also been no excess flaring throughout last year, further proof that Exxon has been complying with its permit.

The article also referenced a 2023 ruling by the High Court, in which it said that the EPA acted within the confines of the law by modifying Exxon’s permit to permit flaring within cer-

tain parameters and to impose the fine.

“This Court ruling reaffirmed the Agency’s authority to act proactively to regulate environmental risks, while avoiding undue harm to the national interest,” EPA pointed out, also making it clear that it has continued to act against any violations.

According to the EPA, it has established an Environmental Emergency

Response Unit, comprising trained officers, who are equipped with incident response tools to monitor, investigate and respond to pollution incidents, including those related to the oil sector.

“The Agency has introduced real-time environmental data reporting for offshore platforms and maintains round-the-clock oversight, using vessel traffic tracking and emissions

monitoring systems.”

“The EPA has continuously been strengthening its monitoring and enforcement framework, keeping it aligned with international best practices and the Environmental Protection Act, Cap. 20:05,” the agency added.

Another issue debunked in its statement, were claims that it has not been inclusionary by consulting with indigenous and local communities. As a matter of fact, the agency has been holding consultations for every Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

“The EPA is under no illusion about the task at hand of protecting the environment, while also enabling sustainable national development. The Agency, however, embraces the challenges of governing a rapidly evolving extractive sector and remains committed at all times to legal compliance and transparency, continuous stakeholder engagement, accountability of permit holders, and adaptive improvement of regulatory systems and environmental safeguards.”

NA floods again; Town Council promises to revamp drainage network in business area

…as sections of Corentyne inundated

Heavy rains drenched Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Sunday morning, with between 20 and 50 millimetres falling across the region.

Many villages along the Corentyne Coast were severely impacted by the continuous rainfall throughout the morning, even as the afternoon remained heavily overcast, with slight showers in some sections of the region.

Cash crop farmers are reported to have experienced loses, as sheep and goats were forced to look for higher ground on the Corentyne.

In the Town of Rose Hall, water levels in the Reef, saw some yards completely covered with water from rainfall, as in the neighbouring community of Port Mourant, a pharmacy operator was seen standing in three inches of water inside of the pharmacy, attempting to bail the water with a bucket where the surrounding water levels were too high to facilitate that process.

Miss Phoebe North and

Free Yard North were the most impacted communities in the Port Mourant area.

Meanwhile, in East Canje, residents there reported water flowing into their yards during the earlier part of the morning.

However, one of the areas affected most was the town of New Amsterdam, which is the country’s oldest town, the main business area especially.

Mayor Wainwright McIntosh says there is a need to have the drainage network in the business area revamped. He pointed out that heavy littering within the township has been one of the main contributory factors.

“There is a heavy content of plastic bottles and beverage cans in the drainage system at Strand and Pitt Street. The same thing is Chapel Street Strand. So, this whole issue that we are experiencing with regards to flooding, requires a multi-stakeholder approach for us to curb or to put mitigating measures in place,” the Mayor told this publication.

He says the municipality has now been forced to take steps, whereby persons who are found littering will be placed before the court.

“We will be working collaboratively with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) through the town’s Constabulary Department to ensure that those perpetrators are fined and the necessary steps taken to have those individuals prosecuted. Coupled with that, the works committee will start a project to redefine the drainage network, especially the interlock drains,” the Mayor added.

Meanwhile, in an invited comment on the issue, General Foreman Charles Johnson, attached to the town’s engineering department, pointed out that many parts of the town flooded because of the heavy rainfall, notably the business section of the town, Pitt Street, and Chapel Street.

“The reason for the flooding is that the drains are heavily silted; the interlocks are blocked. These are caused mainly by garbage being dumped into the system. The municipality is in the process of putting together a programme to have the entire drainage system within Pitt Street, Chapel Street, and Trinity Street to be redone within the next few weeks. We would be completely excavating those drains, redesigning them, and then setting them back to standard.”

Johnson pointed out that persons within Pitt Street have built up on the reserve, which has contributed to the flooding.

“This is something that we will be addressing shortly,” he said.

“We have also noticed that some parts of Stanleytown and Vryman’s Ervin have been flooding. Residents are responsible for cleaning the drains in front of the yards, and the municipality will deal

with the inter-lot. So the residents will have to help us to help them so that we can get the drainage situation in this town under control,” Johnson concluded.

According to the Mayor, the interlock drains within the township need addressing.

“What we are getting from our constituents is that the CIIP (Community Infrastructure Improvement Project) workers need to be more thorough when it comes to their execution of duties and responsibilities relative to the maintenance of our drainage and infrastructure.”

The Mayor pointed out that over the past two decades the landscape of the town would have changed significantly.

Addressing business owners and persons who are developing real estate, the Mayor is urging that they leave the required four feet of the land behind their back fence.

“Now that four feet that should be left remaining is to facilitate workers going

into the interlock to have the maintenance of the interlock drains done. In New Amsterdam the four feet is not being left.”

He said even if the municipality were to de-silt all of the drains within the town and the outfalls are not adequately maintained, it will be defeating the purpose.

“The outfalls are heavily silted which means that they must be given the attention needed,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Region Six is expected to witness an increase in rainfall over the coming weeks, influenced by seasonal weather patterns. The hydro-methodological has forecast rain on Easter Monday, with a predicted 2080 millimetres of rainfall and possible thunder showers, in Regions Seven to Nine and North Region Six. Elsewhere, partly cloudy to cloudy with scattered to occasional showers.

New Amsterdam Mayor Wainwright McIntosh pointing to an interlock drain between Pitt Street and New Street where there is no allowance for cleaning

Municipal workers cleaning a drain manually in New Amsterdam on Friday

An excavator sank at Port Mourant on Saturday while trying to clear a blocked canal

Flooding in Corentyne

Easter Vigil, Sunday Mass bring Easter to a close

s the faithful gathered at Easter Sunday Mass to cel -

Triduum, a term used by the Anglican and Catholic church, (Holy Thursday,

Saturday and sunrise on Easter Sunday, where the faithful keep watch, cele -

ebrate the resurrection, it marked the end of Holy Week, the end of Lent, and the last day of the Easter

Good Friday and Easter Sunday), after a night of vigil, which begins between sunset on Holy

brating the Resurrection of Christ in the sacraments and awaiting his return.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, and his wife Mignon Bowen-Phillips, on Sunday joined the St George’s Cathedral’s congregation for Easter Sunday Service, April 20, 2025

Robert Bellarmine Roman Catholic Church, Aishalton

Renewal of baptismal vows at St Sidwell’s Anglican Church on Easter Sunday (Resurrection Sunday)

Easter Vigil at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Georgetown

St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Plaisance

President commissions Yupukari Secondary School in Region 9

Pa historic milestone in the Government's ongoing

Annual

commitment to equitable education for all Guyanese.

The school, which will serve approximately 200 students from Yupukari and neighbouring communities such as Fly Hill, Quatata,

and Kaicumbay, stands as a beacon of progress for the hinterland region. This initiative will significantly reduce the need for students to travel long distances or live in dormitories at St Ignatius Secondary School in order to access secondary education.

The commissioning of the Yupukari Secondary School followed the earlier commissioning of the Katoka Secondary School on the same day, further emphasising the administration’s steadfast focus on improving educational infrastructure across Region Nine.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Honourable Minister of Education Priya Manickchand highlighted the transformative impact

Kite Flying and Easter Egg Hunt rolled out at Promenade Gardens

Almost 150 children from across the country were on Saturday hosted at the Promenade Gardens, Georgetown, for the President and First Lady’s Annual Kite Flying and Easter Egg Hunt.

of the Government’s education agenda. She emphasised that the investments being made—from school infrastructure and trained teachers to learning materials and daily meals—are designed to ensure every child, regardless of where they live, has access to high-quality education.

“Now, each and every single child has a package in their book bags to carry home — if they choose to — all the textbooks they need for all subjects, from Nursery straight up to Secondary. All your children are getting breakfast and lunch, and it’s your village — the women in your village — that we’re paying to do that. Then, you have schools going up. Not a primary top — a discreet secondary school with trained teachers to deliver the full programme. We’re building schools in Karasabai, Tabatinga, Maruranau, Nappi, Massara — seven secondary schools in one Irfaan

Ali term. Since the first set of people settled here, this region only had four schools –three of them were secondary: St Ignatius, Sand Creek, Aishalton, and Annai. Now, in just five years, we’re adding seven more. That means 2,500 new secondary seats, giving students the chance to go from Grade Nine to CXC, then on to university. We are creating opportunities never before imagined,” she stated.

The construction of the Yupukari Secondary School was awarded to contractor Clyve King, through a competitive bidding process conducted under the guidelines of the Public Procurement Act and supervised by the National Procurement and Tender Administration (NPTA) to ensure full transparency and fairness.

This development forms part of the Ministry of Education’s broader strategy to eliminate educational inequities between the coastland and hinterland regions.

Through investments in infrastructure, trained educators, and support systems, the Government is working to guarantee that every child—regardless of geographic location—has access to quality education.

Parents, educators, and community members have welcomed the school as a transformative step forward, poised to improve academic outcomes and reduce dropout rates. The facility will offer students a nurturing and resource-equipped environment to thrive academically, without the burden of relocation or extensive travel.

The commissioning of the Yupukari Secondary School Block reaffirms the Ministry of Education’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind. It is yet another testament to the Government’s unwavering dedication to investing in the future of Guyana—one school, one community, and one child at a time.

4 arrested for alleged trafficking of 3 underage girls

Police in Regional Division #9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) have arrested four persons who are suspected of trafficking three underage girls.

According to the Home Affairs Ministry in a social media post, police officers at the Kurupukari Police checkpoint intercepted the suspects in two trucks on Sunday evening.

Those arrested include two drivers and two porters.

The two trucks were also detained as the investigation into this suspected trafficking in persons matter continues.

Only earlier this year, a Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara (WBD) man, Asif Mohamed Abrahim, was convicted of trafficking a 15-yearold female between September 2023 to January 2024.

Back in February, the case was heard before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrates’ Court, where Abrahim was

found guilty. He was sentenced to four years for the trafficking charge.

In a statement on the matter, the Human Services and Social Security Ministry had revealed that the victim, who was 15 at the time of the offence, was rescued by its Counter-Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) Unit on January 18, 2024 after acting on credible information received.

Based on reports, some 416 individuals were victims of human trafficking in 2024 from 34 cases that were reported. Authorities have provided shelter for some 381 victims.

Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Minister, through its Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons, continues to work with stakeholder bodies to tackle this scourge.

Only in February, two training seminars on Human Trafficking, the Smuggling of Migrants, and Child Labour were held. The sessions were

attended by 48 police recruits enrolled in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Training Academy’s General Recruits Training Course (Batch 388 and 389).

This initiative was designed to equip recruits with the necessary knowledge and skills to detect, identify, investigate, and prosecute these heinous crimes and related offences.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said it remain committed to combatting human trafficking by investing in training and capacity-building initiatives, contributing to a future where all individuals are free from exploitation and abuse.

The Ministry urges the public to stay vigilant and support national anti-trafficking efforts. Any suspected cases of human trafficking should be reported immediately to the national hotline at 2274083, 623-5030, or 624-0079 (Spanish), or to the nearest police station.

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday commissioned the newly constructed Yupukari Secondary School in Region Nine, marking

VP conducts impromptu whistle-stop tour along the ECD

Vice President (VP) and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, visited the Enmore, Melanie, Non-Pariel South, Lusignan and Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD) communities during his impromptu

whistle-stop tour on Sunday. He also visited Clonbrook, Ann’s Grove, Helena Number Two, Unity Village and Victoria.

City Council monitoring drains, canals, pump stations as rainy season kicks in – Mayor

...as Central Government initiates another clean-up after heavy rains

As the rainy season hits the capital city, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GM&CC) is actively monitoring the city’s irrigation network, as part of efforts to ensure that residents and businesses are not affected by flooding due to the inclement weather.

Last week, Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore, accompanied by Gregory Fraser, Chairman of the City Works Committee, conducted a series of site visits across the city.

They were joined by members of the City Engineer’s Department.

The delegation visited several key locations and multiple pump stations, as part of ongoing efforts to assess infrastructure, improve drainage systems, and ensure the city’s readiness for the upcoming rainy season. The visits formed part of a broader initiative to monitor the progress of current works and identify areas requiring urgent intervention.

In a subsequent press briefing following the site visits, Mayor Mentore highlighted that apart from monitoring the city’s drain-

ing network as a whole, the council will also zone in on

several streets where construction works are ongoing.

“Princes Street, [in] which a particular contractor is doing some work, and he would have blocked up the canals with some key dams; we had to ask him to address the dam, address the adjustment of the dam so that the water could flow and that he must also monitor those particular canals so that the water continues to flow to the outfall. So we are addressing this. We've also addressed some aspects of North Road as well as

Crown Street”

Additionally, in cases where water cannot flow out through the various drains and canals due to high tide, the Mayor noted that several pumps in the city will be activated to reduce the risk of flooding. In fact, Alfred told spectators that these pumps will be regularly inspected to ensure that they are functional at all times.

“We will continue to monitor and ensure that the gravity flow... the water is going out, and wherever there is an issue where the gravity cannot continue to flow because the high tide coming, we will be putting on those various pumps and we're ensuring that those pumps have all its gasoline and all the workers at those particular points to ensure that we keep the people and the citizens as dry as possible.”

Meanwhile, following a spate of heavy rains, the Government began a cleanup of what the Ministry of Public Works deemed “critical areas” in the city, to clear drainage systems of plastics and other waste, clogging drains and impeding water flow.

2 men await sentencing after admitting to killing their wives in separate attacks

Two men who admitted to killing their spouses in two separate but chilling acts of domestic violence, are now awaiting sentencing at the Demerara High Court. Both men appeared before Justice Simone Morris and pleaded guilty to the capital offence of murder, bringing years-long investigations to a close.

Michael London, a former member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), confessed to stabbing his common-law wife, 38-year-old Shaneka Elliot to death on May 19, 2017. The brutal attack took place at the couple’s home in Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10, where Elliot was reportedly in the process of

ending what had been described as an abusive relationship.

According to police investigations, London launched a violent assault on Elliot, stabbing her approximately 15 times during a heated confrontation. The injured woman was rushed to the Mackenzie Hospital Complex, where doctors pronounced her dead on arrival. A post-mortem later confirmed that Elliot died as a result of multiple incised wounds.

Following the killing, London fled, and police launched a manhunt. By the end of the day, they tracked him to a remote jungle area in Moblissa along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. However, during the ar-

rest, London reportedly resisted and attacked the arresting officers, forcing them to open fire. He was shot in the leg before being subdued and taken into custody.

With his guilty plea now entered before Justice Morris, London is scheduled to return to court on May 8, 2025, for sentencing. The judge is expected to take into account victim impact statements, a probation officer’s report, and other psychological and social assessments, before handing down the sentence.

In a separate case involving another horrifying act of intimate partner violence, 54-year-old Gowkaran (only name given) also pleaded guilty to murdering his wife,

47-year-old Debbie Singh, in an incident that unfolded at their Meten-MeerZorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD), home on April 9, 2020.

Based on the facts presented in court by the prosecution, Singh was doused with a mixture of kerosene and alcohol and set alight by her husband during a domestic dispute that occurred in front of their oneyear-old twin children. The flames quickly consumed her clothing and skin, and, in a further act of cruelty, Gowkaran reportedly held her back to prevent her from escaping.

Despite the intense pain and severe burns, Singh managed to break free from his grip and ran outside,

screaming for help from a neighbour. While she fought for her life, Gowkaran reportedly barricaded himself in a room inside the house and attempted to take his own life by hanging.

Police who responded to the scene were forced to break down the door to get to him, after which he was rescued and taken into custody.

Singh was transported in critical condition to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where she was hospitalised for several days. Sadly, she succumbed to her injuries. A post-mortem examination later revealed that Singh died as a result of pulmonary thromboembolism, a complication arising from

septic burns, along with multiple acute gastric ulcers.

Gowkaran, who remained in custody since the incident, entered his guilty plea before Justice Morris. His sentencing has been scheduled for May 7, 2025. As in London’s case, the judge is expected to consider victim impact statements and a comprehensive probation report before deciding on the appropriate penalty. Both men remain on remand as they await the court’s final ruling. Their guilty pleas spare the victims’ families from enduring lengthy trials but reopen deep wounds left behind by two of the most gruesome domestic violence cases in recent years.

One of the drainage channels impacted by waste material dumped in the canal

Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore inspecting a drain during the visit

Past flooding of city streets

Government workers remove waste from inside a city canal

MoL, MoH, GGMC collaborate to promote safer mining environment

The Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Ministry of Health (MoH), on Sunday carried out a series of awareness sessions and inspections in Gold Mining District Three – Puruni, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

The primary objective of this initiative, the labour Ministry noted, is to en-

hance working conditions and promote a safer mining environment, by encouraging miners and stakeholders to conduct their operations in a safe and lawful manner.

During the outreach, several areas were visited, including Rock Creek, Mara Mara, Brazilian Scheme, Tiger Creek, and Peter's Mine.

So far, approximately 145 miners across 19 mining operations have participat-

ed in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) awareness sessions.

These sessions covered key topics such as proper benching practices and pit floor conditions; tree clearance and camp sanitation, and workers' rights to a safe and healthy working environment, and distribution of treated mosquito nets, and malaria virus testing.

The outreach also focused on raising awareness of the privileges, training, and services offered by the Guyana Mining School and Training Centre Incorporated (GMSTCI), in-

cluding courses in jewellery making, mineral prospecting, and map reading and Global Positioning System

(GPS) navigation. Brochures and posters, which covered accident prevention and identification of workplace hazards;

the proper use and importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); joint responsibility systems and emergency preparedness,

and management of mercury and its harmful health effects, were also distributed to support the outreach.

Additionally, a warning notice was issued to one miner for defects related to pit face and pit floor conditions.

The awareness campaign was led by representatives from several agencies; the Ministry of Labour, OSH Officer and ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Naipaul Persaud; the MoH, Entomology Technician and Vector Control Services Officer Kemoul Kissoon; the GGMC, Occupational Safety and Health Officer Stokeley Roberts; and from the GMSTCI, Instructor Nathan Indrasingh.

Reg Division #8 hosts lecture on liquor law amendment and DUI prevention

On Saturday, April 19, 2025, Inspector Lyttle and Lance Corporal Fields, along with Community Policing Group (CPG) members Margaret John and Declan Richards, conducted a series of lectures at various bars and hangout spots within the Mahdia Station District.

The aim of this exercise was to educate bar owners on the recent amendments made to the 2022 Bill of the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act, with emphasis on their legal responsibilities.

It also aimed to reinforce the importance of compliance with the law, particularly regarding the prevention of alcohol-related accidents, and encourage partnership between the Police, business owners, and the wider community, in an effort to reduce

instances of Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

Key points highlighted during these lectures included awareness that bar owners are legally obligated to take reasonable steps to prevent the sale of alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals.

It is an offence to knowingly allow patrons to drive under the influence after consuming alcohol at their establishments.

The recent amendment empowers law enforcement to take stricter action against non-compliant establishments. Bar owners are encouraged to display visible notices promoting responsible drinking and offer alternative transportation options when possible.

Collaboration with the Police is essential in creating a safer community, es-

pecially during peak social hours.

According to the police, the initiative was well received by bar owners and staff, many of whom expressed willingness to cooperate.

Suggestions were made to conduct these lectures on a monthly basis, and some establishments committed to installing signage and making arrangements with prominent taxi drivers for

safer alternatives. The outreach formed part of the ongoing effort to reduce road fatalities and improve public safety through education and stakeholders’ engagement.

The Traffic Department of Regional Division #8 noted that it will continue to work closely with the public to enforce road safety laws and foster a culture of responsibility and accountability.

By DR TARIQ JAGNARINEFAMILy MEDICINE/ ENDOCRINOLOGy

Aperiod, or menstruation, is the part of the menstrual cycle in which the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus, is shed. This appears as bleeding from the womb that is released through the vagina. The normal length of a woman’s menstrual cycle is 28 days, but this varies between individuals.

Periods usually start

of 4709 adult women ages 19 to 54 reported having irregular menstruation. In another, occupational status was found to have an effect: Service, manual overnight shift and sales workers, and unemployed women had higher risks of developing irregular menstrual cycles.

Causes

Many things can cause irregular periods. Changes in the body’s level of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone can disrupt the normal pattern of a period. This is one of the main reasons why young girls going through puberty and women approaching menopause commonly have irregular periods

Other common causes of irregular periods include:

Having an intrauterine device (IUD) as contraceptive

Changing birth control pills or using certain medications

HEALTH TIPS

IRREGULAR PERIODS

Thickening of, or polyps on, the uterine lining

Uterine fibroids

A less common cause is severe scarring (adhesions) of the lining of the uterus, a condition that doctors call Asherman syndrome.

Treatment

Most cases of irregular cycle do not require treatment unless it is affecting the person or the cause is due to an underlying medical condition that is affecting the menstrual cycle

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism are two common causes of irregular periods in women. In general, the goal of treatment is to restore the balance of hormones in the body.

In the case of PCOS, it is recommended to use birth control pills or other hormones to trigger a period. If the cause is due to hypothyroidism (underactive thy-

during puberty, between the ages of 10 and 16 years, and they continue until menopause, when a woman is 45 to 55 years old. Most women have between 11 and 13 menstrual periods each year. Bleeding usually lasts around 5 days, but this too can vary, from 2 to 7 days.

Irregular menstruation is when the length of the cycle is more than 35 days, or if the duration varies. When menstruation first starts, it can take up to 2 years to establish a regular cycle. After puberty, most women’s menstruation is regular. The length of time between each period is similar. However, for some women, the time between periods and the amount of blood shed vary considerably. This is known as irregular menstruation.

The main symptom of irregular menstruation is when the cycle is longer than 35 days, or if it varies in length. If there are changes in blood flow, or if clots appear that are more than 2.5 centimetres in diameter, this is also considered irregular.

In a South Korean study published in PloS One in March 2019, over 14 per cent

Too much exercise

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which a number of small, fluid-filled sacs known as cysts develop in the ovaries

Cervical or uterine cancer, or cancer of the womb, may, in rare cases, cause bleeding between periods or during sexual intercourse

• Endometriosis is a condition in which cells that are normally found inside the uterus, called endometrial cells, grow outside it. In other words, the lining of the inside of the uterus is found outside of it

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive system. Among women, it is the most common and serious complication of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), apart from AIDS

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Stress

• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

roid), then treatment is needed using thyroid hormones replacement.

Changing birth control. Experiencing irregular periods after 3 months of hormonal birth control, then it is recommended to try another type of birth control. Some women develop irregular periods when using Nexplanon, Depo-Provera, or an IUD.

Lifestyle changes. Some women have changes in their period because they exercise too much. Adapt workouts that are less intense,

or exercise less often.

If stress is the problem, stress management is important and possibly also talking with a counsellor may be helpful.

Extreme changes in weight can affect periods. Weight gain can make it harder for women to ovulate, so weight loss could help with better cycles. However, extreme, sudden weight loss can also lead to infrequent or irregular periods.

Hormone therapy (HT). An irregular menstrual cycle is often due to a lack of, or imbalance in certain hormones in the body. Often birth control pills (oral contraceptives) containing the hormones oestrogen and progesterone are prescribed to help control irregular periods. A hormone medication called progestin can also help trigger periods in women who do not get them.

Surgery. Sometimes, scarring or structural problems in the uterus (womb) or fallopian tubes may lead to irregular periods. Surgery is then recommended to correct any structural problems or birth defects, particularly in persons desirous of conceiving.

Home remedies

Maintaining a healthful lifestyle can help reduce the risk of some of the causes of irregular periods.

This includes:

• Exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress

• Following a healthful diet

• Some herbal remedies, such as black cohosh, chaste berry, liquorice root, ginger, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar and turmeric are all said to help, but research has not confirmed their effectiveness, and they may have adverse effects

• Practise yoga

Maintain a healthy weight

• Regular exercise

Get your daily dose of vitamins

A study published in 2015 linked low levels of vitamin D to irregular periods and suggested that taking vitamin D may help regulate menstruation.

When to seek medical attention

Seek medical advice once having had regular, monthly periods and the pattern changes. Or if any of the following symptoms occurs: Miss three or more periods a year

• Period more often than every 21 days

• Period less often than ev-

ery 35 days

Bleeding more heavily than usual during periods

Bleed for more than 7 days

Having more pain than usual during a period

Complications

Irregular periods can sometimes indicate a health problem, and some of these can lead to further problems, such as fertility issues, anxiety, stress, social issues and even affect employment. When asking how long your period lasts, it is easy for women to want a definitive answer. However, each woman is different and she will have her own normal. Tracking each unique cycle each month will help to detect trends and patterns, picking up any changes as soon as they happen. In the cases of any sudden changes in a cycle that may not be stress-related, especially alongside other new symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible. The first step to being healthy is thinking healthy.

'50501' protesters denounce Trump Administration in nationwide rallies

Anational day of action on Saturday against President Donald Trump and his administration has united an outpouring of protesters across the US, who are rallying in defiance of what they describe as a relentless assault on democratic institutions and civil liberties.

Over 80 protests were held at state capitols, courthouses and city halls in several states as part of the "50501" demonstrations - short for 50 protests, 50 states, one movementcondemning what they describe as Trump's executive overreach, including deportations without due process, the dismantling of federal agencies and threats to higher education.

In addition to rallies, Saturday's day of action saw communities coming together through food

drives and donation campaigns, offering support to those most affected by the administration's policies.

"We are sending a clear and urgent message to the country and to those in power: the people are paying attention, we are organizing, and we will not accept authoritarian overreach, fascist policy, or the dismantling of our rights under the Constitution," Sarah Parker, one of the 50501's national coordinators, told CNN. "The administration's continued targeting of marginalized communities, the criminalization of dissent, and the erosion of civil liberties demand a responseand this is ours."

In Washington, DC, protesters assembled outside the White House and the residence of Vice President JD Vance, who is currently in Rome, where he

was meeting with a senior Vatican official on Saturday. Trump was at his golf club in Virginia.

Public outrage is intensifying over Abrego Garcia's deportation, with mounting criticism about the lack of due process afforded to him and the US government's resistance to facilitate his court-mandated return to the country - which could risk a constitutional crisis.

The 50501 Movement originated from a Reddit forum launched on January 25 that gave rise to a wave of nationwide protests led by grassroots organizations following Trump's inauguration. What began as an online movement quickly spilled into the streets, with at least four major demonstrations in the past four months leading up to Saturday's mass day of action. (Excerpt from CNN)

DHL suspends high-value US deliveries over tariffs

DHL Express is suspending deliveries to the US worth more than US$800 because of a "significant increase" in red tape at customs following the introduction of Donald Trump's new tariff regime.

The delivery giant said it will temporarily stop shipments from companies in all countries to American consumers on Monday "until further notice".

It added that business-to-business shipments will still go ahead, "though they may also face delays".

Previously, packages worth up to $2,500 could enter the US with minimal paperwork but due to tighter customs checks that came into force alongside Trump's tariffs earlier this month, the threshold has been lowered.

DHL said that the change "has caused a surge in formal customs clearances, which we are handling around the clock".

It said that while it is working to "scale up and manage this increase, shipments worth over $800, regardless of origin, may experience multi-day delays".

The company said it will still deliver packages worth less than $800, which can be sent to the US with minimal checks.

But the White House is set to clamp down on deliveries under $800 - specifically those sent from China and Hong Kong - on 2 May when it closes a loophole allowing low-value packages to enter the US without incurring any duties.

The removal of the socalled "de minimis" rule

will impact the likes of the fast-fashion firm Shein and Temu, the low-cost retail giant.

Shein and Temu have both warned that they will increase prices "due to recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs".

The Trump administration has claimed that "many shippers" in China "hide illicit substances and conceal the true contents of shipments sent to the US through deceptive shipping practices".

Last week, Hong Kong Post said it was suspending packages sent to the US by sea and, from 27 April, would stop accepting parcels destined for America.

It said: "The US is unreasonable, bullying and imposing tariffs abusively."

(Excerpt from BBC News)

ICE nabs undocumented Caribbean nationals at construction site in Puerto Rico

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency says its agents have arrested five undocumented Caribbean nationals at a construction site in Puerto Rico.

ICE said four Dominican Republic nationals and one Haitian national were apprehended during a targeted worksite enforcement operation in Vega Baja.

ICE said the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the US Marshals Service, the

US Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations, the Office of Field Operations, the US Border Patrol, the Vega Baja Municipal Police, and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau assisted in the operation.

All five Caribbean nationals are being held by ICE pending deportation proceedings.

"Through worksite enforcement investigations, ICE often uncovers more than just unauthorized employment - many cases reveal serious crimes like

document fraud, human smuggling, and human trafficking," said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Juan Special Agent in Charge Rebecca GonzálezRamos.

"Following the president's executive order, ICE San Juan will continue enforcing the immigration laws in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands," she added. ICE officials emphasized the agency's continued focus on identifying public safety and national security threats. (Loop Caribbean News)

Tropical Shipping exempted from US port fee tariffs

American-owned shipping carrier Tropical Shipping has been granted a key exemption from proposed trade surcharges that could have severely impacted its operations and raised costs across the Caribbean.

The exemption comes as part of an executive order issued by President Donald Trump aimed at revitalizing the US shipbuilding industry.

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) had initially proposed surcharges that would have cost Tropical Shipping customers an additional $3,000 per 40-foot container load. That proposal, which targeted carriers relying on Chinesebuilt vessels, has now been rolled back for companies like Tropical Shipping, which will be grandfathered under the new policy.

"This is a huge victory for us and the entire Caribbean region that we serve," said Tropical Shipping President and CEO Tim Martin. "Our voices were heard. We could not have accomplished this without the relentless advocacy from our Caribbean rep-

resentatives in Washington, DC, our customers, and the many organizations that wrote letters to the USTR describing the devastating multiplier effect these port fees would have had on all of us."

Tropical Shipping, based in Riviera Beach, Florida, has served the Caribbean since 1963, providing refrigerated and dry cargo services, full-container-load and less-than-containerload shipping, and global logistics solutions.

The company plays a vital role in delivering essential goods to island nations throughout the region.

Martin said the company's successful exemption followed a wave of coordinated efforts from regional

governments, private sector leaders, and international organizations. According to Martin, a member of the USTR committee expressed surprise at the widespread response.

"One of Tropical's core values is, 'Responsiveness is our driving force.' Caribbean communities were our driving force on this issue, and I can't thank you enough," he said.

Martin offered special thanks to a wide range of supporters, including President Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados and Chair of CARICOM, and Dr. Patrick Antoine, CARICOM Private Sector Organization. (Excerpt from Loop Caribbean News)

J'ca Police Commissioner again defends JCF against concerns about high rate of Police fatal shootings

Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake is insisting that the Jamaica Constabulary Force has the preservation of life as its main focus, despite mounting criticisms over the number of fatal shootings since the start of the year.

About 100 people have been killed, reportedly in confrontation with the security forces, since the start of the year.

The Police Commissioner has underscored what he says is the importance of supervision in ensuring accountability, especially when the call for increased

accountability is so loud from what he describes as "a small corner".

The Police Commissioner, in his weekly column "The Commissioners Corner," published in the Jamaica Constabulary Force Orders, claimed that he was not complaining about the calls for increased oversight and accountability.

In that regard, he declared that he was not scared, and fully embraces those calls from various sectors.

He cited a list of oversight bodies, both internally, locally and internationally, many of them providing

comprehensive policies and procedures that guide the JCF's daily activities and behavior.

Commissioner Blake contends that the JCF is not lacking in oversight and accountability, but has also issued a call for any additional accountability instrument or system that may complement those already in place. Responding to his critics, he said simply shouting loudly about the need for greater accountability without basis or context, is not useful, while insisting that his was not a call to silence criticism. (Excerpt from Radio Jamaica News)

TT's Kamla pushes for ganja farms

TT Opposition Leader Kamla PersadBissessar said a future UNC government would promote the cultivation of marijuana for medical use but not for recreational purposes.

Addressing a UNC rally on April 19 at Las Lomas in the constituency of La Horquetta/Talparo, she promised state help towards the cultivation of marijuana by way of incentives and quality control, among other measures.

On April 17 at a town meeting at Hillview College in the constituency of

Tunapuna, she had warned of the dangers of the abuse of recreational marijuana, which she said the government decriminalised but without providing requisite controls.

"Gambling and marijuana addiction are wreaking destruction in the lives of many young people across our nation."

She had said TT lacked marijuana dispensaries and quality controls, leaving people to buy it from street dealers, fuelling gang crime.

At Las Lomas, she quoted the UNC minifesto promot-

ing the marijuana industry. She vowed to ensure that marginalised communitiesdisproportionately affected by past cannabis criminalisation - would have access to licences and opportunities within the industry.

"We will develop partnerships with regional Caricom leaders to harmonise standards for medical marijuana exports. Persad-Bissessar concluded, "We will position TT as a key supplier of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products in developed markets." (Excerpt from Trinidad &Tobago Newsday)

‘Operational misunderstanding’ led to killing of Gaza

medics, IDF inquiry says

The Israeli military has said an “operational misunderstanding” and a “breach of orders” led to the killing of 15 emergency workers in Gaza last month.

An inquiry into the incident by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) found a series of failings.

The deputy commander of the unit involved has been dismissed “for providing an incomplete and inaccurate report during the debrief”.

Fourteen emergency workers and a UN worker were killed on 23 March after a convoy of Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) ambulances, a UN car and a fire truck came under fire by the Israeli military.

In a statement, the IDF said its troops opened fire believing they were facing a threat from enemy forces.

The IDF said its inves-

tigation found six of the casualties were Hamas members, and rejected that there had been summary executions.

It did not produce evidence for any affiliation to Hamas, despite the names of those killed being in the public domain.

The report said the incident took place in what it called a “hostile and dangerous combat zone”, and that the commander on the ground perceived an immediate and tangible threat after vehicles approached rapidly.

It blamed “poor night visibility”, which the IDF said meant the commander did not identify the vehicles as ambulances.

Israel had originally claimed troops opened fire because the convoy approached “suspiciously” in darkness without head-

lights or flashing lights. It said movement of the vehicles had not been previously co-ordinated or agreed with the army.

But it later said that account was “mistaken” after a video found on the mobile phone of a medic who was killed showed the vehicles with their lights on and their emergency signals flashing.

The Red Crescent and several other international organisations have previously called for an independent investigation into the incident.

The IDF’s decision to fire a commander and discipline another senior officer is not unheard of - the military dismissed two officers and took action against others after seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen were killed in April of last year. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Congo suspends former President Kabila’s political party

Democratic Republic of Congo suspended former President Joseph Kabila’s political party and ordered his assets seized over accusations of supporting Rwandanbacked rebels in the east, the government said.

The 53-year-old, who ruled from 2001-2019 and only stepped down after deadly protests against him, has said he wants to return to Congo to help seek a solution to the war.

But in statements late on

Saturday, the interior ministry said his party was suspended for aiding the M23 rebels, while the justice ministry said his and other party leaders’ assets would be seized after acts amounting to high treason.

Both statements said prosecutors had been instructed to initiate proceedings against him, but no details of the accusations were given.

There was no immediate response from Kabila.

Ferdinand Kambere,

secretary of his Party for Reconstruction and Democracy, called the suspension a flagrant violation of Congo’s constitution and laws in a statement to Reuters.

Kabila came to power after his father’s assassination, and refused to go when his final term expired in 2016.

He eventually agreed to step down and has lived in different African nations since. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Pope Francis, a Trump critic, meets Vance on Easter morning

Pope Francis held a private meeting at the Vatican on Sunday morning with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, the Vatican said in a statement.

Vance, a Catholic who has clashed with the pontiff over the Trump administration’s immigration policies, met Francis at his Vatican residence to exchange Easter greetings, the statement said.

“Pope Francis had a brief private encounter... lasting a few minutes, in order to exchange good wishes on Easter day,” said the statement. After Easter Mass, the pope later appeared in St. Peter’s Square to greet crowds in an open-air popemobile.

Vance’s office issued a brief statement confirming the meeting, but offered no further details.

The vice president, who has been visiting Italy with his family this weekend, met senior Vatican officials

for more formal talks on Saturday. The pope, who is recovering from double pneumonia, did not take part in those discussions.

The pope and Vatican officials have criticised several of the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration, including his plans to deport millions of migrants from the U.S. and his widespread cuts to foreign aid and domestic welfare programmes.

Francis has called the im-

Around the World

Boeing jet returns to US from China, a victim of Trump’s tariff war

ABoeing jet intended for use by a Chinese airline landed back at the planemaker’s U.S. production hub on Saturday, a victim of the tit-for-tat bilateral tariffs launched by President Donald Trump in his global trade offensive.

The 737 MAX, which was meant for China’s Xiamen Airlines, landed at Seattle’s Boeing Field at 6:11 p.m., according to a Reuters witness. It was painted with Xiamen livery.

The jet, which made refueling stops in Guam and Hawaii on its 5,000-mile (8,000-km) return journey, was one of several 737 MAX jets waiting at Boeing’s Zhoushan completion center for final work and delivery to a Chinese carrier.

It is not clear which party made the decision for the aircraft to return to the U.S. Boeing did not immediately respond to request for comment. Xiamen did not respond to request for comment.

Trump this month raised baseline tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%. In retaliation, China has imposed a 125% tariff on U.S. goods. A Chinese airline taking delivery of a Boeing jet could be crippled by the tariffs, given that a new 737 MAX has a market value of around $55 million, according to IBA, an aviation consultancy. The return of the 737 MAX, Boeing’s best-selling model, is the latest sign of disruption to new aircraft deliveries from a breakdown in the aerospace industry’s decades-old duty-free status. (Excerpt from CNN)

Iranian Minister says nuclear deal possible if US does not make ‘unrealistic demands’

Iran’s top negotiator believes reaching an agreement on its nuclear programme with the US is possible as long as Washington is realistic, as the two sides prepare to resume talks in Rome on Saturday.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, and the US Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, will begin indirect negotiations through mediators from Oman, after their first round in Muscat, which both sides described as constructive.

“If they demonstrate seriousness of intent and do not make unrealistic demands, reaching agreements is possible,” Araqchi told a news conference in Moscow on Friday after talks with Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov.

Tehran has, however, sought to tamp down expectations of a quick deal. The

‘Easter

supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said this week he was “neither overly optimistic nor pessimistic”.

The talks take place under the shadow of Donald Trump’s threat to attack Iran if it does not reach a deal with the US over its nuclear programme.

Tehran, which has always said its nuclear pro-

gramme is peaceful, says it is willing to negotiate some curbs in return for the lifting of sanctions, but wants watertight guarantees that Washington will not renege again as Trump did in 2018. Araghchi said Iran’s right to enrich uranium was “non-negotiable”, after Witkoff called for its complete halt. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

truce’ in Russia’s Ukraine war marked by accusations of violations

Umigration crackdown a “disgrace”. Vance, who became Catholic in 2019, has cited medieval-era Catholic teaching to justify the policy.

The pope rebutted the theological concept Vance used to defend the crackdown in an unusual open letter to the U.S. Catholic bishops about the Trump administration in February, and called Trump’s plan a “major crisis” for the United States. (Excerpt from Reuters)

kraine and Russia have accused each other of breaching an “Easter truce” announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine said was being violated from the moment it started.

Putin will not be extending the ceasefire, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by the TASS news agency on Sunday. The ceasefire expires at midnight (21:00 GMT).

The U.S. State Department said it would welcome an extension beyond Sunday.

In a surprise announce-

ment on Saturday, Putin ordered his forces to “stop all military activity” along the front line in the war against Ukraine, citing humanitarian reasons. The 30-hour cessation of hostilities would have been the most significant pause in the fighting throughout the three-year conflict. But just hours after the order was meant to have come into effect, air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv and several other Ukrainian regions, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accusing Russia of having maintained its attacks and engaging in a PR stunt. Russia’s Ministry of Defence also alleged on Sunday that Ukraine had broken the truce more than 1,000 times.

Reporting from Moscow, Al Jazeera’s Yulia Shapovalova said both sides were accusing each other, but according to analysts, it is almost impossible to stop all the hostilities immediately. But generally, the situation on the battlefield is much calmer, and the number of attacks has decreased. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

A Boeing 737 MAX plane, intended for China’s Xiamen Airlines, arrives at King County International Airport after returning from China due to ongoing tariff disputes, in Seattle, Washington, US, April 19, 2025

Pope Francis meets with US Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday at the Vatican

An Iranian newspaper carries a photo of Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff as the two men prepare to resume indirect talks

SUDOKU

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Think before you spend money, and you'll avoid falling short. Generosity won't buy you what you want. You'll make the best impression if you finish what you start and live up to your promises.

Establish your position and what you want to achieve. Knowledge and making key connections to people in a position to help you will get you where you want to go.

Channel your energy wisely. The temptation to squander your time or cash will leave you at a loss. Maintaining a practical attitude and concentrating on your goal will pay off.

Work alone. Letting others interrupt or talk you into unnecessary spending and add-ons will complicate your goals. Changing your surroundings will offer inspiration.

Kohli, Padikkal fifties fire RCB to 5th away win

– Kohli stay unbeaten on 73 to register his 67th fifty-plus score, the most by any

Royal Challengers

Bengaluru 159 for 3 (Kohli 73*, Padikkal 61) beat Punjab Kings 157 for 6 (Prabhsimran 33, Shashank 31*, Krunal 2-25, Suyash 2-26) by seven wickets

Another away game, another Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) win in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025; it was their fifth in five matches and this one has taken them to 10 points and third on the points table. Less than 48 hours after going down at home, RCB went up north to Mullanpur and exacted revenge on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in comprehensive fashion.

The RCB bowlers hardly gave away anything as PBKS were restricted to 156 for 7. In reply, the chasemaster Virat Kohli was at it again as he recorded his 67th fifty-plus score in the IPL, the most for any batter. Devdutt Padikkal also recorded his first IPL fifty of the season as RCB romped home with seven balls to

spare and by seven wickets. RCB had no hesitation in bowling on what Rajat Patidar called a “decent” surface. For the first six overs, it seemed that it was more than just decent as PBKS smashed 62 in the powerplay with Prabhsimran Singh going big.

Then the RCB spinners came to the fore, and it was one-way traffic thereon. Krunal Pandya picked 2 for 25 in his four overs, Suyash Sharma returned 2 for 26 as RCB put a lid on the scoring in the middle overs. Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar then put on a death-bowling masterclass, hardly giving PBKS an inch.

In the chase, Arshdeep Singh got Phil Salt for the fourth time in T20s, but Kohli and Padikkal added 103 off 69 balls for the second wicket to keep RCB on track. Even as Padikkal and Patidar fell, Kohli held his own to remain unbeaten on 73 off 54 as RCB kept their 100 per cent away record in-

tact.

The chasemaster

There is an inevitability when it comes to Kohli and chasing middling totals. He seems to have the scoring all mapped out. How many runs to get, the required rate, when to attack, when to hold himself back. A 158-chase gave him all those liberties. He hit five fours in his first 20 balls, all inside the powerplay. Then for the next 24 balls, he hit none. He was content with taking the ones and the twos, handing back the strike to the more aggressive Padikkal, but ensured he stayed put. He struck two fours and a six after recording his fifty off 43 balls, and stayed unbeaten till the end to take RCB over the line with plenty to spare.

Kohli’s 73* was his 67th fifty-plus score in the IPL, which is the most for any batter in the history of the league. That it came in an RCB win will please Kohli no end.

Padikkal’s welcome return to form

It’s been a patchy IPL 2025 for Padikkal. In fact, it’s been a patchy couple of years in the IPL. His last fifty in the league came in IPL 2023, incidentally against PBKS when he was playing for Rajasthan Royals. But when it mattered, he’s come good.

Padikkal was beaten on the upper-cut first ball. That did not deter him, and he went again the next ball and carved Arshdeep over the keeper for four. With Kohli going strong, he took the aggressive route. There was an all-run four before he thumped Xavier Bartlett

across the line for six. Harpreet Brar was spanked for four before Yuzvendra Chahal was whacked across the line for six. Padikkal raced to his fifty off 30 balls. He got a high-five from Kohli, and as he raised his bat, for the first time in 14 IPL innings and the first time since May 2023, there was a certain amount of relief on Padikkal’s face.

He celebrated by going four and six against Marcus Stoinis before finally holing out to long-on for a 35ball 61, but not before giving RCB a certain amount of cruise control in the chase.

PBKS’ powerplay to remember

The story, however, looked quite different six overs into the match. Bhuvneshwar, who has a good match-up against Prabhsimran, started with a two-run first over. The next five, though, belonged to PBKS. Priyansh Arya’s pick-up pull off Yash Dayal got the hosts’ six counter running. He drove Dayal through covers again before Prabhsimran smashed Bhuvneshwar for three fours in the third over: a guide past short third, a slap through point, and pull through midwicket.

Arya and Prabhsimran took 23 off Hazlewood’s first two overs. Arya fell to Krunal, his top-edge going as far as mid-off, but at 62 for 1 after six, the powerplay was PBKS’ all the way through.

The middle-over squeeze RCB have often relied on their pacers for the wickets so far this season. On Sunday, it was the RCB spinners coming to the fore. Prabhsimran failed to clear

long-on first ball after the powerplay and was caught by Tim David at long-on. Shreyas Iyer then fell soon after for six caught splendidly by Krunal moving to his left from long-on with Romario Shepherd picking up his first wicket for the season. It’s been an all-ornothing season for Iyer. In eight innings, he’s had three fifty-plus and five sub-ten scores.

A needless run-out had Nehal Wadhera walking back before Suyash sent back Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis in a single over as PBKS slipped to 114 for 6 after 14. PBKS managed only 67 runs and lost five wickets in the middle overs (between seven and 17), and that was always going to hurt them.

Punjab Kings (20 ovs maximum)

Priyansh Arya c David

b Pandya 22

Prabhsimran Singh c David

b Pandya 33

Shreyas Iyer (c) c Pandya

b Shepherd 6

Josh Inglis †

b Suyash Sharma 29

Nehal Wadhera run out (David/Kohli/†Sharma) 5

Shashank Singh not out 31

Marcus Stoinis

b Suyash Sharma 1

Marco Jansen not out 25

Extras: (lb 1, w 4) 5

Total: 20 Ov (RR: 7.85) 157/6

Did not bat: Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar

Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Priyansh Arya, 4.2 ov), 2-62 (Prabhsimran Singh, 6.1 ov), 3-68 (Shreyas Iyer, 7.4 ov), 4-76 (Nehal Wadhera, 8.6 ov), 5-112 (Josh Inglis, 13.2 ov), 6-114 (Marcus Stoinis, 13.5 ov) • DRS

Bowling O-M-R-W

Bhuvneshwar Kumar 4-0-26-0 Yash Dayal

A death-overs masterclass By the time the 17th over arrived, Marco Jansen and Shashank Singh were relatively set. Both these batters have an impressive deathovers strike rate and can hit a long ball. Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood though had other ideas.

The duo put in a proper masterclass in death bowling and left PBKS nowhere. According to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data, the duo landed eight yorkers in the last four overs, and gave away just one boundary – a six off the final ball of the innings. PBKS did not lose a wicket in these four overs, but could only manage 28 runs, and that was never going to be enough. (ESPNcricinfo)

Arshdeep Singh got Phil Salt’s number once more

Virat Kohli deals with a short ball

Suyash Sharma took two wickets to help RCB control the innings Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli come together at the end of the game

Rohit, Suryakumar fifties seal NRR-boosting win for MI

– MI mow down 177 with 9 wickets and 26 balls to spare

Mumbai Indians177 for 1 (Rohit 76*, Suryakumar 68*, Jadeja 1-28) beat Chennai Super Kings 176 for 5 (Jadeja 53*, Dube 50, Bumrah 2-25) by nine wickets

Mumbai Indians (MI) put together a third straight win in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as they outgunned a Chennai Super Kings (CSK) side shorn of hitting power. The lack of batting showed in how they played a highly cagey brand of cricket, only targeting certain pockets and conceding match-ups without protest. It took them three overs to

aaa

Chennai Super Kings (20 ovs maximum)

Shaik Rasheed st †Rickelton

b Santner 19

Rachin Ravindra c †Rickelton

b Ashwani Kumar 5 Ayush Mhatre c Santner

b Chahar 32

Ravindra Jadeja not out 53

Shivam Dube c Jacks

b Bumrah 50

MS Dhoni (c)† c Tilak Varma

b Bumrah 4

Jamie Overton not out 4

Extras: (lb 3, w 6) 9

Total: 20 Ov (RR: 8.80) 176/5

Did not bat: Vijay Shankar, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana, Ravichandran Ashwin

Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Rachin Ravindra, 3.1 ov), 2-57 (Ayush Mhatre, 6.5 ov), 3-63 (Shaik Rasheed, 7.6 ov), 4-142 (Shivam Dube, 16.2 ov), 5-156 (MS Dhoni, 18.4 ov) • DRS

Bowling O-M-R-W Deepak Chahar 4-0-32-1 Trent Boult 4-0-43-0

Ashwani Kumar 2-0-42-1 Mitchell Santner 3-0-14-1

Jasprit Bumrah 4-0-25-2 Will Jacks 1-0-4-0 Hardik Pandya 2-0-13-0

Mumbai Indians (T: 177 runs from 20 ovs)

Ryan Rickelton † c Mhatre b

hit a boundary, then they went 27 balls in the middle overs without even attempting one, only to cap it off with no boundary in the 17th and 18th overs, bowled by MI›s best bowlers on the night: Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Santner

Not only did MI manage a net run-rate (NRR) boost with the win that takes them to eight points in eight matches, they also welcomed Rohit Sharma back to runs. Rohit scored his first fifty this IPL – his previous highest was 26; they put together their first half-century opening stand this IPL, and Suryakumar Yadav got the better of CSK›s spin threat with his various sweeps.

CSK’s slow start

This match was played on the pitch that produced 430 runs for RCB and MI. The toss, as usual, was a big advantage at Wankhede. Which should make it important to look for abovepar scores, but CSK took the pragmatic route: don’t risk 120 all out looking for 200. Consequently, their openers tested waters for too long, timing shots straight to fielders. When Shaik Rasheed finally hit one in the air, and for a four, CSK had only 16 in three overs.

Seventeen-year-old intent machine

Rachin Ravindra by now felt he had to target the change bowler without a sighter. He looked to go big down the ground, and edged the first ball by Ashwani Kumar. His replacement at the wicket, CSK’s younger player of all time, the 17-yearold Ayush Mhatre injected some life to the innings with flair reminiscent of Dwayne Bravo. It still meant only 48 runs in the powerplay. The unperturbed MI stayed with Deepak Chahar for a fourth straight over, eventually resulting in the legcutter that got Mhatre out for 32 off 15.

The stop-start end Santner produced a beauty in the eighth over at 77 kilometres per hour (kmph) to have Rasheed stumped on the defence, but that brought

together Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja. They have batting behind these two, but it’s MS Dhoni, Jamie Overton, and Vijay Shankar. So these two decided not to hit anything even though their coming together meant Santner was taken off despite figures of 2-0-8-1. Put together, CSK did not make a boundary attempt between Mhatre’s dismissal and the return of Trent Boult in the 12th over.

To be fair to CSK, they did well when they went after Boult and Ashwani, taking 85 in the six overs bowled by them. Dube raced away from 16 off 19 to a 30-

ball fifty even as Jadeja hovered around a run a ball. However, when Bumrah got Dube with a slower ball, it allowed MI to bring back Santner for the 18th over, because Dhoni and Jadeja were in the middle.

Santner bowled the 18th without a boundary, and it was only a late surge from Jadeja off Boult in the last over that took CSK to a modicum of respectability.

Rohit gets the chase going MI have been resurgent in recent times, but they might feel this was the final missing piece in the puzzle. A sizeable opening

partnership, and Rohit carrying on from a quick start. He was severe on early errors from the quick bowlers, haring away to 32 off 18 in the powerplay, hitting three sweetly-timed sixes. Only R Ashwin managed to keep him quiet. However, he went on to get the better of Ashwin when he slog-swept him for a six in the eighth over.

Surya nullifies Jadeja, and doesn’t look back That six still did not take Rohit to a run a ball in his head-to-head against Ashwin in all these years, but it must have provided him a sense of victory against his old foe. Rohit was not the only one getting better of nemeses. Suryakumar entered this match with just 50 runs and four dismissals off 65 Jadeja deliveries. It was Jadeja that brought Suryakumar into the middle with the wicket of Ryan Rickleton in the seventh over. In the ninth over, Surya drove Jadeja over extra cover for four followed by a swept six, his first career six off Jadeja.

This was only a harbinger of what was to come. In all, Surya played nine sweeps for a whopping 35 runs. Three of them flew over the ropes, four others ended in the advertising boards. He outpaced Rohit with ease, and his flourish made sure MI got a bit of net-run-rate boost, winning with 4.2 overs to spare. (ESPNcricinfo)

(Ryan

Suryakumar Yadav took down Noor Ahmad in the 13th over

Ravindra Jadeja brings out his sword celebration after scoring his first fifty of the season

Rohit Sharma struck his first fifty of IPL 2025

Jasprit Bumrah picked up two wickets in the death overs

Vijay Shankar drops a tough chance off Rohit Sharma

youngest driver in Group 3 ready to conquer his rivals

Seventeen-year-old Tarick Baijnauth is undoubtedly the youngest driver in the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) Group 3 category, but is leaving his mark among the well-seasoned drivers.

This talented young racer started off his motor racing career by competing in the gocart category and then participated in the endurance race in 2022 after which he made his debut in circuit racing in 2023.

After that, he competed in two races in the Rookie Class and secured podium spots –one first and one second. That year, his best lap time was 1:27 seconds.

Now, as the motor racing fraternity prepares to host its first track meet in a week’s time, Baijnauth, who will be driving his Honda Civic numbered ‘32’, is also ready to make his second appearance in the Group 3 category with a mission to make heads turn. His fastest lap time in this category is 1:24:04 seconds.

For this year, his team have made some changes to his machine hence he is expediting a much more productive and competitive run. “In addition, I have improved more on my driving skills, and with a new platform, hopefully we can have an awesome day of racing come April 27,” the home-taught young man told Guyana Times Sport during an interview.

He added that to optimise his game and ensure he stays competitive, he regularly sits alongside his father, Malcolm to strategise his plans and routines.

His father, he noted, has played a huge part in his racing career from a young age. In fact, he developed his love for the sport while attending a circuit race with his parents who are both motor-racing fanatics.

His father is his sole sponsor and is the one who pushes him to the limit. “He takes care of everything when it comes to my racing, attitude and competitiveness.”

The young man, who wants to become a building contractor as life-long professional career, reiterated that transitioning into cars from go-carts was a smooth process and sees ace driver Mark Vieira as his role model, describing him as a great driver and a well-respected competitor.

The young driver stated that one of his biggest challenges is sourcing specialty parts for the car. “That is one of our biggest problems which leaves us no choice, but to import and that sometimes is time-consuming, because we have to wait on the parts…” he explained.

Nevertheless, the racing fraternity, he noted, presents a level playing field where each racer has the same opportunity but more so, no matter their experience and age, each driver is treated with respect which makes it even more competitive.

“Some of the racers in my category are Stefon Jeffrey, Danny Persaud, Anand Ramchand and others… they have the world of experience, but I would listen to them, take advice and even take one and two tips to better my driving skills… at the end of the day, we look out for each other.”

These guys, he continued, are seasoned campaigners, and have already made a name for themselves in the motor-racing arena by winning multiple championships.

“Their successes come from hard work, determination, love for the sport and most of all, their attitude towards motor racing is spot on… and that is the type of attitude I want to have and emulate… I want to be the best I can be.”

Baijnauth, however, intends to spend a few years in the Group 3 category and then transition into Group 4 where he will be competing with the bigger boys such as his role

model, Vishok Persaud, Rameez Mohamed, and others.

When asked about experiencing anxiety before and during big competitions, he responded, “I really don’t have any. I just try to be in the zone. Blank out all the static, and focus on the race.”

On the matter of revolutionising the sport, he thinks that it was a great idea to allow women to compete because it shows

equality and the competitive nature of women in motorsport, both locally and internationally.

On this note, he stated that anyone who wants to compete in motorsport can do so and so safely without any form of discrimination and commended the GMR&SC for opening the registration to show that it is a sport where no matter your gender or age, everyone gets equal treatment.

He added that while motorsport was evolving here in Guyana and around the world, the club has a great vision to elevate the sport in the future and he was one of the drivers who were looking forward for better things to come.

The young contractor, who also spends a lot of time travelling in and out of the country, intends to start up the go-kart track at the club headquarters in Thomas Lands, Georgetown which allows young drivers to transition into circuit racing.

As such, he encouraged them to get registered, “Start having seat time in your car or motorcycle and most importantly, keep the racing for the circuit. Don’t give up on your dreams and always push yourself to your full potential… take the advice from your seniors and once you have the right attitude, you will do well.”

Come race day, he is cognisant that there will be stiff competition since every car is running at their full capacity and more so, the drivers are training very hard to perform at their best.

To his fellow racers, he wished them the very best and called on the motor racing fans to come out and support the event – one that will be memorable. “Also, be safe on the roadway and leave the racing to us on the tracks.”

For young Baijnauth, having a girlfriend is not on his bucket wish at this time, but rather he intends to focus on work and his racing career. “That will come in due time, but for now it’s work, more work; race and more race…”

Baijnauth’s trusted machine

Teenager Tarick Baijnauth is ready to prove his worth on the track

McNeil strikes bronze on Day 2

… otherwise tough outing for Team Guyana

After bagging three medals on the opening day of the competition, Guyana’s CARIFTA Track and Field Championships team had a mixed bag of results on Day 2.

Ebo McNeil was the highlight of the day competing in the Boys’ U17 300m event. McNeil stopped the clock at 9:22.61 for third place after a spirited comeback in the final 50 metres; he had led the race at one point. The race was led by a Trinidad and Tobago pair Christopher Sammy and Armani Dillon, who registered 9:11.51 and 9:12.22 for first and second respectively. There were quite a few athletes who booked spots in the finals of their respective events; while others bowed out in the preliminaries.

The day’s action began on a positive note, with Charissa December booking her spot in the final of the Girls’ U20 400m hurdles event. December clocked 1:03.07 in Heat 2 of the event to finish fourth, capturing a non-automatic qualifying spot. The heat was won by Jamaica’s Shevaughn Thomas in 58.41s. However, December would go on to be a no-show in the final later that evening. As such, the title was seized by Michelle Smith of the US Virgin Islands, who registered 46.60s in the final for the gold medal.

Boys’ U17 200m, Guyana’s Ezekiel Thompson was the first to hit the track in Heat 2, clocking 22.74s for fifth place. In Heat 3, Jude Farrell crosses the line in 22.25s in Heat 3. However, both Guyanese were unsuccessful in advancing to the next round.

On the distaff side, Brittney Jeffrey clocked 25.70s for fifth place in Heat 2,and was unable to advance to the final. Her teammate, Alana Thompson stopped the clock at 26.11s for sixth place in Heat 3, but suffered a similar fate. St Lucia’s Jada Emmanuel was the fastest qualifier over the three heats, clocking 23.88s for a win in Heat 2.

The U20 version of the Girls’ 200m event saw Kiandra Fraser clocking 26.11s in Heat 3 for sixth place. In Heat 4, 2024 U17 silver medallist over the same distance, Athaleyha Hinckson, crossed the line in 24.54s for third place, also missing out on a spot in the final.

Switching over to the sprint events, Guyana did not have much favour in the 200m preliminaries. In the

For the boys, Trevor Easton, competing in Heat 4, narrowly missed out on a spot in the U20 200m, clocking 22.01s in Heat 4 for second place. However, Guyana’s final competitor in the 200m events, Walton Alleyne gave the Land of Many Waters hope for a medal across that distance. Alleyne crossed the line in 21.97s for first place in Heat 5, thus gaining an automatic spot in the final. The final for that race will take place today.

In the relay events, Guyana had high drama again, this time in the Boys’ U17 4x100m event. Though Guyana clocked 43.82s for second place, the team of Jude Farrell, Ezekiel Thompson, David Williams and Ezekiel Millington was eventually disqualified for a botched baton exchange on the third change.

Meanwhile, two Guyanese will feature in the Boys’ U20 800m final today. After a highly-dramatic sequence in the last stretch, Javon Roberts stopped the clock at 1:56.83 for a win in Heat 2 and an automatic spot in the final. Kaidon Persaud, in Heat 3, clocked 1:55.00 for third place and a non- automatic spot in today’s final. The final event of the night featuring Guyanese athletes was another tough outing as Attoya Harvey missed out on a medal in her pet event, the Girls’ U17 3000m. Harvey stopped the clock at 10:41.88 for seventh place while Jennifer Byass was right behind with 10:43.14. The gold medal was taken by Jamaica’s Ashara Frater in 10:27.99.

Guyana’s medal count has now gone up to four, with one gold, one silver and two bronzes.

Rebel Tennis Club Easter Camp gets underway

Andre Erskine

The Rebel Tennis Club commenced its Easter Camp on Saturday last at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited tennis court in Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The programme is designed to last one week, during which aspiring tennis players can come and enhance their fitness and skills and will receive certification upon completion.

Coach Erskine also stated that the camp was aiming to target specifically the age group of 6 to 14 years.

Young talents attending the camp will be pleased to know that even after the one-week period, the Rebel Tennis Club will continue to provide opportunities for the players to grow and enhance their skill sets.

“We usually have continuous tournaments. Really, top play-

Coach Andre Erskine was asked about the camp objectives and stated, “the aim is to basically test and spot new talent and, for those who are already playing, to strengthen their skills for the existing players that are already involved. This (programme) is basically for the East Bank area, the Diamond area, and the surrounding areas in Diamond”.

ers just came up from the US training, and the club boasts most of the top junior players in the country. We have the number one to number three of the 18 players for Guyana, and we also have the number one and number two Under-14 girls ‘champions as well,” the Coach explained.

Rebel Tennis Club wished to extend its gratitude to the sponsors Smalta, Guyana Stride592, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited, AthletEdge, Acers Tennis Lca and Grannum’s Restaurant Grill & Catering for making this event possible.

Coach

working with the juniors Rebel Tennis Club Easter Tennis Camp began on Saturday

Ebo McNeil celebrates with the Golden Arrowhead after his bronze medal run

Javon Roberts will be hunting his second 800m gold medal today