“Pay attention, give support” – Dr Anthony urges regional healthcare professionals
As the Guyana Government continues to invest heavily in building out the infrastructure to enhance the health sector across the country, healthcare professionals are being encouraged to pay attention to expansion works within their respective regions and to offer support wherever it is needed. This charge was given by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony during a two-day conference recently hosted by the Ministry of Health, through its
Regional Health Services Programme. The event was aimed at strengthening collaboration and improving the delivery of health services across Guyana’s 10 Administrative Regions. The sessions, held in the Ministry’s Boardroom on Brickdam, Georgetown, last week, brought together Regional Health Officers (RHOs) and Programme Directors for strategic discussions and capacity building. The forum focused on key objectives, including fostering a unified
and collaborative approach to health-care delivery and equipping RHOs to more effectively oversee and coordinate regional health activities in partnership with key stakeholders. Delivering the feature address, Minister Anthony reflected on the substantial progress made in the health sector over the past five years and outlined the Ministry’s vision for continued transformation. “Over the last five years, we would have focused a lot on developing the infrastructure
across the health-care system… I thought I would recap some of the things that we would have done… to set the tone for where we want to go over the next couple of years,” Dr Anthony stated. The Minister highlighted major accomplishments, including the construction of 25 new health centres and health posts, the completion of six regional hospitals, upgrades to district hospitals and extensive rehabilitation works throughout the public health sector. He also underscored significant advances in human resource development, driven by expanded training opportunities. The hybrid nursing programme is projected to graduate more than 800 nurses next year – an increase from the previous annual output of 200250.
Additionally, training programmes for Nursing Assistants, Patient Care Assistants (PCAs), Pharmacy Assistants, Laboratory and X-ray personnel and Community Health Workers (CHWs) have ensured that every health post now has at least
two CHWs, marking an unprecedented milestone. Dr Anthony encouraged RHOs to remain proactive and engaged as they execute their responsibilities in service to the people of Guyana. “You have to pay attention to what is being built in your region and give support where it is needed,” he urged. The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to delivering equitable, high-quality health care for all Guyanese. The engagement underscored the shared dedication of RHOs and stakeholders as Guyana continues to advance and strengthen its national health system.
GPL urges customers to notify company before increasing electricity usage
The Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) is urging residential, commercial, and industrial customers to notify the company before increasing their electricity load, warning that unreported increases are contributing to voltage fluctuations, damaged meters, and burnt appliances across several communities. According to GPL, customers are required under Sections 8.1 and 4.2 of the Standard Terms and Conditions (STC) for Electric Services to give prior written notice of any change in service requirements, including increases in expected energy consumption. This allows the utility company to determine whether the existing infrastructure can safely support the addi-
tional load. GPL explained that where increased demand cannot be accommodated immediately, the company will advise customers of the timeframe required to facilitate the change, in accordance with Section 4.2 of the STC. The reminder follows an increase in reports of transformer overloads and low-voltage issues, which GPL has linked to unreported changes in electricity consumption. These changes often occur when customers install air-conditioning units, add heavy-duty appliances, expand business operations, or convert residential properties into apartment buildings or commercial spaces. While such changes may appear minor at the individual level, GPL noted that, over time,
they can place significant strain on the distribution network. This can result in frequent outages, reduced service quality, and damage to electrical equipment within affected communities. GPL is therefore encouraging customers to contact their nearest commercial office or service centre to report any planned increase in electricity load or upcoming changes that could affect usage. The company said this process should be done in collaboration with the Government Electrical Inspectorate (GEI) under the Ministry of Public Works. By notifying GPL in advance, the utility can assess the potential impact on the network and take the necessary steps to upgrade or reinforce infrastructure where re-
quired, ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of electricity. GPL stressed that customer cooperation is essential to maintaining service reliability and prevent-
ing avoidable disruptions, adding that advance reporting benefits both the company and consumers by reducing the risk of equipment damage and prolonged outages.
Regional healthcare representatives who participated in the recently-held two-day conference
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony addressing participants at the recent regional conference aimed at enhancing service delivery
GPL’s headquarters, Main Street, Georgetown
BRIDGE OPENING
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, December 15 –13:35h-15:05h and Tuesday, December 16 – 14:10h-15:40h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery showers are expected throughout the day, and into the night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.92 metres.
High Tide: 13:17h reaching a maximum height of 2.31 metres.
Low Tide: 06:48h and 19:19h reaching minimum heights of 0.99 metre and 0.89 metre.
Cash grants part of wider range of policies aimed at lasting economic empowerment of Guyanese – Finance Minister
...assures of more targeted financial support for citizens in the future ...urges Guyanese to maximise on opportunities available
Even as it assures of more targeted finan cial support for ci tizens in the future, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has reiterated that cash grants are just one part of a broader range of policies that are aimed at uplifting all Guyanese. This is ac cording to Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh. During an appearance on the latest episode of the Starting Point podcast, which came out on Sunday, Dr Singh assured that there will more targeted support for citizens in the future.
“We have said on repeated occasions that our objective is for national prosperity to be translated into community and household and individual prosperity. And so, cash grants will be a part of a much bigger and wider range of policies aimed ultimately at lasting economic empowerment of every single Guyanese citizen.”
“So, we certainly don’t hold the view that cash grants are a bad thing. In fact, we are the Government that introduced the COVID cash grant for every household. We are the Government that gave a cash grant to every adult Guyanese [in] 2024 into 2025. And we’re also the Government that has said that we will over the course of the next five years, you know, provide cash grants on future occasions,” he posited.
Targeted financial support
According to the Finance Minister, that targeted financial support to the Guyanese population is part of a comprehensive range of policies that seeks to ensure every citizen has the skills, tools and opportunities to build sustainable wealth in the long term. “And this is what every leader in the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government and every leader in our party has been at pains to emphasise that we introduced cash grants, like I said and over the course of time, we will provide cash grants to the Guyanese population, but that will certainly not be the only means through which we will bring and deliver upliftment and improvement to the lives of the Guyanese people. Because what we want ultimately is for every single Guyanese person to be able to take care of themselves, to be able to get the right skills that they’re able to earn and get a good quality job and to be able to take care of themselves. And moreover, not only to take care of themselves, but to be able also to build household and individual wealth,” he asser-
ted. The Finance Minister pointed out that already, Guyanese are seeing the benefits from this approach, with over 50,000 persons becoming homeowners over the last five years; the creation of job opportunities that has resulted in more than 70,000 persons working now than previously; increased domestic production especially in the agriculture sector and a series of other interventions aimed at containing the rising cost of living, among other interventions that have put more disposal income into the hands of citizens. “So, I believe that we have outlined and implemented a policy matrix that is designed to protect the Guyanese consumers and of course, raise their real incomes over
time,” Dr Singh asserted.
Era of opportunity
But even with tremendous progress in financially empowering Guyanese and with more citizens living differently today, Minister Singh contended that the PPP/C Government is yet to achieve its ultimate objective: ensuring every single Guyanese person being able to participate in, contribute to and benefit from what is taking place in the country today. To this end, the Finance Minister reminded citizens, especially young people, that they are living in an era of opportunity, given the unprecedented economic transformation that Guyana is currently undergoing. As such, he encouraged them to equip themselves with the necessary tools and skills to take advantage of these opportunities that are available in every sector across the country. He pointed out that Government has already put the policy framework in place to enable Guyanese to grasp these opportunities. These include a range of financial sector reforms that now makes access to loans easier with one of the lowest interest rates in the region, and this will be further complemented with the impending roll out of the special SME (Small and Medium-size Enterprise) development bank next year.
Most fortunate generation “Today’s cohort of young Guyanese are the most for-
tunate generation ever to have lived. And so, bearing in mind the abundance of opportunity, what I would urge young people to do is to consider where they see themselves in this era… because you have to do something… You decide what you’re good at and what you like, and you equip yourselves to do it and you do it and you do it well. And so, that’s what I think young people should do. And that may mean investing some time and some effort to get the right kinds of skills. It may mean saving up some of your disposable income, doing some jobs in the interim to make sure that you earn some income and save some income to invest in whatever it is that you want to do. And it also, I believe, requires adaptability.” “In this era, you can’t be fixed about doing one thing and doing it for the rest of your life and doing it the same way that you’ve always done it… You have to be prepared to be adaptable, to be agile, to be nimble, to change course, where changing courses is what is needed… There’s a demand for everything. If you’re a plumber, you’re an electrician...[We] can’t find enough people. We’re struggling now to find enough people because there’s so much demand now for skills. So, my advice is, whatever it is that you’re doing, do it well. Excel at it. You will develop a reputation, and that reputation will bring with it premium earnings,” the Minister stressed.
Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh
Editor: Tusika Martin
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Our brothers’ keeper and Christmas
The commemoration of Christmas – the birthday of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem over two millennia ago – is only 10 days away. The narrative of his birth is very important for us today, for the message encapsulated in his life. Born in a manger among the domesticated animals kept there, the baby Jesus was of humble stock since his nominal father Joseph was a carpenter. Joseph was made the patron saint of workers by the Catholic and even some Protestant denominations: Jesus ministered mostly to the poor during his sojourn on earth. In the Bible, it says: “When he (Jesus) came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.”
The circumstance of his birth is intriguing since it illustrated Benjamin Franklin’s aphorism: “…in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes”. Jesus, the “Son of God” would die, and his birth in Bethlehem was occasioned by the Roman rulers mandating that a census was to be taken to ensure all paid their taxes. It was the Jewish custom to be counted in their ancestral town or village. For the poor, however, Jesus pointed out, taxes fall on them much more heavily:
“He (Jesus) sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
In a world of increasing inequality, when our rich practice tax evasion as a virtue, Jesus’ message is very apropos, since ironically, many will be hosting sumptuous feasts for his birthday. They should be reminded of this example: “He (Jesus) said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
To a large extent, the centrality of the poor has been lost to Governments that are run by some who claim to be Christians and presumably are living in accordance with the teachings of the Christ. Maybe it is not a coincidence, but a reminder to us that Jesus once fed 5000 persons who were hungry. It is to the credit of the present government that they have embarked on sharing the wealth with all Guyanese, including the poor. We are reminded by Jesus that ultimately, it is our treatment of the poor that will determine our fate in the hereafter: “Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did for me.”
Jesus conceded, “Ye have the poor always with you.” But as St Mark noted, he added, “and whensoever ye will ye may do them good.” This was in strict accordance with the old Law from Deuteronomy 15:11: “The poor shall never cease out of the land; therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy in thy land”.
Welcome to our age of impunity – where
the
ICC prosecuting atrocities is a rare feat
By Simon TiSdall
It was a rare success for international courts struggling to resist a rising tide of official lawlessness. Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-al-Rahman, a leader of the notorious, Governmentbacked Janjaweed militia that committed genocide in Sudan’s Darfur region from 2003 to 2005, was jailed for 20 years last week by the International Criminal Court (ICC). He had been found guilty on 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Although hundreds of militia were involved, Abdal-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, is the first person to be convicted of atrocities in Darfur, now again the scene of terrible violence in Sudan’s civil war. The ICC has charged Omar alBashir, Sudan’s President at the time, with genocide and war crimes. Ahmad Harun, a former Minister, faces similar charges. But both men have evaded arrest.
When I interviewed Bashir in Khartoum in 2011 – he was overthrown in a popular uprising in 2019, after which the army seized power and the civil war erupted – he scoffed at the genocide allegations. His government and its Arab militia allies had fought in-
surgents, not Darfur’s people, Bashir said. The West was imposing a double standard. He insisted he had done nothing wrong.
Speaking in 2008, Harun, whose non-ironic job title was “minister for humanitarian affairs”, said much the same thing. “I have no regrets,” he told me, rejecting an ICC arrest warrant alleging his complicity in up to 200,000 deaths in Darfur as politically motivated. “What I have done was legal, it was my responsibility, it was my duty,” Harun said. Arrogant claims to have broken no laws, to have no case to answer, to be doing your “duty”, go to the heart of a growing contemporary problem: official impunity. Guilty or not, neither Bashir nor Harun believed they would ever face international justice, and so far they have been proved right. In this belief they are no different from Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
This unsavoury trio are variously accused of atrocities by the ICC, the United Nations and human rights monitors. Each is alleged to have overseen the cold-blooded killing, mistreatment or mass abduction of noncombatant civilians. All three flatly deny
wrongdoing. All claim their actions are justified, no matter what the law, public opinion or simple moral decency may say. All smugly believe they are untouchable.
Netanyahu is fighting on multiple fronts to save his career and avoid jail. Like Gaza, his personal reputation is already in ruins. Israel’s Prime Minister wants his long-running trial in Jerusalem’s district court on fraud and bribery charges to be halted in the “national interest”. He would prefer to prove his innocence, he claims, but in an act of public-spirited magnanimity, to heal the country’s divisions, he says he’s prepared to accept a pardon.
The nerve of the man! Netanyahu has persistently, cynically exploited those same divisions to cling to power. Chock-ablock with chutzpah, he is also resisting a full, independent inquiry into his Government’s disastrous security failures preceding the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. Opposition politician Avigdor Lieberman, among others, accuses him of orchestrating a “whitewash” to save his skin.
Yet it is Netanyahu’s contemptible bid to dodge a reckoning with the ICC over Gaza – where his
Government is accused of genocide – that most dramatically illustrates the pernicious impact of official impunity. Rather than defend himself in court, Netanyahu hides behind Donald Trump’s skirts in Washington or skulks at home to avoid arrest. In Gaza, meanwhile, hungry children continue to suffer –on his orders.
If Hegseth, the Pentagon’s new GI Joe action man, swapped his tootight trousers for a looser fit, perhaps he would feel less bloody-minded. He’s somehow convinced himself that killing dozens of unidentified people on boats in the Caribbean, on unsubstantiated suspicion of drug smuggling, is desirable and legal – and not an unwarranted act of brutality.
Various spurious justifications are advanced. The US says it has obtained “intelligence” that proves its claims (though not from Britain, which frowns on extrajudicial killing and is refusing to help). The victims, deemed to belong to “foreign terrorist organisations”, are legitimate targets, it argues. Judges and lawyers can say what they like. For Hegseth, Trump’s foppish hitman, only one man’s opinion matters.
It was Christmas movie night on Sunday, December 14 as parents and children gathered with Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues to watch a movie at the One Guyana Kitchen opposite State House, on Main Street
Ron Robinson’s passing a loss of greatness in Guyanese theatre & drama
Tributes continue to pour in following the recent passing of veteran Guyanese broadcaster and theatre actor Ronald "Ron" Robinson, with Al Creighton Jr describing his death as a massive loss to the greatness and achievement of the local performing arts sector. Robinson died early Friday morning at the age of 79 at his Hadfield Street, Georgetown, home after experiencing several health complications. His voice and vision helped shape Guyana’s media and cultural landscape for more than five decades. Only a few months back, Robinson had celebrated 60 years of being in radio and 70 years in theatre.
In paying tribute on behalf of The National School of Theatre Arts and Drama as well as of the National Drama Company, the Director of Studies, Al Creighton Jr, said Robinson was numbered among Guyana’s great theatre and broadcasting personalities.
“The loss of Ron Robinson signifies the passing of an age of greatness and achievement in Guyanese theatre and drama. The National School of Theatre Arts and Drama, like the entire Guyanese nation, is in his debt and on this solemn and reflective occasion, acknowledges an outstanding artist and says thanks to Ron,” he stated. He further noted that Robinson reigned for decades as the nation's best actor and best director, having been an actor, director, producer, radio and TV broadcaster,
co-founder of The Theatre Company, Production Director of Merundoi radio series, former Chairman of the Theatre Guild, whose name became a household word in Guyana and who was famous for several memorable plays, dramatic performances, radio programmers, TV satirical series and as the winner of many awards and prizes. Robinson, he added, also served as a Tutor at the Drama School and a pioneering TV news anchor, who went onto break records with Gem Madhoo for the longest running and most popular dramatic productions, and contributed to culture in diverse ways.
In a previous Facebook post, Robinson, a recipient of the national honour of the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) in 1990, had described his broadcasting career as “a most rewarding period of my
Min Edghill stresses importance of traffic flow along EBD corridor for Christmas season
Mlife.” With over 2,000 interviews under his belt during his broadcasting career, Robinson’s accolades in the theatre and arts are highly celebrated. As a founding member of The Theatre Company of Guyana, he was the creator of popular local productions such as the radio programme Merundoi and a series of comedy specials. He was also very active in several other organisations including the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central, where he served as President. He was also Vice President of the Scout Association of Guyana and a director of the Volunteer Youth Corps.
During his illustrious career, Robinson also played a major role in the motorsport sector, serving as President of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) for three terms (1991-1992, 19941995, and 2002-2004).
inister of Public Works Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill on Sunday met virtually with all stakeholders to address the traffic management systems for the East Bank Demerara (EBD) corridor as the Christmas Rush steps in. The consultant, contractor, engineer and the Guyana Police Force
(GPF) were all reminded of the importance of the constant flow of traffic along the corridor. The roadway currently sees increased movement due to more passenger arrivals, citizens and trucks coming from the interior to conduct business- all in addition to the regular movement of commuters who utilise the main
road artery. Emphasis was also placed on ensuring improvement in road safety and accessibility to property along the various project zones. Minister Edghill underscored the importance of all the stakeholders executing their responsibilities to maintain the improved traffic management system along the project zones.
Welcome to our age...
Both Trump and he believe they can do whatever they want and no one will call them to account. When a video emerged showing survivors of a US attack being deliberately killed in a second strike, members of Congress belatedly started asking questions. But the Pentagon is being less than frank. Who cares? Not his boss. Whatever Hegseth does “is OK with me”, Trump declared last week.
That’s what impunity looks like. That, right there, is an end to the rule of law. That’s the world’s most powerful State say-
ing it no longer respects basic rules that, imperfectly yet crucially, hold human society together. Off the coast of Venezuela, US forces, killing at will and seizing oil tankers, act just like Somali pirates off the Horn of Africa or Yemen’s Houthi rebels, randomly firing missiles at Red Sea shipping. Impunity spells anarchy.
Little wonder that Putin – another thug on the run from the ICC – reckons he, too, can get away with murder. Indeed, in his infamous 28-point Ukraine “peace plan”, Trump sought immunity from prosecution
for Russia’s leader. He is also trying to destroy the ICC with sanctions. What kind of example is now set by the US? How can Britain and Europe still pretend it is a like-minded ally, even a friend?
Marauding abroad as they do at home, Trump’s lawless, lethal enforcers are the new Janjaweed. And like Ali Kushayb, Trump, Netanyahu, Putin, Hegseth and all the other smirking killers must one day be held to account by a court. (The Guardian) Simon Tisdall is a Guardian foreign affairs commentator
Cartoons
Stop Suffering
Movie - The Star (2017)
Movie - Nanny Mcphee (2005)
Movie - Nanny McPhee Returns (2010)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2025
Traffic backed up from Soesdyke to Buzz Bee Dam along the corridor
The late Ronald "Ron" Robinson
Page Foundation
Types of Bar Charts
There are several different bar chart types:
• Standard Bar Charts
• Comparative Bar Charts
• Compound Bar Charts
Bar Charts
The main benefit of using a bar chart to represent data is that we can quickly calculate statistics such as the mean, mode and range for a set of data. This allows us to spot certain trends and to compare the data against other data sets.
In order to construct a bar chart:
1. Draw the axes with a ruler and label them.
What you'll need
Acrylic Paints (shades of green)
Thin masking tape
Gold & silver glitter star stickers
Coloured satin ribbon
Paint brushes
Cardboard
Pencil
How to make
Step 1: Make a Christmas tree template and trace it onto a piece of cardboard.
Step 2: Stick masking tape across
2. Use a ruler to draw each bar with the correct height.
3. Give the chart a title.
Practice:
1. Draw a bar chart to represent the frequency of coloured cars that triggered a speed camera on a busy road during one month.
2. The table below shows the number of goals scored in 2525 matches. Represent this information in a bar chart.
the tree in different directions to create fun patterns.
Step 3: Paint the gaps using different shades of green.
Step 4: Once the paint is dry, carefully peel off the masking tape and cut out your tree.
Step 5: Decorate your tree with shiny gems.
Step 6: Add a ribbon for hanging and finish with a star on top. (Bakerross.co.uk)
By Margaret Deland
At the break of Christmas Day, Through the frosty starlight ringing, Faint and sweet and far away, Comes the sound of children, singing, Chanting, singing, “Cease to mourn, For Christ is born, Peace and joy to all men bringing!”
Careless that the chill winds blow, Growing stronger, sweeter, clearer, Noiseless footfalls in the snow, Bring the happy voices nearer; Hear them singing, “Winter’s drear, But Christ is here, Mirth and gladness with Him bringing.”
“Merry Christmas!” hear them say, As the East is growing lighter; “May the joy of Christmas Day Make your whole year gladder, brighter!” Join their singing, “To each home Our Christ has come, All Love’s treasures with Him bringing!”
Write a scene in which someone ruined the ginger beer.
Budget 2026 to chart path to delivering manifesto promises
As preparations continue on the country’s fiscal plan for next year, Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh says that Budget 2026 will chart the pathway for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration to deliver its promises made in the 2025 Elections Manifesto. During an appearance on the latest episode of the Starting Point podcast, Minister Singh was asked about what Guyanese can expect from the national budget that is likely to be presented in January 2026. Without going into details about specific interventions or policy initiatives, the Finance Minister explained that the PPP/C Government has prided itself on policy clarity and policy continuity while in office and has been very clear about what it intends to do over the next five years. “Before the 2025 General [and Regional] Elections on the 1st of September, we stated in writing in a document the things that we plan to do over the course of the next five years…our Manifesto for the coming term of office. And every budget in this coming term of office will have as its principal objective the delivery of the commitments that we gave in our manifesto. The national budget for 2026 is, of course, the first budget since we've been re-elected. And so, what this budget is going to do is it's going to put us on a path where we will see over the course of the next five years the delivery of every single commitment that we've made in our Manifesto,” Dr Singh posited.
2025-2030 Manifesto
Back in August, the governing PPP/C launched its 2025-2030 Manifesto, outlining an ambitious fiveyear development agenda aimed at transforming Guyana into a modern and international model of growth. Themed “One Country, One People, One Future Forward Together for a Better Guyana”, the manifesto outlined plans for the next five years ranging from building 12 hospitals and deploying a fully integrated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system across the country; the construction of 40,000 new homes; major roadworks, and an aviation school, to constructing a deep-water port; 100 new schools; a Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) Development Bank; an anti-corruption unit, and initiatives for Indigenous development, among others. Only last month, it was reported that the Finance Ministry was in the advanced stages of sorting through submissions made by the various Ministries and state agencies for the 2026 National Budget.
Dr Singh had told reporters on the sidelines of an event that, “The next few weeks will be a very intense period of effort. We will continue the work that will see us being able to submit the budget in Parliament very early in the new year. The budget will see us beginning to deliver immediately on the commitments that we gave in the manifesto because it is our intention in this term of office to continue to do as we have always done, which is to ensure that we deliver our
entire manifesto to the people of Guyana.” According to the Finance Minister, all Ministries and Government agencies had already prepared and submitted their initial budget proposals. These submissions expand on the manifesto’s commitments, providing detailed policy objectives and outlining programmes to be undertaken in the new term.
Consultations
Meanwhile, consultations have been held with various stakeholders including the local private sector. In fact, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) is gearing up to submit its proposal to the Finance Ministry in which it will push for a series of pro-business measures, including reduced taxes, expanded incentives and streamlined migrant-worker policies. PSC Chairman Captain Gerald Gouveia Jr outlined the organisation’s key priorities for Budget 2026 during a press conference last week, emphasising that the proposals reflect consultations with private-sector bodies, regional chambers, and cor -
porate members across the country. Gouveia said the umbrella private sector body’s budget recommendations are currently being finalised. “2026 budget submissions are being compiled as we speak to be submitted. And with that comes consultation from across the different private sector business support organisations and regional chambers, as well as our corporate members for their input so that we can prepare a comprehensive list that is backed by evidence as to what measures we would like to see included in Budget 2026…
In general, it’ll be things like tax reductions in business operations. It’ll be incentives for business communities. It could be things like examining areas of promoting migrant workers in Guyana,” the PSC Chairman said. He added, “What we have found is that we need help in terms of the manpower, the technology to continue to grow the economy at the pace that we’ve been growing it at. So in terms of the incentives that we’re asking for, it’s going to be looking at the process of bringing in migrant workers, streamlining that process from a legislative perspective, as well as from a financial perspective, the financial economic implications of foreign work in Guyana.”
Incentives
When questioned about better wages for local workers, Gouveia said the private-sector wage environment is already rising well above the legal minimum, but PSC is also pressing for the modernisation of employee-benefit taxation.
“So, I think the market is doing its job in terms of regulating the cost of la -
bour and raising the minimum wage in accordance with the market movement. Incentives – a lot of it is going to come back to our recommendations in terms of looking at income tax thresholds, looking at everything from corporation tax to incentives, allowances for employees, how we can better transfer their take-home salaries to them. So, a lot of our recommendations is asking the Government to re-look at a lot of the employee benefit packages that we offer and then offering some mechanisms for that to become an opportunity for tax deductions or incentives for companies to offer higher benefits for their employees,” he had noted.
Under the theme “A Secure, Prosperous and Sustainable Guyana”, the PPP/C Government presented a whopping $1.382 trillion budget on January 17, 2025, marking the second budget in Guyana’s history to cross the trillion-dollar mark and containing a wave of measures aimed at not only moving the economy forward but also bringing direct benefits to Guyanese.
Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh
Man shot in foot during arrest at Sophia
A35-year-old man was shot in the foot on Friday afternoon during an arrest at Red Road, ‘D’ Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, after he reportedly became aggressive and attempted to escape from police custody. The incident occurred at about 17:00h while police ranks were responding to a report of larceny
in the area. Upon arrival, the suspect, who resides in the Cummings Lodge Squatting Area, was arrested. However, during the arrest process, he allegedly resisted, assaulted a police rank and attempted to flee. Investigations revealed that the suspect armed himself with a glass bottle and advanced towards the ranks
in a threatening manner. Police said that other force options were initially employed in an effort to subdue him, but these proved ineffective as he continued to advance.
As a result, a rank discharged his service weapon, striking the suspect in his left foot. The man was subsequently subdued and taken to the Turkeyen
Police Station before being escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he received medical treatment. He was listed in stable condition.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has launched an investigation into the incident and further details will be provided as information becomes available.
Boat captains advised of temporary navigation changes on Demerara River
Boat captains traversing the Demerara River in the Linden area are being advised of temporary changes to river navigation as construction works continue on the New Mackenzie–Wismar Bridge. China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Co, Ltd (CRCCCL) has announced that effective
December 13, 2025, construction activities related to the installation of precast box girders for the bridge will proceed, resulting in adjustments to the navigational channel within the construction zone. As a result, the previously marked channel will now be monitored by a flagman, who will sig-
nal when vessels are permitted to pass through the area. Boat operators are required to comply fully with the directions given to ensure safe navigation. The temporary arrangement is expected to remain in effect for approximately one month. CRCCCL has apologised for any inconvenience caused and has thanked
river users for their cooperation as work continues on the bridge project, which is expected to significantly improve transportation between Mackenzie and Wismar. Captains and other river users are encouraged to exercise caution while passing through the area during the construction period.
Unidentified pedestrian killed in earlymorning accident at Orangestein
An unidentified male pedestrian was killed during an early-morning traffic accident on Sunday at Orangestein Public Road, East Bank
Essequibo (EBE). The fatal incident occurred at about 04:10h and involved motor car PAB 2332, which was being driven by a 25-yearold man of Meten-Meer-
Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD). The identity of the pedestrian remains unknown at this time.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the mo -
tor car was proceeding east along the northern side of the roadway at an alleged fast rate when the pedestrian, who was also heading east along the northern side, reportedly ran across the road from north to south directly into the path of the vehicle. The driver reportedly swerved in an effort to avoid a collision, however, the front left side of the motor car struck the pedestrian, causing the vehicle to veer off the roadway and come to a stop in the southern trench. As a result of the collision, the pedestrian sustained multiple injuries and was picked up in an unconscious state and transported to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty. The body was subsequently escorted to the Ezekiel Funeral Home, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination. A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver, who is presently in custody, and no trace of alcohol was detected.
Investigations into the accident are continuing.
Helping…
…or diverting?
Yesterday, your Eyewitness made a throwaway comment that if Sanction Man wants to burnish his claim to be “LOO in waiting” – as opposed to be “waiting for a LOO”! – then maybe he could help the Government in areas where he has some expertise. Like with gold smuggling, for instance!! And lo and behold!! – that’s how we express surprise Biblically!! – today your Eyewitness was totally gobsmacked when he read that Sanction Man had indeed stepped up to the crease to help identify the gold dealer who’s the alleged smuggler behind the large gold bust recently made in Bartica!!
But as he read the details of the story, your Eyewitness realised that Sanction Man thought he was slick. He used the occasion to throw shade (mud?) at one of his erstwhile competitors in the gold dealing business!! He didn’t “call name” but said slyly that the man is from Essequibo – the same place where his Daddy is from!! Now almost anyone who reads the newspaper knows who Sanction Man is talking about!! Guyana might be big in area but when it comes to people, we’re so small that we all know “matty” story!! Sanction Man and his Daddy had accused the “Essequibo Gold Dealer” (EGD) of finking to the Feds about their runnings – which led to their visas being yaNked and their businesses sanctioned by OFAC!!
Now, far be it for your Eyewitness to get involved between the hair-pulling of the gold magnates – but one of Sanction Man’s allegations bears closer examination: that EGD is getting paid for the gold he smuggles with cryptocurrency – which is untraceable!! Now whether EGD – or Sanction Man – is getting paid with cryptocurrency or not is not the issue – it’s the claim that cryptocurrency is “untraceable”!! If Sanction Man wants to be an effective LOO – which affects your Eyewitness’s interests! – then he gotta stop shooting from the hip!! That might’ve worked in the Wild West (in the US and our Venezuelan Border) but it ain’t gonna cut it in Parliament!!
Cryptocurrency is one of the “next big things” –along with AI – in the fourth industrial revolution we have been plunged into, so leaders should know a thing or two about it!! Cryptocurrencies are pseudonymous, not anonymous – and all transactions are public, traceable, and permanently stored in the Bitcoin network!! While one may adopt different pseudonyms for different “wallets” in which the cryptocurrency is stored in “blockchains”!! , the permanent and public nature of the blockchain ledger creates an undeniable trail, making it a powerful tool for law enforcement to track and seize illicit funds!!
It ain’t easy – but it is available and is foolproof!! It won’t surprise your Eyewitness that Sanction Man’s ledgers will be revealed – after he’s extradited to Florida!!
…the Christmas Cheer!!
Never let it be said your Eyewitness doesn’t have a sense of fun!! It’s just that he likes to keep it within bounds – and not inflict auditory pain on his neighbours!! Last night he ambled over – with his family – to the Christmas Village on Main Street – and what a pleasant surprise and good fun it was!! It had been billed as “One Guyana Christmas Village and Supermarket” – because Pressie took the opportunity to have our local products showcased in what’s gonna become a staple on our tourism calendar!!
But while your Eyewitness did see the GMC stall – and even accepted a sample bottle of “swank” – that wasn’t what made the outing memorable. It was the friendliness and bonhomie of the Guyanese people – from all walks of life and ages – good naturedly not only rubbing shoulders as they traversed the crowded lighted Main Street canopy –but actually being polite enough not to get into photographs being snapped!!
One Guyana in action!! Bravo!!
…from the top
Talking about auditory pain, your Eyewitness gotta point out that State House – where Pressie hangs his hat with his young family – is smack in the middle of the Christmas Village. Meaning he’s willing to share in the good-natured hubbub of a Guyanese Christmas!!
More ferry services added to ease Christmas traffic
The Ministry of Public Works has moved to increase ferry services across key river routes to address heightened traffic and cargo demand ahead of the Christmas season, according to Minister Juan Edghill. In a video posted to his Facebook page on Sunday, Minister Edghill said the MV Malali has returned to service following dry-docking and is expected to play a major role in easing congestion, particularly on the Bartica route. “Speaking beyond transport’s capacity for the last several months,
we’ve had the MV Malali in dry dock… it came out of dry dock just a few hours ago,” Edghill said, noting that he visited the Kingston Goods Wharf to ensure readiness. According to the Minister, ferry services to Bartica will be significantly increased to meet demand. “Rather than moving one boat per day, we’ll now have to start doing two boats per day,” he said. “The people of Bartica can expect double trips a day.”
Edghill explained that the MV Makouria is already operating on the Bartica route and will be joined by the
MV Malali, allowing for early-morning and midday sailings capable of transporting more than 50 vehicles daily.
He said the increased capacity is critical as major suppliers ramp up Christmas deliveries. “I know Courts has approached us, they have a number of things to get in, Banks DIH, all the suppliers and everybody,” Edghill said. In Region One, the Minister assured residents that transport arrangements are also being strengthened. “The Kimbia will depart tomorrow for Mabaruma,” he said, adding that the MV Barima will subsequently service Port Kaituma.
“Region One will be adequately served.”
Edghill urged persons seeking to ship goods for Christmas to monitor ferry schedules closely. “Please track the transport website because once the boat gets in, offload, they will reload and come down… and we’ll keep doing this all through until after New Year’s Day,” he said. Addressing services to Supenaam, Parika and surrounding islands, Edghill said temporary gaps caused by maintenance on the tug
Hercules are being offset by additional vessels, including the Malalee and Makouria. He further announced that a new vessel, the MV Aris 4, is expected to enter service by the end of the week. “That new boat… could carry almost twice the amount of vehicles that any one of these other boats were carrying,” Edghill said. “It could carry about 80 plus vehicles.” Edghill said ferry capacity to Supenaam will effectively double once the vessel be-
comes operational. He also outlined ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including works at the Kingston Goods Wharf and the completion of stellings at Mabaruma and Morawhanna, with Port Kaituma upgrades expected before Easter. “Every effort is being made to improve adequacy of service, quality of service,” the Minister said.
Additionally, Edghill revealed plans to introduce Wi-Fi on all Governmentoperated vessels in the new year. “Latest, all of our boats
and our vessels, we will ensure that passengers, the crew, have access to Wi-Fi,” he said, noting that the MV Militia is already equipped with the service.
He assured the public that the Transport and Harbours Department is committed to improving reliability and customer service. “The management has committed themselves to that… and we look forward to greater and improved service,” Edghill said.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill
The MV Aris 4
71 graduate from GLI diploma programmes
Seventy-one students received their diplomas in various programmes at the 26th Graduation Ceremony of the Guyana Learning Institute (GLI) held recently at the Umana Yana, Georgetown. Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, attended the graduation where he delivered the feature address to graduates, faculty members, parents, sponsors and invited guests. The ceremony recognised the 71 graduates who successfully completed programmes in Social Work, Sociology, Occupational Safety and Health, Supervisory Management, Psychology and Organisational Management. Several stu-
dents expressed their appreciation for the programmes in interviews with the Department of Public Information (DPI).
Christopher Rambarran, who completed the organisational management programme, said the training gave him a deeper understanding of organisational structures and stability. “It has been a very enlightening programme for me,” he said, while thanking the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) for its sponsorship. Psychology graduate Vibhuti Panchu described the six-month course as challenging but rewarding. “It was a great programme, challenging but of course with great lecturers, they were nice, helpful, they
guided us through the programme. The explanation of all the topics was excellent,” she said. Another graduate, Rebekah Brusch, who concluded the occupational safety and health course, said the experience exceeded her expectations.
“I learned a lot of different things that I did not know before. It was a great opportunity to be a part of the course,” she said. The GLI, accredited by the National Accreditation Council (NAC), continues to play a critical role in national development through the delivery of quality education and skills training across several regions. In his address, Minister Griffith congratulated and encouraged graduates to view this milestone as the beginning of
continued growth and lifelong learning, underscoring the importance of discipline, professionalism and adaptability as Guyana experiences rapid social and economic transformation.
“This achievement represents the culmination of your sacrifice, resilience and unwavering belief in your own potential. These are precisely the qualities
our developing economy requires,” the Minister said.
Skills training remains a cornerstone of national development. Through institutions such as GLI and other accredited training centres, Guyana is deliberately preparing a workforce that is competent, adaptable and future-ready. The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, working in part-
nership with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), continues to strengthen national skills development frameworks that support lifelong learning, workforce progression, and professional excellence. Since its establishment in 2016, GLI has advanced more than 2000 students across Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and 10.
Founder of Vizion Sounds, “Father Wally” Fraser, passes away
The Guyanese music fraternity is in mourning following the death of Walter “Father Wally” Fraser, the visionary founder of Vizion (Vision) Sounds Recording Studio and one of the nation’s most influential cultural builders. Fraser’s passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes from artists, industry colleagues and fans who remember him not only as a music pioneer but also as a mentor whose generosity of spirit transformed careers and strengthened Guyana’s creative community. Born in Guyana, Fraser left the country as a young man and spent formative years in London and Jamaica, where he was immersed in vibrant music scenes and forged connections with some of reggae’s pivotal influencers. His time abroad exposed him to professional studios and iconic artists, shaping his deep understanding of the music business — knowledge he would later bring back home to develop local talent. In the early 1990s, Fraser established his company internationally as Nu Vizion, later rebranded as Vizion Sounds Records, with
the mission of nurturing and showcasing Guyanese music on a professional stage. His return to Guyana marked a turning point for the local industry. In 1995, he formally registered the Vizion Sounds Recording Studio in Georgetown, creating one of the country’s most respected and enduring production houses. Fraser’s studio became much more than a recording space; it was a sanctuary for aspiring artists and producers. Within its walls, he offered technical training, mentorship, encouragement, and access to industry know-how that was otherwise scarce in Guyana. Many artists across genres, from reggae and soca to hip-hop and R&B, credit him with instilling discipline, professional rigour and confidence. Through Vizion Sounds, Fraser produced and worked with numerous artists who went on to national acclaim and beyond, including groups like First Born — who captured attention with their reggae roots and whose early work was nurtured under Fraser’s guidance — as well as talents such as Alabama, Mark Batson,
Lil Red, Big Red, Natural Black, Heatwave Band and others. His global connections also opened doors for local acts to interact with renowned Jamaican figures and he arranged shows featuring major performers, helping to bring international energy and exposure to Guyanese audiences and recording talent alike. Beyond the studio, Father Wally was an outspoken advocate for stronger copyright protections in Guyana — urging reforms that could help creators secure fair compensation and broader recognition for their work in the digital age. Tributes shared on social media and within the creative community describe him as a tireless champion of youth, a patient teacher and a man whose belief in others often came long before the world recognised their talent. “Your rhythm, spirit and legacy will echo forever,” wrote one fellow broadcaster. Fraser’s legacy is evident not only in the countless songs recorded and careers launched but also in the ripple effects of his work, a generation of musicians and producers who learned their craft under his guidance and who continue to shape Guyana’s cultural soundscape. He is survived by family, friends, protégés and a music industry forever indebted to his vision. Plans for memorial services and tributes are being shared by colleagues and community members, who are encouraging celebrations of his life through the music he loved and helped cultivate. Walter “Father Wally” Fraser may have left us, but his influence will continue to resonate through Guyana’s music and through every artist who found their voice in his studio.
Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith delivers his address at the event
Walter “Father Wally” Fraser
“Carlos Hendricks: A Body of Work” art exhibition on display at Castellani House
Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, local artist Carlos Hendricks’s A Body of Work officially opened Saturday evening at Castellani House on Vlissengen Rd, Georgetown. The exhibition invites members of the public to experience a compelling journey through colour, culture, and art.
Carlos Hendricks: A Body of Work presents a vibrant collection that
reflects the depth, diversity and richness of local artistic expression. Admission is free and the public is encouraged to visit, explore and be inspired. This exhibition is one of several initiatives by the culture ministry, as part of a broader thrust to support the development of the Creative Industries. Other programmes under this mandate include the Write to Stage Theatre Support
Programme and the Cultural and Creative Industries Grants. (Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport)
From Belvedere to Bound Yard to Bush Lot, Chesney to Hogtown to Tain... Senior Minister holiday season of giving, on behalf of President Dr Irfaan Ali and the Government, to children
Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh cheerfully undertook the joy of the children of several communities in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) over the weekend
MHSSS, Young Influencers share Christmas cheer with children from State homes
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, alongside the Young Influencers, the Youth Arm of
the Ministry of Human Services & Social Security (MHSSS), brought early Christmas cheer to children from various state homes on Friday afternoon.
The children gathered at the Sophia Home for a heartwarming celebration, where they baked cookies and cupcakes and did art and crafts with Minister Persaud
and the Young Influencers before receiving early Christmas gifts. Many of the children were especially delighted as their wishes came true, receiving exactly what
they had asked for, making the afternoon filled with joy, laughter and festive spirit. (MHSSS Young Influencers photos)
Bare Root community to see more enhancement projects
Residents of Bare Root along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) are set to benefit from major infrastructural developments, including a new community centre, roads and bridges. Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand made the announcement on Friday during a community engagement, where she addressed several concerns raised by residents, according to a Department of Public Information (DPI) report. Efforts are underway to regularise land to facilitate the construction of a community centre. The Minister also committed to
replacing a community sign recognising a young female achiever within the community.
In addition, she noted that discussions will be held with Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha regarding the construction of a bridge that had been promised to residents.
Minister Manickchand explained that while some of the projects will take some time to begin due to procedures, residents will see the cleaning initiative and other works commence soon. Reflecting on interventions made by the previous People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government, Minister Manickchand re-
called the effort it took to provide electricity and water to residents, which involved working with Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) and giving households time to pay connection costs in instalments.
“Those things took time, but it didn’t mean we were not working for you. Even if you don’t see me every day, I am your servant. That is what I am here to do,” she emphasised. Similar initiatives like this are being executed across the country in keeping with the Government’s commitment to enhance the livelihood of all Guyanese, the DPI report added.
Prison agriculture programmes building pride, skills and self-worth among inmates
Agriculture programmes within the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) are playing a key role in building confidence, discipline and a sense of self-worth among incarcerated individuals, while also contributing to food production within the prison system.
Superintendent of Prisons David Shepard, on a recent televised programme, said the impact of these initiatives is evident in the pride displayed by inmates involved in farming and aquaculture activities, particularly at facilities such as Timehri and Mazaruni. “They say a picture tells a thousand words, and looking at the joy on the faces...when they harvested – I think it was 220 pounds of tilapia – that says it all,” Shepard said. He explained that inmates were involved in the full process of rearing the fish, from the earliest stage to harvest. “To know that they reared these ti-
lapia from… the hatchlings, those little things, all the way to big two-pound fish… to know that, yes, I have value, I can do this, and I did it.” According to Shepard, agriculture programmes go beyond food production and serve as a personal development tool for inmates. “This is a sense of personal pride for the inmates, because again, it’s about hope, it’s about personal value, to know that I have value, I can do things, I have potential.” He noted that inmates receive both theoretical and practical training, which allows them to see tangible results from their efforts.
“It’s about transferring what you learned in the classroom… to the practical setting, and yield the results that they yielded. Welfare Officer Dawn Sumner-London said ag-
riculture programmes are particularly appealing to inmates who already have small farms or gardens in their communities. “Most of the inmates, especially the older inmates, they are more eager to learn agriculture because most of them have a little farm at home… and with training from the prison, they are able now to go back into society and to improve on the farm.”
Officials say these initiatives help inmates develop confidence, discipline and a renewed sense of purpose as they prepare for reintegration into society. The aquaculture initiative, launched in 2022, is a significant step for the prison service in promoting self-sufficiency and rehabilitation. Spearheaded by the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station, the project involves rearing red tilapia at Timehri Prison
and is part of a broader pilot programme aimed at enhancing the prison’s self-sustaining food supply. Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, has praised
the project for extending GPS’s rehabilitation efforts. “This initiative not only supports our self-sustaining food-supply programme but also helps inmates develop new skills and discover their talents,” Elliot noted. The tilapia rearing is just one el-
ement of the GPS’s agricultural programme. Over the years, the GPS has successfully cultivated a wide variety of vegetables and fruits across its farms, further contributing to the rehabilitation and self-sufficiency goals of the institution.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand engages residents of Bare Root, ECD
Superintendent of Prisons
David Shepard
Female prisoners learn to rear tilapia at Timehri
Red tilapia reared at the Timehri Prison
Female inmates with staff at the Timehri Prison
Shop smart this Christmas for your cellphone – GNBS
The Christmas season has a way of nudging us towards upgrades – whether it is replacing that broken cellular phone or heeding that gift request from a close friend or relative for a new device – the sales and deals are everywhere. But amid the attraction of “limited-time offers,” it is essential that you scroll, compare and shop smart. Buy phones that are correctly labelled in accordance with the National Standard GYS 49:2021, Requirements for Labelling and Sale of Cell Phones.
Cellular phones are among the 17 categories of items monitored by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) for labelling and quality requirements in accordance with national standards. The GYS49:2021 covers labelling requirements for cellphones, and specifies sale and warranty requirements for the commodity.
According to the document, all cellphones must be sold in an appropriate package with the battery and a printed or electronic user manual in English that describes compatible accessories,
such as a charger. Further, cellphone dealers must offer warranties in accordance with Part 4, Section 19 of the Consumer Affairs Act No. 13 of 2011.
For dealers still selling refurbished phones, the standard specifies that a refurbished cell phone offered for sale shall be free from functional defects. It shall be sold with the original charger and a receipt or other related document
that clearly states that the phone is refurbished. Further, a refurbished phone may not be sold in its original packaging and shall have a minimum of six months’ warranty.
Before the transaction is finalised, shoppers must be allowed to examine the cellphone and witness a test to ensure it is working correctly. At the time of purchase, dealers are responsible for allow-
ing the customer to examine the device and, upon purchase, to provide written or printed receipts and warranties.
All cellphones offered for sale in Guyana must be approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or GNBS and comply with Guyana’s Telecommunication Act and the Post & Telegraph Act or its successor.
In addition, the authenticity of cellphones shall be verified by accessing the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number by inputting *#06#, which shall be in conformance with the label on the handset or device.
The standard clearly states that dealers must ensure the cellphones offered for sale are labelled accordingly as “Used”, “Refurbished”, or Certified PreOwned (CPO). Though these options are available, it is recommended that you buy a new phone.
Under its Product Compliance Programme, the GNBS conducts monitoring of cellular phones at
ports of entry, importers’ facilities and at sale outlets across the country to ensure compliance with the National Standard. In addition to the requirements listed above, phones offered for sale are inspected for certification marks, brand names, country of origin, care and use instructions, and damage. Inspections are done throughout the year across the country to ensure consumers get value for money.
Cellphone dealers and importers are required to register with the GNBS annually, and dealers must also hold a permit to sell. As such, customers are encouraged to purchase from registered cellphone dealers who are aware of the requirements governing the sale of cell phones. In a season where excitement can easily overshadow caution, being aware of these requirements could be the difference between unwrapping joy and discovering disappointment. To purchase a copy of this standard or learn more about this topic, contact the GNBS on 2190064-66 or WhatsApp: 692-4627.
Dialogue is ‘not naïve – it’s necessary’ as global divisions deepen- UN Riyadh forum hears
The 11th Global Forum of the United Nations (UN) Alliance of Civilisations opened in Riyadh on Sunday with a blunt message for a world riven by distrust: dialogue is not a luxury – it’s a survival strategy. Over the next two days, participants gathered in the Saudi capital are expected to insist that cooperation across cultures, religions and communities remains the only viable way to navigate an era marked by rising polarisation and conflict.
Speaking at the opening session, UN SecretaryGeneral (SG) António Guterres pushed back against the notion that the Alliance’s mission is unrealistic or, as critics suggest, “too soft for our hard world.” Those who dismiss dialogue as naïve, he warned, are mistaken. Diplomacy and cooperation, he said, are not optional, they are essential.
Two decades have passed since then SG Kofi Annan launched the initiative in 2005 with support from Spain and Türkiye. The geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically since, yet the Alliance’s core purpose remains constant: countering extremism and intolerance and helping societies of different cultures and faiths live together in dignity. The UN chief described the paradox of an age in which humanity is “more connected, yet never more fragmented,” and outlined two divergent futures: one defined by fear, walls
and escalating wars; and another built on bridges between cultures. Only the second path, he stressed, leads to sustainable peace: “No more 7th of Octobers. No more Gazas destroyed. No more ElFashers starved. No more communities massacred, expelled or scapegoated.”
The SG pointed to three forces capable of driving positive global change: young people, women and girls and people of faith. He urged delegates to advance the Alliance’s mission “with courage, clarity and hope.” Countries participating in the Forum endorsed the Riyadh Communiqué, which calls for combating all forms of religious intolerance as a global priority. The document underscores the central role of education in fostering dialogue, human rights and peaceful societies and reaffirms the Alliance’s founding aim: strengthening cooperation among cultures and religions while promoting respect, mutual understanding and inclusion. High Representative Miguel Moratinos, who also serves as the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, opened the session by stressing that every culture must have an equal voice in shaping the world’s future. No single perspective should dominate, he said; instead, a truly peaceful and inclusive global community must draw on the wisdom and values of all civilisations. Mr Moratinos warned of “the return of
hatred,” urging vigilance against growing discrimination. Quoting a verse from the Qur’an’s Surat AlHujurat, he emphasised that human diversity is a source of strength, not division. He underscored that Islam is a religion of peace and reiterated that Islamophobia must have no place anywhere. At the same time, he insisted that antisemitism must be eradicated, adding: “Legitimate criticism of Governments should not be perceived as antisemitic nor as a motive to demonise entire communities.”
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s “longstanding commitment to intercultural dialogue.” He said Saudi support for the Alliance reflects a firm belief that engagement among cultures and civilisations is essential to peace, cooper-
ation and conflict prevention. He highlighted several Saudi initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue and countering extremism and warned of the increasing spread of religiously and nationally motivated extremist movements, as well as a worrying rise in hate speech and Islamophobia over the past two decades. Rather than prompting disengagement, he said, these challenges must push nations to reinforce – not abandon – the values of dialogue, communication and coexistence.
Representatives from Spain and Türkiye, the Alliance’s original cosponsors, also spoke, reaffirming the enduring importance of inclusion, mutual respect and sustained dialogue.
Deepfakes, hate speech and the push for regulation
The opening day of the Forum also turned its at-
tention to one of the fastestmoving challenges shaping today’s information landscape: Artificial Intelligence (AI)driven misinformation. Speakers warned that deepfakes, algorithmamplified hate speech and unregulated systems are already reshaping public debate – and not for the better.
Ismail Serageldin, cochair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre and former Vice President (VP) of the World Bank Group, said the use of AI is now unavoidable.
He urged the public not to fear new technologies, likening the current moment to the invention of the calculator, when many predicted the end of accounting jobs.
“Instead,” he noted, “they adapted,” and he argued society will do the same today. With the right safeguards, he added, AI could even help peo-
ple achieve a better worklife balance. Mr Serageldin went on to underscore that AI will not replace humans, but people who understand how to use it will gain a decisive advantage. Smart regulations must protect the public without smothering innovation or creativity, he explained.
Achraf Tasfaout, a data scientist working in the banking sector, warned that AI is accelerating the spread of hate speech and making it harder for people to tell real content from deepfakes. He called for clear rules that set boundaries for safe use while still enabling new ideas to flourish. Policymakers and journalists, he said, have a crucial role to play in defending society. Moreover, young people, as the most active users of AI, will be central to creating the solutions. He added that AI itself can be harnessed to counter many of the problems it creates. Atif Rashid, EditorinChief of Analyst News, cautioned that AI systems are being released “too quickly,” often without essential safety measures. He said it can feel as if “humans are guinea pigs” in a global experiment, with regulation arriving only after widespread public exposure. Mr Rashid pointed to examples where AI has encouraged harmful behaviour, which he described as ‘AI psychosis’, and stressed that new systems must be designed to serve all of humanity, grounded firmly in human values. (UN)
UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivers remarks to the opening of the 11th UN Alliance of Civilisations Global Forum, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
By Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Fam meD, enDocrinology/ DiaBeTes
For many people, driving represents freedom, independence, and livelihood. For individuals living with diabetes, however, driving also comes with unique responsibilities that are often misunderstood or ignored. Diabetes itself does not prevent someone from driving, but poorly- controlled blood sugar can impair judgment, reaction time, and consciousness, creating serious risks for both the driver and the public.
Across Guyana and the wider Caribbean, diabetes rates continue to rise. As more people of working age live with the condition, understanding how diabetes interacts with driving safety has become an important public-health issue, not one of restriction, but of awareness, preparation, and responsibility.
Why diabetes and driving are connected
Driving requires constant alertness, coordination, quick decision-making, and visual accuracy. Diabetes can interfere with these abilities primarily through fluctuations in blood sugar levels, especially hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar).
Low blood sugar is the greatest immediate danger when driving. It can develop suddenly and may lead to confusion, blurred vision, slowed reactions, dizziness, or even loss of consciousness. High blood sugar, especial-
HEALTH TIPS
Diabetes and Driving: Staying safe on the road without losing independence
ly when prolonged, can also cause fatigue, poor concentration, dehydration, and visual disturbance. In both cases, driving becomes unsafe.
Understanding hypoglycaemia: The biggest risk on the road
Hypoglycaemia occurs when blood sugar falls too low, often due to:
Skipping or delaying meals
• Taking too much insulin or diabetes medication
Increased physical activity without food
• Alcohol consumption
Long drives without breaks
Early-warning signs include sweating, shaking, hunger, anxiety, headache, and palpitations. As blood sugar drops further, drivers may experience confusion, poor judgment, slurred speech, drowsiness, or blackouts.
Clinically, hypoglycaemia can impair driving ability as severely as alcohol intoxication, yet many drivers underestimate the risk or attempt to “push through” symptoms.
Hyperglycaemia and driving
While less sudden, high blood sugar can still affect driving safety. Drivers may feel extremely tired, develop blurred vision, have difficulty concentrating, or feel unwell. Dehydration and frequent urination can also make long drives uncomfortable and distracting. Persistently high-blood sugar may worsen eye disease (diabetic retinopathy), further affecting driving ability.
Who is most at risk?
Not all people with diabetes face the same driving risks. Higherrisk groups include:
• Individuals using insulin
• Those with a history of severe hypoglycaemia
People with reduced awareness of low blood sugar symptoms
• Drivers with long or irregular driving schedules
Commercial drivers or those who drive for work
That said, any person with diabetes can experience unsafe blood-sugar changes, making preparation essential.
Safe driving starts before turning the key
From a clinical perspective, diabetes management and driving safety are closely linked. Drivers with di-
Fast-acting sugar (glucose tablets, sweets, juice)
• Snacks for longer journeys
• Medical identification indicating diabetes
What to do if blood sugar drops while driving
If symptoms of low blood sugar occur while driving, the correct response is immediate: Pull over safely, switch off the engine, and remove the keys. Treat the low blood sugar with fast-acting sugar and wait at least 15-20 minutes before rechecking levels.
abetes should always check their blood sugar before starting a journey, especially for long trips. A safe pre-drive blood sugar level is generally above 5.0 mmol/L (90 mg/dL).
If blood sugar is low, driving should be delayed until it is corrected and stabilised. It is not enough to “feel better”, blood sugar must return to a safe range.
Drivers should always carry:
• A glucometer
Driving should only resume once blood sugar has fully recovered and mental clarity is restored.
Continuing to drive during hypoglycaemia puts lives at risk, including your own.
Medical fitness to drive: a shared responsibility
Clinicians play an important role in advising patients about driving safety, medication timing, and risk awareness. Patients, in turn,
must be honest about symptoms, episodes of low blood sugar, and treatment adherence.
Diabetes alone should never be a reason to deny someone a driver’s licence. Instead, fitness to drive should be assessed based on:
Blood-sugar control
• Hypoglycaemia awareness
• Vision status
Ability to self-monitor and manage diabetes responsibly.
With proper management, most people with diabetes can drive safely for many years.
Complications that can affect driving
Long-term diabetes complications may also influence driving safety. These include:
• Diabetic retinopathy affecting vision
Neuropathy affecting foot sensation and pedal control
• Cardiovascular disease increasing risk of sudden illness
• Cognitive impairment from recurrent hypoglycaemia
Regular medical checkups help identify and address these risks early.
Prognosis: Independence and safety can co-exist
Living with diabetes does not mean giving up driving. In fact, maintaining independence often improves mental health, employment opportunities, and quali-
3 tips for safe driving with diabetes
Driving is an important aspect of our society. But there is quite a bit to keep in mind before and while on the road –especially when you have diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body doesn’t make or properly use insulin, which regulates blood glucose and process sugars and starches to give you energy. When low blood sugar hits out of the blue, it can be dangerous.
With a little planning and preparation, you can manage your diabetes anywhere you go. Here are three tips to help you drive safely with diabetes.
1. Always bring a diabetes tool kit. Whether you’re making a trip around the corner or going on a road trip, a diabetes tool kit can be a lifesaver. This kit should include supplies to manage your blood glucose when you’re away from home. In a small travel bag, include:
Diabetes alert identification card
Fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, juice boxes or snacks
Insulin pen or syringe, if necessary
Logbook
Medications
Spare glucose meter
Test strips
Keep your kit where you can easily access it when you’re in the car, like the centre console or driver’s side door. Avoid leaving your tool kit in the car, though, as excessive heat and sunlight can damage diabetes medications, glucose meters and insulin.
2. Check your blood glucose before driving. You want your glucose levels to be at least 80 mg/dL before getting behind the wheel, because it’s unsafe to operate a vehicle with low blood glucose. Also known as hypoglycaemia, low blood glucose can make it hard to concentrate, delay reaction time and cause blurry vision. If your levels are below 80 mg/dL, have a fast-acting carbohydrate snack, such as a full-sugar soda, jellybeans or gummy bears. Wait 15 minutes after having your snack and then check your levels again.
3. Watch for low glucose symptoms while driving. Your blood glucose can dip at any point, even while traveling. Pull over safely and check your blood glucose levels if
ty of life. The key lies in consistent diabetes control, honest self-assessment, and responsible driving habits. Most diabetes-related driving incidents are preventable. Education, planning, and awareness make the road safer for everyone.
Dos and Don’ts for Drivers with Diabetes
Do:
• Check blood sugar before driving
• Carry glucose and snacks
• Take regular breaks on long trips
Wear medical identification
• Follow medication instructions carefully
Don’t: Drive if blood sugar is low or symptoms are present
• Skip meals before driving
Ignore warning signs
• Assume “you’ll be fine”
• Drive immediately after treating hypoglycaemia
Driving with diabetes is not about restriction; it is about responsibility. With knowledge, preparation, and good glucose control, people living with diabetes can safely share the road with confidence.
Your health is part of road safety. Protect yourself. Protect others. And always drive with awareness.
you start to feel: A headache
Clumsy
Dizzy, lightheaded or confused
Hungry
Irritable or cranky
Shaky or jumpy
Sleepy Sweaty Weak
Use snacks from your tool kit to raise your levels. Don’t start driving again until your blood glucose is in a normal range between 80 mg/dL and 180 mg/dL.
Takeaway
Driving is a big part of a lot of our lives. When you have diabetes it’s important to keep your blood glucose levels in mind before and while you’re behind the wheel. Keep your diabetes tool kit with you and stay aware of how you’re feeling while driving so you can safely get from point A to point B. If you have any other concerns or questions about driving with diabetes, talk with your primary care provider or a diabetes educator.
T&T Police Commissioner under fire for saying mosquitoes kept officers from drug arrests
Former T&T Defence Force Lieutenant Commander Norman Dindial is blasting Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro for failing to make any arrests in two multi-million-dollar drug busts over a span of 24 hours.
Dindial’s comment came after Guevarro claimed the TTPS made no arrests in drug hauls at Caroni Swamp and in Point Fortin because he did not want to subject his officers to the possibility of getting dengue from mosquito bites while doing surveillance on the stashes.
During his speech at the opening of the City Police sub-station in Port-of-Spain, yesterday, Guevarro confirmed the US-installed radar was used to detect a second marijuana stash in Point Fortin. This time, he said some 625 kilogrammes were seized. This followed the seizure of 1,560 kilogrammes of “creepy marijuana” with an estimated street value of $171,205,320 in the Caroni Swamp on Wednesday night.
Before he could be asked why no arrests were made, however, Guevarro said it would have been pointless to leave his officers waiting on the owners of the drugs.
Commenting on why no arrests were made in both seizures, Guevarro said: “We had to go with a boat (for Caroni Swamp raid), and hearing this boat coming from miles away, you know the police coming. You ain’t going and come back for the weed. So, what the police will do? We take it up and we move with it because we’re not going to leave it there for it to end up on the streets.”
He added: “Likewise, same thing last night (Thursday). When you enter South Central Road, the first thing you see, men on their phones. So, why would I leave my officers to do surveillance in the bush for two and three nights to get mosquito bite and dengue when the simplest thing would be to just take the marijuana and remove it and later destroy it because it is not in
the hands of those persons who would take it to monetise it and then victimise you, the public.”
However, Dindial yesterday said the excuse given made no sense, as the drugs could have been tagged and tracked, or the Regiment could have been used if the TTPS felt the surveillance task was overwhelming. “That makes no sense. That shows you that you have no operational capabilities and you don’t know about how operations work. It’s telling me that you’re afraid your men can get dengue,” he said.
Guevarro, when asked why the boat with the 1,560 kilogrammes of marijuana had no engine, said it was not a boat that brought the drugs to Trinidad and Tobago. Rather, he said, the drugs were merely stashed on the boat it was found in. He denied that the video of the find was part of a re-enactment, saying the police service was not Hollywood.
(Excerpt from Trinidad & Tobago Guardian)
Int’l gun trafficking conspiracy shipping illegal weapons to DR, Haiti dismantled
AUS District Judge has sentenced a 42-yearold man, Jonathan Rafael Ortega Martinez, to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to traffic firearms and trafficking in firearms, in an international gun trafficking conspiracy. Ortega Martinez previously pleaded guilty.
According to the plea agreement, between 2023 and April 2024, Ortega Martinez was a member of a large-scale firearms trafficking operation. Specifically, he and members of his conspiracy recruited individuals, known as “straw purchasers,” to illegally purchase firearms—including Glocks, rifles and AK-47s— from licensed federal firearms dealers across Florida.
After obtaining the firearms, Ortega Martinez and his co-conspirators smuggled them overseas, shipping them to countries including the Dominican Republic (DR)
and Haiti. Between 2023 and 2024, Ortega Martinez and his co-conspirators trafficked more than 1,000 firearms. Investigations revealed that several of these firearms were later recovered at crime scenes.
In addition to Ortega Martinez, two others were indicted and convicted of conspiracy to traffic firearms.
On March 11, 2025, Ricardo Sune Giron, who was living
in the United States illegally under an assumed name, and who was the subject of an active INTERPOL Red Notice from Guatemala, was sentenced to 14 years for his role in this conspiracy.
On July 31, 2025, Maicor Eliud Cepeda-Garcia was sentenced to 15 years—the maximum sentenced allowed under the law—for his role in the conspiracy. (DOJ)
Afreximbank announces US$1.1M donation to aid Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts in Jamaica and Haiti
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced a donation of US$1.1 million to the governments of Jamaica and Haiti to support their recovery efforts following the devastation caused by hurricane Melissa in October.
Hurricane Melissa, which passed through the northern Caribbean, unleashed unprecedented devastation on a number of countries in the region, including Haiti and Jamaica both of which are Afreximbank member states.
According to letters of solidarity sent by Dr George Elombi, president of Afreximbank, to the respective governments, $600,000 of the donation will go to Jamaica and US$500,000 to Haiti. (Excerpt from CNG)
Brazilians protest against sentencing bill that could see Bolsonaro get reduced sentence for coup attempt
On Sunday, December 14, different Brazilian capitals registered protests against the Sentencing Bill, approved by the Chamber of Deputies last Wednesday. The text provides for a reduction in sentences for those convicted of crimes against the Democratic Rule of Law.
The events were peaceful and primarily targeted the National Congress and the potential for benefits to those involved in the attempted coup d'état of 2022 and the anti-democratic attacks of January 8, 2023.
In Brasília, the Military Police estimated the initial participation of approximately 5,000 demonstrators. The group gathered near the Museum of the Republic and the National Library and marched towards the National Congress. There were no reports of incidents until early afternoon.
The president of the Chamber of Deputies, Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB), was one of the main targets of the demonstrations, appearing on signs and chanting slogans.
He was singled out by protesters as being responsible for overseeing the bill's progress.
Phrases such as "Congress, enemy of the people," "Out with Hugo Motta," and "No amnesty" predominated among the signs displayed.
The mobilizations were not limited to the Federal District. In the morning, protesters began to gather in Belo Horizonte, Belém, Florianópolis, Cuiabá, João Pessoa, and Natal, among other capital cities. In some cities, the demonstrations took the form of marches through central streets.
The bill, approved by the Chamber of Deputies, is an update to the Amnesty Bill and attempts to review the punishments applied to those involved in the coup attempts of January 8, 2023, which resulted in the invasion and destruction of the headquarters of the Three Branches of Government in Brasília.
The text stipulates that the crimes of attempting to abolish the Democratic Rule of Law and of staging a coup d'état, when committed in the same context, will result in the application of the more severe penalty instead of the sum of both penalties.
Therefore, the new rule
would imply a revision of the total sentence for both crimes, with the greater penalty prevailing.
If passed as is, the law could directly benefit Bolsonaro and all others convicted for the attempted coup.
The former president, for example, would have his sentence of 27 years and 3 months reduced to approximately 20 years and 8 months, with effective imprisonment in a closed regime of approximately two and a half years, considering the rules of progression and remission.
The project will still be analyzed by the Federal Senate, with initial discussion scheduled in the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) next Wednesday.
The president of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre (União Brasil-AP), has stated that he intends to conclude the analysis of the text this year. (Source: Correio Braziliense)
Over a dozen dead after school bus accident in Colombia
Aspecial transport bus carrying a group of recently graduated students from the Liceo Antioqueño Educational Institution in Bello, who were returning from a celebratory trip to Tolú, crashed early Sunday morning in the municipality of Remedios.
The governor of Antioquia, Andrés Julián Rendón, issued a statement through his X account saying that so far, more than a dozen people have been reported dead and 20 injured.
For reasons still under investigation, the bus plunged more than 20 meters into a ravine. Reports available at this time, along with accounts from sources in the re-
The tour bus was transporting students from the Liceo Antioqueño school from Tolú
gion, indicate 17 deaths and more than 20 injuries. The injured have been transported to hospitals in Zaragoza, Remedios, and Segovia.
For now, rescue teams and departmental authorities continue their work at the site of the emergency.
(Excerpt from El Tiempo)
J’ca cops nab 23 Haitians in Harbour View raid
Twenty-three Haitians were taken into custody on Thursday after cops carried out an early morning raid at a premises in Harbour View, St Andrew. Police say officers moved in around 8:00 a.m., and
found the group inside the location. They were taken away and are now being processed before they are brought before the courts.
The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency has been alerted.
The arrests come one week after another group of sixteen Haitians was picked up at a house in Portmore, St Catherine, and ordered to leave the country. (Jamaica Star)
Protesters demonstrate on Copacabana beach against the Sentencing Bill
Brown University shooting: Person of interest in custody is in his 20s – Police Chief confirms
Politicians and law enforcement officials held a press conference in Providence, Rhode Island, a day after a shooter killed two people and injured several others at Brown University where police chief Col Oscar Perez revealed that a person in their 20s was taken into custody on Sunday morning.
Perez declined to say whether the person of interest was the same person seen in surveillance footage released by authorities on Saturday. Officials did not name the person.
A shooter dressed in black killed at least two people and wounded nine others at Brown University during final exams on the Ivy League campus.
Brown University president Christina Paxson confirmed that the two people killed were students. A shelter-in-place in effect for the area was lifted on Sunday morning.
Eight people with gunshot wounds were taken to Rhode Island hospital, where seven were in critical but stable condition, Paxson said on Sunday. One person remains in a critical condition, she added. One other student was discharged from hospital on Saturday night and left with their parents, Paxson said.
Providence’s mayor Brett Smiley declined to name any of the shooting victims, saying authorities had not yet been able to contact all the relatives.
Officials refused to say whether a gun used in the attack had been found. Earlier reports on CNN said the person of interest had two firearms with them.
The Associated press reported officials said two loaded 30-round magazines had been found. Officials did not comment on any speculation.
Law enforcement agencies were seen at a Hampton Inn hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, roping off rooms as part of the investigation into the shooting. An FBI agent said the person of interest had been arrested at the hotel, which is a short drive from Brown University.
The FBI used cellphone data to locate the person of interest, the agency’s director Kash Patel said.
The shooting occurred in the Barus and Holley building, a seven-story complex that houses the School of Engineering and physics department. According to the university’s website, the building includes more than 100 laboratories, dozens of classrooms and offices. Brown, one of the America’s most prestigious colleges, has roughly 7,300 undergraduates and more than 3,000 graduate students. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Pilot narrowly avoids ‘midair collision’ with US air force plane near Venezuela
AJetBlue flight from the small Caribbean nation of Curaçao halted its ascent to avoid colliding with a US air force refueling tanker on Friday, and the pilot blamed the military plane for crossing his path.
“We almost had a midair collision up here,” the JetBlue pilot said, according to a recording of his conversation with air traffic control. “They passed directly in our flight path... They don’t have their transponder turned on, it’s outrageous.”
The incident involved JetBlue flight 1112 from Curaçao, which is just off the coast of Venezuela, en route to New York City’s JFK airport. It comes as the US military has launched deadly airstrikes on suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean and is also seeking to increase pressure
on Venezuela’s government.
“We just had traffic pass directly in front of us within 5 miles of us – maybe 2 or 3 miles – but it was an air-to air-refueler from the United States air force and he was at our altitude,” the pilot said. “We had to stop our climb.” The pilot said the US air force plane then headed into Venezuelan airspace.
Derek Dombrowski, a spokesperson for JetBlue, said on Sunday: “We have reported this incident to federal authorities and will participate in any investigation.” He added: “Our crew members are trained on proper procedures for various flight situations, and we appreciate our crew for promptly reporting this situation to our leadership team.”
The Pentagon referred the Associated Press to the air force for comment. The
Around the World
Bondi Beach shooting: at least 16 person dead; dead suspect identified as Naveed Akram
Australia’s New South Wales police have confirmed 16 people have died, including one of the gunmen who was shot by police at Bondi Beach on Saturday, as they continue to investigate the shooting.
One of the gunmen who opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach has been named as Naveed Akram, as Australia police say a father-son duo are allegedly behind the Sydney mass shooting, and that they were not looking for a third offender.
A driver’s licence found at the scene lists Naveed’s address as Bonnyrigg, in Sydney’s southwest, where police carried out a raid on Sunday evening.
The 24-year-old suspect, who was shot dead by police, was a bricklayer who had recently been laid off.
Police say the other shooter is in hospital under police guard with critical injuries.
They say 14 people died at the scene, and 42 people, including four children, were taken to hospitals across Sydney. Overnight, two others – a 10-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man – died in hospital.
Two police officers suffered gunshot wounds. They are in serious but stable condition.
Five people are in critical condition while others are in serious and stable condition.
Police say they have seized three firearms from the area, and established
a significant crime scene across Bondi Beach, while detectives from the joint counter terrorism team have commenced an investigation.
The park where Sunday’s Chanukah gathering was held is cordoned off by police tape on Monday morning.
Amid the horror of the shooting, one video has emerged showing incredible bravery – a bystander rushing one of the gunmen from behind to wrestle the firearm off him.
Praised a hero, he is being identified by some media as a 43-year-old fruit shop
owner from the Sutherland Shire. He had suffered two bullet wounds, in his arm and in his hand, one of his relatives told Seven News outside a hospital. He is recovering well, the family member said, adding: “We hope he will be fine, he is a hero, 100%, he is a hero.”
The attack on Bondi beach is the worst mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, in which 35 people were killed. (Source: The Guardian, The Telegraph, Reuters)
Syria arrests 5 over shooting of US, Syrian troops in Palmyra; Trump vows to retaliate
Sair force didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Federal Aviation Administration last month issued a warning to US aircraft urging them to “exercise caution” when in Venezuelan airspace, “due to the worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela”. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
yria has arrested five people suspected of having links to the shooting of U.S. and Syrian troops in the central Syrian town of Palmyra on Saturday, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday.
Two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed by an attacker who targeted a convoy of American and Syrian forces before being shot dead. The Syrian Interior Ministry has described the attacker as a member of the Syrian security forces suspected of sympathising with Islamic State.
Syria has been cooperating with a U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State, reaching an agreement last month when President Ahmed alSharaa visited the White House.
Syria's Interior Ministry said its units in Palmyra carried out an operation in coordination with "international coalition forces" that resulted in the arrest of five suspects "who were immediately referred for questioning".
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the attack by phone with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad
al-Shibani on Sunday. Shibani "offered condolences and reiterated the commitment of the Syrian government to degrade and destroy the shared threat of ISIS," State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said. US President Donald Trump on Sunday, vowed retaliation against ISIL after an ambush near Palmyra in central Syria killed three US citizens. Trump blamed ISIL for the attack, though investigators are assessing the possibility it may have been an insider attack by a member of an allied force.
(Source: Reuters, Al Jazeera)
Zelenskyy gives up Nato ambitions in peace deal concession
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is to give up his ambitions for Ukraine to join Nato – in exchange for security guarantees from the US and Europe.
The Ukrainian president made the concession on Sunday in an effort to advance negotiations with the US delegation in the lat-
est round of peace talks in Berlin.
Steve Witkoff, the US peace envoy, and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law, arrived in the German capital on Sunday, and were expected to hold talks with Mr Zelenskyy and Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, on the latest pro-
posals to end the war.
Mr Trump has issued an ultimatum for Kyiv to accept his peace deal by Christmas, but Ukrainian officials warned this would mean surrendering territory in return for undefined security guarantees.
Mr Zelenskyy said Kyiv would need guarantees akin
to Nato’s collective defence clause, Article 5, in order to protect against a future Russian invasion.
Washington has previously insisted it will only discuss security guarantees after a formal peace agreement has been signed. (Excerpt from The Telegraph)
Police tape off hotel rooms where a person of interest was arrested in Coventry, Rhode Island on Sunday
Naveed Akram. one of the alleged shooters
The two suspects seen on a bridge overlooking Bondi Beach
SUDOKU
Don't waste time. Running about and taking care of year-end obligations will put your mind at ease and make your life less stressful.
Leave nothing to chance, and you'll enjoy the hustle and bustle that comes with the festive season. Strive to be joyful and uplifting.
Pay attention to detail when dealing with personal and professional partners. Consider how you can grab attention and gain interest in what you propose to do or what you can offer others.
Put one foot in front of the other and take care of business. Make yourself aware of what others are doing and how it will influence the choices you make. Take control.
Get out and mingle. The conversations you have and the people you meet will offer a unique perspective that may not fit your budget or skills, but can be adapted to suit your needs.
Discuss matters openly and follow through with your plans. Don't waste time arguing when compromise is necessary. Timing will be essential to success.
Do whatever it takes to keep up. Don't trust anyone with your responsibilities. Take on or promise only what's feasible. Simplify your surroundings and focus on ways to excel.
Analyze what you face before forging ahead. Acting in haste will turn into an expensive lesson. Patience is a virtue, and doable plans are a necessity if you want to get ahead.
Focus on change that makes you feel good and encourages you to add to your skills and your aspirations. Take charge; your future is yours to complete.
Emotional excitement will surface, causing confusion and the need to revisit and revamp your plans. Put a timeline together, set your intentions and perfect what you want to reiterate to ensure success.
Think before you speak. A little charm will get you where you want to go, but if you use emotional manipulation, you will face rejection. Know your target and act accordingly.
Set guidelines and know your limitations, your attributes and what to share and what to keep secret. Play the long game, and you'll make your way to the winner's circle.
India 120 for 3 (Abhishek 35, Gill 28, Bosch 1-18) beat South Africa 117 (Markram 61, Varun 2-11, Kuldeep 2-12, Arshdeep 2-13) by seven wickets India reclaimed the series lead by bowling South Africa out for 117 in seam-friendly conditions in Dharamsala. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, the latter playing in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who was on leave for personal reasons, set the tone with three early wickets, and the support bowlers never let up. Aiden Markram kept South Africa in the fight with a half-century, but they were at least 20 runs short of what could have been a fighting total, keeping in mind their strong seam attack. Once Abhishek Sharma scored 35 off 18 balls, India could afford a wobble in the rest of the chase.
Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube cashed in on the conditions with a wicket each in their first overs, but it was Varun Chakravarthy's four overs for 11 runs and two wickets that denied South Africa any chance of creeping back into the match. One of his victims was Donovon Ferreira, the only other recognised batter to reach double digits.
Arshdeep, Rana lead carnage
Arshdeep went for 0 for
set the tone in seam-friendly Dharamsala as India go 2-1 up
– SA were bowled out for 117, but Abhishek Sharma's blazing knock ensured India won despite a wobble
54 in the last match, bowled an unending over, and was now without Bumrah. His first over was an example of how to bowl if you get that rare pitch that helps you in T20 cricket. He bowled three balls to Reeza Hendricks, all on a similar good length on middle and leg. Two of them seamed away to beat his outside edge, and the third
ment as well, but his wickets were slightly inexplicable. Quinton de Kock missed a straight and full delivery, and Dewald Brevis dragged on a long wide half volley, making it 7 for 3 in 3.1 overs. Markram and Tristan Stubbs saw through the rest of the power play, but Stubbs never looked at home. In his first over, Pandya drew just enough nibble to take Stubbs' outside edge to make it 30 for 4. Corbin Bosch, one of the three batters dropped in the field, missed the first ball from Dube by a long way: a 124-kilometre-per-hour length ball that nipped back to hit the top of middle.
Varun quells 1st resurgence
In the 12th over of the innings, Ferreira hit a Kuldeep wrong'un for a nolook six, the first boundary
nipped back in to trap him in front.
Rana swung the ball late, got some seam move-
of the innings by a batter not named Markram. This was the first time India had to deal with two threaten-
ing batters. The sixth wicket added 25 runs, but Varun got rid of Ferreira with a wrong'un that he missed by a mile. Varun repeated that dismissal in his next over, this time to a defensive push from Marco Jansen.
Arshdeep limits Markram damage Dube had two catches missed off his bowling. While Ferreira could not cause much damage, Markram went on to punish Rana in the 18th over, thus bringing up his fifty and taking South Africa past 100. It was all on Markram's bat now to take South Africa to 140, a total they could have been competitive with. However, he ended up edging a slot ball from Arshdeep in the 19th over, leaving Kuldeep two tailend wickets to feast on in the last over.
Abhishek kills the chase Swivelling inside the line of the first ball and pulling Lungi Ngidi over fine leg for a six, Abhishek set the tone for the chase. He charged at Ngidi for a four in the same over, and went one better with a six off Jansen in the next. When Abhishek hit Ottneil Baartman for a six in the fifth over, he brought up India's fifty and went to 44 sixes in the first six overs of T20 International (T20I) innings, level with
KL Rahul, who did so in more than twice the matches. Rohit Sharma is the only Indian with more sixes in the first six overs.
The low target allowed Abhishek's opening partner Shubman Gill time to play himself in, but neither he nor Tilak Varma ever looked set with plenty of seam movement available.
South Africa (20 ovs maximum)
Quinton de Kock † lbw b Harshit
Rana 1
Reeza Hendricks lbw
b Arshdeep Singh 0
Aiden Markram (c) c †Sharma
b Arshdeep Singh 61
Dewald Brevis b Harshit Rana 2
Tristan Stubbs c †Sharma b Pandya 9
Corbin Bosch b Dube 4
Donovan Ferreira b Varun 20
Marco Jansen b Varun 2
Anrich Nortje st † Sharma
b Kuldeep Yadav 12
Lungi Ngidi not out 2
Ottneil Baartman c Yadav b Kuldeep Yadav 1
Extras (b 1, lb 2) 3
Total 20 Ov (RR: 5.85) 117
Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Reeza Hendricks, 0.4 ov), 2-1 (Quinton de Kock, 1.2 ov), 3-7 (Dewald Brevis, 3.1 ov), 4-30 (Tristan Stubbs, 6.6 ov), 5-44 (Corbin Bosch, 10.1 ov), 6-69 (Donovan Ferreira, 13.3 ov), 7-77 (Marco Jansen, 15.1 ov), 8-113 (Aiden Markram, 18.3 ov), 9-115 (Anrich Nortje, 19.3 ov), 10-117 (Ottneil Baartman, 19.6 ov) •
Suryakumar Yadav hit two fours, but managed only 12 off 11 balls. When Abhishek was at the wicket, 60 runs came in 5.2 overs; the rest of the match featured 177 in 30.3 overs. Twenty more runs for South Africa, and/ or an early departure for Abhishek could have made this a much closer affair. (ESPNcricinfo)
Early seam and swing caused a lot of damage for South Africa (AFP/Getty Images)
Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill put on a dominating opening partnership
Harshit Rana gives Arshdeep Singh a reverse hug after the wicket of Reeza Hendricks
Harshit Rana took two wickets in his first two overs
Guyana’s Under-13s produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Barbados's Under-13s by nine wickets in the second match of their 40over series, played yesterday
at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, to take an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
After winning the toss, Barbados Under-13 elected to bat, but found conditions challenging against a disciplined Guyanese bowling attack. Jasani Craig made the early breakthrough, removing opener Oliver King for just four with a sharp short delivery.
Adrian Emmanuel then tightened Guyana’s grip on the innings, striking twice in quick succession to leave the visitors struggling at 28 for 3 after eight overs. The Barbados middle order continued to falter as off-spin-
Guyana has taken a significant step forward in safeguarding the future of its amateur boxing programme after the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) was formally granted provisional recognition by World Boxing, the international federation rec-
Seecharan’s unbeaten 82 powers Guyana to 2nd victory Director
Dner Deshawn Ramnauth applied sustained pressure, claiming key wickets through the middle phase of the innings.
Natarie Lavine offered the only significant resistance for the visitors, anchoring the innings with a well-compiled half-century. The left-hander reached his fifty in the 36th over and played with composure and intent, striking five fours and two sixes. Lavine was eventually trapped lbw by Jasani Craig for a determined 65 off 77 balls.
Barbados were bowled out for 138 in 39.2 overs. Ramnauth was the standout bowler with figures of 3 for 21 from eight overs, while Craig and Emmanuel supported well, each claiming two wickets.
light work of the modest target, racing to an excellent start through their openers, who put on 49 runs for the first wicket. Nathaniel Ramkarran was dismissed for 12, caught at deep backward square, but the breakthrough did little to slow the hosts’ momentum.
Lomar Seecharan, in sparkling form, took control of the chase with a display of confident and aggressive strokeplay. At the end of eight overs, Guyana were already cruising at 81 for 1. Seecharan soon brought up a deserved half-century and continued to dominate the bowling.
In reply, Guyana made
Sahid Gajnabi played the perfect supporting role, rotating the strike effectively and finding the occasional boundary as the pair closed in on victory.
Seecharan finished unbeaten on a superb 82 from just 53 balls, striking 12 fours and three sixes at an impressive strike rate of 155. Gajnabi remained not out on 20 from 25 deliveries. Guyana reached 139 for 1 in just 16.2 overs, sealing a comprehensive nine-wicket victory and a 2-0 series lead. The third match of the series is scheduled for Tuesday,
December 16 at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, with the first ball set to be bowled at 10:00h.
Guyana granted provisional recognition by World Boxing
ognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to govern amateur boxing and oversee Olympic qualification pathways.
The approval was communicated in an official letter dated December 11, confirming that the World Boxing Board of Directors had endorsed Guyana’s application for membership.
As a result, the GBA and its athletes are now eligible to participate in all World Boxing-sanctioned competitions, including the World Challenge, World Cup, and World Championships.
World Boxing is currently the only IOC-recognised body responsible for creating and managing qualification
pathways to the Olympic Games in boxing, making the recognition a critical development for Guyanese boxers aspiring to compete at the sport’s highest level.
While welcoming the approval, GBA President Steve Ninvalle expressed frustration over the timing of the decision, noting that Guyana’s application was submitted in February this year.
“We welcome the approval, but I am peeved at how long this process took. Guyana sent in its application since February; however, we only received confirmation one day before the International Boxing Association (IBA) Congress in Dubai,” he said.
Ninvalle pointed out that he was aware of other coun-
tries not having to endure the 10-month waiting period to receive recognition, allowing them to plan, compete, and operate with certainty. He said he was forced to inform the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) of this issue.
Nevertheless, Ninvalle reaffirmed Guyana’s long-standing compliance and professionalism within the amateur boxing landscape.
“Guyana, through the GBA, has always been compliant in the world of amateur boxing. We remain fully committed to following the rules and directives of the IOC and ensuring that our boxers are given a fair and unhindered opportunity to compete at the highest level, including the Olympic
Games,” Ninvalle, who is also the Director of Sport (DoS), stated.
According to the correspondence from World Boxing, the GBA has been granted provisional recognition, which allows full participation in World Boxing events while the Association moves through the final stage of the membership process.
The application will now be presented at the World Boxing 2026 Congress, where full membership approval will be considered.
The process is governed by Sections 6.3 to 6.5 of the World Boxing Statutes, which outline that the Executive Board must first determine whether all membership criteria are met, before making a recommen-
dation to Congress. Final approval, however, remains at the sole discretion of the Executive Board.
World Boxing, in its letter, thanked the GBA for its continued commitment and support, and expressed anticipation of Guyana’s participation in upcoming events and the Congress scheduled for November.
irector of Sport, Steve Ninvalle has extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the wider sporting community following the passing of Cecil Morris, a long-serving member and former President of the Guyana Blind Cricket Association (GBCA). Morris, a respected advocate for inclusive sport, is being remembered as a tireless champion for persons with disabilities and a key figure in the development of Blind Cricket in Guyana and the Caribbean.
In honour of his life and service, a Day of Reflection will be held today, Monday, December 15, at the Society for the Blind on High Street, from 11:00h to 14:00h.
The event will provide an opportunity for colleagues, athletes, ad-
ministrators, and well-wishers to reflect on Morris’s enduring legacy and the profound impact of his work.
Ninvalle noted that the National Sports Commission (NSC) has long recognised Morris’s unwavering commitment to advancing Blind Cricket, describing him as a pioneer whose efforts transcended the boundary of sport.
According to Ninvalle, Morris played a crucial role not only in strengthening Blind Cricket locally, but also in elevating Guyana’s presence within the Caribbean Blind Cricket movement.
“Cecil Morris was more than an administrator; he was a voice for inclusion and fairness. The NSC has always acknowledged his dedication to ensuring that persons with dis-
abilities, particularly the visually impaired, were afforded a level playing field in sport,” Ninvalle said.
Ninvalle also highlighted Morris’s contributions to the broader national conversation on sports development, pointing out that his advocacy helped shape more inclusive policies and attitudes within the sector.
Remembering Morris as a catalyst for change, Ninvalle added that his legacy will continue to inspire administrators and athletes alike to pursue equity, dignity, and opportunity in sport.
GBA
President Steve Ninvalle
Captain Lomar Seecharan shines once again
Natarie Lavine impressed throughout his innings
Late Blind Cricket pioneer Cecil Morris
Contrasting wins for Chase, KC as KFC Goodwill kicks off
There were goals galore to witness on Sunday afternoon as the sixth edition of the KFC Goodwill International Schools Football tournament kicked off at the Queen’s College Ground, Thomas Lands.
Defending champions Chase’s Academic Foundation sent a massive statement to the rest of the competition, in an opening game that thrilled the smattering of fans at the venue while Jamaica’s Kingston College followed up with a narrow, nail-biting win.
Earlier, the eight participating schools from Guyana, Brazil, Jamaica, Suriname, The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago offered a vibrant parade of colours in the customary march-past ceremony.
Before Minister within the Sport Ministry, Steven Jacobs could take a shot on goal for the tournament’s official kick-off, the former cricketer-turned-politician highlighted Guyana’s potential as a sporting destination in the Caribbean, pledging his Government’s continued support to sport development in the country.
“I want to also say that Guyana is officially a sporting destination. If you look at what happened in Guyana over the last month, in the FIBA Women's Championship, in IGG [Inter-Guiana Games] and in the Hockey Festival,
currently; you also have a touring Barbados Under-13 team in cricket. You can officially announce that Guyana is a sporting destination, and this is what we want to continue to do; give our athletes a platform, give our athletes a chance. Also, bring persons to Guyana so they can experience our warmth and our hospitality,” Jacobs expressed.
massacre of the Bahamas Anglican Central Education Authority (ACEA) Select.
Bryan Wharton opened the scoring in the fourth minute, quickly making it a 2-0 affair by the sixth. Thereafter, a hail of goals stormed down on the hapless ACEA, who just could not contain the tournament’s defending champions.
Sport Minister Jacobs went on to assure, “If you look at these photographs and the flags up here, it tells an important story of how sport can bring persons together, and that is why the Government of Guyana will continue to invest in sport so that our athletes will be provided with a platform to succeed.”
Meanwhile, KFC Guyana Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Paul Subryan,
speaking to his company’s involvement in the competition, remarked, “I stand before you with an immense sense of pride, seeing that this tournament has transcended our borders and has now included teams from The Bahamas, teams from Brazil, from Trinidad, Suriname and Jamaica. All these guys are powerhouses when it comes to football, we are too, make no mistake, but given corporate social responsibility and continued support from Private Sector organisations and from the Government as well, I believe that we have the talent locally here to get where we are entitled to be.”
When the on-field action kicked off, the defending champions proved too hot to handle, sending a strong message to the rest of the field with their 24-1
By Brandon Corlette
With more than $10 million, and 70 horses competing on the day, Jumbo Jet’s Anthem King was the ruler at the Port Mourant Turf Club in the Showdown of Champions. In a tense finish in the one-mile feature race, local jockey Colin Ross piloted Anthem King to his first win in Guyana, finishing ahead of Slingerz Stables’ entry, Ritorna Vincentori.
The thrilling finish saw Companheiro Leal and
Wharton went on to net a stunning nine goals, adding to his tally in the 18th, 38th, 40th, 43rd, 48th, 51st, and 57th minutes, leading the charts for the highest goal-scorer award early on. Isaiah Ifill was another marksman to watch, finding the back of the nets in the 13th, 45th, 64th and 84th minutes.
Shaquan David (22nd, 60th) and Whitney King (20th, 29th) both netted braces while solitary goals came off the boots of Kemron Pellew (26th), Onesi Dunn (36th), Nyron Barrow (42nd), Mark Glasgow (55th), Germine Garrett and Neeiaz Baksh (88th). With the addition of an own goal in the 71st, Chase pushed their tally to an astounding 24.
Marvin Sands had the only response for ACEA, sinking a penalty opportunity in the 43rd minute.
A thriller of a match-up followed, with fans left on
the edge of their seats as West Ruimveldt Secondary took on Jamaica’s Kingston College.
The rollercoaster began with Kingston College’s Ricardo Gibson beating the keeper in the fifth minute; however, West Ruimveldt’s Joel Griffith levelled the scores 13 minutes later.
West’s Captain Jeremiah Griffith then gave his team a strong lead with a shot across the goal in the 32nd minute and a successful penalty opportunity in the 41st.
Though West led at half-time, Kingston College showed their mettle in working to close the deficit.
Davion Clarke’s shot in the 48th minute was badly gathered by the goalkeeper, rolling over the line for a goal, but Griffith would be gifted
another penalty, therefore extending West’s lead to 4-2.
KC’s Clarke completed his brace in the 74th minute while Adriel Fisher’s brace in the 70th and 75th handed KC the lead for a second time. Griffith again showed up for West, netting in the 81st minute to equalise, but, unfortunately, for the Guyanese side, a smooth combination play from the Jamaicans helped Nthanda Scott find the game-winner in the 87th minute of the 6-5 affair.
While the KFC Goodwill on-field action is set to continue on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the teams will take a break today for some enjoyment during the tournament’s “Cultural Night” at the Umana Yana.
at Showdown of Champions
Loyal Company in third and fourth respectively. Anthem King walked away with $2 million and bragging rights over his competitors.
Bin Laden kicked off the Showdown of Champions with a win in the L Class and K Class Non-Earners Open in last start. Sakar finished second while Easy Bella ran third and Regal Surprise came in fourth.
In race two, which was the J/K/L maiden, Private Dancer II of the Elcock Racing Stables emerged
as the winner while World Boss ran second. Dr J ran third and Storm Prince finished fourth.
Monica Time put on a clinical performance in the two-year-old Guyana-bred race winning by almost six lengths. All the Time was offering resistance early on, but settled for second while Glory Time ran third.
Race four was dominated by Jagdeo Racing Stables. Theory of Colors stormed to the win in the H2 & Lower non-winner in 2025
open to three-year-old horses. Theory of Colors stablemate, Sydney finished second while Here Comes Heidi finished third to give Jagdeo Racing Stables the top three spots. Blinding Light ran fourth.
In the first-ever jockey sprint, Jockey Anderson ran his way to victory in the 100 metres race. Ronaldo Appadu came in second while Kevin Paul and Quinten Kellman finished in a dead heat.
J’s Racing Stables, which have shown consistency and class for a new racing stable in Guyana, claimed an exciting win in race seven. Order and Progress schooled the
field to win in the E Class and Lower open to imported three-year-old horses. Barbra provided competition to finish second while Stormy Victory ran third. Kanem finished fourth.
During a break from the racing, Chattergoon Ramnauth was presented with an award from Jumbo Jet for his contributions to horse racing in Guyana for more than 45 years. He received a brand new SUV from Jumbo Jet Auto Sales.
In race eight, the final race of the day, Ruff Time closed out with a comprehensive victory in the Guyana Bred Open. Irish Eyes ran second while Country Rock
and Lion Heart were the next finishers.
Some of the sponsors for the successful Showdown of Champions race meet were Massy Motors, Rohan Auto Spares, Poonai Pharmacy, J’s Supermarket, Forrester’s Building Complex, Jumbo Jet, AJM, Armco, K Haniff Construction, KP Jagdeo General Contractors, Bishoo Construction, Anirude Ramcharitar Construction, OBL, and Big G Lumber Yard and Sawmill.
The next race day is on Boxing Day, December 26 at the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club, Bush Lot, East Berbice.
KFC Guyana CEO Paul Subryan presents Minister within the Sport Ministry, Steven Jacobs with a T- shirt
Team Jumbo Jet in the winners’ circle
Anthem King stormed to victory
A glimpse of the battle between Kingston College (yellow) and West Ruimveldt Secondary
