Guyana Times - Monday, December 22, 2025

Stabroek Square transforms for the season P12 & 13

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 6314

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025

Revised Laws of Guyana, Law Reports to be published next month – President Ali Govt pushes for timely completion of Gas-to-Energy Project

The Stabroek Square Christmas tree highlights the season in the heart of the city during the Christmas concert on the evening of Saturday, December 20

Parika re-imagined

New Parika port facility expected to be lifeline for commerce, trade

Page 7

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

Page 2

WHAT'S INSIDE:

See story on page 3

Family of missing Region 5 fisherman receives new home

– as 1st gas turbine installed

Police issue wanted bulletin for cybercrime P8 suspect

P9

Immediate P16 rehabilitation works for Princes Street road project – Edghill assures

Persad-Bissessar distances Trinidad & Tobago from Caricom's stance on US visa P15 restrictions

Rice farmers urged to form consortiums, tap zero-interest loans through new Development Bank Ex-Pakistan PM Page 16

Issano Landing murder suspect arrested with gun, ammo in Berbice Page 8

Imran Khan, P19 wife sentenced to 17 years in corruption case

2 NEWS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Revised Laws of Guyana, Law Reports to be published next month – President Ali A

s part of the modernisation of the legal sector, the Guyana Government will soon be launching the revised edition of the Laws of Guyana, updated from 2012 to December 31, 2021, as well as the Law Reports of Guyana from 2008 to 2021.

This was revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali as he presented his administration’s policy agenda for economic and social transformation of Guyana and Guyanese over the next five years. According to the Head of State, these two sets of key judicial publications will come “within one month.” These initiatives, he explained, will make the country’s laws easier, accessible and more user-friendly to all citizens.

“The Law Reports will ensure our Judges and members of the legal profession have available and accessible important decided cases to guide them in ensuring an improved quality of justice. Precedents are there for a reason. I want to repeat that: precedents are there for a reason. Matters are concluded at the highest level of a court, and those decisions are recorded for a reason; so that justice is not

delayed, so that important decisions are not delayed,” President Ali stated.

Guyana’s law reports contain important cases that have been decided by the courts. These cases are recorded and kept in volumes to serve as precedent for similar cases that might arise in the future.

Compiling these cases in volumes ensures accessibility and facilitates ease and consistency in the judicial process.

On the other hand, the revision of Laws of Guyana is an exercise to update existing volumes with newly enacted laws and legislation as well as amendments made over the years. The last comprehensive revision of Guyana’s laws, known as the “Purple Book/Volumes,” was published in 2012.

Currently, there are 14 volumes of the Laws of Guyana but with launch of the new editions, this number will double to 28 volumes due to the massive increase of new legislations and amendments to existing ones in recent years. Previously, Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, S.C., has indicated that Government will print 200 sets of those 28

President Dr Irfaan Ali

volumes. In addition, to the hard copies, the soft copy of the revised Laws of Guyana will also be available. This consolidation and revision initiative is a collaborative effort between the Law Revision Commission – a Unit within the AG’s Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs – and the Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT Justice) Project, a regional justice sector reform project funded by the Government of Canada to improve access to justice in the Caribbean.

The exercise is being executed by the Regional Law Revision Centre Inc. (RLRC), an Anguillan company that specialises in consolidation and revision,

among other things. The law revision initiative commenced in February 2022.

Judiciary enhancement

Meanwhile, during his recent Address to Nation, President Ali had underscored his Government’s commitment to ensuring the delivery of justice that is predictable, fair, accessible, and equitable to every citizen.

“Justice must work for the people of this land,” he declared, noting that they will continue to work to ensure easy access to justice across the country. According to the Guyanese leader, under his administration, the Judiciary has improved accountability by pursuing evidence-based data manage-

ment across all levels of the court system. He added that, case disposal and clearance rate standards will be introduced, while the use of technology for all court operations – case management, human resources, maintenance of stores and the payment of maintenance, bail and fines electronically will be the main areas of focus over the next five years.

“Legislative changes will be made to make Judges, Magistrates as well as legal practitioners more accountable. These will include robust disciplinary processes to ensure timely delivery of decisions in compliance with existing legislation as well as the maintenance of high ethical and professional standards. Our citizens deserve no less,” the Guyanese Leader stated. He went on to note that the development of the case management system for the Magistrates’ courts is ongoing in a collaboration with the National Centre for States Courts of the United States (US) Department of Justice (DOJ). This system is expected to be operational by mid-2026. Meanwhile, the High Court no longer has a backlog of civil cases.

Moreover, the paperless sys-

tem is in place, which allows for greater efficiency in the assignment of cases, eliminating dependence on the movement of case files and permitting access to files for cases 24 hours a day.

To further enhance the judiciary, President Ali highlighted the importance of having a full complement of judges and Magistrates. He said Government looks forward to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) filling key vacancies in the High Court and Magistrates’ court, and increasing the complement of Commissioners of Title.

“In support of the rendering of timely decisions, it is anticipated that the JSC will appoint more judicial research assistants who will be integral in assisting judges to more robustly manage cases from the time a case is filed to disposition. This will all strengthen the capacity of the courts to deal with cases more efficiently,” the Head of State stressed.

Since the reconstitution of the JSC in July 2023, 10 puisne judges were appointed to the High Court, three Commissioners of Title and nine Magistrates in 2024.

This year, seven judges were appointed to the Court of Appeal.

3 Govt pushes for timely completion of Gas-to-Energy Project NEWS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENING

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, December 22 – 05:35h–07:05h and Tuesday, December 23 – 06:10h–07:40h.

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 evening. 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: 17:53h reaching a maximum height of 2.60 metres.

Low Tide: 11:27h and 23:57h reaching minimum heights of 0.80 metre and 0.70 metre.

– as 1st gas turbine installed

V

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo has stated that heavy emphasis is being placed on completing the highly-anticipated Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project that will deliver cheaper and more reliable electricity to citizens.

Located at Wales, West Bank Demerara, the project consists of a 300-megawatt (MW) combined cycle power plant and a natural gas liquids (NGL) facility that will utilise the rich natural gas that will be piped from the Liza Field in the Stabroek Block, offshore Guyana.

When completed, the US$759 million project will see the cost of electricity slashed by half and ensure a reliable power supply. The Guyana Government had secured a US$527 million loan from the US ExportImport (EXIM) Bank to partially finance the project and

started the foundation for the other plants that have to be there. So, we are focused heavily on getting that done,” the Vice President stated during his press conference on Thursday last.

Gas turbines

Back in October, President Dr Irfaan Ali had conducted a site visit to witness the final cement pour for the foundation base of the last of four gas turbines – a milestone event that was considered a major step forward in Guyana’s most transformative energy initiative to date.

“The work is progressing from the power plant to the substation in the north and then around to the NGL plant. With the foundations being poured, the four gas turbines should be laid in the foundations…

Most of the equipment for the project is already ma-

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

nufactured, and a lot of it is in the country…[more] is being shipped right now.

And so, by early January, the majority of equipment for the project will be here,” Project Coordinator Winston Brassington indicated to the President during the visit two months ago.

Since then, at least one of the gas turbines was transported to the site and has been installed.

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil

US$ $60.91/barrel

Rough Rice London Sugar

$181.08/ton $425.50/ton

Live Spot Gold

Change % +0.73

-0.74 +2.31 USD Per Ounce

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$4395.30 $4337.30

$4397.30 $4397.30

Change

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Bid/Ask

The first of four gas turbines has been installed at the Gas-to-Energy Project site at Wales, West Coast Demerara

has also set aside some G$51 billion in the 2025 Budget to advance works on the project.

With the aim of reaching the extended project deadline of mid-2026, the contractor, United States (US)-based Lindsayca, has already moved into roundthe-clock operations.

At the time of the contract award, however, Lindsayca was in a consortium with another USbased company, CH4. The two companies have since split due to internal disputes resulting in Lindsayca Guyana taking full control of the project.

But according to VP Jagdeo, the Government has had “good engagements” with the company following the change of ownership on fasttracking the works in order to have the project completed in the new year.

“Since then, we have had an acceleration of work on the ground. They're now installing a lot of the turbines, the simple cycle [and gas] turbines, there. And they've

stands on its foundation at the #GastoEnergy project site. The first GT-800 is in place, and the team is ready for the next ones,” Lindsayca said in a Facebook post on December 14.

According to the company, the Gas Turbine #1, weighing 90 tonnes, was successfully transported to the project site after months of preparation and close coordination with local authorities.

“The team safely transported this major unit across the new [Bharrat Jagdeo] Demerara River Bridge and executed a seamless RoRo operation at Tristar Port to move it to the Gas to Energy Project. A carefully planned effort showcasing teamwork, precision, and progress,” Lindsayca noted in a previous social media post earlier this month.

The remaining three gas turbines are expected to be installed early in the new year as preparation continues on the foundation bases.

TURN TO PAGE 8

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

“Texit” from Caricom?

T

he bonds of Caricom have always been based as much on sentimentality as on the cold calculus of interests that should guide the actions of nations in the international arena. Today, the strength of those bonds are being tested very overtly by Trinidad and Tobago, which was one of its founding members back in 1973. But perhaps this should not come as a surprise to us since the very model on which the founding fathers based their agglomerative aspirations – the European Union (EU) – has been unravelling in the last decade. Our exemplar Britain, for instance, chose to withdraw from the EU (Brexit) in January 2020 following a referendum in 2016.

While some have pointed out that the first instantiation of a united Caribbean – the British West Indian Federation of which British Guiana was not a part – was a British contraption to wash their hands of us and its breakup in 1962 was inevitable.

CARIFTA – the Caribbean Free Trade Area – in 1968, however, was an internally-driven economic agglomeration to benefit from a wider market. The rationale for the move from Carifta to Caricom is encapsulated in the name – Caribbean Community – which stressed the sentimentality of “community” instead of the broader and more utilitarian “European Economic Community” it imitated. The final moves to the Single Market and Economy (CSME) in 1989 and the Revised CSME of 2001 were never given expression and was officially put on “pause” after a decade.

Apart from the free-trade benefits, the only other rationale for retaining Caricom was a coordination of diplomatic initiatives where their 15 votes in multilateral entities such as the UN, UNESCO, WTO, etc, gave them noticeable heft. But, unfortunately, multilateralism has been waning and occasioned the questioning of international joint ventures.

A new pressure point was occasioned by the US reiterating a Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, which insisted on its primacy in the Caribbean. Specifically, it defined Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as head of a narco-cartel that was conducting a war with the US by shipping drugs that killed thousands of its citizens. Trinidad took a hard-line stance of support for the US action to conduct a naval blockade of Venezuela and destroying narco-boats while seizing tankers transporting Venezuelan oil. PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar was criticised for her stance – which was operationalised by allowing a radar system to be established by the US Navy in Tobago – by Caricom which insisted the US actions were disturbing the Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace”, a foundational aspiration of Caricom.

Last week, the US imposed broad visa restrictions on citizens of Antigua and Dominica to the US to which the Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom expressed “concern that this decision was taken without prior consultation”.

This caused PM Persad-Bissessar to issue the following statement: “Trinidad and Tobago’s Government does not bind itself to the political ideologies or foreign, economic and security policies of any other CARICOM member government. Member governments are free to make decisions in the best interests of their citizens.

CARICOM is not a reliable partner at this time. The fact is that beneath the thin mask of unity, there are many widening fissures that if left unaddressed will lead to its implosion.

The organisation is deteriorating rapidly due to poor management, lax accountability, factional divisions, destabilising policies, private conflicts between regional leaders and political parties, and the inappropriate meddling in the domestic politics of member states. That’s the plain truth.

CARICOM cannot continue to operate in this dysfunctional and self-destructive manner as it is a grave disservice to the people of the Caribbean. The Caribbean community must face the rot within the organisation with transparency and honesty.

Hiding behind the glibness of diplomacy, fake sophistication and false narratives is self-defeating.

An organisation that chooses to disparage our greatest ally the United States but lends support to the Maduro narcogovernment headed by a dictator who has imprisoned and killed thousands of civilians and opposition members, as well as threatened two CARICOM members, is one that has clearly lost its way.

There are repercussions for this stance. We must all live with the consequences of our actions.”

Is this a precursor to a “Texit” by T&T from Caricom?

First Lady Arya Ali and sons Zayd and Ilan pose with Santa at the Christmas Market which has been extended to today, Monday, December 22 at the Kingston Seawall Esplanade, according to the First Lady’s official Facebook page on Sunday

60 years ago, the world tried to stop racial discrimination and failed

By Melissa Hendrickse and Rym Khadhraoui

T

he way the story is often told is that Western countries gifted human rights to the world and are the sole guardians of it. It may come as a surprise for some, then, that the international legal framework for prohibiting racial discrimination largely owes its existence to the efforts of States from the Global South.

In 1963, in the midst of the decolonisation wave, a group of nine newly-independent African States presented a resolution to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) calling for the drafting of an international treaty on the elimination of racial discrimination.

As the representative from Senegal observed: “Racial discrimination was still the rule in African colonial territories and in South Africa, and was not unknown in other parts of the world … The time had come to bring all States into that struggle.”

The groundbreaking International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) was unanimously adopted by the UNGA two years later. The convention rejected any doctrine of superiority based on racial differentiation as “scientifically false, morally condemnable and socially unjust”.

Today, as we mark 60 years since its adoption, millions of people around the world continue to face racial discrimination – whether in policing, migration policies or exploitative labour conditions.

In Brazil, Amnesty International documented how a deadly Police operation in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas this

October resulted in the massacre by security forces of more than 100 people, most of them Afro-Brazilians and living in poverty.

In Tunisia, we have seen how authorities have for the past three years used migration policies to carry out racially targeted arrests and detentions and mass expulsions of Black refugees and asylum seekers.

Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, Kenyan female domestic workers face racism and exploitation from their employers, enduring gruelling and abusive working conditions.

In the United States, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives aimed at tackling systemic racism have been eliminated across federal agencies. Raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting migrants and refugees are a horrifying feature of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation and detention agenda, rooted in white supremacist narratives.

Migrants held in detention centres have been subjected to torture and a pattern of deliberate neglect designed to dehumanise and punish.

Elsewhere, Amnesty International has documented how new digital technologies are automating and entrenching racism, while social media offers inadequately moderated forums for racist and xenophobic content. For example, our investigation into the United Kingdom’s Southport racist riots found that X’s design and policy choices created fertile ground for the inflammatory, racist narratives that resulted in the violent targeting of Muslims and migrants.

Even human rights defenders from the Global South face

racial discrimination when they have to apply for visas to Global North countries in order to attend meetings where key decisions are made on human rights.

All these instances of systemic racism have their roots in the legacies of European colonial domination and the racist ideologies on which they were built. This era, which spanned nearly four centuries and extended across six continents, saw atrocities that had historical consequences – from the erasure of Indigenous populations to the transatlantic slave trade.

The revival of anti-right movements globally has led to a resurgence of racist and xenophobic rhetoric, a scapegoating of migrants and refugees, and a retrenchment in anti-discrimination measures and protections.

At the same time, Western States have been all too willing to dismantle international law and institutions to legitimise Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and shield Israeli authorities from justice and accountability.

Just as the creation of the ICERD was driven by African States 60 years ago, Global South countries continue to be at the forefront of the fight against racial oppression, injustice and inequality.

South Africa notably brought the case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and cofounded The Hague Group – a coalition of eight Global South States organising to hold Israel accountable for genocide.

On the reparations front, it is Caribbean and African States, alongside Indigenous peoples, Africans and people of African descent, that are

leading the pursuit of justice.

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has been intensifying pressure on European Governments to reckon with their colonial past, including during a recent visit to the United Kingdom by the Caricom Reparations Commission.

As the African Union announced 2026-36 the Decade of Reparations last month, African leaders gathered in Algiers for the International Conference on the Crimes of Colonialism, at which they consolidated demands for the codification of colonialism as a crime under international law.

But this is not enough.

States still need to confront racism as a structural and systemic issue, and stop pretending slavery and colonialism are a thing of the past with no impact on our present.

Across the world, people are resisting. In Brazil, last month, hundreds of thousands of AfroBrazilian women led the March of Black Women for Reparations and Wellbeing against racist and gendered historic violence.

In the US, people fought back against the wave of federal immigration raids this year, with thousands taking to the streets in Los Angeles to protest and residents of Chicago mobilising to protect migrant communities and businesses against ICE raids.

Governments need to listen to their people and fulfil their obligations under ICERD and national law to protect the marginalised and oppressed against discrimination. (Al Jazeera) Melissa Hendrickse and Rym Khadhraoui are advisers on racial justice at Amnesty International

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025

5

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate, Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Strengthening local governance in Guyana Dear Editor, The Strengthening Local Governance initiative is a comprehensive five-year program aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of local governance and management in Guyana's nine administrative regions.

The specific target areas would include Georgetown, Mabaruma, Anna Regina, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall, Corrivertion, Linden, Mahdia, Lethem, and Bartica. By focusing on these regions, the program seeks to improve administrative efficiency, promote greater community engagement, and support sustainable development at the regional level.

A key beneficiary of this program would be the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. The active involvement of the Ministry ensures that the program’s objectives are aligned with national policies and provides crucial support for the effective implementation of strategies to strengthen local administrative frameworks throughout Guyana.

From the viewpoint of

its citizens, robust municipal governments are fundamental to building and maintaining healthy communities. Strong local governance establishes the necessary foundation for efficient administration and enhances community well-being.

There is strong support for international cooperation to empower municipal leaders. By facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices across borders, municipal leaders can be better equipped to identify and address the specific needs and challenges of their communities.

Through collaborative initiatives, municipal officials could enhance their leadership capacity. This includes developing stronger leadership skills, embracing participatory governance models, and fostering transparency and accountability within local administrations.

The program would be underpinned by core values such as peaceful resolution of differences, racial and gender equality, security, fairness, and justice.

These guiding principles are intended to help municipal leaders establish inclusive and just communities, ensuring equitable opportunities for all residents.

The Municipal Agenda (MA) is a strategic framework that guides and strengthens municipal governance throughout Guyana. It emphasizes the alignment of local government objectives with broader national policies, ensuring that municipal initiatives contribute meaningfully to Guyana’s overall development goals.

The agenda highlights the importance of supporting the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, which plays a central role in overseeing and executing these strategies.

From the citizens’ perspective, the Municipal Agenda recognizes the critical role that robust municipal governments play in fostering healthy, sustainable communities. It acknowledges that effective local governance is essential for sound administration and improved community

well-being, forming a solid base for municipal progress.

In addition, the agenda advocates international cooperation among municipal leaders. By promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices across borders, the Municipal Agenda aims to provide local officials with the tools necessary to address the diverse needs and challenges of their communities effectively.

A central aspect of the Municipal Agenda is its commitment to capacity building and leadership development. It encourages collaborative efforts that help municipal officials strengthen their leadership skills, advance participatory governance, and ensure greater transparency and accountability in local government operations.

Finally, the Agenda is grounded in core values, including peaceful resolution of differences, racial and gender equality, security, fairness, and justice. These core principles are designed to guide municipal leaders in creating inclusive and just communities, ensuring

The Mohameds need to come clean Dear Editor, Azruddin Mohamed and his father are on the brink of extradition to The United States of America to answer serious charges brought against them, but they are not about giving in just yet, they are trying every trick available to them to avoid the inevitable. So far, they have been unsuccessful in their quest to divert attention from the issue, even to the remote possibility that The Americans might somehow give him a free pass, but that is not forthcoming.

So, to keep hope alive they are coming up with newer propaganda theories here on the local scene. He is fooling the people that the quest to have him extradited to The USA is all a vindictive plan concocted by The PPP/C Government to keep him out of politics.

But this is furthest from the truth, because coming into politics does not excul-

pate The Mohameds from prosecution, instead, it indites him, so Mr Mohamed has now embarked on a plan whereby he is in turning up at hotspots, such as The Amerindian Hostel, to sensationalize the problems that exist there. But this latest move exposes him as a hypocrite of the worst order; he fails to realize that this has backfired on him.

Turning up in places just to put the government in a bad light will not help his case, rather, it hurts it, Azruddin Mohamed has the resources to correct the said fault he advocates, so why can't he fix it?

Before his entrance into politics, he presented himself as an angel of hope and light, one who is a saviour of a country called Guyana, so why did he stop his philantropic efforts now that he is part of government?

But it all goes to show what The Mohameds motive were,

that is, to save themselves and their empire that was built on fraud and nothing of interest for the people.

He is now harping away at the narrative that The PPP/C Government has placed an injunction on his swearing in as leader of the opposition, in that narrative he peddles the idea that the government has done this due to its fear of him being opposition leader. But what Azruddin Mohamed is not telling the people is that swearing him in as opposition leader shows complicit behaviour of the government and people of Guyana with The Mohameds; something we cannot allow to happen.

The clear message here

is, an entire country risks falling into sanction as a result of being in collaboration with The Mohameds. We are not going to swear him in, nor are we to become a shield for criminals.

At this stage of his extradition The Mohameds will clutch at straws, any straw for that matter, and this is one of them. As a nation we would not be drawn into the Mohameds sordid sanction story, so, let The Mohameds face their extradition matter as men and not hide behind the facade of an opposition leader, come clean before The People of Guyana Respectfully submitted, Neil Adams

that all residents benefit from equitable and effective local governance.

The National Development Strategy outlines a comprehensive vision for Guyana’s growth and progress. While this framework is intended to guide national-level development, it can be adapted to address the specific context and needs of Georgetown.

With a few targeted amendments, the strategy can serve as a practical blueprint for the city’s advancement.

To ensure the successful application of the National Development Strategy in Georgetown, it is necessary to tailor its objectives and initiatives to reflect the city’s unique challenges and opportunities. This adaptation process involves reviewing the current framework and making adjustments that align with Georgetown’s local priorities and circumstances.

By adopting the National Development Strategy with these modifications, Georgetown can integrate its development agenda with a broader national vision while ensuring that local needs are met. This approach supports cohesive and sustainable growth, positioning Georgetown to play a significant role in the nation’s overall progress.

The vision for transform-

ing Georgetown into a more liveable city in the 21st century centers on meeting the evolving needs of its citizens by improving access to essential services and amenities. This includes providing reliable infrastructure, quality healthcare, education, and recreational spaces, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

Realizing Georgetown’s physical potential involves cultivating a unique city identity and creating an environment that is attractive for living, working, and leisure. Urban planning and development strategies will focus on aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, making Georgetown a desirable destination for residents and visitors alike.

Furthermore, the city must be committed to expanding employment opportunities, particularly for young people. By fostering economic growth and supporting local enterprises, Georgetown must create a dynamic job market that enables youth to thrive and contribute actively to the city’s continued development.

Sincerely, Clerical & Commercial Workers’ Union General Secretary Sherwood Clarke

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025

00:00 Sign off 06:00 Cartoons 07:00 Week-in-Review (RB) 07:30 Cartoons 08:00 Stop Suffering 08:30 Movie - Meet Me Next Christmas (2024) 10:30 Movie - Christmas Connection (2017) 12:30 Movie - My Christmas Love (2016) 14:30 Movie - Christmas, Love and Fudge (2024) 16:00 KTLT Kids Today Leaders Tomorrow (RB) 16:30 Indian Soaps 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Nature Programme 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Movie - Father Christmas Is Back (2021) 22:00 9-1-1 S5 E15 23:00 House of Cards S3 E1

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025

Foundation ◄

Page

Frequency Tables cont’d How to make and use frequency tables

In order to make and use frequency tables, here are some tips to consider: Read the frequency table carefully and check the headings.

If there are groups, check the beginning and end of the intervals.

If you are finding an average, check which one you are asked to find.

Example 1: categorical data Here are the makes of 20 cars.

Ford

BMW

Honda

Honda

VW

Toyota

Ford

Toyota

Honda

Toyota

Ford

Honda

Honda

VW

Toyota

Honda

Ford

Ford

•Add up the frequencies in the final column to get the total number of items in the data set.

Example 2: numerical data Here are the temperatures at midday for 7 days (in oC) 23 24 24 23 24 25 21 •Complete the frequency table.

By Caleb Prentiss

Complete the frequency table.

•Go along the data set and for each item put a tally mark in the table.

When you have finished, add up the tally marks to find the frequencies.

•Go along the data set and for each item put a tally mark in the table.

When you have finished, add up the tally marks to find the frequencies.

•Add up the frequencies in the final column to get the total number of items in the data set.

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Cupcake liners in various colours Scissors Glue Black craft paper 1.

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Flatten your cupcake lin-

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2. Glue the cupcake liners to the piece of paper. Once they are dry they are ready to display :). (alittlepinchofperfect.com)

Ruthless winter's rude career Comes to close the parting year; Fleecy flakes of snow descend, Boreal winds the welkin rend.

Reflect, oh man! and well remember That dull old age is dark December; For soon the year of life is gone, When hoary hairs like snow come on.

Write a story that includes the phase “A long time ago”.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Parika re-imagined

New Parika port facility expected to be lifeline for commerce, trade

An artist’s impression of the new port facility that will be constructed at Parika

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips

A

s the Guyana Government work on transforming the Parika ferry stelling into a modern, state-of-the-art port and waterfront development, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, says this new facility will become a major hub for not just transport but also trade and commerce.

He made these remarks on Friday evening during the commissioning of the newly acquired M.V. Konawaruk 1899 – a US$5 million ferry vessel that has already commenced servicing the Parika to Supenaam route.

According to the Prime Minister, “Parika is being transformed before your very eyes. You’re not just standing at a stelling or sailing in a boat now to the other side of the Essequibo River.

You’re standing at a threshold. A bold new future awaits Parika – a future we’re not merely predicting but actively constructing.”

He pointed out that in the next five years, the Parika area will be completely transformed from a critical crossing point into a modern, dynamic gateway into the future of Guyana as well as a strategic gateway to the Caribbean and a launching gateway to markets further afield.

“We will construct a new Parika Ferry Stelling and Waterfront Development.

We will not just repair, we will reimagine. We envision Parika not as a waiting room but as a dynamic regional command centre for commerce, and regional and international trade…”

“Parika is being re-imagined and reborn. It will no longer be a place you pass through but a destination you connect to. This is our

pledge. Parika will stand as a major port of regional significance, a major hub of integrated transport and an indispensable lifeline for the commerce and trade that

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had noted that the pace of work will accelerate in the coming months.

Executing the first phase of works are contractors

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and other officials inspecting back in October ongoing construction works at Parika stelling which is being developed into a modern port facility

will power Guyana’s prosperity for generations to come,” PM Phillips stated.

Contract awarded

Back in June, a contract was awarded for the first phase of the new US$20 million Parika Ferry Stelling and Waterfront Development Project. Phase one of this project includes foundation works and river defence, totalling more than $4.5 billion.

Those works are progressing steadily. During a site visit back in October,

Gaico Construction, Toolsie Persaud Limited, and A&S General Contractors.

Before the project design was greenlighted, consultations were held with all stakeholders, including farmers, minibus drivers, taxi drivers, boat operators, and businesses, essentially all agencies that currently operate from the area.

The minister pledged that engagement will continue with stakeholders as works accelerate, which will require major adjustments to daily operations at the

stelling. These include the relocation of speedboats that are often parked or left at the wharf for days.

Second phase

In phase two of the project, a marina, for yachts arriving from the Caribbean and elsewhere, will be established. Additionally, the entire waterfront will also be developed for entertainment and restaurants, providing tourists access to Essequibo’s rich, untapped beauty and biodiversity.

The modern international port facility at Parika is one of several critical transport upgrades being implemented nationwide to support Guyana’s economic expansion, regional connectivity and tourism development.

In June, President Irfaan Ali had disclosed that the Parika Port will have cold

storage facilities and a packaging house, helping the facility to serve a vital function for the farmers of Region Three and providing a launching pad to export produce directly to the Caribbean.

Funds were set aside in the Public Works Ministry’s $9.9 billion River Transport budget for this initiative.

Continued dredging works

Additionally, monies were also earmarked to support the dredging of the Demerara River channels to ensure safe passage of larger ships, as well as the removal of wrecks and obstructions from the Demerara and Essequibo rivers.

In fact, Prime Minister Phillips noted on Friday that these works will continue.

“We will continue to dredge our river channels.

We will deepen the path for bigger dreams and safer passage. Because a nation's ambition must never run aground on silted riverbeds.

We will remove the wrecks and obstructions from the Essequibo and Demerara rivers. For too long these submerged skeletons have haunted our waterways. We are clearing the ghosts of the past to make way for the future,” he posited.

According to the Prime Minister, “We will operationalise new cargo boats for the Pomeroon, Berbice and the Northwest. We will ensure that no community, no matter how remote, is left off the map of progress. And we will rehabilitate ferry vessels and stellings nationwide, acquiring new vessels to extend our reach. This is not a project, it is a national crusade for connectivity.”

8 NEWS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Issano Landing murder suspect arrested with gun, ammo in Berbice

The gun and ammunition found in the suspect’s vehicle during the Police operation

P

olice say ranks during an intelligence-led operation on December 20, arrested a 27-year-old male of Blueberry Hill, Linden at a popular night spot in New Amsterdam, Berbice at about 00:30hrs.

The suspect is under police investigation in relation to the alleged murder of Samuel Marciano, which

occurred on November 2, 2025 at 14 Miles, Issano Landing, Middle Mazaruni.

According to the police release, following the arrest, a search was conducted on a motor vehicle being used by the suspect. During the search, ranks discovered one 9MM Taurus pistol along with 11 live 9MM rounds which were found

Govt pushes for timely completion of...

concealed in the driver’s side door.

Police issue wanted bulletin for cybercrime suspect

FROM PAGE 3

Phase Two

Meanwhile, the power plant and NGL facility are just Phase One of the GtE Project. The second phase will see another 300 MW power plant and NGL facility constructed at the same Wales site, utilising the excess rich gas from offshore.

The government had issued a request for proposals (RFP) to qualified firms to design, finance, and operate Phase Two of the project, under a 20- to 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

According to VP Jagdeo, the response has been good and those proposals are currently under examination.

“We had lots of proposals through a public process already… I think those are being examined now carefully. We're not rushing to make anything premature… We will be deliberate about how we assess. We have not completed the assessment of what we want to go for in the second power plant.”

“We are more interested in buying power, but

the power has to approximate the cost that we want so that it would allow us to continue selling at $0.11 per kilowatt/hour.

So, that's where we are. These are the variables. But the decision should be made soon,” Jagdeo noted last week.

Phase Two of the GtE Project will play a major role in the Guyana Government’s industrialisation vision for the country. It will be used to power the Wales Development Zone (WDZ) – an industrial and manufacturing hub that will be built on approximately 1400 acres of land where plans are afoot to construct a fertiliser plant, data centres, agro-processing industries, and light manufacturing facilities.

“This project is not only about reliable and cheaper energy… It’s about unlocking new opportunities for industrialisation, agro-processing, and manufacturing, making Guyana’s economy more competitive and resilient,” President Ali had stated back in October.

The firearm and ammunition were processed and lodged. The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.

Marciano was reportedly shot multiple times by two known individuals at an Issano Landing shop during a social gathering.

Responding to the incident, Police ranks discovered Marciano’s body with several gunshot wounds. A number of spent shells and a live round were recovered at the scene.

At the time, police had said that investigators were actively pursuing leads to locate the two suspects, and appealed to the public for any information that would assist with the investigations.

Wanted: Rakesh Dudnauth Bahadur

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Sunday issued a

Wanted bulletin for 47-yearold Rakesh Dudnauth Bahadur whom they say is wanted for a cybercrime offence.

According to the bulletin, the suspect’s last known address is Lot 119 “B” Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

Cyber crime, or computer-oriented crime, is a crime that involves a computer and a network. The computer may have been used in the commission of a crime, or it may be the target, and may threaten a person or a nation’s security and financial health.

Moving…

A

… to protect

s you’d know, Dear Readers, your Eyewitness is an old Scout who never forgot the adage “Be Prepared!!” As his life unfolded chronologically and spatially, the lesson was driven home again and again!! Hadn’t he received the same advice from the “old folks” wherever he went?: “na wait till you waan fuh sh*t and den buil’ latrine!!” The result would invariably be messy – and embarrassing!!

As so he was mighty pleased to read that we had bought, received and commissioned two more Bell helicopters – the 407 and 429 models to add to the fleet maintained by the Air Corps wing of the GDF!! In his first term of office, Pressie had commissioned a Bell 412 model and noted the longer-term implications: “We are very pleased with our strategic partner in the US…. And these are all the new relationships that we felt that are essential in building stronger defence architecture. We realise, and we know that our defence architecture has to be supported by the best diplomacy and the greatest of partnership.”

At the latest commissioning, the head of the armed forces, Khan pointed out that “the helicopters will strengthen border surveillance, search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster response and joint interagency operations, particularly across Guyana’s vast landmass and difficult terrain. They reduce response times, extend reach, and multiply operational options, precisely the advantages a modern defence force must possess.”

That’s right…while we develop diplomatic relationships and bilateral partnerships – we gotta develop our own capabilities to defend ourselves!! Your Eyewitness is sick and tired with hearing that we won’t be able to roll back an attack from Venezuela – our bête noir ever since we got independence when they figured we were easy objects for their schoolyard bullyism!!

Imagine they attacked our half of Ankoko– and haven’t only kept it in their possession to this day, but have actually built a bridge to it; constructed an airstrip and stationed troops there for nothing else than thumbing their noses at us!!

But the premise of our troops being outmanned and outgunned by Venezuela can’t really hold water!!

Weren’t the Vietnamese outmanned and outgunned by the French that had “colonised” them – but who inflicted the first defeat by a colony on a colonial power after L’Ouverture in Haiti??!! And it was right there that the Viet Congs defeated the mightiest power on earth – the US of A!! So what’s the secret – which shouldn’t be a secret since it was repeated in so many places afterwards. Like Afghanistan.

They even have a name for the strategy – asymmetrical warfare!! Only a fool would attack an enemy’s strength.

You attack him where he’s weak – and pick your arena which give YOU the advantage!! …to mo’ oil In this era, we’ve learnt that the energy business ain’t just about energy. It’s also about the effects from the production of that energy to run our brave new world for the last two centuries – by burning fossil fuels. We’ve learnt that while our standards of living have skyrocketed on the whole, the fossil fuels have also produced carbon dioxide that’s caused our planet to warm up so much, we’re in danger of making all life on earth extinct!!

But there are fossil fuels and there are fossil fuels.

So while heavy oils like Venezuela’s produce oodles of carbon dioxide, natural gas produces much less. So, if you gotta burn fossil fuels – while we transition to renewable non-carbon dioxide forms like solar and water energy – it makes sense to burn natural gas, innit?? Well, looks like we got the best of both worlds: along with our LIGHT oil, we have associated natural gas – from which we gonna generate power at Wales.

What say the naysayers?? …traffic Looking at the traffic – such as it is – your Eyewitness is wondering when we’re gonna get those flying cars being deployed in China. Surely they’ll reduce the two hours it takes to move from Camp to Water St, no?!!

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

9

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Family of missing Region 5 fisherman receives new home members and PPP supporters, who described the initiative as an example of grassroots solidarity and care,

Rebecca Inchanally and her children at the entrance to their new home

T

he family of missing fisherman Daniel Inchanally on Sunday were presented with a newly constructed home by the Rosignol–Zeelust cluster of the People’s Progressive Party.

For Rebecca Inchanally and her two children, the home offers a measure of stability and hope.

Daniel Inchanally, a fisherman from the Cotton Tree community in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), went missing at sea earlier this year and was never recov-

able to have their own room, a change she described as meaningful for their comfort and well-being.

She admitted she never expected such support. “No, I didn’t think this would have happened,” she said. “But it has happened now, and I’m happy.”

Rebecca confirmed that she is currently working, with additional support from her mother, as she continues to care for her children eight months after her husband’s disappearance. Despite the passing of time and the lack

family. After our engagement, we believed as a cluster that we had to intervene,” Pieters said.

He explained that a relative of the wife made the plot of land available, after which the cluster committed to constructing a suitable home where none previously existed.

“Our decision was one that was grounded in us being human and wanting to ensure that the survivors, especially the children have a safe place to call home,” he said.

The Ribbon Cutting ceremony at the handover

ered. His disappearance left his wife and two young children facing deep uncertainty, both emotionally and financially.

Speaking during the simple but emotional handover ceremony, Rebecca Inchanally said life since her husband went to sea and failed to return has been difficult, but she remains determined to push forward for the sake of her children.

“It was a little hard, but we’re getting through it,” she said quietly. “This house means a lot. It’s where we are now. Step by step, foot to foot, we will move forward.”

Rebecca explained that the new home provides something her family did not previously have: security and space. With two bedrooms, her children are now

of closure, she said she has not abandoned hope.

“They were never able to find him, but I didn’t give up hope,” she said softly.

Former Regional Vice Chairman of Region Five and a leading member of the Rosignol–Zeelust PPP Cluster, Rian Pieters, said the decision to build the home was rooted in compassion and responsibility.

He recalled that two fishermen from the Cotton Tree area went missing earlier this year, including Daniel Inchanally. While the cluster reached out to the families of both men, it became clear that Inchanally’s wife and children were in particularly vulnerable circumstances.

“There was a lot of uncertainty that surrounded the continued existence of this

The house was built through a combination of donated materials, volunteer labour, and support from businesspersons within the community. Pieters noted that skilled members of the cluster volunteered their time, working mainly on weekends, while the cluster sourced materials and assisted with furnishings.

“I myself participated in digging the foundation and doing as much as I could,” he said.

Beyond the house, Pieters said the cluster remains committed to supporting the family, particularly in ensuring that the children remain in school and continue to have access to basic necessities.

Sunday’s handover was attended by community

especially for families affected by tragedy.

For Rebecca Inchanally and her children, the keys to

their new home symbolised not only shelter, but reassurance that they have not been forgotten.

10 NEWS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rosignol-Zeelust PPP Cluster spreads Christmas cheer among persons with disabilities

T

he Rosignol–Zeelust cluster of the People’s Progressive Party on Sunday hosted a special Christmas activity aimed at spreading cheer and inclusion among persons living with disabilities, as part of its annual community outreach.

The event, held in the Rosignol–Zeelust area, brought together dozens of differently abled persons and their families for an afternoon of fellowship, gifts, entertainment and refreshments, underscoring the party’s message of care, recognition and equality during the festive season.

Leading representa-

tive of the Disabled People Network in Region Five, Premnauth Sookhu, welcomed the initiative, noting that the activity has become a consistent feature of the cluster’s Christmas programme.

“I’m very happy to be here once again. Every year I have been invited to this programme, and this goes to show that this caring PPP government is very, very caring for us indeed, more so for persons living with disabilities,” Sookhu said.

He encouraged the organisers to continue the initiative and extended Christmas and New Year’s greetings to all in atten-

dance.

Regional Vice Chairman Kleon Lindey echoed similar sentiments, assuring participants that they remain a priority for the party and regional leadership.

“I’m happy with how we go about doing these things for persons living with disabilities. I want everyone to understand that you’re not being left alone. We’re always here to give caring, and whatever assistance we can give, we will do it,” Lindey stated. He added that 2026 promises to be “much bigger and better,” urging residents to remain hopeful and united.

Head of the Rosignol–

Zeelust PPP Cluster, Rian Pieters, said the activity reflects a deliberate and evolving focus on inclusion within the community. He explained that while the cluster traditionally hosted children and senior citizens

and they too need to be recognised,” Pieters said.

“Hence, three years ago, we began focusing on sharing these festive seasons with our brothers and sisters living with disabilities,” he added while noting that

an opportunity to truly express how much we appreciate, love and care for each other,” he noted, adding that persons with disabilities are equally as important as every other citizen and resident within the community.

during Christmas, the decision was made three years ago to expand its outreach to persons living with disabilities “We realised that there is also a group of persons who live among us, contribute equally to our existence,

the response and level of love displayed at the activity have been “overwhelming,” reinforcing the cluster’s commitment to continue the initiative in the years ahead.

“Christmas is not only to eat and drink together, but it also provides us with

The activity concluded with the distribution of hampers and gifts, music, and warm interactions between organisers and participants, as the cluster reaffirmed its pledge to foster compassion, support and unity beyond the Christmas season.

11

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Spreading the Christmas magic The President, Prime Minister (PM), Government Ministers, Ministries, organisations, associations and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) across Guyana are among the many that joined in the spirit of giving, with Christmas toy drives, gift distributions and Christmas luncheons and parties for the young and old. Here are some scenes from such festive events leading up to Christmas Day.

President Dr Irfaan Ali hosted a Christmas luncheon for Region 3 senior citizens

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha distributes toys and goodies to children of Melanie

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud distributes gifts in the Bel AirSophia community

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips distributes gifts at a special Christmas event at Independence Boulevard last week

At her Middle Rd, La Penitence childhood home Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues, distributes gifts to children of the community

Santa with kids at the Christmas concert and toys distribution event hosted by Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken at the Officers’ Mess Compound on Saturday

12

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 20

A festively-decorated Stabroek Square was officially opened First Lady Arya Ali and Minister of Local Government, Priya Man

025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Saturday night with a vibrant Christmas concert attended by nickchand, along with other officials, and an enthusiastic public

13

14 FEATURE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyanese Christmas food is like nowhere else in the world with its mix of ethnic ingredients, flavours and aromas in its dishes. Here are some easy-to-follow recipes for you to try

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef or pork (cut into large chunks) • 1 cup cassareep • 1 stick of cinnamon • 3 cloves garlic (crushed) • 5 cloves • 2 wiri wiri peppers (or scotch bonnets) • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 1 small onion (chopped) • Salt to taste • 1 cup water

• 2 cups dried sorrel •• 5 cups of water • 1 stick of cinnamon • 3 cloves • 1-inch piece of ginger (grated) • 3 tbsp sugar (or to taste)

Instructions: 1. Wash and season the meat with garlic, onions, and salt.

2. In a large pot, heat the cassareep over medium heat and add the cinnamon, cloves, and peppers.

3. Add the meat to the pot and stir to coat it in the cassareep mixture.

4. Pour in the water and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.

5. Serve with fresh homemade bread or rice.

Instructions: • In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.

• Add the sorrel, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.

• Simmer for 10-15 minutes, then remove from heat.

• Allow the mixture to steep for 1-2 hours.

• Strain and sweeten with sugar.

• Chill and serve over ice.

(Source: Travel Guyana)

(If you prefer the quicker alternative, try the recipe for Instant Pot pepperpot at metemgee.com)

Ingredients: • 1 lb Ginger Root • 12 cups water (room temperature) • 2 Cinnamon Sticks • 1 tablespoon whole cloves • 6 inches dried orange peel (divided into two) • 1 cup Demerara sugar (may use sugar in the raw or brown sugar) • ¼ cup white rice (optional)

Instructions: Peel and grate ginger, then add to a large glass bottle or mason jar. Then add the water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange peel, ¼ cup of sugar and rice if using. Stir to combine.

Alternatively you may add the water and peeled ginger to a blender and puree until smooth, then add the remaining ingredients.

Cover and let the mixture sit for at least three days. After three days strain into a clean mug and sweeten with the remaining sugar or sugar to taste and serve. The longer you let it sit the more it will ferment and the stronger it will be.

Optional: Garnish with some dried orange slices or a stick of cinnamon.

(Source: metemgee.com)

Ingredients • One 5lb cured ham • For glaze: 1/2 cup marmalade • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup honey • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard • 1/2 tsp fresh crushed ginger • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes • 1/2 tsp ground pimento

Instructions Mix all glaze ingredients together.

In a 325 degree oven, bake ham at 20 minutes per pound.

Remove from oven and allow to cool just a bit as you will be removing the skin.

With a sharp knife, remove the skin leaving some of the fat still connected to the meat Score the ham diagonally. Slather with glaze.

Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes or until golden brown.

(Source: Jehan can cook)

NEWS 15

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Persad-Bissessar distances Trinidad & Tobago from Caricom's stance on US visa restrictions

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

P

rime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has made it clear that Trinidad and Tobago will chart its own foreign policy course, declaring that the regional integration body Caribbean Community (Caricom) will not determine the future of the twin-island republic and is not a reliable partner at this

time.

In a statement on Saturday, Persad-Bissessar criticised Caricom for what she described as misplaced priorities, accusing the bloc of disparaging Trinidad and Tobago’s greatest ally, the United States, while offering support to Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, whom she characterised

as leading a narco-government.

She was responding to a December 16, fact sheet issued by the US government outlining President Donald Trump’s decision to further restrict the entry of certain foreign nationals in the interest of US national security. The document detailed a partial suspension of entry for immigrants and non-immigrants under several visa categories, including B-1, B-2, F, M and J, and referenced the long-standing operation of Citizenship by Investment programmes without residency requirements in Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda.

Not a party to Caricom position

Persad-Bissessar noted that the Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom subsequently issued a statement expressing concern over the US restrictions.

However, she stressed that Port of Spain was not a par-

ty to that position.

“I acknowledge the right of the Bureau of the Conference to express its views. However, the Trinidad and Tobago government maintains its own position on the matter and recognises the sovereign right of the United States to make decisions in furtherance of its best interests,” she said.

According to the Prime Minister, every sovereign state must accept responsibility for its foreign and domestic policy choices and be prepared to face the consequences. She described Washington’s move as a measured response to the conduct of other nations within the current global environment.

The Caricom Bureau, comprising the Prime Ministers of Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada, said it recognised the right of countries to regulate entry to their borders but expressed concern that the decision was taken with-

out prior consultation. The Bureau warned of potential adverse effects on legitimate travel, people-to-people exchanges, and the social and economic well-being of small states, and called for clarity on the status of existing visas after January 1, 2026.

The Caricom statement urged early engagement between the United States and the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica, emphasising Caricom’s commitment to dialogue, cooperation and the rule of law.

However, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne publicly criticised the Bureau’s intervention, saying it was unnecessary given that the issue had already been addressed. Browne also lamented what he described as inertia and lukewarm support within Caricom, and challenged an unnamed regional leader to substantiate claims that Antigua and Barbuda had antagonised the US administration.

While reaffirming her

country’s independent stance, Persad-Bissessar said Trinidad and Tobago does not bind itself to the political ideologies or foreign, economic or security policies of other Caricom member states.

“Member governments are free to make decisions in the best interests of their citizens,” she said, adding that the regional body is facing deep internal problems. She warned that unresolved divisions, weak management, poor accountability and political infighting threaten Caricom’s stability and effectiveness.

“The Caribbean Community must face the rot within the organisation with transparency and honesty,” Persad-Bissessar said, cautioning that continued support for the Maduro administration could carry repercussions.

“Our citizens can rest assured that I will always make decisions that put Trinidad and Tobago first,” she added.

A&B PM rejects Persad-Bissessar’s “unreliable partner” remarks on Caricom P

rime Minister (PM) Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda (A&B) has taken issue with recent remarks by PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago regarding the Caribbean Community (Caricom). In a Sunday statement, the Antigua PM said her comments and the position taken by Antigua and Barbuda “merit a measured response grounded in facts, respect and the long history of Caribbean cooperation.”

According to Browne in his statement, Antigua and Barbuda has never questioned the sovereign right of any Caricom member to conduct its bilateral relations as it sees fit. Equally, no member should question the legitimacy of another Caricom state engaging responsibly, transparently and respectfully with international partners, including the United States (US), on matters that directly affect its citizens.

“Assertions that Caricom is an unreliable partner to Trinidad and

levels of organised crime in the Caribbean, and regional cooperation through Caricom security mechanisms, intelligence sharing, and coordinated law-enforcement initiatives has been an essential pillar of the response. Antigua and Barbuda, like other member states, has consistently supported that collective security effort.” Caricom, he added, is a partnership rooted in shared history, shared bloodlines, shared struggle for independence and a shared determinaAntigua & Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne

Tobago are difficult to reconcile with the economic record,” he said in the missive. Citing Trinidad and Tobago’s more than US $1.1 billion in foreign exchange earnings from trade with Caricom in 2024 alone, he pointed out that Caricom was Trinidad and Tobago’s second-largest export market, exceeded only by the US. “That trade has not been balanced. Trinidad and

Tobago recorded the largest merchandise trade surplus within Caricom, and it remains the only member state to have maintained a net positive trade balance with the Community consistently since the inception of Caricom in 1973,” he noted.

Caricom’s reliability has extended well beyond trade, he also highlighted.

“Trinidad and Tobago faces some of the highest

tion that small states are stronger when they act together.

He also took exception to what he called her unsubstantiated assertion that its leaders have “badmouthed” the US. No evidence has been offered because none exists,” he stated, noting that Antigua and Barbuda in fact maintains a record of close collaboration with the US. “Respectful dialogue with international partners is not subservience; nor is regional consultation disloy-

alty. Antigua and Barbuda will continue to engage the United States responsibly and transparently in full cooperation, while remaining fully committed to Caricom and to the dignity, sovereignty, and mutual respect that define Caribbean integration.”

That balanced approach has served our region well for decades. It should not now be diminished by rhetoric that divides where facts demonstrate the value of interdependence,” his statement concluded.

16 NEWS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rice farmers urged to form consortiums, tap zero-interest loans through new Development Bank P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali has called on rice farmers, particularly small-scale producers, to form consortiums and cooperatives to take full advantage of zero-interest, collateral-free loans that will become available through the government’s proposed Development Bank starting in 2026.

The appeal was made during a meeting with residents of Wakenaam Island, where the President outlined how the new financing framework is designed to unlock shared ownership, mechanisation, and value-added services within the agricultural sector, especially for farmers operating on smaller acreages.

“You must have access to all of the benefits that are being created in this society,” President Ali told residents. “Ten small rice farmers can now come together, access interest-free and collateral-free financing, pool their resources, buy a combine, and provide a service for farmers with ten acres or less who need that support.”

Under the new framework, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be eligible to access loans of up to $3 mil-

lion at zero interest and without collateral through the Development Bank, which the government plans to operationalise in 2026.

President Ali explained that the institution will not function as a traditional microfinance body, but rather as a strategic bridge between small entrepreneurs and the formal banking system, enabling business growth, co-financing, and long-term sustainability.

“This is what empowerment looks like. This is what real transformation is about,” he said. “For the first time, government will be ready to co-invest with you in your business ventures.”

Beyond the initial $3 million zero-interest facility, President Ali revealed that the government has already secured agreements with commercial banks to leverage those funds, allowing small business owners and farmer groups to access up to $10 million in total financing.

“We have been able to negotiate with a commercial bank that will leverage that $3 million and lend up to $10 million at less than 3.5 percent interest,” the

President said. “That is real access to capital.”

The preferential financing mechanism is expected to encourage equipment pooling, service-based farming models, and shared infrastructure, particularly in rice cultivation, harvesting, and land preparation.

Poultry financing

President Ali noted that the impact of the government’s agricultural and financing policies is already being felt across other sectors.

He disclosed that the Poultry Association has requested talks with the Minister of Finance to explore how cost savings resulting from government initiatives could be passed on to consumers through reduced prices for chicken and eggs.

Those discussions have since expanded to include major fast-food chains, including KFC and Royal Castle, which have reportedly agreed to participate once cost reductions are realised.

“That is how policies work,” President Ali said.

“That is how strategic thinking operates. It is not built on a single barrel—it is built on a clearly defined

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing residents

strategy.”

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to Wakenaam Island, President Ali highlighted the scale of government support already delivered to the farming community.

Earlier this year, he said, nearly 20 agricultural machines were deployed simultaneously on the island, providing five-acre land preparation support for farmers—an unprecedented level of mechanised

assistance.

“For the first time, we had almost 20 machines operating on this island alone,” he said. “Isn’t that caring? Isn’t that working in the interest of our farmers?”

Immediate rehabilitation works for Princes Street road project – Edghill assures

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill inspecting the stalled road works

T

he Ministry of Public Works’ Special Projects Unit (SPU) has taken over the Princes Street Road expansion project following the recent termination of the contractor due to poor performance.

The project was originally awarded to Yhardram & Sons Construction Establishment.

During an inspection of the $631 million road project last Monday, Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill stated that the contractor had failed to meet its contractual obligations.

“The contractor has failed to execute his con-

tractual obligations. Not only did he fail to execute his contractual obligations, but he also left the thoroughfare in a mess, causing inconvenience to residents and other users,” the minister explained.

He said that the SPU is now in charge and that residents and road users can expect the immediate commencement of rehabilitation works to improve traffic flow and accessibility along the critical corridor.

The first phase of work will involve cleaning up the entire project area, followed by full-scale construction in keeping with the project’s

design and build framework.

“So immediate relief is here to the residents of Princess Street, and all the users of Princess Street and the intervention by the ministry’s SPU and that work has started,” Minister Edghill pledged.

The minister also underscored the importance of the project, noting that it is intended to facilitate the smooth flow of westward traffic along the corridor.

“Our intention is to expand the width of Princess Street, putting in better drainage arrangements so that when the traffic comes off of Cemetery Road to four lanes, we will have an upgraded Princess Street to help move the traffic westward,” Minister Edghill said.

The roadway spans 1,070 metres with a width of 10.37 metres and is designed to integrate seamlessly with the Cemetery Road expansion, improving connectivity between Cemetery Road and High Street.

In addition, the government has prioritised stabilising and improving the road surface to ensure smoother travel for motorists and safer access for nearby residents.

NEWS

17

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New report finds cybersecurity maturity improved in Latin America and Caribbean A

new study has found that countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have made significant progress in strengthening their cybersecurity capacity, but persistent gaps in resources, workforce development, and cross-sector coordination continue to leave the region vulnerable to evolving digital threats.

This is the third edition, the first study was launched in 2016, and then it was updated in 2020.

The report of the study by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Organization of American States (OAS) was developed in partnership with the Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre at the University of Oxford and provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of cybersecurity maturity across 30 countries in the region.

The report titled “2025 Cybersecurity Report: Vulnerability and Maturity Challenges to Bridging the Gaps in Latin America and the Caribbean,” bench-

marks national capacities using the Cybersecurity Capacity Maturity Model for Nations (CMM), enabling comparisons over time and between countries.

Drawing on unique data collected from OAS member states, the analysis provides an evidence-based view of how countries have advanced from 2020 to 2025 and the remaining gaps in their cybersecurity capabilities.

The assessment is structured around the five dimensions of the CMM, covering key areas for cy-

bersecurity readiness: cybersecurity policy and strategy; culture and society; education, training, and skills; legal and regulatory frameworks; and technology and standards.

It provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, private-sector leaders, and civil society.

“The digital revolution is transforming economies and societies across Latin America and the Caribbean, but it also brings new risks,” said Paula Acosta, chief of the Institutional Capacity of State Division at the IDB.

“This report shows that, while the region has made important progress and average results have improved across all assessed dimensions, there is a clear need to accelerate investment in cybersecurity, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, operational capabilities, and ensure that all countries are better equipped to manage the increasing cybersecurity risks.”

Among the key findings of the study is that since the last assessment in 2020, the region has seen a general increase

in cybersecurity maturity across all five CMM dimensions: policy and strategy, culture and society, knowledge and capabilities, legal and regulatory frameworks, and standards and technologies.

The report notes that the maturity gap between countries is narrowing, reflecting a more balanced development.

It said despite progress, areas such as software quality, protection of critical infrastructure, and the cybersecurity marketplace remain less mature.

Investment in cybersecurity research and innovation is still nascent, and cyber insurance adoption is limited.

In addition, the study notes the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence is reshaping the threat landscape, amplifying existing risks and introducing new vulnerabilities. The report underscores the urgent need for updated governance, standards, and capacity-building to address AI-related cybersecurity challenges.

The study highlights the importance of political leadership and absorptive capacity in advancing cybersecurity. Countries that integrate cybersecurity into broader development agendas and foster public-private partnerships are better positioned to respond to threats and close maturity gaps.

“This report shows a clear positive trajectory across the region, but it also makes clear that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility. Our longstanding partnership with the IDB and the Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre at Oxford reflects exactly this spirit— working together to give Member States the tools they need.

“The OAS will continue standing alongside countries, providing technical support and fostering cooperation, so that the Hemisphere advances together,” said Iván Marques, OAS Secretary for Multidimensional Security. (Nation News)

US signs MoU with Nigeria promoting Christian faith-based health care T

he United States Department of State on Saturday signed a five-year bilateral health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Republic of Nigeria to strengthen Nigeria’s health system, with a strong emphasis on promoting Christian faith-based health care providers.

The US State Department in its press release said that under this MOU, the Department of State, working with Congress, intends to commit nearly $2.1 billion to expand essential preventative and curative services for HIV, TB, malaria, maternal and child health and polio. Additionally, Nigeria will increase its domestic health expenditures by nearly $3 billion during the term of the MOU, the largest co-investment any country has made to date under the America First Global Health Strategy.

The MOU was negotiated in connection with reforms the Nigerian government has made to prior-

The United States remains committed to signing multi-year Bilateral MOUs on Global Health

itize protecting Christian populations from violence and includes significant dedicated funding to support Christian health care facilities with a focus on expanding access to integrated HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal and child health services.

Nigeria’s 900 faithbased clinics and hospitals currently serve more than 30 percent of Nigerians, and investments in these facilities are uniquely positioned to complement efforts in public run fa-

cilities and strengthen Nigeria’s overall health infrastructure.

According to the release, as with all foreign assistance, the President and Secretary of State retain the right to pause or terminate any programs which do not align with the national interest, and the Trump Administration expects Nigeria to continue to make progress ensuring that it combats extremist religious violence against vulnerable Christian populations.

Cooperation in the coming weeks with dozens of countries receiving U.S. health assistance, ad-

vancing the America First Global Health Strategy, it added.

18

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Anegada Island become 1st in Brazil's Lula warns US intervention VI to rely on alternative energy in Venezuela could be catastrophic

B

F

ollowing the Friday launch of a glistening new solar field on Anegada, officials said the island is now getting up to 65 percent of its electricity from the sun.

With the launch, Anegada — which has a population of less than 500 people — has become the first island in the Virgin Islands (VI) to rely primarily on alternative energy.

The long-delayed energy project — the cost of which climbed from less than $4.7 million to some $6 million over the course of six years — was inaugurated Friday in a ribbon-cutting ceremony as speakers lined a shaded stage to address attendees.

“This solar farm is a beginning, not an end,” said Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley, who represents the Ninth District in the House of Assembly.

“Today I want to honour the people of Anegada. You’ve al-

An aerial view of the solar panel field taken by drone (Photo: BVIEC)

ways stood firm in your belief that this island can be a model of sustainability.”

The plant is the first solar project of its size in the Virgin Islands, which has long relied almost exclusively on diesel fuel for its electricity needs.

During the Friday cere-

mony, members of the House of Assembly, employees of the BVI Electricity Corporation, and Anegada residents said the transition to renewable energy will mitigate power outages, cut emissions from diesel fuel, and boost the tourism sector. (Excerpt from BVI Beacon)

razilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Saturday that an "armed intervention in Venezuela would be a humanitarian catastrophe" in the face of escalating actions from the United States toward regional neighbor Venezuela.

On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a "blockade" of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, in Washington's latest move to increase pressure on Nicolas Maduro's government, targeting its main source of income.

Lula and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, the leaders of Latin America's two largest economies, had already urged restraint this week, as ten-

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

sions escalated.

But on Saturday, during a summit of the South American Mercosur bloc in

Foz do Iguaçu, a city in southern Brazil, Lula made a stronger statement against what he said would be a "dangerous precedent for the world."

More than four decades after the Falklands War, between Argentina and Britain, he added, "the South American continent is once again haunted by the military presence of an extra-regional power."

In a joint statement following the Mercosur summit, Latin American leaders reaffirmed their commitment to upholding democratic principles and human rights in Venezuela through peaceful means. The declaration was endorsed by the presidents of Argentina, Paraguay and Panama alongside senior officials from Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. (Reuters)

DR seizes 251 packages of cocaine destined for Puerto Rico – officials

Puerto Rico approves law recognising T the unborn as a natural person, despite doctors' opposition

P

uerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González announced Sunday that she signed into law a controversial bill recognizing the unborn as a natural person, a bill that has sparked outrage from multiple sectors, including health professionals.

Senate Bill 504 seeks to amend the Civil Code of Puerto Rico to clarify that "the human being in gestation or nasciturus is a natural person including the one conceived at any stage of gestation within the maternal uterus."

The measure was authored by Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz and several conservative senators, mostly from the New Progressive Party (PNP), led by the governor.

Recently, more than 320 doctors and health professionals in Puerto Rico made an urgent appeal to the governor not to sign the bill, considering it "a risk to the lives of pregnant women."

In a letter, the signatories

warn that the project, which proposes to recognize the legal capacity of the embryo from conception, represents a substantial alteration to the legal framework of the current Civil Code and could have serious and direct consequences on medical practice and the autonomy of women and pregnant people.

The letter was signed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Puerto Rico , obstetrician-gynecologists, pediatricians, neonatologists, nursing staff, and professors from the Schools of Medicine.

"Under this legislative proposal there are critical scenarios that could become more dangerous, such as ectopic pregnancies, massive hemorrhages, or placental disorders that require immediate intervention," explained Yari Vale Moreno, an obstetrician-gynecologist.

The gynecologist added that allowing legal intervention by third parties—including ex-partners or people not

clinically linked—could "delay urgent medical decisions and put the pregnant person's life at risk."

The signatories of the letter warned of several instances such as complications in cases where a pregnant person faces a cancer diagnosis during early stages of pregnancy, as the measure could limit the right to terminate the pregnancy to allow for life-saving treatments.

They also warned about the risk of criminalizing pregnancy losses for medical reasons and denounced that the measure could give new legal tools to aggressors in cases of domestic violence, extending their control over the pregnant person.

For his part, obstetrician-gynecologist Alberto de la Vega indicated that the project could generate prolonged legal disputes, even in cases of rape, where the aggressor could attempt to legally represent the fetus against the victim's will. (Listin Diario)

US pursuing 3rd oil tanker near Venezuela, officials say

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he U.S. Coast Guard is pursuing an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, officials told Reuters on Sunday, in what would be the second such operation this weekend and the third in less than two weeks if successful.

"The United States Coast Guard is in active pursuit of a sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela's illegal sanctions evasion," a U.S. official said. “It is flying

a false flag and under a judicial seizure order."

Another official said the tanker was under sanctions, but added that it had not been boarded so far and that interceptions can take different forms – including by sailing or flying close to vessels of concern.

The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not give a specific location for the operation or name the vessel being pur-

sued.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday.

The first two oil tankers seized were operating on the black market and providing oil to countries under sanctions, Kevin Hassett, director of the White House's National Economic Council, said in a television interview on Sunday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

he Dominica Republic (DR) National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) in coordiantion with several other agencies, seized 251 packages of suspected cocaine at the port of Haina Oriental, in the municipality of Santo Domingo Oeste.

After receiving intelligence reports, the units activated the protocol and began reviewing dozens of containers that, according to the manifest, were to be shipped to Puerto Rico.

Authorities seized an export container loaded with plastics, inside which they found 10 bundles containing 251 packages, presumably cocaine, wrapped in plastic bags and marked with differ-

251 packages of suspected cocaine seized at the port of Haina

ent logos.

The Public Prosecutor's Office and the DNCD opened an investigation to identify,

arrest and bring to justice the members of this international drug trafficking network. ( Excerpt from Listin Diario)

Alarm over suspected ‘US military base’ in Tobago

P

olitical parties in Tobago have expressed shock and concern over what they believe may be a United States “military base” operating alongside the controversial US-installed radar at the ANR Robinson International Airport.

On November 30, Guardian Media obtained drone footage of the heavily guarded, cordoned-off facility housing the radar. The images show several trucks and utility vehicles positioned within the restricted area, along with a small tent and another temporary structure located close to the equipment, suggesting use for operational or shelter purposes.

A number of portable toilets were also observed at the site.

While the spinning AN/ TPS-80 G/ATOR radar is visible at the end of Kilgwyn Bay Road in Bon Accord, access to the site is restrict-

ed by metal barriers and a locked gate draped with black fabric bearing a sign reading “Emergency Exit No Obstruction”.

A black, galvanised fence encloses the area surrounding the radar, rising to nearly 30 feet in height in some sections. Guardian Media was reliably informed that shortly after the radar was installed, heavy winds toppled a much shorter barrier around the military equipment. When repairs were carried out, the fence was rebuilt at its current height, and the radar was also repositioned a short distance away.

There are some rooms for rent nearby; however, one business place, which asked for anonymity, said shortly after the radar was installed, they were cautioned by military personnel to not allow guests into certain rooms that could have an access

view to the cordoned-off facility.

Meanwhile, the few residents living nearby politely declined to offer their two-storey homes as vantage points, saying they feared that any images or video could be traced back to them. In any event, residents noted that even from their balconies the view remains obscured by the galvanised fence and tall trees in the area.

Even from Kilgwyn Bay Beach, which runs adjacent to the radar facility, there is no clear view of what is inside the compound or the extent to which the equipment has changed over the past three weeks.

Attempts to contact Chief Secretary Farley Augustine yesterday to show him the image and ask for his comment on the matter were unsuccessful.

(Excerpt from Trinidad & Tobago Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025

19

Around the World

9 killed, 10 injured in South Africa Father Christmas ‘too white’; not shooting, Police hunt for suspects qualified to judge ‘naughty’ children from other cultures, says museum N

F

ather Christmas is too white and should stop putting children on the naughty list, a museum has said. Brighton and Hove Museums claimed Santa Claus needed to be decolonised in the name of diversity, in a blog on its website.

The blog also said that Santa should work alongside elves in the name of equality and a “Mother Christmas” would help tackle the patriarchy.

The museum post said the concept of Father Christmas and his naughty and nice list was a “Western binary” that teaches children that the “coloniser has the power to judge all people”.

“For many children, the story of Santa Claus is as much a part of Christmas as gifts and Christmas dinner,” it said. “But the tale of a white, Western Santa who judges all children’s behaviour has problems.”

The blog added: “As he visits each nation he determines if the children deserve presents based on being ‘naughty’ or ‘nice’.

“But who decided Santa should be the judge of children’s behaviour in every

community? How can he assess, for example, Indigenous children practising their own cultural traditions?

“Told like this, the story presents Santa as the ultimate authority of all societies. This asks us to accept colonial assumptions of cultural superiority.”

Critics said the “laughable” document made the museum a contender for “Grinch of the year”.

A spokesman for the museum said people were “free to agree or disagree” with the blog.

They said: “This blog post was written in 2023 as part of our Culture Change work.

“As museum educators, our role is not to tell people what is right or wrong, but to help audiences look at history and culture from more than

one point of view and to create opportunities for discussion and debate, just as we do when interpreting art, objects and historic places.

“The piece about Father Christmas was intended to prompt reflection rather than prescribe how anyone should celebrate Christmas. It looks at how familiar stories are shaped, whose perspectives they centre, and how they might be explored when we include viewpoints beyond a white Western perspective.

“Encouraging curiosity, critical thinking and conversation is a core part of museum education. Presenting different ways of understanding cultural stories, including festive ones, is part of that work, and people are free to agree or disagree.” (Excerpt from The Telegraph)

Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan, wife sentenced to 17 years in corruption case

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akistan’s former prime minister, Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have been sentenced to 17 years in prison after a Pakistani court found them guilty of illegally retaining and selling valuable state gifts.

The sentence, handed down on Saturday, capped a years-long saga that saw the duo accused of selling various gifts – including jewellery from the Saudi Arabian government – at far below market value.

They have denied all charges.

In order to keep gifts from foreign dignitaries, Pakistani law requires officials to buy them at market value and to declare profits from any sales.

But prosecutors claimed that the couple profited

from the items after buying them at an artificially low price of $10,000, compared with their market rate of $285,521.

Khan’s supporters were quick to denounce the ruling, with his spokesperson, Zulfikar Bukhari, saying that “criminal liability was imposed without proof of intent, gain, or loss, relying instead on a retrospective reinterpretation of rules”.

His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, wrote on social media that the proceedings were a “sham”, and denounced the ruling as “a black chapter in history”.

It said Khan was present in the court when the judge announced the verdict in the Adiala prison in the city of Rawalpindi. But Khan’s family was not allowed access to the court, it said.

“A closed-door jail trial is neither free nor fair. It is, in fact, a military Trial.”

But Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said that Khan and his wife were convicted and sentenced after the court examined solid evidence. He said the couple indulged in corruption, and “the court delivered a fair decision”.

Khan, 73, served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 until April 2022, when he was removed in a no-confidence vote. He was imprisoned in August 2023 on various charges of corruption and revealing state secrets, all of which he has denied and claimed to be politically motivated.

He has been acquitted of some charges. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Another 130 kidnapped schoolchildren released in Nigeria

N

igerian authorities say they have secured the release of a further 130 schoolchildren kidnapped from a Catholic school in November, after 100 were freed earlier this month.

“Another 130 abducted Niger state pupils released, none left in captivity,” presidential spokesperson Sunday

Dare said on X, in a post accompanied by a photo of smiling children.

In late November, gunmen kidnapped hundreds of students and staff from St Mary’s co-educational boarding school in the country’s north-central Niger state.

Nigeria has recently seen a new wave of mass abduc-

tions, reminiscent of the kidnapping of schoolgirls in the town of Chibok by the militant group Boko Haram in 2014.

A UN source said the remaining schoolchildren would be taken to Minna, the capital of Niger state, on Tuesday. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

ine people were killed and 10 wounded in an early morning shooting in a township south-west of Johannesburg and authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspects, the South African Police Service said on Sunday.

The incident occurred just before 1 a.m. local time (2300 GMT) at a licensed tavern in Johannesburg's Bekkersdal township, the police said in a statement.

About 12 unknown suspects in a white minibus and a silver sedan opened fire at the tavern patrons and continued shooting randomly as they fled the scene, the police said, adding the motive for the shoot-

Police have been carrying out investigations at the tavern (BBC photo)

ing would be determined by investigation.

The injured have been taken to medical facilities for treatment, police added.

Bekkersdal is part of the Rand West City local municipality, whose website describes the township as

being an area characterised by high levels of unemployment and poverty due to a decline in gold mining.

South Africa, Africa's biggest economy, has one of the world's highest murder rates, averaging about 60 a day. (Reuters)

Australian PM booed at Bondi Beach vigil a week after deadly terror attack

A

ustralia's prime minister was met with boos and insults when he arrived at a Bondi Beach vigil for victims of last week's gun attack.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was booed when his name was announced on the stage set up in front of the crowd – amid anger that the premier hasn't done more to tackle rising antisemitism in Australia.

In contrast, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns's name was greeted with cheers and a standing ovation.

The premier was thanked for his leadership and for not missing "a funeral, synagogue service, or an opportunity to be with the Jewish community this week".

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his wife arrive at a Bondi Beach attack vigil

Before going to the vigil, Albanese had announced a review of the country's police and intelligence agencies a week after the deadly Bondi Beach gun attack.

The review comes as Australia marks a day of reflection to honour those killed and injured by two gunmen

at Sydney's Bondi Beach.

Authorities invited Australians to light a candle on Sunday evening, the start of the eighth and final day of the Jewish festival of lights, "as a quiet act of remembrance with family, friends or loved ones" of the victims.

(Excerpt from Sky News)

Israel approves 19 new Jewish settlements in occupied West Bank

I

srael has approved a proposal for 19 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank as the government pushes ahead with a construction binge in the territory that poses a further threat to the possibility of a Palestinian state.

It brings the total number of new settlements over the past few years to 69, a new record, according to the far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, who has pushed a settlement expansion agenda in the West Bank. The latest include two that were previously evacuated during a 2005 disengagement plan.

The approval by the security cabinet increases the number of settlements in

the West Bank by nearly 50% during the current government’s tenure. In 2022, there were 141 settlements across the West Bank. After the latest approval there are 210, according to Peace Now, an anti-settlement watchdog group.

Settlements are considered illegal under international law.

The approval comes as the US pushes Israel and Hamas to move ahead with the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, which took effect on 10 October. The US-brokered plan calls for a possible “pathway” to a Palestinian state, something the settlements are aimed at preventing.

The ministry said two of the settlements legal-

ised in the latest approval were Kadim and Ganim, which were two of the four West Bank settlements dismantled in 2005 as part of Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. There have been multiple attempts to resettle them after Israel’s government in March 2023 repealed a 2005 act that evacuated the four outposts and barred Israelis from re-entering the areas.

Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza – areas claimed by the Palestinians for a future state – in the 1967 war.

It has settled more than 500,000 Jews in the West Bank, in addition to more than 200,000 in contested East Jerusalem. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

20

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

(March 21-April 19)

PICKLES (April 20-May 20)

Reach out and connect with people who have something to offer you. Don’t sit back when you have so much to gain by participating. Focus on turning an opportunity into a new beginning.

Observe what’s happening around you.

Take advantage of an opportunity to participate in something that can broaden your awareness or point you in a worthwhile direction.

Find something you feel passionate about and sign up to help. Volunteering at this time of the year can be rewarding and connect you to a group that will have an impact on how you live.

(May 21-June 20) Address issues that have not been dealt with, and take a firm position. Don’t fear opposition; offer solutions and get the ball rolling. It’s time to leave the past behind you.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Enjoy the festivities. Take every opportunity to share your vision and to drum up support. Change is on the horizon if you are willing to step up and do your part, but don’t neglect loved ones or take them for granted.

Say less and do more. Closely observe how others react to a tricky situation, and take physical action to clear a passage forward for those who share your beliefs.

CALVIN AND HOBBES (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Stop and rethink your plans. Too much of anything will work against you.

Overspending, making unrealistic promises or letting your emotions lead the way should be avoided.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Focus on whatever you feel passionate about. It’s up to you to make your own opportunities and to go the distance to ensure your plans gain momentum and attract the right people.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Keep an open mind, but don’t cave under undue pressure. Listen dutifully, but be ready to defend your thoughts, perspective and choices. Honesty is the best policy.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Put your energy where it brings the highest returns. Today is about acknowledging your attributes and putting them to work for you. Change is up to you; don’t sell yourself short.

LAST PUBLISHED WORD – INTEGRITY

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Combine energy and creativity, and you’ll come up with a plan to launch in the new year. Change is within reach if you use your skills to align with your dreams, hopes and wishes.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Think twice before you jeopardize your chance to advance. Personal and professional gain begins with a positive attitude, insight and knowing how to work a crowd.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025

21

Guyanese teams rebound strongly at CAC Youth Chess Festival …Kataleya Sam earns medal

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welve-year-old Kataleya Sam was the standout performer for the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) at last week’s Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Youth Chess Festival in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Despite the Guyana contingent being disadvantaged by a flight cancellation that caused players to miss the first round, Sam exceeded all expectations. She secured a topfive finish in the U-12 girls’ category with five points, building on the momentum of the bronze medal and Conditional Woman Candidate Master title she earned in the U-10 girls’ category two years ago.

Sam (1512) delivered a standout performance in Round 8, when she faced the Dominican Republic’s top seed, Amelia Maia Perrone Bueno. The encounter began as a balanced strategic contest, with both players manoeuvring carefully.

When Perrone Bueno ceded the initiative, Sam responded decisively, exploiting emerging weaknesses and winning a pawn.

From that point forward, the national U-12 girls’ chess champion demon-

strated excellent positional control, systematically neutralising her opponent’s counterplay and converting her advantage into a dominant win.

While Sam led the charge, her teammates showed equal grit. Refusing to be sidelined by their late start, the remaining youths rallied in the later rounds.

They delivered a series of clinical performances, proving they could compete with the best in the region despite the odds stacked against them.

In Round Two, Kyle Couchman (2004) competed in the U-18 Absolute section against the highest-rated player in the field, FIDE Master (FM) Santiago Ruiz. Ruiz, fresh off an international flight, faced a determined Couchman who showed no hesitation in taking the fight to his experienced opponent.

Couchman launched an aggressive kingside attack early in the game, forcing Ruiz into a prolonged defensive struggle. Despite losing an exchange during the middle game, Couchman maintained relentless pressure. His persistence paid off when Ruiz committed a critical blunder under sustained attack, allowing

Couchman to secure a wellearned victory. The national junior chess champion finished with four points in 16th position.

In Round 8, Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Aditi Joshi (1749) delivered a commanding performance in the U-16 girls’ section against the tournament leader, WCM Liana Pieter of Curaçao. The game opened quietly in the Colle System, Rubinstein Variation, but soon escalated as Joshi secured the bishop pair and dismantled the defensive structure around her opponent’s king.

Exploiting lightsquare weaknesses, Joshi mounted a precise attack that forced Pieter into increasingly difficult positions. In a desperate attempt to stay in the game, Pieter sacrificed material, but with the loss of multiple pieces, she was forced to resign.

The result meant Joshi handed her opponent her first and only loss of the tournament. Joshi, the current women’s chess champion, ended the competition on five points in sixth place.

Candidate Master (CM) Sachin Pitamber (1950) delivered a remarkable per-

formance despite missing the opening round and being sidelined from Round 8 due to illness in the U-16 Absolute category. He remained undefeated across his seven matches, finishing with an impressive five points from three wins and four draws.

Vir Narine, competing in the U-10 Absolute category, placed 13th with five points. Narine showcased his talent, securing four victories despite missing the first two rounds of the competition. His highlight performances were his victories over two of his higher-rated opponents.

Narine, whose current ELO rating is 1426, delivered a stellar performance when he defeated Caleb Harry from Trinidad and Tobago (1504) in Round 5 and Mario Alejandro Icaza (1429) from Panama in Round 7, earning him some valuable rating points.

In the U-12 Absolute category, Abel Fernandez (1484) faced a steep challenge. After nine rounds, Fernandez ended the competition with a hard-fought 4.5 points, consisting of four victories and a draw.

The National U-12 Open Chess Champion represented Guyana for the first

time.

In the U-14 category, Nicholas Zhang (1517) demonstrated his resilience and skill by securing three wins and three draws for a total of 4.5 points in the Absolute section.

His notable performances were his win against Dereon Bramble (1580) from Trinidad and Tobago in Round 8 and his draws with Nisarg Katri (1634) from Curaçao, Aaron Jaikaran (1714) from Barbados, and Dez Graham (1661) from the Cayman Islands. Meanwhile, Emma John, making her first international tournament debut as an unrated player, earned two wins and three draws, amassing 3.5 points in the girls’ section. Emma’s highlight performances were against Karen Salazar (1539) from Guatemala, and her draws against Suriname’s Avantika Poetoe (1449) and Jamaica’s Victoria Aung (1451).

In the U18 girls’ category, Ciel Clement (1446), no stranger to the international stage, finished with 2.5 points after facing some heavy competition.

Kataleya Sam Clement's highlight performance came from her victory against a higher-rated Kiara Otero (1510) from Puerto Rico and her draw against Aradhana Singh (1610) from Trinidad and Tobago.

The participants returned home on Sunday, December 21, 2025. The GCF commended the young athletes who demonstrated exceptional skill and character on the international stage. The Federation expressed gratitude to Mrs Tanya Warren-Clement, Head of Delegation, for her steadfast commitment to the team's welfare and the parents whose support was instrumental throughout the tournament. Special thanks to the coaches FM Anthony Drayton and CM Taffin Khan who prepared the athletes for the competition.

Cougars, Paradise and Ithaca advance as Candy Boss 8-A-Side kicks off in NA

test that set the tone for the even i n g .

Cougars showed greater composure Neil Linton (left) and Royan Solomon scored for Ithaca in key m o he much-anticipatments, ed Candy Boss & capitalising on their chancDi Antics 8-A-Side es to secure a hard-fought Knockout Football win and book their place in Tournament burst into life the next round. on Friday night at the All The second game proved Saints Ground, Princess to be the most dramatic of Elizabeth Road, New the night, as Paradise adAmsterdam, with three vanced on penalties over keenly- contested matches Fyrish, winning 3-2 from signalling the official start the spot after regulation of the eighth edition of the time ended goalless. Fyrish annual competition. delivered a courageous perA healthy crowd turned formance against one of out for the opening night as the tournament favourites, teams battled for early mo- Paradise, despite starting mentum in a tournament the match with only nine that features 16 teams com- players. They absorbed suspeting for more than $2 mil- tained pressure in the earlion in cash and prizes. ly stages and, after eventuThe night opened with ally fielding a tenth player, Cougars edging Kildonan began to turn the tide with 2-1 in an entertaining con-

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more attacking intent.

However, despite Fyrish bringing their A-plus game and Paradise mounting a relentless assault, neither side could find the breakthrough. After 90 minutes, referee Colin Bowrey signalled the end of regulation time with the score still locked at 0-0, sending the contest to penalties where Paradise held their nerve to progress.

In the final game of the night, Ithaca recorded a solid 2 0 victory over Cougars B. Neil Linton opened the scoring in the first half, giving Ithaca an early advantage. The result was sealed when skipper Royan Solomon calmly converted from the penalty spot after referee Michael Erskine awarded a spot-kick for

an infringement inside the box.

The tournament was scheduled to resume on Sunday at the All Saints Ground with another triple-header, as Pele took on Airy Hall, Victoria Kings

faced U21 Monedderlust, and Trafalgar clashed with Young Strikes, as teams continue their quest for knockout glory.

With high-quality football already on display and

several heavyweight clashes ahead, the Candy Boss & Di Antics 8-A-Side Knockout is shaping up to be another thrilling edition for football fans in New Amsterdam and across Berbice.

The winning Ithaca FC team

22 King gives WI positive start after Conway, Latham tons set them 462

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025

Tom Latham and Devon Conway added a world record 515 runs for the first wicket in the Test (Getty Images)

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onway and Latham became the first pair of openers to score twin tons in the same game in all First-Class cricket West Indies 420 (Hodge 123*, King 63, Duffy 4-86) and 43 for 0 (King 37*, Campbell 2*) need another 419 runs to beat New Zealand 575 for 8 dec and 306 for 2 dec (Latham 101, Conway 100, Hodge 2-80) It was a sense of déjà vu as Devon Conway and Tom Latham seemingly batted West Indies out of the match for the second time in four days' space. But the visiting openers Brandon King and John Campbell once again put on a defiant stand, taking them to stumps without any damage done and 419 runs away from their target.

Conway and Latham, who added 323 runs for the first wicket in the first innings, racked up centuries again as they put on a 192-run opening stand in New Zealand's second dig, helping them set West Indies 462 on a testing pitch with uneven bounce.

Conway and Latham scored their second centuries of the match, becoming the first pair of openers to score twin tons in the same game in all First-Class cricket. Their efforts, along with a 72-run partnership off just 37 balls between Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra helped New Zealand extend their dominance, after taking a 155-run first-inning lead earlier in the day by bowling out West Indies for 420.

Kavem Hodge, who finished unbeaten on his career-best 123, provided the only two breakthroughs in New Zealand's second innings, removing the prolific openers thanks to some terrific catching by Jayden Seales in the deep.

The pitch had deceptive bounce. Where a shooter from Hodge kept so low to Latham that it nearly bounced twice before reaching him, a length ball from Jacob Duffy also reared up on Anderson Phillip to take the shoulder of his blade for the first wicket of the day. The very next ball, a bouncer stayed much lower to crash into Shai Hope's abdomen – not making matters any better for him after he missed the last two days' play with food poisoning.

The day started off with Duffy removing Phillip and Hope in his first two overs.

While Phillip was done in by extra bounce, Hope tried to pull away a proper short ball

Rae had Kemar Roach nicking off next ball to end West Indies' innings.

Roach had walked off injured on the first day and did not bowl on the second day.

He did not bowl during New Zealand's second innings either.

With the awkward bounce even more pronounced when the ball was hard and new, Conway and Latham had to start off watchfully, with Seales looking especially menacing. Conway picked up the first boundary with a glorious cover drive, and soon he started driving through the off side more regularly.

While Latham was happy to hang around, Conway

nal over before tea, Latham went 6, 4, 4 against Phillips, which included a no ball, in an 18-run over.

The first over after tea brought West Indies some respite as Conway did not get enough distance when he tried to launch Hodge over midwicket. Seales ran to his left, grabbing t h e ball above h i s head before tossing it in the air and catching it again after crossing the boundary rope and jumping back in.

Latham then found the boundary a couple more times en route to a 16th Test century before miscuing a hoick off Hodge that Seales had to dive to catch at deep midwicket.

It was an odd day for Williamson. Usually elegant and composed, he kept getting himself into a tangle, especially as he tried to play the reverse-sweep with great abandon. He was getting in position for that shot so early, that on multiple occasions he ended up playing vertical drives down the ground as a left-hander when the bowlers saw him shape up for the

Kane Williamson played an innings full of reverse sweeps

and top edged it to long leg.

But like Phillip, Seales put in a solid rearguard effort to extend West Indies' resistance.

However, Hodge chose to let the tailenders face a large chunk of the bowling.

Of the 69 balls Hodge and Seales faced for their 29-run partnership, Seales faced 53.

When Ajaz Patel had Seales bowled with a slider, Hodge took a single off the first ball of the next over and Michael

Latham scored twin centuries in the Test

took charge of the scoring.

If Conway scored through off against the quicks, he used his feet against Roston Chase's offspin to launch him over the leg side. It took him just 63 deliveries to bring up his half-century.

Latham soon shifted gears after ambling to 18 off 52 deliveries. His only boundary until then came off an under-edge that went through Tevin Imlach's legs, but he hit Chase for back-to-back boundaries to start the 21st over. Latham used the sweep to good effect, but also made good use of his feet.

When Seales returned to the attack, Latham drove him through the covers first ball before a pick-up pull over fine leg for a six. He then pulled a Glenn Phillips’ long hop to the long-leg boundary to bring up his half-century off 77 balls.

There was a 49-ball period without a boundary after that, during which Conway became the first New Zealand batter to follow up a double-century with a century in the same Test. In the fi-

reverse and pitched the ball full.

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John Campbell had a testing time with the upand-down bounce

Even when he was trying to slog it away or skip down the ground, he was struggling to get any rhythm, but managed to keep the scoreboard ticking. He managed one six and two fours, his only boundaries in a quick knock of 40 off 37 balls.

Rachin, meanwhile, found it easier to take on Chase and Hodge, consistently lofting them in the region between midwicket and long-off.

King and Campbell had put on 111 in the first innings, and the duo once again gave West Indies a platform to build on. Even though there is a long time to go in the game, that West Indies will begin the fifth day with all 10 wickets in hand will give them a big boost.

Campbell started out watchfully, while King was more enterprising against the new ball. By the time Campbell got off the mark off the 21st ball he faced, King had raced to 35 off 27 with a handful of drives on the off side.

However, as the ball got softer and New Zealand switched to spin, even King reined in his instincts and along with Campbell, played the session out, setting up a fifth day where the game could go any way.

However, up to press time, the West Indies were 138 for 9 after 80 overs (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

New Zealand 2nd Innings Tom Latham (c) c Seales b Hodge 101 Devon Conway c Seales b Hodge 100 Kane Williamson not out 40 Rachin Ravindra not out 46 Extras (b 1, lb 8, nb 5, w 5) 19 Total 54 Ov (RR: 5.66, 232 Mins) 306/2d Did not bat: Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell †, Glenn Phillips, Zak Foulkes, Ajaz Patel, Jacob Duffy, Michael Rae Fall of wickets: 1-192 (Devon Conway, 39.3 ov), 2-234 (Tom Latham, 47.5 ov) • Bowling O-M-R-W Jayden Seales 9-0-36-0 Anderson Phillip 9-0-57-0 Justin Greaves 6-0-18-0 Roston Chase 13-0-106-0 Kavem Hodge 17-1-80-2 West Indies 2nd Innings (T: 462 runs) John Campbell c Phillips b Patel Brandon King c Phillips b Duffy Kavem Hodge c Ravindra

16 67

b Patel 0 Shai Hope lbw b Patel 3 Alick Athanaze c † Blundell b Duffy 2 Justin Greaves c Mitchell b Duffy 0 Roston Chase (c) c Latham b Duffy 5 Tevin Imlach † not out 15 Kemar Roach b Phillips 4 Anderson Phillip not out 10 Jayden Seales b Duffy 0 Extras (b 12, lb 1, w 3) 16 Total 76 Ov (RR: 1.81) 138/8 Fall of wickets: 1-87 (Brandon King, 32.5 ov), 2-87 (John Campbell, 33.4 ov), 3-88 (Kavem Hodge, 35.4 ov), 4-91 (Alick Athanaze, 38.2 ov), 5-98 (Justin Greaves, 42.2 ov), 6-104 (Roston Chase, 50.6 ov), 7-107 (Shai Hope, 59.6 ov), 8-112 (Kemar Roach, 64.3 ov), 9-138 (Anderson Phillip, 78.4 ov), 10-138 (Jayden Seales, 80.3 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Jacob Duffy 22.3-10-42-5 Zak Foulkes 5-0-20-0 Ajaz Patel 32-21-23-3 Michael Rae 14-6-26-0 Glenn Phillips 5-2-14-1 Rachin Ravindra 2-2-0-1

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23 Initial batch of CPL final tickets go on sale today GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025

…coaching clinic experience also up for grabs

The CPL final is scheduled for the Kensington Oval, Barbados in 2026

An initial batch of CPL final tickets will go on sale today

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his Christmas fans will have the chance to Unwrap the Road to the Finals when the initial batch of tickets for the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Playoffs and Final go on sale today, Monday, December 22, 2025.

Supporters who purchase tickets for all four knockout-stage matches will be entered into a draw to win an exclusive CPL coaching clinic experience with star players from the tournament.

The coaching clinic will take place on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 and

will give aspiring cricketers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train, learn, and

interact with some of their CPL heroes.

To qualify for the draw,

CPL Finals Match Schedule Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – Eliminator 3rd-place team v 4th-place team Thursday, September 17, 2026 – Qualifier 1 1st-place team v 2nd-place team

Sunday, September 20, 2026 – CPL Final Winner of Qualifier 1 v Winner of Qualifier 2

More than $15 million will be up for grabs on January 4

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also open to first- time starters Brazilian-bred horses imported on or before September 2025.

There is also the H2 and Lower open to three-yearold West Indian bred, the L Class non-winners of 2025 and first-time starters, twoyear-old Guyana and West Indian-bred open, “I” Class and Lower Open and K Class and Lower.

All purse monies mentioned above are in Guyanese currency. Entries were accepted from December 21 and will close on December 31, 2025. Registration for entry is being only made via entry forms which are available at Port Mourant, Rising Sun, Bush Lot, and Smyth Street, Georgetown.

Additionally, all hors-

es scheduled to participate must be saddled and present on the track at least seven minutes before post time.

Failure to do so will result in the race being cancelled with no entry refunds. Notably, horses will not be allowed to race on race day without a completed entry form, which is available at various locations across Guyana, as mentioned above.

The principals of the unbeaten Dataman, who secured wins at the Guyana Cup and President’s Cup, will be hoping the horse maintains that perfect record on the opening day of 2026.

Slingerz Racing Stables and J’s Racing Stables are among the stables that will be out for their own glory come race day.

just US$20, fans can witness cricket history unfold at one of the world’s great cricket grounds in an experience that is both affordable and unforgettable. We are delighted to offer supporters the chance to win a CPL coaching clinic with some of the world’s best players as a

special reward for our loyal fans – an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.”

Tickets go on sale at 9:00am ECT today, December 22, 2025 and can be purchased via the tournament’s official website: www.cplt20.com.

rematch in women’s play-off final

Friday, September 18, 2026 – Qualifier 2 Winner of Eliminator v Loser of Qualifier 1

More than $15M up for grabs at New Year’s Day Stakes horse race

he opening race of the 2026 horse race calendar is set for Sunday, January 4 at the Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice.

It will be the New Year’s Day stakes, an event that will attract the best horses from the elite racing stables and top jockeys, both local and international.

Ten races are carded for the day and the feature event will be open to all horses. The total purse for the one-mile feature is $3,750,000 and the winner receives $2,000,000.

The other races on the provisional programme are the Sprint Classic Open, twoold imported, three-yearold Guyana-bred Derby, F Class and three-year-old imported maidens in Guyana,

fans must purchase at least one ticket for each of the four knockout-stage matches, all of which will be played at the iconic Kensington Oval, Barbados.

Republic Bank CPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pete Russell said, “With ticket prices starting from

A look at the battle between Police FC (red) and Santos FC

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t will be a battle between the usual suspects this Saturday, when the Women’s Division One League Cup play-offs culminate in what is expected to be another nail-biting clash, this time for a $300,000 grand prize.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) Women and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Women will butt head s again, in the playoffs final, set for Saturday, December 27, following comfortable wins in the semi-finals on Friday last.

Police’s Women were the first to book their spot in the coveted final, cruising past Santos FC’s Women 4-0 in semifinal one.

Initially, Police found it difficult to get past Santos’ defence; however, that all changed with a few early changes around the 20-min-

ute mark. By the 22nd minute, Amanda Mckenzie won her battle with a Santos defender, sending the ball across the face of the goal to Jenelle Edmondosn, who needed only to tape the ball into the net to break the ice.

With a 1-0 advantage at the half, Police had a much better second segment with goals coming off the boots of Shanic Thornhill (22nd), McKenzie (56th) and Tiandi Smith in the 60th+1 for the 4-0 win.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Defence Force FC’s Women ensured they would meet their nemesis in the final, rolling over Fruta Conquerors’ Women 8-0 in semifinal two.

Glendy Lewis registered their first strike in just the fifth minute and thereafter, it was an uncharacteristically long wait before GDF

could add another to their tally. By the 22nd minute, Sandra Johnson had found her rhythm, registering her first goal. Johnson completed her four- goal haul in the 26th, 28th and 41st minutes while Lewis capped off her brace with a strike in the 25th. Zoruna Ali (50th) and Glengie Lewis (60th) further added to GDF’s total before the final whistle was sounded.

The play-off final is set to get underway at 19:30h on Saturday while the thirdplace playoff will see Santos and Fruta Conquerors going head-to-head at 18:00h.

The winner will take home the $300,000 grand prize while second place will have to settle for $200,000.

The third-place finisher will pocket $100,000 while fourth place will receive $50,000.

GDF’s Sandra Johnson (on ball) netted four goals in their 8-0 win

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2025

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

Initial batch of CPL final tickets go on sale today

Pg 23

…coaching clinic experience also up for grabs

Chase’s Academy seal back-to-back KFC Goodwill titles

A tense, dramatic encounter on Sunday night boiled down to kicks from the penalty spot as Chase’s Academic Foundation and St Benedict’s College went up against each other in KFC Goodwill International School’s football final.

With nine perfect kicks from the spot in the shootout, it was St Benedict’s fifth kicker who sent the ball sailing high to the right of the goal to hand Chase’s Academy their second KFC title.

As such, the Guyanese outfit became the first school to seal back-to-back titles in the tournament.

Additional details on Sunday night’s final will be published in tomorrow’s edition of Guyana Times Sport

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