Reg 3 waterfront to become transshipment hub to Caribbean
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, March 31 –04:00h-05:30h and Tuesday, April 1 – 04:00h-05:30h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, March 31 –05:10h-06:40h and Tuesday, April 1 – 05:50h-07:20h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Sunny conditions are expected during the day, interrupted by thundery to light rain showers in the morning and afternoon. Partly cloudy skies followed by thundery to light rain showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.13 metres and 5.36 metres.
High Tide: 18:09h reaching a maximum height of 2.84 metres.
Low Tide: 11:41h and 23:56h reaching minimum heights of 0.23 metre and 0.45 metre.
Reg 3 waterfront to become transshipment hub to Caribbean
... new regional ferry service to operate out of Parika
The first phase of the Parika Port development – a development that will see the Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) eastern-based community waterfront becoming a direct transshipment hub to the rest of the Caribbean.
This was revealed during President Dr Irfaan Ali’s visit to La Grange on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) on Saturday. During the visit, the President referenced the development occurring throughout the region and by extension, the country.
“The first phase of the Parika port development… is out to tender now. The first phase of the Parika port development, that’s going to allow us to ship directly from Parika to the Caribbean. That will allow
prioritise safety and guarantee commuters’ comfort.
Funds have already been set aside in the Public Works Ministry’s $9.9 billion River Transport budget for this initiative. 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.
Regional ferry service
Meanwhile, the new regional ferry service, which is being facilitated through a joint venture between the Governments of Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, will be operated out of Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) when it comes on stream.
the transshipment of containerised traffic, coming into Parika,” President Ali said.
In addition to the Port facility, President Ali spoke of other development initiatives as well. These include the Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase, the two Gas-to Energy (GtE) Projects – one of which is expected to be completed this year, and an industrial hub planned for Wales.
“Look at the investment. Two major shore base facilities. One completed, going to the second phase, the other one under construction. In this region, you will host 600 megawatts (MW) of power for the country. Two power plants. We will have an industrial hub. With manufacturing. You will have a fertiliser plant built in this region, to supply fertiliser for all of our agriculture needs in this country.”
For some time, plans have been afoot to construct a new Parika Ferry Stelling and Waterfront Development Project, which will effectively transform the Parika Stelling into a major regional hub for transportation and socioeconomic activities, and enhance operational efficiency,
Back in May 2022, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago had embarked on establishing a ferry service between the two countries to
transport people and cargo.
During a joint press conference between President Ali and T&T’s Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley in Georgetown, the two nations had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in several areas.
Since then, it has been reported that the Trinidad and Tobago Cabinet had approved the use of that country’s Galleons Passage vessel to operate the ferry service between the twin-island republic and Guyana. The vessel can accommodate 400 passengers and 60 cars. Among the facilities onboard are a cafeteria, a bar, and a VIP lounge.
Last year, it was announced that Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados had formed a joint company that would work towards the introduction of a ferry system for passengers and cargo between the three countries.
Another key development was the historic US$300 million Vreeden-Hoop shore base facility that was commissioned only
in January, to support the country’s maritime and transport sector. The Vreeden-Hoop Shorebase Inc. (VEHSI) facility, which was built by a consortium of local companies – NRG Holdings Inc, is viewed as a major step towards Guyana’s overall ambitions to become a regional transportation hub. The consortium of investors in VEHSI includes Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer and Eddie Boyer of National Hardware Guyana Limited; and Andron Alphonso of ZRN Investments Inc. NRG hold a majority stake of 85 per cent in VEHSI, while the remaining 15 per cent is owned by Jan De Nul – the company that constructed the facility.
The more than 50 acres commissioned will serve as a world-class Subsea Umbilicals, Flowlines, and Risers (SURF) shore base for ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL). It will provide essential services for offshore oil and gas infrastructure, including equipment storage, inspections, repairs, and fabrication.
The regional ferry is expected to operate out of Parika
President Dr Irfaan Ali
Editor: Tusika Martin
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Extremist politics
An atavistic and retrograde form of politics is being pushed in Guyana as we head into the homestretch of the 2025 elections. This development has the potential to derail the gradual movement of our politics into a less confrontational trajectory, through the logic of centripetal political mobilisation reacting to Guyana becoming a nation of minorities, with no one ascriptive group constituting an inbuilt majority.
The backwards mobilisation tactic is dubbed “the politics of outbidding”. The classic statement on the phenomenon was made by Donald Horowitz in his classic, “Ethnic Groups in Conflict”: Societies that are deeply riven along a preponderant ethnic cleavage (as is the case in Guyana) tend to throw up party systems that mirror the ethnic divide. However, two types of parties usually appear to challenge the dominant ethnic parties. The first are “multiracial” parties that purport to bring the groups under one banner and the other are ethnic “flank” parties or organisations that push the dominant parties into adopting more extreme ethnic positions.
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and People’s National Congress (PNC) were essentially ethnic parties after 1957 when Burnham took his African/Coloured Guyanese supporters from the PPP into the PNC and Jagan was left with the Indian Guyanese, while other groups were wooed by both. The dictatorship of the PNC from 1968 to 1992, distorted the political system since their electoral rigging made Opposition parties of whatever variety moot. The “multiracial” Working People’s Alliance (WPA), launched in 1974, took on the PNC and made a big impact but foundered after its leading light Dr Walter Rodney was assassinated in 1980. In 1992, when “free and fair” elections were returned, even though it was convinced it had broken ethnic voting, the WPA garnered a mere two per cent of the votes.
In the elections of 1997, 2001 and 2006, the WPA failed to break out of its peripheral role, even as widespread violence erupted when gunmen, holed up in Buxton – labelled “Resistance Fighters” by one WPA Executive – took on the Police Force and massacred innocent citizens. The Alliance for Change (AFC), launched as a “multiracial party” in 2005 to take on both the PPP and PNC, did well at the 2006 elections. For the November 2011 elections, the PNC evidently was persuaded by the WPA remnants to coalesce with them and three other “micro parties”— to declare it was now “A Partnership for National Unity” (APNU).
It would appear that after the paroxysm of ethnic violence in the early 2000s, the PNC was reacting to the changing demographics of Guyana – driven by an ethnically differential rate of emigration. Guyana was now a nation of minorities, and they calculated that a coalition that masked its presence could compete without resorting to extra-parliamentary measures, such as the “mo-fyaah, slow fyaah strategy of Desmond Hoyte after 1997.
In 2011, the AFC provided a home for disaffected PPP executive Moses Nagamootoo. He was able to attract traditional PPP supporters, especially from Berbice, disaffected by the travails in the sugar industry and incumbency fatigue. APNU and AFC together checkmated the PPP and restricted them to a plurality-controlled presidency. In the 2015 elections, APNU and the AFC coalesced and were able to capture the Government. However, Granger shot the coalition in the foot when he unilaterally closed four sugar estates, throwing 7000 primarily Indian Guyanese sugar workers on the breadline.
In the March 2020 elections when it realised it had lost, the PNC reflexively launched moves to rig, and was supported by the WPA remnants and the AFC, but had to demit office by August. Since then, the WPA remnants have been pushing the PNC under Norton into a more “Hoytean” confrontational mode. Using the now ubiquitous social media platforms to directly address the PNC’s base, the WPA remnants first declared the PPP Government was creating an “emerging apartheid state” that must be confronted outside of Parliament. They tried to delegitimise Norton when he refused. After that failure, they have resorted, along with some fringe elements, to delegitimising the electoral arrangements.
They are transparently setting the stage for post-electoral violence after the ragged Opposition loses.
Trump's executive orders to deport foreigners an indictment on the way Guyanese were treated by their own Caricom neighbours
Dear Editor,
With its meteoric rise, Guyana has become the "the most beloved country" to all of its Caribbean neighbours. This is evident in the drastic change in the way our peoples are treated in those countries. It marks a 180-degree turnaround from previous years, when we were met with the most hostile attitudes from the leadership and residents of those Caricom countries.
But before I discuss the sudden change in the fortunes for the Guyanese, let me take us down memory lane. Just a few short years ago, Guyanese were seen as refugees, a bunch of repulsive fugitives who were turning up at other Caricom ports. I here make use of the Creole term: we were a group of "Deh bad people", who were seeking refuge anywhere, yes, anywhere possible, other than Guyana.
It was a horrible time, it was the worst of times; these were the times when persons were ashamed to be called by the name Guyanese, because that name was a cause for ridicule and bad treatment; we were the rejects of the Caribbean. Certain Caricom territories can be called out for dishonourable mention, where the ill treatment of our peoples is concerned. These are, St Lucia, Antigua, Trinidad, The Bahamas, and Barbados; you name them and the experience is the same. The last-named country is the most notorious of them all, Barbados had the most in-
humane policies against nationals from my country.
Every Guyanese who has travelled to that island would attest to the hostile encounters they would have had with the Bajan immigration. Everyone can attest to the rows of red chairs that greeted you, and the nationality of the persons that frequented that special area. This is the way we were.
Many Caribbean nations speak out against the executive orders made by Trump, accusing him of being a narcissist and inhumane, yet they fail to realise that these same draconian measures were meted out to their very own, right here in the Caribbean. With every executive order Trump makes that speaks to deportation of non-nationals, Caribbean Governments must face the reality: that these were the same draconian measures they instituted against Guyanese in their countries.
They cannot run away from the sure fact that Trump's measures are a direct reflection of their own policies when Guyanese were fleeing poverty from their homeland.
The turnaround came at the advent of oil, when every Caricom nation now speak of us in endearing terms; now they know that "Guyana is a "Sister Caricom nation."
Many Caribbean people speak of Trump's deportation executive orders as cruel, brutal and sadistic, however, they fail to face the reality that these same draconian measures were met-
ed out to their own right here in the Caribbean, when Guyanese were the most hated human beings in the Caribbean.
Our departure for other shores was the harsh conditions we endured here in our own country. Conditions such as a lack of basic food items due to the many banned items Burnham imposed on us; low wages and salaries, among others. But going over to greener pastures in the Caribbean did not solve the situation either, because we were met with hostile neighbours over there, Immigration officials who, at a heartbeat, would either disgrace us or made our stay in their country the most miserable experience ever. These were the conditions we endured at the hands of our own brothers and sisters in the Caribbean.
The latter part of the previous sentence was unheard of when reference was made of Guyanese; they referred to us as "foreigners and aliens," together with other offensive terminologies they could come up with. One such terminology referred to us in St Lucia was GT, meaning Great Thief. This is the way we were, right here in the Caribbean.
The root cause in all of this came out of the rigging and autocratic rule of Burnham, but instead of addressing this root cause for our demise, the black brotherhood of Caribbean leaders turned a Nelson's Eye to PNC's rigging in Guyana. They failed to face the reali-
ty that democracy and development were integral pillars for nation building. Guyana lacked all of those, and as such, the mass migratory practices of Guyanese continued.
Our situation was dire to say the least, because the Caribbean black brotherhood was prepared to defend another black brother to the maximum. Burnham got a free pass, all because he was black and the other black leaders in the Caribbean shielded his atrocities under the caption that there should not be any political interference in another sovereign Caricom state.
That was utter hogwash, and they knew it, because in the same breath, those leaders who supported non-interference could not support rigged elections in their home territories like they did in Guyana; it just could not happen. In all Caricom territories it was one man, one vote.
That situation only changed when the Carter Centre came on the scene, and free and fair elections became the central theme. That would have meant an end to the PNC and its autocratic stranglehold on this nation. It also meant the taking up of the mantle of leadership of the PPP/C, to begin that massive transformation of this country, and bring it out of poverty and despair.
Yours sincerely, Neil Adams
President Dr Irfaan Ali attends Navaratri service at the Ogle Sanatan Dharma Sabha, March 29, 2025
True belief is not just spoken, it must be reflected in our deeds and way of life
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam and Humanity, Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi
Wa Barakaatuh.
May the Peace, Guidance, Mercy, and Blessings of Allah (swt) be upon us all!
Eid Mubarak! On this joyous day of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Executives and Staff of CIOG join you in celebration.
Alhamdulillah, by the infinite mercy of Allah (SWT), we were blessed to graduate from the University of Ramadan – a month of patience, self-discipline, and spiritual growth. Throughout this sacred time, we engaged in both private and communal worship, deepened our reflection and introspection, strengthened our compassion and generosity, and refined our character — all in pursuit of drawing closer to our Creator, Allah (SWT). Now, as we conclude this month of fasting, we celebrate with hearts full of gratitude, striving to be among the truly thankful servants.
Allah (SWT) reminds us in Surah Yunus (Jonah) Chapter 10, verse 58 of the Holy Quran:
In the grace of Allah (swt) and in His (swt) mercy, in that they should rejoice; it is better than all [the worldly wealth] that they may amass!'
On this first day of Shawwal, the day of Eid, as we celebrate and rejoice in the grace and mercy of Allah (SWT), we reflect on the profound lessons of Ramadan. However, this year's journey was especially difficult not because of our physical fasting, but because of the immense trials we faced as an Ummah. Our Beloved Prophet,
Rasoolullah (peace and blessings be upon him), beautifully described the bond of believers, saying, "The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.
This Ramadan was particularly painful as we witnessed, with heartbreak and disbelief, the continued oppression of our Brothers and Sisters in Palestine, South Sudan and other parts. Yet, amid this immense suffering, they became our greatest teachers. Their unwavering Imaan (faith) and profound Tawakkul (steadfast trust in Allah SWT) reminded us of the true essence of submission and resilience. May their strength inspire us to stand firm in faith and action. Emerging from Ramadan this year cannot be the same as before. The lessons we learned both inside and outside the Masjid must translate into action. True gratitude is not merely spoken; it must be lived. The self-restraint and discipline we practised must extend beyond food and drink to all aspects of our lives.
We watched our Brothers and Sisters break their fast with a sip of precious water, while others remained in a state of perpetual fasting, without even a drop of water to break their fast. Even with their homes and places of worship reduced to rubble, they still hung lights, stood in prayer through the night. I ask, what is their source of strength? What we witnessed was the embodiment of a timeless supplication – the dua of our Father, Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him.
"Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)." (Holy Quran Surah Al-Imran 3:173)
Ibn 'Abbas, a prominent companion of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and scholar of Islam, said in a hadith, "When (Prophet) Ibrahim was thrown into the fire, he said: "Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and, He is the Best Disposer of affairs." So did the Final Messenger, Rasoolullah (saw) when he was told: "A great army... [has] gathered against him, so fear them". But this (warning) only increased him and the Muslims in Faith and they said: "Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)". [AlBukhari].
Our Brothers and Sisters invoked the prayer of the Prophets (peace be upon them) often with a smile, Hasbunallu Wa Nia' Mal Wakeel, "Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)."
This year, the lessons we have learned came at immense cost and sacrifice. Now, we must take them beyond the Masjid and translate them into transformative action. True be-
lief is not just spoken, it must be reflected in our deeds and way of life. This has always been the legacy of Muslims wherever we have gone. In a time overshadowed by darkness and despair, let us rise to our responsibility, upholding the rights of those around us, our Ummah, and by extension – the world. Be a beacon of light and hope for all people.
As we celebrate, let us not forget our brothers and sisters who continue to face hardship: those enduring illnesses, hunger, and despair. Let us reach out, find ways to support, uplift, and sustain them, filling their hearts with hope and reminding them that Allah (SWT) is Gracious, Merciful, and Abundant in His blessings.
Today does not mark the end of worship or a departure from the concerns of the Akhirah (afterlife). Rather, it is a call to sustain and build upon the spiritual growth we attained in Ramadan so that each year brings us closer to Allah (SWT), both as individuals and as a community.
Let us reaffirm the significance of prayer. The strength of our community and the quality of our lives will only improve as
more of us commit to the five daily prayers, the spiritual nourishment of the believers. Let us continue to fill the mosques as we did in Ramadan, setting aside all excuses and delays. This simple yet powerful act brings immense blessings and countless rewards. Allah (SWT) reminds us in the Holy Quran Surah 2 verse 110:
"Be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity. Whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah. For Allah sees well all that you do."
(Holy Quran Surah AlBaqara 02:110)
Let us strive to cultivate harmony within our families, communities, and nation. I encourage you to welcome our non-Muslim brothers and sisters to partake in our Eid celebrations, fostering unity and understanding. It is our responsibility to embody and promote the core Islamic values of coexistence, tolerance, and khidma, selfless service to others. Let us extend our love and protection to all of Allah's (SWT) creation.
Allah (SWT) reminds us in the Holy Quran:
"We have appointed a law and a practice for every
one of you. Had God willed, He would have made you a single community, but He wanted to test you regarding what has come to you. So compete with each other in doing good.
“Every one of you will return to God, and He will inform you regarding the things about which you differed."
(Surah Al-Ma'ida 5:48)
May Allah (SWT) bless and have mercy on us all. May Allah (SWT) shower His mercy upon our nation and the entire world. We humbly beseech Allah (SWT) to accept our good deeds and forgive our shortcomings. Ameen. May He grant us healing and peace. Ameen. I close with the unwavering pillar of reliance and absolute trust in Allah (SWT).
"Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)."
(Holy Quran Surah AlImran 3:173)
Eid Mubarak! Wa-AlaikumusSalaam WaRahmatullahiWaBarakaatuh.
Respectfully, Al-Hajj Shahabudcen Ahmad, CIOG President
MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2025
Page Foundation
1.Three hundred thousand and ninety-eight when written in standard notation is
(A) 300,098
(B) 3.00098 X 106 (C) 30.0098 X 106 (D) 300.098 X 106
Study the set of scores below then answer questions 2 to 4. 1, 4, 7, 3, 3
2. What is the mean of the data set?
(A) 3
(B) 3.6 (C) 2.6 (D) 7
3. Calculate the median of the same set of scores. (A) 3 (B) 3.5 (C) 4 (D) 4.5
4. If the highest and the lowest scores were removed from the data set, what would be the new mean?
(A) 3.3
(B) 4 (C) 6 (D) 2
5. The tally set shown below represents (A) 13 (B) 3 (C) 15 (D) 12
6. Eight hundred and fifty-four rounded off to the nearest ten is (A) 860 (B) 850 (C) 855 (D) 800
7. $700 is Mya’s weekly allowance. If she spent half of it on candy, what is she left with?
(A) $400
(B) $100 (C) $250 (D) $350
8. (a) (i) Evaluate 3 ½ - 2 ¼
(ii) Write your answer to part a as a decimal to 1 decimal place
(b) Evaluate √(3^2-4)/2
By Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Do you ask what the birds say? The Sparrow, the Dove, The Linnet and Thrush say, “I love and I love!” In the winter they’re silent— the wind is so strong; What it says, I don’t know, but it sings a loud song. But green leaves, and blossoms, sunny warm weather, And singing, and loving—all come back together. But the Lark is so brimful of gladness and love, The green fields below him, the blue sky above, That he sings, and he sings; and for ever sings he— “I love my Love, and my Love loves me!”
WORD SEARCH:
Evidence emerges of secret meetings between US–sanctioned Mohameds, AFC
Reports have surfaced of secret meetings between members of United States (US)-sanctioned Team Mohamed and the Alliance For Change (AFC) with former party activists in the Essequibo Coast and Berbice leading the efforts.
Guyanese businessmen, Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed, along with their businesses, were sanctioned by the US back in June 2024 over gold smuggling and public corruption allegations.
Just last week, Azruddin Mohamed held an outreach in Belvedere Village, Corentyne in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), where controversial former AFC member, Dr
Veerasammy Ramayya, was seen engaging residents alongside the businessman. There are also reports of a People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-aligned Mayor in Region Six also at the engagement.
These developments have sparked political debate, raising questions about the Opposition’s electoral strategy ahead of the
2025 General and Regional Elections that are slated for later this year.
While the sanctioned businessman has not explicitly declared his intention to run at the upcoming polls, telling supporters during a recent visit to the Essequibo Coast that they will be informed on the way forward, his father, Nazar Mohamed has said he will support him
AFC to demand 40-60 split to partner with APNU in upcoming elections
– party insists
Nigel Hughes will be AFC’s presidential candidate
The Alliance For Change (AFC)
National Executive Committee (NEC), having met on Sunday, has come up with a list of conditions under which they will partner with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), one of those being an insistence that any Government positions won in the upcoming election be split 40-60 with APNU.
According to a statement following the meeting, it was explained that the lead negotiator for AFC is Alston Stewart, who acted as the AFC’s negotiator during the Cummingsburg Accord of 2015. The other two negotiators are AFC co-founders Khemraj Ramjattan and Raphael Trotman.
“The meeting was held to specifically address, the status of discussions between the APNU and the AFC on the formation of a coalition to contest the 2025 General and Regional Elections. Lead negotiator for the AFC Alston Stewart provided the meeting with a comprehensive report on the work done by both teams and exactly where talks currently stand.”
The party noted that following over four hours of discussions, the Party passed a resolution that it would accept a 60-40 split at all levels of Government with APNU, should they pull off a victory at the upcoming 2025 General and Regional elections. This would mean that APNU would hold 60 per cent of the positions, with AFC holding the remainder.
Additionally, it was determined that whichever party fields the Presidential Candidate, would not be permitted to influence or occupy the position of Leader of the List. At present, even though the Opposition Leader is
People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R) leader Aubrey Norton, former President David Granger remains the head of the list.
“In keeping with the earlier unanimous decision of the NEC in January of this year, Party Leader Nigel Hughes shall be the Party’s Presidential Candidate. The meeting acknowledged the tremendous work done by the negotiating team and expressed its appreciation. The meeting further mandated the team to relay its resolution to the team from the APNU,” AFC further said.
The statement follows days of turmoil, including speculation that secret meetings were being held between members of Team Mohamed and the AFC with former AFC activists in the Essequibo Coast and Berbice leading the efforts.
Sources had suggested that the AFC, facing challenges in certain communities due to its past performance is seeking new alliances for its campaign and is engaging in secret meetings. Claims have also emerged that the AFC, in collaboration with APNU, has allegedly promised to lobby the United States (US) Government to lift sanctions against Team Mohamed
if he decides to join
Azruddin Mohamed has been conducting a series of meetings, especially in regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam) and Six, which are primarily strongholds of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
should they win the 2025 elections.
It had been reported just Saturday that with just a day left before their March 31 deadline to reach an agreement on partnering, the AFC and APNU were deadlocked over the leadership of a potential united presidential ticket for Guyana’s upcoming General Elections in November this year.
On Friday, AFC leader Nigel Hughes had revealed that the two sides have yet to reach a consensus on the presidential candidate, suggesting businessman Terrence Campbell as a possible nominee. According to Hughes, he has already indicated that he would step aside in favour of a third-party candidate who could unite the opposition.
Meanwhile, speaking at the PNCR weekly press conference, APNU Chairman and Leader of the Opposition, Norton, had indicated that his side does not see the party coming to a consensus by March 31.
In January the two sides had set March 31 as the deadline for negotiations on a partnership, after Hughes described those negotiations as being on life support. Norton had noted that there is a possibility the talks will have to go beyond that date.
Sources suggest that the AFC, facing challenges in certain communities due to its past performance, is seeking new alliances for its campaign, and is engaging in secret meetings.
In fact, AFC Leader, Nigel Hughes, an Attorneyat-Law, confirmed earlier this month that he met with Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed of ‘Team Mohamed’ on March 12, 2025.
The meeting was said to be about “legal issues” and took place at the law office of Hughes – Hughes Fields and Stoby in Georgetown.
While a statement from the party indicated that “the consultations were of a legal professional nature,” General Secretary of the AFC, Raphael Trotman, had also attended the meeting.
Moreover, claims have also emerged that the AFC, in collaboration with the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), are using the younger Mohamed, due to his popularity, to target traditional PPP/C supporters.
Several public engagements held just last week in Berbice, have resulted in confrontations between Azruddin Mohamed and PPP/C supporters, who have rejected him.
Sources have further claimed that the Opposition parties have allegedly promised to lobby the US Government to lift sanctions against Team Mohamed, should they win the 2025 elections.
Flip flopping
Additionally, several APNU sympathisers and public figures, who previously accused the PPP/C of shielding the Mohameds from allegations of criminal activity, have changed their stance.
Reports indicate that some individuals are now managing the official Team Mohamed Facebook page, and have created multiple profiles to post supportive content.
One Facebook page, which has been sharing positive content about the sanctioned businessman, has even posted a photo with Azruddin Mohamed and AFC’s Member of Parliament, Sherod Duncan, as potential electoral candidates.
The Mohameds were strong supporters of the ruling party but the relationship soured after the
PPP/C Administration cut ties with the businessmen over the sanctions, to avoid implications on the Government, the country and the Guyanese people.
US sanctions
Last June, the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed, along with their businesses, Mohamed’s Enterprise, its subsidiary – Hadi’s World, and Team Mohamed’s Racing Team, over gold smuggling and public corruption allegations.
According to OFAC, Mohamed’s Enterprise smuggled some 10,000 kilogrammes (kg) of gold out of Guyana between 20192023, thus avoiding paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes. The US also accused the Mohameds of public corruption and issued sanctions against former Permanent Secretary, Mae Thomas.
Following the sanctions, the Guyana Government wrote to the US authorities requesting the necessary information and evidence to assist local investigations. After some nine months, that evidence was recently handed over and local law enforcements are likely to soon take action against the Mohameds.
Former AFC official Dr Veerasammy Ramayya at a public meeting held by US-sanctioned businessman
Azruddin Mohamed in Berbice
AFC Leader Nigel Hughes
APNU and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton
the race.
“I don’t want to hear no sorry” – mother of boy killed by stray bullet demands justice
Seated outside her home in Charlestown, Georgetown, Keisha Gustave looked shattered— her face swollen from tears, her body weighed down by unimaginable grief. Her only son, seven-year-old Jeremiah Gustave, succumbed to his injuries on Saturday evening after an eight-month battle for survival following a gunshot wound to the head.
Jeremiah’s tragic ordeal began on July 9, 2024, when a stray bullet struck him while he sat at his mother’s food stall on Charles Street. The bullet, the result of a crossfire between two individuals, changed the course of the young Smith’s Memorial Primary School student’s life forever.
In the months that followed, Jeremiah endured multiple surgeries, including the installation of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt to drain excess fluid from his brain. His progress was painfully slow—he was unable to speak, and his movements were minimal. Then, in early January 2025, complications with the shunt forced an emergency surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).
Hope
“To be honest, I had the faith that Jerry would come through this, and he’ll be back to how he was. I never think anything negative about this. I always pray for the best for him. But right now, I asking God to give me the strength to get through this here. If I don’t, I think I might run mad,” she said, tears streaming down her face.
For months, she remained by her son’s side, taking care of him, watching for any signs of improvement. There were moments when she thought he was getting better—small movements of his toes and head gave her hope. But those moments never lasted.
Jeremiah’s final days were filled with ups and downs.
A week before Phagwah, his mother said she noticed that his hands and stomach were swelling. Concerned, she rushed him to GPHC where doctors discovered that liquid was oozing from the area where he was being fed. He was treated and sent home.
“I was feeding him and taking care of him as usual, but I didn’t know…” she whispered, struggling to comprehend what had happened.
Then, on the night of Saturday, March 29, Jeremiah took his final breath.
Heartbreak
Keisha told this publication she had no clue that she would lose her son that night. Just a few days before,
she had celebrated her birthday, though there was no real celebration—she spent the day taking care of Jeremiah as usual. Seeing her devotion, she said her husband, Jeremiah’s father, insisted that she take a break and go out for a short while. He planned a night out for her on Saturday and arranged for her mother to watch over their son.
She said she left the house to get her makeup done. While at the salon, she received a call from the child’s father telling her to “come now, Jerry is not breathing”. She said she dropped everything and ran. When she arrived at the hospital, doctors had pronounced Jeremiah dead.
“Friday night I went to church, and before I left during the day I telling he ‘I love you and I will look after you and try to do everything for you and buy anything for you’. I didn’t have the slightest clue that I would lose my son”, she said.
A cry for justice
As Keisha mourns, she said she is also battling with her frustration at the justice system.
Just a week before Jeremiah’s death, the trial finally began for the accused shooter, Odel Garnette, also known as “Crab”. Garnette had been remanded since October 2024. However, to the family’s dismay, charges against a second suspect, Marlon Wilburg, were withdrawn, leading to his release. The decision has left the Gustave family enraged.
“I would put my knees down and cry on them. The other guy who got set free cannot go down like that. They said they don’t have evidence against him, and that is why he was freed, but it was a crossfire,” Keisha said, her voice thick with anger and grief.
“I don’t care what they say that they don’t have any evidence. Yes, we understand that he was alive at the said time, but now he passed away, and now you gon come fuh tell me that they still don’t have any evidence against him? And you won’t charge him for anything? Y'all withdrew this matter when my son was alive, now my son passed away, y'all gon still come and tell me y’all ain’t got no evidence? I ain't want to hear nobody come and tell me no sorry.”
Keisha told this publication that she refuses to accept that her son’s life will be reduced to just another statistic.
“I don’t want anybody to come and tell me sorry. Sorry cannot bring back my son. They all have to face the squeeze. I don’t want no money, let them keep their money. They have to do something. All I want is justice for Jeremiah.”
Now, in his death, the dead child’s mother said she is even more determined to fight.
She recalled how difficult it was to get assistance for her son while he was alive. She pleaded for help, but many of her efforts were unsuccessful. But she said she will not stop. Not now. Not ever.
“This cannot be another case where they just let it pass,” she said. “Something has to be done.”
Keisha is now calling for justice, not just for her son but for all innocent victims of gun violence. As she prepares to lay her son to rest, Keisha Gustave is left with only one demand: justice.
Respect…
…not given
Today’s the deadline for the Opposition parties PNC and AFC to decide on a “consensus” candidate to take on the PPP at the elections due latest by November this year. Now the fact that they’ve already conceded there’s a need for such an arrangement – as was the case in 2015 when they won the elections after spending twenty-three years in the political wilderness –would make you think they’d see the big picture, innit? Which is – to state the obvious – give them the best chances of winning power – which politics is all about -- by taking over the Government from the PPP and – as they claim – do better!!
But here we are and the two of them are as far apart as they ever were. So, once again your Eyewitness asks, “What’s REALLY going on here?” Whenever folks are doing something that makes no sense to you, it means you gotta figure out what makes sense to THEM to behave the way they do. Well, on this, you gotta give the leader of the PNC credit for being quite up front as to why he feels he’s the best person to lead any Opposition coalition. He’s using the same logic that underlies the entire democratic process: he who has the largest number of followers has first dibs on taking leadership in coalitions!
Back in 1964 – after the first elections under PR –this was the reason why Dr Jagan – and most observers – insist he was OUSTED from office. His PPP had received the largest number of votes among the three parties contesting the elections – PPP, PNC and UF. Yet the British offered the choice of forming the government to the PNC – which they promptly did with the UF. That the UF might’ve refused a coalition with the PPP is irrelevant – in a democratic system the largest party gets first dibs on forming the govt!!
In Guyana, without having the courage to say it explicitly, the AFC believes that a combined Opposition under Norton can’t defeat the PPP. And why?...since one can assume he’ll at least get the support of PNC supporters?? The brutal truth is that – going all the way back to the 1950s – some politicians fission the Opposition votes into two blocs – African and Coloured Guyanese, and insist that Norton, who’s African to the bone, ain’t suave enough – phenotypically or sociologically – to bring along the Coloured elements!!
But the fact that the two Coloured candidates are touting themselves as suitable to replace Norton reveals how they see African Guyanese. THEY as Coloureds can get African Guyanese votes – but Norton as African can’t get Coloured votes!! This exposes the backwardness that still permeates Guyanese politics.
And we still haven’t discussed where in that scheme of things are the other Guyanese groups!!
to the PNC
The new Oscar-nominated movie on Bob Dylan which your Eyewitness just viewed – “A Complete Unknown” –- reminds us of his classic ballad “Blowin’ in the Wind” This, to your Eyewitness, exemplifies Norton’s predicament, which ain’t one of his making. Dylan asks in his plaintive voice, “How many roads must a man walk down/ Before you call him a man?” And Norton gotta be asking what else must he do to be seen as capable of leading Guyana.
He’s been in politics since he was a boy – in the PNC youth group, the YSM. He then qualified himself to serve quite credibly in the Foreign Service Ministry – which was one way to earn entry into the Coloured elite. But he refused to affect their faux Oxbridge intonations, and led PNC street protests. So while he gave the party street cred to take on the PPP in office, it solidified the Coloured contempt for the “African rabble”!!
And Norton’s swingin’ in the wind!!
…American standards
We’re told Heroes Highways complied with “the rigid pavement design of the standards of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials handbook”. And the China Railway First Group Company built a $1 Billion portion.
A US-China “concussion” collaboration?
Dead: Jeremiah Gustave Mother and son in happier times
IDB financed 1st phase of TimehriCraig Highway only – Pres Ali
– slams “nonsensical, wrong-minded” Opposition for jumping on a non-issue
In the wake of comments from United States (US)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio – comments which the parliamentary opposition has latched on to – President Dr Irfaan has explained that the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded TimehriCraig Highway only in its first phase.
The President made these comments during a meeting on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) over the weekend. During his visit to Guyana last week, Rubio was full of praise for Guyana’s development trajectory and the governance being exhibited by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
However, the parliamentary opposition – particularly the Alliance For Change (AFC) – chose to sidestep every single one of these issues and latch on to the brief, critical remarks made by Rubio while in Suriname, on the state of the Timehri-Craig East Bank Demerara (EBD) road.
Ali swiftly dismissed the opposition’s opportunism.
“These people are so unpatriotic. Secretary Rubio came and made some of the most important statements about Guyana. About our security, our development, our transformation, our future, our democracy. None of that registered in their head,” President Ali pointed out.
“I want to correct the wickedness they’re publishing. Timehri-Craig is the road under construction financed by the IDB, Not the Chinese. A Chinese firm won the bid advertised by the IDB, after the no-objection by the IDB. And the road, as all of us know, is not completed. It is under construction. That is the road being built by the Chinese, from Timehri-Craig.”
The President noted that the Government took a conscious decision to build these roads in phases that would minimise disruption of traffic, rather than close the entire road to complete all the phases.
“How much times must we explain the same thing? That the first phase is to put in the concrete highways, so we can get the traffic moving? And then the third phase of that road is the overlay of the asphalt. They don’t hear it. Because they have an agenda.”
According to the President, the opposition could have chosen to correct the Secretary of State’s misconceptions about the road. Instead, they went the route of viewing what Rubio said as a “victory” for them.
“Instead of them correcting the Secretary of State, they think that’s a big victory for them. What nonsensical, wrong minded people are these? We are building highways that they said could never be built! And we have to do it in three years! Imagine if we did not have the Schoonord Highway or
Artist’s impression of what the Good Success-to-Timehri road will look like
the Heroes’ Highway?”
“Then we’d have to close the whole highway for the overpass of the bridge. What would happen? But that is the visionless. Their brains have suffered from the concussion of dictatorship. From the concussion of their crimes of the past,” President Ali further added.
The first phase of the new East Bank Demerara (EBD) four-lane highway was the $2.6 billion Mandela Avenue to Eccles Road, which was
commissioned by the PPP/C Government back in April of 2022.
The second phase of the road was extended from the Eccles Dumpsite Road all the way to Diamond to the tune of $13.3 billion. The goal is to connect this new highway all the way to Timehri. The Good Success to Timehri leg of the highway is being done by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
Works are also ongoing to connect the EBD to the East
Coast of Demerara (ECD) with a bypass road running from Ogle to Eccles. It was announced in January 2022 that Ashoka Buildcon Limited won the contract to construct the Ogle to Eccles Road, ahead of two other Indian companies. Ashoka has built a number of bridges and roads. RITES Limited, also out of India, secured the US$3.2 million contract for the provision of supervisory services for this bypass project.
Guyana joins IDB initiative to improve connectivity, integration in South America
...as Finance Minister highlights road to Brazil, Corentyne bridge projects
Guyana has signed on to a new Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) programme to foster integration within South America, as part of efforts to build a more connected and prosperous continent.
The signing was done during the IDB and IDB Invest Annual Meetings held at the Mapocho Station Cultural Centre in Santiago, Chile from March 26 to 30. Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, attended the meeting.
On Friday, Dr Singh, along with other high-ranking representatives from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Uruguay, joined IDB President, Ilan Goldfajn, to ink a declaration of support for the “South Connection” programme, in which they recognised the cross-border nature of shared challenges and requested the IDB’s support to address them jointly through a pragmatic, regional approach.
tiative seeks to increase scale, reduce costs, and attract investment.
During brief remarks, Minister Singh welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the long-standing recognition of the need for greater integration within South America.
ment from the IDB on Sunday.
The new IDB programme will expand the Integration Routes alliance, born under the Brasilia Agreement that was signed by countries in May 2023 and supported by the IDB, FONPLATA, Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social
Development (BNDES), and CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.
The 2025 Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the IDB and IDB-Invest includes discussions by economic and financial leaders from the
Bank’s 48 member countries and the private sector, about key development challenges and opportunities in the Latin America and Caribbean region.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Dr Singh met with the IDB President.
The IDB said “South Connection” is a new regional programme co-created by South American countries for developing strategic corridors to improve connectivity, strengthen value chains, and modernise institutional frameworks. By connecting currently fragmented markets, the ini-
According to a post on his Facebook page, the Finance Minister said he also discussed the untapped potential of increased connectivity within South America, particularly for countries in the northeastern region like Guyana, which have been hindered by small domestic markets and poor connectivity with neighbouring countries.
In this regard, Dr Singh took the opportunity to highlight that Guyana has already commenced work on the road link with Brazil. This massive
transformational project includes the paving of the road from Linden to Lethem, which upon completion, will serve as a conduit for travel between the two South American nations. This road is intended to improve access to more rural parts of Guyana, facilitate trade, and potentially link with Brazil’s road network.
He also highlighted ongoing collaboration with Suriname on the bridging of the Corentyne River, which will also have transformative impact on connectivity and trade with Guyana’s neighbour to the east.
“South Connection” is based on three pillars: Connectivity, improving roads, ports, waterways, electrical and digital networks; Regional and global value chains, facilitating trade, developing local production, and improving market integration; and Regulatory and institutional strengthening, supporting trade agreements, regulatory frameworks, and institutions at all levels.
“South Connection responds to the mandate of our governors and the shared commitment to build a larger, more integrated regional market that is attractive for investment. Through better connectivity, stronger value chains, and modernised institutional frameworks, the programme will help South American countries overcome historical barriers and generate new opportunities," said President Goldfajn, according to a state-
Guyana joined other South American nations to sign IDB’s “South Connection” initiative to enhance regional integration
Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh at the IDB Annual Meeting in Chile last week
Frontera-CGX Energy JV prospecting licence expires
Govt, CGX remain on good terms – Natural Resources Minister
Minister of National Resources Vickram Bharrat says that Frontera-CGX Energy JV's prospecting licence has not been cancelled but rather expired.
Addressing the issue with this publication on Wednesday the National Resources Minister pointed out that the laws in Guyana allow the Government to issue 10-year exploration contracts, and if in the event there is a discovery and the company indicates to the Government that there is a discovery of commercial interests, then the Government is obligated in a way, to extend the time for additional appraisal work, to determine or to quantify the amount of hydrocarbon that is there, and to determine whether it can actually lead to production.
"So, what has happened to the CGX contract is that they would have exhausted their ten years of exploration; they were given additional time because they made a discovery for appraisal... it is clearly that, after this [time] expired, you must indicate to the Government whether you are in a position to move towards production, otherwise the block is returned to the state; and that is exactly
what happened," Bharrat explained.
He said CGX was given a licence for ten years, as well as the additional time given for further appraisal work to determine whether they could produce oil in that block at that point in time.
"So that was the situation with CGX. We however, in Government, we want to thank the company for the interest in Guyana, because CGX has been a company that has been with Guyana for a while. They have invested a lot in Guyana, which we have recognised through our numerous engagements with them, through our numer-
ous efforts to help them with their work programme, and assisted them in areas that they were failing, and guided them through the process; so we have been there as a partner to CGX during that," he noted.
The Minister also noted that the Government has conveyed to CGX that they will always have a partner with the Government of Guyana.
"I don’t want to say that there is any bad blood or there is any level of animosity from the Government of Guyana’s perspective with CGX or any other oil company," the Minister declared.
Asked about the next step forward, Minister Bharrat said that now the exploration block is back with the state, there are two ways forward in which a new oil block can be awarded under the new Petroleum Act.
"One is through an open new bid round, like we had two years with 14 blocks available for bidding, or the second way is by direct negotiation between Government and Government or Government and company," he stated.
However, Minister Bharrat pointed out that on both methods, the Government has a production sharing agreement (PSA).
"We had made a promise when we campaigned, that we are going to ensure that any new PSA signed in the future will have better fiscal benefits for Guyanese, and any new arrangement that you make now whether by bid round or whether by direct negotiations, the companies will have to accept the terms and agreements," he affirmed.
He added that as it stands, no formal decision has been taken by the Government as to what method would be used for future exploration of the Corentyne Block.
CGX Energy Inc, a Canadian-based oil and gas company, in 2021/2022 said
it had successfully drilled the Kawa-1 well in the eastern channel sand complex of the northern segment of the Corentyne block. In 2023, the joint venture partners had successfully drilled the Wei-1 well, the second well in the Corentyne Block, as part of their appraisal programme for the Kawa-1 discovery, which ended on June 28, 2024. That drilling exercise had fulfilled the operators’ obligation under Phase Two of the Second Renewal Period of the original 10-year licence. However, the company had since not progressed towards fully developing the potential of the block.
Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat
Moruca water supply boosted with new well systems
As a $15 million water supply system was commissioned in the community of Cabora, located in Moruca Region One on Saturday, three new well systems are also planned at Manawarin in Moruca with one site currently being drilled.
The Cabora water supply system was commissioned on March 29 by the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, alongside Regional Vice-Chairman Annansha Peters, Director
of Hinterland Services at Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Ramchand Jailal, other officials, and residents. The system now provides residents with easy access to water.
During the commissioning, Minister Croal stated that the project is another significant milestone in the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every Guyanese, regardless of geographical location, has access to clean and reliable water.
He further noted that the
Guyana joins IDB...
During those discussions, the Finance Minister acknowledged that the IDB Group has been and continues to be an invaluable and reliable development partner for Guyana, and the Caribbean Region more broadly, through both good and challenging times. He also noted that Guyana considers the IDB an important development partner well into the future.
Minister Singh also took the opportunity on behalf of Guyana and the Caribbean, to acknowledge the work of the Board and management, on the implementation of the new Institutional Strategy approved at the last annual meetings.
Joining the Guyanese official at the meeting were the Executive Director in the Caribbean Office of the IDB, Navita Ramroop, and Senior Economic and Financial Analyst at the Ministry of Finance, Ronette Hetsberger.
President Goldfajn was joined by the Bank’s Vice President for Countries and Regional Integration, Anabel González; Vice President for Sectors and Knowledge, Ana María Ibáñez Londoño; General Manager for the Caribbean Country Department, Anton Edmunds; and Advisor to the President, Amanda Glassman.
FROM PAGE 13
Meanwhile, during the five-day IDB annual meeting, Minister Singh participated in a high-level roundtable discussion on ‘Amazonia Forever’ – an umbrella programme to boost coordination for the Amazon Region.
He underscored that the Amazonia Forever initiative aligns with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), offering a platform for sharing experiences and preparing for COP27.
Further, Dr Singh emphasised Guyana’s strong commitment to preserving its Amazonian rainforest, which covers 85 per cent of its land, making it one of the most heavily forested countries with the lowest deforestation rate in the world.
The Finance Minister also highlighted that Guyana views its forest as both a natural treasure and an economic asset, providing global climate services and housing significant biodiversity, noting that Guyana is participating in playing a leading role in the launching of a global biodiversity alliance.
On behalf of Guyana, and the region more broadly, Dr Singh lauded IDB for launching and continuing this initiative, and reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to Amazonia Forever.
new water supply system in Cabora will not only improve the quality of life for residents but also help foster a healthier, more sustainable community.
Cabora has a population of some 400 residents, and is divided into three sections: Upper, Central, and Lower Cabora.
Prior to this project, the community relied on a well in Lower Cabora, and a distribution network in Central Cabora connected to the Santa Rosa Water Supply System.
The new system now operational in Lower Cabora,
is positioned next to the Huradiah, Koko, and Cabora junction.
Like the Cabora water supply system, the Manawarin well systems are intended to improve water access in Moruca, for the Manawarin community.
According to Minister
Croal, during his visit to the Manawarin drill site on Sunday, March 30, while this initial well is being drilled in Central Manawarin to serve the local school, health centre and Government facilities, the village’s unique geography makes it impractical to extend pipelines to all ar-
eas from the one well.
With multiple islands a part of the geography, independent water supply systems are necessary. As such, Government is investing $70 million, for a total of three wells in the area, to address this challenge.
“We are working as quickly as possible with the contractor, to ensure that we are able to complete the work, because there is a lot more work to be completed, in keeping with our commitment to 100 per cent access to potable water in the hinterland this year,” Minister Croal noted.
Residents currently rely on creeks for water, which usually dry up during prolonged dry seasons, forcing them to fetch water from distant sources.
Samuel Miguel, Toshao of Manawarin, expressed gratitude for the project, and said that with community development advancing, he is very satisfied with the Government’s efforts, and welcomes its expansion to other areas of the community.
He noted that some 30 households, including his own, will benefit from the new water supply system. According to the Ministry of Housing and Water, approximately six wells are in progress across the Moruca sub-district, with more contracts expected to be awarded soon.
Welder, contractor remanded on separate firearm, robbery charges
Two men appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court last week, each facing charges related to firearms and robbery. Both were remanded to prison as they await their next court appearances.
In the first case, Shakeel Cox, a 23-year-old welder of 158 Non-Pariel Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, was remanded to prison after being charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and matching ammunition.
The prosecution informed the court that on March 22, 2025, Cox was searched in North East La Penitence, where law enforcement officers allegedly found a 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol and live rounds inside a strap bag he was wearing across his chest. Cox, who pleaded not guilty to both charges, maintained that he was not in possession of any firearm.
His attorney, Domnick Bess, argued that Cox was sitting in a motorcar outside a bar at the time of the search. He claimed that police initially found nothing on Cox but later conducted a search beneath the vehicle,
where they allegedly discovered the firearm and ammunition. Bess maintained that the weapon did not belong to his client and that Cox was being wrongfully accused.
Despite the defence claims, Cox was denied bail and remanded to prison until his next court hearing.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, William Goodasaul, a 22-year-old contractor from Lot 493 ‘C’ Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was also remanded to prison after being charged with robbery under arms.
Goodasaul allegedly used a firearm to rob two indi-
viduals in separate incidents on March 13, 2025, at Lot 12 BPP Lamaha Park, Georgetown.
According to the prosecution, Goodasaul stole a 12-gauge shotgun valued at $250,000 and four 12-gauge cartridges worth $100,000— all property of Sheriff Security Service.
In a second incident on the same day, he is accused of robbing Yang Jian of $800,000 in cash and US$195, the total value amounting to $839,000.
The prosecution objected to bail, arguing that Goodasaul was no stranger
to the law and was likely to reoffend if released.
Given the serious nature of the charges, the Magistrate ruled in favour of the prosecution and ordered Goodasaul remanded to prison until his next court appearance.
Both men will return to court on April 28, 2025, when their cases will be further addressed.
More than a month ago, Goodasaul, was remanded to prison but was released recently, after being charged with larceny at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
He allegedly snatched a gold chain worth $250,000 from Kellyann Kyte on February 4. Even though he pleaded not guilty, he settled the matter by paying back the amount to Kyte.
The prosecution had objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the crime and his past criminal record.
Goodasaul has a history of similar offences, including a 2023 charge for stealing a policeman’s gold chain and a past conviction that led to a six-month prison sentence. His previous offences involved violent thefts with accomplices.
Drilling ongoing for one of the new Manawarin wells
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal samples water from the new Cabora Water Supply System
William Goodasaul Shakeel Cox
MODEC allocates over $2M in funding to support STEMGuyana Learning Pods initiative
In a significant step toward strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for young learners in Guyana, MODEC has partnered with STEMGuyana to support its Learning Pods initiative, a programme that provides after-school education in Mathematics, Science, English, and Technology at 30 learning centres across the country.
As part of its commitment to community development and youth empowerment, MODEC has pledged Two million, seven hundred and eighty-eight thousand and forty-one Guyana dollars (GYD$2,788,041) towards the cost of the programme for 2025.
The Learning Pods initiative, founded and managed by STEMGuyana, aims to provide structured and en-
gaging after-school support to students in underserved communities. With this sponsorship, the programme will continue to support students from two learning pods, following the conclusion of a three-year agreement sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
MODEC’s commitment will make it possible for students at the Paramakatoi Learning Pod in Region Eight and the Women of Substance Learning Pod in Region Two, to continue to access high-quality learning resources, mentorship, and hands-on experience in STEM fields.
MODEC, a global leader in offshore oil and gas solutions, sees early Education as a critical pillar for national development. Speaking on behalf of MODEC, Rafael Fumis, Country Manager,
highlighted:
“STEMGuyana has embraced the noble mission of disseminating STEM education across Guyana, instigating the interest and development of children, and addressing the future needs for qualified professionals not only in the oil and gas industry but also in infrastructure development. This initiative unlocks a world of possibilities for the youth. MODEC is honoured to be part of this journey.”
This collaboration underscores the power of private sector investment in education and the importance of fostering local talent in STEM fields. As Guyana continues to develop its STEM ecosystem, partnerships like these will play a vital role in preparing the next generation for the future.
Karen Abrams, Director
of STEMGuyana, expressed her gratitude for the partnership, emphasising its impact on education in Guyana; "This generous support from MODEC will allow us to continue providing critical services to learners in our Learning Pods programme, ensuring that students continue to have ac-
cess to educational resources that can change their futures. Education is the key to unlocking the potential of Guyana’s youth, and investments like these make a lasting difference. We are excited about the impact this partnership will have on young minds across the country."
Thanks to MODEC’s
support, sponsorship 7 out of 30 Learning Pods has now been secured for 2025.
STEMGuyana invites other corporate partners to join this movement by adopting one of the remaining 23 pods, helping us to provide access to quality education and empower even more children nationwide.
Body found on dam in Black Bush Polder
The body of a man was on Sunday discovered on an access dam in Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Region Six, (East Berbice Corentyne).
The man has since been identified as 24-yearold Tameshwar Mangru called “Brian”, a labourer of Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder.
Regional Police Commander Assistant Commissioner Shivpersaud Bacchus confirmed the discovery but gave no details apart from saying that his head was smashed and an investigation is ongoing.
The labourer’s father, Bishwasdeo Mangru, told this publication that his
son went home for lunch on Saturday midday, and after having lunch he left for work.
“He did not come home back Saturday, and early this morning [Sunday] some people come and tell me that my son get accident, let me come.”
Mangru said he was taken to the Ramoo Funeral parlour, to identify the body.
“The police told me that they couldn't recognise the body and let me see if is my son... His brains come out and leave on the road.”
Mangru said he had no idea what transpired.
“I hear that he get a stab on his neck so I call the Commander, and the
Commander said that they still investigating,”, he added. Tameshwar worked as a labourer for a local contractor.
Automated speed ticketing system to launch April 7
– President says objective of system not to punish drivers but prevent unnecessary loss of life
In an effort to improve road safety and reduce the alarming number of fatalities caused by speeding, the Government of Guyana will introduce an automated speed ticketing system on Monday, April 7, 2025. The initiative, part of the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS) Project, has been developed in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA).
The new system will employ advanced speed cameras and radar speed signs,
all connected to a cloudbased infrastructure, to monitor and enforce speed limits across the country.
Once a vehicle exceeds the designated speed limit, the system will automatically detect the violation, generate a ticket, and issue it to the driver. The cameras and radar systems have been calibrated and approved by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), to ensure accurate and fair enforcement.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, in a statement on the initiative, stressed that the objective of the system is
not to punish drivers but to prevent unnecessary loss of life. He emphasised that excessive speeding remains a leading cause of road deaths in Guyana, and that the Government is committed to leveraging technology to curb reckless driving.
Once a ticket is generated, it will be sent directly to the driver through SMS or email, provided their contact details are registered with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). Those without registered contact information will have a physical ticket delivered to their address. Authorities have made it clear that ev-
ery violation must either be paid on time or contested in court, and failure to do so will require the offender to appear before a Magistrate, where additional penalties may be imposed.
To ensure ease of payment, the Government has partnered with Mobile Money Guyana (MMG), allowing fines to be settled through MMG agents nationwide or via the MMG app. GRA is also preparing to launch a new mobile application called “Padna”, which will provide an additional platform for payments.
Apart from the speed-
ing ticket system, a nationwide public awareness campaign will be launched to educate drivers on the importance of adhering to speed limits and the consequences of reckless driving. The Government is also working on expanding road infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles on the road while ensuring safer travel conditions.
With the system set to take effect in just a few days, authorities are urging all motorists to be mindful of speed limits and drive responsibly.
(Middle L-R) Yolander Sammy, Legal & Compliance Manager, MODEC Guyana and Rafael Fumis, Country Manager, MODEC Guyana, receive STEM-branded tokens from Alisha Koulen, Operations Manager, STEMGuyana and Elsie Harry, Board Member and Fundraising Coordinator, STEMGuyana
Deceased: Tameshwar Mangru, called "Brian"
D. Tariq Jagnarine Fam meD, enDocrinology/ DiabeTes
Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne bacterial infection. TB prevention measures involve stopping the bacteria from spreading and treating asymptomatic infection before it progresses to active disease. Active TB disease without proper treatment can be life-threatening. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and persistent cough. Sometimes, people can carry TB bacterium with no symptoms. This is known as latent TB or TB infection.
People with latent TB are at risk of developing TB disease. This may not happen for months or even years until something interferes with their immune
HEALTH TIPS
Preventing Tuberculosis
system function and allows the bacteria in their lungs to multiply.
The infectious agent responsible is the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M tuberculosis). A person with active TB disease can spread it with any action that causes the bacteria in their lungs and throat to become airborne. Examples include coughing, sneezing, singing, speaking, yelling, laughing, and playing a wind instrument
When another person inhales the bacteria, it enters their lung tissue, where it can cause active disease or remain latent. A person with latent TB cannot
spread the bacteria to others.
M tuberculosis usually transmits from the lungs and throat. This means people cannot spread the bacteria from other locations such as their spine or kidneys. Since TB usually spreads through inhalation of M tuberculosis, a person cannot become infected through contact such as: handshakes, shared dishes, toilet seats or faucets.
TB infection is a reportable disease by law. Anyone with reason to believe a person has TB must report it to their local health officer or department.
PREVENT
GETTING OR SPREADING TB
It is possible to control the spread of TB with some preventive measures.
Early diagnosis
TB testing can identify latent TB so a person can get prompt treatment. This may prevent their condition from progressing to active disease, during which the TB bacteria can spread to others.
Treatment for latent TB is usually a daily dose of an antibiotic for 6–9 months.
Workplace prevention and control
Some jobs, such as health care, increase a staff mem-
conditions, UV radiation may prevent the spread of M tuberculosis It does this by changing the bacteria’s genetic material so it cannot repro-
ber’s chances of TB exposure. Employers in these settings can maintain a TB prevention programme and support the timely identification of people who carry the TB bacteria.
Physical distancing
A person with active TB disease should stay away from others while there is a chance of M tuberculosis transmission. Transmission can occur when a person has active symptoms such as coughing and flu-like symptoms.
Household contacts are at high risk of TB infection, and doctors may recommend they receive preventive treatment. Screening may also be necessary. A doctor can monitor the effects of treatment to determine when the chance of bacteria spread has passed.
Air quality measures
A person with TB disease can reduce the number of bacteria in the air by: wearing a mask, ventilating rooms by opening windows, covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing or using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
UV light
An article from 2019 discusses how under controlled
duce. However, UV light can damage the skin and eyes. Installing the lamps out of sight in heating, ventilation,
air cleaners that tests found to emit less than 0.05 parts per million of ozone.
RISK GROUPS
Anyone with exposure to TB bacteria can develop TB disease, but certain people are more likely to get sick sooner. They include:
Children under 5 years old
Older adults
People who have had TB infection in the last two years
Those who use injectable illegal drugs
People who have received incomplete TB treatment in the past
Those with low body weight
People receiving immunosuppressant therapy
Low-income or medically-underserved populations
Those who have had intestinal bypass or gastrectomy surgery
and air conditioning (HVAC) systems or high up in a room can reduce this risk, but technicians who service the lights should wear protective equipment.
UV air purifiers are another option. However, they can emit ozone layers, which may cause breathing difficulties.
The California Air Resources Board has a list of electronic
People who drink large quantities of alcohol
Certain medical conditions can also increase a person’s chance of becoming sick with TB, such as: HIV
diabetes certain cancers
chronic renal failure
silicosis, a type of lung disease
'Angry' at Putin, Trump threatens tariffs on Russian oil if Moscow blocks Ukraine deal
.S. President
UDonald Trump said on Sunday he was angry at Russian President Vladimir Putin, and will impose secondary tariffs of 25% to 50% on buyers of Russian oil if he feels Moscow is blocking his efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Trump told NBC News he was very angry after Putin last week criticized the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's leadership, the television network reported, citing a telephone interview early on Sunday.
Since taking office in January, Trump has adopted a more conciliatory stance towards Russia that has left Western allies wary as he tries to broker an end to Moscow's threeyear-old war in Ukraine.
His sharp comments
about Putin on Sunday reflect his growing frustration about the lack of movement on a ceasefire.
"If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault... I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump said.
“That would be, that if you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States,” Trump said. “There will be a 25% tariff on all oil, a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil.”
Trump said he could impose the new trade measures within a month.
There was no immediate reaction from Moscow. Russia has called numerous Western sanctions and restrictions “illegal” and designed for the West to take economic advantage
in its rivalry with Russia.
Trump's latest tariff threats would add to the pain already facing China, India and other countries through trade measures imposed during his first two months in office, including duties on steel, aluminum and cars. More duties on imports from the countries with the largest trade surpluses are slated to be announced on Wednesday.
William Reinsch, a former senior Commerce Department official now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the haphazard way Trump was announcing and threatening tariffs leaves many questions unanswered, including how U.S. officials could trace and prove which countries were buying Russian oil.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Iran rejects direct nuclear talks with Trump, open to indirect negotiations
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ruled out direct negotiations with the administration of US President Donald Trump over the country’s nuclear programme but signalled a willingness for indirect talks, while Trump threatened bombings and secondary tariffs if Tehran does not come to an agreement with Washington.
“We responded to the US president’s letter via Oman and rejected the option of direct talks, but we are open to indirect negotiations,” Pezeshkian said during a cabinet meeting in Tehran on Sunday.
He stressed that while Iran is not against negotiations in principle, Washington must first rectify its past “misconduct” and rebuild trust.
His remarks, reported by the ISNA news agency, come amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian
“If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing,” Trump said in a telephone interview with NBC on Sunday.
“But there’s a chance that if they don’t make a deal, that I will do secondary tariffs on them like I did four years ago.”
Barbara Slavin, a fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington and a lecturer in international affairs at George Washington University, told Al Jazeera that “the Iranians are, right to be distrustful, given Trump’s track record and withdrawing from a previous deal”.
Trump has even signalled willingness to lift sanctions if nuclear and regional issues
are resolved, but his ability to secure a deal is uncertain, said Slavin.
“The Iranians are worried, but mostly about the economic impact of Trump’s sanctions, the resumption and increase in economic sanctions, which we’ve already seen. The Iranian currency has depreciated dramatically. There’s high inflation and unemployment, and I think this frankly worries the Iranians more than a physical attack, which if anything, might unify the country,” she added. (Al Jazeera)
Barbados makes appeal on proposed US tariffs and shipping costs hike
Prime Minister of Barbados and chair of CARICOM, Mia Amor Mottley, has penned a letter to the president of the United States Donald Trump urging him to shield the region from the fines imposed on Chinese-made container ships that call on US ports.
Prime Minister Mottley made the disclosure while delivering the feature address at the official launch ceremony of the Courts Welches Superstore at W
Plaza, Welches, St Thomas.
The prime minister told the gathering that the strategy could have disastrous consequences for commerce not only in Barbados and the rest of the Caribbean but also for Florida.
The prime minister contended: “To have this disruption purely because of the intervention of a statutory or an executive order that will lead to an increased cost of supplies will hurt not just us on the receiving end, but will hurt those as well who are
making money from the logistics in Florida. It is likely to lead to people looking for other routes that don’t carry the same prohibitive costs for movement of goods.”
Mottley said she is optimistic that president Trump would have a greater understanding about the region’s plight and that the letter written on behalf of the Caribbean Community would lead to “some kind of exemption for this region.”
(Excerpt from Caribbean News Global)
Restructuring your routine, lifestyle or health routine to fit your objective will ease stress and help you become more efficient. Change begins with you and how you manage your time and money.
Review your options before you say or do something that can influence a meaningful relationship or your position. You can accomplish the most by setting high standards and working behind the scenes.
Communication is the best route forward. Realistically adapting your expectations will be necessary to make a difference. Strategize and be ready to go above and beyond the call of duty.
Do the work yourself, and you'll avoid setbacks. Be receptive to change and eager to take on projects that can highlight your abilities and lead to new opportunities.
You may have to restructure what you do or how you deal with others to get things done. Stop dreaming and start doing before someone steps in and takes control. Put your energy into creative development.
Set limits to avoid debt and outside interference. Choose your direction based on what you can handle. Focus on your health and diet, and maintain balance and equality in all you pursue.
Live and learn. Participate in events that offer insight into alternative ways to use your skills or market yourself. Open-mindedness and receptivity will lead to new beginnings.
Initiate plans. Your actions will position you for success. Networking events will offer insight into the possibilities. Communication is the key to valuable introductions.
Tread carefully. Someone will take advantage of you if you aren't explicit regarding what you are willing to do. An emotional situation will result in poor decisions.
Educate yourself before you take sides or participate in something questionable. Make a change if it will help you avoid a no-win situation. Make your surroundings more comfortable.
Keep your finger on the pulse and your mind on what matters. Express your intentions and desires, and find out where you stand. It's up to you to ask for what you want.
Don't waste precious time on people and pastimes that cause you grief. Seek out people who offer positive input and push you toward taking responsibility for your life and happiness.
ARCHIE
Indian Premier League...
Rana 81 in Royals win as CSK batting muddle continues
Ablistering assault from Nitish Rana and Wanindu Hasaranga's clever wristspin bowling handed Rajasthan Royals (RR) their first win and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) their second successive defeat in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
After Rana crashed 81 off 36 balls, joining RR's fastest half-centurions, Ruturaj Gaikwad anchored CSK's chase of 183 with a fifty of his own. But Hasaranga's variations, especially the wrong'un, exposed CSK's soft underbelly and put the target beyond their reach.
Though Ravindra Jadeja mounted a late charge – he remained unbeaten on 32 off 22 balls –and the margin of victory was only six runs, RR were always ahead in the game.
Sandeep Sharma, picked ahead of Jofra Archer to defend 19 off the final over, had MS Dhoni holing out for 16 off 11 balls with his first legal ball of the over and finished the job for RR.
Rana aces his matchup against Ashwin
Riyan Parag had batted at number three in RR's first two matches this season. On the eve of this game, Coach Rahul Dravid had also backed Parag at that position, but they ended up bumping Rana to number three, at Parag's expense, to take advantage of a match-up with R Ashwin.
Before Sunday's fixture, Rana had hit 108 off 58 balls from Ashwin without being dismissed in the IPL. By the time, Ashwin was introduced into the attack, Rana had already run away to a swift start – 27 off 13 balls. He greeted the spinner with a sequence of 6, 6, 4 and continued to attack him. By the time Ashwin dismissed Rana for the first time in the IPL, off his 71st ball to him, Rana had extended his tally to 171. Ashwin had to dip into his old trick – pause and deliver – to have an advancing Rana stumped off an offside wide.
Rana made 58 of RR's 81 runs in the powerplay, which offset low scores for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson.
CSK pull it back
Noor Ahmad, the left-
arm wristspinner, struck in his first over when he had Samson caught at long-off for 20 off 16 balls. He proceeded to remove Dhruv Jurel for 3 off 7 balls and moved to the top of the purple cap leaderboard. Ravindra Jadeja bowled only two overs, but he did a good job himself by not conceding a single boundary.
Matheesha Pathirana and Khaleel Ahmed, who had dismissed Jaiswal in the powerplay, then slowed RR down even further in the end overs.
Shimron Hetmyer, who batted behind Hasaranga at number seven, could've been out for 3 had IPL debutant Jamie Overton not dropped a skier. Overton's evening only got worse after he had leaked 30 runs from his first two overs in the powerplay. His bowling stint ended right there.
Hetmyer moved to 19 off 16 balls before Pathirana drew another mis-hit,
Ashwin hanging onto the skier this time. Pathirana and Khaleel gave away only 17 runs off the last three overs to keep RR below 190. They had looked good for a much bigger total, especially when Rana was on song.
CSK's go-slow Archer and former Super King Tushar Deshpande, however, snatched the momentum away from CSK in the powerplay. Archer kicked off RR's defence with a wicket-maiden in which he had Rachin Ravindra nicking off a 145-kilometre-per-hour delivery that reared up off the deck for a duck. At the other end, Deshpande hit Gaikwad on his unprotected elbow. Rahul Tripathi was going nowhere. He gave up his stumps only to swish and miss. When Archer bowled a slower legcutter, though, Tripathi got going with a six over short
fine. Gaikwad then picked Sandeep off for three fours in the last over of the powerplay as CSK ended the phase with a more respectable 42 for 1, having been on 5 for 1 in three overs.
Hasaranga wrecks CSK's middle order Hasaranga struck with his very first ball, having Tripathi holing out for 23 off 19 balls. With Hasaranga bowling in tandem with Maheesh Theekshana, CSK unleashed their Impact Player, Shivam Dube, on the spinners. Dube cracked two sixes off Hasaranga before the wristspinner had him chipping a wrong'un to cover, where Guwahati's very own Parag pulled off a spectacular, one-handed grab to cut Dube's innings short at 18 off 10 balls.
Vijay Shankar, who had replaced Deepak Hooda, failed to pick his first ball, a wrong'un from Hasaranga, which almost shaved the off stump. In his next over, though, he knocked Vijay over with a loopier wrong'un for 9 off 6 balls.
Gaikwad kept CSK in it with low-risk, high-percentage batting. He brought up a 37-ball half-century, his second in three games, but the lack of power at the other end ramped up the pressure on him. When Hasaranga dangled a wide legbreak, Gaikwad could only drag it
to long-on. He left CSK needing 54 off 25 balls. It became 39 off 12 balls after Theekshana bowled a boundary-less 18th over to Dhoni and Jadeja. Dhoni then started the penultimate over, bowled by Deshpande, with a ramped four and then flat-batted the seamer over his head
for six in a 19-run over, but they were left with too much to do in the end. Archer, who had bowled three excellent overs in the powerplay, was not called to bowl at the death. Sandeep stepped up to have Dhoni holing out for 16 off 11 balls with a low full-toss, which sealed the deal. (ESPNcricinfo)
Rajasthan Royals (20 ovs maximum)
Yashasvi Jaiswal c Ashwin
b Ahmed 4
Sanju Samson c Ravindra
b Noor Ahmad 20
Nitish Rana st †Dhoni
b Ashwin 81
Riyan Parag (c)
b Pathirana 37
Dhruv Jurel † c Pathirana
b Noor Ahmad 3
Wanindu Hasaranga c Shankar
b Jadeja 4
Shimron Hetmyer c Ashwin
b Pathirana 19
Jofra Archer c Gaikwad
b Ahmed 0
Kumar Kartikeya run out (Ahmed) 1
Maheesh Theekshana not out 2
Tushar Deshpande not out 1
Extras (b 2, w 8) 10
Total 20 Ov (RR: 9.10) 182/9
Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Yashasvi Jaiswal, 0.3 ov), 2-86 (Sanju Samson, 7.3 ov), 3-124 (Nitish Rana, 11.3 ov), 4-134 (Dhruv Jurel, 13.1 ov), 5-140 (Wanindu Hasaranga, 14.1 ov), 6-166 (Riyan Parag, 17.5 ov), 7-174 (Jofra Archer, 18.3 ov), 8-175 (Kumar Kartikeya, 18.5 ov), 9-176 (Shimron Hetmyer, 19.1 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Khaleel Ahmed 4-0-38-2
Jamie Overton 2-0-30-0
Ravichandran Ashwin 4-0-46-1
Noor Ahmad 4-0-28-2
Chennai Super Kings (T: 183 runs from 20 ovs)
Rachin Ravindra c †Jurel
b Archer 0
Rahul Tripathi c Hetmyer
b Hasaranga 23
Ruturaj Gaikwad (c) c Jaiswal
b Hasaranga 63
Shivam Dube c Parag
b Hasaranga
Matheesha Pathirana 4-0-28-2 Ravindra Jadeja 2-0-10-1
Rajasthan Royals got their first win of the season
Wanindu Hasaranga was crucial in the middle overs picking up 4 for 35
Indian Premier League 2025...
Explosive SRH fizzle out against Starc and Kuldeep
Mitchell Starc's T20 best powered Delhi Capitals (DC) to a second straight win in Vizag as Sunrisers Hyderabad's all-out approach backfired for the second time in two games.
Faf du Plessis then set the tempo for the chase with a half-century and despite Zeeshan Ansari's three quick wickets on his T20 return after six years, DC's strong 81run opening stand set up an easy win in 16 overs with seven wickets in hand.
This meant Aniket Verma's blazing 41-ball 74, highlighted by his takedown of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, was overshadowed as SRH slumped to their second straight loss.
Starc 2-0 Head
Like he did in last year's Indian Premier League (IPL) final, Starc proved menacing, but he was aided along the way. Abhishek Sharma ran himself out in the first over, Ishan Kishan slashed to deep third, and local boy Nitish Reddy heaved a slow offcutter to mid-on.
Head vs Starc was brewing to be a contest within a contest. Head began by hitting him for two back-to-
back fours, but after the flurry of wickets, Axar Patel's decision to persist with Starc for a third over paid off when Head's attempted ramp against him found KL Rahul's gloves. SRH were 37 for 4 in the fifth over.
Aniket, Klaasen lead recovery Aniket, 23, was all of three T20s old coming into
this game. But he showed why SRH have so much faith in him. His incredible 41ball 74 formed the bedrock of the SRH innings. He hit five fours and six sixes in his innings, twinning with Heinrich Klaasen during a 77-run stand off just 40 balls to lift the team after the Starc menace.
Aniket should not have
icism – at deep midwicket and mid-off, respectively –then helped close out the innings as SRH left eight de-
lasted that long, though. In the fourth over, he survived a run-out chance when Tristan Stubbs missed a direct hit at the striker's end. In the sixth, his leading edge off Axar was put down by Abishek Porel circling from extra cover.
Aniket made them pay – well, almost – by hitting Axar for back-to-back sixes in his next over. Klaasen, whose first six was a whip off Starc, was not too far behind, but when he was out to Mohit Sharma after being brilliantly caught by Vipraj Nigam running back from point, SRH needed a semblance of stability at 114 for 5 in the 11th over.
Kuldeep shines, Starc finishes it off SRH's lower order was put to the test, and they were undone by DC's spinners. Kuldeep had Abhinav Manohar slicing one to longoff and Pat Cummins holing out to the lone man at deep midwicket. Aniket then decided to take control, hitting Axar for 4, 6, 6 to start the 16th over. Jake FraserMcGurk and Axar's athlet-
liveries unused.
Du Plessis sets the tempo Fraser-McGurk's powerplay salvo set the tempo for DC last year, but he struggled for rhythm for large parts. This was offset by du Plessis' fluency as he raced to a 26-ball half-century during the course of an 81-run opening stand. Du Plessis took a liking to Abhishek early on, and was equally brutal when Cummins erred in length.
Ansari strikes, but Porel sees DC through Ansari, 25, last played a T20 in 2019. But he got a second wind when he ended up as the highest wicket-taker in the latest UP T20 League. On Sunday, he began with a series of half-trackers, but settled in to have du Plessis miscue to long-on and Fraser-McGurk chip one back on either side of a sequence of 4, 6, 6.
In his first innings for DC, Rahul thrilled briefly when he got stuck into Mohammed Shami, muscling him over deep mid-
wicket for a six and then launching him up and over the infield for a four. Rahul became Ansari's third wicket when he was bowled around his legs. Porel and Stubbs put together 51 off just 28 balls to see DC home without further alarms. (ESPNcricinfo)
Great all-round performance from Delhi Capitals
Mitchell Starc picked up his maiden five-for in T20s
Winning moment between Abishek Porel and Tristan Stubbs
Rock Auto Futsal…
Back Circle trump Gold is Money to go 2-in-2
In a thrilling comefrom-behind victory in front of scores of enthralled fans at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown in the wee hours of Sunday, Back Circle retain their Rock Auto Trans Futsal title and grabbed a $1 million grand prize.
Though finding themselves a goal down in the very first minute of the grand finale, Back Circle rebounded to clinch a 4-2 win and the championship.
The contest started poorly for the holders in front of a large crowd as Shemar Koulen scored in the opening five seconds.
Back Circle eventually restored parity to the proceedings in the form of Stephon Reynolds, who scored in the 17th minute. The score remained unchanged entering the halftime period.
Upon the resumption, Back Circle secured the advantage as Darren Benjamin found the back of the net in the 33rd minute. However, the lead proved to be short-lived as Gold is Money equalised in the form of Dexroy Adams in the 35th minute.
Back Circle restored their one-goal advantage when Reynolds completed his brace in the 37th minute to make it 3-2. The win was then sealed in the 39th minute as Simeon Moore scored.
Due to the result, Back Circle walked away with
GCA
$1,000,000 and the championship trophy, while Gold is Money received $500,000 and the corresponding accolade.
In the third-place playoff, Festival City defeated North East La Penitence 4-3 on penalty kicks after
regulation and extra time ended 3-3.
With the outcome, Festival City walked away with $300,000 and the respective trophy, while their opponents pocketed $200,000 and the corresponding accolade.
Imlach ton overpowers GCC
The Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) faced off in the Georgetown Cricket Association’s Dave West Indian Inc FirstDivision 50-Over contest on Saturday, March 30, at the GCC Ground.
DCC chose to bat first after winning the toss. They got off to a rough start as Carlos Larose dismissed opener Alpharius Bookie for just two runs, and Aryan Persaud dismissed the in-form Brandon Jaikaran for a duck. The hero of the day was Tevin Imlach, the Captain of the Guyana FourDay national team, who held the innings together with an incredible 156 off 130 balls that included 10 spectacular fours and four enormous sixes. DCC batters went on to build many important partnerships during the game.
When the score reached 327 for 6 in the 48th over, Devon Lord finally bowled Imlach. Joshua Persaud, who scored a fantastic 32-ball 53 with three fours and three sixes, and Jonathan VanLange, who made 39, were other important contributors throughout the innings. After their 50 overs, the DCC total was 352 for 8.
U17 Male Inter-County… Demerara, Berbice draw first blood
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-17 Male Inter-County 50Over Tournament bowled off on Sunday at two venues, where Demerara and Berbice picked up victories.
The first match of the competition was held at Transport Cricket Ground in Thomas Lands, Georgetown between Demerara and a Select XI.
Demerara won the toss and opted to bat first. Shamar Apple was the game’s standout performer, scoring 83 off 58 balls, including four fours and eight mammoth sixes. Emmanuel Lewis also contributed with a patient innings of 42 from 44 balls inclusive of six fours. Marcel Nandu and Dave Mohabir made 31 and 32, respectively, with the final score being 298 all out. Shane Prince was the best bowler for the Select XI with figures of 3 for 60 in 8 overs.
In reply, the Select XI were outplayed and outclassed by an all-round bowling performance from Demerara, only managing 121 in 25.4 overs. Munesh Outar, Johnathan Mentore, Parmeshwar Ram and Patrice Fraser all took two wickets apiece.
In the other game played at the LBI Ground, Berbice Under17 came up against Essequibo Under17. Berbice won the toss and elected to
Lord achieved figures of 3 for 64 in his 10 overs, indicating some success with the ball.
In the second innings, GCC started well as they were 104 for 1 in 19 overs in pursuit of the target score. DCC responded with an all-round effort from the bowling unit, constantly taking wickets and stifling the opposition from scoring quickly. Christopher Barnwell had the best figures for the bowlers with 3 for 42, while Jaden Dowlin and recently-called-up-to-thenational-four-day-team player Ashmead Nedd both had two wickets each. Navindra Persaud finished innings not out on an unbeaten 96, while Kevin Sinclair (38) and Darshan Persaud (22) were the only other significant scorers of the GCC batters, who were bowled out for 221 in 49.3 overs, losing the game by a huge margin of 131 runs.
bat first. Romario Ramdeholl (54 balls, 50 runs) and Vishal Williams (24 balls) were the significant contributors in the first innings with the bat. Eron Benjamin had figures of 3 for 24, and Shazim Mohammed had figures of 2 for 20 in five overs. Berbice ended up with a score of 192 all out in 38 overs. Essequibo, in reply, fell 23 runs short of the total, with some batsmen failing to convert good starts into big innings. Ravesh Singh top-scored with 36 while Navindra Sankar and Benjamin got scores of 30 and 33, respectively. Both Feaz Baksh and Michah Amsterdam bowled well, picking four wickets for 38 runs in their 10 overs, restricting Essequibo to 169. The tournament continues with round two today at the same venues.
Michah Amsterdam (left) and Feaz Baksh had figures of 4 for 38
Shamar Apple was outstanding with the bat making 83 of 58 balls
Dave West Indian tournament…
Tevin Imlach made a superb century (156 from 130 balls)
A snippet from the final contest featuring Back Circle (orange) and Gold is Money
Festival City (blue) topped North East La Penitence in the third-place play-off
