Wortmanville man slapped with 48 charges in
BRIDGE
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, April 5 – No Retraction and Sunday, April 6 –00:15h-01:45h.
and Sunday, April 6 – 11:10h-12:40h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
High
Low
Berkeley Innovation Forum
AI Investment Fund needed to support developing nations to bridge digital gap – Pres Ali
mphasising the need for developing nations be financially supported in order to bridge the digital gap that exists globally, President Dr Irfaan Ali has called for the establishment of
omy.
“To ensure that developing countries can fully participate in the AI revolution and bridge the technology gap, it is imperative to establish a dedicated AI Investment
digital divide and with the rapid pace of AI development, these nations cannot expect to benefit equitably from the transformative technology unless that digital gap is addressed.
However, he noted that waiting for this gap to close before embracing AI would only result in developing countries falling further be-
an AI (Artificial Intelligence) Investment Fund to enabling these countries to leapfrog traditional technological barriers.
The Head of State made these remarks during his feature address at the Spring 2025 Berkeley Innovation Forum in California, United States (US) on Thursday. During the forum, President Ali was presented with the prestigious Global Leadership Award for Open Innovation 2024 from the University of California, Berkeley, in recognition of his visionary leadership in promoting environmental sustainability and inclusive economic development on a global scale.
The forum was held under the theme: “Making AI Sovereign: Bridging Geopolitical Divides for Open Solutions.”
According to the Guyanese Leader, investing in AI for developing countries is a strategic imperative to create a more balanced and technologically empowered global econ-
Fund tailored to their needs. This fund would provide crucial financial support for AI projects, enabling developing
hind the developed world. To this end, the Head of State underscored that it is essential for these countries to
pass outdated systems, accelerate their development, and harness the full potential of AI to drive progress in key sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure,” the President added.
According to Ali, AI allows us to invest today to meet tomorrow’s challenge, but in a way that is futuristic in addressing resilience and sustainability. On this note, he encouraged the promotion of open-source AI tools and models.
“By encouraging the development and widespread use of open-source AI solutions, developing countries can access cutting-edge technologies without the prohibitive costs of proprietary software. This approach allows these nations to adapt AI solutions to their specific needs and contexts, whether in healthcare, agriculture, or education, thereby fostering local innovation and reducing dependence on expensive foreign technologies,” the Guyanese Leader explained.
Reimagine approach
Against this backdrop, the Head of State posited that developing countries must now reimagine their approach towards future development
nations to leapfrog traditional technological barriers,” he stated.
President Ali pointed out that developing countries are significantly lagging in the
adopt a dual approach, that is, as they work to digitise their economies, they must simultaneously leapfrog to the latest AI technologies.
“By doing so, they can by-
such as outlaying an investment portfolio that not only solves today’s problems but advance tomorrow’s opportunities.
President Dr Irfaan Ali delivering remarks at the Berkeley Innovation Forum in California on Thursday
President Dr Irfaan Ali during a tour of the NASA Ames Research Centre in Silicon Valley, California
Editor: Tusika Martin
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Improving quality of life
The recent handover of 10 newly-constructed homes to families of Yurong Paru in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), under the Hinterland Housing Programme, marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to address longstanding disparities between rural and urban communities in Guyana. This represents a revolutionary step towards sustainable development, economic growth, and improved living conditions in the country’s hinterland regions. Each of these homes, measuring 20 feet by 25 feet and built at no cost to the recipients, is a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of its most vulnerable citizens. With a total investment of $30 million for these ten homes alone, the programme is making a substantial impact. But the benefits extend beyond just the families, who now have a roof over their heads. By sourcing construction materials locally, the initiative is also stimulating the local economy, creating jobs and supporting small businesses in the region.
This approach — investing in both physical infrastructure and community development —demonstrates a deep understanding of the needs of hinterland communities. Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal has emphasized that the programme is part of a broader long-term strategy aimed at revitalizing the hinterland. To date, 120 homes have been allocated across Region Nine, with 70 already handed over and the remaining 50 expected to be completed in the near future. With more than $285 million invested in the region’s housing sector, it is clear that this is not just a temporary project, but is a sustained effort to improve living standards in the area.
The project is not limited to the construction of homes; it is accompanied by significant infrastructural improvements. Over $1.4 billion has been allocated to various infrastructural developments in Region Nine, including roads, electricity, and water systems. This holistic approach ensures that homes built through the Hinterland Housing Programme are fully integrated into their communities, not only providing shelter, but the necessary services to support thriving, sustainable communities.
The impact of these developments is most clearly seen in the stories of the recipients. One father, whose disabled grandson now has access to a comfortable and proper living space, has expressed his gratitude for the new home, which has provided his family with dignity and security. Another recipient, a woman who had suffered from chronic illness for years, similarly shared that the new home would significantly improve the living conditions for herself and her three sons. These stories highlight the real human benefits of the programme, underscoring the importance of such Government initiatives in improving the well-being of citizens, particularly those who have faced years of neglect.
Since 2020, over $70 billion has been invested in the hinterland regions through various Government initiatives, including the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), Presidential Grants, and allocations from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry. These investments are designed to bridge the development gap between urban and rural areas, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of where they live, has access to the same opportunities and services.
By addressing the critical need for housing, water and infrastructure, Government is laying the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity in the hinterland.
Looking ahead, the continued expansion of this programme would be crucial in ensuring that all residents of Region Nine and beyond benefit from the same level of development.
The Hinterland Housing Programme is an example of what can be achieved when Government, local communities and businesses come together to invest in the future. It is a model for sustainable, inclusive development that should inspire further initiatives across the country.
By empowering families with safe, comfortable homes and improving access to essential services, the Government is creating communities in which people can thrive.
Rejecting GHRA’s distortions & false claims
Dear Editor,
The statement from the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), as referenced in an article dated Thursday, April 3, 2025, is not only intellectually dishonest, but politically motivated in its clumsy attempt to mischaracterise the forthright and justified remarks of the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.
To deliberately twist Dr. Jagdeo’s statements into an indictment of the entire NGO community is both intellectually lazy and politically mischievous.
The General Secretary’s remarks were clearly directed at a specific pattern of conduct by certain actors, not those NGOs who work tirelessly and objectively in service of communities, and who continue to enjoy our respect, our partnership, and our unwavering support.
Let there be no ambiguity: the GHRA, among others, has, over the years, displayed a persistent and well-documented bias, the roots of which are traceable to its leadership, its origins, and its consistent alignment, both in tone
and in action, with the political opposition, particularly elements of the WPA, the PNCR, and their coalition creation, APNU+AFC.
It is entirely within the rights of any democratic actor, including the General Secretary of the PPP, to expose and call out this duplicity for what it is.
The People’s Progressive Party, from its founding in 1950 to the present day, has stood as the very bulwark of democracy and constitutional reform in Guyana; and this has continued following the return to democratic rule in 1992, which the GHRA itself acknowledges gave rise to the flurry of NGO activity and civil society expression previously stifled under PNC authoritarianism.
Successive PPP governments created the very political space that organisations now use, some productively and others manipulatively, and it is precisely because we value civil society that we are compelled to defend its integrity from political infiltration.
Our economic and social recovery strategy post-1992 was built on in-
clusion, openness, and consultation with civil society as a recognised partner in the process, from the design and implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Programme to the moral rearmament initiatives, to the creation of independent rights commissions such as the Ethnic Relations Commission, the Rights of the Child Commission, and the Women and Gender Equality Commission.
All these constitutional commissions require and involve NGO consultation and participation through parliamentary processes, and these mechanisms remain evidence of our party’s ongoing commitment to pluralism and participatory democracy; not as slogans, but as policy in practice.
It is therefore nothing short of appalling that organisations such as the GHRA, Red Thread (born out of the WPA), and the Guyana Press Association, now under the influence of individuals with long and verifiable links to opposition politics, would seek to wrap themselves in the sanctimonious cloth of civil society while engaging in
open political partisanship: issuing statements that echo the opposition line, remaining silent during the 2020 attempted electoral heist, and then having the gall to present themselves as moral arbiters of the national discourse.
No organization is above critique, and just as civil society has the constitutional right to scrutinise Government, political parties have the democratic responsibility to scrutinise those NGOs that distort the truth, that operate with dual agendas, and that trade in political activism under the guise of advocacy.
We will not be silent in the face of hypocrisy masquerading as principle. The PPP remains resolute in its mission to build an inclusive and progressive nation rooted in truth, justice, and development; and that truth demands that we expose those who claim to be neutral while advancing partisan interests from the shadows.
Sincerely, Kwame McCoy Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister
Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken rolled out the proverbial red carpet for the curious minds of Seafield Nursery School on Friday, April 4, when these little explorers got a front-row seat to law enforcement in action: from posing with the Police Chief to watching sharp drills and meeting the majestic horses at the Mounted Branch (GPF photos)
President Irfaan Ali is increasingly being recognized internationally as a global leader
Dear Editor, President Irfaan Ali, like other PPP Presidents, continues to rack up international prestigious awards; and in so doing, continues to build on Guyana’s international image.
Guyana is proud of this son of the soil, who has come from humble beginnings, with teachers as parents and with grandparents coming out of agriculture and rural farming in Leguan, Essequibo Islands.
On Thursday, April 3, 2025, President Dr Irfaan Ali was conferred with the prestigious Global Leadership Award for Open Innovation (2024) from the University of California, Berkeley; and has become the first Caribbean leader to be so recognized. He was cited for this award because of his commitment to the research and use of technology and innovative business models to expand the country’s markets and its development, and he received the award in a ceremony held at the NASA Ames Research Centre, where the Berkeley Innovation Forum 2025 is currently being held.
I and countless thousands of Guyanese at home
and in the diaspora extend congratulations to President Ali on his receipt of this, the latest on his impressive list of international awards. He has done himself, family and country proud.
Previous recipients of the Global Leadership Award for Open Innovation include the following heads of state: Galo Plaza, President of Ecuador (1967); Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (1973); Miguel Echeverría, President of Costa Rica (2001); Pranab Mukherjee, President of India (2015); and Barack Obama, President of the United States (2016).
Other prominent awardees include: Warren Buffett, Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway (2007); Janet Yellen, Chair of United States Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System (2014); and Her Excellency and King’s Counsel Patricia Scotland, Sec. General of the Commonwealth from 2015 to this past week (2022).
This latest award by the University of California, Berkeley, a world-renowned institution, adds to the impressive list of international awards that Dr. Irfaan Ali, as
Guyana’s President, has accumulated in just about four years. On December 5, 2024, HE President Mohamed Irfaan Ali was awarded by the Wilson Centre’s Latin America Program for his efforts in environmental and biodiversity sustainability, as well as climate action. Since 1998, the Wilson Centre has recognized exemplary individuals with the Woodrow Wilson Awards, honouring them for thoughtful discussion, generous philanthropy, and selfless service contributing to making the world a better place for all of us.
Outside of the University of California, Berkeley Global Leadership Award and the Wilson Centre Award, Guyana’s President has accumulated a long list of prestigious international awards. In July, 2024, in an acknowledgment of his exceptional leadership, President Irfaan Ali was bestowed with the prestigious Caribbean Global Awards 2024 for his contributions within the region. Earlier in 2024, he was awarded the esteemed Global Africa Leadership Award during an official visit to Ghana.
In April, 2024, President
Dr. Irfaan Ali was conferred with the Legacy Award Class of 2024 at the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies’ (AFUWI) 27th Annual Awards Gala in New York. During the award, President Ali was lauded by Guyanese-born American actress CCH Pounder for his leadership and vision and commitment to nation building, and as a champion of regional co-operation.
In January 2023, during an official visit to India, President Irfaan Ali was bestowed with the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians – the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) – for the year 2023 by Prime Minister Modi.
In November 2023, during the 57th Independence Anniversary and the 2nd Republican Day anniversary for Barbados, Prime Minister Mia Mottley bestowed President Ali with the prestigious Order of Freedom of Barbados, the country’s highest national award. The award recognized President Ali’s outstanding contributions to regional integration and his unwavering commitment to fostering social and economic partnerships within
the Caribbean Community.
In May 2023, the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) made President Ali the first recipient of the IICA Award for Contribution to Food Security and Sustainable Development. IICA presented the award in recognition of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s leadership in agricultural transformation, food security, and support for building resilient economies in a sustainable manner in Guyana and the Caribbean.
President Ali has been one of the most-sought-after global leaders by international conferences and universities. He continues to inspire not only people in Guyana, but around the world. No matter what our political affiliation, Guyanese should be proud of what a young Guyanese man who came from humble circumstances has achieved.
When Cheddi Jagan died, people doubted that anyone from Guyana would ever again command the global respect Cheddi Jagan had commanded. Bharrat Jagdeo came and proved, with his many international awards,
that Guyana would continue to produce men and women who have, by the strength of their character and their own accomplishments, become ingrained in the citizenry’s consciousness.
Like Bharrat Jagdeo, Dr. Irfaan Ali has shown that Guyana would always find leaders who would work for the success of our country and bring great pride to Guyanese citizens in and out of the country.
The already visible success in the Food Security for Caricom initiative (25 X 25) and the upcoming July 2025 launch of the Biodiversity Alliance in Guyana are likely to further add to the international credentials of President Irfaan Ali. Bharrat Jagdeo was recognized by the UN as the Champion of the Earth in 2010. It is likely that, before he completes his terms serving as President of Guyana, President Ali would become the second Guyanese bestowed with the honour of Champion of the Earth, among many other international accolades yet to be received.
Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy
Ruling of CJ dismissing case for residency requirement in 2025 electoral process
Dear Editor,
The landmark ruling by the Hon. Chief Justice (ag) stands as yet another resounding victory for Guyana’s Constitutional Democratic Order and a reaffirmation of the rule of law, constitutional supremacy, and unassailable right of all eligible citizens to vote, regardless of their physical residency.
This judgment again puts to rest a matter that has been exhaustively litigated and repeatedly ruled upon by our courts at all levels. It is a principled and judicious dismissal of yet another attempt by the APNU/AFC coalition to use legal subterfuge to reintroduce, through the back door, the now discredited and unlawful house-to-house registration exercise.
This case was never about upholding democracy or improving electoral integrity. It was a calculated and cynical attempt to once again suppress the vote and gerrymander the electorate in favour of a coalition that has consistently demonstrated a willingness to subvert democratic norms.
The public must recall that the APNU/AFC first pushed for house-to-house registration frontally. When that failed under judicial scrutiny, they shifted narratives, concocting the unsubstantiated claim that “dead people voted” in 2020. That, too, failed under scrutiny.
Then came their advocacy for the introduction of biomet-
ric verification at polling stations: a tactic dressed in the language of modernization, but motivated by the same exclusionary ends. When that argument failed to find credible legal or logistical standing, they pivoted yet again — this time to the issue of voter address verification, resurrecting a phantom concern under the guise of electoral reform.
What links all these attempts is a clear, coordinated strategy to restrict the franchise and tip the scales of future elections, not through persuasion or policy, but through manipulation and misrepresentation.
We must also address a deeper historical reality that cannot be ignored: the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the dominant force in the APNU, has a well-documented history of electoral rigging and undemocratic governance. From the post-independence period through the 1980s, the PNC’s hold on power was sustained not by the will of the people, but through fraudulent elections that made Guyana an international case study in electoral authoritarianism.
That legacy came into sharp relief once again during the 2020 General and Regional Elections, when the APNU/AFC coalition attempted one of the most brazen electoral thefts in the post-independence Caribbean. The world watched in disbelief as falsified tabulations were pro-
duced, legally mandated verification processes were obstructed, and the rights of voters were trampled upon.
The refusal to accept the outcome of a free and fair election, confirmed by local monitors, international observers, CARICOM, the OAS, the Commonwealth, and the diplomatic corps, exposed the true face of the coalition. It was only under the weight of international condemnation, diplomatic pressure, and the looming threat of economic sanctions that the APNU/ AFC abandoned their anti-democratic charade.
Let us never forget the blatant illegalities committed in the lead-up to those elections: the refusal to abide by the Constitution after the passage of the No Confidence Motion in 2018; the unconscionable delay in appointing a GECOM Chair; and the unilateral installation of Justice Patterson, which was subsequently ruled unconstitutional by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). These were not mere missteps; they were deliberate assaults on our democracy.
To date, five years later, the APNU, the AFC, and the PNCR have failed to produce the Statements of Poll (SOPs) that they claim show a victory in 2020. Why? Because they do not exist. Their refusal to come clean about their 2020 attempt to hijack the electoral process is a damning indictment of their political ethics
and fitness to hold public office.
The Guyanese people must not be lulled into amnesia or cynicism. We must remember that democracy is not a self-executing ideal. It must be defended continuously from those who seek to undermine it. The APNU/AFC’s record of electoral deception, judicial manipulation, and misinformation makes them unfit for public office, now or ever.
We call upon the Guyanese electorate to vigilantly reject these latest schemes designed to undermine the authority of GECOM, derail the 2025 electoral process, and once again plunge Guyana into political instability.
We also call upon Caricom, our international partners, and multilateral institutions to stay alert and engaged. Electoral integrity in Guyana is not only a domestic issue, it is a regional and global matter. We urge them to exert pressure on APNU/AFC to desist from further attempts at undermining the democratic will of the Guyanese people.
The Liberty and Justice Party reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a free, fair and inclusive electoral process, and stands resolute in its defense of constitutionalism, participatory democracy, and the sovereign voice of every Guyanese citizen.
Let today’s ruling be a warning to those who persist in pursuing political power
SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2025
through undemocratic means:
The Constitution remains supreme, the people remain vigilant, and justice will always prevail.
Sincerely, Lenox R O Shuman, Chairman – Liberty and Justice Party
Make a Groovy Lava Lamp
By Karol Bravo
When I use a canvas
I splatter paint o’er
I blow on the paint and make it look artsy Then I put it outside and let it get dry. When I saw it, it looked like a colorful rainbow. Paint splatters looks like a flower garden All over the ground. When the paint got dry, I felt so proud. When I left , the canvas was on the ground.
I saw my dog’s paw print in the canvas, I saw the art, I went into another dimension, feeling my chest puffing up. I feel so good looking at the beautiful art piece. I felt like a lot of hives were in my eyes, in amazement
I saw the sky colored violet and shiny pink, it looked like a garden.
Like one of the dig and beautiful gardens. A beautiful garden you can imagine in a book. When I showed it to my friends they were all surprised.
Gas-To-Energy Project
US$422M in contracts signed to overhaul GPL’s DBIS infrastructure
…over 320 km of high-voltage power lines to be installed
As the Government of Guyana continues its infrastructure development agenda, the country’s energy infrastructure will soon receive a significant facelift following an investment of US$442 million to upgrade the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) transmission system.
On Friday, the Government of Guyana, through GPL, signed several contracts to upgrade the local energy infrastructure.
With a total investment of US$422 million, the groundbreaking project will see the construction of 155-kilometres (km) of 230 double-circuit transmission lines, 167-km of 69 Kilovolts (kV) double-circuit transmission lines, the construction of five new substations, and the upgrading of the Kingston substation.
These projects were divided into three lots, two of which were awarded to
Power China, in the sum of US$256.7 million, and Kalpatary Teams, to the sum of US$156.5 million.
Present at the contract signing ceremony was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPL, Kesh Nandlall, who gave a detailed description on how the new projects will be executed within the
DBIS.
“The 230 kV transmission line will interconnect the Goedverwagting substation that is now being constructed under the GtE (Gas to Energy) Project, to a new substation to be constructed in Williamsburg, East Berbice. The 69 kV line will include the replace-
AI Investment Fund...
To do this, President Ali said a collective approach to AI development is needed to ensure that technology is governed by ethical standards that respect human rights, privacy and fairness, mitigating risks of exploitation, bias, and inequality.
He noted this is where Berkely and other members of the research and academic community must work to put a lot of emphasis on establishing a robust framework for global governance of AI. The President added that such a guiding idea is crucial for technology to truly bridge global divides.
“In a world fractured by geopolitics, wealth disparities, and technological divides, AI holds the power to stitch together what has long been torn apart. AI technology can become a great equaliser if deployed properly.
AI can turn the promise of globalisation into a reality for all, not just a privileged few. The future need not be a tale of the technologically rich and the digitally poor; it must be one in which innovation lifts every nation, every community, every individual. AI is not just a tool; it is an opportunity. Let us seize it, shape it, and share it because a future driven by AI should be one where no one is left behind,” President Ali posited.
The Berkeley Innovation Forum was held at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Centre (ARC) in California’s Silicon Valley. During his visit to the forum on Thursday, President Ali was given a tour of part of the facility by the Director of the NASA’s ARC and his team.
One of the key areas
of research shown to the Guyanese Head of State was the Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS), which is used by innovators and contractors to develop drone and aviation technology.
Another key area of research seen was NASA’s advanced supercomputer at the Advanced Supercomputer facility, which researchers use to collaborate on solutions to real world challenges through visualisation of research through one-billion-pixel resolution across 128 Light Emitting Diode (LED) screens.
President Ali was accompanied by First Lady Arya Ali, Minister within the Housing & Water Ministry Susan Rodrigues and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Guyana Embassy in Washington Zulfikar Ally during the visit.
ment of the current 69 lines [on] the railway embankment and will interconnect [with the] new substation in East Berbice. The new substations will be located in LBI, Enmore, Trafalgar, Williamsburg [in] East Berbice. This will allow GPL to transmit power in a reliable way towards the eastern corridor of Guyana, which is intended to accommodate future growth with respect to that region.”
Also present at the event was Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, who stressed the important role the infrastructure investment will play in ensuring the Government’s GtE Project is a success.
“Now herein lies the problem: how much power has to be evacuated to the East Coast and the Berbice area, and how is that power going to move from the main control centre to the East Coast, East and West Coast Berbice; and right now, we
do not have the transmission lines to accommodate the bulk power movement. To communities, to new development, to new housing systems, to new industrial parks, to new industrial zones; we don't have that capacity to move bulk power. These contracts that we are signing today is to accommodate the movement of that power from the central location towards east coast, towards Region Five and Region Six.”
Moreover, recognising the importance of the project, he urged the contractors to ensure that their work is done on time.
“Nevertheless. I want to say to the contractors that the timeline is one year; this tender was a very competitive one. The timeline is about delivery; we will be holding you to it… I’m saying this publicly, that a lot of times we end up working with competitive bidders who are awarded and when they’re awarded the contract, the haste that is supposed to be in the project, you don’t see it on the ground.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, highlighted the People Progressive Party Civic Administration’s (PPP/C) commitment towards improving the country’s energy sector over the years.
The Prime Minister noted that as a direct result of strategic investment over the years, the country’s energy supply is significantly higher than its demand, which has improved the livelihoods of thousands of Guyanese by eliminating electricity woes.
“When we went to the electorate, we went to the manifesto in 2020. And we promised that once and for all, we will fix this whole electricity problem in Guyana, and in fixing the problem, we had to make decisions that are short term and decisions that are medium and long term. We were criticised for many of the decisions but you know what? Today in Guyana, we have adequate electricity, more than the demand, as you heard from the previous speakers, and those short-term measures resulted in us being where we are today.”
The Prime Minister added, “The medium to longterm measures are still to come. So when we talk about the power barges, those were short-term measures to ensure we have reliable electricity. The Gasto-Energy Project you heard about, with the first 300 megawatts (MW) will come on stream. And then you have Gas-to-Energy 2, another 300 megawatts. Those are the medium to long-term measures, and then you have the Amaila Falls.”
The Government has said that the GtE Project will provide the fiscal space to cut the cost of power by 50 per cent. Replacing imported heavy fuel oil (HFO) with Guyana’s natural gas as the main source of electricity generation will significantly reduce emissions. The country also experiences power instability, partly due to rising demand outpacing supply. GtE will boost generating capacity by more than 100 per cent, and is part of a larger strategy to reduce power outages.
Government officials alongside representatives from Power China and Kalpatary Teams during the contract signing on Friday
Alleged MMG serial scammer remanded
…accused of swindling $700K from teen
Aman long suspected of orchestrating a string of mobile money scams has been remanded to prison after appearing before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Thursday in connection with yet another fraud case, this time involving a teenage girl and over $700,000 in stolen funds.
Mohamed Ali, whose name has surfaced repeatedly during multiple investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Major Crime Unit, and Cyber Crime Unit, was charged with obtaining money by false pretence. For the past four years, these agencies have been actively probing a string of fraud involving MMG transactions, with Ali frequently named as a key suspect due to his consistent modus operandi.
The scams typically include persons posing as
MMG agents, tricking victims into disclosing their one-time passwords (OTPs) and gaining unauthorised access to their accounts. Other related schemes under investigation include fake apartment rentals, house lot scams, and bogus vehicle sales.
In this most recent case, which unfolded on March 29, the accused reportedly contacted virtual complainant Shelon Whitney, who was in Suriname at the time, under the guise of being an MMG agent. Ali allegedly claimed that Whitney’s account required urgent updating and succeeded in persuading the woman to disclose the necessary OTPs. Using the information, he accessed the account and transferred $113,000 to himself.
Investigators said that after gaining access to the account, Ali continued to manipulate the situation
by contacting Whitney’s 16-year-old daughter. He convinced the teen that MMG was running a special promotion and arranged to meet her in person. That meeting took place at Stabroek Market, where the teenager handed over an additional $625,000 to the suspect.
When the scam was
discovered, the incident was reported to MMG, the Stabroek Market Police Outpost, and subsequently to the Cyber Crime Unit. Acting on intelligence, police ranks carried out an operation at High Street, Georgetown, where they arrested Ali. During the search, several cellular phones were seized from the premises and later analysed by the Cyber Crime Unit, which allegedly confirmed that the devices had been used in the commission of the fraud.
Police said on Friday that an identification parade was conducted shortly after the arrest, and the 16-year-old positively identified Ali as the man who had collected the money. Investigators also obtained CCTV footage from the area, which showed the suspect at the scene dressed in specific clothing. A search of his premises turned up those very items in a suitcase, which were then lodged as evidence.
Ali appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore and bail was denied. The case will continue on May 16.
Fine print…
…onvoting
Once again, the Opposition “try a t’ing” to claim the PPP was “cocking de wuk” on registering voters to win the upcoming elections. Now, there are several reasons why they keep on going this route – even after they’d been slapped down by the courts. The main reason is that this was their standard operating practice for decades.
Remember that investigation by some British outfit, that showed horses grazing placidly in a yard in England where dozens of Guyanese had registered to vote?? They can’t conceive that the PPP hasn’t learnt a thing or two from them!!
What the Court – in the person of Chief Justice Roxane George, SC – had ruled on an application by the same PNC candidate bringing the latest suit was that there was ABSOLUTELY no constitutional requirement for Guyanese citizens to show they’re RESIDENT in Guyana to be allowed to vote!! Article 159 sets out the qualification and disqualification for electors. And Sec (1) baldly states that “no person shall vote at an election unless he or she is registered as an elector.” That’s it!! All folks gotta do is show – by a valid birth certificate or passport – that they’re citizens, and get registered on the National Register of Registrants (NRR) from age 14. The Voters List is extracted from the NRR before elections.
The Opposition brought THIS case because they thought they’d found a Constitutional loophole which demanded a residency requirement at a specific address for Regional Elections for RDCs - which are conducted simultaneously with the General Elections for MPs. They claimed that the PPP was getting their supporters to register at fictitious addresses, or addresses with “dilapidated buildings” etc, where they just couldn’t possibly be living!! They invoked Article 73(1), which states: “Members of a RDC shall be elected by persons residing in the Region and registered as electors for the purpose of Article 159.” They figured the phrase “persons residing in the Region” gave them their smoking gun to prove that while folks might be citizens entitled to vote, they weren’t automatically entitled to vote in a PARTICULAR region if they weren’t living there!! After all, the regional votes lead to Regional MPs!!
But CJ George declared there’s no legal requirement for Guyanese citizens to be resident at a PARTICULAR address to be registered on the NRR, or to vote at the General and Regional Elections!! In fact, she pointed out that it would be illogical for Parliament, having REMOVED the residency requirement from Article 159 in the 1980 Constitution, to have intended the creation of a separate registration process to verify addresses under Article 73(1)!!
She conceded there were constitutional ambiguities, but said the legislature should straighten these out, not the courts!! Gotta maintain separation of powers!!
…on Trump’s
tariffs
In looking at the tariffs just imposed by Pres Trump on imports from the rest of the world, one is reminded of the old saw “Where does the elephant sit? Anywhere it damn well pleases!!” The world is confounded by the methodology used to arrive at the quantum of the tariffs –for instance, the gargantuan 38% slapped on our exports!! You’d think the pointy-head bureaucrats in the US Dept of Commerce or some such body would’ve gone through the goods we export to the USA with a fine-tooth comb and come up with an average tariff rate to apply, no?? NO!!
What was done was simply take our total exports to the US and subtract from it our total imports from them, which in our case leads to a 78% surplus. And this figure was DECLARED to arise from our tariffs - which it ain’t!!
The irony is the surplus comes from Exxon’s oil exports – from which we don’t even get taxes!! Ouch!!
…on call-centre closure
Your Eyewitness was taken aback by the downsizing of the Teleperformance call centre, that resulted in thousands being let go. Seems this was partly due to lackadaisical work habits, like absenteeism. Are such persons REALLY “unemployed”??
Mohamed Ali
Ahead of 2025 polls
ERC meets EU Elections Exploratory Mission
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on Friday held discussions with a delegation from the European Union (EU) Elections Exploratory Mission, focusing on mutual interests and ongoing preparations for Guyana’s 2025 General and Regional Elections.
The EU team was led by Spiro Polycandriotis van Duynhoven, Deputy Head of Mission at the Delegation of the European Union to Guyana. The delegation also included key officials such as Dr Lydia Malmedie from the European External Action Service (EEAS); Dr Armin Rabitsch, PoliticalLegal Team Leader; Kairi Kasmann, Head of Sector for Election Observation; as well as Scipion Du Chatenet and
Arild Nodland.
Representing the ERC was Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack, accompanied by Commissioners Chandrowtie Sarran, Norris Witter, Krishn Sharma, Neaz Subhan, and Deon Dick (Ras Khafra), as well as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gomin Camacho.
Chairman Hack used the opportunity to highlight the Commission’s extensive work during previous elections and briefed the EU team on current and upcoming initiatives for the 2025 elections. He underscored the Commission’s ongoing Countering Hate Speech campaign and noted plans to engage with parliamentarians and political parties in the lead-up to the polls. Commissioners emphasised the ERC’s vital role in fostering peace and harmony during the election season. They stressed the shared responsibility of all stakeholders to uphold unity and maintain a peaceful environment. As part of its election strategy, the ERC plans to deploy 100 campaign monitors and
200 observers on election day.
The EU delegation informed the ERC that their mission is in Guyana at the request of the Government to conduct exploratory assessments ahead of the 2025 elections. The EU has a history of involvement in
Guyana’s electoral process, having deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) in 2020 and maintaining active engagement with the ERC since then.
The ERC expressed gratitude for the EU’s continued interest and reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the EU as a trusted partner in the democratic process. Both parties acknowledged the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and cooperation in ensuring credible and peaceful elections later this year.
ERC team meeting with the EU Elections Exploratory Mission on Friday
Massive financial boost as municipalities' subventions now $50M, NDCs' $30M
…as Govt equip local bodies for better services
Vice President (VP)
Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has announced sweeping increases in Government’s subventions for local Government organs, which he says will equip these municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to deliver better services.
With these increases, every NDC will now receive $30 million as their new annual subvention, while each municipality will receive $50 million. Previously, NDCs received subventions of about $5 million, while municipalities received about $18 million.
“We want to equip you with the tools that ensure that going forward, apart from what we focus on at the national level, that you can deliver better services,” Jagdeo said to stakeholders, adding “So, we expect this money to be well-spent.”
Since taking office in 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration has been injecting resources into the various local Government bodies to enhance their ability to service citizens. In fact, the Agriculture Ministry is currently in the process of acquiring 68 excavators to be distributed to some of the NDCs and townships.
Nevertheless, the substantial increase in subventions announced on Friday
The VP made the announcement on Friday during a meeting with some councillors and other representatives of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) across Guyana, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
was part of a Manifesto promise made by the PPP/C.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Sonia Parag, told the Guyana Times on Friday that they have been incrementally increasing the subvention to these local Government bodies over the years.
According to Parag, “This is the biggest increase we’ve ever done because if you check for the NDCs, it is several hundred per cent. So, it’s a massive increase and unlike anything we’ve ever [done]. And in addition to the subvention, we’re also equipping them with various equipment like garbage trucks and mini-excavators –allowing them to utilise their finances to benefit the communities in terms of [doing] drainage [works and so on].”
The Local Government
Govt offers support to find workers for local BPO industry
…as sector faces labour shortage
Grappling with widespread labour shortages, the Guyana Government has stepped in to help the local Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector find workers.
The commitment was made by Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service Dr Ashni Singh, on Thursday when he met with several companies within the local BPO industry, to discuss its prospects and to get a better understanding of the challenges they face.
The engagement comes on the heels of the recent scaling back of operations of one large operator in the sector, and the closure of one other.
Recognising the BPO sector’s potential to create thousands of jobs for Guyanese countrywide, the Finance Minister invited several companies still operating here to provide the Government with a greater insight of the developments in the industry.
A statement from the Finance Ministry on Friday stated that during the meeting, the companies noted the principal challenge of attracting and retaining talent, particularly given the rapid emergence of jobs in other sectors of Guyana.
There was a unanimous recognition of the tremendous opportunities for expansion, with the potential for new clients being attracted to Guyana and additional job opportunities being created, in particular, jobs that are especially popular with the female workforce and that provide an entry point into the world of work in a technology-based environment.
The companies also indicated a strong desire to partner with the Government to expand their footprint in the country, attract additional
clients, and create additional jobs.
In this regard, Minister Singh discussed initiatives to support the sector, including the launch of a series of job fairs and public communication campaigns, to bring about greater awareness of the sector, given the number of jobs that are potentially available in several locations across the country.
The senior Minister pointed out that Government recognises the constant changes in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, and the need to evolve the model of call-centres from an entry level one providing telemarketing services, to a contact centre model providing more value-added jobs.
Minister Singh, who was joined by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, further reaffirmed Government’s commitment to continue to work closely with the BPO sector to support its development and expansion, and reiterated that Guyana remains an attractive destination for BPO business.
France-headquartered call centre, Teleperformance, has recently downsized its operations in Guyana. In fact, the company has already laid off hundreds of workers and closed its Camp
and Regional Development Minister explained that they are working with these local Government organs to ensure that the distribution of these funds is done in a timely manner. As such, the NDCs and Municipalities have been asked to submit an extended work programme for 2025 to show how the increased funding will be spent.
Parag further noted that while this is intended to be a means to hold these bodies accountable, Government will not be withholding the subvention for those that do not make the submissions.
“We’re really looking to wrap this up to and make sure that they have the mon-
ey. And the reason why we’re doing it early is to make sure that they are in a better position to start their work programmes and complete it before the year is out…”
“We do not intend for it to be a lengthy process or a bureaucratic process… So, we’re working with them directly, myself and Minister [within the Local Government Ministry, Anand Persaud], so that there is no bureaucracy in terms of them uplifting their money,” the Minister noted.
Parag went on to say that her Ministry will be monitoring the spending to ensure that not only is the money accounted for, but also what-
ever project is undertaken by the NDCs and municipalities that they are completed.
While the Ministry is awaiting most of these local Government organs to submit their work plans, the Minister noted that some of the projects that the increased subvention will towards include community beautification initiatives, removal of derelicts, infrastructure maintenance and procurement of equipment.
“So, we don’t want them to just fix a pothole, we want them to maybe look into investing in an equipment that they will have permanently to do work in the community,” Minister Parag stated.
Street, Georgetown location.
Only on Thursday, Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo assured that the Guyana Government is committed to helping those persons who will be genuinely affected by the company’s downsizing.
Jagdeo said the company has informed Guyanese officials that its operations are being negatively impacted by workers’ absenteeism, lack of punctuality and in some cases, fraud.
“They operate in a very competitive sector and they have clients abroad and if nobody is there, you can’t keep the quality of the service up… Like a lot of people apparently are finding jobs elsewhere, so a lot are leaving or some are showing up late and stuff like that,” he noted.
The VP said the Government will help Guyanese who will be genuinely impacted at the company scales back its operations.
“For those who genuinely are affected and want to work, we would engage them,” Jagdeo said, noting that “we believe that the economy is kicking to such an extent that we can easily find alternate employment for people who may be affected”.
Teleperformance is still operating at its Middle and Thomas Streets, Georgetown location.
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
Government officials engaged representatives from the various local Government organs across Guyana on Friday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre
Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and Chief Investment Officer Peter Ramsaroop met with operators in the local BPO sector on Thursday
10 Yurong Paru families receive new homes Hinterland Housing Programme
Some Ten families hailing from Yurong Paru, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) have received their brandnew homes through the Hinterland Housing Programme.
Each of the ten homes, measuring 20×25 feet, was constructed at no cost to the recipients, with the total investment amounting to some $30 million.
The project also stimulated the local economy, as materials were sourced directly from the region.
Speaking during the handing over ceremony, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal stated that as part of the hinterland programme, another 120 houses have been allocated to various villages. Wherever possible, the building materials have been sourced locally to support village economies. To date, about 70 of the 120 houses have been handed over.
“To date, we have handed over about 70 of the 120 houses, and over the next month or two, the other 50 will be handed over. So, on those programmes for Hinterland houses in Region Nine, we have invested to date over $285 million.
He highlighted that these lands are heavily subsidised and saw it fit to remind the residents about this.
“You are not paying the true value of your land because your Government is subsidising that cost. It therefore means that another investment we are making as part of homeownership is the infrastructure work. Here in Region 9, to date, over $1.4 billion has been invested under the housing sector.”
Meanwhile, in terms of Track A development, he announced an extension of that area in Lethem, where another phase will be commissioned.
In these two locations, there will be 600 lots available.
“…we are commencing two new areas. You recall we had started an area as you enter Lethem that speaks towards Track A development. So today, we have an extension of that area. We
will also be commencing another phase right here within Lethem, the new Culvert City.
Therefore, at these two locations, we have up to 600 lots available, and we are prepared for approximately 350 allocations today. If more people arrive, we will be able to accommodate more. As I said, we have up to 600 available.”
During the handing over ceremony, John Francis, the father of one home recipient said that this new house enables his son to have proper living conditions for his disabled grandson.
“I am so happy and grateful that this building is for
don’t have wives. I thank the Government very much because, for 15 years, I have been a member of the PPP/C (People's Progressive Party/ Civic) and during these 15 years, I have been able to get this new building,” the recipient said.
$23M well
In addition to the housing initiative, Croal also commissioned a $23 million water supply system in Yurong Paru. This system will improve water access in the village. Croal underscored the Government’s commitment to bridging the housing gap in hinterland regions by stat-
my son cause the way that we used to see that this disabled child couldn’t have a proper home to stay but now he has a proper room and he is able to live in a comfortable room,” the father said.
The Hinterland Housing Programme will see the construction of 400 homes across Regions One (BarimaWaini); Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); Eight (Potaro – Siparuni) and Nine. In Region Nine 120 homes are being built, benefitting villages such as Crash Water, Tiger Pond, Rupunau, and Shea.
Meanwhile, another recipient shared that this new house is of great importance due to the fact that she would have constantly faced turmoil due to her chronic illness.
“I am very happy and very proud to be a recipient of this house. Before, I used to suffer badly because I am not a healthy woman, and I was always sick. It’s just me and my three sons who used to live alone, and my sons
ing that the Government’s goal is to create thriving communities.
On that note, Jennerian Rodericks, another resident from the Yurong Paru community, revealed that this water supply system will be quite beneficial for her and her family.
“My name is Jennerian Rodericks, and my thoughts on this new water system are that I am going to benefit from it. I was never able to get water, but now I have water at my house, and I really appreciate it. I feel so happy,” said Rodericks, who takes care of her two grandchildren.
Over $70 billion has been invested in the development of Guyana’s hinterland regions since the return of the PPP/C Administration in 2020. The funds have been channeled through various Government initiatives, including the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), presidential grants, and allocations from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal (centre) shared a moment with beneficiaries at one of the homes
GRA enhances Padna app to support new e-ticketing system
Several new enhancements have been made to the Padna app, which will coincide with the launch of the new speeding ticketing and e-ticketing system app.
This information was revealed by Public Relations (PR) Manager of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Melissa Baird, along with the Head of Information Technology (IT) during a recent interview on Radio Eve Leary where she announced the developments.
Following the tax filing season in April, the Padna app will facilitate payments related to the new e-ticketing system.
The initiative is part of the larger Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS)
Project, a collaboration involving the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA).
This project aims to enhance road safety through the installation of new radar speed signs and speed cameras across the country, to monitor vehicular speeds and traffic patterns.
Regarding streamlined communication, drivers who have registered their contact details with the GRA will receive notifications via SMS or email regarding any violations. For those without registered details, a physical ticket will be sent to their registered address.
When speeding violations are detected by the advanced cameras, drivers will
automatically receive an image capturing the moment of the violation, including the speed of their vehicle. The penalty for these violations remains at $7,500.
The GRA has emphasised that the Padna app offers a range of user-friendly features designed to simplify tax-related processes. According to the GRA, users can calculate their individual income tax, import taxes for vehicles, and access various other functionalities.
The app also includes event reminders, a digital document vault, tax return filing capabilities, and a vehicle import calculator.
In upcoming updates, the app will enable users to make payments for drivers' and motor vehicle licenses
through platforms such as MMG, and will allow applicants to secure their compliance certificates directly through the app.
The Padna app utilises the same login credentials as the Optimal E-services, and is available for download on both the Google Play Store and the App Store by searching for "GRA Padna."
With these enhancements, the GRA aims to improve efficiency in tax processing and increase road safety in Guyana.
While the technology behind the e-ticketing system is sound, its effectiveness will ultimately depend on how well the public understands its operation and the importance of adhering to speed limits. The
Government’s upcoming public awareness campaign is a vital component of this initiative, and it will be crucial in educating drivers on how to navigate the new system, what to expect if they receive a speeding ticket, and the steps to take in the event of a dispute.
While challenges remain, particularly in terms of public understanding and adaptation, this initiative has the power to make a significant difference to the safety of Guyana’s roads.
More importantly, the system’s full automation eliminates the risk of errors or corruption that can sometimes occur with manual ticketing.
The ticketing process will be immediate and unbiased, ensuring that every violation is treated equally, regardless of the driver’s background or social status. This not only upholds the integrity of the system but also builds public trust in law enforcement. It is a much-needed step in a country where concerns about corruption have often undermined confidence in traditional law enforcement methods.
Wortmanville man slapped with 48 charges in $36M bank fraud
A23-year-old unemployed man from Wortmanville, Georgetown, who was wanted by police, has been arrested and hauled before the court on Thursday, facing a staggering 48 charges in connection with a sophisticated bank fraud scheme that allegedly saw a couple lose over $36 million from their joint account.
Shemaiah Ryan, known as ‘Banker’, of Bent Street, Wortmanville, was arrested by ranks of the Criminal Investigation Department’s fraud unit on Monday, not long after a wanted bulletin was issued for him. He was charged on Friday for 25 counts of simple larceny and 23 counts of conspiracy to commit computer-related fraud. He was charged under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 08:01, and 23 counts of conspiracy to commit computer-related fraud, contrary to Section 22(b) of the Cyber Crime Act No. 16 of 2018.
The charges were read by Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where Ryan appeared and pleaded not guilty to each count. He was granted bail in the sum of $50,000 per charge, amounting to $2.4 million in total. The matter was adjourned to May 16.
The charges arose after an investigation following a complaint by Bernadette Peterkin and Carl Peterkin, a married couple who share a joint savings account at a city bank. According to the case file, the couple never applied for nor were they ever issued with ATM cards, and they had not signed up for Internet
Banking services. However, on September 2, 2022, Ryan allegedly conspired with other individuals to create a fraudulent National Identification Card in the name of Carl Peterkin, using his correct personal information. That individual then visited a Camp Street branch of the commercial bank, presented the false ID, and successfully represented himself as Carl Peterkin. While there, he requested an ATM card linked to the account and signed up for online banking.
The accused, according to investigators, then reached out to Donna Edwards and her daughter, Chelsea Edwards, both of whom he had reportedly known for several years. Ryan is alleged to have told the women that he was a contractor involved in Government Road Projects in Berbice and explained that his work schedule did not allow him the time to travel to Georgetown to make bank withdrawals.
Claiming he needed help to access his funds to pay his workers, he asked Donna and Chelsea Edwards to permit him to transfer monies to their bank accounts, which they would then withdraw and hand over to him. Both women agreed to the arrangement.
Between September 2 and September 19, 2022, the accused allegedly transferred a total of $17,997,000 from Bernadette and Carl Peterkin’s joint savings account to Chelsea Edwards’ account on 13 occasions through online banking. Similarly, between September 7 and September 27, 2022, Ryan is said to have transferred an additional $13,618,000 to Donna Edwards’ account in 13 separate transactions, again using online banking services. Investigators said both women withdrew the cash and handed it over to Ryan. Additionally, during the period September 2 to September 30, 2022, the accused reportedly used the
ATM card obtained through fraudulent means to make 27 withdrawals from several ATM machines around Georgetown, amounting to $4,829,000. These transactions, police confirmed,
were all captured on CCTV footage showing Ryan making the withdrawals himself.
The total sum defrauded from the Peterkins’ account amounted to $36,444,000.
The police have not indicated whether charges will be brought against the Edwards women, nor whether additional suspects are being pursued. Investigations are ongoing.
Shemaiah Ryan, known as ‘Banker’
Vigilance Magistrates’ Court opens doors to public for historic 'Grand Open Day'
The Vigilance Magistrates’ Courts on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) on Friday opened its gates not for legal proceedings, but to welcome the public into its halls, for a historic and enlightening, Grand Open Day—a public awareness initiative spearheaded by the Judiciary of Guyana.
The event, held from 10:00h to 14:00h, transformed the courtroom environment into an interactive educational space, also drawing students from scores of primary, nursery, and secondary schools such as President’s College, Apex Education, and Buxton Secondary.
There were also teachers and curious residents in attendance, eager to better understand the workings of the legal system.
In a rare opportunity, attendees explored a series of themed booths set up across the courthouse compound. Each booth offered insights into different facets of the judiciary.
At the Criminal Law Booth, students and visitors learned about criminal charges, due process, and sentencing. The Civil Law Booth addressed matters such as land disputes, contract enforcement, and domestic issues.
Adjacent to that was the Evidence Booth, which provided attendees with a firsthand look at how evidence is collected, preserved, and presented in court.
Yonette CummingsEdwards, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag)
Visitors explored exhibits showcasing forensic techniques, chain of custody procedures, and the importance of physical and digital evidence in criminal and civil cases.
Court staff demonstrated how evidence integrity is maintained to ensure fair trials, emphasising the role of forensic science and technology in modern justice.
Magistrates and court staff engaged directly with attendees, answering questions, sharing legal brochures, and encouraging the younger generation to consider careers in law.
Students were seen interacting enthusiastically with judicial officers, some taking notes and others snapping photos with the Magistrates.
Students from Apex Education, one of several schools that participated in the Open Day event, expressed how enlightening the experience was, and how it shifted their perceptions of the justice system.
For many, it was their first time entering a courtroom and engaging directly with legal professionals.
“When my entire group and I went into the criminal court, it piqued a few of our interests,” said Emma
Vasquez-Ellis, a student of Apex Education. “We learned about the narcotics we should stay away from and that human trafficking doesn’t have to be cross-border—it can happen right here in our country.”
Another student, Sarah Paul, noted that the courtroom environment was nothing like she expected. “I really thought it would have been more scary because it’s a court,” she said. “But when I went into the courtroom, it was calm and peaceful. The environment was very nice.”
Among the students in also attendance was Romel Paul, who represented President’s College. Sharing his reflections on the experience, he said the event was deeply educational and aligned well with his academic aspirations.
“My experience today was very much knowledgeable,” Paul noted. “I’ve learned a lot about our judicial system, especially on child support and criminal cases. One of the most fascinating things I learned was that giving drugs to a child can be more effectively prosecuted as human trafficking. That stood out to me.” Paul, who plans to pursue Law Unit 2 next year, added that the event has deepened his interest in the legal field.
Delivering the feature address, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) told the audience: “Today is a happy day, because we’re not presiding over any matter—you’re not seeing the court where judgment is being passed. You’re seeing the court where we meet with the people. And
that is important.”
She emphasised the initiative’s broader purpose: to dispel misconceptions about the justice system and reinforce its accessibility to all.
“There is sometimes a stigma,” she said. “‘No, we cannot go to the court, we cannot climb the court step.’ But the court is also a place of learning, of service, of guidance. And that’s what we are showing you today.”
Students from all levels, from young children in nursery schools to those preparing for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), were encouraged to explore careers in law. “You may choose to go on to sixth form and to write CAPE Law,” Justice Cummings-Edwards said. “This here is just the start of an exciting career, I must tell you.”
She added that the Open Day was also a platform to improve public trust and transparency in the legal system. “It removes any se-
crecy or shroud surrounding the justice system… and helps build a well-informed, empowered population that understands its rights.”
Justice CummingsEdwards credited the success of the event to the collective efforts of the Registry staff from Georgetown, the team of Magistrates on the East Coast, and supporting administrative and Information Technology (IT) personnel. “This initiative is
not a one-off,” she declared. “We plan to host at least two such Open Days across the country each year.” She concluded her remarks with heartfelt thanks and encouragement to all in attendance: “Ask all the difficult questions. Don’t be shy. You’re not in court today, but you are in a court setting. Use this chance to learn and grow. May God continue to bless you all richly.”
2 men stabbed to death in separate disputes in Region 10
The two young men who hail from Region 10 (Upper DemeraraUpper Berbice) are now dead following two fatal stabbing incidents.
Police are probing the dead of Kenroy Bradford, called 'Kelly', a 20-year-old Labourer of Lot 314 Block 22 Wismar Linden, which occurred at about 00:05hrs on Friday at Five Corner Mackenzie, Linden.
Enquiries disclosed that at the time of the incident, Bradford was in the company of Andrew Jacobs and Anthony Jacobs (both residents of Block 22 Wismar) at Blazing Shop at Five Corner Mackenzie, consuming alcohol.
During this time, Anthony Jacobs went over to a 29-year-old female bartender, who was in the company of 20-year-old Cyrus Jacobis, and four other persons -- all of whom are from the Block 'F' Christianburg Wismar, Linden.
Cyrus became angry and pushed away Anthony Jacobs and an argument started between the parties. Cyrus and
his crew then left the shop and went to the parapet of Five Corners. Anthony and his friends then followed Cyrus and others, and the argument continued.
It is alleged that Jacobs and his crew started to pelt beer bottles at Cyrus and his friends. Subsequently a brawl erupted between both parties in the parking lot of Five Corners, and Cyrus allegedly rushed into the fight with a knife and stabbed Anthony Jacob in his abdomen, causing him to fall. Andrew Jacobs then pulled Anthony away from Cyrus and received a cut to his finger in the process.
The fight continued with parties on both sides joining the melee. When the fight ended, Andrew realised that his brother Anthony was bleeding, and he rushed him to the Linden Hospital Complex with the assistance of a public-spirited citizen.
Cyrus and his crew then left the Five Corner.
Persons who were close by observed Kenroy Bradford on the ground and contacted the police. The police arrived at the scene where information
was given, and they made checks in Dacama Circle, Mackenzie, and arrested Cyrus whose clothing was covered with suspected blood.
He was taken to the Mackenzie Police Station, where it was observed that he had injuries to his back and a cut to his left ear. He was escorted to the Linden Hospital Complex for medical attention, where he was treated and sent away in Police cus-
tody.
The scene was processed, where it was observed that Kenroy Bradford was motionless, in a crouching position, bracing on the back of a White Premio motorcar. He was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Anthony Jacobs was admitted to the hospital as a patient, with his condition
deemed critical. Three persons are in custody as investigations continue.
“Blacka”
Meanwhile, Police are also investigating the death of a 28-year-old unemployed man, known only as "Blacka," who resided at the Kwakwani waterfront in Region 10. The incident occurred on Thursday between 22:00h and 22:15h at Kwakwani.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was at a residence owned by a 24-year-old man, who lived in the house with his 28-yearold brother. The owner had left his home in August 2024 to work in Georgetown, leaving his brother in charge of the property. On the evening of April 3, the owner returned home and found his brother and "Blacka" there.
A dispute ensued when the homeowner questioned his brother about "Blacka's" presence, with the brother explaining that they were friends and that "Blacka" had been allowed to stay while searching for work. The disagreement escalated, and
"Blacka" and the homeowner became involved in an argument. During this time, the homeowner's brother left the house and went down the street. About 15 to 20 minutes later, he returned to find "Blacka" lying in a pool of blood in the hall, with a knife beside him. The brother immediately contacted the police.
Upon arrival, officers found the victim on his back, covered in blood, with a knife nearby. He was transported to Kwakwani Hospital Complex, where he was pronounced dead.
An examination of the victim's body revealed multiple wounds on his lower back and chest. The police then contacted the homeowner, who was informed of the allegations against him. The homeowner allegedly admitted to the offence, stating that the dispute had escalated when "Blacka" refused to leave his home. A physical altercation followed, during which the homeowner reportedly stabbed the victim with a knife. He is currently in custody pending charge.
Scenes from Open Day at the Vigilance Magistrates’ Court
Justice
Dead: Kenroy Bradford
Six people dead after alleged dynamite attack in Bolivia gold-mining clash
Aclash between gold-mining operations in Bolivia has resulted in an explosion that killed six people, according to authorities.
Thursday’s blast rocked the Yani mining camp approximately 150 kilometres – or 90 miles – northwest of the country’s administrative capital, La Paz.
“There are six dead, and we have reports of missing persons,” said Jhonny Silva, a representative from one of the mining groups involved, the Hijos de Ingenio Mining Cooperative.
That mining collective reportedly brawled with another group, known as Senor de Mayo, in a dynamite-laden fight over access to a gold mining area. The explosion left houses damaged and the town of Sorata without power.
“They have blown up machinery with dynamite, even a diesel tank,” Silva said of the rival cooperative.
Collectives developed in Bolivia as an alternative to state-run and private enterprises. Critics have accused those large companies of providing unstable employment for low-income mining workers, their jobs hinging on market fluctuations. The collectives started to crop up in the wake of several economic crises, particularly in 1985, when international mineral prices fell and the state-owned mining com-
pany Corporación Minera de Bolivia (COMIBOL) temporarily shuttered.
Thursday’s dynamite attack between the collectives, however, was simmering for years, according to Silva.
Colonel Gunther Agudo, a local police officer, told local media that the dynamite attack “caused an explosion of great magnitude”.
“We’re continuing the rescue efforts,” he said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Trump extends deadline to keep TikTok running in US
US President Donald Trump has granted TikTok a second 75-day extension to comply with a law that requires the hugely popular video app to either sell its US operation or face a ban in the country.
“We do not want TikTok to ‘go dark’,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “We look forward to working with TikTok and China to close the Deal.” The platform is currently owned by Chinese company ByteDance.
Trump’s first extension was granted after he took office in January and was set to expire on Saturday.
The social media platform, which says it has more than 170 million users in the US, must close in the US under a law passed by Congress - unless a buyer is found.
In a statement on Friday, ByteDance said it had been in discussion with the Trump administration, but “an agreement has not been executed”.
“There are key matters to be resolved. Any agreement will be subject to approval under Chinese law,” a spokesperson said.
Former US President Joe Biden’s administration had argued that TikTok could be used by China as a tool for spying and political manipulation.
Congress passed a bipartisan law last year that gave ByteDance six months to sell its controlling stake in TikTok or see the app blocked in the US.
Opponents of a ban have cited freedom of speech as a reason for keeping the platform open.
The new extension comes as the Trump administration
tries to broker a deal to bring the social media platform under American ownership, and keep the popular app running in the US.
“The Deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Friday.
A TikTok deal was reportedly nearly finalised on Wednesday, but fell apart after Trump on the same day announced sweeping global tariffs, including on China.
ByteDance representatives contacted the White House to inform them China would no longer approve the deal unless negotiations on the tariffs could take place, a source familiar with the deal told CBS News, the BBC’s US partner. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Nuns among victims of recent gang violence in Haiti
Two nuns were among several people killed when an armed gang ran riot near Haitian capital Port-au-Prince on Monday, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Port-au-Prince, Max Leroy Mésidor, has confirmed.
The nuns belonging to the Order of Saint Teresa have been identified as Evanette Onezaire and Jeanne Voltaire. Their deaths come as the Vivre Ensemble coalition, a group uniting the country’s most powerful gangs, launched an offensive in a bid to take control of the country.
Media reports said that they had sought refuge in a house as the gang attacked
the prison and other public buildings in Mirebalais, 30 miles north-east of the capital.
Gang members found the Sisters’ hiding place and shot them dead. A young girl sheltering with them received gunshot wounds to her chest. In a message to the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Archbishop Mésidor wrote: “Several murders took place during this attack, including two Sisters from the local congregation of the Little Sisters of Saint Thérèse.”
Mencaglia added that the charity remains committed to supporting the Haitian Church, issuing “an urgent
Amazon shipping route for Brazilian soy disrupted by protests, poor roads
Indigenous protests and poor roads have disrupted shipping of Brazil’s bumper soybean crop in recent days via the river port of Miritituba in the Amazon rainforest, worrying global companies including Cargill and Bunge, which have important operations.
Abiove, an association representing grain handlers, said on Friday road access to Miritituba has remained under partial or total blockade for two weeks, preventing the shipment of around 70,000 tons of grains per day, which corresponds to almost $30 million in product value.
In a joint statement with farm group Aprosoja Brasil and private ports operator lobby ATP, it urged authorities and civil society to find a quick solution as the blockades disrupt not only grain shipments but also people movement and the arrival of critical goods and services.
Protesters from the Munduruku people have been blocking a key stretch of the
Transamazonian Highway near Miritituba at certain hours of the day to pressure Brazil’s Supreme Court to overturn a 2023 law aimed at limiting their land rights.
That has worsened backups along an unpaved five-kilometer stretch of the road.
Trucking group ANATC said the traffic has left some cargos waiting three days to unload at Miritituba.
Demand for soy from Brazil, the world’s largest pro-
ducer and exporter, has surged in No. 1 consumer China as traders brace for a trade war discouraging Chinese imports of U.S. soybeans.
Miritituba loaded some 15 million tons of soy and corn last year onto barges bound for larger shipping ports down river, representing more than a tenth of Brazil’s total exports of those grains. Volumes at the port are expected to rise around 20% this year. (Excerpt from Reuters)
J’ca PM urges businesses to seek markets in the wake of Trump's tariff imposition
Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr Andrew Holness is urging Jamaican businesses to look to new markets, while at the same time committing to protecting their interests in light of the imposition of the 10 per cent tariff on exports to the United States.
The Prime Minister, who was speaking Thursday at EXPO Jamaica’s opening ceremony at the National Indoor Sports Centre, said nearly 90 per cent of Jamaican exports to the United States enter under preferential terms.
He said, while the Government has not yet re-
ceived formal notification on the precise implementation procedures – including whether the new tariff will override existing Caribbean Basin Initiative provisions –it is actively engaging with US trade representatives to seek urgent clarification.
Dr Holness said his ad-
ministration is conducting a detailed technical assessment to fully understand the scope of the tariff and its implications for Jamaica’s trade and industrial policy.
The Prime Minister said preliminary analyses indicated that some of Jamaica’s top exports might fall under exempt product categories and that the Government was working to confirm and, where possible, expand these exemptions.
Further, he said there are possible opportunities arising from the tariff issue, stressing the need to be proactive and prospective. (radiojamaica online)
call for prayer in the face of the increased violence and its devastating impact on the community”.
United Nations Secretary General António Guterres had earlier this week condemned the attack by heavily armed gang members on the town of Mirebalais, 30 miles northeast of the capital.
The authorities said that during the attack the gang members burnt several houses and vehicles, and fired automatic weapons.
The recent offensive is seen as retaliation against the Transitional Presidential Council’s (TPC) crackdown on criminal groups. (Excerpt from Loop Caribbean News)
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces new charges of sex trafficking and prostitution
Sean “Diddy” Combs has been hit with two new criminal charges, including sex trafficking and engaging in prostitution, just a month before he is set to go on trial in New York.
The new accusations, made public on Friday in a Manhattan court, include allegations of more recent criminal offences against another victim.
Prosecutors allege that Mr Combs recruited, transported and forced this victim to en-
gage in sex acts and prostitution from 2021 to 2024.
The hip-hop mogul has denied all the allegations against him, and his legal team argued that the charges were based on consensual activities “not coercion”.
“These are not new allegations or new accusers,” Mr Combs’s legal team told CBS News, the BBC’s US partner. “These are the same individuals, former long-term girlfriends, who were involved in consensual relationships. This
was their private sex life, defined by consent, not coercion.”
A grand jury probe indicted Mr Combs last year on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. These two new charges bring the total federal charges against him to five. The court document does not provide specifics about the new offences, but prosecutors allege that they stem from a grand jury investigation.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
Munduruku Indigenous people have blocked Brazil’s BR 230 national highway in Itaituba
Around the World
OOIL NEWS
Oil dives 7% to lowest in over 3 years on China's tariffs
il prices plunged 7% on Friday to settle at their lowest in over three years as China ramped up tariffs on U.S. goods, escalating a trade war that has led investors to price in a higher probability of recession.
China, the world's top oil importer, announced it will impose additional tariffs of 34% on all U.S. goods from April 10. Nations around the world have readied retaliation after Trump raised tariff to their highest in more than a century.
Investment bank JPMorgan said it now sees a 60% chance of a global economic recession by year-end, up from 40% previously.
Global benchmark Brent futures settled $4.56, or 6.5%, lower at $65.58 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures lost $4.96, or 7.4%, to end at $61.99.
At the session low, Brent fell to $64.03 and WTI hit $60.45, their lowest in four years.
For the week, Brent was down 10.9%, its biggest weekly loss in percentage terms in a year and a half, while WTI posted its biggest decline in two years with a drop of 10.6%.
Trump's new tariffs are "larger than expected" and the economic fallout, including higher inflation and slower growth, likely will be as well, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said in remarks that pointed to the potentially difficult set of decisions ahead for the U.S. central bank.
Further pressuring oil prices, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) decided to advance plans for output increases. The group now aims to return 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) to the market in May, up from the previously planned 135,000 bpd.
Imports of oil, gas and refined products were given exemptions from Trump's sweeping new tariffs, but the policies could stoke inflation, slow economic growth and intensify trade disputes, weighing on oil prices.
Goldman Sachs analysts responded with sharp cuts to their December 2025 targets for Brent and WTI by $5 each to $66 and $62 respectively. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Stocks slump again after China fires back in trade war with tariffs on US goods
Global stock markets plummeted further on Friday after China said it would strike back at U.S.
President Donald Trump with additional tariffs of 34% on U.S. goods, escalating a trade war that has rattled investors and fed fears of a coming recession.
The trade war has spurred the biggest market losses since the pandemic.
The Nasdaq Composite's (.IXIC), opens new tab slide confirmed a bear market for the tech-heavy index, compared to its record closing high of 20,173.89 on December 16. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI), opens new tab confirmed a correction to its record closing high of 45,014.04 on December 4.
Intensifying the stand-
UK police charge comedian Russell Brand with rape, sexual assaults
British police said they charged actor-comedian Russell Brand on Friday with rape and multiple counts of assault in cases relating to four separate women between 1999 and 2005.
Brand, who was once one of Britain's most high-profile broadcasters and is the former husband of U.S. pop singer Katy Perry, denied the allegations when they first emerged in 2023 and said he had never had non-consensual sex.
After the charges, Brand
said on X that while he had been a fool when he was younger, "what I never was was a rapist. I have never engaged in non-consensual activity". He started his message by describing the law being used as "a kind of weapon".
Police said Brand, who lives in Oxfordshire, southern England, was charged with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape and two counts of sexual assault. Brand is due to appear in court for
South Korea’s President Yoon removed from office over martial law decree
South Korea’s Constitutional Court unanimously voted to remove President Yoon Suk-yeol over his declaration of martial law late last year.
As he read the verdict in court on Friday morning, acting chief justice Moon Hyung-bae dismissed each of Yoon’s reasons for declaring martial law and said the president had overstepped his authority by deploying troops on the streets of the capital in
December.
“The defendant mobilised military and police forces to dismantle the authority of constitutional institutions and infringed upon the fundamental rights of the people. In doing so, he abandoned his constitutional duty to uphold the constitution and gravely betrayed the trust of the Korean people,” Moon said.
“Such unlawful and unconstitutional conduct constitutes an act that cannot
be tolerated under the constitution,” the judge said.
“The negative consequences and ripple effects of these actions are substantial, and the benefit of restoring constitutional order through removal from office outweighs the national costs associated with the dismissal of a sitting president,” he added. Yoon claimed at the time that antistate and North Korean forces had infiltrated the government, but senior military and po-
lice officials who were sent to shut down the country’s National Assembly have testified that he ordered them to detain rival politicians and prevent the assembly from voting to lift his military rule order. South Korea’s National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon on December 14, but they needed the approval of the Constitutional Court to formally expel him. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Children among 18 killed in Russian attack on Zelensky's home city
ARussian missile attack on the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih has killed at least 18 people and left dozens wounded, Ukrainian officials have said.
Nine of the dead were children, said President Volodymyr Zelensky, who grew up in Kryvyi Rih. Local officials said a ballistic missile had hit a residential area.
off between the world's two biggest economies, Beijing also announced controls on exports of some rare earths, while Trump doubled down as well, vowing not to change course.
China added 11 U.S. bodies to the "unreliable entity" list, which allows Beijing to take punitive actions against foreign entities, including firms linked to arms sales to democratically governed Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory.
Other impacted nations like Canada have also readied retaliation in a mounting trade war after Trump raised U.S. tariff barriers to the highest levels in more than a century, leading to a plunge in world financial markets. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Images showed at least one victim lying in a playground, while a video showed a large section of a 10-storey block of flats destroyed and victims lying on the road.
Russia's defence ministry later claimed a "high-precision missile strike" had targeted a meeting of "unit commanders and Western instructors" in a restaurant, and that up to 85 were killed. It provided no evidence.
Ukraine's military responded by saying that Russia was spreading false information to try to "cover up its cynical crime". It said Moscow had fired an Iskander-M ballistic missile with a cluster warhead to maximise casualties.
The attack, early on Friday evening, was among the deadliest on Kryvyi Rih
since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, and comes as US President Donald Trump pushes for a ceasefire.
Zelensky wrote on social media that at least five buildings had been damaged in Friday's strike: "There is only one reason why this continues: Russia doesn't want a ceasefire, and we see it."
The head of Kryvyi Rih's defence, Oleksandr Vilkul, said a residential area was hit.
"The missile exploded in the air... to injure more people," he said. "Children were killed on or near a
playground."
Serhii Lysak, the head of the Dnipropetrovsk region where Kryvyi Rih is located, said more than 40 people were treated for wounds, and the youngest was only three months old. Later on Friday, Vilkul reported more explosions, saying the city was under a "mass" drone attack that triggered fires in at least four locations.
He said one elderly woman burned to death in a private house hit by a drone. Another five people were injured elsewhere. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Israel kills a Hamas commander in Lebanon, further testing ceasefire
Israel killed a commander of the Palestinian militant group Hamas in an airstrike on southern Lebanon on Friday, further testing a ceasefire that halted last year's war between Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
The Israeli military said the targeted militant, Hassan Farhat, was behind a rocket attack on the city of Safed last year that killed and wounded several Israeli soldiers. It vowed to act against Hamas
fighters "wherever they operate".
A security source said Farhat was killed along with his son and daughter in the strike in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon. Hamas' armed wing the al-Qassam Brigades said Farhat was assassinated in his apartment in Sidon, and praised his "blessed contributions" to the confrontation with Israel over the years.
Iran-backed Hezbollah condemned the strike in a
statement, saying that the "targeting of Sidon is evidence of the enemy's intention to expand the scope of its aggression and target all of Lebanon".
Hamas and Hezbollah are allies, and Hezbollah launched a campaign of cross border strikes on Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian group in 2023. Israel responded with a major air and ground campaign in Lebanon last year that killed much of the Hezbollah leadership.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's office said Friday's Israeli attack was a clear violation of a U.S.backed ceasefire. The ceasefire, agreed in November, has appeared increasingly precarious in recent weeks, with Israel striking the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut twice and rockets being fired on two occasions from Lebanon towards Israel.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Put more energy into what you do and how you present yourself and your attributes. Take the high road and don’t look back. Letting go of the past is half the battle.
Tidy up; take a stab at streamlining your life and decluttering your space. Put your energy into altering your lifestyle to encourage peace of mind and more time for purposeful pastimes.
Bide your time. Refuse to let anyone talk you into something you don’t want or need. Reach out to connections, get the lowdown and make choices based on what is easiest for you.
Get your facts straight before you share information. Put more time and thought into how you use your energy and skills to get things done and raise your profile.
Keep your mind motivated and moving in an innovative direction. Learn all you can and adapt your findings to service your skills. It’s up to you to find ways to stand out in a competitive world.
Introduce yourself to people and pastimes that excite you. Participate in community events and be receptive to adopting changes that can benefit you personally.
Take in the atmosphere. The inspiration you receive from interacting with people who are unique, creative or knowledgeable about subjects that spark your curiosity will spur you to dig deeper.
Don’t hide when you should be out and about. Social events will change your perspective regarding someone of interest. Participation is your passport to better options, new beginnings and positive lifestyle changes.
Think big, but don’t go over budget. Someone will interfere or try to persuade you to take on responsibilities you don’t need or want. Protect your money, possessions and reputation.
You are sitting in a better position than someone would have you believe. Listen to criticism, but decide for yourself what’s best for you. Be passionate about the process, journey and overall outcome.
A financial opportunity is apparent. Buying, selling or investing more time or money in yourself or your future is encouraged and will send you down a rewarding path.
Live life your way. Follow your heart, live in the moment and participate in events and activities that pump you up. Say no to temptation, excessive behavior and overspending or paying for others’ mistakes.
Indian Premier League 2025…
LSG register sixth win in seven games against MI
Tilak Varma retired out, and Hardik Pandya farmed strike, but the lastditch effort wasn’t enough for Mumbai Indians (MI) to register a come-from-behind win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG); who have now won six of their seven games against the five-time champions. The win in Lucknow on Friday came on the back of half-centuries from openers Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram.
Naman Dhir made an explosive 46, and Suryakumar Yadav continued his return to form with a 43-ball 67 for MI, but LSG’s death bowlers stood tall against an experienced MI batting lineup in the end. With 52 runs needed off the last four overs, ESPNcricinfo’s forecaster gave MI a 36.9% chance of winning. With Suryakumar and Tilak at the crease, and Hardik to follow, the equation rather seemed closer to fifty-fifty.
Avesh, Thakur turn it around
Avesh Khan changed that equation by dismissing Suryakumar to start the 17th over. The batter premeditated a sweep, and went through with it despite the ball being well outside the off-side tramline. The catch was thus taken at deep-backward square leg.
Hardik, the next batter in, and Tilak each got a
boundary in the over, but couldn’t get Digvesh Rathi away in the next one. Shardul Thakur bowled yorkers in the 19th - at the stumps as well as wide ones - and with another 24 runs needed off the remaining seven balls, MI decided to retire Tilak and bring in Mitchell Santner.
Two runs by Santner off the last ball of that over from Thakur, who gave away just seven runs at a crucial stage, left MI an improbable 22 runs to get in the final over. Hardik was on strike, and although he launched Avesh over cover to start with a six, Avesh
2-0-23-0
Deepak Chahar
Ashwani Kumar 3-0-39-1
Mitchell Santner 4-0-46-0 Vignesh Puthur 4-0-31-1
Hardik Pandya 4-0-36-5
Mumbai Indians (T: 204 runs from 20 ovs) Will Jacks c Ravi Bishnoi
b Akash Deep 5 Ryan Rickelton † c Ravi Bishnoi
b
b
(Ayush Badoni, 15.5 ov), 5-173 (Aiden Markram, 17.5 ov), 6-182 (Abdul Samad, 18.3 ov), 7-200 (David Miller, 19.4 ov), 8-200 (Akash Deep, 19.5 ov)
b Thakur 10 Naman Dhir
b Rathi 46 Suryakumar Yadav c Abdul Samad
b Avesh Khan 67
Tilak Varma retired out 25 Hardik Pandya (c) not out 28 Mitchell Santner not out 2 Extras (lb 4, w 4) 8
Total 20 Ov (RR: 9.55) 191/5
Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Will Jacks, 1.4 ov), 2-17 (Ryan Rickelton, 2.2 ov), 3-86 (Naman Dhir, 8.1 ov), 4-152 (Suryakumar Yadav, 16.1 ov), 5-180 (Tilak Varma, 18.5 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Shardul Thakur 4-0-40-1 Akash Deep 4-0-46-1 Avesh Khan 4-0-40-1 Digvesh Rathi 4-0-21-1 Ravi Bishnoi
continued aiming for yorkers, and conceded just three runs off the five deliveries of the over. Thus, LSG won by 12 runs.
Suryakumar, Dhir accelerate, but can’t cross the line MI had gotten themselves into a good position, despite stumbling early in the chase. Dhir and Suryakumar took charge after MI lost openers Ryan
cal fash flicking length deep-back square Dhir was re ably still at crease, and boundaries down the ground and through the leg side to get to 30 off his first nine balls. Suryakumar, meanwhile, swat ted Avesh over the leg side as MI brought up their fif ty in five overs.
Akash Deep and Ravi Bishnoi were each hit for two boundaries right af ter the powerplay, but Rathi broke the flow with a legspinner’s carrom ball
that angled in off a shortish length, beat Dhir’s flick, and hit the stumps.
Suryakumar continued to find the boundary without taking many risks. He displayed his ability to manipulate the field in the 11th over when he first played the square drive and then the cover drive to score two fours. Tilak, too, picked up an early boundary, but couldn’t get going.
MI got to 88 for 1 in the middle overs despite not hitting a single six. They had set batters at the crease for the big finish, but were denied by
LSG had earlier made 69 runs in the powerplay, after being put into bat. Marsh made 60 of those off 30 balls, with nine fours and two sixes. He could’ve been dismissed caught behind off Trent Boult in the first over, but neither the bowler nor his team-mates heard the nick as Marsh tried
Marsh was severe against full balls, and the lofted off-drive off Boult for six in the third over was a highlight. When Santner was introduced in the fifth over, he picked stroke
boundaries off the back
Ashwani Kumar bowled a qui-
et first over, but went for 23 runs off his second with two boundaries down the groundthrough square leg and coveras Marsh got to a 27-ball fifty. However, Marsh fell against the run of play by handing a return catch to Vignesh Puthur in his first over, which was the seventh of the innings.
Hardik chips away, but LSG push along Nicholas Pooran was LSG’s in-form batter, and he looked in business straightaway, smacking Santner for a four and a six. But Hardik’s slower bouncer first accounted for Pooran, and then for the out-of-form Rishabh Pant, who got a leading edge off an attempted flick to mid-off.
Markram hit a couple of sixes while batting with Pant, but returned to playing second fiddle as Ayush Badoni played himself in. The opener got to his fifty off 34 balls - off what was the 99th ball of the innings. He was on 6 off his first nine deliveries, before breaking free with three back-toback boundaries off Santner, who finished with 0 for 46, his third-most expensive figures in a T20.
Badoni scooped Ashwani on the fifth ball of the 16th over, but was out caught behind next ball as he tried to repeat the shot when the bowler went wider.
In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik bowled two overs at the death and took three wickets, starting with that of Markram with the offcutter. Only four fours were hit between overs 16 and 19; and with 29 runs scored, MI were looking to restrict LSG to
LSG have now won six of their seven games against five-time champions MI
Hardik Pandya had an all-round performance of 5 for 36 and 28 off 16 balls
Suryakumar Yadav contributed 67 runs from 43 balls
Aiden Markram scored 53 runs off 38 balls
West Indies Championships 2025…
GHE roar back with tons from Anderson, Imlach
Another Kevlon Anderson century, together with a half-century from skipper Tevin Imlach, put the Guyana Harpy Eagles in the driver’s seat on Friday afternoon as their West Indies Championships’ contest with the Leeward Islands Hurricanes continued.
The Harpy Eagles, defending champions in the
tournament, resumed Day 3 at Warner Park in St Kitts on 137-1, a mere 5 runs away from eliminating the first innings’ advantage enjoyed by the hosts; and Matthew Nandu converted his 53 runs to 66 runs off 167 balls before unfortunately being run out.
However, Kevlon Anderson, again showing
class, improved his first innings’ unbeaten 77 by hitting his fifth first -class century in 243 balls. This is his third century this season, and it included 10 boundaries.
At the other end, Captain Tevin Imlach, eyeing the greater milestone, churned out another half-century as he registered an unbeaten 82 off 151 balls at the tea Interval.
One Guyana 3x3 Quest begins today
Specialist basketball teams from around the world will be in action at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown this weekend, contending for supremacy when the ‘One Guyana’ 3x3 Quest gets underway.
Competing for a grand prize of US$5000 and a spot in the FIBA World Tour in Edmonton, Canada, 16 foreign teams will be in contention against three of their local counterparts as each team vies to make their dreams come true.
On the eve of what promises to be a fantabulous event, Vice-President of the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF), tournament organiser Rawle Toney, spoke to the event’s historic element as he shared on what to expect.
“This weekend is the biggest 3x3 tournament to be ever held in Guyana and the English-speaking Caribbean. Unfortunately, Grenada pulled out yesterday, but the show must go on. We still have 19 teams, which is unprecedented for a 3x3 tournament in the region in general.”
He told this publication,
“What we have is literally some of the best 3x3 teams in the world: Team Lausanne, which is ranked 7th in the world. We have several players who play with Harlem, which is ranked just about 12th or 14th. We have Carolina from Puerto Rico, another one of the top-ranked teams in the world. So, consider a player from…some of the top 100 players in the world competing in Guyana. I don’t think any one of us would have envisioned we would host a tournament like this.”
Team Puerto Rico, a big contender for the top spot, was among teams present at the Homestretch Avenue location getting their drills in on Friday afternoon. Team player Antonio Ralat revealed that he expects to see talented payers on show, but says he is confident of his team’s chances.
“We’re enjoying it so far! We got here late yesterday; we’re excited for the tournament! It’s going to be good for Guyana, and we’re excited to play here. I expect there to be a lot of talent; I mean, we know that it’s a lot of teams that don’t play in the World Tour because they’re far
away, but we know that the Caribbean and the Americas, we have a lot of talent. So, we’re expecting a really good talent, and we’re all for the challenge!” Ralat expressed.
“We’re excited for both!” this player said of the cash prize on offer together with the opportunity to participate in the World Tour. “We want to keep playing; and obviously, we do this for the money as well! But we love the game, and the more tournaments we can get to, our final goal is to reach the World Tour at the end. So, we’ve got to win this tournament to get there.”
As highest-ranked player in the tournament (47th in the World), Ralat confidently declared, “Every tournament that we go, we play to win! So, our expectations are to win! We know that every team is going to want to do the same; so, we got to be ready for the competition.”
Action in this tournament would begin at 10:00hrs on both days, with the final scheduled for Sunday evening. The teams are competing for first- to third-place cash prizes of US$5000; US$2000 and US$1000 respectively.
After the break, Anderson unfortunately lost his wicket as he attempted a big shot, but Imlach kept spearheading Guyana’s charge by bringing up his 3rd century of the season. A quick single in the 134th over enabled the GHE captain to reach the milestone in 206 balls.
Close of play came soon after, with Imlach being unbeaten on 103 and Kevin Sinclair being unbeaten on 31 runs off 84 balls.
Day 3 had seen the
Hurricanes bowlers registering another backbreaking effort for the meagre returns of 3 wickets. With the dismissal of Nandu via the runout route, Hayden Walsh claimed 1-84 from 28 overs; while Rahkeem Cornwall took 1-94 from 43 overs and Javier Spencer took 1-49 from 17 overs.
At close of play, the Harpy Eagles were 381-4, commanding a solid 239-run lead with 6 wickets still in hand. Day 4 action - final day of the match – will resume at 10:00h today.
GCB confirms squads as Senior Women’s InterCounty bowls off today
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) on Friday officially announced the squads for the 2025 Senior Female InterCounty T20 Tournament which is set to commence today, Saturday, April 5th, and conclude on Monday, April 7.
All matches will begin at 13:00hrs and will be played at the LBI Ground, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Sheneta Grimmond would lead the Berbice team, and Katana Mentore, Sherika Cambelle, Reneta Ramdeo, Tameka George, Tia Isaacs, Tricia Hardat, Crystal Durant, and vice-captain Realanna Grimmond are included. The standby players of the Berbice team are Daniella Hicks, Plaffiana Millington, Daniella Manns, Danielle
Lindee, Jada Fraser, and Kianna Leach.
Laurene Williams would captain the Essequibo team, and vice-captain Yonette Welcome, Tremaine Marks, Latoya Williams, Varuni Pitamber, Annestecia Vanezuel, Shonette Belgrave, Cyanna Retimiah, Brianna Samaroo, Aliyah DaSilva, Ackella Belgrave, Adina Smith, Ashanti Mohamed, Kumarie Persaud, and Navika Narine are those included and those on standby. The Demerara team would be led by Kaysia Schultz, and Nyia Latchman, Tilleya Madramootoo, Naomi Barkoye, Letisha Jordan, Cianna Barkoye, Roshanna Harper, Chelsea Latif, Rushell Roberts, Rebecca
Cilto, Anita Hendricks, Lynda Sylvan, Afifah Wickham, Anesa Chetram, and Racel Joseph are among those included and those on standby. Asked about her thoughts on leading the Demerara women’s team and goals for the upcoming tournament, Captain Kaysia Schultz responded, “I just want to keep it as simple as possible. It’s more about taking responsibilities and leading from the front. My goal is to improve as a team, and the winning will come.”
Fixtures for the tournament are as follows: Essequibo vs. Demerara on April 5th
Berbice vs. Essequibo on April 6th
Demerara vs. Berbice on April 7th
Teams were practising on Friday, ahead of this weekend’s international tournament
Tevin Imlach added another century to his tally of 3 this season
Demerara Women’s team Captain Kaysia Schultz
Essequibo Women’s team Captain Laurene Williams
Berbice Women’s team Captain Sheneta Grimmond
