The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, March 22 – 22:30h-12:25h. Vessel owners are reminded that transit through the Demerara Harbour Bridge is not possible from 04:00h on Thursday, March 20, 2025 to 04:00h on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, March 22 – 09:00h-10:30h and Sunday, March 23 – 10:55h-12:25h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Sunny conditions are expected during the day, with light to thundery showers in the morning and afternoon. Clear to partly cloudy skies followed by thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 3.58 metres and 5.81 metres.
High Tide: 08:22h and 21:02h reaching maximum heights of 2.32 metres and 2.13 metres.
Low Tide: 14:31h reaching a minimum height of 0.92 metre.
“Our land, our people” – Pres Ali declares firm commitment to Guyana’s sovereignty, security
– tells Venezuela no talks under duress
In the face of plans by Venezuela to hold elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region later this year, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, including its people.
“To Venezuela, the message is simple: Respect our sovereignty. Threaten our sovereignty, and we will resist. Guyana will not be intimidated. Guyana will not be coerced; and let me repeat for those who still doubt, we will defend every square inch of our land. We will protect every drop of water in our seas. We will safeguard every citizen of this Republic…
“This is a defining moment of our nation, and we must meet it with determination and an unbreakable spirit. We will continue to build our Defence Force. We will continue to invest in our security. We will continue to stand firm in our sovereignty, because this is our land. This is our home, and we will never surrender it,” the Guyanese Head of State declared.
He was at the time speaking at the commissioning of the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Air Corps Hangar at the Eugene F Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast of Demerara (ECD).
During his remarks, President Ali sent a strong message to his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro, over his heightened aggression against Guyana.
This includes the recent incursion of a Venezuelan naval vessel into Guyana’s waters earlier this month.
At approximately 07:00h on Saturday, March 1, 2025, a Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel, identified as ABV Guaiquerí PO-11 (IMO 4695542), entered Guyana’s waters and approached a tanker near the Prosperity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) that is operating in the Stabroek Block, Offshore Guyana.
Located within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which the Maduro regime is laying claim to, the oil-rich Stabroek Block is being operated by United States (US) oil major, ExxonMobil, which has discovered over 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) and is currently conducting production and other exploration activities.
During its incursion, the Venezuelan naval vessel communicated threateningly via radio communication that Prosperity was operating in Venezuela’s EEZ, before continuing in a southwestern direction towards other FPSOs in Guyana’s waters, to which it delivered the same message.
In addition to Guyana’s EEZ, Venezuela is also lay-
ing claims to two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass – the entire Essequibo region. In fact, the Venezuelan Government plans to hold elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region on May 25, 2025.
Based on reports coming out of Caracas last week, Maduro has recently called for a face-to-face meeting with President Ali over the heightened tensions between the two South American countries – something which the Guyana Government has already shut down in the face of Venezuela’s blatant disregard of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to the Guyanese Leader on Friday, Guyana will not engage in any dialogue under duress.
“We believe in diplomacy, and we believe in dialogue, but not dialogue under duress. Our neighbours would have chosen on more than one occasion to violate the ICJ (International Court of Justice) orders and also the Argyle Declaration. The very fact that they would seek to hold elections in territory which does not belong to them, tells you that they are not serious about dialogue. They are not serious about the Argyle Declaration, and we will not be drawn into any discourse under duress,” President Ali contended.
The Argyle Declaration is a December 14, 2023 peace pact that Presidents Ali and Maduro signed to maintain peace in the Latin America and Caribbean region. This signing was done during the historic CARICOM/CELAC/
Brazil-brokered meeting in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).
President Ali has already informed regional leaders including the Argyle Interlocutor, St Vincent Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves, of his position regarding meeting with the Venezuelan Leader.
On Tuesday, PM Gonsalves travelled to Caracas to meet with Maduro over the latter’s continued acts of provocation against Guyana. It was further indicated, via a statement issued by the St Vincent Government on Tuesday, that PM Gonsalves also spoke to President Ali on Monday, presumably via phone, to urge calm and restraint.
Moreover, the ICJ had also issued orders in December 2023, barring Venezuela from any aggression towards Guyana. But in light of the Spanish-speaking nation’s plans to hold elections in Essequibo, Guyana has asked the Court to block that action.
In its March 6 request, the Guyana Government informed the ICJ, which is currently hearing a case to settle the decades-long the border controversy between the two South American neighbours, that such actions by Venezuela “flagrantly violate” the provisional measures issued by the court in December 2023.
Only earlier this week, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd told the Guyana Times that the World Court has given Venezuela
until the end of March to explain its recent actions.
Nevertheless, President Ali pointed out on Friday that while Guyana believes in dialogue, this must be done with respect and trust.
“This is not just about Guyana. This is about respect for borders, for sovereignty, and for the rule of law… So therefore, if Venezuela wants to talk, let it first undo the acts that have violated the Argyle Declaration and the orders of the ICJ. Let it first demonstrate what faith is. Let it first respect the rule of law. Until then, there will be no talks. Sovereignty is not a matter for negotiation,” the Guyanese Head of State declared.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has already made it clear that any Guyanese found supporting efforts by the Maduro regime to appoint a Governor and other leaders in its Guyana’s Essequibo region will be charged with treason – something which VP Jagdeo reaffirmed during Thursday’s press conference.
The commissioning of a state-of-the-art Siemens mammogram machine at the Suddie Public Hospital in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) marks a key moment in the expansion of breast cancer screening services in Guyana. Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has once again demonstrated the Government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility by ensuring that advanced diagnostic tools are made available beyond the confines of the capital city.
With a price tag of approximately $43 million, this mammogram machine is a significant investment in public health. It is globally recognized for its exceptional depth resolution and diagnostic accuracy, making it a crucial tool in the early detection of breast cancer. The importance of such technology cannot be overstated, as early diagnosis often translates into higher survival rates and more effective treatment options.
Previously, mammography services in the public healthcare system were limited to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC). As a result, women from outlying regions, including the Essequibo Coast, were compelled to travel long distances for screenings, often at considerable financial and personal inconvenience. By decentralising these services, the Government is not only increasing accessibility, but is also encouraging more women to undergo routine screenings, a critical factor in combatting breast cancer.
This latest initiative follows closely on the heels of another significant development — commissioning of a similar mammogram machine at the Linden Hospital Complex in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) just weeks ago. These efforts signal a strategic and well-coordinated approach by the Ministry of Health to enhance cancer detection services nationwide. With each new installation, the Government is actively bridging the healthcare gap and strengthening the fight against a disease that affects countless women and families in Guyana.
Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer among women globally, and Guyana is no exception. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early detection, followed by timely treatment, significantly reduces mortality rates. However, early detection hinges on accessibility, awareness, and affordability — three factors that have historically been barriers for many in the country’s rural and hinterland regions. The placement of advanced mammogram machines outside of Georgetown is a crucial step in dismantling those barriers and ensuring that no woman is denied lifesaving screening due to geographic constraints.
Beyond the procurement of advanced technology, public awareness campaigns must complement these efforts. Many women still hesitate to undergo mammography due to fear, misinformation, or a lack of understanding about the importance of early screening. It is imperative that the ministry, in collaboration with local health officials, embarks on aggressive educational campaigns to encourage women to make use of these new facilities. Community outreach programmes, partnerships with civil society organizations, and mobile health units can play a crucial role in maximising the impact of these machines.
Moreover, ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of these machines requires sustained investment in healthcare personnel. The Government must continue to train radiologists and technicians to operate these state-of-the-art devices efficiently, ensuring accurate diagnoses and prompt followups. Routine maintenance and technical support must also be prioritised to prevent service disruptions that could hinder screening efforts.
While the commissioning of these mammogram machines represents a laudable step forward, it is essential that this momentum is maintained. Other regions, particularly those in the interior, must also benefit from similar expansion in diagnostic services. A comprehensive national cancer strategy should include not only mammography, but also enhanced treatment facilities, greater access to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and support services for patients and their families.
Ultimately, the installation of mammogram machines in regions Two and Ten is a step in the right direction — one that brings hope to thousands of women, who now have a better chance at early breast cancer detection and treatment.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Racial discrimination remains one of the most pressing human rights challenges worldwide. Despite decades of progress, new and emerging challenges continue to threaten efforts to build just and equal societies. The regression of laws and policies protecting racial and ethnic minorities, the rise of geopolitical conflicts and wars, and acts of ethnic cleansing and violence have been intensified in several regions across the world. Discriminatory policies, xenophobia, and ethnocentrism have also been resurgent in some parts of the world, further marginalising vulnerable populations. Interestingly, the digital age, too, has brought new challenges, including the spread of racial hatred and misinformation in online spaces with dwindling regulatory frameworks.
These issues reinforce the urgent need for collective global action to address racial inequalities and to reaffirm commitments to eliminating racial discrimination in all its forms – acknowledging that there is much to be learnt from the targeted steps that small countries and much younger democracies are taking to ensure real equality.
In the Caribbean, the global landscape of racial discrimination influences our realities in many ways. Historical legacies of colonialism, slavery, and indentureship unjustly continue to shape perceptions of race, ethnicity, and ethnic relations. Noting that there is a difference between state-institutionalised racial discrimination and prejudicial
behaviour by individuals, discrimination in the Caribbean manifests in different ways, often taking the form of economic disparities, access to resources, and systemic inequalities rather than overt state-institutionalised racial discrimination.
Addressing these issues, therefore, require nuanced approaches that adapt to the region’s uniquely diverse social and cultural fabric.
Guyana, like all multi-ethnic societies, faces challenges related to ethnic insecurities. Our nation’s unique composition, with six major ethnic groups without any having a single majority of 50%, creates a foundation for unity in diversity.
In recent years, Guyana has experienced further diversification due to increased migration — not only from Venezuela, but from other areas across the region and further afield. These new waves of migration contribute to our economic and social development, and reinforce the true Guyanese spirit of hospitality and inclusion.
The anti-discrimination architecture in Guyana is firmly embedded in our constitutional and legal framework. The Guyana Constitution prohibits ethnic and racial discrimination by the state and its administrative, executive, legislative, and judicial arms; and provides recourse for any such violations. Other constitutional provisions simultaneously safeguard non-discrimination, including Article 33, which calls on every person to eliminate discriminatory distinctions, and Article 34, which urges respect and appreciation for cultural diversity.
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), for example, is an independent body established under the Constitution and mandated to promote harmony and eliminate ethnic discrimination, as well as provide domestic redress for any complaints of racial discrimination.
Additionally, the Racial Hostility Act and the Prevention of Discrimination Act reinforce legal protections against racial discrimination, and ensure that all Guyanese enjoy fundamental human rights, regardless of ethnicity.
Guyana’s ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination further underscores the state’s unwavering commitment to upholding non-discrimination, with accountability to the United Nations. Having ratified the convention, the Government of Guyana’s policies and programmes reflect this commitment to ensuring that every Guyanese — regardless of race, religion, gender, or socio-economic background — has access to opportunities and resources.
Education remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking cycles of poverty and inequality. Every Guyanese child enrolled in a public of private school receives the "Because We Care" cash grant, which supports parents in ensuring their children’s educational needs are met. The GOAL and GROW scholarship programmes provide opportunities for higher learning to people across the country, with no discrimination based on ethnicity or location.
Investments in nursery,
primary, and secondary education also continue to be expanded, ensuring that future generations have access to quality education.
Government-funded health care services in Guyana are free, and are available to all citizens. New hospitals, health centres and specialised medical facilities are being constructed in coastal urban, rural and hinterland communities. Telemedicine services are being expanded to ensure that even the remotest areas have access to quality healthcare. Government’s investment in public health is a testament to its belief that access to medical care is a fundamental right of all Guyanese, and not a privilege for a select few. New schools, hospitals and health centres are also being built in traditionally underserved Amerindian villages, ensuring that Indigenous communities have equitable access to essential services and opportunities.
Housing and land distribution policies are structured to reflect the country’s diversity. New housing schemes are being developed as integrated communities where Guyanese from all backgrounds live side by side, bringing and sharing their own unique cultures, traditions and beliefs. The distribution of house lots follows transparent processes that do not factor in race, ensuring that all eligible persons can access affordable housing and, importantly, increase their personal collateral, which can be leveraged to catapult individual, family, and community development.
On the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day, March 21, schools and Education Departments across the country commemorated the event with Odd Socks Day: a day to wear colourful odd socks to celebrate persons living with Down Syndrome; to promote inclusion and diversity; and to encourage equality, respect, and love for all
Those pronouncements were not authorized by me
Iam compelled to de-
nounce the recent submissions made by the Legal Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission during legal proceedings in which I am a respondent in an extant court matter, as published on Thursday, March 20, 2025 in a News Source article titled “GECOM’s Counsel sees need for separate lists and ballot paper for General and Regional Elections.”
It is unfortunate that
the pronouncements were made by the Legal Officer, who purportedly was representing me. Unfortunately, the submissions of the Legal Officer do not represent my instructions given to him. The pronouncements were not only unauthorised by me, but were also disconnected from the court matter at hand.
Those pronouncements now lead to potential confusion and misrepresentation regarding preparations for
the upcoming elections.
It is crucially important for me to clarify that the Legal Officer was not acting on my instructions. In this regard, the unauthorised pronouncements conflict with my positions as set out in the affidavit I signed as a named respondent in the court matter.
As the statutory officer who is responsible to lead the Commission’s Secretariat in the conduct of all General, Regional,
and Local Government Elections in Guyana, I reject the pronouncements made by the Legal Officer, considering that (i) they are in total contrast with the manner in which the lists of electors and ballots have been prepared for decades, up to the 2020 General and Regional Elections, and (ii) nothing included in the pronouncements was ever discussed by the Commission, as far as I know.
As far as I am aware,
no stakeholder has ever canvassed for splitting of the ballot, nor for preparing separate lists of electors for the General and Regional Elections.
It is my considered view that the Legal Officer’s pronouncements carry severe implications for preparations for the upcoming elections, by creating uncertainty among stakeholders, including voters, political parties, and international observers. For the
avoidance of doubt, I hereby categorically state that the Legal Officer’s pronouncements do not represent, in any way, shape, or form, my instructions to him. Therefore, it is my hope that all concerned will view the Legal Officer’s pronouncements as an aberration.
Vishnu Persaud Chief Election Officer
International Day for the Elimination of Racial...
Social support programmes such as old-age pension, public assistance, and the newly-introduced spectrum of cash grants (for newborns, women, children, persons living with disabilities, etc.), along with Government’s investments in personal healthcare priorities such as cervical cancer, eye-testing, spectacle and general checkup vouchers, benefit all Guyanese equitably and provide healthcare options for our people, including the use of private hospitals. These initiatives are not selective; they reach every Guyanese who qualifies, ensuring that no one is left behind. Government’s investment in infrastructure cannot be overlooked, as it provides both crucial short- and longterm benefits to all Guyanese, bridging regions, cultures and economies. Major expansions of road networks, bridges, and energy projects are being developed to connect communities, stimulate economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life.
Economic diversification through targeted investments in agriculture, aquaculture, hospitality and entrepreneurship is further creating sustainable development for all. Expansion of public informa-
tion and digital connectivity is another critical area of focus in ensuring equality. With the continuous improvement of internet connectivity across Guyana, citizens have greater access to online education, telemedicine, e-governance services, and other digital resources. This connectivity empowers people, particularly in remote regions, by providing them with information and opportunities that were previously out of reach.
The Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) prioritises the inclusion of Guyana’s most vulnerable populations. By directing carbon revenue funds and other budgetary allocations towards the development of hinterland communities, the LCDS ensures that Indigenous peoples benefit directly from projects that they designed and implemented themselves. This approach underscores the Government’s commitment to inclusive development.
Regrettably, race continues to be weaponised by political agents who are seeking to sow division for personal and partisan gains. This behaviour not only contradicts fundamental human rights’ principles, but also undermines efforts to build a unified and prosperous Guyana.
Government remains resolute in its commitment to national unity, despite discrimination and vile attacks directed at its members. Every Guyanese has the right to freedom of association, and no one should be subjected to racial slurs or intimidation for exercising this right.
Of all the political parties in Guyana, the governing PPP/C remains the only nationally representative party in Guyana, with members coming from all ethnic, religious, cultural, socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds.
Government’s approach reflects its position on governance as one of inclusion, participation, transparency and accountability, ensuring that
all Guyanese, regardless of race or even political affiliation, benefit from national development.
The Guyanese model of religious diversity and tolerance has attracted global recognition. The way citizens of all faiths celebrate national religious holidays (as was most recently seen at Christmas, Lent, Phagwah and Ramadan) demonstrates the Guyanese commitment to harmony.
It is evident that learned prejudices, misinformation, and political manipulation based solely on racially-motivated “divide and conquer” tactics fuel ethnic and racial insecurities. However, these and other individual attempts
to incite hate, hostility and division should not be wilfully misconstrued as institutionalised and intrinsic discrimination; and, as such, it is the fundamental right and responsibility of every Guyanese to outrightly reject these acts of racism.
The Government of Guyana would continue to push forward with tangible measures and actions to eliminate geographic and other disparities, reduce poverty, and remove ethnic and racial insecurities. Beyond words and symbolic gestures, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, as a member of the Government, remains committed to promoting equal rights, equal oppor-
tunities, and equitable access to goods and services for all. As we observe this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, let us, as Guyanese, reaffirm our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and national unity, recognising that unity is our greatest strength. Let us reject division and work together to build a stronger, more prosperous and more harmonious Guyana for generations to come.
Statement made by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2025
Page Foundation
1. The numbers that are not odd from the set {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} are
(A) 1 and 3
(B) 3 and 5
(C) 2 and 4
(D) 1 and 5
2. Which of the numbers below is a factor of 8 and multiple of 2?
(A) 8 (B) 6
(C) 12 (D) 16
3. (12 X 5)- 4 + (2x2) = (A) 72
(B) 60
(C) 48 (D) 52
4. The total area of a square measuring 7 cm per side is
(A) 14 cm2
(B) 49 cm2
(C) 28 cm2
(D) 21 cm2
5. 2560 rounded to the nearest hundred is
(A) 2500
(B) 2560
(C) 3000
(D) 2600
6. The fraction 1/4 is best described as
(A) an improper fraction (B) a proper fraction (C) a mixed number (D) a whole number
7. 37.5824 X 1000 = (A) 0.375824 (B) 3.75824
(C) 3758.24
(D) 37582.4
8. At a sale, the marked price of a dress was reduced from $5000 to $3000
(a) What is the discount?
(b) What percentage of the original price was given as a discount?
(c) If a customer buys three dresses there is a further discount of $500, what the total percentage being discounted ?
(d) If the buyer breaks even on every dress sold for the further discount, what was the cost price?
By RoBeRt BRowning
Hamelin Town’s in Brunswick, By famous Hanover city; The river Weser, deep and wide, Washes its wall on the southern side; A pleasanter spot you never spied; But, when begins my ditty, Almost five hundred years ago, To see the townsfolk suffer so From vermin, was a pity. Rats! They fought the dogs, and killed the cats, And bit the babies in the cradles, And eat the cheeses out of the vats, And licked the soup from the cooks’ own ladles, Split open the kegs of salted sprats, Made nests inside men’s Sunday hats, And even spoiled the women’s chats By drowning their speaking With shrieking and squeaking different sharps and flats.
WORD SEARCH:
New $231M Air Corps Hangar commissioned at Ogle
...investments in GDF for Guyana’s protection, not war – Commander-in-Chief
President Dr Irfaan Ali,
on Friday, commis-
sioned a new $231.1 million Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Air Corps’ Hangar at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, made it clear that the heavy investments being made in the GDF is to bolster national security and not for war.
According to the President, Government has spent over $10 billion on the acquisition of four helicopters, maintenance of existing resources and the purchasing of other assets within the GDF Air Corps, while more than $400 million was expended on enhancing its human resource capability over the last four years, with another $400 million earmarked this year to continued capacity-building efforts.
These investments, the Head of State pointed out, are geared towards transforming the country’s security architecture and not for war or aggression.
“A strong nation must have the means to deter and identify threats. That is why we are investing in our Defence Force—not for war, not for aggression, but for protection, for development, and for national security.”
“Today, we mark a critical step forward in that mission with the opening of this hangar at Ogle. This facility is not just a building; it is a statement. It says that Guyana is prepared, that our Defence Force is evolving, and that our skies will be watched and protected, and it will be sure to
serve our people. Our eyes will be sharper, our reach will be longer [and] our response will be swifter,” the Commanderin-Chief posited.
He went on to dismiss those who questions such investments in the country’s military, declaring that security is not an expense. The Head of State further argued that nation that cannot defend itself, cannot develop itself.
“Every dollar spent on strengthening our Defence Force is a dollar spent on safeguarding our economic potential, ensuring that investors have confidence in our stability, and protecting the very foundation upon which development is built. Without security, businesses cannot thrive, communities cannot flourish, and progress cannot be sustained. That is why our investment in defence is not about preparing for war, it is about guaranteeing peace, deterring aggression, and creating an environment where every citizen can work and live without fear.”
“We are not arming ourselves for aggression. We are arming ourselves for protec-
tion. We are not building a Defence Force for war. We are building a Defence Force for resilience. We are not preparing for conflict. We are preparing for any eventuality. Our military must be ready—not just to defend our borders, but to assist in times of disaster, to respond to emergencies, and to contribute to national development. Whether it is delivering aid in times of flooding, assisting communities in times of crisis, or safeguarding our natural resources, the Guyana Defence Force will stand as a strong and solid rock that secure our country and our people,” he contended.
Technology
As part of efforts to strengthen the GDF Air Crops, President Ali assured that his Government will ensure that the military’s aviation arm is equipped with the tools needed especially when it comes to patrolling borders, responding to threats and support national development.
To this end, the Head of State explained that the central location of the new Air Corps Hangar is important.
“This facility here today also offers us better opportunities in terms of operability and integration. As you're aware, almost all the assets to support the gas sector operate out of Ogle, and some of these assets are specific in nature, in the sense that they offer us additional assets in search and rescue. As a result of that, it is important that we are in an environment that offers greater operability and integration, because, as you know, the Guyana Defence Force and our security architecture work in partnership, because national security defence is about partnership,” he stressed.
Moreover, President Ali further highlighted the important role technology will play in strengthening the GDF’s Air Corps, to better protect the country’s skyline as well as its borders.
“As you're aware, our EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) is a large space; monitoring our borders requires us to adopt a nimble strategy, and part of that nimble strategy is technology that allows us to see and monitor our borders and our EEZ, and that
is what we're investing in… But important to the investment in our air capability, is our drone strategy and programme. And here, we are going to spend billions of dollars, and we will perhaps have, with these investments, one of the most modern, expansive drone capability in this region, and with that drone capability comes the requirement for these facilities,” the Head of State said.
Operation synergy
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, welcomed the investment, noting that the location of his new hangar will enhance response time and increase operational reach of the GDF’s Air Corps. He said the hangar positions the Air Corps closer to the country’s maritime sector and other aviation stakeholders.
The majority of the oil and gas support assets also operate from the Eugene F. Correia International Airport.
“What better can we have than to have another GDF hangar positioned physically among a growing local private aviation industry, the bulk of which is situated right here at
this airport. While our roles are distinct, the synergy of operating at this airport is filled with opportunities that can only make us better at executing our service to our country,” he stated.
Beyond its security functions, the GDF partners with the private aviation sector to provide medical evacuations, conduct search and rescue operations and provide humanitarian flights for those in need.
“Our presence here at Ogle will also provide critical support to law enforcement which, by all intents and purposes, will see an aviation integrated service involving the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and other agencies. This hangar, therefore, will surely add to our operational profile and serve as a force multiplier,” the army Chief noted.
The newly commissioned GDF Air Corps Hangar was acquired from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), and rehabilitation works started in February 2024 after the $231,178,563 contract was awarded to Synergy General Contracting and Engineering Services.
Acting…
…presumptuously
We found out from news reports that St Vincent PM Ralph Gonsalves – after discussions with Barbados PM Mia Mottley – decided to fly to Venezuela, on Monday, March 17, to meet Venezuelan President Mad Maduro to discuss the Border Controversy. According to one news report “he met with President Maduro on (the same) Monday, and later with Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, in a bid to get the leaders to hold true to the Argyle Declaration, which they signed onto on December 14, 2023, with himself acting as an interlocutor.”
Now, a couple of things struck your Eyewitness. First of all: where, in the offices of an “interlocutor”, can the latter take it upon himself to initiate discussions – absent requests or at least consent from the parties to a negotiation?? We know Ralphie wouldn’t have just shown up at the door of Miraflores Palace to see Mad Maduro; he had to’ve called ahead to ensure the guards didn’t give him the bum’s rush!! Just looking at Raphie, they would be forgiven to assume he’s a bum looking for a handout!!
But what about the other party to the Argyle Agreement – namely Pres Ali?? Did Ralpie call ahead to ask him to discuss the most pressing threat his country’s facing –invasion from Mad Maduro’s hordes?? We didn’t hear anything from Office of the President, for sure!! In fact, from VP Jagdeo’s press conference on Thursday, March 13, we heard that Mad Maduro had suggested a meeting with Pres Ali, but Jagdeo announced, “At the time, no such plan has been finalised. That has to be assessed against what he wants to meet on, and also whether it’s good for our country and our national security interest. The President will make that assessment.”
The President immediately duly informed the press, on March 15, “I have spoken to the Chair of Caricom [Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley] and I have said very clearlyI have outlined our position…the fact that this controversy of Venezuela would be decided at the ICJ [International Court of Justice]. And as I said last night to the Chair of Caricom: that we are not going to go into any discussion with Venezuela when they are blatantly disregarding the Argyle Declaration.” In other words, the Pressie’s reply was, “No way, Jose!!” Mad Maduro had, of course, ordered one of his Navy’s vessels to invade our EEZ on March 1st!!
So, your Eyewitness is astounded at the audacity of Gonsalves and Mottley, especially when it was reported that he CALLED Pres Ali on March 19 – presumably after meeting Mad Maduro - urging “calm and restraint, and for both parties to return to diplomacy”!!
Did he censure Mad Maduro for the naval invasion?? Not likely!!
…big and bad
US Pres Trump has claimed that the payment and working conditions of the Cuban Medical Programme –wherein, over the past 60 years, they’ve deployed over 400,000 health workers across 164 countries - are so horrendous they constitute “human trafficking”. After he had announced he’d impose visa restrictions on officials of participating countries, Mia Mottley and Ralph Gonsalves announced ostentatiously they’d rather lose their visas than censure Cuba!!
Point of the matter is that all they had to do – like Guyana has done – is to point out and show that, as far as the Caribbean countries are concerned, those doctors and nurses are paid directly – on equal terms with local medical personnel!! But no!! They demanded to see Trump, to give him a piece of their minds. All your Eyewitness would say is “be careful what you ask for!”
Anyhow, we just learnt that Secty of State Rubio would visit the Caribbean next week. Let’s see who’s gonna be big and bad!! A repeat of Zelenskyy??
…beyond remit
GECOM CEO Vishnu Persaud had to disown the body’s Legal Officer’s claims at a court hearing: that there’s gonna be individual lists and ballot papers for the General and Regional Elections – when they remain combined.
Is new mischief afoot??
…urges citizens to maintain and protect trees PAC launches $600M tree-planting initiative
In observance of International Day of the Forests, the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) recently rolled out a country wide initiative that will see nature being seamlessly incorporated into the Government’s infrastructural projects.
The International Day of Forests was established on the 21st day of March, by resolution of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on November 28, 2012.
In 2025, “forests and foods” is the theme for the day; celebrating the crucial roles of forests in food security, nutrition and livelihoods. In addition to providing food, fuel, income and employment, forests support soil fertility, protect water resources, and offer habitats for biodiversity, including vital pollinators. They are essential for the survival of forest-dependent communities, particularly Indigenous Peoples, and contribute to climate change mitigation by storing carbon.
On Friday, the PAC launched the National Tree Planting Project at the Conversation Tree and Pike Street intersection, Georgetown.
The transformative initiative highlights Guyana’s commitment and effort to combat climate change, and it acknowledges the critical role of trees in the sustainable development of the country’s urban areas.
The execution of this project is a collaborative effort being led by the PAC with support from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), National Agricultural Research and Extension Institution (NAREI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local businesses among other entities.
Delivering remarks at the launch event was Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the PAC board of directors, Robert Persaud.
Persaud highlighted that the multiyear project, which has received $600 million in funding from the Government, will not only increase the number and diversity of flora found in urban centres and around massive infrastructure projects., but will also simultaneously work to change the way in which Guyanese citizens treat their surrounding environment.
“What we’re doing here is the launch of a national exercise. A national exercise that is the brainchild of both President Irfan Ali and the Vice President, and that is to ensure that as much as possible, especially in the areas where new highways are being built, new Government
facilities, be it schools, hospitals, and other services, that these spaces are also populated by trees.”
He added, “But this exercise is done not only to preserve, enhance, and expand our green spaces, but also it is to bring the people of Guyana together and enhance their awareness in the need to protect our environment, but more particularly for us to beat that culture of littering and beat that culture of not respecting the space in which we occupy.”
The initiative, which was initially launched in Georgetown, Region Four (Demerara- Mahaica), will soon be rolled out across Guyana.
Under this initiative trees will be extracted and transplanted to various urban centres and projects. A transplanted trees can take a year or two to fully recover from transplant shock. When a tree is moved, it experiences stress due to root damage and the need to re-establish itself in a new environment.
As such the Chairman stressed the importance of citizens joining forces with the PAC to ensure that the game changing initiative is a success.
“But also, through this project, we want to get many communities to be involved and so in terms of communities helping us find trees, helping us plant these trees, helping us to nurture these trees, helping us to care for these trees, and ensuring that people do not remove the trees and so… this project, we want every single person to be involved and to own it.”
Also present at the event was Tropical Horticulturist and Agro-forester Dr Patrick Chesney, who revealed that for each location tress will be specifically chosen.
“In all of those new infrastructure areas, whether they’re highways, whether they’re schools, whether they’re hospitals, and so the selection of species for the different biophysical areas will require careful selection to ensure that they are fit for purpose. That they fit the
needs of the biophysical environment, but at the same time that they do not harm health or welfare of children or patients or anyone and trees have different characteristics, and so from our knowledge we will be able to establish which trees should go where.”
Urban forests are more
important than ever, serving as dynamic ecosystems that provide essential benefits to both people and wildlife. They help filter air and water, regulate stormwater, conserve
energy, and offer habitats for animals while providing shade. Additionally, urban forests enhance urban design by adding beauty, form, and structure. By reducing noise
and offering spaces for recreation, they strengthen social cohesion, drive community revitalisation, and contribute to the economic value of our communities.
Foreign Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the PAC Board of Directors, Robert Persaud
Region Two launches Universal Health Care Voucher programme
Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, on Friday officially launched the Universal Health Voucher Initiative in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), a programme aimed at improving access to critical health screenings for both adults and children.
During his brief remarks held at Windsor Forest Health post, Minister Anthony highlighted the initiative’s role in early disease detection and prevention. He emphasised the importance of proactive health screenings, noting that an imbalance in thyroid hormone production can lead to various health issues. He
stressed the need for proper thyroid function, and underscored that the Universal Health Care Voucher provides access to essential tests that help monitor thyroid activity.
He further elaborated on the tests available under the programme, stating that individuals at risk for heart disease can benefit from blood tests that assess fat levels in the bloodstream. Additionally, the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test for men enables early detection of prostate cancer.
“If that test, when we do it, is elevated, then we can tell you what precau-
tions to take. An elevated PSA is one of the signs that you might suffer from prostate cancer. If we detect that, we can guide you to take additional tests and confirm whether or not you have prostate cancer,” the Minister explained.
Minister Anthony also noted that the voucher, valued at $10,000, will list available tests, allowing beneficiaries to select the ones they need. He added that the Government has negotiated a standardised pricing system with private laboratories to ensure affordability, even if the total cost of selected tests exceeds the voucher’s value.
Benefits for children
Children will also benefit from a specialised health voucher, with screenings tailored to different age groups. Dr Anthony underscored the necessity of age-appropriate tests, ensuring early intervention in childhood illnesses.
“Diseases that affect older people or adults are not necessarily the same as those affecting children. If we conduct these screening tests and find problems, we can work with the children to reduce complications,” he added.
Minister Anthony urged residents to take full advantage of the programme, highlighting its potential to improve nationwide health outcomes.
“All this good can be here, and nobody uses it. So, we need a partnership between the Ministry, the Government, and the community. Spread the word
and encourage people to collect their vouchers and get tested. If we detect any problems, we can intervene early and help,” he stressed.
Additionally, Dr Anthony reminded attendees of the Government’s ongoing eyecare voucher programme, which has provided eye tests for more than 68,000 individuals, and financial assistance for spectacles. This initiative will continue, benefiting children under 18 and senior citizens.
Meanwhile, Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Ranjeev Singh reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services in rural areas. He noted that, in the past, many villages lacked full-time doctors, but today, Windsor Castle and surrounding communities have stationed medical professionals.
“A couple of years ago, you did not have a doctor
here. You had a doctor visiting once a month or every two months. Now, the people of Devonshire Castle, Hampton Court, Sparta, and Waltham Hall have a doctor stationed here every single day,” Dr Singh stated. The RHO also commended the administration’s investment in human resources, noting that local youths have been trained as nurses, pharmacy assistants, and midwives, many of whom now serve their communities.
“Before, you had one staff here, perhaps a midwife. Now, you have additional staff one is in training, and one has completed training. You will have quality healthcare right in your community,” he affirmed.
Dr Singh described the Universal Health Voucher Initiative as a significant step toward ensuring accessible healthcare for all. He assured residents that the Government remains committed to continuous improvements in the sector.
The Universal Health Voucher allows adults and children to access a variety of essential medical tests, including screenings for diabetes, kidney and liver function, prostate cancer, thyroid disorders, and other critical health indicators. These tests aim to identify potential health concerns early, facilitating timely treatment and reducing complications.
Children with their vouchers at the launching held at the Windsor Forest Health Centre. Also in picture are Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, Regional Health Officer Ranjeev Singh, MP Juliet Coonjah, among Regional Health officials
Minister engaging residents at the launch on Friday
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to visit Guyana next week
United States (US)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be in Guyana next week as part of a three-nation tour of the Caribbean, where he will be meeting with regional leaders to discuss important issues. According to a Miami Herald report, on Wednesday Rubio will travel to Jamaica, where he will be hosted by Prime Minister Andrew Holness for talks.
Based on regional reports, Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, and other regional leaders will also be in Kingston to meet with the Secretary of State.
Guyana Times understands that a CARICOM meeting was held virtually on Friday afternoon among regional leaders, to set the agenda for those talks with the US official.
Rubio will then travel to Guyana and Suriname, where he will meet with their respective Presidents, Dr Irfaan Ali and Chandrikapersad Santokhi.
In Georgetown, the US Secretary of State and President Ali are likely to have discussions on a number of issues including the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy. Additionally, policy issues such as the recent US restrictions on
Cuban medical professionals could also be discussed.
Last month, Rubio announced a decision to place visa restrictions on officials believed to be involved in the export of Cuban workers – a move that has been strongly criticised by Caribbean leaders.
President Ali recently told reporters that Guyana has already informed the US authorities that all foreign workers here, including Cuban medical professionals, are employed under strict local labour laws as well as in compliance with international labour laws.
Moreover, Guyana’s upcoming General and Regional Elections, which is slated for later this year, is also expect-
ed to be on the agenda for talks with Secretary Rubio.
The US had played a crucial role in ensuring that democracy prevailed in Guyana during the 2020 elections fiasco, and had imposed visa restrictions on Guyanese officials, who had attempted to undermine the results.
Only back in January, President Ali had a telephone discussion with the US Secretary of State following his appointment, during which they discussed collaboration on energy, security, democracy, and regional prosperity.
According to a brief statement from the Department of State, the two officials had addressed the crisis of illegal migration, and agreed to
jointly address this regional imperative and challenge.
The Secretary also affirmed the US’s steadfast support of Guyana’s territorial integrity in the face of Nicolás Maduro and his cronies’ bellicose actions.
The US has long shown its support for Guyana in the face of Venezuela’s aggression. In fact, just last week, US Ambassador in Georgetown, Nicole Theriot, had condemned the recent incursion of a Venezuelan naval vessel in Guyana’s waters, and reiterated her Government’s continued support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Clearly, we support Guyana 100 per cent against this aggression that is unacceptable and we won’t allow Venezuela to threaten Guyana’s territory and sovereignty. And so, we are standing with many other international partners [to condemn the incursion]. We will always stand shoulder to shoul-
der with Guyana in supporting you and defending you,” she told the Guyana Times on the sidelines of an event.
Rubio’s visit to Guyana would mark the third by a US Secretary of State in less than five years under the current People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government. Former secretaries of state, Mike Pompeo and Antony Blinken, previously visited Guyana, during which they engaged in discussions with the Ali Administration as well as other local stakeholders.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
GRA cracks down on remigrant scheme abuse
– VP says recent luxury car tax evasion claim is about enforcement, not corruption
As the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) re-
cently issued a press release explaining its authority to re-evaluate and recover unpaid taxes, Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has weighed in on the controversy surrounding luxury vehicles brought into Guyana under the re-migrant scheme, emphasising that the tax authority is well within its rights to demand unpaid taxes.
Jagdeo’s comments come after claims by Team Mohamed that the vehicles in question had been in the country for four years and are only now being scrutinised –something the VP dismissed.
Speaking at his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo clarified that these vehicles were not
imported under the name of businessman Azruddin Mohamed but rather in the names of individuals registered as re-migrants.
“Now clearly the GRA has to give explanations on some of these issues. So I saw again in the public domain put out by the Mohammeds that this claim that these vehicles came in four years ago, and it's only now that the GRA is trying to conclude the transactions. Now, that is not entirely accurate. Several of these vehicles came in a couple of years ago, in fact three of the vehicles, and they came in through a re-migrant scheme,” Jagdeo explained.
Re-migrants are required to maintain legal residence in Guyana for five years, spend at least 183 days per year in the country, and personally
use the vehicle as their primary mode of transportation under the GRA’s standard conditions for duty-free concessions.
Vehicles under this scheme cannot be leased, sold, or transferred within the five-year period, and owners must report to the GRA every six months for inspection. Non-compliance with these conditions is an offence under Section 36 of the Customs Act, which may result in penalties, including fines and forfeiture.
Enforcement
According to the GRA, the re-migrants who brought in the vehicles under question did not fulfil these conditions, particularly the residency requirement. This has led to the GRA’s move to recov-
er the waived taxes. Jagdeo stressed that the issue at hand is not corruption within the GRA but rather the enforcement of tax regulations.
“It is GRA's contention now that the re-migrants did not fulfil these conditions… First of all, they did not live here for the stipulated 183 days. So, these vehicles only came in about two or three years ago. So that now is being monitored. So, I don't see where...there's corruption there in the GRA”, he noted.
“It is contrary to the letter that, the duty-free letter that they got the individuals, because it didn't come in Team Mohamed's name. It did not come in his name. It came in the name of re-migrants. So now they're entitled to go after the taxes,” the VP added.
The GRA recently issued
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
a press release explaining its authority to re-evaluate and recover unpaid taxes, a move that came shortly after Team Mohamed publicised details of their tax payments.
Jagdeo defended the agen-
cy’s actions, arguing that voluntary compliance in tax matters does not exempt individuals or businesses from scrutiny if false declarations are made.
He acknowledged that the length of time taken to act on some of the vehicles may be a valid concern but maintained that the GRA is acting within the law to ensure tax compliance.
“The GRA immediately almost, came out after his post and said, here are the reasons why we can go back, because it's a voluntary compliance system that we have. So I have not seen any accusation that the GRA corruptly took money or anything like that. But you may question the length of time it took on a couple of the vehicles,” he said.
20 Guyanese receive scholarships for EDO 2025 Noble Marine Cadet Programme
After a thorough review of more than 900 applications received, following a nationwide tour across schools and training institutions, 20 deserving individuals were selected to receive the prestigious Noble Cadet Scholarship. These talented students will receive the support needed to kickstart their education and training in the marine sector.
The Noble Cadet Scholarship Awards Ceremony, held on March 18, 2025, at the Royal Orchid International Hotel, marked the official announcement of the 2025 scholarship recipients.
The scholarship programme, launched in November 2024 by, El Dorado Offshore (EDO), Noble Corporation and MATPAL Marine Institute, aims to provide young
Guyanese students with the opportunity to pursue careers in the maritime industry.
During the ceremony, Jennise Khan, Regional Operations Manager of EDO expressed her confidence in the scholarship recipients and their bright futures.
“The Noble Cadet Scholarship is more than just an award—it’s an investment in your future.
The journey ahead may be challenging, but you have the potential to make a profound impact on the maritime industry. Continue to work hard, stay focused, and always strive for excellence. You are the future of this industry, and we are proud to support you on this exciting path,” she advised.
The event also featured remarks from Cadet Orlando Cummings, a 2024
scholarship recipient, who shared his experiences and how the scholarship had positively shaped his career in the maritime sector.
The Noble Cadet Scholarship is a vital initiative to strengthen Guyana’s maritime workforce by supporting young talented individuals in their pursuit of careers that will shape the future of the global maritime industry.
The 2025 Noble Cadet
Scholarship recipients are: Zahir Bristol, Joel Steele, Avier Fredericks, Ewarth Williams, Jeremiah Fraser, Nicholas Dover, Stevon Dey, Andrew Persaud, Anthony Atherley, Colin Holder, Dwain Anderson, Priya Persaud, Anson Sandy, Shaquan Barnes, Shoquan Pantlitz, Delon McPherson, Alistair DickGrant, Samuel Mitchell, Mark Wilson, and Joel Phillips.
TT’s Foreign Minister urges Caricom partners to maximise CSME benefits
Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, Senator the Hon. Dr Amery Browne, has reaffirmed that the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) is a robust framework for economic cooperation, resilience, and sustainable growth. As a result, Caricom members are being strongly encouraged to maximise its benefits.
He made this announcement recently during the opening of the National Consultations on CSME Implementation Arrangements and Procedures in Trinidad and Tobago.
According to Dr Browne, the CSME is more than just an economic structure;
it embodies a shared vision of strength, unity, and prosperity for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
He urged Caricom members to engage meaningfully with Caricom Secretariat officials, to ensure the timely implementation of relevant policies and agreements in their respective areas.
“With this in mind, I encourage my colleagues present to make full use of these National Consultations. Engage meaningfully with the Caricom Secretariat officials to ensure timely implementation in your respective areas, whether that be trade in goods, regional transportation, food security and nutrition, regional financial initiatives, or ratifying the requisite
protocols. This platform can significantly boost our national efforts,” Dr Browne stated.
He also called on the private sector to recognise its critical role in the CSME, highlighting that full and free movement across the region enhances access to skilled labour, facilitates business growth, streamlines operations, and fosters meaningful regional business partnerships.
“To the private sector, your role in this process is equally important. Full and free movement expands access to skilled labour, fa-
cilitates business growth, streamlines operations, and fosters meaningful regional business partnerships. Your continued support for the CSME is vital to the success of our economic integration,” he emphasised.
Additionally, he urged continued collaboration between international organisations and regional bodies, stating that by sharing global best practices and leveraging international support, the region can drive innovation, attract investment, and position its economies for sustained growth in an increasingly competi-
tive and uncertain world.
He also emphasised that the CSME represents Caricom’s collective goal of fostering an environment where businesses can thrive, investments can move freely, and people can work and contribute meaningfully across the region.
“The CSME is a testament to the principle that our greatest strength lies in collaboration and that by working together, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone,” said the Trinidad and Tobago Foreign Minister.
At its core, the CSME is built on five fundamental pillars: the free movement of labour, goods, capital, services, and the right of establishment, all of which create the foundation for a more dynamic and integrated regional economy.
A transformative milestone in Regional Integration
Significantly, this commitment extends beyond the facilitation of orderly migration; it ensures that Caricom nationals will benefit from essential social protections. These include
guaranteed access to primary and secondary education, emergency and primary healthcare, the right to indefinite stay, and the right to work without a permit. This decision marks a transformative milestone in the region’s integration agenda, reinforcing Caricom’s commitment to fulfilling the vision of its founding fathers and delivering tangible benefits to its citizens.
Dr Browne concluded by entrusting the process to the capable hands of the CSME Unit in the Ministry, expressing confidence that they will continue to guide the initiative with dedication and expertise.
"I leave you in the capable hands of the outstanding team from the CSME Unit in the Ministry, who will undoubtedly steer this process with hard work and dedication. These national consultations present us with a unique and invaluable opportunity to refine our strategies, address any existing gaps, and work together on solutions that will help create a more cohesive and effective regional framework," he stated.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, Senator Dr Amery Browne
Winners of the 2025 Marine Scholarship programme
2025 awardees with EDO, Noble & MATPA Representatives
$43M mammography machine commissioned at Suddie Public Hospital
The healthcare sector in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) has received a major upgrade with the commissioning of a stateof-the-art mammography machine at the Suddie Public Hospital.
The commissioning was led by Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, who emphasised the importance of the new equipment in enhancing breast cancer screening and early detection services.
With this development, residents in the region no longer need to travel out of the region to access mammography services. Previously, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) was the only public healthcare facility offering such screenings, making it challenging for many women in rural areas to undergo early detection procedures.
The installation of this machine brings vital healthcare closer to home, ensuring more timely diagnoses and interventions.
The Siemens mammography machine, acquired at an estimated cost of GY$43 million, is known for its high-res-
olution imaging and advanced diagnostic features. It uses cutting-edge digital imaging technology, allowing radiologists to detect even the smallest abnormalities with greater accuracy. The machine’s
efficiency not only improves diagnostic precision but also reduces the time required for scan processing, leading to faster results and improved patient care.
During the commissioning
Guyana successfully hosts UNCAC Second Cycle In-Situ Review
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance in a March 21 press statement, announced the successful completion of the second stage of Guyana’s second review cycle under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) which takes the form of an in-situ visit.
This visit, conducted as part of the Implementation Review Mechanism (IRM) of the UNCAC took place in Georgetown from March 1820, 2025. Guyana acceded to the UNCAC on April 16, 2008, reaffirming its commitment to combating corruption, enhancing transparency, and strengthening accountability.
As part of this commitment, Guyana actively participates in the IRM, a peer review process designed to support States in effectively implementing the Convention’s provisions.
According to the statement, the second review cycle focused on the implementation of Chapter II (Preventive Measures) and Chapter V (Asset Recovery) of the Convention. This review emphasised the importance of corruption prevention strategies and mechanisms for recovering assets obtained through corrupt practices.
The review of Guyana was conducted by two experts from St Lucia and the Republic of Moldova, following a drawing of lots held by the Implementation Review Group. There were also two representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) secretariat present.
The country visit followed the completion of the desk review phase, which was based on the self-assessment checklist submitted by Guyana in 2023.
The objective of this visit
was to complement the desk review by gathering new and additional information, providing reviewing States with a deeper understanding of Guyana’s anti-corruption framework, identifying challenges, and highlighting best practices.
A range of national stakeholders participated in the review process, including representatives from key state agencies, constitutional bodies, the private sector, and civil society organisations, totalling more than 60 representatives.
As the Government of Guyana’s lead agency for anti-corruption treaty reporting, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance coordinated this review cycle. The Ministry remains committed to ensuring Guyana continues to take measures towards its treaty obligations and progressive strengthening of Guyana’s anti-corruption framework.
ceremony, Minister Anthony reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening cancer care across the country. He highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader effort to decentralise critical healthcare services, ensuring that all regions benefit from modern medical advancements.
Just weeks ago, a similar mammography machine was commissioned at the Linden Hospital Complex in Region Ten (Upper DemeraraBerbice), further expanding access to essential diagnostic services.
Attending the simple commissioning were Regional Health Officer Dr Ranjeev Singh, Regional Chairperson
Police recover stolen firearm
Police on Thursday recovered a stolen firearm, related to the alleged 'robbery under arms' committed on Afen Berkshire, a security guard employed with Sheriff Security Service, who was robbed of one 12-gauge shotgun along with other items on March 13th, 2025 at Lamaha Park, Georgetown,
At about 22:30hr March 20, police ranks acted on information received, and went to Lamaha Park, Georgetown and conducted a search in some nearby bushes.
On the northern side of the street, the ranks found a white salt bag containing a 12-gauge shotgun wrapped in a multi-colour bed sheet.
The ranks took possession of the firearm, after which it was marked, sealed and lodged at the East La Penitence Police Station, from where it will be sent to the Ballistic Department for analysis. No one was arrested, and investigations are ongoing.
The ceremonial cutting of the ribbon. Facilitating the ribbon cutting were Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, and Regional Health Officer Dr Ranjeev Singh, among other regional health officials
The mammography machine that was commissioned at Suddie Public Hospital
Vilma De Silva, Member of Parliament Nandranie Coonjah, and other health officials.
Sophia man sentenced to six months after escaping from custody
– creates chaotic scene in court
A21-year-old man from B Field Squatting Area Sophia, Greater Georgetown, who escaped from police custody while receiving medical attention, was sentenced to six months in prison following a dramatic and chaotic court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Brian Stephens, who was wanted for armed robbery, appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh, where he faced charges for escaping lawful custody while being treated for gunshot wounds.
According to police reports, on February 28, Stephens was involved in an altercation with another wanted man at an event, when he was shot. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for medical treatment. However, while receiving treatment, police recognised him as a wanted suspect for armed robbery and placed him under guard.
Despite being under police watch, Stephens managed to escape on March 8, after requesting to use the washroom. When offi-
Brian Stephens
cers went to check on him, he was gone. A search was launched, and he was later recaptured.
Stephens’ court appearance was marked by continuous interruptions, emotional outbursts, and confrontations with both the Magistrate and police officers. From the start of the proceedings, he frequently raised his hand, spoke out of turn, and loudly protested his innocence. At one point, he begged the Magistrate for bail, claiming: “Ma’am, I am the only breadwinner for my family. I am asking for a small bail.”
He pleaded not guilty to the charge of escaping lawful custody but later changed his plea to guilty.
As the case continued, Stephens became more agitated, waving his hands and speaking over the Magistrate and police officers. He suddenly stood up and began removing his clothes in the courtroom, pulling down his pants and lifting his shirt to show bullet wounds on his thighs and about his body.
“Ma’am, I got shot three times and robbed. The police shoot me!” he shouted, as officers tried to calm him down.
Stephens also turned his
Labourer granted $250,000 bail for break-and-enter-and-larceny charge
A20-year-old labourer accused of breaking into a woman’s home was granted $250,000 bail when he appeared before the court on Thursday.
George Khan, of Good Hope, Essequibo Coast, was charged with breakand-enter-and-larceny, allegedly committed against 40-year-old security guard Angeleta Budhu.
The incident reportedly took place between Saturday, March 15, and Monday, March 17, 2025.
Khan appeared before Magistrate Tamieka Clarke at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty.
The court granted him bail, and the matter was adjourned to April 3, 2025, for the disclosure of statements.
frustration toward the police, accusing an officer in the courtroom of killing a man he knew.
His outbursts continued as he accused police officers of robbing and shooting him before his arrest. When an officer denied these claims, Stephens interrupted again, declaring that he only escaped because his child’s mother had called him, saying their child was sick and had no milk.
“My child mother is not working, and she called me to tell me my child sick and got no milk. I had to go get
money and buy milk for my child, so I left. But I turn me self back in,” he claimed.
However, police officers refuted this, stating that he did not voluntarily surrender but had to be recaptured.
Given Stephen’s repeated involvement in violent incidents, Magistrate Singh remarked that he appeared to be a person who was frequently getting shot. She noted that she would “find a place to put him” for protection purposes, before sentencing him to six months in prison.
Upon hearing his sentence, Stephens smirked, shrugged, and responded: “No problem. Me ain’t frightened to go to jail. Y’all think y’all can sink me, I ain’t got to get no lawyer… watch, y’all know who is me, I am a mastermind.”
However, as he was being escorted out of the courtroom, his defiance turned into violent threats as he turned toward the officers involved in his case and threatened to kill them. Stephens remains under active investigation for the armed robbery case.
19-year-old charged with
two counts of robbery
Nineteen-year-old Tiryon Korton, of Lot 965 Block F, North Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was on Friday arraigned before Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, facing two counts of robbery.
Korton, represented by attorney Stacy Goodings, pleaded not guilty to both charges. The allegations state that on December 2, 2024, at North Sophia, he in the company of others, robbed Ron Barry of an iPhone 12 valued at $80,000, and $170,000 in cash. He was also accused of robbing Ronald Chow of $160,000 in cash, and a bag valued at $2,500; totalling $162,500.
Goodings, in her client’s defence, informed the court that this was his first time before the courts. She stated that Korton works as a minibus conductor, with his mother as his employer.
On the day of the incident, she claimed, the victims crashed their vehicle into the bus he was driving. When he stopped to inquire about the accident, the victims allegedly attempted to flee the scene. At that moment, a crowd began to gather and swarmed the men, and Korton, to get compensation from the men, reportedly took the
car keys from the victims’ vehicle, to make a report at the Prashad Nagar Police Station.
Upon his arrival at the station, Goodings said Korton was allegedly informed that a report had been made about a robbery in the area at another police station. He was later accused of being involved in the crime.
His attorney contended that he was pressured by police to return the keys or face charges. However, it was only upon appearing in court on Friday, that he re-
alised he was being accused of robbing the victims of a phone and cash.
Goodings argued that no stolen items were found in Korton’s possession, and requested reasonable bail on the grounds of his innocence, and that he has already paid a $50,000 station bail.
The prosecution raised no objections to bail, and Magistrate Singh granted court bail in the sum of $25,000 for each charge, totalling $50,000. He is expected to return to court on April 21.
Tiryon Korton
George Khan
SUDOKU
Point yourself in a direction that offers rewards. Immerse yourself in learning something that could help you professionally. Look the part and market yourself for success.
Before altering your life, check that your paperwork is updated to avoid setbacks. Stick to a budget you can handle. Balance, integrity and living up to your promises will help you achieve your dreams.
Work behind the scenes to finish things on time and without interference. Put a plan in motion to address your concerns and ensure you maintain a strong financial position and peace of mind.
Build strength, gain support and do your best to advance. Pay attention to situations that are in dire need of an overhaul. Concentrate on results to make letting go of the past easier.
Learning will have an impact on how you press forward. Refuse to let others' choices disrupt your plans. Someone you connect with will offer a perspective that resonates with what you want to achieve.
A change will lift your spirits and offer insight into something that interests you. Dig in and learn all you can. Be cautious of emotional situations involving money, contracts or health issues.
Problems will surface if you let emotions step in and take the lead. Do whatever it takes to keep the peace; you'll dodge a situation that could leave you struggling over what to do next.
Stop procrastinating and start doing. If you need to pick up knowledge, get busy doing research. Reach out to experts and pick their brains. Give yourself a chance to be imaginative and playful.
Question everyone and everything. Get your facts straight and a budget in place. Self-improvement will boost your confidence and encourage you to let go of the past.
Revisit contracts and joint ventures. Keep an eye on what your partners or colleagues are doing. Refuse to let anyone bully or manipulate you with fast talk or charm.
Go over your expenses and see where you can cut corners. Refuse to let anyone talk you into a change that will inflate your budget. Explore new ways to use your skills to bring in extra cash.
Participate in something that brings you joy. Refuse to let anyone put a damper on your day. Say no to emotional chaos and personal affronts. Take control and do what's best for you.
ARCHIE
FL Sport has boosted the Meten-Meer-Zorg Community Centre Cricket Club (MMZCCCC) by donating a set of branded cricket stumps to support the club’s activities.
The club had requested the donation in order to enable its members to host matches and net sessions more effectively, thereby enhancing the overall cricketing experience at the community level.
John Ramsingh, CEO of FL Sport, in emphasising that the donation aligns with the entity’s corporate social responsibility, has said,
“Cricket is truly at the heart of our company, and we
One Guyana Basketball Premier League continues this weekend
More fantastic matches are scheduled to be played this weekend at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown, as another set of exciting face-offs are anticipated in the ‘One Guyana’ Basketball Premier League. Weekend action begins with Panthers taking on Eagles, followed by D Up clashing with Kwakwani Untouchables. Berbice Renegades would be battling Flames and Colts would be taking on Royals as Saturday’s action comes to an end.
Kwakwani Untouchables take on Masters, Black Caimans battle Jets, and Raiders go toe-to-toe with Ravens to conclude Sunday’s action.
The ‘One Guyana’ Basketball Premier League is expected to continue bringing joy, thrills, entertainment and excitement to all basketball fans as had obtained in the four games played at the
same venue last weekend.
Pacesetters defeated the East Coast All Stars in a lopsided match in last Saturday’s opening game, which began at 17:35 hrs. Establishing the tone for the remainder of the game, they took an early lead in the first quarter (16-9); then led by 21 points (37–16) at the half, and prevailed in the end by a total of 35 points (80–45).
Jaleel Duke (12 points) and Tafawa Daly (15 points) were crucial to that victory.
In a thrilling match between Plaisance Guardians and Panthers, which commenced at 19:15hrs last Saturday, teams appeared evenly matched at the start of the first quarter, and play was fierce, with the scorecard reading 11-10 in Panthers’ favour.
A slow second quarter allowed the Panthers a 10-point advantage over the Guardians, despite the valiant effort they put in. Eventually, Guardians lost the encounter by a single
point (51–52). The two most notable players in that encounter were Jacob Lowe of the Panthers (16 points) and Trevton Wolford of the Guardians (14 points).
The GDF squad played the Black Caimans in game one last Sunday. Although the Caimans put up a strong fight in the first quarter, they trailed by two points. Displaying their strength, the GDF team led by eleven points at the half (34–23), and were eventually comfortable 33-point winners as the game ended with the scorecard reading 76-43. Ronaldo Rowe was the star of the show with 30 points.
Charles Williams was the Colts’ most significant player, scoring 17 points in the final game of the weekend clash against the Guardians.
Up until the fourth quarter, the game was an evenly contested affair(44–41); then the Colts stepped up their game and won the contest with the scorecard reading 67-54.
FL Sport donates stumps to Meten-Meer-Zorg Cricket Club
always strive to offer as much assistance as possible to support the sport from the grassroots level.”
FL Sport is a leading coordinator of the highly popular Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, and is considering expanding the tournament by hosting matches at the Meten-Mer-Zorg venue later in the year.
“You can expect more
teams, and certainly a lot more fun for fans, players, and our dear sponsors,” Ramsingh added as he hinted at an exciting future for the tournament.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the MMZCCCC, Jermain Maxwell expressed gratitude to Ramsingh and FL Sport for the generous contribution. “This donation will significantly aid in the efficient execution of cricket at
our ground, going forward,” Maxwell said.
The donation underscores FL Sport’s commitment to supporting cricket development in Guyana, and fostering community engagement through the sport.
The branded stumps would serve a practical purpose and visually represent FL Sport’s dedication to grassroots cricket.
FARMSUP backing Bartica Regatta 2025
Farm Supplies Ltd (FARMSUP) is again supporting the Bartica Easter Regatta, being held in that Region Seven township from April 5 to April 21 under the theme “Dat Is It”.
This is Guyana’s oldest regatta, and it continues to grow in interest and popularity with each year’s staging. Set to commence on April 5 with a launch at Mary’s Resort located at Bamford Point, this year’s activities are anticipated to be the biggest.
Corporate support has always been the linchpin of this very significant event, and FARMSUP is again making its presence felt by helping to ensure that both athletes for the multiple events and fans would have a fabulous time.
Senior Sales Coordinator of FARMSUP, Ms. Tracy Cox, has handed over the company’s contribution to Sheldon Kyte of the Bartica Regatta Committee in a simple presentation that recently took place, and has expressed FAMSUP’s pleasure at being able to continue the part-
nership in regard to this marquee event, which sees thousands of local fans and hundreds from the diaspora descending on the shores of Bartica during the Easter holidays.
“FARMSUP is more than happy to maintain our support of this event, which is looked forward to by the many athletes for the different sport events and the fans alike. We understand it is not easy to pull off these mega-events, so we are making our contribution to ensure that it is successful once again. We wish the organisers the best,” Ms. Cox has said.
On behalf of the Regatta Committee and the community of Bartica, Sheldon Kyte expressed gratitude to both FARMSUP and Ms. Cox for continued support of the event, and noted that every effort is being undertaken to ensure an unforgettable experience is had by all in 2025.
Among the sporting events organized are dominoes competition, which would serve off on April 12 at the Bartica Community
Centre; football, will would kick off on April 14 at the Bartica Community Centre; the powerboat races, which would be held on April 2021 at the Golden Beach; and the grass track events, which would take place on April 20 at Mora Point. Athletics and the River Swim are also set to take place on April 20.
Panthers in action against Guardians last weekend
FARMSUP’s Senior Sales Coordinator Ms. Tracy Cox (right) handing over the sponsorship cheque to Sheldon Kyte of the Regatta Committee
John Ramsingh (left) handing over the stumps to Jermain Maxwell of the Meten-Meer-Zorg Community Centre Cricket Club
St. Lucia’s Elite Blazers taking aim at FIBA 3x3 World Tour in Edmonton
…but must first conquer the One Guyana 3x3 Quest
For Caribbean teams, qualifying for the FIBA 3x3 World Tour is a dream come true. However, until now, the opportunity to compete in 3x3’s most prestigious event has never been available in the region.
Thanks to the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF), that dream is now within reach, especially for teams like St. Lucia’s Elite Blazers.
The Elite Blazers would be among 20 teams from 16 countries competing in the One Guyana 3x3 Quest, which would take place from April 5–6 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Champion of the tournament will take home US$5,000 and earn a coveted spot at the FIBA 3x3 World Tour in Edmonton, Canada this August.
“We feel very confident heading into the competition,” Troy Louison, cap-
tain of the Elite Blazers, has said. “It’s our first time playing in a Quest event, and the first time this group of four will be playing together.”
As one of St. Lucia’s top 3x3 players, Louison has represented his country at every AmeriCup 3x3 since inception of the tournament in 2021. He has also competed in several notable regional and continental tournaments, and has been achieving significant success. He will be joined in Guyana by his 2022 AmeriCup teammates Andrew Louison, Desir Joseph, and Sidney Didier.
“We believe we can make an impact in this tournament and beyond,” Louison declared.
The One Guyana 3x3 Quest would feature teams from Ecuador, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, St. Maarten,
Schools’ Football…
St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, the USA, the Cayman Islands, Grenada, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, and Suriname. This will be their first time competing in Guyana for many of these nations, marking a significant milestone for both local and regional basketball.
The FIBA 3x3 Quest is an internationally-recognized competition that serves as a qualifying pathway to the prestigious FIBA 3x3 World Tour. It provides athletes with a unique platform to showcase their skills, gain world-ranking points, and compete at the sport’s highest level.
The GBF has pointed out that the event is not just about basketball, but is also about positioning Guyana as a regional sporting hub, fostering tourism and driving economic activity through sports.
Second round of Group games on this weekend
Mouthwatering schools’ football action is set to thrill the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Queen’s College Grounds today, as the Milo Schools’ Under-18 Football tournament returns for Round 2 of the Group stage today.
Bartica and Carmel Secondary would both be looking to pick up their first points of the 2025 tournament when they clash at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue from 12:30hrs.
Defending champions Chase’s Academic Foundation would be looking to keep their record clean when they take on West Demerara Secondary from 14:30h, and a battle between Santa Rosa Secondary and New Central High brings the curtains down on the day’s events at that venue. That game is set to begin at 16:30hrs.
A match between Three Miles Secondary and Hope Secondary would get the ball rolling from 12:00h at QC Ground, while South Ruimveldt and New Amsterdam Secondary would be picking up from where their rivalry had last been left in a match that commences at 14:00h.
Charlestown and Brickdam Secondary would go toe-to-toe from 16:00hrs on Saturday, while at the same venue on Sunday, March 23rd, President’s College and Tutorial High would each be hunting their first win of the tournament when they meet at 12:00hrs.
Dolphin Secondary would be looking to bag another win when they take on Yarrowkabra Secondary from 14:00hrs, while weekend action at QC Ground for
would conclude with a battle between West Ruimveldt Secondary and St. John’s College, scheduled to kick off from 16:00hrs.
Group stage action would continue at the MoE Ground with a monumental clash involving two teams that have walked away with exciting victories in Round 1. Ann’s Grove would now be duking it out against Bush Lot Secondary from 12:00hrs.
Other tantalizing faceoffs involve Abram Zuil taking on Westminster Secondary from 14:30hrs, and Region One’s
Waramuri Secondary locking horns with Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary from 16:30hrs.
The 24 teams in the Milo tournament are competing for a $300,000 grand prize and bragging rights, while the second-, third- and fourthplace finishers would pocket $200,000, $100,000 and $75,000 respectively; all for a school project of their choice.
The tournament is being powered by Massy’s Nestle Milo and MVP Sports, with support from the Ministries of Education and Culture, Youth and Sport.
Commissioner's T20 Cup… Region 2, 4C win big in March 20 games
The Commissioner’s Cup T20 tournament continued on Thursday, March 20th, at the Police Sports Club Ground at Eve Leary with Region 2 opposing a combined team from Regions 1, 7, 8, & 9, which won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Region 2 got off to a shaky start in losing opener Charleston Roberts in the first over for a duck, but a superb innings from Damion Vantull, which consisted of 6 giant sixes and 5 fours, saw Region 2 post an impressive total of 194.
Vantull was well supported by Fazeer Khan, who ended the innings not out on 46 off 50 balls, and O. Sampson, who had a quickfire 33 off 13 balls (3 sixes and 2 fours).
In reply, former West Indies Test batsman Leon Johnson had a good knock of 62 (2 sixes and 6 fours) for the Combined side, and G. Williams supported with 26.
Regions 1, 7, 8, & 9 were eventually bowled out for 158 in 16.4 overs, with J Dhanpaul returning excellent figures of 5-30 from 4 overs. Vantull also contributed 3 for 13 in his 2.1 overs.
Region 4C and Region 10 faced off in the other match of the day. 4C won the toss and elected to bat first, with K Chand striking early for the Region 10 team in cleaning up N. Barker for just 7 runs in the game’s 3rd over.
Captain Kelvin Leitch then took to the crease and produced 42 runs that con-
sisted of 3 sixes and 5 fours. Roncy Caleb (33) and Delon Melville (30) also contributed to the innings, taking the total up to 184/9 in the 20 overs. Chand returned excellent figures of 3 for 24 from his 4 overs.
In the chase, Region 10 struggled to put together any significant partnership, and were limited to 135/9 in their 20 overs. Top-scorers were J. Tucker with 28 and Bevon Braithwaite with 23. Jermaine Tyndall posted good bowling figures of 3 for 27 from 4 overs. Competition is expected to resume on Monday, March 24th, with Region 2 opposing the Officers, and TSC opposing Region 5.
A glimpse of what to expect as the Milo tournament continues today
A look at the T20 cricket action on Thursday last
Elite Blazers of St Lucia will compete in the One Guyana 3x3 Quest on April 5–6 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall
