Brothers shot after allegedly stabbing supermarket security guard RSS investigators in Guyana to support probe of Linden shooting deaths
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times –05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily
WEATHER TODAY
with clear to partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 13:13h reaching a maximum heights of 2.11 metres.
Low Tide: 06:40h and 19:31h reaching minimum heights of 1.26 metres and 1.04 metres.
Govt mulls elevating sugar workers into part ownership of industry – Ali
...says workers can be provided with machinery, earn greater salaries
One of the strategies being looked at by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, is to elevate sugar workers into part ownership roles within the industry, ensuring that they can own the means of production, and increase their earnings.
This was revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali during a public meeting at New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) on Saturday. According to the Head of State, once this strategy is followed through then sugar workers will have the opportunity to form themselves into groups and be part-owners of their means of production.
“When we talk about sugar. We’re looking at coming up with a strategy, through which we can make our sugar workers part of the ownership mechanism of what they do. So not only will we have sugar workers going into the fields and harvesting the cane. But how we can invest into the machinery and equipment, so they can form themselves into groups and be part of the ownership structure of that group,” President Ali outlined.
“So that we can improve the conditions they work in and they can get higher salaries, increased productivity and take home more disposable income. Because they are part of what they’re doing. These are the things that are occupying our minds. These are the things we are discussing,” he added.
He also noted that in addition to sugar workers, the Government is also discussing how to provide single parents and other disadvantaged families with agri-technology, as a way for them to earn disposable income.
Between 2020 and 2024, the Government invested $45 billion in the sugar industry, to revitalise the sector and make it a vital component of the country’s
developmental plans.
The focus has been on modernising operations, including the mechanisation of Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) estates, with nearly 40 per cent of the estates now automated.
Additionally, efforts are underway to recapitalise the industry through the replacement of outdated infrastructure and systems, aimed at improving overall efficiency.
With a focus on strengthening internal cooperation, the Government hopes to bring the sugar industry back to its former glory, contributing once again to the nation’s development and economic growth.
The Government has already declared that changes
will be made in the management structure of GuySuCo this year, signalling a renewed commitment to achieving higher productivity and greater collaboration between all stakeholders in the sugar industry.
GuySuCo produced 6,738 tonnes of sugar for its first crop of 2024, falling short of the initial target of 16,000 tonnes. In total, less than 50,000 tonnes of sugar were produced in 2024, with President Ali warning that heads will roll if GuySuCo’s 2025 first crop targets aren’t met. In total, Government is projecting the production of over 100,000 tonnes of sugar for 2025.
Last year, some $15.5 billion was expended on support to the sugar industry,
including the acquisition of six new cane harvesters; conversion of 2,734 hectares of land for mechanised cultivation and harvesting, and rehabilitated critical revetment works.
In 2025, an additional 3,068 hectares of land will be converted to support mechanisation. Key investments will be made to acquire additional field equipment, rehabilitate field infrastructure, and construct over 17 kilometres (km) of all-weather roads across the industry.
For these efforts, some $13.3 billion was approved during the budget estimates – as part of the Agriculture Ministry’s $104.6 billion budget – to support and rehabilitate the sugar industry this year.
President Dr Irfaan Ali as he addressed the crowd at New Amsterdam
While we have, of necessity, been transfixed on the effects of the massive increases instituted by the US on imports into its economy, which remains the largest in the world, there are implications for the value of the US dollar, which remains the world’s major reserve currency. It has been proposed that for the US to achieve a better fiscal burden-sharing through increased funding and contributions by other countries, including through tariffs, the dollar should also be depreciated to revitalise the US industry. Meeting both goals would require a delicate balancing act. Foreign capital inflows in the US must be discouraged because they drive dollar appreciation, but foreign purchases of US Treasuries must be encouraged to finance the US deficit.
Let us consider the priority given to industry and the reliance on dollar depreciation to achieve re-industrialisation. It is common, even among economists, to think that industry is ‘special’. But why is it so? The assumption is that industry carries specific externalities for the rest of the economy, such as technology creation and diffusion, training, or learning by doing. As the world’s technological frontier economy, the US already possesses comparative advantages in sectors where such externalities are most significant, notably AI and the digital economy. Those advantages can be threatened by strategic competition with China, and may need to be reinforced through targeted subsidies or strategic trade policy measures – semi-conductors being a good example. But a policy of sustained dollar depreciation would not yield real benefits in those advanced sectors where the US is already a price-maker. The emphasis on the exchange rate actually reveals the true priority: to revitalise traditional industries (those that have been particularly hit by the ‘China shock’) and to recreate the jobs that have been lost as a consequence.
However, eroding the US dollar’s role as the world’s primary reserve currency may not serve any of these objectives. And the costs may be significant. Today, the US dominates the international monetary and financial system because it issues the safest assets in the world. Despite a negative net international investment position, the US consistently generates a positive net income from abroad, which contributes to its GDP. From a purely fiscal standpoint, the issuance of safe assets yields for the US an invisible seigniorage many times bigger than the revenues that could be raised from any proposed burden-sharing mechanism. As long as Treasury debt is considered safe and liquid, it is held voluntarily by foreigners at low interest rates despite persistent and growing fiscal deficits projected over the long run. The value of US debt is derived not only from its projected cash flows, but from its unparalleled safety and tradability. Some have identified a ‘bubble’ component in the valuation of this debt, which can be profitably ‘mined’ in the form of higher and cheaper debt issuance in the future. According to one analyst, the safe asset quality of US Treasuries allows the US to issue 30% more public debt than otherwise would be possible, everything else being equal.
Overall, the conjunction of policy changes envisaged in the ‘new arrangement’ may prove, for the US, very self-defeating. The strategy aims at solving ‘old’ deindustrialisation problems, but it does so with the wrong remedy - stemming from a biased appreciation of the costs and benefits. Looking at issues from a purely fiscal angle also distorts the perspective. Eroding the dollar’s role would aggravate, rather than reduce, the distensions that exist in the international economy, to the detriment of the US and its partners. It would deprive the world of the safe assets it needs for the efficiency and stability of the global financial system. Many of the US’ competitors would be happy to participate and assist in the dollar’s demise, which has been a strategic objective for some of them for the last two decades.
Finally, any depreciation of the dollar value would have serious deleterious implications for our economy, because of our oil revenues being deposited with the NYFed.
The People’s Progressive Party of Guyana: 1950, 75th anniversary history
Dear Editor,
On November 6, 1946, the stage was set for the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) to achieve its objectives: to provide a platform for the struggles against colonialism in British Guiana; advocate for social, economic, and political justice for the people residing in this then British colony; as well as to form a political party.
The PAC aimed to address the need for a political organisation that represented the interests of workers. Consequently, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, Ashton Chase and Jocelyn Hubbard emerged as prominent activists within the Labour Movement.
How prophetic it was that the founding of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) was announced on January 1, 1950! This date suggests, at the very least, a promise and a buoyant spirit of change or innovation embodied by the party leaders. More importantly, as we would later discover, the party’s founding on such an auspicious date foreshadowed cataclysmic change, particularly in Guyana, if not the entire Englishspeaking Caribbean.
For one thing, the PPP was the first authentic po-
litical party to emerge in British Guiana, the name of the former British colony at that time. Additionally, the vision and expectations of pre-1950 social and labour organisations such as the Man Power Citizens’ Association (MPCA), the British Guiana Labour Union (BGLU), the League of Coloured People (LCP), the British Guiana Indian Association (BGIA), and the Labour Party were too narrow or limited in scope to create a widespread impact. These organisations primarily focused on the personal interests of their leaders, the specific concerns of their groups, or on improving working conditions and securing better pay for their members.
The mandate of the PPP, on the other hand, was utterly revolutionary: to represent the interests of the entire Guyanese population, and dedicate the party to what many had then thought was the alarming and audacious proposition of transforming the British colony from its centuries-old dependent colonial status into a free, independent, and self-respecting nation.
Not only did the PPP achieve an unprecedented
and historic political victory in 1953, but this also seemed to validate their prophecy. The party went on to win subsequent elections in 1957 and 1961; however, as we shall also see, these victories — or rather, the events that followed them, such as the party’s “defeat” in the 1964 elections — led to further unprecedented changes that were neither revolutionary in a positive sense, nor, unfortunately, beneficial in any way.
The historical background to all this is that, after the first European settlement of (Guiana) Guyana in the early seventeenth century, the original inhabitants - or First Nation peoples indigenous to the American continent - were pushed back into the southern interior of the territory. This area was dominated by the Amazon forest, and was surrounded by neighbours such as Venezuela to the west, Suriname to the east, and Brazil to the south.
Meanwhile, European settlers, primarily the Dutch, established plantations along the rivers of Guyana and in the northern coastal areas adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean.
Following a significant rivalry, during which the ter-
ritory changed hands multiple times among European colonial powers, the Dutch Guyanese colonies of Demerara-Essequibo and Berbice were ultimately ceded to the British in 1802, and were merged into a single colony called British Guiana in 1831.
The formation of the PPP in 1950 correctly anticipated the end of nearly three hundred years of continuous European colonial rule, which was finally realised on May 26, 1966 when British Guiana became the independent nation of Guyana.
For consistency, the term ‘Guyana’ is used throughout this event, particularly in references to the territory during the pre1966 colonial period.
Guyana is the only English-speaking country on the South American continent. However, despite its 83,000 square miles, it has an estimated population of only 780,000. One reason is the emigration of tens of thousands of Guyanese migrants, especially to the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Yours sincerely, Sherwood Clarke
Yupukari Nursery School students geared themselves for the 2025 Rupununi Rodeo, an annual event hosted during the Easter season (Rupununi Rodeo photo)
Tax evasion, US sanctions Police detain Azruddin Mohamed in drone threat probe
Businessman Azruddin Mohamed was briefly detained by police this week, following allegations that he threatened Nathan Prince, a drone operator, last weekend.
The alleged encounter reportedly occurred during a tense April 5 stand-off at the Mohamed family’s Houston, Greater Georgetown residence, when Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officers accompanied by police ranks, attempted to seize vehicles, after months of failed negotiations and repeated notices regarding unpaid taxes.
Prince is reported to be Head of the Drone Unit at Sheriff Security.
On Tuesday last, Mohamed was reported to have been taken into custody at the Ruimveldt Police Station, where he was questioned over reports that he issued threats to the drone pilot, who had been detained for flying a drone over Mohamed’s residence.
Flying drones over private property is against Guyana’s aviation directives.
The drone operator reportedly made a counter-complaint about Mohamed while in custody, prompting the police to launch a formal probe on that matter.
Mohamed was later released.
The incident adds to the already intensifying scrutiny surrounding Mohamed, whose business operations and public behaviour have sparked ongoing legal and political controversy.
The businessman is no stranger to law enforcement: back in 2010, three security guards were reportedly tortured for several hours, after being accused of stealing a quantity of items from Mohamed Enterprises on Lombard Street where they
worked.
According to a Stabroek News article dated November 24, 2010, security supervisor, 63-year-old Bansgopaul Sookhraj, Imtiaz Bacchus and Ousman Boodhoo Sahadeo alleged they were repeatedly “struck with a baseball bat, had soapy water poured into their mouths and were gagged and bound with scotch tape before being threatened not to report the matter”.
The men alleged that they were brutalised by four or five persons, one after the other.
Sookhraj reportedly bore the brunt of the assault. An X-ray revealed that both of his hands were broken. His head was visibly swollen, and he found it unbearable to stand or walk. According to a medical report obtained from the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), Bacchus sustained five fractured ribs and a severely swollen right foot. Sahadeo, known as ‘Fat Boy,’ had black-and-blue bruises on both arms, difficulty hearing, and impaired vision in his swollen left eye.
A few weeks later, on 3 December 2010, Stabroek News published a follow-up report indicating that two employees of Mohamed’s Enterprise were either dismissed or suspended due to their involvement in the beating and torture of the three security guards— an action confirmed by the company’s owner, Nazar Mohamed, who publicly apologised for the incident.
The publication indicated that it was Nazar Mohamed who contacted Stabroek News and “repeatedly stressed that he was devastated when he read about the incident in the newspaper, emphasising that at the time, he was overseas”.
According to the newspaper, the businessman also apologised for the way his
son and employees handled the matter when approached for a comment.
His son’s knowledge of the matter, as owner of the business alleging the theft, was never discussed.
No legal repercussions resulted from the complaint either, as the newspaper reported that the three men accepted hefty sums to drop the matter after they said, they were approached by a lawyer at the police station where the sums were agreed upon after a discussion.
Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, are also subject to sanctions imposed by the United States (US), stemming from what the US Department of the Treasury described as their “roles in public corruption in Guyana.”
According to the Department, the sanctions were enacted under Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which expands and enforces the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. This legislation targets individuals and entities involved in serious human rights abuses and corruption on a global scale.
PPP has never protected criminality
Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has since strongly rebutted suggestions that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has shielded the Mohamed family from prosecution.
During his weekly press conference on Thursday last, Jagdeo declared that “the PPP has never condoned wrongdoing… Back in 2022, I publicly stated the party would not allow any businessman involved in illegal activities to tarnish our reputation. That included Azruddin Mohamed.”
Jagdeo further blast-
ed the opposition, People’s National Congress (PNC) and their media allies for what he called “a 180-degree reversal” in narrative. He noted that the same opposition leaders who once labelled the Mohamed’s as a “criminal cabal protected by the PPP” are now rallying around the family, portraying them as victims.
“The tables have turned,” Jagdeo remarked. “They are now meeting with the Mohamed’s, defending them online, and flooding social media with troll accounts pretending to show public support.”
GRA seizure
As it relates to the seizure of Mohamed’s vehicles, the High Court has issued an interim interlocutory injunction barring the GRA from seizing several high-end luxury vehicles owned by prominent businessmen Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, pending a full judicial review of the agency’s $1.2 billion tax evasion claim.
On Friday, Attorney-atLaw Siand Dhurjon, representing the Mohamed family, confirmed that Justice Gino Persaud extended an initial restraining order and granted further legal protec-
Brothers shot after allegedly stabbing supermarket security guard
Detectives attached to Regional Division 4 ‘C’, East Coast Demerara, (ECD) are investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Friday, at approximately 20:40h at the O-GUO Supermarket located along the Enterprise Railway Embankment, ECD.
The incident involved a 25-year-old security guard attached to CMC Security Service, who was reportedly on duty at the time of the altercation, and armed with a shotgun and live cartridges.
The victims, identi-
fied as brothers Ryan and Randy Narine of La Bonne Intention (LBI), ECD, were shot to their right legs following a confrontation with the security guard. Investigators have since confirmed that both brothers were injured, along with the guard, who sustained a stab wound.
According to initial inquiries, Ryan and Randy Narine entered the supermarket in the company of another man known only as “Boy.” They reportedly went to the counter to purchase beers and chocolate
when Ryan became engaged in a dispute with the cashier over the price of the items.
The security guard intervened in an attempt to calm the situation, but the argument escalated. It is alleged that Randy, who was armed with a knife, along with Ryan and the other man, became physically confrontational with the guard.
During the confrontation, Randy allegedly stabbed the security officer in his left side abdomen. In response, the wounded guard discharged two rounds from his shotgun, striking both
brothers in the leg.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) from the Melanie Fire Station were quickly summoned to the scene. Ryan and Randy were transported via ambulance to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), while the injured security guard was assisted to the hospital by public-spirited citizens.
All three individuals were admitted and are currently in stable conditions, according to hospital sources. Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
tion for the Mohamed’s vehicles—including a Ferrari 488, Lamborghini Roadster and two Toyota Land Cruisers, until a substantive hearing on May 15, 2025.
“The injunctions will last until the hearing and determination of the substantive matter. The substantive matter is what we have filed to quash the assessments and to prohibit any seizure or other enforcement action,” Dhurjon said.
The court’s ruling temporarily halts the GRA’s efforts to seize the vehicles, which the agency alleges were imported under false declarations and breaches of the re-migrant scheme—a programme designed to grant tax exemptions to eligible returning residents.
However, in a later press release regarding Friday’s
ruling, the GRA stated that it will lodge an Appeal against the ruling, since the preservation of assets is not assured, and no bond has been lodged as is usual in these circumstances
The release also noted that the extension of the Restraining Order has been issued pending a full trial, intended to maintain the status quo, and should not be interpreted as a final court decision.
The Authority reiterated that it has in its possession irrefutable evidence of the said breaches, and the understatement of values of the other vehicles, and will vigorously defend the said matters presently before the Court.
According to GRA, efforts to resolve the matter amicably had included three letters and direct email outreach, all of which went unanswered. The agency maintains it has “irrefutable evidence” of tax breaches and is pursuing the matter “without fear or favour.”
The vehicles at the centre of the controversy carry staggering unpaid tax liabilities, including $479.7 million for a 2020 Ferrari; $371.7 million for a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster; $320 million for a 2023 Rolls-Royce; $61.4 million for a 2023 Range Rover, and $24.6 million each for two Toyota Land Cruisers, pushing the total close to $1.2 billion.
Nazar Mohamed and son Azruddin Mohamed
Although a detailed and deliberate discourse on nutrition of the elderly dog was presented in our column of March 30, 2025, I am compelled to continue on the topic, if only to emphasise that your pet can have an extended life in your care with close attention to the feeding regime and to respond to recent queries raised by my clients.
It is clearly obvious that the animal is visibly slowing down as it gets older and less engaged in what used to be its normal activities. Working dogs, (those which actually earn their keep by herding domestic from livestock) and hunting dogs (which go on long hikes with their owners) will no longer be able to continue these ac tivities. (NB. The German Shepherd was developed to assist the farmer to herd sheep —ergo the name).
The elderly family pet exhibits sluggishness and refuses to be hurried. Of course, when actu al “old age” elements like arthri tis begin to affect the compan ion ani mal, the resultant iner tia and languor are major causes of concern.
We cannot continue to place the elderly on the same diet that was provid
ed in its healthy adult life. The physiological process pertaining to digestion of food is altered as the animal gets older. Food must now be more easily digestible. Constipation is an obvious consequence of high roughage diets. I do truthfully believe that, generally, pet caregivers tend to overfeed their wards — not only at Festive Seasons. Perhaps one should institute, in our feeding regime , a day of fasting once every week. I must admit that I have not been very successful in sharing this advice. “We love our pets too much to starve them”. Well, it’s not starvation, it is only one day a week. I recall a professor of
Muslim friends and family make a point by extolling how very much better they feel after following fasting principles during the Holy
of which are surmountable. Dogs are omnivores and while they have a strong predilection for meat, they can digest both plant and animal-based foods. Attention to the protein base and amino acid profile on a strictly vegetarian meal is critical to providing a balanced diet. Having said that, most of a billion (plus) Hindus who have pets, feed them only a veggie diet and they live healthy lives. I understand that the Pet Food Companies produce special diet packages for elderly dogs. But I have never seen these items on Supermarket shelves—either locally or abroad. It therefore becomes necessary for companion animal caregivers to discuss the diet with the veterinar-
FEEDING THE ELDERLY PET – A synopsis
ians.
Let’s reiterate the general principles to follow: Feed the elderly animal once a day. If you have been feeding your dog three times a day, reduce that to once a day— but not abruptly. Introduce change of diet to
hours to digest) and various other legumes (difficult to digest) are not recommended.
If the dog has a specific organ ailment or is already too obese, let your vet prescribe a specific diet for your pet. Do not feed the old dog
your canine companion animal slowly. Whatever is the routine, stick to it – as long
cold food.
Examine the oral cavity often for gum disease and
tent of the food must have easily digestible components. For example, in vegetarian households, beans (approximately 8
es.
Your vet will advise about the usage of quality to protein supplements and antioxidants.
VP Jagdeo announces 2 major economic hubs for Region 2
– geared to reduce reliance on traditional sectors
Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has announced plans for the establishment of two major economic hubs in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), aimed at creating new employment opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and transforming the regional economy into one that is more self-sustaining and diversified.
During an outreach with young people at the Bush Lot Market Tarmac, VP Jagdeo explained that the Government is moving ahead with initiatives designed not just for shortterm relief, but long-term prosperity.
Central to this vision are the two hubs—one geared towards innovation, and the other focused on diversification—both of which are expected to attract private investment and provide a platform for young people to develop and market their skills and products, locally and internationally.
He explained that the innovation hub will serve as a centre for new ideas, digital entrepreneurship, and technological advancement, while the diversification hub will focus on supporting agro-processing, value-added production, and emerging industries in the region. The
intention is to reduce reliance on traditional sectors, by opening avenues for economic expansion in non-traditional areas.
“So like here in this region, we have to generate more employment… so massive investment in incentives to attract investments to the region. There will be two new major hubs created in this region: one for innovation and another one to promote diversification. So these will be two major hubs, well resourced, so we can generate a whole series of employment opportunities for young people in the region, where they don’t have to leave to find good-paying jobs. And that’s the next term in office, which hopefully will start before the end of the year,” the VP stated.
The VP noted that these hubs will be well-resourced
and backed by incentives to attract business activity. He added that they are part of a broader push to decentralise development and ensure that young people in rural regions no longer have to migrate to the coast or capital city in search of meaningful employment.
Additionally, he highlighted that with the necessary infrastructure being built out simultaneously, including better roads, lighting, healthcare, and educational facilities, the region will be better positioned to support this transformation.
He also reminded the audience that strategic investments like these are crucial to maintaining the sustainability of Guyana’s economy, especially at a time when oil prices are fluctuating. He made it clear that the Government is not waiting on election cycles to act but
is guided by a long-standing development agenda focused on safeguarding Guyana’s future.
“We’re not waiting for elections to be announced, because we are a political party that has a long history of sustainable planning. When we took Guyana from the PNC, we were bankrupt before oil. Because of hard work, we made it into one of the most dynamic economies in the world… So people sometimes think the mon-
ey would always be there.
And if you listen to the opposition, they don’t talk about creating wealth. They only talk about distribution of wealth,” the VP noted.
In addressing the role of youth in this new phase of development, Dr Jagdeo encouraged those present to equip themselves with the skills necessary to thrive in a modern economy.
He underscored that the digital society being constructed will require new
talents and will open the door for service-based roles that never existed before in the region.
“Our next term will focus on empowering young people through access to land, jobs, education, and healthcare,” the VP said, adding that the innovation and diversification hubs are just two of several major projects to be outlined in the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)’s upcoming manifesto.
Youths at the outreach at Bush Lot Market Tarmac
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo engaging youths on Saturday
Changing…
…charisma
What’s this quality they call “charisma” that everybody seems to be salivating for – as our politics come to the fore in the run-up to the elections sweepstakes?? The dictionary tells us it’s “the ability to attract the attention and admiration of others, and to be seen as a leader.” Seems that, originally, it was seen as coming from the Big Guy upstairs, but later the sociologist Weber sought to bring it down to earth and tied it to what it takes to be an effective leader.
However, he still left itrather sketchy!! He proposed that charismatic authority “rests on devotion to the exceptional sanctity, heroism or exemplary character of an individual person, and of the normative patterns or order revealed or ordained by him.” Well, duh!!
The X-factor, some call it!! But if we don’t know what charisma is, how the heck can we obtain it to become more effective leaders?? Is it what they call “mojo”? A magic charm, talisman, or spell? Well, it seems that it’s nothing external, but driven or developed internally. Sorry, we can’t just drop in to the local Obeahman and have him shower us with incantations – and voila!! Charisma!!
Well, one expert proposed that truly effective leaders must embody the three essential elements of charisma: presence, power and warmth, in every interaction with others. But that remains nebulous, doesn’t it? We all experience when someone has “presence, power and warmth”, but how the heck do we GET it??
Well, some talk about the “charisma of competence” –implying that folks who can get a job done very effectively and competently have or earn “charisma”. But we know that ain’t it, don’t we?? The policeman directing traffic onto the DHB might be doing his job very effectively, but he certainly ain’t charismatic, is he?? So, maybe we can work backwards and look at some charismatic people, then see how they got there??
Take Pressie, for instance. He’s only been at his job for less than five years, and he’s clearly charismatic, innit?? When he arrives at any occasion or function, he stands out – and not just because he’s a President. You can tell from his posture that he’s somebody who gotta be taken into account – before he utters a word. He’s got presence, and exudes power!! And warmth? Jeez…he’s a regular radiator with his hugs, wide smile and effusive greetings!!
Now, we know that when he was Minister of Housing, he didn’t have that charisma. So we know he’s worked to develop those charismatic qualities! And there’s the answer – compare him with those Ministers of his who only throw their titles and big cars around and wanna be big and bad!!
The Opposition Leader should look and learn!!
…law and order
In the old US TV series called “Law and Order”, they spell out the distinction between the two concepts. “Law”, we’re told, has to do with the Court system of judges and prosecutors, who make sure that justice is done in accordance with the law. Then there’s the “Order” part, involving the police, who’re among us to make sure we FOLLOW the law.
Now, they show that those policemen and women –being human – when doing their jobs, can also mess up, like us poor slobs, to break the law. So how do people affected by the latter actions get justice? Well, by some institution investigating those errant officers and bringing them before the “Law”!! In the US show, policemen are investigated by a police department called “Internal Affairs”. Our equivalent is the Office of Professional Responsibility!!
But locals are skeptical about that Office being impartial, and so – as in the case of the Linden police shootings - the Caricom RSS team is investigating.
Can we please give them a chance??
…communications
Your Eyewitness is pretty chuffed that we now have Elon Musk’s “Starlink Satellite” system available to ensure we can communicate seamlessly across our variegated 83,000 square miles of coastland, hills, mountains, forests and interior savannahs!
Beam me up, Scotty!!
The Black Sage of Buxton
Isalute Eusi Kwayana for not only reaching a remarkable 100 years, but for retaining the formidable mind and intellect with which he has confronted the challenges posed to our society during that time. So much has already been written about him, that I would merely recap some personal recollections of, and engagements with, him.
Raised by my village Uitvlugt, though lingering on the periphery of the “big men” gaffing on the “line top” every evening after work and reading newspapers at the weekend barber-tents, I was offered a lens into the wider world.
Then called Sydney King, Eusi first came to my notice when he was expelled from the PNC for rejecting Burnham’s supporting independence under Jagan if the PPP were to win the 1961 elections. His African Society for Racial Equality (ASRE), founded the same year, then proposed that the country be partitioned into three ethnic enclaves if the major parties couldn’t agree to govern together. He earned great notoriety as the “partition man”.
I remember the heightened political tension surrounding the 1961 elections, with confrontations between PPP and PNC supporters. Eusi is believed to have launched political violence in Guyana, because he insists the murder of an African man in Berbice was political. I consider the arson and murders of Black Friday, Feb 16, 1962, in Georgetown to be that watershed. Starting in my native West Coast Demerara in 1964, we descended into countrywide ethnic violence when the PPP desperately attempted to stave off their ouster from office. Coastal villages, including mine,were ethnically cleansed, and King was tagged as the dreaded figure from Buxton who was behind the East Coast Demerara violence.
I have a recollection of him fasting in front of some official GT building in protest of a newspaper account.
He launched the African Society for Cultural Relations with Independent Africa (ASCRIA) in 1964, and adopted the name Eusi Kwayana - “Black Man of Guyana”. I remember his cultural transformation raising eyebrows in my mixed village. He accompanied Burnham on a tour of Africa, and was given several positions, centred on fulfilling one of the goals of ASCRIA, to empower African Guyanese.
My next encounter, even though I still didn’t actually meet him, was in early May 1970, when, as a student writing GCE A levels in GT, I attended a talk by Black Power exponent Kwame Ture (formerly Stokley Carmichael).
Stokley’s explication of “Black Power” in 1966, just after we received independence, combined MLK’s social and economic demands of US blacks with Malcolm X’s more militant strategy and African cultural pride.
Rodney’s “groundings” on Black Power in the Jamaican gullies precipitated his 1968 banning and subsequent riots there. Protests here brought the term even into our high schools. The Region was all agog after there had been an attempted army/ Black Power coup against Eric Williams, and Ture was denied entry in his TT homeland.
He was invited by RATOON and ASCRIA, in early May 1970, to a seminar on Pan Africanism and Black Revolutionary Nationalism, where Burnham astutely moved to preempt similar Black Power uprisings here by supporting the visit. A group of us walked out from Ture’s talk at Queen’s College when he extolled the use of violence and insisted that Indian Guyanese should organize separately. RATOON and the Movement against Oppression (MAO), in which Drs Clive Thomas and Josh Ramsammy from UG were involved, publicly disagreed with Ture, but not ASCRIA, Kwayana and Burnham.
A small group of Indian sixth-formers started an “Organization for the Protection of Indian Culture” (OPIC), and I contacted Moses Bhagwan on its behalf. He told me, however, that notwithstanding its name, Indian Political Revolutionary Associates (IPRA), his new activism outside the PPP was not culturally “Indian centric”.
Our group fizzled as we got caught up with survival after high school. I was teaching at Central High School in October 1971 when an attempted assassination of Josh Ramsammy created widespread denunciation of the PNC government, which was presumed to be behind it. I remember Kwayana carefully parsed ASCRIA’s reaction against “political leaders on both sides who directed or permitted gun terror…”
By the time Kwayana broke with Burnham in 1973 - because he said the latter had allowed the Indian and Portuguese bourgeoisie to take over the party - and moved towards multiracial politics by joining up with IPRA, I had left for studies in the USA in 1972.
On the multicultural front, he would later tell me he wished Jagan were “more Indian” and that Burnham “wanted to be White”. Quo vadis.
World Trade Centre Georgetown to be opened on October 21
Guyana’s economic and international business landscape is set to unfold as the World Trade Centre Georgetown (WTCG) Guyana is officially scheduled to open on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
“It is with great pleasure that I have the honour to invite you to the formal opening of the World Trade Centre Georgetown (Guyana) on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025, at 10.am,’’ says the invitation letter signed by WTCG’s Executive Chairman Komal Samaroo.
The official opening of the new facility, located at 44 High Street, Kingston, in the capital city of Georgetown, comes at a pivotal time as Guyana emerges as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. This growth is being driven by a booming energy sector, major infrastructure development, and a robust investment climate.
While the formal opening is set for October, occupancy of the WTCG building will begin in June.
As a result, the country presents substantial opportunities for trade; both in terms of imports and exports.
The announcement was made on April 11 through special invitations issued to delegates attending the World Trade Centre Association’s (WTCA) 55th Annual General Assembly and Global Business Forum, following four days of deliberations on trade and investment issues.
Participation in the opening activities will provide an excellent platform to explore a myriad of opportunities in sectors such as agriculture and agribusiness, mining, tourism, manufacturing, energy, and more—areas in which Guyana and the CARICOM region now offer significant potential.
WTCG is the first, and currently
the only, World Trade Centre in the CARICOM region. The formal opening, along with a two-day business programme, will feature distinguished speakers, including Government officials, business leaders, and international trade experts.
According to the letter, the event has been strategically scheduled to precede the annual WTCA Members Forum in New York City, set to begin on October 28.
“This way, delegates attending the
WTCA meeting from across the globe who have expressed an interest in visiting Guyana could find it convenient to do so,” explained WTCG Executive Director Wesley Kirton.
“The opening of the World Trade Centre Georgetown signifies not only Guyana’s but also the Caribbean Community’s commitment to fostering international business relations, as well as its ambition to become a key player in global commerce,” the letter adds.
Ravi Dev
The WTCG, Kingston, Georgetown
for citizens Muneshwers, John Fernandes to build US$285M port in Berbice – Pres Ali
…says no need for ‘socioeconomic study’ to provide development
Local shipping competitors Muneshwers Limited and John Fernandes Limited are teaming up once again –this time to construct a US$285 million port facility in Berbice.
The announcement of the port facility was made by President Dr Irfaan Ail during a community outreach at New Amsterdam, Region Six, (East BerbiceCorentyne) on Saturday.
According to the Head
of State, since taking office in 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has invested billions of dollars not just in the region but in the New Amsterdam municipality alone. This includes in excess of $1 billion in the education sector and another $2.3 billion in human resources development.
There were also significant investments in other sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure – all
geared towards enhancing the region’s economic development, with more to come.
One such initiative to come is a port facility by a local consortium formed by shipping competitors, Muneshwers Limited and John Fernandes Limited, which is currently putting together the funds for the first phase of a port facility along the Berbice River.
“They want to turn the sod for that investment in the coming weeks. That in-
vestment of US$285 million would create 1,000 jobs,” President Ali disclosed.
Apart from that, the Guyanese Head of State pointed out that his Government is currently working with an international company, Bechtel, on the possible development of a deep-water port in Berbice.
“This will support the next gas development here in Region Six,” he added.
President Ali noted that all this will be supported
by a new four-lane highway stretching from the Berbice River Bridge, all the way to Moleson Creek, and to connect to the Corentyne River Bridge, which will provide road connectivity between Guyana and Suriname.
The Government also wants to position Guyana as a key transport hub, leveraging the country’s geographical position at the northern edge of the South American continent and easy connections to Brazil and Suriname.
He explained that the region will not be isolated with new plans to upgrade the current floating two-lane Berbice River Bridge.
“We are going to build a full four-lane bridge like the Demerara River Bridge right here – a high four-lane bridge.”
Tech advances for the region
Meanwhile, President Ali also spoke of other plans his administration has, which include transforming the data payment platform, which will make payment faster and easier.
“With your phone you would be able to make a payment anywhere in this country; you will be able to transfer money because we are now developing a digital payment platform. So, when the farmer finishes working in the fields of the vendor finishes working in the market, they can go home and if they want to buy back stocks in Georgetown, you don’t have to go with a taxi and buy your stocks and put it in the taxi; you then go online and buy all that you have to buy and get somebody to pick it up and bring it down – that is the future,”
President Ali told a cheering audience.
The Head of State, who also held meetings in East Canje and the Corentyne, said he was particularly pleased with the turnout in New Amsterdam as he outlined a number of initiatives that were done to transform the town.
Reading a letter from the Housing Ministry, the head of State told residents that every applicant who would have applied for a house lot on or before December 31, 2024, will be allocated a house lot before the end of 2025.4.12
”We want to bring the backlog in allocation to zero in Region Six,” Ali announced.
Continuing his disclosure on the impact the digital payment platform will have on the society, President Ali pointed out that phones will be linked to medical clinics.
“So that when you have to go to the clinic you won’t have to go from 6:00 in the morning and wait. On the
phone you will get medical consultation that will give you your appointment so that you can go exactly for your appointment time.” He said the future that his administration is investing in is one that will remove human biases.
“Not one that you will have to go to Georgetown to renew your licence. You come into the regional office and like an ATM machine, you put your licences inside, make your payment digitally and you renew your licence right here in Region Six,” Ali disclosed.
Speaking of the removal of human biases, the Guyanese Head of State pointed out the smart cameras being installed on all the roads are not because they want people to pay tickets.
“It is because we wanted a disciplined society, a society in which we look out for each other, a society in which life matters; in which we take responsibility for each other and one in which we understand that when we are given a licence to drive it is not a licence to kill; it is a licence to drive.”
Knocking the opposition
Meanwhile, acknowledging that those initiatives with transform the lives of all Guyanese, President Ali pointed out that his Government does not need to carry out a ‘socioeconomic impact study’ to provide development for citizens. His administration’s approach contrasts to that of the previous administration in that regard he noted.
“In regard to the closing of the estates, they did not understand that the estate was more than the workers. The estates were critically integrated into the lives of the society.”
Ali reminded that the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government said they did not need a socioeconomic study to close the estatesand in so doing sent tens of thousands to the breadline.
He noted that the closure of the four sugar estates affected persons directly and indirectly.
“They did not need a socioeconomic study for sending tens of thousands to the breadline, but when I announced the removal of the tolls from August 1, at all of the bridges including the Berbice Bridge, the leadership of the APNU and AFC asked where was the socioeconomic study done to remove that toll.”
President Ali said his administration does not need a socioeconomic study to bring relief to citizens and make things better for residents.
“Fix the cemeteries” – VP tells NDCs
– as public complaints are raised about condition of cemeteries across the country
Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has asked Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to place greater focus on maintaining cemeteries, as Government looks to give greater responsibilities to local Government bodies, with each NDC receiving $30 million in annual subventions— up from $5 million previously.
During his weekly press conference on Thursday, VP Jagdeo reminded that clean, well-maintained cemeteries are vital to preserving dignity, respect, and public health, noting that many families have expressed frustration with overgrown, neglected burial grounds where tall grass, dense bush and even swarms of bees pose a threat to mourners.
He told media that in several instances, mourners have been forced to confront hazardous and unsanitary conditions while paying final respects to their loved ones. According to the VP, this should no longer be a major concern for residents, given the significant increase in Government support. Effective this year, each
NDC received $30 million in annual subventions.
“We asked these bodies to focus on cemeteries, and largely cemeteries because people have been complaining. This is one of the issues that they raise anytime we visit communities – about the state of disrepair that the cemeteries are faced with across the country, and we’ve asked them to focus on upgrading the cemeteries or approaches and clearing the bush.”
“This is not a task for central Government or the region, it’s a task for the local Government bodies. They have not been addressing this with diligence, and so we spoke last week when I met with them at the convention centre. We spoke about the need to address this issue, and we gave them the resources to do so,” Jagdeo said.
Jagdeo noted that the funding increase is part of a broader strategy to empower local Government bodies and push more decision-making to the community level. He acknowledged that while the central and regional Governments are focused on larger infrastructure and outfall systems, NDCs are better positioned to handle vil-
lage-level issues, such as internal drainage, cemetery upkeep, and waste management.
To complement the financial support, Government has also delivered 66 mini excavators to local bodies, and plans to procure 20 more, helping NDCs tackle internal drainage and irrigation problems with greater efficiency.
NDCs have also been instructed to identify local landfill sites, to reduce the burden of transporting waste over long distances—an issue exacerbated by limited tax revenue.
Waste collection services
Beyond cemetery rehabilitation, Jagdeo urged NDCs to intensify waste collection services. During last Thursday’s press conference, it was also revealed that the Government has begun providing compactors, tractors, and trailers to assist with garbage removal, particularly in underserved rural areas.
“We are going to spend a huge sum of money working with them to ensure that in every local Government body in Guyana, that they have their own landfill site that’s properly managed there and they can then offer a decent service to the people who reside within those local Government bodies… It’s part of the plan that we have spoken of to give greater responsibilities to local Government bodies to devolve some of the functions and authority that the region and the central Government have, into the hands of these bodies, and to ensure that they’re better equipped to manage this task,” he explained.
While Jagdeo emphasised the immediate focus on cemetery clearing and basic services, he stressed that the initiative is not just about “clearing bush”, but part of a decentralisation effort aimed at transferring more functions from central authorities to empowered, better-equipped local councils.
PNCR denies owing City Hall over $6B in taxes
– avoids questions about connection to Maikwak
People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) General Secretary, Sherwin Benjamin once again denied that the PNC/R owes city hall an excess of $6 billion, as he continued to side step any questions about Maikwak, the company which owes City Hall billions, and also owns the property on which the PNCR Sophia headquarters is situated.
According to Benjamin he has no idea how much taxes the PNC/R owes the municipality, nonetheless he swears it’s not $6 billion.
“I don’t know at this point in time what the amount [of taxes owed] is… To answer the specific question of whether the PNC owes the council in excess of $6 billion tax, as General Secretary of this party, I’m unaware that we have such a debt. You
know what rates and taxes are every year so I know that it isn’t... 6 billion,” Benjamin said.
Whatever the amount is, Benjamin says the PNC/R is looking forward to paying it.
“Once that information is presented to me, the PNC/R is a proud party, and we intend to pay our debts. We will pay what we have to pay, once it falls within the confines of the law; if there is any.”
Benjamin and other PNC/R executives again reiterated their support for reduced taxes to political parties, even as they argued for increased subventions from Central Government for Local Organs. They were at the time speaking during the PNC/R weekly virtual press conference.
It was pointed out to Benjamin that the PNC/R
does not stand to benefit from tax waivers and reduction on its properties, given that the property is owned by the registered company, Maikwak.
However, on the question of the PNC/R’s connection to Maikwak, Benjamin maintained a lack of knowledge about the company, and was quick to dismiss any questions on the topic.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Benjamin said.
“I’m limiting my comments to the fact that political parties are given a different rate and I’m not sure whether what you’re talking about in respect of Maikwak being a holding company for the political party to which I belong. I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
Asked if he throws his support for Maikwak to
be entitled to the waivers, even though it is a company and not the political party, Benjamin answered in the affirmative.
“That’s a separate question, I don’t understand why the question is coming but if it requires, then so be it,” Benjamin said.
In September last year it was reported that, in light of revelations that the land where the PNCR’s Congress Place headquarter is located is owned by Maikwak, the largest party in the parliamentary opposition cannot benefit from the then recent move by the cash-strapped Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GM&CC) to reduce the taxes owed by political parties.
PNC/R General Secretary, Sherwin Benjamin
General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo argued then that the opposition party would not be able to benefit from this new tax-reduction policy.
“Fine, if you [PNC] don’t owe any taxes, you may be right. It is Maikwak who owes the taxes, so Maikwak must pay. So, that means you can’t claim a 75 per cent reduction in your taxes,” Jagdeo contended.
According to the PPP/ C’s General Secretary at the time, the big question now is who are principles of Maikwak, and whether the City Council will move against the company to recover the multi-billion-dollar taxes owed.
It was subsequently reported that the PNC/R had owned the City Council $6.7 billion in rates and taxes for Congress Place, and several more millions for other properties across the city owned by the Party. However, it was later disclosed that the land which houses Congress Place is not owned by the long-standing political party but by a company called Maikwak.
Restorative justice ensures better outcomes for victims, accused – Chancellor
...says justice system must not only be punitive & focused on imprisonment
Restorative justice: the practice of administering justice for crimes without jail time, is a practice that, according to acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, ensures better outcomes for both victims and accused perpetrators.
On Saturday, the Partnership of the Caribbean and the European Union (PACE) Justice Training on Restorative Justice, Criminal Mediation and Children in conflict with the law, opened at Cara Lodge. At the training exercise, the acting Chancellor lauded the fact that the European Union (EU) funded project had included Guyana among the countries benefiting from it.
“Guyana’s fortunate to be among the eight participating countries benefitting from this
important regional partnership.
The training focuses on restorative justice, criminal mediation and children in conflict with the law. It’s both timely and relevant. Especially when we look at the regional efforts towards criminal justice reform,” she said.
Justice Cummings-Edwards also referenced the Criminal Law Conference that was held in Guyana last year and the progress it made in advancing the Needham Declaration. The Needham Declaration is a commitment made by CARICOM states to implement 39 recommendations for the reform of the criminal justice system in the region.
“No man is an island. The judiciary is not an island. We have to work in conjunction with the police force, with the prosecutor department, with the prison system.
And in some cases, or in many cases I should say, with social protection and probation and welfare. A collaboration which is necessary to ensure there are better outcomes for victims, for offenders and for everyone,” the Chancellor added.
Restorative justice is designed to ensure that victims, offenders, and community members have a more direct role to resolve disputes, particularly for lesser offences. The restorative justice system involves the use of alternative measures, such as community service or probation, to take the place of jail sentences. According to the Chancellor, this is an important form of justice to continue implementing in Guyana.
“For less serious offences, we find that it an important route to go. There is no sense sending everyone to prison for every single minor offence that might have been committed. Some of these could be dealt with effectively through processes such as restorative justice and criminal mediation,” she said.
“The criminal justice system must not only be punitive. When children come into conflict with the law, we do not have to be punitive with them. We do not have to treat them as small adult offenders, but what we have to look at, are areas and means of reform; changing their mindset.”
Restorative justice also involves using consultation between a victim, perpetrator and community member, to ensure there is justice without imprisonment for non-violent crimes. It is an alternative approach that seeks to repair harm by providing opportuni-
ties for the victim and perpetrator to discuss and address their needs in the aftermath, in a way that promotes healing, accountability, and understanding.
There are cases where some persons can end up serving longer periods on remand than they would have served if found guilty of the offence. To address this and other anomalies, the Government had passed the Restorative Justice and Bail Acts in 2022, to ensure greater consistency in the granting of bail and to provide specific guidelines for Magistrates and Judges.
One other alternative to imprisonment is probation. It has been pointed out that being placed on probation does not mean that the offenders are getting off lightly, but instead they have the opportunity to make amends and rehabilitate while remaining in their communities.
Community service is also another alternative to imprisonment that is identified by the Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) programme. As a sentencing method, it makes serious demands on offenders in terms of their time, regular attendances, prompt timekeeping, and satisfactory performance of work. The introduction of structured community service will cut the prison population and make amends for the harm done to victims of crime. These methods fall under the SCJS programme, which received funding of US$8 million from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The programme is aimed at addressing the overcrowding in prisons by focusing on two aspects: the overuse of pre-trial detention, and the over-reliance by the criminal justice system on custodial sentences.
From left: Programme Analyst Nadir Balram; Acting Chancellor Yonette Cummings-Edwards; Senior Official from the European Union (EU) Delegation to Guyana, Spiro Van Duynhoven; and PACE Project Analyst Chevy Devonish
A section of the participants at the training session
VP promises to engage stakeholders to address Region 2 paddy crisis
As thousands of bags of paddy remain unharvested in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) due to issues with millers, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has taken swift action by engaging farmers, millers, commercial banks, and the Minister of Finance in a high-level discussion aimed at providing urgent relief to rice farmers, who are under growing pressure.
The VP Jagdeo has assured rice farmers that he will meet with them directly— alongside millers and commercial banks—to address the issue of high interest rates, which he noted is one of the main reasons millers are unable to accept more intake of paddy, and pay farmers promptly.
This financial bottleneck, he explained, has resulted in some millers refusing to accept paddy, putting farmers at risk of severe losses. He gave the commitment that efforts will be made to ensure that the remaining 75,000 bags of paddy in the fields will be reaped and bought over, so that farmers are not disadvantaged. He
stressed the Government’s intention to ensure a smooth and fair process for farmers during this time of high yield and high production.
“We’re not here for talk... we’re here to work through a problem and find solutions.
Farmers are waiting, and time is not on our side,” Jagdeo told the millers, some of whom expressed frustration about storage constraints and lack of financial flexibility.
“This is maximum timeline. You’ll get all the support
from Government—whether it’s logistics, shipping, or otherwise. That’s why we’re making vessels available to help move the paddy quickly,” he added.
One of the key proposals raised by millers was access to low-interest financing. Many said they were willing to increase purchasing volumes if affordable capital was made available.
In response, VP Jagdeo committed to engaging banks and the Ministry of Finance
on Monday to explore viable credit solutions.
“We will meet with all the banks, the Minister of Finance, and structure something. If interest rates are the issue, let’s work to ease that burden,” Jagdeo assured.
Meanwhile, the VP will instruct the Minister of Agriculture to revisit the affected farmers directly, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed, while administrative decisions are being made.
“We cannot make decisions in isolation. The Minister of Agriculture will meet with the farmers on the ground, and we’ll factor their realities into every step we take,” Jagdeo stated.
Among the logistical concerns raised was the capacity of certain locations. Nazeemul Hahk, a miller from the Golden Fleece Rice Mills, indicated that their Golden Fleece and Vilvoorden locations are already operating at maximum intake levels, and that it would not be feasible to divert additional paddy to their Paradise facility.
Additionally, Tamesh
Jagmohan highlighted that they’re milling as fast as possible, but the system remains clogged due to a surplus of 180,000 bags carried over from the last crop, caused by a downturn in global rice prices. Most mills are operating near full capacity—some with only 50,000 bags of available storage space.
Still, Jagdeo remained firm that the Government would not allow farmers’ investments and efforts to be lost. He stressed the importance of accountability, transparency, and commitment
from all stakeholders.
“If you cannot take more, say so now. Don’t let the farmers suffer. We have to be honest, strategic, and quick,” he urged.
Also attending the meeting were Director General Ricky Ramraj, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, Regional Chairman Humace Oodit, representatives from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NARIE) and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), among other regional officials.
Vice President and PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo speaking to farmers on Saturday
Farmers at the meeting held at Anna Regina Secondary School
Oil spill reaching shores “extremely unlikely,” as Govt steps up monitoring, regulation of sector – MNR
– rebukes attempts to stoke fear in oil sector
Describing an oil spill reaching Guyana’s shores as extremely unlikely, the Ministry of Natural Resources is striking back against what it describes as attempts to stoke fear in the oil and gas sector by sections of the media engaging in what it calls “devious reporting” taken to new heights.
The Ministry was at the time responding to an article in sections of the media, which had claimed that an oil spill from the seventh Hammerhead Development would hit Guyana’s shores before the capping stack- a device used to plug sub-sea oil leaks- could be deployed.
According to the Ministry, the article cited the Hammerhead Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the stochastic models that predicted worst case scenarios of when such an oil spill would reach the coast.
Crucially, however, the Ministry noted that the article omitted the caveat that accompanied the stochastic modelling, since the model did not account for any oil spill responses being deployed. The Ministry assured that with the systems in place, an oil spill reaching Guyana’s shores is “extremely unlikely”
“Citizens should bear in
mind that the capping stack is only used when all other well containment methods (such as the pre-installed blowout preventer) fail, and can be deployed to such an incident within 36 hours. Given that this equipment is stored at GYSBI (Guyana Shore Base Inc), it can be deployed within a shorter time, depending on the water tide and time of occurrence,” the Ministry explained.
“Another critical point of note is that ExxonMobil and its partners have developed a comprehensive Oil Spill Response Plan (OSRP) for Guyana Operations which is further complemented by other embedded controls, mitigation measures and plans that support emergency response preparedness. Within this OSRP are the plans to implement various oil spill response equipment to reduce the potential of shoreline oiling.”
As such, the Ministry debunked efforts to misinform the public about Guyana’s oil spill capabilities. As a matter of fact, Guyana’s oil spill capabilities have developed to the point where Guyana has discussed sharing those capabilities with Suriname.
“The Ministry will nonetheless continue to do its part to not only provide robust oversight but also ensure that
the public is continuously apprised of the facts regarding the nation’s advancements in the oil and gas sector,” the Ministry said.
ExxonMobil’s capping stack was commissioned in July 2024, making Guyana home to the only such device in the region, and one of just 13 worldwide.
The capping stack forms part of ExxonMobil’s contingency measures in the unlikely event of an oil spill. The commissioning of this long-awaited capping stack was done at the GYSBI facility at Houston, East Bank of Demerara (EBD) in July of last year.
The capping stack, which Exxon acquired as per its subscription with Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL), is used to plug oil leaks on the subsea floor. The equipment, which is brand new, is placed over the blown-out well to stop oil from spilling. Exxon is required to have this equipment in the country as part of the Yellowtail Permit.
Meanwhile, in the event of an oil spill, it was explained that Exxon already has about US$20 billion in financial resources set aside to respond to such a “highly-unlikely” incident. Guyana also remains protected from any liability with other layers of defence should an oil spill occur.
For instance, there is a US$2 billion guarantee, to be tapped if Exxon’s insurance policy and its assets are not enough to respond to the impacts and fallout associated with an oil spill. The environmental liability insurance is US$600 million.
Once this runs out, Exxon would have to rely on its assets and those of its Stabroek Block partners, Hess Corporation and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), to cover additional expenses.
Meanwhile, it was also revealed in January that, the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers has completed the draft oil spill bill, and has submitted same to the Office of the President for review.
The capping stack that was commissioned last year July
RSS investigators in Guyana to support probe of Linden shooting deaths
Athree-member investigative team from the Regional Security System (RSS) is in Guyana to assist local authorities with investigations into the recent fatal police shootings of two men in Linden, Region 10.
The shootings, which occurred between Monday and Tuesday this past week, left 21-year-old Ronaldo Peters and 32-year-old Keon Fogenay dead, and triggered intense protest action in the mining town.
The officers allegedly involved in both incidents have since been placed under close arrest, and are being investigated by the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), now working in collaboration with the RSS team.
The unrest began following the death of Peters, who was shot by a plain-clothes officer. Surveillance footage, which surfaced shortly af-
ter showed the officer pursuing the unarmed young man before he was seen carrying Peters’ limp body by the clothing. Residents rejected claims that the shooting was accidental, and frustration quickly escalated into widespread demonstrations.
Protests intensified on Tuesday, leading to road blockages, burning debris, and violent clashes between police and protestors. The unrest spread from Half Mile, Wismar, where Peters was killed, to across the Wismar Bridge, paralysing traffic and resulting in multiple injuries.
Amid the confrontation, Fogenay, a father of four and resident of the same community, was shot and later died at the Linden Hospital. Eyewitnesses alleged that he was not actively participating in the protest but was struck while passing through the area. Cell phone footage captured him bleeding from
a wound to the head, and his death fuelled further tensions in the community.
Police officers were seen retreating from protestors during the height of the confrontation, while spent shells, tear gas canisters, and scattered debris littered sections of the town. Despite a pause in active protest, residents remained adamant in their demand for justice.
Following the incidents, President Dr Irfaan Ali met with the grieving families, assuring them of state support for funeral expenses and promising an impartial investigation into both deaths. The RSS investigators, who arrived in Linden on Saturday, met with relatives of the deceased and revisited the shooting scenes.
The GPF has since stated that investigations into the circumstances surrounding both deaths are ongoing. The presence of the RSS team, which brings external oversight to the probe, is expected to bolster transparency and public trust in the process.
“Investigations into the circumstances that led to their deaths are ongoing,” the GPF said.
Police confirm 1 dead, 2 injured in Nappi Village motorcycle crash – all 3 men from Nappi community; investigation underway
Police have confirmed that one man is dead and two others are injured following a motorcycle collision on Thursday evening along the Nappi Trail Road in Central Rupununi, Region Nine.
The fatal crash occurred around 18:15h and involved two motorcycles, both ridden by residents of Nappi Village. The deceased has been identified as 31-yearold Hamlette Henrico. Injured are 45-year-old Deon McDonald, who was the driver of the second motorcycle, and his pillion rider, 42-year-
old Evangelist Gabriel.
According to investigators, Henrico was proceeding south along the left side of the trail at an allegedly fast rate when McDonald, who was travelling west and approaching an intersection, attempted a right turn and crossed into Henrico’s path.
The move led to a violent collision that threw all three men onto the roadway.
A doctor, who was in the area, rushed to the scene and rendered assistance. Henrico was pronounced dead at the scene. McDonald and Gabriel were picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Nappi Health Centre, then later transferred to the Lethem Regional Hospital via ambulance. They are currently admitted and receiving treatment. All three men reside in Nappi Village. Henrico’s body was taken to the Lethem Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted. Police say investigations are ongoing to determine whether other factors, including road conditions or lighting, contributed to the crash.
The accident which occurred in Nappi Village
Dead: Ronaldo Peters (left) and Keon Fogenay
The investigators from the OPR and RSS visited Linden on Saturday
Chalisa R. has been working tirelessly to keep West Indian culture alive in Ontario, Canada through pageants, television shows, and by emceeing. Her strong involvement in cultural events and religious activities throughout her life has led her and her mother to form the DIYA Divas Miss Diwali Pageant, the inaugural edition of which was held in 2015.
That show, which saw Dannilian Motilal being crowned the pageant’s inaugural Miss Diwali Queen,was a soldout event, she disclosed, and added that the necessary training was provided for girls who had no modelling experience, and she and her mother choreographed the first show from beginning to end.
Having participated in the Miss India Canada and the Miss India Internationalpageants, Chalisa said, she and her mother founded the DIYA Divas Diwali Pageant to provide young West Indian girls with opportunity to showcase their talent and beauty, while at the same time promoting and preserving their culture.
“Having the opportunity
eant are Guyanese and Trinidadians based in Canada.
Chalisa explained that the pageant has given her a different perspective on culture, morals, values, and more so to appreciate what Toronto has to offer in safeguarding a diverse society.
“It’s a very gratifying and very proud moment, the night of the events,” Chalisa
to further represent Canada in Trinidad for the interna tional competition (of Ms India) was an absolute hon our. That experience taught me so much. Mom and I ap preciated it a lot, and want ed to share that with oth er young girls; and that is when we started our pag eant,” Chalisa detailed in an interview with Times the DIYA Divas Diwali pag eant.
pageant has provided con testants with the oppor tunity to compete interna tionally in pageants such as the Miss Diwali Nagar in Trinidad and Tobago. More so, the inaugural cul tural explosion had set the stage for bigger and more organised events, with performances by Trinidad’s Chutney King Raymond Ramnarine and Terry Gajraj of ‘Guyana Baboo’ fame, among oth ers. To date, most of the contestants in this pag
company Indian playback
singer Anup Jalota on one of his tours to Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname, the United States, and Toronto
Along with her many pursuits and successes, Chalisa has an amazing television appearance, wherein she connects with the West
“My television show is about keeping our culture alive…displaying local and international talent from the Caribbean and West Indies, and promoting our local community events such as concerts, seminars, fundraiser for temples and mosques,” she explained. The former model remains passionate about keeping her legacy alive and about uniting the community.
She added that the television show provides her with the voice to be heard and seen. “I provide that motivation for young girls, to inspire them to make a difference and be that change they want to see. It’s all about spreading positivity and inclusivity, love, confidence, self-respect and discipline, while at the same time upkeeping our culture and Dharma,” she noted.
Chalisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, and a Master’s degree in Finance from the Toronto
Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). Outside of her career in the entertainment industry, she assists in the family business – the first Tropical Escape Restaurant and Lounge, a restaurant in Brampton that has been in business for 20 years.
“My parents came to Canada many years ago. Both my mom and dad hailed from entrepreneurial families in Guyana. My father is the founder of Full Worth Store in Downtown Toronto, which is the largest West Indian store. They (parents) are heavily involved in supporting numerous charities, locally and abroad,” she added. Her father is Jaigobin, a former businessman in Guyana.
Chalisa explained that funds garnered from the pageants over the years have been donated to temples for hosting religious and educational programmes. She is also an advocate within her community by affiliating herself in both multifaith workshops, events and fundraisers.
Chalisa R has said she intends to continue her work in the entertainment industry; not only dancing, singing or emceeing, but expanding the DIYA Divas Miss Diwali Pageant.
“Be the radiant beacon of light as you humbly and gracefully journey through life,” is her advice to young girls as they navigate the challenges in life.
Chalisa is a classical Indian dancer
Chalisa is also a wellversed musician
Chalisa and her mother founded the DIYA Divas Diwali Pageant
Chalisa with Guyanese President
Dr Irfaan Ali at an event
STEM club for children with disabilities launched in Region 2
The Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), in partnership with the Exceptional Learners Centre of Region Two, and with support from ExxonMobil Guyana, on Wednesday launched a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) club for children with disabilities.
This new club is a component of GCOPD – ExxonMobil Guyana’s broader STEM programme for children with disabilities, through which STEM clubs have been established
and maintained in Special Education Needs (SEN) schools and resource units across Guyana.
The aim of the new club, like the others, is to expose the participants to the field of STEM through robotic technology, while facilitating the development of critical life skills among the beneficiaries.
Delivering remarks at the simple launch were LaShauna Prescott, Community Relations Advisor for ExxonMobil Guyana; Ganesh Singh, Programme Manager of the GCOPD; Vilma Da Silva, Chairperson of the Region
Two Regional Democratic Council (RDC); and Shabana Prashad, Headteacher at the Exceptional Learners Centre.
In her remarks, Prescott highlighted the importance of fostering an appreciation of STEM in children with disabilities.
“ExxonMobil Guyana is grateful for the opportunity to partner with GCOPD in supporting this initiative that breaks down barriers, creates opportunities, and promotes inclusion in this aspect of learning. This programme allows students to engage in hands-on STEM activities, explore their pas-
The Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development (IIC), in a press release noted that it welcomes local and international participants for training and research, as it shared information about its specialised services through its Learning Services Unit.
Iwokrama’s mission is to build capacity in sustainable forest management, conservation, protected areas management and climate resilience. These services are targeted to student visits, research collaborations, intern and volunteer programmes and specialised training courses.
March 2025 saw an international group of students from Indiana University East, School of Humanities and Social Sciences participating in Iwokrama’s immersive training programme. Additionally, later this year, graduate students from Miami University, Ohio through the Earth Expeditions programme will
sions, and develop essential skills for the future,” she expressed.
In his remarks, Singh underscored the impact of the STEM programme on the lives of children with disabilities. He also highlighted the importance of children with disabilities developing critical life skills, which are facilitated by the STEM programme.
Prashad, headteacher of the Exceptional Learners Centre, expressed her appreciation to GCOPD and ExxonMobil Guyana for establishing the club at her school.
Also in attendance were teachers, students and par-
Locally, Iwokrama continues to host Guyanese groups such as the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Youth in Natural Resources Apprenticeship Programme, which introduces young Guyanese to the importance of environmental stewardship and careers in the natural resources sector.
University of Guyana (UG) students particularly Forestry, Tourism, Biology and Environmental Sciences have been hosted for many years, in efforts to strengthen local expertise. The Centre also hosts school groups from surrounding communities and along the Coast.
Some specialised courses offered include Tour Guiding and Visitor Management, Rangering, Biodiversity Identification, Climate Change and the Role of
visit as part of the annual study abroad programme on “Local Wisdom and Conservation.”
Participants will explore sustainable natural resource management practices of the Iwokrama Forest. Both groups’ programmes include a livelihood and cultural component, which is facilitated by the Makushi village of Surama.
Forests, and Sustainable Forestry.
In addition to the aforementioned universities, Iwokrama continues to enjoy important scientific and research collaborations with several universities and institutions. These include University of Guyana, Lyell Centre- Heriot Watt University, Purdue University
ents from the Exceptional Learners Centre, along with a few members of the disability community in Region Two.
The STEM programme is an ongoing programme implemented by GCOPD and funded by ExxonMobil Guyana, through which children with disabilities in the various SEN schools and resource units are exposed to robotic technology, coding, general STEM concepts, environmental awareness among other areas.
The beneficiaries are also exposed to life skills training such as teamwork, public speaking, critical thinking, among other essential
skills. The objective is to develop an appreciation and understanding of the field of STEM while developing critical life skills to be independent productive citizens.
The GCOPD STEM programme has been in existence since February of 2020 with over 20 STEM clubs for children with disabilities across the country.
The GCOPD is the umbrella body that represents the majority of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) from across Guyana, working in the areas of advocacy and capacity building. The OPDs represent all types of disabilities.
United States of America (USA) and most recently, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. The Iwokrama Forest offers an unparalleled natural learning environment and serves as a globally recognised model for sustainable forest use. Trainees and researchers are given the opportunity to
explore unique attractions such as the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, Turtle Mountain, ancient petroglyphs sites, Forestry operations, authentic Indigenous cultural experiences, and the majestic Essequibo River.
For more information on their Learning Services, contact their email: training@iwokrama.org
Children and members of the partnership, along with others, interacting at the launch
GCOPD, in partnership with the Exceptional Learners Centre of Region 2, and with support from ExxonMobil Guyana, launched a STEM Club for children with disabilities on Wednesday
Dr Dillon Husbands (right) in the Iwokrama Forest conducting her PHD research on Greenheart seed fungi pathogen
Graduate students from Miami University of Ohio participated in a briefing session as part of their ecological monitoring exercises in the Iwokrama Forest
Apprentices of the Ministry of Natural Resources at Turtle Mountain Summit
Students from Indiana University East during their visit at the Iwokrama River Lodge
Having to undertake the mantle of raising a son while juggling the complexities of running a business seemed like a daunting experience—diving into the unknown and venturing into an unfamiliar world.
Despite this, Roneka Sam managed to revitalise a wave of innovation within her, warming up all of their dreams and goals, even during pregnancy.
Roneka Sam dived into the unknown while having her son—navigating labour and creating a business simultaneously.
Speaking to this news publication, Sam shared that her journey began when she was working in a corporate environment during the turbulent times of the pandemic which recently has been very prosperous for her.
She eventually took a leave from the corpo-
rate world to take care of her son—and never looked back—pursuing her goals while raising a newborn. Her business officially launched in November 2021.
Within her business, Sam now offers traditional cakes, cupcake bouquets, do-ityourself (DIY) cupcake kits, and muffins. She specialises in classic Guyanese treats, including the cherished black cake, and has introduced a novelty to the local market: a fresh watermelon fruit cake—reportedly the first of its kind in Guyana.
Reflecting on her journey, she credited the encouragement of her late father as a driving force. He had consistently urged her to start a business. Her husband also played a key role, suggesting that since she would be at home, it was the perfect opportunity to launch her own venture.
According to Sam, the
birth of her son was the defining moment that made her decide to go into business.
“It was my son, you know—the birth of my son
reignited something in me that I thought had died a long time ago – the business ideas.”
Everything she bakes and creates is made fresh, from scratch, and with love.
One of the standout items she offers is the watermelon fruit cake, which has left everyone who has tasted it craving more.
“What we do is use a watermelon and basically carve it into the structure of a cake, then decorate it with fruit. Wow.”
Like many of her ventures, the watermelon cake also has a heartfelt backstory. Her late father-in-law, who had been ill for some time and had dietary restrictions, inspired the creation of the fruit-based cake.
“So, the watermelon fruit cake started when my father-in-law was ill. He loved cakes but was on a restricted diet. He really wanted a
Just six years ago, a new era of flavour dawned in Guyana’s culinary scene, igniting the taste buds of the nation.
In their anniversary press release, the well-known restaurant noted that this explosion of taste came when Jaxx International Grill first fired up its flames, introducing the Guyanese palate to a mouthwatering fusion of international flair and local passion—something it had never savoured before.
As the sun rises on another exciting chapter, it added, Jaxx International Grill is filled with immense pride and heartfelt gratitude as it celebrates six flavourful years of serving the people of Guyana.
In commemoration of this grand anniversary, Jaxx International has invited its loyal guests, friends, and supporters to join in for a special weekend of celebration, appreciation, and culinary experiences that reflect its journey —from Friday, April 18th to Sunday, April 20th, 2025.
According to Jaxx, upon opening its doors to the Guyanese public, its goal was to bring global fla-
vours to local plates by pulling from the rich attributes of international cuisine and blending them with local tastes.
“When we first opened our doors in Guyana in 2019, our dream was simple — to bring global flavours to local tables. Today, that dream has flourished into a household name known for its warm ambiance, passionate service, and most impor-
tantly, its mouthwatering menu that fuses international flair with local heart,” its release stated.
These luscious dishes range from their signature hand-tossed brick oven pizzas—bubbling with rich tomato sauces and artisanal cheeses—to juicy burgers and perfectly grilled steaks seared to perfection.
A key fact to remember is that
cake for his birthday, and I thought, ‘You know what, the only thing you can use is fruit.’”
“After he was diagnosed, he really wanted a cake for his birthday. We wanted to bring joy and celebration during a time when everyone was adjusting. So, I thought, why not make a watermelon cake for him? I did some research—and that’s how the idea was born.”
Sam also mentioned that the watermelon fruit cake is a great alternative for those who are gluten-intolerant or seeking a healthier treat.
“After my maternity leave, my family was very supportive,” she said. “My husband has been my number one supporter, along with my mother. He’s also in the catering industry. With their support, I was able to tweak some of our family recipes and create my own twist on them.”
“What I really wanted to build was a legacy. Coming from a generation of bakers—even though they may not have been in business—I thought, ‘Why can’t I do something that would leave a lasting impression?’ I wanted future generations to have something they could use as a guide, preserving our family recipes and traditions.”
She also had a word for aspiring women entrepreneurs—especially those navigating motherhood or even labour.
“You won’t know what’s out there until you try. At first, I was scared and very intimidated. But you have to have self-confidence and know your worth. Know that you have something special to offer. Women can do it all—balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. It’s worth it. We’re nurturers. And we can do it. This is how we do regular exercise.”
every dish that leaves the Jaxx kitchen is a labour of love.
Not only is the menu diverse, but it also offers handmade specialities that leave diners dazed by their rich, unforgettable flavours.
“Our creamy pastas and hearty casseroles offer comfort in every bite, while the handcrafted cocktails bring refreshing excitement to any evening. We’ve taken pride in crafting an experience that’s not just about food, but about moments — birthdays, anniversaries, friendly gatherings, and family meals — shared under one roof.”
If one were to lend their perspective to the atmosphere, they would find themselves captivated— not wanting to leave the establishment for even a second.
This is thanks to the eating house’s iconic outdoor patio, which overlooks the scenic Sea Wall and has become a beloved space for guests to relax, unwind, and dine with a view.
Whether it’s brunch under the morning sun or cocktails under the stars, it’s the perfect setting to experience everything Jaxx has to of-
fer.
It is without a doubt that the connection between Guyana and Jaxx has grown stronger over the years, and the restaurant is choosing to take this opportunity to celebrate with the Guyanese people.
“Over the years, Jaxx International Grill has become more than just a restaurant; it has become a part of the Guyanese family fabric. It has been our honour to serve you, celebrate with you, and grow alongside a community that has embraced us so warmly.”
Jaxx extends its deepest thanks to its valued guests, whose loyalty and support continue to inspire the team every day. A heartfelt thankyou also goes to the suppliers and partners who’ve helped keep the kitchen stocked with the finest ingredients, and to the dedicated team members who show up daily with passion and pride to bring the Jaxx experience to life.
Looking ahead, Jaxx’s commitment remains unwavering — to innovate, improve, and to continue bringing the world to your table, one plate at a time.
Christmas tree fruit arrangement created by Roneka
Roneka Nadia Sam and her son
The first watermelon cake Roneka created for her father-in-law, the late Mr Desmond Sam
Some of the Mouthwatering dishes prepared by Jaxx International
Women breaking barriers
– WELIFT 5 showcases surge in female-led construction, tendering and innovative enterprises
he WELIFT 5
TInitiative has experienced major growth and changes, with a record number of women making their mark in the construction industry. Notably, many of these women are now upgrading their products and services in well-packaged and professional ways.
This was revealed by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, on the second day of the WELIFT 5 exhibition. According to the Minister, what stood out most was the increasing involvement of women in traditionally male-dominated fields, especially in how they are handling project tenders.
“Last night, one story stood out to me—a case in-
volving two women running a company that I thought was quite novel. They handle the preparation of tender documents and everything someone might need to bid on a project,” Dr Persaud shared.
“They told me people are often hesitant when they see them, simply because they are women in a male-dominated field. That, in itself, is a huge step forward.”
She added that the progress is evident since the first WELIFT event.
“At WELIFT 1, we only had one woman-owned construction company. Today, we have many more. I’m standing here in front of a backdrop showcasing the results of an ambitious training programme we launched
last year—training women in carpentry, masonry, plumbing, and electrical installation.”
Dr Persaud also mentioned plans to amplify mentorship opportunities for women in business.
“There has been mentorship happening already, but we want to strengthen and expand it. We want every woman to have access to support, no matter where she is. Additionally, we’ve introduced the WIIN (Women’s Innovation and Investment Network) App to help with this effort.”
Beyond mentorship, she noted that women are becoming more innovative in their entrepreneurial pursuits.
“What I’ve been seeing is women growing more courageous in entering the economy—through entrepreneurship or business—and going beyond conventional types of enterprises. I tell them often: there are already many of you in cosmetology, but let’s go further.”
Dr Persaud acknowledged that one challenge is the tendency for women to operate independently.
“A lot of women prefer to do this alone. I’ve been encouraging them to collaborate and utilise the skills of other women who’ve gone through similar training.
Together, they can form consortia and cover all the skill sets needed from the start.”
She also emphasised the importance of sustainable funding and business quality.
“Sustainable capital is still a challenge. But through various Government programmes and directly via the Ministry of Human Services, many women have benefited from startup support. Still, I continue to advise them to focus on labelling, quality control, and managing production to meet demand.”
Meanwhile, this publication caught up with several exhibitors to hear about their businesses and what they had to offer.
Annisha Persaud, owner of The Wooden Gallery, spoke about her business, which showcases art using local wood.
“WELIFT has been going well. I’ve gained a list of potential customers and clients. We use local materials—wood species from Guyana—to create unique pieces. Sometimes clients bring their own ideas, and we bring them to life,” she explained.
She offered a key piece of advice to women thinking about starting their own businesses.
“I think they should bury that fear. That fear will have you stuck in one place. Just go for it—no regrets.”
This publication also
spoke with Cindy Halls, owner of Natural Glow Organic Skincare, which has become a standout company, offering a variety of skincare products for women, men, and children.
According to Halls, her business started in 2021 after she experienced severe acne.
“We offer a wide range of products—moisturisers, body scrubs, lip scrubs, and more. I started the business after struggling with acne. I tried many products, but nothing really worked. So, with my background and studies, I mixed some natural ingredients myself, and they worked for me. I gave them to family and friends to try, and they worked for them too.”
Guyanese-owned Express International joins Prestigious OA500 Global BPO Rankings
Beneath the layers of greatness that make up the outstanding Express International Inc is the historic achievement of becoming the first and only 100 per cent Guyaneseowned and managed firm to secure placement in the prestigious OA500 2025 Index—a premier business process outsourcing (BPO) provider.
In reaching this remarkable milestone, Express International Inc brings more than 10 years of expertise as a premier BPO provider, specialising in omni-channel support across multiple industries.
Registered in the United States (US) with offshore offices in Guyana, the company offers native Englishspeaking professionals at a fraction of US labour costs—enabling businesses to scale efficiently while maintaining quality and regulatory compliance.
The company was ranked No. 1,341 among over 3,000 verified outsourcing providers worldwide—an impressive milestone that underscores both its performance and Guyana’s expanding role in the global outsourcing industry.
This achievement comes
as Guyana continues to emerge as a compelling alternative in the global BPO landscape, offering a stable business environment, strong English-language capabilities, and a growing talent pool.
Express International’s recognition helps position the country as a viable destination for international businesses seeking outsourcing solutions. This recognition places Express International alongside industry giants like Teleperformance (ranked #1 globally) and Qualfon (#77), which main-
tain substantial operations in Guyana but are foreign-owned.
Unlike these multinationals with 10,000+ seats, Express International has earned this distinction with fewer than 300 seats— demonstrating that specialised expertise and service quality can effectively compete with scale.
Following this major achievement, Ken Deocharran, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Express International, stated that the recognition signifies much more than a numerical ranking—it reflects
the company’s commitment to excellence and its growing influence in the global outsourcing landscape.
“This recognition represents more than just a ranking—it’s validation of Guyana’s potential as a world-class BPO destination and our company’s commitment to excellence,” he said.
He added, “We’ve built our reputation by delivering specialised solutions in the US Transportation, Trucking, and Logistics sectors, where our clients have achieved documented savings of millions of dollars while improving operational quality. Being recognised globally while remaining 100 per cent Guyaneseowned is a testament to the talent and dedication of our team.”
The OA500 Index, published by Outsource Accelerator—the outsourcing industry’s leading authority—provides an objective, data-driven assessment based on multiple factors, including service quality, operational efficiency, innovation, and market visibility. Express International’s inclusion highlights the company’s exceptional client outcomes,
and positions it for accelerated growth.
Express International has established itself as a specialised partner for US clients seeking high-quality, cost-effective solutions without compromising on service excellence. The company’s unique approach combines native English proficiency, cultural alignment with US business practices, and deep domain expertise—particularly in background screening, transportation logistics, and customer experience management.
“While the rankings naturally favour companies with larger scale and global footprints, our inclusion demonstrates that specialised boutique providers can deliver exceptional value,” added Deocharran. “Our clients consistently report not just cost savings of 40–50 per cent, but also quality improvements and strategic advantages that transform their operations.”
Since 2013, the company has evolved from transportation industry support to a full-service BPO catering to background screening, logistics, finance, customer service, and more. With a commitment to excellence
and innovation, it provides businesses with the skilled workforce they need to succeed on a global scale.
The OA500 Index is a comprehensive global ranking of BPO providers, published by Outsource Accelerator. The index evaluates companies based on a rigorous methodology that includes assessments of service quality, operational capabilities, client outcomes, innovation, and market presence. The OA500 serves as an authoritative guide for businesses seeking outsourcing partnerships.
An array of other exhibitors at the event
Cindy Halls – owner of Natural Glow Organic Skincare
Annisha Persaud – owner of The Wooden Gallery
Express Building
Ken Deocharran, CEO of Express International
Court again denies bail for man accused of savage cutlass attack on elderly partner
– investigation complete as prosecution awaits DPP’s advice
More than five months after his arrest, a 60-yearold taxi driver accused of attempting to murder his elderly common-law wife remains behind bars, after the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court once again denied him bail on Friday.
Keith Williams, who has been on remand since November 13, 2024, made his latest court appearance before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty. The prosecution informed the court that the police investigation has been completed, but legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is still outstanding.
Despite the conclusion of the investigation, the prosecution continued to object to bail, citing concerns that Williams may interfere with the virtual complainant if released. As a result, Magistrate McGusty upheld the objection and further remanded him until April 30, when the prosecution is expected to disclose statements in the matter.
Williams is accused of a brutal cutlass attack on his 74-year-old partner, Deanna Bourne in November of last year. A case that has horrified the public due to the extent of the violence and the devastating injuries inflicted on the victim.
Williams was first charged in November 2024 with attempted murder, after he allegedly chopped Bourne multiple times with a cutlass during a domestic dispute. The attack occurred at their shared residence following an argument. According to court reports, Williams had been denied entry to the house by Bourne, but was eventually let in by their 17-year-old granddaughter. He then entered Bourne’s bedroom, reignited the argument, and soon after returned with a cutlass from his car. He allegedly inflicted several chops to her head, face, arms, and chest while she was in bed.
Bourne was left critically injured and unable to speak. Williams reportedly
attempted to flee the scene but was intercepted by bystanders, still clutching the weapon. He was arrested and remanded to prison on November 13.
During a previous court appearance on January 30, Williams’ attorney had pleaded for bail, citing his deteriorating health. The lawyer told the court that Williams suffers from an enlarged prostate and requires
Man denied bail again on multiple charges of robbery-under-arms
Isaiah Griffith, a 21-yearold labourer of Bent Street, Georgetown was again denied bail this week when he appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to five charges of robbery under arms.
During Friday’s proceedings, the prosecution presented evidence, including disc footage reportedly linking Griffith to at least one of the robberies. Griffith again requested bail, but the prosecution strongly objected, arguing that the charges were extremely serious, and involved the use of firearms and other weapons.
Magistrate McGusty upheld the objection, stating that given the volume and gravity of the charges. The matter was adjourned to April 23.
Griffith was first charged in January, before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty with five counts of robbery under arms. The offences span two separate dates.
According to the charges, on December 17, 2024, while in the company of another and armed with a gun, he allegedly robbed Alfred Chinos of an iPhone valued at $220,000. That same day,
at Robb Street, he is accused of robbing Angel McKenzie of $340,000 in cash while also armed.
On January 26, at Werken-Rust, while armed with a knife, Griffith allegedly robbed Zhao Fengzhi of a Samsung Galaxy phone. On the same day and location, he allegedly robbed Jiang Ji Liang of a Redmi cell phone worth $62,000. He is also accused of robbing Jin Bo Hu of $334,800, again while armed with a knife.
Griffith’s Attorney, Stacy Goodings, had earlier argued for bail, saying he had a fixed residence and alleging that he was assaulted by police officers during
his arrest. She claimed that Griffith was punched in the mouth and stomach after he denied involvement in the crimes.
The prosecution, however, objected to bail on several grounds: the seriousness of the offences, the potential for witness tampering, and the presence of CCTV footage placing Griffith at a business location linked to one of the victims. They also requested a medical evaluation of the accused regarding the police brutality claims.
Magistrate McGusty had noted at that time that Griffith was already on bail for a separate matter, an arms and ammunition charge stemming from a June 2024 arrest at Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice (WCB). In that case, Griffith and three others, Winston Julian Mendonca, Patrick Roach, and Shakeel Lawrence, were charged with unlawful possession of a .32 Taurus pistol and one live round of matching ammunition.
That matter was transferred to the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court, where Griffith was granted bail. His current remand follows what appears to be a series of armed robberies committed while he was already out on bail.
a tube and bag to urinate. She also noted that Bourne had since been discharged from the hospital, and that Williams was not a flight risk.
However, the prosecution firmly objected to his release, emphasising that the elderly victim remains severely impaired, physically and mentally, as a result of the attack. To support this, the court heard emotion-
al testimony from the victim’s daughter, Samantha Bourne.
Outside the courtroom in January, Samantha and her sister Coretta Grant provided further details of their mother’s condition. They revealed that Bourne had undergone two surgeries since the attack, with a third procedure pending. The incident has also taken a toll on their teenage niece, who
discovered her grandmother bleeding in bed and remains traumatised.
Adding to the gravity of the case, the prosecution had disclosed in earlier hearings that Williams admitted to police that he was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the attack.
Williams remains in custody as the case progresses.
Taxi driver granted bail in Hope Street robbery case
Taxi driver Owin
Boston, who was previously remanded to prison in connection with a robbery at Hope Street, South Cummingsburg, has been granted bail following a second court appearance.
Boston, 24, appeared on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty.
He was once again represented by Attorney-atLaw Dominic Bess, who renewed his application for bail on the grounds that there had been no contact with the virtual complainant and that the prosecution was still without the complaint file. Bess also suggested that the matter may not proceed far, given the absence of substantial evidence linking his client to the crime.
In response, the prosecution said they had no objections to bail being granted, but requested that Boston be placed on reporting conditions. As such, Magistrate McGusty granted bail in the sum of $150,000 and ordered that the accused report to the Brickdam Police Station on the fourth Friday of every month, between the hours of 9:00h and 15:00h
The case was adjourned to April 23.
Boston was initially charged on February 19 with the offence of robbery, which he denied. He had appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, who refused bail at that time, citing the seriousness of the offence and the fact that closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of the incident allegedly implicated him.
According to the police, the incident occurred on Sunday, February 16. It is alleged that while in the company of others, Boston robbed Gloria Benn of a handbag valued at $5,000, a smartphone worth $40,000, and $30,000 in cash.
The prosecution had previously told the court that the victim was walking along Hope Street when a black station wagon, driven by Boston, pulled up.
Two men, who were reportedly hiding behind a truck, emerged, snatched the woman’s belongings, and escaped in the vehicle.
At the time, Attorney Bess argued that Boston, a licensed taxi driver, had simply picked up two unknown men who flagged down his vehicle and had no knowledge of their intentions. He further stated that apart from his client’s vehicle being in the area, there was no direct evidence linking him to the robbery.
Magistrate McGusty, however, questioned the likelihood of robbers randomly flagging down a taxi in the middle of a heist and using it as a getaway car. She expressed interest in viewing the CCTV footage. Boston was remanded to prison pending the availability of the video. With the case file still incomplete weeks later, the court has now decided to release him on bail with conditions.
Deanna Bourne
Owin Boston
Isaiah Griffith
Keith Williams
40 NEWS
SUNDAY, APRIL 13
Over 600 treated for coronary diseases at GPHC in 2024 – Dr Anthony
In a remarkable sign of progress in Guyana’s public health system, over 600 patients received free artery stent procedures for coronary disease at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in 2024; a massive jump from just 39 procedures in 2019, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has revealed.
Speaking at a health partnership event at the Marriott Hotel earlier in the past week, Dr Anthony said the procedure, which opens blocked arteries and prevents heart attacks, blood clots, and heart failure, has become one of the hospital’s most transformational life-saving services.
“This programme has been very transformational, because, coming from 2019 when we were only
doing 39 patients in a given year, [we’re] now doing 600 and exceeding that, and starting to make these services available- it’s changing lives, its saving lives, and that’s the trajectory in which we wanna go,” Dr Anthony said.
According to Dr Anthony, the rapid increase in capacity was made possible through robust training programmes and continued investment in public health infrastructure. One of the major advancements was the installation of a new catheterisation laboratory (CATH Lab), which enhances diagnostic precision for patients needing cardiovascular intervention.
With the stenting procedure now widely available, patients are typically discharged within 48 hours,
allowing for quicker recovery and easing hospital burdens.
While much of the advanced cardiology care has been based in Georgetown, Dr. Anthony announced that the Government is ac-
tively working to decentralise services.
“In cardiology, while a lot of this has been centred at the Georgetown Public Hospital, what we also want to do is decentralise these services. So,
somebody getting a heart attack in Berbice doesn’t have to travel all the way to come to Georgetown to get the services we just talked about. We would like to see these services being located in Region Six as well,” the Minister said.
Just a few days ago, President Dr Irfaan Ali sounded the alarm on the country’s mounting cardiovascular crisis, revealing that Guyana has the highest cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality rate in the Americas, with a staggering 525 deaths per 100,000 people — a rate 2.5 times higher than that of Canada.
“Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Guyana. In fact, our cardiovascular disease rates are among the highest in the entire Americas…
Today, we have the opportunity to invest in totality. So, the prevention, the detection, and the intervention can all go seamlessly together. This is not the path we want to remain on. This is not a legacy we want to leave for our children. If you are serious about guaranteeing better health outcomes for Guyanese citizens, we must tackle this crisis head on. And not just with words, but with action,” President Ali had stated.
Beyond infrastructure, the Government’s strategy emphasises public health education and lifestyle changes. Ali called for a cultural shift around early screening, particularly among men, criticising the stigma that prevents many from seeking examinations.
In a significant step toward bolstering food security in the region, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), in partnership with the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP), launched the Caribbean Real-Time Food Security Monitoring Dashboard, on Thursday, April 17.
The digital platform offers live updates on food security conditions across 11 Caribbean nations: Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and
Tobago.
Data is being gathered using a random digit dialling (RDD) method to reach consumers. The surveys focus on collecting information related to demographics, food security, livelihoods, coping strategies, local market conditions, and the primary concerns of respondents.
This methodology enables a robust dataset, offering valuable insights across diverse linguistic and cultural groups.
The dashboard also tracks additional indicators relevant to food security, including weather patterns, hazard risks, population
trends, and the broader macroeconomic context.
This will contribute to more informed national planning and more strategic engagement with international development agencies. Governments will be better positioned to identify opportunities for programmes and measures to enhance food security and develop more resilient food systems.
Delivering remarks at the launch event was CARICOM Secretary General (SG) Dr Carla Barnett who highlighted the integral role the innovative dash board will play in improving the regions food se-
determination to foster a food-secure future for the Community. While the plat-
curity.
“The Caribbean RealTime Food Security Monitoring Dashboard is more than just a tool; it is a symbol of resilience and
form monitors food security, we remain committed to the broader goal of achieving food and nutrition security for the Region. I look forward to seeing the in-
valuable insights from the Dashboard, as we work to strengthen our agri-food systems and advance the well-being of CARICOM citizens,” the SG declared.
WFP Caribbean Multi-Country Office Representative and Country Director, Mr Brian Bogart, reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment towards helping the region achieve its food security targets.
“WFP remains deeply committed to supporting the Caribbean in its efforts to improve food security. This Dashboard reflects our continued collaboration with CARICOM and national Governments, and it reinforces our commitment to building resilient food systems and advancing the goal of zero hunger in the region.”
Mr Shaun Baugh, Programme Manager, Agricultural and AgroIndustrial Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, encouraged the regional public’s participation in the data collection exercise and the dissemination of information on the Dashboard.
In 2024, the Caribbean Food Security and Livelihoods survey found that 43 per cent of people
were facing food insecurity. Climate-related events, global economic shifts and supply chain disruptions have negatively impacted the cost of and access to food in recent years.
The information gathered from the dashboard will allow Governments and institutional decision-makers to quickly identify changes in the food security situation and make more informed and timely decisions to support those most in need.
With the increasing threat of natural hazards to the region, the dashboard’s data can be integrated with risk and hazard monitoring systems. This will strengthen anticipatory action and emergency preparedness efforts, ensuring timely support to vulnerable groups.
The Dashboard will provide quick access to food security data to facilitate trend analysis. Over time, as more robust data becomes available, quarterly factsheets will be produced to summarise the information for quick access. The dashboard is made possible through support from the Government of Canada and European Union (EU).
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony
CARICOM SG, Dr Carla Barnett
BIT celebrates years of technical training Greater focus on conflict resolution for trainees, moving forward – Labour Minister
The Board of Industrial Training (BIT) commemorated decades of service, having supported skills development over many years. Moving forward, BIT’s training centres will place greater emphasis on conflict resolution.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, a series of trade exhibitions will be held across several regions. Activities commence on April 20 in Region Seven, followed by Region Two on April 25. On April 28, BIT will host its exhibition at the Linden Bus Park in Region Ten. Events will continue in Regions Five and Six on May 9 at the New Amsterdam Market, and in Region One at Corriverton on May 10. The celebrations will culminate with an award ceremony on May 28 in Region Four.
Delivering remarks during Friday’s anniversary event, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton stressed that BIT will be placing renewed focus on conflict res-
olution as a key aspect of its future programming.
“For the trainers who are here, we have to build on what we’ve achieved over the years. Therefore, in my view, we have to move our training programmes to a place where we apply innovation and creativity. People must be trained not just in technical skills, but persons must also be trained in how to resolve problems,” he stated.
He went on to add that the purpose of the industrial training sites is not only to provide skills for employment but also to promote understanding of conflict resolution.
“It’s not just about training to get a job—it’s about learning how to solve problems, how to do something better within a given skill set,” he added.
Since 2021, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has been conducting conflict resolution sessions as part of the Government’s “Train the
Trainers” programme.
This initiative, tailored for representatives of the Support and Heal Network (SHN) and Ministry staff, aims to provide support and counselling to vulnerable groups and communities across Guyana.
In 2024, schools across Guyana also joined the effort. The Legal Affairs Ministry, in collaboration with the Education Ministry, launched a nationwide initiative to implement restorative justice practices within the education system. Organised by the Restorative Justice Centre (RJC), this training is aimed at reshaping how schools manage conflict and discipline—by promoting dialogue and accountability over punishment.
tion but as a foundation for continued innovation and growth.
“These years are an active number. We have a lot
Meanwhile the Minister mentioned that years that have gone by must not merely serve as a point of reflec-
of people who celebrate passive numbers—when they add it up, you can’t point to anything. They’re just there.
But it’s not about the number; it’s about what you do with it. That’s what we are celebrating.”
He further expressed that the BIT has left its mark across the length and breadth of Guyana.
“Whether it’s the top of Paramakatoi or the deep south of Rupununi—and I can go on and on—every place in this Cooperative Republic of Guyana has felt the print and stamp of the Board of Industrial Training. This is not a wishy-washy celebration. It’s a celebration of action and success. Over the past four years, we have trained 12,742 persons across this country. Sixty per cent of them were women. We have been able to impact and change women’s lives.”
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BIT, Richard Maughn, emphasised the importance of recognising students and instructors who remained committed— particularly during challenging periods such as the
COVID-19 pandemic.
“We reflect on those who did not pause during COVID, ensuring that persons continued to receive skills training in areas such as heavy-duty equipment operation. Some individuals gave their lives to ensure that BIT remained relevant. From 2010 to now, BIT has been headed by several administrations, and these individuals have each contributed meaningfully over the years.”
He also acknowledged the resilience of those who sought out training programmes despite personal challenges.
“We often don’t mention the individuals who were told they couldn’t learn— many of them come to us with that mindset. But once they enter the TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) programme, they realise they can learn, they can use their hands, and that it’s not about the past—it’s about the journey forward.”
Immigration status of Nigerian under review amid forgery charges
ANigerian national previously charged with uttering forged immigration documents returned to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty ordered that a report be provided to determine his current immigration status before further bail considerations.
Thirty-one-year-old Arinze Reginald Odunze, who was remanded to prison last month, is facing two separate charges related to alleged document fraud, one before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and the other at the Diamond Magistrates’ Court. The charges stem from his alleged attempt to use a forged Ministry of Home Affairs Work Permit/Extension of Stay letter to prolong his stay in Guyana.
Represented on this oc-
casion by Attorney-at-Law
Dexter Todd, Odunze’s law yer argued that both charges relate to the same alleged act of forgery, but the matters were split based on juris diction, one having occurred at the Central Immigration Office in Georgetown and the other at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, locat ed along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).
Todd emphasised that his client is not a flight risk, noting that Odunze has been living with co-workers at the address previously provided to the court, and that the po lice are in possession of his passport.
While making a renewed application for bail, he said there is no way his client can flee the jurisdiction without a passport, and that it takes hours and days to get to Nigeria.
He further contended
Reginald Odunze
that the nature of the offence, forgery, is bailable.
However, the prosecution opposed bail, highlighting that Odunze is not a Guyanese national and stressing that the forged letter used in the alleged of-
fence was traced to a number that was officially issued to someone else.
The prosecution warned the court against enabling what was described as “lawlessness,” citing previous instances where attorneys vouched for non-nationals who later absconded, leaving no trace.
“This court must hold persons accountable,” the prosecutor stated. The prosecution also reiterated that Odunze remains in Guyana illegally, having overstayed his initial three-month entry, which expired on February 24, 2025.
During the hearing, the Chief Magistrate questioned the legitimacy of Odunze’s presence in Guyana, specifically asking whether he was currently legal or illegal. In response, Todd maintained that until the document is officially proven to be forged, his client is to be presumed
legal.
Todd added that the original letter used by Odunze to travel was presented to the South African embassy, which reportedly has a policy of verifying visa travel with employment-related letters. He said his client was under the impression that he had received a legitimate job offer from a local security firm, which provided the necessary documen-
tation.
“All he did was go to renew his work permit, and that’s when the issue was discovered,” Todd told the court.
In this light, Chief Magistrate McGusty has ordered a report on Odunze’s immigration status to be presented on April 14, at which time the court will determine the next step in the proceedings.
Scores of persons were present at the celebrations
Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton
Technical Exhibition unveiled at the celebrations
Regional Trump exempts smartphones and computers from new tariffs
US President Donald Trump’s administration has exempted smartphones, computers and some other electronic devices from “reciprocal” tariffs, including the 125% levies imposed on Chinese imports.
US Customs and Border Patrol published a notice late on Friday explaining the goods would be excluded from Trump’s 10% global tariff on most countries and the much larger Chinese import tax.
The move comes after concerns from US tech companies that the price of gadgets could skyrocket, as many of them are made in China.
This is the first significant reprieve of any kind in Trump’s tariffs on China, with one trade analyst describing it as a “game changer scenario”.
The exemptions – backdated to 5 April – also include other electronic
devices and components, including semiconductors, solar cells and memory cards.
“This is the dream scenario for tech investors,”
Dan Ives, who is the global head of technology research at Wedbush Securities, posted on X. “Smartphones, chips being excluded is a game changer scenario when it comes to China tariffs.”
Big tech firms like Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft and the broader tech industry can breathe a huge sigh of relief this weekend, he added.
The White House indicated that the exemptions were made to ensure companies had more time to move production to the US.
Some estimates suggest iPhone prices in the US could as much as triple if costs were passed on to consumers.
The US is a major market for iPhones, while Apple accounted for more than half of its smartphones sales last year, according to
Counterpoint Research.
It says as much as 80% of Apple’s iPhones intended for US sale are made in China, with the remaining 20% made in India.
Along with fellow smartphone giants such as Samsung, Apple has been trying to diversify its supply chains to avoid an over-reliance on China in recent years.
India and Vietnam emerged as frontrunners for additional manufacturing hubs.
As the tariffs took effect, Apple reportedly looked to speed up and increase its production of India-produced devices in recent days.
It was not clear whether technology imports from China would still be hit by a 20% tariff that was not part of the “reciprocal” tariffs Trump announced on 2 April. The BBC has contacted the White House for comment. (Excerpt from BBC News)
US Judge allows Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil’s deportation
AUS judge has ruled the Trump administration can deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate detained last month over his role in pro-Palestinian protests.
Mr Khalil, a permanent legal US resident, has not been charged with a crime. In a letter written from the facility, he has said his “arrest was a direct consequence” of speaking out for Palestinian rights.
The government has cited a Cold War-era immigration law, declaring that his presence in the US was adverse to American foreign policy interests.
The immigration court’s ruling does not mean Mr Khalil would be immediately removed from the country. The judge gave his lawyers until 23 April to appeal
against the order.
The activist has been held at a Louisiana detention centre since 8 March, when immigration officers told him he was being deported for taking part in protests against the war in Gaza.
The judge said the Trump administration was allowed to move forward with its effort to deport Mr Khalil because the argument that he poses “adverse foreign policy consequences” for the US is “facially reasonable”.
Mr Khalil, who was otherwise silent, addressed the court after the ruling.
“I would like to quote what you said last time that there’s nothing that’s more important to this court than due process rights and fundamental fairness,” Mr Khalil said in court.
“Clearly what we witnessed today, neither of these principles were present today or in this whole process,” he said. “This is exactly why the Trump administration has sent me to this court, 1,000 miles away from my family.”
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) described the decision as “pre-written”.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem praised the judge’s ruling on Friday.
His lawyer, Marc Van Der Hout, condemned the decision and said his team was going to fight for Mr Khalil’s “right to speak out against what’s happening in the US”.
The legal team also said they expected further hearings in the case. (Excerpt from BBC News)
‘Trinibad’ artist arrested for video allegedly inciting political violence
Officers of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) arrested a local “Trinibad” artiste on Friday, in connection with a viral video that surfaced online, allegedly showing the individual making threats of violence against persons believed to be supporters of a certain political party. In the video, the man was also seen encouraging others to “tie-strap” individ-
uals believed to be supporters of the political party.
The 35-year-old man from Santa Flora was arrested by officers of the National Operations Unit (NOU), under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Richard Smith and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ramharrack, during an intelligence-led exercise in the Penal district.
Police say investigations are actively ongoing and are being conducted in collaboration with officers of the South Western Division.
The TTPS in a media release said it takes any threats to public safety or national security seriously, especially those that may incite violence during the lead-up to the General Election scheduled for April 28. (Excerpt from Loop Caribbean TT News)
Japan praised for helping Jamaica to reduce major crimes, including murders
The Government of Japan is being hailed for its role in assisting Jamaica to drive down major crimes, including murders.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Jacqueline GreenScaffe said Japan’s continued generosity through grants, equipment and goodwill, has fortified the security forces’ capacity not just to fight crime, but to build stronger communities.
She was speaking during a handover ceremony for five maritime patrol vessels donated by the Japanese Government, at the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard Base in Port Royal, Kingston on Thursday.
The role played by the Japanese Government in bolstering Jamaica’s security infrastructure was further emphasised by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang.
“We have had some successes, and I commend the security forces (the JDF and JCF) for the efforts they
have put in and the time they have put in, and for the use they have made of the assets we have been provided with. We will have to put in more (assets), and we appreciate the contribution of the Japanese Government to strengthen our security teams. We will continue to work to ensure that we have a safe country,” he indicated. Meanwhile, in his remarks, Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Yasuhiro
Atsumi, said the island’s declining murder rate is “very good news”.
Atsumi said he is happy to think that Japan’s cooperation with Jamaica contributed to the reduction in crime and violence. He urged the Government to continue working to reduce the murder rate and other major crimes so that Jamaica can become one of the safest places in the world. (Excerpt from Loop Caribbean Jamaica News)
‘Camouflaged invasion’: Panama opposition slams security pact with the US
Opposition politicians in Panama have accused the United States of launching a “camouflaged invasion” of the country after President Donald Trump confirmed the deployment of US soldiers days after the two countries signed a security pact.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday confirmed that deals, including a memorandum of understanding, were reached between the US and Panamanian authorities in efforts to secure “the Panama Canal from Chinese influence”.
Hegseth said a deal with the Panama Canal Authority would allow US warships and auxiliary ships “first and free” passage through the canal that connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic and is a chief conduit for global trade.
In a video posted on social media on Friday, Ricardo Lombana, the leader of the opposition Another Way Movement, called the memorandum of understanding reached between the US and Panamanian governments days earlier “an invasion without firing a shot”.
Despite an insistence by the Panamanian government that these are not “military bases” and that the deal is temporary, the
opposition believes the US has re-established its military presence in the country.
“No matter what you want to call it, what we’ve read in this memo is the establishment of military bases,” said Lombana, the opposition leader.
He added that the “firm step” slogan that the government has been using in its political messaging now “limps and kneels under pressure”.
The last US military bases in Panama were evacuated in 1999 as part of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties signed in 1977 with the aim of handing control over the canal to Panama.
The US also invaded Panama in 1989 as part of what it called “Operation Just Cause” to depose leader Manuel Noriega.
US troops were accused
of killing thousands of civilians and destroying homes and infrastructure during the operation, leaving a controversial legacy.
That is partly why frustration has been growing in Panama over Trump’s declaration that he intends to “take back” the Panama Canal.
The Panamanian opposition, along with the local chapter of Transparency International, which works to promote more responsible governance practices, have called on the government to inform the country about the precise contents of the agreement with the US. China has heavily criticised the agreement, maintaining that it views the Panama Canal as a permanently neutral international passageway. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Yasuhiro Atsumi, posed for a photo with Assistant Commissioner of Police, Jacqueline GreenScaffe (left), and Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, following Thursday’s (April 10) handover ceremony for five maritime patrol vessels donated by the Government of Japan to the island’s security forces
An aerial view shows a cargo vessel transiting through the Agua Clara Locks at the Panama Canal, in Colon, Panama
Iran, US hold ‘constructive’ first round of nuclear talks
Iran and the US have concluded a first round of talks in Oman over Tehran’s nuclear programme - the highest-level meeting between the two nations since 2018.
Both countries described the meeting as “constructive” and confirmed a second round of discussions will take place next week –with the US hailing the “direct communication” as being key to striking a possible deal.
President Donald Trump pulled the US out of a previous nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers in 2018, and has long said he would make a “better” deal.
The talks are seen as an important first step in establishing whether a deal can be done.
At two-and-a-half hours, the first meeting was brief, reportedly respectful – and set the stage for a second round.
They were the most significant talks since Trump pulled the US out of the Iran nuclear deal of 2015 during his first term in office.
The verdict of Iran’s lead negotiator, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, was positive.
“In my opinion, as the first meeting, it was a constructive meeting held in a
very peaceful and respectful environment, because no inappropriate language was used,” he told Iranian state TV.
His diplomatic tone suggests the US team led by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff did not reiterate some of the president’s threats that Iran would face “great danger” if this dialogue did not succeed. He has repeatedly warned of possible military strikes.
Iran, mindful of pressure from hardliners at home, underlined how limited their face-to-face exchange was, with no photographs taken.
In a statement following the talks, the White House said the discussions “were very positive and constructive”, noting that Witkoff had emphasised to Iran that he had instructions to re-
solve the adversaries’ “differences through dialogue and diplomacy, if that is possible”.
“These issues are very complicated, and special envoy Witkoff’s direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome,” the statement added.
After the talks concluded, he said discussions next week may not happen in Oman, but would still be mediated by the Middle Eastern nation. The White House said they would take place next Saturday.
“Neither we, nor the other party, want fruitless negotiations, discussions for discussions’ sake, time wasting or talks that drag on forever,” Araghchi told Iranian state television. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Tanzania’s top opposition party disqualified from polls, election commission says
Tanzania’s main opposition party
CHADEMA has been disqualified from elections due later this year, a senior election commission official said on Saturday, days after the party’s leader was charged with treason for allegedly seeking to disrupt the vote.
Ramadhani Kailima, director of elections at the Independent National Elections Commission, said CHADEMA had failed to sign a code of conduct document due on Saturday, thereby nullifying its participation in the presidential and parliamentary elections expected to take place in October.
“Any party that did not sign the code of conduct will not participate in the general election,” he said, adding that the ban would also cover all by-elections until 2030.
CHADEMA leader Tundu Lissu, a former presidential candidate, was charged with treason on Thursday. The decision to disqualify his party will intensify scrutiny of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s re-
cord on rights as she seeks re-election.
Rights campaigners and opposition parties have accused Hassan’s government of a growing crackdown on political opponents, citing a string of unexplained abductions and killings. The government has denied the allegations and has opened an investigation into reported abductions.
CHADEMA did not immediately comment on the election commission’s decision. Earlier on Saturday, the party said it would not participate in the election
Around the World
Russia launches scores of drones on Ukraine, four people injured, Kyiv says
Russia launched a barrage of drones in an overnight attack on Ukraine, injuring four people and damaging residential and commercial buildings in Kyiv and other parts of the country, Ukrainian officials said on Saturday.
Ukraine’s air defences shot down 56 of 88 Russian drones, its air force said. It added that 24 drones were
“lost” as the military used electronic warfare to redirect them.
Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitchko said that three people were injured in the capital as a result of the drone attacks.
Drone debris also destroyed a private house and damaged several commercial buildings, causing large fires in different parts of Kyiv, city officials said.
One more person was wounded in the city of Kharkiv in the northeast, Kharkiv’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said.
Regional officials also said that residential and commercial buildings were damaged in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, and the military reported damage in the Odesa region in the south.
Three rebels, one Indian soldier killed in Kashmir gun battles
At least three suspected rebel fighters and one Indian soldier have been killed in separate firefights in Indianadministered Kashmir less than a week after Interior Minister Amit Shah visited the disputed territory.
The Indian army said on Saturday that Indian soldiers killed three fighters in a gun battle that began on Wednesday in a remote forest in Kishtwar in southern Kashmir.
Senior Indian army official Brigadier JBS Rathi said troops had displayed “great tactical acumen”.
“In the gun battle, three terrorists were neutralised,” he told reporters on Saturday in a commonly used term for rebels
opposed to Indian rule in Kashmir.
Weapons and “war-like stores” were recovered from the site, the army’s White Knight Corps posted on social media platform X.
A soldier was killed in a separate incident late on Friday night in Sunderbani district along the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border that cuts Indianadministered Kashmir into two. The White Knight Corps said on X troops had “foiled an infiltration attempt” there. (Excerpt fromAl Jazeera)
US special envoy meets Putin as Trump urges Russia to ‘get moving’
Ucode of conduct signing ceremony, as part of a push it is making for reforms.
Prosecutors accused Lissu on Thursday of calling on the public to launch a rebellion and prevent the election from taking place. He was not allowed to enter a plea on the treason charge, which carries a death penalty.
CHADEMA had previously threatened to boycott the elections unless significant reforms are made to an electoral process it says favours the ruling party.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
on Ukraine ceasefire
S envoy Steve Witkoff met Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Friday, as Donald Trump urged the Russian president to “get moving” on a ceasefire in Ukraine.
The Kremlin said the meeting lasted for more than four hours and focused on “aspects of a Ukrainian settlement”. The meeting, Witkoff’s third with Putin this year, was described by special envoy Kirill Dmitriev as “productive”.
Trump, the US president, has expressed frustration over the progress of talks. On Friday, he wrote: “Russia has to get moving. Too many people ere [sic] DYING, thousands a week, in a terrible and senseless war.”
It comes as Trump’s
Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg denied suggesting the country could be partitioned.
The Times earlier reported that, during an interview with the paper, Kellogg had proposed British and French troops could adopt zones of control in the west of Ukraine as part of a “reassurance force”.
Russia’s army, he reportedly suggested, could then remain in the occupied east. “You could almost make it look like what happened with Berlin after World War Two,” the paper quoted him as saying.
Kellogg later took to social media to say that the article had “misrepresented” what he said.
“I was speaking of a post-ceasefire resilien -
cy force in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty,” he wrote on X, adding: “I was NOT referring to a partitioning of Ukraine.”
Neither the White House nor Kyiv reacted to the comments immediately. The BBC has asked the Times for a response.
Russia’s ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that the US was not its ally.
He said the US and Russia had not been able to go from “total distrust to alignment in two months” since Trump returned to the White House.
“We have too many disagreements,” he said. “But we are working on these disagreements step by step in different areas.” (Excerpt from BBC News)
US envoy Steve Witkoff (left) and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi took part in the talks
Tanzanian Opposition Leader and former presidential candidate of CHADEMA party, Tundu Lissu
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
(MAY 28June 20)
CANCER
(June 21July 22)
LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) (March 21April 19)
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)
(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
PISCES
(Feb. 20Mar. 20)
Refuse to let anger set in when common sense and action are necessary. An emotional incident can crush a meaningful relationship. Don't say anything you'll regret.
The changes you make will be uplifting and leave you plenty of opportunities to incorporate something you love to do into your daily routine. Shift your thinking to enforce saving and reduce debt.
Observe what's happening and assess your position before you decide to get involved. Get up to speed with what's legit and what's fake to ensure your safety and well-being.
Take a hard look at your finances. A shift is taking place that can make or break your ability to maintain your lifestyle. Avoid spending too much on expensive entertainment.
Keep moving in a direction that gives you hope and a desire to keep learning and pressing forward. Avoid groups eager to take advantage of you or compromise your reputation or position.
Consider your needs before you compromise to support or please someone else. When you no longer like a person or situation, it's time to move on. Adjust your life to fulfill your dreams and satisfy your soul.
A change will do wonders for your mental and emotional health. Go for a hike or engage in a get-together with someone who brightens your day. Look for opportunity and seize the moment.
Participate in something that motivates you to make lifestyle changes. A chance meeting or connecting with someone whose contributions meld well with your expertise looks promising.
Be an observer, a thinker and a fence-sitter. Refuse to jump into someone else's scheme or put your reputation on the line. Reformat your schedule and surroundings to suit your needs.
Focus more on saving money, lowering debt and adding greater security to your life and surroundings. Refrain from letting your emotions step in and take control.
Put yourself and your emotional well-being first. Maintaining balance ensures you aren't jeopardizing your health or letting temptation set in or lead you astray.
Balance your books before you go on a spending spree. Put your energy into personal growth, self-improvement and doing things that make you happy. Spend some time with your loved ones.
ARIES
Peanuts
Calvin and Hobbes
Pickles
AQUARIUS
CAPRICORN
GEMINI
Sunrisers Hyderabad pull off secondhighest run chase in IPL history
-beat Punjab Kings by 8 wickets through Abhishek Sharma’s 141 off 55
Travishek has finally clicked this season, and effortlessly chased down 246 in Hyderabad.
Final scores in the match were as follows: Sunrisers Hyderabad: 247 for 2 (Abhishek 141, Head 66) defeat Punjab Kings: 245 for 6 (Shreyas 82, Prabhsimran 42, Arya 36, Harshal 4-42) by eight wickets.
Sunrisers Hyderabad have thus ended a fourmatch losing streak in style: by pulling off the second-highest run chase in IPL history, effortlessly chasing 246 against the team that holds the record. The win was made possible by Travishek, who finally clicked this season.
On a Hyderabad pitch back to its batting-friendly best after last week’s turner against Gujarat Titans, Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head capitalized on the condition by punishing Punjab Kings with the season’s highest partnership171 in just 12.2 overs - after two missed chances off Abhishek.
The left-handed Abhishek, previously without a six this season, smashed six sixes on his way to a 40-ball century that floored PBKS; then added a few more after celebrating his landmark with a note: “This one is for the Orange Army.”
Abhishek’s maiden IPL century - the highest score by an Indian - stole the spotlight; but Harshal Patel’s 4 for 42 was just as crucial in helping to cut PBKS short by at least 20 runs from what they seemed set to score. It was only the second loss for PBKS this season, but it
was made worse by an injury to key pacer Lockie Ferguson.
The Travishek Show Coming off scores of 18, 2, 1, and 6, Abhishek hit the ground running with three consecutive fours off Marco Jansen in the second over of the chase. Head followed suit by giving similar treatment to Arshdeep Singh as he peppered the ball to different pockets. Abhishek got a lifeline on 28 when Yash Thakur, who came on as an Impact Sub for Nehal Wadhera, overstepped and had him slice a catch to deep point. Abhishek capi -
sparking the explosion.
talized on the free-hit with his first six of the season,
PBKS’ woes were deepened as Ferguson walked off clutching his hip two balls into his spell, and when Yuzvendra Chahal dropped Abhishek off his own bowling on 57, the wheels had truly come off the PBKS wagon. Abhishek punished him with a six next ball, as SRH stormed to 100 by the eighth over. Having watched the carnage from the other end, Head pummelled Glenn Maxwell for back-toback sixes, and SRH were halfway to their target inside the ninth over of their chase. The carnage bubbled over into full-blown tension when Maxwell let out a few fiery words to Head while Marcus Stoinis
played mediator.
Abhishek holds his own
Among the big sixes Abhishek hit, a strong bottom-handed helicopter shot off former team-mate Marco Jansen stood out. This six, off an attempted yorker, was a follow-up to a short ball on the body which Abhishek managed to pummel over deep square. He ended the over with back-to-back fours, ridiculously scooping and picking off length balls behind the wicketkeeper. By the time PBKS had a wicket, when Chahal had Head holing out to Maxwell at longon, muted celebration told the story of a team that had already been defeated.
Abhishek raised his century four balls later as the Orange Army stood up and applauded. He went on to hit five more sixes after bringing up his maiden IPL century; and when he fell in the 17th over to good friend and Punjab teammate Arshdeep, widespread applause erupted from both the crowd and the opponents. Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan then saw off the chase with nine balls to spare.
Arya, Iyer lead PBKS charge
A 36-ball 82 from Shreyas Iyer and an early turbocharge from Priyansh Arya, that helped raise the joint-fastest half-century of the season, helped set up the game. PBKS threatened to blaze past 250 halfway into the innings, but appeared to fall well short of that mark as Harshal took the big wickets of Shreyas Iyer and Glenn Maxwell in a shotgun 18th over that enabled him to finish with 4 for 42.
Then Marcus Stoinis, who hadn’t made much of
an impact with the bat, got stuck into Mohammed Shami, hitting him for four consecutive sixes in the final over, which went for 27, as PBKS finished with 245 for 6. Shami’s figures read a forgettable 4-0-75-0, his most expensive spell.
Harshal’s impact
Generally used at the death, Harshal was brought on early to try and stem the flow of runs, and he delivered in his very first over, the fourth, when he had Arya hack an off-cutter to the longer leg-side boundary, and Nitish Reddy took the skier at mid-on. His real impact, however, was in the last
six overs. Coming on for his third, in the 15th, he foxed the dangerous Shashank Singh with an offcutter that trapped him lbw in a ninerun over. Then, off the 18th, with PBKS looking for a lift-off, he had a struggling Maxwell bowled off a dipping slower ball as he attempted a reverse ramp; and he had Iyer two balls later when he took all the pace off to have him lob one to point in trying to hit the ball over the infield. In between Harshal’s heroics, Eshan Malinga, the Sri Lankan seamer, gave a good account of himself on debut to pick up two wickets.
Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head got off to a strong start
‘This one is for the Orange Army’ - Abhishek Sharma dedicated his century to Sunrisers Hyderabad fans
Abhishek Sharma celebrating his century
Harshal Patel finished with a four-wicket haul
Indian Premier League 2025…
Lucknow Super Giants end Gujarat Titans’ winning streak in six-wicket loss
– through exploits of Markram, Pooran
Atarget of 181 set by the Gujarat Titans was too little against the might of the Lucknow Super Giants’ batting lineup; and the final scores of the match read: Lucknow Super Giants: 186 for 4 (Pooran 61, Markram 58, Prasidh 2-26) beat Gujarat Titans: 180 for 6 (Gill 60, Sai Sudharsan 56, Thakur 2-24, Bishnoi 2-36) by six wickets.
Despite the absence of Mitchell Marsh, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bested Gujarat Titans (GT) in the battle of top orders and moved up to third on the IPL 2025 points table.
After Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan had forged a 120-run opening stand, GT managed only 60 off their last eight overs, while losing six wickets. The variations of Ravi Bishnoi and Digvesh
Rathi (8-0-66-3) helped LSG regain lost ground on a black-soil pitch at Ekana Stadium.
Aiden Markram and Rishabh Pant, who was opening the batting for the first time in the IPL in nearly ten years, then maximised the powerplay to put LSG further ahead. Markram fell for 58 off 31 balls, but Nicholas Pooran rushed LSG towards the finish line with a six-laden 61 off 34 balls. LSG completed the job with three balls to spare, snapping GT’s four-match winning streak.
The SudharsanGill opening act
Asked to bat first, the GT openers of Gill and Sudharsan added 54 without loss in the powerplay. Sudharsan kicked off the in-
SCOREBOARD
Gujarat Titans (20 ovs maximum)
Sai Sudharsan c Pooran
b Ravi Bishnoi 56 Shubman Gill (c) c Markram
b Avesh Khan 60 Jos Buttler † c Thakur
b Rathi 16 Washington Sundar
b Ravi Bishnoi 2 Sherfane Rutherford lbw
b Thakur 22
M Shahrukh Khan not out 11
Rahul Tewatia c Markram
b Thakur 0 Rashid Khan not out 4
Extras (w 9) 9
Total 20 Ov (RR: 9.00) 180/6
Did not bat: Arshad Khan, Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj
Aiden Markram c Shubman Gill b Prasidh Krishna 58 Rishabh Pant (c)† c Washington Sundar b Prasidh Krishna 21 Nicholas Pooran c Shahrukh Khan b Rashid Khan 61
Ayush Badoni not out 28
David Miller b Washington Sundar 7 Abdul Samad not out 2 Extras (b 1, w 8) 9
Total 19.3 Ov (RR: 9.53) 186/4
Did not bat: Himmat Singh, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi Fall of wickets: 1-65 (Rishabh Pant, 6.2 ov), 2-123 (Aiden Markram, 11.1 ov), 3-155 (Nicholas Pooran, 15.2 ov), 4-174 (David Miller, 18.4 ov) • DRS Bowling O-M-R-W Mohammed Siraj 4-0-50-0 Arshad Khan 2-0-11-0 Prasidh Krishna 4-0-26-2 Rashid Khan 4-0-35-1 Washington Sundar 4-0-28-1 Sai Kishore 1.3-0-35-0
nings with a slapped four off Shardul Thakur, and when Akash Deep pitched one too full, he drove the ball straight past him for four more. T20 isn’t Sudharsan’s strongest format, but he keeps finding ways to score at a brisk pace with a lowrisk approach.
At the other end, Gill took more risks, often stepping out or manufacturing swinging room. When LSG tried to burgle an over from Markram, Gill and Sudharsan spoiled their plan by taking the part-time offspinner for 15 runs.
Sudharsan’s knock could’ve been cut short on 46 had Abdul Samad held on to a catch at cover off Rathi. He went on to bring up his fourth half-century in six innings in IPL soon after Gill had raised his own fifty.
The GT slide
The dismissals of Gill and Sudharsan in successive overs, however, brought LSG back into the contest. While Avesh Khan had Gill caught at the longon boundary with a cutter, Bishnoi had Sudharsan caught at cover with a skiddy wrong ‘un. Bishnoi also had Washington Sundar
chopping on for 2 with the wrong ‘un; and mystery spinner Rathi, who had two catches dropped off his bowling, eventually wrote his name into the wickets column when Thakur held on to a
tough chance at short fine leg to dismiss Jos Buttler for 16 off 14 balls. Thakur
then closed out the innings with his nifty variations, which fetched him the wickets of Sherfane Rutherford and Rahul Tewatia in the final over. From 120 without loss after 12 overs, GT finished on 180 for 6.
Markram, Pant start well for LSG LSG rattled off 61 without loss in the powerplay, with Markram claiming 38 of those. Pant, who had bumped himself up the order, got off to a more sedate start, and was in discomfort after being struck on the knee by left-arm seamer Arshad Khan. Pant was happy to ride in Markram’s slipstream, before he attacked Rashid Khan in the last over of the powerplay, slog-sweeping the wristspinner for four runs over midwicket. In the next over, though, when he charged at Prasidh Krishna, the bowler shifted his line wide of off stump and had Pant slicing a catch to deep third
for 21 off 18 balls. Markram, meanwhile, mixed orthodox strokeplay with T20 innovation to bring up a 26-ball fifty.
Pooran power Pooran had already hit two sixes by the time GT introduced R Sai Kishore into the attack in the tenth over. The first delivery, which seemed like the carrom ball, was whacked over midwicket for six. He then smoked the left-arm fingerspinner for two more sixes off the next three balls, and dumped him out of the attack.
With his big hits, Pooran brought the asking rate down to a run-a-ball, and ended up with seven sixes on the day, extending his tally to 31 sixes this IPL. The next best on the list hasn’t even hit half as many. On the day, Pooran alone hit four more sixes than the entire GT team; and by the time Rashid removed Pooran in the 16th over, LSG needed 26 off 28 balls. Ayush Badoni, LSG’s Impact Player, helped knock off those runs with an unbeaten cameo. (Adapted from ESPNcricinfo)
Aiden Markram got off to a flyer
Shardul Thakur took two wickets in the last over
B Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill added 120 runs for the opening wicket off 73 balls
Digvesh Rathi brought out his signature celebration as Sherfane Rutherford looked on
Nicholas Pooran improvising a shot
CPL OPCO Inc warn against the unauthorised use of the name and brand of the Guyana Amazon Warriors
CPL Opco Inc., own-
ers of the Guyana Amazon Warriors who take part in the Caribbean Premier League T20 Cricket competition, note with concern the unauthorized use of the name and related brand identity of the Guyana Amazon Warriors team in various social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram; and the creation of Groups, which gives
‘Car
the impression of a relationship between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and administrators of these Groups.
CPL Opco Inc. take their intellectual property rights seriously and are committed to the protection of their team’s name, logo and associated marks.
This unauthorized use of the team’s name and identity is not only misleading to the wide fan base, but can
also undermine the team’s efforts to build and maintain its brand image.
CPL Opco Inc. are taking the necessary legal actions to protect their rights and would like to advise the fan base and the general public that these unauthorized Groups are in no way associated with the company or the Guyana Amazon Warriors team.
Persons who are current-
160’ driven by Rasheed January to debut at Vitz Cup 2025
…Rookie driver ready to turn up the heat on April 27
Rasheed January, who attains the age of 24 years in a few months’ time, is set to make his debut at the firstever Vitz Cup Championship slated for the South Dakota Circuit on April 27, 2025.
ly engaged in, or promoting, the unauthorized acts described above are asked to immediately cease such actions.
CPL Opco Inc. and the Guyana Amazon Warriors team wish to assure the fan base that they are committed to protecting the team’s brand, to maintaining its integrity, and to sharing relevant information through authorised channels.
Set to complete against several newcomers to the motor racing fraternity - including Luis Kumar and Kunal Persaud, among other well-skilled and talented debutants – January will be driving his 2013 Toyota Vitz RS which features the number ‘160’ on Race Day. This being the first time he would be involved in a competition of this magnitude, his main intention is to learn as much as he can while soaking in the full experience.
“I’m excited to see how I perform under real race conditions, and how I stack up against others. Of course, I want to do well, but more than anything, I’m focused on gaining confidence, understanding the flow of competition, and identifying areas where I can improve. I know this is just the beginning, so I’m aiming to grow from every lap and every challenge on the track,” he told Guyana Times Sport in a recent interview.
Besides competing in the highly-anticipated Vitz Cup and the Rookie Series for the first time, January wants to increase his seat time and have a better understanding of the track, having conceded that the lack of experience could become a major challenge for him.
“One of (my) biggest challenges would be the lack of experience in an actual race environment, since I have little experience with racing around other cars. The advantage is that I am coming with a fresh mindset, eager to learn and plan to use this experience to improve with every race meet,” he told Guyana Times Sport
This young man has had a passion for racing cars from a tender age, and having attributed that calling to the movie sequel “Fast and Furious”, is not in the least intimidated by the competition.
“Most of the other drivers in the class I am already very familiar with. Some I know before getting into the sport and some I met while in the media fraternity. However, that does not mean that the heat isn’t on, since all of the drivers are very eager to get on the track to dominate,” he disclosed.
Heading into the race later this month, his best lap time is 1:41 with stock weight and street tyres. “On race day I will have the required track tyres, and (I) am using a smaller wheel size, which should help to shave that time down by at least three seconds. I also plan to drive a bit more aggressive to keep a pace and position,” he disclosed.
While he intends to eventually join other categories, his focus in performing well in the Vitz Cup. “After I complete my rookie year, I may get into Group 1 racing with another vehicle; but I will still be competing in the Vitz Cup,” he disclosed.
Asked whether he is nervous ahead of race day, his reply was, “Definitely! There are some butterflies! I think it’s completely normal, especially since it’s my first time. There’s that mix of excitement and nerves: wondering how everything will go, how I’ll handle the pressure, and if I’ll perform the way I’ve trained to. But at the same time, that nervous energy fuels me.”
January recognises that motor racing is evolving around the world, and he feels that getting women involved in this maledominated sport would bring some excitement on the track.
“I think this is great! I love to see female drivers on the track competing; there are some that race against males and won. It is always exciting and thrilling to see women racing, and I would love to see that expand, hopefully in the very near future,” he detailed.
January thinks that females should be treated as equal to
males on or off the track, and nobody should be sidelined or be discriminated against.
“In February, we (saw) at the Drag Race Meet that a female competitor raced against a batch of males and won the 16-second companionship. The entire crowd was cheering every time she went forward. The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) is also working on increasing the number of women involved in racing, and are finding new ways of recruiting to improve that aspect of the sport,” he declared.
He added that motor racing in Guyana has its length to go, but with support from the racers and the motor racing committee, the sport would be able to grow and possibly attract the largest crowd for any sporting event in Guyana.
In regard to his personal growth, January related that, in the next five years, he would like to compete in two other classes.
He has commended the GMR&SC for doing a great job at recruiting passionate young drivers to the sport.
“The Vitz Cup serves as an example of this, since it brings close to 10 new drivers into the sport. Once the club continues to do things like this, new drivers will definitely be attracted to the sport,” he opined.
January has disclosed that while racing is an exciting sport, it is also one of the most expensive sports - if not the most expensive sport - to be a part of; and he would like to express his heartfelt gratitude to the several individuals and companies who have thrown their support behind him. Among those are Sankar’s Auto Works, Best Buy Auto Sales, Ramah’s Auto Sales, Tokyo Motors, Adamanthium Holdings, Elian’s Trucking Service, and N Persaud Auto Deal.
“Acquiring sponsors (is) a bit tough, since I am a new face to racing; but I am extremely grateful for the ones that responded and assisted me with getting into the sport, and I intend to promote them to the best of my ability on race day,” he related.
Meanwhile, asked whether the absence of seasoned drivers has left a void in the motor racing fraternity, the young sport fanatic responded that while it is unfortunate that some of the fastest bikers and racers are no longer competing, there is still plenty of competition available.
“It’s true that seasoned racers are leaving, but let’s not forget that new drivers are coming as well. There are many events scheduled for race day, which proves (that day) to be very exciting,” He has said.
His advice to young persons who want to join the sport is to follow their dreams, but, at the same time, “Go in with patience and dedication”.
“Racing isn’t just about speed; it’s about discipline, learning the craft, and respecting the process. Start by building a strong foundation, whether that’s through karting, simulators, or just learning about the mechanics of racing. Surround yourself with people who know the sport and aren’t afraid to push you to be better…,” he detailed.
Apart from racing, he works on cars and plays video games - mainly simulator racing games - such as Assetto Corsa & Forza Motorsport.
The machine that Rasheed January would take into contention on Race Day
Rasheed January
West Indies Championships 2025…
Harpy Eagles complete three-peat
For the eighth time in ten years, the Guyana Harpy Eagles have emerged champions of the West Indies Championships; this time, following a draw in Round 7 with the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.
This victory marks the third consecutive time the Harpy Eagles have won these Championships since regaining the title in 2023.
With all to play for on Day 4 at the Queen’s Park Oval on Saturday, the visiting Harpy Eagles claimed seven Red Force wickets in the earlier sessions to keep a drawn result in sight. That achievement, however, did
not come without frustration, as Jason Mohammed slammed a century while Joshua DaSilva brought up a half-century in a strong, decisive 140-run partnership.
Mohammed’s 125, which came in 186 deliveries, was decorated with 14 boundaries, while DaSilva slammed a quick fire 77 in 79 balls. However, when that duo was picked off, the pair of Veerasammy Permaul and Ashmead Nedd spun webs around the Red Force lower order, forcing the hosts to declare at 370-9, leaving the Harpy Eagles a 147-run target to achieve in the final
session if they wanted a victorious result in the match.
Nedd claimed 4-105 from 30 overs, while Permaul picked up 3-138 from 36 overs; and before a draw was settled for with an hour remaining in the day’s play, the Harpy Eagles had got to 33 without loss in their second innings.
Raymond Perez struck 26 in 35 balls.
Equipped with crucial first innings’ points from their efforts in Days 2 and 3, the Harpy Eagles had garnered enough points to maintain their spot at the top of the West Indies Championships points table.
Milo U18 Schools’ Football tournament…
8 teams vying for semifinal spots today
A glimpse of what to expect in today’s Milo quarterfinals
Blockbuster clashes are scheduled for the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue today, when the Quarterfinal round of the Milo U18 Schools Football tournament is contested.
The tournament’s final 8 teams having already been decided last Saturday, each team in this group has already
sealed its spot in the Petra Organisation’s Secondary Schools U18 League billed for later this year; but with top honours on the line, all eyes are currently on this Massysponsored Milo tournament. Today’s Quarterfinal fixtures will see Region 7’s Three Miles Secondary coming up against Georgetown’s Dolphin Secondary in the opener at
12:00hrs. Thus far in the 2025 tournament, Dolphin have been unbeaten, with the likes of siblings Ezekiel and Frank David playing alongside Jamal Williams and producing team efforts to keep their team flying high.
Conversely, Three Miles Secondary have already stumbled in this tournament, having suffered an embarrassing
loss to defending champions Chase’s Academic Foundation in the group stage; but they rebounded in the Round of 16 to edge Abram Zuil Secondary.
Three Miles’ forward player Lebron Mendonca is expected to up his game as this school makes a case for a top-four spot.
Chase’s Academic Foundation, the 2023 Champions, will take on Bush Lot Secondary, who have benefitted from a reprieve after the last round. While it is unclear whether Chase’s star striker Bryan Wharton would feature in this week’s clash, the team have proved that they can still dominate without their feared marksman, as the likes of Isaiah Ifill, Neeiaz Baksh, Mark Glasgow and the defenders Kemron Pellew and Tyrell Walcott stepped in his absence last week and pro-
duced another resounding victory.
Bush Lot Secondary meanwhile are largely buoyed by their Guyana national under-17 striker Quaency Fraser, whose optimum performance would be key if they are to cut down the defending champions. This match begins at 14:00hrs today.
Then President’s College would look to overcome another tough challenge when they meet Georgetown’s West Ruimveldt Secondary today. PC shocked the competition last week when they needled favourites Santa Rosa Secondary to eliminate the Region 1 side. While they are expected to return with similar determination, West Ruimveldt, influenced by the astute Jeremiah Griffith and Donovan Welcome, would expectedly not be pushed over.
Their game gets going at 16:00hrs.
The curtains come down on the Quarterfinals with last year’s runners-up Waramuri Secondary doing battle against Georgetown’s Charlestown Secondary from 18:00hrs. This Region 1 outfit are yet to be fiercely challenged in this year’s tournament, as collective efforts from Denzell and Orwin Abrams and Erwin Booker have kept them unbeatable. However, Charlestown, led by Malcolm Hendricks, have been a formidable side this season, flying under the radar but remaining successful.
As such, the Milo Quarterfinals promise to bring exhilarating action to spectators today as the teams vie for spots in this week’s semifinal round.
The Guyana Harpy Eagles celebrating their win of the West Indies Championships title for 2025
