The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Parika and Supenaam departure
Low Tide: 06:40h and 19:31h reaching
heights of 1.26 metres and 1.04 metres.
...says travel costs to study at UG will no longer hold back hinterland youths
In an effort to increase access to online education and online scholarships in indigenous, hinterland and riverain communities in Guyana, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government will be partnering with the Elon Musk-owned Starlink to set up facilities that will serve these communities.
This was explained by Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo, during a recent press conference where he spoke of the Government’s efforts to make education more accessible. According to the VP, the Government has already offered 30,000 online scholarships, with another 5,000 expected to be handed out this year.
Jagdeo noted that even while in opposition, the cost of travelling to Georgetown to study at the University of Guyana (UG) prohibited many hinterland youths from taking that step. He also recalled a public meeting where the PPP/C was able to get hundreds of youths signed up for the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship.
“I asked the young people how many of them have joined up on the scholarship programmes… and very few had. And I arranged for Minister Ashni Singh and Joe Hamilton to go back and they registered over 400 persons. So, one young man said to me, we’re happy for this, but I’m going to UG and its very costly.”
“The tuition is off at university, but my parents have to pay for me to rent a place in Georgetown and its very costly for me. And I explained to him that its precisely because of this, that when we were in opposition, we heard this so often about people being excluded from university… that is why we came up with
the model of online scholarships,” Jagdeo noted.
Jagdeo made the point that while UG has two campuses, Turkeyen in Region Four and Tain in Region Six, there are also students living in the hinterland who have difficulty with accessing University education. Further, he noted that while a suggestion may be to build a third University in the hinterland, the scattered nature of the communities and low population density makes such an idea untenable.
This is where the Starlink service comes in, since the Government will be partnering with them to roll out the service in hinterland and riverain communities. According to Jagdeo, the programme will be executed by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
“We were thinking about how do we give every child an opportunity to go to university in Guyana. And that is why we came up with the model of, and we promised in our manifesto, 20,000 online scholarships. We said, if we could have people do university education right from their homes, then this would cut out the cost.”
“But then we encountered some additional difficulties, that we intend to
solve. So, the first was, access to the indigenous communities. Because they didn’t have internet. How do you do online universities if you don’t have internet facilities? So… we’re putting Starlink facilities in all the indigenous, hinterland communities in general. Whether you’re indigenous or not. And the riverain areas of the coun-
try. So, you can have access to internet,” Jagdeo added.
It was recently announced that Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Tesla and ‘X’ owner Elon Musk, began operating in Guyana. Starlink’s arrival in Guyana is part of the move to further develop Guyana’s profitable and rapidly expanding tech sector, while ensuring prosperity for Guyana’s economy.
It was announced late last year that Starlink had applied for a licence to operate in Guyana to provide internet services. In a meeting with President Dr Irfaan Ali last year, Musk had expressed his intentions to invest in Guyana’s technological sector, as it provides a gateway to economic enhancement through digitisation and modernisation. Guyana has been seeing rapid development in the telecommunications sector since it was liberalised in 2020. It was the PPP/C Government that officially liberalised the telecommunications sector, issuing the commencement orders on October 5, 2020 shortly after taking office on August 2, 2020.
Editor: Tusika Martin
News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544
223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761
Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707
Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown
Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
Our Foreign Service was forced to respond sharply to the Chinese restatement of Venezuela’s strategic demand for their position on their manufactured border controversy; to wit, that it should be resolved through “consultations and negotiations”. This was clearly a slap in the face of us meticulously following the fundamental and arguably oldest principle of international law, “pacta sunt servanda - “agreements must be kept”. Without such a rule, no international agreement would be binding or enforceable. The Geneva Agreement of 1966, signed by both Venezuela and us, defined the path we have chosen to the ICJ to resolve the controversy, which threatens our very existence, as agreed by that august apex court itself. Many have asked then, why would the Chinese insist that they have “Put China-Guyana Friendship First”, even as they favour Venezuela.
One answer to the seemingly contradictory Chinese position was recently proposed by the Hoover Institution in an article, “The Sources of the Chinese Communist Party’s Strategic Duplicity”. Below we offer excerpts that should be helpful towards understanding China’s adumbrations: “The Chinese Communist Party’s strategic duplicity is profoundly shaped by the fusion of Warring States-era realpolitik with Marxist dialectical thinking. Each of these intellectual traditions brings a unique perspective: Warring States realpolitik emphasizes pragmatism, deception, and unprincipled flexibility, while Marxist dialectical thinking provides a framework for understanding and manipulating contradictions to drive progress. Together, these two perspectives offer the CCP a toolkit of strategies for managing complex and conflicting interests both domestically and internationally, enabling a highly adaptive and multilayered approach to governance that frequently is duplicitous.
“The Warring States Period (475–221 BC) taught Chinese leaders that the most effective approach to power was to use deception, exploit weaknesses, and form opportunistic alliances without regard for strict principles or ideological commitments. This period, marked by intense competition and survivalist tactics among rival states, gave rise to a form of realpolitik that valued flexibility and strategic ambiguity as essential to statecraft. In the CCP’s strategy, this ancient pragmatic thinking complements Marxist dialectical principles, which view contradictions as inherent to social and political life and as engines for change.
“In practice, this means the CCP can hold contradictory positions —appearing committed to ideological principles while adapting to practical needs —without seeing these contradictions as weaknesses. For example, China’s “socialism with Chinese characteristics” combines market practices with socialist rhetoric, a synthesis that seems paradoxical but is framed as necessary for China’s progress. This synthesis is possible because dialectical thinking allows the CCP to see capitalism and socialism not as irreconcilable, but as forces that can coexist within a managed contradiction, which the Warring States tradition further allows them to exploit through unprincipled pragmatism.
“The CCP’s duplicitous approach to international relations is a clear example of how these two traditions combine to support strategic duplicity. From a Warring States realpolitik perspective, China pursues alliances and economic partnerships that serve its immediate goals, even if these partnerships may be temporary or inherently contradictory. For instance, China maintains economic relationships with Western nations, benefitting from global trade and investment –– while simultaneously acts contradictorily to the foundational principles of the Western free market system, aligning itself with states that challenge Western influence, such as Russia and North Korea. This duality is made coherent through dialectical thinking, which interprets these contradictions as part of a larger strategic progression toward a more favourable world order.
“Dialectical thinking further justifies China’s contradictory alliances by framing them as temporary stages in a longterm historical process. Marxist dialectic views history as a progression driven by class struggle and competing interests, with contradictions inevitably leading to change. From this perspective, China’s engagement with Western economies is seen not as an ideological compromise, but as a necessary step in China’s development — a stage that can eventually give way to a more dominant position where China could assert its ideological preferences more openly. Warring States realpolitik, with its emphasis on strategic patience and shifting alliances, provides the tactical means for executing this longterm dialectical strategy through pragmatic, often deceptive diplomacy.”
Dear editor,
As we celebrate and extend congratulations to four outstanding media workers: Gordon Moseley, Michella Abraham-Ali, Michael Jordan, and Paul Vanvield, recognized with the Guyana Press Association’s (GPA’s) lifetime achievement award, it must be recognized that their significant contributions were fittingly recognized on World Press Freedom Day.
The recognition has also served as a timely reminder of the fundamental role a free and independent press plays in upholding democracy, particularly as Guyana prepares to go to the polls in the coming months. The media, as the "Fourth Estate", serves not only as a watchdog over public institutions, but also as a bridge between the government and the governed, and this is especially crucial during an election period.
In democratic societies, the press is essential for ensuring transparency and accountability, promoting informed civic participation, and safeguarding the principles of good governance. Through its reporting, the
media enables citizens to access balanced, factual, and timely information, thereby empowering them to make informed decisions, including the most consequential in a democracy: electing their government.
Fellow Guyanese, as we prepare to exercise our democratic right to vote, it becomes even more important that the media be able to operate without fear, favour, or interference. A free and independent press is central to fostering meaningful public dialogue, examining policy proposals, scrutinizing political platforms, and facilitating fair and fact-based debates.
Information disseminated through the media must allow all voices, especially those of the marginalized and under-represented, to be heard. In this regard, the Government has a pivotal role to play in facilitating and promoting press freedom. Rather than being viewed as adversarial, the media should be recognized as a partner in the democratic process. The state’s support in providing access to public information, ensuring the physical and
legal safety of journalists, and refraining from censorship or undue influence is critical in shaping an electoral environment that is open, fair, and credible.
The responsibility of the media during this electoral season is profound. Journalists must be free to investigate, ask difficult questions, and report on electoral activities without the threat of intimidation or restriction. At the same time, media houses must commit to upholding the highest standards of integrity and impartiality, ensuring their coverage serves the public interest and contributes to a peaceful, informed, and democratic process. Moreover, it is important to have the Government’s commitment to transparency and respect for press freedom during this period, for it would send a strong signal, not only to the citizens of our country, but also to the international community, that the country remains steadfast in its democratic principles. Such a posture would help to build public trust and solidly reinforce the legitimacy of the
electoral process.
As we approach this critical juncture in our nation’s democratic journey, it is imperative that all stakeholders - including Government institutions, political parties, civil society, and the media - work together to ensure that the environment is conducive to free expression and free choice. Only in a space where the media can operate independently and citizens are well-informed can true democracy flourish.
Finally, as we prepare and condition our minds to choose the next Government, let us collectively recognize that a free and independent press is not a threat, but a cornerstone of democracy.
By safeguarding press freedom, we lay the groundwork for transparency, accountability, and a political process that reflects the will of the people, ultimately making the nation stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient.
Yours sincerely, Hon Jermaine Figueira, MP
“Together, we can rise” – Pres Ali in Easter message – PM says everyone can embrace Easter’s message of love, grace, and unity
Recognising that Easter inspires unshakable hope, and renews faith, President Dr Irfaan Ali has sounded calls for all Guyanese to unite as the country undergoes transformation that seeks to ensure shared prosperity for everyone.
In his Easter 2025 Message to the Nation, the Head of State noted that Easter is not simply a holy day on the Christian calendar but it is the defining moment of Christian belief—the victory of life over death and of hope over despair.
The message of Easter is one of ultimate triumph and it is this belief, he said, that inspires unshakable hope, renews faith, and calls on the
faithful to live lives marked by love, sacrifice, and compassion.
“And so, Easter is a time of great rejoicing— a time to lift up hearts in praise, a time to reflect deeply on the power of renewal, and a time to embrace the promise of better days… Let this Easter not only be a season of celebration, but a time of reflection and rededication. Together, we can rise,” the President stated.
In Guyana, he outlined that Easter is not only a religious celebration but also a cultural tradition embraced by all — Christians and non-Christians alike. Across this beautiful country, the Guyanese leader noted that families gather, children fly
colourful kites, and communities come alive with the sights and sounds of joy.
“Easter in Guyana is a season of happiness. We fly our kites high to remind ourselves of the risen Christ. We picnic with loved ones in the spirit of unity and togetherness. We cheer on the excitement of the Lethem Rodeo and delight in the fun of the Bartica Regatta. Our beaches, parks, and open spaces become arenas of laughter, music, and merriment. Yes —Easter in Guyana is special,” he declared.
But even as citizens celebrate and revel in the joy of the season, President Ali implored them not to forget the importance of safety. Whether they are on the road, at the
river, in the hinterland, or in the heart of Georgetown, he urged persons to be careful, respectful and look out for one another.
“A joyful people must also be a responsible people. Let us seek to use our roads and waterways in a safe manner,” he added.
The Head of State went on to urge Guyanese to also continue cultivating the values that hold them together: love for neighbour, kindness in action, and respect for differences.
“These are the values that have sustained us through both good and bad times. These are the values that will carry us forward. For in our diversity, we find our strength.
And in our unity, we find our power.”
“Let this Easter be a reminder that we are all part of one great Guyanese family — one people, one nation, with one destiny. Regardless of our
faith, our background, or our geography, we all want a better future for our children, our families, and our country,” he stated.
Be inspired by values of Easter & commit to a more inclusive, hopeful nation – PPP
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extend warm Easter greetings to all Guyanese, especially our Christian brothers and sisters, as we observe this sacred and joyous occasion.
Easter holds profound spiritual significance for Christians around the world. It commemorates the resur-
rection of Jesus Christ — a powerful symbol of triumph over suffering, and renewal and everlasting hope. The message of Easter is one of redemption, faith, and unwavering belief in the possibility of new beginnings. It reminds us all, regardless of faith, of the importance of compassion, humility, tolerance, and
love for one another. The story of the resurrection is not only central to Christianity, but also offers universal lessons of perseverance, sacrifice, and the belief that light can emerge even in the darkest of moments. In these teachings, we find encouragement to rise above personal and collective chal-
Easter is not just religious, but is a cultural tradition that brings families and communities together – ERC
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extend heartfelt Easter greetings to all Guyanese, especially our Christian brothers and sisters.
Easter is a sacred period on the Christian calendar that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after He would have died on the cross to atone for the sins of humanity. It also marks the end of the Lenten period for some Christians.
It is a powerful testament to the victory of good over evil; forgiveness, faith, sacrifice, hope, and renewal that calls on all of us, regardless of religious belief or background, to reflect on the universal values of com-
passion, understanding and peace.
The Commission recognizes the enduring contribution of our Christian brothers and sisters to the spiritual and moral fabric of the nation.
As we celebrate this holy season, let us be reminded of the importance of unity and mutual respect as we continue to build on the strength of our diversity.
In Guyana, Easter is not only a religious observance, but is also a cultural tradition that brings families and communities together. This is evident in the skies being filled with vibrant kites and the shared joy across villages and towns during special church services. These mo-
ments of togetherness are symbolic of the very harmony and collective spirit that the Commission strive to foster.
The ERC remain committed to their constitutional mandate to promote harmony and good relations among all ethnic and religious groups residing within Guyana. In keeping with our commitment to unity, we encourage all Guyanese to participate in interfaith services, community outreaches, and acts of service that reflect the essence of Easter.
May the blessings of Easter guide us towards deeper solidarity and collective growth.
Easter reminds us of sacrifice and hope – PNC
Easter is meaningful for all of us as a season to celebrate family fun and unity. It is a nostalgic experience of better, simpler days; a time of togetherness, as parents and children, family and friends will raise a kaleidoscope of colourful kites in the hope-
ful skies throughout our beautiful country.
These are times we cherish forever. As the kites are raised, and float with their frills in the wind, so, too, must our hopes for a better Guyana be lifted.
Easter reminds us of sacrifice and hope. Today
our hearts are filled with hope of a brighter tomorrow. We in the PNCR/APNU recommit to nation-building based on fairness, freedom, and justice for all Guyanese, as reflected in the spirit of Easter.
Happy Easter!
lenges with strength and unity.
In Guyana, Easter is more than a religious observance; it is a celebration of our shared culture and diversity. Across our country, Guyanese from all backgrounds come together in the spirit of unity as families and communities partake in the
beloved tradition of kite-flying. This vibrant display in our skies symbolizes freedom, renewal, and the joy of togetherness that defines us as a people.
As we celebrate, the PPP also encourage all Guyanese —especially our children and young people — to observe safety measures while flying
kites in order to ensure that the holiday remains one of joy and peace for everyone. Let us be inspired by the values of Easter, and reaffirm our collective commitment to building a more inclusive, compassionate, and hopeful nation. Once again, a Happy and Blessed Easter to all!
Easter is a testament to the rich tapestry of Guyana’s cultural heritage – GAWU
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) warmly extend Easter greetings to all Guyanese, with a special heartfelt acknowledgement of our dedicated members across the nation’s sugar, agricultural, and general sectors. During this sacred and joyful time, we are called to embrace the profound themes of hope, renewal, and resilience that Easter brings to each of us.
This season, which celebrates the victory of life over death and light over darkness, invites us to pause and reflect on the strength of our communities, and the incredible pow-
er of unity in facing challenges together. These values resonate deeply with our mission to advocate for fairness, dignity, and the upliftment of every worker.
Easter is also a beautiful time filled with cherished traditions and joyful gatherings. From the skies being filled with vibrant coloured kites to the shared meals that bring families and friends together, this celebration is a testament to the rich tapestry of Guyana’s cultural heritage and the unyielding spirit of our people.
As we partake in these festivities, GAWU gently en-
courage everyone to stay safe, extend kindness, and show compassion to those who might be struggling. Let us keep in our hearts the many workers who tirelessly contribute to our nation’s growth and prosperity, often under tough circumstances. Their unwavering dedication inspires us all to continue striving for better working conditions, fair wages, and a more just society.
On behalf of the Executive and all members of GAWU, we wish you and your loved ones a blessed, peaceful, and joyful Easter.
Happy Easter!
Let us take inspiration & resolve to rise together as a nation – AFC
As Christians across Guyana and the world reflect on the triumph of life over death, light over darkness, and justice over betrayal, the Alliance For Change (AFC) extend Easter greetings to all our fellow citizens.
Easter is not just a religious observance; it is a powerful reminder that after every trial comes transformation. The message of the Resurrection speaks clearly to the moment we now face as a nation: that even in the face of despair and injus-
tice, renewal is possible. It is a message the AFC take to heart as we step forward boldly, independently, and with renewed commitment to the people of Guyana.
In this sacred season, the AFC reaffirm their dedication to fighting for truth, transparency, and transformation in our country. We have made the decision to contest the upcoming national elections as an independent party — not as a gesture of division, but as a clear statement of intent…
This Easter, let us take
inspiration from the greatest story of renewal, and resolve to rise together as a nation. Let us turn away from the politics of fear and control, and towards a future built on justice, vision, and love of country. May this holy season bring peace to your homes, strength to your hearts, and a renewed sense of purpose to us all.
Better must come — and with your support, it will. Happy Easter, Guyana!
Recently, we have been discussing the care of elderly animals with the goal of ensuring that these valued family members remain a part of your household for as long as possible.
Yet, it begins to become increasingly clear that, notwithstanding the efforts of both your veterinarian and you, the signs are emerging that the physiological functions are declining at a more rapid rate and your beloved pets is visibly suffering.
The ailments that would have been overcome quickly, not lastly with your veterinarian’s therapeutic input, are now getting the upper hand.
The appetite is not what it used to be; mobility is reduced considerably; lethargy steps in.
Then follows exhibitions of excruciating and uncontrollable pain which is defying medical interventions, in addition to mental and incurable physical deterioration.
Worst, the realization is dawning on the family that a heart wrenching decision has
vet would have known and treated the now ailing pet during both the good times and emergencies, all final decisions must be made by the family. Believe me when I say that the animal’s suffering also impacts on your medical caregiver. Some veterinarians will even advise that you seek a second opinion. That is a quite valid course of action. It gives you the satisfaction of having explored all options.
while, in all likelihood, your
to be made. One that you and your veterinarian must now confront in determining the way forward. Let me emphasise that
In your deliberations, three possible decisions will emerge:
1. Allow the pet to receive medication to alleviate pain until it passes on, knowing that this is delaying the inevitable (death).
2. Discontinue the use of all medication and the animal will expire; not immediately but quicker.
3. Agree to EUTHANSIA. This activity may be defined as placing the animal into a condition of eternal, irrecoverable forever sleep, in a humane manner – actively making death simple, quick and painless.
The procedures are
designed to prevent fear and distress. The exact method will be clearly, but gently, explained to the family members, (preferably not the young children), in advance of the intervention.
the procedure. With utmost care and compassion, your veterinarian will ensure that the process is brief, peaceful and painless and that the final moments are free of distress. As responsible pet owners,
All veterinarians would have been trained and are best equipped to ensure that the animal does not suffer in its last moments. The Veterinary Oath includes a commitment to alleviate animal suffering, and euthanasia is recognized as a method for achieving
it is our duty to consider the well-being of our pets and make choices that honor their love and loyalty. Next week, we will discuss how to cope with the grief and the other emotional challenges experienced by the family on the loss of a pet that had given
this. His/her primary aim is humane treatment during
unconditional devotion over its lifetime.
Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has announced that a major $18 billion climate-resilience agriculture project is currently underway in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), aimed at preventing flooding and significantly expanding agricultural land to support small farmers.
The initiative is fully funded through Guyana’s earnings from its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 via carbon credit sales—marking a transformational use of climate finance.
Speaking at his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo detailed that the Government is building 86 kilometres (km) of flood protection embankments stretching from Mahaica to Abary. This includes 45.9 km between Mahaica and Mahaicony, and 40 km between Mahaicony and Abary.
Complementing the embankment works are 510 km of internal drainage, which will make the area far more resilient to water accumu-
lation and potential flood damage.
As a result, the Government will unlock 55,000 acres of new farmland—31,000 acres between Mahaica and Mahaicony, and 24,000 acres between Mahaicony and Abary. According to the VP, these lands will be prioritised for small-scale farmers and new entrants into agriculture, many of whom are currently
constrained by limited land access.
“New land would be available now to distribute, particularly to small farmers and people who are just starting in, because a lot of our smaller farmers now need... land… to expand cultivation”.
“This project is not costing taxpayers a single cent, it is fully funded from our LCDS earnings – which
the APNU (A Partnership for National Unity) never earned with their failed ‘green state’ agenda,” Jagdeo said. “This is tangible proof that climate finance, when managed properly, can directly uplift small farmers and drive national development.”
Meanwhile, over in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), similar work is underway, with 42 km
of flood protection embankment and 103 km of drainage canals being developed. This will open another 30,000 acres of farmland, bringing the total to 85,000 new acres of arable land between the two regions.
Additionally, the Government is resuming a shelved project from the Essequibo Coast that aims to open another 5,500 acres of farmland in Aurora, also funded through LCDS resources.
These projects come amid the Government’s broader push to diversify Guyana’s agricultural base beyond rice and sugar.
“So, these are just part of some of the things we've started on. People don't even see this, but when completed in another couple of years' time, we will add nearly 90,000 acres of new land for cultivation. Considering now we're cultivating about 228,000 acres in rice. So, it's like more than a third of that, just adding new production and new output. We don't necessarily have to put it all in rice because we're launching a massive new
programme for other crops and livestock. You're going to see the manifesto on livestock industry; a huge programme for all sorts of thing,” Jagdeo noted. Key initiatives include the expansion of poultry and pig production, with investments in feed security via local corn and soya production, embryo transfer technology to scale high-quality cattle breeds, with targets to reach 3,000 embryos annually, scaling up the Black Belly Sheep project, with a goal of reaching 60,000–70,000 animals to support both local consumption and exports, support for aquaculture innovation, including cage fishing that is already seeing success in several communities and new infrastructure and partnerships to support agribusiness and agro-processing development.
The VP emphasised that these projects are also part of Guyana’s broader economic plan, with each region being integrated into national development through both sectoral and regional strategies.
The body of 17-year-old Vishal Parmanand, one of two fishermen who went missing on April 8, was discovered on Friday, April 18.
After search efforts by family members, the marine department of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Coast Guard, Parmanand’s partly decomposed body was discovered by two fishermen at about midday on Friday, April 18, along the eastern beach of the Atlantic, in the vicinity of Borlam, East Coast Berbice (ECD).
The fishermen then alerted the family members.
According to the police, the
body was found lying in an advanced decomposed state, clad in the same clothing the teen was wearing at the time of his disappearance, and no visible marks of violence were observed; however, this they said, can be subject to the state of decomposition.
An autopsy is expected to be performed Tuesday on the teenager.
Parmanand, 17, and Daniel Inchanally, 32, both residents of Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB) reportedly left home to go to Crabwood Creek, Corentyne on April 8, to pick up the boat and sail it back to their
village.
They left Crabwood Creek, and were expected to sail along Guyana’s Atlantic Coast to the estuary of the Berbice River, where they were to moor the boat at the Three-Door landing site at D’Edward village.
However, they never arrived. Instead, the boat was discovered the following day along the Tain foreshore by a fisherman. At the time, a bag containing the teenager’s belongings, including his cellular phone, was in the boat, and the 60hp engine was still on the vessel.
Meanwhile, the search continues for Inchanally.
The AFC announced that coalition talks with the PNC – after being in intensive care for a while – are now officially over, and they’re gonna go into the elections later this year by their lonesome! As is usual with these happenstances, that ain’t new, a song popped into your Eyewitness’s mind; it begins like this: “Well it’s all over now, and we both know why/ ‘Cause we burnt our bridges as we passed them by/ Yeah it’s over now, and the dream is broken/ And all our bitter words, will have now been spoken.”
And bridges were certainly burnt!! Imagine telling Norton - the man with the biggest mass support in the Opposition from the oldest mass party with the boots on the ground – that he ain’t good enough to lead them into the elections!! It doesn’t matter what words the AFC brain trust used to tell him this, they had to be BITTER to a man who spent fifty years struggling to get where he is!! And in those fifty years, he picked himself up after Hoyte had fired him as PNC General Secretary, calling him, “My creature”, and clawed his way to the top!
The song continues: “Well it’s all over now, well it’s better this way/ ‘Cos long goodbyes well they eat your, your heart away/ It’s over now, well the cup is wasted/ Spilt and sour look, for what’s even tasted/ For all that we had, well now there’s more than us at stake/ History’s repetition it’s just too much to take.”
Your Eyewitness ain’t sure “it’s better this way”, since even the few votes the AFC’s gonna pull in the elections are significant in a country where the Government and Opposition have a razor thin gap between them!!
So, what lies ahead? The AFC’s gonna fade away into the sunset, since it betrayed its multiracial middle class claim to fame and shrank into an ethnic party fighting for relevance, as it flirted with the extremist WPA geriatrics foaming at the mouth with racist vitriol!! With the PPP’s full court press on all groups to share in Guyana’s free enterprisegrounded development, a new African Guyanese middle class is being formed that doesn’t see its future as being just glorified clerks. Business leaders from its ranks are leaving in droves – as demonstrated by the high-profile ones in the news!
As for the PNC, they’ll survive, thank you!! There’s enough inertia in the old base that’s gonna make it difficult for them to put their Xs anywhere but on the Palm Tree or its substitute!!
As such, the PPP’s gonna be returned to office to fulfil its vision of “One Guyana” - plucked from T&T’s National Anthem: “Here every creed and race find an equal place”!! …in
God’s name
“In God We Trust” started as an American political motto during their Civil War, when Union supporters wanted to emphasize their attachment to God. And with money forming the bedrock of the “American Way”, it soon appeared on their money – where it remains to this day.
But it had moved away from the centre of politics.
That’s all changed, according to the New York Times. They reported on “A presidential Easter greeting more directly evangelistic than those in the past. Trump and the First Lady said they were celebrating “the living Son of God who conquered death, freed us from sin, and unlocked the gates of Heaven for all of humanity.”
(By contrast, the White House’s much shorter Ramadan statement last month sent “warmest greetings.”)
The language and rituals of the White House are changing. The first Cabinet meeting opened with prayer “in Jesus’ name.” Prayer sessions and even hymn-singing have broken out in the West Wing, in public and in private.”
A full circle??
…about execution
IDPADA-G complained at the NY African forum about “systematic marginalization of African Guyanese”. Burnham attempted rectification - but proved strategic vision ain’t enough. PPP’s showing a country must also have the capacity to implement such a vision!!
Gervase Warner, the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Private Sector Organisation (CPSO), has praised the recent determination by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to exempt Caribbean shipping from steep port fees targeting China-built vessels.
hina’s tilt towards Venezuela was once again declared last week, when the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy was asked to comment on the Venezuelan Naval warship’s incursion into Guyana’s EEZ last month to accost the Exxon/ Hess/ CNOOC FPSO. The Charge d’Affaires’ answer directly addressed the raison d’etre for the Venezuelan violation when he responded, “They can solve the border issue through friendly consultations and negotiations.” This, of course, adopts Venezuela’s position on the border controversy, in which they claim all of the Essequibo, and which Maduro has singlemindedly pursued through a hybrid war strategy.
China has thus accepted Venezuela’s self-serving interpretation of the 1966 Geneva Agreement, which Venezuela signed with Guyana to establish a mechanism to settle Venezuela’s controversy that the 1899 Arbitral Award that settled our border was void. The Geneva Agreement, in merely eight Articles, mandated the formation of a Mixed Commission (Arts 1 to 3) that would meet and produce biannual reports. If, after four years (by 1970), there was no agreement, “Those Governments shall without delay choose one of the means of peaceful settlement provided in Article 33 of the Charter of the UN.”
In 1970, however, a 12-year moratorium was agreed to, and, in 1982, the two governments resorted to the “Good Offices” of the UN Secty General, in which individuals acceptable to both sides mediated.
The “Good Offices” process continued through 2017, when the Secretary General, as per the Geneva Agreement, in Jan 2018, invoked Art 33 of the UN Charter and chose the ICJ as the next step. In March 2018, Guyana resorted to that institution to adjudge and declare that the 1899 Arbitral Award definitively delineated our border.
Venezuela objected to the jurisdiction of the ICJ, and kept insisting on “direct negotiations”, where it clearly thinks it can browbeat Guyana against the background of the hybrid warfare it launched in 2013 when it seized an Exxon-contracted oil exploration ship.
In Dec 2020, however, the World Court declared it did have such jurisdiction - a position Venezuela continued to reject even as it made submissions, along with Guyana.
Based on the foregoing, the Chinese suggestion on further “consultations and negotiations” was pro-Venezuelan and antiGuyanese, to the extent that our Foreign Policy establishment was forced to bluntly declare: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation rejects the statements made on April 16, 2025, by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of China.”
The Government also noted: “There has been no comment from the Government of China on the blatant announcement by Venezuela that it intends to conduct elections on 25 May 2025 for a governor and legislative council of “Guayana Esequiba State”, which is the name Venezuela has given to Guyana’s Essequibo region.”
China is attempting to play both sides against the middle; since, not only does it have massive economic interests in Venezuela, where it props up the failed Maduro regime, but it defends the latter’s efforts to annex Essequibo because of its own history.
Between 1949 and 1951, China invaded and annexed Tibet, which had been independent and part of the modern state system since 1912.
Conversely, China has forcibly denied the Turkic Muslim Uighurs in Xinjiang their UN-guaranteed right to self-determination.
We must not be fooled by China’s claim that it has “Put ChinaGuyana Friendship First”. As I wrote in late March, “In September 2023, even as Venezuela was once again rattling sabres on our western borders by proposing to hold a referendum to annex Essequibo, China upgraded their relations with that country into the highest possible “all-weather strategic partnership” - and remained silent on the above-mentioned Venezuelan Navy corvette invading our EEZ and threatening the FPSO Lisa Destiny, even though it owns CNOOC, which has a 25% stake in the operating condominium.
China must not be allowed to get away with proverbially running with the hares and hunting with the hounds.
While there are no permanent friends or enemies in foreign affairs, at this juncture, we support President Ali’s adumbration: “The U.S. is a great friend of ours. The U.S. has made it very clear that they are ready to stand by us in our development, in our economic expansion, in our security and in our defence. And I will say very boldly that such friends must have some different and preferential treatment, because a friend who will defend me when I need a friend to defend me must be a friend that enjoys some special place in our heart and in our country; that will be the case.”
The move, formalised in a USTR notice issued April 17, 2025, comes as part of broader US trade actions aimed at China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors—but crucially, it shields Caribbean economies from collateral harm.
“This is a major victory for the region,” Warner said, warning that without the exemption, Caribbean shipping firms using Chinese-built vessels would have faced fees exceeding US$1 million per US port call, risking severe disruptions to trade, inflation control, and supply chain stability throughout CARICOM.
The CPSO—CARICOM’s official private sector body— highlighted that this posi-
tive outcome was achieved through collective advocacy, backed by technical submissions, testimonies, and high-level diplomacy.
Warner credited CARICOM Heads of Government, chaired by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, for their swift and unified response, including formal communications to President Donald Trump and robust ad-
vocacy during meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The CPSO Secretariat, led by Dr Patrick Antoine, was also hailed for its technical leadership. Their mobilisation effort culminated in over 700 participants from across industries joining an emergency coordination call on March 18, 2025, with two follow-up regional consultations helping to shape the CARICOM position.
“This is proof of the power of coordinated, regional action,” Warner said. “We thank all stakeholders, including national Governments, private enterprises, and media, for playing their part.”
The CPSO advocated for several key exemptions in response to the USTR’s proposed port fees targeting China-built vessels. Among the requests, the CPSO called for an exemption for “short sea” shipping, which it defined as vessels operating within 2,750 nautical miles between CARICOM/Caribbean ports and the continental US. The USTR ultimately recommend-
ed an exemption for vessels operating within 2,000 nautical miles—a decision that the CPSO found acceptable.
In addition, the CPSO requested an exemption for vessels carrying less than 55,000 dead-weight tonnes (DWT) and with a capacity of fewer than 4,999 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).
The USTR agreed to a slightly modified exemption, applying it to vessels under 55,000 DWT and fewer than 4,000 TEUs. This, too, was deemed acceptable by the CPSO.
Lastly, the CPSO sought an exemption for specialised cargo vessels, particularly those transporting energy and chemical products which may exceed the 55,000 DWT threshold. The USTR responded positively by proposing exemptions for vessels with an individual bulk capacity of up to 80,000 DWT and for special-purpose vessels designed to transport chemical substances in bulk or liquid forms. This decision aligned with the CPSO’s request and was welcomed by the organisation.
From April 14th to 17th, 2025, the Constitution Reform Commission (CRC) of Guyana participated in an intensive Constitution Education Programme, aimed at deepening members’ understanding of constitutional provisions that enhance state-citizen relations and support governance in the public interest.
This programme, which focused on equipping commissioners with practical and theoretical insights into constitutional frameworks, was facilitated by two internationally respected constitutional experts: Dr Elliott Bulmer and Professor Christine Murray.
Guyana Times understands that the experts were made available to the Commission through the support of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), a Netherlands-based organ-
isation that promotes sustainable democracy worldwide.
Dr Elliott Bulmer is a constitutional specialist with deep expertise in democracy, good governance, and institutional reform. He currently serves as an independent consultant with International IDEA. Specifically, his work focuses on constitutional development in Commonwealth democracies, with particular attention to the Caribbean, South Asia, and the South Pacific.
Professor Christine Murray, a South African constitutional law expert, is Professor Emeritus of Human Rights and Constitutional Law at the University of Cape Town. Her extensive international experience includes serving on the Mediation Support Standby Team of the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UN DPPA) from 2014 to 2024. Professor Murray was also part of the Panel of Experts advising South
Africa’s Constitutional Assembly (1994–1996), the Committee of Experts for Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, and the Commission of Fiji (2012). She has provided constitutional guidance in diverse contexts such as Yemen, Egypt, Lesotho, Libya, Nepal, South Sudan, Somalia, Tunisia, Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, and Zimbabwe.
Hand-in-hand, the two constitutional experts provided commissioners with global best practices and comparative insights that can be adapted to Guyana’s unique context. As the Commission continues its mandate, the insights gained through this programme will also strengthen efforts to make the Constitution a living document that reflects the aspirations of the Guyanese people and supports longterm democratic development.
Moreover, as a result of
this knowledge sharing exercise, Constitution Reform Commission of Guyana is expected to boost their work aimed at promoting a more accountable, transparent, and inclusive governance framework for all Guyanese.
On April 3, 2024, President Dr Irfaan Ali swore in a 21-member Commission tasked with reviewing the Constitution of Guyana and holding widespread stakeholder consultations on areas to be reformed. The 2022 Constitutional Reform Commission Act has outlined several areas for potential reform, including Indigenous peoples’ rights, fundamental rights, children’s rights, eradication of discrimination, enhancement of race relations, and electoral reform, among others.
The Justice Carl Singhled Commission held its first meeting on July 9, 2024 during which Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira was selected as the Vice Chairperson.
In addition to Teixeira, the other People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) representatives on the Commission are: Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, along with Ministers Dr Frank Anthony, Pauline Sukhai, and Kwame McCoy.
The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) parliamentary Opposition is represented by Vincent Alexander, Sherwood Lowe,
Ganesh Mahipal, and Nigel Hughes. The other political appointee is Timothy Jonas, who is the representative of the joinder parties that hold an Opposition seat in the National Assembly.
Labour Movement Representative Aslim Singh, National Toshaos Council (NTC) Representative Derrick John, Private Sector Representative Ramesh Persaud, Women’s Representative Kim Kyte-Thomas, Youth Representative Dr Josh Kanhai, Muslim Representative Imran Ally, Hindu Representative Radha Krishna Sharma, and Farmers’ Representative Adrian Anamayah are the other members sworn-in by the President. The other CRC members are the Guyana Bar Association Representative, Kamal Ramkarran; and Christian Representative Keoma Griffith.
During the April 3 swearing-in ceremony, President Ali told the Commission members that while these areas are wide-ranging, they are not exhaustive in their scope of work. He further noted that the Constitution must be drafted in clear and accessible language that is comprehensible to the average individual. This, according to the Head of State, would ensure that all citizens understand their rights and obligations, thereby facilitating active participation in the democratic process, and reinforcing the mutual understanding between the Government and the governed.
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, has announced that the results of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) 2025 are expected to be released on or before June 26, 2025. Speaking after the successful completion of the twoday examination, Minister Manickchand assured students and parents that the Ministry is committed to predictability and transparency in the results timeline.
“Your results are due on or before the 26th of June 2025 and we're being very predictable. We want you to know so that you're not anxious or wondering or begging or having to have inside knowledge. All the papers are, the exam was set, the assessment was set by CXC (Caribbean Examinations Council), it is being marked and computed and placement and all that being done as usual by the Caribbean
Examinations Council,” the Minister said.
Similar to the structure since 2016, CXC prepares the examination, supervises its administration, marks the scripts, conducts quality checks and conducts consequential reviews if any are requested.
Candidates are tested in four subjects name-
ly, Mathematics, English, Science and Social Studies.
The examination in each subject area consists of two papers. Paper One consists of multiple-choice items while Paper Two consists of essay-type or open-ended items.
This year, more than 15,000 pupils across Guyana sat the NGSA examinations of 2025, with the Ministry of Education reporting a record-high attendance rate of 98 per cent, the best turnout since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Education Minister, a total of 15,813 students were registered to write the twoday national examinations and of that number 15,497 turned up for the assessment.
Among those sitting the exams were 115 students with Special Education Needs (SEND) and, notably, 91 students wrote the
assessments in Spanish — a historic first, introduced last year.
The Minister has expressed optimism in the students being placed is suitable schools, noting that no matter the outcome, they will be supported by the Government in secondary school, with a range of options to help them succeed.
“As I said before, we have taken our country to a place where we'll have more high schools than we've ever had in the country by September coming. And by mid next year, we'll have universal secondary education across Guyana – and that means that all over Guyana, children of secondary age are going to be able to access a secondary school and a discrete secondary school to access the various subjects that we're offering. We are very, very, very happy about that. It's a moment for me, it's a moment for the coun-
try,” she assured.
The NGSA assesses competencies developed from the Grade Three to the Grade Five consolidated curriculum. The 2025 schedule includes both multiple-choice and essay components in English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies over a two-day period.
On 16 April, students sat English Paper II, Mathematics Paper I, Science Paper I, and Social
Studies Paper I. On 17 April, they sat English Paper I, Mathematics Paper II, Science Paper II, and Social Studies Paper II. Mock assessments were conducted in December 2024 and February 2025 to prepare students.
The NGSA is a critical exam for Grade Six pupils in Guyana. It determines placement into secondary schools based on academic performance.
Police have arrested the prime suspect in the fatal shooting of East Bank Berbice (EBB) businessman, Hemchan Utam. They have also located the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting, as well as a motorcycle belonging to the suspect.
According to the police, an intelligence-led operation on Thursday evening at Lot 54 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, resulted in the apprehension of Troyden Trellis, a 28-year-old man who is known to the police.
The police said a search was conducted in the suspect’s apartment, during which a 9MM pistol bearing serial number KL1973 engraved on the frame, along with three matching rounds, were found.
The firearm was discovered in a hidden compartment within the wall-divider in the living room.
Additionally, a black Honda motorcycle was found at the rear of the premises. It was identified as the vehicle used in the commission of the murder/robbery and the subsequent escape.
A 25-year-old female and the mother of Trellis’ child, who resides at the same address, was also present at the time. She too was arrested and placed in custody.
The firearm and motorcycle were seized and lodged. The suspect remains in custody.
Trellis is no stranger to the police. As a teenager, he was involved in a wide range of activities that got the attention of the police.
On November 21, 2015,
Trellis and two others were accused of robbing a New Amsterdam businessman Nicholas Harrinandan and his wife of two cellular phones and $250,000 cash. They were armed with a gun and knives when they carried out the robbery.
In June 2016, Trellis was remanded along with two men whom police described as notorious criminals: Raymond La Fleur and Timothy Sampson, after they attempted to break into a business place.
Then in February 2017, when he was 20-years-old, some 509 grams of marijuana were found in a motorcar that Trellis was driving. And in January last year, Trellis was injured during an incident outside of a night club on Pitt Street, New Amsterdam. The incident involved the use of a firearm.
On Thursday, April 17, at about 10:30 h, Hemchan Utam called ‘Jetto’, a 54-yearold businessman of Edinburgh Village, EBB was shot by a lone unmasked gunman at his business place.
Reports are that Utam and his workers were conducting business when the lone unmasked gunman, suspected to be Trellis, pounced upon them.
Utam operated a retail store selling construction materials and also operated Jetto Trucking Service.
The suspect fired the lone shot during Thursday’s robbery, which injured Utam, and then demanded the money from the businessman before relieving him of the jewellery he was wearing at the time.
Several villages in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) will benefit from enhanced infrastructure works, as well as vehicles,
to improve transportation access. These commitments were made by President Dr Irfaan Ali during a public meeting at Yupukari Village on Saturday.
The meeting, which was also attended by residents from surrounding satellite communities, featured President Ali and team as they assured the people of
Region Nine that they are working in their best interests.
“Every day we are working on how we can bring initiatives to further strengthen and enhance the community. How we can bring initiatives to further solidify the development to make your lives better.”
According to the President, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is one that listens to the people and delivers on the things
the people themselves request. He noted that over the next five years, the communities in Region Nine will be developed in consultation with the residents and as a matter of fact, a number of measures are either already in the pipeline or earmarked for the next budget.
“For example, in Yupukari. Connecting the satellite villages. You want minibuses. You want further help in transportation. The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs already took note of
Rupununi in Region Nine, during which he engaged with residents. Following the meeting, the President commissioned the Katoka Secondary School.
The Government’s efforts to develop Region Nine’s infrastructure, take place alongside one of the largest projects the region has ever seen, namely the Linden to Mabura Hill Road which has an updated completion date of October 2025.
Works on the Linden to Mabura Hill road started in
that. And we’ve already procured two minibuses to support the satellite communities,” President Ali said.
“We’re already in the process and I know this community, one of the main things here is that you’re about 70 kilometres (km) from Lethem. And you want an ambulance. I want to tell you that that ambulance is also being procured for your community.”
He cited the Yupukari/ Fly Hill bridge, which is presently made from timber. President Ali noted that with the community expressing a desire to upgrade the bridge into concrete, he has already asked the Regional authorities and the Ministry, presumably the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, to include this upgrade in the budget.
“At Katoka junction to Flyhill, which is about three kilometres; we’re doing our work. Every day we’re in service to you, that’s how we know this. We’re going to continue work on upgrading that road. Because that is important for you.”
“And then we have, of course, Kaikumbay road. The laterite road. That’s about five to six kilometres. I’ve already asked the engineers so we can work incrementally, kilometre by kilometre, so we can upgrade that laterite road so you can have a good road,” President Ali further explained.
President Ali meanwhile also visited Katoka,
2022, but there were delays after the contractor halted works between June and August 2024 due to procurement challenges, which resulted in downtime.
The previous condition of this road had posed significant challenges for commuters and transport operators. Heavily laden lorries frequently toppled off the roadway, and deteriorated bridges required manual alignment of boards for crossings, often with unsafe outcomes.
However, when completed, the pertinent piece of infrastructure would significantly improve connectivity between Linden and the inland regions of Guyana.
This project is being co-financed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) through a US$112 million loan, a £50 million (US$66 million) grant from the United Kingdom (UK) under the Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (CIPF), and US$12 million from the Government of Guyana. It marks the largest grant Guyana has ever received from the UK.
The road will boast a 7.2-metre-wide carriageway, a two-metre-wide pedestrian and cycle lane, and 10 bus stops with ramps for persons with disabilities. Additionally, the project includes the replacement of multiple bridges and culverts, as well as the installation of 123 lights along the roadway.
The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government’s support to the rice sector continues, with as many as 232,000 acres of rice cultivated in this year’s first crop amid plans by the Government to construct a drying facility for rice farmers in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
During a recent visit to Region Two, where he met with rice farmers at the Anna Regina Secondary School, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha referenced the rice that has already been cultivated, the emphasis on increasing yield, and also spoke of this support being provided to rice farmers.
“Although you have the World Market price, every bag of paddy sold to the millers, we are contributing $300. If we are correct, we’ll have nine million bags of paddy for this crop, because
232,000 acres of rice were cultivated for the first crop of 2025.”
“Now, we had a situation on the Essequibo coast where some regular buyers did not purchase paddy. And that put a strain on the coast. And that is why we are looking seriously, to design a project on the coast, where we can have dry facilities so farmers can have ac-
cess,” Mustapha also said.
According to Mustapha, a system can be developed that will allow a group or consortium of farmers to utilise this drying facility, which the Government will build for the farmers on the Essequibo coast. The Agriculture Minister further noted that this facility could potentially hold 500,000 bags of paddy at any given time.
“We understand the frustration farmers are facing due to this surplus. Our goal is to ensure you get the maximum value for your paddy and have the infrastructure in place to support future harvests, including drying facilities that may be either Government or privately operated with state support.”
“Thanks to the interven-
tion of Vice President (VP) Jagdeo, we’ve already seen significant progress. Several millers have stepped up to increase their purchase volumes, and that’s helping to move things in the right direction,” the Minister added.
Last month, it had been announced that the Government is likely to spend approximately $2.7 billion to cushion the impact of falling prices on local rice farmers. This announcement came amid falling rice prices on the world market.
Added to this was the situation whereby millers were cutting back on the amount of money they can offer farmers for a bag of paddy. In Guyana, the situation is no different. However, the Government of Guyana has stepped in to offer assistance to rice farmers. Through negotiations with millers, the Government of Guyana has been able to arrange for rice farmers to receive no less than $4000 for a 143-pound bag of paddy.
President of the Rice Producers Association (RPA) Leeka Rambrich, had meanwhile also urged rice farmers to pay careful attention to their investments, noting that there is need for those farmers to seek maximum output from minimum investment.
During his budget pre-
sentation in January, Mustapha had revealed that the Government’s 2025 target for the rice sector is more 804,000 tonnes. He had also revealed that at that time in the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary (MMA) scheme in Region Five (Mahaica/ Berbice), over 100,000 acres of rice had been planted.
Guyana’s rice sector broke records last year, with Minister Mustapha revealing at his end of year press conference that 725,282 tonnes of rice was produced in 2024. The increased overall production also came with an increased average national yield of over 6 tonnes per hectare.
“Together,
Also last year, the Agriculture Ministry secured a massive achievement when it was able to hand over to 29 farmers and 9 millers in Region Two, $437 million in money owed to them from rice exported to the Panama market over six years ago.
This payment formed part of the $1.5 billion recovered by the PPP/C Government to compensate farmers and millers affected by a flawed arrangement initiated in 2018 under the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration.
According to President Ali, that future is within reach. He said as a nation, Guyanese are moving steadily and confidently toward the goal of shared prosperity. But he noted that prosperity must be more than wealth — it must be peace of mind, dignity in living, fairness in opportunity, and hope in every household.
“That kind of prosperity comes not just from economic growth, but from social cohesion — from the everyday choices we make to treat one another with dignity and care. So, as we fly our kites and share our meals, as we worship in our churches and relax on our beaches, let us do so with hearts full of gratitude — and with a renewed commitment to building a Guyana that is safe, strong, and united.”
“On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, and myself and family, I wish peace, love, and joyful fellowship to all during this Easter season,” the President stated.
Embracing the Easter message
Meanwhile, Prime Minister (PM), Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, also extended heartfelt greetings to all across Guyana and in the diaspora during this sacred Easter season.
He said Easter is the cornerstone of the Christian faith; a time when the suffering, crucifixion, and triumphant resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, is remembered. According to the PM, Christ’s victory over death is the ultimate promise of
hope, redemption and new life, while also reminding that no matter how great the darkness, the light of God’s love will always prevail.
“This holy season calls us to reflect deeply on Christ’s example of selflessness, forgiveness, and endless compassion. These are universal principles that continue to guide and strengthen us as a people,” Phillips noted.
The Prime Minister added that in Guyana, Easter is celebrated with deep faith and vibrant tradition. He said churches echo with prayers of thanksgiving while families gather in fellowship, and the skies are filled with colourful kites.
Each one of these precious practices, PM Phillips noted, is a joyful symbol of Christ’s ascension, and the shared hope for renewal.
“It is a time to renew our commitment to one another, to our communities, and to our country. As Christians reflect on the resurrection and its promise of eternal life, all of us — regardless of faith — can embrace the Easter message of love, grace, and unity,” he stated.
The PM went on to urge Guyanese to use this season to reach out with generosity, to lift up the vulnerable, and to be instruments of peace in their homes and communities.
“In so doing, we honour our faith and our responsibility to one another as citizens of this blessed country. May the risen Christ fill your hearts with peace and renewed purpose. Happy Easter, and may God continue to bless Guyana,” PM Phillips noted.
Delon Lawrence, a 38-year-old labourer, died after a violent altercation aboard a minibus, and a subsequent confrontation with police and public-spirited citizens along the La Grange Public Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD).
Lawrence, of Lot 10 De Kinderen Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was pronounced dead hours
after being taken into custody. The incident stemmed from an alleged unlawful wounding that occurred around 21:41h on March 15, in a route 31 minibus heading to Wales. The victim, Fiona Jones, 21, a security officer attached to the United States (US) Embassy, told investigators that she was seated at the rear of the bus near a window, alongside another female and the suspect, Lawrence.
According to Jones, without provocation, Lawrence brandished a knife from his waistband and began attacking her and other passengers. Panicked, the driver stopped the vehicle, and all passengers fled, leaving Jones trapped with the armed man. She alleged that Lawrence grabbed her by the hair and stabbed her repeatedly to the head, neck, face, and hand before she managed to escape. Members of the public intervened, subduing the suspect and summoning police.
Jones was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) by pub-
lic-spirited individuals, where she received medical treatment and was later discharged.
When police arrived on the scene, they observed Lawrence being chased and beaten by angry civilians. A constable attempted to arrest him, but the suspect reportedly resisted, lifting the officer off the ground and placing him in a choke hold. With assistance from other ranks and civilians, Lawrence was eventually restrained, handcuffed, and transported to the La Grange Police Station.
However, police reported that Lawrence continued to act disorderly at the station. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) were contacted, and the suspect was later transferred to the Parfaite Harmonie Police Station to await further medical attention. He was placed in the walkway of the lock-ups and monitored periodically. According to police, Lawrence was responsive during routine checks.
However, at approximate-
ly 01:57h on March 16, during a routine inspection, the ranks alleged that they discovered that Lawrence was unresponsive. EMTs were again summoned, and upon arrival, a doctor on the team pronounced him dead.
A post-mortem examination conducted by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh
on April 14 revealed that Lawrence died from subdural haemorrhage due to blunt trauma to the head compounded by multiple fractured ribs. The autopsy was performed at Ezekiel Funeral Home in Best Village, West Bank Demerara. The body was formally identified by the deceased’s sister, Maunesa
The
A26-year-old
Venezuelan national tragically lost his life in a fatal collision involving a motorcycle and a motor lorry along Nelson Mandela Avenue on Wednesday afternoon. The dead man has been identified as Keinner Hernandez, a Venezuelan of mixed ancestry, residing at Lot 1 Railway Embankment,
Kitty, Georgetown. The accident occurred around 15:00h on Wednesday, in the vicinity of Market Street on the northern carriageway of Nelson Mandela Avenue.
According to police reports, Hernandez was the rider of motorcycle CN 9396, a red bike owned by Mahindra Singh of Lot 10 Public Road, Lancaster, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD). At the time of the incident, he was wearing a safety helmet.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Hernandez was proceeding east along the southern drive lane of the northern carriageway, while a blue motor lorry bearing a dealer identification mark NPC 1, owned by Nand Persaud Company Limited of No 38 Village, Corentyne Berbice, was also heading east along the northern drive lane of the same carriageway.
The lorry was being driven by 21-year-old Saheed Ramcharran, who resides at
Lot 445, Good Hope, ECD.
As the two vehicles neared Market Street, Hernandez reportedly rode up behind a slow-moving cream-coloured motor lorry (registration unknown). In an attempt to overtake, he swerved from the southern to the northern lane of the northern carriageway, placing himself directly in the path of the oncoming motor lorry, NPC 1.
The front right side of the motor lorry reportedly collided with the front left side of the motorcycle. The impact caused Hernandez and the bike to fall onto the roadway, where they were subsequently run over by the motor lorry.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) were summoned to the scene, but Hernandez was pronounced dead by a doctor upon arrival. His body was later transported to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination. The motorcycle sus-
tained significant damage in the crash.
The lorry driver, Ramcharran, has been taken into custody and is as-
sisting police with ongoing investigations.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has since launched a detailed probe into the incident as investigators work to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine culpability.
Atragic incident at a Moblissa home has claimed the lives of a young woman and her reputed husband, following what was initially reported as a cooking fire in the early hours of Friday morning.
Dead are Mezona
Ronaldo, a 20-year-old, and Kevin Cadogan, 34, who was employed as a labourer. The two reportedly sustained severe burns during the incident, which occurred around 00:30h on Friday, at Cadogan’s residence in Moblissa, Linden Highway.
According to reports made by Kevin’s mother, Patricia Williams, a 55-year-old resident of Adventure, Linden Soesdyke Highway, she was asleep at home when she was awakened by shouts for help from her son, Kevin. Upon checking, she said she saw
Williams told police that she questioned the pair about what had happened, and they allegedly stated that Mezona was cooking in the kitchen when the gas bottle caught fire. Kevin reportedly attempted to assist her by grabbing and trying to put out the flames, during which both sustained injuries.
Williams said she immediately called a taxi and transported the injured couple to the Mackenzie Hospital, where they were examined by a doctor. Given the sever-
ity of their burns, they were referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for further medical treatment.
Sadly, Ronaldo succumbed to her injuries while receiving emergency care at GPHC. Kevin Cadogan was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he remained in a critical condition.
However, in an update provided by police on Saturday, Cadogan also passed away at approximately 03:30h, becoming the second fatality in the incident.
Detectives from Regional
Divisions 4B, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and Region 10 (Linden) visited the scene around 13:00 h on Friday to conduct initial investigations. While police have not yet released a definitive cause of the fire, some sources familiar with the couple’s relationship have alleged that there may have been a troubled history between the two. Unconfirmed reports circulating on social media suggest that Ronaldo may have been attempting to escape an allegedly abusive relationship. According to those sources, the couple had been together for over a year, and there were recent claims of domestic abuse. Some have speculated that the fire may have been deliberately set during an attempt by Ronaldo to leave the relationship. However, these claims remain unverified, and no official statements have been made to confirm any such motive.
Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Many may say that love is seen in its greatest manifestation when two hearts unite in erotic desire; or when a parent selflessly sacrifices for the well-being of their child; or through some beloved romantic movie that has been specially scripted to demonstrate love.
However, for Pastor Juan Jose Pereira, also known as Pastor Derrick, the most powerful love story ever told doesn’t begin with flowers or fanfare. It begins with a very special person who was willing to die on a wooden cross to justify humanity;
and it ends with that person being resurrected from the dead three days later, as is attested by an empty tomb being encountered after that person had been buried.
For Pastor Derrick, of Shekinah Glory Ministries, West Bank Demerara, the greatest love story is the story of Jesus Christ: who gave His life for the redemption of humanity, and rose from the dead three days later for the justification of humanity.
In a recent telephone interview with this publication, Pastor Derrick shared his reflections on Easter, its life-changing significance for believers across the world; and how he, a renowned pastor, celebrates the season. As a long-serving spiritual leader, Pastor Derrick has spent decades guiding hundreds to Christ across Guyana.
“Well, it’s all about the Saviour coming into the world — the death, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world,” he explained.
TURN TO PAGE 39
At 30 years old, Flavio Francis also known as ‘Flazo’ was adjudged Guyana’s Best Mixologist for two consecutive years – once in 2023 at the Guyana Rum Festival and once in 2024 at the Eldorado Rum Heritage.
This weekend, he is set to not only showcase his talent for the third year at the Rupununi Rodeo but also provide patrons with some of his best mixes.
Born in the North Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), his mission is to elevate the craft of mixology, turning passion into purpose, and creat-
ing pathways for emerging bartenders across Guyana.
His art and skills have led to him representing Guyana on the international stage, after winning the 2024 El Dorado Rum Heritage Cocktail Competition. The former Bladen Hall Multilateral student chose mixology as his career because it is something that he was always passionate about.
“It’s something I truly love. I’ve always had a natural talent for the art and science behind it. I’m fascinated by chemistry and how
different textures and styles can be transformed into creative, flavourful experiences. From early on, I felt mixology was aligned with my future, and today, I’m proud to be recognised as one of the top mixologists,” he told the Guyana Times during a recent interview.
He added that if he hadn’t followed the path of mixology, he would have pursued a career in medicine since he was always fascinated about the medical field and helping others through science.
Nevertheless, his journey has been incredible so
far, and he has no regrets of choosing this career path.
“Over the years, I’ve grown immensely in this field. From learning the ropes to becoming a cocktail master, it’s been a path of hard work, creativity, and resilience, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” he explained. While he doesn’t have a role model, he told this publication that he respects all the bartenders and mixologists who paved the way and set examples for others to follow.
TURN TO PAGE 39
Engineers around the world are highly respected for their remarkable creations—planes, helicopters, jets, blimps, and a myriad of other flying machines.
But here in Guyana, a unique group of individuals, much like engineers, captivate thousands of children with their own form of creation: kites. These kite makers, using simple yet skilled techniques, craft flying wonders that bring joy to young and old alike.
One such artisan is Rupert Grant, a veteran kite maker who has been handcrafting and selling his kites at the corner of Camp and Regent Streets for the past 15 years. Amidst the steady winds of this bustling intersection, Rupert stands roadside, equipped with glue, bamboo sticks, and all the essentials needed to create his airborne masterpieces.
This publication caught up with Grant at the corner, where he shared that the tradition was passed down to him from his un-
cle. He also spoke about the engineering-like talent he has used for years to please the people of Guyana.
According to Grant, the feeling of unravelling hundreds of twine lines is etched into his hands, as each year he takes the time to prepare kites for people.
“Well, my uncle used to make any kite — he could’ve made any kite that you could think of, from bird kites to singing engines, you know what I mean? When I was young, he had his own customers, and he even used to make custom kites. I used to help him make the kites, and that’s how I started to learn to make them.”
“Around his time, he used to make the kites a little old-fashioned — with a pointer and a board — like, the kites used to look like boards with wings, you know? Those were the types of kites that I grew up seeing.”
After this initial experience, he expressed that a significant turning point came when a well-estab-
lished kite maker from Linden saw him making kites and asked him to join him. According to Grant, he absorbed as many skills as he could and became even better at his craft.
“I happened to meet up with a big kite maker in the area who had his own kite-making company. I already had the skills, you know what I mean? I worked with him. He used to make a lot of kites for people. But eventually, he migrated, and by then, I already had the real skills in me.”
From that experience, he chose to branch off on his own, knowing that he had the experience and teachings that ultimately brought him to the level he’s at today.
“All those years led me to where I am today. This is usually my spot, and I’ve been here for 15 years. I had partners who used to work along with me. We buy the materials in the local shops we normally get bamboo sticks, nails, and twine, and make the frame first. The bamboo is the most important
part. Then you measure it — 2 feet, 18 inches, 1 foot — whatever size you’d like to make.”
The veteran stated that each year he creates hundreds of kites, which brings him no greater joy.
“Well, I paste and create hundreds of kites during the course of this weekend. One kite takes about five minutes to paste. It makes me feel good when people come out and buy. They know I’ve got the real thing for the people, and when I give them a kite, I’m so glad they got it from me. It’s like a two-day thing because we make the frames a couple of days before. But the pasting finishes in one day, and the decorations have to go on even when the breeze is blowing heavily. I normally deal with it right here in the breeze and everything.”
In fact, with the vast popularity that Grant has attained over the years, he recounted that an array of persons — even the businessman who first invited him to work — often calls him for advice on kite-making due to the at-
tention and demand his creations have gained.
“It’s like, the guy that I met from my village needs me now. Most kite makers these days even need me for advice, because I’m the one who knows how to make the stars and everything for the kite. And if you look, you’ll see all of my stars on the kites look a particular way. I know what’s what. Now, everybody wants to see all kinds of kites, made from all sorts of things.”
“When I start making my kites, all I need is a little nice groove and motion — and then the going gets going. It’s got to groove in, and then it starts. You know, the production has to move fast... The number of things we are going to... it’s a lot.”
Grant went on to relay that he wishes that this tradition continues in the future years for the great joy that it has given him, and he knows that anyone who comes in to contact with it will fall in love with the kite making, engineering-like process.
Anew era in fashion is set to dawn upon Guyana as 40 designers—31 local and 9 international—prepare to take the spotlight at the first-ever Origins Guyana Fashion Festival, happening from May 2 to 4.
The event will showcase a variety of styles and influences, including Indigenous fashion, Afrocentric and Indian-inspired wear, contemporary designs, jewellery, and other niche collections.
Before the festive competition kicks off, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond, met with the participating designers at the Railway Courtyard earlier this week, and stressed the significance of the initiative.
“Guyana is brimming with untapped talent and creativity. The Origins Fashion Festival is a platform to elevate our designers, empower creatives, and spotlight Guyana as a serious player in the regional and international fashion industry,” she declared. “We are not just hosting a fashion show, we are laying the foundation for a resilient, professional fashion industry—one that generates sustainable livelihoods for our designers.”
In addition to the runway shows, the festival will offer skill-building workshops and industry training.
According to designer and event consultant, Keisha Edwards, sessions will cover topics like fashion illustration, design fundamentals, professional makeup, and how artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping the creative economy.
“These workshops are essential courses that provide the technical foundation and business insights our creatives need to thrive in an evolving global industry,” Edwards said.
Among the creatives getting ready to showcase their work is Roberto Teekah, a fashion illustrator and designer, who expressed his excitement about the opportunity.
“To be able to share the stage with both emerging talents and seasoned designers who have worked tirelessly to sustain and evolve Guyana’s fashion industry is inspiring,” he said.
Salina Cruickshank, owner of Sally’s Stitch Fix, also shared her enthusiasm: “This is the first event of this scale that I have ever been a part of, and I’m truly honoured.”
With rehearsals in full swing, organisers are currently reviewing the possibility of bringing in additional models to meet the needs of the large designer line-up.
A full breakdown of the activities, along with ticketing details, will be released later this week.
Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d), the Honourable Mark Phillips commissioned 45 newly constructed concrete bridges spanning the Mabura to Lethem corridor this afternoon in Region Nine.
Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the PM stated that the event underscores the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration’s unwavering vision—not only to bridge the infrastructural and developmental divide between the coastland and hinterland, but also
build, connect, and elevate every community and every one of our people’s futures in Guyana.”
The PM noted that the bridges will serve far more than transportation needs. He said that the 45 bridges are part of a broader national infrastructure programme designed to enhance economic opportunities, social integration, and access to essential services for hinterland communities.
Berbice, and Demerara rivers, and major highways linking communities from Palmyra to Moleson Creek and Ogle to Eccles.
“These projects are the firm foundation of a fully connected Guyana,” PM Phillips affirmed. “We are bridging our future by creating access and opening up opportunities.”
He also emphasised the broader transformation taking place under the PPP/C Administration, citing Guyana’s record-breaking gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 43.6 per cent in 2024, alongside a 13.1 per cent expansion in the non-oil economy—results attributed to intentional policy measures and governance focused on the needs of the population.
“We are seeing the effects already—Guyana is now among the fastest-growing economies on Earth. But we’re not letting that growth pass by our people— it is reaching them through roads, homes, jobs, and better wages.”
President Dr Mohamed
Ali, for prioritising infrastructure development as a tool for sustainability, job creation, and national transformation.
“In every region, our promises are all coming to fruition. This is progress with purpose and as we move forward, we are ensuring that no one is left be-
hind.” The commissioning was attended by regional officials, engineers, community leaders and residents.
to create a fully connected Guyana, where every region is recognised as a vital stakeholder in the country’s growth and prosperity.
“We see this moment as a signal that the old days of division between Guyana’s coastland and hinterland are over. It is a declaration that development is for all, and it is a commitment to
“This initiative will develop our economic infrastructure, connecting businesses, schools, hospitals, farms, and families,” he said.
In reinforcing the ruling administration’s commitment to inclusive development, the PM also pointed to major investments in Amerindian communities, including the
More than $12.9 billion is allocated for the corridor in 2025, while a total of $209 billion has been earmarked nationally to advance roads and bridges. Complementary projects underway across the country include the Linden to Mabura Hill Road, new bridges over the Corentyne,
disbursement of over $9.5 billion from carbon credit revenues to fund more than 800 locally-driven projects.
“Regardless of where you live in this country, every child deserves the same chance, every business must have the same access, and every family must have the same hope.”
He also credited the leadership of His Excellency,
Fifteen -year-old Jaziel Stanford, a member of the Turkeyen Police Youth Group B, designed his creative ‘Police Kite’, and, along with members of his youth group, in the company of liaison officer, Ms Sandra King, brought out the kite on Saturday at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, where Commissioner Hicken was hosting his annual kite distribution and fun day for members of the Force and the public.
The kite, ‘pasted’ with the traditional police colours of red and blue, was made by Jaziel, who shared with Sergeant Arvinidra Rajballi of the Cooperative Communications Unit (CCU) that he made the kite for the entire youth group so that they can fly it on Easter Day. The talented young said it only took him about an hour and a half to ‘paste’ the kite.
Described as “creativity at its best” Rajballi noted it is what the Police Youth Groups are intended for:
safe spaces for our youths that fosters cooper-
Two men from the Essequibo Coast are facing the weight of the law this week in separate break-and-enter cases – one resulting in conviction and the other remanded and prompting a broader police investigation into a string of reported burglaries that have rattled communities across the region.
David Joseph, a 37-yearold labourer of Queenstown Village known as “Naiya,” was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment after he was found guilty of breaking into the home of 38-year-old Poonraj Lachman, a supervisor attached to Caricom Rice Mill.
The offence occurred on February 1 at Lachman’s residence at Lot 67 Queenstown Public Road. Joseph, who had been on remand, appeared virtually before the
Suddie Magistrate’s Court via Zoom from the Lusignan Prison. His case was heard by Magistrate Tamieka Clarke, who after considering the evidence, handed down the sentence.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, 27-yearold Vishaul Anauge, known as “Ghan,” of Adventure Village, was brought before the same court this week, as police pressed multiple charges stemming from a wave of alleged burglaries across several villages.
Anauge, an unemployed man, was remanded to prison after appearing virtually before Magistrate Clarke. He faces allegations connected to several breakins reported by residents of Supenaam, Adventure, Pomona, and Good Hope. The victims, mostly women between the ages of 22 and 61, have told police they were each targeted in a series of night-time break-ins that left them shaken and fearful.
Anauge is also accused of committing burglary at the residence of a 57-year-old man in Adventure Village and is facing a charge of simple larceny. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges and is scheduled to return to court on May 5 for disclosure of statements.
His arrest followed what
police described as a dangerous confrontation. Officers said Anauge attempted to evade capture while armed with a cutlass, prompting them to use force. He was reportedly shot during the altercation and later taken into custody.
Sources close to the investigation have indicated that several more charges are likely to be laid against him, as detectives continue to probe a broader pattern of burglaries believed to be connected to the accused.
The back-to-back cases have brought some sense of relief to residents, many of whom say they had grown tired of living in fear.
“You know what touches the heart the most? It’s the passion. It’s the way He went to the cross. The suffering, man! The suffering. When He was beaten, when He carried the cross on His shoulder and went up the mountain of God to be crucified. That’s the touching part!” Pastor Derrick intoned.
Pastor Derrick made known his conviction that Easter isn’t just a time of tradition, but is a spiritual wake-up call. He is therefore urging both Christians and non-Christians to look beyond surface-level celebrations and confront the depth of Jesus’s sacrifice.
“Indeed, the Saviour went to the cross and died, and they (people) should give their hearts to Christ. Don’t just see it like a movie. Don’t just see that and feel nice and that’s it. See it as a real story…” he has urged.
Reaching out to the younger generation, Pastor Derrick offered a perspective that blends cultural tradition with spiritual truth, thereby shedding light on the symbolic meaning behind one of Guyana’s most loved Easter traditions - kite flying. He declared, “Yeah! Well, for example, everybody flies a kite, right? They like kites. They know it’s kite time at
Easter. Some people do other stuff, but they should take the meaning behind this kite-flying activity seriously. This is about our Saviour, our God, our future… The kite represents how Jesus (was) resurrected from the grave and went up into the air.”
According to him, many engage in kite-flying for fun, but few understand its deeper connection to the resurrection and ascension of Christ. He believes this symbolism should be more widely recognized and respected.
“They put up the kite, you know, but people do it and they don’t really know the meaning. This isn’t just a story. He did indeed resurrect, and it’s real,” Pastor Derrick affirmed.
And while Easter often becomes another long weekend or casual break from routine, Pastor Derrick believes it should be much more than that. To him it should be a sacred opportu-
nity to recommit to the faith.
“They should take it seriously: Go to church, think of Good Friday and Easter Sunday, make a special effort to follow Jesus; especially the young people, they tend to take it as just a normal holiday,” he explained.
As the world grows increasingly fast-paced and materially-driven, Pastor Derrick’s call is a reminder of eternal priorities. While many focus on careers, achievements, and worldly success, Pastor Derrick offers a compelling alternative: eternal life through faith in Jesus the Christ.
“This is not normal, this is real. This is reality. This is your life, and it will give you life eternal. Yes, people are looking after natural things, like careers and everything, but this…this is more important. This is about your future, about life after death, about eternal life,” he admonished.
A38-year-old woman from One- and ThreeQuarter Miles, Potaro Road, Bartica, was sentenced to jail and fined, after she was found guilty of multiple charges stemming from a domestic dispute.
Julie Moore was arrested on April 13 and later charged with two counts of assault, two counts of breach of a protection order, and one count of using threatening language. The charges were laid following a police investigation into a series of incidents involving Moore and a protected party whose identity has been withheld for legal reasons.
She appeared at the Bartica Magistrate’s Courts on April 14 before Magistrate Tariq Mohamed, where the charges were formally read to her. Moore pleaded not guilty to all five charges. A trial was conducted the same day, after
which the court found her guilty on each count.
In handing down the sentence, Magistrate Mohamed imposed a fine of $7,000 for the offence of threatening language, with an alternative sentence of two weeks in prison if the fine is not paid.
For the first count of
breaching a protection order, Moore was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. On the charge of assault related to that breach, she was fined $10,000 or two weeks’ imprisonment in default.
She was also fined $10,000 for a second assault charge, again with a two-week custodial sentence in default, and given a further six-month prison sentence for the second count of breaching the protection order.
Moore was immediately taken into custody following the sentencing. Her cumulative sentence includes two six-month terms of imprisonment, alongside fines totalling $27,000.
The matter has once again drawn attention to the seriousness with which courts are treating breaches of protection orders, particularly when combined with acts of violence or intimidation.
“But honestly, a big part of my inspiration came from within: my imagination and the deep passion I have for this field. Today, I strive to be that same source of inspiration for upcoming bartenders,” the young man related.
As it relates to his favourite menu, he explained that there are many classic cocktails he enjoys, and is always experimenting with new ones. “But one of my all-time favourites is the Old Fashioned. It’s simple, elegant, and perfectly balanced. A timeless drink that continues to inspire my craft.”
He further explained that as a mixologist, one of his core responsibilities is designing cocktail menus from scratch. “I love experimenting with flavour combinations, reinventing classics, and building concepts that match the vibes of modern hospitality. It’s something I enjoy doing even in my spare time,” he added while at the same time, grinned, “probably, I do it in my sleep as well.”
Being a mixologist, meant that this talented young man, who is still single, had to study and work with all types of spirits from rums and whiskies to liqueurs and gins. “I know their histories, taste profiles, and how to balance them. Each spirit tells a story, and I love bringing that to life through my drinks
but more importantly, creating that mixture to captivate and awe his customers.”
“My formula is built around three Ss: Sweet, Sour, and Strong. I start there and then layer in creativity, texture, and presentation to craft something unique,” he noted.
As far as he could remember, not pleasing the guests rarely happens. “This rarely happens to me, but when it does, I always make sure the guest leaves happy. I usually recommend another mix or create a surprise cocktail, often offering it complimentary as a gesture of gratitude.”
When it comes to difficult guests, ‘Flazo’ stays calm. He said that he tries to ensure that he makes them feel heard, and guides them through the menu with a smile, while noting that, after all, respect goes a long way in hospitality.
In some cases, depending on the foot traffic at an event, key ingredients can run down or even run out, but if this happens to him, he doesn’t panic and proudly stated, being a Caribbean national, he finds creative alternatives from the abundance of natural ingredients around him to improvise.
“I keep the energy exciting, that’s part of the art.”
His most memorable moment as a mixologist is winning the award in 2023.
“That moment launched me to a new level and gave me
the recognition I had dreamt of. It’s a memory I’ll always carry with pride.”
Ever since, his journey has been one of resilience, passion, and purpose. “From a young age, I was blessed with a natural talent that laid the foundation for my career. I’ve risen from the ground up, and I continue to set the pace for those who follow. My career in mixology is built on heritage, legacy, and authenticity,” he told the Guyana Times.
As he looks into the future, he is pleased to introduce his very own Mixology Master Class – a space where vibrant, passionate learners will be trained, mentored, and elevated. During these sessions, he also intends to enhance their skills, refine their presentation, and share everything he has leant over the years.
Meanwhile, he encourages the young people to do what he did – that is, to chase after their wildest dreams. “Whether it’s mixology or something else, go after what your heart and mind are telling you. If not now, when? Don’t wait. It’s already yours, you just have to claim it.”
He expressed his gratitude to his supporters and followers who have stood by him and had the chance to witness his journey. “Your love and encouragement have helped propel me to this level. I love you all and I am forever grateful.”
Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has lashed out at local telecommunication providers, particularly Digicel and GTT (now renamed One Communications), for what he has described as “disgraceful” service to customers.
According to Jagdeo during a recent youth forum on the Essequibo Coast, a young female from the Pomeroon had complained about the atrocious service from these two companies in her community.
“This is a disaster, and it’s disgraceful… When I came back from Regions One and Nine, I couldn’t even use my phone. The service is so crappy in these areas,” he stated.
The VP went on to note that these telecommunication providers have the capacity to serve the nation, and so Government will be going after them to ensure that they do so.
“They have spectrum for the whole country, and they should be utilising the spectrum or lose them, because they’re very valuable – the many bands on the spectrum that they have.”
Jagdeo added that these service providers disadvantaged a lot of the riverain and hinterland communi-
ties, as well as those on the coastland.
“And so, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has to really regulate the level of services that people pay for, but they can’t get in these communities, in the hinterland, riverain and sometimes even in the coastal communities,” he said.
“This is something I’m personally going to follow up on. I’m going to be on their case for this matter,” the Vice President added.
According to Jagdeo, this level of poor service is unacceptable and runs counter to Government’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and expand key initiatives such as online education to remote communities across the country.
Approval for Starlink’s licence was given late last year, and the United States (US)-based company is already operating across Guyana.
The Guyana Government plans to use this service provider to enhance its telemedicine services nationwide.
Earlier this month, Guyana’s National Security Advisor, Gerry Gouveia, confirmed that Starlink’s service is currently available all across Guyana.
“It started a couple days
Starlink
It is against this backdrop, Jagdeo said, that Government has allowed Starlink to set up operations in hinterland communities across the country so that they can have reliable internet access.
“So, we are solving this issue by putting in this Starlink for at least the GOAL [scholarship] programmes and stuff,” he noted.
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, LLC, an international telecommunications provider that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American aerospace company SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk.
Two men have been remanded to prison after being charged with the murder of Cuban national Jose Aurelio Ramirez, who was fatally stabbed during what police believe was a robbery in the early hours of Sunday, April 13, 2025. The accused, Tyrese Blair, called “Six”, a 20-yearold unemployed man of Lot 44 Middle Walk, Buxton, and 21-year-old Omar Clayton Bacchus, a mason of Lot 121 Paradise, East Coast Demerara (ECD), were arrested on April 14 in connection with the killing.
On Thursday, the duo
appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Courts before Magistrate Sunil Scarce. They were formally charged with Murder in the Course or Furtherance of a Robbery, contrary to Section 100(1)(c)(i) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. The charge stems from the fatal stabbing of 54-yearold Ramirez, who resided in Melanie, ECD. Blair and Bacchus were not required to plead to the indictable offence and were remanded to prison until their next court appearance, which is set for May 22.
According to police in
Regional Division 4’C’, ECD, ranks were on routine anti-crime patrol around 2:40h on April 13 when they observed an ambulance stationed near the Melanie Market Road. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) from the Melanie Fire Station were seen attending to Ramirez and a female companion, also a Cuban national, on the southern side of Market Road.
Ramirez’s body bore multiple injuries, including what appeared to be a deep slash to the left wrist, stab wounds to the left chest, right bicep, right rib, and a gash on the chin. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The female, who showed no visible injuries, was interviewed by detectives and has been assisting with the ongoing investigation. Police said she was found at the scene alongside Ramirez and may be a key witness in the case.
Following the incident, investigators issued a wanted bulletin for Blair, who was later arrested along with Bacchus. The body of the deceased was transported to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where a post-mortem examination was conducted.
ago. It’s for everybody. You can buy it online, and I actually just bought one for myself online. Anyone can go and find it online,” Gouveia noted.
According to the company’s website, Starlink is currently offering residential plans that include a “no contracts, 30-day trial” period with the equipment shipping in 1-2 weeks.
The residential plans include “standard” and “mini” packages that both offer two monthly subscription plans: the “Residential” for
$11,000 per month, and the “Residential Lite” for $7400 per month.
The one-time equipment also comes in the “Starlink Standard Kit” for $82,000, and the Starlink Mini Kit for $42,000. There are also a number of accessory addons for sale.
According to the website, “The Starlink Kit arrives with everything needed to get online in minutes. All you need is a clear view of the sky. Download the Starlink App to determine your best install location.”
Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken has handed over 175 flashing wands to the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Traffic Department.
This gesture forms part of the ongoing effort to enhance road safety and improve the traffic management capabili-
Asailor from Wakenaam Island in Essequibo was on Monday fined $30,000 after pleading guilty to a drug possession charge at the Charity Magistrate’s Court.
Lakeram Mahindranauth, also known as “Vishan,” a 42-yearold from Lot 108 Maria’s
ties of the department.
The provision of these flashing wands is expected to improve visibility and provide added support to road users during nighttime hours, while also enhancing the overall service delivery of the Traffic Department.
Flashing wands are essential tools used to ensure the safety of both drivers and pedestrians, whether in construction zones, at public events, or in emergency situations. These devices are equipped with ultra-bright lights and offer both flashing and steady modes to maximise visibility.
Pleasure, Wakenaam, Essequibo Island, appeared before Magistrate Tamieka Clarke in connection with the possession of a narcotic substance.
He was charged with having 0.81 grams of cocaine in his possession on April 13, at Adventure, Essequibo Coast. The charge was laid
under Section 4(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10. When the charge was read to him, Mahindranauth pleaded guilty. He was fined with an alternative sentence of one month imprisonment if the fine is not paid.
OOffice for Investment (GO-
During the meeting, Dr Ramsaroop outlined several key sectors
Two local artistes will soon have the chance to share the stage with internationally acclaimed Dancehall icon, Vybz Kartel. This opportunity is being made possible through a collaborative initiative between the Government of Guyana and the Jamaican artiste’s management team.
The move follows a recent visit by Vybz Kartel to Guyana, during which he met with President Irfaan Ali and a group of local musicians. As part of his commitment to supporting the growth of the Guyanese music scene, Kartel pledged to feature local talent during his upcoming performance. He also opened the door for collaborations with local artistes.
To ensure a fair selection process, the Government has announced open audi-
tions, from which one male and one female artiste will be chosen based on specific criteria.
On Friday, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon Oneidge Walrond, along with Hon. Kwame McCoy, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Public Affairs, met with aspiring artistes at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
Minister McCoy emphasised the Government’s ongoing support for the creative industries, highlighting initiatives such as grants for recording studios. He noted that the music industry has the potential to become a billion-dollar sector and encouraged artistes to refine their craft to appeal to both local and global audiences.
Minister Walrond echoed this sentiment, outlining the Government’s broader vision for developing the local music industry. She emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for international exposure and collaborations, with the ultimate goal of positioning Guyanese artistes as globally recognised talents.
“We are stronger as a collective, and this initiative helps bring us together as creatives and artistes,” Minister Walrond stated.
As part of the selection process, all interested artistes are required to submit samples of their work. A shortlist of ten will be selected for a final audition, from which the top two performers will be chosen.
Vybz Kartel is scheduled to perform in Guyana on May 24.
where Vietnamese industries could engage with Guyana’s expanding economy. Discussions focused on agro-processing opportunities—such as cashew production and the cultivation of higher-grade rice—as well as potential investments in the manu -
facturing sector. He also expressed interest in exploring Vietnamese import products that align with Guyana’s development priorities.
The visit underscored the growing interest in strengthening trade and investment relations between Vietnam and Guyana. Also in attendance were Ms Pham Thi Thu Hong, spouse of the Ambassador; Ms Tran Lam Nga, First Secretary; Ms Le Hong Ngoc, Attaché; and Ms Nikkisha Logan, Senior Director of Legal Services at Go-Invest.
– suspect said to have threatened other neighbours who arrived to stop the attack
ACorentyne poultry farmer is now dead, five days after being attacked with a brick, and his head slammed into a concrete wall, by his neighbour.
Dead is Enque Hintzen 24, a poultry farmer of Number 51 Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
The incident occurred on Monday, and Hintzen passed away Saturday morning at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).
Hintzen’s reputed wife, who is nine months pregnant, Aaliyah Ward explained that her husband and the alleged attacker were not on speaking terms.
She said at about 8:00 h on Monday, their 25-yearold neighbour, Kelly France, came into their yard to get his pre-paid electricity meter charged.
“He and Enque don’t take. So, Enque told him to come out of the yard… Enque end up pushing him out of the yard, and then he come back inside and start to hit him with a stick and pelt him with a brick in his head – the brick still by the gate.”
The woman said the intruder continued to assault her husband by kicking him.
“Then he take his head and slam it against the concrete wall,” she added while explaining that as her husband collapsed, the neighbour left the yard.
“Enque get up and walk out the yard and he fall down by the road.”
Ward said neighbours had gathered during the first encounter between the two men.
“Plenty neighbours come and they try and part them, and when Kelly going away, he tell them, ‘Ah gon kill all you all in this village’, but we didn’t know he gon come back in the yard,” the grieving woman said.
Hintzen was rushed to Skeldon Public Hospital and later transferred to New Amsterdam Public Hospital before being sent to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) until his passing.
Dead: Enque Hintzen
According to Ward, on
Friday the suspect and all of his family members left home and have not returned. Police are said to be on a hunt for the suspect.
SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 2025
00:00 Sign Off
06:00 (Sign on) Jewanram Gospel Hour
07:00 Evening News (RB)
08:00 Cartoons
09:00 Movie - Peter Rabbit (2018)
10:30 Movie - Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway (2021)
12:00 TVG’s Easter Mix
13:00 Movie - Ordinary Angels (2024)
15:00 Movie - Easter Land (2019)
16:15 TVG’s Kite Making Feature
16:30 Anthony’s Easter Special
17:30 The Healing Touch
18:00 Wheel of Fortune
18:30 Week-in-Review
19:00 Supergirl S3 E8
20:00 Jeewan Ki Roti
20:30 Movie - The Miracle Maker (1999)
22:00 Movie - The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Ecuador has declared a state of “maximum alert” over an assassination plot against President Daniel Noboa.
In a statement entitled “The revenge of the bad losers” issued early on Saturday, the Ministry of Government said “all security protocols have been activated” due to the threat emanating from “criminal organizations, in collusion with political groups defeated at the polls”.
Noboa was re-elected earlier this month, promising to continue a crackdown on rampant cartel violence that plagues Ecuador. His opponent, Luisa Gonzalez, has continued to insist that the vote was fraudulent.
The statement follows the leak earlier this week of a military intelligence report that said assassins entering Ecuador from Mexico and other countries planned to carry out “terrorist attacks” against Noboa.
The government statement alleges that “bad losers” from the recent April 13 election hired sicarios (hitmen) from Mexico and other countries in a bid to destabilise the government.
“The state is on high
alert. All security protocols have been activated, and the Armed Forces, the National Police, and intelligence agencies are working together,” it reads.
Although not offering names, the statement appears to accuse the Citizen Revolution Movement (RC5) of which Gonzalez is leader and that is linked to former President Rafael Correa, of planning the attack.
Media reports in Ecuador also suggested that support may have been forthcoming from foreign leaders including President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico.
Amid a diplomatic fallout that launched last year,
Sheinbaum announced on Wednesday that Mexico would not restore diplomatic relations with Ecuador as long as Noboa remains in office.
The Mexican leader had publicly supported Gonzalez in the election.
The reported assassination plot comes amid a pattern of escalating violence in Ecuador, including the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in 2023.
Rampant violence by criminal gangs involved in trafficking from the world’s biggest cocaine producers, neighbouring Peru and Colombia, has also blighted the country. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
AJamaican national was arrested in the United States this month after escaping police custody in Saint Lucia in 2020.
Orville Andrew Pernell was apprehended on April 4 by the US’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Savannah, Georgia, following an extensive investigation and multinational manhunt.
The 32-year-old gained widespread attention in October of 2020 when he escaped from the Babonneau Police Station (Pernelle was charged for causing the death of Cleus Alfred of Ravine Macock, on August 25, 2020, at Trouya, Gros Islet). He fled to Jamaica thereafter.
In 2021, he was arrested in Jamaica but managed to escape again.
According to a press release from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered Pernell on Dec. 7, 2022, near San
Ysidro, California, after he attempted to enter the US using a fake identity. He was paroled into the country and given a notice to appear.
In July of 2023, Pernell was arrested by the Clayton County Sheriff in Clayton County, Georgia, for the possession of a stolen motorcycle and attempting to evade arrest. During the arrest, police discovered a stolen 9mm handgun. After several run-ins with the law and evading police for years, the Jamaican was finally captured.
Pernell faces charges for
being “an alien in possession of a weapon”, and after he is extradited to Saint Lucia, will stand murder trial. (He will be placed at the Bordelais Correctional Facility when he returns.)
“The investigations into the circumstances surrounding his escape here in Saint Lucia will continue. Now that he’s being brought back, we may get some further insight into what may have actually happened,”
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Luke Defreitas said this week, noting that “There are additional charges of escaping lawful custody to be preferred.”
The body of O’delle Lalman-Baptiste, the wife of a Point Fortin car dealer, was found with stab wounds and her throat slit hours after she was kidnapped during a robbery at Carlsen Field, Chaguanas, late Friday night.
Police believe she may have been killed shortly after the abduction. Investigators are now pursuing the possibility that the killing was a planned hit.
Lalman-Baptiste, a nurse attached to the South West Regional Health Authority, was abducted around 11 pm on Friday while travelling with her husband, Mathias Baptiste, in a white Hyundai
H-100 van. The couple had stopped along Hospital Road, Carlsen Field, for Baptiste to urinate when a black Nissan X-Trail with unknown registration pulled alongside them.
Two armed men, dressed in dark clothing, exited the vehicle and robbed Baptiste of $1,500 in cash, a black Samsung Galaxy A05 smartphone valued at $1,200, and a white iPhone 16 worth $3,500. The suspects then forced Lalman-Baptiste into the vehicle and drove off in a northerly direction.
A report was filed with the Freeport Police Station, and officers responded by visiting the scene, conduct-
ing interviews, canvassing for CCTV footage, and issuing a flash alert via the Command Centre.
Using GPS tracking data, officers of the North Central Task Force located the stolen vehicle along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway near the Maximum Security Prison. Upon interception, a shootout occurred between the police and the suspects. One of the suspects was shot and taken to the Arima Health Facility, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The second suspect escaped on foot in an unknown direction and remains at large. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
Antigua Cabinet signals end to street clutter
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed its commitment to ending unregulated sidewalk vending in downtown St. John’s, signalling a decisive push to restore order and cleanliness in the capital’s commercial district.
During the latest post-Cabinet briefing, Chief of Staff Ambassador Lionel Hurst confirmed that vendors operating along public walkways—particularly in the vicinity of the public market—will be required to vacate the streets and relocate to designated spaces.
“The Cabinet has decided that vending on the sidewalks must come to an end,” Hurst said. “We want the city to be orderly, attractive, and reflective of the cultural charm Antigua and Barbuda is known for.”
The St. John’s Development Corporation (SJDC) will play a lead role in enforcing the new policy, supported by town and country planning experts. The government has identified several structured alternatives for vendors, including vacant stalls inside the public market and available space near the Fisheries Complex.
Officials say the move is not intended to marginalise small entrepreneurs but
to bring structure to a sector that has grown haphazardly over the years, often obstructing pedestrian walkways and creating sanitation concerns.
“Many of these vendors already have stalls inside the market but operate outside because foot traffic is greater,” Hurst noted. “By bringing everyone inside, we can improve the appeal of the market and ensure public safety.”
In addition to market relocation, the government is exploring the use of additional public lands—extending as far as the Central Board of Health—to accommodate any overflow. Officials are also expected to introduce amendments to expand the SJDC’s regulatory authority across a wider area of the city.
Long-standing concerns
about street clutter, rotting tents, and overnight storage of pallets have added urgency to the move. Authorities argue that the current conditions present both an eyesore and a health risk, particularly in an area where food is sold.
While some vendors have expressed concern over losing visibility and income, the Cabinet insists that consultation and support will accompany the transition. Hurst emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between economic opportunity and urban order.
“We’re not here to shut anyone down—we’re here to ensure that vending is done safely, legally, and in a way that benefits everyone,” he said. (Excerpt from Antigua Newsroom)
B’dos PM calls for national reflection, action on gun crime, as country sees wave of violence
Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called on Barbadians to “reject the path of violence” and instead embrace healing, compassion, and personal responsibility, as the nation continues to reel from a wave of deadly crime.
In a solemn Good Friday address, the Prime Minister acknowledged that the peace long cherished by Barbadians has too often been shattered by acts of violence, crime, and murder. She warned
that the country is at a crossroads and must act decisively to turn the tide.
Her message came against the backdrop of national grief, following the deaths of several young Barbadians, including 13-year-old Shawnathon Chase, who was fatally shot while watching a netball game in his Silver Hill, Christ Church community on March 25.
Prime Minister Mottley said the impact of these trag-
edies has been profound.
“We are simply grieving the loss of too many of our sons and daughters. And, regrettably, these tragedies are piercing the very soul of our nation,” she said. “They call on us to confront not only the scourge of gun violence, but also the deeper wounds within our communities that are crying out for healing, purpose, and hope to replace anger, resentment and fear,” she said. (Excerpt from Barbados Today)
President Vladimir Putin has announced a unilateral Easter truce in Russia’s war on Ukraine, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said shortly after that Ukrainian air defence units were fighting off an attack by Russian drones, adding that it was “another attempt by Putin to play with human lives”.
Zelenskyy said on X that, “air raid alerts are spreading across Ukraine” and “Shahed drones in our skies reveal Putin’s true attitude toward Easter and toward human life”.
Ukraine’s head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kovalenko, wrote on Telegram later that Russian fire was continuing. “The Russians are trying to pretend that they are ‘peacekeepers’, but they already refused an unconditional ceasefire on March 11 and now are conducting
an information operation, talking about a ‘truce’ but continuing to shoot without stopping”, he said.
Putin had said earlier in televised comments on Saturday while speaking to Russian chief of staff Valery Gerasimov, “Today from 18:00 (15:00 GMT) to midnight Sunday (21:00 GMT Sunday), the Russian side announces an Easter truce”. He added that the truce is based on “humanitarian considerations”.
Putin said he assumed Ukraine would follow Russia’s example and said Kyiv’s actions during the ceasefire would show its readiness for a peaceful settlement.
But the Russian president also told Gerasimov to ready troops to repel any violations of the truce by Ukraine.
The Russian Defence Ministry posted on Telegram: “The ceasefire regime is being introduced
for humanitarian purposes and will be observed by the Russian Joint Group of Troops [Forces], provided that it is mutually observed by the Kyiv regime.”
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Saturday that Putin’s word “cannot be trusted and we will look at actions, not words”.
Sybiha added Ukraine had “agreed unconditionally to the U.S. proposal of a full interim ceasefire for 30 days” in March, which Russia rejected. “Putin has now made statements about his alleged readiness for a ceasefire. 30 hours instead of 30 days”, Sybiha continued on X.
Previous attempts at holding ceasefires for Easter in April 2022 and Orthodox Christmas in January 2023 were not implemented after both sides failed to agree on them. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Australia’s Easter beach death toll rises to 5 as ‘powerful’ waves continue to pummel east coast
Wild surf conditions have battered beaches on Australia’s east coast, with hazardous conditions killing five people across the country over the Easter long weekend.
In NSW, four people drowned and another was missing, after ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam generated massive waves across the NSW coast.
On Saturday at about 8.15am, two men were washed off the rocks in Kianinny Bay, near Tathra, with emergency responders finding one conscious and breathing, but the other deceased, Life Saving NSW manager Brent Manieri said.
“Both were rock fishing
at the time of being washed in, but we’re unaware at this point in time whether they had lifejackets on or not,” Manieri said.
On Friday in Wollongong, a 58-year-old fisher was swept off the break wall at about 6 am, with emergency services unable to revive him.
Another man, who lifesavers believed had fallen off the rocks into the water at Middle Head Point in Sydney harbour, also drowned, and a third drowning was recorded at Green Cape on the state’s far south coast in the afternoon.
A search was continuing on Saturday for a swimmer off Little Bay Beach in Sydney’s South after someone was seen struggling in
The death toll from US airstrikes on an oil port in western Yemen has risen to at least 74 people, the Houthi-run health ministry reported, marking the deadliest day since the United States escalated its aerial campaign against the Iran-backed group last month.
US Central Command said Thursday the strikes on Ras Isa fuel port in Hodeidah province were aimed at cutting off revenue to the Houthis, adding the port has been used as a source of illicit profits to the group.
“The objective of these
strikes was to degrade the economic source of power of the Houthis, who continue to exploit and bring great pain upon their fellow countrymen,” CENTCOM said in a statement. “This strike was not intended to harm the people of Yemen.”
The fatalities included workers at the port and paramedics, the health ministry said on Friday, adding that some 171 people were wounded.
CNN reached out to the Pentagon for comment regarding the reported toll and was directed to CENTCOM’s
earlier statement.
Houthi rebels vowed on Friday to continue their military operations against Israel and US forces in the region.
“Yemen will not back down from continuing its support operations for the Palestinian people until the Israeli aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted,” the Houthicontrolled armed forces in Yemen said in a statement.
The militant group said the US “aggression” against Yemen would “only lead to further targeting, engagement, and confrontation.” (Excerpt from CNN)
The U.S. Interior Department on Friday said it would begin taking public input for a new five-year offshore oil and gas leasing program that could include new zones in the Arctic and elsewhere to maximize energy development.
President Donald Trump has ordered government agencies to identify ways to increase already record high
U.S. oil and gas production, arguing past administrations had unnecessarily curtailed drilling to combat climate change. He had also repealed former President Joe Biden’s efforts to block oil drilling in the Arctic and along large areas off the U.S. Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
“Under President Donald J. Trump’s leadership, we are unlocking the full potential of our offshore resources
to benefit the American people for generations to come,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a press release. It said that drilling auctions already scheduled for the next several years by the Biden administration in the Gulf of Mexico – which the Trump administration calls the Gulf of America – would remain in place. (Excerpt from Reuters)
At least 17 people are reported to have been killed as suspected nomadic cattle herders carried out twin attacks in central Nigeria‘s Benue State.
Police spokesperson Anene Sewuese Catherine said in a statement on Friday that “a large number of suspected militia had invaded” a region of Benue State overnight. The attack came amid a resurgence of deadly clashes between herders and farmers, a conflict that has killed hundreds over recent years.
Security forces were deployed and as the assailants “were being repelled in the
the swell just after 1 pm on Friday.
While the swell peaked in the late morning and early afternoon on Friday, a hazardous surf warning remained in place for the whole NSW coastline on Saturday.
“All these drownings could have been preventable if people had taken the time to observe conditions,” he said. “And ideally, had stayed away from the coastline whilst this swell impacted New South Wales.”
On Good Friday waves reached a height of 4.5-5.5 metres along some parts of the coast with large swells still being recorded into Saturday afternoon, the Bureau of Meteorology’s Helen Reid said. (Excerpt from Guardian UK)
early hours of today, they shot sporadically at unsuspecting farmers” killing five farmers in Benue’s Ukum area.
Police said a second attack took place in Logo, about 70km from the area of the first incident.
“Unfortunately an unsuspected simultaneous attack was carried out” in a neighbouring locality, where 12 people were killed before police arrived, the police spokesperson said.
The attacks came just two days after 11 people were killed in the Otukpo area of Benue, and barely a week after gunmen attacked
villages and killed more than 50 people in neighbouring Plateau State.
The clashes, mostly between Muslim Fulani herders and Christian farmers from the Berom and Irigwe ethnic groups, are often painted as ethnoreligious. However, analysts have said climate change and scarcity of pastoral land are pitting the farmers and herders against each other, irrespective of faith.
The conflict has disrupted food supplies from north-central Nigeria, a significant agricultural area.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Ford Motor said on Friday it has halted shipments of its SUVs, pick-up trucks and sports cars to China, as it starts to face the heat from retaliatory tariffs that have seen vehicles face taxes as high as 150%.
“We have adjusted exports from the U.S. to China in light of the current tariffs,” Ford said in a statement.
The company this week halted shipments of its F-150 Raptors, Mustangs and Michigan-built Bronco SUVs as well as Kentucky-
made Lincoln Navigators to China.
The development comes as U.S. automakers scramble to find ways to tackle President Donald Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs, which are expected to dent profits of carmakers and parts suppliers likewise.
The Wall Street Journal was first to report on the halt, citing people familiar with the matter.
Ford’s exports of U.S.built engines and transmissions to China are expected to continue despite the pause on exports of assembled vehicles. Its Lincoln Nautilus model, which is manufactured in China, is also expected to have continued shipments, despite heavy tariffs. Ford is among the bestplaced automakers to weather tariffs, as it produces about 80% of its U.S.-sold vehicles domestically. Still, the automaker is expected to raise prices of its new vehicles if tariffs continue, according to an internal memo sent to dealers that was seen by Reuters. (Excerpt from Reuters)
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
GEMINI (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)
Raise awareness and participate in events that help you understand where your presence, skills and experience will have the most impact. Take better care of your health and well-being.
The possibilities will be endless once you start moving. Channel your energy into something that leads to positive results. Fixing your living space to accommodate your needs will help you get ahead.
Question everything. Knowledge, experience and connecting with the right people will help point you in a better direction. Curiosity will lead to a learning experience that enables you to formulate your next move.
Planning ahead is necessary. Let go of the past and see what the future holds. Change is an essential process if you want to improve your life. Distance yourself from negative influences.
Getting together with old friends will brighten your day. Groups that address issues of concern will motivate you to join forces with or support someone who can help make a difference.
Set boundaries, know your limitations and protect your reputation, assets and meaningful relationships. An upfront, positive attitude will ward off trouble.
Pay attention to paperwork, contracts and joint ventures. Trust your instincts and opt to handle whatever you encounter swiftly and succinctly. Home and domestic improvements will make your life easier.
Stick close to home; venturing out will lead to unsafe situations or difficulties with those you encounter. Put credence in personal improvements that boost your confidence.
Be wary of wheelers and dealers. It’s in your best interest to avoid gambling, temptation and indulgent behavior. Trust your instincts, not a sales pitch.
Physical improvements will boost your morale, giving you the courage to say and do things you may be too shy to do otherwise. Discipline and persistence will pay off.
Keep an eye on what others are doing. Look for the positive, and you’ll find a niche that comes naturally and encourages you to follow your heart and do your own thing.
You’ve got some good ideas, but don’t turn something simple into a complex affair. Stick to basics, work with what you’ve got and avoid unnecessary expenses.
For the second game in a row, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) have stumbled in a seemingly straightforward chase; being unable to score nine off the final over as Avesh Khan’s ice-cold death bowling turned a cruise into chaos and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) snatched victory from under RR’s nose in a match in Jaipur on Saturday night.
outside edge to third man, where Shardul Thakur fumbled to concede a second that wasn’t on.
Shardul was immediately jettisoned to square leg because of the misfield. And guess what happened next?
Hetmyer played a powerful flick to an attempted leg-stump yorker to a waiting Shardul at backward square leg. Avesh then
Up until 17 overs of their chase, RR had seemed set to break their threematch losing streak; but with 25 needed off 18, Avesh nailed his execution in a double-wicket over that went for just five. He first dismissed a well-set Yashasvi Jaiswal for 74, when he backed away to scythe a yorker-length delivery behind point. Then, four balls later, Riyan Parag’s attempt to play a cheeky scoop to a full ball that reversed in to strike his toe caught him plumb in front. RR went into panic mode, and stumbled at the finish line as LSG celebrated a jailbreak that didn’t seem possible.
The last-over drama
Four nights ago in Delhi, RR failed to knock off the two runs they needed off the final ball. Here, they needed four. Shubham Dubey had just been dropped off the previous delivery by David Miller at long-on. This was his shot at redemption, but Avesh stuck his left arm out on his follow-through to stop a straight hit.
But there was more to the final over than just those last two deliveries. With RR needing eight off five, Shimron Hetmyer swung wildly to get a thick
ly believable. Surely, that was a one-off. Maybe he was trying to calm himself? Nope. His second attempt, off just his third ball, was even more audacious. He cleared his front leg, exposing all three stumps, and bludgeoned a six down the ground off Avesh.
The fifth ball brought even more drama. Avesh had steam coming off, and thought he’d done enough by banging in a short ball that Suryavanshi top edged. Prince Yadav, running back from midwicket, ended up dropping it, and Ravi Bishnoi parried the ball to the boundary.
Rishabh Pant quickly brought on his trump card, hoping the youngster would swing at one blindly. Suryavanshi showed smarts in playing him out. But before long, he climbed into Rathi, muscling him for a six over deep midwicket, and then hitting Bishnoi straight down the ground. However, on 34, Suryavanshi was deceived
nailed a pin-point yorker off the fourth ball, before the Miller drama and his own nifty effort off the final ball sealed an improbable win.
The thrill before the spill
The spark came early, and it came young, when Vaibhav Suryavanshi, all of 14 years and 23 days, strode out for his debut as the youngest player in IPL history, having been brought in as an Impact Player for their 181 chase. And the moment didn’t faze him one bit. Early impressions are that Suryavanshi is fearless. How else can you show that kind of audacity, where you make room and pummel your first ball in the IPL for six on the rise over cover?
Shardul found it scarce-
in flight by Aiden Markram, who was only perhaps operating because the accomplished bowlers had been taken to the cleaners by Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who put on 85
off just 8.3 overs. He got one to turn sharply, beating a lunging Suryavanshi, whose His back foot was in the air, and Pant has him stumped.
The Suryavanshi show was over, but not before he had had millions of persons excited for more.
Jaiswal soon raised a half-century off just 31 balls - his fourth half-century in five innings - and seemed set to see the chase. His picking of lengths against spin was impeccable, until one grave mistake gave LSG an opening they burst through.
Samad turns hero Bowlers may have heroically helped seal victory, but Abdul Samad’s contribution - an unbeaten 10ball 30 - was as important.
He was held back on
consequence of this move was that they couldn’t now bring in Mayank Yadav, listed as one of the Impact
the face of a batting collapse - LSG were 54 for 3 when Pant fell cheaply - for him to be able to maximise damage in the end overs, along with David Miller.
This meant LSG summoned Ayush Badoni as their Impact Player to stabilise the innings, replacing Mitchell Marsh. The
Lucknow Super Giants (20 ovs maximum)
Mitchell Marsh c Hetmyer
b Archer 4
Aiden Markram c Parag
b Hasaranga 66
Nicholas Pooran lbw
b Sandeep Sharma 11
Rishabh Pant (c)† c †Jurel
b Hasaranga 3
Ayush Badoni c Dubey
b Deshpande 50
David Miller not out 7
Abdul Samad not out 30
Extras (lb 4, w 5) 9
Total 20 Ov (RR: 9.00) 180/5
Did not bat: Digvesh Rathi, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Avesh Khan Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Mitchell Marsh, 2.2 ov), 2-46 (Nicholas Pooran, 5.2 ov), 3-54 (Rishabh Pant, 7.4 ov), 4-130 (Aiden Markram, 15.5 ov), 5-143 (Ayush Badoni, 17.3 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Jofra Archer 4-0-32-1
Maheesh Theekshana 4-0-32-0 Sandeep Sharma 4-0-55-1 Tushar Deshpande 4-0-26-1 Wanindu Hasaranga 4-0-31-2
Subs, even if they had him in their plans.
Badoni repaid the faith by scoring 50 in 34, to repair the innings with Markram, who top-scored with 66. But it was Samad’s pyrotechnics in the end that truly lifted a floundering innings. Holding his shape and picking deliveries off Sandeep Sharma’s hand, Samad picked his arc between deep squares and deep midwicket to pummel four sixes in a 27-run final over that gave LSG momentum.
In terms of overall contribution, this was worth its weight in gold, and was an innings that combined with Avesh’s to strengthen LSG’s position in the top four - all of whom now have 10 points. (ESPNcricinfo)
Rajasthan Royals (T: 181 runs from 20 ovs) Yashasvi Jaiswal
b Avesh Khan 74
Vaibhav Suryavanshi st †Pant
b Markram 34
Nitish Rana c Avesh
It got tight for Gujarat Titans (GT) in the end, but Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 97 ensured their first successful chase of a 200plus total in Ahmedabad.
This was also the first time Delhi Capitals (DC) ended up being unsuccessful in defending a 200-plus total.
Buttler stitched together partnerships of 60 with B Sai Sudharsan and 119 with Sherfane Rutherford, after keeping wicket for 20 overs on a hot afternoon.
Mukesh Kumar’s wide yorker dismissed Rutherford and left GT needing ten off the final over. The tension was short-lived, though, as Starc missed the wide yorker and Rahul Tewatia slog swept the first ball of the last over over midwicket for six. He then squeezed the next ball past the keeper for four to complete the chase with four balls to spare.
Buttler takes down Starc Buttler was hit on the groin by a length ball from Starc early in his innings, but he overcame that blow and cleared the boundaries. When Axar brought Starc back in the 15th over, hoping for reverse swing from around the wicket, there wasn’t any. The lengths were good, and the line was outside off, but Buttler scythed the ball with ease, finding gaps in front of point and behind point.
A change of angle made no difference. Starc went full and was driven through mid-off. A bouncer drew a top-edged pull, but it did not carry to Vipraj Nigam, running in from deep backward square leg. That 20run over brought the required rate down to nine runs from 11 balls.
Platform again set by GT top order GT are top heavy. Their plan is for one of the top three to bat deep into the in-
nings, and it was Buttler’s turn today on a batting-friendly pitch. He came in early in the GT chase of 204, after Shubman Gill had gifted his wicket while looking to pinch a quick single to Karun Nair at midwicket.
Buttler then set up an exhibition of fours through the off side, alongside Sai Sudharsan. Axar and Vipraj came on to bowl in the powerplay, but did not find turn, and were taken for three sixes and a four.
Sai Sudharsan got boundaries off front and back foot against Mukesh Kumar as GT scored 67 in the powerplay, but Kuldeep Yadav had Sai Sudharsan pulling to deep midwicket with his third ball.
Rutherford then started slowly, as the required rate rose. The mounting
Bowling O-M-R-W
Mohammed Siraj 4-0-47-1
Arshad Khan 4-0-46-1
Prasidh Krishna 4-0-41-4
Rashid Khan 4-0-38-0
Ishant Sharma 3-0-19-1 Sai Kishore 1-0-9-1
Gujarat Titans (T: 204 runs from 20 ovs) Sai Sudharsan c Stubbs b Kuldeep Yadav 36 Shubman Gill (c) run out (Nair) 7
Jos Buttler † not out 97
Sherfane Rutherford c Starc b Mukesh Kumar 43
Rahul Tewatia not out 11
Extras (lb 5, nb 1, w 4) 10
Total 19.2 Ov (RR: 10.55) 204/3
Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Shubman Gill, 1.4 ov), 2-74 (Sai Sudharsan, 7.3 ov), 3-193 (Sherfane Rutherford, 18.5 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
8.2 ov), 4-146 (Tristan Stubbs, 14.2 ov), 5-173 (Axar Patel, 17.1 ov), 6-173 (Vipraj Nigam, 17.2 ov), 7-191 (Donovan Ferreira, 18.4 ov), 8-199 (Ashutosh Sharma, 19.5 ov)
Mitchell Starc 3.2-0-49-0 Mukesh Kumar 4-0-40-1
Axar Patel 2-0-18-0
Vipraj Nigam 4-0-34-0
Kuldeep Yadav 4-0-30-1
Mohit Sharma 2-0-28-0
- drive on the up over midoff and help-along flick behind square - showed
pressure was released when Rutherford sliced a drive against Kuldeep that sailed over long-off. Mohit Sharma was introduced in the 13th over to replicate the role he performed for GT in previous years. He started with two slower bouncers, but they sat up and Rutherford pulled them for sixes.
Buttler drilled a full ball from Mohit through mid-off to bring up his 32ball fifty.
Capitals start well on a belter Gill won the toss in the afternoon, and put DC in to bat. With Faf du Plessis not having recovered and DC leaving out Jake FraserMcGurk, Abhishek Porel was paired up with Karun Nair at the top. Porel’s boundaries in the first over
that bounce on the pitch
was even. However, Porel couldn’t capitalise on the start, and fell to a full toss from Arshad Khan.
KL Rahul’s shift in approach then kept DC ticking. Rahul cut Siraj for four, and pumped him down the ground for six. His innings, though, was cut short on 28 off 14 balls by an outswinging yorker from Prasidh Krishna. Nair fell for 31 off 18 balls when he glided Prasidh to deep third.
A pristine cover drive from Tristan Stubbs off Prasidh brought up DC’s hundred in the ninth over. But he and Axar were relatively sedate after that, during their 53-run stand off 36 balls. They were happy to take Rashid Khan and Ishant Sharma for ones and twos.
Rashid bowled quicker and at the stumps in his first two overs. When he slowed the pace down in his third, Stubbs took him for six down the ground, but then miscued a swipe across the line. Rashid ran back, but couldn’t hold on to the catch near mid-on.
GT reached 150 in 15 overs.
Pacers contain DC Ishant was struggling in the heat, and went off the pitch after two overs. Siraj returned and removed Stubbs, who reverse-swept a yorker and the ball lobbed to short third. GT’s death bowlers attempted a lot of yorkers with short balls peppered in between. It nearly worked at the start of the 17th over, but Rashid dropped Axar. The DC captain could not hit a boundary in his last nine balls, and was out caught behind for 39 off 32 balls. He charged at Prasidh and tried to slap a length ball over cover, and got an edge. Prasidh then got rid of Nigam next ball, thanks to a brilliant diving catch from Buttler.
Ashutosh Sharma gave DC the finishing kick they were looking for. He scored a six and a four off Arshad early in his innings, and hit two sixes off Prasidh later. R Sai Kishore - whose only over was the final one of the innings - went for just nine, but it was enough for GT to cross 200. (ESPNcricinfo)
Strike rates of over 200 by 5 players in a chase of 166 was not enough for West Indies’ Women on Saturday morning, as they bowed out of contention for a spot in the Women’s 2025 ODI World Cup.
It was as though the Women in Maroon had won the battle but lost the war, having defeated Thailand’s women by 6 wickets in 10.5 overs.
Knowing they would need a major boost to their run- rate in order to punch their ticket to the World Cup, the Caribbean Women won the toss and opted to bowl first.
Even after what could be considered a strong start, Thailand were restricted to 166 in 46.1 overs. Natthakan Chantham played an outstanding innings of 66 runs from 98 deliveries, while the next best score of 29 came off the bat of opener Nattaya Boochatham.
Afy Fletcher claimed 4-20 from her 10 overs, Aaliyah Alleyne took 3-41 from 10, and Guyanese spinner Ashmini Munisar snared 2-15 from 4.1 overs.
With the West Indies needing to win in 10.1 overs,
or get to 172 in 11 overs, in order to boost their runrate just enough to go past Bangladesh, the chase got off to a lightning start, with Captain Hayley Matthews slamming 11 fours and 2 sixes in an entertaining 70 off 29 deliveries. Kiana Joseph hit 26 from 12, and Chinelle Henry struck 48 from 17 balls.
However, when West Indies reached 162 in 10.4 overs, having already missed the first opportunity to propel their run-rate, Stafanie Taylor attempted to get her side to 172 (needing a 4, then a 6) but unfortunately smashed a maximum that ended the game with West
Indies at 168-4 in 10.5 overs.
Reflecting on the unsuccessful World Cup Qualifying tournament, West Indies Women’s Head Coach Shane Deitz praised the effort against Thailand, but admitted there are areas that need to be worked on going forward.
“Obviously, the run chase was unbelievable. We knew what we had to try to do, and to get 160-odd in 10 overs is really difficult, but the girls went about it, and played some unbelievable shots. It just shows how talented the players are,” Deitz shared in a post-match interview.
“End of the day, if you go look back at the whole tour-
The USA-based Pele FC Alumni Corporation kicked off their annual Educational/ Development Youth Week Celebration 2025 on Sunday, April 19, with a Recognition Luncheon at the Herdmanston Lodge at Peter Rose and Anira Streets in Queenstown, Georgetown.
At this well-attended activity, Alumni Chairman Denis ‘Ivor’ Carrington, who chaired the proceedings, expressed gratitude to his colleagues in the USA for making time over the past decade - and more so making the trip to Guyana - to seek to empower the youths through different initiatives.
Noting that these overseas-based colleagues have been making huge sacrifices to garner the necessary funds to invest in this endeavour, and have been investing their time to give back to the land of their birth, Carrington expressed confidence that it is something these colleagues would continue to do.
The Pele FC Alumni Corporation has recognised the following persons for their sterling contributions to the success of their Educational Programme: Banks DIH and Mortimer Stewart, for their unflinching and committed backing. Ms. Dawn Braithwaite, for her commitment and unwavering dedi-
cation to the programme over the years. Current Pele FC Captain Shemroy Arthur, for the quality of leadership he has brought to the team, which has seen them being crowned division one champions of the Georgetown Football League.
Arthur was unavoidably absent, and his award was received on his behalf by his Vice-Captain, King Solomon Austin.
Meanwhile, 120 students will be involved in the annual two-day Educational Programme, slated to take place at the Marian Academy on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Several presenters will be sharing with these attendees, who will be between the ages of 14-18.
School supplies would be distributed to each participant at the end of the programme.
And the annual Day of Football, which was scheduled to take place last Wednesday at the Ministry of Education Ground but was rained out, like many other activities, would now be held at the Farnum Ground this Thursday from 15:00hrs.
Three matches would be played, beginning with an Under-13 clash between Pele and Vurlon Mills Academy, and followed by a senior clash between Pele and Camptown. The crowning match of the night would be an under-19 showdown between Pele and Buxton Stars.
Buxton Stars won a similar encounter 3-1 in 2023, but Pele turned the tables on them last year with a lone goal. This year’s clash is expected to be a mouth- watering showdown.
nament, there’s things that we got to do better for longer periods of time; but if we just focus on that run chase there, it was absolutely phenomenal, and the girls fought hard all of the way. I’m proud of them for that, and it’s just a shame that it come down to that. As I said, we’ve got
Thailand Women (50 ovs maximum)
Nattaya Boochatham
b Alleyne 29
Chanida Sutthiruang
b Matthews 21
Nannapat Koncharoenkai †
b Fletcher 14
Natthakan Chantham c Ramharack
b Munisar 66
Naruemol Chaiwai (c)
b Fletcher 1
Phannita Maya
b Fletcher 1
Thipatcha Putthawong c †Campbelle
b Fletcher 2
Suwanan Khiaoto
b Alleyne 6
Sunida Chaturongrattana
b Alleyne 6
Suleeporn Laomi
b Munisar 4
Onnicha Kamchomphu not out 4
Extras (w 12) 12
Total 46.1 Ov (RR: 3.59) 166
Fall of wickets: 1-30 (Chanida Sutthiruang, 5.6 ov), 2-64 (Nattaya Boochatham, 15.3 ov), 3-66 (Nannapat Koncharoenkai, 16.5 ov), 4-70 (Naruemol Chaiwai, 20.4 ov), 5-77 (Phannita Maya, 24.1 ov), 6-85 (Thipatcha Putthawong, 26.1 ov), 7-118 (Suwanan Khiaoto, 33.6 ov), 8-132 (Sunida Chaturongrattana, 37.2 ov), 9-151 (Suleeporn Laomi, 40.6 ov), 10-166
to look back over everything, which we’ll assess tonight, and there’s periods of the tournament which we didn’t do well,” the Head Coach further explained.
Pakistan, hosts of the Qualifiers, and Bangladesh are the two teams who would be progressing to the Women’s ODI World Cup in India this September.
An extremely responsible and patient innings from Lomar Seecharan was a perfect setup for Guyana to take a commanding victory over the Windward Islands on Saturday, as the Guyana Under-15 team rebounded from a disappointing loss to Jamaica in their last encounter.
The West Indies Rising Stars Under-15 Championship continued on April 19th at the Antigua Recreation Ground in St. John’s with Guyana and Windward Islands both coming off defeats and looking to bounce back in this game. With the Windward Islands Under-15s winning the toss and electing to field first, Guyana found themselves losing wickets early, and were at 42 for 3 after 6 overs. However, Lomar Seecharan and Captain Richard Ramdehol stitched together a wonderful partnership that saw Ramdehol eventually getting dismissed on 59 off 48 balls in an innings that included 10 boundaries.
Although wickets kept falling around him, Seecharan continued to bat; and he finished unbeaten on 93 off 129 balls, which in-
cluded 11 fours. Reyaz Latif supported with 48 runs from 54 balls, and the Guyana innings ended on 288 for 7 in the allotted 50 overs.
Leg spinner Latif later completely bamboozled the Windward Islands batsmen in taking 6 wickets for 34 runs, in which a remarkable hat trick was involved. And Rafell McKenzie, Patrice Fraser, and Richard Ramdehol each took a wicket.
Jorden Charles, 39, and Alex Armstrong, 29, put up a little resistance, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Windward Islands from losing the game by 133 runs.
Barbados defeat T&T In another game, Barbados Under-15s defeated their Trinidad and Tobago counterparts by 42 runs at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. Batting first, Barbados
produced 158 all out in 44 overs, with Rajeev Parsooram top-scoring with 41 while Jayden Sadaphal took 3 wickets.
In reply, Trinidad and Tobago could manage only 116 all out, with Jordan Julien top-scoring with 30, while Kaiden Pollard made 20. Justin Parris had another good outing with figures of 4 for 16.
Jamaica defeat Leeward Islands At the Liberta Sports Club, Jamaica Under-15s defeated Leeward Islands Under-15s by 35 runs. Tesfah Ward top-scored with 88 runs from 93 balls as Jamaica posted a total of 240 for 6 in their 50 overs.
Despite Captain J’Quan Athanaze’s 138-ball 97, the Leeward Islands fell short of the target.
Guyana’s Golden Girl Tianna Springer has fittingly been the first to strike gold for the Land of Many Waters on Saturday, during the opening day of the 52nd CARIFTA Track and Field Championships.
Springer was the fastest qualifier in the preliminaries on Saturday morning, and retained her calm and composure in the buzzing Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to secure the top spot in the Girls U20 400M final.
She clocked 53.7s to clinch her third consecutive gold medal at the Games, while Kadia Rock of Barbados was second in 53.52s and Jamaica’s Abrina Wright was third in 53.78s.
In the male version of the event, Malachi Austin missed out on retaining his title by three-hundredths of a second. He stopped the clock at 46.54s after pulling off a massive comeback in the last 50M of the race to catch Zion Miller of the Bahamas on the line. However, Miller clocked 46.51s for first place, while Trinidad and Tobago’s DA Shaun Lezama completed the podium in 47.43s.
Guyanese Kaidon Persaud, who also competed in that race, hit 48.26s for fifth place after a lightning-fast start.
Attoya Harvey captured Guyana’s third medal of the day when she finished third in the Girls U20 1500M event. Harvey crossed the line in 4:41.61s for third place in a race that was won by Jamaica’s Cindy Rose in 4:37.95. Rose’s teammate Sushana Johnson finished in 4:40.83 to facilitate Jamaica taking home the gold and silver.
Unfortunately for Team Guyana, the medal count on
Day 1 ended at 3, as the sprinters did not find similar favour on the track.
Last year’s U17 gold medalist Athaleyha Hinckson had to settle for a fourth-place finish in her U20 100M debut. Hinckson clocked 11.70s, while Shanoya Douglas of Jamaica struck gold in 11.45s. Shatalya Dorset of Bahamas was second in 11.50s, and Antigua’s Geolyna Dowdye was third in 11.55s.
In the Boys’ U17 event, Ezekiel Millington stopped the clock at 10.76s for fifth place in a race won by Jamaica’s Michael Graham in 10.53s.
Earlier in the day, Guyana’s first-ever Decathlon athlete, Gabriel Ethan Cort, got the Land of Many Waters off to a winning start with an 11.40s run in the 100M component of the event. Then defending champion Tianna Springer sealed her spot in the Under-20 400M final by clocking 53.19s in Heat 2. However, her compatriot Narissa McPherson missed out on the final, clocking 55.89s in Heat 1. Malachi Austin had also moved on to the U20 400M final by stopping the clock at 47.07s for second place in Heat 3. Joining Austin in the final was Persaud, who clocked 48.39s for second in Heat 2.
Last year’s U17 100M girls Champion Athaleyha Hinckson hit 11.70s for first place in Heat 3. In addition, Ezekiel Millington posted 10.73s for first place in Heat 3 to ensure he would compete in the Boys’ 100M U17 final.
The CARIFTA Games will continue until Monday, April 21, and Guyana has a 42- member contingent at the Games.
