...Ministers Parag, Singh attend funeral
Oil and Gas Corner at national libraries to inspire new generations – Minister Singh
– as 1st project launches at New Amsterdam Library
The introduction of an Oil and Gas Corner at the National Library locations across the country has the potential to inspire generations of Guyanese, especially young people, to join the burgeoning industry. This is according to Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on Saturday at the launch of the new National Library Oil and Gas Corner held
at the New Amsterdam National Library, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) – an ExxonMobil Guyana Limited initiative in collaboration with the Government of Guyana. A major feature of the new Oil and Gas Corner is an exact replica of the One Guyana Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel that operates offshore in the Stabroek Block, along with educational materials designed to make learning about this complex national development process more accessible within a public learning space. This initiative is expected to be replicated across several branch libraries, including the National Library in Georgetown. In his address, Dr Singh pointed to the po-
tential that the new library corner holds in educating and inspiring young people about the oil and gas sector. He said these corners, which showcase the seabed and
Government and President Dr Irfaan Ali to have as much local participation in the industry and build local capacity so that Guyanese can eventually lead the sector.
subsea operations, will serve as the first point of direct connection between young Guyanese or even adults who were not previously familiar with the oil and gas industry. “Being able to see the audiovisual displays, the visual content, etc., that will be there and available to visitors, these corners have the potential to be the place in which a whole generation of young Guyanese people will be introduced to the oil and gas industry… Anybody can go on the internet and perhaps use Google search, but you have here, in real life, a three-dimensional representation of what an actual FPSO looks like.”
Inspiring a generation
“And I know that a lot of people…a lot of young people will see in 3D form for the very first time what you and what the oil and gas industry in Guyana looks like, in corners like this. And they have the potential to inspire a whole generation and even more than a whole generation,” the Minister stated. According to Minister Singh, it is the vision of the
This oil and gas library corner, he noted, serves as a medium to ensure citizens, especially students, are equipped with not just a clear understanding of Guyana’s oil and gas sector but the vast opportunities that are available to them. As such, Dr Singh encouraged young people to explore the possibilities of the oil and gas industry and to take full advantage of the resources available at the library. “But we want as many Guyana’s people to understand that that is a trajectory that is now available to them. And I look forward to the day when I look forward to the day when we will see young Guyana's people assuming senior roles in the company and in the industry. And who knows, some of them might be inspired, might have their first introduction to the oil and gas industry and might be inspired in corners like this. And so this way, this initiative is an incredibly important initiative… I want to urge that we bring in as many young people and we bring them on tours.
Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh
(L-R) Region Six Regional Executive Officer Narindra Persaud, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge examining the materials at the new Oil and Gas library corner
The One Guyana FPSO replica at the newly launched Oil and Gas Corner at the New Amsterdam National Library
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Sunday, December 14 –12:50h–14:20h and Monday, December 15 – 13:35h–15:05h.
BRIDGE OPENINGS FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery
Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.12 metres and 5.81 metres.
High Tide: 12:27h reaching a maximum height of 2.24 metres.
Low
US$8M solar farm commissioned at Trafalgar, adds 4MW power to national grid
– 3rd solar farm online in Berbice
Guyana’s energy security has been bolstered with the commissioning of a 4-megawatt peak (MWp) photovoltaic solar farm at Trafalgar, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) – a $1.7 billion (US$8 million) project.
Described as another major milestone in Guyana’s transition to clean and sustainable energy, this new facility is the third solar farm brought online in the Berbice regions within the past month, adding some 10 MW of clean, renewable energy to the national grid.
In his feature address at the commissioning ceremony on Saturday, Prime Minister
Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips underscored the strategic importance of renewable energy investments.
“These solar farms are a clear demonstration of our commitment to modernise Guyana’s energy sector. The Government of Guyana will continue to expand renewable energy sources for a sustainable future for all Guyanese,” the Prime Minister said.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, also stated that the Trafalgar Solar Farm was not built in isolation but is part of the Government's energy diversification strategy, which incorporates renewable energy sources to enhance the country’s energy security. He added that this is being achieved through the development of microgrids, hydropower systems, and major solar farm projects.
Indar further pointed out that these investments, coupled with the Gas-to-Energy project, position Guyana as a leader in sustainable energy development through its Low Carbon Development Strategy – Vision 2030 (LCDS 2030).
The Trafalgar Solar Farm was constructed at an estimated cost of US$8 million. It was fully financed
through the Guyana–Norway climate partnership, under the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund, administered by the InterAmerican Development
Bank (IDB).
Team Leader at the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL), Kesh Nandlall, thanked the Government of Guyana and other stake-
holders, including the IDB, the Government of Norway, the contractors SUMEC and XJ Group, the Programme Execution Unit, the engineers, and the local community for their support and collaboration.
“As we cut the ribbon today, we are not just commissioning a solar farm. We are commissioning a new chapter in Guyana’s energy story – one that is cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive. Let us continue to build on this momentum. With the 15 MW solar farm in Linden on the horizon and the 300 MW Gas-to-Energy project at Wales underway, we are laying the foundation for a diversified, low-carbon energy matrix that will serve Guyana for generations,” Nandlall posited.
Prime Minister Brig. (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Public Utilities Minister Deodat Indar, GPL Team Leader Kesh Nandlall and Head of the Guyana Energy Agency Mahendar Sharma, along with other officials, commissioning the new solar farm at Trafalgar, Region Five
The new 4 MWp solar farm at Trafalgar, Berbice
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O beautiful Guyana
It is de rigueur during the Christmas season that even if householders are not expecting visitors, they will plunge into a frenzy of cleaning and “fixing up” and beautification. And the same is true for most holidays. We do this because even though we might have strayed from our ideal in our quotidian practice, we do in fact have that ideal buried somewhere inside of our minds or psyches. And as for individuals, so for the country – which, after all, is the collectivity of all of us.
Over the past decades, the central Government –exhorted and assisted by members of civil society and the armed forces – has pulled out all the stops to spruce up our capital – especially this year – and other locales across the country. Who would deny that the improved surroundings, even in a small way, impart a spring to our steps and a straightening of our shoulders in the rest of the country? We are all Guyanese, and barring some partisan posturings, this was a “Guyanese thing”.
The question has to be asked, as it also can be posed at the individual level: why can’t we keep Guyana beautiful all the time? It is the conviction of this newspaper that it can be done, but it will take a reappraisal of how we view ourselves. Take Georgetown, for instance. It was not always the dump it very frankly has reverted back into. Not too long ago, at the time of our independence, it was known as the “Garden City” and was widely admired in the Caribbean as one of the prettier capitals.
We’re the same people – well, maybe the descendants of some of those people – and if the city and country could have been beautiful, then they certainly can be beautiful now. What has changed is that we are now willing to accept not only mediocrity in those running our city but also them forcing us to live like animals in a sewer and garbage dump. This state of affairs has also spread into the countryside. No idyllic pastoral landscape any longer: garbage by the roadsides and bushes in the clogged drains are now the norm. The rot began during the collapse of the economy during the Burnham dictatorship, and gradually, a beaten and broken people perhaps began accepting that they were not deserving of beauty and cleanliness.
As we pointed out, the conditions were reversed when the central Government intervened. But the responsibility for keeping our surroundings pristine and immaculate is the responsibility of the local and municipal bodies and ultimately, we the people. And we know we can do better. Who has not visited some foreign country and taken inordinate trouble to dump their candy wrappers into garbage cans? Yet upon returning home, promptly throw such garbage onto the streets with impunity? And we rail about how “third world” we are and pummelled the Government.
What we are proposing is that we as a people must start transforming Guyana at the level we are personally responsible for: our homes and our yards. We can then venture outside of our yards and perchance improve our drains and parapets? The next step is to insist that our local authorities take care of their responsibilities – but not before we take care of ours. We have imbibed an awful, anti-democratic habit that we look to Government – at whatever level – to solve problems that we can handle on our own. Again, this was the consequence of the Burnhamite dispensation that proposed that the state was to be the alpha and omega of Guyanese life.
We have to recover the conviction that all of us are deserving of living in dignity amidst beautiful surroundings. We have to recover the conviction also that we have a large role in achieving such a lifestyle. Why can’t we insist that the best village and best neighbourhood competitions be resuscitated? Let us start at the local level and work upwards. Let us begin to spruce up our once “Oh beautiful Guyana”.
Caesar’s wife must
be above suspicion
By LLoyd B Smith
According to an online source, the expression “Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion” means people in high-profile or authoritative roles must not only be innocent but must also avoid any appearance or hint of wrongdoing, scandal, or impropriety to maintain trust and the integrity of their position. It’s about perception as much as reality, stemming from Julius Caesar divorcing his wife Pompeia after she was suspected (though not proven guilty) of an affair to show his family must be beyond reproach.
In this regard, public figures, especially those in power, such as politicians, judges, and leaders, have to constantly walk the chalk line because, even if innocent, questionable actions or associations can damage credibility. It is in such a quandary that House Speaker Juliet Ann Marie Holness now finds herself, as her detractors as well as genuinely concerned citizens continue to express negative views about her holding that post, being the wife of Prime Minister Dr
Andrew Holness, who is also leader of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
There are those who argue, and perhaps rightly so, that Holness is more than qualified for that position. Portions of her biography present an impressive picture of someone who is an accomplished woman, having gained two degrees in accounting, a bachelor’s and a master’s (no easy feat!) from The University of the West Indies, Mona. In addition, she has become a successful politician, having fully established herself in a formidable position in the St Andrew East Rural constituency, winning the seat in 2016, 2020, and 2025. In 2023 she was elected Speaker and was returned to that prestigious post in 2025. She is also an established real estate developer and an astute businesswoman. Notwithstanding all these positive attributes and accomplishments, the main argument is that the nation should not be subject to a husband and wife team holding two of the most pivotal and influential roles in the island’s Parliament. And there is some merit to that position, primar-
ily because Jamaica is not Utopia or Animal Farm, for that matter; instead, we are a much-divided society that is rabidly partisan. So although the Speaker, for all intents and purposes, should be an objective and dispassionate referee, most Labourites expect her to always rule in their favour, while Comrades do not expect her to say or do anything that will be in their favour. And that’s the God’s truth!
Indeed, this scenario is akin to the referee of a football match being the spouse of one of the coaches. Go figure!
So where do we go from here? Should common sense or good sense prevail in the cranium of the prime minister (and doting husband) and cause him to relieve her of the post through internal party machinations? Poor Holness, damned if she does and damned if she doesn’t!
Just look at the recent kerfuffle between herself and Member of Parliament (MP) Everald Warmington during a meeting of the Standing Finance Committee for which Holness is chairman. How does the prime minister feel watching his
dear wife and a rambunctious JLP MP who warned her most ominously – despite having the greatest respect for her – that he has the greatest number of votes (over 10,000) in the elected legislative body and thus has more than enough right to be heard by the chairman without suffering the ignominy of having his “mike cut off”? Tut-tut. Can you imagine what would have happened if a People’s National Party (PNP) MP did that to the chairman?
Sad to say, Jamaica’s Parliament is no longer being seen as a hallowed place by most Jamaicans. The heights of disrespect shown to one another, the “casscass”, and “throw word” that have become commonplace among our elected representatives in that honourable House, though frequently seen in other countries’ Houses of Assembly/Parliament, have reached an intolerable level. This does not augur well for the nation, especially when viewed against the backdrop of growing disenchantment among the populace with respect to our “dirty politics” in and outside Gordon House.
Hosted under the theme “The Red Siskin Legacy: 25 Years of Community-led Conservation in the Rupununi”, the Red Siskin Fair was held on December 5 in Rupunau Village. It celebrated a conservation story that began on April 12th, 2000, when the red siskin (Spinus cucullatus), a small, brilliantly red songbird, was first sighted in Rupunau by a group of researchers from the University of Kansas and the Smithsonian Institute along with local guides from the South Rupununi (South Rupununi Conservation Society)
Ron Robinson: son of Guyana with a voice now part of our nation’s soul – Pres Ali
n a tribute to the late vet-
Ieran Guyanese broadcaster and theatre actor, Ronald “Ron” Robinson, President Dr Irfaan Ali says he was not just a broadcaster but a companion to households across the country. Robinson died early Friday morning at the age of 79 at his Hadfield Street, Georgetown, home after experiencing several health complications. His voice and vision helped shape Guyana’s media and cultural landscape for more than five decades. In a previous Facebook post, Robinson, a recipient of the national honour of the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) in 1990, had described his broadcasting career as “a most rewarding period of my life.”
Only a few months back, he celebrated 60 years of being in radio and 70 years in theatre. According to President Ali, Robinson had a trusted presence, and his words soothed, entertained, enlightened and inspired.
“For decades, Guyanese awoke to his mellifluous tones guiding us into each new day with trademark wit, unvarnished intelligence and a rare grace that only true masters of the
craft possess.” Moreover, the Head of State recognised that Robinson’s artistry lit the stages in the theatre, adding that “…his timing sharpened our laughter and his creativity gave life to productions that have become woven into our cultural memory.” Through his involvement with The Link Show, No Big Thing, Stretched Out Magazine and other beloved satirical productions, Robinson held up a mirror to Guyanese society. According to the President, he did so with gentleness, humour and fun, reminding persons of their flaws and their forgotten strengths.
“There was a time in our history when speaking truth came with risks. In that difficult season, Ron Robinson lent his voice to the national call for democracy. He understood the sacred duty of those gifted with a platform to defend the dignity of the people and the promise of the nation.”
“Ron Robinson elevated broadcasting, refining it with a mastery that few have ever matched. His impeccable elocution and faultless pronunciation set a gold standard for broadcasting. His work on the stage laid a sturdy foundation upon which our dramatists continue to build,” the Guyanese leader posited. In addition, President Ali said he was honoured to have presented Robinson with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to broadcast-
ing and the arts. This was done during the observance of World Press Freedom Day back in May of this year. “On behalf of the Government of Guyana, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family and to the countless admirers – here at home and across our far-flung diaspo-
Caesar’s wife must...
Given this controversial state of affairs with respect to Holness being “Madam Speaker” as well as a warring Warmington persistently upsetting the applecart, there are those who, playing the Devil’s advocate, have come up with a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that perhaps the prime minister should nominate Warmington to be the House Speaker. Ha! Reminds me of when I was a classroom teacher and had to leave my students for a brief spell so I strategically appointed the student who was the chief troublemaker to be in charge until I returned. And it worked! I could have dropped a pin and hear it when I returned.
Would an appeased Warmington, who so far has not got the nod from his prime minister and party leader to fill any major post in government but has been subjected to being a lowly backbencher, be able to rise to the occasion? Is it possible that he could display the necessary sobriety and equanimity in the Speaker’s chair?
In the meantime, Speaker Holness has her work cut out for her, and if there is no change at the top, then hers will be a very rocky and frustrating road, whether she likes it or not. Is this fair to her as well as
to the people of Jamaica? To put it bluntly, her sitting in the Speaker’s chair has become too much of an ongoing distraction and will continue to be a lightning rod, which does not augur well for the body politic. But, in the final analysis, this is a judgement call for Prime Minister Holness and his wife. To be or not to be Speaker, that is the question.
Whichever way the cookie crumbles, this is one
burning issue on the national stage that will not dissipate over time but may well gather momentum, especially if the Speaker does not rise to the occasion. But, then again, she just might.
Suffice it to say, Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion. (Jamaica Observer)
Lloyd B Smith has been involved full-time in Jamaican media for the past 50 years. He has also served as a People’s National Party
FROM PAGE 4
Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. He hails from western Jamaica, where he is popularly known as the Governor.
ra – who remember his unforgettable, unmistakable voice; a voice that carried our stories, our humour, our struggles, and our hopes. May his memory remain as enduring as his contributions, and may his spirit continue to echo in every corner of Guyanese culture that he helped shape with such brilliance and devotion.” With over 2000 interviews under his belt during his broadcasting career, Robinson’s accolades in the theatre and arts are highly celebrated. As a founding member of The Theatre Company of Guyana, he was the creator of popular local pro-
ductions such as the radio programme Merundoi and a series of comedy specials. He was also very active in several other organisations, including the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central, where he served as president. He was also Vice President (VP) of the Scout Association of Guyana and a director of the Volunteer Youth Corps. During his illustrious career, Robinson also played a major role in the motorsport sector, serving as President of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) for three terms (1991-1992, 1994-1995, and 2002-2004).
Sign Off
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President Dr Irfaan Ali had presented Ron Robinson with a Lifetime Achievement Award back in May 2025 for his outstanding contributions to broadcasting and the arts
Page Foundation
What can fingerprints tell us about artists?
Think about all the things that you touch in one day. Every time you touch an item, you leave behind a clue that you used it. Your fingerprints! Every person’s fingers have a unique pattern
of whorls and lines. When you touch a surface, you often leave behind an impression or mark of your finger pattern. A fingerprint contains ridges and furrows. Ridges are the elevated surfaces of the
fingerprint. Furrows are the spaces between ridges. You can even identify someone by their fingerprints because they are so unique. You just need to compare the fingerprints found on an item with the pattern on a person’s fingertips.
When a sculptor makes their work from clay, they leave fingerprints and tool marks in the clay. These markings are found on the visible surface and inner walls of the sculpture. When an artist fires the clay, it becomes terracotta, which preserves the fingerprints. Without having records of the artist’s fingerprints, we cannot identify them. But we can figure
out if they are male or female. We can also figure out if they are an adult or a child. That is because the number of ridges and the distance between them change with age.
Scientists used 3D microcomputed tomography to analyse the fingerprints on an 18th-century sculpture attributed to Laurent Delvaux. They studied eight partial fingerprints on the visible surface of the sculpture and analysed five partial fingerprints that were
not visible. To analyse the markings, sections of the sculpture were scanned. Then, the constructed 3D images of the sculpture were analysed.
For each fingerprint, they counted the number of ridges. Three straight lines were drawn across each fingerprint, keeping track of the number of ridges that crossed the lines. Scientists used this to calculate the number of ridges in a given area. This is called the ridge density
They determined ridge
breadth using two methods:
1. They calculated ridge breadth as a ratio, measuring the distance from the first to the last ridge and dividing this by the number of ridges in between.
2. They measured the distance between the centres of two furrows for all three lines and averaged the values. This value is the mean ridge breadth (MRB).
Both methods were used to estimate the age of
the artist. Equations from previous studies were used as references to help. The mean ridge breadth was also used to determine if the artist was a male or female.
Based on our fingermark analysis, the artist of the selected sculpture was an adult male over 15. This analysis matches the known artist, Laurent Delvaux. This method of fingermark analysis could replace other methods. Many studies use camera images to analyse fingerprints. Images taken with a camera can have distortions around the edges. That means it is very important to centre the fingermark before taking the picture. This can be timeconsuming. Some errors may still occur. Using 3D micro-CTproduced 3D models helped to avoid this distortion.
This method can be useful for analysing pieces of art made by artists who worked with their students. It can help identify if the artist or a student made the art piece. That means scientists make sure that the people who made an art piece get credit for their work.
This fingermark analysis can help provide more information about who made a particular art piece from long ago. That is because artists did not always leave a signature or an identifying mark on their work. Think about all the things you create. You may write stories, take photographs, sew clothing or quilts, or make paintings or sculptures. Do you sign them or leave a mark so that people know you made them? If you do, people can give you credit for your work. And it won’t be a mystery for scientists to figure out in the future!
Glossary of Key terms
3D micro-computed (CT) – a three-dimensional imaging technique that uses X-rays. Multiple X-ray images are taken and then reconstructed into a 3D model of the object.
Distortion- a change in the appearance of something, such as a fingerprint.
Furrow- the depressions between ridges on a fingertip. Ratio- a way of comparing the numbers of one item in relation to another.
Ridge- the raised parts of the fingertip make patterns of whorls and lines.
Ridge breadth- the distance between the center of two furrows.
Ridge density– the number of ridges present in a given area. Scientists usually use a reference area of 25 mm2
Toolmarks– a mark, such as an impression, scratch, or cut, made when a tool makes contact with another object.
Whort– a pattern of spirals or concentric circles.
Stricter oversight, increased field operations to tackle illegal gold trade
– authorities caution against paying workers in raw gold
Local authorities will be rolling out a series of measures aimed at curbing illegal trade in Guyana, including imposing stricter oversight of operators and heightened field operations. These were among actions identified during a recent high-level meeting held by the Ministry of Natural Resources in collaboration with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) to address concerns in the sector, including gold declarations. During the engagement, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat emphasised the Guyana Government’s commitment to ensuring that the country’s mineral resources are managed responsibly, transparently and in accordance with the law. He reminded us that since 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration has delivered unprecedented technical, financial and regulatory support to the sector and its stakeholders. Further to this, the Government has made significant enhancements to the sector’s guiding regulations, as well as supporting compulsory training for miners. Among the series of enhanced measures that will be rolled out immediately is a tighter oversight of gold dealers and traders. The Ministry said in a missive on Saturday that it will intensify regulatory scrutiny of all licensed gold dealers and traders. This includes stricter audits of purchasing records, verification of
source declarations and routine compliance checks to ensure adherence to licensing conditions.
“Dealers found to be facilitating undeclared gold transactions or failing to meet reporting obligations will face sanctions, includ-
the Ministry’s purview have been instructed to heighten the confiscation of equipment found to be operating without legal documentation or in prohibited areas.
“This initiative is part of a zero-tolerance stance on mining that undermines national regulations,” the missive detailed. Further, the Natural Resources Ministry plans to field multi-agency activities to arrest and charge illegal operators. This measure, it explained, will expand collaborative operations involving the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and other relevant agencies. These joint efforts will focus on identifying, arresting, and prosecuting individuals and groups engaged in illegal mining.
Prohibition on payment in gold
Meanwhile, Saturday’s missive also saw local authorities reiterating calls for miners to sell gold only to
ing suspension or revocation of licences. These measures aim to close gaps that enable under-declaration and strengthen the integrity of the gold supply chain,” it warned. Moreover, there will also be increased field operations geared towards stopping illegal mining. This will see the Ministry significantly scaling up field monitoring and enforcement efforts across various mining districts. These operations, it noted, will target unauthorised activities and ensure compliance with environmental, safety and production reporting requirements. In addition, there will also be an intensified seizure of illegal equipment. According to the Natural Resources Ministry, agencies under
the Guyana Gold Board or licensed dealers.
“The Ministry and the GGDMA is strongly urging all miners to conduct sales through the Guyana Gold Board or authorised licensed dealers. This is essential to maintaining accurate national production data, supporting fair trade and ensuring that the benefits of the sector are properly accounted for,” it emphasised.
Another call by the Natural Resources Ministry was for workers in the mining sector to not be paid in raw gold – a practice called “Blai box” whereby workers are compensated with gold rather than wages. But the Ministry reminded that all employees are to be compensated through lawful fi-
nancial channels in accordance with labour laws and tax regulations. “Paying workers in gold undermines transparency, weakens declaration accuracy and exposes workers to exploitation and unsafe practices. The Ministry will increase inspections to ensure compliance, and employers found violating labour and tax rules will face penalties. We also remind miners that it
is illegal for miners to allow what is commonly referred to as the “Blai box”. Gold can only be used for transactions with approved buyers and the Guyana Gold Board,” the missive stated.
The Ministry went on to reaffirm its commitment to working in partnership with the GGDMA and all legitimate miners to strengthen the sector. Minister Bharrat noted that while enforce-
ment will be sharply increased, the Government remains open to continuous dialogue and collaboration to address industry challenges and support responsible mining practices. The Ministry added that it looks forward to ongoing cooperation aimed at improving governance, boosting declarations and protecting Guyana’s natural resources for the benefit of all citizens. This recent high-level meeting comes as the GGDMA issued an urgent call to all miners to intensify their efforts to meet the 2025 national gold declaration targets. In its statement, the Association reminded miners that the sustainability of the sector relies on compliance, transparency, and the rejection of illicit trading channels.
Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat
Signs…
A…of (Opposition) life
s you know, your Eyewitness had complained (bitterly!) about the Leader of the PNC Opposition (LOPO) not providing grist for your Eyewitness’ mill – which not only grinds finely but continuously!! Well, he’s pleased that word must’ve gotten to him since he roused himself to pronounce on a host of matters!! He indignantly rejected the pernicious notion that HE was the reason why so many PNC executives have jumped ship!! “No siree Bob!!” he exclaimed. “They left because they didn’t become MPs!! The old “sour grapes” syndrome!!
Now your Eyewitness doesn’t expect those who’ve become MPs – especially ones like Chicken Man who wasn’t even a party member, much less an exec – to criticise the fella who sent them there!! But he hopes Chicken Man realises he was picked precisely because he’s got absolutely no base in the PNC!! He’s a creature of Norton who’ll expect vigorous and frequent boot-licking!! However, your Eyewitness can distinctly remember some departees calling Norton’s name to question his leadership style!!
Anyhow, he pulled out an old chestnut to demand a 25 per cent raise for public servants!! But that chestnut’s been thrown into the fire so many times to be roasted, your Eyewitness thinks even if he were the LOO rather than the LOPO, he wouldn’t have gotten a rise out of public servants!!! Wasn’t he part of the PNC coalition Government that stiffed those public servants after promising a SUBSTANTIAL raise?? So the PPP Government ain’t even gonna blink until Norton shows he’s trying to wrest the LOO’s legitimacy back!!
Turning his eyes to the foreign landscape – because the local one’s so bleak for him??!! – Norton demanded evidence that the Cartel de los Soles is what Trump says it is before supporting US Operation Southern Spear to remove Mad Maduro!! Oooooh!! Trump must be shivering in his boots!! But your Eyewitness wonders which audience he was directing those comments to!! Was it those scrapeheads who deserted him to support Sanction Man –who probably’s got more than a passing acquaintance with that cartel – which also deals with gold smuggling!!
But what was surprising was when one of the MPs who Norton had sent off to Parliament – who presumably got his confidence – demanded more details on the Statement of Intent (SOI) the US military officials had signed with our Government. The SOI was characteristically bland as these things are – “to reaffirm a strong security and military relationship based on a shared commitment to peace, sovereignty, and security in the Western Hemisphere”. Does the PNC really want national security issues in the press?? If this is what we can expect from the party of Burnham – who fancied himself a master of diplomacy – they should expect to become a footnote in Guyana’s history!!
…of school disorder
If it’s one good thing that came out of our British past, it was the respect students inculcated for teachers. It really came out of the respect for education by our fore parents who came out of slavery – and later indentureship – as the tool to deliver real emancipation. As such, your Eyewitness was very disappointed to read about all the vulgarity displayed by students and even violence in some schools. And of the weapons these students now tote around!
But let’s face it…this behaviour is coming straight outta Compton and other American inner-city ghettoes. Sadly, it’s the culmination of the glorification of that ghetto culture by youths that’s taken over schools in what’re now called “hoods”. It started with the misogynistic “gangsta” rap that glorified violence – and influenced dancehall singers like Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel, Skeng, etc. – that’s the first step. Look what happened in Jamaica – which had the same colonial background as us.
We gotta get this out from the roots!!
…of positive Opposition
WIN held a press conference to showcase their Parliamentary agenda – but it was the same ole, same ole like with the PNC – just bitching and complaining!!
Can’t they be positive and help the Government fight gold smuggling and tax evasion??!
Rehabilitation requires public, NGO, and family support – Prison Service
Rehabilitation of incarcerated persons cannot be achieved by the Guyana Prison Service alone but requires the collective involvement of families, non-Governmental organisations, and community stakeholders, prison officials have said.
Speaking during a recent episode of the televised programme “Prison in Focus”, Welfare Officer attached to the Lusignan Prison, Dawn Sumner-London, stressed that rehabilitation extends far beyond incarceration.
“Rehabilitation is not just to incarcerate the person or allow the person to be incarcerated. The rehabilitation programme, rather, is to help inmates to gain skills so that they will be able to make better life decisions,” Sumner-London said.
She noted that external support plays a critical role in ensuring inmates are properly prepared for reintegration into society.
“Rehabilitation is not just about the prison service. We need all stakeholders. Your family members, we need NGOs. It is a collaborative effort,” she added.
According to SumnerLondon, the Prison Service has benefited from partnerships with various organi-
sations that assist in skills training and behavioural development.
“We are grateful to persons who collaborate with the Guyana Prison Service to provide training rehabilitation programmes, faithbased organisations, and so on, so that we are able to train and rehabilitate our incarcerated brothers and sisters.”
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Prisons David Shepard also underscored the importance of family involvement, noting that family bonding initiatives form a core component of rehabilitation.
“The family bonding in
itself is a part of rehabilitation,” Shepard stated.
He urged relatives of inmates to remain engaged throughout the incarceration period, explaining that maintaining family ties positively influences behaviour and emotional stability.
“Once you treat a prisoner humanely and with respect, you will see that coming back. You will reciprocate, and that way, you will build that trust between you and that inmate.”
Officials reiterated that rehabilitation is a shared responsibility and that community participation is vital to reducing reoffending and supporting successful rein-
tegration.
Guyana is in the final stages of overhauling its prison legislation, with the Draft Prison Bill set to replace the Prison Act of 1957, which has governed the operations of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) for decades. The existing law, last amended in 1975, primarily emphasises custody and punishment and outlines the powers of the Director of Prisons, staff duties, and oversight by the Minister of Home Affairs.
The new Bill represents a significant shift in approach, moving away from punitive measures toward rehabili-
tation and reintegration. It mandates the implementation of structured rehabilitation and improvement programmes aimed at preparing inmates for life after incarceration, while aligning Guyana’s prison management framework with international best practices in corrections.
Since 2021, the GPS has benefited from its largest-ever Government investment, exceeding $28 billion under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration. This funding has modernised prison infrastructure, improved profession-
al standards, and supported the transition from punishment-based incarceration to rehabilitation-focused correction.
Major upgrades at the Lusignan, Mazaruni, and New Amsterdam Prisons have eliminated overcrowding, while inmates now participate in accredited vocational training programmes in areas such as carpentry, joinery, masonry, and other skilled trades. These initiatives are designed to support reintegration and reduce reoffending.
The GPS is also reviewing its laws, standing orders, and strategic plans as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at strengthening rehabilitation services, enhancing staff training, and modernising prison operations.
Guyana currently records the lowest recidivism rate in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at 14 per cent, a figure attributed to sustained investment in rehabilitation, vocational training, behavioural programmes, and collaboration with Government agencies and community stakeholders. As of July 2025, Guyana’s prison population stands at 2239 inmates.
Superintendent of Prisons David Shepard
Welfare Officer attached to the Lusignan Prison, Dawn Sumner-London
Govt committed to its LCDS 2030 –Prime Minister Phillips reaffirms
Prime Minister (PM)
Brigadier (Ret’d)
Mark Phillips has said that the Government continues to put policy into practice in implementing the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030. The strategy aims to decouple economic growth from fossil fuel use through clean energy development led by a mix of solar, hydro, wind, biomass and natural gas. The PM made the affirmation on Saturday during the commissioning of the Trafalgar, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), solar project, which will avoid the combustion of over 1.3
million litres of diesel and reduce 4000 to 5000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. PM Phillips noted that the short- to medium-term plan is to build out 100 megawatts (MW) of solar power, complementing other medium- and long-term projects, including the Gas to Energy (GtE) initiative and the Amaila Falls project. Overall, the Government intends to deliver over 500 MW of new generation capacity, with renewable energy forming a central pillar of this transition. Electricity consumption has more than tripled since 1980, and Guyana is determined to meet this demand sustainably.
Miner nabbed with 16 grams of ganja at Itaballi Police Checkpoint
A51-year-old miner was arrested following the discovery of a quantity of ganja at the Itaballi Police Checkpoint, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), on Friday.
Based on reports received, police were performing duties at the checkpoint when a motor pick-up bear-
ing registration number GVV 3523, en route to Black Water Backdam, was intercepted.
At the time, the vehicle was being driven by a 47-year-old male driver from Bartica, with two passengers.
However, during a search, two bulky transparent plas-
tic bags containing the cannabis were found in the pocket of the suspect’s pants.
The miner from Buxton Village, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was taken to the Itaballi Police Outpost, where the ganja was weighed and amounted to 16.4 grams. Charges are expected to be laid shortly.
Oil and Gas Corner at national...
We explain to them, we play the video, we have some speakers speak to them about the possibilities, so that we take full advantage of this facility… I anticipate the visit will open up a lot of possibilities and represent an important investment in introducing young people to the oil and gas industry, the opening of their minds,” he noted. The Finance Minister went on to underscore the Government’s commitment to expanding access to knowledge and strengthening public education. He highlighted that the launch of this project in Berbice is especially relevant given that Berbice is being positioned to be a major play-
er in the oil industry with plans to lay gas pipelines in the region and the Guyana Technical Training College Incorporated (GTTCI) being housed in Port Mourant on the Corentyne. The GTTCI facility, which trains persons in various fields relating to the oil and gas sector, is being funded by ExxonMobil and the United States (US)-based oil major plants to make it one of its major deep-sea training facilities that will be opened up to persons from other countries in the future.
President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge who also delivered remarks at Saturday's launch of the oil and gas library corner explained that the project
is aimed at bringing to life what is done in the industry to make every person in Guyana see and educate communities of what is happening in the industry offshore.
“It is what I expect to see in libraries like this, the bringing to life what we do, and our passion for what we do and making sure what we do is done safe so I am really excited to be here,” he added as he thanked Government, the National Library of New Amsterdam and the Region for their involvement in pulling the project together. Also in attendance at the launch today was Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six Narindra Persaud.
Prime Minister Phillips speaking at the commissioning
A transition Government for Venezuela?
TUS$8M solar farm commissioned...
Online solar farms
Ravi Dev
he pressures on Venezuelan dictator Maduro increased last week from several directions, in addition to the US armada positioned off Venezuela’s coast. The US OFAC imposed new sanctions on a) three nephews of Maduro’s wife who had been convicted of narco-trafficking but had been released in a prisoner exchange; b) a Maduroaffiliated businessman; and c) six shipping companies operating in Venezuela’s oil sector. The latter was enforced in the seizure of a Venezuelan-loaded super tanker by armada forces and the cargo taken to the US. This will severely hurt Maduro’s staunch ally Cuba, which is dependent on Venezuelan crude and may nudge it to support a regime transition.
The second was a report from a UN Fact-Finding Mission that substantiated the brutal nature of Maduro’s regime, which has forced eight million Venezuelans to flee their country. The report asserted that Venezuela’s Bolivarian National Guard, a bulwark of the Maduro regime, committed serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity over more than a decade in targeting political opponents, often with official impunity.
The last was the saga of Maria Corina Machado, who had been barred by Maduro from participating in last year’s elections, which yet had to be rigged against her selected replacement. In collecting her Nobel Prize for her efforts to return democracy to Venezuela, she performatively highlighted Maduro’s Gestapo state. She revealed to the international press in Norway that she had to be smuggled out of the country in which she had been hiding for the last year and yet was late for the ceremony. She again reiterated her support for the US moves to remove Maduro and vowed cryptically, “I’m going back to Venezuela regardless of when Maduro goes out. He’s going out, but the moment will be determined by when I’m finished doing the things that I came out to do.”
It would appear that the US is striving to avoid a direct kinetic attack on Venezuela to remove Maduro, who they have described as the head of the Cartel de los Soles that ships narcotics to the US, killing thousands annually. President Trump has spoken directly to Maduro to leave, but the latter demanded concessions that were unacceptable to the US. The moves described above would be part of the unfolding US programme for Maduro to accept their offer and might be what Machado referred to when she spoke of finishing what she came out to do. At a minimum, she can persuade EU leaders to back the US strategy for regime change in Venezuela by supporting her in a peaceful transfer of power that does not involve an invasion, which they would have to oppose because of their stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Such a scenario is also positive for us, since our position is that unlike the unilateral annexation of our Essequibo that Maduro has been pursuing, the ICJ’s judicial process is the best course. But a Machado (or a proxy) becoming a symbolic electoral victor in Venezuela to replace Maduro also presents challenges for us since, while she offers external credibility, she would not have institutional control. We must concede that with the ground reality, real power would be shared with the remnants of the military high command and their security services, the economic oligarchs that they have joined and also the armed colectivos. As such, a Machado-led transition would not be a revolutionary break but an elite bargain where Venezuelan ownership of Essequibo remains an article of faith.
Under a Machado-aligned transition, pressure on us will not only come from the above-mentioned forces inside Venezuela but also from friends outside who will frame their efforts as “peace, stability, and pragmatism”. Caricom, for instance, may continue placing their Zone of Peace mantra above our territorial integrity, while the US priority will shift from punishment to stabilising Venezuela for “normalisation” of Venezuelan energy supplies within their hemispheric premises.
Our focus must be to insist that the ICJ process for settling Venezuela’s border controversy is the only path forward, and here the US, Caricom, the EU, the Commonwealth, etc, have been in agreement. We should lobby all and sundry that as part of the transition, with or without Machado as the nominal head, there must be a written agreement on the primacy of the ICJ process. In 2023, when Maduro was conducting his referendum on Essequibo, Machado had indicated she supported the ICJ process.
The Trafalgar Solar Farm forms part of the IDBfunded Guyana UtilityScale Solar Photovoltaic Programme (GUYSOL), which is deploying 33 MW of solar capacity across Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Five (MahaicaBerbice), Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), and 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).
The Trafalgar facility joins sister sites at Prospect and Hampshire in Berbice and Onderneeming and Charity in Essequibo, injecting 15 MW of renewable energy into GPL’s grid as part of a coordinated national rollout of renewable energy infrastructure.
In fact, at the time of its commissioning on Saturday, the Trafalgar project was already contributing some 3 MW to GPL’s grid, and it is positioned to save $300 million annually in avoided fossil costs.
The commissioning of these solar farms reflects the Government of Guyana’s continued commitment to diversifying the national energy mix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Only last Saturday, a $1.2 billion 3 MWp solar farm was commissioned at Prospect, Region Six, where PM Phillips declared that Guyana’s rapidly rising electricity demand must be met through a balanced mix of renewable energy and new generation projects.
According to the Prime Minister, while the Government is aggressively expanding solar and other renewable projects, this is not being done in isolation but as part of a coherent national transformation of the entire energy landscape.
He had reminded them that the Government’s flagship 300-MW GtE Project at Wales is advancing, with
the pipeline already laid and construction ongoing on the combined-cycle power plant and natural gas liquids facility. Once operational, he reiterated, electricity costs on the national grid are expected to be reduced by 50 per cent, directly easing the burden on households and businesses.
Alongside that long-term project, PM Phillips had not-
ed that the Government has already added 186.2 MW of new generating capacity to meet the immediate surge in demand. This includes new generating sets at the Garden of Eden plant, emergency units at the Columbia Substation and the temporary integration of two power ships into the grid.
“These expansions are not placeholders. They are
strategic reinforcements ensuring Guyana never falls behind the pace of development. Guyana today is like one huge construction site; everything that is being built needs energy, and it is our duty to ensure that energy is available, reliable and affordable,” PM Phillips emphasised at the December 6 commissioning of the Prospect Solar Farm.
Officials being given a demonstration of the 4 MWp solar farm system
Ongoing drainage works to strengthen flood prevention during current rainy season
Drainage works are ongoing across the city for the December rains, including the cleaning of Church Street, Cummings Canal outfall, Ruimveldt South inlet and outlet, and Sussex Street inlet channels. Excavations continued on Saturday night at the Church Street canal inlet and outfall to improve water flow and reduce flooding. This comes as extensive desilting works began over the past week along several key drainage channels in Georgetown, as the Government undertakes efforts to reinforce the capital city’s flood prevention infrastructure. Led by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) under the Ministry of Agriculture, the inter-
vention aims to improve the rate at which water is discharged from the city, par-
ticularly during heavy rainfall and high tides. The work will clear the
channels by removing silt that has blocked water flow.
The build-up has been a major contributor to localised flooding in both commercial and residential areas. These works form part of a wider programme to strengthen Georgetown’s ability to cope with heavy rainfall.
This initiative aligns with President Ali’s clean city initiative, a comprehensive Georgetown Restoration Plan also known as the “city rescue plan” or “city reviv-
of a drainage pump ahead of the Christmas Village event was not sufficient to counter the intensity of the rainfall, leading to drains overflowing in the area. Several Georgetown neighbourhoods, including Bel Air Park, Regent Street, Avenue of the Republic, Smyth Street, Quamina Street and sections of Lombard and High Streets, experienced significant pooling. In flood-prone zones, clogged drains filled with bottles and
al plan”. It aims to restore Georgetown to its historic status as the “Garden City of the Caribbean” through nationwide clean-up exercises, infrastructure development and behavioural change campaigns. The intensified flood-prevention push comes on the heels of several hours of heavy rainfall in Georgetown, which left sections of the city waterlogged and triggered widespread public concern. Sections of Main Street and other affected districts were reportedly flooded, which caused traffic backups, submerged pavements and forced pedestrians onto roadways.
The recent installation
waste further hampered water flow. While areas along the lower East Coast of Demerara (ECD) also saw considerable water accumulation, conditions there were less severe than in the city. Floodwaters gradually receded once rainfall subsided. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had stressed that while the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) carry certain responsibilities for urban drainage maintenance, the central Government continues to intervene where necessary to ensure pumps are functional and critical infrastructure remains in working order.
Professor Randolph Persaud elected UG Pro Chancellor
The University of Guyana (UG) announced Thursday the elected appointment of Prof. Randolph Persaud as Pro Chancellor to UG following the procedures laid out by the statutes and the 12th Council of the University on Monday, December 8, 2025.
The new Pro Chancellor will also perform the duties of Acting Chancellor of UG while a new Chancellor is named. The university in its press release, extended its appreciation to Prof John Edward Greene, the immediate past Chancellor for his stellar and futuristic leadership of the university’s Council from 2019, whose tenure has come to a natural end. The University also wishes to thank the immediate past Council.
The new Council also extended gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Paloma Mohamed-Martin, who has, by statute, carried the additional duties of Pro-Chancellor since 2020 while a new Pro-Chancellor was named, as well as recently acting in the role of Chancellor under statutes governing vacancies of these positions. According to the
release, the Vice-Chancellor has, on behalf of the University community, welcomed and warmly congratulated Prof Persaud, who has maintained a close relationship with the university since his return to Guyana upon retirement from international service.
As Pro-Chancellor, Prof Persaud will work with the Council which oversees the strategic direction of the University, and the Vice-Chancellor and Senior Management team who have executive responsibility for the management and operations of the University.
Prof Persaud is a well-respected academic and international scholar. He is currently an Advisor in the Office of the President, the Director of the National Defence Institute (NDI), and a Teaching Fellow at the Institute for Human Resiliency, Strategic Security and the Future at UG. He holds the BA (Hons), MA, and PhD in Political Science from York University, Toronto, and is Professor Emeritus at the American University, Washington DC. He was Director of Comparative
and Regional Studies at the School of International Service (SIS), American University, Assistant Director for the Centre for International and Security Studies, York University, Vice President and the elected President of the SIS, which is among the largest schools of international affairs in the world.
Professor Persaud has consulted with the United States (US) State Department, Carnegie Corporation, the Council on Foreign Relations, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, the United Nations (UN) via the UN University, and
the World Bank on BioDiversity excellence at UG and was a Research Fellow at the Institute of Advanced International Theory, University of Sussex. He previously served as an academic editor for Third World Quarterly and currently sits on the editorial board of the journal. Professor Persaud is a widely published scholar with a significant international footprint. He has spoken at 37 universities, including the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Johns Hopkins University, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), City, University of London,
the University of Toronto, McMaster University, and universities in Japan, Korea, Italy, Taiwan, Sweden, the Netherlands (Holland), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), among others. The university community congratulates the new ProChancellor. The university looks forward to working with Prof Persaud and the new university Council on the continued trajectory of UG in achieving the University Blueprint’s national focus on growth in science, technology, human problem solving and the provision of world-class university education for the nation.
Prof Randolph (Randy) Persaud
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Prof Paloma Mohamed Martin, presenting the instruments of office to Prof Randy Persaud
Long before smooth highways and modern transport in Guyana, the Corentyne route was ruled by a rumbling four-wheeled machine, its smoky exhaust leaving an imprint in both dust and memory –the Tapir.
Once a common sight on Guyana’s roads, the Tapir began to fade from prominence around 2007, as changing transport needs and rising costs forced many operators out of business. Today, the vehicle has all but disappeared. Yet even as the Tapir slipped into near extinction, its legacy has been reignited through a recently published tribute – one that centres not on the machine alone, but on the man who helped bring it to life. The Tapir holds a special place in Guyana’s industrial history as the country’s first locally manufactured and assembled vehicle, an achievement that remains a point of pride for Massy Motors Limited, formerly Associated Industries Limited (Ainlim). While the vehicle it-
self has long been celebrated, far fewer stories have focused on the people behind its creation.
That gap was recently addressed by Annieleez Kirton, daughter of Michael “Mike” Kirton, the key team leader behind the Tapir’s redesign, modification and assembly during the 1970s. In her tribute, she chronicles her father’s years at Ainlim, offering a first-hand account of the craftsmanship, discipline and sacrifice that shaped the iconic vehicle. In her article, she reflects for readers on the collective effort and personal loss behind the Tapir’s story. “The article is dedicated to all those who worked alongside Mike Kirton in the manufacturing of the Tapir and in memory of Terrence (Terry) Marques, whose legacy remains inseparable from the vehicle that helped shape a generation of Guyanese transport.” Writing from what she describes as “the horse’s mouth”, Annieleez takes readers back to a time when her father played a central role in
transforming an idea into one of Guyana’s most recognisable machines.
Origins
She detailed that the very first Tapir to emerge from Ainlim – now Massy Motors Limited –was built and driven by her father himself. Its features were distinctive: a shade of yellow slightly darker than sunflower, manual transmission, a leatherette two-seater interior and a vintage Bedford van steering wheel. The body was constructed from 20-gauge sheet metal, the flooring from 3/8-inch marine plywood, with a bold “X” stamped on each door. According to her account, the vehicle was powered by a 1970s classic Vauxhall Viva engine, imported from General Motors (UK), while accessories such as lights, locks and windscreens were supplied through British racing driver Gordon Spice. When the Tapir was completed, she recalled, her father drove it home – not for fanfare, but to proudly show his own father what he had accomplished. Allowing readers to see the moment through the 1970s lens, Annieleez described the achievement as a defining one for a young man coming of age – proof of skill, discipline and an ability to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. She noted that Tapirs one, two and three soon followed, while the fourth was built as a replica, specifically for advertising. On November 7, 1975, the Tapir was officially unveiled to the nation during a dramatic helicopter flyover across Georgetown, accompanied by the declaration: “The Tapir is here.” The day marked a historic milestone for both Ainlim and Guyana. Under Ainlim, she wrote, Kirton went on to modify, weld and fabricate at least seven Tapir prototypes, including a hatchback, deluxe carrier van, convertible, lower-chassis Tapir, higher-chassis Tapir and pickup models.
Highlights and tragedy Progress, however, came at a heavy personal cost. Annieleez recounted that during a test drive at the South Dakota circuit, one of the prototypes – the lower-chassis Tapir – crashed on its final lap. Kirton’s close friend
and co-worker, Terrence “Terry” Marques, lost control of the vehicle and died. Both men had been test drivers that day, along with colleague Ervin Rillen. She wrote that the tragedy took an immense emotional toll on her father. Yet, driven by resilience and remembrance, he repaired and modified the damaged vehicle, naming it “Terry” in honour of his fallen friend. In total, she documented that approximately 840 Tapirs were manufactured and sold across Guyana, most commonly in Region Six (East Berbice–Corentyne), where the vehicle became a familiar fixture on the roads.
Annieleez also highlighted that her father’s contributions extended beyond civilian transport. In the 1980s, he helped design and build an armoured vehicle for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) known as “The Hawk”. Built shortly before Tapir production ceased, the vehicle was rugged and imposing, bearing similarities to what the world would
later recognise as the Hummer. Throughout his years at Ainlim, she wrote, Kirton took immense pride in his work, mastering each project with discipline and precision. He attended several exhibitions, including the Tapir’s first public showcase, where the vehicle’s components and functionality were demonstrated to Guyana’s first President, Arthur Chung, and First Lady Doreen Chung. Though never a man drawn to the spotlight, Annieleez emphasised that her father played a pivotal role in shaping one of Guyana’s most important industrial achievements. “Now 77 years old, Mike Kirton spends his time enjoying the company of his dogs, tending to fruit trees and watching a good game of cricket. Yet when he speaks of the Tapir years – his proudest chapter – he does so with joy, clarity and enthusiasm. I am proud to share his story,” she wrote, “to clear misconceptions, and even more proud to call him my father – the man behind the Tapir.”
The cover page of Annieleez Kirton’s Article The Tapir
Corentyne accident victim
Jodea
Seline laid to rest
...Ministers Parag, Singh attend funeral
On Saturday, family, friends, classmates, and the wider community of East BerbiceCorentyne gathered to lay to rest 16-year-old Jodea Seline, a student of Central Corentyne Secondary School whose life was tragically cut short in a minibus accident in November.
The funeral was attended by the Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, and the Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, who joined the mourners in paying their respects.
The service was a solemn and emotional occasion. Jodea’s pink casket rested at the centre. Surrounding her were flowers and mementos from
family, friends, and classmates. Along the tents at the funeral site, placards displayed her photographs and carried messages urging motorists to slow down; a heartfelt plea sparked by the circumstances of her death.
Jodea died on November 22 after the minibus she was travelling in toppled at Number 63 Village while returning from the Inter-Secondary School Athletics Championships in Corriverton. The accident also claimed the life of her teacher and the minibus driver, Jerome Bernard, who passed away shortly after her at Georgetown Public Hospital. Several other students and teachers
were injured in the crash, some remaining in critical condition.
The funeral brought together the local education community and neighbouring schools, all sharing in the grief and honouring Jodea’s promise and potential.
The Ministry of Education extended condolences to Jodea’s family, friends, and school community, reaffirming support for those affected by the accident. Today’s service stood as a reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for caution on the roads, particularly for students and teachers travelling to and from school events.
“Once a man has hope, he will not misbehave” – Prison Supt says hope reduces crime
...as Prison Service looks to rehabilitative initiatives
Superintendent of Prisons David Shepard says hope is one of the most effective tools in reducing criminal behaviour among incarcerated individuals and preventing reoffending. During a discussion on rehabilitation initiatives within the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), Shepard explained that programmes focused on family connection, skill-training and personal development are designed to instil hope in inmates.
“Because once a man has hope, he will not continue to breach rules, breach regulations, misbehave,” Shepard said. He explained that family bonding initiatives, particularly during special periods such as Christmas, provide inmates with emotional reassurance and motivation to change. “It gives them hope… to know that somebody, or my family, still loves me; they still care about me, even though I may run afoul of the law.”
Superintendent of Prisons David Shepard
According to Shepard, inmates who maintain meaningful relationships with their families are more likely to comply with prison rules and engage in rehabilitation programmes.
“He’ll have that hope that, ‘look, my family is here, I’m happy that they’re
here, I’m happy that they’re coming to see me, I’m happy that they love me, that they care about me.’” Hope, he said, is also reinforced through vocational training initiatives that equip inmates with skills they can use upon release. “The Fresh Start initiative is a
means of giving them hope. Again, once they know that somebody cares, they show care.” Shepard noted that inmates often enter the prison system without any marketable skills but leave with vocational training that empowers them to live honestly. “Many inmates come to prison with no skills at all, and they leave prison not with just one but multiple skills.” He emphasised that the prison system is not solely about punishment. “Prison is not just about lock away. We have to help to develop these men and women who come to prison, help them to realise themselves; help them to know who they are.” According to the superintendent, instilling hope has already shown positive results, including reduced conflict and declining recidivism. “Once we find that we can develop those skills, we equip them, and we see that the recidivism rate has gone down and will continue
to decrease.” Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs designed a programme aimed at bolstering the efforts undertaken to rehabilitate inmates and to provide them with the requisite skills for
their reintegration into society. Code-named “A Fresh Start”, the programme is geared towards providing a toolkit with the basic needs to persons who are leaving the prison system.
Scenes from Jodea Seline’s funeral
Agriculture Minister distributes Christmas cheer in day-long Berbice outreach
Minister of Agriculture
who is also Executive Secretary of the PPP, highlighted the importance of unity and togetherness that the Christmas season brings to families throughout Guyana. He reiterated that under the PPP/C, Christmas remains a cherished occasion that all Guyanese look forward to each year.
Zulfikar Mustapha on Saturday distributed toys to children across Berbice: Canefield, Cumberland, Fyrish, Belvedere, Port Mourant, Bloomfield, Whim, Manchester, Mibicuri, Eversham, No. 48, Crabwood Creek, Corriverton, No. 63, and Rose Hall on behalf of President Dr Irfaan Ali, General Secretary of the PPP Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, and the party.
During the day-long outreach, Minister Mustapha,
As part of the activities, the minister also attended two Christmas tree lighting ceremonies at No. 63 and Rose Hall. At both events, he delivered the feature address and conveyed Christmas greetings from President Ali, General Secretary Dr Jagdeo, and the PPP/C, extending best wishes to residents for a joyful and peaceful holiday season.
Ronaldo Alphonso re-elected GGDMA President, calls for immediate end to gold smuggling
Tto the leadership position
urged miners to immediately stop selling gold to unlicensed buyers and illegal shops. He emphasised that gold is a state resource and stressed the importance of halting payments and trading in gold outside official channels.
“The GGDMA will work even more aggressively with the Government of Guyana to eradicate gold smuggling and the operation of illegal landings and shops,” Alphonso stated. “I also call on all miners to ramp up production to help meet the national target of 500,000 ounces set for 2025. It is crucial that miners declare their production so that the figures are properly recorded for the year.” Several other executive members echoed Alphonso’s call to action, stressing the need to eliminate gold smuggling and the practice of paying in gold. Suggestions were made to consider blacklist-
ing members found engaging in illegal activities, a move supported unanimously by the meeting.
GGDMA Managing Director Avalon Jagnandan highlighted the association’s recent achievements, noting an increase in membership and urging more miners to join. He reported that the association facilitated du-
ty-free concessions for members and assisted several small miners to restart operations through its open day initiative.
The newly elected executive committee will serve a two-year term and is as follows: Ronaldo Alphonso – President; Dabria Marcus – VicePresident; Azeem Baksh –Secretary; Patrick Harding – Treasurer; Geraldo Alphonso – Organising Secretary; Terrence Adams – Committee Member; Terry Singh – Committee Member; Vishanti Balgobin –Committee Member; Shawn King – Committee Member; and Andron Alphonso –Immediate Past President. Additionally, founder members David Bacchus, Charles DaSilva, and Alfro Alphonso will serve on the board as ex-officio members and advisors.
he Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has re-elected Ronaldo
Alphonso as its President for the next two years. Alphonso, who faced no opposition, was easily returned
at the association’s annual general meeting. In his brief address to members, Alphonso
New management committee L to R: Patrick Harding, Treasurer; Avalon Jagnandan, Managing Director; Vishanti Balgobin, Committee Member; Ronaldo Alphonso, President; Terry Singh, Committee Member; Terrence Adams, Committee Member; Dabria Marcus, Vice-President; Andron Alphonso, Immediate Past President; Geraldo Alphonso, Organising Secretary; and Shawn King, Committee Member
Ronaldo Alphonso
Using nothing but his words to craft vivid images in the minds of his listeners, Mishael Henry – a Guyanese by nationality and two-time Guyanese National Poetry Slam champion –recently took the Trinidadian stage, captivating audiences during the Borderlines Bucket List show alongside Trinidadian poets Derron Sandy and Idrees Saleem.
With over eight years of experience in the performance poetry scene, he has captivated audiences both locally and across the Caribbean.
The event, held at the Central Bank Auditorium in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, showcased a fusion of Caribbean voices, highlighting the power of storytelling to cross borders and connect communities.
Borderlines was conceptualised in 2018 by Idrees Saleem and Derron Sandy, and the show has grown steadily over the years, expanding from a single night in 2018 to a three-day festival in 2025. The goal of the showcase is to create a sustainable platform for performance poetry that follows a sound business model, contributing to the diversification of the performance arts industry in Trinidad and Tobago.
Recalling his experience performing outside of Guyana, Mishael said
that his ultimate goal is for spoken word to have an impact not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.
“The goal for spoken word for me is so that it can impact not only Guyana but also the region, and this is the start of that. I foresee that in the future, other Trinidadian poets can one day come to Guyana to collaborate with the vast range of voices that are emerging. Currently, poets in Guyana are taking over the scene, and they have the power to reach the region as well.”
He also highlighted the growing talent in Guyana’s spoken word scene and emphasised the impor-
tance of showcasing it regionally.
“Guyana has a vast number of emerging poets, and this sends a strong statement to the region that we have something to offer in spoken word. I also foresee that shows can be held in Guyana, as my continued experience grants me insight into the power of production and performance in spoken word poetry.”
Henry also shared his vision for the future of spoken word in Guyana: “The future for spoken word poetry in Guyana is very bright. I foresee auditoriums filled with people ready to witness the power of spoken word right here at home. I also plan to
reach students and teach them this art form.”
This year, he performed at Camille’s Academy, where he mentored young voices and introduced students to the benefits of spoken word poetry.
He stressed the importance of including youth in the movement: “Youths cannot be left out because they have important stories to tell from their own perspectives. Spoken word can be a tool for them to speak about their challenges and convey their experiences poetically. This is not a journey I alone must undertake, but one where other poets in Guyana can grow, spread their wings, perform in other countries, collaborate, meet more people, and gain recognition across the Caribbean.”
Celebrating those who gave a lifetime
– Sonia Noel Foundation hosts senior citizens retreat
One can only begin to imagine the countless contributions elders have made throughout their lives – from words of wisdom to tangible acts of care, from quiet sacrifices to lasting legacies. Yet too often, these gifts go unnoticed and uncelebrated. On December 6, the Sonia Noel Foundation sought to honour seniors at the serene Isika location near Parika, offering them a space to reflect on the many contributions they have made over a lifetime, to rejoice in their enduring impact and to experience the recognition they have so long earned.
The Foundation demonstrated its unwavering commitment to community and compassion by hosting a deeply moving and joyful senior citizens retreat, bringing together seniors from various communities to celebrate life, reflect on their journeys and bask in the warmth of connection. The gathering, powered by the generous sup-
port of Mings Products and Services, featured games, a nature walk and storytelling that offered precious insights into the rich lives and legacies of the elders. The retreat wasn’t just about reminiscing – it was about living in the moment. Many attendees even joined in a lively electric slide, led by the ever-energetic Negla Brandis, whose presence was as vibrant as her vision.
“I want the seniors of Guyana to be made a priority before I go to the great beyond,” shared Brandis, whose powerful words resonated deeply with many. Her advocacy for the elderly and her vision for their well-being in Guyana remain unmatched and inspiring.
Sonia Noel Foundation
For over 15 years, the Sonia Noel Foundation has led impactful community outreach programmes focused on seniors, youth and empower-
ment through the arts, fashion and wellness. With a mission rooted in compassion, confidence and creative expression, the Foundation continues to serve as a beacon of hope and service in Guyana and beyond. Founder Sonia Noel, who has championed senior-centred initiatives for more than a decade, described the day as “a blessing”. Her passion for the cause stems from her close bond with her grandmother and her continued connection to the seniors at Love & Faith Church. “The hugs, kisses and prayers I consistently receive from seniors are priceless,” Noel said. “This retreat has cemented another layer of beautiful memories I’ll carry for life.” During the retreat, Noel also reminisced about one of her most cherished birthdays – her 45th –which she celebrated entirely with seniors from her church, treating them to makeovers, a photo shoot, brunch and live music at the Herdmanston
Lodge. “It was one of the most memorable birthdays I will cherish forever,” she recalled. Looking ahead to 2026, Noel expressed her commitment to collaborating with Brandis and other stakeholders to develop programmes that enhance the dignity and joy of senior citizens across Guyana. “We need to inten-
tionally create the world we desire to live in,” she emphasised. In the spirit of the season, Sonia Noel Inc. will also host a festive Shopping Party for the Season from December 12–14 at 35 Anira Street, Queenstown. The pop-up experience will feature unique fashion pieces, bold accessories, natural products, and
one-of-a-kind gifts from local vendors, while shoppers enjoy festive vibes, sip on sorrel, ginger beer and wine, and sample delicious black cake. Seniors will receive a 20 per cent discount, while all other guests will enjoy 10 per cent off. For more information, patrons can WhatsApp +592684-8129.
Dr Sonia Noel Alongside some of the elders who received gifts
Elders
Mishael Henry
(From L-R) Poets
Idrees Saleem, Derron Sandy, and Mishael Henry
By Ron Cheong
With Christmas fast approaching, thoughts inevitably turn to A Christmas Carol: Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a man so tightly wound that even his dreams staged an intervention.
Behind the ghosts, the moral uplift, and the supernatural theatrics lies something very down-to-earth: a man being forced to sit through the psychological cinema of his own unconscious. Scrooge didn’t get spirits – he got dreams with a very big production budget.
So in the spirit of the season, we take a lighter look at the dream world Dickens so wisely tapped into, where forgotten memories, repressed feelings, and questionable late-night snacks all come together in a show that nobody bought tickets for.
The nightly movies no one asked for
Whether we like it or not, we all operate a small, unregulated cinema in our heads. Every night the projector snaps on, and we’re shown a private screening: a thriller, a romantic comedy (starring people we’d never cast), or an anxiety-fuelled di saster film directed by leftover curry.
Sigmund Freud, Victorian psychology’s biggest Dickens fan, believed dreams were windows into the unconscious. And while many of his original theories have since been gently retired, one idea still resonates: our dreams often know things about us that our daytime selves politely ignore.
And thank goodness they do, because without dreams we’d have no idea what our minds get up to when left unsuper vised. Dreams are basically the office Christmas party version of the mind: louder, stranger, and someone always ends up dancing with unresolved trauma.
Once consciousness clocks out for the night, the un conscious grabs the keys and announces: “Right then. Time to un pack your emotional baggage. But let’s do it in costume.”
What follows is our cheer ful, seasonal walk through the
Dickensian theatre inside all of us, minus the ghosts, plus more questionable symbolism.
The Grocery-List Dreams: AKA Brain Maintenance
Some dreams are incredibly practical: the leg-cramp emergency broadcast, the “where’s the toilet?” scavenger hunt, and the famous “what demon possessed me to eat spicy food at midnight?” drama.
These are the Scrooge-before-redemption dreams: blunt, cranky, and strictly task-orientated.
The Universal Classics: Humanity’s Shared Embarrassments
Then come the classics: falling, flying, showing up to work naked except for confidence you do not possess.
Dickens taught us that the human condition is universal. Dreams confirm this by reminding us that everyone, everywhere, occasionally imagines themselves accidentally attending a meeting in their un-
When dreams hit a little too close to home
Then there are those dreams – the sticky, symbolic ones where your childhood home, your boss, your ex, and a giraffe all merge into one confusing emotional metaphor.
These are the dreams that force you, over your morning coffee, to mutter, “What exactly is my brain trying to tell me, and why did it choose interpretive chaos as the medium?”
Modern psychologists would say: because you ignored it during the day. Dreams are emotional customer service—and they work night shifts.
How our inner scrooges shape our dreams
Just like Dickens’ ghosts tailored their messages to Scrooge, our dreams reflect our personality styles – some gentle, some dramatic, some in full Broadway regalia.
1. The Well-Adjusted Dreamer: Christmas Spirit Lite
If you’re generally optimistic, your dreams tend to be more “gentle nudge” than “haunting”.
A dream of missing the train = Pardon me, maybe lighten your schedule? Kind regards, Your Brain.
A forgotten exam = A small reminder that you need a break. Warmly, The Subconscious.
These dreamers get the Ghost of Christmas Past with a cup of tea and a kindly tone.
2. The Timid or Anxious Dreamer: Christmas Drama Edition
For the worriers, the unconscious does not hold back.
Missing the train becomes: THE ENTIRE RAILWAY NETWORK HAS COLLAPSED, AND IT’S YOUR FAULT.
Forgetting the exam becomes: You’re writing it in the wrong century, with the wrong people, in a towel.
These dreamers get all three Dickensian ghosts at once, each carrying a clipboard.
3. The Narcissist: A Full Scrooge-BeforeRedemption Production Meet “Winston”, a modern Scrooge minus the self-awareness.
By day:
He radiates confidence, avoids introspection, and posts heroic quotes about misunderstood brilliance.
By night:
The unconscious stages symbolic catastrophes:
He wins awards—but no one claps.
He gives a grand speech—but his microphone dies.
He enters a room—but the room sighs.
These dreams aren’t punishing him— just giving his ego the performance review it refuses to schedule.
But like pre-conversion Scrooge, Winston wakes up annoyed and blames the bed, the pillow, or society at large.
How dreams smuggle in the truth
Dreams use symbolism because it’s the only way the unconscious can slip difficult truths past security.
Annoyed with someone? They show up in your dream disguised as a hybrid of: your boss, your mother, and someone who once cut you off in traffic.
Avoiding a problem? It shows up as a symbolic plot twist so bizarre even Dickens would say, “Whoo! – That’s a bit much.”
Everyone’s dream symbols are unique –a private dictionary the ghosts of past, present, and future all share.
Why talking helps (Scrooge could have used therapy)
Freud called it the “talking cure”. Dickens called it “three supernatural visits and a moral reckoning.”
Whether through a therapist, a friend, or a long reflective walk, acknowledging what a dream hints at often provides the relief we didn’t know we needed.
Scrooge did it with ghosts. We can do it with fewer nightgowns and less fog.
Final Word: Don’t Wait for Three Ghosts
Dreams don’t always hold grand revelations. Sometimes they’re just housekeeping. But they do highlight the parts of ourselves we ignore during daylight hours.
Well-adjusted people get gentle seasonal reminders. Timid people get Dickensian drama. Narcissists get full musical productions –though they rarely give them good reviews. If there’s a lesson, it’s this: Pay attention to your inner life now, so your dreams won’t have to stage a Christmasthemed intervention later.
Scrooge waited for ghosts.
You don’t have to.
8 Guyanese among those arrested in DHS “worst of the worst” enforcement sweep
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a new enforcement update highlighting the arrest of criminal non-citizens it identified as the “worst of the worst” under expanded deportation directives issued by President Donald Trump.
The list includes several Guyanese nationals who were apprehended during nationwide operations conducted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to DHS, the individuals were detained as part of targeted actions aimed at locating and removing non-citizens deemed to pose significant risks to public safety and national security.
Among those detained is Kwesi Menezes, who was arrested in Mount Holly, New Jersey. DHS records show that Menezes was convicted of aggravated assault on a Police officer involving strong-arm force.
Dwayne Waithe was arrested in New York City. According to DHS, Waithe has convictions for possession of a weapon, illegal re-entry into the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act, marijuana-related offences, and drug trafficking.
Orlando, Florida, officers detained Ronald Doodnauth, who has been convicted of aggravated assault involving a family member, cruelty toward a child, assault, and burglary.
Harinarine Ramkissoon was arrested in Alden, New York. DHS listed Ramkissoon as having convictions for homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol. Another arrest took place in East Orange, New Jersey, where Deon Watson was taken into custody following a conviction for a sex offence against a child involving fondling. In Queens Village, New York, ICE officers arrested Vickram Moses, who has an assault conviction.
In a statement accompanying the release, DHS underscored that the enforcement actions are intended to ensure the swift detention and removal of individuals classified as high-risk, stressing that public safety remains the department’s top priority. The announcement comes amid intensified immigration enforcement efforts across the United States, following directives to expand arrests and removals of undocumented immigrants with criminal histories.
23 entrepreneurs chosen for 2025 DBL Innovation Tank
Demerara Bank Limited (DBL) has announced the successful selection of participants for the 2025 DBL Innovation Tank, its annual innovation and entrepreneurship programme designed to support Guyanese start-ups and earlystage businesses.
Officially launched in September 2025, the programme represents a $10 million Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to nurture local entrepreneurship through grants, mentorship, capacity-building, and competition.
In a press release, the bank noted that guided by the ethos “Dream. Build. Lead.”, the Innovation Tank invites entrepreneurs to pitch innovative and sustainable business ideas before a live judging panel for a chance to secure non-repayable grants of up to G$1 million each.
This year, the pro-
gramme received close to 200 applications from across Guyana. It was a thorough and transparent process to narrow the selection down to 23 outstanding participants, each evaluated based on the innovation potential of their idea, business viability, and contribution to sustainable development in Guyana.
To officially launch the next phase of the programme, Demerara Bank hosted a kick-off meet & greet at the World Trade Centre Guyana on Friday, it added.
According to DBL, the event brought together the selected participants, DBL leadership, programme partners, mentors, and key stakeholders from the local business community.
Highlights of the event included opening remarks from senior executives emphasising the bank’s commitment to fostering innovation and inclusive economic growth; programme overview sessions outlining upcoming training; mentorship pairings; and innovation challenges.
Networking opportunities allowing participants to connect with mentors from partner organisations, including the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA), the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Guyana, and the Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD), were also included. Participants expressed enthusiasm for the structured support, mentorship, and resources available, which will be vital in helping them scale their ven-
tures and compete successfully in the marketplace.
Beyond funding, the DBL Innovation Tank programme provides structured mentorship with industry leaders, technical guidance in business operations, marketing, and scaling, and exposure to networks for strategic partnerships and investment readiness. Demerara Bank continues to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports innovation, job creation, and sustainable local development.
The bank congratulated all 23 selected participants for earning their place in the 2025 Innovation Tank and extended its best wishes to all other applicants.
Another Guyanese national, Mohamed Yusuf, was apprehended in Albany, New
York, following a conviction for prostitution and commercial sex offences.
ICE also arrested Rakesh Persuad in Springfield Gardens, New
York. Persuad’s criminal history includes convictions for kidnapping, robbery, and cruelty toward a child. In
Region 6 honours Top Cops as Commander reports major crime, traffic reductions
Police ranks in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) were on Friday recognised for exemplary service during a regional Police awards ceremony, as Regional Commander Assistant Commissioner Shivpersaud Bacchus reported significant reductions in serious crime and road fatalities across the division. The region’s Top Cop award was presented to Assistant Superintendent Johann Henry, the Regional Detective Officer, whose investigative leadership has contributed to improved case clear-up rates. Henry was also recently named runner-up for Top Cop nationally, an achievement earned just days before the regional ceremony. The runner-up award for Region Six was pre-
sented to Corporal Keisha Griffith, who was commended for her dedication, discipline and consistent service to the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Addressing ranks and invited guests, Bacchus described the ceremony as an opportunity for reflection and gratitude, noting that the Christmas season is not only one of celebration but also introspection, noting that the occasion allowed the force to evaluate its performance and begin projecting plans for the year ahead. Bacchus reported that policing efforts in the division have resulted in an impressive 113 per cent crime clear-up rate, alongside a 56 per cent reduction in serious crimes for 2025 when compared with the January to November period in 2024.
He described the achievement as significant and credited ranks at every level for working professionally to keep communities safe. Traffic enforcement also showed notable improvement, with the commander stating that traffic incidents declined by 18 per cent, while fatalities on the region’s roadways decreased by 25 per cent when compared with the corresponding period last year.
“These numbers are very significant,” Bacchus said, stressing that the results reflect strategic planning,
leadership and sustained operational work throughout the year. He explained that Region Six currently has 11 Police stations and five outposts, with another outpost scheduled to be established at Siparuta, while
feasibility studies have been completed for four additional locations. He also revealed that three cold cases were successfully solved through strengthened investigative techniques led by the Regional Detective
Department. Bacchus further outlined ongoing and upcoming infrastructure developments, including the Sisters and Orealla Police Stations, both approximately 65 per cent completed; the New Amsterdam and
Orealla boathouses; a command centre at Whim; and upgrades to the Regional Police Headquarters.
“These facilities are constructed so that we can execute our mandate in a more professional and comfortable manner,” he said, urging ranks to take responsibility for maintaining the buildings. Bacchus also highlighted opportunities for Police ranks to pursue academic qualifications, referencing the GPF Digital School, the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) Scholarship Programme, and free tuition at the University of Guyana (UG), noting that the organisation now bears the financial burden for officers’ education. Looking ahead, Bacchus noted that major infrastructure projects planned for Region Six, including road expansion and construction works, will bring new policing challenges. He emphasised the importance of community partnership, stating that crime prevention and road safety remain a shared responsibility between Police and citizens. He concluded by thanking ranks for their service, extending well wishes to their families, and expressing confidence that with continued teamwork, the division will achieve even greater results in 2026.
Corentyne woman homeless after fire guts building
Awoman is now homeless after a fire destroyed her house at Salton Village, Corentyne, Berbice, on Friday evening while she was away; an incident she believes may be linked to a long-standing dispute with the caretaker attached to the property.
The fire victim, Samantha Crawford, told this publication that she and a friend left the house at around 19:30h and were not at home when the blaze broke out.
“When we came back, the fire was in the whole house,” Crawford recalled, describing the devastation she encountered upon returning.
“Everything was burning,” she added.
Crawford said she believes the fire started near the front door and claimed that prior threats were made by a man who has been associated with the property for decades. According to her, the individual had been a caretaker, whose primary responsibility was to groom the horses, and had lived there with her late husband
for more than 20 years. She alleged that before leaving the house on Friday, the man told her he only had “nine days” left at the premises and threatened that he would see her leave the home.
Asked what may have led to the dispute, Crawford claimed jealousy played a role following the death of her husband. She said she had lived alone for about two years after his passing and suggested the relationship between herself and the caretaker became strained during that period.
Assistant Superintendent Johann Henry receiving the Top Cop award from Commander Bacchus
Corporal Keisha Griffith receiving the runnerup award from Commander Bacchus
Samantha Crawford
Why the Dutch embrace floating homes
Faced with worsening floods and a shortage of housing, the Netherlands is seeing growing interest in floating homes. These floating communities are inspiring more ambitious Dutch-led projects in floodprone nations, from French Polynesia to the Maldives. As sea levels rise and supercharged storms cause waters to swell, floating neighbourhoods offer an experiment in flood defence that could allow coastal communities to better withstand climate change. In the land-scarce but densely populated Netherlands, demand for such homes is growing. And, as more people look to build on the water there, officials are working to update zoning laws to make the construction of floating homes easier. The floating communities in the Netherlands, which emerged in the past
decade, have served as proof of concept for larger-scale projects now being spearheaded by Dutch engineers. These are not just in European countries such as Britain, France and Norway, but also in French Polynesia and the Maldives, where sea level rise in the Indian Ocean nation now poses an existential threat. There is even a proposal for floating islands in the Baltic Sea on which small cities would be built. A floating house can be constructed on any shoreline and is able to cope with rising seas or rain-induced floods by remaining atop the water's surface. Unlike houseboats, which can easily be unmoored and relocated, floating homes are fixed to the shore, often resting on steel poles, and are usually connected to the local sewer system and power grid. They are structurally
similar to houses built on land, but instead of a basement, they have a concrete hull that acts as a counterweight, allowing them to remain stable in the water. In the Netherlands, they are often prefabricated, square-shaped, three-storey townhouses built offsite with conventional materials such as timber, steel and glass. For cities facing worsening floods and a shortage of land for housing, floating homes are one potential blueprint to expand urban housing in the age of climate change.
Low-tech nature of floating houses Koen Olthuis, who in 2003 founded Waterstudio, a Dutch architectural firm focused exclusively on floating buildings, says the relatively low-tech nature of floating homes is potentially their biggest advantage. The homes he designs
Corentyne woman homeless...
“He wanted me to take him after my husband died,” she explained.
Crawford said she is now seeking justice, noting that the incident has left her without a home and struggling to rebuild her life.
“I just want some sort of justice,” she said. She has also indicated that she is open to assistance from members of the public who may be willing to help her rebuild following the fire.
Crawford or offer assistance can do so by calling 6101301.
Persons wishing to make contact with Samantha
Meanwhile, Police have since arrested one person in relation to the fire, while the fire department is continuing to investigate the cause of the fire.
are stabilised by poles dug roughly 65 metres (m) into the ground and outfitted with shock-absorbent materials to reduce the feeling of movement from nearby waves. The houses ascend when waters rise and descend when waters recede. But despite their apparent simplicity, Olthuis contends they have the potential to transform cities in ways not seen since the introduction of the elevator, which pushed skylines upward. In the Netherlands, a country which is largely built on reclaimed land and a third of which remains below sea level, the idea is not so far-fetched. In Amsterdam, which has almost 3,000 officially registered traditional houseboats across its canals, hundreds of persons have moved into floating homes in previously neglected neighbourhoods. Schoonschip, designed by Dutch firm Space&Matter, consists of 30 houses, half of which are duplexes, on a canal in a former manufacturing area. The neighbourhood is a short ferry ride from central Amsterdam, where many of the residents work. Community members share nearly everything, including bikes, cars and food bought from local farmers. Each building runs its own heat pump and devotes roughly a third of its roof to greenery and solar panels. Residents sell surplus power to one another and to the national grid. Rotterdam, which is 90 per cent below sea level and the site of Europe's biggest port, is home to the world's largest floating office building, as well as a floating farm where cows are milked by robots, supplying dairy products to local grocery stores. Since the 2010 launch of the Floating Pavilion, a solar-powered meeting and event space in Rotterdam's harbour, the city has been ramping up
efforts to mainstream such projects, naming floating buildings one of the pillars of its Climate Proof and Adaptation Strategy. To help protect cities against climate change, in 2006 the Dutch Government undertook its "Room for the River" programme, which strategically allows certain areas to flood during periods of heavy rain, a paradigm shift that seeks to embrace, rather than resist, rising water levels.
Olthuis says the housing shortage in the Netherlands could fuel demand for floating homes, including in "Room for the River" areas where floods will be, at least for a portion of the year, part of the landscape. Experts say that relieving the Dutch housing shortage will require the construction of one million new homes over the next 10 years. Floating homes could help relieve pressure on the shortage of land available for development.
Dutch firms specialising in floating buildings have been inundated with requests from developers abroad for more ambitious projects too.
Maldives floating housing development
Waterstudio will oversee construction this winter of a floating housing development near the low-lying capital of Male in the Maldives, where 80 per cent of the country sits less than 1m above sea level. It is composed of simply designed, affordable housing for 20,000 persons. Underneath the hulls will be artificial reefs to help support marine life. The buildings will pump cold seawater from the deep to aid air-conditioning systems.
"There's no longer this idea of a crazy magician building a floating house," Olthuis says. "Now we're
creating blue cities, seeing water as a tool." Floating homes pose numerous challenges, however. Severe wind and rain, or even the passing of large cruise ships, can make the buildings rock. Siti Boelen, the Schoonschip resident, says that when she first moved in, stormy weather made her think twice before venturing up to her third-floor kitchen, where she felt the movement the most. "You feel it in your stomach," she says, adding that she has since gotten used to the feeling. Floating homes also require extra infrastructure and work to connect to the electricity grid and sewer system, with special waterproof cords and pumps needed to link to municipal services on higher ground. In the case of Schoonschip in Amsterdam and the floating office building in Rotterdam, new microgrids had to be built from scratch. But the benefits may outweigh the costs. Rutger de Graaf, the cofounder and director of Blue21, says that the growing number of disastrous, unprecedented storms around the world spurred both city planners and residents to look to the water for solutions. Floating developments, he says, could have saved lives and billions of dollars in damage last summer, when deadly floods hit Germany and Belgium, killing at least 222 people. "If there are floods, it's expected that many people will move to higher ground. But the alternative is to stay close to coastal cities and explore expansion onto the water," says De Graaf. "If you consider that in the second half of the century, hundreds of millions of people will be displaced by sea level rise, we need to start now to increase the scale of floating developments." (Excerpted from BBC News)
The Netherlands' floating developments have inspired much larger developments in low-lying countries elsewhere
The Netherlands' floating houses are attached to a pillar and can bob up and down the pillar according to the water level
Regional
Bahamian fugitive arrested in Florida
ABahamian fugitive who escaped from Bahamas custody in 2020 was captured in Florida after a high-speed chase and will be handed over to Bahamian authorities once he has been dealt with by the United States justice system.
Suspected armed robber Tomal Bowe, 33, was arrested in St Johns County, Florida, following a pursuit that began when he allegedly fled a routine traffic stop.
Reports in Florida said Bowe has been charged with felony fleeing and eluding, grand theft auto, resisting without violence, possession of marijuana under 20 grams, and additional outof-county warrants.
Police in the Bahamas told The Tribune yesterday that Bowe has a long-standing armed robbery case to answer when he is returned to this jurisdiction; they have not yet made contact with their US counterparts and do not know when he will be released into their custody.
According to the St Johns County Sheriff’s Office, deputies first tried to stop a vehicle when Bowe allegedly sped off, triggering a chase that only ended after offi-
Tomal Bowe pictured at the time of arrest in Florida
cers used a PIT manoeuvre to disable the car.
He then allegedly ran from the disabled vehicle, stole a van from a nearby business complex, and drove into oncoming traffic on the I-95 before abandoning that vehicle as well and disappearing into a heavily wooded, marshy area.
Air and K-9 units were called in as part of a largescale search, and Bowe was captured several hours later.
US authorities also revealed that Bowe entered the country on a legal visa. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) is investigating whether he had a Bahamian criminal history at the time the visa was granted.
The Tribune reported in 2020 that Bowe escaped from custody at the Carmichael Road Police Station, where he was being questioned in connection with an armed robbery investigation. At the time, Chief Superintendent Bruce Arnett, then attached to the station, couldn’t provide details but said it was the first recorded escape from that facility. (Source: The Tribune)
BVI national convicted in USVI bribery scandal
AUnited States federal jury has convicted BVI national Jenifer O’Neal on all counts in a high-profile bribery and corruption case in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), following a landmark trial in St Thomas, according to a report by the Virgin Islands Consortium.
O’Neal, the former Director of the USVI Office of Management and Budget, was found guilty alongside former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez after jurors returned unanimous verdicts
on Thursday afternoon. The jury began deliberations earlier that morning and reached its decision within hours.
Prosecutors said O’Neal, a native of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, knowingly took part in a scheme that involved bribery, honest services wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy linked to contracts funded by federal relief money.
The case centred on dealings with cooperating witness David Whitaker, whose business relationships with
senior Government officials formed the core of the Government’s evidence.
Her defence argued that the Government’s case relied too heavily on Whitaker, questioning his credibility and denying that O’Neal knowingly joined any conspiracy.
Sentencing for O’Neal has been tentatively scheduled for June 2026. She was allowed to remain out of custody pending sentencing, with the final penalty to be determined under federal sentencing guidelines. (Excerpt from BVI News)
Cops seize $56m
POLICE seized $56 million in marijuana in a remote, forested location off South Central Road, Cap-De-Ville, Point Fortin, on December 11.
CoP Allister Guevarro commended the dedication and professionalism of his officers and partner agencies as 23 bales of the illegal drug were confiscated in the operation.
Guevarro said, “The significance of major seizures such as this is measured not only in monetary value but also in the lives protect-
ed from the scourge of illegal narcotics. While drug trafficking networks seek to profit from the suffering of others, the Police service will continue to apply maximum effort in the fight against crime and disrupt these criminal enterprises where it impacts them most, by dismantling their operations and depriving them of illicit profits.”
The operation, conducted between 16:30h and 20:30h, was spearheaded by Guevarro and Snr Supt Thompson and coordinated
by ASP Forbes, ASP Corrie, and ASP Lewis. Officers of the Special Branch South and the Southwestern Division participated in the exercise.
Crime-scene investigators from the Southwestern Division, PC Telesford and PC Ramdass, processed the scene. The items were subsequently handed over to officers of the Special Investigations Unit for further enquiries. (Excerpt from Trinidad & Tobago Newsday)
BVI: 6 charged after 772 kilos of coke seized
Six men from various Caribbean countries were arrested and charged after 772.4 kilograms of cocaine were seized from a vessel intercepted this week in Virgin Islands waters, Police said this afternoon.
The seizure came during a multi-agency operation on Monday and Tuesday involving VI Police, United States Customs and Border Protection and the Joint Regional Command Centre operated under the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), according to the Police Information Office.
“The joint operation was initiated after intelligence was received indicating suspicious maritime activity within BVI waters,” Police said in a press release issued shortly after noon. “A targeted response led to the interception.”
The six men were charged with importation of a controlled drug and four counts of possession of a
controlled drug with intent to supply, Police said.
Three are from the Dominican Republic: Francisco Mejia Ortiz, 21; Joel Santana Santos, 39; and Jermife Toribio Vasquez, 40.
Two others – Cesar Diaz Abrahim, 30, and Ronald James, 49 – are from
Trinidad and Tobago, while the sixth
is from St Kitts and Nevis, according to Police.
As of Thursday afternoon, all six remained in custody pending their appearance at the Magistrates’ Court, Police said. (Source: BVI Beacon)
Argentina warns it will take “action” over “illegal” offshore oil drilling project in Malvinas
Argentina expressed its “utmost rejection” after Israeli oil company Navitas Petroleum and British firm Rockhopper announced they would invest US$2.1 billion in the first oil drilling project off the coast of the Malvinas Islands (Falkland IslandsBR), the South Atlantic archipelago under British rule which the South American country claims as its own.
The project, based at the Sea Lion oil field, located about 200 kilometres north of Puerto Argentino, will start drilling for oil in 2028.
The Argentine Foreign
Ministry said the project is “illegitimate” as it was not approved by Argentina and therefore was a “unilateral decision” made by the Government of the United Kingdom.
A 1976 United Nations resolution established that neither country can carry out unilateral decisions over the territory as long as the negotiations over the sovereignty claim over the Malvinas continue.
On Wednesday, the Government of the Malvinas Islands announced that Israeli company Navitas Petroleum Development
Islands
and Production Ltd and British firm Rockhopper Exploration Plc made a final decision to invest in the development programme for the northern area of the Sea Lion oil field.
The Argentine Government stressed that all unilateral exploration and development of renewable and non-renewable natural resources in the areas subject to the sovereignty dispute go against a 1965 UN resolution that encourages Argentina and the UK to find a peaceful solution to the issue. (Excerpt from Buenos Aires Herald)
Ex-husband arrested after arranging attack on rival in Paramaribo
romantic drama gone wrong has led to the arrest of six suspects in Paramaribo, Suriname. A 41-year-old man, along with his 17-year-old son, allegedly orchestrated an attack on his alleged rival after trying to win back his partner, with whom he had a previous relationship.
Around midnight on Wednesday night, the intended victim awoke to the barking of his dogs. He found a masked man in his yard, while two other men fled. Shortly afterward, his son discovered that the documents had been stolen from their moped.
Father and son then searched the neighbourhood and encountered three men who admitted they had previously been on the property. Police were called and managed to arrest the three after they hid in a house under construction. The suspects stated they were planning a robbery and provided the names of three other people involved.
A little further on, Police stopped a car with three men inside. Further investigation and interrogations revealed that VC (41), along with his son WS (17), had approached four young men to rob and murder RK. VC
reportedly had a previous relationship with RK’s current partner and indicated he wanted to win her back.
According to Police, he promised the youths SR$1000 each and provided them with knives and information about money allegedly located in the intended victim’s home. The dogs’ barking caused the planned attack to fail.
During the arrests, Police confiscated a dagger, a hat, and a mask. After consulting with the Public Prosecution Service, it was decided to remand the six suspects in custody.
(Suriname Herald)
Bags of cocaine were seized from a vessel intercepted this week in Virgin Islands waters (Photo: RVIPF)
– Candido Rois Quezada, 42 –
Israel's military says it killed senior Hamas commander in Gaza
Israel's military said it killed a top Hamas commander in Gaza who it described as one of the architects of the October 7, 2023, attack that sparked the twoyear-long war. The military said it killed Raed Saad after an explosive device detonated and wounded two soldiers in the territory's south.
Hamas, in a statement, did not confirm Saad's death.
It said a civilian vehicle had been struck outside Gaza City and asserted it was "a brazen criminal breach" of
the US-led ceasefire that took effect on October 10.
Saad served as the Hamas official in charge of manufacturing and previously led the militant group's operations division.
The Israeli statement said that he had been "engaged in rebuilding the terrorist organisation" in a violation of the ceasefire.
An Israel Defence Forces official asserted that Israel did not violate the ceasefire agreement because, under the deal, the military is per-
mitted to strike targets actively engaged in terrorism.
"Hamas has been blatantly violating the ceasefire agreement and is failing to uphold its obligations," the military official said.
"Day after day, Hamas terrorists breach the ceasefire agreement, crossing the yellow line, threatening the lives of IDF soldiers operating in the authorised areas, and, moreover, undermining the ongoing efforts to maintain stability." (Excerpt from CBS News)
US, Ukraine to discuss ceasefire in Berlin before European summit
Artillerymen of the 152nd Separate Jaeger Brigade fire a howitzer towards Russian troops, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the frontline town of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region on Friday
Germany will host US and Ukrainian delegations over the weekend for talks on a ceasefire in Ukraine, before a summit with European leaders and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Berlin on Monday, a German official said.
A US official said President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and sonin-law Jared Kushner were travelling to Germany for talks involving Ukrainians and Europeans.
The choice to send Witkoff, who has led negotiations with Ukraine and Russia regarding a US peace proposal, appeared to be a signal that Washington saw a chance of progress after nearly four years of war since Russia's 2022 invasion.
The White House had said on Thursday Trump would send an official to talks only if he felt there was enough progress to be made.
Ukraine, meanwhile, has
battled to contain Russian advances on the battlefield and the frequent bombardment of its energy and water supplies going into winter.
Russia attacked two Ukrainian ports on Friday, damaging three Turkishowned vessels, including a ship carrying food supplies, Ukrainian officials and one shipowner said, days after Moscow threatened to cut Ukraine off from the sea.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Kim Jong-un admits North Korean troops are clearing landmines for Russia
North Korea sent troops to clear mines in Russia’s Kursk region earlier this year, leader Kim Jong-un said in a speech carried on Saturday by state media, a rare acknowledgement by Pyongyang of the deadly tasks assigned to its deployed soldiers.
According to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies, North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia’s nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine.
Analysts say Russia is giving North Korea financial aid, military technology, food and energy supplies in return, allowing the diplomatically isolated nation to sidestep tough international sanctions on its nuclear and missile programmes.
Hailing the return of an engineering regiment, Kim
region at a ceremony in Pyongyang on Saturday
noted that they wrote “letters to their hometowns and villages at breaks of the mine-clearing hours”, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Nine members of the regiment died during the 120day deployment that started in August, Kim said in his speech at a welcome ceremony on Friday, KCNA reported.
Around the World
Hungarian protesters demand PM Viktor Orban quits over child abuse scandals
Tens of thousands of Hungarians have taken part in a demonstration in Budapest demanding Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s resignation over his inaction towards repeated child-abuse scandals in the country.
Since returning to power in 2010, Orbán has promised to prioritise the protection of children in Hungary, but multiple high-profile child abuse scandals have rocked his Government in recent years.
Saturday’s protests, led by opposition party TISZA’s leader Peter Magyar, came after new allegations regarding a juvenile detention centre in the country’s capital, Budapest, surfaced in September. Security camera footage from the centre showed the director of the Szolo Street juvenile detention centre kicking a boy in the head.
Earlier this week, four staff members were taken into custody, and the Government announced that it would place all such
child facilities under direct police supervision.
On Saturday, thousands of protesters walked through Budapest’s frosty streets behind a banner reading “Protect the children!” and called on the Government to take more action against the perpetrators. Some persons also carried soft toys and torches in solidarity with victims of physical abuse in a case dating back several years.
On Friday, Magyar also
released a previously unpublished official report from 2021, which found that more than a fifth of children in state-run care institutions have been abused.
“We should be outraged at what is being done with the most vulnerable children,” Zsuzsa Szalay, a 73-year-old pensioner who took part in Saturday’s protest, told the AFP news agency. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Thailand denies Trump's ceasefire claim as clashes with Cambodia continue at border
hailand’s caretak-
Ter Prime Minister has denied the existence of a ceasefire with Cambodia, despite Donald Trump announcing that both countries had agreed to halt fighting.
As heavy clashes continued along the border between the two countries, Anutin Charnvirakul said on Saturday that Thailand had not agreed to a ceasefire with Cambodia and that its forces would continue fighting. Cambodia announced it had suspended all border crossings with Thailand.
Thai forces carried out strikes, including with
fighter jets, while Cambodia fired rocket barrages along the border area on Saturday. The Thai army announced that at least two civilians had been seriously injured by Cambodian fire while running to a bunker.
The latest round of fighting was triggered by a clash on 7 December that wounded two Thai soldiers and appeared to violate an earlier ceasefire promoted by Trump that ended similar fighting in July. More than two dozen persons have reportedly been killed over the past week, while more than half a million have been displaced on both sides of the border.
The Thai military said that 15 of its soldiers had died and estimated that 165 Cambodian military personnel had been killed. Cambodia did not announce any military losses but said at least 11 civilians had been killed and more than six dozen wounded.
Trump’s ceasefire announcement on Friday was met with a tepid reaction by leaders from both countries. Thailand’s foreign minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, said Trump’s remarks did not reflect “an accurate understanding of the situation”. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
3 Americans killed by IS gunman in Syria, US military says
Two US soldiers and a US civilian interpreter have been killed in Syria in an ambush by an Islamic State (IS) gunman, the US Central Command has said.
Officials said three other service members were injured in the attack, during which the gunman was "engaged and killed".
US President Donald Trump wrote on social media that it was "an ISIS attack" against the US and Syria and said there would be "a very serious retaliation".
The identities of those
killed are being withheld for 24 hours until their next of kin have been informed, the US Central Command said.
In a post on X, the US Central Command said the attack was "the result of an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman", while a Pentagon official said initial assessments showed the attack was "likely" to be carried out by the Islamic State group.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the attacker was a member of the Syrian security force.
The ambush occurred in Palmyra, located in the cen-
tre of the country, while the soldiers were "conducting a key leader engagement", according to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell.
A Pentagon official said, "This attack took place in an area where the Syrian President does not have control."
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said, "Let it be known, if you target Americans – anywhere in the world – you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you."
(Excerpt from BBC News)
Peter Magyar, leader of Hungary's opposition Tisza party, attends a protest march in Budapest organised by Tisza over a case of abuse at a juvenile detention centre
Kim Jong-un greets North Korean soldiers returning from Russia’s Kursk
ARIES
(March 21April 19)
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
GEMINI (MAY 21June 20)
CANCER
Rethink your pursuits, consider who you are trying to please, and choose a path that leads to satisfaction and gratitude. Say no to those who drain or take advantage of you and yes to those who feed, nurture, and respect you and your dreams. Find balance in relationships and pursue your dreams through compromise and honesty.
Use your time and energy wisely. Set a budget to accommodate the home improvement changes you require to further your agenda. Clearing a space to work on something that can lead to peace of mind, better health, or subsidize your income will pay off. Joining forces with someone who shares your agenda looks promising for moving forward.
Pursue your dream, stop procrastinating, and make a move. Consider your attributes and how best to use them to manufacture what gives you hope for a brighter future. Be the one to promote change and motivate others to follow suit, pitch in, and help. Partnerships and romance are favored, and control is yours to enforce.
LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)
CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)
Refuse to let emotional mayhem stand in the way. Focus on what you enjoy doing most and engage in activities that bring you in touch with like-minded people. Explore the possibilities, but stick to the basics and a budget. Change doesn t have to put you in debt if you use your attributes, connections, and intelligence to advance.
Socialize, host an event, and engage in interesting conversations that make you think and consider new possibilities. Opportunity is within reach, but it s up to you to make things happen. Be the one to start a movement or to engage others in your plans, and you ll find your tribe. Thoughts followed by actions will brighten your day.
Be careful how you handle domestic situations and emotional issues that are divisive. Shared expenses, medical concerns, and unexpected changes will leave you questioning your next move. Reach out to those you trust, and you ll discover how to make the most out of whatever situation you face. Choose intelligence over anger or force.
Dream big but refrain from taking on too much. Stick to your budget and capabilities to ensure you enjoy the outcome instead of stressing over it. Communication is key; ask questions, verify information, and set a strict budget that doesn t disrupt your emotional well-being. Put your time and energy into home improvement and peace of mind.
An event that addresses causes and concerns will broaden your perspective about what you can or cannot do. Use intelligence, make changes on the fly, and only agree to support and negate what s within your means. Take time to rethink your schedule and to implement pastimes and people who lift you and fuel your creativity.
Take time to reflect on the past, present, and future, and the direction you see yourself heading. Discuss prospects with someone close to you and make plans that include personal and professional goals. It s time to dream a little bigger, and to trust and believe in you and what you can achieve. Romance is favored.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
PISCES
(Feb. 20Mar. 20)
Proceed with a plan in place. Refuse to let anyone talk you into something you don t need or want. Sticking to your game plan, budget, and capabilities will ensure that you get the most for what you have to offer. Review any rules or regulations before you commit to avoid hidden costs. Take control and breathe easy.
Use your power of persuasion, intelligence, and energy to turn your thoughts into a reality. Say no to emotional spending and yes to a budget and plan that s within your means. Call the shots, and you ll strike a chord with those who have something to contribute. A networking event will lead to interesting connections. Romance is favored.
Protect your reputation. Don t share personal information or your plans. Do your research and eliminate unnecessary steps that eat up your time and money. Keeping your ideas simple, understanding what you want to achieve, and showing discipline when faced with interference from those trying to sell you something will help you achieve success.
Peanuts
Calvin and Hobbes
Pickles
CWI celebrates historic cricket debut at Bolivarian Games in Peru
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has extended its congratulations to all participating West Indian teams and the organisers of the 2025 Bolivarian Games, held from 22 November to 7 December in Lima and Ayacucho, Peru.
The Bolivarian Games, a prestigious multi-sport event uniting athletes from 17 nations across the Americas, featured cricket for the first time in the 87-year history of the Games, marking a significant milestone for the sport.
The Barbados Men's team won gold
The West Indies fielded six men's and women's Caribbean teams, two each from Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. Barbados men and Jamaica women won the first-ever gold medals, with Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s and women’s teams securing the silver medals.
This historic inclusion represents a major step forward in the expansion and recognition of cricket across Latin America, reflecting the
Norris reflects on “incredible” Drivers' Championship triumph as he collects trophy at FIA
Lsport’s growing appeal and CWI’s commitment to regional development.
The Bolivarian Games also served as an important precursor to larger multi-sport stages, including the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, where cricket will also debut, and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, marking cricket’s return to the Olympic arena for the first time since 1900.
Trinidad & Tobago's Women's team won silver CWI commends the
and the Olympic movement, and we remain committed to advancing cricket’s global journey with passion and purpose."
Awards
ando Norris has reflected on his “incredible” Drivers’ Championship win as he was presented with the trophy at the FIA Awards on Friday night in Uzbekistan, 11 years on after he appeared at the awards as karting world champion.
The McLaren driver came out on top in Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale as the fight for the drivers’ title went down to the final race of an epic 2025 season – Norris, teammate Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen all had a chance of winning at Yas Marina.
While four-time champion Verstappen won the race, Norris' third-place result was enough to see him seal the title by just two points, which led to emotional post-race scenes as the Briton realised his childhood dream.
On Friday, in Tashkent, Norris collected his trophy on stage at the FIA Awards, while also looking back on a hardfought year.
"Where do I start?” Norris said. “Congratulations and thank you to McLaren, the team I've been with for many, many years on giving both of us an incredible car that at times made our life very easy and beautiful, and we could bring home many wins all the way to the end of the season.
"Of course, Mr Piastri, the incredible teammate that I've had, who has helped me improve so much over the last few seasons and made us the team that we are, allowed us to turn into the team winning two constructors' back-toback.
"Of course, to Max as well, for challenging us the whole way, putting us under pressure, just doing what Max always does.
"It was incredible.
Obviously this is a lot of people's dreams, a lot of racing drivers' dreams, and I got to finally live it – live that one dream that I had when I was a little kid.”
Back in 2014, a young Norris was on stage at the FIA Awards to collect his trophy as karting world champion, and he also looked back on his journey through F1 from that moment 11 years ago.
He added, "It's been amazing to grow up here alongside a lot of you guys, deliver it with McLaren, and to get to race all the world champions that I've been racing against – Lewis [Hamilton], Max [Verstappen], Seb [Vettel], and Fernando [Alonso].
"All the incredible drivers that I looked up to and watched when I was a little kid and get that chance to race
against them, to try and beat them and to show what I can do against them all, and we managed to do that this year.
"So [I’m] very proud, very happy, of course. [I] Got very emotional on Sunday after the race, then got extremely drunk and had an amazing time!"
There was also a moment of humour on stage as Norris dropped an expletive, saying, "I and we had our fair share of mistakes and ****-ups. Can I say that here? I'm ok?"
He then continued: "Sorry, yeah. I got fined! I can pay it off now!"
McLaren CEO Zak Brown was also on stage to lift the Teams' Championship trophy alongside the Woking-based squad's Team Principal Andrea Stella – the pair having led McLaren back to the front of the grid in recent seasons.
"Fantastic season,” said Brown. "All the men and women at McLaren have done an unbelievable job, led by our two awesome drivers, of course the job Andrea has done leading.
"To go into the final race with two drivers fighting for the World Championship when everyone said that couldn't be done, I'm just very proud of how McLaren went racing, and that's exactly what we plan to do next year." (F1)
Peruvian Olympic Committee, the Bolivarian Sports Organization (ODEBO), and the entire Bolivarian Games Organising Committee for their successful execution of this landmark event and thanked Mr Mohan Vaswani, General Secretary of the Peru Cricket Association, for his instrumental support in helping to facilitate cricket’s successful debut.
CWI also recognises the roles of Pan Am Sports and the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), in particular Ms Veda Bruno-Victor, the first Vice President of Pan Am Sports, and Mr Keith Joseph, CANOC President, who provided
strong support throughout the process.
Chris Dehring, Chief Executive Officer of Cricket West Indies, stated, “The inclusion of cricket at the 2025 Bolivarian Games is a defining moment for the hemisphere. It not only celebrates the longstanding traditions of our sport but also signifies the limitless potential of cricket as a unifying force across the Americas. We were proud to make the event happen with our teams and grateful to our hosts in Peru for their partnership."
"This historic initiative paves the way for greater opportunities ahead, including the Pan American Games
During the tournament, Dehring represented the Caribbean's interests in meetings involving ICC Americas, Pan Am Sports and CANOC, with a view towards establishing the qualification pathway for the Pan American Games in 2027. He added, "Plans for qualification to the Pan American Games and the Olympics in 2028 are advancing rapidly, and Caribbean countries need to get their houses and preparations in order very quickly if they wish to participate in this opportunity."
"CWI reaffirms its commitment to lead the growth of the sport throughout the Americas, working collaboratively with ICC Americas and their member countries. This can only benefit the development of cricket in the Caribbean as we extend our domestic competition and market reach across North, Central and South America."(CWI)
Messi unveils 70-foot statue in India, kicking off 3-day tour
Footballer Lionel Messi remotely “unveiled” a 21-metre statue of himself in India on Saturday, marking the beginning of a three-day tour that has sparked a fan frenzy.
The iron sculpture in Kolkata, which shows Messi holding the World Cup, is part of a “GOAT” (greatest of all time) tour that will take in four Indian cities and, possibly, a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar unveiled the monument by remote control rather than in person for security reasons.
Chaotic start to tour
The tour began on a chaotic note on Saturday, when fans ripped up seats and threw them onto the pitch after Messi's brief visit to the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, the ANI news agency reported.
According to reports in Indian media, the 2022 World Cup winner walked around the pitch waving to the fans but was closely surrounded by a large group of people and left 20 minutes after arrival.
Many ticket holders reportedly failed to see Messi
at all – either in person or on the stadium’s big screens –despite waiting for hours.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to the Argentine star for the “mismanagement” of the event.
“I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium,” Ms Banerjee wrote on social media, where she also apologised to fans who had expected more after paying for tickets.
She said a committee would be formed to “conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.”
Indian fans prepare to welcome star
A “Hola Messi” fan zone has also been set up in Kolkata, where a life-size replica of Messi sitting on a throne is on display. The hall also recreates the forward's Miami home, complete with mannequins of his relatives.
Monti Paul, the statue's main sculptor, told AFP that it was constructed in less than 40
days. “It's a matter of pride to build the sculpture of Messi. It's the tallest statue I have made,” he said.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will also meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly during his whirlwind trip to Kolkata.
The city is the capital of West Bengal state, which, along with Kerala and Goa, has an established and significant football fan base in a country otherwise known for its cricket craze.
After Kolkata, where Messi will play a short friendly match, he will head to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. In Hyderabad, he will attend a concert in his honour and play another friendly. He is reportedly scheduled to meet Mr Modi in New Delhi. (The National)
Lionel Messi arrives at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata for his brief appearance (Photograph: Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP/Getty Images)
Lando Norris with the Championship Trophy
L-R: Matt Featherstone (Cricket Brazil), Veda BrunoVictor (First Vice-President Pan Am Sports) Chris Dehring (CWI CEO) Mohan Vaswani (Cricket Peru General Secretary), Keith Joseph (CANOC President)
GPF cricket teams in Regs 5 & 6 receive uniforms, gear from NYPD
The Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) cricket teams in Divisions No. Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and No. Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) on Thursday last received uniforms and cricket gear from the New York Police Department (NYPD) Cricket Team, further strengthening sporting and institutional ties between the two organisations. The presentations were facilitated by Sheryar Hussain and Deputy Commissioner of Police “Administration” Ravindradat Budhram and were made possible through the ongoing relationship between the GPF and the
NYPD, which continues to extend across several areas of cooperation and engagement.
The presentation to the Regional Police Division No. Five Cricket Team was made possible through the support of BM Construction and the New York Police Department (NYPD) and was held at the Regional Police Headquarters, Fort Wellington, and was attended by Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Lonsdale Withhrite and members of the Division’s cricket team.
The presentation to the Region No. Six Cricket Team was conducted at the St Francis Community
Developers Hall (SFCD), Rose Hall Town, and was attended by Divisional Commander Assistant Commissioner Shivpersaud Bacchus and members of the Division’s cricket team, who were also presented with the uniforms and cricket gear.
Deputy Commissioner Budhram, who also serves as Chairman of the Police Officers’ Cricket Team, assisted in both presentations. He noted that sporting initiatives such as cricket play an important role in promoting teamwork, discipline and camaraderie among police ranks.
In addition, Hussain said he was pleased to support the initiative, noting
Seven matches will set the tone this evening for the commencement of the fourth annual Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) yearend futsal tournament, which is heavily sponsored by beverage giant Banks DIH.
Action gets underway at 18:00h, following the march past of the 15 competing teams, which is set for 17:00h at the Community Hard Court in Linden.
According to the organisers, this year’s tournament boasts total sponsorship valued at $3 million. The champions will walk away with the top prize of $1 million, while the runners-up will receive $500,000. Third- and fourth-place teams will earn $200,000 and $100,000, respectively, in addition to tro-
phies, replicas, medals, and individual awards.
The competition is divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing from the round-robin stage to the quarterfinals. The semi-finals are scheduled for December 29, while the grand final will be played on New Year’s Night.
Following the march past, where UDFA President Wainwright Bethune will deliver the feature address, the tournament kicks off at 18:00h with a Group B clash between Blueberry Hill and Fearless. This will be followed at 18:45h by another Group B encounter featuring FC YMCA against Eagles FC.
At 19:30h, Winners Connection take on Net Rockers in Group C action.
that sport remains a powerful means of building bridges between law enforcement agencies. He also stated that the relationship between the NYPD and the GPF has grown steadily over the years and expressed hope that the uniforms and cricket gear would contribute to team spirit, unity and positive engagement among ranks.
Both Divisional Commanders expressed appreciation for the initiative, highlighting the value of sports in fostering wellness, morale and positive engagement among ranks across the Divisions. The GPF remains committed to strengthening partnerships locally and internationally, recognising the role of sport and cultural exchange in building unity and positive relations among law enforcement agencies.
Reviving hockey in Reg. 3 schools through National Sports Academy
The National Sports Academy Programme is transforming the future of sport in Guyana through its high-energy, daily training model.
Conceptualised by Culture,
ary schools: Zeeburg, De Willem, Leonora, Uitvlugt, and Stewartsville Secondary Schools.
Training sessions take place every Wednesday to Friday during physical edu-
Group A play resumes at 20:30h. when Hi Stars face Amelia’s Ward Panthers, before Group D sees Botafago battle Milerock at 21:00h.
The reigning champions Silver Shattas meet Topp XX in Group A at 21:45h, and the night concludes with a Group B matchup between Coomacka and Capital FC at 22:30h.
The fifteen teams contesting the preliminary round-robin stage are divided as follows:
Group A: Reigning champions Silver Shattas, Topp XX, Hi Stars, and Amelia’s Ward Panthers
Group B: Fearless, Capital FC, Blueberry Hill, and Coomacka;
Group C: FC YMCA, Winners Connection, Net Rockers, and Eagles United;
Group D: Rockstone, Botafogo, and Milerock.
Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr and launched in 2021, the programme is spearheaded by the National Sports Commission (NSC) in close collaboration with national sports associations and federations across the core sports.
Together, NSC sports organisers, coaches, and federation representatives bring structured, hands-on training directly to athletes at national facilities, schools, and community playfields.
Leading the charge for hockey in Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) is former national hockey player and NSC Sports Organiser, Deon Carew.
Under his guidance, the Hockey Academy is rapidly gaining momentum, engaging more than 90 students from five second-
cation periods, blending skill development, discipline, and a passion for the game.
Looking ahead, the programme has ambitious plans to reignite and expand hockey in schools across Region Three.
These include establishing school hockey clubs to serve as talent nurseries, hosting an inter-school hockey competition, and inviting promising athletes to participate in advanced training sessions at the Uitvlugt Community Centre as part of the wider Academy framework.
Strengthening this collaborative effort, the Guyana Hockey Board of Control made a significant contribution by donating the original equipment kit – approximately 90 hockey sticks and balls – ensuring athletes have the tools they need to thrive.
Meanwhile, students also engage in classroom-based theoretical sessions and visual learning. All sessions are expertly facilitated by Deon Carew, whose experience as a former national hockey player continues to inspire the next generation.
Female students of Zeeburg Secondary
Students of De Willem Secondary during one of the training sessions
Region Six Commander, Assistant Commissioner Shivpersaud Bacchus, and members of the Division’s cricket team accepting the donation
Police in Division No. Five accepting the donation from Sheryar Hussain
Women's Division One League
Victorious GDF team, other winners receive prizes
The Guyana Defence Force's (GDF) Women's Football team was the centre of attention on Friday evening as the champions of the Women's Division One League officially became the first women's football team in Guyana to take home a $1M grand prize.
The GDF Women sealed their championship status in the league last Friday, in a thrilling 1-0 victory against their fiercest rivals, Guyana Police Force (GPF) Women. Sandra Johnson's left-footed strike into the right upper corner of the net was the difference maker between the two teams in the clash that ultimately decided the league winners.
GDF's Women ended the competition with a perfect 27 points from nine games, with a goal difference that exceeded 140 goals. More importantly, the team's strong defence and trusty goalkeeper did not concede any goals over the course of the competition.
Excelling in the competition, GDF Women were rewarded with a massive $1M grand prize, a first in women's football history in Guyana.
Adding to their excitement, striker Sandra Johnson received the highest goal scorer award, netting a record 37 times across nine games. Johnson was also recognised as the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP). Her teammate, Deena Fredericks, was recognised as the tournament's best goalkeeper.
During the presenta-
tion ceremony, President of the Women's Football Association (WFA), Andrea Johnson, was on hand to assist in presenting the prizes to the successful teams, alongside General Secretary of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Pushpargha Chattopadhyay.
Johnson stated, "The Guyana Football Federation Women's Development League represents a transformative step toward advancing equality, opportunity, and excellence in the sport. Built on the principles of empowerment, inclusion, and performance, this league provides a structured pathway for female athletes to develop their skills, compete at high levels, and pursue professional careers in football."
"Our mission is to nurture talent from the grassroots to the elite level, ensuring that every woman and girl with a passion for football has access to quality coaching, facilities, and competition. Through partnerships with local clubs,
schools, and community organisations, the league aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports both athletic and personal growth.
"This league is more than a competition; it is a movement to redefine the future of football. By investing in women's development, we are investing in the sport's long-term success, diversity, and global appeal. Together, we will build a legacy that inspires the next generation of female athletes to dream bigger, play harder, and lead with confidence," Johnson further stated.
In second place, and receiving a $500,000 prize, was the GPF Women Football Club (FC). Third-place finishers Santos FC received $300,000, while fourth-place finishers Fruta Conquerors FC will pocket $100,000.
In other Women's
Division One news, Fruta Conquerors booked their spot in the semifinals of the Cup playoffs on Friday night, edging out Western Tigers FC, 1-0.
Akilah Blucher netted the game-winner through a set piece in the 41st minute that was fumbled by Western's keeper and made its way into the net.
The playoff semifi nals are set for Friday, December 19. There, Santos will take on Police FC from 18:00h, after which Fruta Conquerors will battle GDF FC at 19:30h.
Fast-paced football and knockout drama are on the cards when the Candy Boss & Di Antics 8-a-side knockout football tournament gets underway at the All Saints Ground, Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam.
The tournament was officially launched on Saturday at the same venue, with organiser Tito Sancho announcing that 16 teams will compete for over $2 million in cash and prizes, making it one of the most lucrative small-sided football competitions on the Berbice calendar.
Sancho said the annual event continues to grow in stature, attracting a
Pof the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA), Cristy Campbell, has been appointed to the International
Tennis Federation’s (ITF) Advantage All Committee for the 2026–2027 term.
Her selection marks a significant milestone for Guyana, placing the country firmly within the sphere of global tennis governance and underscoring Campbell’s sustained impact in sport, advocacy, and leadership.
A former national women’s champion, Campbell captured multiple singles and doubles titles during her playing career and has long been recognised for her commitment to advancing tennis in Guyana. Her influence off the court has
Candy Boss & Di Antics 8-a-side knockout football tournament kicks off on Dec 19
strong mix of senior clubs, youth teams, and community-based sides, all vying for supremacy in a straight knockout format that guarantees excitement from start to finish.
The competition kicks off on Friday, December 19, with three matches scheduled for opening night –Ithaca will take on Cougars
B in the opening game, then Paradise and Fyrish in the second game. The final game on the opening night will bring together Cougars and Kildonan. All matches will be played under lights at the All Saints Ground.
The competing teams are Ithaca, Cougars B, Paradise, Fyrish, Cougars,
Kildonan, Trafalgar, Young Strikes, Pele, Airy Hall, Victoria Kings, U21 Monedderlust, Genesis, Golden Grove, Buxton Stars, and Mahaicony.
Matches will continue on December 21, 26, and 27, with the competition climaxing in January. The semi-finals are set for January 9, while the grand final will be contested on January 10, 2026.
With pride, prestige, and significant prize money at stake, fans can expect thrilling, end-to-end football as the Candy Boss & Di Antics 8-a-Side Knockout returns to centre stage in New Amsterdam. (Andrew Carmichael)
GTA President Cristy Campbell appointed to ITF Advantage All Committee for 2026–2027
been equally notable. In addition to leading the GTA, she currently serves as Vice President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and Vice Chairperson of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Her appointment to the Advantage All Committee reflects both her domestic stature and her growing international influence within the sport.
The ITF Advantage All Committee plays a pivotal role in shaping global strategies aimed at achieving gender equality in tennis. Comprised of representatives from around the world, the committee advises and makes recommendations to the ITF Board of Directors on policies that promote equal opportunities for girls and women – as players, coaches, officials, and administrators.
The committee will be chaired by Salma MouelhiGuizani, President of the Tunisia Tennis Association,
with its term spanning 2026–2027. Other members include Nuha Abujaber (JOR), Arij Almutabagani (KSA), Davood Azizi (IRI), Andrea Buckeridge (AUS), Maggie Chan Jones (USA), Lanni Huang (CHN), Veronica James Amasi (TAN), Fatime Kante (SEY), Kirsi Lassooy (FIN), Safak Muderrisgill (TUR), Nannapat Nantasuk (THA), Julie Paterson (NZL), Sandi Procter (GBR), Larissa Schaerer (PAR), Olga Simunovic (CRO), Joseph Siame (ZAM), and Mariette Verbruggen (NED).
Campbell’s inclusion places Guyana among a distinguished group of nations helping to shape the ITF’s global agenda.
As outlined in the ITF Constitution, the committee’s mandate spans several critical areas. Central to its work is the development and implementation of the ITF Advantage All Strategy – a comprehensive framework guiding both the
federation’s internal operations and the standards expected of its member national and regional associations. The strategy aims to advance equal access, representation, and leadership opportunities for women and girls across all levels of the sport.
The committee is also responsible for drafting ITF position statements on gender inequality in sport, ensuring the federation maintains a clear and principled stance on global issues. Additionally, it promotes the use of sport as a tool for gender empowerment and plays a key role in raising awareness of harassment and abuse in sport, directly informing the ITF’s safeguarding policies.
Another major responsibility involves monitoring the progress of ITF member nations in promoting gender equality, including recognising countries and organisations that demonstrate leadership or innova-
tion in female participation and representation. The committee also oversees and supports initiatives designed to benefit girls and women through increased playing opportunities and pathways into coaching, officiating, and administration.
Campbell’s appointment elevates Guyana’s profile at a time when the country continues to strengthen its sports governance structures and athlete development programmes. Her presence on the committee signals meaningful progress at the local level, particularly in gender equity and capacity building.
For Guyana, the appointment represents not only a personal honour for one of its leading sports administrators but also a testament to the nation’s growing voice in international sport and its commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future for athletes worldwide.
resident
Officials at the launch on Saturday
President of the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA), Cristy Campbell
Sandra Johnson with the championship and other trophies
President of the Women's Football Association (WFA), Andrea Johnson hands over the $1 million prize money to the winning captain in the presence of General Secretary of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Pushpargha Chattopadhyay
Guyana U13 draw 1st blood in 5-match series against Barbados
Guyana’s Under-13 secured a commanding victory over Barbados Under-13 on Saturday at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara, to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
In the 36-over contest, Guyana won the toss and elected to field. Barbados made a steady start, posting a 39-run opening partnership before captain Oliver King was run out for 13. Kymani Inniss (27) and Natarie Lavine (37) showed positive intent during the middle overs with aggressive stroke play, but both failed to convert their starts into big scores.
The Barbados lower order battled bravely, guiding the visitors to a competitive total of 177 for 7 from their allotted 36 overs.
Sahid Gajnabi led Guyana’s bowling attack
with figures of 2 for 33, while Ashton Collins, Jasani Craig, and Makai Dowlin each claimed one wicket.
In reply, Guyana’s chase of 178 began with an early setback when Nathaniel Ramkarran was dismissed by a sharp short delivery from Kijani Inniss.
Lomar Seecharan and Sahid Gajnabi then steadied the innings, adding 65 runs for the second wicket. Seecharan looked particularly fluent, playing several elegant drives in the early stages of his innings.
The partnership was broken by Zdari Scantlebury when Gajnabi, who scored 14 from 23 balls, lobbed a short ball to backward point. At the end of nine overs, the Guyana side was 67 for 2.
Seecharan went on to bring up his half-century with a superb cover drive for four and continued to
dominate the bowling as he forged another solid partnership with Afraz Ali.
He was eventually dismissed for a well-crafted 79 off 63 balls, caught on the deep square leg boundary, an innings that included 10 fours and three sixes. At that stage, the Guyanese team was firmly in control at
for 3.
An aggressive cameo from Makai Dowlin, who struck 31 off just 15 balls including three sixes and a boundary, alongside the steady, unbeaten Afraz Ali (25 from 61 balls), saw Guyana comfortably reach 178 for 3 in 26.5 overs to seal the win.
Westside Ballers, Kingston shine on night 3 of President’s Futsal Championships
An exciting third night of action in the One Guyana/ Kashif & Shanghai Presidents Futsal Championship delivered drama, extra-time thrillers, and commanding victories as teams battled fiercely for supremacy.
Westside Ballers edged Broad Street 3–2 in a pulsating encounter that required extra time after regulation ended 1–1.
Broad Street struck early through Akeem Farley in the first and 5th minutes, but Westside responded with goals from Dashaun D’Avilar in the fourth and 26th minutes. Adriana Wharton sealed the win with the decisive extra-time goal in the 39th minute.
Kingston produced an attacking masterclass to defeat Stevedore 5–2. Ron Abrams led the charge with a brilliant hat-trick in the fifth, 12th, and 23rd minutes, while Ronaldo Abrams added an early strike in the third. Antowne Vincent rounded off the scoring in
the 21st minute.
Stevedore’s goals came from Shaquan Dean in the seventh and 20th minutes.
Sophia Ballers secured a solid 3–1 victory over Finishers, with Adrian Leitch netting twice in the fifth and 20th minutes. Marlon Bethel added a late goal in the 28th minute, while Malcolm Roach scored the lone response for Finishers in the eighth.
Another match heading into extra time saw Melanie overcome Street Vybes 3–1 after a 1–1 deadlock in regulation. Leanda Arthur gave Street Vybes an early lead in the fifth minute, but Melanie surged in extra time with goals from Stephon Dolphin (28), Phillip Williams (33), and Courtney Odean (35).
Laing Avenue delivered one of the most dominant performances of the night, dismantling Gladiators 5–1. Makhi Adams was unstoppable, scoring a hat-trick in
the eighth, 19th, and 27th minutes. Caldwell Peters also found the net in the 8th, while Isiah Nero added another in the 23rd. Da Costa Aboagye scored the lone consolation goal for Gladiators in the fifth minute.
Stabroek Ballers closed the night in emphatic fashion, blanking Albouystown A 6–0. Shamar Welch struck early and added another in the 20th minute, Jamal Williams scored twice in the fourth and eighth minutes, while Colin Frank David completed the rout with goals in the 11th and 28th minutes.
With the intensity rising and the margins between victory and defeat growing ever thinner, Night Three underscored why the One Guyana/Kashif & Shanghai Presidents Futsal Championship continues to captivate fans. From extra-time heartbreak to emphatic statement wins, the tournament is quickly building momentum.
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The second match of the series is scheduled to be played today at the same venue. (Gerold Montfort)
Lomar Seecharan played a captain’s knock
Lomar Seecharan receiving his Player of the Match award from Chairman of the Competitions Committee Shaun Massiah
Westside Ballers and Broadstreet in action