The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times –05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily
during the day, with clear to partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 13:13h reaching a maximum heights of 2.11 metres.
Low Tide: 06:40h and 19:31h reaching minimum heights of 1.26 metres and 1.04 metres.
‘Your roles are pivotal in upholding trust, confidence in our ability to conduct free, fair, credible elections’ – GECOM Chair tells election staff
Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh has emphasised to election staff that their responsibilities are pivotal “in upholding the trust and confidence of the electorate in our ability to conduct elections in a free, fair, transparent, and credible manner.”
She made the assertion in a message via the revised manuals for General and Regional Elections titled (i) Official Manual for Returning Officers, Supernumerary Returning Officers and Other Election Officials, and (ii) Official Manual for Presiding Officers and Other Polling Day Officials.
These manuals were prepared by the Secretariat of the GECOM in accordance with the relevant legal provisions, and with input from the Parliamentary Political Parties with whom the manuals were shared for scrutiny and feedback.
Both manuals are used for the training of staff for the upcoming elections.
In her message, the GECOM Chair noted that the manuals outline the procedures and protocols that have been designed to ensure “that every vote count and that all voters are treated with respect and dignity.”
“Adhering to these guidelines will help maintain the integrity of our electoral process,” she emphasised.
In fact, the GECOM Chair noted that the manuals reflect best practices based on both local experiences and international standards.
“I urge you to familiarise yourself with its contents thoroughly. Understanding your duties will empower you to act decisively and effectively when faced with challenges on Election Day,” she told the individuals who have signed up to be polling day staff.
“As we traverse the pathway towards polling day, let us remember that we are not just facilitators, we are guardians of democracy. The work you do is vital for ensuring that every citizen’s voice is heard and respected. Together, let us strive for excellence in executing our responsibilities,” Justice Singh noted.
Understanding the process
Among other things, the manuals outline the specific roles and responsibilities for each polling day employee including Returning Officers, Deputy Returning
Offices, Presiding Officers, Assistant Presiding Officers, Poll Clerk, Counting Assistant/Ballot Clerk, Polling Agents and even Police Officers on duty at the polling stations.
The manuals also state clearly how official election-related materials must be treated, such as the Statements of Poll (SOPs).
GECOM made it clear to all elections day staff that the SOPs are the “official record of the results of the elections at each Polling Station”. The manuals note that SoPs must be prepared separately for General Election and Regional Elections after the count in each case, i.e., the SoP for the General Election must be completed after the count for the General Election, and the SoP for the Regional Elections after the count for the Regional Election.
It is further outlined that the Presiding Officer must record on the SoPs: Particulars of the Polling Station, including Division Number, Ballot Box Number, Polling Station Name, and Presiding Officer Name as well as the Number of: valid votes cast for each List of Candidates, electors who voted at the Polling Station and Tendered Ballot Papers used.
The manuals also outline the conduct of each officer on polling day, noting – among other things that –
where the Presiding Officer is not satisfied that the person present is the elector who is listed in the List, he/ she must advise the person accordingly and direct him/her to leave the Polling Station.
The manuals also explained that if, at 6:00pm there are electors in the queue, the poll shall remain open until the last person has cast his/her ballot.
“In this circumstance, the Presiding Officer must: (a) direct the Police Officer to stand at the end of the queue, (b) record the name of the last person in the queue, (c) make note of the number of persons in the queue, (d) direct the Poll Clerk to make an entry in the Poll Book on Page 7 and (e) allow all persons in the queue to vote, (f)
announce the closure of the Poll, (g) close the aperture of the Ballot Box and affix the red wire seal, (h) direct the Poll Clerk to make entry in the Poll Book on Page 8, and (i) request all Polling Agents to sign as witnesses.
Note: If there are no electors in the queue at 6:00pm, the Presiding Officer must perform steps (f) to (i) only, as prescribed above,” the documents detailed. They also deal with rules for the counting and sorting of ballot papers, including the opening of the ballot box. For instance, the Presiding Officer must clearly announce that he/ she will now commence the process of opening the box in preparation for the count.
It is now almost four weeks since 11-year old Adrianna Younge’s lifeless body was pulled out of the pool of the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen EBE. But in that short time, the horrific incident has exposed some home-truths about Guyana that we would ignore at our peril. The first was the almost universal disdain and lack of trust for the Guyana Police Force emanating from alleged endemic corruption at all levels. A LAPOP poll back in 2015 had shown that Guyana had the lowest level of trust in the police of the region; on a scale of 0 to 100, Guyana ranked a trust level of 35.3. The pollster emphasised then that the trend was not a new one and that interviews carried out since 2006, Guyana’s trust in its police (51.1) has been steadily declining. She noted that such trust had never been high to begin with and had never reached the levels indicated by many other interviewed countries.
That loss of trust started and intensified during the long PNC 28-year rule that was maintained through rigged elections. The Police Force became the major institution to keep the populace cowed and subservient to the political directorate. By the time Desmond Hoyte formed the “Black Clothes” Tactical Unit as a rough and ready answer to the “Kick down the door bandits” phenomenon, it was too little too late. Following the return of free and fair elections in 1992, the PNC in opposition exploited “kith and kin” sentiments of the African-Guyanese dominated GPF to get away with violent protests to bring down the PPP government. The Black Clothes tactics earned the GPF even more distrust as they themselves became the target – along with perceived Indian Guyanese PPP supporters. Information that they worked in cahoots with death squads did not improve their standing, as did the steps taken by the APNU/AFC government after 2015 when Granger’s efforts were geared towards appointing officers loyal to him, and firing professionals.
Against this background, we can appreciate the remarkable ethnic unity displayed as protests broke out in front of the Leonora Police Station, demanding a proper investigation be conducted into Adrianna’s death. But this is where another other home truth played out: the seeming compulsion of the opposition to politicize every thing in Guyana in their consuming drive to grab power by any means necessary. The authorities initially accepted the blocking of the Public Road – even though this was illegal – and even the cooking of “shine rice” in its middle. Some police ranks were observed mingling amiably with the protestors. But it was when clearly politically motivated persons started hurling rocks at the Police that the Tactical Squad, which had been mobilized earlier at the Den Amstel Police Station, swung into action and fired rubber pellets to disperse the crowd.
The next flashpoint was when the government had acceded to the demand by Adrianna’s family for the autopsy to determine the cause of death be conducted by a pathologist they identified from Maryland, joining two others from Barbados and Canada. Riots broke out in front of the country’s only tertiary hospital, blocking the main entrance and impeding the entrance and exit of patients. These riots spread to other parts of the city and its environs and exploded into arson, looting and assaults. They were eerily reminiscent of riots in Georgetown since the 1960 save that the lumpen urban elements had now dubbed themselves “Scrapes”.
After the family rejected the unanimous finding of the three foreign pathologists – including theirs supported by a local doctor who observed the autopsy – that Adrianna had died by drowning and there were no signs of force of any type applied to her body, they then also rejected a retired RCMP detective to assist in the investigations. The opposition jumped in to suggest that the government was engaged in a “cover-up” and on Friday, Opposition leader Norton lead a noisy demonstration outside the Office of the President. Surely, the unfortunate Adrianna deserves better than this cynical political opportunism.
Let us work to reduce the burden of hypertension, promote longer, healthier lives for all Guyanese
On the occasion of World Hypertension Day, May 17, 2025, we joined the World Health Organization (WHO) and global health partners in raising awareness about hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, under the theme, “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.”
Hypertension affects an estimated 1.13 billion people worldwide, with over twothirds residing in low- and middle-income countries. Men are slightly more affected than women.
Often dubbed the “silent killer,” hypertension typically presents with few or no symptoms, yet it can lead to serious health consequences, including chronic kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, dementia, and even death.
In Guyana, stroke and ischaemic heart disease, both linked to hypertension, remain among the leading causes of mortality.
When your healthcare provider tells you your blood pressure, they say two numbers. For instance, they might say your blood pressure is “130 over 80.”. The top number (systolic pressure) is the pressure inside your arteries when your heart is contracting. The bottom number (diastolic pressure) is the pressure inside your arteries when your heart is relaxed.
Many experts define high, elevated, and normal blood pressure as follows:
High – Top number of 130 or above and/or bottom number of 80 or above.
Elevated – Top number between 120 and 129 and a bottom number of 79 or below.
Normal – Top number of 119 or below and bottom number of 79 or below.
The 2016 STEPS Survey conducted in Guyana revealed that 18.4% of adults had high blood pressure but were not receiving medication. In response, the Ministry of Health has im-
plemented the HEARTS programme, a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving the management of elevated and high blood pressure.
HEARTS is the acronym for Healthy lifestyle counselling, Evidence-based protocols, Access to essential medicines and technology, Risk-based cardiovascular disease management, Teambased care, and Systems for monitoring.
This evidence-based approach is designed to support hypertensive patients in better managing their condition and preventing complications.
Since its launch, HEARTS has expanded significantly from 8 pilot sites in 2022 to 237 sites by February 2025, resulting in increased patient coverage, from 8,899 to 43,618 individuals by mid-July 2024.
These figures represent meaningful improvements in individual health outcomes and community well-being. Our goal is for
all health centres in Guyana to adopt the HEARTS programme by the end of 2025. I encourage every citizen to learn how to accurately measure and consistently monitor their blood pressure. Speak with your healthcare provider during your next visit to a health centre to learn proper techniques, and ensure your blood pressure remains within a healthy range. If you are prescribed medication for hypertension, it is critical to take it as directed and avoid missing doses.
I commend all healthcare professionals, particularly those working in primary care, for their unwavering commitment to the accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and continued management of hypertension. Together, let us work to reduce the burden of this disease and promote longer, healthier lives for all Guyanese.
Dr Frank Anthony Minister of Health
The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is currently carrying out rehabilitation works on the main drainage channel in the Patentia Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara. Using its amphibious excavator, NDIA is working to improve water flow and flood resilience, bringing real benefits to over 1,000 residents and farmers in Patentia and Vriesland (Agriculture Ministry photo)
Rebranding without reform
Dear Editor,
This morning, I saw a PNC press release marking ten years since David Granger became President. It jolted me back to 2015.
Like many young Guyanese, I voted for him, convinced we were entering a new era. The phrase “It’s young people time now” was more than a campaign slogan – it became an ideal. An ideal we believed and wanted to be true. But we underestimated something powerful: institutional memory. And that rebranding doesn’t always mean reform. George Santayana captured this perfectly in his oft-quoted aphorism, “those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
If only.
By 2011, the PNC rebranded itself under the guise of APNU and “big tent politics.” To many of us, it felt like a fresh start. But underneath the new logo and rhetoric was the same party, with the same instincts.
From 1968 to 1992, Guyana was ruled by the PNC under Forbes Burnham and later Desmond Hoyte. The PNC’s economic policies were aggressively anti-private sector, and, as it turned out, profoundly self-destructive. They nationalised all major industries – bauxite, sugar, rice, banking, dis-
tribution – and choked the economy with foreign exchange controls and import restrictions.
By 1979, the private sector had shrunk to just 10 per cent of GDP. Between 1976 and 1981, more than 70,000 Guyanese left the country (World Bank, 1992). According to Alister McIntyre’s 1989 report, Guyana had fallen below Haiti as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Inflation soared. External debt ballooned to over 500 per cent of GDP. The country was bleeding out.
As an aside, PNC apologists still lean on dependency theory, blaming imperialism for the collapse. But the facts are plain: while external shocks mattered, it was PNC policy, not geopolitics, that pushed us over the edge.
Now compare that to what countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan did in the same period. They also faced Cold War pressures, resource constraints, and postcolonial transitions. But instead of attacking markets, they invested in institutions. They saw enforceable contracts, secure property rights, and predictable tax systems as foundations for growth.
The PNC, meanwhile,
treated those same ideas as anathema.
When APNU+AFC took power in 2015, it promised reform. But the echoes of the past returned fast.
Between 2016 and 2019, private-sector credit – one of the indicators of a healthy private sector – barely grew. While the period 2011 to 2015 saw a 60 per cent increase (an average of 12 per cent annually), APNU presided over a sharp slowdown, averaging just 4 per cent per year (Bank of Guyana Annual Reports, 2011–2019). This wasn’t the result of global headwinds or imperialist forces; it was the result of bad policy.
The coalition introduced over 200 new or reintroduced taxes and fees. Families saw VAT added to electricity, water, and even private school tuition. Not even the donkey cart man was spared. The Private Sector Commission called it “an assault on competitiveness” (Stabroek News, 2016). The closure of several sugar estates – done without meaningful transition plans – cost over 7,000 jobs and destabilised entire communities.
In tone and substance, this was not a new Government. It was the old PNC playbook, dusted off and put back to use. Aubrey
Norton’s impassioned defence of import bans in Parliament earlier this year is a chilling reminder of just how dusty (and still in use) the playbook really is.
The PNC’s history of electoral fraud—1968, 1973, 1980, 1985—is well documented. Yet, many of us somehow believed 2015 marked a break from that legacy.
The 2020 election taught us differently.
The now-infamous spreadsheet scandal, the Region Four results manipulation, and the prolonged refusal to concede made one thing clear: the instinct to rig hadn’t disappeared – it was simply looming in the shadows – waiting on the curtain call. CARICOM’s observer mission didn’t mince words. The recount “revealed significant irregularities clearly designed to favour APNU+AFC” (CARICOM Report, 2020). Likewise, Bruce Golding, former Jamaican Prime Minister and OAS mission head famously quipped “this was the most transparent attempt to alter the results of an election.”
But the question isn’t just how this happened, but why so many of us let it.
Part of the answer is that we were never taught our post-independence political
Once again, the GRA is in the spotlight
Dear Editor, Once again, The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is in the news and for all the wrong reasons. They are embroiled in the alleged fraud perpetuated by Mr Azruddin Mohammed. They have been caught up in that vicious cycle, where allegedly fraudulent transactions are carried out by persons within the authority and nothing is really done about it. As a developing country, we cannot continue like this any longer, it is high time that Godfrey Statia sanitise this statutory body and get his act together.
As a tax collection agency, it is positioned as the premier institution that overseas that every citizen pays his or her due taxes, however, what we see here may be a dereliction of duty as it regards the Mohammeds. Now, follow me closely, Azruddin is reportedly guilty of making a false declaration of his assets, however, in my book the certifying officer at GRA is equally guilty. The GRA officer is guilty either by bribery or gross incompetence in certifying that this was the real cost of the vehicles. In either scenario, GRA bears the brunt of the blame as well as Government who receives a bad rating. Shouldn’t that officer been keen enough to ferret out that information? And the answer is a resound-
ing yes! From information gathered, Mohammed is allegedly seen as a corrupt individual making those false declarations. But shouldn’t GRA been more alert, shouldn’t they have scrutinised the documents he presented to certify that his declaration was a bogus one? And the answer is yes; they should have inspected his vehicles to ensure the validity of his declared goods, something the revenue agency is conducting at the present moment. Why didn’t the officer run a cross-check to see that the invoice alleged to have been declared by Mohammed was true and correct? That officer has been negligent in his duties and must be held accountable.
Folks might surmise that it is because Mohammed is reportedly a political opponent of the Government that they are going down hard on him. And rightly so, because but for the sanctions on him, our country would have been robbed of millions, while Azruddin would have moved on with his life unperturbed.
Now, let us draw conclusions from an incident that took place in the recent past: Guyana was rocked by the story of the shipment of cocaine that was sent to Belgium. That shipment originated from Guyana, having a “clean bill of health,” from the GRA. The
clandestine deal was birthed at GRA as a shipment of scrap iron, with the contents knowingly being drugs strapped in bags therein.
And how do we know this? All information regarding the owner of the shipment as well as other particulars was wiped clean of the computer; if this is not something the certifying officer fully well knew then what is? The officer/s at GRA were complicit with the shipper, there is no doubt about that. It was only after intense scrutiny of the computer from the makers of the instrument could they have found out who the shipper was. What became of the officer who did that transaction and the conclusion of that investigation? We are yet to be apprised.
Again, but for the Belgian Customs, we would have been forever in the dark as to that large shipment of
drugs. The same applies to the Azruddin Mohammed case: were there no checks and balances at GRA? How was he able to get that vehicle off the wharf and into his garage? Who issued him registration documents? How did he manage to do all of this all by himself? These are the pointed questions only GRA could give an answer to.
Therefore, there should be additional charges instituted against the GRA officials who carried out those transactions. It is now quite clear that rank corruption exists at our revenue collection agency, this can only stop if there is a massive shake-up and lots of incarceration of the corrupt agents carried out. Come on Mr Statia your agency needs sanitisation!
Yours sincerely, Neil Adams
history with the seriousness it deserved. Many of us didn’t know what the PNC’s economic model looked like — or how deeply it failed. So when APNU+AFC re-emerged with (somewhat) younger faces and slicker branding, we mistook that for transformation.
Here are some truths I have learned. Rebranding without reform is decepti-
on. Economic policy without respect for the private sector is sabotage. And elections without integrity are not elections at all. Above all, George Santayana’s warning remains profoundly relevant: forgetting history does not make us progressive—it makes us vulnerable.
Yours sincerely, Alfonso De Armas
The NTC will not be used as a pawn in anyone’s political theatre
Dear Editor, The National Toshaos Council (NTC) strongly condemns the misleading and politically charged assertions made by the Alliance For Change (AFC) in the Stabroek News article titled, “Govt officials get more speaking time at NTC over Toshaos – AFC.”
This is a deliberate attempt to undermine the credibility of the NTC Conference, the most respected and comprehensive forum for Indigenous leadership in Guyana. The claims made by the AFC are baseless and reek of hypocrisy and political desperation.
We wish to clarify that the structure of the NTC Conference 2025 is carefully designed to ensure that every ministry is allotted 15 minutes to present, followed by an open and interactive Q&A segment where Toshaos are free to raise concerns, seek clarifications, and advocate for their communities.
This model, which has been successfully used under successive Governments, facilitates productive engagement, direct dialogue, and
meaningful accountability. It has worked effectively for years, including during the period the AFC itself was part of the governing coalition.
The sudden attempt by the AFC to now discredit this model, after benefiting from it while in office, is dishonest and insulting to the intelligence of Indigenous leaders and their communities.
It is clear that the AFC’s narrative seeks to sow division and politicise a platform that is fundamentally about unity, development, and Indigenous empowerment.
The NTC will not be used as a pawn in anyone’s political theatre. The conference belongs to the Indigenous people of Guyana. We remain resolute in our mission to advocate for the interests of all Amerindian communities, and we will not be distracted by those who wish to inject division where there is dialogue, or chaos where there is collaboration.
Yours sincerely, National Toshaos Council
00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB)
08:00 Stop Suffering
09:00 Movie - Transformers One (2024)
10:45 Movie - The Wild Robot (2024)
12:30 Movie - 200% Wolf (2024)
14:00 Movie - Inside Out (2015)
17:00 Payless Power Hour
18:00 Evangelistic Hour
SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2025
15:30 Movie - Inside Out 2 (2024)
18:30 Pastor Alvin Teaching
19:00 Documentary - Samadhi (2017)
20:00 Movie - Shooting Stars (2014)
22:00 Movie - When the Game Stands Tall (2014)
Page Foundation
Raising children is one of the toughest and most fulfilling jobs in the world — and the one for which you might feel the least prepared.
Here are nine child-rearing tips that can help you feel more fulfilled as a parent.
Boosting your child’s self-esteem
Children start developing their sense of self as babies when they see themselves through their parents’ eyes. Your tone of voice, your body language, and your every expression are absorbed by your children. Your words and actions as a parent affect their developing self-esteem more than anything else.
Praising accomplishments, however small, will make them feel proud; letting children do things independently will make them feel capable and strong. By contrast, belittling comments or comparing a child unfavourably with another will make children feel worthless.
Avoid making loaded statements or using words as weapons. Comments like “What a stupid thing to do!” or “You act more like a baby than your little brother!” cause damage just as physical blows do.
Choose your words carefully and be compassionate. Let your children know that everyone makes mistakes and that you still love them, even when you don’t love their behaviour.
Catch children being good
Have you ever stopped to think about how many times you react negatively to your children in a given day? You may find yourself criticizing far more often than complimenting. How would you feel about a boss who treated you with that much negative guidance, even if it was well intentioned?
The more effective approach is to catch children doing something right: “You made your bed without being asked –that’s terrific!” or “I was watching you play with your sister and you were very patient.” These statements will do more to encourage good behaviour over the long run than repeated scoldings.
Make a point of finding something to praise every day. Be generous with rewards — your love, hugs, and compliments can work wonders and are often reward enough. Soon you will find you are “growing” more of the behaviour you would like to see.
Set limits and be consistent with your discipline
Discipline is necessary in every household. The goal of discipline is to help children choose acceptable behaviours and learn self-control. They may test the limits you establish for them, but they need those limits to grow into responsible adults.
Establishing house rules helps children understand your expectations and develop self-control. Some rules might include: no TV until homework is done, and no hitting, name-calling, or hurtful teasing allowed.
You might want to have a system in place: one warning, followed by consequences such as a “time out” or loss of privileges. A common mistake parents make is failure to follow through with the consequences. You can’t discipline children for talking back one day and ignore it the next. Being consistent teaches what you expect.
Make time for your children
It’s often difficult for parents and children to get together for a family meal, let alone spend quality time together. But there is probably nothing children would like more. Get up 10 minutes earlier in the morning so you can eat breakfast with your child or leave the dishes in the sink and take a walk after dinner. Children who aren’t getting the attention they want from their parents often act out or misbehave because they’re sure to be noticed that way.
Many parents find it rewarding to schedule together time with their children. Create a “special night” each week to be together and let your children help decide how to spend the time. Look for other ways to connect – put a note or something special in your kid’s lunchbox.
Adolescents seem to need less undivided attention from their parents than younger children. Because there are fewer windows of opportunity for parents and teens to get together, parents should do their best to be available when their teen does express a desire to talk or participate in family activities. Attending concerts, games, and other events with your teen communicates caring and lets you get to know more about your child and his or her friends in important ways.
Don’t feel guilty if you’re a working parent. It is the many little things you do – making popcorn, playing cards, window shopping – that children will remember. (kidshealth. org)
TO BE CONTINUED
Is Generation Z in trouble?
…teens are using screens in ways that alarm many parents. What’s the real story?
By Mike Brooks, PhD
In a recent article in the New York Times, Journalist Tara Parker-Pope wrote a story titled, “Are Today’s Teenagers Smarter and Better Than We Think?” to counter some of the alarmists who claim that the current generation of teens is “disengaged, entitled, and social-media addicted”. As evidence of her position, she points to the amazingly poised and motivated teens who lead protest marches for greater gun control. So, what’s the story? Should we worry about “Generation Z” or just, as she suggests, “get out of their way?”
The “moral panic” of every generation
Like many big questions in life, there is not an unequivocal answer to the question of how Generation Z is faring. Generation Z is often defined as our current crop of teens and college students who are growing up always connected to the Internet, smartphones, and social media. In support of Parker-Pope’s position, one can make a strong case that some of the concerns about Generation Z are overly pessimistic.
Patrick M Markey and Christopher J Ferguson describe how just about every generation of parents goes into a form of “moral panic” over young people’s behaviour in their aptly titled book, Moral Combat: Why the War on Violent Video Games is Wrong. With the introduction of virtually every new form of media or technology (eg, printed books, newspapers, radio, television, rock & roll music, MTV, video games, smartphones, social media), the older generation frets that the younger generation is going down the drain because of how they are using them. As Markey and Ferguson describe, such moral panics generally turn out to be unwarranted. Nowadays, many parents, researchers, and pundits are worried about today’s youth. In part at least, they blame the overuse (or misuse) of smartphones and social media. In a recent issue of The Atlantic, the title of an article by D. Jean Twenge captured this sentiment: “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?” She’s not the only one to express such fears. We have all run across headlines about how smartphones and social media are corrupting our youth. But is the hand-wringing about today’s teens any different from those of the past? Are such concerns overblown and misguided?
Teens of every generation do amazing things
The impassioned teen leaders of recent protests certainly don’t fit the characterisation of teens as “disengaged, entitled, and social media-addicted”. The issue is whether we are speaking about individuals or a generation. Certainly, every generation has extraordinary teens who produce amazing accomplishments. This generation is no different. But one can’t take anecdotal evidence to support that Generation Z is doing just fine… or not. After all, the Parkland shooter was a teen, and we don’t want to use him as the representative for what’s happening with today’s teens.
A broader look at Generation Z
If we pull back a bit, we might ask a question such as: How would we know if Generation Z is doing well or not? Before we even answer that question, we have to agree on some metric(s) for comparison. We must then look at the aggregate data on those agreed upon metric(s) to compare the current generation to previous generations. To determine whether the “kids are all right” these days, what metric should we use? If we use high school graduation, teen pregnancy, or violent crime rates, Generation Z is doing better than previous generations. But is one of those the best metric to examine? (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)
TO BE CONTINUED
Police investigating explosions at East Ruimveldt Police Outpost, GPL Substation
Investigators are probing two early morning explosions that occurred on Saturday, at the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Substation along Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. Incidents that authorities suspect may have been coordinated.
According to a police report, the first blast took place at approximately 00:40h at the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost, located at Vlissengen Square and East Front Road. A police constable on duty at the time re-
counted hearing two loud explosions coming from the southern side of the compound. Upon checking the area, she discovered that the metal gate at the back of the building had been completely blown away.
Ranks from the Crime Scene Unit (CSU) were summoned and confirmed that the southern wall of the concrete structure had sustained significant damage. The gate was found about six feet away, twisted and mangled. Nearby residents also reported hearing the twin explosions and then
the sound of objects crashing onto their rooftops.
A short time later, police received reports of suspicious damage at the GPL Substation on Mandela Avenue. Although the nature of the damage has not yet been disclosed in full detail, investigators are examining whether both incidents were carried out by the same perpetrators.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has since contacted several persons of interest, who are reportedly cooperating with investigators. Eyewitness accounts and fo-
rensic evidence are now being closely analysed to determine the origin of the explosive devices and identi-
fy those responsible. In a statement, the police emphasised that public safety remains a priority and that
every effort is being made to bring the culprits to justice. The investigation is ongoing.
Man remanded over YWCA daycare break-in
– claims innocence despite video evidence
Thirty-eight-year-old tattoo artist Nicholas Choy, of Lot 168 Robb Street, Georgetown, was on Friday remanded to prison after appearing before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for the offence of break-and-enter and larceny committed at the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) daycare and preschool.
Choy is accused of breaking into the facility located at Lot 106, Croal Street, Georgetown on May 12, and stealing a range of household and school items. The charge, which falls under Section 229A of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01, alleges that Choy stole one microwave valued at $37,000; one black industrial fan worth $25,000; three double-bed mattresses valued at $54,000; a black water dispenser worth $25,000; a roll of black garbage bag worth $1,200; a JBL speaker valued at $31,000; a small fan worth $9,000; a black garbage bin valued at $18,000; and a quantity of school supplies worth $77,000, all amounting to $277,200.
Upon the initial read-
ing of the charge, Choy was told he was not required to plead. However, he requested to speak, and proclaimed his innocence.
“Your Worship, I didn’t break in nowhere. I come home from work. I’m a businessman. I work on America Street doing tattoos,” he explained. “When I come home, I come out me yard, I see a junkie passing with a garbage bin, and I say, ‘Wah you get that new bin?’ and he drop the bin and run away. The police then roll up on me same time. I didn’t break in nowhere”.
Choy insisted that the junkie was merely passing by and not known to him, and that he had no involvement in any burglary. “I got five children, Your Worship. I wouldn’t go into no school and take nothing from children. I got five children. Every Friday I come downstairs and pay child support,” he added, apparently trying to appeal to the court’s compassion.
Principal Magistrate McGusty then advised Choy that the charge would be formally read to him once more, after which he would be required to enter a plea. When
asked how he wished to plead, Choy responded: “Not guilty, Your Worship.”
The court then engaged in clarifying several details about Choy’s background. He confirmed that he was 38 years old, resided at Lot 168 Robb Street, and worked as a tattoo artist. When asked about his marital status, he said, “No, Your Worship,” confirming that he was not married.
Magistrate McGusty then invited input from the prosecution. The prosecutor indicated that there was clear video footage capturing Choy during the alleged break-in.
“It was indicated to me, Madam, that we have video footage of the defendant breaking into the premises and taking the items that he was not given permission to take,” the prosecutor stated. “The footage captured the image of the defendant clear. And the IR (investigating rank) indicated to me that he even went as far as to take a shower in one of the rooms.”
Magistrate McGusty then asked the prosecution whether Choy had any previous matters before the court and if he had previously failed to attend court, to
which Choy replied: “Never, Your Worship.”
Trying to clarify his legal history, he told the Magistrate that he had “another matter in another court. That was last year.”
When Magistrate McGusty asked what the charge was, Choy said it was “A simple accident,” and noted that the matter had since been dismissed.
The court then inquired whether any of the stolen items were recovered. The prosecution confirmed that at least some were found. When asked who had the items in their possession, the prosecution said it was the defendant.
Choy, however, attempted to explain away the possession: “Your Worship, just the garbage bin. But I didn’t know what was in the garbage bin.” He elaborated further: “When I go to check the garbage bin, that is when the police roll up”.
He pleaded with the court: “Your Worship, I does be on America Street. I wouldn’t do anything.”
Despite his explanations, Principal Magistrate
McGusty noted the gravity of the evidence: “I understand there is video footage. And if you were to put aside the video footage, you were found in possession of the items.”
Bail was subsequently refused, and Choy was remanded to prison until his next court appearance, set for June 6, 2025.
The incident Choy mentioned to the Magistrate occurred in February 2022, when he was remanded to prison after being charged with stealing articles amounting to over $400,000 from a man’s car.
It is alleged then that at
Albert and Charlotte streets, Georgetown, while being in the company of others, he stole a Timberland haversack, valued at $25,000, containing a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra cellphone valued at $225,000, three flashlights valued $74,000, a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses valued $60,000, and a ratchet kit set valued $36,000. The items, which amounted to a total of $460,000 in value, were the property of Bhesham Persaud.
Persaud locked his car and left the haversack with the items mentioned in it. He went to a bar along Charlotte Street and then returned at 21:55h, when he discovered that his car had been broken into and the bag containing his valuables was missing. The man reported the matter to the Alberttown Police Station, and the police launched an investigation.
The police later retrieved CCTV footage which showed Choy in the company of others breaking into the car and removing the articles. Choy was later arrested and was remanded to prison, but was later released.
The aftermath of the explosion at the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Substation
Nicholas Choy
Model…
…for democracy??
With Opposition Leader Norton marching up and down in front of Pressie’s Office, guess you’re wondering – once again, dear reader – wondering when PNC politicians gonna bring peace and prosperity – to our dear Mudland. Ever since Burnham split the PPP nationalist movement in 1955, he exploited our ethnic identities to congeal us into warring factions. Periodically these factions erupt into violence – like what happened on the night of Adrianna’s autopsy – that end up not only with looted stores and bodies in the streets – but deepening divisions.
What to do?? Well we can do worse than look at how one poor colonized country – by Germany and Belgiumwith even starker ethnic divisions, did it. If you think we’re too violence prone, this country had EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND members of one ethnic group hacked to death by the competing ethnic group!! Yet today, it’s regarded as one of the most stable democracies in Africa, making steady progress to climb out of progress and becoming the toast of the developing world.
Your Eyewitness, of course, is talking about Rwanda whose President Paul Kagame showed up at the Caricom HoG meet a couple of years ago to discuss opening up a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in the Caribbean. The year before, even though Rwanda was never no British colony, it was accepted into the Commonwealth – and even hosted that organization’s HoG meeting!!
Maybe we can look at how Kagame was able to bring peace and stability to his country – fractured along its Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups. Back in 1994, it was the majority Hutu who’d massacred 800,000 of the minority Tutsi –and ended up ruling the country – after being favoured by the colonial powers. But Kagame lead a Tutsi force from neighbouring Congo – which overthrew the Hutu government and has been ruling ever since to deliver a thriving economy!! And peace for all!!
But didn’t your Eyewitness say Rwanda was a democracy?? Well it is: Kagame’s been holding elections which his party – the Tutsi dominated Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) - keeps winning!! He’s on his 4th term!! Most government officials are Tutsis, even though Hutus are 80%. His most pertinent innovation has been TO BAN THE USE OF ETHNIC LABELS in public!! That’s right…folks can’t mobilize on ethnic lines – excepting on “Genocide Day”!! It’s One Rwanda down the line!! Like Lee kwan Yu of Singapore, Kagame has been called “authoritarian” for cracking down on political types who don’t toe the line.
Rwanda’s on its second “National Strategy for Transformation” within a “Vision 2050- with the goal of becoming a higher middle income country by 2035 and a high income one by 2050.
A hint to Beneba mek Ali tek notice??
…for Scrapes?
The buzz on Scrapeheads reminded your Eyewitness of one of the features of our early urban landscape in what was dubbed the “slums”. While nowadays many have focused on the poverty, crime and pickpockets of Albouystownwhich most are familiar with, it was Tiger Bay that was more infamous back in the day. When GT burnt down in 1962, Sparrow sang – “Ah doan care if the whole a BG burn down/ But they will be putting me out me way/ If they tackle Tiger Bay/ A bun dung de hotel/ where all me wahbine does stay”!!
One historian wrote that the denizens of the slums rejected “the Victorian social norms of modesty, dignity, orderliness, productivity and decorum, and exhibited counter values of gregariousness, bravado, loudness, ribaldry, rowdiness, aggression and coarse vulgarity”!! In 1905 they terrorized the entire GT by burning and looting the stores of the White Europeans. They were called “centipedes”!!
So have they progressed more than a hundred years later as “Scrapeheads”??
…for petrostate?
Ever since the independence-era, Trinidad was the fulcrum of Caribbean relations because of its oil wealth. But when Eric Williams said, “oil doan spoil” one wag responded “but it does done!!” And so said, so done! So “Be Prepared??
Indian High Commissioner urges Venezuela to uphold Argyle Declaration, avoid provocative actions over Essequibo
...says once Guyana’s support is requested, India is ready
India has called on Venezuela to honour its commitments under the Argyle Declaration and refrain from any provocative actions, including holding elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region as planned for May 25, 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Amit Telang, emphasised that the issue of the border controversy is already before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and reiterated that the matter should be settled peacefully and in accordance with international law.
“Our position is that they (Venezuela) should strictly abide with that declaration, which is again, the position of the Government of Guyana, and avoid taking any actions which are against the spirit of the declaration, which includes of course, also the election. So, of course, any action which is being taken which is against that declaration is not
something that we will support”.
“The matter is already in the International Court of Justice,” Dr Telang stated. “The Government of Guyana has provided its positions… and made it clear that they will respect whatever judgment would come from the ICJ.”
Back in December 2023, Presidents Irfaan Ali of Guyana and Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela signed the Argyle Declaration in Argyle, St Vincent and the Grenadines. This agreement was facilitated by regional leaders, including Prime Ministers Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines and Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, with support from CARICOM, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Brazil, and the United Nations (UN).
Key provisions of the Argyle Declaration include a commitment to non-aggression, the peaceful resolution framework and the establishment of a joint commission comprising Foreign Ministers and technical experts from both countries was to be formed to address mutually agreed matters.
Despite the provisions, Venezuela continues to use aggressive tactics against
Guyana, including plans to unlawfully elect a Governor and legislative council of “Guayana Esequiba State”, which is the name the Spanishspeaking nation has given to Guyana’s Essequibo region. When asked whether India would support Guyana in the event of Venezuelan aggression, the High Commissioner said India’s assistance would be based on an official request from the Guyanese Government.
“It depends on what kind of support the Government of Guyana wants from us,” Dr Telang explained. “We are strong partners and we will continue to support Guyana.” Pressed for specifics, he declined to speculate on the nature of potential support, saying, “I would not like to comment on a hypothetical situation. Let us wait… but once support is requested, India is ready.”
India and Guyana share strong diplomatic ties, with India having supported Guyana across a range of sectors, including health, education, and energy. The High Commissioner reiterated India’s commitment to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within the bounds of international law.
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Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Amit Telang
Internal disorder; External vulnerabilities
Last week’s three separate skirmishes across the Cuyuni River border, in which civilian-clothed individuals shot at our GDF soldiers who responded, should be seen for what it is: an escalation by Venezuela of the hybrid warfare its leader Maduro has launched against us since 2013 when he assumed power. In November of that year, long before Exxon’s 2015 oil strike, Maduro had deployed the Venezuelan Navy to seize an Andarco survey ship in a block off our Atlantic waters, insisting it was Venezuela’s because the 1899 Arbitral Award settling our border was “void”. Three attacks, stretching across over sixty miles, had to have been a coordinated operation that cannot be passed of as being committed by “Sindicatos”, as was the case last February when six of our soldiers were injured.
These attacks make a mockery of the Argyle Agreement where Venezuela and Guyana had promised, “(they) directly or indirectly, will not threaten or use force against one another in any circumstances.” The kinetic escalation comes as another move in the Maduro’s hybrid war draws nearer: the election of eight deputies to the Venezuelan National Assembly, along with a Governor for Essequibo on May 25th. Not coincidentally, one day before our Independence Day. While many Guyanese have scoffed at the absurdity of Maduro’s “presumptuousness” since there will be no polling stations in Essequibo for any voting, we must understand the utility of this ploy in his hybrid war against us. These “representatives” will now “speak for” Essequibo in international fora, such as those organized by his allies Russia, China and Iran.
And this is where the present contretemps that has erupted within our country over the death of 11-year old Adrianna Younge is an instantiation of the deep ethnic fissures in our society can be exploited by Maduro. We can just see him shedding crocodile tears as he rails in these international gatherings, echoing the opposition’s criticisms of the government – regardless of which party is in government or opposition. The soon to be elected “governor and deputies of Essequiba” will give him that mandate to represent their “constituents” against, or instance, an oppressive Government that discriminates against groups or citizens – regardless of which party is in office.
And it is for this reason – if nothing else – that just as the President, the Opposition leaders have spoken as one to condemn Venezuela’s spurious claim on our Essequibo, they must begin to do the same on the exploitation of our ethnic differences for political gain. Ironically, the factor that might have made such exploitation politically rational – a mobilized ethnic group that could deliver by themselves an absolute majority – is no longer the case. We are now a nation of minorities and any taking of “one side” does not just alienate the “other side” but reifies the fissures to take us backward.
However, what has also been revealed is the widespread stubborn retention of attitudes and beliefs about each other that were instilled by the European colonizers to “divide and rule”. And here all groups are guilty – knowingly or unknowingly. We must also speak frankly about their attitudes and beliefs and question their genealogy and bona fides so that we do not insult each other with “fighting words”.
Take for instance, the term “Scrapeheads” or “Scrapes” that have recently entered the Guyanese lexicon. As an Indian, I would never defend, much less encourage, behaviour by Indian youths such as burning and looting stores because of their poverty or deprived background. Rather, they should be reminded that they should take, or create, whatever opportunities present themselves, to earn their living and do so within their means. I do believe, however, that we should be willing to have a national dialogue on this and other issues where it is clear that we have more than just a semantic gap.
Similarly, as a Hindu I was taken aback when it was widely claimed that poor Adrianna was “sacrificed” in a Hindu rite to gain or keep “wealth”. I know of no Hindu rite that calls for human sacrifice and even with the few animal sacrifices, those are gradually phasing out in favour of vegetable-based offerings.
In reference to one Scrapehead’s vile outpourings on Mother Lakshmi, it has been claimed this is a “creative freedom” and free speech issue”. But we should all know that free speech is not free of consequences and we have, for instance, the law of “obscenity” that mandates imprisonment upon conviction.
Ravi Dev
Indian High Commissioner urges Venezuela...
GDF mobilised
Nevertheless, President Dr Irfaan Ali had reaffirmed that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is mobilised and prepared to defend the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela.
The Head of State emphasised that security operations are actively underway, particularly in light of Venezuela’s upcoming elections and continued claims over Guyana’s Essequibo region — claims which Guyana has consistently rejected and challenged through international legal avenues.
Further, when asked at a media event about whether the border is being monitored more closely ahead of Venezuela’s election, President Ali responded, “Definitely. I can’t go into details, but I can assure you that we, along with our partners, are engaged in continuous analysis and monitoring, especially in areas close to the borders.”
The Guyanese leader’s remarks follow the ICJ’s recent order that Venezuela must refrain from conducting or preparing to conduct elections Guyana’s Essequibo region – two thirds of the country’s landmass.
A day after the order was issued, the Guyana Government had expressed its expectation that Venezuela will act responsibly and comply with the recent orders issued by the ICJ, refraining the Spanish-
speaking nation from holding elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region.
“The Government of Guyana expects that the Government of Venezuela will act responsibly in complying with the Court’s Orders of both 1 December 2023 and 1 May 2025 which are legally binding on both States, and in so complying, fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Georgetown said in a statement.
Back in January, the Nicolás Maduro regime had announced plans to hold elections in the Essequibo region, which is two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass, on May 25, 2025 – something which Guyana wrote the ICJ in March to have blocked.
The World Court, which is hearing the case to settle the decades-long border controversy between the two South American neighbours, issued an order on Thursday that Venezuela must refrain from conducting or preparing to conduct elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region.
It also reaffirmed the provisional measures issued by the Court on December 1, 2023, which states that “… Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby the Co-operative Republic of Guyana administers and
exercises control over that area; and (2) Both Parties shall refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the Court or make it more difficult to resolve.” However, the Venezuelan Government had said no international pressure, judicial blackmail or foreign court could make it back down, and called on Guyana to engage in direct negotiation and comply with the Geneva Agreement.
In response to Caracas, the Foreign Ministry called Venezuela’s reaction to the additional provisional measures issued by the World Court “unfortunate” and shut down, once again, any idea of bilateral talks between the two neighbouring states.
In fact, the Foreign Ministry went onto remind Venezuela that the case pending before the ICJ is a decision of the UN Secretary General in accordance with the 1966 Geneva Agreement on the settlement of the controversy – an Agreement to which both Guyana and Venezuela are parties.
According to the Foreign Ministry, “The Court’s judgment will be definitive, final and binding on Guyana and Venezuela. The Government of Guyana urges the Government of Venezuela to do more than pay lip service to the Geneva Agreement, and to actually comply with its provisions, including but not limited to Article IV (2). Essequibo is Guyana’s.”
After years of failed good
offices process through the UN, and based on the recommendation of the-then UN Secretary General (SG), Guyana approached the World Court in March 2018, seeking a final and binding settlement of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which determined the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. The case is currently pending before the ICJ, which has already established its jurisdiction to hear the matter. Guyana has already filed two written pleadings on the merits, and Venezuela has filed one, with its second pleading due in August 2025. Oral hearings are expected in the first half of 2026, following which the Court will deliberate on the case and issue its final judgment on the Merits, which will be binding on the parties. Guyana has pledged to accept the ICJ’s Judgment whatever it might be.
Investment Agency Head visits upcoming Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Houston
Chief Investment Officer and Agency Head of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Dr Peter Ramsaroop, on Friday conducted an official visit to the soon-to-be-completed Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, located in Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
The hotel is expected to open officially by the end of August 2025.
The visit, documented on GO-Invest’s official social media platforms, highlighted the facility’s progress and its alignment with Guyana’s sustainable development goals (SDG). Dr Ramsaroop noted that the property will be
Guyana’s first EDGE-certified hotel—an internationally recognised green building standard—featuring 40 per cent renewable energy usage and a state-of-the-art clean water system. These features under-
score the country’s growing commitment to sustainability within the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Edge is a green building certification system, according to its website, focused on
making buildings more resource-efficient.
The hotel will feature 172 guest rooms, a 1,000-seat convention centre, and dedicated retail space, making it a major addition to the country’s investment and hospitality landscape. The project represents a significant American foreign direct investment (FDI), underscoring growing international investor confidence in Guyana.
“From the oil capital of Houston Texas to the oil hub of Houston, Guyana, this development is a symbol of the growing bridge between our two economies,” Dr Ramsaroop remarked.
Why biodiversity matters — and how the world, including Guyana, is taking
action
Renowned environmental scientist Johan Rockström once described biodiversity as the lifeline that makes ecosystems more resilient—vital for the stability of societies. Destroying it, he warned, is like setting fire to our own lifeboat.
Understanding Biodiversity’s Role in Our Lives
Biodiversity is the full variety of life on Earth—animals, plants, fungi, microbes, and the ecosystems they create. It’s not just about exotic species in remote jungles. It’s the foundation of healthy, functioning ecosystems that provide essential services to humans.
These services, known as ecosystem services, include pollination of crops by bees and insects, clean water from forest and wetland filtration, fertile soil, and climate regulation. Did you know that about 75% of global food crops rely on pollinators? Forests—from the Amazon to Guyana’s own mangroves—store carbon and help slow climate change. But these life-supporting systems are under severe strain. Deforestation, pollution, overfishing, and the accelerating effects of climate change are driving species to extinction at an alarming rate. As ecosystems break down, so do the services they provide—leading to food shortages, water scarcity, increased natural disasters, and the spread of disease.
Global Treaties Working to Protect Nature
Recognizing these threats, the international community has established key agreements to conserve biodiversity. Guyana is a committed participant in several of these, which are helping both to protect the environment and improve lives. Each treaty addresses a different piece of the biodiversity puzzle.
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971)
Once seen as unproductive land, wetlands are now celebrated as biodiversity hotspots and natural safeguards. They clean water, buffer floods, and support countless species.
The Ramsar Convention is the first international treaty focused on a single ecosystem—wetlands. Countries commit to the “wise use” of these areas and designate significant sites as Wetlands of International Importance.
Guyana’s North Rupununi wetlands in region 9, floodplains support fish, birds, giant otters, and Indigenous communities. Protecting them isn’t only about wildlife it’s also about preserving cultural heritage and strengthening community resilience.
CITES: The Wildlife Trade Treaty (1973)
Every year, millions of wild species are traded globally. Without regulation, this trade threatens biodiversity and survival of species.
The Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission is the focal point for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Commission monitors and regulates wildlife trade through a
permit system to ensure it remains legal and sustainable. Exports of parrots, turtles, and snakes, for instance, are closely managed to ensure populations remain healthy.
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (1992)
Adopted at the Rio Earth Summit, the CBD is the most comprehensive global treaty on biodiversity. It has three core goals: Conserving biodiversity
Using biological resources sustainably
Ensuring fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources
Guyana has embraced the CBD by developing a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, expanding protected areas, and weaving biodiversity goals into national planning.
The CBD also supports Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which connects forest conservation with economic development. By preserving our rainforests, we reduce carbon emissions, protect biodiversity, and earn income through carbon credit agreements—such as those with Norway and Hess Corporation.
With its rich ecosystems and low deforestation rates, Guyana is well placed to help lead this global effort.
Looking Forward: A Shared Responsibility
Biodiversity isn’t just about plants and animals—it’s about people. It supports our water, food, health, and economy. In Guyana, with its lush forests, powerful rivers, and vibrant cultures, biodiversity is a national treasure with global value.
But that treasure needs protection. Governments, businesses, Indigenous communities, and individuals all have a role to play. By following environmental rules, supporting conservation efforts, and recognizing the value of nature in our daily lives, we help safeguard the lifeboat we all depend on.
Biodiversity isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. The time to act is now.
Guyana’s participation in India’s ITEC programme increasing as bilateral cooperation deepens
Guyana’s involvement in India’s flagship capacity-building initiative, the India Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, has been steadily increasing, reflecting stronger bilateral cooperation between the two countries, according to Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Amit Telang.
Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, Dr Telang noted that Guyana continues to benefit from India’s extensive suite of training and scholarship opportunities across a wide array of sectors.
“We have seen a steady increase in the number of participants from Guyana,” the High Commissioner said. “In my initial year here, we had close to 100 participants. The following year, it was around 120 to 140. So, every year the num-
ber has been increasing.”
The ITEC programme, launched in 1964, provides training across diverse fields such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, media and defence. Dr Telang explained that it has proven especially valuable for members of Guyana’s defence and police forces.
“We have a dedicated programme in the security area,” he said. “Many people, especially from the defence forces and police forces, travel to India to take part in these training programmes.”
Beyond ITEC, India also offers academic scholarships through the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), enabling Guyanese students to pursue higher education in areas such as music, fine arts and even postgraduate and doctoral studies.
Dr Telang stressed the importance of these opportunities, especially as Guyana’s economy expands and demand for skilled professionals rises.
“Capacity building has always been a strength of this relationship. We have always seen a lot of interest from Guyana’s people to participate in these courses,” he said. “But we would definitely like to see more participation… I’d be even happier if more people take advantage of these opportunities.”
India has long maintained close diplomatic and development ties with Guyana, with cooperation spanning health, education, infrastructure, and most recently, energy and defence. The ITEC and ICCR programmes represent a key part of this growing partnership, helping to equip
Guyanese citizens with the skills to contribute to national development.
Just a few days ago, President Dr Irfaan Ali sharply criticised regional leaders for failing to capitalise on the ITEC Programme, describing it as a missed opportunity to build capacity across the Caribbean.
During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Guyana last year for the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown,
an appeal was made to Caribbean nations to capitalise on the opportunities offered by the ITEC Programme, however no significant actions were taken by regional countries
ITEC is one of the oldest institutionalised arrangements for international capacity building, having trained more than 200,000 officials from over 160 countries in both civilian and defence sectors.
President Ali expressed
his disappointment, stating, “I would say I’m very disappointed in the region, and I’ll tell you why. When Prime Minister Modi was here, he emphasised that there are thousands of training opportunities under the ITEC programme in India. In the last four years, hundreds of our officers have benefited from training in the ITEC programme in the most sophisticated fields at every level. I found out that they have not received any or very few applications from the region for training under the ITEC programme.”
In this regard, he challenged regional leaders to examine the ITEC Programme and make full use of it, encouraging the region to take advantage of the opportunities it presents.
Guyana set to host major regional disaster response simulation
…event to bolster regional flood emergency readiness, civil-military coordination
Guyana is set to host MECODEX 2025— the Mechanism for Disaster Cooperation Exercise—a high-level regional simulation aimed at enhancing preparedness for flood-related emergencies across the Americas. The event will take place from 19 to 22 May 2025 at the Pegasus Hotel and Corporate Centre in Georgetown.
MECODEX is being organised in collaboration with the Inter-American Defence Board (IADB) and Guyana’s Civil Defence Commission (CDC). The simulation will bring together disaster response professionals, military representatives, and humanitarian agencies to test and evaluate coordinated response protocols within the context of a realistic, large-scale flood scenario.
“This is more than just a drill,” said Lt Col Mark Thomas, Deputy Director General of the CDC. “It is a strategic opportunity to strengthen inter-agency coordination, evaluate our response mechanisms, and build the confidence of those entrusted with safeguarding lives during disasters.”
CDC Director General Colonel Nazrul Hussain highlighted the significance of the event for Guyana’s national readiness and international profile. “To host the leadership of the InterAmerican Defence Board is a great honour, and augurs well for our civil-military co-
ordination. We welcome the foreign delegations and look forward to a successful exercise here in Guyana.”
MECODEX 2025 falls under the umbrella of the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Conference of Defence Ministers of the Americas (CDMA). The IADB, which acts as the permanent secretariat of MECODEX, plays a key role in ensuring the exercise reflects international best practices in disaster risk management.
Colonel José Carlos Diaz Torres of Brazil emphasised the technical tools that will support the simulation, including SICODE, a scenario-planning platform developed by Brazil’s Military Institute of Engineering. “Platforms like SICODE allow participating countries to simulate real-world challenges and fine-tune their response protocols. This exercise is strictly humani-
tarian in nature and underscores the value of regional preparedness,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Colonel Glauco Dos Santos Cândido, also of Brazil, underscored the collaborative ethos behind the effort.
“MECODEX reflects our shared commitment to improving humanitarian assistance mechanisms so that, when disaster strikes, aid can be delivered swiftly, respectfully, and in full coordination with national authorities,” he noted.
This year’s event marks the fourth iteration of MECODEX. It was first conducted as a virtual tabletop exercise in 2022, followed by in-person events in Ecuador (2023) and Peru (2024).
The opening ceremony will take place on the afternoon of Monday, May 19, and will feature addresses from national officials, international delegates, and senior military leaders from across the hemisphere.
From the remote hills of Region Eight to the classrooms of tomorrow, Gideon Lewis is proving that passion for education knows no boundaries. As he nears graduation
from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), the young teacher-in-training represents a new wave of hinterland youth stepping forward to inspire and educate the next generation of Guyanese.
Lewis recently spoke with this publication during the college’s Open Day event, where he shared insights into his journey and aspirations as a future educator.
When asked how it feels to be a soon-to-be graduate of the CPCE, he reflected on the dedication and effort it took to get to this point.
“Well, for me, it’s a pleasure and an honour to be graduating soon. After all the hard work and staying committed over these two years, it’s been… interesting, and I feel like I’ve learned a lot during this time,” said Lewis, who is training to teach in the primary education sector.
He went on to explain the scope of training in his area of focus, highlighting that primary teaching goes beyond just academic instruction.
“In the primary sector, we introduce everything. We introduce sports, music— as you can see—and a lot of other things, including the main subjects. This is what we teach in the primary sector,” he explained.
When asked if he would
encourage other young people to enter the teaching profession, Lewis responded with strong encouragement.
“Yes, I would encourage young people to join teaching because it’s very important. You learn a lot—not only about teaching—but about society, about children, about parents. We have to be involved with all of those people. So, it’s really interesting, and I would like to encourage young people to join the primary teaching level.”
Looking ahead, Lewis has ambitious goals for himself and his career in education.
“In the next 10 years, I see myself going even further. My goal is to attend university so I can continue learning about teaching. I want to be more involved in the education sector and eventually graduate from university as well.”
As scores of young and upcoming educators gath-
ered on Thursday at the CPCE for its Open Day, Oma Ramdin, Director of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), speaking on behalf of Education Minister Priya Manickchand, urged prospective teachers enrolling in the college’s programme to consider careers in the hinterland.
Noting that more schools are being built in those far-flung communities to serve children living there, Ramdin said the demand for teaching staff in those areas would dramatically increase over the next few years.
As such, in order to encourage more educators to relocate to hinterland communities, the Ministry of Education has developed a three-point promotional strategy which supports and rewards teachers who work in those regions for a minimum of four years.
US-based O&G firm mulls relocating manufacturing operations to Guyana
Ocean Edge Services Inc (OES), a United States (US)-based company specialising in subsea equipment, pipeline services, and offshore fabrication, is considering relocating its manufacturing operations to Guyana.
This is according to a statement from the Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest).
The statement noted that during the 2025 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, Guyana's Chief Investment Officer Dr Peter Ramsaroop visited the manufacturing facility of OES.
"Dr Ramsaroop’s visit highlights the continued support for strategic invest-
ment and industrial partnerships," the statement noted.
It added that the company "has expressed a strong interest in relocating its manufacturing operations to Guyana, positioning the country as a strategic hub for regional offshore support and fabrication services."
OES has already part-
nered with local Guyanese company Atlantic Marine Supplies Inc (AMSI). Together, they are currently executing projects for major industry players including TechnipFMC and ExxonMobil.
ISO 9001 certified, OES offers custom-engineered packaged units, automation and controls, subsea
distribution and subsea leak detection systems, Intervention Workover Control Systems (IWOCS), and field services ranging from leasing and general maintenance to offshore completion and installation.
A few years ago, President Dr Irfaan Ali had disclosed that the Government has been engaging a number of companies on relocating parts of their operations or headquarters to Guyana. Guyanese officials have continuously explained to international companies that by setting up regional operations in Guyana, they can take advantage of CARICOM and other regional trade agreements.
Subraj Singh cops Commonwealth 2025 Short Story Prize for the Caribbean
One avid writer has found the perfect words to captivate the attention of one of the highest literary judging panels in the world.
Subraj Singh, a gifted and passionate storyteller from right here in Guyana has been named the Caribbean Regional Winner of the 2025 Commonwealth Short Story Prize; an honour that places him among the top emerging writers across the globe.
The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious literary awards in the world.
Open to writers from all 56 Commonwealth countries, it offers a global platform for stories that are bold, imaginative, and rooted in local realities.
This year, the competition drew an astounding 7,920 entries from across Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe, the Pacific, and the Caribbean.
From this global pool of
talent, Singh’s short story rose to the top, earned him a spot on the shortlist, and ultimately secured the win for the Caribbean region.
Singh’s academic background is as rich and varied as his writing. He is a past student of Queen’s College, one of Guyana’s most prestigious secondary institutions. He went on to study at the University of Guyana (UG) and further honed his dramatic and storytelling skills at the National Drama School of Guyana. He then advanced his literary studies abroad, completing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing at the University of Maryland in the United States (US).
In an interview with Guyana Times, Singh shared the inspiration behind his winning story, and reflected on the journey that brought him to this significant moment.
He credited his early years on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) as the foundation of his creative vision.
“That’s where I learned so much about Guyanese folklore and traditions,” he said. “Those stories, those characters—they stuck with me, and now they’re part of the stories I write.”
The story that won Singh the regional prize is a masterful blend of Guyanese folklore and colonial history—two subjects that have long fascinated him.
“The story is set on the night of Guyana’s independence from England,” Singh explained. “It focuses on the Ole Higue, a figure from Guyanese folklore. So in this story, I’m really bringing together two of my main interests: the colonial history of Guyana and the Caribbean, and our folklore—particularly characters like the Ole Higue.”
The Ole Higue is a legendary supernatural creature in Guyanese and Caribbean folklore, believed to shed her skin and fly through the night in a ball of fire, feeding on the blood
Subraj Singh
of sleeping victims, especially babies.
“So, the story brings together the folklore we grew up with and a pivotal moment in our nation’s history—Independence. It was important for me to tell a story that was deeply Caribbean, deeply Guyanese, but also universally compelling.”
For Singh, the process of entering the competition was fairly straightforward
for him.
“There weren’t really any struggles throughout the competition,” he said. “I just wrote my story and submitted it to the competition before the deadline—and that was it.”
Despite the simplicity of the submission process, the story itself is layered, thoughtful, and rich with cultural symbolism—qualities that clearly resonated with the Commonwealth judges.
Though he has yet to publish a book, Singh’s career is clearly on an upward trajectory.
“I’ve not had a book published as yet. But I am constantly writing and working towards that,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of community and collaboration in the writing journey.
“I would say that it’s important to be part of a writing community. It’s essential for writers to find people who can read their work and offer feedback. That’s how you know whether your work is achieving what it’s meant to achieve.”
For aspiring writers in Guyana and the Caribbean, Singh offered practical advice:
“Try to be a part of a writing community. And if there isn’t one, then try to organise one with fellow writers in Guyana. It’s about sharing ideas, giving and receiving feedback, and growing together.”
Chief Investment Officer Dr Peter Ramsaroop and other officials during their visit to the manufacturing facility of OES
More than 34 Guyanese designers had the opportunity to showcase Guyana’s rich creative talent between May 2 and 6, 2025 at an event supported by the Government titled, “Origins Guyana Fashion Festival.”
Over 68 models – both males and females – were tasked with highlighting to the world the dynamics of Guyana’s fashion industry and how it has evolved over the years. From traditional pieces to more western and sophisticated pieces, the models captivated the attention of the audience with the jaw-dropping designs as they walked the runway.
Rishma Persaud, the owner of RP COUTURE, was one of the designers who showcased her pieces at the inaugural event. She told the Guyana Times that it was well planned and executed but more importantly, it exceeded her expectations.
The experience for her was nothing but amazing; one that gave her the opportunity to work with her colleagues and various teams in presenting one of the best shows yet in the fashion arena.
“It reignited that fire in me. It motivated me and reminded me where I belong. For the first time in three years, I felt alive,” she revealed.
Forty-five-year-old Persaud, a single mother of one, formerly of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD) who now resides in Queenstown, Georgetown has been in the business for more than 25 years.
She started off as a designer in the world of pageantry since 2003, and worked with several franchises including the Miss Guyana World, Miss Guyana Universe and Miss India Guyana. On several occasions, her gowns trumped the other designers. From there on, she rocked every event with her designs.
However, in July of 2022, Persaud visited the hospital to undergo a minor procedure. It turned out to be a nightmare – one that saw her putting her designing career on hold.
“It was supposed to be a simple procedure but things went horribly wrong. I ended up having to do four major surgeries within 10
most fashionable dresses for my dolls when I was five,” she recalled.
She eventually got married at an early age but not long after, she was a divorcee, raising one daughter who is now her second biggest motivator. Her mother, she stated has been her guiding light and inspiration all her life and took the number one spot.
Over the years, every collection designed by Persaud carried a name such ‘Fashion Fusion’ and ‘Caribbean Trend’ but the one she presented at Origins, was titled “Devine” which carries a personal attachment. To her, being a designer is an expression of one’s self, “to celebrate us. To show our uniqueness and sense of style.”
She added, “I’ve done a lot in my career thus far. For a major part of my career, it was a lot of sacrifices, working long hours and missing out on a lot with my personal life. Now, I want to create a balance between my career and personal life, so I’ll be more selective with what I do.”
In addition, she explained that being a fashion designer comes with its own challenges. “One of most common challenges among designers is the availability of fabric…There are only a few places in Guyana where we can get good fabric and even so it’s very expensive. So, for me personally, sometimes I have to travel overseas to purchase quality fabric.”
She added that quality fabric is what attract the customers but it also brings out the authenticity of one’s creation that matches their brands.
With her career back on the front burner, she intends to impart her knowledge by offering designing classes to those who wish to join the fashion industry. “Matter of fact, I used to offer classes and I enjoyed it, so I planned on doing it back again soon,” she said.
To the young people who want to take up a career in designing, Persaud’s advice is, “It’s a very exciting and rewarding career choice, but it takes a lot of dedication and hard work, and you absolutely need to be passionate about it as only then you can truly put your all into it.”
Designer
Rishma Persaud
63 graduate from YOUthEngage592 Leadership Programme in Region 5
Fifty-three students and 10 teachers form the latest cohort to graduate from the Guyana Centre for Civic Engagement (GyCCE) YOUthEngage592
gramme, which marked another milestone for GyCCE’s ongoing mission to nurture a new generation of civic-minded youth leaders across Guyana.
students and teachers in a spirit of achievement and civic purpose.
In a release, the GyCCE said that over the three months, participants en-
As part of the programme, each participant also received a Civic
Leadership Training Programme in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).
The 63 graduated on Monday from the United States (US) Embassyfunded three -month pro-
Seven secondary schools: Novar, Bush Lot, Rosignol, Number 8, Belladrum, Woodley Park, and Fort Wellington, participated in the training that focused on bringing together secondary
gaged in comprehensive sessions covering civic engagement, elections and voting education, ethical leadership, conflict resolution, volunteerism, and project planning.
In delivering the feature address at the graduation exercise, Senior Lecturer at the University of Guyana (UG), Feroze Khan, emphasised that there is no need to migrate to the capital city to make an impact but in can be done within region Five.
“Leadership is not a destination, it is a lifelong journey. This YOUthEngage592 badge is not the end – it is the beginning. A symbol that says: I am ready to serve. I am ready to lead. I am ready to build a better West Berbice, and a stronger Guyana… You don’t need to move to Georgetown to make an impact. You don’t need to be a politician to lead change; you need heart, you need purpose and you need to remember what you have learned over the last three months.
Leadership begins with
selves, but of your communities,” Persaud said, as he reminded those who participated that leadership does not come with a title or a podium.
“Sometimes, it looks like standing up for what’s right when no one else will. Sometimes, it is listening deeply, serving humbly, and doing the difficult work of building bridges in divided spaces.”
Persaud also welcomed the recent call by Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo for Civic Engagement to be taught in schools, affirming the importance of preparing youth to lead change from an early age.
As part of the programme’s capstone, each school team completed a community impact project. The Best Project Awards went to: Rosignol
Engagement Kit, which included a soft copy of the Constitution of Guyana, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to better understand and fulfil their civic responsibilities.
The programme was facilitated by a passionate team led by GyCCE Director Deodat Persaud, Deputy Director Nareema Ali, and Programme Coordinators Sherry Mangru and Cholaram Doodnauth.
showing up and never giving up,” he advised.
GyCCE Director and Founder, Deodat Persaud, charged graduates to continue their journey of active leadership:
“Over the past three months, you have not only learned about leadership, you have lived it. You have shown up, spoken up and stepped up. And in doing so, you have begun a transformation; not just of your-
Secondary School, for the rehabilitation of a volleyball court, and Woodley Park Secondary School, for the construction of an incinerator to improve school sanitation and environmental care.
The programme will now move to Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) as GyCCE deepens its commitment to civic leadership development across Guyana.
SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2025 |
GPF denounces ‘misleading statement’ from Adrianna Younge’s family lawyer
– labels it “wholly and deliberately untrue”
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a statement, has categorically denounced what it called “the misleading statement published by Attorney at Law, Dexter Todd, in a press release alleging that the father of Adrianna Younge was not contacted by the police to give a statement.”
The GPF asserted that the statement is wholly and deliberately untrue, as Police records reveal that several requests and attempts were made to accommodate the grieving father of Adrianna Younge to give a statement.
According to the police, Mr Subrian Younge, the father, was first directly approached on April 24, at the Double Day Hotel, by the Officer in Charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Regional Police Division #3, and invited to visit the station the same day to give a statement to the police, but this was not done.
Thereafter, records reveal that the Officer again on May 1, via a phone call, spoke to attorney Daren Wade in relation to having the relatives of Adrianna Younge, particularly her father and mother, to visit the station to give statements. On this occasion, they said they would come after the funeral.
Adrianna Younge
Further attempts were made on May 8 and 9, when the Officer in Charge of the CID in Regional Division #3, via phone call, spoke with Dexter Todd in relation to having the relatives give statements.
However, other relatives, except the father of Adrianna Younge, showed up. According to the police, this was strange since, during these conversations with the attorney, Todd told the officer that he understood that calling for justice was one thing but that the relatives had a responsibility to come in to the police to give statements. Additionally, on May 16, the officer, via phone call,
again spoke with Dexter Todd in relation to having the father of Adrianna visit the station to give a statement. On this occasion, the officer was told by the attorney that he would get back to him, so no date or time was set when the father would be available to give a statement to the police.
Further, at the appropriate time, the GPF will respond seriatim to the barrage of blatant misrepresentations of the facts by Todd as to what exactly was said during the meeting between himself, the bereaved family members of the deceased, and the distinguished RCMP (Ret’d) Major Crimes Investigator.
Motorcyclist dies while attempting ‘wheelie’
on Mon Repos Public Road
Aclist tragically lost his life on Friday afternoon while attempting a stunt along the Mon Repos Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
Dead is Omari Nicolas of Lot 272, Meadowbrook Gardens, Georgetown.
Police from Regional Division 4 ‘C’ (ECD) said the fatal incident occurred around 15:15h, and involved an unregistered motorcycle which Nicolas was riding at the time.
Initial investigations revealed that Nicolas was proceeding east along the northern carriageway of the
The motorcycle Nicolas was riding at the time of the accident
southern driving lane when he reportedly attempted to perform a “wheelie” (a stunt in which a motorbike or bicycle is ridden a short distance while the front wheel is raised off the ground).
It was during this manoeuvrer that he lost control of the motorcycle and fell onto the roadway, sustaining serious injuries.
Police did not mention whether he was wearing a helmet at the time, nor the
specific type of motorcycle he was riding.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) were summoned to the scene but unfortunately Nicolas was pronounced dead.
His body was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) Mortuary, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.
The investigation is ongoing.
This, the GPF statement pointed out, raises significant questions regarding the attorney’s integrity and motives for inaccurately reporting to the public the facts in this highly sensitive matter.
Moreover, Todd has con-
veniently omitted in his press release that he had expressed tremendous confidence in the investigative capabilities of Mr Leonard McCoshen.
His exact words to the independent investigator are, “Your input and recom-
mendation can assist greatly in this matter.”
The GPF, the statement concluded, remains committed to a thorough, impartial, and professional investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Adrianna Younge.
East Ruimveldt fire destroys daycare building …Georgetown
Acommunity centre and inactive children’s daycare located in East Ruimveldt, commonly known by residents as “The Crèche”, was engulfed in flames around 16:00 hrs on Saturday, resulting in extensive damage to the entire structure and damaged documents owned by the Georgetown Mayor and City council (GM&CC).
The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) responded to the blaze by dispatching two fire trucks from its Headquarters and one from West Ruimveldt, arriving at the scene by 17:00 hrs.
The building, which was owned and insured by the Georgetown City Council, had been inactive since the COVID 19 pandemic.
At the scene of the fire, Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore, addressed reporters on the incident, and offered insights into the intended use of the building.
According to Mayor Mentore, the building had been closed shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic, and was slated for renovation before being reopened as a functional daycare centre
M&CC documents damaged
mental files may have been housed there. Importantly, however, no financial or audit-related documents were lost.
“Before we were going to restore the daycare arrangement, so that it could benefit staff and people with-
for staff and members of the surrounding community.
In the interim, the building was being used as a storage facility.
“The place was closed down to restore it to a well-fashionable site just after COVID, and in the meantime, we were using it as a storage site. The place was insured,” Mentore stated.
He further explained that while the full inventory of items stored inside is not yet confirmed, preliminary checks suggest some depart-
in the community, this was one of the locations we were using for storage. I'm not sure exactly all of what we stored here, but it probably has some departmental files. I just confirmed with the Treasurer that it's not financial information,” he said.
The Mayor noted that a comprehensive review and revaluation of municipal buildings had recently been requested as part of a broader plan to secure proper insurance coverage for key assets.
“We even asked for revaluation of different buildings that we have so that we can have a solid package available. I have just confirmed that the building is insured. So, even if there are any losses, we’ll be covered and able to speak to the rebuilding of this place,” Mentore explained. He also addressed the unusual nature of the fire, especially considering the building was unoccupied at the time of the incident.
“I was even shocked— with a building that ain't got nobody inside. So I was a bit shocked when I learned of this and I obviously wondered how it came to be on fire,” Mentore expressed.
He mentioned that there had been earlier activity near the police station in the area that might have caused concern, but stopped short of speculating on any connection to the blaze.
“I know there was some concern around here earlier today with something by the police station and all of that. I don't know what is really transpiring with these kinds of events. I'm a bit uncertain, and I don't want to give my mouth any liberty as it relates to it. But I will just basically say it's one of those situations that we don't have all the answers to at this time.”
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
The building after the fire
PNC copies PPP’s WhatsApp initiative
...“Aubrey, I hope you will answer my questions” – Jagdeo
Nearly a month after the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) invited the public to submit recommendations for initiatives they would like to see implemented during its new term in office, the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) has followed suit with a similar initiative.
“So, Aubrey Norton decided to pull the same thing off,” PPPC General Secretary (GS) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo remarked during his press conference on Thursday, of the PNCR leader’s copy.
Last month, Jagdeo had invited members of the public to make suggestions via WhatsApp at 741-2575 or drop-in mails at Freedom House on Robb Street, Georgetown. They were also encouraged to submit their ideas at party offices in the various regions across the country.
To date, hundreds of suggestions were submitted to the PPPC – and according to the General Secretary, most of the ideas from citizens are already in their plan for the new term or are being discussed.
On the heels of this successful PPPC initiative, the PNCR on May 14 launched a similar initiative. On its Facebook Page, the PNCR announced what it described as a “groundbreaking” initiative, where it invited members of the public to contact Norton via WhatsApp.
“…you can contact Norton on WhatsApp now and “Ask Aubrey C. Norton the questions that matter most to you, your family, your future”,” Jagdeo expressed with amusement during his press conference on Thursday.
Nonetheless, Jagdeo said
he has a few questions for the PNCR leader to answer.
Among those questions are: “How about when will you stop rigging elections?” and “When will you stop supporting lawlessness?”
Jagdeo also asked, “When will you take responsibility for when your party pauperised Guyana in the 28 years that led us to be the poorest country in the hemisphere and the most debt-laden country in the hemisphere and the disastrous five years; when will you be taking responsibility for that?”
“What about failing the Afro-Guyanese community in Guyana, the whole country, but [also] failing the community that looked up to your party for leadership and you’ve not provided any to these young kids,” the GS added.
“Aubrey, I hope you will answer my questions,”
Jagdeo expressed.
Meanwhile, Jagdeo previously disclosed that the public has provided insightful suggestions to the PPPC since it launched the initiative. In fact, he had described the overwhelming participation as “an incredible demonstration of civic engagement”.
A significant number of submissions were related to concerns about drainage, flood control, and water management; the removal of derelict vehicles, improved parking systems, and relocating small industrial operations such as auto repair and upholstery services that disturb residential areas.
Suggestions also centred around taxes on the importation of vehicles, financial literacy initiatives, and the continuation of a number of welfare programmes such as the “Because We Care” cash grant initiative.
Jagdeo, who currently serves as Vice President
(VP) in the ruling PPPC Administration, has explained that it was through similar consultations and feedback that the PPPC was able to craft the 2020 Manifesto, and deliver on promises such as tax reduction on overtime and second salaries, which were recommendations that were made from the public back then.
The current Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government has fulfilled and even gone beyond most of the promises made at the last elections, and, as the PPP heads towards the 2025 elections, the party aims to build on these successes, pushing forward with more ambitious projects to improve the lives of citizens.
‘Your roles are pivotal in upholding trust, confidence...
The documents also specify how the tally sheets must be distributed.
“The Presiding Officer must distribute the provided Tally Sheets to the: 1) Assistant Presiding Officer, 2) Counting Assistant, or Presiding Officer in the case where the Counting Assistant is assigned the responsibility for the Count, 3) Poll Clerk (s), 4) Duly Appointed Candidates present, 5) Polling Agents/Counting Agents present.”
After the completion of counting, the Presiding Officer must: (a) give opportunity to the Duly Appointed Candidates, Counting Agents and the Polling Agents or Alternate Polling Agents present to ascertain the accuracy of the information recorded.
According to the manuals, the Presiding Officer must clearly announce the results of the elections as recorded in the SOPs.
The Presiding Officer is also required to retrieve one each of the first leaves of the Statement of Polls for General and Regional Elections and post them securely in a conspicuous location outside of the Polling Station. The manuals also warn that any person who removes a Statement of Poll posted outside the Polling Station commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of ten million dollars and to imprisonment for ten years.
The manuals also noted that a Returning Officer or a Supernumerary Returning Officer commits an offence if they wilfully or without reasonable excuse fail to immediately post an electronic copy of a certified Statement of Poll, that they received from a Presiding Officer, on the Commission’s website to be publicly viewed.
The manual addresses a wide range of electoral offences, as outlined in the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Cap. 1:01 (the Constitution), The Representation of the People Act, Cap. 1:03 (RoPA) and the General Elections (Observers) Act, Cap. 1:10 (Observers Act).
In a statement a few days ago, GECOM had explained that these manuals were provided beforehand via email to all persons who applied for appointment as temporary Management Staff for the upcoming elections.
With regards to training of Polling Day staff to fill the positions for polling day namely Presiding Officers, Assistant Presiding Officers, Poll Clerks, and Ballot Clerks for the upcoming elections, which is currently underway, applicants were urged to access and study the respective manual.
Meanwhile, commenting on elections preparations, Vice President (VP) of Guyana and General Secretary of the Peoples
Progressive Party (PPP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had noted that in light of the many controversies during the 2020 elections, these revised manuals can serve to instil confidence in the election machinery.
He said they will “leave no doubt as to the role and responsibilities of all the actors in the electoral process.”
In addition to these manuals, the Government of the United Kingdom (UK), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting GECOM to enhance institutional capacity and strengthen electoral processes ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections in Guyana.
Jagdeo has since commented that his Government is happy with the external help.
The Electoral Support Project, funded by the UK Government and implemented by UNDP will provide high-level technical assistance, international expertise and best practices to support GECOM’s core activities in administering elections that meet international standards.
The project is designed to support both the immediate and longer-term needs of GECOM in managing the 2025 electoral cycle and will continue through to March 2026. The UK has allocated £750,000 to support this initiative.
PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo
PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton
Govt meets with landowners along GtE transmission route
On Friday, Legal
Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall met with more than 70 persons whose lands/occupation will be affected along the corridor where the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) transmission cables will be run to transmit electricity generated under the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).
The Government intends to compulsorily acquire these lands and pay market value in accordance with the law. The same process used by the Government for similar exercises in recent times for other national projects shall be utilised.
Significantly, the Government assures that every effort will be made to ensure that the process is
consultative and fair; that the affected persons receive adequate compensation; and that they are accorded all the protective safeguards guaranteed to them by the Constitution and the law.
The first batch of persons is from Goedverwagting to Columbia, Mahaicony.
This corridor will extend as far as No. 53 Village on the Corentyne Coast.
ECD shopkeeper arrested for narcotic find
Apolice operation between 18:00h and 20:40h on Friday, along the East Coast corridor, led to the premises of a 45-year-old shop owner which was searched, and two transparent plastic bags containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis, wrapped in a black plastic bag were found.
According to a police report, a further search outside the premises led to a car tire near the shop, where a black plastic bag containing 25 small ziplock plastic bags, all containing leaves seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis were also found.
The suspect, who was not named in the report, was arrested and escorted along
with the suspected narcotics to the Police Station.
In his presence, the suspected cannabis was weighed and amounted to 26.2 grams. The 25 ziplock plastic bags containing suspected cannabis were also weighed and amounted to 106.9 grams.
Both parcels were marked, sealed and lodged.
The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
Conductor dies days after motorcycle crash on Strathspey Public Road – driver re-arrested as probe continues
A31-year-old man who sustained critical injuries during a traffic collision on the Strathspey Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Monday, has died.
The deceased has been identified as Jermaine Waldron, a conductor and resident of Lot 33 South Haslington, ECD.
The fatal crash occurred around 18:27h in the vicinity of Lin Min Chinese Supermarket, and involved a motorcar bearing registration number PPP 109, driven by a 44-year-old man of Lusignan, ECD, and a motorcycle, whose registration number remains unknown, driven by Waldron.
According to police in Regional Division 4 ‘C’, initial investigations revealed that the motorcar was travelling west along the southern lane of the Strathspey Public Road, while the motorcycle was proceeding east on the northern lane.
As both vehicles approached the area near Lin Min Supermarket, the driver of the car allegedly attempted a sudden right turn, crossing into the path of the oncoming motorcycle.
As a result, Waldron re-
portedly fell onto the road way and then slammed into the right-side of the motor car. He sustained multi ple injuries and was picked up in a conscious state by public-spirited citizens. He was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in a private vehicle.
At the time, he was seen, examined, and admitted as a patient in critical condi tion.
Police ranks visited the scene, and the driver of the motorcar was arrested. A breathalyser test was conducted, which revealed no trace of alcohol in his system; his blood alcohol level registered 0.000%.
driver of the car was re-arrested and remains in police custody as investigations continue.
The car was lodged for inspection, and the driver was later released on bail pending further investigation.
However, in an update provided by police, it was confirmed that Waldron succumbed to his injuries on Friday, at about 10:25h while receiving medical treatment at GPHC. His body has since been transferred to the hospital’s mortuary, where a post-mortem examination (PME) is expected to be conducted.
Following his death, the
Waldron was widely known in the East Coast and Georgetown community due to his work as a conductor on public transportation routes. His sudden death has shocked many, as they took to social media to express their grief and condolences, remembering him as a familiar, friendly face and a hard-working young man.
The police are continuing their investigation into the fatal accident, and charges may follow pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall with East Coast land owners
Dead: Jermaine Waldron
The accident that claimed the life of Jermaine Waldron
Suspected cannabis leaves, seed and stems found on the premises
National Assembly passes Advanced Passenger Information, Passenger Name Record Bill
The National Assembly on Friday passed the Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (APIPNR) Bill, establishing a central database to enable CARICOM member states to share information on passengers and cargo transiting the region. The legislation also aims to address transnational organised crime across the Caribbean.
According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) news release, the bill was developed
by the legislative committee of CARICOM to strengthen multilateral cooperation and regional security.
Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, noted that crime remains one of the major challenges facing the region. He pointed out that CARICOM Heads of Government have identified crime as a critical priority.
Nandlall explained that the legislation provides for the collection, transmission, sharing, storage and regulation of advanced passenger
information and passenger name records for individuals travelling to, departing from, or transiting through Guyana. It also operationalises the CARICOM Advance Passenger Crew Information System.
With increasing passenger traffic through regional ports, the AG emphasised the importance of robust border security measures.
“It is therefore necessary that our countries in CARICOM have stringent border security laws which can prevent our countries
from being exploited by terrorists and our criminal enemies,” he told the house.
He described the bill as a vital tool in the fight against serious crimes, including drug trafficking, terrorism, and other forms of transnational organised crime.
The Advanced Passenger Information (API) system enables immigration, customs and other authorities to identify persons of interest before their arrival or departure. The Passenger Name Record (PNR) includes information provided by travel-
New $15M well to provide first-time access to potable water for 100 Reg 1 households
One hundred households from Acquero and Huradiah in Region One will soon have first-time access to potable water as works on a new $15 million well are under construction at Acquero.
During a recent visit to the project site, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal noted that the project is expected to be completed by the end of this month, a news release from the Department of Public Information (DPI) noted.
The Government plans to drill 51 new wells in Region One this year, providing enhanced access to potable water.
A total of 24 wells will benefit Mabaruma in 2025 while 15 more wells are planned for Moruca.
Turning his attention to the well at Yarakita, Minister Croal stated that
works have been completed on the well, and the installation of the distribution net-
work will be completed by month-end.
The well will provide clean water to 40 per cent of the community that is currently without a reliable supply.
Wells under construction at Chinese Landing, Waikrebi and Barama River in Kokerite are at various stages.
He also revealed plans to upgrade the water supply system in the Mabaruma sub-district, including a new water system for Bumbury to address long-standing problems with water access.
Hosororo residents will soon have more dependable and constant access to water as plans are underway to develop a new water supply system.
lers and collected by airlines or vessel operators, the DPI reported.
“Like API, the collection of this information is useful to law enforcement to detect, intercept and investigate criminal activity. With this information, law enforcement will be able to analyse passengers and to detect any criminal activity,” he said.
He also assured that the bill contains strong safeguards for confidentiality.
The AG added that preparations are underway for implementation, including the development of infrastructure to support the recently enacted Data Protection legislation.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, also supported the bill, stressing that it imposes no undue burdens on airlines, and aligns Guyana with internationally accepted best practices.
He said the bill facilitates smoother airport operations, reduces confusion
among carriers, and enhances Guyana’s reputation as a secure and internationally engaged destination.
“The bill allows the relevant authorities to screen passengers before they arrive in a country, identify potential security threats early, and prevent unlawful acts of civil aviation apparatus throughout the world… This bill fits neatly with our international conventions,” Minister Indar said.
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, echoed his support, noting that the bill also ensures the protection of the information collected.
Opposition Member of Parliament Khemraj Ramjattan endorsed the legislation and welcomed its privacy protections.
This bill proposes to replace the region’s current framework, which is outdated and inefficient in key areas, with a more modern and robust legislative framework.
Potable water access currently stands at about 85 per cent across Region One, the DPI said.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall SC
3 Caribbean countries eliminate mother to child transmissions of HIV and syphilis
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says three Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have eliminated mother to child transmissions of HIV and syphilis.
Belize, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are the latest countries in the Americas to receive certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating the mother-
to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis (EMTCT).
WHO awards this certification to countries which have brought the mother-tochild HIV transmission rate to under 5 percent; provided antenatal care and antiretroviral treatment to more than 90 percent of pregnant women; reported fewer than 50 new cases of congenital syphilis per 100,000 newborns, and achieved an HIV case rate of fewer than 500
per 100,000 live births.
PAHO’S 2024 annual report, which also examined the region’s heavy reliance on imported vaccines and pharmaceuticals, and persistent systemic inequities, noted that PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds facilitated access to 224 million vaccine doses and delivered five million treatments, reinforcing immunization programmes and overall public health capacity.
The report highlights efforts to reduce the region’s reliance on imported pharmaceuticals, including support for mRNA vaccine development in Argentina and Brazil, such as a vaccine targeting H5N1 avian influenza.
“Today, Latin America and the Caribbean import six times more pharmaceuticals and 80 times more vaccines than they export,” PAHO said. (Source: Loop Caribbean News, Unicef)
Trump’s DHS considers reality show where immigrants compete for citizenship, producer says
Aveteran reality show producer claims the Department of Homeland Security and the President Trump administration are considering his game show that would pit immigrants against each other for a chance at a fasttracked path to citizenship.
“Once you get past the shocking headline of like, ‘Oh it’s the Hunger Games for immigration,’” producer Rob Worsoff said. “It’s not that at all. The show would offer the opportunity for one
lucky person of America’s choosing to skip to the front of the line in that process and fast-track their way to citizenship.”
Worsoff, a Canadian American, has past credits that include “Duck Dynasty,” “Dating Naked” and “The Millionaire Matchmaker.”
He said all the participants would be volunteers and the show would be called “The American.” The challenges would consist of heritages relevant to the states where they film
each episode. He used the Gold Rush as an example for California.
“I think this show would celebrate and humanize the people in that journey,” Worsoff said. “I think this show is going to celebrate and humanize the people in that journey to actually get to know the real people behind it. We’re going to cheer for them and we’re going to love them.”
Whether the show’s concept is ethical or even legal is up in the air.
“The idea that the Department of Homeland Security could set up some show with some media company to make money off of the plight of these people has absolutely no basis in law whatsoever,” immigration attorney Eric Lee said.
DHS officials said the discussions are only preliminary, and no decision has been made. Worsoff said he’s also pitched the idea to the Obama administration and the first Trump team. (CBS News)
Vybz Kartel’s performance in T&T facing possible age restriction
T&T Minister of Defence, Wayne Sturge, says he is giving consideration to restricting attendance to the concert where Jamaican Dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel will be performing on May 31, to persons aged 18 years and over. Upon receipt of a legal opinion, a decision will be made on this issue.
In addition, the Defence Minister says he has received numerous complaints from individuals and reli-
gious groups regarding the explicit lyrics contained in the song ‘Good Like Jesus’ Sturge says he has and will exercise his discretion to restrain the artiste also known as the ‘World Boss’, from performing this song whilst in the jurisdiction as well as any song which contains similar content, being mindful of the right of the artiste to freedom of expression, but also mindful of the fact that freedom of expression is not an absolute right.
The Minister says because of the limited ability to restrict dissemination of material or discussions which will likely be inimical to the public interest and unsuitable to persons below the age of 18, Sturge says active consideration is being given to have the permit (subject to legal opinion) further amended to prevent radio and television appearances.
Minister Sturge adds that while mindful of strong
public opinion, the final order when made will take account of a government’s bounden duty to uphold the law even where hard decisions may be unpopular and only after consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
This latest update comes as the Minister of Defence issued a statement outlining his decision to curtail the stay and movements of Kartel, real name Adidjah Palmer. (Excerpt from Loop Caribbean News)
US Supreme court blocks Trump bid to resume deportations under 1798 law
The US supreme court has rejected the Trump administration’s request to remove a temporary block on deportations of Venezuelans under a rarely used 18th-century wartime law.
Over two dissenting votes, the justices acted on an emergency appeal from lawyers for Venezuelan men who have been accused of being gang members, a designation that the administration says makes them eligible for rapid removal from the United States under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
The court, which returned the case to a federal appeals court, had already imposed a temporary halt on deportations from a north Texas detention facility in a middle-of-the-night order is-
sued last month.
Justice Samuel Alito wrote the dissent, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas.
Donald Trump responded on social media, with a post that claimed: “THE SUPREME COURT WON’T ALLOW US TO GET CRIMINALS OUT OF OUR COUNTRY!”
“The Supreme Court of the United States is not allowing me to do what I was elected to do,” Trump added in a subsequent post, in which he also claimed, falsely, that the justices “ruled that the worst murderers, drug dealers, gang members, and even those who are mentally insane, who came into our Country illegally, are not allowed to be forced out without going through a long, protracted, and expensive
Legal Process, one that will take, possibly, many years for each person.”
“We recognize the significance of the government’s national security interests
as well as the necessity that such interests be pursued in a manner consistent with the constitution,” the justices said in an unsigned opinion.
(Source: The Guardian)
Supporters of Bolivia’s ex-leader Morales clash with police in push to secure his candidacy
Hundreds of supporters of ex-President Evo Morales marched toward Bolivia’s top electoral court on Friday to push for their leftist leader’s candidacy in presidential elections later this year, a rally that descended into street clashes as police tried to clear out a group of demonstrators.
The confrontations come in response to a ruling by Bolivia’s Constitutional Court that blocks Morales, the nation’s first Indigenous president who governed from 2006 until his ouster in 2019, from running again in Aug. 17 elections.
The turmoil escalates political tensions as Bolivia undergoes its worst economic crisis in four decades.
As the march arrived in Bolivia’s capital of La Paz, protesters seeking to register Morales’ candidacy surged toward the Supreme
Electoral Tribunal, chanting, “Comrades, what do we want? For Evo to come back!”
Security forces barricading a road to the court held them back. Police reported that the clashes between rock-throwing protesters and tear gas-lobbing police forces injured two officers, a journalist and a local merchant.
“They’re using firecrackers and rocks that are hurting our forces,” said police Commander Juan Russo. “This is not a peaceful march.”
The authorities did not report on any injuries among the protesters, who were seen being pushed onto the ground, shoved into police cars and blasted with tear gas. Morales had promised to attend the march Friday but did not show up.
(Excerpt from CNN)
J’ca probing fatal shooting at Police Station
Jamaica’s Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is probing the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of one of two men who breached security protocols and entered the Brown’s Town Police Station in an attempt to smuggle contraband into the cell block early Friday morning.
Reports are that about 3:45 a.m., officers assigned
to the station and the Area 2 Division Intelligence Unit responded to a report of suspicious activities at the rear of the cell block, after receiving a call from an anonymous source indicating that men were on the compound attempting to smuggle drugs to inmates.
The officers observed two men wearing black hoodies and one armed with a machete. One of the men fled
the scene by scaling the perimeter fence upon seeing the police.
The man with the machete reportedly advanced aggressively towards one of the officers, despite being told to drop the weapon.
In response, the officer discharged his service pistol, but fell to the ground with the suspect still advancing.
The cop fired more rounds.
In an effort to protect his
colleague, the other policeman discharged his firearm, hitting the attacker who fell.
A search of the suspect revealed a quantity of vegetable matter resembling ganja, a brown bag containing a cell phone, charger and tobacco.
The wounded man was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
(Source: Radio Jamaica News)
Demonstrators march to Bolivia’s electoral authority
Trump tells Walmart to 'eat the tariffs' instead of raising prices
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Walmart should "eat the tariffs" instead of blaming duties imposed by his administration on imported goods for the retailer's increased prices.
His comments were in response to the world's largest retailer saying this week it would have to start raising prices later this month due to high tariffs.
"Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain. Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than expected," Trump said in a social media post.
"Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, 'EAT THE TARIFFS,' and not charge valued customers ANYTHING."
Walmart said it has always worked to keep its prices as low as possible, adding that this practice will not stop.
"We’ll keep prices as low as we can for as long as we can given the reality of small retail margins," the company said in a statement to Reuters.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said on Thursday the retailer could not absorb all the tariff costs because of narrow retail margins. Even so, he said, the company was committed to ensuring that
tariff-related costs on general merchandise, which primarily comes from China, would not drive food prices higher.
As a bellwether of U.S. consumer health, Walmart's explicit statement about the impact of tariffs is a signpost for how the trade war is affecting the retail sector. Walmart is noted for its ability to manage costs more aggressively than other companies to keep prices low.
Every week, 255 million people shop in its stores or place orders online around the world, and 90% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles (16 km) of a Walmart. (Excerpt from Reuters)
UK police make second arrest in connection with fires linked to PM Starmer
British police said they had arrested a second person in connection with a series of arson attacks at properties linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer in North London, a day after a Ukrainian man was remanded in custody over the fires.
Police said in a statement on Saturday that a 26-year-old was arrested at London’s Luton Airport on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to
endanger life, and listed the same incidents which had involved properties connected to Starmer.
Roman Lavrynovych, a 21-year-old Ukrainian, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ court on Friday accused of three counts of arson with intent to endanger life over the three fires, which took place last week.
Lavrynovych was arrested the following day in connection with that fire and two further incidents – a
fire at the entrance to an apartment block in nearby Islington and a fire involving a car, a Toyota RAV4, in Kentish Town, both taking place on separate days.
The car and both the properties were linked to Starmer, the court heard. Counter-terrorism police led the investigation given the involvement of such a high-profile public figure, the police said. (Excerpt from CNN)
UK police charge 3 Iranians with suspected espionage
British police say they have charged three Iranians with suspected espionage for Iran’s intelligence services from August 2024 to February 2025.
The police said in a statement on Saturday that the three men were charged with offences under the National Security Act following a major counterterrorism investigation.
Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, were accused of conduct likely to assist a foreign intelligence service between August 14, 2024, and February 16, 2025, the police said, adding that the foreign state to which the charges relate is Iran.
The three defendants
spoke through a Farsi interpreter at the brief court hearing to confirm their names, dates of birth and addresses.
The three men all arrived in the UK by irregular means, including by small boats and a lorry, between 2016 and 2022.
No pleas were entered by any of the men, who were all wearing grey sweatshirts, with Sepahvand attending in a wheelchair and Noori hobbling into the dock.
Sepahvand was also charged with engaging in conduct; surveillance, reconnaissance and open-source research, intending to commit serious violence against a person in the UK.
Manesh and Noori have also been charged with engaging in surveillance and
9 killed in Russian strike on civilian bus in Ukraine
Nine people have been killed in a Russian drone attack on a minibus Ukraine says was evacuating civilians, prompting Volodymyr Zelenskyy to call for tougher sanctions against Moscow.
Local authorities said that most of those killed were elderly women being evacuated from Bilopillya, a town in the Sumy region that has come under repeated Russian attack.
The strike on the bus on Saturday morning, with at least one Lancet drone, also injured four other passengers and came just hours after the first direct peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow since 2022 broke up incon-
clusively after two hours.
The attack came as a stark reminder of the huge problems confronting the ongoing ceasefire talks as Russian officials on Saturday listed yet more conditions before any new talks could take place – including raising an apparent objection to whether it would accept the Ukrainian president as a signatory on any future deal.
“All the deceased were civilians,” wrote Zelenskyy on X. “And the Russians could not have failed to understand what kind of vehicle they were targeting. This was a deliberate killing of civilians.”
He said a family – a mother, father and their daughter
– were among those killed in the attack.
“Pressure must be exerted on Russia to stop the killings,” he added. “Without tougher sanctions, without stronger pressure, Russia will not seek real diplomacy.”
The Sumy attack occurred amid claims that Russian negotiators in Turkey had demanded that Ukrainian forces withdraw from five regions of the country as a precondition to ending the fighting, including from territory not occupied by Russian forces.
Russia has not commented but state media reported that forces had hit a "military staging area" in the Sumy province. (Source: The Guardian, BBC News)
Container ship owners swamped as US-China trade detente
Container ship bookings for China-toU.S. cargo have surged since the countries declared a 90-day truce on punitive tit-for-tat tariffs last weekend, operators said, spawning traffic jams at Chinese ports and factories that could take weeks to clear.
reconnaissance, with the intention of committing serious violence against a person in the UK.
Another man, arrested on Friday 9 May under the National Security Act, was released without charge on Thursday.
They were remanded into custody and will appear for a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey on 6 June.
Frank Ferguson, the head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s special crime and counter-terrorism division, said: “Following a review of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service’s counter terrorism command, we have authorised criminal charges against three Iranian nationals.”
(Source: Al Jazeera, The Guardian)
U.S. importers of sneakers and sofas to construction supplies and auto parts are racing to get goods in before the deadline resets tariffs again, setting the stage for disruptions that recall the global transport quagmire during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The cargo surge at major trade gateways like Shenzhen's Yantian Port, which handles more than a
revives demand
quarter of China's exports to the United States, has ship owners scrambling to coordinate berths and adjust vessel schedules.
"The demand is so high that we can only serve customers who have made longterm contracts with us," a spokesperson for German container ship operator Hapag-Lloyd (HLAG.DE), opens new tab told Reuters. "We have hardly enough space for spontaneous bookings."
Container-tracking software provider Vizion said average bookings for the seven days ended on Wednesday soared 277% to 21,530 20-foot equivalent units from the 5,709 TEU average for the week ended May 5.
The shipping surge will translate into a rush of arrivals at U.S. West Coast ports in the coming weeks.
Still, industry experts, including the executive director of the Port of Los Angeles – the busiest U.S. seaport and No. 1 for ocean shipments from China, do not foresee a COVID-level tsunami of cargo. Rather, they project a large, but manageable wave.
And nobody knows what import duties will be when the 90-day deadline expires in August. The Trump administration confirmed to Reuters that the U.S. rate would reset to 54%, assuming no agreement is reached by the deadline. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Several killed after two helicopters collide
in Finland
Several people have died after two helicopters collided mid-air in Finland, local police said.
The civilian helicopters crashed near Eura Airport at around 12:00 local time
(10:00 GMT), having taken off together from the Estonian capital of Tallinn. Police have not confirmed the number of fatalities but said there were a total of five people on board
both helicopters, two in one and three in the other. They were on their way to an aviation event at the Piikajärvi Flight Center in Kokemäki, according to local media. (BBC News)
The strike on the bus occurred in the Sumy region
Court artist illustration of Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55, and Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, at Westminster magistrates court
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
GEMINI (MAY 28June 20)
(June 21July 22)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) (March 21April 19)
Expect to face opposition. Use your voice, position or expertise to make your point heard. Address bureaucracy head-on and be willing to work within the rules.
Review details and consider where your energy, time and skills will do the most. Don’t sit back; action will be required. Look for a breakthrough and seize the moment.
Trust your instincts and act. Apply pressure to deal with issues that will continue to fester if left alone. Be good to yourself. Don’t let uncertainty or someone’s response overwhelm you.
Too many choices will bog you down. Simplify your life by cutting back and concentrating on what makes sense. A physical outlet will help clear your mind.
A diligent approach and a staunch reaction to anyone trying to interfere with your plans will help you build confidence and gain respect. A reunion will allow you to resolve unfinished business.
Take care of unfinished business and move on to something that excites you. Contacting experts and old friends can help you turn your ideas and skills into something lucrative.
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
Fix up your space to accommodate something you want to pursue. Participate in events that offer introductions, opportunities and potential partnerships. Make a lifestyle change.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)
(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19) LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
(Feb. 20Mar. 20)
A domestic change will give you more time to spend on personal gratification. A chance to incorporate something unusual into your daily routine will lead to exciting connections.
Take a pass on anything that doesn’t fit your agenda. Fine-tune your plans and recognize what others do for you. Romance is in the stars. Don’t be afraid to ask for support.
Take a closer look at where your money goes. A couple of changes at home can lower your overhead and ease financial stress. Don’t let anyone pressure you to do something you can’t afford.
Work to disassociate yourself from someone pushing you to do something questionable. Take charge; send a vibe that will discourage anyone from trying to take advantage of you.
Consider what you can do and how you should do it before you make a move. Listen to your intuition and run your options by an expert. A wellthought-out plan will lead to a positive outcome.
Peanuts
Calvin and Hobbes
Pickles
AQUARIUS
CANCER
CAPRICORN
PISCES
Rain ends KKR’s playoff hopes and extends pause on IPL
Kolkata Knight Riders’ title defence ended with a washout in Bengaluru knocking them out of IPL 2025. The tournament’s return after a break because of tensions between India and Pakistan was a wet one as heavy rains lashed the city. The downpour was so consistent the players couldn’t even come out to stretch.
The one point from this match took KKR to 12, which means the maximum they can get to is 14. Three teams are already past 14, and there is a match remaining between the ones at 14 and 13.
The one point also confirmed progress for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but they were looking to maximise points in order to seal a top-two spot. They moved
Mottley hails Chase’s Test captaincy as reflection of Barbados’ cricket leadership
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has welcomed Roston Chase’s appointment as West Indies Test captain, which she views as a proud reflection of Barbados’ enduring leadership in regional cricket.
Mottley’s declaration came shortly after Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed Chase’s elevation to the role on Friday, as she described the milestone as “extraordinary,” not just for Chase personally, but for the nation and the legacy of Barbadian cricket.
“Today (Friday), we witness history. Roston Chase, a humble son of the soil, is now the 10th Barbadian to captain the West Indies team, an extraordinary milestone, not just for him, but for every Barbadian who believes in discipline, dignity, and quiet determination,” Mottley said in the statement.
The 33-year-old all-rounder officially takes over from fellow Barbadian Kraigg Brathwaite, who stepped down earlier this year. Chase’s appointment came after a competitive selection process that saw him emerge as the standout candidate from a field of six hopefuls.
With Chase at the helm, all three West Indies senior teams are now captained by Barbadians — Hayley Matthews leads the Women’s team, and Shai Hope oversees both the ODI and T20I sides. Mottley, who also serves as chair of CARICOM, noted this unprecedented alignment as a testament to the island’s tradition of producing outstanding cricket leaders.
She traced the lineage of Barbadian West Indies captains — from Teddy Hoad, who led the team in their first home Test in 1929, to icons like Frank Worrell, Garry Sobers, and Clyde Walcott, and more recent figures such as Jason Holder
and Brathwaite.
“Barbados has always shown leadership and dependability,” Mottley declared.
Chase, who made his Test debut in 2016, has been known more for his work ethic and perseverance than flamboyance, traits Mottley was quick to praise.
“Roston Chase stands tall among these giants. Not a flashy player, but one who quietly goes about his work. A man of effort, of per-
sistence, of belief. In many ways, he represents the best of who we are, working hard, staying grounded, and trusting that reward comes not with noise, but with resolve,” she said.
“And what a story Barbados continues to write: three West Indies Test captains, back-to-back-to-back. That is no coincidence. That is character. That is commitment. That is the culture of cricket in this country,” Mottley ended. (Sportsmax)
to 17 from 12 matches. Their closest rivals were Gujarat Titans with 16 from 11 matches and Punjab Kings with 15 from 11.
A top-two finish ensures two shots at making the final of the IPL. Unlike the usual semi-final formation, sides finishing in the top two don’t get knocked out with their first defeat in the playoffs. They get a chance
to play a virtual semi-final against the winner of a playoff match between the thirdand fourth-placed teams.
Only once has a side finishing outside the top two gone on to win the IPL: Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016.
It was a frustrating night out for Virat Kohli fans, who came out in whites to pay tribute to Kohli, who an-
nounced his Test retirement during this break. They will be hoping for better luck with the weather on Friday as the rainy season in Bengaluru has kicked in, and RCB still have one home match to go. The said match is against Sunrisers, a team that has already been knocked out. They will want to have a shot at two points against them. (ESPNcricinfo)
‘One Guyana’ King and Queen of the Sand Football to kick off in Linden today …March past and six matches set to ignite bauxite mining town
The 2025 edition of the ‘One Guyana’ King and Queen of the Sand Football championships is set to kick off tonight, Sunday May 18, at the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP-C) Linden office ground.
A total of 20 male teams and 8 female teams will be matching skills over the next few weeks as they seek to be the top two (2) in each group that will advance to the next round and closer to the top four.
Following the opening match, a queen’s clash this afternoon at 17:30hrs between Iconic Strikers and Rockstone, there will be, what’s anticipated to be a colourful march pass of all contesting teams, both female and males.
This would be followed by another match in the queen’s segment of the competition between Avocado Ballers and Hururu from 19:00hrs.
Thereafter the kings will take center stage, and the first match will see Team Mineral matching skills with Swan FC from 20:10hrs. Next up will be UDK Victors against Lil Ballers from 21:00hrs.
Rockstone will throw down the gauntlet to Hardball Management in the main supporting match
from 21:50hrs with the feature clash between HH Ballers and Avocado.
Speightland will be defending the queen’s title while a new king will be crowned as last year’s champions, DC Ballers are not in the reckoning, this time around. Over four-million dollars in cash, trophies, and other incentives will be up for grabs. The action will continue on Friday at the same venue.
Teams in the queen’s segment of the competition:
Group A - GDF, Hururu, Circitville Strickers,
Ballers
Group B - Iconic Strikers, Rockstone, Fearless, Speightland. Kings segment:
Group A -
Group
Group
Group D - Goal IQ, YMCA, Rockstone, Hardball Management, Bomberz.
Avocado
Hard Knocks, HH Ballers, Avocado Ballers, One Syde, Turf President.
B - Young Gunners, Spaniards, UDK Victors, Foundation Family, Lil Ballers
C - LA Ballers, Team Minerals, Swan FC, Fearless, Speightland.
Speightland, defending Queen of the Sand champs.
West Indies Women Captain Hayley Matthews
New West Indies Test Captain Roston Chase
West Indies Whitehall Captain Shai Hope
The fans came in huge numbers to Bengaluru but the weather played spoilsport
makes
historic achievement
In a historic breakthrough for local motorsport, Trans Racing Team has proudly announced its participation as the first-ever team to represent Guyana on the international drag racing stage, with upcoming appearances in Guyana, Trinidad, and Suriname.
This pioneering journey is being undertaken without any support from the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) and is instead fully and solely sponsored by Trans Pacific Motor Spares & Auto Sales
A look at Trans Racing team’s machines
Inc. a bold move that underscores the private sector’s commitment to the growth of motorsport in Guyana. According to the team,
Trans Racing Team is honored to carry the Guyanese flag into its first international competition as a fully independent team. This
DCB gets support from CIC Insurance Brokers
CIC Insurance Brokers (Guyana) Inc. has joined hands with the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) for the upcoming Independence T10 Cup on May 25 at the LBI Ground.
The highly anticipated event by the DCB is geared to raise funds to facilitate the growth and development of cricket in the county.
At a simple presentation ceremony at its location at Lot A52, Barima Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown, Assistant General Manager of CIC Insurance Brokers (Guyana) Inc. Preneta Bharosay made a financial contribution on behalf of her company to Vice-president of the DCB, Puneet Jaigopaul. Bharosay said CIC Insurance Brokers (Guyana) Inc. is a leading insurance brokerage and risk management firm providing the absolute best in claims advocacy services.
She stated that while they develop innovative and industry-focused insurance solutions tailor-made to protect businesses, they are also keen on supporting activities that make a posi-
tive impact, hence the decision to align with the DCB’s Independence T10 Cup.
“As your partners you can rest assured that your assets and liabilities are adequately covered so you have the freedom to do what’s right for your business and focus on achieving your long-term goals,” Bharosay said of CIC Insurance Brokers (Guyana) Inc.
Speaking on behalf of the DCB, Jaigopaul indicated that the board is extremely grateful for the support of CIC Insurance Brokers (Guyana) Inc. and all the other businesses that have embraced the tournament.
Already onboard are L. Mahabeer and Son Cambio, Office Express, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Anil Beharry Real Estate, Construction and General Business Services and Naven’s Construction.
He urged cricket fans and the general public to patronize these establishments, so that they can continue to extend their benevolence to events such as the Independence T10 Cup.
Eight first division teams
from the county will compete for top honours, with the format being a one game knockout.
Six teams- Lusignan, LBI, Better Hope, Enterprise, Herstelling A and Helena One and Twoare already confirmed, with the other two to be revealed in the coming days.
Total cash prize of G$500,000 and trophies will be up grabs at the one day event.
While the teams will be represented by players within the respective associations, each team is allowed two guest players from other counties.
The champion team is guaranteed G$250,000 cash plus trophy; the runners-up G$150,000 and trophy, while the losing semi-finalists will be receive G$50,000 each.
On the individual side, Man-of-the-Match in the semi-finals and final will receive a trophy.
Action will bowl off at 10:00h and conclude under floodlights.
milestone represents more than just competition it’s about proving what can be achieved when passion
meets purpose, even in the absence of institutional backing.
The team’s racing schedule begins with a high-profile event in Guyana on May
18, 2025, at GMR&SC’s Endurance Meet, competing in the Vitz Cup Group. This will be followed by participation in the Wallerfield Cup Finals in Trinidad on May 24–25, then back to Guyana
Fixit Hardware and
on June 1 for the 1320 Heat Drag Racing Event. The journey will conclude with a final competition in Suriname. In preparation, the team will be shipping their competition cars in advance to each destination.
“Trans Pacific Motor Spares & Auto Sales Inc. is honored to be the sole sponsor behind this historic moment,” said a spokesperson for the company. “We believe in breaking boundaries and investing in those bold enough to lead and Trans Racing Team is doing exactly that.”
Trans Racing Team has made a call for all Guyanese motorsport enthusiasts and patriots alike to follow and support their journey, as they proudly represent the nation without compromise and without limits.
Depot partners with GGA to power Youth Golf Development
Fixit Hardware and Fixit Depot, Guyana’s premier hardware retailer, has officially partnered with the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) to further support the rapidly expanding youth golf program throughout the country.
Located on Main Street in Georgetown, Fixit Hardware and Fixit Depot has long been a trusted name in the supply of high-quality tools, construction materials, and industrial equipment. Over the years, the company has quietly supported the GGA with equipment and technical assistance.
Now, they are stepping up in a major way by facilitating the shipping of vital mowing machines that will help maintain and improve the playing fields used by hundreds of young golfers.
“We have always been a staunch supporter of junior golf development in Guyana,” said Paul James, Managing Director of Fixit Hardware and Fixit Depot. “With the rapid growth of the sport through the efforts of the Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy, we are happy to contribute to the kids who are benefiting from this initiative.”
The golf program, which has seen rapid growth in
Fixit Hardeare and Depot
Managing Director Paul James
participation across several regions over the past few years, is designed to instill discipline, integrity, and social skills in youth while teaching the fundamentals of golf. The availability of properly maintained playing fields is a key component in the success of this initiative.
Philip Haynes, Secretary of the GGA, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support: “Your tremendous support has and continues to help us deliver quality facilities for the large number of young people who are now actively participating in the sport. This contribution will have a lasting impact on the development of golf in Guyana!”
This latest partnership between Fixit Hardware, Fixit Depot and the GGA
reinforces the power of private sector involvement in national youth golf development and reflects a shared vision for a brighter future through the sport.
Assistant General Manager of CIC Insurance Brokers (Guyana) Inc. Preneta Bharosay (second right) presents the sponsorship to Vice-president of the DCB, Puneet Jaigopaul in the presence of other DCB reps Davteerth Anandjit (left) and Anil Beharry
Guyanese 400m gold medalist eyes Olympic medals
“Iwould want to be known as one of the greatest Junior and Senior 400m athlete to come from Guyana.” These were the words of 18-year-old Malachai Austin who presently holds the record in the U20 400m for the Luisanna State University Alumni Gold Meet with a time of 46.2s.
This young athlete from D’Urban Street, Lodge, Georgetown attended the Tutorial High School where he completed his secondary education.
In January of 2025, he was awarded a scholarship to attend the Luisanna State University, USA pursing studies in Kinesiology (Scientific study of human body movement) and is a member of the Running Brave Athletics Club.
His achievements include a gold medal at the Carifta Games in 2024, a gold medal at the South American Games also in 2024 and a silver medal in the 2023 Junior Commonwealth Games. In fact, he is no stranger to the track as he has participated in the 2023, 2024 and 2024 Carfita Games, 2023 Junior Commonwealth Games, the South American U20 and the World U20.
Austin’s journey in track and field stared when he secured a podium spot at the Guyana Teachers’ Union/Ministry of Education National Secondary School Championships (NSSC) in 2017 where he competed in the 400m race.
Ever since, that is the only race he ran because it gives him time to think during the race but more importantly, give him time for the adrenaline to kick in making him unstoppable.
In an interview with the Guyana Times Sport from the USA, he explained that his biggest influence in track and field would be himself. “I would always look on myself how far I’ve come in track and field and it would motivate me to keep going… keep improving and be the best I can be,” he related.
“Throughout my younger days, I liked the 400 meters and I was always skeptical of running it but then I joined the Super Upcoming Runners (SUR) club where I was first introduced to running the 400m, and when I switched clubs and joined the Running Brave Athletics Club (RBAC) my 400m career just took a major uphill climb under Coach Julian Edmonds.”
However, being an athlete is no easy task as it takes self-discipline, dedication, a rigid training routing and a healthy nutrition. For Austin, he has a basic routine of just eating lots of fruits and getting the basic and necessary treatments from the rehab centers.
He nevertheless, feels that that one of the most challenging parts in this sport to stay healthy – something that he is working to master.
When it comes to training, he explained, “During training periods when my body is tired and I physically can’t go on anymore, I turn it into a mental game and constantly recite the names of people I have competed against and lost against to remind myself that I am never allowing it to happen again. As such, I force my body to keep going.” When it comes to balancing his training, and personal life, he is a pro at it simply by prioritizing the priority.
On this note, before any major competitions, the Guyanese-born athlete would always remind himself of his down falls, the sacrifices he has made in life, and the torment he put himself through every day at training.
“Before any competition, I would take a minute of silence and say a prayer to ask God for the courage and strength to go out and perform without any fear,” was his response when asked about him handling pressure at a high-stake meet.
Thus far, his most memorable moment
in his track and field career was breaking the record for the 4x400m mixed race at the Commonwealth Junior games in 2022. Although he has been beaten before in race meets, he remains optimistic and does not allow that to settle under his skin.
“I just remind myself that everything is God’s plan and all failures are just an opportunity for a better comeback,” he told this publication. Looking ahead, he hopes to become an Olympic Medalist for Guyana, to break the National Record in the 400m, and to become a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) champion.
In addition, his eyes are set on winning a second gold medal at the Carifta Games
and also to be the National record holder in Guyana for the second time.
Meanwhile, Austin feels that if he didn’t take up athletics, he would have been a Physical Therapist helping and assisting athletes with injuries and rehabilitation.
“I would tell the younger athletes to keep pushing and stay focused. Be 100 per cent committed to the sport if this is the life you really choose to go after and always remember that temporary failure is part of growth,” was his advice to the young men and women who want to take up a career in the field.
When he is not in the gym, on the track or in classes, this young man practically sleeps all day stating that he needs all the rest he can.
Malachi Austin had his eyes set in a global showpiece; the Olympic Games
