Guyana Times - Thursday, April 10, 2025

Govt to launch Maritime Academy to boost local employment

…less than 30% Guyanese employed in local maritime industry

With the local maritime industry employing less than 30 per cent of Guyanese, Local Content Secretariat Head, Dr Martin Pertab has indicated that plans are being developed to launch a local Maritime Academy that will help boost those numbers.

During the launch of the Local Content Summit of 2025 held at the Marriott Hotel, the Local Content Secretariat had a chance to provide insights on its efforts to increase Guyanese participation in various oil and gas-related industries. One such industry is the local maritime one, according to Dr Pertab.

“We expect to also zoom in on the kind of opportunities that exist in the maritime industry. Over the past two weeks, we have had extensive discussion with all vessel owners. And the sole purpose of that discussion was to understand what are the challenges as it relates to the onboarding of Guyanese in the industry.

“We have seen that as of now, there are almost 44 offshore vessels, that employ roughly 3000 seafarers. And Guyanese occupy less than 30 per cent of those positions,” Dr Pertab further

explained.

He explained that this was part of an ongoing policy discussion with the sole intent of advising the policymakers on how Guyanese can take advantage of local content opportunities. He also made it clear that such a maritime academy would offer internationally-recognised certificates, ensuring that graduates can easily gain employment.

“We intend to eventual-

ly start working, and this is based on the outcome of the discussion that we had, to introduce a maritime academy that would offer an international certificate. Local cadets who participate in that training would then receive a certificate of international standard, that would be widely acceptable by all vessel owners operating in the industry,” he added.

There have been efforts to ensure that Guyanese

are afforded an opportunity to embark on a career in the maritime industry.

Last month, it was announced that 20 Guyanese had been selected to receive the prestigious Noble Cadet Scholarship, which ensures that talented students receive the support they need to kick-start their education and training in the marine sector.

This came after a review of more than 900 ap-

plications received, following a nationwide tour across schools and training institutions, indicative of the demand for training in the maritime industry. The Noble Cadet Scholarship Awards Ceremony was held on March 18, 2025, at the Royal Orchid International Hotel, marking the official announcement of the 2025 scholarship recipients.

Launched in November 2024 by El Dorado Offshore (EDO), Noble Corporation and MATPAL Marine Institute, the scholarship programme aims to provide young Guyanese students with the opportunity to pursue careers in the maritime industry.

The 2025 Noble Cadet Scholarship recipients were: Zahir Bristol, Joel Steele, Avier Fredericks, Ewarth Williams, Jeremiah Fraser, Nicholas Dover, Stevon Dey, Andrew Persaud, Anthony Atherley, Colin Holder, Dwain Anderson, Priya Persaud, Anson Sandy, Shaquan Barnes, Shoquan Pantlitz, Delon McPherson, Alistair Dick-Grant, Samuel Mitchell, Mark Wilson, and Joel Phillips. Plans to establish a maritime academy follows the successful establishment of Guyana’s first state-of-

the-art oil and gas training facility at Port Mourant, Berbice. The establishment has churned out graduates who have already found employment on board the Liza Unity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. The first phase of the state-of-the-art facility was commissioned on February 9, 2024– an initiative largely led by SBM Offshore Guyana, Stabroek Block partners ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC, and the Government of Guyana. Some US$13 million was invested in the facility’s simulator dubbed FacTor, a fully functional plant that mirrors the operation of real offshore platforms, using water and air, and is designed to accommodate a batch of 24 students.

Less than 30 per cent of seafarers in Guyana’s maritime industry are Guyanese

Head of the Local Content Secretariat, Dr Martin Pertab

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 10 –03:30h-05:00h and Friday, April 11 – 03:30h-05:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 10 –15:00h-16:30h and Friday, April 11 – 15:35h-17:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

Light rain showers are expected during the earlymorning hours and at night, along with sunshine during the day and partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.13 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 15:25h reaching a maximum height of 2.49 metres.

Low Tide: 09:00h and 21:16h reaching minimum heights of 0.76 metre and 0.72 metre.

Govt to fully fund CSEC, CAPE exam fees – Pres Ali

– to fund up to 8 CSEC subjects per student

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday announced that the Government of Guyana will fully fund the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) fees for at least eight Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects per student, as well as fees for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), benefiting both public and private school learners across the country.

The announcement was made during a public meeting at the West Demerara Secondary School, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) where the Head of State addressed a packed audience of students, parents, and teachers.

“Beginning this year, as I speak to you now, parents are preparing to pay for their children's CXC fees. You are already putting aside the money, right? Well, I have good news for you. With effect from this year's CXC, the government will pay in full. The government will pay in full the cost for at least 8 subjects

With this in mind, President Ali noted that the policy is expected to benefit thousands of students annually and reduce dropout rates while boosting national performance at the CSEC level.

“These are the policies that we are embracing. This is the future that we are creating. We don't need an event

for every single citizen, every single child, in the public and private lives of your family, in the lives of our community, in our future, in our children's future, in our education system, and in building a prosperous, unified future for every single citizen,” the President announced.

Prior to the president's announcement, the government provided subsidies for students in the public education sector writing CSEC. The subsidies were determined based on the financial position of parents/guardians.

Targeting students in Grades 11 through 13 at government secondary schools, the subsidy structure covered up to 10 subjects and extends support to both new and continuing students, including special provisions for trained teachers pursuing exams.

In a circular seen by this publication through the Ministry of Education, parents or guardians pay between $10,000 and $23,000 based on their annual income in subsidies. Notably, trained teachers with more than three years of experience also qualify for a flat rate of $17,000 in support.

for us to invest in the people and their future. We are not a seasonal presence in your lives. Think about it and be fair. Whether it was the sugar sector under distress, the rice sector under distress, the public servants under distress, whatever it is, you can rely on us in the People's Progressive Party Civic to represent your interests and represent the interests of every community,” Ali said.

The Guyanese leader’s announcement is part of the PPP/C Government’s broader efforts to improve access to education, and follows other major investments in school infrastructure, learning materials, and teacher support.

Further, it follows transformational policy initiatives, including free tertiary education at the University of Guyana, the implementation of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Guyana Coders Initiative (GCI), among others.

The CSEC examinations are often called the CXC examinations as they were the only examinations offered by the CXC from 1979 until 1998. The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is the organizing body for CSEC and CAPE.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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A defining investment

In an era in which bold policy decisions are often replaced by half-measures and incrementalism, President Dr Irfaan Ali’s announcement that the Government of Guyana would fully fund Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination fees for at least eight subjects per student across both public and private schools is a landmark move that deserves resounding national applause.

The declaration, made before a full house at the West Demerara Secondary School, reverberated across the country. For the thousands of parents already bracing themselves to meet the financial burden of exam fees, this is more than just relief; it is hope. For the students striving toward their goals, it is opportunity; and for the nation, it is a clear signal that we are investing where it matters most: in human capital.

Let us be clear: this is not a symbolic gesture; it is a sweeping and transformative shift in education policy. Until now, students in public schools have benefitted from subsidies based on their family’s income, while private school students bore the full weight of examination costs. The previous policy was commendable in its intent, but limited in reach. By eliminating cost barriers for every student — regardless of economic status or school enrollment — President Ali’s administration has levelled the playing field. This is equity in action, and the timing could not be more critical. Education systems across the globe continue to grapple with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Dropout rates have crept upwards. Performance gaps have widened. Students, especially those from vulnerable communities, have found it harder to stay on course. By guaranteeing free CSEC exam access for a core set of subjects, Government is sending a powerful message: no child should be denied the chance to achieve because of financial constraints.

But this policy is not only about keeping students in school; it is about lifting the nation. The CSEC examinations serve as a gateway to employment, further education, and lifelong opportunity. With greater access comes greater performance. And with better performance comes a bettertrained, more competitive, and more confident workforce. It is, in every sense of the word, an investment; not an expense.

To appreciate the full impact of this decision, one must also consider the broader context. From the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), which is democratizing access to higher education, to the Guyana Coders Initiative (GCI), which is positioning the next generation for the digital economy, the policy trajectory is consistent: accessibility, inclusivity, and excellence.

Moreover, the provision of free tertiary education at the University of Guyana is on the horizon, reinforcing the Government’s long-term vision of creating an educated and empowered society. Infrastructure upgrades, increased teacher support, and TVET expansion are further indicators that this administration is not simply reacting; it is planning.

And what does this say to our youths? That their Government believes in them; that they are not alone on their academic journey; that merit, not means, would define their future. For a young person on the brink of self-discovery, few affirmations are more powerful.

Of course, any policy of this magnitude would demand rigorous implementation, efficient management, and strong oversight. Systems must be put in place to ensure that schools — both public and private — can seamlessly coordinate with the Education Ministry to track enrollment, payment and performance. But these are administrative hurdles, not philosophical ones.

President Ali’s words at West Demerara Secondary were a declaration of purpose. “We are not a seasonal presence in your lives,” he said — and indeed, this initiative is proof of sustained commitment.

This publication stands in full support of the policy, and urges all stakeholders —educators, parents and community leaders — to rally behind it.

Guyana and its people first! Forward ever! Backward never!

Dear Editor, Yesterday President Irfaan Ali visited Linden to meet with the grieving families of Ronaldo Peters and Keon Fogenay, two young men whose lives have been taken by an excessive and unjustified use of force by the Guyana Police Force.

I and all Lindeners strongly condemn the actions of those officers, and demand swift JUSTICE from an independent investigation and reform in the Guyana Police Force. As the people's Parliamentary Representative, I attended that meeting with one goal: to seek solutions to end these senseless killings; and also to stand with the families in their pain, because these are people I know personally.

At the start of the meeting, the President shook my hand among the hands of many others present. When it comes to matters of state, being respectful and courteous to the Head of State is a no-brainer decision for me. It will always come naturally, without isms and schisms. This is expected as a matter of basic courtesy according to the rules and maxims we

learn at an early age.

Deviation from such basic norms should be saved for cases of collective national rebellion for just cause, which does not currently exist in our country.

Strangely, my latest act of basic decency has again led to me being attacked by a few of the usual suspects, and I was called the names we are now so familiar with. Had I not exercised common courtesy by shaking the President's hand, the media

would have focused on me, instead of the real issues: the violence, the affected families, the fatherless children, the heartbroken mothers, and the injustice perpetrated against these young men, whose lives have been unjustly taken.

So, I ask every Guyanese: when politicians/leaders are consumed by hate, self-interest, pettiness and racism, who truly suffers? Who really benefits?

I have dedicated

my life to the people of Region 10 as their APNU Parliamentarian beyond the rhetoric. I fight for justice, not personal gain. If we continue down this path of division, destruction, disunity and injustice, where does it lead us? Who wins?

I put Guyana and its people first! Forward ever! Backward Never!

Yours respectfully, Jermaine Figueira, MP

Alexander: STOP THE MISCHIEF!

Dear Editor,

I have found Mr Vincent Alexander’s letter on the court’s decision to dismiss Ms Carol Joseph’s case on the Elections Commission, published in the “Stabroek News” of April 6, 2025, to be disingenuous.

It is dangerous too, since Mr Alexander has been a member of the Elections Commission for many years, and he must know that his arguments are based on selected information and not on the whole picture.

It could also be considered disrespectful to de-

scribe the ruling of the Chief Justic (ag) as “myopic”.

En passant, it is apposite to observe that almost all the decisions handed down by the learned Chief Justice have stood up really well at other levels in the legal system.

It is Mr Alexander who really is myopic, because it seems as though his main purpose is to find ways and means to reduce the security of elections. This has been happening since the post-1997 elections. In the run-up to those elections, the Parliamentary

Parties worked to strengthen the security of the vote. Agreements were reached, the most famous being the acceptance of using voter ID cards as the only mean of voting. It was in those, the most secure of elections, that the PPP/Civic has its largest majority.

The PNC have since been doing their darnedest to weaken the process. Even when their proposals were accepted but they lost, they begin ‘again’ to try to discredit GECOM and, indeed, the process.

Nursery and primary school students dived into pre-Easter fun as school winds down for the Easter break (Education Ministry photos)

Unrest in Linden: political opportunism and the need for police reform and national vigilance

Fellow citizens, Guyana is in mourning again. The recent killing of a young, apparently unarmed man in Linden by someone alleged to be a police officer, followed by the tragic death of a protester during public unrest, have shaken the conscience of our nation. These are not isolated incidents; they reflect systemic failures that must be urgently addressed.

We stand with the grieving families and the Linden community in their demand for justice. The Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) fully supports the independent investigation now underway, aided by the Regional Security Services. There must be no delay, no cover-up, and no compromise on the truth. Justice must be done, and must be seen to be done.

Yet, in our call for justice, we must also call out those who would sow chaos under the guise of leadership. What unfolded in Linden was not simply protest; it was provocation. Instead of easing tensions and guiding citizens to-

wards calm and solutions, national executives of the PNCR, who hold political control over local governance in Linden, descended into the town, not to console but to incite, race-bait, and stoke the dangerous politics of division.

Among the most reckless actors was Regional Vice Chairman Mark Goring, whose visible leadership of the protests quickly gave way to agitation and outright incitement. While the Regional Democratic Council issued a very responsible and commendable statement when the protests began, Mr. Goring’s actions on the ground contributed directly to the escalation that led to the destruction of public and private properties and infrastructure, exacerbated by the poisonous narratives of the party’s executives among the angry people. This is not leadership; it is an abuse of public office and trust, a betrayal of the community he was elected to serve, and where the executives have political locus standi.

When the President of

Guyana came to meet with grieving families, Mayor Sharma Solomon took it a step further: attempting to disrupt the meeting; antagonize and manipulate the families, and livestream his obnoxious political posturing.

Overheard in his Facebook ‘live’ stream were instructions to reject the President’s outreach, and criticism of his own party colleagues who were open to the Government’s interventions, including the call for an independent inquiry. The mayor went as far as to challenge the President directly about the sincerity of his presence in a most disrespectful manner, and calling out a state media manager of the very community in tones and narratives that could potentially create public endangerment for the woman.

What we witnessed from these opposition leaders was not solidarity with the people, but desperation for relevance, political fuel at any cost, and a blatant attempt to resurrect a revolutionary profile on the part of Solomon on the backs of grief-stricken cit-

izens. It was a dangerous, cynical ploy to drag Linden and Guyana backwards.

Let us be clear: The Opposition has again demonstrated a willingness to exploit tragedy and incite instability ahead of the 2025 elections. This is a page taken from an old playbook, one that has repeatedly undermined Guyana’s progress and the credibility of the PNCR.

Concerning the security situation that unfolded during the protest, the Liberty and Justice Party calls for urgent reforms of the Guyana Police Force, with specific emphasis on professional conduct during protest management. Legally mandated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must be reviewed, reformed, and rigorously enforced. The role of the police is to uphold law and order while protecting civil liberties, not to escalate tensions or act outside their mandate. There must be accountability on all sides.

To the people of Linden and all Guyanese: we urge that you remain vigilant. Reject the politics of prov-

I believe accountability starts with

honesty, with consistency, with memory

Dear Editor, I read Lelon Saul’s recent letter (I call upon the opposition-appointed GECOM commissioners to resign). And then I read it again. Not because it was persuasive, but because something about it lingered. Something I couldn’t shake.

Perhaps it was the tone – heavy with opprobrium and indignation. Or maybe it was the pretence – the pretence that we didn’t just live through the near-collapse of our democracy a mere five years ago.

Lelon writes of fairness, of public trust and institutional failure. All worthy concerns to be sure. But as I read his sermon for the third time, I couldn’t help but wonder: where were his sermons on public trust in 2020, when the foundations of this country were once again being tested in ways that still haunt our collective memories?

I remember those months clearly – this wasn’t 1968, 1973, 1985. This was real. And while many of us raised our voices – ordinary citizens, journalists, community leaders, I don’t recall reading a sermon from Mr. Saul. That silence matters.

Because principles, if they are real, don’t disappear when they’re inconvenient. They certainly don’t

wait in the wings only to reappear when it is politically expedient. Editor, there’s an expression for that – moral inconsistency. It’s when outrage becomes selective and when memory is edited for comfort.

Now, I expect Mr. Saul might respond with more manufactured opprobrium claiming this is some kind of personal attack. That I wish to to discredit him. Let me be clear: this is not a personal attack on Mr. Saul. I merely wish to highlight pattern and timing –the loudness of his voice now, on an administrative matter no less, contrasted with the silence that preceded it. In public life, this analysis is fair game.

At the centre of Mr. Saul’s concern is the non-renewal of GECOM’s legal advisor. He sees it as evidence of bias, perhaps even revenge. But the facts are plainer than that. The legal advisor, acting in a matter before the court, publicly submitted a position contrary to that of his client—GECOM itself. In almost any other legal or professional context, that would be considered a breach of trust. Any employer, especially one as sensitive and scrutinized as GECOM, would have reason to reassess such a relationship.

Mr. Saul writes with

conviction. He’s concerned, if you can manage to read past the manufactured indignation, about the non-renewal of the legal advisor’s contract, seeing in it the collapse of GECOM’s credibility. As a Guyanese citizen, those are concerns worth having. But his letter feels disingenuous, especially given the context. In 2020, we watched as GECOM officials aligned with the party he represents attempted to overwrite the results of a national election. Even Bruce Golding, the head of the OAS observer mission, remarked that he had never seen “a more transparent effort to alter the results of an election.” That, too, was a breach of trust— and a far more dangerous one.

So when Mr. Saul writes indignantly of GECOM now, I have to ask—where was this energy when it was truly needed?

None of this is to say GECOM is perfect. No pub -

lic institution is. But if we are going to speak about reform, about strengthening democracy, then we must be honest about the full story. We must remember the silence. We must hold ourselves to the same standards we ask of others. Anything less is not principle—it’s performance.

So, no—I don’t agree with Mr. Saul. Not because I deny the importance of accountability, but because I believe accountability starts with honesty. With consistency. With memory. We cannot claim to love democracy only when it serves us. We cannot forget the near-crisis of 2020 simply because it is inconvenient to remember. And we cannot pretend that outrage, is the same as moral clarity.

Guyana deserves better. And more importantly, Guyana remembers.

Sincerely,

Alfonso De Armas

ocation and division. We have come a long way as a nation. Do not let our collective grief be manipulated for votes; do not let selfish politicians undermine our unity for narrow, counterproductive outcomes!

As the 2025 elections approach, do not let socalled leaders lead you to chaos. Choose leaders who build; not those who burn bridges, and incite civil unrest and violence in pursuit of power. Choose liberty. Choose justice. Choose peace. Choose Guyana!

Lenox RO Shuman, Leader: Liberty and Justice Party

Alexander: STOP THE...

This time, Mr. Alexander seems to be taking a broader aim, and has included the Judiciary, or judges who uphold the law both in letter and spirit.

Let’s therefore go back to basics and see what is the most important ingredient of a free and fair election. It is to ensure that those who vote are real persons with all the qualifications to be a voter. I submit that this has been the case since 1992. Only real people voted. When the 1997 elections were audited, it was reported that not a single fraudulent ballot was found. It was because of this that the PNC resorted to using administrative measures as they tried in 2020. Mr Alexander has clothed his arguments in a lot of fluff. Using statements such as “Residing and Claiming an address are not conterminous”, he is trying to obscure the fact that, to get on the list, one’s address had to be verified.

The process is as follows: Every registrant had to be visited at his/her home, not just by GECOM officials, but by scrutineers of the governing party and the opposition parties as well. Therefore, the existence of every person on the voters list has been verified; so, too, has been the address where that person resides! This fact Mr. Alexander must know; he has been on the Commission “since Noah was a little boy.” Mr. Alexander’s letter is a desperate attempt to create mischief, to misinform and to rabble-rouse. Mr. Alexander and the PNC would do well to focus their energies on producing realistic plans and programmes to capture the imagination of the people, and cease their campaign of disinformation.

Sincerely,

Donald Ramotar Former President

Page Foundation

Day 4 of 10-Day Study Plan:

Things to do today

Prepare 3rd section – 1 ½ hours

Review 2nd section – 30 min

Review 1st section – 15 min

Prepare Section Three of your material by reducing it to revision notes. Read, summarise, practise questions, review practice questions, correct mistakes, make flashcards, teach back. Demonstrate your mastery of the topics you know by heart by first explaining them in your own words and then successfully answering a question on the topic similar to those asked in past exam papers. If you do so successfully, count this topic as one you know.

• Review your revision notes for Sections One and Two, spending more time on Section Two. Demonstrate your mastery of the topics you know by heart by first explaining them in your own and then successfully answering a question on the topic similar to those asked in past exam papers. If you do so successfully, count this topic as one you know and eliminate it from the list of things you need to know.

By now, you should be deep into the material you need to revise, and reducing and reviewing the information will begin to feel repetitious. Do not give into the danger of getting distracted. Be consistent and maintain your focus.

Secondary sources

Use secondary sources as little as possible and only when absolutely necessary. Know what you need to look up and stick to that. The Internet can be a huge time waster, so be focused, be disciplined: set yourself a time limit and only take what you need.

1.Which of the fractions represents the shaded region in the diagram?

(A) 9/4

(B) 2 1/4

(C) 1/4

(D) 4/9

2. The fraction 5/6 is best described as (A) an improper fraction

(B) a proper fraction

(C) a mixed number

(D) a whole number

3. When 2/3 is changed to a percentage, the result is

(A) 70%

(B) 60%

(C) 66.6%

(D) 30%

Question 4 refers to an equilateral triangle.

4. What portion of the total interior angles does each angle represent?

(A) 9/10

(B) 2/5

(C) 1/3

(D) 2/3

5. A centimetre covers what percentage of 1 metre?

(A) 10

(B) 1

(C) 0.1

(D) 0.01

By Elma mitchEll

We shouted out ‘We’ve got her! Here she is! It’s her all right ‘. We caught her. There she wasA decent-looking woman, you’d have said, (They often are) Beautiful, but dead scared, Tousled - we roughed her up A little, nothing much And not the first time By any means She’d felt men’s hands Greedy over her bodyBut ours were virtuous, Of course. And if our fingers bruised Her shuddering skin, These were love-bites, compared To the hail of kisses of stone, The last assault And battery, frigid rape, To come Of right. For justice must be done Specially when It tastes so good. And then - this guru, Preacher, God-merchant, God-knows-whatSpoilt the whole thing, Speaking to her (Should never speak to them) Squatting on the ground - her level, Writing in the dust Something we couldn’t read. And saw in her Something we couldn’t see At least until He turned his eyes on us, Her eyes on us, Our eyes upon ourselves. We walked away Still holding stones That we may throw Another day Given the urge.

Questions

1. Summarise the poem.

2. What type of poem is it?

3

. Describe the tone, mood, atmosphere, and persona.

4. List two examples of imagery, metaphor/simile and all the figures of speech found in the poem .

5. Describe how the poem makes you feel

6. Suggest an alternative title for the poem and state why it is appropriate.

Breach of instructions

Attorney’s actions “severely eroded” trust – GECOM

…blamed for undermining confidence in election integrity

In the wake of the decision by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to part ways with Legal Officer Kurt Da Silva, the election agency has explained that the Attorney-atLaw’s actions had for some time “severely eroded” the secretariat’s trust in his abilities.

According to a statement from GECOM on Wednesday, Da Silva was required to only act based on the authority granted by his superior, in this case Chief Elections Officer (CEO)

Vishnu Persaud.

Da Silva recently landed himself in hot water over a legal opinion he proffered in a recent court case on the verification of the voters’ list. That legal opinion had not been sanctioned by GECOM or the Chief Elections Officer.

This had prompted Persaud in the days after Da Silva submitted his opinion to publicly distance himself from his legal officer.

GECOM noted in its statement that Da Silva’s legal opinion was a violation of the principles he worked under at GECOM and his duty to Persaud, who had taken a sworn position on the case prior to the legal opinion. All behaviour, according to GECOM, that undermined the trust placed in Da Silva.

“The Legal Officer was required to act within the scope of authority granted by his principal – in this case the CEO. By acting outside this scope, particularly in favouring the applicant, the Legal Officer violated this fundamental principle,” GECOM explained.

“The actions taken by the Legal Officer severely eroded

trust and confidence in his ability to fulfil his responsibilities, especially in legal matters concerning the conduct of elections. As a consequence, the Chairman denied the Legal Officer’s request for further employment.”

GECOM did acknowledge that Da Silva received high scores in his performance ap-

involving the Legal Officer, which ultimately led to the Chairman concluding that, there existed a compelling case for his employment not to be renewed,” the Elections Commission said.

GECOM noted that the legal opinions proffered by Da Silva “carried extreme potential for harmful effects insofar as (i) confidence in the

praisal. However, that performance review period was up until February 10, 2025, before his contract was up on March 31, 2025.

“Subsequent to the preparation of the performance appraisal, there was the emergence of new circumstances

Commission’s ability to conduct credible elections is concerned, (ii) postponement of the elections beyond the constitutional deadline, which could lead to the aggravation of political conflicts, and (iii) consequences associated with legitimacy and gover-

nance”.

According to GECOM, it was determined that Da Silva’s legal opinion as expressed to the court in his submissions, “were made without concern for the potential consequences. Further, it appears that his submissions were supportive of the applicant’s arguments instead of the respondents whom he was authorised to represent”.

The case in question, which was actually dismissed by acting Chief Justice Roxane George, was filed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Chief Scrutineer Carol Smith-Joseph, challenging the voters’ list compiled by GECOM.

Smith-Joseph had taken GECOM to court, contending that the process used to compile the list violated the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, and deprived electors of the opportunity to object to names on the register of voters.

During the proceedings, Da Silva took a legal position that there should be separate lists of electors for

the Regional and General Elections, even going as far as to say that persons qualified to vote in the regional election may not necessarily be qualified to vote in the general one.

Da Silva’s opinion was subsequently denounced by the CEO, who made it clear that he never instructed his legal officer to make such a submission and that it could cause confusion. And the acting Chief Justice subsequently dismissed SmithJoseph’s challenge as misconstrued.

During a statutory meeting on Tuesday, GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh sided with the Government-nominated GECOM Commissioners, in a vote on whether or not to renew Da Silva’s contract. The Opposition Commissioners reportedly walked out of the meeting after the vote was taken.

It was further revealed that the Chairperson cited Da Silva’s legal opinion in his pleadings during the just-concluded voter verification case as one of the reasons behind her decision.

Govt mulls adding residency requirement for Local Content certification …Local Content Secretariat says “spirit & letter” of Act must be followed

With the Local Content Act of 2021 under review, one of the changes being considered by the Government of Guyana is to add residency as a requirement for companies operating in the oil and gas sector to be considered Guyanese-owned.

This revelation was made by Local Content Secretariat Legal Officer Michael Munroe, during his presentation at the opening of the 2025 Local Content Summit on Tuesday, when Munroe also highlighted the lengths to which persons are going to front for foreign-owned companies.

“The issue of who is a Guyanese and who is a Guyanese company... As you know, the definition as it stands right now, the company has to be beneficially owned, 51 per cent,

by a Guyanese or Guyanese nationals. And there are also different percentages as it relates to the structural management of the company.

“And of course, our experience has disclosed that there are companies or persons who are engaged in the practice of renting or lever-

which we can add more conditionalities as to who is a Guyanese company. And I say this to say: we’re exploring, for example, if residency should be an option. So, yes, you’re Guyanese; yes, you perhaps live abroad, and you want to play a part in this. And that might be the case.

“We’re exploring, should there be a residency requirement? Should the Guyanese be a participating taxpayer? So, these are some of the areas we’re looking at. Because we want to ensure that the true spirit and intent of the (Local Content) Act is achieved” – Legal Officer Michael Munroe

aging their Guyanese nationality as a means to allow foreigners, who should be the minority shareholders in this arrangement, to, more or less, beneficially own the company,” Munroe said.

He pointed out that the Government wanted to ensure that persons follow the Local Content Act, in both the letter and spirit. He also noted that there were Guyanese engaged in fronting, with them using their Guyanese nationality to pose as the face of companies, while the real beneficial owners profited.

“We are looking closely at this definition. And we’re looking at ways in

“We’re exploring, should there be a residency requirement? Should the Guyanese be a participating taxpayer? So, these are some of the areas we’re looking at. Because we want to ensure that the true spirit and intent of the (Local Content) Act is achieved,” Munroe added.

The Local Content Act outlines 40 different service areas that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors must procure from Guyanese and Guyanese-owned companies.

To qualify, however, there are some companies that have been using Guyanese nationals as

a front for their business, prompting the Government to clamp down on this practice.

The Act defines beneficial ownership as owning 51 per cent of the company. Also, a local company is expected to have Guyanese in at least 75 per cent of executive and senior management positions, and at least 90 per cent in non-managerial and other positions.

Local content certificates are also issued to companies after a thor-

ough review, in order to strengthen the system and certify that the companies are, indeed, Guyanese.

Government has already identified some ‘grey areas’, since the local content framework was created, and they are on the cards to be strengthened.

Fronting – a practice also called ‘rent-a-citizen’ – is a major issue, whereby foreign companies employ Guyanese and/or Guyanese businesses in order to bypass the provi-

sions of the Local Content Act, including the stipulation that only companies that are 51 per cent owned by a Guyanese can benefit from the 40 carved-out service areas.

The Local Content Act mandates penalties such as fines ranging from $5 million to $50 million for oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors who fail to meet the minimum targets of the legislation, as well as those who are in breach of the Act.

Local Content Secretariat Legal Officer, Michael Munroe

Kurt Da Silva, former GECOM Legal Officer

Cop ‘accidentally shot’ by colleague at BV Police Station

Apolice rank is currently receiving medical treatment after sustaining a gunshot wound to his left foot during an incident that occurred on Wednesday afternoon at the Beterverwagting (BV) Police Station, East Coast Demerara, during the routine “handover-takeover” process between ranks.

While official details remain limited, sources have told Guyana Times that the shooting is being treated as an accidental discharge.

The injured rank was swiftly transported to the hospital, where he is being treated for the wound. His condition is said to be stable.

It remains unclear whether the firearm involved was a service weapon and whether proper safety procedures had been observed at the time. However, police sources

Beterverwagting (BV) Police Station

have indicated that internal protocols have been triggered, and a full probe

is underway to determine exactly how the weapon was discharged.

Tiger Bay man remanded for attempted murder

A36-year-old security officer was on Wednesday remanded to prison after being charged with attempted murder, in connection with a chopping incident that left a man hospitalised on life support.

Kennard Persaud of Water Street Squatting Area, Tiger Bay, Stabroek, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where the charge was read to him. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

The charge alleges

that on March 6, 2025, at Croal Street, Georgetown, Persaud attempted to murder Delon Alexander Barton by chopping him about his body. Barton was picked up and taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

According to the prosecution, there is video and audio

evidence, in which Persaud allegedly admits to chopping the victim. Based on the strength of the evidence and the critical condition of the victim, who is currently on life support, the prosecution strongly objected to bail.

Magistrate McGusty upheld the prosecution’s objections and remanded Persaud to prison. He is expected to return to court on May 7 for a report.

Dress rehearsal… …for post-electoral riots

Well, there you have it: just as your Eyewitness had predicted!! The temperature’s been raised by the Opposition in their traditional strongholds, to hold off the PPP’s inexorable nibbling away; it’s combustible!!

Have you been following the news out of Linden?? After committing the first ethnic cleansing in the hemisphere by chasing out all perceived PPP supporters – read Indian Guyanese – in 1964, the then villages of Wismar, Mackenzie and Christiansburg were renamed “Linden” after Burnham, who’d inspired their actions. Ever since, they’ve prided themselves in being “most militant” against the PPP.

Never mind Burnham and the PNC destroyed the bauxite industry that gave them the highest wages among Guyana’s workers!! They lap up the PNC’s standing libel that their economic plight is due to the PPP!! And they’ve remained fertile ground for PNC extremist actions, and pride themselves for being “militant”.

Back in 2022, they waged pitched battles with the police, and blocked the Wismar Bridge – which they had set on fire. After two protesters were shot and killed, they burnt down several Government buildings – including a school!! The point made afterwards was that they were only shooting themselves in the foot when destroying their township’s infrastructure.

Even though the PPP has made valiant efforts to reverse their economic decline – and is right now building a new bridge across the Demerara River to better link Lethem and Brazil through Linden, they tried to torch this new structure in the latest round of rioting and violence, after the police had unfortunately shot and killed a crime suspect.

How could the Govt be blamed?

Now, your Eyewitness would be the first person to demand that suspected police excesses be investigated; and the police, and even the President, have quickly announced the order to do just that!! The police said they’d turn the matter over to the Office of Professional Responsibility, and the President proposed the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) to investigate the matter; but the residents of Linden immediately started rioting – on the CONVICTION put into their heads by their local and national leaders that they’re victims, and the PPP govt doesn’t care for them!! Sadly, with the rioters taking on the police and hurling rocks and missiles at them, one protester was shot and killed. But rather than taking the side of the police - as the Opposition claimed - Pre Ali rushed to Linden and met with the relatives of the two victims.

According to a PPP release, “The Party supports the widespread calls for a full, thorough, and professional investigation into both incidents. In this regard, we welcome the assurance from His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali that the officers involved in the two shootings are currently under close arrest, as advised by the Commissioner of Police.”

Forewarned is forearmed?

…by Mad Maduro

If there’s one thing we can count on, it’s Mad Maduro rattling his sword in the west!! Last Saturday, he announced he had put his army in a “state of alert” to respond to a “false flag attack” on an ExxonMobil ship in our waters. A “FALSE FLAG” is a hostile or harmful action (such as an attack) that’s designed to look like it was perpetrated by someone other than the perpetrator.

This, he said, was a plan of the just departed US Secty of State Marco Rubio - whom Maduro called “an imbecile”!!alongside Erik Prince, founder of private security company Blackwater, and an ally of US President Donald Trump!! He said they wanted to “spark confusion and trigger an escalation of aggression” against Venezuela. Talk about taking your doo-doo and daubing it on another’s BT!! And for good measure, the madman complained that “the territorial issue of Essequibo has been dragged into the ICJ…in open violation of the 1966 Geneva Agreement.”

What a wacko!!

…for a recession

Now that we’ve joined the Big Boys’ table, we gotta start using their metrics to recognize recessions. Seems “The Brothel and Stripper Indexes” – which track whether usage of these institutions goes up or down - are very accurate!!

Kennard Persaud

Firefighter, carpenter injured in motorcycle crash

Police are investigating an accident that occurred yesterday on the Coffee Grove Public Road in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and has left two motorcyclists seriously injured.

The police have said the accident involved motorcycle CJ210, owned and driven by Leon Anderson, a 39-year-old carpenter of Henrietta, Essequibo Coast, and motorcycle CF3887, driven by Jason Shepherd, a 25-year-old

member of the Guyana Fire Service.

Initial investigations have revealed that both vehicles were proceeding in a southerly direction along the eastern drive lane of the Coffee Grove Public Road. Motorcycle CJ 210 was ahead of motorcycle CF 3887, but the latter was allegedly travelling at a high rate of speed, and collided with the rear wheel of motorcycle CJ 210, resulting in both riders losing control of their

vehicles and sustaining injuries about their bodies as they were thrown on the roadway.

Public-spirited citizens transported the injured men, who were unconscious, to the Suddie Public Hospital, where Anderson was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Shepherd was admitted to the male ward.

Both motorcycles have been lodged at the Anna Regina Police Station as investigations continue.

Joint Services destroy over $26M worth of ganja along Canje River

AJoint Services patrol and eradication exercise was conducted on Tuesday, resulting in the destruction of a massive cannabis cultivation site and the seizure of firearms and ammunition.

The operation, carried out along the Canje River, first targeted a camp at Equra. While no illegal items were initially discovered at that location, further checks approximately 200 yards east of that camp led to the recovery of one 12-gauge shotgun, two live 12-gauge cartridges, and one spent shell.

uncovered a large cultivated plot with an estimated 20,000 suspected cannabis

was also located on-site. A search of the camp resulted in the discovery of

plants, ranging from three to five feet in height. A camp

12-gauge cartridges.

The cannabis plants and the camp were destroyed by fire. Authorities estimate the weight of the cannabis to be approximately 176 kilograms, with a street value of $26,996,800.

One suspect has since been taken into custody and is assisting with ongoing investigations. The firearm, ammunition, and spent shell were lodged at a Police station.

Investigations into the matter remain ongoing.

The motorcycles involved in the accident on the Coffee Grove Public Road

In a separate operation at Petty, Canje River, ranks

four live

Falling tree destroys home, injures pensioner

A79-year-old pensioner was injured on Wednesday after a tree collapsed onto a two-storey house and destroyed the upper floor, leaving several other residents displaced in North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The injured pensioner, Stamond Rawlins, was residing in the upper flat of the concrete and wooden structure located at Lot 3793 Beaver Street.

Reports indicate that he was at home when a massive plum tree from the nearby reserve crashed onto the building, causing him to fall from the top floor and injure his foot.

According to Cheryl Joseph, the sister-in-law

of the injured man and the owner of the home, the incident occurred sometime after 13:15h.

She said Rawlins was trapped under the debris and had to be rescued by

family members and Police Officers using a ladder.

“His foot was squeezed in. They had to get a ladder and go down inside for him,” Joseph told Guyana Times

The 64-year-old Joseph,

who has lived at the residence since the age of 14, said that despite repeated complaints to local authorities about the overgrown trees in the area, no action was taken.

The house is situated next to a reserve and an abandoned structure on an overgrown plot of land, densely populated with trees and bushes.

“You know how long we called and they never came, they never showed up,” she added.

The impact of the falling tree caused significant damage to the home, with the roof collapsing and household items, including a chair set, stove, gas stove, and refrigerator, being destroyed.

Eight persons lived in the building at the time: three upstairs and five downstairs, four of whom were children.

“I feel saddened, heart-

broken, all kinds of things. I am stressed out... I don’t know... It’s really hard. I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know…,” Joseph lamented.

“I was sleeping and all of a sudden, it creaks like it was a bomb or something. So, when I jumped up, my granddaughter said, ‘Granny, Granny, the plum tree fell down and fell on the house.’ And when I go outside, I saw the plum tree

fall, and it was on the whole back of the house…”

When asked where they go from here, Joseph responded: “I don’t know, maybe we have to knock up something just to stay.”

As of 15:10h, when members of the media visited the scene, no ambulance had arrived, despite residents saying they had contacted emergency services shortly after the incident occurred.

Injured: Stamond Rawlins

The house that was destroyed by the falling tree

Cheryl Joseph

Govt initially blamed for protecting Mohameds, now blamed for their downfall – Pres Ali highlights irony

resident Dr Irfaan

PAli has strongly rejected claims that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration protected the now USsanctioned Mohamed family, describing the accusations as both inconsistent and politically motivated.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Local Content Summit 2025, opened on Tuesday at the Marriott Hotel, the Head of State expressed frustration over what he termed an “ironic twist” — from being accused of shielding the Mohameds to now being blamed for their fall.

“It’s ironic that the very

people who accused us of protecting the Mohameds are now blaming us for their demise,” President Ali said in response to media questions.

Consistency

The President detailed how, early in his term, he was approached by a journalist questioning whether his personal acquaintance with the Mohameds had influenced any special treatment. At the time, he said, no evidence had been presented to justify Government action.

“I assured him then — and I repeat now — that if any wrongdoing came to light, action would be taken,” he said.

According to Ali, the US conducted its own investigation and levied sanctions against the Mohameds for tax evasion, among other alleged offences.

“This is an international body. What does that have to do with the Guyanese Government?” he asked rhetorically. “We are now being blamed for actions taken by the US.”

Additionally, he emphasised that when sanctions had been announced, Guyanese authorities immediately requested additional information from their US counterparts to support due process on the local front.

Allegations of blackmail

President Ali also dismissed allegations made by the Mohameds that senior officials, including Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, had attempted to

blackmail them.

“Blackmail? For what?”

Ali questioned. “We are going to win this election because we (stayed) true to the trust that people placed in us when we went to the polls. We are going to win this election because we fulfilled our manifesto. We are going to win this election because the people trusted us and we delivered — not on political gimmicks.”

Going further to defend the Government’s integrity, he contended that his administration has consistently respected the rule of law, even bringing in the Regional Security System (RSS) to ensure impartial investigations when needed.

Political motivation and democracy Ali has suggested that the renewed attention on the Mohameds is less about justice and more about political gain. Hinting that Opposition-aligned figures may be using the situation to distract or discredit the Government ahead of upcoming elections, he declared, “Let’s be honest about it: this is a political campaign disguised as advocacy.”

Urging transparency in the actions of those organizing meetings and making public accusations, he nevertheless repeatedly emphasised that his administration’s focus remains on serving the people and not on responding to “noise”, or engaging in political battles over unsubstantiated claims.

“We’ve worked hard,

delivered on our manifesto, and stayed true to our mandate. That’s how we intend to win; not through chaos or spin,” he declared.

In 2024, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced that sanctions had been levied on members of one of Guyana’s wealthiest families: Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed, several of their companies, and on Guyanese Government official Mae Thomas, for their roles in alleged public corruption in Guyana.

According to a statement from OFAC, these sanctions are related to the evasion of taxes on gold exports. It noted that between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise had omitted more than 10 thousand kilograms (kg) of gold from import and export declarations, and had avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.

Subsequently, Nazar Mohamed resigned as a Councillor for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on one of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC), while Thomas resigned from her post as Permanent Secretary and also as a member of the party.

As the Government awaits feedback from the US on the matter, Mohamed’s Enterprise Cambio licence has been suspended, while all Government agencies have ceased conducting business with the Mohameds and their related companies.

President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking on the sidelines of the Local Content Summit 2025 on Tuesday at the Marriott Hotel

Dead teen bandit

He “used to deh pun stupidness” – father on son’s behaviour

The father of 15-yearold Tyrese Adams, the youth who was shot and killed during an attempted robbery at Jia Jia Supermarket on Hadfield Street, Georgetown on Tuesday evening, has broken his silence in an emotional video circulating on social media.

In the video, the visibly distressed father is seen confirming the teen’s death while saying that Tyrese had indeed been involved in troubling behaviour.

“They just kill meh big son! They just kill he, bai,” this father laments. “Even though he does deh pun stupidness, they kill he. He and he friend go fah rob the Chiney just now. Well, duhs how life does go.”

The remarks, shared just hours after the incident, have sparked public reaction. Some have expressed sympathy with the grieving father, while others have pointed to the wider issue of youths being drawn into crime.

This father has acknowl-

edged his son’s missteps, but cannot help struggling with the violent end he has met.

Tyrese was among four armed and masked bandits who tried to rob the supermarket. His accomplice, 22-year-old Orwin Garraway of Lot 595 East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, has also been killed during the armed confrontation. Both young men had been residents of the East Ruimveldt community, and both had reportedly entered the supermarket masked and armed with handguns.

The deadly encounter unfolded at around 19:30h on Tuesday, when Tyrese, Garraway and two other men descended on the Chineseowned supermarket with apparent intent to rob the cashiers. The two suspects that entered the building immediately split up, one going to the eastern cashier booth and the other to the western side, while the remaining two lingered outside, seemingly as lookouts.

CCTV footage reviewed

by investigators shows the masked bandits demanding money and ransacking the premises before being challenged by a 35-year-old armed security guard, who discharged multiple rounds from his 9mm pistol, striking both Tyrese and Garraway.

One of the suspects collapsed inside the supermar-

Justice Education Society donates equipment to GPF …support

aims to strengthen response to sexual, gender-based violence

This donation was made to the Guyana Police Force by the Justice Education Society (JES) of British Columbia, in partnership with the Canadian High Commission

The Justice Education Society (JES) of British Columbia, in partnership with the Canadian High Commission, has handed over several essential items to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) during a simple but significant ceremony held in the Commissioner’s Conference Room at Police Headquarters in Eve Leary, Georgetown.

ket, while the other was found lying in the street about 15 feet away. The two remaining suspects fled westward along Hadfield

Street, and remain on the run. Emergency Medical Technicians responding to the scene confirmed both

men dead. A Glock-17 pistol with eight rounds of live ammunition was recovered next to one of the suspects. Multiple spent shells and bullet fragments were retrieved from both the supermarket and the street outside.

Police have said that two Haojue motorcycles, one with registration #CP 623 and another without a plate, were found parked outside the supermarket with the keys still in the respective ignitions. They are believed to have been the getaway vehicles for the suspects.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where they await post-mortem examination. Police have said the investigation is ongoing, and efforts are ongoing to track down the two other suspects.

The donation, made under JES' “Strengthening Justice for Women, Girls, and Indigenous Peoples in Guyana” project, included four computers with printers, three surveillance cameras for interview rooms, six fixed wireless telephones for remote locations without landlines, eight medical transport coolers for bio-medical evidence, and an air corrosivity monitor for the GPF’s forensic laboratory.

cus of JES’ ongoing work in Guyana.

These items are intended to bolster the GPF’s efforts to respond more effectively to cases involving sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), a key fo -

In delivering the welcome remarks, Deputy Commissioner 'Administration', Ravindradat Budhram, noting the significance of such partnerships in advancing the capabilities of the Police Force, commended JES and the Canadian High Commission for their continued commitment to improving justice and safety mechanisms in Guyana.

Dead: Tyrese Adams

Dead: Orwin Garraway

Former PNCR Youth Leader Lance Smith backs Pres Ali for 2nd term

Another former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member has publicly endorsed President Dr Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government for a second term in office.

Lance Smith, former General Secretary of the Guyana Youth and Student Movement (GYSM), the youth arm of the PNCR, has thrown his support behind Ali ahead of the General and Regional Elections slated for later this year.

“…come this election, I am voting for a second term for His Excellency,” Smith said at a public meeting that President Ali attended on Wednesday afternoon at the West Demerara Secondary School in Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara).

Smith broke ties with the PNC and joined the PPP in 2023 to contest the Local Government Elections for the ruling party. The PPP/C won 19 of the 20 seats at the UitvlugtTuschen Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

According to the former GYSM leader, he decided to switch parties after witnessing the destruction the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) regime caused while in office from 2015 to 2020. Similarly, he paid attention to the Ali-led Administration’s work from 2020 to 2023, and was impressed with the President’s leadership. Hence, Smith said, when he received the call in 2023 to campaign for the PPP/C, the decision was easy.

“That conversation was about two minutes, and by the end of it, I said, ‘Yes, I’m on board.’ Because not only was I convinced, I already saw what kind of person the President was, as he was doing his work from 2020 to 2023… This is a man who (has) the interest of people and is genuine; we can guarantee that. This is a man who’ll reach down to whatever level you are at the bottom and help in any way he can; we have seen that,” Smith recalled.

Supported by the PPP/C Administration, Smith noted that there has been tremendous work done at the Uitvlugt-Tuschen NDC, including rehabilitation of roads that were previously neglected by the Coalition. In fact, he noted that following a visit by the President, some 50 households in the area have since benefitted from the black giant chicken programme and are now producing fresh eggs and meat.

According to the former PNCR youth leader, he is ready to give President Ali another term in office after witnessing his work over the years.

“There (are) two (characteristics) I admire and love about the President, and because of those two (characteristics), for me, I am going to give him a sec-

ond term… Our President is a man who loves the people. We’ve seen him in the DJ [booth], we’ve seen him on the ground, we’ve seen him in the cricket, we’ve seen him amongst the people; and so, because of his love for the people, I endorsed that.

“And more importantly, for me, our President is a man who has respect for the basic unit that makes up our community, and our country by extension: the family. Without a doubt, I can safely say our President is family-oriented and very dedicated to his family,” Smith posited.

His support comes mere days after another former member of the PNCR Central Committee, Thandi McAllister, also publicly endorsed President Ali for another term in office.

McAllister, who had left the PNCR in 2021 over its leadership’s lack of aspirations, has now thrown her support behind the vision of the Ali-led PPP/C Government for the 2025 polls.

In brief remarks at a community outreach

at Belle West in Canal No 2 Polder, West Bank Demerara on Sunday, McAllister declared, “I joined forces with my brother and friend Irfaan because I believe in his vision – a vision which he personally outlined to me.”

According to McAllister, Guyanese have witnessed the unprecedented development unfolding across the country, mainly as a result of the efforts and vision of the Ali-led Administration. She added that this transformation could be even greater under the PPP/C.

“As a young person, I feel this is a grand time to be alive in this Cooperative Republic… These elections that are upcoming will determine the future for this country…So, I want to encourage you to stay the course with my friend and brother.

“You have seen first hand the development from 2020 to date. Imagine what he will do with another term. I trust his vision, I trust his word… And I’m saying to you, trust him with another term; trust him with Guyana’s future.

He has demonstrated that he is the man for all citizens. He has demonstrated that he is a President of the people, by the people, and for the people,” the former PNCR executive has stated.

McAllister, who was the Chairperson for the PNC’s Region Three arm, went on to lobby for the PPP/C, saying “…and Region Three, in these elections, your votes are critical!”

Both McAllister and Smith have now joined other PNC members – the likes of former Parliamentarian James Bond – who have shown support for President Ali.

Back in January, James Bond, an Attorneyat-law and businessman, endorsed Ali for a second term in office during a public engagement the Head of State had with residents of Melanie on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

“President Ali, [he’s] one person who always remembered me. Since he was a minister, he always remembered me. He is a friend to me, and I’m giving you my full support for a second term. I’ve said it publicly,” Bond declared. Bond has been out of the political limelight since 2020, but has been seen at several state events organised by the PPP/C Government.

Meanwhile, PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton has indicated that he is not concerned about other PNC members following suit and switching alliance ahead of the upcoming 2025 elections.

Justice Education Society...

JES Project Director and Country Representative, Lisa Thompson, in providing an overview of the initiative, lauded GPF's collaboration, which she said enabled the project to exceed its target outreach of 500 individuals, and ultimately reached more than 800 people across communities.

Enduring partnership Adam Loyer, Head of Development Cooperation at the Canadian High Commission in Guyana, has meanwhile praised the enduring partnership between Canada and the GPF, and underscored the importance

of proper training in law enforcement.

He commended the GPF for effectively utilising Canadian support to enhance logistics, training and operations, all at no cost to the local force.

Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, in brief remarks, reaffirmed the GPF’s commitment to modernisation and capacity-building, and emphasised the Force’s push to ensure computer literacy among all officers and the move to centralise operations across regional divisions.

Assuring that the donated equipment would be maintained and used as in-

tended, Hicken noted that the Force is making progress that is aligned with the six pillars of its strategic plan.

On behalf of the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Hicken expressed appreciation for the support received from JES and the Canadian High Commission.

The event was attended by several senior officers, including Senior Superintendents Jermaine Johnson, Dr Nicola Kendall, Bharrat Persaud, and Sonia Herbert, who serves as Director of the GPF’s Academy.

Former PNCR Youth Leader Lance Smith

President Dr Irfaan Ali

GRA to answer for under-estimated taxes on Mohameds’ luxury vehicles; post-audit normal – AG

While noting that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) would have to provide answers for its initial under-estimation of taxes on the importation of luxury vehicles by the Mohamed family several years ago, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has explained that the tax body is nevertheless empowered to conduct a “post audit” on the transactions in an attempt to recover revenues owed to the State.

He was, at the time, speaking during his programme ‘Issues in the News’ on Tuesday.

GRA has said it has “ir-

refutable evidence” of tax breaches by United Statessanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed and his relatives. Reports are that the total taxes owed by the Mohamed family amounts to some $1.2 billion, and are in linked to multiple luxury vehicles allegedly imported under false pretences or in breach of the provisions of the Remigrant Scheme.

Among the amounts cited are $479.7 million for a 2020 Ferrari registered to Hana Mohamed; $371.7 million for a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster titled to Azruddin Mohamed, and $320 million for a 2023 Rolls Royce reg-

istered to Bibi Mohamed. Additional taxes include $61.4 million for a 2023 Range Rover under Leslie Khan’s name, and $24.6 million each for two Toyota Land Cruisers also registered to Azruddin Mohamed.

According to Nandlall, “GRA always had a power to review the assessment of duty and taxes. It is called a post audit power. It is in the law, and any businessman who has had any relationship with the Guyana Revenue Authority would know of that power.”

Nandlall pointed out that it was Azruddin Mohamed who drew the GRA’s attention to his family’s underpayment of taxes when he made a post on social media. Days after the post was made, the GRA launched its investigation.

The Attorney General noted, “GRA would have to explain, or some officer who did that assessment will have to explain, why the assessment was done in the way it was done; but that doesn’t prevent the GRA from reviewing the situation. Parliament, by law, has given them that power.”

Last Saturday, agents of the GRA, accompanied by ranks of the Guyana Police

Force, went to the Mohamed family’s Houston, Greater Georgetown residence to take possession of the luxury vehicles, after repeated notices and a month-long effort to resolve the matter amicably had failed.

However, the operation was halted after the officers were met by an angry mob that physically obstructed access to the premises.

The GRA’s enforcement efforts were later placed on hold by a temporary restraining order issued by Justice Gino Persaud. The court extended the order until Thursday, April 10, 2025, giving the GRA until then to respond to Azruddin Mohamed’s application for judicial review and a full injunction.

Meanwhile, during the seizure attempt at the Mohameds’ family residence, Azruddin alleged that Nandlall and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had threatened to send the GRA after the vehicles if he does not publicly denounce his political aspirations – an allegation the Attorney General has since dismissed as a “naked untruth”.

Nandlall has said that since the US sanctions were imposed on that family, “I

have never spoken to Mr Mohamed in person or on the telephone by himself. I met with the Mohameds a few times after the sanctions. I was required to do so as Attorney General, in order to explain to them that, under the law, the Government would have to take certain measures and take certain precautionary steps to protect the financial system of Guyana…,” Nandlall added, noting that he had never met the family without their attorneys being present.

Further, Nandlall made it clear that at no time during those engagements did Azruddin Mohamed’s political ambitions surface.

“Why would I say that to this gentleman? Let us assume that I even want to say some like that; why would I say that? So he can do exactly as he’s done: say it back again? It doesn’t make sense. But it shows you that this guy can fabricate and concoct an untruth in such a barefaced manner and say that he has some type of evidence to support it. Well, hopefully he will produce the evidence,” he asserted.

The GRA has made it clear that its actions were lawful and based on concrete evidence. The agency has

also emphasised that such enforcement is routine when duty-free or re-migrant concession agreements are violated.

Despite claims of political persecution by the Mohamed family, GRA has reaffirmed its stance that no individual or company is above the law when it comes to paying taxes. This assertion was underscored by parallels drawn to a 2016 enforcement action in which GRA officers seized two luxury vehicles belonging to Chinese logging giant Bai-Shan-Lin over millions of dollars in unpaid import taxes.

The revenue agency had reportedly made multiple attempts over several months to have the company settle its tax liabilities, but those efforts were ignored.

Media reports at the time had stated that the GRA’s seizure had followed persistent non-compliance from Bai-Shan-Lin, despite clear notices and opportunities for resolution.

The incident had drawn additional attention when reports surfaced that a senior APNU/AFC government official had previously intervened to halt the seizure during an operation.

Shortage of health workers isn’t a reason to stop building hospitals – Jagdeo

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has contended that the current shortage of medical professionals could not be used as a reason to halt the advancement of the country’s healthcare sector.

Responding to critics during his press conference on Thursday last, the Vice President strongly defended the government’s decision to invest heavily in health infrastructure countrywide.

Twelve new hospitals are currently under construction, some of which are expected to be commissioned this year.

But naysayers have criticised the Government for building these hospitals, indicating that “we must just build four hospitals of the 12 and take the rest of the money and pay wages and salaries”, according to Jagdeo.

“So, which four are you going to build? Which others that you don’t want to build?” he questioned, noting that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration is adamant that every citi-

zen, regardless of their location, must have access to high-quality healthcare services.

Jagdeo further explained that the Government has been working to address the issue of labour shortages in the sector.

“The President has said clearly to Minister (of Health, Dr Frank) Anthony, “recruit from any part of the world”. We want when these hospitals come into operation that our people can walk in and get the best service…this is not PPP, or

APNU or AFC,” the Vice President explained.

“So, if we don’t have enough nurses and we need them in the short term, we’d have to bring them in, and the technicians and everybody to run all of these things,” he added, noting

that the Government was simultaneously training individuals to join the healthcare sector.

According to the Vice President, “I know we have shortages, but what are we going to do? Throw up our hands in the air and say “oh, we gonna have shortages, so don’t build no new hospital”. That’s not the way you work; you have to build it and work to fix the personnel problem…”

Jagdeo noted that another issue that was currently being addressed in the healthcare sector are inadequate management.

“…you have to fix the management problem. We already know many of the hospitals are not properly managed. The management support will come from Mount Sinai, Northwell, etc,” he said.

Modern hospitals are being constructed at Lima, De Kinderen, Enmore, Diamond, Bath and Number 75 Village.

All of these institutions will have 24-hour Accident and Emergency, 24-hour

labs, a suite of imaging services including ultrasound, digital X-Ray, and CT scans, along with operating theatres and more.

Construction is also ongoing on the €149 million Paediatric and Maternal Hospital at Ogle. Works are also advancing on new hospitals at Kamarang, Moruca, Lethem, and Kato. New hospitals are also being constructed at West Demerara and New Amsterdam, while the Lethem Regional Hospital is being upgraded. In addition, training complexes at Suddie and New Amsterdam will be completed this year, while construction will commence on two dormitories for the health sciences training complexes for which $852 million has been budgeted.

Another $2.9 billion has been earmarked for the design and construction of a Medicines Regulatory Laboratory and Office Complex, a national neurological rehabilitation centre and a centre of excellence for cancer treatment.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Inspection of works at the Bath Regional Hospital in March 2025

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2025

CELAC Summit

PM Phillips underscores peace, climate action, regional cooperation

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired)

Mark Phillips reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to regional integration, sustainable development, and peace during his address at the IX Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) on Wednesday in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

The Summit, held under the theme “Commitment to Peace, Dialogue and Latin American and Caribbean Unity”, brought together leaders from across the hemisphere to address shared economic and environmental challenges, while charting a path toward deeper cooperation.

During his remarks, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Guyana's unwavering commitment to regional integration and cooperation, emphasising the shared responsibility of CELAC Member States to work towards sustained economic advancement, continued development, peace, security and social stability.

“As countries sharing the same geopolitical space, we have the solemn responsibility to chart a way forward that

will enable us to create a more equitable, secure, resilient, and sustainable future for our people.”

He referenced Guyana’s overarching position of peaceful coexistence with all of its neighbours, including Venezuela, but noted that the country would continue to be guided by international law, especially with any territorial dispute.

“Guyana has fulfilled its commitments under the Argyle Declaration (signed in December of 2023 with Venezuela), and we remain committed to the pursuit of good neighbourliness, peaceful coexistence and the unity of Latin America and the Caribbean,” the Prime Minister noted.

He, however, stressed that “our sovereignty and territorial integrity remain seriously threatened”.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the threat of climate change. He described global warming as an “existential crisis” and reiterated the urgency of global commitments to facilitate a balanced and commensurate global response that addresses mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and the urgent need to restrict global tem-

peratures rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius and below.

To this end, he welcomed the region’s central role in the global climate dialogue.

“We welcome that COP30 would come to our region later this year, with Brazil as its host. Our region is home to the Amazon, which, through its standing forests, has one of the highest absorption capacities of greenhouse gases. It is hoped that the Amazon’s vast capacity can inspire the honouring of tangible commitments by the international community to effect the level

of change required globally,”

PM Phillips said.

He emphasised the importance of aligning efforts to address climate change with initiatives that promote renewable energy, noting that many parts of the region are still energy deficient.

Affordable and clean energy, he stated, “continues to be important for the improvement of the lives of our people. Embarking upon solutions, such as energy transition, requires strategic and systemic changes at the national, regional and international levels.”

In using Guyana as an example, he highlighted that the country is pursuing energy security and sustainability through a diverse, clean energy approach and asserted that the Government was dedicated to providing affordable, reliable energy to all citizens.

Guyana's Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, he explained, aims to advance economic and social development while tackling climate change issues through a varied energy portfolio, including hydropower, solar, and wind

sources. Clean energy and efficiency remain central components of Guyana's ongoing energy transformation efforts.

Prime Minister Phillips listed food and nutrition security as a high priority across the region. He pointed to the efforts of Caricom, noting that “as a subregion which is a net importer of food, it has been working consistently towards boosting the production and quality of its agricultural produce at an affordable price to effect a sustainable import replacement programme.”

To achieve this, he highlighted CARICOM’s quest to reduce its food import bill by 25 per cent as a first step.

The Prime Minister also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Haiti and echoed the call for a return to peace and democratic governance, while he expressed condolences and solidarity with the Dominican Republic, where a nightclub roof collapse disaster has claimed scores of lives.

Meanwhile, he commended President Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento for convening and hosting the summit and extended his support to Colombia as President Gustavo Petro assumes CELAC’s leadership role for the 2025–2026 period.

2 men charged in violent dispute; 1 remanded to prison, other granted bail

Peter Rogers Giovanni Deweever

Giovanni Deweever, a 36-year-old taxi driver from Durban Backlands squatting area, Georgetown, has been remanded to prison after appearing before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on several charges, including breaching a protection order, unlawful wounding, and using threatening language.

Deweever appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts in connection with a violent altercation that took place on April 2, 2025, at Durban Backlands.

Meanwhile, the virtual complainant, Peter Rogers, also from Durban Backlands, was granted $25,000 bail after he, too,

appeared in court facing charges related to the same incident. Rogers, a 36-yearold electrician, had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The case stems from an ongoing dispute between the two men. Rogers testified that Deweever had repeatedly threatened him and his family, showing up at his home armed with a cutlass and making violent threats.

According to Rogers, on April 2, Deweever went up his stairs brandishing a cutlass while his children were present. He said in the past the man even threatened to burn down his house and to ‘shoot off his head’.

Rogers told the court that on April 2,, after

Deweever threatened him, he confronted Deweever, resulting in a scuffle between the two. Rogers claimed that he picked up a cutlass to defend himself during the altercation.

The prosecution objected to bail for Deweever, citing the seriousness of the injuries sustained by Rogers and the risk of further violence, as Deweever had violated a restraining order on multiple occasions.

The Magistrate noted that Deweever had breached the five-year restraining order in just two years and was, therefore, a threat to Rogers’ safety. As a result, Deweever was remanded to prison.

Rogers, on the other

hand, was granted bail. Rogers told the court he was fearful for his family’s well-being and had installed a fence around the property [where Deweever also lives] with two gates for protection. Despite this, he said Deweever continued to ignore the restrain-

ing order, even breaking down Rogers’ steps on one occasion.

Deweever denied all allegations and claimed that it was Rogers who had assaulted him and made threats against him. He stated that he has witnesses who would testify in his defence.

The Magistrate, however, reminded him that the protection order had been granted after careful consideration of his previous actions.

The case is set to continue, with the next hearing scheduled for April 16.

Berbice police investigate alleged drowning

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 30-year-old Bedore Totaram, a labourer of no fixed place of abode, who allegedly died by drowning, on Wednesday between 06:00h and 07:30h at Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice.

The body was retrieved from the Side Line Dam canal in Crabwood Creek, and examined for marks of violence, but none were seen.

According to a relative, Totaram suffered from epilepsy.

The body was taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital, where Totaram was certified dead by a doctor on duty. The body is presently awaiting a post-mortem examination.

The area where the body was discovered

Guyana’s cardiovascular disease mortality rate highest in the Americas

President Dr Irfaan Ali has sounded the alarm on the country’s mounting cardiovascular crisis, revealing that Guyana has the highest cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality rate in the Americas, with a staggering 525 deaths per 100,000 people — a rate 2.5 times higher than that of Canada.

Speaking at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston during the announcement of a transformative partnership between Northwell Health and the George Subraj Foundation, the President detailed a sweeping national cardiac care strategy. As part of the effort, the George Subraj Foundation has committed $209 million towards improving cardiac care delivery, research, and training.

“Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Guyana. In fact,

our cardiovascular disease rates are among the highest in the entire Americas… Today, we have the opportunity to invest in totality. So, the prevention, the detection, and the intervention can all go seamlessly together. This is not the path we want to remain on. This is not a legacy we want to leave for our children. If you are serious about guaranteeing better health outcomes for Guyanese citizens, we must tackle this crisis head on. And not just with words, but with action,” President Ali stated.

After years of isolated investment in segments of the health system, the President said the time had come for a complete, integrated approach to health care — from prevention and education to diagnostics and treatment.

With Northwell Health bringing world-class ex-

pertise and the Subraj Foundation providing long-standing philanthrop-

ic support, the partnership aims to reduce CVD mortality by 30 per cent by 2030.

The plan includes 100 per cent regional access to cardiovascular diagnostic services, fully operationalised cardiac catheterization labs, and ACS (Acute Coronary Syndrome) protocols in place by the decade’s end.

“Since we have started work with Northwell, I think that centralised operation would have responded to more than 34,000 persons. More than 34,000 persons. The second aspect is nursing education, recruitment, and retention. The third is neurology services, brain and neurology services. The fourth is cardiovascular services. Fifth, cancer screening, prevention, and care. And there are some very clear objectives that Northwell is willing to hold themselves accountable to in each of these areas,” he explained.

Beyond infrastructure, the Government’s strat-

egy emphasises public health education and lifestyle changes. Ali called for a cultural shift around early screening, particularly among men, criticising the stigma that prevents many from seeking examinations.

“Prostate cancer accounts for 21.1 per cent of cancers in Guyana, but many men still avoid getting checked. It’s senseless,” he said. “Early detection saves lives.”

Statistics also show breast cancer accounts for 18.7 per cent of cancers, cervical cancer, 10.5 per cent, and colorectal cancer, 6.4 per cent, with cervical cancer largely preventable through vaccination.

President Ali pledged to continue ramping up education campaigns, especially in schools and communities, to increase awareness and encourage healthier lifestyles.

Teen among 2 fishermen missing; boat found with cellphone

Two fishermen have been reported missing after the boat in which they were travelling was discovered abandoned on the beach at Tain Settlement along the Corentyne Coast, (Region 6: East Berbice-Corentyne) on Wednesday.

Visual Parmanand, 17, and Daniel Inchanally, 32, both residents of Cotton Tree village, West Coast Berbice (Region 5: MahaicaBerbice), had reportedly left home to go to Crabwood Creek, Corentyne to pick up the boat and sail it back to their village. They left Crabwood Creek at around 15:30h on Monday, and were expected to sail along Guyana’s Atlantic Coast to the estuary of the Berbice River, where they were to moor the boat at the Three-Door landing site at D’Edward village (WCB).

Mahindranauth Parmanand, father of the teen, has said the duo was expected to arrive at the landing site at around 19:30h, but they never did. According to Parmanand, the boat is a new one he had made, and his son and one

of his workers had helped him to lower it into the water at Crabwood Creek before he left and drove home.

“When I reach home at 5:30 [17:30h] I start

“We wait until the place get bright, and me and my next son, we take a boat and come out, and we drive and go till by Whim, and

the boat intact, with no marks on it to suggest that it might have come into contact with something. The boat was equipped with a

call them to know how far they at, and I didn’t get a response; the phone just ringing out,” Parmanand, who owns two other fishing boats, said.

He said he waited at the landing site until 22:00h before deciding to go home. At 02:00h on Wednesday, another son reported to him that the boat did not arrive.

then I call the phone again, and a man answered it and say that he find this boat at Tain. He hear the phone ringing inside the bag and he pick up the phone and he answer. He say like the boat run to shore and the engine in gear and everything is there, but no workmen…,” Parmanand detailed.

He said that when he arrived at Tain, he found

60hp engine.

Parmanand said he reported the matter to the Whim Police Station, but up to Wednesday evening, the police had not visited the scene.

He said police officers were reluctant to venture to the sea shore, claiming that the distance was too far, and instead met him in the housing area about one

mile from where the boat was found.

“We called the Coast Guard and they say that they will not be able to render any assistance now, because they are on an operation up the Berbice River,” he added.

Up to press time there was no other response from the Coast Guard.

Parmanand, who has been a fisherman for the past 18 years, has said that both his son and Inchanally know how to swim. However, Inchanally’s father is of the view that those skills are of no use in rough waters.

Narine Ramsammy Sundar, a fisherman for 45 years, has said he has experienced rough waters, and during his search for his son on Wednesday, he experienced rough waters in the ocean.

“The wave was very big, and we turn back the boat because we can’t go out there with the boat… Out here you can’t swim, don’t let nobody fool you. You gon be able to swim a little bit, but the waves so big, where would you swim

and go? You can’t swim; only if you get life jacket it could save you, and they didn’t have life jacket – it was a new brand boat and new brand everything. Me feel that they drowned and dead,” the father of three has said, while adding that he is of the belief that the fishermen would not have been able to survive.

Sundar, who has been going to sea since he was 11, has also suggested that Parmanand might have fallen overboard and Inchanally might have tried to save him, but was also pulled into the water.

“I feel that they were [videoing] while they were driving, I don’t know if the wave knock the lil boy out of the boat and my son try to save him. If you videoing and the boat rock, you can fall overboard,” he explained. When the Parmanand’s phone was retrieved and unlocked, it revealed that he had been making videos of their journey from Crabwood Creek.

Meanwhile, the search for these missing persons continues.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Narine Ramsammy Sundar, father of Daniel Inchanally

Mahindranauth Parmanand, the father of Visual Parmanand

The boat that was found abandoned at Tain beach

Daniel Inchanally

Visual Parmanand

THURSDAY,

Regional

US recognises Panama's sovereignty over canal, Panama says after talks

Panama said on Wednesday the United States recognized its sovereignty over the Panama Canal, despite tough rhetoric from Washington, as the two nations announced agreements to deepen U.S. military training in the Central American nation.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in the first visit by a Pentagon chief to Panama in decades, said he sees the canal as key terrain that Panama would secure together with the U.S. - and not with China.

"We are helping to take back the Panama Canal from communist Chinese influence," Hegseth told a press briefing in Panama City. The Panamanian government has strongly rejected U.S. allegations the key waterway is controlled by China.

But current and former U.S. officials and experts say the United States has legitimate security con-

cerns about China's presence in Panama, including that ports and other infrastructure held by Chinese firms could be used for espionage.

During Hegseth's visit, the U.S. and Panama issued joint statements about deepening security cooperation. But the Englishlanguage version published by the Pentagon did not include a sentence that was in the Spanish-language version published by Panama that spoke about Panama's sovereignty over the canal.

The sentence read: "In addition, Secretary Hegseth recognized the leadership and inalienable sovereignty of Panama over the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas."

Asked whether he recognized Panama's sovereignty, Hegseth said: "We certainly understand that the Panama Canal is in Panama, and protecting Panamanian sovereignty from malign influence is im-

portant."

"Which is why when President Trump says we're taking back the Panama Canal from Chinese influence that involves partnership with the United States and Panama," Hegseth said.

"And we're grateful that they've welcomed U.S. troops on Panamanian soil by invitation through rotational, joint exercises."

Panama's Minister for Public Security Frank Abrego said Panama would not allow permanent military bases.

"Secretary Hegseth, in the meeting we had in private, recognized the sovereignty of Panama over the Panama Canal," he told reporters.

Current and former U.S. officials and experts say the United States has found a willing partner in tackling Chinese influence in Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino, whom Hegseth met on Tuesday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Despair as death toll from Dominican Republic nightclub collapse rises

Hundreds of rescue workers in the Dominican Republic continue to search for survivors of a roof collapse at a nightclub in the capital, Santo Domingo.

people exactly were inside the popular venue but estimates range between 500 and 1,000 people.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on X that at least one US national, and multiple legal permanent residents, were killed in the roof collapse.

He said that he and his wife, Jeanette, were "united in prayer" and that the US stands "ready to support our Dominican allies amid this difficult time".

Rights advocate condemns DR crackdown on Haitians

Ahuman rights advocate has called on Barbados and Caricom to denounce the Dominican Republic’s mass deportations of Haitian migrants, labelling the actions as a “blatant attack on human rights” amid escalating international criticism of racial profiling and inhumane treatment.

General Secretary of the Caribbean Movement for Peace and Integration, David Denny, said the treatment of Haitian nationals by Dominican authorities is unacceptable and demands a regional response.

His remarks come as the DR intensifies mass deportations of Haitian nationals, drawing international criticism for alleged racial profiling, harsh detention conditions, and deporting individuals without due process.

This comes at a time

St

when Haiti is experiencing one of its worst humanitarian and security crises in decades, with rising unrest marked by gang violence, displacement, and political instability.

“Our organisation does not support the behaviour of the government of the Dominican Republic in relation to the treatment of Haitian people,” Denny told Barbados Today. “We see this as a case against and disrespect for human rights, and we are totally against this kind of behaviour.”

He criticised CARICOM’s response to Haiti’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, describing it as weak and misguided, particularly its endorsement of a Kenyanled security mission backed by the United States.

“We do not support Caricom’s position,” Denny said.

“This force is not going

into Haiti to keep peace—it’s being used to create the conditions for further exploitation by the United States, France, and Canada, the same countries responsible for much of Haiti’s economic and social problems.”

Denny instead commended countries like Cuba and Venezuela for showing what he described as “true solidarity”, citing Cuba’s deployment of hundreds of medical workers and Venezuela’s support following Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake. He urged other Caribbean nations to follow their example.

He called on the Mia Mottley administration to adopt what he termed a “progressive” approach to addressing the Haitian crisis—one focused on longterm development rather than foreign-led intervention. (Excerpt from Barbados Today)

Kitts Govt revokes citizenship of several foreign nationals under CBI programme

TAgents linked to suspicious practices”.

The government said it contacted 158 identified individuals and of these 32 individuals paid their outstanding investment balance, 13 admitted to non-payment of the required sums and took no corrective action, while one individual requested a hearing before a Commission of Inquiry.

Head of Emergency Operations Juan Manuel Méndez estimated that his team had "24 to 36 hours left" to try to find survivors under the rubble.

It is not clear how many

At least 124 people died and more than 150 were injured in the incident, which happened just before 01:00 local time (05:00 GMT) on Tuesday at the Jet Set club, officials said.

Emergency workers have demolished one of the walls of the club to better reach those still buried under the rubble.

Relatives desperate for news of their missing loved ones have been holding vigils at the scene.

It is not yet clear what caused Jet Set's roof to collapse. (Excerpt from BBC News)

he St. Kitts-Nevis government says it has revoked the citizenship of 13 people and their dependents as part of the “decisive actions” taken to preserve the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, through which foreign investors are granted citizenship of the twin island Federation in return for making a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.

The CBI programme, which is also being undertaken by the governments in St. Lucia, Antigua and

Venezuela's oil flows again, after week of panic

Many buyers of Venezuelan oil have resumed loading crude onto tankers after a week-long hiatus at the country's ports after the U.S. applied tariffs that President Donald Trump imposed on importers of the OPEC nation's oil, according to shipping data and documents.

In March, the U.S. Treasury Department gave U.S. oil producer Chevron and other foreign partners

and customers of PDVSA until May 27 to wind-down operations and cease oil exports from Venezuela. Days later, Washington imposed tariffs on buyers of Venezuela's oil and gas.

The measures prompted the suspension of some tanker loadings at the country's main oil port of Jose and created delays at smaller terminals. Trump's hardening stance discouraged traders and importers from continuing to ship

Venezuelan oil.

Following the U.S. measures on oil buyers, many vessels undocked at Jose and moved offshore. Now, many of these have returned to complete their loading. They have begun departing from Venezuelan waters bound for destinations including India and China, according to the data and internal documents from Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA.

"There was a panic mo-

ment when the vessels undocked, but they later received instructions to complete their cargoes," a PDVSA source said.

As of Wednesday, crude cargoes allocated to Chevron for U.S. delivery, Reliance Industries for India delivery and several intermediaries for China delivery were setting sail in a signal that Venezuela's oil exports will not collapse in the short term. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Barbuda, Grenada, and Dominica, has come under scrutiny by the United States and European governments, with some claiming that it provides an opportunity for shady characters to obtain foreign passports.

In a statement, the government said that together with the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) “decisive actions” have been taken “to preserve the integrity and international reputation of the CBI Programme”.

It said following a comprehensive investigation by the Ministry of National Security, Immigration, and Citizenship, the government has issued the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship (Deprivation of Citizenship) Order, 2025, resulting in the revocation of citizenship from 13 individuals and their dependents who were found to have failed to pay the statutory minimum investment required under the CBI Programme, despite having indicated otherwise in their applications.

“The investigation stemmed from a review of 158 redacted applications and contracts with two International Marketing

It said the remaining individuals are in dialogue with the relevant authority to settle outstanding investment balances.

“After careful consideration, exercising powers under Sections 8 and 10 of the Citizenship Act to issue deprivation orders in March 2025, the Ministry issued the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship (Deprivation of Citizenship) Order, 2025 on the basis of false representation and willful concealment of material facts, and in the interest of the public good”.

It said in tandem with these efforts, the CIU has permanently blacklisted two International Marketing Agents – Latitude Consultancy and RIF Trust – for their role in marketing the CBI Programme “at investment amounts below the statutory minimum and misleading clients, clear violations of the laws governing the Programme.

The government said that it is reiterating “its zero-tolerance policy toward abuse of the CBI Programme and remains resolute in enforcing its regulations to ensure that only credible, compliant investors benefit from citizenship of Saint Kitts and Nevis”. (Loop News Caribbean)

A drone view shows the site of the collapsed Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on Tuesday

Around the World

OOIL NEWS

Oil jumps 4% after Trump pauses tariffs on many countries, raises China levy

il prices climbed more than 4% on Wednesday, bouncing back from four-year lows earlier in the session, after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would further increase tariffs on China but pause the tariffs he announced last week for most other countries.

Brent futures settled up $2.66, or 4.23%, to $65.48 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures closed $2.77, or 4.65%, higher at $62.35.

Both contracts lost about 7% earlier in the session before the reversal.

"We've reached a turning point in the trade conflict with Trump giving the countries that have shown desire to work on a deal to get rid of tariffs some time to work it out," said Phil Flynn, senior analyst with Price Futures Group.

"What Trump is doing is putting China out on an economic island all by themselves," Flynn said.

China announced additional tariffs on U.S. goods, imposing 84% tariffs on U.S. goods from Thursday, in retaliation against President Donald Trump's tariff policy.

However, the escalating trade war between China and the U.S. continued to pressure oil prices.

The trade conflict is stoking fears of a global recession, said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo. "While oil demand has likely not suffered yet, rising concerns of weaker oil demand over the coming months require lower prices to trigger supply adjustments to prevent an oversupplied market," Staunovo added.

Brent and WTI have fallen for five sessions since Trump announced sweeping tariffs on most imports, prompting concerns over economic growth and demand for fuel.

Meanwhile, a decision last week by the OPEC+ group of producers to raise output in May by 411,000 bpd, which analysts say is likely to push the market into surplus, also offset the gains.

In the U.S., crude inventories rose by 2.6 million barrels to 442.3 million barrels last week, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 1.4 million-barrel rise.

"Exports are on the lower level and we will have to see if we are going to lose access to the China market, and whether we will see a diminished export situation going forward," said John Kilduff, partner with Again Capital in New York. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump announces 90-day reciprocal tariff pause, excluding China

...hikes levies on China to 125%

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a 90-day pause on all the “reciprocal” tariffs that went into effect at midnight, with the exception of China, which will see tariffs increased to 125%.

“I have authorized a 90 day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately,” the US president wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.

He says the higher rate for China is because of "the lack of respect that China has shown to the world's markets".

“At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable,” Trump wrote, as he unveiled the latest US tariff assault on China.

The US treasury secretary Scott Bessent, said Trump’s decision to back off tariffs, rewarded nations who chose not to retaliate amid a brewing trade war, and will allow time to negotiate new trade agreements.

“It took great courage, great courage for him to stay the course until this moment,” Bessent told reporters at the White House, moments after Trump announced a 90day pause on the new reciprocal tariffs.

“Every country in the world who wants to come and negotiate, we are willing to hear you,” he said.

He said the administra -

Ukraine's military chief says new Russian offensive has begun

Uhad launched a new offen-

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had warned earlier that Russia was preparing an offensive on the two regions of Kharkiv and Sumy.

"For several days, almost a week, we have been observing almost a doubling of the number of enemy attacks in all main directions (on the frontline)," Syrskyi said.

Moscow is close to fully pushing Ukrainian forces out of their foothold in Kursk region, which they held since last August and which lies over the border from Sumy region.

Zelenskiy said on Monday that Ukrainian forces were also present in the adjacent Russian region of Belgorod.

tion expected countries to come to the president with their best deal as they look to realign global trade.

“More than 75 countries” have contacted the US federal government “to negotiate a solution” since Trump unveiled plans for steep tariffs on their exports, the US president claimed in a post on Truth Social.

“Strategy”

Bessent sought to cast President Donald Trump’s decision to pause new tariffs as part of a longstanding master plan to encourage nations to negotiate, and not a haphazard application that shook the global economy.

“This was driven by the president’s strategy. He and I had a long talk on Sunday, and this was his strategy all along,” he said Wednesday afternoon. “You might even say he goaded China into a bad position. They responded. They have shown themselves to the world to be bad actors.”

For days, Trump’s insistence that his tariffs would be permanent –and confusion over whether they might be lifted by mooted deals – had intensified concerns over the potential impact on consumers and companies around the world.

US Commerce

Secretary Howard Lutnick says in a social media post that he was in the room when US President Donald Trump wrote the Truth Social post announcing the 90-day pause on most tariffs and increase to China's

tariff rate.

"The world is ready to work with President Trump to fix global trade, and China has chosen the opposite direction," he says.

Senior trade adviser

Peter Navarro said that those concerned about President Donald Trump’s tariffs are underestimating his ability to make deals with other countries.

He said the goal in upcoming negotiations and discussions with various countries is to “dramatically reduce our trade deficit” and “level the playing field.”

Navarro insisted the president’s move on Wednesday to pause new reciprocal levies was not a repudiation of his economic vision but rather validation of the negotiating power of tariff threats.

CNN reports that hours before issuing his stunning reversal of his reciprocal tariffs, President Donald Trump urged investors to buy, posting on Truth Social, “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!!”

He concluded the post with “DJT.” Although those are the president’s initials, it was also potentially a nod to Trump Media & Technology Group Corp, which trades under the ticker “DJT.”

At the time, the parent of Truth Social, DJT shares were down nearly 13% this month. After the announcement, shares were up over 20% for Wednesday alone, as global markets surged after Trump announced the 90day pause on tariffs except

for China.

Markets surge

The S&P 500 soared 9.5% in the biggest one-day rally since 2008, following days of turmoil sparked by the tariffs.

The Dow ended the day up more than 7.8% and the Nasdaq skyrocketed more than 12%.

Companies such as Nike, which makes roughly half its footwear in Vietnam, jumped 11%, while Apple soared roughly 15%.

Bond yields came off earlier highs and the dollar rebounded against safe-haven currencies.

The U.S. dollar – which had been lower earlier in the day – strengthened against the yen and other currencies after Trump's announcement, while Treasury yields pared gains after an auction of 10-year Treasury notes saw strong demand.

But US markets remain far below where they were at the start of Trump’s term. Despite the gains, the leading indexes in the US remain lower than they were before Trump's announcement, with the S&P 500 off about 3% and down more than 8% for the year.

"We now have to wonder whether the tariffs resume in 90 days or not. That will impede companies' ability to plan for the near future and to offer guidance regarding the current quarter," said Steve Sosnick, Chief Market Strategist at Interactive Brokers in Greenwich, Connecticut. (Sources: BBC, CNN, Guardian UK, Reuters)

DR Congo repatriates 3 Americans who faced death penalty over failed coup attempt

Three Americans have been transferred to the United States after their death sentences over a foiled deadly coup were commuted to life imprisonment last week by Congolese authorities, in the wake of talks with US government officials.

The Americans, Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson Jr., and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun were among 37 people sentenced to death by a military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in September for participating in the failed coup led by Malanga’s father, Christian.

“They will serve their life sentences in the United States,” presidential spokesperson Tina Salama told CNN, adding that the three Americans were flown to the

US Tuesday.

DRC’s presidency said in a statement Tuesday that the repatriation of the Americans to the US was “part of a dynamic effort to strengthen judicial diplomacy and international cooperation in matters of justice and human rights between the two countries.” The repatriation appears to soften the ground for a mooted minerals-for-security partnership between the US and the DRC as war rages in the country’s resource-rich eastern region between government forces and a rebel group. (CNN)

kraine's military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said in an interview published on Wednesday that Russia

sive on the northeast of the country, adding that a large increase in assaults was already being observed.

Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces

These Americans, pictured from left, Tyler Thompson, Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun and Marcel Malanga, were repatriated on Tuesday

Set your sights on something on the rise. Avoid situations and people who tend to interfere. Put your time and energy into progress, not into no-win situations and empty conversations.

Choose your path, and don’t look back. It’s time to show your worth, shoot for the stars and make a difference. Clear up any legal, institutional or financial matters.

Put your emotions aside, be realistic and set your sights on your dreams. Changing your direction or will take research, learning and fine-tuning. You may not be able to please everyone, but you can please yourself.

Put thought and energy into earning more and increasing your financial stability. Domestic improvements will boost your assets and make your life easier and more enjoyable.

Keep an open mind; listen, learn and put what you discover to work for you. Take any opportunity to meet new people or reconnect with someone you lost touch with over the years.

Take a break and visit a place that inspires you or helps you put things in perspective. Engage in conversations that push you to visualize what’s possible and connect you with people who can help you make things happen.

Take a trip or attend an event that offers insight and gives you something to think about. An emotional journey will help you recognize what’s best for you.

Take on a challenge, make a difference or use your skills, talents and experience to propagate your plan. Victory is within reach if you believe in yourself.

Pay attention to your finances. Think twice before getting tied up in someone else’s debt. Avoid drama and don’t let someone’s sob stories manipulate your heart.

You’ll crave change and be attracted to unique people and places that stimulate your creative imagination. Go with the flow and discover what excites you most.

Creative accounting will help you manage your finances. Spend more time at home making your space more functional. Keep your money and possessions safe, and avoid joint ventures.

Simplify, cap expenditures and set your sights on stability, security and spending time with the people you love. Participate in activities that make you happy, ease your mind and encourage friendships.

ARCHIE

Indian Premier League 2025...

GUJARAT TITANS NOW TABLE-TOPPERS OF IPL 2025

– Compliments of Sai Sudharsan and Prasidh Krishna

BSai Sudharsan and Prasidh Krishna have again stood out for Gujarat Titans (GT), who beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 58 runs in Ahmedabad as the Titans recorded their fourth successive win in IPL 2025, which has taken them to the top of the points table.

After RR had opted to bowl on a red-soil pitch, Sai Sudharsan’s 82 off 53 balls, his third half-century of the season, steered GT to 217 for 6. With no dew in the second innings, it proved way too steep for RR to chase down.

Mohammed Siraj and Arshad Khan struck in the powerplay, before Prasidh

109 runs from 6.3 wicketless overs. But he bounced back in his next two games with a combined 4 for 38 from seven overs. Breathing fire in this game as well, he rushed Sai Sudharsan with a 152.3kph bouncer in his first over; and in his second, he got one to move in at 147.7kph and pegged back Shubman Gill’s off stump. His matchup against Gill in T20 cricket now reads: 15 balls, ten runs, three dismissals.

For his former captain Jos Buttler, Archer had two slips, a short leg and a catching square leg; and he welcomed Buttler with a menacing bouncer that Buttler did well to evade. Buttler inside-edged the next ball just wide of short leg, and then pushed Archer through the covers for

Sai Sudharsan’s dream run continues Sai Sudharsan gen erally takes time to get

driving and cutting as he took his side to 50 in 5.1 overs. By the end of the powerplay, he had recorded 39 runs off 22 balls. Only Wriddhiman Saha (54 vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2023) has scored more runs in an innings for GT in that phase.

Buttler was on 12 off 13 at one point, but hit four fours in his next six balls to move to 31 off 19. He and Sai Sudharsan added 80 off 46 balls before Maheesh Theekshana trapped Buttler lbw. After a brief dip in the scoring rate, M Shahrukh Khan opened up and smashed 36 off 20 to re-inject momentum.

Sudharsan was dropped on 81 by Shubham Dubey off Archer in the 18th over, but

Arshad to deep third in the second over of the chase, and Nitish Rana did the same against Siraj in the next. Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag counterattacked, and added 48 off 26 balls for the third wicket, but the stand was broken when Impact Sub Kulwant Khejroliya had Parag caught behind in the seventh over. Parag immediately reviewed the decision, confident that his bat had only hit the ground, but the third umpire thought otherwise, and Ultra Edge also brought up a second spike when the ball passed the bat.

Rashid comes into the act Coming into this game, Rashid had picked up just one wicket in four outings. Here, he struck in his first over: a shortish ball that didn’t bounce as much as Dhruv Jurel had expected, and Sai Sudharsan at deep midwicket gobbled up the mis-

Rashid enjoys a favourable match-

up against Hetmyer, hav ing dissix times for 79 before this game. He almost had Hetmyer lbw for a first-ball duck, but the ball had pitched fractional ly outside leg stump. From there on, Hetmyer dominat ed Rashid and hit him for 26 runs off 12 balls with the help of two fours and two six es. However, Rashid was too good for RR’s Impact Sub Shubham Dubey and had him lbw for a single.

Prasidh lands decisive blows Prasidh is GT’s enforc er in the middle overs, and he was at it once again.

Just before Rashid snared Dubey, he had provided his side with a crucial wicket. Samson and Hetmyer had taken RR to 115 for 4 in 12 overs, leaving them needing 103 off 48. Prasidh then dug one into the pitch, and Samson went air borne to try and ride the bounce and steer it be hind point, but he ended

ing it straight third. In his fithe 16th over the innings, Prasidh had Archer caught at mid-off and Hetmyer at deep-backward square leg, both off short balls. With RR at 145 for 8 after 16 overs, the result was sealed. RR dragged their innings into the final over, but that did little to reduce the margin of their defeat.

(Adapted from ESPNcricinfo)

Gujarat Titans (20 ovs maximum)

Sai Sudharsan c †Samson

b Deshpande 82

Shubman Gill (c)

b Archer 2

Jos Buttler † lbw

b Theekshana 36

M Shahrukh Khan st †Samson

b Theekshana 36

Sherfane Rutherford c †Samson

b Sandeep Sharma 7

Rahul Tewatia not out 24

Rashid Khan c Jaiswal

b Deshpande 12

Arshad Khan not out 0

b Prasidh Krishna 41

Nitish Rana c Khejroliya

b Mohammed Siraj 1

Riyan Parag c †Buttler

b Khejroliya 26

Dhruv Jurel c Sai Sudharsan

b Rashid Khan 5 Shimron Hetmyer c Sai Kishore

b Prasidh Krishna 52

Shubham Dubey lbw

b Rashid Khan 1

Jofra Archer c Shubman Gill

b Prasidh Krishna 4

Maheesh Theekshana

Extras (b 1, w 17) 18

Total 20 Ov (RR: 10.85) 217/6

Did not bat: Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Shubman Gill, 2.1 ov), 2-94 (Jos Buttler, 9.6 ov),

3-156 (M Shahrukh Khan, 15.4 ov), 4-163 (Sherfane Rutherford, 16.1 ov), 5-187 (Sai Sudharsan, 18.2 ov), 6-201 (Rashid Khan, 18.6 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W

Jofra Archer 4-0-30-1

Fazalhaq Farooqi 4-0-38-0

Tushar Deshpande 4-0-53-2

Sandeep Sharma 4-0-41-1

Maheesh Theekshana 4-0-54-2

Rajasthan Royals (T: 218 runs from 20 ovs)

Yashasvi Jaiswal c Rashid Khan

b Arshad Khan 6

Sanju Samson (c)† c Sai Kishore

Jofra Archer struck early to send back Shubman Gill

Shimron Hetmyer brought up his half-century off 29 balls

Sai Sudharsan scored heavily behind square on the off side

Prasidh Krishna enjoyed a productive outing against his old team

Rashid Khan picked up two important wickets

ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifier…

Matthews’ all-round efforts in vain as Scotland beat West Indies

The 2025 Women’s One Day International World Cup Qualifiers bowled off in Pakistan in the wee hours of Wednesday, and the hosts and Scotland bagged the first wins of the tournament. On the losing end were Ireland and West Indies’ Women respectively.

After the West Indies had elected to field, Scotland openers Abbie AitkenDrummond (21) and Darcey Carter (25) got off to a positive start as they posted a 48-run partnership and set up the base for the innings.

However, West Indies struck back via captain Hayley Matthews, who snared Aitken-Drummond and Scottish skipper Kathryn Bryce in the 12th and 14th overs.

Megan McColl joined Sarah Bryce thereafter, and the duo went about stabi-

lising the Scottish innings through the middle overs with a strong partnership of 82 runs. Of those, Bryce scored a positive 55 (56), which included six boundaries, and McColl put up 45 (44), which included five boundaries.

Strikes in the middle overs meant Scotland had found themselves at 194/6 in the 37th over. But a late flurry from Katherine Fraser (25*) and Priyanaz Chatterji (15) guided them to 244. However, they were not able to bat their quota of overs, as West Indies bowled them out by the 45th over mark.

Matthews, who led her side’s bowling efforts, finished with a magnificent 4/56 off her 10 overs, having sent the entire Scotland top-order back to the dug-

out. Aaliyah Alleyne and Karishma Ramharack played supporting acts, as they finished with figures of 2/31 and 2/46 respectively.

Matthews then took control of the batting, and despite an early loss (Qiana Joseph for a duck), helped West Indies march forward in the chase, along with Zaida James (45). West Indies reached 120/1 before James fell, and Scotland then got back into the contest with a flurry of wickets. However, Matthews continued her fight, and closed in on a remarkable hundred.

There was a moment of concern for West Indies when Matthews went off the field due to injury. However, as the West Indies innings was derailed and the eighth wicket fell, Matthews returned to continue the fight

despite being in evident pain. The player, however, had to be taken off the pitch by stretcher due to her injury.

When Ramharack was dismissed, Windies were left struggling at 203/9 and Scotland began celebrating. However, Matthews returned, and went on to score her ninth ODI hundred. Despite evidently struggling, Matthews kept at it, with Aaliyah Alleyne providing good support; and the duo managed to get their side close to the target.

It had then seemed that the momentum was with West Indies, b ut Abtaha Maqsood turned it around by trapping Alleyne leg before. West Indies were 11 short, and Matthews was left stranded at 114*. West Indies will next

Scotland Women (50 ovs maximum)

Abbi Aitken-Drummond c †Campbelle

b Matthews 21

Darcey Carter c Alleyne

b Matthews 25

Kathryn Bryce (c) c †Campbelle

b Matthews 6

Sarah Bryce † c Ramharack

b Matthews 55

Ailsa Lister run out (Henry) 19

Megan McColl run out (Henry) 45

Katherine Fraser not out 25

Priyanaz Chatterji lbw

b Ramharack 15

Chloe Abel lbw

b Ramharack 8

Hannah Rainey c Ramharack

b Alleyne 7

Abtaha Maqsood lbw

b Alleyne 1

Extras (b 4, lb 4, nb 1, w 8) 17

Total 45 Ov (RR: 5.42) 244

Fall of wickets: 1-48 (Abbi AitkenDrummond, 11.2 ov), 2-62 (Kathryn Bryce, 13.4 ov), 3-69 (Darcey Carter, 15.5 ov), 4-100 (Ailsa Lister, 21.2 ov), 5-182 (Sarah Bryce, 33.3 ov), 6-194 (Megan McColl, 36.1 ov), 7-212 (Priyanaz Chatterji, 38.5 ov), 8-232 (Chloe Abel, 42.1 ov), 9-242 (Hannah Rainey, 44.3 ov), 10244 (Abtaha Maqsood, 44.6 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W

Chinelle Henry 5-0-22-0

Zaida James 4-1-15-0

Cherry-Ann Fraser 2-0-10-0

Afy Fletcher 10-0-56-0

Hayley Matthews 10-0-56-4

Aaliyah Alleyne 4-0-31-2

Karishma Ramharack 10-1-46-2

40 complete GFF/CONCACAF Match Commissioners Workshop

…Now certified

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in partnership with CONCACAF, recently concluded a two-day Match Commissioners Workshop, by which 40 participants from across the country have been certified to serve in this pivotal role.

Held on April 5th and 6th at the National Training Centre (NTC) at Providence, EBD, the workshop marked another significant step in the Federation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen football administration and compe-

tition management at all levels. Participants from Bartica, Upper Demerara, East Coast Demerara, Berbice, and several other districts were among those trained, reflecting the GFF’s commitment to developing football capacity in all regions.

The newly-certified Match Commissioners are now equipped with the requisite knowledge and tools to oversee matches with greater professionalism and efficiency, ensuring adherence to regulations and pro-

moting the values of integrity, fairness, and respect across the game.

Importantly, the workshop emphasised inclusion of women in football leadership and operations, and several female participants are among those certified. This move aligns with the GFF’s strategic vision of creating more opportunities for women both on and off the field.

The presence of women in match oversight roles not only strengthens adminis-

tration of the sport, but also signals a shift towards more inclusive and representative football management in Guyana.

Participation of women in football lays the groundwork for future generations of women to aspire to influential positions in the game.

Many participants of the workshop have expressed gratitude to the Federation for its investment in human capacity, stating that the workshop not only deepened their understanding of com-

petition protocols, but also inspired them to aim higher.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity,” Alden Marslowe, President of the Bartica Football Association, shared.

Olston Thurman of the Upper Demerara Football Association also expressed deep appreciation, noting, “We now feel more confident and prepared to contribute meaningfully to local football. One day, I hope to serve as a Match Commissioner at a Concacaf tournament, or

even the World Cup; but, for now, I look forward to gaining more experience on the local and regional level.”

A statement from the GFF has said the Federation views the successful completion of this workshop as a foundational move in professionalising match operations in Guyana. With a stronger pool of trained officials now in place, both the standard and quality of matches are expected to be significantly improved across the country’s football calendar.

West Indies Women’s Captain Heyley Matthews was superb with bat and ball Scotland Women celebrating

Scenes from the GFF/CONCACAF Match Commissioners Workshop

AAG unveils 42-member team to contest CARIFTA 52 in T&T

Guyana will be sending a contingent of 44 athletes to the 52nd edition of the CARIFTA Games, which would be contested at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago from Saturday, April 19th to Monday, April 21st.

This has been revealed in a missive from the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) on Wednesday.

For the first time in the event’s decades-long history, Guyana will be fielding an athlete in the Decathlon event, as the massive contingent undertakes to top the CARIFTA charts.

Among the more experienced athletes who are set to represent Guyana are 2024 medalists Tianna Springer, Malachi Austin, Athaleyha Hinckson and Attoya Harvey.

Other athletes of note are Skylar Charles, Kaidon Persaud, Narissa McPherson, Javon Roberts, Dequan Farrell, Rodel

Greene, Kenetha Fraser, Zakiah Jacobs, Lamar Yaw, Jamie Fraser, Ezekiel Millington, Devon Easton, Charissa December, Cort Anthony, Nathaniel Samaroo, Marquez Miggins, Deuel Europe, Adanya Glen, Afi Blair, Esther McKinnon, Gordon Thompson, Ebo McNeil, Walton Alleyne, Johanthan Richards, David Williams, Shania Thompson, Angel Jeffery, Ade Sealey, Kaymayra Lacon, Tishawn Easton, Timothy Smith, Shaquan Shepherd, Danangelo Smith, Jaden Sutherland, Bryson Anderson, Jennifer Byass, Ethan Cort and Adessa Albert.

This team would be accompanied by several AAG officials, among whom are executives, coaches, physiotherapists and safeguarding personnel. Those include Kenisha Headley, Dwayne Carter, Kariem Aaron, Aretha Legal, Timothy Sealey, Johnny Gravesande, Twana McCalmont,

DCB U19 Tournament…

Latif, Lewis help GCA defeat East Coast

Recently-selected Guyana Rainforest Rangers player Riyad Latif wreaked havoc on an East Coast Demerara side that was defeated by the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) in the Demerara Cricket Board’s (DCB) Under-19 InterAssociation Super 50 tournament played on April 8th, 2025.

The East Coast side won the toss, elected to bat, and ultimately left their fans disappointed at their batting prowess. Opening batsman Vickash Wilkinson topscored with 29 from 46 balls, which included 4 fours and 1 six; while captain Nicholas Shiopersaud supported with 23 from 36 balls.

Leg spinner Riyad Latif dominated the bowling with figures of 5 for 24 from 8 overs, and Jayden Dowlin was economical with figures

of 2 for 6; while Johnathan Van Lange, Feyaad Leakraj and Dave Mohabir each took one wicket as the East Coast were bowled out for 100 in 29.5 overs.

GCA made light work of the run chase, chopping down the total in 12 overs (101 for 2). Emmanuel Lewis’s quickfire 42 (5 fours and 2 sixes) and Shiloh Adams’s 14-ball 31 got the job done for GCA.

Vanessa Wickham, Sheryl Hermonstine and James Cole. Members of this CARIFTA team are expect-

ed to continue fine-tuning their skills this weekend, as they would not only be encamped, but would also compete in an event dubbed

CARIFTA vs the Rest.

This Track and Field meet will take place on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th April at the National

Track and Field Center (NTFC) on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD). The action is expected to commence at 10:00hrs.

Several Guyanese named in West Indies Men’s and Women’s Rugby teams

West Indies Rugby recently announced their Men’s and Women’s teams that are set to compete at the highly-anticipated Tropical 7s Rugby Tournament, scheduled for April 18–19, 2025 in Tampa, Florida, USA.

This year’s tournament would feature elite youth and senior talent from across

the globe, and West Indies Rugby is proud to field two dynamic teams composed of top players representing the Caribbean region and diaspora, the body has said. There is a mixture of regional senior players and rookie players in the Elite Level of 7’s rugby, it has added. Four locally-based Guyanese athletes and

Guyana:

Jamaica:

Trinidad & Tobago:

USA

Adams

Reserves: Kyan Cherwayko

Women’s Team Roster

Bermuda: Corrie Cross, Najee Pitt-Clarke

Guyana: Carrin Carter

two of their internationally-based counterparts have been selected for inclusion in the two West Indies teams.

The teams would arrive in Florida for pre-tournament training sessions from April 13th to 16th, and are looking forward to showcasing Caribbean talent and spirit on the international stage. West Indies Rugby have expressed their gratitude to all participating unions, sponsors, and supporters for their unwavering commitment to the sport. According to the body, this tournament presents a valuable development opportunity for our athletes and a chance to represent the region with pride.

Trinidad & Tobago: Leah Kintiba

Reserve:

The Teams’ management and staff

Tour Managers: Dellon Durrant (SVG), Jonathan Keith Cassidy (BER)

Medical Team: Jeron Pantor (TT/USA) – Physiotherapist

Coaching Staff: Wayne Pantor (TT/SVG), Jerome Poon Tip (TT),

Assistant Coach: Chantel John (SLU)

Men’s Team Roster

Barbados: Daniel Ramsay

Bermuda: Hadleigh Tucker, Jahniko Francis

Godfrey Broomes, Lionel Holder, Owen Adonis

Matteo Cherwayko, Ronaldeni Fraser (Captain)

Jerrell Vincent, Shaydon Delaney (FL)

(Guyana): Tyrese Prescod (Lindenwood), Vallon

(NY)

Jamaica: Aniya Smith (FL), Mercedes Coles (CAN), Morgan Brown (FL), Naomi Dodd (USA), Veronica Blair (Captain, NJ)

Saint Lucia: Mary Roberts, Shammah Philgence Saint Lucia/Guyana: Renetta Reynolds

(Vice-Captain)

Nathalia Cadiz (T&T)

Riyad Latif had figures of 5 for 24

Guyana’s athletes are currently in final preparation ahead of the CARIF TA Games

Guyana has found vast representation in the Men’s and Women’s West Indies Rugby teams

West Indies Championships…

GHE stifle, but could not bowl out, Red Force on Day 1

The Guyana Harpy

Eagles have had a strong start to their 7th Round clash with the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the West Indies Championships, but have not been able to rout them on day one.

The visiting GHE have reduced the hosts, T&T Red Force, to 214-7 at close of play, but have been unable to bowl them out altogether because the killer instinct was again missing, as was evident by their inability to rout the opposition before the end of the day’s play.

With the match being played at the Queen’s Park Oval in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, the Harpy Eagles opted to bowl first, and Kamil Pooran was the first of the Trinidadian batters to go. He made 4, but was unable to contend with Keemo Paul’s pace.

the pair of open er Cephas Cooper and Captain Joshua DaSilva put up some resistance with a 63run partnership.

Cooper got to his fifty off 99 balls be fore the Harpy Eagles intro duced spin, which resulted in him becoming Veerasammy Permaul’s first victim. Two overs later, a juggle and an ensuing brilliant catch from Kevin Sinclair off Nial Smith’s bowling accounted for the dismissal of Joshua DaSilva for 25 runs off 58 de liveries.

Khary Pierre and Jyd Goolie gave the hosts anoth er strong partnership, which took them safely to the tea in terval. After the break, Pierre and Goolie maximised their partnership to span 79 runs, which took the hosts safely past the 150-run mark.

Paul struck twice after, removing Amir Jangoo and Jason Mohammed cheaply before lunch. However,

Pierre, however, was caught on 38 runs made from 34 deliveries, while Goolie went on to compete his half-century. Terrence Hinds

Cephas Cooper hit the first half-century of the day for Red Force

had a brief stay at the wicket, surviving a catch taken by Sinclair that was later deter-

Nial Smith claimed 2 scalps

mined to be grounded. Not too long after, though, Ronaldo Alimohamed gave Hinds his marching orders, after he had made 19 runs off 34 balls. Unbeaten on 57 off 151 deliveries, including 6 bound-

aries, Goolie guided his side to close of play. Joshua James at the other end was, however, yet to make his mark. For the Guyanese bowlers, Keemo Paul claimed 3-38 from 14.3 overs, while Nial

Smith took 2-39 off 9 overs. Ronaldo Alimohamed and Veerasammy Permaul each claimed one scalp. Action in this four-day contest would resume at 10:00hrs today.