The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 17 – No retraction and Friday, April 18 –07:00h-08:30h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 17 –06:05h-07:35h and Friday, April 18 – 06:40h-08:10h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery to light rain showers are expected during the day and at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.92 metres.
High Tide: 06:35h and 19:04h reaching maximum heights of 2.59 metres and 2.40 metres.
Low Tide: 12:37h reaching a minimum height of 0.64 metre.
Motorcyclists account for 43% of road deaths so far in 2025 – Pres Ali urges caution
resident Dr Irfaan Ali has issued a strong appeal to all road users, especially motorcyclists, to exercise extreme caution on the nation’s roadways.
Revealing that 43 percent of road deaths recorded thus far in 2025 involve motorcyclists, the Head of State has said that, even more troubling, 72 per cent of those fatalities involved riders who were not wearing helmets.
“I am appealing to all road users, especially motorcyclists, to exercise extreme caution. The data is clear. Too many lives are
low-visibility areas.
“That is not a safe practice,” Singh cautioned. “If anyone wishes to test athletic skills, do it on a field or track designed for that purpose. These radar signs are not meant for such use.”
Earlier this month, the Government, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), launched the e-ticketing system, a key element of the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS) Project, which is now being used for this trend.
On Monday, President
The Guyanese leader reminded that, within the first 12 hours following the system’s launch, a total of 259 violations for speeding, 29 breaches for driving without a seatbelt, and one for driving while using a mobile hand-held device were detected.
According to the President, that number has now dropped to an average of 98 violations per day, demonstrating the immediate impact of technology in promoting road discipline and saving lives.
“The traffic cameras for the e-tickets, it's not to give people tickets, it's to save
being lost due to carelessness and failure to wear basic safety gear,” the President has said.
According to official figures from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), 2024 had seen a 30 per cent reduction in road fatalities, with the national death toll falling from 145 in 2023 to 102 in 2024. This dramatic drop had come after a surge in 2023 that had seen 178 deaths, much of which was attributed to reckless driving by individuals aged 25 to 42.
Notably, fatalities among men declined by 25 percent, and deaths in the high-risk 25–42 age group dropped by 49 percent. Both motorcyclist and pedestrian fatalities decreased, but President Ali warned that motorcyclists remain the most vulnerable category on Guyana’s roads.
Meanwhile, the Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh, issued a separate advisory, urging citizens to desist from a dangerous new social media trend involving individuals running in front of roadside speed radar signs to test their sprinting speed.
The practice, which gained popularity after a viral video on social media, has now escalated, with more individuals attempting it at night and in groups — posing serious safety risks, especially in
Ali announced that the system had already led to a dramatic reduction in speeding incidents. He described the system’s success as a step towards safer roads and more accountable driving behaviour across Guyana.
lives, it's to ensure people do what is right. And we're going to expand that ticketing, electronic ticketing system here on the highway in Region Three to keep you safe, your children safe, your family safe”, he detailed.
“From 275-plus to 98 since the introduction of this system. And that is what we said when we said we want technology to aid development. So, here in your communities, although you can't raise these challenges, I am telling you that a safe community, safe country project, will be expanded even more within this NDC,” President Ali assured.
Penalties
Speeding or using a mobile phone while driving attracts a fine of $7,500 each time the offence is committed.
Additionally, failure to wear a seat belt is an offence which carries a fine of $7500 for 1st offender and $10,000 for second offender; while dangerous driving is fined at between $25,000 and $50,000 for first offence; $75,000 or licence suspension for repeat offenders.
President Dr Irfaan Ali
The scene of a fatal accident on Wednesday along Mandela Avenue, Georgetown
The latest appeal by President Dr Irfaan Ali serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for all road users, particularly motorcyclists, to adopt a culture of caution and responsibility on Guyana’s roadways. The president’s revelation that 43 percent of road deaths in 2025 involve motorcyclists, and more alarmingly, that 72 percent of these riders were not wearing helmets, should prompt immediate national introspection and action.
These figures represent a tragic narrative of lives lost, families shattered, and a nation grappling with a crisis that is largely preventable. The consistent rise in motorcycle-related deaths highlights a dangerous mix of recklessness, non-compliance with safety regulations, and a worrying disregard for the protective gear that saves lives. Helmets are not optional accessories; they are essential, life-preserving tools. Their consistent absence in so many fatal incidents points to a wider societal failure in road safety education, enforcement, and cultural change.
President Ali’s call for vigilance comes against a backdrop of progress. Official statistics from the Guyana Police Force show a 30 percent reduction in road fatalities in 2024, dropping from 145 in 2023 to 102. This decline, following a surge in 2023 driven largely by reckless driving among individuals aged 25 to 42, is encouraging. Fatalities among men dropped by 25 percent, and deaths in the high-risk 25–42 age group fell by nearly half. However, these gains are being undermined by persistent highrisk behaviours among motorcyclists.
It is clear that despite improvements, significant vulnerabilities remain. Motorcyclists continue to be the mostat-risk group on the road, and the absence of helmet use in a majority of fatalities suggests that many riders are still failing to grasp the basic tenets of road safety. The issue extends beyond the roads and into the culture — a mindset shift must be cultivated, where safety becomes the default, and not the exception.
Further compounding the problem is a dangerous new trend fuelled by social media. According to Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh, individuals have begun sprinting in front of roadside speed radar signs in an attempt to test their running speed. What may appear humorous or thrilling in a short online video poses a severe risk of injury or death, especially when conducted at night or in high-traffic areas. This reckless behaviour exemplifies the increasing influence of social media on risky decision-making, and underlines the need for greater public awareness and digital literacy campaigns targeting youths.
In a more encouraging development, the recent launch of the e-ticketing system under the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS) Project represents a critical turning point. Within just 12 hours of implementation, 259 speeding violations, 29 seatbelt breaches, and one case of handheld mobile use were recorded. Today, that figure has dropped to an average of 98 violations per day.
Importantly, as President Ali noted, these systems are not meant to punish, but to protect. Technology is now a frontline tool in the broader mission to save lives and create a safer Guyana. The decision to expand the e-ticketing system into Region Three is both timely and necessary.
However, technology alone cannot shoulder the burden. Enforcement must be met with education, and penalties must be coupled with prevention. Every citizen must be made aware that road safety is a shared responsibility. Riders must wear helmets. Drivers must slow down. Pedestrians must remain alert. And every parent, teacher, community leader, and policymaker must reinforce these truths relentlessly.
The country cannot afford to lose more lives to preventable causes. With the right mix of enforcement, education, and personal responsibility, Guyana can build on the gains in 2024 and move towards a future where tragedies on the road become rare exceptions rather than daily headlines.
The statistics are a mirror, and the reflection demands urgent action.
Scenes from Day 1 of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations 2025
(Education Ministry photos)
Guyana was ahead of its time
Dear Editor, It was very encouraging to see the grants given to our youths for their future endeavours in the green economy. A recent study of the human brain conducted by the University of New Mexico showed a large magnitude of microplastics being present. The equivalent is of a disposable spoon (7 grams on average). This is an increase of 50% from eight years prior. The presence of microplastics has been found in the blood stream, the placenta, and also in the first stool of babies. (Reference: TCD article by Kritiksha Sharma from April 14th).
In the not-so-distant past, Guyana did not have a large garbage problem, as it does today. In Guyana, we used paper bags and reusable bags instead of one-use plastic bags; and we used cardboard food containers instead of Styrofoam containers. Many would say that Guyana was ahead of its time. Today we see many First World countries implementing these practices of reusable bags and the use of paper bags. Paper and cardboard are biodegradable, and the risk of microplastics getting into the body is significantly reduced. As the country continues its development
of the oil and gas sector, while balancing this pursuit with the development of the green economy, we must allow ourselves to stay ahead of the mistakes of the larger economies. Avoiding the health issues that microplastics create by reverting to biodegradable products and recycling of our plastic waste is a must.
Good luck to the winners of the grants. Your impact and influence can be very beneficial for the health of your fellow Guyanese.
The RDCs, NDCs, Amerindian Village Councils, the Mayors, Deputy Mayors and the
Town Councils around the country also each have a major role to play in successfully implementing such an initiative. Central government can also aid by placing import restrictions on plastic bags, Styrofoam, and other one-use plastic products. After all, no one wants to see a newborn come into the world contaminated by microplastics that can hamper their development and health. Nor do we want our current citizens becoming ill due to the plastic contamination in our environment.
Regards, Jamil Changlee
LJP condemns Opposition attempts to undermine democracy, affirms support for GECOM
Dear Editor,
The Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) issues the following statement on recent judicial developments, the conduct of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and the critical need to uphold democratic values ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections:
The Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) welcomes the recent ruling by Acting Chief Justice Roxane George, which unequivocally affirms that there is no statutory or constitutional requirement for Guyanese citizens to reside at a fixed address to be eligible for registration or to vote. This landmark decision protects the fundamental rights of all Guyanese, whether residing at home or abroad, to fully participate in the democratic process, and rejects the APNU/AFC’s backdoor attempt at houseto-house registration – a matter that has been extensively and conclusively adjudicated.
When
The ruling is a sound rejection of efforts by the APNU+AFC coalition to disenfranchise voters and restrict access to the electoral roll under the guise of reform. It sends a clear message that voter suppression tactics will find no support in law, and that Guyana remains committed to an inclusive democracy.
The LJP further expresses its full confidence in the leadership of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), especially Chairperson Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh. Justice Singh has served this nation with integrity, impartiality, and unshakable commitment to the rule of law. Her stewardship of GECOM during and after the turbulent 2020 elections was instrumental in protecting the sanctity of the ballot and preventing the derailment of Guyana’s democratic order.
Despite baseless attacks and personal vilification, Justice Singh has stood
firmly for fairness and transparency. The Commission’s decision to part ways with its legal officer, Mr. Kurt Da Silva, following confirmed misrepresentation of GECOM’s position in a court of law, is further evidence of its resolve to uphold internal accountability and professional ethics.
Since 2020, GECOM has taken decisive steps to strengthen its operations and improve public trust; improve training of polling staff; upgrade IT systems, and undertake proactive voter education campaigns. These reforms must be supported, not sabotaged.
Regrettably, the Liberty and Justice Party notes with increasing alarm the continued pattern of destabilising behaviour by the APNU+AFC coalition. Their actions in the lead-up to, and aftermath of, the March 2020 elections, including the brazen falsification of tabulated results; manipulation of the Region Four vote; defiance of local
and international observer missions; and frivolous, embarrassing abuse of the judicial system, constituted an outright assault on Guyana’s democracy. The records show that all the observer teams, including those from the Organization of American States (OAS), Caricom, the Commonwealth, and the European Union, documented and denounced these efforts. Had it not been for the courage of the judiciary, civil society, and committed public servants, Guyana may have faced an unprecedented constitutional crisis.
Rather than accept the lessons of 2020, the PNC-led coalition continues to pursue a scorched-earth political strategy rooted in ethnic polarisation, judicial obstruction, and institutional sabotage. Their frivolous lawsuits, misinformation campaigns, and deliberate attempts to cast doubt on the credibility of GECOM are reckless and dangerous.
The time has come for
belligerent opposition forces to abandon the politics of deception, abandon the narrative of perpetual grievance, abandon the unabated assault on our country’s democratic architecture, and transition into the fold of collective responsibility and respect for the Constitution and the will of the people. All patriotic Guyanese must coalesce to force an end to this kind of destructive politics. We must denounce, reject, and vanquish these persistent divisive and anti-democratic tactics by the PNC-led coalition, and create the breathing room for our beloved country to move forward.
The Liberty and Justice Party urges all political forces to act with restraint, responsibility, and respect for the institutions that safeguard our Republic. We call on civil society, the media, and the electorate to remain vigilant, informed, and engaged with the correct course of democracy and history as
we prepare for the 2025 elections.
Let there be no doubt: GECOM is constitutionally mandated and institutionally capable of delivering credible elections. Attempts to destabilise the Commission or delegitimise its leadership must be resisted by all right-thinking Guyanese. Our democracy, hardfought and hard-won, cannot and must not be the casualty of reckless anti-nationalist and selfish partisan ambition. The future of Guyana depends on our collective ability to uphold the rule of law, defend constitutional order, and protect the right of every citizen to cast their vote freely and fairly, as we so powerfully demonstrated in 2020. The Liberty and Justice Party stands firmly in that defence.
Sincerely,
Lenox RO Shuman, Chairman – Liberty and Justice Party
economists fail to utilise applied economics in their approach to economic
Dear Editor,
As a perpetual student of economics, I am often utterly disheartened when economists and/or economic scholars of sorts fail to utilize applied economics to economic and public policy issues in Guyana’s context. Instead, as I observed, they opt to regurgitate textbook/conventional theories in their attempts to explain real life, pragmatic issues. It is a very unscholarly behaviour, hence emphasis on my expression of disappointment. In this regard, reference is made to Terrence Yhip’s letter in the media: April 16, 2025, titled "look into the root causes of US$ shortage”.
Therein, Yhip dedicated the aforesaid essay in response to my contribution on the subject, published on April 15, 2025 in a letter titled “Nothing unusual about Bank of Guyana’s US$135M injection into forex market”. Yhip postulates:
“Joel Bhagwandin’s “Nothing unusual about Bank of Guyana’s US$135M injection into forex market”, a thesis of 1,172 words, 1 large table with 56 data points, 2 diagrams, concludes with a rather trite conclusion (which is not even the key issue)”.
Dr Yhip is certainly correct about my “trite” conclusion, because I was not making a new theoretical or empirical argument. I was simply, in response to both him and another economist of sorts, Thomas Singh, two elderly economists’ contention that the Bank of Guyana’s foreign exchange intervention is not unusual, and that it is a normal practice in the conduct of its monetary policy function, as a gentle reminder. Accordingly, to substantiate my argument, I have demonstrated this fact with irrefutable empirical evidence.
Furthermore, it is noteworthy to mention that the learned and respected economist Dr Terrence Yhip did not offer an alternative applied empirical analysis; did not refute or reject my analysis and
the findings thereof; and, most of all, did not refute, challenge, or disagree with my conclusion, although he rejected it. If his rejection thereof is to be deemed an implied disagreement, he would have nonetheless offered a vacuously incredible basis.
Yhip’s proposition that:
“it is the real exchange rate (RER) index that matters over the long haul…”, does not add any value-based, scholastically solution-oriented contribution on the matter. In fact, he forgot to state the rest of the theory, the limitations thereof, and the mechanics of the real exchange rate equation. I would have liked to see his own calculations of the real exchange rate index for Guyana, especially coming from an economist of his calibre.
What is the real exchange rate?
The RER is an economic metric that compares the purchasing power of two currencies, adjusted for differences in price levels between countries. Unlike the nominal exchange rate, which shows the direct market value of one currency against another, the RER accounts for inflation and the relative costs of goods and services, making it a more accurate indicator of competitiveness and trade balance.
How is RER calculated?
“The RER of two currencies is the product of the nominal exchange rate (the dollar cost of the nominal exchange Euro, for example) and the ratio of prices between the two countries. The core equation is RER = eP*/P, where, in the following example, e is the nominal dollar-euro exchange rate, P* is the average price of a good in the Euro area, and P is the average price for a good in the United States. In the Big Mac example, e = 1.36. If the German price is 2.5 euros and the U.S. price is $3.40, then (1.36) x (2.5) ÷ 3.40 yields an RER of 1. But if the German price were 3 euros and the
U.S. price $3.40, then the RER would be 1.36 x 3 ÷ 3.40 = 1.2”. (IMF, 2007).
What are the limitations of the RER?
While the RER is a valuable tool, it does have limitations that can affect its practical application. Here are some key challenges (AI generated):
Data Accuracy: Calculating the RER requires accurate and up-to-date data on price levels and nominal exchange rates. Inconsistent or outdated data can lead to misleading results.
• Simplistic Assumptions: The RER assumes that price indices (like CPI) accurately reflect the cost of goods and services, but these indices may not fully capture variations in quality or the composition of goods across countries.
• Short-Term Volatility: The RER can be highly volatile in the short term due to fluctuations in nominal exchange rates, making it less reliable for immediate policy decisions.
Limited Scope: The RER focuses on tradable goods and services, often overlooking non-tradeable sectors, which can also influence a country's economic competitiveness.
Policy Constraints: While the RER provides insights into competitiveness, it doesn't account for structural issues like labour market inefficiencies or infrastructure deficits, which also impact trade performance.
External Factors: Global economic conditions, such as commodity price shocks or geopolitical events, can distort the RER, making it harder to interpret.
Examples of how the limitations of the RER impacted specific countries and policies (AI generated):
• Argentina's Currency Crisis (1990s-2000s): Argentina's fixed exchange rate regime pegged the peso to the U.S. dollar, which initially stabilized inflation. However, the RER became overvalued
due to domestic inflation outpacing that of the U.S. This reduced export competitiveness and led to a severe economic crisis. The inability to adjust the RER highlighted the risks of rigid exchange rate policies.
Eurozone's Structural Imbalances: Within the Eurozone, countries like Greece and Spain have struggled with RER misalignments. Without independent monetary policies, these nations couldn't adjust their RER to restore competitiveness, leading to prolonged economic challenges.
In order to effectively adopt the RER as a monetary policy tool for price stability, certain prerequisites must be met. These include, chiefly in Guyana’s case:
(i) Flexible exchange rate regime: the theory states “a floating or managed float exchange rate system is essential to allow the nominal exchange rate to adjust freely, enabling the RER to reflect economic fundamentals”. As I have already established in my previous essay on the subject, the empirical analysis presented shows that the exchange rate regime has evolved into a flexible regime, such that the exchange rate is fluctuating within a band range of ±4%. Note that any fluctuation above 1% is deemed flexible.
(ii) Structural reforms: the theory states that “a competitive and efficient domestic economy is necessary to ensure that changes in the RER translate into real economic adjustments, such as improved export performance”. In this respect, the Guyanese economy is on an unprecedented path of structural economic reforms, geared towards economic diversification and enhanced international competitiveness, with heavy focus on the non-oil economy. Effectively, a transformation that would thereby characterise the economy’s evolvement from a predominantly primary sector producing economy to a services sector driven, value based, tertiary sector economy.
The other prerequisites include: (i) reliable price data for both domestic and foreign prices, (ii) credible monetary policy framework, (iii) an open economy and (iv) coordination with fiscal policy.
With this background in mind, the question arises, as Dr. Yhip posited: What then is the root cause of the problem? If, according to the empirical evidence I have presented, we do not have a fundamental problem with respect to macroeconomic imbalances, then
issues
what is the issue? That is not to say that we do not have macroeconomic imbalances risks; we do, but those risks, given the strong indicators, are low. The answer to this key question, however, partly relates to institutional inefficiencies and the market behaviour, to an extent; a topic I can delve into in greater detail another time, as I have already reached the word limit herein.
Sincerely,
Joel Bhagwandin
Page Foundation
We now move from putting the final touches on National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) revision to CXC. The Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams started on Tuesday, with Portuguese, French and Spanish exams, but the bulk of the exams begin on May 1. Therefore, those sitting CXC have at least two weeks to optimise their exam prep.
The first step to preparing for any exam is to assess where you are – what you already know. A useful way to do this is to work past exam papers for all subjects to be taken, under exam conditions. Below are past CXC Maths and English questions to get you started.
By Stewart Brown
Proudly wearing the rosette of my skin I strut into Sabina
For questions 1 to 5, insert the most suitable word into the blank:
1. Despite his short-temper, his willingness to give of his wealth to help others to succeed led people to call him ......................
(A) hasty
(B) foolish
(C) benevolent (D) old fashioned
2. When parents display a ............. for one child, the others are likely to feel............
3. An attack on someone when that person is most vulnerable may be.......... but is always.............. (A) inappropriate............ thoughtful (B) rewarding .................. satisfying (C) destructive .................. distressing (D) effective .................. unkind
4. While the committee members .................. insults across the floor, the chairman tried in vain to order.
5. To conceal his true activities, the spy quickly .................. a presence there. a plausible excuse for his (A) fabricated (B) divulged (C) explained (D) disguised
For question 6, choose the opposite of the underlined word
6. He was eager to share the news with his friends.
(1) (a) (i) Using a calculator, or otherwise, calculate the EXACT value of
Mathematics English Language
England boycotting excitement bravely something badly amiss.
(ii) Write the value of as a fraction in its LOWEST terms.
(b) The thickness of one sheet of cardboard is given as 485 × 102 mm. A construction worker uses 75 sheets of the cardboard, stacked together, to insulate a wall..
(i) Show that the exact thickness of the insulation is 363.75 mm.
(ii) Write the thickness of the insulation a) correct to 2 significant figures b) correct to 1 decimal place c) in standard form.
(c) Marko is on vacation in the Caribbean. He changes 4500 Mexican pesos (MXN) to Eastern Caribbean dollars (ECD). He receives 630 ECD. Complete the statement below about the exchange rate.
1 ECD= ............... MXN
2. (a) Factorize the following expression completely. 12n2 – 4mn
(b) (i) Show that
(ii) Hence, solve the equation
(c) Make v the subject of the formula p = √ 5 + vt .
(d) The distance needed to stop a car, d, varies directly as the square of the speed, s, at which it is travelling. A car travelling at a speed of 70 km/h requires a distance of 40 m to make a stop. What distance is required to stop a car travelling at 80 km/h?
Cricket. Not the game they play at Lords, The crowd- whoever saw a crowd At a cricket match? – are caged vociferous partisans, quick to take offence. England sixty eight for none at lunch. ‘What sort o battin dat man?
Dem kaaan play cricket again, praps dem should-a-borrow Lawrence Rowe!’ And on it goes, the wicket slow as the batting and the crowd restless. ‘Eh white bwoy, how you brudders dem does sen we sleep so? Me pay me monies fe watch dis foolishness? Cho!’ So I try to explain in my Hampshire drawl about conditions in Kent, about sticky wickets and muggy days and the monsoon season in Manchester but fail to convince even myself. The crowd’s loud ‘busin drives me out skulking behind a tarnished rosette somewhat frayed now but unable, quite, to conceal a blushing nationality. Absalom
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
WORD SEARCH:
20th anniversary celebrations
CCJ hailed for safeguarding Guyana’s democracy in explosive 2020 elections
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) coming into being, the regional court has been recognized for its role in some of the most important regional cases in recent history, including Guyana’s 2020 National and Regional Election cases, where it helped determine the country’s democratic future and defused a volatile and potentially explosive situation.
On Wednesday, the CCJ celebrated the 20th anniversary of its establishment as the regional court in 2005. At the interfaith ceremony held to mark the occasion, Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commissioner Trinidadian Senior Counsel Sophia Chote reflected on some of the most pivotal regional cases the court presided over. Among those cases were several from Guyana regarding its 2020 General
and Regional Elections. Despite evidence that then President David Granger and his A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition government had lost by a large margin, efforts were being made to swear him in as the elected president based on a falsified report done by the country’s electoral machinery.
“The Cooperative Republic of Guyana had held elections in 2020. It was a complicated situation, but it appeared that a result was declared which did not reflect the actual count. And that it was the intention to swear in a President from the losing party. The case was quickly litigated through to the CCJ,” Chote said.
Chote noted that, at the time, the CCJ had expressed its duty to uphold the relevant constitution,
a duty the court upholds to this day. The report, compiled by embattled former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, would have disenfranchised over 100,000 voters. The CCJ’s ruling invalidated this report, and according to Chote, helped defuse a volatile situation in Guyana – and potentially the region.
“The applicants were granted the reliefs sought. The fact that there was a regional court of substance and integrity, which had addressed and ruled upon the matter, in my very respectful view, must have done much to diffuse what must have appeared to have been quite an explosive situation, not only for Guyana, but for
the region,” she added.
Another case Chote reflected on is one of its earliest cases, involving TCL Guyana Inc. and the Government of Guyana. In this 2008 case, TCL Guyana had approached the court for leave to sue the Government, claiming that Guyana had breached the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
“It was the first community law case. And the court ruled on three aspects of community law: Private access, state liability, and damages. While the cases generated a great deal of community heat, the judgements have remained important landmarks,” Chote also said.
The CCJ was inaugurated on April 16, 2005 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. It serves as the final court of appeal for Barbados, Belize, and Guyana. In its Original Jurisdiction, however, it is
an international court with exclusive authority to interpret and apply the rules set out in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC), and to decide disputes arising under it. The RTC established Caricom and the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).
In its Original Jurisdiction, the CCJ is critical to the CSME, and all 12 Member States which belong to the CSME (including citizens, businesses, and governments) can access the court’s Original Jurisdiction to protect their rights under the RTC.
Over the years, Guyana has accounted for most of the cases filed before the CCJ. As a matter of fact, for the period 1st August 2020 to 31st July 2021, that judicial year saw 19 cases filed from Guyana, 15 from Barbados, four from Belize, and three from Dominica.
Guyana slams BBC report linking US tariffs to China ties as “mischievous” …says news agency’s use of local beekeeper as geopolitical analyst “irresponsible”
Arecent report from BBC News that sought to question why Guyana was hit with 38 per cent reciprocal tariff by the United States (US) has been debunked by the Government of Guyana as ‘mischievous and irresponsible” after it linked the imposition of tariffs with Guyana/China relations.
The report in question, written by Gemma Handy and published on Monday, questioned whether Guyana’s close relationship with China, with whom the US is engaged in a trade standoff, was the reason for 38 per cent reciprocal tariffs being imposed on Guyanese goods imported by the US.
At the time the tariffs had been announced by US
President Donald Trump, however, it had been pointed out that Guyana has a 76 per cent tariff on US imports.
According to the Government of Guyana in its response to the report, the reciprocal tariffs were calculated by dividing the US trade deficit with the target country by the total imports from the country, and then further dividing the figure by two.
“The methodology for calculating the reciprocal tariff was also very helpfully published on the website of the US Trade Representative. Here, again, it was very transparently indicated that the formula for determining the tariff applied to each country is based on the
trade balance between the US and the country concerned, and that the formula does not include any variable to capture the relationship of the country concerned with any other country whatsoever,” the Government of Guyana pointed out.
The BBC report had relied on quotes supplied by professional local beekeeper Francis Bailey, whom the Government in its statement described as “an anti-Government social-media personality” whom the BBC seemingly anointed as a political commentator.
According to the Government, this particular report fell short of the usual high standards set by the BBC.
Motorcyclists account for...
Failure to pay the ticket, according to existing laws, could result in a driver’s licence being disqualified until the payment is made.
In an effort to increase transparency and accountability among road users, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has also launched a new feature on its website for members of the public to track their tickets for road traffic violations.
Through this feature, drivers can enter the ticket number, their taxpayer identification number, or motor vehicle registration number, to find out the status of any tickets that may have been issued to them.
The e-ticketing system is a key element of the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS) Project, being implemented in collab-
oration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA).
The new system will operate through a network of radar speed cameras that would automatically detect vehicles exceeding the legal speed limit. Once a violation is recorded, a ticket would be generated immediately. If the driver’s contact details are registered with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), that driver would receive a notification via SMS and email.
However, in cases where contact details are unavailable, a physical ticket would be mailed to the vehicle owner’s registered address. The process would be fully automated, eliminating the need for manual ticketing and en-
“The Government of Guyana considers that the baseless speculation contained in the aforementioned article by Gemma
cluding trade, which saw a whopping 31 per cent increase to reach US$800 million in the first half of 2024.
The Guyana Government has meanwhile already been engaging the US to ensure that trade relations remain favourable, not just between the two countries, but the wider Caribbean region. As far back as in February, this position had been articulated by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo amid plans by the US Government to impose tariffs on imports from several countries, including Canada, Mexico and
el of relief, but this was short-lived after President Trump threatened to hit more countries with similar tariffs.
Most exciting places It was only last month that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Guyana, during which he hailed Guyana as one of the most exciting places in the world, emphasizing its potential for transformational growth and reaffirming the US’ commitment to supporting its future.
According to Rubio, this transformation will not only bring prosperity for the country, but also
3
suring that enforcement remains fair and free from human interference.
Government has partnered with MMG to make it easier for motorists to pay fines directly through its platform. In the near future, violations will also be accessible via the Guyana Revenue Authority’s “Padna” app, giving drivers the ability to check and settle their fines online.
To ensure the public is fully informed about the new system, the Government will soon launch a nationwide public awareness campaign. This campaign will educate drivers on how the system works, what to expect if they receive a speeding ticket, and the process for paying or contesting a violation.
Handy is mischievous and irresponsible, it falls short of the BBC’s customary high standard of journalistic excellence, and it is particularly egregious given that the methodological basis for the tariff computation has been widely available in the public domain for weeks now, and has been published by the BBC News website itself nearly two weeks ago,” the Government of Guyana also said.
Guyana and China have historically shared strong relations. As a matter of fact, there has been growth in these bilateral ties in several fields, in-
China.
In light of this potential tightening of global trade, Jagdeo had told reporters at one of his press conferences that the Government is paying attention to the issue, which could see the potential tightening of global trade. While the US Government has gone ahead with its implementation of a 10 per cent tariff on imports from China, there has been a 30-day delay on the 25 per cent tariff to be imposed on imports from Canada and Mexico. This latter move had brought some lev-
the lives of children and future generations, which he says will look completely different in five to 10 years’ time under current leadership.
The United States has long been Guyana’s largest trading partner, with accumulated trade of more than US$3.9 billion recorded in 2022. In fact, the US is ranked as Guyana’s number one export and import destination, with export and import relations pegged at some US$2.7 billion and US$1.2 billion respectively in 2022. And in 2023, US-Guyana trade exceeded US$4.6 billion.
Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commissioner Trinidadian
Senior Counsel Sophia Chote
Local beekeeper Francis Bailey
Guyanese man arrested in Suriname for smuggling ram across border
A37-year-old Guyanese man was arrested on Monday in Suriname for allegedly smuggling a sheep into that country without proper clearance from the authorities.
According to a report published by Surinamese news agency Waterkant, the arrest took place at about 09:15h during a routine police operation conducted along the backtrack route at Abdul Ghani Madharweg, located in the Nickerie district.
Officers stationed at the Corantijnpolder Police Station in that Dutchspeaking country were conducting checks when they stopped a passenger boat that had arrived from Guyana.
During the inspection, the man, identified by his initials RI, was found transporting a ram with a brownblack coat. RI was arrested on the spot, and the animal was seized and is now part of
the ongoing criminal investigation.
Checks revealed that RI currently resides in Nickerie, but that the animal had been brought into Suriname without undergoing any veterinary inspec-
tion and without official permission from the relevant authorities.
The suspect reportedly told police that the sheep had been given to him as a gift by a mosque in Guyana, and that it was intended to be used in a religious ceremony for his daughter. He also claimed he was unaware that bringing animals into Suriname under such conditions was not allowed.
After consultation with the Surinamese Public Prosecution Service, the man was officially placed in custody. The case remains under investigation as law enforcement officials continue to follow up on the circumstances surrounding the illegal transport of the animal.
"Mice man" on $1.2M theft charge
Marlon Marcus, also known as “Mice Man”, of Broad Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, was on Wednesday placed on $75,000 bail after appearing before Principal Magistrate
Faith McGusty to answer a charge of larceny of a box of gold detectors, valued at $1.2 million.
The charge states that on March 17, at North Road, Bourda, Georgetown, the 30-year-old construction
worker stole a box containing six gold detectors, the property of Bisham Persaud. The matter was reported at the Alberttown Police Station and Marcus was later arrested and charged with simple larceny.
In court, Marcus told the magistrate that he was wrongfully accused. He claimed that on the day of the alleged incident, he and his father were riding a motorcycle when Persaud caused them to fall, resulting in them both sustaining injuries; and when he approached Persaud for compensation, the businessman refused to engage him. Accordingly, he entered Persaud’s vehicle and removed the box as a form of protest.
Pleading with the court for leniency, Marcus de-
Moving on up… …in oil rankings
The latest Exxon FPSO just sailed into Guyana’s waters. Well, this FPSO’s gonna be sucking out another 250,000 bpd - from the Yellowtail project in the Stabroek Block – starting just before the elections, which we know has gotta be held by November latest!! This gonna push production to 900,000 bpd - to get into the real big leagues of the oil business!!
clared he is the sole breadwinner for his family and that his seven-year-old daughter is reportedly ill and has been unable to attend school regularly.
However, his explanation drew scrutiny from Magistrate McGusty, who questioned the logic behind his reasoning.
Given further explanation, the magistrate also noted Marcus’s familiarity with courtroom terminology, and asked if he had previously appeared before the court.
She said that, based on the terminologies he usedfor example, ‘I am not a flight risk, Your Worship’, and ‘I am the sole breadwinner for my family’, along with other court terminologies - he seemed like someone who is very familiar with the court.
Marcus denied ever being charged, but said he had been in a courtroom before. However, records showed that he had in fact been previously charged with attempted murder in relation to the July 9, 2023 shooting of six-year-old Jeremiah Gustave - the child who was struck during a shootout in Charlestown.
Marcus had been remanded to prison in that matter, and had been released only after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had withdrawn the charge in October 2023, a decision that has left the public and the victim’s family devastated.
Odelle Garnette, the other man involved in the shooting, was remanded to prison and remains in custody.
On March 29, young Jeremiah Gustave succumbed to injuries sustained in that shooting incident after months of hospitalization, surgeries, and intensive care.
The prosecution did not object to bail in this theft matter, and Marcus is expected to return to court on May 14.
That our oil is all light, sweet Brent crude – the gold standard of oil – makes it even sweeter!! And that the One Guyana FPSO is designed with advanced gas processing capabilities, with the ability to treat up to 450 million cubic feet of natural gas per day – which is gonna make us a player in the gas business -- makes it positively saccharine!! Exxon started out with just 74,000 barrels per day in Dec 2019, and moved to 616,000 in 2024 – after they’d struck oil in May, 2015. The PNC/APNU/AFC coalition had just eased out the PPP, who’d been at the helm for 23 years. The prospects of oil revenues pouring down the pipeline must’ve played a huge role in convincing the PNC to try that rigging stunt with Mingo and his spreadsheets and soiled bedsheets!! Be that as it may, the PPP’s been using its share of the 500 million barrels pumped out since 2019 to transform Guyana – and in doing so, the political landscape!!
Now, you’d think the Opposition would be happy to see their country developing, wouldn’t you?? After all, for instance, it’s not only PPP officials, but theirs also, who can enjoy all the new modern highways, hotels, restaurants and malls!! But sadly, their response has been to accuse the PPP of “buying out” their supporters – who’re mainly African- and Coloured-Guyanese due to the divide-and-rule policies during colonial days – with the development and creation of jobs, housing schemes, and greater educational opportunities!!
The way they carry on, you’d think that the PPP invented development and improvement of living conditions to attract votes in democratic elections!! Your Eyewitness thinks that the Opposition just never understood development from a perspective of actually doing what it takes to take it from ideas – which Burnham and them are great at!! – to reality!! The Opposition can talk the talk, but just can’t walk the walk – and want us to remain stuck at where we were when Burnham finished with us - in the gutter!!
A sixth FPSO, the Jaguar, is scheduled to begin production by the end of 2027, and of course this will ramp up production higher. We’re already gonna surpass Venezuela’s production this year.
Mad Maduro will be pulling out his hair!!
…on reparations??
The Government of Guyana – led by Pres Ali – has been in the forefront of the call for reparations. Now, following up on the call by leader of our delegation to the Fourth Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in New York – a call for the countries that committed the greatest crime against humanity: African Slavery – to make amends with reparation, Hilary Brown, representative of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, gave an ultimatum to the gathering - “Enough talk, time for concrete results”!! Calls for reparations, of course, have been demanded for decades by Caricom, and have been gaining momentum worldwide, particularly in the US Black community and the African Union. Your Eyewitness doesn’t have to go over the rationale after all that’s gone before, does he?? But the backlash against reparations has also been growing –as the stakes have become bigger with the evidence now incontrovertible as to the damage done to the African people – even as the Imperial countries were enriched!!
Your Eyewitness says, “AMANDLA!!”
…from the PNC
Another PNC official has wiped the dust off his feet as far as that party is concerned to join the PPP!! APNU Region Six Councillor Shaun Smith said, “We have the right to support leadership that uplifts all Guyanese, and won’t be silenced.”
Marlon Marcus, also known as “Mice man”
The sheep that was smuggled into the country (Photo: Waterkant)
Over 15,000 students turn out for NGSA, highest since COVID-19 – Manickchand
More than 15,000 pupils across Guyana have sat the first day of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations of 2025 on Wednesday, and the Ministry of Education has reported a record-high attendance rate of 98 per cent, the best turnout since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Education Minister Priya Manickchand, a total of 15,813 students were regis-
tered to write the two-day national examinations. As of Wednesday evening, data had been received from 99 percent of schools showing that 15,497 students turned up to write the exams.
“Region Five recorded the highest attendance rate at 98.85%. This is an extremely positive indicator of our students’ and parents’ trust in the education system,” Manickchand stated.
Among those sitting the exams were 115 students with Special Education
Needs (SEND) and, notably, 91 students wrote the assessments in Spanish — a historic first introduced last year.
The Ministry attributed the strong turnout to targeted investments made in the education sector to improve both accessibility and readiness. All public-school students received free breakfast and lunch, while students from both public and private schools received exam kits, including stationery items required for the
assessments.
“We’ve made major strides in preparing our pupils for this day. From better-equipped classrooms and more trained teachers to the provision of school meals and transportation in the hinterland, we are seeing the results in attendance, and we hope in overall performance,” Minister Manickchand explained.
Manickchand also credited the introduction of additional boats and new schools in remote areas with
Students of Better Hope Primary, Region Two, saying a prayer before the exams on Wednesday
improving student access.
Assessment format
The National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) assesses competencies developed from the Grade Three to the Grade Five consolidated curriculum. The 2025 schedule includes both multiple-choice and essay components in English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies over a twoday period.
On April 16, students wrote English Paper II, Mathematics Paper One, Science Paper One, Social Studies Paper One. Today, the students will sit the English Paper One, Mathematics Paper Two, Science Paper Two and Social Studies Paper Two.
Mock assessments were conducted in December 2024 and February 2025 to prepare students. Manickchand expressed confidence that the momentum will continue through the final day of assessments on Thursday.
“We expect to see similarly strong numbers tomorrow. This is a collective success — from the students, to their parents, teachers, and our hardworking ministry staff. I thank everyone involved and wish all our children continued success,” she said.
The NGSA is a critical exam for Grade Six pupils in Guyana. It determines placement into secondary schools based on academic performance.
Construction sector accounts for 1100 pollution complaints – EPA
As the country’s construction sector continues to rapidly expand, a significant number of complaints has been received by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the sector and its operations.
This was revealed by Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Kemraj Parsram, on Wednesday during an edition of the EPA’s 360 programme.
Parsram noted that while the country is at the peak of its development trajectory, it is important for stakeholders to ensure that the developments happening in the various sectors do not affect the environment and citizens’ health.
In fact, he referenced the country’s booming construction sector, which he noted has been on the agency’s radar for quite some time, with a significant number of complaints having been received from persons. The director highlighted that a process must be followed before the organization takes action.
“We have to let natural justice and we also have to let, you know, understand the situation before we take a point of action; and in this case, with road construction, it would require oth-
er agencies to become involved. Many of our roads are subcontracted.”
He added, “The problem is that they may have all the systems in place, but then you have a subcontractor who is to bring materials to the road, and these truck drivers they drive like they don’t care, they try to get as much trips in, and then they drive and they don’t abide by speed limits. And when you don’t do that, in an open road, fast driving, dry conditions will cause noise, vibration and dust”.
Moreover, the director revealed that, over the last 2 years, the agency has received over 1000 complaints from citizens. He explained that addressing these complaints has been a challenge to the agency due to its small workforce.
“There are so many things that are happening, so many complaints right now, we have in excess, I would say over 1,100 complaints. That is only between the last two years. We’ve managed to investigate 300 and deal with them; we have another 866. What we’re doing relies that we do not have all the resources. We are only 170-something staff, and that includes administrative as well as the technical. So, imagine complaints from all sectors
across the country.”
In fact, Parsram revealed that complaints from the construction sector over
the years have accounted for a significant number of complaints recorded by the agency, even surpassing high risk sectors like Oil and Gas.
“If you ask me, this is our biggest threat. Not oil and gas, not the mining or the forestry, because those are controlled, but these activities are unpermitted activities across the country… So, we have to strategize and use, you know, where do we put our resources, we have to put our resources where the bigger problems are, and that’s what we’re doing.”
Moreover, to address the growing issue, the EPA plans to collaborate with private sector agencies such as the Guyana
Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), among others, to
stakeholders, to inform them of best practices which will reduce pollution caused by their operations.
sensitise
EPA Executive Director Kemraj Parsram
APNU/AFC did nothing to uplift AfroGuyanese in 2015-2020 – Nandlall
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister
Anil Nandlall has sharply criticised Vincent Alexander, Chairman of the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly – Guyana (IDPADA-G), for what he called a “misleading and dishonest portrayal” of the treatment of Afro-Guyanese at the United Nations’ 4th Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall
Addressing Alexander’s statement at the UN, which alleged systemic marginalisation and land seizures against Afro-Guyanese, Nandlall dismissed the claims as politically driven fabrications.
During his weekly programme, ‘Issues in the News’, the AG accused Alexander of omitting key facts, including the Opposition’s own re-
cord during its time in office and IDPADA-G’s failure to account for $500 million in public funds allocated for Afro-Guyanese development.
“Why did he not tell the United Nations that, (for) half of the decade, his party was in government, and outline to the United Nations what his party did for AfroGuyanese?” the AG asked.
“Nothing about what they did! You know why? Because they did nothing. If a forensic audit is ever done, it will reveal that Afro-Guyanese currently are better off than they have ever been in the history of Guyana now; and I can say that without any fear of be-
ing contradicted successfully,” the AG said.
According to the AG, between 2015 and 2020 - half of the designated UN Decade —Alexander’s political party was in government, yet no tangible progress was made for Afro-Guyanese under their leadership. He further accused Alexander and
a small group of “hijacking” the originally proposed African development body, turning it into a private company with themselves listed as directors and shareholders.
Nandlall said financial records show that over 70 percent of IDPADA-G’s budget was spent on salaries,
rentals, and consumables, while just a fraction went to actual educational or empowerment initiatives.
Chairman of IDPADA-G, Vincent Alexander
Linden sawmill dump fire Smoke suppression efforts underway following week-long inferno
…new aerial firefighting equipment deployed
Just over one week after a fire had erupted at a sawmill waste dump in Amelia’s Ward Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), the Guyana Fire Service has contained the inferno, and is now focusing attention on reducing the amount of smoke emanating from the zone.
The fire, which had erupted on Wednesday last, had significantly tested the firefighting capabilities of the Guyana Fire Service, given the topography of the
area. However, after several days of firefighting and collaborative efforts, the inferno was contained on Monday.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who holds ministerial responsibility for disaster response, along with several senior Government officials, visited the area to assess the situation on Tuesday; and during a radio interview, the prime minister updated Linden residents on the situation.
He explained that although the inferno has been
contained, a significant amount of smoke has been emanating from the area; and this, Phillips noted, is a top priority and is currently being addressed to ensure no risk is posed to the health of persons living within the area.
“I can tell you upfront that, from a Government standpoint, we will facilitate all the equipment, all the resources that are required by the Fire Service, the CDC, and the private operators, who I must say are very instrumental. I
Sol Guyana spreads Easter cheer with kite donation to Agricola children
Sol Guyana continued its annual tradition of community outreach this Easter with the donation of 170 kites to school-aged children in Agricola, one of Guyana’s oldest and most resilient communities.
The event, which featured music, snacks, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and the enthusiastic participation of Sol employees, brought smiles and joy to dozens of children and families in the area.
As more than just a
seasonal gesture, the initiative reflects Sol’s commitment to supporting its fence-line communities, particularly youths.
“We are incredibly grateful for the commitment Sol has shown to the community over the years,” said Elizabeth William-Niles, a community leader in Agricola. “Their consistent contributions have made a significant impact in helping to improve the lives of the kids in this community.”
General Manager
of Sol Guyana, Earl Carribon, reaffirmed the company’s connection to Agricola by stating, “This community holds a special place in our hearts. Easter is a time of renewal and reflection, and what better way to honour that than by investing in the next generation, while helping to keep the cultural tradition of kite-flying alive?”
Sol Guyana’s partnership with Agricola spans more than a decade, and includes past projects such as refurbishing the Agricola Primary School Library, donating school supplies and equipment, hosting safety talks, and organizing annual backto-school and Christmas drives.
The company is encouraging other stakeholders and businesses to support local initiatives and help foster strong, sustainable communities across Guyana.
must commend them for the work that they would have done, mobilizing resources and doing all the work around the clock to contain the fire into one area,” the Prime Minister has said.
He added, “What we're going to do now is continue our efforts to suppress the smoke, because the smoke is affecting the people who live in proximity to the location of the fire. So, from a Government standpoint, we treat this as a disaster. It's a man-made disaster, not a natural disaster, but nevertheless, it is a disaster.”
Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Kemraj Parsram, also provided an update on the situation. He highlighted that a team from the EPA is currently on the ground monitoring the air quality.
“The issue is the smoke. So, we have staff right now on the ground actually monitoring the concentration of carbon monoxide, or smoke, as we call it locally, to see if it's going to impact residents. Some residents, because of their sensitivity, they're expressing that they have been affected, eyes burning. Those that are asthmatic will have some effects. Of course, the CDC is
working on relocating some of those vulnerable population, but the key thing is that we measure the concentration and it is not exceeding the World Health Standards.”
This publication understands that waste from nearby sawmills has been accumulating at the dumpsite for some 30 years. As such, Parsram told listeners that stakeholders will soon work together to identify an alternative area to dump industrial waste.
“We need to come together, and one of the key things we need to identify (is) alternative locations for dumping of sawmill waste in the region, as well as garbage as well. So, we'll be working with the Town Council, the region, and the relevant authorities to ensure that it's done, and ensure it doesn't happen again,” Parsram said.
Aerial firefighting
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), for the first time ever, utilized one of its Bambi Buckets –which is a large, lightweight and collapsible water-carrying device used in aerial firefighting. It is suspended from a helicopter, and can hold a significant amount of water (hundreds, or even thousands, of gallons).
The design of the buckets allows the helicopter to hover over a water source — such as a lake, river, pond, or tank — and lower the bucket into the water to refill it. This allows the helicopter crew to operate the bucket in remote locations without the need to return to a permanent operating base, reducing the time between successive drops. It was attached to a military helicopter to assist with the ongoing firefighting efforts in Linden, Region 10.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips in Linden
2 hospitalised following motorcycle accidents in Georgetown
Two men are currently hospitalised in stable condition following separate motorcycle accidents that occurred within hours of each other in Regional Division 4’A’ (Georgetown).
The first accident occurred at about 22:00h on Tuesday along the Meadow Bank Public Road in the vicinity of the National Hardware Store. It involved motorcycle CP 1255, driven by 32-year-old Esan Josiah, a resident of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara.
According to police, Josiah was proceeding south along the eastern carriageway when he lost control of his motorcycle and it crashed into a concrete median, resulting in him sustaining injuries about his body.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
transported him to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted in stable condition. Luckily for him, he was wearing a safety helmet when the accident occurred.
The second accident occurred at the intersection of Camp and Norton Streets in Georgetown at about 01:00h on Wednesday. This accident involved motorcycle CN 9518, owned and driven by Andrew Simpson, 42, of Providence, East Bank Demerara, and motor car PAC 9667, driven by 24-year-old Christopher Washington of Front Road, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
Police inquiries revealed that Washington was driving the car in a westerly direction along the southern drive lane of Norton Street when he
failed to stop at the intersection and ended up in the path of Simpson’s motorcycle, which was heading south along the eastern lane of Camp Street.
The resulting collision reportedly threw Simpson in the air, and he landed on the bonnet of motorcar PAG 696, which was proceeding north along Camp Street, before hitting the road surface.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) rushed the unconscious Simpson to the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit, where he was immediately admitted. His condition is also listed as stable, although he was not wearing a safety helmet at time of the accident.
Notices of intended prosecution have been served on the involved parties as inquiries into these accidents continue.
Mahdia driver charged for assaulting ex-girlfriend
Joel Dear, a 46-yearold driver of 111 Miles Mahdia in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), was on Wednesday placed on $30,000 bail following his appearance before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty in her Georgetown court to answer two charges of assault and damage to property, allegedly committed on Jeanette James during a confrontation with the woman in Alexander Street Kitty, Georgetown.
The first charge alleges that on April 13, at Alexander Street Kitty, Dear unlawfully assaulted James. The second charge alleges that on the same date and at the same location, he maliciously damaged one Samsung cellular phone valued at $35,000, the personal property of James. Dear pleaded not guilty to both offences; and when Magistrate McGusty
Charged: Joel Dear
questioned him about his relationship with the virtual complainant, he replied that he knew James “by seeing her”, and claimed that they “were friends”.
Asked how long he had known her, Dear said it had been approximately nine months, and that they first became acquainted on a playground.
However, the police prosecutor detailed that Dear and James had in fact
shared a domestic relationship, and had once resided together at the same address. The prosecutor also revealed that James had previously lived at Dear’s property in Mahdia.
After considering the matter, Magistrate McGusty placed Dear on $10,000 bail for the assault charge and $20,000 bail for the malicious damage to property charge, and adjourned the matters to May 14.
Venezuela border controversy China respects all nations’ sovereignty, territorial integrity – diplomat
Commenting on the ongoing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, Chargé d’Affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown, Huang Rui, says that China respects every country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
China, which share strong economic ties with both Guyana and Venezuela, is yet to pronounce on the decades-old border controversy between the two South American nations – something which the Chinese Embassy official explained is in keeping with his country’s foreign policy.
“If you actually follow up the Chinese foreign policies –all those policies [for] as long as possible, you will see, first of all, we’ve never intervened in the internal affairs of any nation, and the second principle is we actually respect all nations’ sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Huang told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday.
The Chinese diplomat was at the time responding to questions specifically about Venezuela’s recent incursion into Guyana’s waters, where the Chinese State-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) is one of the partners operating in the prolific Stabroek Block
offshore Guyana.
Venezuela is claiming two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass – the entire Essequibo region – and a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) offshore.
After a failed good offices process through the United Nations and based on the recommendation of the then United Nations Secretary General, Guyana approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in March 2018, seeking affirmation of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which was agreed as a final and binding settlement that demarcated the boundary between the two nations.
Despite the matter still pending before the World Court and the two South American neighbours sign-
ing the historic Argyle Declaration in December 2023, to keep the Caribbean and Latin America as a “Zone of Peace”, Venezuela continues to use aggressive tactics against Guyana.
CNOOC
The latest being on March 1, 2025, when a Venezuelan naval vessel entered Guyana’s waters and threatened several vessels operated by the Stabroek Block partners including CNOOC.
CNOOC holds a 25 per cent interest in the oil rich-Stabroek Block, which US oil giant ExxonMobil operates with a majority interest of 45 per cent, while Hess Corporation has the remaining 30 per cent interest.
While he did not re-
spond to the recent threats from Venezuela, the Chinese Embassy official did highlight the important role that CNOOC plays in the oil and gas industry and by extension, Guyana’s economic transformation.
Currently, the CNOOC headquarters in Georgetown employs about 18 persons of which some 50 per cent are Guyanese. Meanwhile, under the Stabroek Block partnership, over 6000 jobs were generated for Guyanese at the end of 2024, making locals the dominant workforce within the oil and gas industry.
But in addition to creating employment, the Chinese Embassy official pointed out that CNOOC also plays a key role in skills development.
“They also provide some scholarships… From 2023 to 2027, [in cooperation] with Guyana’s Natural Resources Ministry, they will provide scholarships for 20 Guyanese to not only train [but] to get degrees in China,” he noted.
According to the Chinese diplomat, CNOOC also shoulders its corporate social responsibility primarily in four areas – education, energy, security and in Indigenous communities.
“CNOOC has developed around 50 projects and invested more than US$2 mil-
lion,” he noted, adding that the Chinese oil company has also invested another US$0.1 billion into the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) – a 10-year plan by the Stabroek Block partners that is geared towards empowering the Guyanese workforce.
China on border controversy
On Wednesday, the Chargé d’Affaires made a comment about friendly relations with Venezuela to address the issue, which sparked outrage from Guyanese on social media, including several politicians. While China has traditionally refrained from commenting on the border controversy, it had previously called for peace to prevail between Guyana and Venezuela back in December 2023.
These remarks were made by China’s former Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, at a December 6, 2023 press conference during which he was asked by French news agency AFP about the Venezuela border controversy.
The former spokesman was asked whether China, a “firm” ally of Venezuela while also maintaining friendly relations with Guyana, supported Venezuela’s unjust claims on Guyana’s territory, and whether the country was
worried about a possible invasion.
In response, he had said, “Venezuela and Guyana are both China’s good friends. China always respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. China always supports the two countries in properly settling the issue of demarcation of their boundary through friendly consultation. This is in the interests of the people of both countries, and conducive to the stability, cooperation and development of Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Only recently, President Dr Irfaan Ali has ruled out talks with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro, after Caracas announced plans earlier this year to hold elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region on May 25, 2025 – something that has been widely criticised, along with the incursion, by the international community.
Moreover, the Guyana Government has already written the ICJ to block these illegal elections. In response, the World Court has asked Venezuela to explain its actions, which violates a December 2023 order issued by the ICJ to restrain the Spanish-speaking nation from threatening Guyana.
Pump failures, littering blamed for NA flooding after heavy downpour
A continuous deluge that started in the wee hours of Wednesday has left sections of New Amsterdam inundated.
Citizens of residential communities woke up to find their yards flooded, and access to several Government agencies was severely impeded by flooded entrances.
Almost the entire Vryman’s Ervin, considered an upper-class residential community, was under several inches of water; and sections of Main Street and Strand in New Amsterdam resembled flowing streams.
However, flooding in those areas could not be compared to what obtained in Pitt Street, considered the commercial centre of the town, where many businesses there remained closed, besieged by the intrusion of flood waters.
Mayor Wainwright
McIntosh has said the pumps were not working, and that resulted in sections of the municipality being flooded. As he and a team from the municipality visited the affected areas to get a feel of what was happening, the mayor told this publication that heavy littering was one of the main factors that contributed to the flooding. As such, he has called for a multi-sectoral approach to address the issue.
The municipality has said it has a mandate to take care of the primary drainage system, while Central Government has responsibility for the secondary drainage network, which includes the canals and outfall channels.
“While the municipality and the Central Government will honour the obligations, citizens must honour their duty and responsibili-
ty to take care of their front drains; and most importantly, to desist from the practice of littering. Once we address this issue from a multisectoral approach, we will have the necessary relief that we are looking for in terms of drainage, because drainage plays a very important role within the township of New Amsterdam,” Mayor McIntosh told this publication.
He pointed out that, over the past two decades, the landscape of New Amsterdam has experienced significant change, and he noted that encumbrance caused to the drainage structure within the township has resulted in it being compromised.
“In the bylaws, there are specific measurements for the width and the depth of the drainage network. If we should pull our measuring tapes, we will see that, con-
sciously, developers would have encumbered the drainage network. The drainage serves as the holding point for the water until the sluices are open”, he explained.
“This morning, unfortunately, when we had that heavy downpour of rain, we had a high tide, hence the (sluice) doors were closed. And because of this, the drainage system did not have the capacity to hold the water coming from the downpour of rain, hence the flooding,” he detailed.
Sluice attendant Mayor McIntosh is of the view that had the sluice attendant acted more responsibly, the water levels would have been much lower.
“The two pumps situated in the town, one at Lot 31 Stanleytown and the other in Tucber, those pumps were not on. Had those
pumps been put into operation during that (downpour), we would have had a million minimum minimal water inland, because the pumps are designed to take the water from inland and pour it into the outfalls when the sluice doors are closed and the tides are high,” he detailed.
Deputy Mayor Kirk Fraser, who heads the Municipal Works Committee, has said it is unfortunate that the rainfall had resulted in flooding in sections of the town. He, too, said the entire drainage system is compromised, in the sense that solid waste has been disposed of in the drainage network.
More worrying, he pointed out, is that, in some cases, persons who were doing construction have placed construction material into the drainage system.
“That is why we are having this unfortunate situation,
whereby we noticed that our drains are not flowing properly. This is as a result of people dumping indiscriminately - eating, throwing their food boxes and the bottles into the drainage network. All those are things that are floating in the water now, hence we are having this problem. Our workers have to work under undue stress because the citizens themselves have been failing to do what they are supposed to do. In the light of climate change, we need to be more responsible as citizens, and ensure that whatever we do does not impact the environment negatively.” Deputy Mayor Fraser explained. He described what happened in New Amsterdam on Wednesday as a self-inflicted wound administered by citizens would have been indiscriminately disposing of solid waste in the drainage network. (G4)
Chargé d’Affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown, Huang Rui
Sections of NA were flooded on Wednesday
20 youths receive $4.5M in grants from Republic Bank
…as 30 complete entrepreneurial development programme
Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited on Wednesday announced the successful graduation of 30 young entrepreneurs from the SSYDR Entrepreneurial Development Programme (SEDP).
This programme was implemented by Specialists in Sustained Youth Development and Research (SSYDR) Inc with the generous support of the bank’s Power to Make a Difference (PMAD) social investment initiative.
Twenty of the graduates: from Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); Four (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) have received startup grants totaling $4.5 million to launch or expand their business ventures. In the coming weeks, recipients will begin acquiring the necessary equipment and supplies to pursue their chosen business paths, supported by continued business coaching to ensure their success.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, held at Herdmanston Lodge in Georgetown, Manager at the Bank’s Head office, Eon Grant, in emphasising the
Entrepreneurial Development Programme, along with officials of Republic Bank and Specialists in Sustained Youth Development (SSYDR)
bank's dedication to supporting young entrepreneurs, said "At Republic Bank, we deeply believe in the transformative power of youth entrepreneurship. As a proud sponsor of this significant initiative, we aim to positively impact lives and change fortunes for the better. Our partnership with SSYDR represents more
than fulfilling our corporate social responsibility; it's a valuable investment in Guyana's future through you, our young entrepreneurs.”
Launched in November 2022, the SSYDR Entrepreneurship Development Programme has now served 115 youths from Regions Two, Three,
Four, Five, Six, Seven and 10. The six-month initiative begins with two weeks of intensive training using the SSYDR entrepreneurship curriculum, followed by a One-Day Business Challenge and two additional weeks focused on business plan development and presentation. During the second month, participants
24 persons benefit from procurement training
The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) on Tuesday hosted a public procurement training session at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Training Room. It was aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability in government procurement practices, and a total of 24 participants from four public agencies —GNBS, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and
Commerce (MINTIC), the Small Business Bureau (SBB), and the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) — benefitted from the session.
The attendees included Heads of Departments, Directors, and Administrative and Procurement Officers.
The training was facilitated by PPC officials Bibi Shabena Ali, Head of the Legal Department; Antonio Yhan, Training Officer; and Davindra
Singh, Procurement Specialist, and a comprehensive curriculum was covered. Topics included the legislative framework governing procurement; best practices; the procurement cycle; tender evaluation; contract management; and monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
This initiative forms part of the PPC’s wider public awareness campaign that is designed to promote understanding of procurement rules and procedures among stake-
holders. The Commission has emphasized that building institutional capacity is essential for fostering a procurement environment grounded in integrity and good governance.
In a statement on Wednesday, the PPC said it has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting public sector agencies through continued education and capacity-building efforts, in order to ensure procurement activities are conducted in a fair, competitive, and transparent manner.
The PPC is mandated by Article 212AA (1) (b) of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Cap. 1:01 to “promote awareness of the rules, procedures, and special requirements of the procurement process among suppliers, contractors, and public bodies.”
Additionally, pursuant to Section 17(2)(c) of the Procurement Act, Cap. 75:03, the PPC is responsible for organizing training seminars on procurement-related matters.
begin purchasing equipment and setting up their operations, followed by four months of structured business coaching to help ensure the sustainability and growth of their ventures. In her address, Executive Director of SSYDR, Magda GriffithFrance, reflected on the organization’s journey. She said, “For over eight years, SSYDR has worked tirelessly to empower young people through various initiatives. Time and again, we have encountered talented, driven youths with a passion for business, but lacking the financial resources and knowledge to turn their dreams to reality. Providing this opportunity to own and grow their businesses is not just an investment in the future, it’s a step toward realizing our vision of inspired youth transforming themselves, their communities and their nation.”
APNU/AFC did nothing to uplift...
“I examined the accounting records of IDPADA-G the same organization and 70 odd percent. Of the monies that they were receiving were spent on expendables. Current liability expenses, food and supplements and dietary and rental and salaries and wages. One scholarship or two scholarship they give to people”.
“None of what I am telling you did he tell the United Nations. The small Afro-Guyanese groups that he excluded systematically for all those years. The government met them separately and gave them monies and that is what he is bitter about, because the government stopped the gravy train that he was heading. Where he used to get 100 million dollars a year. Which he lorded over and never spent it for the benefit of Afro-Guyanese,” he added.
Ancestral lands
In response to Alexander’s UN remarks on "ancestral lands," Nandlall
explained that the concept does not exist in Guyanese law and was invented in recent years to stoke racial division.
He pointed out that no Guyanese historian, legal scholar, or even former Presidents like Forbes Burnham or Desmond Hoyte—both Afro-Guyanese and respected legal minds— had ever articulated such a claim.
Further, in contrast to Alexander’s claims, Nandlall highlighted what he said are unprecedented benefits currently being enjoyed by Afro-Guyanese and Guyanese more broadly, under the current administration. These include increased educational access and government-funded scholarships, land ownership expansion and property grants, welfare and cash grants for families, children, and pensioners, access to business support and state contracts and major employment opportunities via public sector projects.
Graduates of SSYDR
Participants at the training
Over 100,000 students registered for 2025 CXC exams across the Caribbean – Registrar
More than 100,000 candidates from across the Caribbean have registered to sit the 2025 examinations of the May–June Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), according to Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Dr Wayne Wesley.
These students would collectively submit over 600,000 subject entries, marking another “mammoth undertaking” for the region’s premier certifying body.
Dr Wesley delivered the update during a virtual press conference held on April 15 at the CXC Headquarters in Barbados, which also marked the official start of the 2025 examination period with oral assessments in modern foreign languages.
“We are equal to the task,” said Dr. Wesley, commending the hard work of the CXC team, especially the Examinations Services Division led by Dr. Nicole Manning. “Everything is in place for the successful administration of the examinations.”
During his address, the Registrar emphasised CXC’s renewed commitment to “Duty of Care”, highlighting the importance of high-quality service delivery to a wide range of stakeholders, including students, parents, educators, governments, and civil society.
“We are committed to reorganizing and improving operational processes to deliver higher levels of customer service,” he said as he encouraged students to remain calm and confident as they enter this crucial phase of their academic journey.
A major announcement came in the form of CXC’s full transition to electronic examinations for the January 2026 session, with all assessments to be administered either through e-Assessment or Hybrid e-Assessment formats. Traditional paper-based testing would remain available only during the May-June sittings.
This move is part of the Council’s broader digital transformation strategy, which also includes greater integration of artificial intel-
ligence (AI) into education systems, aimed at enhancing student learning experiences and competency acquisition.
Dr. Wesley outlined a three-pronged strategic repositioning framework to ensure CXC’s continued relevance and sustainability in a rapidly evolving global education landscape.
Free education President Dr Irfaan Ali announced, on April 10, 2025, that the Government of Guyana would fully fund the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) fees for
Sophia man facing 4 charges on $230,000 bail
Jamal Halley, a 32-year-old resident of ‘D’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was on Tuesday arraigned in the Georgetown court of acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on three firearm-related offences and a malicious damage to property charge.
One charge stems from an incident that occurred on March 22 at Harpy Drive in North East La Penitence, where Halley was allegedly found with a Glock .45 pistol bearing serial number XA245.
Another charge detailed that, on that same date and time, he was also found with ten matching rounds of ammunition when he was not the holder of a valid firearm licence.
Another charge accuses Halley of unlawfully discharging a loaded firearm within 100 yards of a public place, specifically on Independence Boulevard in Albouystown on March 14, 2025. And the fourth charge alleges that when Halley had discharged the loaded firearm on March 14, he damaged four car tyres belonging to one Anfernee George and valued at $60,000. Halley pleaded not guilty to all four allegations.
The prosecutor objected to Halley being placed on
Charged: Jamal Halley
bail by citing concerns about the absence of any legitimate reason for Halley to possess the weapon. The prosecutor also informed the court that video footage exists capturing the accused during the incident and claimed he had eluded officers who attempted to arrest him.
According to the prosecutor, locating Halley again could prove challenging if he is released on bail.
However, Halley’s attorneys, Motee Singh and Stacy Goodings, countered these claims. Goodings questioned why no wanted bulletin had
been issued if Halley had in fact evaded police custody. Singh, on the other hand, maintained that no incriminating evidence had been recovered against Halley, and that there was no lawful order for his detention.
Magistrate McGusty set bail at $40,000 for the malicious damage to property charge, $40,000 for the unlicensed firearm and ammunition charge, and $150,000 for discharging a loaded weapon, bringing the total to $230,000.
The case has been adjourned to May 7.
at least eight Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects per student, as well as fees for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), benefitting both public and private school learners across the country.
The announcement was made during a public meeting at the West Demerara Secondary School in 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 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 extended support to both new and continuing students, including providing 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.
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 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.
1 jailed, 1 fined in theft, traffic cases
One man involved in theft in the interior and another man caught breaking traffic laws on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) roadway have been taken before the courts this week.
Alfred Madramootoo, called “Roach,” an 18-yearold pork-knocker of Second Street, Liliendaal, ECD, was arrested on April 8 at Minab, Matthews Ridge, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini) on an allegation of simple larceny, in breach of Section 164 of
the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. Arraigned via Zoom before Port Kaituma Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh on Wednesday, Madramootoo pleaded guilty as charged, and was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for the offence.
On the East Coast of Demerara, a traffic-related case also came to a close following a viral social media post. The incident involved motorcar PAJ 4671, whose driver was recorded speeding along the Mon Repos
Public Road, sparking public concern.
Jer Sweany Calder was intercepted by police on April 8 at about 10:00h, and arrested for two traffic violations: prohibition of tinted glass, and obscure identification mark (obstructed licence plate).
Calder appeared before Sparendaam Magistrate Abigail Gibbs and pleaded guilty to both offences. He was fined $7,500 for the illegal tint and $40,000 for the obscure licence plate, bringing the total fine to $47,500.
Alfred Madramootoo, known as “Roach” Jer Sweany Calder
CXC Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Wayne Wesley
Around the World
OIL NEWS
Oil up 2% to 2-week high as new US sanctions target Iran’s exports
Oil prices rose nearly two per cent on Wednesday to a two-week high on concerns about global supplies after Washington issued new sanctions targeting Chinese importers of Iranian oil.
Brent crude futures settled up US$1.18, or 1.8 per cent, to US$65.85 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude ended US$1.14, or 1.9 per cent, higher at US$62.47.
Both benchmarks closed at their highest levels since April 3, according to data from LSEG.
The US on Wednesday issued new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports, including against a China-based “teapot refinery”, as President Donald Trump seeks to ramp up pressure on Tehran and drive Iranian oil exports down to zero.
The action comes as the US Government has relaunched negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme this month.
Meanwhile, Iran’s right to enrich uranium is not negotiable, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said ahead of the next round of talks in Rome on Saturday.
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has received updated plans for Iraq, Kazakhstan and other countries to make further oil output cuts to compensate for pumping above agreed quotas, the group said, further buoying oil futures.
Elsewhere, US crude stockpiles rose while gasoline and distillate inventories fell last week, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said.
Crude inventories rose by 515,000 barrels to 442.9 million barrels in the week ended April 11, the EIA said, compared with analysts’ expectations in a Reuters poll for a 507,000-barrel rise.
Trump tariffs
The International Energy Agency said on Tuesday that global oil demand growth this year will be the lowest since 2020, when demand contracted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The level of the tariff increases announced so far is significantly larger than anticipated. The same is likely to be true of the economic effects, which will include higher inflation and slower growth,” said Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
Oil futures pared some gains after Powell gave his remarks.
Trump has ratcheted up tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to impose retaliatory duties on US imports.
“The world economy hinges in large part on whether the US and China can come to an agreement and not start a prolonged trade war,” Alex Hodes, director of market strategy at financial services firm StoneX, said in a note.
A Bloomberg report quoted an anonymous source as saying that China wants more respect from the Trump Administration before it will agree to trade talks, analysts said.
“A de-escalation of the trade war between the US and China would reduce the downside in economic growth prospects and limit the downside for oil demand growth,” said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.
The uncertainty over trade tensions has led several banks, including UBS, BNP Paribas and HSBC, to cut their crude price forecasts.
“Using a conservative estimate of a 15 per cent decline in global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, based on the impact of the US-China trade war of 2018-2019, we could see oil demand growth sputter to just 600,000 bpd in 2025, roughly half of our pre-tariff estimates,” said ?Janiv ?Shah, Vice President of commodity markets analysis at Rystad Energy.
Data showed China’s GDP grew 5.4 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter, beating the 5.1 per cent expected in a Reuters poll, but this growth is unlikely to continue through the year, said PVM Oil analyst Tamas Varga.(Reuters)
El Salvador blocks US Senator from visiting wrongly deported Salvadoran man
Democratic US Senator Chris Van Hollen said on Wednesday authorities in El Salvador had denied him access to Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Salvadoran man mistakenly deported and being held in a notorious prison in the country.
Van Hollen arrived in El Salvador on Wednesday to meet with senior officials and advocate for Abrego Garcia’s release, but was told by El Salvador’s Vice President Felix Ulloa that he could not authorise a visit or a call with Abrego Garcia.
Van Hollen, who is a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Ulloa also told him El Salvador was not releasing Abrego Garcia, because the United States was paying to keep him incarcerated.
“Why should the Government of the United States pay the Government of El Salvador to lock up a man who was illegally abducted from the United States and committed no crime?” said
Van Hollen, a Senator from Maryland, where Abrego Garcia lived.
The Government of El Salvador did not respond to a request for comment on Van Hollen’s visit.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Democratic Senator was potentially using taxpayer dollars to “demand the release of [a] deported illegal alien MS-13 terrorist”.
The US Supreme Court has directed the Trump administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return, after Washington acknowledged he was deported due to an administrative error.
In a meeting with
President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, said he had no plans to return Abrego Garcia. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has separately said it does not have the authority to bring the man back to the United States.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Trump officials could face criminal contempt over deportations, Judge says
Trump Administration officials could face criminal contempt charges for violating a US federal Judge’s order halting deportations of alleged members of a Venezuelan gang who had no chance to challenge their removals, the Judge said on Wednesday. In a written ruling,
US District Judge James Boasberg in Washington found “probable cause” to hold officials in criminal contempt of court, saying the Administration demonstrated “willful disregard” for his March 15 order barring the deportations to El Salvador under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.
Many of the migrants’ lawyers and family members say those deported are not gang members and were never given a chance to contest the US Government’s assertion that they were.
Wednesday’s ruling is the closest any court has come to suggesting punishing the Administration since
President Donald Trump returned to the White House on January 20, and escalates the confrontation between the judicial and executive branches.
The US Justice Department appealed the ruling to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Israel will keep Gaza buffer zone, Minister says, as truce bid stalls
Israeli troops will remain in the buffer zones they have created in Gaza even after any settlement to end the war, Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday, as efforts to revive a ceasefire agreement faltered.
Since resuming military operations last month, Israeli forces have carved out a broad “security zone” extending deep into Gaza and squeezing more than two million Palestinians into ever smaller areas in the south and along the coastline.
“Unlike in the past, the
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Aubyn Hill, says now is an opportune time to invest in Jamaica.
He told the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Investor briefing that there is need for both domestic and foreign investment in
the country, noting among the reasons, a record low 3.5 per cent unemployment rate, low inflation, cut in taxes and reduction in crime.
Hill said consequent on these and other key factors, Jamaica is now “stable and investable” and is not the “same Jamaica that we were 10 years ago”, adding that there are benefits
“The IDF will remain in the security zones as a buffer between the enemy and the communities in any temporary or permanent situation in Gaza - as in Lebanon and Syria.”
In a summary of its operations over the past month, the Israeli military said it now controls 30 per cent of the tiny Palestinian territory.
IDF is not evacuating areas that have been cleared and seized,” Katz said in a statement following a meeting with military commanders.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Jamaica seeking to lure domestic and foreign investors
to be derived by investing in Jamaica through SEZs.
“All those goods that you bring in to build up your [operations] will come in duty-free. When you start making money in year four, year five, six, and you invest that money, the profits you make from that, we will charge you only 50 per cent of the corporate rate.
“The corporate rate in
Jamaica is now 25 per cent, so you will be paying 12.5 per cent. But you could drop it lower by how many Jamaican people you employ and trade with, and it could go down to 7.75 per cent,” Hill said, adding that there are benefits for people who operate within developments in these SEZs.
(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
US Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) (Reuters/Elizabeth Frantz file photo)
Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, April 14, 2025 (Reuters/Amir Cohen photo)
Learn, converse, gain experience and master the art of negotiation. Put your energy and enthusiasm into networking, and you will gain acceptance among your peers.
A personal change is favored. Observe your surroundings and the opportunities around you, and consider if there is a better location to call home. Take nothing for granted.
Put a wait-and-see policy in place. You'll overreact if you aren't careful. Expect temptation to cross your path. Put your energy into research and communicating with people offering firsthand information.
Appearing vulnerable will attract scammers. Pay more attention to how you look and present yourself to others. Invest more time and money in yourself instead of buying into someone else's adventure.
Raise issues of concern, and be the one to make a difference. Listen to the input you receive from people you influence or work alongside, and you'll find a way to move forward that appeases the majority.
Refrain from letting your emotions and ego get in the way of common sense. Change is needed, but don't try to fix what's already working. Focus on the problem and apply a solution.
Expand your interests, knowledge and experience. Socialize, and you'll find common ground with someone you encounter; but first, take care of responsibilities, or someone will complain.
A diversion will help you gain momentum. There is plenty to achieve if you are diligent about how you proceed. Seek out people who can help you excel.
Keep an open mind, but put your assets somewhere safe. Don't be tempted to bail anyone out or take on responsibilities that will weigh you down or cost you emotionally, physically or financially.
Work to avoid interference. Put more time and effort into self-improvement instead of trying to change others. Question everything and everyone.
Stick close to home and to what's familiar. You'll feel better if you organize your space. Invest your time and money in yourself, upgrade your skills and tailor opportunities to suit your needs.
Set boundaries to deter someone from talking you into something you don't need or want. Put your energy into personal and professional goals that make you feel better about your life.
Indian Premier League 2025
DC win an IPL classic in Delhi after Super Over drama
Nine runs needed, six wickets in hand -- it should’ve been a routine finish for Rajasthan Royals (RR) against Delhi Capitals in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. But Mitchell Starc flipped the script, delivering five pinpoint yorkers in a sensational final over. Dhruv Jurel could not find two runs off the last ball, and Starc dragged the game into a dramatic Super Over.
RR imploded in the Super Over, lasting just five balls and losing both Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal to runouts. DC chased down the 12run target in just four deliveries. With DC needing 5 off 3, Tristan Stubbs pulled Sandeep Sharma for six to seal DC’s fifth win in six games that takes them to the top of the points table. Stubbs
had earlier contributed a vital unbeaten 18-ball 34 in regulation time to help DC score 42 off the last three overs.
The Stubbs Show
The 200-run mark had been breached on each of the last eight T20s by the side batting first at Arun Jaitley Stadium. DC did not look like getting anywhere close, until Stubbs joined hands with Axar Patel, who also injected momentum with his takedown of Wanindu Hasaranga to make 34 off 14.
RR also did not finish well. Sandeep, who had figures of 3-0-14-0, bowled four wides and a no-ball in what proved to be a 11-ball over that ended with Maheesh Theekshana dropping a sitter off the last ball, the over costing 19.
RR also reprieved Stubbs on 12 when Parag put down a
regulation chance at long-on. And he hurt them with some important runs at the death –all contributing to RR chasing a bigger total than they would have.
While Stubbs’ runs were crucial, a gun throw running around from wide long-on to restrict the penultimate delivery to a single in regulation time – with RR needing 3 off 2 – was invaluable.
The drop that could’ve proved costly
It could’ve so easily turned pear-shaped for Stubbs, before that blockbuster finish. Nitish Rana was reprieved on 20 when Stubbs palmed the ball over the long-on boundary to deny Axar a wicket.
Rana’s wicket would’ve been the perfect double-strike for DC, who only five balls earlier dismissed Jaiswal when Kuldeep Yadav lulled him in flight and had him drag one to
long-on.
Rana kicked on to make 31 more off 12 deliveries to take pressure off RR going into the last three overs from a slightly precarious 73 off 36, with the ball gripping. It needed a gun in-swinging yorker from Starc in his third over to dismiss Rana, with RR needing 28 off 14. Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel then needed 9 off the final over, but could not manage a single boundary as Starc nailed his yorkers.
Starc’s ragged start and Samson’s injury
Before the gun finish, Starc had a nightmarish start when Jaiswal hit him for a sequence of 4, 6, 4 in his first over. Jaiswal chewed into Starc’s full-length deliveries, clearing the front leg and moving them with brute force over the infield towards the short leg-side fence. When he bowled short and into the
body, Jaiswal got inside the line and pulled him imperiously over deep backward square.
Jaiswal’s early impetus also seemed to have an effect on Sanju Samson, who found his hitting range until a suspected side issue forced him to retire hurt with RR 61 without loss in 5.3 overs. The two balls leading into him retiring hurt were picked for a four and a six. But it was only when he reached out to cut Vipraj Nigam, that he pulled up and went off straightaway.
Porel, Rahul lead DC’s fight DC lost Jake FraserMcGurk and Karun Nair early. Fraser-McGurk holed out to mid-off, and Nair, fresh off an IPL high score in his comeback game, was run out
Delhi Capitals (20 ovs maximum)
Jake Fraser-McGurk c Jaiswal
b Archer 9
Abishek Porel c Parag
b Hasaranga 49
Karun Nair run out (Hasaranga/ Sandeep Sharma) 0
KL Rahul † c Hetmyer
b Archer 38
Tristan Stubbs not out 34
Axar Patel (c) c Jurel
b Theekshana 34
Ashutosh Sharma not out 15
Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 7) 9
Total 20 Ov (RR: 9.40) 188/5
Did not bat: Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma
for a three-ball duck after being roughed up by two Jofra Archer short balls. Before that, Abishek Porel picked 23 off the second over, by Tushar Deshpande, to get going.
KL Rahul was cautious to begin with, the slowness of the surface making it tough for stroke making. At one stage, he was on 17 off 18, but could not quite push on – eventually falling for a 32-ball 38 when he pulled Archer to deep midwicket.
Porel, too, struggled to bring out the big hits after his turbocharge, eventually falling for 49. Fortunately for DC, Axar injected momentum that Stubbs carried forward to give them a total to bowl at, which they defended in the end courtesy Starc’s mastery.
(ESPNcricinfo)
Rajasthan Royals (T: 189 runs from 20 ovs)
Yashasvi Jaiswal c Starc b Kuldeep Yadav 51
Sanju Samson (c)† retired hurt 31
Riyan Parag
b Patel 8 Nitish Rana lbw b Starc 51
Dhruv Jurel run out (Patel/†Rahul)26
Shimron Hetmyer not out 15
Extras (b 1, lb
Jofra Archer picked up 2 wickets, the most of any Rajasthan bowler
Abishek Porel showed high intent in the powerplay Mitchell Starc nailed his yorkers and set up a Super Over
Nitish Rana gets creative
Tristan Stubbs roars after sealing a Super Over win for DC
Rising Stars U15 Tournament…
Henry, Ramdehol lead
Guyana to 1st win
A96-run first-wicket partnership, not broken until the 28th over, marked the turning point for Guyana’s National Under-15 Boys’ cricket team on Tuesday as they went on to secure a six-wicket victory in the opening round of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars U15 tournament.
After being sent in to bat first by the Guyanese at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago’s Jordan Julien and Davis
Guerra built a strong opening partnership to frustrate the Guyanese. However, Nathaniel Ramsammy picked off Guerra for 32 off 78 and picked up the wicket of Julien in his next over for 53 off 99 balls.
Ramsammy’s double strike was punctuated by Kaiden Pollard having his stumps rattled by Brandon Henry and accompanied by a subsequent strike, also from Henry to move the Trinidadians from 96 without loss to 99-4. The next best score of 14
came off Samuel Stuart’s bat as the Trinidadians were eventually routed for 168 in 48.5 overs.
Ramsammy, Henry, Reyaz Latif, Rafell McKenzie and Patrice Fraser all picked up two wickets apiece.
Walking in to bat at 48-3, Guyana’s Richard Ramdehol played a captain’s knock, hitting 64 in 88 balls to take his team over the line. Alongside him was Vice Captain Henry, who struck 39 in 49 balls.
Earlier, Justin Dowlin and Lomar Seecharan got Guyana off to a commendable start, accumulating 31 and 21 runs respectively.
Guyana reached their target in 41.5 overs as Ethan Ramcharan proved to be the best of the Trinidadian bowlers on the day, claiming 2-36 in seven overs.
The Under-15 team’s next assignment will be today when they take on Jamaica at the Antigua Recreation Ground from 09:30h local time.
Abram Zuil Secondary make clean sweep
The Region Two, Essequibo Coast Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport (MCYS)/National Sports Commission (NSC) Janet & Cheddi Jagan Memorial Windball Cricket Tournament took place at the Meten-Meer-Zorg Ground.
In the Janet Jagan Memorial Girls’ final, Abram Zuil Secondary School batted first and scored a total of 73-0, with a brilliant knock from Felicia Carter of 50, which included seven sixes. Deeroya Morris supported with 10 runs. Aurora Secondary, in reply, put up a great fight, but ultimately fell six runs short as they were restricted to 67-2. Ackeela Stephen top-scored with 24, and Orianna Gibson made 15. Eron Benjamin hit 27 and Jerimiah Innis contributed 19 as Abram Zuil Secondary School batted first and made 73-4 in the Cheddi Jagan Memorial Boys’ final. Only 48 for 5 could be mustered by Anna Regina Multilateral. Manav Samlall scored 10, while Darius Pearson scored the most – 19. Lester Noel had figures of 3 for 1. Meanwhile, in Georgetown, the Janet Jagan Memorial tourney had a lone match played at the National Gymnasium, which saw New Central High beat St Rose’s High. New Central High won the
Good Friday 40-Over Bash on tomorrow
One Movement Entertainment will host its fifth Good Friday 40-Over Bash between the South Raiders and Western Warriors on Friday, April 18, 2025, at the Malteenoes Sports Club Ground, Thomas Lands in Georgetown. The winning team will walk away with a grand prize of $300, 000.
As the tournament’s title, “Showcasing Young Talents Progressively”, suggests, there will be a lot of talent on display. After keeping valuable players Richie Looknauth and Ushardeva Balgobin, the reigning champions South Raiders will try to win the championship again, with Bernard Bailey leading the team. Quentin Sampson, a recent selection to the Guyana Rainforest Rangers team, and Shamar Apple, a budding Under-19 star, are also included in the squad.
Given that they retained Adrian Hinds, a talented opening batter from Malteenoes Sports Club, and Guyana Harpy Eagles Captain Tevin Imlach, their rivals, the Western Warriors, will be seeking retribution. Stephon Wilson will serve as the team’s leader, while the gifted Emmanuel Lewis is also part of the squad.
Chief Executive Officer and Competition Organiser Royale Melville was asked what he was looking forward to the most on game day. “This competition is just for talents to be exposed in a different format whereby the younger guys would have an opportunity to rub shoulders with some senior guys like Tevin Imlach, Quentin Sampson, Richie Looknauth, and Benard Bailey. So yeah, that is basi-
cally it, showing talents and looking forward to an exciting game from the guys,“ he stated.
Western Warriors squad: Stephon Wilson (Captain); Jeremiah Scott (Vice Captain); Tevin Imlach; Adrian Hinds; Ezekiel Wilson; Myhiem Khan; Emmanuel Lewis; Laurel Parks; Carlos Larose; Mavendra Dindyal; Brandon Jaikaran and Shiloh Adams. South Raiders squad: Benard Bailey (Captain); Damuka Junior (Vice Captain); Richie Looknauth; Ushardeva Balgobin; Nitini Permaul; Jonte Thomas; Shamar Apple; Jonathan Van Lange; Kevin Boodie; Quentin Sampson; Owen Andrews and Anthon Lim.
toss and opted to bowl, and St Rose’s made 76-0. Sarah Persaud top-scored with 42,
while Jada Persaud made 16. An impressive batting display saw Central
High reply with 80-1, with Aaliyah De Freitas standing out with 48 runs.
Abram Zuil Secondary School girls’ team
Guyana’s U15 team got off to a winning start in the Rising Stars competition
Captains Stephon Wilson and Benard Bailey
Abram Zuil Secondary School boys’ team
Ninvalle rates NSC’s work as “phenomenal” on 4-year anniversary
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle has given the National Sports Commission (NSC) a rating of “phenomenal” as they approach their fouryear anniversary; chalking up their success to the establishment of a clear vision.
The Director of Sport made this assertion in reference to the significant investments in sports under the leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali over the past few years.
It has now been four years since Ninvalle – a former Deputy Permanent Secretary, Member of Parliament and the current President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) – was appointed Director of Sport, back in 2021.
He believes the landscape of sports in Guyana has changed dramatically under Minister Charles Ramson Jr, particularly in the way the Government engages with national federations and associations.
“It’s not the National Sports Commission beating our own drum,” Ninvalle explained, noting that nu-
merous associations have publicly acknowledged the renewed, strengthened relationship with the Government. “The relationship that we have or we are having with all associations, it’s nothing less than phenomenal.”
“What we do is listen more than we speak. That way, we’re able to fully understand the issues facing these associations, and work together to solve them,” he said. “We are more accessible and responsive.”
“If you ask me if we have finished working, no, there’s a lot of work left to be done. But if I look back, as of from 2020 to now, it is nothing short of being phenomenal.”
Between 2020 and 2025, the Government of Guyana allocated a record $21.61 billion to sports development, a historic investment that Ninvalle says underscores the Administration’s commitment to nurturing athletic talent, promoting wellness, and elevating Guyana’s profile on the global sports stage.
Ninvalle highlighted that under President Ali’s leadership, the national
sports budget has consistently grown.
In 2020, the Ministry of Sport received $805.3 million. This nearly doubled in 2021 to $1.5 billion, rose to $2.4 billion in 2022, expanded to $4.3 billion in 2023, then to $4.6 billion in 2024, and finally surged to $8 billion in 2025, marking the largest sports budget in the country’s history.
The recent $8 billion allocation in the 2025 National Budget, a 73.9 per cent increase over the previous year, highlights the Government’s unwavering commitment to sport under
the stewardship of Minister
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, shortly after the NSC hand-
ed over $3 million to the East Demerara Football Association to fully sponsor its upcoming league, Ninvalle sidestepped questions that invited comparisons between the current NSC and past administrations.
“I would not want to delve into the past,” Ninvalle said, “because as being a President of an association, I know exactly what went on, so for me it’s refreshing both as the Director of Sport and as the President also of an association.”
According to Ninvalle, “this National Sports Commission, we are driven by a vision and that vi-
sion has been laid down by the Honourable Minister (Ramson Jr) and we work over time to make sure that that vision is achieved.”
He added, “most of the associations, if not all, are much more comfortable now, because they can reach out, we are accessible and we are responsive as a National Sports Commission.”
The Director of Sport made it clear that the core approach of the NSC and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, is working closely with all stakeholders to develop sports and support their initiatives, which will continue to be a defining hallmark of the Government of Guyana.
Former Guyanese, Windies wicketkeeper Pydana passes on
ormer
FMilton
passed away on Tuesday afternoon in Brooklyn, New York after a brief illness.
Pydana was 75. He had moved to the United States in the 1980s and took up coaching.
Savory, Smith set to lead Rainforest Rangers in Breakout T20
Wicketkeeper-batsman Kemol
Savory and pacer
Nial Smith have been announced as the Captain and Vice Captain of the Guyana Rainforest Rangers (GRR) Team, ahead of Cricket West Indies (CWI) inaugural Breakout T20 Tournament, set to bowl off next week.
While the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) shed some light on the team’s leadership, it also took the time to announce the team’s reserve players which will include: Jonathan Van Lange, Thaddeus Lovell, Aryan Persaud, Myheim Khan, Joshua Jones, Leonardo Julien, and Damel Evelyn.
The remainder of the Rainforest Rangers squad reads: Kevlon Anderson, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Kevin Sinclair, Riyad Latif, Ashmead Nedd, Isai Thorne, Rivaldo Clarke, Jediah Blades, Richie Looknauth, Zeynul Ramsammy, Adrian Sukhwa and Quentin Sampson.
The Breakout League is scheduled to bowl off next Friday, April 25 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago. There, the Rainforest Rangers will battle the Windward Islands Infernos in the opening match from 15:00h.
Head Coach Ryan Hercules of the Guyanese senior national team will also take up the Head Coach role with Garvin Nedd as his deputy. Andre Percival will have a dual role as Assistant Coach and Manager. The team’s analyst is Ryerson
Bhagoo while Angelica Holder is the physiothera-
are already in preparation for the inaugural tournament and are expected to jet off to Trinidad next Tuesday.
He had two tours with the West Indies and made his One-Day International (ODI) debut against Pakistan in Karachi in 1980. His first catch was made when Javed Miandad edged a leg-cutter off Colin Croft.
He was the understudy to David Murray in Pakistan and in 1983, he was second string to Jeff Dujon in India. In his second ODI, Pydana hit the winning runs – the only time he had batted in his three international matches.
In India, he played just once in the ODI team.
At the First-Class level, he scored two centuries in 85 matches and took 152 catches while executing 36 stumpings. In 24 Regional One-Day games, He had 29 dismissals. After playing his last First-Class match in the 1988 Red Stripe Cup tournament, Pydana, who was the most naturally talented of the keepers produced by Guyana, moved to New York in February 1989.
As one would expect, the tributes poured in for Pydana, a testament to his legacy and contributions to the sport.
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) shared, “The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is saddened on receiving the news of the passing of Milton Robert Pydana, former West Indies and Guyana cricketer.
“Pydana, born in New Amsterdam in January 1950, was an excellent wicketkeeper-batsman whose First-Class cricket career spanned the years 1970 to 1988 during which time he played 85 matches. He also played 27 List A matches including three ODIs for West Indies. Of his three ODIs,
two were played against Pakistan in 1980 and one against India in 1983. After migrating to the USA, Pydana was made one of the two assistant cricket coaches of their national team in 2014.
“Pydana found it difficult to break into the great West Indies Test team of the 1970s and 1980s because of the presence of outstanding first-choice wicketkeepers Deryck Murray, Michael Finlay and Jeffrey Dujon. In his lengthy cricket career, he was a mainstay in the Police First-Division team, the Berbice inter-county team and the Guyana national team.
“In March 2024, Pydana was one of the celebrated guests at the reunion of the 1983 Guyana team that, for the first time, won both the regional four-day tournament (Shell Shield Trophy) and the one-day tournament (Harrison Line Cup) under the captaincy of our illustrious Clive Lloyd.
“The GCB extends sympathy to the family, relatives and friends of Milton Robert Pydana. May his soul rest in peace.”
Sport historian Charwayne Walker also shared a tribute, “Pydana caught the eyes of the West Indies selectors after a con-
sistent 1980 Shell Shield championship. He would always talk about his 117 versus Jamaica at Jarret Park that saved Guyana from an outright defeat. That Jamaica team included the likes of Michael Holding. So impressed with Pydana’s efficiency behind the stumps in 1980, the West Indies selectors choose him as the late David Murray’s under-study for 1980-81 Tour of Pakistan. He featured in two One-Day Internationals on that tour.
“After helping Guyana win the double Shell Shield and Geddes Grant Championships in 1983, Pydana was the West Indies stand-by wicketkeeper for the 1983 ICC World Cup in England. Later that year, he toured India with the Sir Clive Lloyd-led West Indies team as Jeffrey Dujon’s under-study and played a single One-Day International against the host.
“No other Guyanese wicketkeeper has ever featured for the West Indies in an ODI to date. His proudest moment representing Guyana was 1985 as Captain and led the Land of the majestic Kaieteur to the Geddes Grant Harrison Line Championship, defeating Jamaica in the finals at the GCC Ground, Bourda.”
pist. The Rainforest Rangers
West Indies wicketkeeper
Pydana
The late Milton Pydana
After a recent Regional Four-Day win, Ryan Hercules will look to steer the Guyanese to another title
