PSC hails return to "business as usual" as US exempts Caribbean from shipping tariff hike
...says positive outcome illustrates strong trade ties between Region & US
Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Komal Singh, has hailed the return to ‘business as usual’ for Guyana and the Caribbean, after the region was recently exempted from increased freight rates following the United States’ (US) decision to increase tariffs on Chinese-built ships.
The US decision to ease off on imposing increased tariffs on Chinese-built ships traversing the Caribbean has been hailed by private sector representatives. Singh, who not only Chairs the Private Sector Commission, but also the Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG), has welcomed the move.
In an interview with this publication, Singh noted that the decision represents a chance to return to “business as usual” for shipping companies who had been bracing for the effects of the tariff increase.
The PSC Chairman also noted that by helping to secure the reduction in the freight rate, Guyana and the region have been able to demonstrate that bilateral trade ties between Guyana and the US remain strong.
the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the US Embassy for the positive outcome, the PSC Chairman noted that the Caribbean has been spared high costs for imports.
According to Singh, the Government and all other agencies that helped to reverse the surcharge acted in a proactive manner.
“Since this matter came to light, all those agencies (were proactive), including the Caricom Private Sector Organization, who made a significant amount of representation at the hearings that were facilitated by USTR in the US, with people from Caricom and other people around the world actually participating in it, including companies from the US,” he added.
“This exemption is very welcome by businesses in Guyana, and by extension Caricom. We’re very grateful for that exemption, since it actually allows us to continue ‘business as usual’ as it relates to any freight rate increase,” Singh said.
Expressing gratitude to the Government of Guyana,
“I think the positive outcome is yet another example that showcases the strong bilateral trade relationship that Guyana and the Caribbean have with the US. The US still remains our strongest trading partner, and we expect to see this continue into the future,” he declared.
Since the Donald Trumpled administration had announced increased tariffs on Chinese-built ships, which would have led to container fees’ hikes and price increases, there had been much agitation in the region.
Guyana was one such country that had spoken out against this development, with President Dr. Irfaan Ali expressing worry about the impact on trade in Guyana and the region.
A key concern had been
President Donald Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on China-made ships/vessels, which would have impacted trade in Guyana and the Caricom region. In an interview, President Ali had noted that, based on the policy being proposed, once these vessels had fallen within a certain category, they would have been charged.
It subsequently emerged that the Caribbean would be exempted from the proposed US surcharges, a decision that has been welcomed by members of the private sector.
In addition to President Ali, other regional leaders who came in for praise were Caribbean Community
(Caricom) Chair, the Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley; Governor Albert Bryan of the US Virgin Islands, and Dr. Patrick Antione of the Caricom Private Sector Organization.
The tariff on shipping vessels had also been accompanied by 38 percent reciprocal tariffs being imposed on US imports from Guyana. This is another area that the Government of Guyana has said it would work with the US on addressing.
The Guyana Government has already begun engaging the US to ensure that trade relations remain favourable, not just between the two countries, but within
the wider Caribbean region. As far back as February, this position had been articulated by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo amid plans by the US Government to impose tariffs on imports from several countries, including Canada, Mexico and China.
While the US Government had gone ahead with its implementation of a 10 percent tariff on imports from China, there had been a 30-day delay on the 25 percent tariff to be imposed on imports from Canada and Mexico. This latter move had brought some level of relief, but this was short-lived after President Trump threatened to hit more countries with similar tariffs.
PSC & SAG Chairman, Komal Singh
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 24 –01:55h-03:25h and Friday, April 25 – 02:25h-03:55h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 24 –13:50h-15:20h and Friday, April 25 – 14:40h-16:10h.
WEATHER
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
TODAY Thundery showers are expected in the morning and at night, with sunshine in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 3.13 metres and 5.81 metres.
High Tide: 14:11h reaching a maximum height of 2.52 metres.
Low Tide: 07:43h and 20:07h reaching minimum heights of 0.76 metre and 0.65 metre.
US report applauds Guyana’s money laundering crackdown …urges
tighter grip on gold trade, procurement
report released by the United States State Department has highlighted Guyana’s anti-money laundering (AML) efforts when it comes to prosecuting money laundering offences, though it also urged stricter enforcement in areas such as the gold trade.
According to the 2025 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) Volume II, dealing with money laundering, there have been visible efforts by Guyana’s authorities to prosecute money laundering offences committed by both public and private individuals.
Cases mentioned included that of former Assistant Police Commissioner Calvin Brutus, who was once a contender for the post of Police Commissioner, but who, along with his wife Adonika Aulder and co-accused Kevin George, are jointly facing over 260 fraud-related charges reportedly stemming from financial misconduct involving falsified claims, transactions, and alleged abuse of public funds.
Investigators allege that these accused persons have perpetrated an elaborate scheme that began to unravel in late 2023, after suspicious financial activity was flagged and an internal probe uncovered various financial irregularities.
“Investigations revealed the commissioner held over US$17,400 (3.8 million Guyanese dollars) in assets –including nearly US$11,000 (2.4 million GYD) held in several accounts in his and family members’ names, and US$6,400 (1.4 million GYD) in properties and other physical assets. As of November 2024, he was charged with 231 offences, including charges of money laundering,” the INCSR report noted.
Other cases cited by the report were those of Saffee Ahmad, called ‘Chillo’, 58; Shameena Ahamad, 52; and Ashiana Salamalay, 33, all of Roraima Scheme at Versailles, West Bank Demerara (WBD); and Ian Jacobis, 44, of Plantation Best, West Coast Demerara (WCD), who were arraigned last year on money laundering charges instituted by the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU).
“In July 2024, Guyana’s Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) charged four persons with money laundering for attempting to smuggle approximately 240 ounces of virtually pure gold (valued at over US$560,000) disguised as silver-plated jewelry without having the necessary permits. The prosecution is ongoing,” the report stated.
The report acknowledged that, over the last two years, Guyana has significantly reduced the structuring and flipping by users of money and value transfer services
(MVTS) through which illicit money enters the formal system. It also acknowledged that Guyana’s money laundering risk was evaluated by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).
At the same time, the report noted that risks and vulnerabilities still exist, and claimed that most money laundering cases are not pursued. Among the recommendations made were stricter enforcement in high-risk sectors like gold export, as well as more pursuit of asset forfeiture by going after money launderers.
The report has meanwhile received some pushback from local authorities, particularly since Guyana has consistently been rated highly for its work in combatting money laundering.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, in his most recent ‘Issues in the News’ broadcast, has questioned some of the findings in the report.
Nandlall recalled the fourth round Mutual
Evaluation that was done between 2022 and 2024, with anti-money laundering experts spending time in Guyana and investigating the state of Guyana’s Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework.
“The United States of America itself is a member of CFATF. And they were present and participated in the exercise, where Guyana’s AML/CFT framework was laid bare. And the report, we had to defend the report. And at the end of that process, Guyana came out with excellent evaluations. In fact, Guyana did better than almost every independent Caribbean state in the fourth-round mutual evaluation process,” he said.
Guyana had received plaudits last year for the strides it had taken in its Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance, which was recognized by CFATF during its
on-site visits.
According to Nandlall, it is CFATF that should be making pronouncements on countries and their compliance with AML/CFT.
“That is why we say CFATF is the authorized agency to express opinions and pass judgements on matters of an AML/CFT nature. And with the greatest of respect to the State Department, that is not their function or responsibility. As a matter of fact, I don’t know what criteria they are using to make the conclusions that they have made. It is public knowledge that from 2022 to about 2024, Guyana underwent an 18-month mutual evaluation examination and assessment where every aspect of Guyana’s financial structure; every aspect of its AML/CFT regime: its legislation, its public and private sector apparatus, its banking sector, and all its law enforcement agencies, were the subject of scrutiny in this exercise,” Nandlall further added.
Flashback: Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh are seen here with
a CFATF assessment team in 2023
Editor: Tusika Martin
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Sustainable investment key to progress
Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai has delivered a timely and necessary message to the residents of Orealla and Siparuta, along the Corentyne River — a call to action grounded in sustainability, economic foresight, and self-determination. Her appeal to shift focus from social welfare spending to income-generating investments is a directive that is essential for the long-term prosperity and resilience of these indigenous communities.
In a country where rural and hinterland communities in the past often faced systemic neglect and economic marginalisation, it is critical that any available resource be utilised with strategic intent. The minister's advice to local leaders: to prioritise sustainable development projects over temporary welfare support, should be viewed as a roadmap towards autonomy, financial stability, and community-driven growth. Investments that yield long-term economic benefits would not only ensure continuity of essential services, but would also empower these villages to chart their own development paths.
While infrastructure development remains vital, it must not occur in a vacuum. Sukhai’s recommendation that such projects be conceptualised with revenue generation in mind is both practical and visionary. The example of building a multipurpose hall, not just for communal use, but as a potential income-earning asset, encapsulates the type of innovative thinking required. Whether rented out for events, workshops, or training sessions, such facilities can generate consistent revenue streams while serving community needs.
The emerging success of Orealla’s sand mining enterprise serves as a tangible example of the benefits of economic diversification. This localised industry supports employment, fosters entrepreneurship, and injects capital into the village economy. It is precisely these types of ventures —grounded in natural resources, cultural identity, or geographic advantage — that hold the potential to reshape the economic landscape of indigenous communities.
However, sustainable development is more than revenue generation; it also demands transparent governance. The minister’s reminder of the importance of adhering to the Amerindian Act reinforces the need for accountability in the management of community funds and resources. The Act remains a critical legal framework for ensuring that development is participatory, equitable, and community-driven. Effective governance must be the cornerstone of every project undertaken.
Equally significant is Sukhai’s call for inclusive development. The role of youths and women in village economies cannot be overlooked. Creating spaces for youths in decision-making processes ensures continuity of leadership and infusion of new ideas. Simultaneously, enabling women to access carbon credit funding and participate in economic ventures not only supports gender equality, but also maximises the community's full human potential.
The residents’ expressed needs — ranging from a water filtration system and solar energy expansion to vital transportation infrastructure — highlight the urgency of coordinated planning. These are not mere conveniences; they are foundational to health, mobility, energy resilience and, ultimately, economic productivity. The development of a concrete road and bridges between Orealla and Siparuta, for instance, would facilitate trade, enhance access to services, and reduce isolation.
The Government’s continued commitment to supporting hinterland and riverine communities must be matched by proactive and strategic leadership within the villages themselves. The success of national policy depends heavily on local execution. Community leaders must be equipped with the tools, knowledge, and vision to convert funding into impact — whether through agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, or value-added resource extraction.
The shift from welfare reliance to investment-oriented governance would not happen overnight; it requires cultural adaptation, administrative capacity-building, and the confidence to innovate. But, if embraced earnestly, this transformation holds the promise of lifting entire communities into an era of self-sustaining prosperity.
Sukhai's message should serve as a national cue: social support is essential, but it cannot substitute for sustainable development. The future of Amerindian communities lies not in dependency, but in empowered, economically resilient villages that lead their own development journeys. The opportunity now exists to move boldly in that direction.
With ‘AI slop’ distorting our reality, the world is sleepwalking into disaster
By NesriNe Malik
There are two parallel image channels that dominate our daily visual consumption. In one, there are real pictures and footage of the world as it is: politics, sport, news and entertainment. In the other is AI slop, low-quality content with minimal human input. Some of it is banal and pointless – cartoonish images of celebrities, fantasy landscapes, anthropomorphised animals. And some is a sort of pornified display of women just simply … being, like a virtual girlfriend you cannot truly interact with. The range and scale of the content is staggering, and infiltrates everything from social media timelines to messages circulated on WhatsApp. The result is not just a blurring of reality, but a distortion of it.
A new genre of AI slop is rightwing political fantasy. There are entire YouTube videos of made-up scenarios in which Trump officials prevail against liberal forces. The White House account on X jumped on a trend of creating images in Studio Ghibli style and posted an image of a Dominican woman in tears as she is arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice). AI political memefare has, in fact, gone global. Chinese AI videos mocking overweight US workers on assembly lines after the tariff announcement raised a question for, and response from, the White House spokesperson last week. The videos, she said, were made by those who “do not see the potential of the American worker”. And to prove how pervasive AI slop is, I had to triple-check that even that response was not itself quickly cobbled-together AI content fabricating another dunk on Trump’s enemies.
The impulse behind this politicisation of AI is not new;
it is simply an extension of traditional propaganda. What is new is how democratised and ubiquitous it has become, and how it involves no real people or the physical constraints of real life, therefore providing an infinite number of fictional scenarios.
The fact that AI content is also spread through huge and ubiquitous chat channels such as WhatsApp means that there are no replies or comments to challenge its veracity. Whatever you receive is imbued with the authority and reliability of the person who has sent it. I am in a constant struggle with an otherwise online-savvy elderly relative who receives and believes a deluge of AI content on WhatsApp about Sudan’s war. The images and videos look real to her and are sent by people she trusts. Even absorbing that technology is capable of producing content with such verisimilitude is difficult. Combine this with the fact that the content chimes with her political desires and you have a degree of stickiness, even when some doubt is cast on the content. What is emerging, amid all the landfill of giant balls of cats, is the use of AI to create, idealise and sanitise political scenarios by rendering them in triumphant or nostalgic visual language.
Professor Roland Meyer, a scholar of media and visual culture, notes one particular “recent wave of AI-generated images of white, blond families presented by neofascist online accounts as models of a desirable future”. He attributes this not just to the political moment, but to the fact that “generative AI is structurally conservative, even nostalgic”. Generative AI is trained on pre-existing data, which research has shown is inherently biased against ethnic diversity, progressive gender roles and sexual orientations, therefore concen-
trating those norms in the output. The same can be seen in “trad wife” content, which summons not only beautiful supplicant homemakers, but an entire throwback world in which men can immerse themselves. X timelines are awash with a sort of clothed nonsexual pornography, as AI images of women described as comely, fertile and submissive glimmer on the screen. White supremacy, autocracy, and fetishisation of natural hierarchies in race and gender are packaged as nostalgia for an imagined past. AI is already being described as the new aesthetic of fascism.
But it isn’t always as coherent as that. Most of the time, AI slop is just content-farming chaos. Exaggerated or sensationalised online material boosts engagement, giving creators the chance to make money based on shares, comments and so on. Journalist Max Read found that Facebook AI slop – the sloppiest of them all – is, “as far as Facebook is concerned”, not “junk”, but “precisely what the company wants: highly engaging content”. To social media giants, content is content; the cheaper it is, the less human labour it involves, the better. The outcome is an Internet of robots, tickling human users into whatever feelings and passions keep them engaged.
But whatever the intent of its creators, this torrent of AI content leads to the desensitisation and overwhelming of visual palates. The overall effect of being exposed to AI images all the time, from the nonsensical to the soothing to the ideological, is that everything begins to land in a different way. In the real world, US politicians pose outside prison cages of deportees. Students at US universities are ambushed in the street and spirited away. People in Gaza burn alive. These pictures and videos join an in-
finite stream of others that violate physical and moral laws. The result is profound disorientation. You can’t believe your eyes, but also what can you believe if not your eyes? Everything starts to feel both too real and entirely unreal.
Combine that with the necessary trivialisation and provocative brevity of the attention economy and you have a grand circus of excess. Even when content is deeply serious, it is presented as entertainment or, as an intermission, in a sort of visual elevator music. Horrified by Donald Trump and JD Vance’s attack on Zelenskyy? Well, here is an AI rendering of Vance as a giant baby. Feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Here is some eye balm – a cabin with a roaring fire and snow falling outside. Facebook has for some reason decided I need to see a constant stream of compact, cutesy studio apartments with a variation of “this is all I need” captions.
And the rapid mutation of the algorithm then feeds users more and more of what it has harvested and deemed interesting to them. The result is that all media consumption, even for the most discerning users, becomes impossible to curate. You are immersed deeper and deeper into subjective worlds rather than objective reality. The result is a very weird disjuncture. The sense of urgency and action that our crisis-torn world should inspire is instead blunted by how information is presented. Here, there is a new way of sleepwalking into disaster. Not through lack of knowledge, but through the paralysis caused by every event being filtered through this perverse ecosystem – just another part of the maximalist visual and memetic show. (The Guardian)
(Nesrine Malik is a Guardian columnist)
Participants of the “Project Jumpstart 2025” career mentorship programme on April 12 are seen being engaged with an EducationUSA adviser, who shared valuable tips and opportunities for pursuing higher education in the United States. With over 4,000 institutions and countless academic programmes, international education is key to preparing our youths for success in the globalised 21st century workforce (Photo: US Embassy, Georgetown)
Commending Govt’s commitment to sustainable agri, fisheries
Dear Editor,
As a concerned and hopeful citizen, I must commend the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, for taking a progressive step in the right direction during his recent meeting with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Meeting with Johanna Langbroek, Country
Director of WWF Guianas, and Aiesha Williams, Conservation Director of WWF Guyana, the Minister emphasized something many of us have been hoping to hear: a real commitment to balancing agricultural growth with environmental responsibility.
It’s refreshing to see our Government not just
talking about development, but actively working to modernize farming in a way that protects our environment. In a time when climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a daily reality, this kind of leadership is exactly what we need.
Minister Mustapha’s focus on using smart, sustain-
able technologies in agriculture is a strong signal that Guyana is ready to lead by example in the region. What stood out even more was the Government’s renewed commitment to tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Strengthening our fisheries’ monitoring and enforcement systems is crit-
ical not just for our economy, but for the health of our marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of countless citizens who depend on them.
WWF’s involvement in these discussions adds credibility and support to this national effort, and it's encouraging to know we’re not doing this alone. These partnerships show that,
with the right vision and cooperation, we can develop without destroying. As a Guyanese, I feel proud to see our leaders taking sustainability seriously. Let’s keep the momentum going for our future, our children, and the planet.
Sincerely,
F Harry
The exchange rate debate: nominal vs real
Dear Editor,
As the debate on the abovementioned subject continues, this author wishes to acknowledge the latest contribution to the discussion thereof by a University of Guyana (UG) economics student, Joel Walcott (Stabroek News edition dated April 18, 2025, titled "Maintaining a stable nominal exchange rate is economically sound and in Guyana’s best interest”). Walcott made some very important, pragmatic interventions on the topic for which this author’s commendations are offered. It is imperative, more so that this opportunity is seized to encourage more of these types of intelligently written essays on public policy issues from our young and vibrant university students of economics, fresh graduates and practitioners alike.
Readers may recall that economists Drs. Singh, Yhip and Gampat argued that it is the real exchange rate that matters, thus, the central bank should be targeting the real exchange rate instead of the nominal exchange rate. Particularly, Gampat wrote the following comments under this author’s letter in response to Dr. Yhip on the Stabroek News website:
“It is important to note that the official exchange rate (which the average of the selling rate of the three largest commercial banks that operate in the FX market) is applicable to OFFICIAL transactions - it is a fiction that it not observable in the FX market. All talk that the official exchange rate is "determined" by ... is nonsense”.
Gampat was referring, therein, to my previous article in which it was demonstrated that the exchange rate is fluctuating within an acceptable, flexible band range of ±4%, using the commercial banks’ average midrate representing the average market rate and the Bank of Guyana’s exchange rate as the central rate to calculate the band range. There was never any reference to an official rate by this author, as Gampat suggested. Thereunder, Gampat continues:
“It is the real exchange rate that it is the real effective exchange rate (REER) that matters. And the REER has been appreciating be-
cause, so it is said, inflation rates of Guyana's major trading partners are higher than that of Guyana…”.
It must be borne in mind that with all of the foregoing pontification by these three most seasoned and distinguished economists, regrettably, none of these esteemed gentlemen sought to substantiate their arguments by at least performing the calculations for the real exchange rate (RER) and real effective exchange rate (REER), respectively. Rather, they all seem fixated in their idiosyncratic comfort characterized by their inherently monotonous regurgitation of text book theories, albeit in abstraction, thereby failing collectively in the practical application department.
The RER measures the value of one currency against another, adjusted for differences in price levels (typically inflation or the Consumer Price Index (CPI) between two countries. On the one hand, the RER is used to compare the purchasing power of different currencies and to assess the competitiveness of a country’s goods and services in global markets.
These metrics serve different but complementary purposes in economic analysis. While the RER is useful for understanding the real value of a currency against another specific currency, the REER provides a more comprehensive measure by considering multiple trading partners.
Both are essential tools for assessing currency values, inflation impacts, and international competitiveness.
Theory vs Practice: Practical Challenges Encountered when Calculating RER or REER
There are several practical challenges to consider in the calculations for the RER and REER. The mathematical equation assumes that the CPI for the home country is equally comparable to those of its trading partners. However, in practice and in reality, this is often times far-fetched. In this regard, other than issues of quality and coverage, which can become the subject of perpetual debates in some academic spheres, sometimes credibly so and sometimes not, there are other key discrepancies
such as comparability issues, weighting differences, sectorial misalignment, inflation measurement bias, data availability and timeliness, and substitution bias.
RER Practical Example:
Having established the theoretical underpinnings of the RER and REER, let’s apply the RER formula in a real-world scenario—to calculate the real exchange rate in Guyana relative to the United States dollar.
Given the following data given, the RER can be calculated:
• Guyana CPI: 143.5 United States CPI: 315.6
GYD/USD nominal rate: $220.31 (average midrate)
It should be noted that for the purpose of this demonstration and for simplicity, the author utilized the commercial banks’ average mid-rate representing the market rate for the nominal exchange rate. However, the calculations can be repeated using the different rates, namely the average buying rate (2024), which was $218.95. The real exchange rate for the buying rate is essentially the real exchange rate that importers will be subjected to; or the average selling rate (2024) of $221.66, which exporters would be subjected to, or the Bank of Guyana rate (2024) of $208.5, which government transactions would be subjected to.
RER Calculation:
RER = (220.3 X 315.6)/143.5 = $484.5
According to this calculation, the real exchange rate is $484.5, but this is incorrect because there is a discrepancy with the base years between the two countries’ CPI. The CPI’s base year for the US is (1982-1984), whereas for Guyana, it is 2009. To resolve this discrepancy, we can adjust the US CPI base year to 2009 and then recalculate the CPI for 2024, inter alia, the following procedure: In 2009, the US CPI was 214.5, which rose to 315.6 by the end of 2024. This means that the CPI reflected an increase of 101.1 or 47.1% during that period. Therefore, the base year can now be adjusted to 2009 (base year) = 100 or 100%, and the re-calculated CPI for 2024 will be 100 + 47.1 = 147.1.
With this adjustment made to US CPI for consistency with Guyana’s base year and the comparable time horizon, the result can be interpreted this way:
In the US, prices have increased by 47.1% since 2009, and for the same period, prices have increased by 43.5% in Guyana.
Guyana’s RER can now be recalculated using the adjusted CPI for the US (2024):
RER = (220.3 X 147.1)/143.5 = $225.8. The RER derived in this calculation of $225.8 suggests that the real exchange rate is depreciating and not appreciating as Dr. Gampat would have intimated in his commentary without performing the calculations and/or analysis. Another interpretation of the result is that the domestic currency is overvalued by 2.5%.
Notwithstanding the foregoing demonstration, the RER of $225.8 is highly unlikely to be an accurate reflection of the real exchange rate owing to the inherent comparability issues of the CPIs between the two countries, as well as weighting differences. The US CPI is much broader in scope and coverage in contrast to Guyana’s CPI, having examined the CPI data available on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
For example, the US CPI includes a sub-index for energy (energy commodities, fuel oil and other fuels, fuel, propane, kerosene, energy services, electricity and piped gas among others in this sub-category), as well as regional. In Guyana’s case, similar sub-categories are not included. Additionally, the other similar sub-categories such as food, clothing, housing and transportation, cover a wider range of goods and services.
With respect to the weights of each sub-category, measuring their relative importance in the overall index, housing carries the heaviest weight in the US CPI accounting for 43% of the overall index, food and beverage carries a weight of 14.3%, and medical care accounts for 9% of the CPI. Conversely, the food sub-category accounts for the largest weight in the Guyana’s CPI, according to the Bureau of Statistics.
Real effective exchange rate: local context
Considering that the REER formula builds on the RER formula, and that several practical issues in its application to calculate the RER for Guyana relative to the US currency have been established, it is not worthwhile to move forward in this demonstration to calculate the REER. In fact, there are additional complexities to consider in the case of Guyana—that is, the formula as noted in the previous section, cannot be applied in a straight forward manner. The issue referred to herein pertains to the intermediary foreign currency, which is the USD, that is largely used to transact international trade with multiple trading partners. For example, Guyana’s top three (3) trading partners are the United States, China and Trinidad and Tobago whereby payments are rarely made, if at all, in those countries’ re-
spective currencies, save and except the United States. This reality further complicates the REER calculation. The debate surrounding exchange rate dynamics underscores the importance of bridging economic theory with applied analysis. While some economists emphasize the real exchange rate as the key indicator, the practical complexities in deriving accurate measurements— such as CPI inconsistencies and intermediary currency considerations—suggest that the nominal exchange rate remains an essential reference point. This article demonstrates that a disciplined approach to pragmatic application, rooted in precise calculations, country specific factors and localized contextualities, provide a more nuanced understanding of exchange rate behavior.
Sincerely, Joel Bhagwandin
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Page Foundation
Things to do
• Reduce your revision notes for Section Six to revision cards
Reduce Section Seven of your material to revision notes
Reduce your pile of revision cards (as many as you have time to do). You will do some of these each day, so that you gradually see the pile reducing.
• Plan for Paper Two
Planning for Paper Two
It is essential that you plan your strategy for answering Paper Two, since these questions test how you use what you know. Now, it is critical that you make use of your reading time to understand what you are being asked to do, then decide which questions you will be answering – some questions are mandatory: double check how many questions you must answer from each section of the exam paper – and finally, briefly, plan your answer for each.
Planning essays at this stage can feel strange: why do this when you are probably not going to be given the same question in the exam? It is useful because it helps you see how you could use information for several purposes and in different ways, so that you are ready, regardless of the question.
Planning your Paper Two answers will also give you a good feel for the differences between short-answer questions and full-length essays, that will both come on the Paper Two. Several methods can prove useful. These steps can help you produce good Paper Two answers
Understanding the Essay Question: Ensure you fully grasp what the essay question is asking and identify the key points you need to address.
Brainstorming: Generate ideas and key
points related to the essay question, jotting down potential arguments and supporting evidence.
Structuring Your Arguments: Decide on the main points you'll make in the essay and how they will be organised into paragraphs.
Outlining: Create a basic outline that in cludes the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, outlining the main points for each section.
Brainstorming
A brainstorm is not a complete planning method in itself; it is a way to help your brain to produce a series of good ideas. In the centre of the page, put the central idea (this could be a few key words from the essay title or area of discussion). Around the page, and in no particular order, jot down other thoughts that arise from that one central idea. You can be as wide-ranging as you like, and not every idea has to be perfect: often irrelevant ideas might be abandoned later, but will have helped you initially by pushing your mind towards other areas of thought.
Once you feel that you have drained your brain of all the ideas you might want to cover, be firm and cross out any ideas/thoughts/facts that, on reflection, would not help you in an exam. Ask yourself what is the necessary information for this particular exam answer – what will support your analysis and argument most effectively?
You are now left with good, solid ideas on which to base a fuller plan. They will not be in any order, or developed to any great extent, so you may like to use one of the other methods. The best use of a brainstorm in an exam is to reduce your anxiety, as they let you put many ideas on paper quickly, so that your brain is less clogged with facts that you fear you might forget. They are also useful in those cases where you are sure you know about 90% of what is being asked
CSEC QUESTIONS
of you, but you have a niggling feel- ing that you are missing something: a brainstorm will help it to surface. You will not write the answer from the brainstorm, but you will use the information in it to help create your outline.
Making an outline
An outline develops the ideas from your brainstorm. It may simply be a list: a series of headings and sub-headings with a few bullet points beneath each to flesh out the ideas. This method is quick and usually produces a neat, logical plan – but it also carries the danger of missing out material that needs to be there. If you feel confident that you have all of the material at your fingertips, they can work well. If you are not so confident, a more detailed and involved method such as a spider/bubble chart, flow chart, or mind map may help.
Example of an essay plan: At the top of the page, write your point in one line; you’ll expand on it in your introduction.
Make a list of three or four important elements that you believe will support your position. Make an effort to write each point in a single sentence. These are going to be your subject sentences. Write one or two examples from your study that support your argument under each point. This may include quotations, paraphrased material from reputable writers, and so forth. When writing your essay, remember to cite your instances.
Finally, write your conclusion, which is the primary idea you want to leave in your reader’s mind.
Below are past CXC Maths and English questions to help you review.
riel Okara
Once upon a time, son, they used to laugh with their hearts and laugh with their eyes: but now they only laugh with their teeth, while their ice-block-cold eyes search behind my shadow. There was a time indeed they used to shake hands with their hearts: but that’s gone, son. Now they shake hands without hearts while their left hands search my empty pockets.
‘Feel at home!’ ‘Come again’: they say, and when I come again and feel at home, once, twice, there will be no thricefor then I find doors shut on me.
So I have learned many things, son.
I have learned to wear many faces like dresses – homeface, officeface, streetface, hostface, cocktailface, with all their conforming smiles like a fixed portrait smile. And I have learned too to laugh with only my teeth and shake hands without my heart.
I have also learned to say,’Goodbye’, when I mean ‘Good-riddance’: to say ‘Glad to meet you’, without being glad; and to say ‘It’s been nice talking to you’, after being bored. But believe me, son.
I want to be what I used to be when I was like you. I want to unlearn all these muting things. Most of all, I want to relearn how to laugh, for my laugh in the mirror shows only my teeth like a snake’s bare fangs! So show me, son, how to laugh; show me how I used to laugh and smile once upon a time when I was like you.
Questions
• Summarise the poem
• What type of poem is it?
• Describe the tone, mood, atmosphere, and persona
• List two examples of imagery, metaphor/simile and all the figures of speech found in the poem
• Describe how the poem makes you feel
• Suggest an alternative title for the poem and state why it is appropriate
Education Ministry considers scrapping NGSA – Manickchand
– assures that education in Guyana would not be static
Minister Priya Manickchand has announced that the Education Ministry is actively exploring the possibility of scrapping the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations, thereby marking a potentially historic shift in how students transition from primary to secondary education in Guyana.
Speaking at the launch of the National STEM Fair on Wednesday, Minister Manickchand said Guyana's education system is entering a transformative period in which traditional modules must evolve to better meet the needs of today’s learners and the demands of a modern, rapidly developing society.
“We are looking at various new things that we could do. With universal secondary education, do we still need a placement exam? Because that's what NGSA is, a placement exam. Do we need a place-
ment exam, or can we transition to secondary schools because we now have enough in your community? To do that, it would mean every secondary school has to offer equally and equitably the same kind and quality of education,” the Minister said.
The Minister emphasized that in order to phase out the NGSA as a placement mechanism, the Government must ensure that every secondary school offers equitable and high-quality education across all regions. This, she noted, is already in motion through massive investments in school infrastructure, teacher training, curriculum expansion, and digital access. Additionally, Manickchand made it clear that eliminating the exam does not mean eliminating competition. If parents and students still desire access to high-demand schools, options can be designed
for competitive entry. However, the broader goal is to remove high-stakes pressure from children at age 11, and make education more inclusive and developmentally appropriate.
“That doesn't mean that we're taking away from competition. If you want to gain one of a particular number of schools, we can set an exam for those who are competing for those schools. But those are new things we have to start looking at. Do we need to continue to offer at CSEC subjects only in fifth form? Can children who want to do it earlier go ahead and do it earlier?
We've been seeing more of that,” she highlighted.
Minister Manickchand warned that reform would come with resistance, particularly from those clinging to outdated modules. In this regard, she called on all stakeholders: teachers, students, parents, and administrators, to embrace
change and prepare themselves to adapt to the evolving education landscape.
“We have challenges, some of which would be that the system is so stuck on itself that to bring about any change requires, or is viewed with, suspicion, fear, sometimes ignorance many times, and just a refusal to evolve with the times. We commit to you from the Government that none of that will stop us from doing what the children of Guyana need today…,” she explained.
“It's a different time, and it's going to require different input to get a different output; and different output must be a better, more relevant person leaving the secondary school, (one) that is able to meet the needs of Guyana even as they meet the needs of their families,” she added.
Over the weekend, Minister Manickchand had announced that the results of the 2025 National Grade
Six Assessment (NGSA) exams are expected to be released on or before June 26, 2025. At NGSA, primary school pupils are tested in four subject areas; namely: Mathematics, English, Science and Social Studies. The examination in each subject area consists of two papers. Paper One consists of multiple-choice items, while Paper Two consists of essay-type or open-ended items. This year, more than 15,000 pupils
across the country sat the NGSA. According to Education Minister Priya Manickchand, a total of 15,813 students were registered to write the twoday national examinations; and of that number, 15,497 showed up for the assessment.
Among those sitting the exams were 115 students with Special Education Needs (SEND); and notably, 91 students wrote the assessments in Spanish — a historic first introduced last year.
Wanted man shot dead on Essequibo Coast
Aweek after police renewed their manhunt for twin brothers Kellon and Kevin Fredericks, wanted for a deadly gold heist and a string of violent robberies, one of the fugitives has been found dead.
The body of 23-yearold Kellon Fredericks, also known as “El Chapo,” was discovered early Wednesday morning in a secluded section of the Onderneeming Sand Pit on the Essequibo Coast.
According to police reports, ranks acting on intelligence received visited a remote section of the sand pit area, known locally as “Sweet Hole,” around 6:18h. There, they found the lifeless body of Fredericks lying face down in an open area surrounded by dense vegetation. His head was turned westward, and he was clad in a long-sleeved grey jersey, destroyed black jeans, a grey Hanes boxer, and a yellowish-metal wristwatch. Nearby, officers
recovered a black ski mask, a grey cap with suspected bloodstains, and a pair of grey rubber slippers.
On examining the body, police observed a gaping wound to the right side of Fredericks’ head, along with what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds to the upper back. Blood was also visible on his face. A distinctive scorpion tattoo was noted on the left side of his chest, aiding in his identification.
live 7.62×39mm round, two strips of Panadol tablets, and several pieces of clothing. Additional clothing, bed sheets, empty snack packs, and a small empty cooking pot were found about 10 feet away from that location.
The crime scene was processed and photographed by crime scene investigators before the body was escorted to the Suddie Hospital. There, it was officially pronounced dead at 8:55h. by a government medical officer.
About 30 feet south of where the body was found, officers also discovered a blue, cream, and brown striped mattress on the ground, surrounded by several empty snack packets. Also recovered were a
The remains were positively identified by the deceased’s aunt, 38-year-old Carlene Fredericks, a domestic worker of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. The body now lies at the Suddie Hospital Mortuary await-
ing a post-mortem examination.
His twin brother, Kevin Fredericks, remains on the run.
The Fredricks brothers had been wanted in connection with more than 30 armed robberies committed across Regions Two, Three, and Seven between 2023 and 2025.
They are also the prime suspects in the brutal murders of businessman Zaheer Mohammed Sheriff and his employee Donovan Washington, a case that shocked the nation in March 2024.
Four other individuals have since been charged in connection with the killings: 44-year-old taxi driver Teddy Thomas of Itaballi Landing; James Derrick, 20, a miner of Onderneeming; and two relatives of the twins— Travis Fredericks, 32, and Fernando Fredericks, 28, both of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.
Still missing is 19-year-
old Romain Henry, who was also named as a suspect in the murders. He vanished shortly after the ambush and has not been seen or heard from since. His mother, in an emotional public plea, said her son last contacted her on March 15, 2024, nearly two weeks after the murders, telling her he was unwell and staying with a taxi driver. That driver was questioned by police and released on bail, but to date, authorities have not confirmed Henry’s whereabouts.
Before his death, Kellon
Fredericks, nicknamed “El Chapo” after the notorious Mexican drug lord, had been described by police as “armed and extremely dangerous.” Along with his twin, he had managed to elude law enforcement for more than a year.
Their last confirmed locations were Onderneeming Sand Pit, Essequibo Coast, and Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, areas where they were reportedly known and feared.
The investigation into Kellon Fredericks’ death is ongoing.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand speaking at the launch of the National STEM Fair on Wednesday
Dead: Kellon Fredericks
Body of wanted man lying motionless on the ground
Still at large: Kevin Fredericks
NA man remanded for businessman’s murder during robbery
…victim died of gunshot wound – autopsy
Troyden Trellis, a 28-year-old resident of Angoy’s Avenue in New Amsterdam (Region Six: East BerbiceCorentyne), was on Wednesday arraigned before Reliance Magistrate Michelle Matthias on the indictable charge of murder committed on businessman Hemchan Utam, called Jetto, 54, on April 17.
He was not required to enter a plea, and has been remanded to prison until May 19, when his case would again be called for continuation.
An autopsy conducted on the body of Utam, called ‘Jetto’, revealed that he died from shock and hemorrhage due to a single gunshot wound he had sustained during an alleged robbery committed on his residence/place of business at Edinburgh Village, East Bank Berbice.
RECAP
Hemchan Utam, called Jetto, who operated a retail store selling construction materials and also operated Jetto Trucking Service, was shot dead during the course of a robbery that allegedly took place at his home and place of business at Edinburgh Village, East Bank Berbice on April 17
at about 10:30hrs.
Reports are that Utam and his workers were conducting business when the lone unmasked gunman pounced upon them. Utam was shot before being relieved of the jewellery he was wearing at the time. The bandit also made off with an undisclosed sum of money.
Police subsequently arrested the prime suspect, Troyden Trellis, and have said that a search conducted in the apartment where he lives unearthed a 9mm pistol and three matching rounds concealed in a compartment within a wall divider in his living room.
Additionally, a black Honda motorcycle found at the rear of the premises has been identified as the vehicle used in the escape after commission of the alleged murder/robbery.
A 25-year-old female who resides at the same address, the mother of Trellis’s child, was also present at the time the police had conducted the search; and she also was arrested and placed in custody. The firearm and motorcycle have also been seized and lodged with the police.
Antecedents
Troyden Trellis and
two others were accused of robbing New Amsterdam businessman Nicholas Harrinandan and his wife of two cellular phones and $250,000 in cash on November 21, 2015. They were armed with a gun and knives when they carried out that robbery.
In June 2016, Trellis was remanded, along with two men whom police described as notorious criminals: Raymond La Fleur and Timothy Sampson, after they attempted to break into a business place.
Then, in February 2017, when Trellis was 20 years old, some 509 grams of marijuana were found in a motorcar he was driving.
And in January last year, Trellis was injured during an incident that occurred outside a night club in Pitt Street, New Amsterdam. That incident involved the use of a firearm.
Roiling…
…rice
News about rice is all over the place; and your Eyewitness doesn’t mean just on the various news media platforms, but plain confusing!! He’s reading of a 725,282-tonne 2024 production - with an average national yield of 6.6 tonnes per hectare - the highest recorded in our history!! Of that, we exported some 425,490 metric tonnes (including by-products like bran) to 30 countries, earning some US$254,036,050.
That means the 750,000 of us in Mudland consumed a whopping 300,000 tonnes – almost .4 tonne for every man, woman, child and baby!!
More than anyone else on Planet Earth, we should know why they call rice a “staple” - and we shouldn’t feel insulted if people call us a “nation of rice eaters”!!
But also in the news, even as we more than pulled our weight on the rice front, were rising prices of the staple in the shops and markets – super or otherwise - even though farmers complained about pi55-poor prices ($4000 per bag??) paid for their paddy by millers. So, what’s going on here?? Price gouging by the millers, who’re buying (paddy) low and selling (rice) high?? But then we hear that the exporters – who’re dominated by millers - are not getting good prices for their exports, cause the world market prices have been heading downwards to US$400/ tonne from US$600/ tonne just a year ago.
What the heck’s going on?? The Government have been doing their bit for the sector, because we read about them removing VAT on rice-production inputs like machinery, equipment, fertilizers, and pesticides. Pressie has just announced that each farmer’s gonna be getting one bag of fertilizer for each acre of land being cultivated. It would cost the Government some $2 billion, but should further reduce production costs!! Drying floors and other facilities are already being constructed for the farmers’ paddy to be stored longer and earn them higher prices from the millers.
And it’s time we read about those millers - who’re not so often in the news, but are in a position where they always come out smelling roses! The farmers HAVE to sell their paddy to them; and because of this, the millers have them in a vice. Millers always hustle farmers on the GRADE and the weight of paddy; and when the paddy isn’t dried and can “go bad”, farmers are forced to take whatever they get from millers!!
Through the years, the Government tried various strategies and stratagems to level the playing field for rice farmers, but millers still find ways to get their way!! What to do?? Well, just do what the US do for their paddy producers during price drops: introduce crop insurance and indemnify farmers, plus subsidise a minimum profitable paddy price!!
…Dragon
China boasts about not being transactional in its relations with other countries – always virtue signalling as to how it acts for the “greater good”. Well, looks like when the Chinese gotta put their money (Juan? Renminbi??) where their mouths are in the ongoing tariff war, their words come out from different sides of their mouths!! They just issued a WARNING to any country – like us! - that if they negotiate with the US to work out an arrangement, that’s gonna be deemed APPEASEMENT!!
What did the “unselfish” Chinese actually say?? According to one account: “China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests. Appeasement will not bring peace, and compromise will not be respected… To seek one’s own temporary selfish interests at the expense of others’ interests is to seek the skin of a tiger!!”
Evidently, the latter actual cryptic expression is: “to attempt the impossible that runs against the interests of opponent.”
In this case, the dragon is the tiger that won’t be skinned!!
…Kashmir
A Pakistani-based terrorist group shattered Kashmir’s calm – and incipient good relations between India and Pakistan - when they shot and killed 26 tourists!! Modi truncated his Saudi trip to spearhead the response - which must be condign.
Dead: Hemchan Utam
Charged: Troyden Trellis
3 cops remanded for allegedly stealing cocaine from evidence lock-up
Three serving members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have been remanded to prison on Wednesday after appearing in Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore’s Georgetown court on a joint larceny charge in relation to the alleged theft of cocaine from the West Ruimveldt Police Station.
The accused are 26-year-old Constable Grenville Harris of Lot 59 South Vryheid's Lust, East Coast Demerara; 39-yearold Corporal Floyd Pellew of Lot 161 Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara; and Corporal Latchman Singh of Lot 120 Weldaad, West Coast Berbice.
At the time of the alleged incident, they were all stationed at the West Ruimveldt Police Station. Singh, however, was attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The charge alleges that on March 13, the three stole 400 grams of suspected cocaine that had been secured at the West Ruimveldt Police Station. They have not been required to enter a plea.
The prosecutor has strongly objected to these accused persons being placed bail by alleging that they had obstructed the course of justice and interfered with witnesses, and he urged the court to set an example that would deter other officers from engaging in similar misconduct.
He informed the court that the three men had removed the 400 grams of sus-
pected cocaine from a strongbox at the Police Station. The matter was reported, triggering an internal investigation, and advice was sought from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
He said that during the investigation, Sergeant Johnson observed that the seal to the strong box had been breached and that four parcels of the suspected narcotics had gone missing.
He added that the narcotics had initially weighed 4.9 kilograms, but when it was discovered that the strong box had been breached, the narcotics,
when weighed, had amounted to only 4.5 kilograms.
The prosecutor also revealed that CCTV footage had captured Corporal Pellew removing the suspected narcotics from the strongbox and handing them to Singh and Harris. The footage is alleged to show Singh and Harris entering the CID room with the bag, and later returning the bag.
Despite these allegations, all three men remain employed with the Guyana Police Force. They have not been suspended, dismissed, or interdicted from duty.
Defense attorney Patrice Henry, who represented both Singh and Pellew, in pushing back against the prosecutor’s arguments, said Corporal Singh, police number 24380, has served with the Force for over 16 years, and has maintained an “unblemished record.”
Henry insisted that Singh is not known to the police for any misconduct, and the only reputation he has is one of integrity and service.
Henry, also raising questions about the nature of the substance allegedly stolen, told the court that the Guyana Police Force had previously mistaken common substances like milk and flour for narcotics, and that no forensic analysis had been presented to confirm whether the seized material was indeed illegal.
Further, the attorney rejected the prosecutor’s claim that there was a risk of witness tampering, arguing that any potential witnesses would be fellow police officers, who are unlikely to be influenced. He added that all three men had previously been on selfbail during the internal investigation and never attempted to interfere with the case.
Meanwhile, attorney Eusi Anderson, representing Constable Harris, said
his client is a law-abiding officer and father of one, who has served the Force with distinction.
Describing the allegation as “whimsical”, Anderson said that Harris was unfamiliar with the charge read in court, which he claimed differed from what was initially put to him; and he affirmed that the defense is confident of defeating the charge at trial.
Despite the arguments advanced by both attorneys, Magistrate Azore denied the men bail and remanded them to prison. The matter has adjourned to May 14 for the disclosure of statements.
In a separate matter, Corporal Singh has also been charged with unlawfully assaulting a man named Akeem, on August 8, 2024 at the West Ruimveldt Police Station. He pleaded not guilty as charged, and has been placed on bail in the sum of $25,000. That matter also has been adjourned to May 14.
As recently as this April month, the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) of the Guyana Police Force launched a formal investigation into the disappearance of a quantity of cocaine that was reportedly being stored at the armory of the Guyana Police Force’s Tactical Services
Unit (TSU), located within the Force’s headquarters at Eve Leary, Georgetown. That matter came to light following multiple reports circulating on social media and queries raised by the press. In response, the Police Force issued a statement confirming that an internal probe is underway.
While the police have not disclosed the exact quantity of narcotics unaccounted for, sources suggest that it may amount to several pounds. There are also unconfirmed reports that some of the missing cocaine bricks were replaced with a look-alike substance, a development allegedly discovered during a recent handover at the unit.
The Force has so far remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the investigation, but assured the public that updates would be provided as further details emerge.
Similar incidents occurred in 2016, when eight parcels of cocaine were reported missing following a major drug bust; and in 2017, when several members of the Police Narcotics Branch were under close arrest following the disappearance of close to two kilograms of cocaine from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at Police Headquarters in Eve Leary, Georgetown.
The accused: Constable Grenville Harris, Corporal Floyd Pellew, and Corporal Latchman Singh
Security officer appeals for help after fallen tree destroys roof, belongings
Asecurity officer from Industrial Site squatting area, Greater Georgetown, is pleading for public assistance after a massive tree came crashing down on her home during a recent downpour, destroying the roof and leaving her with nothing but soaked memories and a pile of ruined belongings.
The woman, Carol Pickette, said the incident occurred late Wednesday evening as heavy rainfall swept through the area. She told <<<Guyana Times>>>that she had just returned from work when she discovered the tree – an old, towering one that had stood in the yard for decades – had fallen, damaging part of her roof, causing rain to pour into her home.
His roof is gone too. His bed, his TV… he said was damaged,” she added.
Pickette, who only recently secured her current job as a security officer, said she has not yet received her first salary, and has no funds to carry out the repairs. She tried to do what she could with what little she had, using old materials for a temporary fix, but it has proven insufficient, especially with the rainy season here.
“I gave someone a little money to try and nail up something, but it’s not holding. I can’t afford to do anything more right now. I have to wait for my first pay, and even that won’t be enough. People see you walking and looking good, and they don’t know what you going through,” she explained.
“I was at work when it happened. When I came home, the rain was just coming straight into the house. All of my clothes, shoes, underwear, bed, pillows, everything was soaked and damaged,” she said.
The tree also caused significant damage to her nephew’s home, a second structure in the yard, located opposite hers. His roof was also destroyed, and he lost several key household items, including his bed and television.
“He’s my nephew and he lives just across right here.
Pickette believes the tree may have been poisoned, as large, rotting chunks have started to fall away from its trunk, a situation that has her fearing further destruction or, worse, injury.
“I have to find money to cut it again because they said more might fall, and I’m scared that the next time, it might do more damage or even hurt someone,” she said.
Living alone in her small home, surrounded by multiple family houses on the same property, she’s now ap-
pealing to anyone who is willing to lend a hand. Her most pressing need, she said, is to get back some of the clothes and household items she lost, and to repair her roof before another storm hits.
“Anything anyone can do to help…,” she said. She estimated her total losses to be over $100,000 or more, a staggering sum for someone yet to receive their first pay cheque.
As the rainy season continues, Pickette’s plea is not just for charity, but for a chance to feel safe and dry in her own home once again. She can be contacted on +592601-1830.
This is the second tree to have fallen in Georgetown and damaged a home this month, according to reports. On April 9, a 79-year-old man was injured when a tree fell on his family home in North Ruimveldt.
The injured man, Stamond Rawlins, was residing on the upper floor of the two-storey building.
According to reports, the house was located next to an abandoned structure on a plot of land overgrown with trees and bushes. The tree suddenly fell onto the house and him. He was subsequently rescued from the building and taken for medical treatment.
The broken tree and damage caused by its fall
20 new secondary schools to be opened in September
Education Minister Priya Manickchand has announced that at least 20 new secondary schools will be opened across Guyana in time for the new academic term in September 2025.
This achievement marks a significant leap towards the realization of universal secondary education in the country.
The announcement was made during the launch of the National STEM Fair on Wednesday, when the Minister highlighted Government’s ongoing commitment to transforming the education landscape.
Manickchand emphasised that by mid-2026, Guyana would achieve full secondary school access in every region – a major mile-
stone that has eluded successive governments for decades.
According to data provided at the event, a total of five new secondary schools are located in Region One (BarimaWaini); four new ones are in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); three new ones are in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), and there are seven new ones located in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper
Starlink resellers operating illegally – PUC
…warns
of prosecution as Starlink distances itself from sky-high pricing scheme
Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Dr Nanda Gopaul, has warned that individual companies that have begun to advertise sale of the Starlink internet services at exorbitant prices are currently operating illegally, and the PUC would be taking steps to prosecute businesses found so doing.
Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Tesla and ‘X’ owner Elon Musk, began operating in Guyana earlier this month. Within days of the company’s entry to Guyana’s telecommunications market, several companies began popping up, mainly on social media, offering the service at steep markups.
Gopaul explained thus: given that the situation
operating outside of the law,” he explained. In Guyana, Starlink is currently offering two monthly subscription plans: the “Residential” for $11,000 per month, and the “Residential Lite” for $7400 per month. However, local resellers on social media are advertising the monthly subscrip-
has only recently developed, the PUC is still looking into the situation with the ultimate aim of going after the parties.
“They cannot do that! They will be violating the law. It just came to our attention recently, and we discussed it with Starlink with a view (to) prosecuting them,” Gopaul said as he noted the grave effect on consumers.
“They will be deemed to be ripping off consumers. They cannot operate outside of the law. We have given Starlink approval of the rates they requested because we believe that [the approved rates] were competitive. Anything above those rates will be
tions for as much as from $27,500 to $79,000. Meanwhile, though Starlink website is retailing the equipment at $82,000 for the “Starlink Standard Kit” and $42,000 for the “Starlink Mini Kit” locally, pages advertising on social media are selling the equipment at markups as much as between $128,000 and $140,000. These advertisers are particularly targeting interior locations, where mining takes place, and where internet services are limited.
Gopaul has underscored that the PUC has not given permission to any entity to market internet services outside the prices approved for Starlink.
Essequibo), among other places.
“We are at a place where, by September of this year, we will be opening at least 20 new secondary schools across this country. And by mid next year, we would have achieved universal secondary education across Guyana. I was saying to someone, ‘Only in Georgetown we have built, and are going to be opening shortly, the new Christ Church Secondary; the new St. George’s Secondary; the new St. Mary’s Secondary, which, I will let you in to a secret now, will become the new Brickdam Secondary,” the Minister has said.
Acknowledging the unique logistical and geographic challenges Guyana
“Before any rate is introduced, the approval of the PUC is necessary. We have approved the request by Starlink of the rates which they will charge for services rendered in Guyana, and those should be the only rates. Anything over and above that will be deemed illegal by anyone,” Gopaul said.
Gopaul noted that Starlink has established that any entity selling their service outside of the approved prices is not affiliated with the company.
Disassociated
“We have had discussions with Starlink representatives and they have disassociated themselves from any person who may have gone outside of their conditions which they would have set,” Gopaul has said. “We will be warning consumers not to buy services from persons who are charging exorbitant prices and are claiming to be representatives of Starlink or any other company charging rates above what we have authorized. It is illegal.”
The PUC is the regulatory body in Guyana that is responsible for overseeing essential utility services provided by licensed utility companies, including those for electricity, telecommunications and water.
The PUC operates independently, guided by the provisions of the Public Utilities Commission Act.
faces in delivering education, particularly in the hinterland, the Minister explained that projects such as the Jawalla and Philippi Secondary schools have faced temporary delays because fluctuating water levels have been affecting transportation of materials. However, she has assured that with persistent effort, these hurdles are being addressed.
“We’ve always struggled with access to secondary education, and the reason we’ve struggled is because our geography is very different from Caribbean islands; and I say islands. We’re a country. We have to put a school on a mountaintop, or at the bottom of a valley, or on a bank somewhere, a river
bank…,” she detailed.
“You have schools like Jawalla and Philippi, who had to go on pause right now because the water level was so low - I think that would change after the last couple of days - that material could not reach the school on boats and pontoons,” she explained.
The Minister highlighted that increasing access to education is only one part of Government’s agenda. A higher quality of education and a more varied curriculum are also critical to the Ministry’s transformation strategy.
Government has, since 2020, added over 4,000 teachers to the national system, pushing the total teaching workforce to over 14,000. Crucially, 99 percent of these teachers are either trained or undergoing training — a significant improvement from 72 percent when the administration took office.
Additionally, Government is integrating TVET (technical and vocational education and training) into all secondary schools. Students would now have the opportunity to earn Caribbean vocational qualifications (CVQs), opening pathways for employment and entrepreneurship in agriculture, construction, technology, and other trades.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand
Guyana accredits new Chinese, Vietnamese diplomats
Guyana continues to strengthen its diplomatic relations, with President Dr Irfaan Ali recently accrediting two new foreign envoys.
On Wednesday, the Guyanese Head of State accepted the Letters of Credence of the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, Yang Yang, at the Office of the President on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive.
Guyana formally established diplomatic relations with China on June 27, 1972, becoming the first English-speaking Caribbean nation to build ties with that East Asian country.
Ambassador Yang arrived in Guyana on April 17. She has replaced former Ambassador Guo Haiyan, who completed her tenure here back in December 2024, and left Guyana on December 10, after three years at the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown. She had assumed office in October, 2021.
Prior to the departure of Ambassador Guo Haiyan, President Ali hosted a farewell dinner during which he praised Ambassador Guo’s extraordinary contribution to promoting Guyana-China friendship and pragmatic cooperation, and declared his satisfaction with the strengthening of bilateral cooperation.
He had also said that Guyana stands ready to continuously work with China in agriculture, health, and other fields, and welcomes more investment from China.
The former Chinese diplomat had extended appreciation to President Ali’s high attention to developing bilateral relations, and his successful visit to China in 2023.
During a subsequent farewell reception held in her honour, Ambassador Guo had noted that the already strong bilateral relations between Guyana and China continues to grow with tangible results in almost every field, including trade, which saw a significant 31 percent increase in the first half of 2024, as bilateral trade reached US$800 million.
Currently, China is playing a major role in Guyana’s development, especially in the area of infrastructure, with the new US$260 million Demerara River Bridge that is currently being constructed by China-based China Railway Construction (International); the signing of contractors for both the Guyana Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Programme, and the new US$35 million MackenzieWismar Bridge Project, and also the ongoing US$10 million construction of the China-Guyana Friendship Joe Vieira Park Project.
Vietnamese Ambassador
in agro-processing, manufacturing, and trade.
President Ali also recently accepted the Letters of Credence of the new Ambassador of Vietnam, Bui Van Nghi, at the Office of the President.
Following the ceremony held last week, the President met with Ambassador Bui and informed him of Guyana’s ongoing transformation in infrastructure, human resources, climate, energy, and food security. Discussions also encompassed potential collaboration in the aquaculture sector, large-scale agricul-
ture, and human resource development.
Guyana established diplomatic relations with Vietnam on April 19, 1975.
Ambassador Bui is replacing Ambassador Pham Thi Kim Hoa, who was accredited back in March 2023.
The new Vietnamese diplomat, who is posted in Brazil, had recently met with Guyana’s Chief Investment Officer and Head of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Dr Peter Ramsaroop, to discuss investment synergies
According to GO-Invest, during that meeting last Thursday, Dr Ramsaroop outlined several key sectors where Vietnamese industries could engage with Guyana’s expanding economy. Discussions focused on agro-processing opportuni-
ties such as cashew production and the cultivation of higher-grade rice, as well as potential investments in the manufacturing sector.
Dr Ramsaroop also expressed interest in exploring Vietnamese import products that align with Guyana’s development priorities. The visit underscored
the growing interest in strengthening trade and investment relations between Vietnam and Guyana, GOInvest said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, was present at both accreditation ceremonies.
President Dr Irfaan Ali receiving the Letters of Credence of the newly accredited Vietnamese Ambassador to Guyana, Bui Van Nghi
President Dr Irfaan Ali and Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd with the newly accredited Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang
Linden shooting probe
Nandlall blasts Hughes’s attack on Regional Security System
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister
Anil Nandlall, SC, has condemned the Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes, for “irresponsible and inflammatory” remarks he made in urging members of the public to reject the official police investigation into the recent killing of two Linden men.
The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) of the Guyana Police Force, with support from the Regional Security System (RSS), is conducting an investigation into the alleged police killing of 21-year-old Ronaldo Peters and 32-yearold Keon Fogenay in Linden earlier this month.
The probe into the April 7 death of Peters has been completed, and the case file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on Wednesday for legal advice; while the investigation into Fogenay’s death, which occurred on April 8, is still ongoing.
At the funeral service held for the two men on Sunday, Hughes, an attorney-at-law, urged family members to reject police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the men’s deaths.
He said, “I say to you today, Linden: do not accept any peace offering that says that the police should investigate or that the RSS can assist. They are both incapable. And if you want to pay tribute to these two sons here, do not accept the police investigation and do not accept an investigation by the RSS.”
During his weekly pro-
gramme – Issues in the News – on Tuesday evening, Nandlall criticised the AFC leader for attacking the Caribbean’s RSS mechanism.
“So, Nigel Hughes is telling the country to disregard the law enforcement agencies of Guyana [and] disregard the Regional Security System. This is a regional law enforcement agency, a Caribbean mechanism…so whom should we get to investigate these things? And on what basis is he jumping to these conclusions?”
Nandlall asked.
“What evidence does Mr Hughes have to suggest that the investigation is somehow compromised?”
Nandlall questioned.
With the police being fingered in the deaths of Peters and Fogenay, the Guyana Government had called in the RSS to assist local authorities with the probe. A three-member team subsequently arrived here, and is working with the OPR to conduct the investigations.
In calling for the rejection of the ongoing investigation, Hughes has claimed that the RSS cannot be accepted, and that it had failed Guyana in the past with the Henry boys’ case – something which the Attorney General has debunked.
Nandlall reminded that it was the RSS investigation and support that led to persons being charged for the murders of 16-yearold Isaiah Henry and his 19-year-old cousin Joel Henry, who were brutally murdered in September 2020.
According to the Attorney General, there is a process to be followed, and that is exactly what is being done in relation to the deaths of the two Linden men.
“In a civilized society, an investigation must be done, and that investigation requires due process to be extended to both the victims as well as the villains, and eyewitnesses are also required to be interviewed so that important and nec-
essary bits and pieces of evidence is accumulated. There is no other process in the civilized world. And that is what the Government committed to,” Nandlall declared.
He went on to say, “Nigel Hughes is a lawyer. he knows all of this, yet he is quoted in the press as making the most reckless, irresponsible and inflammatory statements. And these are not isolated statements, these are statements that Nigel Hughes has consistently shown a proclivity for publishing.”
The Legal Affairs Minister further contended that Hughes’s posture on this and other similar types of situations demonstrates that he is “out of his depth when it comes to responsibility”.
Nandlall posited, “[Hughes] cannot be anywhere close to a government…He doesn’t have the sense of maturity, and he doesn’t have the presence of mind.”
However, Hughes responded to the AG on Wednesday by stating that he is committed to justice for the two Linden men.
“Illogical”
But, according to prominent attorney and former Member of Parliament for the People’s National Congress (PNC), James Bond, Hughes’s position is “illogical”.
“[Hughes’s comment] doesn’t sound like a logical comment; it has to be something more to it. If the investigation reveals the ranks were culpable, should that
report be accepted? If the report comes back to charge them with murder, should Lindeners disregard it? Something isn’t adding up,” Bond stated during an interview with this newspaper on Tuesday.
On April 7, Peters was reportedly shot dead at Shabba Bar in Linden by a plainclothes police officer attached to the Wismar Police Station. His death sparked outrage that resulted in protests across the mining town, demanding justice.
However, during the protest the following day –which were marked by the burning of tyres and blocking of roads – police reportedly fatally shot Fogenay.
Eyewitnesses allege that Fogenay was not actively participating in the protest, but was struck while passing through the area.
President Dr Irfaan Ali has assured the families of the two men that there would be thorough investigations into both incidents.
Meanwhile, during his Tuesday programme, AG Nandlall addressed calls by Hughes for the families of the Linden men killed to be compensated. He said, “The Government is not ruling out any form of compensation, but things have to be done in a proper way, in an orderly way. You must have an investigation; there must be some findings, and then certain eventualities will flow.”
While Peters’s case file was handed over to the DPP, the GPF has said additional witnesses were expected to be interviewed on Wednesday to complete the Fogenay case file before that, too, is submitted. The RSS is also expected to submit a report containing its findings and recommendations. In the meantime, the cops involved in the fatal shootings have been placed under close arrest, pending the outcome of the investigations.
“One hand” on $75,000 bail for threatening to kill acquaintance
George Chase, also known as “One hand,” a 35-yearold resident of 47 Newtown Kitty, Georgetown, was arraigned on Wednesday in the Georgetown Court of Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore on three charges: threatening behaviour, abusive language, and threatening language, all allegedly committed against Leon Williams at Longden Street, Georgetown on January 31.
Chase pleaded not guilty as charged, but the prosecutor told the court that Williams has expressed fear for his life after receiving from the accused WhatsApp voice messages in which Chase allegedly threatened to kill him. The prosecutor also detailed that the parties are known to each other.
Asked to clarify their relationship, Williams
George Chase, aka 'One hand'
told Magistrate Azore that he knew Chase from the market, where they would occasionally interact casually or drink together. Williams also told the court that he frequently passes Chase when he goes to buy goods at the market, and that he has no alternative route.
Given this proxim -
ity and ongoing fear, Magistrate Azore, in placing Chase on a total of $75,000 bail for the three charges, also issued a no-contact order as a condition of Chase’s bail.
The matters have been adjourned to May 21 for statements and further proceedings.
The charges that Chase now faces are not the first time he has found himself before the courts. Chase also has a prior conviction dating back to 2011, when he was just 20 years old. He was brought before Magistrate Hazel Octave Hamilton on a charge of simple larceny, and after pleading guilty, was sentenced to six months in prison.
As this latest matter proceeds, Chase remains out on bail but under strict orders not to make any contact with the virtual complainant.
Dead: 21-year-old Ronaldo Peters (left) and 32-year-old Keon Fogenay
Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC AFC Leader Nigel Hughes
UNESCO, Merundoi host workshop to combat threats to Guyana’s cultural heritage
As persons recognise the importance of preserving cultural heritage passed down from previous generations— developments in modern society, such as social media, have been identified as one of the main hurdles reducing the effectiveness of these critical efforts.
As such, UNESCO, in collaboration with Merundoi, is currently hosting a workshop in Guyana, with the aim of combating these threats.
On Wednesday, the Guyana National Commission for UNESCO, in collaboration with UNESCO
Kingston Cluster Office for the Caribbean and Merundoi Incorporated, commenced a workshop aimed at preserving Guyana’s cultural heritage.
Specifically, the workshop is on the Ratification of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage. This three-day event brings together stakeholders, and will highlight the significance of culture in the lives of communities and individuals.
Delivering the feature address at the workshop’s opening ceremony was Dean and Senior Lecturer at the
University of Guyana, Al Creighton, who also currently serves as the Director of the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama in Guyana. According to Creighton, in Guyana, cultural heritage is under threat owing to progressive developments in modern society.
“We are facing major threats... over recent time, and some of these threats have come from what some would may regard as some of the more progressive developments in modern society: technology, the technological age, the new alternative sources, the new alternative
modes of entertainment, and particularly, the very powerful social media.”
Notably, Creighton highlighted that a lack of interest in cultural practices among the younger population could severely weaken preservation efforts.
“One of the main tasks that faces this particular attempt at preservation is catching the attention and catching the imagination of the youth. And this, the new generation, you may want to say the now generation, have to get their attention. We have to get that attention in order to halt the march of the
disappearance of so many items of cultural heritage.”
Moreover, Creighton stressed how the significance of several local events and practices such as dig dutty, wake and masquerade have dwindled over the years.
Also present at the event was head of Culture Programme for the UNESCO office for the Caribbean, Yuri Peskhov, who highlighted the importance of countries safeguarding their cultural identity.
“The significance of culture in the lives of communities and individuals is an anchor for identity and belonging, makes a continuity as a powerful tool for building resilience and serving as the basis for sustainable development.”
He added, “So, we think that the potential ratification of the Living Heritage Convention by Guyana
would be a critical step forward, acknowledging the importance of safeguarding its precious heritage on the national level and thereby contributing to advancing national sustainable development.”
The 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage recognises in its panel the importance of living heritage as a driver of cultural diversity and as a signal of sustainable development.
Special emphasis lies in the recognition and protection of indigenous communities as they play an important role in the production, safeguarding, maintenance, and recreation of the living heritage, thus helping to enrich the cultural diversity and self-respect of the communities from which they originate.
Local media can leverage AI to enhance operations, but human factor still needed – CDB’s Dr Boyce
Ahead of World Press Freedom Day 2025 celebrations, Dr Toussant Boyce of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) highlighted ways Guyana’s media fraternity can harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the years ahead, but, at the same time, emphasised that the human touch remained essential in today’s digital age.
Dr Boyce, a certified anti-money laundering specialist, was at the time speaking at a Guyana Press Association (GPA)- organised lecture last Thursday. He told local Journalists that he was passionate about leveraging global financial insights and emerging technologies like AI to drive progress in the Caribbean. Through his role at the CDB, he has delivered impactful thought leadership across the region.
During his address at the GPA lecture, Dr Boyce
outlined the possibilities AI presents for enhancing journalism in Guyana – from improving efficiency to expanding reach.
He noted that AI could assist reporters and Journalists, particularly when they are assigned to cover stories in outdoor or potentially risky situations.
“In the future, there will be the ability to use AI for things like risk assessments before you go into the field to
do a story,” he said.
“You’ll be able to have on your phone, or somewhere nearby, an AI app that will give you as complete a risk assessment as possible of what you’re about to do. You’ll be able to ensure your safety,” he stated, urging persons to keep themselves abreast of the innovations that AI can bring.
He further added that, in time, media practitioners may even determine whether it is necessary to physically visit a location at all.
From his view, he foresees AI systems capable of leveraging every bit of public information in a space – spanning Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage, directional data, geospatial inputs, and more – to give precise insights before a Journalist even leaves home or the office.
According to Dr Boyce, this innovation could fundamentally change the dynam-
ics of journalism, especially on occasions like World Press Freedom Day, as it relates to the safety of media professionals.
Despite the many advantages AI offers to the media, Dr Boyce emphasised the enduring importance of the human factor.
“I recommend that young Journalists invest time and energy in learning about AI and applying it safely and ethically. I don’t believe AI will replace you. It’s the other young journalists using AI who will replace you. And remember too, things are moving so very quickly – we have to be patient as well.”
He also encouraged seasoned Journalists to dedicate time and energy towards learning more about AI.
On that note, he highlighted the unmatched creativity of Guyanese journalists.
“It will never truly re-
place you either, because you have unique knowledge, insights, nuances, etc. And I think your creativity is unmatched. I have seen the work of Guyanese Journalists, and it’s excellent. In some ways, your creativity provides a type of leadership to young journalists that I believe will be very, very hard for AI to replicate.”
He went on to explain that humans have a different way of thinking – one that can gain from disasters, from hurt, from shocks and volatility.
Meanwhile, Dr Boyce recommended that policymakers ensure a level playing field between AI and media workers.
“My recommendation for policymakers is to ensure – or at least be aware – that we can achieve a balanced regulatory environment that ensures transparency and account -
ability, without limiting, to our detriment, the use of technologies like AI. And now is the time, I believe, to establish sovereign AI. I think countries like Guyana are very well poised. As I said, we have a treasury of data that’s indigenous to us, which requires not only protection but also very sensitive and careful use by all concerned.”
He added that the media was at the centre of this data ecosystem: “You interact with all that information; you create a lot of that information; and you are also able to act on that information. I believe, from an action point of view, we’ve just scraped the surface of AI’s impact.” Sovereign AI refers to a nation’s or region’s ability to control, create, and deploy AI models using its own infrastructure, data, and workforce.
Dr Toussant Boyce
Dean and Senior Lecturer at the University of Guyana, Al Creighton
Residents voice frustration at EPA’s
failure to address chicken pen issue
…says rainy season fuelling stench and air pollution
As Guyana’s rainy season begins, sev-
eral residents of Hope, West Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) have voiced their frustration at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to swiftly address the issue of stench and air pollution caused by a large-scale, double-deck chicken pen that was recently constructed in their neighbourhood.
In an interview with this publication, a resident of the area who wishes to remain anonymous has revealed that the issue has been affecting the community for quite some time. However, the situation rapidly escalated after the poultry farmer decided to increase his production by expanding the chicken pen to a two-storey structure.
“So, like about three to four years back, this guy he built a fowl pen. Now, the fowl pen that he built was a flat something in the yard; he eventually expanded to a two-storey. So, the entire yard (has) pens…,” that resident detailed.
“Now, around last year, the guy extended bigger, and the next-door neighbour have four little children, and the fowl dust with the stinkiness, it’s affecting the children a lot. And with this current rainy season, the place is very stink,” the resident explained.
According to this resident, following the discomfiture, multiple members of the community reached out to the poultry farmer to resolve the situation. However, these efforts failed because of hostility allegedly displayed by the mother of the businessman.
“We spoke to him personally; his mother is very aggressive – now that whenever you speak out against the pen, she will throw remarks on you,” the resident claimed.
Following the unsuccessful efforts to peacefully resolve the situation, residents had moved to authorities such as their Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the main agency responsible for dealing with matters of such a nature.
After residents criticised the NDC, <<Guyana Times>> reached out to the chairman of the Enmore/ Hope NDC, Ravi Sharma, who denied that the organization has neglected the wellbeing of the community. The chairman revealed that, in fact, the NDC had engaged the EPA on the matter, since the NDC does not have the authority to effectively address the issue.
“We would’ve engaged EPA on the matter, so it’s at the EPA level…I think
twice the EPA went and do some inspection there, because the matter was not too long ago raised by the residents during an outreach with the Vice President,” the Chairman disclosed.
Another resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that the EPA did site visits; and at a previous visit weeks ago, the EPA had informed the residents that they have a “strategy” to deal with the situation. However, to date, no follow-up visits, inspections or updates were given to members of the community.
“Well, EPA came here – the last visit (was) maybe a month and change; it’s not more than 2 months ago – but they come and tell us that they have a strategy and they will look into it. But I didn’t see them back, so I don’t know what’s going on with them,” the resident said.
In a bid to get more clarity on what is being done to address the situation and bring relief to residents, Guyana Times made efforts to contact the Head of the EPA. However, those efforts have been futile, so it is currently unclear whether the businessman is rearing 500 birds or more; if he is authorized to do so; and if he is complying with EPA guidelines.
The EPA has a man-
date to take necessary steps for the management, conservation, protection, and improvement of the environment. It also is tasked with taking steps to prevent or control pollution; assess the impact of economic development on the environment; and promote sustainable use of natural resources.
Over the years, one step the EPA has taken has been to develop regulations, strategies, action plans and guidelines to support its efforts to curb some of the more persistent environmental issues.
With the country’s growing economy, the demand for poultry and its products has increased. Poultry rearing is a quick, convenient business that not only supports the local demand for poultry in the fast-food business, but also creates jobs and income-generating opportunities which are particularly important to small-scale farmers.
An unfortunate fact, however, is that if not done correctly, poultry rearing can have negative consequences for the environment and human health. Poorly managed poultry rearing operations can result in odour nuisance, water and land pollution, and lead to human health conditions of the skin, eyes and ears.
Further, waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea
can be caused by polluted water emanating from poultry-rearing facilities. In poultry rearing, certain considerations must be taken to prevent associated issues that have the potential to compromise the quality of the environment and human health.
As such the EPA in 2022 had released guidelines for persons desirous of rearing poultry, in which location, housing, and solid waste management guidelines have been addressed, along with how to manage wastewater and control air and dust emissions.
Parag updates Guyanese Diaspora in Qatar about progress back home
Local Government and Regional Development
Minister Sonia Parag recently met with the Guyanese Diaspora in Qatar, providing a comprehensive overview of the massive and transformational developments taking place all across Guyana.
The Minister is currently in the Middle East attending the Earthna Summit, hosted by the Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future –a component of the Qatar Foundation.
Minister Parag told Guyanese living in Qatar that the Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government has been quite strategic in balancing its push for progress with its responsibilities towards the environment and combating climate change.
“We want to ensure that we remain strong, even after oil is gone,” she said.
Minister Parag emphasised that Guyana’s oil wealth is being responsibly
utilised to develop and diversify critical non-oil economies such as agriculture, tourism, and energy generation, etc.
“Ensuring food and energy security is a top priority for this People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government,” Minister Parag said, pointing to the Administration’s commitment to “striking that healthy balance”.
The Minister made specific mention of initiatives such as the landmark Gasto-Shore project and the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, which are part of an energy mix being pursued under the updated Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030.
This will see several smaller hydropower plants, along with wind and solar farms, set up to feed into the national grid, thereby providing reliable electricity at drastically reduced costs.
Minister Parag shared President Ali’s vision of making Guyana a food
and energy hub for the Caribbean region.
Minister Parag told the gathering that from “day one” the Government has been investing heavily in education, delivering more than 30,000 scholarships to persons in all parts of the country.
“We also returned and increased the education cash grants,” Minister Parag noted.
The grant, which was
stopped under the coalition Government, was reinstated in 2020, and increased to $55,000.
Minister Parag also reflected on how Government has been able to expand Internet access to some of the most remote areas in the country, offering improved academic opportunities to hundreds of hinterland children. These efforts have also resulted in telemedicine being utilised to offer better
medical care to hinterland residents.
Meanwhile, at the community level, Minister Parag said that all Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) are being equipped with excavators to address drainage and agricultural issues, with firefighting pickups with trained first responders to respond and assist communities, and soon enough, with mini-compactor garbage trucks, which
will ease the longstanding discomfort that stems from delayed garbage disposal.
Added to that, the NDCs will also receive substantial increases in their annual Government subvention, which has gone from $5 million to $30 million.
Furthermore, Minister Parag informed the Guyanese living in Qatar that the Government subvention for municipalities has also grown from $10 million to $50 million.
“We want to empower our communities to serve the people,” Minister Parag said, pointing to the fact that every roadway and every community ground in the country is slated for repairs and rehabilitation.
“These are just some of what’s happening back home in Guyana,” Minister Parag told the gathering of enthused Guyanese, who, by the end of the evening, committed to, at the very least, returning to their homeland more often.
a section of the two-storey chicken pen that is affecting residents in the Enmore-Hope community
UG unveils high-tech climate monitoring platform on coastline
…real-time flood & sea level data now just a click away
Aweb-based platform has been developed by the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences to allow persons to access real-time satellite data on the effects of climate change on Guyana’s coastline, such as floods and sea level rises; and has been launched at the University of Guyana on Wednesday.
During the launch, the developers of the platform, known as the Guyana Coastal Analysis System (G-CAS), also expressed their willingness to collaborate with the Government of Guyana.
This web-based plat-
form G-CAS, which has been developed by the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences through a grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, would allow persons to view real-time satellite data on climate change phenomena such as floods and sea level rises, as well as monitor the mangroves.
During the launch of the platform, Director General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Colonel (retired) Nazrul Hussain, in noting the potential of the project to boost disaster management, said, “With regards to the system at hand, I do applaud the ef-
fort, and we need these type of digital and AI tools. I just came back from a conference with CDEMA (Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency), and the mantra is, ‘Go AI’. So, we are now going to depend on the type of digital platforms and information that we can get, and how we can put it together to assess whatever threat levels we have in dealing with disasters and how to manage it.”
Meanwhile, the University of Guyana Vice Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohammed, noting that the private sector is among the stakeholders who can benefit from this
technology, also spoke of the University of Guyana’s own land use policies, which incorporate the use of climate friendly building codes.
“One of the things that are becoming apparent to me in interfacing with the private sector is that they are also very important, and (are) in fact probably some of the least considered users of this kind of information,” she declared.
“We note that persons are still building along the coast. On our own campus, we have our own building codes we’ve developed that are climate-friendly and have to share with colleagues across the coun-
try, especially those building along the coast, because there are a couple of things we’ve tried to apply our own science to,” the Professor added.
Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Studies, Esan Hamer, in expressing his willingness to work with the Government, noted that the faculty remains ready to participate, if invited to a seat at the table.
Principal Investigator Temitope Oyedotun, revealing that he would be meeting with regulators and Government agencies, has said, “We would expect that data and information that is
generated from this system to be integrated into national planning. Now, of course we cannot force the hand of any decision-maker, and this is why we have this open-door policy at the faculty, where we would like to offer our expertise and services with respect to national climate change mitigation as well as adaptation efforts, advise as much as we can. The information can be validated, and is credible. So, we are hoping to play our role in the fight against climate change and climate change efforts. And we would welcome a seat at the table, if permitted by the decision makers.”
With funding from Canada, Guyana launched a climate, land-use, energy and water systems (CLEWs) model in March, which can be used by policymakers to make more climate-conscious decisions in developmental planning.
The CLEWs modelling initiative in Guyana is funded by Global Affairs Canada under the CanadaCaricom Expert Deployment Mechanism (CCEDM). Funds were also received from MITACS, Canada’s leading innovation organization.
CLEWs models are tools for simultaneous consideration of food, energy and water security. They are designed to assess how production and use of these resources may contribute to climate change, and how climate change may affect the resource systems.
Beijing threatens countermeasures against countries that
‘appease’
Washington in trade war
China has warned it will take “resolute and reciprocal” countermeasures against other countries negotiating with the US if they make a deal at China’s expense during the trade war.
China’s commerce ministry was responding to recent news reports that Donald Trump planned to pressure other countries to limit their trade with China in return for tariff exemptions. Beijing and the US are locked in an escalating trade war, running separately to the US’s efforts to rewrite trade deals with the rest of the world.
“China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests,” the ministry said on Monday.
“Appeasement will not bring peace, and compro-
China vowed a response to those who ‘appease’ Washington in the trade war (Photograph: Alex Plavevski/EPA)
mise will not be respected … To seek one’s own temporary selfish interests at the expense of others’ interests is to seek the skin of a tiger.”
That approach, it warned, “will ultimately fail on both ends and harm others”.
Tit-for-tat tariffs be-
tween the US and China have reached 145% on Chinese exports to the US and 125% on US exports to China. Trump’s tariffs on China are the highest of the global tariffs he announced for all US trading partners as part of his so-called “liberation day” campaign to
make trading relationships more favourable to the US and bring more manufacturing on to US soil.
This month, as the US appeared destined for a recession, Trump announced a 90-day pause of the higher tariffs, reducing all countries to a blanket 10% – except China.
Some countries are engaged in negotiations with the US to lower or remove tariffs before the 90-day deadline. Reporting in the last week has suggested that Trump’s team intends to use those negotiations for its trade war with China. The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg have both cited US official saying the US was preparing to pressure those nations to curb their own trade with China or impose monetary sanctions.
“If such a situation occurs, China will never accept it and will resolutely take reciprocal countermeasures,” China’s commerce ministry said.
Responding to the reports on Saturday, Rachel Reeves, the UK chancellor, dismissed the idea that the UK would economically disengage from China.
“Well, China is the second biggest economy in the world, and it would be, I think, very foolish to not engage,” Reeves told the Telegraph. “That’s the approach of this government.”
Trump said on Thursday that the US was in talks with China on tariffs, adding that he was confident the world’s largest economies could make a deal to end the bitter trade war.
“Yeah, we’re talking to
China,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “I would say they have reached out a number of times.
“I think we’re going to make a very good deal with China.”
China has vowed to fight a trade war “to the end” and has not confirmed that it is in talks with Washington, though it has called for dialogue. Chinese officials have said the US need to show greater respect, It has strongly criticised what it calls “unilateralism and protectionism” by the US – and warned about an international order reverting to the “law of the jungle”.
“Where the strong prey on the weak, all countries will become victims,” Beijing said on Monday. (The Guardian)
U.S. Court clears path for corruption probe into Antigua PM Browne’s finances to proceed
In a landmark ruling with serious implications for
Antigua and Barbuda’s political leadership, a U.S. federal court has lifted a temporary block on subpoenas aimed at uncovering potential financial misconduct involving Prime Minister Gaston Browne, members of his family, and close associates.
The decision, handed down by Judge Jesse M. Furman in the Southern District of New York on April 22, 2025, allows discovery to proceed in an international legal matter brought by Yulia GuryevaMotlokhov, a businesswoman seeking evidence for use in foreign legal proceedings tied to the seizure and sale of the luxury yacht Alfa Nero.
The subpoenas target international wire transfer records linked to 19 individuals and entities, including Browne, his wife Minister Maria Browne, and others alleged to be involved in questionable transactions. The
U.S. court ruled that efforts to quash or delay the subpoenas lacked merit, and emphasized that the privacy claims made by Browne’s legal team were minimal given the nature of the records sought.
In its filings, the Applicant’s legal team accused Prime Minister Browne of using intimidation and defamation threats—including vulgar online attacks against opposing counsel—to disrupt the proceedings. The court
was informed that Browne has made public statements promising lawsuits against the Applicant, journalists, and even the chairman of the opposition party, D. Gisele Isaac, in connection with the corruption allegations.
The Court has ordered that the parties submit a finalized protective order by April 25, 2025, to govern the handling of the forthcoming evidence. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)
TTPS on high alert amid reports of plot to disrupt Apr 28 T&T poll
The T&T Police Service (TTPS) is investigating potential threats aimed at disrupting the April 28 General Election.
This was revealed by acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin during a media briefing at the Police Administration Building in Port-of-Spain yesterday. He confirmed that the authorities had received “certain intelligence” suggesting a possible disruption was being planned.
Benjamin declined to disclose further details about the bombshell claim, stating, “The intelligence would lead us to believe that things are
afoot to disrupt the electoral process, and we are saying to all persons, and this includes all parties as well, we want anyone seeking to disrupt the electoral process. We will take a zero-tolerance approach in dealing with that.”
Claiming that Trinidad and Tobago is known for holding fair and violence-free elections, he expressed hope that this would continue with the upcoming election next week.
But he stressed, “We will be taking a zero tolerance to anyone, any group, any person who would seek to disrupt the peace and tranquillity of T&T while the election
is going on or even anything leading up to the election.”
Benjamin stated, “Certain things have been brought to our attention, and we are saying, based on the things that have been brought to our attention, that anyone that seeks to break the law as it relates to the elections or anything dealing with the offences under the elections, we are going to deal with that decisively.”
He added, “Because we would really be looking seriously at persons who intend to break the law, and we will be taking a zero tolerance in dealing with that.” (Excerpt from T&T Guardian)
State of emergency declared as New Jersey wildfire explodes to 12,000 acres
Awildfire in New Jersey has exploded to 12,000 acres after igniting Tuesday in Ocean County and threatening more than 1,000 structures, shutting down a major highway and causing thousands of people to flee the flames.
The Jones Road Wildfire was 35% contained on Wednesday afternoon, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Shawn LaTourette, New Jersey’s Commissioner of Environmental Protection, said fire officials expect the blaze to grow and that it could turn out to be the largest wildfire in New Jersey in 20 years.
LaTourette said that no injuries have been reported.
Fanned by dry vegetation and low relative humidity, the fire was first reported in Ocean County at 9:45 a.m.
Firefighters battling a house fire on April 23, 2025 in Lacey Township, N.J
ET on Tuesday and exploded overnight from a few hundred acres to 8,500, according to the Forest Fire Service.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, said Chief Bill Donnelly of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Officials said they expect to have the fire fully contained by this weekend. About 100
firefighters were battling the blaze from the ground and air on Wednesday, officials said.
LaTourette said that more than a thousand structures were under threat at one point and more than 5,000 residents heeded mandatory evacuation orders or voluntarily evacuated. (Excerpt from ABC News)
Dominican Republic detains pregnant Haitian women in hospital swoop
The Dominican Republic says it deported more than 130 Haitian women and children on the first day of a crackdown on undocumented migrants in hospitals.
Dominican authorities said 48 pregnant women, 39 new mothers and 48 children were removed on Monday.
The swoop is one of 15 measures announced by President Luis Abinader to cut the number of undocumented migrants in his country, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.
Abinader’s government has been criticised for its harsh treatment of Haitian migrants, many of whom are fleeing the extreme gang violence in their country.
Those deported were taken to a detention centre to have their biometric data and fingerprints taken, before being handed to Haitian authorities at the Elías Piña border crossing.
Many of the women arrested were pregnant, and others had recently given birth
The Dominican immigration department said the women and their children “were treated with dignity and given food”. Officials also said all were deported after they had been “discharged from hospital and there were no risks to their health”.
However, the Dominican College of Physicians called the deportations “inhumane” and said that checking people’s migratory status and detaining them in hospitals would lead to undocumented migrants being too afraid to seek urgent medical care.
President Abinader said earlier this month that his country’s “generosity will not be exploited”, and that public hospitals would be required to check patients’ IDs, work permits and proof of residence. He said that those not in possession of the necessary papers would be deported after being treated.
The Dominican Republic has deported more than 80,000 people to Haiti in the first three months of this year, according to AFP news agency. Rights groups have described the deportations as “cruel”. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Brazilian judges accept coup plot charges against more Bolsonaro allies
Apanel of Brazil’s supreme court justices has unanimously accepted criminal charges against six more key allies of former president Jair Bolsonaro over an alleged coup plot to keep him in office after his 2022 election defeat.
Last month, the panel unanimously accepted charges against Bolsonaro and seven close allies over the alleged coup plot following his loss to current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and ordered the former rightwing leader to stand trial.
When the prosecutor general, Paulo Gonet, accused Bolsonaro and 33 others of attempting a coup, he divided them into five different groups, based on their roles and positions in the alleged plot.
Bolsonaro and his closest allies, including running mate Gen Braga Netto, were placed in the “core group”, according to the charges. On Tuesday,
the supreme court panel reviewed charges against the second group, which Gonet said held managerial roles.
The second group includes the former presidential foreign affairs adviser Filipe Martins, retired Gen Mario Fernandes, former federal highway police director Silvinei Vasques, former presidential aide Col Marcelo Câmara and two federal police officers, Fernando Oliveira and Marilia Alencar.
These individuals coor-
dinated actions planned by the core group, Gonet said in the indictment. These included mobilizing police officers to support the alleged coup, monitoring authorities and drafting a document intended to justify a state of emergency. Bolsonaro and his allies have repeatedly denied wrongdoing. The former president says that he is being politically persecuted. He has been hospitalized for more than a week, recovering from bowel surgery. On Monday, from his hospital bed in Brasília, he gave an interview to the local television network SBT and said that his trial was not technical, but political.
Under Brazilian law, a coup conviction alone carries a sentence of up to 12 years, but when combined with the other charges, it could result in a sentence of decades behind bars. Bolsonaro is expected to stand trial in the next few months at Brazil’s supreme court. (Guardian UK)
World Bank cuts Latin American and Caribbean growth view, highlights uncertainties
The World Bank on Wednesday cut its 2025 economic growth forecast for Latin America and the Caribbean to 2.1% from its January forecast of 2.5%, saying regional economies must adapt to navigate increasing global uncertainties.
The global lender cited a delay in interest rate cuts in developed economies, concerns around global trade re-
strictions, slowing growth in China, and cuts in overseas development assistance, as reasons for the outlook adjustment.
“The global economic landscape has changed dramatically, marked by higher levels of uncertainty,” Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, the World Bank’s vice president for the Latin America and the Caribbean Region, said in a statement
during the IMF and World Bank spring meetings in Washington.
“Countries must recalibrate their strategies and advance bold and practical reforms.”
The 2.1% estimated growth for the region this year would make it the slowest-growing region globally, the World Bank said. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, & T.H.
Maria Browne
Former President Jair Bolsonaro
Around the World
OOIL NEWS
Oil prices fall 3%, sources say OPEC+ to consider accelerating oil output
il prices slipped 3% on Wednesday as sources said OPEC+ would consider accelerating its oil output increases in June, but losses were curbed following a report that U.S. President Donald Trump may cut tariffs on Chinese imports.
Brent crude futures were down $1.92, or 2.85%, at $65.52 by 1:42 p.m. EDT (1742 GMT) while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude lost $1.99, or 3.13%, to $61.68.
Several OPEC+ members will suggest that the group accelerate oil output increases for a second consecutive month in June, three sources familiar with OPEC+ talks told Reuters.
There have been recent tensions among OPEC+ members over compliance with production quotas.
Brent had traded at $68.65 a barrel earlier in the session, its highest since April 4. Both benchmarks fell more than $2 after the OPEC+ news.
Futures pared some losses in early afternoon trade, following a media report in which Kazakhstan Energy Minister Erlan Akkenzhenov said the country is meeting its obligations to OPEC+ and working with the cartel to find “mutually acceptable solutions” to its oil production management.
U.S. crude stocks rose while gasoline and distillate inventories posted larger-than-expected draws last week, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday.
News on trade tariffs helped curb some oil price losses. The Trump administration would look at lowering tariffs on imported Chinese goods pending talks with Beijing, a source familiar with the matter said on Wednesday, adding that any action would not be made unilaterally.
The China tariffs are likely to come down to between 50% and 65%, according to a Wall Street Journal report, citing a White House official. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial begins in New York
Attorneys delivered opening statements on Wednesday in the New York retrial of Harvey Weinstein, with prosecutors accusing the disgraced film producer of using his immense power in Hollywood to sexually harass and abuse three women.
In his third trial in five years, Weinstein is accused of sexually abusing a former television production assistant, an aspiring actress and a model.
The former film mogul has pleaded not guilty, and in court his lawyer sought to cast doubt on the women’s claims and credibility.
A court of appeals overturned Weinstein’s previous conviction for sex crimes in New York last April, before he was indicted on new sexual assault charges in the state in September.
The retrial in New York is centred on two women who brought allegations against Weinstein for his 2020 trial, actress Jessica Mann and former TV production assistant Miriam Haley. This time, the trial also includes allegations from former Polish model and actress Kaja Sokola, who has accused Weinstein of assaulting her when she was 16.
Last April, a court of ap-
India closes land border with Pakistan after 26 tourists killed in Kashmir attack
India has closed a key land border with Pakistan, cancelled a water-sharing treaty and barred Pakistan’s citizens from entering under a visa exemption scheme, after Tuesday’s attack by Islamic militants in Kashmir that killed 26 tourists.
Announcing the down-
grading of relations with Pakistan, the Indian foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, told a media briefing that cross-border connections to the attack had been “brought out” at a special meeting of the security cabinet, after which it was decided to act.
Misri said India was suspending the Indus water
treaty “until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism”.
Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack and said its prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, would chair a national security committee meeting on Thursday to respond.
Indian security forces fanned out across the Himalayan region of Kashmir on Wednesday as the army and police launched a massive manhunt for the perpetrators of the attack on Tuesday that killed at least 26 tourists, all men. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Rwanda says in talks with US on possible minerals deal
Rwanda said on Wednesday it was in talks with the U.S. over a potential minerals deal, a development that follows similar ongoing talks between Washington and Rwanda’s neighbour Democratic Republic of Congo.
Responding to a Reuters question on whether Kigali and Washington were discuss -
ing a mineral access deal, a Rwanda government spokesperson said: “Yes, this is part of the discussions that we are having with the U.S.” She declined to provide any further details.
The U.S. is currently engaged in ongoing talks with Congo over a potential minerals-for-security deal.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Musk to reduce Doge role after Tesla profits plunge
Tesla boss Elon Musk has pledged to “significantly” cut back his role in the US government after the electric car firm reported a huge drop in profit and sales for the start of this year.
Musk has led the newly created advisory body – the Department for Government Efficiency (Doge) - since last year, putting the world’s rich-
Harvey Weinstein
peals said Weinstein, now 73, did not receive a fair trial in New York in 2020 because the judge overseeing his case allowed testimony from women who made allegations against him for conduct he was never charged over.
Weinstein had been serving a 23-year sentence in a New York prison after being convicted.
He was also found guilty of rape in a separate trial in California in 2022 and was sentenced to 16 years in that case.
Weinstein has several medical conditions, including cancer and diabetes. In September, he was taken to hospital for heart surgery and has been held in a secure hospital unit. (Excerpt from BBC News)
est man at the heart of cutting US spending and jobs.
But Musk said his “time allocation to Doge” would “drop significantly” from next month, adding he would spend only one to two days per week on it after accusations he has taken his focus off Tesla.
His political involvement has sparked protests and boycotts of Tesla cars around the
world.
But it is unclear when Musk, who contributed more than a quarter of a billion dollars to Trump’s re-election, will step down completely.
Trump said earlier this month he would keep Musk “as long as I could keep him”.
The tech boss said he would now “be allocating far more of my time to Tesla”, but suggested he would not leave
the Trump administration completely, calling the work “critical” and pledging to stay on “as long as the president would like me to do so and as long as it’s useful”.
On Tuesday, Tesla reported a 20% drop in car sales for the first three months of the year, compared with the same period last year, while profits fell more than 70%.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
Trump accuses Zelenskyy of harming Russia-Ukraine peace deal
US president Donald Trump on Wednesday accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of harming the peace process with Crimea stance and says the Ukraine president has ‘no cards to play’ Trump chided the Ukrainian leader for saying Ukraine would not recognise Russia’s occupation of Crimea, which he called an inflammatory statement that will make a peace deal with Russia harder to achieve.
“This statement is
very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
He said Crimea was lost years ago “and is not even a point of discussion.”
“We are very close to a Deal, but the man with ‘no cards to play’ should now, finally, GET IT DONE,” Trump added. “I look forward to being able to help Ukraine, and Russia, get out of this Complete and Total MESS, that would have never started if I were President!” Zelenskyy had said on
Tuesday that his country could not accept recognising Crimea as Russian territory, adding that it would be incompatible with Ukraine’s constitution.
The Ukrainian delegation Wednesday described the talks as “productive” and “constructive”.
The Kremlin said Russia is engaged in direct talks with the US over the Ukraine war, but that there are no ongoing discussions with Europe or with Ukraine.
Russia has imposed
sanctions on 15 UK MPs and six members of the House of Lords, banning them from the country over what it called “hostile statements and unfounded accusations” about Moscow.
Trump’s Vice President JD Vance said it was time for Russia and Ukraine to either agree to a U.S. peace proposal “or for the United States to walk away from the process,” echoing a warning Trump gave last week. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Trump hints at softening China tariffs and says no plan to sack Fed boss
US President Donald Trump has appeared to soften his recent comments on China and the head of the US Federal Reserve after recent clashes as he pursues his economic agenda.
He said he has “no intention of firing” Jerome Powell after repeatedly criticising the head of the central bank, but he added that he would like Powell to be “a little more
active” on cutting interest rates.
Speaking in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump also said he was optimistic about improving trade relations with China.
He said the level of tariffs – or import taxes – that he had imposed on Chinese imports would “come down substantially, but it won’t be zero”.
In his comments to report-
ers on Tuesday, Trump said he would be “very nice” in negotiations with Beijing – in the hope of securing a trade deal.
Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly said he expected a de-escalation of the trade war, which he said was unsustainable. Responding to comments from China, he said the current situation was “not a joke”.
The trade war has led to turbulence in financial markets around the world – to which Trump’s comments on Powell have also contributed. Last week, the president intensified his attacks on the Fed chief, calling him “a major loser”. The comments sparked a selloff of stocks, bonds and the US dollar – though markets have since been recovering from those losses. (Excerpt from BBC News)
A general view shows a cassiterite and tantalum ore in a semiindustrial mineral processing plant in Gatumba, western Rwanda
Stick to the facts. Exaggeration will lead to trouble. Put your efforts into personal growth, research and networking with people who can help you.
Keep your plans to yourself until you have straightened out any wrinkles that might get in your way. Don't expect a unanimous response or let opponents stand in your way.
Reluctance to join the crowd is wise; doing things your way and maintaining balance and integrity have more benefits than following someone else. Let your insight and intelligence lead the way.
Deal with contracts, legalities and medical and financial issues, and you'll make headway. Simplify how you run your life, and you'll gain respect and peace of mind.
Listen, discuss and rethink how you want to proceed. Take responsibility for your happiness, and align yourself with doers, not with complainers; it will speak volumes about who you are and what you can achieve.
It's OK to change your mind and head in a direction that suits you better. Ignore people trying to steer you in a direction that doesn't suit your needs, and head down a healthy path.
Your words of wisdom will impact the people you encounter today. Stick to the facts and speak passionately without exaggeration. Do your best, and something good will emerge.
A change will do you good. Join forces with those who enjoy the same activities as you, and channel your energy into competitive challenges that help alleviate stress and anger.
Look for alternatives when someone disrupts your plans. Refrain from taking on someone else's drama. It's up to you to make your own opportunities and then take advantage of them.
Take a moment to gather facts, consider your options and talk with those affected by your choices. A collective decision will help you avoid negative feedback and blame.
Sit tight and watch for signs indicating that any action will improve your position, finances and reputation. Focus and fortitude will help you excel.
Separate fiction from fact before you decide what's best for you. Revise how you manage your day and to-do list, and focus on your health and well-being.
ARCHIE
Indian Premier League 2025...
Red-hot MI go 3rd as Boult and Rohit blow SRH away
ing no spike as ball passed bat.
Klaasen keeps SRH afloat When Hardik Pandya made it 35 for 5 with an offcutter-bouncer that got big on Aniket Verma, SRH had no option but to make early use of their Impact Player and bring on an extra batter, Manohar.
Last week, Mumbai Indians (MI) had straightjacketed Sunrisers Hyderabad’s batters on an atypically-slow surface at the Wankhede Stadium.
On Wednesday, they did the same in the reverse fixture at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, cantering to a seven-wicket win after restricting SRH to 143 for 8.
Getting to that total was
Manohar ensured that did not happen, putting on 99 for the sixth wicket in 63 balls.
The damage had already been done, though, as 144 proved to be no challenge at all for an MI team that seems to be building ominous momentum after the customary slow start to their season. After winning just one of their first five games of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, they have now won four out of four.
It was Klaasen who did all the heavy lifting, though, particularly early in the sixth-wicket partnership. Leftarm wristspinner Vignesh Puthur helped him spark the innings to life with a series of long hops in the 10th over, and Klaasen helped himself to a six and two fours. Fifteen came off that over, and 16 off the next, bowled by Hardik.
One of them was another unusual dismissal, a rare hit-wicket. He sneaked a yorker past Manohar and hit the stumps, but the batter, sitting deep in his crease, had already disturbed the stumps while trying to bring his bat down to keep the ball out.
Rohit bosses the chase
clinically. He finished the game with a flurry of boundaries, to end it unbeaten on 40 off just 19 balls. The final act of the match summed up the contest: a flat Suryakumar
pull off Zeeshan Ansari could have been caught at deep square leg, only for Reddy to overrun the ball and let it run away to the boundary. (ESPNcricinfo)
SRH, meanwhile, are second from bottom with just
salt in SRH’s wounds, show
Klaasen went on to play a number of sensational shots – none better than a reverse-scooped six off Jasprit Bumrah in the 19th over – but thanks to SRH’s circumstances, his innings was necessarily one of restraint, as a control percentage of 86 suggested. The risks he took were measured ones, off marginal errors in line and length from MI’s bowlers. That he still finished with a 160-plus strike rate was a testament to his quality, with Manohar’s 43 off 37 balls and the scores of SRH’s other batters putting his innings in context.
Mitchell Santner, varying his pace and seam orientation cleverly while keeping the stumps in play as much as possible, made the best of SRH’s self-imposed restraint, conceding just 19 runs – and just one four – in his four overs.
Klaasen and Manohar gave SRH the push they needed at the death, as 35 came from overs 17 to 19. But the finish was muted. Bumrah dismissed Klaasen with a full toss off the last ball of the 19th, and Boult came back to end the innings with a double-wicket 20th.
SRH had replaced Mohammed Shami – who had endured a difficult season, picking up just five wickets in seven games at 52.20 while conceding 10.87 runs per over – with Jaydev Unadkat, and the left-arm quick marked his return with an early wicket, getting Ryan Rickelton caught and bowled in the second over of MI’s chase with another ball that stopped on the surface.
But whether because of dew or other reasons, the ball in general seemed to come on to the bat much better during the second innings. Even Pat Cummins’ offcutter into the pitch, such a potent weapon on slow surfaces, sat up to be hit here, with Rohit and Will Jacks pulling him for a six each in a 17-run third over.
That set the tone for the rest of the powerplay, with MI scoring 56 for 1 in this phase, the highlight an effortless six over long-off from Rohit off Unadkat, with arms at full extension.
Rohit came into this game having improved his scores with each innings, his first seven visits to the crease bringing him 0, 8, 13, 17, 18, 26 and 76*. He seemed on course to keep that sequence going, but fell against the run of play on 70, chipping an Eshan Malinga yorker to midwicket in the 15th over.
MI only needed 14 off 32 at that point, though, and Suryakumar Yadav was already batting on 26, picking his spots and targeting them
Sunrisers Hyderabad (20 ovs maximum)
Travis Head c Naman Dhir
b Boult 0 Abhishek Sharma c Puthur
b Boult 8
Ishan Kishan c †Rickelton
b Chahar 1
Nitish Kumar Reddy c Santner
b Chahar 2 Heinrich Klaasen † c Tilak Varma
b Bumrah 71
Aniket Verma c †Rickelton
b Pandya 12
Abhinav Manohar hit wicket
b Boult 43
Pat Cummins (c)
b Boult 1 Harshal Patel not out 1
Extras (lb 1, w 3) 4
Total 20 Ov (RR: 7.15) 143/8
Did not bat: Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Travis Head, 1.2 ov), 2-9 (Ishan Kishan, 2.1 ov), 3-13 (Abhishek Sharma, 3.3 ov), 4-13 (Nitish Kumar Reddy, 4.1 ov), 5-35 (Aniket Verma, 8.3 ov), 6-134 (Heinrich Klaasen, 18.6 ov), 7-142 (Abhinav Manohar, 19.4 ov), 8-143 (Pat Cummins, 19.6 ov)
Rohit Sharma started his boundary hitting with a sweetlytimed six
Trent Boult sent back both SRH openers
Heinrich Klaasen cuts the ball
Suryakumar Yadav had to go airborne to tackle the short balls
Abhinav Manohar hits out
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) on Tuesday announced the final squad ahead of the upcoming Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s T20 Blaze tournament, following the conclusion of the CWI Women’s Super50 Cup.
Building on their performances during the Super50, which took place earlier this year, several players have been retained while a few additions have been made to strengthen the team for the T20 format.
The players selected for the T20 segment are: Shemaine Campbelle, Ashmini Munisar, Mandy Mangru, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Tremaine Marks, Nyia Latchman, Sheneta Grimmond, Katana Mentore, Releanna Grimmond, Anastacia
Rescheduled
Milo semis on today
The rescheduled Milo Under-18 football semifinals will go down this evening at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown, coordinator Petra Organisation has informed.
The double-header was billed for last Thursday at the same venue, but owing to persistent rains over the past week, the anticipated fixtures were moved to today, Thursday, April 24.
The first of the two semi-finals will see last year’s third-place team Dolphin Secondary coming up against West Ruimveldt Secondary in an all-Georgetown clash.
Both teams have been formidable thus far, but today’s match-up will be controlled by the better defence. On Dolphin’s end, the likes of Jamal Williams and the Frank David siblings, Ezekiel and Colin, will be key to their success, in ad-
dition Tyshawn James, who has been a wall in their defence, will be critical.
On the other hand, West Ruimveldt’s Jeremiah Griffith recently sent a message to the competition with a stellar hat-trick and as captain, will be key in leading his team to victory.
Meanwhile, the second semi-final will be a rematch of last year’s final with Chase’s Academic Foundation coming up against Region 1’s Waramuri Secondary.
The lone ‘out- of-town’ school left in the competition, Waramuri’s work has been largely a team effort with Captain Orwin Abrams leading the prolific scoring pack, including Denzill Abrams and Erwin Booker.
On the other side of the coin, Chase’s Academy has been a goal-scoring machine this year, showcasing how they were able to win every secondary school foot-
Venezuela, Shabika Gajnabi, Latoya Williams, Plaffiana Millington, Cianna Retemiah, and Angelica Knights.
As such, the GCB sought to extend well- wishes to a quartet of new faces that have made the cut for the Senior Women’s T20 team. Those players are Marks, Venezuela, Williams, and Retemiah.
According to Guyana’s cricket governing body, “Their selection reflects the selectors’ confidence in their abilities to perform in the shorter format of the game.”
The GCB further informed that the team continued their preparations under the guidance of the coaching staff and were
focused on executing strong performances throughout the competition.
The CWI Women’s T20 Blaze is set to showcase the best of regional talent from Thursday, May 1 to Sunday, May 11, 2025 and according to the GCB, it is confident in the team’s readiness to represent Guyana with pride.
The team will be under the watchful eyes of Coach Tremayne Smartt and her dep uty, Clive Grimmond.
The Guyanese women will take on Leeward Islands wom en next Thursday in the tour nament’s opening match from 10:00h.
ball tournament last year.
The defending champions led by current highest goalscorer in the tournament, Captain Bryan Wharton will need a precision-inclined defence to stop them, with the likes of Isaiah Ifill, Neeiaz Baksh, Mark Glasgow and even their defenders having got in on the goal scoring this season.
All in all, the penultimate game day in the 2025 Milo tournament promises to be an exciting and enjoyable one.
The teams will be competing for a $300,000 grand prize with the second-place finisher having to settle for $200,000. Third and fourth place will be rewarded with $100,000 and $75,000 respectively; each of the prizes will be given in kind for school projects of the winners’ choosing.
The Milo 2025 grand finale is billed for this Saturday, April 26.
Guyana, Cayman Islands clash in RAN 15s fixture this Saturday
Guyana’s Green Machine is set to play hosts to Cayman Islands this weekend when the two Caribbean nations battling in a Rugby Americas North (RAN) International Rugby 15s Tournament.
Billed for this Saturday, April 26, Guyana and Cayman Islands will clash at the rugby ground within the confines of the National Park, Georgetown with the game scheduled to kick off at 14:00h.
According to the Guyana
Rugby Football Union (GRFU), the international game is one of a series of RAN 15s Tournaments in the Caribbean for the purpose of international ranking.
The rugby association further revealed that the Guyana National 15s team will be selected and announced today, Thursday, April 24 at 17:00h, at the National Park Athletics Training Field, where the Guyana team are currently practicing in preparation for the international match on Saturday. The
Cayman Islands National 15s Team are expected to arrive in Guyana on Friday, April 25, 2025.
Guyana are set to take on Cayman Islands in a RAN 15s match-up this Saturday
A glimpse of what to expect in the Milo semi-finals this evening
New addition Tremaine Marks (left) recently displayed some heroics in the inter-county tournament
The experienced Shemaine Campbelle will lead the Guyanese team once again
80 athletes and coaches to benefit from training with Olympian Felix Sanchez
Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr
Scores of Guyanese athletes and Coaches across age groups will, over the next week, have the opportunity of a lifetime: to train with and learn from Dominican Republic Olympic gold medallist and former world champion, Felix Sanchez.
The four-day Sprint and Hurdles Clinic will see 65 Guyanese athletes and 15 Coaches benefiting from theory and practical knowledge in the areas of fundamentals and acceleration, power and speed development, endurance and race strategy, as well as time trials and evaluation.
During a simple opening ceremony at the
National Track and Field Center (NTFC), West Coast Demerara (WCD) on Wednesday morning, Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr encouraged the athletes to grasp the opportunity with both hands, highlighting that it was one that most would be envious of.
“I would trade places with you if I could, at your age. If I could go back being your age – 16, 17. If I could trade places and go into your places, to have this experience, being trained by an Olympic/world champion, you don’t know how lucky you are right now.
There are people, millions and millions of athletes around the world that
don’t have this opportunity, and we’re making this investment in you. You have to do something in return. You have to make up your mind that you want to be a world champion and make that commitment that you’re going to pursue this all the way to as far as your talent takes you,” Ramson Jr expressed.
turn.
“Last year, I was invited to bring some athletes from our academy to an invitational and it was quite an experience and now, less than a year, I’m back here and able to share with you guys and give you some of my bits of knowledge, not only as a coach but as an athlete,” the Olympic gold medallist related.
Going on to touch on the importance of such a programme, Ramson Jr told the athletes gathered, “This programme gives you an exposure to an extremely important but comprehensive training that helps you to move from where you are to becoming as great as you want to
be. Now, who else can you learn from? Who else can mentor you? It is the people who are already successful and the people who have already achieved what you are looking to achieve. We haven’t had any gold medal winners for any sport, Olympic medal winners, for any sport come to train any athlete or any group of athletes in this country, ever. You have that today.”
The man of the moment, two-time Olympic gold medallist (2004, 2012) and two-time world champion (2001, 2003) in the 400m hurdles, Sanchez spoke of the time he previously spent in Guyana, in reference to his eagerness to re-
Sanchez went on to encourage the athletes to make the most of the opportunity before them, stating: “This is a beautiful programme that your Government sees the necessity for. You guys have the talent or are diamonds in the rough that need this help, need this support, to help you guys continue to grow. So, to be able to tap in and share with you guys, it’s a blessing. So, I hope you guys soak it all up, all the coaches, all the athletes, let’s make the most of this time together.”
Also in attendance on Wednesday morning were Dominican Republic Ambassador to Guyana,
its General Secretary, James Cole.
Hermonstine, in her time with the mic, also chimed in, encouraging the Guyanese athletes to make the most of the clinic.
She shared, “We’re a new council, just about a month old and our manifesto is already being fulfilled. I have to say, and continue to say a very special thank you to the Honourable Minister Charles Ramson for his support, as well as the Government of Guyana. I want to also advise you the participants, that over the next five days, you take in what is being taught to you so that you can better your skills.”
The Sprint and Hurdles Clinic is set to conclude on Saturday, April 26.
Red to white ball transition key as GRR prepare for Breakout League
This Friday, Cricket West Indies’ newest addition to its line-up of tournaments, the West Indies Breakout League, will bowl off at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago.
A joint initiative with the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the Breakout League will offer young players the opportunity to showcase their talents on the regional stage with a stipulation for teams to comprise players under 30 years old with fewer than 40 List A T20 matches and 10 T20 Internationals under their belt. In a quick turn-over after the West Indies Championship Four-Day tournament, the
Guyana Rainforest Rangers began their preparations last week.
During the team’s last session before departing Guyana’s shores, Head Coach Ryan Hercules highlighted the areas he chose to work on with his troops.
Hercules explained, “We had three sessions. Obviously, the time was short coming back from the Regional FourDay tournament, so we had two match scenarios which we concluded on today and we had in the middle, pitch session. So, it was basically having the guys get the transition from red-ball cricket to white ball cricket and it was a quick transition for that stage. Having the guys start to work on executing some plans as
bowlers, building partnerships as batters, how we go about handling ourself in the powerplay which is a very important task for us and the middle and end phase.”
“So, we just try to have a combination of how we’ll want to play the cricket over in Trinidad during the last three days,” he added.
Zeroing in on the quick transition from red-ball to white-ball cricket, given that a majority of the Guyana Harpy Eagles players will be competing for Guyana Rainforest Rangers (GRR), Hercules noted that understanding the T20 format will be key to the transition.
“Basically, understanding the format we’re going to play. We all think T20 crick-
et is something you can go and try to hit the ball for six and four, but getting them to also have a blueprint like we do in the Four-Day as well, to have a formula in terms of how we bat,” the Rainforest Rangers Head Coach divulged.
“So, it’s a mental transition for the guys. The good thing is that we have players who were playing in the FourDay, a bulk of the guys are in the T20 as well, some senior guys too. So, it’s not pretty hard for them to make that transition, but for me, I just want them to understand how to handle certain scenarios and situations when it presents itself.”
Quizzed about his views on the new T20 tournament, Hercules voiced an apprecia-
tion for giving the youngsters in the Caribbean a chance to showcase their skills.
Hercules opined, “I think it’s a great initiative, because we know, some of these guys, when they don’t get the opportunity to make a Four-Day or Super50 team, you can lose good talent during that period. Like I said, it’s a great initiative getting these guys in and also the inclusion of two overseas players in the team to give you that added boost.
“Even to the age factor as well, under 27 and from 27 to 29, the two or three players who can be between that age; to help bring that experience in the team. So, great initiative and I do hope it’s something that can be successful and we’ll see more of this go-
ing forward.”
The Guyana Rainforest Rangers will take on the Windward Islands Infernos in the opening game of the Breakout League on Friday, April 25. That game will bowl off at 15:00h.
The GRR team read: Captain Kemol Savory, Vice Captain Nial Smith, Ashmead Nedd, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Rivaldo Clarke, Isai Thorne, Zeynul Ramsammy, Quentin Sampson, Jediah Blades, Richie Looknauth, and Riyad Latiff.
The team’s reserves include Jonathan Van Lange, Thaddeus Lovell, Aryan Persaud, Myheim Khan, Joshua Jones, Leonardo Julien and Damel Evelyn.
Scenes from the Guyana Rainforest Rangers (GRR) preparations before they head to Trinidad
GRR Head Coach Ryan Hercules watches on during a practice session
Ernesto Torres Pereyra; Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle; Assistant Directors of Sport, Melissa Dow-Richardson and Franklyn Wilson alongside Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) President Sheryl Hermonstine and
Olympic gold medallist and former World Champion Felix Sanchez
