Qatar an important partner in Guyana’s transformation journey – PM Phillips
PSC pushes for tax cuts, migrant-worker policies in Budget 2026 submissions
2 grid failures trigger power outages across Demerara, Berbice …outages possible despite sufficient power capacity – Ministry
seizes oil tanker off coast of Venezuela “Spanish Boy” pleads guilty to manslaughter for 2020 fatal stabbing
US defence officials visit Guyana to strengthen partnership, regional security & stability
United States
Department of War officials visited Guyana to meet with senior Government and defence leaders to strengthen and expand Guyana's strategic partnership with the United States. Senior Advisor to the Secretary of War Patrick Weaver and Acting Assistant Secretary of War Joseph Humire (Americas Security Affairs) conducted key engagements, including with President Dr Irfaan Ali and Chief of Defence Staff
Brigadier Omar Khan. In a release to the media, the US Embassy in Georgetown stated that discussions focused on US support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and collaboration to advance regional security and stability.
According to the Embassy, during the trip, Senior Advisor Weaver said, “Close coordination with regional partners is critical to advancing regional security. The USGuyana partnership dates back to 1966, and it’s important that we strengthen our cooperation and help to support a sovereign and prosperous Guyana.”
“The United States and Guyana enjoy a longstanding security partnership that focuses on promoting a safe, sovereign, and
prosperous Guyana, countering transnational criminal organisations, and advancing shared goals of peace and stability across the broader Caribbean and South America,” the release stated.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, along with Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan; Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd and other senior local security officials, meeting with Senior Advisor to the Secretary of War, Patrick Weaver and Acting Assistant Secretary of War, Joseph Humire (Americas Security Affairs), along with US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot at State House
BRIDGE OPENING
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, December 11 –09:50h–11:20h and Friday, December 12 – 11:00h–12:30h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery showers are expected during the day and will ease to cloudy skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.12 metres and 5.36 metres.
High Tide: 09:28h and 21:52h reaching maximum heights of 2.19 metres and 2.21 metres.
Low Tide: 15:22h reaching a minimum height of 1.05 metres.
Qatar an important partner in Guyana’s transformation journey – PM Phillips
As Guyana advances its development agenda, Prime Minister (PM), Brigadier, (Retired) Mark Phillips outlined the country’s interest in learning from the State of Qatar’s rapid economic transformation.
He made the comments in his address on Tuesday evening at a reception hosted by the Embassy of Qatar in Georgetown to commemorate Qatar’s National Day at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Kingston.
PM Phillips extended congratulations to the leader, country and people of Qatar on the occasion of the 147th anniversary of the nation’s unification. He also underscored Guyana’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations
Guyana, Qatar shared vision Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 and Qatar’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030, the Prime Minister explained, are a “shared vision for a greener, more resilient future.”
“Guyana and Qatar exhibit notable parallels in our developmental trajectories, encompassing a commitment to responsible hydrocarbon development alongside investments in renewable energy. We champion economic diversification, especially within agriculture, manufacturing, and services. We view education as a cornerstone of long-term prosperity, and we actively support SouthSouth Cooperation to assist developing nations through
with Qatar, noting that these ties have strengthened steadily since diplomatic relations were established in 1996.
“As Guyana embarks on its transformative journey, we view Qatar as a partner… Guyana seeks to benefit from the best practices that underpin Qatar’s rapid economic growth, particularly its forward-looking diversification strategy as outlined in the National Vision 2030. By learning from Qatar’s model of strategic investment in critical sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, technology and education, Guyana aims to replicate a similar commitment to building a robust, diversified and sustainable economic future,” he posited.
The PM also highlighted the shared commitment of both nations to peaceful international engagement, while lauding Qatar for its “proactive foreign policy, which prioritises diplomacy over confrontation.”
He added that high-level engagements, the opening of diplomatic offices, the signing of agreements in areas of economic and technical cooperation, and increased Qatari commercial interest have supported the advancement of mutually beneficial cooperation.
technology transfer, capacity building, and development financing,” he noted.
Prime Minister Phillips also recognised the deepening cooperation in the energy sector and noted QatarEnergy’s
proactive interest in offshore exploration activities in Guyana. He added that Qatar’s expertise, particularly in liquefied natural gas production and marketing, offers valuable insights as Guyana continues to expand its natural gas capabilities.
Prime Minister Phillips added that Guyana sees Qatar as an important partner as it advances its own development agenda.
“As we look to the future, there is immense potential to deepen our collaboration… By uniting our efforts, we can demonstrate to the world that nations endowed with abundant resources can act as conscientious stewards, facilitators of peace, and champions of sustainable progress,” the Prime Minister stated.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips and Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Qatar, Mohd Ibrahim K B Alrumaih, sharing a toast at Tuesday’s reception
Prime Minister Phillips, his wife Mignon Bowen-Phillips and Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd with officials of the Qatari Embassy in Georgetown
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Technology takes on 3rd-lane driving
For years, Guyana’s roads have borne the brunt of one persistent and frustrating problem: illegal third-lane driving.
During rush hours, drivers exploiting turning lanes or the inside lane as shortcuts have disrupted traffic flow, forced lawful motorists into sudden swerves, and contributed to preventable collisions. These practices have not only angered drivers but have also impeded efficiency on major thoroughfares, creating delays that ripple across the city and beyond. The launch of automated monitoring through the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS) represents a decisive step toward addressing this longstanding challenge and restoring order, safety, and discipline on the nation’s roadways.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), bringing modern technology into the enforcement landscape. The upgraded SRIS platform employs advanced video-analytics technology to capture illegal lane usage with precision. Each incident is recorded in high definition, documenting the vehicle, its speed, lane position, and licence plate number. This verifiable evidence allows authorities to act decisively while reducing reliance on sporadic manual enforcement or human observation. The system ensures consistency and fairness, establishing a clear deterrent to drivers considering taking advantage of traffic bottlenecks.
Drivers weaving between lanes increase the likelihood of collisions, endanger pedestrians and cyclists, and exacerbate delays for motorists adhering to traffic regulations. By addressing these behaviours systematically, SRIS provides both accountability and deterrence. Coverage currently spans more than 100 lanes nationwide, with expansion plans already underway. Automated detection ensures that lane discipline can be enforced effectively even in areas where police presence is limited, creating a comprehensive, data-driven approach to traffic management.
Recent investments include the installation of 30 new speed cameras, the deployment of 6685 body cameras, and the addition of five CCTV locations nationwide. These upgrades have expanded the Force’s monitoring capabilities, enabling more timely responses to incidents and significantly increasing enforcement outcomes. Electronic ticketing has surged from 837 in 2024 to 24,793 in 2025, illustrating the impact of integrating technology into daily operations. Complementary improvements, such as digital workshops for officers and upgrades to the national 911 service, have strengthened both operational efficiency and public trust in law enforcement.
Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, emphasised that the use of technology is critical to creating a safer, more disciplined traffic environment. Automated enforcement reduces the potential for human error, ensures objectivity, and provides a fair system that all road users can understand and trust. These tools also relieve officers from the constant need to patrol congested intersections, allowing them to focus on other critical aspects of traffic safety and public security.
Motorists are urged to follow lane markings, respect traffic laws, and acknowledge their role in creating safer roads. The combination of digital enforcement and responsible driving can transform the commuting experience, reducing accidents, easing congestion, and improving daily travel for thousands of Guyanese.
A disciplined traffic environment enhances economic productivity by reducing delays on major routes, supports emergency services by ensuring unobstructed lanes, and fosters public confidence in the institutions tasked with maintaining order. Technology and enforcement are not ends in themselves; they are tools to cultivate a culture of responsibility, awareness, and mutual respect among road users.
The introduction of automated detection through SRIS sends a message that the era of shortcuts and hazardous lane practices is coming to an end. Enforcement is no longer sporadic or inconsistent; it is systematic, evidence-based, and nationwide in reach. As the system expands and drivers adjust to clear, consistent rules, the roads of Guyana are poised to become safer, more orderly, and more predictable.
By combining data-driven enforcement with public cooperation, Guyana is taking a critical step toward ending one of its most persistent traffic hazards. Illegal third-lane driving, once tolerated out of necessity or convenience, now faces a future defined by accountability, discipline, and measurable results.
Australia’s
social media ban is now in force. Other countries are closely watching what happens
By Lisa M Given
After months of anticipation and debate, Australia’s social media ban is now in force.
Young Australians under 16 must now come to grips with the new reality of being unable to have an account on some social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
Only time will tell whether this bold, world-first experiment will succeed. Despite this, many countries are already considering following Australia’s lead.
But there are other jurisdictions that are taking a different approach to try and keep young people safe online.
Here’s what’s happening overseas.
A global movement
In November, the European Parliament called for a similar social media ban for under-16s.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said she has been studying Australia’s restrictions and how they address what she described as “algorithms that prey on children’s vulnerabilities”, leaving parents feeling powerless against “the tsunami of big tech flooding their homes”.
In October, New Zealand announced it would introduce similar legislation to Australia’s, following the work of a parliamentary committee to examine how
best to address harm on social media platforms. The committee’s report will be released in early 2026.
Pakistan and India are aiming to reduce children’s exposure to harmful content by introducing rules requiring parental consent and age verification for platform access, alongside content moderation expectations for tech companies.
Malaysia has announced it will ban children under 16 from social media starting in 2026. This follows the country requiring social media and messaging platforms with eight million or more users to obtain licences to operate and use age verification and content-safety measures from January 2025.
France is also considering a social media ban for children under 15 and a 10pm to 8am curfew for platform use for 15- to 18-year-olds. These are among 43 recommendations made by a French inquiry in September 2025, which also recommended banning smartphones in schools and implementing a crime of “digital negligence for parents who fail to protect their children”.
While France introduced a requirement in 2023 that platforms obtain parental consent for children under 15 to create social media accounts, it has yet to be enforced. This is also the case in Germany. There, children aged between 13 and 16 can only access platforms with parental consent, but without formal checks in place.
And, in Spain, the minimum age for social media accounts will rise from 14 to 16, unless parents provide consent.
Norway announced plans in July to restrict access to social media for under 15s. The Government explained the law would be “designed in accordance with children’s fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, and the right to association”.
In November, Denmark announced it would “ban access to social media for anyone under 15”. However, unlike Australia’s legislation, parents can override the rules to enable 13- and 14-year-olds to retain platform access. Yet there is no date for implementation, with lawmakers expected to take months to pass the legislation.
It’s also unclear how Denmark’s ban will be enforced. But the country does have a national digital ID programme that may be used.
In July, Denmark was named as part of a pilot programme (with Greece, France, Spain, and Italy) to trial an age verification app that could be launched across the European Union for use by adult content sites and other digital providers.
Some pushback
The implementation of similar restrictions is not being taken up everywhere.
For example, South Korea has decided against
a social media ban for children. But it will ban the use of mobile phones and other devices in classrooms starting in March 2026.
In the city of Toyoake (southwest of Tokyo, Japan), a very different solution has been proposed. The city’s mayor, Masafumi Koki, issued an ordinance in October, limiting the use of smartphones, tablets, and computers to two hours per day for people of all ages.
Koki is aware of Australia’s social media restrictions. But as he explained: If adults are not held to the same standards, children will not accept the rules.
While the ordinance has faced backlash and is non-binding, it prompted 40 per cent of residents to reflect on their behaviour, with 10 per cent reducing their time on smartphones.
In the United States, the opposition to Australia’s social media restrictions has been extremely vocal and significant.
American media and technology companies have urged President Donald Trump to “reprimand” Australia over its legislation. They argue that American companies are being unfairly targeted and have lodged formal complaints with the Office of US Trade.
President Trump has stated he would stand up to any countries that “attacked” American technology companies.
Tbourida, also known as Fantasia, is an ancient Moroccan equestrian art and cultural tradition simulating military cavalry charges, featuring horsemen in traditional dress. Dating back to the 16th century, it is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage
(Photo: Coloured Morocco)
269 trainees complete skills-training programmes in Regions 7, 10
One hundred and nine trainees in Region 10 (Upper Demerara–Berbice) have successfully completed their skills-training programmes under the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), marking a significant achievement for the community.
Among the graduates, Toshao Rohan Fredericks and his wife, Paulette Fredericks, were highlighted for their dedication and commitment throughout the programmes, serving as an inspiration to their peers.
rication, commercial food preparation, and plumbing.
BIT officials encouraged graduates to carry their newly acquired skills forward with confidence, purpose, and pride as they seek to build better futures for themselves and their communities.
Meanwhile, in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni–Mazaruni), more than 100 trainees from Bartica and surrounding communities have successfully completed their certification programmes at the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), the department announced.
Graduates are now formally certified in disciplines including welding and fabrication, electrical installation/engineering,
The trainees completed courses across a variety of fields, including heavy-duty equipment operations, AC and refrigeration servicing and repairs, electrical installation, welding and fab-
heavy-duty equipment oper-
Australia’s social media ban...
The US recently called eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant to testify in front of Congress. US Republican Jim Jordan claimed her enforcement of Australia’s Online Safety Act “imposes obligations on American companies and threatens speech of American citizens”, which Inman-Grant strongly denied.
The world will keep watching While much of the world seems united in concern about the harmful content and algorithmic features that children experience on social media, only one thing is clear – there is no silver bullet for addressing these harms. There is no agreed set of restrictions or specific age at which legislators agree children should
have unrestricted access to these platforms.
Many countries outside Australia are empowering parents to provide access if they believe it is right for their children. And many countries are considering how best to enforce restrictions if they implement similar rules.
As experts point to the technical challenges in enforcing Australia’s re -
strictions, and as young Australians consider workarounds to maintain their accounts or find new platforms to use, other countries will continue to watch and plan their next moves. (The Conversation)
Lisa M Given is Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University
ation (HDEO), garment construction, commercial food preparation, hospitality, heavy-duty mechanics, and boat building.
The BIT noted that the achievement reflects the
trainees’ commitment, discipline, and professional growth, highlighting the perseverance required to complete the rigorous programmes.
00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 Movie - The Nativity Story (2006) 10:00 Stop Suffering 11:30 TVG Music Break 12:00 News Break 12:05 Movie - The Princess Switch (2018) 14:00 Indian Movie - Zhagaram (2019)
Some of the graduates from the Region Seven BIT programme
Some of the graduates from the Region 10 BIT programme
Tangent
Sectors
Circles
A straight line that touches the circle at a single point only.
Semi-circle
Half of a circle.
Segment
Sections of the circle created by two radii.
• A major sector has a central angle which is more than 180 o.
• A minor sector has a central angle which is less than 180o.
Materials
• String • Water
• Salt
• Bowl
• Ice Cube Tray
• Food Colouring (Optional)
Instructions
1. Fill the ice cube tray with water and place it in the freezer. Add food colouring to make colourful ice cubes, which will help you see the experiment a little more clearly. This may take some time, so be patient or try freezing them the night before you want to do the experiment!
2. Place a few ice cubes in the bowl.
3. Fill the bowl with just enough cold
Quadrant
A is a quarter of a circle, created by two perpendicular radii.
water to cover the ice cubes.
4. Use the string and try to pick up some ice out of the water. Did it work? Why?
5. Sprinkle some salt on the ice cubes. What happens? Do they melt?
6. Next, lay the string across the bowl with the water and ice cubes. Make sure the string is lying across an ice cube.
A section of the circle created by a chord.
• Major segment A segment where the arc is greater than half the circumference.
• Minor segment A segment where the arc is less than half the circumference.
7. Sprinkle some salt on top of the string and ice. Wait for at least 1 minute.
8. Now try pulling the string up. What happens?
What’s happening?
Water has a freezing point of 0°C; however, when salt is added, it lowers the freezing point. This is why the ice cube starts to melt. At the same time, the salt is also lowering the freezing point of the surrounding water. This means some of the water that has just come from the melting ice cube will refreeze instantly. When we place the string on the ice cube and then sprinkle salt on top, the melting water from the ice refreezes right on top of the string, and you can pick up the ice with just the string!
(Children's Science Center Lab)
By John Frederick nims
This seablue fir that rode the mountain storm Is swaddled here in splints of tin to die. Sofas around in chubby velvet swarm; Onlooking cabinets glitter with flat eye; Here lacquer in the branches runs like rain And resin of treasure starts from every vein.
Light is a dancer here and cannot rest. No tanagers or jays are half so bright As swarms of fire that deep in fragrance nest In jungles of the gilt exotic night Where melons hang like moonstone. White above Rises that perfect star, the sign of love.
On carpets’ fairy turf, in rainbow dark, Here once the enchanted children laid their heads, Reached for the floating moon above the park, And all their hopes were simple blues and reds. Beneath the electric halo, none could see Swords in the ankle of the victim tree.
Each named a patron star: Arthur said green For August in the country; and Betty blue For swinging and the Florida surf; while Jeanne Decided gold. One horoscope was true: The star of Donald low and lava-red— Enlisted Donald, in Australia dead.
Our lives were bound to sorcery and night. Zodiacs crumble on the boughs of rust For every child is gone. Some burned too bright And now lie broken in the bins of dust; And some, a fortunate few, adventured far And found assurance in the perfect star.
[Source: Selected Poems (The University of Chicago Press, 1982)]
You own a Christmas Tree stall. One evening, a young boy comes in and picks the smallest, scrawniest tree you have.
White sugar refinery to create local jobs, cut Caribbean’s dependence on imported sugar
The establishment of the Demerara Sugar Refinery Inc is expected to reduce Guyana’s, and the wider Caribbean’s, dependence on imported white sugar as well as create scores of permanent job opportunities for locals.
Set to be located at the former Wales Sugar Estate on the West Coast of Demerara, the 100,000-tonne white sugar refinery will not only strengthen Guyana’s sugar industry but also enhance the regional supply chain.
The facility is being developed by Guyanese company GAICO Inc in partnership with North American-based Sucro. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GAICO, Komal Singh, signed a Joint Venture Agreement with Sucro’s CEO Jonathan Taylor at the Pegasus Suites in Georgetown on Tuesday evening.
Prior to the signing, President Dr Irfaan Ali engaged with the JV partners and other stakeholders on the project at the State House in Georgetown.
In a subsequent social media post, the Head of State noted that the refinery will provide an additional and reliable market for the sugar that is being produced by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).
The Guyanese leader was also informed by the investors that the project will create about 75 jobs during the construction phase, which will commence in January 2026, and a further 60 permanent positions when operations commence, which is expected within a year.
“They also noted that with an established logistics network in place, local refining will significantly reduce the Caribbean’s dependence on imported refined sugar,” President Ali said in the post.
Sucro, a US and Canadian sugar refiner and distributor, has built
four sugar refineries in the last five years, including in Belize, where it is currently constructing the Caribbean Sugar Refinery (CSR) Limited in partnership with Santander Sugar Limited.
According to Sucro officials, CSR, coupled with the Demerara Sugar Refinery, aims to transform the Caribbean sugar industry by building regional cane sugar refining capacity to serve the Caricom (Caribbean Community) market.
Value from refined sugar
Vice President and Head Trader at Sucro, Oliver Hire, said the establishment of the facility here is part of a commitment to put modern refinery capacity in Guyana and keep more of the value from refined sugar in the country.
He noted that the Demerara Sugar Refinery will be a technology-focused refinery that will mobilise sugarcane farming with GuySuCo. This opportunity will not only enable GuySuCo to grow and expand but also incentivise it to increase production of raw brown sugar.
“Instead of just exporting that sugar and passing the value-added along to other countries and other refineries, we’re refining it right here in Guyana. Importantly, we’re refin -
ing it with efficient, technology-focused technology that really passes the value back down. It’s world-class liquifying and refining solutions, and what it leads to is a worldclass sugar refining project right here… This is local value-creation,” Hire stated during a presentation at Tuesday’s signing ceremony.
He went on to note that the final product will then be sold and distributed to Caricom markets, leveraging Guyana’s prime geographical location.
Value-added opportunities
Meanwhile, GAICO’s CEO Komal Singh disclosed that the idea of the white sugar refinery was sparked only in September during a conversation with President Ali on the value-added opportunities available for the local private sector within the sugar industry.
“I started looking for a partner to develop the white sugar refinery in Guyana. We kept looking around the world and we came back to Sucro… They had just launched in September a similar project in Belize,” Singh noted during the signing ceremony.
The Guyanese businessman believes that the Demerara Sugar Refinery will be transformational not just for the country but
for GuySuCo as well.
“This project is very transformational for the sugar industry, and we’re proud to be working with GuySuCo…to help them increase their productivity, taksing the excess sugar that they have and refined it into white sugar, a value-added [product] that has a massive demand on the world market,” he noted.
Moreover, Singh added that the project will also be utilising rice husk to generate power at the refinery plant, thus making the operation environmentally sound.
Importance of sugar to national economic life
Lauded GAICO for taking advantage of the value-added opportunities from sugar, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh posited that this latest
joint venture vindicates the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic’s (PPP/C’s) continued commitment to Guyana’s sugar industry.
“The People’s Progressive Party has always recognized the importance of sugar to national and economic life in Guyana, and in every phase of our history we have committed and recommitted ourselves to the protection, preservation and strengthening of the sugar industry, and we did not do this in an opportunistic or seasonally convenient manner. We did this at a time when sugar was literally king,” Dr Singh said as he traced the period when the sugar industry commenced during the British colonial era.
The Minister recalled that this history was not without challenge, as sugar went through a period
when Guyana lost the preferential market in Europe, as a result of which the price for the commodity was dramatically affected. He further reminded us of how the previous administration, the APNU/AFC regime, closed the sugar estates, including the Wales Factory, and what the current Administration met when it re-entered office in 2020, coupled with the effort and investments that went into resuscitating the sugar industry.
Also, in attendance at the launch on Tuesday evening and witnessing the joint venture agreement signing were Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, CEO of GOInvest Peter Ramsaroop, and CEO of GuySuCo Paul Cheong, as well as other Government Ministers and members of the private sector.
GAICO CEO Komal Singh inking the JV agreement with Sucro CEO Jonathan Taylor for the construction of the Demerara Sugar Refinery, which will produce white sugar
President Dr Irfaan Ali with the investors of the white sugar refinery at State House
US extradition request “An abuse of the process” –Magistrate throws out Mohameds’ constitutional challenge …extradition
Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Wednesday dismissed a constitutional application filed by US-indicted businessmen Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed, ruling that the arguments presented by their attorneys had already been settled by Guyana’s higher courts and did not warrant further consideration at the magistracy level.
The matter was initially called at 09:00h for the ruling, but before giving her decision, Magistrate Latchman granted the defence additional time to address points raised by the prosecution in earlier hearings. She later adjourned the court to 11:00h to deliver her judgement.
When she returned to the bench, the Magistrate, in delivering her decision, described the defence’s application as both “frivolous and vexatious” and characterised it as “an abuse of the process”.
She stressed that nothing raised before her was new or unsettled in law. “It is the court’s rule that a diplomatic note is not set in stone, but a treaty agreement is binding upon the party state and must be performed by them in good faith in accordance with Guyana’s convention law on treaties,” Magistrate Latchman said.
She emphasised that the central issues had already been dealt with beyond the magistracy. “I find the issues raised by the defence, having been adjudicated upon by its superior courts in Guyana,” she stated.
Addressing the defence’s reliance on older case law, Magistrate Latchman made it clear that those authorities were outdated. She specifically declined to follow the Dataram ruling, noting that “this court will not rely on the Dataram authority since that matter was dealt with prior to the Fugitive Offenders Amendment Act 2009.”
She further signalled that the court had no intention of revisiting matters long settled in law.
“I find that this issue was put to rest… Extradition is a state-to-state agreement, and the individual plays no part in the contractual arrangement. So, the court is not about to resurrect what has been put to rest,” she said.
After assessing the submissions from both sides, the Magistrate concluded that the constitutional referral mechanism was not triggered. “Having judicially examined all the issues levelled by the defence… this court sees no basis to activate the referral article. This court therefore denies the application to engage the referral article on the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of
case to proceed
Guyana,” she ruled.
With the application denied, Magistrate Latchman confirmed that the extradition matter must proceed.
Prosecutor Terrence Williams informed the court that witnesses are ready and the state is prepared to begin presenting evidence. However, the Magistrate noted that she is scheduled to proceed on leave and therefore set January 6, 2026, for the commencement of the extradition hearing.
Until then, the two defendants are required to continue reporting to the Police as previously stipulated.
Speaking outside the courtroom, Prosecutor Williams said the State was satisfied with the outcome.
“We are happy to move along with the case. They have had their chance to raise their objections. They raised and the court ruled. So, we hope that in January we will be able to conduct the proceeding,” he said. Williams added that the upcoming stage of the inquiry would involve a detailed review of the evidentiary material accompanying the United States’ extradition request.
Despite the ruling, the defence signalled its intention to pursue the matter in the High Court.
Now that this aspect of the case has concluded, the extradition hearing will now proceed, with Magistrate Latchman setting January 6, 2026, for that proceeding.
The Mohameds remain on $150,000 bail each.
Their extradition is being sought under the Guyana–United Kingdom extradition treaty, which continues to operate in Guyana pursuant to Section 4(1)(a) of the Fugitive Offenders Act, Cap. 10:04, as amended by Act No. 10 of 2024. The request was formally submitted by the U.S. government on October 30, 2025.
Indicted by grand jury
The father-son duo, who are now fighting their extradition, have been indicted by a grand jury in the US District
Court for the Southern District of Florida on 11 criminal charges ranging from wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering, primarily connected to the export of gold to the US by their company, Mohamed’s Enterprises. The Mohameds are accused of conspiring to defraud the US and Guyanese Governments between 2017 and June 11, 2024. The father-son duo is accused of using a scheme to unlawfully obtain property by transmitting communications via interstate and foreign commerce in violation of US laws.
According to the US prosecutors, the goal was to enrich themselves and defraud the Government of Guyana by evading taxes and royalties on gold exports. They allegedly reused Guyana customs declarations and official seals on multiple shipments to make it appear that taxes and royalties had been paid when they had not. The indictment stated that Mohamed’s Enterprise would pay taxes and receive official Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Guyana Gold Board (GGB) seals for one shipment, then reuse those same seals and documents on subsequent, untaxed shipments.
The indictment further alleges that the Mohameds arranged for empty wooden boxes bearing intact GRA and GGB seals to be shipped from gold buyers in Dubai to Miami and then sent to Guyana. These boxes were then used to export gold while falsely appearing to have cleared customs and tax obligations.
US authorities allege the scheme resulted in more than US$50 million in lost taxes and royalties to the Government of Guyana. Additional indictments detail similar conduct involving shipments of gold, emails allegedly from Nazar Mohamed requesting the sealed boxes from Miami, and exports of over 165 kilograms (kg) of gold per shipment destined for
Mutual…
…back scratching
It was a very quiet ceremony at State House – if you can call it that!! – with Pressie huddled across a desk with three officials from the US Department of War: a Senior Advisor to their Secretary of War, the Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Western Hemisphere Affairs and another official!! And what was that all about?? Pressie tersely revealed he’d signed a “Statement of Intent to expand joint military cooperation” between our two countries!! That’s it??
Well, all that we gotta do is connect the dots – no? We’ve been coordinating our military cooperation with the US for years – so what’s new that makes this formal signing necessary?? The US's methodical tightening of their noose against the illegal regime of Mad Maduro over in Venezuela – that’s what!! Your Eyewitness doesn’t have to rehearse all the previous US moves again, does he?? Nah…he thought not!!
Dubai. Charges six to nine focus on mail fraud, referencing the shipment of sealed empty boxes from Dubai to Miami, while charge 10 addresses money laundering, which alleges that the Mohameds knowingly transferred funds within the US with the intent to promote unlawful activity.
The other charge has to do with Azruddin Mohamed purchasing and importing a Lamborghini sports car to Guyana in 2020. The indictment alleges he directed someone to purchase the car for US$680,000, then falsify the invoice to state a value of US$75,300 to understate import taxes. The US Government is seeking forfeiture of certain assets connected to the accused. If convicted, most charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and fines of up to US$250,000, while the money laundering charge carries a fine of US$500,000 or the value of the laundered property.
The indictment follows sanctions imposed over a year ago by the US Government on the Mohameds, their businesses and Guyanese Government Permanent Secretary (PS) Mae Thomas in relation to the same allegations. The sanctions are related to the evasion of taxes on gold exports, with the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) noting that between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10,000 kg of gold from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.
Since the imposition of the sanctions, the Guyana Government had suspended the licences of the Mohameds’ various businesses, highlighting that the US-sanctioned businessman is a risk and a threat to Guyana’s financial stability, sovereignty and diplomacy. Subsequently, several Government entities and local businesses, including commercial banks, have cut ties with the Mohameds.
We just gotta know that in the last week or so, the US declared the entire Venezuelan airspace a “no-fly zone” and established a radar facility over in Tobago that covers the northern window in and out of Venezuela – and then did the same with our naval crafts that cover the western air domain!! Now as to whether the US will actually attack Venezuela depends on who blinks first in the game of chicken Mad Maduro’s presently playing. And the US is just inexorably raising the stakes!!
For us, however, we should use the opportunity – and it IS an opportunity! – to strengthen our defensive and offensive military capabilities to make whoever ends up in Miraflores Palace think twice before trying to rattle our cage!! As we should know by now, ALL Venezuelans believe Essequibo’s theirs!! And as has been shown over the last six decades, politicians from whatever side of their aisles gonna use their border claim to rally support!!
So what more is needed?? Well, in this new world that has opened up with the various wars in Europe – Ukraine vs Russia – and the Middle East – Israel vs the rest – we should appreciate the strategic role of drones and missiles!! The days of armies facing each other and slogging it out are long over!! Drones and missiles can deliver the same kinetic force – with so much less need for manpower!! (Guyanese) brains can now be more than a match for (Venezuelan) brawns!!
Your Eyewitness has supported calls for establishing a military base in Region One – and this is the time to make that the reality. This will not only facilitate kinetic operations against any Venezuelan hostilities, but will also help us to deal with any new refugee waves! There’s not much point for our GDF to remain concentrated at Camps Ayanganna and Stephenson.
Let’s defend our threatened border!!
…cooperation
After three+ centuries of British colonial oppression of the Caribbean to produce sugar – for them to enjoy their “cuppa” – only the two mainland colonies in South America (Guyana) and Central America (Belize) have ended up with sugar surviving!! Now we know that OUR industry’s been on the ropes for decades – mainly because the PNC sucked out all the profits as a levy to fund Burnham’s fantasies –and didn’t maintain the factories!!
Well, after Herculean efforts, the PPP appears to’ve generated confidence in the private sector that they’re gonna make the turnaround!! The proof is an agreement just signed between a Belizean operator and a Guyanese entrepreneur to establish a sugar refinery to supply refined white sugar to Caricom!! At long last, we’ve got a proposal that’s gonna add enough value to our sugar to make even our admittedly high production costs viable!!
Your Eyewitness is pleased that the project is being led by the private sector – which is guided by the cold calculus of the market!!
…oil hype??
Your Eyewitness is intrigued that the female-led Ghanaian company Cybele committed to a US$17M bonus for their oil block – when just US$10M was required!! This was for the bid to “be noticed”.
Clearly, the company’s record didn’t do that!!
US-indicted Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed
GECOM should strengthen communication strategy, standardise voting booth layout – PSC recommends
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) is calling on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to continue strengthening several operational areas ahead of future elections, including the refinement of its digital Statements of Polls (SOPs) system, enhancements to public communication, and the standardisation of voting booth layouts across the country.
PSC Chairman, Captain Gerald Gouveia Jr, made the recommendations during the release of the Commission’s comprehensive 2025 General and Regional Elections Observation Report – one of the most extensive private sector–led monitoring efforts in Guyana’s history.
Speaking to media operatives on Wednesday, Gouveia acknowledged public concerns that some booth configurations may have risked the appearance of compromised ballot secrecy. While PSC observers found no evidence that any voter’s ballot was exposed or that secrecy was violated, he said the issue demonstrated the need for an agreed and uniform booth design.
Additionally, the PSC Chairman strongly praised GECOM’s decision to publish all SOPs online within
24 hours – calling it one of the most important transparency measures ever implemented.
However, Gouveia stressed the need to make the digital system faster and more efficient.
“The further refinement of the digital SOP publication, we must commend GECOM for their initiative in creating probably the most transparent move in publishing all the SOPs online for the public to see. Whilst it is a new technology that they're implementing, there is room for improvement, and we will be open to working with GECOM to create more ef-
ficiency in that system…
For the digital SOP publication, it will really be coming down to using more technology to speed up the process of which from the time that the SOPs are prepared to the time that is published, and just creating more efficiency there. Keeping that in mind, we have gone from a system where when SOPs were created in the past, it used to take days to get into the public's hands, and in some cases over a week. This time, within 24 hours, we had all the SOPs for public consumption, and I think that that is a massive improvement. However, we would like to see that system, with the use of technology, to improve,” the PSC Chairman said.
GECOM’s communication strategy
Further, Gouveia said that while GECOM improved its public education efforts with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), gaps remain, particularly during the election period, on Election Day, and during tabulation and recounts.
The PSC is requesting structured dialogue with GECOM on state media usage and messaging standards during elections.
“So, we were well aware that the UN did a lot of work with GECOM to improve its education, public awareness systems. However, where we see room for improvement is specifically during the election cycle on Election Day and during the tabulation and recount processes, where if they have a more robust communication strategy, they can put their messages out there and combat any opportunities of misinformation that were circulating. So that will be one of the recommendations that we would have for their communication structure and strategy,” he explained.
Elections were “peaceful, credible, transparent” In its Executive
Summary, the PSC concluded that the 2025 General and Regional Elections were conducted in a credible and transparent manner, with results that reflect the will of the electorate.
The PSC deployed 150 trained observers across key regions, supported by a fully staffed Observer Coordination Centre operating from August 29 to September 4.
Key findings include polling stations opened on time and were well-managed; GECOM staff acted professionally and impartially; strong multiparty oversight was present, including Peoples Progressive Party/Civic, A Partnership for National Unity, and We Invest in Nationhood repre-
sentatives; the recount and tabulation processes were transparent, consistent, and rule-based; and no evidence was found to support public allegations regarding voter list issues, ballot secrecy breaches, or undue influence.
Gouveia emphasised that GECOM has transformed its operations since the traumatic events of 2020.
“We moved from the most egregious attempt to interfere with our electoral system in 2020 to the most peaceful, efficient, and credible election in 2025.”
He credited GECOM staff, the Joint Services, political parties, observers, and the media for contributing to a well-administered election.
PSC Chairman, Captain Gerald Gouveia Jr
The PSC Chairman with youth volunteers
2 grid failures trigger power outages across Demerara, Berbice
…outages possible despite sufficient power capacity – Ministry
The Public Utilities and Aviation Ministry has engaged Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) following two power outages that affected customers in Demerara and Berbice on December 9 and December 10.
According to information released by the Ministry, the first outage occurred on Tuesday, December 9, at about 22:06h. The interruption was caused by heavy arching and a short circuit at the 69kV transformer at the Kingston Substation. Smoke was observed coming from the transformer panel, prompting the immediate dispatch of a technical team to investigate the incident.
Preliminary findings indicated that the disturbance was linked to a damaged cable. According to the Ministry, as a precaution,
the affected cable was isolated to allow for safe restoration of electricity. GPL began restoring power incrementally, with service fully returned to all affected areas by approximately 00:30h on Wednesday.
A second outage was recorded later Wednesday morning at about 11:19h when the 69 kV transmission line connecting the Edinburgh and Vreed-enHoop Substations tripped while carrying roughly 15 megawatts (MW) of power. The sudden loss triggered a cascading effect across the grid, leading to service disruptions in both Demerara and Berbice.
Technical teams were again deployed to determine the cause of the disruption. Investigations revealed that the incident resulted from the movement of heavy ma-
chinery in close proximity to the transmission lines. Power was restored to some communities within 30 minutes, with full restoration completed within approximately 90 minutes.
The Ministry stated that it continues to work closely with GPL to maintain a stable and reliable electricity supply nationwide. GPL currently has more than 250 MW of reliable baseload generating capacity, which exceeds the present demand of approximately 210 MW.
However, the Ministry noted that despite sufficient generating capacity, service disruptions can occur due to external factors, including the operation of heavy-duty equipment such as excava-
tors, cranes, draglines, and cement pump trucks near transmission infrastructure.
In recent times, there has also been an increase in incidents involving trucks, cars, and other motor vehicles coming into contact with GPL’s network, resulting in outages affecting thousands of customers.
The Ministry has urged all road users, equipment operators, and contractors to exercise caution when operating near GPL infrastructure, warning that unsafe practices can lead to service interruptions and pose significant risks.
To strengthen response efforts, the Ministry, in collaboration with GPL, has commissioned more than 30 emergency teams across the country to address power-related emergencies as they arise.
“Spanish Boy” pleads guilty to manslaughter for 2020 fatal stabbing
Nestor Luis Bolivar Martinez, called “Spanish Boy”, on Wednesday pleaded guilty in the High Court to manslaughter for the 2020 killing of 21-year-old Sanjay “Drill” Hanoman at Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara. Martinez, who was represented by attorney Ronald Bostwick, will be sentenced at a later date.
According to the prosecution’s agreed facts, the incident occurred on the night of October 25, 2020, at around 23:30h. An eyewitness told investigators that Martinez pulled a knife from his waist and stabbed Hanoman once in the outer left thigh, causing him to collapse on the spot. Martinez then rode away on a bicycle.
to the left thigh. The wound, which measured 6×1×9 cm, severed multiple vessels and contained approximately 800 cubic centimetres of collected blood. The autopsy also documented abrasions to the arms, wrists, left kneecap, and fingernail-like impressions on the forearm.
Police contacted Martinez at the Leonora Police Station on October 26 and cautioned him about the allegation. In his statement, he claimed that he was walking home with his wife after drinking Banko and XL when four individuals allegedly “troubled” them. Martinez said his wife held his hand and encouraged him to go home, which they did.
Martinez was charged on April 7, 2021, before Magistrate Ally-Seepaul at the Leonora Magistrates’ Court with manslaughter, contrary to Section 94 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. A prima facie case was later established, and he was committed to stand trial in the High Court. During this week’s hearing, the agreed facts were read aloud and then interpreted in Spanish for Martinez by a certified interpreter. Martinez indicated that he understood and accepted the contents before formally entering his guilty plea.
A post-mortem examination conducted on October
Relatives of the injured man were alerted, and Hanoman was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at 1:10h on October 26.
27, 2020, by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh found that Hanoman died from haemorrhage and shock due to a stab wound
However, he admitted that he later returned alone, armed with a knife and riding a bicycle. According to him, only Hanoman was still
present, and the young man struck his bicycle with a piece of wood. Martinez said he then removed the knife from his pocket and cut Hanoman on his foot/thigh before discarding the weapon, returning home, showering, and going to bed.
The case is expected to return to court at a later date, when the High Court will impose a sentence after considering the facts of the killing and mitigation submissions by attorney Ronald Bostwick.
Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar along with Parliamentary Secretary within the Ministry, Thandi McAllister, and Director General of the Ministry, meeting with Head of GPL, Kesh Nandlall, and other senior officials
Dead: Sanjay “Drill” Hanoman
Nestor Luis Bolivar Martinez, called “Spanish Boy”
US extradition request Mohameds’ lawyers cannot halt extradition proceedings despite High Court appeal – AG
Attorney General
Anil Nandlall on Wednesday emphasised that the extradition proceedings against USindicted businessmen Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed will continue, following Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman’s dismissal of their constitutional challenge.
Nandlall, in an interview shared on a social media page, noted that while the defence retains the right to approach the High Court, such action does not automatically suspend or delay proceedings in the
protract the extradition process,” he stated.
Addressing claims by the defence regarding the authority to proceed issued by the Home Affairs Minister, Nandlall said the argument was raised unusually late, after the Magistrate had already ruled. He clarified that the authority is a standardised document under the Fugitive Offenders Act, intended solely to authorise the Magistrate to handle the extradition request in accordance with the law. “There is no requirement for it to include the Guyanese equiv-
Magistrate’s court.
“One cannot stop persons from approaching the High Court. That is a right available to them. But that does not translate into a stay of proceedings in the Magistrate’s Court. The Magistrate must now proceed as she has indicated she will do,” he said.
Nandlall suggested that the defence’s strategy appears aimed at delaying the extradition process. “What they intend to canvass before the High Court are the same issues that have already been rejected and conclusively decided by higher courts. This appears to be part of a plan to delay and
alents of the offences for which extradition is sought,” he explained.
Nandlall also addressed concerns over the diplomatic note submitted by the United States, describing it as a common international practice in extradition matters. He said the note fully complies with domestic and international law and does not undermine the extradition proceedings. “The defence has no valid contention here,” he said, noting that the use of diplomatic notes allows countries to manage extraditions without renegotiating treaties for every case.
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Attorney General Anil Nandlall
US-indicted Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed
Human rights, anti-corruption safeguards, better public services key to Guyana’s development push – PM
Prime Minister (PM), Brigadier (Retired)
Mark Phillips on Tuesday underscored the Government of Guyana’s intensified push to strengthen human rights protections, modernise governance systems, and enforce anti-corruption safeguards, declaring that national development “must involve both economic advancements and improvements in the quality of social life.”
Delivering the feature address at the opening of the Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Expo hosted by the Parliamentary Affairs and Governance
Ministry, the PM said the Administration is fully aware of the gaps that remain in public service delivery, access to justice, and protections for vulnerable populations.
Phillips stressed that the Government has taken “critical” steps to address these concerns across multiple sectors.
“The People's Progressive Party Civic Administration recognises how critical it is to address human rights concerns and ensure that sufficient measures are in place to take care of our people in this regard. Our Government has out-
lined several measures to strengthen respect for rights and improve public service delivery,” he said, adding that these include enacting stronger penalties for attempts to incite racial hostility, ensuring policies targeted at equal pay for equal work, expanding shelters and assistance for victims of domestic and gender-based violence, “introducing and enforcing anti-discrimination legislation, including measures related to sexual orientation, and strengthening the training of security forces through required modules in human rights and integrity.”
He added that these measures aim to reduce harms, support vulnerable groups, and create a more predictable and just sys-
tem of public administration. “They also reflect our Government's view that national development must involve both economic ad-
aim to “reduce frustration, improve predictability, and promote responsible conduct from those who serve the public.”
vancements and improvements in the quality of social life. Service quality is a recurring concern for citizens and is another consideration under this vast umbrella,” the PM went on to state.
He added that the Administration has also moved to strengthen security-sector training, noting, “We are strengthening the training of security forces through required modules in human rights and integrity.”
“People deserve clear information, reasonable timelines, and respectful treatment.”
Citing persistent concerns over service quality, the PM said the Government is deliberately reforming the way Guyanese interact with public institutions. “Service quality is a recurring concern for citizens,” he emphasised. “People deserve clear information, reasonable timelines, and respectful treatment.”
Among the planned interventions are the introduction of mandatory service standards, clearer procedural advisories, faster and more transparent digital interactions, and mandatory customer-service training for frontline public officers. Phillips said these reforms
According to the PM, respect for rights is not abstract – it is essential to development and economic stability. “Human rights have a practical role in national progress,” he stated.
“They influence how people live, how institutions operate, and how development outcomes are distributed.”
He stressed that when people can rely on fair treatment, non-discrimination, and clear avenues for redress, they are better able to participate in national life and contribute to long-term social stability. “The protection of rights supports social stability, which in turn promotes economic confidence and long-term planning,” he added.
Regional examples and cooperation
Highlighting the regional context, the PM noted that countries across the Caribbean have made advances in human rights enforcement, from Trinidad and Tobago’s Equal Opportunity Commission to Barbados’ child-protection reforms and Jamaica’s expanded access-to-information regime.
“These examples illustrate that rights frameworks and anti-corruption
efforts are being strengthened across the Caribbean,” he said, emphasising that such progress often comes through legislative reform, public awareness, training, and cooperation.
He also argued strongly for deeper Caricom collaboration, noting that many governance, security, and rights challenges “cross national borders,” including trafficking in persons, cyber-enabled crime, and gaps in social-service delivery. Caricom, he said, provides the platform for shared strategies, joint training, harmonised legislation, and long-term policy development.
Phillips reaffirmed that the Government of Guyana is steadily building systems rooted in fairness and accountability. “Our Government has worked to modernise procurement practices, strengthen constitutional bodies, expand digital Government services, and increase opportunities for public participation,” he said.
A model for the Caribbean
Calling the Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Expo “the only one of its kind in the region,” Phillips said the growing annual event reflects Guyana’s commitment to transparency and public engagement. More than 40 agencies participated this year.
“This Expo demonstrates Guyana’s commitment to human rights and anti-corruption initiatives,” he said. “As we open this event for the fourth year, we are thankful for the opportunity for people to understand the work of the agencies represented here today and to raise questions or concerns directly with them.”
He urged Guyanese, from students to civil-society representatives, to make full use of the services and information on display. “Such events encourage transparency and help strengthen the connection between public institutions and the society they serve,” he added.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips at the opening of the Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Expo
Domestic air travel must be made more affordable – Pres Ali reiterates
With Government keen on creating linkages between the hinterland regions and the coastland, President Dr Irfaan Ali has reiterated the importance of making domestic air travel more affordable for citizens.
He made this remark while addressing the gathering at the launch of the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Programme on Tuesday. NGAP is an Air Transport Cadet Pro-gramme that targets students ages 11 to 16 through aviation-focused extracurricular activities and offers vocational and professional training for those 16 and older.
The Head of State pointed out that while more international carriers are setting their coordi-nates for Guyana and opening up new routes, the domestic aviation network is also expanding and will continue to grow through investments, both public and private.
“Our Government's economic philosophy is built on the principle of inclusive development. No region, no community will be left on the tarmac of progress. We are a nation of vast, rich, beautiful interior and coastlands. Our mission is to integrate them, to connect them, to link ur-ban to rural and urban and rural to hinter-
land. Not just by road or river, but by the most power-ful connector of all – the air,” he asserted.
According to President Ali, his Government is investing in the necessary infrastructure, such as municipal airports at Lethem and Rose Hall, Berbice, as well as hinterland airstrips, to support this vision.
“We have placed a significant bet on our aviation future by offering generous incentives to the sector. And I have already made a direct call for a reduction in fares because domestic air travel must be made more affordable. It cannot become a luxury.”
“Our vision demands that people can fly in and out of our remote communities without great financial strain. But cheaper and larger cargo planes are reliably coming on stream, and com-ing very quickly. Every Guyanese will have the opportunity to see the breath-taking beauty of our country from land, river and air through national connectivity, [and that] means affordable access for all,” the Head of State noted.
Reducing air travel costs
Only last month, President Ali had revealed that with the incentives offered by the Government, the local aviation sector is finan-
cially capable of lowering domestic air transport fares by as much as 15 per cent.
“Our aviation sector has been modernising at a rapid pace, changing out assets, investing in new assets. But whilst I compliment our aviation sector, I challenge them to bring a more bal-anced pricing mechanism for the consumers… We have given the aviation sector enormous in-centives. We have given them enormous support in the removal of taxes on fuel. It is time the aviation sector return that support to the citizens and people of our country. There is no way the aviation sector cannot, at this time, at least reduce air transport by 15 per cent. I’ve looked at the numbers,” the Guyanese leader had noted at the sod-turning ceremony for the new BK air terminal in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
Moreover, back in May, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had announced that the Government is contemplating investing in a commercial arm of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in order to compete with domestic airlines that continue to exploit consumers.
Skilled Guyanese in air services sector
But as his Administration
Mohameds’ lawyers cannot...
He further described the defence’s repeated challenges as an attempt to create confusion and prolong the process. “They have raised almost every argument available in extradition law and packaged it as if it were a new constitutional question. Now, after the Magistrate has ruled, they are bringing up this authority to proceed issue and the diplomatic note again. It is starkly consistent with a strategy to delay and detain,” Nandlall said.
Highlighting the broader significance of the case, the Attorney General emphasised the Government’s international obligations. “This matter is of national importance. It involves our Government’s treaty obligations, our relationship with
the United States, and, by extension, our role globally in combating organised crime, money laundering, and international financial crimes. The Administration is positioned to speak on matters of this type,” he said.
Nandlall confirmed that the Magistrate has set the dates for the extradition hearing, with documents, including the diplomatic note, to be tendered. “The defence can attempt to approach the High Court, but that will not stop the hearing in the Magistrate’s court,” he said.
On Tuesday, Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman dismissed the constitutional application filed by USindicted businessmen Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed, ruling that the arguments
moves to link the hinterland to the coastline, President Ali pointed out on Tuesday that this expansion of the aviation sector demands skilled Guyanese.
“We will need pilots, air traffic controllers, aviation engineers, safety inspectors, airport man-agers, and ground crew. A lot of cargo is going to be moved, and so we need freight forwarders and other logistics professionals. We will need a whole new generation of professionals,” he stated.
To this end, the Head of State underscored the importance of initiatives
like the Guyana Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) training programme, which he says lays the groundwork for building out the skilled workforce that is needed.
“We are here to cultivate a new core of professionals, a skilled squadron ready to power our nation's ascent. Today, we have many talented and qualified students graduating from second-ary school and university, eager to find skilled, rewarding careers that match their ambitions. For those with aptitude for technical work, who seek a profession built
on precision, challenge, and skill, I urge you to consider a career in our local aviation sector.
This dynamic sector is poised for an unprecedented ascent, offering a future where your skills will not only build a prosperous life for you but will also be the critical engines powering our nation's connectivity and development,” President Ali stated.
Already, the Guyana Government has plans to establish an aviation school that will see pilots being trained and certified here in the country.
High Court orders GNIC to vacate Charlestown wharf, enforces NICIL’s ownership
The High Court has ruled in favour of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Lim-ited (NICIL) in its long-running property dispute with the Guyana National Industrial Company Inc (GNIC) and International Fishing Investment Company Limited (IFI).
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presented by their attorneys had already been conclusively settled by Guyana’s higher courts and did not warrant further consideration at the magistracy level. She described the application as “frivolous and vexatious” and an abuse of process, noting that the defence had not raised any new or unsettled legal issues. The Magistrate also clarified that older case law cited by the defence, including the Dataram ruling, was outdated and not applicable under the Fugitive Offenders Amendment Act 2009. Concluding that the constitutional referral mechanism was not triggered, she affirmed that the extradition proceedings must continue, setting January 6, 2026, as the date for the commencement of the hearing.
The judgement, deliv-ered on December 10, 2025, by Justice Fidela CorbinLincoln, addressed claims for possession, trespass, and damages related to properties situated at Area “X”, Charlestown, Georgetown.
NICIL’s claim arose from a lease agreement originally executed between the Guyana National Engineering Company (GNEC) and GNIC in 1995, later assigned to NICIL through a supplemental lease agreement in 2002. The lease stipulated a 15year term with an option for renewal and an annual rent of $70.5 million. NICIL alleged that GNIC failed to deliver possession of the property after the lease expired on November 1, 2010, and that IFI had unlawfully occupied part of the property since 1996.
GNIC argued that it had properly exercised the lease renewal option in 2009 and claimed NICIL was estopped from asserting the lease had expired, citing substantial
improvements made to the property at its own cost.
The company also contended that any arrears of rent prior to Jan-uary 2019 were statute-barred.
In its defence, NICIL maintained that GNIC was in breach of lease conditions at the time it sought to exercise the renewal option. Breaches included failure to pay rent and arbitration awards, unauthorised subletting of portions of the property, and non-payment of insurance premiums. NICIL argued that these breaches invalidated GNIC’s request to extend the lease and that the company was required to vacate the premises upon the lease’s expiration.
Justice Corbin-Lincoln ruled that GNIC had failed to meet the conditions precedent for renewing the lease.
Specifically, the court found that GNIC was in subsisting breach of its obligations to pay rent and not to sublet without NICIL’s consent.
As a result, the court determined that the lease ended on November 1, 2010, and that GNIC thereafter held the property as a statutory tenant under the Rent Restriction Act.
Regarding NICIL’s request for possession, the court ordered GNIC to deliver up possession of the property by June 12, 2026. The court also clarified that
GNIC’s claim for mesne profits failed, as statutory tenants are not considered trespassers. Claims for an accounting of rental income from subletting were dismissed due to insufficient evidence of a fiduciary relationship or con-tractual obligation.
In relation to IFI, the court found that the company had occupied the Sussex Street Wharf por-tion of the property without NICIL’s consent since 1996 and had failed to provide evidence of lawful tenancy. IFI was declared a trespasser and ordered to vacate the property by February 27, 2026. The court awarded NICIL damages for trespass at a rate of $2 million per year from 1996 to 2025, totalling $58 million, with continued damages accruing at the same rate until possession is delivered.
Cost orders were also made. GNIC was ordered to pay prescribed costs of $10 million, while IFI was ordered to pay discretionary costs of $250,000. NICIL is required to serve the order on IFI by December 19, 2025.
NICIL was represented by attorneys Devindra Kissoon, Natasha Vieira and Abhimanyu Dev, while GNIC was represented by Neil Boston, SC; Roysdale Forde, SC; and Olayne Joseph.
From right: Attorneys for NICIL, Devindra Kissoon, Natasha Vieira and Abhimanyu Dev
President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing stakeholders at the launch of the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Programme on Tuesday
PSC pushes for tax cuts, migrant-worker policies in Budget 2026 submissions
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) is pushing for a series of pro-business measures, including reduced taxes, expanded incentives, and streamlined migrant-worker policies, as part of its formal submissions for Budget 2026.
PSC Chairman Captain Gerald Gouveia Jr outlined the organisation’s key priorities during a press conference on Wednesday, emphasising that the proposals reflect consultations with private-sector bodies, regional chambers, and corporate members across the country.
Gouveia said the PSC’s Budget 2026 recommendations are currently being finalised.
“Regarding the budget: every year, the private sector is invited to propose our suggestions to the next year's budget. 2026 budget submissions are being compiled as we speak to be sub-
mitted. And with that comes consultation from across the different private sector business support organisations and regional chambers, as well as our corporate members for their input so that we can prepare a comprehensive list that is backed by evidence as to what measures we would like to see included in Budget 2026… In general, it'll be things like tax reductions in business operations. It'll be incentives for business communities. It could be things like examining areas of promoting migrant workers in Guyana,” the PSC Chairman said.
Labour shortages driving migrant-worker push
The PSC Chairman pointed to Guyana’s unprecedented economic growth as the foundation for its recommendations. That rapid expansion, he said, has created widespread labour shortages, stressing that bringing in foreign workers
is not a substitute for local employment but a complementary measure.
In fact, he hinted at the need for a central process to integrate migrant workers into the local workforce.
“There's no secret that there is a labour issue in Guyana, so while the private sector is promoting
US-seized oil vessel falsely using Guyana’s flag – MARAD
The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has raised concerns over the unauthorised use of the Guyana flag after the United States informed the agency that a foreign vessel was found flying it without proper registration.
According to MARAD, the motor tanker SKIPPER, formerly known as ADISA and assigned IMO Number 9304667, was encountered in international waters flying the Guyana flag despite not being registered in the country. The agency described the practice as unacceptable and pledged to work with international partners and maritime au-
thorities to identify and take action against vessels falsely using the national flag.
In a Reuters report it was stated that US authorities confirmed that the tanker was seized off the coast of Venezuela in a coordinated operation involving the FBI, Homeland Security, the Coast Guard, and military support. A 45-second video released by US Attorney General Pam Bondi showed helicopters approaching the vessel and armed personnel boarding it.
The seizure follows US sanctions against the vessel, which had been involved in transporting oil from Venezuela and Iran under its previous name, ADISA.
Satellite and shipping data indicate that the SKIPPER left Venezuela’s Jose port between December 4 and 5, carrying approximately 1.1 million barrels of Merey heavy crude.
The Venezuelan Government denounced the seizure as “blatant theft” and an “act of international piracy”, vowing to defend its sovereignty and take the matter to international bodies.
MARAD has reiterated its commitment to enforcing proper use of the Guyana flag and stated it will continue collaborating with global maritime agencies to prevent similar incidents.
heavily the upskilling and inclusion of Guyanese in the workforce, we cannot hide from the fact that we need to make migrant workers a part of our economy if we want to continue the pace of growth in Guyana… So we see it across the board, from
agriculture to construction to tourism, oil and gas, mining, forestry, service, ICT, healthcare. It really goes across the board – the sugar industry under the agriculture industry. What we have found is that we need help in terms of the manpower, the technology to continue to grow the economy at the pace that we've been growing it at. So in terms of the incentives that we're asking for, it's going to be looking at the process of bringing in migrant workers, streamlining that process from a legislative perspective, as well as from a financial perspective, the financial economic implications of foreign work in Guyana,” Gouveia Jr explained.
When questioned about better wages for local workers, Gouveia said the private-sector wage environment is already rising well above the legal minimum,
but PSC is also pressing for the modernisation of employee-benefit taxation. “So I think the market is doing its job in terms of regulating the cost of labour and raising the minimum wage in accordance with the market movement. Incentives – a lot of it is going to come back to our recommendations in terms of looking at income tax thresholds, looking at everything from corporation tax to incentives, allowances for employees, how we can better transfer their take-home salaries to them. So a lot of our recommendations is asking the Government to re-look at a lot of the employee benefit packages that we offer and then offering some mechanisms for that to become an opportunity for tax deductions or incentives for companies to offer higher benefits for their employees,” he added.
Qatar an important...
Attendees at the reception to commemorate Qatar’s National Day
Marriott Hotel in Georgetown
Diplomatic ties
Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Qatar, Mohd Ibrahim K B Alrumaih, in his remarks at the National Day reception, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the diplomatic ties between the two countries are built on a solid foundation of mutual respect and shared interest and vision.
“Cooperation between our two countries is witnessing fast growth in the field of economics, health and other vital sectors,” the Qatari diplomat noted.
Current projects and programmes here that the State of Qatar is engaged in include the recent Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signing by QatarEnergy for offshore oil exploration, a Qatari medical convoy to perform
specialised surgeries in Guyana, the Georgetown Seafront Resort and Convention Centre project by Qatar Investment Authority and environmental partnership via the LCDS, among others.
Alrumaih, who is wrapping up his two-year tenure in Guyana, went on to express his appreciation to the Guyana Government for its support and cooperation in facilitating the work of the Qatari Embassy in Georgetown. This, he noted, is a demonstration of the depth of cooperation between the two nations and strengthens the shared hope for a bright future.
The Qatari diplomat further extended his gratitude to the various stakeholders for their cooperation and friendship as well since the establishment of
Tuesday evening
the embassy.
the
“Your presence here today shows the close ties and friendship that unite us and our countries,” the Qatari diplomat stated at Tuesday’s reception.
“Guyana in 2023 is not the same as in 2025, and I am sure that the future is better,” he declared.
During Tuesday’s reception, Prime Minister Phillips was joined by his wife, Mrs Mignon Bowen-Phillips; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy; Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Venessa Benn; Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Vikash Ramkissoon; and members of the diplomatic corps.
PSC Chairman, Captain Gerald Gouveia Jr
on
at
Guyana
22 students to graduate from Guyana’s Aeronautical Engineering School this week
Twenty-two students will graduate this Friday from the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School (AW&HWAES), Guyana’s only aircraft maintenance training organisation.
The graduating students have completed all requirements for their Associate Degrees in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and for applications to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s Licence. This year’s ceremony will also recognise the first and second batches of students enrolled in the school’s BSc degree in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, who will receive prizes for their achievements.
Lt Col (Ret’d) Egbert Field, Director General of the GCAA, will deliver the feature address and present the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s Awards.
Located at the Eugene F Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara, AW&HWAES celebrates its 32nd year in operation. The school is registered with the Guyana National Accreditation Council (NAC-G) and was the first training organisation in Guyana to receive institutional accreditation.
AW&HWAES offers an Ab-Initio Training Programme leading to a Level Six Associate Degree, qualifying graduates to apply for an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s Licence with the GCAA, and a BSc Degree in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, also approved by the NAC-G. The school is recognised as an Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) by the GCAA, the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS), the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA), and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Suriname (CASAS).
The institution is also a full member of the Flight Safety Foundation (USA) and the International Federation of Airworthiness (UK). The 26th Graduation & Prize Giving Ceremony will be held at 13:00h at the National Cultural Center, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.
ERC takes holiday cheer to children of Kabakaburi
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) spread festive cheer to children in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Wednesday with a toy distribution exercise at the Kabakaburi Nursery and Kabakaburi Primary Schools.
As part of its ongoing efforts to promote unity and inclusion, ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeen-ul-Hack and Commissioners Norris Witter, Ashton Simon, Ras Khafra, Pandit Krishn Sharma, and Reverend
Alphonso Porter visited the riverine community to personally distribute toys, games, and educational materials to students.
During the activity,
Commissioners interacted with students, teachers, and parents, emphasising the importance of mutual respect and togetherness.
Chairman Moeen-ul-Hack
highlighted that the holiday season provides an opportunity to reinforce the values of unity, inclusion, and respect and to remind communities that every region and every citizen is a valued part of Guyana’s society.
Headteachers of both
schools expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that such visits are important for students in hinterland and riverine areas, reinforcing that they are integral members of the wider Guyanese community.
The ERC said the enthusiasm of the children reflects the universal nature of happiness and its role in fostering understanding, unity, and goodwill. The Kabakaburi toy distribution is among several community-focused activities planned by the Commission for the holiday season to strengthen social bonds across the nation.
The Commission also invited the public to the Unity Festival on Sunday, December 14, at the National Park Tarmac. The free, family-friendly event will showcase Guyana’s cultural diversity through food, music, art, and performances, celebrating unity, inclusion, and togetherness.
Students of the Art Williams & Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School in practical aviation training in October (Art Williams & Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School photo)
Local Govt Ministry mulls Skull City park, vendor strip
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand conducted a walkabout of the Skull City squatting area at Patentia, West Bank Demerara, Region Three on Wednesday.
During the tour, Minister Manickchand
met with the contractor responsible for road works and received assurances that accompanying drainage infrastructure will be completed by the end of January 2026. She further committed to consulting with engineers to determine whether a park and vendor strip can be developed on the avail-
able land in the community.
The Minister informed residents that the area is currently being regularised by the Ministry of Housing, with 33 households already allocated lots. She noted that the remaining allocations are being processed.
She also shared that the cadastral plan has been lodged in the registry and
Milling and paving of LindenSoesdyke Highway 98% complete
Milling and paving works on the vital Linden-Soesdyke Highway are now 98 per cent complete, bringing the US$161 million upgrade closer to a completion.
According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Consultant Kimnauth Tota said the core rehabilitation works involve two primary processes, milling and paving, which are essential for complete and full-depth reconstruction.
Milling is the process of removing the surface layer of the existing asphalt pavement. It is a crucial step in road construction and repair, and one that ensures long-term durability.
Tota noted that the second phase of the “full-depth reconstruction has just com-
menced in addition to the kerb and slipper drains.”
Full-depth reconstruction is a road rehabilitation technique that involves grinding up the entire existing pavement and base layer and then stabilising it with additives such as cement or bitumen.
Other upgrades along the 73-kilometre road artery include the installation and improvement of the shoulders and drains. Tota noted that drainage works are 60 per cent complete and road shoulder works are about 70 per cent complete.
According to the Public Works ministry, the upgrade of the highway also includes the installation of street lights, reflective markings, lay-bys and enhanced safety features.
The project aims to ex-
pand the corridor and turn it into a modern transportation hub, and it is progressing steadily in its key areas.
In addition, construction is set to commence at the Linden’s roundabout at Millie’s Hideout within a week or two.
This phase of the project entails excavation, installation of geotextile fabric and geogrid, backfilling with sand, and layering of asphalt and pavement layer to ensure long-term durability.
Special emphasis will be placed on areas where ruts and potholes exist along the carriageway.
The upgrade of the highway, a vital transportation corridor in Guyana, is set to enhance safety, dramatically increase traffic capacity, and drive economic growth.
that the block title is being prepared, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2026.
The visit formed part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to engage communities directly and address issues affecting residents. Minister Manickchand interacted with families, listened to their appreciation
of ongoing works as well as their concerns, and assessed infrastructural and environmental challenges within the area.
Minister Manickchand emphasised the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens, including those in vulnerable and informal settlements, benefit from fair,
organised, and sustainable development.
The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development remains committed to collaborating with communities across Guyana to support improved infrastructure, ongoing regularisation efforts, and enhanced quality of life for residents.
PAHO renews call to close vaccination gaps amid whooping cough resurgence
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has renewed its call for countries in the Americas to close vaccination gaps amid a resurgence of pertussis, or whooping cough, which has been steadily increasing since 2023, according to the latest epidemiological update released this week.
Globally, whooping cough rose sharply in 2024, reaching 977,000 cases, nearly six times the 167,407 cases reported in 2023. The Western Pacific accounted for the largest share (591,193 cases), followed by Europe (296,543 cases).
A similar trend was observed in the Americas. After the region recorded its lowest number of cases in 2022 (3284 cases), cases increased significantly in 2023 (11,202 cases) and again in 2024 (66,184 cases). Between January and November 2025, ten countries – selected for the epidemiological update – reported increases compared to previous years. Complete regional data for 2025 will be available in 2026.
“Whooping cough is a vaccine-preventable disease, but its resurgence highlights gaps in immunisation and epidemiological surveillance,” said Dr Daniel Salas, Executive Manager of PAHO’s Special Program on Integrated Immunisation. “It is urgent that countries ensure high and consistent vaccination coverage, especially among children un-
der five, to protect the most vulnerable and prevent outbreaks,” he added.
Vaccination coverage and most affected groups
During the COVID-19 pandemic, whooping cough vaccination coverage in the region fell to its lowest levels in two decades, with 87 per cent for the first dose (DTP1) and 81 per cent for the third dose (DTP3). In 2024, coverage improved to 89 per cent and 87 per cent, respectively, although disparities between and within countries persist.
PAHO recommends that countries achieve and maintain a vaccination coverage of 95 per cent or higher with the three doses of the DTP vaccine in children under one year, as well as booster doses during childhood and adolescence to prevent outbreaks. In 2024, 21 countries achieved coverage of 95 per cent or higher for DTP1, ten countries ranged from 90 to 94 per cent, ten from 80 to 89 per cent, and four countries reported vaccination coverage below 80 per cent. These results highlight the need to continue strengthening vaccination across the region.
Children less than 12 months are the most affect-
ed age group, accounting for 30–40 per cent of cases in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia. Outbreaks have also been reported in indigenous communities and rural areas, where vaccination coverage is lower.
PAHO recommendations include strengthening epidemiological surveillance and laboratory confirmation of cases; ensuring vaccination coverage is above 95 per cent in children and providing booster doses for pregnant women and healthcare workers, prioritising maternity staff and carers of infants; implementing respiratory isolation measures for suspected or confirmed cases and ensuring timely antibiotic treatment; and promoting early diagnosis and prevention messages directed to health professionals and the general population.
“Timely and complete vaccination, together with robust surveillance, is the most effective strategy to prevent whooping cough, a disease that can cause severe illness, complications, or even death, especially in unvaccinated children under one year,” emphasised Dr Salas.
Ongoing works on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand during her visit to Skull City
Minister Manickchand also inspected ongoing road and drainage works in the community
25 recruits join Prison Service after completing intensive training
Twenty-five new prison officers were formally inducted into the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) this week following the completion of the Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) Nos. 2/2025 and 3/2025.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Prison Headquarters on December 6, where the re-cruits, 16 men and nine women from various regions, received their badges after com -
50
pleting a three-month programme designed to prepare them for operational and administrative duties within the correctional system. According to the GPS, the course combined theo -
technicians graduate from Health Ministry’s training programme ...as Minister urges graduates to advance training for careers in health, strengthen healthcare sector
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, training facilitators and the graduates
Twenty medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) and 30 X-ray technicians graduated on Wednesday from the Ministry of Health’s Health Sciences Education Clinical and Technician Training Programme.
The 50 graduates, considered the largest cohort to complete the training at one time, hail from nine regions. Both courses began in February this year and included theoretical and practical training.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony at the Pegasus Suite and Corporate Centre in Kingston, Georgetown, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony urged the graduates to view the moment as the first step in their long professional journey, a Dept of Public Information (DPI) newsletter said.
“I wish you well, but I want to emphasise that this is not the end of your journey; this is just the beginning. Continue striving for success. We want
you to work hard and have the ambition of being the best. Once you do that, I am sure you will be extremely successful. So, congratulations,” he said.
The Health Minister added that laboratory services have also grown significantly, with fully equipped labs in each of the six newly opened regional hospitals and more planned as new facilities open up.
“While we are training people and getting them into these facilities, we also want them to think about a career in laboratory science,” Minister Anthony explained.
He said these types of training programmes are meant to strengthen the country’s healthcare workforce.
“You might start as a technician, but there are opportunities to advance into different specialisations,” Minister Anthony said.
Dr Anthony noted that the Ministry has been ex -
panding both laboratory and imaging services across the country in recent years.
He said the public health system has now transitioned fully to digital X-ray technology, abandoning the older analogue filmbased method.
“With the new digital systems, we can take the image, enhance it, and look for different things so we can make better diagnoses. I am extremely happy that the students were able to train at some of the new facilities so they could gain that experience,” he stated.
The graduates will be given job placements across the public health sector in every region. These include the National Blood Transfusion Service, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, West Demerara Regional Hospital, De Kinderen Hospital, Leonora Cottage Hospital, Diamond Regional Hospital, Eureka Medical Laboratory and Woodlands Hospital.
retical and practical training, covering prison management, human rights education, family life training, impromptu speaking, armed and unarmed combat, observation skills, and the Prison Service’s rules and regulations.
Delivering the feature address, Deputy Director of Prisons (ag) and Head of the Staff Training Department, Kevin Pilgrim, urged the new officers to uphold the highest standards of profes-sionalism.
“You must lead by positive example, act with integrity at all times, and re -
sist any and all influ-ence to engage in or facilitate criminal activity,” Pilgrim
said. He noted that the GPS remains committed to its mandate to hold, habil -
itate, and rehabilitate offenders despite ongoing chal-lenges facing the system.
Pilgrim encouraged the graduates to apply their training consistently, maintain strong moral values, and strive for excellence as the Service advances its 2025 theme, “Changing Mindset and Culture for Corrections.” He also commended the training department staff for their con-tinued dedication.
The graduation forms part of the GPS’s wider push to strengthen capacity and improve profes-sionalism as Guyana continues efforts to modernise its correctional services.
The recruits who joined the Prison Service
US seizes oil tanker off coast of Venezuela
The US has seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, a move that sent oil prices higher and sharply escalated tensions between Washington and Caracas.
"We've just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela; a large tanker – very large, the largest one ever, actually, and other things are happening," said Trump, who has been pressuring Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down.
Asked what would happen with the oil, Trump said, "We keep it, I guess."
US Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X that the FBI, Homeland Security and Coast Guard, along with
support from the US military, carried out a seizure warrant for a crude oil tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.
A 45-second video posted by Bondi showed two helicopters approaching a vessel and armed individuals in camouflage rappelling onto it.
In response, the Venezuelan Government in a statement accused the US of "blatant theft" and described the seizure as "an act of international piracy".
The Venezuelan Government said it would "defend its sovereignty, natural resources, and national dignity with absolute determination" and denounce the seizure of the tanker before international bodies.
Trump Administration officials did not name the vessel. British maritime risk management group Vanguard said the tanker Skipper was believed to have been seized off Venezuela early on Wednesday. The US has imposed sanctions on the tanker for what Washington said was involvement in Iranian oil trading when it was called the Adisa.
The Skipper left Venezuela's main oil port of Jose between December 4 and 5 after loading about 1.1 million barrels of Venezuela's Merey heavy crude, according to satellite info analysed by TankerTrackers.com and internal shipping data from Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Brazil moves to cut January 8 sentences, shorten Bolsonaro’s jail time
In the early hours of Wednesday, Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies approved a “dosimetry bill” that changes how the country punishes those convicted over the January 8, 2023 storming of Congress, the Supreme Court and the Presidential palace.
The text passed 291 to 148 after a tense late-night session that Government allies tried unsuccessfully to delay, and it now goes to the Senate, with constitutional challenges widely expected.
At its core, the reform is technical but powerful. Instead of simply stacking full sentences for several “crimes against democracy”, Judges would start from the harshest offence and then add a smaller increment, producing a lower total.
The bill also cuts the
minimum time inmates must spend in Brazil’s strict closed regime and, because criminal law works retroactively when it is softer, forces a recalculation of existing sentences under the new rules.
For Jair Bolsonaro, the country’s most divisive defendant, the impact is significant. His 27-year-andthree-month sentence for trying to cling to power after losing the 2022 election could fall to roughly 20 years, and his stay in the toughest prison regime could shrink from nearly seven years to just above two.
Hundreds of supporters already condemned over January 8 – from retired officers to small business owners who camped for weeks outside army barracks –would also see their cas-
es re-examined and might move sooner to milder regimes.
Supporters call it proportional justice for ordinary demonstrators; critics fear it signals that violent pressure on institutions can later be bargained down.
Government allies, however, argued that wiping the slate clean for what courts called an organised attempt to overturn an election would cross a democratic red line.
When legal experts and Supreme Court justices signalled that full amnesty for coup-related crimes could be unconstitutional, conservative lawmakers regrouped around this narrower fix: soften penalties without erasing guilt or cancelling convictions. (Excerpt from The Rio Times)
T&T cop found hanging 3 months after mother’s death
Russell Bedasse, the Police officer who pledged to spend the rest of his life investigating the suspicious death of his mother, Shelawaihtie “Meera” Bedasse, was found hanging in a room of his Coromandel Village, Cedros, home Tuesday.
Shelawaihtie, 57, had been found hanging from a tree at Clifton Hill beach on Republic Day. Bedasse was convinced she was murdered – her body staged to appear as a suicide.
Up to press time, the family’s home remained cordoned off as Police continued investigations into Bedasse’s untimely death.
A relative said Bedasse had resigned from the TTPS and had isolated himself from the family as he focused on his mother’s case.
Although her death had been ruled a suicide, Bedasse
always believed she had been murdered.
He had turned against uncles and other relatives, causing some to speculate that the death was linked to spiritistic developments.
Relatives said Bedasse was convinced that a man connected to the Police was involved in his mother’s death.
Toxicology samples were taken, and investigators told the family foul play was not ruled out in Shelawaihtie’s death.
In his final interview with Guardian Media on September 25, Bedasse insisted his mother was not suicidal and criticised senior officers for failing to search for her when he first reported her missing on September 23.
South Western Division Commander Snr Supt Thompson had said suicide was the initial finding, but that all possibilities would be
examined.
Bedasse also questioned several aspects of the case: his mother’s long-standing fear of beaches after a near-drowning, a skin condition that worsened with sea spray, CCTV footage showing her entering a car “with fear”, and the height and tightness of the rope used. He said these details did not suggest suicide.
Bedasse resigned from the Police Service, saying he could not work in a system he believed had failed his family.
At that time, Minister of Homeland Affairs Roger Alexander said he was willing to meet with Bedasse and that the investigation was ongoing. Relatives, however, said the meeting never occurred.
Now that Bedasse is dead, the family is urging Police to find answers in both cases. (Trinidad & Tobago Guardian)
Bolivian ex-President Arce arrested, former Minister says
Bolivian ex-President Luis Arce, who left office last month, has been arrested, a former member of his cabinet said on Wednesday.
Arce may have been taken to a prison outside of La Paz, Maria Nela Prada, who served as Minister to the presidency under Arce, said in a video message on X.
Local media reports said Arce was arrested as part of an investigation into alleged embezzlement while serving as economy Minister under ex-leader Evo Morales. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Honduras issues arrest warrant for exPresident Hernandez after US pardon
Honduras’s top prosecutor has issued an international arrest warrant for former President Juan Orlando Hernandez, intensifying legal and political turmoil just days after the ex-leader walked free from a United States prison.
Attorney General Johel Antonio Zelaya announced the move on Monday in a post on X, saying he instructed the Agencia Técnica de Investigación Criminal, the main investigative body of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and urged Interpol “to execute the international arrest warrant against former President Juan Orlando Hernández”.
Zelaya’s announcement comes as Hernandez was released from a 45-year prison sentence in the US after President Donald Trump pardoned him.
Hernandez was extradited to the US in 2022, where New York prosecutors had accused him of three drug- and weapons-related offences and al-
leged he used his presidency to transform Honduras into a “narco-state”.
US prosecutors later secured a conviction, saying Hernandez played a central role in moving cocaine through Honduras and onwards to the United States. He was handed a 45-year prison sentence on the back of “one of the largest and most violent drug traffick-
ing conspiracies in the world”, according to prosecutors. Trump’s decision to pardon Hernandez came as he urged Hondurans to rally behind Presidential candidate Nasry “Tito” Asfura, a member of Hernandez’s right-wing National Party, in the country’s November 30 Presidential election. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Venezuelan Nobel Peace Prize
winner misses ceremony, but vows to continue struggle
Venezuela’s most prominent opposition leader, María Corina Machado, has vowed to continue her struggle to free the country from years of “obscene corruption”, “brutal dictatorship” and “despair” as she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize at a ceremony in Norway’s capital, Oslo.
The 58-year-old conservative has lived in hiding in Venezuela since its authoritarian leader, Nicolás Maduro, was accused of stealing the 2024 Presidential election from her political movement.
Despite fevered speculation that she would make a dramatic appearance at Wednesday’s event, having somehow slipped out of Venezuela, Machado was not present, although she was expected to arrive in Oslo in the coming hours. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
J’ca reggae legend to get official funeral on December 17
Jamaica will bid farewell to reggae legend Jimmy Cliff as he is laid to rest in an official funeral on Wednesday, December 17, Minister of Culture and Entertainment Olivia Grange announced on Tuesday.
Cliff, who passed away on November 24 at age 81, is
being accorded an official funeral by the Government in recognition of his immense contribution to Jamaican culture and entertainment. The arrangements are being finalised by the Office of the Prime Minister in consultation with the Ministry of Culture and Entertainment and the fam-
ily of the acclaimed musician, singer, and actor, born James Chambers in 1944. In keeping with Cliff's wishes, the funeral service will feature only spoken word, dance, and music, celebrating the life and legacy of one of Jamaica's most cherished cultural figures.
(Source: Jamaica Star)
Bolivia's President, Luis Arce, addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York, US, September 25, 2025
Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez is taken in handcuffs to a waiting aircraft as he is extradited to the United States at an Air Force base in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, April 21, 2022
OIL NEWS
Oil settles higher after US seizes tanker off Venezuela's coast
Oil prices settled higher on Wednesday after officials said the US seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, adding to concerns about immediate supplies.
Brent crude futures rose 27 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to settle at US$62.21 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 21 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to close at US$58.46 per barrel.
The US seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, two US officials told Reuters. The officials did not name the tanker and did not say specifically where the interdiction led by the US Coast Guard took place.
Oil prices will likely react more sharply if the seizure is followed up by more such actions, said Ed Hayden-Briffett, oil analyst at Onyx Capital Group.
Both benchmark oil contracts had extended gains to about 1 per cent since settlement.
The tanker seizure further inflames concerns about immediate supplies in a market that was already worried about movements of Venezuelan, Iranian and Russian barrels, said Rory Johnston, founder of the Commodity Context newsletter.
A Ukrainian official earlier on Wednesday said the country's sea drones had struck and disabled a tanker involved in trading Russian oil, the third such strike by Ukraine in two weeks.
Meanwhile, a divided US Federal Reserve reduced its benchmark interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point, as expected, which could help lift oil demand by boosting economic growth. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Federal Judge orders unsealing of more Epstein files in New York
Afederal Judge in New York has granted a request from the Justice Department to unseal more files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In a brief four-page ruling on Wednesday, Judge Richard Berman of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York ordered the unsealing of grand jury materials as well as investigative records, documents and communications from the Justice Department's 2019 investigation into Epstein.
On Tuesday, another federal Judge in New York granted a request to unseal a "voluminous" set of grand jury transcripts and evidence from a sex trafficking case in New York against Maxwell. Last week, a federal Judge in Florida grant-
ed the Justice Department's request to unseal grand jury transcripts from federal investigations into Epstein in the state from 2005 and 2007.
In July, the Justice Department moved to unseal grand jury materials in the Epstein and Maxwell investigations, but those initial bids were denied because federal rules required grand jury proceedings and evidence to be kept secret.
Berman is the third federal Judge in a week to grant similar requests from the Justice Department, weeks after President Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which directs the department to disclose records related to past investigations into Epstein and his co-conspirator and friend, Ghislaine Maxwell. (Excerpt from CBS News)
Around the World
US to ask foreign tourists for 5-year social media history before entry
Tourists from dozens of countries, including the UK, could be asked to provide a five-year social media history as a condition of entry to the United States, under a new proposal unveiled by American officials.
The new condition would affect people from dozens of countries who are eligible to visit the US for 90 days without a visa, as long as they have filled out an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) form.
Since returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has moved to toughen US borders more generally – citing national security as a key reason.
The US expects a major influx of foreign tourists next year, as it hosts the men's football World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, and for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The proposal document was filed by Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), of which the agency is part.
US media reported that it appeared in the Federal Register, which is the official journal of the US government. The BBC has asked DHS for comment.
The proposal says "the data element will require ESTA applicants to provide their social media from the last 5 years", without giving further details of which spe-
cific information will be required. An announcement on the website for the US Embassy and Consulate in Mexico states certain visa applicants must list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used in the last five years.
It warns that if any social media information is not listed, it could lead to both current and future visas being denied. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Ukraine disables Russian “shadow fleet” vessel with sea drones in Black Sea
Ukrainian sea drones on Wednesday hit and disabled a tanker involved in trading Russian oil as it sailed through Ukraine's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea to the Russian port of Novorossiysk, a Ukrainian official said.
The attack is the third sea drone strike in two weeks on vessels part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" – unregulated ships which Kyiv says are helping Moscow export large quantities of oil and fund its war in Ukraine despite Western sanctions.
War insurance costs for ships sailing to the Black Sea have spiked, with insurers reviewing policies dai-
ly as the conflict in Ukraine spills into sea lanes.
The Dashan tanker was sailing at maximum speed with its transponders off
when powerful explosions hit its stern, inflicting critical damage on the vessel, the official at the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said. He made no mention of possible casualties in the incident.
The strike on the Dashan, which is under European Union and British sanctions and is sailing without a known flag registry, was also confirmed by three maritime security sources. There was no immediate comment from Russia on the incident. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Hamas leader vows to curb Gaza attacks on Israel, but rejects disarmament
The Head of Hamas Abroad, Khaled Meshaal, has offered assurances that the group would take measures to curb any future attacks on Israel from the besieged Palestinian enclave but added that surrendering its weapons would be like “removing the soul” from the group.
In an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic’s Mawazin, to be aired on Wednesday evening, Meshaal laid out the group’s positions on key issues amid rising concern that momentum on ceasefire talks may fade as the first phase draws to a conclusion.
Hamas said on Tuesday
that the ceasefire cannot move forward if Israel continues its violations of the agreement, with authorities saying the truce has been breached at least 738 times since taking effect on
October 10.
Meshaal also told Al Jazeera that Hamas would not accept a non-Palestinian governing authority for Gaza, amid speculation over the makeup of United States
President Donald Trump’s so-called “board of peace”, which has been floated as a possible alternative to Hamas’s rule since 2006. The Financial Times reported on Tuesday that former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair’s candidacy for the board had been ruled out, following opposition from several Arab and Muslim states.
Blair is heavily tarnished for his key role in the 2003 invasion and subsequent occupation and devastation of the US-led war in Iraq, as well as his failed role as Quartet envoy to the Middle East. (Al Jazeera)
Burkina Faso releases 11 Nigerian troops after “unauthorised” plane landing
Authorities in Burkina Faso have released 11 Nigerian military personnel held after a cargo plane from Lagos made an “unauthorised” emergency landing in its second-largest city, Bobo-Dioulasso.
The breakaway regional Association of Sahel States (AES) said on Monday that the C-130 aircraft had entered Burkina Faso’s airspace without clearance, calling it an “unfriendly act”.
Burkina Faso authorities said the two crew members and nine passengers were given permission to return to Nigeria, but it remains unclear whether the aircraft was also released.
Authorities in Nigeria said on Tuesday that the plane had made an unplanned stop at the BoboDioulasso airport “in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols” owing
to a technical concern on its way to Portugal for a ferry mission.
Ehimen Ejodame, a spokesperson for the Nigerian air force, neither confirmed nor denied comments about authorisation, or the lack of it, to make the landing but said an investigation into the incident was continuing. He said the military personnel had been treated well by their hosts and that plans were under
way to continue the mission. On Sunday, a domestic test flight in Niger State had also crashed, with both pilots surviving.
The timing of the emergency landing intensified regional scrutiny, coming a day after Nigerian airstrikes at a military camp in neighbouring Benin, where some military personnel linked to a foiled coup were reportedly in hiding. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
An image from a video released Wednesday by Ukraine's security service shows a Russian oil tanker that was struck by a Ukrainian sea drone in the Black Sea (Security Service of Ukraine)
Jeffrey Epstein (left) and Ghislaine Maxwell (right)
Senior Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal speaks to Al Jazeera Arabic about peace efforts with Israel
SUDOKU
Question your motives; emotions can distort facts. Verify information before you act on it. It’s vital to keep your plans and routine simple, doable and within budget.
A change is within reach. Weigh the pros and cons when dealing with financial, health and legal matters. Consider how much you are paying for your lifestyle and how much you receive for your services.
Engage in something that raises your awareness. Create a plan, engage in discussions with like-minded people and generate a stir that encourages doing something that makes you feel good about yourself.
Do what matters most to you. Your surroundings will influence your attitude and productivity. Make home improvements that put your mind at ease, and implement a sensible budget.
Socializing and entertainment don’t have to break the bank. Get a makeover, formulate a plan for a healthy lifestyle or replace what’s no longer of use with something that energizes you.
Check out subsidy offers that can lower your overhead. A change can have a positive impact on your life. It’s time to shake things up and rethink your long-term strategy.
Take a trip, mentally or physically, that will encourage positive change. Reviewing your options and considering your past, present and future will help you gain perspective regarding the possibilities.
Open the doors of communication; network, socialize and discuss your thoughts, feelings and potential agenda. Verify information before you begin.
Visualization will have an impact on how you think and what you do next. Put your emotions aside and let common sense be your guide. Don’t feel pressured; time is on your side.
A change of scenery will be a wake-up call. Rethink what’s brought you to the place you are now, and you’ll discover how to replenish what’s turned sour or led you astray.
Be a leader, not a follower. If you let someone manipulate you instead of following your heart, you’ll end up backtracking. Life is about choices; do what’s best for you.
Take your time; observe, plan and prepare to make your next move. Don’t share too much information or leave yourself vulnerable to those eager to take credit for your ideas.
ARCHIE
One Guyana/K&S/President’s Futsal Championship…
Catering to the taste buds of thousands of Guyanese daily, popular catering establishment Maggie's Catering Inc has come on board to support the successful staging of the One Guyana Kashif and Shanghai futsal championship, which kicked off on Tuesday, December 9, with a total of nine matches in the schoolboys' and men's divisions.
Ladonna Kissoon, Brand Manager of Maggie's Catering Inc, on Tuesday handed over the company's contribution to Co-Director of the Kashif & Shanghai
Organisation, Aubrey “Shanghai” Major.
Kissoon, whilst complimenting Major and his organisation for coordinating this third edition in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, shared that Maggie’s Catering has seen the quality of the duo over the years in putting together quality competitions.
“However, whilst we see the normal male and female tournaments being done again, we are extremely pleased to see the introduction of a schoolboys' tournament which has attracted 20
Kohli advances to 2nd in latest ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings
Indian superstar Virat Kohli has advanced two slots to second place on the batters’ list in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s One Day International (ODI) Player Rankings. He is just eight points behind teammate Rohit Sharma, who continues to uphold his number one position.
(827 points) and Steve Smith (823 points) in third.
schools. This, we believe, is great, as it offers about 300 players the opportunity to exhibit their skills. We wish them all and the tournament success.”
Major shared with Kissoon that, unlike the senior tournament, the students will be playing using the round-robin format in the first round, which affords them more playing time.
He conveyed the entity’s thanks to Kissoon and the owners of Maggie’s Catering for their partnership with the tournament.
Meanwhile, admis-
The move up the rankings comes after exceptional performances in the recently-concluded three-match ODI series against South Africa, where Kohli’s scores of 135, 102 and 65 not out helped his team to a 2-1 series win. He was named Player of the Series for his 302 runs across the three fixtures.
Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock scored centuries in the second and third matches, respectively, and both moved up to 25th and 13th place, respectively, while their skipper, Temba Bavuma, went up three places to 37th.
Kuldeep Yadav’s four for 41 in the decisive third ODI also contributed to the series win for his team and advanced him to third place in the bowling table, up three places.
In the ICC World Test Championship, Joe Root’s first century in Australia enabled him to hold on to the top spot in the batters’ list with 781 rating points, but Harry Brook fell two places to fourth – now behind Kane Williamson in second place
Five Australians scored half-centuries in their first innings of the Brisbane win, with the biggest strides coming from Mitchell Starc, whose 77 lifted him up 12 places to 90th, and Jake Weatherald, who rocketed 75 places to joint106th after innings of 72 and 17 not out.
Zak Crawley returned to the top 50 batters after a first-innings 76, but Jamie Smith dropped 12 places to 31st after scores of zero and four.
The West Indian fourth-innings rear-guard was the highlight of the Christchurch Test as Justin Greaves struck an unbeaten double-century at number six to gain 16 places to a career-best 60th. He was well supported by Shai Hope, whose 140 moved him up 19 places to 48th, and Kemar Roach – whose unbeaten 58 occupied four and a half hours at the crease, enabling him to gain six places to 127th. He had a fine allround match, taking five of the eight New Zealand wickets to fall in their second innings to bring himself back into the top 20 bowlers at number 18.
New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra’s 176 moved him back into the top 15 with the bat, and Tom Latham hit 145 to gain six places to 34th.
Mitchell Starc’s fine pinkball performance, which saw him take six wickets for 75 in
Maggie's Catering Inc steps up with timely support
sion is absolutely free for the schoolboys segment of the competition, which will continue today, Thursday, December 11, with four more matches from 12:00h at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
St Joseph High will open against St John’s College, followed by Charlestown playing Westminster from
12:40h. South Ruimveldt will then take centre stage when they oppose VYC Academy from 13:15h, with the final match featuring New Central High and The Bishops' High. The men’s knockout tournament will see five more teams walking the plank when Night Two play gets started from 20:00h tonight.
Spanyard will face Make It Happen, followed by a clash between Port Kaituma and Timehri Warriors from 20:45h. Ballers United will then challenge Victoria Eagles from 21:30h. Alexander Village match skills with Espanyol from 22:15h, with the main attraction being the CorinthiansTiger Bay clash.
Canadian realtor Reshma Raman injects cash into Cricket Gear project
TEngland’s first innings, advanced him three slots in the bowlers’ list to a career-best third place and one slot to fifth in the all-rounders’ list.
Michael Neser – the first man whose first three Test match appearances have all been day-night affairs –took five wickets for 42 in England’s second innings to re-enter the bowling charts at number 52.
Jacob Duffy was the standout Black Caps bowler, taking five for 39 in the West Indies’ first innings to help him up 76 places to joint-63rd.
The ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings also saw movements after the first encounter of the five-match series between India and South Africa in Cuttack on Tuesday, where India served up a comprehensive, 101-run victory over the visitors.
Dewald Brevis moved into the top 10 among the batters, advancing three slots to eighth place after his 22-run knock.
India’s Hardik Pandya progressed three places to fourth in the all-rounders’ list, with Axar Patel moving to ninth (from 10th) on the same list and 13th (from 15th) among the bowlers.
In the bowlers’ list, Arshdeep Singh went up three slots to 20th, and Jasprit Bumrah jumped six spaces to 25th. (ICC)
he “Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana” project, a joint initiative between Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA, was the recipient of cash support from Canada-based realtor Reshma Raman, sales representative of Homelife Maple Leaf, 80 Eastern Avenue Unit 3, Brampton, ON, L6W, 1X9, Canada.
Raman, a Berbician by birth, indicated that over the years, she followed the noble project and is impressed with the idea of providing support to young, talented and aspiring cricketers in Guyana. She also indicated that hopefully, her contribution will make a difference in their lives.
The facilitators of the cricket gear project noted that they are grateful for the support as they continue to be part of the development of youth cricket. Over the years, many Guyanese cricketers benefited from the project; many of them went on to represent the West Indies at all levels.
The organisers said, “This project will continue to improve the lives of youths in every community. We are pleased to be part of the development of young cricketers in Guyana. Our aim is to keep them off the streets and get them actively involved in sports, cricket in particular.”
Total cricket-related items received/purchased so far: $786,146 in cash, thirteen coloured cricket uniforms, one set of stumps, two trophies, 36 pairs of cricket shoes, 40 pairs of batting pads, 49 cricket bats, 48 pairs of batting gloves, 29 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads,
two boxes, 15 gear bags, 13 bat rubbers, seven helmets, one fibreglass bat, one floppy hat, 16 boxes and four white cricket balls, 13 boxes of red cricket balls, one bat cone, one batting inner and 28 footballs.
In addition to the above, gear with a value of over $600,000 was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former national wicketkeeper-batsman. All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and not available at the time.
To date, 104 players, male and female, from all three counties of Guyana have benefited directly from cash, 10 gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 41 bats, four boxes, six helmets, 38 pairs of cricket shoes, 22 pairs of batting pads, 25 thigh pads, one bat grip, 41 pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicketkeeping pads and four pairs of wicketkeeping gloves.
Many others benefited indirectly. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each, and Cold Fusion Cricket Club received 13 coloured uniforms, while RHCCCC received six boxes of balls, 15 white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket-keeping gloves with one inner, and two sets of stumps and bails.
Other beneficiaries are the Essequibo Cricket Board, the town of Lethem, youth coach Travis Persaud (one box of red cricket balls),
male and female teams playing the traditional hardball and softball in the Upper Corentyne area, No 65 Young Titans (30 T-shirts), youths of the Just Try Cricket Club, Wakenaam Cricket Academy (one box of white balls), Shamar Joseph, Nehemiah Hohenkirk, Shamar Apple, the Leguan Cricket Committee, the Tucber Park Cricket Club, the Malteenoes Sports Club (nine cricket balls each), the Kendall’s Union cricket club (12 red balls), Lower Corentyne, Corentyne Comprehensive and JC Chandisingh Secondary Schools (12 red balls each), Thaddeus Lovell (one pair of cricket shoes), GCC (two boxes of white cricket balls), Bush Lot United Sports Club (one box of red balls), West Demerara Cricket Association (one box of white balls), Blairmont Cricket Club (one pair of batting pads, one cricket bat, one helmet and balls), Tagore Memorial Secondary School, St Cuthbert’s Mission cricket team (one box of balls), Port Mourant CC (three boxes of cricket balls, white cricket uniforms and one bat stick), DCB (one bat), Precision Sports (one box of balls), Berbice High School, and Cotton Tree Die Hard CC youth section. Cricket-related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana.
Canada-based realtor Reshma Raman
India’s Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma now occupy the top two ODI batting spots
New Zealand's patchwork fast-bowling attack delivered a strong show on the opening day of the second Test in Wellington, dismissing West Indies for 205 inside 75 overs at Basin Reserve. But the sight of Blair Tickner being stretchered off late in the afternoon with a suspected dislocated left shoulder took some sheen off their day of dominance.
Tickner, playing his first Test in two years and leading the bowling with 4 for 32, was central to turning a bright West Indies start into yet another collapse, while Michael Rae, the 30-yearold debutant drafted into a severely depleted pace unit, complemented him with 3 for 67 in an energetic outing that gave New Zealand the bite they had lacked in the opening hour. That bite mattered because the first hour had belonged entirely to the West Indies despite losing the toss, in a match where the hosts announced five changes and the visitors three.
On a pitch far milder than the traditional green seamer, John Campbell and Brandon King put on 66 for the opening wicket. Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes, burdened with heavy workloads from the first Test after the injuries to Matt Henry and Nathan Smith
Tickner, Rae bowl West Indies out for 205 to give New Zealand edge
in Christchurch, bowled honest but ineffective spells that allowed scoring opportunities.
Campbell drove through the line, King played compactly, and the West Indies looked assured.
But once New Zealand turned to Tickner and Rae –fresher workload-wise and sharper in pace – the difference was visible. They operated either full or short but always at the stumps or the body, and the tone of the innings shifted dramatically.
Tickner was the first to strike when he bowled out King in the 17th over. King, playing the Test after Tagenarine Chanderpaul picked up a side strain on the eve of the Test and opening for only the second time in his Test career, was pinned lbw when Tickner's delivery from a shortish length jagged in and hit
leaned into a drive with firm hands and edged to first slip, and at 93 for 3, West Indies' position was slipping.
Shai Hope and Roston Chase attempted to restore stability with a 60-run stand for the fourth wicket. Hope scored freely but never convincingly; Tickner and Rae repeatedly hurried him with the short ball, and he took two blows to the helmet with concussion checks following as the afternoon surface grew livelier. Hope reached 48, but Tickner finally cracked him with another rising delivery that he tried awkwardly to fend off, gloving a catch to Kane Williamson at third slip. That, Tickner's third wicket, had seemed almost inevitable given the sustained discomfort he had caused the batters, and Chase followed soon after, cramped by a Tickner delivery that
him on the pad. One over later, Kavem Hodge was undone for a duck by a fuller ball from Tickner that tailed in late and struck him in front of middle and leg. The double blow helped New Zealand quickly erase an indifferent start heading into the lunch break.
Rae, who had leaked runs in his first spell in Test cricket, made an impact after lunch. Coming around the wicket, he angled a full ball across Campbell, who
jagged in sharply to catch the inside edge onto the leg stump for 29.
Justin Greaves, West Indies' double-centurion in Christchurch, lasted 52 balls before Rae drew a faint outside edge with a tight off-stump line. Mitchell Hay completed the catch behind the stumps, leaving West Indies' lower order exposed. Rae then trapped Kemar Roach lbw with a fuller delivery that kicked enough to beat the bat and straighten
into the middle stump, and at 184 for 7, the innings was in freefall.
But New Zealand's mood soured dramatically in the next over. Tickner sprinted across from fine leg to stop a boundary-saving flick from Tevin Imlach and dived full-length near the rope. He landed awkwardly and stayed down, and the players signalled urgently as medical staff from both New Zealand and the venue rushed to him. After several minutes of treatment, he was stretchered off – sitting up but in pain –to warm applause from the Basin Reserve crowd. He later left the ground in an ambulance, with early indications pointing to a sus-
inside edge.
Anderson Phillip was run out soon after attempting a risky single – first surviving a throw from Devon Conway, but then succumbing when an alert Kristian
pected dislocated shoulder.
Glenn Phillips, the most prolific wicket-taker in New Zealand's XI with 31 strikes coming into the game, then removed the last recognised batter, bowling Imlach with a fuller ball that straightened just enough to beat the
Clarke broke the stumps on the rebound. Duffy ended West Indies' innings by having Ojay Shields edge to third slip to end the innings at 205. West Indies lost their last seven wickets for just 52 runs. New Zealand openers
24 runs they added before stumps gave New Zealand the firm upper hand, now behind by only 181 going into the second day, where batting promises to be easier. (ESPNcricinfo)
Tom Latham and Conway batted nine overs before stumps, with West Indies' seamers asking questions occasionally and inducing a couple of edges that didn't carry to the slip cordon. The
Tickner had to be stretchered off after he hurt his shoulder
John Campbell mixed aggression and watchfulness in the first hour
Shai Hope takes evasive action
Blair Tickner is congratulated by his teammates
Michael Rae celebrates Justin Greaves' wicket
“Excellent” performance from athletics' IGG team – AAG Executive
Guyana’s athletics team at the 54th edition of the InterGuiana Games (IGG) over the past weekend, like so many track and field teams before them, managed to maintain their dominance in the discipline, cruising to
QC triumph at National Inter-School Chess Tournament
…Richard Ishmael excel in Priority Areas Section
Queen’s College’s students dominated the National InterSchool Chess Tournament hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) last Monday, December 8, 2025. The tournament venue, graciously provided by the Bishops’ High School, was packed to capacity with approximately 235 students, marking the largest-ever chess competition held in Guyana.
The Queen’s College Open and Girls' Teams took first place in both their respective categories, while fellow student Nicholas Zhang copped the championship prize in the Individual Category.
Marian Academy’s Open Team placed second in the Open Team Category, while School of the Nations took home the third-place prize. The New Guyana School Girls' Team placed second in the Girls' Team Category, while the Marian Academy Girls Team placed third.
In the Open Team Tournament 2025, Queen’s College students Alexander Zhang, Kyle Couchman, Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Aditi Joshi, and Candidate Master (CM) Sachin Pitamber displayed their impressive skills when they scored a perfect score of 20 points. Marian Academy, featuring Micaiah Enoe, Alek UbaldoSingh, Joseph Prendergast and Aiden Tinnie, finished with 13.5 points, and School of the Nations students Nathan Fraser, Gabriel Felix, Jeremiah Jacobs and Landon Mohabir finished in third with 11.5 points.
The Girls' Team Tournament 2025 saw Queen’s College girls Ciel Clement, Kataleya Sam, Parnita Kishun and Saura Ruplall gaining 18.5 points, while New Guyana School’s Christine Silva, Lusianna Farlot, Olivia Rajmangal and Divya Persaud finished with 11.5 points, and Marian Academy’s girls Angelina Yhap, Kristin Xavier, Tharisha Montes De Oca and Bianca Jessimy secured 11 points. In the Individual
Championship, Nicholas Zhang of Queen’s College emerged as the unbeaten overall champion, while his schoolmate Omar Shariff finished in second place with a perfect five points. Third place went to Hemraj Persaud of The Bishops’ High School, also with an unbeaten performance, while Chelsea Harrison and Javier Davenand of Queen’s College claimed fourth and fifth place respectively, both maintaining unbeaten records as well.
Trophies were awarded to the top three schools of the Priority Areas Programme in both the Open and Girls' categories. Richard Ishmael Secondary took home the first-place prize in the Open Team Category, while the Georgetown School of Science and St Joseph High School received second and third place, respectively. In the Girls' Category, Richard Ishmael Secondary also received the first-place trophy, while St Joseph received the second-place trophy and Christ Church the third-place trophy.
Medals were awarded to the top performer in each school in the Individual Category. Mahir Rajkumar – Queen’s College, Vir Narine – Marian Academy, Aditya Bishundial –Bishops’ High, Adiel Hamilton – Georgetown School of Science, Ricardo Thakur – St Joseph High, Darrell Abrams – School of the Nations, Gabrielle Mohabir – St Rose's High, Chris Burgess – Richard Ishmael, Ishmiah La Cruz – St Stanislaus College, Christian Tafores – St John’s College, Careem McEwen –Dolphin Secondary, Kayran Andrews – Christ Church Secondary, Raiden Ruplall – Mae’s School, Akeela Nurse – East Ruimveldt Secondary, Aalim Khan – Qayyim Academy, Elizabeth Isaacs – Kingston Secondary, and Jesse Fletcher – Queenstown Secondary.
The national event brought together students from 18 schools across Guyana, representing both public and private institutions, competing across
a gold-medal finish.
Guyana accumulated 442 points over the course of the competition, 142 points ahead of the next best finisher, French Guiana, with 300 points. Suriname had to settle for third place with 213 points.
team and individual categories. According to the Federation, this year’s championship featured a five-round rapid tournament with a time control of 15 minutes per player. Schools competed in open and girls’ team divisions, each fielding four-player teams, while the individual tournament welcomed unlimited participants from each institution.
The GCF wished to congratulate all participating schools and players for their enthusiasm, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Under the Ministry of Education’s Priority Areas Programme, the Chess in Schools programme has significantly benefited those who had no prior access to the sport. Chess, which complements education, is growing rapidly, as the turnout was significantly more than last year. The annual tournament is expected to grow to include other regions through the GCF’s expansion programme across the country.
Gratitude was also extended to Sunshine Snacks for providing snacks for the students.
The GCF extended heartfelt gratitude to Chief Arbiter John Lee for expertly managing three tournaments concurrently. Appreciation was also extended to the team of chess coaches and arbiters, including GCF President Anand Raghunauth, FIDE Master (FM) Anthony Drayton, CM Taffin Khan, WCM Jessica Callendar, and Keron Sandiford. The Federation further acknowledges the contributions of Assistant Arbiters Oluwadare Oyeyipo, Treskolé Archibald, FM Rawle Allicock, Jorrell Troyer and Joshua Gopaul.
The GCF also expressed sincere thanks to the Priority Areas Programme through the Ministry of Education’s Allied Arts Department for their continued support in promoting chess development across Guyana, as well as to The Bishops’ High School for generously providing the venue.
After receiving their medals and corresponding trophies at Sunday evening’s closing ceremony, Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Second Vice President (VP) Mayfield Taylor-Trim described the young team’s performance as excellent and credible.
“Athletics has been winning, as you know, almost all the time. We had a fairly young team; most of them would’ve been their first time in IGG, and I think their performance was credible. I think they performed excellent,” Taylor-Trim told Guyana Times Sports
She went on to divulge, “Most of them went into this
IGG with the intentions of getting qualified or coming close to be qualified for CARIFTA. So, we had a high level of performance. The performances were great.”
Touching on the training camps that the AAG facilitated prior to the games, Taylor-Trim noted that they paid off.
Quizzed on the training camps, she responded, “Yes, we had two weekends of training, and that was a success because we had a number of coaches that dealt with different areas: sprint, middle distance and long distance. So, they had that individual attention, and from that a lot of improvement we saw among the athletes.”
The AAG VP went on to respond to an inquiry about what can be improved for the athletics team as IGG moves to Suriname in 2026.
“I can’t right now,” she stated. “I think the coaches would be better able to respond to that in terms of what is expected, but from what I’ve seen, you know, I think their performance is credible. For 2026, what we can do is just do more, win more.”
Aside from the overall win, Guyana’s Quinola Burnette was hailed as the most outstanding female athlete, while a joint award on the male side saw Guyanese duo Kaidon Persaud and Ebo McNeil being rewarded.
Five teams got their campaign off to a perfect start when the President’s third Futsal Championships, organised by the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation with support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, kicked off at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Tuesday evening.
The 48-team competition got underway on Tuesday with five exciting fixtures on the cards, prior to a vibrant march-past and opening ceremony.
Beavers picked up the first victory of the night, downing Gaza Squad 4-1. Rodwin Jones (8th), Timothy Kennedy (18th), Dexa Gomez (20th) and Gregory McKoy (24th) netted one goal each in a team effort for Beavers. For Gaza Squad, Tsekedi Sealy secured the consolation in the 22nd minute.
An entertaining 5-3 victory for Foot Steppers followed when they battled Real Sport. Anthony Roberts led the charge for Foot Steppers, registering a hattrick in the fourth, fifth and 30th minutes, followed by a brace off the boots of Omar Sam in the 27th and 28th. Johenni Mendoza (10th, 25th) and Edgardo Herrera (21st)
Futsal Championship…
were the goalscorers for Real Sport.
Then, the second hattrick of the night, this time off the boots of Demane Cort in the 16th, 17th and 30th minutes, lifted Agricola Ballers to a 4-2 win over Mocha Red Force. While Biloris Jabar added another to Agricola’s tally in the 23rd, Ian Mars and Deshaun Ellis responded for Mocha in the ninth and 21st minutes, respectively.
Kanaimas later edged Paradise Invaders, 2-1. Brandon LaRose accounted for Kanaimas’ tally, netting a brace in the ninth and 25th. Devon Fraser (23rd) gave Paradise Invaders hope for a comeback, but it was not to be.
Albouystown Ballers
later brought the curtains down on the night’s proceedings with a goal-fest, drubbing Showstoppers 10-1. Joel Magrel was the marksman to watch with a glut in the fourth, eighth, ninth, 26th and 30th minutes. While Randy Maynard (20th, 24th, 25th) produced a hat-trick, Omar Lyken and Mark Glenman found the back of the net once each to add to the tally in the 18th and 23rd minute, respectively. On the other hand, Marvin Josiah netted Showstoppers’ consolation in the 28th.
The futsal action, in both the schoolboys' and senior divisions, will continue today, Thursday, December 11, at the same venue.
Beavers downed Gaza Squad in the competition’s opening clash
Queen's College Open Team receiving the first-place prize from GCF President Anand Raghunauth
