Guyana Times - Thursday, December 18, 2025

Guyana’s Dr Riyad Insanally elected P11 to Inter-American Human Rights Commission Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 6310

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

“New dawn” for Guyana – Ali lays out 5-year blueprint to fasttrack transformation, people at the centre of development Page 3

$100,000 cash grant for Guyanese 18 years & older

Abolishment of net property tax on individuals

Flat tax rate on Minimum wage for partdouble-cab pick-ups time workers, CSOs to be increased to $50,000 Old age pension to increase to $60,000 "Because We Care" grant to increase to $100,000 Public assistance to over next 5 years increase to $40,000 Special investment zones Home improvement with tax exemptions assistance

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Ship traffic surges 55% in 5 years P5 …maritime manpower must keep pace – Minister

Faster pathology results as GPHC gains ISO 15189 accreditation P11

Land Transport Treaty between Brazil, Guyana takes effect in P17 2026

Govt to seize criminals’ assets in corruption crackdown – AG tells UN forum in P10 Doha

“My Administration has no sympathy for drug smugglers” – President Ali Man gets 5 years Page 7

for stabbing DJ to death at birthday celebration P8

Flames engulf two buildings, including the Golden World Chinese Supermarket in Parika, on Wednesday evening, while ranks of the Guyana Fire Service worked for hours to contain the blaze

…will work with all allies to keep Guyana safe

CJIA to roll out P10 curbside check-in

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENING

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, December 18 – 15:15h– 16:45h and Friday, December 19 – 15:50h– 17:20h.

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 3.13 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 15:21h reaching a maximum height of 2.49 metres.

Low Tide: 08:56h and 21:23h reaching minimum heights of 0.87 metre and 0.70 metre.

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COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil

US$ $60.56/barrel

Rough Rice London Sugar

$168.12/ton $422.30/ton

Live Spot Gold

Change % +1.46

-0.48 -0.17 USD Per Ounce

Low/High

$4326.00 $4323.80

$4328.00 $4343.90

Change

-11.30

-0.26%

Bid/Ask

“New dawn” for Guyana – Ali lays out 5-year blueprint to fast-track transformation, puts people at centre of development – $100,000 cash grant for Guyanese 18 years & older – Abolishment of net property tax on individuals – Flat tax rate on double-cab pick-ups – Minimum wage for part-time workers, CSOs to be increased to $50,000 – "Because We Care" grant to increase to $100,000 over next 5 years – Old age pension to increase to $60,000 – Public assistance to increase to $40,000 – Special investment zones with tax exemptions – Home improvement assistance

W

ith the aim of building individual and national wealth, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday detailed the vision, policies and plans that his Government will implement over the next five years to not only accelerate Guyana’s transformation but also ensure that the Guyanese people are placed at the forefront of the ongoing development.

In a near two-and-ahalf-hour address to the nation from the lawns of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), the Head of State announced to scores of persons gathered there and those watching online a host of measures ranging from cash grants to tax reliefs to salary increases and welfare interventions that are all in keeping with the manifesto promises upon which the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) was re-elected to office at the September 2025 elections.

He explained that the aim is to build an even more resilient economy through further diversification of non-oil economic activities while ensuring that citizens’ interests and well-being are protected with “Today, we stand on the cusp of a new dawn, a moment of unprecedented opportunity… This moment is now ours to seize, to shape and to transform. The plans I have laid before you provide a framework for doing just that, turning promise into progress, vision into reality. These plans represent a blueprint for transformation that will be tangible in your daily lives, in the work you do, the wages you earn, the communities that cradle your families, and the horizons of opportunities opening for your children,” the President stated.

Cash grant

Among those plans he detailed is the highly anticipated cash grant for Guyanese.

The Head of State revealed that “Budget 2026, which will be presented early in the new year, will make

provision for a cash grant of $100,000 to be paid to every citizen in Guyana who is 18 years of age and older. And other cash grants will be paid during the course of the next five years.”

This point was reiterated

by Ali during a brief interview with reporters following his address. He contended that this $100,000 is just the first tranche of a series of cash pay-outs that his Administration will roll out during its term but noted it is part of a collective mechanism designed to create wealth. “[I just] elaborate about all of the incentives and mechanisms to grow personal wealth, to grow family wealth, to grow community wealth, to grow national wealth and to build a prosperous country. And the cash transfer…is just one component of that,” he stated.

Recognising that cash

transfers are an important means through which specific policy objectives can be realised, President Ali said his Government is committed to increasing disposable income through such transfers to citizens and will continue to do so through a number of different instruments over the next five years.

These include increasing the Because We Care cash grant to $100,000 per annum during this term as well as progressively increasing the non-contributory old-age pension to $60,000 per month and the public assistance grant to $40,000 per month. The first instalment of these increases will be announced in Budget 2026.

Small businesses, SEND, animal welfare to also benefit

With the aim of providing opportunities to small businesses, the Government

President Dr Irfaan Ali in his Address to the Nation from the lawns of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Wednesday

plans to remove corporate taxes on income earned by companies engaged in childcare provision services and elderly care facilities.

In fact, funds will be allocated in next year’s budget for co-investment in child and elderly care facilities, on the condition that the facilities benefiting from tax and concessions agree to a suitable cap rate for their services.

TURN TO PAGE 5

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

A calculated push

A

t the core of the new development bank is the aim to address a long-standing structural weakness in the economy, the exclusion of thousands of viable entrepreneurs from formal financing due to rigid collateral requirements, high interest rates and limited access points, particularly outside urban centres.

The proposed framework, zero-interest loans of up to $3 million without collateral, followed by preferential access to additional financing, signals a deliberate move away from traditional risk-averse lending models that have historically favoured established businesses over emerging ones. For decades, small enterprises have formed the backbone of employment and local economic activity while remaining underserved by the formal banking sector. Removing the cost of borrowing at the entry level directly targets one of the most persistent obstacles to business formation and early-stage growth.

Crucially, the proposed institution is positioned not as a substitute for commercial banks, but as a transitional platform.

This distinction matters. The development bank is intended to function as a bridge, supporting entrepreneurs at their most vulnerable stage and then integrating them into the wider financial system as operations stabilise and scale. Such an approach, if properly executed, reduces dependency while encouraging financial discipline, record-keeping and gradual formalisation.

Zero-interest, unsecured lending carries inherent risks, including misuse of funds, interference and weak repayment discipline. The commitment to appoint technical teams and an independent board with clear accountability mechanisms is therefore a procedural detail with a foundational requirement.

Transparent lending criteria, rigourous monitoring and published performance metrics must accompany the rollout if public confidence and institutional credibility are to be sustained.

Equally significant is the decision to align commercial banks with the initiative through fiscal incentives. Encouraging private financial institutions to expand SME lending at subsidised rates mirrors earlier policy tools used successfully in housing finance.

This risk-sharing arrangement recognises that inclusive growth cannot be driven by the state alone. By lowering the cost of capital and de-risking SME portfolios, the policy nudges banks toward sectors they have traditionally avoided, while preserving market discipline beyond the initial concessionary phase.

The broader ecosystem outlined alongside the development bank reinforces the seriousness of the reform agenda. Expanding agent banking in hinterland and rural communities addresses geographic inequities that have long limited economic participation. Digital banking, mobile wallets and modernised payment systems further reduce transaction costs and barriers, particularly for informal operators seeking entry into regulated finance.

Planned legislative and regulatory reforms to ease lending constraints reflect an understanding that institutional bottlenecks often undermine policy intent. Without adaptive regulation, even well-capitalised initiatives can stall. Similarly, the proposed modernisation of the central bank signals an effort to align monetary oversight with a rapidly evolving financial environment, balancing innovation with macroeconomic stability.

Beyond credit, the emphasis on capital markets development introduces a longer-term dimension to wealth creation. A junior stock exchange and expanded investment instruments would provide alternatives to debt financing, enabling small and emerging firms to raise equity while offering citizens new avenues for participation in national growth. This diversification is essential in an economy undergoing rapid expansion, where concentration of wealth and opportunity remains a legitimate concern.

The central question, however, is not whether the vision is compelling, but whether implementation will be disciplined, insulated from patronage and responsive to outcomes. Inclusive finance is not achieved by generosity alone; it is secured through systems that reward productivity, manage risk and enforce accountability. Poorly structured credit can entrench dependency, while well-governed access can unlock innovation and resilience.

If executed with rigour, the proposed development bank could redefine the relationship between the state, entrepreneurs and the financial sector. It represents a calculated bet that empowering small businesses, through affordable capital, institutional support and market integration, will yield returns in shared prosperity.

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) held its 15th annual Santa Parade, where the Christmas characters posed for a photo as they joined in sharing goodwill and holiday cheer (CJIA photo)

Making an issue where there is none Dear Editor, Google Alert made me aware that one Pushpa Jagnandan wrote a letter to your newspaper. She was very kind to say that I was “one of the best Education Ministers Guyana has had in recent times and that many citizens across the country were, to a great extent, satisfied with the work she did to strengthen our education system.” I thank her for this kind acknowledgement.

There were, however, several inaccuracies in the missive, and I have learnt not to leave those on the record.

Firstly, my commentary to which the letter writer refers on the social media platform had nothing to do with any video of children dancing.

The comment/post was scheduled on the platform (something FaceBook allows and a

feature I frequently use) long before any video was available to the public and is the kind of advice I have repeatedly given and commentary I have repeatedly made both while in Government and while in opposition. A cursory glance at my page would show such evidence.

Secondly, I kindly ask Ms Jagnandan to show me where I condoned any words of Baby Skello. Condemning the denial of bail to someone for a bailable offence and condoning the words of Skello are two entirely different issues. Given that this ought not to be too hard to understand, anyone who suggests otherwise may fairly be said to be out to make mischief.

To be clear, and to help Ms Jagnandan understand her carelessly made inaccurate statement, on May 9, 2025, I was one of the first to publicly

state, “I stand with the Hindu community unreservedly in condemning the idiotic mumblings by some Baby Skello.

The ‘singer’s’ apparent explanation (which he offered, it appears, with a view to absolving him of any wrongdoing) worries me more.

He says he was speaking of someone’s mother and not Mother Latchmi. And I’m here wondering when and who allowed him to think ‘singing’ anything so crass and crude and abusive would be acceptable. Are we listening to crap?

And then complaining when it goes too far? How is that music? We have the power to censor artists ourselves. Not by law. (And I don’t believe in state censorship.) But by consciously deciding not to listen, buy and/or in any other way support their brand and products.”

Tribute to Ron Robinson Dear Editor, With the passing of Ron Robinson, Guyana has lost a legend. With his passing, Guyana has also lost an avid blood donor. Having donated more than 100 units of blood, Ron was family at the National Blood Transfusion Service. He was a simple, humble man but found a way to quietly and graciously make a difference in the lives of his Guyanese sisters and brothers.

In terms of radio and theatre, Ron Robinson was among the best in Guyana, CARICOM and the Commonwealth.

His contributions to the “orange” economy in Guyana are not only iconic, but his passion, dedication, and work in radio, TV, and theatre created a pathway of inspiration.

Radio has always been important in the lives of people of my generation and remains

so today. For almost all of my more than 65 years of radio experiences, Ron was a giant presence.

As Minister of Health in Guyana at a time when HIV and AIDS were ravaging lives in our country and around the world and at a time when Guyana was shifting away from non-voluntary blood donation and trying to increase blood donation from less than 2000 units to more than 10,000 units annually, Ron’s communication experience and talents became an asset for public health. His major contributions to the education and awareness programmes in public health contributed to a “golden era” for public health’s education and awareness programmes.

When I first became Minister of Health, Guyana’s blood transfusion service de-

pended on coercive methods for blood donation and only collected about 2000 units annually. By 2010, blood donation was 100 per cent voluntary donation and collected more than 10,000 units annually. Ron was a significant contributor to both the education and awareness efforts and the voluntary collection of blood.

He personally was a champion of change and was annually recognised as a champion blood donor, one of a handful of 100+ donors.

Guyana has lost a legend.

I have lost a friend.

To his family and friends, our prayers are with you. We pray that Ron walks well in heaven.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy Chairperson Presidential National NCD Commission

On the issues of limits and boundaries on art forms, I think we can all fairly agree on what children should and should not do, should and should not be exposed to, and should and should not engage in. And I have made my positions on those clear too many times for anyone paying attention to my page to claim to be unaware. I have learnt, however, that merely laying down the law is hardly going to bring about compliance; hence my appeal to children, parents and teachers to have conscious talks, set rules and consider consequences. I invite Ms Jagnadan to find issue with those pleas.

However, for her to boldly state generally that there are limits on art forms is a slippery slope. Whose limits? What is tolerated and embraced by Ms Jagnandan may well offend many, and what offends Ms Jagnandan may well be seen as necessary to bring about change. Which spoken word must we eschew? And who decides that? Which dance will we shut down and ban, and who decides that? Which morals, when breached, should we shun women for, and to which should we turn a blind eye?

And who decides that?

It is clear that Ms Jagnandan was grasping to make an issue where there was none when she tried to make a moral issue of my public plea for parents to speak to their children about what is appropriate behaviour at school parties, for teachers to set pre-party rules and for children to be conscious of their actions. To make that “reach”, she was forced to inject untruths. And that is unbecoming.

I wish Ms Jagnandan and her neighbour the very best for the Christmas holidays.

Yours sincerely, Priya Manickchand

guyanatimesgy.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

News

Ship traffic surges 55% in 5 years …maritime manpower must keep pace – Minister W

ith ship traffic into Guyana increasing sharply over the past five years, the country’s maritime sector is facing growing pressure for skilled manpower to keep pace with expanding port activity, Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar has said.

Indar made the remarks on Tuesday evening while delivering the feature address at the Shipping Association of Guyana’s annual dinner and awards ceremony, where he highlighted the rapid growth in port calls, container volumes and riverfront development driven by Guyana’s economic expansion.

According to the Minister, ship calls into Guyana have risen from approximately 2000 in 2020 to about 3100 in 2024, an increase of more than 1100 vessels. That level of activity, he said, places new demands on ports, brokers, shipping agents and regu-

latory systems.

“When you have that kind of increase in volumes, you need more people to deal with it,” Indar said. “That is 1100 additional port calls, clearances and demands on the system. The existing capacity can’t absorb that without more trained manpower.”

He noted that the shipping and maritime industry remains critical to Guyana’s economy, with an estimated 80 per cent of global goods transported by sea. In Guyana’s case, he said, nearly all construction materials, food inputs and manufactured goods enter the country through its ports.

Indar also pointed to recent supply-chain disruptions as evidence of the sector’s importance, recalling container backlogs that affected the availability of raw materials and consumer goods ahead of the Christmas season.

“When shipping slows down, everything slows

A section of the Shipping Association of Guyana’s annual dinner and awards on Tuesday evening

down,” he said, noting that shortages of inputs affected manufacturers, retailers and households alike.

The Minister said the Government is working to modernise and expand maritime infrastructure

to support growth, including ongoing dredging of the Demerara River to accommodate larger vessels and reduce shipping costs. He acknowledged, however, that dredging is costly and requires continuous main-

tenance due to heavy siltation.

As part of Guyana’s longer-term strategy, Indar reiterated the Government’s goal of transforming the country into a regional maritime hub. He outlined

major initiatives, including the development of a modern port facility at Parika, studies for a deep-water port in Berbice, and plans to link hinterland road networks to port infrastructure to attract transhipment traffic from northern Brazil and landlocked regions.

He also flagged the need for greater standardisation and automation across ports, warning that fragmented systems increase inefficiencies and security risks, including the potential movement of contraband.

In addition to infrastructure, Indar stressed that human capital development must keep pace with physical expansion, pointing to shortages in customs brokers and other specialised maritime services that are contributing to higher costs and delays.

“The sector is growing fast, but manpower has to grow with it,” he said.

“New dawn” for Guyana – Ali lays out 5-year...

FROM PAGE 3

“In relation to special needs education, we'll establish Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) facilities in every region, with parents of special needs children to play an active role in the management and oversight of these satellite schools.

“That way, parents will be able to enjoy the assurance that their children are getting appropriate, good-quality emotional opportunity – educational opportunities, while also making it possible for the parents to seek employment opportunities for themselves,” the Guyanese leader emphasised.

Meanwhile, as part of a push for a more humane society and the safeguard of animal welfare, Budget 2026 will include financial support to NGOs involved in animal care and welfare and institutions providing such care.

Wages, taxes and abolishment of net property tax

Additionally, there is a proposal to hike the wages and salaries of persons employed under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIPP), the National Pathway Worker Programme (10-day workers), and the Community Service Officers (CSOs) to a minimum of $50,000 per

month in next year’s budget.

Moreover, the Government is keen on giving back to those taxpayers who work and contribute to the national coffers through participation in the formal economy by ensuring that they are able to retain more of their earnings to enjoy their disposable income and accumulate a high level of personal savings.

“Over the next five years, we’ll continue to increase the income tax threshold with the ultimate aim of approximating the levels that obtain in more developed countries than ours by the end of this current term.

Additionally, in pursuit of the objective of incentivising the accumulation of savings and assets by individuals, we will abolish net property tax on individuals,” the President announced.

Another measure that was disclosed by the Guyanese leader is tax-free incentives to encourage investments outside of the capital city, where the majority of the oil and gas-related activities have thus far been concentrated, especially in the mouth of the Demerara River.

“We would like to encourage investment in other areas so that Guyanese nationals can access good-quality jobs and meaningful opportunities to earn irrespective of where they live.

We will therefore establish, in a number of areas to be detailed in the 2026 budget, special development zones where a tax-free incentive regime will apply. These will especially target the objectives of creating jobs where they are most needed, as well as promoting those categories of economic activities that generate export earnings or that fulfil demand that is currently met by imports,” he stated.

Agriculture sector

In relation to the agricultural sector, Ali pointed to his Government's strong emphasis on food security and revealed plans to engage farmers on examining ways to encourage and incentivise diversification across the sector and diversification within crops.

Also important, he added, is the mega-scale opportunity available in livestock, dairy, mega farms, sugar, etc.

To this end, the Government will be incentivising the private sector to form partnerships and consortiums to invest in these opportunities, making them sustainable, profitable, and resilient.

The President assured that the 2026 budget “…will allocate resources to advance diversification in agriculture and agro-processing, including through co-investment opportunities.”

Reduction of duties on doublecab pick-up vehicles

Another manifesto promise that the Ali-led Administration will implement is the reduction of duties on the importation of double-cab pickup vehicles.

“Recognising also the widespread use of double-cab pickups in productive activity, as well as their durability and versatility in both business and household use, we will introduce a flat tax of $2 million on double-cab pickups up to less than 2000cc, irrespective of age, while we will introduce a flat tax of $3 million on double-cab pickups between 2000cc and 2500cc, irrespective of age.

This will make it easier for businesses and households to renew or upgrade their transport capabilities,” he added.

Housing and home ownership

The Guyanese Head of State also announced a series of measures for the housing sector aimed at promoting homeownership, including the complete removal of the housing application backlog in all regions except Region Four, which continues to face peculiar demand.

“We are well on track to delivering our commitment of building 40,000 homes [in the next five years].

Additionally, Budget 2026 and subsequent budgets in

this term will allocate sums of money to finance direct assistance to households to help them build and/or upgrade their homes. This facility will be used to deploy

a differentiated approach with the nature of the assistance being customised to meet the circumstances of different regions and communities,” he explained.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 Documentary - I Am: Celine Dion (2024) 10:00 Stop Suffering 11:30 TVG Music Break 12:00 News Break 12:05 Movie - Ramona and Beezus (2010) 14:00 Indian Movie - Kabir Singh (2019) 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Nature Programme 18:55 Unwrapped - Rossignol Butchery 19:00 The Evening News After News: Unwrapped - Cata's Shop 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 Abbot Elementary S4 E20 21:00 Grey's Anatomy S8 E13 22:00 The Rookie S1 E19 23:00 Modern Family S1 E3 23:30 Arrested Development S4 E16

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Foundation

A frequency table is a way of organising collected data.

To do this we draw a table with three columns: • The first column is for the different items in the data set.

• The second column is for the tally marks.

• The last column is the frequency column where we can add up the tally marks and write in the corresponding frequencies.

We can add up all of the frequencies to find the total frequency of the set of data.

Example 1 Organise the colours of shirts in a wardrobe into a frequency table.

blue pink blue white white blue black white blue pink blue white

• • • • • • • •

Materials: Borax Spoon Pipe Cleaners Measuring Spoon String Hot Water Small Glass Jar or Cup Food colouring (optional)

Instructions 1.

Bend your pipe cleaners into a shape of your choice. Test the size of it by placing it in your empty jar, but make sure it does not touch the bottom or sides.

2.

Using one or two pieces of string, attach your creation to the stir stick. Make sure the stir stick is lying flat across the top of your jar.

Remove your creation from the jar.

3.

With an adult’s help, boil or heat

◄

Page

Example 2 Here are the makes of 2020 cars.

By Marion Strobel

Ford BMW Honda Honda VW Toyota Ford Toyota Honda Toyota Ford Honda Honda VW Toyota Honda Ford Ford Let’s complete the frequency table:

Go along the data set and for each item put a tally mark in the table. When you have finished, add up the tally marks to find the frequencies, and add up the frequencies in the final column to get the total number of items in the data set.

water in a heat-safe container. Carefully pour the hot water into the glass jar, leaving an inch of space from the top. If you’d like, add a few drops of food colouring to make coloured crystals.

4.

Before the water cools down, add two tablespoons of borax into your jar. Dissolve the borax by mixing it with the hot water.

5.

Suspend your creation in the jar with the hot water and borax.

Remember, the stir stick should be lying across the top of the jar while your creation hangs in the jar.

6.

Patience is key! Let your jar sit overnight to get the crystals going. Check back on it whenever you like to see the progress.

7.

The next morning, once your crystals have grown, take your creation out and lay it on a paper towel to dry. Once it is dry, you can display it however you want!

Practice Create frequency tables for the following data sets: 1. golf football hockey athletics football athletics rugby hockey football rugby hockey football golf hockey rugby football hockey rugby football athletics 2.

11 14 12 12 3. walk

car walk walk walk

12 15 11 11

walk walk bus bus bus

14 12 15 13

bike bike car car car

13 11 14 14

12 11 15 11

bus walk car bus bus

What’s happening?

Crystals are a type of material that is formed by patterns of repeating molecules that appear to have flat surfaces and facets. Crystals form when a liquid cools very slowly and/or when water evaporates from a chemical mixture, leaving behind a solute whose molecules reform into new geometric shapes. A solute is a substance that dissolves in another substance.

Saturation is when a mineral like borax (the solute in this project) is dissolved in water. The water can only hold a certain amount of the solute. A liquid is saturated when the maximum amount of solute is dissolved in it. Hot liquids can hold more solute than cold liquids, which is why we needed boiling water!

Often, on Christmas, I listen to a chant Float from a colored window Softly sibilant.

Often, on Christmas, I wait until a glow From a colored pane of glass Slides across the snow.

Yet though I hear songs, And listen from without, I never quite know what Christmas is about.

I never quite know Till, singing on my breast And warm as a colored light, Your head is at rest.

[Source: Poetry (December 1924)]

By law, everyone must make a Christmas wish, and they must have it approved by the Government.

WORD SEARCH

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SMEs to access $3M zero-interest loans without collateral through new development bank – Pres Ali …preferential interest rates unlock financing up to $10M

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali announced on Wednesday that, starting in 2026, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be able to access loans of up to $3 million at zero interest and without collateral through the new development bank.

The Head of State made the disclosure during his national address at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, outlining sweeping reforms aimed at expanding financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

According to President Ali, the proposed SME bank will be distinct from traditional microfinance institutions, serving instead as a structured bridge between small businesses and the formal banking system.

In fact, under the new framework, small business owners will be eligi-

ble for loans of up to $3 million with zero interest and no collateral requirements.

President Ali said this measure is designed to remove long-standing barriers that have locked thousands of entrepreneurs, particularly young people, out of the financial system. Beyond the initial zero-interest loan, SMEs will be able to access an additional $7 million through a preferential financing mechanism, bringing total available financing to $10 million.

“This bank will not be an ordinary microfinance institution,” Ali said. “It will be a lifeline for innovation, growth and continued empowerment. It is a stepping stone into the formal banking system… In the past, many young people would have been denied access to financing because they lacked collateral or a formal business plan,” he noted.

“You no longer have to wor-

ry about that.”

According to the Guyanese leader, the Government has already reached agreement with commercial banks to unlock significant volumes of capital for SMEs at subsidised interest rates as low as 3.5 per cent.

This will be supported by fiscal concessions granted to commercial banks – similar to those provided for low-income housing – to encourage lending to small businesses.

“The SME bank will also help co-finance operations with traditional banks, allowing businesses to scale up and transition fully into the formal banking system,” the President explained.

Remove remaining barriers

Ali said technical teams and a board of directors will be appointed to ensure the SME bank operates with

strong governance and accountability.

Meanwhile, to widen access, the Government will also establish agent banking networks in remote communities, expand digital banking and mobile wallets, and modernise payment systems nationwide.

Legislative and regulatory reforms will also be introduced to remove remaining barriers to lending by both banks and non-bank financial institutions.

The President further announced plans to modernise the Bank of Guyana over the next five years, positioning it as a proactive, data-driven institution fit for the digital age while safeguarding price stability and exchange rate resilience.

He also outlined proposals to broaden wealth creation through capital market instruments, including a junior stock exchange to

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the nation on Wednesday evening

allow small and emerging companies to raise capital under less stringent requirements, investment vehicles enabling citizens, including the diaspora, to invest in major projects for guaranteed returns and expanded opportunities for equity and fixed-income investments such as bonds.

“These initiatives are designed to create a powerful

ecosystem where financial knowledge, access to capital and investment opportunities converge,” President Ali said.

He stressed that the overarching goal is to ensure that economic prosperity is widely shared and deeply inclusive, giving every citizen the opportunity to participate meaningfully in Guyana’s development.

“My Administration has no sympathy for drug smugglers” – Pres Ali …will work with all allies to keep Guyana safe

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday evening, reiterated the Guyana Government’s unwavering support of ongoing efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and other forms of smuggling in the region.

“We have a strong partnership with the US and other international partners in dealing with every form of smuggling and drug trafficking,” the Head of State told reporters after delivering a five-year blueprint for his administration to fast-track transformation and generate wealth for the Guyanese people during its term in office.

“My Administration has absolutely no sympathy for drug traffickers. Tens of thousands, millions of lives are destroyed, and also economies are destroyed by smuggling… We also see our region as one in which democracy must be able to thrive, in which the rule of law must win every single day, [and] in which the freedom of our people, wherever they live and exist, must be honoured. And that is an

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Guyana’s National Security Advisor, Captain Gerry Gouveia in conversation with the US Senior Advisor to the Secretary of War, Patrick Weaver, and the Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Joseph Humire, during a December 9 meeting at the State House in Georgetown

important element of any modern society, and we support the region being a zone of peace.”

The Guyanese leader’s remarks come on the heels of the United States conducting massive military operations off the

Venezuelan shore to combat transnational crime and the illicit drug trade.

However, Washington has been criticised over the operation, especially after the US seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela last week. In fact,

just days ago, President Donald Trump ordered a total and complete blockade of all US-sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.

Asked about these escalating situations, President Ali pointed out that “The

United States Government has access to more intelligence than any one of us…

So, we have to respect that these sanctions – and that is something every Guyanese need to understand: sanctions are a serious matter – and any action by the US in relation to its own sanction mechanism is a matter for the United States Government.”

The Guyanese leader further contended that he cannot speak for other countries in the region that have spoken out against the US operations in the southern Caribbean, reminding of the aggression and threats Guyana is facing from Caracas.

“You know that we have a peculiar situation in Guyana. We just had Venezuelans being charged for terrorist activity in Guyana that claimed the life of [a] young person. We have a border situation to manage [whereby] we have an active threat from Venezuela on the sovereignty of this country. And my responsibility is to keep Guyanese safe,

to keep Guyana safe, and to work with all our allies and partners in doing that.

And I intend to continue to work strongly with our allies in doing exactly that,” President Ali declared.

Only last week, the United States of America Senior Advisor to the Secretary of War, Patrick Weaver, and the Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Joseph Humire, were in Guyana.

During a high-level meeting at the State House in Georgetown, President Ali and the US officials reaffirmed the strong security and military relationship between the two countries that is based on a shared commitment to peace, sovereignty and security in the Western Hemisphere.

The two countries also signed a Statement of Intent to expand joint military cooperation with full respect for the sovereignty and laws of both countries.

The US officials also met with the Chief of the Guyana Defence Force during their visit.

8 NEWS Man gets 5 years for stabbing DJ to death at birthday celebration THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

the confrontation and was brutally attacked. His left thumb, index finger, middle finger, and wrist were severed, and he sustained a deep chop wound to the back of his neck. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation by public-spirited citizens, but was pronounced dead on arrival. Thomas was the only person arrested and charged in connection with the offence.

Sentencing submissions

Dwayne Thomas

A

23-year-old man has been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for the 2023 killing of popular local disc jockey and father of two, Brian Pitam, known as “DJ Viper”, after the High Court ruled that a combination of youthfulness, remorse, and the circumstances surrounding the fatal altercation warranted significant sentence reductions.

The sentence was handed down on Wednesday by Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh in the Demerara High Court, following Dwayne Thomas’s guilty plea to manslaughter.

Thomas, a resident of Laluni Village along the Soesdyke–Linden Highway, had initially been indicted for murder but pleaded guilty in October to the lesser offence of manslaughter after agreed facts were prepared by the prosecution and signed by the accused. A probation report and prison report were subsequently ordered ahead of sentencing.

Pitam, 28, was fatally injured during a violent confrontation outside a family birthday celebration at Laluni on January 8, 2023. Evidence before the court revealed that Pitam was chopped several times during the incident and later died from his injuries.

According to Police reports, Pitam, a former Kaieteur Radio employee, was attending a birthday party with his 51-year-old father-in-law when an altercation erupted shortly after 21:00h. The court heard that Pitam intervened during

During sentencing submissions, Thomas’s attorney, Madan Kissoon, urged the court to depart from the maximum sentence, pointing to several mitigating factors. Counsel told the court that Thomas had turned himself in, cooperated fully with investigators, pleaded guilty at an early stage, and had no prior convictions. He also highlighted Thomas’s conduct while on remand, describing him as respectful, well-behaved, and willing to learn a trade. Kissoon further noted that his client was just 19 years old at the time of the offence and extended an apology to Pitam’s family on his behalf.

Prosecutors Simran Gajraj, Christopher Belfield, and Geneva Wills, however, emphasised the violent nature of the killing and the devastating impact on Pitam’s family. They told the court that Pitam was attempting to defend his father-in-law when he was attacked and left behind two young children, both of whom will now grow up without their father. The prosecution submitted that no mercy was shown during the attack and urged the court to impose a sentence that reflected the seriousness of the offence.

Victim impact statements

Victim impact statements were tendered by Pitam’s family and read into the record. His mother, Tracy Douglas, told the court that she bears the pain of her son’s death every day, saying her life had changed forever since losing him. Pitam’s father, John Pitam, spoke of the constant reminders of his son and the responsibility he

The deceased, Brian Pitman

now carries in supporting his grandchildren. Pitam’s wife, Yazeeda Bacchus, said her children were still struggling to come to terms with the reality of growing up without their father and asked the court for justice.

When given the opportunity to address the court, Thomas, who appeared tearful and visibly emotional, stood clutching a testimonial Bible and turned toward the family of the deceased. “From the bottom of my heart, I am sorry for what I did. Please forgive me,” he said, as he broke down in tears.

Delivering sentence

Before delivering his sentence, Justice Singh questioned Thomas about his account of the events leading up to the fatal confrontation. Thomas told the court that he was allegedly slapped by Pitam’s father-inlaw during the celebration and left the area. He said he later found himself on the roadway, where he was followed by the father-in-law and Pitam, and another confrontation ensued.

In his ruling, Justice Singh described the incident as deeply unfortunate and criticised the idea that anyone felt entitled to discipline another adult.

He noted that it was alleged Thomas had been behaving in a disorderly manner and was pulled off his motorcycle but stressed that “nobody had the right to discipline anyone.”

The Judge also remarked that when he examined Pitam’s father-in-law’s state-

ment, there was no mention of a prior fight or anyone being charged at the outset, leading him to believe that something may have occurred before matters escalated. “When I read Pitam’s statement, he did not say that anyone charged him or that there was a fight prior,” Justice Singh observed, adding that the absence of such details suggested the situation developed rapidly and tragically.

“It’s wrong what happened, but you can’t pretend how it started,” Justice Singh said.

“The one who suffers the most isn’t always the one in the right.” He questioned why the father-in-law returned to the roadway following the initial confrontation and noted that Thomas should have gone to the Police instead. The Judge characterised the matter as one involving young men acting impulsively, stating, “We are dealing with young boys.”

Justice Singh found that Thomas was genuinely remorseful, noting his emotional apology in court and his conduct while on remand. He also accepted that Thomas had been under the influence at the time of the incident and had displayed very favourable prison conduct since his incarceration.

Sentencing

In calculating the sentence, Justice Singh adopted a starting point of 20 years’ imprisonment. He then deducted six and two-thirds years for the early guilty plea, four years for favourable probation and prison reports, two and one-third years for remorse, and a further two years for Thomas’s youthfulness and the circumstances surrounding the offence. The total deductions amounted to 15 years, resulting in a final sentence of five years’ imprisonment, less time already spent on remand.

Following the sentencing, Pitam’s family told the media that while they were dissatisfied with the outcome, they accepted the court’s decision. “We are not comfortable with it, but that is the law,” Pitam’s father said.

Man arrested after cannabis found during Region 7 mobile patrol A

43-year-old male vendor from Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was arrested on Monday after nearly 200 grams (g) of suspected cannabis were discovered in his possession at Barakat Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven.

The discovery occurred around 17:00h when ranks on mobile patrol spotted the man suspiciously riding a motorcycle. Officers intercepted him and searched his person and belongings.

A haversack carried by the rider was found to contain a bulky transparent parcel, which held two smaller parcels with leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The suspect was taken to the Itaballi Police Checkpoint, where the substance was weighed in his presence and totalled 196.55 g. The suspect-

The cannabis that was found during the Barakat Backdam operation

ed cannabis was lodged, and the man was escorted to the Bartica Police Station, where he remains in custody as investigations continue.

Just a week ago, Police in Regional Division 8 (PotaroSiparuni) were investigating the discovery of a quantity of cannabis during an operation conducted at the Mahdia Arcade.

During the exercise, ranks conducting searches in the area found a black plastic bag, concealed under garbage and zinc in an abandoned area. Inside the plastic bag was a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The cannabis was taken to the Mahdia Police Station, where it was weighed and amounted to 90 g. It was processed and lodged.

No arrests were made.

Upping the ante…

P

…on Venezuela

resident Trump continues to tighten the screws – or noose if you would have it!! – on Mad Maduro!

Apart from Southcom forces shooting another three narco-boats out of the water in the Eastern Pacific and killing eight, he announced “A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela”!! This has caused any number of oil tankers – sanctioned or otherwise – headed for Venezuela to do as sharp a U-turn as these behemoths can execute and beat a hasty retreat!! The only exception are Chevron’s tankers headed to US refineries!!

This, of course, means that while Venezuela might be able to keep its oil production at 900,000 barrels per day – they aint going nowhere!! While Eric Williams correctly pointed out that “oil doan spoil”; it don’t do no good when you can’t sell it!! Plus pretty soon they’re gonna run out of storage tanks!! Now this strategy of keeping the pressure on to force Mad Maduro to step down peacefully is just what the doctor – doctor in International Relations!! – ordered!! Landing Marines to remove the madman would just lead to a prolonged guerrilla-type war of resistance from the true-believing Chavistas – and send tens of thousands of refugees our way!! We DON’T want that!!

But the US endgame is becoming clearer from some intriguing statements in Trump’s message. “Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest armada ever assembled in the history of South America. It will only get bigger, and the shock to them will be like nothing they have ever seen before. Until such time as they return to the United States of America all of the oil, land, and other assets that they previously stole from us, it will only get bigger, and the shock to them will be like nothing they have ever seen before.” In terms of “US oil and assets”, President Trump gotta be referring to the US oil companies which refused to go along with the terms Chavez imposed when taking over their oil operations under PDVSA. Exxon had demanded US$12B compensation but had only been awarded US$1B, while Conoco demanded US$8B and was awarded US$2B. So at last we’re informed that once Maduro goes – and that’s a foregone conclusion in your Eyewitness’ estimation: the only question is “when?” – the US will seek to take control of those 300 barrels of heavy crude sloshing around under Venezuela!! One question, of course, is what will China be doing about the tankers of oil that they’ve been receiving from Venezuela – along with their billion-dollar oil platform they installed a couple of months ago!!

The last question, of course, is what “land” Trump might be referring to that he wants returned?? Our Ankoko??!! …on citizens’ welfare Your Eyewitness was pecking away at this piece on Wednesday morning and was informed by numerous feeds on his phone that Pressi gonna be addressing the nation this afternoon!! The announcement elaborated that he’ll be expatiating on his Government’s five-year plan on our development. Which, of course, was in the manifesto that enabled his party to snag a solid majority – unassailable to even the half-man theory! – of 36 seats in the 65-member House!!

But do you think anyone’s looking forward to that??!

No Siree Bob!! We Guyanese live in the moment – and in this moment, just a week before Christmas, all they’re thinking is “CASH GRANT”!! Pressie just happened to’ve mentioned back in August that we would be having a “beautiful Christmas” – and that was automatically processed as “Christmas Cash Grant”!! Never mind, the man might’ve meant that having a PPP Government at the helm ensures a “Beautiful Christmas”!!

Anyhow, there’s gonna be a cash grant!! But we just gotta wait a bit!! …on US entry President Trump again tightened visa rules to the US – with “partial restrictions and entry limitations” on 15 additional countries, including citizens from Antigua and Dominica. Why?? Well, they award “citizenship by investment” to anyone – including criminals!!

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Security and justice must be equitable every day” – Pres Ali announces sweeping reforms I

n an almost two-and-ahalf-hour national address delivered at the Arthur Chung Conference Center on Wednesday, President Ali unveiled a wide-ranging plan to reform Guyana’s security and justice systems, placing equity, accountability, and citizen trust at the forefront of Government priorities.

Central to the reforms is the modernisation and expansion of Guyana’s defence and police forces. President Ali announced significant acquisitions, including offshore patrol vessels and helicopters, aimed at enhancing national defence capabilities on land, sea, and air. These purchases will complement the Government’s ongoing efforts to improve

emergency response, border security, and the fight against crime.

He also highlighted the modernisation of policing through technology-enabled solutions. Initiatives such as e-ticketing, digital case management, and the establishment of a cybercrime unit are designed to improve efficiency, prevent crime proactively, and respond to incidents faster. Complementing these technological upgrades, the Government will intensify community policing efforts to build public trust, foster cooperation between law enforcement and citizens, and ensure that policing remains citizen-friendly and community-orientated.

According to the Guyanese

leader, a fair and effective security system is essential for national stability. “Security and justice must not be for the wealthy, or for those who can pay for it, or those who think they can determine it by what they possess,” he declared. “Security and justice must be equitable every day of the week. It must be predictable every day of the week. It must be accessible every day of the week. And it must comprise one standard for every citizen.

That is the hallmark of a judicial system and a security system that works for every citizen equally.”

With this in mind, he noted reform efforts extend beyond law enforcement to the broader justice system, under-

scoring plans to revamp the prison service, emphasising correction and rehabilitation over punitive measures. The Government also aims to ensure that justice is predictable, fair, accessible, and equitable for all citizens, eliminating disparities that often favour the privileged.

“These measures are grounded in the belief that justice should be more than a set of principles; it must be a lived reality for every citizen,” the President said.

Crime, narcotics, smuggling

The President detailed steps to combat illicit activities, including narcotics trafficking and smuggling. Guyana will

continue to strengthen regional partnerships and participate actively in alliances to combat organised crime. Investments in intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital resilience will help detect threats early, protecting national data, critical infrastructure, and citizens’ safety.

Further, he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to a controlled and strategic migration policy, welcoming skills, investment, and contribution while safeguarding the rights and interests of Guyanese citizens. Local businesses, talent, and community ownership will remain central to Guyana’s development strategy.

“Everyone in Guyana must be documented, accounted for, and here for a clear purpose

and defined period,” he emphasised. This will be facilitated through modern digital systems such as the EID card, ensuring transparency and accountability in all Government operations.

The address also highlighted the role of technology in strengthening both security and governance. The Government has already implemented digital transaction systems that have reduced weeks-long processes to mere seconds, demonstrating efficiency and transparency.

Further investments in AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure are aimed at making Guyana resilient against modern threats, from cyberattacks to real-world criminal activity.

“I am sorry for what I did” – accomplice in taxi driver’s murder …jailed for 20 years

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Demerara High Court Judge on Wednesday sentenced Seyon Kemo James to 20 years’ imprisonment for his role in the brutal 2021 murder of taxi driver Kenrick Trim, after balancing the seriousness of the offence against mitigating factors contained in probation, welfare, and psychiatric reports.

James, now 30, appeared before Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh after pleading guilty to the capital offence.

The court was told that while James maintained he did not personally inflict the fatal injuries, he accepted responsibility for his presence and participation in the events that led to Trim’s death.

In delivering his ruling, Justice Singh laid out in detail the mathematical approach used in arriving at the final sentence. The Judge identified a starting point of 40 years’ imprisonment, noting that Trim’s killing involved violence, robbery, and the deliberate dumping of his body, factors that placed the offence at the higher end of seriousness.

James received a one-third reduction of 13 years for his early guilty plea, which spared the victim’s family the trauma of a full trial and reflected a measure of acceptance of responsibility.

A further four-year deduction was granted on the basis of favourable probation and welfare reports. Those reports described James as a generally quiet, compliant inmate who rarely caused difficulty while incarcerated and who had participated in structured rehabilitation programmes, including computer science training and planned family-reconciliation initiatives.

Remorse

Justice Singh also deducted 3 years after accepting that James had expressed genuine remorse. During interviews with probation and welfare officers, James acknowledged the gravity of the loss suffered by the victim’s family and stated that he regretted becoming involved in the events that led to Trim’s death.

Despite the reductions, the Judge emphasised that significant additions were necessary

Jailed: Seyon James

to reflect the gravity of the offence. Justice Singh added two years for James’s involvement in the crime, pointing out that although James claimed he did not stab the victim, he was present during the attack, remained with the principal offender, and later fled the scene.

An additional three years were imposed after the court considered the victim impact statements, which detailed the devastating emotional and financial consequences suffered

by Trim’s family.

Trim was the sole breadwinner of his household.

Evidence before the court revealed that following his death, one of his minor children was forced to discontinue schooling due to financial hardship, while his granddaughter had to be transferred from a private to a public school. Trim’s widow later resorted to selling food from her home to support the family.

After balancing all aggravating and mitigating factors, Justice Singh ruled that James should serve 20 years’ imprisonment, inclusive of the time he has already spent in custody.

“As such, the accused is sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment, to be served less the period already spent incarcerated,” the Judge ruled.

Kenrick Trim, a 53-yearold taxi driver of the Belfield Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, was found dead on June 31, 2021, at the end of a cul-de-sac in Ogle. His body was discovered lying in the grass after being dumped from a silver-grey Toyota Premio, which was later found abandoned a short distance away.

Investigations revealed

that Trim had been choked, stabbed multiple times and robbed of his valuables, including jewellery, cash and a cell phone.

According to Police, James and co-accused Kenty Bacchus had earlier entered Trim’s taxi after leaving a snackette in Georgetown. During the journey, Bacchus reportedly attacked the driver, dragged him into the back seat, and stabbed him repeatedly before dumping his body.

Prosecutors stressed the seriousness of the offence, describing Trim as a hard-working taxi driver whose final trip ended in a senseless act of violence.

“That trip led to a brutal murder at the back of Ogle, and his belongings were taken from him after his death,” the prosecution told the court.

James, however, continued to assert that he did not deliver the fatal injuries and said his decision to plead guilty was in-

fluenced by his presence at the scene rather than direct participation in the stabbing.

When invited to address the court, James apologised to the victim’s family, stating, “I am sorry for what I did. I give my best condolences to the family.”

In his ruling, Justice Singh said he accepted James’s explanation regarding his level of involvement, noting: “I believe him when he said he didn’t inflict any injury. I be-

lieve that Kenty Bacchus garnered support.”

The prosecution team was led by State Counsel Geneva Wills, assisted by State Counsel Christopher Belfield and State Counsel Simran Gajraj. James was represented

by Attorney-at-Law Glendon Greenidge, while Bacchus was represented by Attorney-atLaw Audreanna Stephens.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt to seize criminals’ assets in corruption crackdown – AG tells UN forum in Doha A

ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has posited that the Guyana Government is pursuing the seizure of assets that are the proceeds of criminal activities as part of its efforts to clamp down on corruption.

He made the remarks during the Eleventh Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, December 15–19, 2025, Doha, Qatar.

“In line with recommendations emanating from the United Nations Convention against Corruption, Guyana has already begun to place great emphasis on the detention and forfeiture of assets that are the proceeds of crime or whose acquisition are tainted by illicit activ-

ities. We are firmly of the view that hitting the asset base of the criminals will be an effective weapon against organised crime,” Nandlall told the gathering.

The 2025 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) Volume II report, released earlier this year, had outlined that “to strengthen its AML regime, Guyana should fully implement existing laws, including pursuing asset forfeiture in full compliance with the law.”

In June, High Court Judge Justice Peter Hugh had ordered the forfeiture of $10 million from businessman Naitram Outar, also known as “Sweetman”, for his involvement in fraud, bribery, and money laundering.

Meanwhile, at the Doha Forum, Nandlall noted that

in recent years, Guyana has enhanced relations with regional and international partners on mutual assistance on criminal matters, as well as extradition, as part of its battle against cross-border crimes.

“As I speak, Guyana has acceded to an extradition request from the Government of the United States of America to surrender two fugitive offenders, one of whom is a member of Parliament, indicted in a 50 million US dollars gold smuggling and money laundering international conspiracy,” he revealed, referring to US-indicted businessmen Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed.

The Attorney General further emphasised that Guyana’s demonstrable commitment to combat corruption is reflected in the

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall

country being a member of every leading global and regional organisation whose mandate aligns with anti-corruption pursuits.

“These include, but are not limited to, the UNODC, the InterAmerican Convention against Corruption, the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies and the Egmont Group,” he noted.

Nandlall highlighted too that Guyana submits to regular reviews by international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF, whose assessments have repeatedly recognised the contin-

uous progress made by the Government in improving Guyana’s anti-corruption credentials.

He explained that Guyana’s legislative and constitutional framework enshrines a robust regime of checks and balances which extracts from Government, public officers and state agencies a high level of accountability, transparency and adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of their functions.

“These include, an independent auditor general’s office that audits the expenditure of public funds annually and presenting its report to Parliament; a statutory framework governing the receipt and expenditure of revenues generated from the petroleum sector with heavy broad based administrative and Parliamentary oversight; a public procurement process with oversights that presides over the award of contracts funded by public funds; an independent judiciary and a free and critical press – all of which aggregate to form part of Guyana’s anti-corruption architecture,” Nandlall said.

He also reiterated the Government’s commitment to establish an anti-corruption unit to augment Guyana’s “war against corruption”.

CJIA to roll out curbside check-in P ublic Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar has revealed that the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) will be introducing curbside check-in.

He made the disclosure this morning during a simple ceremony to mark the inaugural Air Transat flight to Guyana, noting that “we’re going to start implementing [it] in short order.”

Curbside check-in is a service that allows passengers to check in for their flight and drop off checked luggage directly at the curb outside the terminal, rather than going to the airline’s ticket counter inside. An airline agent assists with printing boarding passes, tagging and accepting checked bags, and confirming travel documents, after which passengers proceed straight to the security checkpoint.

This service is designed to save time and make travel more convenient, especially for travellers with heavy bags or those trying

to avoid long lines inside the terminal.

There are currently 16 airlines operating out of CJIA, according to the airport’s Chairman, Sanjeev Datadin.

The Guyana Government’s goal is to position the country as a regional aviation hub. Works are already underway to modernise the CJIA as well as construct new airports at Lethem and Rose Hall.

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has announced that Guyana has already exceeded the 2024 visitor arrival figure of 371,271, with total arrivals reaching 371,446 as of October 2025. October 2025 alone registered a remarkable 28.9 per cent year-onyear growth, welcoming approximately 42,306 visitors.

Based on current trends, Destination Guyana is expected to close December 2025 with at least a 20 per cent overall increase in arrivals, marking the highest annual total in the country’s tourism history.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s Dr Riyad Insanally Faster pathology results as GPHC elected to Inter-American gains ISO 15189 accreditation Human Rights Commission P

G

uyana’s former Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS), Dr Riyad Insanally, has been elected as a Commissioner of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

The election took place on December 17, 2025, in Washington, DC, during a regular meeting of the OAS Permanent Council.

Insanally was elected by acclamation.

He was nominated by the Government of Guyana and will replace Dr Christopher Arif Bulkan, who recently vacated the position following his appointment to the Caribbean Court of Justice.

According to a press release from the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry, Insanally will serve the remainder of Dr Bulkan’s original term, which runs from 2024 to 2027.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, in a statement issued through his official social media page, expressed appreciation for Dr Bulkan’s service on the Commission and extended congratulations to Dr Insanally on his election. The President noted that Dr Insanally will support ongoing efforts to advance the promotion and protection of human rights across the Americas.

Insanally has served in several senior diplomatic roles and has extensive experience in international relations at both national and hemispheric levels.

He holds MA and MPhil degrees from the University of Cambridge and a PhD from Harvard University. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that his experience

Dr Riyad Insanally

and familiarity with the inter-American system are expected to inform his work on the Commission.

During the meeting, Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the OAS, Samuel Hinds, conveyed the Government’s gratitude to the Permanent Council following the election.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous organ of the OAS, mandated to promote and protect human rights throughout the Americas. The Commission comprises seven experts who serve in their personal capacity. The Government of Guyana has expressed confidence that Dr Insanally will make a meaningful contribution to the work of the Commission.

atients accessing diagnostic services at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) can now expect significantly faster and more reliable pathology results, following the institution’s achievement of ISO 15189 Plus accreditation, a major milestone for Guyana’s public healthcare system.

The accreditation, awarded after a rigorous assessment programme with Accreditation Canada Diagnostics, is widely regarded as the gold standard for medical laboratory quality and competence. With this certification, turnaround times for pathology test results are expected to improve dramatically, reduced from months to as little as six days, enhancing timely diagnosis

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

and treatment for patients.

The ISO 15189 accreditation formally recognises that GPHC’s pathology laboratory meets international standards for quality management, technical competence, and patient safety, placing it

among a select group of accredited laboratories globally.

Speaking at the accreditation ceremony on Wednesday, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony hailed the achievement as a clear signal of the direction in which Guyana’s health sector is heading.

“We have already done an assessment of a lot of the places where we do pathology and across the country. And we will be introducing new services for pathology, including putting in electronic systems where we’ll be able to process these samples... We are also putting in a new forensic lab that would also be like a teaching lab for the rest of the Caribbean. And work has already started on that as well,” Dr Anthony said.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Multiply it by 100” – Dr Persaud says Region 2 set for accelerated, transformational development

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud during her engagement with Region 2 residents

A

ddressing residents during an engagement at State House, Anna Regina, on Wednesday, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud stated that while development between 2020 and 2025 was rapid, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is now positioned for even faster and more progressive transformation.

Reaffirming the Government’s strong commitment to the continued development of Region Two, she assured residents that the pace of progress in the region will accelerate significantly in the coming years.

“And if you thought development was rapid from 2020 to 2025, multiply that by a hundred... The pace of development is going to be even faster, even more progressive,” the minister said.

She emphasised that this level of advancement requires constant dedication from Government officials, noting that ministers continue to work “every day, all day” to ensure communities benefit from national growth.

Dr Persaud said she is fully committed to Region Two and described her visit as both a privilege and a pleasure, underscoring the importance of engaging directly with residents.

“I am fully committed here in Region Two. It is truly a privilege and a pleasure to be here with you, to meet with you and to engage with you directly,” she said.

To strengthen service delivery in the region, the minister brought senior members of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to the engagement, including officers responsible for child protection, family enhancement services, and survivor advocacy. This, she explained, allows residents to

better understand the services available to them and how to access support when needed.

Dr Persaud also announced that the Ministry’s office in Region Two is currently undergoing renovations to expand space and create a more comfortable environment to serve residents more efficiently.

“We are renovating our office here in Region Two so that we can serve more of you in a better space,” the Minister said, while not-

Two, including the provision of three-month hamper assistance during difficult periods. Residents were encouraged to liaise with Ministry representatives present to receive the necessary support.

Dr Persaud further highlighted quality-of-life initiatives available to Region Two residents, including spectacle vouchers provided through the Ministry of Health and the healthcare voucher programme, urging residents to make full use of

ing that she will personally monitor the progress of the works.

Highlighting the Ministry’s inclusive mandate, Dr Persaud stressed that all services are designed with every Guyanese in mind, from children to senior citizens and persons living with disabilities.

She also encouraged residents of Region Two to become ambassadors for Government programmes by sharing information within their communities and mobilising participation, particularly among vulnerable groups.

“If you have 25 persons who are blind or persons living with disabilities who want to take part in one of our courses, we will make it happen,” she assured.

Special attention was also placed on support for seniors and persons living with disabilities in Region

these services.

She also called on residents to utilise the region’s healthcare facilities, noting that Government investments are meant to be actively used by the population.

The engagement concluded with the Minister opening the floor to hear directly from Region Two residents their concerns, recommendations, and suggestions, reiterating her belief that solutions are best found through open dialogue.

Dr Persaud extended season’s greetings and best wishes to residents of Region Two on behalf of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, and the entire Cabinet, as the region and country move forward into a period of increased development and opportunity.

NEWS 15

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ERC extends Christmas toy drive to Konashen community schools T

he Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) in a press release said that it continued its holiday outreach on Tuesday, December 17, 2025, with a toy distribution drive in the remote Region Nine community of Konashen.

The exercise saw commissioners and staff of the ERC engaging children from the Konashen Nursery and Primary Schools under the Konashen Benab, as part of the Commission’s ongoing commit-

ment to fostering unity, inclusion, and goodwill during the Christmas season, it noted.

According to the ERC, Commissioners Ashton Simon, Reverend Rodwell Porter, Norris Witter and Deon Dick (Ras Khafra) led the exercise and personally distributed toys and educational items to the students.

The visit provided an opportunity for meaningful interaction with children, teachers, and community members, re-

Police issue wanted bulletins for 4 men

Mahendra Rampersaud, Deraj Ali and Shaquille Anthony Durant

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) has issued wanted bulletins for three men in connection with separate criminal offences, including felonious wounding, rape of a minor, and drug trafficking.

In separate notices circulated by Police, members of the public are being urged to assist with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.

Police are seeking the whereabouts of Mahendra Rampersaud, a 32-year-old man, in connection with the offence of felonious wounding.

Rampersaud’s last known address is listed as Lot 321, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

The offence was allegedly committed on May 16, and Police records indicate that the incident involved a woman identified as Felicia Ann DharamjitRampersaud.

According to reports, the 30-year-old mother of two claims she is living in fear after she was stabbed and her son was injured during a violent dispute with Rampersaud.

The woman said she separated from her husband three months before the incident and moved with their two sons, aged 11 and nine, to her parents’ home on the East Coast Demerara. On the day of the incident, while the man was dropping the children off, an argument erupted after he accused her of infidelity and spreading false claims about him. She denied the accusations, after which he allegedly became enraged and attacked her with a knife.

During the assault, the woman sustained two stab wounds to her neck and cuts to her hand while trying to defend herself. Their older son was also injured while attempting to intervene and suffered cuts to his hand.

Both mother and child were taken to medical facilities, where they received treatment and were later discharged. The attacker fled the scene after the

incident.

inforcing the ERC’s mandate to promote harmony and good relations among all Guyanese, including those in hinterland and remote communities.

The distribution, it added, was met with enthusiasm

and excitement, as children eagerly received their gifts in a festive atmosphere marked by warmth and appreciation.

Teachers and community representatives expressed gratitude for the Commission’s

presence, noting that such engagements serve as an important reminder that hinterland communities remain an integral part of the national fabric.

Gratitude is extended to His Excellency, President of the Co-

operative Republic of Guyana, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, for donating a portion of the toys distributed during these exercises, the ERC stated.

The ERC further stated that the Commission is of the view that initiatives such as these go beyond the act of giving, as they help strengthen bonds of understanding and reaffirm shared values of respect, inclusion, and togetherness.

The Konashen initiative forms part of a broader series of community engagement activities being undertaken by the Commission during the holiday season, aimed at spreading messages of peace, unity, and goodwill, the release noted.

Happy 47th Birthday

Rape of a child

to my beautiful, loving, hardworking, and caring sister,

Narco trafficking

ords will never be enough to describe the bond we share or how much you truly mean to me. From the depths of my heart, I pray and beg Allah to grant you good health, a long life, and all the happiness you so richly deserve.

Gean, I honestly cannot imagine my life without you. When Mommy left us, you became my second mother, and you have lived up to that role in every possible way. You have always been

In a separate matter, Police have issued a wanted bulletin for Deraj Ali, a 21-year-old man who is wanted for the offence of rape of a child under the age of 16 years.

Ali’s last known address is recorded as Huntley Village, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara. Police did not disclose further details surrounding the investigation but noted that the matter remains under active inquiry.

Police are also searching for Shaquille Anthony Durant, also known as “Shaka”, in connection with the offence of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Durant was born on December 29, 1995, and his last known addresses include Lot 29 Howard Alley, New Amsterdam, Berbice, and Grove Village, East Bank Demerara.

The alleged offence reportedly occurred on December 2.

Durant is no stranger to the law. In 2017, he was among two young men who were arrested in relation to a quantity of marijuana discovered on the #4 Public Road on Tuesday, February 07, 2017.

According to reports, the discovery was made by Police on mobile patrol who saw motor vehicle PVV 8155 stopping and discarding a bag some 200 ft away in a clump of bushes after noticing the patrol.

One of the officers then proceeded to the location and picked up and examined the bag in the presence of the driver of the car, 22-year-old Troyden Trellis, and passenger, 22-yearold Shaquille Durant of New Amsterdam. It was found to have a bulky parcel wrapped with transparent plastic containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be marijuana. As such, the men were taken into custody.

TURN TO PAGE 17

Bibi Persaud W

there for me, through every moment, every need, and I know, without a doubt, that you always will be. Your love, strength, and guidance mean more to me than words can express.

I love you more than you'll ever know, and I pray you truly enjoy every moment of your special day. May it be filled with love, joy, and all the warmth you so selflessly give to others.

Enjoy your birthday, my sister. I will always love you, cherish you, and hold you close in my heart.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GovConnect app launched to transform public service delivery T

he Government of Guyana has unveiled GovConnect, a new digital appointment system designed to streamline citizens’ access to public services, the Minister of Public Service, Zulfikar Ally, announced on his official Facebook page on Tuesday.

In his post, Minister Ally said the system, now integrated into the Ministry of Public Service,

Government Efficiency and Implementation, was developed “with citizens in mind” and represents a significant milestone in enhancing service delivery across Government.

The mobile application, he noted, allows users to book appointments quickly and conveniently, helping to reduce wait times and improve overall efficiency in accessing public ser-

vices. The GovConnect app is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

“In keeping with President Ali’s and the PPP/C manifesto promise of better and more efficient service delivery to citizens, GovConnect makes it easier for citizens to access public services…” the Minister wrote, adding his appreciation for the National Data

Over 100 Mabaruma residents register for skill-training programmes

R

(WIIN), the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), and the Family Enhancement Services Section (FESS).

Participants registered for disability-focused programmes and free WIIN courses, with training sessions set to be conducted in Mabaruma in the new year.

These programmes are designed to equip residents with practical skills to improve employability and support entrepreneurship.

“Our goal is to take services directly to the people and ensure they have real opportunities to improve their

lives through skills training and support,” Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud said.

Additionally, Minister Persaud also addressed issues pertaining to senior citizens’ pensions, permanent disability and public assistance.

Also present were CPA Director Levine Gouveia, Assistant Chief Probation and Social Services Officer Samantha Craig, SSPD Training Officer Chelisa Ramlochan, and WIIN Senior Training Officer Oma Nandku.

Police issue wanted bulletins...

FROM PAGE 15

Reports further indicate that the men were told of the offence committed, then cautioned and taken to the Fort Wellington Police Station, where the items were weighed in their presence

and amounted to 509 grams.

The GPF is urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mahendra Rampersaud, Deraj Ali, or Shaquille Anthony Durant to contact

the Police immediately.

Persons can make contact via telephone numbers 2256940, 225-8196, 220-2222, 226-7476, 225-2317, or 2271149, or report to the nearest Police Station.

Faster pathology results...

FROM PAGE 11

The Health Minister underscored that accreditation is not an endpoint, but part of a broader transformation of diagnostic services nationwide. He revealed that the Ministry is already testing advanced technologies to further enhance efficiency, including artificial intelligence applications in medical imaging.

He noted that such tools significantly improve productivity and could soon be integrated into pathology services as well.

“We’re testing an AI system at the Enmore Regional Hospital. This one deals spe-

to reduce waiting times and modernise healthcare access.

Officials have also introduced upgraded e service platforms in other sectors, such as immigration services, which now allow citizens and non nationals alike to access key functions digitally without the need for in person visits.

Experts and Government stakeholders say these initiatives reflect a broader vision of a digitised, people centred public service, with digital platforms complementing existing procedures to make interactions with Government more efficient and user friendly.

This push has been emphasised through strategic administrative reforms and public servants’ training to ensure capacity building keeps pace with technological adoption.

The NDMA, which developed GovConnect, has pre-

viously collaborated with Ministries on other technology solutions, such as a mobile application for labour disputes, demonstrating an ongoing push toward digital service platforms across Government agencies.

Public reaction to digital service delivery initiatives has been mixed, with many citizens welcoming the convenience and potential for reduced bureaucracy, while some advocates have called for stronger data protection measures and greater public education on how digital systems operate.

N o n e t h e l e s s , Government officials maintain that digital transformation remains a priority and that GovConnect represents an important step toward a more efficient and responsive public sector, particularly for citizens navigating everyday interactions with Government agencies.

Land Transport Treaty between Brazil, Guyana takes effect in 2026

Various registrants

esidents of the Mabaruma SubDistrict in Region One turned out in large numbers on Tuesday, with more than 100 persons registering for skill training during a public open day hosted by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud.

During the engagement, Minister Persaud outlined key services of the Ministry, including Support Services for Persons Living with Disabilities (SSPD), the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network

Management Authority (NDMA) team responsible for the development and implementation of the app.

He also urged citizens to remain engaged, noting that the system will eventually be rolled out across all Ministries of Government.

The launch of GovConnect aligns with a broader digital transformation agenda being pursued by the Government under President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in public service delivery.

In recent months, Government departments have accelerated efforts to digitise services, including the rollout of online appointment systems in healthcare and upgrades to other electronic service platforms.

For example, an online pilot booking system for patient visits was launched at the Festival City Polyclinic

cifically with interpretation of x-rays and CT scan. And last week, I was there when they were doing some of the tests, and a scan comes in, and within maybe 15 seconds, it is able to give you an interpretation. And you can determine whether it’s a normal x-ray or an abnormal one. And if it’s an abnormal one, then what is there? And it tells you all the specs – like size, dimension, a whole host of things, and give you a preliminary diagnosis. And that is done in seconds, and it will give you a very comprehensive report as well. So these things are helpful tools,” he

added.

Dr Anthony extended special commendation to the GPHC pathology team and its leadership for achieving the internationally recognised accreditation. He also praised the role of laboratory leadership in the achievement, noting the experience brought back into the public system.

“I want to extend my profound congratulations to the pathology team and the larger GPHC team,” he said.

“What we have to do now is maintain what we’ve accomplished here and even go for further validation.”

A

fter more than 20 years in limbo, the land transport agreement between Brazil and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is now set for completion in 2026.

On Monday, December 15, 2025, representatives of both Governments met in Brasília and signalled renewed commitment to finally operationalising the long-stalled treaty governing the movement of passengers and cargo between the two countries.

The agreement was originally signed in Brasília on February 7, 2003, and later promulgated under Decree No. 5.561 of October 10, 2005, during the first term of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. However, it remained largely unimplemented for decades due to technical, bureaucratic, and political hurdles, leaving cross-border land transport along the northern frontier to operate in a legal grey area marked by informality and clandestine activity.

In fact, diplomatic meetings in Brasilia re-

Buses and trucks symbolise the resumption of the land transport agreement between Brazil and Guyana after more than 20 years of deadlock

kindle the treaty signed in 2003, expose technical obstacles and flaws in licensing, and put pressure on Governments to regulate routes currently being operated irregularly.

The revived push comes amid growing regional integration, increased movement of goods and people, and mounting concern over the absence of clear and enforceable rules for regular international land transport between Brazil and Guyana.

The information was released by the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT), which highlighted the urgency of implementing the agreement to ensure legal certainty, adequate oversight, and greater predictability for the sector. As emphasised by Brazilian and Guyanese authorities, the accumulated delay over more than two decades has harmed both formal operators and transport users, in addition to encouraging irregular practices.

“I am sorry for what I did...

FROM PAGE 9

Justice Singh noted that while James’s role was not that of the principal offender, the offence remained extremely serious, and the final sentence reflected both accountability and the mitigating circumstances placed before the court.

Accomplice

Only a day before this sentencing, 38-year-old

welder Kenty Bacchus, James’s accomplice, was sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment for the murder of Trim Sr, after finding that while the accused expressed remorse and entered a guilty plea, the brutality of the offence, his criminal past, and the devastating impact on the victim’s family warranted a lengthy custodial sentence.

In delivering the sentence for Bacchus, Justice Singh adopted a starting point of 40 years’ imprisonment for the offence of murder. From that figure, the court deducted one-third (13 years and 4 months) of the time for Bacchus’ guilty plea, three more years for expressions of remorse, and a further three years arising from plea negotiations.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Antigua, Dominica Governments Brazil threatens to abandon MercosurEU deal as Italy, France seek delay respond after new US visa restrictions are announced B

A

ntigua and Barbuda and Dominica have begun diplomatic engagements with the United States after President Donald Trump announced new visa restrictions affecting nationals of the two Caribbean countries, as well as Haiti and Cuba.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, said he has initiated discussions with the US State Department to understand the scope of the restrictions, including the status of visas

issued before December 31, 2025.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne earlier said his administration had taken “careful note” of the US proclamation and expressed disappointment that Antigua and Barbuda was included based on what he called an inaccurate characterisation of its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme.

In a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy,

the Dominican Government said it understands the concern the announcement may cause and assured citizens that the matter is being treated with urgency.

The Government said it is engaging officials at the US Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, to obtain clarification on the scope of the measures, the basis for the decision, and the implications for Dominican travellers, students, families and other legitimate US visa holders. (Caribbean National Weekly)

UN speaks to Maduro, urges restraint over Venezuela escalation

T

he United Nations has urged restraint and de-escalation amid rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela, following a phone call between Secretary-General António Guterres and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and President Donald Trump’s announcement of a blockade of a Venezuelan oil tanker.

It was confirmed via a press release by the Office of the Secretary-General that Guterres received the call from Maduro to discuss the current situation.

During the conversation, the Secretary-General reaffirmed the United Nations’ position that Member States must respect international law, particularly the United Nations Charter, and take

steps to de-escalate tensions in order to preserve regional stability.

Asked about the legality of the move, Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said the focus remained on preventing further escalation: “The Secretary-General calls for restraint and for the immediate de-escalation of the situation. He calls on all stakeholders to honour their obligations under international law, including the UN Charter and any other applicable legal framework to safeguard peace in the region.”

Haq said the SecretaryGeneral was “following the current situation very closely” and was “engaging with relevant parties.”

After Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum urged

the UN to prevent bloodshed, and Venezuela announced plans to bring the issue before the UN, Haq said the matter would likely fall to members of the Security Council to consider.

The UN also said it had no information to support US claims that Venezuela had stolen American oil or assets and declined to comment on Washington’s designation of the Venezuelan Government as a foreign terrorist organisation, warning against steps that could further escalate tensions.

Haq added: “Right now, what we’re trying to do is make sure that all parties, including the United States, abide by the Charter, including the relevant passages that you’ve cited.”

(Trinidad Guardian)

razilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday that if the trade agreement between the European Union and the South American trade bloc Mercosur is not finalised this month, Brazil will no longer sign off on the deal.

Italy and France earlier in the day said they were not ready to back the agreement, dealing it a blow as European Commission

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

President Ursula von der Leyen had been expected to fly to Brazil at the end of this week to sign the accord.

"If we don't do it now, Brazil won't make this deal anymore as long as I'm President," Lula told a cabinet meeting. "If they say no, we will be tough with them from now on. We gave in to everything that diplomacy could possibly concede." (Reuters)

Colombia’s Petro calls Maduro “dictator”, but says he is not drug trafficker as US claims

C

olombian President Gustavo Petro stated on Tuesday that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is a "dictator" but asserted that there is no evidence that he is a drug trafficker, as the United States maintains.

"Maduro is a dictator because he concentrates power, but there is no evidence in Colombia that he is a drug trafficker. That is a US narrative," Petro said on his Twitter account.

The President responded to a criticism on social media from journalist Ángela Patricia Janiot, who asked, "Why is it that Gustavo

Colombian President Gustavo Petro

Petro has no qualms about calling the President-elect of Chile, José Antonio Kast, a Nazi and a fascist and remains silent and afraid to

call Nicolás Maduro a narco-dictator and usurper of power?"

The administration of US President Donald Trump has identified Maduro as the leader of the Cartel of the Suns – designated by Washington as a terrorist group – an accusation that the Venezuelan Government vehemently denies.

Petro, considered an ally of Maduro, proposed last month a "shared transitional Government" in Venezuela to solve the crisis that the country is experiencing and also avoid foreign intervention. (Excerpt from Listin Diario)

British woman hospitalised after trying to jump from hotel balcony in The Bahamas

A

30-year-old British woman was hospitalised on Monday after she allegedly tried to jump from a hotel balcony in what Police suspect was an attempted suicide.

The incident occurred

at a hotel on Paradise Island.

Police said the woman was inside her hotel room when she tried to jump from the balcony. Her husband reportedly intervened and transported

her to the hospital, where she was taken for medical treatment and further evaluation.

Her condition was not immediately known as investigations continue. (The Tribune)

Nearly 20 kilos of cocaine washes up on BVI shore

B

VI News understands that local marine Police seized a large bale of cocaine, reportedly weighing nearly 20 kilograms (kg), after the drugs washed ashore on Marina Cay earlier this week.

It’s reported that when officers arrived on the beach, they observed what appeared to be a bale of suspected cocaine and a few individual bricks of the same substance. The items were recovered and taken into custody for processing.

Sources say the bale, once opened, contained several individual bricks, and

when weighed, measured close to 20 kg altogether.

Such quantities of cocaine – especially when packaged in “bricks” and bales – are typically destined for larger markets, including the US mainland, where the illegal drug’s street value can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars per kg.

Cocaine washing ashore is not a new phenomenon in the Caribbean region and is often used by smugglers as a decoy tactic – intentionally discarding smaller packages into the sea to distract authorities while larger consignments continue toward

their destination.

These larger consignments carry a heavy street value and are linked to the disruption of thousands of lives and families when they enter illicit distribution networks.

This week’s find comes amid ongoing efforts by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and partner agencies to tackle narcotics trafficking in the territory’s waters.

Days ago, six men were arrested and charged in connection with 772.4 kg of cocaine that were seized on a vessel that was traversing BVI waters. (BVI News)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

19

Around the World

Nick Reiner appears in court for OILNEWS OIL NEWS 1st time to face murder charges

N Oil rises as Trump's Venezuela blockade takes edge off global crude surplus concerns

O

il prices rallied by more than one per cent on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump ordered a blockade of all oil tankers under sanctions entering and leaving Venezuela, raising global political tensions and easing concerns about a swelling surplus of global crude.

Brent crude futures settled at US$59.68 a barrel, rising 76 cents, or 1.3 per cent. US West Texas Intermediate crude settled at US$55.94 a barrel, up 67 cents, or 1.2 per cent.

Growing US fuel inventories tempered the rise in oil prices.

Prices had settled near five-year lows in the previous session on signs of progress in Russia-Ukraine peace talks. A peace agreement could see Western sanctions on Moscow eased, freeing up supply as the market grapples with fragile global demand.

On Tuesday, Trump ordered a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, saying he regarded President Nicolas Maduro's Administration as a foreign terrorist organisation. The Venezuelan Government said in a statement it rejected Trump's "grotesque threat".

Trump made his blockade comments a week after the US seized a sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela's coast.

It is unclear how many tankers will be affected and how the US will impose the blockade, and whether Trump will turn to the US Coast Guard to interdict vessels, as he did last week.

In recent months, the US has moved warships into the region.

(Excerpt from CBS News)

ick Reiner, 32, appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday and waived his right to enter a plea to two charges of first-degree murder of his parents. The couple was found dead on Sunday in their Los Angeles home.

Nick Reiner was taken into custody that night and charged on Tuesday.

At the hearing in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday, prosecutors and

Mr Reiner's defence team agreed to delay his arraignment until January 7, when he will once again have the opportunity to enter a plea.

As he appeared in court, Mr Reiner only said "yes, your honour" when asked by Judge Theresa McGonigle if he understood that he has the right to a speedy trial.

He was initially slated to make a court appearance on Tuesday but had not been medically cleared to do so,

his lawyer and prosecutors said.

His lawyer, Alan Jackson, told reporters outside court that there were "complex and serious issues" in the case that needed to be worked through in the coming weeks.

The delay in Mr Reiner entering a plea could be designed to allow time for a psychiatric evaluation, one criminal defence lawyer told the BBC after the hearing.

Until the next hearing on January 7, Mr Reiner will remain in custody at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.

If he pleads not guilty, he could be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole or the death penalty if convicted. Prosecutors have said no decision has been made yet about whether the death penalty will be pursued. (Excerpt from BBC News)

US strikes another boat in eastern Pacific, killing 4 T

he US military conducted a strike against another alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, killing four persons, according to US Southern Command.

“On Dec 17, at the direction of @SecWar Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force

Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organisation in international waters,” Southcom wrote on X. “Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route in the Eastern

Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations.”

Southcom added no US service members were harmed in the strike.

Wednesday’s attack marks the second this week, after the US struck three alleged drug-trafficking boats in the eastern

Pacific Ocean on Monday, killing eight persons.

At least 99 persons have now been killed in strikes on suspected drug boats as part of a campaign, dubbed Operation Southern Spear, that the Trump Administration has said is aimed at curtailing narcotics trafficking. (CNN)

“Magical” galaxy frogs disappear Morocco launches nationwide after reports of photographers emergency relief after floods kill dozens destroying their habitats Several small groups. So later I contacted my other trackers, and they started telling me everything that had happened.”

These nature photographers had been turning over logs in their search for the endangered species, according to the trackers. When they found them, they would capture and prop up the frogs for photos. But they didn’t wear gloves, even though these delicate creatures breathe through their skin and are incredibly sensitive.

One tracker told Rajkumar that two small galaxy frogs had died after being handled for too long by photographers. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

The frog is the size of a fingertip

A

group of endangered “galaxy frogs” are missing, presumed dead, after trespassing photographers reportedly destroyed their microhabitats for photos.

Melanobatrachus indicus, each the size of a fingertip, is the only species in its family and lives under logs in the lush rainforest in Kerala, India. Their miraculous spots do not indicate poison, as people sometimes assume, but are thought to be used as a mode of communication, according to Rajkumar K P, a Zoological Society of London fellow and

researcher.

In early 2020, he found seven members of the “magical” species in the Western Ghats rainforest in India but could not visit them during the Covid pandemic. When he went back later, the frogs had disappeared, according to a report from the ZSL. At first he suspected brown mongooses of causing the damage, but they are not strong enough to overturn a log. Then he asked his tracker if he had seen anyone.

“He mentioned there were a couple of photographers visiting that location.

Moroccans look at a destroyed vehicle and other debris following a flash flood in the coastal town of Safi

M

orocco has launched a nationwide emergency relief operation to support families affected by severe winter weather as communities across the country grapple with deadly floods and plunging temperatures.

The aid programme was announced on Tuesday and will reach approximately

73,000 households across 28 provinces hit by freezing conditions, torrential rains and snowstorms, authorities said.

Authorities are distributing food supplies and blankets to families in affected areas, as weather officials warn that dangerous conditions will persist in the coming days.

US Senate passes US$901B defence bill

T

he United States Senate has passed a $901bn bill setting defence policy and spending for the 2026 fiscal year, combining priorities backed by President Donald Trump’s Administration with provisions designed to preserve congressional oversight of US military power.

The National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) was approved in a 77-20 vote on Wednesday, with senators adopting legislation passed by the House of Representatives last month.

It now goes to Trump for his

signature.

Several provisions in the bill reflect efforts by Democratic lawmakers, supported by some Republicans, to constrain how quickly the Trump Administration may scale back US military commitments in Europe.

The bill requires the Pentagon to maintain at least 76,000 US soldiers in Europe unless NATO allies are consulted and the administration determines that a reduction would be in the US national interest.

The US typically stations 80,000 to 100,000 soldiers

across the continent. A similar measure prevents reductions in US troop levels in South Korea below 28,500 soldiers.

The bill also cuts US$1.6bn from Pentagon programmes related to climate change. While the US military has previously identified climate-related risks as a factor affecting bases and operations, the Trump Administration and Republican leaders have said defence spending should prioritise immediate military capabilities.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The relief effort follows a catastrophic flash flood in the coastal city of Safi on Sunday that killed 37 people when a sudden deluge overwhelmed the city.

About 70 homes and shops were damaged after just one hour of intense rainfall, with muddy torrents sweeping vehicles through the streets and trapping residents inside buildings.

Fourteen people required hospital treatment, with two remaining in intensive care, officials said. Schools across Safi have closed for at least three days as debris and mud continue to block roads.

The disaster unfolded in the Bab Chabaa district, where water levels surged to about four metres in some areas. One resident, a 67-year-old rights activist, described how shopkeepers became trapped after locking themselves inside their stores as floodwaters rose rapidly, with some merchants and workers unable to escape.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

(March 21-April 19)

Don’t let anger set in when action is required.

Surpassing your expectations is your best alternative. Choose to put your energy to good use.

Live, learn, and laugh, and you’ll find the happiness you desire. Thoughts, followed by actions, will pay off and help eliminate mistakes and unsavory situations. A positive attitude brings lasting results.

(April 20-May 20)

Pay attention to cash flow. It’s easy to lose your financial perspective when trying to please those you love with lavish gifts when a kind gesture is all that’s required. Rethink your festive strategy, kindness and respect will have a positive impact and lead to lasting memories. Your time is more valuable than any trinket.

(May 21-June 20)

Don’t ignore the signs and signals you are receiving from those close by. Reach out, address issues swiftly, and make amends if necessary. Treat relationships, shared expenses, and promises you make to others with an open heart. Let honesty and integrity be your mantra, and you’ll gain respect and cooperation. Romance is in the stars.

(June 21-July 22)

Tidy up loose ends and call it a day. Focus on spreading joy, offering forgiveness and gratitude, and letting go of the past and things beyond your control. Forward thinking and a positive attitude will lead to fulfilling relationships and good times.

Change begins with a smile, a kind gesture, and a positive attitude.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Arrange a social get-together, and spread joy to those you love without going into debt or expecting anything in return. Offer your time and listen to what others have to say, and you’ll gain insight and perspective that will enable you to lend a helping hand. Let your actions dictate your feelings. Romance is favored.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Take a wait-and-see approach and avoid situations that put you in a vulnerable position.

Personal or domestic problems can be costly, so before you spend on unnecessary items and entertainment, be sure to set aside cash for unexpected expenses. Examine what concerns you and make changes that put your mind at ease.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Attend events, and take every opportunity to market your expertise. The fundamentals that accompany progress will help you recognize who is in your corner and who is not. Map out a doable plan, and avoid making promises you cannot fulfill.

Someone you encounter will spark your interest as a potential personal or professional partner.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Foolish spending or overpaying for something in demand will cause worry and debt. A change of attitude that reflects peace of mind, along with a promise to stick to basics and what you can manage financially, emotionally, and physically, will help set you on the right path. Once you find your comfort zone, opportunities will follow.

PICKLES

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Put what’s most important first and foremost.

Leave nothing to chance or up to others to avoid disappointment. Trust your instincts and be vocal regarding your needs and what you are willing to offer in return. Trust, loyalty, and progress go together when it comes to home, family, and your closest associates. Read the room.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Refuse to let other people’s obligations become your problem. Offer suggestions, but don’t step in and take over. The best lessons in life are those learned by doing for yourself.

A change of scenery and pursuits that excite you will lead to growth, new beginnings, and a chance to fulfill your desires. When opportunity knocks, open the door.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Pick up the slack and do what you do best.

Pulling everything and everyone together may be a challenge, but you’re the one who can put drama aside and lead others to continuity and resilience. Spontaneity mixed with a genuine attitude and input will trigger positive results. Be the glue, the enforcer, and the comforter.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Focus on what needs to be done and don’t stop until your mission is complete. Set high standards for others, and you’ll gain respect and receive the help necessary to have an impact on whatever cause or concern motivates you. Refuse to let pettiness or emotional manipulation deter you from reaching your destination.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

21

IPL 2026:

How the 10 teams stack up after the auction that,

Jason Holder is set to compete with Glenn Phillips for a slot in GT's line-up

Chennai Super Kings

Number of players: 25 out of 25 (eight overseas) Hot take: CSK entered the mini-auction with the second-biggest purse of INR 43.40 crore (US$4,800,511) and spent two-thirds of it on just two uncapped players. They signed Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma for a staggering INR 14.2 crore (US$1,570,886) each, a paradigm shift from CSK's longstanding experience-first approach. They picked Akeal Hosein and Matt Henry as smart plug-and-play options depending on the surface at Chepauk, but Indian Premier League (IPL) inexperience runs through the middle order and bowling attack.

Full CSK squad – Batters: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Matt Short; Wicketkeepers: Sanju Samson, MS Dhoni, Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma; All-rounders: Shivam Dube, Zak Foulkes, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Shreyas Gopal, Jamie Overton, Akeal Hosein, Aman Khan, Prashant Veer; Spinners: Noor Ahmad, Rahul Chahar; Fast bowlers: Khaleel Ahmed, Nathan Ellis, Matt Henry, Gurjapneet Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Number of players: 25 out of 25 (eight overseas) Hot take: RCB went as high as INR 23.50 crore (US$2,599,706) for Venkatesh Iyer before KKR landed the winning bid last year. They've now brought him in for less than a third of that price (INR 7 crore) (US$774,380), and he could come into their line-up at number three, though he would have to displace Devdutt Padikkal to do so.

The fact that Iyer is the only plausible new entrant to RCB's best XII underlines the defending champions' squad stability. Beyond

Jacob Duffy slots in as cover for Josh Hazlewood, while Mangesh Yadav, a 140-plus left-arm quick, provides like-for-like backup for Yash Dayal. RCB, however, lack wrist-spinning backup to Suyash Sharma.

Full RCB squad – Batters: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Tim David, Devdutt Padikkal; Wicketkeepers: Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Jordan Cox; All-rounders: Jacob Bethell, Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Romario Shepherd, Satwik Deswal, Kanish Chouhan, Vihaan Malhotra, Vicky Ostwal; Spinner: Suyash Sharma; Fast bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam, Mangesh Yadav, Yash Dayal, Jacob Duffy, Nuwan Thushara, Abhinandan Singh

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Number of players: 25 out of 25 (eight overseas) Hot take: Despite having the third-biggest available purse, SRH sprung into action pretty late.

Liam Livingstone, for INR 13 crore (US$1,438,135), was their only big purchase. They signed plenty of Indian domestic seamers, but it needs to be seen if any of them can fill the gap left by Mohammed Shami's exit. Their spin attack, too, looks inexperienced, but there is a new flavour to it with the addition of the leftarm wrist spinner Krains Fuletra. They went to INR 7 crore (US$774,380) in the bidding war for Ravi Bishnoi but eventually lost out to Rajasthan Royals.

Full SRH squad – Batters: Travis Head, Aniket Verma, R Smaran; Wicketkeepers: Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan, Salil Arora; All-rounders: Liam Livingstone, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Brydon Carse, Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Kamindu Mendis, Harsh Dubey, Jack Edwards, Shivang Kumar, Krains Fuletra; Spinners: Zeeshan Ansari, Amit Kumar; Fast bowlers: Eshan Malinga, Jaydev Unadkat, Shivam Mavi, Onkar Tarmale, Sakib Hussain, Praful Hinge

Mumbai Indians

Number of players: 25 out of 25 (eight overseas) Hot take: MI came in with a stable squad and were among the less busy teams at the auction. They had five slots left and bid for only 10 players – one of them being Cameron Green. They got four players, including Quinton de Kock and the left-arm spin all-rounder Atharva Ankolekar, at base price. Theirs is a squad filled with plenty of all-rounders, many of whom can fit in as a batter or bowler alone.

Full MI squad – Batters: Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Danish Malewar; Wicketkeepers: Robin Minz, Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock; All-rounders: Shardul Thakur, Sherfane Rutherford, Corbin Bosch, Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner, Naman Dhir, Raj Bawa, Tilak Varma, Will Jacks, Atharva Ankolekar; Spinner: Mayank Markande, AM Ghazanfar, Raghu Sharma; Fast bowlers: Ashwani Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Mohammed Izhar

Gujarat Titans

Number of players: 25 out of 25 (seven overseas) Hot take: GT came into the auction with INR 12.90 crore (US$1,427,073) in their purse and not many holes to fill. Their biggest buy was Jason Holder, who will compete with Glenn Phillips for a spot in the starting XII. In Tom Banton and Luke Wood, they signed decent backups at base prices. Their other two buys were uncapped Indian fast bowlers Ashok Sharma and Prithvi Raj Yarra. GT are one of only two teams to not maximise their overseas quota.

Full GT squad – Batters: Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Tom Banton, Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan; Wicketkeepers: Jos Buttler, Anuj Rawat, Kumar Kushagra; All-rounders: Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, Manav Suthar, Rahul Tewatia, Nishant Sindhu, Jayant Yadav, Arshad Khan; Spinner: Sai Kishore; Fast bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Luke Wood, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Ishant Sharma, Ashok Sharma, Prithvi Raj Yarra.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Number of players: 25 out of 25 (eight overseas) Hot take: KKR came into the auction with the biggest remaining purse and duly made its biggest

Spinners: Praveen Dubey, Yuzvendra Chahal; Fast bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Vishal Nishad, Xavier Bartlett, Yash Thakur.

Delhi Capitals

Ben Duckett is one of many top-order options in DC's squad

buy, Cameron Green, at an overseas-record INR 25.20 crore (US$2,787,770). Green is set to fill the void left by Andre Russell's move to the coaching staff. The squad has depth beyond the first XII, with Tim Seifert and Finn Allen brought in as 360-degree opener-keepers, Matheesha Pathirana, Mustafizur Rahman (partially available for the season) and Akash Deep as death-bowling options, and Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi and Kartik Tyagi as more-than-useful squad players. With a power-packed line-up now in place, a familiar question remains: how to best fit in incumbent Captain Ajinkya Rahane?

Full KKR squad – Batters: Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Rahul Tripathi, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell; Wicketkeepers: Finn Allen, Tejasvi Dahiya, Tim Seifert; All-rounders: Anukul Roy, Cameron Green, Daksh Kamra, Ramandeep Singh, Rachin Ravindra, Sarthak Ranjan, Sunil Narine; Spinners: Prashant Solanki, Varun Chakravarthy; Fast bowlers: Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Kartik Tyagi, Matheesha Pathirana, Mustafizur Rahman, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora

Rajasthan Royals

Number of players: 25 out of 25 (eight overseas) Hot take: Ahead of the auction, RR needed replacements for the spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, and they bid aggressively for Ravi Bishnoi, whom they landed for INR 7.20 crore (US$796,505). They also picked up two other wrist spinners: leg spinner Yash Raj Punja and left-armer Vignesh Puthur. They also strengthened their overseas pace stocks with the acquisition of Adam Milne, which could ease some of their reliance on Jofra Archer. They already had a balanced squad heading into the auction; now they have options to turn to in different scenarios. They might feel short of an all-rounder, though;

they bid for three (Cameron Green, Auqib Nabi and Prashant Veer), but got their hands on none of them.

Full RR squad – Batters: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Aman Rao; Wicketkeepers: Dhruv Jurel, Ravi Singh; All-rounders: Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Riyan Parag, Yudhvir Singh; Spinners: Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Raj Punja, Vignesh Puthur; Fast bowlers: Jofra Archer, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Sushant Mishra, Adam Milne, Kuldeep Sen, Brijesh Sharma.

Punjab Kings

Number of players: 25 out of 25 (eight overseas) Hot take: For much of the auction, PBKS barely lifted their paddle – and they had little need to. Fresh off a runners-up finish in IPL 2025, they already have a settled core. The only real gap was left by Josh Inglis, who was released since he would only be available for a limited part of IPL 2026 for personal reasons. That slot has gone to Cooper Connolly, the aggressive Australian batter who also bowls left-arm spin. Leftarm seamer Ben Dwarshuis brings vast T20 experience and could cover for the injury-prone Lockie Ferguson, who is unlikely to be available at the start of the season. Karnataka legspinner Praveen Dubey comes in as cover for Yuzvendra Chahal, while Vishal Nishad – the UP seamer who is yet to make his state debut – is a domestic scouting pick.

Full PBKS squad Batters: Harnoor Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Shreyas Iyer; Wicketkeepers: Prabhsimran Singh, Vishnu Vinod; All-rounders: Azmatullah Omarzai, Ben Dwarshuis, Cooper Connolly, Harpreet Brar, Marco Jansen, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Musheer Khan, Shashank Singh, Suryansh Shedge;

Number of players: 25 out of 25 (eight overseas) Hot take: Versatility is this DC squad's calling card.

If Auqib Nabi or T Natarajan lose form, they can switch to an overseas pace attack without denting the batting by pivoting to Karun Nair, Abishek Porel or Sameer Rizvi as conditions demand. The options are just as striking up top: only one of Pathum Nissanka or Ben Duckett is likely to start, and if they struggle, they can pivot to KL Rahul and Prithvi Shaw while bolstering the bowling with Lungi Ngidi or Kyle Jamieson to join Mitchell Starc.

Full DC squad – Batters: Prithvi Shaw, Karun Nair, Nitish Rana, Pathum Nissanka, Ashutosh Sharma, David Miller, Sameer Rizvi, Sahil Parakh; Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul, Abishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, Ben Duckett; Allrounders: Axar Patel, Vipraj Nigam, Kyle Jamieson, Auqib Nabi, Madhav Tiwari, T Vijay, Ajay Mandal; Spinner: Kuldeep Yadav; Fast bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan, Lungi Ngidi, Dushmantha Chameera

Lucknow Super Giants

Number of players: 25 out of 25 (seven overseas) Hot take: Having released David Miller, LSG couldn't get a proven finisher at the auction. They ended up spending INR 8.6 crore (US$951,381) on Josh Inglis, who will be unavailable for much of the 2026 season, and INR 2.6 crore (US$287,627) on the uncapped Mukul Choudhary, who may not start for them. Wanindu Hasaranga, who slots in for Ravi Bishnoi, adds batting depth, but LSG's line-up still looks top-heavy. They also snapped up Anrich Nortje at his base price of INR 2 crore (US$221,251), but he's injury-prone like the Indian quicks in the squad.

Full squad – Batters: Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Aiden Markram, Akshat Raghuwanshi; Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Josh Inglis, Mukul Choudhary; All-rounders: Arshin Kulkarni, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed; Spinners:

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

C

aribbean champion Terron Wintz is set to spearhead the New Amsterdam Boxing Academy’s challenge at the Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA's) Terrence Ali National Open Championships, scheduled for December 19–21, according to Head Coach Jeff

Wintz to lead NA Boxing Academy at National Open Championships CLASSIFIED ADS Roberts.

Roberts expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to compete at a high level, pointing to a blend of youth, discipline, and growing experience within the academy.

“We have a solid team that I believe will give a very good account of themselves,” Roberts said, while singling out Wintz’s determination to further establish himself as the country’s leading welterweight at 67 kilograms (kg).

Wintz, widely regarded as one of Guyana’s most promising young amateur boxers and an employee of Queensway Security, enjoyed a breakthrough year on the regional stage.

Competing in St Lucia, he captured gold at the Caribbean Championships and was also named Best Boxer in his division, a testament to his technical skill, composure, and ring intelligence.

The 19-year-old

Berbice’s Terron Wintz is pegged to be a standout performer at this weekend’s National Open Championships

Berbician also claimed a title at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Championships, again held in St Lucia, where he was crowned the tournament’s Best Elite Boxer, further underlining his rapid rise and consistency at the international level.

The New Amsterdam Boxing Academy’s contingent will also feature 17-year-old Jofes Jackson, who will compete in the middleweight division, and

15-year-old Curt Mahase, who is entered in the featherweight (54kg) category.

Both young boxers are expected to gain valuable experience against seasoned opposition.

In the schoolboys' divisions, Curtis McDonald will contest the lightweight class, while Ukesh Persaud, 13, will compete in the 31kg category. He will be joined by 14-year-old Richard Persaud, who is entered in the 45kg division, as the

academy continues to invest in long-term development at the grassroots level.

Reflecting on the academy’s growth, Roberts noted that the New Amsterdam Boxing Academy is just two years old, but has already made encouraging strides.

He explained that while training is currently based at the Glasgow Housing Scheme, plans are in place to relocate to Angoy’s Avenue once a new gym, currently under construction by the Government, is completed.

“I promise to make Berbice great again in the sport of boxing,” Roberts added, highlighting his commitment to building a sustainable boxing programme in Region Six. Meanwhile, GBA President Steve Ninvalle said he is enthusiastic about the upcoming National Open Championships, noting that early indications suggest gyms across the country are working tirelessly to close out the year on a high note.

Over $400K up for grabs in Suraj Sports Bar pools tournament

Former President of the Cue Sports Association Alfred Meckdeci is likely to play this weekend

T

he best pool players across the country are being invited to the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) this weekend as the Suraj Sports Bar at Meten-

Meer-Zorg hosts its Open 8-ball Pool tournament.

The vibrant competition, anticipated to be filled with camaraderie, talent and lots of trick shots, will be hosted

across Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21.

With over $400,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs in this weekend’s activities, the grand winner will be going home with a $150,000 first prize and a trophy. Second place will pocket $70,000, while third and fourth place cart off $30,000 each. Players placing fifth to eighth will each be rewarded with $10,000, alongside a trophy.

Organisers have indicated that there will be a spe-

cial prize for the trick shot challenge.

The competition’s ballin-hand rules include race to three, quarter-final and semi-final – race to four, and final – race to five.

Players interested in competing will have to pay a $5000 entry fee via MMG to Suraj Sports Bar – 7074119.

Entries will close Friday, December 19, with a draw set to take place at 20:00h on the same day.

On Saturday, the action will bully off at 16:00h, while on Sunday, an early start is anticipated from 11:00h.

The competition is being sponsored by Guyana Breweries Inc, Rambarran Construction Services, Island Link Internet Service, Eclipse Sports Bar, K Kusal General Construction, Arvin’s Restaurant and Bar, Avinash Persaud and Associates, Under Rocks Restaurant and Bar, Alvin Electrical and Contracting Service, Randy Exotic Cuts, Stag Beer, 592 Beer, Coors Light, Chief Pool Club, DM Electrical Supplies, Terzech Trucking Service, MP Wholesale Depot, Arnold Hollow Blocks and Danny Ground Provision Hub.

4th T20I abandoned due to foggy conditions in Lucknow

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WANTED Hardik Pandya was spotted sporting a mask

N

o play was possible in the fourth T20 International (T20I) between India and South Africa because of poor visibility in foggy Lucknow. Leading the series 2-1, India are now assured of taking their unbeaten streak in T20I series to 15. The decider of the series is scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad on Friday.

While the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lucknow hovered around the early-

Six inspections took place before play was finally called off

to-mid 400s, which is hazardous, the concern for the umpires remained visibility. During their inspections, one of the umpires went to a square boundary to see if he could spot the white ball held up by the side of the pitch. Six inspections took place before play was finally called off at 21:26h.

Cricket in North Indian winters has long been a contentious issue, and not just for visibility. The Board of Cntrol for Cricket in India (BCCI)

had scheduled a Test for South Africa in Delhi before better sense prevailed and Delhi was given a Test before Diwali, which is when the air quality in North India starts to fall to poor and dangerous levels.

South Africa's tour comes to an end on Friday in Ahmedabad. In what has been a hugely successful tour, they blanked India 2-0 in the Tests and forced a decider in the ODI series, which India won 2-1. India have

registered two comprehensive wins in what remains their strongest format to go 2-1 up in the T20Is, but they didn't get a chance to seal the series before the finale because of the bad light in Lucknow.

Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the last match for personal reasons, was with the team in Lucknow, which should be a boost for India ahead of the last match, which will be played in Bumrah's hometown. (ESPNcricinfo)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Guyanese Van Lange, Apple highlight Windies U19 World Cup squad C

ricket West Indies (CWI) on Wednesday announced the West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 squad for the 2026 Internetional Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup taking place in Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6, 2026.

The 15-member squad features several players who impressed during the 2025 regional competitions and international preparatory series, including the recently-concluded seven-match Youth One-Day International (ODI) series against England in Grenada and the seven-match series against Sri Lanka in August and September. Both series were won by the West Indies; 5-2 and 4-3, respectively.

Top-order batter Joshua Dorne has been named Captain, continuing his rise after a standout year across regional competitions and youth internationals, while all-rounder Jonathan Van Lange has been appointed Vice Captain.

Several players have already represented the West Indies at the youth level, including Dorne and Jewel Andrew, who represented the region at the 2024 edition.

Earlier this year, Andrew became the youngest player to represent the senior team in T20 Internetionals (T20Is) and also holds the record for ODIs, which he claimed last October.

CWI’s High Performance Manager, Dwain Gill elaborated on the selection process, saying, “This squad is the product of a deliberate and well-structured preparation and selection process.

Performances in regional

West Indies’ U19 squad will begin the competition in Group D

Under-17 and Under-19 competitions were closely monitored, with an emphasis on identifying players with specialist skills and the adaptability required for international cricket.”

On the squad selected for the World Cup, Gill noted, “In assembling this group, we have aligned their development with the style of play we expect at the senior level, ensured exposure to high-quality match opportunities and placed a strong focus on leadership, tactical awareness and individual support within their territories.”

“The result is a balanced and competitive squad, well positioned to perform at the Under-19 World Cup and contribute meaningfully to the long-term future of West Indies cricket.”

In addition to Dorne and Van Lange, the team will rely on the experience of Zachary Carter, Matthew Miller, Jakeem Pollard, Shaquan Belle and Vitel Lawes, who all played starring roles during

both home series against Sri Lanka and England.

Micah McKenzie made his List A debut for the West Indies Academy against the Sri Lanka Emerging Men’s team in June and recently received his maiden cap for the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the 2025 CG United Super 50 Cup. Sixteen-year-old Shamar Apple was drafted into the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad for the tournament and, along with McKenzie, joined the England series for the final two games, with both players maintaining their places for the global showpiece in January.

The West Indies have been drawn in Group D alongside South Africa, Afghanistan and Tanzania. All group matches will be played at the High-Performance Oval in Windhoek, Namibia. Ahead of the tournament, they will play warm-up matches against Ireland and Japan in Windhoek.

The top three teams from

Match Schedule

Warm-Up Games: West Indies v Ireland – January 10 - Wanderers Cricket Ground, Windhoek West Indies v Japan – January 13 - United Ground, Windhoek Group Stage: West Indies v Tanzania – January 15 at 03:30h (AST)/02:30h (JAM) West Indies v Afghanistan – January 18 at 03:30h (AST)/02:30h (JAM) West Indies v South Africa – January 22 at 03:30h (AST)/02:30h (JAM)

Kennard's Memorial to host traditional Boxing Day horse meet Slingerz Racing Stables had a good outing at Kennard’s Memorial earlier this year

T

he most traditional horse racing event will return to the Kennard's Memorial Turf Club on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice.

Preparations continue as over 30 entries have been received for the much-anticipated Boxing Day horse race meet. Seven exciting races are on the cards, and close to $10 million in cash will be up for grabs. The feature race will have a purse of $2 million.

The race, which will be open to all horses in Guyana, will see the an-

imals battling over one mile for the Sunny Kharag Memorial Stakes.

The Sprint Classic will see horses running at five furlongs, and the cash prize up for grabs is $700,000.

The winner of the G and lower event gets $500,000 and a trophy in the five-furlong race.

Meanwhile, the Guyanabred two-year-old maiden horses will compete over five furlongs, with the winner bagging $350,000 and a trophy. The I Class and lower race will be seven furlongs, and the top horse will be rewarded $350,000.

In addition, the winner of the event for the L and K class horses is set to take home $350,000 and a trophy in the six-furlong race.

Horses in the L and lower non-earners will be running six furlongs, and the top prize is $350,000.

The Kennard's Memorial is known for its picturesque view of the Atlantic Ocean, and the track has been in top shape heading into the Boxing Day race. The event will be conducted using the rules of the Kennard Memorial Turf Club. Race time is 12:30h local time.

each group will advance to the Super Six phase, followed by the semi-finals on February 3 and 4, and the final on February 6 at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.

Full Squad: Captain Joshua Dorne, Vice Captain Jonathan Van Lange, Jewel Andrew, Shamar Apple,

Shaquan Belle, Zachary Carter, Tanez Francis, R’jai Gittens, Vitel Lawes, Micah McKenzie, Matthew Miller, Isra-el Morton, Jakeem Pollard, Aadian Racha and Kunal Tilokani.

Reserves: Brendan Boodoo, Tyriek Bryan, Earsinho Fontaine and Deshawn James Team Management Unit: Head Coach – Rohan Nurse Assistant Coach – Jerome Taylor Assistant Coach – Nikita Miller Physiotherapist – Kwayne Dalrymple Strength & Conditioning Coach – Shayne Cooper

23

Wicketkeeper-batsman Shamar Apple

Team Doctor – Dr Dwain Archibald Manager – Clint St Hill

Kingston College win big as KFC Goodwill continues A look at the action between Brazil’s Jose Viera De Salles Guerra School (blue) and Annai Secondary

A

nother 20+ goal spree was on the cards on Tuesday as the sixth edition of the KFC Goodwill International Football tournament resumed. At the centre of the chaos was, again, The Bahamas Anglican Central Education Authority (ACEA) Select, this time losing to Kingston College.

Clearly intent on topping the defending champions’ spree two days prior, Jamaica’s Kingston College sent 28 unanswered goals past the Bahamian team.

Davion Clarke led the charge with goals in the 29th, 33rd, 36th, 38th, 46th and 61st minutes. Shaquan Elliot (24th, 40th, 52nd), Robinho Morgan (70th, 78th, 81st) and Shemoy Thompson (66th, 77th, 93rd) added hat-tricks to the tally, while braces came off the boots of Nthanda Scott (second, 21st), Adriel Fraser (49th, 51st), Khemaldhino Gentles (90th, 91st) and

Micah Simpson (73rd, 75th). Meanwhile, Robney Grandstand (45th), Rasheed Payne (50th) and Riley Kavwaroo (72nd) pierced the nets once each for the triumphant win.

Also, on Tuesday morning at the Queen’s College Ground, St Benedict’s College overcame Suriname’s Technical School of Nickerie 7-2.

Jaylon Carrington opened the scores for St Benedict’s in the fifth minute, followed

by Jelani Scott in the 12th for a 2-0 score at the half. In the second segment, Josiah Barrow (49th), Camron Burke (61st, 78th), Jaydan Duncan (65th), and Kai Robertson (87th) all added their names to the scoresheet for St Benedict’s seven. For Suriname, Stefano R Castillion and Jizreel Sedoc each pulled one goal back in the 66th and 90th minutes, respectively.

Over at the Ministry of

Education (MoE) Ground that evening, defending champions Chase’s Academic Foundation cruised past familiar foes West Ruimveldt 6-0. Captain Bryan Wharton again led his team with a brace in the 38th and 42nd minutes. Earlier, Isaiah Ifill registered their first in the third minute, while Malcolm Hendricks and Shaquan David struck in the 66th and 80th, respectively. An own goal sealed Chase’s six in the second half.

Later, a Brayan Morais (42nd, 80th) brace later led the Jose Viera De Salles Guerra School of Brazil to a 4-0 victory over Annai Secondary. Jonatan Da Silva (25th) and Tayllor Emmanuel (70th) also found the back of the net for Guyana’s southern neighbours.

The group stage of the KFC Goodwill tournament was scheduled to conclude on Wednesday evening.

Jamaica’s Kingston College handed ACEA of The Bahamas their second 20+ thrashing

T

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

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