Courtyard opens as a
family-friendly hub in Georgetown
$1.4B support rollout announced for Persons Living With Disability
To get one-off $50,000 grant before year end Tax incentives, grants for caregiver 5000 PLWDs to be integrated into workforce 10% of new Govt project spaces for accessibility
Interest-free, collateral-free loans through Development Bank
8 kidney transplants completed in GPHC’s chain programme Ganja found hidden in oat packages at Ogle Airport
Govt disappointed as election trial not yet completed, now drags into 2026 West Ruimveldt man jailed for escaping from lawful custody GDF, Brazilian army begin highlevel security exchange
8 kidney transplants completed in GPHC’s chain programme
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation has reached a major surgical benchmark, completing the country’s first chain kidney transplant series, an unprecedented medical achievement that positions Guyana at the forefront of renal care in the Caribbean.
The milestone was announced during a press conference at the GPHC Resource Centre on Wednesday, where Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony hailed the outcome as proof that local clinicians can deliver complex, world-class procedures once given the systems, investment, and technical support to do so.
Between September 29 and October 2, 2025, the GPHC Resource Centre hosted briefing updates on the intense four-day surgical period in which a total of eight procedures were performed, and four donor-recipient pairs were successfully matched and transplanted.
A kidney transplant chain, as explained by clinicians, is a continuous sequence of living-donor kidney exchanges initiated by an altruistic donor, where each recipient’s incompatible donor contributes their kidney to another waiting patient, enabling their orig-
inal family member or loved one to receive a compatible organ from a different matched donor. This model maximises the number of life-saving surgeries by overcoming biological incompatibility through multiple paired matches rather than a single two-way swap.
This operational breakthrough was described by Dr Anthony as “astronomical work” and “a second-chance moment” for the national health system. He credited the success to meticulous planning, expanded human capital, and unparalleled execution by both surgical and nephrology teams.
“Transplants started here, these kidney transplants started here many, many years ago. It started in the private sector here, but eventually when it came to the Georgetown Public Hospital, this is something
that we have continued and built a local team to make sure that the program was sustainable. And that was very important. And I think over the years, we have expanded the program, you heard the stats, and we've been able to help a lot more people benefit from transplants… So, I think there are lots of good things that we have seen from this program. But again, they are the transcenders, they are the pioneers in the Caribbean, and they are the leaders, I would say now, in the Caribbean. And we want to keep it that way. And I think with these new additions that we are doing, Guyana will continue to be at the forefront of transplants,” the Minister explained.
According to Anthony, one of the biggest systemic bottlenecks has been Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)
testing, which historically required samples to be sent abroad – most frequently to the US – at a cost of approximately US$3000 per patient. He confirmed that steps are already being taken to repatriate this diagnostic process.
“And we bought all the equipment that we need to do HLA testing. And earlier, before we started this press conference, myself and Dr. Rambaran, we went across to the National Public Health Reference Lab. And they were showing us they have the equipment here. But this equipment also needs us to have specially trained persons to be able to do the actual testing and the interpretation. And so,
one of the things that we have done is identify one of our doctors who will be going to India in the new year to be trained by the Apollo Hospital so that they can do HLA testing upon their return in Guyana. So, this would add to what the program is doing because we would now be able to do HLA testing here in the country,” he explained. He also revealed expanded mobility partnerships across Europe and Latin America, noting earlier training exchanges in Spain at medical hubs near Barcelona – including Barcelona, where Guyanese surgeons received observational exposure to automation and organ matching sys-
tems.
Anthony disclosed that GPHC will now formalise a new bilateral training agreement with the donation research body known as the Donation Transplant Institute, offering new 2026 scholarship allotments for local surgeons, nephrologists, coordinators, and transplant officers.
“The partnership is not just about kidney transplants,” he said. “It is about preparing for other types of transplants we want to explore in the future.”
Additional clinical training links were also confirmed with Brazil’s major transplant centres, as well as renal-health research bridges in Canada.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony
Some of the patients who successfully benefited from kidney transplants, along with doctors and Health Minister Anthony and GPHC CEO, Dr Robbie Rambarran
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, December 4 –15:20h–16:50h and Friday, December 5 – 16:10h–17:40h.
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 at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.
High Tide: 15:50h reaching a maximum height of 2.84 metres.
Low Tide: 09:24h and 21:56h reaching minimum heights of 0.58 metre and 0.35 metre.
$1.4B support rollout announced for Persons Living With Disability
…to get one-off $50,000 grant before year end …5000 PLWDs to be integrated into workforce …interest-free, collateral-free loans through Development Bank …tax incentives, grants for caregiver …10% of new Govt project spaces for accessibility
resident Dr Irfaan
Ali has announced that every eligible person living with a disability will receive a one-off grant of $50,000 before the end of this month, totalling approximately $1.4 billion.
The announcement was made during a special luncheon held in observance of International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
“I am pleased to announce that I have instructed that a one-off grant of $50,000 be paid to every disabled person before the
end of this month, providing direct financial support totalling $1.4 billion to PWDs. This initiative alone will benefit more than 27,000 persons, the most vulnerable in our society,” President Ali said.
According to the President, this initiative is part of a broader mission to ensure that persons with disabilities can fully participate in society and are never left behind.
“Through these and other measures, in the coming months and years, my Government will continue to create tangible advantages and benefits for PWDs, especially through empowering and self-fulfilling opportunities for meaningful work and earning,” he stated.
Employment
During his address, President Ali highlighted several national initiatives for the disabled community whilst setting his sight upon a targeted number of people with disabilities to be employed.
“Fourteen new jobs have already been created in a recently commissioned fa-
cility, supporting employment generation in the community. We want 5000 persons living with disability to be incorporated into the workforce, and we are going to make it happen,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of creating accessible spaces in every project, whether public or private.
“In every single project we do, whether it is a community park, a community centre, a community field, or even a lunchroom or boardroom in the private sector, if we dedicate between 3.5 per cent and five per cent of the space to persons living with disability, we will completely create an environment that is conducive and dignified for every single person living with disability.”
10 per cent new Govt projects
“Leading by example, the Head of State said that Government institutions will take the lead in implementing these initiatives.
“So, as from today, every single new Government project must have at least 10 per cent of the space dedicated specifically to support persons living with disability.
President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking during a special luncheon held in observance of International Day for Persons with Disabilities
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Guyana’s commitment to PLWDs' inclusion
Guyana is entering a crucial chapter in its social development trajectory with the Government’s announcement of a one-off $50,000 grant for every eligible person living with a disability. The move, amounting to an unprecedented $1.4 billion in direct support, represents the strengthening of a national philosophy that places dignity, equity, and inclusion at the core of public policy.
This latest measure underscores a broader transformation taking shape across the country, one in which persons with disabilities are not viewed through the limiting lens of vulnerability but rather through the expansive vision of potential. The acknowledgement that over 27,000 citizens stand to benefit reinforces a truth long championed by advocacy groups: a society flourishes most when all of its people are granted the tools to participate fully in national life.
The emphasis on creating opportunities that extend beyond financial support is significant. The clear articulation of a longterm plan, one anchored in education, employment, accessible infrastructure, community empowerment, and technological integration, marks a departure from earlier eras of fragmented, short-term interventions. Instead, the direction now being pursued reflects global best practices, early identification, targeted support systems, and pathways to independence.
The commitment to expanding employment opportunities is particularly encouraging. The stated goal of incorporating 5000 persons living with disabilities into the national workforce sets a courageous benchmark. Such a target, coupled with the establishment of new facilities, business centres, and publicprivate partnerships, positions Guyana to reshape employment norms. These steps also challenge long-standing biases that have kept too many capable individuals on the margins of economic participation. The private sector’s emerging engagement, especially following recent collaborations facilitated by the First Lady, signals a growing recognition that inclusion is smart development.
Equally transformative is the focus on accessible spaces. Mandating dedicated accessibility provisions in every new Government project, alongside calls for similar commitments in the private sector, lays the groundwork for a modern, barrier-free Guyana. Such infrastructure planning is fundamental to ensuring that persons with disabilities are not merely accommodated but fully integrated. Development, after all, must reach every corridor of society if it is to be deemed meaningful.
Education remains another defining pillar of the evolving national agenda. Plans to expand special needs schools, retrofit public buildings, introduce home-schooling systems for those unable to attend traditional classrooms, and increase integration into mainstream education reflect an understanding that learning is not a privilege but a right. Ensuring equitable education access for children with disabilities is one of the most powerful investments a society can make, as it shapes the self-reliance, confidence, and economic mobility of future generations.
Healthcare advances are equally noteworthy, with commitments to free care, assistive aids, prosthetics, and improved diagnostic and intervention systems. Such measures point toward a holistic model of disability support, one that recognises the interconnectedness of health, mobility, education, and economic participation.
The widening of support to families and caregivers adds another layer of progress. Subsidies, grants, and tax incentives aimed at easing the financial strain borne by households signal respect for the essential role families play in sustaining the wellbeing of persons with disabilities. Caregiving is both exhausting and indispensable; structured national support in this area strengthens the social fabric at its most personal levels.
Meanwhile, the introduction of interest-free, collateral-free loans through a development bank financing window marks a forward-looking approach to economic empowerment. Enabling persons with disabilities to engage in entrepreneurship or income-generating projects reinforces the principle that financial independence must be accessible to all citizens, regardless of physical limitations.
The policies now being advanced present an opportunity to build a society where persons with disabilities occupy their rightful place as contributors, innovators, skilled workers, creators, and leaders.
Passing the Test: Hurricane Melissa and the Caribbean’s Resilience
By LiLia Burunciuc, WorLd Bank director for the
cariBBean
As another hurricane season draws to a close, the collective exhale that sometimes follows never came. Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica, leaving the country reeling. Homes and schools were destroyed, roads and hospitals damaged, and countless families displaced. The scale of the devastation is heart-breaking – and the recovery will take time, resources, and resolve.
In Kingston, where I’m based, I’ve seen that resolve everywhere – in neighbours helping more rural neighbours, in local authorities working through exhaustion, and in volunteers driving lengths to deliver critical supplies. This spirit of solidarity runs deep in the Caribbean. It has carried the region through every hurricane season, and it will carry Jamaica through this one.
But Melissa also showed something new. This time, the familiar story of strength and recovery was matched by preparedness. Behind the scenes, years of investment in resilience paid off. Jamaica was bet-
ter equipped – financially and institutionally – to act quickly when disaster struck. Within days of landfall, the Government received a US$91.9 million payout from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF), providing much-needed liquidity for early response. A larger disbursement – US$150 million from Jamaica’s catastrophe bond, arranged with the support of the World Bank.
This ability to mobilise resources quickly did not appear overnight. It reflects a regional architecture the Caribbean has been building for more than a decade. Countries now rely on a mix of tools –from Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Options to Contingent Emergency Response Components and Rapid Response Options, insurance schemes, and catastrophe bonds – that provide financing at different moments of a crisis. Together, they form a more predictable and diversified system for responding to shocks. At the same time, countries are strengthening the systems that determine how well those resources are used. Governments are improving risk governance, integrating climate considerations into budgets,
and tightening fiscal frameworks so that recovery is faster and reconstruction more sustainable.
Institutional capacity has also become a central focus. Countries are investing in data platforms that track hazards, early-warning systems that reach more people, and coordination mechanisms that allow agencies to work together under pressure. These investments ensure that preparedness is not only financial but also operational.
The result is a shift in how the region approaches risk. Climate and disaster considerations are no longer confined to environment ministries; they guide national planning, investment decisions, and development strategies. It is one of the most significant changes I have seen in my years working alongside Caribbean Governments.
Hurricane Melissa, however, reminds us that this work is never finished. To stay ahead of growing risks, countries will need to keep strengthening what they have built. Three priorities stand out.
1. Greater private-sector engagement. Governments cannot carry the full cost of resilience. Insurance coverage remains low, and access to affordable finance
for resilient housing and small businesses is limited. Financial institutions can help by offering incentives for climate-smart investments and expanding resilience-linked lending that encourages adaptation.
2. Maintenance and sustainability. Building resilient infrastructure is only the beginning; maintaining it ensures protection endures. Including maintenance costs in national budgets and involving communities in caring for public assets can safeguard investments over time.
3. Data and foresight. Strong disaster-risk data and early-warning systems are essential. Regional platforms like CDEMA’s hazard-monitoring network and the OECS Environmental Information System are valuable foundations. Integrating these tools with national planning and fiscal systems will ensure that risk information guides every major decision.
Across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, the determination to rebuild is matched by a commitment to prepare. Our shared task now is to keep building on this momentum so that when the next storm comes, it finds the Caribbean stronger, more united, and better prepared than ever before.
The Human Services and Social Security Ministry, in observation of International Day of Persons with Disabilities and in celebration of the creativity and resilience of the community, featured Jaideo Nankissore of Corriverton, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Nankissore is an exceptional artist whose drawings and paintings speak powerfully despite his hearing disability (Human Services and Social Security Ministry photos)
Ganja found hidden in oat packages at Ogle Airport
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is investigating the discovery of 60 grams of cannabis concealed in cargo at the Eugene F Correia International
Airport, Ogle, during an intelligence-led operation conducted on Wednesday.
Police reported that at around 11:25h, ranks conducted search-
es on cargo at a local airline and found 13 small Ziploc bags containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.
The bags had been hidden inside
four White Oats packets placed in a bag destined for Chi Chi Village, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
The suspected cannabis was seized and taken to the GPF
Narcotics Branch, where it was weighed and subsequently lodged. No arrests have been made in connection with this seizure, and investigations are ongoing.
Former cop on $300,000 bail for drug trafficking
Aformer Policeman who now works as a centre truck driver was on Wednesday granted bail after appearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a charge of possession of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.
Conrad Thomas, 33, of One Mile, Linden, appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty, where he was represented by attorney-at-law Jevon Cox.
and was remanded to prison. Attorney Cox explained that Thomas had been hired by a woman to operate the truck while she relocated her belongings. Cox argued that the accused had no knowledge of the drugs, noting that the woman reportedly entered the vehi-
cle shortly before Police arrived. Thomas also denied handling or transporting the narcotics.
The prosecution initially opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and the prevalence of drug trafficking cases. They argued that Thomas was alone
in the truck, giving him custody and control over its contents, and presented video evidence allegedly showing him handling a green bag suspected of containing cannabis. The prosecution had also stated that when Thomas exited the vehicle, he was seen removing
and replacing the bag in the truck.
On Wednesday, after considering the submissions by the defence and prosecution and taking into account Thomas’ cooperation, Magistrate McGusty granted bail.
Thomas’ current legal troubles stem from an incident on November 4, when he was arrested at Lombard Street, Georgetown. Police reportedly found 4290 grams of cannabis in the tray of a centre truck which he was operating.
At his initial court appearance, Thomas denied knowledge of the cannabis
Bail was set at $300,000, with the condition that Thomas report to the Police on the third Friday of every month. Magistrate McGusty also scheduled the next court hearing for December 17.
00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Cartoons
07:00 Evening News (RB)
08:00 Movie - Miracle on 34th Street (1994) 10:00 Stop Suffering 11:30 TVG Music Break 12:00 News Break
12:05 Movie - The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
13:45 Indian Movie - Veer-Zaara (2004) 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown 19:00 The Evening News
20:00 Stop Suffering
20:30 Abbot Elementary S4 E15
21:00 Grey's Anatomy S8 E11
22:00 The Rookie S1 E17
23:00 Modern Family S2 E1
23:30 Arrested Development S4 E14
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025
The drugs that were found during the operation
Charged: Conrad Thomas
Quadrilaterals
Quadrilaterals are four-sided shapes (“quad” meaning “four”, and “lateral” meaning “lines”).
Example 1: Parallelogram or Rhombus?
As angles in a triangle total 180o, angle ABD=78o. As the opposite sides are parallel, cointerior angles within the parallel lines total 180o
• Angle ADC = 180 (32 + 70) = 78o
• Angle ABC = 180 32 = 148o
• Angle BCD =180 – 148 = 32o
We have two pairs of equal angles
at opposing vertices (148o and 32o). If the quadrilateral is a rhombus, the diagonals must bisect at 90o. This means that the two triangles ABD and BCD must be symmetrical to the diagonal BD.
Angle BDC = 148 – 70 = 78o. As these are not the same, the quadrilateral ABCD is a parallelogram.
Materials
• Clean glass jar with lid
• Glitter
• Glycerine, baby oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil
• Glue
• Distilled water
• Waterproof décor
Instructions:
By ErnEst rhys
Ah Happiness:
Who called you “Earandel”? (Winter-star, I think, that is); And who can tell the lovely curve By which you seem to come, then swerve Before you reach the middle-earth? And who is there can hold your wing, Or bind you in your mirth, Or win you with a least caress, Or tear, or kiss, or anything Insensate happiness?
Once I thought to have you Fast there in a child: All her heart she gave you, Yet you would not stay. Cruel, and careless, Not half reconciled, Pain you cannot bear; When her yellow hair Lay matted, every tress; When those looks of hers, Were no longer hers, You went: in a day She wept you all away Once I thought to give You, plighted, holily TO BE CONTINUED
1. Use an empty clean jar to create a snow globe. Peel off any jar labelling and ensure that the lid seals tightly. Use plastic décor for decoration to create the scene you want.
2. To begin forming your snow globe, glue the material on the inside of the lid, keeping space along the edges to allow the jar to screw shut. The goal is getting everything to stay together in the centre of the lid. After gluing everything down, turn the lid upside down and give it a few good shakes to see if everything stays in place.
3. Once everything stays in place,
it is time to add liquid and glitter. It is important to not fill water all the way to the top! A good ratio is 1 cup of water, 3 teaspoons of glycerine, and 3 teaspoons of glitter. Glycerine can be substituted for olive oil, vegetable oil, or baby oil. Adding more oil will make the glitter fall slower.
4. Tighten the lid on the jar and glue shut.
5. Wait for the glue to dry and then shake your snow globe to watch the snow fall on your scene!
(LA County Library)
(Source: Poetry (January 1913)]
You are a train conductor on a steam engine that goes to the North Pole.
WORD SEARCH
Dialysis, transplant demand exceeds GPHC's capacity as 246 new patients start treatment
…2200 new patients have joined nephrology clinic since 2023
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) confirmed Wednesday that demand for dialysis and kidney transplant services is surpassing the institution’s current capacity, even as the hospital celebrates a historic medical milestone. A total of 246 new dialysis patients commenced treatment this year, contributing to a surge of severely ill admissions linked to interruptions or non-compliance with subsidised renal care.
This was revealed by GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robbie Rambarran during a press conference held at the GPHC Resource Centre.
According to Rambarran, striking new data has re-
$1.4B
vealed that between the period 2023 to present, the hospital’s nephrology clinic has registered 2200 new patients – growth he described as unprecedented.
“At Georgetown Hospital, from 2023 to date, we have registered 2200 new patients join our nephrology clinic. We have 360 patients on dialysis, of which 246 started this year. These are some alarming numbers. And this does not constitute what happens at other public health facilities and in the private sector. We have seen an increase in patients being admitted very sick; and [it is] the majority of them, because they don't get their dialysis treatment. We have even seen that quite a number of those who are re-
ceiving the subsidies from the Government to take up that dialysis are not doing it, and they are being admitted to the hospital. Today we have 29 patients who are in
the hospital, of which 20 are on dialysis,” Rambarran disclosed.
Against this backdrop, the chief executive officer explained that the rising demand for both dialysis and kidney transplants has now surpassed available clinical supply, likening the moment to an industry red alert.
“So, the demand for dialysis, kidney transplant, I can say exceeds our capacity. And this certainly is a call for action. And I know this goodly man sitting on my right is an action man, so he got some action planned. Our hospital has invested in leading-edge surgical technologies and expanded our transplant team of surgeon, nephrologist, transplant coordinator, and
support staff. And we are proud of our outcome, which reflects our commitment to safety, clinical excellence, and compassionate patient care. We have recently increased the capacity to perform more transplants, reduce waiting times, broaden access for underserviced communities,” He added.
Guyana now leads the Caribbean region in completed kidney transplants for 2025, recording 13 procedures so far – far exceeding regional counterparts. To place the achievement in context, Rambarran listed the year’s transplant figures from neighbouring states: Antigua has completed two, Barbados three, Trinidad and Tobago three, the Bahamas one, and
Jamaica none thus far – while Guyana stands at 13.
The Guyana Government provides a yearly $600,000 cash grant to citizens who need haemodialysis treatment through an initiative managed by the Ministry of Health.
This programme has significantly increased the number of patients receiving the life-sustaining treatment, with hundreds benefiting annually and 600 patients expected to be assisted in the most recent budget. The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has also been certified as Guyana's first Kidney Transplant Centre, marking a significant advancement in the nation's medical capabilities.
support rollout announced for Persons...
Whether it is a Government compound with a car park, we must have 10 per cent easily convertible in the evening, where persons living with disability can enjoy the fruits of our collective labour as a people and as a nation.”
Meanwhile, the President highlighted several other priority areas identified by the community that his administration aims to focus on to drive further improvements.
“We will focus on education support, and in the modern world, we must move away from the concept of brick and mortar and use technology and community to bring education as close as possible to persons living with disability. We will strengthen community support, empowerment, transportation, health, housing, and Government service accessibility.”
Education & healthcare
Looking ahead, President Ali emphasised the Government’s commitment to education and healthcare.
“No child will be deprived of an education through the expansion of special needs schools and piloted special classrooms. We are retrofitting public buildings for improved access, providing free healthcare, assistive aids, and prosthetic support.
Through our One Guyana Initiative, we are developing a comprehensive database to better tailor our interventions.”
He outlined his Government’s plans for the next five years, stating that they would implement a comprehensive strategy to
stream schools; and establish a CENT facility in every region.”
President Dr Irfaan Ali has outlined a comprehensive five-year plan aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities across Guyana.
On education, he said,
improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
“Over the next five years, my Government will implement a comprehensive agenda to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities. We will strengthen systems of early identification, intervention, and treatment; develop and implement an updated special needs policy to ensure children with disabilities can acquire a meaningful education and increase their integration into main-
“We will establish systems to provide home-schooling for students who cannot attend physical schools, working with the Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities to ensure they receive a quality education. We will also expand access to durable mobility aids and other assistive devices, including electronic tools, to promote greater independence.”
Lending his perspective towards employ-
ment, President Ali said his Government plans to create targeted job opportunities in collaboration with the private sector and establish additional business centres designed specifically for persons with disabilities. He also noted that a personal assistant training and certification programme will be introduced, covering disability rights, caregiving, communication, and emergency response. Additionally, remote monitoring through mobile
apps and wearable devices will be implemented to support check-ins and emergency alerts.
Speaking on partnerships and housing, he added, “We will strengthen collaborations between the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, disability advocacy groups, health professionals, regional administrations, and educational institutions. Special support will be provided to improve access to house lots and promote home
ownership for persons with disabilities.”
Families and caregivers
Highlighting support for families and caregivers, the President said, “Additionally, we will introduce a subsidised system to reduce the financial burden on parents, support childcare costs, provide special tax incentives, and offer grants for caregivers. These grants will enable caregivers to prepare safe, dignified, and accessible spaces in their homes to care for persons with disabilities.”
President Ali also announced that the Government will establish a special financing window through the Development Bank to provide persons with disabilities with interest-free, collateral-free loans for business and income-generating projects.
He emphasised that the broader goal of these initiatives is to create an environment where persons with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of national life, pursue their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth. The President stressed that the Government remains committed to building an inclusive society where no one is left behind.
GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robbie Rambarran
Govt disappointed as election trial not yet completed, now drags into 2026
Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has expressed disappointment in the slothfulness of the election fraud case which is before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
“On behalf of the Government, we are equally disappointed that the cases are not yet completed. Like you, we feel that they should have been completed a long time ago with a particular outcome,” the AG said during Tuesday’s edition of his “Issues in the News” programme.
However, he said while the system is slow, progress is being made.
“The important thing is that I believe that progress is being made. The trials are actually ongoing. The system may be slow. Not maybe slow. The system is slow. But let us hope that the matters are concluded early in accordance with law, and the outcome is one that is supported by law,” he said.
The fraud trial into the 2020 General and Regional Elections before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts is set to continue in February 2026. The fixed dates for the continuation of the trial are scheduled for the weeks of February 16–20 and February 24–27, 2026.
Nine persons are currently facing 19 charges of conspiracy to commit electoral fraud for the events that occurred following the March 2, 2020, General Elections. These include former Returning Officer for Region Four Clairmont Mingo, former Chief Elections Officer (CEO)
Keith Lowenfield, Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC)
Minister Volda Lawrence, APNU+AFC Chief Scrutineer Carol Joseph, and former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) employees Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Michelle Miller, and Denise BobbCummings.
Among the offences the defendants are accused of committing are misconduct while holding public office, presenting falsified documentation, and planning to manipulate Guyana’s voters by presenting an inaccurate vote total. These charges stem from attempts to rig the 2020 elections in favour of the then ruling APNU/AFC.
The election fraud trials first commenced on July 29, 2024, and were initially being heard by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and
were expected to run from July 29 to September 13, 2024. However, a series of delays, deferrals and media leave by the Magistrate ensued, and the matter was eventually taken before the court of now acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, who continues to preside over the matter. A series of hearings have been held, with several state witnesses taking the stand.
For the past weeks, the court has been engaged in a voir dire to determine the admissibility of videos taken during the interrogation of the defendants at the investigating stages. The defence has challenged the admissibility of a number of recordings of Police interrogations that are being offered into evidence. The recordings show the Police interrogation of a number of the defendants in the case. In each instance the Magistrate will hold a separate voir dire to determine whether certain evidence is admissible at trial. In this context, the Magistrate will
hear arguments and testimony about the evidence in question. Attorneys may call witnesses, question experts or present legal arguments to show why the evidence should either be allowed or excluded. The Magistrate will then rule on its admissibility before the wider case continues.
“I am not responsible”
The AG on Tuesday said while he is oftentimes blamed for the delays in the case, “I am not responsible.”
In fact, he said the Government does not influence or control the processes of the judiciary.
“The constitution of our country and the doctrine of separation of powers insulate the judiciary, and properly so, properly so, from any form of Governmental influence or control,” he noted, adding that “In fact, I will never attempt, never attempt, to influence any judicial or Magisterial outcome in any proceedings in the legal system of our country. Never. And I have no authority to do so.”
Teens on robbery charge granted bail
Two teenagers were arraigned on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a joint charge of robbery committed at Mc Doom,Greater Genrgetown.
Nineteen-year-old Jason Titus and Judah Jordan appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, and both pleaded not guilty to the allegation.
The court heard that on November 30, the duo, while acting together, allegedly robbed Dwayne Barton of $434,329. Prosecutors stated that the teens escaped the scene on a motorcycle.
Titus was represented by attorney-at-law Stacy Goodings, who in a bail application told the court that her client is a student of Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) and resides in Alberttown, Georgetown. She added that Titus’ mother, who lives at Goedverwagting on the East Coast Demerara, was prepared to ensure he attends all future hearings. Goodings further told the
court that Titus does not possess a passport and “strongly denies” the allegations.
Jordan, who was unrepresented, told the court that he is employed as a pump attendant and lives in Charlestown, Georgetown.
The Police prosecutor objected to bail, citing the increasing prevalence of robbery cases during the holiday period. He also submitted that Jordan allegedly recruited Titus for the crime and that a significant sum of money was found in Jordan’s possession when the two were apprehended. The prosecutor further noted that video footage of the incident had been obtained.
After considering the submissions and the ages of the defendants, Magistrate McGusty granted $200,000 bail each. They were also ordered to report to the Agricola Police Outpost every Friday between 16:00h and 17:00h until the completion of the matter.
The case was adjourned to January 14.
Why… …husbands?
Our opposition politicians – being Guyanese – have clearly gone into Christmas mode and started sampling their Black Cake to ensure it has been aged with the requisite amount of white rum!! What else could have prompted Sanction Man – who describes himself as the “Presumptive LOO”!! – to remind the Caricom Secretary General she’s not ensuring that Speaker Manzoor Nadir returns from foreign and ensuring his instalment!! In his letter to the SG, he reminded the good lady that Guyana – for which he speaks!! – “has hosted the Caricom Secretariat and given you a place to call home for now nearly five years”!!
Obviously on a “high” from imbibing too much of his well-preserved Black Cake, Sanction Man neglected to identify the source of the SG’s authority to comply with his bidding!! He clearly either doesn’t know that the SG can only implement decisions of the Caricom Heads of Government (Caricom HOGS) and can’t even lift a finger on her own – or he just wants to keep stamping his feet as all rich kids are wont to do when they don’t get their own way!!!!
So in lieu of political commentary, in this Christmas he passes on this compilation of things husbands are good for – even in this age of overthrowing the patriarchy!! They come in handy in
“Explaining things that are far too complicated for women to understand: An essential service provided by all husbands; Ordering a dessert when you say you're not hungry and letting you eat most of it: He knew you wanted it even though you said you didn't.
“Ruthlessly but expertly executing any spiders that dare to frighten you: He's a cold-blooded killing machine. As long as the spider doesn't get on him; Serving as an in-bed warmer for your ice-cold toes. Whether he wants to or not; Any obscure task you need done while he's working from home: It's not like he has other things he needs to do; Briefly holding your purse while you go tinkle: It's better than handing it to a stranger; Describing the full plot of a movie so you don't have to pay attention: Feel free to scroll on your phone until the final scene, then have him give you the full synopsis.
“Purchasing your feminine products for you so you don't have to feel awkward at the grocery store: Send him late at night so every employee in the store can watch him; Doing most of the work on the home improvement project you impulsively started: Just a quick 80 man-hours of work; Suggesting places to eat so you can make a face and shake your head "no": You know what you really want, but let him try to figure it out.
Relatable??
…stay??
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has gone on the record to condemn Trump for suggesting she be deported to her native Somalia, arguing that she has every right to stay in the horrible country she hates!! Following a viral Thanksgiving tweet by President Trump blasting Ilhan Omar for hating on America, the congresswoman hit back at Trump by airing her grievances in the most derogatory way possible: on CNN.
"I have every right to be in this terrible, evil, disgusting country," Omar told reporters. "No, I'm talking about America, not Somalia. Why would I say that about Somalia? That place is great." CNN anchor Anderson Cooper praised the Minnesota congresswoman for her candour but asked why she bothers staying if she hates America so much. Omar then accused Cooper of being racist for even asking such a question.
"I have the right to stay anywhere I want, even somewhere I hate with every fibre of my being”!!
Reminds you of some of our Opposition politicians who see nothing good in Guyana, eh??
…listen?
The Pope just warned Trump against invading Venezuela. Your Eyewitness is reminded of Stalin’s question to Roosevelt when the latter suggested including the Pope in post-war talks. Stalin asked, “And how many divisions does the Pope have??”
Some of the individuals facing charges in relation to electoral fraud. Top row, from left – Volda Lawrence, Keith Lowenfield, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller. Bottom row, from left –Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Clairmont Mingo, and Carol Smith-Joseph
Jason Titus and Judah Jordan
Key evidence from fatal gas station bombing sent to India for forensic testing – court hears
…as terror suspects return to court, further remanded
Two pieces of evidence recovered from the scene of the deadly Mobil Gas Station explosion on Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, have been shipped to India for advanced forensic testing, the court heard on Wednesday, as four of the main defendants in the terrorism case reappeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Police Prosecutor Mandel Moore on Wednesday told acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty that investigators uncovered several items while combing the Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, blast site in the days following the attack. He said two of those items were deemed significant enough to warrant overseas scientific analysis, and the prosecution is now awaiting the results. The matter was adjourned to December 16, when the findings are expected to be formally disclosed.
Appearing virtually were 33-year-old Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, the suspected architect of the bombing; 44-year-old Alexander Bettencourt; 27-year-old taxi driver Johnny Boodram; and 33-year-old Krystal LaCruz. Attorney Nigel Hughes represented LaCruz during the proceedings, while other counsel appeared for the remaining accused.
The four are charged with terrorism arising from the October 26 explosion, which killed six-year-old Soraya Bourne and injured several others. The child had been sitting inside a vehicle at the gas pumps when the device detonated, causing havoc across central Georgetown.
Investigators stated that Poedemo illegally entered Guyana early on the morning of the attack, coordinated the plot, and led the movements of the group throughout the day. According to Police, Poedemo and his accomplices conducted surveillance at the gas station between 11:00h and noon before returning later in the afternoon. Poedemo is said to have attempted to hide an explosive device in a garbage bin near the fuel pumps, but after being stopped by an attendant, he placed it elsewhere on the compound and fled moments before the blast.
His arrest later that evening in Vergenoegen, Region Three, resulted in the seizure of CCTV footage and digital evidence, including photographs of the explosive device and clothing allegedly worn during the attack.
The prosecution is contending that Bettencourt crossed into Guyana with Poedemo and assisted with elements of the plan. They further allege that Boodram transported some of the
driver, is accused of helping coordinate the team’s movements.
While the four primary defendants remain on remand, three other individuals charged separately, Wayne Correia, Ramesh Pramdeo, and Jennifer Rodriguez, also recently appeared before the Leonora Magistrates’ Court. Their matter is set to continue on December 17.
According to investigators, Correia contacted Pramdeo to transport LaCruz and another Venezuelan from Parika to a hotel in Meten-Meer-Zorg, paying him with cash believed to be proceeds from raw gold valued at more than $600,000. Rodriguez is accused of assisting the group with communications and logistics ahead of the blast.
suspects to the gas station hours before the explosion
in what is believed to have been a reconnaissance mis-
sion. LaCruz, who frequently hired Boodram as her
Johnny Boodram (Venezuelan)
Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo (Venezuelan)
Wayne Corriea (Guyanese)
Ramesh Pramdeo (Guyanese)
Krystal LaCruz (Guyanese)
Jennifer Rodriguez (Venezuelan)
Alexander Bettancourt (Venezuelan)
Those charged for the terrorist attack
Gun-related charges against “Doggie” withdrawn
…only disorderly behaviour case to proceed on Dec 5
Five of the six criminal charges brought against Bradley “Doggie” Sampson were withdrawn on Wednesday when he appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty, leaving only a disorderly behaviour charge for the court to consider when the matter continues on December 5.
Sampson, 36, was charged in July following a heated confrontation at the Square of the Revolution, an incident that reportedly erupted over payments owed to individuals who had been mobilised for a political march hosted by We Invest in Nationhood (WIN). In the aftermath of the clash, Police laid several allegations against him,
including possession of a firearm without a licence, unlawful carrying of a firearm in a public place, unlawful wounding, threatening behaviour, disorderly behaviour, and the use of obscene language.
He was granted bail on all of the charges, with the firearm-related offences attracting the highest sums. However, when the case was called on Wednesday, the prosecution informed the court that all of the charges except disorderly behaviour would be discontinued due to insufficient evidence.
Sampson had turned himself in in the company of his attorney, Jevon Cox, after Police issued a wanted bulletin. The alleged
victim, Genista Fordyce, had accused Sampson of assaulting her with a firearm during a dispute over underpayment, a portion of which was recorded and widely circulated on social media. The video showed a heated exchange between Sampson and Fordyce in the vicinity of Square of the Revolution, also known as Cuffy Square.
Cox has repeatedly argued that the case against his client was unsupported by the evidence. He told the court that no firearm was ever recovered, either during the incident itself or during any follow-up Police operations. He stressed
that for any object to be classified as a firearm under Guyanese law, ballistic testing must be conducted by a qualified expert, and no such testing was ever carried out.
According to the attorney, the prosecution had been relying almost entirely on viral videos and photographs from social media, which he said were insufficient to establish that Sampson was in possession of a weapon.
Cox also challenged the unlawful wounding allegation, noting that Fordyce had failed to appear in court and that no medical certificate had been tendered to
confirm any injury. He added that Fordyce had reportedly informed Police that she did not wish to proceed with the matter, yet several of the charges were initially pursued regardless.
However, at Wednesday’s proceedings, the prosecutor told the magistrate that they were advised by the Director of Public Prosecution to withdraw all the gun-related charges against Sampson. Some of the other matters were dismissed before. He is expected to return to court on December 5, when the remaining disorderly behaviour charge will come up again for hearing.
Screen shots taken from video of the incident at the Square of the Revolution
Bradley “Doggie” Sampson
Guns, ammo, over $7M in cash found in intelligence-led raids in Region 10
The Guyana Police Force (GPF), operating in Regional Division 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), has launched investigations following the discovery of suspected firearms, ammunition, and cash during two in-
telligence-led operations conducted in Linden and along the Unamco Road, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Reports are that the first operation occurred at about 11:30h on Tuesday, at 77 Miles, Unamco Road. During
the operation, Police ranks conducted a search of several campsites.
In one of these camps, officers discovered a suspected RF-15 rifle with a magazine containing thirty (30) .223 live rounds, which had been
West Ruimveldt man jailed for escaping from lawful custody
AWest Ruimveldt resident was on Wednesday sentenced to six months in prison after being hit with a series of serious charges, including escaping lawful custody, breaking and entering with larceny, and possession of ammunition without a licence.
Glen Cameron appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday, where he was arraigned on four separate charges. He was not required to plead to the breaking and entering allegations.
The first charge alleged that on Friday, November 28, at Lot 309 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Cameron was found in possession of one 12-gauge cartridge without being the holder of a firearm license.
Cameron was further accused of breaking and entering the National Communications Network (NCN) DPI section at Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown between November 8 and November 10, while allegedly acting
in the company of others. During that incident, he reportedly stole one laptop valued at $220,000, property of Shania Persaud; as well as one pair of white AirPods valued at $37,000 and one cologne worth $44,500, property of Ray Carrington.
A separate charge alleged that on November 26, also at Homestretch Avenue, Cameron, again said to be in the company of others, broke into the headquarters of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), which is under construction, and allegedly stole two gas cylinders
and one welding hose valued at $290,000, the property of Peter Ramchandar. Two other persons have also been charged for that break-in.
The final charge, to which Cameron pleaded guilty, stated that on November 28, at the East La Penitence Police Station on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown he escaped from lawful custody while being held for criminal offences.
Cameron told the court that he only left the station because he received a call from his sister and believed the matter had been “finished” after one of the stolen gas cylinders had been returned.
He also claimed that he was suffering from stomach pains. However, the prosecutor informed the court that Cameron admitted to police that after completing his phone call, he jumped through a window at the station to make his escape.
Acting Chief Magistrate McGusty sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment for the escape and denied bail for the outstanding charges. The matters were adjourned to January 14.
hidden inside a hammock.
No persons were present in the area at the time. The recovered firearm and ammunition were subsequent-
ly lodged at the Mackenzie Police Station. A second operation was carried out on Wednesday, at Redwood Crescent,
Mackenzie, Linden. Police searched a house occupied by a 30-year-old businessman residing at the location. During the search of a bedroom in the upper flat, ranks recovered a suspected Glock 19 9mm pistol, a suspected Polymer80 9mm pistol, six magazines, and a total of 56 9mm rounds concealed beneath the bedroom flooring.
Additional searches of the house uncovered $6,915,000 and US$7,445, which had been hidden inside a wardrobe in the bedroom. The 30-year-old businessman was subsequently arrested and remains in Police custody. All recovered firearms, ammunition, and cash were lodged at the Mackenzie Police Station.
Police have stated that both operations were intelligence-led.
Jailed: Glen Cameron
The guns, ammo, and cash that were found during the operations
Govt to integrate 5000 PLWDs into the workforce – Pres Ali
President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that “we want 5000 Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) to be incorporated in the workforce.”
The President made the announcement during his feature address at the Guyana Tourism Authority’s Awards and Gala 2025 on Tuesday evening.
“…and we’re going to make it happen,” the Head of State assured, as he recognised the progress already being made by the Office of the First Lady.
“I want to recognise the work of the First Lady. Amazing work throughout this country; top-notch work,” he said, as he referenced her intervention in getting seven utility companies to each hire a PWD to represent their organisation
will begin offering a full suite of services to residents of Region Six by January 2026, a statement from the First Lady’s Office had noted. In addition to the 90 persons who are already employed at the facility, the seven companies have committed to hiring at least one person with a disability to manage their kiosk, it further noted.
“For years, we have been urging corporate Guyana to make inclusion a lived reality. This partnership shows what is possible when we work together for the good of all our people. The Centre was created to empower persons with disabilities, and today’s collaboration with these seven companies brings us even closer to that vision,” First Lady Arya Ali had expressed.
Just a few days ago, the
In its manifesto, the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has said it will develop and implement an updated Special Education Needs (SEN) policy aimed at ensuring that children with disabilities have an opportunity to acquire meaningful education.
Additionally, the PPP/C said it will increase the integration of children with disabilities into mainstream schools as well as establish SEN facilities in every region.
Furthermore, the party said it will increase the availability of durable mobility and other assistive aids, including electronic assistive aids, to persons with disabilities, ensuring greater independence.
The party will also create targeted job opportunities for PWDs, including
at the Centre for Equity, Opportunity and Innovation at Palmyra, Berbice.
“They brought the private sector together, invested in a special building for persons living with disability and had the private sec-
Government announced that a state-of-the-art farming facility designed for PWDs will be established as part of the national push to make the agriculture sector more accessible and inclu-
through collaboration with the private sector and with the construction of more business centres for PWDs. Moreover, the PPP/C will promote improved access to public buildings and pub-
tor agree to employ one person each in that building,” President Ali remarked.
The Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), ENet, One Communications, MMG, MoneyGram, and Western Union have all begun establishing service kiosks inside the Center and
sive.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had emphasised that the facility is not a welfare initiative but a long-term empowerment strategy, noting that too many persons living with disabilities are skilled but unable to find meaningful work.
lic services for PWDs and provide special support to PWDs for access to house lots and housing solutions.
President Ali on Wednesday announced a one-off grant of $50,000 to be paid to PWDs before the end of the year; this measure will benefit some 27,000 persons.
President Dr Irfaan Ali; First Lady Arya Ali and Head of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), Ganesh Singh, on Wednesday
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025|
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) officially ushered in the festive season with its annual Christmas in Eve Leary Tree Light-Up and Concert, where a decorated Christmas tree was illuminated by a young helper from the Juliet Griffith Daycare Centre. The event featured performances by the Police Steel Band, GPF artistes, and guest performer Carlvin Burnette, as senior and junior ranks, their families, and special invitees gathered to celebrate community spirit and promote holiday safety (GPF photos)
Railway Courtyard opens as historic, family-friendly hub in Georgetown
President Dr Irfaan Ali, alongside Prime Minister Mark Phillips and First Lady Arya Ali, officially declared open the Railway Courtyard at Lamaha and High Streets, Georgetown, on Wednesday as a new public space that reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to revitalising Georgetown and creating safe, vibrant areas where families, small businesses, and communities can gather.
Speaking at the opening, President Ali highlighted the historical significance of the courtyard. “The Railway Courtyard has deep connections with the people of Guyana, reflecting both the growth and the challenges of our nation. This project took nearly three years of research, including the examination of over 80,000 words in the British Archives,” he said. He explained that in the coming days and weeks, the courtyard will be trans-
formed into a historic walk. “As you walk through the courtyard all the way to Cher Street, you will experience pre-independence his-
tory on one side of the walkway, presented through stories and pictures. On the other side, we will showcase post-independence history.
Visitors will also see busts of all former presidents along the path,” he said. In addition to its historical features, Ali highlight-
ed sections of the courtyard dedicated to health and wellness, including outdoor gym equipment. “The space is designed with families, chil-
dren, and women in mind, providing a safe and accessible environment,” he added. Ali also noted the courtyard’s role in promoting tourism. “As we develop the tourism sector and expand the cruise market, this will be one of the main walking areas in the city, alongside the seawall. Visitors can walk through the street from the National Library, along Avenue of the Republic, down South Road, and into the Botanical Gardens,” he said.
He emphasised ongoing improvements in partnership with the King’s Foundation. “We will enhance the entire walkway, improve all drainage canals by reinforcing them with concrete, and highlight the historical context of Georgetown. This project promotes cultural vibrancy, celebrates commerce, and brings together our cuisine. Georgetown is truly a fusion of all the people of our country,” he said.
ERC continues 2025 Christmas toy distribution
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) continued its 2025 Christmas Toy Distribution on December 2, reaching children in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) as part of its annual effort to promote goodwill and unity during the holiday season. The initiative, which began on December 1, saw ERC Commissioners and staff visiting several schools to distribute toys and engage with pupils and teachers. Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack led
Toy drive distribution in Regions One, Five and Six
the outreach, accompanied by Commissioners Chandrowtie Sarran, Deon Dick (Ras Khafra), Pandit Krishn Sharma, Reverend Rodwell Porter, CEO Gomin Camacho and ERC staff.
On Tuesday, the team travelled to Region One (Barima–Waini), meeting
students and teachers at Wauna Nursery and Primary Schools. Earlier stops included Hopetown and Bushlot Nursery Schools in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), as well as Leeds Nursery and Primary and No. 48 Primary School in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
The ERC said the distribution exercise aligns with its mandate to promote ethnic harmony and foster positive relations among Guyanese. By engaging students during the Christmas season, the Commission aims to reinforce values of sharing and unity.
According to the Commission, the toy distribution is intended to reach children across the country, including communities beyond the coastland. Additional distribution exercises are planned for the coming days as the ERC continues its holiday outreach.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, First Lady Arya Ali, and Prime Minister Mark Phillips, along with Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and other members of the Cabinet and other officials, walking along the Railway Courtyard at Lamaha and High Streets, Georgetown, on Wednesday
incentives
…as youth proposal team launched to boost tourism development
President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday evening issued a sharp call to Guyana’s tourism sector, revealing that less than 10 per cent of available tourism investment incentives have been accessed, a signal, he said, of a deeper readiness gap that threatens the country’s push toward global competitiveness.
lobbying for incentives that remain unused.
He underscored that proposal development is not optional, warning that a winning tourism economy will only exist when operators view themselves as investable brands, with structured financial models and regulatory alignment.
With this in mind, the Guyanese leader announced plans to directly support young talent to help bridge the gap between ideas and investment-readiness.
Addressing industry leaders at the Guyana Tourism Authority’s Tourism Awards and Gala 2025 held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, President Ali moved beyond celebration to confrontation – calling for better-built proposals, strategic partnerships and stronger investor positioning, while announcing new state-backed support, including a youth-driven proposal-writing team to help businesses unlock incentives, form consortia and scale for international investment.
The Guyanese leader pointed out that business leaders often push for policy changes without first recognising or tapping into the incentives already laid out by the Government.
“THAG (Tourism and
Hospitality Association of Guyana) spoke about more incentives that the sector needs, and I'm here to tell you that the sector is not making use of 10 per cent of the incentive that is available to the sector. As I speak to you tonight, there is absolutely not one outstanding investment application at Guyana Office of Investment…The question is, how are we preparing our business models to get the investments, the opportunities that are there, the incentive? Are we even writing up a proposal? And my brother from Wilderness will tell you that for years, you had persons who want to be in this sector and don't even want to put up a proposal, don't even want to invest to put a proposal together. And that is the role of TAG, the hand-holding role. Because if the problem is people are not making use of what is in the system, then what are we fighting for?” Ali said.
President Ali noted that the role of tourism advocacy bodies must evolve, and they must find new ways to support operators in building investment-ready business plans instead of primarily
“And I want to position to you tonight that I'm going to hire four young persons, and I'm going to challenge you to go to them with your ideas, let them help you write your business plan up, your investment plan, take it to go invest, get registered as a company, get registered with your TIN number, get registered under the regulations, and let us take it forward. There is absolutely no backdoor approach… More incentives is going to come. But there is so much that is there that is not utilized. Baganar will tell you. They went through the learning curve. Wanderlust can tell you. It's how you classify your investment. Classification, simple things like classification of your investment, understanding the rules, how the rules apply, understanding the product that you're promoting,” he explained.
The President emphasised that Government investment in tourism infrastructure is no longer aspirational but active, expansive, and disruptive, tied to national connectivity and multi-sector trade capacity.
According to the President, key tourism-aligned national projects
Minibus driver charged after fatal ECD hit and run gets $250,000 bail
Aminibus driver accused of causing the death of a man in a hit-and-run accident was on Wednesday granted $250,000 bail when he appeared at the Cove and John Magistrates’ Courts.
Ganesh Racktoo, who pleaded not guilty to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving, appeared before Magistrate Orinthia Schmidt. The matter was adjourned to January 28, 2026, and Racktoo was ordered to report to Police as part of his bail conditions.
The charge stems from an accident that occurred on October 25, 2025, on the Enmore Access Road, East Coast Demerara, which
Charged: Ganesh Racktoo
resulted in the death of 43-year-old Charran Suresh, a resident of Newtown, Enmore, East Coast Demerara. It is alleged that Suresh was standing at the side of the road when he was
struck by a minibus driven by Racktoo, who failed to stop after the collision, fleeing the scene.
Emergency medical technicians arrived at the scene and found Suresh unconscious. He was rushed to the Enmore Regional Hospital for emergency treatment and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Suresh succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention.
Racktoo had been wanted by Police for several weeks following the incident. Less than a week ago, Police confirmed that Racktoo had been arrested, ending his time on the run.
include more than 15 hotels completed or under construction. Two new regional airports along with the expansion of CJIA Terminal 2. Thirty-two hinterland airstrips are scheduled for upgrades. A new cultural market at Palmyra. Major waterfront developments, including a marina. A new national museum, an art gallery, and upgrades to the zoo and botanical gardens. Four new ferries designed with tourism integration in mind.
port project. Major road and infrastructure corridors linking Guyana to Brazil.
Despite incentive usage lagging, President Ali pointed to clear evidence that Guyana is already delivering measurable tourism results and growing international visibility.
“We’re competing with the world,” he said. “And we already submitted a formal bid for a major global event in 2030. We’re going big. If we want to create a destination, we must fight for it.” Less than 10% of
The Corentyne River Bridge, the New Berbice River Bridge, and the deep-water
He cited an 18 per cent increase in visitor arrivals between January and July 2025. He also referenced the global tourism economy, noting that 1.4 billion tourists travelled in 2024, driving massive consumer spending and employment.
Guyana’s tourism positioning saw further elevation with a bronze-level award secured at the Japan Tourism Exhibition. The country has also earned at least five international tourism awards in the last five years and recently claimed a Bronze Award at the Japan Tourism Exhibition, reinforcing international recognition.
President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the gathering at Guyana Tourism Authority’s Tourism Awards and Gala 2025
Attendees gather at the Guyana Tourism Authority’s 2025 Tourism Awards and Gala
GDF, Brazilian army begin high-level security exchange
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Wednesday welcomed senior representatives of the Brazilian Army for the opening of the 28th Regional Meeting of Military Exchange, reaffirming the two nations’ longstanding partnership in defence and security cooperation.
In a social media post, the GDF said that the three-day engagement, being held at the World Trade Centre Georgetown, underscores Guyana’s continued commitment to strengthening regional security frameworks and deepening military-to-military collaboration with its southern neighbour.
This year’s exchange is being chaired by Guyana, with the GDF delega-
tion led by Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Shepherd, Commander of the Third Infantry Battalion. The Brazilian contingent is headed by Brigadier General Roberto Pereira Angrizani, Commander of the First Jungle Infantry Brigade based in Boa Vista. According to the GDF, the annual meeting, hosted alternately between the two countries, remains a pivotal mechanism for advancing bilateral defence relations. It facilitates joint planning, enhances border security coordination, and supports the continued development of operational interoperability between the GDF and the Brazilian Army.
Declaring the meeting open, Chief of Defence Staff (acting), Colonel Kenlloyd
Roberts, MSM, urged both teams to adopt a focused and results-driven posture during their deliberations.
He emphasised that the outcomes must be practical, measurable, and directly supportive of strengthening readiness and effectiveness across shared areas of responsibility.
Brigadier General Angrizani, in his remarks, commended the successes of recent joint initiatives along the Guyana–Brazil frontier. He highlighted the tangible impact of coordinated patrols in combating transnational crime, illegal min-
Over 20 tourism-focused businesses and professionals were honoured on Tuesday night as the Government pushed for deeper investment and stronger sector participation, during the Guyana Tourism Awards and Gala 2025, hosted at the Marriott Hotel under the theme "Jewels of the Night".
Tourism operators, conservation leaders, hospitality innovators, and youth entrepreneurs from across the country filled the ballroom as top officials spotlighted their contributions to economic expansion, job creation, and global tourism positioning.
The award segment of the night showcased excellence across nature-based
tourism, dining, tour services, infrastructure partnerships, and national guide accreditation.
Youth talent dominated areas such as the Emerging Guide category, while community-focused conservation organisations earned recognition for long-term environmental and economic contribution.
Top category winners included best emerging tour guide Christopher Persaud, best new product/experience of the year Waia Green Escapes, best in dining Nikkei Guyana, and best tours for the Jonestown Memorial Tour by Wilderness Explorers.
ing, and illicit gold smuggling. These operations, he noted, have not only reduced cross-border threats but also enhanced safety for remote hinterland communities. Reiterating Brazil’s commitment to the partnership, he underscored the interconnected nature of regional security and the importance of sustained cooperation.
The meeting concludes today, when both delegations will evaluate ongoing projects, discuss emerging challenges, and outline new opportunities for expanded collaboration.
Over 20 tourism businesses honoured for exceptional economic contributions
Conservation pow- erhouses including the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS), Caiman House Inc., and the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) earned major nods for shaping sustainable tourism pathways.
Interior lodging excellence was highlighted with awards to Baganara Island Resort and Mainstay/ Whyaka Village for Coastal Community-Led Tourism.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, laid out an ambitious and sharply focused agenda for 2026, signaling that government interventions will become even more aggressive and development-led.
“We recognize businesses that raise the standard of hospitality, tour operators who design fresh experiences, guides who carried our culture with dignity, and communities that open their doors with confidence. Every award presented this evening honors dedication, creativity, and careful attention to the visitor experience… As such, our approach to 2026 will
be even more aggressive, focusing on areas that have shown the greatest potential for expansion and longterm impact. We will intensify capacity building across all regions so that quality and professionalism are present in every tourism destination. The Tourism and Hospitality Training Institute will move from construction to full operational readiness, increasing the number of trained workers who can meet the demands of a rapidly growing sector. Regional tourism desks and information centers will be strengthened, and we will work closely with local leaders so that standards are clearly understood and consistently maintained. We will advance product development with greater urgency,” the Minister announced.
The Minister also signaled government’s commitment to expanding community tourism, noting that the move is a serious economic pathway capable of creating employment, strengthening local pride, and adding new products to our national portfolio.
“Community engagement will continue to guide our decisions…Those con-
versations informed our approach to tourism circuit development and to technical assistance for community-based enterprises. We will expand training for guides, strengthen market access for craft producers, and support infrastructure improvements that enhance accessibility without compromising the site's integrity. I saw up close what is possible when a community decides to present itself to the world on its own terms, with support from the government, through various grants, including presidential grants and proceeds from the Low Carbon Development Strategy. We will intensify technical assistance, business support, and marketing guidance for villages and entrepreneurs who are ready to take similar steps,” she added.
The Guyana Tourism Awards and Gala 2025 closed the curtain on the Ministry’s Tourism Month observance.
This year’s Tourism Awareness Month’s theme, “Tourism: A Transformational Pillar of Guyana’s Economy”, she noted, reflects the rapid transformation taking place in the industry.
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues
Representatives of some of the 20 tourism-focused businesses and professionals which were honoured on Tuesday night
Some of the delegates of the 28th Regional Meeting of Military Exchange (GDF photo)
Single mom who defied odds among 469 set to graduate from IDCE
Afiana Lesperance, a single mother whose childhood was marked by hardship and discouragement, is among the 469 students set to graduate from the University of Guyana’s Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) on Friday, December 5.
Afiana’s story mirrors that of many IDCE graduands who seized a vital second chance to transform their lives. Completing the Certificate Programme in Industrial Relations and Management has unlocked new possibilities for her, including the opportunity to pursue a degree at the University of Guyana.
Her path was far from
Afiana Lesperance
Man charged for causing death of 11-year-old
Budendra Singh, a 32-year-old motor lorry driver of Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), has been charged in connection with the death of 11-year-old Kimberly Singh in a road accident on September 7, 2025.
The allegation is that Singh drove a motor vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing
the death of the child, contrary to Section 35(1) of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02.
Singh appeared at the Cove and John Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Orinthia Schmidt, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of GY$250,000.
The matter was adjourned to January 28, 2026.
easy. As the eldest of seven children raised by a single mother, Afiana confronted low expectations and harsh judgements from teachers and neighbours.
“They would say hurtful things like, ‘Nothing good will come from you’. Those words could have destroyed me, but instead, they fuelled my determination,” she recalled.
Afiana credits her son as her greatest source of strength and motivation. “Everything I pushed through, I did for him. He has been my greatest motivation,” she shared.
The turning point came at work when she was denied a job opportunity solely because she lacked the required qualifications.
“Those words of denial cut deeper than a knife,” she said. Rather than accept defeat, Afiana reached out to the University of Guyana and learnt that “It’s never too late for anything.” Encouraged, she enrolled in the Industrial Relations and Management programme at IDCE. Balancing studies, fulltime employment, and par-
enting required immense discipline and sacrifice.
“My journey was challenging but extremely rewarding. There were many late nights, moments of doubt, and times when I felt overwhelmed. But I persevered because I wanted a better life for my son and myself,” she explained.
Through hard work and perseverance, Afiana now serves as the human resource manager at Professional Guard Services – a position she once thought unattainable.
“Graduating means everything to me. It is proof that my past does not define my future. It represents growth, independence, and breaking generational barriers,” she said.
Afiana relied on the support of her son and siblings, who encouraged her when times were tough, and she expressed gratitude for the lecturers and staff at IDCE. Above all, she credits her faith: “I thank God for the courage, strength, wisdom, and understanding that He has blessed me with. Without God, none of this would be
possible,” she said.
Having overcome obstacles that many would consider insurmountable, Afiana hopes her story inspires others. “Do not give up on yourself. Your situation is not your destination. You can achieve anything once you believe you deserve better,” she urged.
With her IDCE journey complete, Afiana plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the University of Guyana, furthering her qualifications in human resources and management.
The University of Guyana’s Institute of Distance and Continuing Education will host its Convocation on Friday, December 5th, at 13:00 hrs at the University’s Turkeyen Campus. The public is invited to view the ceremony live on the university’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/uniofguyana (Feature by the Department of Events, Conferences and Communication (DECC), Office of the ViceChancellor, University of Guyana)
Budendra Singh
“Tobago is not supporting war” – Farley upset about “outsiders” making decisions K
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says he does not support “outsiders” making decisions for Tobago and believes the island must have a greater say in matters that affect it.
He has also made it clear that he wants a seat on the National Security Council (NSC) and has pledged that the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) will push for Tobago to have a voice on national defence and international relations if re-elected on January 12.
Speaking at a TPP rally in Scarborough on Monday evening, where he not only unveiled his full slate of candidates but also announced the election date, Augustine admitted he is not comfortable with the current arrangement as it pertains to Tobago being left out of discussions on national security and international relations.
Augustine was initial-
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine addresses supporters at the TPP’s rally
ly left out of the loop when the US military installed a radar at the ANR Robinson International Airport in Crown Point.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has stated that the radar was requested as a temporary measure to replace an existing inefficient system and is intended for real-time monitoring and surveillance of air and sea territory to combat drug
Family of man slain
trafficking, arms smuggling and human trafficking.
Persad-Bissessar said the Chief Secretary was intentionally not informed because he is not a member of the NSC. But after requesting further information from the Cabinet, Augustine had a meeting with Attorney General John Jeremie and Defence Minister Wayne Sturge. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
in US boat strike
in Caribbean lodges complaint
The family of a Colombian man killed in a US military strike on an alleged drug smuggling vessel in the Caribbean Sea has filed a complaint with an intergovernmental agency charged with monitoring human rights.
The complaint, reported by the AFP news agency on Wednesday, was submitted to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) a day prior.
It accuses the US of violating Alejandro Carranza’s rights to life and due process when it bombed a boat on September 15 as part of President Donald Trump’s anti-drug campaign.
Carranza’s family maintains he was on that vessel and was killed in the explosion.
“We know that Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of Defence, was responsible for ordering the bombing of boats like those of Alejandro Carranza Medina and the murder of all those on such boats,” the complaint said.
It said Hegseth gave the orders to strike “despite the fact that he did not know the identity of those being targeted for these bombings and extrajudicial killings”.
Carranza’s family has described him as a fisherman and denied that his boat was carrying drugs when it was struck by the
US military.
The complaint added that Trump himself “has ratified the conduct of Secretary Hegseth”.
Carranza’s case has become a flashpoint in his native Colombia, galvanising opposition against the US bombing campaign.
More than 83 have been killed in the 21 known military strikes the US has conducted on alleged drug smuggling vessels since September 2.
Even Colombian President Gustavo Petro has cited the case in public statements denouncing the bombings as extrajudicial killings. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
US Defence Secretary says he did not see survivors before followup strike on alleged drug boat
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said he "did not personally see survivors" before a deadly follow-up strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean.
An initial strike reportedly left two survivors clinging to the burning vessel before a second strike was allegedly ordered that left them dead.
The September 2 strike has prompted concerns that US forces may have violated laws governing armed conflict.
During a cabinet meeting
at the White House, Hegseth attributed the strike to the "fog of war" in a chaotic situation. The White House has said that a top US Navy admiral, Frank Bradley, authorised the second strike.
The Washington Post first reported details about the second strike, which has led to concern from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
In response to a reporter's question during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Hegseth said that he watched the first strike "live" but quickly moved on
to another meeting.
"I did not personally see survivors," Hegseth said of the first strike. "That thing was on fire, and it exploded... you can't see anything. This is called the fog of war."
More than 80 have been killed in a wave of similar strikes across the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific since early September.
The Trump Administration has repeatedly defended the strikes as a necessary self-defence measure to save American lives from illicit drugs.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
Jamaican makes Forbes 30 under 30 Finance list
ristofer Madu, who has Jamaican and Nigerian heritage, has been named on the Forbes 30 under 30 list for Finance.
At 25 years old, he is a private equity investor and, according to Forbes, focuses on technology as well as media and entertainment investments at TPG Investments.
The youngster, who was born in the US to a Jamaican mother, Dr Dainia Baugh, and Nigerian father, Professor Ernest Madu, spent much of his childhood in Jamaica when his family moved back to the country.
This year, Madu was involved in a US$7.6 billion acquisition of DirecTV from AT&T at TPG.
He previously served as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley’s M&A Group, where he is credited with contrib-
uting to deals including Ozempic’s US$17 billion acquisition of Catalent and a US$10 billion acquisition of Immunogen by AbbVie, Forbes says.
Aside from releasing music and touring as a rapper, Madu also founded a non-profit called “When We Grow Up”.
The organisation says it aims “to provide underserved youth with direct access and early exposure to high-impact, high-paying career paths – like finance, technology, medicine, law, and more.”
Madu was featured along with founders and other investment bankers in the elite group of 30, picked out by 30 Under 30 alumni. (Jamaica Observer)
Centrist Nasralla leads tight Honduras election as fraud claims linger
Salvador Nasralla, of the centrist Liberal Party, maintained a slim lead in Honduras' Presidential election on Wednesday as counting continued four days after the impoverished Central American country voted in a tightly contested race marred by delays and allegations of fraud.
After 79 per cent of the vote had been counted, Nasralla held 40.34 per cent with conservative National Party candidate Nasry Asfura – who has been strongly backed by the US President Donald Trump –trailing just behind on 39.57 per cent.
The two frontrunners were separated by 19,396 votes. Rixi Moncada, of the ruling leftist LIBRE Party, was well behind in third place with 19.01 per cent.
Election observers from the EU and the Organization of American States, as well as Honduras' electoral authority, have called for calm and patience as the final
votes are counted. But the delay and the razor-thin margin have added to tension around the election.
The initial rapid count system had been beset by issues, the electoral authority later said in a statement on Tuesday. Related problems with the web portal, where results were meant to be updated in real time, also added to mounting frustration and concern around the
management of the count. When the vote count was updated on Tuesday, Nasralla had swung narrowly in front. The pause in updating the results led Trump to allege possible fraud, without providing evidence, saying on social media that Honduras was "trying to change the results of their Presidential election."
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Venezuela says US requested resumption of migrant flights
US-operated flights returning deported migrants to Venezuela will continue despite President Trump's assertion that the airspace of the South American country should be considered closed.
The Government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Tuesday announced that the twice-weekly flights will go on following a request from the Trump Administration. That reverses a Venezuelan Government Saturday announcement indicating that US immigration au-
thorities had unilaterally suspended the flights.
An overflight and landing application submitted Monday by US-based Eastern Airlines requests permission for an arrival Wednesday. The agreement authorises flights on a Boeing 777-200 from Phoenix, Arizona, to land at Maiquetía International Airport, the Venezuelan Government said. The application was made public Tuesday by Venezuela's Foreign Affairs Minister. Venezuelans have been steadily deported to their home country this year after Maduro, under pressure
from the White House, did away with his long-standing policy of not accepting deportees from the US Maduro has since framed their return as a triumph, saying Venezuelans are being repatriated from harsh conditions in US detention. Immigrants arrive regularly at the airport outside the capital, Caracas, on flights operated by a US Government contractor or Venezuela's state-owned airline. More than 13,000 immigrants have returned so far this year on the chartered flights, the latest of which arrived Friday.
(Excerpt from CBS News)
Presidential candidate Salvador Nasralla of Honduras' Liberal Party (PLH) gestures during a press conference amid reports of a tied vote count
Kristofer Madu listed on Forbes 30 under 30
Around the World OIL NEWS
Stop wasting the world's time, Ukraine tells Putin after US talks in Moscow
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii
Oil settles slightly higher as Moscow peace talks fail to reach breakthrough
Oil prices settled higher on Wednesday after the United States and Russia failed to reach a deal to end the war in Ukraine that could have eased sanctions on Moscow's oil sector, though gains were held back by fears of oversupply.
Brent crude closed 22 cents, or 0.4 per cent, higher at US$62.67, while US West Texas Intermediate rose 31 cents, or 0.5 per cent, to US$58.95. Both contracts fell more than one per cent in the previous session.
US crude, gasoline and distillate stocks rose last week, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday, adding to fears of an oversupply.
Crude inventories rose by 574,000 barrels in the week ended November 28, the EIA said, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for an 821,000-barrel draw.
Gasoline stocks rose by 4.52 million barrels, far exceeding analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 1.5 million-barrel build. Distillate stockpiles, which include diesel and heating oil, rose by 2.1 million barrels, which also surpassed expectations for a 0.7 million-barrel rise. The data was delayed and did not publish at 10:30h ET (15:30 GMT) as expected, with the agency citing technical difficulties.
"Overall global supply still remains pretty ample. The market is adjusting itself, as the Ukraine-Russian peace agreement is going to be delayed," said Dennis Kissler, senior Vice President of trading at BOK Financial. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Bomb kills 3 Pakistani Police Officers close to Afghan border
Aroadside bomb has killed three Pakistani Police Officers near the Afghan border, officials say.
The blast on Wednesday, in which two other officers were wounded, occurred in the country’s restive northwest region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The continuing cycle of violence in the area has recently sent tension spiralling between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Initial reports suggested the cause was an “improvised explosive device”, Ali Hamza, a Police official in the nearby city of Dera Ismail Khan, told the AFP news agency.
No group has claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack, but Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has been quick to blame the Pakistan Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has
long carried out attacks in the province.
Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of providing the TTP with a safe haven since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
The Taliban denies that its territory is used by the group.
As news of Wednesday’s attack came, the Reuters news agency reported that Kabul and Islamabad had held new peace talks in Saudi Arabia.
The parties reportedly agreed to maintain the ceasefire, with one Afghan official suggesting that Kabul is open to further meetings in pursuit of a positive outcome.
The two sides signed a ceasefire in Doha in October, but a second round of negotiations in Istanbul last month ended without any long-term deal being reached. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Sybiha has accused Vladimir Putin of "wasting the world's time", a day after high-stakes talks between the United States and Russia over ending the war in Ukraine failed to produce tangible results.
"Russia must end the bloodshed it has started. If this doesn't happen and Putin just spits into the world's face once again, there must be consequences," Sybiha said.
Still, Sybiha added that the US delegation had told his colleagues that the talks had been of "positive significance for the peace process" and they had invited Ukrainian officials to continue talks in the US in the near future.
President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner spent almost five hours with Putin
at the Kremlin on Tuesday, and the White House said on Wednesday they had briefed Trump after a "thorough, productive meeting".
The US-Russia talks followed days of US meetings with Ukrainian and European leaders, after concerns had been expressed that a deal was being hatched that was too slanted towards Russia's demands.
Little concrete headway appears to have been made during the Kremlin talks in reconciling Moscow and Kyiv's positions.
Putin's senior policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said "no compromise" on ending the war had been found. "Some of the US proposals look more or less acceptable, though they need to be discussed further," he said, while adding that others had been openly criticised by Russia's leader. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Hong Kong apartment fire toll hits 159; infant among dead
The death toll in Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades hit 159 on Wednesday, with Police revealing that victims included an infant and a 97-yearold as they continued their search for remains in the scorched apartment complex.
Residents forced to flee the only block of the eight not engulfed in flames a week ago returned briefly to their homes to retrieve
belongings, as hundreds of others housed in temporary accommodation struggled to rebuild their lives.
Meanwhile, investigators uncovered more bodies in the ruins, some of which have been found on rooftops and stairwells and others reduced to nothing more than ashes, authorities said.
Of the 159 bodies found, 140 have been identified. They comprise 91 females and 49 males, aged between
one and 97 years.
Foreign domestic helpers from Indonesia and the Philippines are among 31 persons still missing.
"We really want, if there are any bodies left at the scene, to uncover them as soon as possible so that the surviving family can pay a final goodbye," Police Commissioner Chow Yatming told a press conference on Wednesday.
Police have arrested 21
suspects for manslaughter in a probe into the cause of the fire, while Hong Kong's anti-corruption body is also investigating possible graft. Amid calls for transparency and accountability, the city's leader, John Lee, has ordered a judge-led committee to investigate the cause of the deadly fire and review oversight of building renovations blamed for fanning the inferno. (Excerpt from Reuters)
British troops accused of human rights violations, sexual abuse in Kenya
Areport by the Kenyan parliament into the conduct of troops stationed at a British military base close to the town of Nanyuki in Kenya has alleged human rights violations, environmental destruction and sexual abuse by British soldiers.
The inquiry into the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (Batuk) was carried out by Kenya’s departmental committee on defence, intelligence and foreign relations.
It collected testimony at public hearings in Laikipia County and Samburu County and also received oral and written submissions from affected civilians, victims, community leaders, civil society organisations and relevant public agencies.
“Throughout the inquiry, the committee encountered significant institutional resistance and non-cooperation from Batuk, which persistently declined to appear before the committee and in-
stead invoked claims of diplomatic immunity,” the report said.
The inquiry, chaired by the MP Nelson Koech, “uncovered a disturbing trend of sexual misconduct by Batuk personnel, marked by rape, assault and abandonment of children fathered by soldiers”.
“Survivors of sexual violence reported cases being dropped or mishandled by local authorities, with many victims denied access to justice,” the report said.
It added that an internal inquiry by Batuk between 2003 and 2004 into rape allegations “was found to have seized evidence and dismissed most complaints as false, without publishing its findings. These cases were compounded by the absence of any mechanism within either the UK or Kenyan justice systems to hold Batuk soldiers accountable for child support or other consequences of such misconduct.” (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Malaysia says search for MH370 to resume this month
Malaysia's Government said Wednesday that American marine robotics company Ocean Infinity would soon resume the seabed search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, more than a decade after the plane vanished over the Indian Ocean.
MH370, a Boeing 777, disappeared from air-traffic radar 39 minutes after departing from Kuala Lumpur en route to Beijing, China,
on March 8, 2014. The packed passenger jet's disappearance without a trace sparked one of aviation's most baffling mysteries.
Despite years of multinational searches, investigators still do not know exactly what happened to the plane or its 239 passengers and crew.
The Malaysian Government said Wednesday that Ocean Infinity would resume its search from December 30,
about eight months after the last effort was abandoned. Malaysia's transport minister announced in early April that a roughly sixweek search by the US firm was ending, saying it wasn't "the season" for the work at sea. The minister said at the time that efforts would resume around the end of the year.
The pilot's last radio call to Kuala Lumpur – a simple, "Good night, Malaysian Three Seven Zero” – was
the final communication before the plane crossed into Vietnamese airspace. It never checked in with controllers there. Herculean search efforts in the southern Indian Ocean, where the jet is believed to have gone down, have thus far turned up virtually nothing. Apart from a few small fragments that washed ashore, no bodies or large wreckage have ever been recovered. (Excerpt from CBS News)
Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Yuri Ushakov took part in almost five hours of talks with the US envoys
You're sitting on a time-sensitive opportunity. If you snooze, you lose. Do your due diligence and take credit where credit is due. Own the spotlight, and make things happen.
Pay attention, and nurture relationships that matter. Address domestic issues, resolve personal problems and devise innovative plans that promote good health and longevity.
Be yourself, display your values and move in a direction that motivates and inspires you to complete your mission. Recognize what you want and how to get it.
SUDOKU
Explore the possibilities and open doors that lead to financial opportunities. Refuse to let insecurity stand between you and your desires. Speak up, get what you want in writing and be the one to make things happen.
You can have fun without going overboard. An adventure, getting back to nature or setting personal goals that excite you will enhance your life and give you something to strive for and look forward to.
Avoid altercations with associates, those you live with and love interests. Take a moment to digest what's happening and figure out who the players are before you engage.
Reach out to someone you miss or want to reunite with. Attend a reunion or take a trip somewhere that motivates you to follow your heart and dreams.
Doing something you love will give you the boost you need to carry on and take care of your responsibilities. A trip to visit a place or person who sparks your imagination will be rejuvenating.
Making a move, clearing space to start a new project or getting back to basics and doing what makes you happy will have a calming effect. Relax and live in the moment.
Share your ideas, and it will lead to advancement. A partnership looks promising, and financial gains are in the stars. Pay attention to detail and changes that are transpiring. Consider how you can utilize what's unfolding to your benefit.
Display your attributes and offer your services. Set your sights on what you want, and don't stop until you are satisfied with the results. Actions speak louder than words; give it your best shot.
Take better care of your physical and emotional well-being. Use intelligence to navigate your way forward. Put your energy where it brings the highest returns.
Kisten slams double century; Caesar hits backto-back centuries in Berbice
Tucber Park open er Kevin Kisten slammed a majestic 260 in the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Anil Lalsa Second Division tourna ment.
Played at Sisters Ground, Kisten and Tomani Caesar's 131 led Tucber Park to a massive score of 480-6 in 30 overs against Flying Stars.
The New Amsterdambased team recorded a 361run win, bowling out Flying Stars for 119 in 16.4 overs.
Tucber Park, after win ning the toss, saw Berbice Under-19 batsman Kevin Kisten score a career-best 260, laced with fourteen boundaries and thirty-one maximums.
Berbice senior bats man Caesar followed up his first-round century with another dominant knock, scoring 131, slam ming eight boundaries and twelve maximums. Bowling for Flying Stars, S Barram grabbed 3-86 from five overs.
In reply, Flying Stars were bundled out for 119 in 16.4 overs. National youth players Micah Amsterdam and Gilbert Griffith Jr were the pick of the bowlers with
TBV futsal fever intensifies
out performances of the night, easing past Ogle Street with a commanding 3–0 victory.
Tyrell Walcott opened the scoring before Mark Glasgow sealed the result with a confident brace, displaying impressive finishing against a struggling Ogle unit.
Mickle clobbered 142 off 55 balls (13 fours and 12 sixes) in their 279run partnership for the third wicket. Berbice
Under-17 batsman
Antonio DePaul was also among the runs, scor-
Bowling for East Bank Blazers, Simon Gafur was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/92 off his sev-
In reply, EBB were bundled out for 80 in 15.3 overs. Bowling for Tucker Park, national Under-15 left-arm spinner Gilbert Griffith Jr took 4-12, Gavin Kisten 2-10, Micah Amsterdam 1-17, and Tremayne
he third Annual BV (Beterverwagting)
Inter-Block Futsal Competition, hosted in collaboration with Team C Promotions and DJ Harry, delivered another evening of high-energy clashes at the Beterverwagting Tarmac, as teams battled for a coveted spot in the semi-finals.
Sideline Football Club produced one of the stand-
Gulf B also booked their place in the final four with a hard-fought 1–0 win over Ogle Street A. Michael Reece was the difference-maker, finding the back of the net in a tight matchup that kept supporters on edge until the final whistle.
In another dramatic encounter, Simeon Moore’s two goals spurred Sideline to a 2–2 draw with BV Police during regulation time. With tensions high and supporters roaring, Sideline eventually held their nerve to ad-
TTruth and Excellence, Sinclair Foundations lead Weekend Walk & Run
he Truth and Excellence Foundation, in partnership with the Kevin Sinclair Foundation, hosted its highly anticipated Walk & Run movement over the weekend – an event rooted in fellowship, community wellness, and the shared commitment to build a stronger, healthier nation.
Held “by the bridge road”, the gathering continued its mission under the theme “Building on a healthier culture one game at a time.” Dozens of participants came out to walk, run, and unite behind a growing movement that emphasises the power of consistent physical activity in shaping not only the body, but also the mind and the community at large.
vance 2–1 in a tense penalty shootout.
With the dust settled, the semi-final picture is now complete. Fans can look forward to two electrifying matchups on December 5, at the same Beterverwagting Tarmac:
Sideline A v Gulf B
BV Police v Sideline B
In the Under-17 division the final will be played between Sideline and Gulf.
Muhammad Ali, founder and President of the Truth and Excellence Foundation, spoke passionately about
the purpose behind the initiative.
“We're here, as we always say, by the bridge road, doing our regular Sunday run and walk, with the simple vision of transforming our nation and changing the culture when it comes to fitness, so that we can impact mental health, suicide, domestic abuse, and all the other symptoms that our nation are being destroyed by. We can tackle them one step at a time.”
This vision – fitness as a tool for social transformation – has become the heartbeat of the Walk & Run movement. According to organisers, the ultimate goal is to strengthen community bonds, raise awareness about social issues, and create a space where individuals feel supported in their journey toward physical and emotional well-being.
The collaboration
with the Kevin Sinclair Foundation further amplifies this mission, uniting two organisations with a shared commitment to empowering individuals through wellness, education, and community support. Their joint efforts highlight the meaningful impact that partnerships can have when addressing challenges such as mental health struggles, domestic abuse, and the ongoing need for safe, positive environments for youth and adults.
It’s a bold step from the Truth and Excellence Foundation and the Kevin Sinclair Foundation to give a positive impact on fitness, mental health, tackling suicide and domestic violence,” cricketer Sinclair shared in brief remarks.
Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to exercise in a group setting, noting that events like these inspire consistency and offer motivation that’s often difficult to sustain alone. Organisers confirmed that the weekend’s turnout reflects a growing interest in health-focused community engagement.
A participant running
Participants walking during the event
Michael Reece
Simeon Moore
Kevin Kisten
ational team
Nencampments in the football fraternity just got a whole lot better as the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Wednesday unveiled two new facilities that will aid the country’s ballers.
At its National Training Center (NTC) on the East Bank of Demerara, a new dormitory was shown off to media operatives, marking a $9.9M investment by the Federation.
There, GFF President Wayne Forde divulged that the dorms will fulfil their goals of increasing players’ contact time.
“Apart from the fact that our players deserve to be in the best possible environment when we are preparing to represent Guyana, we also want to improve and increase the amount of time players are
certainly bode well for the contact goals that we’ve set ourselves,” Forde related to several sport journalists on Wednesday.
In addition to the dorms, a separate self-contained room was also created, for which Forde explained the purpose.
The GFF President clarified, “That room is dedicated for a parent who, once a youth national team comes into camp, we will interview the parent, of course do our due diligence and background, and we will identify a parent who is willing to come and spend some time. Of course, we will compensate them for that time and be a second pair of eyes for the GFF.”
“We want to ensure that when these boys and girls are here, they’re treated fairly, they’re safe, and if there are any challenges on the ground
that the staff is unable to resolve, maybe the parent can bring those challenges to our attention directly and we can
Further, a new state-ofthe-art gym was also opened on Wednesday, carrying equipment geared at improving strength and conditioning. The cost for that facility amounted to some $12.3M.
“This is part of our ongoing investment in raising the standard of our programmes, doing everything we can to give our players the chance to discover their full potential. We obviously have good programmes in place already, but we have to continue to build on those programmes,” Forde shared.
On the other hand, GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph said about the new acquisition, “I think this is another step in the right direction. It’s part of the transformation that we’ve been going through with all our national teams. We have, over the past couple of years, improved our performances at all the youth national levels, but this component was always missing, not just for football. So, this gym gives us the opportunity to design and implement programmes to help with the strength and conditioning of our players. This aids in improving the highperformance environment that we want to create at the NTC.”
The GFF boss also took the time to note that the Federation would be happy to open the doors of their new facilities to other sporting disciplines.
Forde divulged, “I should mention that we will also be happy to accommodate our sister disciplines who might be doing their own encampment and might want to utilise these
facilities. Of course, there might be a small cost associated with it, but we’ll be happy to accommodate them because we do know the costs that go into housing and preparing national teams. So, if there’s anything we can do to help
our sister associations, we’ll be happy to do that.”
The Federation further divulged that parts of the US$190,000 bill went towards items for new offices, as their technical department will now shift from the Campbellville
Secretariat to the NTC.
“It makes all the sense in the world; here is where the coaches will be, where all the programmes will be run, so we want to bring the technical team closer to the action,” Forde said about the development.
Sizzling year-end season anticipated as Super 16 draw completed
The best of the Elite League and the Regional Member Association teams will soon converge on the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) National Training Centre (NTC) at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), for what will be an epic year-end tournament.
The GFF seized the opportunity to conduct the highly anticipated draw for this year’s Super 16 Cup competition at the recently concluded Ordinary Congress 2025.
The split, round-robin format saw this year’s top four Elite League Season Seven finishers, namely Slingerz Football Club (FC), Guyana Police Force FC, Guyana Defence Force FC and Western Tigers FC, being seeded to the quarterfinal round.
The draw commenced by placing those four teams in their respective groups, with Elite League Champions Slingerz FC drawn to Group A, Police FC to Group C, GDF FC to Group D and Western Tigers to Group B.
Thereafter, teams placing 5-8 in the recently concluded league were drawn from a separate pot into their individual groups. The draw resulted in Monedderlust FC proceeding to Group A, Den Amstel to Group B, Santos FC to Group C, and Ann’s Grove to Group D.
Ninth place finisher from the League, Fruta Conquerors FC were grouped with the other seven teams hailing from the Regional Member Associations in the third pot of last Saturday’s draw. Those teams were then drawn to complete the threeteam groups who will be battling for the chance to take on the corresponding Elite League topfour teams in the quarter-finals.
As such, the Rupununi Football Association (FA)’s Strikers FC and the East Coast Demerara FA’s Buxton Stars were drawn to Group A. Georgetown FA’s Beacon FC and West Demerara FA’s Zeelugt Defenders FC found themselves in Group B. Group C was completed by Georgetown FA’s Camptown FC and the Elite League’s Fruta Conquerors, while East Coast Demerara FA’s Mahaica Determinators and WDFA’s Uitvlugt Warriors FC put
a cap on Group D.
Prior to the draw, it was determined that the winners of Group A will take on the winner of Group C at the semifinal round, while the winners of Groups B and D will do battle.
The Super 16 action will kick off this Saturday, December 6, at the NTC, which will stand as hosts for the entire tournament. The competition will conclude in what is expected to be a highly exhilarating final on the iconic date of January 1.
The teams will be vying for a $2,000,000 grand prize, while the second-place finishers will have to settle for $1,000,000. Third and fourth place will pocket $750,000 and $500,000, respectively.
Fixtures for this year’s Super 16 Cup tournament are set to be made available today, Thursday, December 4, ahead of Saturday’s anticipated kick-off.
The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) came alive last Sunday as golfers competed in the Romel Golf Tournament & BBQ, an event that combined friendly rivalry with community spirit and growing support for the sport in Guyana. Delivering a strong and consistent performance, Anand Persaud secured the Overall Best Net title with a net score of 31, while Vishal Dhani took home the Overall Best Gross award with a
gross score of 36.
The tournament was generously sponsored by Romel Bhagwandin, who has been actively supporting the sport and encouraging the development of new and seasoned players alike. During the awards ceremony, Bhagwandin applauded the standard of play and the progress being made at the club.
“As golf continues to grow in Guyana, I am proud to contribute to an event that brings people together and strengthens our sporting community,” Bhagwandin said. “The Lusignan Golf Club has made tremendous strides in developing new talent, and I encourage corporate Guyana to join in supporting this growth. Together, we can elevate the sport and provide even more opportunities for players of all ages.”
A celebratory barbeque closed out the day’s activities, reinforcing camaraderie among golfers and supporters.
The Lusignan Golf Club extended its sincere appreciation to Romel Bhagwandin for his sponsorship and continued confidence in the game’s future. The Club looks forward to hosting more exciting tournaments as it works to expand awareness and participation in golf nationwide.
The winners’ row after the Romel Golf Tournament
Anand Persaud was the overall winner
GFF President Wayne Forde
New Zealand in front after Duffy's 5-for wrecks West Indies
Jacob Duffy's maiden five-wicket haul in Tests gave New Zealand the upper hand on the second day of the first Test against the West Indies in Christchurch. Matt Henry also chipped in with a three-for as West Indies folded for 167 in response to New Zealand's first-innings total of 231. This despite New Zealand dropping four catches, three of those off Henry, and giving away 28 extras. For the West Indies, Shai Hope and Tagenarine Chanderpaul scored half-centuries, but only two others reached double digits. At stumps, New Zealand were 32 for no loss in their second innings, extending their lead to 96.
In the morning, the West Indies needed only three balls to take the last New Zealand wicket, Zak Foulkes edging Jayden Seales down the leg side. But they themselves lost an early wicket
as Foulkes struck with the first ball of the second over. Bowling around the wicket, he induced an outside edge from John Campbell, and Will Young took the catch, diving to his left at third slip. However, a few overs later, Young dropped a much easier chance when Henry got Alick Athanaze to edge one. Henry wasn't to be denied for long, though. In his next over, he got the ball to jag back in from around the wicket to make a mess of Athanaze's stumps. All this while, the scoreboard moved at a snail's pace. After 12 overs, West Indies were 10 for 2.
Hope and Chanderpaul, though, hung around without worrying about the scoring rate. The first boundary of the West Indies' innings came in the 23rd over when Hope, batting in sunglasses because of an eye infection, drove Duffy through
the covers. In the next over, he drove Nathan Smith through mid-on for another boundary.
luck.
and
Chanderpaul, mean-
the bowling of Smith and then Henry.
Hope brought up his fifty after lunch. With Chanderpaul also looking comfortable, New Zealand were forced to change their plan. Duffy went short against Hope and had him hopping around. Once a short leg was deployed, Hope's problems increased. Eventually, he ended up gloving a short ball from around the wicket to Tom Latham, who was keeping in place of Tom Blundell. Blundell had hurt his hamstring while batting on the first day and didn't take the field in the morning.
Once Duffy broke the 90run stand, Henry returned to pick up two in one over. Bowling away swingers just around off stump, he had Roston Chase and Justin Greaves caught behind for ducks, leaving West Indies on 106 for 5.
It didn't affect Chanderpaul, though. He carried on in his unhurried manner and brought up his half-century. He and Tevin Imlach added 34 for the
sixth wicket, a stand that was broken when Conway finally held on to a catch. Chanderpaul pulled Foulkes aerially towards square leg, where Conway flung himself to his left, went with both hands, and landed with the ball in his left. Henry caught Kemar Roach's outside edge soon after. The ball was going straight to first slip, but Michael Bracewell dived across from second and spilt it. Soon, it became dark enough that only spinners were allowed to bowl. But after a short rain break, the sky brightened up again. When play resumed, Duffy did not take long to mop up the remaining four wickets. With the first ball after resumption, he had Imlach caught down the leg side. The batter reviewed the onfield decision only for replays to show he had gloved the bouncer. Johann Layne was caught and bowled in the same over. Duffy then went full and bowled Seales and Ojay Shields to complete his five-for. (ESPNcricinfo)
while, enjoyed his
He was dropped twice, on 5
24, both times by Devon Conway at leg slip, first off
Shai Hope celebrates his fifty
Matt Henry celebrates dismissing Roston Chase
Jacob Duffy was among the wickets after the rain interruption
Tagenarine Chanderpaul scored a half-century
