Guyana’s security minister, US Marshals discuss extradition, crime-fighting strategies
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Thursday, February 13 –03:45h-05:15h and Friday, February 14 – 03:45h-05:15h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Thursday, February 13 –05:10h-06:40h and Friday, February 14 – 05:35h-07:05h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery to light showers are expected throughout the day and at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.13 metres and 5.81 metres.
High Tide: 17:23h reaching a maximum height of 2.66 metres.
Low Tide: 10:57h and 23:18h reaching minimum heights of 0.63 metre and 0.57 metre.
Pres Ali applauds special needs teachers for “patience, love, commitment” to students
…as $94M Exceptional Learners’ Centre commissioned …visiting CDB President describes facility as a hub of empowerment
The Government has delivered on its promise to enhance special education with the commissioning of the first Exceptional Learners’ Centre in Cotton Field, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).
This $94 million stateof-the-art facility is set to transform the education landscape by providing tailored support for children who are differently abled.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, in his address at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, reaffirmed his Government’s unwavering commitment to human capital development, reiterating that special needs education is a priority and the new centre is a symbol of inclusion and progress.
With this in mind, the Head of State praised the dedication of special needs teachers, acknowledging the immense patience, love, and commitment required for their profession.
“We are on a mission in Guyana today to ensure that all our teachers are trained teachers and they have the opportunity to also be trained graduates, free of cost, an investment that we are making. But special needs teachers require special people and the intake for special needs is not as wide as other teachers, because they have to not only be a teacher, but to be the symbol and the manifestation of patience, love, and all that support these children. And they are exceptional in that regard.
“I want to continue to tell you, the teachers of this country, that as our economy continues to grow, your life will continue to improve,
and the prosperity will continue to grow. And prosperity for you is beyond material prosperity. It's beyond financial prosperity. Your prosperity is higher and richer because of the work you do,” Ali told the teachers present.
The Exceptional Learners’ Centre is designed to cater to students with autism, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, fragile X syndrome, and sensory impairments. The facility offers specialised assessments, individualised interventions, and adaptive resources to create an inclusive learning environment where each student’s educational needs are met.
President Ali along with Education Minister Manickchand; Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh; Caribbean Development Bank President Daniel Best and teachers of the Exceptional Learners’ Centre
President Dr Irfaan Ali and Education Minister Priya Manickchand engaging a student of the Exceptional Learners’ Centre
The commissioning of the Exceptional Learners' Centre in Cotton Field, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) represents an important moment in the educational framework. This initiative, led by President Dr Irfaan Ali, reflects a broader commitment to fostering a more inclusive educational system, where no child, regardless of their challenges, is left behind. By providing specialised support for children with autism, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, fragile X syndrome, and sensory impairments, the Centre embodies the vision of a system that adapts to the unique needs of all learners.
The establishment of the Exceptional Learners' Centre is not only a physical infrastructure project but also a symbol of Guyana’s evolving commitment to providing equitable education. With its specialised programmes and resources, the Centre serves as a model for inclusive education, ensuring that children with disabilities have access to the same opportunities for learning and development as their peers.
The significance of the Centre goes beyond its function as a place of learning. It stands as a demonstration of the resilience of educators who dedicate their careers to working with children with special needs. Special education teachers, who often operate in environments that require both professional expertise and a deep sense of compassion, play a critical role in shaping the lives of students with disabilities. These educators do not just teach – they become emotional anchors for their students, helping them navigate challenges that extend far beyond the classroom walls.
In his remarks, President Ali acknowledged the exceptional qualities of these teachers – patience, empathy, and unwavering dedication – that are essential to their work. The President highlighted that special education is a unique and demanding profession, one that requires an extraordinary level of commitment. The fact that the pool of educators specialising in special education is smaller than in other fields only underscores the rarity of the skills and qualities required in this vital sector. By recognising the dedication of these professionals, the Government reinforces the idea that teaching children with special needs is not simply a job but a calling, one that significantly impacts the future of these children.
Yet, while the Centre’s role in enhancing the educational experience of children with special needs is clear, it is equally important to recognise the broader vision behind its establishment. The Centre is designed to be replicable, serving as a base model for other regions across the country. This advanced approach is critical to ensuring that every child, regardless of their geographic location, has access to the resources and support they need to succeed academically and socially. By adapting and expanding the Centre’s model, Guyana can begin to address regional disparities in special education, bringing much-needed services to underserved communities.
In addition to its educational focus, the Centre also addresses the practical challenges that families of children with special needs often face. Transportation can be a significant barrier for many, making it difficult for children to attend school regularly. The provision of a dedicated bus service ensures that students can access the Centre without undue hardship. Further, the integration of health services within the Centre is a welcome development. With monthly health checkups on-site, students can receive necessary medical attention without the added stress of travelling to external healthcare facilities. These thoughtful provisions reflect a holistic approach to education – one that recognises the importance of addressing the health and well-being of students in tandem with their academic development.
The creation of the Exceptional Learners' Centre is a significant achievement not only for Guyana but also for regional development in the Caribbean. Daniel Best, the newly-appointed President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), praised the Centre as a "hub of empowerment and transformation". This recognition from the CDB underscores the importance of regional collaboration in advancing educational and social outcomes. The Centre’s success is not just a national achievement – it serves as a model for other countries in the Region that may be grappling with similar challenges in special education.
As the Centre begins to take shape, it is clear that its success will depend largely on the dedication and commitment of the teachers who will staff it. These educators are the cornerstone of this initiative, and it is their efforts that will determine whether the Centre’s lofty goals of inclusivity and empowerment are fully realised. In recognising their critical role, we are reminded that the success of any educational system is ultimately measured by its ability to serve the most vulnerable. Special education teachers, who work tirelessly to create a supportive, inclusive environment, are not only shaping the futures of their students, they are shaping the future of the nation.
Interesting developments on Guyana’s political landscape
Dear Editor,
While it comes as no new phenomenon -- that is: the concerted effort to remove the PPP/C from government; and in both instances, the APNU/AFC are the intellectual authors -the present imbroglio warrants our attention as to the methods employed to do so.
This plan is hatched in two forms. The first instance comes from internal wranglings between the two entities, the APNU and the AFC, each fighting with the other for the presidential spot. The APNU sit aloof, knowing fully well they are going to have the lion’s share of votes from any election; not enough to complete a clear win, but enough to secure the majority in any coalition. Hence, Norton’s self-confident claims to the presidential candidate spot.
Now, this is not going down well with the leader of the AFC, who is desperate for that position also. He opines that his candidacy might have a more pro-
found influence on the political landscape. I do not know who gave him that bright idea, but he persists with his headship doctrine. How successful he would be with that notion is left to be seen.
I’ve said ‘left to be seen’ on the clear fact that this man has multiple baggage, which bares him unfit for public office. But, like I said, he revels in the thought that Norton has already ostracized himself from public trust, so let a “New Look AFC Leader” test the voting waters.
For this reason, the idea was born to form another party, Broomes’s ALP. Here, Hughes hopes to “pressure Norton” into submitting to his demands. We are talking about the divide and rule thesis. Broomes’s Party can only source votes from the PNC block, so up the ante on Norton to remove himself from leadership, or risk a further erosion at the polls.
The second plan enlists
Mr. Mohamed to come into the political fray. He is a prominent philanthropist who is being encouraged by the Opposition to run for political office. This is a very good idea for a man who is doing commendable work in his charitable outreaches; however, he, too, has baggage that the PNC are now pinning on the PPP/C.
It is their claim that the incumbent are out to get him, and in the course of time, engage in a mudslinging campaign. This is furthest from the truth.
Isn’t it public knowledge that the APNU are the ones who have conjoined the PPP/C to the Mohameds, claiming that the union was a result of dirty money being laundered in this country? Yes, the facts are there to prove it!
In like manner, they had done this before when they hitched Roger Khan to the PPP/C. In that union, Guyana was blacklisted as a narco-state, and we see the same traits manifest-
ing themselves again in the Mohameds’ union.
Their fringe elements in the USA shared this idea with the US Authorities, who immediately sanctioned the Mohameds, thus precluding them from investing in the shore base. This is typical PNC strategy, coming straight from their arsenal of con-artistry.
In his last dialogue with the media, VP Jagdeo warned Mr. Mohamed of this. He advised him that politics is a bruising battle, not for the weakhearted, and he must be prepared to face the challenge if and when he decides to run for office.
The same people who are cheerleading him on now are the same individuals who were digging his grave just a few months ago. The PNC is just using Mr. Mohamed as a pawn to gain political advantage.
Respectfully, Neil Adams
President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips attended the inauguration of the Badrinaath Ashram in Spring Garden, Essequibo Coast (Office of the President photos)
More judges for Court of Appeal to tackle case backlog
The number of judges at Guyana’s Appellate Court will soon be increased from nine to 11, in order to address a backlog of cases in the system.
This is according to Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who, speaking during his weekly programme of “Issues in the News” on Tuesday evening, said this would be done through a further amendment to the Court of Appeal Act.
Previously, the judges were increased from five to nine, but Nandlall pointed out that “there is a large backlog” of cases.
“Guyana is a very litigious country. The case load is extremely heavy at every tier of the system: the Magistracy, High Court and the Court of Appeal,” he noted.
Pointing out that the complement of both magistrates and High Court judg-
es has been increased, the Attorney General said that with the expansion of the Appeal Court to include two court rooms, there is now opportunity for each room to accommodate three judges hearing separate cases,
while three judges can hear cases at different parts of the country. This still leaves two judges to fill in for those on leave.
In November 2024, Nandlall expressed concern that people are dying and mi-
grating, their properties are deteriorating, and the appeals are not coming up for hearing. Therefore, he said this matter needs to be addressed urgently.
In 2024, 10 persons were recommended by JSC for ap-
pointment as new judges, and received their instruments of appointment from President Dr Irfaan Ali.
Those appointed were Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus; Peter Hugh; Zamilla Ally-Seepaul; Deborah Kumar; Nicola Pierre; Priscilla ChandraHanif; Hessaun Yasin; Joy Persaud; Nigel Niles and Jacquiline Josiah Graham.
In October 2024, the JSC invited “suitably qualified persons” to apply for the positions of Chief Magistrate and Commissioner of Title.
In February 2024, nine new magistrates were swornin: Tuanna Hardy, Teriq Mohammed, Abigail Gibbs, Tamieka Clarke, Orinthia Schmidt, Shivani Lalaram, Michelle Matthias, Omadatt Chandan, and Ravindra Mohabir.
At the time, Attorney General Anil Nandlall had noted that the reconstitution of the Judicial Service Commission in July 2023
paved the way for these critical judicial appointments to be made.
The JSC was appointed by President Dr. Irfaan Ali on July 14, 2023. The Commission members are Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards; Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George; Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Manniram Prashad; Justice (retired) Carl Singh and Justice (retired) Beasraj Singh (BS) Roy. The Chancellor sits as Chairman of the Commission.
The JSC is a constitutional body responsible for handling matters related to the appointment, discipline, removal, and promotion of judicial officers, including judges and magistrates.
Following its appointment, the Commission had published vacancies to fill the personnel gaps within the judiciary and magistracy.
Contractor jailed, fined for ganja in Pringles tins
A31-year-old contractor, Khemraj Lall, has been fined $30,000 and sentenced to two months in prison after being caught with 62 grams of marijuana concealed in three Pringles tins at Aurora Gold Mines in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).
When Lall appeared before Bartica Magistrate Teriq Mohammed on Wednesday, he pleaded guilty to possessing narcotics for the purpose of trafficking and the sentence
was immediately imposed on him.
Lall’s arrest stemmed from an incident that occurred at 11:00h on Monday, when Kevin Chester, a security officer at ZinJin AGM Inc., observed him carrying four bags and decided to conduct a routine search of his be-
longings at the mining site along the Cuyuni River. He discovered three Pringles tins inside one of the bags, and upon opening the tins, he found bulky parcels filled with leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be marijuana. A second tin contained another plastic-wrapped parcel of
the same substance. When confronted, Lall reportedly admitted ownership of the narcotics, responding with a simple “Yes.”
Following the discovery, Chester contacted his supervisor, Winston Adams, and reported the findings.
The suspected drugs were weighed in Lall’s presence and amounted to 61.2 grams. The items were securely sealed and marked for evidence. A statement was taken from Lall, and
the matter was handed over to the police.
At approximately 12:15h on Tuesday, police arrested Lall at the Ogle International Airport and took him to the Sparendaam Police Station to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Security officer Chester officially handed over the seized drugs to the police, who continued the investigation leading up to Lall’s court appearance on Wednesday.
Charged: Khemraj Lall
The Pringles tins wherein the illegal drug was found
The ganja that was found in the Pringles tins
Page Foundation
(1) If Y = {1, 3, 5, 7, 9}, which of the following sets is equal to Y?
(A) {1, 3, 5, 7}
(B) {9,7, 5, 3, 1}
(C) {3, 6, 9, 12} (D) {1,2, 4, 8,}
(2) If M = {, 2, 3, 4}, the best description is
(A) odd numbers be tween 1 and 10
(B) even numbers between 1 and 10
(C) prime numbers between 1 and 10 (D) composite numbers between 1 and 10
(3) Which of the following numbers has 4 in the thousand place?
(A) 4723 (B) 2437 (C) 3274 (D) 7342
(4) Which number completes the sum 0. 10 ÷ 500 = ___________________?
(A) 0.05 (B) 0.50 (C) 5.0 (D) 50
(5) Which two numbers complete the sequence 1, 10, 19, _, 37,_?
(A) 28, 45 (B) 28, 46 (C) 26, 25 (D) 46, 27
(6) Which of the following is equivalent to 6/12 has?
(A) 3/9 (B) 1/4 (C) 50/10 (D) 20/21
(7) What is the size of the angle on a straight line?
(A) 180° (B) 140°
(C) 90° (D) 70°
(8) Which two lines in the diagram above are perpendicular?
(A) BC and CD (B) AB and BC (C) DE and BC (D) DE and EC
(9) Devon had 40 video games. He sold of them at $500 each.
(a) How many video games does he have left?
(b) Of the remaining video games, he sold of them for $7 200 altogether and kept the rest for himself.
(i) How many video games did Devon keep for himself?
(ii) What was the selling price of a video game?
(c) Calculate the total amount of money he received from the sale of the video games.
By Emily Dickinson
To make a prairie it takes a clover and one bee, One clover, and a bee. And revery. The revery alone will do, If bees are few.
Massive gas development on horizon as Exxon’s 8th
project
could
produce
1B cubic ft of gas daily
…Exxon applies for environmental approval, FDP to be submitted in 2026
Longtail, ExxonMobil’s eighth proposed project in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, could see as much as one billion cubic feet of gas being produced daily. It is a lucrative project for which the oil major is looking to seek approval from Government in 2026.
During his first press conference for 2025, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge,
updated the media on one of the company’s upcoming developments. Dubbed Longtail after the fish, this development has massive oil and gas potential, and Routledge noted that an application for environmental authorization for the project has already been submitted.
“We’ve just submitted the Environmental Authorization application for the eighth project, the Longtail project, which will
start us in developing the non-associated gas resources. Longtail comes with a good amount of liquids, condensates in particular. So, that field development, we’re starting the process with the environmental authorization application and moving that forward, as was announced in ExxonMobil’s Corporate Investor Day back in December in Houston,” he explained.
“For Longtail, the
Pres Ali applauds special needs...
Expressing satisfaction with the infrastructural landscape of the Centre, President Ali disclosed that Government’s vision for education included replicating the model across the country.
He explained that this initiative would play a pivotal role in ensuring that children with special needs in all regions have access to quality education in a supportive environment.
“This is a facility that we can easily place in other countries, the design, we can replicate this. This is what we'll call in Guyana, because we're going to replicate this – the base model. And depending on the population, we add to the base model… We don't need consultants to come and redesign it. You have a base design that you must share with other Governments in the Region, because this would have already met all the criteria set by the bank,” the President disclosed.
The Guyanese Leader also announced that buses would be provided to transport students to and from the Exceptional Learners’ Centre, making it easier for them to attend school.
Additionally, he stated that students who need medical care would no longer have to travel to clinics,
as these services would be available right at the school.
“We have to maximise the output from these facilities. So, we're going to integrate health services for these children with this facility, so that these children, if they have to go for monthly health check-ups in the clinics, we're going to bring the clinic to the facility here every month. So, we reduce the strain on the parents, on the children, and that is an important part of our service delivery motto as a government,” he added.
Empowerment and transformation
Meanwhile, the newly-appointed Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) President, Daniel Best, who is on a three-day visit to Guyana, shared that the Centre was not just a building but a hub of empowerment and transformation.
Best noted that from academic lessons to social and emotional support, educators would work closely with specialists, therapists, and families to create a comprehensive learning experience that ensured every student could reach their full potential.
Acknowledging that no two children are the same and their needs are equally unique, he stated “today,
Longtail project is still a little bit early in the process of being finalized, but we anticipate (it) could be as high as 250,000 barrels per day of production capacity for the liquid side. The gas, seeing as this is more of a gas development, we anticipate could be in excess of one billion cubic feet per day of gas-handling capacity,” Routledge explained.
Routledge has said there is potential for Longtail to be developed into a cost competitive project, and a Field Development Plan would be submitted to Government next year. Also noting the work that Exxon has put in over the years in evaluating how the gas reservoirs in the Stabroek Block can be developed, he said all this data is being put into geological and reservoir models to better inform the company on what development to expect beyond Longtail.
He has expressed optimism for Longtail, given that earlier appraisal work done has shown there are sufficient reservoirs.
authorization process. We anticipate bringing a Field Development Plan forward next year, 2026,” Routledge added.
The Longtail-1 well was ExxonMobil’s eighth successful oil discovery in the Stabroek Block, with 256 feet of oil being found back in 2018. Subsequently, 230 feet of oil were found at Longtail-3 by Exxon in 2021.
FROM PAGE 3
we are taking a monumental step towards ensuring that children with special needs in this community have access to education and the resources that they rightfully deserve. Projects like these are at the heart of development and the reason that the Caribbean Development Bank exists. CDB, through its Basic Needs Trust Fund programme, is absolutely thrilled to be your partner in this journey. At the CDB, a key part of our mission is transforming lives through sustainable, resilient and inclusive development.”
The contract for the Exceptional Learners’ Centre at Cotton Field was signed in March 2024 at a cost of $94,787,27.
The project was funded by the Government of Guyana through the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and executed by local contractor Builders Engineering & Architectural Consultancy.
The BNTF, a grant-funded programme by the CDB, aims to reduce poverty by addressing the causes of inequitable access to quality education, especially for children with special needs.
In January 2024, teachers commenced registration of learners at the school with the support and cooperation of parents.
“Now, what the teams are doing is taking all the data we’ve gathered, the wells and static data. We’ve penetrated different structures; we’ve been able to calibrate the seismic; that’s what it allows us to do: to better interpret the reservoirs distributed. And then, from the drill stamp tests that we perform, these dynamic tests (allow us) to see how productive are the reservoirs,” he explained.
“Which ultimately informs us how many wells may be required to be drilled in those reservoirs… and so we’ll be bringing that forward to the Government -- start an environmental
In terms of gas, Government has been actively exploring ways in which it could monetize this resource, and has contracted US-based company Fulcrum LNG to develop these monetization options. The company is expected to work in a tripartite arrangement with the Guyana Government and ExxonMobil to develop another potential gas project.
One channel in which the Government is looking to utilize gas is in Phase One and Two of its Gas-toEnergy projects, the first phase of which is currently being built at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD).
The Guyana Government already anticipates that the GtE Project would earn the country as much as US$500 million in savings when electricity prices are slashed by half and from the sale of the rich excess gas. It has also been theorized that the liquids that would come when Guyana cleans the excess gas for products such as cooking gas or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) can be sold, and that would further bolster the country’s earnings from the GtE Project.
Invitations are currently out for proposals to design, construct, and operate a 250 MW combined-cycle power plant to deliver 2,100 gigawatt/ hours (GWh) of electricity per annum and sell same to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. Those invitations cater for the design, construction and operation of another NGL facility to produce daily approximately 6,000 barrels of NGL products such as propane, butane, and C5+gasolene.
ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge
The Stena DrillMAX vessel that drilled the Longtail-3 well
Budding... …bromance??
You coulda knocked your Eyewitness over with a feather!! Trump and Mad Maduro making goo-goo eyes at each other?? Well, at least making coo-coo noises at each other! A bromance in the making?? It’s like one of those formulaic Rom-Coms, where the protagonists start off with sparks flying but, as time moves on, they gradually begin to see they ain’t so different after all - and eventually fall into a groove!!
In this case, during their first interactions of Trump Ibetween 2016 and 2020 - the sparks certainly flew like a blacksmith creating a sword with his hammer pounding a red-hot iron rod!! That was Trump hurling sanctions on Venezuelan people (Mad Maduro and his officials), places (any country trading with Venezuela) and things (Venezuelan oil) - even as he poured a billion US$ into the pockets of the Venezuelan opposition under a fella named Guaido! Mad Maduro thought he had the last laugh when he was still ruling Venezuela when Trump was voted out in 2020!!
By the beginning of Trump II, Sleepy Joe had undermined much of Trump I’s efforts between 2020 and 2025. And if not quite turning the sword into a ploughshare, had certainly dulled it by removing the most critical sanction of them all – allowing Chevron to begin pumping and shipping 220,000 barrels per day of Venezuelan oil to the US of A!! Trump II started out by putting together a solid anti-Maduro team around himself, and talking tough – as he did with even friends and allies – about shipping back their illegal citizens.
But the tip-off that he might’ve had a change of heart came when he sent Richard Grenell, his trusted personal special envoy to trouble spots - not his hard-liner Secty of State Rubio - to have a heart-to-heart with Mad Maduro in Venezuela!! Now, whatever message Trump’s personal envoy took, it had to’ve been very seductive words. Cause he not only secured the release of six Americans who’d been accused of being an assassination team to take out Mad Maduro – but Trump was able to announce that the said madman would accept all illegal Venezuelans from America. Love was certainly in the air!!
Well, last Monday, the other foot (heart?) fell. Two Venezuelan state-owned Conviasa planes - ferrying 190 Venezuelan nationals - departed from US Army base Fort Bliss, Texas, and landed at Simón Bolívar Airport in Caracas that evening. Now only another 599,800 Venezuelan refugees left to go!!
But Mad Maduro announced that the Grenell meeting hadn’t only dealt with the returning Venezuelan migrants; there were agreements on US economic sanctions and the re-establishment of direct communication between the two nations!!
Trump and Mad Maduro whispering sweet nothings to each other!! That’s scary – for us!!
…race war??
The Chronic carried a troubling piece on the leader –and Presidential Candidate – of the paper party WPA, that just signed an agreement to go into the elections with the PNC. That agreement itself was troubling, since the PNC had already signed an agreement to do the same with the four paper parties in APNU, but the WPA say they ain’t doing nothing with APNU!! They all want to find relevance through the PNC!!
Evidently, he was livid that some African Guyanese are now supporting the PPP in general - and Pres Ali in particular. According to the Chronic, he screamed, “And some of you lick a55! Lick beetee! Black people are running around the place [saying] ‘I am campaigning for the return of President Ali.’ Lick backside! That’s what y’all are! All of y’all!” Continuing with his fixation on the nether aperture, he exclaimed: “Y’all prefer to lick somebody else’s a** and find everything that is wrong about black leaders!” Imagine that!!
Can’t you be racist to one of your own race?? Over to the ERC!!!
…Hercules
We all know that Hercules cleaned the Augean Stables. Now Musk says DOGE is investigating federal employees with massive wealth despite modest salaries. Sounds familiar, innit?? Good luck!!
“It was
like life flashed before me” – Durban St fire victim
…91-year-old man pulled from blaze by neighbours
Adevastating fire that razed a wooden house at Lot 37 Durban Street in Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown on Wednesday morning has left pensioner Eldon Gaskin injured and homeless.
The fire began at around 09:00h, according to witnesses, and quickly spread as it threatened multiple properties. Thankfully, neighbours sprang into action and rescued the 91-year-old Gaskin, who relies on a cane to walk and has visibility issues.
fered burns and is currently receiving medical treatment at a city hospital.
Several other elderly residents were also rescued from nearby homes that were also scorched by the blaze.
They pulled him from the burning house, but he suf-
“It was like life flashed before me,” one resident said in recounting the escape.
Among those affected was Naudia Gravesande, a resident whose home was scorched in the blaze. Gravesande, who was home on sick leave at the time, described the terrifying moment she realized something was wrong.
“I was relaxing when I
started hearing glass shattering,” she recalled. “At first I didn’t think much of it, but it kept happening. I got up, checked my back door, and saw nothing unusual. I went back to rest, but then I decided to peep through the window, and that’s when I saw the house in the alleyway
Thinking it was a power fluctuation, she said, she turned off her lights, only to discover moments later that a house in front of hers was engulfed in flames. She said that as she rushed outside, someone called to her from a zinc shed; and with the help of neighbours, she was guided
on fire. It was already taken over by flames, and the fire was blowing towards my building.”
Realizing the danger, she said, she quickly called her brother, a fire officer, to alert emergency responders.
“I ran outside, called my brother for help, and then the ambulance and fire trucks arrived. They worked on my building first before tackling the main fire,” she explained.
Not only did the fire destroy Gaskin’s home, but it also scorched three other buildings occupied by elderly persons. In one case, neighbours told <<Guyana Times,>> they had to break down a fence to rescue a 74-year-old woman whose escape route was blocked by flames.
Another pensioner, renting a ground-floor apartment, described how her lights flickered moments before she smelled smoke.
over a fence to safety.
Estimating that damage to her property amounted to approximately $1.5 million, Gravesande has said, “Our water tanks! All three of them, were destroyed. The pipes were damaged and the building was scorched.”
Declaring that this experience has left her emotionally shaken, Gravesande said, “I’ve always heard people say their heart pained, and today I think I felt that for the first time.”
She admitted, “It was really scary. It was like life flashed before you in a split second. I could have lost everything. I was panting for breath, unable to catch myself. It was truly terrifying.”
Firefighters made valiant efforts to contain the inferno, but significant damage had already been done by the time they arrived. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the fire.
Naudia Gravesande
The destruction wrought by fire on Wednesday
Corentyne man nabbed with 49 grams ganja at Bartica Ferry Stelling
Mohan Mooloo of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is now in police custody after he was caught with 49 grams of marijuana at the Bartica Ferry Stelling in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).
Police have reported that two ranks on duty at the ferry stelling observed him acting suspiciously at around 18:00h on Tuesday, and they approached and questioned him. He identified himself and disclosed that he is a 23-year-old security officer who resides at Number 40 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.
Officers requested to conduct a search of his person
and he consented. Thus, a black side bag in his possession was found to contain a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.
Mooloo was immediately informed of the offence, and was cautioned and taken into custody. He was taken to the Bartica Police Station, where the suspected narcotics were weighed in his presence and confirmed to be 49 grams. The substance was then securely packaged, sealed, and lodged under the supervision of the subordinate officer.
Mooloo remains in custody as police prepare to lay formal charges against him.
Man on bail for alleged assault, death threat
A36-year-old vendor, Mawali Clarke, was finally granted bail for allegedly assaulting and threatening to kill another person.
Clarke, of William Street, Kitty, a repeat offender for previous and separate crimes, had been remanded to prison in January following an altercation at the Alberttown Police Station, where he allegedly assaulted Dwayne Williams and threatened to kill and cripple him.
Clarke, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on Wednesday, arguing that
Williams had no real evidence against him. He insisted that he had no knowledge of the crimes he was being accused of, and pleaded for bail, claiming he needed to provide for his family of two and his extended relatives.
The court reminded Clarke that his bail was originally denied due to the severity of the threats he allegedly made while already in custody.
Clarke then argued that Williams had no medical proof of an assault, but the magistrate made it clear that such proof was not necessary in this case.
Williams, who hails from Buxton, East Coast
Charged: Mawali Clarke
Demerara, recounted his version of events, explaining that his damaged car had been parked in an area he was
Seamstress charged with fraud –
granted $80,000 bail
A26-year-old seamstress who has been charged in connection with an alleged fraud has been granted bail in the amount of $80,000 as the case progresses.
Uriana Scott, of Lot 88 David Rose Street, Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, who was arrested on February 4, 2025 by Detective Constable Joseph, was formally charged on February 11 with obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 194 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. Scott appeared before
Magistrate Rondel Weever at the Wales Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to her. She pleaded not guilty and was placed on bail in the sum of $80,000.
The charge stems from an alleged computer-related fraud involving Marvin Peters, which reportedly occurred on February 2, at Patentia, West Bank Demerara.
Police launched an investigation into the matter, leading to Scott’s arrest and subsequent court appearance. The case has been adjourned until March 5, 2025,
when statements are expected to be filed and a fixture date will be set.
responsible for. He claimed that after an explosion had awoken him in the night, he discovered his windscreen had been shattered and a bicycle was abandoned nearby. He said a neighbour reported seeing a man in a white T-shirt fleeing the scene.
Determined to uncover the truth, Williams said, he searched the area and eventually confronted Clarke, who fit the description he was given. He said that instead of responding, Clarke bolted, shouting the threats as he ran.
Williams admitted that one of the men with him had a cutlass, and he speculated that Clarke had run out of fear.
In the previous court proceeding, Clarke maintained his innocence, claiming he was the one who had been attacked. He alleged that Williams and another man had chased him, struck him down with a motorcycle, and had even attempted to chop him.
He denied assaulting Williams at the police station, stating that he was heavily restrained at the time.
Clarke was then granted bail in the sum of $10,000 for each of the four charges, totalling $40,000. As a condition of his release, he has been ordered to keep the peace and avoid any contact with Williams.
His next court appearance is scheduled for March 14.
Charged: Uriana Scott
The ganja that was found in Mooloo’s possession
Dismissed
case,
$2M court costs Opposition “used”, “manipulated” Mocha squatters – AG
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister
Anil Nandlall, SC, has called out the Parliamentary Opposition for misleading several squatters whom Government had been attempting to relocate to facilitate construction of the Heroes Highway. Those squatters are now homeless and hopeless after losing in the High Court a case in which they had sought to establish their rights to the
state lands.
“They have five lawyers in the Parliament. None of them appeared for these people! No known PNC lawyers appeared for these people that [Opposition Leader Aubrey] Norton promised he will represent, and that the Opposition will represent!”
Nandlall pointed out during his programme of “Issues in the News” on Tuesday.
Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, last Friday
dismissed claims brought against the Government by squatters who had taken up residence at Cane View/ Mocha, East Bank Demerara following the demolition of their homes in January 2023. She ruled that the applicants had failed to substantiate their claims for prescriptive titles, property damage, and constitutional violations; and she awarded costs against the applicants in the total sum of $2M, pay-
able by June 30, 2025.
Representing by attorneys Vivian M. Williams and Lyndon Amsterdam, those applicants – Mark Gordon, Shenika Simpson, Roxane Allen and Lucretia George –had sought more than $200 million in damages, declarations of ownership of parcels of land, and compensation for alleged breaches of constitutional rights.
In January 2023, Government demolished several homes in MochaArcadia to make way for construction of the Heroes Highway. Despite offers for relocation and compensation dating back to 2021, some residents refused to move, leading to a standoff and eventual legal action.
Some 28 persons who had been squatting on the reserves had been relocated from the path of the highway, and have rebuilt new homes in nearby residential areas through Government compensation. However, those who refused the offers and challenged the Government’s actions in court were encouraged to do so by members of the Parliamentary Opposition. Nandlall has since pointed out that those residents were “used and abused”.
“The Leader of the Opposition and many members of the Opposition used this as a platform for politics, and cruelly exposed these persons to the perils that they are now experiencing! And up to now, I have not heard any statement from the Leader of the Opposition or any Opposition Parliamentarian or politician saying what assistance
they will give to those people who are now homeless, and I suppose hopeless!” Nandlall contended.
“They used those people, abused them, and discard them! And I hope that persons listening to me will internalise what I’m saying and will not become the victims of political pawns and not allow themselves to be used and abused and manipulated in the manner that the Opposition politicians have used, abused and manipulated this bunch!” he further expressed.
Declaring that he hopes this case serves as a lesson to other squatters or potential squatters, Nandlall said, “I want every person occupying Government lands, occupying Government reserves, occupying state lands or public lands, to take note of this decision and its implications. It means this decision, if you are ever in doubt, clarifies for you, any squatter or potential squatter, what your legal status is: You have no right, no interest, or no title for that land!” he outlined.
“The lawful owner of a property reserves the legal rights and powers to take such steps that may be nec-
essary, including using reasonable force to remove and eject from his or her land any squatter. You do not necessarily need an order of court to remove a squatter from your land; you can do so by self-help,” Nandlall added.
Meanwhile, the court has noted that, although these squatters have been defeated legally, Government has indicated that it is still willing to assist the persons who filed the legal challenge.
“It is for the applicants to decide if they are willing to respectfully engage, so that offer of assistance will be effective,” Justice George has said.
Government was represented by Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, MP; Deputy Solicitor General Shoshanna V. Lall; and State Counsel Shania S. Persaud, Mohanie Sudama and Marnice Hestick.The CH&PA was represented by Darshan Ramdhani, KC, and by Arudranauth Gossai; while GuySuCo was represented by Kamal Ramkarran and Rafiq Khan, SC. The applicants were represented by attorneys Vivian M. Williams and Lyndon Amsterdam.
The demolition exercise underway in January 2023 (File photo)
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC
Sod turned for new $1.7B Cotton Field Secondary School
Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Wednesday turned the sod for the construction of a brand-new secondary school at Cotton Field on the
Supplies and Construction, and the project is expected to be completed within an 18-month deadline.
Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony,
600 students would be relocated to facilitate the project, Minister Manickchand revealed, “We have decided that the school will stay right where it is. Now, there
Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
This is the second advanced school in the region to have been demolished in order to be reconstructed to meet contemporary ed-
Education Minister Priya Manickchand revealed that when the decision was made to reconstruct the school, extensive consultations with parents and teachers about the location of the new facil-
is a complication to that, or a consequence; and the consequence is (that) children cannot be in the school while we're building a school. So, this entire school's population - all 500 and some-
ucational standards. The new Cotton Field Secondary School will be constructed at a cost of $1.7 billion. The contract for the project was awarded to Builders Hardware, General
ity resulted in a consensus that the new school should be constructed on the same grounds as the existing Cotton Field Secondary School.
Highlighting that over
by schools and colleges through a structured arrangement until the new facility is completed. On this point, Manickchand noted that it is important for the contactor to finish the project within the agreed timeframe.
“The contractor said he could do this, and we expect from the contractor all that he said he could do,” she explained.
Cotton Field Secondary follows the reconstruction of Abram Zuil Secondary, which are part of the Government’s strategic plan to modernize schools in Region Two.
Highlighting that Government has invested significantly in education on the Essequibo Coast over the last four years, Minister Manickchand declared, “You see the school that we're trying to rebuild. This is, this would be, the second school that is going to be rebuilt completely; Abram Zuil being the first on the Essequibo Coast. But every single secondary school on the Essequibo Coast has been significantly rehabilitated, and all primary schools and nursery schools have also been fixed or rehabilitated.”
The minister added, “On this Essequibo Coast,
we have connected schools to the internet, so that you could now go and do all kinds of research and quizzes like (what) you couldn't do before because you didn't have internet. We've provided buses; we have provided boats; we have provided, as I said, breakfast; so, we're not only giving the cash grant.”
Regional Education Officer (REO) Shondelle Hercules has welcomed the project, and has noted that it would significantly enhance the learning environment in the region.
Regional Chairperson
Vilma De Silva, a past student of the institution, has described the initiative as historic. Speaking on behalf of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), she commended the Government’s investment and urged the contractor to deliver the project on schedule. Some $31 billion has been spent on infrastructural developments over the last four years. The Education Ministry has added 37 new secondary schools to the existing 116, and there are plans to deliver universal secondary education by the end of 2025.
thing children, 636 children - have to be removed for 18 months while the school is being built.”
To ensure minimal disruption, students would be accommodated at near-
The ceremonial sod-turning underway at the Cotton Field Secondary School in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)
Education Minister Priya Manickchand
Guyana’s security minister, US Marshals discuss extradition, crime-fighting strategies
Officers of the United States Marshals Service and the US Embassy Regional Security Office on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit on Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn.
Their meeting, held in the ministry’s boardroom, focused on key areas of cooperation, including crime-fighting strategies, extradition processes, and other mutual agreements aimed at strengthening security collaboration between Guyana and the United States.
In a post on the ministry’s social media page, it was stated that discussions underscored the ongoing commitment of both parties to enhancing law enforcement partnerships and addressing regional security concerns.
In July 2024, Guyana passed the Fugitive Offenders (Amendment) Bill which is aimed at ensuring fugitives hiding from the long arm of the law can be brought home to face justice, while at the same time respecting due process.
This was the view expressed by Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who presented the bill. The Attorney General made it clear that the bill contains safeguards against being misused, since it allows the local judiciary to satisfy itself that there is evidence for the extradition request. Additionally, the
Minister of Home Affairs has the final say on whether to allow the extradition request to proceed, after a committal order is transmitted from the magistrate.
Earlier this month, Guyana extradited Harry Narine Rajkumar to Canada, marking the first-ever extradition between the two nations.
The Home Affairs Ministry confirmed that Rajkumar was sent back to Canada on Thursday to face multiple criminal charges.
Rajkumar was wanted in Canada on serious charges under the Canadian Criminal Code, including attempted murder and aggravated assault specifically within the Ottawa jurisdiction. Authorities had been tracking him since May 2019 after he fled Canadian law enforcement. His capture was made possible through an INTERPOL Red Notice and efforts by the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
Following his arrest, Rajkumar was remanded to prison, and later waived his right to an extradition hearing, opting to return to Canada voluntarily. His extradition was formalised before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty. The prosecution team was led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Lisa Cave, along with Ormella
with other law enforcement officials. Last month, Government announced that it had extradited
tion with a vehicular fatality, and the Home Affairs Ministry had said that he waived his right to an extradition hearing and consented to return to the
USA to address judicial matters related to a fatal vehicular incident.
In September 2024, the Guyana Government received a formal extradition request for Singh from the US Government. Acting on this request, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn signalled Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith McGusty to initiate legal proceedings required for the extradition.
Parmanand Singh was accused of operating a white 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe while his blood-alcohol level exceeded the lawful limit, leading to impaired faculties. He collided head-on with a black Nissan after driving the wrong way, resulting in the death of Sérgio Gadelha.
In August 2024, a fiveyear search for a driver who fatally struck a 67-yearold man on Christmas in Queens ended with his ar -
rest in Guyana.
WABC reported that police said Ravindra Dharamjit, 26, fled the scene and the country, but
was tracked down by detectives in the years following the December 2019 crash. He was arrested by Guyana Police Force (GPF) in August 2024 at a horse racing event, and was extricated.
In May 2023, United States fugitive Bobby Allen Stark, who was arrested in Guyana for alleged sexual assault in his country, was extradited to face charges. The 52-yearold had fled the United States to seek shelter from justice in Guyana.
In 2022, two fugitives who were wanted for sex crimes in the United States were extradited.
On February 25, 2022, Julian Yhip and Kareem Hack, who had been hiding out in Guyana for years, were extradited to the US to face charges on separate sexual offences. Hack was arrested in Berbice, while Yhip was
nabbed in Georgetown. In November 2020, former Guyanese policeman Shawn Neblett was extradited to the USA, where he was wanted for trafficking cocaine. Ranks from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) picked up Neblett from a local prison where he was being held on remand pending extradition proceedings in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Neblett was wanted by the US for his role in trafficking 4.178kg of cocaine, which was found in four parcels inside a suitcase on an outgoing passenger at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in January 2017.
Gladstone, Treaty Officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs, and sergeant Stephan Hinds from the Major Crimes Unit, along
Parmanand Singh, a citizen of Guyana, to the United States of America (USA). Singh was wanted in the US in connec -
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, along with US Marshals and ministry officials, on Wednesday at the ministry’s boardroom
Extradited to Canada: Harry Narine Rajkumar
Extradited to USA: Parmanand Singh
Extradited to USA: Ravindra Dharamjit (Photo: WABC)
Extradited to USA: Shawn Neblett
Extradited to USA: Julian Yhip
Extradited to USA: Kareem Hack
Extradited to USA: Bobby Allen Stark (Photo credit: El Paso County Sheriff’s Office)
Court rejects PNC member’s attempt to declare political parties as legal entities
…applicant to pay State $1M in costs
Acting Chief Justice Roxane George on Monday dismissed a case filed by People’s National Congress (PNC) member Brian Collison, who, in a case described as “very unique and unprecedented”, had sought a legal judgement that political parties are legal entities.
According to a statement from the Legal Affairs Ministry, the case was filed in November 2024 by Collison, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law Dr Vivian Williams. Collison’s contention was that the State has outsourced the process of nominating candidates for elections solely to political parties, they perform State functions and
those functions must attract strict constitutional scrutiny.
The two sides were at odds over the State’s asserting that the Companies Act is the only legislation that could be used to govern the conduct of political parties which are historically unincorporated associations.
Collison had, therefore, sought to have the court declare that political parties are legal entities that can be sued and that major political parties perform functions exclusively reserved for the State, which impact the constitutional rights of Guyanese.
He had argued that polit-
Agri sector being modernised – Mustapha
–
New breeds of cattle, new produce, technology available to farmers locally
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha is encouraging locals to take advantage of the many opportunities the Government is creating for development of agriculture.
In a recent outreach in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) the minister declared that the agriculture sector is being modernized, and spoke about a meeting he had had with the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) regarding new developments in the industry.
“We were talking about increasing in the new technology that we brought to Guyana, the embryo transplant. We already have over fifty new calves that we (bred) through the embryo transplant,” he noted.
In fact, the minister said there are more that 70 new breeds of cattle available to farmers locally “to help farmers to increase their breed”.
“Right here the President was when he launched the black belly sheep programme. We received from Barbados a thousand black belly sheep. We have since had a thousand more coming from those we got from Barbados,” Mustapha detailed.
In terms of crops, the minister boasted that new crops are being cultivated.
“We are not only increasing production in traditional crops like rice, fruits and vegetables, but we are going into new crops. Last year we planted 12,000 acres of corn and soya. We increased it from
three thousand acres the year before to 12,000 acres last year, and this year we are hoping to increase that to 25,000 acres, where we can be self-sufficient and save approximately US$40 million in imports,” the minister pointed out.
Also noting that the Agriculture Ministry in now moving to a higher level, wherein hydroponics is being pursued countrywide, Minister Mustapha declared, “At Fort Wellington in Region Five, we have already completed the entire structure for the hydroponic farm. We are now putting in the trays with the plants - one hundred thousand plantlets. Young people from here in Region Five will be involved there.”
Moreover, in highlighting that production of black eye and red beans has started on a large scale, with Kimbia being one of the areas targeted, Minister Mustapha said, “We are now building the roads, and they are almost completed. We are now putting in a 12,000-ton silo there, and we have massive cultivation of black eye peas.”
Stating that by midyear Guyana would not only be self-sufficient in production of black eye peas, but would become an exporter of the commodity to Caricom, Minister Mustapha declared, “Those are the visions that we have, leaving out rice cultivation this year."
He disclosed that more than six hundred shade houses have been built across the country this year, and a further two
hundred will be constructed.
This is aside from those that have been built to cultivate high-value crops like broccoli, cauliflower and carrots, which are being sold in the hospitality and oil and gas industries.
He also noted that young people are being engaged in this agriculture expansion.
“Young people. You know young people have a different perception of agriculture. They feel that agriculture is not for them, it is for mature people and people who never went to school. We are changing that perception, and we have hundreds of young people today that are involved in agriculture, that are making their likelihood from agriculture. People would have gone to the University of Guyana and come out with a degree in agronomy, or gone to the Guyana School of Agriculture and come out with a diploma, and were never evolved in agriculture. Today we are engaging those persons, and hundreds of them are in agriculture, earning their livelihood,” he declared.
Last year Guyana produced a record 725,000 tons of rice. This year the target has been set at 804,000 tons, and the Agriculture Minister anticipates the target would be reached and surpassed.
“Those are the new things that we’re talking about,” he said, as he added that the ministry is also encouraging women and single parents to get involved in the sector.
Congress Place, Sophia, Georgetown
ical parties are not the same as commercial entities, adding that political parties should be able to sue and be sued, as well as hold property, assume contractual obligations, and enforce rights in their own names.
However, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who appeared on behalf of the State and was awarded $1 million in costs by the court, had submitted that the court does not have an inherent jurisdiction to make such declarations. According to Nandlall, “Parliament has to legislate and the court cannot arrogate onto itself the function of the legislature”.
In her ruling, the acting
Chief Justice had noted that to grant the reliefs sought by the applicant would encroach upon the law. She had noted in her ruling that the court could not import into the Constitution the measures that were being sought.
“Moreover, the Court opined that the fact that the Constitution provides for freedom to form political parties does not mean it creates an obligation to clothe them with legal personality. Further, it was ruled that the declaration sought for procedures to be adopted by political parties in determining candidates would require the Court to speculate and be intrusive,” a state-
ment said.
“Importantly, the learned Chief Justice upheld the argument by the Attorney General that there is no evidence of conditions which unduly interfere with the existence of and freedom of parties and therefore, the orders sought were vague and unenforceable.”
Meanwhile, the Attorney General in the statement lamented the common practice of lawyers filing cases and proceeding to share details with the media before serving the documents to the defendants. According to Nandlall, this case was an example of this since he learnt of this matter from the press.
PNC member Brian Collison
David Hinds’ derogatory comments towards AfroGuyanese
“not a slip of the tongue”— McCoy
…“we cannot afford to let this kind of rhetoric take root” – fellow coalition colleague slams Hinds
In a scathing response to comments made by David Hinds, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame Mc Coy has made it clear that the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Co-Leader’s recent derogatory remarks aimed at Afro-Guyanese who have chosen to part ways with the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition were “not a slip of the tongue”.
Mc Coy described Hinds' statements as offensive, highlighting the deeply-ingrained “racial and divisive ideology that continues to define the Opposition’s political machine”.
“This is not a slip of the tongue.
This is who they are, and this is what they think of the very people they claim to represent… His words betray the entire façade the Opposition attempts to present to the public, exposing the toxic and divisive ideology they continue to peddle while pretending to be a part of inclusion for all Guyanese,” the Minister said.
Hinds, during his "Politics 101" programme, hurled a series of insults at Afro-Guyanese, calling them “lick bottoms”, “house slaves”, and “sell-outs”, among others.
These comments were seen as a direct attack on the dignity of AfroGuyanese who are exercising their democratic right to support a political party of their choice. According to Mc Coy, this is not a case of a “slip of the tongue” but rather a revealing example of the entrenched mentality of the APNU/AFC.
“His words drip with disdain and arrogance, reflective of the very mentality that has defined the Opposition’s approach to race and politics in Guyana… David Hinds is, in fact, a central figure in the APNU+AFC political machine, and what he is expressing is exactly what we already know to be the Opposition’s deeply-ingrained mentality and disposition on race,” he added.
Mc Coy went on to argue that Hinds’ derogatory remarks reflect a deeper issue within the Opposition, which has consistent-
ly used race as a tool for political gain while disregarding the welfare of the people. He emphasised that Afro-Guyanese, like all citizens, have the constitutional right to support any political party they choose.
Hateful rhetoric
With this in mind, Mc Coy called on Afro-Guyanese groups, particularly those that advocate for the betterment of their communities, to take a firm stance against the insults and lies being spread by Hinds and the Opposition. He expressed hope that Guyanese were more motivated than ever to move beyond the “regressive and hateful rhetoric of the past”, em-
bracing a future of unity, opportunity, and progress under the ‘One Guyana’ initiative.
“All Guyanese must stand up, stand firm and denounce David Hinds and the APNU+AFC. AfroGuyanese groups who truly advocate for the betterment of their communities must be the loudest in rejecting the vitriol and deception that David Hinds and the APNU+AFC continue to push on a daily basis.”
Hinds has crossed a line
The former Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine has chimed in on the matter, highlighting that “Hinds has crossed a line that no responsible leader or commentator should ever approach”.
He stated that “such behaviour not only undermines the spirit of democracy but also fuels unnecessary division and animosity among people who should be united in their pursuit of a better Guyana”.
Like Minister Mc Coy, Narine called for unity on the matter, stating “We cannot afford to let this kind of rhetoric take root in our political culture. Guyana’s strength lies in its diversity and the shared aspirations of its people, regardless of race or political affiliation. Leaders must rise above petty insults and work toward fostering unity and understanding. I call on all right-thinking leaders to condemn Dr Hinds and the highly disrespectful comments made to my
Afro brothers and sisters”.
APAD
The Association of the People of African Descent (APAD) has irrevocably condemned the statements made by Hinds, highlighting that the body does “not share his political views”, adding that “to label Afro-Guyanese with such distasteful and derogatory terms simply because they exercise their right to independent thought is unacceptable, backward thinking and contrary to the values of respect and unity that we strive to uphold”. APAD has urged all leaders to engage in discussions that foster understanding and progress rather than disrespect and division.
New industrial training centre to meet CVQ standards
In a significant step towards advancing skills development and certification, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), through the Ministry of Labour, has officially commissioned its new training office and Skills Development & Certification Centre on Tuesday.
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to meet Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) standards. CVQ is a recognized and portable qualification in CARICOM, obtainable for secondary school graduates, school leavers without certification, employees, displaced workers seeking new skills to re-enter the work-
force, self-employed individuals, or persons seeking new skills.
The launch, held in New Amsterdam, Region Six 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne), was attended by key personnel, including Government officials, regional leaders, and heads of departments from the BIT.
Spearheading the commissioning ceremony was Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton, who highlighted that the new facility would significantly improve residents’ access to training programmes offered by that ministry.
“I can see evidence of what we are doing, especially with the establishment of
this facility. I can see (the) residents here, including retired individuals, benefitting from the programmes we have (implemented) and will continue to implement in the region,” he stated.
The minister emphasized the transformative impact of Government-led training initiatives, particularly in Region Six, where 2,571 persons have been trained over the past four years.
These trainings were conducted through 109 programmes, with an investment of $185 million. Notably, 1,410 males and 1,230 females have benefitted from these initiatives, underscoring Government’s
focus on inclusivity and equal opportunity.
Meanwhile, Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Maughn provided brief remarks. Expounding on the organization’s growth and the recognition of its programmes, he highlighted the BIT’s commitment to ensuring that its training programmes are accredited and recognized both locally and internationally, opening doors for trainees to access better job opportunities and further education.
Additionally, Region Six Chairman David Armogan, who is also Chairman of the Board of Industrial Training,
and His Worship Mayor Wainwright McIntosh, also addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude for the establishment of the centre in Berbice.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by other staff from BIT, who will play a pivotal role in the implementation of training programmes and certification processes.
The building spans two levels, each covering 2,000 square feet, offering ample space for training and certification programmes.
The establishment of the Skills Development & Certification Centre in New Amsterdam marks a mile-
stone in Government’s efforts to decentralize training opportunities and promote regional development.
As Guyana continues to experience economic growth, initiatives like these are seen as essential to ensuring that all citizens can participate in and benefit from the nation’s progress. Meanwhile, to date, some 12,000 persons have been trained through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) since 2020, signalling an investment of more than $169 million by the Government of Guyana. Of this total, 1,490 persons were trained in 2024.
Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton at the ribbon-cutting exercise on Tuesday
New industrial training office in Region 6
Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Co-Leader David Hinds
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy
Former Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine
Govt expanding local aviation to serve as key Caribbean-South America link
Guyana is poised to become a crucial aviation hub, bridging the Caribbean and South America, as the Government intensifies efforts to expand its domestic and international air transport sector.
This commitment was reinforced by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill at the Fourth Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 in Abu Dhabi, where he outlined the country's ambitious vision for aviation growth.
Minister Edghill emphasised that aviation was not just a convenience but a necessity for Guyana, owing to its unique terrain and economic aspirations.
He further highlighted that the nation’s aviation sector was witnessing record-breaking growth, with international passenger movement expected to surpass one million in 2025 – an impressive jump from 751,631 in 2019 to 938,715 in 2024.
The Minister also noted that the increase reflected heightened investor confidence, rising diasporic travel, and a growing number of business and leisure visitors, further reinforcing Guyana’s status as a rising hub in the Region, crucial for bridging the Caribbean and South America.
“Because of our vast forest and the beauty that it presents, our brand of tourism, which is eco-tourism, where Guyana has now been listed as a must-see destination by most of the interna-
tional travel journals; aviation is key to developing that sector. Where our arrivals in-country is more than our population as of the end of 2024, and where we've been able to attract numerous international carriers,” he noted.
“It is impossible for us as a
country to survive without aviation. In order for us to serve as that link between the Caribbean and South America, because of where we are strategically located, we have to develop our aviation sector, we have to expand what is there, and we have to ensure that
while we do that, it functions well,” the Minister told the gathering.
As Guyana cements its role as a strategic link between the Caribbean and South America, Edghill said Government remained focused on modernising its aviation infrastructure.
On this point, he noted that plans were in place to enhance domestic and international connectivity, and boost trade and tourism, while ensuring that remote communities remain integrated into the nation’s development.
“In order for us to be able to see the development of Guyana, particularly to bring development and improve the lives and livelihoods of our people, we have to develop, and we are developing a robust domestic aviation sector. We have more than 120 aerodromes that need to service more than 242 Indigenous communities in the country… With oil and gas, where we are servicing several FPSOs [Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessels] a hundred miles off our coast in our Exclusive Economic Zone, the build-out of helicopter trade and traffic is now an enormous one.
For us, our future is with aviation, and we're not just going to say in the developing of the green economy, but we also have to look that while we do that, the blue economy is also addressed,” he said.
Moreover, Minister Edghill underscored that investment in
safety, training, and infrastructure – including the recent certification of aviation training programmes – are ensuring that Guyana’s skies remain secure and well-regulated.
In recent years, Guyana has benefited tremendously from regulatory and hands-on support from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in the area of aviation.
In May-June 2024, ICAO conducted an audit of Guyana under the Universal Safety Oversight Audit-Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP-CMA) programme, where an overall score of 66.36 per cent in the effective implementation of the ICAO standards was achieved.
This support has enabled international carriers to recognise Guyana as a safe aviation destination, which has resulted in four new air carriers commencing operations in Guyana in 2024, including United Airlines.
According to the Public Works Minister, Guyana is currently engaged in the process of certifying its first heavy-lift helicopter operator for support in the oil and gas sector, and is working closely with the ICAO Region office with the support of other States in the Region to request the necessary technical support to build capacity and capability within Guyana, to effectively certify this operator and provide the necessary oversight and surveillance for their operations.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill; Director General of GCAA, Lt Col (Retired) Egbert Field; Principal, Civil Aviation Training School (CATS), Clifford VanDoimen; and Quality Officer, CATS, Francesca Wilson
Brazil calls for dialogue with US on trade, suggests steel quotas
Brazil's Vice President Geraldo Alckmin on Wednesday called for "caution" and said the South American country would seek dialogue with the United States after President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium imports.
Speaking to reporters in Brasilia, Alckmin said that Brazil was open to dialogue and would reach out to the Trump Administration. He suggested that quotas could be a good alternative.
The South American country is one of the largest sources of US steel imports, but Alckmin highlighted that overall the US runs a trade surplus with Brazil, saying that it meant Latin America's largest economy was "not the problem".
Trump, who took office last month for his second non-consecutive term, first targeted steel and alumini-
um for tariffs in 2018 under a Cold War-era national security law.
But he later granted several countries exemptions, including Canada, Mexico and Australia, and struck duty-free quota deals for Brazil, South Korea and Argentina based on pre-tariff volumes.
"In the past, when tariffs were increased quotas were set. That's a smart mechanism," said Alckmin, who also serves as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's
(Reuters/Paulo
Minister of Development, Industry and Trade.
The United States has run a trade surplus with Brazil since 2008, which reached US$253 million last year on more than US$80 billion of bilateral trade.
Brazilian steelmakers lobby group Aco Brasil on Tuesday had already said it was surprised by Trump's tariffs, which are due to start in March, and that such measure would not benefit either of the countries. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Lula to meet with agency on Petrobras' bid to drill near mouth of Amazon river
Brazilian President
Luiz Inácio Lula
da Silva will meet with environmental agency Ibama this week or the next to discuss Petrobras' bid to drill for oil near the mouth of the Amazon River, he told a local radio station on Wednesday.
Lula, who has defended State-run Petrobras' bid to explore the region, said during the interview that "Ibama is a Government agency that seems to be against the Government", in an escalation of recent criticism against the regulator.
It was unclear if the meeting would lead to a final decision on whether Petrobras would be allowed to drill in the environmentally-sensitive area.
In May 2023, Ibama denied Petrobras' request for an offshore drilling licence for the Foz do Amazonas area off the coast of Amapa state, citing environmental concerns. The oil company appealed soon after, but a final Ibama decision is pending.
Union Ascema, which represents workers from federal environmental agencies, expressed concern
over Lula's statements, adding that Ibama's decisions are based on "technical, scientific and legal criteria".
Ibama did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Its President, Rodrigo Agostinho, told newspaper O Globo that he saw the political pressure as "normal".
Lula's remarks come after talks with Davi Alcolumbre, the newly sworn-in President of Brazil's Senate and a vehement defender of oil exploration in his home state of Amapa. (Excerpt from Reuters)
2 Tobago fishermen reported missing
Rescue teams are searching for two fishermen who went missing off Tobago on February 11.
The men set out to sea from Pigeon Point at around 06:00h aboard a 28-foot pirogue, Zena, and were expected to return by 11:00h. But they have not been seen since.
Teams comprising members of the TT Air Guard, Coast Guard, Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and the All Tobago Fisherfolk Association (ATFA) and several volunteers are searching for the men.
ATFA President Curtis Douglas told Newsday on February 12 the island urgently needed a rescue boat.
“The Chief Secretary promise us a rescue boat over three years now. If we had that rescue boat, the search would have started since yesterday (February 11). But it seems that he doesn’t care about the fish -
ing industry and he doesn’t care about fishermen,” he said.
Douglas said fishermen from Crown Point and Castara are also expected to join the search.
(Trinidad Newsday)
Panama vessel registry says it is “not a haven for sanctions evasion”
Panama has made progress stripping vessels from its registry that do not meet its flag's standards, the Central American nation's Maritime Authority said on Wednesday, responding to US criticism that it allowed sanctioned countries to move ships with the Panamanian flag.
US officials and Congressmen have accused Panama of not taking action to help enforce sanctions on vessels and ship owners from countries including Russia, Iran and Venezuela.
US President Donald Trump has used these arguments to threaten the Panama Canal with a takeover.
Washington in recent years has requested that
Panama, which gives its flag to 15 per cent of the world's merchant fleet by tonnage, cancel the registration of dozens of ships targeted for transporting sanctioned commodities, including oil, or engaging in activities such as ship-to-ship transfers to disguise the countries of origin of cargoes.
Panama's Maritime Authority said the most recent evaluation of its registry by an independent fleet monitoring firm showed a 96.5 per cent compliance with international safety and environmental standards.
"The Panama Maritime Authority ... has intensified its fleet purge efforts, removing from the registry those
vessels that do not meet the required standards," it said in a release, adding that its registry was "not a haven for sanctions evasion".
"We have maintained a zero tolerance policy for any attempt to misuse the Panamanian registry," Ramon Franco, chief of Panama's merchant marine office, said in the release.
The authority did not disclose how many ships had been withdrawn from the registry.
In 2024, Panama's registry added a net 468 vessels for a total of 8773 ships under its flag, according to data by S&P Global's consultancy IHS Markit, quoted by the Maritime Authority. (Reuters)
Joyride turns tragic as driver tries to evade cops in T&T roadblock
Two teenagers were killed and another injured after a joyride ended in a Police chase that led to the car they were travelling in crashing into a light pole in Pointea-Pierre on Monday night.
Friends Kelita King, 16, a Form Four student at Marabella Secondary, and Trey Collymore, 15, a student of Servol Life Centre, died minutes apart.
Another passenger in the car, Joel Yarde, 16, was also warded in stable condition at the San Fernando General Hospital.
Police said a fourth occupant, age 16, believed to be the driver, was found walking on the road a short distance away from the crash. The owner of the car subsequently told Police that he did not give him permission to use the vehicle.
Police reports state that officers from the Marabella Police Station
were conducting a road traffic exercise at 21:40h along the Southern Main Road, Pointe-a-Pierre, near Tropical Plaza, when they attempted stop a red Nissan Tiida. However, the driver of the vehicle sped past the officers, who then pursued the car. The car eventually veered off the road and slammed into a light pole near Flower Pot Beach. Police said
the three teenagers were pinned in the backseat. Fire officers from the Mon Repos Fire Station responded to a trouble call from the Police and used the jaws of life to retrieve the teens from the vehicle. King died at the scene and Collymore succumbed to his injuries at the San Fernando General Hospital. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
Pilot suspected of working for Mexican drug cartel arrested
Security forces in Mexico have arrested a pilot they suspect of working for Los Chapitos, the Mexican cartel run by sons of the jailed drug lord Joaquín '"El Chapo" Guzmán.
The pilot, known by the alias of "El Jando", was detained in the northern city of Culiacán, the stronghold of Los Chapitos, in an operation in which one soldier was shot dead.
Mexican intelligence sources allege he is a key figure in Los Chapitos and that he played a role in the sting operation which led to the arrest of another cartel
kingpin "El Mayo Zambada" in the US.
The pilot's lawyers have asked the courts for more time to prepare his defence.
While "El Jando" was detained in the early hours of Saturday, detailed information about the charges levelled against him have only become public in recent days.
Mexico's security minister told reporters at a news conference on Tuesday that he could confirm "El Jando" was the trusted pilot of the leader of "Los Chapitos".
Prosecutors allege that as well as being an accomplished pilot, he was also
involved in drug and arms trafficking and in several explosive attacks on the security forces.
Most importantly though, Mexican intelligence services are now hoping to gain information from "El Jando" about the mysterious flight which delivered wanted drug kingpin "El Mayo" into the hands of US federal agents.
US officials have said that "El Mayo" was betrayed by none other than Joaquín Guzmán López, one of the sons of the infamous "El Chapo" Guzmán. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Whitaker file photo)
ATFA President Curtis Douglas (David Reid file photo)
Oil
OIL NEWS
sinks 2% after Trump calls Putin, Zelenskiy to discuss end to war in Ukraine
Oil prices settled down more than two per cent on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump took the first big step toward diplomacy over the war in Ukraine he has promised to end, a war that has supported oil prices on concerns about global supplies.
Brent futures settled down US$1.82, or 2.36 per cent, at US$75.18 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled down US$1.95, or 2.66 per cent, to US$71.37.
US crude futures fell more than US$2 at their session low. The declines follow three days of gains, during which Brent climbed 3.6 per cent and WTI rose 3.7 per cent.
Trump discussed the war in Ukraine in phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
"Trump doing peace talks, I think that has taken some of the risk premium out of oil prices right now," said Phil Flynn, senior analyst with Price Futures Group.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump said he and Putin had "agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately, and we will begin by calling President Zelenskiy, of Ukraine, to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now."
Zelenskiy's office said Trump and Zelenskiy had spoken by phone for about an hour.
Investors also tried to gauge the Federal Reserve's next moves on cutting interest rates following comments on Tuesday by Fed Chair Jerome Powell and after data on Wednesday showed US consumer prices increased more than expected in January.
"The combination of higher inflation and the possibility of peace (in Ukraine) is causing a bit of a sell-off in the market at the moment," said Price Futures Group's Flynn.
Powell said the economy is in a good place and the Fed is not rushing to cut rates further, but is prepared to do so if inflation drops or the job market weakens.
Consumer price data released by the US Labour Department showed surprisingly strong US inflation in January, stoking fears that a heating economy and looming tariffs could undercut hopes for rate cuts. Higher rates can slow economic activity and dampen demand for oil.
"The inflation numbers came in hot, reducing the chances of the Fed cutting rates from September to December," said Price Futures Group's Flynn.
US crude oil stocks posted a larger-than-expected build last week, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Wednesday. Gasoline inventories, meanwhile, posted a surprise draw while distillate stocks posted a surprise build. Elsewhere, Russia may be forced to throttle back its oil output in the coming months as US sanctions hamper its access to tankers to sail to Asia and Ukrainian drone attacks hobble its refineries.
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said in a monthly report that global oil demand will rise by 1.45 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025 and by 1.43 million bpd in 2026. Both forecasts were unchanged from last month.
The EIA increased its estimate for US crude production while leaving its demand forecast unchanged. It now expects US crude oil output to average 13.59 million bpd in 2025, up from its previous estimate of 13.55 million bpd.
The Trump Administration named Kathleen Sgamma, a vocal oil and gas advocate for Western states, to head up the Interior Department's Bureau of Land Management, which manages the use of the country's nearly 250 million acres of public lands. (Reuters)
Trump says Putin and Zelenskiy want peace; phone calls kick off talks to end Ukraine war
US President Donald Trump said both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed a desire for peace in separate phone calls with him on Wednesday, and Trump ordered top US officials to begin talks on ending the war in Ukraine.
The conversations came after Trump's Defence Secretary earlier said Kyiv would have to give up its long-held goals of joining the NATO military alliance and regaining all of its territory seized by Russia, signalling a dramatic shift in Washington's approach to the conflict.
After speaking with Putin for more than an hour, Trump said the Russian leader, who launched a fullscale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, wants the war to end and they discussed "getting a ceasefire in the not-toodistant future".
"He wants it to end. He doesn't want to end it and then go back to fighting six months later," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
"I think we're on the way to getting peace. I think President Putin wants peace, President Zelenskiy wants peace and I want peace. I just want to see people stop getting killed," he added.
Trump has long said he would quickly end the war in Ukraine, without spelling out exactly how he would accomplish this.
The Kremlin earlier said Putin and Trump had agreed to meet, and Putin had invited Trump to visit
Israel calls up reservists as fears for fragile Gaza ceasefire rise
Israel has called up military reservists to brace for a possible re-eruption of war in Gaza if Hamas fails to meet a Saturday deadline to free further Israeli hostages and a nearly month-old ceasefire unravels.
Concern that the truce will collapse is growing as fury mounts in the Arab world over President Donald Trump's plan for the United States to take over Gaza, resettle its Palestinian inhabitants, and build an international beach resort.
Hamas said Egypt and Qatar, which with US support mediated the ceasefire deal that took effect on January 19, had stepped up efforts to break the impasse and the Palestinian militant group's Gaza chief, Khalil AlHayya, arrived in Cairo for talks.
Hamas agreed under the deal to free three more hostages on Saturday, but said this week that it was suspending the handover over what it said were Israeli violations of the terms.
Trump responded by say-
ing all hostages must be freed by noon on Saturday or he would "let hell break out".
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the truce was meant to bring about a swift release of hostages held in harsh conditions in Gaza. "If Hamas stops the hostage releases then there is no ceasefire and there is war," he said in remarks at Israeli defence headquarters in Tel Aviv.
Katz added that "the new Gaza war" will be of another intensity altogether and "allow the realisation of Trump's vision for Gaza".
"Hamas ... will not accept the language of American and Israeli threats," Hamas spokesperson Hazaem Qassem said in a statement. "Contacts are underway with mediator countries to conclude the implementation of the ceasefire deal."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday Israel would resume "intense fighting" if Hamas did not meet the deadline, but did not say how many hostages should be freed. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Moscow. Trump said their first meeting would "proba
-
bly" take place soon in Saudi Arabia.
In a post on his social media platform, he said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, national security adviser Michael Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff would lead negotiations on ending the war.
Trump and Zelenskiy spoke after Trump's call with Putin, and Zelenskiy's office said the conversation lasted for about an hour.
"I had a meaningful conversation with @POTUS. We... talked about opportunities to achieve peace, discussed our readiness to work
together ...and Ukraine's technological capabilities... including drones and other advanced industries," Zelenskiy wrote on X. No Ukraine peace talks have been held since the early months of the conflict, now approaching its third anniversary. Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, oversaw billions of dollars of military and other aid to Kyiv and had no direct contact with Putin after Russia's invasion.
Russia occupies around a fifth of Ukraine and has demanded Kyiv cede more territory and be rendered permanently neutral under any peace deal.
Ukraine demands Russia withdraw from captured territory and says it must receive NATO membership or equivalent security guarantees to prevent Moscow from attacking again.
European powers, including Britain, France and Germany, said on Wednesday they had to be part of any future negotiations on the fate of Ukraine, underscoring that only a fair accord with security guarantees would ensure lasting peace. They said they were ready to enhance support for Ukraine and put it in a position of strength. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Senate confirms Tulsi Gabbard as national intelligence director
Tulsi Gabbard, one of President Donald Trump's most controversial Cabinet picks, was confirmed as director of national intelligence by a narrow vote in the Senate on Wednesday.
The former Democratic Congresswoman was approved to oversee the US spy agencies by a Republican majority, with a vote of 5248. Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, joined Democrats in voting against her confirmation.
Gabbard's nomination process was rocky, and at times she seemed at risk of losing valuable Republican votes, mostly due to her lack of experience in intel-
ligence. Her confirmation marks another Cabinet victory for Trump as the Senate moves swiftly to confirm his remaining nominees.
Gabbard had cleared a key hurdle on Monday when Senate Republicans came together to invoke cloture –a procedural measure taken to move toward a final vote. This triggers a 30hour period for debate. Democrats have been utilising the full 30 hours to protest Trump's nominees, and his policies, on the floor of the Senate. That meant that the full chamber could not vote on Gabbard's confirmation until the first few hours of Wednesday morning. (Excerpt from BBC News)
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin shook hands as they met in Helsinki, Finland, July 16, 2018
(Reuters/Kevin Lamarque file photo)
National Intelligence Director, Tulsi Gabbard
An Israeli tank manoeuvres on the Israeli side of the border with Gaza, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as seen from Israel, February 12, 2025 (Reuters/Amir Cohen)
Refrain from counting on anyone but yourself, and you will spare yourself grief and disappointment. You have what it takes to succeed if you believe in yourself and your capabilities.
Think twice before you spend money unnecessarily. Take a walk, invite someone to coffee or consider what you can part with that will save you money. Indecisiveness and excessive behavior will be your downfall.
Question everyone and everything before you agree to participate in something. Use your intelligence, connections and high energy to get things done. Refuse to turn an emotional matter into something gigantic.
Use your imagination, and you’ll develop ideas that make your job or responsibilities more manageable. Stay on track and distance yourself from manipulative people.
Check off the boxes as you head in a healthy direction. Getting into a routine and consciously maintaining a healthy diet and regular fitness will lead to a positive attitude and common-sense choices.
Avoid drama and situations you cannot control. Refuse to get caught in someone else’s battle or pay the price for a mistake you didn’t make. Choose your circle wisely and play to win.
Abide by rules and regulations, and keep your information private. Concentrate on gathering information and socializing with upbeat individuals. Be wary of pushy people.
Choose the path that allows you to do things your way and test what intrigues you. Networking, conferences and connecting with someone from your past will be in your best interest.
Use your skills and time to further your interests, not to benefit someone who isn’t likely to do the same for you. Look for opportunities and take the initiative to strengthen your position.
Use common sense and know when to decline an offer that isn’t right for you. Positive results come from implementing changes that suit your needs. Be honest with yourself and others.
Take the time to assess your relationships. Decluttering your living space will help you gain clarity regarding the people you associate with and their influence on you.
Say what’s on your mind, but be ready to face controversy. The best route forward is honesty, integrity and fair play. Put your energy into personal improvements, better health and expanding your interests.
ARCHIE
England Tour of India 2025: ODI Series, Game 3 of 3…
-through Gill century, fifties from Kohli, Shreyas
If India’s four-wicket wins against England in the first and second ODI didn’t reflect the gulf between the two sides, the 142-run victory in the third at the Narendra Modi Stadium made up for it. As does the final series score of 3-0.
The margin owed much to Shubman Gill’s 112 on his 50th appearance in the format, a seventh century helping India to 356. But for Adil Rashid’s 4 for 64, his career-best figures in India, it could have been a whole lot more.
The gulf on the night would have been wider had Gus Atkinson not thrashed 38 at the end, having faced just 19 deliveries. But that only served to highlight England’s grim
injury replacement for Jacob Bethell.
England finished this limited-overs tour having lost seven matches out of eight, with this defeat making it 16 losses in 23 ODIs since the 2023 World Cup.
The tourists were actually going steady in pursuit of their 357-run target, and had reached 126 for 2 at the end of the 18th over when, on cue, the middle order caved in on itself once more, and the team collapsed to 175 for 8 midway through the 31st over. This time, with Varun Chakravarthy (suffering from a sore calf), Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami rested, the trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar and Arshdeep Singh had their share
handy allies during his stay, with Virat Kohli’s 52 and Shreyas Iyer’s breezy 78 off 64 balls contributing to stands of 116 and 104 respectively. A 29-ball 40 from KL Rahul, accompanied by cameos lower down the order, lifted India to their highest score at this venue, and joint third-highest against England.
Arguably, the best it ever got for England on Wednesday was when Mark Wood pocketed Rohit Sharma with his first delivery of the match. Fresh from a devastating 32nd ODI century, Rohit lasted just two balls, as Wood angled one into off stump, and it nipped off the surface and took the edge through to a tumbling Phil Salt.
Gill and Kohli emerged from the powerplay with intent, which was curbed only when Rashid was introduced in the 15th over. The legspinner’s removal of Kohli, after the 36-year-old had ticked off a 123rd fifty-plus ODI score in 50 deliveries, spoke of what was to come. Dip brought the righthander forward, and grip and rip provided another nick for Salt.
Shreyas arrived, and immediately settled into a quick groove. A century stand with Gill, brought up in 85 deliveries, was split evenly between the two. By then Gill had crisply struck Wood through midwicket to bring up his century from 95 balls.
Gill freed himself up a little more after the milestone by lifting Rashid down the ground for six, but was bowled by the same bowler as he attempted
India rout England 3-0
time beyond the bat and into the middle-and-off bail.
India were eventually bowled out in losing three wickets for three runs off the last seven deliveries of the innings.
For what it’s worth, England were up to the task with a rate that required 7.14 for a good chunk of the chase. The problem was the regular ticking of the wicket column,
last five recognised batters to fall for a total of just 48 runs.
Root was yorked by Axar, then Rana returned for a second spell to pick up Buttler and Harry Brook, both playing on. A torturous 23-ball stay for Liam Livingstone came to an end as he ran past a delivery from Washington, before Pandya flattened Rashid’s off stump via the batter’s misjudged pull. Lusty blows from Wood
mushroom cloud of this match, and the white-ball tour as a whole, as England eventually folded with all of 94 balls left in their innings.
It leaves head coach Brendon McCullum with a job on his hands to lift his squad as they head to Pakistan for their Champions Trophy opener against Australia on February 22. India begin their campaign two days earlier
Fresh from leading the ILT20 run charts for MI Emirates, Banton showcased his impressive strokeplay with reverse-swept sixes off both Washington and Axar Patel. He enjoyed two bits of good fortune, avoiding a stumping after charging and edging
Both teams arrived in Ahmedabad looking to use this last ODI before the Champions Trophy to finetune; or, in England’s case, tune outright. India’s trio of changes were as much about experimentation as Jos Buttler’s decision to bowl first, after England had batted in the first innings in Nagpur Gill relished the opportunity to go first this time. After 87 and 60 in the first two matches, he was pristine throughout his jaunt to three figures, and broke a “slump” of 14 innings without a century. He had
Shubman Gill brought out his trademark century celebration
Virat Kohli driving through covers
Shreyas Iyer scored his second half-century of the series
Adil Rashid kept chipping away
CONCACAF U17 Boys’ Qualifiers…
Junior Jags cruise past St. Maarten 3-0
…Will face hosts Costa Rica tonight
Ateam effort from Guyana’s national under-17 boys’ football team the Junior Jaguars has seen them defeating St. Maarten 3-0 and coming away with a win at the Estadio Nacional in San Jose, Costa Rica on Tuesday night.
Captain Kemron Pellew and goal-keeper Nyall Kendall, together with Joshua Morris, Michael Joseph, Tamer Unver, Mikkel Mills, Quancey Fraser, Shaquan David, Dakarai Drakes, Jaden Harris and Max Robinson, were in the preferred starting XI.
Max Robinson took a set piece opportunity to send a shot into the box, but a header deflected the ball back out of the danger zone. However, Shaquan David was ready and waiting, and he sent a lighting shot past the keeper for Guyana’s opening goal, in the 18th minute.
Although the Junior Jags did not find the back of the net again, they managed to keep St. Maarten at bay for the remainder of the half.
In the second segment, a brilliant piece of individual play from Quancey Fraser brought up Guyana’s second strike. When his first shot was saved by the keeper, Fraser outplayed 3 Sint Maarten defenders to find the back of the net at the near post in the 56th minute.
Jaden Harris made it a 3-0 affair in the 73rd with a strike of his own, capitalising off an assist from Fraser in a breakaway run.
In an invited comment, Head Coach Marco Bonofiglio expressed his pride at the
team’s performance, stating about Tuesday night’s victory, “Not only was it big for myself and my staff, the boys were truly happy, and they knew that coming into the match. They wanted to produce a piece of history, and they did it. They were so excited, so humble to know that they provided this historic event for their country. So, we’re all very proud of that.”
Admitting that the team could have scored more, Bonofiglio said he was nevertheless happy with the team’s visible progression in short time.
“When we look at the execution: obviously, could we have scored more goals? Sure! I think everybody is aware of that; but it’s more important about what we’re producing, and what we’re producing right now is everything that we’re doing on the
training pitch. To me, that’s very important,” the coach divulged.
“When we look at areas again that we can improve, I need everybody to remember that we’re a team that has been working together for just under a month. But I know that the boys are growing every day: mentally, physically. The improvements would have to be on the consistency of being sharp. That’s what’s going to matter most, especially when you go into big game. How sharp can we be, and be consistent for 90 minutes,” he added.
“The level of confidence in the boys right now is very good. We’re happy with what we’ve achieved so far, and they’re growing day to day. It’s important to me that I see progression, and the progression shows on the field,” he explained.
As the national U17 team
prepares to battle group leaders Costa Rica tomorrow, the Head Coach has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete, despite the quality of their opposition.
In responding to inquiries about today’s game, Bonofiglio said, “Tomorrow [today], we know that we’re playing a team - Costa Rica - that is accustomed to being in World Cup scenarios. So, we’re playing a team with high-level experience; a team that’s been together for many years, have great coaching staff. Have we got what it takes to compete? Yes.
“Because I want to say proudly that I’m very proud of the boys and of the staff and how much we’ve accomplished. We’ve not settled for anything, but we have the right mindset to go out and battle with Costa Rica in a good test for us to see what needs to be worked on still;
and hopefully, the focus and concentration of these boys will lead us to be competitive in this match against Costa Rica.”
Guyana will take on Costa Rica at 21:00hrs tonight at the same venue. The hosts currently lead Group B with 6 points, while Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago are second and third with 4 points each, but are separated by goal difference. British Virgin Islands have 3 points for fourth place, while St. Maarten are at the bottom of the Group B points table, having yet to accumulate any points.
The Junior Jaguars are competing for a spot in the FIFA U17 World Cup, to be contested later this year. Each group winner in the CONCACAF Qualifier would punch their ticket to this tournament, which would be held in Qatar in November.
MCYS endorses Mashramani Street Football Championships
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCY&S) will substantially support the Mashramani Street Football Championships ahead of its Semi-Final and Final set for this Saturday at the National Park from 19:00hrs.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, Sports Management Inc. (SMI), the organisation hosting the Mashramani Street Football Championships, has expressed gratitude to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, for supporting the event in a substantial way.
“We are grateful to Minister Ramson, and want to go on record to thank him, and by extension the Government of Guyana, for supporting this event and the communities that participate at this level of sport. Really, this is the leadership that’s necessary to develop sport holistically,” the release observed.
“The Government and the Ministry (have) been very active in the development of sport at every level. We believe that Minister Ramson has been very active and vibrant in pushing for the advancement of sport in Guyana, and his support at the grassroots level will significantly impact the participants,” the release continued.
According to the document, principal of SMI, Edison Jefford, contacted the Minister to formally request his support for the event, and the Minister did not hesitate to offer MCY&S backing of the activity.
“In fact, the Minister indicated that he will be attending the event Saturday night,” the release informed.
The MCY&S is the Ministry responsible for Mashramani activities, and as such, the organising body believes it is a “big deal” to have the official “endorsement” of the only sport activity on the
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Mashramani calendar.
“We are elated, and believe we are heading in the right direction to have such a major endorsement,” the release has said.
The Mashramani Street Football Championships will culminate with a grand Final Four and Finals on Saturday night. The winner will pocket $500,000, second place $300,000, third place $200,000 and fourth place $100,000.
Trophies will be given to teams placing first to third, while the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament would be awarded $50,000 and a trophy.
There will also be Plate Playoffs featuring the four losing quarterfinalists and the top two teams from the Super-16 round for a total purse of $100,000, while each of the top three teams in this competition would be rewarded with one case of Magnum Tonic Wine
The Junior Jags are coming off of a 3-0 victory against St. Maarten, and will take on Costa Rica today
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr (second right), along with Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle (right), Assistant Director of Sport Franklin Wilson (left) and Edison Jefford, taking a photo opportunity
Guyanese boxers well-placed in IBA world rankings
…ahead of Caribbean Championships
Some of Guyana’s top boxers are heading into the Caribbean Championships ranked among the best in the world, following the latest update from the International Boxing Association (IBA).
The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) is currently preparing its elite fighters for the Caribbean Championships, scheduled for February 27March 3 in St. Lucia. These Championships mark the long-awaited return of the
region’s premier boxing event, which was last held in 2019. Leading the charge for Guyana are Desmond Amsterdam and Abiola Jackman, both ranked 29th in their respective divisions.
Amsterdam, competing in the Light Heavyweight division, is the highest-ranked Caribbean boxer in his category. Known for his powerful punches and quick footwork, he has distinguished himself as a dominant force in regional
and international competitions. His remarkable performances have made him one of Guyana’s top amateur boxing prospects.
Abiola Jackman similarly continues to excel in the Women’s Heavyweight division, maintaining her 29th-place ranking. She is known for her aggres-
West Indies Championship… Rain plays spoilsport on opening day between GHE, WI Academy
Round Three of the West Indies Championship got off to a rainy start for the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) and the West Indies Academy, as intermittent rains throughout the afternoon severely truncated Day 1 of their contest at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
After hours of on-andoff rain, the heavens finally cleared enough in the late afternoon for the toss, which was won by the hosts GHE, who opted to bat first.
In the absence of
Tagenarine Chanderpaul; Raymond Perez and Matthew Nandu took the reins of the opening partnership but it would not be long before Nandu went back to the dugout for one, having his stumps rattled by Jediah Blades’ pace.
sive yet disciplined boxing style, using her reach and strength to control fights. Her success on the regional stage has solidified her status as a standout puncher in Caribbean boxing.
Beyond Amsterdam and Jackman, Guyana boasts several other boxers making strides in the IBA world rankings. Alesha Jackman, the younger sister of Abiola, is ranked 62nd in the Light
Welterweight division.
Olympian Keevin Allicock holds the 36th spot in the Featherweight division, just behind Trinidad and Tobago’s Anthony Joseph (ranked 35th). Jamal Eastman sits at 50th in the Lightweight division, proving his ability to compete among the world’s best. Colin Lewis, another light welterweight contender, is ranked 83rd, round-
ing out Guyana’s representation on the IBA spectrum.
The IBA world rankings serve as a benchmark for amateur boxing excellence. Being ranked among the top boxers globally opens doors for international competitions, funding opportunities, and potential professional careers. It also enhances Guyana’s credibility as a boxing powerhouse in the Caribbean, attracting more international partnerships and development programmes.
President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, has expressed pride in the country’s increasing presence in the IBA world rankings. He has also reaffirmed the association’s dedication to supporting local boxers and helping them improve their global standings.
“We are proud of what our boxers have achieved so far. This is just the beginning. The GBA will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that more Guyanese fighters break into the world rankings and climb even higher,” Ninvalle has stated.
Further, he has highlighted the importance of developing young talent, ensuring that Guyana remains a competitive force in international boxing for years to come.
Nagassar re-elected President of GCUC
were able to resume, the hosts suffered another major blow, losing Anderson for 22 off 31 deliveries.
Another rain delay reared its ugly head, forcing a premature end to the day’s play. At that point, the Harpy Eagles were 87-4 from 25.4 overs. Day
day, with Savory and Kevin
Blades was the standout bowler for the Academy on Day 1, claiming 3-15 from 7 overs while Johann Layne picked up 1-42 from 11
The Guyana Harpy Eagles ly second on the West Indies Championship points table while the West Indies Academy are eighth. After Round 3, the Harpy Eagles will hit the road for the first time in the 2025 season, heading to Sabina Park, Kingston where they will battle hosts Jamaica Scorpions in Round
Essequibo’s Dawchan Nagassar has been re-elected to head the Guyana Cricket Umpires Council (GCUC) when that body that controls Cricket Umpires across Guyana held its Annual General Meeting and Elections on Sunday at the ECB Hostel in Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast, a press release has informed.
The largest delegations of candidates in recent times made the trip from Berbice and Demerara to join their Essequibian counterparts, and 49 votes were cast.
The agenda included minutes of the 2023 Meeting, adoption of the Minutes, Matters arising out of the Minutes, Correspondence, Area Association reports (Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo) the President’s, Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports, Any Other Business, and Resolutions/Motions.
Nagassar overcame a challenge for the presidency from Shannon Crawford by a margin of 27-22, while Ryan Banwarie lost a challenge to Nandkumar Shivsankar for the vice-presidency by a similar margin.
Moses Rampal (Secretary), Javed Persaud (Treasurer) and (Stephon Josiah) were all re-elected unopposed, while Sean Devers was re-elected as Public Relations Officer (PRO) but declined due to work commitments. The position was taken by Chandraban Rajnarine.
