National Ramadan Village 2025 opens February 27
PPP/C getting better results with same public servants who worked under APNU/AFC – Edghill
2
Pensioner dies after mining pit collapses
Attacks on GECOM Chair politically motivated – AG …slams Opposition's biometrics push
Education Ministry brings literature to life for students
GECOM urges registrants to uplift National ID Cards
Kitty man stabbed during argument with suspected thief
“Supply of pharmaceuticals is at 90%” – Anthony slams Opposition for accusation of supply crisis
GECOM urges registrants to uplift National ID Cards
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is calling on persons who have applied for new or replacement National Identification (ID) Cards to ensure they collect their new cards. GECOM said on Wednesday there are ID Cards dating back to 2008 that are still to be uplifted.
“The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is, once again, advising persons who completed registration transactions such as (i) application for new registration, (ii) changes/ corrections to their registration particulars, or (iii) applied for a replacement ID going back to since 2008 and have
not uplifted their National Identification Card to do so at their earliest convenience,” a missive issued by GECOM detailed.
GECOM has said it is cognizant that, in some instances, registrants may have changed their addresses since the registration transactions were conducted, thus resulting in them not being able to uplift their ID Cards from the GECOM Offices where the applications for registration were made. In this regard, such persons are advised to visit the GECOM Registration Office that is responsible for their new area of residence in order to request their ID Card.
“Consequently, the Commission will make the necessary arrangements to have the ID Cards transferred to the Registration Offices responsible for the
new areas of residence to enable the delivery of the Cards.”
Additionally, persons are advised that they must appear in person to uplift
their ID Cards.
The Commission is also reminding that distribution of ID Cards is being done at all GECOM permanent Registration Offices countywide during normal working hours, viz. Monday to Thursday from 8:00hrs to 16:30hrs, and on Fridays from 8:00hrs to 15:30hrs.
GECOM officials had disclosed at a press conference last November that there were approximately 28,283 new applications for ID Cards as of then, and that this figure was expected to grow before the end of 2024.
At the time, it was disclosed that some 718,715 persons were registered to vote in Guyana.
Meanwhile, ahead of the upcoming polls this year, GECOM had earlier this month informed persons who had registered during the 2019 House-to-House registration exercise, which was deemed illegal by the High Court, to re-register.
In a January 15 statement, GECOM said it is of crucial importance to remind that the applications for registration by all eligible persons who were under 18 years of age during the 2019 Houseto-House Registration exercise were not processed, based on a policy deci-
sion that was taken by the Commission. Accordingly, such persons were not registered, and therefore are required to re-apply for registration, if they have not yet done so.
This, GECOM explained, is consistent with the August 2019 decision of Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George, who, in the case of Christopher Ram’s challenge to the legality of House-toHouse Registration, ruled that while the exercise was not unconstitutional or unlawful, the removal of names from the National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB) using any method other than what is provided for by the Constitution and the National Registration Act, Chapter 19:08 would be illegal.
In a move to abide by the decision of the court, the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice Claudette Singh, decided that the House-toHouse Registration Exercise be immediately terminated. Consequently, only the registration transactions for persons who were firsttime registrants and who had met the requirements to be registered as electors at that time were considered for processing of their applications. (G8)
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Thursday, January 30 –03:45h-05:15h and Friday, January 31 – 03:45h-05:15h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Thursday, January 30 –05:00h-06:30h and Friday, January 31 – 05:35h-07:05h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
“You want to stand on legs of credibility, come with clean hands first” – Parag to Mahipaul …as MPs trade taunts over stewardship of Local Govt Ministry
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Winds: East North-Easterly between 3.58 metres and 5.81 metres.
High Tide: 17:28h reaching a maximum height of 2.78 metres.
Low Tide: 11: 02h and 23:28h reaching minimum heights of 0.57 metre and 0.43 metre.
ednesday’s parliamentary session erupted in fireworks, as Local Government Minister Sonia Parag squared off against Opposition Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul and urged him and the rest of the Opposition to ensure that when they come to the house to criticize, they must come with clean hands.
During day four of the budget debates in the National Assembly, Mahipaul used his time to critique the slate of Government Ministers. In particular, he zeroed in on Minister Parag, whose ministry he shadows in Parliament, questioning the achievements of her ministry.
“From my research, even previous PPP/C Ministers were achieving their targets, except for the immediate past one. No target set by this Ministry was achieved under honorable Sonia Parag: the Local Government Sector Strategy, not achieved; the completion of a Sanitation Sector Plan, not achieved; establishment of the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, not achieved; completion of the Ministry’s Strategic Plan, not achieved; completion of the Regional Strategic Plan, not achieved,” Mahipaul detailed.
When it was her turn to speak, Parag reminded the House -- and in particular Mahipaul -- that when persons come to the National Assembly to cast stones, they must ensure they have clean hands.
In addition to going over Mahipaul’s record as a Community Development Officer prior to 2020, she went on to read a newspaper article dating from 2013,
in which Mahipaul had admitted to misusing funds while serving as President of the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS).
“Mr Mahipaul comes to the honorable house and he pontificates and he brings a 97 per cent AI speech. And he comes like he knows everything that’s going on and he’s the most pious individual…the regional officers could not find one thing that he did in the communities of Region Three as the Community Development Officer! Collecting a salary from the Government of Guyana at the time and doing nothing to develop any community,” she contended.
“When you come in this house, you must come with clean hands. This honor-
able member, who stood up in this house and made allegations by shouting and pontificating, this is the headline from the Kaieteur News, May 8, 2013: ‘UGSS President admits to misusing funds. To be sent on leave to facilitate internal audit’. When it was brought to the public’s attention, and he admitted to misusing funds, he retracted and said he borrowed it,” Parag detailed.
The minister meanwhile went through not only her Ministry’s achievements, but also what they plan to achieve. And contrary to criticism made by Mahipaul about the PPP not adequately supporting the local government organs, Parag pointed out that the PPP/C has actually been giving extra support to them.
“Pensions right now are being paid in the communities. And the bare minimum standards will be estab-
lished, and are already being established at the health centers and schools across the country. One of the first service meetings we had this year was with the Ministry of Education, Health, Local Government, RHOs, REOs, to ensure we implement these things,” she detailed.
“All the regions, we have done tremendous work through the Ministry of Local Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health. And I will close by saying, ‘No weapon formed against the development and progress of this country shall prosper’!” Parag said.
The Local Government and Regional Development Ministry has been allocated billions in the 2025 budget, including $13.2 billion to improve solid waste management nationwide, and money for the additional market areas and landfill sites that are planned. (G3)
Opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul
Local Government Minister Sonia Parag
Editor: Tusika Martin
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Building a futureready Guyana
Guyana is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, driven by a vision that aligns development with sustainability, economic expansion, and regional leadership. President Dr Irfaan Ali has made it clear that the infrastructural investments being undertaken today are not just about immediate progress, but about positioning Guyana as a leading force in the Caribbean and Latin America. As the country embraces this ambitious growth agenda, the key to success lies in recognising the long-term benefits of these developments and ensuring that they are implemented with foresight and strategic planning.
A country’s development is inherently linked to its infrastructure. Without roads, ports, energy plants, and other critical facilities, economic progress remains stagnant. President Ali has emphasised that Guyana is at a crucial juncture where it must build infrastructure that facilitates growth. The Government's approach in this regard is commendable, as it ensures that development does not just keep pace with demand, but sets the stage for a more competitive and resilient economy.
The importance of large-scale investments cannot be overstated. President Ali has pointed out that Guyana must think beyond its current market size and engage in projects that integrate it into the broader regional economy. The need for infrastructure that supports long-term sustainability, job creation, and wealth generation must take precedence over short-term gains. Failing to seize the opportunity to develop now would mean paying a steep price later. This understanding must permeate both the public and private sectors, ensuring a collaborative approach that accelerates growth and innovation.
The energy sector, in particular, stands as a crucial pillar of Guyana’s future. With its vast oil and gas resources, the country has the potential to become a significant player in the global energy market. However, this requires strategic investments and partnerships to fully capitalise on these resources. The US$300 million Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base project is a prime example of how infrastructure development translates into economic benefits. Beyond its physical presence, this project has already created hundreds of jobs, with long-term employment opportunities for many more. This is the kind of investment that fosters new industries, strengthens local economies, and drives national prosperity.
The President has also rightly identified the importance of moving beyond a singular investment model. Historically, nations that successfully built wealth did so by capitalising on regional opportunities and forming strategic business partnerships. In this regard, the call for a consortium approach – where investors pool their resources to undertake large-scale projects – is one that must be embraced. Such an approach ensures that investments are sustainable and that they contribute to long-term national growth rather than short-term speculative ventures.
Another critical infrastructural project that must be prioritised is the Berbice Deep Water Harbour. This facility is essential for Guyana’s aspiration to become a major logistics and transportation hub in the Region. Once completed, it will open up new avenues for trade, making the country more attractive to international investors and businesses. The construction of a second gas-toshore plant is another step in the right direction, as it will provide the energy security needed to sustain industrial expansion and economic diversification.
A crucial aspect of this transformation is ensuring that Guyanese citizens benefit from these developments. Infrastructure projects must be accompanied by policies that promote local employment, skills development, and economic empowerment. The Government’s focus on sustainability is particularly important in this regard, as it ensures that investments today will continue to yield benefits for future generations. Training programmes and educational initiatives should be aligned with the needs of emerging industries so that the workforce is prepared to take advantage of new opportunities.
As Guyana continues on this path of growth, it is essential for all stakeholders – including the Government, Private Sector, and civil society – to work together. Development on this scale requires a shared vision, where all parties understand the necessity of investing in the future. President Ali’s leadership in this regard has been clear: Guyana must build now to secure a prosperous tomorrow. By embracing innovation, promoting regional cooperation, and making strategic investments, the country can not only achieve economic expansion but also establish itself as a leader in the Caribbean and Latin America.
A US-Hamas dialogue could shift us from war to peace
By Rami G KhouRi
Last week, senior Hamas and United States officials expressed to the media their mutual willingness to engage in “a dialogue”.
The statements by senior Hamas leader Mousa Abu Marzouk and US Presidential Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff were most likely meant to test the waters for future diplomatic moves, perhaps due to their shared recognition that Israel’s current war-making frenzy in the region, which could soon reach Iran, is bad news for all concerned.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly shown his intention to end the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, which detract from his bigger plans to reconfigure US global relations; and Hamas has taken an opportunity to demonstrate, during the ceasefire, that it is still in control of Gaza, and remains an important political group among the Palestinians. In this context, the sudden inclination by the US and Hamas towards “dialogue” should be taken seriously, and be explored carefully, because it is possible and is in the best interest of all concerned in the Middle East and beyond.
There is certainly a wide gulf between the two actors: Washington has been deeply complicit in Israel’s genocidal devastation in Gaza, while the Hamas resistance movement is widely seen as a terrorist organisation by much of the West. But this is precisely why they must meet, talk, and accurately identify each other’s positions and potential to shift from militarism to peacemaking. The ongoing ceasefire is an opportunity to launch this process,
which is why completing its three phases should now be the top priority. Effective Israeli propaganda has long demonised Hamas in the West as a reckless and vicious terror group that wants to destroy Israel. The reality, however, is that Hamas has been a successful Palestinian national political organisation because it has combined the three critical dynamics that most of the world’s 14 million Palestinians support: principled and sustained resistance against US-enabled Israeli colonisation and subjugation; political activism to forge a national political programme supported by all Palestinian factions; and pragmatism that constantly explores how to peacefully resolve the conflict with Zionism.
Understanding Hamas and its positions does not mean recognising it formally, adopting its views, or refraining from criticising its militancy, which usually reflects the global definition of permissible armed resistance to occupation, and occasionally fits the definition of terrorism against civilians. Like most liberation movements, Hamas simultaneously practises militarism, resistance, terrorism, and political pragmatism. Recognising and separating those strands is a key to engaging the movement on the path towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict with Israel; that is, if an Israeli Government ever emerges that genuinely seeks a just and permanent peace. A US-Hamas dialogue now could clarify if both of them seek peace.
My lifelong interactions with Palestinian leaders indicate that the most important but unappreciated attribute of Hamas and the
entire Palestine Liberation Organization leadership has been their longstanding willingness to establish a Palestinian state that would coexist peacefully with Israel within its 1967 borders, adjusted by mutual consent. Hamas has officially informally and repeatedly expressed this view, which has been unanimously formalised in pan-Arab peace offers to Israel since 2002. These positions were reaffirmed again last week in an interview with senior Hamas official Basem Naim.
A peaceful resolution has never happened, mainly because hardline Israeli leaders have consistently ignored these offers by Hamas and all other Palestinian groups.
The Canadian scholar Colter Louwerse shows in his research how US-Israeli defiance has been the main obstacle, since the 1970s, to implementing the international law-based consensus for a two-state resolution of the conflict. As he wrote in 2023: “In January 1976, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) offered to negotiate the terms of this “two-state” consensus.
With Washington’s support, Israel refused the good-faith Palestinian proposal […] Israeli-American bad-faith rejectionism is, in fact, the primary ‘obstacle to peace’.”
This rejectionism, along with relentless Israeli aggression, reflects the ZionistIsraeli aim since 1920: to evict as many Palestinians as possible from their ancestral lands, and formalise exclusive Jewish sovereignty over all of historic Palestine.
As the conflict worsened and expanded across the region, from the Arab side, the terms that Hamas accepted have remained on the
table. They are tough, but realistic. They require Zionism to define its borders and end its colonial rampage in the region, and the Palestinians to formally accept statehood on just 22 percent of historic Palestine.
All agreements that drop war in favour of peace are tough, and demand rigorous changes in policy on all sides. The end of the South African apartheid regime and the US wars in Vietnam and Afghanistan are a few examples of how tough compromises for peace can be – but also how vital they are. If Witkoff and Abu Marzouk were speaking for their respective governments, as I suspect they were, this is the time to move ahead with a US-Hamas dialogue, and ignore the howlers all around, especially in the US and Israel, who will try to stop this important step from happening. Any dialogue must, above all, avoid the mistakes of the 1993 Oslo Process and other peacemaking attempts, which substituted endless talking sessions about concessions on both sides while Israeli colonial expansions and annexations continued with explicit US support.
We must work overtime to take advantage of this opportunity, in the wake of expanding wars and much suffering, to shift the entire Middle East from its disastrous current path of militarism towards future coexistence among all states. (Al Jazeera)
(Rami G Khouri is a Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut and a nonresident Senior Fellow at the Arab Center Washington. He is a journalist and book author with 50 years of experience covering the Middle East.)
The performance of Anansi at the National Cultural Centre on Wednesday as the Education Ministry hosted secondary school students. The play was produced by GEM’s Theatre Productions (Education Ministry photo)
PNC MP Vinceroy Jordan should be ashamed to speak on agriculture
Dear Editor,
I have listened very attentively to the Honorable Vinceroy Jordan’s contribution to budget debate 2025, and am convinced this pastor needs lots of prayers to ensure he preaches the truth to his congregation during church services.
This pastor, whom I had believed would have spoken the truth to this nation and its people, keeps failing year after year; going to the National Assembly and speaking on top of his voice, shouting out lots of lies and disinformation as a politician.
Over the years, I have been mentioning that this MP is unfit to be the shadow Minister of Agriculture, because he has no knowledge of any of the sectors, and fails to do his research, but seems to be bowing and reading, during his debate, what was written by his mentor.
Firstly, Jordan has lied about GuySuCo and its failure under the APNU/AFCPNC (we all know they are PNC), because it was the then government who promised not to close any of the estates or to knock off any of the workers, although they knew sugar was in an unhealthy position.
Moses Nagamootoo, Khemraj Ramjattan, Dr. Ramayya and others can attest to the promises made to sugar workers at the Whim rally; where Granger himself was there, and clapping, waving and dancing when those promises were made to the sugar workers.
Jordan fails to say that after the sugar workers, their families and relatives voted for the PNC (APNU/ AFC) to gain political power and form the government in 2015, a few months later, Granger and his PNC cabals started to target the sugar industry and its workers, because majority of them are of a particular race and belief to have the PPP at heart.
MP Jordan failed to tell the National Assembly and the people that it was Granger, Nagamootoo (conniving snake), and PNC that decided to fire thousands of sugar workers and leave their families to think where the next meal was going to come from.
Jordan failed to say that the then Minister of Agriculture had no knowledge of how to manage the sector, and moreover could not make any decision without the PNC having a hearing and a say. The then minister was just occupying the chair as head of the ministry, because his hands were tied by the PNC, which has no vision for development.
Jordan failed to say that the PNC has no vision to manage anything as a government.
Jordan was made a mocking stock when he said that when the coalition (PNC) gets back into power, they would manage the industry better. Get back where and when, MP Jordan? NEVER AGAIN, PNC.
MP Jordan's presentation was overcast with lies and deception about the agriculture sector, because it was the PNC (APNU/AFC) government that made the sweet promises to the rice farmers but, yet again, after securing their votes and gaining government, they went and raised the taxes for rice farmers.
There were hardly any dams, drainage or irrigation services offered to the farmers within the MMA/ADA Scheme, and mostly a backlog of tens of millions owed to the authority by some very big ones in the PNC.
Land was taken away from farmers and given to PNC cronies without proper authorization, and MMA/ ADA was left in a state of collapse because they had no equipment that was functional to serve the farmers’ needs.
The infrastructure within the scheme was deteriorating, and Jordan knew it, but again ran from the truth into the books of the devil to spill misinformation to the public.
I can go on and on to state the lies of Jordan’s budget debate, but he would not learn anything, especially the truth; because he is trained, coached, raised by, and will remain a PNC, and we all know that lies, deception, racism, and rigging are the PNC motto.
This very MP failed to tell the National Assembly and this nation that, only two Saturdays ago, the Ministry of Agriculture, through NDIA, held the opening of the four-door sluice at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice; in his very backyard, where millions were spent on that structure, which will now benefit thousands of residents of Region 5, not farmers alone; and many others are being rehabilitated after being neglected by the past PNC government.
Again, this MP failed to tell the National Assembly that, for the first time in Region 5, a brand new wharf was commissioned at D’Edward for the fishermen plying their trade. And not only a wharf, but also a shed that would accommodate those fisherfolks. This Government, through vibrant and dedicated leadership of Minister Mustapha and MMA/ADA, made that happen.
What this means, Jordan, is that the fishermen no longer have to go into the mud to get their
catch to the shore; they take their boats straight to the wharf and discharge their catch without walking in that deep mud. That is development.
Those fishermen, when doing their business, now have shade from the sun and rain under that brand new shed; and further, the Minister made a promise that within a few weeks, another shed would be constructed so all the fisherfolks can be comfortable doing their trade. This is development, Jordan, PNC MP.
Jordan, you failed to tell the nation about the many successes of the model farm that was built and maintained at Fort Wellington under this Government and minister. You failed to talk about the many crops produced at this facility; unlike the former PNC REO model farm, which was just coconuts, two empty fish ponds, seven sheep; a small cash crop garden, the produce of which was taken solely to Linden, and never made a profit, etc.
MP Jordan, you failed to tell the nation about the many investments and successes of cash crops within the regions since the PPP took office. During the rule of the PNC for five years, cash crops were on the decline, like the many other crops in agriculture, and people hardly wanted to invest because no assistance was given to the real farmers but just to friends and families of PNC. Today hundreds, or should I say thousands, of persons are into cash crops
in Region 5 because of the assistance being given by this caring Government and minister towards food security.
Let me put a hold here, and say that the PNC once again have shown this nation that they are not ready to be a government, and are willing to stay in the opposition for years to come because they are visionless, uneducated in running Guyana, and do not like development, no matter what.
Jordan, you keep bringing down your soul and making the words of God not accepted in peace because of the lies you are telling six days weekly, and pretending to a few on Sundays that you are holy and truthful. Your 2025 budget presentation speaks volumes of the hatred, lies and deception within you, and also about the racism that guides you. Open your eyes and see the real Region 5 and the agri-sector. Be a man for yourself, and tell the truth. Be like your colleague MP Geeta Chandan-Edmond and speak from your heart of what is happening and support Guyana's betterment under the PPP/C government. And by doing this, you don’t have to sleep with one of your legs in heaven and the rest of your body in hell. Agriculture is on the rise under the leadership of Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha and the PPP Government led by President Irfaan Ali.
Regards, Abel Seetaram
PNC is blatantly guilty of being duplicitous
Dear Editor, There is a hysteria going on right now as regards the confirmation of the two justices: those are acting Chief Justice Roxanne George and the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards.
Leading the agitation campaign is the Opposition Leader and his consenting crew, making that intense call for these justices to be confirmed in their acting positions.
I must say this is a commendable act on the part of the Opposition, now that their minds have finally been sanitised, but is this firm decision something they had embraced right from the beginning? The answer is a resounding no!
Close scrutiny of the Opposition's position on the matter bears no resemblance to what they are shouting now. In the first place, Yonette CummingsEdwards was not even a name given to consideration by Granger. In fact, he was just at the point of unilaterally appointing Guyanese-born Justice Winston Benjamin to that post when then Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo vehemently rejected Granger's choice. Granger, just like he did in the appointment of the GECOM Chairman, was going to illegally appoint Benjamin to that post, irrespective of the opposition's
views. The stoppage came when the No-confidence motion was successful passed, and in the subsequent ruling of the CCJ.
The PNC are blatantly guilty of being duplicitous. Doing every illegal thing in the book, they would first make a decision, then turn again and play the sanctimonious gangster game and say that this never happened. Just do a background check of their record as it pertains to top appointments and you will get the sordid message. That party in office did every illegal and vindictive thing there is, and is shedding crocodile tears now.
Again, if it were possible, they would surgically remove the name Roxanne George from their list of approved appointees for the simple fact that she has made decisions based on the law and not on the political whims and fancies of the Opposition. Make no mistake, the name Roxanne George does not sit well with the PNC; they are only now coming out in support of her because they cannot cherry pick who goes into that position. Their choice for these positions would reflect a clear case of whom they think they can influence and control, and the Acting Chief Justice is not one of them.
Respectfully, Neil Adams
Page Foundation
1) Of the pupils in a class likes to play tennis. likes to play cricket and the remainder likes to play football. What fraction of the children likes to play football?
2) The fractions written in descending order is
3) What is the name of the angle shown above?
4) Which of the following is a regular polygon?
5) What is the name of the triangle shown above?
6) What is the value of x?
7) Which of the following solids is matched to its correct properties?
Question 8 refers to the picture below which shows a 2.5 ml measuring cup and a 100 ml bottle of multi vitamin syrup.
8) Susie drank 2.5 ml of multi vitamin syrup 2 times per day. How many days did she take to drink the entire bottle of syrup?
9) Mark rides 1.5 km to school every day. What distance, in metres, does he ride for a day?
J was a jackdaw Who hopped up and down In the principal street Of a neighboring town.
All through the town! K K was a kite Which flew out of sight, Above houses so high, Quite into the sky.
Fly away, kite!
L was a light Which burned all the night, And lighted the gloom Of a very dark room. l Useful nice light!
Nice little
O was an orange So yellow and round: When it fell off the tree, It fell down to the ground.
Down to the ground!
P was a pig, Who was not very big; But his tail was too curly, And that made him surly.
PPP/C getting better results with same public servants who worked under APNU/AFC – Edghill
…clashes with Patterson over Guyana’s infrastructure development
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and his predecessor, David Patterson, on Wednesday faced off during the penultimate day of the budget debate, over the management of the Ministry and the current infrastructural development throughout the country.
The Public Works Ministry, which has traditionally gotten the lion’s share of the budget, was a focal point of Wednesday morning’s budget debate in the National Assembly. Edghill outlined the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) achievements in infrastructural development and noted that the only reason his predecessor, David Patterson, could not achieve the same results was a lack of vision.
“From 2020 to 2024, 4322 kilometres of roads were constructed. From 2020 to 2024, 150 bridges were rehabilitated while 66 bridges were maintained. And these are not putting back wood bridges. These are putting in concrete bridges. From 2020 to 2024, 25,783 kilometres of sea and river defence structures were constructed, while 328,751 kilometres were maintained.
“And the honourable member, Mr Jordan from Region Five talked about a breach at Dantzig, that we came in and corrected. Ow, let us be fair with the people of Guyana. They do listen to we; they got sense.
They could see for themselves. Since we’ve been in Government, there has not been a breach at Dantzig,” the Minister outlined.
Edghill went on to point out that this was all achieved with the same Ministry of Public Works staff who once served under Patterson, many of whom were present in the gallery of the National Assembly for the Minister’s presentation.
“I would ask the honourable member Mr. Patterson, to take a look behind me. The same people he worked with are the same people I’m working with. It had nothing to do with the lack of competence of the staff.”
“It had nothing to do with the qualifications of the staff. The underperformance of the APNU/AFC
[A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change] was as a result of lack of policy direction, vision and capacity to implement vision,” Edghill further said.
While Patterson in his presentation was largely focused on criticising the Government’s development of energy sources like the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP), he did also criticise the infrastructural development.
Interestingly enough, among the projects Patterson criticised was the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion. This is despite the CJIA expansion being a project the PPP/C had to renegotiate after it entered office in 2020, to ensure value for money.
“The East Bank and East
Pensioner dies after mining
Emanuel Jeffrey of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, a 70-yearold pensioner who worked as a miner in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), has died after the pit in which he was working collapsed.
The incident reportedly occurred at Thomas Island in the Puruni River in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), where Jeffrey operated a four-inch land dredge and had two employees.
According to preliminary investigations, on Tuesday at about 14:00h, the three men were engaged in mining activities in a pit 15 feet wide, 10 feet long and 8 feet deep. While working, the eastern side of the pit collapsed, and the cascading soil completely buried Jeffrey for approximately 60 minutes.
His coworkers immediately initiated rescue efforts, by which they managed to excavate the site
and retrieve his body from the rubble. Transported to the Bartica Hospital, he was pronounced dead on arrival at 02:02h on Wednesday. His body is at the Bartica Hospital mortuary, await-
ing a post-mortem examination.
Ranks from Regional Division Seven have visited and examined the scene, and an investigation has been launched.
Coast Road linkage… still incomplete. The Railway Embankment, Sheriff to Nassau, still incomplete. East Coast Road, Belfield to Nassau, still incomplete. The Corentyne Highway, Palmyra, still incomplete. The Linden-Mabura road, four years and counting. Still incomplete. Soesdyke, Grove to Timehri… CJIA, four years and counting. Still incomplete,” Patterson said.
The contract for the airport expansion project was initially signed in 2011 under the Administration of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, with China Harbour and Engineering Corporation (CHEC).
The then PPP/C Administration acquired a US$138 million loan from the China Exim Bank and used US$12 million from the Consolidated Fund (taxpayers’ money) for the total project cost of US$150 million.
However, upon assuming office in 2015, the project was downsized under the succeeding APNU/AFC Administration. When its resumed office in 2020, the
PPP/C Government reverted to the old proposal and negotiated a new agreement with the contractor that would have further expanded the airport.
In October 2024, the Government installed new e-gates at the CJIA, which will not only help to streamline the process for passengers traversing the facility but also enhance security checks to international standards.
Additionally, work is being done on the commercial centre at the CJIA. Avinash Contracting is also constructing the Administrative Building for the airport. Edghill had visited the site late last year and had warned the contractor that there will be no extensions or tolerance for further delays. The Minister had also met with all contractors undertaking various projects at the airport.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill
Former Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson
Man remanded on multiple robbery-under-arms charges
– as defence claims police brutality, Magistrate
notes defendant currently on bail
Isaiah Griffith, a 21-year-old labourer of Bent Street, Georgetown, has been remanded to prison after he was denied bail on Wednesday during his arraignment before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty in her Georgetowncourt on five counts of robbery-under-arms.
One charge alleges that on December 17, 2024, while in the company of another and while being armed with a gun, he robbed Alfred Chinos of an iPhone valued at $220,000.
Another charge alleges that on the same day, at Robb Street, he robbed Angel McKenzie of $340,000 in cash while being similarly armed.
A third charge alleges that on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Werk-en-Rust, while armed with a knife, he robbed Zhao Fengzhi of a Samsung Galaxy phone.
The fourth charge alleges that on the same day, at George Street, Werk-enRust, he robbed Jiang Ji Liang of a Redmi cellphone valued at $62,000.
The fifth charge alleges that he robbed Jin Bo Hu of
$334,800 while armed with a knife.
Requesting reasonable bail for her client, Defence attorney Stacy Goodings argued that he has a fixed place of residence, and she raised allegations of police brutality by claiming that, during his arrest, after he had denied involvement in the crimes, Griffith had been punched in the mouth and stomach by officers.
However, the prosecutor
objected to Griffith being placed on bail by citing the severity of the offences, the risk of witness tampering, and CCTV footage allegedly placing him at a business premises owned by one of the victims. Further, the prosecutor revealed that the business manager had been consulted, adding to the case against Griffith.
The prosecutor also requested that Griffith be subjected to medical examination and further investigation be made in regard to the claims he had made about police brutality.
When Magistrate McGusty questioned why this had not been done earlier, given the available time, the delay was attributed to the brief suspension of court sessions, which also explained why the accused had been held for longer than 72 hours — an issue that had also been raised by his lawyer.
After considering the prosecution’s concerns, Magistrate McGusty ruled against placing Griffith on bail, stating that the court must take witness tampering risks and the severity of the charges into account. She also noted that
these acts of robbery were committed while Griffith was on bail for a previous offence committed in 2024. Griffith’s cases have thus been adjourned to February 19.
In July last year, Griffith and three others were charged in connection with firearms and ammunition found at Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice on June 12, 2024, when police arrested him along with Winston Julian Mendonca, Patrick Roach and Shakeel Lawrence for allegedly being found with a .32 Taurus pistol and one round of .32 live ammunition.
These four men were jointly charged in July 2024 with possession of a firearm without being a licence holder, and with possession of ammunition without license. When they appeared before Weldaad Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir, they were remanded, and the case was transferred to the Blairmont’s Magistrate’s Court.
Griffith was later granted bail at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court, allowing him to remain free until this latest arrest.
for separate 2024 offence Court denies bail, citing elderly woman’s severe injuries from savage attack
– Defendant reportedly told cops he was under the influence of marijuana
Keith Williams, a 60-year-old taxi driver accused of attempting to murder his common-law wife, has been denied bail in his arraignment on Wednesday before Acting Chief Magistrate
Faith McGusty in her Georgetown court. The court has ruled that the life-threatening injuries
the woman had sustained in the brutal cutlass attack were too severe to justify his release.
The attorney representing Williams, who since November 2024 has been on remand for chopping his 74-year-old partner Deanna Bourne, made a case for bail by citing his worsening health and arguing that he needed urgent medical attention.
Setting up…
…for
mayhem?
Matters are still murky about whether the Opposition’s gonna contest the upcoming elections singly or in a coalition. Your Eyewitness knows THEY know it’s a case of hanging together, or for sure they’ll hang separately! But unfortunately, when everyone wants to be the leader, good sense gets thrown out of the window!! While, theoretically, they have a chance of defeating the PPP - since all that separated them at the last (2020) elections were about 10,000 votes - running separately would certainly “split the vote”, and they’ll lose “corn and husk”!! But, in reality, the PPP have been so focused on returning to government that they’ve made tremendous inroads into the traditional Opposition base – and it’s very improbable that they’ll even repeat their 2020 performance!!
So, what’re the Opposition to do, and not just throw in the towel?? Well, they’re quite united in demanding biometrics as a precondition for participating in the said elections!! What’s going on?? They just wanna remove pressure from themselves when they go their way separately and lose? Nah…it’s a bit more devious than that. They want a plausible excuse to PROTEST the PPP’s victory, by insisting that without biometrics the PPP’re gonna rig the elections by making dead people and overseas Guyanese vote for them!! Fact of the matter is that using the same system that’s gonna be in place, the PPP lost the 2015 elections, while they were in government!! If the system allowed rigging, why didn’t they do the dirty then??
But let’s take their argument for biometrics. Will this really prevent any possibility of electoral rigging, or remove any chance for the Opposition to complain about hankypanky and engage in street protests and violence? Well, let’s look at the experience of Kenya, an ethnically-divided country that was wracked by disputed elections and violence after its independence in the 1960s - like us. They introduced biometrics in 2013 to prevent disputes, but there were so many glitches – such as replicating rejected votes eight times – that after the results were declared, Opposition Leader Odinga contested Kenyatta’s victory judicially!! All the equipment were jettisoned and replaced for the 2017 elections, but ended with Odinga again going to the Courts – this time claiming the servers were hacked. The Courts annulled the elections, and new elections were held - which Odinga boycotted because his demands for changes in the voting system weren’t met.
For their 2022 elections, one third of the equipment had to be replaced - yet they had to fall back on a MANUAL register when the biometric system failed in several polling stations!! Odinga, however, challenged winner William Ruto in the courts, but this was dismissed.
If people want to dispute elections, they’ll always find an excuse!!
…American retreat?
It has just been announced that as part of Trump’s wide range of actions in presumably putting America first and “Making America Great Again” (MAGA) - the USAID program suffered cutbacks across the world. What’s going on?? Since the 1960s, USAID had gradually replaced the CIA to influence regime changes where the US didn’t view govts as kosher enough. No more of the CIA fostering overthrows, like with Jagan here in 1964 and Chile’s Allende in 1972.
Check out all the “colour” revolutions in Eastern Europe and note the correlation with USAID’s activities!! Ain’t no coincidence there, baby!!
So, here in Mudland, with USAID programs placed on “hold”, those “civil society” groups getting funding for training on democratic governance and such like must be 5hitting bricks!! But not to worry…there’re lots of ways to skin a cat – or get govts to do your bidding!! With the new dispensation seeing money flowing in faster than the oil flowing out, it’s just a matter of controlling the spigot!!
…Colombia’s Petro??
Maduro’s been cussing out Colombia’s erstwhile leftist President Petro something fierce for not recognizing his rigged elections. Now he’s in Trump’s sight for protesting the manner in which deportees were treated.
Poor fella just can’t win, can he??
Isaiah Griffith
Keith Williams
Attacks on GECOM Chair politically motivated – AG
…slams Opposition's biometrics push
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister
Anil Nandlall has defended the recent decision taken by the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Retired Justice Claudette Singh to not introduce digital biometrics at the 2025 General and Regional Elections.
The Opposition-aligned Commissioners on the seven-member Elections Commission have been advocating for the implementation of biometric fingerprint identification for voting in order to prevent voter fraud at the 2025 polls, which are slated for later this year.
But GECOM recently rejected the proposal, citing legal, technical, security and infrastructural challenges its implementation could pose.
Despite public discussions touting the benefits of biometrics, the decision by the GECOM Chairman has clarified that the introduc-
tion of such technology was not feasible within the current timeframe and legislative framework.
The Opposition has been critical of the GECOM Chairperson’s decision, noting that biometrics voting provides a crucial step toward mitigating electoral fraud by ensuring that each
voter’s identity is verified before they cast their ballot.
However, AG Nandlall contended that there are several systems in place to prevent any voter fraud at the upcoming polls, adding that biometrics of voters –fingerprints, photos and distinguishing physical marks –are already manually taken at registration.
“So, we have biometrics already in the system and we have several safeguards to ensure that a wrong person can’t come and vote. So, let me assure you that there are multiple mechanisms in place [to prevent voter fraud,” Nandlall stated during his weekly programme – Issues in the News, on Tuesday evening.
According to the Attorney General, these safeguards include the list of voters at each polling station, the gamut of polling staff including agents from the various political parties who are present throughout the entire process and the proof of
vote whereby persons are required to mark their fingers with ink after voting.
Dismiss
Nandlall went on to dismiss the Opposition’s argument against manual biometrics, pointing out that the implementation of fingerprint biometrics would introduce an unconstitutional requirement for voters that could disenfranchise persons.
He reminded of the Esther Perreira case, which overturned the 1997 elections after National Identification (ID) Cards were deemed a requirement to vote thus disenfranchising Guyanese. In fact, he noted that it was the current GECOM Chair, Justice Singh who had presided over that case and upheld the Constitution when she ruled in favour of Perreria –a People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) supporter and cut short the then People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government’s term in office by two years.
Upholding constitution
Now, Justice Singh is doing the same thing – upholding the Constitution but because her decision is not in favour of the PNCled Opposition, she is on the receiving end of criticisms by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC).
“Claudette Singh has made it very clear to them in a statement that if you [introduce fingerprint biometrics now], it’s the same thing as was done in the 1997 elections. And the same Claudette Singh ruled that [the Opposition] were right then. Now, she’s ruling the same way, but it doesn’t suit them now so she’s wrong now. That’s the point I want to make. Claudette Singh ruled on the identical principle in Esther Perreira in relation to the ’97 elections. They were happy; they won;
they were right. Now, it’s the same principle; they’re committing the same legal wrong, [but] she’s wrong now because it doesn’t suit them,” the AG argued.
Nandlall recalled that it was the representatives of the PNC-led APNU/AFC Administration who had selected Justice Singh for the then Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to submit to President David Granger to appoint as GECOM Chair in 2019 after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) had ruled against the unilateral appointment of Justice James Patterson.
“So, Claudette Singh she was their nominee… [But] when Claudette Singh did not aid and abet them to steal the 2020 elections, Claudette Singh obviously became their sworn enemy. You see, they expected that Claudette Singh would have conspired with [Keith] Lowenfield –then Chief Elections Officer and [then Returning Officer, Clairmont] Mingo and them to defraud the electorate. That is what they expected. But Claudette Singh did not do that… and they were obviously shocked when she did not participate,” he posited.
Moreover, the Attorney General went on to respond to the Opposition’s constant accusation that Justice Singh, who has the tiebreaking vote on the seven-member Elections Commission, is
always siding with the three Government-nominated GECOM Commissioners.
He posited, “…you’re hearing that Claudette Singh has never voted once for them. But if on every occasion, their position is contrary to the law and contrary to the Constitution, what you want the lady to do? When your position was consistent with law, she ruled in your favour in Esther Perreira and she threw the PPP Government out of office… Now, because she’s ruling in a way you don’t like and she’s not encouraging you and supporting your skullduggery, she’s now bad and she’s now only voting for the PPP.”
Nevertheless, Nandlall believes that the Opposition’s push to use digital biometrics is just an excuse to cover its eventual loss at the upcoming polls.
“Because they are likely to lose, they want to come now with all these technical artifices so they can fault it in the end. So, they come up with the idea of biometrics… And Claudette Singh – the Judge who has authoritatively settled the law in Guyana on the issue of voting and the qualification for voting – has said to them, again… [that] biometrics is just like the ID card in Esther Perreira… They want another requirement that is additional to what the Constitution prescribes… To do that would be unconstitutional.”
“[The Opposition] are, therefore, being deliberately obtuse and they’re being deliberately obstructionist to create the foundation so they can say when they lose the elections that the system defrauded them, or worst yet, they can boycott the elections. In either case, they want to sow the seed to cause mayhem, violence, riots and disorder in this country. That is what they’re doing, that is their game plan,” the Attorney General posited.
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC
GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh
Kitty man stabbed during argument with suspected thief
Police are investigating a wounding incident that occurred at Rosemary Lane in South Cummingsburg Georgetown, commonly known as ‘Tiger Bay,’ on Monday at around 09:00h, and has left 39-year-old Shawn Maxwell, a self-employed resident of Kitty, Georgetown, with serious injuries.
According to preliminary investigations, Maxwell, who had visited an ‘Ital’ shop
“A big joke” – Parag says Vinceroy Jordan ‘disconnected from colleagues’ on GuySuCo revival promise
Lat Lots 9-10 Rosemary Lane to purchase food, saw a man known as ‘Sean’ and confronted him over the alleged theft of parts from the trailer he usually parks in the Tiger Bay area. In the ensuing heated argument, the
suspect reportedly pulled a flip knife from his waistband and stabbed Maxwell multiple times before fleeing south along Rosemary Lane.
Having sustained stab wounds to the back of his neck and to his right hand,
Maxwell was rushed to the St Joseph Mercy Hospital, where he was admitted in serious condition.
Police have since questioned several persons as they continue their investigations.
Gunmen open fire on security guards in North Ruimveldt
Police are investigating a shooting incident in which unknown assailants opened fire on two security guards travelling in a company vehicle on Christiani Street in North Ruimveldt, Georgetown at about 19:30h on Tuesday.
The shot were fired at Jamaul Brown, a 27-year-old resident of Leopold Street, Georgetown, and Akeem Emmanuel, also known as
‘Pappi,’ a 35-year-old resident of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, both of whom are employed as security guards with Chung Global Inc, a construction company. According to police reports, Brown was driving the company’s Toyota Premio, PAD 5418, when he received a call from the company’s owner to pick up Emmanuel for work.
Brown complied, and he and Emmanuel were making their way back to the office. As they slowed down to navigate a pothole on Christiani Street, they came under fire. Brown told police that he accelerated the vehicle towards Aubrey Barker Road, and headed to the East La Penitence Police Station, where the incident was reported. Ranks when to the scene of the incident and discovered three 9mm spent shells. An examination of the vehicle revealed three bullet holes on the rightside doors and a shattered driver’s side window. Efforts to locate CCTV footage in the area proved unsuccessful, as no cameras were found in the vicinity. The vehicle has since been lodged at the police station as investigations continue. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
It was the APNU/AFC government of 2015-2020 that shut down four sugar estates, sending thousands of workers on the breadline.
In August 2024, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton vowed to downsize the sugar industry if elected into government, saying, “I believe that sugar has to be produced in limited quantities.” However, during
ocal Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag has called out Opposition Member of Parliament Vinceroy Jordan for being “disconnected” from his colleagues in regard to their position on the sugar industry. The Opposition, comprising both the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the Peoples National Congressled A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), have continuously criticised the support Government has given to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).
the 2025 budget debate on Tuesday, Jordan promised that a new APNU/AFC administration would develop GuySuCo.
During the budget debate on Wednesday, Minister Parag pointed out, “Everyone else is talking about closing the sugar estates, it cannot be revived; and he standing up here like a big joke and saying, ‘We will resuscitate the sugar estates’. So disconnected from the rest of your colleagues,” she added.
Opposition MP Vinceroy Jordan Local Government Minister Sonia Parag
Education Ministry brings literature to life for students
The Education Ministry hosted secondary school students at the National Cultural Centre as GEM’s Theatre Productions brought to life Anansi, the legendary trickster of Caribbean folklore, in a blend of humour, wit and valuable life lessons that captivated both students and educators alike.
The first day’s performances saw eager students from secondary schools across Regions Two
(Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and Georgetown filling the National Cultural Centre to capacity, and rocking the venue with laughter, gasps and applause as the mischievous Anansi weaved his way through a series of adventures, outsmarting larger and more powerful foes
with his quick thinking and clever tricks.
Anansi, the cunning spider, is a central figure in Caribbean and West African folklore. His stories, which originated in Ghana and were brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans, have been told for generations as a means of entertainment, education and moral guidance. These tales celebrate intelligence over strength, and teach valuable lessons about re-
sourcefulness, resilience, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Now part of the English Literature syllabus of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC®) examinations, it is an essential literary work that students are required to study.
The Ministry of Education’s decision to stage this production is a bold and innovative move to help students engage with the text beyond the pages of a book.
By seeing Anansi’s adventures unfold on stage, students gain a deeper understanding of the narrative, themes, and cultural significance of these timeless tales.
Educator Mrs Ingrid Richards-Fung has said the Education Ministry has long recognised the power of theatre in education. She said Literature is often seen as challenging or intimidating for students, but live productions like this one allow them to experience the story in a dynamic and relatable way.
She also said this approach has already yielded positive results. In 2024, a similar initiative contributed to an increase in the English Literature pass rate at CSEC.
Mrs Richards-Fung has thus commended Education Minister Priya Manickchand for the initiative.
In a release on Wednesday, the Education
Ministry said Minister Manickchand envisions bringing literature education to life for students preparing for their examinations, with the goal of sparking greater interest in the subject and helping more students excel. Secondary school students from across the country would continue to have the chance to experience the play firsthand today and tomorrow.
In order to ensure even wider access, the release has said, the Education Ministry has arranged for the production to be recorded and uploaded to its social media platforms, thereby allowing students, educators and the public to view the performance.
The Anansi Story by GEM’s Theatre Productions at the National Cultural Centre
“Investment and growth go hand-in-hand” – Pres Ali
…says infrastructural investments necessary for Guyana’s development
President Dr Irfaan Ali has underscored that the nationwide development currently underway will position Guyana to strategically meet the needs of the future and to lend leadership support to the Caribbean and Latin American region.
During a recent engagement, the Head of State spoke of the urgency in building out needed infrastructure in the country as Guyana continues its transformation. He said the developments that the country should focus on are those that create sustainability, that generate economic expansion, produce new jobs, and that stimulate wealth, in which “investment and growth go hand-inhand.”
“We have to understand what are the requirements of this country moving forward. I see people asking questions about the investment in infrastructure. It's an infra-
structure budget. Well, if you don't have infrastructure, you have to build it, because development follows infrastructure,” he said. He added that if both the Government and private sector fail to capitalise on building the needed infrastructure and making the necessary investments, the consequences would be dire.
“We need to work on a project that's beyond the scale of Guyana, a project that is a scale of the Region. That is what is going to create new energy and economy. That is what is going to create new wealth. That is what is going to create new excitement. Unless we understand that the future we are building has to be on a scale that
we have never seen before -our playground cannot be the market that exists here alone.”
He noted that, according to history, countries that achieved wealth soaked up every opportunity in sectors in their geographical locations. Those businesses, he said, moved from solo investments to consortium approaches. Likewise, he renewed his call for the same approach in Guyana, where investors can pool together their resources to facilitate substantial ventures.
“There is a concept in business called early movers, and you have the early-movers advantage. If we remain static in our development and the way in which we structure our development, we will be late movers, and we’ll pay the price,” he cautioned.
He posited that not only would the current invest-
ments and infrastructural development change the current trajectory of the country, but the future would also be changed.
In focusing on the energy sector, he said Guyana must work with the private sector and international partners to strategically “secure and cement” its position as a “major mover and shaker in the energy market”.
Investments such as the US$300M Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base, he asserted, are not just a celebration of a physical infrastructure, but the shore base is rather one investment in which there are jobs and economic benefits.
Approximately 400 persons were employed during the construction phase of the project, and some 250 persons will be permanently employed.
By LaWanda McaLLister
Amother of seven was on Wednesday hacked to death months after she escaped an abusive relationship with her reputed husband of over eight years.
Dead is 33-year-old Faliza Ally, who was employed as a cleaner at the Annandale Primary School on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).
According to her family members, Faliza had for months fought to free herself from the grip of an abusive relationship. Having endured years of violence and threats interspersed with pleas for reconciliation, her body was found on Wednesday brutally butchered inside the home she once shared with her reputed husband at Annandale Sand Reef, ECD.
Dressed in only a pink towel and a red crop top, her body lay in a pool of blood with three deep wounds evident: one to her hand, another to her forehead, and a gaping 17-centimeter slash across the back of her neck.
The suspect, identified as 52-year-old carpenter Bidraj Ganesh, also known as ‘Boy,’ had already fled the scene by the time police
arrived. The union of Faliza and Ganesh had produced an eight-year-old son.
In a statement on Wednesday, police said that just before the Christmas season, Faliza made the decision to exit the relationship, after enduring years of abuse. She moved back to her mother’s home in Lusignan as she sought safety and a fresh start, but according to her family, Ganesh refused to let go.
Faliza’s mother Babita Ally told this publication on Wednesday that her daughter moved back home in November 2024.
“He use treat my daughter bad and brutalize my daughter. When she was living there, any hours in the night she would call we [Babita, Faliza’s father and family members] use to go over and get her. The last time he beat she and she decide to leave, she call and she said: ‘Mommy, me ain’t
able with no more lash, he does beat me every time’. But she said that his sister tell she that she have to pay him $400,000 before she can leave. So, she get the $100,000 cash grant and she draw $300,000 Christmas time and she put it together and she pay him and she come home,” the woman explained.
“Since she come back, if her father is home, he would carry she to work and bring she back in the afternoon, since the school is close to his house,” she explained.
Babita said that Ganesh continued to constantly harass her daughter. “Since she got the phone, it was sheer problems. He keep telling she about man this and that, and that is a man buy the phone for her.”
The woman said that, even with that, her daughter’s abuser repeatedly begged her to return, but she stood firm in not want-
ing to go back. According to relatives, his desperation soon turned to threats.
It has been reported that Faliza went about her usual routine on Wednesday. She left for work at Annandale Primary School, and her mother Babita spoke to her over the phone at around midday. Babita recalled that, minutes later, she received a call that her daughter was found dead in Ganesh’s home.
Blood everywhere
“When I reach there, all I see was blood everywhere. My daughter eye was open, her mouth was open. My daughter face was sheer blood. It was like if he did qurbani on meh daughter,” the inconsolable mother said.
Babita said that among the most heartbreaking details of the murder is the fact that Faliza’s eight-yearold son was there when it happened.
The child, who had spent the previous night at his father’s house, told detectives that he had gone to his father’s sister’s home in the morning to prepare for school. After school ended at noon, he walked over to his father’s house, only to be locked outside.
He said he saw his parents inside, packing belongings together. Then suddenly the door slammed shut. Ten minutes later, he said, his father walked out carrying a chopper and a bag slung over his shoulder. He got into a blue car and drove away.
When he finally managed to get inside, he found his mother lying motionless on the ground, blood seeping from a deep wound to her hand. He then ran to his aunt’s house screaming for help.
The police were summoned, but when emergency
The new facility, the President posited, is constructed on a 44-acre artificial island. It “is one additional asset that allows us to build one of the best marine industries and marine sectors in the region,” he said. He added that projects such as the second gas-toshore plant and the Berbice Deep Water Harbour “must happen” to enable Guyana to reach its potential as a logistics and transportation hub. It is envisioned that this project will be a reality within the next five years.
“These are key investments for a structural transformation of our country. These are key investments for the value creation that is necessary to generate, build, and keep sustainable jobs,” he posited.
“That is what is going to create a new energy economy. That is what is going to create wealth. That is what is going to create new excitement,” he underscored.
Mother of 7 brutally murdered by spouse months after escaping abusive relationship …“he use treat my daughter bad and brutalise my daughter” – mother
responders arrived, Faliza was pronounced dead.
Her body was later taken to the Memorial Gardens Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is pending.
Meanwhile, investigators launched a manhunt for Ganesh. He was on the run, but was later arrested. He reportedly attempted suicide, and has since been hospitalised.
No help
As the police continue their investigation, Babita said, she wants to bring to the public’s attention that for years her daughter had been seeking help from the police, but to no avail.
“Several times he would beat the girl, broadside her with a cutlass. He burst a beer bottle in her head. He stabbed her in her face with a beer bottle, and he bore her in her foot. We went to Vigilance Police Station, they took no report. Went to Annadale outpost and they take no report. I don’t know why they were not taking our report. They would put us to sit down and don’t look after us… when we asked them, they said they not getting into man and woman story,” the woman said.
“He gave my daughter
nothing, and if he gave she $5000, she have to give him back $10,000. Every time we go to the station, my daughter use to say, ‘mommy, I coming here for help and them not helping me, but when he kill me, all of them will come’. So as my daughter said, that is exactly what happen. About 40 of them come to remove her body.
“My daughter was determined this time not to go back. She said she will never go back, and that is why he was vex,” the tearful woman said.
“The other day, while she was at school, he ran in the school yard to her, and the guard lady told (him) he can’t go in the yard. My daughter was a nice person. She doesn’t tell nobody anything, and she doesn’t make no fight. But now she dead, police coming”.
Babita said that even on the day when her daughter’s body was being removed from the scene, she openly told police officers that now that her daughter is dead, they finally arrived to offer assistance.
As Ally’s family prepares to bury her, they are calling for justice. When Guyana Times arrived at the scene, neighbours said they heard no screams or signs of a struggle, only the victim’s young son calling out for his aunt.
President Dr Irfaan Ali
Suspect: Bidraj Ganesh aka "Boy"
Dead woman’s mother, Babita Ally
Dead: Faliza Ally
The house where the murder occurred
Budget Debate
Successes in Indigenous development highlighted by PPP/C MPs
– more projects funded by Govt; reinstatement, expansion of CSOs –
more Indigenous investment; land-titling
Members of Parliament (MPs) Pauline Sukhai and Alister Charlie have lauded the achievements of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government in advancing Indigenous development and national progress.
During the budget debates on Tuesday, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai highlighted that between 2020 and 2024, the Government funded 1,140 projects under the Presidential Grant Programme, surpassing the 857 projects executed under the APNU+AFC Administration during its five-year tenure.
Additionally, she said, that Ministry’s capital budget over this period supported 523 projects totalling $9.37 billion — more than doubling the 218 projects undertaken by the coalition government.
Further, she detailed, a key highlight has been the reinstatement and expansion of the Community Service Officers (CSOs) programme, which had previously been discontinued under the APNU+AFC Administration.
Detailing that, over the past four years, $411 million had been invested in Amerindian youths, equipping them with essential skills and employment opportunities, Minister Sukhai declared, “Mr. Speaker, when we came back into office in August of 2020, our manifesto made a promise that we will reinstate this program. And we did reinstate it, and we put back into the pockets of young Amerindians more than $3.5 billion in stipend. We also
was able, because we came back, to begin to execute and implement the other component of the program, which was training component. And we spent more than $1.4 billion: $114 million to train young CSOs….
“Mr. Speaker, the Budget is fundamentally strong on transitioning and modernising Guyana. It presents policies for stimulating investment opportunities and allocating financial resources for expansion in every sector. And yes, to further address and improve the lives
2 busted with over 47lbs of ganja in taxi on Mandela Avenue
Aroutine police patrol on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown led to a major drug bust on Monday, resulting in the arrest of two men after over 21 kilograms (47.09 lbs) of cannabis were found in their possession.
Police on Wednesday said that at about 13:00h on Monday, police ranks from Regional Division 4A were on mobile patrol duty when they received information, prompting them to stop a white Toyota Axio, PWW 2756, heading north along the western side of Mandela Avenue.
Reports are that the ve-
hicle was being driven by 48-year-old taxi driver Earl Harper of Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara. Accompanying him in the front passenger seat was Dwayne Campbell, a 47-year-old watchman from Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara.
Ranks conducted a search of the vehicle, and uncovered 20 parcels wrapped in brown scotch tape, concealed in a yellow and white bag and a black haversack in the trunk.
Upon opening the parcels, police discovered a quantity of leaves, seeds,
and stems suspected to be cannabis. Both men were immediately taken into custody. The vehicle, along with the suspected cannabis, was transported to the East La Penitence Police Station.
The suspects and the confiscated narcotics were later escorted to the CID Headquarters Crime Lab, where the cannabis was weighed in their presence. The total weight was confirmed to be 21,364 grams (21.36 kg).
Both Harper and Campbell remain in police custody as investigations continue.
of every category of our population, Mr. Speaker, only under the People’s Progressive Party Government the love for people will be this profound. Guyana’s children will face a sustainable and bright future as the People’s Progressive Party Civic Government continues to invest in their future,” Sukhai said.
Further, Minister Sukhai underscored the Government’s commitment to securing land tenure for Amerindian communities by stating that, over the past four years, more than 20 land titles have been granted, ensuring that Indigenous communities have legal ownership of their ancestral lands.
In contrast, she told the House, the previous administration’s record on land titling has been underwhelming, with only two certificates of title having been granted — to Karasabai in Region Nine and to Arrau in Region Seven.
“I am pleased to announce that, from 2013 to 2015, a number of villages were titled, and demarcation started. In 2015 to 2020, the APNU spent $2.289 billion to address land-titling, and Mr. Speaker, everyone knows the media reporting on the then VicePresident who concluded
that he was unable to title any lands for Amerindian for three years. Mr. Speaker, in 2020 to 2024, we spent $4.6 billion”, she declared.
“We work tirelessly for the people, and, of course, we have made significant strides. We still have, it is a work in progress, and we still have villages who are anxious with us, who are anxious to get their titling out,” the Minister added.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament (MP) Alister Charlie added that education within hinterland communities has also been transformed drastically. He highlighted that seventeen schools have already been completed in various areas, ensuring better learning environments for children.
“Guyana has seen the PPPC government has been
able to achieve. The way the committed investments have transformed communities and connected regions by raising lives, jobs for our young people, better schools for our children, better healthcare for families throughout every corner of Guyana, the budget continues the work of taking hope and opportunity to those that once thought of themselves as forgotten. And let us not forget, Mr. Speaker, hinterland and Amerindian communities, as these investments in hinterland villages breathe new life into our communities. These are momentous policies, the bridges, schools, wells and programs that give our people the life they deserve right where they live. This is what leadership feels like,” Charlie said.
Court denies bail, citing...
The attorney revealed that Williams suffers from an enlarged prostate and requires a tube and bag for urination, and she emphasized that Bourne had since been discharged from the hospital, and her client was not a flight risk.
However, the prosecutor strongly objected to Williams being placed on bail by pointing out that while Bourne is no longer hospitalized, the injuries inflicted upon her have been so severe that she is now permanently impaired, both physically and mentally.
Bourne’s daughter Samantha Bourne was asked by Magistrate McGusty to detail her mother’s current state, and she painted a grim picture of a woman who had been left unable to function independently.
“My mom can’t do anything for herself. She can’t bathe, she can’t eat, she can’t even remember anything on her own. She thinks night is day…,” Samantha detailed. “Even the screws in her hand (are) coming out…She jumps out of her sleep and screams. She turns on the lights…,”
Samantha told the court.
With that information, Magistrate McGusty denied Williams’s request for bail, ruling that the extent of Bourne’s injuries made it unsafe to release Williams.
He has thus been further remanded until March 5, 2025.
After court proceedings, Bourne’s daughters, Samantha Bourne and Coretta Grant, spoke to reporters and revealed more details about their mother’s ordeal.
They confirmed that Bourne had undergone two surgeries since the attack — one immediately after being rushed to the hospital, and another to treat injuries to her hand. A third procedure is scheduled soon.
They said the family is still reeling from the trauma, especially Bourne’s 17-year-old granddaughter, who was the first to find her grandmother bleeding profusely in bed.
“She doesn’t even want to look at mommy because she says she feels the pain that her grandmother is feeling,” Grant shared.
Back in November, the prosecution, in detail-
ing in court the chilling sequence of events leading up to the attack, claimed that on the day of the incident, Williams and Bourne, who had lived together for 42 years, had had an argument after she refused to let him into their home.
Their granddaughter eventually opened the door, allowing Williams inside; and he went to Bourne’s bedroom, woke her up, and reignited the argument.
Moments later, he left the room, retrieved a cutlass from his car, and returned to chop Bourne multiple times in the face, head, hands, and breast. The attack left her critically wounded and unable to speak, while Williams attempted to flee but was intercepted by bystanders with the weapon in his hand. The prosecution said that Williams later admitted to police that he had been under the influence of marijuana at the time of the attack. However, outside the courthouse in November, Bourne’s family had stated that there was more to the story than what was being presented in court.
The wrapped ganja that was found by Police
Member of Parliament Alister Charlie
Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai
National Ramadan Village 2025 opens on February 27
The Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG), the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT), and the Muslim Youth Organization of Guyana (MYO) have recently revealed that, in a collaboration with the Government of Guyana, the National Ramadan Village would again be opened on the lawns of the MYO on Woolford Avenue in Georgetown for
In the inaugural year of the National Ramadan Village, 2024, overwhelming responses and participation were recorded from
Holy Month of Ramadan.
Its establishment would continue to provide a wonderful opportunity for Guyanese to experience the spiritual ambience of Ramadan, and for families to gather and share with others for the breaking of the fast.
The Village would facilitate prayers, reflection and education on all weekends: Fridays-Sundays from
Ramadan 2025, the Muslim holy month of fasting.
The National Ramadan Village will be opened on Thursday, February 27, at 5:00pm, and all are invited.Entrances would be from Albert Street and from Woolford Avenue.
Muslims and non-Muslims from various parts of the country.
The National Ramadan Village is the brainchild of H.E. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and its uniqueness, tranquility and spiritual lure would again offer a different environment in which to observe the
In order to facilitate the participation of brothers and sisters from the diaspora, arrangements have been made, through the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), for a special Islamic Heritage Tour – Discovering Islamic Culture and Religion -- of the National Ramadan Village.
4:00pm to 10:00pm during the Muslim sacred month of Ramadan.
Laylat-ul-Qadr, referred to as the Night of Power, which generally occurs on the 27th night of Ramadan, would also be observed at the National Ramadan Village.
During the evenings
when the Village is open, presentations would be delivered by learned Islamic scholars in an effort to enlighten all on the virtues of Islam and Ramadan through various topics, including the important role of women, women empowerment, and youth.
This would allow for the teachings of Islam and Ramadan to reach beyond the mosques.
In addition, the Maghrib and Isha Salat (evening and night prayers), along with Taraweeh (prayers specific to the Holy month of Ramadan), will be offered and led by learned Imams.
The National Ramadan Village, with its magnificent Islamic-themed design and the relevant components of its grand setting, would again present a glorious sight.
The organizing committee expects that visits and participation in 2025 would surpass the 2024 numbers, both from Guyanese of diverse backgrounds across the country and from overseas visitors.
In a multifaceted society like Guyana, and evident from our national festivities, participating and sharing in each other’s culture and traditions allow for the further strengthening of bonds and enlightenment.
The National Ramadan Village provides yet another opportunity to build upon this impacting and rich tradition.
Along with prayers and spiritual reflection, the National Ramadan Village would accommodate a number of booths which would showcase the various aspects of the teachings of
Caricom awards high school agri video
...‘Youth important to achieving food security goals’ – Caricom ASG (ag)
As the Caribbean community (Caricom) works to achieve its 25 by 2025 regional food and nutrition security goals, it recently highlighted that the region’s youths play a crucial role in seeing this plan succeed.
On Tuesday, Caricom hosted its High School Agriculture Video Competition 2024 awards
ceremony. The competition saw participation from 43 schools across all member states, of which Georgetown High School of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Mopan Technical High School of Belize, and Pleasantville Secondary School of Trinidad and Tobago won first, second and third prizes respectively.
Dr. Wendell Samuel,
Senior Economic Adviser to the Caricom SecretaryGeneral, and Assistant Secretary-General (ag) of the Economic Integration, Innovation and Development Directorate, congratulated the winners and indicated that their videos showed their creativity, passion, commitment to excellence, and dedication in shaping the future of agri-
culture in the Region.
“Your innovative videos have demonstrated the bold ideas, opportunities and solutions in agriculture that can shape a brighter, more sustainable future for the Caribbean. You are all trailblazers, and we celebrate your achievement. Well done,” Dr Samuel said.
He added that amid the region’s push to achieve its 25 by 2025 goals, youth contributions towards the development of the region’s agriculture sector would play an important role in seeing the highly ambitious plan come into fruition.
“The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has made it a priority to achieve the 25 by 2025 regional food and nutrition security goals, which are focused on enhancing food security, increasing the sustainability of our food systems, and promoting resilience across our Region. We know that we cannot reach these ambitious goals without the creativity, innovation, and the energy of young people like you. You are not just the future of agriculture; you are the present,” he declared.
Echoing similar sentiments was Caricom
Islam, along with garments, literature, and local and international cuisine, including sweetmeats. In 2024, responses to these booths were beyond expectation, and increased interest is expected this year. As had happened in 2024, the National Ramadan Village would provide Iftar and dinner, while the cuisine booths would offer a variety of options through sale of what would be on display. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayers, reflection, and community. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. This year, it is expected to commence on the first day of March.
winners
Deputy Program Manager for Agriculture and AgroIndustrial Development, Dr Milagro Matus, who highlighted that the competition would serve as a platform for youths across the region to brainstorm and present innovative ideas that would significantly contribute to the Region’s food security agenda.
“This initiative has proven to be a powerful platform for engaging our youth in the critical conversation about the future of agricul-
ture and food security in the Caribbean…The participation and creativity displayed by all the students truly highlights the vital role that young people play in helping us meet the 25 by 2025 food security goals. Young people, your innovative ideas and solutions will be essential in transforming our agricultural systems and making them more sustainable and resilient for the future,” she declared.
Assistant Secretary-General (ag) of the Economic Integration, Innovation and Development Directorate, Caricom, Dr. Wendell Samuel
“Supply
of pharmaceuticals
is at 90%”
– Anthony slams Opposition for accusation of supply crisis
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, has refuted claims made by the Opposition regarding a pharmaceutical supply crisis, asserting that under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, the supply of essential drugs and medical supplies is at 90 per cent across the system.
During his address on Day Four of the 2025 budget debate, Dr Anthony criticised the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Administration for what he described as a history of mismanagement and inefficiency in the health sector during its tenure.
These comments came on the heels of remarks made by Opposition Member of Parliament, Dr Karen Cummings, who labelled the fiscal package for 2025 as an expensive illusion that fails to address the real struggles of the Guyanese people, coupled with what she termed a deteriorating healthcare system.
According to Dr Cummings, the number of
hospital beds per 10,000 citizens remains lower than it was 30 years ago, despite nearly $400 billion spent on the health sector.
“Hospitals cannot treat patients with missing medicines. This is not just inefficiency; it is reckless mismanagement. The Honourable Minister must immediately implement an electronic logistic management information system, the ELMIS, to track the stock, the usage of the drugs, and the losses. No more expired drugs, no more empty shelves, no more excuses,” Dr Cummings told the National Assembly.
In response, Dr Anthony highlighted the several instances of alleged Opposition corruption and poor governance, including the controversial Sussex Street bond scandal, which saw the Government paying millions for an unused facility.
Dr Anthony pointed also to reports from the Auditor General, which outlined significant shortages of essential drugs during the APNU/AFC Administration.
According to the findings, between 2015 and
2017, 43 per cent of health centres and hospitals across Guyana experienced critical shortages of medical supplies, with some facilities waiting over 1000 days for vital medications such as Quinine for malaria and Metformin for diabetes.
“Mr Speaker. drugs and medical supplies, according to the Auditor General, were constantly out of stock. And in this report of the Auditor General, for the period 2015 to 2017, when they did the audit, they said the facilities, 43 per cent of the supplies for the health centres, hospitals across this country. Not only that, Mr Speaker, the waiting time for drugs to go to a health centre was on average 50 days.
“Come with the facts, because under this government...under this government, the supplies of pharmaceuticals are at 90 per cent across the system. Compare with your 43, compare with your 43, and this will record,” the Minister countered.
Dr Anthony emphasised that in contrast, under the PPP/C Administration, the availability of pharmaceu-
Caricom awards high...
Underscoring that the average age of farmers in the Region is between 50 and 60 years, Beverly Best,Director of External and Institutional Relations at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), highlighted that the competition is part of ongoing efforts to make the agriculture sector more appealing to the younger generation.
“Regardless of the root causes, it is undeniable that, comparatively, the sector is not deemed as attractive to our young people to pursue as a viable career or profession. The Caricom Youth in Agriculture High School Video Competition 2024 is therefore seen as one of the attempts to harness creativity that will heighten the attractiveness
of the sector; and in this regard, we welcome the partnership of Caricom with IICA to bring this competition to fruition,” she said.
“IICA believes that by actively engaging with the youth, our Caribbean region will be better equipped to achieve the objectives of the 25 by 25 Food Security Initiative, which really focuses on revitalizing our local economies, driving innovation and employment, promoting entrepreneurship, enhance the adoption of new technologies, among others; all geared towards increasing agricultural productivity, sustainability and resilience,” Best explained.
The initiative, which was launched late last year by the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat in col-
laboration with the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), aims to raise awareness and showcase successful agriculture production programmes that are being led by high school students throughout Caricom.
It also hopes to educate young people about the significance of agriculture to food security, sustainability, and economic development; showcase innovations, techniques, and ideas that make the field exciting and impactful; promote sustainable agricultural practices, and inspire participants to advocate for and implement these practices in their communities; and stimulate interest in agriculture as a successful career option or business opportunity.
ticals has dramatically improved.
He cited a recent delivery of 6000 Panadol tablets to a local health centre as proof that the Government
is adequately stocking medical facilities to meet the needs of the people.
Beyond the pharmaceutical supply issue, Dr Anthony took aim at the Opposition’s handling of the health sector, including its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He criticised the previous administration for delays in acquiring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and setting up testing infrastructure.
According to Dr Anthony, the APNU/AFC Government took months to establish proper COVID-19 testing, leaving the country unprepared at the onset of the pandemic.
Dr Anthony also accused the Opposition of prioritis-
ing political manoeuvring over national health concerns, stating that instead of effectively managing the pandemic, it was preoccupied with election-related controversies.
“The Guyanese people have grown weary of the APNU/AFC’s rhetoric. While they attempt to spread misinformation, the reality is that we have significantly improved healthcare delivery,” Dr Anthony asserted.
He further accused the Opposition of being out of touch with the needs of the people, stating that the Government is focused on improving healthcare, infrastructure, and job opportunities to build a prosperous Guyana.
2 additional ferries to be purchased for Regions 1 & 2 – Edghill …MV Kimbia to become cargo transportation
The people of Region One (Barima-Waini) and Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) can look forward to two new ferries, an announcement that was made by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, during day four of the budget debate.
During his budget presentation, Edghill noted that in addition to the two new vessels that will be purchased as per an allocation in the $1.3 trillion 2025 budget, he also revealed that the <<<MV Kimbia>>, which has been in operation since the 1950s, will be converted to transporting cargo.
“The people of Region One and the people of Region Two will be proud to hear that Budget 2025 has an allocation for the purpose of purchasing additional vessels – ferry vessels. The <<<MV MA Lisha>>> is there. We are now in the dockyard, coming out with the <<<MV Kimbia>>>, which will be dedicated to the transportation of cargo.
“We have the <<<MV Barima>>>. Taking it to Region One, we are about to buy another vessel to put on the Region One route, even though we have moved from going twice a month to now several times a month,” Edghill said.
Referencing People’s
Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Juliet Coonjah, who hails from Region Two, Edghill noted that the new ferry being procured for the region will ply the ParikaSupenaam route.
“You hear the honourable member, Juliet Coonjah, stand here last time and thank the Ministry, for what is happening on the ParikaSupenaam route, where some days up to eight trips are being made. The people of Region Two must know that Budget 2025, monies are in it to purchase another ferry vessel for region number two, to ply between Parika and Supenaam.”
In 2023, Government had launched a spanking new ferry, <<<MV MA Lisha>>>, which provides transportation between Georgetown and Region One. The ferry, which was built by the Indian firm Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), set sail on its inaugural journey with a full complement of passengers.
The North West ferry has a capacity of up to 276 passengers, along with 18 crew members, and also can carry 14 sedan-type vehicles and two trucks. It can also accommodate up to 250 tonnes of cargo with cold storage facilities.
It also comprises a front loading/offloading ramp that can accommodate easy loading and discharging of cargo at ports. The vessel also has a side boarding capacity. A total of 19 navigational, mechanical, and auxiliary staff of the Transport and Harbours Department were trained in India in 2022 and earlier in 2023, to operate the new ferry vessel.
The Government meanwhile also has plans for a new regional ferry service which is being facilitated through a joint venture between the Governments of Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago and will be operated out of Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) when it comes on stream.
Back in May 2022, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago had embarked on setting up a ferry service between the two countries to transport people and cargo.
In January of last year, it was reported that the Trinidad and Tobago Cabinet had approved the use of that country’s Galleons Passage vessel to operate the ferry service between the twin-island republic and Guyana.
The vessel can accommodate 400 passengers and 60 cars. Among the facilities onboard are a cafeteria, a bar, and a VIP lounge.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony
Opposition Member of Parliament, Dr Karen Cummings
Ferry vessel MV Kimbia
15,000 new house lots, 20 new housing areas by June – Collin Croal
…as Opposition MP questions Govt’s delivery of 50,000 house lots
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal has defended the $135.7 billion allocation in Budget 2025 to his ministry, as he outlined how these monies will be spent, including on the development of some 15,000 new house lots and 20 new housing areas –all by June of this year.
The Minister was at the time making his contributions to the ongoing debate on the $1.382 trillion 2025 Budget in the National Assembly on Wednesday.
According to Croal, his ministry has laid a solid foundation from 2020 to 2024 by being prudent stewards of the budgetary allocations it receives.
In fact, he noted, of the sum allocated to the Housing and Water Ministry this year, some $112.6 billion is dedicated to the housing sector and will see major advancement towards achieving the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration’s 2020 manifesto promise of delivering 50,000 house lots to Guyanese by the end of its five-year term in office.
This, the Housing Minister noted, will see the allocation of over 20,000 new house lots this year and the development of more than 20 new housing schemes.
“We will allocate an additional – a minimum of 25,000 house lots this year, of which over 15,000 will be accomplished before June of this year. We will establish 20 new housing areas by June of 2025 to accomplish these 15,000 by June. We will construct a minimum of 1000 houses,” Croal posited during his presentation in the House.
He was at the time responding to Shadow Housing Minister Annette Ferguson, who sought to throw aspersions on the Government’s housing plans.
Ferguson had served as Housing and Water Minister from April 2019 to August 2020 under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration.
According to the Opposition Member of Parliament, “Over the past four years, [the PPP/C Government is] yet to present a clear and comprehensive plan to tackle the pressing housing needs of our citizens.”
Responding to critics about housing development under the coalition regime, she stated that some $2 billion were spent to rectify issues within the housing sector including a backlog of 60,000 pending house lot applications and unprocessed land titles that it inherited back in 2015.
Moreover, Ferguson went on to question the PPP/C Administration’s manifesto promise of 50,000 house lots
to be delivered by the end of its term in office later this year.
She noted that the coalition had left behind a number of housing developments, and accused the PPP/C of using those to claim its accomplishment of the manifesto promise.
“I know the Honourable Member, the Ministry never issued out 50,000 house lots… He will come here to say that we give out 7000 house lots, but you know what, the very house lots what we give out – the 7000, they are claiming ownership. So, no way; no way has this People’s Progressive Party issued 50,000 house lots,” the Opposition parliamentarian contended, as she challenged the Housing Minister to provide a list of the 85 new housing schemes that were developed under the current administration.
In response, Minister Croal dismissed the Opposition’s “badmouthing” of the work his ministry had done, detailing a breakdown of the new housing areas that were developed in each region which saw some
Trump revokes temporary protected status for 600,000 Venezuelans
The Trump administration has revoked an extension of deportation protections that the previous Biden administration granted to more than 600,000 Venezuelans already in the United States.
The homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, on Tuesday rescinded an 18-month extension of the temporary protected status (TPS) program, which allows for people to temporarily stay in the US if they cannot return safely to their home country.
The federal program is available for people fleeing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary and temporary conditions. The designation gives people the legal authority to be in the country, but does not provide a long-term path to US citizenship.
Former president Joe Biden’s homeland security secretary, Alejandro
Mayorkas, issued the extension earlier in January before Donald Trump took office, citing “the severe humanitarian emergency the country continues to face due to political and economic crises”.
Noem told Fox News: “Before he left town, Mayorkas signed an order that said for 18 months, they were going to extend protection to people on Temporary Protected Status, which meant they were going to be able to stay here and violate our laws for another 18 months.
“We stopped that.”
Noem’s rollback of the extension requires her to make a decision on protections expiring in April by Saturday or have them automatically renew for six months, according to the New York Times, citing a copy of the decision.
“By taking this action, Secretary Noem is throwing over 600,000 into a state of
ongoing bureaucratic limbo,” Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, told the paper.
“People will no longer have any certainty as to whether they can stay in the country legally through the end of the year.”
About a million immigrants from 17 countries are protected by the program, including people from Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Afghanistan, Sudan and Lebanon.
Trump and his vice-president, JD Vance, suggested during the election campaign that they would scale back the use of TPS and policies granting temporary status as they pursued a campaign pledge of mass deportations. During his first term in office, Trump tried to end most temporary protected status enrollment but was stymied by federal courts. (The Guardian)
40,808 regularised residential lots issued over the past four years.
In these new housing schemes, some 791 new house lots were issued in Region Two; 9172 lots in Region Three; 24,519 lots in Region Four; 1959 lots in Region Five; 1959 lots in Region Six; 132 lots in Region Seven; 676 lots in Region Nine, and 1598 new house lots in Region 10, where the coalition only allocated 404 new house lots in its five years in office, despite the region being its stronghold.
With regard to Region One, Croal said housing development is being completed this year while in Region Eight, the new housing areas have already been designed and the house lots will be allocated soon. These are in addition to the over 824 plots of land issued for commercial and industrial developments in Regions Two, Three, Four and 10.
According to the Housing Minister, the coalition only developed three new housing areas, which were lands already acquired by the previous PPP/C Administration and while they built 20 houses, the gamut of their commitments to Guyanese went unfulfilled.
Croal went on to highlight the series of accomplishments under the PPP/C, ranging from its delivery of house lots and measures for making home ownership easier like lowered mort-
gage interest rates to infrastructural development in communities including major highways.
In the water sector, Minister Croal posited that some 40,000 residents were provided with first-time access to potable water and this has increased from 46 per cent in 2020 to now 91 per cent at the end of 2024. This is coupled with the construction of new water treatment plants across the coastland, the drilling of more than 100 wells to enhance water access in hinterland communities, and the Government is now on track to deliver full treated water coverage before the end of 2025.
“It’s January 29 [2025] and I can confidently say in this House today that we are on the cusp of full achievement of [our] targets. We have now completed over 95 per cent of those commitments [in the water sector… These are our achievements to date [and] we still have a
few months to go. There are real achievements, there are real fulfilment of the promises we made to the people of Guyana. They trusted us and we have delivered. Today, our Government is working tirelessly to ensure that every Guyanese have access to affordable and sustainable housing and to reliable supply of clean and safe water. We have delivered on every front at the Ministry of Housing and Water…
“Our investments are not just about building houses, they are about creating communities, they are about empowering citizens and they are about ensuring that every Guyanese have access and a place to call their home. The allocations to the Ministry of Housing and Water are justified and essentially, they represent a commitment to correcting past mismanagement and building a future where every citizen can thrive,” Minister Croal asserted.
Former US Senator Bob
Menendez sentenced to 11 years in prison in gold bar bribery case
Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez was sentenced on Wednesday to 11 years in prison for taking bribes including gold bars in exchange for favors for Egypt and New Jersey businessmen.
U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein imposed the sentence at a hearing in Manhattan federal court, following Menendez’s conviction last July.
The judge ordered Menendez to begin his prison term on June 6, allowing him to attend his wife Nadine Menendez’s corruption trial starting in March.
“You were successful, powerful. You stood at the apex of our political system,” Stein said at the sentencing. “I don’t know what led you to commit these crimes.”
Menendez, a once-powerful Democrat who represented New Jersey for 181/2 years in the Senate and chaired that body’s foreign relations committee, was found guilty in July on all 16 felony counts he faced, including bribery and fraud.
He was also found guilty of acting as a foreign agent, a first for a U.S. senator. Menendez, 71, resigned from the Senate in August.
In a tearful address to the court before being sentenced, Menendez said he was “chastened” by the verdict, and asked that his decades as a federal and local elected official weigh in favor of leniency.
“Other than family, I have lost everything I have cared about,” Menendez said. “For someone who spent his entire life in public service, every day I’m awake is a punishment.”
Prosecutors with the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office sought a 15-year sentence for Menendez.
They say he shepherded military aid to Egypt, provided assistance to Qatar, and interfered in local prosecutions of allied businessmen in exchange for bribes including gold, cash and a Mercedes-Benz.
“There are not many offenses involving an abuse of power on the scale of Menendez’s,” prose-
cutor Paul Monteleoni told the court. Earlier on Wednesday, Stein sentenced two New Jersey businessmen who were also convicted at Menendez’s trial. Fred Daibes received seven years in prison, while Wael Hana got just over eight years.
Menendez’s lawyers had said the former senator should spend no more than 2-1/4 years behind bars, citing his age, public service, charitable works, devotion to family, and financial and professional ruin.
But after learning Daibes’ and Hana’s sentences, Menendez’s defense lawyer Adam Fee revised his recommendation, and asked that his client receive no more than eight years in prison. Nadine Menendez was to be tried with her husband on corruption charges, but her trial was postponed after her lawyers said she needed treatment for breast cancer. Her trial is now scheduled for March 18, and she has pleaded not guilty.
(Reuters)
Housing Minister Collin Croal
Opposition MP Annette Ferguson
Haiti leader says longawaited General Election planned for November
Haiti's Transitional Council President, Leslie Voltaire said in an interview on Wednesday that a date for the Caribbean nation's long-awaited General Election has been fixed for around November 15 of this year.
Haiti has lacked elected representatives since January 2023 and has not held elections since 2016. The country's capital is almost entirely controlled by armed gangs, and leaders have said security must first be established to hold a free and fair vote.
"We must pass on power to a legitimate, elected government on February 7, 2026," Voltaire told TV5 Monde, referring to a constitutional limit that has been repeatedly sidestepped as Governments cited the difficulty of holding elections under a worsening security crisis.
Over one million Haitians have been internally displaced due to the conflict and around half the population – over five million – are going hungry as broadly-allied armed gangs
make territorial gains around the capital and in key agricultural areas, forcing key ports to repeatedly shut their operations.
Armed gangs exert a tight control over areas where they operate and have in recent months perpetrated several massacres, while Haiti's judicial system alongside much of the State apparatus remains paralysed.
Several leading politicians earlier this month submitted a proposal to include Viv Ansanm, the armed gang coalition that controls much of the capital, in political discussions while the current administration faces corruption accusations.
Speaking in a TV interview during a European tour, Voltaire said he had held a cordial meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron earlier in the day, in which Macron agreed to support efforts to boost security and prevent drug-trafficking.
Haiti is a former French colony that paid the European country a "debt" for over a century that some
activists say amounted to over US$100 billion, crippling the country's development.
He said a United Nations-backed mission mandated to help Police fight gangs now numbered some 800 mostly Kenyan troops, well below the numbers needed, and warned of a worsening situation if the United States decides to cut key humanitarian aid and deport more migrants.
"It's going to hurt," he said. (Reuters)
Mexico to send Google letter over Gulf of Mexico name change
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday that her government will send a letter to Google after the Internet giant said it would change the name of the Gulf of Mexico for users of Google Maps in the United States.
The US Government said on Friday it had official-
ly changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. On Monday, Google said on X when official names vary between countries, users see the local official name.
She added that they would request to rename North America as Mexican America. (Excerpts from Reuters and Al Jazeera)
photo)
T&T Senator slams teachers
for “obscene” lessons for cash
Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament's Social Services and Public Administration Joint Select Committee Chairman, Dr Paul Richards believes it is wrong for teachers to ask parents to pay for private lessons for their children, instead of teaching them all they need to know, for free, during school hours.
Independent Senator Richards was speaking
during a virtual meeting between the Committee and education stakeholders on Wednesday. Government Senator Avinash Singh said the committee had received reports about curriculum overload in schools causing stress and burnout in students and contributing to their academic under-performance at the Secondary Entrance Assessment
(SEA) examination.
Singh asked if there was a correlation between curriculum overload in schools and teachers holding private lessons outside normal school hours.
"You hear all the time that students complain that teachers tell them, 'Well, if you don't get it in school, see me after.'"
(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)
Trump opens door to earlier deportation of many Venezuelans from US
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem cut the duration of deportation protections for 600,000 Venezuelans in the US as the Trump Administration searches for ways to ramp up removals of Venezuelan nationals, she said on Wednesday.
Noem told Fox News that she rescinded the previous Administration's move to grant Venezuelans in the US an additional 18 months of deportation relief and access to work permits through the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) programme, opening the possibility the protections could expire later this year.
At the same time, she said she was working with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to find ways to deport Venezuelans and other migrants from nations that limit the number of deportees they accept.
President Donald Trump, a Republican, took office on January 20 vowing to crack down on illegal immigration and humanitarian programmes he says go beyond the intent of US law. Trump tried to end most TPS enrolment during his first term, but was stymied by federal courts.
TPS is available to people whose home country has experienced a natural di-
saster, armed conflict or other extraordinary event. Former President Joe Biden, a Democrat, greatly expanded the programme and it now covers more than one million people from 17 nations. Many of those migrants – including some in the US for decades –could be vulnerable to deportation if they lose the status.
Venezuelan Opposition Leader Edmundo Gonzalez urged the Trump Administration to forgo negotiations with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and send deportees to a third country in comments to the Washington Post published on Wednesday. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Climate “threatening tourism jobs”
Climate change is a big threat to jobs in Barbados and the Caribbean, especially tourism-related employment.
That warning comes from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which is urging the Region to take major action on climate change resilience and adaptation “to counter the short- and long-term climatic impacts on employment and livelihoods in the Caribbean”.
“Social protection systems that are integrated into the national climate resilience strategies of Caribbean countries are imperative to mitigate the livelihood impact on workers in the tourism sector and on all those affected by climate-related shocks,” the ILO advises in the “World Employment And Social Outlook: Trends 2025”.
The climate change threat to Caribbean jobs, especially tourism industry employment, is reinforced in a related podcast in the Organisation’s The Future Of Work series.
Featured expert Ekkehard Ernst, chief of the macroeconomic policies and jobs unit in the ILO’s research department, flagged climate change as one of the key factors impacting global labour markets.
He said this was the case for low-income countries especially, but relevant for all countries.
“Over time, the damage that climate change is producing is going up. Most
low-income countries do not have the capacity to protect themselves. They do not have the capacity to compensate for the damage that is being caused,” he said.
“As these costs grow up, these countries suffer more and more. Their infrastructure gets deteriorated. All these factors that would help them to develop and grow are actually being undermined by climate change.” (Excerpt from Nation News)
Jamaican man jailed in US for lottery scheme, ordered to pay restitution
AUnited States Federal Judge has sentenced a Jamaican man to prison for operating a Jamaica-based fraudulent lottery scheme.
US District Court Judge Robert J Conrad sentenced 40-year-old Linton Stewart to seven years in prison after he pleaded guilty on August 3, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in the Western District of North Carolina.
Stewart was also ordered to pay US$1,104,041.74 in restitution.
According to court documents, and as part of his plea agreement, Stewart admitted that from approximately 2010 through at least August 2016, he led a fraudulent lottery scheme in which he and his co-conspirators targeted victims in the United States.
Stewart confessed to contacting elderly Americans by phone and
falsely informing them that they had won money and other prizes in a sweepstakes or lottery. He told victims they needed to send money to cover fees and taxes on their supposed winnings. He repeatedly contacted victims as long as they could be persuaded to send additional payments. In reality, no lottery existed, and no victim ever received any winnings. (Excerpt from CMC)
Haiti’s Transition Council President, Leslie Voltaire (Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol file photo)
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum held a press conference at the National Palace, in Mexico City (Reuters/ Henry Romero file
ILO’s macro-economic policies and jobs unit chief Ekkehard Ernst (Internet image)
Oil prices settle down as US stockpile grows, tariffs still in focus
Oil prices fell on Wednesday, with the US benchmark settling at its lowest year-to-date, after domestic crude stockpiles in the world's top petroleum producer and consumer rose more than expected last week.
Brent crude futures settled down 91 cents, or 1.2 per cent, at $76.58 a barrel. US crude futures fell US$1.15, or 1.6 per cent, to US$72.62, their lowest settlement price so far this year.
Crude oil stockpiles in the US rose by 3.46 million barrels last week as refiner intake slumped for a third consecutive week, data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed.
Analysts polled by Reuters had expected a 3.19-millionbarrel increase.
The White House on Tuesday reaffirmed President Donald Trump's plan to impose 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico from February 1. Near-term oil trade should remain choppy as investors digest the tariff threats, sanctions on Russian energy flows, and economic growth concerns in top consuming nations, UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo wrote to clients on Wednesday.
"Considering the many prevailing uncertainties, we think a prudent approach is still warranted," Staunovo wrote. "While we expect prices to stay supported at current levels, news flow related to Trump is likely to drive volatility in the near term."
The US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday. The Fed gave little insight on when it plans to lower borrowing costs, which could boost economic activity and oil demand.
Traders are also looking ahead to an Organisation Of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) ministerial meeting scheduled for February 3, with the group's plan to increase supply from April in focus.
Trump last week called on OPEC+ to lower oil prices. The group has yet to respond, but delegates said policy changes are unlikely at the February meeting.
Supply concerns have eased after Libya's National Oil Corp said on Tuesday that export activity was running normally after it held talks with protesters who had demanded a halt to loadings at one of the country's main oil ports. (Reuters)
Joy turns to despair as Gaza returnees struggle to settle in enclave's north
The joy of thousands of Palestinian families who made it back home in north Gaza after a ceasefire with Israel is turning to despair as the cold reality of uninhabitable, bombed-out homes and dire shortages of basic supplies sets in.
Many have begun complaining about a lack of running water that forces them to queue for hours to fill plastic containers for drinking or cleaning. With most homes now heaps of rubble as far as the eye can see, returnees have scoured whatever useful items remain from their property to erect makeshift tents.
At night, residential districts laid to waste by Israeli airstrikes and shelling sink into darkness for lack of electricity or fuel to operate standby generators.
"There is nothing, no life, no water, no food, no drink, nothing for living. Life is very, very hard. There is
White House revokes spending freeze in the face of legal challenges
President Donald Trump's administration appeared to abandon its proposed freeze on hundreds of billions of dollars in aid on Wednesday in the face of legal setbacks and widespread opposition, though officials said they still planned to cut funds for activities opposed by Trump.
In a whip-saw reversal to a policy unveiled with little explanation late on Monday, the White House budget office told federal agencies it was rescinding a memo that had ordered the pause in grant and loan payments.
The new order came shortly before a federal court hearing on a lawsuit filed by Democratic State Attorneys General trying to stop the freeze. A White House offi-
cial said the reversal was an attempt to short-circuit legal challenges.
US District Judge John McConnell, nonetheless, went ahead with the hearing, where he said he was inclined to temporarily block the administration's aid freeze, though he did not immediately do so.
At the virtual hearing from Providence, Rhode Island, McConnell, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, said the states have convinced him that the "inappropriate effects" of the now-rescinded funding freeze directive "are going to continue and that hasn't changed based on comments by the President's Press Secretary".
grammes that Trump has sought to quash since returning to office, such as efforts to promote diversity and green energy and much foreign aid.
no Jabalia camp," Hisham El-Err said on Wednesday, standing by the ruins of his multi-storey house in the biggest and mostly densely populated of the Gaza Strip's eight historic refugee camps.
His extended family is now huddling in tents, which offer scant protection from Gaza's mid-winter chill.
By late on Tuesday, Gaza's Hamas authorities said most of the 650,000 people displaced from the north by the war had re-entered Gaza City and the north edge of the enclave from areas to the south where fighting was less intense and destructive.
Many of those returning, often laden with what personal possessions they still had after months of being shunted around as battlegrounds shifted, had trekked 20 kilometres (12 miles) or more along the coastal highway. (Excerpt from Reuters)
The Administration had said the freeze was intended to provide time to review and halt funds to pro-
The freeze had already been blocked temporarily by another federal judge in Washington, who is handling a different legal challenge filed by several advocacy groups. The reversal is the latest head-spinning move for a President who has pushed boundaries since taking office on January 20. He has halted wide swaths of foreign aid, pardoned supporters who attacked US Capitol Police and offered buyouts to thin the ranks of civil-service workers. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Trump to prepare facility at Guantanamo for 30,000 migrants
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he will order the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security to prepare a migrant detention facility at Guantanamo Bay for as
many as 30,000 migrants.
The US naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, already houses a migrant facility – separate from the high-security US prison for foreign terrorism suspects – that has been used on oc-
Congo says it will seek to recover lost
territory as Rwandabacked rebels advance south
As an East African bloc urged an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels who seized the city of Goma extended their advance on Wednesday, and Congo said it planned a campaign to recover lost territory.
While saying he favours diplomacy, Congo President Felix Tshisekedi told the nation on Wednesday night that he would mount a military riposte and warned: "The presence of thousands of Rwandan soldiers on our soil ... (is leading) to an escalation with unpredictable consequences."
The eight countries of the East African Community
held an emergency summit and called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Congo and for Congo to negotiate with M23. The United Nations Security Council similarly demanded a halt to the rebel offensive earlier this week.
Congo and Rwanda are both members of the East Africa bloc along with Kenya, Tanzania and other States. Tshisekedi did not attend the summit while Rwandan President Paul Kagame did.
Rwandan forces backed up M23 in Goma, according to Congo, the United Nations, the US and other Western powers. Rwanda has denied this. (Excerpt from Reuters)
casion for decades, including to hold Haitians and Cubans picked up at sea.
Trump's border czar Tom Homan said later on Wednesday that the administration would expand the already existing facility and that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency would run it.
He said the facility would be used to "detain
the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people. Some of them are so bad we don't even trust the countries to hold them because we don't want them coming back, so we're going to send them out to Guantanamo. This will double our capacity immediately, right? And, tough." (Excerpt from Reuters)
Ex-Senator Bob Menendez jailed for 11 years for bribery
Former New Jersey
Senator Bob Menendez has been sentenced to 11 years in prison, following his conviction on bribery and corruption charges.
Last July, a jury found Menendez guilty on 16 counts for accepting gifts, including gold bars, cash and a Mercedes-Benz, in exchange for helping foreign governments.
Prosecutors were seeking at least a 15-year sentence, citing in court documents the "rare gravity" of the ex-Senator's crimes.
Lawyers for Menendez, 71, had called for a shorter sentence paired with community service.
"Somewhere along the way, you became, I'm sor-
ry to say, a corrupt politician," US Judge Sidney Stein said before handing down Menendez's sentence, according to CBS News, the BBC's US partner.
Before receiving his sentence, Menendez cried while addressing the courtroom.
"Other than family, I have lost everything I ever cared about," he said, according to court reporters. "Every day I'm awake is a punishment."
He then asked the Judge "to temper your sword of justice with the mercy of a lifetime of duty".
Menendez has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has said he plans to appeal the guilty verdict. (Excerpt from BBC News)
US President Donald Trump speaking at an event at the White House, in Washington, US, January 29, 2025 (Reuters/ Elizabeth Frantz photo)
Former US Senator Bob Menendez pictured outside a federal court in New York. He is flanked by Police Officers. Reporters are in the background (Getty Images)
A Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) soldier stands in position at the Grande Barrier border amid clashes between M23 and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), at the border crossing point at Gisenyi, in Rubavu district, Rwanda, January 29, 2025 (Reuters/Thomas Mukoya photo)
Be receptive to what others offer. Criticism will stand in your way. Greater involvement in an organization will allow you to change your professional goals but may also threaten your emotional well-being.
Take a step back and reevaluate your position, what you do and what options are available. A change may not fix what troubles you, but it will buy you time.
Fine-tune and update your skills. Keeping up with trends and marketing yourself for success will help you maintain your status quo. Don’t mix business with pleasure.
Put everything you’ve got into getting ahead. Nurture meaningful connections, protect your reputation and keep your worth, opinion, beliefs and preferences to yourself.
Speed things up and get on with your day. Stick to your plan and your budget, and fulfill your promises. A partnership will present you with an opportunity that can change how or where you live.
You’ll desire change, but at what cost? Think twice before you agree to something that will stretch your budget further than you feel comfortable with.
Engage in something that stimulates your mind and pushes you in a direction that promotes growth. Learning and updating your skills, knowledge and qualifications will set you up for a position you want.
Make plans to do something creative or physical. You are best off distancing yourself from conversations that require choices you aren’t ready to make. Getting your business in order will clear your head.
Monitor where your money goes, and don’t buy into someone else’s scheme. Look for opportunities and partnerships that are beneficial and easy for you to control.
Pay attention, finish what you start and create a to-do list that addresses what’s meaningful to you. Change is up to you. Stop putting off your dreams and begin building a life that has a purpose.
Take the high road. Choose honesty, integrity and responsibility; and set standards that win respect, trust and access to a group that want to be a part of.
Take your time. Consider costs, how much you need and where you can cut corners to stay within budget. Put a plan in place that puts your mind at ease and gives you room to maneuver.
ARCHIE
1st Test, Australia tour of Sri Lanka...
Khawaja 147*, Smith 104* put Australia in commanding position in Galle
Stand-in Captain Steven Smith scored his 10,000th Test run before completing the momentous occasion with a majestic century, while Usman Khawaja reached his 16th ton as Australia were rewarded for an aggressive approach against a spin-heavy Sri Lanka attack on a slow Galle surface. Australia finished the opening day of the series in a dominant position at 330 for 2 with rain ending play after 81.1 overs.
Khawaja and Smith have combined for an unbroken
match perched on 9999 runs after agonisingly falling short of the landmark in the fifth Test against India on his SCG home ground. But Smith
paid the faith by perfectly complementing the aggressiveness of Smith and Head, who justified his promotion up the order with 57 off 40 balls.
Khawaja unfurled the reverse sweep to good effect and reached his century off 135 balls, celebrating by pumping his fists and taking off his helmet before waving his bat.
It has been a torrid start to the two-Test series for Sri Lanka, who were particularly sloppy in the field and tardy with their reviews. They were left to rue numerous chances to dismiss Khawaja, including two dropped catches off the bowling of an increasingly-flustered Jayasuriya, who destroyed Australia at the venue with a 12-wicket haul in his Test debut in 2022.
Khawaja was also lucky on 74 when he edged Jayasuriya through to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, but Sri
third-wicket 195-run partnership to capitalise on the batting-friendly conditions in the perfect start for an Australian side striving for a first series victory in Sri Lanka since 2011.
Having averaged 66 in 38 previous Tests as Captain, Smith has clearly enjoyed taking the leadership reins with Pat Cummins on paternity leave. He was in sublime form after lunch and reached his half-century in 57 balls before showing patience in the final session as Sri Lanka talisman Prabath Jayasuriya resorted to a defensive leg stump line. As gloomy skies threatened, Smith regained his momentum to notch his 35th Test century. He raised his baggy green in a reserved celebration, having peeled off three tons in his last seven Test innings.
Smith had started the
reached the milestone on his first delivery just before lunch with a flick to mid-on to join Ricky Ponting, Allan Border and Steve Waugh as the only Australians to achieve the milestone. He earned a strong ovation from his teammates and the jovial Australia fans in the terraces as he celebrated with a modest wave of the bat.
He almost fell moments later when he offered a return catch to Jayasuriya, who spilt a chance low down to his right. But Smith was almost flawless after that as he donned his baggy green cap and batted with authority. Much like openers Khawaja and Travis Head in the first session, Smith was quick on his feet and targeted the trio of spinners down the ground. Not having to face tormentor Jasprit Bumrah, Khawaja cut a relaxed figure and played with good intent to end a long drought having gone without a century since the opening Ashes Test in mid-2023.
After a lean series against
Lanka did not review the notout decision.
Apart from a menacing spell before lunch by legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who turned the ball square having been a surprising inclusion, Sri Lanka’s bowlers were rattled and unable to rein in Australia’s scoring run until restoring to defensive tactics in the backend of the day’s
play.
But the damage had been done after Australia piled on 261 runs at a rate of 4.35 in the opening two sessions.
Head set the tone after Smith had no hesitation to bat when the coin fell in his favour amid stifling humidity and a grassless surface. In a somewhat-contentious move, Head moved up from number five at the expense of 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who had made an eye-catching start to his Test career against India.
The decision also allowed Josh Inglis, the Western Australia wicketkeeper and a noted player of spin, to make his Test debut at five as a specialist batter. But he’s not been needed so far.
Having previously struggled as a middle-order batter in Sri Lanka, Head had success as an opener in India on the 2023 tour and he replicated that in a 92-run partnership with Khawaja. Head’s swift strike rate suggests belligerent batting straight out of the recently-concluded Big Bash League, but he played smartly and mostly in orthodox fashion.
three-over spell when he was rapped on the pads. Fernando had appealed vigorously, but Sri Lanka opted against reviewing although replays suggested the not-out decision would have been overturned.
Head reached his half-century off 35 balls, but fell shortly after when he tried to hit Jayasuriya over long-on, but mis-hit to Dinesh Chandimal on the rope.
The game turned – literally – with Vandersay producing sharp legspin from the get-go. He ripped a Shane Warne-esque legbreak to beat Marnus Labuschagne all ends up on his first delivery, while Nishan Peiris had a huge lbw shout on the batter turned down with DRS upholding the decision. Labuschagne on 20 poked Vandersay to first slip as Sri Lanka ended the first session in better spirits.
India, pressure had built on 38-year-old Khawaja, but he re-
Head raced to 23 off 13 and showed no mercy, but he did receive some luck on the last ball of quick Asitha Fernando’s opening
But their mood quickly soured on resumption when Smith smashed Jayasuriya straight
down the ground for six and he scored with ease until Sri Lanka changed their tactics. Jayasuriya bowled four consecutive maidens either side of tea, aiming at a leg stump line as a patient Smith continually padded the ball away. The negative lines did lead to umpire Chris Gaffaney giving the Sri Lankans a talking-to before the game received a much-needed spark as Smith pounced on weary bowling to move into seventh spot on the list of most Test century makers.
Sri Lanka took the second new ball, but seven balls later rain intervened in a relief for the beleaguered home side.
Australia selected a spinheavy attack with offspinner Todd Murphy and left-armer Matthew Kuhnemann to complement frontliner Nathan Lyon.
Mitchell Starc was the sole paceman named, with all-rounder Beau Webster capable of bowling seam and spin. Scott Boland unluckily was dropped after taking 10 wickets against India in the SCG Test. (ESPNcricinfo)
SCOREBOARD
Usman Khawaja used the reverse-sweep to great effect
Jeffrey Vandersay was rewarded for an excellent first spell with the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne
GHB lauds sport’s $8B budget allocation
The Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) is the most recent sport association to voice their appreciation for sport’s historic $8B budget allocation for 2025.
Through a missive, the Hockey Board related that the Budget and the plans it contains illustrate a com-
mitment to the capacity-building projects within the sector. The GHB wrote, “The Guyana Hockey Board is extremely pleased with the sports sector funding presented in the 2025 National Budget by the Honourable Doctor Ashni Singh, Senior Minister within the Ministry of Finance. This substantial increase of some 42.5 per cent demonstrates a commitment to the development of sport and as a result, to the lives of all of our citizens, from the most competitive to those engaging in recreational activities to maintain good health.
“In recent times, the Ministry of Sport has been making significant changes to the sports landscape, especially in terms of the widespread improvements to facilities across Guyana and development of new spaces where sports can now be en-
joyed.
“This budget projects more than a continuation of these beneficial projects as it also shows a commitment to the capacity-building projects that the Ministry has been spearheading through the core sports initiative, the national junior academies, athlete and coaching sponsorship and the staging of high-profile international sporting events.
“Recently the Ministry of Sport, through these development initiatives, established a playing area for hockey with lights that will boost the sport at the junior, club and national levels. The Guyana Hockey Board is now particularly excited by the number of multi-sport facilities being projected for communities all around the country, which allow hockey and many other sports to broaden their base of
players and move closer to having these sports played throughout the country.
“With this budget allocation, the Government of
Guyana has signalled its intent to support the sports sector and provide the best opportunities for our young athletes to succeed. The
welcomed the challenge to play its part in using these opportunities to develop the sport at all levels.”
Championships…
Anna Regina reign supreme as tournament ignites Region 2
Anna Regina Secondary were the team to beat when they came out on top of the team championships and secured other titles at the nationwide CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited/ Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA)Ministry of Education (MoE) Schools’ Table Tennis championships.
The championships have proverbially lit a fire in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) schools when they got underway on Thursday, January 23 and Friday, January 24, 2025.
Following on the heels of the successfully-held Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) edition of the championships, the Region Two edition saw the 8th of May, Anna Regina, Abram Zuil, Johanna Cecilia and Queenstown Secondary Schools competing for regional honours in the first-ever holding of this historical event.
The championships were played at the Queenstown Community Centre and coordinated by Debra Daniels, International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Level One Coach and national umpire, with the assistance of Candacy McKenzie and the Regional Education Officer Mrs Hercules. There was great support from an enthusiastic bunch of teachers and students from the respective schools at the Region Two edition of the championships.
Coach McKenzie outlined that she was very enthused by the level of talent, interest and participation and believes Region Two would a bedrock for talent when the coaching and teacher coaching interventions are made.
With categories played comprising Boys 15 years and under singles, Girls 18 years and under singles, and Team Championships 18 years and under, the competition truly served to ignite
the appetite and quench the thirst for school table tennis in the region, with a sizeable number of student-athletes signed up to represent their individual schools.
As such, a display of talent, great competitive rivalry and camaraderie has set the stage for future coaching development programmes, which target both student-athletes and teachers/coaches, scheduled to be held in the region in just a few weeks.
The CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL) school’s championships are a collaborative partnership with the GTTA and the MoE for Guyana’s first national schools’ table tennis championships in Guyana. The competition and investment aim to achieve the following:
- Provide opportunities for new talent (student-athletes) to have an active platform to showcase their skills, representing their schools
- Re-establish the Schools Championships as a basis for the GTTA’s development thrust by having players actively participate in table tennis activities on a recreational and competitive basis.
- Develop an active framework for school competitions through School Leagues, independent regional compe-
titions, training camps and linkage of players to clubs and regional hubs.
- Serve as a catalyst for creating talent identification, development and incubation systems for the recruitment, training, orientation, development and teaching of life-long skills which will positively enhance the profile and marketability of the sport, impact higher performances and sustainability of the sport at the national and international level among other benefits.
Results for Region 2 Edition of CNOOC-GTTAMoE Schools’ Table Tennis Championships:
Quarter-finals Boys 15 Years and Under
Roberto Bayan v Kenan Benn 2-1 margin (12-10,511,11-9)
Junior Nelson v Anthony Arthur 2-1 margin (5-11,117,11-9)
Kiran Bhagwandin v Jerimiah Fordyce 2-0 margin (11-6,11-4)
Andron Robero v Darius Pearson 2-0 margin (11-5,115)
Semi-finals
Junior Nelson v Roberto Bayan 2-0 margin (11-5,114)
Andron Robero v Kiran Bhagwandin 2-0 margin (11-
6,11-4)
Final
Andron Robero v Junior Nelson 2-0 margin
Winners
1. Andron Robero 1st place
2. Junior Nelson 2nd place
3. Kiran Bhagwandin and Roberto Bayan joint 3rd place
Quarter-finals Boys 15 Years and Under Jeremiah Innis v Tyrell Nedd 2-0 margin (11-9,11-7)
Alvon Cummings v Samuel Brummell 2-0 margin (11-5,11-2)
Eron Benjamin v Michael Torres 2-2 margin (14-12,119)
Shaqua George v Romario Bholo 2-0 margin (11-9,1311)
Semi-finals
Alvon Cummings v Jeremiah Innis 2-0 margin (11-9,11-8)
Shaqua George v Eron Benjamin 2-0 margin (117,11-9)
Final
Alvon Cummings v Shaqua George 2-1 Alvon Cummings ( 3-11,11-7,11-9)
Winners
1. Alvon Cummings 1st place
2. Shaqua George 2nd place
3. Jeremiah Innis and Eron Benjamin joint 3rd place
Girls 18 Years and Under Singles
Alisa Hill emerged the champion when she defeated Ashanana Mohamed by a 2-0 margin (11-4,11-5)
18 Years and Under Teams Open
Abram Zuil v 8th of May
Jaden Evans v Keron Benn 2-0 margin (11-3,11-9)
Alisa Hill v Junior Nelson 2-0 margin (11-5,11-3)
Jeremiah Inniss & Jaden
Evans v Roberto Bayan & Junior Nelson 2-0 margin (11-7,11-9)
Johanna Cecilia v 8th of May 3-1 margin
Michael Torres v Jerimyah Fordyce (11-6,115)
Samuel Brummell v Junior Nelson (11-9,11-5)
Michael Torres & Samuel Brummell v Junior Nelson & Kenan Benn (11-5,11-8)
Michael Torres v Junior Nelson (11-3,11-7)
Anna Regina Sec v Abram Zuil
Kiran Bhagwandin v Jeremiah Inniss (11-5,11-7)
Tyrese Stephney v Eron Benjamin (11-8,11-4)
Jeremiah Inniss & Jaden Evans v Darius Pearson & Tyrell Nedd (11-8,11-8)
Tyrese Stephney v Jeremiah Inniss 2-1 margin (11-2,12-14,13-11)
Anna Regina v Johanna Cecilia 3-0 margin
Tyrell Nedd v Michael Torres 2-1 margin ( 11-5,911,11-3)
Darius Pearson v Antawon Arthur (11-7,11-8)
Alvon Cummings & Shaqua George vs Michael Torres and Antawon Arthur (11-7,11-6)
Anna Regina v 8th May
3-0 margin
Alvon Cummings v Kenan Benn (11-4,11-8)
Shaqua George v Junior Nelson (11-4,11-7)
Darius Pearson & Tyrese Stephney vs Kenan Benn & Junior Nelson (11-7,11-4)
Abram Zuil v Johanna Cecilia 3-0 margin
Alisa Hill v Michael Torres (11-3,11-7)
Jeremiah Inniss v Samuel Brummell (11-5,11-9)
Eron Benjamin & Romario Bholo v Samuel Brummell & Antawon Arthur (11-6,11-8)
Guyana Hockey Board has
GHB President Philip Fernandes
The GHB has lauded this year’s budget allocation for sport
West Indies Championships…
Looknauth claims 4-for on debut, Forde hits 82 in see-saw opening day
The 2025 West Indies Championships bowled off at four venues across the Caribbean on Wednesday, and close to home, it was a see-saw first day between the hosts Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) and Barbados Pride at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
After rain delayed the start of play and the visitors won the toss and opted to take first strike, the Harpy Eagles got going with an all-pace attack and it was not long before the hosts found success as Nial Smith trapped Barbadian opener Leniko Boucher for 19 from 28 in just the sixth over.
Three rotations later, a wicket maiden from Ronaldo Alimohamed saw the Bajan Captain, Raymon Reifer being sent back to the dugout for six runs. The remainder of the morning session saw the Harpy Eagles bowlers toiling tirelessly as an 88-run partnership between Zachary McCaskie and Jonathan
Drakes got Barbados out of trouble.
McCaskie and Drakes got to the lunch break with their partnership unbroken, with the visitors having put up 104-2 by that time.
After lunch, Alimohamed returned to claim his second wicket, picking up the prized scalp of McCaskie, who edged the Guyanese pacer’s delivery to wicketkeeper Kemol Savory. McCaskie had to depart for 64 (seven fours and two sixes )off 75 deliveries.
Then the introduction of the Harpy Eagles’ debutant, Richie Looknauth, brought favour to the side as he sent Kevin Wickham and Demetrius Richards packing for 3 and 13 runs respectively. Then, when it appeared as though Drakes would cruise his way to three figures, it was Looknauth again who produced the goods.
Looknauth got just enough turn on a delivery in the 48th over to trap Drakes lbw for 70 off 119 balls, effecting Barbados’ sixth wicket. In his time at the crease, Drakes found the boundary 11 times.
Though the set batters had departed, the pair of Matthew Forde and Chaim Holder held on for a 30-run partnership by the tea interval, where Barbados found themselves 221-6.
The duo turned on the heat in the final session of the day, constructing a 119-run partnership in the space of 29 overs.
to bait Forde into dancing down the track. The Barbadian batsman, however, missed and Savory was happy to remove his bails for the wicket.
Forde found himself 18 runs short of a century, hitting a fiery 82 in 91 balls, including eight fours and three sixes. Chemar Holder was the Pride’s last guard, chipping in 29 before becoming Anthony Adams’ first victim of the day.
Eventually, the visitors were bowled out for 346 in 84.3 overs.
Looknauth ended the day with figures of 4-69 from 17 overs while Alimohamed and Permaul
claimed 2 wickets each, alongside one apiece from Smith and Adams.
Regional 4-Day action
continues at the same venue from 10:00h today when the
Foreign Coaches aiding in development of local counterparts
AMemorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and Racing Madrid has brought a trio of experienced Coaches to the National Boys’ U17 team this year.
“The best way to develop players is to develop coaches. Coach education is the number one form of player development,” Dr Gennaro shared during a training session for the U17 boys’ national team.
staff as well, there’s a great collaboration between the international Coaches and the domestic Coaches as well. Working together to ensure that even after this tournament ends, a lot of the best practices that we’ve experienced over multiple decades of coaching around the world in professional and national environments, that those can remain here in Guyana with the Guyana-born Coaches while they lead the next generation of Guyana’s football players.”
Quizzed about whether or not they will be continuing the initiative, Dr Gennaro revealed an intention to do so on future visits, but expressed hope of making an impact on the players and coaches immediately.
b
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b R Looknauth 13
However, Looknauth again spoiled Barbados’ party, churning out another lbw-worthy delivery to dismiss Holder for 35. The following over, Veerasammy Permaul, who looked a shadow of himself earlier, tossed one up just enough
However, Head Coach Marco Bonofiglio, Strength and Conditioning Coach Ahjton Roberts and Performance Analyst/ Sports Science expert Dr Steve Gennaro are doing more than just preparing Guyana’s team for the CONCACAF U17 Qualifiers next month.
Dr Gennaro, during an invited comment with media operatives, divulged that the visiting Coaches are hoping to impart best practices so as to develop Guyana’s local coaches.
He went on to divulge, “What we want is the Coaches who are here to be able to observe and to share ideas. It’s really about a collaboration of ideas. So, we’re sharing some of the session plans, session designs, how we go about building sessions. We’re inviting all the Coaches in the GFF to come and attend and we have conversations before the training sessions, during and after the sessions with them, just again a collaboration of knowledge and the sharing of ideas.
“In particular, on our
Dr Gennaro explained, “The intention is always there for prolonged relationships. Obviously, Coach Bonofiglio, myself, Coach Ash, we’re very happy here, we love the people, we love the players, we love the culture, we love the food. So, we’re quite happy to spend as much time here as we can, but eventually it needs to be something that the local Coaches themselves take ownership of and are able to activate themselves.
“We’ll do everything we can on this visit or any future visits that are organised to come and be a part, but we definitely want to impact this and future generations of football players in Guyana,” the performance analyst asserted.
The national U17 team have been encamped for two weeks and will continue being encamped up until they kick off their U17 Qualifiers campaign on February 7.
Richie Looknauth is having a dream debut (Jemima Holmes photo)
Dr Steve Gennaro in action with the national U17 team
The Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) celebrate one of Richie Looknauth’s four wickets (Jemima Holmes photo)
Ronaldo Alimohamed picked up two wickets on Day 1 (Jemima Holmes photo)
Jonathan Drakes frustrated the Harpy Eagles bowlers after lunch (Jemima Holmes photo)
Harpy Eagles head out to bat.
