Guyana remains crucial part of ExxonMobil’s global portfolio – EMGL VP
GPHC
neurosurgeons save 4 gunshot-tothe-head patients in 4 months
Bourda Market revamp Vendors to be temporarily relocated as M&CC installs security cameras, billboard
Homeless man accused of altering cheque remanded to prison
Police seize ganja, cash during Plaisance operation Guyana to ink MoU with Bloomberg for food hub at Yarrowkabra
As part of expansion plans at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to accommodate the growing local aviation sector, the Guyana Government is in final stages of negotiations for the construction of a second terminal at the country’s main port of entry.
“We're in the final stages of signing off on Terminal
June 4.
Back in 2023, Guyana signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Manchester Airport Group (MAG), for the construction of a second terminal and the implementation of improved management practices for the CJIA.
Since then, negotiations have been ongoing between local procurement authori-
2025, some $7 billion was earmarked for the construction of the new world-class terminal building at the international airport located in Timehri. The new 150,000 square-foot terminal building is expected to have facilities for additional duty-free zones, retail opportunities, rental offices and lounges.
With these developments, the CJIA will have
Two of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport because already the existing terminal is inadequate,”
President Dr Irfaan Ali disclosed on Tuesday evening.
He was at the time speaking at a reception held ahead of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ inaugural flight to Guyana on Wednesday,
ties and the British airport operator on the terms and conditions of the contract.
According to the Head of State, “Terminal Two will be reflective of our country's architecture, culture and history, because the terminal itself will tell the story of the country.”
In the CJIA’s budget for
dedicated buildings for arrivals and departures, and a functioning transit lounge.
The second terminal will add to the ongoing expansion works at the CJIA, where an inline baggage system, a new commercial centre, a VIP lounge, and a new administrative building are currently under con-
struction. Another building to accommodate airline operations will also be constructed.
Back in March, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had conducted a site visit to inspect ongoing works at the CJIA and meet with the contractors, engineers and airport officials. At the time, it was reported that the commercial centre was 80 per cent complete, with significant progress made on the first and ground floors, while the contractor for the executive lounge had been approved to proceed with civil works.
Meanwhile, in addition to Manchester Airport Group, Guyana also signed an MoU with Grupo Puntacana, a leading airport developer and operator from the Dominican Republic. That non-binding agreement also includes plans for another terminal building at the CJIA to accommodate the anticipated surge in air travel demand within the coming years.
Back in February 2024, the CJIA said these arrangements were part of efforts by the Guyana Government to leverage reputable airport developers with expertise in airport operations to streamline procedures, enhance efficiency, and elevate the quality of service provided to passengers.
Moreover, the CJIA signed an MoU in 2022 with the Houston Airport System,
President Dr Irfaan Ali
resulting in both airports working together to attract United Airlines to fly the Houston-Georgetown route.
It was noted that this collaborative approach aims to position the CJIA as a regional leader in airport management and customer satisfaction.
Increased air traffic
Guyana aims to have at least three million passengers passing through the country by 2030. Last year, more than 857,000 passengers were processed at the airport, exceeding the 2023 figure.
According to President Ali during Tuesday’s reception, only four years ago, the number of passengers passing through Guyana was about 182,000. He outlined too that seating capacity has expanded from 336,000 to nearly 1.5 million now.
Moreover, Guyana is currently served by 11 interna-
tional carriers, up from just five four years ago that connected to only six destinations. Today, the country is connected directly to some 16 destinations across the world.
“As extraordinary as this growth is, we are focusing on a more ambitious target; how is it we're going to build a mechanism to support three million people passing through our economy by 2030… Having an ambition like that requires an ecosystem that must support this…”
“These connections [with new destinations] and these things don't happen by accident. You have to have confidence in the economy. You have to have confidence in the system. You have to have confidence in the Government. You have to have confidence in the policy-making environment,” the Guyanese leader noted.
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, June 5 –00:55h-02:25h and Friday, June 6 – 01:55h-03:25h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, June 5 – 12:00h-13:30h and Friday, June 6 –13:00h-14:30h.
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Rain showers with instances of thunder are expected during the day and at night, sunshine in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.79 metres and 3.58 metres.
High Tide: 12:24h reaching a maximum height of 2.20 metres.
Low Tide: 18:19h reaching a minimum height of 0.99 metre.
ognisant of the efforts Guyana has been making on its own, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a US$350 million loan that will go towards helping Guyana upgrade its social services and aid vulnerable populations, as well as initiatives like implementing a national action plan against human trafficking.
The financial institution on Wednesday announced that this US$350 million loan would be the second and final in a series of policy-based loans – the first of which was co-financed with Global Affairs Canada. According to the IDB, the loan will help Guyana’s ongoing efforts to modernise and expand its social services.
“The loan will support the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS) in enhancing the efficiency and reach of its social safety net, with a focus on digital transformation, inclusion, and empowerment of vulnerable groups,” the IDB said.
“Key components of the programme include: Streamlining and digitalising MHSSS processes to reduce transaction costs and improve service delivery for beneficiaries. (Supporting) over 82,000 senior citizens expanded access to electronic payment systems. Increasing the coverage of the Public Assistance programme, which has already supported more than 6000 individuals with disabilities.”
Monies will also be allocated towards scaling up training programmes and growing the learning lab initiative, so that more persons with disabilities can be equipped with the necessary skills to gain employment, as well as adaptive living techniques, and tools for improved quality of life.
Other initiatives the loan will cover include women’s empowerment, as it will go towards expanding the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) Business Clinic to provide women with training in business management, legal literacy, and access to funding.
From the inception of this programme in 2021, the number of courses offered has increased every year. In the initial year, 2170 persons were trained, with Regions Four (588), Two (409), Five (345), Three (320) and Six (307) seeing the highest turnouts.
In 2022, the programme saw a 62 per cent increase
in participants, with over 10,000 persons applying. Region Four had the highest number of persons trained at 937, while Regions Three and Five each had over 500 persons trained. In the hin-
has since evolved to include men as well.
Vulnerable populations at greatest risk of inter-personal violence, such as sur-
terland, over 350 persons were trained.
The programme is the brainchild of Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud and was designed to equip women with the skills and confidence to pursue economic opportunities and achieve financial independence.
WIIN offers a multitude of training courses such as garment construction and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) among others. The programme
vivors of Gender-Based Violence and victims of human trafficking, will not be left out, as part of the funding will go towards the Survivors Advocates programme and the Counter Trafficking in Persons Unit to provide comprehensive support to survivors.
Additionally, a National Action Plan Against Human Trafficking, which will support the development of a coordinated strategy to combat human trafficking that includes all relevant stakeholders, will also benefit from the funding.
“These initiatives, launched in 2023, reflect a holistic approach to social protection, targeting the most disadvantaged and underserved populations in Guyana. The IDB loan features a 20-year amortisation period, a 5.5-year grace period, a one-year disbursement window, and a SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate)-based interest rate.”
“This operation showcases the IDB’s commitment to supporting Guyana’s social development agenda that provides opportunities for all and building a more resilient society,” the IDB further explained. It had been revealed last year through a TIP report prepared by the United States Department of State, that the Government of Guyana has increased its prosecution efforts against Trafficking In Persons (TIP).
According to the report, the Government identified 407 victims while Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) identified one. This is in comparison to 2022, whereby the Government had identified 327 trafficking victims.
During 2023, the report pointed out that 77 TIP cases were filed under the Combating Trafficking of Persons Act of 2023, resulting in 10 suspects being arrested, seven of whom were charged. This reflected an increase from 2022 when there were 28 cases.
Editor: Tusika Martin
News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761
Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707
Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown
Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
The commissioning of the Center for Equity, Opportunity and Innovation at Palmyra, Canje, represents an essential advancement for both Guyana and the wider Caribbean. Far beyond its physical structure, the facility stands as a definitive statement of the nation’s commitment to the full inclusion of persons with disabilities as integral participants in the country’s development agenda.
This initiative, housed within the Empower Guyana building, is a regional first. Its impact is both symbolic and practical. Symbolically, it signals a shift in how disability is viewed as a dimension of human diversity. Practically, it creates tangible opportunities for 120 persons with disabilities to earn an income, build careers, and live with dignity.
For far too long, persons with disabilities have existed on the periphery of the workforce, held back by physical barriers, social prejudice, and systemic exclusion. This Center reimagines that reality. It does not offer charity; it offers employment, purpose, and agency. It does not ask persons with disabilities to adapt to a system that was never built for them; it builds a new system with them at the center.
The five specialised workstations, ranging from web services and electronics repair to arts, crafts, garment production, food preparation, and general creative work, highlight the depth of talent and potential that exists within the disabled community. These are not sheltered workshops or token positions. These are productive, revenuegenerating operations that integrate skills development with entrepreneurship. A retail space on-site will showcase and sell products made at the Center, reinforcing a sustainable model that values innovation and self-reliance.
In addition to employment, the Center offers mental health support, leadership training, and a cafeteria designed to foster community. The inclusion of a shade house, managed by staff for sustainability and further skill development, underlines the comprehensive nature of this undertaking. This is not a single act of intervention. It is a holistic response to systemic exclusion, providing tools that empower individuals while enriching the social and economic fabric of Guyana.
Importantly, this development is not occurring in isolation but rather is backed by a clear policy direction that prioritises inclusive growth.
The Government’s stated commitment to inclusive national development is being translated into substantive action. This initiative reflects a broader recognition that genuine progress is defined not solely by physical infrastructure, but by the creation of opportunities for those historically excluded from full participation in society. The First Lady’s role in initiating and championing the Center through the Office of the First Lady’s InclusAbility initiative must be acknowledged as an example of what can be achieved when leadership is grounded in empathy, vision, and persistence. Her efforts to engage with the disability community, to understand their challenges, and to act upon their expressed needs have culminated in a facility that stands as a model for the rest of the region.
Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), long regarded as a traditional agricultural belt, now takes on the mantle of a hub for social innovation. This redefinition of place and purpose sets a powerful precedent. It is a reminder that innovation does not only come in the form of technology or infrastructure, but in new ways of thinking about equity, inclusion, and community development.
The broader significance of this Center cannot be overstated. It challenges the private and public sectors to rethink hiring practices, accessibility, and workplace design. It calls on communities to support, celebrate, and integrate persons with disabilities as equals. It positions Guyana as a regional leader in inclusive development, a nation not only rich in resources, but also in compassion, creativity, and conviction.
This Center should inspire replication across all regions of Guyana and throughout the Caribbean.
You can fool some of the people sometimes but not all the time
Dear Editor, “I say no to silence.” A conversation with the conscience clarified any clouded controversies, contradictions and convoluted comments which may have contorted a contagious constituency. The time is right, ripe and ready for any correction. It is not too late for others to join the bandwagon. So many have done away with their past, shed the PNC cloak to share the PPP/C umbrella as the rod of correction. Wisdom prevails to finally show those who were misled, the light at the end of the tunnel.
The marauding People’s National Congress, masquerading as the victim rather than the wrong doer, find themselves marooned as evildoers in an unfriendly international community, branded, banished and banded as professional, seasoned and unabashed election riggers! The cabals have been fingered red-handed in the cookie jar and a few bad men and women are now facing the heat, accused of being miscreants. Changing names and faces do not change their habits.
A Commission of Inquiry (CoI) headed by Chairman Stanley John, (Retired Justice of Appeal), into the General Elections of
March 2, 2020, has found that ‘shockingly brazen attempts’ were made by Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield; Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers; and Returning Officer (RO), Clairmont Mingo, “to derail and corrupt the statutorily prescribed procedure for the counting, ascertaining, and tabulation of votes for the election”. The report also stated that the three were also found “guilty of attempting to stymie the declaration of the election results for the purpose of ‘stealing’ the elections.”
Election 2020 was the mother of all elections which finally settled the dust for the PNC as the world at large with local, regional and international observers saw for themselves how the unscrupulous PNC brazenly attempted to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes in a callous manner in their impoverished attempt to manically rig the election by manipulating the voting figures to arrive at a result in the PNC’s favour.
Head of the OAS observer mission to Guyana’s March 2nd elections, Bruce Golding, (a former Prime Minister for Jamaica), reported that the ongoing recount process has ex-
posed glaring instances where the figures presented by Returning Officer of Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, were clearly fiddled. On presenting a report on the preliminary findings of the mission to the Organisation of American States (OAS)
Permanent Council, Mr Golding said, “I have never seen a more transparent effort to alter the results of an election.” He continued, ““You know it takes an extraordinarily courageous mind [he gave a hint of a laugh as he said those two words] to present fictitious numbers when such a sturdy paper trail exists.”
As surrogates from the “man who made Satan cry”, the PNC were crafted as a party under racial lines to divide and rule as “Leader or nothing”. Jessie Burnham warned, “Beware of my brother Forbes.”
From inception, the PNC has never won a free and fair election. The negative elements of corruption, collation and corroboration were always deployed to impact a return to power. The kool aid fountain flows freely and profusely with their propaganda to poison the naïve and gullible ones.
The sound of silence resonated on deaf ears as the unilateral minds from the
PNC members remained frozen as they refused to recognise, acknowledge and accept truth, honesty and dignity. Morality was, is and will forever be the missing element when factoring the equation of political finesse, legal compliance and human behaviour, to say the least! Silence is no longer golden in the PNC’s arena having experienced the reverse Midas touch from Burnham days through to Granger days. The current leadership has no footing and is a rudderless ship sailing in a stormy sea. No wonder so many are waking up to the fresh, sweet and enticing smell of the familiar, favoured and flavoured fame of the PPP/C. You can fool some of the people sometimes but not all the time. Soured Guyanese are surely sobering up to the fact that they have been taken for a wild goose chase ride for too long and it is time to speak up and speak out against the PNC who has had its knees on the necks of Guyanese too long. The PPP/C has a proven track record as the winning horse. Why take a chance when all the odds are stacked up against a losing PNC?
Yours respectfully, Jai Lall
Dear Editor , The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hereby provides the following statement in response to a letter from Ms. Melinda Janki (dated May 30, 2025), which has been shared with local media entities.
1. The EPA, as the body responsible for the management, conservation, protection, and improvement of Guyana’s natural environment, is required to ensure that any developmental activity, which may have an effect on the environment, is assessed before such activity commences.
2. As an Agency of the
Dear Editor,
On Sunday, June 1, 2025, I attended the funeral of Shiv on the Essequibo Coast. Shiv, who was struck down and killed in a road accident one month after his 17th birthday, was the son of one of my nephews. He was a pedestrian and the accident occurred during the period when he was writing the CXC exams.
In my tribute at the funeral, I challenge the leaders present (religious leaders, educators, political leaders, senior and retired public servants and community leaders who were in attendance) to start a conversation on the phenomenon (I used a stronger classification) of road accidents in Guyana. I am optimistic that the start of a focused conversation on the issue
Government of Guyana, the EPA only approves a project once the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) indicates that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is acceptable. This means that it is only the EAB that can indicate that an EIA is acceptable, thereby triggering the EPA’s decision whether or not to approve a project.
3. The EPA performs independent regulatory functions, and its decision that an EIA is required has nothing to do with the Government’s approval. Nor does it suggest that the EPA, in and of itself, is approving a project.
4. The EIA is essentially an information-gathering and planning tool, which then helps to inform the EPA in its decision-making process in relation to whether to grant an environmental authorisation for a proposed project.
5. With reference to the 7th Oil Project (Hammerhead Petroleum Development and Production) of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the EIA process is still ongoing.
6. The EPA, as part of the statutory process for the EIA set out in Section 11 of the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05
will get traction with sufficient intensity to propel the issue onto the formal agenda. I am also optimistic that we have adequate minds in Guyana to turn the tides.
Our experiences of more roads, more vehicles, more laws and better enforcement has not delivered a change in the trends and without additional interventions, it is not likely that we will achieve different results. Human lives will continue to become statistics on our roads.
Considering that contemporary vehicles are equipped with better braking, steering and other systems as well as with several alert systems, it is easy to conclude that alerts are ignored by some and, therefore, one can conclude that two significant contributing factors to road accidents are the judge-
referenced above, allows for public input within a 60-day period.
7. The EIA was submitted to the EPA by EMGL and its consultants and, thereafter, a notice was published earlier in 2025, in the local media and on the EPA’s website, informing members of the public that as per Section 11(10) of the Environmental Protection Act, they have 60 days within which to submit comments on the EIA.
8. This statutory 60-day period has already ended. Clearly, the learned Ms Janki, as any other member of the public, would know that, by law, her
ments and decision making, or lack thereof, of drivers. Judgements, and decision making, by pedestrians are also a significant factor in road accidents. It follows that there is need for significant efforts to be made to change some attitudes of members of our society and to reinforce other attitudes.
We live in a highly-competitive world which requires quick judgements and decisions and fast actions in order to remain relevant. The question is how do we operate at a fast rate and still make sound judgement. It is understood that the values which individuals embrace are brought to bear on the decisions they take and with that in mind, I placed on the table, (during my tribute), the “skyscraper model”.
The skyscraper model requires engineers to go downwards at calculated depths to construct a solid foundation even before constructing the first floor of the skyscraper in order to keep the building from toppling. Applying this model to our society will require our social engineers to give us the blueprint to create a community of people who, while still being innovative and efficient, embrace values such as love, compassion, empathy and respect for other people and property.
Our general welfare can be significantly boosted with such initiative.
Yours sincerely,
Seelall Persaud Retired Commissioner of Police
comments should have been sent by this date. Despite this, the EPA has taken note of the views expressed in her letter.
9. EPA is currently reviewing the EIA and, in this process, will consider all comments received during the statutory 60day period. In addition, the EPA is seeking an independent review of the EIA by competent and experienced international experts.
10. As is required by the Environmental Protection Act, the EPA will submit the EIA to the EAB for review and recommendations to the EPA on whether the EIA is acceptable.
11. Based on its own review, the independent review, and the EAB’s recommendation, the EPA will make a decision whether to grant an Environmental Permit for the project.
12. The EIA process, as set out in Section 11 of the Environmental Protection Act, is, therefore, not complete as yet. In this regard, the EPA is unsure why Ms Janki appears to be suggesting that the EPA has approved the project.
Sincerely, Communications Department Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Dear Editor, It is puzzling that a meeting of the elections body, duly called and commenced with the required quorum, suddenly cannot be proceeded with due to the walkout of one member comprising the quorum.
How can a meeting, legally constituted, suddenly be deemed unconstitutional because a member chose to no longer be a participant?
This is pure damn nonsense and ways and means must be found for meetings, once legally called and commenced, to continue despite disruptive behaviour.
First, the disruptive side
was not supportive of the date announced for elections, clamouring there were no consultations, leading to the first walkout. However, eventually the side meekly acceded, even though remaining thoroughly unsupportive and disruptive of the work plan. I am now learning of an emergency quorum rule being instituted to prevent further gridlock (GT June 4). It is hoped this measure would greatly assist the work of the body as it prepares for September 1 and beyond.
Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed
President Dr Irfaan has outlined plans for heavy investments in expanding aviation education in Guyana as part of an ecosystem to position the country as a regional leader in the industry.
According to the Head of State, the Guyana Government has been making major investments in infrastructure works, airport expansion, digitization of immigration services and hotel accommodation in order to build an ecosystem to position the local aviation sector as a driver of national development.
“When I say a driver of national development, very soon, we're going to invest here in Guyana, in expanded aviation education in every aspect of the aviation – aviation management, training of pilots [and] aeronautic engineers. Every single sphere of aviation life will be part of the training programme that we want to offer here in Guyana,” President Ali pos-
ited on Tuesday evening.
Only earlier this year, Guyana’s decades-old Civil Aviation Training School became accredited by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), marking a significant milestone in enhancing the country’s aviation standards and training capabilities.
Established in 1974 as the Air Traffic Services Training School, the Guyana Civil Aviation Training School (CATS) has been a key part of air traffic services training in Guyana, including training air traffic controllers and assistants.
The school, located at Timehri, was late last year accredited by TRAINAIR, a global training programme under ICAO, and is now authorised to train persons in over 500 courses.
Meanwhile, the University of Guyana (UG) had revealed plans last year to collaborate with an international flight school to increase the number of avia-
tion courses available at the institution.
Currently, UG’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology provides a twoyear Bachelor of Science (Aviation Management). While the university also offers a Certificate and Associate’s Degree in this field, the local tertiary education institution however lacks the advanced expertise in the field hence the need to partner with international schools.
Moreover, it was also announced back in July 2023 that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will establish an aviation school to train military and civilian pilots for the local and Caribbean markets.
Expanding int’l routes
On Tuesday evening, President Ali made remarks about expanding aviation education while speaking at a reception held ahead of the inaugural KLM Royal Dutch Airline flight to Guyana.
KLM, which is the oldest commercial airline in the world, commenced operations in Guyana on Wednesday, June 4. It will operate two flights weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays with the Airbus 330-200.
The AmsterdamGeorgetown route will see direct flights from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, while the in-bound flights will include a short stopover in Sint Maarten before arriving in Guyana.
KLM is just one of several international and re-
gional carriers that have commenced operations in Guyana in recent years, connecting the country directly to more than 10 new destinations across the world.
According to the Guyanese Head of State, these international airlines would not consider expanding operations here had there not been investments to attract them.
“No one is going to come into our country if it will take you five hours from the airport to the city. And whilst there's tremendous
inconvenience at the moment because of the construction [along the East Bank Demerara corridor to expand the roadway], the infrastructure that we're putting in place, is to make the central hub of all the connecting services within a 35-minutes radius of each other. That is where we’re positioning the ecosystem.”
“KLM’s arrival is not an isolated development. It is the latest chapter in a deliberate and strategic policy that our government has been pursuing for the past
five years; one aimed at expanding the range of airlines and international routes serving our country. It is a policy that sees aviation not as a supporting service, but as a driver of national development,” he posited.
Economic prospects
Based on a recent report, Guyana’s aviation sector contributed approximately US$160 million to the national gross domestic product along with creating some 5,200 jobs.
5 months later
More than five months after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) concluded interviews and recommended appointments for two of Guyana’s critical judicial posts, key stakeholders including the appointees themselves remain uninformed.
Back in January, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has recommended that Senior Magistrate Judy Latchman be appointed new Chief Magistrate and Alisha George be Deputy Chief Magistrate. This recommendation comes months after Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus was appointed puisne judge by the JSC. Subsequently, agreed to appoint Magistrate Judy Latchman as Chief Magistrate and Magistrate Alisha George as Deputy Chief Magistrate. According to a senior judicial official, the prolonged silence and lack of action have sparked concern within legal circles over the apparent non-implementation of binding decisions taken by the JSC.
This publication understands that the Commission’s resolutions have yet to be formally communicated to the appointees, nor has a date for the official swearing-in ceremony been set.
The delay, now stretching into half a year, has left the current transitional
Recommended for Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman
leadership of the Magistracy in limbo.
The JSC, as a constitutional body, has the exclusive authority to make judicial appointments and promotions below the level of the High Court.
In February 2024, nine new magistrates were sworn-in: Tuanna Hardy, Teriq Mohammed, Abigail Gibbs, Tamieka Clarke, Orinthia Schmidt, Shivani Lalaram, Michelle Matthias, Omadatt Chandan, and Ravindra Mohabir. At the time Attorney General Anil Nandlall had noted that the reconstitution of the Judicial Service Commission in July 2023 paved the way for these critical judicial appointments to be made.
Also in 2024, 10 persons were recommended by JSC for appointment as new Judges, and received their
instruments of appointment from President Dr Irfaan Ali. Those appointed were Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus; Peter Hugh; Zamilla AllySeepaul; Deborah Kumar; Nicola Pierre; Priscilla Chandra-Hanif; Hessaun Yasin; Joy Persaud; Nigel Niles and Jacquiline Josiah Graham. In October 2024, the JSC invited “suitably qualified persons” to apply for the positions of Chief Magistrate and Commissioner of Title.
In a vacancy notice published in Guyana Times, it was noted that applicants for the post of Chief Magistrate must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and a Legal Education Certificate; be qualified to practise law in Guyana, and have general knowledge of the Laws of Guyana; and have at least 12 years’ practice as an Attorney-at-Law in Guyana or in any Commonwealth jurisdiction; or have experience as a principal magistrate.
“Applicants are expected to have knowledge and experience in criminal practice and procedure. Applicants should demonstrate strong leadership and management competencies, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Applicants are also expected to possess a high level of personal integrity and impartiality. If successful, applicants are expected to subscribe to the
Recommended for Deputy Chief Magistrate Alisha George
Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers,” the notice had detailed.
For the Commissioner of Title position, applicants must be an Attorneyat-Law admitted to practise law in Guyana or any Commonwealth country with at least seven years’ experience.
The JSC was appointed by President Dr Irfaan Ali on July 14, 2023. The Commission members are Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards; Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George; Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Manniram Prashad; Retired Justice Carl Singh and Retired Justice Beasraj Singh (BS) Roy. The Chancellor sits as Chairman of the Commission.
A24-year-old homeless man accused of altering a cheque to inflate its value by $100,000 was remanded to prison on Wednesday when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabyo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Romario Benjamin, of no fixed place of abode, is facing two charges related to the alleged forgery of a Bank of Guyana cheque. According to police, Benjamin attempted to defraud a man identified as Hervin D’Aguilar by presenting a forged cheque that had been altered from $99,000 to $199,000. The document in question was dated May 30, 2025.
The second charge claims that on June 2, at Church
Street, Georgetown, he presented the altered cheque to D’Aguilar in an effort to pass it off as legitimate, knowing it to be forged.
When asked how he wished to plead, Benjamin told the court he did not understand, and as a result, Magistrate Azore explained that guilty “meant that you did it, while not guilty meant you didn’t do it.”
Benjamin, in response, said, “I didn’t do it,” resulting in a formal not guilty plea being entered for both charges.
The police prosecutor objected to bail, stressing that the accused had no fixed address, no employment, and no ties that would guarantee his appearance at future court hearings.
Charged: Romario Benjamin
“There is strong evidence against him, and conviction is highly likely,” the prosecutor told the court, arguing that Benjamin posed a serious flight risk.
Under questioning from the magistrate, Benjamin revealed that he currently lives on the streets of Georgetown, but is originally from Berbice. He said he was unemployed, had no family support, and was unable to find work. When asked why he was not employed, Benjamin replied solemnly, “Nobody wants to hire me.”
He went on to explain that he survives on the streets with no consistent access to food. The magistrate, in response, said, “Living on the streets in this weather cannot be easy, and at least this way you’ll have somewhere to sleep and something to eat,” before ordering that he be remanded to prison. The case will continue on June 18.
President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) - Justice Adrian Saunders retired after 20 years of yeoman service to Caribbean jurisprudential development. Saunders was there from the very beginning when in 2005 when the court started operating from its seat in Port of Spain, Trinidad. With him were two Guyanese legal luminaries – who’ve sadly passed on: Justices Desiree Bernard and Duke Pollard. The CCJ is a critical institution in our overall efforts to become independent after being colonized for four centuries by the European powers.
Think about it – we’ve focused totally on the political leadership – with the emphasis on “lead”: in a word who’s gonna replace Massa!! But sixty years after “book” independence, we gotta ask whether we might’ve lost sight of the forest for the (legal) trees?? And one of those forests is that there’s always a struggle for office – or power to be honest! Societies can descend into anarchy unless there are first of all rules of the (political) game and secondly –some body (institution) to ensure those rules are followed.
Yes…those Brits especially insisted on rules. Even when they were oppressing us they oppressed according to rules they set for themselves!! And interpreted in their favour. As time went by after some criticized the court system that developed, they introduced Appellate Courts to answer the question – who will judge the judges?
But in Guyana after independence, Burnham decided that even the Appellate Court had to be subservient to the PNC – and actually flew their flag over the Appeal Court’s building!! Now before we’d gotten independence, folks could appeal all the way up to the British highest appeal court – the Privy Council. Since this could crimp Burnham’s (crooked) style, he declared us a republic in 1970 and abolished recourse to the Privy Council . He said it was a “colonial” remnant – as if his replacement was any better!!
But he did help establish Caricom in 1973 with the Treaty of Chaguaramas (ToC) and after he and his peers passed by 2001 the treaty was revised (RToC) and Caricom was ambitiously transmuted into a Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). This included a Court -the CCJ - that was to serve two purposes – firstly be the Court to settle any disputed involving the RToC among Caricom’s members. But secondly and most pertinently it was to serve as a body to replace the Privy Council as the top Appellate Court !!
Sadly as of now, only Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana and St. Lucia have gone this route. The remainder still trust the Privy Council more!! Is it because they believe their local appeal judges are gonna be biased?? Or do they still believe that the British Judges from thousands of miles away can make better decisions?
…on “Birth Tourism”
The US Consulate just issued a “caution” on “Birth Tourism”. Your Eyewitness knew of the practice but didn’t know it had an official name. Guyanese women – along with women across the world - with visas to the US would travel there to deliver their babies. And it had nothing to do with high maternity death rates – it was just another way to secure their future in the US of A. Babies born there would automatically become US citizens - who could sponsor their parents when they reached 21!!
Well, we know that President Trump’s looking to close all avenues for immigrants to enter the US. And this Birth Tourism caution is just another nail in the coffin of the famous message on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.”
But hold it!! Aren’t we now rich enough to tell the Yanks where they could stick their visas??
…from abuse
They say abused children become abusive parents. Norton was abused by his predecessor Hoyte when the latter dubbed him his “creature” and summarily dismissed him as PNC General Secretary. Didn’t Norton then do the same to Geeta Chandan??
AMemorandum of Understanding (MOU) will soon be signed with Bloomberg, for the purpose of marketing and branding for a food hub being built at Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, an initiative that according to President Dr Irfaan Ali, will be a major step towards increased food security.
During a recent meeting with farmers in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), President Ali spoke of the government’s efforts to support the agriculture sector. One of the areas in which the government is looking to co-invest, is in the creation of a food hub that will export produce to international markets. According to the president, a Memorandum of Understanding will soon be signed with Bloomberg for this food hub.
“Co-investing. To support agriculture, we’re going to set aside money as a government. To co-invest with you. What do I mean? Right now, we’re building a worldclass food hub of the highest standard, that will take all our food, can it, package it, to go to international high value markets.”
“We’re going to sign the MOU very soon, with an international company that will do the marketing, branding and everything. Bloomberg Green, they’re going to manage it and ensure its up to the latest US certifications. That is what we’re doing. We’re not talking, we’re working,” the President added.
The president also emphasized the importance of taking care of the community, noting that the people themselves have to have a mindset shift and move away from any irresponsible behavior. He used an example of roads being blocked by residents.
“A new road finish, a man goes and dump sand into the middle of the road to mix cement. We have to love our-
selves. We have to love who we are. We have to love our future. We have to love what is in our community. And take care of it.”
In a recent interview with this publication, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had provided further insight into the impending signing of this MOU. As a matter of fact, he was hopeful the MOU for the Food hub up the Soesdyke/Linden highway could be signed by the end of this month.
“I’m hoping the MOU could be signed by this month end… as a matter of fact (the construction) has started already, but they will do the layout and everything,” the agriculture minister further added.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government is pursuing several ongoing initiatives that are aimed at increasing food production, as well as the resilience, and sustainability of the sector.
This includes investing in world class storage and drying facilities in every region; developing a world class food hub for the processing, packaging and exportation of products; setting-up of an agriculture development fund; creating between 10-15 acres of land for high value agriculture crops using climate smart and resilient techniques including shade houses and hydroponics; building a fertilizer production facility, among others.
When it comes to increasing export opportunities for agricultural products, there have been discussions between Guyana, the Agriculture Department of Roraima, Brazil, and Sebrae (Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service) earlier this year, with the aim of further deepening collaboration efforts between Guyana and Brazil, particularly in the agricultural sector and cross-border trade.
In 2022, President Dr Irfaan Ali and Barbados
Prime Minister Mia Mottley had travelled to northern Brazil to meet with officials of the State of Roraima to advance trilateral re-
Also in 2022, President Ali had attended a Caribbean-Roraima Investors Luncheon at the Santa Fé farm in North Rupununi. During that
meeting, Brazilian investors representing half of the production capacity of the State of Roraima made presentations on their capacity and capabilities and spoke of their intentions to collaborate with Guyana and the wider Caricom Region in agriculture.
With the State of
Roraima, including the business community, expressing a desire to be integrated more into the vision of Caricom, when it comes to the agricultural sector, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the State of Roraima.
Guyana remains a very important part of ExxonMobil’s global portfolio, with the company confirming that a total of six development projects will be online by 2027 and that production will be significantly increased well into the future.
During a financial backgrounder at ExxonMobil Guyana’s Kingston office on Tuesday, the company’s Vice President and Business Services Manager, John Colling, spoke about Guyana’s importance to Exxon’s portfolio.
Colling noted that in addition to six development projects- Liza Field 1 and 2, Payara, Yellowtail, Uaru and Whiptail- that will be online by 2027, the company is considering Final Investment Decisions (FID) for two additional projects.
“We’ve been pretty clear about our development plans for Stabroek Block. We have three projects or
three Floating Production Storage Offloading units producing today. We have a fourth, which has arrived in Guyana and we expect it to come online in the third quarter,” Colling explained.
“We have two additional sanctioned projects, which will be online by 2027. And then a seventh and eight project, which we’re reviewing for FID. So clearly, this affiliate is very important for ExxonMobil Corporation. And we have a development plan to increase production, many years down the line into the future.”
The Executive noted that while the company recorded an accounting profit, they are GYD$700 billion in the red when it comes to how much they need to recoup from cost recovery stemming from their investments in the Stabroek Block.
“Indeed, we continue to invest in Guyana. In
fact, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited and its partners have committed to invest over $55 Billion through six projects. And as you mentioned, we have not recovered our costs to date. I don’t want to project when that will occur, because there are a number of factors including price and when projects will come online,” Colling explained.
“What I can say is that when costs have been substantially recovered, we expect for the government of Guyana to achieve US$10 Billion. We, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, are fully committed to the Stabroek Block. Our continued investments. And we plan to be here a long time and continue our partnership with the people of Guyana and the government of Guyana.”
The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Exxon, through its local subsidiary EMGL, is the operator
and holds 45 per cent interest therein. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.
As of December 2024, EMGL directly owns all three Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels operating in the Stabroek Block, following the purchase of the Liza Destint FPSO for US$535 million.
Six FPSOs are expected to be operating offshore Guyana by 2027. The fourth FPSO, dubbed the ‘One Guyana’ FPSO, arrived in Guyana earlier this year. This vessel will operate in the Yellowtail development.
The fifth FPSO, which would be named ‘Errea Wittu’, meaning “abundance” in the Warrau Indigenous language,
would meanwhile operate in the Urau project. It would have an oil storage capacity of two million barrels, an oil production design rate of 250,000 barrels per day, and be able to offload approximately one million barrels onto a tanker in approximately 24 hours.
This vessel would be delivered by MODEC, a Japanese company that has confirmed construction of
this FPSO. Start-up of the US$12.7 billion Urau development is targeted for 2026. ‘Jaguar’, the sixth FPSO, is earmarked for Exxon’s Whiptail project. Government has said that by the time this FPSO comes online in 2027, Guyana is expected to be producing as much as 1.2 million barrels of oil per day. This FPSO is currently in the final stages of construction.
As the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GM&CC) seeks to enhance safety at the city’s markets, plans are underway to temporarily relocate several vendors from Bourda Market.
The move will facilitate the installation of surveillance cameras and a billboard in the area as part of a broader initiative to improve security for both stallholders and shoppers.
The relocation of these vendors was revealed by Town Clerk Candace Nelson on Tuesday during the council’s 2025 budget presentation. According to Nelson during a site visit to the market on Tuesday morning it was relayed to the council that the company responsible for installing the cameras would like to being works shortly.
“I attended that visit this morning, the site visit with the police, the city constabulary and members of the administration, all members of the administration.
And it was relayed then that the Pixel, who is responsible for installing the cameras, would like to start that project by Thursday. As a result of that, they asked that we have the area cleared so that they can start doing measurements and to bring in their equipment from tomorrow.”
In this regard the town clerk revealed that some 18 vendors who ply their trade in the market would have to be temporarily relocated for approximately one month to facilitate construction works.
As apart of efforts to ensure persons who will be displaced temporarily aren’t severely affected the town clerk proposed placing vendors between Bourda Street and Orange Walk in the interim.
“Instead of having that drive through from Alexander Street right through to Orange Walk, we can stop it at Bourda Street. So those persons who are driving through, they can come up to Bourda Street,
added.
“And we use that piece of road between Bourda Street and Orange Walk to accommodate those vendors temporarily until the construction is complete. We make like a path in the middle and accommodate them temporarily until, for instance, we can find a more permanent solution for them.”
Meanwhile, Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore preemptively addressed potential concerns surrounding the temporary relocation of vendors, emphasizing that short-term disruptions are sometimes necessary in the interest of long-term development. He reassured the public that the relocation is temporary and forms part of a broader initiative aimed at improving safety, infrastructure, and overall conditions
The United States Embassy in Georgetown has issued a stern warning to Guyanese against using their tourist visa to travel to the US to give birth in order to obtain citizenship there for the child.
“Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States, so that your child
will have US citizenship, is NOT permitted,” the Embassy stated in social media post on Wednesday.
According to the Embassy, persons caught doing this could face non-renewal of their visas or rejection of new applicants.
“Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent.
Furthermore, if you already have a visa and travel to the United States for the primary purpose of giving birth, and you use Medicaid or other U.S Government assistance to pay for your medical care, you may not be eligible to renew your visa in the future,” it noted.
Similar warnings have been issued in several countries including in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Birth tourism is a common practice whereby individuals travel from their homeland to another country, mainly developed nations like the US and Canada, to secure birthright citizenship for their children.
This notice from the Georgetown Embassy comes on the heels of an aggressive immigration crackdown by the Donald Trump Administration.
Chairperson of the National Commission on Disability (NCD), Ganesh Singh, on Wednesday said that for years he has been asking for assistance so that Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD) can be independent and since the current administration took office in 2020, many PWD have been able to find employment, particularly with government agencies.
Singh was at the time speaking at the commissioning of the $130M Business Centre for Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD) at Palmyra, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), the first of its kind in the Caribbean.
“And that is what we as a disability community are proud of, the opportunities that have been afforded to us and the transformation of the disability landscape. Yes, there are still gaps, but where we came from, we have gone a far way.”
Singh said back in 2020, the NCD developed a disability manifesto and sent it to all political parties contesting the 2020 General Elections.
“And the People Progressive Party/Civic was the only political party that responded. And they acknowledged our manifesto in their political
manifesto. Upon assuming office in August of 2020, we met with all, well, the majority of the Ministers and the President and Prime Minister, and all reiterated the promise that they made to us, that they will do whatever they can to ensure that we can live a better life.” he told everyone gathered for the commissioned of the new facility.
Singh said what they had was no longer a dream but a reality for PWD.
“We are seeing that better life. We are seeing it, and I am not saying it because Her Excellency
is here, I am saying it because this is what I have seen as a person with a disability and as an advocate. I have seen the transformation of many, many lives…” Singh said. He noted that for the first time, many PWD can go to banks and access loans.
“Why? Because they have a plot of land. Again, that was just a dream. It was just a dream for them to own a home,” he added as he applauded the assistance the Housing and Water ministry has provided for PWD to own their own homes.
The number of passengers passing through Guyana has increased from 182,000 to over 857,000 in just four years, with seating capacity expanding from 336,000 to nearly 1.5 million. Guyana is now served by 11 carriers, connecting directly to 16 international destinations.
With plans to add 13,000 airline seats annually to the local market, President Ali stressed the need to optimally utilise these new destinations, especially into Europe via Amsterdam with KLM, to market not just Guyana’s tourism product but local produce as well.
“This is not just about an airline and a flight and a connection; this is the connection to one of the most prestigious hubs in the world. And that opens up significant opportunities, not only for passengers moving between countries and destination, but it opens up tremendous opportunities for our economy itself, and where we are positioning the economy in relation to our agro-processing potential, our cargo potential, and our ability to now move product and produce in a more efficient way throughout the region…”
“Today is an important day for the integration of
our economy. It's an important day for trade between our region. It's an important day for farmers who can now have high value fruits and other processed goods ready for your market. It's an important day for Guyana, because now we are connected to one of the most prestigious hubs,” the Head of State asserted.
To this end, President Ali noted that KLM is not just an investor but a partner to Guyana and his government is ready to provide the necessary incentives to work with the airline in making Georgetown a central hub in this region.
…$130M facility to employ 120 persons
First Lady Arya Ali on Wednesday commissioned a Business Centre for Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD) at Palmyra, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). The $130 million stateof-the-art Business Centre for Equity, Opportunity and Innovation is housed in the Empower Guyana Building.
The initiative for the business centre came from First Lady Arya Ali. it will facilitate the manufacturing of products and offer retail space, technical training, and therapy for persons living with disabilities. The centre will have five workstations for production, a boardroom, a therapy room, a cafeteria, and
washroom facilities. The commercial space’s goal is to provide people with disabilities (PWDs) with a platform to market the goods they produce. The centre will facilitate the manufacturing of products and offer retail space, technical training, and therapy for persons living with disabilities.
According to the First
Lady, the center will directly employ 120 persons with disabilities, providing not just jobs, but dignity, purpose, and a chance to contribute to the nation's development in real, visible ways.
She said that the center will also serve entrepreneurs with disabilities who make local products. “… you will see things like local snacks and paintings and several other products in the retail space, all of which are made by persons with disabilities. The Center also features five specialised workstations designed to reflect the creativity and capability of those who will be employed here.”
The first workstation will offer web services such as online marketing and tech repairs for small electronics, while the second workstation will allow for the creation of arts, crafts, and souvenirs. The third station will focus on garment construction and screen printing, and the fourth will provide catering and commercial food preparation services. The fifth station will serve as a general-purpose station.
The First Lady pointed out that products made at the center will be displayed in the retail space, along with those products directly supplied by other entrepreneurs with disabilities. The Center is also outfitted with a therapy room for wellness and mental health, a cafeteria to build community and camaraderie, an administrative office to support daily operations, and a training room.
We believe that leadership and innovation must come from within these walls, not just from outside of them.”
There is also a shade house, which will be managed by those employed at the center.
Additionally, the center will provide continuous
skills and business development training not only to those who will be employed there, but to persons with disabilities across the country.
“This is not charity. This is what inclusive development looks like, and we support the policies and those actions. This is the
The First Lady took time out to thank the Chinese Embassy for their assistance with the project. The centre for PWD is the first of its kind in the Caribbean region.
According to the First Lady, it is the first of the others to be established across the country.
kind of progress that your government, the People's Progressive Party Civic Government, is committed to developing throughout Guyana. Our President, Dr Mohamed Irfan Ali, and by extension, the government, have made it clear that development must include every citizen. That we must not just build roads and bridges, but also open pathways of opportunity for those who didn't previously have access,” the First Lady said while noting that it is a commitment which the government is very serious about.
“This Center is an embodiment of that promise.”
“I want to say to those who live with disabilities, you are not a burden, you are a builder. You are not a cost, you are a contributor. You are not an afterthought. You are a forebearer of what is possible. This is your space, your time, and your right. This building is not just made of glass, stone, and concrete. It is built with hope, with purpose, with courage, and with vision,” the First Lady reassured.
“This Business Centre is a living proof that we mean what we say. We are not building a country for some, we are building a country for all,” she added.
Themed “Changing Mindset and Culture for Corrections 2025,” the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) on Wednesday welcomed 26
new prison officers into its ranks following the completion of Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) No 1/2025.
The new officers, com -
prising 18 men and eight women drawn from various communities, were formally inducted during a graduation ceremony held at the Prison Training Centre in
‘So, at Christmas time, you want to fix up your house, you want to make it look nice, you want to put on new blinds and so on and so forth. It's up to the whole house to fix it back. In this case, in order for us to get more security in the area, the vendors who were there have to adjust. And we're literally going to be asking for some adjustment with them.”
According to the Town Clerk, vendors were informed of the planned relocation during a site visit on Tuesday morning, and no objections were recorded
at that time. Nevertheless, Mayor Alfred Mentore has scheduled a follow-up engagement to ensure that any concerns vendors may have are heard and addressed as the process moves forward.
“I would want to believe that as a council, we should pay a visit tomorrow itself and let them know while we also arrange to give share these different notes and let them understand that in this place, you know, we're going to be accommodating you in this in this area here where people could come and still shop.”
The mayor added “So
FROM PAGE 10
what we will do, is we'll do that visit tomorrow, we will set a time to confirm what you were saying.”
A similar initiative was implemented at Stabroek Market in 2024, where new surveillance cameras and monitoring screens were installed. The upgrade received positive feedback from both vendors and shoppers, who welcomed the enhanced security. Many vendors expressed appreciation for the measures, noting that the increased surveillance has helped deter theft and other criminal activity within the market.
Mazaruni.
Their training, which spanned three months, covered both theoretical and practical aspects of correctional work, including prison management fundamentals, human rights education, armed and unarmed combat, family life training, observation skills, and understanding of the GPS’s rules and regulations.
Acting Deputy Director of Prisons and Head of the Staff Training Department, Kevin Pilgrim, delivered the feature address. He reminded the graduates that their roles carry tremendous responsibility and that their conduct must reflect the values of the service.
“You must lead by positive example, act with integrity at all times, and resist any and all influence to
engage in or facilitate criminal activity,” Pilgrim told the new officers. He noted that the prison system continues to face challenges, but remains committed to its mandate to hold, habilitate, and rehabilitate inmates.
He further encouraged the recruits to practice the discipline instilled in them, uphold high moral standards, and demonstrate leadership throughout their careers.
“Strive for excellence and seize every opportunity to contribute to the continued positive transformation of the Prison Service,” he added.
This is the second group of new officers to be absorbed into the system within eight months. In November 2024, the GPS had welcomed 36 recruits under BRTC No. 1/2024
during a passing-out ceremony held at the Guyana Fire Service Headquarters tarmac. That intake also followed months of rigorous instruction.
At that earlier ceremony, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn had emphasised that prison officers are not only custodians of inmates but also facilitators of rehabilitation. He urged them to act with professionalism and integrity as they assist in preparing inmates for reintegration into society.
With 62 new officers now added to the ranks between November 2024 and June 2025, the Guyana Prison Service said it is steadily advancing its efforts to modernize correctional operations and reinforce its core mission of custody, care, and rehabilitation.
Between January and April 2025, the Neurosurgery Department at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) successfully treated and saved four patients who sustained direct gunshot wounds to the head an achievement that represents a significant milestone in medical care by international standards.
These patients presented with open, penetrating skull fractures, brain contusions, and in some cases, embedded metal or bone fragments injuries that often prove fatal. However, through emergency neurosurgical intervention, every one of them survived and was discharged in improved condition. In the first case, operated on in February, a 21-year-old male sustained a right frontal comminut-
ed depressed skull fracture, with multiple fragments suggestive of a warhead injury. He underwent emergency neurosurgery and was successfully discharged and is recovering at home.
Then on April 8 a 46-yearold male presented with a right frontal open penetrating depressed skull fracture and underlying brain contusion. After urgent surgery,
he was discharged in the care of the state on April 15.
The third case was done on April 14 which as a 27-yearold male who sustained a right frontal open penetrating depressed skull fracture,
with contusions. Emergency surgical management was successful, and he was discharged home. On April 22, a 19-year-old male suffered a left occipital open penetrating skull fracture, with
Bail reduced for 2, granted to 1 on public terror
Three men charged in connection with the public terror and unrest following the death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge returned to court on Wednesday, where two got their bail reduced and one was granted bail due to deteriorating health conditions.
Emmanuel James, 18, of Independence Boulevard, and Jamal Small, 27, of James Street, Albouystown, were both previously granted bail on charges of terrorism and break and enter with larceny. However, despite those grants, both remained in prison and appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, still in custody.
The prosecution objected to the granting or reduction of bail, noting that Emmanuel James was charged with two serious offences. The prosecutor emphasized that in similar matters before both the Georgetown and East Coast Magistrates’ Courts, bail had been set at $750,000, citing the gravity and seriousness of the offences. She argued that those factors remained relevant and urged the court
to consider them accordingly.
Attorney Trenton Lake, though not formally retained, applied for a bail reduction on behalf of both James and Small.
Lake argued that bail must be considered in light of an accused person’s financial means, not solely the gravity of the charges.
Both men had been accused of participating in the April 28 unrest, including setting fire to wood and debris on Hunter Street, and looting a Chinese-owned supermarket of goods totaling over $500,000, belonging to supermarket owner Gin Baolin. Small had pleaded guilty to the larceny charge and not guilty to the terrorism charge, while James pleaded not
guilty to both.
Magistrate Azore granted Lake’s request, reducing bail to $100,000 per charge, for a total of $200,000 each.
Also appearing on Tuesday was Tyrese Assanah, 21, a porter of Nisems Old Road, West Bank Demerara, who had been charged under similar circumstances.
His attorney, Kemona Griffith, made an application for bail, citing serious medical concerns, including symptoms consistent with tuberculosis, such as persistent fever and weakness. Griffith emphasized that the treatment Assanah had been receiving in the prison system had been ineffective and urged the court to allow him access to private
care at Georgetown Public Hospital.
Magistrate Azore acknowledged the absence of any previous bail application on Assanah’s behalf and granted bail of $250,000.
The trio is among scores of persons charged so far in connection with acts of terrorism, looting, and public disorder following the release of an autopsy confirming that Adrianna Younge died by drowning in a hotel pool at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.
Authorities say the child’s death sparked outrage across the country, but peaceful protests quickly devolved into chaos, with looters and arsonists targeting businesses and communities in Georgetown, Berbice, East Coast, and West Bank Demerara.
The Guyana Police Force, using surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts, has since arrested over 100 people. Under the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, a conviction for terrorism carries a penalty of 10 to 15 years in prison and fines starting at $500,000. All three matters have been adjourned to June 25.
haemorrhagic contusions, multiple bone fragments, and metal foreign bodies in situ. He underwent emergency surgery and was discharged and is recovering.
All four cases were managed by GPHC’s Neurosurgery Department, where prompt surgical intervention and advanced clinical protocols were instrumental in achieving positive patient outcomes. Given the high mortality and complexity associat-
ed with penetrating cranial gunshot injuries, successfully treating four patients within a four-month period highlights the department’s proficiency in neurotrauma management and critical care.
The GPHC commended their neurosurgery team for their dedication, precision, and life-saving expertise, and reaffirm our commitment to delivering the highest standard of trauma and emergency care in Guyana.
MODEC on Wednesday announced that it has partnered with the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) to rehabilitate two animal enclosures at Guyana’s Zoological Park, marking a significant step in improving the facility’s infrastructure and animal welfare.
Country Manager of MODEC in
Valued at $4.5 million, this investment highlights MODEC’s dedication to environmental conservation and supports the Protected Areas Commission’s mission to improve protected habitats for wildlife and public education.
Renovation work has been completed on the first enclosure, home to black caimans, spectacled caimans, and giant river turtles. Preparations are now underway to begin refurbishing the second enclosure, which will accommodate macaws, powis, agoutis, Spix’s guan, and tiger herons, as part of the wider Zoo Rehabilitation Project.
said, “We are proud to partner with the Protected Areas Commission to rehabilitate two animal enclosures at the Zoological Park. This vital initiative underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement in Guyana. By enhancing key institutions that promote conservation, education, entertainment, and the appreciation of wildlife, we aim to make a meaningful impact."
Chairman of the Protected Areas Commission, Robert Persaud, stated that "rehabilitating these enclosures ensures the well-being of our wildlife and enriches the visitor experience. We appreciate MODEC’s support and look forward to future collaborations." He added that the renovation of the animal enclosures complements the wider plan for the zoo’s rehabilitation.
Acting on intelligence, police conducted a targeted operation at Victoria Road, Plaisance, on Wednesday, between 15:00h and 16:00h, in search of firearms, ammunition, and narcotics.
Upon arriving at the location, ranks observed man, clad in green trunks, fleeing from the premises. Despite an immediate pursuit by officers, the suspect managed to evade capture.
A search of the property ensued, during which police discovered a quantity of 'fronto' in a yellow plastic bag, along with several transparent ziplock bags commonly used for packaging. In addition to the suspected narcotics packaging material, officers uncovered a sum of cash amounting to $113,500. The cash was found in a range of denominations, including $5,000, $2,000, $1,000, G500, $100,
and $20 bills. Two US$50 notes and one US$20 note were also found.
Further inspection of the premises led to the discovery of a black plastic bag containing a bulky parcel with a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. All items were taken to the Sparendaam Police Station, where the suspected cannabis was weighed and found to total 304 grams.
High Commission of Canada in Guyana last week hosted a visiting delegation of the Caribbean-Canada Leaders’ Dialogue (CCLD) 2025.
CCLD 2025 is a leadership development initiative that brought together 100 emerging leaders from Canada and the Caribbean from May 22 to June 1, 2025. Following a plenary session in Toronto, where participants engaged in discussions, relationship-building, and team formation, participants were divided into groups. Each group travelled to one of seven Caribbean countries over the past several days -The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, and Jamaica - to explore leadership challenges through thematic lenses such as diversity, sustainability, ethics, collaboration, and advocacy. The initiative concluded with a closing plenary in Barbados, where groups presented their findings and recommendations.
In a release to the media, the High Commission of Canada to Guyana said that were three Guyanese participants in CCLD 2025: Mahendra Phagwah of the Ministry of Education who was a part of the Bahamas tour, Faa’izah Mustafa of the
Supreme Court who participated in the Jamaica tour, and Bradley Downer, who coordinated the Guyana tour.
Led by Downer, the delegation visiting Guyana consisted of a mixed group twelve young professionals from Jamaica, Barbados, Turks and Caicos, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Canada. These professionals came from various backgrounds including the St. Vincent Ministry of Finance, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Global Affairs Canada and the Turks and Caicos Island Government, among others.
While in Guyana, the team visited and learned from several ministries, agencies and businesses, including the Ministry of Legal Affairs, CARICOM, the Ministry of Education, the University of Guyana, SBM Offshore and Banks DIH among others. They also took time to meet with Guyanese citizens in various communities.
At their farewell meeting on Thursday with Canadian High Commissioner Sébastien Sigouin, the members of the delegation asked various questions about Canada’s work in partnership with the Government of Guyana, Guyana’s economic development and oil boom, digitization of the country, the upcoming elections, and
the High Commissioner’s perspectives on effective leadership. The team also shared their experiences interacting with Guyanese they met over the course of their visit and some of their observations.
In attendance at the meeting were also Political Counselor at the High Commission of Canada, Mr. Daniel Bood and the Second Secretary and Multilateral Engagement Lead at the British High Commission, Alain Archibald, who spoke of the UK’s work in Guyana.
During the engagement High Commissioner Sigouin indicated his pleasure in meeting these young, brilliant minds and expressed that he was extremely happy to support the Guyana leg of Caribbean Canada Leaders’ Dialogue.
“It was so refreshing to engage with this diverse group of future leaders. Global Affairs Canada is proud to support the Caribbean Canada Leaders’ Dialogue (CCLD) 2025 - a transformative initiative that brings together emerging leaders from Canada and the Caribbean. It’s an investment in human capital - providing real-world, experiential learning that enhances leadership skills and fosters international collaboration,” the High Commissioner said.
Cuban students clamored on Wednesday for further concessions to roll back a rate hike on Internet data, saying a decision on Monday to offer them discounted access did not go far enough.
Students of at least one department at the University of Havana, the country’s largest, called on their peers to skip classes in protest of the price hikes, which have been rebuked across the Caribbean island nation.
Reuters spoke with several students outside the university on Wednesday who confirmed the calls for a class boycott in some departments.
They said the situation remained tense on campus, and the issues unresolved, despite concessions on Monday from State-run telecommunications firm Etecsa that offered deeper data plan discounts for university students.
Haydee Fernandez, a 28-year-old student, said the
price increases were unreasonable.
“I can’t study if I don’t have up-to-date (online) information,” she said. “If it’s necessary to stop classes, they should be stopped until there’s a logical response to these needs.”
Four students said attendance appeared largely normal on Wednesday, but that many students continued to threaten walkouts.
Hany Blanco, 19, a firstyear student, said she would continue going to classes, but felt prices needed to be rolled back immediately.
“The old prices were ac-
cessible but now it’s gotten very difficult.”
Etecsa on Friday capped subsidised mobile data plans – offered for a steeply discounted rate of 360 pesos (less than US$1 on the informal market exchange) –at six gigabytes, well shy of Cuba’s average monthly usage of 10 gigabytes, according to state data.
The price hikes – billed by the government as necessary to upgrade ailing infrastructure –- have touched a nerve in Communist-run Cuba, where inflation has soared in recent years.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has claimed that a group of paramilitary “terrorists” was intercepted while trying to enter the country from Trinidad and Tobago with a cache of weapons.
He was speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for Jhoanna Carrillo, the new governor of Sucre State – a coastal region in northeastern Venezuela that faces Trinidad and Tobago across the Gulf of Paria.
The state’s strategic location has made it a key area in cross-border security concerns, especially amid tensions involving migration and smuggling routes.
He said war-grade weapons were seized during the operation.
“Yesterday, a group of terrorists were captured attempting to enter the eastern part of the country from Trinidad and Tobago with a shipment of weapons of war, including Colombians,” the President denounced.
Maduro blamed what he called the “fascist far right” for ongoing destabilisation attempts and urged Venezuelans to remain alert.
“Be vigilant, because they have not been able to, nor will they be able to, establish violence in the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Venezuelans deported from the United States to El Salvador under an 18th century wartime law must be given the chance to challenge their detentions, and
the Trump Administration must facilitate the legal challenges, a US Judge ruled on Wednesday.
US District Judge James Boasberg stopped short of expressly ordering the Trump Administration to bring the hundreds of Venezuelan migrants currently being held in a mega-prison in El Salvador back to the United States.
The Judge gave the Trump administration one week to detail how it would facilitate the deportees’ filing of legal challenges.
In his ruling, Boasberg wrote that the individuals were deported without adequate notice or the right to contest their removals.
(Trinidad Guardian and Reuters)
An Indigenous lawyer, Hugo Aguilar, looks set to become Mexico’s new Chief Justice following Sunday’s ground-breaking judicial election.
Mexicans were asked to choose the country’s entire Judiciary by direct ballot for the first time after a radical reform introduced by the governing Morena party. With almost all the votes for the Supreme Court counted, Aguilar was in the lead for the top post.
President Claudia Sheinbaum declared the elections a success, even though turnout was low at around 13 per cent.
Electoral authorities said Aguilar, who is a member of the Mixtec indigenous group, was ahead of Lenia Batres, the candidate who had the backing of the governing Morena party.
Hugo Aguilar has long campaigned for the rights of Mexico’s indigenous groups, which make up almost 20 per cent of the population according to the 2020 cen-
sus. For the past seven years, the 51-year-old constitutional law expert has served as the rights co-ordinator for the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples (INPI).
He was also a legal advisor to the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) – an Indigenous guerrilla group which staged a shortlived uprising in southern Chiapas state in 1994 –during the EZLN’s negotiations with the Government in 1996. (Excerpt from BBC News)
The Jamaica Observer has been informed that preliminary talks are underway for NBA stars Scottie Barnes, Isaiah Stewart and Devin Vassell to join Jamaica’s national team.
It continues the recruitment drive by the Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA) to lure players with Jamaican roots to the local programme.
Toronto Raptors All-Star Barnes, Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart and San Antonio Spurs guard Vassell all qualify to represent Jamaica through their respective fathers.
JABA President Paulton Gordon says he’s optimistic that the three will strongly consider joining the team in the future as they seek to be a force in FIBA competitions
and qualify for the Olympics for the first time.
Los Angeles Clippers star Norman Powell and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Minott have already committed to Jamaica and will play in the FIBA World Cup Americas PreQualifiers in August.
ing Jamaican passports. (Jamaica Observer)
Peru’s Government has restored formal mining operations in northern parts of the country that were affected by violence, Defence Minister Walter Astudillo said on Wednesday.
Last month, President Dina Boluarte suspended local mining operations after 13 gold mine workers in the northern district of Pataz were kidnapped and killed by illegal miners.
Peru is the world’s third-largest copper produc-
er and most of its deposits of the key red metal are located in southern parts of the Andean nation, while gold and silver are mined further to the north.
Astudillo said the decision to resume operations followed discussions with formal mining companies and Pataz authorities, noting the sector’s importance to the local economy.
The Minister also said the Government had extended the state of emergency in Pataz for another 60 days, allowing the armed forces to take control of the area.
Mining operations will resume for companies and artisanal or small-scale miners with valid permits under the REINFO programme, which allows temporary activity while operations are formalised.
“There was a clamour from the population for mining activities to be carried out,” he said at a press conference following a Cabinet meeting.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
The Ministry of Health is urging the public to remain vigilant as health authorities monitor a newly-identified COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) officially classified it as a “variant under monitoring” as of May 23.
The classification indicates that the variant is being closely observed due to concerns about increased transmissibility and potential impact on health systems.
While there is currently no evidence that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness, preliminary data suggest
that it spreads more easily from person to person.
According to the WHO, more than 91,000 COVID-19 cases were reported globally between April 14 and May 11 – a threefold increase over previous figures—with the NB.1.8.1 variant detected in 22 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America. Some regions are already reporting rising hospital admissions linked to the variant.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Sharon Belmar-George reassured the public that the risk to St Lucia remains low at this time, but stressed the need for continued adherence to protective mea-
sures.
“Although NB.1.8.1 is still being studied, we encourage the public to maintain strong hygiene and health practices. Frequent handwashing, staying away from social gatherings when sick, and wearing masks when experiencing flu-like symptoms are all important protective steps,” she said.
“The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation globally and regionally and has enhanced surveillance, testing and public health communication measures to safeguard the population.” (CMC)
Oil prices settled down just over one per cent on Wednesday after US data showed a surprisingly large build in gasoline and diesel inventories, swelling fuel supplies with Organisation Of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) planning more output and trade tensions clouding the energy demand outlook.
Brent crude futures closed down 77 cents, or 1.2 per cent, at US$64.86 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled 56 cents, or 0.9 per cent lower at US$62.85.
US gasoline stocks swelled by 5.2 million barrels, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said. Analysts polled by Reuters had expected a rise of 600,000 barrels.
Distillate stockpiles rose by 4.2 million barrels compared with expectations for a rise of one million barrels.
Crude inventories dropped by 4.3 million barrels. Analysts polled by Reuters had expected a draw of one million barrels.
“The report is in my view bearish, due to large builds in refined products,” said Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst with UBS.
“There was a strong increase in refinery demand for crude, resulting in a large crude draw. But post-Memorial Day, the strong supply increase with weaker implied demand resulted in large refined product inventory increases,” he added.
Plans by OPEC+ producers to increase output by 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) in July were also weighing on investors.
On Tuesday, both benchmarks climbed about two per cent to a two-week high, driven by worries about supply disruptions and expectations that OPEC member Iran would reject a US nuclear deal proposal key to easing sanctions.
Russia posted a 35 per cent decline in May oil and gas revenue, which could make Moscow more resistant to further OPEC+ output hikes, as such moves weigh on crude prices.
On Tuesday, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) cut its global growth forecast as the fallout from Trump’s trade policies takes a bigger toll on the US economy, which would in turn impact oil demand.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are likely to speak this week, days after Trump accused China of violating a deal to roll back tariffs and trade curbs.
US economic activity has declined and higher tariff rates have put upward pressure on costs and prices in the weeks since Federal Reserve policymakers last met to set interest rates, the central bank said in its latest snapshot of the economy.
Geopolitical tensions continued to escalate. Russian President Vladimir Putin told Trump that he must respond to high-profile Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia’s nuclearcapable bomber fleet and a deadly bridge bombing that Moscow blamed on Kyiv.
“Overall, we see limited upside potential amid ongoing concerns about a supply glut and softening demand growth,” analyst Ole Hansen at Saxo Bank said in a note.
Meanwhile, production operations in Canada, some of which was shut-in due to wildfires, were restarting on Wednesday.
Canadian Natural Resources said it has restarted its Jackfish 1 oil sands site in northern Alberta after determining wildfires in the region were a safe distance away.
Wildfires in Canada had reduced the country’s output by some 344,000 bpd, according to Reuters calculations on Tuesday. (Reuters)
The United States on Wednesday vetoed a draft United Nations Security Council resolution that demanded an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza and unhindered aid access across the war-torn enclave.
The other 14 countries on the Council voted in favour of the draft as a humanitarian crisis grips the enclave of more than two million people, where famine looms and aid has only trickled in since Israel lifted an 11-week blockade last month.
“The United States has been clear: We would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza,” acting US Ambassador to the
UN, Dorothy Shea told the Council before the vote, arguing that it would also undermine US-led efforts to broker a ceasefire.
Washington is Israel’s biggest ally and arms supplier.
The Security Council
vote came as Israel pushes ahead with an offensive in Gaza after ending a two-month truce in March.
Gaza health authorities said Israeli strikes killed 45 persons on Wednesday, while Israel said a soldier died in fighting.
Britain’s UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward criticised the Israeli government’s decisions to expand its military operations in Gaza and severely restrict humanitarian aid as “unjustifiable, disproportionate and counterproductive”. Israel has rejected calls for an unconditional or permanent ceasefire, saying Hamas cannot stay in Gaza. Israel’s UN Ambassador, Danny Danon told the council members who voted in favour of the draft: “You chose appeasement and submission. You chose a road that does not lead to peace. Only to more terror.” Hamas condemned the US veto, describing it as showing “the US Administration’s blind bias” towards Israel. (Excerpt from Reuters)
US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday banning travel from certain countries citing national security concerns. The proclamation fully restricts and limits the entry of nationals from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia,
Sudan, and Yemen.
The entry of people from seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela, will be partially restricted, the official said. The travel proclamation was first reported by CBS News.
“President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors that
want to come to our country and cause us harm,” Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson, said on X.
The countries facing the total ban were found “to be deficient with regards to screening and vetting and determined to pose a very high risk to the United States”, according to a statement provided by the White House.
During his first term in office, Trump announced a ban on travellers from seven majority-Muslim nations, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
Former President Joe Biden, a Democrat who succeeded Trump, repealed the ban in 2021, calling it “a stain on our national conscience”. (Reuters)
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that abandoning uranium enrichment was “100 per cent” against the country’s interests, rejecting a central US demand in talks to resolve a decades-long dispute over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
The US proposal for a new nuclear deal was presented to Iran on Saturday by Oman, which has mediated talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
After five rounds of talks, several hard-to-bridge issues remain, including Iran’s insistence on maintaining uranium enrichment on its soil and Tehran’s refusal to ship abroad its entire existing stockpile of highly-enriched uranium –- possible raw material for nuclear bombs.
Khamenei, who has the final say on all matters of state, said nothing about halting the talks, but said the US proposal “contradicts our nation’s belief in self-reliance and the principle of ‘We Can’”.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Russian President Vladimir Putin told US President Donald Trump on Wednesday that he would have to respond to Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia’s nuclear-capable bomber fleet, while also describing peace talks with Ukraine as “useful”.
The war in Ukraine is intensifying after nearly
four months of cajoling and threats to both Moscow and Kyiv from Trump, who says he wants peace after more than three years of the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two.
After Ukraine bombed bridges and attacked Russia’s fleet of bombers deep in Siberia and Russia’s far north, Putin
on Wednesday said he did not think Ukraine’s leaders wanted peace.
Shortly after Putin discussed the attacks with top Ministers in Moscow, Trump said he had spoken by telephone with Putin for one hour and 15 minutes, and that they had discussed the Ukrainian attacks and Iran.
“We discussed the attack
on Russia’s docked airplanes, by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides. It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace,” Trump said on social media. Russia has unleashed several massive aerial attacks on Ukraine over recent weeks.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Dig in, and don’t stop until you finish what you start. Speak up, get answers and be the one to make a difference. Drive and determination are your ticket to success. Live in the moment.
Your desire for change will help you achieve your goals. Share your thoughts, promote your ideas and separate yourself from the crowd. Put your ideas and theory to the test, and you’ll gain ground.
You’ll get a different perspective if you are open to suggestions. You have plenty to gain through social activity, networking and expanding your circle of friends.
Take a timeout, rethink your strategy and sit tight until you feel confident that any changes you want to enforce will fall into place. Refuse to let anyone pressure you into acting in haste.
Open a few doors, and opportunity will appear. You are a leader, so take your place at the forefront and begin your ascent. It’s time to inject something new and exciting into your life.
Stop, look, listen and evaluate. You may be anxious to get started, put things behind you and move on to something different, but when warning signs appear, you should heed them.
An open mind and heart will carry you forward. Attend events and do your part, and you’ll feel good and connect with people who have as much to offer as you.
Change is up to you, but before you mess with matters, consider your motives and the extended effects. Rethink your strategy and change anything that has the potential to compromise or alienate you.
Call on the people with the best qualifications for your pursuit. Fighting for your rights and making upgrades will improve your life.
Push your agenda boldly, and you’ll draw the attention of people who can help you get favorable results. Use facts and intelligence to avoid opposition and setbacks.
You are on the right track, and time is of the essence. Control is necessary to avoid disruptions, so put yourself, your plans and your future first. Networking and sharing your vision will pay off handsomely.
Stick to basics, simplify situations and don’t believe everything you hear. Do your due diligence and speak up if you disagree. Empty promises will tempt you.
England 366 for 6 (Jones 129, Beaumont 106, Lamb 55) beat West Indies 223 (Grimmond 53, Glasgow 44, Capsey 3-41, Smith 2-27, Filer 2-44) by 143 runs
Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont both scored backto-back centuries to deliver an unassailable 2-0 One-Day International (ODI) series lead and put England on the cusp of a complete sweep of their West Indies’ tour.
Reprising their successful first-wicket partnership from the opening match in Derby, Jones and Beaumont drove the hosts to 366 for 6 against a severely understrength West Indies, who fell 143 runs short in the second game in Leicester despite a bright half-century from ODI debutant Realeanna Grimmond.
Thrust into the role of opener with Captain Hayley Matthews on the sidelines in a sling after aggravating a shoulder injury in the first ODI, and Qiana Joseph out due to illness, Grimmond scored 53 off 72 balls in just her third match for West Indies.
Jannillea Glasgow, making her first appearance of this ODI series after two single-figure innings in the T20Is, added a quick-fire 44 off 24 balls at number six, but Alice Capsey’s three wickets and two apiece for Linsey Smith and Lauren Filer allowed England to bowl West Indies out for 223 with 4.2 overs to spare.
That was after Jones, who scored her maiden international hundred upon returning to the top of the England batting line-up for the first time in five years during the opening match last Friday, once again made the most of her promotion from the middle order.
She and Beaumont had put on 222 runs together in Derby and on this occasion they managed 202, becoming only the second pair with two 200-plus partnerships in Women’s ODIs after Australians Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry.
Emma Lamb contributed a brisk 55 after Jones bettered her 122 in Derby with 129 off just 98 balls and Beaumont followed her 107 with 106 on Wednesday as West Indies faced a 367 target to secure the first win of their tour, fol-
lowing England›s 3-0 sweep of the T20I leg and a 108-run victory in the first ODI.
The tourists’ target, even higher than the 346 they were asked to chase in the previous game, was made to look even more unattainable by the absence of Matthew. Their captain has carried her side throughout the trip, which resulted in her being named Player of the T20I series. Her 48 in a 91-run stand with Joseph, who scored 62, were the only highlights for West Indies in the first ODI.
Jones and Beaumont picked up where they had left off in Derby. Beaumont found the boundary with a lovely pair of cover drives off Cherry-Ann Fraser in the second and followed up a short time later with backto-back fours off 19-year-old
with an authoritative extra cover drive off Karishma Ramharack for her 16th boundary. Ramharack saw Jones put down again on 104 after picking out long-on, but she finally ended Jones’s in-
quick Jahzara Claxton, playing just her second ODI and third international match overall.
Jones was also into her work early and took the partnership past the fifty mark with four through fine leg off a wide full toss from Claxton at the start of the seventh over. Claxton should have had Jones out for 43, but Grimmond spilled the chance at point and she brought up her fifty off 41 balls with a single crashed through longon.
Beaumont faced 64 deliveries for her fifty, which she brought up after overturning an lbw decision on 44 when she missed an attempted scoop off Afy Fletcher. The ball rapped her low and in line with off stump, but ball-tracking showed it was turning too much.
Three consecutive fours off Glasgow took Jones well into the 80s and she raised her second hundred in as many innings off just 76 balls
nings with a sharp return catch.
Beaumont brought up her 12th ODI ton with a thunderous six over long-on, bookended by fours through midwicket and cow corner as Ramharack conceded 16 off the 38th over.
Legspinner Fletcher could have had Beaumont out off her own bowling next over, although her hands thrust instinctively in front of her face to stop a rocket of a return did well to prevent serious injury, making the missed opportunity a secondary concern. In any event, Ramharack had Beaumont two balls later, holing out to deep midwicket.
Claxton suffered a stinging blow to her hand stopping a similarly hard-hit drive back at her from Nat Sciver-Brunt, but was fine to play on. Lamb had already brought up a 41-ball fifty at that point and SciverBrunt fell cheaply soon after, well caught in the deep by Grimmond off Aaliyah
Grimmond took another excellent catch to end Lamb’s knock. A neat cameo of 31 off 19 balls by Sophia Dunkley took England past the 350 mark.
Grimmond had run herself out for 4 in the first T20I at Canterbury after losing track of the ball as it was fired in from the field over her head, then scored 15 in the third at Chelmsford, her only other appearances to date for West Indies. But the fact that she took to her sizeable task in Leicester so well suggested there will be many more.
Playing with poise and a sense of timing which made up for her slight frame, Grimmond struck six and four off Lauren Bell’s third over and after Zaida James, elevated from number three, was caught behind by Jones off Bell for 19, Grimmond pulled another maximum away off Bell.
Grimmond was struck hard on the right triceps attempting another pull shot off Filer, but recovered quickly and a substantial edge off Filer through a vacant slips cordon took her to the brink of her maiden international milestone. She got there next ball, hammered away towards deep square leg where the fielder stationed just inside the rope restricted her to a single.
That was after standin Captain Shemaine Campbelle, dropped by Sciver-Brunt at third while on two, added just four more then fell to Smith, the left-arm spinner who was England’s third star in Derby when she took five wickets while making her ODI debut more than six years after playing her first T20I.
It was Smith who also accounted for Grimmond, who
picked out Kate Cross at long-on, leaving West Indies 90 for 3 and still 277 runs adrift.
Stafanie Taylor, playing just her second match of the tour after scoring a duck in the second T20I at Hove as she continues her comeback from injury, had a lot of work to do as the former Captain and most experienced player left in the visitors’ line-up. But she fell for a 39-ball 20, chipping a Capsey delivery straight to Cross at mid-on.
Cross, playing her 100th game for England across formats, took her 100th ODI wicket when she had Alleyne caught behind for a first-ball
duck.
Filer bowled with extreme pace into her eighth over.
Having seen Fraser dropped by Jones behind the stumps in her seventh, a 77 miles per hour (mph) delivery that left Claxton and Jones smiling in disbelief was followed immediately by another beauty that sent Claxton’s bails flying and Fletcher went the same way three balls later to leave Filer with a decent reward for her efforts.
Fraser offered stubborn resistance with an ODI career-best of 24 off 30 balls, but when she skied Capsey to Bell at point it was all over.
(ESPNcricinfo)
Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) on Wednesday unveiled the nominees for the eighth CWI/WIPA Awards Gala, a prestigious evening that honours the outstanding performances in West Indies cricket over the past year.
The Awards Gala recognises and celebrates excellence across international formats and domestic tournaments. This year’s Gala will also serve as a tribute to one of the most defining moments in West Indies cricket history—the 50th anniversary of the 1975 International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup victory, under the legendary leadership of Sir Clive Lloyd.
Chris Dehring, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cricket West Indies, said, “The CWI/WIPA Awards
Gala is more than an awards gala – it is an opportunity for reflection and renewal. It reminds us of the resilience of our players, the dreams of our people, and the significance of this sport to our collective Caribbean identity. This year, as we shine a spotlight on our modern-day
heroes, we are also deeply honoured to commemorate the legacy of the 1975 World Cup champions. That team, led by Sir Clive Lloyd, not only won the first ICC Men’s Championship trophy – they ignited a spirit of belief and regional pride that transcended the boundary
11 dead in Bengaluru stampede as RCB’s moment of celebration is marred by poor planning, last-minute changes
Eleven people have died in Bengaluru on Wednesday due to injuries suffered during stampede-like conditions around the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the Royal Challengers Bengaluru players were being celebrated for winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the first time in 18 years.
There have been reports of injuries to several more persons, who have been admitted to nearby hospitals.
“People were supposed to witness RCB’s IPL victory celebrations. The tragedy and death have brought deep pain and shock,” Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on social media. “My condolences to the deceased. My condolences to their family. Let there be pride, but not bigger than life. I appeal to everyone to please stay safe.”
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia expressed his condolences. “It is very unfortunate. This is a negative side of popularity,” he said. “People are crazy for their cricketers. The organisers should have planned it better. My deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. I wish early recovery of the injured.”
“When one organises a victory celebration of this magnitude, proper precautions, safety and security measures need to be taken. There have been some lapses somewhere.”
Several Police personnel
engaged to manage crowds were seen carrying fans, some of them minors, to hospital amid rain and heavy traffic that had come to a grinding halt, even as RCB’s victorious squad held the trophy aloft as celebrations continued in the evening in front of at least 25,000 fans who had made it inside the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
ESPNcricinfo understands the chaos outside the venue prompted State Police to issue a directive to the franchise, urging them to keep the celebrations brief. A planned victory lap around the ground was also curtailed as the players and team exited the venue quickly.
An administrative staff member at one of the hospitals confirmed emergency cases ranging from dehydration to bruises and mild skull fractures. There were also cases of exhaustion and trauma resulting from the stampede-like situation that led to several fans trying to climb the boundary wall of the stadium along Cubbon Road.
A family member of one of those injured described the scenes as “complete mismanagement” by local authorities. At least four fans were brought in unconscious from the nearby Cubbon Park Metro Station, with emergency wards at Bowring Hospital and Lady Curzon Hospital working swiftly to address the crisis.
Earlier in the afternoon, a few thousand fans had gath-
ered at the Kempegowda International Airport anticipating RCB’s arrival, even before they had departed from Ahmedabad. This led to the local Police and the Chief Minister’s office issuing a clearance for the team to land at the city’s old HAL Airport to minimise heavy traffic movement along the route to the international airport.
Subsequently, roads were cleared for the bus transporting the players to make its way from Old Airport Road to the Vidhana Soudha. Even so, the bus arrived later than the originally scheduled 4pm slot for the felicitation function. The metro service in central Bengaluru experienced more than heavy footfall, resulting in a brief stoppage of trains along the Purple Line as more private security personnel were called in to man the stations along the route to the stadium.
At one point, the stampede-like situation also led to the Police employing mobile jammers, according to the stadium officials. In an additional crowd-control measure, authorities suspended stops at key metro stations near the venue to prevent more fans from disembarking and converging on the already overwhelmed area.
Heavy traffic around the ground and surrounding areas even forced a number of airlines to issue advisories to passengers flying out of Bengaluru on Wednesday evening. (ESPNcricinfo)
ropes.”
Wavell Hinds, President and CEO of the West Indies Players’ Association, added, “This occasion is one of deep respect – not only for the achievements of our players, but also for the path they walk, the values they uphold, and the legacy they are entrusted with. The CWI/WIPA Awards Gala is a celebration of talent, yes, but more importantly, it is a testament to the courage, character, and community behind the game. We are immensely proud of the nominees for this year’s awards. Their efforts remind us that excellence is not simply about performance – it is about perseverance, preparation, and purpose.”
Men’s ODI Player of the Year
Keacy Carty
Shai Hope
Alzarri Joseph
Gudakesh Motie
Sherfane Rutherford
Men’s T20 Player of the Year
Akeal Hosein
Alzarri Joseph
Brandon King
Nicholas Pooran
Rovman Powell
Women’s T20 Player of the Year
Shemaine Campbelle
Afy Fletcher
Chinelle Henry
The eighth CWI/WIPA Awards Gala will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle. Information on how fans can view the live television broadcast will be revealed in the coming days.
Full List of Nominees – 8th CWI/WIPA Awards Gala: Test Player of the Year Kraigg Brathwaite Kavem Hodge
Hayley Matthews
Karishma Ramharack
Women’s ODI Player of the Year
Afy Fletcher
Chinelle Henry
Zaida James
Hayley Matthews
Stafanie Taylor
West Indies Championship Player of the Year
Joshua Bishop Kraigg Brathwaite
Kevin Sinclair
Jomel Warrican
Regional T20 Player of the Year
Johnson Charles
Andre Fletcher
Shimron Hetmyer
Gudakesh Motie
Nicholas Pooran
CG United Super50 Cup Player of the Year
Leniko Boucher
Rahkeem Cornwall
Justin Greaves
Amir Jangoo
Marquino Mindley
CG United Women’s Super50 Cup Player of the Year
Shemaine Campbelle
Kycia Knight
Nyia Latchman
Ashmini Munisar
Chedean Nation
CWI
Women’s T20 Blaze Player of the Year
Erin Deane
Shabika Gajnabi
Mandy Mangru
Plaffiana Millington
Rashada Williams
Linden Foundation progress
The semi-finalists for this year’s ExxonMobil Linden Under-18 Schools’ Football Championship, organised by New Era Entertainment, have been decided following the final set of group-stage matches which were played last Sunday at the Wisburg Secondary School Ground, in the mining town.
Playing at home to complete round-robin play in Group B, Wisburg Secondary and New Silvercity Secondary played to a 1-all stalemate in one of two scheduled matches, while in the other game Mackenzie High thumped Kwakwani Secondary 4-1, as both teams qualified for the semifinals.
Tom Ellsworth was the scorer who gave New Silvercity the lead in the 57th minute of play, but Rasheed Bobbsemple equalised for Wisburg Secondary as the game finished 1-1.
In the other Group B clash, Mackenzie High trounced Kwakwani Secondary 4-1 with goals from Emmanuel Skeete in the 23rd minute, Delroy Chapman the 29th min-
ute, Zimroy Larose in the 38th minute and Kymani Mackenzie in the 48th minute of play.
Kishawn Leacock reduced the deficit for Kwakwani, when he nudged in their lone goal in the 63rd minute.
The previous Sunday, May 25, in a Group A match, also at the Wisburg Secondary School playfield, Linden Technical Institute completed their unbeaten run by putting aside Christianburg Wismar Secondary (“Multi”) 2-1.
The third win by the Linden Technical Institute lads was hinged on a brace from Dexter Milo Jr, who scored in the eighth and 11th minutes.
Pharez Noble registered the goal scored by the “Multi” boys.
In the final Group A match played on Sunday, May 25, Linden Foundation Secondary inflicted a 3-1 beating on Harmony Secondary.
Jayden Nelson scored a hat-trick for the Linden Foundation side in the 25th, 47th and 53rd minutes of play.
Kurt Winfield was the scorer of the consolation goal by Harmony Secondary, in the 23rd minute.
Come Saturday, the semifinals will see Linden Technical Institute facing home side Wisburg Secondary in the first game at 14:00h, followed by Mackenzie High matching skills with Linden Foundation Secondary at 16:00h.
The Cliff Anderson
Sports Hall was a hive of activity on Tuesday night when the “June Madness” Futsal competition kicked off.
A parade of colours welcomed the spectators as the competition’s 48 teams participated in a march-past exercise and subsequently took in remarks from Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.
of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, Young Stars became the first team to move on to the next stage, defeating Broad Street 2-1.
After the official kickoff was taken by Director
Broad Street struck first through Jeremiah Caesar
The Petra Organisation has added another feather to their own cap, providing a platform for Coaches and teachers who will be leading their teams into the ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ Under-14 tournament, to undergo a necessary and valued child safeguarding course.
The organisation teamed up with the Ministries of Education and Social Security to see the course, seen as a necessary skillset for working with children, administered by Senior Child Protection Officer Orette Francois on Wednesday.
The child safeguarding course will go hand in hand with a coaching course set to be overseen by Jamaal Shabazz on Thursday.
During a simple opening ceremony at the National Library, Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca highlighted the importance of theory learning which the Coaches will benefit from.
Mendonca remarked, “Many of you who would’ve qualified to be a driver and not being a driver through the backdoor and understand when you do the the-
ory to get your licence, you understand how much care you have to display on the road. I said that because I know as teachers or even Coaches, being involved with kids, you understand some sense of responsibility, but to be exposed to the theory is something different.”
“And so, Petra Organisation for the past two years has been seeking ways and means to do this course,” the Petra CoDirector added.
Keeping up with the theme of preaching the course’s importance was former Golden Jaguars Head Coach and current Slingerz FC gaffer Jamaal Shabazz, who also shared a charge for his session which will take place tomorrow.
“In the Caribbean, we only understand child safety when an unfortunate incident happens, like what happened the other day. So, this is a good yard stick to measure administrators, by putting the blocks in place, the steps in place for everything to flow,” Shabazz shared.
The former Golden Jaguars gaffer went on to
state, “In the work that we’re going to do, I want you to focus more on not ‘what do you coach’, ask yourself and we’ll answer it tomorrow. Is it about what you know and how you coach or is it about understanding how young people learn?”
Education Ministry’s Head of Allied Arts, Nicholas Fraser later spoke to the value of the course and how it can make coaches eligible for jobs with their framework.
Fraser enlightened, “With respect to this course in particular, we have linked the certification in child protection to the hiring of Coaches by the Ministry of Education. And so, particularly in the five-priority programme, which I think a few of you are a part and if you’re not, we need to ensure that we target you so that we ensure that everyone working with children within the school system, if you’re not a trained teacher, that you’re trained in certain areas.”
Coaches from as far as Regions One, Seven and 10 were present for Wednesday’s course.
in the seventh minute, but Young Stars’ Elijah DeAbreu levelled the scores in the 13th minute, and his teammate, Tsekedi Sealey (30+3) later sealed the win in extra time.
Another close encounter that went down to extra time saw Game Changers getting the better of the experienced Alexander Village. Mark Phillips handed Alexander Village the lead in the 10th minute, but Jevon Pluck equalised for the other side in the 19th. Thereafter, the clash boiled over into extra time where Kacy John found one more for Alexander Village in the 30th+6, but goals from Timothy Kennedy (30+5) and Emmanuel Lewis (30+8) sealed the win for Game Changers.
Footsteppers then outclassed Tiger Bay 4-2. Troy Henry opened the scoring in the third minute
for Footsteppers followed by a brace from Isiah Sam (16th, 22nd) and one from Jonathan Bailey (29th) for their 4. Meanwhile, Gary Primo (1st, 6th) netted a brace in response for Tiger Bay.
Corinthians then cruised past Paradise Invader 4-0.
Darwin Martinez (5th); Adriane Talla (7th, 24th) and Carlos Escobar (23rd) were the marksmen for Corinthians.
The final game of the evening was a treat to watch as Albouystown A mauled Campbellville 9-0. Akeem July opened Albouystown’s account in the sixth minute followed by a strike off the boots of Timothy Thomas in the eighth. July later completed his brace in the 15th.
Then a double strike from Ezekiel Telford accounted for four goals, in accordance with the tournament’s recent introduction. As it goes, players can request the ‘yellow ball’ four
minutes after the game has started or before its final four minutes. When the yellow ball is netted, a team is awarded two goals.
Wainwright Adams (17th, 30th) later netted the team’s third brace of the night to bring their tally to 9.
The “June Madness” Futsal competition, organised by Kashif and Shanghai with sponsorship from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and ANSA McAL will continue this evening with another five matches.
At 20:00h, Make It Happen battle Street Vybz, while a contest between Kingston and Finishers follows at 20:45h. YMCA go toe to toe with Agricola Ballers at 21:30h, Unity Ballers match skills with Spaniards at 22:15h and the curtains will come down with a mouthwatering clash between Sophia Ballers and Laing Avenue at 23:00h.
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has, once again, demonstrated its commitment to the development and inclusivity of cricket across the country by donating a quantity of cricket gear to the Guyana Blind Cricket Association (GBCA).
The presentation took place at the GCB’s office in Georgetown and included a full set of essential cricket equipment such as bats, pads, gloves, and training gear. This timely gesture comes on the heels of the GBCA’s recent participation in a regional blind cricket tournament held in Barbados.
While the Guyana Blind Cricket team encountered tough competition, they also had moments of promise and growth during the tournament, showcasing their determination and passion for the game. Now back home, the team are looking ahead to future opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of the GBCA, Leroy Phillips expressed sincere gratitude for the donation, stating, “On behalf of the Guyana Blind Cricket Association and our
GCB’s Shaun Massiah makes a presentation to GBCA’s Leroy Phillips in the presence of other stakeholders
players we extend heartfelt thanks to the Guyana Cricket Board for their generous support. This donation is not only appreciated but essential in helping our athletes train and perform at their best.”
The GCB continues to advocate for the inclusion of differently- abled athletes in all facets of cricket and is hopeful that this support will go a long way in empowering the GBCA as they prepare for future competitions regionally.
In addition to the equipment donation, the GCB will later present a cheque to further assist the association financially, reinforcing its commitment to the continued growth and sustainability of blind cricket in Guyana.
The equipment donation is part of the GCB’s broader mandate to uplift and support all cricketers across the country, ensuring that the love of the sport we all love reaches every corner of Guyana.
