…highlights significant strides to boost workforce …still long way to go – PM Phillips
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Thursday, May 1 – 05:55h-07:25h and Friday, May 2 –20:55h-22:25h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, May 1 – 06:15h-07:45h and Friday, May 2 –07:00h-08:30h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery to light rain showers are expected during the day and at night, with intermittent sunshine in the daylight hours. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.79 metres and 4.92 metres.
High Tide: 06:39h and 19:16h reaching maximum heights of 2.68 metres and 2.40 metres.
Low Tide: 12:46h reaching a minimum height of 0.57 metre.
Labour Day 2025
60,000
jobs gained under PPP/C
Govt, reversal of APNU/AFC losses
…highlights significant strides to boost workforce …still long way to go – PM Phillips
As Guyana commemorates Labour Day 2025, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has reminded that May 1 should not only be a time for celebration, but a moment of reflection on the progress made in Guyana’s labour sector under the current Administration.
During his weekly press conference on Thursday, VP Jagdeo highlighted that in excess of 60,000 more people were working today compared to when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) took office, a testament to the Government's commitment to job creation and economic revitalisation.
"The dignity of work is so important to people. If they don’t have work, it changes their entire outlook on life," Jagdeo stated.
He contrasted this with the previous Administration’s record, noting that during the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) five-year tenure, thousands of jobs were lost across major sectors, including sugar, bauxite, gold mining, and forestry. Jagdeo pointed out that during that period, business slowed and cash flow diminished, leading to widespread unemployment.
The Vice President further outlined key programmes such as the part-time job initiative, which currently supports more than 14,000 persons –primarily women – with flexible employment. He also highlighted the reinstatement of Community Support Officers (CSOs) in Amerindian communities, with nearly 3000 now employed, reversing job cuts made under the previous Administration.
Jagdeo linked job creation with upskilling. Over 30,000 scholarships have been awarded under the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme, with an additional 20,000 trained through Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT). These efforts aim to boost the quality and earning potential of the workforce.
He noted that under the APNU/AFC, only 1000 scholarships were awarded, “mainly for friends and family”.
VP Jagdeo also touted the restoration and strengthening of collective bargaining, noting
that multi-year agreements were signed with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), the Guyana Teachers’ Union, and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).
Significant tax relief measures were implemented, including a $50,000 monthly tax-free allowance on overtime; an additional $50,000 exemption for income earned from a second job; tax thresholds were raised, with allowances for dependants, and restoration of the Joint Services' one-month tax-free bonus, at a cost of nearly $2 billion.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips also issued a message commemorating Labour Day, echoing a tone of pride and gratitude for Guyana’s workers, while acknowledging that significant challenges remain.
“Across every region of Guyana, it is the workers— the builders, teachers, nurses,
– VP
miners, farmers, and countless others – who carry us forward with steady resolve and unshakable pride,” PM Phillips stated.
He reflected on the legacy of pioneers like Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, who laid the foundation for fair labour practices in Guyana, and reminded citizens that their struggles paved the way for present-day workers' rights.
“Labour Day reminds us that progress is earned through effort and unity. We owe a debt to those who came before us…The legacy of these stalwarts of justice lives on in every worker who speaks up, who contributes, and who believes in a better tomorrow,” he said.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged that while much has been done to improve job opportunities, safe working conditions and fair wages, along with inclusive opportunities, must remain top priorities. He reiterated
the Government's commitment to addressing these concerns through sustained investment in training, worker protections, and labour representation.
“As we honour that legacy today, we must also recognise that our task is not yet done. Our labour force still faces challenges that require attention and action – ensuring safe conditions, decent pay, and equal opportunity for all. That is why our Government continues to invest in our workers – through training, stronger protections, and a Ministry of Labour that listens and acts. But while true progress takes policy, it is also built on people working together, listening to each other, respecting differences, and believing in the common good,” the PM added.
“In unity, there is strength. In respect, there is peace. And in work, there is dignity,” Phillips declared, calling for continued national solidarity.
The recent conferral of the ‘Deal of the Year Award’ by the United States Export-Import (US EXIM) Bank to Lindsayca/ CH4, the American consortium leading Guyana’s Gas-toEnergy (GtE) project, is a landmark moment that deserves national recognition. More than just a prestigious honour, this accolade validates a transformative energy initiative that is poised to redefine Guyana’s economic trajectory, placing the nation squarely on the path to sustainable development.
This recognition is not just for the companies involved, but for Guyana itself — a young oil-producing nation demonstrating bold vision, strategic leadership, and an unwavering commitment to energy reform. At the heart of this project is a government that is determined to modernize the country’s energy infrastructure and bring long-overdue relief to the Guyanese people, especially through the anticipated 50 per cent reduction in electricity costs.
The Government, despite intense and sometimes politically-motivated opposition, stayed the course. At multiple junctures, elements within the Opposition sought to derail the project, including attempts to block critical financing and delay progress through public and parliamentary pressure. These efforts were not just politically irresponsible; they were contrary to the nation’s developmental interests. Fortunately, they failed.
The Gas-to-Energy project, currently under construction at Wales on the West Bank of Demerara, is a first-of-its-kind in Guyana. It combines modular gas processing, a high-efficiency combined cycle power plant, and infrastructure specifically tailored to the country’s tropical environment. As highlighted by the US EXIM Bank and the LNDCH4 consortium, the project sets a new standard in quality, health and safety, environmental stewardship, and corporate social responsibility. These are not just boxes ticked, they represent meaningful advancements that would bring long-term benefits to Guyana’s people and its industries.
The socio-economic impact of the GtE project cannot be overstated. Guyana’s manufacturing sector has long been stifled by high energy costs, limiting its ability to compete regionally and globally. By cutting electricity costs in half, the project would provide manufacturers with breathing room; stimulate production; attract new investors; and most importantly, create jobs. It is a clear win for both households and businesses.
Moreover, the environmental benefits are significant. The project is projected to eliminate over one million tons of carbon emissions annually, reducing the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and aligning with global climate goals. Clean, affordable, and sustainable energy is no longer a distant dream; it is taking shape right here on Guyanese soil.
Yes, the project has faced its share of challenges. Delays in the handover of essential project components led to financial claims and a pending arbitration between the Guyana Government and the contractor. But even amidst these hurdles, work has not stopped. Foundation work is ongoing, steel has been delivered, a cement batching plant is under construction, and over 170 workers are already mobilized onsite. This is the kind of progress that speaks louder than any political rhetoric.
The construction of the pipeline by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) is already complete, and the associated transmission infrastructure is well advanced. By year-end, the backbone of a new energy landscape will be in place.
It is important to remember that progress on this scale does not happen overnight —and it certainly does not happen without political will. That is why the Government must be lauded for its perseverance. Despite persistent Opposition efforts to stall this national project, Guyana forged ahead. And now the country is being recognized on the international stage.
In the coming months, the Gas-to-Energy project is expected to advance steadily towards completion. The broader vision must remain in focus: an energy-secure, economically dynamic, and environmentally sustainable Guyana.
Police ranks stationed at the Mabura Police Checkpoint hosted a youth group activity for children from Mabura Hill and the 58 Miles Youth Group on Saturday. A total of 35 children participated in the fun-filled event, in which the children enjoyed a range of indoor and outdoor games, including Ludo, Snakes and Ladders, Sal-Out, and Dog and the Bone (Radio Eve Leary photos)
Deceptive messages that were meant to create mayhem
Dear Editor,
I will begin my letter by making reference to the infamous statement made following the loss by the PNC-led Coalition in the 2020 Elections. "Tell we something that we want fuh hear."
That statement was directed to Granger after the APNU/AFC had lost the election but had yet been tenaciously holding on to power. That statement was pellucid: “Though we (PNC lost the elections) we would like to hear the erroneous declaration that we have won”.
And so it has always been: a party and a people who never accept the truth, but keeps harping on the lie to get their way through.
In light of the above, let us analyze the Adrianna drowning death matter. Now that the pathologists have given their verdict, that the death of this little girl was by drowning, family members and their accomplices in the Opposition are yet hell bent on promoting the lie that she was murdered.
It was with the same emotionally and politically charged backdrop that they greeted the verdict of the pathologists. Should the family and political friends accept the qualified decision of the three independent pathologists, or hang on to the lie? They chose to go forward with the lie. And herein lies the crux of the case, and I be-
gin at the beginning. Here we have a family outing at the hotel with a grandmother and aunt as guardians of the flock.
Swimming in the pool was the main activity. The police were not there, the commissioner was not there, the hotel manager was not there, "Jagdeo" wasn't there in the pool with them. At the end of the swim, little Adrianna came up missing. Who or what were the circumstances that led to her coming up missing is our concern. Let's pick it up from there.
The theory of the guardians, notably the aunt, was that someone abducted her and went into the inner part of the hotel to commit a satanic ritual. She claims that this had been done before.
The grandmother's testimony was altogether another concoction of the same, with a slight twist to the story. Granny said that she sent Adrianna off to buy snacks, which eventually led to her abduction.
Now, the point I am making is that the testimony of both adults focused on a possible abduction and a seance taking place inside the hotel, murder being the final outcome. That testimony would later turn out to be a vicious and malicious lie when the autopsy was given.
My question is: Where were the guardians when all of this was taking place? Did they see a man abduct-
ing her? And who was that man?
Well, they first said it was the hotel's owner, who was not there (So he had to have conducted his voodoo by remote). Later, they blamed the owner’s son for her demise.
In all of the explanations, the guardians never made mention that Adrianna might have gone under when they were frolicking in the pool; which is very much the case, because the little girl drowned.
My firm belief - and this is substantiated by the forensic pathologists’ evidence - is that the little girl went under, and I am saying the aunt and grandmother KNEW IT, but for political expediency, they hid that fact.
This is what led to the mayhem that followed the false and misleading statements by the guardians, who were out to deceive. The police need to take action. That is, the two should be charged and interrogated forthwith. They need to account for what transpired while they were in the pool. They were present at the scene, and must state emphatically what took place.
Likewise, the idiot police who, maybe out of frustration, made the comment that "She left with a man in a black and red Raum vehicle.” He, too, must be hauled in for questioning in regard to the source of his information.
They all should be
charged. The forensic report is in, and now is the time for intense investigation and charges to be laid. We cannot hide our heads in the sand and pretend that this did not happen. We cannot sweep this under the rug; if we do, it is bound to raise its ugly head again.
The aunt, who is very vocal, even insulted the president with her lies when she accused him of holding violent protests, capitalizing on the political platform she was setting up.
Well, she now has the opportunity to defend her story by telling us what she saw, heard, and witnessed at the scene.
I saw the politician Mr Figueira making an emotional call for the establishment of an Adrianna Alert after the dead child. However, I would like to remind him that this girl died by drowning, and not murder, lest he conveniently forgets! There was no foul play, no voodoo anything of that nature, so why then couldn't we establish A Lusignan Alert, where 11 lives were lost (Many of them children in their sleep) as a result of brutal murder by persons whom Opposition elements supported!
Only Black lives matter? Come on people, stop this nasty politicization of the girl's death.
Respectfully, Neil Adams
“Their currency is fear and election rigging, not justice for Adrianna” – Jagdeo slams APNU
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo believes that the violence that unfolded across Guyana over the past few days was a deliberate ploy by the People’s National Congress-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) Opposition, which has used the tragic death of 11-yearold Adrianna Younge as a political tool to drive fear and terror among Guyanese.
“APNU's currency is rigging elections and spreading fear. They’ve done it historically at elections time to create a sense of unease in the population. And that was the purpose of this exercise – not justice for Adrianna. Because we want the same thing, we want to know what happened with this child, but they were not there for that. Their objective was terror,” Jagdeo stated at his weekly press conference on Wednesday.
According to the Vice President, a clear example of the Opposition politicis-
ing of the young girl’s death is the press briefing that was held on Wednesday by the AFC along with other political groupings near the hotel where Adrianna was found dead last week.
“It’s capitalising on people’s grief, their anguish, their tragedy. It’s a low-life sort of behaviour… It’s totally disgusting,” Jagdeo contended.
Mobilised to create fear
The discovery of the girl’s body in the pool at the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) on Thursday sparked fiery protests across the country and these actions escalated on Monday after a forensic autopsy determined the child drowned.
Violence erupted outside the Georgetown Public Hospital Monday evening, as initially peaceful protests were hijacked by rogue Opposition elements shouting anti-Government rhetoric. What began as a solemn
call for justice rapidly descended into chaos, as demonstrators hurled bottles, stones, and other objects at Police Officers who had been deployed to maintain order.
The situation escalated later that night with persons damaging and breaking into several businesses across Georgetown, looting them.
According to Jagdeo, though some persons on the protest line were genuinely concerned about justice, there were a lot of people outside the hospital who were mobilised there to create mayhem. In fact, he noted that intelligence, which he promised would be released, traced the mobilisation back to “political actors,” who are capitalising on the death of the young girl.
“A lot of the people there were mobilised and led by individuals who are associated with the PNC and the AFC. They are led by them. The signals were coming from them. They were directing people how to act…to create this air of unease and bring discomfort and spread fear,” he stated.
The Vice President believes that the situation got out of control on Monday after criminal elements joined the mobilised groupings and started looting several businesses.
Following the unrest that erupted across the country on Monday night, the Guyana Government has instituted a national cur-
few that banned any public gathering from 00:30h to 05:00h.
Moreover, Government has embarked on a campaign to arrest and charged those individuals caught in photos and videos committing criminal acts – whether starting fires on the roadways or looting.
In fact, on Wednesday, 43 of these persons were placed before the courts facing inciting terror and larceny charges.
A pattern of behaviour
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton has blamed the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for the mayhem that ensued over the past few days. Saying in a video statement on Monday night that it was the PPP that is using “criminal elements and 10-day workers” to infiltrate protests and create mayhem.
According to VP Jagdeo, who is also the General Secretary of the PPP, Norton’s claims are not surprising and are reflective of the PNC’s historical behaviour to first generate fear and then throw the blame back at the PPP.
Jagdeo further called out the Opposition Leader for criminalising the more than 15,000 persons, mainly women, from across the country who have been employed under the part-time workers’ initiative, which gives 10 days of employ-
Justice is not served by lawlessness, and grief must not be weaponised
Dear Editor, The Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) joins the nation in solemn reflection following the official findings released on Monday from the independent autopsy conducted on the body of Adrianna Younge. The report, corroborated by expert international pathologists, has provided critical insight into the cause of her tragic passing. We note the Government's commitment, reiterated by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali at his press conference last evening, to ensuring a full and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child's drowning and the conduct of the search and rescue operation.
The LJP supports and acknowledges the President's expressed determination to allow the truth to guide the pursuit of justice, wherever it may
lead. We further note the President’s commitment to sweeping reviews of institutional and systemic weakness and consequential interventions to rebuild trust and improve public service. We view these commitments as necessary, and welcome the assurance to a grieving family and a pained nation.
Guyana is a democratic state governed by the rule of law and a constitution that guarantees its citizens the right to protest. Peaceful protest is not only a right; it is a vital democratic tradition through which voices of concern and anguish may be heard. However, we strongly affirm that protest must never be used as a cover for criminality, nor must it descend into acts of terror against innocent citizens, destruction of public and private properties, or disruption of national life.
The chaos and violence
that erupted across the country last night purportedly in the name of protest are deeply troubling. These acts are reprehensible, unjustified, and must be unequivocally condemned.
The Liberty and Justice Party calls for restraint, calm, and lawful conduct by all citizens. We honour the memory of Adrianna Younge best not through rage or destruction, but through truth, compassion, justice, and unity.
We demand that all perpetrators of violence and public terror face the full force of the law. No one should exploit tragedy to commit acts that endanger public safety, national unity, and national stability.
Furthermore, the LJP finds it necessary to question the deafening silence of some of the usual voices and organisations that are often swift to criticise the Government. Their absence
now, when Guyanese need civic guidance and moral support, speaks volumes.
In this difficult moment, let us remember that justice is not served by lawlessness, and grief must not be weaponised. We call on all political parties, civil society actors, and community leaders to join us in urging calm, cooperation with law enforcement, and steadfast support for the investigative process now underway.
Only together, through lawful and principled action, can we honour Adrianna's life and contribute meaningfully to a more just and compassionate Guyana.
Lenox RO Shuman Leader – Liberty and Justice Party
ment to participants to earn $40,000 per month.
“That’s their modus operandi. So, generate the fear in the country, which suits their political purpose, then when the people are beaten or robbed… or there is arson done or looting, then distance yourself from it. This is typical APNU/AFC way of operating… This is a pattern of behaviour that they’ve had...”
“That’s the difference: the PPP works at bringing people together not harming them. We want people to own things, not to burn things. We want our kids to be educated, we’re providing education for them, all of these youngsters, to get a job, etc. – that’s what we’re working towards. We believe in inclusion, not mobilising them or keeping them uneducated or with a victim’s mindset, so you can mobilise them for your political cause when you have incidents like this. That’s what PNC wants to do; it’s their approach,” the PPP General Secretary posited.
The Vice President went on to reiterate Government’s intention to use the full force of the law against those who continue to incite terror and create fear among the population. He pointed out that the acid attack on the teachers and children at Chateau Margot, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Monday, was another orchestration that was designed to spread fear.
Pupils and teachers of the Chateau Margot Primary School were injured after a corrosive substance was thrown on them while on the road.
Serious action, he stated, would be taken against the perpetrators, who were caught on video, and were likely to face attempted murder charges.
Wild speculations
The PPP General Secretary also used the opportunity during Wednesday’s press conference to reject “wild speculations” that the 11-year-old girl was sacrificed by the Party to win the upcoming elections – a claim which Jagdeo says is “disparaging” to the entire Hindu faith.
“We've won elections, because we’ve worked hard for people’s support and you see it every day; that’s why we win elections. And we’ve been respectful of people of every faith and there are of this party...”
“Only ungodly people will push this sort of thing; demonic people really will push this sort of thing – and it’s vile that they would actually desecrate the memory of this child by saying someone sacrificed her. And this comes all the time from the Opposition and those associated with them… We don’t engage in that sort of thing… we don’t believe in this demonic sort of thing,” the PPP General Secretary stressed.
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Page Foundation
Exam-taking tips for success
Different types of tests require different test-taking strategies. You may not want to approach a Maths test the same way you would an essay test, for example. However, there are some general test-taking strategies that will improve your chances of getting the grade you want.
1.Listen to the instructions
Once the test is front of you, it’s tempting to block everything out so you can get started right away.
Doing so, however, could cause you to miss out on critical information about the test itself.
The teacher or proctor may offer details about the structure of the test, time limitations, grading techniques, or other items that could impact your approach. They may also point out steps that you are likely to miss or other tips to help improve your chances of success.
So be sure to pay close attention to their instructions before you get started.
2.Read the entire test
If possible, look over the entire test quickly before you get started. Doing so will help you understand the structure of the test and identify areas that may need more or less time.
Once you read over the test, you can plan out how you want to approach each section of the test to ensure that you can complete the entire test within the allotted time.
3.Do a “brain dump”
For certain types of tests, remembering facts, data, or formulas is key. For these tests, it can be helpful to take a few minutes to write down all the information you need on a scrap paper before you get started.
Putting that important information on paper can relieve stress and help you focus on the test questions without worrying about your ability to recall the facts.
4.Answer the questions you know first
When possible, especially for multiple-choice tests, do a first pass through the test to answer the “easy” questions or the ones you know right away. When you come to a question that you can’t answer (relatively) quickly, skip it on this first pass.
Don’t rush through this first pass, but do be mindful of time – you’ll want to leave yourself enough time to go back
and answer the questions you skipped.
*It’s important to remember that this technique is not possible on some tests. Essay-type and sequential tests do not allow you to skip questions and return to them later. On these types of tests, you will need to work through each problem in order instead of skipping around.
5.Answer the questions you skipped
Once you’ve done a first pass, you now have to go back and answer the questions you skipped.
In the best-case scenario, you might find some of these questions aren’t as challenging as you thought at first. Your mind is warmed up and you are fully engaged and focused at this point in the test. And answering the questions you know easily may have reminded you of the details you need for these questions.
Of course you may still struggle with some of the questions, and that’s okay. Hopefully doing a first pass somewhat quickly allows you to take your time with the more-challenging questions.
6.Be sure the test is complete
Once you think you’ve answered all the questions, double check to make sure you didn’t miss any. Check for additional questions on the back of the paper, for instance, or other places that you might have missed or not noticed during your initial read-through.
A common question is whether you should skip questions that you can’t answer. It’s not possible to answer that question in a general sense: it depends on the specific test and the test rules. It may also depend on the value of each individual question.
But, generally, it is better to put something down than nothing.
7.Check your work
Finally, if you have time left, go back through the test and check your answers.
Read over short answer and essay questions to check for typos, points you may have missed, or better ways to phrase your answers. If there were multiple components to the question, make sure you answered all of them. Double check your answers on Maths questions in case you made a small error that impacts the final answer. You don’t want to overthink answers, but a doublecheck can help you find – and correct – obvious mistakes.
Good Luck
CSEC QUESTIONS
Your answer in this section should be approximately 250 to 300 words in length. You MUST write in Standard English.
7. Speaker A: "Obedience must be part of our daily lives."
Speaker B: "Great revolutionaries were not obedient people."
Write an essay supporting the views of EITHER Speaker A OR Speaker B.
8. Caribbean doctors whose governments pay for their training should volunteer to offer free medical services in their communities.
English Maths
Write an essay giving your views on this statement.
CONTINUED FROM TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025
(C) The force, F, applied to an object is directly proportional to the extension, e, produced by that object.
(i) Represent this information as an equation in terms of F, e and an appropriate constant, k.
(ii) The incomplete table below shows corresponding values of F and e.
Using the equation obtained in (c) (i), or otherwise, determine the value of x and y.
3. (a) Using a ruler, a pencil and a pair of compasses, construct the right-angled triangle ABC, such that AB = 5 cm, ∠ABC = 90° and BAC = 60°.
(b) The diagram below shows a right-angled triangle with sides a units, b units and c units
(i) a) b)
(ii) Using the results from (i) a) and b), show that (sin θ)2 + (cos θ)2 = 1
43 remanded on terrorism charges after public terror in Guyana
Forty-three individuals from across Guyana have been charged and remanded to prison on Wednesday in connection with widespread acts of terrorism and looting during coordinated unrest that erupted nationwide on Monday.
in the community.
Meanwhile, in Durban Backlands, three construction workers: 34-year-old Kevin James, 19-year-old Antonio Lawrence, and 27-year-old Vincent Trim, were arrested and charged for setting fires in their neighbourhood during the unrest. They reportedly blocked the roadway with wood and other objects before setting them
22-year-old Leroy SealeyYaw of A26 East La Penitence; and 21-year-old Shamol Ram of Lot 1305 ‘B’ Field, Sophia.
Also remanded are 34-year-old Kevin Rodney and 18-year-old Leon Albert, both of ‘D’ Field, Sophia; 18-year-old Hassan Muhammed and 31-year-old Keon Akeem Hope, both of ‘C’ Field Sophia Squatting
Lewis, 26-year-old taxi driver Randy Benjamin, 19-yearold unemployed youth Alex Atkinson, 21-year-old construction workers Aidan Cuffy and Jason Hardy, 21-year-old porter Tyrese Hassanah, 23-year-old delivery rider Faizal Kennedy, and 25-year-old mechanical engineer Jumal Singh. They allegedly broke into the establishment and stole approximately $6 million in groceries, alcohol, phone cards, snacks, and hardware supplies belonging to Chinese
The incidents followed the post mortem examination of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, whose lifeless body was found in a hotel pool at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. A post-mortem later confirmed she had drowned.
What began as calls for justice escalated into chaos as protest actions were hijacked by criminal elements who ignited roadways, looted businesses, and terrorised communities across Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, West Bank Demerara, East Coast Demerara, Berbice, and other areas.
Following swift police operations and nationwide arrests, dozens of accused individuals have appeared before various magistrates, including Senior Magistrate Fabyo Azore, to face indictable charges of terrorism under the Criminal Law (Offences) Act.
Several men have been charged in Georgetown for
nationals Gin Bao Lin and Tian Chi Lin.
Emmanuel James, an 18-year-old tradesman of Independence Boulevard, and Jamal Small, a 27-yearold fish vendor of James Street, Albouystown, have also been charged in relation to a separate break-in at the supermarket’s Hunter Street location, where they allegedly stole about $500,000 in goods and set fires on the roadway, an act captured in viral social media videos that showed dense smoke and debris blocking public roads. In the area of Sussex and Hill Streets, Sherwain Nelson, a 20-year-old who does odd jobs and resides at Lot 775 West Front Road, Georgetown; Desafio Harvey,
allegedly looting a Chineseoperated supermarket located on Cemetery Road between Toucan Street and Middle Road, La Penitence. Among those accused are 39-year-old self-employed vendor Kerwyn Baksh, 22-year-old porter Devon
a 20-year-old former military officer of Lot 135 King Edward Street, Albouystown; and Qulient Elgin, a 53-yearold vendor of Albouystown, were also charged for allegedly placing and igniting debris on the roadways, creating terror and destruction
alight in an effort to incite fear.
Additional arrests and charges were laid in other parts of the country. Among those charged are 42-yearold Quacy Gittens, 48-yearold Jeffon Trotman, and 29-year-old Andel Weeks, all of Parika, East Bank Essequibo.
Also charged are 30-year-old Euclid Wright
49-year-old
Bridgemohan of First Street, Pattensen, Turkeyen; 53-year-old Ron Mitchell of ‘C’ Field Squatting Area, Sophia; and 19-year-old Shem Howard of ‘B’ Field, Sophia.
27-year-old Mark Williams of Grove, East Bank Demerara failed to appear in court, and is now the subject of a wanted bulletin
of Leonora, West Coast Demerara; 39-year-old Dilon Caleb of Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo; 28-year-old Wayne Wright of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo; 27-year-old Lenna Lopes of Patentia Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara; 36-year-old Tremain Frank of Swan Street Squatting Area, West Bank Demerara; and 20-year-old Melville Thomas of Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara. From Bella Dam, Pouderoyen, 31-year-old Arvin Persaud and 27-yearold Clevon Hudson have also been charged.
In Berbice, 26-year-old Nelson Bristol of Kildonan Village, 18-year-old Quel Lyte of Nurney Village, and 20-year-old Emmanuel Davis of Limlair Village, Corentyne are among those remanded for their alleged roles in the violence.
Further charges have been filed against five others: 20-year-old Samuel October of 47 Friendship, East Coast Demerara; 24-yearold Arnold Junior of Lot 69 Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice; 20-yearold Kemuel Abraham of Lot 19 Tucville, Georgetown;
issued by the Guyana Police Force.
The majority of these men appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore in her Georgetown court, during which many of the accused denied participating in the acts of violence. Some claimed they were bystanders or were present to call for peace. A few wept in court,
identify looters and those inciting them.
According to the Guyana Police Force, over 100 persons have been arrested in relation to the unrest, and more individuals are likely to be charged in the coming days.
Prison time Under the Act, persons
while others alleged they were beaten in custody.
The magistrate denied bail in all cases, due to the gravity of the charges and the threat posed to public safety. The cases have been adjourned to later this month as police continue their investigations and review surveillance footage and witness accounts.
Police used closed circuit television (CCTV) footage and social media posts to
can be fined no less than $500,000, and would be imprisoned for no less than 10 years nor more than 15 years. Under the law, anyone who conspires or attempts to commit; or advocates, aids and abets; or advises or incites; or knowingly facilitates the commission of a terrorist act, or commits an offence, shall be punished for the offence as if s/he had been guilty as an offender.
Area;
Omadath
Construction worker jailed for knifepoint robbery of Policewoman
Videsh Persaud, a 23-year-old construction work-
er of Affiance, Essequibo Coast and of Bell West Village, Canal No. 1, West Bank Demerara, was on Tuesday arraigned in the Georgetown court of Senior Magistrate Fabyo Azore on a charge of robbery under arms committed on female police officer Abigail Valentine on Tuesday, April 29, at Quamina Street, Georgetown.
The charge Persaud faced detailed that, while armed with a knife, he robbed Valentine of a Samsung Galaxy smartphone valued at $35,500 and a purse valued at $7,500; all to the total value
of $43,000.
Persaud admitted to committing the robbery on Valentine at knifepoint on Quamina Street in Georgetown while she was on her way to work, but told the magistrate that he had returned the stolen items to the victim.
However, according to Valentine’s account, the only reason Persaud had returned the items to her was because public-spirited citizens had come to her rescue and given chase, and he was apprehended shortly after the incident.
She further stated that he had become more cooper-
ative when he realized she was a police officer.
Magistrate Azore considered Persaud’s early guilty plea, his lack of prior convictions, and the fact that the stolen items were returned as mitigating factors. Nonetheless, she cited the serious nature of the offence and the threat of violence posed by an offensive weapon in sentencing him to 18 months’ imprisonment.
Before the sentence was handed down, Persaud was given a chance to speak, and he apologized to the court and expressed remorse for his actions.
Bagotstown murder suspect captured in Region 6
Aman wanted in connection with the fatal stabbing of a Bagotstown labourer has been apprehended by police during a targeted operation in Regional Division Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Police have said that 28-year-old Hosea Fraser, also known as Hosea Selmon, of Norton
Street, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara, was arrested around 2:40h on Wednesday, just over 24 hours after the fatal incident had occurred. He was reportedly captured during a police-led operation in Region Six.
Investigators have since confirmed that Fraser is the prime suspect in
the murder of 38-year-old Ricardo Bailey, who was stabbed multiple times during a heated altercation that occurred on Tuesday evening around 21:00h at the back of ‘Andy’s’ shop on Norton Street, Bagotstown.
According to initial police investigations, Bailey and Fraser were
among a group of men imbibing when a verbal disagreement broke out. The confrontation quickly escalated into a physical altercation between the two men, during which Fraser allegedly pulled a knife from his waist and stabbed Bailey several times before fleeing the scene in a westerly direction along Norton Street.
Public-spirited citizens rushed the wounded man to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, but he was pronounced dead on arrival. A subsequent examination of his body revealed five stab wounds: one to the left shoulder, one to the left side of the abdomen, another to the left hand, one to the right lower back, and another to the right forearm. The body is currently at the Memorial Gardens mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Following the attack, the Guyana Police Force issued a wanted bulletin for Fraser, and intensive efforts were launched to locate and arrest him. His capture in Region Six has now shifted the investigation to the next phase, with detectives preparing to lay charges as soon as possible.
Questions…
…unanswered
Now that the forensic pathologists – THREE of them from foreign whose qualifications took Frank Anthony 15 minutes to read out!! – have pronounced that poor Adrianna actually drowned, there are more questions than ever before in the minds of Jahn Public. Right off the bat are the risk factors for drowning. Now even though he’s read literally read thousands of “detective books” and looked at as many crime shows on the Boob Box, your Eyewitness doesn’t think he’s qualified as those on social media who’re pronouncing so definitively on the matter. So he googled “eMedicine health” to get their take on drowning.
On the “risk factors” they declared flatly: “Lack of supervision in the bathtub or other body of water
A swimming pool is a risk factor in itself. Children, who have drowned, usually have been out of sight for less than 5 minutes.” Now we know for sure the Motel didn’t have any lifeguards and anyone else to keep their eyes on the children. And they must be held accountable for this! But this raises the question of what the grandmother who brought Adrianna and kids for the swim?? Was she responsible enough to be watching them all the time?? Was she possibly – as tends to happen in Guyana – doing her own thing with friends and left the kids by themselves?? This ain’t a matter of casting “blame” – but simply to account for the poor child’s death.
Then there’s the question as to whether she could’ve drowned in the pool while frolicking with her cousins?? Were there others from different families around?? Even if she’d drowned on her lonesome - without anyone “holding her down” – most people think Adrianna would’ve flailed around and this would’ve been noticed by those around?? We’ve all seen that in the movies, haven’t we?? But this presumption mightn’t necessarily be so and the movies present drowning like that more for the dramatic effect. So he looked at eMedicine-health’s take on flailing while drowning.
This is what they said: “In real life, drowning doesn’t look at all like it is depicted on television or in the movies. The victim does not flail and thrash in the water. Instead, drowning tends to be a deceptive quieter act…Symptoms of drowning may not be easily seen by bystanders. The victim may be expending all their energy keeping their head above water and may not be able to shout for help. If they breathe in water (aspirate), their vocal cords may go into spasm; this prevents the person from shouting for help. There is usually very little thrashing and the victim is often found floating or at the bottom of the pool, tub, or body of water.”
But your Eyewitness awaits the official police investigation’s report.
…for BRICS
When BRICS was launched, there were great expectations that it would provide a counterbalance to the unilateralism of the USA and the constant direct, debilitating and destructive competition between the US and the USSR’s rump Russia. It wasn’t necessarily that the USA was ‘bad’ or anything like that but - just like in domestic politics - power in the hands of one entity encourages abuse!!
So even though BRICS included Russia and China as members, the hope was the presence of the other members like Brazil, India and South Africa would give the grouping a broader vision. This was heightened when they took aboard Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Iran recently. But sadly, while there may be safety in numbers, decision making becomes harder –especially when those decisions must be unanimous.
So a few days ago, BRICS hit brick wall when ironically, the new African members objected to South Africa being the nominal representative for the continent!! And they couldn’t issue a joint statement!!
…on TT’s elections
With TT retaining the old FPTP constituency system, from a total turnout of 661,000 (54%) UNC snagged 26 seats from 334,874 vote; PNM 13 from 220,160 – and Tobago’s TPP 2 seats from a mere13,857 votes!!
Videsh Persaud
Hosea Fraser, aka Hosea Selmon
8.5 million passengers used Vreed-enHoop to Georgetown river taxis in 2024
…Govt to dredge river, roll out suite of upgrades to stellings
Almost nine million repeat passengers have been recorded transiting on river taxis between Vreed-en-Hoop and Georgetown last year, thus the Government of Guyana will be taking steps to clear the river of encumbrances such as logs in order to enhance the travel experience.
On Wednesday,
President Dr. Irfaan Ali met with boat operators at Vreed-en-Hoop, and discussed his government’s plans for them. He listened to their concerns and also revealed that as many as 8.5 million passengers were recorded last year using the Vreed-en-Hoop to Georgetown route.
“You might not be aware of this, but this transit be-
tween Vreed-en-Hoop and Georgetown, this operation, last year 8.5 million people moved between this transit. That is the number of persons y’all moved last year, 2024, 8.5 million movement of persons between Georgetown and Vreed-enHoop,” the President said. With this number in mind, President Ali noted the importance of the
Government investing in the facility and improving the standards.
According to the Head of State, a number of measures will be undertaken, including dredging of both channels.
“We have to change the standards and invest in the facilities here for the passengers and also the operators. And there are seven key areas that were identified, one is the dredging of both channels; that is, in Stabroek area and here,” he detailed.
“And then you have the
logs on that side.
“So, by weekend, we should have all those logs removed. They’re going to work all night tonight, tomorrow night, on the channel at Vreed-en-Hoop. On the channel on this side, we’ll mobilize the private sector dredge this afternoon. They’ll start working tonight, and work through tonight, tomorrow and tomorrow night,” President Ali also said.
Earlier this year, President Ali had announced that as part of efforts to optimally utilize the
piles. At the Georgetown side, that caused damages to a number of boats. You requested cameras on both sides. Security cameras. Then you have the hut for the monitor on the Georgetown side. The landing in Georgetown to be extended to the basin. But if we dredge, that would help that a lot,” the Head of State added.
As a matter of fact, at least one of these measures, the dredging of the river, would start on Wednesday evening. This will be with the aim of removing encumbrances such as logs from the river, taking advantage of the fact that Thursday is a holiday.
“What I’ve decided, tomorrow being a holiday where you have less traffic, is for us to mobilize both from the private and public sector, the dredges that we have. We’ll use the Bridge dredge, starting tonight. We’ll use the bridge dredge in the Stabroek area, starting at the low tide today. Thomas is going to mobilize someone to remove all the
limited port spaces along the Demerara River, plans are in the works to transform the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling into a modern port facility.
The Head of State was at the time speaking about the unprecedented development taking place across Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), especially the Vreed-enHoop surroundings, where the historic US$300 million Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Facility was commissioned just last month to support the country’s maritime and transport sector.
Funds have already been set aside in the Public Works Ministry’s $9.9 billion River Transport budget for works to be done on the stelling. Additionally, money has been earmarked to support the dredging of the Demerara River channel to ensure safe passage of larger ships as well as the removal of wrecks and obstructions from both the Demerara and Essequibo rivers.
The Vreed-en-Hoop stelling
President Dr Irfaan Ali during his meeting with river taxi operators at the stelling
CXC exams begin today …walk into exams with confidence, walk out with pride – Education Minister to students
Thousands of students across Guyana will today begin writing the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) exams.
According to Education Minister Priya Manickchand, approximately 10,000 candidates would sit the English A Paper 2 exam on Monday, one of the largest assessments on the CSEC timeta-
ble. This will be followed by the mathematics exam on Friday.
Recognising the significance of this period, Manickchand has commended the dedication and preparation of students, teachers, and parents alike.
“We at the Ministry of Education recognize the tremendous effort that has gone into preparing for these exams by both parents and educators, who have supported our children along the way,” the
minister said in a statement on Wednesday.
On behalf of the MoE, she has extended best wishes to all students writing exams in the coming weeks; and has highlighted the importance of community involvement as she called on families and guardians to continue their support by ensuring students are well-rested, properly fed, punctual, and emotionally ready.
“Your hard work and resilience have brought you to this point, and we are confident that you will make yourselves, your families and your schools proud,” Minister Manickchand has said.
“May every student walk into their exams with confidence and walk out with pride,” she said.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand
Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy Project gets prestigious award from US EXIM Bank
…project praised for sustainable socio-economic benefits
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, while representing President Dr Irfaan Ali at the Export-Import Bank of the United States 2025 Annual Conference on Wednesday, received the Bank’s Deal of the Year Award for Guyana’s Gas-toEnergy (GtE) Project on behalf of Guyana.
According to a Ministry of Finance press release, Dr Singh, speaking at the ceremony, said President Ali’s Government and the people of Guyana value and cherish the award for several reasons, including the fact that the project reflects one of the more complex engineering projects ever undertaken in the country’s
history with: (i) a 250-kilometre high-pressure pipeline built by ExxonMobil starting a mile deep in the ocean; (ii) a 300-megawatt (MW) combined cycle power plant and NGL plant, under construction by Lindsayca/ CH4 Systems; and (iii) for the first time, 230-kilovolt (KV) transmission lines (and new 69KV transmission lines), with substations, and a state-of-the-art Control Center to dispatch the power.
Dr Singh added that from the engineering and technical perspectives, the GtE Project would benefit tremendously from the involvement of capable and experienced US partners and technical counterparts who have vast experience in delivering world-class engineering and construction
solutions.
Alluding to Guyana’s economic perspective, Dr Singh said this project was a truly transformative one that afforded Guyana the opportunity to double the country’s electricity-generating capacity.
“When completed, it will enable us to reduce electricity tariffs to all consumers by 50 per cent, bringing obvious benefits to households as well as to the productive sector especially those that are heavily dependent on electricity such as industrial and manufacturing activities, “the Minister underscored as he pointed out that the project would also “significantly reduce our carbon footprint per KWH, using natural gas as a transition fuel, allowing Guyana to switch from heavy fuel
oils to natural gas”.
Dr Singh also noted that being the first project Guyana would be doing with the US EXIM Bank,
the GtE Project stands as a fitting testimony to the enduring and growing strength of the relationship between the United States of America and Guyana.
“Historically, our two countries have shared a strong relationship rooted in our shared values, foremost amongst which are our commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and our recognition of the role of the Private Sector, and private investment and trade, in generating economic growth and prosperity for all,” he further emphasised.
He then expressed his deep appreciation for the recognition given to the extremely important project that Government is building.
The Minister further reiterated the importance of the project being completed in a timely manner so that all of the evident advantages that redound from it could be realised in the shortest possible time.
“I wish to signal also our intention to advance discussions with EXIM on a number of other transactions, including projects that are critical to port security and increased trade, as well as food security which continues to be a priority for Guyana, the Caribbean, and our entire hemisphere.,” the Senior Minister concluded.
In a release Wednesday, the US EXIM Bank said the GtE project plays a significant role in supporting US geo-economic and political objectives while advancing critical energy infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere. EXIM’s Acting President and Chairman Jim Cruse noted too that it was a strategically-important energy project that upholds the Bank’s priorities and charter mandates while supporting more than one thousand jobs across the country.
Representatives of the companies involved in the project also spoke at the event including Nelson Drake, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Lindsayca; Juan Bellosta, Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of CH4 Systems; and John Colling, Vice President of ExxonMobil Guyana.
According to a statement released by the LNDCH4 consortium, which is a joint venture between Lindsayca and CH4, the Deal of the Year Award from the US EXIM bank, which is funding the project, is in recognition of their work developing the large-scale, innovative and sustainable energy project that is on course to make a socio-economic impact.
“A first-of-its-kind in Guyana, the project integrates modular gas processing technologies for faster deployment, combined-cycle generation for high efficiency and reduced emissions, and infrastructure tailored to Guyana’s tropical environment,” the release from the consortium, through SocialRank Media, said.
“EXIM requires awardees to demonstrate and maintain the highest levels of quality, health, safety, and environment (QHSE), and corporate social responsibility (CSR), all of which LNDCH4 met or exceeded through top-quality, clean, socially- and environmentally-responsible operations.”
LNDCH4 was awarded the US$759 million contract in November 2022 to build the 300MW Combined Cycle Power Plant and a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD) – key components of the GtE Project. Upon completion, the project is expected to substantially lower electricity generation costs, which have significant implications for the Guyanese economy, fostering more competitive production costs and stimulating broader economic growth.
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) has already finished constructing the gas pipeline, and the transmission lines and substations required for integration of the project are significantly advanced, with completion anticipated later this year.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service,
Dr Ashni Singh received the Bank’s Deal of the Year Award for Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project on behalf of Guyana
Govt to improve local capacity to perform autopsies – Pres Ali
…says necessary equipment to be procured, capacity will be built
The death of 11-year-old
Adrianna Younge has highlighted the gaps in several systems which the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government is now seeking to correct, and one of them is the local capacity to conduct in-depth postmortem examinations.
One of the planned reforms is for Guyana’s technical capacity to perform post mortem examinations to be revamped, with President Dr. Irfaan Ali revealing that the necessary equipment will be procured.
Three internationally recognized forensic pathologists were brought in to do Monday’s post mortem examination on 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, whose tragic death at the now gutted Double Day Hotel last week rocked the country.
Following the examination, which found that Younge died by drowning, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that the Government will be taking steps to boost Guyana’s technological capacity to perform autopsies.
Other announcements included bringing in international help to review the
operations of the Guyana Police Force and improve its communication strategy. While the decision to revamp Guyana’s capacity to conduct autopsies was made in the context of the Younge tragedy, it would also align with the Government’s other investments in health services.
“I’ve spoken to the Minister of Health. And looking at the way the three pathologists operated, the type of investigation, the depth of investigation, I told him we must buy the full infrastructure that was required, so that we will have that capability. Because that capability can help us to bring a greater degree of justice under circumstances,” the President said.
He also acknowledged that there has been a lot of learning during this entire process surrounding the case of Adrianna Younge, even as he recognized the fact that even as a Head of State, there are opportunities for him to gain new perspectives, unlearn, and relearn where necessary.
“There has been a lot of learning throughout this process, and as your President,
I can humbly say before you that I have learnt. Because my job is one that is dictated by my ability to continuously learn, unlearn and relearn. Because all of us must build in our own selves and capacity that ability,” the Head of State further said.
Dr Glenn A Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul of Barbados, and Dr Gary L Collins, Chief Medical Examiner of Delaware, were the international pathologists brought in to perform Younge’s autopsy.
Attorney Darren Wade, representing the Younge family, has subsequently confirmed the pathologists’ findings: that Adriana died from drowning. No signs of sexual assault were found, and the marks on her body were consistent with water damage, not violence or abuse.
The family’s lawyer had also stated that the autopsy could not determine where the drowning occurred, nor was it possible to establish the exact time of death, because of the decomposition of the body. The PME was witnessed by the child’s fam-
Leader of the Opposition and head of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton, was absent on Wednesday from a joint press conference of Opposition political parties which was convened by the Alliance for Change (AFC) to address concerns surrounding the tragic death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge.
Held outside of the remains of the Double Day Hotel -- which has since been burnt, and where Adrianna’s body was discovered -- the press briefing was attended by several political and civil society figures. Norton, however, who also serves as chairman of the coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), of which the PNCR is the largest faction, was absent. Other members of the APNU were also absent, fuelling speculation of internal tensions ongoing within the Opposition camp.
Additionally, AFC has since been criticized for the location of the press conference. As a matter of fact, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday called out the AFC for their insensitive act of hosting the press conference at the lo-
cation where the child died. He said it was not only insensitive, but rather disgusting.
Notably, former PNCR General Secretary Dawn Hastings and PNCR Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson — both of whom have publicly clashed with Norton in the past — were present at the event.
AFC Executive Cathy Hughes confirmed that Norton and other APNU members had been formally invited to attend.
Norton’s absence is seen by some as a deliberate snub, especially given its timing of coming just weeks after the AFC publicly announced it would not be teaming up with APNU to jointly con-
test the 2025 General and Regional Elections.
The fallout appears rooted in the AFC’s lack of confidence in Norton’s leadership, particularly his suitability as a presidential candidate.
Those present at the press conference included AFC Leader Nigel Hughes, AFC Chairman David Patterson, Simona Broomes, Dorwain Bess, Terrence Campbell, and Nigel London.
The event commenced with a joint statement being read by Campbell, wherein there was a call for the involvement of international law enforcement agencies in the investigation surrounding the events of Adrianna’s death.
ily, their lawyer, and medical officials, ensuring full transparency.
The circumstances surrounding Adrianna’s death, whose body was discovered
in the pool of the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) last week, continue to be the subject of intense investigation. Her family had initially raised
Labour Day 2025
concerns about bruises on her body, which prompted the Government to honour their request for an independent and comprehensive autopsy.
Trade unions call for national minimum wage hike, ILO Convention ratification
As Guyanese workers observe Labour Day 2025, major trade unions have used the occasion to call for stronger protections, fairer wages, and immediate policy reforms to reflect the country’s economic growth.
In separate messages, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) urged urgent action on national minimum wage parity, full enforcement of international labour conventions, and inclusive decision-making that places workers at the centre of Guyana’s transformation.
GAWU, Guyana’s largest Private Sector union, uses the occasion to extend greetings to workers, while expressing deep sympathy over the tragic passing of 11-yearold Adrianna Younge, noting the national mood of mourning. The Union also stressed that Labour Day remained a time to honour the enduring contributions of the working class, from farms and factories to offices and schools.
While GAWU lauded several Government-led initiatives including infrastructure upgrades, healthcare expansion, and skills training, an official statement issued by the Union expressed calls for the immediate equalisation of the national and public sector minimum wage, citing rising living costs and the persistent
wage stagnation at the lowest tiers of the economy.
“GAWU calls for an immediate equalisation of the national and public sector minimum wage. For too long, workers at the lowest end of the wage scale have borne the brunt of rising living costs and stagnant pay. A higher minimum wage is not only a matter of fairness – it is a moral and economic necessity. It will help uplift families, stimulate the economy, and reduce inequalities that threaten social cohesion,” the Union noted.
“We draw inspiration from these international developments, reaffirming the power of solidarity and collective action. At the same time, we remain mindful of the threats that workers face globally: job insecurity, exploitation in digital economies, climate-related disruptions, and the erosion of labour protections.
In this global context, GAWU recommits to standing with workers everywhere to pursue decent work, fair wages, safe conditions, and a future grounded in justice and dignity.”
Meanwhile, the GPSU reminded public servants of their historical role in shaping Guyana’s modern state, and reiterated its mission to fight for permanent appointments, collective bargaining rights, and decent working conditions.
The Union, via a statement, outlined a seven-point platform, calling for equal pay and pensionable job security; enforcement of International Labour Union (ILO) Core Conventions and ratification of ILO Convention C190 on violence and harassment in the workplace; investment in public services, and transparency in governance and labour representation.
Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton
AFC leader Nigel Hughes
Adrianna Younge’s drowning
Thorough probe needed to determine if there was foul play – Jagdeo
ow that the cause of
NAdrianna Younge’s death has been established as drowning, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has said, there needs to be a thorough investigation to determine whether there was any foul play in her death.
“The family still deserves to find out the truth about what happened to Adrianna Younge. We need to thoroughly investigate the circumstances under which she drowned: whether there was foul play or not; whether she just drowned in the pool while she was there swimming,” the Vice President stated on Wednesday during his weekly press conference.
While the post-mortem examination (PME) gave the cause of death as drowning, the team of distinguished international forensic experts could not determine where the drowning occurred, nor was it possible to establish the exact time of death because of the decomposition of the body.
The near five-hour-long forensic autopsy was conducted on Monday by the Chief Medical Examiner of the State of Delaware, Dr Gary L. Collins, who was selected by the Younge family,
along with Barbadian expert Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul and Dr Glenn A. Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, both brought in by the Guyana Government.
President Dr Irfaan Ali has already reassured that there would be a thorough investigation – something which the Vice President reiterated during his press conference, saying that the State has a duty to fully investigate this matter.
“I believe, more than anything else, that the family needs this truth…I saw the anguish and pain on the faces of family members –the mother and particularly the father…where he said his gut feeling was that the child was in the hotel…And so we have a duty to him and the family, they need
to know whether there was foul play or not,” he posited.
Adrianna had gone with her grandmother and other relatives to the poolside at the Double Day Hotel at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) on Wednesday, April 23. However, she disappeared shortly after, and her body was eventually found in the hotel’s pool in the morning of the following day, raising several questions, especially since the pool area had previously been searched and there was no sign on her.
Suspicions surrounding the girl’s death further grew after there were marks observed on her body. However, the pathologists found during the forensic autopsy, which included a CT scan and x-ray, that the marks are consistent with water damage, and that there was no sign of sexual assault or violence on the young girl’s body.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had previously stated that it is awaiting the conduct of the PME, noting that the confirmation of the young girl’s cause of death is a critical aspect of the ongoing investigation.
However, there has been widespread mistrust of
the Police Force, especially the Regional Division #3, after the ranks there failed to properly investigate the disappearance of the young girl when the report was made. The discovery of her body sparked outrage, with protest actions spreading from Region Three to other parts of the country, calling for justice – with some of these actions turning violent.
Distrust
Adrianna’s family have already expressed their distrust of the GPF and called for an independent investigation. The actions of several members of the regional police team that responded to the report of Adrianna’s disappearance are under question, with both President Ali and the Vice President demanding answers.
This was after the police reported initially that there was footage at the hotel showing that the 11-yearold girl had entered a motorcar and left the hotel, but her family was adamant that she never left, since they reviewed footage from a neighbour’s security camera, which showed no signs of her leaving.
Hours after Adrianna’s body was discovered, the po-
lice admitted to releasing “inaccurate” information. In fact, it was reported that the misinformation was generated by a civilian at the control centre, who has since been sent on leave.
Moreover, the Commander of Regional Division #3, Assistant Commissioner Khalid Mandall, has been sent on administrative leave, while three police officers in the division are also currently under close arrest and a number of other police ranks have been questioned as well.
The GPF said, too, that investigators have thus far contacted and questioned the proprietor of the Hotel and all employees who were present there on the day of the incident. It is unclear, however, whether the owner and the staff are still in custody.
In fact, since the autopsy, there has been no official update from the GPF on the investigations that are being led by the Force’s Major Crimes Unit. Nevertheless, the Vice President has expressed confidence in the GPF’s ability. “The President has made it clear that there’d be a thorough investigation. We have to leave that
to be determined. [But] a thorough investigation is what he promised, and so I don’t want to second guess the President…But I have great faith that the investigation will be thorough. We want to find out the truth – we in the PPP too,” noted Jagdeo, who is also the General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government. He went on to declare that, “If the police were involved in a coverup or anything, we want to find the truth too, and we have demonstrated that when we find the truth, people face the consequences. We are not interested in a coverup…”
Major trade unions cancel annual Labour Day March, rally amid public safety concerns
On May 1 every year, members of the various trade union organisations in the country would hold marches through the streets of Georgetown that culminate in rallies in observance of Labour Day, but this year, several major trade union organisations have cancelled the annual Labour Day march and rally amid concerns about public safety following Monday night’s violence across the country.
Among those not participating in the annual parade tomorrow are the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).
FITUG – which is the umbrella body for unions such as the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU); the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE); the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) and the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) –said it had made the difficult decision to cancel the traditional observance in response to numerous reports from workers nationwide who expressed anxi-
ety about participating.
In a statement on Wednesday, FITUG expressed concerns about the current national atmosphere of tension, fear and instability.
The umbrella body noted that this historic occasion, which has long been a time for unity, reflection, and celebration of the contributions of the working class, is now clouded by a disturbing wave of violence, intimidation, and disorder.
FITUG said while it extended its sympathies to the family and friends of Adrianna Younge, her death must not be used as an excuse for lawlessness.
“We strongly condemn the actions of Opposition-
inspired elements who have played a clear role in fuelling this unrest. The calculated spread of misinformation, incitement to violence, and deliberate attempts to destabilise our society are not just irresponsible— they are anti-people in nature. These actions seek to divide our nation, disrupt peace, and derail the progress we have collectively worked so hard to build.
“As a federation, FITUG is evaluating the genuine concerns raised by workers regarding their safety and participation in Labour Day events. Our first duty is always to the well-being of the working class. We take these concerns seriously and are considering
all appropriate measures to ensure that our actions remain grounded in responsibility, solidarity, and respect for our members,” FITUG stated.
Meanwhile, the GPSU, which represents all the public servants of the country, has indicated that it too will not be hosting its annual May Day parade, in light of concerns by its members.
In a brief telephone interview with Guyana Times , GPSU First Vice President Dawn Gardner emphasised that the Union
could not in good conscience encourage participation in a public event under the existing conditions.
“Our members are expressing fear,” Gardner stated, adding that “what we have done as a union is we have taken a conscious decision in light of all that is happening, we will not be taking part in the march and rally tomorrow”.
She also cited the 12:30am to 5am curfew, noting that the Union did not want to encourage large gatherings that may be in violation of the public or-
der.
“You know about the curfew issues by the Minister of Home Affairs, so we don’t want to have to be in a large gathering and we are taking the safety of our workers very seriously,” Gardner explained.
Meanwhile, Coretta McDonald from the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) has indicated that its members would still host the annual march.
Efforts to contact the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) have proven futile.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
11-year-old Adrianna Younge
First Vice President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Dawn Gardner
Guyana launches regional pilot to combat African Swine Fever, protect swine industry
The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), in partnership with the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), has officially launched the USDA-FAS/ IICA Regional African Swine Fever (ASF) Surveillance Pilot in Guyana.
This landmark initiative aims to strengthen national and regional capacity to prevent and respond to outbreaks of African Swine Fever — a highly contagious disease threatening swine industries across the globe.
The three-day surveillance exercise, which brings together key stakeholders from Guyana’s swine industry and international part-
ners, will assess and bolster the country’s readiness and response strategies against ASF. Participants include representatives from the Guyana Swine Association, the Guyana Food Safety Authority, the Civil Defence Commission, the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, and the GLDA, along with experts from IICA, USDA, and the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA).
Speaking at the launch on Monday at CARA Lodge hotel, GLDA CEO Dr Dwight Walrond, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, stressed the importance of early detection and coordinated response.
“This surveillance pilot is a model for disease
management across the Caribbean. It strengthens our capacity to detect, respond to, and control African Swine Fever and other haemorrhagic swine diseases, safeguarding the livelihoods of our farmers and national food security,” Dr Walrond said.
African Swine Fever poses no risk to human health, but is devastating to both domestic and wild pig populations. Without a vaccine or cure, outbreaks can severely impact national economies, disrupt food systems, and threaten food security. The urgency is compounded by the re-emergence of ASF in the Caribbean in 2021, after a 40-year absence, with cases being reported in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
US Ambassador to
Guyana, Nicole D. Theriot, has commended Guyana's approach and reaffirmed the US Government’s continued support in working alongside Guyana and regional partners to mitigate transboundary animal diseases. She noted that this pilot initiative is a cornerstone in ensuring the resilience of agriculture in the Americas.
“It is my pleasure to be here for the kick-off of an important partnership between the United States and Guyana. African Swine Fever is a devastating disease, and we must work together to monitor and control its spread, and to protect the livelihoods of producers in both our countries. An outbreak, if not quickly detected and controlled, could result in pork production shortages, disruptions to trade, and far-reaching economic impacts,” Ambassador Theriot stated.
She emphasized that preventing ASF is critical to the survival and growth of the swine industry.
The USDA-funded initiative implemented by IICA extends beyond Guyana, targeting enhanced surveillance, diagnostics, biosecurity, and emergency preparedness throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and the Andean Region. It adopts a comprehensive "One Health" approach, integrating technical training, governance frameworks, and stakeholder collaboration.
Guyana’s vulnerability Dr Walrond also highlighted Guyana’s vulnerability due to porous borders, increased migration, and potential bioterrorism threats.
“We are taking no chances. Our surveillance and response plans are backed by upgraded checkpoints, improved laboratory capacity,
continuous staff training, and targeted stakeholder outreach,” he said. He urged farmers and industry stakeholders to remain vigilant, report any suspicious signs, and implement recommended biosecurity measures.
In June 2024, Dr. Joel Dilchand, Regional Coordinator and Veterinary Officer for Region 5 (MahaicaBerbice), and Zenzie Goring, Laboratory Supervisor with responsibility for Serology at the GLDA Veterinary Services Laboratory, participated in an intensive African Swine Fever (ASF) Workshop for the Caribbean hosted at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. The training, funded by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA), focused on enhancing regional technical capacity in ASF detection and response.
ERC visits acid attack victims; condemns violence, hate
The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) yesterday paid a heartfelt visit to the children and teachers who were horrifically injured in a recent acid attack while returning home from school at Chateau Margot, East Coast Demerara.
The Commission, led by Deputy Chairman Charles Ogle, Commissioner Neaz Subhan, Commissioner Inshan Porter, and Chief Executive Officer Gomin Camacho, offered comfort and moral support to the victims and their families during this deeply troubling time.
This show of solidarity by the ERC comes in the wake of national outrage following the senseless and violent acid attack committed by two perpetrators, which left several innocent schoolchildren and their educators with severe injuries.
In a strongly-worded statement following the visit, the Commission unequivocally condemned the attack, describing it as a “heinous act” committed against defenseless individuals. The ERC also denounced the subsequent acts of violence, including physical and verbal attacks, looting, and property damage which have erupted in various parts of the
country in recent days.
“Violence has no place in justice,” the Commission emphasized, calling for national unity in the face of grief and anger.
The visit to the acid burn victims followed a sim-
ilar outreach conducted by the ERC last Saturday to the family of Adrianna Younge, the young girl whose tragic and untimely death has left Guyana reeling in sorrow.
The Commission extended its condolences and support
to the grieving family, and acknowledged the profound collective mourning being experienced across the country.
“All right-thinking members of our Guyanese society are united in national grief, and call for justice in relation to the tragic death of innocent little Adrianna Younge,” the Commission noted. “Unfortunately, some are using this tragedy as an excuse to commit illegal activities across our dear country, and to spread hateful content on social media.”
The ERC also highlighted the fear and anxiety that the acid attack has instilled in students, parents, and teachers alike — underscoring a disturbing reality where simply attending school has become a source of fear.
The Commission called for a recommitment to the values of safety, lawfulness, and social harmony, reminding all citizens that no one should have to fear going about their daily lives as law-abiding individuals.
The ERC acknowledged
that, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, there has been a strong and unified condemnation of the recent acts of violence by leaders from various sectors.
“We are reminded, in our times of distress and sorrow, that Guyana is a multi-ethnic society, and our lives are all intricately woven into each other’s,” the Commission stated. “It is only with unity, love, and respect that we can overcome.”
The ERC also encouraged all Guyanese to reject hatred and division, and instead take an active stand in promoting peace. The Commission urged citizens to speak out against acts and rhetoric that incite disharmony, and to support efforts that heal, rather than harm.
On Monday, violent protests erupted across the country when criminal elements sought to cause public terror by blocking roadways, burning debris, destroying public and private infrastructure, looting, and causing harm to innocent individuals.
US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole D. Theriot (centre), and GLDA CEO Dr Dwight Walrond (right) were among those at the launch of the USDA-FAS/IICA Regional African Swine Fever (ASF) Surveillance Pilot in Guyana
Some commissioners of the ERC visiting the children who were attacked
OOIL NEWS
Oil settles lower, posts steepest monthly decline since 2021
il prices settled down on Wednesday and recorded the largest monthly drop in almost 3-1/2 years after Saudi Arabia signaled a move toward producing more and expanding its market share, while the global trade war eroded the outlook for fuel demand.
Brent crude futures settled $1.13, or 1.76%, lower at $63.12 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures dropped $2.21, or 3.66%, to close at $58.21, the lowest settlement since March 2021.
For the month, Brent settled down 15% and WTI was down 18%, the biggest monthly percentage declines since November 2021.
Both benchmarks slumped after Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s biggest oil producers, signaled it was unwilling to prop up the oil market with further supply cuts and could handle a prolonged period of low prices.
“It raises concern that we could be headed towards another production war,” said Phil Flynn, senior analyst with Price Futures Group. “Are the Saudis trying to send a message that they are going to get back their market share? We’ll have to wait and see.”
Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia pushed for a larger-thanplanned OPEC+ output hike in May.
Several OPEC+ members will suggest a ramp-up of output increases for a second straight month in June, sources told Reuters last week. The group will meet on May 5 to discuss output plans.
“The trade war directly reduces oil demand and hinders travel by consumers. Combined with OPEC’s unwinding of output cuts, the risk of oversupply is escalating,” said Raymond James investment strategy analyst Pavel Molchanov.
Concerns over the global economy weakening continued to pressure oil prices.
U.S. crude oil stockpiles fell unexpectedly last week on higher export and refinery demand, limiting some price losses.
Crude inventories fell by 2.7 million barrels to 440.4 million barrels in the week ended April 25, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday, compared with analysts’ expectations in a Reuters poll for a 429,000-barrel rise. (Excerpt from Reuters)
TT’s Rowley to resign as PNM political leader today, Young resigns as PNM Chairman
Former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley says he will tender his resignation as the political leader of the PNM, taking effect from May 1.
In a statement on his Facebook on April 30, Rowley said when he resigned as PM in March, he intended to vacate the political leader position at “the earliest opportunity.”
“Today (April 30) I will address the general council and tender my resignation.
“This completes my disengagement firstly in the government (March 16, 2025) and finally, in the party, (May 01, 2025).”
Rowley’s term as the PNM’s political leader was legally set to continue until 2026.
Hours after Rowley resigned, chairman of the party, Stuart Young also tendered his resignation.
In a Facebook post, he said, “After reflection yes-
terday, I have today, tendered my resignation as Chairman of the People’s National Movement, effective immediately.”
It comes two days after Young and the PNM sank to a major defeat in the 2025 T&T General Elections. The UNC won 26 seats, the PNM won 13 and the TPP took the two Tobago seats. The PNM General Council planned to meet Wednesday afternoon, to decide who will be the party’s Opposition Leader in parliament. Both resignations are also expected to come up for discussion.
(Source: CNC3)
US Wall Street slumps on GDP decline, crude prices sink; earnings on tap
U.S. stocks fell on Wednesday, and oil prices logged their biggest monthly drop in 3-1/2 years following news of a U.S. economic contraction and other disappointing data, and mixed earnings reports.
The dollar strengthened, and crude oil prices headed lower.
All three major U.S. stock indexes were deep in negative territory, with the tech-laden Nasdaq down the most.
On the last day of April, all three U.S. stock indexes were on course for their third straight monthly losses.
“The market’s action... is reflective of an economy that’s probably going to be struggling as the year progresses,”
Pakistan claims it has ‘credible intelligence’ India will strike within 36 hours
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated further, after a top Pakistani official claimed early Wednesday to have “credible intelligence” that New Delhi will carry out a military action against Islamabad within the next two days.
The claim came as both the United States and China urged restraint.
“Pakistan has credible intelligence that India intends carrying out military action against Pakistan in the next 24-36 hours,” Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in an unusual middle of the night post on X. He did not elaborate on what evidence Pakistan had used to make the claim.
Tarar’s comments come just one week after militants massacred 26 tourists in the mountainous town of Pahalgam in Indianadministered Kashmir, a rampage that has sparked widespread outrage.
The contested region of Kashmir: The Kashmir dispute is a territorial conflict between India and Pakistan, and also involving China, each controlling and claiming different parts of the region since the 1947 partition of British India
India has accused Pakistan of being involved in the attack — a claim Islamabad denies. Pakistan
has offered a neutral investigation into the incident. (Excerpt from CNN)
said Chuck Carlson, CEO of Horizon Investment Services in Hammond, Indiana.
U.S. gross domestic product contracted in the first quarter, largely due to a surge in imports to avoid expected tariffs. U.S. President Donald Trump blamed his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, and said his tariffs would eventually bring a booming economy.
“There’s a general feeling that tariffs are impacting the economy or they’re certainly impacting decision-making,” Carlson added. “But stocks are off their lows and that may be a result of people digesting some of these numbers and trying to put them into context.”
“Was it that bad? Are we on the precipice of a recession? Markets are trying to evaluate that and put into some context,” Carlson said.
The ongoing, multi-front trade war continues to cloud U.S. corporate earnings season, with companies increasingly pulling or reducing guidance due to tariff uncertainties.
Wall Street pared losses after the release of more upbeat economic indicators.
The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index was unchanged on a monthly basis and consumer spending was stronger than expected.
Of the “Magnificent Seven” group of artificial intelligence-related megacap companies, Meta Platforms and Microsoft are expected to post results after the bell.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 205.15 points, or 0.51%, to 40,321.75, the S&P 500 dropped 41.42 points, or 0.74%, to 5,519.41 and the Nasdaq Composite slipped
172.88 points, or 0.99%, to 17,288.44.
European stocks ended a choppy session higher as investors mulled key data and corporate earnings. But the STOXX 600 registered a second consecutive monthly loss due to tariff-related uncertainties.
The dollar held its gains after a swath of mixed U.S. economic data and as trade tensions eased.
The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies including the yen and the euro, rose 0.3% to 99.47, with the euro down 0.31% at $1.135.
Gold prices dipped in opposition to the dollar.
Spot gold fell 0.4% to $3,302.32 an ounce. U.S. gold futures fell 0.59% to $3,299.30 an ounce. (Excerpt from Reuters)
1,600 killed in Haiti in 3 months, more than half of them gang members — UN
Haiti is approaching a “point of no return” leading to “total chaos,” the UN special representative to the troubled Caribbean nation warned Monday.
More than 1,600 people were killed in Haiti gang violence — most of them gang members — in the first three months of the year, the United Nations said Wednesday, as criminal groups fight to expand their territories.
The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti faces severe political instability, and swaths of the
country are under the control of rival armed gangs who carry out murders, rapes and kidnappings.
The armed groups have been battling for control of the capital Port-au-Prince, and clashes have intensified in recent months.
“1,617 people were killed and 580 injured due to violence involving gangs, self-defence groups, nonorganized members of the population, as well as during security force operations,” the UN said in a report.
“Between January and March 2025, despite numerous casualties within their ranks (936 individuals), gangs intensified their efforts to expand their territorial control in the Portau-Prince metropolitan area and its surroundings.” Meanwhile, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Haiti (OCHA) says gang activities in the Frenchspeaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, continue to fuel violence, displace families and disrupt much-needed humanitarian operations across multiple parts of the country. (Sources: CNC3, Jamaica Observer)
PNM Chairman Stuart Young
Former Prime Minister and PNM political leader, Dr Keith Rowley
Slow down, listen, observe and consider what others want and how they react. Trust your intuition to give you the input you require to avoid emotional battles.
Cut to the chase and make things happen. Say what's on your mind and offer alternatives while addressing concerns and implementing incentives. Choose peace over discord.
Open your eyes, and your vision will capture new possibilities and opportunities. Don't wait for things to come to you; engage in activities that will lead to positive alternatives.
Emotions will skyrocket, leaving you wondering what to do next. When in doubt, your best choice is to sit back and observe. A happy attitude will help you gain control and influence others.
All you need to do is show up prepared and let your charisma do the rest. Engage in conversations that offer insight and connections to influential people.
Take a trip and visit places that ground you. You are overdue for a change, and time alone or with someone who brings out the best in you will help you find your way.
Get the ball rolling. Join forces with people who share your views and want to make similar changes. Let your mind wander, and you'll find the thing that help you start a movement.
You will benefit if you get out and experience what's happening in your industry or neighborhood. Pour your energy into a personal transformation that helps you look and feel top-notch.
You are on a roll; don't waste time on trivial matters. Paint a picture with words for someone you want by your side, and it will bring you closer together.
Bide your time and watch what's happening around you. An undertaking someone mentions at a networking or social event will resonate with you. Take information for future reference.
Entertainment will take your mind off something you may not like. The joy you experience will put you in the proper mindset to rethink what's bothering you.
Keep life simple and affordable. Do whatever it takes to lower stress and put your mind at ease. Get rid of emotional baggage and possessions that you no longer have an attachment to or need.
– through heroics of Shreyas, Prabhsimran, Chahal
Afour-wicket 19th over from Yuzvendra Chahal, including his second IPL hat-trick, turned a topsy-turvy game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, putting Punjab Kings (PBKS) on the road to a four-wicket win and sealing the end of Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) playoffs hopes.
Until that over, CSK were poised to breach 200 for only the second time in IPL 2025 and for the first time at home, with Sam Curran scoring 88 off 47 balls. The Chahal over, however, precipitated a collapse that saw CSK lose their last five wickets for six runs in the space of seven balls.
It meant PBKS were chasing 191, rather than something in the region of 210, and half-centuries from Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas Iyer put them in full control.
There was to be one more twist, though. With three runs required off nine balls, Shreyas was bowled as he looked for the winning hit. PBKS then scored just two runs, and lost another wicket off their next five legal balls, leaving the scores level with three balls left. They eventually got over the line, with an inside-edged four from Marco Jansen providing the match a most appropriate finish.
Chahal’s belated impact
Chahal had been used for only two of the first 18 overs of the match, with PBKS reluctant to use him or the left-arm orthodox spinner Harpreet Brar against CSK’s left-hand batters. But with the famously spin-shy MS Dhoni new to the crease, Shreyas threw his legspinner the ball. Dhoni hit a six off the first legal ball of the over, only to hole out next ball.
A procession followed,
with Chahal dismissing Deepak Hooda, Anshul Kamboj and Noor Ahmad off the last three balls of the over. Hooda sliced a wideish ball to backward point; Kamboj was bowled by a quicker skidder; and the hat-trick came up in classic Chahal fashion, with Noor taking on the slow legbreak outside off stump and miscuing to long-on.
Through all this, Shivam Dube, CSK’s best spin-hitter, was stuck at the non-striker’s end. He may even have wondered if he should have refused a second run off the first ball Hooda faced, and kept the strike against Chahal.
Dube picked up an inside-edged four off the first ball of the final over, but holed out next ball, which meant CSK had been bowled out with four balls left unused.
Curran sets up CSK for strong finish
Curran had played in only three of CSK’s previous nine games this season, and he directed an angry bat-
wave in what seemed the direction of his dugout when he brought up his fifty, off 30 balls, in the 15th over. His innings at #3 was exactly what CSK had been missing all season.
They had made an indifferent start, slipping to 22 for 2 after 3.1 overs, and had lost their third wicket in the sixth over, with Ravindra Jadeja edging Brar behind after hitting him for three fours. That they didn’t lose impetus thereafter was almost entirely down to Curran. He took on the spinners, hitting a six and two fours in the eighth and ninth overs, and kept finding the odd boundary - with his placement on the pull shot standing out - even when PBKS slowed things down with the military-medium cutters of Azmatullah Omarzai and Suryansh Shedge. With Dewald Brevis struggling for fluency, with the ball not quite coming on, Curran dominated a
Punjab Kings eliminate Chennai Super Kings from IPL 2025
fourth-wicket stand of 78.
The defining passage of Curran’s innings came after Brevis had been dismissed, when Iyer chose to give Shedge a third over rather than risk bowling Chahal or Brar against the two left-handers at the crease. Shedge had conceded just 14 off his first two overs, but Curran kept pouncing on his errors now, hitting him for two sixes and two fours in a 26-run over. It set CSK a great death-overs platform at 160 for 4 in 16 overs.
That Shedge had to bowl that over was also an effect of PBKS losing Glenn Maxwell - possibly for the rest of the season - to a broken finger. Maxwell has had a difficult IPL with the bat, but has contributed significantly with his offspin, which PBKS would have welcomed against CSK’s left-handers.
Prabhsimran and Shreyas put PBKS in command
The reduced magnitude of PBKS’ target allowed Prabhsimran and Priyansh Arya breathing room in an opening stand of 44, and both batters were able to hit regular boundaries without going after every ball.
Iyer joined Prabhsimran at the crease after an accurate bouncer from Khaleel had sent Arya back in the fifth over, and Prabhsimran dominated the second-wicket partnership, choosing his moments adroitly and picking off boundaries with powerful hits down the ground as well as scoops and paddles behind the wicket.
A quiet 12th over of cutters from Curran, off which PBKS scored only five runs, dialled up the pressure, with 84 now needed off 48 balls. It led Prabhsimran to chance his arm against Noor in the 13th over, and produced a drop - by Pathirana at short
third - and then a wicket, when Prabhsimran picked out Brevis at deep midwicket. Shreyas, though, chose this moment to take the baton from Prabhsimran, and he proceeded to change gears dramatically. From 28 off 23, he sped to 50 off 32, clearing the boundary twice along the way. That was just a teaser, as he proceeded to hit 6, 6, 4 off three Pathirana balls in the 17th over. All three hits were off missed yorkers, but only once did he miss his length by anything other than a marginal amount.
Iyer launched that slot ball for six down the ground. The next one was fuller and nearly in the blockhole, but he got his front leg out of the way and manufactured just enough room for a wristy whip over wide longon. Then Pathirana landed one in the blockhole but marginally outside off, and Shreyas opened his bat face to squeeze it between backward point and short third. With Shashank Singh also finding his six-hitting range at the other end, PBKS were coasting now. There was still room, however, for some nerves.
A stunning catch from Brevis at the deep-midwicket boundary dismissed Shashank with PBKS needing ten to win. Josh Inglis reverse swept Jadeja for four, which took them near enough to overcome a late twist. (ESPNcricinfo)
b Pathirana 72 Nehal Wadhera c Jadeja b Pathirana 5 Shashank Singh c Brevis b Jadeja 23 Josh Inglis
Shashank Singh’s 12-ball 23 was a handy cameo late in the chase
Yuzvendra Chahal slipping into his meme position to complete taking his hat-trick
Shreyas Iyer has had more success with the bat away from home
Khaleel Ahmed ended Priyansh Arya’s promising start
Turks and Caicos Islands launch LongTerm Athlete Development frameworks
…To shape the future of sport
The future of sport in the Turks and Caicos Islands took a major leap forward in March with the official launch of the LongTerm Athlete Development (LTAD) frameworks, a strategic roadmap designed to guide young athletes from grassroots’ participation to elite performance.
After years of development, specialised LTAD frameworks have been developed for basketball, football, cricket, swimming, athletics and rugby, along with a general provision that supports other sports. These frameworks provide science-based models to ensure athletes train and compete according to their stage of physical, mental, and emotional development.
This initiative was de-
veloped in collaboration with Dr. Colin Higgs, Professor Emeritus at the School of Human Kinetics and a nationally renowned consultant in coaching and athlete development across Canada and the Caribbean. Dr. Higgs’s extensive expertise has been instrumental in shaping a model that is tailored to the unique context and ambitions of TCI sports.
“We started three years ago with the LongTerm Athlete Development Symposium… Following that, I have been working with six of the national sport governing bodies to develop their own LTAD plan,” says Dr. Higgs. “Since then, I’ve come back and I’ve been working with the national sport governing bodies (NSGBs) on two things. One is strength-
ening their administration and being more effective. Then, with the sports that I had been working with, developing their LTAD plans, working with them on how they are going to implement those plans to make it a reality, not just a document that sits on a shelf.”
The Honourable Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services, added: “This has been a three-pronged approach as it commenced three years ago. We had the framework development that took place, and what I like about it is that we have been able to use some of the material to assist in the development and improvement into the Physical Education curriculum within our schools from grade 3-6.”
Sinner considered quitting tennis during doping case
orld number one
WJannik Sinner has said he had considered walking away from tennis during his doping case. He said he “didn’t feel comfortable”, as players looked at him “differently” during the Australian Open.
The 23-year-old Italian returned two positive tests for banned substance clostebol in March 2024, and accepted a three-month ban from the World AntiDoping Agency in February, just weeks after successfully defending his crown in Melbourne.
“I remember, before the Australian Open this year, I was not in a very happy moment, because there was still that case of doping,” Sinner told Italian broadcaster RAI. “I didn’t really feel comfortable in the locker room, where I ate. It was a bit like some players looked at me differently, and I didn’t like it at all,” he explained.
“I felt like being in tennis with that atmosphere was too much. I was always someone who joked about, who went in the dressing room speaking with whoever, but it became different. I wasn’t at ease. I didn’t feel comfortable, and then I said, maybe after Australia, a little bit of free time in the sense where I take a little
break, it will do me good,” he detailed.
Sinner had previously been cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent panel, but the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) launched an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking a ban of up to two years. However, he reached a settlement with the anti-doping agency for a shorter sanction, and is expected to make his comeback at the Italian Open (6-18 May) in Rome, after his ban expires on 5 May.
WADA acknowledged Sinner did not gain any competitive advantage from the banned substance, and that he bore no fault for an accidental contamination.
His ban was criticised by some in the tennis world,
with 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams stating she would have received a 20-year ban and had her titles “taken away”.
Former British number one Tim Henman labelled the agreement “too convenient”, while three-time Swiss Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka said he “did not believe in clean sport anymore”.
However, Sinner defended his position, as he added: “I don’t want to respond to criticism. People are free to say what they want and judge people. What matters to me is that I know what I’ve been through. It was difficult, and I wouldn’t wish anyone to go through that as an innocent person.” (BBC Sport)
In explaining further, Taylor said, “This speaks specifically to long-term development in athletes. So, we have a framework in place for each of the sport disciplines. In my discussion with Colin, he has highlighted the importance for us to ensure that we focus on grassroots sports, and what we want to do is ensure that our children have the opportunity, not just to focus on one sporting discipline in their life, but to start very early, giving them the opportunity to be exposed to the various disciplines.
“At a later stage, they
will identify their niche in sports. There is much more that can be done in terms of developing our facilities, but we are on a mission to bring up, bring about the necessary change.”
The LTAD documents serve as critical tools for national sport governing bodies, equipping them with clear direction and consistent strategies for long-term success. Each framework outlines key components such as:
TCI’s Seven Stages of Long-Term Athlete Development Stage-by-stage guidance
on training, competition, and recovery
Podium Pathways to identify and support high-performance talent
Sport-specific considerations and factors influencing success
These frameworks represent a bold commitment to excellence and sustainability in sport. By applying LTAD principles, the TCI sports community is investing in a future wherein young athletes are nurtured properly and positioned to thrive on the regional and international stage. (Sportsmax)
NFL fine Falcons and coach £262,000 for prank call
The Atlanta Falcons have been fined $250,000 (£187,000) by the NFL after Jax Ulbrich - son of their defensive co-ordinator Jeff Ulbrich - prank called quarterback Shedeur Sanders during the NFL Draft.
Jeff Ulbrich has also personally been fined $100,000 (£75,000) for the incident, which the Falcons had said involved 21-year-old Jax Ulbrich getting Sanders’s number from an iPad when visiting his parents’ home, and writing it down to “later conduct a prank call”.
In video footage on social media, Sanders can be heard taking a call from someone purporting to be the New Orleans Saints’ General Manager Mickey Loomis. The caller tells Sanders the Saints will make him their next pick, before saying that he is going to “have to wait a little bit longer”.
Sanders, whose father Deion began his storied NFL
career with the Falcons, ended up being selected by the Cleveland Browns as the sixth pick of the fifth round, and 144th overall.
The Falcons, who issued an apology to Sanders, as did Jax Ulbrich, had said Jeff Ulbrich was “unaware of the data exposure or any facets of the prank”.
Punishment for the incident is reported to be external, “for failing to prevent the disclosure of confidential information distributed to the club in advance of the NFL Draft.”
“We were proactive in addressing the situation internally, and cooperated fully with the league throughout the process, and accept the discipline levied to coach Jeff Ulbrich and the organisation,” said a Falcons statement. “We are confident in our security policies and practices, and will continue to emphasise adherence to them with our staff, whether on or off premises.
“Additionally, the Ulbrich family is working with the organisation to participate in community service initiatives in relation to last week’s matter.” Sanders had called the prank call “childish”, but said “it didn’t really have an impact on me”. (BBC Sport)
World number one Jannik Sinner is expected to return to action at the Italian Open in May
Shedeur Sanders had called the prank call “childish”, but played down its impact on him
Turks and Caicos Islands have mapped out seven stages of Long-Term Athlete Development
Inaugural West Indies Breakout League…
GRR to regroup for remaining games – Captain Kemol Savory
The Guyana Rainforest Rangers (GRR) have thus far not experienced the best of fortunes in the inaugural West Indies Breakout League, which commenced last Friday.
In their opening match in the competition, they suffered a 25-run loss to the Windward Islands Infernos, and followed that up with a 23-run defeat to the Trinidad and Tobago Legions on the following day. And in a thrilling contest that could have gone either way on Tuesday, the Rainforest Rangers again slumped to a loss, by three runs, to the Jamaica Titans.
In the aftermath of their most recent loss, Captain Kemol Savory has rued their missed chances in getting over the line on Tuesday evening.
“Definitely, it was a close one. You know, it’s very disappointing that we couldn’t seize that moment at the back end and get over the line,” Savory said about the encounter with the Jamaica Titans.
Quizzed about an apparent dry spell with the bat, where the Rainforest Rangers were unable to find the boundary ropes for quite a few overs, he dispelled any assumptions about his team wanting to get a more explosive batter at the crease.
Some regrouping would be required of the Guyana Rainforest Rangers
Savory responded to Samuel Badree during the post-match interview by stating, “No, it’s just that
the guys were bowling to the plan, and the wicket was in their favour. So, I was just backing Zeynul
TT Legions fast bowler James suspended from bowling
Fast bowler of the Trinidad & Tobago Legions, Joshua James, has been reported for a suspect bowling action during the ongoing West Indies Breakout League.
James’s action was cited by match officials during the first two matches: against Barbados Pelicans on April 25, and Guyana Rainforest Rangers on April 26, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.
As part of the process, once a player is reported for a suspect bowling action, video footage from the match in which the player was reported is provided to CWI. The video footage along with the written report is sent to Loughborough University for analysis using an Opinion Report.
On Monday April 28, Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed that the Opinion Report by the Independent Assessor at Loughborough University has found James’s bowling action to be illegal, and as such, he has been suspended from bowling in all West Indies international and regional matches with immediate effect. The assessment revealed that James’s deliveries exceeded the level of
Joshua James in action
tolerance for extension of the elbow, permitted under playing regulations. As per the International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, the suspension will also apply to all other domestic leagues worldwide.
James will now undergo remedial work under the
supervision of the Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board. He will be eligible to apply for reassessment once he has modified his bowling action, either through another Opinion Report from Loughborough or via analysis from another accredited testing centre. (CWI)
and myself to go deep, because I know that we have the finishers at the back end.”
In spite of the loss, there was, of course, a silver lining for the Rainforest Ranger, who not only restricted their opponents to 29 runs in the final 5 overs, but also bowled them out for some bonus points.
“Yeah! Definitely!” Savory said in responding to inquiries about their death bowling being a positive takeaway from the game. “I must give credit to the bowlers. The way that they came back from the start that Jamaica… you know, I must give them credit for that.”
As they look ahead to their fourth game of the tournament -- a must-win one for them – Savory has expressed intention to regroup over the next few days in anticipation of that match.
He divulged, “You know how cricket goes nowadays, and especially with the bonus points. We have two games to go, it’s just to get ourselves together and let’s see where it goes from there.”
The Guyana Rainforest Rangers will have a few days’ rest before they take on Leeward Islands Thunder on Sunday, May 4th from 19:00hrs.
I-Bet backs second edition of ‘Settlement of all Arguments’
Team representatives took a photo opportunity with sponsors and organisers ahead of tomorrow’s opening night
Commencing this Friday, May 2, the second edition of the ‘Settlement of all Arguments’ street football competition would engulf the Back Circle Tarmac in East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, with the support of I-Bet Supreme.
The betting company officially unveiled their sponsorship for the upcoming event on Wednesday morning, during a simple ceremony at their Lamaha Street, Georgetown Headquarters.
There, I-Bet Sales Manager Dennis Scantlebury shared why the company was so eager to support the street football event, while divulging the measure of their investment.
“The ‘Settlement of All Arguments’ tournament, now in its second year, exemplifies the spirit and passion that makes street football such a beloved sport in Guyana. With players ranging from 19 to 45 years old, this tournament truly brings together different generations and showcases the incredible football talent that exists right here in our community.
“At I-Bet Supreme, this is the kind of community initiative we’re proud to support, and we’re delighted to announce that I-Bet Supreme is invest-
ing US$1500 into this tournament, which will help provide equipment, prizes, and ensure the event runs smoothly for all participants,” Scantlebury disclosed.
“It is clear that this tournament is about much more than just football. It’s about building lasting relationships, promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles, and yes, settling arguments through fair-play and sportsmanship, rather than conflict,” Scantlebury added.
“As we watch these games unfold over the coming weeks, we will see remarkable skill, determination, and passion on display. This tournament represents what sports should be about: bringing people together and celebrating the best of what we can achieve, both individually and collectively.”
Tournament organiser Selwyn Williams detailed the competition’s format while voicing his expectations.
“It’s comprised of 32 teams, which we will start with a group stage, round robin format. Then we move straight into knockouts, round-of-16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the grand finale. We’re looking forward to having competitive teams and we’re looking to have
clean and professional football. We must say thanks to our sponsors, I-Bet,” he detailed.
With the competition’s 32 teams divided into 8 groups, Group A comprises Back Circle A, Broad Street, Red Force, and West Side Ballers, while Group B contains Back Circle B, Team RV, Genesis, and Sophia B. Group C is made up of Bent Street A, Thomas St Ballers, Family, and Stevedore Ballers, while Group D contains Taliban, Road Warriors, Z-Tekk, and Gaza Squad. Group E features Gold is Money, Unity Ballers, Lodge Ballers, and Ballerz Empire, while Group F features North East La Penitence, Stabroek Ballers B, Albouystown, and Victoria Eagles. Group G consists of Stabroek Ballers A, North Ruimveldt, Laing Avenue, and Bent Street B; while Festival City, Spaniards, MJ Ballers, and Gunners make up Group H. The teams are competing for a $500,000 grand prize. The second-place finisher would have to settle for $300,000 while third and fourth place will pocket $150,000 and $100,000 respectively. The tournament’s playing dates are May 6th, 9th, 13th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, with the grand final being on May 26th.
