Man to spend 20 years in jail for murder of Toshao
105 laws passed in under 5 years, including landmark oil spill bill – AG Hinterland hospitals now performing hundreds of surgeries – Pres Ali …says PPP investments replaced APNU/AFC neglect Viral bullying of special needs student sparks national uproar …possible transfers for students accused of bullying peer
“There’s a glut in the system” – Edghill tells truckers …urges diversification, expanding operations amid oversupply challenges
Newly sworn-in Court of Appeal Judges – Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, Nareshwar Harnanan, Jo-Ann Barlow, Navindra Singh and Kim Kyte-Thomas – along with President
Dr Irfaan Ali; Attorney General Anil Nandlall; acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and acting Chief Justice Roxane George and members of the Judicial Service Commission at the swearing-in of the new Judges at the Office of the President on Wednesday (Office of the President photo)
“With distinction comes heightened responsibility” – Pres Ali to 5 new CoA Judges …urges them to tackle appeals with diligence & impartiality
Five of the seven new Court of Appeal Judges, on Wednesday took their oaths of office before President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The judges were all appointed based on the Judicial Service Commission’s recommendations and the President reminded them that theirs will be a heavy responsibility as they play their part in strengthening the judiciary.
On Wednesday, President Ali swore in Justice Jo-Ann Barlow, Justice Navindra Singh, Justice Nareshwar Harnanan, Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, and Dr. Kim Kyte-Thomas, at the Office of the President.
In his address to these Judges, President Ali impressed on them the immense responsibility they have as Justices of Appeal.
According to the Head of
State, their appointment will help alleviate the case load and enhance the speed with which cases are heard and determined.
“The Court of Appeal serves a pivotal role in reviewing appeals from decisions of the high court and ensuring that the law is applied consistently, judicially and equitably. In so doing, it contributes extensively to the preservation of the rule of law, the protection of fundamental rights and the maintenance of constitutional order,” President Ali
guide future adjudication and influence the manner in which justice is experienced and upheld in our republic.”
The remaining two justices to be appointed are Justice Damone Younge and Senior Counsel Rafiq Khan. The announcement of the new Court of Appeal Judges was made by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on Tuesday. The JSC had also explained that “due to the exigencies of office and the need to address outstanding matters”, Younge and Khan would take their
said.
“The appointment of these five eminent individuals, made on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, reflects the continuing fortification of our judicial architecture. Their elevation comes at a time when the demand for expeditious appellate review is greater than ever. The efficacy of any judicial system depends on the timeliness with which it dispenses justice.”
The Head of State noted that much will be expected of these judges, as they play their part in improving the administering of justice. These expectations include diligence, impartiality and, in particular, adherence to the constitution and rule of law.
“Your ascension to the bench of the Court of Appeal represents undoubtedly one of the highest honors that can be conferred on a member of the legal profession. It signifies recognition, not only of your competence, but also of your character.”
“And the fidelity with which you have served the law thus far. However, with such distinction comes a heightened responsibility.
One that demands the utmost diligence, impartiality, and fidelity to the constitution and laws of the Republic,” the president said.
President Ali further noted that in their roles as justices of appeal, they will be called upon to be arbiters in matters of legal significance. As a matter of fact, the President reminded them that their judgements will “shape jurisprudence,
oaths at a later date. These appointments follow recent updates to the Court of Appeal Act to increase the complement of judges sitting in that court from nine to eleven. Three judges preside over a case at the Appeal Court at any given time. Therefore, the complement of eleven, allows for two extra Judges to be available when one Judge is out of the jurisdiction or unavailable for some reason.
The Court of Appeal also recently benefitted from an extension to its current building at Kingston, Georgetown to prepare for these appointments. During his weekly programme “Issues in the News” on Tuesday evening, Attorney General Anil Nandlall said that while the backlog of court cases was addressed in the High Court, “the backlog seemed to have now moved to the Court of Appeal because we had very few judges to begin with in that court, and then there were vacancies.”
Nandlall had explained that “you can have different sittings of the court at the same time because we now have an extended building. The building previously can only accommodate one sitting at a time.” He expressed hope that these appointments can clear the backlog in the system.
He noted that while the backlog of court cases was addressed in the High Court, “the backlog seemed to have now moved to the Court of Appeal because we had very few judges to begin with in
court.”
that
From left: Newly sworn-in Court of Appeal Judges Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, Nareshwar Harnanan and Jo-Ann Barlow, President Dr Irfaan Ali and Court of Appeal Judges Navindra Singh and Kim Kyte-Thomas
Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards and acting Chief Justice Roxane George at the swearingin of the new Judges at the Office of the President on Wednesday
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, May 22 –00:15h-01:45h and Friday, May 23 – 00:55h-02:25h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, May 22 – 12:15h-13:45h and Friday, May 23 –13:15h-14:45h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Rain showers with instances of thunder are expected during the day and at night, with sunshine in the morning and afternoon. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 12:36h reaching a maximum height of 2.38 metres.
Low Tide: 06:06h and 18:34h reaching minimum heights of 0.87 metre and 0.79 metre.
Not a square inch of Guyana’s territory will be ceded – Pres Ali
Ahead of the “fictitious” elections Venezuela has claimed it will hold for a Governor for Guyana’s Essequibo territory, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces President Dr Irfaan Ali has emphasized that “not a square inch would be ceded, now or ever”.
On Wednesday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali made it clear that Guyanese living in border communities close to Venezuela, have nothing to fear when it comes to the fictitious election Venezuela has said it will hold for Essequibo on May 25.
As a matter of fact, the President urged residents to wave their Guyana flags high. He further made it clear that not a single square inch of Guyana will be ceded to Venezuela, which has made unjust claims on Guyana’s Essequibo territory.
“We are 83,000 square miles. Proud and strong. Unshakeable, unbreakable. And that is how its going to be. We are respectful of international order. International rule of law. We continue to ask all residents to be proud of your heritage, fly your golden arrowhead very high, knowing that not a square inch will be ceded, now or ever,” the head of state said.
President Ali explained that Guyana’s actions amid the Venezuela border controversy are guided by three main pillars. These are diplomacy, support from the international community, and building capacity of its defense system.
“There are three tranches on which we’ve always defended our sovereignty and territorial integrity. One is diplomacy, first and foremost. We have always pursued diplomacy and diplomatic efforts, with our neighbours, the regional leaders and region itself. That’s the entire CELAC region and the international community.”
“The second issue is of course strengthening our own defense system. Ensuring that we have the best capability. In terms of protecting our sovereignty and territorial integrity. And thirdly, it is also the support of the international community. Continuing to work with the international community. And an important part of that, is the international order. International rule of law and adhering to that. So, these are the plans with which we work.”
President Ali acknowledged that the government has been getting feed-
back on the situation from its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, noting that he also made it clear that Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Dr. Richard Van West Charles and the embassy, have been instructed to continue advancing Guyana’s sovereignty over the Essequibo County.
“Our instructions to the ambassador and the embassy there, is to ensure that Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is well known to all stakeholders. When you’re an ambassador to a country, you’re not only speaking to the country. But you have your colleagues within that country, who are also being fed with different messaging. And you have that opportunity also to let them be aware of what the truth is,” the president said.
Very important partner
Meanwhile, asked to comment on recent statements from United States (US) Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot, expressing willingness to help Guyana with criminal elements in border regions, President Ali described the US as a very important partner to Guyana and also said that “the US is a very important partner. And they’re definitely part of what we’re doing.”
Ambassador Theriot had said on Tuesday that the US is prepared to support the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) in its efforts to combat the growing threat posed by foreign gangs along the Cuyuni River, a key stretch of the border between Guyana and Venezuela.
President Ali further explained that crimefighting is not just “guns and fir-
ing” but a lot of behind-thescenes work. According to the President, crime fight is “gathering intelligence, it’s understanding what’s happening… we have a holistic approach to this matter as well as other matters.”
Only recently, the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) reported multiple armed attacks on its river patrols between May 13 and 15 by men in civilian clothing on the Venezuelan side of the Cuyuni River, between Eteringbang and Makapa.
The incidents have heightened tensions in a region already strained by Venezuela’s escalating rhetoric and controversial plans to hold so-called elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region on May 25, a move the US and international community have roundly condemned.
President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking with the media on Wednesday
The outcry from Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, over the handling of a domestic violence case in Leguan, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) highlights a critical and urgent issue within Guyana’s legal system.
The case in question involves 26-year-old speedboat captain Orwin Rankin, who was charged with unlawful wounding after allegedly violently assaulting his fiancée, Selina Sookram, a mother of three. The graphic evidence shared by the victim’s mother on social media, showing the victim bloodied and bruised, drew national attention and renewed concerns about the efficacy of our legal system in protecting victims of domestic abuse. Despite the disturbing nature of the allegations, Rankin was released on a mere $40,000 bail and granted weekend custody of a child who may have been exposed to the violence.
Dr Persaud's statement following this ruling underscores a harsh and unfortunate reality: the court system, at times, appears to be out of step with the gravity of domestic violence and the trauma it inflicts particularly on women and children.
This newspaper is not condemning Magistrate Dylon Bess or any individual judicial officer. Magistrates are bound to operate within the framework of the law, weighing the evidence before them and maintaining the rights of the accused, including the presumption of innocence. However, what Dr Persaud’s comments underscore is that even within those boundaries, there is discretion and that discretion must be informed by the lived realities of domestic violence victims in Guyana.
When a woman is seen bleeding from her face, and her alleged abuser is granted low bail and continued access to a shared child, the message received by victims and the wider society is not one of safety, justice, or deterrence, it is one of abandonment.
The Family Violence Bill, passed in 2024, was designed to address precisely such issues. The legislation introduced 58 new clauses to strengthen protections for survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. It represents a significant legal and policy advancement, incorporating emotional, psychological, financial, and physical abuse into the definition of family violence. Yet, as Minister Persaud rightly laments, it appears the legislation is not being fully or effectively utilised in our courts.
The gap between legislation and enforcement must be closed, urgently. For laws to have meaning, they must be applied, and for victims to feel safe, the justice system must demonstrate a clear and consistent commitment to their protection.
Therefore, when these survivors step into the judicial arena, they must not be met with decisions that seem to dismiss their suffering or place them back into danger.
This is where the courts must act not just as interpreters of the law, but as protectors of the vulnerable. Judicial officers should be sensitised to the unique dynamics of domestic abuse, including coercive control, economic dependency, and trauma. Bail decisions and custody arrangements must reflect the high risk and potential lethality associated with domestic violence cases.
It is essential that the courts apply the Family Violence Bill rigorously and consistently.
It is also important that the justice system adopts a traumainformed approach that does not revictimise survivors. The courts must coordinate with social services, consider risk assessments, and where applicable, impose conditions on bail that prioritise the safety and well-being of victims and their children.
Domestic violence survivors deserve a justice system that affirms their right to safety and dignity. The legal framework exists. The national will is evident. What remains necessary is consistent, informed application of the law at every level of the judicial process.
Guyana must not allow justice to become a revolving door for abusers. Courts must serve as firm guardians of protection and justice for the most vulnerable.
Let this moment not be another cycle in the long-standing inertia that has characterized domestic violence cases in Guyana. Let it be a turning point.
On Wednesday, in the quiet village of Micobie, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) the Government held a memorial service in memory of the young victims of the Mahdia school dorm fire which occurred on May 21, 2023. Among those in attendance were Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill; Chairman of Region Eight, Headley Pio; Mayor of Mahdia, Eslyn Hussain; as well as grieving family members, friends, and loved ones. (Local Govt and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag photos)
Sugar production
Dear Editor,
Recently, the print media was dominated with letters and commentaries on sugar production under the PPP/C Government post 2020. Of interest, one letter written on May 16, 2025, contends that:
“The PPP/C government will come and tell the people of this country during this year’s elections campaign that the sugar industry produced poorly in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 because the APNU+AFC government closed sugar estates during the reorganization of the sugar industry. However, the question must be asked, how is it that despite the reorganization process, the industry still produced two to three times more sugar from 2016 to 2020, earned over US$200M more and with less resources?
Well, it is always very easy to destroy things, but very difficult, costly and time-consuming to build and rebuild things. Before I demonstrate with statistical facts, it would be remiss of me not to remind readers and the critics that the APNU+AFC government had completely disregarded its own advice not to close any of the sugar estates, vis-à-vis, the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report on the sugar industry.
Now for the facts. The APNU+AFC government closed four (4) sugar estates, namely: Skeldon, Rose Hall, Enmore and Wales. When the PPP/C government re-
Source: Guysuco Annual Report, 2015 and 2022
sumed office in 2020, work began to reopen only two of those estates: Rose Hall and Skeldon. As of 2022, according to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) annual report, the reopened estates were not yet accounting for total production, which is understandable. It took a considerable amount of time and resources to put back those estates into production. It was not an easy task then, and it is still not an easy task now.
As shown in table 1, total hectares (ha) harvested was 42, 784, which generated 206,618 metric tons (MT) of sugar, with an average yield/ha of 4.8 mt in 2015. Conversely, as of 2022, a total of 15, 686 ha were harvested, which generated a total of 47, 049 mt of sugar, with an average yield/ha of 3 mt. In other words, in 2022, almost three times (3x) less sugar cane was harvested, and 4.4x less sugar was produced owing to a lower average yield per ha.
In 2024, readers would recall that the Government
of Guyana (GoG) had reported on the efforts being made to increase production by way of cultivating an additional 5,000+ ha of land through the Skeldon estate.
With this in mind, the hard fact of the matter is that the sugar industry is in this current state, producing 4.4x less sugar than it did in 2015, largely because of the closure of the four estates by the APNU+AFC government in the 2015-2020 period. And
the PPP/C government could have practically reopened only two of those estates. Although work began by the PPP/C government almost immediately to reopen these two estates, Rose Hall and Skeldon, they did not start producing until post 2022/23 in the case of Rose Hall and post 2023/24 in the case of Skeldon.
Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin
New CoA Judges impressive
Dear Editor,
It is noted the same day the Editorial appeared lamenting the non-appointment of CoA judges, came the announcement that seven are to be appointed, with five taking the oath immediately. A case of the authorities listening and taking note of a concern in the public sphere. The lineup of those named for the elevation is quite impressive and well deserving. Congratulations and best wishes to all new CoA judges as you take up higher judicial duties.
Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed
US$1B Afreximbank fund launched to power local oil & gas businesses
In a bold move aimed at strengthening Guyana’s local oil and gas sector, the African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank) on Monday officially launched a US$1 billion oil services financing facility at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Bank and the Government of Guyana, seeks to bolster local content participation by providing targeted financial support to Guyanese firms operating in the energy industry. The
launch follows earlier discussions between President Dr Irfaan Ali and Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah, and marks a key deliverable of February’s Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo.
Held under the theme “Empowering Local Content Participation for Sustainable Prosperity through the Implementation of Afreximbank Mandate”, the two-day roadshow is designed to connect Guyanese businesses with financial tools to help them grow and compete in the dynamic oil and gas space.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, hailed the fund as a historic step towards unlocking untapped potential in Africa-Caribbean trade.
“There is a really deep and profound tie between the African continent and the Caribbean, that is rooted primarily first and foremost in its people and culture,” Dr Singh said.
“But there are also re-
markable economic opportunities that have remained untapped and under-tapped for far too long. We need, in this generation, to move the relationship beyond historic, cultural and emotional ties, and instead capitalise and leverage resources.”
He urged the Private Sector to “interrogate and analyse” the products being offered by Afreximbank, noting that real economic gains depend on meaningful uptake by local firms.
“We are committed as a government to providing all of the support that we possibly can to facilitate and encourage easier and more competitively priced access to financing,” he assured.
Dr Singh also issued a broader call to international and regional financial institutions to emulate Afreximbank’s approach, and scale up engagement with Guyana’s Private Sector.
Delivering a strong message of intent, Okechukwu Ihejirika, Regional Chief Operating Officer of Afreximbank, made clear the Bank’s goal was not just
to present ideas, but to deliver actionable outcomes.
“It is something we mean to implement… about getting deals done,” he said. “We’re here to listen, to engage, and to start implementation.”
He stressed the importance of ensuring that Guyanese companies — not just multinational corporations — benefit from the country’s oil wealth.
Focus not on tearing down, but on building-up together
Dear Editor,
The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) wishes to respond to a letter written by one Mrs. Emily Lorrimer published on May 19, 2025.
While Mrs Emily Lorrimer’s letter, attempted to raise a number of concerns about GuySuCo’s First Crop performance, it denigrated into a personal attack on GuySuco’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Paul Cheong. While the Corporation welcomes scrutiny and concurs that accountability is necessary, it is vital that criticism be grounded in fact and fairness, not conjecture and personal attacks.
It is undisputed that GuySuCo’s First Crop production stands at 15,980 metric tonnes but this must be analyzed in the context of the prevailing circumstances and not be attributed to lack of leadership by the CEO.
Weather impact and strategic decisions
Heavy and persistent rainfall severely negatively impacted the harvesting schedule, factory efficiency, and field access. Recorded rain fall has significantly surpassed the long term average with Berbice estates recording 212% and Demerara 160% of the es-
tablished long term mean (LTM) with 53% of the available days being classified as wet days. This isn’t “playing politics,” but a reality that increasingly erratic climatic conditions are negatively affecting agricultural operations globally. The decision to continue harvesting, particularly at Albion, was made to reduce losses by attempting to take out as much ripen canes as possible in the safest and most economical way. Leaving canes unharvested would have been even more disastrous, both financially and agronomically.
Factory performance and TC/TS
TC/TS at Albion during the favourable harvesting days reached as low at 11.38. Additionally, factory down time across the industry reduced significantly (22%) when compared to similar period in 2024. Further, cane yields in 2025 increased by 11% in the industry. Thus, it is malicious to attribute this circumstance entirely to “quack” parts or insinuate corruption without evidence.
Financial management
The claim that Mr. Cheong misled the public regarding the use of the G$13 billion parliamenta-
ry approved allocation is unfounded. Public spending by GuySuCo is subject to audit and parliamentary scrutiny. As of the close of the First Crop, GuySuCo had indeed utilized a portion of the allocation, but not the exaggerated figure of $9 billion as being reported by the writer. GuySuCo’s procurement processes undergo oversight and are governed by the National Procurement Act.
Labour shortage and mechanisation
GuySuCo, like many agricultural enterprises globally, is grappling with declining labour availability; this is not a new issue, and certainly not of Mr. Cheong’s doing. The Corporation has embarked on mechanization, not only to fill the labour gap but to improve cost-efficiency over time. Allegations of inflated private contractors’ payments are also totally unfounded.
CEO performance and marketing
It is easy to oversimplify GuySuCo’s marketing challenges without understanding today’s global sugar market dynamics. The current average price earned by the Corporation is significantly greater than the price quoted by the
writer. Under the astute leadership of Mr. Cheong, the Corporation has commenced the diversification of revenue, improve packaging, branding, and market access to reposition Guyana’s sugar.
Forward planning
The Corporation is strategically planning for the commencement of the Second Crop by reviewing timelines, field operations, and logistics to recover as much as possible from the canes that will be carried over.
Constructive criticism is welcomed, but when it descends into name-calling and personal attacks, it undermines the very progress it claims to promote.
As aforementioned, Mr. Cheong is not “bubbling on the job”, he is steering a century-old institution through structural reform, increasing climate uncertainty, and labour shortages, while building systems for long-term sustainability.
The Corporation urges all to focus not on tearing down, but on building-up together, transparently, and with shared resolve.
Sincerely, Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc
Bridging Africa and the Caribbean
The launch of the financing facility is part of Afreximbank’s broader mission to promote AfriCaribbean trade, build resilient economic partnerships, and close investment gaps in developing markets.
The Bank, founded in 1993, is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, and has become a key player in driving trade-based development across the African continent — and increasingly, in the Caribbean.
The US$1 billion facility will be available to support local companies engaged in oilfield services, logistics, fabrication, marine trans-
port, and other segments of the energy supply chain.
“This is not just finance,” Dr Singh declared. “It’s about building a future where Guyanese businesses lead in shaping their own destiny.”
Afreximbank is a pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade.
For more than 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa.
THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025
Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh
Page Foundation
English Maths
The Writer
In her room at the prow of the house Where light breaks, and the windows are tossed with linden, My daughter is writing a story.
I pause in the stairwell, hearing From her shut door a commotion of typewriter-keys Like a chain hauled over a gunwale. Young as she is, the stuff Of her life is a great cargo, and some of it heavy: I wish her a lucky passage.
But now it is she who pauses, As if to reject my thought and its easy figure. A stillness greatens, in which
The whole house seems to be thinking, And then she is at it again with a bunched clamor Of strokes, and again is silent.
I remember the dazed starling Which was trapped in that very room, two years ago;
1. Stanza 1 creates the image of:
(A) A broken window, bushes, and an inexperienced writer at her desk (B) A prowler peering through a covered front window
(C) A boathouse, a fence with bright windows, and a girl writing her story
(D) Open windows crowded with plants and a girl writing her story
2. The bird's situation (stanzas 6 to 10) is used to comment on the human condition as it:
(A) Reinforces the metallic drumming of the keys on the desk
(B) Reproduces disorder and discontent in the pace of writing
(C) Describes the systematic and steady sound of the typewriter
(D) Recreates the rapid and excited sound of the writer at work
(Note: This question seems to be mismatched with the options—it looks like options relate more to a typewriter phrase. Here's a corrected question for the options provided in #2):
2. The phrase "a commotion of typewriter keys" (line 5) is effective because it:
(A) Reinforces the metallic drumming of the keys on the desk (B) Reproduces disorder and discontent in the pace of writing (C) Describes the systematic and steady sound of the typewriter (D) Recreates the rapid and excited sound of the writer at work
3. "Like a chain hauled over a gunwale" (line 6) captures the:
(A) Picture of the daughter on a ship
(B) Metallic imagery of the gunwale
(C) Image of a locked room and a ship at sea
(D) Clamour the typewriter keys are making in the quiet house
6. The BEST explanation of the function of "The whole house seems to be thinking" (line 13) is that it:
(A) Develops the idea of thinking walls, talking houses, and meditation
How we stole in, lifted a sash And retreated, not to affright it; And how for a helpless hour, through the crack of the door, We watched the sleek, wild, dark And iridescent creature Batter against the brilliance, drop like a glove To the hard floor, or the desk-top, And wait then, humped and bloody, For the wits to try it again; and how our spirits Rose when, suddenly sure,
It lifted off from a chair-back, Beating a smooth course for the right window And clearing the sill of the world.
It is always a matter, my darling, Of life or death, as I had forgotten. I wish What I wished you before, but harder.
Richard Wilbur, “The Writer”, Retrieved from https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-writer
(B) Compares the parent's silence in their house to the keys of the typewriter (C) Personifies the boathouse and introduces the peacefulness of the sea imagery (D) Heightens the contrast with the typewriter in action and the quietness of thought
7. Which of the following adjectives BEST describe the bird in stanzas 7 and 8 (lines 19–24)?
(A) Sleek, angry, and daring
(B) Dazzling, dark, and wild
(C) Unique, grey, and helpless
(D) Curious, trapped, and colourful
8. Which of the following is the BEST example of an extended metaphor in this poem?
(A) The prow ship is compared to the house with the window covered with linden
(B) The glove that represents the bird that seeks to escape entrapment from the room and sure death
(C) A voyage which compares the challenges of growing up to a journey at sea, with all the dangers
(D) A ship on the ocean which personifies the bird and the doting parent who wishes a safe passage
9. Which of the following figurative devices BEST describes the phrases "her life is a great cargo" (line 8) and "beating a smooth course for the right window" (line 29)?
(A) Irony
(B) Simile
(C) Metaphor (D) Personification
10. Which of the following is an example of contrast in the poem?
(A) The battered bird and the silent house that waits (B) The active typewriter and the much-used desktop (C) The daughter who writes and the father who is non-observant (D) The daughter's youth and the burden of her life experiences
Demerara Bank slashes mortgage rate to 5%
…50% discount on Attorney fees; elimination of processing fees, same-day approval
Days after President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that the New Building Society (NBS) will increase its lending limit while maintaining low interest rates as part of efforts to improve living standards for workers in Guyana, Demerara Bank has now followed suit.
The Bank has announced a reduction in its residential mortgage interest rate to five per cent for loans of up to $30 million, further enhancing access to affordable homeownership for citizens.
On Wednesday, the Bank said that the announcement underscores the its continued commitment to national development and improving the lives of everyday Guyanese.
The reduced rate applies exclusively to residential mortgages and is accompanied by a suite of cost-saving incentives. These include a 50 per cent discount on Attorney fees, the elim -
ination of processing fees, and a waiver of site inspection fees, measures that significantly lower the upfront costs associated with homeownership.
“This is our way of giving back and standing with our citizens as they build better futures,” Chief Executive Officer of Demerara Bank Limited, Dowlat Parbhu said on Wednesday, adding that “by lowering rates and removing several key costs, we’re not just offering financial products, we’re offering real support to the people of Guyana”.
The initiative is part of the Bank’s strategy to support community development and strengthen the national housing sector. It is expected to provide substantial relief for middle-income families seeking to own their first home or upgrade their living conditions.
The Bank said that interested applicants can begin the mortgage applica -
tion process online via the Bank’s website and benefit from same-day approval, making the path to homeownership quicker and more convenient.
On Sunday, President Ali during a Labour Day brunch at State House said that he had instructed the Finance Minister to write NBS to increase the loan limit to $30
million “with the guarantee that their interest rate on loans $30 million and below for housing will be five per cent maximum”.
According to President Ali, this is among the raft of measures the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government will be rolling out for working-class Guyanese.
2020 election fraud trial
President Ali had previously revealed that there has been a 41.25 per cent growth in lending for homeownership and house construction from 2020 to 2023. This figure has steadily increased over the years.
One of the measures that have had a positive impact on mortgages has been the mortgage interest relief, which the PPP/C Government had increased from $15 million to $30 million. It was announced last year that almost 17,000 homeowners had benefited, with over $2.7 billion going back into their pockets.
Mortgage interest relief is a tax refund from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) that reduces the amount of interest paid by a homeowner on their mortgage. The initiative was introduced in Guyana back in 2013 under the then PPP/C Government.
Additionally, with the encouragement of the State,
several banks have also been implementing promotions aimed at easing the process of homeownership for customers. Among those measures were the Demerara Bank Limited’s “A Loan That Brings You Home” promotion.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) had launched its “Dream Big – We’ll Take Care of The Rest” promotion, offering reduced interest rates to aid persons seeking financial assistance to buy, build or complete their new homes, or for persons wishing to renovate their homes.
Citizens Bank had implemented its “My Time Home Mortgage” promotion, offering prospective homeowners the chance to benefit from interest rates as low as 3.5 per cent, reduced loan fees, insurance premiums, and a maximum of 30 years to repay.
Court hears details of mysterious flash drive, bomb threat, door kickdown
He told the court that in the early hours of that morning, around 01:40h, he received troubling reports from his ranks stationed at the Ashmins building, the Region Four tabulation centre. According to his officers, a man was seen removing a flash drive from the main tabulation area and entering a side room with a computer.
Thomas said he immediately responded and, accompanied by Constable Julius Reitz and other ranks, located the individual, identified as GECOM Information Technology Technician
Amysterious flash drive incident, an alleged breach of Police barricades, and the dramatic kicking down of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chair’s office door, all unfolded in testimony Wednesday as two key witnesses gave accounts of the chaos that gripped Guyana’s 2020 elections, during the continuing fraud trial at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
On Wednesday, former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Edgar Thomas, recounted a suspicious incident involving a flash drive during the Region Four vote tabulation on March 5, 2020. Thomas, who served at the time as the Regional Commander for Division 4A (Georgetown), became the fourth witness to take the stand in the case.
Enrique Livan inside a room on the lower flat. Livan was reportedly bent over a laptop with the flash drive still in his hand.
“He claimed he was tired and went in there to rest,” Thomas testified. “But the fact that he had the flash drive and was on a laptop raised serious concerns, especially given the circumstances.”
Thomas said that while still at the scene, he heard the then Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Dr Frank Anthony accuse Livan of tampering with election data, though Anthony was not in the room at the time. Thomas, who had known Dr Anthony, described the moment as tense and filled with suspicion.
He testified that he attempted to contact the then Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield for clarity on Livan’s authority. When
Lowenfield answered, he reportedly responded, “another problem again”, but gave no clear instructions.
Later that morning, amid mounting concern, observers and party officials suggested that the data on Livan’s laptop be displayed on the large screen in the tabulation centre for transparency. Thomas said he entered the room and saw two folders projected on the screen, but could not determine what files were inside.
Soon after, Lowenfield presented a printed copy of the displayed data, but expressed exhaustion and requested to leave. Thomas said he personally escorted him home.
Bomb threat
The courtroom also heard that later that same morning, around 09:50h, a bomb threat was reported at the
Ashmins building. Thomas said he responded to the scene and ordered everyone to evacuate. However, many refused, including election observers, who told him they did not believe the threat was credible and preferred
to stay.
“About an hour later, we were informed that there was no bomb,” he told the court, adding that a trace of the call revealed it originated from a residence in East La Penitence. Thomas said
the caller turned out to be the nephew of a former Deputy Permanent Secretary, who later approached him requesting bail for her nephew. It was granted.
Former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Edgar Thomas
Kian Jabour, executive member of ANUG
“This is a travesty!”
– Minister accuses court of failing to protect domestic violence survivors
…outraged as accused gets $40,000 bail, weekend
custody of child
Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud has shared her disappointment with the legal system after a man who is accused of domestic violence was placed on $40,000 bail.
he did this to her tonight.”
Friends…
Orwin Rankin, a 26-year-old speedboat captain, was arrested by police on Tuesday morning following allegations of abuse against his fiancée in Leguan.
Following his arrest the on Wednesday the domestic violence accused appeared at the Wakenaam Magistrate's Court, before Magistrate Dylon Bess, where the charge of unlawful wounding was read to him. He pleaded not guilty and was placed on $40,000 bail. The matter was transferred to the Leguan Magistrate’s Court and will continue on May 29.
bloody abuse at the hands of her partner, being a case in point.”
She added, “The court saw it fit to release the alleged perpetrator on bail on the paltry sum of $40,000. Worse yet, the court permits him to have custody of the child on weekends.”
The minister also expressed concerns about the safety of the child shared by the two parties who allegedly witnessed the bru-
The incident was highlighted by the victim’s mother, Sharmilla Dhanraj on Facebook. In a post which included a photo of the victim bleeding from her face, the woman said, “I’m begging for help for my daughter…This is Leguan and nothing don’t hide I know everyone knows my daughter Selina, she’s a mom of 3 kids and she’s been living with Orin Rankin aka Kang
Following the court proceedings, Minister Persaud in a social media post shared her dissatisfaction about the way the case was handled by the court. In her statement the minster said.
“I wish to record my disappointment and concern at the seemingly lenient approach adopted by courts -as recent as today. The case involving Selena Sookram, who has been the subject of constant violent
talities and may have been hurt in the process.
Moreover, Dr Persaud also referenced the Family Violence Bill which was passed in 2024. The bill offers comprehensive coverage for various types of abuse, including emotional and psychological.
The new piece of legislation builds upon the previously existing Act by introducing 58 new clauses and a schedule, to prevent and
reduce incidences of family violence in Guyana, ensure the protection of victims of abuse within families, and bring the perpetrators to justice. However, minister Persaud highlighted that this piece of legislation is not being utilized.
“It is obvious that the new legislation is not being used. This is a travesty! The people are not benefiting from the laws that are being enacted how can we keep survivors of violence safe, many of them women, with these decisions handed down by courts that seem to be devoid of concern for the realities of survivors who are wrested from violent situations by Ministry of Human Services and Guyana Police Force, many times to save their lives.”
Nevertheless, she noted that the Human Services Ministry continues to work to provide safe shelter, psychosocial and socio-economic support and to work along with the Guyana Police Force to remove and support women caught in violent situations.
Man to spend 20 years in jail for murder of Toshao
An Essequibo High Court judge has sentenced a 32-year-old man to 20 years in prison for the 2019 killing of Kurutuku Village Toshao, Solomon Lewis, a crime that unfolded after a violent domestic dispute escalated fatally.
Addisena Benjamin, of Kurutuku Village, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), was handed the sentence by Justice Navindra Singh following his guilty plea to the capital offence of murder. The sentence will be reduced by the amount of time Benjamin has already spent in custody since his arrest over five years ago. According to the case presented by State Prosecutor Caressa Henry, the incident took place on January 1, 2019, in the remote indigenous village, shortly after a confrontation erupted between Benjamin and Lewis. The altercation reportedly began after Benjamin as-
saulted Lewis’s daughter, Sarah Lewis, with whom he was romantically involved.
When Lewis attempted to intervene in defense of his daughter, a heated argument ensued, during which Benjamin armed himself with a cutlass and dealt Lewis a blow to the shoulder. The injury proved devastating. Lewis was rushed for medical attention but later succumbed to his wound. A post-mortem examination
revealed that he died from septic shock resulting from the multiple injuries he sustained during the attack.
In addition to killing the village leader, Benjamin also attacked and injured Lewis’s son, Marvin Lewis, during the violent outburst.
During the sentencing hearing, Benjamin was represented by attorney-at-law Tonza Sarabo, who urged the court to consider his client’s early guilty plea and the fact that he had been on remand since the date of the incident. Sarabo submitted that these factors demonstrated a degree of remorse and cooperation with the judicial process.
However, State Counsel Henry emphasized several aggravating elements in the case, including the brutal use of a weapon, the vulnerability of the 52-year-old victim, and the broader context of rising violence in society. She asked the court to take a firm stance against
such acts, particularly those involving indigenous leaders who serve vital roles in their communities.
In delivering his ruling, Justice Singh acknowledged the mitigating factors raised but concluded that the nature of the crime warranted a substantial custodial sentence. He ordered that Benjamin serve a 20-year term, with a deduction for time already spent behind bars awaiting trial.
…in our corner
Your Eyewitness has been kvetching for donkey’s years about the saying that “a friend in need is a friend indeed”. But he thinks he finally got it! When you’re in need – as we are right now to counter that Madman Maduro on our western border – that’s when you really appreciate support from those who step up to the plate to lend a hand! And with a lump in your throat, you promise to always be ready to return the favour – to be a friend.
This thought came to your Eyewitness’s mind when he read of US Ambassador Theriot’s declaration of her country’s willingness to do what it takes to kick those Sindicato butts on the Cuyuni who’ve been using our GDF soldiers for target practice. Let it be known that those Sindicatos aren’t no “civilians” letting off some steam – but bandits sponsored by the Mad Maduro to prop up his regime in the Venezuelan “Wild East” across the Cuyuni. They prey on the gold miners in that area with connivance of the local Venezuelan forces.
While our Government’s been moving on all fronts – diplomatic, economic, judicial, and military – our preparations for deterring the madman by showing him he’s gonna get a bloody nose at a minimum isn’t quite there as at now. So, in cases like these, you need a friend – or friends – who can watch your back…and pack a punch. The Ambassador’s promise repeats the US commitment to help in our defence ever since Mad Maduro turned green with envy at Exxon’s gushers of sweet light crude from under our coast – and threatened us with his warships and everything else at his disposal including his kitchen sink!! They’ve been daring him to be stupid!!
So, for the past few years – especially after West Point’s Big Mike Pompeo bitch-slapped the Granger gang from office – where they’d insisted on squatting after the Guyanese people had voted them out – there’s been a regular procession of US defence and military personnel through Port Georgetown. And it hasn’t been all firm handshakes and moral support!! We’ve purchased a couple of patrol boats from the States, a couple of aircraft from the Indians, an offshore patrol vessel from the Frenchies, and have conducted any number of joint exercises with the Yanks. And then there’s been the display of actual military hardware like battleships to remind Maduro that it ain’t just bluster.
India’s Ambassador has also just made a welcome declaration that his country is willing to support us against Mad Maduro’s bullyism. But in their case the support is non kinetic – support for our ICJ’s case to declare that the 1899 Arbitral Award definitively establishes our border. While it may not sound like much, we should be grateful for every bit of support that comes our way!
…buttressing our capabilities
But in the end – especially in international affairs –we can’t depend only on friends. After all, the maxim is “there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies –just permanent interests”!! As your Eyewitness has been pointing out, 300 billion barrels of Venezuelan crude trumps our 15 billion every day!! So, in the meantime, we gotta use the Americans’ chumminess – while our interests coincide – to boost our own capabilities.
Up to now, they’ve promised “Military Support to Security, Stability, Transition and Reconstruction Operations; Military Financing; Military Sales; International Military Education and Training; Medical Support Training and Operations; Humanitarian Assistance, Civic Action and Disaster Relief Programs and Military to Military Exchange/Training Programs”!
That’s quite a mouthful, innit?? We gotta take up their offer and continue building up our GDF – army, air force and navy. Your Eyewitness supports – fervently – calls that have been made for a military base in our Essequibo – to which we should allow our American ally access.
…and our frontiermen
Our Army Chief Omar Khan just reminded us at the National Toshaos Conference of the importance of our Indigenous Peoples to our defence of our western front. He emphasised they were our eyes and ears!!
Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud
The mother of three who was beaten (right), and the accused, 26-year-old Orwin Rankin
Dead: Solomon Lewis
Jailed: Addisena Benjamin
105 laws passed in under 5 years, including landmark oil spill bill – AG
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall has defended the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration’s policy development record, touting the passage of more than 100 pieces of legislation since taking office.
Speaking during his weekly programme Issues in the News on Tuesday, Nandlall underscored the government’s commitment to maintaining a modern and effective legislative framework, highlighting what he described as significant strides in strengthening the country’s legal architecture.
Nandlall was at the time responding to comments from the opposition on the recently passed Oil Pollution Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Responsibility Bill, a piece of legislation that mandates strict oil spill prevention, emergency response protocols, and accountability for polluters.
Highlighting that the newly enacted bill was well constructed and robust, Nandlall said, “but as struggled as they did, as tried as they did, they couldn't find an argument of great substance critical of the bill. So, they ended up criticizing the government for taking too long to bring the bill. So that was the wrong committed, which the government was lambasted
for. We took too long to bring the bill.”
In his response the attorney general stressed that this argument being peddled by the Opposition lacked merit, in fact Nandlall revealed that despite going into office late and working through a pandemic, the PPP/C administration successfully managed to develop and enact more than 100 pieces of legislation to date, several of which he noted are key pieces of legislation that govern the country’s booming oil and gas sector.
“We brought, and let me, for the press – I did a reckoning of the number of bills we have passed so far. So far in this parliament, with COVID and all the other challenges, we have passed 105 pieces of legislation for the 12th parliament, and we are not yet finished. 105 pieces of legislation, 105 pieces of legislation.”
Nandlall added, “We got into government and begun to sit in parliament of September of 2020, whereas we should have been sitting in parliament since March of 2020 and we were able to pass the Local Content Act, the Natural Resources Fund Act, the Petroleum Activities Act, and now the Oil Pollution Prevention Preparedness Response and Responsibility Bill and then we were also able to draft a model PSA that will govern PSAs in the future. Complicated document that took a few years to draft. Each of the legislation that I'm referring to, each of these statutes are landmark in their own right they are all technical and complex pieces of legislation.”
Additionally, Nandlall also bashed the APNU/AFC collation for neglecting the oil and gas sector during its tenure in office from 2015 – 2020.
“They were there from 2015. Since they got in, they knew that oil was going to be produced because we announced that before the 2015 elections. And of course, they signed the 2016 infamous lopsided profit-sharing agreement with the licensees and they gave the first set of licenses. They never passed one single piece of regulation, not even a subsidiary legislation, no legislation whatsoever.”
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall
Bartica trio slapped with burglary charges; 1 sentenced, 2 remanded to prison
Three men from Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), who were arrested and charged for an alleged break and enter and larceny committed on Jianmei Qiu, were on Wednesday before the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday May 21, where one received an 18
month sentence while two were remanded to prison.
Paul McKenzie and Carlton Simmons pleaded not guilty, and were remanded to prison until July 2, 2025, while Mario Singh pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to one year and six months imprisonment.
Thirty-four-year-old Paul McKenzie, unem-
ployed, of Lot 4 New Housing Scheme, Bartica, Essequibo River; Mario Singh, 37, unemployed, of Lot 119 West Indian Housing Scheme, Bartica Essequibo River, and Carlton Simmons, a 44-year-old miner of Agatash Village, Bartica, Essequibo River, were charged for break and enter and larceny.
Bartica women granted $50,000 bail each for drug charges
Phillipenia Carrington, a 66-year-old pensioner of Bartica, and 32year-old Cherry Robertson, both of Lot 47 6th Avenue Bartica, were on May 21, 2025 placed on $50,000 bail after they appeared at the Bartica Magistrates’ Court charged under Section 5 (1) (a) (i) of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (Control) Act 10:10, for ‘Possession of Narcotics for the Purpose of Trafficking’.
When the charges were read to them, they plead-
ed not guilty and were each granted bail.
The matter was adjourned to July 9, 2025.
Linden trio on armed robbery charge granted bail
Three young men from Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraUpper Berbice) have been granted $350,000 bail each, after they appeared at the Linden Magistrate's Court on Wednesday to answer to an armed robbery charge.
The trio: Muhamad
Bakker, a 19-year-old welder of Powiese Crescent, Amelia's Ward, Linden; Javon LaFleur, a 28-yearold labourer of Self Help, Amelia's Ward, Linden; and Elijah Gilkes, a 19-year-old labourer of South Amelia's Ward, Linden were arrested on May 17, 2025 and charged for Robbery Under
Arms committed on Gang Xing at Central Amelia's Ward Mackenzie, Linden. They were not required to plead and were placed on $350,000 bail each, on the condition that they report at Mackenzie Police Station twice every month. The matter was adjourned to June 27.
Court hears details of...
Door kickdown
Before Thomas took the stand, the court heard from another notable witness, Kian Jabour, executive member of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), who was the third witness in the trial, and recounted his own actions during the chaotic events of March 2020.
Jabour testified about breaching Police barricades and entering the third floor of the Ashmins building, where the office of the GECOM Chair was located. He said he pushed past two Police Officers; despite knowing he had no legal right to do so, in a desperate attempt to speak with the Chair about what he called a “wrongful declaration” of votes by Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo.
“I felt democracy was under threat, and time was of the essence,” Jabour said, noting that he was accompanied by several People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) officials, in-
cluding now President Dr Irfaan Ali.
Once on the third floor, Jabour said the group demanded entry into the GECOM Chair’s office, and when the door was not opened, “entrance was achieved”, a phrase that under cross-examination was revealed to mean that the door had been forcibly kicked open.
“I did not physically kick the door down,” Jabour later clarified. But when pressed by Defence Attorney Nigel Hughes, who cited repeated statements Jabour had made to the contrary, Jabour admitted to breaching Police orders.
“I knew the Police’s instructions should be obeyed, but I went past them anyway,” he said.
Despite the confrontation and chaos, Jabour conceded that he never presented any formal letter of protest to the Chair, nor did he speak with her directly after forcing entry into her office.
Wednesday’s hearing followed the testimony of Local Government Minister Sonia Parag, who appeared on Tuesday as the second witness in the case. Parag gave a detailed account of inflated vote figures and tabulation irregularities at the same Ashmins building, including her objection to results being read from a spreadsheet rather than official Statements of Poll (SOPs). Nine individuals are currently facing charges for conspiracy to commit electoral fraud, including former Government Minister Volda Lawrence, former GECOM CEO Keith Lowenfield, Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, and Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo.
The trial resumes Thursday, with more witnesses expected to take the stand as prosecutors continue to unravel what transpired during the fateful days following the March 2, 2020 polls.
Paul McKenzie Carlton Simmons
Mario Singh
Phillipenia Carrington Cherry Robertson
Muhamad Bakker
Elijah Gilkes Javon LaFleur
Viral bullying of special needs student sparks national uproar
…possible transfers for students accused of bullying peer
In the wake of a disturbing bullying incident involving a special needs student at Ann’s Grove Secondary School, the Education Ministry has initiated firm disciplinary actions, including mandatory counselling, psychological evaluations, and in some cases, the transfer of students involved in the abuse.
The intervention follows the viral circulation of a video showing several students slapping and hurling abusive language at the vic-
tim. The matter was first brought to light by a cousin of the injured student and has since sparked national outrage.
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, visited the child’s home in Victoria Village over the weekend, and later dispatched a high-level team from the Ministry to Ann’s Grove Secondary for an extensive, pre-scheduled meeting with affected students, parents, and teachers.
The ministry’s dele-
gation was led by Deputy Chief Education Officer for Administration, Tiffany Favorite-Harvey, and included ACEOs Sherwyn Blackman and Dr. Keon Cheong, along with Regional Education Officer Keane Adams. The team spent hours listening to accounts, and consulting with school staff.
According to a Ministry release, sanctions were determined based on the severity of each student’s involvement in the abuse.
Offending students face “mandatory counselling, psychological evaluations, and/or transfers,” along with rigid monitoring going forward.
The Ministry also expressed deep disappointment that the school’s internal mechanisms failed to act appropriately or in a timely manner.
“We are currently investigating why this system failed in this instance,” the Ministry said. “Ann’s Grove Secondary has a fulltime counsellor, as do most secondary schools. This incident should never have reached this stage.”
The Ministry confirmed that more than 133 counsellors are employed across 117 secondary schools, with further efforts underway to increase capacity in hinterland regions, where such expertise remains limited.
During her visit, Minister Manickchand offered comfort and reassurance to the young victim and her family.
“You are special and you are loved,” she told the student, emphasizing that Guyana no longer views special needs as a hindrance to learning and thriving.
The Minister further committed to personally tracking the case, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s broader mission to ensure safe and inclusive schools
for every child.
Call for accountability
The Ministry is now conducting a full internal review into the school’s initial handling of the incident, and has pledged appropriate action at the conclusion of the probe.
This case has reignited public discourse around school violence, special education inclusion, and institutional accountability.
The Ministry has called on all educators, parents, and students to help uphold the principles of dignity, safety, and equality in the education system. “This is not just about punishment—it’s about changing the culture in our schools,” said one Ministry official involved in the investigation. “No child should ever feel unsafe or unwelcome in their learning environment.”
The Ministry’s delegation, led by Deputy Chief Education Officer for Administration, Tiffany FavoriteHarvey
Education Minister Priya Manickchand, consoling the victim during her visit to the child’s Victoria Village home
Hinterland hospitals now performing hundreds of surgeries – Pres Ali …says PPP investments replaced APNU/AFC neglect
President Dr Irfaan Ali has credited strategic investments by his administration for transforming the healthcare landscape in the hinterland regions, citing remarkable improvements in Region One (BarimaWaini) and Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), where hospitals once unable to conduct surgeries are now performing hundreds annually.
Addressing indigenous leaders at the opening of the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) Conference 2025 on Monday, the Head of State contrasted the healthcare performance under the APNU/AFC government with the achievements made under the PPP since 2020.
In Region One, President Ali revealed that under the APNU/ AFC administration, the Mabaruma Regional Hospital managed only 15 surgeries between 2015 and 2019, while the Moruca District Hospital performed none. In stark contrast, the President reported that in 2024 alone, Mabaruma carried out 570 surgeries and Moruca performed 85 elective surgeries.
“These are the facts, this is the reality,” President Ali declared to the gathering. He further stated that nearly all complicated pregnancies in Region One were previously referred out of the region, with 99% requiring external assistance. However, due to investments in neonatal services and improved delivery of healthcare, there have been zero such referrals in 2024.
The medivac rate has also drastically declined. “Between 2015 and 2020, more than 15 per cent of patients sometimes had to be medivacked out of the region. In 2024, because of the investment we made, less than one per cent required medivac,” the President explained.
Additionally, Region One now benefits from more than 16 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), six ambu-
lances, pickups, minibuses, motorbikes, and over 25 boats and engines to facilitate the transportation of patients and health workers. Drug and medical supply availability has also surged from below 30% between 2015 and 2019 to over 95% between 2021 and 2024.
High and exceptional quality
President Ali also highlighted similar advances in Region Nine. He pointed out that under APNU/ AFC, the Lethem Regional Hospital recorded zero surgeries from 2015 to 2019. However, in 2024 alone, 1,216 surgeries were performed there. The hospital has even begun to attract patients from neighbouring Brazil.
“Today, the services of
to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) have plummeted from 39% to three per cent in the same timeframe.
Drug and medical supply availability in Region Nine has also seen major improvement, rising from 45 per cent under APNU+AFC to 90 per cent under the current administration.
President Ali criticised the APNU/AFC government for a complete lack of healthcare training initiatives in the region. “Between 2015 and 2019, zero nursing assistants were trained, zero medical laboratory technicians, zero NICU nurses, zero leadership training,” he said. “Between 2020 and 2024, we have trained more than 550 residents in these areas.”
the Lethem Hospital are of such high and exceptional quality that we are now taking record numbers of patients from Brazil,” the President said.
Across Region Nine, there were no ophthalmology surgeries, no telemedicine facilities, no oxygen generation, and no vaccine refrigerators during the previous administration. Today, the situation is vastly different. Oxygen is now generated in the region, producing 2,100 large and 1,050 small cylinders, while telemedicine services and regional vaccine cold storage are operational.
Critical pregnancy referrals out of the region have dropped from 90% between 2015 and 2020 to under two per cent in 2024. Medical evacuations
He noted that Region Nine now has 25 vaccination sites and a regional cold storage facility. Additionally, there has been a 53 per cent reduction in malaria cases.
Further developments underway he pointed out includes the completion of a new Lethem Regional Hospital featuring surgical theatres, CT scan capabilities, and expanded emergency and pharmaceutical services. A new medical school will also be established to train healthcare professionals in the region.
“These are the investments that we are making,” the president affirmed, “to deliver a modern, efficient healthcare system in every region of Guyana.”
President Dr Irfaan Ali, along with Prime Minister Mark Phillips, with Indigenous leaders at State House on Monday where a reception was hosted after the opening of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) 2025 Conference
Amid rising complaints from local truckers over plummeting haulage rates and increased competition from Chinese operators, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill met with dozens of truckers in Linden, Region Ten (Upper DemeraraBerbice) on Tuesday, urg-
and other construction materials, particularly for government infrastructure projects.
He noted that while the sector remains competitive, opportunities still exist.
“You are telling me that you feel mistreated, in that the competition really is the owner of the quarry is now
In a nod to frustrations over perceived favoritism at loading sites, Edghill stressed that fairness must prevail.
On this point, he acknowledged the disparity in the market and confirmed that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) had reached an
ing them to diversify their operations and adapt to market shifts as the sector becomes saturated.
During the engagement, local truckers informed the minister that hauling rates for stone have dropped from $3,000 per tonne to $1,300, squeezing already slim margins.
They also alleged that truckers are being edged out of the quarry by foreign operators who have preferential access and faster loading times, even when hauling stone on behalf of paying local contractors.
In response, Edghill urged truckers to not be dismayed but adapt by expanding their operations into other areas such as transporting sand, loam,
owning trucks. And when somebody buys stone from the quarry, more than likely the private sector, because government is not buying stone right now, when the owner of the quarry gets an order for stone, the owner has now engaged their own transportation network to take the stone to where the quarry gets the order from. And you are not getting the volume or the quantity of work that you were getting before”.
“Now, you are mainly fetching stone. I want you to start exploring that with the government contracts that are available, there is need for sand and there is need for loom for the roads that we are building up,” Edghill said.
agreement with the quarry operators to implement a two-line system to ensure fairer access for local truckers.
“As of yesterday [Tuesday] afternoon, the GGMC made an arrangement with the Chinese that there will be two lines, so that the discrimination that you’re saying you’re getting in terms of loading will come to an end.”
“Guyana is open for business, but the government will not sit idly by and allow Guyanese to be taken advantage of even in that open environment…the only duty-free equipment the Chinese got is the operational equipment if they buy trucks, they bought it just like you,” he assured.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill engaging truckers in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) on Tuesday
MAY 22, 2025
Linden Highway smash-up...
1st day on the job turns fatal for contractor, employee
The contractor who died in the Monday morning accident on the Linden Highway, was on his way to start constructing a new building. His sole passenger, who also perished in the crash, was going to start his first day working with the contractor.
Kowmalram Ramin 40, a contractor of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, and Fitzgerald Authur Carter 29, of Rosignal, West Bank Berbice, died after the car which Ramin was driving, crashed into a minibus along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway at about 5:10h.
Several passengers who were in the minibus along with the driver, were injured and taken to hospital for treatment.
Both Ramin and Carter were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
ing that it is the police. So I start wondering if there is any problems with him. I asked the police and the police said, no, your son reached with an accident, and he's dead,” the mother revealed.
Nichols said she did not travel to Linden where her son’s body was. However, she was able to view video footage of her son taken from the accident scene.
“When I saw the video, I burst into tears. I couldn't take it. His neck broken. His hands broken. His whole one side face damaged on one side, one eye closed down one open and his mouth from here burst in half. His mouth – he haven't got no teeth at the top,
none at the bottom. My God., it isn't easy. It is not easy,” she cried.
Ramin’s sister-in-law, Mala Evans, said the family learned of the crash from the news and subsequently found out where the body was.
She said Ramin was on his way to start constructing a new building. According to the sister-in-law, the family had no idea who he was taking with him to work.
“I am not sure if there is a worker that lives on that side that he would have went to drop him because he was coming home. He was coming home with a worker,” she said.
According to Evans, the family is still in the dark for
lack of information and would like to be able to have closure.
“We actually want to know exactly what happened. We want to know because we would want to have closure. We don't know exactly what happened to him. We don't know anything.”
Police had said the driver of the minibus claimed that he noticed the car approaching at a fast rate, and as it approached a section of the road that was under construction, the driver lost control of the car. The vehicle started to skid and ended up in the path of the minibus. The minibus driver said he applied the brakes but could not avoid a collision.
“He wake up in the morning, before he go, he tell me two days before that he have a job, and going to Georgetown to work. Because when he's here in Rosignol, he is not getting work.
According to Karen Nichols, her son, Fitzgerald Carter, informed her last week that he had found a job and was going to the capital city, Georgetown to work.
The grieving mother said it was on the same day, Monday, that she was informed about the crash involving the car in which her son left West Berbice.
“I calling my son and I hear he answering but when I listen good, it's the police say-
Severe fly infestation plagues Fyrish residents
Residents of Fyrish village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) are calling for urgent intervention as a persistent fly infestation is wreaking havoc in their lives.
According to residents, a chicken pen in the vicinity is making life difficult for them, and costs them lots of money to reduce the impact of the infestation.
One resident, 29-year-old Vishal Manickchand, referred to the issue as an unbearable one and long-standing.
“This fly problem been going on all the time. Nobody doing anything. Every day is flies, and it is not just outside—they are coming in the house, in the food, and all over. There are dead chick-
ens in the pen, and they don’t clean up properly. This is every year, every season - same story. People can’t even eat in peace outside here,” the visibly frustrated man said, while noting that he has contacted the farm owner in the past on the issue.
“They said they would send medicine, but that doesn’t help if the pen isn’t cleaned. My wife is ill, and even the doctor asked what’s the living condition like. I had to explain that we are surrounded by flies and mosquitoes every night,” he added.
Another resident, Zena Singh, who has been living in the community for the past 40 years, was no different in her analysis of the issue.
Singh explained that de-
spite spending money frequently on insecticides, it does not help.
“How much money you go spend here?” she questioned. “You buy thing to spray, it ain’t make no sense. You can’t eat your food in peace. The flies are everywhere - inside the house, on your plate, even when you sleep. I use all kinds of sprays and repellents, but nothing works. The place smells, and the flies just keep coming back,” she said.
“It is a waste. You spray, and they come back right after.”
Residents are pleading for the authorities and environmental health officials to intervene and ensure there is proper sanitation practices at the poultry facility, or to have it relocated.
Search called off for missing fisherman – wife
The search for a West Bank Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) fisherman who disappeared on April 8, while sailing on the Atlantic Ocean has been called off.
That is according to the missing fisherman’s wife Rebecca Inchanally.
On April 8, Daniel Inchanally 32, of Rosignol and Vishal Parmanand 18, of D’Edward West Bank Berbice reportedly left home to go to Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) on April 8, to pick up the boat and sail it back to their village. They left Crabwood Creek, and were expected to sail along Guyana’s Atlantic Coast
Daniel Inchanally
to the estuary of the Berbice River, where they were to moor the boat at the ThreeDoor landing site at D’Edward
village.
However, they never arrived. Instead, the boat was discovered the following day along the Tain foreshore by a fisherman. At the time, a bag containing the teenager’s belongings, including his cellular phone, was in the boat, and the 60hp engine was still on the vessel.
On April 18, the partly decomposed body of Parmanand was discovered by two fishermen along the eastern beach of the Atlantic, in the vicinity of Borlam, East Coast Berbice.
According to the mother of two, family members continued their search for Inchanally but called it off about a week after the teen’s body was found.
AmCham Guyana’s inaugural US trade mission opens doors to business partnerships, market access
In a landmark move to deepen commercial ties and unlock new business opportunities, the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Guyana, led its first-ever outbound trade mission to Miami, Florida, from May 11 to May 15, 2025, bringing more than 20 Guyanese business representatives into direct contact with influential US stakeholders across the energy, logistics, finance, and trade infrastructure sectors.
Organised in collaboration with the South Florida District Export Council and the US Commercial Service (US Department of Commerce), the delegation was spearheaded by AmCham Guyana Executive Director Richard Leo and Project Coordinator Tandi Rampersaud.
“This inaugural trade mission is a major milestone for AmCham Guyana, and reflects our strong commitment to building lasting commercial ties between Guyana and the United States,” said Leo. “We’re confident the relationships formed and insights gained will deliver real value to our members and the wider economy.”
The Guyanese delegation, which included firms such as CCA Guyana, MidAtlantic Oil and Gas, RAMPS Logistics Guyana, ACH Inc, and Guyana Electric, participated in the US-Caribbean Business Conference 2025, toured PortMiami and Port Everglades, and held targeted business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking sessions.
At Port Everglades, del-
egates engaged with Senior Business Development Manager Robert Barceló for an inside look at trade infrastructure and port operations. Meanwhile, at PortMiami, they were hosted by Eric Olafson, Director of Global Trade and Business Development, and Eric Borrazas, Cargo Development Manager, with a tour that included the Virgin Cruise Terminal and key logistics zones utilised by Royal Caribbean and MSC.
The group also visited Helm Bank USA, where President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Anthony Crisp and senior executives outlined banking solutions for international clients, including support for real estate investment and cross-border transactions. Helm Bank is a longstanding member of AmCham Guyana and an ally in supporting Guyanese firms seeking to expand in the US market.
During a high-level panel discussion at the business conference, Executive Director Leo presented an overview of recent legislative reforms in Guyana aimed at improving the ease of doing business. He highlighted growing opportunities beyond oil and gas: in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and finance, and emphasised the US-Guyana bilateral trade relationship as a cornerstone of regional economic growth.
“We have a mutual opportunity to not just build businesses, but to strengthen strategic partnerships that uplift
both economies,” Leo told participants from across the Americas.
A key highlight of the mission was a private roundtable discussion at Florida International University’s Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom, co-hosted by AmCham Guyana and ACE Consulting Group. Moderated by Senior Advisor Wazim Mowla, the session featured candid exchanges between US and Guyanese business leaders, with input from CitiBank, Tropical Shipping, and the International Trade Consortium of Miami-Dade County.
The roundtable focused on identifying investment-ready sectors in Guyana, and examining how Guyanese firms can navigate US market entry and scale their presence internationally.
With Guyana’s economy expanding rapidly and US firms increasingly seeking strategic partnerships in the region, AmCham Guyana’s trade mission signals a new chapter of business diplomacy and cross-border collaboration.
AmCham has promised to continue supporting Guyanese businesses by providing trade facilitation, access to market intelligence, and partnership-building platforms.
“This is only the beginning,” said Leo. “The foundation laid in Miami will unlock new opportunities and investments that benefit not just the Private Sector, but Guyana’s national development trajectory.”
The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Guyana delegation
Carnegie School of Home Economics celebrates 92nd anniversary
The Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE) commemorated its 92nd anniversary with a celebration that highlighted its legacy, its transformative role in education, and its continued relevance in today’s evolving economy.
The institution, founded in 1933, has played a vital role in advancing technical and vocational education in Guyana, particularly in
the areas of culinary arts, hospitality, home management, nutrition, and textiles.
Over the years, CSHE has evolved from a vision of elevating home economics into a national model of practical education and workforce readiness. It has empowered thousands of students through hands-on training and skills development, enabling them to become independent, self-suf-
ficient, and industry-ready professionals.
Many of its graduates have gone on to contribute significantly to sectors – both locally and internationally, demonstrating the strength and relevance of the training received at the institution. The 92nd anniversary served as an opportunity to reflect on the school’s long history of excellence, innovation, and inclusion. It recognized the
role of the school in fostering personal growth, preserving cultural traditions, and supporting the economic development of families and communities.
The institution has maintained a focus on the holistic development of students, equipping them with both academic knowledge and real-world skills essential for success.
Today, CSHE continues to prepare students to meet the demands of the modern workforce. Its programs promote creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurship. As the world
Guyana eyes stronger regional trade ties; 70 small businesses gear up for Grenada
Guyana is amping up efforts to strengthen its trade and investment linkages across the Caribbean and Africa, as the country prepares to send a powerful delegation of 70 small businesses to the upcoming AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) in Grenada.
Set for July 28–29, 2025, ACTIF2025 will bring together public and private sector leaders from across Africa and the Caribbean, to deepen economic ties under the theme: “Resilience and Transformation: Enhancing Africa-Caribbean Economic Cooperation in an Era of Global Uncertainty.” The high-profile forum is expected to deliver tangible investment and trade outcomes, building on more than US$4 billion in deals signed during the previous forum in The Bahamas.
continues to shift, CSHE is committed to remaining adaptable—embracing innovation, welcoming diverse perspectives, and advocating for sustainability and equity in education.
The school plans to further expand its reach, update curricula, and strengthen partnerships with stakeholders are already in motion.
The milestone celebration featured student exhibitions that showcased culinary creations, garment construction, and hospitality displays. These highlighted the institution’s practical, student-centered approach to learning and affirmed its mission of building strong, self-reliant communities through education.
Two 18-year-old labourers granted bail for separate larceny charges
Jedia Singh Tahid Jacobs
“Prime Minister [of Grenada] Dickon Mitchell was very impressed with the quality and packaging of Guyanese products at Agrofest in Barbados. As a result of that, he invited all of those small businesses to participate in the Agri-Eximbank Forum in Grenada,” Singh disclosed. “So far, over 60 or 70 small businesses have confirmed their participation.”
These companies will not only showcase Guyana’s growing manufacturing, agro-processing, and creative sectors, but also explore B2B and B2G partner-
During his final address as Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) at its 33rd Annual General Meeting, Komal Singh championed Guyana’s increasing regional integration and growing international reputation, pointing to the strong momentum behind the country’s business diplomacy.
ships, tap into new financing opportunities, and participate in high-level policy and investment dialogues.
Singh noted that Guyana’s previous international engagements, including the landmark trade mission to the Dominican Republic with President Irfaan Ali, have already yielded major business benefits, demonstrating the value of collaborative diplomacy.
“We took one of the largest delegations, almost 100 businesses to the Dominican Republic. Since then, we’ve seen significant benefits,” Singh said. “Partnerships like these help us grow as a country and region.”
ACTIF2025, organized by Afreximbank in partnership with the Government of Grenada, is the fourth edition of the forum, and is expected to attract hundreds of investors, officials, and entrepreneurs. It will feature sector-specific panels, investment showcases, financing platforms, and policy dialogues aimed at unlocking trade between Africa and the Caribbean, projected by the International Trade Centre (ITC) to reach US$1.8 billion by 2028.
“Connecting opportunity with capital and market intelligence is key,” Afreximbank said in a statement. “ACTIF2025 will continue the work of transforming economic cooperation between our two regions.”
As Guyana’s private sector increasingly steps onto the international stage, its presence at ACTIF2025 promises not just visibility, but opportunity, partnerships, and a broader gateway into African markets.
“Let us all work collectively as a team,” Singh urged. “There is a big future ahead for Guyana, and the time to seize it is now.”
Two 18-year-old labourers appeared in separate Georgetown and East Coast Demerara courts on Monday, facing charges related to theft in unrelated incidents.
In the first matter, Jedia Singh, of Lot 54 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was placed on $150,000 bail after being charged with larceny. Singh appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the allegation that on May 13, 2025, at Water Lily Street, West Ruimveldt, he stole a gold chain valued at $1.8 million from Rehanna Agard.
Singh was represented by Attorney-at-law Adrian Thompson, who told the court that his client maintains his innocence. The prosecution did not oppose bail but requested that Singh report regularly to the police.
Magistrate Azore granted bail on the condition that Singh reports to the Ruimveldt Police Station on the last Monday of each month. The matter was adjourned to June 16, 2025. Meanwhile, in a separate case on the East Coast of Demerara, Tahid Jacobs, of Lot 42 Ross Street, Nabaclis Village, was charged with Break and Enter and Larceny. Jacobs was arrested on May 16, 2025, in connection with a break-in at the Golden Grove North home of Jeremy Ramsdam. Jacobs appeared before Her Worship, O. Schmidt at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court, where he also entered a not guilty plea. He was placed on selfbail, and the matter was adjourned to June 30, 2025. Both matters remain under investigation as the accused await trial dates.
Former PSC Chairman Komal Singh
ACTIF2025
Gunman kills Mexico
City mayor's top aides in roadside attack
Agunman has shot dead two top aides of the mayor of Mexico City, Clara Brugada.
The mayor's private secretary, Ximena Guzmán, and Brugada's adviser, José Muñoz, were killed on their way to work on Tuesday morning local time.
Witnesses said an armed man first opened fire on Guzmán, who had stopped her car by the side of a busy avenue to pick up her colleague, and then on Muñoz, who was about to get into Guzmán's car for their morning commute.
The gunman is believed to have escaped on a motorbike and have had at least one accomplice. The possible motive for the killing is still unknown but the attack is the latest in a series of murders of local politi-
cians across the country.
Police seized a motorbike and another vehicle they think was used in the attack, while forensic experts examined Guzmán's bullet-pierced car.
CCTV footage from a nearby building shows a man carrying a motorcycle helmet in one hand and a gun in another, approach
Guzmán's car from the front.
He fires through the windscreen, then shoots Muñoz, before again firing at Guzmán.
As he runs away, he turns around and fires another shot at Muñoz, who is collapsing on the pavement. (Excerpt from BBC News)
$138K of cannabis seized at Antigua airport
Law enforcement officials have intercepted a large quantity of cannabis valued at approximately $138,000 at Antigua’s VC Bird International Airport.
Minor earthquake off Barbados
Aminor earthquake was recorded in waters southwest of Barbados Wednesday morning. The Seismic Research Centre of the University of the West Indies says the 3.9 magnitude quake struck at 7:28 am.
It was located at latitude 12.47 North and longitude 60.29 West or 103 kilometres southwest of Bridgetown, Barbados; 129 kilometres southeast of Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines and 151 kilometres north northeast of Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago.
Trump asks Supreme Court to intervene in fight over DOGE records
The Trump admin-
istration asked the Supreme Court on Wednesday to step into a fight over whether the Department of Government Efficiency must turn over public documents – like other government agencies – or whether it is shielded from such requests because it is part of the White House.
The case raises fundamental questions about the power and transparency of an entity that has slashed agency budgets and govern-
ment employees with unusual speed and that has inspired a wave of federal lawsuits against the Trump administration.
The emergency appeal, one of more than a dozen to reach the high court involving President Donald Trump since he began his second term, requests that the justices halt a lower court order that would allow a government watchdog group to depose DOGE staff to better understand the entity’s role within the federal
government as they argue it should be covered under the transparency law known as the Freedom of Information Act.
This is the second major case involving DOGE to reach the Supreme Court in recent weeks. The justices are already considering a case involving whether the entity should be allowed to access Social Security Administration records on millions of Americans. (Excerpt from CNN)
President of the Barbados Association of Creatives and Artistes (BACA), Sean Apache Carter, has issued a strong call for improved standards and lyrical content in Bashment Soca, even as he acknowledged the genre’s growing influence in Barbadian culture.
Speaking to Barbados TODAY, Carter did not mince words in expressing
concern over the quality of some recent releases.
“There’s a ton of Bashment Soca that is just trash,” he stated frankly. “As president of BACA and BACA as an association, we don’t support it, we don’t condone it. We think that Bashment is something that is somewhat unique to Barbados, just as Spouge was, and if it’s unique and you’re using this thing to promote your culture, to
The controlled substance has been confiscated and transported to Police Headquarters as investigations continue. (Loop Caribbean News)
The seizure occurred on Tuesday when officers from the Narcotics Department and Customs officials conducted a joint operation at the Airport Cargo Shed. During their inspection, authorities discovered a cardboard box containing twenty-three vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis with a combined weight of 23 pounds.
J’ca Commission probing 3 separate Police fatal shootings
The Jamaica Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has said its response teams are probing three separate police fatal shootings within the last 24 hours.
promote your nation, to promote your festival, then better needs to be done. You can’t reward trash.”
Carter’s comments come on the heels of recent public criticism of artistes King Bubba’s and Faith Callender’s 2025 releases, for their controversial lyrical content.
He highlighted especially deficiencies in writing and production.
(Source: Barbados Today)
4-year-old girl shot dead in upscale J’ca community
Police are probing the circumstances surrounding the death of a four-year-old girl who died from a gunshot wound sustained at a residence in the upscale community of Ingleside in Mandeville, Jamaica on Tuesday night. The deceased has been identified as Gia Grinnel.
A police report said about 10:00 pm, the child, her 12-year-old sibling and the children’s mother were at home when the shooting incident happened. According to the police report, the mother told detectives that she put both children to bed and went to use the restroom when she heard
a loud explosion. The mother’s licensed firearm was reportedly left in her handbag.
The child suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.
The licensed weapon has since been seized. (Source: Jamaica Observer)
It is reported that about 8 a.m. Tuesday, the police entered Bowers District in Old Harbour, St. Catherine and went to the residence of 23-year-old Shaquille Johnson, where he lived with his child's mother.
His girlfriend said the
police pulled Mr. Johnson from the house and physically assaulted him before he was then shot.
In the other incidents, which occurred Wednesday, Jaydeen Gooden, also called 'Six', was killed in Grants Pen, St. Andrew while the deceased in Jerusalem Mountain, Westmoreland has not yet been identified.
At least one officer is reported as firing in each incident and a firearm was reportedly recovered from the deceased at each scene. The INDECOM team has not yet received all the details of the shooting in Westmoreland.
INDECOM says these latest fatal shooting incidents (Source: Radio Jamaica)
INDECOM says in the Old Harbour and Grants Pen shootings, the police teams reported that they visited a premises and a man was seen with a firearm which was allegedly pointed at the police.
Costa Rica prison guards catch drug-smuggling cat
Guards in Costa Rica have intercepted an unusual prison drug delivery, catching a cat as it jumped over the periphery fence at night with marijuana and crack taped to its body.
The black-and-white feline, carrying over 230 grams of marijuana and 67 grams of crack cocaine in two packages, was captured this month at a prison in the canton of Pococi, the justice ministry said in a statement Tuesday.
It shared a video of a guard climbing a perimeter fence to catch the cat burglar.
Later, the feline is seen on a prison table while guards cut the packages from its tiny body.
“Thanks to the quick actions (of the guards) the feline was caught and the packages were removed, thus preventing them from reaching” the inmates, said the ministry. The cat was taken to an animal welfare society. (Jamaica Observer)
It was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometres. (CBC News)
A screengrab shows the feline caught by Costa Rican guards with drugs on its body
Around the World
OOIL NEWS
Oil prices fall on news that US,Iran will hold nuclear talks
il prices settled lower on Wednesday, after Oman’s foreign minister said a fresh round of nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. would take place later this week.
Prices had gained earlier in the session on a CNN report on Tuesday that U.S. intelligence suggests Israel is preparing to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. CNN cited multiple U.S. officials and added that it was not clear whether Israeli leaders have made a final decision.
Brent futures settled down 47 cents, or 0.7%, to $64.91 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell 46 cents, or 0.7%, to $61.57.
Iran is the third-largest producer among members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and an Israeli attack could upset flows from the country.
“Now we’re going for another round of peace talks so that offset that premium we put in,” said Phil Flynn, senior analyst with Price Futures Group.
Still, there are concerns Iran could retaliate by blocking oil tanker flows through the Strait of Hormuz, through which Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates export crude oil and fuel.
Oil prices also fell on Wednesday after bearish U.S. government data on domestic crude, gasoline and distillate inventories, which all posted surprise builds last week.
Crude inventories rose by 1.3 million barrels, while gasoline stocks rose by about 800,000 barrels and distillate stockpiles added about 600,000 barrels, data from the Energy Information Administration showed. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Trump calls his own foreign aid cuts at USAID ‘devastating’
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his administration’s cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development and its aid programs worldwide have been “devastating.”
Speaking beside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a White House visit, Trump was asked about his cutting most foreign aid by a reporter who said the decision had significant impacts in Africa.
“It’s devastating, and hopefully a lot of people are going to start spending a lot of money,” Trump said in the Oval Office.
“I’ve talked to other nations. We want them to chip in and spend money too, and we’ve spent a lot. And it’s a big – it’s a tremendous problem going on in many coun-
Israeli troops fire ‘warning shots’ at 25 diplomats visiting occupied West Bank
Israeli troops have fired “warning shots” towards a group of 25 diplomats who were visiting Jenin in the Israeloccupied West Bank on an official mission organised by the Palestinian Authority to observe the humanitarian situation there.
The Israeli military said the visit had been approved but the delegation “deviated from the approved route” and Israeli soldiers fired warning shots to distance them from the area.
Footage shows a number of diplomats giving media interviews when rapid shots rang out near -
of a
from the
a rush after shots were fired as they gathered at the eastern entrance of Jenin camp during a visit to the city of Jenin, on May 21, 2025, amid an ongoing Israeli military offensive in the occupied West
by, forcing them to run for cover. The delegation comprised ambassadors and diplomats representing 31 countries, including Italy, Canada, Egypt, Jordan and the UK. The British, French and other European ministers summoned the Israeli ambassadors in their respective capitals to explain the “unacceptable” incident, which will fuel already growing international anger and concern as Israel continues its offensive in Gaza and ramps up the expansion of settlements in the West Bank that are illegal under international law. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Anti-Hamas protests in southern Gaza enter 3rd day
Palestinians have taken to the streets in southern Gaza for a third day to protest against Hamas.
Hundreds of demonstrators were seen in videos posted on social media calling for an end to the war and for the removal of the armed group from Gaza. “Out! Out! Out! All of Hamas, out!” they chanted.
Speaking out against Hamas can be dangerous in Gaza and threats circulated on journalists’ WhatsApp groups on Tuesday, forbidding them from publishing any “negative news that could affect the morale of the people”.
The protesters directed their anger at Hamas’s leadership after an interview with senior official Sami Abu Zuhri circulated on so-
Speaking on a podcast which originally aired in
late March, he said that the war with Israel was “eternal”, adding: “We will re-
build the houses and produce dozens more babies for each martyr.”
Videos from the protests in Khan Younis show young men criticizing Hamas for selling their “blood for a dollar… To those with Hamas, be aware the people of Gaza will dig your grave”.
In recent months, protests against Hamas have been on the rise in northern Gaza, but activists say the group’s presence in the south has remained strong and it has successfully suppressed public dissent until now. International journalists including those with the BBC are blocked by Israel from reporting in Gaza, and anti-Hamas sentiment remains difficult to assess from afar. (Excerpt from BBC News)
US states mount court challenge to Trump’s tariffs
Ttries. A lot of problems going on. The United States always gets the request for money. Nobody else helps.”
The State Department, which manages USAID, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The administration has repeatedly defended the cuts, saying they were focused on wasted funds. The gutting of the agency, largely overseen by South Africaborn businessman Elon Musk, is the subject of several federal lawsuits.
The United States is the world’s largest humanitarian aid donor, amounting to at least 38% of all contributions recorded by the United Nations. It disbursed $61 billion in foreign assistance last year, just over half of it via USAID, according to government data. (Excerpt from Reuters)
welve U.S. states asked a federal court on Wednesday to halt President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, arguing that he overstepped his authority by declaring a national emergency to impose across-the-board taxes on imports from nations that sell more to the U.S. than they buy.
A three-judge panel of the Manhattan-based Court of International Trade is hearing arguments in a lawsuit brought by the Democratic attorneys general of New York, Illinois, Oregon, and nine other states. They say the Republican president has sought a “blank check” to regulate trade “at his whim.”
The states claim the president badly misinterpreted a law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to justify the tariffs. That law is meant to address “unusual and extraordinary” threats to the U.S., they have said.
Brian Marshall, an attorney for the state of Oregon, told the judges that IEEPA requires presidential actions
to be closely tied to a specific emergency. A president cannot use tariffs or other actions “only for leverage” under IEEPA, Marshall said.
Trump has incorrectly claimed that “he can set tariffs of any amount, on any country, for any length of time, and no court can review it,” Marshall said.
The same three-judge panel heard arguments last week in a similar case brought by five small businesses, and it is expected to issue a decision in the coming weeks.
The Justice Department, which will make its arguments later in the hearing, has said the states’ lawsuit should be dismissed because the states have only alleged “speculative economic losses” instead of concrete harms from the tariffs. It has also argued that only Congress, not U.S. states or the courts, can challenge a national emergency declared by the president under IEEPA.
The states’ lawsuit is one of at least seven court challenges to Trump’s tariff policies. California has filed a
separate challenge in federal court in San Francisco, and other lawsuits have been filed by businesses, legal advocacy groups and members of the Blackfeet Nation.
Decisions from the court, which hears disputes in-
volving international trade and customs laws, can be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., and ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Pakistan blames India for suspected suicide attack on school bus
Pakistan has blamed India for a suspected suicide attack on a school bus in its south-western province of Balochistan on Wednesday morning that killed three children.
The bus was en route to the army public school in the city of Khuzdar. According to local officials, an attacker drove a vehicle into the bus and then detonated explosives.
Officials said five people – three children: two 12-yr-olds and a 16-yr old; the bus driver and a security guard – were killed and
dozens more children were critically injured. Police said the initial investigation indicated that it was a suicide bombing. No militant group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the media wing of Pakistan’s military swiftly issued a statement alleging that its neighbour and rival India had “planned and orchestrated” the attack.
India’s foreign ministry denied what it called “baseless allegations regarding Indian involvement in unrest in Pakistan”. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Members
diplomatic delegation
European Union leave in
Bank (Le Monde)
US President Donald Trump meets South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House
cial media.
Be careful how you handle others. Patience is required when dealing with people who don't share your beliefs. Focus on the good in every situation to help keep the communication flowing without controversy.
Decisive action is your key to success. Keep your emotions in check and your mind on what's realistic and essential to your long-term plans. Spend more time at home. Stick to the basics, sit back and enjoy the moment.
Go with the flow and make the most out of every interaction. Don't let uncertainty ruin your rhythm or send you down a path that leads to failure and little gain. Size up situations and go where you can profit the most.
Caution is necessary when dealing with contracts, investments and professional moves. You may desire a change, but you should take a pass unless you receive an ironclad offer or incentive.
Let your imagination run wild, and your creativity and energy will carry you forward. Put a cap on your spending and concentrate on what you want to achieve. Learn as you go, and associate with people motivated by your words.
Take the high road regardless of what others do. Letting others decide for you will leave you vulnerable. Think and act for yourself, learn from your mistakes and set an example for the people you care about.
Discover what works best for you. Expand your mind and explore the possibilities. Don't fear change or taking the road less traveled. Follow your intuition's lead, and you'll discover what resonates with you.
Pay attention to detail, and you'll find the quickest way to master your skills. Professional gain is apparent, but contracts will be complex to negotiate. Don't agree to anything without expert input.
Plan to have fun or get things done. Your energy is mounting and will help you reach your destination if you focus on your goals. Rely on your intelligence and vigor to get you where you want to go.
Watch and wait. Observe how others handle similar situations and consider your options. Refuse to let anyone convince you to make a move or decision if it doesn't feel right or will take you out of your comfort zone.
Keep pushing forward. Initiate the changes that will make your life easier. It's time to get physical and mix socializing with activities that make you think and act quickly.
Revise your schedule to meet your needs. Take care of responsibilities swiftly and move on to something you find engaging. Be selective; if you try to jam too much into your agenda, you'll fall short.
ARCHIE
lead MI into play-offs
Mumbai Indians (MI) secured the last remaining Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 play-offs spot thanks to a late onslaught from Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir followed by crafty threefors from Mitchell Santner and
going with du Plessis and KL Rahul falling cheaply. A comeback seemed to be on the cards, with Sameer Rizvi and Ashutosh Sharma putting on 38 as a drizzle began, but Santner ensured that it was not to be.
with
MI start steadily on a tricky pitch MI’s innings started with Rohit Sharma and Ryan
were
for 2.
Kuldeep and Nigam apply the brakes
Suryakumar survived a top-edged sweep that landed safely behind short fine leg, but Rickelton was less fortunate next ball as he toed his slog-sweep to deep backward square leg to hand Kuldeep Yadav his 100th IPL wicket.
Nigam mixed up his lengths and created two near-chances in the 10th over while Kuldeep bowled consistently and kept the batters quiet. DC gave away just 26 runs in the first four post-powerplay overs, leaving MI 80 for 3 at the halfway mark.
The return of pace helped MI release some pressure, with Tilak Varma lapping Dushmantha Chameera for six in the 11th over and Suryakumar stepping out to drive Mustafizur over midoff for another maximum in the 14th. In between, though, Nigam and Kuldeep conceded just nine in two overs.
Suryakumar pulled Mukesh for four to start the 15th over, but Tilak fell four balls later, too early into a pull off a slower ball. When Hardik Pandya sliced a lofted drive to short third off Chameera in the 17th, MI were 123 for 5.
Dhir, Suryakumar break free
Suryakumar brought up a 36-ball fifty at the start of the 19th over, launching Mukesh over the covers for six. Then Dhir let loose, going 4, 6, 6, 4 to end a 27-run over, as Mukesh, suffering from cramps, missed three yorkers and then offered room when he went into the pitch.
The onslaught continued in the final over where
Suryakumar dined on Chameera’s pace-on offerings. This time, he farmed the strike and whacked two sixes over deep midwicket and two fours through the off side to finish on a high. A highlight was a dab off a near-perfect yorker that rolled wide of the keeper for four. Suryakumar scored 28 off the last eight balls of his innings, while Dhir walked off unbeaten on 24 off eight.
Suryakumar’s unbeaten 73, meanwhile, was his 13th successive 25-plus score in T20s, a joint record alongside Temba Bavuma.
DC lose big guns early Rahul and du Plessis, DC’s most experienced batters, made their intent clear by putting away the first balls they faced to the boundary. But their attack was shortlived as du Plessis holed out to long-on off a slower ball from Deepak Chahar and Rahul –- who charged early and made too much room –was caught behind off Trent Boult.
Jacks spun his first ball square and then got one to go straight, beating Abishek Porel to have him stumped, a close call that went in the bowler’s favour. Jacks then bowled a no-ball, which allowed the promoted Nigam to get off the mark with a six over cover.
Nigam hit three more fours in his next four balls, but with DC 49 for 3 at the end of the powerplay with all four of Bumrah’s overs remaining, MI were well ahead.
Wily Santner wrecks middle order Santner capitalised on MI’s start and the conditions, ripping the ball away
from Nigam’s bat before firing the next one in quicker to have him caught and bowled. Bumrah then got an offcutter to beat Tristan Stubbs’ inside edge to reduce DC to 65 for 5 in the 10th over.
DC seemed all but done when a drizzle began and eased things up a bit.
Ashutosh whacked loopy deliveries from Karn Sharma for a four and a six in the 11th over, and Rizvi picked up another four in between when Jacks ran in too far from longoff and overran the ball.
Santner then beat Ashutosh and almost had Rizvi caught and bowled, but the batters survived, and DC kept chipping away, going past 100 in the 14th over. Their task was still steep, though: 78 off the last six
Mumbai Indians (20 ovs maximum)
Ryan Rickelton † c Tiwari
b Kuldeep Yadav 25
Rohit Sharma c †Abishek Porel
b Mustafizur Rahman 5
Will Jacks c Nigam
b Mukesh Kumar 21
Suryakumar Yadav not out 73
Tilak Varma c Sameer Rizvi
b Mukesh Kumar 27
Hardik Pandya (c) c Mukesh Kumar
b Chameera 3
Naman Dhir not out 24
Extras (lb 1, w 1) 2
Total 20 Ov (RR: 9.00) 180/5
Did not bat: Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah
overs. With the drizzle in the background, Santner darted a full ball at Rizvi before slowing the pace down to 77 kilometres per hour to beat his sweep and hit middle stump. The game was effectively over three balls later when Santner had Ashutosh stumped. It was a juicy length ball angling in towards the stumps that spun away a mile and beat the inside-out drive.
Santner’s three-for came at the cost of just 11 runs in four overs, the joint-fewest conceded by a spinner in an IPL match at Wankhede. Bumrah and Karn then cleaned up the tail, helping MI qualify for the play-offs for the 11th time in 18 seasons.
(ESPNcricinfo)
Faf du Plessis (c) c Santner b Chahar 6
Jasprit Bumrah. Delhi
Capitals, led by Faf du Plessis
regular Captain Axar Patel ruled out by flu,
Ryan Rickelton stumps Ashutosh Sharma off Mitchell Santner’s bowling
Mitchell Santner took 3 for 11 in four unhittable overs
Naman Dhir ensured Mumbai Indians finished with a flourish
Jasprit Bumrah took the key wicket of Tristan Stubbs
give
Ireland their biggest win against a full ICC member
Andy Balbirnie’s ninth One-Day International (ODI) hundred and Barry McCarthy’s four-wicket haul handed West Indies a 124-run thrashing in the
aaa
first ODI in Dublin. It was Ireland’s biggest win by runs against a Full Member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and their fourth-biggest victory overall.
SCOREBOARD
Ireland (50 ovs maximum)
Andy Balbirnie c Motie
b AS Joseph 112
Paul Stirling (c) c Motie
b Chase 54
Cade Carmichael c †Hope
b Forde 16
Harry Tector c King
b AS Joseph 56
Lorcan Tucker † c King
b Forde 30
George Dockrell c Lewis
b Forde 1
Thomas Mayes not out 8
Andy McBrine not out 3
Extras (b 4, lb 7, nb 3, w 9) 23
Total 50 Ov (RR: 6.06) 303/6
Did not bat: Barry McCarthy, Josh Little, Liam McCarthy
Evin Lewis run out (Tector) 2 Keacy Carty c Little b BJ McCarthy 6 Shai Hope (c)† b Mayes 2 Amir Jangoo lbw b BJ McCarthy 0
Justin Greaves c Stirling b Little 35
Roston Chase b Dockrell 55 Matthew Forde c Little b BJ McCarthy 38 Alzarri Joseph b Dockrell 0 Gudakesh Motie c Mayes b Dockrell 8 Shamar Joseph not out 0 Extras (lb 4, nb 3, w 7) 14
Balbirnie, who came into this game with scores of 91, 101 and 63 in the InterProvincial Cup, continued his good form and accumulated 112 off 138 balls to set the platform for Ireland’s eventual 303 for 6. McCarthy then dismantled West Indies’ top order by taking three wickets with the new ball. Roston Chase and Matthew Forde resisted, but only briefly. Fittingly, it was McCarthy who took the final wicket as West Indies were bowled out for 179 in 34.1 overs.
Earlier, after West Indies opted to bowl, Balbirnie found good support from Captain Paul Stirling and Harry Tector. Both scored
Tucker’s 30 off 18 ensured Ireland crossed 300.
West Indies did not have a great start to their chase and lost Evin Lewis in the third over of the innings. The batter’s attempt for a risky single proved to be fatal when he collided with the bowler, McCarthy, and failed to beat Tector’s direct hit from mid-off.
quick half-centuries to allow Balbirnie to play the anchor’s role he has been assigned. Stirling was the aggressor in the 109-run opening stand. During his 54 off 64 balls, he also became the first Ireland batter to reach 10,000 international runs.
While Cade Carmichael did not last long, Balbirnie and Tector kept Ireland going with a third-wicket stand of 98 in just 81 balls. Balbirnie took 88 balls to reach his fifty, but stepped up after that. His second fifty came in 43 balls.
Alzarri Joseph ended that stand in the 44th over with Balbirnie’s wicket, but Tector’s 56 off 51 and Lorcan
That was not the last time West Indies found McCarthy in their way. On the final ball of the seventh over, he had Keacy Carty caught at mid-on. In his next over, he dealt a double blow. He first had Brandon King caught behind and then trapped Amir Jangoo lbw.
Before West Indies could steady themselves, debutant Thomas Mayes landed another blow. He cleaned up Shai Hope with a big inswinger, leaving the visitors on 31 for 5 in the 10th over.
Justin Greaves decided to fight fire with fire. He struck four fours off McCarthy in the 11th over and welcomed Josh Little into the attack with back-to-back fours. But Little had the last laugh when he had Greaves caught at slip for 35 off 17 balls.
Chase, the newly-appointed Test Captain, and Forde chose the conventional method to revive the in-
GFF-Blue Waters Shipping U15 Girls’ Championship…
nings. They bided their time and put away loose balls. Chase brought up his fifth half-century in ODIs as the pair added 98 in 107 balls for the seventh wicket. George Dockrell, though, ended West Indies’ resistance by castling Chase when the target was still 135 runs away. The end was swift. Dockrell dismissed Joseph and Gudakesh Motie in his next over, and two balls later, McCarthy removed Forde to seal the win. Still, it was not a flawless performance by Ireland. They left out a few runs in the middle and dropped three catches, something they will be keen to fix when the two sides meet again on Friday. (ESPNcricinfo)
Marian Academy dominate as tournament continues
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF)–Blue Waters Shipping U15 Girls’ Championship continued in thrilling fashion over the weekend, with exciting action unfolding across both the Georgetown zone and Region 10.
According to the Federation, the tournament is now officially the largest girls’ football tournament in Guyana for the second consecutive year, showcasing the rising footprint of youth female football across the nation.
In the Georgetown zone, Marian Academy delivered a dominant performance, registering a perfect record of all three of their games to top the group. Last year’s runners-up, New Campbellville Secondary, followed closely behind with two victories out of three, suffering their only defeat to tournament newcomers Christ Church Secondary, who also claimed two wins from their three matches.
Standout players were in full display, with Skylar DeNobrega of Marian Academy leading the scoring tally with four goals. Serina Cox of New Campbellville added three goals, while
U15 Girls’ Championships on Saturday last
Kayleigh Jack of Christ Church netted two crucial goals, being the sole scorer for her team.
This year’s Georgetown zone also welcomed three newcomers: Christ Church Secondary, Tutorial High, and Lodge Secondary, adding fresh energy and competitiveness to the tournament.
Over in Region 10, matches held at the Wisburg Ground saw both Mackenzie High and Linden Foundation
Secondary notch two wins apiece. Linden Foundation delivered the most dominant performance of the day with a commanding 7-0 victory over Wisburg Secondary.
Scouts from the GFF were present at both Providence and Wisburg Grounds closely observing the matches, identifying promising players for international opportunities and development pathways later this year.
The preliminary rounds
will continue this Saturday, May 24, 2025, with matches scheduled at the following venues: Georgetown –Providence Ground; Region Three – West Demerara Secondary School; Region Five – Number 5 Football Ground and Region 10 –Wisburg Ground.
This year’s tournament features the largest number of participating schools in the nation, cementing its place as Guyana’s premier youth girls’ football tour-
nament for the second year running.
The GFF highlighted that the primary goals of the U15 Girls’ Championship were to increase the participation of girls in football, extend the reach of the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) Programme, create a national scouting platform for talented players for international competition later this year, and promote the growth of female football.
This impactful initia-
tive is made possible by the generous support of Blue Waters Shipping, the Education Ministry, and the ongoing dedication of parents and teachers across Guyana.
Scenes from the Blue Water
Harry Tector cuts one away
Andy Balbirnie brings up his ninth ODI hundred
ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League looks to fill Champions League T20 vacuum
…as 5 teams confirm participation
More than 10 years after the Champions League T20 — a tournament that brought domestic T20 franchises together — a similar tournament that was successfully held in 2024 returns to the calendar once again in Guyana.
ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) has announced the tournament, which includes five T20 teams from around the
world, will take place from July 10 to July 18 at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence.
The tournament will see Dubai Capitals (ILT20); Hobart Hurricanes (Big Bash); Central Stags (Super Smash); Rangpur Riders (BPL) and Guyana Amazon Warriors (CPL) facing each other. Rangpur Riders were in the champions of the inaugural edition
held last year which included Lahore Qalandars (PSL) and Hampshire Hawks (T20 Cup). In the final, Rangpur defeated Cricket Victoria to win the title.
This time, the tournament will see Central Stags coming in place for county side Hampshire while Dubai Capitals replace Lahore. There would not be any participation from SA20 and the Indian Premier League
Drayton triumphs in inaugural 960 Freestyle Chess tourney
After nine intense rounds of a thrilling variation of classical chess that promotes creativity and innovation, FIDE Master (FM) Anthony Drayton emerged victorious in the inaugural 960 Freestyle Chess Tournament hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) and sponsored by Brava Solutions.
The event was held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, Kingston, Georgetown, compliments of the Guyana Pegasus Hotel.
Drayton, no stranger to first-place podium finishes, played unbeaten, claiming first place with an impressive eight and a half points. The half point came in a draw against long-time teammate Candidate Master (CM) Taffin Khan. Khan, the defending champion in the upcoming National Open Championships, secured second place with seven and a half points. His draw was against Drayton, and his sole defeat came from current Junior Champion Ricardo Narine.
Fourteen-year-old CM Sachin Pitamber secured third place with seven points, further solidifying his position as one of the country’s most talented junior chess players.
His only losses were to Drayton and Khan.
Fifteen-year-old Kyle Couchman secured fourth place with six points after
losing to Drayton, Khan, and Pitamber. Couchman’s tenacity and passion for chess are unmistakable as he continues to establish himself in local competition.
Junior Champion Narine, not one to be left behind, finished fifth with six points after suffering three losses. One of his notable wins was against Khan in the sixth round. Narine has proven that his growing skills are paving the way for excellence in his rise to the top. The 20-year-old’s losses were against Pitamber, Drayton, and Couchman. Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Jessica Callender won the best female prize after finishing with 5 points after four losses. Callender continues to challenge herself to grow and develop, making her one of the most successful young women in the local chess community.
The tournament saw notable performances from Alek Ubaldo-Singh, a young upcoming player, who also gained six points. Matthew Persaud, a newcomer to the scene, gained five and a half points, while Joshua Gopaul and Kishan Puran rounded out the top 10 with five points each.
The top five finishers were presented by Lloyd Harmon with cash prizes sponsored by Brava Solutions. Speaking to the chess players, Harmon congratulated them and indicated his support for the development of young minds,
Bangladesh’s Rangpur Riders are the tournament’s defending champions (IPL).
The Champions League T20 modelled on the concept of UEFA Champions League was a popular tournament held between 2009 and 2014 with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians winning it twice each. After New South Wales won the inaugural edition in 2009, Sydney Sixers was the only other
side to claim the trophy.
While the tournament was supposed to be held alternatively in India, South Africa and Australia, it never materialised due to logistical challenges. It meant only India and South Africa hosted the event with weather conditions deemed not favourable for Australia to host the tournament in the September window. Domestic T20 teams from across all the Test-playing nations had a shot at the tournament, but it was dominated by IPL franchises. However, after 2014, the tournament found no takers and despite calls from fans to revive it, there has not been any concrete effort to bring back the tournament. (The Indian Express)
Dunkley, Knight seal redemptive win as England outdo Matthews’ brilliant 100*
England turned the page on their T20 World Cup exit at the hands of West Indies with an eight-wicket victory in the opening match of their home series in Canterbury, despite a brilliant unbeaten century by Hayley Matthews.
for which chess serves as an ideal platform. The GCF said it wished to thank Brava Solutions for their kind support and looked forward to a continued partnership in chess.
The top 12 boards were live-streamed, thanks to the skills of FIDE Arbiter John Lee, who continues to provide the Federation with innovative and technological support. Gratitude was also extended for the assistance of National Arbiter Kim Shing-Chong and support from Ethan Lee and Italy Ton-Chung.
GCF President Anand Raghunauth lauded the tournament as a success, noting its effectiveness in challenging chess players to depart from their usual strategies, prompting unconventional thinking from the initial stages of the game.
The GCF also extended heartfelt thanks to the Guyana Pegasus Hotel for generously providing the tournament venue. According to the Federation, Brandon Badal, the hotel’s Managing Director and an avid chess player, championed the freestyle chess tournament, introducing players to a challenging twist of varied chess openings in every game.
Chess action continues with the National Open Chess Championships, set to begin on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the David Rose Special School.
Of West Indies’ total of 146 for 7, their Captain, Matthews, scored exactly 100 off 67 balls, leading an understrength batting lineup missing Deandra Dottin and Chinelle Henry after England had won the toss. Only two of her team-mates reached double figures, with Mandy Mangru’s 17 from number eight the next-best score.
In their first meeting since West Indies handed England a group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup in Dubai, Sophia Dunkley’s 78 not out gave her new-look side victory at the first time of asking under new Head Coach Charlotte Edwards and new Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. She was beautifully supported by former Captain Heather Knight, who finished unbeaten on 43.
Matthews posed a test for bowlers Em Arlott, on debut; Issy Wong, attempting to cement her return to international cricket and Linsey Smith, acting as England’s sole left-arm spinner in the absence of Sophie Ecclestone. They claimed one wicket each, Smith the most economical with 1 for 18 off four overs. It was established seamer Lauren Bell, who was the pick of the England bowlers with 2 for 29.
Dunkley answers opening call On the eve of the match, Edwards called for big runs and partnerships from her top five, and Dunkley and Knight responded with an unbroken third-wicket stand worth 91. Dunkley, opening in place of the dropped
Maia Bouchier, joined Danni Wyatt-Hodge in reeling in the target in an opening stand of 50 in 5.2 overs. But Wyatt-Hodge perished when she was rapped on the pads by Zaida James and the ball ricocheted onto her stumps. That brought new Captain Sciver-Brunt to the crease, but she was caught behind off Afy Fletcher for a second-ball duck, and left looking rather bemused after a feathered edge on her slogsweep was revealed on review.
Dunkley brought up her fifty off 34 balls with a cut through backward point off Fletcher. Put down on 62 by Aaliyah Alleyne, running in from long-on off Matthews’ bowling, Dunkley forged on. Knight took charge in striking three fours in four balls during the final over of James’s allocation and brought England to the brink of victory with another boundary off Cherry-Ann Fraser. Needing just one, Dunkley raised the win with a four as England won with 21 balls to spare.
England strike early Matthews smoked Smith over the fence at deep square leg in the third over, but, with the first ball of the next and after a change of ends, Bell drew a leading edge from Qiana Joseph and – with England hearts firmly in mouths – Smith strode back from point, sat under it and held on. Bell made it two wickets from three balls when James slashed at one outside off and was caught behind for a duck.
All the while Matthews was cruising with immaculate shot placement, her three consecutive fours off Charlie Dean sublime as she swept and drove either side of a pull in front of square that bounced awkwardly on Smith as she moved to her right and parried it over the rope.
Matthews carries West Indies By the end of the powerplay, West Indies were 37 for 2. England looked notably sharper in the field than during the previous encounter between these sides –when five dropped catches cost them dearly in Dubai –but it was a lack of awareness by debutante Realeanna Grimmond that led to her run-out. After Matthews struck Wong’s fourth delivery to mid-on and ran a single, Sciver-Brunt lobbed the ball to wicketkeeper Amy Jones over Grimmond, who had her back to the fielder in that moment and had no idea where the ball was as she turned for a second run, only for Jones to whip off the bails.
Matthews brought up her fifty off 38 balls and her side needed her more than ever when Sciver-Brunt took comfortable catches to remove Shabika Gajnabi and Alleyne off Wong and Arlott respectively. Wong fired the ball in to bowler Dean to run out Jannillea Glasgow to make it 87 for 6. Matthews survived on 73 when she sent a leading edge off Arlott towards point where Dean got her fingertips to it diving to her left.
Bell took a sharp catch leaping to her left at short fine leg to break a 47-run partnership for the seventh wicket – West Indies’ highest stand – removing Mangru for 17 in the penultimate over of the innings. Matthews went into the final over on 89 and she looked determined to reach her ton, punishing a Bell full toss through backward square for four. Another boundary clipped off the pads left her on 99 with one ball to go and she managed to reach the milestone with a desperate pull and scampered single, her delight palpable as she raised her bat. (ESPNcricinfo)
A look at the tournament’s top finishers and stakeholders from left: Lloyd Harmon, CM Taffin Khan, FM Anthony Drayton, WCM Jessica Callender, Kyle Couchman, CM Sachin Pitamber and Ricardo Narine
ExxonMobil Guyana GSL fixtures unveiled
In anticipation of ticket sales beginning next Tuesday, the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) T20 on Wednesday unveiled this year’s match fixtures, which will run from July 10 to July 18, 2025.
The second edition of the global tournament will feature five teams competing in 11 matches exclusively at the Guyana
National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
The five competing franchises from around the world include: Central Stags (New Zealand – Super Smash champions); Dubai Capitals (United Arab Emirates – ILT20 champions); Guyana Amazon Warriors (West Indies – 2024 Caribbean Premier League finalists);
A look at the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) T20 fixtures Hobart Hurricanes (Australia – Big Bash League champions) and Rangpur Riders (Bangladesh – defending GSL champions).
The tournament will bowl off with a clash between New Zealand’s Central Stags and Dubai Capitals at 10:00h on Thursday, July 10. Later that evening, the Guyana Amazon Warriors will spring into action against defending champions Rangpur Riders of Bangladesh, beginning at 19:00h.
The Amazon Warriors will go on to bat-
tle Central Stags on Friday, July 11 at 19:00h, Dubai Capitals on Sunday, July 13 at 19:00h and Hobart Hurricanes on Wednesday, July 16 also at 19:00h.
The tournament’s league phase will conclude on Thursday, July 17 before the two teams with the most points clash in the grand finale on Friday, July 18 from 19:00h.
The teams in the ExxonMobil GSL T20 will be competing for a US$1 million prize pool.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors will spring into action on the evening of July 10
