Guyana submits reply to Venezuela’s
Govt issues another 94 contracts for road development in Linden
Over 1200 squatters regularised since 2020 as clearance of housing backlog continues – Min Croal
Iwokrama, NRDDB ink joint communiqué on illegal gold mining – renewed commitment to co-manage protected areas
Govt commences distribution of 2025 old age pension books
36 complete training in civil aviation
Zalika Samuels was on Sunday evening crowned Miss World Guyana 2024 while Naheeryah Newland secured the first runner-up spot and Lieve Blanckaert the second runner-up spot. The pageant was hosted at the Princess Ramada Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD)
5 injured following Essequibo Coast smash-up
Five persons were taken to the Suddie Public Hospital nursing various injuries following a two-vehicle smash-up on Monday along the Adventure
Public Road, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
Based on reports received, the accident involved a Honda Vezel motorcar bearing registration number PAJ 684 and
a Fielder Wagon, HD 5869.
It is believed that the accident occurred after one of the vehicles swerved from crashing into a parked excavator but instead, the Vezel
slammed into a utility pole, while the Fielder Wagon crashed into a fence.
One resident in the area stated that at about 12:00h, he heard a loud crashing
sound and rushed out to check. Upon doing so, he observed the two wrecked vehicles. Both vehicles were carrying a total of five persons including the two drivers.
They were taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where they were treated and admitted. The police have since launched an investigation into the smash-up.
The two vehicles that were involved in the accident
The Vezel being taken away from the scene
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Tuesday, December 10 – No retraction and Wednesday, December 11 – 01:00h- 02:30h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Tuesday, December 10 –11:45h-13:15h and Wednesday, December 11 – 12:50h- 14:20h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Venezuela border controversy Guyana submits reply to Venezuela’s counter-memorial in case before ICJ
– says submission will prove utter lack of merit in Venezuela’s claims
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
TODAY
n keeping with timelines that were imposed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Guyana has submitted its final written reply to Venezuela’s counter-memorial, expressing confidence that the reply has gone a long way in proving the utter lack of merit in Venezuela’s case laying claim to two-thirds of Guyana.
In a statement on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it has submitted its reply to Venezuela’s counter-memorial. Venezuela had submitted its counter-memorial in April of this year, at the proverbial last minute.
Guyana’s response to the counter-memorial was personally delivered to the Registrar of the ICJ by Guyana’s Ambassador in Brussels, Sasenarine Singh. According to the Ministry in its statement, Venezuela has the chance to respond to this reply with a rejoinder on August 8, 2025.
“In the merits phase of the case, each party submits two written briefs. Guyana’s Memorial was submitted on 8 April 2023. Venezuela submitted its CounterMemorial one year later on 8 April 2024. Guyana’s Reply, filed today, responds to that Venezuelan brief. Venezuela will have the opportunity to respond to Guyana’s Reply with its Rejoinder, due on 8 August 2025. Guyana welcomes Venezuela’s engagement in the merits phase of the case,” the Ministry said.
Further, it was explained that the ICJ will in due time set a date for the oral hearings between Guyana and Venezuela to commence.
The Ministry also expressed confidence that an adequate case for Guyana has been made in its reply.
In the reply, it is pointed out by the Ministry that Venezuela’s case in challenging the 1899 Arbitral Award, is without merit and that ultimately, the ICJ will confirm the award as valid and legally binding.
“The Government of Guyana is fully confident that it has shown, in its Reply, that Venezuela’s challenges to the Arbitral Award and the international boundary, as set forth in its Counter-Memorial, are
entirely without merit, and that the Court will ultimately confirm the validity, finality and legally binding nature of both the Award and the boundary,” the Ministry stated.
After a failed good office process between the two South American neighbours, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres in 2018 had referred the border controversy to be resolved by the ICJ.
April 2024 to submit its own counter-memorial. It did so on the very last day. This came after two attempts by Venezuela to challenge the court’s jurisdiction to hear the matter, had been overturned.
The Nicolás Maduro-led Venezuelan regime has also been stepping up its aggressive tactics, including a military buildup on Venezuela’s border with Guyana. This has been roundly con-
Shortly after, Guyana filed a case seeking a final and binding judgement to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding on all parties, and legal affirmation that the Essequibo region, which contains much of Guyana’s natural resources, belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.
Submission
Guyana submitted its memorial in March 2022, with Venezuela given until
demned by the international community and the ICJ had imposed orders on both Guyana and Venezuela, not to escalate the matter further.
The Spanish-speaking nation is laying claims to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in Essequibo and a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in which more than nine billion barrels of oil have been discovered over the past six years.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Guyana’s Ambassador in Brussels, Sasenarine Singh, at the World Court
Editor: Tusika Martin
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Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
Education for rehabilitation
The Education Ministry has embarked on a journey to redefine correctional systems by introducing an innovative educational programme for inmates and Prison Service Officers. This initiative, a component of the Ministry’s broader EduReform programme, epitomizes the transformative power of education, emphasising rehabilitation and social reintegration over punitive measures.
By integrating a structured two-year curriculum, the programme sets a benchmark for progressive correctional reform, underscoring the Government’s commitment to creating pathways for empowerment and second chances. At the heart of this programme is the acknowledgement that education is not merely a tool for personal development but also a cornerstone for societal transformation. Participants in this initiative will undertake a two-year course culminating in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations in 2026.
The curriculum includes English A, Mathematics, Social Studies, Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM), and Human and Social Biology (HSB). These subjects are strategically selected to enhance literacy, foster critical thinking, and equip learners with employable skills. By focusing on practical and intellectual development, the program aims to prepare participants for life beyond prison walls, offering them a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
One of the most striking features of this initiative is its reliance on modern technology to deliver education within the prison environment. Virtual classes ensure structured, uninterrupted learning for inmates and officers alike. This method not only breaks the barriers of confinement but also exposes participants to digital tools, which are indispensable in today’s job market. By bringing education into prisons, the Ministry is effectively bridging the gap between correctional facilities and the wider society, fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth.
The shift from punitive correctional methods to rehabilitative strategies marks a significant evolution in Guyana’s approach to criminal justice. Rehabilitation, as opposed to mere incarceration, recognises the inherent potential within individuals to change and contribute positively to society. This programme directly addresses the root causes of recidivism by equipping inmates with the skills needed to reintegrate into their communities successfully.
The broader objectives of this initiative reflect a well-rounded vision for societal improvement: a) Reducing recidivism: by equipping inmates with marketable skills and education; the programme aims to lower the likelihood of reoffending, breaking the cycle of crime and incarceration
b) Enhancing employment opportunities: the CSEC subjects offered are tailored to meet the demands of the labour market, enabling participants to secure meaningful employment upon release
c) Promoting public safety: social reintegration reduces the stigmatisation of former inmates, fostering a safer and more inclusive society
d) Building self-esteem and personal growth: education serves as a tool for personal empowerment, instilling a sense of accomplishment and self-worth among participants.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand’s advocacy for second chances reflects the philosophical underpinnings of this programme. She rightly asserts that past mistakes or crimes should not define an individual’s entire life. This perspective challenges the often rigid societal attitudes toward former offenders, advocating instead for compassion, understanding, and the creation of opportunities for transformation.
However, true rehabilitation extends beyond the classroom. While education is a critical component, it must be complemented by counselling and psychological support. Change, after all, is deeply personal and often requires navigating internal struggles. The State’s responsibility lies in creating the conditions for this change, offering tools and resources for individuals to rebuild their lives.
This initiative speaks to the Education Ministry’s dedication to equitable access to education. By bringing education into prisons, the Government is not only empowering individuals but also reinforcing the idea that every citizen, regardless of their past, has the potential to contribute positively to society. It is a bold and necessary step towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate nation.
As the programme unfolds, its success could inspire a shift in correctional systems, proving that education is not just a right but a powerful catalyst for change. Through this initiative, Guyana is demonstrating that even within the confines of prison walls, the seeds of hope and transformation can be sown, ultimately benefiting individuals, families, and communities across the nation.
The initiative is a reminder that in every individual lies the capacity for growth, redemption, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
International Human Rights Day
Dear Editor, December 10 has been designated as International Human Rights Day. This year the world would be observing this date when we are in very grave danger and the Palestinian people are experiencing genocide at the hands of the Apartheid Israeli Regime.
More than forty-five thousand persons, seventy percent of whom are women and children, including little babies have been killed. Thousands of others are missing, presumed buried under thousands of tons of rubble and yet the carnage is allowed to continue.
These inhumane executions of innocent civilians have been taking place for
fourteen months already. The world seems incapable of putting a halt to this. The main reason is that Israel is being protected by the most powerful country in the world, the United States of America.
It is undoubtedly a great shame that instead of using its enormous power to protect the almost defenceless Palestinians, who have been denied the right to their own homeland, the U.S.A has chosen instead to fully support Israel by supplying arms and bombs as well as diplomatic/ political support at the United Nations and other forums.
While the situation of the Palestinians is the most dire, it is not the only area
where the very right to life is in great danger.
One of the most important reasons for the heavy loss of life in the Russia/ Ukraine conflict is the fact that Russia’s security, has been threatened by the expansion of the North Atlantic Treay Organisation (NATO) which is surrounding Russia with military bases and encouraging Ukraine to be a part of the organisation instead of being neutral.
The situation in Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries (Syria) is indeed of grave concern. So too is the civil war in the Sudan, which is causing massive destruction, misery and an unacceptable loss of lives.
The world has never been
so close to a world war since 1939. Such a war today can only lead to nuclear clashes. If that should ever happen then life in the world would cease to exist.
On this occasion I call on all Guyanese and on people everywhere to let your voices be hear and call for an immediate halt to military clashes and the banning of all weapons of mass destruction, in particular, nuclear weapons.
Let us on this occasion take an active stance to protect life, the Greatest Gift of All!
Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President of Guyana
Courts’ action borders on fraud; consumers deserve better
Dear Editor, Guyanese consumers continue to face exploitation by large corporations, with limited recourse for resolving issues. It is time for something to be done to address this ongoing problem.
On November 28, I purchased a sectional sofa from Courts on Main Street, Georgetown, with the earliest available pickup date scheduled for Monday, December 9 at 10:20 AM. I received two confirmation emails and a phone call on Sunday, December 8 at 2:56 PM confirming the pickup at the company's bond in Eccles, East Bank Demerara.
Upon arriving at the
bond to collect my item, I spent nearly an hour waiting, only to be told that they could not locate the full sofa—only half of it was available. I was instructed to contact a manager (name withheld) at the Main Street location for further assistance. However, despite multiple calls, I was unable to reach her.
Determined to resolve the issue, I went to the Main Street office, hoping to speak directly with her. Instead, I was informed by staff that she was not at that location and was instead at the bond.
I was then redirected to another department, where I waited further. Eventually, I was told that
my only options were to either accept a refund or select another item of similar value from the store.
This situation is completely unacceptable, particularly from a multi-billion-dollar company that should have the resources to maintain proper inventory tracking systems. Courts’ actions border on fraud, as they are selling items they are unable to deliver.
I have wasted over a week waiting for this product and an entire day of running around trying to resolve this issue, only to end up frustrated, disappointed, and empty-handed—without the sofa I was hoping to have in my home for Christmas. This is not an isolated incident. I am aware of many other Guyanese consumers who have faced similar issues with Courts and its sister company, Ashleys. I am writing this letter not only to express my frustrations but also to highlight the poor customer service and inadequate systems in place at these companies. Courts and Ashleys can certainly afford to make the necessary investments to improve their services and better meet the needs of the Guyanese public. Guyanese consumers deserve better!
Sincerely, Shashri
Naraine
President Dr. Irfaan Ali and First Lady, Arya Ali hosted a dinner in honour of the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan on Sunday evening at State House. The dinner was attended by several Cabinet members, Security Advisor and officials from the Chinese Embassy
Would President Ali keep his promise to activate the ‘Orders of Guyana?’
Dear Editor, Guyana’s highest national award, ‘The Order of Excellence,’ which was conferred upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India when he visited Guyana in November 2024, has given additional impetus to calls for the activation of the National Awards program that was established under the ‘Constitution of the Orders of Guyana’ in 1970. It was in New York in 2023 at a reception in South Jamaica, Queens, that President Dr Irfaan Ali, who is also the Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana, promised that his government would activate the national awards.
That decision was enthusiastically received by the audience. Guyanese know that when the President makes a promise, he delivers on it. They expect this to happen in 2025.
The national awards program has had an unsteady ride. It ran from 1970 to 2002 when it was discontinued by the PPP/C government which
claimed that it (the government) was under siege following the daring prison outbreak on Mash Day 2002 when 5 notorious prisoners began a reign of terror and proclaimed that they were “freedom fighters.” Without any respite, another group on July 2, 2002, stormed the Presidential complex with attendant mayhem
CPCE brings hope to the prison system
Dear Editor,
I challenge our readers to do some investigation into ‘prison reform.’ It is rife with ongoing research and I am sure that it will put into some perspective the recent launch of the Prison Service-CPCE ‘trade instructor training programme.’ This is a bold move in the right direction, and the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government (PPP/C), and by extension, the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), must be applauded for “This initiative, the first of its kind in Guyana, (and) that was inaugurated recently in the conference room of the CPCE.”
Before much ado, and as I repeat my call for all to do some ‘reading up,’ I point to the fact that it is well established that some of the most successful types of ‘prison-reform’ programmes are ‘psychological, occupational-based, and education-focused’ ones that focus on the issues of the prisoner, to help them improve themselves and become ready to re-enter
society and become productive citizens. Much research has been done and the evidence is convincing and overwhelming that “Getting any education while incarcerated reduces the rate of recidivism by as much as 30 per cent.”
Finer details show that “It’s more than double that for inmates who get a post-secondary education.” Overall, it is that acquiring at least some education beyond the high school level is key to a successful reintegration into society. So, this CPCE venture is bound to generate a whole lot of positives.
Concerning the programme, I read that “The inaugural cohort comprises 30 prison officers tasked with equipping inmates with vocational and technical skills to aid their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.”
And concurring with the literature of the day, “Director of CPCE, Dr. Julie Jailall, commended the collaboration and emphasized the transformative power of education, explaining that “This
programme reflects our commitment to advancing professional development and improving the capacity of instructors to deliver technical and vocational education that not only meets accredited standards but also serves as a vehicle for the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.”
Programme Coordinator, Ryan Samaroo, also made some telling remarks at the launch, when he “… highlighted the broader societal impact of the training … (emphasizing that) (This venture) is not merely a training initiative; it is an investment in the future of our society. The skills you (the participants) will gain will uplift your professional practice and contribute to the larger goal of transforming the lives of those under your instruction.”
Editor, I need not go into more details, as I want to really emphasize how salubrious this kind of mindset is among those who are involved in the prison system. In today’s world “… prison
service’s focus on correctional reform … and training that equips personnel with “… the tools necessary for internal prisoner training, while providing opportunities for professional development.” The goal overall, as was pointed out is that “Through this programme, current needs will be met and there will be improved public confidence in the prison system.” After all, time spent in prison should deter offenders from future crimes or rehabilitate offenders by providing vocational training or wellness programs. Guyana must not allow for incarceration to lead to recidivism and unemployment due to human capital depreciation, exposure to hardened criminals, or societal and workplace stigma. Let’s remember that prisoners are people, and prisoners’ rights are human rights. So, protecting these rights is fundamental to our dignity as a society.
Yours truly,
Hargesh B Singh
Trump is back, what are the implications for Guyana – Part 1
Dear Editor,
Trump's triumphal return to The White House is a great comeback and a first for a returning American president. It is the first for a highly controversial person to have a rare comeback story voted into the highest position in the greatest country on earth. Trump has won convincingly, which means that he has control of both houses, that is, Congress as well as the Senate, as he goes on to lead America for the next four years, unfettered and unhindered by a dormant and recessive Democrat Opposition.
But before we engage in extreme rejoicing in Trump's victory, I would like us to do some background checks on the man.
First, Trump lost the 2020 Elections by some 15,000 votes, which he tried to fraudulently overturn. Trump solicited The Georgia Governor to falsify the figures and gift him 15,000 votes, the same margin he lost the election, that did not happen, which further prompted him to up the pressure on Congress. That election fiasco was further escalated into a violent invasion
of Congress by Trump's supporters, that armed confrontation left four people dead and scores others wounded.
Now, Trump was taken to court - where the matter still languishes - for trial, Trump being accused of orchestrating that deadly invasion. The court has tried him for all peripheral matters, but the main indictable offence of trying to steal an election has been delayed ever since. The reason being, if Trump had tried and most certainly would have been convicted, he could not have run for the presidency.
Now, contrast that with the situation in Guyana where The PNC Led Coalition lost the elections by a similar margin of 15,000 votes, when they through their instrumentalities tried to falsify the figures to show a win for that party. Lowenfield and Mingo brazenly secured a signature and then proceeded to make a false declaration. This matter is also in court awaiting trial and conviction, something The Guyana Judiciary is fighting to stave off.
The point is both matters came under the purview of
a court of law, in both cases, that is, the American Court as well as The Guyana Court are very sympathetic to the accused and have seen to it that the matters are delayed and not reach a conclusion. If The Guyana Court had their way the Election Fraud Case would never have been tried, something the fraudsters would like to see happening here, however, the Guyana courts are not the final to any court case, our final court is the CCJ.
There is a big difference between the two courts, the CCJ is our final court whereas, The Supreme Court of America is their final court. The Supreme Court of America has given Trump a free pass so that he could run for president. He ran and won convincingly all because the highest court of the land gave him permission to.
The next step is to get the fraud case off the record which Trump's Lawyers have already made attempts to have thrown out, it means whether the court would accede to his demands or not Trump now has the backing of the law that gives him permission to
administer to himself a presidential pardon. In either scenario, Trump was convincingly successful in getting the system to work on his behalf.
Now, The PNC would argue that this is the same situation that manifested itself here in Guyana when Dr Ali was slapped with nine fraud charges but still got the chance to run for president. Well, the marked difference between Trump and Ali, was that Ali's Case was never tried, all because those charges were trumped-up allegations of The PNC and could not stand the test of a trial.
So, while they were busily engaged in putting together their concoction of charges, Ali was well on the way to being the PPP/C's Candidate. He contested the election and won, which left the court with no alternative but to strike out the case. Again, whether the court struck out the matter or not, Ali as the elected president had the option of pardoning himself, something Trump is sure to do. I shall continue this discussion in part 2.
Respectfully, Neil
Adams
to overthrow the government. The various attempts by insurgents to make the country ungovernable lasted for the 4 succeeding years. But the fear of social upheaval spilt over into succeeding years.
The national awards program was therefore not in force between the period 2002 to 2010. It was activated by President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo in October 2011. However, from 2012 to 2014 President Donald Ramoutar's administration was overtaken by governance challenges linked to its minority status, and the awards system was not activated. Notwithstanding, the APNU+AFC government activated the awards program during the period 2015-2020, but for 2021 to 2024 under the new PPPC administration it has not been activated. Why? There were allegations that the award process had procedural defects and had been tainted by corruption.
If these allegations raise doubts about the viability of the system, then the government should proceed to clean them up. A national institution like the ‘Orders of Guyana’ must be embraced, respected, and preserved. One effective way to make the system robust is to set out minimum standards of requirements for each class of awards and develop a points system. Also, the Advisory Body should be representative of all segments of the society.
At a minimum level, the following standards should be considered.
(I) A nominee must submit two testimonials from established community leaders, professionals, and NGOs; (2) the nominee must have a clear mission and stated objectives; (3) he/she must produce
evidence of a track record of service of a consistently high standard for 10+ years; (4) show how his/her operations impact a neighbourhood/community or the country; and (5) present articles/publications/ citations of work in the related field. Each standard could be assigned a score and the nominee(s) who scored the highest can be recommended for an award.
For the benefit of readers, the classes of existing awards could are identified into two broad categories; namely, civilian and disciplined services. Here is the civilian category: (i) Order of Excellence (limit of 25 living persons); (ii) Order of Roraima (limit of 35 living persons); (iii) Cacique Crown of Honor (limit to 50 citizens); (iv) Golden Arrow of Achievement (no limit); (v) Medal of Service (no limit). The Disciplined Services category covers (i) Military Service Star (no limit reserved for army, paramilitary forces); (ii) Military Service Medal (no limit reserved for army and paramilitary forces); Disciplined Services Star (no limit- reserved for Police. Prison, Fire Service). Recognizing Guyanese for their outstanding work in their respective areas of operation provides not only inspiration for others to follow their path and even do better but also, takes them nearer to self-actualization. The PPPC government should therefore activate the institution of the Orders of Guyana to recognize Guyanese who excel in their respective tasks and have had a profound impact on their respective communities and even beyond.
Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh
Page Foundation
Customary Units of Weight
The customary units of weight (that is the units commonly used) are ounces (oz); pounds (lb) and tons.
1 pound = 16 oz
1 ton = 2204.6 lb
You can compare these units to each other.
To complicate matters further, a ton may relate to two different weights. In the United States, they measure by the US Ton or short Ton, while the British Ton, known as an Imperial Ton or long Ton is heavier.
A short Ton, the US customary version, is equal to 2000 pounds
A long Ton, the mostly outdated Imperial Ton, is equal to 2240 pounds
A tonne, also known as a metric Ton, is equal to 1000kg, (or 2204.6 pounds)
Example:
How many ounces are in four pounds?
Step 1: You know that there are 16 oz in one pound. So multiply the number of ounces in one pound by four.
Step 2: 16 x 4 = 64 ounces in four pounds.
By John Mason neale
The standard units of measurement that should be used in Guyana are the metric measurements. It is necessary to know customary units of weight to convert them to metric units.
Exercises: Convert
1) 20 pounds is how many ounces?
2) 28 tonnes are how many ounces?
3) 250 ounces is how many pounds?
4) 2 pounds is how many tonnes?
5)22 tonnes is how many pounds?
6)67.5 pounds is how many ounces?
7) A 350-pound man weighs how many tonnes?
8) 6000 ounces is how many tonnes?
Make a holiday souvenir box
One way to remember fun days with your family is by creating a souvenir box. The box can be a place to collect items that spark memories. You can fill the box with notes, drawings, small trinkets, and mementos — anything from a special time you had with your family or friends. As you make more memories, you can add more items to the box.
Materials
A shoebox or cardboard box with a lid
Paper (white or any colour)
Crayons, markers, or paint
Stickers or other decorations
Glue or tape
Scissors (with adult supervision) Fabric scraps (optional)
Directions
1. Decorate the box. You can cover it with paper, fabric scraps, stickers, or simply paint or colour the box.
2. Talk about the special times you have shared with family and friends. Each person can write or draw about a fun memory they’d like to add to the box. You can add photographs or other mementos to the box, too!
3. Keep your box in a special place and continue to add to it throughout the holiday. You can open the box anytime and share stories and memories about the things inside. (Adapted from pbs.org)
Good King Wenceslas look’d out, On the Feast of Stephen; When the snow lay round about, Deep, and crisp, and even: Brightly shone the moon that night, Though the frost was cruel, When a poor man came in sight, Gath’ring winter fuel.
“Hither page and stand by me, If thou know’st it, telling, Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?”
“Sire, he lives a good league hence. Underneath the mountain; Right against the forest fence, By Saint Agnes’ fountain.”
“Bring me flesh,and bring me wine, Bring me pine-logs hither: Thouand I will see him dine, When we bear them thither.”
Page and monarch forth they went, Forth they went together; Through the rudewind’s wild lament, And the bitter weather.
“Sire, the night is darker now, And the wind blows stronger; Fails my heart, I know now how, I can go no longer.”
“Mark my footsteps, good my page; Tread thou in them boldly; Thou shalt find the winter’s rage Freeze thy blood less coldly.”
In his master’s steps he trod, Where the snow lay dinted; Heat was in the very sod Which the Saint had printed. Therefore, Christian men, be sure, Wealth or rank possessing, Ye who now will bless the poor, Shall yourselves find blessing.
Over 1200 squatters regularised since 2020 as clearance of housing backlog continues – Min Croal
– meets with Ogle Airport management on issues of zoning, squatters
With between 1200 and 1500 squatters regularised by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government since 2020. The Government has also assured that pending applicants are being given due attention as efforts continue to clear the housing backlog.
In an interview with the media on Monday, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal explained that so far, the Government has been able to regularise about 1500 lots in squatting areas and spoke of efforts to address squatting.
However, Minister Croal also reiterated the Government’s position that no new squatting will
be recognised. He warned that persons who go into new, unoccupied areas without approval from the Government, risk having their structures demolished.
“Since we’re in office, within the four years. We have regularised, that is we’ve been able to process the ownership of at least about 1200 to 1500. Moving is an ongoing process, so that has been happening continuously,” Croal said.
“We’ve been saying that no new squatting will be recognised. So, if you start going into new areas that previously didn’t have occupancy, obviously we have our full enforcement that is implemented. And if we have to break, so be it. But
we have a more compassionate way whereby we’ve been working with persons who lived in an area for a long period of time.”
The Minister also addressed a misconception in society, that implies squatters who are relocated end up with a better deal than those who actually wait on housing for their land. According to the Minister, nothing could be further from the truth as both squatters and pending applications are being addressed by the Government. The task of moving squatters is both time-consuming and expensive for the Ministry of Housing, but Croal made it clear that it is an ongoing task.
Guyana submits reply to...
Venezuela maintains that the border with Guyana, a former colony of The Netherlands and the United Kingdom (UK), was fraudulently imposed by the British. Guyana, on the other hand, maintains that the line was conclusively determined on October 3, 1899 — 124 years ago — by an arbitration panel (Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899).
The Anglo-Venezuelan Arbitral Tribunal met in Paris, France, and on October 3, 1899, gave its “full and final” award defining the border between Venezuela and the then British Guiana. Venezuela accepted the Award and
signed on to it. This border was demarcated jointly by Venezuela and the colonial power Britain in 1907.
However, on February 14, 1962, Venezuela informed the Secretary-General of the United Nations that it considered there to be a “dispute” between itself and the UK “concerning the demarcation of the frontier between Venezuela and British Guiana”.
The Government of the UK, for its part, asserted on November 13, 1962, that “the western boundary of British Guiana with Venezuela (had been) finally settled by the award which the arbitral tribunal (had)
FROM PAGE 3
announced on 3 October 1899”, and that it did not “agree that there (could) be any dispute over the question settled by the award”.
After various attempts to resolve the matter had failed, the representatives of the UK, Venezuela, and British Guiana signed the Geneva Agreement on February 17, 1966. On Feb 17, 1966, just before attaining independence, Guyana became a party to the Geneva Agreement. Attempts were made in the ensuing decades to resolve the dispute through different means of settlement outlined in the Geneva Agreement.
“It’s a lot of work. It’s an ongoing task. You have, in addition to some other established areas, you’d be surprised people are living there and they don’t have ownership. I’ll give you an example of the last two. I was in Enmore. You see regular houses, persons have all the infrastructure, but they don’t have the ownership. Then you would have seen with his Excellency, Mon Repos North.”
“In addition to that we have a number of areas we’re working with, where we’re looking to streamline because we’ve given a policy decision that we can proceed to regularise. Where we can’t, then we have to do a relocation plan, which is time-consuming. But it’s an
squatting around the airport was one of the topics that came up.
“In relation to around the parameters of the Ogle Airport. On one end they’re squatting and, on another
Zoning Regulations, based on its operations. Croal explained that the tripartite meeting was aimed at, among other things discussing the revising of the zoning regulations.
ongoing process and we’re working towards that,” he further said.
As a matter of fact, the Minister recently met with the Ogle Airport management and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). During those discussions,
end, in the industry vicinity, of persons living there for a long time, being pretty close to the airstrip,” Croal explained.
A major issue that was also addressed during the meeting was the subject of reviewing the Ogle Airport
“There are many uses of that regulation. You have the airport itself, us in terms of approvals and civil aviation. And so that’s one of the things that was discussed. The modality moving forward, how we’re going to update that,” Croal said.
Scene from the recent tripartite meeting between the Ministry of Housing, Ogle Airport management and the Civil Aviation Authority
An example of squatting
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal during the meeting
Election fraud case Chief Magistrate to rule on December 30 whether to restart or resume trial
– prosecution & defence split over summary trial or PI
Adecision on whether or not to restart the election fraud trial from scratch will be handed down by acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on December 30, 2024, when the parties are slated to return to Court.
On Monday, parties in the election fraud trial
During Monday’s sitting, Special Prosecutor, King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhani argued that a restart was completely unnecessary and that all the court needed to do was to recall the witnesses. On the other hand, Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes pressed for a fresh start to the already delayed trial. Ultimately, the acting Chief Magistrate decided that she would hand down her ruling on whether to resume or restart, on December 30.
In an interview with the media afterwards, Ramdhani explained that the state wants the matter to be dealt with by the Magistrate as a summary trial, unlike the defence which wants a preliminary inquiry held before a High Court trial.
“It is our hope that re-
into the 2020 General and Regional elections, attended a sitting of the Magistrates court before the acting Chief Magistrate. During the sitting, they were informed that the Chief Magistrate would rule on whether or not to resume the election fraud trial and just recall witnesses, or to start it over from scratch.
This decision in the four-year-long case became necessary after the initial Magistrate, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly, fell ill in August and was subsequently unable to resume her duties. Her extended illness resulted in McGusty, taking over the case last month.
So far, only two witnesses, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag and Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Diaspora Unit Head Rosalinda Rasul, have been heard by the court.
gardless of how the magistrate rules, the matter will have to start. Whether as a preliminary inquiry or as a summary trial. And we have been ready to lead witnesses, as you’ve seen in the past. So, we expect dates are going to be set. And we’ll ask for the earliest possible date in January, to begin these matters. That’s where we are,” Ramdhani said.
In his interview with the media following the sitting, Hughes meanwhile emphasised that the defence is opposed to the state’s efforts to secure a summary trial at the Magistrates’ Court. According to Hughes, “I think legally, the law is not in his (Ramdhani’s) favour. But whatever the court rules, we’ll abide by the ruling and move forward.”
Nine persons are before the court about electoral fraud. They are former Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo; for-
mer Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield; his former Deputy, Roxanne Myers; former People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNCR) Chairperson Volda Lawrence; PNCR activist Carol Smith-Joseph; and Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) employees Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Michelle Miller and Denise BabbCummings. They are facing 28 charges relating to electoral fraud. Among the offences these defendants are accused of committing
votes to the then-ruling A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC).
She had also testified that despite a Court Order from acting Chief Justice Roxane George which compelled GECOM to use only the Statements of Poll (SOPs) to tabulate the numbers for the Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) votes, Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, one of those now on trial, continued to conduct the tabulation using a projector and
are: misconduct while holding public office; presenting falsified documentation; and planning to manipulate Guyana’s voters by presenting an inaccurate vote total.
In her testimony as a witness, Parag had recalled acts of misconduct she witnessed from GECOM staff during the 2020 General and Regional Elections. Her testimony included witnessing efforts by GECOM staff to alter the results by deducting People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) votes and adding
bedsheet.
When Magistrate Daly had presided over the case, the prosecution, led by KC Ramdhani, had complained that witnesses were not being allowed to freely testify as they should. At the last hearing, before she came down with her illness, Magistrate Daly had acknowledged that not allowing certain testimony was indeed an error. As such, she had permitted the reopening of the examination of the witness, Minister Parag. (G-3)
Looking across… …to Ghana
Ghana was recently in the news – sadly because one ethnically hypersensitive Trade Union Leader (TUL) accused the PPP Govt of treating Indian PM Modi like royalty but Ghanaian VP Mahamudu Bawumia – who visited four years ago – like a peon. But that reaction’s typical in our country where everything’s processed through an ethnic lens!! But interestingly, both Africa and India are similarly fractured, the first along tribal lines and the latter, along caste and region.
So, when your Eyewitness wants to take a comparative look at our fractured politics, he merely looks across the Atlantic to Ghana – which we were confused with for the longest while! How many of us haven’t had to explain that we’re in South America while Ghana’s in Africa? Intriguingly, quite a lot of our people came from Ghana when they were dragged across the Atlantic by Europeans and enslaved on our plantations. Even more fascinating is that when Africa and South America split apart some 140 million years ago –before humans evolved! – The landmass now called Ghana was joined by our Guyana!! How about that for being connected!! One consequence is that since oil is formed when organic materials like forests are geologically buried and crushed, we and Ghana have discovered oil off-shore!! Anyhow, another commonality – this time in the modern era – is that free and fair elections for choosing leaders were returned in 1992 to both countries. So, how have they fared in comparison to us?? Well, even though they constitutionally mandated that political parties cannot identify with ethnic groups – they’ve been unable to break voting along that identifier. Just like us. But religion has also now become a powerful cleavage with their country now 71% Christian – like our 61%! Muslims are their second largest block while ours is Hindu.
Ghana’s populace of 30 million, are 47% Akan (Cuffy’s tribe) along with the Mole-Dagbani, Ewe and Ga-Dangbe being 16.6%, 13.9%, and 7.4% respectively. The two parties – the NPP and NDC – that have won elections in Ghana since 1992 are mainly built around these ethnic groups from which four of the last five Heads of State and their vice presidents have come. The parties make sure the two top candidates are from different tribes!!
They just held their general elections and the Akandominated NPP was ousted even though VP Bawumia had replaced incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo as candidate. The Akan youths felt NPP hadn’t dealt with the severe economic crisis that had gripped them in spite of oil revenues!! The NDC’s John Dramani Mahama – who’d been president before – is now back in the saddle!!
Does this mean economics will also trump ethnicity in OUR 2025 elections with Indians 35%; Africans/Mixed at 48% and Amerindians at 11%??
…the Corentyne River
Your Eyewitness notes Min Edghill announcing that the US$236 million, long-announced Corentyne River Bridge to Suriname was awarded to a Chinese company “China Road and Bridge Corp” (CRBC). He took pains to emphasise that no contract has been signed, but “we have the money” for our 50% share of the construction costs. When the bridge was agreed on by Pres Ali and Santokhi back in 2020, they’d spoken about “concessional financing” by China.
Earlier this year, a Surinamese newspaper had quoted the Chinese: “China supports the intentions of both governments to promote regional connectivity through a fixed river crossing, which is fully in the spirit of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative,” So, maybe this is in the works and was a factor in the award to a Chinese Company??
Now apart from Suriname being in the clutches of the IMF - -which prohibits it from undertaking new loans – isn’t this gonna raise Trump’s eyebrows on Chinese ascendancy??
…to Syria
Back in 2007, US General (Rtd) Wesley Clark discussed US military strategy after 9/11: "We’re going to take out 7 countries in 5 years: Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and finishing it off with Iran". Now only Iran remains!! But note that all are still in turmoil.
King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhani
Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty
Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes
Two of the co-accused. From left, former Region 4 Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo and PNC activist Carol Smith-Joseph
Attorney-at-Law Eusi Anderson (left) shares a light moment with one of the election fraud accused, former GECOM CEO Keith Lowenfield
ExxonMobil-funded mangrove library launched to educate youth on environmental conservation – initiative to be taken to schools countrywide
In a landmark collaboration to boost environmental education and youth engagement, the Agriculture Ministry’s National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development have launched the Mangrove Library Corner.
Funded by the ExxonMobil Foundation, the initiative aims to educate students across the country about the critical importance of mangrove ecosystems in combating climate change and preserving bio-
diversity.
Unveiled at a launch ceremony on Monday, the programme will introduce specialised library spaces in schools nationwide, offering interactive resources such as Mangrove Restoration and the Wonderful World of Mangroves children’s activity booklets.
NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jagnarine Singh said these corners are designed to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards and foster a deep appreciation for the ecological and socio-economic significance of mangroves.
“So, the activity this afternoon is a large pro-
gramme where we will be delivering a few library corners to some schools. Gene mentioned the school in Linden, we have President's College, we have some in Georgetown and… you'll see the schools, the voluntary groups that we have and the NDCs across the country, the RDCs and so on”.
“You'll see a lot of children when you go in there and that is to educate the future generation who will be managing this programme as we go along,” Singh said.
To enhance accessibility, a Mangrove Awareness Bus has been procured, enabling students from remote communities to visit the Mangrove Research and Development Centre along Agriculture Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
Singh underscored that the bus will support field trips, workshops, and exchange programmes integral to the curriculum and the importance of starting environmental education early.
“While I would have started by saying thank you to the funders and the persons who were involved in this whole programme, I am sure that with this kind of education programme, the
36 complete training in civil aviation
The Civil Aviation Training School (CATS) on Monday hosted its graduation ceremony at the Umana Yana, which saw some 36 persons graduating in various disciplines such as Flight Information and Alerting Services and Approach Control.
Twenty-three out of the 36 graduated as Aeronautical Information Management Officers and Air Traffic Control Assistants after completing six months of classroom training.
Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill in his feature address stated that “the Civil Aviation Training
School has recently completed an audit and acquired its TRAINAIR PLUS accreditation from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which means that the training provided by CATS will be globally recognised by ICAO member States.”
Edghill further added, “We will no longer have to go to seek the training, because now we will be offering the training, and our people can benefit from it right here in Guyana.”
He noted that the country’s record on safety, its capacity to regulate the aviation industry and the excellent work done by Air
Traffic controllers must be applauded.
CATS has conducted 14 training courses for 2024, one of which was done for the Cayman Island Airport Authority, making it the first international training delivered by the school.
The training was done virtually through a recently acquired Moodle Learning Management System, which is used for the development and presentation of online training.
Meanwhile, Edghill challenged the graduates to not only have a good attitude but also to have good conduct as they discharge their responsibilities in the profession.
trips, the workshops, the curriculum development, I hope that with the Little Colouring Book that they will start with from a very tender age”.
“The field trip activities, the exchange programmes are very important for us as we go out. So, the bus, I am sure, will be very active as we go across the country,” he added.
Also delivering remarks was Managing Director of the Environmental Management Consultants (EMC), Shyam Nokta, who highlighted that as the world grapples with climate change and biodiversity loss, initiatives like the
Mangrove Library Corner are vital reminders of the power of education in driving sustainable change.
On this point, he noted that by equipping young minds with knowledge and fostering a sense of responsibility, the project sets a promising example for corporate contributions to environmental awareness.
“The mangrove library corner that will now be implemented across many schools and where students and teachers and persons who are visiting these facilities will have a chance to have at ready availability materials, information about mangroves, the im-
portance of mangroves. This is all part of our effort to spread this important message about mangroves, their importance, and why we need to continue to protect and manage this important ecosystem. So, through these interventions, we believe that NAREI's efforts at mangrove management, mangrove protection, and mangrove awareness can continue.”
The newly launched Mangrove Library Corner builds upon this legacy, expanding the Centre’s reach into schools nationwide and solidifying its role as a leader in environmental conservation education.
Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill and the recent batch of graduates from CATS
National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Chief Executive Officer Jagnarine Singh
Mangrove Awareness Bus
Environmental Management Consultants (EMC), Managing Director Shyam Nokta
Caricom appoints new Permanent Observer to UN
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has appointed a new Permanent Observer to the United Nations (UN) to provide representation at all relevant meetings at the UN, and to promote diplomatic interactions for the CARICOM Secretariat.
Dr Leslie Wade, a national of St Kitts and Nevis, presented her credentials to the UN SecretaryGeneral, António Guterres on 5 December in New York.
With close to four decades’ experience in the UN system from 19852023, Dr Wade most re-
cently held the position of Director in the Office of
Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). She was also the Senior Liaison Officer in the New York Office of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and served in the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa and the Least Developed Countries (OSCAL).
Other positions the new Permanent Observer held include Economic Affairs Officer specialising in Regional Economic Integration and Trade at the
UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago, Chile; Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and Mexico City, Mexico.
Dr Wade also participated in Peacekeeping Missions (Namibia, 19891990 and Cambodia, 1992-1993) and Electoral Assistance Missions in El Salvador and Mozambique in 1994.
Other notable accomplishments include developing the proposal to create the ECOSOC Ad Hoc Advisory Group on African Countries Emerging from
Conflict, as a General Assembly follow-up to Kofi Annan’s Seminal 1998 Report on the Causes of Conflict and the Promotion of Durable Peace and Sustainable Development in Africa.
Dr Wade is the 5th Permanent Observer of CARICOM to the UN. Mr Hamid Mohamed was the first CARICOM Permanent Observer (1995-2005); followed by Mr Miles Stoby, (2005-2006); Ambassador Noel Sinclair, (2007-2014), and Ambassador Missouri Sherman-Peter, (20142023).
Dr Leslie Wade, new Caricom Permanent Observer to the UN and UN Secretary General António Guterres
Anti-corruption initiatives essential in bolstering Govt institutions – PM Phillips
As the Government works assiduously to ensure its agencies function on the key principles of fairness, transparency and accountability, Prime Minister Mark Phillips revealed that several initiatives geared towards tackling corruption in public and Private Sectors were developed over the years.
He was at the time speaking at the Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Expo being hosted by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
The year’s two-day ex-
promote human rights and awareness of human rights so grassroots movements, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) and the private sector play an import-
hibition is being held in observance of International Anti-Corruption Day and features some 43 exhibitors.
However, the Prime Minister explained that corruption poses a significant threat to the ideology of democracy, as such he noted that the Government is committed to developing policies and frameworks aimed at bolstering the anti-corruption landscape in Guyana.
“Corruption, as you heard before, undermines democracy, Corruption affects economic development and trust in institutions making anti-corruption initiatives essential for promoting fairness, transparency and accountability as we govern the affairs of Guyana. We are committed as a Government to ensure that we promote all legal frameworks and policies aimed at increasing our anti-corruption activities, be it anti-corruption laws, establishing and enforcing laws to criminalise corruption including bribery, embezzlement, fraud and abuse whistleblower protections.”
Phillips added that, the Government has been working with stakeholders at the grassroots level to effectively deal with human rights and corruption.
“We are not only working in an inter-agency or a whole-of-Government approach, we are working in a whole-of-society approach and local advocacy is very important as we
ant role in promoting awareness and fighting for justice.”
He added, “It is interesting that we link human rights and the work we are doing in that area with anti-corruption activities in Guyana and all perceiv-
more cases will arise.
“As a country’s institutions become better, more resilient, better trained, better resourced, you will find more corruption. You’ll find more corruption because that’s what they’re supposed to do. And people, I know in the media, some will say, see, you know, I don’t have to quote, you know what they’ll say. But the issue is that as we go forward in the anti-corruption fight, and as we get better, stronger in our investigation, prosecution, that we will be able to find more cases.”
Moreover, Teixeira revealed that the Government has been busy this year with training programmes and workshops seeking to develop the 16 agencies that are a part of anti-corruption in Guyana.
Additionally, she noted that it is important for stakeholders to develop a culture that promotes equality and condemns corruption.
able anti-corruption actions that we could think about we are either promoting or advocating through the Government of Guyana’s programmes and also working in collaboration with many private sector agencies. Anti-corruption actions are efforts to prevent, detect and combat corruption in public and private sectors.”
Nevertheless, Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira highlighted that as the country’s institutions become better at identifying and fighting corruption
“We create a new culture in our society, an anti-corruption culture and a human rights culture that says that we’re all equal, that we all have equal rights, but also that says, teaches our children that it’s wrong to think that a bribe is necessary to get a licence or whatever. And it is wrong to be able to do anything in terms of corruption. And so we feel that the all-of-society approach begins to lead to a more mature democracy in Guyana, a more mature approach to our issues and challenges.”
Prime Minister Mark Phillips
Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira
Officials and invitees at the opening ceremony of the Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Expo
Scenes from the Human Rights and Anti-Corruption
Parliamentary Affairs and Governance
Anti-Corruption Expo hosted by the Ministry of
at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre
Iwokrama, NRDDB ink joint communiqué on illegal gold mining –
renewed commitment to co-manage protected areas
Some 21 indigenous communities and Iwokrama recently inked a joint communiqué to curb illegal gold mining in the Protected Area – an issue that remains a challenge in the Siparuni area.
Chairperson of the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), Mike Williams along with the leadership strongly condemned any form of illegal gold mining within Iwokrama. Unfortunately, this practice has seen the participation of some errant community members along with other Guyanese, Venezuelans and Brazilians.
However, the communiqué condemns these illegal operations; ensuring that members of the communities understand that gold mining is illegal in the Iwokrama Forest and that supplying these illegal operations with materials and supplies is also illegal; working together on a comprehensive monitoring
programme with Iwokrama that will include communication and reporting mechanisms amongst each other and report on any suspicious activities in and around their communities and the Iwokrama Forest.
The communiqué stat-
This joint communiqué comes as the Indigenous community leaders and Iwokrama renewed their commitment to the active co-management of the Iwokrama Forest.
The signed Collaborative Management Agreement (CMA) sets out a framework under which the Iwokrama Forest is managed collaboratively between the Iwokrama International Centre and the communities (represented by NRDDB), to promote conservation, sustainable, and equitable use of the Programme Site.
In keeping with the mandate of Iwokrama, the Centre’s monitoring team, together with the regulatory institutions in Guyana and NRDDB, will increase monitoring and targeted enforcement activities within the environs
ed that it is grateful for the Government’s support in eradicating this major problem and will continue to engage the relevant stakeholders.
of the Iwokrama Forest. Furthermore, the Centre will rigorously enforce the prescribed penalties under the Iwokrama Act and other laws of Guyana against any
person(s) found illegally operating in the Iwokrama Forest.
The two parties have also agreed to collaborate on a comprehensive monitoring programme with Iwokrama, including communication and reporting mechanisms to report any suspicious activities in and around their communities and the Iwokrama Forest.
In addition, the Iwokrama International Centre expressed its gratitude for the support in highlighting this ongoing issue.
“We are grateful for the Government of Guyana’s support in eradicating this major problem and will continue to engage with and support the Government in its efforts to curb this activity,” the Centre stated.
Further, the Centre also reminds the public and other stakeholders that extractive activities are not allowed in the Iwokrama Forest unless the Centre grants express written permission.
The Centre stressed that no such activity should take place within or near the one-kilometre buffer zone area on the other side of the Siparuni River, as that buffer offers protection to the Iwokrama Forest.
In light of concerns regarding attempts to access other areas, the Centre reiterates that no access will be permitted through the Iwokrama Forest to any mining or forestry land claims.
In recent months, several enforcement activities
led by Government regulatory agencies have been undertaken to curb these illegal activities, resulting in several arrests and equipment seizures.
Iwokrama acknowledges that collaboration is essential to targeting such illegal activities and is grateful for the continued support from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the GGMC, the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Protected Areas Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Iwokrama has hosted an NRDDB meeting at the Iwokrama River Lodge annually since 2022. The Iwokrama Forest is also certified under an international forest certification scheme.
Govt issues another 94 contracts for road development in Linden
Small contractors from Linden, Region Ten, signed an additional 94 contracts on Friday to upgrade roads across the mining town.
The signing held at the Watooka Guest House, follows the recent awarding of
325 contracts valued at $4.2 billion for road upgrades.
The landmark initiative is part of the Government’s ongoing community road improvement initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructure while creating employment opportunities.
Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill while addressing contractors, emphasised measures to ease financing for project execution.
He noted that contractors can access up to 30 per cent of the contract sum with
a bond or 10 per cent without a bond. Edghill warned against dishonest practices.
“We are watching very carefully that people are not cheating the system,” he said, cautioning against individuals or families using multiple business names to secure multiple contracts.
He added, “Greed and deception are not something I can tolerate. If it is established after signing, I will withdraw it.” The road projects are scheduled for com-
pletion by December 30.
In addition to roadworks, 46 contracts for drainage improvements, valued at $76.7 million, were signed on the same day.
This marks the first time such an initiative is being implemented in Linden with many of the beneficiaries being first-time contractors who previously lacked business registrations.
The drainage projects are expected to be completed by December 20, aim to pre-
vent flooding by addressing silted waterways, a recurring issue in the town. Added to this effort, the Minister pointed out that 20 individuals are already employed under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Programme (CIIP) to maintain Linden’s drainage systems.
He announced that two excavators are designated for the region to ensure the continued operability of the drainage systems.
Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill addressing small contractors in Linden, Region 10 at Watooka Guest House on Friday
Contract signing exercise in Linden, Region 10
NRDDB Executive Toshao Micah Davis and Chair Michael Williams sign the CMA
Illegal mining and damage in the Iwokrama Forest
Iwokrama CEO Dane Gobin and NRDDB Chair Mike Williams and some Village Leaders shake hands on signing of the CMA and Joint Communiqué
Govt commences distribution of 2025 old age pension books
The Human Services and Social Security Ministry has com -
menced the distribution of the 2025 Old Age Pension (OAP) books, aiming to
complete the process by January 31.
The books will remain
PSC lauds GBTI’s recentlylaunched GROW initiative
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Monday lauded the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) on the launch of its GROW, an innovative division dedicated to addressing the unique needs of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
This initiative, unveiled at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD), represents a strategic and forward-thinking commitment to advancing the growth and sustainability of SMBs in Guyana.
In a statement issued, the PSC acknowledged the vital role SMBs play in driving innovation, creating employment, and contributing to Guyana’s socio-economic development.
It added that GBTI GROW provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and advisory services tailored to support SMBs in overcoming challenges, enhancing their com-
petitiveness, and realising their growth potential.
“GBTI’s strategic decision to launch this unit in Mon Repos demonstrates a clear understanding of the dynamic opportunities within this region and its surrounding communities. The planned transition of the Mon Repos location into a full-service branch is a noteworthy development that will further enhance access to a broad range of banking solutions, supporting both personal and business financial needs across Guyana,” the PSC added.
The PSC particularly welcomed the remarks of the banking institution’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shawn Gurcharran, which underscored the Bank’s steadfast commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, providing targeted support to underserved markets, and partnering with SMBs to drive inclusive economic growth.
Additionally, the PSA also welcomes that the insights shared by the Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, aptly highlighted the timeliness and significance of this initiative in Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy.
“The establishment of GBTI GROW is a testament to GBTI’s proactive approach to banking innovation and its alignment with national objectives for sustainable development. The PSC commends this initiative as a model of corporate leadership and a meaningful contribution to Guyana’s evolving financial landscape.”
The Commission stated that it remains committed to working collaboratively with GBTI and other stakeholders to strengthen the ecosystem for small and medium-sized businesses, ensuring that they continue to thrive and contribute to Guyana’s economic prosperity.
available throughout the year for individuals turning 65.
Subject Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud attributed the delayed distribution to the discovery of unauthorised pension books in circulation, necessitating the redesign of the books with enhanced security features.
“We sincerely apologise for the delay…we had to change the security feature on the book to ensure transparency, and accountability, and prevent any recurrence of this issue,” the Minister stated during a recent video broadcast.
Despite the setback, the Ministry began distributing books in December and is intensifying efforts
ahead of Christmas.
Minister Persaud noted that since 2021, the Ministry has distributed pension books before the start of the new year, enabling pensioners to plan effectively. Moreover, pensioners are advised to check distribution schedules published in newspapers and on the Ministry’s social media page.
Locations have been organised for efficient service, with attendees seated in rows and served sequentially. Pensioners are required to present their National Identification (ID) card and previous pension book to collect their new books. Officials will verify their identity and issue the updated book. The
Ministry has integrated the registration process for the Government’s $100,000 cash grant with pension book distribution. Special sections at most sites facilitate this. Shutin or homebound pensioners will have both their grant registration and book delivery conducted at their residences.
Additionally, distribution of the 2025 Permanent Disability Books has begun in regions 1, 7, 8, and 9 at the same pension distribution sites. Dates for other regions will be announced soon.
Minister Vindhya reaffirmed its commitment to a seamless process, pledging to provide regular updates to keep pensioners informed.
Officials at the launch of GBTI’s GROW initiative last week
Govt working to promote safer road usage to stop carnage – Min McCoy
–
as St Cuthbert’s
Mission bid farewell to accident victims
In light of the carnage on the country’s roadways over the past few months, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy revealed that the Government is currently working to promote good practices on the nation’s roadways.
These were the sentiments of the Minister on Saturday during a memorial service at St Cuthbert’s Mission to celebrate the lives of the late 63-year-old Olivia Andrews, her daughter 29-year-old Athina Andrews, and granddaughter 6-year-
old Emma Andrews who lost their lives along the St Cuthbert’s Mission trail.
Whilst paying tribute to the victims, Minister McCoy highlighted that the issue of the reckless behaviours on the roadway is not unique to the community, but it is a nationwide scourge that the Government is currently facing.
“And this is not unique to this village, by the way, and over the last few weeks, as we observed and saw the many accidents involving truck and truck drivers and people would comment, no more than 15 times at the top of
my memory, I've had to say to people, yes, truck drivers are involved, but we are equally involved and responsible because there are many of us and all of us who terribly use the road sometimes.”
On this point the Minister noted that this issue must be addressed, however, he explained that tackling this issue would not be an easy task.
“How do we intend to curb, to change our attitude, the manner of the usage of the road, so that we preserve our own lives and we preserve the lives of others? And so, there is a lot of work to be
done. There's a lot of work to be done.”
The Minister added. “And I would be first and equal in this partnership as we seek to educate people about good road practices. I will be the first and amongst the equal to help in designing all of the messages and all of the necessary things.”
Additionally, the Minister extended condolences to the
family on behalf of President Dr Irfaan Ali and the Cabinet.
“We heard Athina and all her achievements, not only as a beauty queen of this village but also as an example of the modern times of our country, where women are stepping up to the task and are breaking the barriers and stepping into the arenas that were once held out to be those that men are only meant to dwell in and around. “ He further stated “We heard our little Emma, how much she meant to her family and her teacher and her fellow pupils. I listened to every comment very carefully and I'm satisfied that these three souls, these three individuals, in their lifetime would have made an impact on many lives, would have affected our lives in positive ways.”
Murders caused by domestic violence reduced by 33 per cent – Min Persaud
Guyana has recorded a 33 per cent reduction in murders caused by domestic violence for the year 2024, according to Human Services and Social Security Minister, Vindhya Persaud.
This was disclosed at an event on Friday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. However, although the number is small, the Minister described it as “significant” since there was a rise in cases at first.
She noted that the decrease in number can contribute to a plethora of measures, including those that have been implemented by the Ministry.
“When we started with all of our measures there was an increase in cases at first. Now, there has been a decrease and this may be as a result of more people reporting or maybe because more responses are forthcoming. But this does not mean that we should sit around, we still have work to do,” the Minister explained.
Some of the measures implemented by the Ministry thus far include the Community Advocate Network (CAN), the 914 hotlines, the iMatter app and the Hope and Justice Centres.
As it relates to the CAN
initiative, the Ministry trains interested persons within various communities to respond to gender-based violence.
Additionally, the 914 tollfree hotline is the Ministry’s main reporting tool for victims to reach out for help. The hotline is operated on a 24-hour basis. For this year, some 6,000 calls were recorded through this medium. Out of that number, 182 calls dealt directly with domestic violence.
On the other hand, the iMatter is another chatbased system to report on any type of violence. According to the Minister, very soon the app will see improvement where persons can chat with not only personnel from the Ministry, but they will also be able to talk with a lawyer, counsellor or survivor advocate.
Meanwhile, the Hope and Justice Centre is a holistic building designed by the Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Legal Affairs where any form of help can be found. This includes counselling, police reports and access to an attorney. With all these measures being put in place, Minister Persaud stressed the importance of the Government in creating a safe country for every gender.
“We will continue to make these significant steps so that we can work to eradicate violence against everyone. We have to make it known what we are doing, so people can utilise these resources,” the Human Service Minister stressed. She encouraged persons to continue to report on any form of domestic violence.
Olivia Andrews; her daughter, Athina Andrews, and granddaughter Emma Andrews
The funeral service for the trio
Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud
Diet is key in managing diabetes – Part 1
– understanding the role of carbohydrates and protein in your diet
By ShaBana Shaw
Managing diabetes effectively involves more than just monitoring blood sugar levels; it also requires a commitment to eating the right foods in their correct portion size. Persons living with diabetes should therefore develop practical strategies to maintain a balanced diet that supports their overall health while managing diabetes.
Diabetes is a long-lasting health condition that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. In other words, diabetes affects the way your body turns food into energy. There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes (during pregnancy), each of which requires careful meal planning to help with controlling blood sugar levels.
Nutritionist, Abigail Caleb is adamant that, through diet, one can maintain stable blood sugar levels. “Nutrition thera-
animals, fats and oils, vegetables, staples and fruits. She cautioned that meal planning for diabetics should be individualised, as no one size fits all.
According to Caleb, there is no such thing as a special “diet” for persons living with diabetes, as moderation is usually the key, particularly in controlling carbohydrate intake and timing of meals to fit the person’s medication pattern.
Understanding How Carbohydrates (carb) work in a Diabetic Meal Plan
Carbohydrates are macronutrients meaning nutrients / nourishing substances which are required by the body in large amounts. The categories in the human diet are Simple (sugars), Complex (starch) and Dietary Fibre.
According to Caleb, all carbohydrates, except dietary fibre, are broken down into glucose or “sugar” and used for energy and are the most important source of fuel or energy for the body, particularly the brain.
py constitutes one of the basic pillars in the treatment and control of diabetes mellitus, as well as the prevention or delay of the (microvascular and macrovascular) complications of diabetes mellitus,” says Caleb, Senior Technical Officer - Food Security and Nutrition at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
She explained that persons with diabetes need a healthy and well-balanced diet, consisting of a variety of foods from the Caribbean Six Food Groups which consists of legumes and nuts, food from
“Simple carbohydrates are digested and absorbed more quickly and can cause a rapid spike in blood glucose/sugar levels. Some examples are sugar, honey, molasses, syrup, jam, jelly, chocolate, sweets, candies, pastries, cakes, pies, cookies, carbonated drinks, packet juices mixes and fruits canned with sugar,” she said.
The Nutritionist explained that complex carbohydrates take longer to be digested, absorb slowly and have a gentler effect on blood sugar levels.
“Complex carbohydrates include rice, pasta, wheat
flour and its products, corn, cereal porridges, cornflakes, ground provisions, breadfruit, dried peas, beans, nuts & seed, fruits vegetables (i.e., yellow and orange vegetables) and milk and yoghurt,” she counselled.
Dietary fibre consists of
Nuts food group such as dried peas, beans, nuts and seeds.
“Meat alternatives (soya products like chunks). There are also very small amounts of proteins in cereals (cornmeal, dried corn, oats, rice, whole grain products, breads) and in leafy, green and yellow vege-
(i.e., beef, pork, lamb, wild meats and organ meats - liver, giblets, brains, heart, etc).
“Eat fish 3 or more times a week. Fish is rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids which protect the body’s blood vessels from harm. Eat red meats and/or organ meats no
USE FOODS FROM THE SIX FOOD GROUPS DAILY
plant-based carbohydrates, that the body cannot digest and therefore does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. There are two types of dietary fibre, soluble fibre and insoluble.
“Soluble fibre can be found in peas, beans, nuts, seeds, oats, barley, fruits & vegetables, ground provisions while insoluble fibre is found in the skins of vegetables & fruits, bran or outer coating of grains,” she highlighted.
Apart from its benefits of controlling blood sugar levels and reducing weight gain, dietary fibre is known for promoting healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
“It has the ability to absorb water and as such carry out an important function of sweeping, cleaning and protecting the lower digestive tract (small and large intestines),” Caleb enlightened.
Therefore, carbohydrate food choices are guided by the carbohydrate content of foods. A diabetic should maintain a balance among the carbohydrate content categories: high carb, moderate carb, low carb and zero carb foods.
Benefits of Protein for Diabetes
Proteins are essential for the development, maintenance and life of every cell in the human body. It plays a crucial role in the diet of individuals living with diabetes and unlike carbohrdates, does not (negatively) impact blood glucose (sugar) levels.
According to Caleb, the main dietary sources of proteins are foods from the animal food group (except butter and other animal fats) and foods from the Legumes and
tables,” she highlighted.
For individuals living with diabetes, more white meats such as fish and poultry (chicken, turkey, duck) should be consumed than red meats
more than 1-3 times a week as they have more saturated fat and cholesterol,” Caleb cautioned.
A vegetarian substitute for meat that’s rich in proteins is
legumes. Some common types of legumes are beans (black beans, kidney beans), lentils, peas, chickpeas and peanuts (technically a legume, not a nut).
Persons living with diabetes must understand their diet as this is key in managing blood glucose (sugar) levels and improving quality of life. They must monitor the amount of carbohydrates they consume as some carbohydrates have a significant impact on blood sugar levels. Similarly, incorporating the right kind of protein meat in your diet can support blood sugar control and contribute to overall health.
Myth: Duck is red meat.
Fact: Duck is scientifically classified as a white meat and is considered a good source of protein.
Myth: Peanuts are a kind of nut.
Fact: Peanuts are classified as legumes and are a rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.
Abigail Caleb, Senior Technical Officer - Food Security and Nutrition, CARPHA
The six food groups being depicted on this chart, taken from CARPHA Diabetes Nutritional Management Toolkit
Regional
Haiti gang massacres around 180 persons, targeting elderly
Around 180 persons were killed over the weekend in Haiti's Cite Soleil area, Haiti's Prime Minister's office said on Monday, after attacks that a NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) said were ordered by a gang leader who suspected his child had been made ill using witchcraft.
"A red line has been crossed," the office said in a statement, adding it would "mobilise all forces to track down and annihilate" those responsible, including Wharf Jeremie gang leader Monel "Mikano" Felix, whom it accused of planning the attack.
It said the victims were mostly elderly.
The National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH), an NGO in Haiti that monitors State institutions and promotes human rights education, said on Sunday at least 110 persons – all aged over 60 – had been killed in Cite Soleil over the weekend.
It later said the death toll could be higher and cited witnesses as saying that "mutilated bodies were burned in the streets, including several young individuals who were killed attempting to save residents."
RNDDH said Felix had ordered the violence after his child became sick, and after seeking advice from a voodoo priest who accused elderly
people in the area of harming the child through witchcraft.
The group said Felix's child had died on Saturday afternoon.
Reuters was not able to independently verify the events outlined by RNDDH. Felix did not immediately comment on the accusations.
Cite Soleil, a densely-populated slum by the port of the capital Port-au-Prince, is among the poorest and most violent areas of Haiti.
Tight gang control, including the restriction of mobile phone use, has limited resi-
dents' ability to share information about the massacre.
The Government, riven with political infighting, has struggled to contain gangs' growing power in and around the capital. The armed groups are accused of indiscriminate killings, gang rapes, ransom kidnappings and fuelling critical food shortages.
In October, the Gran Grif gang took responsibility for the killing of at least 115 persons in Pont-Sonde, a town in Haiti's breadbasket Artibonite region. They said it was retaliation for residents helping
CCJ upholds conviction in rape of a minor in Belize
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Monday denied an application by a man seeking special leave to appeal his conviction of raping a child in Belize for which he was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.
The CCJ upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal of Belize that affirmed the conviction by the High Court.
The victim, who was 11 years old at the time of the
offence, gave uncorroborated evidence that on August 21, 2016 she went to the Julio Recino’s corn mill to purchase corn tortillas for her mother when the incident took place.
The child returned home without reporting the incident to anyone, but five days later the Police received an anonymous report that a minor had been abused. The child was examined by a doctor who confirmed that she had been “carnally known”.
Recino’s appeal was previously dismissed at the Court of Appeal. He subsequently applied to the CCJ on the same two grounds that he did at the lower court. The first is that the trial judge omitted a crucial discrepancy between the evidence of the victim and the doctor who examined her and secondly, that the weaknesses of the Crown’s case were not sufficiently analysed and put to the jury. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
UN human rights office partly resumes activities in Venezuela
The United Nations human rights watchdog has in part resumed its activities in Venezuela, its chief said on Monday, after it was forced to leave the country nearly 10 months ago following what the Government described as a review of its activities.
The UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk made the announcement at a press conference in Geneva
in response to a reporter's question.
"We have been able to resume partly our activities," he said, without going into further detail. The head of the international body's human rights office said he hoped to eventually resume prison visits and trial monitoring but did not provide a timeline.
When the office was at full operations, it included a staff of around a dozen foreign members working to
pressure the Government of President Nicolás Maduro to adhere to its human rights commitments.
Maduro was proclaimed the winner of July's contested presidential election by the Governmentaligned electoral authority and supreme court. But the Opposition released thousands of copies of voting machine receipts that it argues show a lopsided win for its candidate, who has since fled to Spain. (Reuters)
a self-defence group hinder their road toll operations.
Calls for UN peacekeepers A United Nations-backed
security mission was requested by Haiti in 2022 and approved a year later but so far has just partially deployed and remains deeply under-resourced.
Haitian leaders have called for the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission to be converted into a UN peacekeeping force to ensure it is better supplied, but the plan stalled amid opposition from China and Russia in the Security Council.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary General, said the weekend's death count was at least 184, including 127 elderly persons.
"The Secretary-General reiterates his pressing call to Member States to provide the Multinational Security Support mission the financial and logistical support required to successfully assist the Haitian National Police," he said.
A White House security spokesperson echoed the call
for urgent international support for the mission and said the United States was "appalled".
Dujarric also called for an acceleration of the political transition within Haiti. Haiti's transitional government has said it plans to hold long-awaited elections in 2025, provided there is sufficient security for a free and fair vote.
The security situation has, however, continued to deteriorate, and many countries have yet to deliver on pledges of support.
Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, urged countries to improve efforts to stop arms trafficking to Haiti. The UN estimates the gangs' increasingly modern arsenals are largely trafficked from the United States.
"These latest killings bring the death toll just this year in Haiti to a staggering 5000 people," he said. (Reuters)
Tobago autonomy bill fails to pass
People’s National Movement (PNM) Tobago Council political leader Ancil Dennis has slammed the united National Congress (UNC) after the Tobago autonomy bill was not passed in the House of Representatives, Parliament, on December 9.
The bill failed to acquire a special majority – three-fifths.
Twenty-one government members voted for the bill and 16 members of the Opposition voted against.
In a Facebook post on December 9, Dennis said, "The bills (Constitution (Amendment) Bill and Tobago Island Government Bill) which proposed significant improvements to Tobago’s governance structure got no support from the UNC and consequently failed."
He accused the Opposition
government
of political gamesmanship by using amendments suggested by Tobago House Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Farley Augustine to criticise the bills.
"What we had for the entire committee process today was blatant game-playing and references to Farley’s jokey amendments dispatched via WhatsApp this morning. They could not put Tobago’s business before their own narrow political interest.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)
Policeman among 6 charged in bank scam targeting elderly customer in Jamaica
APoliceman is among six people charged in a multimillion-dollar smishing scam that targeted an elderly customer of the National Commercial Bank (NCB).
In a release, the Major Organised Crime and AntiCorruption Agency (MOCA) named those charged as 35-year-old Police Constable Marlando Rowe; 34-year-old Glenecia Smith, a customer service representative; 31-year-old Nemoy Rodney,
an electrician; 27-year-old Shamar Cammock, a security guard; 26-year-old Kimmor Peters, a sales representative; and 27-year-old Zowan Foster, a cashier. They were all charged with breaches of the Proceeds of Crime Act and the Larceny Act on Friday, December 6, following their arrests between Tuesday and Wednesday last week. Foster was handed an additional charge of facilitating the use of criminal property.
According to Major Basil Jarrett, Director of Communications at MOCA, the six persons are suspected of being part of a wider cyber-enabled crime group. Jarrett says their arrest and charge demonstrate the agency’s resolve to dismantling and disrupting organised criminal enterprises.
The six are to appear in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Wednesday, December 11. (Jamaica Observer)
Members of the Haitian Armed Forces patrol the area as people flee homes following the armed gangs’ violence over the weekend, many grouped behind an alliance known as Viv Ansanm, at the Poste Marchand suburb, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, December 9, 2024
(Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol photo)
Ancil Dennis, PNM Tobago Council political leader and new
senator
Around the World
OOIL NEWS
Oil rises over 1% on ouster of Syria's Assad, Chinese monetary policy
Israel bombards Syria as Opposition seeks to form a new government
Israeli forces carry out large-scale attacks across Syria, targeting three major airports and other strategic military infrastructure, including in the capital, Damascus.
An Israeli security source told local media that the country’s military has carried out “one of the largest attack operations in the history of its air force” in Syria following al-Assad’s removal.
north of Damascus, hoping to find long-lost family members imprisoned under al-Assad’s decades-long rule.
Thousands of Syrians were detained there for political crimes like opposing the government.
il prices climbed more than one per cent on Monday on higher geopolitical risk after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and as top importer China flagged its first move towards a loosened monetary policy stance since 2010.
Brent crude futures settled US$1.02, or 1.4 per cent, higher at US$72.14 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up US$1.17, or 1.7 per cent, to US$68.37.
"Events in Syria over the weekend could impact the crude market and increase the geopolitical risk premium on oil prices in the weeks and months to come amid yet more instability in the Middle East region," said Jorge Leon, Rystad Energy's head of geopolitical analysis.
Syrian rebels said on State television on Sunday they had ousted Assad, ending a 50-year family dynasty and raising fears of more instability in a region gripped by war.
While Syria is not a major oil producer, it holds geopolitical clout due to its location and ties with Russia and Iran, and mixed with the tensions elsewhere in the region, the regime change has potential to spill into neighbouring territories, Leon said.
In early signs of disruptions in the oil market, a tanker carrying Iranian oil to Syria turned around in the Red Sea, ship-tracking data showed.
Meanwhile, China will step up "unconventional" countercyclical adjustments, focusing on expanding domestic demand and boosting consumption, State media Xinhua reported, citing a readout of a meeting of top Communist Party officials, the Politburo.
China's growth has stalled as a slump in the property market has hit confidence and consumption. Loosening policy refers to actions by a central bank or government to boost growth, such as increasing money supply, lowering interest rates, and implementing fiscal stimulus.
"We see a commodity-price boom if China indeed follows through with the promises of looser monetary policy and the possibility that they will do whatever it takes to stimulate the economy," said Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures Group.
China's slowdown was a factor behind the decision of the Organisation of Petrol Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) last week to postpone plans for higher output until April.
Weighing on prices, leading exporter Saudi Aramco on Sunday reduced its January 2025 prices for Asian buyers to their lowest level since early 2021, as markets worried it could signal weak demand.
Traders also remained focused on US inflation data expected later this week that could cement a December interest-rate cut by the Federal Reserve next week.
Lower interest rates decrease the cost of borrowing, which can boost economic activity and spur demand for oil. (Reuters)
Suspect in healthcare CEO killing arrested after being spotted at McDonald's
Police have arrested 26-year-old Luigi Mangione in connection with the fatal shooting of a healthcare insurance boss in New York last week
He was detained on firearms charges at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania on Monday, authorities said, calling him a "strong person of interest" in the killing
"Responding officers questioned the suspect, who was acting suspiciously and was carrying multiple fraudulent IDs," Police said in a news conference
The man was also found
with a so-called ghost gun and suppressor consistent with the murder weapon as well as a mask, Police said. They also recovered documents pointing to a potential motive
Mangione is a graduate of the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania, where he studied computer science and founded a video game development club UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in a "brazen, targeted attack" last Wednesday, outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
The unnamed source told the State-funded Israeli Army Radio that “more than 250 military targets were attacked in Syria”.
The source added that targets included “bases of the Assad army, dozens of fighter jets, dozens of surface-toair missile systems, production sites and warehouses […] and surface-to-surface missiles”.
Meanwhile, families from across Syria have been flocking to the infamous prison,
Mathieu Rouquette, the country director for Mercy Corps in Syria, described al-Assad’s toppling as an important moment for Syrians but said it won’t be enough to solve the country’s humanitarian crisis.
“This watershed moment will not in itself solve over a decade of worsening humanitarian and economic crisis. Years of conflict as well as natural disasters have devastated Syria’s economy, halted production of supplies and services, and destroyed livelihoods,” Rouquette said in a statement.
He noted that the millions of Syrian refugees returning home could find that
The millions of Syrian refugees returning home could find that their houses and communities are uninhabitable, and themselves in urgent need of assistance
their houses and communities are uninhabitable, and themselves in urgent need of assistance.
Mercy Corps said the risk of civil unrest remains high and called for the “protection of civilians and the infrastructure they depend on, and unimpeded humanitarian access to people in need”.
Meanwhile, al-Assad’s
Prime Minister says he has agreed to hand power to the opposition-led Salvation Government, headed by Mohammed al-Bashir.
Abu Mohammad al Joulani, the leader of victorious HTS, has called for his men and all of Syria's sects to respect each other. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera and BBC News)
Netanyahu to take the stand in his corruption trial for the first time
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is set to take the stand on Tuesday for the first time in his long-running corruption trial under a court order that is likely to force him to juggle between the courtroom and war room for weeks.
Israel has been waging war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza for more than a year, during which Netanyahu
had been granted a delay for the start of his court appearances. But on Thursday, the Judges ruled that he must start testifying.
Charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust, Netanyahu will testify three times a week, the court said, despite the Gaza war and possible new threats posed by wider turmoil in the Middle East, including in neighbouring Syria.
Netanyahu was indict-
Lara Trump quits
Republican Party post amid Senate seat speculation
Lara Trump, Presidentelect Donald Trump's daughter-in-law, has stepped down as co-chair of the Republican National Committee amid speculation she might fill a possible Senate vacancy in Florida.
Announcing her resignation on social media she said, "the job I came to do is now complete", citing the RNC's successes in fundraising and voter turnout.
She did not specify her next move, but some Trump allies have lobbied for her to replace Senator Marco Rubio, the President-elect's pick for secretary of state.
If he is confirmed as America's top diplomat by the Senate, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis would hand-pick a replacement to serve out the remainder of Rubio's six-year term, which ends in 2026.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Lara Trump said she would be open to taking over Rubio's seat.
"It is something I would seriously consider," she said.
"If I'm being completely transparent, I don't know exactly what that would look like."
Elected as RNC co-chair in March, Trump was handpicked by her father-in-law – yet another indication of his iron-clad grip on the Republican party.
Alongside her husband, Eric, and his older brother Don Jr, Lara Trump emerged as one of the most prominent campaign surrogates for Donald Trump's White House bid this year.
"Serving as the GOP cochair throughout the course of the most consequential election in American history has truly been the honor of my life," she wrote on X, formerly Twitter. She also thanked her father-in-law, writing: "we are so proud of you, and I'm grateful you trusted me in this position."
Several Republicans, including Senator Rick Scott of Florida, have publicly supported her as Rubio's replacement in the Senate. (Excerpt from BBC News)
ed in 2019 in three cases involving gifts from millionaire friends and for allegedly seeking regulatory favours for media tycoons in return for favourable coverage. He denies any wrongdoing.
In the run-up to his court date, Netanyahu revived familiar pre-war rhetoric against law enforcement, describing investigations against him as a witch hunt. He denies the charges and has pleaded not guilty. "The real threat to democracy in Israel is not posed by the public's elected representatives, but by some among the law enforcement authorities who refuse to accept the voters' choice and are trying to carry out a coup with rabid political investigations that are unacceptable in any democracy," he said in a statement on Thursday. (Excerpt from Reuters)
5 deported Ukrainian children return home, officials say
Five Ukrainian children sent away or placed in care since Moscow's February 2022 invasion returned to their homeland on Monday, officials said, part of a long-running campaign to bring home more than 20,000 deported children.
Daria Zarivna, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff, said those brought home on Monday included three young people who in the course of their movements had reached the age of 18.
Zarivna, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said one girl had long sought to come home despite being subjected to Russian narratives of the war.
Another boy who fled to Russia with his mother at the start of the war was reunited with his entire family.
A third sought help to find his way out of Russianoccupied areas of Ukraine while another family with two children endured searches and interrogations in their
home before being taken to a safe area.
"These stories are not just facts, but real tales of fate and rescue thanks to the efforts of the State, volunteers and our international partners," Zarivna wrote.
Ukraine's Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, told national television at the weekend that 1029 children had been brought home since the outbreak of war.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russian Commissioner for Children's Rights, in connection with the deportations.
Russia denies allegations of deportation, saying children were moved to areas outside combat zones, and dismisses the arrest warrants as meaningless.
The Gulf state of Qatar has acted as an intermediary in securing the return home of some of the children. (Reuters)
Take nothing for granted. If you want something done, do it yourself. How you handle situations will determine who you will draw into your circle. An activity requiring physical exertion will pay off.
Check out how best to raise your profile and qualifications. The confidence to promote yourself and what you have to offer will decide the outcome. Trust and believe in yourself.
Focus on what you can do to improve your life. Let your charm and desire to make a difference influence those you encounter. Follow through; be the one to make things happen.
Spend time taking care of business instead of discussing your plans. Use your connections, call in favors, and stand up and be counted. Putting your heart and soul into whatever you do will give you an edge.
Set your plans in motion and finish what you start. Let your energy flow freely and efficiently as you strive to achieve your goals. A creative endeavor will offer a lesson.
Spend more time at home dealing with domestic matters and personal investments. Consider what will make your life easier and implement changes that will put your mind at ease.
Get moving. The more activities you fit into your day, the better. Travel, attend events and reunions or sign up for something inspirational. The people you encounter will offer insight into potential opportunities.
A change of heart is likely, but make sure that you understand the consequences. Avoid unsafe situations that can endanger your health or physical well-being. Stick to what and who you know.
Take pride in what you do; shortcuts won’t pay off, and relying on someone else to do a good job will be a mistake. Build assets by investing in yourself and your home.
Work behind the scenes to avoid drama and people trying to force their will on you. Map out your route before you head out. Personal updates will boost your confidence.
Refuse to let what others decide to do interfere with your plans. Put your heart and soul into creating the perfect environment to house your desires. Explore, expand and excel.
Dig in and press forward. Refuse to let anyone lead you off course or tempt you with grand gestures that lack substance. Change begins with you.
Maharaj wraps up 2-0 win to take South Africa to the top of WTC table
South Africa have moved to the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) table after a 109-run win over Sri Lanka at St George's Park. They swept the series 2-nil after bowling Sri Lanka out for 238 in 69 minutes on the final morning with the second new ball still 10.5 overs away.
Keshav Maharaj completed his 10th Test five-for, and fourth at St George's Park, and took four of the final five wickets on the last morning. Sri
Lanka lost five wickets for 19 runs in 62 balls in a lower-order collapse that undid their work from the previous day. They were fairly well set overnight and resumed on 202 for 5, with two batters well-set on a fairly-placid pitch. Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva's sixth-wicket partnership was worth 83 and they both looked comfortable against a South African attack who admitted to searching a little too hard on the fourth day.
They returned fresh on the final morning, with a fired-up Kagiso Rabada still finding a hint of away movement in the easterly breeze. Maharaj broke the Kusal-Dhananjaya stand in the seventh over of the morning with a delivery that turned away from Kusal as he
confirm Kusal's dismissal.
Fourteen deliveries later, Rabada was rewarded for spells of accuracy and menace through the series with the wicket of the Sri Lankan Captain. Dhananjaya drove at a ball that tailed away, edged and was caught behind.
drove with hard hands. Aiden Markram took the catch low to the ground and the third umpire needed to check that he had fingers underneath it to
With no recognised batters left, it was only a matter of time for Sri Lanka's tail. Prabath Jayasuriya's eyes lit up when Maharaj produced a long hop
Mahdia claim inaugural ERC Harmony League title
Mahdia (Movements Family) performed superbly to win the inaugural Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) Harmony League T10 Tapeball Championship.
On Sunday, Ricardo Adams and Ershaad Ali marched them to a comprehensive victory over Lil Rams in the final at the Everest Cricket Club.
Set a target of 95, the powerful duo of Adams, who made 44* (4x4s,3x6s) from 27 balls, and Ali, who made 41* (1x4,5x6s) from 14 balls, quickly steered the title Mahdia’s way.
Before the final, legendary West Indian Captain Sir Clive Lloyd and Commissioners from the ERC greeted the teams.
Forty-eight teams from each of the counties competed in the tournament that commenced on November 17.
Given the success and interest of players, the ERC is expected to host a bigger event in 2025.
At the presentation ceremony, Deputy Chair of the ERC, Commissioner Charles Ogle, in providing the feature address, said: “I am proud that this league has gone beyond being a sporting event; it has served as a platform to promote harmony and inclusion across our diverse nation. This aligns closely with the Commission's mission to foster mutual respect and understanding, ensuring that our shared spaces are filled with positivity and unity.”
Head of the Public Relations Sub-Committee, Commissioner Neaz Subhan also used the op-
portunity to express his gratitude to the teams that participated in the tournament. He commended the Mahdia team for lifting the trophy, noting that he was impressed and heartened by the fact that a team originating from Region Eight won the tournament, as it was the initial intent of the Commission to get players from all the regions to participate.
In closing, Commissioner Ogle thanked the organisers of the tournament, “Oak Tree, Mr Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall for sponsoring the trophies, and every single staff member who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Your efforts behind the scenes ensured that each match ran smoothly and that everyone – players, officials, and spectators alike— had a memorable experience.”
Through this initiative, the ERC aimed to build lasting connections among participants, promote mutual respect, and strengthen community ties across Guyana.
Prize Summary:
Winner ($500,000): Mahdia (Movements Family)
Runners-Up ($250,000): Lil
Rams
Losing Semi-finalist One
($100,000): The Guards
Losing Semi-finalist Two
($100,000): CJIA Warriors
Most Valuable Player
($100,000): Riyad Latif
Most Runs ($60,000): Ershaad Ali
Most Wickets ($60,000): Ganesh Surijpaul Player of the Final
($60,000): Ricardo Adams Summary of Finals
Semi-Final One : Lil Rams 122-3 from 10 overs
and tried to smoke it over the offside, but found the hands of Temba Bavuma at extra cover. Sri Lanka made it to the drinks' break, but in the second over after the interval, Vishwa Fernando slogged across the line and sent the ball aerial. Marco Jansen at mid-on had enough time to get under it and take a simple catch. Jansen was given the ball in the next over and only needed one short delivery to get rid of Lahiru Kumara, who swung hard and top-edged. Ryan Rickelton, at
short mid-wicket, judged the catch well in a mild swirl and completed South Africa's series win.
South Africa are now one win away from a guaranteed place at next year's final. They can get there with a victory over Pakistan at home in either the Boxing Day or New Year's match, which are their last of this cycle. Sri Lanka remain in contention, but must beat Australia at home early next year and hope other results go their way.(ESPNcricinfo)
SCOREBOARD
South Africa 1st Innings
Aiden Markram
b Kumara 20
Tony de Zorzi lbw
b AM Fernando 0
Ryan Rickelton c Nissanka
b Kumara 101
Tristan Stubbs c †BKG Mendis
b Kumara 4
Temba Bavuma (c) c †BKG Mendis
b AM Fernando 78
David Bedingham
b Jayasuriya 6
Kyle Verreynne † not out 105
Marco Jansen
b MVT Fernando 4
Keshav Maharaj c Karunaratne
b MVT Fernando 0
Kagiso Rabada
b AM Fernando 23
Dane Paterson c PHKD Mendis
b Kumara 9
Extras (b 1, lb 1, nb 2, w 4) 8
Total 103.4 Ov(RR: 3.45) 358
Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Tony de Zorzi, 1.1 ov), 2-32 (Aiden Markram, 11.2 ov), 3-44 (Tristan Stubbs, 15.4 ov), 4-177 (Temba Bavuma, 52.6 ov), 5-186 (David Bedingham, 59.2 ov), 6-263 (Ryan Rickelton, 85.3 ov), 7-269 (Marco Jansen, 86.3 ov), 8-269 (Keshav Maharaj, 88.1 ov), 9-325 (Kagiso Rabada, 100.5 ov), 10-358 (Dane Paterson, 103.4 ov) •
DRS
Bowling O-M-R-W
Vishwa Fernando 22-6-65-2
Asitha Fernando 24-2-102-3
Lahiru Kumara 17.4-3-79-4
Prabath Jayasuriya 31-4-84-1
Dhananjaya de Silva 9-1-26-0
Sri Lanka 1st Innings
Pathum Nissanka
b Maharaj 89
Dimuth Karunaratne c †Verreynne
b Rabada 20
Dinesh Chandimal c †Verreynne
b Paterson 44
Angelo Mathews c †Verreynne
b Jansen 44
Kamindu Mendis c Markram
b Jansen 48
Dhananjaya de Silva (c) c Markram
b Paterson 14
Kusal Mendis † b Paterson 16
Prabath Jayasuriya st †Verreynne
(Shamar Apple 40, Jonathan Van Lange 20, Kemol Savory 19; Mark Jeffers 1-21, Ronaldo Alimohamed 1-29) v The Guards 66-7 from 9.4 overs (Christopher Barnwell 27, Sheldon Alexander 15, Shemroy Barrington 13; Ganesh Surijpaul 3-6, Marlon Boele 3-12)
Semi-Final Two: CJIA Warriors 90-6 from 10 overs (Shakiel Wong 28, Alvin Ramdeholl 13, Noel Eveyln 12; Raydon Austin 2-4, Suresh Dhani 2-9) v Mahdia 91-0 from 5.2 overs (Ershaad Ali 59*, Ricardo Adams 28*)
FINAL: Lil Rams 94-8 from 10 overs (Kemol Savory 33, Riyad Latif 23, Thaddeus Lovell 14; Floy Joseph 3-24, Neiland Cadogan 2-23, Carlos LaRose 1-9) v Mahdia 100-0 from 6.5 overs (Ricardo Adams 44*, Ershaad Ali 41*)
b Maharaj 24
Lahiru Kumara c Jansen
b Paterson 0
Vishwa Fernando c †Verreynne
b Paterson 2
Asitha Fernando not out 0
Extras (b 13, lb 8, nb 5, w 1) 27
Total 99.2 Ov (RR: 3.30) 328
Fall of wickets: 1-41 (Dimuth Karunaratne, 15.4 ov), 2-150 (Dinesh Chandimal, 44.2 ov), 3-199 (Pathum Nissanka, 55.2 ov), 4-261 (Angelo Mathews, 76.2 ov), 5-268 (Kamindu Mendis, 80.3 ov), 6-297 (Dhananjaya de Silva, 88.1 ov), 7-298 (Kusal Mendis, 88.3 ov), 8-298 (Lahiru Kumara, 88.5 ov), 9-327 (Vishwa Fernando, 98.4 ov), 10-328 (Prabath Jayasuriya, 99.2 ov) • DRS
Bowling O-M-R-W
Kagiso Rabada 24-7-56-1
Marco Jansen 25-4-100-2
Dane Paterson 22-4-71-5 Keshav Maharaj 24.2-5-65-2 Aiden Markram 4-0-15-0
Tony de Zorzi
b Jayasuriya 19
Aiden Markram c †BKG Mendis
b MVT Fernando 55 Ryan Rickelton lbw b Jayasuriya 24 Tristan Stubbs run out (Karunaratne/Kumara) 47 Temba Bavuma (c) b Jayasuriya 66 David Bedingham c de Silva b Jayasuriya 35 Kyle Verreynne †c
Asitha Fernando 14-2-52-1 Lahiru Kumara 16-0-71-1 Prabath Jayasuriya 34-2-129-5 Dhananjaya de Silva 3-0-10-0
Sri Lanka 2nd Innings (T: 348 runs) Pathum Nissanka c †Verreynne b Paterson 18 Dimuth Karunaratne lbw b Rabada 1 Dinesh Chandimal lbw b Paterson 29 Angelo Mathews b Maharaj 32 Kamindu Mendis c †Verreynne b
South Africa 2nd Innings
Champions! Mahdia celebrate their title success
Aiden Markram was the first half-centurion of South Africa's second innings
Temba Bavuma reached 50 off 83 balls
ERutherford grateful after brilliant maiden ODI hundred
ODI series after defeating England 2-1 in November.
scoring your first century,” Rutherford said in a postmatch interview.
in the end. The conversation with the skipper was to just take it deep,” he said.
very cricketer dreams of the day they get to score their first international hundred and, for Guyanese left-hander Sherfane Rutherford, that day was Sunday, December 8 during the first of three OneDay Internationals (ODIs) between the West Indies and Bangladesh at Warner Park in St Kitts.
Rutherford entered proceedings at the fall of Keacy Carty’s wicket in the 22nd over with the score at 94-3, and formed a pair of crucial partnerships with Captain Shai Hope and then Justin Greaves.
The 26-year-old made a career-best 113 off just 80 balls to help the hosts chase down 295 in 47.4 overs to go 1-0 up in the series, aiming to win their second consecutive
He and Hope put on 99 for the fourth wicket before he added a further 95 for the fifth wicket with Greaves before he eventually fell in the 47th over for his maiden international century.
“It’s always a good feeling
Pacesetters hand Leonora D-up
34-point defeat
– as Bounty Colts reign supreme over Meadowbrook Nets
Day two of the Guyana Basketball Federation One Guyana Basketball League on Sunday at the National Gymnasium saw nail-biting and contrasting victories as Wortmanville Pacesetters and Bounty Colts secured wins.
On Sunday, the opening game saw Bounty Colts come out with determination to hand Meadowbrook Nets a three-point defeat. They dominated from the jump ball as they established a 19-point lead in the first quarter with the scoreline reading 28-7.
The dominance from the Colts continued as they managed to find creative ways to the hoop on the offensive end, scoring 17 points while the Nets were limited to 15 points for a scoreline of 4522 at the end of the quarter.
The Nets came back with their power after the half in the third quarter as they put up 30 points while the Colts were restricted to 10 points and their lead reduced to 12 points.
But it was a little too late for Meadowbrook Nets as they suffered their first loss against Bounty Colts.
Domitre Rankin and Quacy Shortt had a phenom-
enal day swishing buckets for Bounty Colts, as Rankin managed to convert 18 points, leading the offensive attack and Shortt bucketed 17 points.
Closing off the night's action, Wortmanville Pacesetters managed to show their class against Leonora D- up with a 34-point victory. The game started with both teams being separated by just three points, with the scoreline reading 19-16.
Some would say Leonora D-up was an improvement offensively, for but it was not enough for Pacesetters with their experience as they battered their oppo-
nents’ defence to put up 16 points with D-up only scoring 11 points for a score of 25-35.
The Pacesetters in the third quarter continued to pull away from their competition as they scored 27 points while D-up failed to score free throws and layups were restricted to two points causing the margin to go up to 37 points.
Leonora managed to put up a few baskets in, in the third quarter, but it was a little too late as the Pacesetters went home on the winning side of the stick, with the scoreline reading 77-43.
“It’s what we all play cricket for and I’m happy that I did it for my team today,” added Rutherford, who hit seven fours and eight sixes.
On the partnership with Hope, who made an 88-ball 86, Rutherford said the plan was always to bat deep and make it up in the back end of the innings.
“It was a bit tough to start, but it was a good wicket. I planned to give myself some time and once I did that, I could always make up
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Rutherford, however, as he was struck twice on the helmet, once by speedster Nahid Rana and once by Taskin Ahmed, with the latter causing a cut on his chin.
Nevertheless, Rutherford said those didn’t deter him, in fact, they helped him to lock in even more.
“There was no difficulty. I just took my eyes off the ball and got hit but it’s a part of the game,” he said.
“I think it gave me a bit of a boost and helped me to focus more. At the end of the day, I’m willing to take a hit for my team and once I score runs, I’m happy,” he added.
Sunday’s innings continues a brilliant start to his ODI career for Rutherford, who now has 443 runs in eight innings at an average of 73.83.
Rutherford’s 113 was also his fifth consecutive score of at least 50 in ODIs, joining Gordon Greenidge, Chris Gayle and Shai Hope as the only West Indians to ever achieve that feat.
If he extends it to six in Tuesday’s second game, he will become only the 13th man to ever do that in ODIs. (Sportsmax)
GDF maintain dominance in Week 2
The second week of the Maid Marian Wheat-Up Women’s Cup 2024 brought another round of thrilling matches at the Parade Ground, with teams showcasing their determination and skill in pursuit of victory.
Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Group A opened the day with a commanding 14-0 win against the Bartica Football Association.
Sandra Johnson and Niomie Williams each scored two goals, while Glendy Lewis added another brace. However, it was Jalade Trim, who stole the show with an incredible eight goals.
In a tightly-contested match, GDF Group B edged Guyana Police Force Group A 1-0, with Abioce Heywood scoring the decisive goal.
Fruta Conquerors FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Bartica Football Association, courtesy of a strike by Rayanna Harris.
The Junior Lady Jags delivered an emphatic 5-0 win over Santos FC, driven by a hat-trick from Marissa Foster, with Leandra Henrito and Whitney King each contributing a goal.
GDF Group A returned to the pitch later in the day to face Herstelling Raiders FC, securing another dominant 11-0 victory. Lewis netted three goals, Williams added two, and Johnson scored one. Jalade Trim contributed four goals to the tally and forced an own goal.
Trim continues to dominate the tournament, emerging as the top scorer with a remarkable 16 goals over two weeks. After scoring four goals in the first week, the young player further showcased her incredible talent this weekend with eight goals in one match and four more later in the same day. Her exceptional performance has not only led GDF Group A to back-to-back victories, but has also set her apart as one of the tournament’s most impactful players.
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) celebrates the outstanding talent displayed throughout the tournament and looks forward to more exhilarating action in the coming weeks.
Jalade Trim is currently the tournament’s leading goalscorer
The GDF Group A team
A glimpse of the action between Leonora D-up and Pacesetters
Guyana’s Sherfane Rutherford hit his maiden ODI century on Sunday
National Futsal Championships…
Back Circle, Showstoppers, Buxton among recent winners
The National Gymnasium was jamming with excitement on Saturday evening when the National Futsal Championships, powered by the Government of Guyana continued with its third night of first-round games.
With all to play for in the tournament’s straight knockout format, the stakes were even higher, but a number of teams fought to produce contrasting results.
Stabroek B were the first to etch their names on the winners’ side on Saturday evening, with a commanding 7-0 victory against West Side Ballers. Nikolai Andrews led the charge for Stabroek B with a helmet trick while the likes of Jonathan McKenzie, Randy Maynard, and Jamal Cambridge found the back of the net once each to seal the victory.
Then, hat-tricks off the boots of Delon Lanferman
and Chediebere steered Showstoppers to a 6-2 win against South Side Ballers. Christophe Agustuo and Darnell Sealey accounted for South Side’s two goals.
Jasom Moore netted a brace while his teammates Randell Parks and Sherwin Caesar scored one goal each to cement a comfortable 4-0
win for Spaniards when they took on Mocha Red Force. Buxton then sent the mining town’s team packing, upsetting Linden All Stars 5-2. Buxton’s tally was a total team effort as Clevon Barnwell registered a brace while Akeem Jarvis and Courtney Oden netted a solitary goal each. An own goal
added Buxton’s fifth strike while Omar Brewley and Rodensio Tudor found the back of the net once each for Linden’s inadequate reply. Espanyol then got the better of Broad Street, coming out on top of that contest by a 6-2 margin. Several members of the Espanyol team pitched in as both
Carlos Gil and Joseito secured braces. Darwin and Adrian Martinez later added one goal each to Espanyol’s tally, while Floyd Jonas and Nicholas Nieuelder ensured Broad Street’s side of the scoresheet would not remain empty.
Bent Street A brought the curtains down on an en-
tertaining night of futsal with 2-1 victory against Region 9’s best players in the shorter format.
Region 9 conceded an own goal which Bent Street A capitalised on and alongside a strike from Jermaine Beckles, took the lead in the game. Maguiver Park pulled one back for the Region 9 outfit, but it was not enough to prevent them being ousted from the national competition. The tournament will continue at 19:30h, at the same venue this evening, where Kitty Hustlers will take on Lima Dam; Red Force battle Vryheid's Lust at 20:15h, Tiger Bay go up against Timehri Hustlers at 21:00h; Laing Avenue go head to head with Finishers at 21:45h and then the curtains come down on the night’s action with a battle between Gold is Money and Region #7 which is set to commence at 22:30h.
Beharry shines as Gokarn Ramdhani Memorial tournament concludes
Beharry shines as Gokarn Ramdhani Memorial tournament concludes The National Gymnasium was a buzz of activity over the weekend as the curtains came down on the 2024 edition of the Gokarn Ramdhani Memorial Badminton tournament.
According to the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA), there were many notable improvements especially by the juniors and this was commendable to witness.
Mishka Beharry was likely the most standout performer over the weekend, raking in the gold in three events and bagging her only silver in the women’s singles behind national champion, the experienced Priyanna Ramdhani.
Alongside Menikshi Jaikisson, Beharry copped gold in the Under-17 Mixed Doubles, defeating Ruel Rambiriche and Gabrielle Felix in a close final, 21-16, 2119. Then, Beharry paired with Leshaunte Berkley to top the Under-19 girls doubles category. The result was the same for Beharry in the Under-19 Mixed Doubles, where she paired up with Frank Waddell to overcome Jonathan Debidin and Leshaunte Berkley in an entertaining three-set contest, 21-16, 20-22, 21-18.
In the women’s singles’ final, Beharry met with Ramdhani, but faltered 12-21, 7-21, to settle for silver, while Ramdhani added another gold medal to her vast trophy case.
In the men’s singles final, Akili Haynes got the better of Tyrese Jeffrey 25-23, 21-9, in a lengthy battle.
In the U19 boys’ final, Frank Waddell and Jonathan Debidin joined forces to overcome Ruel Rambiriche and Vishal Gopaul 21-14, 21-17. Ruel Rambiriche and Gabriel Felix triumphed in the Under-17 boys’ doubles final, defeating the sibling pair of Egan and Ethan Bulkan, 2112, 21-14. In the girls’ doubles event for the same age group, Menikshi Jaikisson and Gabrielle Felix joined forces to overcome Nevaeh Eastman and Malia Haley 21-7, 21-14, for the gold medal. Full results from the Gokarn Ramdhani memorial tournament are as follows: (Winners in bold) Quarter and Semi-Finals - Day 2 Matches – Saturday, December 7, 2024
Women’s Singles QF –Michelle Astwood v Nevaeh Eastman 23-21, 20-22, 21-17
Men’s Singles R16 –Avinash Odit v Egan Bulkan 21-8, 20-22, 21-11
Men’s Singles R16 – Tyrese Jeffrey v Haresh Persaud 2114, 21-11
Under-17 Boys Doubles QF – Nikolas Pollard/Avinash Ramnarine v Keon Gonsalves/ Nathan Mohanlall 21-6, 21-7
Men’s Singles QF – Nkosi Beaton v Frank Waddell 2114, 22-20
Men’s Singles QF - Akili Haynes v Omkar Persaud 219, 21-9
Under-17 Boys’ Doubles QF – Ronit Gulchand/Christopher Jordan v Mohamed Farouk/ Amaan Khan 21-9, 21-15
Under-19 Girls’ Doubles SF – Nevaeh Eastman/ Malia Haley v Harshini Muralidharan/Ashley Forde 21-17, 21-15
Men’s Singles QF –Avinash Odit v Wenyuan Chen 21-23, 21-14, 21-14
Men’s Singles QF – Tyrese
Jeffrey v Ruel Rambiriche 2113, 21-13
Women’s Singles QF –Mishka Beharry v Michelle Astwood 21-11, 21-9
Under-19 Mixed Doubles QF – Vishal Gopaul/Menikshi Jaikissoon v Keon Gonsalves/ Ashley Forde 21-7, 21-3
Under-19 Boys’ Doubles R16 – Haresh Persaud/ Mohamed Farouk v Kunal Alert/Alok Matadial 22-20, 21-8
Under-17 Boys’ Doubles’ QF – Ruel Rambiriche/ Gabriel Felix vs. Micaiah Mclean/Antoine Ramand 2113, 21-7
Under-19 Boys’ Doubles QF – Frank Waddell/ Jonathan Debidin v Egan Bulkan/Ethan Bulkan 21-9, 21-9
Under-19 Boys’ Doubles – Percival Chester/ Gulchand v Nikolas Pollard/ Avinash Ramnarine 22-20, 21-9
Women’s Singles SF – Priyanna Ramdhani v Asiyah Eastman 21-11, 21-6
Women’s Singles SF –Mishka Beharry v Menikshi Jaikisson 21-10, 21-15
Under-19 Boys’ Doubles QF – Vishal Gopaul/ Ruel Rambiriche v Yonneil Benjamin/Christopher Jordan 21-7, 21-12
Men’s Singles SF – Akili Haynes v Avinash Odit 21-12, 21-18
Mohamed Farouk 21-6, 21-12
Men’s Singles SF – Tyrese Jeffrey v Nkosi Beaton 21-17, 21-19
Under-17 Mixed Doubles
SF – Gabriel Felix/Mishka Beharry v Nikolas Pollard/ Harshini Muralidharan 21-7, 21-18
Under-17 Mixed Doubles
SF – Ruel Rambiriche/ Gabrielle Felix v Ronit Gulchand/Menikshi Jaikisson 21-16, 21-14
Under-19 Mixed Doubles
SF – Frank Waddell/Mishka Beharry v Haresh Persaud/ Malia Haley 21-10, 21-10
Under-19 Mixed Doubles
Under-17 Mixed Doubles
QF – Nikolas Pollard/ Harshini Muralidharan v Joel Rambiriche/Anjanyesa Godette 21-15, 21-13
Under-17 Mixed Doubles
QF – Ronit Gulchand/ Menikshi Jaikisson v Nevaeh Eastman/Avinash Ramnarine 21-7, 21-13
Under-19 Boys Doubles
QF – Gabriel Felix/Jonathan Robinson v Haresh Persaud/
SF – Jonathan Debidin/ Leshaunte Berkley v Vishal Gopaul/ Menikshi Jaikissoon 21-18,
Under-17
Boys’ Doubles SF – Egan Bulkan/Ethan Bulkan v Nikolas Pollard/Avinash Ramnarine 11-21, 21-
Under-19 Boys’ Doubles SF – Frank Waddell/Jonathan Debidin v Gabriel Felix/Jonathan Robinson 21-5, 21-12
Under-19 Boys’ Doubles
SF – Vishal Gopaul/Ruel Rambiriche v Percival Chester/Ronit Gulchand 214, 21-6
Finals – Day 3 Matches –Sunday, December 8, 2024
Under-19 Mixed Doubles
Finals – Frank Waddell/ Mishka Beharry v Jonathan Debidin v Leshaunte Berkley 21-16, 20-22, 21-18
Under-17 Girls’ Doubles
Finals – Menikshi Jaikisson/ Gabrielle Felix v Nevaeh Eastman/Malia Haley 21-7, 21-14
Under-15 Boys’ Doubles Finals – Egan Bulkan/Ethan Bulkan v Mohamed Farouk/ Joel Rambiriche 21-10, 21-10
Under-17 Boys’ Doubles SF – Ruel Rambiriche/Gabriel Felix v Christopher Jordan/ Ronit Gulchand 21-11, 14-21, 21-18
Under-13 Mixed Doubles Finals – Joel Rambiriche/ Anjaneysa Godette v Christopher Harrison/Anyha Hassan 21-2, 21-2
Under-17 Mixed Doubles Finals – Gabriel Felix/Mishka Beharry v Ruel Rambiriche/ Gabrielle Felix 21-16, 21-19 Men’s Singles Finals –Akili Haynes v Tyrese Jeffrey 25-23, 21-9
Under-19 Boys’ Doubles Finals – Frank Waddell/ Jonathan Debidin v Ruel Rambiriche/Vishal Gopaul 21-14, 21-17
Under-19 Girls’ Doubles Finals – Mishka Behary/ Leshaunte Berkley v Neveah Eastman/Malia Haley 21-5, 21-16
Women’s Singles Finals – Priyanna Ramdhani v Mishka Beharry 21-12, 21-7
Under-17 Boys’ Doubles Finals – Ruel Rambiriche/ Gabriel Felix v Egan Bulkan/ Ethan Bulkan 21-12,21-14
Following the conclusion of the tournament, medals and cash prizes were presented by sponsor representatives: Kareem Munroe of Massy Distribution (Blue Water), Ayanna Watson of SOL Guyana, and Chet Bowling of Amaila Car Rentals.
Scenes from the National Futsal Championships on Saturday last
Mishka Beharry shone over the weekend
