RoPA amendments to safeguard vote tabulation; block election manipulation
… to shut out electoral miscreants, ensure prompt election results
Weekly Stabroek, Bourda markets closures to tackle rat infestations – Town Clerk Sophia man remanded for assaulting cop after
CAL urged to fix map policy after repeated error in Guyana’s territorial depiction …airline apologises
RSS now empowered to combat crossborder crimes in Guyana, defend democracy
41 of 105 cases disposed of in April 2025 Demerara Criminal Assizes
Guyana poised to become pharmaceutical hub of C’bean region – Dr Anthony
…as EU investment mission gets underway
Guyana is currently on track to becoming the pharmaceutical hub of the Caribbean, an achievement which can reduce the region’s dependence on international organisations for critical drugs and medical supplies.
On Monday the Health Ministry in collaboration with the European Chamber of Commerce launched the European Union’s (EU) Global Gateway Investment Mission in the Health and Pharma Sectors at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown.
The mission which will run from June 2 to 4 under the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, is aimed at enhancing collaboration between European health and pharmaceutical companies and Guyanese stakeholders to support the development of the country’s healthcare sector.
Delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony was Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony who spoke about the Ministry’s goal of establishing Guyana as the pharmaceutical hub of the Caribbean region. This goal, he noted, is as a result of Guyana and other small developing countries finding
it difficult to access medication and vaccines from existing manufacturers.
“There were lots of discussions about how do you relocate maybe manufacturing of pharmaceuticals in countries or closer to regions where they're needed. And if we do that, then we would probably be able to minimise the disruption of supply chains in a future pandemic. Or for that matter, whatever comes along, we'll be more resilient.”
The Health Minister added, “And so we've had discussions with the EU, and out of those discussions,
there was an agreement that was signed by the President of the EU, along with our President and of course, the Prime Minister of Barbados, that allowed or catalysed this whole movement of trying to develop the manufacturing capacity here in the Caribbean the two leading countries in this initiative is obviously Guyana and Barbados.”
Instrumental role
The EU, Dr Anthony noted, has played an instrumental role in strengthening the resilience of the medical sector within small and de-
veloping countries.
In fact, the trade mission currently taking place will host more than 13 companies from EU member states, such as the Spain, Austria, France, Czech Republic, Portugal, Sweden, Italy and Ireland.
Over the course of three days, the event will include sector-focused seminars, business-to-business (B2B) meetings, and organised visits to medical and pharmaceutical facilities in Guyana to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing, supporting Guyana’s vision of becoming a regional leader in health innovation and pharmaceutical manu-
facturing.
Moreover, as Guyana pushes to become a pharmaceutical hub in the region the Health Minister also stressed the importance of having strong regulatory bodies to ensure manufactured products meet international standards.
“We also recognise that if we are going to be working on manufacturing pharmaceuticals, then we would like to be able to monitor the companies who are manufacturing, and when our regulatory agency put a stamp of approval that it would meet the finest standards in the EU. But for us to do that, we wanted to have that
experience, work with an EU country that knows how to do this regulation, look at the legal framework, look at all the regulations that are needed, and to help us to implement that in Guyana.”
“So, we have done an assessment of our regulatory agency, and our laws, when we looked at them, they date back from 1974, which is pretty old. And we have worked with our partners, including the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and we now have drafted new laws for the pharmaceutical industry.”
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony speaking on Monday (Health Ministry photo)
European Union Ambassador to Guyana, René Van Nes speaking at the launching of the European Union’s Global Gateway Investment Mission in the Health and Pharma Sectors at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, June 3 – no retraction and Wednesday, June 4 –00:15h-01:45h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, June 3 – 09:40h-11:10h and Wednesday, June 4 –10:50h-12:20h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Rain showers with instances of thunder are expected during the day and at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 10:18h and 22:59h reaching maximum heights of 2.18 metres and 2.16 metres.
Low Tide: 16:24h reaching a minimum height of 1.02 metres.
RoPA amendments to safeguard vote tabulation; block election manipulation
… to shut out electoral miscreants, ensure prompt election results
The Government on Monday led debates on the amendments to the Representation of the People’s Act (RoPA), which according to Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall will close the door on any attempts by electoral miscreants to cause trouble during future General and Regional elections.
ficer. And that is all that this bill is intended to correct.”
“I thought commonsense and logic would have allowed for an elastic interpretation that would accommodate the omission. But we are dealing here with electoral miscreants. And you can’t leave anything to chance here. And you hear them? They are very annoyed that we are blocking
“They [APNU/AFC] are muttering here, because they are uncomfortable. I’ve always said, Mr Speaker, that bandits will always have a problem when you grill your house. It makes their job a little more tedious and difficult. So, you will excuse the utterances you are hearing emanating from the other side.”
Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall, SC
The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill 2025 is being amended so that either the supernumerary returning officer or their deputy can oversee tabulation of votes in the electoral sub-districts. According to AG and Senior Counsel Anil Nandlall, the bill is aimed at preventing a reoccurrence of the Region Four tabulation drama at Ashmins building that occurred after the 2020 General and Regional elections.
“For the listening public, it simply means that that exercise we all famously saw beginning on March 3rd at Ashmins Building, that grand exercise we all saw, will now take place in Region Four at four different centres. That obviously is being done to avoid the fraudulent fiasco that erupted at Ashmins Building. And to avoid the electoral miscreants from unfolding their plans that every election they try to unfold.”
“And they are muttering here, because they are uncomfortable. I’ve always said, Mr Speaker, that bandits will always have a problem when you grill your house. It makes their job a little more tedious and difficult. So, you will excuse the utterances you are hearing emanating from the other side,” Nandlall said.
Nandlall noted that when they amended the RoPA Act in 2022, they omitted to spell out that the supernumerary returning officer can have a deputy. However, he pointed out that the returning officer already has a deputy in the law. For the avoidance of doubt and attempts to exploit this loophole, Nandlall noted that it was necessary to provide for a deputy supernumerary returning officer.
“When one draws the analogy between the supernumerary returning officer and the returning officer, as the supernumerary returning officer will be a miniaturised version of the returning officer, you realise the returning officer has a deputy in RoPA. But in the amendments which we did, we did not include a deputy for the supernumerary returning of-
this last hole, because this may have been an avenue they were looking at, licking their lips. Here’s an opportunity for the cat top pounce on the milk. But we just took the milk and lock it in a safe. So, the cat has to lick its lip dry.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag who noted that no longer should the electorate wait five months for elections results. Also speaking out in support of the bill, was Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha.
Obfuscate
The Minister made it clear that the amendment is intended to close the door on political parties using their agents to obfuscate the election results. He also took aim at the opposition ahead of the 2025 election, contending
that the opposition political parties were not ready for the upcoming polls.
“It’s the first time in the history of the whole world; the opposition is not prepared for an election. We would have cut it with our hands if we were in opposition. Because we are always prepared for any election in this country.”
“Never again must the APNU/AFC use their puppets to manipulate the election processes, especially tabulation of election results in this country. That is why we brought these amendments,” Mustapha said.
However, Opposition speakers – including Member of Parliament (MP) and Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde – argued that the Government should prioritise other pieces of election reform legislation. He cited recommendations from
which had initially proposed changes to Section 33(c) of RoPA. Other MPs, including Amanza Walton-Desir and Ganesh Mahipaul, also contributed to the debate. These latest RoPA amendments seek to fix illegalities that occurred during the tabulation of results from Region Four in March
international observers, including the Organisation of American States (OAS), calling for a review of the structure of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and concerns over the commission’s polarisation.
The bill was eventually passed with one amendment: the removal of Clause Three,
2020. During that process, Returning Officer for Region Four Clairmont Mingo, one of nine persons charged for electoral fraud, stands accused of seeking to alter the electoral results from his region, including excluding hundreds of thousands of votes from PPP/C strongholds, to hand victory to APNU/AFC.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall
Ashmins Building was the scene of some of the most dramatic events during the prolonged 2020 election
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Strengthening the law to unmask crime
The passage of the Criminal Law (Offences) Miscellaneous
Bill 2025 by the National Assembly on Monday marks a timely and necessary response to an escalating pattern of criminal activity in Guyana. The amendment, which introduces significantly harsher penalties for wearing masks or disguises while committing crimes, has garnered bipartisan support, and rightfully so. It reflects a shared recognition across the political aisle that criminal anonymity must no longer be tolerated as a shield for lawlessness.
Guyana has long struggled with the scourge of masked criminality. The nation's history bears the scars of violent acts carried out by individuals who use facial coverings to conceal their identity, evade law enforcement, and instil fear in the public. This practice, once sporadic, has evolved into a dangerous trend that gained renewed momentum during the violent unrest following the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge. Demonstrations that initially called for justice were hijacked by criminal elements who donned masks and wreaked havoc, looting businesses, destroying property, and terrorising communities.
The trauma and economic disruption caused by those events were substantial. Innocent lives were endangered, public trust was shaken, and commerce came to a grinding halt. In the aftermath, over 100 individuals were arrested, many of whom will face indictable terrorism charges. A significant commonality among these perpetrators was their reliance on facial disguises to evade capture, a tactic that not only hindered swift justice but also amplified public fear.
This legislative amendment is a proactive and proportionate response. By increasing the fine for wearing masks during the commission of a crime from the meagre $7500–$15,000 range to a more meaningful $50,000–$750,000, and by raising the maximum jail term from 18 months to three years, the law now reflects the gravity of such behaviour. It sends a clear and unambiguous message: those who use disguises to commit criminal acts will face severe consequences.
Crucially, the bill also draws a clear distinction between legitimate and illegitimate use of facial coverings. It does not criminalise the wearing of masks in contexts where they serve a lawful purpose — such as for health, religious, or cultural reasons. Rather, it targets the misuse of facial coverings to perpetrate crime — a distinction that is both fair and constitutionally sound.
Countries such as Canada, the United States, and St Lucia treat the use of masks during crimes as an aggravating factor, rightly so. Concealing one's identity not only emboldens criminal behaviour but also undermines the rule of law by hampering identification, investigation, and prosecution. It allows offenders to act with a sense of impunity. This amendment directly counters that dynamic and enhances law enforcement's ability to maintain order and protect communities.
The law's central objective is deterrence, a concept supported by both logic and evidence. When the cost of a criminal act rises, particularly through the addition of aggravated penalties, the likelihood of deterrence also increases. This is especially critical in cases where anonymity fuels criminal boldness. By increasing the stakes for offenders, this amendment serves as both a legal and psychological barrier to criminal conduct.
The Government’s action reflects a commitment to the protection of public safety and the preservation of national stability. The Opposition’s support reflects a collective understanding that crime, especially when masked, cannot be met with leniency. In a country that has suffered deeply from organised and opportunistic violence, this amendment is not only justifiable, it is overdue.
For Guyana to move forward, it must create an environment where the rule of law is respected, where communities feel safe, and where criminal opportunism is met with firm resistance. The Criminal Law (Offences) Miscellaneous Bill 2025 is a significant stride in that direction. It deserves full public support, robust enforcement, and continued vigilance to ensure that the trauma of recent events is neither forgotten nor repeated.
Transformative encounters — real and imagined
By Alis HeAdlAm
Iwas 14 in 1961 when my family moved to Istanbul, Turkey, from the United States for a one-year Fulbright appointment that my dad received.
He was offered a position to teach at the University of Istanbul on the European side of the Bosphorus. We found an apartment to rent on the Asian side in Kizguncuk overlooking the beautiful deep blue sea. In the distance we could view the Blue Mosque and Aya Sophia in the evenings as the sun set. It was a magical view.
Each day he set out from our home on foot and walked down the hill on narrow paths and cobble stone streets to the ferry in Kadıköy for the ride to Eminönü. From there he walked, passing shops with tempting goods, through the crowded and narrow confines of the Egyptian bazaar to the campus for his classes. Brass trays, hookahs, and tea services stood out against colourful drapes, shoes, and ornaments. Vendors stood and sat at their doorways calling passers-by to come into their shops.
Waiters narrowly missed the throngs as they travelled to shops with hot tea in tiny glasses sitting balanced on trays. Sometimes my dad would stop and try to bargain for a small trinket, but he was not good at bargaining. He would give the asking price, which thrilled the merchants but defeated the fun of going to the bazaar for me when I went with him on occasion.
My dad was fascinated by people called hamals, who carried huge loads on their bent-over backs through the streets like human beasts of burden. He wrote about the sightlessness of their eyes and the excruciating pain as they
groaned when a weight was too much for them to bear. We shared the same grief when we saw them in the street carrying a refrigerator or a load of heavy metal piping. There was nothing that we could do, but our guilt at being more fortunate hounded us. How could this be?
As a professor of American studies, my dad had been offering a course in African American literature at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He was familiar with the texts of Richard Wright, Langston Hughes, Zora Neal Hurston, and James Baldwin among others. Once he received the invitation to teach the same course at the University in Istanbul, he secured additional funding from USAID to send his teaching materials, which included books for his students. He included the works of Wright, Hughes, Hurston, and Baldwin.
An immediate sign of trouble arose when he was initially denied permission to send copies of those particular texts. Wright’s writing reflected his communist views at a time when the US was just coming out of the Second World War. The others told a still secretive story about race in America. It was a clear sign that in 1960 US Government funding would not support teaching controversial ideas or texts that exposed racism.
I’m not sure how Baldwin was in touch with my father, but he asked my dad to read a draft of his work, Another Country (1962). The manuscript sat on a table in our living room and was one of the few books that I had access to in English. The lure of the title encouraged me to slip the book into my room and start reading. Part one of the story takes place in New York City,
and specifically Harlem. Part two takes place in Paris and again in New York.
These were places and times so far removed from my hometown, Orchard Park in western New York, a rural community considered the bedroom community for Buffalo, that I entered the world portrayed by Baldwin with fascination and intrigue. Although I certainly knew about racism, because it was part of my consciousness growing up, I did not know about the hardships, the conflict with police, poverty, or music. I fell in love with the idea of jazz and the colourful descriptions that included an introduction to sexuality and interracial relationships.
Baldwin’s text was quickly removed from my reading list by my mother, who found the book inappropriate for a 14-year-old girl, but I had already had a taste of living in another world by being in Istanbul. That door was already open. The book propelled my curiosity and expanded on the concept forming in my mind that not everyone lived as I had for the first 14 years of my life. As soon as I returned to the United States, I procured a published copy of the book and read it in private while I was away from home at a summer camp.
My introduction to the world during that year included travelling through Europe, Yugoslavia, and Greece. It developed as I studied art and language at school. But perhaps the most powerful expansion of my vision came from reading Baldwin’s book. I was filled with his visions of people and their environments, which were so unique to me.
Already my widening horizon sparked a need in me to know more about the
world, and it has led to more trips as an adult to places that I began to dream about. Africa, the Middle East, Europe, China, Russia, the Caribbean, and the southern hemisphere of the Americas have all been travel adventures. What I know now is that being exposed at an early age to other worlds was transformative and encouraged me to create opportunities to continue to search for answers about how others live. If we hope for a world that promotes unity and justice, it is essential that texts and experiences for children and youth open the pathway to knowledge of others and their worlds.
The recent effort of the US Federal Administration has moved in a very dangerous direction. By cutting off exposure to the idea of another world through the banning of all diversity, equity, and inclusion materials and programmes, people can become introverted, a condition that encourages greed and selfishness. A world based on these qualities will never lead to world peace.
I became a member of the Bahá’i faith in the mid1980s. Exposure to all of the other countries and life experiences combined with the writings of Bahá’u’lláh emphasised and confirmed what I had learned from my travels. We are one world. We are connected even as we live in very different environments: political, social, religious, and geographic. Seeing the importance of those who live in another country and other worlds is essential to our human survival.
Republished from the current edition of Public Opinion.news
Performers react to music on Pancasila Day, a celebration of Indonesia’s national ideology based on five principles: belief in one God, just and civilised humanity, national unity, democracy guided by the wisdom of people’s representatives, and social justice for all Indonesians (Photograph: Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty Images)
The PPP always prioritises unity, PNC/WPA are merchants of division
Dear Editor,
President Irfaan Ali has been relentless in promoting unity among the Guyanese people. President Ali has invested in the fight to bring our people together as one country, with a stake for all. In embracing unity as a vehicle for rapid development, President Ali has strengthened and elevated further a core issue for the PPP from its inception in 1950. Just as building infrastructure, creating employment, improving health and education, ensuring Guyanese have their own homes and universal coverage for potable water, etc., President Ali and the PPP believes that unity of our people is not just a peace dividend, it is a core economic development driver.
Elections 2025 will be an opportunity for the Guyanese people to loudly pronounce for the benefit of present and future political leaders that unity is paramount and that anyone that promotes division will be rejected. It will be an opportunity for the Guyanese people to forthrightly reject all those persons who openly promote racial and ethnic division in Guyana. President Ali has firmly
placed One Guyana on the electoral agenda.
The drift of young members of the PNC to the PPP is explicit support for President Ali’s One Guyana platform. LGE 2023 gave an early glimpse of the success of One Guyana. While bastions of PNC support in Linden and Georgetown persisted in LGE 2023, cracks in the PNC’s dominance were visible. The PPP made measurable inroads in Georgetown and Linden, showing electoral strengths in those areas that were never ever seen in our political history.
In New Amsterdam where the PNC has dominated throughout its history, the PPP almost defeated the PNC in LGE 2023. In fact, the betting for Elections 2025 is that the PPP will emerge as the leading political party in that town. There can be little doubt that President Ali’s One Guyana has been a resounding success.
The growing resonance of One Guyana with the Guyanese people forced the leader of the opposition, Aubrey Norton, this past week to declare that the PNC/WPA coalition for Elections 2025 will fight to
end racial and ethnic divisions as their number one priority. This should, of course, be the number one priority for all political parties. Only the PPP has a history of consistently fighting for unity in Guyana, with President Ali carrying on the tradition of past PPP leaders. President Ali’s success in promoting unity has been unprecedented. Norton, for all his faults, recognizes the success of President Ali’s One Guyana message and governance.
Norton recognizes that this is not the usual political sloganeering. It is something real and it has galvanized support from across the country.
The problem Norton has is that PNC and WPA are Guyana’s dominant merchants of racism and ethnic divisions. Were these two political parties honest and committed in the fight against ethnic division, their own abandonment of racial politics will in itself contribute to the end of racebased politics in our country. It means they must acknowledge and apologize for their well-documented roles in stoking racial and ethnic division. Race-based politics has been their bread and
butter.
The question, therefore, is how committed they are to this promise. It would go a far way if they were to apologize to the nation for their past promotion and practice of race-based politics. David Hinds as the leader of the WPA has had the most despicable behavior of anyone in Guyana over the last few years when it comes to racist politics. How can Norton champion healing of racial division, while at the same time refusing to distant himself and the PNC from the racists rhetoric and threats that have been emanating from the WPA?
Norton is burdened with the PNC’s albatross – a deficit of trust. Who exactly believes Norton’s declaration that healing racial and ethnic division is his and the PNC/WPA coalition’s number one priority?
The PNC has always been a sloganeering party. The most recent slogan being the “Good Life for All”. Recall all the classics – “Sleep Less, Eat Less, Work More”, “Feed, House and Clothe the Nation” and many more. The PNC’s record in all of these were dismal failures because they accomplished exactly the op-
US-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed deeply implicated himself in tax evasion allegations
Dear Editor,
On June 2, 2025, United States sanctioned businessman and presidential hopeful, Mr. Azruddin Mohamed, revealed the so-called evidence that President Ali facilitated the approval of a false invoice for a Lamborghini the controversial businessman imported.
In a prerecorded video, the businessman sought to implicate the President, but failed in doing so miserably, ludicrously and in fact, has further implicated himself wherein he has provided evidence that he has misled the President that he paid US$75,000 for the Lamborghini. What he
showed in the video was a supposed wire transfer receipt from Republic Bank representing full payment for one (1) luxury vehicle in the sum of US$75,000. At no time did he show that he presented to the President, the true and correct invoice and payment thereof for US$695,000. Furthermore, one cannot expect the President to perform due diligence on what was presented to him to ensure it is true and correct. It is a known fact that for many years, Guyanese often purchase vehicles from the junk yards in the United States. So, if he did pay
that price (US$75,000) for a Lamborghini, it had to be from a junk yard. It turns out, however, that the Lamborghini was not purchased from a junk yard.
Subsequent investigation by the US authorities confirmed that the actual price was much higher than the declared price and the price he informed the President that he paid for the vehicle was proven to be false, knowing full well he was being untruthful to the President. The funny thing in this whole story is that the embattled businessman has presented all the evidence to the public of the crime he committed from the
beginning. None of it whatsoever, which he thought would have proven otherwise to vindicate him. I am not sure who is / are his advisor (s), these machinations enacted by him are nothing short of being profoundly and incredibly foolish.
All in all, Mr. Azruddin, a US sanctioned businessman, has provided compelling evidence to the public that he has committed an egregious financial crime, which the authorities are well in order to ensure that it is remedied forthwith in accordance with law.
Sincerely,
Joel Bhagwandin
Advancing the rice industry
Dear Editor,
On behalf of rice farmers across Region # 3, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the People's Progressive Party/Civic Government for the relief measures provided to the rice farming sector since 2020.
The support extended to farmers during challenging times, whether due to adverse weather conditions, rising input costs or market disruptions, has brought stability and hope
to thousands of households that rely on rice cultivation for their livelihoods. The PPP/C government’s responsiveness and tangible actions continue to demonstrate a deep commitment to safeguarding the interests of rural communities and agriculture as a whole.
The relief interventions, including flood relief grants, fertilizer support, seed distribution and price subsidies, have significantly eased the burdens faced
by rice farmers and enabled many of us to remain productive and resilient. My farming community is appreciative of the love and support shown to us and will be a pillar that helps in a massive electoral victory. A win for President Irfaan is a win for all of Guyana.
We especially commend the PPP/C Government’s inclusive approach to decision-making and for continuously engaging with stakeholders. It is clear that the
administration recognizes the value of rice farming to our national economy.
We look forward to further collaboration in the rice industry and are committed to doing our part to advance the rice industry.
Regards, Pt
Rajish Kadarnauth JP/COA Chairperson
& Rice Farmer, La Jalousie/ Nouvelle Flanders
NDC
posite. For the “Good Life”, David Granger told young people that it is not the responsibility of government to create jobs, that they must help themselves by selling “dog food and plantain chips”. For the “feed, house and clothe” the nation, we became a nation of squatters and we depended on barrels from the diaspora to feed and clothe ourselves.
They had one unqualified sloganeering success – “slow fyah, mo’fyah”, with violence mainly targeting IndoGuyanese. Today, the vast majority of PNC supporters have rejected that pathway. They want peace and unity. But neither party is willing to Abdon that strategy, fearing they have no other option to retain their base. The AFC is in the same dilemma.
The PNC has for its entire history been a hardcore promoter of racial and ethnic division in our country. No political party has done more to promote racism and ethnic division than the PNC. In government between 1964 and 1992 and between 2015 and 2020, the PNC unapologetically practiced racial discrimination.
Since the death of Walter Rodney, the WPA begun its descent into racial and eth-
nic division. With men such as David Hinds elevated into leadership, the WPA’s entanglement into racial and ethnic politics became robust, rapid and obscene. This is the same man who is proud of demanding that the people of Buxton must not buy anything from Mon Repose which translate to Afro-Guyanese must boycott Indo-Guyanese vendors.
The drift away from the PNC is one of the repercussions of the PNC and its surrogates in the WPA and others doubling down on racial and ethnic politics. The vast majority of the Guyanese people want unity. They find comfort in President Ali’s unconditional embrace of unity and love among our people.
Elections 2025 is a referendum on the choices political leaders make on national unity. Young PNC supporters and many older ones have opted to contribute to nation-building and they find President Ali’s and the PPP’s One Guyana vision more aligned with theirs. Therefore, for Elections 2025, they have decided to send the message of unity out loud and clear.
Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy
Page Foundation
Pres Ali exposes US-sanctioned Azruddin
Mohamed’s lies on Lamborghini’s
…says video reinforces his “duplicity and dishonesty”
resident Dr Irfaan
PAli has rejected attempts by United States (US)-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed to link him to an alleged tax evasion scheme currently under judicial scrutiny. Mohamed, who is before the courts for allegedly undervaluing a Lamborghini and submitting falsified documentation to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), has sought to implicate the President in the matter. However, President Ali on Monday categorically denied any involvement and condemned the businessman’s claims as deceitful.
“My number is no secret. It is the same number I have had in and out of Government, so having my number is nothing special. Thousands of Guyanese continue to contact me on various matters,” the Head of State stated in a public response. Refuting Mohamed’s narrative, President Ali clarified that at no point did the businessman present to him nor the GRA with the actual invoice reflecting the vehicle’s true value, which is now confirmed to be US$695,000.
“As I stated before, at no time did Azruddin Mohamed present any invoice for US$695,000, which we now know is the true and correct value of the car,” the President said. “Instead, he reaffirmed and confirmed his lies that the invoice he shared and presented to GRA was US$75,000.”
Ali further noted that official findings have revealed a pattern of financial transactions that support the US$695,000 valuation, directly contradicting Mohamed’s continued insistence that the vehicle was acquired for US$75,000.
“This is the matter before us. Did he lie about the value he presented as the purchased price of the vehicle? The answer is yes,” President Ali asserted.
“Based on the facts now presented by the US authorities, he did lie and presented a falsified invoice to the GRA.”
The President said Mohamed never disclosed
the vehicle’s actual cost to him nor to the relevant tax authorities and continues to maintain the inaccurate figure, despite mounting evidence. Ali declined to engage with personal attacks leveled against him by Mohamed, describing them as reflective of the businessman’s character.
Mohamed was sanctioned by the US in 2024 under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.
Charged
Mohamed, was placed on $500,000 bail for tax evasion and fraudulent declaration charges in relation to the purchase of the Lamborghini Roadster SVJ. Mohamed appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on May 29 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he answered to the two charges brought by GRA, false declaration to the GRA and fraudulent tax evasion.
The first charge alleged that the 39-year-old on or about December 7, 2020, caused to be made and subscribed, a false declaration to the GRA when he stated on the GRA’s custom declaration form that the purchased amount for the Lamborghini was US$75,300, instead of the true purchase price of US$695,000.
The second charge accuses Mohamed of, on the same date, fraudulently declaring to the Revenue Authority US$75,300 as the purchase price for the luxury vehicle thus resulting in the sum of $383,383,345 in taxes being
evaded. Mohamed, who is also currently facing sanctions by the US Government over gold smuggling and tax evasion allegations, pleaded not guilty to both charges. It was previously reported that these charges were filed by the GRA after it obtained evidence from the US Department of Justice (DoJ). GRA Commissioner, Godfrey Statia, had written the US authorities for information on the purchase of the luxury vehicle.
Earlier this month, the DoJ, under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), provided the Guyanese Tax collection body with an original invoice for the Lamborghini, which was billed to Azruddin Mohamed himself, to the tune of US$695,000. This was also corroborated by documents obtained by GRA from a local bank that showed wire transfers from Mohamed’s account to the US seller.
The Revenue Authority and Mohamed are currently embroiled in legal proceedings in the High Court. The GRA filed the matter to recover the outstanding taxes owned by the businessman. In April, GRA officials, backed by police attempted to seize several luxury vehicles — including a Lamborghini Roadster, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, and Land Cruisers — from the Mohamed’s residence in Houston, Greater Georgetown. The operation was aborted after a hostile crowd, reportedly paid by Mohamed, blocked access to the premises.
GRA has said that the vehicles were imported un-
der the re-migrant scheme, but failed to meet key requirements, including residency status and proper declaration of value. The total tax liability in the matter is estimated at nearly $900 million.
Mohamed subsequently obtained a High Court order to block the seizure of the luxury vehicles. Only earlier this month, the Court of Appeal had refused GRA’s application to overturn the High Court ruling that had placed an injunction on the tax agency from seizing the luxury vehicles owned by the Mohamed family.
US-sanction
Meanwhile, the Mohamed family is currently under sanction by the US Government. Back in 2024, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had announced that it sanc-
value
tioned Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, several of their companies, and a Guyanese Government official, Mae Thomas for their roles in alleged public corruption in Guyana.
According to a statement from OFAC, this is related to the evasion of taxes
on gold exports, noting that between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10 thousand kilograms (kg) of gold from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.
President Dr Irfaan Ali
US-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed
41 of 105 cases disposed of in April 2025 Demerara Criminal Assizes
The Demerara April
2025 Criminal Assizes concluded last week following two months of judicial proceedings during which 41 of 105 listed cases were disposed of. Sitting during this Assizes were Justices JoAnn Barlow, Simone MorrisRamlall, Zamilla AllySeepaul, Damone Younge, and Nareshwar Harnanan. Of the 41 matters concluded, 28 were prosecuted in the Demerara High Court by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), while 13 were discontinued through nolle prosequi (not to wish to prosecute).
Among the 28 High Court matters, 15 involved charges of murder, nine were sexual offences, two were for attempted murder with alternative counts of felonious wounding, and two were for manslaughter. In total, 31 accused persons appeared before the courts.
There were 14 guilty pleas, two guilty verdicts by jury, six not guilty verdicts, five formal verdicts of not guilty, and three matters nolle prosequi in open court.
Sexual Offences Court
State Counsels Simran Gajraj, Padma Dubraj, and Nerissa Peterkin prosecuted nine matters before Justice Damone Younge. Three accused were acquitted by jury. Three matters were discontinued due to complainants’ non-attendance.
In two cases, complainants indicated their unwillingness to proceed, prompting formal not guilty verdicts. In the remaining matter, the accused pleaded guilty to raping a child under 16 and is awaiting sentencing on June 4, 2025.
Other cases
State Counsel Joy Williams, Rbina Christmas, and Geneva Wills completed six matters before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow. One manslaughter charge ended in a formal not guilty verdict after a successful no-case submission. In a case of attempted murder, the accused pleaded guilty to felonious wounding and was sentenced to eight years. One murder charge was dropped due to insufficient evidence. Another resulted in a jury acquittal. In a triple-indictment case, three accused pleaded guilty to manslaughter and felonious wounding. The lead accused received 18 and 10 years respectively, while the others were sentenced to 15 and 12 years. All sentences will run concurrently.
State Counsel Abiola Lowe, Praneta Seeraj, and Mtumika Lumumba presented six cases before Justice Nareshwar Harnanan. Five were for murder and one for manslaughter. In four murder cases, the accused pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received sentences ranging
from seven years and three months to 16 years and seven months. One murder trial ended in a not guilty verdict. In the manslaughter case, the accused was found guilty by jury and is to be sentenced on June 17, 2025.
State Counsels Muntaz Ali, Marisa Edwards, and Darin Chan prosecuted four murder cases before Justice Simone MorrisRamlall. Three accused pleaded guilty; two received life imprisonment with parole eligibility after 18 and 24 years, respectively. The third will be sentenced on June 17. Another accused was found guilty by jury and also awaits sentencing on that date.
State Counsel Rbina Christmas and Alvaro Ramotar prosecuted three matters before Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul—two for murder and one for attempted murder. One accused was sentenced to 17 years and 11 months after a guilty plea. In a joint trial, one accused was acquitted and another saw a nocase submission upheld. In the attempted murder matter, the accused pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and will be sentenced on June 20.
Of the 13 matters discontinued by the DPP, five were sexual offences in which complainants opted not to proceed, while seven attempted murder cases were halted due to death of a
complainant, compensation arrangements, or unwillingness to testify. One abduction matter was dropped due to an unlocatable complainant and a reluctant witness.
Essequibo Assizes
Meanwhile, the February 2025 Criminal Assizes continued in Essequibo with Justice Navindra Singh presiding from late March. State Counsel Caressa Henry presented 13 matters, nine for murder and four for sexual offences. Three murder accused pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 12, 20, and 13 years, respectively. Six others pleaded guilty to manslaughter, with one also pleading guilty to wounding with intent and receiving concurrent 10 and two year sentences. Three others received sentences between two and five years, while two await sentencing on June 16.
In sexual offence matters, one accused was sentenced to 10 years after a guilty plea. Another was found guilty by jury and will be sentenced on June 10. In the remaining two cases, one complainant declined to proceed and the other resulted in a hung jury. One matter was discontinued due to the complainant’s death.
Berbice Assizes
In Berbice, the February 2025 Criminal Assizes is ongoing. Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry began sitting from March. State Counsel Cicelia Corbin has concluded four cases, three for sexual offences and one for murder. The murder accused pleaded guilty to manslaughter and will be sentenced on June 10.
Two sexual offence accused were acquitted by jury, and in the third matter, the State offered no evidence after the complainant refused to testify, prompting a formal not guilty verdict.
The DPP also discontinued six cases, five for sexual offences and one for attempted murder and wounding, based on statements from complainants expressing their unwillingness to proceed. The Berbice Assizes continues until June 16.
Wha’ happenin’…
…in sugar
Aaah…sugar!! How sweet it is!! After the Brits developed a taste for tea in the 17th century – from China where they became the biggest drug dealers in history – by supplying opium to pay for their habit –they used slave labour in our neck of the woods to produce sugar to sweeten up their cuppa that had become a habit as strong as the opium they plied the Chinese with!! And in a nutshell – even though the sentence is a wee bit long – that summarises our history!! If it weren’t for sugar, our coastlands would in all likelihood still be verdant and mosquito-ridden swamps!!
But as it is with all things in his world – what goes up must come down – with the law of gravity evidently extending into economic activities!! And so, after sustaining the entire colony for centuries – albeit at the cost of much suffering to the peoples dragged here to produce it – sugar production plummeted from over 350,000 tons annually at Independence to a paltry 47,000 tons last year. And from what’s been produced to date it’s almost certain this year’s production gonna be even more abysmal. In the words of one local soothsayer, “it’s a shad, shad shituation”!!
Wha’ happened? Fingers are pointing right, left and centre with blame casting – but mostly in the direction of the new CEO who was parachuted from the Private Sector to help stem the haemorrhaging of the industry - as if its major artery was slashed!! The poor fella – who has vast experience in the most critical sector of the sugar industry as a cane farmer – pointed out that in addition to inheriting more afflictions than Job – the rains – whether controlled by God or nature – haven’t been kind. To say the least!!
But the travails of sugar – as with everything else ailing our country – begin with Burnham’s insistence on “controlling the commanding heights of the economy”. As Rodney phrased it so delicately, everything Burnham touched “turned to shit”!! He nationalised sugar in 1976 and appointed persons to run it who were more au fait with loyalty to him than to production imperatives!! Not surprisingly, before long – as happened with bauxite which he’d earlier nationalised – production sloped southwards. When the industry generated super profits, rather than funnelling them into rehabilitating the factories and fields, he frittered them away in an ill-conceived hydroelectric scheme. Things could only go anywhere but up. His successor Hoyte brought back the successors to the old colonialists but being rewarded based on production, they ran the infrastructure further into the ground. And ensured the PPP would get “goadie” after they took over in 1992. The coup de grâce was PNC’s Granger’s closure of 4 plantations in 2016!! Poor Paul!!
…with electoral arrangements??
The Opposition didn’t even wait for the elections date to be announced before they launched their campaign to discredit the almost certain result of the PPP winning. Rather than acknowledging they’ve been shooting themselves in the foot – they’ve decided to repeat their strategy from 2020. To wit – claim that the PPP’s win gonna be due to them resurrecting the dead and apparating the foreign Guyanese on the voters’ list to put their Xs on the Cup!!
Their proposal to stymie the PPP’s “ruse” is “BIOMETRICS”!! The Government said the time was too short. The Opposition retorted that “Hey!! The Elections commission of Ghana introduced biometrics in SIX WEEKS”!!! And that just goes to show how disingenuous our Opposition will get to have an excuse to make trouble!!
Yes, from a narrow perspective that might seem so –but in reality, biometrics was introduced in Ghana since 2012!! And every four years since then they have had to make massive changes to fix glitches.
They really want biometrics as another excuse for riots!!
…respecting churches?
Your Eyewitness was quite taken aback to learn that some hooded man set fire to Bishop Edghill’s church in Lodge. While we know that PPP politicians are fair game to Scrapeheads, are churches not sacred no mo?
File photo: The opening of the Demerara April 2025 Criminal Assizes
Criminal Law Miscellaneous Bill 2025
Criminals wearing masks to now face maximum $750,000 fine, 3-year jail sentence
By Jarryl Bryan
Persons who wear masks while committing crimes, will soon be catching additional penalties, including the pos-
sibility of a three-year jail sentence, as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government looks to amend the Criminal Law Offences Act and Summary Jurisdiction Act to deter the committal of crimes.
Monday saw the passage of the Criminal Law (Offences) Miscellaneous Bill 2025, which amends and beefs up the principal act and received bipartisan support from both sides of the house. According to Attorney General (AG) and Senior Counsel Anil Nandlall, the amendment will significantly increase the punishment for wearing masks or disguises while committing crimes.
For instance, the $7500 to $15,000 fine for this offence has been changed to a $50,000 to $750,000 fine.
Additionally, the amendment to the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act will see the jail sentenc-
es for this offence being increased from 18 months to three years. In his explanation, Nandlall made reference to the recent riots around the city and country as many of the perpetrators were masked.
“Recently, our country has experienced a surge in a certain type of criminal activity, committed by persons wearing a mask or other disguise, which has posed a significant threat to public safety,” the AG said.
“Generally, while facial coverings may be lawfully justified in specific context, such as in the interest of public health or religion, their misuse for criminal purposes undermine public safety and security. To address
this issue, the Criminal Law (Offences) Miscellaneous Bill 2025 prohibits the wearing of masks or disguises to commit an offence specified under the Act.”
Nandlall referenced other countries who have taken similar steps, including Canada, certain jurisdictions in the United States (US) and even St Lucia, where the wearing of a mask while committing an offence is considered an aggravating factor by the courts.
This is measure, Nandlall noted, which will help law enforcement to more swiftly apprehend perpetrators. And while he emphasised that wearing facial coverings in and of itself is not illegal, he warned that those
who do so while committing crimes will be sternly dealt with by the court.
“One of the primary objectives of the bill is deterrence. When individuals are aware that concealing their identity will result in additional charges and harsher penalties, they may be less likely to engage in such behaviour.”
“Concealing one’s identity emboldens offenders, while reducing the risk of being identified or apprehended… this bill is therefore both reasonable and necessary to deter criminal behaviour, enhance public safety and aid law enforcement,” he said.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC
Scenes from the widespread looting and unrest that occurred in April, with many of the perpetrators masked
"No to bullies, I stand proudly with
President Irfaan
Ali"
–
PNC MP Geeta Chandan-Edmond breaks ranks
…endorses 2nd term for Pres Ali, cites conscience over politics
Opposition Member of Parliament (MP)
Geeta ChandanEdmond on Monday night rose in the National Assembly to throw her support behind President Dr Irfaan Ali for a second term in office.
“President Ali has earned his second term and Guyana deserves nothing less. Under his leadership, we are witnessing real change,” ChandanEdmond, former General Secretary of the main opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) expressed.
Chandan-Edmond explained that “Guyana is my home. I love this land deeply…I will always bat for Guyana; I will always stand for what is right.”
This commitment to serving Guyana, she noted, transcends political loyalties. She noted that her decision to endorse President Ali was made last Saturday, when she had a dialogue with her conscience.
“I dream of a transfor-
mational Guyana, a nation where every child, regardless of your birthplace or background has access to the best of education, best of healthcare and best of opportunities…I want a Guyana that delivers for everyone…So how do we get there?”
Chandan-Edmond said President Ali and the
Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) have proven their ability to lead this country through transformation for all.
The Opposition MP also reflected on the walkout staged by her colleagues on the other side of the House during the sovereignty motion, expressing his apology to the nation for her role
in that “disgraceful” action.
Chandan-Edmond lamented that the Opposition choose politics over patriotism. According to Chandan-Edmond, the Opposition’s actions were a “betrayal of our sacred duty”.
“While President Ali was defending our sovereignty, rallying interna-
tional support…the opposition faltered. So let the record reflect tonight, I stand proudly with President Ali, I stand with his leadership and I stand with his vision,” she added.
Chandan-Edmond also reflected on the bullying she was subjected to earlier this year when she supported Budget 2025.
“Not a single voice rose in condemnation when I was attacked with vile, racist and derogatory words simply because I stood for what I believed in…,” she noted.
According to ChandanEdmond, her decision is not about politics.
“…it is about conscience, it is about country,” she said.
“No to bullies, I stand proudly with President Irfaan Ali,” she added, even as the Opposition MPs walked out after they realised that she was about to endorse President Ali.
In December 2022, Chandan-Edmond had resigned from her post as
General Secretary of the PNC/R.
Her resignation reportedly stemmed from concerns expressed by senior members of the party about her performance. Up to the time of her resignation, she was on leave of absence from the party.
In January 2022, the former Magistrate had replaced longstanding PNC/R Member Amna Ally, who had served as the party’s General Secretary since June 2017.
Chandan-Edmond had worked in the then Ministry of the Presidency (now Office of the President) under then Minister of State Joseph Harmon while the coalition was in office, and had served on State Boards and Commissions.
Her appointment to the position of that party’s General Secretary had come on the heels of the resignation of the incumbent the late Amna Ally as Chief Scrutineer for the APNU/AFC.
All Pizza Hut locations close until Wednesday for upgrades
All Pizza Hut locations across Guyana are temporarily close from June 1 to June 4, 2025, to facilitate infrastructural upgrades as the franchise transitions to new ownership under The Beharry Group.
The brief closure, a release from the company stated, is aimed at enhancing customer experience through minor refurbishments and operational adjustments, with all outlets scheduled to reopen on June 5 under new man-
agement. The move follows The Beharry Group’s acquisition of the Pizza Hut franchise in Guyana, effective June 1.
The Beharry Group, a well-established name in Guyanese business, said that the upgrade period is essential to ensure a smooth handover and refreshed service delivery.
“This acquisition reflects our vision to grow the presence of leading global brands in Guyana while elevating service and product quality through strong local leadership,” a Beharry Group spokesperson said.
“We appreciate the public’s patience during this short transition period and look forward to welcoming customers back to an improved Pizza Hut experience,” the release stated.
The acquisition forms part of the Group’s broader strategy to expand its presence in the quick-service restaurant industry while maintaining the quality and global standards associated with the Pizza Hut brand.
Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Geeta Chandan-Edmond sits alone on the Opposition side of the National Assembly after her colleagues walked out (DM Wills photo)
Weekly Stabroek, Bourda markets closures to tackle rat infestations – Town Clerk
…says sensitisation exercises planned for meat vendors
As the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GM&CC) continues to ensure that the capital city is well kept and maintained. The organisation has revealed plans to tackle the rat infestations at the Stabroek and Bourda Markets.
This was revealed by Town Clerk Candace Nelson during the council’s most recent statutory meeting. According to Nelson as part of efforts to ensure these markets are well kept and tidy the council had decided to close both facilitates weekly on Wednesday to facilitate cleaning activities.
“The decision of the council in relation to the closure of the market is for it to close every Wednesday for cleaning. We have com-
menced that project we started last Wednesday with Bourda It is not at the level that we would want it to be however; it's a work in progress…But our plan is to continue to work on these markets so that they can get to a level where we can all feel comfortable not just visiting, but to purchase as well.”
One of the most pressing and persistent problems affecting these markets is the widespread infestation of rats, which poses significant health risks and undermines both sanitation and overall market conditions.
In this regard Nelson revealed that the council in collaboration with health officials will engage market vendors particularly those who handle meat products.
“I've had discussions with the medical officer of health and what we would like to do as well is to have some talks with those stockholders, especially those in the Butcher's Lane and the fishpond, on how they should properly store meat and to prevent that infestation of rodents in that market I spoke to her this morning.”
The city council over the past few months has been very strategic in its efforts towards maintaining the market facilities. Just recently in March the GM&CC launched a new initiative which will see the council synergising with stallholders and vendors who ply their trade within the vicinity of the Stabroek market.
Guyana poised to become...
In addition, the Government of Guyana is actively modernising its Food and Drug Department regulations to streamline processes, encourage pharmaceutical investment, and foster a more business-friendly environment for industry stakeholders.
Investment mission
Meanwhile, also present at the event was the EU’s Ambassador to Guyana René Van Nes who highlighted the important role the investment mission will play as the country develops its pharmaceutical industry.
“So as Guyana is shaping its future of healthcare and pharmaceuticals, we can all be part of this. I think that is the objective of today. And I have no doubt that the connections that you will make today will have a lasting impact on this phenomenal trajectory so I look forward to the discussions that you will have, the collaborations, the con-
tacts that you will build and that from this vision we will see companies taking forward the opportunities that Guyana has to offer.”
Launched in 2022 by Guyana, Barbados, and Rwanda, the Pharmaceutical Equity for Global Public Health initiative aims to ensure equitable access to essential medicines and vaccines by strengthening local production and reducing dependence on external supply chains. With support from the EU, this initiative promotes regulatory cooperation, technology transfer, and strategic partnerships to build sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity.
This mission aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which aims to foster sustainable and secure global partnerships, with a particular focus on critical sectors such as healthcare. Investing in Guyana—a rising force
Buildings damaged, aircraft overturned as rainstorm batters coastland
Several parts of the coastland were struck by heavy winds and rain on Monday which subsequently damaged several buildings among other infrastructure.
What started off as light showers late Sunday night quickly intensified into a rain storm with the wee hours on Monday morning. The extreme weather, marked by powerful winds, caused parts of a shed to collapse at both the Correia Mining Company and Trans Guyana Airways hangar at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport (Ogle Airport).
Flying debris from the damaged structures damaged nearby aircraft, including a single-engine plane that was overturned. According to reports airport authorities and relevant agencies are currently conducting thorough evaluations of the damage. Guyana Times understands that efforts are currently underway to assess the structural integrity of airport facilities, with a
FROM PAGE 2
within the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM)— represents a strategic opportunity for the European private sector. The EU is already CARIFORUM’s third-largest trading partner overall, after the United States US).
Under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), CARIFORUM countries benefit from immediate duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market for all products, with certain exceptions for sensitive goods. In return, CARIFORUM nations have committed to gradually liberalising their own markets over a 25-year period. For Guyana, the EPA presents substantial opportunities in the health sector.
The duty-free access to the EU market facilitates the import of essential health products and medical equipment, which can play a crucial role in enhancing the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
view to implementing the necessary repairs to ensure the safety and continuity of operations. Meanwhile, utility poles were uprooted in several areas along both the East Coast Demerara (ECD) and East Bank Demerara (EBD), disrupting traffic and causing sections of the energy grid to be de-energised.
Moreover, several homes in both Regions Four (Demerara- Mahaica) and Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) were damaged due to the heavy
gusts. In one of the more severe situations Ulanda Carmichael, a teacher and single mother from Wales,
Dam, West Bank Demerara (WBD) was left in an unfortunate situation after the roof of her home was blown off during the storm.
Since the incident, the single mother was engaged by the Human Services and Social Security Ministry as well as the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and rebuilding efforts are currently underway.
Criminals wearing masks...
Support
Other Members of Parliament (MP) supporting the bill included Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, PPP/C MP Sanjeev Datadin and Alliance For Change (AFC) MP Khemraj Ramjattan, who compared the amendments to similar aggravating circumstances like the use of a weapon while committing a crime.
While making it clear that she supported the bill, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Parliamentarian Amanza Walton urged in her presentation that the Government go a step further and seek to regulate the use of face coverings by private security firms.
“I want to make some recommendations. I want to strongly recommend the revision of and reissuing of regulations to regulate private security firms. And they must contain the prohibition of face coverings of private security personnel
in public spaces.”
“Two, they must require visible identification for all operatives. And three, we must establish a public registry and oversight mechanism to investigate complaints and ensure compliance with human rights standards,” she further recommended.
However, Nandlall in his rebuttal made it clear that security officers are not exempt from the law, as those who misuse their powers can also be prosecuted. He noted that nothing in the bill excludes security officers from being culpable for breaking the law while masked.
“If any member of any security force, misuses their powers, then the law will apply to them. It will apply to them. There’s no caveat. There is no restriction of liability or culpability in relation to them. So, the bill addresses your concerns,” Nandlall said. In late April, following the
post mortem on the body of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge whose tragic death sparked protests for justice, these demonstrations were subsequently hijacked and turned into widespread acts of terror and looting during coordinated unrest across the country.
A prevalent observation during the violent protests, were the masked criminal elements who sought to cause public terror by blocking roadways, burning debris, destroying public and private infrastructure, looting, and causing harm to innocent individuals. As a result, many businesses were closed the very next day.
Following swift police operations and nationwide arrests, over 100 persons were arrested in relation to the unrest, with many brought before various Magistrates to face indictable charges of terrorism under the Criminal Law (Offences) Act.
Sideline
NIS one-off payment programme launched
…over 25,000 pensioners expected to benefit
The Government on Monday officially launched the NIS One-Off Payment Programme, aimed at providing financial relief to eligible senior citizens who have made between 500 and 749 contributions to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) but do not qualify for a pension.
The initiative, spearheaded by President Irfaan Ali and unveiled in detail on April 10, 2025, was formally launched by Senior Minister in the Office of the President
with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh. It is expected to benefit more than 25,000 senior citizens across the country.
To qualify, individuals must have turned 60 on or before December 31, 2024, have between 500 and 749 NIS contributions, and must not currently receive any pension from the NIS.
Eligible beneficiaries will receive one-off payments of 500 to 549 contributions:
$260,000; 550 to 599 contributions: $390,000; 600 to
699 contributions: $520,000 and 700 to 749 contributions: $650,000
Singh emphasised that the programme is a response to the challenges faced by individuals who fall marginally short of the 750 contributions required to access a pension under the current NIS rules. “This initiative recognises the contributions of those who have given years of service and ensures they are not left behind,” he said. A total of $10 billion was allocated in the 2025 National Budget to finance
Rupununi men on $300K bail on cocaine trafficking charge
Two Rupununi men were on Monday granted bail on a charge of trafficking cocaine. The duo appeared before Magistrate Omadat Chandan at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.
Frederick Garraway of Tabatinga Lethem, Central Rupununi and Laurence France of New Culbert City also in Central Rupununi, are alleged to have 17.92 grams of cocaine, for the purpose of trafficking on May 30, at Tabatinga, Lethem.
They were charged with possession of narcotic for the purpose of trafficking: contrary to section 5(1)(a) (i) of the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substance
Charged: Frederick Garraway
(Control) Act Chapter 10:10 of the Laws of Guyana.
Attorney at Law Bernard DaSilva who appeared for Garraway pleaded with the court to grant pretrial lib-
erty to the accused arguing that he was not a flight risk and the frequency at which the court sits as one factor why the court should consider bail.
After listening to the arguments put forward, Magistrate Chandan set bail at $300,000. However, as a condition for bail, the Magistrate ordered that they both are to lodge their passports and will have to report to the Lethem Police Station every Friday morning.
The matter has been adjourned to 25 June, when the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) in Georgetown is expected to disclose all statements related to the case.
the programme, reinforcing the Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare of senior citizens. Applications can be submitted online via the dedicated portal https://oneoffnis.gov. gy or in person at any NIS office nationwide. Drop boxes have been made available at these locations for added convenience.
Singh encouraged eligible individuals to apply promptly to benefit from the programme. “This is about dignity, inclusion, and respect for our elders who helped build this nation,” he stated. During a live broadcast from State House in April, the Head of State had explained that, “this measure will see a total of over $10 billion of additional disposable income being placed in the hands of over 25,000 of our senior citizens.”
This latest initiative added to various measures intro-
duced over the years by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government to improve the quality of life of senior citizens across the country. These include the doubling of the Old Age Pension from $20,500 in 2020 to $41,000 this year –a move that has benefited over 76,000 pensioners, and has resulted in a total Old Age Pension payout of some $37 billion being transferred to senior citizens this year.
Other interventions include the reintroduction of water and electricity subsidies for pensioners, improved services for Old Age Pension collection, and eye care support to almost 19,000 senior citizens, with another 7000 shut-in elderly persons benefitting from home-based medical care.
Meanwhile, President Ali had first announced the $10 billion injection into the NIS during his address to the
Parliament in October 2024, specifically targeting those persons who fall marginally short of the 750-contribution requirement to be eligible for an NIS pension.
The Head of State had pointed out that during the various community outreaches, pensioners from across the country have been complaining of not getting any benefits because they do not meet the NIS contribution requirement.
“This was not only burdensome on the NIS system, but also we committed that we want to help people. We want to find ways in which we can make it easier for our citizens, especially the elderly, especially those persons who are now at an age in which they should be comfortable and they should also benefit from whatever contribution they made in the system,” President Ali had said.
President Irfaan Ali announced a one-off payment from the National Insurance Scheme to help pensioners
New beginnings in Region 6
Some 1550 Berbicians received house lot allocations during the "Dream Realised" Housing Drive in Region Six on May 30–31. Many beneficiaries shared that the allocation marks a new chapter, moving away from renting or shared family living. Some also received Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy vouchers and land titles to support their journey to homeownership (Housing and Water Ministry photos)
CAL urged to fix map policy after repeated error in Guyana’s territorial depiction
…airline apologises to Guyana
Guyana’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud has called on Caribbean Airlines (CAL) to reassess its policy on the use of maps, following the publication of an incomplete map of Guyana in the airline’s in-flight magazine, the second such occurrence in recent years. In a post shared via his private social media account, Persaud acknowledged an apology issued by CAL on Monday but expressed concern over the recurrence of the issue.
“Whilst I welcome this apology and response when the matter was highlighted, it’s strange that I had cause to raise a similar issue with CAL about two years ago which saw the airline removing another inaccurate depiction of our territory and now we have a repeat,”
Persaud stated. “It is time CAL revisits its policy on the use of maps, particularly Guyana’s, if it wants to earn the trust and respect of the Guyanese people.”
for what it described as an inadvertent error. The airline emphasised its recognition of Guyana’s full 83,000 square miles and reiterated its respect for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“This error was entirely unintentional and does not reflect the views or values of the company,” the airline stated. “Caribbean Airlines is a proud regional airline, and is firmly committed to fostering unity, respect, and mutual understanding across the Caribbean.”
CAL noted that it has launched an internal investigation to determine how the mistake occurred and pledged to strengthen its review processes to prevent future incidents.
The airline also thanked its Guyanese customers and stakeholders for their continued support.
The depiction of Guyana’s map remains a sensitive issue, particularly in light of the ongoing territorial controversy involving Venezuela, which
claims a large portion of Guyana’s Essequibo region. Guyanese officials and citizens alike maintain that any misrepresentation of the country’s borders undermines its sovereignty and fuels misinformation.
The controversy centres around a recent CAL magazine advertisement which displayed a map omitting part of Guyana’s internationally recognised territory. The matter sparked concern and criticism among Guyanese stakeholders and on social media platforms.
In response, Caribbean Airlines issued a press release extending “sincere and unreserved apology”
A24-year-old resident of the Sophia Squatting Area in Greater Georgetown, was on Monday, June 2, 2025, brought before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court after a video of him assaulting a police officer went viral on social media.
Shamar Williams appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, where he faced several charges stemming from an incident involving a Police Constable. The charges included: Assault causing actual bodily harm, he pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of $15,000; damage to property, he also pleaded not guilty and was granted $10,000 bail; assault of a peace of -
$355K
Sophia man remanded for assaulting cop after viral video …slapped with 10 traffic fines totalling
ficer with intent to resist lawful apprehension, for this charge, Williams was remanded to prison.
This matter was adjourned to June 23.
In addition to the assault-related charges, Williams was also taken before Magistrate Shivani Lalaram later that day to answer several traffic-related offences. He was found guilty on most of the charges and fined accordingly.
For driving without a valid licence, he was fined $30,000- or six-weeks’ imprisonment. For failure to conform to a traffic sign, he received a $20,000 fine or four weeks’ imprisonment. He was fined another $10,000- or two-weeks’ imprisonment for failure to wear a safety helmet.
Additional charges in -
cluded breach of a oneway street, for which he was fined $20,000; operating an uninsured motor vehicle, which carried a $30,000 fine; and operating an unlicensed motor vehicle, for which he was fined $20,000. He was further fined $25,000 for using an uncertified motor vehicle, $20,000 for poor maintenance of the vehicle, and a hefty $150,000 for having an obscured rear identification mark—this particular offence carrying the steepest penalty, or 30 weeks’ imprisonment in default of payment.
Williams also faced a charge of failing to display a front identification mark. He pleaded not guilty to this charge and was granted $10,000 bail.
The CAL’s inflight magazine which inaccurately depicted Guyana’s map
Charged: Shamar Williams
Regional food security efforts bearing fruit – Caricom
…as CARICOM records significant investment opportunities in Region’s poultry industry
The Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) 25 by 2025+5 Initiative has begun to yield significant results, according to Director of Sectoral Programmes, Ambassador David Prendergast at the CARICOM Secretariat. CARICOM recently highlighted the outcomes he addressed in a press release.
Ambassador Prendergast identified key advancements, including the approval and implementation of the Trade Policy for Animal and Animal Products (TPAAP), the Regional Agricultural Health and Food Safety Policy, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Guidelines for trade in 19 specific agricultural commodities, and the Alternate SPS Dispute Settlement Mechanism.
“We are also seeing progress in areas such as the introduction of a regional agricultural insurance product, increased cross-border investment, greater resource mobilisation and coordination towards the implementation of the 25 by 2025
Initiative, increased private sector involvement, and large-scale private sector investment in sectors such as dairy, small ruminants, soya, and poultry production,” he stated. He further noted increased agricultural production in Member States through the introduction of new and niche crops, the development of a Regional Electronic Agriculture Market Information System, the establishment of a US$100 million fund for regional agriculture, and the Caribbean Food Systems
Investment Initiative (CFSII). In terms of securing the future of the agriculture sector, Ambassador Prendergast drew attention to the engagement of young people through the development of a Regional Youth in Agriculture Strategy and the establishment of a Youth Advisory Council.
“These initiatives, along with the introduction of new technologies, technical assistance programmes, enhanced alignment among development partners, and investments in cold storage and greenhouse technolo-
gy, are collectively driving us towards greater food and nutrition security,” he added.
Meanwhile, as CARICOM continues its quest to achieve food and nutrition security, significant investment, employment, and agro-processing opportunities in the poultry industry have been identified.
Programme Manager for Agriculture and AgroIndustrial Development, Shaun Baugh at the CARICOM Secretariat, stated that the poultry industry—the region’s largest agro-industrial enterprise—
presents vast opportunities for employment generation, wealth creation, and increased economic activity. These include the creation of new industries, primary production, import replacement, manufacturing, intra-regional trade, digitalisation, and e-commerce.
He pointed to specific investment opportunities in feed and hatching egg production, as well as in value-added products such as chicken wings, nuggets, sausages, pre-cooked and marinated chicken, and cold cuts. The estimated new investment injection into the industry stands at US$12
million per year in areas such as hatcheries, processing plants, feed mills, tunnel-ventilated housing, and human resource development.
Speaking at the Caribbean Poultry Association (CPA) symposium in Jamaica on 14 May, Baugh emphasised the importance of poultry and table eggs—both key priorities under the Region’s “25 by 2025+5” Food Security Initiative, which aims to reduce the food import bill by 25 per cent by 2030.
With an estimated annual gross industry sale of over US$500 million, poultry has surpassed sugar and rice to become the largest agro-industrial enterprise in the Caribbean. The sector employs more than 75,000 persons directly and stands as the largest generator of small businesses and rural entrepreneurship. Notably, 82 per cent of all animal protein consumed in the Caribbean comes from poultry, underscoring the regional demand for the product, Baugh noted.
RSS now empowered to combat crossborder crimes in Guyana, defend democracy
The Regional Security System (RSS) Bill
2025 was passed in the National Assembly on Monday evening, with the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government touting the benefits of having an increased and more empowered presence of regional security officers in Guyana at a time when Guyana is facing security challenges from neighbouring Venezuela. The RSS is composed of high-ranking military and police officers from across the Caribbean. The agency has made several appearances in Guyana in a supporting role to the Guyana Police Force (GPF). With the passage of the bill, Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall noted that they will be even further empowered. “Guyana will be part of a regional law enforcement agency that will have direct legal municipal powers under our legislation to function here as part of our law enforcement apparatus. We are perhaps the country that needs this the most.”
“We are the only country in CARICOM with the existential threat that we’re facing. We need protection out there for our borders. We need protection for our exclusive economic zone (EEZ),
our maritime territory. And part of the express mandate of the RSS is to provide surveillance and to patrol those areas.”
Nandlall noted what a gamechanger it would be to have the RSS patrolling in Guyana’s waters whenever there is an unauthorised entry, such as when a Venezuelan naval vessel entered Guyana’s maritime space earlier this year. Meanwhile, Nandlall also tackled the comments made by Opposition Members of Parliament such as Amanza Walton. According to him, the Member of Parliament’s (MP) criticisms of the bill
are replete with inaccuracies.
“As usual she expressed support and then she started attacking the RSS. I don’t understand why or how the honourable members on that side, with such ease, ascribe ulterior motives to an international body and professionals.”
“I don’t know if they are assessing people by their own standards. Why would the honourable member say that members of the RSS, when they come here, are manipulated to bring conclusions to investigations that cannot withstand scrutiny?”
Among those making their contribution to the bill was Alliance For Change (AFC) MP Khemraj Ramjattan, who was among the opposition to express support for the bill as he acknowledged its necessity.
“We feel in the opposition too that crime and violence in Guyana, has been tremendously increased… and that is one of the reasons why the Government has decided to look for support in relation to the cooperation and collaboration with all varieties of activities identified in the bill and treaty.”
“So, it is important that we in Guyana, see the necessity of implementing into our municipal law that infrastructure that will be of assistance and support with our crime fighting. And we want the collaborative assistance from the RSS,” Ramjattan said. The Regional Security System Bill 2025 includes provisions for RSS personnel to have jurisdiction in Guyana, as per the RSS Treaty. It also allows them to bear arms and ammunition while carrying out their duties, with authorisation by the RSS
and in consultation with local authorities.
The RSS, a key security mechanism in the Eastern Caribbean, provides collective responses to security threats and disaster situations, working closely with member states and international partners like the United States (US).
Back in December 2022, Guyana acceded to the RSS. And that same month, Guyana was asked to become a member of the steering group of one of the RSS operating arms, the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network of the Caribbean (ARIN-CARIB).
It was only in April that a three-member investigative team from the RSS assisted local authorities with investigations into the fatal police shootings of two men, 21-year-old Ronaldo Peters and 32-year-old Keon Fogenay, in Linden, Region 10.
The RSS also partnered with the GPF in 2020 to investigate the brutal murders of teenage cousins Isaiah and Joel Henry, who were discovered murdered in Cotton Tree backdam, West Coast Berbice (WCB), on September 6, 2020, a day after they left home to pick coconuts.
Ambassador David Prendergast, Director, Sectoral Programmes, Caricom Secretariat
Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC
Member of Parliament Khemraj Ramjattan
Pres Ali to chair high-level UN debate as Guyana leads push on underdevelopment, global crises
See Press briefing by Security Council President on programme of Work for June 2025:
The Security Council will hold a high-level open debate on poverty, underdevelopment and conflict on 19 June, the Council’s President for that month announced today at a press conference at United Nations Headquarters.
Carolyn RodriguesBirkett of Guyana, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the 15-nation organ this month, told reporters that this signature event — chaired by her country’s President, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and featuring briefers from both the UN and the African Union — will build on previous discussions about the relationship between sustainable development and international peace and security.
“This is not the first time such a meeting will be held,” she said, recalling that the Council has discussed the security-development nexus in the past. Sweden, Brazil and China have all brought the broader question of security and development to the Council.
“We intend to go a step further this time,” she said, as this meeting will focus on poverty and underdevelopment as both drivers and consequences of conflict.
Noting the upcoming eightieth anniversary of the UN and the proliferation of conflicts — “one count put this at more than 120 presently” — and that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are “not anywhere close to being achieved by 2030”, she said that this debate will be both timely and relevant. She added that Guyana — along with Denmark and Sierra Leone — will organize an expert-level briefing ahead of the event on 5 June, which will be open to all Member States.
She went on to state that the Council has 29 scheduled meetings for June, all of them — save the signature event — mandated. Country-specific meetings will include those on Syria, Iraq, Central African Republic, Sudan, Libya, United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and Yemen. There will also be a meeting, held pursuant to resolution 2334 (2016), regarding Israeli settlements on Palestinian territory.
“On the thematic side”, she continued, the Council will hold a meeting on non-proliferation related to the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) concerning the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. And on 25 June, the Council will host its annual debate on children and
armed conflict — “the trends are worrying”, she emphasized. Guyana will also organize press stakeouts focused on climate, peace and security, and women, peace and security.
Further, she said that the organ will hold its annual informal meeting with the European Union’s Political and Security Committee on 3 June to discuss threats to peace and security and the strengthening of the multilateral order. She also noted that at least two Arria-formula meetings will be held in June, and that two adoptions — renewing sanctions concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo and UNDOF’s mandate — are scheduled for 30 June.
She concluded: “As is always the case, we do not expect that this programme of work will remain as it is now, given the many issues requiring the Council’s attention.”
She then fielded a variety of questions from the press, many of which focused on the situation in Gaza. On whether the draft resolution currently being negotiated on this issue will make a difference given the non-implementation of similar Council texts, she said: “Yes, there is a concern for all of us on implementations of resolutions that we have passed in the past, but the Security Council has a
responsibility to take action.”
Asked whether the Council supports imposing the strict sanctions on Israel, increasingly contemplated by public figures, such as France’s President, if it does not halt its war on Gaza, she said that the Council has not discussed taking any action on sanc-
whether Council members planned to visit Gaza — or at least the border — to get an idea of what is really happening in the Strip.
Speaking in her national capacity, she said this is “a very good idea”, but added that “the feasibility of it at this point in time would have to be explored”.
Recalling the Council’s
tions at this time. And, when asked about her level of frustration with the legacy the Council will leave on Gaza given Israel’s violation of international law, she stressed: “We are frustrated, but we are not the only one.”
Relatedly, she was asked whether the upcoming conference on the two-State solution will yield concrete results or be just like any other — people will come, give speeches, support the two-State solution and then walk out. Speaking in her national capacity, she noted that the framework for such solution is in place; “the question is implementation”. She added: “It is a blot on the international community — on the international system — that this matter has remained unresolved since 1948.”
The conference, she continued, will bring attention to the fact that the twoState solution “is not dead”. Underscoring that this is the only solution if Israel and Palestine are to live in peace, she said: “There can be no security guarantees if an entire people does not have their homeland, and this cycle of violence will continue.” She also stressed that Guyana’s position is “rooted in our belief that occupation is wrong, that colonization is wrong and that the self-determination of the people of Palestine must be exercised”.
She was also asked
visit to Colombia during Guyana’s previous presidency, she said this “gave us a deeper and wider perspective” and supported future visits of the kind.
Several other questions today concerned Syria. Asked whether federalism can be helpful in protecting minority rights, she expressed hope that this new chapter for Syria will result in a “better” Syria and wished the authorities well during this time. Regarding the conclusion of the chemical-weapons file, she said that, while the Council is not yet ready to do so, it is “progressing very well”.
Asked how the Council will attempt to ensure the protection of minority groups in Syria, she spoke in her national capacity to note Guyana’s position that all groups must be included. “I come from a country with six different peoples, and we know very well that we need to always have policies and programmes to ensure that minorities are not left behind,” she emphasized.
On a question concerning the Council’s position on ongoing peace negotiations between Türkiye and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party [PKK], she said that the organ has not decided as a group on what advice should be given. However, in her national capacity, she encouraged negotiations to continue towards a peaceful settlement of the issues at hand.
Regarding the participation of Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Virginia Gamba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, on the Council’s 25 June meeting on that topic, she said that both have been invited and confirmed to brief.
Asked if there would be an outcome document following the signature event, she said that her delegation is working on a presidential statement. And, on whether the Council will meet on Ukraine in June, she said that her delegation has been informed that there has been a request for such a meeting. She added: “And, as you know, when there is one request, there will be a second one.”
One correspondent — pointing out that Guyana’s Foreign Ministry features many women in high positions — asked about the statistics for women’s participation in Guyana’s Government as a whole. She reported that over 33 per cent of members of Parliament are women, as is 25 per cent of the Cabinet, and that “quite a number” of women are present at the regional and local levels. And asked whether men are allowed in Guyana’s Foreign Ministry, she said: “Yes, men are allowed.” She was also asked about her position on Security Council reform. Speaking in her national capacity, she stressed that the organ is the only UN body not representative of the Organization’s membership — particularly with regards to developing countries. She thus expressed support for the “CARICOM [Caribbean Community] model of reform”; namely, an expansion of both non-permanent and permanent membership categories. She also supported the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration regarding permanent membership for Africa. “We do not believe that the veto should remain,” she went on to say, but added that, if it is not abolished, incoming Council members should have the same rights as existing ones. “Given that we’ve been on the Council for these last several months, we are even more motivated to advocate for Security Council reform,” she stated. (https://press.un.org/en/2025/250602_sc.doc. htm)
Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for June, Carolyn RodriguesBirkett briefs the press today on the 15-member organ’s programme of work for the month
New recreational space planned for East La Penitence
Residents of East La Penitence in Georgetown will soon benefit from a new recreational facility to support a range of community activities.
Following requests made by community members, work will commence tomorrow to construct a tarmac surface, providing a durable surface for sporting activities, including tennis and basketball.
Lin Toney, a community member, expressed her excitement after Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill made the announcement on Monday during an afternoon con -
sultation.
She told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that she is pleased with the Government’s effort to transform the area into a safe space for meaningful engagement among children and adults.
“This is a very good initiative that will benefit the children in this area. The children used to play football and cricket in the streets and now they will have a better and safer environment,” Toney said. She also welcomed recent road upgrades in the neighbourhood, noting that the improvements have made it easier for
residents to get around. Minister Edghill pledged to have his team assess the site immediately, with work set to start this week. “The Government of Guyana is committed to start building this tarmac tomorrow morning. That is what the community asked for and we will deliver,” Minister Edghill stated. He added that the facility will be designed to accommodate events beyond sports, including health fairs and community markets.
A community development group will be established to oversee and maintain the facility.
T&T Red Cross under scrutiny as Geneva headquarters step in
For more than six decades, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society (TTRCS) has stood as a symbol of humanitarian strength, delivering vital support through its disaster response, migration assistance, and First Aid programmes.
However, a mission report by representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), conducted in December 2024, highlighted issues within the TTRCS, including mismanagement, poor financial oversight, and breakdowns in communication and governance.
The fallout began publicly in October, when anonymous flyers plastered across the Port-of-Spain compound called for its president Jill De Bourg’s removal. The flyers read: “We had given you a chance to be our TTRCS president to bring betterment to the society, not to bring it apart.”A po-
lice report was filed on the incident, but no arrests were made.
The following month, the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services (MSDFS) temporarily suspended its $730,000 annual subvention. While the TTRCS attributed the cut to outstanding audits dating back to 2011, then minister Donna Cox said the organisation was non-compliant in “some areas”.
The ministry said, however, it remained committed to working with the organisation.
“While the ministry is not involved in the daily management of the subvented NGOs under its purview, there is an expectation of the application of the principles of mutual understanding, fairness, equity, and equality within these environments. Mediation of issues can be a viable option in address-
ing workplace challenges and has proven successful in the past, where the ministry would have referred other NGOs to mediation,” the email from the ministry stated.
To mitigate further fallout, the IFRC headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, intervened, sending Harold Brooks, former VP of the American Red Cross, and Dr Jaslin Salmon, former president of the Jamaica Red Cross, to conduct a fiveday assessment mission beginning December 16.
Their investigation revealed a dysfunctional TTRCS, marked by ongoing conflict with the national leadership, which led to confusion, low staff morale, and the collapse of several branches.
The assessment highlighted dissatisfaction with leadership. The prolonged absence of a CEO had created uncertainty and disorder. Branches in the North,
MARAD takes delivery of new built tug “ARAU”
The Damen-built tug ‘Arau’ was launched in the Demerara River on Monday, following its discharge from the vessel ‘Vertom Joy’. Constructed by the Dutch company Damen, the ‘Arau’ is the newest addition to the Maritime Administration Department’s (MARAD) fleet. Before deployment, the assigned crew will undergo two weeks of familiarisation training.
In a social media post, the Public Works Ministry said that the Stan Tug, which is 16 metres long and six metres wide, joins the fleet as the second new-build vessel acquired by the MARAD within the last two years. The new build pilot vessel ‘Arapaima’ was commissioned in 2023.
The acquisition of the Arau is in keeping with President Ali’s promise of modernisation of the mari-
time administration as part of Guyana’s economic transformation.
South, and Tobago were either non-functional or barely operational, weakened by excessive central control.
They also found governance issues, with no elections held since 2018, the council inactive since 2022, and the executive committee meeting sporadically.
The mission team urged the immediate hiring of a director general—ideally an interim appointee funded by the IFRC for six months—alongside swift elections overseen by an appointed election committee and returning officer.
The report also called for the reactivation of branches with elected leaders and the return of confiscated funds to the respective branches.
While no fraud was detected, the absence of audits since 2011 raised serious concerns. Investigators recommended urgent audit completion, recruitment of qualified accounting staff, a full review of financial procedures, and that any deeper probe be undertaken by new leadership.
They also stressed the importance of addressing negative media coverage with urgency.
The mission in ending its report recommended that the team be authorised to return to T&T to present its findings to the executive committee, as well as to initiate and oversee the implementation of the action plan.
The IFRC report was received by TTRCS in April 2025.
What was reported to investigators
Ahead of their visit, the IFRC investigators reviewed key documents, including the TTRCS law, 2004 statutes, employee reports, a letter from the Election Committee to the president, and a draft constitution. The ICRC/IFRC’s Joint Statutes Commission strongly urged a revision of this constitution. Over five days, the pair interviewed 30 stakeholders.
Salmon and Brooks categorised their findings under Governance, Elections, Branches, Management, Finance, Media Relations, and the experiences of Staff, Members, and Volunteers.
Leadership and governance
President De Bourg acknowledged that elections had not taken place since 2018, blaming the delay on awaiting new statutes. She attributed the organisation’s turmoil to “malicious” staff and volunteers and admitted the North and South branches were inactive, with Tobago barely operational.
She described the internal environment as “toxic due to backbiting”, and claimed many problems were inherited.
Executive members offered mixed views. While Anne Marie Quammie-Alleyne said the Government’s funding cut mainly affected salaries, Nigel Williams attributed the audit delays to presidential inaction. All three agreed elections were urgently needed.
Former vice president Delia Chatoor cited several concerns prompting her resignation: being asked to sign unexplained cheques, irregularities in the 2018 presidential election, and De Bourg’s unilateral decisions. She also noted De Bourg had taken on the director general’s role after failed recruitment efforts.
Legal adviser Solange Devenish, however, said the director general vacancy stemmed from cost concerns.
Branch dysfunction and control
Multiple sources confirmed dysfunction across all three branches. Cindy-Ann Badaloo, Director of Health, cited volunteer shortages in the North. Tobago Chair Frank Campbell said all branches were effectively “undermined” by the leadership, citing centralised control and unsanctioned fund transfers.
Financial and operational concerns Treasurer Marcus Simms described the Government’s withdrawal of funding as expected, pointing to a 2023 warning letter. He blamed financial instability on mismanagement rather than fraud. Initially, audits covering 2012–2022 were to be done over three years, but after delays, efforts shifted to start in 2019, with a consultant brought in.
Volunteer and staff perspectives Youth Director Simone Haynes-Noel criticised De Bourg’s unilateral decisions affecting youth programmes, including changing cadet uniforms and cancelling fundraisers. First Aid coordinator Augustus Forde blamed interference for the collapse of branches and referenced a lawsuit over improper dismissals.
Seven volunteers expressed concern over minimal outreach beyond Portof-Spain and poor support for ambulance services. One staffer noted a stark contrast in how De Bourg treated clients versus employees – initial improvements gave way to a toxic work culture. In the final interview, Michelle Paterson, former director of Organisational Development, called the organisation “a one-person rule”, with the president unilaterally deciding on aid distribution and staff leave. Those who raised concerns were often forced to go to the media.
T&T Red Cross Board commits to elections and audits Guardian Media reached out to De Bourg last weekend to find out whether any of the mission report’s recommendations had been implemented. The T&T Red Cross Board responded on Monday. (Excerpted from T&T Guardian)
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill engages residents of East La Penitence
CCJ to honour retiring President Adrian Saunders today
Jamaica invites fellow PAHO members to join wellness journey
The cream of the crop in terms of leaders and senior members of Judiciaries throughout the Caribbean are expected to attend a ceremonial sitting of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) today, Tuesday, June 3 at Queen's Hall, St Ann's to honour the court's President, Justice Adrian Saunders, who is retiring.
Barbados-born Saunders is retiring after 20 years of service at the CCJ, including seven years as its President.
The CCJ is the final court of appeal for some Caricom Member States, replacing the United Kingdom’s Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in civil and criminal matters.
The CCJ, which is headquartered in Port of Spain, is the final appeals court for several countries in Caricom including Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana and St
(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)
Mexico records steepest monthly remittance decline in nearly 13 years
Remittances sent to Mexico slumped 12.1 per cent in April compared to a year earlier, according to central bank data published on Monday, marking the steepest drop in over a decade as US lawmakers mull a tax on such payments sent abroad.
The world's second-largest recipient of remittances, Mexico receives these payments chiefly from migrants working in the neighbouring United States. In April, Mexicans abroad sent fewer transactions and smaller pay-
ments, totalling US$4.76 billion.
Analysts said the slump likely resulted from a broad crackdown on migration in the US since President Donald Trump came to power in January, as authorities revoke some Biden-era protections and increase raids across the country.
The latest data marks the steepest year-on-year drop since September 2012, according to central bank data.
Banco Base economic analysis director Gabriela Siller said April's drop was
likely due to a weaker US job market and migrants' fear of losing their jobs or being deported.
U.S. senators are evaluating a bill that includes a proposed 3.5 per cent tax on remittances. Analysts at Banorte predicted shortterm disruptions if the measure is passed.
Mexican officials have argued that taxing remittances could violate the countries' treaty to avoid double taxation, as migrants' income is already subject to local taxes.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
T&T: Probe into Kartel pay as fans demand money back after concert fiasco
Trinidad Finance Minister
Davendranath Tancoo says he is intrigued by the amount of foreign exchange being mentioned in relation to payment fees for artistes involved in the One Caribbean Music Festival and has requested an investigation.
This, even as the negative fallout from Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer and other foreign acts pulling out of the event continued. According to the event’s organisers, Vybz Kartel had received US$950,000 of a contractually-obligated US$1.3 million before his decision to pull out of the concert due to their failure to meet the contractual agreements.
Kartel’s Jamaican countrymen, Sizzla Kalonji, Malie Donn and Rvssian, as well as Ghanaian-American singer Moliy, also pulled out of the event for similar contractual issues.
Contacted yesterday for a comment on the issue of the organisers being unable to secure the US currency to complete payment to Kartel and
the figure being touted, due to the forex issues the country was experiencing, Tancoo said, “I am also intrigued by the amount of foreign exchange being mentioned in the media reports as having been involved in this venture, and I expect in other similar ventures. I have requested the Ministry of Finance to investigate and report on the very questions you raised.
He added: “But, nevertheless, these are things that, again, we are going to look at based on the information that we’ve received, you know, in
the media and other places. And again, I would engage the FIB to see if there is anything there for us to look at.”
Saturday’s event was reportedly sold out, but the attendance was poor, as many patrons did not bother to attend due to Kartel’s absence and instead demanded a refund.
In a video posted to his Instagram account on Saturday evening, Kartel apologised to Trinidadian fans while also referring to past meetings with the promoters to discuss his appearance at the event.
Kartel said despite missed deadlines and concerns over the payment of fees, he urged his manager, Tee Jay, to show some flexibility and give the promoter "a bligh" in a bid to work with him.
He added that he felt some degree of responsibility for the outcome as he believed not every promoter could handle a Vybz Kartel event, but still maintained his respect for T&T's Government and its people. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
Jamaica has invited fellow members of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to join the country on its wellness journey.
The invitation came from head of Jamaica’s Delegation, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), Errol Greene, who addressed a recent meeting of the delegation of Member States of the Americas, at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Greene expressed confidence in the shared vision among member states of the Americas to ensure that the quality of health care and the health infrastructure
we work together, recognising our collective interests and that, as a community, we can be healthy and prosperous if we are prepared to work at it and support each other in achieving this collective goal,” Greene said.
“With so many of our best brains in medicine, we must equip them with the necessary infrastructure support and equipment to deliver quality healthcare to all our population,” he continued.
can rival that of systems in more advanced economies.
“I am a strong believer in the capacity of our people to overcome any challenge if
The permanent secretary informed the meeting that as part of Jamaica’s strategy, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is refocusing on the wellness of the population.
(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
Suriname: 3 bodies found, search continues following boating accident
The search is continuing for persons missing and feared dead after a boat capsized near the Tapoekoe/Bamboesi area in the Marowijne district in the Albina resort. All those on the boat were from French Guiana.
Police have confirmed that 10 persons were on board the boat and that three bodies have so far been recovered.
The bodies of a threeyear-old boy, 46-year-old
David Machino and 25-yearold Geraldin Gipe have now been recovered. After consultation with the Public Prosecution Service, the bodies were handed over to the relatives and returned to French Guiana.
The group was on the river near the border at Albina. Four passengers survived the accident. They have been identified as: Tariq Ision (8); Lena Asaiti (19); Graciabeth Alatoe (65), and a fourth person whose
personal details have not yet been fully confirmed. All four were transferred to French Guiana for medical treatment.
The Police said the missing persons are two men and two children, whose first names are known: Brain, Arginio, Enginio and Felizio. The authorities say both the Surinamese and French authorities are deploying manpower and equipment for the search.
(CMC)
Panama removes over 650 ships from registry amid sanctions, stricter rules
Panama's Maritime Authority has removed from its registry more than 650 vessels since 2019 as part of an effort to fulfil US sanctions and enforce stricter rules for the ships it flags, it said on Monday.
A total of 214 vessels have been withdrawn from Panama's registry, among the world's largest with more than 8500 ships, since it began implementing measures last year allowing it to act faster to help enforce sanctions, the authority added.
Ships cannot sail under Panama's flag once they are removed from its registry.
Panama responded to crit-
icism by Non-Governmental Organisation United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), which last week said Panama had not taken sufficient action against sanction violators and asked it to "immediately cease facilitating Iran's illicit oil trade" and withdraw its flag from all tankers carrying Iranian oil.
According to UANI, nearly one in five vessels suspected of transporting Iranian oil sails under Panama's flag.
"This is not just a failure of Panama's registry. It's a direct threat to global sanctions compliance and regional and US security," it said.
Panama in 2019 signed
an agreement with other flag countries, including Liberia and Marshall Islands, to exchange information about vessels whose registrations were cancelled or rejected due to potential sanction violations. It also began implementing measures against ships that deliberately turn off their transponders to avoid tracking.
In May, the authority said it would reinforce controls for ship-to-ship operations by Panama-flagged vessels, following an increase in the use of "dark-fleet" tankers to skirt sanctions or evade environmental requirements. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Lucia. Trinidad and Tobago still has the Privy Council as its final appellate court.
Justice Adrian Saunders
Permanent Secretary in the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness, Errol Greene
“Vybz Kartel”
A LPG tanker ship sails through the Panama Canal after Panama's Maritime Authority said on Friday it will reinforce controls for ship-to-ship operations by Panama-flagged vessels, May 23, 2025 (Reuters/Enea Lebrun file photo)
Around the World
OOIL NEWS
Oil gains on supply concerns as wildfires disrupt Canada supply, OPEC+ keeps output plans unchanged
il prices climbed nearly three per cent on Monday on supply concerns as producer group Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) decided not to accelerate plans to hike output, and wildfires in Canada's oilproducing province disrupted production.
Brent crude futures settled US$1.85, or 2.95 per cent, higher at US$64.63 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained US$1.73, or 2.85 per cent, to US$62.52.
Wildfires burning in Canada's oil-producing province of Alberta have affected about seven per cent of the country's overall crude oil output as of Monday, according to Reuters calculations.
At least two thermal oil sands operators south of the industry hub of Fort McMurray evacuated workers from their sites
over the weekend and shut production as a precaution.
Also supporting prices, the US dollar slipped across the board on Monday on worries that Trump's fresh tariff threats might hurt growth and stoke inflation.
A weaker US currency makes dollar-priced commodities such as oil less expensive for buyers using other currencies.
Prices were also supported by a perception of increased geopolitical risk after Ukrainian drone strikes against Russia over the weekend, said Rystad Energy's Jorge Leon.
Meanwhile, mixed signals from Iran-US talks kept market participants on edge.
An Iranian diplomat said on Monday Iran was poised to reject a US proposal to end a decades-old nuclear dispute. Delegations from the two countries made some progress after a fifth round of talks in Rome last month.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Russia sets out punitive terms at peace talks with Ukraine
Russia told Ukraine at peace talks on Monday that it would only agree to end the war if Kyiv gives up big new chunks of territory and accepts limits on the size of its army, according to a memorandum reported by Russian media.
The terms, formally presented at negotiations in Istanbul, highlighted Moscow's refusal to compromise on its longstanding war goals despite calls by US President Donald Trump to end the "bloodbath" in Ukraine.
Ukraine has repeatedly rejected the Russian conditions as tantamount to surrender.
Delegations from the warring sides met for barely an hour, for only the second such round of negotiations since March 2022. They agreed to exchange more prisoners of war – focusing on the youngest and most severely wounded – and return the bodies of 12,000 dead soldiers.
UN
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan described it as a great meeting and said he hoped to bring together Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy for a meeting in Turkey with Trump.
But there was no breakthrough on a proposed ceasefire that Ukraine, its European allies and Washington have all urged
Russia to accept. Moscow says it seeks a long-term settlement, not a pause in the war; Kyiv says Putin is not interested in peace. Trump has said the United States is ready to walk away from its mediation efforts unless the two sides demonstrate progress towards a deal.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov,
who headed Kyiv's delegation, said Kyiv – which has drawn up its own peace roadmap – would review the Russian document, on which he offered no immediate comment.
The Russian memorandum, which was published by the Interfax news agency, said a settlement of the war would require international recognition of Crimea – a peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014 – and four other regions of Ukraine that Moscow has claimed as its own territory. Ukraine would have to withdraw its forces from all of them. It restated Moscow's demands that Ukraine become a neutral country – ruling out membership of NATO –and that it protect the rights of Russian speakers, make Russian an official language and enact a legal ban on glorification of Nazism. Ukraine rejects the Nazi charge as absurd and denies discriminating against Russian speakers.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
calls for investigation into killings near Gaza aid distribution site
The United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has called for an independent investigation into the killing of Palestinians near an aid distribution centre in Gaza on Sunday, amid disputed reports that
Israeli forces had opened fire.
Witnesses reported being shot at while waiting for food from the centre in Rafah run by the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Bill Gates to give most of his fortune to Africa US pushes countries for best offers by Wednesday as tariff deadline looms
Bill Gates, who
tech giant Microsoft, is the fifth-richest person in the world
Microsoft founder Bill Gates says that most of his fortune will be spent on improving health and education services in Africa over the next 20 years.
The 69-year-old said that "by unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity".
Speaking in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, he also urged Africa's young innovators to think about how to build Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve healthcare on the continent.
Gates announced last month that he would give away 99 per cent of his vast fortune – which he expects to reach US$200 billion – by 2045, by when his foundation planned to end its operations.
"I recently made a commitment that my wealth will be given away over the next 20 years. The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa," he said in an address at the African Union (AU) headquarters.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
The Trump Administration wants countries to provide their best offer on trade negotiations by Wednesday as officials seek to accelerate talks with multiple partners ahead of a self-imposed deadline in just five weeks, according to a draft letter to negotiating partners seen by Reuters.
The draft, from the office of the United States Trade Representative, provides a window into how President Donald Trump plans to bring to a close unwieldy negotiations with dozens of countries that kicked off on April 9 when he paused his "Liberation Day" tar -
iffs for 90 days until July 8 after stock, bond and currency markets revolted over the sweeping nature of the levies.
The document suggests an urgency within the administration to complete deals against its own tight deadline. While officials such as White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett have repeatedly promised that several agreements were nearing completion, so far only one agreement has been reached with a major US trading partner: Britain. Even that limited pact was more akin to a framework for ongoing talks than a final deal.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
The Red Cross said its hospital received 179 casualties, 21 of whom were dead. The Hamas-run Civil Defence agency put the death toll at 31.
On Sunday, the Israeli military denied its troops fired at civilians near or within the site and said reports to this effect were false.
The GHF said the re -
ports were "outright fabrications" and that it was yet to see evidence of an attack at or near its facility.
Israel does not allow international news organisations, including the BBC, into Gaza, making verifying what is happening in the territory difficult.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
South Koreans vote for President after months of turmoil triggered by martial law
South Koreans will elect a new President today to cap six months of turmoil triggered by a shock martial law briefly imposed by former leader Yoon Suk Yeol that marred the country's reputation as a vibrant, if at times chaotic, democracy.
The new leader will face the challenge of rallying a society deeply scarred by the attempt at military rule and an export-heavy economy reeling from unpredictable protectionist moves by the United States, a major
trading partner and a security ally.
Turnout is expected to be high with polls opening at 06:00h (2100 GMT Monday) and voting allowed until 20:00h following early voting on Thursday and Friday when more than a third of the 44.39 million eligible voters cast their ballots. As of 07:00h, 1.08 million people, or 2.4 per cent of the electorate, had voted at 14,295 polling stations around the country, according to the National Election Commission.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Russian delegation head and presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky speaks to the press after a meeting at Ciragan Palace on the day of the second round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, in Istanbul, Turkey, June 2, 2025 (Reuters/Murad Sezer photo)
founded
[Reuters]
SUDOKU
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RCB v PBKS – An IPL final with the potential for great joy and heartbreak
Big picture: The breakup of the holy trinity
Seven teams have their names etched on the IPL trophy. One of them doesn't exist anymore. Two weren't part of the league when it began.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been IPL ever-presents. They've made four finals between them, but neither has won the title.
RCB and PBKS have instead come to be grouped with Delhi Capitals (DC), another trophy-less OG franchise, into what social media refers to as the IPL's Holy Trinity. There's a certain amount of derision in the nickname, but it's acquired a softer, warmer feel over the years, with even fans of the three teams using it with a sense of irony and solidarity with their fellow sufferers.
depth, between superstars
On Tuesday night, the trinity won't be a trinity anymore. One of RCB and PBKS will have finally won the IPL, on their 18th attempt. The other… well, you wouldn't want to be in that camp.
For a PBKS fan, it would be another pre-season reset –they've had too many to keep count of – coming to nothing, and an anticlimactic finish to a campaign full of ingredients that would make for a rollicking sports film: a coach who went out of his way to bring in a captain with a point to prove, the two of them creating a space for a group of uncapped, unheralded local players to grow into starring roles, bringing hope to a team that had till then only known misery.
For an RCB fan, it would be a fourth defeat in a fourth final, and all the promise of a new way – a team that finally found the perfect balance between bat and ball, between top-order flash and batting
and support cast – coming to
son of insatiable run-scoring
– a record eighth with 500plus runs – at the tail-end of a monumental 12 months that have included T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy triumphs on the one hand and a bittersweet Test retirement on the other. Destiny, surely, cannot be planning an 18th trophy-less IPL season for the man with 18 on his back?
Two teams, then, are tantalisingly close to finding the fulfilment that has eluded them for 17 years, but one will fall at the last step of the journey. Seldom has an IPL final promised so much joy and so much heartbreak all at once.
In the spotlight: Rajat Patidar and Yuzvendra Chahal
Rajat Patidar's winning
returns have tailed off since, though, and his numbers for the season – 286 runs at an average of 23.83 and a strike rate of 142.28 – don't quite capture his impact. The dip won't faze him though; he'll come out playing his shots, and that's just how RCB might need to bat against a powerhouse PBKS line-up in Ahmedabad, which has been one of the highest-scoring venues this year.
Chahal has won the IPL once, technically, having played one match for MI when they won the title in 2013. He won't feel like he's won it, though: he's been in two previous finals, with RCB and Rajasthan Royals (RR), and lost both of them. On today, he'll be up against RCB, with whom he played for eight seasons. A hand injury kept him out of PBKS' defeat to RCB in Qualifier 1, but he made match-winning contributions against his two other old teams either side of that. In Chahal's last game before the injury break, his middle-overs craft helped slow RR down after a rollicking start to a chase of 220 – PBKS eventually won by 10 runs. Then, on his comeback, he took the big wicket of Suryakumar Yadav in Qualifier 2 against MI. Chahal has already hurt RCB once this
season, taking 2 for 11 in a low-scoring, rain-shortened contest in Bengaluru; can he do it again in the biggest match of the season?
Team news and likely XIIs: Will David play?
The one major injury doubt ahead of the final surrounds Tim David, who missed RCB's last two games with a hamstring injury. If he's fit, he is likely to come straight back into their lineup at the expense of Liam Livingstone.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (probable): 1) Phil Salt; 2) Virat Kohli; 3) Mayank Agarwal; 4) Rajat Patidar (Captain); 5) Liam Livingstone/Tim David: 6) Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper); 7) Romario
Pitch and conditions: Final has a reserve day
The Narendra Modi Stadium has been the highest-scoring of the regular venues this IPL, with the teams batting first passing 200 seven times in eight innings – they scored 196 in the other innings – and going on past 220 four times. The team batting first has won six of the eight matches, but the team winning the toss has tended to chase – possibly because of the difficulty of assessing totals in high-scoring conditions – doing so seven times in eight games.
PBKS have played twice there this season and won both times. They played their
Shepherd; 8) Krunal Pandya; 9) Bhuvneshwar Kumar; 10) Yash Dayal; 11) Josh Hazlewood and 12) Suyash Sharma.
Two days after winning Qualifier 2 against MI at the same ground, PBKS are likely to stick to the same combination. Chahal played against MI and bowled his full quota, but PBKS bowling coach James Hopes revealed after the game that he had been at less than full fitness. If Chahal's hand doesn't allow him to play the final, PBKS could either go with just one spinner or bring in the Harpreet Brar.
Punjab Kings (probable): 1) Priyansh Arya; 2) Prabhsimran Singh; 3) Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper); 4) Shreyas Iyer (Captain); 5) Nehal Wadhera; 6) Shashank Singh; 7) Marcus Stoinis; 8) Azmatullah Omarzai; 9) Vijaykumar Vyshak; 10) Kyle Jamieson; 11) Arshdeep Singh and 12) Yuzvendra
first match of the season there and scored 243 for 5 in a tone-setting performance, and returned for Qualifier 2, where they shrugged off a dispiriting defeat to RCB in Qualifier 1 by chasing down a target of 204 with an over to spare against MI.
RCB come into the contest having beaten PBKS twice in three meetings, but they will be disadvantaged by not having played in Ahmedabad yet this season.
The pitch for the final will be a mixed-soil (red and black) surface in the middle of the square – this is where PBKS opened their season with a win over Gujarat Titans (GT).
A two-hour spell of unseasonal rain delayed the start of Qualifier 2. There is a chance of rain again on the day of the final, but a low one according to forecasts. A reserve day is in place should the final not be completed today. (ESPNcricinfo)
Chahal/Harpreet Brar.
Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar all smiles at the press conference
Iyer will be leading a team in an IPL final for the third time
Patidar will be playing his first IPL final
Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar pose with the IPL trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium
Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Bartica… Mighty Ruler successfully defend crown with 3-0 thrashing of Jones Avenue
The Mighty Ruler’s reign as Bartica’s Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” football champions was extended for one more year on Sunday night when they dented hopes of an upset with a solid 3-0 thumping of Jones Avenue in the final, played at the Bartica Community Centre Ground.
The incumbent champions did not disappoint their loyal fans as they wriggled out of
ninth goal in the tournament and from there on, there was no turning back as the Mighty Ruler took control.
Oswin Joseph sealed things with his deadly strike via a Guinness Goal, worth two goals, in the 27th minute making it 3-0, with time running out.
The retention of the championship trophy and winning of the $500,000 prize incentive landed Mighty Ruler the
a close first period encounter, to the delight of their adoring base.
Their leading scorer in this tournament, Andrew Simmons was there to capitalise on a defensive breakdown by their opponents in the 23rd minute. It was Simmons’
right to represent Bartica in the Guinness grand national championship, slated for later this year in Georgetown.
The runners-up, Jones Avenue received $300,000 and a trophy.
In the third-place play-off, Misdeamor spanked Spaniard
Man 2-0, with Usher Jones and Reon Hall netting the goals in the eighth and 18th minutes respectively. Victory brought $200,000 with Spaniard Man getting $150,000.
Earlier in the evening, Jones Avenue earned a 2-0 victory over Misdeamor, through a goal by Cyle Timmerman, who netted in the second minute of play, and one coming off the boots of Joshua Jones in the 28th minute.
Then, Mighty Ruler dismissed the challenge posed by Spaniard Man as Simmons drilled in two goals in the 22nd and 23rd minutes of play respectively, and Whitney Welcome finished things off one minute later.
In the battle for the
Elite League 2025… Ann’s Grove United and GDF register important wins
Once again, Lake Mainstay Goldstar Football Club’s embarrassing performance and Ann’s Grove United’s narrow victory were the major talking points as Season Seven of the Elite League continued over the weekend at the National Training Centre (NTC)
in Providence and at the Number 5 Ground in Berbice.
At the Number 5 Ground on Saturday afternoon, Ann’s Grove United took on Monedderlust Football Club on their home turf.
Ann’s Grove United had a blistering start to the game when Yohance Francis net-
ted in the fourth minute of the game. Monedderlust Football Club got themselves right back into the game as they netted in the 25th minute of the game via Tyrone Delph. Halftime came with the game tied 1-1 and it well in the balance. Both teams came out firing in the second half, looking for the winning moment. It was Alden Lawrence who produced a moment of magic in the 89th minute to seal a 2-1 victory for Ann’s Grove United.
At the Guyana Football Federation’s NTC on Sunday, the crowd witnessed a bloodbath as the Guyana Defence Force FC destroyed the underwhelming Mainstay Goldstar FC. A seven-goal first half combined with a 10-goal second half saw GDF record a 17-0 comprehensive victory. Stephen McDonald scored five goals, while Travon Bobb scored a hat-trick. A brace was also scored by
Amos Ramsay,
Adams.
$100,000 Plate competition among the losing quarterfinalists, Bad Boys emerged winners by getting the better of Ghenosyde 3-2, as Daniel Gardner scored the goals for the winning side.
He opened the scoring in the third minute and a Guinness Goal, recorded as a double, came in the 30th minute. Ghenosyde’s goals were netted by Jah Cure in the fourth and 20th minutes.
Meanwhile, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) Chairman Kenneth Williams received six floodlights from Banks DIH’s Brand Manager Jeff Clement, who witnessed the final.
Clement assisted in the various presentations after the final where Banks DIH
Branch Manager Keron Savoury and their Outdoor Supervisor Keanu Harry were also present.
A Team unofficial Test… South Africa A in control after Day 2
At the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia, Marques Ackerman's outstanding performance on day two put South Africa A ahead of West Indies A. South Africa chose to field first after winning the toss on the first day of the first unofficial Test. In 63.4 overs, West Indies A were dismissed for 240 all out. With a patient knock of 61 off 105 balls, Tevin Imlach topscored for his side. The other two major contributors during the first inning were Khary Pierre (44) and Mikyle Louis (57). Okuhle Cele, who took five wickets for 43 runs, was South Africa
A's most impressive bowler. Ackerman's innings of 209 off 170 balls spearheaded South Africa to an amazing 306-run innings lead on day two of the Test match. His amazing innings consisted of 32 fours and two sixes, and he constantly put the West Indies bowlers under pressure. Jason Smith (56) and Jordan Hermann (52) had the other significant innings on day two. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rivaldo Moonsamy ended the day's play on 68 not out as South Africa A ended the day's play on 546 for 6; they will enter day three in the driver’s seat.
Delroy Ferdinand, Keron Spencer,
and Colwyn
Leshawn Myles also scored during the game.
Banks DIH Brand Manager Jeff Clement (left); Banks DIH Bartica Branch Manager Keron Savoury (right) and Bartica Branch Outdoor Supervisor Keanu Harry (second from right) with Mighty Ruler team players during the presentation
A look at the final action featuring Mighty Ruler and Jones Avenue
A glimpse of the presentation made to Region Seven Chairman Kenneth Williams alongside Banks DIH’s Jeff Clement, Keanu Harry and Keon Savoury
Alden Lawrence scored an 89th minute winner
Stephen McDonald scored five goals
Bartica
Marques Ackerman scored a double century (209 off 170 balls)
Tevin Imlach scored 61 runs on Day 1
24-member Golden Jags squad named for World Cup qualifiers
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) recently announced the senior men’s national team, commonly referred to as the Golden Jaguars, selected to contest the upcoming round of fixtures in the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup Qualifiers.
According to the Federation, the 24-man squad features a strong mix of local and overseas-based talent across all areas of the pitch, as Head Coach Wayne Dover and his technical team look to make a strong start to the campaign.
The team read: goalkeepers – Kai McKenzieLyle, Akel Clarke, and Joshua Narine; defenders – Jalen Jones, Reiss Greenidge, Colin Nelson, Raushan Ritch, Romaine Brackenridge, Kvist Paul, and Leo Lovell; midfield- ers – Daniel Wilson, Curtez Kellman, Nathan Ferguson, Darron Niles, Nicholas McArthur, Nathan MoriahWelsh, and Chris Macey, and forwards – Omari Glasgow, Kelsey Benjamin, Osaze DeRosario, Enoch George, Liam Butts, Neron Barrow and Kyle Reid.
ing match slated for June 6. Head Coach Dover has thus far expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and the benefits of the training environment.
Guyana, drawn in Group D alongside Panama, Nicaragua, Montserrat, and Belize, will continue with a crucial home fixture against Montserrat on Tuesday, June 10, at the National Track and Field Center, West Coast Demerara (WCD). Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00h. The World Cup Qualifiers represent a monumental opportunity for Guyana as only the top team from each group advance to the next round on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Guyanese quartet in Windies T20I squad for England, Ireland tours …Rutherford named
Vice Captain for Ireland T20s
The squad is currently in Costa Rica for an intensive preparation camp, which began last week. The team will remain there until June 4, after which they will make their way to Nicaragua for the open-
CONCACAF U20 Championships… Junior Lady Jags suffer 2nd drubbing
Guyana’s chances of advancing to the 2026 FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup were shot down on Sunday, when their nightmare in the CONCACAF Women’s U20 Championships continued; this time Costa Rica inflicted the pain.
Guyana’s starting XI, comprising Captain Heike Clarke, goalkeeper Kymora Chung, Naomi Benjamin, Alexis Bayley, Jaida Tucker, Anaya Joseph, Sydney Glean, Liyah Menilek, Myanne Fernandes, Jayda Schoburgh and SeHanna Mars, could not contain the hosts on their home turf at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Sotos; especially
found space in a set piece opportunity to head the ball into the back of the goal for her team’s third.
Not too long after, Guyana’s nightmare continued when Emma Azofeifa Luzuriaga’s shot from just outside the 18-yard box found its way into the net in the 29th minute. Just as the first half
Captain Sheika Scott. Scott kicked off her team’s onslaught in just the fifth minute of the game by connecting a penalty opportunity and pushed the score to 2-0 by the 22nd minute in similar fashion.
Three minutes later, Scott
was coming to a close, a captain-on-captain race to the net ended with Scott bringing up her fourth strike and a 5-0 scoreline at the half for her team.
Guyana’s defences tightened at the beginning of the second segment, but once
Lucia Paniagua Cordero’s strike from just inside the box got past the grasp of Guyana’s keeper in the 63rd minute, the floodgates reopened.
What could be considered the shot of the game came off the boots of Daniela Ocampo Fernandez in the 84th minute; shooting from approximately 15 yards outside the box, she slotted the ball into the top corner for Costa Rica’s seventh strike.
Azofeifa Luzuriaga returned to complete her brace in the 90th+3, capitalising on a set piece and two minutes later, Captain Scott added the cherry on top of her glut with a second header for the final goal in the 90th+5.
With two losses and their goal difference in a sad state of affairs, Guyana are now out of contention for a spot in next year’s U20 World Cup. However, the junior Lady Jags still have the opportunity to save face when they take on Puerto Rico today in their final group game of the championships.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Monday announced the squads for the three T20 International (T20I) matches against England from June 6 to June 10 and another three matches against Ireland from June 12 to June 15.
The squads will feature four Guyanese players –Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Gudakesh Motie and Romario Shepherd.
The series will be the first for newly-appointed T20 Captain Shai Hope, who will have a dynamic and exciting squad which will see the return of Jason Holder, who last represented the Caribbean team in the shortest format in February 2024.
Andre Russell makes a return to the squad after sustaining an injury during the first match of last year’s series against England in Barbados, but has only been selected for the England leg of the tour.
Following an extended stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Nicholas Pooran asked to be rested for both series.
Test Captain Roston Chase will leave the squad after the England T20Is to join his red-ball teammates for the Test Series Camp in Barbados from June 13 to June 21, ahead of the highly-anticipated three-Test series against Australia for the Sir Frank Worrell Trophy.
Brandon King has been granted leave from the Ireland leg of the tour. Jyd Goolie, a standout performer in the inaugural West Indies Breakout League and Player of the Match in the 2016 International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 World Cup Final, earns his first senior team call-up as Chase’s replacement. In-form batter Keacy Carty replaces King.
Head Coach Daren Sammy, as well as his assistants Floyd Reifer and Ravi Rampaul, will also depart to
join the Test Series Camp after the England leg of the tour, a strategic move as he prepares for his first outing as Head Coach of the Test team, alongside the newly-appointed Chase, at the critical start of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle, where the Caribbean squad is seeking to regain its place as one of the world’s leading Test playing teams.
The highly-experienced Rayon Griffith, who has been a widely respected and admired staple of the coaching unit for many years, will take the reins as the lead coach for the matches against Ireland, with Donovan Miller stepping in to add support to the coaching staff.
Squad for T20Is against England: Captain Shai Hope, Vice Captain Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd.
Squad for T20Is against Ireland: Captain Shai Hope, Vice Captain Sherfane Rutherford, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Jyd Goolie, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin
Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, and Romario Shepherd.
Team Management Unit for Ireland series: Lead Coach: Rayon Griffith
Manager: Rawl Lewis
Assistant Coach: Donovan Miller
Physiotherapist: Dr Denis Byam
Strength & Conditioning
Coach: Ronald Rogers
Massage
Therapist: Fitzbert Alleyne
Analyst: Avenesh Seetaram
Media & Content
Officer: Jerome Foster
Match
Schedule v England:
June 6, 2025: First T20I, England v West Indies @ Chester-Le-Street, Durham
June 8, 2025: Second T20I, England v West Indies @ Bristol
June 10, 2025: Third T20I, England v West Indies @ Southampton
Match Schedule v Ireland: June 12, 2025: First T20I, Ireland v West Indies @ Bready
June 14, 2025: Second T20I, Ireland v West Indies @ Bready June 15, 2025: Third T20I, Ireland v West Indies @ Bready
A look at the Golden Jaguars’ preparation in Costa Rica
West Indies will take on England and Ireland respectively in three-match T20I series Rutherford
A look at Guyana’s starting XI for the Costa Rica contest
Last week, the Guyanese pair of Kirsten Gomes and Ashley Khalil showed up and showed out in the South American Senior Squash Championships, coming away from the competition in Brazil with silver medals.
Though falling to Chile’s Ana Maria Pinto and Giselle Delgado in the final on Thursday evening, it was their performance in the semi-finals that was the highlight of their campaign.
The Guyanese came from behind to defeat Guatemala’s Darlyn Sandoval and Tabita Gaitan, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8 in order to move on to the final.
Now, with her silver medal proudly strung around her neck, Gomes shared her experience at the games and challenges they had with acclimatising.
“The environment at the South American games is definitely different from what I’m used to in the Caribbean, the level of play was a lot more difficult, also a lot of the players are on the pro circuit too, so, it was quite an experience in Brazil and I’m glad I got that exposure and
that experience, moving forward with my squash,” Gomes told Guyana Times Sport.
She continued, “Yes, of course, it was very different, because here in Guyana, we’re used to the hot court and over there it’s a little bit cooler, colder, the ball was flying off the walls a lot more, so it took us a couple training sessions there to get acclimatised to how the ball was moving and I think it got better as we progressed through the tournament.”
Walking this publication through their final game, Gomes admitted that their intention was just to “leave it all on the court”.
“That was very close, the scores were close. I’m not sure how I pulled that off, but I was very nervous for the entire game, I knew it was kinda close, we were getting some good points.”
The South American Championships silver medallist continued regarding their semifinal win, “There was loads of nerves. I know we lost the first game, so going into the second game, I just wanted to leave everything on the court and make sure I fought my hardest to potentially get past that round.
“I think the game plan was always to leave it all on the court. So, we knew that that was it. So, we went on with the game plan that if we were able to get this gold medal that would be excellent, but either way, we would give it our all on the court.”
Gomes elucidated, “The final match was actually played on the glass court, which we weren’t playing on for the entire tournament, we were playing on the club court, so it was a lot of nerves getting used to how the ball bounced differently, it was between that and the nerves of being in the final obviously, with everybody watching and streaming back home. All of that contributed to how we played on court.”
Gomes went on to share about playing alongside the ex-
perienced Khalil, “I learnt a lot from Ashley, she’s always giving me tips. Like when I do something good, she’s like ‘that’s good, keep going’. She would always communicate on the court and I’m very thankful for that.”
Though they came up short in the gold-medal match, the Guyanese squash players are pleased with their achievement, Gomes went on to share what the medal means to her and the sport in Guyana.
The squash player shared, “I’m very satisfied. Sometimes, I think back to what I could’ve done differently, but, in the end, I gave it my all and it’s all experience, exposure maybe for future tournaments.”
“I think that means that we’re right there with the other teams, we’ve got what it takes, we’ve got the talent, we’ve got the dedication, the drive on court, we’re right there with the other teams and hopefully, other athletes from Guyana can compete at that level.
“I’m so glad that we were able to compete there at the South American games this year, because we haven’t in a long time; so, hopefully we can go forward with that in the future, maybe even get the gold,” she further stated.
June Madness KO Futsal Championships…
Official kick-off set for today at CASH
Forty-eight of the best futsal teams in Guyana will from Tuesday night be locked in battle when the March Madness National Futsal Championships, organised by the Kashif and Sanghai Organisation and powered by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and ANSA McAL, kick off.
The championships, which were launched on Saturday last at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), which also hosted the draw and team briefing, will be played using the knockout format. A total of $5 million in cash and incentives is at stake with matches being played on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Following the march-past of the 48 contesting teams which commences at 19:00h and is mandatory, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, along with representatives of the sponsors, will be on hand to kick things off. On-court action will commence with five matches.
The top 16 teams from the December
Timehri Warriors, Stabroek Warriors A, Stabroek Warriors B, Albouystown Ballers, and Espyanol.
Tonight’s opening clash from 20:00h will bring together Broad Street and Young Stars, with the winners being the first to advance to the round of 32. Next up will be Buxton and Alexander Village followed by Foot Steppers challenging Tiger Bay.
The penultimate clash of the night will see Corinthians tackling Paradise Invaders, with the main attraction between Albouystown A and Campbellville.
Night two, Thursday, June 5, will see another five matches being contested where five more teams will walk the proverbial plank with the respective winners advancing.
The main clash features Laing Avenue versus Sophia Ballers from 23:00h. Preceding this match will be showdowns between Unity Ballers and Spaniards, YMCA v Agricola Ballers, Kingston opposing Finishers and the opening shindig from 20:00h between Make It Happen and Street Vybz.
South American silver medallists Kirsten Gomes (left) and Ashley Khalil
Kirsten Gomes sports her gold medal in an interview with Guyana Times Sport
2024-January 2025 National Futsal Championship, also organised by the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, have
drawn a bye to the round of 32. These teams are Sparta Boss, Back Circle A, Back Circle B, Road Warriors, North
East, Z Tekk, Ballers United, Festival City, Gold Is Money, Bent Street A, Bent Street B,
Flashback! Eyes glued to the court in the second semifinal of the National Futsal Championship in December 2024 between Bent Street A and Road Warriors.