GOAL to take legal action against ISDC over breach of Staffordshire University agreement
3 Essequibo Coast drivers slapped with DUI charges Minibus driver, passengers including teens arrested after firearm found
Everyone has a right to exercise their right to support PPP – PM
Trump to impose 25% tariff on countries that buy oil, gas from Venezuela Old age pensioners, persons accessing public assistance to be included in digital registry
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Sunny conditions are expected during the day, interrupted by light to thundery rain showers in the morning and mid-afternoon. Clear to partly cloudy skies followed by light rain showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly between 3.13 metres and 5.36 metres.
High Tide: 13:45h reaching a maximum height of 2.28 metres.
Low Tide: 07:16h and 19:50h reaching minimum heights of 1.08 metres and 0.85 metre.
MARCH
Rubio’s visit to Guyana, Caribbean Illegal immigration, transnational crime among issues on agenda
United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will be embarking on a three-nation tour of the Caribbean this week that will include a visit to Guyana, will include conversations ranging from transnational organised crime to strengthening economic partnerships with the region.
This is according to the itinerary released by the State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, who explained that Rubio’s visit, first to Jamaica, then Guyana and Suriname between March 26 and March 27, will be for the advancement of US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy priorities in the Caribbean.
“While in Jamaica, the Secretary also will hold bilateral engagements with heads of state from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti. Secretary Rubio’s engagements with our valued Caribbean partners will promote regional cooperation to end illegal immigration,” Bruce added.
According to the spokesperson, Rubio’s visit will also address countering “transnational organised crime, strengthen regional actions to address Haiti’s political and security challenges, and strengthen the United States’ economic partnerships with Caribbean countries.”
According to a Miami Herald report last week, on Wednesday Rubio will travel to Jamaica, where he will be hosted by Prime Minister Andrew Holness for talks. Based on regional reports, Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, and other regional leaders will also be in Kingston to meet with the Secretary of State.
Guyana Times understands that a CARICOM meeting was held virtually on Friday last among regional leaders, to set the agenda for those talks with the US official. Rubio will then travel to Guyana and Suriname, where he will meet with their respective Presidents, Dr Irfaan Ali and Chandrikapersad Santokhi.
25 per cent tariff
The meeting will also come days after the US Government initiated a crackdown on countries purchasing oil from Venezuela. As a matter of fact, the US Government had announced that a 25 per cent tariff would be implemented on all such countries. This message was rein-
forced by the US Secretary of State himself in a tweet on Monday.
According to Rubio, there will be no tolerance from the US for “any third-countries or their oil companies producing, extracting, or exporting oil and oil-related products with the Maduro regime in Venezuela.”
“This is a regime that has consistently stolen elections, pillaged from its people, and colluded with our enemies. Any country that allows its companies to produce, extract, or export from Venezuela will be subject to new tariffs, and any company will be subject to sanctions,” he further outlined.
In Georgetown, the US Secretary of State and President Ali are likely to have discussions on a number of issues including the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy. Additionally, policy issues such as the recent US restrictions on Cuban medical professionals could also be discussed.
Last month, Rubio announced a decision to place visa restrictions on officials believed to be involved in the export of Cuban workers – a move that has been strongly criticised by Caribbean leaders.
President Ali recently told reporters that Guyana has already informed the US authorities that all foreign workers here, including Cuban medical professionals, are employed under strict local labour laws as well as in compliance with international labour laws.
Moreover, Guyana’s
upcoming General and Regional Elections, which is slated for later this year, is also expected to be on the agenda for talks with Secretary Rubio. The US had played a crucial role in ensuring that democracy prevailed in Guyana during the 2020 elections fiasco, and had imposed visa restrictions on Guyanese officials, who had attempted to undermine the results.
Only back in January, President Ali had a telephone discussion with the US Secretary of State following his appointment, during which they discussed collaboration on energy, security, democracy and regional prosperity.
According to a brief statement from the Department of State, the
two officials had addressed the crisis of illegal migration, and agreed to jointly address this regional imperative and challenge.
The Secretary also affirmed the US’s steadfast support of Guyana’s territorial integrity in the face of Nicolás Maduro and his cronies’ bellicose actions.
Rubio’s visit to Guyana would mark the third by a US Secretary of State in less than five years under the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government. Former secretaries of state, Mike Pompeo and Antony Blinken, previously visited Guyana, during which they engaged in discussions with the Ali Administration as well as other local stakeholders.
STEAM fairs & shaping Guyana’s future through innovation
Across the country, schools are showcasing the remarkable talents of their students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) through vibrant and engaging fairs. These events serve as platforms for students to exhibit their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and scientific ingenuity, demonstrating how education can directly contribute to national development.
One such event took place in Georgetown on Monday, where the STEAM Fair at St Joseph High School provided a stage for students to present innovative projects that address real-world challenges. The significance of these fairs in fostering national progress was underscored by Assistant Chief Education Officer (Secondary), Sherwyn Blackman, during his feature address at the event’s opening ceremony. He articulated the vital role STEAM plays in Guyana’s sustainable growth and development, emphasising how students' ingenuity can contribute to a more self-sufficient and forward-thinking society.
“We have a chance to put our students on display, and more creatively recognise what are some of the ways in which students themselves can contribute to the development of their country,” Blackman stated. His remarks highlighted the fair’s purpose: to inspire students to harness STEAM disciplines to solve societal problems and to encourage schools to integrate creative teaching methodologies into their curricula.
The integration of STEAM education into the national academic framework is more than just a means of enhancing students’ technical skills – it is a pathway to innovation-driven progress. As Blackman pointed out, mathematics education, in particular, has seen promising advancements. Schools have developed unique, interactive methods for teaching mathematical concepts, with contributions from various regions demonstrating that even at the primary level, students are capable of devising creative solutions to enhance learning outcomes.
One of the most impressive aspects of the fair was the display of tangible solutions to real-world challenges. The event featured a wide range of pioneering technologies and ideas, with students demonstrating their ability to think critically and engineer practical solutions.
This kind of ingenuity is precisely what STEAM education aims to cultivate. By encouraging students to apply their knowledge in practical ways, these fairs help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Additionally, they provide students with the confidence to propose and advocate for solutions that could significantly impact national and global industries.
The importance of these fairs extends beyond the projects themselves. They also serve as opportunities for collaboration between students, educators, and industry professionals. By exposing young minds to the possibilities within STEAM fields, such events inspire future careers in science, technology, engineering, and beyond. They also reinforce the Government’s commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy, where innovation and research play central roles in national development.
Moreover, the STEAM Fair in Georgetown exemplifies how education can be both engaging and transformative. It highlights the need for continued investment in STEAM programmes across Guyana, ensuring that schools are equipped with the necessary resources to nurture talent and curiosity. Such initiatives are crucial as the nation moves towards a future where technological advancement and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.
As Guyana continues to develop, particularly in the oil and gas sector, nurturing homegrown talent in STEAM disciplines is imperative. The ingenuity displayed by students at these fairs suggests that the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators is already preparing to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges. The enthusiasm and dedication exhibited at these events should be met with continued support from policymakers, educators, and the Private Sector.
STEAM fairs are more than just academic showcases, they empower students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader economy. As Guyana strives for sustainable development, it is essential to recognise and invest in the potential of its youth. By doing so, the nation secures a future driven by innovation and ingenuity.
We
must embrace our national treasures, including our natural resources
Dear Editor,
Even at some dark moments in its history (such as the suspension of the constitution in 1953; electoral frauds in the 20th century; the notorious Jonestown murder-suicide tragedy; and the periodic expression of ethnic violence; those have all failed to exude enough force to blunt the irresistible natural beauty with which Guyana is blessed.
Guyana is the land of the mighty Roraima; the expansive Essequibo River; the mythical city of gold called Manoa Del Dorado; the stupendous Kaieteur Waterfalls; the pristine forests; and the abundance of other natural resources (gold, manganese, bauxite, and fresh water). Not to mention that Guyana began to produce crude oil in late 2019. With the endowment of these natural resources, how could anyone, particularly any Guyanese, not embrace these magnificent gifts of nature?
It was an immense pleasure for us, therefore, to have recently visited Guyana to enjoy this fascinating environment and lend a touch of beauty by helping to add some sunshine into the lives of some needy people. We
conducted a charity project there in honour of my wife who passed away one year ago. With the support of my brother, his wife, and a few friends we have been able to provide relief to 50 extremely poor families at 4 locations on West Coast Demerara (WCD), 1 location on East Coast Demerara (ECD) and 1 location in Black Bush Polder (BBP).
While distributing the food hampers to the recipients at their homes, we also took the opportunity to engage groups of residents on the political and social situation in Guyana within the context of the need to preserve the integrity of the country’s natural resources and the need for peace and understanding. One incident had struck us. It was the blocking of the main road at BBP by residents who were protesting unsatisfactory paddy price and other issues like the state of the main and feeder roads (farm to market). When we were there at BBP, work was ongoing on the roads while the drainage canals and drains were clean of weeds and other impediments which means that the risk of flooding has been considerably reduced. That roadblock incident drew the immediate
attention the Minister of Agriculture Hon Zulfikar Mustapha who met quickly with farmers at Mibikuri Community Centre BBP and allayed their grievance by promising them that they would receive no less than $4000 per bag of paddy. Earlier, Minister Mustapha and President Dr Irfaan Ali met with rice millers who agreed to pay a minimum of $4000 per bag of paddy. We note that on the following day, Minister Mustapha, along with Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, addressed Essequibo farmers’ grievance over paddy pricing and other issues.
The prompt Government’s response must be viewed within the context of the wider role that agriculture has been playing in the social and economic transformation of Guyana (e.g., in 2024, Guyana achieved the highest ever rice production in the country’s history). What could not escape us also has been the substantial output of vegetables and livestock from BBP.
The Ministry of Agriculture believes that it could attain the revised goal set by “25 by 2030” CARICOM Plan of reducing food imports into member countries by 25 per cent
at the end of 2030. To boost rice production and enhance sustainability and to attain the “25 per cent by 2030” goal, the Ministry of Agriculture has granted various incentives (like fertilisers, agriculture tools/ implements, duty free agriculture equipment, etc.) to farmers.
Agriculture of which rice production is a key contributor, has been playing a vital role in the social and economic transformation of Guyana (in 2024, for example, rice production was 725,282 metric tonnes; the highest ever in the country’s history).
Agriculture Minister Mustapha has expressed his deepest gratitude to the farmers only at BBP but across the country that have helped to make Guyana’s historic rice production (725,282 MTs) the highest ever in the country’s history. Famers also reciprocate for all the assistance that have been receiving from the Government. In farming, there is dignity. We must respect our farmers. And let us protect and embrace all the gifts of nature, including our natural resources!
Yours truly, Dr Tara Singh
Hurakabra River Resort, a boutique nature escape on the West Bank of the Essequibo River, just 10 minutes from Bartica, Region Seven (Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana photo)
Corporate compliance and access to information
Dear Editor,
Reference is made to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance’s press statement on March 17, 2025, in response to the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) touching and concerning a request for tax information made under the Access to Information Act, and Mr. Lalbachan Christopher Ram’s Stabroek News Column dated March 21, 2025, titled “the Ministry of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs has it all wrong”. In particular, reference is made to an assertion that Mr Ram proffered in his column in response to the Minister that:
“The Ministry’s response to the Oil and Gas Governance Network was factually incorrect and legally flawed. It claimed that companies in Guyana are required to file their tax returns with the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority. This is false – tax filings are made at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), not the Deeds Registry. Either the
Ministry does not understand essential corporate compliance, or it is deliberately misleading the public. That is a deliberate prevarication…”.
In the above statement, Ram has skillfully deflected from and ignored altogether the core issue that the Minister addressed and her main contention. The Minister made two (2) key points: that (i) the tax certificates of companies and/ or any taxpayer for that matter—are confidential information in accordance with law, therefore, cannot be made available to third parties, and (ii) that notwithstanding, the tax information being sought from the OGGN group can be extracted from the oil companies financial statements and annual return, which are required pursuant to Sections 153 and 156 of the Companies Act, Cap. 89:01, to be filed with the Deeds and Commercial Registries, from where anyone can obtain those filings. Notably, the failure to make these filings with the Commercial
Registry can result in the company being struck off the register in accordance with Section 487 of the Companies Act, Cap: 89:01. And if a company is struck off the register, it means that that company shall cease to exist as a legal entity.
Relatedly, I also wish to address another letter by the OGGN that was published in the Stabroek News edition of March 23, 2025, titled "questions for AG on conflict between 2016 PSA and NRF Act (2021) on tax payments on behalf of oil companies”. The issue concerning the tax payment that the Government is to pay on behalf of the oil companies in accordance with the 2016 Petroleum Agreement is a simple matter, that is being unnecessarily complicated by the OGGN and others. As such, I wish to simplify to the best of my ability hereunder, not that the OGGN and the others (usual suspects) will accept and appreciate the explanation, but it is more so for the benefit of the wider
Keeping pace with development
Dear Editor,
As our income grows, so does our purchase of electronics, and with that comes the increase in energy consumption. Many of our learning institutions and Government institutions are adding more capabilities via technology, this is a huge benefit to the populace. With the expansion in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) our country becomes more knowledgeable and competitive. To keep pace with the development in this sector our electrical infrastructure and installations must be upgraded as well. The recent increase in fires across the country in residential, Government and commercial buildings has been rooted in electrical issues in a number of instances. Having building inspectors visit to review the electrical system prior to major ICT project approvals and by having an annual inspection process at our major private, Government and commercial institutions we will be able to identify potential gaps and concerns. This inspection process can and should be integrated into the annual fire inspection process that must be linked to a permit for the use of the premises. As for the residential risk mitigation process, this must continue to be part of the construction approval process, and in the case of older buildings it is in the best inter-
est of the owners to seek out building inspectors who will help identify potential risks. Electricians should also be required to go through a periodic certification process that provides them with a licence to operate / practice. It will also be to their benefit to have insurance coverage that will protect them if a fire is linked to poor workmanship. This is a current requirement in some more advanced countries.
As our country continues to develop and advance, so too must our ability to safeguard against safety risks. To hear the President speak of his fear to drive on our roads was very eye opening and raised concerns that enough is not being done to adequately address the current road safety concerns. The Ministry of Home Affairs, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the team engaged in Urban Planning, must work together to address the current crisis on our roadways. Speed bumps, check points, increased police presence at intersections and dedicated routes for certain vehicles will help reduce the traffic risks in the near term, but with improved planning and the implementation of velocity controls, the medium-term risks can be significantly reduced.
I recommend that the Government take a broader view when developing and implementing our nation's
public readership.
The current production of oil and gas in the Stabroek Block by ExxonMobil Guyana (EMGL) and their co-venture partners, CNOOC and Hess, is governed by the 2016 Petroleum Agreement, signed by the APNU+AFC Government. The fiscal terms contained therein that the Government of Guyana receives—constitute a 50 per cent profit sharing and 2 per cent royalty.
the following levies, whatsoever, rate of such levies may be, which the Minister shall then pay on behalf of the Contractor under Article 15.4 (a) to the Commissioner General, Guyana Revenue Authority”.
Guyana is treated as the taxes paid by the US oil companies in Guyana, and it is this sum that the tax certificate in question is based on.
growth strategy in order to stay ahead of the issues that keep arising.
Sincerely, Jamil Changlee
Article 15 of the Petroleum Agreement states that…”no tax, value-added tax, excise tax, duty, fee, charge or other impost shall be levied…”. This essentially means that the oil companies have benefited from a tax waiver from corporate income taxes, thanks to the former APNU+AFC Government. Article 15 (a) goes on to state that “a sum equivalent to the tax assessed pursuant to Article 15.2 and 15.3 will be paid by the Minister to the Commissioner General, Guyana Revenue Authority on behalf of the Contractor and that the amount of such sum will be considered income of the Contractor”; and (b) “that the appropriate portion of the Government’s share of profit oil delivered in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be accepted by the Minister as payment in full by the Contractor of Contractor’s share of each of
The main reasons why the 2016 Agreement was framed in the manner above, with such language in respect of payment of taxes are that: (i) the APNU+AFC Government had agreed to grant a tax waiver to the oil companies given that they have entered into a profit sharing and royalty Agreement as the fiscal conditions, and (ii) in the case of the US oil companies, under the US tax laws, profit sharing agreements are not recognised as corporate taxes from which they can submit to the US tax authorities—to benefit from the tax credits that are applicable to US companies for taxes paid in other nonUS jurisdictions. Hence, according to Article 15.3 of the Petroleum Agreement (2016), the profit share paid to the Government of
Against this background, it therefore means—simply that all the questions raised by the OGGN for the AG to answer are non-issues. It is a simple matter that does not need to be complicated. The profit share paid to the Government is the sum that is treated as the oil companies’ taxes paid in Guyana, and that sum, is no secret. Guyana’s share of revenue from profit oil and royalty are fully reported on and disclosed, vis-à-vis, the Natural Resource Fund Reports and the gazetted reports thereto. A perusal of the oil companies’ financial statements will also confirm that the profit share due to the Government is reported on the financial statements as the oil companies’ tax liabilities.
Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin
Page Foundation
1. What is the value of the underlined digit in 5555?
(A) 5
(B) 500
(C) 50
(D) 5000
2. Which of the numbers below is a factor of 26?
(A) 8 (B) 6
(C) 24
(D) 13
3. What is the prime number between 20 and 25?
(A) 24
(B) 23
(C) 22
(D) 21
4. (3 X 3) - 3 = (A) 3 (B) 6
(C) 27 (D) 9
5. Which of the following fractions has the same value as 0.33?
(A) 3/10
(B) 3/9
(C) 13/18
(D) 1/9
6. Which figure has a reflex angle?
7. Which set is equivalent to {a, b, c} (A) {2, 3, 4, 5} (B) {d, e, f, g} (C) {7, 8, 9} (D) {i, ii, iii, iv}
8.
By Edward LEar
The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea In a beautiful pea-green boat, They took some honey, and plenty of money, Wrapped up in a five-pound note. The Owl looked up to the stars above, And sang to a small guitar, “O lovely Pussy! O Pussy, my love, What a beautiful Pussy you are, You are, You are! What a beautiful Pussy you are!” Pussy said to the Owl, “You elegant fowl! How charmingly sweet you sing! O let us be married! too long we have tarried: But what shall we do for a ring?” They sailed away, for a year and a day, To the land where the Bong-Tree grows And there in a wood a Piggy-wig stood With a ring at the end of his nose, His nose, His nose, With a ring at the end of his nose. “Dear Pig, are you willing to sell for one shilling Your ring?” Said the Piggy, “I will.” So they took it away, and were married next day By the Turkey who lives on the hill. They dined on mince, and slices of quince, Which they ate with a runcible spoon; And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand, They danced by the light of the moon, The moon, The moon, They danced by the light of the moon.
WORD SEARCH:
GAWU, RPA laud Govt for revitalising agri sector
…contrast present efforts with ‘‘uncaring attitude’’ of APNU/AFC
The Government was on Sunday endorsed by two of the largest Guyanese organisations representing the workers and farmers in the sugar and rice sectors respectively, with the leaders of these bodies praising the party’s efforts to grow their industries.
While at the annual celebration of the life of Dr Cheddi Jagan, at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), Seepaul Narine, head of the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU) took the stage.
GAWU is predominantly known for its representation of sugar workers, many of whom were placed on the breadlines when estates were closed under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government. As such, Narine fully endorsed the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government and referenced their track record as a major factor in his decision.
“Comrades, GAWU was born from Jagan’s unyielding belief, that unity is power. He rallied workers in this region, to demand fair wages,
safe conditions and respect. Today, we inherit that legacy. Today, we are proud to celebrate a historic achievement. The first multi-year agreement, between GAWU and GuySuCo (Guyana Sugar Corporation).”
“This agreement is not merely ink on paper. It is a firm commitment of stability for thousands of workers, guaranteeing job security, improved wages and vital improvements in the sugar industry, which remains the lifeblood of communities across Berbice and beyond. This agreement could only have been possible under this Government,” Narine also said.
The aforementioned agreement was signed in December 2024, between GAWU and GuySuCo, after they finalised a transformative three-year Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) agreement that paved the way forward in ensuring fair compensation and financial security for thousands of sugar workers across the country.
The agreement, which retroactively took effect from January 1, 2024, provides a 10 per cent acrossthe-board salary increase for all sugar workers. This will
be followed by an eight per cent rise in January 2025 and a further nine per cent in January 2026.
Additionally, the agreement guaranteed a minimum wage of $100,000 per month for all sugar workers by January 1, 2025—bringing vital financial relief by ensuring every worker below this threshold receive additional increases.
At the time, Narine had explained that the agreement, which is the first multi-year agreement since GAWU became the bargaining agent for sugar workers in 1976, will channel $5 billion directly into the hands of sugar workers. He had noted that this will reaffirm their central role in Guyana’s socio-economic fabric.
Rice
Similarly, head of the Rice Producers Association, Leakha Rambrich, also threw his support behind the PPP/C. Rambrich referenced controversial statements made by the former APNU/AFC Government, as well as their lack of support for the sector and contrasted it with the PPP/C’s current support.
“When Granger and team were in opposition, they promised the farmers high paddy prices. Over $9000 a bag. And when he became the President, his Government and himself said that rice is a private business and they left the farmers on their own struggle,” Rambrich recounted.
“What Granger and his party didn’t understand, is that when the industry is in trouble, our people are also faced with challenges. When we are in trouble, jobs can be lost. Hard working people can be made to face the brunt of unemployment. This is because they don’t understand the rice industry. It shows clearly that the opposition never understood the rice industry.”
Rambrich attributed this
lack of understanding to APNU/AFC not having experience in the rice sector.
Now, however, he noted that there is a Government in place that does. According to Rambrich, not only has the quantity of rice improved with the support of the PPP/C Government, but so too has the quality.
Only recently, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had announced that Government is likely to spend approximately $2.7 billion to cushion the impact of falling prices on local rice farmers. Rice prices on the world market continue to show a downward trend, and millers everywhere are cutting back on
the amount of money they can offer farmers for a bag of paddy.
In Guyana, the situation is no different. However, the Government of Guyana has stepped in to offer assistance to rice farmers. Through negotiations with millers, the Government of Guyana has been able to arrange for rice farmers to receive no less than $4000 for a 143-pound bag of paddy.
The rice sector in Guyana has seen tremendous growth last year, with a record 725,000 tonnes of rice was produced locally. This crop, with more acreage under rice cultivation, production is estimated at 804,000 tonnes of rice.
from Guyana Lottery Fund in 2019 by APNU/AFC – PAC hears
In 2019, a total of $728 million was spent from the Guyana Lottery Fund, out of the $745 million allocated to the Guyana Lottery Control Commission through budgetary provisions.
This was revealed on Monday, during the 69th meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in the 12th Parliament of 2025, while the Finance Ministry was under examination.
to the consolidated fund by the end of each fiscal year.
The 2019 expenditure, he said catered for $150 million was allocated for the rehabilitation of grounds; $88 million for the 2019 Independence Flag Rising Ceremony; $27.8 million for Emancipation activities; $50 million paid to Buju Banton for his performance and other planning related to the Walk to Freedom campaign; and $49 million for associated infrastructure works for the Linden Broadcasting Network, among others.
during the tenure of the A Partnership for National Unity – Alliance For Change (APNU-AFC), Pasha explained that examining expenses is done solely by Cabinet.
Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul regarding the appointment of a board for the Guyana Lottery Control Commission (GLCC).
Following several lines of questioning, Finance Secretary Pasha reported that the last Guyana Lotteries Committee was appointed in 2017 to serve until 2019. However, there has been no active board in place since then.
statements, which were then forwarded to the AG for audit. The reports from 2014 to 2023 received an unqualified opinion from the AG, which means there were no issues identified in the review. However, questions were raised about whether the absence of the commission affected the submission of the financial statements for those years.
rently preparing the 2024 report to the AG for scrutiny,” the Finance Secretary informed PAC.
According to Finance Secretary Sukrishnalall Pasha, of the $745 million, $32 million was transferred to the consolidated fund that year, as mandated. The remaining balance from the Lottery Fund is expected to be transferred
The Finance Secretary confirmed that the reports had been signed and submitted for audit, but it was noted that the law requires committee members to sign off on the financial statements. Despite this, the AG and the Ministry of Finance agreed that the Finance Secretary and the Deputy Finance Secretary could sign the documents due to the absence of a commission. It was clarified that this arrangement would prevent further audit queries in the future, but the absence of a commission remained an ongoing issue. …$50M Buju Banton concert fee paid from Fund
After being drilled by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill about the amount expended for the “Walk to Freedom campaign”, which was held
“As the AG (Auditor General) indicated, we only spend from the Lotto fund when we receive a Cabinet decision and that as far as I’m aware would be a policy directive that we may not be in a position to ignore. So, we have to assume that when these decisions are made, they are made with the national interest at heart. We have no authority to ignore Cabinet decisions,” Pasha explained.
Meanwhile, questions were raised by Opposition
Audit Reports
Monday’s examination also touched upon the issue of the audit of the financial statements for the years 2020 to 2024. The Finance Secretary and Deputy Finance Secretary signed off on the financial
“The statements are now being signed by myself and DAG (Deputy Accountant General) and I am happy to report that we’re being able to clear all the backlog that we had. Our Financial statements are audited up to 2023 and I am also happy to report that the reports are unqualified and we are cur -
Head of the Rice Producers Association, Leakha Rambrich
GAWU President Seepaul Narine
3 Essequibo Coast drivers slapped with DUI charges
Three drivers have been charged in separate cases for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol following arrests along the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), and have appeared at the Suddie Magistrate's Court.
Shailandra Narine, Anesh Dindyal and Premchand Manman all appeared before Magistrate Tamieka Clarke.
Narine, a 28-year-old driver of Zorg, Essequibo Coast, was charged with operating a motor vehicle while his breath alcohol level exceeded the prescribed legal limit. Narine was arrested on March 14
along the Cullen public road and case was heard last Friday. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on $50,000 bail. The case will continue on April 3.
Meanwhile, Dindyal, a 24-year-old driver of Vilvoorden, Essequibo Coast, faced a similar charge after being arrested on March 14 also on the Cullen public road. He too appeared in court on Friday but admitted to the offence. He was fined $150,000 with an alternative sentence of three months' imprisonment should he fail to pay the fine.
Additionally, Manman, a 42-year-old taxi driv-
er of Bushlot, Essequibo Coast, was arrested on March 10, along the Anna Regina public road. He was charged with driving under the influence and appeared
before Magistrate Clarke on March 19. Manman pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted $50,000 bail. The case was adjourned to April 1.
Cuban jailed for entering Guyana illegally
Yosmel Peres Cisnero, a Cuban national, who was arrested on March 14 was on Monday charged for arriving in Guyana by sea disembarked without consent of an Immigration Officer', Contrary to Section 34(1) (c) of the Immigration Law
(Offences) Act, Chapter 14:01.
The 39-year-old appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, where the charge was read to him.
He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three months imprisonment.
Outing…
W…the spooks??
ith the release of thousands of classified top secret documents on the 1963 JFK assassination – withheld for 62 years – we should be getting a kinda clearer picture of the CIA’s role in that seismic event. Kinda! Before we get too carried away, let’s remember that every decade following the assassination, there’s been promises to the same effect – but never kept!! It all has to do with how the deep state use spies to do their dirty jobs!! Hopefully, the dirt on the assassinations of RFK and MLK. Will also soon to be released.
In American slang, a “spook” is a ghost…a spectre who scares people. Like in “I was really spooked when I saw Linda Blair’s head rotate in The Exorcist!” To get an inkling of how Americans view spies, when the CIA – initially called Office of Strategic Services – was formed during WWII – they were dubbed “spooks”! They operated invisibly behind the scenes like ghostsnever seen but you knew they’re there when all sorts of mayhem is unleashed on the enemy!!
During the Cold War that followed, the CIA became a formidable force as they took on the Ruskies and their allies with “Cold” techniques that changed the nature of war forever. We in Mudland popped up in their sights after 1961 when JFK decided Jagan was about to take us –then called British Guiana (BG) – into the Ruskies’ camp. That Castro has done just that in Cuba and the invasion to remove him had failed spectacularly made JFK rather testy – as everyone EXCEPTING Jagan could imagine!! At that time, the head spook was a fella named John A McCone who served from 1961 to 1965 during some of the most tumultuous events in American international history: the Bay of Pigs invasion; the Cuban missile crisis that almost led to a nuclear war between the Yanks and the Ruskies and last but not least the beginning of the Vietnam War!! Not to mention JFK’s assassination!!
In fact, things got so hot that in most American accounts of the era, the CIA’s ouster of Jagan from Government by fostering race riots ain’t mentioned!! Even though JFK personally was involved and was briefed by McCone! Our ouster was a side operation that cost just US$3.5M and only Guyanese lives – 180 – were snuffed out. The CIA used US labour unions and their local lackeys to do the dirty. Well, since then, a lot of water has flowed under THAT bridge – esp. after the Ruskies threw in the towel in 1989 and the Cold War ended. USAID picked up the slack – but now’s being defunded!!. Turns out a lot of the released documents on JFK were hidden by McCone!! Poetic justice??
…Mad Maduro
While we’ve been taking on Mad Maduro –diplomatically, to show the world we’re the good guys in the border controversy and militarily by modernising our Disciplined Forces to give him a bloody nose – the tyrant seems determined to defy the world. From announcing his imminent “election” of a Governor of Essequibo to sending naval gunships to threaten US oil major ExxonMobil. Like the madman “see ‘e dead comin’”!!
Your Eyewitness ain’t getting into the whys and wherefores – but Mad Maduro seems to think he’s the elephant in the room who can sit anywhere it damn well pleases! So, now that Pres Trump has sent Secty of State Marco Rubio to come calling personally tomorrow, we gotta make a case for mannersing the madman pronto. Or there will be a “demonstrator effect” when pipsqueak countries like Zelenskyy’s Ukraine see Mad Maduro’s getting away with threatening powerful US corporations!!
What they gonna think of Trump’s “security guarantee” to deploy US businesses rather than armed troops??
…restraints on movement
When we were slaves and indentured labourers, we weren’t free to travel about the country. We had to get passes or be thrown into the clinker!!
Well, this Aug 1, the Government announced FREE travel across our bridges!!! Emancipation Day Freedom!!!
Shailandra Narine
Yosmel Peres Cisnero Anesh Dindyal
Premchand Manman
PNC-led M&CC neglecting health facilities in G/town – Health Minister
In a fiery address at the sod-turning ceremony for a state-of-theart $831 million polyclinic in Kitty/Campbellville on Saturday, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony exposed the failures of the People's National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)-led Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GM&CC) in managing the municipality's healthcare facilities, forcing the Central Government to intervene and rescue the system from decline.
Dr Anthony had outlined a series of investments by the Government to rehabilitate and upgrade the city’s healthcare infrastructure, noting that out of the 13-healthcare centres, only one—the Dorothy Bailey Centre—saw minor involvement from the municipal authorities.
The facilities that benefitted from the central Government’s intervention are located in Agricola, East La Penitence, David Rose, Alberttown, Lodge, Northeast La Penitence, Sophia, Dorothy Bailey, Campbellville, Industry, Kitty, and Festival City.
“For example, in the Number One Dispensary, right now we are doing over the entire facility and the Government is expending $180 million dollars to do back that facility for the people in that area. Dorothy Bailey, this year we are upgrading Dorothy Bailey which the city has, I think, one person who is at Dorothy Bailey and they're supposed to be providing care there. But the Ministry of Health, the Government of Guyana, is going to spend $55 million dollars to upgrade that facility. And in Festival City, we now, as Robbie said, we have given it for the Georgetown Hospital to manage it. And we spent $294 million dollars to upgrade that facility, bring it to the level that it's at, that right now it's at,” the Health Minister revealed.
Anthony contrasted the current administration’s efforts with the previous APNU+AFC Government, stating that during its fiveyear tenure, no hospitals or health centres were built. In stark contrast, the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has constructed 25 new health centres and health posts within just three years, in addition to managing the COVID-19 pandemic during its first two years.
The Government is now working on 14 new hospitals, with six scheduled for completion this year. According to Dr Anthony, these investments align with President Irfaan Ali’s vision for a world-class healthcare system, focusing on preventative care alongside curative treatment.
“This Government, we
manage close to 380 different facilities across the country. And over the last couple of years, we have spent a lot of time upgrading all of these facilities. So, whether it's a health post or a health centre, we have upgraded them all to make sure that patients coming to us would get better conditions, where they can wait, and where they can get their service. Every single facility in this country, we have upgraded”.
“And if we had left them under the stewardship of the city council that is led
by APNU and AFC, unfortunately the care that would have been given to the residents of Georgetown would have been suboptimal. So, while the rest of the country would have been getting better care, in Georgetown, it would have been subpar,” he said.
Highlighting the Government’s commitment to community healthcare, Dr Anthony further outlined a plan to implement 115 standardised medical interventions across all health centres and health posts nationwide. These measures
will improve the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
“People must be able to come in and get preventative care service. I know our population don't like to come for checkups. But we need to foster that culture of checkups because when you come and you get your checkup, if something is wrong, we pick it up early and we'll be able to address it so that you don't develop complications,” Anthony said.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony addressing the gathering at the sod-turning ceremony for a state-of-the-art $831 million polyclinic in Kitty/Campbellville on Saturday
Old age pensioners, persons accessing public assistance to be included in digital registry
…as Govt aims for 2025 digitised system
The Human Services and Social Security
Ministry will be implementing a digitised records system, dubbed the Beneficiary Registry and Document Management System (BRDMS), to keep track of all old age pensioners and persons accessing public assistance.
During a recent training session, Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud, reflected on the current development of this system, which is ex-
pected to be launched later this year.
“This journey started 10 months ago, with the intention of improving services to the people of Guyana, with the understanding that technology and digital tools, are part of everyday life. This is a significant thing and should not be looked at lightly,” Dr Persaud also said.
“What it is doing is integrating the services of our Ministry. Ensuring we know who our beneficiaries are,
where they are and more importantly, who should be our beneficiaries and how we can get them on board to benefit from the social security nets that we have.”
The Ministry has been carrying out intensive training over the past few weeks with its staff, in order to ensure they are acquainted with the use of the new software. In addition to the Ministry, the BRDMS is being developed with the InterAmerican Development
Bank (IDB) and Synergy International Systems Inc.
IDB
Country Representative Lorena Solórzano Salazar spoke of the importance of the initiative, which she noted will allow the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to make progress on improving its service delivery with the development of a digitised system.
“The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, with Minister Persaud’s leadership is promoting a stronger, more efficient and digital empowered social protection system,” Salazar said.
Only recently, it was announced by Dr Cona Husbands, Manager of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit within the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, that there has been a 63 per cent increase in women accessing social assistance support in Guyana. This milestone came ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA). She attributed the increase to the proactive and well-crafted programmes implemented by the Guyana Government. Dr Husbands made this statement during the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters.
Citing the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Husbands explained that the Ministry had swiftly responded by introducing emergency relief packages, including direct cash transfers and food assistance, to support vulnerable women and children. She emphasised the importance of flexible social protection services that can adapt to evolving needs and ensure continuous support.
Over the past few years, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has steadily increased both pension and public assistance. In 2021, all old-age pensioners were given $25,000 monthly; in 2022 that sum was increased to $28,000 and in 2023 that sum increased to $33,000. It has now been increased to $41,000. Meanwhile, public assistance has been increased to $22,000.
Human Services Ministry staff during the recent training on the BRDMS
Minibus driver, passengers including teens arrested after firearm found
…barber remanded to prison on separate gun charge
Aroutine police patrol on Sunday evening
led to the discovery of an unlicensed firearm in a minibus, resulting in the arrest of the driver and all passengers on board.
Reports are that at about 18:00h, police ranks received intelligence that led them to Chanta Creek on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. There, they intercepted a minibus, BAG 4708, driven by a 34-yearold man of Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
Among several bags located behind the driver’s seat, ranks discovered a one-strap Nike shoulder bag containing a Glock 9mm pistol and an empty magazine.
When questioned about the bag, the driver denied
ownership leading Police to questioned all passengers, including 40-year-old security guard of Timehri; a 36-year-old supervisor of Pearl, EBD; a 32-year-old housewife of Hyde Park, Timehri, and 32-year-old supervisor, who is employed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). Also questioned were 42-year-old foreman of Timehri; 37-yearold customer service representative of Farm, EBD; a 37-year-old housewife of Friendship, EBD, 26-yearold housewife of Eccles, EBD and 30-year-old consultant of Middle Road, La Penitence. Additionally, a 25-year-old of Alexander Village, Georgetown, and 30-year-old block-maker of Timehri were among those
Toll-free Wismar Bridge
interviewed, along with two 17-year-old female teenagers.
Each passenger was asked to retrieve their be-
longings, but none claimed ownership of the bag containing the firearm. All individuals denied knowledge of the weapon.
As a result, the driver and the passengers were informed of the offence, arrested, and transported to the Timehri Police Station, where they remain in custody as investigations continue.
Barber remanded
Meanwhile, in an unrelated case, 22-year-old barber Shakeem David of 4th Street, Alberttown, Georgetown was arrested on Friday last and charged on Monday with two counts of discharging a loaded firearm with intent.
David appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, where he pleaded not guilty. Bail was denied, and the matter has been adjourned to later in April.
‘‘Political handlers’’ are trying to stymie Govt’s development agenda – Edghill …slams Linden Mayor for poor financial management
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on Monday criticised Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon over his statements on Monday regarding the removal of the Wismar/ Mackenzie Bridge toll.
According to the Mayor, the removal of the bridge toll presents an immediate and significant financial challenge for the Council, as the toll, governed by Act 51:04 (Demerara River (Mackenzie) Bridge Act), has historically contributed some $6 million per month to the Council’s budget.
He further went on to state that Government has not engaged the Council in discussions nor provided any alternative funding solutions to address the substantial budget shortfall that will
As such, Edghill stated that the Mayor and his ‘political handlers’ are trying to stymie the Government’s development agenda.
“It is clear that the Mayor of Linden and his political handlers would like to continue to pass on hardships to the people of Linden and to the people of Guyana. The Government is busy relieving people of hardships brining cost of living down.”
Speaking on the topic of Council financing, Edghill said that with prices as low as $60 for some vehicles to cross the bridge the removal of this toll would not significantly impact the council’s ability to operate.
In fact, Edghill referenced the Kara Kara toll booth highlighting that at this checkpoint tolls average more
come as a result of the toll removal. As well as consult the council on how the responsibilities for the new Wismar/ Mackenzie maintenance and management will be allocated. In an invited comment on Monday, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill highlighted that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Administration is keen on improving living standards for all Guyanese.
than $5000 per truck generating a massive amount of revenue for the council. He went on to blast the Mayor for poor financial management noting that these funds are yet to be put to good use.
“The Mayor of Linden should tell you how much money is being collected from the truck toll at the Kara Kara toll booth and what that money has been used for. The toll to cross the Wismar bridge is $80 and so on for a
car. It is $8000 and $10000 for a toll at the Kara Kara checkpoint what is the money being used for and why is he complaining?”
Meanwhile, in keeping with the Government’s plans to eliminate bridge tolls, President Irfaan Ali during annual observance to celebrate the life of Dr Cheddi Jagan at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant in Region Six on Sunday announced that effective from August 1, 2025, it will be toll-free to cross the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the Berbice Bridge and the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge in Linden.
In August last year, the President had first announced the Government’s plans to make the bridges toll-free in order to lessen the burden on citizens. However, at the time, the intention was to make the bridges tollfree until the new Demerara River Bridge was completed.
In explaining the move, the President had said last year that the Government is looking to ease the burden on citizens while also enhancing the transportation network and improving competitiveness through the efficient movement of goods and services across the country.
New US$35M bridge
Meanwhile, the new US$35 million MackenzieWismar Bridge is on track for an early completion. This assurance was given to President Dr Irfaan Ali who was briefed on the bridge’s progress during a visit in January.
During his visit, the Project Manager at the Public Works Ministry, Patrick Thompson had revealed that they are on track for early
completion of the bridge while noting that the project is now at 31 per cent complete, with significant advancements anticipated by the end of the year.
Already, the temporary bridge structure has been completed and works have started on the new bridge. In a subsequent physical inspection of the bridge, Thompson also explained the design features.
The new four-lane bridge will have a pre-cast structure running 220 metres long and will include vital safety features such as lighting and signs. It will boast a maximum horizontal clearance of 32 metres and a vertical clearance of 11.5 metres. The new bridge will land some distance away from the original single-lane bridge built by the Demerara Bauxite Company from 1965 to 1967.
The gun and ammunition found in the minibus
Remanded: Shakeem David
Mayor of Linden, Sharma Solomon
The current Wismar/ Mackenzie Bridge
GOAL to take legal action against ISDC over breach of Staffordshire University Agreement
The Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) has announced that it will be moving to take legal action against United Kingdom (UK) based Skill Development Company the International Skill Development Corporation (ISDC), after it breached an agreement made between GOAL and the University of Staffordshire.
Over the past few weeks, GOAL has faced challenges over its partnership with UK based Staffordshire University. GOAL courses through Staffordshire were supposed to be facilitated by the ISDC.
Students recently raised concerns regarding the unavailability of programmes, which they had signed up for through
Staffordshire University.
Staffordshire and ISDC decided not to honour the agreement between the two of them. And this is because ISDC was offering programmes outside the agreements that is signed with Stratford-Shire… The unfortunate thing is that neither of these parties informed me of this disagreement until February of this year. If we have known that in November there's any disagreement between the two, we would not even have advertised our programme in December.”
incident occurred, several of them have written to us expressing their support and willing to accept our students and give the affected students credit for the work they have done.”
He further revealed that GOAL is working diligently to support pro-
programmes via partnerships with reputable international universities.
Since assuming office in August 2020, Government has granted some 29,758 Guyanese citizens GOAL scholarships. Of that number, 5,980 individuals secured master’s degrees and
He further revealed that ISDC had failed to reach out to the institution to inform them about the ongoing issues with the university.
“The University of
Providing an update on the issue on Sunday was GOAL’s Director Professor Jacob Opadeyi who highlighted that ISDC had failed to honour its contractual agreement with Staffordshire University by offering courses that were not agreed upon.
On this point the director revealed that GOAL will be moving to take legal action against ISDC, as well as to cancel all future partnerships with the company.
“We are also very displeased that this matter hit the newspaper before we even know anything, and it has generated into a lot of unnecessary and untruthfulness. Our lesson that we have learned is that we will not do any business with ISDC again. We are going to go and get all the legal and financial remedy for this case”
As it relates to persons who have completed courses through ISDC, Opadeyi revealed that the online academy is working closely with several of its partners to ensure these persons are accredited.
“Over the last five years, the many partners who believe in us, as far as in Spain, Germany, UK the Caribbean itself, India and in Africa. Since this
spective 2025 applicants in selecting alternative or comparable programmes offered by GOAL's partners.
“But our focus in the last two weeks is the welfare of our students who are affected by this controversy. We have provided them opportunity to select other universities within the Gould partnership, and as of this afternoon, over 1,900 have selected universities that they wish to go to and for some who cannot see the programmes that they wanted in other universities, it is our duty to find partners who can offer them those programmes.”
Launched in 2021, GOAL was an initiative of the Government of Guyana to provide 20 000 scholarships to Guyanese to pursue online, tertiary level
PhDs.
In 2024, the Guyana Government approved almost 8000 GOAL scholarships, representing the Administration’s continued efforts to ensure the country’s workforce and populace is better educated and skilled.
During a press conference earlier this month, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was asked about rumours mainly being spread by members of the Opposition, which alludes that monies set aside for the GOAL programme were not being utilised for its intended purpose.
Jagdeo had dismissed these claims and any notion that the GOAL programme provided substandard education. Additionally, he had assured that no GOAL student would be left “by the wayside”.
GOAL Director, Professor Jacob Opadeyi
Everyone has a right to exercise their right to support PPP – PM
Prime Minister (PM), (retired) Brigadier Mark Phillips, has stated that everyone has the right to exercise their freedom to support the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). His comments were made as he addressed thousands of people at Babu Jaan on Sunday, during the party’s commemoration of the 28th death anniversary of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan and his wife, the late Janet Jagan, a former President of Guyana.
ership positions. He further emphasised that the party is democratic and treats every citizen equally.
“When we talk about shared prosperity, every Guyanese will benefit from the revenue garnered by our nation, that is the legacy left by Dr Jagan… Dr Jagan was concerned about the poor and the working class,” the PM said.
Dr Jagan, the PM noted fought for democratic governance both locally and on the
the PPP/C.
“We have broken the bonds that kept people in bandage. We are free today in every aspect in the word of freedom. You have a right and the freedom to exercise your democratic right to support the PPP/C,” the PM assured.
Meanwhile, in a message from the Rice Producers Association (RPA), President of the Association Leeka Rambrich said that the PPP/C has been giving sup-
While in office Dr Jagan in underwent heart surgery and days after died in Washington USA on March 6, 1997, sixteen days before his 79th birthday. He was cremated at Babu Jaan while his wife Janet died of an abdominal aneurysm on March 28, 2009, in Georgetown. Her body was also cremated at Babu Jaan.
The party’s annually pilgrimage focuses on the life and work of Dr Jagan, whom PM Phillips said was as a freedom fighter who championed the cause of the working class.
The wreath-laying ceremony in honour of the two former Heads of State is one of the highlights of the annual event.
Phillips stated that the PPP/C is the only national political party that encompasses all ethnic groups and includes individuals from various age groups in lead-
international stage.
The PPP/C, the PM pointed out is a party which focus on education and improvement of citizens’ lives while at the same time ensuring social justice and equity.
“These are the things that we enjoy today all because of the legacy of Dr Jagan and these are the things that we will continue to struggle for on the international scene to ensure many other countries have similar benefits.”
Security of the nation is also of paramount importance to the PPP.
Phillips added that the aim is to ensure society understands what Dr Cheddi Jagan stood for.
“Dr Jagan was a firm believer in demand the rights of citizens to freely participate in the political process.”
He noted that today many are subjected to abuse by leaders of the opposition because they chose to support
port to the rice industry both in opposition and in Government.
He said it is the legacy of Dr Jagan to be with the people and to help them.
“When [former] President Granger was in Opposition, he did not understand the rice industry and made many statements about the industry while on the campaign trail as it related to the rice industry. When they went into Government, they said rice is private business because they did not understand the rice industry,” Rambrich reminded.
Meanwhile, General Secretary of Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU) Seepaul Narine in remembering Dr Jagan, reminded that it was the founder of the union, pointed out that he was steadfast in his principals as they relate to the working class. (G4)
Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips at Babu Jaan, Berbice on Sunday
A section of the gathering at Babu Jaan, Berbice
“We
need this boat now”– Edghill demands round-the-clock repairs on MV Kimbia
In a push to restore vital ferry services, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, has issued an urgent directive to Machinery Corporation of Guyana Ltd (MACORP) and Pritipaul Singh for 24-hour repairs on the MV Kimbia.
The Minister, who recently visiting the dockyard underscored the Government's commitment to ensuring efficient and safe transportation for passengers and cargo across Guyana.
The MV Kimbia, which operates on the Georgetown to Region One (BarimaWaini) route, recently underwent a $75 million overhaul, including the installation of brand-new engines and gearboxes. However, technical difficul-
ties during testing have delayed its return to service, prompting frustration from the Minister. “I came here two weeks [ago], everything was set
up, that same day that boat was set. During the testing and commissioning they de-
velop a problem with leaking oil, two weeks and we haven’t solved the oil leaking problem. We need this boat now, so my clear instruction to Pritipaul and MACORP is work round the clock to make sure this boat is delivered,” the Minister said sternly.
Minister Edghill also warned of serious consequences if the repairs are not completed promptly.
“There are consequences if that don’t happen. $75 million in new engines and new gearboxes, it is not the old thing we bought. These are brand new things from a reputable company, MACORP. We have to get this fixed,” he added.
The 44-year-old MV Kimbia has long served as a crucial transportation
link for Region One communities, supporting both trade and travel. The vessel was docked in December for comprehensive repairs, which included the installation of new engines and gearboxes, as well as necessary underwater structural maintenance.
The hull was scraped to remove marine growth, ensuring the vessel's longevity and efficiency in the water. Additionally, anodes were installed to prevent corrosion, safeguarding essential underwater metal components.
It was that its resumption is expected to ease transportation challenges, particularly for businesses and residents reliant on the ferry for the delivery of goods and supplies.
STEAM fair sparks creativity, sustainable solutions from students across Guyana
Various schools across the country are hosting fairs that highlight students’ knowledge and understanding of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
At one such STEAM fair in Georgetown, Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) Sherwyn Blackman highlighted how these events play a key role in supporting Guyana’s sustainable growth. The Georgetown STEAM Fair opened STEAM Exhibition at St Joseph’s High School on Monday.
The STEAM Fair is an event that celebrates steam-powered machinery, often featuring demonstra-
ny, where he emphasised that the STEAM Fair will contribute to the sustainable growth of Guyana.
“We have a chance to put our students on display, and
tions, trade stalls, and entertainment.
Sherwyn Blackman, ACEO (Secondary), delivered the feature address during the opening ceremo-
more creatively recognise what are some of the ways in which students themselves can contribute to the development of their country.”
“This is exactly what
the STEAM fair speaks to
– how well we can use science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to show creative ways in which we can send a strong message, a strong message to our school population, a message to our community, and a message to the country as a whole in terms of how you can contribute. And in this case, we're talking about the sustainable development of Guyana.”
Standing out as a significant accomplishment, he relayed that for mathematics this year, they’ve seen some of the projects from other regions that have actually helped schools teach mathematics differently.
“We've seen projects over the years in mathematics that schools have actually used to teach mathematics differently, and this year I’ve seen some of the pieces coming from some of the other regions that have completed or concluded their activities. I’ve seen some pieces
from Region Three, where students have demonstrated yet again, even at the primary level, that they can, with their teachers, come up with very creative ways of displaying, correcting, changing, or improving some aspect of education or development in their country.”
He also added that this allows students to channel skills within them.
“And so I believe that it will create an opportunity for our young people to be able to demonstrate not just their projects, but all of the other skills that they would have learned over the period of time as they make those presentations.”
Aside from this, he said that we will see how schools have used either science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematics to help create a better school or environment.
Meanwhile, a wide range of innovative technologies was on display, and this newscast spoke with several
exhibitors showcasing their steam-powered products.
The Guyana times caught up with two studentsAkeelah Sandy and Shania Brisport who developed an innovative method for extracting crude oil in cases of oil spills.
“So, we know that right now ExxonMobil is going through a lot of production with oil, so sometimes there might be a spill. We came up with a way to use husk to take away from the waterway. It will ease the strain of going abroad to get people to help us, so we think the Government should implement this."
"Coconut husks are hydrophobic in nature and are a good adsorbent material, meaning it absorbs oil and other substances. It takes
approximately two hours."
Not far off were studentsAssyiria Ceasar and Kamran Tularam from the Marian Academy, who developed an efficient project aimed at helping agricultural farmers enhance productivity and streamline their farming practices.
“What we have here is a device that uses a soil tester, could test the moisture of the soil, the amount of light entering the area, and the pH level. Our seed dispenser is made from home-found parts and dispenses the seeds as it drives. I really think the Government should implement this project because some farmers are labouring really hard, and I think a device or contraption like this would really benefit them in agricultural rice planting.”
Almost 1000 persons in unserved communities added to GPL grid in 2024
Almost 1000 new households in 11 previously unserved communities were provided electricity for the first time when they were added to the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) operated by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).
This was among the utility company’s major highlights for 2024. Head of the GPL Executive Management Committee, Kesh Nandalall explained that this was as a result of regularisation activities carried out by the Ministry of Housing in 2024. These additions also do not include the many housing schemes currently being created by the Government.
This was mainly for communities in Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Six and included the
Police seize over 1kg ganja in separate operations
Police ranks from Regional Division 4B (DemeraraMahaica) and Division #2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam) carried out separate operations on Monday resulting in the discovery of large quantities of marijuana.
Reports are that at about 16:00h on Monday, ranks on mobile patrol near the Kaneville squatting area, East Bank Demerara (EBD) noticed a group of men gathered under a shed in front of an unfenced yard. Upon approach, the officers conducted a search of the individuals, but no illicit items were found on their persons.
Continuing their search, the ranks expanded their
efforts to the surrounding area, where they discovered a black plastic bag containing a significant quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. The bag was found approximately 50 feet from the group, concealed in nearby bushes. The substance was weighed and amounted to 133.61 grams. No arrests were made in connection with the discovery, but the bag was seized by the police.
Earlier in the day, at about 12:50h, police ranks from Regional Police Division #2 were also on mobile patrol along the Essequibo Coast, specifically in the vicinity of Lima Village. The officers came across a Wish motor car, licence plate #PAG 1209,
with three individuals onboard, including the driver.
A thorough search of the vehicle, its occupants and personal belongings led to the discovery of a grey and black bag in the trunk of the vehicle, belonging to one of the passengers. Inside the bag, police found a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems that were suspected to be cannabis.
The man was informed of the findings and admitted ownership of the bag’s contents, stating, “It’s mine.” The 959.5 grams of marijuana was weighed in his presence. Following his confession, the passenger was arrested and taken to the Anna Regina Police Station, where he remains in custody pending formal charges.
communities of New Forest in Region Six (East CanjeBerbice), Samville, Kuru Kuru on the Soesdyke Highway and their surrounding communities.
In Region Six areas where residents had never been connected to the grid included the Upper East Canje area, the East Bank of Berbice (EBB), and sections of Crabwood Creek (CWC). This involved some nine9 kilometers of medium and low voltage lines being installed.
Prior to last year the last village in East Canje, which was connected to the national grid was Gangaram. The three populated villages that come after and stretch eight miles from Gangaram to New Forest;
Speculation, Zorg, and Good Land, like New Forest had never been connected to the national grid.
It was during the first half of 2024 that residents of New Forest had raised concerns about their lack of accessibility to electricity with President Dr Irfaan Ali during one of his visits to the community.
The President promised immediate action, and within weeks GPL began work in the area. By December 2024 works on the infrastructure were completed and residents were able to receive their electricity. The access to electricity has significantly improved the comfort of residents within their homes and enhanced security within the village.
The expansion was part of the Government’s approach to expanding energy infrastructure across the country, especially in those remote areas.
In Samville, approximately 500 residents benefitted from the expansion of electricity supply in that area. That initiative also represented a fulfillment of a promise by the President to alleviate concerns raised by residents in those communities. The community was without electricity given that it was first developed as a squatter settlement.
However, the Housing Ministry worked along with the residents to have the area regularised
“Chicken Man” remanded for incitement to murder ‘‘Dutchie’’
Seeindra Marimutoo, also known as "Chicken Man”, was remanded to prison on Monday on a murder charge.
The 44-year-old self-employed man from Portuguese Quarters, Corentyne, Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Tuana Hardy at the Whim Magistrate’s Court. He was charged with the murder of Marciano Michel Nelson, also known as "Dutchie."
The charge was filed under Section 102(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. Marimutoo was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge and was remanded to prison. The case is scheduled to continue on April 4.
Nelson, known as "Dutchie," was murdered in Bangladesh, Port Mourant, on the morning of December 22, 2024.
Twenty-four-year-old Nicholas Chinarine, also known as “Kakoo,” a labourer and 22-year-old of Christopher Chinarine, along with Michael Anthony Brijjader, also known as “Mickey,” a 31-year-old labourer all of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, are currently before the court for Lelon’s murder.
Lelon was one of several persons arrested after the teen bandit was killed following a broached robbery on a
jewelry stall at Port Mourant Market.
The police arrested Lelon, Marimutoo and others after video of the killing of Pertab.
The Surinamese national was subsequently released from police custody and became a witness for the police against Marimutoo.
However, he was subsequently found dead in a trench at Port Morant.
The two men who reportedly confessed to killing him reportedly told investigators that the murder accused had his sister hire them to kill the Surinamese national for implicating the poultry vendor in the murder of the teen bandit.
The brother reportedly told detectives that they were promised payment when the poultry vendor is released from prison.
Teen bandit killed On October 26, 18-yearold Parmand Pertab, also called “Mikey”, of Lot 45 “C” Hampshire Village, Corentyne, died after being attacked by a vigilante group at Port Mourant.
Pertab and an accomplice had robbed a goldsmith at the Port Mourant Market. In the process of fleeing with the booty, the teenager was attacked and killed.
The incident was video recorded and shows a group of armed men inflecting injuries of a helpless Pertab, who collapsed and died shortly after.
Marimutoo was subsequently charged for Pertab’s death.
However, the charge was subsequently withdrawn and a manslaughter charge implemented on January 23, and he was granted bail.
The 959.5 grams of suspected marijuana that was found by Police at Lima, Essequibo Coast
Seeindra Marimutoo called ''Chicken Man''
The marijuana that was found at Kaneville squatting area, East Bank Demerara
Recover Guyana, GGI, Education Ministry launch water purification system
Creating opportunities to attain pure water, Recover Guyana, in partnership with the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) and the Education Ministry, has officially launched the
technical confidence, environmental leadership, and a sense of ownership that will carry forward into their communities and future careers.
Speaking at the event was Dr Dave Lalltoo, who re-
at a scheduled interval, reducing the need for manual maintenance, ensuring it is long-lasting and hygienic.
Furthermore, the system is designed with a closedloop water recycling mech-
West Demerara Secondary School’s new water purification system.
This system has been designed to extend its impact far beyond water consumption.
It will serve as a live learning tool for the science department, where the process of reverse osmosis and ultraviolet filtration can be integrated into classroom instruction.
It will support Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) students by offering practical, real-world applications of scientific concepts covered in the curriculum.
Additionally, the school's environmental club will be entrusted with overseeing aspects of the system's basic operations and upkeep, giving students a meaningful role in the conservation of water and reduction of plastic waste.
By putting the project into the hands of young people, their aim is to nurture
layed that in the long term, the school will save a vast array of money from this initiative.
“They will save approximately $55,000 per week by eliminating the need to purchase bottled water, amounting to over $2.8 million annually. Just as important, the school will be reducing its consumption of more than 35,000 plastic bottles each year and 175,000 by 2030. A direct contribution to Guyana's national goals under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) 13 Climate Action.”
He added that the water is subjected to ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, which sterilises it by eliminating any remaining microorganisms without the use of chemicals.
On that note, it was underlined that a notable innovation of the system is the ability to automatically backwash and flush itself
anism, where excess water, such as runoff from the motion sensor dispensers, is recaptured and treated again, minimising waste and maximising efficiency.
In fact, this system is set to be replicated in other schools across Guyana, bringing the same transformative goal.
“Looking ahead, our goal is clear: to replicate this system in other public secondary schools across Guyana, including special-needs educational institutions and those in hinterland and indigenous communities, by the year 2030. In doing so, we aim to create a generation of young people who are healthier, more informed, and more empowered,” Lalltoo stated.
This project is part of a wider initiative being implemented by Recover Guyana, and we are proud to say it aligns seamlessly with the GGI core pillars.
Meanwhile, Assistant Chief Education Officer
examining
Sherwyn Blackman relayed that this initiative gives students a vast sense of enhancement to the overall environment.
“It brings a deeper sense of appreciation when you can
draw a glass of water, but it gives you a sense of ownership when you can go to a facility within your space where you can draw from it and drink. Once we can roll this out, it has other values that can enhance the environment,” he added.
“It gives you an opportunity to cut down on your cost because you don’t have to depend on the water at home or buy it here; you can get it right here at excellent quality.”
Major development projects
Govt engages EBD residents on relocation
The Government on Monday met with a number of persons whose proprietary interests are likely to be affected by the corridor earmarked for the Guyana Power & Light (GPL) transmission lines from the Gas to Shore Generational Facility and the new East Bank Demerara (EBD) Highway (Diamond to Soesdyke).
The engagement was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
Addressing the over 200 residents were Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall and Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal as well as other officials.
“As we have always done, this process will scrupulously follow the law, will be fair as well as transparent. Every ef-
fort will be made to reach consensual positions,” Nandlall assured.
He further noted that, “every person is free to retain a lawyer of their choice and if they cannot afford to do so, the State will provide one for them.”
“Similarly, every person has a right to a valuation of-
ficer of their choice to advise them in the process. Every effort will be made to minimise the acquisition of private property,” he added. In an invited comment to this publication, the attorney general also assured that the Government will offer fair market value as compensation to affected residents.
Officials
the water purification facility
President of Recover Guyana, Dr Dave Lalltoo; Lead of The Greater Guyana Initiative, Alicia BessAnderson; and Assistant Chief Education Officer for Secondary, Sherwyn Blackman of the Ministry of Education
Ribbon-cutting ceremony (ACEO) (Secondary)
Residents from the EBD at the meeting on Monday
Caricom, IICA kick off electronic market information system initiative training
…system to be implemented by April month end
Representatives and focal points from the agricultural sector in CARICOM, last Tuesday, began training on an electronic market information system that is scheduled to be activated by April month-end.
The CARICOM Electronic Agriculture Market Information System is a government-to-government platform designed to provide timely and accurate information about commodity availability, buyers, sellers, and quantities on the regional market, aiming to boost intra-regional trade.
The 115th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic
Development (COTED) in October last year, mandated the establishment of the Electronic Agriculture Market Information System as part of a suite of actions to improve the trade in agriculture within CARICOM.
Agriculture ministers stressed at the meeting in St Vincent and the Grenadines, that collaboration and coordination between Member States were necessary to boost intra-regional trade.
The market information system is therefore designed as a government-to-government platform where information on buyers and sellers and quantity of commod-
ities can be accessed. The system is expected to facilitate quicker engagement between buyers and sellers, establish prices, and streamline trade processes within the region.
The training is a collaborative effort between the CARICOM Secretariat and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).
During the hour-long interactive training session conducted by Mr. Randall Vargas, IT Specialist at IICA, participants benefitted from a demonstration on the features of the system. The focal points also provided recommendations to improve the platform to ensure it benefits both pro -
ducers and buyers and incorporates elements of other information systems to which the Region subscribes.
Programme Manager, Agricultural and AgroIndustrial Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, Mr. Shaun Baugh, and Representative/CARICOM Liaison, IICA Delegation in Guyana, Mr. Wilmot Garnett, briefly addressed participants at the training session.
Baugh encouraged the focal points to ensure they communicate the information in a timely manner via the platform.
“Our records indicate that annually we give up in excess of US$1B in terms of imports and the waiver of the CET – the Common External Tariff that we
charge on imported goods. It presents a real opportunity under the 25 by 25 (food security) Initiative for us to create new industries, and to even strengthen and bolster our food security initiatives. This is a real opportunity for the Region, and I am looking forward to see how we can allow the system to share information on available produce and products throughout the Region and also to build a network of contact with the persons here to fast-track the speed at which we do business and how we trade amongst each other,” he said.
Acknowledging the “formal settings’ of trade in the Region, Mr. Garnett also alluded to the opportunities of the system to “quickly engage one another, es-
tablish what the prices will be and get things moving within our Region… This is something that we can work on together.”
Moreover, the market information system is part of a broader effort to strengthen the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), which aims to create a single enlarged economic space with free movement of goods, services, persons, capital, and the right of establishment.
The CARICOM Secretariat is also working on other ICT initiatives, including the development of online platforms to promote regional trade and business, and exploring SmartRoom Guyana as a step towards a single regional ICT space.
Demerara Mutual expands to Essequibo Coast
Demerara Mutual
Life Assurance
Society Ltd has announced that it has opened a branc at Suddie, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).
Speaking at the launch event, CEO Melissa DeSantos emphasized Demerara Mutual’s dedication to its policyholders in Essequibo. “We already serve clients here, but we don’t want them to feel neglected. This branch brings us closer to them, ensuring
they receive the dedicated service they deserve.”
Demerara Mutual has a strong presence across Guyana, with branches in Linden, Berbice, Mahaicony, and Leonora. The opening of the Suddie branch further strengthens the company’s mission of accessibility, excellence, and customer satisfaction. “We are a one-stop insurance provider, offering life assurance, general insurance, and financial planning, all backed by our ISO certifica -
tion. Our goal is to ensure that Essequibo residents receive the highest standard of protection and service,” DeSantos added. Operations Manager, Mrs Charles, extended her gratitude to the leadership team, staff, and valued clients. “Your confidence in us has fueled our growth for 133 years, and we are excited to bring our trusted services to Essequibo. This is not just an office—it’s a commitment to serving this community with integrity and excellence.”
The ceremonial cutting of the ribbon to declare the Essequibo Coast branch open
Regional Cubans lament end of American dream as Trump overhauls migration policy
Naydin Hernandez stood on Havana's waterfront Malecon boulevard on Monday, in tears and praying after her dream of joining her daughter in the United States appeared to be over.
"God knows I miss her," said Hernandez of her 21-year-old daughter. "I want to see her."
Hernandez had applied for entry under a "parole" programme launched by Democratic former President Joe Biden that allowed migrants with a sponsor to temporarily reside and work in the United States.
But she said her hopes were surely dashed after the Administration of Republican President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that it would end the programme and revoke the temporary legal
status of 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans in the United States.
A draft Federal Register notice called the programme ineffective and said it had pushed the bounds of legality.
The announcement has sown confusion and heartbreak among many residents of the communist-run Caribbean island, suffering through an ongoing economic crisis and long accustomed to policies that favoured their entry into the United States over other nationalities.
Upwards of 700,000 Cubans entered the US during the four years of the Biden Administration, according to Customs and Border Protection and Department of Homeland Security tallies. Of those, it
is not clear how many enrolled in programmes that provide another form of protection or legal status. But many such programmes, including ones designed to facilitate a path to citizenship for Cubans, were frozen by the Trump Administration in February and placed under review.
On Monday, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said the US had tempted Cubans to migrate then turned them back, calling it an "act of cruel cynicism".
Havana resident Dario Mendez, a 20-year-old engineering student, said many he knew had "sacrificed everything" to migrate to the United States.
Forcing them to return now, he said, would be unfair. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Trump to impose 25% tariff on countries that buy oil, gas from Venezuela
President Donald Trump said countries that purchase oil and gas from Venezuela will face a 25 per cent tariff on the trade those nations have with the US, starting April 2.
China was the largest destination for Venezuelan crude last year, followed by the US, India, and Spain.
The Treasury Department also extended Chevron’s licence to produce oil in Venezuela until May 27.
Trump says any country buying oil from Venezuela will have to pay 25% tariff on trade with U.S.
Countries that buy oil and gas from Venezuela will face tariffs on any trade they have with the US, Trump said in a post on his social media plat-
form Truth Social.
“If they buy their oil from Venezuela, they have to pay a 25 per cent tariff to do business with the United States —that’s on top of existing tariffs,” Trump said during a press conference at the White House.
Venezuela exported about 660,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2024, according to data from Kpler. China was the largest destination for the South American nation’s crude exports, purchasing 270,000 bpd last year.
“This announcement by the Trump administration appears to be one more action targeting China,” Matt Smith, an oil analyst at Kpler, told CNBC.
“We expect oil prices to go higher in light of this news and may rise further
if Trump follows through with this proclamation,”
analyst Leo Mariani at Roth told clients in a note.
The US was the second-largest destination for Venezuelan crude last year, importing about 233,000 bpd, according to Kpler. India purchased about 61,000 bpd and Spain bought nearly 60,000 bpd in 2024.
Trump has sought to increase pressure on the Nicolas Maduro regime since taking office. The president accused Venezuela of sending Tren de Aragua gang members to the US when announcing the tariffs on Monday. The Trump Administration has designated the gang as a foreign terrorist organisation. (Excerpt from CNBC)
El Salvador Supreme Court to hear defence of jailed Venezuelans deported from US
Alaw firm on Monday presented a habeas corpus lawsuit to El Salvador's Supreme Court in defence of 30 Venezuelan citizens jailed in the Central American nation's so-called mega-prison after being deported there by the United States.
The lawsuit, which will seek to question the legality of their detention, comes after the United States sent 238 Venezuelans to El Salvador, accusing them of being members of the Tren de Aragua gang.
The judges in charge of the case are allies of President Nayib Bukele, who has offered to hold US. prisoners in its prison system and accepted payment from the United States to do so.
Lawyer Jaime Ortega
told reporters outside the court that while 30 Venezuelan nationals had granted them the powers of attorney to represent them, they would request habeas corpus for the rest of the Venezuelans detained in the country.
"We are demanding first that they be immediately released, and failing that, that there be an orderly and systematic transfer and repatriation as required by our immigration laws," he said.
Ortega said that his firm had been asked to represent the migrants by Venezuela's Government and a committee of family members.
However, the Venezuelan citizens were later received in El Salvador where they were taken into custody in a massive anti-terrorism prison under a deal in which Washington is paying El Salvador's Government US$6 million, according to the White House.
Lawyers and family members of many of the migrants deny that they are members of Tren de Aragua and US Judge James Boasberg ruled on Monday that they must be given the chance to challenge the Government's claim that they are gang members. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Some 137 of the group of Venezuelans were deported under an obscure US wartime law targeting "alien enemies" that was quickly blocked by a US Judge, who ordered the flight carrying the Venezuelan citizens to turn around.
TPP Chair slams Rowley's 'crab-in-barrel' comment
Tobago People’s Party (TPP) Chair Ann Natasha-Second has slammed the former Prime Minister for saying Tobagonians were "behaving like 60,000 crabs in a barrel”.
She also accused the People’s National Movement (PNM) of “deliberately and consistently placing Tobago into that barrel,” by its actions over the years.
Second was speaking at the party’s special convention on March 23 at Rovanel’s Resort, Store Bay Local Road, Bon Accord.
As he wound up his ad-
dress at the practical completion of the new terminal at the ANR Robinson International Airport, Tobago, on March 15, Dr Keith Rowley said he was tired of the THA’s attempts to thwart progress on the island.
He said, “For God’s sake, can’t we all just get along. Ah fed up of the ‘rah rah.’ Ah fed up of the ‘yah yah.’ Sixty-thousand people and you behaving like 60,000 crabs in a barrel.”
Dr Rowley said if people do not have anything useful to say or contribute, “silence is golden.
“When you have some-
thing useful to contribute, come forward and come forward with conviction. But at every step of the way, respect and service.”
In her address, NatashaSecond described Rowley’s statement as “a flagrant display of disrespect” to Tobagonians.
She claimed the philosophies and structures of the central government have been set up to “turn the majority of your children in Tobago and in Trinidad into hopeless, desperate crabs in a barrel for the foreseeable future”. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)
CCJ names Nigerian as new Judge to replace Barbadian jurist
The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC), has appointed Dr Chile Eboe-Osuji of Nigeria and Canada as a Judge of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
The RJLSC, independent body responsible for recruiting staff and judges for the CCJ, said that EboeOsuj will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Andrew Burgess on April 11, this year.
It said that Justice Eboe-Osuji is an international jurist, who served as a Judge of the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC), from March 2012 to March 2018 and as
ICC President from March 2018 to March 2021.
Prior to joining the ICC, Dr Eboe-Osuji was the legal advisor to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and in that capacity, he led the writing of amicus curiae submissions to the European Court of Human Rights and the United States Supreme Court. He has held several posts at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, including head of Chambers and lead prosecution Trial Counsel.
He practised law as a barrister before trial courts in Nigeria and Canada and conducted appeals before the Court of Appeal for
Ontario (Canada) and the Supreme Court of Canada. Dr Eboe-Osuji also taught international criminal law as an adjunct professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Ottawa, Canada, and has an extensive record of legal scholarship and publications, including the books titled International Law and Sexual Violence in Armed Conflicts, and Protecting Humanity He is the editor-in-chief of the Nigerian Yearbook of International Law. He served as the legal expert to Nigeria’s delegation to the ICC-ASP Special Working Group on the Definition of the Crime of Aggression. (Excerpt from CMC)
A customer buys food at a private grocery shop in Havana, Cuba, March 24, 2025 (Reuters/Norlys Perez photo)
Around the World
OOil down amid Black Sea ceasefire hopes, impending tariffs
OIL NEWS
Egypt makes new proposal to restore Gaza truce as Israeli strikes kill 65
Egypt has floated a new proposal aimed at restoring the Gaza ceasefire deal, security sources told Reuters on Monday, as Palestinian health authorities said Israeli strikes had killed at least 65 persons in the enclave in the previous 24 hours.
Mansour and Hussam Shabat, medics said. The Palestinian Journalist Syndicate said at least 206 Journalists have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since early October 2023, when the conflict erupted. There was no immediate Israeli comment.
il prices fell on Monday as investors weighed the potential impact of US-brokered Russia-Ukraine peace talks, while concerns about the global economy remained due to impending US reciprocal tariffs.
The international benchmark, Brent crude, decreased by around 0.36 per cent, trading at US$71.46 per barrel at 0840 GMT, down from US$71.72 at the previous session's close.
The US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) declined by about 0.37 per cent, settling at US$68 per barrel, compared to its prior session close of US$68.25.
Investors are closely monitoring US-brokered RussiaUkraine peace talks, which, if successful, could boost Russian oil supply, while a US delegation is pursuing a Black Sea ceasefire in meetings with Russian and Ukrainian officials.
Ukraine held "productive" talks with a US delegation in Saudi Arabia, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said Sunday on X, highlighting discussions on key issues, including energy.
He reiterated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's goal of a "just and lasting peace" for Ukraine. The meeting precedes US-Russia talks on a potential ceasefire, though ongoing strikes raise doubts about progress.
The US is set to implement reciprocal tariffs on April 2, aiming to align tariffs with those imposed by other countries on its goods.
These impending tariffs have sparked uncertainty about the global economy, with experts warning that a slowdown in economic growth could reduce oil demand.
US President Donald Trump hinted at "flexibility" regarding the tariffs, stating on Friday that there would be room for adjustments, despite initially showing reluctance to allow exemptions.
"People are coming to me and asking if they can have exceptions," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
However, fresh US sanctions on Iran continue to raise expectations of tighter supply in global oil markets.
Last week, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 19 entities and vessels tied to Iran's oil exports, while the US State Department sanctioned a Chinese oil terminal for buying and storing Iranian crude from a sanctioned vessel.
The move is having an impact on the physical market, with spot and near-term futures gaining for oil from the Middle East, according to Daniel Hynes, a senior commodity strategist at the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group.
"Asian traders are said to be holding back from purchasing Iranian crude," Hynes said in an emailed-note.
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, known as OPEC+, issued a new schedule for seven member countries to make further production cuts to compensate previous overproductions.
This move is expected to offset the impact of the group's planned monthly production increases set to begin in April. (Anadolu Agency)
White House mistakenly shares Yemen war plans with a journalist at The Atlantic
Top Trump Administration officials mistakenly disclosed war plans in a messaging group that included a journalist shortly before the US attacked Yemen's Iranaligned Houthis, the White House said on Monday, following a first-hand account by The Atlantic.
Democratic lawmakers swiftly blasted the misstep, saying it was a breach of US national security and a violation of law that must be investigated by Congress.
The Atlantic's edi-
tor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg said in a report on Monday that he was unexpectedly invited on March 13 to an encrypted chat group on the Signal messaging app called the "Houthi PC small group."
In the group, national security adviser Mike Waltz tasked his deputy Alex Wong with setting up a "tiger team" to coordinate US action against the Houthis. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said the chat group appeared to be authentic.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
The proposal, made last week, follows an escalation in violence after Israel resumed air and ground operations against Hamas militants on March 18, ending a two-month period of relative calm after 15 months of war.
Gaza health officials said Israeli airstrikes and shelling have killed nearly 700 Palestinians since then, including at least 400 women and children.
Among those killed on Monday were two local Journalists, Mohammad
Islamist group Hamas said several of its senior political and security officials had also been killed.
Later on Monday, the Israeli military said it had intercepted a missile launched from Yemen before it crossed into Israel. Warning sirens had sounded in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and other areas. Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen have at times fired missiles at Israel in support of Hamas fighters.
The Egyptian plan calls for Hamas to release five
Israeli hostages each week, with Israel implementing the second phase of the ceasefire after the first week, two security sources said.
Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, with 24 thought to be still alive, among the more than 250 it seized in its October 7, 2023 cross-border attack on Israel. Most of the rest have been freed, or their bodies handed over, in negotiated exchanges.
Both the US and Hamas have agreed to the proposal, the security sources said, but Israel has not yet responded.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Russian missile attack wounds 88 in Ukraine's Sumy, officials say
ARussian missile attack hit a densely-populated district of Ukraine's northeastern city of Sumy, wounding 88 persons, including 17 children, on Monday as ceasefire talks ploughed on, officials said.
Regional governor Volodymyr Artiukh announced the latest casualty toll on national television. He said many more children had escaped injury as they had been evacuated to
air raid shelters.
"They were in the area in a densely-populated area hit by the enemy strike," Artiukh told the television.
"Two schools fell within the impact zone. I was present when our rescuers cleared the locations where the children were. They were in protective structures. All the children were rescued and evacuated to a safe place."
Several high-rise residential blocks in the city
Trump pushes US claims to Greenland as territory's leaders lambast US delegation trip
President Donald Trump on Monday doubled down on his suggestion that the US should take over Greenland as leaders from the semi-autonomous Danish territory criticised a planned trip there this week by a high-profile US delegation.
"I think Greenland is going to be something that maybe is in our future," Trump told reporters after a meeting with officials in his Cabinet, saying it was important for US national security.
Greenland's outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede called plans by the US delegation to visit an American military base and attend a dog sled race a "provocation", and said his caretaker government would not meet
with the group.
Trump said his Administration was working with "people in Greenland" who want something to happen, but did not elaborate.
"They're calling us," he said. "We're not calling them."
The US visit, which runs from Thursday to Saturday, will be led by Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, and include White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Trump has made US annexation of Greenland a major talking point since his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, paid a private visit to the vast, mineral-rich island in January.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
centre were also damaged.
Artiukh had earlier spoken in a video that he said was shot at the scene with heavy black smoke, fires and a car with shattered windows in the background. Smoke also rose from the upper floors of a five-storey residential
block nearby.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy deplored the attack in his nightly video address as the latest example of "losses, pain and destruction, something Ukraine never wanted". (Excerpt from Reuters)
Pope Francis returns to Vatican, but remains out of public view
After 38 days in hospital battling double pneumonia almost entirely out of sight, Pope Francis made his first public appearance on Sunday since February 14 and returned to the Vatican.
But with his doctors prescribing the 88-year-old pontiff another two months of rest to allow his ageing body to fully heal, it is unclear
how often people will get to see the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics in the coming weeks.
The pope left Rome's Gemelli hospital on Sunday and returned to the Casa Santa Marta (St Martha's House), a small building at the Vatican which has been his home since his election as pontiff in 2013.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Rescuers and volunteers evacuate a wounded person from an apartment building damaged during a Russian missile strike amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Sumy, Ukraine, March 24, 2025 (Reuters/Stringer)
A Palestinian boy collects books at the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Gaza City, March 24, 2025 (Reuters/Dawoud Abu Alkas photo)
Take a direct route and maximize your time. Be the one to push for change and to convince others to join your team. Lead the way, and you will make a difference.
Look at your to-do list and map out how you plan to clear out the backlog. Do your best to stay on track and to keep busy. Say no to anyone who tries to redirect or take advantage of you.
Size up situations, and you'll quickly see who is on your side and who isn't. Take control and be the one to bring about positive change, and you'll gain respect and support.
Be discreet regarding your agenda. Not everyone will agree with what you want to do, and some will mislead or take advantage of you if you are too accommodating with information.
Learn, observe, gain experience and talk to experts. How you use your time and energy will determine how far you get. Connect with those capable of caring for obligations you can't do yourself.
Embrace change and learn from experience. Your growth will change how you feel and who you choose to connect with. Strive for security, stability and personal satisfaction.
Trust and believe in your ability to do what's best for you, and don't let anyone speak on your behalf. It's time to expand your interests and verbalize your plans.
Set your sights on something unique, and let your creative imagination lead the way. Refuse to let your emotions dictate your reaction to domestic situations that you have no control over.
Look for exciting opportunities, but don't be foolish or trust everything you hear. Verify information and adjust whatever you discover to suit your needs.
Listening to too many people's versions of a certain matter will convolute communication. Consider your options and how to make the most of your situation.
Keep the momentum and the money flowing. Consider joint ventures or shared expenses to ease stress and simplify your life. Strive to make things more comfortable and convenient.
Your focus and energy need to be on your goals. Refuse to let anyone intervene or throw you off track. Uncertainty is the enemy. Leave nothing to chance.
ARCHIE
Ashutosh Sharma was going nowhere.
He was on 20 off 20 balls. The required rate was over 12. Then he flicked a switch and decided to make Delhi Capitals' opening game of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Visakhapatnam, all about him.
With 62 needed off 30, with four wickets in hand, Ashutosh went bang, bang and then some more as he smashed 46 off his next 11 balls to lead DC to an epic one-wicket win with just three balls to spare. Arms raised, he was engulfed by his team-mates as a bewildered Rishabh Pant, DC's ex-Captain now leading LSG, looked on.
LSG, sent in to bat and riding on Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh's whirlwind knocks, had posted 209 for 8. At one point, they had looked set for much more, even 250, but the DC bowlers came back in style, conceding only 48 runs off the last seven overs and picking up six wickets. While Pooran and Marsh accounted for 147 off 66 balls, the rest of LSG's batters managed just 55 off 55 between them.
DC were reduced to 7 for 3 in their chase and at most stages looked down and out, but they found a new hero in the debutant Vipraj Nigam, who walked out at number
She reassured the Chung family, who were all present in Buenos Aires, Argentina, that Chung's experience in this competition would only propel him forward, and with their encouragement, his best was yet to come.
Persaud-McKinnon reaffirmed Archery Guyana's pride in Chung and commitment to standing by him as he continued his athletic journey.
Despite the loss, Chung performed admirably against an opponent with significantly more com-
eight, with 97 needed in 45 balls, and thrashed 39 off 15. He fell with DC needing 42 off 23, but Ashutosh made sure to haul DC over the line, finishing things off with a six down the ground off Shahbaz Ahmed.
Smashutosh Ashutosh had been Punjab Kings' finisher supreme in IPL 2024, playing blinders one after the other. But they often did not come in winning causes, with Ashutosh falling just short of the finishing line in thrilling chases against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians. Now, playing for a new team, he entered the match as their Impact Player with DC in more than a spot of bother at 65 for 5 in 6.4 overs. He started slowly, taking time to find his touch, but made sure he did not throw his wicket away.
Losing Tristan Stubbs did not help, and at 116 for 6 in 13 overs, ESPNcricinfo's win probability for DC was 1.46 per cent. But Ashutosh has made fighting the odds a habit. He got excellent support from Nigam, who actually got the chase going. The all-rounder first took on Ravi Bishnoi, carting him for two fours and a six in the 14th over, and then hacked Shahbaz for a four and a six in the next.
While Nigam fell to fellow debutant Digvesh Rathi,
Indian Premier League 2025...
Ashutosh stuns LSG as DC complete 1-wicket heist
Ashutosh was in no mood to stop. He went 6, 4, 6 against Bishnoi and the equation came down to a manageable 22 off 12, though DC only had two wickets in hand. It came down to the last wicket when Kuldeep Yadav was run out in an attempt to sneak a bye and get Ashutosh back on strike, but that sacrifice seemed worth it when Ashutosh hit the last two balls of that over, from Prince Yadav, for six and four to take DC into the final over needing just six.
No 11 Mohit Sharma was on strike for the first ball, and he could have been dismissed when he overbalanced, looking to flick Shahbaz against the turn. The ball missed his outside edge and deflected off his back leg, causing Pant to fumble a half-chance for a stumping, but he took a review for lbw; ball-tracking suggested the ball would have just missed off stump. Mohit then managed to push the next ball away for a single, bringing Ashutosh back on strike. Ashutosh walloped Shahbaz straight into the sightscreen, and the DC dugout erupted with joy.
LSG cut through DC's top order
New DC Captain Axar Patel had said at the toss that he was bowling first because he did not "want to take a risk with the dew later on". Unfortunately for him, DC's top order collapsed even before the dew could take effect. And it was Shardul Thakur who made the early strikes. Thakur was not even supposed to be
at the IPL. He went unsold at the auction, and was supposed to be playing county cricket for Essex while the IPL was on. But the injured Mohsin Khan was ruled out and Thakur found a way in.
And in his first over, he had Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel miscuing. There was excellent captaincy as well from Pant, who stationed a long-off for Fraser-McGurk. He miscued an outswinger in that fielder's direction while attempting to go over the on side, and Ayush Badoni completed a good catch. Two balls later, Porel mistimed an outswinger to Pooran at mid-off.
Sameer Rizvi came in and creamed a cover drive first ball but fell soon after, giving the left-arm spinner M Siddharth his first wicket as DC slipped to 7 for 3 in the second over. Axar and Faf du Plessis did a repair job of sorts, adding 43 off 23 balls, but both fell in successive overs and DC were 65 for 5 in the seventh.
Pooran and Marsh light up Vizag In IPL 2024, LSG were often found lagging in the powerplay. This season, they are on a mission to fix that, and Marsh and Pooran took on the responsibility. While Aiden Markram fell early, Marsh took on his countryman Mitchell Starc. Marsh, who is playing IPL 2025 as a specialist batter, piled on the runs in the powerplay – 43 off just 19 balls, the most he has ever scored in the phase in the IPL.
Pooran came in at number three and the onslaught came from both ends. While
Archery Guyana commends...
petition experience and the advantage of prior training camp participation. President Persaud-McKinnon acknowledged this, emphasising that Chung still delivered a commendable performance.
She also responded to the wildcard selection update, expressing disappointment but respect for the decision and extending congratulations to Puerto Rico for securing the men’s wildcard spot. She reinforced Archery Guyana’s gratitude for the opportunity to compete at this
level and the valuable experience gained.
Finally, the Archery Guyana President expressed appreciation to the organisers in Buenos Aires and to World Archery Americas and in particular, Secretary General Sergio Font for his dedication and efforts in supporting the competition.
Archery Guyana extends its sincere appreciation to the President, Godfrey Munroe, and Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) for
Marsh reached his half-century in 21 balls, Pooran took 24 to get there as LSG crossed the 100 mark in the ninth over. Pooran was particularly severe on the spinners. He smashed 60 runs off just 18 balls against them, at a strike rate of 333.33. That included a 28run over against Stubbs, with Pooran smashing his offspin for four back-to-back sixes and then a four. At the other end, Marsh was brutal against the quicks, going at 255.55 against them.
Pooran struck six fours and seven sixes in his 30ball 75, while Marsh hammered six fours and six sixes in his 36-ball 72. When they were together, even 250 seemed to be on for LSG.
But it would all go awry, soon.
Kuldeep, Starc derail LSG
At 161 for 2 after 13 overs, the sky was the lim-
Lucknow Super Giants (20 ovs maximum)
Aiden Markram c Starc
b Nigam 15
Mitchell Marsh c Stubbs
b Mukesh Kumar 72
Nicholas Pooran
b Starc 75
Rishabh Pant (c)† c du Plessis
b Kuldeep Yadav 0
David Miller not out 27
Ayush Badoni c Stubbs
b Kuldeep Yadav 4
Shardul Thakur run out
(Patel/†Abishek Porel 0
Shahbaz Ahmed c sub (T Vijay)
b Starc 9
Ravi Bishnoi
b Starc 0
it for LSG. ESPNcricinfo's forecaster had them scoring 246, and they looked like going beyond. But Starc and Kuldeep brought DC roaring back into the game. Kuldeep first took out Pant for a six-ball duck, as he toe-ended straight to long-off. Starc then rattled Pooran's stumps with a full delivery that tailed in late in the next over, the 15th. Badoni took Kuldeep on in the 17th and failed to clear long-on, and two balls later, Thakur was run out. Starc took out Shahbaz and Bishnoi in his final over, and LSG only added 33 runs from overs 14 to 19 while losing six wickets. That LSG even crossed 200 was down to David Miller thumping Mohit for two sixes off the last two balls of the innings. That took them to 209, and for the longest time it felt like it would be enough. It wasn't. (ESPNcricinfo)
Delhi Capitals (T: 210 runs from 20 ovs)
Jake Fraser-McGurk c Badoni
b Thakur 1
Faf du Plessis c Miller
Ravi
As Lucas Chung returns home, his journey continues, fuelled by experience, resilience, and the support of his family, federation, and country. Archery Guyana stands firmly behind him, ready for the next steps ahead. FROM PAGE 22
Digvesh Rathi not out 0
Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 4) 7
Total 20 Ov - 209/8
their continuous support of archery and the development of young athletes. Their commitment to sport and athlete development has played a crucial role in providing opportunities like these for Guyana’s representatives to shine on the international stage.
Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Aiden Markram, 4.4 ov), 2-133
Ashutosh Sharma's unbeaten 31-ball 66 revived Delhi from an almost hopeless situation
Vipraj Nigam gave LSG a scare with his freewheeling cameo
Milo U18 Football Tournament…
Waramuri, Bush Lot, Dolphin keep records clean
Another weekend of exhilarating Under-18 school football action saw the usual suspects walking away with victories as Round 2 of the Milo tournament continued on Sunday at the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Queen’s College Grounds.
At the MoE Ground on Carifesta Avenue, a Quaency Fraser double in the 11th and 64th minutes helped Bush Lot Secondary to their second consecutive win, defeating Ann’s Grove 3-1. While Gary Blair added to Bush Lot’s tally in the 48th minute, Jaylon Adams registered Ann’s Grove’s consolation in the 53rd minute. A high-scoring thriller followed as Westminster Secondary narrowly got past Abram Zuil 4-3. Keandre Carr broke the ice early in the sixth minute, followed by a Nickille Watson strike in the 10th for Westminster.
Germaine Garnett and Michael Singh joined the party, finding the back of the net in the 17th and 19th
minutes to put Westminster ahead by 4 at the half. However, in the second segment, Abram Zuil almost pulled off a stunning comeback with Traven Evans, Omar Kendall and Renando Wilson netting in the 50th, 55th and 69th minutes.
Waramuri Secondary later thumped Vreed-enHoop Secondary 7-1, with Denzell Abrams (18th, 46th) being the chief marksman, scoring two goals. Rondell Peters (10th); Erwin Booker (24th); Eldon Lewis (58th); Shakeel Marks (64th)
and Ricardo Lewis (66th) each added one goal to Waramuri’s tally.
Over at QC, Mikael Antigua (10th, 20th) also had two goals to his name, leading President’s College to a 5-1 victory over Tutorial High. Jamaine Caster (29th); Jude Andrews (25th) and Michael Joseph (60th) each found the back of the net once for PC as Akelo Bovell netted Tutorial’s lone response in the 59th.
One strike each off the boots of Jamol Williams (45th) and Ezekiel Frank-
Archery Guyana commends
Chung’s
outstanding Junior Pan Am Qualifier performance
The elimination rounds of the second Qualifier for the Junior Pan American Games 2025 concluded on Saturday, with 24 countries fiercely competing for a coveted spot, in Asunción, Paraguay. Among them, Guyana’s Lucas Chung proudly took to the field, representing the “Land of Many Waters” with skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
David (57th) sealed a 2-0 victory for Dolphin Secondary when they took on Yarrowkabra Secondary. Later on, West Ruimveldt Secondary brought the curtains down on the weekend’s action with a comfortable 4-0 win. Donovan Welcome registered a double in the 39th and 50th minutes, while Jeremiah Griffith and Ezekiel Stanford pierced the net in the 13th and 40th minutes respectively.
The Milo tournament will continue next weekend at the same venues, with the final round of the group stage action.
GCA Dave West Indian 1st Division tournament…
DCC and Police secure dominant victories
The Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Dave West Indian Inc First-Division 50-over competition continued on Sunday at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Ground located at Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown, Georgetown.
nings of 25 for 76 balls as he top-scored for the batting side. Dick started the collapse for the GCC by removing Ronaldo Ali Mohammed, Carlos Larose, and Devon Lord in quick time, restricting GCC to a total of 77 all-out. Pernell London (49 from 59 balls) led a comfortable run chase for PSC, reaching 81 for 3 in 16.3 overs.
After a strong start in his match against Jacob Mighty of Jamaica, Chung led 2-0 after the first end. However, despite a tightly-contested battle, Mighty ultimately advanced to the next round. The competition continued with eliminations from Ecuador, Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Peru, leading to a thrilling final line-up featuring Bolivia, Venezuela, Cuba, and Ecuador for the championship showdown on Sunday, March 23. Despite the result, Chung remains positive and determined. Reflecting on the experience, he shared: "Competing on the world stage and achieving my personal best score of 580 is something I will always cherish. This tournament has been an incredible learning opportunity, and I am grateful for the chance to connect with fellow archers from across the Americas. I look forward to more international competitions and continuing to grow as an athlete."
President Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon praised Chung for his dedication, resilience, and achievement in representing Guyana on the international stage. She acknowledged that while elimination is disappointing, true champions rise after setbacks. She highlighted his 18th birthday milestone, emphasising that this was just the beginning of his journey, and expressed confidence in his continued growth and success.
She also extended heartfelt appreciation to Chung’s family: Andrew, Christy, and Leianna, for their unwavering support, recognising their sacrifices and role in his achievements.
Archery Guyana
In a 41-over contest, DCC won the toss and elected to bat first against Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC). West Indies Test batsman Tevin Imlach set the platform for the DCC team, constructing an excellent innings of 83 from 75 balls that included seven fours and three sixes. Coming in at number five, 18-year-old Jonathan Van Lange would be the star on the day, making a brilliant century of 111 off only 73 balls. Walking in with the score at 72 for 3, Van Lange went on to blast seven sixes and seven fours in his innings. Alphius Bookie's impact on the game was also felt, with a quickfire 49 from 23 balls (six fours and two sixes). At the end of 41 overs, DCC had a mammoth total of 320 for 6 wickets. Nichosie Barker had the best bowling figures for MSC, taking 2 wickets for 71 runs in his 10 overs.
As a result of losing wickets consistently during the innings, MSC did not offer a threat to the total. Ashmead Nedd, a player
for the Guyana national team, and spinner Ezekiel Wilson dominated for DCC, taking four wickets apiece. After making 34 off 44 balls – two fours and two sixes – Barker became MSC's leading scorer of the match. MSC lost the match by 208 runs after being blown out for 122 in 23.4 overs.
At the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground, GCC went to battle with Police Sports Club (PSC). GCC opted to bat first and were dismantled by spinner Dwayne Dick, who had outstanding figures of 5 wickets for 8 runs in 5.5 overs. Quentin Sampson did some damage early, removing West Indies Test player Kevin Sinclair with the very first ball of the match. Nicholas Shiopersaud constructed an extremely patient in-
Guyana’s Lucas Chung alongside some of the other participants at the Junior Pan Am Qualifiers
Dwayne Dick had figures of 5 for 8
Century-maker Jonathan Van Lange (111 of 73 balls)
A glimpse of Milo U18 football action on Sunday
CPL 2025 bowls off in St Kitts on August 14
…complete 2025 fixtures unveiled
The schedule for the highly-anticipated 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has been officially confirmed.
This year’s tournament will take place from Thursday, August 14 to Sunday, September 21, bringing top-tier T20 cricket action to six host nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago.
A total of 34 matches will be played, with each of the six teams competing in 10 groupstage fixtures. The knockout rounds will be held at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, promising an electrifying conclusion to the competition. All six teams will host home matches, ensuring fans across the region can experience the excite-
ment firsthand.
Michael Hall, Tournament Operations Director for the Republic Bank CPL, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season:
“We are thrilled to once again deliver a world-class tournament that brings to-
gether passionate cricket fans from across the Caribbean and beyond. The 2024 edition exceeded all expectations, and we are confident that the 2025 tournament will build on that success, providing unforgettable moments for players and spectators alike.”
Groups, schedule announced for One Guyana 3x3 Quest
With just 11 days to go before Guyana welcomes 16 nations for the largest 3x3 basketball event ever hosted in the English-speaking Caribbean, excitement is building.
The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has officially announced the tournament pools for the 20-team competition, which will determine the next qualifier for the prestigious FIBA 3x3 World Tour in Edmonton, Canada.
The 20 teams have been divided into four groups of five, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage.
Leading Group A are Puerto Rico’s Team Carolina, a force to be reckoned with and the top team in the Caribbean. They will go headto-head with Ball So Hard, a formidable team representing Puebla City, Mexico.
St Kitts and Nevis’ SKN Sugar Boyz, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Elites from Tortola, and Guyana’s very own Untouchables round off the group. The Untouchables will feature national captain Stanton Rose Jr and USbased Guyanese standout Daylon Bovell. Switzerland’s Lausanne is the highest-ranked team
in the tournament, currently holding FIBA’s world No. 11 spot. They are the clear favourites in Group B, but will face stiff competition from Renegades, a Guyanese team representing North Ruimveldt.
The Renegades, comprising Travis Belgrave, Harold Adams, Nikkoli Smith, and Dominic Vincente, recently represented Guyana at the 3x3 AmeriCup in Puerto Rico.
Joining them are St Lucia’s Elite Blazers, Bermuda’s Hamilton, and Quarters United from San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago.
The Dominican Republic’s Distrito Nacional, based in Santo Domingo, lead Group C. They will take on Georgetown, Guyana’s third team, featuring overseas-based Guyanese talent. Cayman Islands’ Cayman Storm, PSN from Guatemala City, and Team Paramaribo of Suriname complete the group.
Maloney Pacers of Trinidad & Tobago, representing the D’Abadie community, enter as the topranked team in Group D. New York Soundview from the Bronx join them alongside St Maarten’s Team Phillipsburg, Ecuador’s Fit Storm, and Grenada’s Spice Boyz.
The tournament will tip off at 10:00h on the opening day, immediately following a brief opening ceremony. Day two will start at 11:20h.
Vice President of the GBF and Coordinator of the One Guyana 3x3 Quest, Rawle Toney, expressed eagerness about the tournament’s impact, stating that the GBF was fully prepared to host players and officials from around the world.
“This event has received overwhelming support from across the Region, and we are ready to showcase Caribbean basketball on a grand stage at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall,” Toney stated.
He also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, assuring fans that the venue would be transformed into a world-class 3x3 basketball arena. “We want to leave a lasting impression on our visitors, many of whom will be in Guyana for the first time,” he added.
With the One Guyana 3x3 Quest being the first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean, Toney said the GBF was pulling out all the stops to make the event a success.
Men’s Caribbean Premier League 2025 Fixtures:
Date and time Teams Venue
Thurs 14 Aug, 7pm St Kitts & Nevis Patriots vs Antigua & Barbuda Falcons St Kitts
Fri 15 Aug, 7pm St Kitts & Nevis Patriots vs Guyana Amazon Warriors St Kitts Sat 16 Aug, 7pm Antigua & Barbuda Falcons vs Barbados Royals Antigua
Sun 17 Aug, 11am St Kitts & Nevis Patriots vs Trinbago Knight Riders St Kitts
Sun 17 Aug, 7pm Antigua & Barbuda Falcons vs Saint Lucia Kings Antigua
Tues 19 Aug, 7pm St Kitts & Nevis Patriots vs Saint Lucia Kings St
Wed 20 Aug, 7pm Antigua
Kings vs Trinbago Knight Riders Saint Lucia
Sun 24 Aug, 11am Antigua & Barbuda Falcons vs St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Antigua
Sun 24 Aug, 7pm Saint Lucia Kings vs Barbados Royals
Tues 26 Aug, 7pm Saint Lucia Kings vs Guyana Amazon Warriors Saint Lucia
Sat 13 Sept, 11am Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Saint Lucia Kings Guyana
Sun 14 Sept, 7pm Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Barbados Royals Guyana
Tues 16 Sept, 8pm Eliminator – 3rd place vs 4th place Guyana
Wed 17 Sept, 8pm Qualifier 1 – 1st place vs 2nd place Guyana
Fri 19 Sept, 8pm Qualifier 2 – Winner of Eliminator vs Loser Qualifier 1 Guyana
Sun 21 Sept, 8pm Final – Winner Qualifier 1 vs Winner Qualifier 2 Guyana
Elite League entertains once again with drawn results
On Saturday, March 22, the Monedderlust Football Club (MFC) hosted the Santos FC at the No 5 Community Center Ground in West Coast Berbice for the Guyana Football Federation’s first out-of-town game of the season.
The two sides appeared to be evenly matched in every aspect of the game, making it a fiercely-competitive match. The score was deadlocked at 0-0 at the half. Both sides engaged in a furious struggle for the winning goal in the second half. Jaden Thom of Monedderlust eventually scored the game's deciding goal in the 85th minute. Thom scored the game-winning goal after MFC's set
piece was placed into the box and the Santos FC defenders struggled to clear their lines.
Then, on Sunday, March 23, at the National Training Center (NTC) in Providence, the first game saw Ann's Grove United and Den Amstel FC playing to a draw. The game got off to a thrilling start as Ryan Seales opened the scoring in the ninth minute. Ann’s Grove United would then double their lead in the 18th via Yohance Francis. With a two-goal lead in the game, Ann’s Grove United were looking comfortable, but Den Amstel FC’s Anthony Benn would score just before the half ended (45). The halftime scoreline was 2-1.
Den Amstel FC came out for the second half, being the sharper of the two teams, scoring three minutes into the second half via the in-form Deon Alfred. Benn went on to complete his brace (78), putting Den Amstel FC a goal up (3-2). However, Francis would then shatter the hearts of the Den Amstel FC fans by scoring late in the 93rd minute of the game, with the final score being 3-3. Western Tigers faced the Fruta Conquerors in the second game of the night. Although the game was intriguing, neither team were able to significantly affect the result as the ninety minutes passed, and both teams ended up with a hard-fought stalemate.
Renegades squad (L-R) Dominic Vincente, Harold Adams, Nikkolai Smith and Travis Belgrave
Anthony Benn scored a brace for Den Amstel FC
Jaden Thom scored the 85th-minute winner for Monedderlust Football Club
Yohance Francis scored a brace for Ann’s Grove United
The Guyana Amazon Warriors will get their campaign started on August 15 in St Kitts (Jemima Holmes photo)
Today, Guyana’s senior men’s national football team will suit up for an allimportant contest against Guatemala, as the Golden Jaguars hope to seal their 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup spot in the lion’s den.
On the heels, of an emphatic, historic victory on Friday last against the same opponents in Barbados, the Golden Jaguars will be heading into tonight’s clash with an advantage on aggregate; however, taking on Guatemala at the Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala City will be no easy task.
As it stands, the Golden Jaguars will need a win or at least a draw to cement their spot in the Gold Cup this June – just the second time in the team’s history.
In the Golden Jaguars camp, both Coaches and players are confident that they can punch their tickets tonight.
In drawing a comparison to how they were able to penetrate Guatemala’s defences on Friday last, forward and hat-trick hero Isaiah Jones shared his expectations for today’s clash.
“I know, hopefully, it’ll be a different test ‘cause they’ll come out all guns blazing and we’ve just got to manage the game, but I’m confident me and the boys will get it done and qualify for Gold Cup,” Jones shared.
The forward went on to reveal how they would be dealing with the Guatemalan crowd tonight, “I think you need to prepare the same
as you do for your club. You know it’s going to be hostile, being a lot of crowd. I think we’ve just got to manage it, don’t let the occasion get
to us and let our foot do the talking literally.” Describing their first Gold Cup appearance in 2019 as the highlight of his career, Assistant
confidence in his troops, sharing that they could get the job done.
Cox related, “First of all, it was a fantastic performance from the boys, been here 10 years now and that’s certainly up there with one of the best performances that we’ve had. Obviously, never beaten Guatemala before, so the boys made history by doing that, but we know it’s only halftime essentially. We’ve got a massive game tomorrow [today]; we understand the task at hand. It’s going to be tough, we know that, they’re going to give everything. We know they’ve got all to play for. It’ll be a raucous crowd, packed house. But on the flip side, we know that we’ve got a lot of quality going forward, so we can’t sit off too much. I think we’ve got to play our game.”
“I’ve got full confidence in this group of players. They’re an honest group; they want to do well for our country and to get to our second-ever Gold Cup will be one of the best feelings. You know, the first time round was the highlight of my career, getting to that Gold Cup and the thrill and joy it brought to our people back home was unbelievable. I’ve got full confidence that we can do it again. We’ve just got to be strong, stick together, stick to the game plan and we know we can do the business tomorrow [today],” the playerturned-coach further stated.
Coach Sam Cox exuded
The Golden Jaguars will take on Guatemala tonight in hopes of sealing their spot in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup
