Guyana Times - Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Over 80 remote communities gain access to quality care P5 through 19Labs’ GALE eClinics

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Page 3

Issue No. 6309

THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025

Pres Ali to unveil 5-year economic & social plan today

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE: Regent St gas station bombing

Prosecution P12 completes evidence disclosure, way now cleared for paper committal Jury convicts 3 for killing Berbice pensioner during P10 robbery

Guyana propels Caribbean UNSC adopts growth; GDP Guyana-led resolution to set to surge strengthen youth, peace, security agenda 15.2% in Man jailed 30 for murder 2025, 24% in years of taxi driver 2026 – ECLAC Berbice man

P16

See story on page 13

P7

On Tuesday evening, eastbound vehicles were at a standstill after a car toppled and landed in the centre of the Beterverwagting Public Road (Radio Eve Leary photo)

P16

CH&PA, GPL step up coordination to push EBDto-Mahaica road project

pleads guilty to raping 9-year-old

Over 250 properties supply GPL with excess power from solar generation

Antigua, Dominica now among P19 Caribbean nations that face US travel restrictions

Govt terminates $270.5M Back Street, Diamond contract over delays Page 7

Page 15

…engagements ongoing with farmers, property owners along access road Page 11

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENING

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, December 17 – 14:45h– 16:15h and Thursday, December 18 – 15:15h– 16:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers will clear to sunny afternoon skies followed by light evening showers, and cloudy skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.13 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 14:42h reaching a maximum height of 2.44 metres.

Low Tide: 08:16h and 20:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.91 metre and 0.76 metre.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2025

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FREE TICKET TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2025

15 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil

US$ $58.92/barrel

Rough Rice London Sugar

$170.82/ton $423.00/ton

Live Spot Gold

Change % -2.71

-0.21 -0.80 USD Per Ounce

Low/High

$4312.10 $4301.10

$4314.10 $4316.90

Change

+10.80

+0.28%

Bid/Ask

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali will be delivering a Presidential address today where he will unveil his government’s policy agenda for economic and social transformation for the next five years.

The address, to be delivered at 17:00h, is expected to provide a glimpse of what citizens can expect from Budget 2026, which will be presented in January by Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr Ashni Singh.

Dr Singh has already explained that Budget 2026 will chart the pathway for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration to deliver its promises made in the 2025 Elections Manifesto.

“Every budget in this coming term of office will have as its principal objective the delivery of the commitments that we gave in our manifesto.

The national budget for 2026 is, of course, the first budget since we’ve been re-elected. And so, what this budget is going to do is it’s going to put us on a path where we will see over the course of the next five years the delivery of every single commitment that we’ve made in our manifesto,” Dr Singh had posited.

The PPP/C’s 2025-2030 Manifesto outlines a five-year development agenda aimed at transforming Guyana into a modern and international model of growth.

Themed “One Country, One People, One Future Forward Together for a Better Guyana”, the manifesto outlines plans to build 12 hospitals and to deploy a fully integrated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system across the country, with key deliverables. These include the establishment of a National Ambulance Authority as well as fleet expansion with the procurement of new land, air, and river ambulances.

Further, the manifesto outlines plans for the construction of 40,000 new homes over the next five years, major roadworks, an aviation school, a deep-water port, 100 new schools, a Small and Mediumsized Enterprise (SME) Development Bank, an anti-corruption unit, and initiatives for Indigenous development.

PAY DAY

PAY DAY 13

President Ali to unveil 5-year economic & social plan today

Aggressive agenda

Meanwhile, for public work in the next five years, the PPP/C has committed to continue the rollout of its aggressive agenda for the transformation of the country’s transport infrastructure, with the dual aims of unlocking economic potential and improving quality of life.

These plans include the completion of major roads and bridges to connect Guyana with its neighbours, opening new markets and unlocking trade and economic opportunities, as well as to improve connectivity between communities and open more productive land.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Selected highlights include continuing the upgrade of the Linden to Lethem highway and constructing bridges at Kurupukari and Puruni.

Completing the upgrade of the Linden to Soesdyke highway and the four-lane highway along EBD to CJIA. Completing the highway from Land of Canaan to the Linden to Soesdyke highway, Silica City, and the CJIA. Constructing a four-lane road from Schoonord to Goshen. Expanding the main road in Essequibo to a four-lane highway.

Completing the four-lane ECD highway from Mahaica to D’Edward.

Constructing the new four-lane bridge across the Berbice River. Completing the road along the East Bank Berbice (EBB) to Mara and upgrading connectivity to De Velde.

Completing the four-lane highway from Palmyra to Moleson Creek. Constructing the road from Moleson Creek to Orealla and Siparuta and upgrading connectivity to Kwakwani. Constructing the new Corentyne River Bridge, to be built in collaboration with our Surinamese counterparts.

The PPP/C said it will also continue to upgrade the hinterland road network in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) to improve connectivity across regions, between villages, and within villages, and upgrade farm-to-market roads to all-weather roads in major farming areas to reduce the cost of transit for farming produce.

Additionally, it committed to advancing the upgrade of community roads and streets in established communities, complete with concrete drains, street lights, and security cameras, setting the stage for more modern, comfortable, and hospitable living conditions.

More disposable income & cost of living

To ensure that the Guyanese people have more disposable income and that cost-of-living pressures are cushioned, over the next five years, the PPP/C said in its manifesto that it will maintain its policy of no new taxes throughout all the budgets

that it will present during the coming term of office.

The Party also committed to lowering taxes generally, including lower income and corporate taxes, thereby rewarding and incentivising greater effort, and lower taxes on vehicles, while maintaining its policy of allowing importation of vehicles irrespective of age, thereby making vehicle ownership more affordable.

The PPP/C further said it will seek to conclude multi-year agreements with the unions in the public sector, in keeping with the principles of collective bargaining, and continue to grant salary increases and improve benefits to employees.

Additionally, the Party said it will provide additional cash grants to households and individuals and maintain policies to keep interest rates low, especially for home ownership.

Youth empowerment is another cornerstone of the plan. The PPP/C has pledged to expand technical and vocational education, create new opportunities in entrepreneurship, and provide targeted support for at-risk youth. The aim is to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills, resources, and opportunities to drive national development.

Meanwhile, the Party has also assured more targeted financial support for citizens in the future.

In fact, the Finance Minister has made it clear that targeted financial support to the Guyanese population is part of a comprehensive range of policies that seek to ensure every citizen has the skills, tools and opportunities to build sustainable wealth in the long term.

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Automated enforcement & third-lane driving

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he persistent problem of illegal third-lane driving on Guyana’s roads has long posed a serious threat to safety and order.

For years, motorists have exploited gaps in enforcement, creating unauthorised lanes to bypass traffic. This behaviour, often flaunted with brazen disregard for the law, has resulted in collisions, sudden swerving, and congestion that disrupt the daily flow of commuters. Recent upgrades to the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS) signal a decisive shift in the management of this longstanding issue, demonstrating the power of automation in enforcing traffic regulations consistently and effectively.

The newly-enhanced SRIS platform employs advanced videoanalytics technology to detect vehicles unlawfully occupying turning lanes or carving shortcuts where no lane exists. Each violation is captured in high definition, documenting the vehicle’s speed, lane position, and licence plate number. This evidence provides an irrefutable basis for enforcement, allowing the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to initiate legal proceedings against violators with accuracy and reliability. By automating this process, authorities no longer need to rely solely on manual observation, which is limited by human presence, fatigue, or error. The SRIS thus ensures that traffic regulations are applied uniformly, leaving no room for selective enforcement or assumption of immunity by reckless drivers.

Recent statements from Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh indicate that more than 45 drivers are expected to be summoned to court for creating and using unauthorised third lanes. This immediate enforcement demonstrates the system’s effectiveness and the authorities’ determination to hold offenders accountable. For years, drivers have complained about the unsafe practice, particularly during peak hours, when unauthorised lane formation creates dangerous conditions for all road users. By capturing clear, verifiable evidence of infractions, the upgraded SRIS addresses these concerns directly, providing both deterrence and recourse.

Support for the SRIS enhancement is well-founded. Road safety is a collective responsibility, and automation ensures that accountability is not dependent on the presence of an officer at any given intersection. For too long, some drivers have assumed that they could flout the rules with impunity, relying on gaps in enforcement to bypass traffic or gain minor advantages on congested roads. The upgraded system removes these opportunities, making it clear that violations are continuously monitored and that evasion is no longer possible. This serves to penalise dangerous behaviour and also to reinforce a culture of compliance that benefits all motorists.

Critics may argue that automated enforcement is impersonal or intrusive, but such objections overlook the practical reality of modern traffic management. Peak-hour congestion and high traffic volumes make it impossible for officers alone to monitor every lane consistently. The SRIS, in contrast, operates without fatigue, bias, or interruption, ensuring that every violation is recorded and every offender is accountable. It does not replace policing; it enhances it.

The combination of human oversight and technological precision provides the most effective means of curbing reckless driving.

Moreover, the upgraded system reflects a forward-looking approach to road safety. By monitoring more than 100 lanes nationwide, with expansion already planned, the SRIS ensures that enforcement keeps pace with the increasing complexity of traffic dynamics. Its video-analytics technology captures not only lane violations but also the broader behaviour patterns that contribute to accidents and congestion. This data-driven approach allows authorities to implement targeted interventions and provides evidence to support judicial proceedings, improving both efficiency and outcomes in traffic management.

The broader implications for road safety are significant.

Unauthorised lane creation is not a minor infraction; it is a dangerous practice that contributes directly to accidents and traffic disruption. By holding violators accountable through automation, authorities are sending a clear and unequivocal message: reckless driving will not be tolerated. Drivers who have relied on lax enforcement to justify illegal behaviour will find that the law is now inescapable. Each vehicle, each violation, and each motorist is subject to scrutiny, reinforcing the principle that road safety is non-negotiable.

The upgraded SRIS platform is a turning point in the enforcement of traffic laws in Guyana. The crackdown on thirdlane violations illustrates both the necessity and the effectiveness of automation in modern law enforcement. Reckless motorists are now confronted with an unambiguous reality: evasion is no longer possible, and the law, supported by intelligent monitoring, will be applied consistently.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips spreads holiday cheer during his annual toy distribution exercise on Tuesday, handing out gifts to children in Rasville, West Ruimveldt, and Festival City as part of nationwide Christmas celebrations (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

A Christmas Carol: Medicine for a wounded society

By Dr Joel Teelucksingh

E

very December, I return to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. It has become a ritual – my small act of seasonal medicine. For some people, this time of the year calls them to parang; for me, it calls me back to Ebenezer Scrooge, staring into the shadows of his own life, waiting for the ghosts who will remake him.

Dickens published the novella in 1843, in a Britain that was staggering under poverty, malnutrition, child labour and preventable disease. It was a time before penicillin, before public sanitation, before humane labour laws.

He wrote not from comfort, but from the memory of his own childhood suffering – his father imprisoned for debt, his family shattered and young Charles sent to work in a rat-infested blacking factory to survive. Dickens wrote the classic tale as a protest, a plea, and ultimately, a prescription for a sick society.

The ghosts examine Scrooge the way we examine our patients – through history, through context, through prognosis. They take a man hardened by wealth and isolation and force him to look directly at the consequences of neglect. In Scrooge’s transformation lies the heart of Dickens’ message: no society can be healthy if compassion is absent from its bloodstream.

Nearly two centuries later, Dickens feels eerily contemporary with wounded spirits. The crowded clinic waiting rooms. The ambulance sirens that pierce our nights. The elderly man who comes to the hospital not for medication but for conversation. The children who struggle through school while living with disabilities that no one diagnosed early enough. The diabetic who rationed insulin because the pharmacy shelves were bare. The exhausted family is overwhelmed by caregiving duties.

If Dickens were alive today, he would not need ghosts; a simple tour through any regional hospital would give him material for another masterpiece.

When the Ghost of Christmas Past lifts Scrooge back into the memories he tried so hard to bury, we witness the soft wounds that hardened him.

Dickens understood what modern medicine now confirms: early trauma shapes lifelong health.

Children who grow up in unstable homes, exposed to violence, poverty, or abandonment, face higher risks of di-

abetes, hypertension, heart disease, and depression. Their bodies remember stress long after their minds force themselves to forget.

We see these “silent scars” in our clinics every day. The adult with uncontrolled hypertension who grew up skipping meals. The woman with chronic pain whose childhood was marked by trauma.

The man is battling alcoholism because he learnt early that the world was not a safe place. Dickens’ own childhood incarceration in poverty rippled through his writing like a prolonged ECG tracing. He knew that society often blames the individual without acknowledging the environment that shaped him.

So does medicine. I am reminded that many of our patients carry similar ghosts. They do not need judgement; they need understanding. They need the kind of compassion Dickens begged the world to show.

When the Ghost of Christmas Present leads Scrooge through London, we see hunger, overcrowding, illness, and the quiet heroism of everyday families – conditions that mirror our own Caribbean challenges.

Look at Tiny Tim. A child with a disability who – like so many here – relied on the strength of his family because the system around him failed. Dickens never named Tim’s illness, but modern scholars suggest renal disease, tuberculosis of the spine, rickets or muscular dystrophy. Whatever the diagnosis, Dickens used Tim not for sentimentality but as a spotlight on public neglect.

Children needing speech therapy but waiting years for an appointment.

Teenagers with autism whose parents fight daily battles for school placement.

Young adults with sickle cell disease navigating pain crises without adequate support. Children with disabilities who are refused entry into schools because “we don’t have resources.” And we dare call ourselves a modern society?

Dickens wrote Tiny Tim not to trigger pity, but to galvanise action. If the Ghost of Christmas Present landed in a hospital at 06:00h on a Monday morning, he would see Dickens’ world alive again – different century, same wounds.

The final spirit – silent, hooded, relentless – shows Scrooge the stark truth: if nothing changes, nothing improves. The future, uncorrected, be-

comes tragedy. As physicians, we know this ghost well. It appears in the predictable arc of uncontrolled diabetes leading to neuropathy and amputation.

In untreated hypertension culminating in stroke. In missed screening leading to a late cancer diagnosis. In the young man with untreated depression who finally stops calling for help. In the dialysis unit overflowing with patients who should have received preventative care long before. Dickens was warning his readers: ignore suffering now, and you guarantee suffering later. Our health system today rests on the same precipice. If we do not invest in prevention, education, nutrition, mental health, and disability support, we will spend decades paying for the consequences.

We already are. If Dickens walked through T&T in 2025, he would not be shocked by our health disparities – he had seen them before. But he would ask: How can a nation with so many resources still allow children with disabilities to be excluded from education?

How can we celebrate Christmas while families beg for food or lifesaving medication? How can we claim to value public health but ignore the tsunami of chronic disease? How can we profess goodwill while our most vulnerable citizens fight silent battles? And most painfully: Why do we only talk about compassion in December?

By the end of the novella, Scrooge awakens transformed – not just joyful, but responsible. He pays fair wages. He supports care. He shows up. He becomes, in Dickens’ words, “as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man as the good old city knew.” This Christmas, may we – like Scrooge – wake up transformed.

I cannot read A Christmas Carol without hearing modern echoes. Every ward round, every clinic, every emergency department becomes a stage where compassion either thrives or fails.

Dickens’ ghosts are reminders: look back – understand the roots of suffering. Look around – see the need before you. Look ahead – change the future before it becomes irreversible. The health of a nation is not measured by statistics. It is measured by how we treat the most fragile among us. And perhaps that is Dickens’ true brilliance: he knew that in healing others, we sometimes heal ourselves. (T&T Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025

5

News Over 80 remote communities gain access to quality care through 19Labs’ GALE eClinics

M

ore than 80 remote communities across Guyana benefit from expanded access to quality healthcare through the GALE eClinics initiative spearheaded by US-based company 19Labs, in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

Chief Executive Officer of 19Labs, Ram Fish, said the initiative represents a major expansion of Guyana’s national telemedicine programme, which be-

gan in 2022. He noted that while recent developments reflect commitments made

by President Dr Irfaan Ali and Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, the foundation of the project was laid several years ago.

“This is not a new project. The telemedicine initiative started in 2022 and has since grown into what we believe is one of the most advanced and extensive telemedicine systems in the world,” Fish said. He

Trainees during a training session

added that no other country currently operates a telemedicine network of similar scale, integrating numerous communities with a wide range of diagnostic devices.

Through the GALE eClinics platform, residents in hinterland and remote areas can now access affordable and reliable medical care using a combination of telemedicine, smart

diagnostic tools, and broadband connectivity. Clinics are equipped with dozens of Bluetooth-enabled devices, including portable ultrasound machines, ECG monitors, and glucometers, allowing community health workers to provide an elevated standard of care within their own villages.

19Labs also supports capacity-building by hosting weekly virtual training

seminars for community health workers and connecting them directly with medical specialists. The company further assists the Ministry of Health with site visits, monitoring, and data collection.

Additionally, the GALE platform supports the digitisation of clinical and public health records, including malaria reporting forms, birth and death registries, and other essential healthcare documentation, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and continuity of care across the public health system.

The initiative is among the strong partnerships between the United States and Guyana and underscores a shared commitment to improving healthcare delivery and expanding opportunities for all Guyanese, particularly those living in remote and underserved communities.

Given that many hinterland communities lack

access to electricity, the telemedicine systems are powered through a combination of solar energy and Starlink satellite connectivity. These systems are designed to automatically adjust energy usage, ensuring reliable and efficient operation while minimising power consumption. In some locations, traditional satellite systems are also used in tandem with Starlink to maintain consistent internet access.

To date, telemedicine installations have been completed in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), with expansion along the coastal areas planned for later in the year. The initiative has strengthened the delivery of healthcare in remote villages by enabling community health workers to consult directly with doctors at the regional or national level when cases exceed their capacity.

Ron Robinson – patriot and man of the people Dear Editor, Historically the role of the individual in a free society is always capped by degrees of social norms, opportunities, and perhaps moralities.

The late Ronald Robinson would have emerged as a déclassé “product” of this country’s elite education system. He must have been influenced at some stage by peer group alliances as he reconnoitred a pathway of this country’s urbanised streams of service providers.

It may have been the late Carmen Jarvis and Cheddi as well as Janet Jagan (to mention just these) who would have, in their own way, defined what others less endowed would have to emulate (mainly clerical and classroom tutors).

Emulate in terms of standards or degrees of performance.

Tributes to this vanguard intellectual most likely itemised his New World significance, identified with the meritocracy and, in this specific instance, the award of The Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) – an honour he richly deserved.

According to a recent NCN interview of this remarkable culturologist, it

is absolutely clear that he stood head and shoulders above those who may have been more prominent in the public view in terms of stagecraft, broadcasting, and mentoring.

President Ali’s tribute to Ron Robinson establishes the kind of benchmark of which every Guyanese can be proud – One Guyana.

Future scholars aided

by AI may well record the deeper realms of patriotism and service associated with this outstanding radio broadcaster.

But questions remain: how does one critique the conventional wisdom and prowess of a Cy Grant, Billy Pilgrim, Rafiq Khan, Lynette Dolphin, John

Mair, Martin Carter and Walter Rodney at the level of the brotherhood of humankind?

May his soul rest in eternal peace and his memory instil hope in all Guyanese.

Yours sincerely, Lawrence Rodney

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025

00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 Nature Programme 09:00 Stop Suffering 10:00 Movie - Lady and the Tramp (2019) 12:00 News Break 12:05 Movie - How to Train Your Dragon (2025) 14:00 Indian Movie - Mann (1999) 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Nature Programme 18:57 Unwrapped - Cata's Shop 19:00 The Evening News After News: Unwrapped - Rossignol Butchery 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 Abbot Elementary S4 E19 21:00 Superman and Lois S3 E12 22:00 Good Trouble S5 E6 23:00 The Office S9 E2 23:30 The Last Man on Earth S4 E18

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025

Foundation ◄

Page

Mean, Median, Mode The mean, median and mode are averages.

Averages are measures of central tendency, they are values that can be used to represent a set of data.

•Mean: Find the total of the values and divide the total by the number of values: total/number of values •Median: Arrange the values in numerical order, from the smallest value to the highest value and find the middle value.

•Mode: Find the most frequently occurring item in the data set.

Mode

The mode is the most common number.

To find the mode we need to find the most frequently occurring item in the data set.

Example Find the mode of this list of numbers 1 3 4 5 6 6 7 The most frequently occurring item is 6 The mode is 6.

Mean

To calculate the mean we find the total of the values and divide the total by the number of values.

Example Find the mean of this set of numbers 1 3 4 5 6 6 7 Mean = total/number of values = 1 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 6 + 7/7 = 32/7 = 4.57 The mean is 4.57

Median

The median is the middle number.

To find the median we need to arrange the values in numerical order, from the smallest value to the highest value and find the middle value.

Example Find the median of this set of numbers 1 3 4 5 6 6 7 1 3 4 5 6 6 7 The median is 5.

18 18 1.4

1.9 31

Practice 1. Find the mode of the following: (a) 11 18 19 12 13

1 7

(b) (c)

23 27 1.3

26 19 1.7

1.2

1 . 8

2. (d)

Find the median of the following: 1.6 2.0 1.4 1.8 1.2

1 . 4

(e) (f)

16 21 1

3. (a) (b) (c)

Find the mean of the following: 16 15 18 35 20 1.2 3.1 6.4 2.5 7 13 18 12 15 20

25 12 7

21

24

23

1 9

2.8

3.1

26

34

19

3

5

6

1 6

31

Materials

6. Carefully remove your ball from the pan and make some observations about the crater that was left in the pan. What happened to the coloured layer? What shape is your crater? Does it look like what you thought it would look like?

Instructions

An asteroid is a small rocky object that orbits the Sun. Once this rocky object enters an atmosphere, it becomes a meteor which can hit the surface of a planet or moon. When a meteor hits the surface of our moon, it leaves these round imprints called craters.

Studying craters helps scientists learn more about the geologic history of planets and moons. They can learn more about what the planets and moons are made of, how they were formed, and even learn about the forces, like gravity and friction, that help shape planets and moons.

•Small metal baking pan •Glitter or coloured powder •Newspaper or tablecloth •Flour •Small ball

1. Cover your experiment area with newspaper or a tablecloth. This activity can get a little messy.

2. Fill your metal baking pan about halfway with flour.

3. Pour a layer of glitter or coloured powder on top of the flour.

4. Make a hypothesis, or guess, about what will happen when you drop the ball in the pan.

5. Hold the ball above the pan and then drop it into the pan. What happens?

What’s happening?

By Timothy Tocher

Santa needs new reindeer.

The first bunch has grown old.

Dasher has arthritis; Comet hates the cold.

Prancer’s sick of staring at Dancer’s big behind.

Cupid married Blitzen and Donder lost his mind.

Dancer’s mad at Vixen for stepping on his toes.

Vixen’s being thrown out— she laughed at Rudolph’s nose.

If you are a reindeer we hope you will apply.

There is just one tricky part: You must know how to fly.

[Source: Kids Pick the Funniest Poems (Hachette Book Group, Inc., 1991)]

A love story between the boy who delivered milk bottles to the neighbourhood and the girl who delivered newspapers.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt terminates $270.5M Back Street, Diamond contract over delays

T

he Government of Guyana has terminated the contract for the rehabilitation and construction of Back Street in the Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), after the project fell significantly behind schedule, reaching only 55 per cent completion despite a July 2025 deadline. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, during an on-site inspection, confirmed that the Ministry has taken over the project through its Special Projects Unit, citing poor contractor performance and serious inconvenience caused to residents. The project, listed as Lot 21 Rehabilitation/ Construction of Back Street, Diamond Housing Scheme,

Sections of the Diamond Back Street

was awarded to CB General Contracting Services Inc at a contract sum of $270.5 million. Works commenced on November 18, 2024, with a completion date set for July 17, 2025, over a seven-month period. To date, $138.6 million has been expended, following an advance payment of $81.1 million. According to official project details, the scope of works includes the construction of a two-lane asphaltic concrete road, concrete drains, covered walkways and designated parking lanes along a 560-metre stretch with a width of 12 metres. While approximately 80 per cent of the concrete drains have been completed, the installation of drain covers and walkways

remains partial, and utility relocation involving Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is still ongoing.

Unacceptable

Edghill said the Ministry acted after receiving repeated complaints from residents through its public hotline. He described the contractor’s performance as unacceptable, noting that residents’ access to their homes had been severely disrupted. “Since we would have made our hotline public, we've had great participation from the public, bringing to the Ministry's public notice some of the inconveniences and challenges people are having in vari-

ous communities while they are executing capital works, while we are executing capital works in certain areas.

We have received notices from several different sources in Back Street Diamond.

A few weeks ago, we've had to terminate this contract because the contractor has basically been, for the want of a better word, a nuisance to the neighbourhood. And as you can see here, in the executing of his work, he has interrupted the access of every single person who lives in the area. The project time has passed, and this is the state. I should say it was in a worse state because we've had to send in the Special Projects Unit,” the Minister said. Edghill

revealed that conditions were even worse before the Ministry intervened. With this in mind, he emphasised that the Government will not tolerate substandard execution of public infrastructure projects. “They've been here like a week now to start restoring and getting this project finished. We will not, as a Ministry, tolerate poor performance. We will not allow these things to go unaddressed once they are brought to our attention.

So, for the people of Back Street Diamond and the users of Back Street Diamond,

by Christmas we're going to bring this surface up to a pressure-run surface that you will be able to drive.

People will be able to get some access to their properties because right now, owners have to park all the way out and walk in and out or park all the way to the grass and walk in and out.

We have been able to analyse what needs to be done, and we're going to bring relief,” Edghill assured. The Ministry has indicated that works will continue aggressively to restore access, stabilise the roadway and bring the project to a satisfactory standard in the shortest possible time.

Princes Street contract termination

Only on Monday, the Public Works Ministry announced that it has taken over the $631 million Princes Street Road,

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

Georgetown expansion project after terminating the contractor, Yhardram & Sons Construction Establishment, for poor performance. Edghill said the project was only about 30 per cent complete despite works commencing in November 2024, prompting the Ministry’s Special Projects Unit, led by Senior Engineer Colin Gittins, to assume responsibility. The project, which runs from Cemetery Road to St Stephen Street, is intended to widen Princes Street, improve drainage and better manage traffic flowing from the four-lane Cemetery Road corridor.

Immediate clean-up and remedial works have begun to restore usability and ease traffic flow. The contractor had already received an advance payment of $189.3 million prior to termination.

Man jailed 30 years for murder of taxi driver A

cting Chief Justice Navindra Singh has sentenced 38-yearold welder Kenty Bacchus to 30 years’ imprisonment for the murder of taxi driver Kenrick Trim Sr, after finding that while the accused expressed remorse and entered a guilty plea, the brutality of the offence, his criminal past, and the devastating impact on the victim’s family warranted a lengthy custodial sentence.

In delivering the sentence for Bacchus, Justice Singh adopted a starting point of 40 years’ imprisonment for the offence of murder. From that figure, the court deducted one-third (13 years and 4 months) of the time for Bacchus’ guilty plea, three more years for expressions of remorse, and a further three years arising from plea negotiations.

However, the court added four years as an aggravating factor, citing the loss of a hard-working, family-orientated breadwinner and the circumstances under which the offence was committed.

The resulting sentence imposed was 30 years’ imprisonment, with time already spent on remand since July 7, 2021, to be deducted, leaving 26 years.

Bacchus was charged along with Seyon James,

also known as “Lil Alfey”, in relation to the killing.

Trim, 52, was attacked while working as a taxi driver. Based on the agreed statement of facts tendered in court, the prosecution outlined that on the morning of June 30, 2021, Bacchus and James entered the taxi driven by Kenrick Trim, bearing registration number HC 5311, near Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

Shortly after joining the vehicle, the two men allegedly overpowered Trim, restraining him by choking him. During the attack, Bacchus reportedly observed as James inflicted several stab wounds on the taxi driver. After the assault, Trim’s body was taken from the vehicle and left concealed in bushes at Ogle, on the East Coast of Demerara.

Investigators later acted on intelligence information and carried out a search at a specific location, where Bacchus was allegedly found with Trim’s cellular phone in his possession.

In a subsequent videoand audio-recorded interview with police, Bacchus admitted his involvement in the incident. He also identified both himself and his accomplice in CCTV footage that was shown to him by investigators.

Dead: Kenrick Trim

Jailed: Kenty Bacchus

Victim impact statements tendered to the court painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of Trim’s death, detailing the emotional and financial collapse of a once-stable household.

Trim’s eldest son told the court that the day his father was killed is now permanently associated with grief, as it coincided with the birth month of his own child.

He recalled that his father was a strict but present parent who shared daily routines with him, including washing the taxi together before work. The son said his own child will never know his grandfather, and each birthday serves as a painful reminder of the life taken.

Trim’s widow, Omadara Trim, described losing her husband of nearly 30 years

and being thrust into the role of sole breadwinner for their family. She told the court that Trim provided for their children and grandchild and that his death forced the family to reassess their survival.

One of the couple’s children was reportedly unable to continue schooling due to financial hardship, while a grandchild previously enrolled in a private school had to be transferred to the public system. Despite the sentence imposed, she said, no punishment could ever fully compensate for the loss of her husband.

Pre-sentence probation from the Guyana Prison Service and welfare reports placed before the court outlined Bacchus’ long history of criminal behaviour, substance abuse, and violence,

both in the community and while incarcerated.

Born on April 14, 1987, Bacchus was raised primarily by his mother after his father migrated overseas. He dropped out of school at age 15, admitted to early marijuana use, and later lived in Tobago for eight years, engaging in construction-related work.

Upon returning to Guyana, Bacchus held sporadic employment as a welder and labourer, but investigations revealed that he also sold marijuana within the Plaisance community.

Police records showed multiple prior convictions, including robbery under arms, for which he served two concurrent four-year sentences, and two separate narcotics trafficking convictions in 2020 and 2021.

While incarcerated for the present offence, Bacchus accumulated numerous prison infractions, including possession of cellular phones, assaults on inmates, possession of prohibited items, and an attempted escape, which resulted in punitive sanctions, including non-privileges and restricted diets.

Although prison officers noted some improvement in his demeanour and participation in educational programmes, he spent extended

periods housed in Solitary Division due to behavioural concerns.

Community members interviewed during the probation investigation described Bacchus as aggressive and frequently involved in conflict, while one of the mothers of his children reported that he seldom provided support.

The court acknowledged Bacchus’ expressions of remorse and his participation in rehabilitation programmes but found that his repeated involvement in violent and unlawful behaviour, coupled with the irreversible harm caused to the Trim family, outweighed mitigating factors.

Justice Singh emphasised that the sentence was necessary to reflect the gravity of the offence, uphold public safety, and hold the offender accountable for the life lost. Bacchus will now serve 26 years’ imprisonment. His accomplice’s case will be heard on Wednesday at the High Court.

The prosecution is being represented by attorney Geneva Wills, assisted by attorneys Christopher Belfield and Simran Gajraj, while Bacchus is represented by Attorney-at-Law Audreanna Stephens and Attorney Glendon.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man… Y

…with a plan

our Eyewitness was quite pleased to find out that the last LOO – Norton – was still alive and kicking. Well… if not exactly kicking, at least twitching to suggest he’s alive!! Your Eyewitness wondered, however, whether he mightn’t still be the LOO since a replacement hasn’t been voted in yet? There’s the theory that these official positions can’t be left unoccupied – since power-hungry types might rush in to fill the power vacuum. Kinda like Sanction Man’s doing right now by calling himself “LOOin-waiting”!! THAT title is derived, of course, from the old, mediaeval “lady-in-waiting” who served – the term’s ambiguous! – higher officials in the Court!!

Anyhow, it seems that Norton surfaced in a (virtual?) press conference and offered his plans to “revitalise” the PNC!! Which had been mauled by Sanction Man’s WIN party that replaced it as the major opposition party! It seems the gist of his plans is to start out 2026 by finding out the “desires of youths” – and then work on getting those desires fulfilled!! He vaguely mentioned getting social workers to offer guidance to the unsatiated youths!!

Norton has clearly abandoned his earlier explanation for the PNC’s loss – the PPP raising the dead and having them vote for the cup. Hence their cleaning up of Le Repentir Cemetery!! He’s now honed in on youths – who had defined themselves as “Scrapeheads” – and joined WIN en masse!! As such, he doesn’t have to canvass his lost flock on their “desires”!! Those had been on display ever since Sanction Man mobilised them in the wake of the Adriana Younge tragedy!! These were passions like money, food, sex, mayhem, looting, burning – and inflicting condign violence on anyone who stymied their desires!!

Now Norton’s no stranger to these nihilistic “desires” of youth – having let off steam on behalf of the PNC ever since his teens!! And he’s no spring chicken!! There was a time when he was like a Pied Piper to the youths – especially in GT!! Who could forget him literally lighting up the city!! But your Eyewitness has a suggestion for Norton.

If by his suggestion about “social workers” he intends to reform the Scrapeheads, then maybe there’s another tried and true method that came to your Eyewitness's mind in this Xmas season – the Church!!

Hadn’t Timothy 2:22 not only spoken to the unwholesome “desires” of youths, but also suggested what to replace them with?? Remember?? “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, and peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart!”

Now since Norton has chosen not to enter Parliament, he’s got the time to don the robes of the priesthood and minister unto the wayward Scrapehead youths.

And return them into the PNC fold!! …and big brother An intriguing position has been extended by some Caribbean leaders – starting with Ralph Gonsalves – to chastise T&T’s PM Kamla for approving the very concrete US initiatives in helping her fight against drug lords.

Evidently, that’s violating our commitment towards the Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace”!! Can you believe this??

Here it is: Mad Maduro hasn’t only gone ahead and done what most thought he wouldn’t – told the World Court to buzz off and gone ahead with his de facto annexation of two-thirds of our national territory!! Didn’t that just blow whatever “Zone of Peace” we had in the Caribbean clear out of the water??

Your Eyewitness's sees this as telling a girl who’s been stalked by a lecher for a decade that she mustn’t scream – even as he’s running behind her in a dark alley!! So the girl should be worried about waking up the neighbourhood??

Hell!! She SHOULD be waking up the neighbourhood!!

And anyone who complains of losing sleep should be walloped!! …and power Even as some are still kvetching – rightfully – about the blackouts that threaten to make a mockery of our “festive” season, others are criticising the Government for not putting the gas-fired generation plans on hold!! Go figure!

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS Jury convicts 3 for killing Berbice pensioner during robbery WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Dead: Chandarie “Aunty Dayo” Budhoo

A

12-member jury at the Berbice High Court on Tuesday returned unanimous guilty verdicts against all three men charged in the robbery-murder of a Tain pensioner, bringing to a close a closely watched trial that turned largely on the evidence of an admitted accomplice. On trial for the June 16, 2020, killing of 82-year-old Chandarie “Aunty Dayo” Budhoo, a pensioner from Lot 83 Tain

Settlement, Corentyne, Region Six, were Dhannyram Ramdhanny, 35, Kumar Bhagwandin, 29, and Navindra Chillu, 25, all of the Corentyne.

The matter was heard before Justice Sandil Kissoon, with the prosecution led by Attorney-atLaw Cicela Corbin, while Attorney Kevin Morgan represented Ramdhanny and Bhagwandin, and Attorneys Vinay Punwa

Convicted: Navindra Chillu

The house where the pensioner was killed in June 2020

Convicted: Kumar Bhagwandin

and Chandra Sohan appeared for Chillu.

Following the verdicts, Justice Sandil Kissoon ordered that probation reports and psychiatric evaluations be conducted on each of the convicted men.

The matter was adjourned to January 9, 2026, when the court will hear mitigating submissions from the defence and aggravating factors from the prosecution ahead of sentencing.

The prosecution’s case depended primarily on

Convicted: Ramdhanny

Dhannyram

Kevin Mangar, also called “Toby/Chubby”, who placed himself at the crime scene and testified that he acted as a lookout while the others entered the pensioner’s home on the night of June 16, 2020. Mangar told the court that after the stolen items were later sold, he received $5000 from the proceeds. In his summation, Justice Kissoon cautioned jurors that Mangar was an accomplice in law, warning that while a conviction could be entered on such evidence, it must be approached with great care. The judge also drew attention to discrepancies highlighted during

cross-examination, including inconsistencies about when Mangar first gave police his account and clashes between parts of his testimony and other evidence on record. The jury accepted Mangar’s evidence after examining it in the context of the entire case. All three accused had denied involvement and raised alibis, insisting they were elsewhere at the time of the killing. Ramdhannysaid he was drinking with friends in another village, while Bhagwandin claimed he was staying at a friend’s home for several days, and Chillu maintained he was working and living as normal. The defence also questioned Mangar’s credibility, pointing to his criminal history and suggesting his story was fabricated. The jury, however, rejected those defences and found each man guilty of murder in the course of a robbery, accepting the prosecution’s case that the accused acted together pursuant to a joint plan. The court will receive probation and psychiatric reports on the three men before sentencing.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 250 properties supply GPL with excess power from solar generation C

urrently, 290 properties with solar generation systems are supplying the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) with excess power, under a Grid-tied and Net-Billing Programme. The initiative is spearheaded by the GPL and implemented nationwide in collaboration with the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). Head of the GEA Dr Mahendar Sharma told this publication that 160 are Government buildings, 36 industrial and 94 commercial and residential. Grid-tied systems integrate a building’s solar PV system directly into GPL’s network.

These systems operate by capturing solar energy through photovoltaic (PV) arrays, which are then converted by an inverter to power the building’s electrical load. Any excess energy is sent to the utility grid. The Net-Billing Programme allows customers with grid-tied solar PV systems to earn credits for any excess electricity that is fed from their PV system back into the utility grid. It provides an additional financial incentive for renewable energy adoption, while helping consumers manage electricity costs and contribute to living sustainably. A customer with a grid-tied installation is referred to as a ‘Prosumer’.

The grid-tied and net-billing arrangement is formalised between GPL and the Prosumer through the signing of a Standard Offer Contract (SOC), which outlines the relevant terms and conditions. Under this arrangement, GPL will compensate the Prosumer for any excess energy exported to the utility grid.

During the commissioning of the US$8 million solar farm at Prospect in Region Five over the weekend, Dr Sharma encouraged more persons to get on board.

“You can use this money you gonna get…when electricity prices come down by 50 per cent...and invest it in energy efficient appliances and inverter refrigerator… and put some solar on your rooftop because that is going to further reduce your energy bill…and then when you don’t use the energy and you sell it to GPL, you’ll get 90 per cent of what you buy it at,” he explained. During

the electricity billing period, if the value of the excess energy sent to GPL by the Prosumer exceeds the value of the electricity used by the Prosumer (delivered energy charge), then the difference is credited to the Prosumer’s Energy Credits Bank and can be applied to offset future electricity bills.

Energy credits bank

On the other hand, if the value of the electricity used by the Prosumer exceeds the value of the excess energy sent to GPL’s grid by the Prosumer, then the credits can be withdrawn from the Energy Credits Bank to reduce or settle net energy charge.

At the end of each 12-month period, any unused credit remaining in the Energy Credits Bank will be paid to the Prosumer at 90 per cent of the current tariff rate, after deducting any outstanding amounts owed to GPL. GPL has outlined several requirements in its Interim Technical Guidelines for solar PV grid-tied installations and customers seeking to establish an interconnection agreement. These guidelines cover compliance standards, system sizing and assessment protocols for larger systems. There are compliance standards where all solar PV installations must comply with the National Electrical Code 2014, particularly (but not limited to) Articles 690 and 705. Additionally, all interconnection equipment, including inverters, charge controllers and related components, must comply with Institute of Electrical and Electronics

Engineers (IEEE) Standard 1547 and be certified under Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard 1741.

Additionally, customers may install systems rated under 100k-kilowatts alternating current (KWac) (in-

verter rating) regardless of their consumption, provided they meet GPL’s interconnection requirements.

Systems 100-kWac and above are subject to approval based on the customer’s maximum demand. To fur-

ther assist customers, GPL also provides a calculator to determine the size of the system allowed for installation. It is also outlined that installations rated 100kWac and above will require an interconnection assessment. This assessment, conducted in accordance with GPL’s Grid Code and Interim Interconnection Requirements, must be completed before approval is granted. This process ensures that larger interconnections do not have negative impacts on the local distribution networks.

Moreover, GPL will conduct interconnection inspections to ensure that the proposed grid-tied installation can be safely integrated into the distribution networks. These inspections help to minimise technical and safety risks and mit-

igate security issues that result from non-compliant connections to the distribution network. It is illegal and unsafe to establish unauthorised interconnections with a GPL distribution network. Customers interested in interconnecting solar PV installations to GPL’s network must submit a formal request for Interconnection of Electricity from Solar Installations with GPL’s Network to the Divisional Director – Customer Services at GPL’s Main Street Office, Georgetown.

The request must: identify the account where the grid-tied system will be installed; include the electrical one-line diagram and inverter specifications and be submitted solely by an account holder or an authorised person.

12 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Regent St gas station bombing

Prosecution completes evidence disclosure, way now cleared for paper committal

T

he prosecution on Tuesday completed the disclosure of its evidence in the high-profile case stemming from the deadly bombing of a gas station on Regent Street, Georgetown, paving the way for the matter to advance to paper committal.

The disclosure was made before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts in relation to four of the

seven persons charged in connection with the October attack. The four who appeared in court are Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, described by authorities as the alleged mastermind of the attack, together with Alexander Bettancourt, Johnny Boodram, and Krystal LaCruz.

Prosecutors told the court they had provided the defence teams with witness state-

ments, forensic reports, and other material the Crown intends to rely on at trial. With disclosure complete, the prosecution applied for the matter to be heard by paper committal, a process in which the magistrate examines the written evidence to determine whether there is a prima facie case to send the accused for trial in the High Court.

TURN TO PAGE 16

NEWS 13

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana propels Caribbean growth; GDP set to surge 15.2% in 2025, 24% in 2026 – ECLAC G

uyana is set to remain the fastest-growing economy in the Caribbean and one of the strongest performers globally, with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) projected to expand by 15.2 per cent in 2025 and a further 24 per cent in 2026, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

The projections, contained in ECLAC’s Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean, 2025, underscore Guyana’s continued economic outperformance at a time when much of the region remains trapped in a cycle of low and uneven growth.

ECLAC estimates that while the Caribbean as a whole will grow by 5.5 per cent in 2025 and 8.2 per cent

in 2026, those figures are overwhelmingly driven by Guyana’s expansion. When Guyana is excluded, growth across the Caribbean moderates sharply to 1.9 per cent in 2025 and 1.8 per cent in 2026, highlighting stark disparities within the subregion.

“Emerging and developing economies have performed well… In 2025, the current account deficit in Latin America and the Caribbean will stabilise at around 1.6 per cent of GDP (roughly US$ 105 billion), but there will be marked differences between subregions. These regional results stem from a combination of international and national factors,” the report stated.

“The Caribbean, excluding Guyana, is forecast to grow by 1.8 per cent in 2026, at a slightly slower pace compared with

India training GPF ranks in forensics, AI, predictive policing, human trafficking prevention

The launch of four specialised training programmes for the Guyana Police Force through collaboration between India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the High Commission of India in Guyana

T

he Home Affairs Ministry has announced the launch of four specialised training programmes for the Guyana Police Force (GPF), inaugurated on Tuesday, through collaboration between India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the High Commission of India in Guyana.

According to a social media post from the Ministry, the programmes were launched in the presence of Home Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond.

The training areas include fingerprint science and questioned documents; a five-day programme on SMART and predictive policing; preventing human trafficking: issues, challenges, and preventive measures; and a one-week programme on artificial intelligence for investigation.

The initiative is part of ongoing cooperation between Guyana and India and aligns with a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Rashtriya Raksha University and the National Defence Institute. The MoU was concluded during the State Visit of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Guyana on November 20, 2024, in the presence of President Dr Irfaan Ali. Representatives from Rashtriya Raksha University expressed appreciation for the participation of India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Amit Telang; Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency, Colonel Sheldon Howell; and Dr K M Praphullachandra Sharma, Joint Secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, South America Division, at the opening ceremony.

2025. Economic expansion is subject to tourism and construction trends in the subregion, which is highly vulnerable given its dependence on imported energy, high transport costs and exposure to natural disasters,” the report’s executive summary stated.

Guyana’s projected growth rates stand in sharp contrast to the broader regional picture. Latin America and the Caribbean is forecast to grow by just 2.4 per cent in 2025 and 2.3 per cent in 2026, marking a fourth consecutive year of growth hovering near the two per cent mark, a trend ECLAC describes as a “lowgrowth trap.”

Within the Caribbean, most economies are expected to post modest single-digit growth, constrained by high import

costs, vulnerability to climate shocks, and reliance on tourism and construction. Trinidad and Tobago, for example, is projected to grow by 1.3 per cent in 2025 and 0.9 per cent in 2026, while Jamaica’s economy is forecast to expand by 1.5 per cent in 2025 and 1.4 per cent in 2026.

Against that backdrop, Guyana’s sustained double-digit expansion continues to reshape regional averages and reinforce its role as a major economic outlier in the Caribbean.

Uneven Caribbean recovery

ECLAC cautions that the Caribbean’s economic outlook, excluding Guyana, remains fragile. The report notes that weaker tourism performance, high external financing costs and exposure to natural disasters

have contributed to a deterioration in current account balances across several Caribbean economies.

Public debt levels, while declining in some countries, remain elevated in others, limiting fiscal space and the ability of governments to respond to external shocks. The Caribbean’s public debt stood at 68 per cent of GDP in mid-2025, with several countries still above 80 per cent.

Growth in the subregion outside Guyana is expected to be driven primarily by services, particularly tourism, while investment remains constrained by global uncertainty and high borrowing costs.

Regional risks persist

Looking ahead, ECLAC warns that global economic uncertainty, slow-

ing growth in major trading partners, and volatile financial conditions continue to pose risks for the Caribbean and Latin America as a whole. While inflation has eased, allowing for less restrictive monetary policy, weak productivity growth and limited investment threaten longer-term economic prospects.

According to the report, for Guyana, the challenge will be managing rapid growth sustainably while avoiding the structural vulnerabilities that continue to constrain much of the region. For the wider Caribbean, the report underscores the urgency of economic diversification, stronger fiscal frameworks and greater regional cooperation to escape prolonged low growth.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS 15

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s CH&PA, GPL step up coordination to Ruminations push EBD-to-Mahaica road project

The Paris climate change …engagements ongoing with farmers, property owners along access road treaty celebrated its 10th anniversary this past week C

P

rime Minister Mark Phillips this past month has commissioned at least three solar farms, generating 3.3 MWs of energy each.

The three solar farms are among eight solar farms the Government has or will commission in 2025 in Regions Two, Six and 10. The PPP Government expects to commission solar farms in the next five years that can generate more than 100 MWs of clean renewable energy.

The solar farms are being Dr Leslie Ramsammy constructed as part of the Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic Program (GUYSOL) financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). This programme is designed to reduce electricity costs, cut greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂ emissions), and improve energy services throughout the country. The eight solar farms installed in 2025 alone would reduce carbon emissions by 32,000 to 40,000 tonnes of CO₂.

These projects are expected to provide electricity to over 25,000 homes, thereby increasing the share of renewables in the national energy mix. According to the Guyana Solar Panel Manufacturing Report, Guyana is poised to witness significant growth in its solar energy capacity, with estimates suggesting that 100 MW of solar PV capacity will be operational by 2030.

The IDB project is separate from the solar farms being installed in the hinterland, which are funded by the LCDS and from funds generated through the sale of carbon credits earned under the REDD+ programme. But the solar farms are just one initiative in reducing fossil-based energy. The gasto-energy project, which is expected to be commissioned in the first half of 2026, is expected to generate 300 MWs of energy, and Guyana is expected to generate 70 per cent of its energy as clean energy by 2030. With the Amaila hydroelectricity plant set to be commissioned before 2035, Guyana expects to be one of a handful of countries that will generate 100 per cent of its energy as clean energy.

The Paris Agreement was signed on December 12th, 2015. Last Friday, the world quietly observed the 10th anniversary of that monumental agreement. In a study released last Friday in observance of the anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement, it was revealed that most countries are showing signs of reduced carbon emissions, even if the rate of slowdown is anaemic.

Between 2005 and 2015, the decade before the Paris Climate Agreement, global CO₂ emissions averaged an increase of 18.4 per cent annually. From 2015 to now, the annual increase of CO₂ has slowed to just 1.2 per cent. The good news is that the annual CO₂ emissions increase is much smaller than it was in the decade before the Paris Agreement. The bad news is that the CO₂ emissions are still increasing every year. What we need now as a target for the next decade is to have an annual decrease, not an annual increase, of CO₂ emissions.

When, globally, before 2015, CO₂ emissions were increasing at an annual rate of 18.4 per cent, scientists were projecting that the global temperature would increase by 4°C by the end of the 21st century. With the much slower annual increase of emissions, the projection now is that the earth’s temperature will increase by 2.60°C by the end of the 21st century. The problem is that a 2.60°C increase is still far above the Paris Agreement limit of a 1.5 to 20°C increase.

As countries develop, several conditions emerge that favour CO₂ emissions. People and communities in countries that show increased economic growth need more electricity for their homes, business places and factories. Usually that electricity is generated via the increased utilisation of fossil fuel. As people’s living standards improved in countries with increased economic growth, personal and public transportation needs expanded. That means more vehicles, and these are usually gas-guzzlers, emitting more and more CO₂.

It is why, before 2015, there was a positive correlation between a country’s GDP growth and CO₂ emissions. The more a country’s economy grew, as measured by GDP, the more likely it was that its CO₂ emissions increased. But as the world observes the 10th anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement, this positive correlation between GDP growth and increased CO₂ emissions no longer exists. Countries’ GDP increases now no longer necessarily mean that CO₂ emissions also are increasing. The correlation between GDP growth and CO₂ emissions has essentially been decoupled.

Countries representing 92 per cent of the global economy have now decoupled GDP expansion and CO₂ emissions. For advanced economies representing 46 per cent of the global economy, even as GDP growth expands, CO₂ emissions are significantly falling. The UK, Norway and Switzerland have completely decoupled GDP expansion and CO₂ emissions. Other countries that have succeeded in reducing emissions while simultaneously expanding GDP include Brazil, Columbia and Egypt. Other countries that have reduced the rate of annual increases of CO₂ emissions are Australia, the UAE, Italy, Mexico, and South Africa. Countries like the US, Japan, Canada and most countries in the European Union, New Zealand, Latvia, Slovenia, Lithuania, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Togo and Azerbaijan achieved the decoupling between GDP expansion and CO₂ emissions even before 2015.

China is a good-news story when it comes to the decoupling of GDP expansion and CO₂ emissions. In the last decade, China’s GDP expansion has been just over 50 per cent; at the same time, its CO₂ emissions only increased by 24 per cent. It has been able to reduce its annual rate of increase for CO₂ emissions because China has reduced its dependency on fossil fuel and on coal. China is now the biggest emitter of CO₂, even if it is much less per capita than countries in North America and Europe.

Guyana is a trailblazer. It started a programme in 2010 to decouple CO₂ emissions from GDP growth. By 2030, while Guyana’s GDP growth continues steeply upwards, Guyana expects its CO₂ emissions to steeply bend downwards. Guyana hopes to join Bhutan, Nepal, Paraguay, Iceland, Ethiopia, Albania, and DR Congo as countries with 100 per cent clean energy.

Together with Guyana, Norway, Costa Rica, New Zealand and Uruguay also hope to be countries with 100 per cent clean energy by 2035.

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

hief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Dr Martin Pertab, on Tuesday led a technical visit to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Access Road Project as efforts continue to resolve outstanding issues and advance construction.

Pertab was joined by the team leader of the management committee, Kesh Nandlall; the divisional director of engineering services, Ryan Ross; CH&PA engineers; and technical representatives from GPL. The visit focused on coordinating works along the main access route and addressing challenges affecting progress.

According to Pertab in a post made on CH&PA’s social media page, close coordination between CH&PA and GPL is necessary to ensure that construction activities are properly sequenced, particularly as the completion of the road is required before GPL can install power lines along the corridor.

“We have faced several setbacks, but having GPL on-site with us allows us to directly address those issues. The road must be completed to facilitate the installation of power lines, and that requires continuous monitoring and coordination,” Pertab said.

Over the past few months, CH&PA and GPL have been working jointly to keep the project on track.

During the site visit, technical and logistical issues were discussed, contractors were engaged on location, and other agencies involved in the project were brought into consultations.

The GPL Access Road Project comprises 12 lots extending from the East Bank of Demerara to Mahaica.

Each lot covers approximately four kilometres of

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Chief Executive Officer of CH&PA, Dr Martin Pertab, along with the CEO of GPL and other senior and technical personnel during a site visit on Tuesday (CH&PA photo)

roadway. When completed, the road will link South Ruimveldt to the GPL substation at Columbia, Mahaica, improving access and supporting the expansion of electricity infrastructure along the East Coast and East Bank Demerara in Region Four.

Pertab confirmed that

the ministry has begun engaging persons whose properties fall within the project corridor and will continue working with agencies such as the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) to address related matters.

“The only remaining issue involves a few farm-

ers along the corridor.

Evaluations are underway, and appropriate action will be taken shortly,” he said.

The project, valued at approximately $5.58 billion, is part of the Government’s programme aimed at improving access to electricity and supporting development in Region Four.

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

UNSC adopts Guyana-led resolution to strengthen youth, peace, security agenda T

he United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously adopted a Guyana-led resolution aimed at strengthening the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda within the Council’s work, marking a significant milestone as the international community observes the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 2250.

The resolution, UNSCR 2807, was tabled jointly by Guyana and Sierra Leone and adopted on Friday last, signalling renewed commitment by the Council to meaningfully engage young people in the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security.

Delivering a statement at the High-Level Stocktaking Event commemorating a decade of UNSCR 2250 on December 15, Guyana’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador

Trishala Persaud, said the adoption of the resolution addresses long-standing gaps in how youth issues are treated at the Security Council level.

She pointed to findings from the UN SecretaryGeneral’s 2024 YPS report, which identified lack of trust between governments and youth, ageism, insufficient political will, and limited funding as persistent barriers to meaningful youth engagement.

“According to the Secretary General’s 2024 YPS report, youth participation in peace and security remains limited in most spaces on account of lack of trust between governments and youth, ageism, lack of political will and lack of funding.

While the international architecture around the YPS agenda has grown over the last 10 years, including in the PBC and with the contribution of the PBF, as well as with the establishment of the

Guyana’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Trishala Persaud

UN Youth Office mandated to lead engagement and advocacy for the advancement of youth issues across the United Nations, the agenda has been less pronounced and considered inconsistent-

ly in the Security Council – the UN body with primary responsibility for maintaining global peace and security. To address this deficit, Guyana and Sierra Leone tabled a resolution aimed at creating some certainty for the YPS agenda within the work of the Security Council,” the Guyanese envoy said.

Persaud acknowledged that while the global YPS architecture has expanded – through mechanisms such as the Peacebuilding Commission, the Peacebuilding Fund, and the establishment of the UN Youth Office – the agenda has been applied inconsistently within the Security Council itself.

Further, although negotiations led to some narrowing of initial ambitions, she said Resolution 2807 still contains “significant measures” to advance implementation of the YPS agenda.

“While our initial objectives were reduced over the weeks of negotiations, the resolution contains significant measures to advance implementation of the YPS

agenda, including the holding of open debates to discuss the YPS reports of the Secretary General, which previously was largely underutilised, and also support for the safe participation of youth briefers in Council meetings. Resolution 2807 also paves the way for indepth expert-level discussions on YPS in country-specific contexts and encourages continued coordination between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission, and among UN agencies, on YPS as part of a comprehensive approach to peacebuilding and sustaining peace,” she explained.

Beyond its practical measures, Persaud emphasised the symbolic importance of the resolution.

“Guyana views the adoption of this resolution as an important signal to the world’s youth of the Council’s recognition and confidence in the positive contributions young people can make to peace and security,” she said.

The UNSC’s Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda is important because it recognises young people as es-

sential partners in building and sustaining peace, rather than viewing them only as victims or security risks.

With a significant share of the global population under 30, lasting peace efforts cannot succeed without the meaningful inclusion of youth in decision-making at all levels.

The YPS agenda places strong emphasis on prevention by addressing the root causes of conflict, including exclusion, inequality and lack of opportunity. By promoting youth participation, education and economic empowerment, it helps strengthen social cohesion and reduces the risk of instability before it escalates into violence.

Importantly, the agenda also challenges negative stereotypes about youth and highlights their positive contributions to peacebuilding, dialogue and innovation. By calling for genuine, well-resourced youth engagement, the YPS framework reinforces the principle that sustainable peace is built with young people, not for them.

Berbice man pleads guilty to raping 9-year-old A

Berbice man charged in relation to a sexual offence involving a minor has pleaded guilty in the Berbice High Court.

D’Andre Perry appeared before Justice Sandil Kissoon, where he entered a guilty plea to the indictment. He admitted to committing the offence on October 19, 2024. When the matter was first called before Magistrate Michelle Matthias, the court was told that Perry, who was 27 at the time, had been on the run for a week after the incident. The prosecution's case is that on October 19, the girl was going to her grandfather’s house when Perry called her. She stopped at his home and was invited inside. Perry then exposed his private parts and started to masturbate be-

D’Andre Perry

fore pulling off the child’s undergarment and violating her. The little girl started to scream, and Perry then fled the house, using his bicycle to escape.

The child went to her relative’s home and was questioned about the blood on her clothing, but she fainted before she could respond. When she regained consciousness, she related what had transpired.

She was taken to the hospital and had to undergo surgery. The court was told that she lost blood as a result of the incident.

Following the plea, Justice Kissoon ordered that a probation report be prepared ahead of sentencing. The court also heard that an impact statement will be presented by State Prosecutor Cecil Corbin before sentencing.

Perry has been remanded to prison and is expected to return to court on January 6 for sentencing.

Prosecution completes evidence...

Defence counsel for one of the accused, Mikel Puran (for Johnny Boodram), asked for extra time to review the recently provided material; the court granted that request and set December 30 as the date for procedural steps.

The explosion occurred on October 26 at the Mobil fuel station on the corner of Regent and King Streets, in Georgetown’s commercial district. The blast caused significant damage and tragically claimed the life of a young girl, six-year-old Soraya Bourne, and left others injured. The apparent placement of an explosive device near propane cylinders prompted investigators to treat the incident as a targeted, coordinated attack.

Police investigators have said two key items were recovered from the scene and were sent overseas for forensic testing. Authorities confirmed that the pieces of evidence were sent to laboratories in India for analysis; prosecutors and investigators have described those results as material to the Crown’s case.

In total, seven people have been charged in connection with the bombing.

The other three accused, Guyanese nationals Wayne Correia, Ramesh Pramdeo, and Jennifer Rodriguez, face related charges and have been dealt with in separate magistracies; their matters were listed for December 17.

FROM PAGE 12

Earlier court appearances in November saw the four, now before Principal Magistrate McGusty, remanded to prison and denied bail, given the seriousness of the charges.

The attack sparked national shock and condemnation. President Irfaan Ali described the incident as a “vile assault” and ordered a full-scale investigation, urging the public to assist law enforcement where possible.

Prosecutors say the material disclosed to the defence will now be examined by the magistrate as the case proceeds on the paper-committal track; if the magistrate finds a prima facie case, the accused can be committed to stand trial in the High Court.

17

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

List of Persons to uplift Certificates of Title and Transports at the Regional Housing Office, Region #3 1 Aaron Raghunath

71 Avenash Jairam & Radha Kapildeo

139 Dacia Amanda Martin

206 Faith Camille Thompson

2 Abdool Azad Ganie and Roshani Devi Ganie

72 Avishkar Chetram Lakraj & Leelawati Goberdhan

140 Dale Anthony Miggins & Naomi Thelesha Miggins

207 Faizul Rhamat Alli Khan and Keshwari Devi Mana

73 Avishkar Narine

141 Dale Neil Zachary Afaghani and Bibi Faiza Sattaur

208 Fareeda

142 Danesh Budhni and Mala Devi Sukhia

210 Fazlur Rahman Wahid and Romeza Estella Wahid

3 Abdool Jameel Razack Razak 4 Abdul Rashid Hamid and Bibi Shakela Hamid 5 Abdul Shafeek Rahim

74 Azad Sattaur and Sureeta Singh

6 Adonayi Hoyte

75 Azweem Haroun

7 Adrian Agustus Alleyne and Assantie Omella Pryce

76 Babita Rahaman 77 Basmattie Dalcharran

8 Affica Ammatalla Austin

78 Basmattie Persaud

9 Agnes Adams

79 Bernadette Elizabeth Gouveia

10 Ahmad Ayatullah Husain & Bibi Allimoon Husain

80 Bernard Haslyn Alexander Lewis

143 Daniel Francisco Singh and Angelina Josefina Janak

11 Aileen Khan

81 Besham Bedi Arjune and Jagranie Ramroop Ramlall

12 Ajay Sankar

82 Bhanumatie Divya Jaipersaud

13 Akeem Alfred Pantlitz and Leonica Yolanda Moses

83 Bharrat Narain and Monica Deendial

14 Akeisha Alicia Adams

85 Bibi Allia Razack

15 Akini Keldon Mars 16 Akram Samad and Sachi Lysek 17 Alain Anton Barnes and Renita Natasha Barnes 18 Alana Radha Ramdharie 19 Alecia Delicie Leander 20 Alexandra Isebela Harris 21 Alfa Venisha Peters 22 Alicia Ameeka Ali 23 Alison Nikki Olivia De Jesus 24 Allana Jones 25 Alvin Andrew Lloyd and Bibi Salisha Shafeek 26 Amalya Onique Jacobs 27 Amanda Dukhi 28 Amanda Nairobis Roawtie 29 Amanda Peters 30 Amar Gaj and Kareshma Rajaram 31 Amar Lakhan and Kamini Ramjit-Lakhan 32 Amar Narine & Rashmi Narine 33 Amario Anthonio Deen 34 Ameer Khan and Rijana Wahid 35 Ameer Nawaz Jamil & Maria Gabriela Peters 36 Amir Umar 37 Amrita Drunarine 38 Amrita Hariram 39 Andrea Dellisa Fields 40 Andres Garib and Shivanna Kumar 41 Andres Ronaldo Lall and Reneta Ann Ritchie 42 Andy Chris Kortwright 43 Andy Emmerson Crawford 44 Angela Sylvester 45 Anieta Persaud 46 Anika Omotola Daziel 47 Anil Rampersaud 48 Anil Samaroo 49 Anil Tulsie 50 Anita Persaud 51 Anita Persaud 52 Anita Singh 53 Anjanie Babulal 54 Anjanie Ramdial 55 Anjilie Hardeo 56 Anna Maria Jagmohan 57 Annecia Akielar Poyer 58 Annesa Andrea Salim 59 Anthony Emanuel Hamilton 60 Anthony Sookdeo and Eugenia Natalia Somaria 61 Antonette Ariel Albert

84 Bhupaul Ramkishun and Navita Deonarine 86 Bibi Faneeza Alli 87 Bibi Hallieza Haniff 88 Bibi Nazalie Hussain

144 Daniel Persaud

211 Feezal Mohamed

145 Danisa Natasha Asha Hazel

212 Feona Singh

146 Darmendra Sukhdeo

213 Fernando Jesus Persaud & Nashana Showanda Moore-Persaud

147 Darmindra Pooran & Bibi Elisha Safie

151 Davie King

93 Bibi Shaneeza Khan

153 Davindra Charitar

218 Frank Yonnathan Gomez and Dayana Persaud

154 Dayan Hansraj

219 Gadi Hoyte

155 Debi Durpatty Mohamed

220 Ganesh Bissoon and Ramona Sarah Bissoon 221 Ganesh Persaud

160 Denesh Ramlakhan & Rampattie Sanicharra

94 Bibi Sudia Ramsaywack

161 Denise Alexis Douglas

95 Bibi Swabrina Khan

225 Geordie Joel Gansham and Aliena Ariena Todd-Gansham

163 Deodat Gobin

98 Boris Andre Fraser and Anesha Aiena Fraser

164 Deokie Sookdeo

99 Brandon Persaud

165 Deon Narine Jagbir and Daveta Jagbir

100 Brayan Miguel Bacchus Onicia Zipana April

228 Ghansham Seelochan

166 Deonarine Hooblall

101 Bryon Stanford Hubbard

229 Ghanshyam Budhram

167 Devanand Pooran

102 Budhram Goundai and Deveia Mukutnauth

230 Gino Rodrigo Fullington

168 Devika Devi Bhagwandin

103 Bupesh Etwaroo and Savitree Baksh

231 Glenroy Fitzgerald Duncan

169 Devika Persaud

104 Cabesh Persaud

170 Devin Eulette Henry

232 Gordon Hugh Booker Trim and Deborah Winifred Monica Trim

105 Candise Trotman

171 Devitri Ram

233 Govinda Shivelell

106 Carl Calvin Adrian Ageday

172 Devon Anthony Whitehead

234 Gregory Andray Jordan

107 Carlos Malcom Knights

173 Devon Leron Benjamin & Daisia Celestia Benjamin

235 Gwen Abigail Marks

174 Devon Ryan Alwyn Cantzlaar Chaunessa Corretta Edwards

237 Haimwantie Rattan

108 Carlyn Rehata Simpson 109 Cason Kobena Marshall 110 Cattian Omadale Harlequin

176 Dhankumarie Beepat

112 Chamalee Sukdeo

177 Dhanpattie Singh

113 Chandarballi 114 Chandradat Coonauth and Renita Devi Coonauth 115 Chandradat Mahase 117 Chandreka Hemnath 118 Chandrika Persaud Itwaru 119 Chandroutie Harriram 120 Charran Dhunmun 121 Chateram and Bhanmattie Chateram 122 Chatream Gharbaran and Natasha Singh 123 Cheryl Jennifer Lewis 124 Cheryl Nurica Jack-Miller 125 Chetwin Sydney Ted David and Subrina Natasha Williams-David 126 Chris Sasenaraine and Tiffany Sarah Goberdhan 127 Christopher Anthony Dhaniram 128 Christopher Nicholas Lall and Nandita Rooplall-Lall Inderdeo

178 Dhanpaul Hinds 179 Dhanpaul Singh & Padma Singh 180 Dhanraj Dasrath 181 Dhanrajie Ramotar

116 Chandrani Searwar

129 Chunilall Inderdeo

and

175 Dexter Shirwain Leander & Devika Benson

111 Chaitranie Balram

and

Leelawattie

130 Cindy Abigale Duncan

242 Hardat Amarnath and Rohini Dayal 243 Hardat Ramphal

Bhagwandat

and

Preamanie

247 Harrylall Ragoonauth and Ronie Ramnarine

185 Dionne Vanessa Bidder

248 Harryraj Toolaram and Rawattie Vishnu

186 Divshastri Dass & Indrane Seonarine

249 Harryram Shiwshankar

187 Dominic Pierre Gilpin and Malisa Polly Gilpin

250 Heemwantie Persaud

188 Dominque Shurwane Alexis 189 Don Fediel Grenardo and Donnet Nadioula Grenardo 190 Donella Dowanna Fraser 191 Donna Rogers 192 Donnette Allison Henderson 193 Drupattie Beharry 194 Drupattie Manichand 195 Dureen Singh

199 Elton Joseph and Loretta Agatha Conway

134 Cleveland Everoy Wellington and Beverley Ann Greene-Wellington

200 Emmanuel Gary Sealey

138 Cynthia Maria Khan

241 Hamed Azad Zamal and Bibi Nazima Rabbani

246 Harry P. Ramnauth

133 Cleavon Haydock Cameron

137 Crissel Cindy Bayley

240 Haleema Rahaman

184 Dimple Shivana Elizabeth Seeram

66 Ashley Jaisingh

70 Audie Francis Rodrigues and Gwendoline Joan Rodrigues

239 Halcyone Manisha Hing

183 Dhinesh Ramnauth and Sushma Premnath

198 Edith Nora Joseph

136 Colleen Duncan

238 Hakim Alameen Ibraaheem Atkins

244 Hardeo Paramsook & Davena Devi Thakur

65 Ashana Uanna Brandt

69 Atmanand Gafur

236 Haimchand Deoroop

182 Dharendra Nand Kumar and Nalene Ramjattan

64 Asgar Ally and Yasmin Persaud

135 Cloyette Lashonna Sparman

226 Gerdenson Manuel Gutierrez Amundarain and Reshma Angelica Gutierrez 227 Ghansham Persaud and Haimwattie Singh

197 Ederle Alexis Streete

68 Asif Bacchus and Shazeeda Nazir

224 Gary Andrew Hugh Joseph

97 Bodenarine and Seeta Doodnauth

132 Clavorn Abrams and Sherlyn Shenella Richmond-Abrams

67 Ashton Clinton Cummings

223 Ganshyam Chand and Nishana Isabela Singh

96 Bijnauth and Rookmin Payman

131 Cindy Motielall

63 Areeza Mohamed Azam

222 Gansham Seepersaud & Neelkumarie Sahadeo

162 Dennis Leon Carl Niles and Eureka Francina Garraway

196 Durval Anthony Mc Donald and Renita Abiola Geneva Mc Donald

62 Araf Hassan

Hardai

217 Flora Holden

152 Davieka Rampersaud

159 Dellroy Everton Mc Cammon & Leandre Carlotte Mc Cammon

92 Bibi Shameeza Ishmail

and

216 Flloyd Anthony Thomas and Neila Veronica Thomas

150 David Hariprasad

158 Deeraj Persaud and Chandradai Lall

91 Bibi Shaitoon Gafoor

Mohamed

215 Fiona Alicia Edoo

149 Dave Rayan Singh and Jasodra Singh

157 Deepa Sudhar Shanie Kailass

90 Bibi Reimana Mohamed

Farad

214 Ferris Diana Skinner

148 Dave Martin Marcus

156 Deborah Anita Baldeo

89 Bibi Nazeema Rudolph

209 Fazia Dataram

201 Eric Williams & Juanita Odessa Williams 202 Errol Ashworth Corbin

245 Harold Khan and Tasha Devi Persaud

251 Heera Persaud 252 Hemraj Joel Bidajhar and Nadeara Bidajhar 253 Herman Sigusmund Martindale Natasha Rosmarie Martindale

and

254 Herschel Glendon Gilead 255 Huntley Fitzgerald Halls 256 Huokaoi Luo & Jinli Luo 257 Ian Fitz Patrick Hoyte 258 Iashae Wendy Haynes-Jones 259 Ibimina Crystal Schmidt 260 Ibrahim Baksh and Kalonty Sookhun 261 Ibrahim Yehoshua Ali Abdullah 262 Iftekaar Mohamed Shakoor & Bibi Farima Peerbacchus 263 Imran Ally and Sunninena Ally 264 Imran Junior Yonas & Analisa Elliana Glasgow-Yonas

203 Eulene Patterson

265 Indarjeet Kalicharran

Mangal

204 Evron Olson Hackett

266 Indranie Persaud

205 Faatimah Bint Alli Boodhoo-Baksh

267 Indranie Rambarran

and

Ravita

Devi

18

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

List of Persons to uplift Certificates of Title and Transports at the Regional Housing Office, Region #3 268 Ishranee Aliesha Khelawan

336 Leo John Joseph

398 Munesh Baldeo

467 Ramesh Latchman

269 Jack Raj Surijpaul and Ramdai Jean Elizabeth Surijpaul

337 Leroy Kennedy Payne

399 Nadaria Bhagwandas

468 Ramesh Moosai and Indranie Devi Moosai

270 Jagdeo Rabindra Dhannie

338 Leslyn Vanessa Byron

400 Nadia Chando

469 Ramesh Persaud and Bibi Tasleema Hamid

271 Jagdesh George & Rajkumarie Persaud

339 Lester Lenon Alleyne and Natoya Yulanda Alleyne

401 Nakeisha Tracy Hercules

470 Ramnarine Mangal and Silena Budhu

272 Jagindra Persaud and Kayshena Persaud

340 Licerio Tahib Layne and Annesa Da Silva

402 Nalini Naraine Tacoordeen

471 Ramnarine Persaud and Sunita Chanballi

273 Jagnarine Etwaroo and Gaitre Goraknauth

341 Lloyd Lennox De Santos and Sharmaine Munroe

403 Nandram Arjune and Shalini Arjune

472 Ramnarine Pooran and Savatri Ramjit

404 Nandranie Abhijit

473 Ramnarine Veersammy Verian Veeran and Smanta Seegobin

274 Jaiashree Shivgobin 275 Jaidial Dhani and Ann Gertrude Abrams

342 Lorean Annalisa Harris

276 Jaikarran Persaud Sewpersaud Maishwarie Devi Ramnehora

344 Lorianne Roxanne George

and

345 Lorna Yvette Cornelius

278 Jaseka Narine

346 Lucretia Alica Chichester

279 Jasoda Ahillya Dawnarain

347 Luiroy Shamar Nieuelder

280 Jeewan Narine Rampersaud and Saleemah Rampersaud

348 Lynden Clairmont Miggins

474 Ramona Ann Beharry

406 Narendra Persaud

343 Lorene Monica Edmonds

277 Jamilla Ahmad Ahmad

405 Naomi Kristie Ramcharran

475 Ramona Lalchan

407 Narpattie Girwar

476 Ramrattie Ramsammy

408 Natasha Samantha Mc Pherson

477 Ramsaroop Singh

409 Nathaneel Bennett

478 Ranneisa Tisha Reddy

410 Natisha Andrea Paul

479 Rashad Alli Sakoor

411 Navindra Narine

480 Rashaun Renolsa Paul

412 Navindra Ramsammy

281 Jenna Carinna Cave

349 Madeshwar Ramnarace Sudman and Sureshma Singh

282 Jennifer Ann Lalchan

350 Mahadai Singh

414 Nayman Oatneil Gill

283 Jennifer Armogan

351 Mahadevi Prasad

415 Neckiha Keshana Nicholas

284 Jermaine Fraser

352 Mahallia Jacqulyn Williams

416 Neeloyani Davi Henriques

285 Jerry Jacob Singh

353 Mahendra Singh & Shanti Singh

286 Joeana Harripersaud

354 Mahesh Batool and Hanoranie Rambhorose

417 Nematulla Zafarulla Mullan Neeimabanu Aiyyubhusen Mulen

287 Jose Luis Motiram & Hemwantie Moonilall

355 Makala Vanessa Bristol

288 Joseph Emanuel Tilokey

356 Maleica Odetta Washington

289 Joshua Adriel Chichester

357 Malika Fiona Walcott

290 Joyann Odette Higgins

358 Malinda Olive Thomas

291 Joycelyn Singh

359 Malisa Singh

292 Joylyn Leota Tashanie Joseph

360 Mandy Lakshmi Bansi

293 Juan Amanda Rosemary

361 Manessa Singh

294 June Ann Van-Sluytman

362 Mangal Nandalall and Umadai Sukul Nandalall

295 Kamine Narayan 297 Kaminie Kumarie Singh 299 Kapil Dev Samaroo and Oleta Rukeya

365 Manuel Sooklall & Carmen Ramgoham

300 Kavita Harricharan

366 Marcelyn Duncan

301 Kavita Lekhram

367 Maria Ashley Dass

302 Kaye Uriah Paul

368 Marissia Nicola Edwards

303 Kayshaw Hamchandra

369 Mark Anthony Juma

304 Keith Elroy Williams

370 Mark Anthony Ramnarine & Hemwantie Wilfred

and

Ramona

371 Mark Brandon Sargeant

306 Keron Steven Austin 307 Kesham Bisram and Honesty PearsonBisram

372 Marlon Junior Younge and Genisa Nikita Joseph

308 Keslyn Kelechia Barry

373 Marvin Anthony Clarke

309 Keslyon Charles & Sceon Alicia BecklesCharles

374 Mary Ann Forde 375 Mary Ernestine Williams

310 Kester Junior Billey

376 Matthew Mc Rae & Lisa Wanita Bristol-Mc Rae

311 Kevin Lorenzo De Camp

377 Mayrani Hookumchand

312 Kevon Anthony Hale

378 Melissa Charmaine Shivaughn Liverpool

313 Kevon Khamisi Moore 314 Khemraj Shivcharran

Mathura

and

Shrikumarie

418 Nesheno Lambert

379 Meshauna Tonezia Malika Webster 380 Michael Alwyn Clarke

423 Noawattie Persaud

490 Raymond Anthony Harsham

424 Nyron Delmar Ferguson

491 Raymond Hack

425 Ocquema Dawson

492 Reasha Persaud

426 Odafi Magaube Gordon and Rimelle Abiola Adolph-Gordon

493 Reottie Bhagpatty

427 Odella Ateshia Latoya Rodrigues

496 Riazul Haniff and Ulana Haniff

429 Odetta Linda Wilson

497 Ricardo Jose Rasul

430 Omica Odessa Mentore

498 Richie Moses and Raywattie

431 Onail Iona Sinclair

499 Ricky Singh and Samantha Millton

432 Onasha Tandica Adams

500 Robena Abetta Wright

433 Onika Samanta Williams

501 Rodrick Douglas Daniels and Mia Patrice Fleming

434 Ophelia Diana Francis 435 Orin Wilfred Gittens

502 Rodwyn Alexander Beetwell and Lateefa Ianna Beetwell

436 Pamela Ganeshdat

503 Rohit Persaud Thakoordine and Savitri Thakoordine

437 Parbattie Ramphaul 438 Parmanand Chandra Singh

504 Rohit Samaroo and Kamla Devi

439 Parmanand Puran

505 Rolinda Hermina Rocquel T. Jordan

440 Patricia Alisa Smithet 441 Patricia Thomas 442 Patrick Andrew Calvan & Joy Glasgow 443 Paul Anthony Rodney & Denise Ann Rodney 444 Paul Carol Mendonca 446 Paul Rooplall and Alicia Amilla Rooplall

449 Petal Ann Ioletha Mitchell

383 Michael Persaud and Ramana Krishram

450 Peter Joshua Pendleton

384 Micheal Mohamed Kassim and Adriana Netisha Beharry

451 Preemraj Persaud and Coleen Mary Ann Wells

385 Mohabir and Sharifan Mohabir

452 Purmanand Persaud

322 Komal Seewah and Michell Ramona Seewah 323 Krishnchand Mangal and Jagmat Mangal 324 Kunal Balli 325 Lakeraj Ramnarace & Shivanie Devi Narine 326 Lakeram Narine and Mohandai Boodram 327 Lakrajie Lalaram 328 Lalta Latchman Danpaul and Jennifer Anna Amanda Danpaul 329 Latacher Alacea Roberts 330 Latchman Badree & Dhanwantie Badree

387 Mohamed Ameer Khan and Latchmin Shamlall 388 Mohamed Azeez Johnson 389 Mohamed Faiaz Khan

Reshma

453 Rabindranauth Brasse 455 Rafena Mustapha 456 Raffie Yusuf and Bibi Salima Samsair

459 Rajnie Brijmohan

393 Mohamed Shafraz Khan Rafeek and Mary Isabel Echeverria

461 Ramanand Mangar

396 Mohase Persaud Ramdas and Ramrattie Ramdas 397 Moses Camach Harrilall & Delesha JairamHarrilall

460 Rakesh Persaud and Raywattie Persaud 462 Rambachand Jadobance and Zeileena D'Oliveira 463 Ramcharran Etwaroo

Mohamed

&

Nandanie

464 Ramdeo Persaud and Deomattie Persaud 465 Ramdular Bipat 466 Ramesh Deo Pooran

509 Ronald Gulani 511 Rondella Mc Karrie D'Andrade 512 Ronel Althea Inniss Lilmohan

and

Christina

515 Rosemary Evadney Persaud 516 Roxanne Carla Fiedtkou 517 Roy Bryan Khellawan and Rajdai Mc Coon 518 Roy Ravindra Narine and Ramkumarie Rampersaud 519 Roylet Shemika Teleisha Ferguson

454 Raeryes Ali and Bibi Abidah Ali

458 Rajesh Lall and Rosanny Lalcham

333 Latisha Maline Persaud 335 Lennox Courtney Abraham

&

392 Mohamed Sarfaraz Murad Murad and Bibi Aisha Ghanie

395 Mohanie Bhagwandin

334 Latoya Alecia Ageda-Corbin

Dhankoomar

391 Mohamed Reyaad Rahim

332 Latchmin Seemangal

508 Ron Dexter Glasgow

514 Rosalind Mary Adrian

390 Mohamed Haniff Watim

394 Mohamed Shahab Rasool and Nalini Rasool

507 Romeo Nelson Ramnarayan

513 Roopnarine Lilmohan

457 Rahaman Hoosein & Radika Nirmala Devi Hoosein

331 Latchmin Deochand

506 Romeo Fizol Mohamed and Kummawattie Ramsammy

510 Ronaldo Troy Renee

445 Paul Cheong and Nafeeza Majid

448 Persnauth Ramnarine

386 Mohabir Bhagwandin and Haimwantie Bhagwandin

494 Reyaaz Deen and Darshanie Deen 495 Rhondacy Williams

428 Odessa Ziona Niles

382 Michael Bascom and Meachella Ann Bascom

321 Komal Ramdeen and Nadya Natasha Ramdeen

&

489 Raymond Alanzo Charan and Reshma Sonalall

316 Khemraj Raywattie and Inderdai

320 Kishan Micheal Lawrence Chung

Samuel

422 Nikisha Sydney

447 Paulette Anne Jhingoree

319 Kimroutie Persaud

485 Ravindra Shreepersaud Soorsattie Jaggernauth-Samuel

488 Rayleen Chareleen Patterson

381 Michael Angelo Pile

318 Kimberly Malika Thornhil

484 Ravindra Dhaniram

487 Ray Anthony Newton

315 Khemraj Persaud and Jasmatie Persaud 317 Kimberley Samantha Duncan

482 Ravi Persaud and Danwatt Persaud

486 Ravindra Singh and Sharmain Doobay

421 Nicola Abiola Mentore

298 Kamla Persaud

305 Kelvin Anthony Griffith

Ramprashad

and

420 Nickesha Natasha Marks

364 Manraj Rambhaju

481 Rashera Jairam 483 Ravi Shankar Jodhan and Xuxa Ashika Rodrigues

419 Nicholas Shemar Forde

363 Manoja Dindial and Bibi Farzana FazalDindial

296 Kamini Dey

413 Navindra Surajsingh and Bhanu Narinedatt

520 Rudhnaught Persaud and Bibi Zahira Shellisha Shakieal 521 Rudolph Kevin Joseph 522 Ruel Ravindra Ramkishun and Anushka Ramkishun 523 Rupert Andel Perry 524 Rushanna Rowanda Chapman 525 Ruth Barbara Andrews 526 Ruth Claudia Recanna James 527 Ryan Robert Jardine 528 Ryon Gangajelly 529 Sabitri Budhram 530 Sadesh Ramdeen 531 Sadike Mohamed & Shaneza Roberts 532 Safraaz Mahmood

NEWS

19

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

9 welders graduate under BITDHBC apprenticeship programme List of Persons to uplift Certificates of Title and Transports at the Regional Housing Office, Region #3 533 Safraz Basant and Shaneezah Yacoub

604 Talish Singh and Romonna Alicia Singh

534 Safraz Persaud and Bernadeen Williams

605 Tamara Tinana Gilkes

535 Sahadeo Nandanie

606 Tandi Siphiwe Whittaker-Mc Garrell

Lall

Monilall

and

Anjanie

536 Sahmdai Ramtahal 537 Salima Singh 538 Samandie Bhagwandin 539 Samanta Ramotar 540 Samuel Philip Pancham 541 Sandra Ann Barker 542 Sanjay Krishnadat Bansi 543 Sarah Haniff 544 Sarah Ramcharran 545 Sasha Anthea Ferreira 546 Satesh Singh & Edin Jeffrey 547 Satrohandatt A. Deodatt Hardowar 548 Savita Gurucharran 549 Savitree Persaud 550 Savitrie Seegobin 551 Seeta Rampersaud Singh

607 Taraa Prashad 608 Tarmattie Persaud 609 Tawanna Abadacia James 610 Teisal Kamaludeen 611 Teresa Sealey 612 Terrance Julius Looknauth and Navita Devi Looknauth 613 Terrence Marcel Chichester and Marva Odetta Mars-Chichester 614 Terrence Ranaldo Halley 615 Terrence Wong and Bibi Farzana Alli 616 Thakurdeen & Shanta Devi Sibdan 617 Thandiwe Nickita Franklin 618 Tiana Alicia Patterson 619 Tiffany Andrea Skinner 620 Tiffany Nekesha Stai Smith 621 Tiffini Danelli Mc Kinnon

552 Seichand Indar and Lorita Persaud

622 Timeka Sheann Hanover

553 Selon Gordon Emanuel Phillips and Thameca Aretha Broomes

623 Tinesa Akesia Smith 624 Tito Pebo Grimes

554 Semanda Ava Forde

625 Tocia Andrea Adams

555 Seon Oneal Bobb

626 Todeika Nikeshia Johnson

556 Serena Agatha Grandison

627 Tomeshwar Tarchand

557 Shamayne Amaly Jones

628 Tomezia Atina Lawrence

558 Shamdai Mangal

629 Toni Antonio Paul

559 Shameeza Annisa Azad

630 Toralpher Simon Harry

560 Shane Stephenson Gibson and Rayshanna Sukhia

631 Tounica Nekasha Clementson

561 Shaneeza Hamid

633 Trevon Tedon Nelson

562 Shaneeza Rafeek 563 Shanesea Sophia Pile 564 Shania Sajada Mekila P. Goppy 565 Shanta Kheman

632 Travis Elton Ray Grannum 634 Tribhuvan Kaladeen 635 Tribuwan Oudipaul and Nirmala Singh 636 Trichelle Tracy Ward

566 Shaquille Eframie Anthony Paul

637 Troy Anthony Caesar and Anastasia Maria Caesar

567 Shaqwel Matt Mason

638 Troy Royston Smith

568 Sharaz Khan & Devashrie Mahendranauth

639 Tulsidai Jaggernauth

569 Sharon Neisha Mohamed

640 Umawatty Sukoo

570 Sharwan Persaud Gir

641 Umeshweri Natasha Yuyudhana

571 Shavern Oddis Bishop

642 Vanessa Cecilia Holder

572 Shawannah Delannah Hudson

643 Vanessa Chisholm

573 Shawna Kharisa Miggins

644 Vanessa Goolcharran

574 Sheena Patelda Gordon-Trotman

645 Vassilia Indra Constantine

575 Sheldon Anthony Austin

646 Vibart Feddlies Fredricks

576 Shelly Sonita Ramdeholl

647 Vidawattie Devi Persaud

577 Sherman Eswick Belle

648 Vidya Sukhu

578 Shilendra Jhooar and Yashoda Dhaniram

649 Vijay Stanislaus Persaud

579 Shivnarine Dhanpaul

650 Vijyendra Rajroop and Bibi Roselise Rajroop

580 Shureez Analisa Roberts 581 Shurlan Anthony Ross 582 Silvanus Michael Narendra Persaud 583 Simone Odetta Waterman 584 Sinetta Marria Phillips 585 Soam Daybe Surujpaul Seepersaud and Naline Seepersaud 586 Sohan Singh and Padmini Singh 587 Sonia Lall 588 Soorojanie Amin 589 Stephen Persaud Bacchus 590 Stephon Simeon Haymer

651 Vimla Lakhan 652 Viraj Avinash Dudhnath & Bhagmattie Persaud 653 Vishnu Magan 654 Vishnu Singh and Phulmattie Persaud Ramdin 655 Vishwanauth Brigonauth 656 Vivette Natoya Wellington 657 Waheeda Samdally 658 Waheeda Shahabadeen 659 Wendell Jacobs

591 Steve Narine and Theresa Morgan

660 Winston Oswald Cumberbatch & Miechiee Omadale Ithia Cumberbatch

592 Suarjdi Williams

661 Wonica Onessa Augustus

593 Suchanie Manniram

662 Yabitri Rampersaud

594 Sunil Gobind Basme and Lisa Gonsalves

663 Yash Paul Persaud

595 Sunita Jagdeo

664 Yashmin Ramnaraine

596 Suraj Emilio Harford and Marina Tekaram

665 Yasmin Golin Salome Hutson

597 Surendra Dyal Sookraj

666 Yugendra Singh

598 Surendra Persaud and Vyante Ramessar

667 Yvonne Randolph

599 Suresh Dat and Samanta Dat

668 Zachariahs Ramnaugh and Ramona Shanti Ramnaugh

600 Surujdai Bebakanand Chaturi 601 Swabera Bacchus 602 Sylvester Oliver Avinash Persaud 603 Tajenarine Hanoman & Farina Rafikh

669 Zakir Khan 670 Zalina Mohamed 671 Zameer Khan and Hamlla Mohamed

N

ine apprentices formally joined Guyana’s skilled workforce Tuesday following the completion of the Welding Apprenticeship Programme, hosted by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) in partnership with the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC). The programme aims to address the growing need for skilled labour across the country’s industrial and infrastructural sectors.

At the ceremony, Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith praised the collaboration between BIT and DHBC and called on other organisations to follow suit.

“I want to thank and commend those in charge of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation for their foresight in collaborating with us to establish this apprenticeship programme. I also call publicly on more companies to engage with the Board of Industrial Training so that together we can mould and groom the future leaders of Guyana,” Minister Griffith said.

Speaking to the graduates, Griffith emphasised the broader significance of the apprenticeship, highlighting that

The BIT-DHBC graduation ceremony

their training equips them with skills that extend beyond employment.

“Now more than ever, there is a need for craftsmanship.

You have learned a trade, but it is so much more than that.

You have been prepared with the competence and ability to transform not only your lives but this entire country. You can work anywhere in the region and gain employment in welding. There is a demand for hundreds of welders across Guyana, and as development continues nationwide, the skills you have acquired over the last two years will be put to good use,” he said.

CEO of BIT, Richard Maughn, underscored that the programme’s competency-based model ensures graduates are workforce-ready.

“As an individual working on behalf of the Government of Guyana to ensure that quality training reaches all Guyanese, it was a privilege to work with the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation. I recall engaging with the corporation a few years ago, and to now witness the success of this programme is truly encouraging,” Maughn said.

He added that apprenticeship programmes provide assurance that participants acquire the competencies required for the world of work and encouraged graduates to remain appreciative and to give back to those who supported them throughout their journey.

So far in 2025, 314 individuals have benefited from BITadministered apprenticeship programmes.

Antigua, Dominica now among Caribbean nations that face US travel restrictions

U

S President Donald Trump on Tuesday more than doubled the list of countries subject to his travel ban or to heavy restrictions, bringing the total number of nations affected by the sweeping set of immigration and entry limits to 39.

The first iteration of the travel ban Trump issued in June included 19 countries, fully barring the entry of immigrants and travellers from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

It also partially suspended the entry of nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

The proclamation signed

by Trump on Tuesday added seven countries to the list of States facing full entry restrictions: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Laos, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Syria. It imposed partial entry limits on immigrants and travellers from another 15 countries, including Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Trump's proclamation also enacted an entry ban for those traveling with documents issued by the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank. The restrictions on travellers from Turkmenistan were eased, after Trump said that country had improved its information-sharing with the US. The immigration and travel restrictions include some exceptions, including

for permanent US residents from the countries on the list and athletes and staff participating in major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup next year. But Tuesday's proclamation also eliminated an exception, included in the June travel ban, that exempted the children, spouses and parents of US citizens who had requested visas on their behalf.

CBS News had reported earlier this month that the Trump Administration was considering expanding its travel ban following the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC, during Thanksgiving week.

The suspect in that attack, which killed one of the soldiers, is an Afghan man who entered the US in September 2021 and was granted asylum in April 2025.

In his decree on Tuesday, Trump cited multiple reasons to justify the travel ban's expansion, including concerns about the ability to adequately vet immigrants from the impacted countries and the lack of reliable record-keeping and information-sharing in some of those nations. He also referenced armed conflict, corruption, fraud and terrorism in certain countries on the list.

Trump said Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica also offer citizenship to foreigners without a residency requirement, creating the risk that someone from the countries subject to the travel ban could seek to gain status in those Caribbean nations to bypass the US entry restrictions.

During Trump's first administration, versions of his travel ban faced significant public backlash and legal challenges that alleged

the policy was discriminatory in nature. In 2018, however, the Supreme Court upheld the President's power to suspend the entry of foreigners on national security grounds through a legal authority known as 212(f).

Haiti and Cuba remain under existing restrictions

The proclamation does not introduce new restrictions for Haiti or Cuba, both of which are already subject to US entry limits under an earlier proclamation issued in June 2025. That earlier order fully restricted entry for Haitian nationals and partially restricted entry for Cuban nationals, and the new proclamation explicitly states that those measures will continue.

Haiti remains among the countries whose nationals face a full suspension of entry, applying to both immigrant and non-immigrant travel. Cuba remains subject to partial restrictions, which also apply to both immigrant and non-immigrant visas.

The White House frames the December proclamation as an extension and modification of an existing policy framework, rather than a reset, the Caribbean National Weekly website reported.

The restrictions take effect at 00:01h Eastern Standard Time on January 1, 2026. The proclamation also directs the US Government to review the restrictions every 180 days, with recommendations on whether they should be continued, modified, or lifted, and to continue engaging affected countries on improving screening, vetting, and information-sharing practices. (Excerpts from CBS and Caribbean National Weekly)

20

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil jumps over 1% as Trump orders blockade of sanctioned oil tankers leaving, entering Venezuela

U

S crude futures rose more than one per cent today as US President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered "a total and complete" blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.

US crude futures were up 1.3 per cent, or 72 cents, to trade at US$55.99 at 0022 GMT. Oil prices settled near five-year lows in the previous session on progress in Russia-Ukraine peace talks, as a deal may see Western sanctions on Moscow eased, freeing up supply at a time of fragile global demand.

Trump added that he now regarded Venezuela's rulers as a foreign terrorist organisation.

Trump's comments came a week after the US seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, stepping up a pressure campaign on the Government of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who Trump has blamed for drugs entering the US. The move is set to sharply escalate tensions between Washington and Caracas as he targets Venezuela's main source of income.

It is unclear how the Trump Administration will impose the blockade against the sanctioned vessels, and whether he will turn to the Coast Guard to interdict vessels like he did last week. The Administration has moved thousands of troops and nearly a dozen warships – including an aircraft carrier – to the region in recent months.

"For the theft of our Assets, and many other reasons, including Terrorism, Drug Smuggling, and Human Trafficking, the Venezuelan Regime has been designated a FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Therefore, today, I am ordering A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela."

Oil prices had settled at US$55.27 a barrel on Tuesday, the lowest close since February 2021.

Oil market participants said prices were rising in anticipation of a potential reduction in Venezuelan exports, although they were still waiting to see how Trump’s blockade would be enforced and whether it would extend to include non-sanctioned vessels.

"We don’t know how much or how quickly Trump will enforce this," said Rory Johnston, founder of oil markets-focused newsletter Commodity Context.

Embargo effectively in place There has been an effective embargo in place after the US seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela last week, with loaded vessels carrying millions of barrels of oil staying in Venezuelan waters rather than risk seizure.

Since the seizure, Venezuelan crude exports have fallen sharply, a situation worsened by a cyberattack that knocked down State-run PDVSA's administrative systems this week.

While many vessels picking up oil in Venezuela are under sanctions, others transporting the country's oil and crude from Iran and Russia have not been sanctioned, and some companies, particularly the US's Chevron transport Venezuelan oil in their own authorised ships.

For now, the oil market is well supplied and there are millions of barrels of oil on tankers off the coast of China waiting to offload. If the embargo stays in place for some time, then the loss of nearly a million barrels a day of crude supply is likely to push oil prices higher.

The Pentagon and Coast Guard referred questions to the White House.

The Venezuelan Communications Ministry, which handles all press requests for the Government, did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Maduro, speaking at an event on Tuesday evening before Trump's post, said, "Imperialism and the fascist right want to colonise Venezuela to take over its wealth of oil, gas, gold, among other minerals. We have sworn absolutely to defend our homeland and in Venezuela peace will triumph."

Increased tensions Trump's campaign has included a ramped-up military presence in the region and more than two dozen military strikes on vessels in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea near Venezuela, which have killed at least 90 persons.

Trump has also said that US land strikes on the South American country will soon start.

In wide-ranging interviews with Vanity Fair, Susie Wiles, Trump's chief of staff, said the boat strikes were aimed at putting pressure on Maduro.

"He wants to keep on blowing boats up until Maduro cries uncle," the magazine quoted Wiles as saying in an article published on Tuesday.

Maduro has alleged that the US military build-up is aimed at overthrowing him and gaining control of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) nation's oil resources, which are the world's largest crude reserves. (Excerpts from Reuters)

Zelenskyy says "very workable" peace plan to end Ukraine war could be presented to Russia within days

U

krainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says proposals being negotiated with US officials for a peace deal to end his country's nearly four-year war with Russia are "very workable" and could be finalised within days, after which American envoys would present them to the Kremlin before further possible meetings in the United States next weekend.

Zelenskyy warned late Monday that a draft peace plan discussed with the US during talks in Berlin earlier in the day had not resolved some key issues, notably what happens to Ukrainian territory occupied by invading Russian forces.

US-led peace efforts ap-

A firefighter looks at a damaged residential building following a Russian air attack in Zaporizhzhia

pear to be picking up momentum. But Russian President Vladimir Putin may baulk at some of the proposals thrashed out by officials

from Washington, Kyiv and Western Europe, including post-war security guarantees for Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov repeated Tuesday that Russia wants a comprehensive peace deal, not a temporary truce.

If Ukraine seeks "momentary, unsustainable solutions, we are unlikely to be ready to participate," Peskov said.

"We want peace – we don't want a truce that would give Ukraine a respite and prepare for the continuation of the war," he told reporters. "We want to stop this war, achieve our goals, secure our interests, and guarantee peace in Europe for the future."

The land issue remains one of the most difficult obstacles to a comprehensive agreement. (Excerpt from CBS News)

PM refutes Venezuela’s claim J’ca: Tourism Minister hails Canadian Diaspora as CA$3M that T&T colluded with raised for hurricane recovery US in oil tanker seizure

M

The crude oil tanker recently seized by the US on December 12, 2025

T

rinidad and Togabo Prime Minister (PM) Kamla PersadBissessar has dismissed the Venezuelan Government’s accusation that this country colluded with the US in the seizure of its oil tanker as “false propaganda”.

The PM said if the Venezuelan Government has a problem with the seizure of the oil tanker “Skipper”, then they should take it up with United States President Donald Trump.

“They should direct their complaints to President Trump, as it is the US military that has seized the sanctioned oil tanker. In the meantime, we continue to have peaceful relations with the Venezuelan people.”

Persad-Bissessar also told Guardian Media she is unbothered by the Nicolás Maduro regime’s threat to “extinguish” all natural gas deals with Trinidad and Tobago.

The PM said, “We have never depended on Venezuela for natural gas supplies. We have adequate reserves within our territory. We are aggressively working to reduce bureaucratic barriers to speed up approvals for energy compa-

nies.”

Persad-Bissessar added, “The real issue is bureaucracy is hindering our exploration and production.”

Former energy Minister and energy expert Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan also made it clear yesterday that recent developments involving Venezuela amount to no shock and/or major blow for T&T, because there was never any gas supply coming into the country in the first place.

She insisted that the current situation simply confirms what has been the reality for some time: Venezuela is not a source of relief for the country’s worsening gas shortage. She said the framework governing unitisation agreements for cross-border fields remains in place, but it does not revive projects that were already stalled or shut down.

Looking ahead, she warned that T&T must now look elsewhere for gas, as domestic reserves continue to decline and foreign exchange pressures mount.

However, she cautioned against expecting quick solutions from other regional players. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

inister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett has expressed profound gratitude for the Canadian diaspora’s extraordinary leadership and generosity in raising more than CA$3 million in relief and recovery support for communities across Jamaica impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

The ministry cited the swift mobilisation of Jamaicans living in Canada – through targeted fundraising campaigns, relief concerts, community drives, and direct donations – as a testament to the enduring bond between Jamaica and its diaspora abroad.

“The outpouring of support from our Canadian diaspora has been nothing short of inspirational,” said Bartlett.

“When our island called for help, our Jamaican family in Canada answered with leadership, compassion and considerable contributions that

are already making a real difference in people’s lives.”

Over the past few weeks, members of the diaspora have consistently executed several initiatives to raise funds for families impacted by the hurricane. These include an initial benefit concert held on November 6 at the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) in Toronto, which raised over CA$51,000, along with an online funding drive that raised over CA$650,000 after just two weeks. The JCA members have been working around the clock, and similar efforts have been undertaken by other diaspora communities and associations across Canada.

Director of Tourism Donovan White wholeheartedly applauded the efforts of the diaspora groups, highlighting the “positive impact the relief will have on many lives”. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

US hits 3 more alleged drug boats in Pacific, killing 8, military says

T

he US military says it struck three more alleged drug-carrying boats in the Eastern Pacific on Monday, the latest in a campaign of vessel strikes ordered by the Trump Administration that have killed at least 95 people in 25 boats.

Monday's strikes killed eight men across three boats, the US military's Southern Command said in a post on X. It alleged the occupants were "male narco-terrorists" and the boats were "transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and were engaged in narco-trafficking." The strike was authorised by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Southern Command said.

Southern Command also posted a 47-second video that appeared to show three separate strikes on vessels.

The US military began striking boats in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean in early September, part of what the Trump administration has described as a "non-international armed conflict" against drug cartels that it has designated as terror groups.

The campaign is increasingly controversial, however.

Democratic lawmakers and a handful of Republicans argue the Trump administration lacks legal authority to conduct the strikes and hasn't provided sufficient evidence that the boats were actually carrying narcotics. (Excerpt from CBS News)

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025

21

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

(March 21-April 19)

Choose what you wish to participate in and tally up how much it will cost. Taking care of the expenses that come with the festive season and events you attend in advance will reduce stress and encourage you to relax and enjoy yourself. Travel will require extra time and proper documentation. Romance is in the stars.

(April 20-May 20)

Take care of an offer that requires your attention before the year ends. Be prepared to deal with government agencies, institutions, and matters that might affect travel time if you are visiting family and friends this holiday season.

Take advantage of an offer you’re eligible for. The compensation you receive will have a positive impact on your lifestyle.

PICKLES

(May 21-June 20)

Change can be good if you embrace it wholeheartedly and engage in talks and events that offer a platform to share your thoughts.

Exploring possibilities and considering how to make the most of the upcoming year will help change your perspective on what’s yet to come.

Think big, act on your behalf, and enjoy the ride.

Look at the big picture when dealing with professional matters and prospects. Consider how to utilize your skills and market yourself to fit in a slot that shows professional growth and good timing on your part. Setting yourself up for success will put your mind at ease and money in the bank.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Attend events that allow you to show off your skills and expertise. Reconnecting with past associates will open doors to new beginnings.

Don’t believe everything you hear, but investigate and summarize what’s of interest to you. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Put out feelers, network, and an opportunity will present itself. A partnership has potential.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Distance yourself from drama and those trying to involve you in a situation that doesn’t include you. Put your energy into self and homeimprovement projects that aren’t subject to controversy. Do what’s necessary to maintain personal and emotional stability. Protect your reputation and avoid gossip and sharing information before you verify the facts.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

LAST PUBLISHED WORD -- UNCOILS

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Communication is in your best interest.

Let your charm lead the way while you share your ideas; you’ll get a grasp on what others might expect and want from you. A slight change to your plans will help you finetune your next move to ensure success. Clear a space at home to house your subsequent pursuit.

Sit tight, observe, and learn. Focus on personal and self-improvement to boost your confidence and prepare for the upcoming festivities. Verify information before you pass it along or make plans based on what you hear. Someone may try to make you look incompetent by pointing you in the wrong direction. Protect your position.

Stay on course, stick to basics, and you’ll flawlessly move forward with ease. Knowing your capabilities and executing what you do best is the quickest path forward. Less interaction will work in your favor. Direct your energy accordingly, and don’t comply or present your offer until they meet your standards. Trust your intelligence and insight.

You’ll gain insight into something you want to pursue. Ask questions and monitor what’s said to ensure you get an honest assessment of situations and the possibilities that exist. An event that allows you to learn and connect with people practicing something you want to pursue can lead to unexpected opportunities.

You may not like what’s happening around you, but take a moment to digest what’s unfolding and you’ll discover something or someone of interest. Don’t buy into someone else’s dream; invest in yourself, your attributes, and your future.

A change will take you by surprise and encourage you to push forward with enthusiasm. Romance is favored.

Believe what you see, verify what you hear, and pursue what excites you. Participate in events that broaden your perspective and encourage you to learn something new. Associating with cuttingedge people and pursuits will help you understand the dynamics of keeping up and getting ahead.

Trust your instincts and forge ahead.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025

Reifer calls for more responsibility from WI batters W

est Indies batting coach Floyd Reifer is calling for his unit to bat with more responsibility and control the game for longer periods.

The ongoing series is locked 1-0, and the final Test is set to bowl off today, Wednesday, December 17, in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.

According to Reifer, batting time is a key element to success in Test matches. "We did not control the game for long periods, especially in the batting depart-

ment. Going into this game, this is something we spoke about, and we want to improve upon. When we are in control of the situation, we must stay in control."

"Sometimes you have to have tough conversations at this level. Justin has been batting well for some time, so it's now time for him to continue to be consistent," Reifer said.

The batting coach added, "We had a lot of starts in the second Test, but none of those starts were hundreds. We need to cap-

italise on those starts. We have to bat for long periods.

We believe that once you bat for four hours plus in a Test, you are guaranteed a hundred."

"All the pitches are green. The first two days are good for bowling. There are certain shots you can't play early in the innings, so you have to be disciplined, and players must take more responsibility,” he added.

A d d i t i o n a l l y , Tagenarine Chanderpaul has not fully recovered from the side strain sus-

CLASSIFIED ADS ASTROLOGY

West Indies batting coach Floyd Reifer

tained prior to the second Test and has therefore been ruled out of the third and final Test.

The team's performance analyst, Avenesh Seetaram,

has returned home due to a personal family matter.

The first ball of the third and final Test is expected to bowl off at 18:00h local time.

St Joseph, Hope, Westminster win as schoolboys’ futsal continues

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The excitement has been building in the schoolboys’ futsal competition (file photo)

W

e s t m i n s t e r Secondary, St Joseph High, New Central High, Annandale Secondary and Hope Secondary were amongst the winners on Tuesday when the Schoolboys’ division of the third President’s Futsal Championships, coordinated by the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, continued.

Westminster Secondary were the first to taste victory, edging Carmel Secondary 2-1. Goals off the boots of Keandre Carr and Nickille Watson in the 11th and 15th minutes, respectively, gave Westminster a 2-0 lead. Carmel’s Earl Lawrence managed to pull one back in the 19th, but a comeback was not to be for the Sussex Street outfit.

St Joseph High whipped Charlestown Secondary 4-1 in the following fixture.

Charlestown took the lead first through a Nicholas Nienelder two-strike in the second minute, but their celebrations were shortlived, as one minute later, Samech Starke levelled the scores for St Joseph.

Laurel George put St Joseph ahead in the fifth, while Joel Stephens further extended their lead in the eighth. By the 19th minute, Akel Sahadeo sealed the win with their fourth strike.

Trevor Gordon (fifth) and Peter Khan (21st) later found the back of the net once each to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory for New Central High against VYC Academy.

A nail-biting encounter resulted in a narrow victory

for Annandale Secondary, taking on fellow East Coast outfit Cummings Lodge Secondary. Quason Price opened the scoring for Cummings Lodge in the seventh, followed by a goal off the boots for Timothy Dowding in the 14th for their 2-0 lead. However, it was then that Annadale staged their comeback, initiated by Joash Thomas’ 16th-minute strike. Devon Williams (20th) and Uzziah Collins (21st) later pierced the nets to complete the come-from-behind win.

An own goal from Lodge Secondary later cost them the chance of sharing points, instead suffering a 3-1 loss to Hope Secondary. Quashaun Campbell was the first to add his name to the scoresheet in the seventh. It was only in the 19th that another goal was

witnessed as Yohance King benefited from a walkover extended Hope’s lead. On when they were scheduled the other hand, Elijah Scott to face the Bishops’ High netted Lodge Secondary’s School. consolation in the 23rd, The national schoolboys’ but an own goal from the futsal tournament continues Georgetown outfit crushed on Thursday and Friday, both any thought of a comeback. at the Cliff Anderson Sports In other results, West Hall (CASH).

Demerara Secondary Thursday, December 18 Fixtures – Commence at 11:00h St Joseph v Carmel St John’s College v Charlestown South Ruimveldt's v Bishops High The New Central High v West Demerara Brickdam v Cummings Lodge Annandale v Dolphin West Ruimveldt v North Ruimveldt

Friday, December 19 Fixtures – Commence at 11:00h

St John’s College v Westminster West Demerara v VYC Academy The New Central High v South Ruimveldt West Ruimveldt v St Stanislaus Cummings Lodge v Vreed-en -Hoop Brickdam v Dolphin St Stanislaus College v Lodge Hope Secondary v North Ruimveldt Charlestown v Carmel

New Amsterdam Boxing Academy gears up for National Championships

New Amsterdam’s cohort of pugilists are ready for this weekend’s competition

T

he New Amsterdam Boxing Academy is intensifying preparations ahead of the National Boxing Championships, scheduled

for December 19–21 at the National Gymnasium in Georgetown, as the club looks to make a strong statement on the national stage.

According to Head Coach Jeff Roberts, the academy’s boxers have been engaged in focused training sessions aimed at sharpening technique, improving conditioning, and building ring discipline as the championship draws closer.

Roberts said the team has been working consistently, with an emphasis on fitness, defensive awareness, and tactical execution.

The New Amsterdam contingent for the championships includes Terron Wintz, Jofes Jackson, Curt Mahase, Ukesh Persaud, Curtis McDonald, and Robert Persaud. The group represents a mix of developing and more experienced fighters, all eager

to test themselves against the country’s best.

Coach Roberts noted that the upcoming championships are an important measuring stick for the academy, providing valuable exposure and competitive experience for his athletes.

“This tournament allows our boxers to showcase the work they have been putting in and to measure their progress against top competition from across Guyana,” Roberts explained.

“It’s also about discipline, confidence, and learning to perform under pressure,” he added.

The National Boxing Championships are expected

to attract fighters from clubs nationwide, making the threeday event one of the most competitive fixtures on the local boxing calendar for amateur fighters.

For the New Amsterdam Boxing Academy, the championships also serve as part of a broader development pathway, with the long-term aim of producing national representatives.

As preparations continue, the academy remains confident that its boxers will step into the ring ready to compete, determined to bring pride to New Amsterdam and to continue the club’s growing presence in Guyana’s boxing fraternity. (G-4)

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23

Elite talent on display at this weekend’s GBA National Open Boxing Championships

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s the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) gears up to host its National Open Boxing Championships this weekend, December 19–21, at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, National Coach Lennox Daniels has assured that all necessary systems are firmly in place for the staging of the competition.

According to the GBA in a release, the three-day tournament represents the association’s final statutory event for the year and is expected to attract the country’s leading gyms and top amateur boxers, all competing for the prestigious title of national champion

A glimpse of what to expect at the National Gymnasium this weekend

in their respective weight categories.

“Everything is in place for this weekend. We are in the process of confirming all participating gyms, but so

far, almost all are on board,” Daniels stated.

The veteran coach further confirmed that the nation’s elite talent will be on display, noting that the championships

represent the pinnacle of local competition.

“I can confirm that every top boxer will be participating.

This is our biggest tournament for senior and elite boxers,” he said.

Featuring competition across the elite, youth and junior divisions, the National Open Championships are widely regarded as one of the most important platforms for showcasing local boxing talent.

The GBA stressed that this year’s edition carries added significance, particularly for senior boxers, as the National Championship is viewed as a key stepping stone for athletes aspiring to transition

National Daniels

Coach

Lennox

into the professional ranks.

The association also pointed out that 2025 has been a landmark year for the sport’s development, highlighting efforts to expand

opportunities for young boxers, strengthen coaching programmes, and provide more consistent competitive exposure.

Gyms from across the country, including the Guyana Police Force, Forgotten Youth Foundation, Andrew Lewis Gym, the Guyana Defence Force, and several others, are expected to field full-strength teams.

The GBA expressed its eagerness to conclude the year on a high note while setting a strong foundation for its 2026 programmes. A full list of registered boxers and confirmed matchups is expected to be released in the coming days.

Archery Guyana delivers high-impact wellness & nutrition seminar

Scenes from Archery Guyana’s wellness & nutrition seminar

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n Monday, December 15, Archery Guyana successfully hosted its Wellness & Nutrition in Archery seminar at the Olympic House, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, bringing together approximately 65 participants from the Federation and 10 affiliated clubs for a comprehensive and athlete-

focused learning experience.

In her welcome remarks, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, President of Archery Guyana, emphasised that while archery is a sport of precision, discipline, and mental control, optimal performance is rooted in physical wellness, mental resilience, injury prevention, and proper nutrition.

She noted that the seminar forms part of the Federation’s broader strategy to promote holistic athlete development as the sport continues to grow nationally and regionally.

The morning’s programme commenced with remarks and an overview by Guyana's Head Coach Ryan McKinnon, followed

Callender sets the stage for thrilling “Clash of Titans”

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oger Callender, the dynamic leader of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF), has stirred up a whirlwind of anticipation for the highly-awaited “Clash of Titans” Mr Guyana event, scheduled for December 21 at the National Culture Centre.

“All the athletes are pumped, psyched out and ready for this year’s “Clash of Titans” Mr Guyana 2025. Um, it is said to be one of the best Mr Guyana we ever had. Um, we have an amazing trophy that we are going to be giving out to our top athlete, who is going to be Mr Guyana.”

Callender also highlighted that the GBBFF is all set to honour both Guyana’s top male and female athletes at this landmark occasion.

“The bodybuilding

Roger Callender, President of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF), shares an exhilarating moment with the athletes during the press conference

fraternity is excited, the energy is there, um, the athletes are so excited, and they can’t wait for the Sunday to reach, where they’re going to showdown and compete for the various titles at the

Mr Guyana show this year.”

The competition is fierce: the victor of the Mr Guyana title will snag an impressive $300,000, while the Ms Bikini champion will take home an impressive $200,000 on December 21.

by sessions on physical wellness, mental wellness, and injury prevention, delivered by Jana Edghill, Aretha Legall, and Atavia Johnson. These presentations focused on posture, stability, strength, focus, emotional control, breathing techniques, common archery-related injuries, and long-term athlete care.

The seminar transitioned into an in-depth segment on nutrition and hydration for archery performance, led by physiotherapist Vanessa Wickham. This extended session addressed key nutrition goals for archers, energy management, hydration strategies, competitionday planning, and recovery nutrition, providing participants with practical guidance applicable to both training and competition environments.

The programme concluded with a “Bringing It All Together” session facilitated by Aretha Legall, reinforcing the integration of wellness, nutrition, and daily

performance routines into sustainable athlete development plans.

Archery Guyana expressed sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Health and the Guyana Physiotherapists Association for their collaboration and support, underscoring the importance of evidence-based health practices in sport. Special thanks were extended to Dr Ariane Mangar and Ms Vanessa Wickham, as well as to the team at the National Sports Clinic, all presenters for their expertise and commitment, and to the Board of Archery Guyana for its continued leadership in advancing athlete education initiatives.

The Federation also acknowledged the generous support of its partners and sponsors, Oasis Water, the official water sponsor, and Guyana Beverages Inc, for beverage sponsorship, including high-energy drinks provided throughout the session. In this

regard, their Altitude Brand was commended by the presenters as being excellent for nutrition with the sodium, potassium and magnesium content. Kudos to GBI in this regard for promoting and providing for the athletes. In addition to Massy Distribution Guyana, for providing healthy snacks aligned with the seminar’s wellness and nutrition focus; Gratitude was also conveyed to Godfrey Munroe, President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), and the Executive Committee of the GOA for making the Olympic House facility available and for their continued support of National Federations and athlete-centred initiatives.

Archery Guyana reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a healthy, informed, and resilient archery community, noting that initiatives such as this seminar are essential to the long-term growth and sustainability of the sport in Guyana.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

Cultural explosion at KFC Goodwill Culture Night T

here were majestic scenes from the Umana Yana in Kingston on Monday evening as the KFC Goodwill International Schools' Football tournament took a break from the competitive action for a cultural presentation.

Introduced to the tournament back in 2024, the

Cultural Night serves as a platform for the competing teams to showcase the cultures of their native lands, namely Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, Brazil, The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago.

As Jamaica and Trinidad showed off their vocal abilities, replicating the musical

stylings of Bob Marley and Michael Teja, Guyana and Brazil opted to display the dances of their Indigenous peoples, while Suriname and The Bahamas shared about their country’s history.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education (MoE) Allied Arts’ representative Joel Gonsalves underscored the

significance of such activities.

“This week, Georgetown has become more than just a football arena; it has become a meeting place of nations, cultures and youthful dreams. Tonight, we are not only celebrating the beautiful game of football but also the vibrant tapestry of cul-

A look at Brazil’s cultural presentation

MoE’s Allied Arts’ Joel Gonsalves

Jamaica’s presentation had their fellow footballers on their feet

ture that unites us. Culture nights is a reminder that sports is more than just competition, it is a bridge between communities, a celebration of diversity and a testament to the values of respect, teamwork and friendship,” Gonsalves opined.

He went on to express, “It is through events like these

that we nurture the next generation of leaders both on and off the field.”

The on-field action in the KFC Goodwill resumed on Tuesday, after which the group stage will wrap up on Wednesday, followed by the semi-finals on Friday.

The grand finale is set for Sunday, December 21.

A look at Suriname’s cultural presentation

A look at Annai Secondary’s cultural presentation

J's Racing Stables coasting towards stable of the year

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orse racing has attracted some new names in Guyana, and the biggest is J's Racing Stables.

The New Amsterdambased owners started racing in Guyana with a bang, recording nine first-place finishes and four second spots.

The latest win this year for J's came at the Showdown of Champions in the E Class and Lower Open for imported threeyear-old horses.

Order and Progress

J's Racing Stables continues to climb the ladder in Guyana's horse racing

is the name of the horse that scripted the victory at Port Mourant last Sunday. According to owner Jermaine Sripal, Order and Progress is a great horse, and with age under his belt, he will deliver more top performances.

"Order and Progress is a great horse. He is just three years old, and we have a lot more to get out of him."

"It's a lot of hard work and teamwork. I have a good team, good trainer, good manager, good

grooms. It's everybody working together to achieve this goal," Sripal said. "We have about nine wins this year and four second spots.

We are coasting."

"It's a learning experience, and every day I learn something new with horses. We are going to keep learning and get better every day," Sripal explained.

With one more race remaining for the year 2025, J's Racing Stables is poised for another pole position on Boxing Day at Kennard's Memorial Turf Club.