AFC dumps, abandons busload of Warrau migrants on Amerindian Affairs Ministry’s doorstep
…Govt provides assistance, presidential aide debunks AFC’s deception
Brutal killing of Ridley Joseph Killer confesses to stabbing Toshao after he allegedly failed to apologise for years of sexual abuse
$35,000 one-off cash grant for all persons with disabilities – Pres Ali
…will amount to $875M investment for 26,000 persons registered
Senior US State Dept official lauds Guyana as emerging power GECOM exposes
City Hall commits to better regulate vendors
Cop seen kicking civilian in viral video arrested
10 years later Montrose man sentenced to life imprisonment for felonious wounding Body of man reported missing found at Victoria seawall 2 men charged with attempted murder to spend Christmas in prison
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Wednesday, December 18 –18:45h- 19:30h and Thursday, December 19 – 19:30h- 20:30h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Wednesday, December 18 –06:30h-08:00h and Thursday, December 19 – 07:15h- 08:45h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 06:16h and 18:26h reaching maximum heights of 2.42 metres and 2.55 metres.
Low Tide: 11:59h reaching a minimum height of 0.82 metre.
Gas-to-Energy Project
Senior US State Dept official lauds Guyana as emerging power …confirms initial approval of EXIM Bank's US$500M loan
escribing Guyana as an emerging power, United States (US) Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian Nichols, has confirmed that initial approval was given for a loan just over US$500 million for the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project back in November.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, Nichols spoke of his country's growing relationship with Guyana. Specifically, he also confirmed the US Export-Import (EXIM) Bank's initial approval of multi-million-dollar loan for the GtE Project last month.
"The strategic elevation of our relationship with Guyana, the fastest-growing economy in the world, provides further proof that these
tion, and boosted economic competitiveness throughout the Americas."
Nichols' comments came on the heels of Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo himself announcing since last month that the loan had been approved. At the time, Jagdeo had said that the Guyana Government had been waiting on the US finance institution to make the announcement first.
"The loan has been approved by the Board of EXIM Bank, and it has been sent to the Congress for 30 days' notification, after which it will be returned to the Board of EXIM Bank for final approval. So, that is where we stand at this point in time," he had indicated.
However, Jagdeo's comments had subsequently been
announced that Guyana had applied for the loan from the US EXIM Bank to finance the US$761 million GtE Project, which includes construction of an Integrated Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant and a 300-megawatt (MW) combined cycle power plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD) utilising natural gas from the offshore operations in the Stabroek Block.
At the AFC press conference last Friday, a reporter asked Patterson whether he wished to retract this claim and offer an apolo-
partnerships produce results. Our interagency partners at US Southern Command strengthened bilateral defence cooperation through medical missions, flood relief operations, joint training exercises, and military equipment transfers," he said.
"We also partnered with US companies, which invested more than $15 billion in Guyana between 2021 and 2024. In November, the US Export-Import Bank gave initial approval for a $500 million loan guarantee to support a $2 billion US-built Gas-to-Energy Project that represents the largest foreign investment in Guyana's history," the diplomat added.
According to the diplomat, the US has been able to elevate its relationship with emerging powers like Guyana. This, in turn, has helped the US Government to boost economic competitiveness, while tackling issues such as displacement and irregular migration.
"We've really focused on harnessing our diplomatic tools to build partnerships to deliver results that advance American core interests, and the core interests of our partners and allies around the hemisphere," he said.
"This spirit has elevated our relationship with emerging powers like Guyana, enhanced cooperation to address historic levels of displacement, irregular migra-
challenged by opposition elements such as Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament David Patterson, who had claimed approval wasn't given.
gy. However, Patterson remained steadfast, asserting that the party's position –that the loan had not been approved – was unchanged.
Back in April 2023, it was
The US EXIM Bank's approval came on the heels of high-level due diligence done by the financial institution. The Guyana Government had stated that no fatal flaws were found during the technical and environmental assessments done by the bank. Government had also set aside a whopping $80 billion in Budget 2024 to advance the GtE initiative and its associated infrastructure, including transmission and distribution upgrades to offtake the power.
And last month, another $25.3 billion was approved by the National Assembly to support the ongoing construction works which were started in December 2022 by the contractor - US-based consortium of Lindsayca CH4 Guyana Incorporated (LNDCH4), at the Wales site.
During consideration of the Financial Paper No. 4 of 2024 that included funds for the project, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips had informed the Committee of Supply that G$99 billion has already been expended on the Wales project, with construction progressing smoothly.
US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian Nichols
A model of Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy Project
Editor: Tusika Martin
News Hotline: 231-8063Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761
Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707
Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown
Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
Advancing support for persons with disabilities
The Government has taken commendable strides in improving the lives of persons living with disabilities, a segment of the population which in the past had often been overlooked and marginalised.
One of the most notable achievements is the creation of a National Register for Persons Living with Disabilities. Prior to 2020, Guyana lacked a complete and organised record of such individuals, a gap that hampered the ability to deliver targeted support. Today, close to 26,000 individuals, including almost 6,000 children, are listed on this register, ensuring representation across every region.
A tangible demonstration of this commitment is the allocation of $875 million to provide financial assistance directly to registered persons living with disabilities. Each individual will receive an additional $35,000 grant, supplementing the $100,000 grant previously allocated for persons 18 and above. This financial boost is more than just monetary relief; it is a step towards empowerment, recognising the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities and offering them an opportunity to enhance their quality of life.
The Government's investment extends beyond financial aid. Several initiatives are aimed to create long-term benefits for persons living with disabilities. The Guyana Digital School, for instance, would include a platform specifically designed for special needs education. This platform would enable parents to register their children from the comfort of their homes, and have them access tailored educational resources. Such an initiative is not only inclusive, but also transformative, as it leverages technology to break down barriers to education.
President Dr Irfaan Ali’s pledge to provide at least one bus in every region to support persons with disabilities is already taking shape, with seven buses having been acquired so far. This measure would address a persistent challenge faced by many individuals with disabilities — mobility — and enhance their access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Plans to establish the first innovative farm fully operated by persons living with disabilities showcase the administration’s vision of creating sustainable and inclusive economic opportunities. This climate-smart farm would not only contribute to the nation’s agricultural output, but would also empower individuals with disabilities by integrating them into mainstream economic activities. By dedicating a section of supermarkets to stocking products from this farm, the Government is fostering a culture of social responsibility and encouraging consumers to support this initiative.
The commitment of this administration to inclusivity and empowerment is also evident in its responsiveness to the needs of the disabled community. The Government’s adoption of proposals from the disability manifesto submitted before the 2020 elections demonstrates a willingness to listen and act. Enhanced access to special education in schools, expanded opportunities for tertiary education, and support for virtual learning platforms have collectively made education more accessible for persons with disabilities. As noted by Ganesh Singh, President of the Guyana Society for the Blind, these efforts have significantly improved the prospects of persons with disabilities, enabling them to envision a brighter future.
It is evident that the Government’s initiatives are not merely token gestures, but are underpinned by a genuine desire to foster inclusivity and equal opportunity. This is the administration’s multifaceted approach. By addressing the diverse needs of persons with disabilities, the Government is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive society, wherein everyone has a chance to contribute and thrive.
As Guyana continues on its developmental trajectory, it is imperative to sustain and expand these efforts. The progress achieved thus far is laudable, but there is always room for improvement. Continued collaboration with stakeholders, including organizations representing persons with disabilities, would be key to identifying emerging needs and refining strategies accordingly. Additionally, raising public awareness about the rights and potentials of persons with disabilities can foster greater societal acceptance and support.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s administration deserves commendation for its proactive and inclusive approach to supporting persons living with disabilities.
Syria’s new rulers must not repeat the past mistakes of Lebanon and Iraq
By Lorenzo TromBeTTa (PhD)
In these first days of what is being hailed as a “new era” in Syria, the authorities now controlling Damascus are sending mixed signals. On one hand, they are voicing their commitment to preserving Syria’s state institutions and respecting the diversity of its population; on the other hand, however, they are signalling an intention to monopolise the highly delicate process of political transition, and consequently state power.
The path they eventually choose to follow would determine whether the mistakes and miscalculations that devastated not only al-Assad’s Syria, but also Iraq and Lebanon, would be repeated here in this “new era”.
Before Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces under the command of General Ahmed al-Sharaa, AKA Abu Mohammed al-Julani, entered Damascus on December 8, they pledged to maintain the formal structure of the country’s institutions. Former Prime Minister Mohammed al-Jalali formally remained in office until December 10, and played at least a cosmetic role in the handover to Mohammed al-Bashir, the transitional Prime Minister, who is set to serve in this role until March.
Shortly before this, the HTS forces also announced a general amnesty for soldiers of the Syrian Army, signalling their intention to preserve the regular military, which is a central pillar of the state.
Preserving the structure and unity of the military institution is key to preventing state collapse during a political transition. We have seen the disastrous consequences of failing to do so in Iraq in 2003.
In fact, Iraq is still suffering the consequences of this grave mistake today, more than 20
years after the destruction of its military organ during the invasion.
The HTS authorities have also demonstrated no interest, at least so far, in initiating an intense de-Baatification process akin to the one that hollowed out all of Iraq’s institutions and destabilised the country for decades after the fall of Saddam. For all intents and purposes, it looks like the new authorities are not planning to target the Baath Party as an institution -- which has been in power in Damascus since 1963. The leadership of the former single party announced a suspension of activities, but not their cessation.
The party’s website is still operational: featuring a photo of Bashar al-Assad no less; and its central and local offices have not been systematically attacked, as one might have expected in the aftermath of regime change.
In other positive signs, interim Prime Minister alBashir declared that the incoming Government intends to dissolve the oppressive security agencies that, since the 1960s, have terrorised millions of Syrians. He announced plans to repeal the so-called “anti-terrorism laws”, which came into effect in 2012 as a revamped version of special laws that, for more than 50 years, legitimised military tribunals targeting hundreds of thousands of activists and dissidents.
These are undeniably positive steps, many of which reflect a desire to build a new Syria without dismantling the core elements that make possible its survival as a state.
The interactions of the incoming authorities with citizens at the municipality level -- which have so far been marked by an emphasis on civil, not military, relations -- also signal a constructive approach to gov-
ernance. However, all these promising signs are somewhat overshadowed by moves and statements by the incoming authorities that carry echoes of Syria’s authoritarian past, which may lead the country to repeat the mistakes its neighbours made during their own political transitions.
HTS Leader al-Sharaa, for example, announced the appointment of al-Bashir, who previously led the so-called Salvation Government of Idlib, as Prime Minister without consulting any forces outside of the group. This appointment, made unilaterally and based solely on in-group ties, has made people worry that the dysfunctional power mechanisms of al-Assad’s Syria may continue into the new era.
Another striking development has been the decision to display the HTS flag – featuring the Islamic profession of faith (shahada) in black on a white background – during the first meeting of the new Government, held in the Prime Minister’s Office. To many, this was reminiscent of how, until a few days ago, the Syrian ‘tricolour’ was always accompanied by the banner of al-Assad’s Baath Party.
Less surprising, but no less significant, has been the implicit contradiction between the new authorities’ media declarations about the inclusivity of their state-building project and their silence regarding the inclusion of Kurdish-Syrian communities. al-Sharaa and his inner circle appear unwilling to embrace Kurds and invite them to take part in this national project, while delicate negotiations over power balances along the Euphrates are under way between Turkiye, which supports HTS, and the United States, which maintains a military presence in Kurdish-controlled areas.
Furthermore, opening up
to the Kurds could risk antagonising Turkiye, whom the new leaders in Damascus likely see as crucial to maintaining their support if their fledging governance project is to succeed.
On the other hand, the new rulers of Damascus could have more forcefully condemned the de facto annexations carried out by Israel to the southwest of Damascus, as well as the unprecedented series of Israeli air strikes on the installations of the Syrian military – the same army that alSharaa claims to want to protect from post-Assad collapse.
The near silence from alSharaa and his new prime minister on relations with Israel has raised eyebrows among many Syrians. While undoubtedly relieved by the “liberation” after half a century, Syrians remain deeply attached to the principles of national defence, as well as the preservation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The military leaders, who have filled the vacuum left by the Assad regime, have not yet given a clear indication regarding the trajectory of the transition they are overseeing. Nor have they acknowledged the sole roadmap currently on the table of international negotiations: UN Resolution 2254 of 2015. This document outlines the path towards an orderly transition, with two overarching priorities: safeguarding the state, as distinct from the regime, and averting further bloodshed. The urgency of these priorities is underscored by troubling, though perhaps inevitable, episodes of score-settling that have emerged in the streets and squares of various Syrian cities after decades of systemic violence inflicted by the regime.
Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips brought holiday cheer to over 1,200 children during his annual toy distribution exercise on Tuesday. Children in Rasville, West Ruimveldt, Festival City, Central Georgetown, Beterverwagting, and the Dazzel Housing Scheme on the East Coast of Demerara were thrilled to receive hundreds of toys, lighting up the season with their bright smiles and festive spirit (Office of the Prime Minister photo)
Govt should not support taking tourists to Jonestown
Dear Editor, Since Wanderlust Adventures GY, in the person of Ms. Roselyn Sewcharran, disclosed their intention of mounting a Jonestown Tour as a tourist attraction, supported by the Guyana Tourism Authority, they describe it as a “Jonestown Memorial Tour”, I wrote at some length (published on 7th December in all the newspapers, except the Guyana Chronicle) expressing my concern about this idea, as did Mr. Neville J. Bissember.
Ms. Sewcharran subsequently responded to these letters, though not mentioning them specifically. She described them as “misconceptions”, and undertook to explain “the purpose and approach of this experience”. Perhaps she is well intentioned. She says, “our work has involved extensive research, fact checking, inter-
views and community engagement”, and claims “our guides are thoroughly trained and knowledgeable”.
Perhaps, but yet she has not bothered to consult with the only two Guyanese still alive who were intimately involved at the highest level of government in this event, and I question where and by whom her guides were “thoroughly trained”.
Not surprisingly, the announcement of this private operator to exploit Jonestown as a tourism attraction with the blessings of Guyana’s Tourism Authority, and indeed the Minister of Tourism, Industry & Commerce, has invited the attention of the international media, including even CNN, all of it generally negative for Guyana.
Other letters on the subject have since appeared in our media. Two are of partic-
ular note. One from Donald Sinclair and the other from Ruel Johnson. Both Sinclair and Johnson have referred directly to Bissember’s letter, but not mine. Sewcharran and both Sinclair and Johnson have sought to justify “Jonestown as a tourism attraction” by drawing parallels of other tragic events, such as Auschwitz in Germany, Ground Zero in New York, Rwanda Genocide, and others of similar horror. I strongly disagree. There is no justifiable comparison with Ms. Sewcharran’s approach to presenting Jonestown as a tourist attraction.
In Germany, for example, the Auschwitz Memorial was in fact commissioned over a number of years, first by a group of former prisoners establishing a Museum and a Protection Board to protect the site in 1946, followed the next
Exxon should be
year by the Polish Parliament creating the Auschwitz Birkenau State Museum, and in the 1960s, the Council for Protection of Monuments to Struggle and Martyrdom constructed a monument on the site with the approval of the International Auschwitz Committee and the Minister of Culture and Art.
In the case of Rwanda, the Kigali Genocide Memorial was started when the Kigali City Council and the Rwanda and National Commission for the fight against Genocide commissioned a UKbased Genocide Prevention Organization, Aegis Trust, to establish the Memorial.
It is also interesting that Fielding McGehee, CoDirector of the Jonestown Institute, a Resource Center on Jonestown at San Diego State University (which I have visited), on hearing about the
incentivised to produce more gas in Guyana
Dear Editor, Guyana needs cheap gas to fire power-generating plants. One plant is due for completion by end of 2025, and more are being considered. Exxon can supply all the country's gas needs for electrical power-generation, and should be incentivised to produce more gas.
Burning gas emits virtually no carbon, and is ideal for clean air. Carbon emissions are not a major problem for Guyana; carbon emissions are the outcome of using fossil fuels (petroleum or oil) to generate electricity and power vehicles, and for cooking. Currently, almost all of Guyana’s electricity is produced from burning diesel and wood. Burning gas (for cooking or generating power) also emits carbon, but significantly less than diesel, gasolene, kerosene, wood, and charcoal.
The release of carbon from burning fossil fuels warms up the earth’s atmosphere and adds to pollution and bad air quality. Every effort should be made by all countries to reduce their carbon footprint -the amount of carbon emitted.
Guyana can get to near zero emissions by turning to green energy (solar, wind, and gas), which is the pathway to decarbonise the country.
ExxonMobil (EM), which produces oil, has an important role in moving the country towards green energy: by making available clean gas (from oil production) to fire electrical plants, and even for domestic use. It is noted that gas-driven energy is known to be cheaper than diesel-generated electricity. And right now, high diesel and wood-burning energy cost makes it challenging to drive domestic offtake industries. Cheaper gas-generated
electricity is urgently needed. This is where Exxon’s presence in producing oil off shore is so critical for generation of cheaper energy in Guyana to facilitate industrial development.
Currently, Exxon is producing about 650,000 bpd oil, with an additional 200K next year and by 2027 some 1.2M bpd. Aside from earning revenues, production of oil necessarily involves gas, which is trapped and re-inserted into wells or the oil reservoir. The more oil produced, pulled up from under the ocean floor, the more gas is available, coming up with the oil. The gas can be monetized or used for other purposes, or even sold.
Exxon has agreed to capture and supply some of the gas to power an electrical plant at Wales, to produce some 300MW of energy. Exxon signed an agreement to transport the gas via pipe on the ocean floor to West Coast (Vreed-en-Hoop area) from where it would be further transported by pipes on land to Wales to supply gas to the power station. The media reported that Exxon completed its part of the project to supply gas over six months ago, and is waiting to tie in the gas to storage facilities at Wales that would supply the power station to generate cheaper power than currently obtains. Instead of abusing or attacking the oil giant and telling it to pack up and leave, Exxon should be encouraged to produce more gas for Guyana’s industrial development.
That gas-fired power project at Wales was supposed to be up and running by end of 2024, but the completion of the project was mired in a dispute over US$50M that is in arbitration. The dispute is ex-
pected to be settled early next year, and it would result in the completion of the power station. Once that is ready, Exxon would begin supplying gas to generate electricity.
Gas-powered energy produces significantly less carbon emission than diesel. The gas-fired power plant does not mean that Guyana would cease producing diesel-generated power. As standard of living increased over the years, demand for power has been growing, while supply has not been keeping pace. That is why there have been blackouts or rolling supply of electricity. GPL has not been able to keep up with rising demand. Diesel plants and two heavy oil-fired power ships have been contracted to generate electricity to meet demand, and even that may not be sufficient.
At any rate, ship-floating power-generating plants are not an efficient way to produce electricity, and they leave behind a lot of carbon footprint. Gas-powered plants are more efficient, with minimal carbon emission. It is also noted that gas energy cost is substantially less than diesel-generated energy. Such gas-powered plants would lower the cost of energy, making it attractive to private investment for petroleum and gas-related products like fertilizer, creams, etc. That is why the Wales Power Generating Plant and Exxon’s supply of gas are critically important to the economy.
Exxon can supply gas for multiple power-generating plants, and even (bottling of) gas for domestic use (cooking); and perhaps even exporting gas if available in large quantity, keeping in mind that gas must also be re-injected into the oil reservoir. The daunting
economics of financing such a project may be an impediment for Guyana, but not for Exxon to finance such a green energy project. Government should consult with Exxon on this emerging sector (economics of bottling gas).
And another gas-fired power generating plant, perhaps on the Corentyne, should be immediately considered. And the oil company should be nudged into increasing production of oil and gas, which would result in greater revenues for Guyana.
Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram
Wanderlust Adventures’ proposal, recalled that one of the Jonestown survivors had proposed a memorial-type project, which was abandoned after opposition by other members of the Peoples Temple community, and warned against relying “on supposed witnesses who will be part of the tour”, and that “the memories and stories that have trickled down through generations might not be accurate”. He said “it does not help anyone understand what happened in Jonestown”.
Ruel Johnson’s letter, as distinct from Sinclair’s, has sought to unnecessarily draw political conclusions, wrongly holding the Burnham government equally responsible for a massacre which would have occurred no matter where the Peoples Temple was located, and Jim Jones concluded that they were externally threatened. Hence, the hitherto secret frequent suicide death rehearsals which took place at Jonestown in anticipation of a perceived external threat long before the Ryan visit turned rehearsal into reality. I have significant respect for both of these gentlemen, as indeed I have for Minister Oneidge Walrond and the Guyana Tourism Authority. There is, however, a huge difference between a private tourism company promoting a tour and profiting from the memories of Jonestown as a tourist attraction, and calling it the “Jonestown Memorial Tour” and how the Auschwitz Memorial in Germany and the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Rwanda were commissioned.
Sunday Stabroek News (15th December), in an excellent Editorial on the Wanderlust Tours announcement, asks the question, “Is it an act of respect to take tourists around the site of
mass murder? This is not Auschwitz, which is a memorial and a museum. There is no memorial at Jonestown, no mark of respect for those who were killed”.
The Stabroek news Editorial goes on, quite correctly, to point out that “the factors which led to Jonestown are part of US history, particularly that of California, and are best told in that setting. How the settlement functioned here is part of Guyanese history. That is a topic for research, not a tour”. So, let me repeat what I wrote in my letter of 6th December, 2024: “Jonestown and all that occurred there was an ugly, horrible stain on the history of our country. The memory of it, in my view, and the result of my unique involvement in explaining it to the world at the time, most certainly convinces me that this is not, and should not be, promoted and profited from as a tourist attraction, which has suddenly been advanced by a private tourism company, and surprisingly supported by the Guyana Tourism Authority.” Should our Government seriously consider the need for establishing a fully researched and financed Jonestown Memorial and Museum on the now abandoned site where the Peoples Temple community lived, farmed, and died, and then invite tourists to visit? In my view, absolutely yes. Should our Government be supporting a private tour operator taking tourists to a place in the jungle where Jonestown once existed and innocent people were murdered by a crazy cult leader as a tourist attraction to our country, however well intended? Absolutely no.
Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento
Syria’s new rulers must...
These principles are explicitly enshrined in UN Resolution 2254. Although the resolution was crafted in a political and military context that is vastly different from today’s realities, its roadmap for an orderly Syrian-led transition remains a valuable guide. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional government with full executive powers that is inclusive of Syria’s political forces, the drafting of a new constitution, and legislative elections under UN supervision within 18 months of the transition’s initiation. It also guarantees voting rights for all Syrians, including refugees and members of the diaspora. Notably, the text explicitly excludes “terrorist groups”, and HTS was designated as such by the United States, the European Union, and the UN less than three years after the resolution’s adoption.
al-Sharaa and his allies may thus not feel bound to adhere to a resolution negotiated without their participation by foreign parties that have demonised them.
Rather than rushing to find a formal workaround, it is crucial for Western governments to recognise HTS as a legitimate partner despite their “terrorist” designation, and to press Damascus’s new rulers to initiate a genuinely inclusive political transition in line with the principles outlined in the 2015 resolution. To this end, Syrian civil society – both public entities and those long suppressed or clandestine, within the country and among the diaspora – must urgently mobilise to create spaces for political and civil dialogue that transcend communal affiliations.
The risk is clear: Syria under HTS could be transformed into a larger version of Lebanon, with institutions that appear democratic and republican but are in reality controlled by a narrow elite that wields power vertically through sectarian and clientelist loyalties, bolstered by their respective foreign patrons. Avoiding this fate requires prioritising equal access to basic services and fundamental rights – such as healthcare, education, employment, and housing – in a manner that is inclusive and equitable, rather than exclusive and sectarian.
Only by fostering active citizenship and building horizontal connections across communal divides can Syrians ensure a future that is free from the corrosive legacies of al-Assad’s authoritarianism. (Al Jazeera) (Lorenzo Trombetta (PhD) is Context Analyst at Badil | The Alternative Policy Institute, and author of 3 monographs on contemporary Syria)
Page Foundation
Points and lines
A point is a specific location in space. It has no dimensions, and you cannot measure it. Since it would be impossible to see anything with no dimensions, we usually represent a point with a dot. Points are usually identified by a capital letter.
A line is a straight path that goes in both directions and never ends. It has only one dimension – length. However, when we draw a line, it actually has a tiny bit of width – the width of a pencil point – or we would not be able to see it! A line can be identified by any two points located anywhere on it.
You can identify a line in either direction. Line AB = Line BA. Some lines intersect. Intersecting lines cross each other at a specific point. Line AB and Line CD intersect at point E.
Remember:
A line extends in both directions. It does not come to an end in either direction. Its only dimension is length.
Exercises: Solve
4) What is the point of intersection?
5) Is DB in the figure above a line? Explain your answer.
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.
WORD SEARCH:
AFC dumps, abandons busload of Warrau migrants on Amerindian Affairs Ministry’s doorstep
…Govt provides assistance, presidential aide debunks AFC’s deception
Despite the Alliance For Change (AFC) claiming that a group of Warrau people stranded in Georgetown were abandoned by the Government, the Opposition party, headed by Nigel
In an interview with this publication, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament, Alister Charlie revealed that on Tuesday, AFC leader Nigel Hughes spoke to him regarding
meeting. However, PS will be on his way. He (Hughes) told me he doesn’t have enough time on his hands to deal primarily with the Warraus that are in Georgetown. And he will be here at 13:00hrs. That was
Hughes, dumped and abandoned that very group on the doorsteps of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry.
The group, which comprise Venezuelan migrants, were subsequently taken under the wings of the Ministry, which provided them with food, hampers, Christmas toys, money and critically made logistical arrangements for them to be transported back to Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), where they are said to have originated.
the migrants. According to Charlie, the AFC leader then told him he “doesn’t have time” to deal with the migrants’ plight and the group were subsequently dumped at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs on Tuesday afternoon.
“When I came, I was told Nigel Hughes was in at the Ministry. So, I met with him and he asked me, if I knew about the Warraus…he said he would like to speak with the PS (Permanent Secretary). I said PS is in a
conveyed to PS.”
Charlie related that he had to leave the Ministry for a meeting, while the PS also had another meeting to attend. The MP explained that they were subsequently told that a busload of between 25 and 30 of the very Warraus that were being looked after by the AFC, including children, had arrived at the Ministry and had been abandoned there.
“Through the PS, we assisted them. These are Venezuelan, not Guyanese
Warraus. We offered them hampers, every single one of them. Disbursed money to assist them. We also made transportation arrangements, put logistics in place to have them get back to Region Two, Charity. We feted the kids with Christmas toys, we brought Christmas for them. They were well treated,” Charlie said.
AFC claims debunked by Govt
The AFC has been claiming that the group of Warrau people, who alleged they were invited to Georgetown by President Dr Irfaan Ali, were effectively abandoned by the Government. Ali in a statement on his social media debunked this, slamming the politicising of the issue.
The Head of State meanwhile also shared a video of his aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Colonel Earl Edghill, who as a matter of fact first drew the President’s attention to the group’s presence in the city last Friday.
“Last Thursday, we were in Essequibo. And
there were lots of persons around his excellency, taking photos and asking for assistance. At no time at all was the President or persons associated with the President, inviting anyone to Georgetown,” Edghill explained.
“However, on Friday, a group of individuals claiming to be from Essequibo turned up at state house, claiming that his excellency instructed them to come down to Georgetown. I made contact with his excellency and was instructed to provide humanitarian assistance, since he never invited or encouraged them to come to Georgetown.”
Edghill stated that after they were fed at the One Guyana kitchen opposite
State House, in addition to hampers being provided to the group. A minibus was procured with the assistance of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) for them to be transported to Parika.
“Whilst at Parika, they were given dinner. They were housed for the night. And they were given breakfast the next morning. They received financial assistance, as well as transportation on the boat to Essequibo. It is appalling to now hear and see that the same set of individuals are in town making outlandish claims. I feel as though our assistance has been wasted and we are being targeted without cause,” the Lieutenant Colonel added.
The migrants being tended to at the Amerindian Affairs Ministry on Tuesday
The very migrants being tended to Friday last. Lieutenant Colonel Earl Edghill (can be seen in the photo assisting them)
Body of man reported missing found at Victoria seawall
The decomposed body of 26-year-old
Akeem Bruce, a labourer of Haslington New Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was discovered on Monday afternoon at the Victoria Seawall.
Acting on information received, a team of police officers found the body at the Victoria koker near the foreshore around 17:20h.
The remains were found among mangrove trees at the water's edge, held in place by the strong tide.
Bruce’s aunt, Monique James, identified the body after it was retrieved and
brought ashore by police.
He had been reported missing on December 14 at 16:20h by his sister, who told authorities that Bruce, a patient at the Psychiatric Clinic of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), had left their home the previous afternoon around 16:00h.
The deceased was dressed in a blue jersey and green three-quarter pants when found. Detectives who examined the body reported no visible signs of violence.
After being recovered, the body was transported to the Dr C.C. Nicholson Hospital
in Nabaclis, ECD where he was pronounced dead. The remains were subsequently moved to the Memorial
cause of death. (G9)
Traducing…
…political logic
Politics, they say, is a dirty game. It’s also said that politics is a continuation of war by other means.
Now, this isn’t meant to be descriptive of what politics OUGHT to be, but what politics IS in our ‘dog eat dog’ world. And that’s the crux of the matter, innit??
The problem with our politics comes out of the broader enveloping world we live in - with its values all about looking out for Number 1. If that’s the logic of our politics, can we be surprised that we live like - to use a colloquial term – crabs in a barrel??
But if we agreed with Hobbes -- that we formed governments to create societies in which life isn’t “nasty, short and brutish” -- then something gotta be seriously wrong if that’s still the description of our lives!! Well, in Guyana, we’re proud to say we practise “democratic” politics. Mostly, we mean that we go to the polls every five years to cast our votes for the political party we think would form the government to deliver a better life for us. But, sadly, because the “we” in our country means OUR ethnic group, our history shows some are willing to “bruk up” the place to prevent the other side from getting in –or remaining in, government!!
That history shows the PNC and UF were weaned into “bruking up politics” by the colonial countries who wanted to control even after they gave us “independence”. We all should know about Black Friday of 1962, when half of downtown Georgetown was burnt to the ground by those two parties. They continued with their burning ways during the virtual civil war of the sixties, and this simmered with “choke-and-rob”, then “kick-downthe-door” banditry into the 1980s. When free and fair elections ejected them from office, they returned to their burning ways with the added fillip of armed gangs creating mayhem across the country!! They were willing to “bruk up” the place to prevent the PPP from governing.
And this brings us to our present politics, when some thought there would be a “kinder, gentler” PNC under Granger. But to hold onto power, he was as willing as Burnham to rig the elections – and just as insidiously to wreak havoc on the lives of our people. Guyanese should never forget that it was the Sanctimonious Gangster who threw gasoline into our combustible politics when he insisted that the murders of those two Henry boys in West Berbice were racially motivated!!
He and his right-hand man -- and the GHRA -didn’t give a hoot that the almost certain ensuing racial conflagration could bring down the entire country. It was all about keeping power, and the Devil take the hindmost!!
…morality
In general, the political violence unleashed by the PNC - described above - was confined to our coastlanders. While the two major parties courted the Indigenous Peoples in our hinterland, those peoples were spared being dragged into the internecine warfare. But times change, and the changing tides of politics also change!! Neither of the two evenly-matched dominant groups on the coast command a clear majority on their own, and so the 10% Indigenous Peoples now tilt the scale one way or the other. The stakes are that much higher to secure their votes!!
So, we see the Opposition now dragging them into the coastland violent politics that veers. We have two instances in front of us right now!! In one, a 37-yearold Indigenous Toshao - about to be best graduating student in the Nursing Assistant programme - was stabbed 19 times after he brought an individual back to his hotel room.
Imagine, a PNC MP blamed the Govt for what was clearly a crime of passion! The perpetrator, however, soon confessed!!
…kindness
The second instance concerns a group of fifty Warraus from Reg 2 claiming Pres Ali personally invited them to GT – and then abandoned them!!
Shouldn’t Pressie be given the benefit of the doubt and the incident investigated?
Gardens Mortuary for storage pending a post-mortem examination to determine the
Dead: Akeem Bruce
Brutal killing of Ridley Joseph Killer confesses to stabbing Toshao after he allegedly failed to apologise for years of sexual abuse
The suspect in the murder of Toshao Ridley Joseph walked into the Brickdam Police Station on Tuesday turning himself in and confessed to cops that he killed the Indigenous leader, who was known to him.
Joseph, 37-year-old, of Tasserene Village, Middle Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) was brutally stabbed 19 times on Monday between 00:50 and 07:30h, while staying at the Signature Inn Hotel, Queenstown, Georgetown.
The suspect in police custody, 24-year-old Noah Beaton, a security guard of Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, in his confession to police, he allegedly said that he stabbed Joseph to death after he failed to apologise for years of sexual abuse.
In his confession, Beaton told investigators that the sexual abuse started when he was Joseph’s primary school student.
Investigation Investigations revealed that at about 18:23h on
Sunday, Joseph checked himself in at the hotel for one night and was given room number 135, which is situated on the western side of the middle flat of the three-story building.
Joseph, who checked into
a hotel earlier, was seen leaving with an unidentified male at around 00:50 hours. The two returned shortly after, entering the hotel through the southern door, where Joseph bought a bottle of water. The other man had a Rude Boy bottle. The pair then headed to room 135.
According to reports from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), at 02:19h, the man left the room and walked west on Laluni Street, then south on Albert Street.
Bloodstains were found on the walkway leading to the room, and a hole in the door suggested the use of a sharp object. Through the hole, Joseph’s body was discovered lying in a pool of blood, with partial footwear impressions visible on the floor. Hotel staff made the
gruesome discovery and immediately alerted the police.
Joseph, who was elected to the council earlier this year, was found in a pool of blood in his hotel room.
Preliminary investigations revealed he was stabbed 19 times, with wounds to his face, neck, and chest.
Chairman of the
National Toshaos Council (NTC), Derrick John, visited the crime scene, expressing shock and dismay at the loss of the young leader. Joseph, described as a dedicated leader, was preparing to graduate as valedictorian of the Health Ministry’s Nursing Assistant programme. (G1)
Dead: 37-year-old Ridley Joseph
Ridley Joseph’s body being removed from scene
Suspect: 24-year-old Noah Beaton
Cop seen kicking civilian in viral video arrested
…OPR launched investigation
The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has launched an investigation into an incident captured on video, showing a police officer kicking a man in the head during an encounter on the Rupert Craig Highway. The video, which surfaced on social media on Monday, has sparked outrage. In the video, a man was seen lying face down on the road, surrounded by police officers, when one officer approached, kicked him in the head, and shouted, “Don’t move!”. The man, clutching his head, was pushed back to the ground by two officers as he attempted to get up.
The officer involved has since been placed under arrest, and an investigation is ongoing. The circumstances leading to the man’s arrest remain unclear.
In October, Feroze Khan, a 29-year-old ambulance driver, claimed he was bru-
tally assaulted during his arrest by police officers in Region One (Barima -Waini).
Khan’s ordeal reportedly began on September 29 when he encountered police officers while transporting passengers from the Amerindian Heritage Celebrations at White Water. According to reports, Khan was driving home when he tried to overtake a police vehicle with flashing lights.
The officers allegedly blocked his attempts to pass. After finally overtaking them, Khan drove home, but the officers reportedly pursued him.
It was alleged that as soon as Khan parked his vehicle, officers pulled him out and began assaulting him. In a video of the incident, Khan was seen resisting arrest, hurling abusive language, and allegedly assaulting an officer. Police later stated that a sergeant lost a tooth and sustained injuries during
the encounter. Regional Commander, Superintendent Krishnadat Ramana, denied allegations of brutality, claiming that Khan inflicted injuries on
himself while resisting arrest. Ramana also stated that Khan was taken for medical attention at the Mabaruma District Hospital after his family requested it. (G9)
2 men charged with attempted murder to spend Christmas in prison
Two men were charged with attempted murder in unrelated incidents and remanded to prison following court appearances on Tuesday.
Orrel Stoll, a 31-yearold pork-knocker of Red Road, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was arrested on Friday, at Triangle Backdam, Baramita, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini). He was charged with two counts of attempted murder for offences committed against Andrew Baird and Sylvia Baird.
Stoll also known as “Curry” appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Port Kaituma Magistrate’s Court. The hearing, conducted via Zoom from the Port Kaituma
Police Station, saw the charges formally read to him. Stoll was not required to plead and was remanded to prison. The case has been adjourned to February 5, 2025. In a separate incident, Trevin John, a 37-year-old gold miner from Baramita, North West District, was charged with attempt to commit murder under Section 103 (C) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. John is accused of committing the offence against Joel Alanzo.
John also appeared before Magistrate McGusty via Zoom on Tuesday morning. Like Stoll, he was not required to plead to the charge and was remanded to prison. His next court hearing is similarly set for February 5, 2025.
The officer seen kicking the civilian in his head
Remanded: Orrel Stoll and Trevin John
10 years later
Montrose man sentenced to life imprisonment for felonious wounding ...plus four strokes of the whip
AMontrose, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for a brutal stabbing that occurred on Boxing Day nearly 10 years ago. Ganesh Dhanraj, also known as “Jango,” was convicted of felonious wounding in the December 26, 2014 attack, which left 20-yearold Clinton Babooram hospitalised, traumatised, and bedridden for weeks.
The sentence, handed down by Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Demerara, followed Dhanraj’s conviction by a jury last month. Although originally charged with attempted murder, the jury returned a guilty verdict on the lesser charge of felonious wounding.
Justice Singh began with a base sentence of 30 years for the crime. However, the court imposed additional time for specific aggravating factors. Four years were added because Dhanraj attempted to mislead the court by providing a false defence, and another five years were added due to the senseless and cruel nature of the attack. This brought Dhanraj’s parole eligibility to 39 years. In addition to the life sentence, the judge ordered that Dhanraj receive four strokes of the whip.
The incident took place outside a rum shop near Babooram’s home in Montrose, ECD. Without any provocation or warning, Dhanraj approached Babooram and stabbed him in the groin with a knife before fleeing the scene. The injury was severe, targeting a critical area containing major blood vessels, which medical experts testified could have resulted in death without immediate treatment.
Babooram was rushed to St Joseph’s Mercy
Hospital in Georgetown. Due to a critical shortage of blood, he was transferred to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he underwent emergency surgery. He had remained hospitalised for over two weeks and was bedridden at home for an extended period afterward.
In court, Babooram’s aunt, Pamela Nauth, read his victim impact statement, offering a detailed account of his physical and emotional trauma.
“When I was stabbed, I almost lost my life,” Babooram recounted in his statement. “My family was told there was nothing more that could be done and that they should come into the Emergency Room to say their goodbyes.”
Babooram also described the lingering psychological impact of the attack: “I still suffer from nightmares, anxiety, and horrific flashbacks. What made it worse was waiting 10 years for justice while seeing the person who did this to me walk freely— even in front of my home.”
His statement urged members of the public to donate blood, emphasising how crucial it was in saving his life.
During mitigation, Dhanraj’s lawyer, Adrian Thompson, pleaded for leniency, citing his client’s previously clean criminal record and his role as the sole provider for his elderly parents and child. Dhanraj himself addressed the court, stating, “Ah begging fuh mercy because ah does maintain my family—my mother and father. Me and them two alone does live. I is the breadwinner for the house. Ah begging fuh mercy yuh honour.”
When asked directly about the crime, Dhanraj added, “Ah sorry fuh wuh
happen.”
However, the prosecution, led by attorney Muntaz Ali, highlighted numerous aggravating factors to argue for a strict sentence.
“This was a surprise attack with no provocation or grievance from the victim,” Ali noted. He described the incident as particularly heinous, citing the use of a deadly weapon and the deliberate targeting of a vital area.
Ali also pointed out that Dhanraj fled the scene immediately after the stabbing, providing no assistance to the victim and failing to report the incident. He was apprehended a month later.
The prosecution further
detailed Dhanraj’s inconsistent accounts of the incident. During an interview
with a probation officer, Dhanraj initially claimed self-defence, but during the
trial, he later shifted his stance to an alibi defence, asserting that he was not present at the scene of the crime.
State prosecutor Ali underscored the prevalence of violent, unprovoked crimes during the Christmas season, emphasising that such offences call for sentences that deter not only the offender but also others who might consider similar acts.
“There is a significant number of unjustifiable, serious attacks and unlawful woundings being committed in our society, especially during holidays,” Ali stated.
The case was prosecuted by attorneys Muntaz Ali and Christopher Belfield. (G9)
Jailed: Ganesh Dhanraj, also known as “Jango”
City Hall commits to better regulate vendors
…as Traffic Chief complains of obstruction on Regent St
The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is aiming to develop a policy that better regulates roadside vending. The commitment was made as Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh had complained of the obstruction to the free flow of traffic, particularly on Regent Street, Georgetown caused as a result of roadside vending.
Regent Street, a major commercial hub in the capital city, is currently plagued by severe traffic congestion, especially during the peak Christmas season. This congestion is partly caused by roadside vending, which obstructs the free flow of traffic.
In a recent interview with Guyana Times, Traffic Chief Senior Superintendent
Mahendra Singh revealed that as the Guyana Police Force's (GPF) Christmas Policing Programme continues to be implemented, several issues have been identified. He noted that individuals vending and conducting business on the roadways have contributed to the slowing down of traffic on several busy streets within the capital city.
“While we are creating space or ensuring smooth progression by way of the actions we seek, that if you travel Regent Street, you will see persons selling on the pavement. You will see persons vending on the roadside on Regent Street itself. You will see bus stops being impeded by vendors.”
Whilst the GPF does not handle the allocation of vending spots, the traffic chief urged the M&CC to ensure that vendors are adhering to the stipulations made by the council.
“The authority to deal with that is well known. But what we want is consideration when you do so, that the spaces where you sell for vending, though your approval speaks to, it must not impede the flow of traffic. You can't sell in spaces which is in the flow of traffic, in the line of traffic. It impedes the buses from stopping in a designated area to sit down or pick up passengers. It's not the police alone
in this equation of partnership who must ensure road safety its everyone.”
The M&CC is responsible for the allocation of vending permits. In an invited comment People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor, Jai Narine Singh Jr, well known as "Don Singh", said City Hall is developing a policy to address the situation.
“We have been developing a vending policy because ultimately people have to have a chance to learn what we're trying to do is do it in a controlled fashion. Obviously, with this Christmas period, too soon we won't be able to do that. It is, you know, a certain amount of people spaces, allocate spaces towards them and that sort of thing. But then 15 others come, don't want to pay and it creates chaos. So, we'll be looking at that into the new year to regulate and to get some order to the chaos.”
In recent times, the high court has issued orders for City Hall to remove roadside vendors that are obstructing the operations of businesses.
Earlier in April, the High Court granted orders to remove vendors and their structures from outside Banks DIH’s Demico House, Stabroek, Georgetown. Several similar orders were granted for several other major stores around the city.
Busy Regent Street, Georgetown on Monday
Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh
Ramsammy’s Ruminations
For sugar workers, what if President Ali was not President, and PPP was not in Government?
The sugar workers will receive a 10% increase for 2024, retroactive to January 1, and an increase of 8% in 2025. The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and GuySuCo signed an agreement that ensures sugar workers would receive the same generous increases granted to teachers and public servants after negotiation had been had between Government and their unions – the Guyana Teachers Union, and the Guyana Public Service Union.
Last week, this column urged Guyanese to ask themselves the “what if” question. What if Guyana did not make a change in March 2020, and we did not have a President Irfaan Ali and a PPP government? What if we still had a President David Granger and the APNU Government?
For sugar workers, the answer is as clear as crystal. Under President David Granger, they had a wage-freeze, with no salary increases for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 -- the sordid legacy of the PNC-led APNU government. Sugar workers also know that the last time before the 2015-2020 shameful period that such a freeze existed for them was in the 1980s under a PNC government. Sugar workers know that wagefreeze policies occurred in Guyana only under President Forbes Burnham, President Desmond Hoyte, and President David Granger -- all leaders of the PNC.
On the other hand, sugar workers know that ever since President Irfaan Ali was sworn-in as Guyana’s president, and the PPP government was returned to power in August 2020, they have enjoyed pay increases every single year. In fact, they know that they have had pay increases under successive PPP governments every year from 1992 to 2014, and from 2020 to present. It therefore is easy for sugar workers to answer confidently the question “What if?”.
They know that the PPP has always been on the side of sugar workers. They also know that sugar workers have been targeted by the PNC throughout their history in government. Sugar workers know that the PNC and their allies always make fake promises. Which sugar worker would not recall the bold promise made by the PNC/AFC, that they would be given annual 20% pay increases? That promise was never kept; and instead was replaced by the brutal reality of a wage-freeze.
What if the PPP had not been returned to government after the March 2020 elections? Guyana today would for certain not have had a sugar industry. After promising that no sugar estate would be closed because, in David Granger’s words, “sugar is too big to fail”, the PNC implemented their cruel and brutish plan to close sugar in Guyana. They closed Rose Hall Estate in Canje, and Skeldon Estate in Region 6, Wales Estate in Region 3, and Enmore/LBI Estates in Region 4. More than 7,000 sugar workers and their families (more than 40,000 persons) were left to fend for themselves, and were initially denied their legally-entitled severance pay. The PPP, while in opposition, provided legal support for sugar workers to approach the court, and for a court-mandated payment of severance for the sugar workers.
The PPP had promised it would reopen, where possible, sugar estates. Rose Hall estate is back in operation, and has produced almost 8,000 tons of sugar in 2024. More than 1,500 persons have been reemployed at the Rose Hall Estate, which would try to produce more than 20,000 tons of sugar in 2025.
What if Irfaan Ali did not become President in 2020? What if the PPP did not return to Government in 2020? The answer is clear – SUGAR would have been dead in Guyana. Almost 20,000 sugar workers and more than 60,000 family members in Guyana would have been pushed into absolute poverty.
Some have said that Guyana no longer needs a working-class government, that Guyana needs a government that would catalyze business. While we need a government that ensures the private sector is an engine of growth, we also need a government that is part of the overall economic and social growth trajectory in Guyana. President Ali has shown that he is capable of providing the leadership for the upliftment of the working-class and business at the same time.
The over-70,000 public servants have, since 2021, received overall more than 66% increase in their salaries. Between 2015 and 2020, the PNC-led APNU/AFC government only increased public servants’ salaries by about 35% overall, when, in 2015 alone, they had given themselves between 50% and 100% pay increases.
By 2025, the total expenditure for overall public service would amount to over $227B, moving from $126B in 2021. This is testimony to the working-class credentials of the PPP. Cheddi Jagan’s workingclass loyalty has not been abandoned by the PPP, although it has created the most robust environment for the private sector to prosper. The pay increases only represent a part of an overall package to support families. Families with children in school receive cash grants for each child. In 2025, this cash grant is likely to be $50,000 per child. Pensioners will receive at least $41,000 per month in 2025. Each citizen above 18 years old is getting a 2024 cash grant of $100,000. All members of the Joint Services are getting a one-month bonus. Farmers will receive more than $2B in subsidies for fertilizers, on top of the already allocated $1B for 2024.
Understandably, this has created confusion among the Opposition. The AFC Leader screamed that the PPP is “buying” votes, admitting that the increases are relatively hefty. The PNC Leader moaned it is a “pittance”, even though he will receive a hefty increase in his $1.8M per month package, and a retroactive payment of more than $2.2M. It is no wonder that, at a Christmas tree-lighting event at Freedom House in New Amsterdam, a PNC stronghold in the past, thousands of people showed up dressed in their red dresses and shirts.
The PPP is marching towards a massive victory in the 2025 elections.
GECOM exposes AFC’s disinformation over unanswered meeting invitations
…says party yet to respond to GECOM Chair’s invitation to meet
The Alliance For Change (AFC) has attracted more criticism- this time from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), over misinformation, with the party’s claims that it was waiting to meet with GECOM on critical issues being debunked by the electoral body.
During a recent press conference, AFC leader Nigel Hughes had claimed that his party could not conduct its review of the 2020 General and Regional elections, presumably to see if it was culpable in electoral rigging, because it was still waiting on a meeting with GECOM.
As it turns out, however, GECOM Chairperson, (Ret’d) Justice Claudette Singh wrote AFC since November 27, 2024, inviting them to a meeting on the December 3, 2024. GECOM revealed that to date, however, no response has been received.
“The AFC wrote a letter dated September 9, 2024, addressed to Mr Vishnu Persaud, Chief Election Officer (CEO), requesting a meeting for the new Executive of this Party to be apprised of “GECOM’s preparations for future elections and how it intends to address burning issues about electoral integrity.”
“The CEO wrote a response dated September 11, 2024, copied to the GECOM Chairman, advising the AFC that he (CEO) does not have the authority to arrange meetings on behalf of the Commission and that the letter should be addressed to the Chairman,” GECOM explained.
It was noted that when this correspondence was brought to Justice Singh’s attention, she took the initiative to write to GECOM on September 23, 2024, proposing either the dates of October 8 or 22, 2024, for a meeting.
“It was not until October 17, 2024 that the Party wrote the GECOM Chairman expressing regrets for the delay in responding and noting that this lapse was due to overseas travel by the Leader and other key execu-
tive members,” GECOM explained.
When prompted by GECOM via letter on October 18, 2024, to state what they wished to discuss, the AFC sent a letter dated November 11, laying out the issues. They included “GECOM’s reasons for rejecting the introduction of biometrics as a tool for improving the credibility of all electoral processes; GECOM’S willingness to allow party scrutineers to vote on the same date as the Disciplined Forces; GECOM’s views on the willingness to support, the purging of the List of Electors of persons who are not ordinarily resident in Guyana, or deceased.
GECOM pointed out that the issues listed have nothing to do with reviewing the last election, as AFC claimed was its intention. And even when the Chairperson responded on November 27, proposing December 3 as the date for the next meeting, AFC never responded.
“The allegations made by Mr Hughes and Mr Patterson are not supported by factual evidence and
serve only to sow discord among Stakeholders regarding the electoral process. In view of the foregoing, we urge all political leaders to engage in responsible discourse based on verified facts rather than unfounded claims that can mislead voters and erode trust in the Commission.”
“It is essential that the maintenance of confidence in GECOM can rely on accurate information during discussions on critical issues such as the preparations for and conduct of elections. While operating in line with the relevant statutory provi-
sions and in accordance with its own set policy for engagement, GECOM recognises that it is subject to oversight from multiple independent local and international organisations.”
According to GECOM, all of these organisations are focused on compliance with standards associated with transparency and accountability in the electoral processes. The commission also assured that it will continue to take steps to ensure everyone is informed on the next steps towards next year’s General and Regional elections. (G3)
Dr Leslie Ramsammy
GECOM Chairperson, Justice (retired) Claudette Singh
AFC leader Nigel Hughes
$35,000 one-off cash grant for all persons with disabilities – Pres Ali
…will amount to $875M investment for 26,000 persons registered
As the Government works to improve its data managing capabilities, Head of State President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that a $35,000 one-off cash grant for all persons with disabilities.
The Head of State made this announcement on Tuesday during a Christmas social for children living with disabilities where he highlighted that over 20,000 persons living with disabilities have been registered since his administration took office in 2020.
“We started off in 2020 by not having a complete register of persons living with disability and we wanted that register so that we could structure our support in a more meaningful way and we have been able not only to have almost 6,000 children on that register, but on a national register of persons living with different forms of disability, we have close to 26,000 persons on that register, covering every single region of the country.”
Moreover, as part of efforts to reaffirm the Government’s commitment towards investing in persons living with disabilities. President Alir revealed that the Government will be distributing some $875 million. These funds he noted will ensure that each registered person living with a
disability will receive an additional $35,000 in financing from the Government.
“I’m very pleased tonight to tell you today that, to continue the investment and to support your lives, and with the register we have now, that we're going to release this month, a further $875 million, approximately $875 million directly to each of the persons on the register, each of the almost 26,000 persons on the register.”
The Head of State Added.
“What that means is that outside of the $100,000 grant each person on the register that is close to 26,000 persons will get a grant of $35,000 additionally from the state.”
Additionally, the head of
state revealed several other initiatives that will be deployed by the Government which will significantly improve the lives of persons living with disabilities.
“But within that Guyana Digital School, there will be a platform to address special needs so that parents can register their children at home, and they will have a platform through which special needs education will be addressed… We made a commitment that in every region, we will at least put one bus, to support persons living with a disability. We have seven of those buses already purchased in a different region.”
“I want to also say that there is another initiative
that we are launching. We are right now building the first innovative farm that will be operated fully by persons living with disability here in Guyana and Climate Smart Agriculture is also a big part of what we'll be doing. And that farm will be incorporated into our supermarkets so that there will be a special section selling produce that will come from that farm because you will be buying with a social conscience.”
Also present at the Christmas social was Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud who highlighted that through the Ministry’s Learning Lab, over 400 persons Living with disabilities were trained in various areas such as social media marketing and garment construction among others.
“In fact, this year, we trained over 400 persons liv-
ing with disabilities in regions, including the Hinterland regions and I was really, really filled with joy to see the quality of work that they produced when they did the garment construction training. Also, it doesn't stop there. The Government of Guyana, to his excellency, the President started a revolving fund for people who live with disabilities. So, if they wanted to open their business after training with us, getting business literacy training, they can access funding.”
Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Society for the Blind Ganesh Singh, who lauded the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration for their commitment towards inventing in persons living with disabilities. He noted that these investments have significantly improved the lives
of persons living with disabilities in the country.
“Prior to the 2020 elections, we sent a disability manifesto to all political parties and the PPP Government. Well, at that time it was the PPP party that incorporated that into their manifesto. We met with His Excellency and all the Ministers on assuming office and they reaffirmed a commitment to persons with disabilities. We asked for more special education in schools, we got them”.
“There are more opportunities for persons with disabilities to go to tertiary institutions through GOAL (Guyana Online Academy of Learning) or the University of Guyana (UG), even at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE). It's much, much easier with virtual learning…People with disabilities can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Regional leaders push for stronger cooperation to combat rising drug trafficking
The fight against drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Guiana Shield regions took centre stage at a high-level seminar in Martinique, where judicial leaders, including Guyana’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, called for unified action to address the escalating drug crisis.
Held from December 9 to 12, under the theme “Never has drugs been produced so much in the world, never has it been so distributed,” the event brought together stakeholders from across the Caribbean Basin and beyond. Discussions highlighted the increasing threat of the illicit drug trade and its devastating impact on regional security, public health, and economies.
Prosecutor General at the Court of Appeal of Cayenne, French Guiana, Joel Sollier, underscored the need for immediate and effective cooperation across borders.
“It is becoming essential for an effective fight and to protect our overseas territories, to strengthen judicial cooperation, not only at the level of the islands of the region but also with the United States (US) and nearby American states, such as Venezuela and Colombia, and those particularly affected and carrying security challenges such as Ecuador and Brazil,” Sollier stressed.
The seminar also acknowledged that the drug trade fuels violent crime and poses a significant public health crisis. “Drugs kill, and addiction can be a never-ending struggle for users,” Sollier added, emphasising the hu-
man cost of the illicit trade.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported in 2021 that 39.5 million people globally suffer from substance abuse disorders—an alarming 45 per cent increase over the past decade.
In her presentation, DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack highlighted Guyana’s ongoing efforts to tackle drug trafficking and the importance of regional collaboration.
“We need a regional network and collaboration,” she said. “The idea is for agencies across all countries to cooperate in this fight. We have to build on the cooperation already existing in the region.”
Ali-Hack also addressed the societal consequences of addiction, noting its strain on human resources and economic development.
“There are persons suffering from addiction, and this poses a problem for our human resources and ultimately affects our economies,” she said.
Guyana’s implementation of a Drug Treatment Court was highlighted as a positive
step toward addressing addiction and offering rehabilitation for affected individuals.
The seminar included judicial representatives from CARICOM nations such as Jamaica, Suriname, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis, alongside non-CARICOM participants from France, Quebec (Canada), Ecuador, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, the US, St Martin, and Panama.
The meeting shed light on the need for regional and international collaboration to confront the worsening drug trafficking crisis. With the Caribbean and Guiana Shield serving as key transit hubs for drugs destined for markets in the US and Europe, leaders agreed that a collective, coordinated approach is vital to dismantling drug networks and mitigating the societal damage they cause.
As calls for action intensify, leaders emphasised that tackling drug trafficking requires both strengthened judicial systems and innovative solutions to address addiction and rehabilitation.
Guyana’s DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack at the seminar
One Guyana Digital Programme empowers graduates to drive innovation in tech, transform communities
The Government of Guyana has announced a significant breakthrough for graduates of the One Guyana Digital Programme, which will offer them access to high-paying jobs in the tech sector.
On Tuesday, the first cohort that completed the eight months of rigorous training presented their solutions to President Dr Irfaan Ali at State House.
The apps developed leverages technology to tackle waste management, provide secondary school students with an innovative solution to be quizzed using the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) past papers and a digital companion for the elderly, which will monitor their physical health and contact emergency authorities in the event of an incident, among others.
The first cohort of 365 students were equipped with the skills to develop websites and mobile applications through the groundbreaking Nearshore Training Diploma Programme, which taught them to create dynamic databases for data retrieval, ensuring they can build robust, innovative technology solutions.
During his address to the gathering, President Irfaan explained that in the next phrase of the programme, the graduates will receive career coaching, helping them to build strong Curriculum Vitae (CV) and prepare for interviews.
According to the Guyanese Leader, they are guaranteed job titles as Junior Software Developers, Front End Designers and Mobile App Developers with employers such as banks, in-
surance companies and commerce companies.
“So, this is the beauty of the programme. After the certification, it then goes into working with you to building your CVs. Then it gives you the coaching for the interviews. Then it lands you the interviews. And then it delivers you the jobs. And, of course, you have the opportunity also to go on your own and be all that you can be. So, I want you to encourage others also to be a part of the programme. We are now trying to recruit another thousand to be a part of the programme,” the Guyanese Leader shared.
The Head of State praised the graduates as trailblazers, noting that their work would not only contribute to Guyana’s digital transformation but also expand into the Caribbean.
New faces in stand-up comedy as annual
‘‘Uncensored’’ show set for Saturday
New seedlings of talent are hatching within the theatre space as some new stand-up comedians are set to perform at the annual comedy show, Uncensored.
Turning a new chapter in its 15 years of hosting the Uncensored show, the event is set to showcase fresh, new talent, closing off the year with a comedic bang at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday, December 28.
Uncensored was created by Lyndon Jones in an attempt to give stand-up comedians the freedom to be their authentic selves, showcase their talents to the best of their abilities, and compete for various prizes.
Speaking to the Guyana Times on Tuesday, the show’s Marketing Manager, Leza Singh, revealed that these new faces were discovered through a rigorous audition process and will perform alongside seasoned comedians, bringing an exciting mix of fresh energy and experience to the stage.
“We have some three to four new comedians that are going to be on the stage that we definitely are going to use. Two of whom are females, which was something hard to find as well. I believe she’s on TikTok. It’s good to see some of the TikTok comedians coming out and trying to show themselves on stage at a wider level.”
On this note she added that this is a great opportunity for the social media comedians to get a grasp of the stage, as the two platforms are usually different.
“Because I would always tell people, you can do comedy on TikTok, but until you’re in front of a live audience, you don’t know what you’re ca-
pable of, Uncensored is definitely going to be the show to close the year, in my opinion. And I’m not just saying that because I’m obligated to say it but because of the lineup of comedians that we have, I believe we have an exceptional bunch of comedians who are going to stand on that stage and deliver.”
According to her, there is a fact that if the same faces are commonly seen, they tend to get complacent, which is one of the reasons for the addition of the new faces.
“If only seasoned comedians are in the competition, they kind of get complacent and then the audience kind of knows who’s going to bring what to the table. But when you have new faces, you can’t help but be inquisitive, right? You can’t help but be worried, like, hmm, this person is sounding proper, they’re sounding like they could bring something to the table.”
According to Singh, the forefathers of the craft will also be competing against the younger comedians in the show. Nevertheless, they are currently molding the young ones to perform at their best.
“It hasn’t always been a
“… very soon you will see it launch in the whole of CARICOM. You will have colleagues from all of CARICOM being part of it. We said before that our prosperity and whatever we are able to open up, we want it to be accessible to all of CARICOM,” he added.
Also providing remarks at Tuesday’s demonstration exercise was Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, who encouraged the participants to seek new and improve ways to further advance their developments.
Referencing the success of digital developers like Larry Page and Sergey Brin as well as Mark Zuckerberg, Singh highlighted that through the initiative Guyana has the opportunity to significantly
competition, but consistently over the years, we’ve made it a competition where they get a chance to compete among some of the greats. Of course, John B. and other veterans are not in that competition because they’re the fathers of comedy, like I would like to say, the two kings of comedy in Guyana.”
He added, “They give them pointers, give them tips, things like that. In addition, John B. is one of the producers on this show, so he would also play an integral part in having input into their material and what they put out there.”
Tickets are available for $2000, $3000, and $4000.
But normally, the week of the show is when the tickets are hardest to get. So, we’re probably only a couple of days away from the show already.
Singh stressed the importance of purchasing tickets before they’re all sold out.
“Well, a couple more than a couple is two, right? We’re more than a week away from the show, so get those tickets. They’re available at the National Cultural Centre and Payless Variety, located on Wellington Street.”
transform its global digital footprint.
“You know, we hear about great apps being developed around the world. We hear about apps like Uber, we hear about apps like Facebook and social media platforms. And many of these were really developed by young students working in a garage somewhere, or in their parents' home, or in their student room at university. Many of these apps today are global billion-dollar enterprises and were developed by young teenagers or young adults, literally applying their own creativity, their own technical skills, developing something that met a particular need that they perceived, testing it with their friends, finding opportunities to refine it, and then growing it into what today, in many cases, have become
global brands that we recognise. And we saw this morning a demonstration of what can be achieved in terms of acquisition of technical skills with the opportunity that President Ali has created through this initiative,” the Senior Minister explained.
The One Guyana Digital Programme was launched in February of this year, with a $9.5 million investment from the Canadian Government and offers participants a chance to delve into live and online classes, facilitated by Toronto Metropolitan University.
The programme aims to address gender disparity, with over 60 per cent of applicants being women and 20 per cent from Indigenous communities. Additionally, it is poised to combat unemployment and alleviate poverty within the country.
Some of the students from the 1st cohort showcased their innovative digital projects to President Dr Irfaan Ali, Local Government Minister Sonia Parag and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh at State House on Tuesday (DPI photo)
Filed photo: Patrons at past Uncensored events
Regional Argentina's President demands release of soldier arrested in Venezuela, as Canada applies sanctions
Argentina's President on Tuesday demanded that Venezuelan authorities immediately free an Argentine soldier arrested earlier this month after he entered Venezuela to visit family, in the latest flare-up between the two South American nations.
At a military school event, President Javier Milei said security forces under the command of the "criminal dictator Nicolás Maduro" arrested Nahuel Gallo, a soldier with the Argentine national force known as the Gendarmeria. Milei said Gallo was in Venezuela visiting his wife and son.
Milei's foreign and security ministries have previously called for the release of Gallo, who was arrested on December 8 after entering Venezuela's western state of Tachira from neighbouring Colombia.
"We demand his immediate release and we'll exhaust all diplomatic paths to return him safely to Argentina," said Milei.
Although the two nations have not formally cut diplomatic ties, Argentine diplomats were expelled from Caracas last August following Venezuela's July presidential election that Milei's Government forcefully rejected as fraudulent.
The libertarian Milei
has frequently criticised and insulted his socialist Venezuelan counterpart.
While Venezuela's information ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Milei's comments, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello claimed on Monday that Gallo had been sent on an aborted "mission", but without going into further detail.
"We've dealt them a heavy blow thanks to state security forces," said Cabello.
Maduro was declared the winner of the July 28 vote by the Governmentaligned electoral authority and the Supreme Court, while the Opposition
says its candidate won a landslide victory after it published thousands of scanned voting machine receipts its observers obtained.
Meanwhile, Canada imposed sanctions on five current or former senior officials of the Venezuelan Government on Tuesday, saying the individuals undermined democracy, in a move rejected by Caracas, which called the measure "illegal".
The Canadian Foreign Ministry said in a statement the sanctions targets "have been implicated in fraudulently declaring Nicolás Maduro the winner of the July 28, 2024, presidential election." (Excerpt from Reuters)
Brazil lawmakers pass key regulations to enact tax reform
Lawmakers in Brazil's Lower House of Congress approved on Tuesday a bill that includes regulations needed to implement a constitutional tax reform, following a Senate vote to approve the bill.
The proposal will now head to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for his signature.
The bill sets rules needed to consolidate five existing taxes into a single consumption levy, also known as a value-added tax (VAT), with separate federal and regional rates.
It also provide details on a new tax on products considered harmful to human health or the environment, such as cigarettes and alcoholic beverages. Lawmakers in the lower house added sweetened beverages back to the list after the Senators removed it.
Lawmaker Reginaldo
Lopes, bill rapporteur in the lower house, said the changes approved by the house will set the overall consumption tax rate at 26.5 per cent.
The eagerly-anticipated tax reform was approved by lawmakers last year and is a central pillar of Lula's plans to boost productivity and economic growth in Latin
America's largest economy. Previous Governments have attempted and failed to implement a tax reform of their own.
Lula's Government has also sent to lawmakers a separate bill, which still requires Senate approval, regulating how the VAT would be managed at the state level. (Reuters)
Haiti hospital out of commission after blaze set by armed groups
Amajor hospital in the Haitian capital Portau-Prince went up in flames after an attack by armed groups, hospital and Police sources said Tuesday.
The hospital source said nobody was hurt in Monday night’s fire at Bernard Mevs Hospital, but the blaze destroyed four operating rooms, a laboratory, imaging equipment and administrative offices.
The suspected assailants were members of gangs belonging to the “Viv Ansanm” (“Living Together”) alliance, who used Molotov cocktails to set fire to the hospital.
“It’s a whole symbol that
has gone up in smoke,” the source told AFP, emphasising that the attack will have a considerable impact on the capital’s medical capacity.
The private hospital played a key role in Haiti’s health sector, as it was known for having some of the most advanced medical imaging technology in the country.
The fire is the latest instance of growing turmoil in the capital of the beleaguered Caribbean nation, where attacks by armed gangs have been escalating in multiple neighbourhoods for over a month.
In early December, nearly 200 people were killed in
a massacre led by a “powerful gang leader” against “voodoo practitioners”, according to the United Nations and a local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
A multinational mission in support of Haitian Police, led by Kenya and backed by the UN and the United States, has had little impact on the frequency of attacks by armed groups, who are accused of committing numerous murders, rapes, looting and kidnappings for ransom.
The attacks also target key buildings and infrastructure, which forced the closure of the capital’s airport to commercial flights in November. (AFP)
RSS warns of WhatsApp scam
The popularly used WhatsApp feature has recently been the target of numerous nefarious activities which have severely impacted people who rely on the platform for communication.
A release last Friday from the Regional Security System (RSS) stated that the alarming trend, which has emerged across the Region, has not gone unnoticed by officials of the organisation, who it stated were working diligently to ensure that citizens of its member states did not fall victim to the emerging scam.
In a statement issued by the RSS’ Asset Recovery Unit, all WhatsApp users were urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution when utilising the communication platform.
It pointed out that over the past few weeks, unsuspecting victims had received WhatsApp messages from unknown numbers, or numbers purporting to be a WhatsApp support representative, requesting a code received via SMS be sent to the contacting number. Users are made to believe that the code is required to verify their WhatsApp ac-
count. Once this is done, the hackers gain access and control of the victim’s account.
The statement explained that the hackers use the target’s number to send messages to individuals in their contact list, requesting money be sent to them via a money remitter. They claim to be stranded overseas and in need of funds to pay for a hotel or to buy an airline ticket.
“Furthermore, the offenders have also been sending links or codes to these contacts, as a means of soliciting more victims,” it added. (Excerpt from Nation News)
Veteran Jamaican journalist dies after stabbed multiple times
Senior Superintendent, Christopher Phillips, commanding officer of the St Catherine South Police Division, says the Police are following “strong leads” into the murder of veteran Journalist Barbara Gayle.
Gayle, who was a veteran court reporter at the Jamaica Gleaner, was found dead at her Caymanas Country Club Estate home in St Catherine on Tuesday morning. Her vehicle and phone are missing.
Speaking to Journalists at the crime scene, Phillips said
based on initial assessments, Gayle “was stabbed multiple times to the right side of her neck and we suspect that she was also hit in the forehead”.
He said she was last seen with an “unknown gentleman” sometime after 15:00h on Monday.
“Sometime after 10 (Tuesday) morning, residents who are used to her routine of coming out in the morning to check on them and call on them, they didn’t see that activity and went to check on her where her lifeless body
was discovered,” Phillips disclosed.
The senior cop said the Police were determined to solve the case and already have several leads.
“We are following strong leads at this time. We have the full support of all the investigative arms of the force. We are deeply saddened by this. It’s really a very horrible scene and we extend condolences to the media family at this time,” Phillips said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
Argentine President Javier Milei speaking during the political festival Atreju, organised by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d'Italia) right-wing party, in Rome, Italy, December 14, 2024 (Reuters/Ciro De Luca photo)
A woman crying outside her house after armed gangs set it on fire in the Post Marchand neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince on December 17, 2024 (Clarens Siffroy/AFP photo)
A general view of Brazil's National Congress during sunset in Brasilia, Brazil, June 11, 2024 (Reuters/Adriano Machado/File Photo )
Around the World
OOIL NEWS
Oil prices ease 1% to 1-week low on weak Chinese, German economic data
il prices eased about one per cent to a one-week low on Tuesday on demand worries following the release of negative economic news from Germany and China, while investors remained cautious ahead of a US Federal Reserve decision on interest rates.
Brent futures fell 72 cents, or 1.0 per cent, to settle at US$73.19 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped 63 cents, or 0.9 per cent, to settle at US$70.08.
That was the lowest close for Brent since December 10 and cut the premium of Brent over WTI to a 12-week low of US$3.54 a barrel, based on the February contracts.
Analysts have said when Brent's premium over WTI falls below US$4 a barrel, it does not make as much economic sense for energy firms to send ships to pick up US crude, which should result in lower US exports.
In China, the world's second-biggest economy, industrial output growth quickened slightly in November, while retail sales disappointed, keeping alive calls for Beijing to ramp up consumer-focused stimulus as policymakers brace for more US trade tariffs once President-elect Donald Trump takes office for a second time.
In Germany, business morale worsened more than expected in December, according to a survey by the Ifo Institute, weighed down by companies' pessimistic assessment of the coming months amid geopolitical uncertainty and an industrial slump in Europe's largest economy.
"The only good thing about Germany's just-released Ifo index is that it is the final major macro indicator released this year. Time to ... end a year that will go down as the second consecutive year of economic stagnation," analysts at ING, a bank, said in a note.
In the world's biggest economy, meanwhile, US retail sales increased more than expected in November amid an acceleration in motor vehicle and online purchases.
The report from the US Commerce Department had no impact on expectations that the Fed would cut interest rates on Wednesday for the third time since the US central bank initiated its policy easing cycle.
Investors, however, will watch US policymakers' forecasts for signals on whether the Fed will be more cautious in 2025, as economic indicators, such as the retail sales data, point to continued resilience and inflation remains persistent.
After hiking rates aggressively in 2022 and 2023 to tame a surge in inflation, the Fed started to lower rates in September.
Lower rates decrease borrowing costs, which can boost economic growth and demand for oil.
Oil supplies and inventories
In the US, oil storage data was due from the American Petroleum Institute trade group on Tuesday and the US Energy Information Administration today.
Analysts projected US energy firms pulled about 1.6 million barrels of crude from storage during the week ended December 13.
If correct, that would be the first time energy firms pulled oil out of storage for four weeks in a row since August, and would compare with an increase of 2.9 million barrels in the same week last year and an average decrease of 2.4 million barrels over the past five years (2019-2023).
In Kazakhstan, a member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+), oil and gas condensate output is now expected to be 87.8 million metric tons in 2024, down from the previously expected figure of more than 88 million tons (1.76 million barrels per day), Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev said.
The European Union adopted a 15th package of sanctions against Russia, another member of OPEC+, over its invasion of Ukraine, including tougher measures against Chinese entities and more vessels from Moscow's so-called shadow fleet.
Britain also sanctioned ships it alleged were carrying illicit Russian oil.
OPEC+ have agreed to curtail output to support oil prices. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Palestinian families sue State Department over US support for Israeli military
Palestinian families sued the US State Department on Tuesday over Washington's support for Israel's military amid its war in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands and caused a humanitarian crisis, a court filing showed.
The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, alleged that the State Department under Secretary of State, Antony Blinken has deliberately circumvented a US human rights law to continue funding and supporting Israeli military units accused of atrocities in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The Leahy Laws prohibit providing US military assistance to individuals or security force units that commit gross violations of human rights and have not been brought to justice. Both South Africa at the World Court and Amnesty International have
accused Israel of committing genocide and war crimes. Israel has denied the charges. Washington faces criticism from human rights groups for maintaining its support for Israel with no major policy changes.
"The State Department's calculated failure to apply the Leahy Law is particularly shocking in the face of the unprecedented escalation of Israeli gross violations of human rights since the Gaza War erupted on October 7, 2023," the lawsuit said.
Israel's war in Gaza has killed over 45,000 persons, according to the local Health Ministry. Israel's assault has also displaced nearly Gaza's entire 2.3 million population and caused a hunger crisis.
The latest bloodshed in the decades-old IsraeliPalestinian conflict was triggered on October 7, 2023, when Palestinian Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing
1200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
The lawsuit was filed by five Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and the United States.
Meanwhile, the BBC reported after months of deadlock, there are new signs that Israel and Hamas could be moving closer to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.
A senior Palestinian official involved in the indirect negotiations told the BBC that talks were in a "decisive and final phase". (Excerpts from BBC News and Reuters)
Chief of Russia’s nuclear protection forces killed in Moscow bomb blast
Asenior Russian general in charge of nuclear protection forces in Moscow has been killed by a bomb hidden in an electric scooter, Russia’s investigative committee said.
Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, who was chief of the Troops of Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defence, was killed on Tuesday outside an apartment building on Ryazansky Prospekt.
“Igor Kirillov, the head of
the radiation, chemical and biological protection forces of the armed forces of the Russian Federation, and his assistant were killed,” the investigative committee said.
Russia’s TASS news agency reported, quoting a law enforcement official, that the explosive device “had a capacity of some 300 grams in TNT equivalent”.
A source within the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) told Al Jazeera it was behind the attack. “We
Vanuatu earthquake death toll rises to 14 as rescuers continue search
Rescuers in Vanuatu today searched for people still trapped after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific nation's capital Port Vila on Tuesday, killing 14 persons, and damaging reservoirs, commercial buildings, embassies and a hospital.
At least 200 persons are being treated for injuries at the capital's main hospital and other medical centres with 14 confirmed deaths, a Red Cross official said on X, citing the Vanuatu Government.
"Rescue ops continue to free those trapped after the quake, and attention turns to urgent needs like first aid, shelter, and water," said Katie Greenwood, Head of the Delegation for the Pacific at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Vanuatu Police said in a statement there had been deaths and many injuries, without giving a number.
National broadcaster VBTC showed people queuing for fuel and essentials this morning. Rescue efforts continued at one of the collapsed buildings, Billabong House, where people had been trapped under rubble.
Footage posted on social media showed vehicles crushed under the debris, boulders strewn across a highway and landslips near Port Vila's international shipping terminal. Basil Leodoro, an emergency doctor in Vanuatu with health emergency firm Respond Global, said two buildings - Billabong House and a Chinese store - had collapsed, with rescuers trying to save people.
"So far they have been able to remove two casualties," he said in a social media post, citing police reports.
Several aftershocks, including one of magnitude 6.1, rattled Vanuatu overnight.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
claim our responsibility for the bombing of the head of the Russian Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defence Forces, Igor Kirillov,” the source said.
Reuters and AFP news agency also cited a source within the SBU that the agency was behind the general’s killing and called him a “legitimate target”. Ukraine has yet to officially comment on the incident.
Photographs posted on Russian Telegram channels showed a shattered entrance to a building littered with rubble and two bodies lying in the blood-stained snow. A criminal case has been opened.
Russia’s radioactive, chemical and biological defence troops are special forces who operate under conditions
of radioactive, chemical and biological contamination. Russia has accused Ukraine of carrying out a number of assassinations on its soil since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, including the August 2022 killing of Darya Dugina, the daughter of Russian ultranationalist Alexander Dugin, in a car bombing.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council chaired by President Vladimir Putin, described the attack as an attempt by Kyiv to distract public attention away from its military failures and vowed that its “senior military-political leadership will face inevitable retribution”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
President Xi visits Macau to mark 25 years of Chinese rule
China's President Xi Jinping arrives in Macau today to mark a quarter century of Beijing's rule over the former Portuguese enclave, and is likely during his three-day visit to urge further diversification from its casino industry.
Xi's trip to the world's biggest gambling hub is his third as President, during which he will attend the inauguration of the territory's new chief executive, elected in October. Xi last visited in 2019 when anti-government protests were rocking the neighbouring financial hub of Hong Kong.
A special administrative
region of China, Macau is the only place in the country where gambling is legal, and its economy is heavily dependent on the casino industry, which contributes about 80 per cent of regional tax revenue.
Located on China's southern coast, Macau returned to Chinese rule on December 20, 1999, governed under the same "one country, two systems" formula as Hong Kong. Beijing has consistently praised Macau for its loyalty and stability, with more than half of its 700,000 population immigrating from China in recent decades. (Excerpt from Reuters)
A Palestinian boy standing on the rubble of a house destroyed in Israel's military offensive amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, October 7, 2024 (Reuters/Mohammed Salem photo)
Travel and engage in social events and activities that get your juices flowing. Refuse to let outsiders disrupt your plans or lead you astray. Choose forward motion over retreat.
Rethink your every move. A hasty decision will lead to mistakes and problems with someone you live with or work alongside. If something irks you, speak up and make a difference.
Addressing issues with someone you care about will make a difference. Be willing to compromise, but don't put yourself in a vulnerable position. Choose your words wisely.
Pay attention to detail and add your unique touch. Your actions will resonate with those competing with you. Be receptive to help and suggestions, but don't reveal your secrets.
Let your energy flow. Be brave, outgoing and entertaining; everything will fall into place. Someone you meet will brighten your day with encouraging words of wisdom.
Trouble will follow if you let temptation take the reins. Too much of anything will turn into a problem. Focus more on detail, cost and budgeting for what's important to you.
Apply for an advanced position and commit to enhancing your skills or learning something new. It's up to you to make the moves that ensure victory. Take responsibility and turn prospects into a reality.
Put drama aside and focus on being creative. Recognize the difference between an opportunity and a bribe. Set high standards and get what you want in writing.
Consider what you are up against and what you can do about it before you act. Pace yourself, consider your budget and work out a plan that will put your mind at ease.
Challenge yourself before others do. Strive to be and do your best, and labor over details that can make the difference between winning and losing. Avoid joint ventures and shared expenses.
Broaden your outlook and look for opportunities that help you better use your space or bring in additional income. Keep an open mind when dealing with people who have something to contribute.
Keep a watchful eye and a tally of what things cost. Changing how you handle money, health and prospects will be advantageous if you follow the rules and use the proper channels.
ARCHIE
India took a massive step towards leaving Brisbane with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy still level, as their last-wicket pair put on a rousing, unbroken 39 to steer their team past the follow-on mark.
With only one day's play remaining, Australia's chances of winning this third Test have taken a big hit, particularly as they contend with the absence of Josh Hazlewood, who has been ruled out of this Test match and possibly the rest of the series with a calf strain.
In Hazlewood's absence, his two great fast-bowling buddies took on a massive workload, sending down 60% of the 74.5 overs of India's innings, with Pat Cummins picking up four wickets and Mitchell Starc three. Their efforts, however, couldn't stop India from getting past the magic figure of 246.
KL Rahul survived a dropped chance off the first
ball of the day - a portent of Australia's fortunes - and went on to score 84; and Ravindra Jadeja contributed 77 brilliantly controlled runs, taking full toll of facing a depleted attack using an old ball on a predominantly new-ball pitch.
When Cummins dismissed Jadeja with a well-directed short ball, however, India were still 33 short of making Australia bat again. It was then that Akash Deep joined Jasprit Bumrah; and, in a partnership of extraordinary assurance, Bumrah ended the day with a control percentage of 86, and Akash with 90 - which reflected Australia's straitened circumstances.
It also reflected the duo's skill and resilience with the bat. Bumrah hooked Cummins for six on his way to 10 off 27 balls, while Akash hit two fours and a six to finish on 27 off 31.
It was Akash who moved
SCOREBOARD
Australia 1st Innings
Usman Khawaja c †Pant
b Bumrah 21
Nathan McSweeney c Kohli
b Bumrah 9 Marnus Labuschagne c Kohli
b Nitish Kumar Reddy 12
Steven Smith c Sharma
b Bumrah 101 Travis Head c †Pant
b Bumrah 152
Mitchell Marsh c Kohli
b Bumrah 5
Alex Carey † c Shubman Gill
b Akash Deep 70 Pat Cummins (c) c †Pant
b Mohammed Siraj 20
Mitchell Starc c †Pant
b Bumrah 18 Nathan Lyon
b Mohammed Siraj 2
Josh Hazlewood not out 0
Extras (lb 17, nb 5, w 13) 35
Total 117.1 Ov (RR: 3.79) 445
Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Usman Khawaja, 16.1 ov), 2-38 (Nathan McSweeney, 18.3 ov), 3-75 (Marnus Labuschagne, 33.2 ov), 4-316 (Steven Smith, 82.6 ov), 5-326 (Mitchell Marsh, 86.2 ov),
6-327 (Travis Head, 86.5 ov),
7-385 (Pat Cummins, 97.5 ov),
8-423 (Mitchell Starc, 105.6 ov),
9-445 (Nathan Lyon, 116.3 ov),
10-445 (Alex Carey, 117.1 ov) • DRS Bowling O-M-R-W
Jasprit Bumrah 28-9-76-6
Mohammed Siraj
23.2-5-97-2
Akash Deep 29.5-5-95-1
Nitish Kumar Reddy 13-1-65-1
Ravindra Jadeja 23-2-95-0
India 1st Innings
Yashasvi Jaiswal c Marsh b Starc 4 KL Rahul c Smith b Lyon 84
Shubman Gill c Marsh b Starc 1
Virat Kohli c †Carey b Hazlewood 3
Rishabh Pant † c †Carey b Cummins 9
Rohit Sharma (c) c †Carey b Cummins 10
Ravindra Jadeja c Marsh b Cummins 77
Nitish Kumar Reddy b Cummins 16
Mohammed Siraj c †Carey b Starc 1
Jasprit Bumrah not out 10 Akash Deep not out 27
Extras (b 4, lb 2, nb 3, w 1) 10
Total 74.5 Ov (RR: 3.36) 252/9 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Yashasvi Jaiswal, 0.2 ov), 2-6 (Shubman Gill, 2.1 ov), 3-22 (Virat Kohli, 7.2 ov), 4-44 (Rishabh Pant, 13.5 ov), 5-74 (Rohit Sharma, 23.3 ov), 6-141 (KL Rahul, 42.3 ov), 7-194 (Nitish Kumar Reddy, 59.5 ov), 8-201 (Mohammed Siraj, 62.6 ov), 9-213 (Ravindra Jadeja, 65.6 ov) • DRS
Bowling O-M-R-W Mitchell Starc 24-3-83-3 Josh Hazlewood 6-2-22-1 Pat Cummins 20.5-2-80-4 Nathan Lyon 21-0-54-1 Travis Head 1-0-1-0 Mitchell Marsh 2-0-6-0
India tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25:
Rahul and Jadeja fight to help India avoid follow-on
India past the follow-on mark, slashing Cummins over a leaping gully fielder. Two balls later, he cleared his front leg and launched him for a massive six over wide long-on. That was the last scoring shot of the day, the umpires calling the players off the field for bad light after one more ball.
It was another stopstart day at the Gabba, though not to the extent that it was on day three, and if it helped Australia's depleted attack stave off exhaustion, it also ate away more time from the match. Only 57.5 overs were possible through the day, and by the end of it, Australia were left ruing events.
At the very beginning of the day, Cummins got the first ball of the day to rear at Rahul in the corridor, and he fended it straight to Steven Smith at second slip. Smith is one of the world's great slip fielders, and he went on
try, however, calmed them down, and he settled into an innings in which his control percentage hovered in the mid-90s throughout. It helped that Hazlewood went off the field soon after Jadeja walked in, after bowling just one over; and it helped that the ball stopped seaming and bouncing quite as awkward-
to demonstrate this later in the day; but, this time, the ball simply bounced off the heels of his hands.
Cummins struck soon after, removing Rohit Sharma with a terrific one-two. First he zipped a short ball past his ribcage, not allowing him to connect with a pull; then he shifted the ball full and outside off-stump. Rohit didn't get far enough forward to play this ball safely, and with his front shoulder too open, he ended up edging his attempted drive to the keeper. India were on 74 for 4 at this stage, and had only faced 23.3 overs. Jadeja's en-
ly as it had done when it was new; but Jadeja batted with an organised gameplan that ensured he made the best of his circumstances.
His wagon wheel against the fast bowlers gave a clear idea of it: plenty of checked drives down the ground, with a vertical bat and a full face; plenty of flicks off his legs, but hardly anything through the covers with an angled bat. He also faced a lot of bowling from Lyon, so often his nemesis back home, but where Jadeja's method of defending with bat and pad close together makes him an lbw candidate on Indian pitches, it was far less of an
Rahul had put on 67. The fall of Rahul’s wicket brought together India's allrounders with 105 still needed to avoid the follow-on. The selection of both Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy may have left India's bowling lacking depth, and may have contributed to their concession of 445. Now, though, it gave them the batting to try and save this Test match.
Reddy continued his impressive showing in this series, this time when he was asked not to counterattack, but bat normally and
issue on this bouncy Gabba surface. He also brought out the sweep, a shot he isn't known for, and scored two fours and three singles with it. With Rahul looking increasingly solid at the other end, and putting away a number of sweet off-side drives, India began to carve chunks out of their deficit.
Then Smith made spectacular atonement for his earlier error by stepping to his right in anticipation as Rahul shaped up for the back-cut off Lyon, and he dived to his right to grab the thick edge one-handed. Jadeja and
show the defensive side of his game. The seventh-wicket pair put on 53 before Cummins struck with a nearly 60-over-old ball, getting his Sunrisers Hyderabad team-mate Reddy to inside-edge onto his stumps. India now needed 55 with three wickets remaining, and it soon became 33 with one wicket remaining, as Starc and Cummins, running on fumes, took out Mohammed Siraj and Jadeja, the latter bounced out cleverly while trying to farm the strike. Australia were nearly there, but as Bumrah and Akash Deep proved, not quite there.
(ESPNCricinfo)
KL Rahul went past fifty for the second time in the series
Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah dragged India past the follow-on mark
Ravindra Jadeja slapping the ball away during his half-century
Mitchell Marsh was pumped after taking a diving catch
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2024
West Indies Women’s Team tour of India
West Indies level series with 9-wicket win
– as Dottin, Matthews make light work of India
The West Indies Women have levelled the T20I series in style, with captain Hayley Matthews being at the forefront of a robust batting performance in a nine-wicket thrashing of India.
Matthews hit an unbeaten 85, which included 17 fours, just four less than India's 21, to help West Indies break a sequence of nine straight T20I losses to India. And her brilliance helped cover for a shoddy fielding display in which Qiana Joseph, who also fuelled the chase with 38, put down India's standin captain Smriti Mandhana once, one of three lives she got on the night.
India's 159 for 9, in the face of dew and some serious batting muscle in the opposition, was never going to be enough.
Chetry, debutant Bist fall cheaply India's inexperienced top order left them wobbling. Deandra Dottin castled Uma Chetry with an in-ducker for 4. Afy Fletcher, who went for 39 in her four overs two nights ago, had debutant Raghvi Bist lbw for 5. In between these two strikes, Jemimah Rodrigues fell while attempting to get inside the line and paddle.
At 48 for 3 in the ninth over, West Indies had India on the ropes.
Dropped catches let Mandhana off the hook
India received a massive fillip, thanks to some
West Indian generosity, when Mandhana was dropped three times - twice by Chinelle Henry - between overs 11 and 14. Mandhana ran out of luck in the 14th over, though, but not before raising a second straight half-century, off 37 balls.
Between those dropped catches, India hit six fours and a six in a two-over period that fetched 36. They went from 72 for 3 in 12 overs to 108 for 4 in 14. Dottin’s brilliance, however, helped West Indies pull things back.
Overs 12 to 14 produced boundaries, but the next two applied the skids, as West Indies removed Deepti and S Sajana. Richa Ghosh cut, pulled, and flat-batted the spinners to race to 32 off 16.
No room to breathe...
Gasping for breath, the California players somehow found the impetus to keep going, being urged on by the city fans, who were very vociferous. That support from the stands resulted in California firing in two unanswered goals in the 23rd and 28th minutes through Dexter Marshall and Goalkeeper Christian Benjamin from halfway in the opponent’s half, to level the score and push the game into extra time at 3-3.
Three minutes into the first 5 minutes of extra time (10 minutes in total) Ithaca again took the lead through Frank Anthony, but that was to be their final strike of the match. California’s Meshack
(30+5) and Abel (30+7) sealed the deal for their team, and with it a place in the Roundof-32.
Linden YMCA had to leave via sudden death penalty kicks, following a 2-2 regulation and extra time stalemate with North Ruimveldt. YMCA jumped ahead in the 13th minute when Andre Myers found the back of the net, but a double from Antoni Allen in the 15th and 19th minutes catapulted North Ruimveldt into the ascendancy.
However, Kevin Gittens found the equalizer for Linden YMCA in the 23rd minute, and both teams tried for the winner, but that proved to be
FROM PAGE 24
elusive. North Ruimveldt prevailed 5-4 on sudden death penalties.
Ballers United of Berbice made light work of Gladiators, winning 3-0. Dane Johnson (4th), William Sommersell (16th) and Ray Reddock (27th) all found the back of the net.
The other match saw Back Circle ‘B’ edging Stevedore 5-4 in extra time after a 2-2 regulation time scoreline. On target for the winners were Martin King (30+3 & 30+7), Fabian Abrams (8th), Kelon Gordon (21st), and Sigmund Cobena (30+5).
For Stevedore, Jared Cumberbatch (19th, 30+1) and Nikel Brandt (20th, 30+2) were on target.
But just as she raised hopes of a sparkling half-century, she was sent back by a flying Shemaine Campbelle behind the stumps, caught as she attempted to scythe Dottin's yorker. Then, in the final over, Dottin showed off her athleticism in running at least 20 yards around the long-on fence to pull off a stunning catch on the move to dismiss Radha Yadav.
Joseph sets it up
Joseph made up for her fielding lapses by lay-
ing into rookie Titas Sadhu to kickstart the chase. Her fast hands and clean slogging brought her three fours and a six in an 18-run second over. Renuka Singh then came in for punishment as Joseph muscled a monstrous six in a 14-run over. The openers brought up a half-century opening stand inside five overs. Saima Thakor picked up her first T20I wicket when she deceived Joseph with a back-of-the-hand slower ball in the seventh over, but by then the base had been laid with a 66-run stand.
DRS
Bowling O-M-R-W
Chinelle Henry 4-0-37-2
Deandra Dottin 4-0-14-2
Hayley Matthews 4-0-36-2
Karishma Ramharack 3-0-19-0
Afy Fletcher 3-0-28-2
Ashmini Munisar 2-0-25-0
West Indies Women (T: 160 runs from 20 ovs)
Hayley Matthews (c)not out 85
Qiana Joseph c †Ghosh b Thakor 38
Shemaine Campbelle †not out 29
Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 6) 8
Total 15.4 Ov (RR: 10.21) 160/1
Did not bat: Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Nerissa Crafton, Shabika Gajnabi, Zaida James, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Ashmini Munisar
Fall of wickets: 1-66 (Qiana Joseph, 6.4 ov) •
(Uma
1.3 ov), 2-35 (Jemimah Rodrigues, 5.5 ov), 3-48 (Raghvi Bist, 8.1 ov), 4-104 (Smriti Mandhana, 13.5 ov), 5-108 (Deepti Sharma, 14.2 ov), 6-113 (Sajeevan Sajana, 15.5 ov), 7-144 (Richa Ghosh, 18.2 ov), 8-149 (Radha Yadav, 19.1 ov), 9-155 (Saima Thakor, 19.4 ov) •
Matthews finishes it in style
That was to be India's only moment of comfort on the field, as Matthews quickly took charge to raise a 31-ball half-century in an over in which she dispatched left-armer Radha Yadav for four back-to-back fours. India managed 21 fours and a six in their entire innings. West Indies had matched that boundary count by the 13th over itself, to make it one-way traffic. The series couldn't have been levelled with a more emphatic chase. (ESPNcricinfo)
DRS
Bowling O-M-R-W
Renuka Singh 3-0-29-0
Titas Sadhu 2-0-32-0
Deepti Sharma 3-0-26-0
Saima Thakor 3-0-28-1
Radha Yadav 2-0-27-0
Sajeevan Sajana 2.4-0-17-0
Hayley Matthews got to a fifty off 31 balls
Deandra Dottin struck with her third ball
Qiana Joseph was off with a flurry of boundaries
Richa Ghosh powered India towards 150
Afy Fletcher struck first ball to dismiss Raghvi Bist
KFC Goodwill International Football tournament… Cultural exchange among teams a success
The Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown was flooded with smiles and cultural flare on Monday evening as the Petra Organisation added a new event to the schedule of proceedings for the fifth annual KFC International Goodwill Football tournament.
The eight teams participating in the tournament flocked the ‘culturally appropriate’ venue for the hosting of a cultural exchange in which each of the participating sides had the opportunity to showcase something from their respective cultures.
As Jamaica’s Clarendon College grooved to the beats of their dancehall tunes,
Trinidad’s St. Benedict’s College played their winning Soca Monarch 2024 song on their native steelpan and
Tobago’s Speyside High took those gathered on a journey of the school’s prowess through their Speech Band technique. Guyana’s representatives had a range of talents displayed through dance, song and poetry.
Detailing why the Petra Organisation moved to include this event in this year’s schedule, tournament administrator Troy Peters hailed the Umana Yana as the best place for such an activity.
“Today we will experience a new feature of the Goodwill Series, where some of these talented football players have taken off their uniforms and will display another side of their skills (and) culture,” he
Guyana’s girls U17s wrap up Friendly Football Series with favourable results
Guyana’s girls U17 national football team picked up two commanding wins over the weekend, while their male counterparts in the national programme have secured a win and a draw; turning the tables on Suriname in the return leg of the bilateral Friendly Series between these two continental neighbours.
The Friendly Series, agreed upon by the respective National Federations to prepare the teams for the FIFA U17 Women’s and Men’s World Cup qualifiers in January and February, have seen Suriname’s boys prevailing 2-0 and 1-0 in their home leg back in November, while the Suriname girls pulled off a 2-0 win but were held to a 2-2 draw by Guyana in the second game.
This time around, Guyana utilized their home court advantage to have the girls pull off 3-1 and 3-0 wins on Saturday and Sunday. While Guyana Times Sport had previously reported on Saturday’s game, on Sunday, after a deadlocked first half, Veronica Chatta stepped up and gave Guyana the lead in the 47th, while Erin Peneux found the back of the net in the 81st minute. Allia Henry tripled the lead in the 90th minute to seal Guyana’s 3-0 win.
For the boys team, Guyana’s U17s followed up
Saturday’s win with a nil-all draw to wrap up the Friendly Series for 2024.
According to a missive from the GFF, reflecting on the importance of the matches, GFF President Wayne Forde stated, “I am extremely proud of our U-17 girls. Congratulations to the coaching staff and our behind-thescenes support staff. These games are an essential benchmark of the progress we are making as we build towards the 2025 FIFA World Cup qualifier campaign, but more importantly, a litmus test of the growth of female football domestically.
“I would like to express a special heartfelt thank you to the parents, partners, and stakeholders who are investing in the growth of the women’s game. We have some distance to go, but these en-
said.
“We’re in a very significant location: this is our Umana Yana, and outside we have the Liberation Monument, so this is a very important place; and what a place to actually
Department of the Ministry of Education, explained to the students how Monday night’s event could be beneficial to them.
In recollecting, Fraser said, “This brings me back a
display your culture,” Peters shared.
Reflecting on his time as an athlete, Nicholas Fraser, Head of the Allied Arts
bit to my time as an athlete as well. I travelled quite a bit to Suriname. During the 1990s, we would have exchange programmes, particularly with
the swim teams, and I remember having to do this sort of activity as well. So, a part of me didn’t like it, but at the end I found it quite interesting.
“It’s very interesting to learn about other cultures.
Part of being an athlete is about being an ambassador, so it’s very good to learn a bit about other cultures; and when you get back, it makes you broaden your horizons,” he declared.
On behalf of the Education Ministry, Fraser expressed, “We would like to continue to support such initiatives. We work hand-and-glove with the Petra Organisation. We would also love to see this sort of activity done with other sports within the school system.”
The on-field action in the tournament continued on Tuesday. A detailed report on the results of those games would be published in Thursday’s edition of Guyana Times Sport.
“Basketball in Guyana has no future without its own facility”
– YBG’s Bowman contends that completion of the Sports Hall would not ease facility challenges
The 2024 Season of Youth Basketball has been done and dusted at the National Gymnasium on Sunday 15th December with the successful hosting of the Tertiary Knockout and Titan Bowl tournaments.
And Co-Director of Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG), Chris Bowman, has deemed the 2024 season a success.
These end-of-year tourneys have seen Kwakwani Secondary School girls and Queen’s College boys emerge as champions in the 13th Titan Bowl tourney, while Linden Technical Institute (LTI) has reigned supreme in the third edition of the Tertiary Knockout tournament.
Tertiary (Knockout). So, really, it's a full program in terms of our focus.”
couraging results are a fitting indicator that we are on the right track.”
He was also keen to note, “While the boys’ match ended in a draw, their improvement and progress were evident. It was a hard-fought match that showed their determination, and their performance is an encouraging sign as we head into the 2025 qualifiers.”
In 2025, the girls will be up first, with their U17 Qualifiers beginning on January 27th against Cuba. Guyana’s girls are in Group C of the Qualifiers alongside Panama, Cuba and Turks and Caicos Islands. The boys have been drawn in Group B alongside Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten, and will begin their Qualifier campaign on February 7 against Trinidad.
Speaking exclusively with Guyana Times Sport, Chris Bowman has disclosed that the 2025 season of YBG would have strong focus on development, as usual, and with the support of sponsors, tournaments would constantly be held, but adjustments would have to be made to counter challenges that would be posed by the YBGs lack of a specific facility to cater exclusively to its agenda.
Bowman said, “Well, our calendar is always more or less the same: it's high or heavy on development. We will start with the Fives Challenge Series in February, then we will have regionals in March, and then we will have a long season in terms of the National School Basketball Festival. So that is how it is always set up.
And then we’ll try to have our year-round developmental academy and our camp, and then, at the year's end, we return to Titan Bowl and
Then he disclosed, “But we will have to see (how things work out), based on the availability of facilities and all the other challenges. One of the things that we can boast about -- which is probably essential to us being here for so long -- is the sponsors that we have had. And in this case, we have had networks coming on board for this tournament. We have had Francis Lu Boys Construction, it's a new company on board. We also had John Fernandes on board for this year, and the National Sports Commission. So, we have had steady support from sponsors. So, we have the support of our sponsors. But in terms of facilities and those other areas, we will see how it goes.”
Asked whether completion of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall would ease challenges faced by the YBG in terms of facilities, Bowman articulated his personal conviction that, without its own facility, basketball has no future in Guyana. And he
bolstered his contention by pointing out that access to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall has been given to all sports associations.
“Even with a completed Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, we will still have a challenge with facilities. So, a completed Cliff Anderson Sports Hall will not improve facilities necessarily, with all the sports that will be given access (to that facility),” he said.
“Basketball in Guyana has no future without its own facility,” he said. “Basketball in Guyana has no future without its own facility,” he reiterated. “So, we have to deal with that reality, and we try to not have it disrupt us or discourage us. But it's a reality, so we will see how that works out,” he declared.
However, President of the Guyana Basketball Federation, Michael Singh, disclosed to this publication last November that there are plans to turn a field in the community of Eccles, East Bank Demerara into an exclusive basketball facility
(Omar McKenzie)
Youth Basketball Guyana Co-Director, Chris Bowman
Guyana’s U17 girls (green) in action against Suriname
Chase’s Academic Foundation treated spectators to a dance in Guyanese colours
Clarendon College brought out the moves to their dancehall tunes
St Benedict’s College of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago utilised their national instrument, the steel pan
Team contract with Chicago Fire FC
hicago Fire FC on Tuesday announced that it has signed Guyana’s winger Omari Glasgow to an MLS contract. Glasgow’s contract with the Fire runs through the 2026 season, with the club having options for 2027 and 2028; and Glasgow will occupy an International Roster slot.
“Omari has been a top performer for Chicago Fire FC II for the past three seasons, and we believe that he has significant potential if he continues to stay focused and work hard,” Chicago Fire Director of Football and Head Coach, Gregg Berhalter, has said.
“This move showcases our commitment to developing young players and providing a clear pathway to the First Team. We’re excited to work closely with Omari as he takes the next step in his development.”
Glasgow, 21, has made three appearances for the Chicago Fire while on Short-Term Agreements during the 2024 regular season and Leagues Cup 2024. He made his MLS debut
in the Club’s home match against the New England Revolution on Saturday, May 4, at Soldier Field. The Guyanese native entered the match in the 79th midfielder Brian Gutiérrez. With the appearance, Glasgow became the firstever Chicago Fire FC II player to feature for the First Team in MLS regular season action.
The intensity is heightening with every night as teams continue to walk the plank while others advance as the inaugural Kashif and Shanghai/One Guyana national year-end futsal extravaganza gathers momentum. Tomorrow night, Thursday December 19, will be no different, as some exciting match-ups are in the making.
The Round-of-32, which got going last night at the National Gymnasium following the conclusion of the Round-of-64 on Monday night, will continue tomorrow.
Glasgow was signed to an MLS NEXT Pro contract on March 24, 2022 with Chicago Fire FC II. Since joining the Club, Glasgow has made 62 regular season appearances (58 starts) for Chicago Fire FC II, recording 15 goals and 13 assists.
At the international level, Glasgow is a constant for the Guyana men’s national team, the Golden Jaguars. He most recently became the Golden Jaguars’ leading goal-scorer when he tallied three goals in a home-and-away series against Barbados on Nov. 16 and Nov. 20 in the Qualifying Round of the CONCACAF
Nations League to increase his total to 20 goals.
Earlier this year, Glasgow was awarded CONCACAF Nations League Young Player of the Tournament honours. And with seven goals in five games, Glasgow earned CONCACAF Nations League Top Scorer honours, making him the first Guyanese player to win the award. At just 20 years of age, Glasgow is the youngest player in competition history to earn the honour. (Credit: Chicago Fire FC)
K&S/One Guyana National Futsal Championship…
Set to open the night’s action at 19:00hrs (7pm) is the match between Timehri Hustlers and Kitty Hustlers. Timehri squeezed past Tiger Bay (2-1) in a close encounter, while Kitty brushed aside Lodge (6-3). Both teams are expectedly aware that only the winner would advance.
Espanyol earned the right to clash with Laing Avenue after defeating Broad Street 6-2; and Laing Avenue were dismissive of Finishers by a 4-1 margin. The two will collide from 20:15hrs (8:15pm).
Stabroek ‘B’ and Showstoppers would then face off at 21:00hrs (9pm), followed by Spaniard and Bent Street at 21:45hrs (9:45pm).
The final clash of the night pits Back Circle ‘A’ and Vryheid’s Lust. The team from the East Coast is expected to come under heavy
thunder from the Back Circle side, which has hammered Essequibo 12-0 in their opening round
Vryheid’s Lust was pushed into extra time to get past Trini Gunners 6-2, following a 2-2 regulation time scoreline.
Meanwhile, in a riveting finale to the Round-of-64 on Monday night, Road Warriors, playing arguably one of the most exciting brands of futsal, thumped Foot Steppers of Timehri 10-2. With a mixture of Brazilian and Guyanese players, Road Warriors have sounded a big warning to the established teams.
The Warriors were led by their captain Matheus Monteiro De Souza with a helmet-trick in the 2nd, 9th, 11th and 14th minutes. Wendrecky Gios De Souza supported with a brace in the 2nd and 11th minutes, while there was one each coming from Dionathas Pereira (17th), Chai Williams (20th), Daniels Alves (28th) and Jaleel Alcindor(29th) minute.
Foot Steppers managed goals off the boots of Shawn Cudjoe (7th) and Cleavon Murray (13th) as they were outmatched on the night.
Rockstone, from the bauxite mining town of Linden, found the going very rocky, and were sent packing by Agricola Ballers 1-5. Bilaal Jabar led Agricola with a hattrick of goals in the 1st, 20th and 23rd minutes, David Webb scored on the stroke of full time (30th), and the other goal was an own scored in the 8th minute.
In what was a very enthusing showdown, 5-man California Square rallied to beat a full-strength Ithaca Ballers 5-4 in extra time, after the two teams had battled to a 3-3 fulltime scoreline. The lads from California Square had to dig deep into their reservoir of experience to come out on top.
Ithaca took the lead through Neil Lynton in the 7th minute, and California’s Josh Abel responded to draw his team level in the 16th minute. But almost immediately, Ithaca restored their one goal advantage through Maliki Anthony’s first goal of a double, also in the 16th minute. Anthony was on target again three minutes later to double the advantage.
Omari Glasgow has secured a First Team contract with Chicago Fire, after spending time with the Second Team
Road Warriors’ captain Matheus Monteiro De Souza (centre) was in full control in their clash against Foot Steppers
Back Circle ‘B’ and Stevedore in action