President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday hosted 10-year-old author Chasidy Forde (right) and her family at State House where he received copies of her debut book, Chasidy’s Fun Stories for Kids
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM
BRIDGE OPENING
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, December 3 –14:35h–16:05h and Thursday, December 4 – 15:20h–16:50h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Intermittent thundery showers are expected until early afternoon, easing into cloudy skies by midafternoon, with thundery showers returning at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.
High Tide: 15:05h reaching a maximum height of 2.79 metres.
Low Tide: 08:38h and 21:09h reaching minimum heights of 0.61 metre and 0.39 metre.
Speeding fines to be increased; more ticketable offences coming – AG
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs
Anil Nandlall has disclosed that the Guyana Government will be introducing tougher penalties for speeding, as well as a wider range of ticketable traffic offences.
He made the revelation on Tuesday evening during his programme “Issues in the News” in response to concerns raised about the Government's new tint policy.
The policy, announced by Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond on Friday, will see a $75,000 fine for persons found in breach. However, persons were swift in criticising the penalty, pointing out that the fine for speeding, one of the leading causes of road fatalities, is just $7500.
But Nandlall said the fine for speeding will be increased.
"Harsher penalties will be imposed for speeding, among other legislative reforms," the AG said.
He explained that all necessary reforms will be made to ensure greater road safety across the country.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has been working with the Attorney General Chambers to develop stronger penalties for dangerous driving.
"The Government has already signalled that reforms are going to be made in relation to road traffic laws and regulations because of the spate of accidents on our roads. The great misuse and negligent use of our public roadways continue to be matters that greatly concern our Government. And these are matters that we will continuously monitor very closely and make reforms when we think that it is in the public interest to do so," he said.
Speeding continues to be a major offence, with some road users clocking levels as high as 180 km/h, the Traffic Chief disclosed during the Christmas Policing Plan launch.
In addition, Nandlall said the Government will also be expanding the list of offences for which traffic tickets may be issued.
"We have other reforms that are in the pipeline. We will review regulations and necessary statutory provisions relating to motor vehicle licences, driver licences, and driver licences for motor vehicles, in particular for different classes of vehicles like lorries, etc. We will also review provisions dealing with
– we will add more offences to ticketed offences. So you will get tickets now; e-tickets for a larger number of offences," he revealed.
The e-ticketing system is a key element of the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS) Project, implemented in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA).
Currently, the e-ticketing system issues tickets for offences relating to speeding and failure to wear a seatbelt.
Figures released last month showed that 53 per cent of e-tickets were paid and 21 driver's licences suspended, as GPF collected over $200M for speeding from some 32,768 cases made for speeding.
The other e-tickets, the traffic chief had explained then, are either in the process of being paid or are being contested in the courts. He said then too that the demerit point system is coming.
Under the tint policy, there will be a universal provision for basic tint without waiver, which stipulates
that all motor vehicles will now be allowed tint with no less than 35 per cent light penetration; windscreens will be allowed 70 per cent light penetration.
This applies across the board and does not require any tint waiver. However, restricted waivers for high-security categories will be introduced. Categories one and two will apply strictly to diplomats, Government officials, high-profile security-related persons, and other specific categories expressly approved by the Minister of Home Affairs.
To support an orderly transition, motor vehicle operators are granted a compliance period up to December 31, 2025. After this date, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will commence aggressive nationwide enforcement operations.
The necessary legislative changes will soon be made to give effect to this policy.
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall
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Eco-friendly environment
The issue of having a clean environment is a major concern for both the general public and the economy.
Scientific research has suggested that due to lifestyle patterns of citizens, the earth’s natural resources are being depleted too quickly to sustain a healthy balance. The earth’s natural resources are being consumed at a rate that reinforces the idea that we are living for today, and future generations will be paying for the consequences that result from our lifestyle choices.
For years now, calls for citizens here to dispose of their waste in a responsible manner have fallen on deaf ears, and the build-up of garbage in and around the city continues to be repeated.
Governments and businesses all over the world are realising how serious the problem is and are taking steps towards putting policy mechanisms in place to ensure that the environment is protected from various forms of pollution. Recycling, along with reducing consumption, has proven to be an effective way to counter the damage we have been doing to the earth for centuries.
A major part of recycling relates to how best we can recycle much of what we use, instead of turning it into unusable waste. For the sake of emphasis, recycling is important as a means of reducing poisonous emissions into the atmosphere and also to postpone depletion of our natural resources.
Guyana has indeed taken some time to get “on board”, while many companies and individuals in other parts of the world are improving their recycling habits by coming up with more ways to reduce and reuse what they use. In essence, while there has been much talk about the need to recycle certain products to save our environment from further damage, in a practical sense, the concept has not as yet taken much root here. Only a handful of companies have shown that they are really serious about moving in this direction. For example, in a bid to support the efforts to sustain and maintain a clean and healthy environment through the provision of proper disposal mechanisms and technology, one local company had launched a line of biodegradable products called Eco Pak. The Eco Pak products consist of biodegradable tableware, including bowls, boxes and cups, which are all environmentally friendly products because of the materials and the process utilised to manufacture them.
If we are serious about maintaining a healthy and clean environment, consumers must demand that businesses engage in practices that are more eco-friendly. For example, consumers must be encouraged to purchase from companies that manufacture more eco-friendly products.
As part of efforts to spread the message of recycling, a comprehensive education and public awareness campaign would need to be carried out, using every available means. Following this, the authorities should explore setting up recycling centres across the country, since it makes no sense preaching about recycling if the necessary infrastructural support system is not present.
In addition to its positive impacts on the environment, recycling brings in a lot of money for many countries. Companies make huge sums from basically utilising the materials that could otherwise have been thrown away.
We believe there is a need for lifestyle changes among our citizens, and it would be very helpful if the schools, religious organisations and local Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and municipalities in every region started the conversation with citizens about recycling. This should be done with direct involvement of the decision-makers. Certainly, everyone prefers products that are manufactured in an ecofriendly manner and wants a better, cleaner, and healthier environment.
International Day for Persons with Disabilities
Message from Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Guyana joins the global community in reflecting on this year’s theme: “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive, Accessible, and Sustainable Future.” This theme reminds us that persons with disabilities are not merely recipients of services; they are leaders, innovators, and partners who contribute meaningfully to our nation’s development every day.
Over the past five years, Guyana has made steady progress in ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of national life. We have strengthened our legal framework, expanded services, and created new opportunities. Most importantly, we have listened to those who live these experiences and understand their needs best. Today, we are proud that rehabilitation and audiology services are decentralised and accessible throughout health facilities across the country.
The Ministry of Health has made significant strides in advancing the rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities. Key achievements include:
• Completion of
the National Commission on Disability Household Survey:
This comprehensive survey, recently concluded, will provide essential data to support evidence-based decision-making and effective policy development.
Provision of Free Wheelchairs, Prostheses, and Hearing Aids:
More than 6000 individuals have received these critical devices, enabling greater independence and improving overall quality of life.
Launch of the Barrier-Free Design Manual:
This week, we will introduce this important resource outlining best practices for developing accessible public buildings, spaces, and facilities, a major step toward a barrier-free Guyana.
Improved Access to Health Services:
Specialised rehabilitation programmes and assistive technologies are now more widely available, ensuring personalised and inclusive healthcare for persons with disabilities.
Skills Training for Young Adults with Disabilities:
Enhanced training opportunities in beauty care, sustainable agriculture, information technology, and other fields are helping equip young persons with disabilities with valuable skills for employment and independence.
These accomplishments reflect our commitment to the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2010, and our vision for a more inclusive nation.
A major priority re-
mains the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being by 2030. We recognise that if persons with disabilities are left behind, we cannot truly achieve health for all. Persons with disabilities form an essential pillar of a resilient society. As such, we must intensify awareness efforts, invest in their empowerment, and ensure their inclusion in community-level planning and programmes aimed at improving health and wellbeing.
I urge all Guyanese to remember that inclusion is not an act of charity; it is a national responsibility. Let us continue to dismantle physical, social, and attitudinal barriers that hinder full participation. Let us listen more, engage more, and ensure that every individual has the opportunity to contribute to Guyana’s future.
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us renew our commitment to building an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable Guyana, one where the leadership of persons with disabilities is not only acknowledged but celebrated.
Disability is not a limitation; it is a unique strength that enriches our society.
The Iwokrama River Lodge now invites you to consider the “Catch your Dinner” fishing option at its award-winning tourism location, with some of the best scenery in the region to add to the experience (Photo: Iwokrama River Lodge)
Guyana highlights key cross-border infrastructure projects for South Korean investment
Director of Investment at the Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest), Leanna Damond, recently met with Seijoong Kwon, Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Guyana, and Secretary Young June Kim to explore pathways for expanding bilateral investment cooperation.
According to a brief statement from GO-Invest, the discussion centred on outlining Guyana’s investment landscape, market entry requirements, available incentives, and emerging opportunities across infrastructure, energy, ICT, agriculture, manufacturing, and the blue economy.
“Ms Damond highlighted major national and regional projects that are poised to attract new foreign investment, including the GuyanaBrazil road corridor and the Guyana-Suriname bridge,” the statement noted.
GO-Invest noted that this engagement sets the stage for investment opportunities, with both sides expressing interest in expanding cooperation and promoting Guyana as a competitive investment destination within the Caribbean and the wider Atlantic market.
“Continued communication will be maintained to strengthen investor awareness in South Korea, reinforcing a foundation for longterm economic collaboration and future private-sector engagement,” the statement added.
In September, President
Director of Investment at the Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest), Leanna Damond, recently met with Seijoong Kwon, NonResident Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Guyana, and Secretary Young June Kim to explore pathways for expanding bilateral investment cooperation
Dr Irfaan Ali had met with Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, where they reiterated their commitment to advance with the highly anticipated Corentyne River Bridge, which will link the two South American neighbours.
The high-span Corentyne River bridge will run approximately 3.1 kilometres (km), connecting Moleson Creek in Guyana to South Drain in Suriname with a landing on Long Island in the Corentyne River, where a commercial hub and tourist destination will be established. That free zone will see major infrastructural development such as hotels, recreational parks, entertainment spots, tourist attractions, malls and farmers’ markets.
The bridge project is one of the first agreements that was signed between President Ali and former Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi in their August 2020 cooperation pact. At the time, both
leaders had underscored the critical role the bridge across the Corentyne River would play in advancing cooperation, creating more opportunities for development for the two nations.
Meanwhile, both Guyana and Suriname have since settled on the Chinese construction company, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), as the preferred contractor to build the new bridge.
However, it is unclear whether the contract has been signed. Back in October 2024, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had told this publication that the contract between the contractor and the two countries would be signed as soon as the financing mechanism for the bridge is sorted out.
Both Guyana and Suriname had written to the Government of China for financing of the bridge project. This publication was previously told by a senior Guyana Government official that the
Chinese Government is willing to fund the project given its close bilateral relations with both Caribbean Community (Caricom) member states. However, the issue lies in Suriname’s economic situation.
As part of its econom-
ic recovery programme, the Surinamese Government signed a structural adjustment programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to restore its macroeconomic stability.
But this programme makes it difficult for the
Dutch-speaking country to take out loans, hence the snag in the process of securing financing for the bridge project. Both Guyana and Suriname are meant to share the cost of the bridge construction in a 50-50 arrangement.
MoH in talks to acquire “breakthrough” drug used to prevent HIV
The Guyana Government is working to acquire Lenacapavir, a revolutionary new medicine that prevents HIV infection with injections required just twice a year.
Produced by the US company Gilead, it has been described as a “breakthrough” medication in the fight against HIV infection. The current price of Lenacapavir for HIV treatment in America is US$28,000 per person per year. The drug is expected to become available at a cost of US$40 a year in low- and middle-income countries starting in 2027, under a new partnership announced between
Has any diplomat called for the Indigenous peoples of Canada to rise up?
Dear Editor, Allow me to comment on an 896-word Letter to the Editor (LTE) by Citizen Audreéyanna Thomas in the media (December 2, 2025).
Thomas criticises Dr Walter Persaud, who has aired some concerns about the undiplomatic conduct of the Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana. Dr ‘Walter’s’ concern is that HC Sébastien Sigouin went beyond the boundaries of diplomatic protocol by effectively calling on the Guyanese people to rise up and demand electoral reform.
I agree with Dr Walter, whose main point is that HC Sébastien Sigouin's comment is a product of privileged cosmopolitanism and an uneven international order, one in which developing nations can be lectured to but in return have little or no voice.
Do you think a Caribbean diplomat in Canada can make a statement in the Globe and Mail or CBC on the horrific economic, cultural, and political marginalisation of the Inuit, Métis, and First Nations peoples?
The grounds for such ‘intervention’ are ripe. For instance, the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics reported the following –
(1) More than one-third of those who experienced sexual or physical vio-
lence while under the legal responsibility of the [Canadian] Government during their childhood were Indigenous.
(2) For the period from 2015 to 2020, the average homicide rate involving Indigenous victims … was six times higher than the homicide rate involving non-Indigenous victims….
(3) One-third of Indigenous people experienced discrimination in the five years preceding the survey [likely 2019].
(S Perreault, 7/19/2022)
The same report noted that “[d]ue to the historical and ongoing colonialism and related policies…as well as individual and systemic racism, many Indigenous people today deal with intergenerational trauma [and] socioeconomic marginalisation” (Ibid.; emphasis added).
No less a source than Canada’s Department of Justice recently reported that “Indigenous people in Canada have a higher unemployment rate and lower levels of educational attainment than non-Indigenous people.” They [also] have disproportionately more inadequate housing and poorer health outcomes.”
By now, you should get the point. There are numerous bases for Caribbean diplomats to call on the Inuit, Métis and First Nations peoples to rise up and demand change, including electoral reform, in Canada. But they haven’t, and basical-
ly, they can’t because it would be deemed a breach of protocol. That is the point that Dr Walter was making.
The truth of the matter is that all independent reports have noted that Guyana’s 2025 General and Regional Elections were free and fair. The EU report itself, while agreeing with the determination of a free and fair election, was also excessive in its reach by stating that the poll was done in the context of division. I ask, which country in Europe during an election doesn’t have “…deep political polarisation and mistrust…”? Europe is now being ripped apart by neo-fascist parties, anti-immigrant hysteria, asylum, the Ukraine-Russia war, rampant racism, and a nearly unfathomable level of polarisation and distrust.
In closing let me insist that Canada has historically played an important and constructive role in Guyana, and especially so with respect to General and National Elections. The intent of this LTE is to encourage the further development of an already productive relationship. I close with good greetings to His Excellency, Sébastien Sigouin.
Yours sincerely, Dr Randy Persaud
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and Unitaid, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and Wits RHI.
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says local officials are currently in talks with international partners with the aim of ensuring Guyana benefits from this deal.
“There’s a new drug that’s on the market that we’re working to see whether we’d be able get it, and that’s Lenacapavir,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
“It’s an injection; you take it, and for six months you don’t need to take anything [else]; you’re protected. However, Lenacapavir is very expensive in places like the US and so –the treatment would be about US$25,000. However, it would go off patent in about a year from now – two years from now – and we’re hoping that when it goes off patent, that we’d be able to access that medication at a cheaper cost,” Dr Anthony noted.
He further remarked that “a lot of people have said that this could be a game changer
in terms of HIV care, and so we’re working with our partners to see how we could access that.”
According to UNAIDS, PURPOSE 2 trial results published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Lenacapavir was between 96 and 100 per cent effective in preventing new HIV infections.
UNAIDS estimates that if 20 million persons in highest need, including men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs and young women and adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa, have access, this could dramatically reduce new infections and significantly advance progress in ending AIDS by 2030.
Last year, approximately 449 new HIV infections were recorded in Guyana. Currently, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication to prevent HIV, is available in Guyana through public health programmes.
“If you think that your lifestyle would put you at risk, then you don’t have to wait until you get HIV… Come in to the Ministry because we have something called PrEP. So we’ll treat you before, and if, per chance, you have a relationship with somebody positive for HIV, then by using this PrEP, it would prevent you from getting infected.”
“We’re not judgemental; we won’t ask you questions,” he assured.
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Page Foundation
Triangles
Another way of thinking about triangles is to look at the length of the sides. If all three sides are the same length, the triangle is equilateral. If two sides are the same length, but the third is different, the triangle is isosceles. And if all three sides have different lengths, the triangle is scalene.
Exercises: Identify: Determine if the triangle is equilateral, isosceles or scalene.
Let’s turn recycling into festive fun with a cardboard tube gingerbread man!
What you'll need
Brown paper, green cardboard, pens, candy cane felt stickers, scissors, pencil, double-sided tape, cardboard tube (from toilet paper or paper towels)
What to do
Step 1: First, using the template, cut out the shapes.
Step 2: Measure and cut the brown paper to size and wrap it around the cardboard tube.
Step 3: Using a pen, draw the details on the
gingerbread man's face, body, arms, and legs.
Step 4: Next, stick the head, arms and legs to the gingerbread man's body.
Step 5: Wrap a thin strip of green card around the centre of the bowtie and stick it to the gingerbread man.
Step 6: To finish, stick on a candy cane felt sticker. (bakerross.co.uk)
By Emily Brontë
O transient voyager of heaven!
O silent sign of winter skies! What adverse wind thy sail has driven To dungeons where a prisoner lies?
Methinks the hands that shut the sun So sternly from this morning's brow
Might still their rebel task have done And checked a thing so frail as thou.
They would have done it had they known
The talisman that dwelt in thee, For all the suns that ever shone Have never been so kind to me!
For many a week, and many a day
My heart was weighed with sinking gloom
When morning rose in mourning grey And faintly lit my prison room
But angel like, when I awoke, Thy silvery form, so soft and fair Shining through darkness, sweetly spoke Of cloudy skies and mountains bare; The dearest to a mountaineer Who, all life long has loved the snow That crowned his native summits drear, Better, than greenest plains below.
And voiceless, soulless, messenger Thy presence waked a thrilling tone That comforts me while thou art here And will sustain when thou art gone
Write a spin-off of the Christmas story from the point of view of a shepherd boy.
First Lady partners with utility companies to expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities
First Lady Arya Ali Monday secured a landmark partnership with Guyana’s major utility and service providers to expand employment opportunities and improve access to essential services for persons with disabilities through the Centre for Equity, Opportunity and Innovation. The announcement was made during a simple but significant ceremony at the Centre which was launched in June of this year at Palmyra, Region six.
The Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), ENet, One Communications, MMG, MoneyGram, and Western Union have all begun establishing service kiosks inside the Centre and will begin offering a full suite of services to residents of Region Six by January 2026.
In addition to the 90 persons who are already employed at the facility, the seven companies have committed to hiring at least one person with a disability to manage their kiosk. The commitment by the compa-
nies brings to fruition sustained lobbying by the First Lady over the past four years for the private sector to play a more meaningful role in providing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Specifically, the First Lady’s ‘InclusAbility Initiative’ has amplified the need for greater levels of inclusion of persons with disabilities.
“For years, we have been urging corporate Guyana to make inclusion a lived reality. This partnership shows what is possible when we work together for the good of all our people. The Centre was created to empower persons with disabilities and today’s collaboration with these seven companies brings us even closer to that vision,” the First Lady shared during the ceremony.
Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, praised the initiative, noting that the partnership was a demonstration of meaningful change that occurs when Government, the private sector, and civil so-
ly bringing it to fruition.
Speaking at the ceremony also was Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, who also commended the initiative, underscoring the role of the private sector as a partner
ence here will make services more accessible while supporting sustainable employment for persons with disabilities,” he noted.
Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar
ciety work together. “It represents economic empowerment at the community level and showcases the values of President Ali’s One Guyana philosophy,” Dr Singh stated, as he expressed gratitude to the First Lady for conceptualising the centre and quick-
Over 40 lbs of marijuana found at Seafield; taxi driver arrested
The Guyana Police Force has said it is investigating the discovery of a quantity of suspected cannabis that was found at about 13:45h on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at No. 42 Seafield Village, West Coast Berbice, which led to the arrest of a 43-yearold male taxi driver of Tucville, Georgetown.
in development and not just service providers.
“Our utility companies are not just service providers. They are partners in development. Their pres-
Ally, was keen to highlight that the initiative was “an excellent example of delivering targeted, people-centred solutions and increasing job opportunities for
persons with disabilities which is essential to a modern, inclusive public service.”
Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Commission on Disability, Ganesh Singh, expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, noting that it was a “progressive step” that strengthens the Government’s commitment to inclusion.
“This brings services closer to people, especially people with disabilities who can now use an accessible facility to pay for services. I hope other private sector entities will see this and come on board to employ more persons with disabilities. We need all hands on deck to truly transform the disability landscape in Guyana,” Singh added.
Representatives of the partnering utility companies used the opportunity to express their support and commitment to the initiative which they described as a demonstration of “inclusive development”.
The expansion of employment opportunities at the Centre for Equity, Opportunity and Innovation marks another step in advancing inclusion efforts through meaningful partnerships.
During an intelligence-led operation, ranks stopped and searched a Toyota Premio motor car in the vicinity of the No. 42 Seafield Public Road and found two bulky black garbage bags in the trunk containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.
The driver was arrested and escorted to the Weldaad Police Station along with the suspected cannabis, which was
weighed in his presence and amounted to 41.667 pounds.
The suspected cannabis was lodged, and the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
The seven companies have committed to hiring at least one person with a disability to manage their kiosk
First Lady Arya Ali, along with Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh; Chairman of the National Commission on Disability, Ganesh Singh; Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, and Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar at the event
The commitment by the companies brings to fruition sustained lobbying by the First Lady over the past four years
Under…
…cover?
We Guyanese march to our own beat – and that beat’s only distinction is its unpredictability!! Right now our existential question seems to be “to tint or not to tint”!! That’s right!! For years we’ve been debating whether – under our stark tropical sun’s direct rays – we can reduce the heat and glare in our cars. But we just can’t seem to get it right. At one time the decision was “OFF WITH THE TINT!!” But everybody in authority –meaning everyone who “knew” somebody!! – kept theirs, which led to indignant cries of injustice!! The unkindest cut of all was the Police who demanded your tint be pulled off, rolled up in TINTED cars!!
Tinting had moved from being utilitarian and practical to being a status symbol!! When you saw a tinted vehicle – the darker the better! – you figured it hid a “big one”!! It was like Sanction Man wearing his dark glasses even at night!! So what if drivers in tinted cars drove into canals at night?? Didn’t Sanction Man need a scrapehead to hold his hands at night?? It was what the tint (and shades) signalled, baby!! What was the reason for fighting for our freedoms if we couldn’t have equal access to tinting? And while it used to be a question for the “haves”, after the Government delivered a car to every door, the question affects one and all!!
One attempt to control tinting was for permission to be granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs – by writing a letter explaining why you needed the tint. Just saying that the glare was discomfiting – especially when the sun was at an acute angle, like at 15:00h when your Eyewitness sometimes drove home – wouldn’t cut it!! After all, that would allow EVERYONE to have a tint, wouldn’t it?? Nah… you had to come up with some reason related to the ban on the tinting to begin with: for instance, that you carried around large amounts of cash and you could be robbed!! Sanction Man would’ve been allowed tint – if he could get insurance on his illegally gotten cars!! He always needs cash at hand to pay his rent-a-crowd!!
Anyhow, your Eyewitness notes that the new Minister of Home Affairs has come up with a solution to our existential crisis!! She decided – like old King Solomon of yore – to split the disputed tint, so to speak. We can now all have a tint – but only 35 per cent!! Hosannahs are being sung about her sagacity – but your Eyewitness has his doubts as to how long this will survive!! After all, there’s the question of enforcement – which torpedoed previous efforts, no?? Are the Police gonna be walking with tint guns along with their speed guns??
Are they gonna turn a “tinted” eye at some??
…old ties
Well, how about that??!! Two ships carrying FOUR MILLION BARRELS OF OIL from Guyana are headed to India – and will arrive there in January!! It used to be that ships came from India to Guyana full of human cargo for seventynine years between 1838 and 1917. Deposited over 300,000 of us here to build this country. But today, oil – which was deposited off our shores millions of years ago – will now make the opposite run.
India, of course, ain’t doing us no favours, and in fact we may be doing some for them!! Two sources they’ve tapped because the oil was dirt cheap on account of American sanctions – Russia and Venezuela – are now off the table because of Trump’s hard-line tariffs!! However, with this being Guyana, you can bet your bottom dollar these sales to India are gonna be scrutinised closer than our gold exports to the Middle East!! So the Government can do worse than announce the sales price and all that!!
Pronto!!
…new dispensation
The question’s been raised whether Ralph Gonsalves – now booted out of office – remains an “interlocutor” between Maduro and us in the Argyle Agreement!! A better question is whether Ralphie can “interlocute” an exile for his pal Maduro in St Lucia!!
Vendors granted bail for breaking into CANU building
Two vendors accused of breaking into a Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) building were on Monday brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where Magistrate Fabayo Azore expressed concern over how the security agency’s building was breached.
Travis Payne, 33, and Tonisha Roberts, 31, appeared before Magistrate Azore and were not required to enter a plea to the charge, which alleges that they, together with others, broke and entered CANU’s Homestretch Avenue headquarters on November 26.
The court heard that the duo allegedly made their way into the building and stole two gas cylinders and a welding hose valued at $290,000, property of Peter Ramsundar. According to Police, the items had been stored on the first floor of the facility. Investigators have since recovered the stolen equipment and returned it to the owner.
During the proceedings, the Police prosecutor did not oppose bail but requested that reporting conditions be imposed. The investigative rank assigned to the matter confirmed to the court that the stolen items were quickly traced and retrieved.
However, the circum-
stances surrounding the break-in raised questions from the bench. Magistrate Azore, visibly puzzled, asked how civilians managed to access and burgle CANU’s headquarters, an institution expected to maintain strict security protocols.
Payne and Roberts were each granted $75,000 bail and ordered to report to the East La Penitence Police Station on the last Friday of
every month until the case concludes. The matter was adjourned to January 26.
Also in April, Payne returned before Senior Magistrate Azore to request a reduction of the $50,000 bail previously set on each of his ten charges, an amount he told the court his family could not afford. Taking his financial circumstances into account, the Magistrate reduced the total bail to $150,000, which Payne indicated his relatives were able to pay. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and it is unclear what the status of that case is.
This is not Payne’s first encounter with the justice system. In 2018, he was charged with nine counts of armed robbery, discharging a firearm, and escaping lawful custody. Following a trial before Magistrate Annette Singh, he was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment in September 2019.
While this was mentioned in court, the Ministry of Home Affairs, however, in a statement later on Tuesday, clarified that the building involved is not an occupied CANU headquar-
Monday’s appearance adds to a growing list of court matters involving Payne, who has been before the courts repeatedly in recent years. He is separately facing ten charges linked to a series of high-value thefts committed between May 4 and October 10, 2024. In that matter, he is accused of stealing items, including luxury iPhones, gold jewellery, and perfumes, together valued at nearly $1.9 million. Payne is also charged with discharging a loaded firearm at a Police officer with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Trio accused in forgery scheme granted bail
Three persons accused of running a monthslong false pretence and forgery scheme against a West Coast Demerara (WCD) businessman were each released on $300,000 bail when they appeared before the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. Paul Watson, 49, of Old Road, Zeelugt; Parbattie Sharma, called “Paro”, 58, of Independence Street, La Grange; and 55-year-old driver Omar Rudolph, also of Independence Street, were jointly charged after Police in Regional Division Three alleged that they forged several official documents and used them to obtain money from the 43-year-old La Union businessman. According to police, the offences were committed between September 2024 and May 2025, during which the three allegedly
misrepresented themselves and produced forged documents during a series of transactions.
They are charged with obtaining by false pretence, contrary to Section 194 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act; along with four counts of forgery of an official document under Section 245(a). The charges were read to them by Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh, and they were not required to enter pleas. The matter was adjourned to February 17, 2026.
Watson’s latest charge adds to a long history of similar allegations against him, dating back nearly a decade. In January 2024, the then 47-year-old minibus driver was remanded after pleading not guilty to obtaining by false pretence stemming from an August 2023 arrest. That case re-
mains before the court. His record also includes multiple fraud allegations from 2019 and 2020, when he appeared before Magistrate Zamilla AllySeepaul at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, accused of obtaining $2.7 million
from two persons by pretending he was a police officer capable of filing a notice of appeal. He was granted $800,000 bail in those matters before being brought before Magistrate Faith McGusty the following day on three additional charges, for which he was released on a further $500,000 bail. Watson had also been charged in 2021 for allegedly collecting $420,000 from an individual by falsely claiming he could secure a firearm licence. He first entered the court system in 2017 for similar allegations, though those matters were dismissed. Police have previously urged anyone else who may have been defrauded under similar circumstances to come forward. Monday’s charges now place all three defendants under court scrutiny as the investigation continues.
ters but an active construction site for the agency’s new facility.
The Ministry explained that security and safeguarding of the site remain the re-
sponsibility of the contractors until formal handover and emphasised that the incident does not reflect on CANU’s operational security.
Nigerian national remanded on cybercrime charges
Victor Elumezie, a guard of Pere Street, Kitty, Georgetown was arrested in connection with offences under the Cybercrime Act 2018.
The allegation is that Elumezie, using a computer system, transmitted an image of the private area of a person and committed two counts of using a computer system to coerce, intimidate, humiliate or harass, contrary to the Cybercrime Act of 2018.
On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Elumezie appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court before Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, where the charges were read to him. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison. The matters were adjourned to January 7, 2026 and January 30, 2026, respectively.
St Ignatius man gets 6 months’ imprisonment for assault
Teles Forde, 22, a labourer of St Ignatius Village, Central Rupununi, appeared at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, December 2, before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan.
He was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 30(a) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:02.
The defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.
Paul Watson Parbattie Sharma Omar Rudolph
Travis Payne
Remanded: Victor Elumezie
Teles Forde
Foundational work underway for new West Demerara Regional Hospital
Construction of the new West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) has officially moved into its foundational phase, with crews now completing major ground works before the project advances into full structural development.
According to Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, the new facility – being constructed at Vreed-en-Hoop – will become one of the most advanced hospitals in the country, surpassing the capabilities of all six modern regional hospitals currently being rolled out. It is expected to feature full MRI, CT scan and Cardiac Catheterisation lab.
to support cardiac interventions. “We are improving the diagnostic suite of the hospital,” Dr Anthony added. “We are also adding a CAT lab in that hospital, so persons who would need cardiac surgery do not necessarily have to come to Georgetown. There will be a wider range of services offered by the hospital.”
Dr Anthony said the upgraded institution will significantly strengthen diagnostic and speciality care on the West Coast, reducing the need for patients to travel to Georgetown for advanced services. “We are at the stage now where they are doing foundational works. And after that, they’ll start putting up the infrastructure,” he explained. He noted that the new complex will be substantially larger than the six newly built regional hospitals.
“This is going to be larger than the six hospitals that we have built,” the Minister said.
“In addition to things like CT scans, one of the things that we are putting there is an MRI.”
The hospital will also feature a catheterisation lab – a first for the region – designed
Valued at $11.4 billion, the new WDRH is expected to be completed by 2028. The state-of-the-art structure will replace the old West Demerara Hospital and deliver expanded medical care to thousands of residents along the West Bank and West Coast Demerara. The modern facility will include: 150bed capacity, four operating theatres Full MRI and CT scan services, a cardiac catheterisation lab Enhanced diagnostic and emergency capabilities, a new integrated health and patient management system. Once completed, the hospital is expected to significantly decentralise specialised healthcare and improve access to advanced treatment for communities along the western corridor.
Mustapha leads team to assess preparations for Agriculture Ministry’s
situation room
AZulfikar Mustapha on
Tuesday led a team of senior technical officials and representatives from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) on a site visit to review ongoing preparations for the establishment of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Situation Room.
The visit marked a significant step in advancing the project, which is being developed in partnership with IICA to strengthen real-time monitoring, data analysis, and rapid response capabilities across Guyana’s agriculture sector.
The initiative is in direct alignment with President Dr Irfaan Ali’s wider vision for the sector, which calls for the integration of modern technology, digital infrastructure, and data-driven decision-making at every level of agricultural production. The President has consistently emphasised the need for smart monitoring systems, predictive analytics, and technology-enabled tools to boost efficiency, build resilience, and enhance Guyana’s
competitiveness.
Once completed, the Situation Room will function as a centralised hub for collecting and analysing national data on weather patterns, crop production, flood risks, pests and diseases, and other key variables. Officials say this will allow the Ministry to respond more proactively to emerging threats while improving coordination across agencies.
Tuesday’s visit reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to accelerating the development of the facility and ensuring that its infrastructure, equipment, and technological systems meet international standards.
Minister Mustapha noted that IICA continues to play a critical role in supporting Guyana’s transition to a smarter, technology-driven agriculture sector. He added that the completion of the Situation Room will significantly enhance the Ministry’s capacity to safeguard agricultural production and provide timely support to farmers nationwide.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony
griculture Minister
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha alongside his team
More speed cameras go live across Reg 3
The Government of Guyana has announced the activation of additional automated speed cameras and radar speed signs across Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara), bringing the entire region under coverage as part of the next phase of the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS).
The SRIS project is jointly managed by the National Data Management Authority and the Guyana Police Force.
This expansion aims to strengthen road-safety enforcement, curb reckless driving, and reduce accidents along one of the country’s busiest traffic corridors.
Building on the launch of the automated speed-ticketing system earlier this year, the SRIS expansion introduces more radar speed signs and high-definition cameras at strategic points across Region Three, including major intersections, high-traffic routes, and acci-
dent-prone areas.
Using a secure, cloudbased platform, the system automatically detects speeding violations, issues tickets, and notifies drivers through the contact details registered with the Guyana Revenue Authority. Registered motorists will receive notifications via SMS or email, while physical tickets will be mailed to those without digital contact information.
The Government emphasises that this initiative is not about revenue generation but about creating safer roads and promoting behavioural change among drivers. “This system is designed to make our roads safer, smarter, and more secure for all Guyanese,” said President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to using technology to improve traffic management and accountability.
Motorists in Region 3 are urged to observe post-
ed speed limits, pay attention to newly installed radar signs, and drive with increased caution, particularly in densely populated or high-traffic zones.
Drivers can check whether they have any outstanding tickets by visiting the online portal at https:// speed.gpf.gov.gy and ensuring that their information is up. Immediate payment of tickets will avoid any legal proceedings.
Offenders who fail to settle their fines promptly will face legal proceedings. If a motorist does not respond to a court summons issued in relation to an unpaid ticket, a Magistrate may issue an arrest warrant for failure to appear. A warrant is a legal order authorising law enforcement to arrest the individual. Continued non-compliance after a warrant is issued can result in further legal penalties.
The expansion of the SRIS in Region Three marks another milestone in the Government’s push toward technology-driven law enforcement and data-based public-safety initiatives.
By combining automation with transparency, the initiative aims to reduce collisions, save lives, and foster a culture of responsibility on Guyana’s roads.
Firearm, live rounds found in Amelia’s Ward home
An intelligence-led operation in Regional Division 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Monday night resulted in the discovery of a suspected firearm and dozens of live rounds at a home in Amelia’s Ward, Linden. The operation was conducted around 22:30h at a residence on Castello Avenue, Central Amelia’s Ward. Acting on information re-
ceived, ranks searched the home of a 28-year-old contractor and reportedly uncovered a suspected 9mm pistol along with two magazines containing a total of forty-eight live 9mm rounds. The items were found concealed in the roof ceiling of the house. The contractor was arrested and taken to the Mackenzie Police Station, where he remains in custody. The sus-
pected firearm and ammunition were lodged as part of the ongoing investigation.
The find comes amid a series of illegal weapon discoveries across the country. On Sunday, ranks in Regional Division Four ‘B’ (East Bank Demerara) recovered a suspected 9mm pistol and five live rounds inside a black plastic bag hidden in an abandoned structure at Mocha/Arcadia. No arrests were made.
That same day, in Regional Division Six (East Berbice Corentyne), police responding to a four-vehicle accident at Cumberland Public Road, East Canje Berbice, discovered another 9mm pistol with a magazine containing three live rounds. A 53-year-old operator from Adelphi Village, who was involved in the accident, was taken into custody in connection with that finding.
Investigations into all incidents are ongoing.
The gun and ammunition that were found in Amelia’s Ward
Health Ministry, Mt Sinai launch US$5M digital health training programme
– 300 students to benefit
Guyana’s health sector is set for a major technological boost as the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Mount Sinai Digital Health Training Institute, has launched a US$5 million training programme aimed at preparing nearly 300 young people for careers in digital healthcare over the next three years.
The initiative is designed to complement ongoing national projects–including the rollout of electronic health records–as Government contin-
ues its push to modernise healthcare delivery and build a skilled digital workforce.
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said the programme will prepare students to provide frontline digital support within hospitals and regional health facilities.
“We’re looking at close to 300 people trained with the various programmes that we’ll be having,” so that would complement other things that we’re doing, because we already have a programme where
we’re rolling out the digital health records with another company, RioMed.” The Minister emphasised that the training will help address real-time challenges that arise as digital services expand across the public health system. “So as we roll out the electronic health record, one of the common challenges that you’ll have is that maybe a doctor who is using a tablet–it freezes up–and they need some tech support,” he said. “So we’ll be training these young people to offer that type of tech support to begin with.”
According to him, the programme will prepare a team capable of responding across facilities: “So anybody, as we roll this out in the hospital, anybody who’s got a problem and they don’t know how to solve it, they would call for tech support, and these young people would provide that tech support.”
Beyond technical support, Dr Anthony said the programme will build capacity in areas essential to digital health expansion. “Other areas would be how to analyse data,” he noted. “Because as we accumulate more data, we need to analyse that better.” He stressed that cybersecurity will be a major focus to protect patient information and safeguard the electronic system. “We also want to make sure that people’s data are protected,” he said. “So cybersecurity is going to be very important. What you can plug in or not plug in into the system–that becomes very important.” The Minister added that the training programme includes participants from every region. “As we decentralise the system, we want to have capacity in every region where we’ll be able to provide the same level of service,” he stated. “We have persons from different regions who are going to be part of this programme and we have identified them and they’ll also be trained.”
He noted that regulatory
frameworks have already been developed with the support of the Mount Sinai team. “We have put systems in place, we have protocols in place, we have done a number of regulations in collaboration with this team from Mount Sinai,” he said. Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Arnhold Institute for Global Health at Mount Sinai, Dr Rachel Vreeman, praised Guyana’s commitment to building a modern digital health ecosystem and told students they were becoming part of history. “Through the Digital Health Training Institute, we are not simply offering technical skills,” she said. “We’re investing together in a generation of leaders who are going to guide Guyana’s healthcare system into a new era.” Addressing the inaugural cohort, she described the moment as transformative. “You are making history. This is a special moment in the beginning of a bold, transformative movement that’s going to shape the future of healthcare delivery for Guyana.” Dr Vreeman highlighted the country’s bold national vision for digital healthcare. “Guyana has articulated a clear and courageous vision–a digital health system that elevates the quality of care, empowers every healthcare provider, and ensures that every patient in every region benefits from modern, high-quality services.” “When you go on to work in Guyana’s hospitals and health facilities, you will not simply be putting into place these new digital tools,” she told students. “You are strengthening the quality of healthcare for every person who walks through those doors.” Dr Vreeman added that the impact of the programme will reach generations. “Together, we are building something extraordinary–shaping a future of healthcare in Guyana that will serve families, communities and generations to come.”
Executive Director of the Arnhold Institute for Global Health at Mount Sinai, Dr Rachel Vreema
Some of the students who are part of the upcoming training alongside officials
Guyana, UK sign MoU to strengthen forest governance, advance sustainable development
Guyana and the United Kingdom on Tuesday deepened their longstanding partnership with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening forest governance, expanding sustainable market access, and supporting community development under the Forest Governance, Markets and Climate Programme (FGMC2).
The agreement was signed by the Ministry of Natural Resources on behalf of the Government of Guyana and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), marking a significant step forward in the two countries’ shared commitment to protecting forests and advancing global climate action.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat said the MoU comes at a crucial time, as global attention increasingly turns toward sustainable forestry and low-deforestation development models. He reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to maintaining one of the world’s lowest deforestation rates and strengthening national forest governance systems.
Minister Bharrat emphasised that the MoU directly supports President Ali’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (LCDS 2030), which outlines a transformative path for harnessing the value of Guyana’s forests, biodiversity, and ecosystem services while creating new economic opportunities for communities.
Under the agreement, the UK will provide targeted support to strengthen Guyana’s forest governance architecture, expand sustainable markets for timber and forest products, and enhance financial opportunities for forest-dependent communities.
The collaboration also includes support for the establishment of the Guyana Timber Legality Assurance System (GTLAS), which will bolster transparency, credibility, and international recognition of Guyana’s forest
management practices.
The MoU reinforces the UK’s confidence in Guyana’s forest stewardship and acknowledges its global leadership as one of the most intact and sustainably managed tropical forest nations. Through FGMC2, the UK will continue to provide technical and institutional support, including through the European Forest Institute’s Rapid Response Programme.
British High
Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, praised Guyana’s consistent leadership on climate and biodiversity issues, noting its role in advancing the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and its pioneering work in carbon markets. She reaffirmed the UK’s
commitment to supporting Guyana’s efforts to tackle global climate and biodiversity challenges.
Officials highlighted that the renewed partnership will bring tangible benefits to forest-dependent communities and the broader economy by strengthening sus-
tainable forest practices, improving decision-making across sectors, and supporting biodiversity and cultural preservation.
The Ministry of Natural Resources described the MoU as a model of modern climate diplomacy – aligning Guyana’s national priorities with international support to deliver shared global goals. Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration as they work to safeguard forests, expand sustainable development pathways, and accelerate climate ambition.
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat and UK High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller at the signing
Govt boosts dialysis capacity in public hospitals nationwide
ith an estimat-
Wed 500 Guyanese currently undergoing dialysis, the Ministry of Health has announced a major expansion of dialysis treatment and prevention services across the public health sector. Health
Minister Dr Frank Anthony said the Government is intensifying efforts to reduce new cases of chronic kidney disease, particularly among diabetics who are at higher risk of long-term kidney damage if their blood sugar is not properly managed.
The Minister explained that prevention remains a critical part of the Ministry’s strategy. “We currently have maybe about 500 patients or
so on dialysis, what we want to do is to work more to prevent chronic kidney diseases. And we are seeing that a number of persons who are diabetic, over time, if their blood sugar is not controlled, they can have chronic kidney problems.” According to Dr Anthony, the Ministry’s emphasis on early detection and preventive care is expected to curb the number of people requiring dialysis in the future. “So we have focused a lot of our work on prevention,” he added, “and hopefully we will start seeing a drop-off of the cases. So that’s one angle in which we are tackling this.” At the same time, the Government is moving to significantly ex-
pand dialysis treatment capacity in hospitals countrywide. Most public hospitals have already been equipped
with dialysis chairs, and the six new regional hospitals are each being outfitted with two dedicated chairs.
“The second thing is that at all of our—well, most of our hospitals now—we have added dialysis chairs,” the Minister said. “So when people come to the hospital, we are able to provide that service for them at the hospital.” He added that dialysis services will begin soon in all six new regional hospitals.
“And plus, we are looking at where we can add some more chairs,” he continued.
“We are hoping that in the very near future, we will be adding 15 more dialysis machines to the public system.”
Dr Anthony also acknowledged the longstanding role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in providing dialysis services, emphasising that Government expansion efforts are not intended to displace them. “Now, when dialysis started, it started by NGOs providing dialysis,” he said. “We don’t really want to usurp that service, and we try to find a way of how we can work together, because they play
a very, very vital role.” He noted that the Government has partnered with NGOs to extend dialysis into regions where the service previously did not exist.
“For example, in Linden, we worked with one of these organisations,” he explained. “The Government provided the space at the Linden Hospital and the NGO provider was the one able to help manage that service. We did a similar thing in Essequibo.”
According to the Minister, these collaborations form a “public–private partnership” that ensures wider access to dialysis throughout the country. The Government currently provides an annual dialysis subvention of GY$600,000 to eligible patients to help offset treatment costs. However, the total cost varies based on treatment frequency and individual needs and remains beyond the reach of many Guyanese without additional support.
Caribbean Airlines to discontinue Tortola, Puerto Rico flights from January 2026
aribbean Airlines
C(CAL) has announced that it will discontinue its services to Tortola, British Virgin Islands and San Juan, Puerto Rico, effective January 10, 2026. The move is part of the airline’s ongoing Network Optimisation Programme aimed at enhancing schedule reliability, maintaining competitiveness and ensuring long-term operational sustainability. The affected flights include: BW 292: Trinidad – Barbados –Tortola – Puerto Rico; BW 293: Puerto Rico – Tortola – Barbados – Trinidad; BW 296: Trinidad – Dominica –Puerto Rico; and BW 297: Puerto Rico – Dominica –Trinidad. CAL stated that customers with confirmed bookings to or from Tortola and Puerto Rico after January 10, 2026, are being contacted directly and will receive full refunds where applicable.
The airline also revealed plans to restructure its Barbados hub starting February 2026. Aircraft and crew currently positioned in Barbados will transition to operate from Trinidad to and from Barbados, ensuring continued connectivity across the Northern and Eastern Caribbean with a refined flight schedule.
“These changes form a critical part of our plan to deliver reliable service while managing our resources responsibly. Our customers remain our priority, and these adjustments ensure we continue to provide strong regional connectivity, supported by a sustainable and competitive operational model,” Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nirmala Ramai said.
CAL assured that while flights to Tortola and Puerto Rico will cease, the airline remains committed to working with stakeholders to maintain connectivity across its network.
Customers with bookings affected by the discontinuation will have fares automatically refunded if booked directly with CAL. Those who booked via travel agents or third-party websites will be contacted by their booking provider to process refunds. For more information, customers can contact CAL Reservations and Customer Support at +1 800 920 4225 (US) or +1 800 744 2225 (Caribbean).
CAL in November cut flights from Fort Lauderdale to Montego Bay and Kingston, Jamaica under the ongoing network optimisation programme, it also explained at the time.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony
Ramsammy’s Ruminations
Perilous days in the fight against HIV and AIDS –Guyana must take the lead
December 1st was World AIDS Day. I have been actively engaged in World AIDS Day from the inception. Each year, I found something to give me hope. I must confess that for World AIDS Day 2025, I feel less optimistic than I ever did on World AIDS Day.
In 1988, on the first-ever World AIDS Day, the knowledge that AZT was an effective drug to control AIDS, even if it was never a cure, and even though the vast majority of people in the developing world at the time could not dream of affording the medicine, brought optimism that we might be able to combat HIV and win the war. Each year since 1988 brought us closer to a real chance of successfully combating HIV and AIDS. Yet here in 2025, optimism is hard to embrace.
For World AIDS Day 2025, the President of the US decided he has no interest, and for the first time since 1988, the US did not actively participate in World AIDS Day. In fact, few global leaders seemed to bother with World AIDS Day 2025. Whether we want to admit it or not, from the perspective of global leaders, the inconvenient truth is that there has been a general disinterest in World AIDS Day 2025. This disinterest is reflected in the poor response to the replenishment of funds for the global fund.
This year’s replenishment for the Global Fund was held at the same time as the G20 Meeting in South Africa. The Global Fund did not realise its target for replenishment. The Global Fund had hoped that its 8th replenishment in 2025 would raise a minimum of US$18 billion. But by its replenishment meeting in South Africa in November, the GF had only reached $4 billion. The target in South Africa, therefore, was $14 billion. It raised just $11 billion. Every significant donor, from the US to the UK, Germany and other EU countries, pledged less than they did in the past.
Given that the GF is still the largest donor in the fight against HIV, TB and malaria, the dwindling funding available is more than concerning. The Fund provides 73 per cent of all international financing for TB, 60 per cent for malaria and 24 per cent for HIV. But even more worrying is that more effective tools have become available to fight against HIV and AIDS. With dwindling financial support, these tools will become a mountain too far and too high.
New HIV prevention and treatment medicines, improved malaria control measures and innovations in TB treatment and vaccination present a tantalising opportunity to end AIDS, TB and malaria by 2030. But this opportunity is being squandered because of funding difficulties. Just as we seemed to be reaching the finishing line, important donors stepped aside.
At the same time, several countries reported disturbing news on the AIDS front. Guyana reported an upsurge of HIV-positive cases. The Minister of Health reported 450 new cases of HIV in 2025 so far. For a country where each year we saw reducing incidence rates for HIV, this is not good news as we near the 2030 End of AIDS timeline. The Minister urged testing for all pregnant women. For decades now, every pregnant woman has been tested for HIV. Health facilities routinely tested women, not because they asked, but because it was part of the routine care of pregnant women. For sure, these women could opt out. But they did not have to opt in. Guyana must ensure that such successful measures as routine testing become the norm again.
Since the inaugural World AIDS Day in 1988, the world has been able each year to show an expanding response to HIV and AIDS. By 2010, the world was able to gain confidence in its fight against HIV and AIDS and began to speak of the end of AIDS. In fact, we had become so confident that by 2010 we began to speak of the end of AIDS by 2030. But globally we seem to have taken our eyes off the prize.
Guyana is too close to ending AIDS for it to not ensure we cross the line. We are on our last grants from the Global Fund. But Guyana has the resources to fight HIV and AIDS. We must pursue all avenues to end AIDS. Prevention is the key. Between 2001 and 2012, Guyana became a global champion for education and awareness; everywhere one went in Guyana, there was messaging about HIV and AIDS. The “Reach One, Teach One, Save One” campaign entered every home, every workplace, every church, every mandir, and every masjid. Teachers became involved, and pastors, pandits and imams became champions. Every parliamentarian, every Minister, and the President were champions in the fight against HIV and AIDS. We must return to the fight.
For those who were HIV positive, the best treatment available became accessible in Guyana. Today, there are powerful new medicines that are both powerful prevention tools and powerful treatments to control AIDS. These are expensive medicines. But it is cheaper for Guyana to make these expensive medicines available. In the developed north, countries in North America and Europe, the promise of ending AIDS by 2030 is still within grasp. But this trajectory is slipping away from most developing countries.
Guyana must not be one of these developing countries. We have the leadership, the knowledge, the experience and the resources to stop HIV and AIDS. Guyana has taken global leadership in some of the world’s most difficult challenges. The HIV and AIDS challenge is one we can overcome, and we can lead the world. Let us seize the opportunity and end HIV and AIDS by 2030 in Guyana.
Dr Leslie Ramsammy
Housing Ministry in 15-acre land talks with GLSC, private owners for Cane Grove relocation
The Government’s long-promised regularisation of Cane Grove, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), is moving into a decisive phase as the Ministry of Housing, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), works to secure at least 15 acres of land for the development of a formal housing scheme.
Subject Minister Collin Croal made the disclosure during a community engagement held Monday evening at the Virginia Primary School. The meeting was also attended by Minister within the Ministry Vanessa Benn, Health Minister Frank Anthony, Community Development Director Gladwin Charles, Surveyor Travis Fields, and Regional Democratic Councillor Neemawattie Baldeo. The land acquisition,
once completed, will facilitate the establishment of a formal housing scheme to support the wider Cane Grove regularisation programme.
According to Minister Croal, a 2023 structural inventory conducted by the housing authority recorded more than 50 unregularised structures in one section alone. Lands identified for potential relocation fall under state ownership but are presently leased to rice and cattle farmers, including a livestock cooperative body.
As part of the process, the Ministry is expected to begin consultations with agricultural leaseholders to align development goals while preserving livelihoods where feasible.
“So, we don't have Guyana Lands Surveyor
Offices there. So, we asked them to come because they are trying to help us. Now, it's about 55 of you. It's about 55 of you we have registered. So, we are, therefore, activating another mechanism, which means acquire. Because we already commit, we want to help you. You have a Government; you live here. We recognise that you
forts commenced in 2011 within Cane Grove Estate and Coconut Dam, where cadastral and occupation surveys were completed by 2012 and more than 180 house lots were formalised. However, renewed interventions were required as residual squatting persisted in several pockets of the community.
want a better environment for yourself. You want your children to come up in their own home. And we want to help you. So, we will activate two mechanisms. We have one with a cattle farmer's association. We will engage there. We have to get the ownership. We're not aware who is the person. So, that we have to do some research. And then we are at the other portion. Either way, whichever one we can get,” Croal said.
Cane Grove, one of Region Four’s most expansive settlements, comprises multiple smaller communities, including Strathavon, Hopeland, Virginia, Coconut Dam, Manager Drive, Sawai, Waterside Dam, Cane Grove Estate, Granny Field, Back Street and other residential blocks.
The settlement’s origins trace back to its operation as a former sugar estate, which, up until 1930, housed thousands of indentured labourers under the Indian indentureship. When the estate ceased operations in 1946, an estimated 3000 residents remained behind, transitioning into smallscale crop and livestock farming, eventually shaping Cane Grove into a recognised agricultural hub.
Initial regularisation ef-
Minister Croal explained that the Government is open to compensating private landowners for lots as part of the full regularisation efforts.
He told the gathering that the Government is trying to acquire a small portion of at least 15 acres of land to allow for the development of a housing scheme. Since assuming office in August 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic has intensified long-running efforts to regularise squatting communities across Guyana, integrating these settlements into the country’s rapidly expanding formal housing framework. Communities such as Cane Grove, Prospect, Herstelling, Parfaite Harmonie, and portions of Sophia are among the areas that have previously undergone varying stages of formal integration.
The PPP/C has repeatedly tied the regularisation drive to its broader manifesto target of delivering sustainable housing solutions, asserting that formalising squatting zones reduces vulnerability, expands economic mobility for families, enables long-term planning, and curbs the expansion of unregulated land occupation.
Housing Minister Collin Croal
Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) staff engaging Cane Grove residents
The community gathered at Virginia Primary School, Cane Grove, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica)
Driver granted $800,000 bail on 2 larceny charges
Twenty-four-yearold driver Condell Padmore was on Tuesday granted a total of $800,000 bail after he appeared before Chief Magistrate (Ag.) Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he faced two counts of simple larceny allegedly committed on separate occasions.
Padmore, who resides at Lot 106 New Housing Scheme, Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, first faced a charge alleging that on November 28, 2025, at Houston, East Bank Demerara, he stole a quantity of textile fabric belonging to Gavin Jeffery valued at $1.4 million. He pleaded not guilty. He was then read a second charge, which stated that on November 26, 2025, at Plantation Road, East Bank Demerara, he stole ten rolls of construction fabric valued at $1.5 million from Shaheed Persaud. He again pleaded not guilty.
In making a bail application on his client’s behalf, attorney Melvin Duke told the court that Padmore was employed as a centre driver and had simply received a call from one of the individuals he worked with, instructing him to pick up and transport textiles from the various locations.
Duke argued that Padmore had no direct knowledge of any wrongdoing and was merely carrying out duties he was assigned. The attorney added that although Padmore had previously been before the court, he had “walked free” and had no pending matters or antecedents. Duke further submitted that the young driver posed no flight risk, noting that his family is well known in the Sparendaam area.
However, the prosecution objected to bail, arguing that the offences were serious and occurred on two separate days, involving high-value items. The prose-
Condell Padmore
cutor insisted that Padmore was no stranger to the system, stating that he had previously faced matters “including robbery and simple larceny”.
The court also heard that investigators have obtained
anyone to remove the items, and there were additional concerns for the safety of the virtual complainant.
Still, when questioned by the Magistrate, the prosecution were unable to say whether Padmore had ever been convicted or sentenced in any of the matters they mentioned, nor could they present evidence demonstrating that he posed a real risk of failing to return to court. This prompted the Magistrate to ask the prosecution whether their objections were based on concrete material that could satisfy the court that Padmore was likely to abscond, a requirement in determining whether bail should be denied.
video footage captured on one of the days in question, allegedly showing Padmore in the same van that was used to transport the stolen goods. According to the prosecution, the virtual complainant never instructed
Padmore was given an opportunity to speak. He told the court that he was instructed by his employer to pick up the textiles and drop them off at the locations he described. He said the first set of items was delivered to a location he knew only as a “north-east” area, not far
from Cemetery Road, and that the second batch was dropped off in an “east” location. He explained that he does not know Georgetown well because he is from the East Coast and simply followed instructions. He added that after he was arrested, he took officers to one of the drop-off points, and Police were able to recover some of the items.
The prosecution, however, contradicted this claim, insisting that none of the stolen materials were recovered. The Magistrate then asked the accused to assist the Police fully in locating the drop-off points so that the remaining items might be retrieved.
After considering the submissions, Magistrate McGusty granted bail for $400,000 on each charge, amounting to $800,000 in total. He is expected to report to the Agricola Police Station every third Friday of each month and return to court on January 14.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025|
138 Reg 9 residents graduate from the BIT programme
The lives of 138 residents from the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region were significantly enhanced after they successfully graduated from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Programme.
According to BIT, the villages of Shulinab, Potarinau, Meriwau, Quiko, and other neighbouring communities now have trained resi-
dents equipped with a range of skills.
Participants were trained in various sectors, including welding and fabrication, heavy-duty equipment operation, commercial food preparation, information technology, photovoltaic installation and maintenance, tourism and hospitality, and small engine repair. This training empowers
them with practical skills to support their families and promote community development.
The ceremony was attended by Presidential Advisor Joseph Hamilton, Ministerial Advisor Gillian Burton-Persaud, Shulinab Toshao Nicholas Fredericks, BIT Board Member Michael Turner, CEO of BIT Mr Richard Maughn,
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer Marcel DavidWatson, Technical Officers Indira Singh and Rowena Dejonge, HR Clerk Adelicia Andries, and other officials.
During her address, Burton-Persaud highlighted that since 2020, 903 individuals across Region Nine have received training in 51 different fields. She described the ceremo-
ny as a testimony of the Government of Guyana’s commitment to human development.
The Ministerial Advisor encouraged graduates to stay motivated, utilise their new skills to build their futures, seize emerging opportunities, and pursue lifelong learning.
“You stayed the course, you did it, and the sky is the limit. Use your skills, market yourself, and be part of Guyana’s forward movement,” she said.
BIT Board Member Mr Turner also shared the same sentiments, urging graduates to “apply your skills to strengthen your homes and communities. Your success is your community’s success".
Participants who graduated from the various sectors pose with their certificates along with BIT officials
Around the World
OOIL NEWS
Oil eases amid uncertainty around Russia-Ukraine peace plan, oversupply worries
il prices declined one per cent on Tuesday as markets weighed faltering Russia-Ukraine peace hopes against fears of oversupply.
Brent crude futures settled 72 cents lower, or 1.14 per cent, at US$62.45 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was down 68 cents, or 1.15 per cent, at US$58.64 a barrel.
Both benchmarks advanced more than one per cent on Monday.
Investors turned their focus to the Russia-Ukraine peace talks as Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner in the Kremlin on Tuesday.
“Oil prices are in check on expectations for a breakthrough in Ukraine peace talks that could lift restrictions on Russian supplies,” said Clayton Seigle, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “But those hopes are likely to be dashed, and the market will be facing even more disruption risks as energy remains under fire by both sides.”
Just before the meeting, Putin warned European powers that if they started a war with Russia, Moscow would be ready to fight. Putin also threatened to sever Ukraine's access to the sea in response to drone attacks on tankers of Russia's "shadow fleet" in the Black Sea.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Putin meets Witkoff, Kushner for over 3 hours to discuss Ukraine peace
US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner attend a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin
met US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and sonin-law Jared Kushner in the Kremlin on Tuesday for talks on a possible way to end the deadliest European conflict since World War Two. Just before the meeting, Putin warned Europe that it would face swift defeat if it went to war with Russia, and he dismissed European counter-proposals on Ukraine as being absolutely unacceptable to Russia.
Trump has repeatedly said he wants to end the war, but his efforts, including a summit with Putin in Alaska in August and meetings with Ukrainian
T&T: US-based crime-fighting technology coming: TTPS must be “first-world” cops
Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander says that enhanced technology and training courtesy of the US government, particularly in dealing with crime-fighting, will be introduced to T&T.
Speaking with Guardian Media on Monday afternoon, Alexander referred to ongoing collaboration between the US military and the T&T Defence Force, including joint training exercises last month involving the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
Alexander said the TTPS in the past has benefited from similar pro-
grammes with US-based agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Bureau and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Referring to training courses, where local Police officers were sent abroad to learn from these agencies on the latest in investigative techniques and trends affecting the wider region.
Alexander said recent conversations with US officials were productive, noting their willingness to implement technology-based crime-fighting resources.
“There’s a list of activi-
ties concerning law enforcement and technology that the Americans have spoken to us concerning, particular-
ly Homeland Security, that they intend to introduce to us, and we intend to participate fully.
“A long list of law enforcement (dealing with) gangs that we intend to participate with, and I gracefully await.” When asked if the TTPS in particular will be benefiting from formal training programmes similar to joint military initiatives between the US and T&T, Alexander said such engagements never ended for local Police, noting that a Latin American country was involved in recent training with officers.
(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
Pope Leo urges US not to attempt military ouster of Venezuela's Maduro
Pope Leo urged the US President Donald Trump's Administration on Tuesday not to try to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro using military force.
Leo, the first US Pope, said it would be better to attempt dialogue or impose economic pressure on Venezuela if Washington wants to pursue change there.
The Trump Administration has been weighing options to combat what it has portrayed as Maduro's role in supplying illegal drugs that have killed Americans. The socialist Venezuelan President has denied having any links to the illegal drug trade.
Asked during a news conference about Trump's threats to remove Maduro by force, Leo said, "It is better to
search for ways of dialogue, or perhaps pressure, including economic pressure."
The Pope, speaking as he flew home from a visit to Turkey and Lebanon, his first overseas trip, added that Washington should search for other ways to achieve change "if that is what they want to do in the United States".
Reuters reported last
month that options under US consideration include an attempt to overthrow the Venezuelan leader and that the US military is poised for a new phase of operations after a massive military build-up in the Caribbean and nearly three months of strikes on suspected drug trafficking boats off Venezuela's coast.
Leo, answering a jour-
nalist's question, also said the signals coming from the Trump administration about its policy toward Venezuela were unclear.
“On one hand, it seems there was a call between the two Presidents," said the Pope, referring to a phone call that Trump had with Maduro last month.
"On the other hand, there is the danger; there is the possibility there will be some activity, some (military) operation."
"The voices that come from the United States, they change with a certain frequency," added Leo.
The Pope, elected in May and originally from Chicago, is familiar with Latin America because he spent long years as a cleric in Peru.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Honduran ex-President Juan Orlando Hernández released from US prison after Trump pardon
Juan Orlando
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have not brought peace.
A leaked set of 28 US draft peace proposals emerged last week, alarming Ukrainian and European officials who said it bowed to Moscow's main demands on NATO, Russian control of a fifth of Ukraine and restrictions on Ukraine's army.
European powers then came up with a counter-proposal, and at talks in Geneva, the United States and Ukraine said they had created an "updated and refined peace framework" to end the war.
The Kremlin talks were ongoing late into the Moscow night after more than three hours. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Hernández, the former President of Honduras, has been released from a US prison, according to online records of federal inmates, after he received a pardon from US President Donald Trump for drug charges.
The records show Hernández was released from the high-security facility of USP Hazelton in West Virginia on Monday.
Hernández was found guilty in March 2024 of conspiring to import cocaine to
the US and of possessing machine guns. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison.
Writing on her social media on Tuesday, Hernández's wife, Ana García de Hernández, thanked Trump for the pardon and said her husband was now a free man.
Hernández, a member of Honduras's National Party who served as the country's President from 2014 to 2022, was extradited to the US in April 2022 to stand trial for running a violent
drug trafficking conspiracy and helping to smuggle hundreds of tonnes of cocaine to the US.
During his trial, prosecutors in New York said Hernández ran the Central American country like a "narco-state" and accepted millions of dollars in bribes from drug traffickers to shield them from the law.
He was also ordered to pay a fine of $8m (£6m) as part of his sentence.
Trump explained his reasoning for the pardon while
talking to reporters on Air Force One on Sunday.
He claimed the investigation into Hernández was a "Biden administration setup", referring to his predecessor in the White House.
"They basically said he was a drug dealer because he was the President of the country," Trump said.
Hernández's release comes as Honduras is locked in a "technical tie" for the election of a new President.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
UK criticises Gaza aid delays as tents take a year to arrive
The UK Government has criticised delays in aid being allowed into Gaza after a consignment of more than 1100 tents it sent to the strip took more than a year to arrive.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the situation in Gaza remains "dire" as the UN warned that 1.5 million persons are in need of ur-
gent shelter amid worsening rains and plummeting temperatures ahead of winter.
The Israeli Government said it was upholding aid delivery agreements and had "facilitated the transfer of close to 250,000 tents and tarpaulins" to Gaza in recent months.
The UK-funded tents
– each capable of housing a family of five – reached Gaza on Monday, with more expected to arrive this week.
Government sources said the tents will provide shelter to as many as 12,000 persons over the winter months.
Cooper said the delay in getting aid into the strip could not be allowed to con-
tinue and that all crossings into the territory should be opened to allow unhindered humanitarian access. About 1.9 million persons in Gaza, nearly 90 per cent of the population, have been displaced since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023, according to the UN. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander
Pope Leo XIV
Tally up what you owe and make a point to pay down debt. Lifestyle changes that promote good health, positive relationships and enriching experiences are favored.
You may crave change, but first put a solid plan in place to ensure you aren't wasting time or money. Do your due diligence, and you'll put your mind at ease and feel confident following through with your plans.
Distance yourself from people trying to pressure you into something you don't want to do. Communication is your best route forward if you want to get things done.
Engage in conversations, interviews, networking and getting your word out there. Life is about doing, enjoying and rewarding yourself for doing things your way.
What you learn and engage in today will help you reach your chosen destination. Nurture meaningful relationships using communication, kind gestures and compromise. Choose peace and love over discord.
Money, contracts and getting what you want in writing are essential. Impatience, neglect or letting your emotions lead you astray will be costly.
Keep doing the work until you discover the right balance mentally, physically and financially. Timing is crucial, along with experience and showmanship.
Go ahead and show off, but first make sure you know what you're doing. Use a unique approach, and rewards for your creative input will be yours.
Self-improvement projects will be uplifting. Consider how you want to present yourself to others and what new look will boost your confidence and help you achieve it.
Push forward. Reaching out to a cause that concerns you will open doors and promote opportunities to connect with those who can help you achieve your long-term goals.
Be honest with yourself and others. Don't hide from reality when it's necessary to face facts to rectify problems. Set high standards and do your utmost to live up to them.
Put everything in place before you begin. Recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and don't hesitate to call in an expert when necessary. You'll achieve your desired results if you are conscientious.
ARCHIE
They looked in danger of being bowled out under 200 before the lower order steered them to 231 for 9 at stumps.
After winning the toss, West Indies Captain Roston Chase had no hesitation in opting to bowl first. Apart from the overcast conditions and a green pitch, Chase also pointed to the venue's history. Of the 15 Tests played there, including
Ablockbuster night of action is set for this evening when tournament favourites Back Circle and Bent St A square off in the final of the VP “Champion of Champions” Futsal Cup at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue.
The contest is expected to draw a capacity crowd and deliver the kind of intensity that has defined the rivalry between two of Georgetown’s most accomplished futsal teams.
Back Circle enter the clash in commanding form, having marched through the earlier rounds with conviction and an attacking swagger that places them among the most dangerous teams in the competition.
Their campaign began with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Young Stars, a result that showcased their defensive discipline before their offence fully clicked into gear. That spark came in spectacular fashion against Linden’s YMCA, who were swept aside 7-0 in one of the most dominant performances of the tournament. Back Circle then produced a composed 6-3 triumph over Family of Mocha
New Zealand fightback on after Windies quicks make merry
the current one, only once have a team opted to bat after winning the toss: South Africa in
Kemar Roach, playing his first Test since January 2023, took only three balls to prove his Captain right. Bowling around the wicket, he pitched one up in the channel. Devon Conway hung his bat out, got a healthy outside edge, and Justin Greaves did the
But rain arrived after just 3.3 overs and halted play for 90 minutes. Another shower towards the end of the first session meant only 10.3 overs were possible before an early lunch was taken. New Zealand scored only 17 in that period.
Williamson upped the scoring rate after lunch, hitting Johann Layne for two fours in three balls. While he was not always in control, he played late and defended with soft hands, like he always does. That helped him survive and also score runs
on a difficult pitch.
Debutant Ojay Shields had a forgettable start. His first ball in Test cricket was short and wide and a front-foot no-ball. Tom Latham, who was on 2 off 47 until then, cut it away for four. In his next over, Shields bowled Williamson through the gate, but had once again overstepped.
That showed there was still help from the pitch, but Layne and Shields were not disciplined enough to take advantage of it – Greaves, however, was. In his back-to-back overs, he removed Williamson and Latham. Williamson was squared up and caught at second slip; Latham nicked an overpitched delivery to the wicketkeeper.
Soon after, Jayden Seales castled Rachin Ravindra with
a full delivery from around the wicket. Will Young made only 14 before Layne had him caught at second slip, leaving New Zealand 120 for 5. It was Layne's maiden Test wicket. Shields followed suit when Tom Blundell inside-edged one onto his stumps.
Bracewell and Smith then got together and revived the innings. Bracewell was the aggressor in their stand, while Smith defended well. Chase eventually broke the stand when Smith flicked one uppishly to short midwicket.
Bracewell realised there was not much batting left and started taking more risks. The strategy didn't work for long, though. On 47, he miscued a pull to give Shields his second wicket. Matt Henry also fell to the short ball,
9-227 (Matt Henry, 69.4 ov)
caught off Roach for eight. Two balls later, Roach hit Jacob Duffy on the helmet with another bouncer. As the physio came out for a concussion test, the umpires realised it had gotten too dark to continue.
As a result, only 70 overs were possible in the day's play. In those 70 overs, West Indies gave away 23 extras, which could prove to be decisive in these conditions.
and completed their path to the final with a confident 5-2 result against the high-profile Team Spirit.
Statistically, Back Circle have been the most fluid attacking outfit in the competition. Their 19 goals scored, paired with just five conceded, underline their balance, depth, and tactical clarity. Their ability to shift between high-pressure, rapid counterattacks, and structured half-court possession has made them exceptionally difficult to contain.
Bent Street A, however, present a different but equally formidable challenge. Long regarded as one of the most clinical futsal teams in Guyana, Bent Street have approached this tournament with their trademark organisation and bigmatch temperament.
They opened their campaign with a measured 3-0 victory over West Ruimveldt before stepping up the tempo to defeat Gaza Squad 4-2 in a lively and physical affair. Their defensive quality shone again in a 2-0 win over Wash Bay Boys, while their 6-3 victory over their own B unit emphasised the squad’s attacking discipline and
composure in front of goal.
Overall, Bent Street have tallied 15 goals while conceding five, a record that mirrors Back Circle’s defensive discipline and reinforces the expectation that tonight’s fixture will be decided by moments of precision rather than reckless attacking gambles.
Adding to the magnitude of the encounter is the lucrative prize structure. The winner of the men’s championship will walk away with $1,000,000 and the tournament trophy, while teams finishing second, third, and fourth will pocket $500,000, $300,000, and $200,000, respectively, along with the corresponding accolades.
The women’s division champion will receive $150,000, with the runner-up set to collect $50,000. The youth category mirrors that structure, offering $100,000 to the winner and $50,000 to the team finishing second.
Before the marquee final, the tournament will also feature the third-place playoff between Team Spirit and Bent Street B. Both squads have shown grit and resilience throughout the competition, and with $300,000 at stake for the third-
place finisher, their matchup is expected to be just as competitive and spirited as the title showdown.
Faceoff! Captain of Bent St Adrian Aaron (left) and skipper of Back Circle Stephon McLean pose with the championship trophy ahead of tonight’s final
Johann Layne celebrates taking a wicket
Ojay Shields celebrates his first wicket in Test cricket
Despite a valiant effort from the local team, several mistakes on the back line cost Guyana’s senior women’s national football team, the Lady Jags, when they opened their CONCACAF W Qualifiers campaign on Monday night at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC), West Coast Demerara (WCD).
Head Coach Omar Khan opted for a starting XI that read Captain Brianne Desa, goalkeeper Raven Edwards-
Dowdall, Serena McDonald, Hope Windebank, Kristen Bettencourt, Otesha Charles, Samantha Banfield, Rylee Traicoff, Anika Sproxton, Sandra Johnson and Annalisa Vincent. Guyana found themselves in an early deficit after a back pass in the defence was intercepted by Nicaragua’s Sheyla Flores. Goalkeeper Edwards-Dowdall approached, but Flores escaped her advances to tap the ball into the unguarded net in the third minute.
However, Guyana’s Vincent pulled it back in the 18th minute with an excellent strike. Capitalising on a set piece from Traicoff, Vincent leapt above the defence, heading the ball into the net for Guyana's equaliser. Unfortunately, the Guyanese side found themselves playing catch-up again in the 35th as Nuria Marquez dribbled around Guyana’s defence to send the ball into the net from the right edge of the six-yard box.
Nicaragua sealed their third
Glasgow to headline Slingerz FC squad for GFF Super-16 Tournament
Guyana’s all-time leading goal-scorer, Omari Glasgow, will spearhead Slingerz Football Club’s starstudded squad as a guest player for the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Year-End Super-16
and final strike in the 49th when Sheyla Flores sent a shot across the goal that was punched out by Edwards-Dowdall. However, Doriana Aguilar was quick to tap the loose ball back into the net.
Following the loss, Captain Desa noted that the Lady Jags “gave it their all”.
“Our performance… you know what, we gave it our all. I appreciate the girls; I love every single one of them. We fought to the very end, the last minute, and you know what? Hopefully, the next couple games are a little bit better for us. But huge congratulations to Nicaragua; they played an outstanding game. There’s nothing we can do,” Desa reflected.
“I will say, it is just having fun out there, staying positive. Not one of us got down on each other, and I think that’s what kept us pushing. Next round we’ve just got to go forward a little bit more; we gotta shoot,” the Lady Jags Captain said in a positive takeaway from Monday’s clash.
Desa elaborated, “I think it’s just like I said before; it’s just wanting to attack more, wanting to shoot. We’re in front of the net, and we want to dribble. It’s myself included; we just got to take more shots going forward.”
President Dr Irfaan Ali was also present at the NTFC to take in the match and shared words of encouragement with the team following the result, giving the assurance of added support in the future.
President Ali told the women’s national team after the game, “We look forward for improvement, of course, but more importantly for you to believe in yourself and continue working. We believe that you can still pull off some upsets in this tournament; I’ve been following this tournament. I
have tremendous belief in the girls. The women’s football team, you guys are ranked in a good position, and I believe you have the talent, you have the ability, and we’re going to back that talent and ability.”
“I spoke to the President of the Federation to tell him how we’re going to support you guys,” the Head of State assured.
The Lady Jags’ next fixture in the W Qualifiers will come against Dominica on Friday, February 27, at a to-beconfirmed venue.
Guyana’s leading goal-scorer Omari Glasgow will suit up for Slingerz FC in the year-end season
Tournament, which kicks off on December 6 and concludes on January 1.
Glasgow, who has netted 23 goals in 35 international appearances, recently added to his tally in Guyana’s friendly matches against Bonaire and Antigua and Barbuda. His inclusion marks a major boost for the GFF Elite League champions as they prepare for the knockout competition.
According to Slingerz FC Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz, the 22-year-old forward received full approval from his Major League Soccer (MLS) club, Chicago Fire, to feature in the tournament.
It will be the first time local fans witness Glasgow in domestic action since his departure from Western Tigers to the MLS, where he initially featured with the club’s NextPro side before permanently joining the first team.
Slingerz FC will also be bolstered by two international additions, Jamaican winger Carden Benbow and St Lucian forward Jevic Mac Farlane.
Shabazz noted that Benbow, a former Reggae Boyz attacker, was brought in to fill a tactical void within the team. The 30-year-old has represented Jamaica at the
U15, U17, and senior levels and brings professional experience from the USL, as well as standout stints with Mount Pleasant and Waterhouse FC in the Jamaican Premier League.
Meanwhile, Mac Farlane, a member of St Lucia’s senior national team and a native of Vieux Fort, adds further firepower to Slingerz FC’s front line. His résumé includes spells with Portmore United in Jamaica and Morvant Caledonia United in the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League.
As one of the top four finishers in this year’s GFF Elite League, Slingerz FC earned an automatic bye to the quarterfinals, along with the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, and Western Tigers.
Shabazz, assessing the competitive landscape, added, “I see in Guyana’s football, we have four and a half elite teams (Slingerz, Western Tigers, Police, and GDF FC), and I expect these four teams will meet in the end. But you know football. At the end of the day, we’re very serious in our approach, and we want to guard against complacency.”
Slingerz FC will meet the winner of the matchup involving Buxton United, Monedderlust, and Potaro in the quarterfinals, as the club begins its charge toward the coveted Super-16 title.
Essequibo, Berbice advance to Women’s Super50 final
The final round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Women’s InterCounty Super50 Tournament 2025 produced decisive victories yesterday, setting up a muchanticipated championship showdown between Essequibo and unbeaten Berbice.
At the Lusignan Community Centre ground, Hinterland Women won the toss and elected to bat, but struggled from the outset. Their innings never gained momentum, and they were eventually dismissed for a modest 50 in 22.5 overs. Captain Kelsey Couchman was
3 for 14, dismantling the Hinterland batting order with accuracy and consistency.
In response, Essequibo wasted little time in securing their place in the finals. Persaud continued her allround heroics, top-scoring with 17 from 19 balls as Essequibo cruised to 51 for 1 in 11.1 overs.
Over at the LBI Community Ground, Berbice maintained their unbeaten run with a hard-fought four-wicket victory over Demerara. Berbice won the toss and opted to field, a decision that proved worthwhile as they restricted Demerara to 72 all
Tilleya Madramootoo showed patience in an innings dominated by disciplined Berbice bowling, scoring 18 from 64 balls – Demerara’s only
notable contribution with the bat. The standout performer was Plaffianna Millington, who produced a sensational spell of 5 for 10. Devani Rickram also made an impact, grabbing two wickets in four balls to tighten Berbice’s grip on the match.
Demerara Captain Kaysia Schultz fought valiantly during the defence, claiming 6 for 30 in an exceptional effort to keep her side in the contest. But Berbice held firm. Sheneta Grimmond top-scored with 24, while Millington returned to play the saviour with the bat as well, guiding her team home with a composed 21 from 40 balls. Berbice reached 73 for 6 in 18 overs to seal the win. Tomorrow’s final at the LBI Ground is set to bowl off at 09:00h.
The Lady Jags celebrate Annalisa Vincent’s 18th-minute strike (Jemima Holmes photo)
Plaffianna Millington claimed five wickets
Kumarie Persaud receives the player of the match trophy from Cricket Operations Assistant Pooja Persaud
Captain Brianne Desa on the charge for the Lady Jags (Jemima Holmes photo)
Just under two weeks away from kick-off, another sponsor has been added to the star-studded cast for the KFC Goodwill International Schools’ football tournament. The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) joins the likes of title sponsors KFC, NEW GPC Inc under its Limacol brand and the Royal International Hotel as sponsors.
The homegrown Guyanese financial institution on Tuesday handed over $1.5 million to the tournament’s coordinators, Petra Organisation, during a simple ceremony at their Kingston, Georgetown head office.
There, Senior Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings reaffirmed the company’s commitment to making investments in youths and sports.
“First, let me say GBTI is proud of this investment in the future. I wouldn’t just say a sponsorship but an investment in the future. So, GBTI will continue to support sports throughout Guyana; this is just one of the first steps we’ll make. And of course, we’re always happy to partner with the Petra Organisation,” Cummings shared.
On the other hand, Petra CoDirector Troy Mendonca enlightened on the value of the company’s support.
“And I want to say to you that your contribution is not only a donation as it relates to covering our
logistics and so on, but it is an investment that you’re going to see youths graduating from this tournament.”
Mendonca went on to reflect on expressing his intentions to invite a Jamaican team to the tournament years ago, an idea that was
met with a response of “You guys ready for Jamaica?” The Petra Co-Director went on to draw a parallel, highlighting that years
French Guiana delegation arrives today for Inter-Guiana Games
The French Guiana delegation is set to arrive in Georgetown today as anticipation builds for the 2025 Inter-Guiana Games (IGG), scheduled for December 5 to 7.
They will join host nation Guyana and neighbouring Suriname for one of the region’s longest-running youth sports exchanges.
Over 130 student-athletes, ages 14 to 18, will compete in basketball, futsal, chess, volleyball, swimming, and track and field. With the exception of futsal, all disciplines will feature both male and fe-
male athletes. Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, said Guyana is fully prepared to welcome the visiting delegations, noting that all competition venues have undergone recent use through national and regional events.
“We’re happy that our venues are all in competition shape,” Ninvalle stated. “Guyana has hosted several major events at these facilities, so we’re confident that everything is in place.”
Futsal and basketball will take centre stage at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, while the National
Gymnasium will host volleyball.
Swimming events are slated for the National Aquatic Centre, with athletics scheduled for the National Track and Field Centre, which will also host the Opening Ceremony at 09:30h on December 5. Meanwhile, the National Racquet Centre will serve as the battleground for chess.
Ninvalle emphasised that the IGG provides more than just athletic competition, adding that “the IGG is a great learning experience for the children par-
ticipating. The whole experience is a learning process for them, and for us, that is very important.”
As the final preparations wrap up, Ninvalle reaffirmed Guyana’s readiness to deliver a high-quality event.
The Director of Sport noted, “I’m happy that we can stage this year’s IGG at a very high level. Everyone is pleased with what we have to offer, and now it’s time to focus on having a competitive Games.”
Ninvalle pointed out that the National Sports Commission (NSC) has
down the road, Guyana’s Chase’s Academic Foundation not only trumped the Jamaican champion but also Trinidad and Tobago’s best in what was a statement victory in 2024.
So, that in itself says how important it is to support this tournament,” Mendonca added as he went on to express their gratitude to the bank.
Mendonca later confirmed the three schools representing Guyana in the eight-team tournament, set to kick off on December 14.
Defending champions, Chase’s Academic Foundation will be joined by Republic Bank league runners-up West Ruimveldt Secondary, alongside Annai Secondary, who won the Region Nine playoffs.
From Trinidad and Tobago, St Benedict’s College will compete. Kingston College of Jamaica, Anglican Central Education Authority (ACEA) Select of the Bahamas, Monteiro Lobato School of Boa Vista, Brazil, and Suriname’s Schools’ Championship winners will add to the tournament’s international flair.
The competition will conclude on December 21st and will also feature a Cultural Night where participating schools will display their home country’s cultural aspects.
been working closely with local sport federations to ensure Guyanese athletes are well-prepared to defend home soil. First held in 1967, the
Inter-Guiana Games remain a cornerstone of youth development and cooperation among Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle
GBTI Senior Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings makes a presentation to Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca in the presence of GBTI CEO Shawn Gurcharran and Petra’s Troy Peters