Pres Ali, US Energy Secretary discuss deepening energy ties
Proposals made for additional generators at Bartica’s Power Plant "Long road ahead for women’s equality" – Chancellor of the Judiciary
…Guyana affirms commitment to continue growing bilateral ties with US Guyana deports Venezuelans who illegally arrived at Essequibo Coast
…as power demand grows
25-year-old man stabbed to death by stepfather
killing
Sherwin Shafeek
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2025 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Wednesday, March 12 –04:00h-05:30h and Thursday, March 13 – 04:00h-05:30h.
MARCH
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, March 12 –15:20h-16:50h and Thursday, March 13 – 15:55h-17:25h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery to light showers are expected throughout the day and at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 15:54h reaching a maximum height of 2.51 metres.
Low Tide: 09:29h and 21:49h reaching minimum heights of 0.79 metre and 0.68 metre.
Pres Ali, US Energy Secretary discuss deepening energy ties
…Guyana affirms commitment to continue growing bilateral ties with US
resident Dr Irfaan Ali, who spoke at the CERAWeek event in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday held talks with newly appointed United States (US) Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, on the sidelines of the event, with the aim of advancing energy cooperation between Guyana and the US.
President Ali has met with the newly appointed US Secretary of Energy. The meeting took place on the sidelines of CERAWeek, an event hosted by energy analytics publication S&P Global, where industry experts are brought together to discuss issues facing the energy sector.
Wright was appointed by US President Donald Trump on a platform of expanding America’s energy security and support for natural gas, at a time when Guyana is itself pursuing its own Gas-toEnergy project.
During the meeting with Wright, President Ali highlighted the existing bilater-
go to full arbitration over financial claims and deadline extensions being sought by the contractor. The financial claims were filed by the contractor due to late handing over and other aspects that affected its work.
The contractors are claiming US$50 million, and had sought a six-month ex-
al partnership between the two countries to advance energy security, and used the opportunity to point out strategic opportunities in regional security as well as the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government’s commitment to working with the US.
“(President Ali) also underscored the strategic opportunities in regional security and reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to being a stable and democratic partner. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepening collaboration, strengthening ties, and fostering greater cooperation now and in the future,” the Office of the President stated.
Two US-based companies, Lindsayca and CH4, are playing integral roles in the Gas-to-Energy project specifically. Together, the two companies formed a joint venture to build the 300-megawatt (MW) Combined Cycle Power Plant and a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD) at a cost of US$759 million.
However, the two parties only recently agreed to
tension to the deadline over the delays – both of which were rejected by the Guyana Government, thus leading to a dispute resolution process that was activated. Following submissions and hearings, the Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Board (DAAB) had given the two parties, in January, a 28-day period to decide whether to pursue arbitration.
Nevertheless, as activities, including pile-driving, resume at the GtE project site at Wales, preparations for foundation work are also imminent. It has been noted, too, that construction of a cement batching plant is underway, steel for foundation work has been delivered to the site, and a man-camp is being established with more than 170 workers currently mobilized.
Upon completion, the project is expected to substantially lower electricity generation costs, enabling
Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) to reduce tariffs by up to 50 per cent. This reduction has significant implications for the Guyanese economy, fostering more competitive production costs and stimulating broader economic growth.
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) has already finished constructing the gas pipeline, and the transmission lines and substations required for integration of the project are significantly advanced, with completion anticipated by mid-year.
According to a missive from the Government that had announced the decision to go to full arbitration, “Despite the pending arbitration, both parties remain committed to expediting the power plant and natural gas liquids (NGL) plant, aiming to ensure the timely relocation of the gas and steam turbines, which are already in Guyana, to the Wales site.”
President Dr Irfaan Ali (right) and US Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, along with their teams, in discussion
President Dr Irfaan Ali joined S&P Global's Dr Daniel Yergin for Tuesday’s luncheon and dialogue at #CERAWeek 2025 in Houston, Texas (Office of the President photo)
The recent violent altercation between two police officers and two motorists on Camp Street, Georgetown is an alarming incident that underscores the growing disregard for law enforcement and the rule of law. This brazen attack, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, highlights an unacceptable trend that must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Law enforcement officers play a vital role in maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of all citizens, and any act of aggression against them must be met with the full force of the law.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has acknowledged the altercation, stating that while the officers' conduct does not align with the professional standards expected of the Force, this in no way justifies the physical assault they endured. The video evidence reveals a clear escalation that turned a routine police interaction into a violent encounter. The decision by one of the motorists to record the officer's actions is not in itself problematic. However, the situation took a dangerous turn when an officer, appearing agitated, confiscated the phone, triggering an immediate and aggressive response from the men involved. What followed was nothing short of an appalling attack on the officers, including the snatching of an officer s chain, a physical assault, and the use of a shovel as a weapon against one of the officers.
Such acts of aggression against law enforcement officials cannot be normalised or excused. The foundation of any functioning society is respect for the rule of law, and those who choose to challenge it through violence must be held accountable. The attack on these officers was not an isolated incident, but a symptom of a broader issue an erosion of respect for authority and a misguided belief that law enforcement can be undermined without consequence.
It is important to acknowledge that the actions of the officers involved in this case would also be subjected to scrutiny, as the GPF has indicated that the incident would be reviewed to ensure that appropriate professional standards are upheld. However, it is equally critical that public outrage over perceived police misconduct does not translate into justification for physical violence against officers. There are legal avenues available for addressing grievances against the police, including internal investigations and judicial review. Resorting to violence is never the solution.
The GPF has rightfully reminded the public that attacks on officers executing their duties will not be tolerated, and may lead to legal consequences. This message must be reinforced at all levels of society. The men involved in this attack must face swift and decisive legal action to send a clear message that such behaviour has no place in our communities. If individuals believe they can physically assault officers with impunity, the very fabric of law and order would unravel, leading to chaos and an increase in criminality.
Further, this incident highlights the need for ongoing training and de-escalation techniques within the Police Force. Officers must be equipped with the skills necessary to manage tense situations professionally, and to handle confrontations in a manner that upholds the dignity and authority of the Force. However, no amount of training can protect officers from individuals who are intent on engaging in violence. The public must understand that respect for law enforcement is not optional it is a fundamental requirement for a safe and orderly society.
Additionally, social media s role in shaping public perception of law enforcement interactions cannot be ignored. The viral nature of such videos often leads to selective outrage, with the focus disproportionately placed on the officers actions rather than the full context of the event. While accountability in policing is crucial, so too is a balanced and factual assessment of events. The reality remains that, in this case, officers were physically assaulted while attempting to do their jobs.
We urge all citizens to respect the men and women who risk their lives daily to uphold the law. Law enforcement officers deserve to work in an environment in which they are not subjected to violence and hostility. The authorities must ensure that those responsible for this attack are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, thereby setting a precedent that would deter future acts of aggression against officers.
Poor building codes & fire
Dear Editor, Legend states that Roman Emperor Nero (37-68 AD) played the fiddle while Rome burned in 64 AD. While he certainly didn't play the fiddle, since it had not yet been invented, the moral here is the seemingly carefree attitude of authorities to safeguard and regulate such disasters.
The never-ending destruction of properties in Guyana is a direct result of poor building codes and feeble material quality, compounded by poor regulatory bodies like the Housing Ministry, and inadequate property inspections.
Mae’s school is a now pile of ashes, while a fire on Saturday night at GuySuCo’s sugar terminal at Ramp Road in Ruimveldt, Georgetown destroyed rice sacks approximately one ton in weight.
Much has been written about the Mahdia fire tragedy, thus it may be superfluous to pile on the various outpourings of anger and grief. However, some proposed safeguards can be of great assistance. Guyana needs a complete overhaul of its archaic building codes and safety standards, coupled with periodic inspections by Housing and Fire Safety agencies. Presently, many dwellings - with their poor electrical wiring and overloaded circuits, coupled with inferior (Chinese) fixtures - are death traps waiting to claim more victims. Here are some solutions:
All persons, whether working in the public or private sectors, must be cognizant with the five primary methods that are employed worldwide in cases of fire. The acronym RACEE aptly depicts this: R=Rescue anyone in immediate danger. AAlarm. Call the Fire Department! C=Confine
the smoke/fire by closing doors and windows. E=Evacuate all persons. E=Extinguish small fires with portable fire extinguishers.
1: Buildings in Guyana have no classification. Single family homes are converted into tenant-occupied portions so that homeowners can accommodate family members and get some income. The flaw in this is that there is the same original plumbing and electric systems that now have to support more lighting and appliances. As Guyana is entering the technology era, a host of appliances are utilized — almost always invariably from one outlet. A microwave oven, an air conditioner and an iron can total as much as 4,000 Watts — enough to induce overloading and precipitate (sparks) fire. Extension cords, most times hidden under carpet, with their multiple connections pose extreme fire hazard. Then there is the scenario in which persons break off one of the prongs in threeway plugs to accommodate plug-ins. The earth safety is thus discarded, and overloading is facilitated.
2: Single-room occupancy (SRO) buildings, prevalent in university and hospital vicinities, need to be registered with the Building Department and given a registration number. In this way, inspectionsay on a yearly basis - can be carried out, safety designs instituted, and complaints taken and investigated. A phone number must be established for this. Thirty-five persons occupying an uninsured building (near the university) borders on insanity.
3: A minimum space between buildings, say 5 feet, is a requirement that needs to be incorporated into building codes and zoning regulations.
This facilitates evacuation as well as allows access by firefighters.
4: Commercial buildings need sprinkler systems - a series of roadside connections to connect fire hoses, which will distribute water inside a building in event of fire. Automated oxygen retardant systems need to be installed inside, where an increase in temperature (say at 110F) would trigger off the chemical (mostly halogens) spray. As this chemical sucks out the oxygen, the fire would be greatly contained. Smoke alarms are cheap, and should be installed along corridors, which are the principal pathways for smoke.
5: Bonds, regardless of what is stored, need to be sectionalised, much like the compartments in ships such as oil tankers. Concrete separating walls with steel (fireproof) connecting doors must be the code for storage warehouses. This, coupled with periodic safety inspections, must be the way forward. Storage of cooking gas containers must never be inside a closed building. Propane is highly flammable (after all, people cook with it) and needs to be stored outdoors: any leakage/ explosion would dissipate harmlessly into the atmosphere.
6: Perhaps the worst aspect of construction in Guyana is the electrical system, material and installation codes. This is in serious need of overhauling. Systems such as 100 Amperes distribution with Fly Back Breakers are the standard for commercial buildings such as warehouses, offices, shopping centres, night clubs and so on. This is virtually non-existent. GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets (with built in overload kick-out) rarely exist, while electric wiring
is predominantly vinyl-coated (easily combustible) copper wire. Additionally, old wiring, coupled with corroded fuses which do not trip or ‘blow’, poses severe risk of fire. As evidenced in the Cummings Lodge case.
7: Fire hydrants are taken for granted, instead of being seen as a means of emergency water supply. It is comical that hydrants invariably have little water in the ‘Land of Many Waters.’ Regular water pressure-monitoring needs to be instituted.
8: The Bureau of Standards must arise from its slumber and monitor the very poor quality of electrical fittings and accessories (mostly from China) that flood the Guyanese market. And the Housing Authority must determine the safety features and occupancy of commercial buildings. The partitioning of buildings with the mere addition of a few walls to obtain an ‘apartment’ to get rental income has proven to have fatal consequences.
9: Burglar proofing using metal bars can be a feature of being penny wise and pound foolish. Any metal barriers must be of a gate (open & close) mechanism with a metal sliding rod which can only be opened from the inside. In the final analysis, there is need for rigid polices to prevent further tragedies. All buildings must carry insurance, have sprinkler systems, and undergo a yearly inspection by the Fire Department, where pitfalls will be identified and corrected. Fines must be imposed on all forms of non-compliance.
Sincerely, Leyland Chitlall Roopnaraine
Harvesting begins on 1,250 acres of soybean at Tacama Gold Inc in the Berbice River (President Dr Irfaan Ali’s Facebook page photo)
Caught between a rock and a hard place
Dear Editor,
There is a call for Team Mohamed - I do not see a team, but that's what this newest family of persons is called - to enter the upcoming presidential race.
This is a very commendable move on his part, but let us discuss how this man got here.
Hitherto, the Mohameds were a somewhat obscure name. They were a rich family who were busily engaged in building an empire for themselves. Take note: they were engaged in building an empire FOR THEMSELVES. The family team came to prominence after news broke of sanctions being levelled against the family; it was then this back-and-forth between the Mohameds and Government intensified.
In the first place, instead of trying to clear their name with the US Government, who imposed sanctions against them, the Mohameds are now vilifying the Government of Guyana for their downfall. At this juncture, the name Mohamed
shot into prominence and became a household name; and he became visible in the public eye as a "good man" who helps poor people in this country.
He has built a few homes for unfortunate victims of fire and other bad circumstances, but that was not enough; it did not make any real inroads in his quest to be taken off the list of sanctioned persons. Therefore, the next move was to stand on the sidelines and vilify the PPP/C Government.
He is turning up in known areas of disagreement, to gain the attention of persons and shore up his popularity at the same time.
So, someone must have whispered in his ear, ‘Why not run for President? We are going to vote for you, we want change. Out with the PPP/C Government!’
Now, it should be noted that some of those shouting for change are people who were greatly helped by the PPP/C Government. Some of them had received such help as free housing and land ownership, but they are now out
to get what we say in Creole "more freeness." This in itself puts a damper on his presidential bid, because he is being showcased by people who are clearly an ungrateful lot in that they are biting the hand that fed them. So, rather than help his case, these public relations stunts of his hurt his case.
In trying to vilify the Government, Mohamed has to face up to the challenge of a PPP/C Government that has received the commendation of a reputable international organization such as the IMF. Mohamed has to measure up to the PPP/C Government being honoured with the badge of achievement from the IMF for management of the economy and for overall good governance of our country.
Mr Mohamed has no experience in governance, neither has he a team with which he can carry out that mandate. If he had a brain, he should have done what that other "Fullah man" did. I am talking about Ed Ahmad, who, when charged with money laundering and gold
smuggling, promptly paid his fine and did his time. He is now free to publicly declare his assets as well as to invest in his country. The ‘dark shades’ Mohamed moghul thinks he is slicker than that. He believes he can win an election and control a government that is like the ‘Desi Bouterse and Son’ team in Suriname, or like Pablo Escobar himself. In either case, he would be up against the USA and, of course, sanctions.
Now, this is the situation that confronts Azharuddin Mohamed:
1. Go it alone and form his own party, let's say Team Mohamed. Lest he becomes overambitious, third-party forces, far less independents, have never won an election in Guyana.
2. Who would constitute that team? Would it be persons from the PPP or from
the PNC? The PPP/C have already given him the marching orders: that they will not - I repeat, cannot - enter into any association with the Mohameds. They have issued that edict on the firm platform that an association with the Mohameds means an entire country being sanctioned with him. This will not happen!
3. He can join with the PNC in a coalition of sorts
4. If he joins with the PNC, would they be willing to
have him lead?
5. That would be wishful thinking
6. Mohamed would become another puppet, like the two little Indians before him, who were used and then dumped. So, at the present moment, the Mohameds are caught between a rock and a very hard place!
Respectfully, Neil Adams
Page Foundation
1. The sum of 256 and 3.66666 is (A) 259.6666 (B) 259.666 (C) 259.667 (D) 260
2. Which of the numbers below has a place value of 6000 (A) 93706 (B) 36000
(C) 48067 (D) 61450
3. Which of the numbers below has 9 as one of its factors
(A) 91
(B) 36 (C) 12
(D) 60
4. A car travelling at 25 miles an hour will move from Point A to Point B 2.5 miles away in exactly?
(A) 6 minutes
(B) 36 minutes
(C) 10 minutes
(D) 50 minutes
5.Which of the following is equal to 20 100 + 4500 + 80 + 2?
(A) 24682
(C) 240682
(B) 2468.2
(D) 2468
6. 1896 rounded to the nearest thousand is (A) 1800
(B) 1000
(C) 2000 (D) 1890
7. How many whole numbers are in the set of numbers greater than 20 but less than 50? (A) 30 (B) 20 (C) 10 (D) 15
a) What is the difference in mass, between Sunita and Nancy?
(b) Between which two children is there the smallest difference in mass?
(c) Which two children will give a total of 85 kg?
(d) (i) Between which two children is there the greatest difference in mass?
(ii) What is the difference in their mass?
And often through my curtains peep,
Twinkle, twinkle,
Guyana deports Venezuelans who illegally arrived at Essequibo Coast
Agroup of Venezuelans, who illegally arrived in Guyana on Monday at the Abraham Zuil beach, along the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), have been deported, with the exception of those who have familial ties to the country.
According to an official report from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the boatload of Venezuelan migrants comprising 75 individuals including nine children, nine women, and 57 men, arrived in a 45-foot by 8-foot boat, powered by two 75hp Yamaha
outboard engines. In a brief telephone interview with this publication on Tuesday, Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn disclosed that following their interception by local law enforcement authorities, the migrants underwent a screening process. Those who could not establish family connections in Guyana were deported to Venezuela.
“The morning [Monday], they were to be returned across the border the same day. There was an inability to do it in sufficient time and they were housed and
Balance
fed overnight and they departed at 4am this morning [Monday],” the Minister explained.
This publication was told that Police will be arresting and charging boat captains and crew who are illegally transporting migrants into Guyana.
Humanitarian assistance
Meanwhile, Minister Benn has made it clear that Guyana remains open to providing humanitarian assistance to migrants seeking refuge in Guyana. However, those migrants, must enter the country legally.
“If they want to come to Guyana, they have to go to the immigration port of entry to the immigration officer be screened and get an ED (Embarkation and Disembarkation) charge. If they don’t do that and their reaching all the way to Parika and those places we will send them back. The only way is if we screen them and look at it and if we can say for certain they are returning Guyanese,” he added.
Registration is made easy through the implementation of “roaming immigration officers” who traverse the areas usually populated by migrants and offer registration and extension of stay services remotely. This process is focused on regularisation of these migrants thus preventing or reducing their vulnerability to trafficking, sexual and labour exploitation.
In Guyana, all children
of migrants, legal and illegal, from Venezuela and other countries are allowed full access to be enrolled in the public school system within the host communities, and to benefit from Government-
The illegal arrival of the migrants in the country comes as Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro plans to unlawfully hold elections on May 25 for a governor of Guyana’s Essequibo
Venezuela from proceeding with its planned elections in Essequibo – two-thirds of Guyana’s national territory.
Guyana is requesting that the Court order Venezuela to refrain from any acts within or affecting its sovereign territory, including the Essequibo region.
This is the second time Guyana has sought provisional measures from the Court, which is currently hearing a case to settle the decades-long border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.
Back in December 2023, Guyana had approached the World Court after Venezuela's threat to seize and annex Guyana's Essequibo region. In response, the ICJ had or-
funded support programmes including school feeding programmes, school uniform vouchers, and the “Because We Care” Cash Grants given to all students.
Growing agriculture sector
must be
region.
Just a few days ago, Guyana approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) seeking provisional measures to block
dered Venezuela to refrain from any actions to disturb Guyana's administration and control of that territory pending the conclusion of the case.
struck between farmers, consumers pricing needs – Pres Ali
…stresses need for fair prices, as Govt to help market plantains in Hague, WCD
Stressing the need for farmers to work together to come up with fair prices, President Dr Irfaan Ali, at a recent impromptu meeting with farmers on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), also assured that the Government would help with the marketing of produce such as plantains.
The President made this commitment while visiting the WCD community of Hague Backdam. At the time, a farmer was complaining that there were no markets for the plantains being produced in the community, prompting the Head of State to offer his government’s assistance.
“You get $30 (per lb) now. You started off by saying you didn’t have any market. Across the country, people are wholesaling at $50 and $60. You buy in town at $100 a pound. I’m saying to you, if you’re telling me you can’t find a market, we will send in somebody to buy it
from you at that same $60 a pound - what it’s wholesaling for - and we’ll buy out all. So, let’s say we’ll bring all the plantain right here, and they come right here and pick up everything,” President Ali said.
Concern was also raised about crops such as sweet potatoes, cabbage and tomatoes. One farmer noted that while these crops are produced on a large scale by local farmers, persons import Brazilian versions to replace them. However, the President pointed out that exorbitant prices are sometimes demanded by the local farmers for these crops, and he urged them to collaborate on determining a fair price.
“That’s an issue that farmers raised with me, and you have to be fair too. Last year -- three times a year they would grow tomatoes -tomatoes went to $400/$500 a pound…today it’s $300 and $200,” President Ali said.
“So, farmers also have
to, we have to come together and establish a fair price. Not when there’s a shortage you come and take advantage of the market, then when market forces act it displaces you. We have to have balance, because consumers complain too.”
President Ali also illustrated ways in which the PPP/C government is already directly helping the farmers, such as the waiver on fuel taxes. The PPP/C government had steadily reduced the excise tax on fuel: from 35 per cent to 10 per cent, and
then to zero in an effort to ease the impact of the rising cost of living on Guyanese, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and then exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine crisis in 2022.
“Since we came in government, every year, close to
$80 billion revenue we gave up. You know why we gave it up? We don’t collect any taxes on diesel, or gasoline. All the other countries, they crying out. In the US election, what was (one of) the biggest issues? The cost of gas. We have collected zero tax since we came in the government. Hundreds upon hundreds of revenues we give up to help you all,” President Ali said.
This year, a sum of $104.6 billion was allocated to the agriculture sector, the highest budgetary allocation for the sector to date. It is expected that this allocation would increase Guyana’s food security and its contribution to regional efforts of reducing food imports.
Last year, the fisheries, vegetables, other crops, fruits, coconut, livestock and rice all showed significant improvements, with a 10.9 per cent growth in the other crops sub-sector recorded, while expansion was also observed across major crop categories.
The boatload of Venezuelan migrants that were deported
The group of migrants at the Abraham Zuil beach, along the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn
President Dr Irfaan Ali during his meeting with farmers in Hague
Be careful… …of the (Suriname) covetous
Your Eyewitness has taken note that Suriname’s Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin has been elected as Secretary General of the OAS – Organization of American States - and our Govt has extended congratulations to him.
Now, while we must follow the tradition of “all protocols observed” in diplomacy, let’s not get carried away with the hoopla that, because he’s the first “Caribbean” diplomat to receive that honour, it’s also a plus for us. Let’s not forget that, last November 29, Ramdin summarily summoned our ambassador, Depoo, to protest our developing an airstrip and medical clinic in OUR New River Triangle (NRT) that borders his country in the Deep South.
Imagine the nerve!!! We’re developing our country, and we must get permission from Suriname?? Well, to understand Ramdin’s nerve, we gotta remind ourselves of the fact that, just as Venezuela claims our Essequibo, Suriname claims all 6000 square miles of our NRT –more than three Trinidads!! - And we must be cautious that this man now heads an organization that includes all the countries of the Americas, excepting Cuba and Nicaragua. And that’s because those two countries are communist, and the OAS was formed back in 1948 to fight communism!!
The OAS is headquartered in Washington DC, and it’s widely conceded that it’s controlled by America, which provides half its funding.
And Ramdin – while not in a controlling role - is now in a critical position to influence what gets on to the agenda of the OAS. And here’s where their NRT claim can get greater exposure to the rest of the continent. Back in 1996, when Suriname applied to become a member of Caricom, we coulda blocked them on account of the dirty deed they’d done in 1969: to actually send a military force to seize and occupy the NRT!! It was the same year that Venezuela had backed the Rupununi Uprising to hive off the 20,000 sq miles of the Rupununi -- much as they had done with our half of Ankoko Island, which they’ve occupied since 1966, and are amassing troops there right now!!
We had to send in a brave band of GDF soldiers in a makeshift air attack to drive off the Surinamese from our NRT – and they’ve never forgiven us for the humiliation of their men running into the jungle like scared deer!!
We must alert our people that we are under attack from two sides in an era when the old verities of the international order are in a flux. We cannot take anything for granted. While we can hope for the best, we must plan for the worst, and part of that “worst” is that the Foreign Minister of a state that claims 6000 sq miles of our territory heads the OAS!!
…of throwing around money
There’s a new trend in Guyanese politics. Used to be we practised “Doctor Politics”. Ordinary folks who’d been kept down on the plantation, and the farm, looked up to those who got into the professions through earning a university degree - like doctors or lawyers – and could “talk back” and take on the white man!! Don’t forget that Jagan was a dentist and Burnham was a lawyer.
But as things heat up for the coming elections - that gotta be held before the year is out - we notice that two lawyers had to drop out from the PNC sweepstakes, and another one from the AFC seemed to’ve started out too early from the paddock and has lost steam. Enter a new breed that we can only call “moneybags”!! One of them seemed to’ve broken into Fort Knox, and is determined to spend it all before the Yanks collar him!! The other one has a gazillion of fast-food franchises that act like a mint!!
We does like fatty foods!!
…of what you ask for
Mad Maduro clearly thinks Dealer Trump’s gonna give him a free pass because he wants his oil. While he’s correct on the latter premise, he’s forgotten the best deal is when you get something for nothing!!
PM Phillips pays tribute to Justice Small, Lt Col Warde at funeral services
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips attended the funeral service for the late Justice, (Ret'd)
Oslen Ainsworth Fitzgerald Small, Cacique's Crown of Honour (CCH) on Tuesday, at the Freedom Congressional Church in Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD).
In his tribute, the Prime Minister, who is performing the functions of President, honoured Justice Small as a legal giant whose legacy exemplifies discipline, service and justice.
He noted that Justice Small upheld the law and led by example not only in the courtroom but also within the military ranks and religious community, adding that his dedicated
ceptional service to Guyana, Justice Small was conferred with the CCH – Guyana's third highest national award, in May 2018.
Distinguished military career
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister attended the funeral service of Lieutenant Colonel (Ret'd) Fitzroy Warde on Tuesday at the Brickdam Cathedral.
During the service, Prime Minister Phillips, paid tribute to Lt. Col. Warde's distinguished military career and unwavering service to the nation. The prime Minister described him as a mentor, a patriot, and a guardian of Guyana's security, highlighting his significant
service will continue to inspire judges, soldiers, and leaders for generations to come.
Justice Small devoted his career to public service, beginning as a Magistrate in the East Coast Demerara (ECD) Magisterial District before assuming the role of Registrar of the Supreme Court in the late 1970s. He was appointed a High Court Judge in 1986 and served until his retirement in 1999.
His contributions extended beyond the judiciary, as he held key positions as Judge Advocate of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) until 2022 and Chair of the Parole Board from 2004 to 2021. Additionally, he served as a long-time pastor at Smith Memorial Congregational Church.
In recognition of his ex-
contributions to the GDF.
Enlisting in 1984, Lt. Col. Warde rose steadily through the ranks, holding several key leadership positions including Commanding Officer of the 1st and 2nd Infantry Battalions, the Coast Guard, and Special Forces.
He also served as Base Commander at Camp Ayanganna and as a Civil Military Officer at Defence Headquarters. His expertise in military operations, border security, and training significantly shaped the GDF's readiness and strategic development.
For his exceptional service to Guyana, Lt. Col. Warde was awarded the 25th and 40th Anniversary Medal: the Border Defence Medal, and the Military Efficiency Medal.
Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips speaking at the funeral of Justice (retired) Oslen Ainsworth Fitzgerald Small (CCH) on Tuesday
The funeral service of Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Fitzroy Warde on Tuesday at the Brickdam Cathedral
The late Justice (retired) Oslen Ainsworth Fitzgerald Small (CCH)
‘‘Long road ahead for women’s equality’’ – Chancellor of the Judiciary
Despite notable progress in women’s representation in Guyana’s judiciary, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, has emphasised that true gender equality remains a distant goal.
Speaking in observance of the International Day of Women Judges, she called for greater inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making roles, particularly in both public and private sectors.
markable achievement, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards argued that representation alone does not equate to equality.
While women now make up more than 50 per cent of Guyana’s judiciary, a re-
The Chancellor who was at the time addressing the inaugural Memorial Lecture in honour of Madam Justice
Desiree Bernard, on the topic “Article 29: Women’s Participation in Decision Making: Have We Arrived?”, stressed that leadership positions across both sectors should reflect a diverse and balanced representation of men and women.
“Leadership positions
in both public and private should have a wide cross-section of persons, both male and female, who must represent the interests of their constituents. They must represent the interests of the public. So, it cannot be one-sided. It must be all-encompassing… For there to be gender equality and to bridge the gender divide, it is evident that a lot has to be done. Article 29, it would appear, is a brilliant start, a step in the right direction,” the Chancellor said.
Justice CummingsEdwards pointed out that while Article 29 of the Guyana Constitution guarantees equal rights in both public and private spheres, additional legal protections are necessary to bridge the gender divide.
“Are we there yet? Have we arrived? Are we complacent? Or are we saying the rights are there and we can just sit on our laurels and do not active those rights. Should we have our law makers work towards having more laws that will allow women to enjoy greater freedom”.
“I would say in my view that we are there but there is still more to go. I’m look-
ing at the private sphere where in the area of domestic violence, family violence, sexual violence, despite forward thinking legislation like the sexual offences act, the family violence act and so many other pieces of legislation they are still cases of domestic violence or family violence. What is reported is not half of the picture,” the Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary explained.
The Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary explained that tackling this issue will call for immediate action, regional outreaches, the reform of legislative processes, and a commitment from all stakeholders. She further went on to note that the work of the late Justice Desiree Bernard and her counterparts must continue, particularly as it relates to ensuring that women are trailblazers in the legal fraternity.
“We have to be vigilant and continue to work. What was started by Justice Bernard and countless others to achieve full participation of women in decision making and management processes… we have to wear heavy boots on the ground to smash the glass ceiling.”
Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards
Proposals made for additional generators at Bartica’s Power Plant
…as power demand grows
As the century old town of Bartica in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) continues to witness significant growth in key sectors such as housing and mining among others, the town’s energy consumption has jumped significantly over the years.
In an interview with Guyana Times the town’s Mayor, Anthony Murray revealed that in a bid to keep up with the town’s growing energy appetite proposals were made to Central Government under the town’s capital projects to acquire additional generators which will be installed at the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) powerplant in Bartica.
“It was talked about around coming from Central, but it would be a capital project… hopefully, they get to put it into the budget so that they could have the process move forward in purchasing either the two-engine or one-engine that would have the capacity to work along with the others,” The Mayor said.
The Bartica Power Plant stationed at Dogg Point, Agatash was commissioned in December of 2019 and has the capacity to generate 3.3-megawatts (MW) of power. The 5-year-old power plant was at the time outfitted with three power generation units one of which was initially intended to be used as a backup generator. However, Guyana Times understands that this backup unit is currently being used to meet the town’s growing energy demand.
Power vulnerability
Residents of Bartica, last August were left without electricity for approximately eight hours following the shutdown of two of the three GPL Bartica power plant generators.
The unavailability of the three critical units significantly reduced the plant’s power producing capabilities, which resulted in a ripple effect leaving communities across Bartica without electricity.
In an invited comment at that time the Mayor had revealed that power outages are not a common occurrence in the town. He
highlighted that one of the backup generators at the plant was inoperable prior to the power outage, which would have contributed to the disruption of power.
With the backup generator now being used to feed the town’s energy appetite persons have expressed concerns noting that in a worstcase scenario the situation could repeat itself.
Booming economic growth
The town is currently
witnessing significant infrastructural growth in its mining and housing sectors.
Under its flagship ‘Dream Realised’ initiative, the Housing and Water Ministry has been working to develop new housing schemes in the town. In fact, In Bartica alone, there were three new housing areas established with some 132-houses distributed to date. Notably, just last Friday the Housing and Water Ministry had allocated some 500 house lots to residents in Bartica and surrounding areas in Region Seven.
Moreover, one of the of
the largest gold mines is in that region and located in the Oko West area. The new US$1.5 billion gold project has a projected mine life of 13 years, and is expected to re-energise Guyana’s mining sector with the production of 350,000 ounces of gold annually. The project, which would come on stream in 2027, is situated some 95 kilometres (km) southwest of Georgetown and measures approximately 44 square kilometres (km²)).
Bartica Mayor Anthony Murray
Bartica’s GPL Power Plant
“Do not attack or assault law enforcement officials” – GPF warns
…as 2 cops, motorists clash on Camp St, viral video sparks investigation
Aphysical altercation between two police officers and two
motorists on Camp Street, Georgetown has sparked an investigation after a
video of the incident began circulating on social media. The Guyana Police
Force (GPF) has since issued a statement distancing itself from the officers’
actions while also warning against attacks on law enforcement.
In the video seen by this publication, the confrontation reportedly began when an officer approached the two men, seemingly questioning them. One of the men then pulled out his phone and started recording. The officer, appearing agitated, snatched the phone from his hand. This led to an immediate escalation, with one of the men pointing a finger in the officer’s face while the other grabbed the officer’s chain from around his neck.
As the officer reacted, the two men then began physically assaulting him, punching him about his body as he fought back. A second officer, who was nearby, quickly intervened. He retrieved his fallen helmet and struck one of the men, who was attacking his colleague. This prompted further chaos, as the officer and the man engaged in a fight while the first officer and the other motorist continued to struggle in the middle of the road.
During the brawl, one of the men ran into a compound opposite the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) but later returned. Meanwhile, the motorist who was struck with the officer’s helmet remained confrontational, cursing and advancing toward the
officer. The situation escalated further when the man who had briefly left returned with a shovel and struck one of the officers, and was later beaten by the two men.
The GPF, in its official statement, acknowledged the incident and stated that the conduct of the officers “does not reflect the values and professional standards” of the force. However, the statement also emphasised that attacks on law enforcement officers executing their duties will be thoroughly investigated and may result in legal action.
“While two wrongs cannot equate to a right, the Guyana Police Force urges all such actions to be reported for investigation. Members of the public are reminded not to attack or assault law enforcement officials acting in the execution of their official duties. Such attacks will be investigated, followed by court proceedings”, the statement read.
The police force has indicated that the footage will be used to assess and improve service quality within the Traffic Department through additional training. Meanwhile, an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the altercation and any possible charges for those involved.
The brawl between the two policemen and the two civilians
Traffic Dept moving to clamp down on delinquent e-bike users
In light of the continuous lawless behaviour displayed by electric bike users on roadways across the country, the Traffic Department is moving to toughen its enforcement of law for this category of road users.
In May 2023, Guyana passed laws to regulate the use of electric bikes on the country’s roadways.
Effective July 4, 2023, the Guyana Revenue Authority
(GRA) began to register e-bikes.
Among the requirements for registration, persons must be the holder of a valid driver’s licence. However, many e-bike users are unlicensed and a significant number of the vehicles on the roadways remain unregistered.
In an interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday, Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra
Taxi driver admits to killing colleague in 2022
Aheated dispute between two taxi drivers in 2022 ended in bloodshed and death and now, nearly three years later, one of them has admitted guilt.
Troy Griffith, who was charged with the fatal stabbing of fellow taxi driver Quincy Weekes, changed his plea to guilty on Tuesday when he appeared before Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court.
Griffith had initially denied the charge, but when questioned by the judge, he confirmed that he was certain about his decision. Justice Singh reminded him that by pleading guilty, he was forfeiting his right to a trial and accepting a mandatory prison sentence. Griffith acknowledged the consequences, and the court proceeded to accept his plea.
With sentencing set for April 7, 2025, the judge has ordered the necessary reports to be prepared.
The fatal confrontation unfolded on September 14, 2022, in Mocha Village, East Bank Demerara (EBD). What began as a dispute quickly turned violent when Griffith reportedly approached Weekes with a knife. In response, Weekes threw acid at him, but Griffith retaliated by stabbing him multiple times.
Despite bystanders and surveillance cameras capturing the ordeal, no one intervened to help Weekes, who later succumbed to his injuries. A post-mortem confirmed that he died from hemorrhage and shock caused by multiple stab wounds.
Police launched an investigation, securing surveillance footage and statements from witnesses. Griffith was later taken into custody, where he admitted to his role in the fatal altercation.
Singh explained that Police had initially taken an approach of sensitisation when they encountered e-bike users breaking the law. Now, he says a tougher stance is needed.
“But in this country, I always say the education is complemented by the enforcement. It's not to say the education is not working, the education reaches everyone, it is that they are complying with using population where there isn't voluntary compliance forced compliance is engaged via traffic enforcement and that is the answer.”
In recent times, members of the public have been raising concerns about the reck-
less use of e-bikes across the country – particularly when child endangerment occurs. Only recently in Berbice, a 9-month-old baby and her 19-year-old mother died in an accident involving an e-bike that was being operated by a 17-year-old.
“It's irresponsibility all over when you look at it, there's an adult father, adult mother and a young baby. Three of them on the same bike then what happens next caution thrown to the wind, safety thrown to the wind, two lives are lost when an accident could have been prevented.”
The traffic chief explained that police are working assiduously to uphold
and enforce the rules of the road. He added that the effectiveness of this initiative will be affected by the police to vehicle ratio.
“Our numbers when equated to motorists on the
road of all classes, we're like a drop in the ocean. While our numbers would be small, the enforcement would be targeted more or less minimised to areas where it is prevalent. So coming from that angle, now that force compliance will bring about voluntary compliance in areas where we have not hit as yet or are not so prevalent in terms of our patrols and presence.”
Nevertheless, Singh has made a call to members of the public to join in the fight against the reckless usage of the country’s roadways, emphasising that there must be individual responsibility.
Troy Griffith
25-year-old man stabbed to death by stepfather
An investigation has been launched into the murder of 25-year-old Jonnah Pedro, a labourer from Normandie, Brazil, who was fatally stabbed on Monday evening in Karasabai Village, South Pakaraimas.
The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Michael Francis of Rukumuta Village, South Pakaraimas, is currently hospitalised under police guard at Lethem Regional Hospital.
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 19:30h on Monday. Investigators disclosed that Pedro was the stepson of the suspect.
It was reported that Francis, along with his 53-year-old wife and 18-year-old daughter, left their home in Rukumuta Village on Sunday, and traveled to Karasabai to collect
their cash grant, which was scheduled for distribution Monday.
Police said Pedro, who resided in Brazil and is the son of Francis’s wife, crossed the border into Guyana on the morning of Monday to claim his cash grant. He later met with his mother, stepfather, and stepsister at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office, where the distribution was taking place.
After receiving their cheques, the family reportedly went to a nearby shop and consumed beers before heading to the home of a 34-year-old relative.
While sitting in the yard, it was reported that Francis began discussing the recent killing of his brother, Moses Francis, who was allegedly murdered in Rukumuta Village on Saturday last.
During the conversation, Francis reportedly became aggressive, cursing and making threats to kill the person responsible for his brother’s death. Pedro attempted to calm him down, but this angered the suspect.
In the presence of Pedro’s mother and other relatives, Francis allegedly pulled a kitchen knife from his green
haversack and stabbed Pedro in the head, right armpit, and right shoulder. Pedro ran a short distance before collapsing.
Pedro’s mother raised an alarm, and his stepsister rushed out of the house to assist. They attempted to disarm Francis, but he overpowered them and then stabbed himself in the chest. Both men were taken to Karasabai District Hospital, where Pedro succumbed to his injuries. Francis was later transferred to Lethem Regional Hospital, where he remains under police guard in serious condition.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Office assistant robbed of motorcycle by cutlasswielding bandits
A28-year-old office assistant was attacked and robbed of his motorcycle late Monday night along the University of Guyana (UG) Access Road, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.
According to reports, Onix Duncan was riding his black Honda Navi motorcycle, CP 234, valued $250,000, when two men on another motorcycle ambushed him near the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) around 23:20h.
Both suspects, who were armed with cutlasses, have been described as males of African descent, according to police.
Duncan was heading
south when the men rode up behind him. The pillion rider allegedly attempted to snatch his motorcycle keys, but Duncan told police he fought back. During the struggle, the attacker struck him on the back with a cutlass, causing him to fall to the ground.
The pillion rider then took possession of the motorcycle, and both men sped away north along UG Access Road.
A police investigation has been launched, but efforts to locate the suspects and the stolen motorcycle have so far been unsuccessful. Several persons in the area have been questioned as inquiries continue.
Traffic Dept moving...
“My encouragement to the members of the public is to always exercise the five c's…those who are driving four wheels or two wheels give priority and preference to those who are on their foot pedestrians pedal cyclists the elderly or disabled and to always be alert or self-aware of your surroundings it helps to prevent an accident which could have occurred or the likelihood of occurring and giving way does not necessarily mean that you are defeated.”
Singh added, “the pub-
lic is encouraged to ensure that one thing happens, positive pressure is applied, that is positive peer pressure to bring about a desired change out there with which the road is used.”
“We have given much attention to e-bikes, that is to say via traffic education and even proceed to warn persons, though it's lawful for us to proceed to take the punitive action to charge them or put them before the court you know and I mean I don't know how much more we could do in that regard.”
Dead: Jonnah Pedro
Ramsammy’s Ruminations
The Cuban Medical Brigade has been nothing but a blessing around the world
Whatever our view is about the political situation in Cuba, whether we support or are opposed to the Government of Cuba, there are two things we can have consensus on: The first is that the US embargo against Cuba is inhumane, unconscionable, and is an injustice that should be ended with immediate effect; just as the UN has called for in annual resolutions for more than the past two decades. The second is that the Cuban health diplomacy push has been, for more than 50 years now, one of the global success stories.
Ruminations therefore completely rejects US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s description of the Cuban Medical Brigade as a human trafficking enterprise. There can be no diminishing of the contributions Cuba has made to global health. It is why the recent attack against Cuba, and the US describing the Cuban health diplomacy programme as human trafficking, is unfortunate.
We can all, as global citizens, admire the Cuban health diplomacy programme, even if we reject Cuba’s politics.
In the newspapers this week, there was a story of a young woman from the East Coast returning home from Cuba qualified as a doctor. This is the story of thousands of Guyanese children who obtained scholarships to Cuba to study medicine. Children of farmers, canecutters, fishermen; from rural communities, the hinterland as well as urban communities; no matter what the economic circumstances their family might have been in - poor or wealthy did not matter - they became doctors because Cuba provided thousands of scholarships for Guyanese children. And many countries across the world could say the same.
It has been more than 52 years since Cuba and Guyana formally partnered through diplomatic relations. Since 1978, Cuban doctors and other categories of health workers have been a staple in the health sector of Guyana - a concrete benefit from the formal diplomatic ties between our countries. I was in Parliament when our then Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honorable Carolyn Rodrigues, on January 3, 2013, moved a motion to recognize the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The friendship and mutual respect between our two countries continue to be strong.
While formal diplomatic relationship between our countries started in December 1972, Guyana has had friendly relations with Cuba since 1961, under the then Premier Dr. Cheddi Jagan. Ever since, scholarships have been provided for Guyanese children; but back in 2006, President Jagdeo and President Fidel Castro struck a deal to send more than 1,000 Guyanese children to study medicine in Cuba.
Cuban doctors and other health care providers have been serving Guyana since 1 1978. In the lean years, when - in the 1980s and the early 1990s - Guyana’s health sector was broken, it was the Cuban Medical Brigade that kept the health sector floating above water. Lest we forget also, it was the Cuban Medical Brigade that assisted in starting the Medical Programme at UG, from which more than 1,000 Guyanese children have graduated as doctors and are serving Guyana today.
Medical diplomacy, or health diplomacy, is a cornerstone national goal for Cuba, and the country has long championed its commitment to health as a “moral incentive”. Not only has the small-island nation based much of its own health care system on the concept of universal coverage, but it has consistently sent its own doctors abroad to other sites during times of need. Notable examples include its response in Chile after an earthquake in 1960; its response in the then-Soviet Union following the Chernobyl disaster in 1986; Indonesia after the 2004 tsunami; Haiti after the 2010 earthquake; West African countries to fight Ebola in 2014; Caricom countries after various hurricane disasters; and, more recently, Africa and LAC during COVID-19.
One great public health social justice programme was “Operation Miracle”, or “Operations Milagro”. It was launched in 2004 by Cuban President Fidel Castro with support from Hugo Chavez. In Latin America, at the time, some 3 million people were blind, and between 7 and 10 million suffered from poor vision. The vast majority of these cases were avoidable and amenable to cure. That said, for the 37 million people worldwide who suffered from blindness at the time, Operation Milagro was a blessing. Operation Miracle was a massive international Cuban campaign that, in the end, contributed to the restoration of vision to almost 6 million people in the developing LAC and other developing countries. The programme reached people in 35 countries.
In Guyana, diagnostic centres were established in Suddie, Leonora, Mahaicony and Port Mourant. The Port Mourant Ophthalmology Centre has treated thousands of patients across Guyana, Suriname and other Caricom countries.
The US contention is that doctors have been forced to earn money for Cuba. The truth is that, for almost 45 years, the Cuban Government earned no money from Guyana. There were many countries like Guyana where the doctors were only given accommodation and a stipend. They still were paid in Cuba by the Cuban Government. In some better-off countries, Cuba was remunerated at an agreed cost. The Cuban doctors were still paid by the Cuban Government. Cuba was marketing a service at an affordable cost.
Instead of knocking the Cuban model for improved global health, countries should come together with funds and human resources so that we could address the inequity in health that is a global injustice. Healthcare workers can be mobilized for training and for deployment to help in crisis situation and in those countries where healthcare is underdeveloped. Cuba has shown that the model is workable. If we could just put our political ideologies and interest aside for a moment, a good global model is staring at us. For the sake of humanity, we should not turn our backs on something that has brought relief to millions around the world.
Fatal hit-and-run accident
“They didn’t get a chance to live their life” – grieving mother and grandmother of dead teen, baby …calls on public to help locate driver
Dead: 19-year-old Kavita Bedsan
One week after a car slammed into an electric bike and killed a 9-month-old baby and her mother while at the same time injuring the baby’s father, who was the rider, the grandmother of the baby is calling for assistance in finding the driver.
The crash occurred on March 2, at Line path, Corentyne Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and resulted in the death of 19-year-old Kavita Bedsan and her 9-month-old baby Ellie Surujnarine.
The baby’s father, 17-year-old Tushan Surujnarine was also injured in the accident.
The driver fled the scene after the crash.
Police said the father was riding an electric bike with his wife and the baby as pillion riders when they were allegedly struck down by a motorcar. The motorcar involved in the accident – a white Fielder wagon – has been located but the driver – identified as Avinesh Naidoo of Corriverton, Berbice – remains on the run.
The teenager’s mother, Sangeeta Lall, is calling on all to help to locate the driver.
“I want the driver to get arrested. I want justice because this is not right; this baby was so little – nine month and the girl was so young. They didn’t get a chance to live their life. It is wrong what they doing –drinking and drive and then when they get catch they get off so quick… a couple of days and they free on the road again. They don’t have anything to study, who could give me back this? Nobody.”
The woman said she and her daughter were very close and communicated daily. The baby also spent weekends with her.
Naresh Isaacs, the foster father of Bedsan said that following the accident they
Dead: 9-month-old baby
went to Line path where they learnt that residents tried their best to render assistance to Surujnarine and Bedsan but later used a flashlight and discovered the baby lying motionless at the centre of the road.
Initially villages thought it was a doll.
Issacs said he was told that the impact caused the trio to pitch about 50 feet from the point of impact.
Police are still on the hunt for the driver.
Dr Leslie Ramsammy
Grieving mother and grandmother Sangeeta Lall
Wanted: Avinesh Naidoo of Corriverton, Berbice
Ellie Surujnarine
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2025 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
2019 killing of Sherwin Shafeek
“We did not premeditate
him”
– convicts tell court
…jailed for 15 years each
In a sentencing hearing at the Georgetown High Court on Tuesday, Justice Navindra Singh handed down prison terms to Attish Singh, called “Demon,” and Anil Basdeo, known as “Alan,” for their roles in the 2019 killing of Sherwin Shafeek, also known as “Coolie Boy.”
The two men had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter after being initially charged with murder.
During the sentencing hearing, both defendants addressed the court to express their remorse. Basdeo
stated, “I am really sorry of how it happened, we did not premeditate to kill him. I am begging for a second chance, sir”. While Singh said, “I am very sorry, it was not no planned nothing. It’s a mistake I am begging you for mercy, sir,”.
The prosecution, led by Tanisha Saygoon and Christopher Belfield, emphasised the aggravating factors in the case. Saygoon detailed how Basdeo struck Shafeek multiple times with a wooden object, while Singh attempted to stab him, an attack that was
only stopped by the victim’s girlfriend. She stressed that the act was unprovoked, as Shafeek posed no threat to the two men.
Additionally, Saygoon pointed out that despite their courtroom apologies, neither Singh nor Basdeo had expressed genuine remorse. She noted that during a probation interview, Basdeo attempted to claim self-defence, contradicting his prior acceptance of the agreed facts of the case. The two accused were represented by Attorney-at-
Law Ronald Bostwick, who pleaded for sentencing leniency, citing their guilty pleas and other mitigating factors.
to kill
Resorting to violence Justice Singh, however, was critical of the defendants’ actions, stating that they had alternative options instead of resorting to violence. He began with a base sentence of 25 years, applying standard deductions for their guilty pleas before arriving at their final sentences. He stated that the probation reports may have been favourable, but none of them showed any real remorse. he emphasised that both individuals had knowingly in-
volved themselves in the altercation. He stated that they barged into the house before questioning their actions, they should not have hit him three times.
Attish Singh, called “Demon”
Anil Basdeo, known as “Alan”
ERC stands by decision to send Ashton Simon as rep at UN forum
…urges persons to stop peddling mischief, fostering societal divisions
Following criticism from the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has slammed the misinformation being peddled and thrown its support behind its decision to send Ashton Simon as its representative to the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
ACDA had, last week, penned a letter to the editor in which it first criticized the ERC’s choice of representative at the UN Permanent Forum last year, and secondly its choice of Commissioner Ashton Simon, an Indigenous Guyanese, to represent the ERC at the upcoming forum slated for April 14th–17th, 2025.
However, ERC made it clear that Simon is well
qualified for the role of representing the ERC at the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. As a matter of fact, ERC explained that Simon was among three commissioners who were unanimously chosen from the 10 commissioners to represent Guyana at last year’s forum, the other two being Ras Kafra and Neaz Subhan.
“Following the decision, the ERC supported the Commissioners with the UN registration process, travel logistics such as Schengen visa applications, etc. During the preparation stage, the Commission was informed of the UN 23rd Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UN-PFII) in 2024. As a result, Commissioner Ashton Simon was shifted from the PFPAD delegation with the intention for him to attend
the UN-PFII. However, due to registration challenges, Commissioner Simon was ultimately unable to attend,” the ERC explained.
With Simon having swapped assignments to attend the 2024 UN Forum on Indigenous Issues, this left two commissioners bound for the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. However, due to logistical challenges, he never made it. Kafra was also parsed away from the ERC delegation to attend the Forum on People of African Descent on behalf of the Guyana Rastafari Council, leaving Subhan alone to represent the ERC at the 2024 edition of the forum.
“Upon receiving their visas and other logistical support, the Commissioners were set to form part of the
Guyana delegation to the UN-PFPAD. Subsequently, Commissioner Ras Khafra's application for sponsorship from the UN-PFPAD to represent his civil society organization, the Guyana Rastafarian Council, was approved by the UN.
“Commissioner Ras Khafra then chose to accept the sponsorship to attend the UN-PFPAD as a representative of the Guyana Rastafarian Council, thereby foregoing his representation of the ERC. While Commissioner Khafra was, by his choice, not stated on paper as part of the Guyana delegation, he still maintained the same relationship with the team,” ERC added.
The ERC pointed out that Commissioner Subhan, who is serving his second term on the ERC, was deemed by the
Commission as competently versed in the work of the ERC. Importantly, the ERC noted, there were no objections to his participation in the UN-PFPAD 2024 from within the ERC.
“However, Commissioner Subhan faced several vile public and direct verbal attacks regarding his attendance at the forum,” ERC complained, also debunking claims that they sent six Indigenous Guyanese to the 23rd Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (PFII 2024), when in fact they were unable to send any.
Meanwhile, contrary to ACDA’s claims that Simon would be the torchbearer at the Forum on People of African Descent, ERC clarified that Simon would actually be accompanied by
ERC went on to demand that the ACDA letter writers, which included Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Commissioner Vincent Alexander, Elton McRae and Mark Britton, familiarise themselves with the facts and desist from fostering divisions in society.
fellow ERC Commissioner Norris Witter.
ERC Commissioner Ashton Simon
St Sidwell’s Anglican Church unveils galleries honouring bishops, clergy
As part of its 165th anniversary celebrations,
St Sidwell’s Anglican Church held an unveiling ceremony on Sunday to honor the bishops and priests who have served the parish and the Diocese of Guyana.
The newly established Galleries, housed in the Dean Goodridge Parish Hall, of the church, recognise the contributions of past clergy whose leadership has shaped the church’s legacy. Among those in attendance were the children of the late Revd Canon Neil S. P. Benjamin—Justice Kenneth Benjamin and Rosemary Benjamin-Noble,
acknowledging their father’s service from 1964 to 1969. Also present was Mrs Gloria Livan, daughter of the late Revd Frederick December, who ministered from 1981 to 1986. Former parish priests, including the Revd Fr Leslie Edmondson (1999–2011) and the Revd Fr Randolph Reynolds (2012–2019), returned for the occasion, alongside current parish priest, the Very Revd Monsell Alves, who has led the congregation since 2020. The unveiling stands as a tribute to the church’s rich ecclesiastical history and the enduring impact of its leaders.
“We did not premeditate...
The incident occurred on the night of March 22, 2019, when Shafeek was returning home from a birthday party in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. Witnesses reported that Basdeo repeatedly struck Shafeek on the head and back with a piece of wood, while Singh attempted to stab him. Shafeek collapsed, bleeding from his eyes, nose, ears, and mouth.
Despite complaining of severe head pain and vomiting blood throughout the night, he was not taken to the hospital until the following morning. By then, his condition had deteriorated significantly, and he succumbed to his injuries at the Leonora Cottage Hospital. A post-mortem examination later confirmed that he suffered multiple skull fractures and died from cerebral hemorrhage caused by blunt force trauma.
Police had charged Singh and Basdeo with murder after their arrest on March 23, 2019. They were formally indicted on March 30, 2022, and after a pre-
liminary inquiry, were committed to stand trial in the High Court.
At the time of the killing, reports suggested that the attack stemmed from an altercation between Shafeek and his common-law wife. The couple had attended a nearby birthday party, where Shafeek accused his partner of infidelity. This escalated into a heated argument at their home, prompting screams that drew the attention of Singh and Basdeo.
According to police reports from 2019, the two men rushed into Shafeek’s home and attacked him with a piece of wood, leaving him critically injured on the floor, bleeding profusely. His wife, unable to afford transportation to the hospital that night, only managed to take him for medical attention the following morning.
Police tracked down and apprehended Singh and Basdeo in Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), days after the attack.
Sitting: Current parish priest, the Very Revd Monsell Alves (centre), along with former parish priests, Revd Fr Leslie Edmondson and the Revd Fr Randolph Reynolds. Standing (from left), Justice Kenneth Benjamin; Mrs Leila Edmondson; Rosemary BenjaminNoble; Mrs Gloria Livan and her husband Monty
SUDOKU
Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help you make the right choices. A give-and-take situation with people you can barter with will pay off. Use your intelligence, attributes and skills to get ahead.
Take care of domestic issues and update anything that's pending regarding your home, finances or health. A proactive approach will help you avoid penalties or maintenance expenses.
Offer your time and input but not your cash. Paying for someone else's mistake will lead to sticky situations. Prepare, upgrade and move forward fearlessly.
A high-energy attitude and a bold presentation will outshine anyone trying to undermine you. Trust and believe in your ability, and the people you want to impress will follow suit. Look out for your health and financial security.
A learning experience will turn into something tangible. Get involved in something you feel passionate about, and you'll feel the excitement of making a difference.
The process of looking back will help you make better choices moving forward and give you the courage to make your dreams come true. Don't sit idly by when you should be making things happen. Embrace change.
It's time to broaden your outlook, circle of friends or qualifications. The less time you spend worrying and fretting, the better it will be for you. Focus on the present and the future, and let the past go.
Attitude is everything when you want to make a point or get others to join your team. Plan a trip that encourages a healthy lifestyle and longterm plans, and you will ensure personal growth and happiness.
Bypass negativity and people trying to manipulate you. Don't engage in indulgent behavior or promote uncertainty. Look for opportunities to have some fun.
Take nothing for granted; oversee whatever you want done to your expectations, and you won't be disappointed. High energy, insight and experience will put you in your own league.
Put your talents to work. An opportunity to bring in extra cash is possible if you are willing to put in the time and effort. Get to work!
Take the plunge and participate in something challenging. Strive for positive change, and you will exceed your expectations. Trust your instincts.
The Diamond Fire and General Insurance-sponsored National Women's Chess Championship Qualifiers were wrapped up last Sunday at the David Rose Special School with surprising results.
Aniyah Couchman has emerged as the winner in the seven- round decisive FIDErated competition.
During the preceding two weekends – March 1st and 2nd, and 8th and 9th — females of all ages were in contention, vying for the top nine spots in the National Women's Championships scheduled to begin on March 22nd, 2025.
Couchman overcame her opponents by amassing 5.5 points, her only loss coming from her match against WCM Sasha Shariff. Couchman's last game with WCM Aditi Joshi, who also gained 5.5 points, ended in a draw. Joshi, the current Under-16 Girls Champion, finished second after the tiebreaks, with four wins and three draws.
Shariff took third place with 5 points, after dominating the keenly contested tournament in the first four rounds; while young Kataleya Sam, the current Under-12 Girls Champion, placed fourth with 5 points.
Ciel Clement and Treskole Archibald finished with 4.5 points each, placing them in the fifth and sixth positions.
Italy Ton-Chung, Angelina Yhap, and Lusianna Farlot all gained 4 points to qualify for the remaining three positions in the top nine.
These top nine females will square off over the board in a round robin competition with the 2024 National Women's Champion title holder, WCM Jessica Callender, for a chance to win the 2025 National Women's Chess Championship’s coveted title.
This annual competition has served as a crucial event for the local female chess com-
eight Champions League…
Yamal, Raphinha star as Barcelona breeze into last
Teenager Lamine Yamal was again star of the show when Barcelona beat Benfica to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The 17-year-old provided a brilliant assist for Raphinha to open the scoring, before topping that with a stunning strike to put Barca 2-1 ahead on the night, and 3-1 on aggregate.
Nicolas Otamendi's excellent header had cancelled out Raphinha's opener, but Benfica's hopes were ended by Yamal's brilliance, before Raphinha struck again with a clinical finish into the bottom corner.
There was confusion over whether Raphinha's second strike initially stood, as play appeared to be pulled back for a foul by Otamendi on the edge of the box. But after a check by the video assistant referee (VAR), the goal was confirmed, and Otamendi's yellow card was rescinded.
While Yamal caught the eye with his brilliant pieces of play, Raphinha also deserves plaudits, as his double means he has contributed to 16 goals in the Champions League this season.
Only Lionel Messi (14 goals, five assists in 201112) has had a hand in more goals in a single season for Barcelona in the competition than Raphinha this season (11 goals, five assists).
have not lost a game in any competition since 21 December
Barca could have won by an even bigger margin, but Frenkie de Jong missed a golden chance to add a fourth on the night, firing wide from close range after a lovely move.
Hansi Flick's side will face Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the quarter-finals.
Yamal continues to break records
It is hard to downplay just what a star Barcelona have in Yamal. The youngster lit up the European Championship in Germany last summer as he helped Spain win the tournament, and has only got better since then.
His goal and assist on Tuesday night means he has contributed to 28 goals this season, but it is not just
about the raw numbers; it is the quality of his play as well.
The teenager's assist for the opener was a wonderful flick through the defence to the far post for Raphinha to volley in, and then his goal displayed brilliant technique as he bent an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box beyond the reach of the keeper.
Yamal is now approaching 60 goals and assists for club and country - an incredible tally for someone his age. His impact against Benfica also meant he made history as, at 17 years and 241 days, he became the youngest player to both score and assist a goal in a Champions League match.
(BBC Sport)
munity, as it has determined the top nine winners to compete in the championship.
The nineteen female players who participated in the
Swiss-format classical tournament played a time control of 90 minutes, with a 5-second increment added to the clock after each move. The tourna-
‘Historic’ National...
FROM PAGE 23
We started with the introduction of the under-13 and under-23 age group tournaments, and today, with the addition of the under-21 competition, we are completing the full circle of that development framework. This will ensure that every young cricketer has a clear route to progress from grassroots to the national, and eventually international levels.”
The U21 tournament will not only be a first for Guyana, but also the wider Caribbean region. Highlighting this fact, Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr expressed hope that Cricket West Indies (CWI) would take notice of Guyana’s development efforts.
Ramson Jr. remarked, “I also would want to see that the CWI Board, that they also would appreciate the step that we’re taking in advancing this initiative; because
it’s a different step that we’re taking, not totally novel, because obviously you know that there’s an under-23 tournament, but it’s a novel concept because no other place has an under-21 tournament.
“So, it’s not just historic for Guyana, it’s historic for the region. And I’m hoping that Cricket West Indies appreciates the bold step that we’re taking in this new initiative, and they also see the credence as well as the credibility of advancing this as a firm part of the overall structure of the development pathway for cricket talent in the region,” he concluded.
Registration for the U-21 Inter-Club tournament will commence today, Wednesday March 12, and close on Wednesday March 19. The National Playoffs will take place at the Guyana National Stadium, the Sport Minister has confirmed.
ment was supervised by FIDE Arbiter John Lee, with assistance from National Arbiter Kim Shing Chong. This FIDE-rated tournament would give some unrated players a chance to gain their ELO ratings once they have won or drawn a game with a rated player. With the number of ELO-rated players increasing in Guyana, more and more players have been gradually gaining ratings.
The Elo rating system measures the relative strength of a player in chess compared to other players, and it is used by the International Chess Federation FIDE. Ratings can be checked on https://ratings.fide.com.
The GCF has thanked its sponsors, Diamond Fire and General Insurance, for the unwavering support given to the Women's National Chess Championships over the years; and the David Rose School has been thanked for graciously providing the venue.
Barcelona
Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr
Aniyah Couchman sharing a handshake with Arbiter John Lee
‘Historic’ National U21 Club tournament bowls off later this month
‘Historic’ has been the term used to describe the newest age-group cricket tournament on the block: the ‘One Guyana’ National Under-21 Inter-Club Super 50 knockout tournament, which has been launched at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence on Tuesday afternoon.
A collaborative effort between the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS), this competition would see teams from across the country competing for top honours in about two weeks’ time.
During his time at the podium, GCB President Bissoondyal Singh described the upcoming tournament as an indicator of the Board’s commitment to development. He explained that it stands to bridge the gap between youth and senior competition.
“Today is more than just the beginning of a competition; it marks another significant step in the Guyana Cricket Board’s commitment (to) the development, in partnership with the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport…, he declared.
GCB’s Anthony D’Andrade, in detailing the format of this tournament, has said: “It’s going to be a knockout tournament with matches in Berbice, Essequibo and Demerara; and then the winners of each county will qualify to represent their county at what we will call a National Playoff. The National Playoff is scheduled for the end of April, between April 22nd and April 27th.”
“For years, our young cricketers have had structured opportunities at the under-15, under-17 and under-19 levels; but after that, many face the challenges of transitioning into the senior cricket (team) without adequate competition to bridge the gap,” Singh detailed.
“With this under-21 tournament, we are giving our players that additional opportunity to grow, develop, and refine their skills before stepping onto the senior stage. This initiative is the direct result of the GCB’s long-term vision for the sport.”
The GCB Boss went on to add, “As part of a 5-year development plan, we recognized the need for a structured pathway that nurtured talent at every stage.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr; Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle; and GCB
President Bissoondyal Singh are flanked by stakeholders and young cricketers who are set to compete in the upcoming tournament
Fresh off a 214-run victory in Jamaica, the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) are back in the Land of Many Waters for their last home game of the 2025 West Indies Championships season.
As the Harpy Eagles prepare to take on the Windward Islands Volcanoes from today, Wednesday, March 12, positive energy radiates in the unbeaten camp. According to Captain Tevin Imlach, their dominant win on the road has been especially helpful to maintaining their momentum.
“It’s very important. We’re looking to win the tournament, so any win away from home is obviously big.(That was) our first away game; we’re back home here, so that was very important for us,” Imlach said about the win in Jamaica.
He added about the Harpy Eagles’ preparation for the fifth round: “It’s been very good.
I mean, we’re coming off of a very good victory, so the guys are high in confidence. We had a practice session today that went well. So, hopefully we could take the confidence from that last game into this one as well.”
The Harpy Eagles’ most recent encounter with Jamaica has not only
Shows growth, shows learning, and that’s all I ask for from the players,” the captain added regarding his fast bowlers.
As the tournament’s defending champions prepare to battle the Windward Islands Volcanoes, Imlach noted that the Guyana Harpy Eagles are yet to play a perfect match, but they are keen on walking away with
Kevlon Anderson and Ronaldo Alimohamed in the spotlight, but has also shut down the naysayers’ reservations regarding their pace bowling lineup. As such, Imlach voiced his appreciation for
“Very important. I mean, you players to you want them to improve; and year by year, if you’re not seeing growth, then something is wrong. It shows that we’re going in the right direction, and I’m happy to see that the guys are learning,” Imlach said of his troops’ performances.
“I mean, you ask fast bowlers to come out and bowl fast every day; you know it’s a very difficult job. Personally, I feel it’s the hardest job in cricket to run in and bowl fast every ball. Obviously, Guyana is known for spin bowling, and to see them come out and dominate in Jamaica was massive to see.
Responded to whether or not the Harpy Eagles have ‘ticked all the boxes’ Imlach, “In patches. We haven’t played a perfect game as yet. We’ve had good games in patches, where we would’ve done as a bowling group and as a batting group, but we’re still looking to put that full match together.
"This match is very important for our campaign, so we’re looking to play a session at a time and see where it goes; but obviously, we’re
looking for maximum points in this game,” the skipper said of their approach and intentions.
The Guyana Harpy Eagles have seen some notable changes to their squad: with Tagenarine Chanderpaul being out again owing to injury, while Keemo Paul has been named for the first time this season. As
such, anticipation is that the GHE squad would read: Captain Tevin Imlach, Vice-Captain Kemol Savory, Raymond Perez, Matthew Nandu, Kevlon Anderson, Kevin Sinclair, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Nial Smith, Keemo Paul, Richie Looknauth and Isai Thorne.
GHE Skipper Tevin Imlach receiving a few deliveries in the nets from Guyanese legend Ramnaresh Sarwan
Keemo Paul spent some time in the nets on Tuesday
Norman ‘Juice man’ Welch got in on the GHE warm-up
The Guyana Harpy Eagles are gearing up to take on Windward Islands Volcanoes today
