The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, May 14 –03:55h-05:25h and Wednesday, May 14 – 03:55h-05:25h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, May 14 –16:15h-17:45h and Wednesday, May 14 – 16:50h-18:20h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery showers are expected during the day and at night, with sunny conditions in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to South SouthEasterly between 1.79 metres and 3.58 metres.
High Tide: 16:26h reaching a maximum height of 2.55 metres.
Low Tide: 10:01h and 22:10h reaching minimum heights of 0.55 metre and 0.70 metre.
Global systems have failed vulnerable nations – Pres Ali in call for bold climate action
…says Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership will boost deforestation fight
During an impassioned speech in which he called out global institutions including the United Nations (UN) for its flagging forest action advocacy, President Dr Irfaan Ali made it clear that the time has come for Guyana and the region to create its own platforms and partner with those willing to turn words into action.
The Forest and Climate Leaders' Partnership (FCLP), which is being cochaired by Guyana and United Kingdom (UK), was opened on Tuesday. According to President Ali, too much is at stake for this initiative to fail.
“Guyana and the UK, we’re placing a lot of resources and effort behind this initiative. We cannot afford, for this initiative to fail. So, we have no choice but to accelerate our activism, accelerate our work and expand the partnership.”
“But we’re doing so at a time when economic opportunities cannot be the opportunity cost of saving the forests. We have to demonstrate how the forest can stimulate economic and livelihood opportunities, improving the model so that livelihood does not come as an opportunity cost for keeping the forest,” the President said.
According to President Ali, the need for countries most at risk of climate change to accelerate their activism, is made all the more pressing by the fact that global systems including the UN and the UN Conference of Parties (COP) are failing these smaller nations.
“We have to create our own spaces. And drive our own traffic. And bring attention to the issues that matter to us, ourselves. The global platform that allows us to do this has failed us. Unfortunately, the UN system is failing us. You go to COP, it’s the same thing.”
“It’s up to the 32 of us, to decide how we make it work for ourselves. To face that challenge, the FCLP
must help elevate forest action to the highest political levels, so that action on forest is seen as core national development. Not just environmental policy. The FCLP must prioritise its own work. Ruthlessly,” President Ali added.
FCLP is an initiative that brings together delegates from dozens of countries around the globe, as they discuss forest and climate priorities and come up with strategies to champion forests as the nature-based solutions to climate change that they are.
With the 2025 COP30 summit slated to be held in Brazil, from November 10-21, 2025, it is expected that the Guiana Shields will feature prominently in discussions. With more than 80 per cent of Guyana being covered by forest, the country also has a signif-
icant role to play in these discussions. Through Guyana’s first Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which was unveiled in 2009, and under the leadership of then President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana has been able to secure a deal with Norway for up to US$250 million in an agreement that simply meant that Guyana had to continue preserving its dense forests and use the resources for continued mitigation and adaptation efforts.
It has been envisioned that Guyana can sequester approximately 19.5 gigatons of carbon with its standing forest. This strategy thus plays a crucial role in the global fight against climate change.
As a result, the Government of Guyana, through the Expanded
LCDS 2030, managed to sign a deal with Hess Corporation for up to US$750M for 30 per cent of the carbon credits Guyana’s forest offers. Since the signing of that deal in December 2022, Guyana has managed to support Amerindian communities in the development of sustainable projects that would serve as new sources of revenue. Also, sums of money have been allocated to significant adaptation measures, including the construction of several new Hope-like canals and other flood prevention works in Regions Three, Five, and Six.
These and many other initiatives form part of the Government’s plan to ensure that science and technology are used to improve the welfare of the citizenry.
President Dr Irfaan Ali
Unfair to dismiss sugar industry’s efforts as mere failures of planning
Dear Editor,
I write in response to the recent article published in a section of the media, which paints a bleak picture of GuySuCo’s first crop performance. While it is undeniable that challenges persist, especially amid unpredictable weather patterns, it is crucial to approach such analyses with a nuanced perspective that recognizes ongoing efforts and the broader context shaping the industry’s current landscape.
Agriculture, by its very nature, is deeply vulnerable to external factors beyond immediate control — most notably weather. The recent rains have been particularly heavy and prolonged, causing substantial disruptions to the harvesting schedule. Mechanical harvesters, which account for approximately 45% of cane supply, require dry conditions to operate effectively. When saturated, these machines remain idle, leading to delays of about a week before the fields are sufficiently dried for harvesting to resume.
Similarly, the cut-andload operations, constituting the remaining 55%, are hampered by slippery grounds, further compounding delays.
It is vital to recognize that these weather-related setbacks are cyclical; and, while frustrating, are part of the agricultural cycle that farmers and industry stakeholders have long contended with.
The industry’s resilience hinges on adaptive strategies, rather than solely attributing poor performance
to planning deficiencies. Since the onset of rainfall, GuySuCo has demonstrated resilience by maximizing the brief periods when conditions permit harvesting.
The Uitvlugt estate, for example, managed to surpass its production targets despite these adversities. This achievement underscores a dedicated effort to optimise available resources and adapt operational plans in real-time.
Furthermore, technological upgrades and mechanization initiatives are ongoing to enhance efficiency.
The Government’s investments aim to modernize the industry, making it more resilient to weather fluctuations. These include upgrading machinery, improving drainage systems, and exploring non-traditional crops and value-added products like ethanol and molasses — an essential diversification strategy to reduce dependency on sugar alone.
The Guyana sugar industry is woven into the fabric of our nation’s history and socio-economic development. From colonial times to the present, sugar estates like Skeldon, Albion and Uitvlugt have been pillars of community life and economic stability. The closures under previous administrations caused significant socio-economic hardship, fuelling a collective desire to revive and sustain this vital sector.
The current government, has prioritized the industry’s revival. Investments in infrastructure, technology, and diversification reflect a strategic effort to restore the
industry’s vitality and secure livelihoods.
While current challenges are undeniable, it is overly simplistic — and unfair — to dismiss the industry’s efforts as mere failures of planning. Weather, labour dynamics, and historical shifts all play roles in shaping outcomes. The industry’s resilience, ongoing reforms, and strategic diversification demonstrate a committed effort to surmount these obstacles.
In moving forward, stakeholders must continue to support innovative solutions, invest in technological upgrades, and foster cooperation across the supply chain. Only through a comprehensive and understanding approach can we hope to see sustained improvement and a bright future for GuySuCo and the communities it serves.
Respectfully, Anthony Harry
I hope that Adrianna’s
will let her now rest in
Dear Editor, Events of the past couple of weeks has forced us to examine who we are as a nation of peoples, and that examination – a forensic one of sorts – has shown that we are hateful, vicious, lawless, and generally indecent human beings. There is kindness and goodness among us for sure, but that hate and violence can so quickly and easily overtake and consume must force us to take stock and ask if any progress has been made since we gained our independence.
To my Hindu brothers and sisters, I offer my deepest sympathy for the destruction of the murtis at the Tuschen mandir, and for the ignorant bleatings of Baby Skello, who seeks to profit from the tragedy of a child’s drowning. As someone brought up in the Muslim faith, I have a great and abiding appreciation for the Hindu belief: that we are all parts of God, that everything on earth is a piece of God. As such, to abuse and violate another would be to commit violence against God Himself, or Herself, as in the form of Mother Laksmi.
I have been reading and listening to the varied and various news, points-of-view, reports and letters written about Adrianna Younge’s tragic death. There was police incompetence – a tragedy of its own that we live with daily – which fuelled a rage that was quickly hijacked by base political leaders who have shown time and again how quickly they can respond to an opportunity to whip up their supporters to a frenzy of hate and violence against their perceived enemies in order to score cheap political points.
But none of this happened in a vacuum. I have been writing for decades about the government sponsored “celebration” called Mashramani, where vulgarity abounds, women are defiled by the lyrics of what passes for music, and where lawlessness is the law of the day. When a government funds and encourages such behaviour as being national in aspect, it will, of course, pervade every facet of society.
In this context, Baby Skello’s “music” would be perfectly ac-
family
peace
ceptable and the statement from the Minister of Culture, Hon. Charles Ramson, denouncing it rings hollow. If the findings of three expert pathologists can be summarily rejected, do we have a society where science and scientific knowledge are not understood? Or is it that any distrust of Government authorities can so easily be used by base politicians to favour and fuel a conspiracy that would involve Government convincing highly respected experts to provide false reports? Either way – the lack of understanding or political opportunism – only compounds the tragedy, as we have seen.
As a citizen, I fear that given the vileness of a section of our political leadership, who accept no responsibility for causing harm and destruction, we have not yet reached the bottom of the pit. As a mother and grandmother, I hope that Adrianna’s family will let her now rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Ryhaan Shah
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2025
Evening News (RB)
News Break
Indian Movie - Tamasha (2015)
The Young & The Restless
The Evening News
Stop Suffering
Stand-up Comedy
Good Trouble S3 E19
North Rupununi Toshaos reject Azruddin Mohamed’s request for entry into villages
…cites US sanctions, tax evasion
Several Toshaos from the North Rupununi in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) have formally denied businessman Azruddin Mohamed access to their villages, citing serious international and domestic allegations leveled against him. Their decision was made in response to a request for visitation submitted on behalf of Mohamed by his representative, Charles Sugrim of Team Mohamed’s.
In a letter addressed to Mr Sugrim, the Toshaos stated that while they acknowledge Mr Mohamed’s philanthropic efforts in various parts of Guyana, they have conducted due diligence on the businessman and found his entry incompatible with their community’s best interests.
“Based on our research in considering the application to enter our Village lands, we have become aware of several international allegations of criminal activities conducted by Mr Azruddin Mohamed,” the letter states.
The Toshaos specifically referenced recent sanctions imposed by the United States (US) Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which accused
“She
Nazar Mohamed of involvement in corruption in Guyana. Among the allegations cited are claims that he evaded Guyana’s export taxes on gold, under-declared more than 10,000 kilograms (kg) of gold between 2019 and 2023, and deprived the Government of over US$50 million in tax revenue.
The letter also pointed to statements by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), which alleged that Mohamed was linked to unpaid duties on luxury vehicles totaling nearly GY$900 million.
“Therefore, acting in the best interests of our villages and based on precaution, permission to enter our vil-
lage lands is hereby denied,” the letter affirmed.
The Toshaos underscored the legal authority granted to Amerindian Village Councils under Guyana’s law to regulate access to their lands, adding that their decision on the matter is final.
“We will continue to uphold the governance systems established in law, which guarantee the autonomy of Amerindian Village Councils,” the leaders concluded.
This is not the first time Azruddin Mohamed’s presence in an Amerindian village was not welcomed. About a week ago, Toshao Wendy Francis of Lake Capoey, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) alleged that the businessman disrespected and breached protocol during his visit to the area.
In a strongly worded statement released after the visit, Toshao Francis said that Mohamed disrespected the village council and violated the Amerindian Act by entering the community without official notice or permission.
Section 5, part II of the Amerindian Act speaks to the process for entering and accessing Amerindian Village lands.
did not confuse...
In March of this year, Ally resigned from the PNC. In her resignation, she accused PNC leader Aubrey Norton of being unfit to lead the party and accused the leadership of, among other things, mistreating the women in the party.
A teacher by profession, Ally was a long-standing member of the PNC, serving for over 50 years. She is a former Executive and General Secretary of the party and was first elected to parliament on the PNC slate in
1985. She served as Minister of Social Cohesion and then Minister of Social Protection, between the years 2015 and 2020.
Ally passed away on May 11 at the age of 77. The PNC stalwart was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after falling ill.
She was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and that up to Saturday morning, was in a critical condition before she passed away. Her death was subsequently con-
CANU makes major drug busts in Lethem
In a series of drug enforcement operations across the Central Rupununi region, Region Nine (Upper TakutuEssequibo), Customs AntiNarcotic Unit (CANU) ranks seized significant quantities of narcotics and detained several individuals believed to be involved in the illegal drug trade. These interceptions come as part of intensified efforts by CANU to clamp down on drug trafficking activities in the interior regions.
firmed by Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones, before multiple sources also confirmed her death, and condolences from both sides of the political aisle poured in.
The operations began on Monday, when CANU officers, acting on intelligence, conducted a raid at an abandoned residence in Tabatinga, Lethem. During the search, a quantity of cannabis weighing 1.2 kilograms (kg). No arrests were made in connection with this seizure, but investiga-
er property in Tabatinga, Lethem. This operation yielded the largest haul of the series: 10.5 kg of cannabis. Two individuals were arrested and are being questioned in relation to the find.
CANU has indicated that these operations are part of a sustained campaign to reduce the supply and movement of illegal narcotics within Guyana’s borders, particularly in areas with a history of trafficking activity.
Only a month ago, CANU officers arrested two foreign nationals after they were found in possession of a quantity of cocaine. Acting on information received, the CANU officers conducted an operation at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.
During the operation, two foreign nationals, a Colombian and a Venezuelan, were intercepted and searched. The search
tions are ongoing.
Later that day, CANU ranks carried out another operation at a separate residence in the same Tabatinga area. This time, the search led to the discovery of both cannabis and cocaine, 1.6 kg of marijuana and 63.7 grams of cocaine. One person was taken into custody and is currently assisting investigators.
On Tuesday, CANU conducted a third raid at anoth-
revealed a quantity of cocaine, which weighed 5.536 kg.
In a separate operation last month, CANU agents unearthed a quantity of marijuana at a residence at Baker Shop Dam #75 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. During a search of the residence, the cannabis, which weighed 100 kg, was found. Two persons were arrested.
US-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed
The illegal drugs that were found during the operations
Canadian experts to aid several local sectors in Guyana – High Commissioner
One of the ways Canada has been providing support to Guyana, is through the Canada-CARICOM Expert Deployment Mechanism (CCEDM), with Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Sebastien Sigouin revealing that several experts are being deployed in various sectors in Guyana.
During the opening ceremony of a training session for restorative justice practitioners on Tuesday, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Sebastien Sigouin was among those present. In his presentation, Sigouin revealed that this is just one of several other local projects in which Canada will be sending experts to Guyana to provide technical assistance.
“It was important for me to be here to express how privileged we are to be here today and how it’s a pleasure for me to be able to support this initiative. I think this initiative shows the strong cooperation between Canada and Guyana.”
“We’ve heard about the Canada-CARICOM Expert Deployment Mechanism. We’re using this mechanism to deploy experts, like Allan (Howard), in a number of sectors here in Guyana, but also other parts of the Caribbean region,” the diplomat also said.
The diplomat reflected on Canada’s partnership with Guyana and the region as a whole, noting that their work extends beyond Guyana’s justice system, into other member states of the CARICOM. Additionally, Sigouin also pointed out that Canada has partnered with others in order to bolster the support it gives.
“Canada’s partnership with Guyana in the justice sector, goes beyond today’s initiative. We actually have a very strong
Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica and Saint Lucia.
Last December, Canada’s then Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, had announced that country’s intention to contribute up to CAD$3 million to establish a Caribbean Future Skills Fund, to help build a workforce that can capitalise on technological innovation and contribute to inclusive and sustainable economies in the Caribbean.
history, a long history of cooperation. For example, we did work with the justice education society in British Columbia, to empower women and indigenous people, to train the police, judiciary and prosecutors in trauma informed approaches and gender sensitivity and improve access to justice for the most vulnerable members of society.”
“We’ve also worked with other partners, to support Guyana and other CARICOM countries to modernise their legal systems, to improve case management, to reduce judicial backlogs and to enhance the delivery of justice across the region,” Sigouin further added.
Among the priority areas that the CCEDM project focuses on is trade policy and regulations. The project also provides experts in governance and public sector policy, tourism policy and management and environmental policy. In addition to Guyana, experts are sent to Jamaica, Suriname, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize, St Lucia and Dominica.
Over the years, Canada has supported technical and vocational education and training (TVET) across the Caribbean, including in Guyana. In February 2024, the Government of Canada announced a contribution of 9.5 million Canadian dollars (CAD$9.5 million) to Guyana’s ‘One Guyana’ Digital Skills Development Programme, aimed at preparing young Guyanese for participation in the digital economy.
Since 2019, Canada has supported the CAD$18.75 million Skills to Access the Green Economy project, which aims to create a skilled workforce for climate-related sectors in Belize, Dominica,
Minister Hussen has travelled twice to the Caribbean in 2024, participating at the 47th meeting of the CARICOM Heads of State and Government in Grenada in July 2024. He also hosted the 54th meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank Board of Governors in Ottawa in June 2024.
Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sebastien Sigouin
Caribbean in 'catch-up mode' on crime laws – Benn tells regional police chiefs
…as Guyana leads with $9b policing upgrade
Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn has highlighted that significant investments are also being made to improve the physical infrastructure of policing countrywide.
Benn was at the time speaking during the opening ceremony of the 39th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre
(ACCC) on Monday. “In Guyana, the Government has made steady progress in rebuilding and modernising the police infrastructure and replacing decrepit physical, mobile, and marine assets. We have expended over $9 billion on 72 capital projects over the last few years.”
Shifting his perspective to the legislative landscape across the Caribbean, Benn highlighted how many coun-
tries across the region are still in a ‘catch-up mode’, insinuating that they are far behind.
“Legislatively, many of us are in a catch-up mode. We are at persistent new lows on issues of the illegal transiting of narcotics, guns, money laundering, people trafficking, smuggling, and the effects of mass migration. These issues are externally caused and driven. We are not the marketplaces for
drugs. We don't make guns, but we suffer from the fallout and repercussions of several of these challenges. New active threats have emerged in the form of cyber and financial crimes and terrorism.”
Stating that the region must not rely on victimhood but rather fight back against all of the challenges faced, he said:
“Insidious criminal actors, political rejects, and presumed influencers are determined to use any negative circumstance to their advantage to make capital and to advance agendas which do
not serve the common good.
While we are, again, victims, we cannot rely on or wallow in victimhood, but we must continue with a whole-of-Government and societal approach to security challenges. We are fighting back.”
He stated, “I posit though, that it is an ennobling task, bigger than the individual parts and whole of the police forces themselves, and this is the reason why we, who represent the people who, in spite of all the odds, must be enabled to achieve a better and prosperous future, we say thank you for your service.”
On Monday as security officials from across the Caribbean gather in Guyana for a five-day conference on enhancing regional policing, President Dr Irfaan Ali, unveiled a 7-point plan aimed at strengthening collaboration and resource-sharing to tackle common criminal issues. President Ali’s plan focuses on several key areas: Human Capital Development, Infrastructure Enhancement, Advanced Training Programmes, Technology Development, among others.
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn at an exhibition booth outside the 39th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police on Monday
Ramsammy’s Ruminations
Treated water for everyone – the untouted success story for Guyana
Quietly, Guyana is rapidly moving to universal access to potable treated water.
It is an unsung success story.
President Irfaan Ali is leading the developmental agenda that includes bringing treated water to all Guyanese, with more than $60B already invested since 2020.
But this journey started a long time ago, when President Ali was the Minister of Housing and Water. Today, the journey that took root when President Ali was Minister of Water has become a genuine success story under the ministerial responsibility of the Honourable Collin Croal.
While the team of Minister Croal and Minister Susan Rodrigues have gained recognition for their stewardship of the housing success story, they also deserve commendation for the success story in expanding coverage for treated water.
Amidst the mountain of developmental success stories is the potable water access success story, but it remains one of the most unsung of the important developmental stories taking place in Guyana. Minister Collin Croal this week announced that, by the end of 2025, treated water access would reach 90%.
It is an extraordinary story, given that, in the early 1990s, people had to travel far to fetch water on the coast, and that people in the hinterland had to use creeks and rivers.
When President Bharrat Jagdeo articulated a vision of universal access to treated water, his Minister of Water was Irfaan Ali, now President Irfaan Ali. By 2015, under the then Minister Irfaan Ali, 45% of the population had access to treated water, almost doubling coverage during his tenure as the water minister.
By 2020, treated water became accessible to 54% of the population. Between 2020 and 2025, there has been an accelerated increase in coverage, which is set to reach more than 90% by the end of 2025. It is a phenomenal success story.
When he was Minister of Water, Dr. Irfaan Ali was set to further increase coverage from the 45% at the end of 2014, when he secured funding for three more water treatment plants at Uitvlugt (Region 3), Diamond (Region 4) and Sheet Anchor (Region 6). However, the new PNCled APNU/AFC Government mismanaged the project, with extensive delays and significant increases in cost. While the APNU/AFC Government were able to commission the Uitvlugt Treatment Plant before they demitted office in 2020, the other two treatment plants were commissioned by the man who started it more than six years before - President Irfaan Ali - when he became president.
Before 2014, the PPP Government had set about to achieve universal coverage for potable water in the hinterland. It had already achieved more than 36% by 2014. By 2020, potable water coverage in the hinterland had reached only 42%, once again because of the sloth by the then APNU/AFC Government. Between 2020 and end of 2025, coverage has grown to close to 90%.
In Region 4, the Hope Canal is being transformed from a purely drainage canal to a potable water reservoir at a cost of more than $7B, and a massive water treatment plant at Bachelor’s Adventure is already 90% completed. There are also upgrades being done in Better Hope, Sparendaam, Friendship, Lusignan, and LBI. A new Water Treatment Plant is presently under construction at Adventure (Region 6), bringing treated water to another 5,000 residents when it is completed in 2026. Expansion and improvement of the water treatment plants in Port Mourant, New Amsterdam, Chesney, Mibicuri, Crabwood Creek, #69 Village, and Johanna (Region 6) will be completed by June 2025. In Region 2, it is expected that, very soon, 100% of the Essequibo Coast would have access to treated water, with the Lima Water Treatment Plant being upgraded, while two new water treatment plants are being constructed in Onderneeming and Maria’s Delight. In 2024, construction of a a new water treatment plant began in Bath (Region 5).
Access to clean water is not just a basic necessity, it is a fundamental human right. For millions living in developing countries and impoverished communities, this essential resource remains a distant dream, overshadowed by the harsh realities of waterborne diseases, environmental degradation, and economic disparities.
In 2010, the UN General Assembly explicitly recognized the human right to water and sanitation. Everyone has the right to sufficient, continuous, safe, acceptable, physically accessible and affordable water for personal and domestic use.
Guyana has already reached its SDG 6.1 target. The SDG target 6.1 calls for universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water. The target is tracked with the indicator of “safely managed drinking water services” – drinking water from an improved water source that is located on premises, available when needed, and free from fecal and priority chemical contamination.
But as Guyana consolidates its achievement in terms of SDG target 6.1, the realities in many developing countries around the world remain bleak. In 2022, over 2.2B people lived without access to safe water, with 1.7 billion people using a drinking water source contaminated with faeces.
Part of the reasons why Guyana made significant gains in reducing child mortality is the increase in access to potable water. Remember, by 1990, more than 2,200 babies under five years old died each year. Today, that number is between 150 and 200 annually. Potable water and treated water save lives.
Consider that about 1M people around the world die each year from diarrhoea as a result of unsafe drinking water, sanitation and hand hygiene.
Any government with an interest in making lives better for people must focus on potable water investment. Like his PPP predecessors, President Irfaan Ali has ensured that the fundamental rights of citizens to clean, safe water is being achieved. As a Minister of Water before 2015, President Ali excelled. He now has another Minister of Water who has followed in his footsteps to ensure Guyana stands out in the world as a developing country that achieved the SDG 6.1 target. Kudos to the Government.
GPHC Nursing Director calls for mandatory health checks for nurses
…after 30 nurses found with low blood count
Director of Nursing at the Georgetown Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Dr Leslyn Holder has called for mandatory health check-ups of nurses at the facility, emphasising the need for better care of this group of healthcare professionals.
During her address at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Annual Nursing Awards Ceremony held on Monday, Dr Holder congratulated the awardees and all nurses across Guyana for their commitment, especially during a time of healthcare transformation.
In fact, she drew attention to the occupational risks nurses are faced with on a daily basis, which ranges from musculoskeletal injuries, nutrition deficiency to burnout from working long hours, among others.
With this in mind, the nursing director issued a call to the management board of GPHC to implement strategies that cater for the mental and physical wellbeing of nurses.
“Understanding the common injuries that nurses face is crucial for promoting a safer work place environment. By identifying the issues that pose a higher risk healthcare institutions can implement targeted interventions to prevent injuries such as proper lifting equipment, offer training on safe people handling techniques and fostering a culture that prioritises,” Dr Holder said.
Moreover, she noted a concerning observation among the current nursing population at the hospital and urged management’s immediate intervention.
“On Thursday we had
our blood drive where thankfully to our donours I think we had about 20 units of blood donated. Unfortunately, not all of our nurses who volunteered to give blood that day were able to and that is because at least 30 nurses were found to have a lower HB [hemoglobin]. They did not reach the criteria for donating blood. You know how many more of our nurses are like that and we know that these conditions can contribute to feeling tired on duty and also predisposes you to infection? So, I take this opportunity to ask management includ -
ing HR to implement mandatory health checks for nurses that will provide an informed approach on how we can begin to care for our nurses,” the director revealed.
She also urged management to develop strategies to ensure nurses have enough rest periods while on the job.
“Ensure that nurses on duty have structured adequate mandatory breaks when they’re on duty. A 12-hour shift is a long day as nurses we understand the importance of good nutrition and having meals on time and you too all of
you not just nurses ensure your own selfcare in is intact,” she urged.
The GPHC continues to grapple with a shortage of nurses. In fact, last year, it was reported at the GPHC is operating with a deficit of some 700 nurses.
Nevertheless, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran – also delivering remarks at the event – explained that the hospital is committed to improving the experience of nurses employed at the institution.
“You are the first to respond, last to leave and often the constant presence that brings reassurance to our patients and their families… We are making significant investment in nursing from empowering them to skilling, to meet the ever-changing evolutions and dynamic of healthcare. There is a need for increased mentorship and leadership in nursing and we are committed to addressing this need,” the CEO said.
This year International Nurses Week is being observed under the theme "Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies".
This theme emphasises the importance of promoting nurses' health and well-being and highlights the crucial role of nurses in strengthening economies and the need to care for them.
Dr Leslie Ramsammy
Director of Nursing at the Georgetown Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Leslyn Holder
$470M Bartica Secondary Dorm nears completion
Youths living in Bartica and nearby communities in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) will soon have easier access to a more comfortable and modern living environment which will facilitate them throughout their secondary education Journey.
On Monday Education Minister Priya Manickchand travelled to the town of Bartica to kickstart the distribution of the “Because We Care” cash grant. During her stay
in the town the Minister also visited the Bartica Secondary School dormitory, a key piece of infrastructure which will transform the lives of residents in the region.
Speaking to members of the media during a site
visit to the new facility, Minister Manickchand reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment towards ensuring the living environment for students align with international standards. On this point the Minister highlighted that
to date, the Ministry has invested over half a billion dollars to improve dorm facilities in the region.
“The brand-new Bartica secondary dorm that we're dormitory that we're putting up so this is costing us just over 423 million dollars not just this but this and the rehabilitation of the old dorms and the purpose of this along with the rehabilitation at 370 million dollars of the three miles secondary.”
China ready to advance Belt & Road, energy collaboration with Guyana
…as Foreign Ministers meet for high-level talks in Beijing
Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd on Monday met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, following on the heels of which it was announced that China is ready to advance closer collaboration with Guyana in a number of areas including the Belt and Road initiative and in energy and mineral resources.
According to a statement from the Chinese Embassy, the meeting saw the two side exploring opportunities for closer ties, as well as the Chinese side reiterating its support for Guyana on its independent development path.
“China is ready to work with Guyana to follow the guidance of the important common understandings reached between the two heads of state, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, enhance cooperation in such areas as en-
ergy and mineral resources, agriculture and fisheries, manufacturing, and infrastructure development,” the Chinese embassy said.
Further, the embassy noted that they are ready to “explore cooperation in emerging fields such as the digital and green economies,
deepen exchanges and cooperation in healthcare, education, and culture, and push forward the sustained growth of China-Guyana relations. China will encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Guyana to support the country in upgrading its industries and achieving economic self-reliance.”
Meanwhile, the embassy noted that Wang Yi during the meeting looked to distance China from other countries. For instance, Wang Yi noted that his country’s prosperity does not depend on colonial plunder or geopolitical machinations.
“China remains firmly committed to standing with developing countries, especially small and medium-sized nations. The more China develops, the stronger its capacity to support developing countries in safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests and to
promote a more peaceful, just and harmonious world.”
“China will work in solidarity with the Global South to uphold the basic norms governing international relations and the core role of the United Nations (UN),” Wang Yi was cited by the Chinese embassy as saying during the meeting.
For his part, Todd noted that since taking office as Foreign Minister and visiting China, he has been able to witness the strengthening of ties between the two countries. He was also cited by the Chinese embassy, as reiterating the esteem in which Guyana holds its ties with China and values its global leadership.
“As the first Englishspeaking Caribbean country to establish diplomatic relations with China, Guyana regards China as a trustworthy and good friend, appreciates the contributions Chinese enterprises have
made to Guyana's rapid development, and is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China. Guyana welcomes more Chinese investment.”
“Hugh Hilton Todd stated that China, with a history of over 5,000 years, has demonstrated tremendous strength while remaining modest… Guyana values China's status and influence as a major country, appreciates China's leadership in improving global governance, and is willing to uphold multilateralism and safeguard international law and rules with China.” Another issue raised was the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), with Todd and Yi exchanging views on how best to utilise the China–CELAC platform to strengthen the partnership between China and the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region.
CPCE ramps up Spanish teacher training to boost student fluency
…new curriculum in the works for primary levels
The Education Ministry is advancing its phased implementation of Spanish as a mandatory subject in schools across Guyana, with renewed efforts underway to train more teachers to support this initiative. According to Chief Education Officer (CEO) Saddam Hussain, the programme is steadily gaining traction at the secondary level and is being expanded to include primary schools.
Speaking during a brief telephone interview with this publication/Evening News, Hussain reaffirmed that Spanish is already being taught in nearly all secondary schools from Form One, with some institutions offering Portuguese as an alternative in lower forms. He explained that by Forms Four and Five, Spanish is typically taught within selected streams.
“One is that we have something called a five priorities programme and one component of that programme is that each second-
ary school student should do Spanish. That's in terms of secondary. We also issued a circular to all schools advising them that once there is a teacher available, Spanish should be done”.
“We are currently framing the curriculum. We are designing a curriculum that would be offered in the primary school. At the moment, there are some primary schools where Spanish is done, but we're designing a kind of a curriculum
to allow for students to do Spanish from grades one all the way to grade five or six,” Hussain explained.
According to Hussain, a key challenge, however, remains the availability of qualified teachers—especially at the primary level, where educators are not typically trained to specialise in foreign languages. To address this, the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) has begun offering Spanish specialisations at various levels, and teachers are also being encouraged to pursue additional training opportunities through platforms such as Coursera.
“The college actually offers specialisation in Spanish at the different levels and there is other training through Coursera and a host of other programmes where teachers can specialise in Spanish. Quite recently, a couple of days ago, the Ministry had a thing on its website providing another opportunity for teachers to be trained in Spanish,” the CEO added.
Medical Council awaits more...
At least one local attorney has voiced concern about the matter, specifically questioning the chain of custody surrounding Adrianna’s remains.
The push to mainstream Spanish in Guyana’s education system began in 2023, with the Education Ministry outlining the programme as a strategic move to align with Guyana’s geographical and economic realities.
“Students are expect-
ed to be able to converse in Spanish, not just learn it from a textbook,” Hussain emphasised.
As the initiative progresses, the Ministry is closely monitoring student participation at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) level. While final numbers for 2025 are not yet confirmed, recent years have shown a steady increase in the number of students opting to write Spanish at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level.
Market vendor jailed, fined $1.7M for cocaine trafficking
Twenty-four-year-old market vendor, Wendez Pompey of Hill Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and fined $1,737,000 for possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, following his conviction on Friday.
Pompey appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he was handed the sentence in relation to a January 9 incident, during which officers of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) intercepted him on Mittleholzer Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
This has sparked public outrage, triggering protests in Georgetown and other regions of the country.
Demonstrators have accused the police of mismanaging the investigation and hindering the initial efforts to locate Adrianna. However, the protest was hijacked by political players and criminals and turned into public
Adriana was found floating in the pool of the now-gutted Double Day Hotel on April 24, less than 24 hours after she was reported missing from the facility. Family members claim they had previously searched the pool and did not find the child’s body in the water.
terror, with businesses being looted and persons being robbed. Several fires were set by those who created public terror. A number of persons have since been arrested and charged.
President Dr Irfaan Ali had pledged a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding Adriana’s death and has called for calm.
According to CANU, Pompey was the lone occupant of a minibus, BAE 7328, when ranks stopped and searched the vehicle at around 20:15h. A black haversack on the front passenger seat was found to contain a transparent, brick-like parcel. Tests confirmed that the substance was cocaine, which was later weighed at 1.1562 kilograms at CANU headquarters.
Pompey, represented by attorney Jevon Cox, initially pleaded not guilty to the
charge when he was first arraigned in January. In a failed attempt to secure bail, Cox had argued that the drugs were not found on Pompey’s person and that his client did not know the contents of the bag.
The defence contended that Pompey had just delivered puri and was returning to the minibus when he was confronted by officers, and further claimed the registered owner of the vehicle had not yet been contacted by investigators.
However, the prosecution stated that Pompey was the only individual in the minibus
and that the illegal substance was found within his reach. The prosecutor also pointed out that Pompey had not denied knowledge of the drugs during his initial interactions with law enforcement. This conviction marks Pompey’s second known brush with the law. In February 2024, he was arrested on the Suddie Public Road, Essequibo Coast, with 27.9 grams of cannabis in his possession. He pleaded guilty before Magistrate Esther Sam and was fined $41,550 and sentenced to two months of community service at the Ruimveldt Police Station.
Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain
From left: Guyana Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd, with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi
Guyana expands restorative justice with 6 new regional offices
Amid plans by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government to establish Restorative Justice Offices in six more regions by the end of August 2025, training was also launched for the restorative justice officers manning this programme.
On Monday, the Legal Affairs Ministry hosted a Restorative JusticePractitioners Training exercise at the Police Training Centre. The event saw a number of restorative justice officers in attendance, with the training being facilitated by Canada.
That training comes at a crucial time, as it was revealed by Director of the Restorative Justice Centre Orrin Boston that functional offices will be established in six more administrative regions by August 2025.
Those regions are Regions One, Two, Six, Seven, Nine and 10. Work is also ongoing to find an office in Region Eight. Once office space in Region Eight is found, it will
mean all the administrative regions will have their own Restorative Justice offices.
“It is projected that functional offices in Regions One, Two, Six, Seven, Nine and 10, will be actualised by the end of August. Thus, the impetus for the very training that you are here to attend.”
“Notably, we’re still working on finding an ideal space for an office in Region Eight. When that would have been completed, we would have been able to say that we’ve identified and will actualise offices in all 10 of the administrative regions of Guyana,” Boston said.
Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sebastian Sigouin, stressed the importance of restorative justice, a sometimes difficult but nevertheless necessary process. According to him, restorative justice is widely used around the world, including in Canada.
“I don’t need to tell you what restorative justice is. You probably already know about it or will know more
about it during training… but it is a concept that has been used around the world. And in Canada, it is a concept to resolve disputes that we’ve been using for decades.”
“In a previous life I used to work at the Canadian Human Rights Commission. And this was a process that was really central to our efforts to address human rights violations and discrimination cases in Canada,” Sigouin added.
Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty meanwhile shared an anecdote of one of the success stories of restorative justice, as originally told by one of her former judicial colleagues. She noted that using this method, a neighbourly relationship that had been torn apart by a feud, was restored.
New Amsterdam labourer remanded on murder charge
ANew Amsterdam labourer was Tuesday remanded to prison for the murder of one of two men who died just over a week ago at Caracas, West Canje. This follows a charge last Friday, of another man with one of the deaths.
However, the police are still on the hunt for another suspect in connection with one of the murders.
On Tuesday Eubeern Bristol, called ‘Eusie’, a 39-year-old labourer of Smithfield, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was on Tuesday remanded to prison for the murder of Leon Fordyce, which occurred on May 4, at Caracas.
Bristol appeared before Magistrate Michelle Mathias at the Albion Magistrate’s Court, where he was not required to plead to the indictable charge.
Police Prosecutor,
Sergeant Mark Edwards told the court that the police are looking for another suspect in connection with the murder of Fordyce. He said that the suspect is still to be apprehended and charged.
Attorney at Law, Sasha Roberts, representing Bristol questioned what would happen if the second person is not apprehended.
The prosecutor said the police will go ahead with
the charge as it stands, with only Bristol facing trial for Fordyce’s murder.
The Court has set June 9, for the police to make available all the evidence they have in the case so that the accused can have a file with that evidence.
Fordyce was one of two men picked up on May 5, lying motionless on the roadside at Caracas, just adjacent to Angoy’s Avenue.
The other man was 46-year-old Shawn LaFleur, of Caracas.
Fordyce was pronounced dead on arrival at the New Amsterdam Hospital, while LaFleur succumbed to his injuries while being transferred from the New Amsterdam Hospital to the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Meanwhile, an autopsy conducted on the body of Leon Fordyce gave the cause of death as shock and hemorrhage due to multiple injuries.
“There was one famous case where there were two feuding neighbours. And he managed to sort out their issues by getting to the root of those problems. And I think the way they solved it is they each learnt and cooked each other’s favorite meals.”
“And the persons became good friends after that. They forgot about all of their issues that they had before, because they’d gotten over those issues. And they were now the best of friends. And telling everyone how good the other person was,” the Magistrate added.
McGusty meanwhile acknowledged the need for awareness campaigns in schools, communities, prisons and among policy makers. She stressed that restorative justice is not about being le-
nient, but rather using means of justice that builds, rather than breaks.
Restorative justice is the practice of administering justice for crimes without jail time, including mediating disputes between opposing parties. Community service is also another alternative to imprisonment that is identified by the Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) programme.
Restorative justice also involves using consultation between a victim, perpetrator and community member, to ensure there is justice without imprisonment for non-violent crimes. It is an alternative approach that seeks to repair harm by providing opportunities for the victim and perpetrator to discuss and address their needs in the after-
math, in a way that promotes healing, accountability, and understanding. There are cases where some persons can end up serving longer periods on remand than they would have served if found guilty of the offence. To address this and other anomalies, the Government had passed the Restorative Justice and Bail Acts in 2022, to ensure greater consistency in the granting of bail and to provide specific guidelines for Magistrates and Judges. One other alternative to imprisonment is probation. It has been pointed out that being placed on probation does not mean that the offenders are getting off lightly, but instead they have the opportunity to make amends and rehabilitate while remaining in their communities.
Decomposed body of man found at Hope seawalls
Adecomposed body of an unidentified man was discovered early Sunday morning along the Hope Seawalls, East Coast Demerara (ECD), prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
The discovery was made around 06:45h on Sunday when the body was seen lying face down among the rocks at the shoreline. The man was clothed in black knee-length pants and a brown long-sleeved shirt. A tattoo was visible on his right hand.
The remains were removed from the scene and taken to the Memorial Funeral Parlour, where they are being stored pending identification and a post-mortem examination.
Investigators questioned several persons in
the area, but no useful information has been obtained so far.
This recent incident follows a similar case earlier this year when, on March 21, the body of 59-year-old Balraj Mahdeo was found in a trench in the vicinity of Plantation Hope, ECD.
Mahdeo had a known history of seizures and alcohol use. While no foul play was suspected in that matter, the back-to-back discoveries in the same general area have raised concern. Investigations into the latest case are ongoing.
Magistrate McGusty (far left, seated), High Commissioner Sigouin (centre, seated) and Director of the Restorative Justice Centre Orrin Boston (to the High Commissioner’s immediate right) pose with restorative justice officers
Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sebastian Sigouin Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty
Eubeern Bristol being escorted to court on Tuesday by two police officers
The body that was found at the Hope seawalls
SUDOKU
Keep an open mind and let your intuition take the lead. Mix business with pleasure, and you'll be surprised by what you achieve. Don't hesitate to travel if it will promote your intentions.
Refuse to let stubbornness set in, which could wreak havoc with others and stand between you and your goals. Be strong, stand firm and get agreements in writing. Put safety first.
Keep pushing for what you want. Focus on home improvements, nurturing meaningful relationships and personal growth that helps you achieve your desired happiness.
Refuse to let anyone pressure you into something you don't want to do. Concentrate on keeping the peace and maintaining security. Avoid joint ventures and shared expenses.
Up your game by keeping your image and appearance current and your body language approachable. Get together with an old friend or associate to gain insight into personal prospects.
A shift in your surroundings will feed your soul and imagination, giving rise to new and exciting possibilities. Refuse to let emotional interference stifle your dreams.
Take pride in your work, and don't be shy about showing off your talents, intelligence and kindness. Expand your plans to meet demands, but don't go over budget.
Guard against anyone interfering in your life, position and plans. Set high standards and adjust to changes as they occur. Protect against unsavory situations, arguments and injury.
You know the rules, and you have the energy and the willpower to put your plans in motion. Make changes at home that add to your convenience and comfort. A professional upgrade is within reach.
Keep tabs on your health and financial well-being. Money is available, but it will require time and effort to bring it to fruition. Leave nothing to chance.
Keep your thoughts and plans to yourself. Someone will be happy to take charge or interfere, given the opportunity. Bring energy and a positive attitude into the mix, and you will gain ground.
Refrain from sharing your plans until you have everything in place. Your success depends on how you handle others and promote yourself. Go about your business and implement your plans privately.
ARCHIE
West Indies Women’s tour of England…
Debut call up for Grimmond as 6 Guyanese named in WI Women’s Team
Cricket West Indies
(CWI) on Tuesday unveiled a 15-member squad for the upcoming white-ball tour of England, which takes place from May 21 to June 8, 2025. The tour includes three T20 International matches and three One-Day International matches, to be played at several venues across the country.
The squad would be led by captain Hayley Matthews, and includes a strong mix of experienced players and emerging talent eager to represent the region well and move on from their participation in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in Pakistan last month.
There are two changes to the squad that contested the World Cup Qualifiers, with 20-year-old Guyanese all-rounder Realeanna Grimmond and Kittitian fast bowler Jahzara Claxton replacing Jamaicans wicketkeeper/batter Rashada Williams and all-rounder Chinelle Henry respectively.
Miles Bascombe, CWI Director of Cricket, expressed confidence in the squad when he said, “This upcoming tour of England offers our women an important opportunity to reassert themselves on the international stage. It’s a chance to demonstrate the talent, grit, and character that are synonymous with West Indies cricket.
“The ongoing T20 Blaze competition has come at an opportune time, giving many of our senior and emerging players the chance to stay match-ready and sharpen their skills in a competitive environment. We remain committed to strengthening our women’s programme, and believe this tour is a vital step forward in our collective journey.”
Head Coach Shane Deitz shared Bascombe’s enthusiasm for the upcoming series.
“Going to England is a fantastic opportunity to play one of the best teams in the world for a long time, and to really test our skills and put
in practice what we've talked about off the pitch,” he said.
“The talk is cheap off the pitch; we're going to put that talk into action and go out against England and play some good cricket. We’ve got the T20Is first, and that's where we've played our better cricket in the past 12 to 18 months; so, we're looking forward to getting the tour off to a good start and play some good attacking cricket the West Indian way,” he added.
“We brought a good team to England, and we're looking forward to putting on a good performance for the crowd over there and all our supporters watching back in the Caribbean. It's going to be an excellent tour for us to reestablish ourselves as a world class team with world class players.
“The girls have been working hard since the Pakistan qualification, and playing some cricket at the T20 Blaze in the Caribbean. It's now time to switch up to international cricket, put
on a good display, and give our supporters something to cheer about back in the Caribbean.”
Assistant Coach: Ryan Austin Assistant Coach: Damien Wright Team Analyst: Gary Belle
Physiotherapist: Angelica Holder Strength &
After two weekends of challenging, exciting, and power-packed moves on the chessboard, Keron Sandiford, a former Junior Chess Champion, has emerged as the winner of the 2025 National Open Chess Qualifiers, which concluded last Sunday at the David Rose Special School.
Sandiford secured first place with 6.5 points in the eight-round competition, in which he earned six wins and one draw. Although he faced tough opposition throughout the competition, he proved he was a force to be reckoned with.
In a Round Five matchup with top Junior player Kyle Couchman, Sandiford got the better of his opponent in about 50 moves after a major battle unfolded during their faceoff. Couchman tried desperately with his Rooks to attack and threaten Sandiford’s King; but, in the cat-and-mouse struggle, Sandiford also manoeuvred his Rooks, Knight, and three
menacing pawns to confine Couchman’s King. With nowhere to run and checkmate soon to follow, Couchman gave up the fight in the final moves of the game.
In Round Six, Sandiford confronted Saeed Ali, a former Junior Champion. Both players reached an endgame with Queens still on the board. However, a cunning Sandiford took advantage of a devastating X-ray to capture Ali’s Queen, forcing him to resign and accept the loss.
Sandiford suffered his only loss in the tournament to reigning Junior Champion Ricardo Narine in Round Seven.
He was matched with Joshua Gopaul, another former National Junior Champion, in Round Eight. That encounter lasted less than twenty moves, and Sandiford was again victorious.
Fifteen-year-old Couchman finished in second place with 6 points from the eight rounds, having secured
Conditioning Coach:
Hector Martinez Charles Performance Coach: Dr. Nadine Sammy Media & Content Officer: Nicholas Maitland
The West Indies Women were expected to depart for England on May 13, with the first T20I scheduled for May 21.
TOUR SCHEDULE: T20I Series
1st T20I - Wednesday, May 21 - The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury
2nd T20I - Friday, May 23- The 1st Central County Ground, Hove 3rd T20I - Monday, May 26- Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford ODI Series 1st ODI - Friday, May 30- County Ground, Derby 2nd ODI - Wednesday, June 4- Uptonsteel County Ground, Leicester 3rd ODI - Saturday, June 7- The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton
Sandiford triumphs at National Open Chess Qualifiers
five wins and two draws.
He secured a walkover from Narine in Round Eight, and his only loss was to Sandiford.
Narine finished third with 6 points, having obtained notable victories over Gopaul and Sandiford. He suffered a loss in Round Five against CM Sachin Pitamber.
Pitamber finished in fourth place with 6 points: five wins and two draws. His only loss came against CM Ronuel Greenidge. Greenidge, one of Guyana’s most seasoned players, earned the fifthplace spot with six points, after suffering losses against Couchman and Sandiford.
In sixth place was fifteen-year-old Alexander Zhang, who is no stranger to the chess competition with five and a half points. He secured five wins and one draw, and lost against Narine and Pitamber.
Gopaul took the seventh position with five points, including five wins and three losses against Sandiford,
Narine, and Pitamber.
WCM Aditi Joshi secured her eighth-place position with five points, after drawing four games and earning three victories. The current Women’s Chess Champion lost only in the 5th Round against Gopaul. Her notable draw in this tournament was against AFM Davion Mars. Joshi is the only female in the top nine qualifiers.
Rounding off the top nine players was Rolex Alexander, with five points.
Of the nine players who have qualified to enter the National Championship, two are former National Junior Champions, notably Joshua Gopaul and Keron Sandiford. The reigning National Junior Champion Ricardo Narine and Women’s Champion Aditi Joshi are among the nine candidates to play CM Taffin Khan in their attempt to unseat him and take the National Champion title.
In a surprising turn of events, newcomer to the tournament scene, Marcia Lee,
pulled off a seventh-round victory over FIDE-rated player Treskolé Archibald in a 55move, roller-coaster game. Lee was one of the 7 female players who challenged the field.
Chess enthusiasts can look forward to the National Chess Championships, starting from May 24th to May 26th, May 31st and June 1st, 2025, at the David Rose Special School. The competition will utilize a RoundRobin format, ensuring each of the ten talented players will face off against every other participant across nine intense rounds.
The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) have extended their appreciation to the David Rose Special School for their kind provision of the venue. The invaluable contributions of FIDE Arbiters Mr. John Lee and Mr. Anand Raghunath have also been acknowledged, their expertise having ensured the systematic and disciplined execution of all games.
Meanwhile, next on the GCF’s calendar will be the hosting of a Chess 960 tournament on Sunday, May 18th, 2025, at the prestigious Pegasus Suites in Kingston. Interested persons can register at guyanachess.gy
Aditi Joshi (right) is the lone female to qualify for the Open Championships
Kyle Couchman finished in second place
Keron Sandiford (far right) claimed 6.5 of a possible 8 points for the top spot
