Guyana Times, Wednesday, November 19, 2025

US President thanked Security Council members, including Guyana, for support

…ruling directly contradicts Justice Gino Persaud’s decision in Lamborghini case – AG

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, November 19 –15:50h–17:20h and Thursday, November 20 – 16:15h–17:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers easing to lighter evening showers are expected. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-Easterly to Easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 15:46h reaching a maximum height of 2.63 metres.

Low Tide: 09:23h and 21:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.72 metre and 0.57 metre.

AI-powered CCTVs bring real-time oversight to Guyana's prisons

…detecting prisoners’ behaviour, patterns, threats in real time

As the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) accelerates its shift from penal to correctional operations, newly-introduced AIequipped CCTV systems are now detecting behaviours, movement patterns, and potential threats in real

AI, they’re being trained to detect certain behaviour, certain patterns, certain groupings.”

According to him, this will also help them to better respond to situations, or to prevent situations, similarly going forward.

ensuring both officers and inmates operate under consistent, real-time oversight.

Meanwhile, Jamal Daniels, Prison Trade Instructor (ag), noted that this system, among other new improvements, strengthens public trust,

time, marking a major leap towards proactive security, transparency, and modernised inmate management.

Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (ag) Glexroy Thomas announced that the GPS is ramping up its use of technology as part of its broader push to modernise the correctional environment during a recent Police and You interview.

In the interview, he highlighted how these new tools are transforming corrections, the impact they are already having, and the service’s ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability, transparency, and security across the system.

“With the implementation of these technologies, we also have CCC cameras that are equipped with

To top it off, he mentioned that with the implementation of these technologies, they hope that they will provide high-quality service to the public.

“The start-up will be professional at all times, knowing the fact that they’re being monitored with the implementation of these technological advancements that the Guyana Prison Service has embarked on, it also helps us to keep our officers in line, give them training where needed, and also has live accountability of each action they take, whether good or bad, at that time.”

He also pointed out that these advancements are not only reshaping security operations but are reinforcing a culture of transparency and responsibility within the prison system –

since the alerts are generated in real time, providing instant accountability at the exact moment the breach occurs.

Jamal Daniels explained that the system not only alerts the command centre but also notifies the individual when the alert is made public. He emphasised that this feature strengthens public trust by providing real-time accountability at the exact moment a breach occurs.

Diving much deeper into what goes on behind the prison walls, Daniels relayed that going forward, with the implementation of these technologies, the service hopes to provide high-quality service to the public.

The start-up will maintain professionalism at all times, knowing that staff and inmates are being monitored. These technological advancements also help to keep officers in line, provide training where needed, and ensure live accountability of each action they take, whether good or bad.

Several innovations have recently been introduced across Guyana to enhance correctional services. The gps is testing electronic ankle bracelets to monitor low-risk inmates participating in work programmes. This technology is part of a broader initiative to modernise the prison system and improve inmate rehabilitation and reintegration. The tamper-resistant bracelets use radio frequency signals to alert officers if an inmate leaves an authorised area. In addition, the service is implementing other programmes, including IT and computer training, to help inmates develop skills that will support their reintegration into society.

Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (ag), Glexroy Thomas

Prison Trade Instructor (ag) Jamal Daniels

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Traffic tickets tell a telling story

The disclosure from the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department on traffic tickets and speeding fines paints a troubling portrait of a national road culture spiralling further into recklessness. With approximately 47,600 traffic tickets already issued for the year, the data underscores an entrenched pattern of dangerous behaviour that continues to claim lives, damage property, and stretch public resources. The widespread lack of caution on the nation’s roads is no longer a matter of indiscipline alone; it has evolved into a public safety crisis that demands urgent, uncompromising intervention.

The introduction of the Safe Road Intelligence System in April, generating some 15,000 tickets to date, has provided an unfiltered view of what occurs daily on the roadways. The presence of speed cameras at 26 locations nationwide has captured what many already knew: speeding remains one of the most pervasive and perilous offences committed by motorists. The revelation that some drivers were clocked at speeds as high as 180 km/h would be astonishing were it not such a frequent hallmark of a road culture where disregard for speed limits has become almost casual.

The scale of the issue is further evident in the sheer number of speeding cases, more than 32,000 so far, accounting for over $200 million in revenue. These figures, while significant, tell a story of continued transgression rather than progress. The financial penalties, though substantial, have not yet served as a meaningful deterrent for many. When the risk of harm or death fails to curb reckless behaviour, the responsibility falls squarely on the regulatory and enforcement frameworks to act with sharper teeth.

Driving under the influence of alcohol remains another persistent threat. More than 1400 cases were recorded this year, with only 21 licences suspended. The low number of suspensions stands in stark contrast to the volume of offenders and raises legitimate questions about whether existing penalties are proportionate to the danger posed. A driver impaired by alcohol is, in essence, operating a potential weapon on wheels. Failing to enforce meaningful consequences only invites greater risk.

Beyond the individual offences lies the broader challenge of law enforcement fatigue. With more than 120,000 traffic cases filed this year and over 22,000 summonses issued, the burden on the judicial and policing systems is enormous. The 717 executed warrants and the $5.3 million generated in related revenue represent systemic pressure that should not be necessary, pressure created almost entirely by preventable behaviour. Infrastructure can be improved, systems can be modernised, but if motorists continue to treat road laws as suggestions rather than obligations, the problem will persist.

The stern warning issued by the Traffic Chief highlights the seriousness with which the Police Force views the ongoing violations. Obstructive parking in shopping districts, dangerous placement of vehicles, and misuse of state-affiliated transport all form part of the wider tapestry of disregard. The reminder that state-owned vehicles offer no shield from accountability is timely and necessary. The impending implementation of the demerit point system signals a shift toward stricter, less negotiable enforcement. For a system long plagued by inconsistency and leniency, this represents progress.

Equally significant is the collaborative work between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Attorney General’s Chambers. The move toward stronger penalties for dangerous driving, alongside measures to streamline enforcement, indicates recognition at the policy level that the status quo is untenable. Stronger laws alone will not resolve the issue, but they are an essential foundation for rebuilding a culture of responsibility on the roads.

The prevailing attitude of many drivers continues to place communities at risk. Excessive speeding, drunk driving, reckless manoeuvres, and habitual non-compliance have created an environment in which road safety cannot be assured. The human cost of this behaviour extends far beyond ticket numbers or revenue collected; it reverberates through families, workplaces, and institutions.

What the data makes clear is that stronger enforcement must be met with a corresponding shift in driver behaviour. Compliance cannot continue to be driven only by the presence of cameras or patrols. The nation cannot afford a road culture where adherence to the law is optional. Every motorist has a responsibility to contribute to safer roads.

Upholding Guyanese hospitality: a call for vigilance and firm action

Dear Editor,

Our Guyanese hospitality has long been a defining feature of our national identity. As a people, we possess a deep cultural instinct for kindness, generosity, and warmth. We pride ourselves on our ability to make others feel welcome, respected, and such valued qualities are admired by visitors from across the world.

This tradition is not merely a social custom; it is an expression of who we are as a people. Yet, as our society becomes increasingly interconnected and diverse, this very generosity is at risk of being exploited.

The most recent incident, involving an alleged pastor of the Universal Church in Georgetown, who verbally attacked a tax-paying Guyanese citizen in the most vulgar and angry manner over an “alleged parking space”, which is not his, demands sober reflection. The public has witnessed not only a shocking display of arrogance, vulgarity and anger, but also behaviour wholly inconsistent with the conduct expected of someone, “a pastor”, claiming moral or spiritual leadership. The Mayor of Georgetown has already clarified that no private individual or institution holds authority to restrict public access to a public roadway, yet the aggression continued. Such disregard for our laws, public spaces, and fellow Guyanese citizens or otherwise cannot be taken

lightly.

Further, what is equally unfortunate is that this case is not isolated. It has been alleged that across our society, be it at restaurants, supermarkets, or various business establishments, there have been reports of similar instances where foreigners display contemptuous, disrespectful, or dismissive behaviour toward Guyanese people. While many who come to our shores contribute positively to our economy and social fabric, the emergence of such troubling displays signals a growing problem that must not be ignored.

Most would agree that our Guyanese hospitality and kindness must never be mistaken for weakness. Our kindness is rooted in respect, and that respect must be reciprocated. Foreign nationals who choose to live, work, worship, or invest in Guyana are welcomed into our society that is built on coexistence, tolerance, and cultural pride. However, it must be understood that this welcome comes with responsibilities, chief among them being upholding our laws and treating our citizens with respect and dignity.

Allowing abusive or arrogant behaviour to go unchecked risks normalising such actions that can erode our continued efforts for social and national cohesion.

If such conduct is permitted to proliferate, it may grow into a much

larger problem, one capable of undermining public trust, disturbing community relations, and breeding resentment within the population.

A society that values hospitality must also value accountability.

It is therefore imperative that we all, as Guyanese citizens, community leaders, public officials, and institutions, remain vigilant. We must not allow unacceptable behaviour to take root through silence or passive tolerance. Instead, we must promote a culture in which respect for our country, our people, and its laws is non-negotiable. It is in this regard we must demand firm enforcement of our laws. The relevant authorities must ensure that public order, the laws, community standards, and municipal regulations are applied fairly and consistently to all residents, regardless of nationality or position.

There should be a collective public condemnation of abusive conduct by civil society; religious bodies and community leaders must openly reject behaviours that violate our societal norms or undermine our national dignity.

Equally, I believe those who come to our country to live or work should receive proper guidance on cultural expectations, legal responsibilities, and the values of mutual respect that underpin our social fabric.

All of our people should

feel confident and supported when reporting mistreatment or discrimination, and that it will be treated with the importance it requires. No one should fear retaliation for standing up for their rights.

Our Guyanese hospitality is one of our greatest assets, cherished and promoted by our people, and it is admired regionally and internationally. It is the ingredient that helps to strengthen our tourism sector, supports our economy, and enriches the daily lives of those who call this country home. But like all values worth preserving, it must be protected through deliberate and intentional action.

We must never allow individual incidents of disrespect to define our interactions or set new norms. Instead, let these moments serve as reminders of the importance of safeguarding our culture and insisting on mutual respect.

Guyana will remain a welcoming country, but we are not a nation to be disrespected. Our hospitality is a gift, not an invitation for abuse. Through vigilance, unity, and a firm response, we can ensure that our society remains warm and open-hearted, while also strong, dignified, and self-respecting.

Yours respectfully, Jermaine Figueira Former Member of Parliament

A stunning view of the waterfall in Kato, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) (Mike Gonslaves photo)

Local Content Secretariat moves to digitise services as oil sector opportunities surge

The Local Content Secretariat is advancing plans to digitise its services in response to expanding opportunities within the oil and gas sector.

According to Head of the Secretariat Michael Munroe, the shift is timely, as an increasing number of Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) are being signed, driving up demand for locally produced goods and services as required by law.

Speaking during the Business Development Forum organised by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) last week, Munroe acknowledged the issue businesses face in getting their local content certificates – something which is required for them to participate in the oil and gas sector.

“Persons reach out to me incessantly every day to say, ‘Michael, what’s the situation with my local content certificate? It has been with the Secretariat for a month, two months, sometimes three months, four months’, and I am empathetic to those

persons because I don’t want the Secretariat to become a part of the problem that we’re trying to solve,” the Local Content Head recognised.

Without a local content certificate, Guyanese-owned businesses cannot benefit from contracts within the oil and gas sector.

In order to streamline the process of getting that certificate and reducing unnecessary delays, Munroe said the Local Content Secretariat is moving to expand the digitisation of its services.

“I don’t know how many persons have the Local Content App, but we’re looking to see how we could expand through the local content portal as well as the Local Content App to see how we could give persons the ability through these mechanisms to get registered or to submit your application,” he explained.

The Local Content App was launched in February 2025 but it currently does not process applications for Local Content Certificates.

According to Munroe, they are also looking at leveraging artificial intelli-

gence in the process.

“So, for example, given some of these documentations are standardised, for example, at the Deeds and Commercial Registry, most of the forms are stan-

dardised. We’re looking to see how once you submit the form through the portal, we’re looking to see how AI could now extract the relevant data because the algorithms would be tailored to

We can’t have separate laws for the rich and the poor

Dear Editor, I remember my grandmother used to say, “If yuh wrong, yuh wrong. Rich or poor, same treatment.” That wisdom never expires.

Lately, I see people bending themselves trying to justify why certain big names should get special treatment when they run afoul of the law. Some even say the

Police should arrest them “softly”. Since when does justice have a luxury package?

We can’t be preaching equality then crying shame when it reaches one of our own. A poor boy could get cuffs for a little larceny, but a millionaire must get a red-carpet arrest? No, man. Law can’t have a rich version and a poor version.

When those in power or with money believe they are untouchable, every honest citizen in this country becomes smaller. Because next time, the law will hesitate, and that hesitation breeds corruption.

The real issue is respect for justice. Every man must answer for his own deeds. If you clean, the court is going

to prove it. If you are dirty, the same court is going to deal with it. Simple.

We can’t build a country where the law trembles to touch certain people. A nation that wants fairness must practise it, even when it hurts.

Yours respectfully, Brian Azore

Results talk louder than rambling

Dear Editor,

These days, everybody and their cousin is a “political analyst” on Facebook. One man wakes up and posts ten times about who is a thief, who lies, and who should resign. Another woman makes TikToks about “saving Guyana”. Meanwhile, people are still waiting for their streetlights, their job letters, and their NIS cheque to process.

Let’s be honest: the people who do the real work don’t have time to be online fighting every minute. Real development doesn’t happen in the comments section. It happens when you see drains cleaned, roads graded, and families finally moving into proper homes. That’s what matters.

Every ministry, every region, every NDC needs to show results. If they get public money, they must show what comes out of it, not just “budget increase” and nice talk. You can’t just add ten million more to a line item and call that progress.

Guyanese are tired of seeing paper development that never reaches the ground.

I do tell people, let the results talk. If the streets stop flooding, if the clinic gets medicine, if youths get training, that’s progress. The rest is just mouth exercise.

Some folks just like drama. They prefer to quarrel than build. But this country needs builders now. We need every hand on deck.

So when you hear plenty of noise online, just ask one question: “What are they actually doing for the people?” Silence will answer you loud and clear.

Yours truly, Annalise Humphrey Kwakwani, Region 10

look at the forms, extract the relevant data, and come up with a preliminary assessment of this application. So then once that happens, it goes to our registration team. The team looks at that and they have the ability to cross-reference the recommendation from the AI with the documentation. And once that’s in line, then it just gets forwarded to me who would then work on issuing the approval,” he explained.

Go and compete for projects

Meanwhile, Munroe highlighted that getting that certificate is just the first step. Thereafter, local companies have to go and compete for projects.

He noted that as more tier-one companies enter the sector, meaning those required by law to procure goods and services from local providers, the opportunities for Guyanese to benefit continue to expand.

Recently, the Government signed a Production Sharing Agreement with a consortium comprising QatarEnergy, TotalEnergies & Petronas. This company is now mandated to procure goods and services from Guyanese-owned companies, as mandated by the Local Content Act.

“And of course, by the end of the year, I know most persons appreciate Minister (Vickram) Bharrat already said that we plan on signing two more petroleum agreements. So of course, automatically, soon as those

persons execute those agreements, there will be increased opportunities, increased demand for persons participating in the first instance in the 40 areas. And based on the proposals we get from the sectors, if we extend maybe to 60 areas, there will be demand in those 60 areas for businesses participating in that,” Munroe noted.

The Guyana Government has committed to reviewing the Local Content Act and expanding the 40 service areas set aside for locals. There are 40 areas in which oil companies have to seek services from local providers, to varying degrees. For instance, 100 per cent of immigration support, work permit and visa application, customs and ground transportation, as well as insurance have to be sought from local service providers by the oil companies.

Meanwhile, other targets include 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent of janitorial services, laundry and catering services; 95 per cent pest control services; 75 per cent local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services.

In November 2024, it was reported that 1032 companies were registered with the Local Content Secretariat, meaning they are in possession of a Local Content Certificate to confirm they are a Guyanese company and are eligible to supply oil and gas operations.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2025

Head of the Local Content Secretariat, Michael Munroe

Page Foundation

Composite Volume and Surface Area

The formulae to find the volume and surface area of composite shapes are as below:

Remember, to find the surface area of a composite shape, you:

1. Find the surface area of each individual shape

2. Subtract any faces that are “joined” or touching

3. Add what’s left

Practice:

1. Find the surface area of the following composite shapes:

2. Find the volume of the following composite shapes:

Materials:

• Re-sealable plastic bag

• Permanent marker

• Water

• Tape

• Blue food colouring (optional)

Instructions

1.Use the permanent marker to draw a sky with clouds and a sun towards the top of your bag.

2.Add some water so that it forms a body of water at the bottom of your bag. Add food colouring now, if using.

3.Seal your bag and hang or place it on or near a sunny window.

4.Wait a few hours to a day (depending on how sunny it is) and see if you notice any changes to your bag.

What’s appening?

As the water in your bag is heated by the sun, it begins to evaporate. Since it’s contained by the bag, no clouds can form. Instead, the water vapour condenses and forms water droplets on the inside of the bag. Over time, those water droplets will slide back into the water at the bottom of the bag, starting the cycle over again! (Children's Science Center Lab)

By William WordsWorth

Behold her, single in the field, Yon solitary Highland Lass! Reaping and singing by herself; Stop here, or gently pass! Alone she cuts and binds the grain, And sings a melancholy strain; O listen! for the Vale profound Is overflowing with the sound. No Nightingale did ever chaunt

More welcome notes to weary bands Of travellers in some shady haunt, Among Arabian sands: A voice so thrilling ne'er was heard In spring-time from the Cuckoo-bird, Breaking the silence of the seas Among the farthest Hebrides.

Will no one tell me what she sings?— Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow For old, unhappy, far-off things, And battles long ago: Or is it some more humble lay, Familiar matter of to-day? Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain, That has been, and may be again?

Whate'er the theme, the Maiden sang

As if her song could have no ending; I saw her singing at her work, And o'er the sickle bending;— I listened, motionless and still; And, as I mounted up the hill, The music in my heart I bore, Long after it was heard no more.

After many years, you have finally formed a tentative friendship with the monster that lives under your bed.

cycle In a bag

Water

President Ali welcomes historic UN vote in support of President Trump’s Gaza peace plan

…as US President thanked Security Council members, including Guyana, for support

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday welcomed the adoption of a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution endorsing United States President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, saying Guyana supported the measure as a matter of principle.

“Guyana welcomes the adoption of the UNSC resolution which endorses President Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza. We applaud the USA for its leadership in this initiative,” President Ali said on social media. He added that Guyana voted in favour of the resolution, which he said aims to build on the ex-

isting ceasefire and advance sustainable peace for the Palestinian people.

President Trump, reacting to the vote on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), hailed the outcome as an international endorsement of what he called the “Board of Peace”, a transitional governance body included in the resolution.

“Congratulations to the world on the incredible vote of the United Nations Security Council… acknowledging and endorsing the BOARD OF

ported the effort. He said the full membership of the Board of Peace would be announced in the coming weeks.

According to a BBC report, the UNSC voted in favour of the US-drafted resolution on Monday, with 13 members supporting it and none opposing. Russia and China abstained. UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres’s spokesperson said the adoption was an “important step in the consolidation of the ceasefire.”

The plan establishes an

the demilitarisation of nonstate armed groups, including Hamas. The Palestinian police force in Gaza has until now operated under Hamas authority.

The BBC reported that Hamas rejected the resolution, saying on Telegram that it “imposes an international guardianship mechanism on the Gaza Strip” and assigns roles to an international force that would “turn it into a party to the conflict in favour of the occupation.” The group argued that the plan fails to

PEACE, which will be chaired by me,” Trump wrote. He described the decision as “one of the biggest approvals in the history of the United Nations” and thanked all 15 Council members, including Guyana, along with several countries outside the Council that sup-

International Stabilisation Force (ISF), which the US says will include contributions from several unnamed countries. The ISF is mandated to work with Israel, Egypt and a newly trained Palestinian police force to secure border areas and oversee

meet Palestinians’ rights and demands.

According to the BBC report, briefing the Council, US Ambassador Mike Waltz said the ISF would support demilitarisation, dismantle militant infrastructure, remove weapons, and help ensure the safe-

ty of Palestinian civilians.

The resolution also establishes the Board of Peace, a transitional governance body that will supervise a Palestinian technocratic committee responsible for reconstruction, governance arrangements, and humanitarian aid delivery. Reconstruction funds would be channelled through a World Bank-backed trust fund.

President Trump, the BBC said, later reiterated on Truth Social that the vote recognised and endorsed the Board of Peace, calling it a “moment of true historic proportion.”

The latest draft references a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, language some Council members had pushed to include. While key Arab states sought stronger assurances, Israel continues to oppose the creation of a Palestinian state, a major obstacle in the peace process.

According to the BBC, Russia and China, although allowing the resolution to pass, criticised it for lacking clarity on the composition of key mechanisms and for not explicitly reaffirming a firm commitment to the two-state solution.

The Palestinian Authority welcomed the resolution and urged its immediate implementation. The UN said the decision must now translate into concrete steps on the ground and support a political process toward a two-state solution.

According to the BBC, the ceasefire phase of Trump’s plan, which began on October 10, paused the fighting that followed Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, in which about 1200 persons were killed and 251 taken hostage. According to Gaza’s health authorities, more than 69,483 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military operations since then.

Shared desire seen among Guyana’s stakeholders to uphold democratic norms – EU Chief Election Observer …calls for updated voters list, GECOM reform in final report on 2025 elections

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) has formally handed over its final report on Guyana’s 2025 General and Regional Elections, renewing its call for significant electoral reforms, including an updated voters list, and urging the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to “return to the fundamentals” of electoral management. The report, now in the possession of GECOM and other relevant stakeholders, follows months of assessment and analysis by the mission following the September 1 polls. The EU deployed 50 observers from all EU member states and Norway, who together visited more than 250 polling stations across all 10 regions of Guyana, from coastal communities to the hinterland and Indigenous villages. At a press briefing on Tuesday at the Pegasus Suites & Corporate Centre in Kingston, Chief Observer Robert Biedroń outlined the mission’s six priority recommendations, stressing that long-standing structural issues must be addressed if Guyana is to strengthen the credibility of future elections.

The report recommends

that electoral stakeholders enhance prospects for key reforms by ensuring access to the necessary electoral expertise within a robust Constitutional Reform Commission operational framework. It urges the authorities to update the voters list using the most recent population data and information from relevant state institutions, ensuring that reforms align with national digitalisation efforts. The mission further calls for clear and comprehensive campaign rules, including guidelines for public officials and the use of state resources. Strengthening oversight of campaign finance was also highlighted as a major

priority, with the EU-EOM urging the establishment of an independent monitoring body and the modernisation of outdated financial regulations, including spending limits. Additionally, the mission calls for the implementation of the Data Protection Act and the establishment of a publicly accountable Data Protection Office to safeguard voter information from misuse.

Hope for Guyana

According to the Chief Observer, the EU-EOM has seen a shared desire among stakeholders, including the Government, opposition parties and electoral bodies, to uphold democratic

norms. “From the declarations I heard, there is also a willingness of all of these stakeholders, of all of these partners for future cooperation. And this is a great sign for future of Guyana. In the country of a strong polarisation, in the country of so many divisions among political and party organisations, this commitment is fundamental for future changes, for future improvements in electoral system. And I find it very optimistic and very saying a lot about the future of Guyana, which leaves me with optimism. As I said, I will meet tomorrow with the President. I will also share with him this message that all the stakeholders have re-

assured me that they want to work on these processes. They want to work on the recommendations and they want further improvement on the state of democracy in Guyana,” he explained.

No evidence of multiple voting

Biedroń also clarified that the mission also clarified that it found no evidence of multiple voting during its observation efforts. With this in mind, he noted that the recommendations are not compulsory but are offered “in the spirit of cooperation” to help strengthen Guyana’s democratic systems.

Meanwhile, addressing calls for electoral reform and the recomposition of GECOM, the mission’s social media analyst, Inta Lase, clarified that the commission is not being asked to reinvent itself but rather to return to the fundamentals of sound electoral management. “What we are not doing is proposing a formulation on how to resolve those concerns. What we are saying is go back to the fundamentals. What is important for the public for the voter is that the institution governing the elections is perceived as and is impartial and functions well in a

transparent decision-making way, and these are the key elements that we are advocating,” the EU mission social media analyst went on to state. GECOM had approved six parties to contest the 2025 General and Regional Elections: the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), the Alliance for Change (AFC), the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) and the Assembly of Liberty and Prosperity (ALP). On September 6, GECOM officially declared Dr Irfaan Ali as the President of Guyana and the PPP the winning party at the September 1 polls. The PPP secured 36 seats in the National Assembly, while WIN gained 16 seats, APNU gained 12 seats, and FGM gained one seat.

Following the swearing in of Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Ministers of Government, the 13th Parliament of Guyana convened in November. During its proceedings, all 65 members of the sitting parties took their oaths of office as Members of Parliament (MPs).

President Dr Irfaan Ali

United States President Donald Trump

UN Security Council votes to adopt Trump’s Gaza peace plan

European Union Election Observation Mission, Chief Observer Robert Biedroń and his team during the presentation

Suffering from…

…foot-and-mouth disease

And so the (mis) adventures of Chicken Man – Aubrey Norton’s hand-picked appointee to the PNC’s diminished and dissipated delegation to Parliament, where the concerns and needs of the people are to be debated – continue!! He’d been asked by the mathematically challenged leader of the AFC to conduct talks with the PNC/APNU leadership – interpreted by Aubrey as Aubrey alone! – on whether the latter would change his mind on the former becoming leader of a “consensus slate”. We can infer Chicken Man must’ve burnished his own credentials –a chicken in every pot? – at the expense of his AFC principal since there was no coalition but his own elevation!!

With absolutely no political experience – since fighting off the allure of the Colonel’s eleven secret herbs and spices ain’t really politics!! – Chicken Man quickly seems to’ve contracted that deadly political affliction – foot-andmouth disease!! Trying to defend his sponsor’s blushes for leading the PNC into a seeming Charge of the Light Brigade campaign – which ended with the PNC MPs truncated from 31 to 12 – he came up with a real doozy to deflect from the shame.

He announced pompously, “I am a Christian, and Jesus led twelve who changed the world. The twelve who are going to the Parliament of Guyana are going to change the world”!! Imagine that!! But equating himself to Jesus – the Son of God from an immaculate conception – was just too much for even those who wanted to give him a chance. Some mocked whether he’d feed the multitudes with chicken rather than bread – or whether he saw that other Aubrey favourite, Black Pudding Man, as his Judas, who’d ensure he ends up getting nailed!!

He next tried to pontificate on the Extradition Treaty dispute – but actually admitted he used “facts” supplied by Google’s AI assistant!! He was caught with his pants down – because he forgot to remove the AI prompt while doing his cut and paste!! Oh, how low has the party of Burnham – the Guyana Scholar – fallen!! And talking about the PNC, he claimed he’d always been a born PNC – since his school pants at Bishops were green!! Can you think of a worse “Dad Joke”??

Anyhow, his foot-and-mouth attack continued last week when he misogynistically attacked Minister Priya for losing weight!! Quoting from a not-so-veiled bodyshaming attack on women for their weight loss in a PNC rag with before and after pics of Priya, Campbell went viciously personal: “The question for voters becomes, does a new expensive wardrobe and a slimmer figure equate to better governance, or is it merely the latest and most visible symbol of the divide between the powerful and the people?”

And nothing about him imitating Sanction Man’s wardrobe!!

…a (sick) sickness

Yesterday was “World Day for the Prevention of, and Healing from, Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence”. It couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. Over in the States, President Trump has agreed that his Republican Party – over the objections of a large swathe –should support the Democrats across the aisle to authorise the release of the infamous “Epstein Files”!

Hopefully, you haven’t been to Mars, Dear Reader – so your Eyewitness doesn’t have to reprise all the dirty and disgusting details on how Manhattan’s rich and famous had been involved – at various levels – in the Epstein’s sex rings involving diddling underage girls!! The thing is… how could’ve these details been missed by the vaunted American Free Press and their watchdog institutions –which lecture us daily on our journalistic responsibilities!!

Some famous names already released include Prince Andrew – who’s been stripped by King Charles of his title – and US economic powerhouse and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers.

He’s presently lecturing – and probably grooming prospects! – at Harvard!!

…principles

South Africa’s been one of the countries that took Israel to the International Criminal Court for genocide against Palestinians. Two Palestinian-filled flights just landed there as Gaza’s being cleansed.

Knowing SA can’t turn them away!! Touché!!

Over $200M in fines collected for speeding

…21 drivers’ licences suspended, 47,600 tickets issued – Traffic Chief

Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh has disclosed that for the year so far, approximately 47,600 tickets for varying traffic offences have been issued.

Of that, some 15,000 were automatically generated through the Safe Road Intelligence System, which was operationalised in April.

There are currently 26 locations across the country where the speed cameras are active.

Speeding continues to be a major offence, with some road users clocking levels as high as 180 kilometres per hour (km/h), the Traffic Chief disclosed last week during the Christmas Policing Plan launch.

“I think the only thing left for some of them is to pull the gearshift and raise the vehicle going upward,” Singh remarked.

Nevertheless, in an invited comment, the Traffic Chief revealed that about

53 per cent of tickets issued through the e-ticketing system have been paid. The others, he explained, are either in the process of being paid or are being contested in the courts.

Approximately 32,768 cases were made for speeding, resulting in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) earning over $200 million in revenue.

Some 1428 driving un-

der the influence of alcohol cases were recorded, while 21 driver licences were suspended.

The total number of traffic cases made for the year so far is 120,254. Moreover, according to the Traffic Chief, 22,027 summonses have been issued and 717 warrants were executed, resulting in some $5.3 million in

revenue generated.

As the Police Force continues its efforts to clamp down on traffic offences, the Traffic Chief issued a stern warning to motorists who are bent on breaking the laws.

“Do not leave any motor vehicles in a dangerous position. Don’t come to central Georgetown or go to any shopping area and take the opportunity to leave your motor vehicle in a dangerous position and/or park it in such a way it results in a motor vehicle causing obstruction. Don’t do that; the demerit point system is coming. There will be no discretion to be exercise and don’t think for one moment that the vehicles belong to a state or government agency, you’re exempted. The agency or entity is exempted. You’re an employee, you’re a driver, you can and will be ticketed or charged. Don’t do it,” he stated.

The Home Affairs

Ministry has been working with the Attorney General Chambers to develop stronger penalties for dangerous driving.

In addition to increasing the penalties, the updated measures are also intended to make it easier for law enforcement bodies to enforce.

WCD woman caught with cocaine in religious items jailed

Jailed: Lisa Ramnarine

Lisa Ramnarine, who was arrested in 2022 for attempting to traffic cocaine, was jailed and fined on Monday in relation to the charge.

Ramnarine appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, where she was found guilty of the offence of possession of 540 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

She was sentenced to thirty-two months’ imprisonment and fined GY$810,000.

Ramnarine of Hague, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was arrested by ranks of the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) in June 2022 for attempting to ship cocaine hidden inside several religious items through DHL.

Reports are that on the day in question, CANU offi-

cers, acting on information received, went to the DHL headquarters, where they intercepted a parcel containing a Hindu havan kund, as well as other religious items. The officers examined the items and discovered a hidden compartment within the kund, which was suspected to contain narcotics. Further examinations determined that a substance suspected to be cocaine was concealed within the religious item.

It was reported that the sender’s information was retrieved from the package and led CANU ranks to Ramnarine.

CANU had said the cocaine had a street value of US$2500-US$2700 but would be worth more had it reached its intended destination.

Barber remanded for Facebook comment inciting terrorist act

A30-year-old barber from Pomona Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), was remanded to prison after appearing before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Charity Magistrate’s Court on a charge of using a computer system to incite persons to commit a terrorist act.

Albert Ramnauth is alleged to have made the comment “Bomb the Police Headquarters Next” on Facebook on November 7, 2025. The act is said to have been committed against public justice.

When the charge was read, Ramnauth was not required to plead. He was sub

Remanded: Albert Ramnauth

Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh

“Tiger

Bay

got nothing

from APNU/AFC” – James Bond fires back at attempts to stymie community’s development

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)

Member of Parliament (MP) James Bond has de livered a fiery defence of the Government’s ongo ing development plans for Tiger Bay, accusing sever al Opposition-aligned fig ures of attempting to derail long-overdue improvements in the Kingston-Tiger Bay community.

On Sunday last, the President Dr Irfaan Ali out lined a transformative urban renewal programme that will include the construction of a futsal and basketball fa cility, the renovation of two historic buildings, expanded social services for children and mothers, and new mechanisms to help households upgrade their living conditions.

The initiative is part of the One Guyana “Neighbourhood Love” programme, which aims to rebuild communities through shared responsibility and sustained investment.

Addressing criticisms by Opposition members and persons aligned to them following the initiative’s official launch, Bond said critics of the initiative, among them the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) and new Member of Parliament Dr David Hinds.

Bond who fired back at criticisms made on-

line and to news outlets regarding the Tiger Bay, Kingston and Carmicheal Street, Georgetown kick off of the One Guyana “Neighbourhood Love” programme, argued that while the Government is investing in training, small-business development, community jobs, recreational facilities and infrastructural upgrades, some activists are attempting to “poison the minds” of residents with misinformation.

Bond asserted that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic has been assisting Tiger Bay for decades and criticised claims that the Government has ulterior motives. “This is not the first time the PPP/C is doing anything in Tiger Bay,” he said. “I have family there. I have

friends there. I’ve been doing work in that community for 15 years. I know who really contributed and who only shows up at election time.”

Bond who also defended the PPP/C’s track record of providing house lots to Tiger Bay residents, contrasted the current Administration’s efforts with that the Opposition, claiming that 80 to 90 per cent of households in the area have received allocations under the party’s governance. “The difficulty is not that they didn’t get lands – it’s that some lots are far and people need financial support to build. And the President has already said the Government will help them build,” he noted.

Against this backdrop, the PPP/C MP further rejected allegations that Government intends to “seize” land in Tiger Bay, clarifying that the entire block is privately owned by Guyanese-born British musician Eddy Grant. “Government can’t take the land. It’s not state land. If people relocate, it’s Eddy Grant getting back his land,” he said, criticising media commentators whom he accused of spreading “fake news” about displacement. Moreover, he addressed recent reaction against Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand’s visit to the community, saying that

Multi-vehicle crash on BJ Demerara River Bridge stalls traffic …calls

made

for lower speed limit

Amulti-vehicle collision on the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge on Tuesday afternoon has intensified public calls for a reduction in the speed limit on the newly commissioned structure.

The accident, which occurred at approximately 16:00h, involved seven vehicles, including a truck, a minibus, and a pickup. The incident led to a large backup of traffic along the Hero’s Highway and the East Bank Public Road. While details on serious injuries were not immediately available, the incident quickly drew widespread attention after videos circulated on social media, prompting renewed debate

about safety on the US$260 million bridge. Many commenters urged the Police to consider lowering the current 80 km/h limit to around 60 km/h, arguing that the bridge’s design and traffic patterns may warrant stricter speed controls to prevent similar incidents. Safety concerns have been mounting since October, when a minibus crashed into the median and a light pole on the bridge’s western approach just one week after its commissioning. The driver in that case sustained multiple fractures and was hospitalised. The Government later indicated that it would seek compensation for the damage to public infrastructure.

During his weekly programme “Issues In the News”, following the first crash at the bridge after its commissioning, Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to holding reckless drivers accountable for damage to public property, consistent with its established approach in similar cases.

“Let me assure you that our Government acts in an even-handed manner. If we are committed to a course of conduct, then we are committed to it. And once we are committed to that course of conduct, then whoever it is, the treatment will not be different. Equal treatment is part of the constitutional protection accorded to every Guyanese citizen,” the AG had said.

The Government has previously recovered costs for similar incidents involving destruction of public assets and says it will continue to protect public infrastructure and enforce accountability.

such criticism exposes political hypocrisy. “How can you tell Minister Manickchand to get out? People welcomed her. They welcome the Government. The majority of Tiger Bay supports the PPP/C,” he declared, arguing that some detractors “can’t walk into Tiger Bay and face the people directly only on social media”.

“This is a constituency of Afro-Guyanese people, and you’re telling the Government not to help them? How does that make sense?” he asked. “The Government wants people to move from squatting conditions into proper homes. Why oppose that?”

Taxi driver slapped with cattle larceny charges, granted $500K bail

A32-year-old taxi driver of North Slip, Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Tuesday appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts to answer two charges of larceny of cattle.

Godfrey Liverpool pleaded not guilty to both charges. He was granted bail in the sum of $250,000 on each count.

The charges stem from incidents reported by 63-yearold businessman Sheikh Rahaman of LBI, ECD. The alleged offences occurred on September 1 and 2, 2025.

The matter has been adjourned to January 5, 2026.

Charged: Godfrey Liverpool

James Bond

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

Visionary cheerleader President Ali leading the transformation of Georgetown

May 26, 1966 was our Independence Day. Next May 26, Guyana will celebrate our 60th Independence Anniversary. But we remember May 26, 1966 for something else. On that day, Cheddi Jagan showed up, hugged and stood with Forbes Burnham. Cheddi had fought for independence. He deserved to be the one to be raising the Golden Arrowhead for the first time. One could understand the hurt and the temptation to stay away in protest.

Nevertheless, Cheddi showed up because it was not about him; it was about Guyana. No matter what hurtful emotion he may have been experiencing, he disguised his internal feelings and was there by Burnham’s side. There are times that politicians put aside their personal animosity for each other and come together for the sake of their people. Cheddi and Forbes Burnham did this on May 26, 1966. They stood together for Guyana. And the Guyanese people were proud not only because Guyana became independent but also to watch their leaders standing as ONE.

President Irfaan Ali has made the transformation of Georgetown into a modern, iconic Caribbean city a priority for his second term. The plan outlines 15 landmark demonstration projects that will focus on “green” infrastructure, climate resilience, and the celebration of cultural heritage. The transformation will go beyond the reclaiming of the title of the “Garden City” of the Caribbean. The plan is to make Georgetown the most modern city in the Caribbean, one that is also eco-friendly, with a dazzling biodiversity, and one which is the cultural capital of the Caribbean. It is a huge undertaking.

Anyone who opposes the vision is an obstructionist. There are rare times when we need to put aside our political differences and unite behind certain national goals. The transformation of Georgetown is not merely for the citizens of Georgetown; it is for all Guyana. Our capital city is national pride. For too long, Georgetown has been a national disgrace. Hopefully, all Guyanese can come together under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali for us to jointly transform Georgetown.

This is a project that transcends our narrow political prejudices. The transformation of Georgetown must be a project that unites our people, unites our political parties and all groups. Outside of national pride, Georgetown is the home of people of all ethnic groups, people with different political affiliations, and people with very different affiliations. The transformation is for all of them. But Georgetown is where many also come to work, to shop, for entertainment and for business. In short, the transformation of Georgetown will benefit each and every one of us.

As part of his ambitious transformative plan to rescue Georgetown, President Irfaan Ali has identified Tiger Bay to become the first “modern neighbourhood” in Georgetown under the newly launched Neighbourhood Love programme, an initiative of the broader Rescue Georgetown Program. This is a major reset for a community long stigmatised. Work has already started. The drainage system is being reconstructed, and the roads are being redone and landscaped. Key initiatives include working with families to monetise their lands, improve housing, develop community facilities, and integrate social services for women and children.

Three plots of land have already been identified to construct a floodlit recreational facility outfitted with football and basketball courts. President Ali said the Government will invest in all the required infrastructure, including trucks and bikes, to help maintain security in the area. According to him, the construction and renovation of buildings, along with plans for craft shops, small business centres, and new restaurants and bars, will create meaningful economic opportunities for residents.

The strategy for the successful transformation in this first Neighbourhood Love programme is to galvanise community solidarity and support for the programme. Already the community spirit and solidarity have become obvious. The land for the recreation area was donated by the owner of Mattai’s Food Market, a well-known supermarket in the area. The owner has since committed to employing more residents from the community. The School of the Nation will work closely with the community’s children, integrating the already existing schooling and programmes in the community. The Men on Mission (MoM) team has been identified to continue its extensive community support in the area, particularly as it relates to housing and social programmes.

On Sunday, President Irfaan Ali continued the push for community buy-in by visiting the neighbourhood and spending a day interacting with the people. He cooked “gaff”, ate and played dominoes with the residents in Tiger Bay. Other Ministers were there. Government officials and businesspeople were there.

This was a time for unity, for all other political parties to have shown up and shown solidarity, not to support President Irfaan Ali, but to support the people of Tiger Bay. It was disappointing that leaders of other political parties decided to pour pessimism and to accuse the President of trying to fool the people. It was disappointing to see these politicians accusing the President of trying to displace the residents so that he could have the land to give to his rich friends and families. President Ali cannot take away the land from the people. The land is in private ownership. In spite of this disappointing display by the opposition political parties, it is hoped that they will see this as a national project and offer the President their support.

Political parties and politicians will quarrel; they will accuse each other of misdeeds, but they must also learn to work together. The transformation of Tiger Bay and of Georgetown is one of those times or one of those projects that calls for unity and standing as one. It is high time that our politicians show maturity and the ability to stand as one.

Guyana explores new investment partnerships with Canadian delegation

On Tuesday, the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) hosted a Canadian delegation to discuss potential partnerships and investment opportunities in the country, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties between the two nations. The visiting delegation included representatives from ESG Partners Inc, NetBenefit Software, Avara Solutions, Altomaxx, NSB-Omega, EnergyNL, and Novus Technical Services. According to a social media post by GO-Invest, their participation in a networking session showcased interest across a broad range of sectors in Guyana’s expanding economic landscape. Chief Operations Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of GO-Invest, Tebogah Christian, outlined key opportunities nationwide. While noting the continued significance of the oil and gas sector, he highlighted the country’s growth in value-added food production, energy development, and agro-processing. Christian also pointed to enhanced

regional connectivity, including improved links with Brazil and strengthened ties with Suriname, as opening new avenues for manufacturing, logistics, transportation, trade, and wider regional commerce.

Christian emphasised Guyana’s investment climate, citing fiscal incentives, a stable foreign exchange environment, and growing regional connectivity. “Guyana is more than oil,” he told the delegation, stressing the diverse opportunities available.

The session also featured remarks from the Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

The visiting delegation, along with officials from the Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest), with the Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2025| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sir Ronald Sanders, Komal Samaroo, Terry Gajraj, Nicolette Fernandes to receive UG’s honorary doctorate

The University of Guyana (UG) on Tuesday announced the recipients of its 2025 Honorary Doctorates, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to Guyana, the Caribbean, and the wider world. The honourees, selected through a rigorous year-long process, represent fields including business, sport, engineering, diplomacy, literature, music, agriculture, and education, the University said. Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States (US) and the Organization of American States (OAS), will be honoured for his contributions to diplomacy, governance and regional development. His award will be conferred during the Faculty of Social Sciences graduation ceremony on Saturday, November 22. In business, Komal Samaroo, Executive Chairman of Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL), will receive recognition for over 50 years of leadership in banking, trade, shipping, and distilling. Samaroo’s achievements include advancing regional integration through the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association and promoting corporate social responsibility. His award will be presented at the School for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) graduation on Friday, November 21. Squash player Nicolette Fernandes, Guyana’s most decorated professional female ath-

lete, will be honoured for her international sporting achievements and advocacy for women in leadership. Fernandes’s award will be conferred at the graduation ceremonies of the College of Behavioural Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, and the Institute for Human Resiliency on Friday,

November 21. Egbert Carter, a civil engineer with more than six decades of service in infrastructure, environmental planning, and heritage preservation, will be recognised at the graduation ceremonies of the Faculties of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering and

Technology, and Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) on Thursday, November 20. His work includes the Berbice River Bridge and the CBJ Lecture Building at UG.

Acclaimed poets Grace Nichols and John Agard will be honoured for their contributions to Caribbean and British literature, including work that explores migration, heritage, and re-

silience. Both awards will be conferred during the Faculty of Education and Humanities graduation on Saturday, November 22. Mohindra Persaud, Executive Chairman of the Nand Persaud Group, will be recognised for his leadership in agricultural innovation, rural development, and community engagement, with his award presented at the Faculty of Natural Sciences graduation on

Thursday, November 20. Cultural icon Terry Gajraj, known for his contributions to Chutney music and Guyanese cultural promotion, will also be honoured at the Faculty of Education and Humanities graduation on Saturday, November 22. Professor Clement K Sankat will be recognised for his work in engineering education and research across the Caribbean, including leadership roles at the University of Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana Technical Training College Inc. (GTTCI)

The University said it had received 27 nominations this year and conducted a thorough review through four committees before selecting the nine recipients. Nominations are submitted through UG’s honours and awards portal and are eligible for consideration in subsequent years if not selected.

IICA unveils programmes to boost agritourism, innovation in Guyana

Just as Guyana launched its first-ever Agri-Tourism Policy, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) announced a series of programmes aimed at strengthening the sector.

These initiatives include technical expertise development, a real-time data situation room, and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the Guyana School of Agriculture.

They are designed to enhance evidence-based decision-making, boost market access, and support local small businesses, while positioning Guyana as a regional leader in agriculture.

Speaking about the programmes, IICA’s Country Representative, Wilmot Garnett, highlighted the substantial effort invested in developing the policy.

“The final product is both inclusive and comprehensive, reflecting the needs of the country’s growing agritourism landscape,” he said.

“We are proud to support this pioneering initiative, which positions Guyana as a trailblazer in the Caribbean region. The process of preparing this document was very important; it was built on a foundation of inclusivity and active participation, ensuring that it genuinely reflects the needs and aspirations of all key stakeholders. Agriculture and tourism are significant areas for investment, and this policy reflects the many investments that are forthcoming.”

Garnett further explained that with support from the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana and all members of the Agri-Tourism Committee, extensive con-

sultations were held with government agencies, the private sector, and rural communities. “This collaborative approach and consultation have ensured a holistic and widely supported strategic framework,” he said. He outlined the programmes IICA will bring under this initiative, including technical expertise development and the creation of a situation room to provide real-time data for

evidence-based decisions. “IICA will also support the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the Guyana School of Agriculture, along with other targeted initiatives, bringing the most advanced technology to Guyana. In the future, these programmes could be expanded regionally, reflecting Guyana’s leadership in agriculture.”

The initiatives will also facilitate market access and competitiveness, helping local small businesses produce high-quality products. “The development of sustainable market chains and linkages between agriculture and tourism is a central focus,” Garnett said. “Guyana’s Agri-Tourism Policy is a testament to the power of collaboration and a shared vision for resilience, diversification, and a sustainable future, where agriculture

and tourism become key engines of economic growth and rural prosperity.”

“IICA remains a steadfast partner in this journey. Through these efforts, we continue to support member states in developing an inclusive agritourism sector that contributes to economic growth and well-being for all,” he said.

The first-ever AgriTourism Policy in Guyana was officially launched at Gobins’ Farm and Kitchen a few days ago by the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry, in partnership with key stakeholders, as part of efforts to promote sustainable development. This milestone comes as Guyana observes Tourism Awareness Month 2025 and marks a major step in strengthening the linkages between agriculture and tourism.

Sir Ronald Sanders Komal Samaroo

Terry Gajraj

Grace Nichols

Nicolette Fernandes

Egbert Carter John Agard

Professor Clement K Sankat Mohindra Persaud

IICA Country Representative Wilmot Garnett

Chancellor upholds GRA’s power to levy post-clearance taxes

…ruling directly contradicts Justice Gino Persaud’s decision in Lamborghini

Chancellor of the Judiciary (acting) Roxane George on Monday ruled that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) can impose post-clearance taxes, a decision that starkly contradicts that of Justice Gino Persaud just days ago.

On November 17, Justice George, who previously served as Chief Justice (acting), ruled in a case brought by businessman Zhangzhen Yu against the GRA, challenging, among other things, the tax body's reassessment and the payment of import duties which were assessed by its Post Clearance Audit Unit (PCAU) of the Customs Division.

According to the particulars of the case, which were released by the Attorney General's (AG) Chambers on Tuesday, the applicant imported various items of merchandise on diverse dates during the period 2016 to 2017. The goods were entered and duties paid based on invoices submitted by the applicant to and assessed by the GRA. Thereafter, the goods were released to the applicant. Eighteen months after the last transaction on November 23, 2017, the applicant received a demand letter dated March 22, 2019 signed by Patrick Hyman,

Deputy Commissioner, Customs, Excise and Trade of the GRA, claiming $15,475,006 as additional duties and taxes on 12 containers of goods imported between November 2016 and October 2017 in relation to the shipments that had already been cleared, paid for and released.

Post audit clearance & collection of additional taxes

But Justice George, in her judgement, said, "I do not consider the complaint that the assessment by the PCAU has merit. The PCAU is clearly a department within the GRA. There is no evidence to support the contention that this unit is without statutory power, illegal and unlawful, and there is most certainly no evidence that it is unconstitutional."

She also recognised GRA's explanation that although the goods were released, all the containers had not been fully examined and that pursuant to Section 233 of the Customs Act, it can review declarations and other documentation within three years of the initial submission by an importer and request additional documentation.

She also ruled that "the post-audit clearance allows for the collection of additional taxes where the in-

spection of the documents reveals that there has been a short levy. However, the applicant counters that the issue of a short levy only applies where there has been an error in the classification of goods or the rate of duty on entry. I do not agree. Section 17 is not so restrictively worded."

Contradicts Justice Persaud

Speaking on this matter during his programme “Issues in the News” on Tuesday, AG Anil Nandlall highlighted that this ruling by the now Chancellor of the Judiciary goes against the one delivered by Justice Persaud in the case brought by the GRA against USindicted businessman Azruddin Mohamed.

"I have just shared with you a judgement grant-

ed only yesterday by the Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana (for) when she was sitting as Chief Justice acting, and this judgement absolutely contradicts in every material respect the judgement of the Honourable Justice Gino Persaud," he remarked.

"So last week, Justice Gino Persaud ruled that the post-clearance audit system being administered by the Guyana Revenue Authority is unlawful and that the Guyana Revenue Authority doesn't have the legal power to conduct a post-clearance audit. He further ruled that the post-clearance audit is not provided for in the laws of Guyana. And he granted a number of reliefs in that case that is now very popular in the public domain," Nandlall further outlined.

Christmas Policing Plan

Justice George, on the other hand, Nandlall noted, found that "the post-clearance audit unit… is provided for by the law. It is not illegal, and it is not unconstitutional."

Nandlall also pointed out that Justice George ruled that Section 17(2) of the Customs Act permits the reassessed value to be levied against duty liable to be paid regarding goods imported and that GRA could apply its enforcement provisions to effect compliance with the demand notice.

On Friday last, Justice Persaud blocked the GRA from retroactively reassessing taxes owed on the undervalued Lamborghini imported by Mohamed.

The decision came in the civil case filed by the GRA earlier this year after it was discovered that there is official documentation indicating that the vehicle cost US$695,000 – far above the US$75,300 initially declared by Mohamed in his tax filings for the vehicle at the time of importation.

However, it was not until May 13 that the GRA received the evidence. The invoice was stamped as paid. The particulars of the Lamborghini identified in the invoice were the same as Mohamed’s Lamborghini. The newly uncovered evidence triggered a post-clear-

case

– AG

ance reassessment by the GRA and a demand for additional taxes.

Nandlall reiterated during his programme on Tuesday that Justice Persaud's ruling cripples the state’s power to recover taxes.

"We have about 100,000 containers entering Guyana every year. If the customs officers are not allowed to offer facilities such as post-clearance audit facilities and what is called prior to processing, then containers may have to spend months on the wharf. Postclearance audit simply means that your invoices that you present are accepted, and the values that you declare are accepted as prima facie value, and the customs department, the Guyana Revenue Authority, reserves the right to come back if they find a discrepancy, if they find that you have been short levied your taxes, if you have paid short taxes, or worse yet, if you have committed fraud or you have made a fraudulent declaration... the Guyana Revenue Authority has the right to... reassess and come back and recover from you the short taxes that you paid," he stated.

The GRA has already signalled its intention to appeal Justice Persaud's ruling.

Region 2 Police to boost patrols, roadblocks, marine surveillance, rapid response teams

Regional Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran presenting the Christmas Policing Plan

The Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Regional Division Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) has activated its 2025 Christmas Policing plan, outlining a strengthened security and traffic plan aimed at safeguarding

residents and businesses throughout the busy holiday season. The initiative was launched on Saturday during a briefing held in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Anna Regina on the Essequibo

Coast. Regional Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran, presented the policing posture, which places emphasis on visibility, rapid response, and proactive crime-fighting measures. The Commander

said the division will intensify mobile, foot, motorcycle, anti-crime, traffic, and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) patrols across the region. This heightened presence will be supported by mass patrols, roadblocks, cordonand-search operations, and expanded marine patrols along key waterways.

To further support public safety, the division will implement controlled mechanisms to curb noise nuisance and disorderly behaviour—issues that typically escalate during the festive period. The region is also being divided into four sectors, each supervised by senior officers, with strategically placed police booths established to allow the public easier access to lodge complaints and reports.

Murders, robberies, family violence decline

Commander Shivbaran highlighted that the division has recorded reductions in several major categories of crime, including murders, armed robberies, rape, burglary, larceny from the person, robbery, and robbery with aggravation. He credited the decrease to consistent intelligence-driven operations and partnership with community groups.

During the year, ranks executed 276 warrants, while revenues totaling $2,085,500 were collected from persons indebted to the State. The division also reported a slight decline in noise nuisance complaints, with 17 reports made in 2024 compared to 14 so far

in 2025. Family violence reports also saw a reduction, moving from 136 last year to 114 in 2025. The launch was also attended by Regional Chairman Devin Mohan, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Sussanah Saywak, representatives of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), members of the Station Management Committee (SMC), Cops and Faith Network, and senior and junior ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The strengthened policing posture is expected to remain in effect throughout the holiday season, with authorities urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement officers as they work to maintain a safe and secure environment for all.

Chancellor of the Judiciary (acting), Roxane George

PM assures citizens: T&T will not be used by US to launch attacks on Venezuelan people

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is giving a firm assurance that Trinidad and Tobago will not be used by the United States to launch any attacks against the people of Venezuela.

“The US has NEVER requested use of our territory to launch any attacks against the people of Venezuela. The territory of Trinidad and Tobago will NOT be used to launch any attacks against the people of Venezuela. Trinidad and Tobago is a sovereign state and does not blindly follow the US or any bloc such as Caricom,” the PM said.

Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar

My Government will not shy away from supporting international partners who are committed to confronting this plague head-on.”

However, the Prime Minister insisted, “Trinidad and Tobago will NOT participate in any act that will bring harm to the Venezuelan people. We continue to have peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela.

Venezuela's Maduro “ready to talk” as US ramps up pressure

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has said that he is willing to hold faceto-face talks with representatives of the Trump Administration as United States pressure on him grows.

Maduro made the comment hours after US President Donald Trump said he had not ruled out deploying ground forces to the South American country.

The Trump Administration has accused Maduro – whose re-election last year was dismissed as rigged by many countries – of being the leader of a drug cartel.

But she said, “Trinidad and Tobago has suffered tremendously under the weight of drug and gun trafficking.

“Our foreign policy is Trinidad and Tobago first. As Lord Palmerston said, ‘We have no eternal allies, and we have no perpetual enemies. Our interests are eternal and perpetual, and those interests it is our duty to follow,’” she added.

“The Trinidad and Tobago Government supports the selection of leaders through free and fair democratic elections. Trinidad and Tobago citizens and infrastructure are NOT at risk, as we are NOT participants in any aggression against the people of Venezuela.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Barbados: “More disruption ahead” after record floods in multiple districts

Barbados remains on alert after extreme rainfall on Sunday unleashed widespread flooding, where more than nine inches of rain fell in just 24 hours, leaving communities in several parishes submerged, emergency services stretched to their limits, and one man swept away by floodwaters to his death.

And Barbados is not in the clear just yet, according to the Deputy Director of the Barbados Meteorological Services, Brian Murray.

“As far as the beginning of the week is concerned, these unstable weather conditions are expected to persist with sporadic moderate to heavy showers from time to time, which may trigger the issuing of a flash flood watch or warning at short notice.”

There is some relief expected toward the end of the week, however. Murray said, “Model data is indicating an improvement in the

weather conditions across Barbados from Friday.”

The meteorologist explained that a combination of weather systems created near-perfect conditions for prolonged heavy rains.

The initial downpour forced the Met Office to issue a flash flood warning for the northern parishes, while the rest of the island remained under a watch. But conditions quickly deteriorated.

“As the day progressed,

these showers eventually spread to the entire island during the evening period, for which a flash flood warning was issued for the entire island,” Murray said.

As the night wore on, roads in multiple parishes were completely submerged, drainage systems were overwhelmed, and emergency services were grappling with calls for assistance as water levels rose rapidly. (Excerpt from Barbados Today)

Chile rescuers search for tourists lost in Patagonian snowstorm, 5 dead

Rescue workers on Tuesday searched for a group of tourists lost in a powerful snowstorm in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park, in the southern Patagonia region, which killed at least five person, authorities said.

Torres del Paine Mayor Anahi Cardenas said five people had died, including two Mexicans, two Germans and one British national. Cardenas said the difficult weather was complicating efforts to locate those still missing.

Guillermo Ruiz, the presidential delegate for Chile's southern province of Ultima Esperanza, said the tourists became lost near the national park's Los Perros camp, an area reachable only by a fourto-five-hour trek from the closest accessible point by vehicle.

Ruiz said the Government was coordinating with military institutions who were sending brigades to the region to help with the search. Authorities also closed off the zone.

The area was struck by a snowstorm, causing whiteout conditions with fierce wind speeds surpassing 193 km/h, equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane.

It was unclear where the missing tourists came from.

The Torres del Paine National Park, with its jutting mountaintops and subpolar forests, spans about 1810 square kilometres and hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year (Excerpt from Reuters)

Maduro has denied the allegation and accuses the US of trying to incite a war to gain control of Venezuela's oil reserves.

Since Trump was sworn in to a second term in office in January, the US Government has been increasing its pressure on Maduro.

It has doubled the reward it offers for information leading to his capture to US$50 million and in August launched a counternarcotics operation tar-

geting boats it accuses of transporting drugs from Venezuela to the US.

More than 80 persons have been killed in the US strikes on suspected vessels since, most of them in the Caribbean as well as some in the Pacific.

According to US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the aim of "Operation Southern Spear" is to remove "narcoterrorists" from the Western Hemisphere.

But legal experts have questioned the legality of the strikes, pointing out that the US has provided no evidence that the boats were carrying drugs. The size of the US military deployment – which includes the US Navy's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford – has also led to speculation both in Venezuela and in the US that its real aim is to remove Maduro from power. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Trump says US may strike Mexican drug cartels next, after boat attacks

United States (US)

President Donald Trump says he may expand his unprecedented strikes against Latin American drug cartels to include Mexico, the Reuters news agency and the TV network NBC report.

“Would I launch strikes in Mexico to stop drugs? It’s OK with me. I’ve been speaking to Mexico. They know how I stand,” he told reporters at the Oval Office on Monday. “We’re losing hundreds of thousands of people to drugs. So now we’ve stopped the water-

ways, but we know every route.”

Trump did not say how or when such strikes could take place. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has previously stated her opposition to any such attacks on her country’s soil.

Jeff Garmany, an associate professor of Latin American studies at the University of Melbourne, told Al Jazeera opposition from Mexico City may fall on deaf ears. “There are several legal hurdles standing in the way, some of which are domestic and others of which are international. There are also basic protocols of international diplomacy that, while perhaps not bound by law, are generally respected by UN member states,” he said.

“But nothing about Trump’s second presidency suggests he would adhere to these laws and protocols. So, no, I’d be surprised if Trump would wait for President Sheinbaum’s sign-off if he really wants to carry out strikes in Mexico,” he continued. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

COP30 talks enter homestretch with UN warning against “stonewalling”

The United Nations' climate chief urged Ministers on Monday to avoid any “stonewalling” and speed up negotiations at COP30 talks in Brazil, as nations are divided on key issues, with five days left in the gathering.

Ministers have started to arrive to take over negotiations in the second week of talks in the Amazonian city of Belem, with countries debating language over weak climate commitments, insufficient financial pledges, and trade barriers.

COP30 is due to end on Friday, but the UN’s annu-

al climate talks usually spill into overtime as exhausted negotiators struggle to find compromises over how to tackle climate change.

“There is a huge amount of work ahead for Ministers and negotiators. I urge you to get to the hardest issues fast,” UN climate chief Simon Stiell told the gathering.

“When these issues get pushed deep into extra time, everybody loses. We absolutely cannot afford to waste time on tactical delays or stonewalling,” he said.

Three issues were blocking progress after a week of talks in the Amazonian city.

China, India, and other allied countries want COP30 to adopt a decision against unilateral trade barriers – a dig at the European Union’s “carbon tax” on imports of carbon-intensive goods such as steel, aluminium, and fertilisers. Meanwhile, island states vulnerable to rising seas –backed by Latin American countries and the EU – believe it is crucial for COP30 to respond to the latest projections showing the world will fail to limit warming to 1.5°C and step up their climate commitments. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard (left) directing his fire officials as they moved swiftly to address an intense flooding situation at Maycocks Terrace in St Lucy

Around the World OIL NEWS After UN vote, Netanyahu calls for Hamas' expulsion from region

Oil settles up 1% on Russia sanctions, interviews for next US Fed Chair

Oil prices settled higher on Tuesday after a choppy session as traders weighed the impact of Western sanctions on Russian oil flows, as well as United States President Donald Trump saying his administration had started interviewing for the next Federal Reserve Chair.

Brent crude settled up 69 cents, or 1.07 per cent, at US$64.89 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude was up 83 cents, or 1.39 per cent, to US$60.74.

US crude futures briefly rose by more than US$1 a barrel in afternoon trade to a session high of US$60.92 after Trump announced the Federal Reserve chair interviews. Trump has been vocally critical of current Chair Jerome Powell for holding interest rates steady.

Lower borrowing costs typically boost demand for oil and push prices higher.

Russia's Novorossiysk port resumed oil loadings on Sunday after a two-day suspension triggered by a Ukrainian missile and drone attack, according to two industry sources and data compiled by LSEG.

Exports from Novorossiysk and a nearby Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal, together representing about 2.2 million barrels per day, or roughly two per cent of global supply, were halted on Friday, pushing crude prices up more than two per cent that day.

Oil prices are expected to decline through 2026, Goldman Sachs said on Monday, citing a supply wave that keeps the market in surplus. However, it noted that Brent could rise above US$70 a barrel in 2026/2027 if Russian output falls more sharply. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Poland blames 2 Ukrainians allegedly working for Russia for railway blast

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk says two Ukrainian citizens allegedly working for Russia are suspected of blowing up part of a railway line near Warsaw over the weekend.

The two Ukrainians are accused of working on behalf of Russian intelligence to damage a railway line that was travelling to the border of Ukraine, Poland’s close ally, Tusk said on Tuesday.

While Polish authorities are aware of the suspects’ identities, they will not be made public pending further investigation, Tusk told the Polish lower house of Parliament.

The pair “have been operating and cooperating with Russian services for a long time,” he added, citing information from prosecutors and investigating authorities.

On Saturday, an explosion damaged the tracks near the village of Mika, about 100

kilometres (km) southeast of Warsaw. The Warsaw-Lublin line connects the Polish capital to the Ukrainian border.

“The explosion was most likely intended to blow up the train,” Tusk said on Monday in reference to the Mika incident.

In a separate incident that authorities are investigating as sabotage, power lines were destroyed in the area of Pulawy, about 50km from Lublin. Trains carrying passengers were forced to stop at both locations.

Polish prosecutors have initiated an investigation into “acts of sabotage of a terrorist nature” directed against railway infrastructure and committed for the benefit of foreign intelligence.

In recent years, Poland has restricted the movement of Russian diplomats on its soil and ordered the closure of two Russian consulates.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

sraeli Prime Minister

IBenjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday called for Hamas to be expelled from the region, a day after the United Nations Security Council endorsed President Donald Trump's plan to end the war that offers the Palestinian militant group amnesty.

Netanyahu publicly endorsed the plan during a White House visit in late September. However, his latest remarks appear to show that there are differences with the United States on the path forward. Hamas has also objected to parts of the plan.

Diplomats say privately that entrenched positions on both the Israeli and Hamas

sides have made it difficult to advance the plan, which lacks specific timelines or enforcement mechanisms. Still, it has received strong international backing.

Netanyahu on Tuesday published a series of posts on X in response to the UN vote. In one post, he applauded Trump, and in another, he wrote the Israeli Government

believes the plan would lead to peace and prosperity because it calls for the "full demilitarisation, disarmament, and deradicalisation of Gaza".

"Israel extends its hand in peace and prosperity to all of our neighbours" and calls on neighbouring countries to "join us in expelling Hamas and its supporters from the region," he said.

Asked what the PM had meant by expelling Hamas, a spokesperson said that it would mean "ensuring there is no Hamas in Gaza as outlined in the 20-point plan, and Hamas has no ability to govern the Palestinian people inside the Gaza Strip".

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Zelenskyy to meet Trump envoy in Turkey in bid to “intensify”

peace talks

United States special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to join talks with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara today, as the Ukrainian President said he wanted to "intensify" peace negotiations.

"Bringing the end of the war closer with all our might is Ukraine's top priority," Zelenskyy said, adding that efforts would also focus on resuming prisoner exchanges.

Earlier in November,

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia's conditions for a peace deal had not changed since Putin laid them out in 2024.

At the time, the Russian President demanded that Kyiv renounce any ambition to join Nato, as well as full Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.

Zelenskyy has repeatedly argued that withdrawing from Donetsk and Luhansk – together known as the Donbas – would leave the

rest of the country vulnerable to future attacks.

Zelenskyy and Witkoff have not met since early September. Although the summer saw a flurry of high-level talks and meetings – including between Trump and Putin – American efforts to bring a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine closer have stalled.

But contact between US and Russian officials has continued, albeit under the radar. (Excerpt from BBC News)

25 schoolgirls abducted after gunmen attack high school in Nigeria

More than two dozen schoolgirls have been abducted, and one staffer has been killed after gunmen attacked a high school in North Western Nigeria, Police said.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the abductions of 25 girls from the boarding school in Kebbi State, and the motivation for the attack is unclear.

Nigeria has been facing a multi-dimensional security

challenge with threats from a range of different groups. Armed bandits who specialise in kidnapping for ransom – sometimes totalling thousands of dollars – have been responsible for several high-profile abductions across Nigeria's northern region. Kidnappings and attacks on villages and along major roads have become common because of the limited security presence. Those bandits are not

connected to militant groups such as Boko Haram and the splinter group Islamic State West Africa Province, whose attacks on communities and Government installations are motivated by religion.

Police said the boarding school girls were taken from their dorms at about 04:00h on Monday. The school is in Maga, in the state's DankoWasagu area, Police spokesperson Nafi'u Abubakar Kotarkoshi said.

The assailants were armed with "sophisticated weapons" and exchanged fire with guards before abducting the girls, Kotarkoshi said. "A combined team is currently combing suspected escape routes and surrounding forests in a coordinated search and rescue operation aimed at recovering the abducted students and arresting the perpetrators," the spokesperson said. (Excerpt from CBS News)

Chinese travellers cancel hundreds of thousands of trips to Japan amid rising tensions

Chinese travellers are estimated to have cancelled hundreds of thousands of tickets to fly to Japan amid reports of suspended visa processing and cultural exchanges as a diplomatic dispute over Japan’s stance on Taiwan continues.

Under pressure from business groups, Japan has sent a senior diplomat to Beijing in an attempt to calm tensions after Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, said her country

could get involved militarily if China attempted to invade Taiwan. Her comments prompted fury from China’s Government, which issued warnings against Chinese travellers and students going to Japan.

At least seven Chinese airlines, including the three state carriers, said they would offer free cancellations to travellers with flights booked to the country.

One air travel analyst, Hanming Li, said depar-

ture data suggested about 500,000 flight tickets to Japan had been cancelled between November 15 and 17.

The Chinese outlet Jimu News reported that Sichuan Airlines had cancelled all flights between Chengdu and Sapporo from January until late March, and the budget carrier Spring Airlines had cancelled “multiple” Japan flights. Both airlines cited “company planning reasons”.

China is the second larg-

est source of tourists to Japan, and its students form the bulk of Japan’s international student cohort. Shares in Japanese retail and travel companies slumped on Monday in response to the measures.

Li told the Guardian it was the largest mass cancellation of flights he had seen since early in the Covid pandemic but would probably have little impact on China’s domestic industry. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Palestinian children sit next to a fire, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in the central Gaza Strip

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Polish PM Donald Tusk visits the site of the rail line blast on the track in Mika, which was damaged by sabotage

Pay attention to financial and health matters. Invest in yourself and your future. Choosing to learn new skills or make a move that helps transform your work performance or location will pay off nicely for you. Keep your plans quiet until you have everything in place, and you’ll face less interference throughout the day.

Opportunity knocks, don’t shy away when you have so much to offer and to gain from embracing new experiences, people, and pastimes. Take the initiative to do everything by the book. Dealing with institutions, government agencies, and authority figures will eliminate worry and uncertainty. Home and self-improvements will lead to better relationships with others and personal satisfaction.

A change in direction will catalyze a host of new beginnings, from job considerations to relationship dynamics and conversations that broaden your awareness regarding what’s possible and how to go about turning your aspirations into something concrete. Interaction equals opportunities and insight into how to utilize your skills to refresh your image and lifestyle.

It’s up to you to initiate what you want. Take the steps to create the scenario that encourages you to move forward with pride and joy. Network, engage in discussions with experts, and you’ll discover your worth and a path that allows you to market yourself. A healthy lifestyle will help you look and feel your best.

Be careful what you say and do. Participating in events may backfire if you are too vocal regarding your beliefs and opinions. Using less force and more compassion and understanding will help you gain insight into different perspectives. Put your energy towards something meaningful; a personal change will lead to partnership opportunities.

A change to how you handle work, and your associates will prove enlightening and rewarding. Let your actions and achievements speak for you, and you’ll gain access to unique opportunities that offer financial and emotional benefits that encourage a better lifestyle. Socializing, networking, or reconnecting with someone of interest from your past will deliver benefits.

Look for opportunities and you will discover something of interest. A change of location can be the key to inspiring you to use your attributes to gain confidence. How you view yourself will contribute to your success or failure. Keep an open mind, utilize your intelligence and experience, and advocate for yourself.

Change begins with you. Direct your energy towards what and who make you feel alive, and you will find the happiness you desire. Socialize more with people who enjoy the same pastimes. Travel, companionship, and embracing what motivates you will not be in vain. Progress comes with doing what’s best for you. Personal growth is favored.

High energy is the best way forward. Don’t count on outside help or empty promises. Map out your day according to what you can achieve. Focus inward and take advantage of an unusual opportunity that crosses your path. Act instinctively, and you’ll not only have an impact on others but also gain confidence and respect.

When opportunity knocks, open the door. Engage in events or conversations that have substance and offer interactions with likeminded people and experts who can help you shape your way forward. Mix business with pleasure, and you’ll discover a unique path forward that allows you to turn something you love doing into a profitable venture.

Think, and follow through. Knowing when to act will be the determining factor today. Timing is everything, and reading the room correctly will help you initiate what you want successfully. Refuse to let your emotions interfere or a manipulative individual take advantage of you. A unique plan, discipline, and hard work are your best path forward.

Don’t let anger rule when accomplishment will hit the jackpot. Set your sights on what you want and ignore what’s happening on the sidelines. Converse with allies and distance yourself from those trying to lead you astray. Happiness begins with you, the choices you make, and how you execute what you know and do best.

ARCHIE

Fakhar, Nawaz earn Pakistan's 1st points in tri-series opener

Pakistan won the tri-series opener

Zimbabwe lost seven wickets for 37 runs to slip to 147 for 8, when a total greater than 180 had been on the cards. Still, they pushed Pakistan's chase into the final over, their seamers striking three times in the powerplay to slow Pakistan's advance, before also squeezing the hosts in the middle overs.

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Pakistan's fifth, sixth, and seventh batters, however, dug them out of the hole. Playing his comeback T20I innings, Fakhar Zaman hit 44 off 32, putting on a 61-run partnership with Usman Khan. Usman was then joined by Mohammad Nawaz, who had earlier been the best of Pakistan's bowlers. The required rate

SCOREBOARD

Zimbabwe (20 ovs maximum)

Brian Bennett c & b Saim Ayub 49

Tadiwanashe Marumani c Shaheen

Shah Afridi b Mohammad Nawaz 30

Brendan Taylor † run out (Babar Azam/†Usman Khan) 14

Ryan Burl c Babar Azam

b Mohammad Nawaz 8 Sikandar Raza (c) not out 34

Tony Munyonga run out (Salman Mirza/†Usman Khan) 3

Tashinga Musekiwa b Abrar Ahmed 2

Brad Evans c Agha Salman

b Shaheen Shah Afridi 2

Tinotenda Maposa b Salman Mirza 1

Richard Ngarava not out 1

Extras (w 3) 3

Total 20 Ov (RR: 7.35) 147/8

Fall of wickets: 1-72 (Tadiwanashe Marumani, 7.6 ov), 2-91 (Brendan Taylor, 10.6 ov), 3-94 (Brian Bennett, 12.1 ov), 4-106 (Ryan Burl, 13.6 ov), 5-112 (Tony Munyonga, 15.1 ov), 6-119 (Tashinga Musekiwa, 16.1 ov), 7-125 (Brad Evans, 17.3 ov), 8-128 (Tinotenda Maposa, 18.2 ov)

Bowling O - M - R - W

Shaheen Shah Afridi

4 - 0 - 34 - 1

Salman Mirza 3 - 0 - 21 - 1

Faheem Ashraf 1 - 0 - 11 - 0

Saim Ayub 4 - 0 - 31 - 1 Abrar Ahmed 4 - 0 - 28 - 1

Mohammad Nawaz 4 - 0 - 22 - 2

Pakistan (T: 148 runs from 20 ovs) Sahibzada Farhan b Evans 16

Saim Ayub c Musekiwa b Cremer 22 Babar Azam lbw b Evans 0 Salman Agha (c) lbw b Maposa 1 Fakhar Zaman c †Taylor b Ngarava 44 Usman Khan † not out 37 Mohammad Nawaz not out 21

Extras (b 2, lb 3, nb 2, w 3) 10 Total 19.2 Ov (RR: 7.81) 151/5 Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Sahibzada Farhan, 4.1 ov), 2-27 (Babar Azam, 4.4 ov), 3-30 (Salman Agha, 5.4 ov), 4-54 (Saim Ayub, 9.3 ov), 5-115 (Fakhar Zaman, 15.6 ov)

Bowling O - M - R - W Richard Ngarava 4 - 0 - 31 - 1 Tinotenda Maposa 3.2 - 0 - 29 - 1 Brad Evans 4 - 0 - 26 - 2 Sikandar Raza 4 - 0 - 29 - 0

Brian Bennett 1 - 0 - 4 - 0 Graeme Cremer 3 - 0 - 27 - 1

had become something of a challenge at this stage, but Nawaz's 20 off 12 balls ensured victory was ultimately comfortable.

Had Brian Bennett held a straightforward chance off Nawaz on the midwicket boundary, with 15 needed off 10, Zimbabwe could have mounted a sterner challenge at the business end. In the end, Nawaz struck the winning boundary with four balls to spare.

Zimbabwe veteran Graeme Cremer, playing his first T20I in over seven years and after 122 matches – the latter, a record –conceded 27 runs in three overs for one wicket.

Nawaz triggers Zimbabwe's tailspin

After seven overs, Zimbabwe was running the show. The openers had hit 11 fours and a six between them. The run rate was in touching distance of 10. And the first two

overs of spin had conceded 26 runs. But Nawaz, bowling quicker and more accurately than the leg spinners, made the breakthrough that soon brought a flood of wickets when he had Tadiwanashe Marumani caught at deep square leg, though that first wicket came off a full toss. Later, he would also have Ryan Burl holing out.

It was Nawaz' economy, though, that set him apart. He conceded only 22 from his four overs and had by far the lowest economy rate (5.50) of any bowler to bowl four overs in the game. With the bat, he was fortunate to be reprieved on nine but struck a six and two fours to ensure Pakistan didn't flounder at the finish.

Ahmed also picking up key wickets. Although there was not much turn off the surface, the legspinners frequently beat batters in the flight and created pressure through dot balls. It is this pressure that also caused two Zimbabwe run-outs. In the eight-over stretch between the 11th and 19th overs, Pakistan conceded only 30. It took an unbeaten 34 from Sikandar Raza off 24 balls to avert complete disaster.

Zimbabwe seamers boss the powerplay

Early wickets are crucial when defending a modest score, and that's exactly what Zimbabwe got when Brad Evans removed

The Zimbabwe collapse

The period in which Zimbabwe crashed hardest was through the middle of their innings, when they slipped from 91 for 1 in the 11th over to 128 for 8 in the 19th. Pakistan's spinners bossed this period, with Saim Ayub and Abrar

both Sahibzada Farhan and Babar Azam in the fifth over, before Tinotenda Maposa trapped Salman Agha in the sixth over. At the end of the powerplay, Pakistan were 31 for 3. They struggled through the next four overs too, and when Ayub was dismissed by Cremer's leg spin in the 10th over, the required rate was up to nine, and Zimbabwe looked like they were defending their total. But a sensible stand between Zaman and Usman gave the Pakistan chase some substance, and Nawaz finished the job. (ESPNcricinfo)

Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan resurrected Pakistan's innings

Mohammad Nawaz cuts during his innings

Lusignan Golf Club reflects on a strong and successful 2025

As the year winds down, the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) is reflecting on what Secretary Chet Bowling describes as one of the club’s most successful and rewarding seasons in recent years. From record participation at major tournaments to significant infrastructural upgrades and a rise in female membership, 2025 has been

marked by steady growth and renewed momentum for the sport.

Bowling highlighted the Guyana Open as the high point of the year, noting that the tournament ran smoothly and attracted more than 80 participants. The event drew strong teams from the United States, Canada, Barbados, and Suriname, creating a highly competi-

tive and festive atmosphere. He described it as one of the best-executed editions in recent memory, crediting the combined efforts of players, officials, and corporate partners.

Guyana’s performance at the Suriname Open was another major achievement for 2025. The local team competed fiercely and returned home with several priz-

Etwaroo continues contribution to Cricket Gear project

United States of America (USA)based Guyanese businessman Ravi Etwaroo, proprietor of the popular sports store Cricket Zone USA Trophies and Sports Equipment Inc, has once more provided support for the “Cricket gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana”, a noble joint initiative between Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA. The store is located in the Bronx, USA, and is regarded as one of the largest cricket retail locations.

At a simple presentation done recently, project partner Anil Beharry, who was on a short visit to the USA, received from Ravi one cricket gear bag, one pair of batting pads, one pair of batting gloves and one E4 bat, all for junior cricketers.

A missive from the facilitators noted that they thanked Etwaroo for his continued support. “We take this opportunity to congratulate you and wish you well with your E4 brand that is growing rapidly around the world. This initiative is pleased to be part of the development of youth cricket,” the missive noted.

Over the years, many Guyanese cricketers benefited from this project; many of them went on to represent the West Indies at all levels.

According to the facilitators, the project will continue to improve the lives of youths in every community. “We are pleased to be part of the development of young cricketers in Guyana. Our aim is to keep them off the streets and get them actively involved in sports, cricket in particular.”

Total cricket-related items received/purchased so far: $730,000 in cash, 13 coloured cricket uniforms, one set of stumps, two trophies, 36-six pairs of cricket shoes, 40 pairs of batting pads, 49 cricket bats, 48 pairs of batting gloves, 29 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, 15 gear bags, 13 bat rubbers, seven helmets, one fibreglass bat, one pair of floppy hats, 16 boxes of four white cricket balls, 13 boxes of red cricket balls, one bat cone, one batting inner and 28 footballs. In addition to the above, gear with a value of over $600,000 was donated by Sheikh Mohamed, former national wicketkeeper/batsman. All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and not available at the time.

To date, 103 players, male and female, from all three counties of Guyana have benefited directly from cash, 10 gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 40 bats, four boxes, six helmets, 38 pairs of cricket shoes, 22 pairs of batting pads, 25 thigh pads, one bat grip, 41 pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicketkeeping pads and four pairs of wicketkeeping gloves. Many others benefited indirectly. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each, and Cold Fusion Cricket Club received 13 coloured uniforms, while RHCCCC received

six boxes of balls, 15 white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket-keeping gloves with one inner, and two sets of stumps and bails. Other beneficiaries are The Essequibo Cricket Board, the Town of Lethem, youth coach Travis Persaud (one box of red cricket balls), male and female teams playing the traditional hardball and softball in the Upper Corentyne area, No.65 Young Titans with 30 T-Shirts, youths of Just Try Cricket Club, Wakenaam Cricket Academy (one box of white balls), Shamar Joseph, Nehemiah Hohenkirk, Shamar Apple, Leguan Cricket Committee, Tucber Park Cricket Club, Malteenoes Sports Club (nine cricket balls each), Kendall’s Union cricket club (twelve red balls) Lower Corentyne, Corentyne Comprehensive and JC Chandisingh Secondary Schools (twelve red balls each), Thaddeus Lovell (one pair of cricket shoes), GCC (two boxes of white cricket balls), Bush Lot United Sports Club (one box of red balls), West Demerara Cricket Association (one box of white balls), Blairmont Cricket Club (one pair of batting pads, one cricket bat, one helmet and balls), Tagore Memorial Secondary School, St Cuthbert’s Mission cricket team (one box of balls), Port Mourant CC (three boxes of cricket balls, white cricket uniforms and one bat stick), DCB (one bat), Precision Sports (one box of balls), Berbice High School and Cotton Tree Die Hard CC youth section. Cricket-related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana.

es, a reflection of the growing strength and discipline among Guyanese golfers. Bowling said the showing in Suriname underscored the country’s potential in regional golf and demonstrated the value of consistent training and exposure.

The club also recorded key improvements this year, including the purchase of six new golf carts, which Bowling considers an important investment. The addition is expected to encour-

age greater participation from expatriates and, importantly, increase accessibility for women interested in the sport. That prediction is already bearing fruit, with the club welcoming four to five new female players in 2025. Bowling described the rise in women’s participation as a meaningful step forward for the development of golf locally.

Among other major events, Bowling noted the AmCham Open, which once again drew large crowds and created a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. The club also hosted a charity tournament this year, with proceeds going toward several charitable organisations, a gesture Bowling said reflects the club’s commitment not only to sport but also to community service.

Looking back on the year, Bowling expressed pride in the club’s achievements and gratitude for the support it continues to receive. He said 2025 has been “a good year, truly a good year,” and believes the LGC is well-positioned to continue building on its successes as the new year approaches.

Corporate Guyana continued to play a supportive role throughout the year, and Bowling emphasised that partnerships with local businesses remain essential to the club’s operations. Sponsorships, customer appreciation events, and branded tournaments all contributed to the success of the golfing calendar and helped sustain the club’s activities.

Scotland going to 1st men’s World Cup in 28 years

Scotland will go to the men's World Cup for the first time in 28 years after two stoppage-time goals on an astonishing night of drama sunk Denmark at a bouncing Hampden Park.

Challenged by Steve Clarke – who is the first head coach to lead the Scots to three major tournaments – to play with "the anticipation of success, not the fear of failure", the boys in dark blue rose to the mantle on this monumental night.

Within three minutes, Scott McTominay leapt to a ludicrous height to direct the ball beyond Kasper Schmeichel with an outrageous overhead kick.

It sent a packed Hampden into cacophonous raptures, but such has been the pain this place has seen over the years, there was the overwhelming concern the lead had come too early.

The Danes, who dropped an unlikely point at home to Belarus on Saturday to set up this nail-biting showdown, repeatedly pushed for an equaliser.

Rasmus Hojlund found one from the spot after Scotland captain Andy Robertson was judged to have

fouled Gustav Isaksen inside the box after an agonisingly long VAR review.

The Scots, who continued to lean on the luck which had carried them through this rollercoaster campaign, were handed another lifeline when Rasmus Kristensen was sent off for a soft second booking.

The Hampden crowd was roused and was on its feet when substitute Lawrence Shankland stabbed home his fourth international goal with just over 10 minutes of a nerve-wracking 90 left. “Keep the heid” territory was entered.

Instead, the fans were hushed when Patrick Dorgu too easily swept home minutes later. But this is a group, a generation, who have suffered many disappointments along the road. They were resolved tonight; there wouldn't be another.

Celtic full-back Kieran Tierney lashed home a spectacular long-range effort three minutes into added time to make the two-decadelong dream in waiting a reality. And there was still time for Kenny McLean to find the net from his own half as Scotland ended their World

Cup hoodoo in the most in-

LGC Secretary Chet Bowling

Ravi Etwaroo (right) makes a presentation to Anil Beharry

Keliza Smith bagged the first medal for Guyana at the ongoing Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) 2025, snatching bronze in the Women’s 100m with a welltimed dip on the line.

clinches bronze in ISG 200m

…Abrams in 400m final today

Smith advanced comfortably to Tuesday afternoon’s final at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, winning her heat to qualify automatically. She

stopped the clock at 11.62s for first place in Heat 2. In the final, the Guyanese sprinter crossed the line in 11.59s for third place, finishing behind Edidiong Odiong (11.17s) and Kolle Etame Tonjock (11.38s), who claimed gold and silver, respectively

Also on Tuesday, Aliyah Abrams secured her spot in the Women’s 400M final after finishing third in Heat 2 of the qualifying round. Abrams clocked 53.01s, behind

Harpy Eagles GYM stands out at GBA Developmental Tournament

he Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym (HEBG) signalled a strong return to the competitive circuit on Saturday, as the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) staged its latest Developmental Tournament at the Andrew Lewis Gym.

The event showcased emerging talent across school-age, junior, and elite divisions, offering a glimpse into the next generation of Guyanese boxing.

While the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym (ALBG) walked away with the title of Best Gym, the Harpy Eagles’ spirited resurgence was evident throughout the card.

In the opening bout of the evening, New Amsterdam Boxing Academy (NABA)’s Ukesh Persaud secured an RSC victory in the second round over HEBG’s Jaydan Leung in the school-age 31–33 kilogram (kg) division.

the Harpy Eagles quickly rebounded in Bout Three, where Donovan Tray delivered a commanding RSC win in the first round against his clubmate, Emmanuel Nelson, in an allHEBG showdown at 36–39 kg.

The gym continued to make its mark in the junior ranks, despite P&P’s Troymell Devince earning a second-round RSC victory over HEBG’s Trovalta Harris in the 39–42 kg category. Still, several of the Eagles’ young fighters impressed with resilience, technique, and improved ring craft, evidence of renewed structure and focus at the gym.

One of the standout contests for HEBG came in Bout Seven, where Joash Soodoo battled fiercely before narrowly losing on points to P&P’s Ezekiel Teyson. Moments later, in Bout Eight, ALBG’s Josh Chester stopped Harpy Eagles’ Samuel Benn via RSC in the second round of their 43–46 kg school-age match.

HEBG closed the night with pride as Imotep Vanderstoop, representing ALBG but long associated with the Harpy Eagles system, was named Best Boxer of the tournament.

At the end of the event, the Andrew Lewis Gym was declared Best Gym, with Harpy Eagles earning a commendable runner-up position alongside the New Amsterdam Boxing Academy and the Pace & Power Boxing Gym.

Uganda’s Leni Shida (52.47s) and Morocco’s Houda Nouiri (52.72s).

However, a series of unfortunate results followed the Guyanese women’s dominance on the

In the Men’s 200m, Noelex Holder came up short in Heat 3, clocking 21.25s for fourth place. Unfortunately, his time was not enough to earn a non-automatic qualifying spot. The heat was won by Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz

Atafi in 20.60s. Revon Williams, competing in the Men’s 400m Heat 1, stopped the clock at 47.06s for fifth place.

Uganda’s Haron Adoli won the heat in 46.03s.

The placement was the same for Simeon Adams in Heat 2 of the event, as he crossed the line in 48.25s for fifth place. Morocco’s Rachid M’hamdi won that heat in 45.53s.

Also coming up short was Robert Marcus, who featured in the Men’s

200m heat 1. Marcus stopped the clock at 21.93s for sixth place in the race. Oman’s Lai Anwar Balushi won the heat in 20.88s.

Earlier in the competition on Monday, Emanuel Archibald crossed the line fifth in the Men’s 100m final.

Archibald started well in qualification, clocking 10.56s for second place in Heat 3. Meanwhile, his countryman Akeem Stewart stopped the clock

at 10.83s for fourth place in heat 4 as both Guyanese moved on to the semi-final round.

Unfortunately, Stewart’s campaign ended in Semi-Final One owing to a false start, while Archibald clocked 10.38s for fourth place in SemiFinal Two.

Moving on to the big race, the Guyanese finished fifth in 10.44s. Oman’s Ali Anwar Balushi claimed the gold medal with a 10.30s run.

Royal International Hotel backs KFC Goodwill tournament

For the second consecutive year, the Royal International Hotel is on board with the KFC Goodwill International Schools’ football tournament, as the event gets bigger and better for its 2025 edition.

The partnership between the Mandela Avenue, Georgetown hotel and tournament organisers, Petra, was set in stone on Tuesday afternoon during a simple ceremony.

There, Royal International’s General Manager, Pamella Manasseh, indicated that the entity and Petra’s visions are aligned, resulting in their continuous support of the programme.

“On behalf of the Royal International Management team, I’m proud to stand before you today, reaffirming our unwavering support to Petra as an organisational pillar of strength and inspiration in the realms of sport and youth development,” the Royal International General Manager shared.

Manasseh went on to add, “As a management team that places great value on leadership, discipline, and community, we recognise that Petra’s mission closely aligns with our own principles. This is

why we are present today, not merely as sponsors or supporters, but as genuine partners in progress.”

Petra’s Co-Director, Troy Mendonca, was overflowing with gratitude for Royal International’s support for the international eight-team tournament.

Mendonca stated, “Royal International coming on board with us, it

speaks volumes for their belief in this programme, and we want to thank them sincerely for developing this relationship. Like we said, this is a programme for the country.”

“We at Petra, we will continue to push hard; we will continue to put our best foot forward to deliver this tournament, and by virtue of Royal International com-

ing on board once again, it’s indicative of the work that we’ve been doing for the past couple of years,” the Petra Co-Director further expressed.

This year’s KFC Goodwill competition will feature defending champions Chase’s Academic Foundation; Annai or St Ignatius Secondary (Region Nine playoff to be hosted); and the runners-up of the Republic Bank Secondary School League – all representing Guyana. From Trinidad and Tobago, St Benedict’s College will compete. Kingston College of Jamaica, Anglican Central Education Authority (ACEA) Select of The Bahamas, Monteiro Lobato School of Boa Vista, Brazil, and Suriname’s Schools’ Championship winners will add to the tournament’s international flair.

The tournament will run from Sunday, December 14, to Sunday, December 21, in a round-robin/knockout format. Chase’s Academic Foundation are the tournament’s defending champions, claiming their first title after a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Trinidad and Tobago’s St Benedict’s College last year.

Royal International’s General Manager Pamella Manasseh

file photo